bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Energy Harvester with Temperature Threshold Triggered Cycling Generation for Thermal Event Autonomous Monitoring
Authors: Han Ruofeng , Wang Nianying , He Qisheng , Wang Jiachou , Li Xinxin
Published: April 2021

This paper proposes a temperature threshold triggered energy harvester for potential application of heat-event monitoring. The proposed structure comprises an electricity generation cantilever and a bimetallic cantilever that magnetically attract together. When the structure is heated to a pre-set temperature threshold, the heat absorption induced bimetallic effect of the bimetallic cantilever will cause sufficient bending of the generation cantilever to get rid of the magnetic attraction. The action triggers the freed generation cantilever into resonance to piezoelectrically generate electricity, and the heated bimetallic cantilever dissipates heat to the environment. With the heat dissipated, the bimetallic cantilever will be restored to attract with the generation cantilever again and the structure returns to the original state. Under continual heating, the temperature threshold triggered cycle is repeated to intermittently generate electric power. In this paper, the temperature threshold of the harvester is modeled, and the harvester prototype is fabricated and tested. The test results indicate that, with the temperature threshold of 71 °C, the harvesting prototype is tested to generate 1.14 V peak-to-peak voltage and 1.077 μW instantaneous power within one cycle. The thermal harvesting scheme shows application potential in heat event-driven autonomous monitoring.
Effect of Bromination on the Quorum Sensing-Inhibiting Properties of Indole-3-Carboxaldehydes in Chromobacterium violaceum AHL System
Authors: Kemp Chesley A. , McCullough Donna K. , Bialonska Dobrusia , Johnson Paul J. T.
Published: April 2021

Quorum sensing (QS) is a form of bacterial communication involved in the production of virulence factors in many species. As a result, inhibition of quorum sensing may be of use in mitigating pathogenesis. The signaling molecule indole is currently being investigated as a target for quorum sensing inhibition (QSI) and the indole derivative indole-3-carboxaldehyde (ICA) has been shown to inhibit quorum sensing-mediated behaviors in Escherichia coli. In this study, we investigate bromination as a method of increasing the QSI capabilities of indole carboxaldehydes. The IC50 values of three monobrominated indole carboxaldehydes (5-bromoindole-3-carboxaldehyde, 6-bromoindole-3-carboxaldehyde, and 7-bromoindole-3-carboxaldehyde) were determined and compared to the IC50 value of ICA. The bromination of these indole carboxaldehydes reduced the IC50 values between 2- and 13-fold, indicating that bromination significantly increases the potency of these indole carboxaldehydes.
Cryptosporidium myocastoris n. sp. (Apicomplexa: Cryptosporidiidae), the Species Adapted to the Nutria (Myocastor coypus)
Authors: Ježková Jana , Limpouchová Zlata , Prediger Jitka , Holubová Nikola , Sak Bohumil , Konečný Roman , Květoňová Dana , Hlásková Lenka , Rost Michael , McEvoy John , Rajský Dušan , Feng Yaoyu , Kváč Martin
Published: April 2021

Cryptosporidium spp., common parasites of vertebrates, remain poorly studied in wildlife. This study describes the novel Cryptosporidium species adapted to nutrias (Myocastor coypus). A total of 150 faecal samples of feral nutria were collected from locations in the Czech Republic and Slovakia and examined for Cryptosporidium spp. oocysts and specific DNA at the SSU, actin, HSP70, and gp60 loci. Molecular analyses revealed the presence of C. parvum (n = 1), C. ubiquitum subtype family XIId (n = 5) and Cryptosporidium myocastoris n. sp. XXIIa (n = 2), and XXIIb (n = 3). Only nutrias positive for C. myocastoris shed microscopically detectable oocysts, which measured 4.8–5.2 × 4.7–5.0 µm, and oocysts were infectious for experimentally infected nutrias with a prepatent period of 5–6 days, although not for mice, gerbils, or chickens. The infection was localised in jejunum and ileum without observable macroscopic changes. The microvilli adjacent to attached stages responded by elongating. Clinical signs were not observed in naturally or experimentally infected nutrias. Phylogenetic analyses at SSU, actin, and HSP70 loci demonstrated that C. myocastoris n. sp. is distinct from other valid Cryptosporidium species.
CaptureSeq: Hybridization-Based Enrichment of cpn60 Gene Fragments Reveals the Community Structures of Synthetic and Natural Microbial Ecosystems
Authors: Links Matthew G. , Dumonceaux Tim J. , McCarthy E. Luke , Hemmingsen Sean M. , Topp Edward , Town Jennifer R.
Published: April 2021

