bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Plant and Microbial Approaches as Green Methods for the Synthesis of Nanomaterials: Synthesis, Applications, and Future Perspectives
Authors: Alsaiari Norah Salem , Alzahrani Fatimah Mohammed , Amari Abdelfattah , Osman Haitham , Harharah Hamed N. , Elboughdiri Noureddine , Tahoon Mohamed A.
Published: January 2023

The unique biological and physicochemical characteristics of biogenic (green-synthesized) nanomaterials (NMs) have attracted significant interest in different fields, with applications in the agrochemical, food, medication delivery, cosmetics, cellular imaging, and biomedical industries. To synthesize biogenic nanomaterials, green synthesis techniques use microorganisms, plant extracts, or proteins as bio-capping and bio-reducing agents and their role as bio-nanofactories for material synthesis at the nanoscale size. Green chemistry is environmentally benign, biocompatible, nontoxic, and economically effective. By taking into account the findings from recent investigations, we shed light on the most recent developments in the green synthesis of nanomaterials using different types of microbes and plants. Additionally, we cover different applications of green-synthesized nanomaterials in the food and textile industries, water treatment, and biomedical applications. Furthermore, we discuss the future perspectives of the green synthesis of nanomaterials to advance their production and applications.
Silicon/Graphite/Amorphous Carbon as Anode Materials for Lithium Secondary Batteries
Authors: Duan Haojie , Xu Hongqiang , Wu Qian , Zhu Lin , Zhang Yuting , Yin Bo , He Haiyong
Published: January 2023

Although silicon is being researched as one of the most promising anode materials for future generation lithium-ion batteries owing to its greater theoretical capacity (3579 mAh g−1), its practical applicability is hampered by its worse rate properties and poor cycle performance. Herein, a silicon/graphite/amorphous carbon (Si/G/C) anode composite material has been successfully prepared by a facile spray-drying method followed by heating treatment, exhibiting excellent electrochemical performance compared with silicon/amorphous carbon (Si/C) in lithium-ion batteries. At 0.1 A g−1, the Si/G/C sample exhibits a high initial discharge capacity of 1886 mAh g−1, with a high initial coulombic efficiency of 90.18%, the composite can still deliver a high initial charge capacity of 800 mAh g−1 at 2 A g−1, and shows a superior cyclic and rate performance compared to the Si/C anode sample. This work provides a facile approach to synthesize Si/G/C composite for lithium-ion batteries and has proven that graphite replacing amorphous carbon can effectively improve the electrochemical performance, even using low-performance micrometer silicon and large size flake graphite.
New Supramolecular Hypoxia-Sensitive Complexes Based on Azo-Thiacalixarene
Authors: Galieva Farida , Khalifa Mohamed , Akhmetzyanova Zaliya , Mironova Diana , Burilov Vladimir , Solovieva Svetlana , Antipin Igor
Published: January 2023

Hypoxia accompanies many human diseases and is an indicator of tumor aggressiveness. Therefore, measuring hypoxia in vivo is clinically important. Recently, complexes of calix[4]arene were identified as potent hypoxia markers. The subject of this paper is new hypoxia-sensitive host–guest complexes of thiacalix[4]arene. We report a new high-yield synthesis method for thiacalix[4]arene with four anionic carboxyl azo fragments on the upper rim (thiacalixarene L) and an assessment of the complexes of thiacalixarene L with the most widespread cationic rhodamine dyes (6G, B, and 123) sensitivity to hypoxia. Moreover, 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopy data support the ability of the macrocycles to form complexes with dyes. Rhodamines B and 123 formed host–guest complexes of 1:1 stoichiometry. Complexes of mixed composition were formed with rhodamine 6G. The association constant between thiacalixarene L and rhodamine 6G is higher than for other dyes. Thiacalixarene L-dye complexes with rhodamine 6G and rhodamine B are stable in the presence of various substances present in a biological environment. The UV-VIS spectrometry and fluorescence showed hypoxia responsiveness of the complexes. Our results demonstrate that thiacalixarene L has a stronger binding with dyes compared with the previously reported azo-calix[4]arene carboxylic derivative. Thus, these results suggest higher selective visualization of hypoxia for the complexes with thiacalixarene L.
Suitability of Highly Polymerised Polyaluminium Chlorides (PACls) in the Treatment of Mixture of Groundwater and Surface Water
Authors: Krupińska Izabela
Published: January 2023

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the coagulation process using highly polymerised polyaluminium chlorides in reducing the level of pollution of water in a mixture of groundwater and surface water. The coagulants used were prehydrolysed polyaluminium chlorides with the trade names PAXHP908 and PAXXL1911 that had alkalinity 85% and different iron contents (<0.01% and 0.7%). The Al species distribution in the PACls (PAXXL1911 ad PAXHP908) samples were analysed by the Ferron complexation timed spectrophotometry. The content of polymer forms of aluminium (Alb) in the tested coagulants was 40%. The worse results in the removal of organic matter (TOC, DOC, UV254), iron, colour and turbidity in the coagulation process were produced by the PAXXL1911, possessing higher content of iron (0.7%). The lower usefulness of the PAXXL1911 was probably caused by the interaction of organic ligands present in the treated water and Fe(III) ions introduced into the water with the coagulant. The effectiveness of the coagulation process with the tested coagulants was also evaluated by measuring the electrokinetic potential ζ, which determines the stability of the colloidal system.
Mechanistic Aspects of the Electrochemical Oxidation of Aliphatic Amines and Aniline Derivatives
Authors: Mruthunjaya Ashwin K. V. , Torriero Angel A. J.
Published: January 2023

