bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Associations of Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio, Platelet-to-Lymphocyte Ratio and Monocyte-to-Lymphocyte Ratio with Osteoporosis and Incident Vertebral Fracture in Postmenopausal Women with Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Single-Center Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Song Byung-Wook , Kim A-Ran , Moon Dong-Hyuk , Kim Yun-Kyung , Kim Geun-Tae , Ahn Eun-Young , So Min-Wook , Lee Seung-Geun
Published: June 2022

Background and Objectives: We investigated whether nutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-to-lymphoycte ratio (PLR), and monocyte-to-lymphocyte ratio (MLR) are associated with the presence of osteoporosis (OP) and vertebral fractures in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Materials and Methods: This retrospective cohort study included 413 postmenopausal patients with RA and 200 healthy controls who underwent dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) between January 2005 and December 2017. DEXA examination data were defined as the index date, and all laboratory values were measured within one month from the index date. OP was defined as a T-score < −2.5, and incident vertebral fractures were defined as the first occurrence of non-traumatic fractures after the index date. NLR, PLR, and MLR measures were dichotomized by a median split (low vs. high). Results: The median NLR, PLR, and MLR in RA patients were significantly higher than those in controls. The frequencies of OP of the lumbar spine, hip, and either site in postmenopausal patients with RA were 24.7%, 15.5%, and 32%, respectively, and were significantly higher than those in controls. After adjusting for confounding factors, a high baseline NLR was significantly associated with OP at either site (OR = 1.61, p = 0.041). In addition, high baseline NLR (OR = 2.11, p = 0.025) and PLR (OR = 2.3, p = 0.011) were related with the presence OP at hip. During the follow-up period, 53 (12.8%) patients with RA developed vertebral fractures incidentally. In multivariable Cox regression models, a high baseline NLR (HR = 4.72, p < 0.001), PLR (HR = 1.96, p = 0.024), and MLR (HR = 2.64, p = 0.002) were independently associated with a higher risk of incidental vertebral fractures. Conclusions: Our data suggest that NLR, PLR, and MLR can be used as potential markers of systemic bone loss among individuals with RA.
A Substrate Integrated Waveguide-Based W-Band Antenna for Microwave Power Transmission
Authors: Liu Liang , Yang Yu , Yu Chuan , Li Shifeng , Wu Hao , Sun Limin , Meng Fanbao
Published: June 2022

A W-band slot array antenna based on a substrate integrated waveguide (SIW) for microwave power transmission (MPT) is proposed in this paper. By size optimization, the transition from the rectifier element to the antenna is limited to a small size. It realizes a compact arrangement of the radiating slots, which not only improves the aperture efficiency of the antenna but also makes it easy to integrate into a large-scale array. For antenna testing, a coplanar waveguide–SIW–rectangular waveguide transition structure is added at the end of the antenna, and an antenna with this transition structure is processed by PCB printing technology and measured. The measured reflection coefficient is less than −10 dB at 90–96 GHz, the aperture efficiency is greater than 60% at 93.5–94.5 GHz, the maximum gain is 13.2 dB at 93.5 GHz, and the aperture efficiency is 79%. The test results of the antenna show that the antenna has a good performance and can be applied to the MPT system as a rectenna.
Influence of Electrode Structure on Performance of Laser Direct Writing Cu-PI Flexible Humidity Sensor
Authors: Zhao Jipeng , Yu Zixiao , Tu Zhenyue , Bian Hongxia
Published: June 2022

Electrode structure is an essential factor affecting the performance of flexible humidity sensors. In this study, Cu and Cu2 + 1O electrodes were printed by the one-step method using laser direct writing technology to reduce the nano–CuO ink on flexible substrate PI and to be used for a humidity sensor. The resistance of the humidity sensors with nine various electrode structures was measured under the relative humidity (RH) of 16–78%. It was observed that all sensors showed good humidity sensing characteristics, and the sensitivity of the copper-based humidity sensor was not affected by the electrode structure under low humidity conditions but was significant under high humidity conditions. The sensor with the length of 1960 μm and the width of 120 μm shows the lowest sensitivity of 180.2 KΩ/%RH under 35% RH, and the sensor with the length of 2430 μm and the width of 180 μm shows the highest sensitivity of 1744 kΩ/%RH under 65% RH. It is expected that the results can provide an assessment of the performance improvement of the flexible humidity sensor and a reference for the research and development of intelligent wearable devices.
Micro Electrical Discharge Machining of Ultrafine Particle Type Tungsten Carbide Using Dielectrics Mixed with Various Powders
Authors: Gattu Sai Dutta , Yan Jiwang
Published: June 2022

Electrical discharge machining (EDM) is widely used to machine hard materials, such as tungsten carbide; however, the machining rate and surface quality are low. In this research, the effects of mixing electrically conductive carbon nanofiber (CnF), semiconductive silicon (Si) powder, and insulative alumina powder (Al2O3) at different concentrations in a dielectric fluid were studied by observing single discharge craters and hole machining performance in the EDM of ultrafine particle type tungsten carbide. Craters obtained using carbon nanofiber and alumina were much smaller than in oil-only conditions. In contrast, The results show that adding CnF significantly improved the material removal rate under all conditions. Si and Al2O3 powders only improved the machining performance at a high discharge energy of 110 V. Furthermore, improvement in surface roughness was observed prominently at high voltages for all the powders. Among the three powders, alumina was found to improve the surface roughness the most.
Editorial for the Special Issue on Lab-on-PCB Devices
Authors: Perdigones Francisco
Published: June 2022