Background. The molecular profiling of complex microbial communities has become the basis for examining the relationship between the microbiome composition, structure and metabolic functions of those communities. Microbial community structure can be partially assessed with “universal” PCR targeting taxonomic or functional gene markers. Increasingly, shotgun metagenomic DNA sequencing is providing more quantitative insight into microbiomes. However, both amplicon-based and shotgun sequencing approaches have shortcomings that limit the ability to study microbiome dynamics. Methods. We present a novel, amplicon-free, hybridization-based method (CaptureSeq) for profiling complex microbial communities using probes based on the chaperonin-60 gene. Molecular profiles of a commercially available synthetic microbial community standard were compared using CaptureSeq, whole metagenome sequencing, and 16S universal target amplification. Profiles were also generated for natural ecosystems including antibiotic-amended soils, manure storage tanks, and an agricultural reservoir. Results. The CaptureSeq method generated a microbial profile that encompassed all of the bacteria and eukaryotes in the panel with greater reproducibility and more accurate representation of high G/C content microorganisms compared to 16S amplification. In the natural ecosystems, CaptureSeq provided a much greater depth of coverage and sensitivity of detection compared to shotgun sequencing without prior selection. The resulting community profiles provided quantitatively reliable information about all three domains of life (Bacteria, Archaea, and Eukarya) in the different ecosystems. The applications of CaptureSeq will facilitate accurate studies of host-microbiome interactions for environmental, crop, animal and human health. Conclusions: cpn60-based hybridization enriched for taxonomically informative DNA sequences from complex mixtures. In synthetic and natural microbial ecosystems, CaptureSeq provided sequences from prokaryotes and eukaryotes simultaneously, with quantitatively reliable read abundances. CaptureSeq provides an alternative to PCR amplification of taxonomic markers with deep community coverage while minimizing amplification biases.
Biofertilizers and Biocontrol Agents for Agriculture: How to Identify and Develop New Potent Microbial Strains and Traits
Authors: Pirttilä Anna Maria , Mohammad Parast Tabas Habibollah , Baruah Namrata , Koskimäki Janne J.
Published: April 2021

Microbiological tools, biofertilizers, and biocontrol agents, which are bacteria and fungi capable of providing beneficial outcomes in crop plant growth and health, have been developed for several decades. Currently we have a selection of strains available as products for agriculture, predominantly based on plant-growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR), soil, epiphytic, and mycorrhizal fungi, each having specific challenges in their production and use, with the main one being inconsistency of field performance. With the growing global concern about pollution, greenhouse gas accumulation, and increased need for plant-based foods, the demand for biofertilizers and biocontrol agents is expected to grow. What are the prospects of finding solutions to the challenges on existing tools? The inconsistent field performance could be overcome by using combinations of several different types of microbial strains, consisting various members of the full plant microbiome. However, a thorough understanding of each microbiological tool, microbial communities, and their mechanisms of action must precede the product development. In this review, we offer a brief overview of the available tools and consider various techniques and approaches that can produce information on new beneficial traits in biofertilizer and biocontrol strains. We also discuss innovative ideas on how and where to identify efficient new members for the biofertilizer and biocontrol strain family.
Moisture Damage in Ancient Masonry: A Multidisciplinary Approach for In Situ Diagnostics
Authors: Proietti Noemi , Calicchia Paola , Colao Francesco , De Simone Sara , Di Tullio Valeria , Luvidi Loredana , Prestileo Fernanda , Romani Martina , Tatì Angelo
Published: April 2021

San Nicola in Carcere, one of the minor basilicas in the historical center of Rome, was the location of a wide investigation campaign of the water-related deterioration causes, present in the lower sector of the apse and adjacent pillars, affected by water infiltrations, mould and salt efflorescence. The results obtained identify the presence of water content and related effects mainly on the sides of the apsidal wall. This work focuses on the use of five Non-Destructive Techniques (NDT) and intends to show the gains obtained by integrating widely interdisciplinary methods, namely the Infrared Thermography (IRT), the Unilateral Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (Unilateral NMR), the Acoustic Tomography (AT), the Acoustic Imaging (AI) and the Laser-Induced Fluorescence (LIF). All the techniques contribute to the rapid, non-invasive and early identification of the moisture distribution, while some of them (LIF and AI) also address the determination of some moisture effects. The integrated use of different techniques helps to take the multidisciplinary point of view necessary to formulate an effective restoration intervention based on a sound scientific rationale; nonetheless, it allows to experiment a holistic approach, verifying the potential of a wide range of NDTs available within the context of a restoration yard.
1H-NMR Profiling Shows as Specific Constituents Strongly Affect the International EVOO Blends Characteristics: The Case of the Italian Oil
Authors: Calò Francesca , Girelli Chiara Roberta , Angilè Federica , Del Coco Laura , Mazzi Lucia , Barbini Daniele , Fanizzi Francesco Paolo
Published: April 2021

Considering the growing number of extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) producers in the world, knowing the influence of olive oils with different geographical origins on the characteristics of the final blend becomes an interesting goal. The present work is focused on commercial organic EVOO blends obtained by mixing multiple oils from different geographical origins. These blends have been studied by 1H-NMR spectroscopy supported by multivariate statistical analysis. Specific characteristics of commercial organic EVOO blends originated by mixing oils from Italy, Tunisia, Portugal, Spain, and Greece were found to be associated with the increasing content of the Italian component. A linear progression of the metabolic profile defined characteristics for the analysed samples—up to a plateau level—was found in relation to the content of the main constituent of the Italian oil, the monocultivar Coratina. The Italian constituent percentage appears to be correlated with the fatty acids (oleic) and the polyphenols (tyrosol, hydroxytyrosol, and derivatives) content as major and minor components respectively. These results, which highlight important economic aspects, also show the utility of 1H-NMR associated with chemometric analysis as a powerful tool in this field. Mixing oils of different national origins, to obtain blends with specific characteristics, could be profitably controlled by this methodology.
Human Lanosterol 14-Alpha Demethylase (CYP51A1) Is a Putative Target for Natural Flavonoid Luteolin 7,3′-Disulfate
Authors: Kaluzhskiy Leonid , Ershov Pavel , Yablokov Evgeniy , Shkel Tatsiana , Grabovec Irina , Mezentsev Yuri , Gnedenko Oksana , Usanov Sergey , Shabunya Polina , Fatykhava Sviatlana , Popov Alexander , Artyukov Aleksandr , Styshova Olga , Gilep Andrei , Strushkevich Natallia , Ivanov Alexis
Published: April 2021