The electrochemical oxidation of amines is an essential alternative to the conventional chemical transformation that provides critical routes for synthesising and modifying a wide range of chemically useful molecules, including pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals. As a result, the anodic reactivity of these compounds has been extensively researched over the past seven decades. However, the different mechanistic aspects of the electrochemical oxidation of amines have never been discussed from a comprehensive and general point of view. This review examines the oxidation mechanism of aliphatic amines, amides, aniline and aniline derivatives, carbamates, and lactams, either directly oxidised at different electrode surfaces or indirectly oxidised by a reversible redox molecule, in which the reactive form was generated in situ. The mechanisms are compared and simplified to understand all possible pathways for the oxidation of amines using only a few general mechanisms. Examples of the application of these oxidation reactions are also provided.
Quality by Design (QbD) Based Method for Estimation of Xanthohumol in Bulk and Solid Lipid Nanoparticles and Validation
Authors: Harish Vancha , Almalki Waleed Hassan , Alshehri Ahmed , Alzahrani Abdulaziz , Gupta Madan Mohan , Alzarea Sami I. , Kazmi Imran , Gulati Monica , Tewari Devesh , Gupta Gaurav , Dua Kamal , Singh Sachin Kumar
Published: January 2023

The analytical quality by design (AQbD) approach is utilized for developing and validating the simple, sensitive, cost-effective reverse-phase high performance liquid chromatographic method for the estimation of xanthohumol (XH) in bulk and nanoformulations. The Box–Behnken design (BBD) is applied for method optimization. The mobile phase ratio, pH and flow rate were selected as independent variables, whereas retention time, peak area, peak height, tailing factor, and theoretical plates were selected as dependent variables. The chromatogram of XH obtained under optimized conditions has given optimum conditions such as retention time (5.392 min), peak area (1,226,737 mAU), peak height (90,121 AU), tailing factor (0.991) and theoretical plates (4446.667), which are contoured in the predicted values shown by BBD. Validation of the method has been performed according to ICH Q2(R1) recommendations, using optimized conditions for linearity, limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantification (LOQ), accuracy, precision, robustness and system suitability. All the values of validation parameters lie within the acceptable limits prescribed by ICH. Therefore, the developed and validated method of XH by the AQbD approach can be applied for the estimation of XH in bulk and various nanoformulations.
Analysis of Spatial-Temporal Variation in Floral Volatiles Emitted from Lagerstroemia caudata by Headspace Solid-Phase Microextraction and GC–MS
Authors: Cai Ming , Xu Wan , Xu Yan , Pan Huitang , Zhang Qixiang
Published: January 2023

Lagerstroemia caudata is a rare aromatic species native to southeastern China, but its floral scent properties and release dynamics remain unclear. This study is the first systematic analysis of spatial-temporal variation in volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emitted from L. caudata by headspace solid-phase microextraction (HS-SPME) with gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Thirty-two VOCs were identified, 20 of which were detected for the first time. Aldehydes, alcohols, and monoterpenoids were the main VOC categories, each with different releasing rhythms. Total emission of VOCs was much higher in the full-blooming stage (140.90 ng g−1min−1) than in the pre-blooming (36.54 ng g−1min−1) or over-blooming (24.92 ng g−1min−1). Monoterpenoids, especially nerol, geraniol, and linalool, were the characteristic VOCs for full-blooming flowers. Daily emissions of nine compounds (nerol, geraniol, linalool, citronellol, β-citral, (E)-citral, phenylethyl alcohol, 2-heptanol, 2-nonanol) correlated closely with the opening of L. caudata, presenting an apparent diurnal pattern of scent emission. Tissue-specific emission was found in most isolated floral parts. Stamen was the most significant source of floral VOCs, considering its high emission levels of total VOC (627.96 ng g−1min−1). Our results extend the information on floral VOCs of Lagerstroemia and provide a theoretical basis for breeding new cultivars with desirable floral scents.
How the Structure of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) Influences Their Binding Potency to the Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated and Thyroid Hormone Receptors—An In Silico Screening Study
Authors: Kowalska Dominika , Sosnowska Anita , Bulawska Natalia , Stępnik Maciej , Besselink Harrie , Behnisch Peter , Puzyn Tomasz
Published: January 2023

In this study, we investigated PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) binding potencies to nuclear hormone receptors (NHRs): peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) α, β, and γ and thyroid hormone receptors (TRs) α and β. We have simulated the docking scores of 43 perfluoroalkyl compounds and based on these data developed QSAR (Quantitative Structure-Activity Relationship) models for predicting the binding probability to five receptors. In the next step, we implemented the developed QSAR models for the screening approach of a large group of compounds (4464) from the NORMAN Database. The in silico analyses indicated that the probability of PFAS binding to the receptors depends on the chain length, the number of fluorine atoms, and the number of branches in the molecule. According to the findings, the considered PFAS group bind to the PPARα, β, and γ only with low or moderate probability, while in the case of TR α and β it is similar except that those chemicals with longer chains show a moderately high probability of binding.
Circular Dichroism Study of Orexin B under Oxidative Stress Conditions
Authors: Rotondo Martina , Honisch Claudia , Tartaggia Stefano , Ruzza Paolo
Published: January 2023

