bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Purification of Indole Contained in Wash Oil by Combination of Extraction and Crystallization (Part 1: Recovery and Concentration of Indole Contained in Wash Oil by Solvent Extraction)
Authors: Kim Su Jin
Published: August 2022

For the purpose of determining the high-purity purification of indole (IN) contained in wash oil in concentrations of 5.75%, this study, first of all, investigated the concentration of IN contained in wash oil using a combination of methanol extraction to recover IN in the wash oil, and n-hexane re-extraction to concentrate IN present in the extract phase, recovered through methanol extraction. In order to examine the effect of each operation on the recovery and concentration of IN contained in the wash oil, batch 1-stage and batch co-current 5-stage distribution equilibrium was performed simultaneously. As 5-stage equilibrium extraction and re-extraction progressed, the recovery rate of IN decreased to about 79.1%, while IN composition in the raffinate phase recovered by re-extraction was highly concentrated to about 73.3%. From the high recovery rate and composition of IN obtained through this study, we confirmed that the combination examined by this study was one of the very useful combinations for the concentration of IN present in the wash oil. Furthermore, we reviewed the recovery and concentration process of IN contained in the wash oil using the experiment results of the extraction and the re-extraction obtained from this study.
Thermally Stable Magneto-Plasmonic Nanoparticles for SERS with Tunable Plasmon Resonance
Authors: Mikoliunaite Lina , Talaikis Martynas , Michalowska Aleksandra , Dobilas Jorunas , Stankevic Voitech , Kudelski Andrzej , Niaura Gediminas
Published: August 2022

Bifunctional magneto-plasmonic nanoparticles that exhibit synergistically magnetic and plasmonic properties are advanced substrates for surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) because of their excellent controllability and improved detection potentiality. In this study, composite magneto-plasmonic nanoparticles (Fe3O4@AgNPs) were formed by mixing colloid solutions of 50 nm-sized magnetite nanoparticles with 13 nm-sized silver nanoparticles. After drying of the layer of composite Fe3O4@AgNPs under a strong magnetic field, they outperformed the conventional silver nanoparticles during SERS measurements in terms of signal intensity, spot-to-spot, and sample-to-sample reproducibility. The SERS enhancement factor of Fe3O4@AgNP-adsorbed 4-mercaptobenzoic acid (4-MBA) was estimated to be 3.1 × 107 for a 633 nm excitation. In addition, we show that simply by changing the initial volumes of the colloid solutions, it is possible to control the average density of the silver nanoparticles, which are attached to a single magnetite nanoparticle. UV-Vis and SERS data revealed a possibility to tune the plasmonic resonance frequency of Fe3O4@AgNPs. In this research, the plasmon resonance maximum varied from 470 to 800 nm, suggesting the possibility to choose the most suitable nanoparticle composition for the particular SERS experiment design. We emphasize the increased thermal stability of composite nanoparticles under 532 and 442 nm laser light irradiation compared to that of bare Fe3O4 nanoparticles. The Fe3O4@AgNPs were further characterized by XRD, TEM, and magnetization measurements.
Determination of Pb2+ by Colorimetric Method Based on Catalytic Amplification of Ag Nanoparticles Supported by Covalent Organic Frameworks
Authors: Yao Dongmei , Bi Huiling , Gong Huimin , Lai Hongfang , Lu Sufen
Published: August 2022

In this paper, covalent organic frameworks (COFs) are prepared by solvothermal synthesis using 1,3,5-benzenetricarboxaldehyde and benzidine as ligands. Then, using COFs as a template, AgCOFs with high catalytic activity is prepared by in situ loading silver nanoparticles (AgNC) on the surface of COFs by sodium borohydride reduction method. AgCOFs are characterized by TEM, SEM, FTIR and XRD. At the same time, the catalytic ability of AgCOFs for trisodium citrate-AgNO3 nanosilver reaction is studied. The results show that AgCOFs can catalyze the reaction of trisodium citrate-AgNO3 to generate silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). The solution color of the system gradually changes from colorless to yellow, and the absorbance value increases. Based on the catalytic reaction of AgCOFs and the regulation effect of nucleic acid aptamer reaction on AgCOFs, a new “on–off–on” colorimetric analysis platform is constructed and applied to the detection of trace Pb2+ in water samples. This analytical platform is simple, sensitive and selective. Finally, the catalytic mechanism of the system is discussed to verify the feasibility of constructing a colorimetric analysis platform.
Defect- and Interface-Induced Dielectric Loss in ZnFe2O4/ZnO/C Electromagnetic Wave Absorber
Authors: Shen Hao , Wang Zhen , Wang Chun , Zou Pengfei , Hou Zhaoyang , Xu Chunlong , Wu Hongjing
Published: August 2022