Widespread pathologies such as atherosclerosis, metabolic syndrome and cancer are associated with dysregulation of sterol biosynthesis and metabolism. Cholesterol modulates the signaling pathways of neoplastic transformation and tumor progression. Lanosterol 14-alpha demethylase (cytochrome P450(51), CYP51A1) catalyzes one of the key steps in cholesterol biosynthesis. The fairly low somatic mutation frequency of CYP51A1, its druggability, as well as the possibility of interfering with cholesterol metabolism in cancer cells collectively suggest the clinical importance of CYP51A1. Here, we show that the natural flavonoid, luteolin 7,3′-disulfate, inhibits CYP51A1 activity. We also screened baicalein and luteolin, known to have antitumor activities and low toxicity, for their ability to interact with CYP51A1. The Kd values were estimated using both a surface plasmon resonance optical biosensor and spectral titration assays. Unexpectedly, in the enzymatic activity assays, only the water-soluble form of luteolin—luteolin 7,3′-disulfate—showed the ability to potently inhibit CYP51A1. Based on molecular docking, luteolin 7,3′-disulfate binding suggests blocking of the substrate access channel. However, an alternative site on the proximal surface where the redox partner binds cannot be excluded. Overall, flavonoids have the potential to inhibit the activity of human CYP51A1 and should be further explored for their cholesterol-lowering and anti-cancer activity.
Offretite Zeolite Single Crystals Synthesized by Amphiphile-Templating Approach
Authors: Ng Eng-Poh , Ahmad Nur Hidayahni , Khoerunnisa Fitri , Mintova Svetlana , Ling Tau Chuan , Daou T. Jean
Published: April 2021

Offretite zeolite synthesis in the presence of cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTABr) is reported. The offretite crystals were synthesized with a high crystallinity and hexagonal prismatic shape after only 72 h of hydrothermal treatment at 180 °C. The CTABr has dual-functions during the crystallization of offretite, viz. as structure-directing agent and as mesoporogen. The resulting offretite crystals, with a Si/Al ratio of 4.1, possess more acid sites than the conventional offretite due to their high crystallinity and hierarchical structure. The synthesized offretite is also more reactive than its conventional counterpart in the acylation of 2-methylfuran for biofuel production under non-microwave instant heating condition, giving 83.5% conversion with 100% selectivity to the desired product 2-acetyl-5-methylfuran. Hence, this amphiphile synthesis approach offers another cost-effective and alternative route for crystallizing zeolite materials that require expensive organic templates.
A Comparison of the Nutritional and Biochemical Quality of Date Palm Fruits Obtained Using Different Planting Techniques
Authors: Hinkaew Jeerawan , Aursalung Amornrat , Sahasakul Yuraporn , Tangsuphoom Nattapol , Suttisansanee Uthaiwan
Published: April 2021

Date palm fruit (Phoenix dactylifera L.) is commonly consumed around the world and has recently become an economical crop in Eastern Thailand, especially the Barhi cultivar that can be consumed as fresh fruit. To maintain genetic qualities, date palm is populated through cell culture. This leads to high production costs, while access to this technique is limited. Increasing date palm population by simple seed planting is currently of interest as an alternative for local farmers. Nevertheless, information on nutritive values, bioactive compounds, and health-promoting bioactivities of seed originating from date palm fruit is unavailable. Effects of different planting origins (cell culture origin (CO) and seed origin (SO)) of date palm fruits at the Khalal stage of Barhi cultivar were investigated for nutritive values, bioactive compounds, and in vitro health-promoting properties via key enzyme inhibitions against obesity (lipase), diabetes (α-amylase, α-glucosidase, and dipeptidyl peptidase-IV), Alzheimer’s disease (cholinesterases and β-secretase), and hypertension (angiotensin-converting enzyme). Waste seeds as a by-product from date palm production were also examined regarding these properties to increase seed marketing opportunities for future food applications and other health-related products. CO and SO exhibited insignificant differences in energy, fat, and carbohydrate contents. SO had higher protein, dietary fiber, vitamin A, vitamin E, and calcium contents than CO, while CO contained higher contents of fructose, glucose and maltose. Higher phenolic contents in SO led to greater enzyme inhibitory activities than CO. Interestingly, seeds of date palm fruits mostly contained higher nutritive values than the flesh. No carotenoids were detected in seeds but higher phenolic contents resulted in greater enzyme inhibitory activities than recorded for fruit flesh. Results suggest that appropriate planting of date palm can support the development of novel date palm fruit products, leading to expansion of economic opportunities and investment in date palm fruit agriculture.
A Comparison of the Composition of Selected Commercial Sandalwood Oils with the International Standard
Authors: Kucharska Malgorzata , Frydrych Barbara , Wesolowski Wiktor , Szymanska Jadwiga A. , Kilanowicz Anna
Published: April 2021