The neuropeptides orexin A and B regulate various vital functions of the body, such as sleep/wake states, metabolism, and energy homeostasis. A loss of their physiological activity, with reduced ability to recognize their receptors, is suspected to be associated with oxidative stress conditions. These are related to excessive presence of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species, as well as of reactive lipoxidation byproducts. With the aim of evaluating the effects of oxidative stress on the secondary structure of orexin peptides, orexin B was synthesized and characterized by circular dichroism spectroscopy under different conditions. In aqueous solution it presents an unordered conformation, while in a membrane mimetic environment it assumes a helical structure. The effects of oxidative stress were evaluated exposing it to both oxygen and nitrogen radicals as well as to lipoxidation byproducts. The results showed that ROS, but not NRS, induced appreciable conformational changes, and only in the membrane mimetic environment. Lipoxidation byproducts, instead, led to secondary structure modifications much more evident than those induced by the direct action of ROS and RNS, and in both analyzed media. Additionally, MALDI-TOF analyses detected mass variations in the peptide attributable to oxidation of the C-terminal Met residue and deamination of asparagine in the Asn–His sequence. Taken together, all these data seem to confirm the involvement of oxidative processes in dysfunctions of the orexinergic system.
A Mini Review of S-Nitrosoglutathione Loaded Nano/Micro-Formulation Strategies
Authors: Ming Hui , Zhang Kunpeng , Ge Shengbo , Shi Yang , Du Chunan , Guo Xuqiang , Zhang Libo
Published: January 2023

As a potential therapeutic agent, the clinical application of S-nitrosoglutathione (GSNO) is limited because of its instability. Therefore, different formulations have been developed to protect GSNO from degradation, delivery and the release of GSNO at a physiological concentration in the active position. Due to the high water-solubility and small molecular-size of GSNO, the biggest challenges in the encapsulation step are low encapsulation efficiency and burst release. This review summarizes the different nano/micro-formulation strategies of a GSNO related delivery system to provide references for subsequent researchers interested in GSNO encapsulation.
Polymer/Layered Clay/Polyurethane Nanocomposites: P3HB Hybrid Nanobiocomposites—Preparation and Properties Evaluation
Authors: Białkowska Anita , Krzykowska Beata , Zarzyka Iwona , Bakar Mohamed , Sedlařík Vladimir , Kovářová Miroslava , Czerniecka-Kubicka Anna
Published: January 2023

This paper presents an attempt to improve the properties of poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (P3HB) using linear aliphatic polyurethane (PU400) and organomodified montmorillonite (MMT)—(Cloisite®30B). The nanostructure of hybrid nanobiocomposites produced by extrusion was analyzed by X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy, and the morphology was analyzed by scanning electron microscopy. In addition, selected mechanical properties and thermal properties were studied by thermogravimetric analysis, TGA, and differential scanning calorimetry, DSC. The interactions of the composite ingredients were indicated by FT IR spectroscopy. The effect of the amount of nanofiller on the properties of prepared hybrid nanobiocomposites was noted. Moreover, the non-equilibrium and equilibrium thermal parameters of nanobiocomposites were established based on their thermal history. Based on equilibrium parameters (i.e., the heat of fusion for the fully crystalline materials and the change in the heat capacity at the glass transition temperature for the fully amorphous nanobiocomposites), the degree of crystallinity and the mobile and rigid amorphous fractions were estimated. The addition of Cloisite®30B and aliphatic polyurethane to the P3HB matrix caused a decrease in the degree of crystallinity in reference to the unfilled P3HB. Simultaneously, an increase in the amorphous phase contents was noted. A rigid amorphous fraction was also denoted. Thermogravimetric analysis of the nanocomposites was also carried out and showed that the thermal stability of all nanocomposites was higher than that of the unfilled P3HB. An additional 1% mass of nanofiller increased the degradation temperature of the nanocomposites by about 30 °C in reference to the unfilled P3HB. Moreover, it was found that obtained hybrid nanobiocomposites containing 10 wt.% of aliphatic polyurethane (PU400) and the smallest amount of nanofiller (1 wt.% of Cloisite®30B) showed the best mechanical properties. We observed a desirable decrease in hardness of 15%, an increase in the relative strain at break of 60% and in the impact strength of 15% of the newly prepared nanobiocomposites with respect to the unfiled P3HB. The produced hybrid nanobiocomposites combined the best features induced by the plasticizing effect of polyurethane and the formation of P3HB–montmorillonite–polyurethane (P3HB-PU-MMT) adducts, which resulted in the improvement of the thermal and mechanical properties.
Activity-Dependent Non-Coding RNA MAPK Interactome of the Human Epileptic Brain
Authors: Kirchner Allison , Dachet Fabien , Lipovich Leonard , Loeb Jeffrey A.
Published: January 2023