Controlling defects and interfaces in composite absorbers can effectively regulate electromagnetic (EM) parameters and enhance the electromagnetic wave (EMW) absorption ability, but the mechanism still needs to be further elucidated. In this study, ZnFe2O4/ZnO/C composite was synthesized via the hydrothermal method followed by post-annealing in different atmospheres. Defects and interfaces were characterized by Raman, PL spectroscopy, XPS and TEM, and their relationship with dielectric loss and EMW absorption performance was discussed in detail. Results show that the N2-annealed ZnFe2O4/ZnO/C composite with abundant defects and interfaces as well as an optimized composition exhibits excellent EMW dissipation ability, with a RLmin value of −17.4 dB and an fe of 3.85 GHz at a thickness of 2.28 mm. The excellent EMW absorption performance originates from suitable impedance matching, significant conduction loss and strong dielectric loss (interfacial polarization, diploe polarization and defect polarization) dominated by lattice defects and interfaces. This study provides a view into the relationship between defects, interfaces, EM parameters and EMW absorption ability, and also suggests an effective way to promote EMW dissipation ability of the absorbers by controlling defects and interfaces.
Recent Advances in the Seed-Directed Synthesis of Zeolites without Addition of Organic Templates
Authors: Dai Shujie , Yang Yichang , Yang Jinghuai , Chen Shichang , Zhu Longfeng
Published: August 2022

Zeolites have been widely employed in fields of petroleum refining, fine chemicals and environmental protection, but their syntheses are always performed in the presence of organic templates, which have many drawbacks such as high cost and polluted wastes. In recent years, the seed-directed synthesis of zeolites has been paid much attention due to its low-cost and environmentally friendly features. In this review, the seed-directed synthesis of Al-rich zeolites with homonuclear and heteronuclear features, the seed-directed synthesis of Si-rich zeolites assisted with ethanol and the utility of seed-directed synthesis have been summarized. This review could help zeolite researchers understand the recent progress of seed-directed synthesis.
Influence of Soft Phase and Carbon Nanotube Content on the Properties of Hierarchical AZ61 Matrix Composite with Isolated Soft Phase
Authors: Ding Yunpeng , Jiao Sijia , Zhang Yizhuang , Shi Zhiai , Hu Jinbiao , Wang Xulei , Li Zhiyuan , Wang Hanying , Guo Xiaoqin
Published: August 2022

Carbon nanotube-reinforced magnesium matrix (CNTs/Mg) composite has great application potential in the transportation industry, but the trade-off between strength and ductility inhibits its widespread application. In order to balance the strength and plasticity of the composite, in this work, on the basis of the AZ61 matrix composite homogeneously reinforced by Ni-coated CNTs (hard phase), 30 vol.% large-size AZ61 particles are introduced as an isolated soft phase to fabricate hierarchical CNTs/AZ61 composites. The compression tests show the fracture strain and compressive strength of this composite increases by 54% and 8%, respectively, compared with homogeneous CNTs/AZ61 composite. During deformation, the hard phase is mainly responsible for bearing the load and bringing high strength, due to the precipitation of the Mg17Al12 phase, uniformly dispersed CNT and strong interfacial bonding of the CNTs/Mg interface through nickel plating and interfacial chemical reaction. Furthermore, the toughening of the soft phase results in high ductility. With the increase in CNT content, the compressive strength of composites is nearly unchanged but the fracture strain gradually decreases due to the stress concentration of CNT and its agglomeration.
Developing and Piloting a Novel Ranking System to Assess Popular Dietary Patterns and Healthy Eating Principles
Authors: Bracci Ella L. , Milte Rachel , Keogh Jennifer B. , Murphy Karen J.
Published: August 2022

A multitude of weight loss diets exist. However, no one diet has been proven to be superior, despite their claims. Resultingly, this creates confusion amongst consumers and conflicting nutrition messages. The aim of the ranking system was to evaluate a range of dietary pattern’s nutrition profile and financial costs, as well as their potential long-term sustainability and associated adverse effects. Nutrition profile is typically the focal point of weight loss diets with less attention focused towards other factors that may affect their suitability. Five popular diets (Keto, Paleo, Intermittent Fasting, Optifast, and 8 Weeks to Wow) and two energy restricted healthy eating principles (Australian Guide to Healthy Eating and the Mediterranean Diet) were compared for diet quality, cost, adverse effects, and support for behaviour change. In general, healthy eating principles scored more favourably compared to popular weight loss diets in all categories. Lower carbohydrate diets tended to score lower for diet quality due to restricting multiple food groups, had more associated adverse effects and did not encourage behaviour change compared to the other weight loss diets. Optifast was the only weight loss diet to receive a negative score for cost. There should be considerations when undertaking a change to dietary patterns beyond nutrition profile. Diets indeed vary in terms of diet quality, and in addition can be costly, incur adverse effects, and disregard behaviour change which is important for sustainable weight loss and maintenance. This ranking system could create a reference point for future comparisons of diets.
The Effect of Exogenous Melatonin on Eating Habits of Female Night Workers with Excessive Weight
Authors: Nogueira Luciana Fidalgo Ramos , Crispim Cibele Aparecida , Cipolla-Neto José , de Castro Moreno Claudia Roberta , Marqueze Elaine Cristina
Published: August 2022