Sandalwood oils are highly desired but expensive, and hence many counterfeit oils are sold in high street shops. The study aimed to determine the content of oils sold under the name sandalwood oil and then compare their chromatographic profile and α- and β santalol content with the requirements of ISO 3518:2002. Gas chromatography with mass spectrometry analysis found that none of the six tested “sandalwood” oils met the ISO standard, especially in terms of α-santalol content. Only one sample was found to contain both α- and β-santalol, characteristic of Santalum album. In three samples, valerianol, elemol, eudesmol isomers, and caryophyllene dominated, indicating the presence of Amyris balsamifera oil. Another two oil samples were found to be synthetic mixtures: benzyl benzoate predominating in one, and synthetic alcohols, such as javanol, polysantol and ebanol, in the other. The product label only gave correct information in three cases: one sample containing Santalum album oil and two samples containing Amyris balsamifera oil. The synthetic samples described as 100% natural essential oil from sandalwood are particularly dangerous and misleading to the consumer. Moreover, the toxicological properties of javanol, polysantol and ebanol, for example, are unknown.
Resisting Resolution: Enterprise Civic Systems Meet Community Organizing
Authors: Le Dantec Christopher A. , Alvarado Garcia Adriana , Connelly Ciabhan , Meng Amanda
Published: April 2021

Notions of the smart city look to mobilize information technology to increase organizational efficiency, and more recently, to support new forms of community engagement and involvement in addressing municipal issues. As cities turn to civic enterprise technology platforms, we need to better understand how that class of system might be positioned and used to collaborate with informal community-born coalitions. Beginning in 2019, we undertook an embedded collaborative research project in Albany Georgia, a small rural city, to understand three primary research questions: (1) How do community organizing practices take shape around joint initiatives with local government? (2) What data, tools, and process are needed to support those initiatives? (3) How do the affordances of City-run enterprise platforms support such community-born initiatives? To develop insight into these questions, we deployed a mixed-methods study that interwove participant observation, qualitative fieldwork, and participatory workshops. From this, we point to several mismatches that arose between the assumptions of a managed enterprise environment and the complex needs of establishing and supporting a multiparty community coalition.
The Effect of the Controlled Release of Platelet Lysate from PVA Nanomats on Keratinocytes, Endothelial Cells and Fibroblasts
Authors: Filova Elena , Blanquer Andreu , Knitlova Jarmila , Plencner Martin , Jencova Vera , Koprivova Barbora , Lisnenko Maxim , Kostakova Eva Kuzelova , Prochazkova Renata , Bacakova Lucie
Published: April 2021

Platelet lysate (PL) provides a natural source of growth factors and other bioactive molecules, and the local controlled release of these bioactive PL components is capable of improving the healing of chronic wounds. Therefore, we prepared composite nanofibrous meshes via the needleless electrospinning technique using poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) with a high molecular weight and with a high degree of hydrolysis with the incorporated PL (10% w/w). The morphology, wettability and protein release from the nanofibers was then assessed from the resulting composite PVA–PL nanomats. The bioactivity of the PVA–PL nanomats was proved in vitro using HaCaT keratinocytes, human saphenous endothelial cells (HSVECs) and 3T3 fibroblasts. The PVA–PL supported cell adhesion, proliferation, and viability. The improved phenotypic maturation of the HaCaT cells due to the PVA–PL was manifested via the formation of intermediate filaments positive for cytokeratin 10. The PVA–PL enhanced both the synthesis of the von Willebrand factor via HSVECs and HSVECs chemotaxis through membranes with 8 µm-sized pores. These results indicated the favorable effects of the PVA–PL nanomats on the three cell types involved in the wound healing process, and established PVA–PL nanomats as a promising candidate for further evaluation with respect to in vivo experiments.
Recent Advances in Chemical Sensors Using Porphyrin-Carbon Nanostructure Hybrid Materials
Authors: Magna Gabriele , Mandoj Federica , Stefanelli Manuela , Pomarico Giuseppe , Monti Donato , Di Natale Corrado , Paolesse Roberto , Nardis Sara
Published: April 2021

Porphyrins and carbon nanomaterials are among the most widely investigated and applied compounds, both offering multiple options to modulate their optical, electronic and magnetic properties by easy and well-established synthetic manipulations. Individually, they play a leading role in the development of efficient and robust chemical sensors, where they detect a plethora of analytes of practical relevance. But even more interesting, the merging of the peculiar features of these single components into hybrid nanostructures results in novel materials with amplified sensing properties exploitable in different application fields, covering the areas of health, food, environment and so on. In this contribution, we focused on recent examples reported in literature illustrating the integration of different carbon materials (i.e., graphene, nanotubes and carbon dots) and (metallo)porphyrins in heterostructures exploited in chemical sensors operating in liquid as well as gaseous phase, with particular focus on research performed in the last four years.
Comparative Effectiveness of Four Nitrification Inhibitors for Mitigating Carbon Dioxide and Nitrous Oxide Emissions from Three Different Textured Soils
Authors: Guo Yafei , Naeem Asif , Mühling Karl H.
Published: April 2021