The human brain has evolved to have extraordinary capabilities, enabling complex behaviors. The uniqueness of the human brain is increasingly posited to be due in part to the functions of primate-specific, including human-specific, long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) genes, systemically less conserved than protein-coding genes in evolution. Patients who have surgery for drug-resistant epilepsy are subjected to extensive electrical recordings of the brain tissue that is subsequently removed in order to treat their epilepsy. Precise localization of brain tissues with distinct electrical properties offers a rare opportunity to explore the effects of brain activity on gene expression. Here, we identified 231 co-regulated, activity-dependent lncRNAs within the human MAPK signaling cascade. Six lncRNAs, four of which were antisense to known protein-coding genes, were further examined because of their high expression and potential impact on the disease phenotype. Using a model of repeated depolarizations in human neuronal-like cells (Sh-SY5Y), we show that five out of six lncRNAs were electrical activity-dependent, with three of four antisense lncRNAs having reciprocal expression patterns relative to their protein-coding gene partners. Some were directly regulated by MAPK signaling, while others effectively downregulated the expression of the protein-coding genes encoded on the opposite strands of their genomic loci. These lncRNAs, therefore, likely contribute to highly evolved and primate-specific human brain regulatory functions that could be therapeutically modulated to treat epilepsy.
Perinatal Fat-Diets Increased Angiotensin II-Mediated Ca2+ through PKC-L-Type Calcium Channel Axis in Resistance Arteries via Agtr1a-Prkcb Gene Methylation
Authors: Zheng Qiutong , He Yun , Li Lingjun , Rui Can , Li Na , Zhang Yumeng , Ye Yang , Zhang Ze , Yang Xiaojun , Tang Jiaqi , Xu Zhice
Published: January 2023

Perinatal malnutrition affects vascular functions, and calcium is important in vascular regulations. It is unknown whether and how perinatal maternal high-fat diets (MHF)-mediated vascular dysfunction occurs via the angiotensin-PKC-L-type-calcium-channels (LTCC) axis. This study determined angiotensin II (AII) roles in the PKC-LTCC axis in controlling calcium influx in the arteries of offspring after perinatal MHF. Mesenteric arteries (MA) and smooth muscle cells (SMCs) from 5-month-old offspring rats were studied using physiological, ion channel, molecular, and epigenetic analysis. Pressor responses to AII were significantly increased in the free-moving MHF offspring rats. In cell experiments, MA-SMC proliferation was enhanced, and associated with thicker vascular wall in the obese offspring. Imaging analysis showed increase of fluorescence Ca2+ intensity in the SMCs of the MHF group. Angiotensin II receptor (AT1R)-mediated PKC-LTCC axis in vasoconstrictions was altered by perinatal MHF via reduced DNA methylation at specific CpG sites of Agtr1a and Prkcb gene promoters at the transcription level. Accordingly, mRNA and protein expression of AT1R and PKCβ in the offspring MA were increased, contributing to enhanced Ca2+ currents and vascular tone. The results showed that DNA methylation resulted in perinatal MHF-induced vascular disorders via altered AT1-PKC-LTCC pathway in resistance arteries of the offspring, providing new insights into the pathogenesis and early prevention/treatments for hypertension in developmental origins.
Red Rice Bran Extract Alleviates High-Fat Diet-Induced Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease and Dyslipidemia in Mice
Authors: Munkong Narongsuk , Somnuk Surasawadee , Jantarach Nattanida , Ruxsanawet Kingkarnonk , Nuntaboon Piyawan , Kanjoo Vaiphot , Yoysungnoen Bhornprom
Published: January 2023

Red rice bran extract (RRBE) is rich in phytonutrients and has been shown to have anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. However, its anti-hepatic steatosis and anti-dyslipidemic properties have not been thoroughly investigated. This study examined the aforementioned properties of RRBE, the underlying mechanism by which it alleviated non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in high-fat diet (HFD)-fed mice, and its major bioactive constituents. The mice were divided into four groups based on their diet: (1) low-fat diet (LFD), (2) LFD with high-dose RRBE (1 g/kg/day), (3) HFD, and (4) HFD with three different doses of RRBE (0.25, 0.5, and 1 g/kg/day). The administration of RRBE, especially at medium and high doses, significantly mitigated HFD-induced hepatosteatosis and concomitantly improved the serum lipid profile. Further, RRBE modified the level of expression of lipid metabolism-related genes (adipose triglyceride lipase (ATGL), cluster of differentiation 36 (CD36), lipoprotein lipase (LPL), liver X receptor alpha (LXRα), sterol regulatory element-binding protein-1c (SREBP-1c), SREBP-2, 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA reductase (HMGCR), and carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1A (CPT1A)) in hepatic or adipose tissues and improved the expression of hepatic high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) cmetabolism-related genes (hepatic lipase (HL) and apolipoprotein A-ǀ (ApoA-ǀ)). RRBE also attenuated markers of liver injury, inflammation, and oxidative stress, accompanied by a modulated expression of inflammatory (nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS)), pro-oxidant (p47phox), and apoptotic (B-cell lymphoma protein 2 (Bcl-2)-associated X and Bcl-2) genes in the liver. High-performance liquid chromatography analyses indicated the presence of protocatechuic acid, γ-oryzanol, vitamin E, and coenzyme Q10 in RRBE. Our data indicate that RRBE alleviates HFD-induced hepatosteatosis, dyslipidemia, and their pathologic complications in part by regulating the expression of key genes involved in lipid metabolism, inflammation, oxidative stress, and apoptosis.
Effects of Voluntary Sodium Consumption during the Perinatal Period on Renal Mechanisms, Blood Pressure, and Vasopressin Responses after an Osmotic Challenge in Rats
Authors: Porcari Cintia Y. , Macagno Agustina , Mecawi André S. , Anastasía Agustín , Caeiro Ximena E. , Godino Andrea
Published: January 2023