The use of Printed Circuit Boards (PCBs) has seen a remarkable growth over the last decade, with applications in engineering, medicine, biology, chemistry, etc [...]
The Microbiome of the ‘Williams’ Pear Variety Grown in the Organic Orchard and Antifungal Activity by the Autochthonous Bacterial and Yeast Isolates
Authors: Janakiev Tamara , Berić Tanja , Stević Tatjana , Stanković Slaviša , Bačić Jasmina , Majstorović Helena , Fira Djordje , Dimkić Ivica
Published: June 2022

The total diversity of bacterial and fungal communities associated with the phyllosphere (fruits and leaves) of the ‘Williams’ pear variety was analyzed in two phenological stages during fruit development and maturation. The antagonistic potential of autochthonous bacterial and yeast isolates against phytopathogenic fungi was also evaluated. A metabarcoding approach revealed Pantoea, Sphingomonas, Hymenobacter, Massilia, and Pseudomonas as dominant bacterial constituents of the pear phyllosphere, whilst most abundant among the fungal representatives identified were Metschnikowia, Filobasidium, Aureobasidiumpullulans, Botrytis cinerea, and Taphrina. The traditional culturable approach revealed that the Pseudomonas genus with P. graminis, P. putida, and P. congelans was most prevalent. The most frequently cultivated fungal representatives belonged to the genus Fusarium with six identified species. A broad range of the antagonistic activity was detected for the Hannaella luteola and Metschnikowia pulcherrima yeasts, significantly affecting the growth of many fungal isolates in the range of 53–70%. Fusarium sporotrichioides was the most susceptible fungal isolate. The autochthonous antagonistic yeasts H. luteola and M. pulcherrima might be powerful biological control agents of postharvest diseases caused by Fusarium spp. and common pathogens like Monilinia laxa, Botrytis cinerea, Alternaria tenuissima, and Cladosporium cladosporioides.
Recommendations to Improve Tick-Borne Encephalitis Surveillance and Vaccine Uptake in Europe
Authors: Kunze Michael , Banović Pavle , Bogovič Petra , Briciu Violeta , Čivljak Rok , Dobler Gerhard , Hristea Adriana , Kerlik Jana , Kuivanen Suvi , Kynčl Jan , Lebech Anne-Mette , Lindquist Lars , Paradowska-Stankiewicz Iwona , Roglić Srđan , Smíšková Dita , Strle Franc , Vapalahti Olli , Vranješ Nenad , Vynograd Nataliya , Zajkowska Joanna Maria , Pilz Andreas , Palmborg Andreas , Erber Wilhelm
Published: June 2022

There has been an increase in reported TBE cases in Europe since 2015, reaching a peak in some countries in 2020, highlighting the need for better management of TBE risk in Europe. TBE surveillance is currently limited, in part, due to varying diagnostic guidelines, access to testing, and awareness of TBE. Consequently, TBE prevalence is underestimated and vaccination recommendations inadequate. TBE vaccine uptake is unsatisfactory in many TBE-endemic European countries. This review summarizes the findings of a scientific workshop of experts to improve TBE surveillance and vaccine uptake in Europe. Strategies to improve TBE surveillance and vaccine uptake should focus on: aligning diagnostic criteria and testing across Europe; expanding current vaccine recommendations and reducing their complexity; and increasing public education of the potential risks posed by TBEV infection.
Antiparasitic Drugs against SARS-CoV-2: A Comprehensive Literature Survey
Authors: Calvo-Alvarez Estefanía , Dolci Maria , Perego Federica , Signorini Lucia , Parapini Silvia , D’Alessandro Sarah , Denti Luca , Basilico Nicoletta , Taramelli Donatella , Ferrante Pasquale , Delbue Serena
Published: June 2022

More than two years have passed since the viral outbreak that led to the novel infectious respiratory disease COVID-19, caused by the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus. Since then, the urgency for effective treatments resulted in unprecedented efforts to develop new vaccines and to accelerate the drug discovery pipeline, mainly through the repurposing of well-known compounds with broad antiviral effects. In particular, antiparasitic drugs historically used against human infections due to protozoa or helminth parasites have entered the main stage as a miracle cure in the fight against SARS-CoV-2. Despite having demonstrated promising anti-SARS-CoV-2 activities in vitro, conflicting results have made their translation into clinical practice more difficult than expected. Since many studies involving antiparasitic drugs are currently under investigation, the window of opportunity might be not closed yet. Here, we will review the (controversial) journey of these old antiparasitic drugs to combat the human infection caused by the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2.
Proteomic Time-Course Analysis of the Filamentous Anoxygenic Phototrophic Bacterium, Chloroflexus aurantiacus, during the Transition from Respiration to Phototrophy
Authors: Kawai Shigeru , Shimamura Shigeru , Shimane Yasuhiro , Tsukatani Yusuke
Published: June 2022