Nitrification inhibitors (NIs) can be used to reduce both NO3−-N leaching and N2O-N emissions. However, the comparative efficacies of NIs can be strongly affected by soil type. Therefore, the efficacies of four nitrification inhibitors (dicyandiamide (DCD), 3, 4-dimethylpyrazole phosphate (DMPP), nitrogenous mineral fertilizers containing the DMPP ammonium stabilizer (ENTEC) and active ingredients: 3.00–3.25% 1, 2, 4-triazole and 1.50–1.65% 3-methylpyrazole (PIADIN)) were investigated in three different textured N-fertilized (0.5 g NH4+-N kg−1 soil) soils of Schleswig-Holstein, namely, Marsch (clayey), Östliches Hügelland (loamy) and Geest (sandy) under a controlled environment. Total CO2-C and N2O-N emissions were significantly higher from Marsch than Östliches Hügelland and Geest. In Marsch, DMPP showed the highest inhibitory effect on CO2-C emission (50%), followed by PIADIN (32%) and ENTEC (16%). In Östliches Hügelland, DCD and PIADIN showed the highest and equal inhibitory effect on CO2-C emission (73%), followed by DMPP (64%) and ENTEC (36%). In Marsch and Östliches Hügelland, DCD showed the stronger inhibitory effect on N2O-N emission (86% and 47%) than DMPP (56% and 30%) and PIADIN (54% and 16%). In Geest, DMPP was more effective in reducing N2O-N emission (88%) than PIADIN (70%) and DCD (33%). Thus, it can be concluded that DCD is a better NI for clay and loamy soils, while DMPP and PIADIN are better for sandy soils to inhibit soil nitrification and gaseous emissions.
Application of Density Plots and Time Series Modelling to the Analysis of Nitrogen Dioxides Measured by Low-Cost and Reference Sensors in Urban Areas
Authors: Munir Said , Mayfield Martin
Published: April 2021

Temporal variability of NO2 concentrations measured by 28 Envirowatch E-MOTEs, 13 AQMesh pods, and eight reference sensors (five run by Sheffield City Council and three run by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA)) was analysed at different time scales (e.g., annual, weekly and diurnal cycles). Density plots and time variation plots were used to compare the distributions and temporal variability of NO2 concentrations. Long-term trends, both adjusted and non-adjusted, showed significant reductions in NO2 concentrations. At the Tinsley site, the non-adjusted trend was −0.94 (−1.12, −0.78) µgm−3/year, whereas the adjusted trend was −0.95 (−1.04, −0.86) µgm−3/year. At Devonshire Green, the non-adjusted trend was −1.21 (−1.91, −0.41) µgm−3/year and the adjusted trend was −1.26 (−1.57, −0.83) µgm−3/year. Furthermore, NO2 concentrations were analysed employing univariate linear and nonlinear time series models and their performance was compared with a more advanced time series model using two exogenous variables (NO and O3). For this purpose, time series data of NO, O3 and NO2 were obtained from a reference site in Sheffield, which were more accurate than the measurements from low-cost sensors and, therefore, more suitable for training and testing the model. In this article, the three main steps used for model development are discussed: (i) model specification for choosing appropriate values for p, d and q, (ii) model fitting (parameters estimation), and (iii) model diagnostic (testing the goodness of fit). The linear auto-regressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) performed better than the nonlinear counterpart; however, its performance in predicting NO2 concentration was inferior to ARIMA with exogenous variables (ARIMAX). Using cross-validation ARIMAX demonstrated strong association with the measured concentrations, with a correlation coefficient of 0.84 and RMSE of 9.90. ARIMAX can be used as an early warning tool for predicting potential pollution episodes in order to be proactive in adopting precautionary measures.
Capillary Triglycerides in Late Pregnancy—Challenging to Measure, Hard to Interpret: A Cohort Study of Practicality
Authors: Barrett Helen L. , Dekker Nitert Marloes , D’Emden Michael , Lingwood Barbara , de Jersey Susan , McIntyre H. David , Callaway Leonie K.
Published: April 2021

Background: Maternal triglycerides are increasingly recognised as important predictors of infant growth and fat mass. The variability of triglyceride patterns during the day and their relationship to dietary intake in women in late pregnancy have not been explored. This prospective cohort study aimed to examine the utility of monitoring capillary triglycerides in women in late pregnancy. Methods: Twenty-nine women (22 with gestational diabetes (GDM) and 7 without) measured capillary glucose and triglycerides using standard meters at home for four days. On two of those days, they consumed one of two standard isocaloric breakfast meals: a high-fat/low-carbohydrate meal (66% fat) or low fat/high carbohydrate meal (10% fat). Following the standard meals, glucose and triglyceride levels were monitored. Results: Median capillary triglycerides were highly variable between women but did not differ between GDM and normoglycaemic women. There was variability in capillary triglycerides over four days of home monitoring and a difference in incremental area under the curve for capillary triglycerides and glucose between the two standard meals. The high-fat standard meal lowered the incremental area under the curve for capillary glucose (p < 0.0001). Fasting (rho 0.66, p = 0.0002) and postpradial capillary triglycerides measured at home correlated with venous triglyceride levels. Conclusions: The lack of differences in response to dietary fat intake and the correlation between capillary and venous triglycerides suggest that monitoring of capillary triglycerides before and after meals in pregnancy is unlikely to be useful in the routine clinical practice management of women with gestational diabetes mellitus.
Dietary Annatto-Extracted Tocotrienol Reduces Inflammation and Oxidative Stress, and Improves Macronutrient Metabolism in Obese Mice: A Metabolic Profiling Study
Authors: Shen Chwan-Li , Ramamoorthy Sivapriya , Kaur Gurvinder , Dufour Jannette M. , Wang Rui , Mo Huanbiao , Watkins Bruce A.
Published: April 2021