Background and Aims: Melatonin is a pineal hormone that plays an important role as an endogenous synchronizer of circadian rhythms and energy metabolism. As this circadian component has been closely related to eating behavior, an important question on this topic would be whether melatonin administration could influence eating habits. However, this topic has been rarely studied in the literature in individuals with excessive weight and chronic circadian misalignment, such as shift workers. Therefore, the present study aims to evaluate the effects of exogenous melatonin administration on the quali/quantitative aspects and temporal distribution of food intake in female night workers with excessive weight (overweight and obesity). An additional aim is to evaluate the association of the referred outcomes with circadian misalignment and chronotype. Methods: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover clinical trial was conducted with 27 female nursing professionals with excessive weight who worked permanent night shifts. The protocol was implemented under real-life conditions for 24 weeks, in two randomly allocated conditions (12 weeks of melatonin and 12 weeks of placebo). The quali/quantitative aspects of food intake (NOVA classification, total energy intake and the proportion of calories from macronutrients) and meal timing were assessed using food diaries. Timing for every meal recorded in the diaries was assessed to evaluate the temporal distribution of food intake. Generalized estimating equations were performed for each dependent variable. Results: No significant modifications in total energy intake, macronutrient distribution, types of foods consumed, and meal timing were observed after melatonin administration. Different levels of circadian misalignment and chronotype did not interfere with these results. Conclusion: Eating habits of female night workers with excessive weight remained unchanged after melatonin administration, and no association of these results with circadian misalignment and chronotype was found. These results suggest that the metabolic effects of melatonin may occur independently of food intake.
Role of Dairy Foods, Fish, White Meat, and Eggs in the Prevention of Colorectal Cancer: A Systematic Review of Observational Studies in 2018–2022
Authors: Alegria-Lertxundi Iker , Bujanda Luis , Arroyo-Izaga Marta
Published: August 2022

There is limited evidence to support the relationship between the consumption of animal-source foods other than red meat and processed meat and colorectal cancer (CRC) risk. We aimed to examine the recent available evidence from observational studies about the association between these food groups’ intake and CRC risk. For this systematic review, we searched the PubMed database for the last five years. A total of fourteen cohort studies and seven case–control studies comprising a total of >60,000 cases were included. The studies showed a consistent significant decrease in CRC risk, overall and by subsites, associated with a high consumption of total dairy products. Less strong effects associated with the consumption of any subtype of dairy product were observed. Fish consumption, overall and by subtypes (oily or non-oily and fresh or canned), showed a mild inverse association with CRC risk. The association between white meat and egg intake and CRC risk was low and based on a small number of studies; thus, these findings should be interpreted with caution. In conclusion, a high consumption of total dairy products was associated with a lower CRC risk. However, evidence for fish, white meat, and eggs and the CRC risk were not as strong.
Acute Responses to Resistance Training on Body Composition, Muscular Fitness and Flexibility by Sex and Age in Healthy War Veterans Aged 50–80 Years
Authors: Kasović Mario , Štefan Lovro , Kalčik Zvonimir
Published: August 2022

Background: Although evidence suggests that resistance training should be prescribed as a method to enhance or maintain physical fitness, these findings are mostly based on research on younger men. Studies investigating responses by sex and age to resistance training, especially in war veterans aged ≥50 years, are lacking. Therefore, the main purpose of this study was to examine whether a 4-week resistance training program would have similar effects on body composition, muscular fitness, and flexibility in men and women aged 50–80 years. Methods: Seven-hundred and sixty-four participants were recruited and categorized into two groups each of men and women aged 50–64 and 65–80 years. The training intervention lasted 4 weeks and consisted of three 60 min sessions per week. All participants were tested for each of the following physical fitness components: body composition, push-ups in 30 s, chair-stands in 30 s, sit-ups in 30 s, and a sit-and-reach test. Results: Over the intervention period of 4 weeks, body weight (p = 0.002) and the percent of fat mass (p < 0.001) decreased, while the percent of lean mass (p < 0.001) in push-ups in 30 s (p < 0.001), chair-stands in 30 s (p < 0.001), sit-ups in 30 s (p < 0.001), and sit-and-reach (p < 0.001) increased. Significant time*age interactions were shown for push-ups in 30 s (F1,763 = 4.348, p = 0.038) and chair-stands in 30 s (F1,763 = 9.552, p = 0.002), where men and women aged 50–64 years exhibited larger time-induced changes compared to their older (65–80 yr) counterparts. Effect sizes were similar between sex- and age-specific groups. Conclusions: The 4-week resistance training produced similar pronounced positive effects on body composition, muscular fitness, and flexibility, while men and women aged 50–64 years displayed significantly larger improvements in upper and lower muscular fitness compared with their 65–80-year-old counterparts.
Synergism Potentiates Oxidative Antiproliferative Effects of Naringenin and Quercetin in MCF-7 Breast Cancer Cells
Authors: Rhman Mahasin Abdel , Devnarain Nikita , Khan Rene , Owira Peter M. O.
Published: August 2022

Breast cancer (BC) is the most frequently diagnosed type of cancer as of 2020. Quercetin (Que) and Naringenin (Nar) are predominantly found in citrus fruits and vegetables and have shown promising antiproliferative effects in multiple studies. It is also known that the bioactive effects of these flavonoids are more pronounced in whole fruit than in isolation. This study investigates the potential synergistic effects of Que and Nar (CoQN) in MCF-7 BC cells. MCF-7 cells were treated with a range of concentrations of Que, Nar or CoQN to determine cell viability. The IC50 of CoQN was then used to investigate caspase 3/7 activity, Bcl-2 gene expression, lipid peroxidation and mitochondrial membrane potential to evaluate oxidative stress and apoptosis. CoQN treatment produced significant cytotoxicity, reduced Bcl-2 gene expression and increased caspase 3/7 activity compared to either Nar or Que. Furthermore, CoQN significantly increased lipid peroxidation and reduced mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) compared to either Nar or Que. Therefore, CoQN treatment has potential pharmacological application in BC chemotherapy by inducing oxidative stress and apoptosis in MCF-7 BC cells. The results of this study support the increased consumption of whole fruits and vegetables to reduce cell proliferation in cancer.
Testosterone Deficiency as One of the Major Endocrine Disorders in Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Romejko Katarzyna , Rymarz Aleksandra , Sadownik Hanna , Niemczyk Stanisław
Published: August 2022