Chloroflexus aurantiacus is a filamentous anoxygenic phototrophic bacterium that grows chemotrophically under oxic conditions and phototrophically under anoxic conditions. Because photosynthesis-related genes are scattered without any gene clusters in the genome, it is still unclear how this bacterium regulates protein expression in response to environmental changes. In this study, we performed a proteomic time-course analysis of how C. aurantiacus expresses proteins to acclimate to environmental changes, namely the transition from chemoheterotrophic respiratory to photoheterotrophic growth mode. Proteomic analysis detected a total of 2520 proteins out of 3934 coding sequences in the C. aurantiacus genome from samples collected at 13 time points. Almost all proteins for reaction centers, light-harvesting chlorosomes, and carbon fixation pathways were successfully detected during the growing phases in which optical densities and relative bacteriochlorophyll c contents increased simultaneously. Combination of proteomics and pigment analysis suggests that the self-aggregation of bacteriochlorophyllide c could precede the esterification of the hydrophobic farnesyl tail in cells. Cytoplasmic subunits of alternative complex III were interchanged between oxic and anoxic conditions, although membrane-bound subunits were used for both conditions. These data highlight the protein expression dynamics of phototrophy-related genes during the transition from respiration to phototrophy.
A Review on Biotechnological Approaches Applied for Marine Hydrocarbon Spills Remediation
Authors: Rahmati Farzad , Asgari Lajayer Behnam , Shadfar Najmeh , van Bodegom Peter M. , van Hullebusch Eric D.
Published: June 2022

The increasing demand for petroleum products generates needs for innovative and reliable methods for cleaning up crude oil spills. Annually, several oil spills occur around the world, which brings numerous ecological and environmental disasters on the surface of deep seawaters like oceans. Biological and physico-chemical remediation technologies can be efficient in terms of spill cleanup and microorganisms—mainly bacteria—are the main ones responsible for petroleum hydrocarbons (PHCs) degradation such as crude oil. Currently, biodegradation is considered as one of the most sustainable and efficient techniques for the removal of PHCs. However, environmental factors associated with the functioning and performance of microorganisms involved in hydrocarbon-degradation have remained relatively unclear. This has limited our understanding on how to select and inoculate microorganisms within technologies of cleaning and to optimize physico-chemical remediation and degradation methods. This review article presents the latest discoveries in bioremediation techniques such as biostimulation, bioaugmentation, and biosurfactants as well as immobilization strategies for increasing the efficiency. Besides, environmental affecting factors and microbial strains engaged in bioremediation and biodegradation of PHCs in marines are discussed.
Study on the Effect of Mentha × piperita L. Essential Oil on Electroencephalography upon Stimulation with Different Visual Effects
Authors: Lin Shifan , Wang Yue , Wu Kaiwen , Yu Genfa , Liu Chuanxiang , Su Chang , Yi Fengping
Published: June 2022

Essential oils have long been used to fight infections and treat various diseases. Peppermint (Mentha × piperita L.) is an herbal medicine that has been widely used in daily life since ancient times, and it has a wide range of applications in food, cosmetics, and medicine. Mint oil is refreshing because of its cool and comfortable smell; therefore, it is often used in ethnopharmacological studies. The present study investigated the effects of peppermint essential oil in electroencephalographic activity response to various visual stimuli. The electroencephalographic changes of participants during peppermint essential oil inhalation under white, red, and blue colour stimulations were recorded. A rapid Fourier transform analysis was used to examine the electroencephalograph power spectra of the various microstates induced by inhaling the oils. Peppermint essential oil had various effects on the brain when subjected to different visual stimuli. Alpha waves increased in the prefrontal area in the white-sniffing group, which facilitated learning and thinking. In the blue-sniffing group, the changes were less pronounced than those in the red group, and the increased alpha wave activity in the occipital area was more controlled, indicating that the participants’ visual function increased in this state. Based on EEG investigations, this is the first study to indicate that vision influences the effects of peppermint essential oils. Hence, the results of this study support the use of essential oils in a broader context to serve as a resource for future studies on the effects of different types of essential oils.
Modeling the Electronic Absorption Spectra of the Indocarbocyanine Cy3
Authors: Sorour Mohammed I. , Marcus Andrew H. , Matsika Spiridoula
Published: June 2022

Accurate modeling of optical spectra requires careful treatment of the molecular structures and vibronic, environmental, and thermal contributions. The accuracy of the computational methods used to simulate absorption spectra is limited by their ability to account for all the factors that affect the spectral shapes and energetics. The ensemble-based approaches are widely used to model the absorption spectra of molecules in the condensed-phase, and their performance is system dependent. The Franck–Condon approach is suitable for simulating high resolution spectra of rigid systems, and its accuracy is limited mainly by the harmonic approximation. In this work, the absorption spectrum of the widely used cyanine Cy3 is simulated using the ensemble approach via classical and quantum sampling, as well as, the Franck–Condon approach. The factors limiting the ensemble approaches, including the sampling and force field effects, are tested, while the vertical and adiabatic harmonic approximations of the Franck–Condon approach are also systematically examined. Our results show that all the vertical methods, including the ensemble approach, are not suitable to model the absorption spectrum of Cy3, and recommend the adiabatic methods as suitable approaches for the modeling of spectra with strong vibronic contributions. We find that the thermal effects, the low frequency modes, and the simultaneous vibrational excitations have prominent contributions to the Cy3 spectrum. The inclusion of the solvent stabilizes the energetics significantly, while its negligible effect on the spectral shapes aligns well with the experimental observations.
2,5-Furandicarboxylic Acid: An Intriguing Precursor for Monomer and Polymer Synthesis
Authors: Marshall Adam , Jiang Bo , Gauvin Régis M. , Thomas Christophe M.
Published: June 2022

The most versatile furanic building block for chemical and polymer applications is 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid. However, the classical 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid production methodology has been found to have significant drawbacks that hinder industrial-scale production. This review highlights new alternative methods to synthesize 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid that are both more advantageous and attractive than conventional oxidation of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural. This review also focuses on the use of 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid as a polymer precursor and the various potential applications that arise from these furan-based materials.
An In Silico Investigation to Explore Anti-Cancer Potential of Foeniculum vulgare Mill. Phytoconstituents for the Management of Human Breast Cancer
Authors: Kaur Baljinder , Rolta Rajan , Salaria Deeksha , Kumar Balvir , Fadare Olatomide A. , da Costa Renato Araujo , Ahmad Ajaz , Al-Rawi Mahmood Basil A. , Raish Mohammad , Rather Irfan A.
Published: June 2022