Obesity and its related complications are a world-wide health problem. Dietary tocotrienols (TT) have been shown to improve obesity-associated metabolic disorders, such as hypercholesterolemia, hyperglycemia, and gut dysbiosis. This study examined the hypothesis that the antioxidant capacity of TT alters metabolites of oxidative stress and improves systemic metabolism. C57BL/6J mice were fed either a high-fat diet (HFD control) or HFD supplemented with 800 mg annatto-extracted TT/kg (HFD+TT800) for 14 weeks. Sera from obese mice were examined by non-targeted metabolite analysis using UHPLC/MS. Compared to the HFD group, the HFD+TT800 group had higher levels of serum metabolites, essential amino acids (lysine and methionine), sphingomyelins, phosphatidylcholine, lysophospholipids, and vitamins (pantothenate, pyridoxamine, pyridoxal, and retinol). TT-treated mice had lowered levels of serum metabolites, dicarboxylic fatty acids, and inflammatory/oxidative stress markers (trimethylamine N-oxide, kynurenate, 12,13-DiHOME, and 13-HODE + 9-HODE) compared to the control. The results suggest that TT supplementation lowered inflammation and oxidative stress (oxidized glutathione and GSH/GSSH) and improved macronutrient metabolism (carbohydrates) in obese mice. Thus, TT actions on metabolites were beneficial in reducing obesity-associated hypercholesterolemia/hyperglycemia. The effects of a non-toxic dose of TT in mice support the potential for clinical applications in obesity and metabolic disease.
The Immunomodulatory Effects of Honey and Associated Flavonoids in Cancer
Authors: Masad Razan J. , Haneefa Shoja M. , Mohamed Yassir A. , Al-Sbiei Ashraf , Bashir Ghada , Fernandez-Cabezudo Maria J. , al-Ramadi Basel K.
Published: April 2021

Honey has exerted a high impact in the field of alternative medicine over many centuries. In addition to its wound healing, anti-microbial and antioxidant properties, several lines of evidence have highlighted the efficiency of honey and associated bioactive constituents as anti-tumor agents against a range of cancer types. Mechanistically, honey was shown to inhibit cancer cell growth through its pro-apoptotic, anti-proliferative and anti-metastatic effects. However, the potential of honey to regulate anti-tumor immune responses is relatively unexplored. A small number of in vitro and in vivo studies have demonstrated the ability of honey to modulate the immune system by inducing immunostimulatory as well as anti-inflammatory effects. In the present review, we summarize the findings from different studies that aimed to investigate the immunomodulatory properties of honey and its flavonoid components in relation to cancer. While these studies provide promising data, additional research is needed to further elucidate the immunomodulatory properties of honey, and to enable its utilization as an adjuvant therapy in cancer.
Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Serum Vitamin D Level among Infants and Toddlers: An Interrupted Time Series Analysis and before-and-after Comparison
Authors: Wong Rosa S. , Tung Keith T. S. , So Hung-Kwan , Wong Wilfred H. S. , Wong Siew Yan , Tsang Hing Wai , Tung Joanna Y. L. , Chua Gilbert T. , Ho Marco H. K. , Wong Ian C. K. , Ip Patrick
Published: April 2021

Background: During the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, the implementation of social distancing and home confinement measures may elevate the risk of vitamin D deficiency particularly for infants. This study aimed to quantify changes in vitamin D level among infants and toddlers in Hong Kong after the COVID-19 outbreak. Methods: We recruited 303 infants and toddlers aged 2–24 months by stratified random sampling from 1 June 2019 to November 30, 2020. Regression models were used to estimate the effect of time on infants’ serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) level overall and by age groups before and after the outbreak. Interrupted time series (ITS) analysis was performed to examine the sustained effect of COVID-19 on their serum 25(OH)D level. Results: The ITS results showed no immediate reduction in serum 25(OH)D level among infants, but a decreasing trend was observed in the subsequent months post-outbreak at a monthly decline rate of −6.32 nmol/L. When analyzed by age group, the magnitude of post-outbreak reduction in 25(OH)D was stronger among younger infants (aged 2–6 months). Conclusion: Guidelines and recommendations should be given to pregnant women and mothers to ensure sufficient vitamin D level in their infants during the COVID-19 period.
Phosphate, Microbiota and CKD
Authors: Favero Chiara , Carriazo Sol , Cuarental Leticia , Fernandez-Prado Raul , Gomá-Garcés Elena , Perez-Gomez Maria Vanessa , Ortiz Alberto , Fernandez-Fernandez Beatriz , Sanchez-Niño Maria Dolores
Published: April 2021