Reduced testosterone concentration is nowadays thought to be one of the main endocrine disorders in chronic kidney disease (CKD). It is caused by the dysfunction of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. The role of testosterone is multifactorial. Testosterone is responsible not only for reproductive processes, but it is a hormone which increases bone and muscle mass, improves lipid profile, insulin sensitivity, erythropoiesis, reduces blood pressure, and ameliorates mood and perception. The implications of hypogonadism in CKD are infertility and loss of libido, reduction of muscle mass and strength, disorders in bone mineralization, the development of sarcopenia and protein energy wasting (PEW), progression of atherosclerosis, increased visceral adiposity, insulin resistance, and anaemia. Reduced testosterone serum concentrations in CKD are associated with increased mortality rate. Testosterone supplementation improves sexual functions, reduces the level of inflammatory markers and blood pressure, stimulates muscle protein synthesis, improves insulin sensitivity and lipid profile, and increases muscle mass, bone mineral density, and haemoglobin concentration. It positively affects mood and well-being. The modes of testosterone supplementation are intramuscular injections, subcutaneous pellets, and percutaneous methods—patches and gels. Successful kidney transplantation may improve gonadal function and testosterone production, however, half of men with low testosterone concentrations before kidney transplantation do not restore hormonal function.
A High-Fat Diet Modifies Brain Neurotransmitter Profile and Hippocampal Proteome and Morphology in an IUGR Pig Model
Authors: Yeste Natalia , Pérez-Valle Jorge , Heras-Molina Ana , Pesántez-Pacheco José Luis , Porrini Esteban , González-Bulnes Antonio , Bassols Anna
Published: August 2022

Intrauterine Growth Restriction (IUGR) hinders the correct growth of the fetus during pregnancy due to the lack of oxygen or nutrients. The developing fetus gives priority to brain development (“brain sparing”), but the risk exists of neurological and cognitive deficits at short or long term. On the other hand, diets rich in fat exert pernicious effects on brain function. Using a pig model of spontaneous IUGR, we have studied the effect on the adult of a long-term high-fat diet (HFD) on the neurotransmitter profile in several brain areas, and the morphology and the proteome of the hippocampus. Our hypothesis was that animals affected by IUGR (born with low birth weight) would present a different susceptibility to an HFD when they become adults, compared with normal birth-weight animals. Our results indicate that HFD affected the serotoninergic pathway, but it did not provoke relevant changes in the morphology of the hippocampus. Finally, the proteomic analysis revealed that, in some instances, NBW and LBW individuals respond to HFD in different ways. In particular, NBW animals presented changes in oxidative phosphorylation and the extracellular matrix, whereas LBW animals presented differences in RNA splicing, anterograde and retrograde transport and the mTOR pathway.
Three-Dimensional Finite Element Analysis on Mandibular Biomechanics Simulation under Normal and Traumatic Conditions
Authors: Hedeșiu Mihaela , Pavel Dan George , Almășan Oana , Pavel Sorin Gheorghe , Hedeșiu Horia , Rafiroiu Dan
Published: August 2022

The main objective was to examine the biomechanical behavior of the mandible under standardized trauma and to develop models of biomechanical responses when the mandible is subjected to various simulated impacts. A homogenous model based on the bone’s average mechanical properties was used. To simulate external loads on the mandible, forces on the chin, forces in an anteroposterior direction, and forces from the basilar edge were applied. To simulate mandibular biomechanics, we employed a model created in the ANSYS v19.0 software. The skull with the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) from the Grabcad website was used as the geometric mandibular model. We attempted to simulate the stresses developed in the mandible by impact forces. The amount of force (F) corresponded to the fall of a five-kilogram body (the head), from a height of two meters (F = 6666.7 N). The impact force was applied perpendicular to an arbitrary surface of an area of 10−3 m2. Impact on the chin region and lateral impact on the mandible, from the basilar edge to the gonion were examined. The investigated clinical situations were mandibular complete dentition; jaw with missing mandibular molars; missing third molar and first and second premolars; missing canine, third molar, first and second premolars, and complete edentation. In a normal bite, the highest stress was on the TMJ area. In case of impact on the chin, in complete edentation, a mandibular fracture occurred; in case of impact on the gonion, all stress values exceed the limit value above which the mandible in the condyle area may fracture.
The Effects of Swine Coronaviruses on ER Stress, Autophagy, Apoptosis, and Alterations in Cell Morphology
Authors: Chen Ya-Mei , Burrough Eric
Published: August 2022