Breast cancer is one of the most prevalent cancers in the world. Traditionally, medicinal plants have been used to cure various types of diseases and disorders. Based on a literature survey, the current study was undertaken to explore the anticancer potential of Foeniculum vulgare Mill. phytoconstituents against breast cancer target protein (PDB ID: 6CHZ) by the molecular docking technique. Molecular docking was done using Autodock/vina software. Toxicity was predicted by the Protox II server and drug likeness was predicted by Molinspiration. 100 ns MD simulation of the best protein-ligand complexes were done using the Amber 18 tool. The present molecular docking investigation has revealed that among the 40 selected phytoconstituents of F. vulgare, α-pinene and D-limonene showed best binding energy (−6 and −5.9 kcal/mol respectively) with the breast cancer target. α-Pinene and D-limonene followed all the parameters of toxicity, and 100 ns MD simulations of α-pinene and D-limonene complexes with 6CHZ were found to be stable. α-Pinene and D-limonene can be used as new therapeutic agents to cure breast cancer.
Electrodeposition of Cobalt Oxides on Carbon Nanotubes for Sensitive Bromhexine Sensing
Authors: Lisnund Sireerat , Blay Vincent , Muamkhunthod Pratchaya , Thunyanon Kittiya , Pansalee Jaruwan , Monkrathok Jirawan , Maneechote Pachara , Chansaenpak Kantapat , Pinyou Piyanut
Published: June 2022

We develop an electrochemical sensor for the determination of bromhexine hydrochloride (BHC), a widely use mucolytic drug. The sensor is prepared by electrodeposition of cobalt oxides (CoOx) on a glassy carbon electrode modified with carboxylated single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNT). A synergistic effect between CoOx and SWCNT is observed, leading to a significant improvement in the BHC electrooxidation current. Based on cyclic voltammetry studies at varying scan rates, we conclude that the electrochemical oxidation of BHC is under mixed diffusion–adsorption control. The proposed sensor allows the amperometric determination of BHC in a linear range of 10–500 µM with a low applied voltage of 0.75 V. The designed sensor provides reproducible measurements, is not affected by common interfering substances, and shows excellent performance for the analysis of BHC in pharmaceutical preparations.
Design, Synthesis, In Silico and In Vitro Studies of New Immunomodulatory Anticancer Nicotinamide Derivatives Targeting VEGFR-2
Authors: Yousef Reda G. , Eldehna Wagdy M. , Elwan Alaa , Abdelaziz Abdelaziz S. , Mehany Ahmed B. M. , Gobaara Ibraheem M. M. , Alsfouk Bshra A. , Elkaeed Eslam B. , Metwaly Ahmed M. , Eissa Ibrahim H.
Published: June 2022

VEGFR-2, the subtype receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) responsible for angiogenesis, is expressed in various cancer cells. Thus, VEGFER-2 inhibition is an efficient approach for the discovery of new anticancer agents. Accordingly, a new set of nicotinamide derivatives were designed and synthesized to be VEGFR-2 inhibitors. The chemical structures were confirmed using IR, 1H-NMR, and 13C-NMR spectroscopy. The obtained compounds were examined for their anti-proliferative activities against the human cancer cell lines (HCT-116 and HepG2). VEGFR-2 inhibitory activities were determined for the titled compounds. Compound 8 exhibited the strongest anti-proliferative activities with IC50 values of 5.4 and 7.1 µM against HCT-116 and HepG2, respectively. Interestingly, compound 8 was the most potent VEGFR-2 inhibitor with an IC50 value of 77.02 nM (compare to sorafenib: IC50 = 53.65 nM). Treatment of HCT-116 cells with compound 8 produced arrest of the cell cycle at the G0–G1 phase and a total apoptosis increase from 3.05 to 19.82%—6.5-fold in comparison to the negative control. In addition, compound 8 caused significant increases in the expression levels of caspase-8 (9.4-fold) and Bax (9.2-fold), and a significant decrease in the Bcl-2 expression level (3-fold). The effects of compound 8 on the levels of the immunomodulatory proteins (TNF-α and IL-6) were examined. There was a marked decrease in the level of TNF-α (92.37%) compared to the control (82.47%) and a non-significant reduction in the level of IL-6. In silico docking, molecular dynamics simulations, and MM-PBSA studies revealed the high affinity, the correct binding, and the optimum dynamics of compound 8 inside the active site of VEGFR-2. Finally, in silico ADMET and toxicity studies indicated acceptable values of drug-likeness. In conclusion, compound 8 has emerged as a promising anti-proliferative agent targeting VEGFR-2 with significant apoptotic and immunomodulatory effects.
Functional Bacterial Amyloids: Understanding Fibrillation, Regulating Biofilm Fibril Formation and Organizing Surface Assemblies
Authors: Sønderby Thorbjørn Vincent , Najarzadeh Zahra , Otzen Daniel Erik
Published: June 2022