Phosphate is a key uremic toxin associated with adverse outcomes. As chronic kidney disease (CKD) progresses, the kidney capacity to excrete excess dietary phosphate decreases, triggering compensatory endocrine responses that drive CKD-mineral and bone disorder (CKD-MBD). Eventually, hyperphosphatemia develops, and low phosphate diet and phosphate binders are prescribed. Recent data have identified a potential role of the gut microbiota in mineral bone disorders. Thus, parathyroid hormone (PTH) only caused bone loss in mice whose microbiota was enriched in the Th17 cell-inducing taxa segmented filamentous bacteria. Furthermore, the microbiota was required for PTH to stimulate bone formation and increase bone mass, and this was dependent on bacterial production of the short-chain fatty acid butyrate. We review current knowledge on the relationship between phosphate, microbiota and CKD-MBD. Topics include microbial bioactive compounds of special interest in CKD, the impact of dietary phosphate and phosphate binders on the gut microbiota, the modulation of CKD-MBD by the microbiota and the potential therapeutic use of microbiota to treat CKD-MBD through the clinical translation of concepts from other fields of science such as the optimization of phosphorus utilization and the use of phosphate-accumulating organisms.
The Effect of a Life-Style Intervention Program of Diet and Exercise on Irisin and FGF-21 Concentrations in Children and Adolescents with Overweight and Obesity
Authors: Karampatsou Sofia I. , Genitsaridi Sofia M. , Michos Athanasios , Kourkouni Eleni , Kourlaba Georgia , Kassari Penio , Manios Yannis , Charmandari Evangelia
Published: April 2021

Overweight and obesity in childhood and adolescence represent major public health problems of our century, and account for increased morbidity and mortality in adult life. Irisin and Fibroblast Growth Factor 21 (FGF-21) have been proposed as prognostic and/or diagnostic biomarkers in subjects with obesity and metabolic syndrome, because they increase earlier than other traditional biomarkers. We determined the concentrations of Irisin and FGF-21 in children and adolescents with overweight and obesity before and after one year of a life-style intervention program of diet and physical exercise and explored the impact of body mass index (BMI) reduction on the concentrations of Irisin, FGF-21 and other cardiometabolic risk factors. Three hundred and ten (n = 310) children and adolescents (mean age ± SD: 10.5 ± 2.9 years) were studied prospectively. Following one year of the life-style intervention program, there was a significant decrease in BMI (p = 0.001), waist-to-hip ratio (p = 0.024), waist-to-height ratio (p = 0.024), and Irisin concentrations (p = 0.001), and an improvement in cardiometabolic risk factors. There was no alteration in FGF-21 concentrations. These findings indicate that Irisin concentrations decreased significantly as a result of BMI reduction in children and adolescents with overweight and obesity. Further studies are required to investigate the potential role of Irisin as a biomarker for monitoring the response to lifestyle interventions and for predicting the development of cardiometabolic risk factors.
Significant Impact of Coffee Consumption on MR-Based Measures of Cardiac Function in a Population-Based Cohort Study without Manifest Cardiovascular Disease
Authors: Beller Ebba , Lorbeer Roberto , Keeser Daniel , Galiè Franziska , Meinel Felix G. , Grosu Sergio , Bamberg Fabian , Storz Corinna , Schlett Christopher L. , Peters Annette , Schneider Alexandra , Linseisen Jakob , Meisinger Christa , Rathmann Wolfgang , Ertl-Wagner Birgit , Stoecklein Sophia
Published: April 2021

Subclinical effects of coffee consumption (CC) with regard to metabolic, cardiac, and neurological complications were evaluated using a whole-body magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) protocol. A blended approach was used to estimate habitual CC in a population-based study cohort without a history of cardiovascular disease. Associations of CC with MRI markers of gray matter volume, white matter hyperintensities, cerebral microhemorrhages, total and visceral adipose tissue (VAT), hepatic proton density fat fraction, early/late diastolic filling rate, end-diastolic/-systolic and stroke volume, ejection fraction, peak ejection rate, and myocardial mass were evaluated by linear regression. In our analysis with 132 women and 168 men, CC was positively associated with MR-based cardiac function parameters including late diastolic filling rate, stroke volume (p < 0.01 each), and ejection fraction (p < 0.05) when adjusting for age, sex, smoking, hypertension, diabetes, Low-density lipoprotein (LDL), triglycerides, cholesterol, and alcohol consumption. CC was inversely associated with VAT independent of demographic variables and cardiovascular risk factors (p < 0.05), but this association did not remain significant after additional adjustment for alcohol consumption. CC was not significantly associated with potential neurodegeneration. We found a significant positive and independent association between CC and MRI-based systolic and diastolic cardiac function. CC was also inversely associated with VAT but not independent of alcohol consumption.
Fatalism, Social Support and Self-Management Perceptions among Rural African Americans Living with Diabetes and Pre-Diabetes
Authors: Abbott Laurie , Slate Elizabeth , Graven Lucinda , Lemacks Jennifer , Grant Joan
Published: April 2021

Diabetes is a public health problem and a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease, the leading cause of death in the United States. Diabetes is prevalent among underserved rural populations. The purposes of this study were to perform secondary analyses of existing clinical trial data to determine whether a diabetes health promotion and disease risk reduction intervention had an effect on diabetes fatalism, social support, and perceived diabetes self-management and to provide precise estimates of the mean levels of these variables in an understudied population. Data were collected during a cluster randomized trial implemented among African American participants (n = 146) in a rural, southern area and analyzed using a linear mixed model. The results indicated that the intervention had no significant effect on perceived diabetes management (p = 0.8), diabetes fatalism (p = 0.3), or social support (p = 0.4). However, the estimates showed that, in the population, diabetes fatalism levels were moderate (95% CI = (27.6, 31.3)), and levels of social support (CI = (4.0, 4.4)) and perceived diabetes self-management (CI = (27.7, 29.3)) were high. These findings suggest that diabetes fatalism, social support, and self-management perceptions influence diabetes self-care and rural health outcomes and should be addressed in diabetes interventions.
Avian Pathogenic Escherichia coli (APEC): An Overview of Virulence and Pathogenesis Factors, Zoonotic Potential, and Control Strategies
Authors: Kathayat Dipak , Lokesh Dhanashree , Ranjit Sochina , Rajashekara Gireesh
Published: April 2021