Cardiovascular control is vulnerable to forced high sodium consumption during the per-inatal period, inducing programming effects, with anatomical and molecular changes at the kidney, brain, and vascular levels that increase basal and induce blood pressure. However, the program- ming effects of the natriophilia proper of the perinatal period on blood pressure control have not yet been elucidated. In order to evaluate this, we studied the effect of a sodium overload challenge (SO) on blood pressure response and kidney and brain gene expression in adult offspring exposed to voluntary hypertonic sodium consumption during the perinatal period (PM-NaCl group). Male PM-NaCl rats showed a more sustained increase in blood pressure after SO than controls (PM-Ctrol). They also presented a reduced number of glomeruli, decreased expression of TRPV1, and increased expression of At1a in the kidney cortex. The relative expression of heteronuclear vaso- pressin (AVP hnRNA) and AVP in the supraoptic nucleus was unchanged after SO in PM-NaCl in contrast to the increase observed in PM-Ctrol. The data indicate that the availability of a rich source of sodium during the perinatal period induces a long-term effect modifying renal, cardiovascular, and neuroendocrine responses implicated in the control of hydroelectrolyte homeostasis.
Associations of Parameters of the Tryptophan–Kynurenine Pathway with Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Hypertensive Patients
Authors: Theiler-Schwetz Verena , Trummer Christian , Grübler Martin R. , Keppel Martin H. , Zittermann Armin , Tomaschitz Andreas , März Winfried , Meinitzer Andreas , Pilz Stefan
Published: January 2023

Accumulating evidence suggests an association of the tryptophan–kynurenine (TRP-KYN) pathway with atherosclerosis and cardiovascular risk factors. In this cross-sectional analysis we investigated whether TRP-KYN pathway parameters are associated with 24 h blood pressure (BP) and other risk factors in patients with arterial hypertension from a tertiary care centre. In 490 participants, we found no significant and independent association of 24 h systolic and diastolic BP with parameters of the TRP-KYN pathway. However, linear regression analyses of HDL as dependent and TRP, KYN and quinolinic acid (QUIN) as explanatory variables adjusted for BMI and sex showed significant associations. These were found for KYN, BMI and sex (unstandardised beta coefficient −0.182, standard error 0.052, p < 0.001; −0.313 (0.078), p < 0.001; −0.180 (0.024), p < 0.001, respectively) as well as for QUIN, BMI and sex (−0.157 (0.038), p < 0.001; −0.321 (0.079), p < 0.001; −0.193 (0.024), p < 0.001, respectively). Smokers had significantly lower levels of KYN (2.36 µmol/L, IQR 2.01–2.98, versus 2.71 µmol/L, IQR 2.31–3.27, p < 0.001), QUIN (384 nmol/L, IQR 303–448, versus 451 nmol/L, IQR 369–575, p < 0.001) and KYN/TRP ratio (38.2, IQR 33.7–43.2, versus 43.1, IQR 37.5–50.9, p < 0.001) compared to non-smokers. We demonstrated that TRP/KYN pathway metabolites are associated with some cardiovascular risk factors, warranting further studies to elucidate the diagnostic and therapeutic potential of the TRP-KYN pathway for cardiovascular diseases.
Folate and Vitamin B12 Deficiency Exacerbate Inflammation during Mycobacterium avium paratuberculosis (MAP) Infection
Authors: Vaccaro Joseph A. , Qasem Ahmad , Naser Saleh A.
Published: January 2023

Folate and vitamin B12 deficiency is highly prevalent among Crohn’s disease (CD) patients. Furthermore, CD pathology can be mediated by Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP) infection. However, the direct effect of folate (B9) and cobalamin (B12) deficiency during MAP infection remains uncharacterized. This study investigates how folate and B12 deficiency impedes macrophage apoptosis and exacerbates the inflammation in macrophages infected with MAP isolated from CD patients. Accordingly, we measured folate and B12 in ex vivo plasma samples collected from CD patients with or without MAP infection (N = 35 per group). We also measured the expression of the pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1β and TNF-α, cellular apoptosis and viability markers, and bacterial viability in MAP-infected macrophages cultured in folate and B12 deficient media. We determined that MAP-positive CD patients have significantly lower plasma folate and B12 in comparison to MAP-negative CD patients [414.48 ± 94.60 pg/mL vs. 512.86 ± 129.12 pg/mL, respectively]. We further show that pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1β and TNF-α are significantly upregulated during folate and vitamin B12 deprivation following MAP infection by several folds, while supplementation significantly reduces their expression by several folds. Additionally, depletion of folate, B12, and folate/B12 following MAP infection, led to decreased macrophage apoptosis from 1.83 ± 0.40-fold to 1.04 ± 0.08, 0.64 ± 0.12, and 0.45 ± 0.07 in folate-low, B12-low, and folate/B12-low cells, respectively. By contrast, folate and folate/B12 supplementation resulted in 3.38 ± 0.70 and 2.58 ± 0.14-fold increases in infected macrophages. Interestingly, changes in overall macrophage viability were only observed in folate-high, folate/B12-high, and folate/B12-low media, with 0.80 ± 0.05, 0.82 ± 0.02, and 0.91 ± 0.04-fold changes, respectively. Incubation of Caco-2 intestinal epithelial monolayers with supernatant from infected macrophages revealed that folate/B12 deficiency led to increased LDH release independent of oxidative stress. Overall, our results indicate that folate and B12 are key vitamins affecting cell survival and inflammation during MAP infection.
Nursing Professional Self-Concept: A Scoping Review Protocol
Authors: Almeida Inês Franco , Bernardes Rafael Alves , Sousa Liliana Baptista , Santos-Costa Paulo , Silva Rosa , Bernardo Joana , Santana Elaine , Rosa Amorim
Published: January 2023