Functional amyloid is produced by many organisms but is particularly well understood in bacteria, where proteins such as CsgA (E. coli) and FapC (Pseudomonas) are assembled as functional bacterial amyloid (FuBA) on the cell surface in a carefully optimized process. Besides a host of helper proteins, FuBA formation is aided by multiple imperfect repeats which stabilize amyloid and streamline the aggregation mechanism to a fast-track assembly dominated by primary nucleation. These repeats, which are found in variable numbers in Pseudomonas, are most likely the structural core of the fibrils, though we still lack experimental data to determine whether the repeats give rise to β-helix structures via stacked β-hairpins (highly likely for CsgA) or more complicated arrangements (possibly the case for FapC). The response of FuBA fibrillation to denaturants suggests that nucleation and elongation involve equal amounts of folding, but protein chaperones preferentially target nucleation for effective inhibition. Smart peptides can be designed based on these imperfect repeats and modified with various flanking sequences to divert aggregation to less stable structures, leading to a reduction in biofilm formation. Small molecules such as EGCG can also divert FuBA to less organized structures, such as partially-folded oligomeric species, with the same detrimental effect on biofilm. Finally, the strong tendency of FuBA to self-assemble can lead to the formation of very regular two-dimensional amyloid films on structured surfaces such as graphite, which strongly implies future use in biosensors or other nanobiomaterials. In summary, the properties of functional amyloid are a much-needed corrective to the unfortunate association of amyloid with neurodegenerative disease and a testimony to nature’s ability to get the best out of a protein fold.
Fast Quantum Approach for Evaluating the Energy of Non-Covalent Interactions in Molecular Crystals: The Case Study of Intermolecular H-Bonds in Crystalline Peroxosolvates
Authors: Medvedev Alexander G. , Churakov Andrei V. , Navasardyan Mger A. , Prikhodchenko Petr V. , Lev Ovadia , Vener Mikhail V.
Published: June 2022

Energy/enthalpy of intermolecular hydrogen bonds (H-bonds) in crystals have been calculated in many papers. Most of the theoretical works used non-periodic models. Their applicability for describing intermolecular H-bonds in solids is not obvious since the crystal environment can strongly change H-bond geometry and energy in comparison with non-periodic models. Periodic DFT computations provide a reasonable description of a number of relevant properties of molecular crystals. However, these methods are quite cumbersome and time-consuming compared to non-periodic calculations. Here, we present a fast quantum approach for estimating the energy/enthalpy of intermolecular H-bonds in crystals. It has been tested on a family of crystalline peroxosolvates in which the H∙∙∙O bond set fills evenly (i.e., without significant gaps) the range of H∙∙∙O distances from ~1.5 to ~2.1 Å typical for strong, moderate, and weak H-bonds. Four of these two-component crystals (peroxosolvates of macrocyclic ethers and creatine) were obtained and structurally characterized for the first time. A critical comparison of the approaches for estimating the energy of intermolecular H-bonds in organic crystals is carried out, and various sources of errors are clarified.
Natural Bioactive Compounds in Organic and Conventional Fermented Food
Authors: Breza-Boruta Barbara , Ligocka Anna , Bauza-Kaszewska Justyna
Published: June 2022

Compared to conventional agriculture, organic farming is believed to provide a higher nutritional and health value in its products due to the elimination of harmful contaminants (pesticides, nitrates, heavy metals, etc.). Numerous studies have been conducted to show how the production system affects the quality of food in terms of the content of bioactive compounds. The aim of this study was to compare the content of some bioactive compounds (vitamin C, β-carotene, Ca content) and lactic acid bacteria (LAB) number and their bacteriocinogenic activity in organic and conventional fermented food. Although the results do not provide an unambiguous conclusion regarding the superiority of one production system over the other, the LAB number in organic pickled carrot juice, sauerkraut, yogurt, and kefir was higher than in their conventional counterparts. Their bacteriocinogenic potential against selected pathogens was also higher in most organic products. Organic vegetables contained significantly more vitamin C, and the calcium content in the organic yogurt was higher compared to the conventional version of the product. Relatively similar concentrations of ß-carotene for both production systems were found in carrot juice, while in organic pickled beet juice, there was five-fold less ß-carotene than in conventional juice.
Antioxidant Interactions between S-allyl-L-cysteine and Polyphenols Using Interaction Index and Isobolographic Analysis
Authors: Dong Chunming , Zhao Guihong , Tao Lei , Qiu Fanghang , Wang Shujing , Wang Bo , Liu Jian , Duan Shengxia
Published: June 2022

This work aims to study the antioxidant interactions between S-allyl-L-cysteine (SAC) and six natural polyphenols (quercetin, caffeic acid, sinapic acid, catechin, ferulic acid, and 3,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid) through the measurement of free-radical-scavenging activity of 1,1-diphenyl- 2-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH), the radical-cation-scavenging activity of 2,2-azino-bis-3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS), and reducing power. Among the six natural polyphenols, caffeic acid showed the strongest synergistic effect with SAC according to DPPH and reducing power assays. Further investigations based on the results of interaction index and isobologram analysis showed that the antioxidant activity (DPPH, ABTS, and reducing power) of the combination of caffeic acid with SAC presented an increase with the raising of their individual concentrations in their mixture and along with a dose–response manner. The best synergistic effect between caffeic acid and SAC based on DPPH, ABTS, and reducing power assays were observed at the ratio of 1:20, 1:35, and 1:70, respectively. The excellent synergic antioxidant activity of the combination of caffeic acid with SAC in our study suggests SAC has a more broad and effective application prospects in food field.
The Classification of Rice Blast Resistant Seed Based on Ranman Spectroscopy and SVM
Authors: He Yan , Zhang Wei , Ma Yongcai , Li Jinyang , Ma Bo
Published: June 2022