Swine coronaviruses include the following six members, namely porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV), transmissible gastroenteritis virus (TGEV), porcine delta coronavirus (PDCoV), swine acute diarrhea syndrome coronavirus (SADS-CoV), porcine hemagglutinating encephalomyelitis virus (PHEV), and porcine respiratory coronavirus (PRCV). Clinically, PEDV, TGEV, PDCoV, and SADS-CoV cause enteritis, whereas PHEV induces encephalomyelitis, and PRCV causes respiratory disease. Years of studies reveal that swine coronaviruses replicate in the cellular cytoplasm exerting a wide variety of effects on cells. Some of these effects are particularly pertinent to cell pathology, including endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, unfolded protein response (UPR), autophagy, and apoptosis. In addition, swine coronaviruses are able to induce cellular changes, such as cytoskeletal rearrangement, alterations of junctional complexes, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), that render enterocytes unable to absorb nutrients normally, resulting in the loss of water, ions, and protein into the intestinal lumen. This review aims to describe the cellular changes in swine coronavirus-infected cells and to aid in understanding the pathogenesis of swine coronavirus infections. This review also explores how the virus exerted subcellular and molecular changes culminating in the clinical and pathological findings observed in the field.
Geographic Distribution of Common Vampire Bat Desmodus rotundus (Chiroptera: Phyllostomidae) Shelters: Implications for the Spread of Rabies Virus to Cattle in Southeastern Brazil
Authors: Mantovan Karine B. , Menozzi Benedito D. , Paiz Lais M. , Sevá Anaiá P. , Brandão Paulo E. , Langoni Helio
Published: August 2022

Desmodus rotundus bats show a complex social structure and developed adaptive characteristics, considered key features of a pathogen disseminator, such as the rabies virus, among bats and other mammals, including cattle and humans. Our aim was to understand the correlation between the environment and the ecological features of these bats in bovine rabies outbreaks. Geostatistical analyses were performed, covering 104 cattle positives for rabies, between 2016 and 2018, in 25 municipalities, in addition to the characteristics of D. rotundus colonies mapped during this period in the state of São Paulo, Brazil. Data from the shelters showed that 86.15% were artificial, mainly abandoned houses (36.10%) and manholes (23.87%), in addition to demonstrating a correlation between these shelters and a higher concentration of bovine rabies cases. Due to their adaptive capacity, these bats choose shelters close to the food source, such as livestock. In Brazil, D. rotundus is the main transmitter of rabies and the cause of outbreaks in cattle and deaths in humans, considering the advance of humans in previously preserved ecosystems. There seems to be a correlation between the impact of anthropic changes on the environment, mainly for the expansion of pasture for cattle and the outbreaks of bovine rabies in this area.
Linear Peptide Epitopes Derived from ErpP, p35, and FlaB in the Serodiagnosis of Lyme Disease
Authors: Arnaboldi Paul M. , Katseff Adiya S. , Sambir Mariya , Dattwyler Raymond J.
Published: August 2022

Lyme disease is the most common vector-borne disease in the northern hemisphere. Current serodiagnostics are insensitive in early infection. Sensitivity in these seroassays is compromised by the necessity to preserve specificity in the presence of cross-reactive epitopes in Borrelia burgdorferi target antigens. We evaluated the efficacy of using synthetic peptides containing epitopes unique to B. burgdorferi as antigen targets in a Lyme disease seroassay. We performed linear B cell epitope mapping of the proteins p35 (BBH32) and ErpP to identify unique epitopes. We generated peptides containing these newly identified linear epitope sequences along with previously identified epitopes from the antigens FlaB and VlsE and evaluated their diagnostic capabilities via ELISA using large serum sets. Single-epitope peptides, while specific, demonstrated insufficient sensitivity. However, when epitopes from FlaB, ErpP, or p35 were combined in tandem with an epitope from VlsE, the sensitivity of the assay was significantly increased without compromising specificity. The identification of additional unique epitopes from other B. burgdorferi antigens and the further development of a combined multi-peptide-based assay for the laboratory diagnosis of Lyme disease offers a way to address the poor specificity associated with the use of whole protein antigen targets and thus significantly improve the laboratory diagnosis of Lyme disease.
Diversity of Tick-Borne Pathogens in Tick Larvae Feeding on Breeding Birds in France
Authors: Rataud Amalia , Galon Clemence , Bournez Laure , Henry Pierre-Yves , Marsot Maud , Moutailler Sara
Published: August 2022

Birds play a role in maintaining tick-borne diseases by contributing to the multiplication of ticks and pathogens on a local scale during the breeding season. In the present study, we describe the diversity of tick and pathogen species of medical and veterinary importance in Europe hosted by 1040 captured birds (56 species) during their breeding season in France. Of the 3114 ticks collected, Ixodes ricinus was the most prevalent species (89.5%), followed by I. frontalis (0.8%), I. arboricola (0.7%), Haemaphysalis concinna (0.5%), H. punctata (0.5%), Hyalomma spp. (0.2%), and Rhipicephalus spp. (0.06%). Because they may be representative of the bird infection status for some pathogen species, 1106 engorged tick larvae were screened for pathogens. Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato was the most prevalent pathogen genus in bird-feeding larvae (11.7%), followed by Rickettsia spp. (7.4%), Anaplasma spp. (5.7%), Babesia spp. (2.3%), Ehrlichia spp. (1.4%), and B. miyamotoi (1%). Turdidae birds (Turdus merula and T. philomelos), Troglodytes troglodytes, and Anthus trivialis had a significantly higher prevalence of B. burgdorferi s.l.-infected larvae than other pathogen genera. This suggests that these bird species could act as reservoir hosts for B. burgdorferi s.l. during their breeding season, and thus play an important role in acarological risk.
New Strategies for Stroke Therapy: Nanoencapsulated Neuroglobin
Authors: Blanco Santos , Martínez-Lara Esther , Siles Eva , Peinado María Ángeles
Published: August 2022