Nurses are considered one of the largest professional groups in healthcare, generating positive health outcomes for people at various stages of life. A significant impact on the construction of the professional self—or professional self-concept—is considered to exist through the educational process, influenced by factors such as the family and societal expectations often presented by teachers, tutors, and peers. Improving professional self-concept in nursing can offer specific gains in personal, relational, social, and interpersonal communication skills, favoring evolution in the academic and clinical path. This scoping review aims to map the literature related to the state of knowledge regarding professional self-concept in nursing. This scoping review will follow JBI recommendations with the PCC mnemonic and report its findings through PRISMA-ScR using a specific instrument made by the researchers. Providing healthcare complying with high scientific standards requires the professional to have enough self-confidence in his work and skills. The explicit acknowledgement of professional self-concept is essential for any educational tutor or experienced mentor to promote mental health and academic and professional performance.
Oral Microbial Signatures of Tobacco Chewers and Oral Cancer Patients in India
Authors: Sawant Shriya , Dugad Jinesh , Parikh Deepak , Srinivasan Sathiyaraj , Singh Harinder
Published: January 2023

Dysbiosis of the oral microbiome has been found to play a key role in the genesis and progression of oral cancer (OC). Tobacco chewing, a risk factor for oral cancer, is also associated with oral dysbiosis. Since tobacco chewing is a lifestyle habit in the South Asian subcontinent, including India, and contributes to one-third of the global oral cancer burden; we aimed to identify the oral bacterial diversity of Indian oral cancer patients and tobacco chewers. We used 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing to study the composition of oral microbiota in OC patients and tobacco chewers in India and compared it with healthy controls. The abundance of predominant phyla, Firmicutes, and Bacteroidetes varied between the study groups. Our study identified Leptotrichia, Treponema, Lautropia, and Cardiobacterium as significantly enriched in tobacco chewers, whereas genera Pseudomonas, Capnocytophaga, and Mycoplasma were enriched in oral cancer, which could be potential biomarkers for the Indian population. Furthermore, the functional prediction revealed that genes involved in lipid biosynthesis and fatty acid elongation were upregulated in the oral cancer group, whereas those for the reductive TCA cycle were upregulated in the tobacco group. As the role of bacteria in oral cancer is becoming more evident, identification of bacterial diversity and biomarkers for tobacco chewers and OC patients can aid in the early diagnosis of OC in high-risk individuals.
A Putative New Role of Tv-PSP1 Recognizes IRE and ERE Hairpin Structures from Trichomonas vaginalis
Authors: Millán-Pacheco César , Arreola Rodrigo , Villalobos-Osnaya Alma , Garza-Ramos Georgina , Serratos Iris N. , Díaz-Vilchis Adelaida , Rudiño-Piñera Enrique , Alvarez-Sanchez María Elizbeth
Published: January 2023

To understand whether protein Tv-PSP1 from Trichomonas vaginalis recognizes mRNA parasite stem-loop structures, we conducted REMSA and intrinsic fluorescence assays. We found the recombinant Tv-PSP1 structure, determined with X-ray crystallography, showed unusual thermal stability of the quaternary structure, associated with a disulfide bridge CYS76-CYS104. To gain deeper insight into the Tv-PSP1 interaction with mRNA stem-loops (mRNAsl) and its relationship with thermal stability, we also used an integrated computational protocol that combined molecular dynamics simulations, docking assays, and binding energy calculations. Docking models allowed us to determine a putative contact surface interaction region between Tv-PSP1 and mRNAsl. We determined the contributions of these complexes to the binding free energy (ΔGb) in the electrostatic (ΔGelec) and nonelectrostatic (ΔGnon-elec) components using the Adaptive Poisson–Boltzmann Solver (APBS) program. We are the first, to the best of our knowledge, to show the interaction between Tv-PSP1 and the stem-loop structures of mRNA.
Potential Pathogenic and Opportunistic Oral Bacteria in Early Life: The Role of Maternal Factors in a Portuguese Population
Authors: Fernandes Mariana , Azevedo Maria João , Campos Carla , Ferreira Ana Filipa , Azevedo Álvaro , Falcão-Pires Inês , Zaura Egija , Ramalho Carla , Campos Joana , Sampaio-Maia Benedita
Published: January 2023

In early life, maternal factors are of the utmost relevance for oral microbiome acquisition and maturation. Therefore, our study explored the impact of maternal factors, such as saliva and breastmilk colonization, cardiovascular risk factors (CRF), type of delivery, oral health, and caregiving habits on the prevalence of potential pathogenic and opportunistic oral bacteria in early life. A total of 26 healthy mothers, 23 mothers with CRF, and their 50 children were included and samples (child’s oral swabs, mother’s saliva, and breastmilk) were collected 4 to 12 weeks after delivery and inoculated in selective and differential media for detection of non-fastidious Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria to isolate potential pathogenic and opportunistic bacteria identified by MALDI-TOF MS (414 isolates). Within mother–child dyads, the same species were identified in 86% of the pairs and potential pathogenic microorganisms from the Staphylococcaceae and Enterobacteriaceae families were found to be statistically significantly concordant between mother–child samples, particularly in the healthy group. Staphylococcus saprophyticus and Stenotrophomonas maltophilia oral colonization in mother–child pairs were associated with the presence of CRF. Breastfeeding was related to the early life oral colonization of Staphylococcus epidermidis in children from healthy mothers and C-section was associated with higher diversity of pathogens, independent of cardiovascular status (p = 0.05). This study reveals the presence of potential oral opportunistic and pathogenic bacteria in early life and highlights the importance of maternal factors in its acquisition.
Identification of Novel Small Molecule Ligands for JAK2 Pseudokinase Domain
Authors: Virtanen Anniina T. , Haikarainen Teemu , Sampathkumar Parthasarathy , Palmroth Maaria , Liukkonen Sanna , Liu Jianping , Nekhotiaeva Natalia , Hubbard Stevan R. , Silvennoinen Olli
Published: January 2023

