bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Toxicity of isolated phenolic compounds from Acorus calamus L. to control Spodoptera litura (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) under laboratory conditions
Authors: Wiwattanawanichakun Phatcharaphon , Saehlee Siriwan , Yooboon Thitaree , Kumrungsee Nutchaya , Nobsathian Saksit , Bullangpoti Vasakorn
Published: January 2022

Background

Spodoptera litura (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), the tobacco cutworm, is an prominent agricultural pest. To reduce the use of chemical pesticides that cause health problems and that leave residue in the environment, some botanical pesticides have been developed. Our research aimed to evaluate the insecticidal efficacy of Acorus calamus L. extract for the control of S. litura under laboratory conditions.

Results

After 24 h of topical application, the A. calamus methanolic crude extract showed toxicity against secondary instar S. litura larvae (LD50 ~ 7.438 µg/larva). Chrysin (5,7-dihydroxy flavone), one of the isolated phenolic compounds, showed optimal control efficiency (LD50 ~ 2.752 µg/larva) and showed a reduction in carboxylesterase activities, which have detoxification reduction roles in larvae.

Conclusion

Chrysin in the crude extract of A. calamus may be an active compound to control this pest, and it may be applied as an alternative to minimize the usage of chemical insecticides.

Graphical Abstract
Analyses of the oil content, fatty acid composition, and antioxidant activity in seeds of Thlaspi arvense L. from different provenances and correlations with environmental factors
Authors: Liu Jingguo , Chen Min , Zhang Yuhong , Zheng Baojiang
Published: January 2022

Background

Pennycress (Thlaspi arvense L.) is an annual herbaceous plant of the Cruciferae family that has attracted attention as an oil crop and interseeded cover crop. We collected seeds of pennycress from five provenances in Northeast China, compared their characteristics, i.e. oil content, fatty acid composition, physical, chemical and antioxidant properties, their correlations with environmental factors were also analysed.

Results

There were significant differences in the seed characteristics, oil content, quality indicators and composition among different provenances (P < 0.05). The 1000-seed weight ranged from 0.80 to 1.03 g; seed oil content from 28.89 to 42.57%; iodine from 79.19 to 99.09; saponification value from 186.51 to 199.60; peroxide value from 0.07 to 10.60; and acid value from 0.97 to 13.02. The range of seed oil colours were 66.53–78.78 (L*), 4.51–10.29 (a*), and 105.68–121.35 (b*). Erucic acid (C22:1) was the fatty acids with the highest content in pennycress seed oils (31.12–35.31%), followed by linoleic acid (C18:2 16.92–18.95%) and α-linolenic acid (C18:3 14.05–15.34%). The fatty acid 8,11,14-eicosatrienoic acid (C20:3) was detected for the first time in seed oils from Beian city, Panshi city and Kedong county, with contents of 1.13%, 0.84% and 1.03%, respectively. We compare and report for the first time on the radical-scavenging activity of the seed oils of pennycress. The EC50 values of the DPPH radical-scavenging activity and ABTS+ radical-scavenging activity of the seed oils from different provenances were 8.65–19.21 mg/mL and 6.82–10.61 mg/mL, respectively. The ferric ion reduction antioxidant capacity (FRAP) ranged from 0.11 to 0.30 mmol Fe2+/g, which is equivalent to 4 mg/mL FeSO4 of pennycress seed oils.

Conclusions

There was a significant correlation between seed characteristics and changes in geographical factors. With increasing longitude, the thickness of seeds, 1000-seed weight, and seed oil content increased, while the acid and peroxide values of the seed oil decreased. As the latitude increased, the 1000-seed weight and seed oil content increased, while the seed oil peroxide value decreased. Furthermore, mean annual temperature and annual rainfall are the two key environmental factors affecting the quality of pennycress.