Stroke is a global health and socio-economic problem. However, no efficient preventive and/or palliative treatments have yet been found. Neuroglobin (Ngb) is an endogen neuroprotective protein, but it only exerts its beneficial action against stroke after increasing its basal levels. Therefore, its systemic administration appears to be an efficient therapy applicable to stroke and other neurodegenerative pathologies. Unfortunately, Ngb cannot cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB), making its direct pharmacological use unfeasible. Thus, the association of Ngb with a drug delivery system (DDS), such as nanoparticles (NPs), appears to be a good strategy for overcoming this handicap. NPs are a type of DDS which efficiently transport Ngb and increase its bioavailability in the infarcted area. Hence, we previously built hyaluronate NPS linked to Ngb (Ngb-NPs) as a therapeutic tool against stroke. This nanoformulation induced an improvement of the cerebral infarct prognosis. However, this innovative therapy is still in development, and a more in-depth study focusing on its long-lasting neuroprotectant and neuroregenerative capabilities is needed. In short, this review aims to update the state-of-the-art of stroke therapies based on Ngb, paying special attention to the use of nanotechnological drug-delivering tools.
Amorphous Solid Dispersions: Role of the Polymer and Its Importance in Physical Stability and In Vitro Performance
Authors: Shi Qin , Chen Haibiao , Wang Yanan , Wang Ruoxun , Xu Jia , Zhang Chen
Published: August 2022

Amorphous solid dispersions stabilized by one or more polymer(s) have been widely used for delivering amorphous drugs with poor water solubilities, and they have gained great market success. Polymer selection is important for preparing robust amorphous solid dispersions, and considerations should be given as to how the critical attributes of a polymer can enhance the physical stability, and the in vitro and in vivo performances of a drug. This article provides a comprehensive overview for recent developments in the understanding the role of polymers in amorphous solid dispersions from the aspects of nucleation, crystal growth, overall crystallization, miscibility, phase separation, dissolution, and supersaturation. The critical properties of polymers affecting the physical stability and the in vitro performance of amorphous solid dispersions are also highlighted. Moreover, a perspective regarding the current research gaps and novel research directions for better understanding the role of the polymer is provided. This review will provide guidance for the rational design of polymer-based amorphous pharmaceutical solids with desired physicochemical properties from the perspective of physical stability and in vitro performance.
Measuring of Transverse Energy Flows in a Focus of an Aluminum Lens
Authors: Kozlova Elena , Stafeev Sergey , Fomchenkov Sergey , Podlipnov Vladimir , Savelyeva Alexandra , Kotlyar Victor
Published: August 2022

In this study, we theoretically and experimentally investigate the propagation of a second-order cylindrical vector beam through an aluminum lens which forms a tight focus at the distance of the wavelength. Simulation by the finite-difference time-domain method and the Richards–Wolf formulae produces light field distributions which coincide with experimental measurements provided with scanning near-field optical microscopy. We demonstrate that a pyramidal metallized cantilever with a hole is more sensitive to the transversal component of intensity than to the full intensity or to the Umov–Poynting vector in areas of reverse energy flow.
Amino Acids Supplied through the Autophagy/Endocytosis Pathway Promote Starch Synthesis in Physcomitrella Protonemal Cells
Authors: Sakil Md. Arif , Mukae Kyosuke , Funada Ryo , Kotake Toshihisa , Ueno Shigeaki , Aktar Most Mohoshena , Roni Md. Shyduzzaman , Inoue-Aono Yuko , Moriyasu Yuji
Published: August 2022

The physiological implications of autophagy in plant cells have not been fully elucidated. Therefore, we investigated the consequences of autophagy in the moss Physcomitrella by measuring biochemical parameters (fresh and dry weights; starch, amino acid, carbohydrate, and NH3 content) in wild-type (WT) and autophagy-deficient atg5 Physcomitrella cells. We found higher starch levels and a higher net starch synthesis rate in WT cells than in atg5 cells cultured in a glucose-containing culture medium, whereas net starch degradation was similar in the two strains cultured in a glucose-deficient culture medium. Additionally, the treatment of cells with the autophagy inhibitor 3-methyladenine suppressed starch synthesis. Loading bovine serum albumin into atg5 cells through endocytosis, i.e., supplying proteins to vacuoles in the same way as through autophagy, accelerated starch synthesis, whereas loading glutamine through the plasma membrane had no such effect, suggesting that Physcomitrella cells distinguish between different amino acid supply pathways. After net starch synthesis, NH3 levels increased in WT cells, although the change in total amino acid content did not differ between WT and atg5 cells, indicating that autophagy-produced amino acids are oxidized rapidly. We conclude that autophagy promotes starch synthesis in Physcomitrella by supplying the energy obtained by oxidizing autophagy-produced amino acids.
Do Reproductive Traits of Invasive Populations of Scotch Broom, Cytisus scoparius (Fabaceae), Outperform Native Populations?
Authors: Gudžinskas Zigmantas , Taura Laurynas
Published: August 2022