Hyperactive mutation V617F in the JAK2 regulatory pseudokinase domain (JH2) is prevalent in patients with myeloproliferative neoplasms. Here, we identified novel small molecules that target JH2 of JAK2 V617F and characterized binding via biochemical and structural approaches. Screening of 107,600 small molecules resulted in identification of 55 binders to the ATP-binding pocket of recombinant JAK2 JH2 V617F protein at a low hit rate of 0.05%, which indicates unique structural characteristics of the JAK2 JH2 ATP-binding pocket. Selected hits and structural analogs were further assessed for binding to JH2 and JH1 (kinase) domains of JAK family members (JAK1-3, TYK2) and for effects on MPN model cell viability. Crystal structures were determined with JAK2 JH2 wild-type and V617F. The JH2-selective binders were identified in diaminotriazole, diaminotriazine, and phenylpyrazolo-pyrimidone chemical entities, but they showed low-affinity, and no inhibition of MPN cells was detected, while compounds binding to both JAK2 JH1 and JH2 domains inhibited MPN cell viability. X-ray crystal structures of protein-ligand complexes indicated generally similar binding modes between the ligands and V617F or wild-type JAK2. Ligands of JAK2 JH2 V617F are applicable as probes in JAK-STAT research, and SAR optimization combined with structural insights may yield higher-affinity inhibitors with biological activity.
In Vitro and In Vivo Biological Assays of Dextran Coated Iron Oxide Aqueous Magnetic Fluids
Authors: Predoi Silviu-Adrian , Iconaru Simona Liliana , Predoi Daniela
Published: January 2023

The iron oxide nanoparticles coated with different surface coatings were studied and characterized by multiple physicochemical and biological methods. The present paper aims at estimating the toxicity in vitro and in vivo of dextran coated iron oxide aqueous magnetic fluids. The in vitro studies were conducted by quantifying the viability of HeLa cells after their incubation with the samples (concentrations of 62.5–125–250–500 μg/mL at different time intervals). The estimation of the toxicity in vivo of administering dextran coated iron oxide aqueous magnetic fluids (DIO-AMF) with hydrodynamic diameter of 25.73 ± 4 nm to Male Brown Norway rats has been made. Different concentrations (62.5–125–250–500 μg/mL) of dextran coated iron oxide aqueous magnetic fluids were administered for 7 consecutive days. Hematology and biochemistry of the Male Brown Norway rats assessment was performed at various time intervals (24–72 h and 21–28 days) after intra-peritoneal injection. The results showed that high concentrations of DIO-AMF (250 and 500 μg/mL) significantly increased white blood cells, red blood cells, hemoglobin and hematocrit compared to the values obtained for the control group (p < 0.05). Moreover, following the administration of DIO-AMF, the levels of alkaline phosphatase and aspartate aminotransferase increased compared to the control group (p < 0.05). After DIO-AMF administration, no significant difference was observed in the levels of alanine aminotransferase, gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase, urea and creatinine compared to the control group (p < 0.05). The results of the present study showed that dextran coated iron oxide aqueous magnetic fluids in concentrations lower than 250 μg/mL are reliable for medical and pharmaceutical applications.
Effect of Penetration Enhancers on Transdermal Delivery of Oxcarbazepine, an Antiepileptic Drug Using Microemulsions
Authors: Virani Amitkumar , Puri Vinam , Mohd Hana , Michniak-Kohn Bozena
Published: January 2023

Oxcarbazepine (OXC) is an anticonvulsant drug, indicated for the treatment of the neurological disorder, epilepsy. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the transdermal delivery of OXC from microemulsions using different penetration enhancers. Transcutol® P (TRC), oleic acid (OA), cineole (cin), Labrasol (LS), Tween 80 (T80) and N-Methyl-Pyrrolidone (NMP) were used as penetration enhancers as well as microemulsion components. Simple formulations of OXC in propylene glycol (PG) incorporating various penetration enhancers and combination of penetration enhancers were also evaluated for transdermal delivery. Drug delivery and penetration enhancement were studied using human cadaver skin on Franz diffusion cells. The results showed that all penetration enhancers improved the rate of permeation of OXC compared to the control. The flux of drug delivery from the various formulations was found to be, in decreasing order, cin > OA + TRC > NMP > TRC > OA. Overall, microemulsions prepared using cineole, Tween 80 and Transcutol® P (TRC) were shown to be provide the best penetration enhancement for OXC.
Measurement of Paracetamol Concentration Using an Erbium-Doped Fiber Ring Cavity
Authors: Soares Liliana , Pérez-Herrera Rosa Ana , Novais Susana , Ferreira António , Silva Susana , Frazão Orlando
Published: January 2023