Rice blast is a serious threat to rice yield. Breeding disease-resistant varieties is one of the most economical and effective ways to prevent damage from rice blast. The traditional identification of resistant rice seeds has some shortcoming, such as long possession time, high cost and complex operation. The purpose of this study was to develop an optimal prediction model for determining resistant rice seeds using Ranman spectroscopy. First, the support vector machine (SVM), BP neural network (BP) and probabilistic neural network (PNN) models were initially established on the original spectral data. Second, due to the recognition accuracy of the Raw-SVM model, the running time was fast. The support vector machine model was selected for optimization, and four improved support vector machine models (ABC-SVM (artificial bee colony algorithm, ABC), IABC-SVM (improving the artificial bee colony algorithm, IABC), GSA-SVM (gravity search algorithm, GSA) and GWO-SVM (gray wolf algorithm, GWO)) were used to identify resistant rice seeds. The difference in modeling accuracy and running time between the improved support vector machine model established in feature wavelengths and full wavelengths (200–3202 cm−1) was compared. Finally, five spectral preproccessing algorithms, Savitzky–Golay 1-Der (SGD), Savitzky–Golay Smoothing (SGS), baseline (Base), multivariate scatter correction (MSC) and standard normal variable (SNV), were used to preprocess the original spectra. The random forest algorithm (RF) was used to extract the characteristic wavelengths. After different spectral preproccessing algorithms and the RF feature extraction, the improved support vector machine models were established. The results show that the recognition accuracy of the optimal IABC-SVM model based on the original data was 71%. Among the five spectral preproccessing algorithms, the SNV algorithm’s accuracy was the best. The accuracy of the test set in the IABC-SVM model was 100%, and the running time was 13 s. After SNV algorithms and the RF feature extraction, the classification accuracy of the IABC-SVM model did not decrease, and the running time was shortened to 9 s. This demonstrates the feasibility and effectiveness of IABC in SVM parameter optimization, with higher prediction accuracy and better stability. Therefore, the improved support vector machine model based on Ranman spectroscopy can be applied to the fast and non-destructive identification of resistant rice seeds.
Pseudo-Binary Phase Diagram of LiNH2-MH (M = Na, K) Eutectic Mixture
Authors: Pathak Pranjal , Shrivastava Kriti , Ichikawa Takayuki , Jain Ankur , Singh Rini
Published: June 2022

The hunt for a cleaner energy carrier leads us to consider a source that produces no toxic byproducts. One of the targeted alternatives in this approach is hydrogen energy, which, unfortunately, suffers from a lack of efficient storage media. Solid-state hydrogen absorption systems, such as lithium amide (LiNH2) systems, may store up to 6.5 weight percent hydrogen. However, the temperature of hydrogenation and dehydrogenation is too high for practical use. Various molar ratios of LiNH2 with sodium hydride (NaH) and potassium hydride (KH) have been explored in this paper. The temperature of hydrogenation for LiNH2 combined with KH and NaH was found to be substantially lower than the temperature of individual LiNH2. This lower temperature operation of both LiNH2-NaH and LiNH2-KH systems was investigated in depth, and the eutectic melting phenomenon was observed. Systematic thermal studies of this amide-hydride system in different compositions were carried out, which enabled the plotting of a pseudo-binary phase diagram. The occurrence of eutectic interaction increased atomic mobility, which resulted in the kinetic modification followed by an increase in the reactivity of two materials. For these eutectic compositions, i.e., 0.15LiNH2-0.85NaH and 0.25LiNH2-0.75KH, the lowest melting temperature was found to be 307 °C and 235 °C, respectively. Morphological studies were used to investigate and present the detailed mechanism linked with this phenomenon.
Enzymatic Biotransformation of Gypenoside XLIX into Gylongiposide I and Their Antiviral Roles against Enterovirus 71 In Vitro
Authors: Zhao Huanxi , Jiao Wenbo , Xiu Yang , Zhou Kailu , Zhong Peng , Wang Nan , Yu Shanshan
Published: June 2022

Biotransformation of specific saponins in the valuable medical plants to increase their bioavailability and pharmaceutical activities has attracted more and more attention. A gene encoding a thermophilic glycoside hydrolase from Fervidobaterium pennivorans DSM9078 was cloned and expressed in Escherichia coli. The purified recombinant enzyme, exhibiting endoglucanase cellulase activity, was used to transform gypenoside XLIX into gylongiposide I via highly selective and efficient hydrolysis of the glucose moiety linked to the C21 position in gypenoside XLIX. Under the optimal reaction conditions for large scale production of gylongiposide I, 35 g gypenoside XLIX was transformed by using 20 g crude enzyme at pH 6.0 and 80 °C for 4 h with a molar yield of 100%. Finally, 11.51 g of gylongiposide I was purified using a silica gel column with 91.84% chromatographic purity. Furthermore, inhibitory activities of gypenoside XLIX and gylongiposide I against Enterovirus 71 (EV71) were investigated. Importantly, the EC50 of gypenoside XLIX and gylongiposide I calculated from viral titers in supernatants was 3.53 μM and 1.53 μM, respectively. Moreover, the transformed product gylongiposide I has better anti-EV71 activity than the glycosylated precursor. In conclusion, this enzymatic method would be useful in the large-scale production of gylongiposide I, which would be a novel potent anti-EV71 candidate.
Chemical Composition and Antibacterial Activity of Liquid and Volatile Phase of Essential Oils against Planktonic and Biofilm-Forming Cells of Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Brożyna Malwina , Paleczny Justyna , Kozłowska Weronika , Ciecholewska-Juśko Daria , Parfieńczyk Adam , Chodaczek Grzegorz , Junka Adam
Published: June 2022