Reproductive traits are among the most important factors in determining the success of species establishment and invasion in a new area. Studies on transcontinental invasions have revealed that invasive species perform better in the invasive range than in their native ranges. We assumed that the same regularity exists in intracontinental invasions and thus investigated whether the reproductive traits of Scotch broom, Cytisus scoparius, perform better in the alien invasive range in Europe compared to its native range in the same continent. The aim of this research was to reveal the potential and realised fecundity of C. scoparius in its native and invasive ranges, as well as relationships with the size of pods, habitat type, and how these traits vary at the same site in different years. The results of this study were not able to unambiguously confirm our hypothesis that C. scoparius in the invasive range in Lithuania, specifically in the southern part of the Boreal biogeographical region, outperform plants in the native range with regard to the analysed reproductive traits. Potential fecundity of C. scoparius in the native range was significantly higher than in the invaded range; however, realised fecundity was not significantly different between the native and invasive ranges. The pod length was similar in both ranges, whereas the pod width was significantly greater in the invasive range than in the native range. The results suggest that the number of ovules per pod, number of matured seeds, and the size of pods are related with the type of habitat and local environmental conditions in the habitat. Although many studies on other species have confirmed higher fecundity and overall better performance of plants in the invasive range than in the native range on other continents, this rule probably cannot be applied for intracontinental invasive species occurring in relatively close geographical regions to their native ranges.
Use of Botanical Varieties of Brassica oleracea L. in the Breeding of Forage Kale
Authors: Bradshaw John E.
Published: August 2022

At present, forage kale cultivars for feeding cattle and sheep are either open-pollinated ones from population-improvement schemes within suitable botanical varieties of Brassica oleracea or triple-cross hybrids from within or between botanical varieties, the only commercialised latter type being between marrow-stem kale and Brussels sprouts. Eight botanical varieties (15 cultivars) and 13 types of hybrids (50 hybrids) between them were produced and assessed for forage traits in SE Scotland in the early 1980s when there was government funding in Great Britain for such work (terminated in 1990). These previously unpublished results may now be of interest to a new generation of commercial forage brassica breeders. In addition to height and dry matter yield and content, quality traits, such as digestibility and antimetabolites, were assessed. The hybrids with marrow-stem kale as one parent varied in height, but combined a high-dry-matter yield with desirable quality traits for a forage crop. None was ideal and none had a superior combination of traits to the hybrids with Brussels sprouts. The hybrids between marrow-stem kale and January King cabbage were the shortest and a possible alternative to dwarf thousand-head kale. The results can be used to justify new forage brassica breeding programmes.
Effects of Exogenous Salicylic Acid Application to Aboveground Part on the Defense Responses in Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) and Non-Bt Corn (Zea mays L.) Seedlings
Authors: Feng Yuanjiao , Wang Xiaoyi , Du Tiantian , Shu Yinghua , Tan Fengxiao , Wang Jianwu
Published: August 2022

Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) corn is one of the top three large-scale commercialized anti-insect transgenic crops around the world. In the present study, we tested the Bt protein content, defense chemicals contents, and defense enzyme activities in both the leaves and roots of Bt corn varieties 5422Bt1 and 5422CBCL, as well as their conventional corn 5422 seedlings, with two fully expanded leaves which had been treated with 2.5 mM exogenous salicylic acid (SA) to the aboveground part for 24 h. The result showed that the SA treatment to the aboveground part could significantly increase the polyphenol oxidase activity of conventional corn 5422, the Bt protein content, and peroxidase activities of Bt corn 5422Bt1, as well as the polyphenol oxidase and peroxidase activity of Bt corn 5422CBCL in the leaves. In the roots, the polyphenol oxidase and peroxidase activity of conventional corn 5422, the polyphenol oxidase and superoxide dismutase activities of Bt corn 5422Bt1, the DIMBOA (2,4-dihydroxy-7-methoxy-2H, 1, 4-benzoxazin-3 (4H)-one) content, and four defense enzymes activities of Bt corn 5422CBCL were systematically increased. These findings suggest that the direct effect of SA application to aboveground part on the leaf defense responses in Bt corn 5422CBCL is stronger than that in non-Bt corn. Meanwhile, the systemic effect of SA on the root defense responses in Bt corn 5422CBCL is stronger than that in conventional corn 5422 and Bt corn 5422Bt1. It can be concluded that the Bt gene introduction and endogenous chemical defense responses of corns act synergistically during the SA-induced defense processes to the aboveground part. Different transformation events affected the root defense response when the SA treatment was applied to the aboveground part.
Transcriptomic Analysis of Radish (Raphanus sativus L.) Roots with CLE41 Overexpression
Authors: Kuznetsova Ksenia , Dodueva Irina , Gancheva Maria , Lutova Lyudmila
Published: August 2022