Process Analytical Technology (PAT) has been increasingly used in the pharmaceutical industry to monitor essential parameters in real-time during pharmaceutical processes. The concentration of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs), such as paracetamol, is one of these parameters, and controlling its variations allows for optimization of the production process. In this study, a refractometric sensor, implemented by an interrogation system based on an Erbium-Doped Fiber Ring Cavity (EDFRC), was presented and experimentally demonstrated. The Cavity Ring proposed included a 1 × 3 coupler. One port of the coupler was used to increase the optical power of the system through a Fiber Bragg Grating (FBG), and the other two ports were used as sensing head and reference. The sensor detected variations of paracetamol concentration with a sensitivity of [(−1.00 ± 0.05) × 10−3] nW/(g/kg) and a resolution of 5.53 g/kg. The results demonstrate the potential of this technology as a possible non-invasive PAT tool.
Design and Fabrication of Highly Selective Polarizers Using Metallic–Dielectric Gratings
Authors: Zhu Jingyuan , Ning Yi , Liu Liang , Dong Siyu , Chen Yifang , Wang Zhanshan , Cheng Xinbin
Published: January 2023

Polarization imaging has been proven as an important technique for obtaining multi-dimensional information in complex environments. As the prevalent polarizers, metal gratings are widely used especially for focal-plane detection due to their flexibility and easy integration. However, high-performance polarization gratings with high transmittance and large extinction ratios typically need a large aspect ratio in design, resulting in more difficulties in fabrication with limited practical performances. In this study, we designed and fabricated a high-performance polarizer using metallic–dielectric gratings (MDGs). Through a single CMOS-compatible procedure that included electron-beam lithography (EBL) and a collimated thermal evaporation deposition process, we achieved a high TM transmittance (~90%) and a high extinction ratio (~100:1) in the experiment. We believe that our work provides an effective approach to high-performance polarization gratings, which could contribute to the development of on-chip integrated polarization imaging.
Early OCT Angiography Variations in Macular and Peripapillary Area after Uncomplicated Cataract Surgery and Correlation with Intraoperative Parameters
Authors: Baldascino Antonio , Carlà Matteo Mario , Caporossi Tomaso , Gambini Gloria , Ripa Matteo , Grieco Giulia , Giannuzzi Federico , De Vico Umberto , Savastano Alfonso , Rizzo Stanislao
Published: January 2023

Background: We evaluated changes in both macular and peripapillary vascular parameters, evaluated by OCT angiography (OCTA), after uncomplicated cataract surgery, as well as the influence of effective phacoemulsification time (EPT) and cumulative dissipated energy (CDE). Methods: This is prospective study on 130 eyes of 65 individuals who underwent unilateral phacoemulsification, with fellow eyes data taken as control group. We collected cataract grading, EPT and CDE. Best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), superficial vessel density, deep vessel density, foveal avascular zone (FAZ) parameters and peripapillary capillary density were measured at baseline, one week and one month following surgery. Results: When compared to baseline, there was a significant increase in both superficial and deep foveal density at last follow up (from 42.9 ± 4.2 and 37.3 ± 7.4 to 45.6 ± 5.4 and 43.7 ± 9.0%, p = 0.002 and p = 0.0001, respectively). Both foveal avascular zone’s area and perimeter showed a significant decrease compared to the preoperative value (p < 0.05). On the other hand, peripapillary vascular density showed a significant increase at week one (from 49.6 ± 2.7 to 51.4 ± 4.6%, p = 0.01), which returned to preoperative values at last follow up (49.3 ± 4.0%, p = 0.95). We found no significant differences when dividing the cohort for cataract severity. Moreover, no significant effect of the EPT and CDE on vascular changes were reported. Conclusions: We found a significant increase in the vascular parameters of the macular area after cataract surgery, while peripapillary vascular density only experienced a transient increase, suggesting an adaptative metabolic mechanism in response to increased light exposure after surgery.
The Surprising Dynamics of Electrochemical Coupling at Membrane Sandwiches in Plants
Authors: Dreyer Ingo , Vergara-Valladares Fernando , Mérida-Quesada Franko , Rubio-Meléndez María Eugenia , Hernández-Rojas Naomí , Riedelsberger Janin , Astola-Mariscal Sadith Zobeida , Heitmüller Charlotte , Yanez-Chávez Mónica , Arrey-Salas Oscar , San Martín-Davison Alex , Navarro-Retamal Carlos , Michard Erwan
Published: January 2023

Transport processes across membranes play central roles in any biological system. They are essential for homeostasis, cell nutrition, and signaling. Fluxes across membranes are governed by fundamental thermodynamic rules and are influenced by electrical potentials and concentration gradients. Transmembrane transport processes have been largely studied on single membranes. However, several important cellular or subcellular structures consist of two closely spaced membranes that form a membrane sandwich. Such a dual membrane structure results in remarkable properties for the transport processes that are not present in isolated membranes. At the core of membrane sandwich properties, a small intermembrane volume is responsible for efficient coupling between the transport systems at the two otherwise independent membranes. Here, we present the physicochemical principles of transport coupling at two adjacent membranes and illustrate this concept with three examples. In the supplementary material, we provide animated PowerPoint presentations that visualize the relationships. They could be used for teaching purposes, as has already been completed successfully at the University of Talca.