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an opportunistic pathogen causing life-threatening, hard-to-heal infections associated with the presence of a biofilm. Essential oils (EOs) are promising agents to combat pseudomonal infections because of the alleged antimicrobial activity of their volatile fractions and liquid forms. Therefore, the purpose of this paper was to evaluate the antibacterial efficacy of both volatile and liquid phases of seven EOs (thyme, tea tree, basil, rosemary, eucalyptus, menthol mint, lavender) against P. aeruginosa biofilm and planktonic cells with the use of a broad spectrum of analytical in vitro methods. According to the study results, the antibacterial activity of EOs in their liquid forms varied from that of the volatile fractions. Overall, liquid and volatile forms of rosemary EO and tea tree EO displayed significant antibiofilm effectiveness. The outcomes indicate that these particular EOs possess the potential to be used in the therapy of P. aeruginosa infections.
Protective Effect of Lycium ruthenicum Polyphenols on Oxidative Stress against Acrylamide Induced Liver Injury in Rats
Authors: Gao Hua , Xue Yanzhong , Wu Lingyu , Huo Jinghong , Pang Yufei , Chen Jingxin , Gao Qinghan
Published: June 2022

Acrylamide (ACR) is formed during tobacco and carbohydrate-rich food heating and is widely applied in many industries, with a range of toxic effects. The antioxidant properties of Lycium ruthenicum polyphenols (LRP) have been established before. This study aimed to research the protective effect of LRP against ACR-induced liver injury in SD rats. Rats were divided into six groups: Control, ACR (40 mg/kg/day, i.g.), LRP (50, 100, and 200 mg/kg/day, i.g.) plus ACR, and LRP groups. After 19 days, we evaluated oxidative status and mitochondrial functions in the rat’s liver. The results showed that glutathione (GSH) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels increased after LRP pretreatment. In contrast, each intervention group reduced reactive oxygen species (ROS) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels compared to the ACR group. Meanwhile, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), liver mitochondrial ATPase activity, mRNA expression of mitochondrial complex I, III, and expression of nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and its downstream proteins were all increased. This study suggested that LRP could reduce ACR-induced liver injury through potent antioxidant activity. LRP is recommended as oxidative stress reliever against hepatotoxicity.
Found in the Folds: A Rediscovery of Ancient Egyptian Pleated Textiles and the Analysis of Carbohydrate Coatings
Authors: Poulin Jennifer , Paulocik Chris , Veall Margaret-Ashley
Published: June 2022

Charles T. Currelly, first director of the Royal Ontario Museum, participated in excavations of the tomb of King Nebhepetre, now known as Mentuhotep II, (Dynasty XI) in Deir el-Bahri, Egypt in 1906. He brought to Canada many objects from the excavations, and objects that he purchased while in Egypt; these formed the initial collection of the museum. Among the objects were seven fragments of fine linen cloth with intricate pleat patterns. Recently, the cloths became the subject of a study to learn how they had retained their pleats for 4000 years. Samples were examined and analysed using polarised light microscopy, scanning electron microscopy-electron dispersive X-ray spectrometry, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, and pyrolysis-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Three of the cloths were likely fragments of clothing re-purposed as bandages and were found to be saturated in mummification balms composed of Pinaceae resin, Pistacia resin, and an essential oil characterised by a high abundance of cedrol, possibly originating from a juniper species. All seven of the cloths were found to have traces of polysaccharides from two probable sources: an arabinogalactan gum such as gum arabic or a fruit gum, and a polyglucoside, possibly starch.
Protective Effects of Jujubosides on 6-OHDA-Induced Neurotoxicity in SH-SY5Y and SK-N-SH Cells
Authors: Chen Chao-Hsuan , Hsu Pei-Chen , Hsu Shih-Wei , Hong Kun-Ting , Chen Kai-Yuan , He Jie-Long , Cho Der-Yang , Wang Yun-Chi , Chang Wen-Shin , Bau Da-Tian , Tsai Chia-Wen
Published: June 2022

6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) is used to induce oxidative damage in neuronal cells, which can serve as an experimental model of Parkinson’s disease (PD). Jujuboside A and B confer free radical scavenging effects but have never been examined for their neuroprotective effects, especially in PD; therefore, in this study, we aimed to investigate the feasibility of jujubosides as protectors of neurons against 6-OHDA and the underlying mechanisms. 6-OHDA-induced neurotoxicity in the human neuronal cell lines SH-SY5Y and SK-N-SH, was used to evaluate the protective effects of jujubosides. These findings indicated that jujuboside A and B were both capable of rescuing the 6-OHDA-induced loss of cell viability, activation of apoptosis, elevation of reactive oxygen species, and downregulation of the expression levels of superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase. In addition, jujuboside A and B can reverse a 6-OHDA-elevated Bax/Bcl-2 ratio, downregulate phosphorylated PI3K and AKT, and activate caspase-3, -7, and -9. These findings showed that jujubosides were capable of protecting both SH-SY5Y and SK-N-SH neuronal cells from 6-OHDA-induced toxicity via the rebalancing of the redox system, together with the resetting of the PI3K/AKT apoptotic signaling cascade. In conclusion, jujuboside may be a potential drug for PD prevention.
Comprehensive Phytochemical Profiling, Biological Activities, and Molecular Docking Studies of Pleurospermum candollei: An Insight into Potential for Natural Products Development
Authors: Ahmed Maqsood , Khan Kashif-ur-Rehman , Ahmad Saeed , Aati Hanan Y. , Ovatlarnporn Chitchamai , Rehman Muhammad Sajid-ur , Javed Tariq , Khursheed Anjum , Ghalloo Bilal Ahmad , Dilshad Rizwana , Anwar Maryam
Published: June 2022