The CLE41 peptide, like all other TRACHEARY ELEMENT DIFFERENTIATION INHIBITORY FACTOR (TDIF) family CLE peptides, promotes cell division in (pro-)cambium vascular meristem and prevents xylem differentiation. In this work, we analyzed the differential gene expression in the radish primary-growing P35S:RsCLE41-1 roots using the RNA-seq. Our analysis of transcriptomic data revealed a total of 62 differentially expressed genes between transgenic radish roots overexpressing the RsCLE41-1 gene and the glucuronidase (GUS) gene. For genes associated with late embryogenesis, response to abscisic acid and auxin-dependent xylem cell fate determination, an increase in the expression in P35S:RsCLE41-1 roots was found. Among those downregulated, stress-associated genes prevailed. Moreover, several genes involved in xylem specification were also downregulated in the roots with RsCLE41-1 overexpression. Unexpectedly, none of the well-known targets of TDIFs, such as WOX4 and WOX14, were identified as DEGs in our experiment. Herein, we discuss a suggestion that the activation of pathways associated with desiccation resistance, which are more characteristic of late embryogenesis, in roots with RsCLE41-overexpression may be a consequence of water deficiency onset due to impaired vascular specification.
Flow Rate and Water Depth Alters Biomass Production and Phytoremediation Capacity of Lemna minor
Authors: Coughlan Neil E. , Walsh Éamonn , Ahern Roger , Burnell Gavin , O’Mahoney Rachel , Kuehnhold Holger , Jansen Marcel A. K.
Published: August 2022

Given its high biomass production, phytoremediation capacity and suitability as a feedstock for animal and human nutrition, duckweeds are valuable multipurpose plants that can underpin circular economy applications. In recent years, the use of duckweeds to mitigate environmental pollution and valorise wastewaters through the removal of excess nitrogen and phosphate from wastewaters has gained considerable scientific attention. However, quantitative data on optimisation of duckweed performance in phytoremediation systems remain scant. In particular, a mechanistical understanding of how physical flows affect duckweed growth and remediation capacity within vertical indoor multi-tiered bioreactors is unknown. Here, effects of flow rate (0.5, 1.5 or 3.0 L min−1) and medium depth (25 mm or 50 mm) on Lemna minor biomass production and phytoremediation capacity were investigated. Results show that flow rates and water depths significantly affect both parameters. L. minor grew best at 1.5 L min−1 maintained at 50 mm, corresponding to a flow velocity of 0.0012 m s−1. The data are interpreted to mean that flow velocities should be low enough not to physically disturb duckweed but still allow for adequate nutrient mixing. The data presented will considerably advance the optimisation of large-scale indoor (multi-tiered, stacked), as well as outdoor (pond, lagoon, canal), duckweed-based remediation of high nutrient wastewaters.
Transpirational Leaf Cooling Effect Did Not Contribute Equally to Biomass Retention in Wheat Genotypes under High Temperature
Authors: Bramley Helen , Ranawana S. R. W. M. Chandima J. K. , Palta Jairo A. , Stefanova Katia , Siddique Kadambot H. M.
Published: August 2022

High temperature and water deficit are the most critical yield-limiting environmental factors for wheat in rainfed environments. It is important to understand the heat avoidance mechanisms and their associations with leaf morpho-physiological traits that allow crops to stay cool and retain high biomass under warm and dry conditions. We examined 20 morpho-physiologically diverse wheat genotypes under ambient and elevated temperatures (Tair) to investigate whether increased water use leads to high biomass retention due to increased leaf cooling. An experiment was conducted under well-watered conditions in two partially controlled glasshouses. We measured plant transpiration (Tr), leaf temperature (Tleaf), vapor pressure deficit (VPD), and associated leaf morpho-physiological characteristics. High water use and leaf cooling increased biomass retention under high temperatures, but increased use did not always increase biomass retention. Some genotypes maintained biomass, irrespective of water use, possibly through mechanisms other than leaf cooling, indicating their adaptation under water shortage. Genotypic differences in leaf cooling capacity did not always correlate with Tr (VPD) response. In summary, the contribution of high water use or the leaf cooling effect on biomass retention under high temperature is genotype-dependent and possibly due to variations in leaf morpho-physiological traits. These findings are useful for breeding programs to develop climate resilient wheat cultivars.
Investigation into Biosorption of Pharmaceuticals from Aqueous Solutions by Biocomposite Material Based on Microbial Biomass and Natural Polymer: Process Variables Optimization and Kinetic Studies
Authors: Rusu Lăcrămioara , Grigoraș Cristina-Gabriela , Simion Andrei-Ionuț , Suceveanu Elena-Mirela , Schnakovszky Carol , Favier Lidia
Published: August 2022

Biosorbtive removal of the antibacterial drug, ethacridine lactate (EL), from aqueous solutions was investigated using as biosorbent Saccharomyces pastorianus residual biomass immobilized in calcium alginate. The aim of this work was to optimize the biosorption process and to evaluate the biosorption capacity in the batch system. Response surface methodology, based on a Box–Behnken design, was used to optimize the EL biosorption parameters. Two response functions (removal efficiency and biosorption capacity) were maximized dependent on three factors: initial concentration of EL solution, contact time, and agitation speed. The highest values for the studied functions (89.49%, 26.04 mg/g) were obtained in the following operational conditions: EL initial concentration: 59.73 mg/L; contact time: 94.26 min; agitation speed: 297.57 rpm. A number of nonlinear kinetic models, including pseudo-first-order, pseudo-second-order, Elovich, and Avrami, were utilized to validate the biosorption kinetic behavior of EL in the optimized conditions. The kinetic data fitted the pseudo-first-order and Avrami models. The experimental results demonstrated that the optimized parameters (especially the agitation speed) significantly affect biosorption and should be considered important in such studies.