Avian pathogenic Escherichia coli (APEC) causes colibacillosis in avian species, and recent reports have suggested APEC as a potential foodborne zoonotic pathogen. Herein, we discuss the virulence and pathogenesis factors of APEC, review the zoonotic potential, provide the current status of antibiotic resistance and progress in vaccine development, and summarize the alternative control measures being investigated. In addition to the known virulence factors, several other factors including quorum sensing system, secretion systems, two-component systems, transcriptional regulators, and genes associated with metabolism also contribute to APEC pathogenesis. The clear understanding of these factors will help in developing new effective treatments. The APEC isolates (particularly belonging to ST95 and ST131 or O1, O2, and O18) have genetic similarities and commonalities in virulence genes with human uropathogenic E. coli (UPEC) and neonatal meningitis E. coli (NMEC) and abilities to cause urinary tract infections and meningitis in humans. Therefore, the zoonotic potential of APEC cannot be undervalued. APEC resistance to almost all classes of antibiotics, including carbapenems, has been already reported. There is a need for an effective APEC vaccine that can provide protection against diverse APEC serotypes. Alternative therapies, especially the virulence inhibitors, can provide a novel solution with less likelihood of developing resistance.
A Simple and Quick Method for Loading Proteins in Extracellular Vesicles
Authors: Busatto Sara , Iannotta Dalila , Walker Sierra A. , Di Marzio Luisa , Wolfram Joy
Published: April 2021

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) mediate intercellular transport of biomolecular cargo in the body, making them promising delivery vehicles for bioactive compounds. Genetic engineering of producer cells has enabled encapsulation of therapeutic proteins in EVs. However, genetic engineering approaches can be expensive, time-consuming, and incompatible with certain EV sources, such as human plasma and bovine milk. The goal of this study was to develop a quick, versatile, and simple method for loading proteins in EVs post-isolation. Proteins, including CRISPR associated protein 9 (Cas9), were bound to cationic lipids that were further complexed with MDA-MB-231 cell-derived EVs through passive incubation. Size-exclusion chromatography was used to remove components that were not complexed with EVs. The ability of EVs to mediate intracellular delivery of proteins was compared to conventional methods, such as electroporation and commercial protein transfection reagents. The results indicate that EVs retain native features following protein-loading and obtain similar levels of intracellular protein delivery as conventional methods, but display less toxicity. This method opens up opportunities for rapid exploration of EVs for protein delivery.
The EAR Motif in the Arabidopsis MADS Transcription Factor AGAMOUS-Like 15 Is Not Necessary to Promote Somatic Embryogenesis
Authors: Joshi Sanjay , Keller Christian , Perry Sharyn E.
Published: April 2021

AGAMOUS-like 15 (AGL15) is a member of the MADS domain family of transcription factors (TFs) that can directly induce and repress target gene expression, and for which promotion of somatic embryogenesis (SE) is positively correlated with accumulation. An ethylene-responsive element binding factor-associated amphiphilic repression (EAR) motif of form LxLxL within the carboxyl-terminal domain of AGL15 was shown to be involved in repression of gene expression. Here, we examine whether AGL15′s ability to repress gene expression is needed to promote SE. While a form of AGL15 where the LxLxL is changed to AxAxA can still promote SE, another form with a strong transcriptional activator at the carboxy-terminal end, does not promote SE and, in fact, is detrimental to SE development. Select target genes were examined for response to the different forms of AGL15.
bioORMOCER®—Compostable Functional Barrier Coatings for Food Packaging
Authors: Emmert Katharina , Amberg-Schwab Sabine , Braca Francesca , Bazzichi Agostino , Cecchi Antonio , Somorowsky Ferdinand
Published: April 2021

Biodegradable packaging materials are already in use. However, there are severe restrictions preventing the broad application in food packaging, especially due to insufficient barrier properties. Our idea was to improve these properties with a biodegradable coating. The Fraunhofer-Institut für Silicatforschung ISC has been developing high-barrier coatings for various packaging applications based on a class of materials with glass-like structural units, named ORMOCER®. However, these state-of-the-art ORMOCER® coatings are not biodegradable. The aim of our work was to modify ORMOCER® to become biodegradable and, at the same time, preserve the barrier and functional properties. This was achieved by the incorporation of functionalized tamarind hemicellulose Glyate® into the ORMOCER® matrix. For this purpose a two-step amination reaction of Glyate® was chosen. The aminated product was analyzed by FTIR, solid-state NMR and elemental analysis. New aminated Glyate® containing bioORMOCER® lacquers could be synthesized. Lacquer quality assessment was performed by Raman spectroscopy. The properties of the resulting coatings were evaluated by laser scanning microscopy (LSM), oxygen transmission rates (OTR) measurements, E-Module determination and adhesion tests. Standardized tests for compostability, overall migration and antimicrobial properties were performed for the bioORMOCER® coatings. The evaluation showed that the new bioORMOCER® coatings are suitable for sustainable food packaging.