The purpose of this study was to find the biological propensities of the vegetable plant Pleurospermum candollei by investigating its phytochemical profile and biological activities. Phytochemical analysis was done by spectroscopic methods to investigate the amount of total polyphenols, and biological evaluation was done by the different antioxidant, enzyme inhibitory (tyrosinase, α-amylase, and α-glucosidase), thrombolytic, and antibacterial activities. The highest amount of total phenolic and flavonoid contents was observed in methanolic extract (240.69 ± 2.94 mg GAE/g and 167.59 ± 3.47 mg QE/g); the fractions showed comparatively less quantity (57.02 ± 1.31 to 144.02 ± 2.11 mg GAE/g, and 48.21 ± 0.75 to 96.58 ± 2.30 mg QE/g). The effect of these bioactive contents was also related to biological activities. GCMS analysis led to the identification of bioactive compounds with different biological effects from methanolic extract (antioxidant; 55.07%, antimicrobial; 56.41%), while the identified compounds from the n-hexane fraction with antioxidant properties constituted 67.86%, and those with antimicrobial effects constituted 82.95%; however, the synergetic effect of polyphenols may also have contributed to the highest value of biological activities of methanolic extract. Molecular docking was also performed to understand the relationship of identified secondary metabolites with enzyme-inhibitory activities. The thrombolytic activity was also significant (40.18 ± 1.80 to 57.15 ± 1.10 % clot lysis) in comparison with streptokinase (78.5 ± 1.53 to 82.34 ± 1.25% clot lysis). Methanolic extract also showed good activity against Gram-positive strains of bacteria, and the highest activity was observed against Bacillus subtilis. The findings of this study will improve our knowledge of phytochemistry, and biological activities of P. candollei, which seems to be a ray of hope to design formulations of natural products for the improvement of health and prevention of chronic diseases; however, further research may address the development of novel drugs for use in pharmaceuticals.
Vocational Training in Virtual Reality: A Case Study Using the 4C/ID Model
Authors: Mulders Miriam
Published: June 2022

Virtual reality (VR) is an emerging technology with a variety of potential benefits for vocational training. Therefore, this paper presents a VR training based on the highly validated 4C/ID model to train vocational competencies in the field of vehicle painting. The following 4C/ID components were designed using the associated 10 step approach: learning tasks, supportive information, procedural information, and part-task practice. The paper describes the instructional design process including an elaborated blueprint for a VR training application for aspiring vehicle painters. We explain the model’s principles and features and their suitability for designing a VR vocational training that fosters integrated competence acquisition. Following the methodology of design-based research, several research methods (e.g., a target group analysis) and the ongoing development of prototypes enabled agile process structures. Results indicate that the 4C/ID model and the 10 step approach promote the instructional design process using VR in vocational training. Implementation and methodological issues that arose during the design process (e.g., limited time within VR) are adequately discussed in the article.
Inter- and Transcultural Learning in Social Virtual Reality: A Proposal for an Inter- and Transcultural Virtual Object Database to be Used in the Implementation, Reflection, and Evaluation of Virtual Encounters
Authors: Hein Rebecca M. , Latoschik Marc Erich , Wienrich Carolin
Published: June 2022

Visual stimuli are frequently used to improve memory, language learning or perception, and understanding of metacognitive processes. However, in virtual reality (VR), there are few systematically and empirically derived databases. This paper proposes the first collection of virtual objects based on empirical evaluation for inter-and transcultural encounters between English- and German-speaking learners. We used explicit and implicit measurement methods to identify cultural associations and the degree of stereotypical perception for each virtual stimuli (n = 293) through two online studies, including native German and English-speaking participants. The analysis resulted in a final well-describable database of 128 objects (called InteractionSuitcase). In future applications, the objects can be used as a great interaction or conversation asset and behavioral measurement tool in social VR applications, especially in the field of foreign language education. For example, encounters can use the objects to describe their culture, or teachers can intuitively assess stereotyped attitudes of the encounters.
Ileal Pouch–Anal Anastomosis and Pouchitis: The Role of the Microbiota in the Pathogenesis and Therapy
Authors: Gabbiadini Roberto , Dal Buono Arianna , Correale Carmen , Spinelli Antonino , Repici Alessandro , Armuzzi Alessandro , Roda Giulia
Published: June 2022

Inflammatory bowel diseases, Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, are life-long disorders characterized by the chronic relapsing inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract with the intermittent need for escalation treatment and, eventually, even surgery. The total proctocolectomy with ileal pouch–anal anastomosis (IPAA) is the surgical intervention of choice in subjects affected by ulcerative colitis (UC). Although IPAA provides satisfactory functional outcomes, it can be susceptible to some complications, including pouchitis as the most common. Furthermore, 10–20% of the pouchitis may develop into chronic pouchitis. The etiology of pouchitis is mostly unclear. However, the efficacy of antibiotics in pouchitis suggests that the dysbiosis of the IPAA microbiota plays an important role in its pathogenesis. We aimed to review the role of the microbiota in the pathogenesis and as a target therapy in subjects who develop pouchitis after undergoing the surgical intervention of total proctocolectomy with IPAA reconstruction.