Graphical Abstract
Evaluation of metal nano-particles as growth promoters and fungi inhibitors for cereal crops
Authors: Hoang A. S. , Cong H. H. , Shukanov V. P. , Karytsko L. A. , Poljanskaja S. N. , Melnikava E. V. , Mashkin I. A. , Nguyen T. H. , Pham D. K. , Phan C. M.
Published: January 2022

Background

Nano-particles of metals can be routinely synthesized. The cereal seeds treatment with the particles can improve early growth and crop production. Moreover, the treatment is robust and economical.

Methods

Metal (Fe0, Cu0, Co0), zinc oxide (ZnO) and chitosan-stabilized silver nano-particles were synthesized and applied to cereal seeds. The germination rate, early plant development and inhibition effects on pathogenic fungi were quantified.

Results

It was found that all nano-particles had a positive effect on the development of healthy cereal seedlings. In particular, the length of the above-ground part of the seedlings was increased by 8–22%. The highest inhibition effect was observed on Helminthosporium teres with the application of Co0 and chitosan-Ag. Pre-sowing treatment with metal nano-particles reduced the number of infected grains by two times for wheat and 3.6 times for barley. The application also increases the chlorophylls and carotenoids in both uninfected and infected seedlings.

Conclusions

The results demonstrated a robust application of nano-particles in improving cereal production.

Graphical Abstract
Conventional agrochemicals towards nano-biopesticides: an overview on recent advances
Authors: Abdollahdokht Danial , Gao Yunhao , Faramarz Sanaz , Poustforoosh Alireza , Abbasi Mojtaba , Asadikaram Gholamreza , Nematollahi Mohammad Hadi
Published: January 2022

Pesticides are classified into several groups based on their structure, including fungicides, insecticides, herbicides, bactericides, and rodenticides. Pesticides are toxic to both humans and pests. For pest control, a very small amount of pesticides reach their target pests. Therefore, nearly all pesticides move through the environment and exert adverse effects on beneficial biota and public health. These chemicals pollute the water, soil, and atmosphere of the ecosystem. Agricultural workers in greenhouses and open fields, exterminators of house pests, and workers in the pesticide industry are occupationally exposed to pesticides. Pesticide exposure in the general population primarily happens through the consumption of food and water contaminated with pesticide residues; however, substantial exposure can also occur outside or inside the house. Currently, intelligent, responsive, biodegradable, and biocompatible materials have attracted considerable interest for the formulation of green, safe, and efficient pesticides. It was indicated that utilizing nanotechnology to design and prepare targeted pesticides with an environmentally responsive controlled release via chemical modifications and compounds offers great potential for creating new formulations. Furthermore, biopesticides include microbial pesticides, which are naturally happening biochemical pesticides. In addition, pesticidal substances generated by plants with added genetic materials, i.e., plant-incorporated protectants (PIPs), have emerged. Based on the foregoing evidence, various types of pesticides are summarized in this review for the first time. Here, new pesticides including nano-pesticides and biopesticides are discussed while focusing on the most recent findings on targeted and safe nano-formulated biopesticides and nano-pesticides.

Graphical Abstract
Antioxidant ability of Chenopodium formosanum extracted using an ethanol–ammonium sulfate two-phase system
Authors: Wang Wei-Hsun , Li Wei-Lin , Chen Cheng-You , Chang Min-Yun , Huang Shu-Ling , Shih Chia-Hung , Lin Yung-Sheng
Published: January 2022

Background

Chenopodium formosanum(CF) provides the human body with numerous nutritional components. This study used the two-phase system to identify an efficient method to obtain CF extracts. CF extraction was performed using an ethanol–ammonium sulfate two-phase system. The efficacy of different CF extracts with five types of antioxidant ability was tested and compared with traditional aqueous and alcohol extractions.

Results

The results showed that a separated top of the two-phase system extract had higher total phenol content (120.35 ± 5.80 mg gallic acid equivalent/g dry extract), total flavonoid content (447.06 ± 16.57 mg quercetin equivalent/g dry extract) and reducing ability (284.48 ± 4.60 mg vitamin C equivalent/g dry extract) than those of other extracts. Furthermore, the separated top of the two-phase system extract and the top of the two-phase system extract had higher 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl free radical scavenging ability and 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) free radical scavenging ability than those of the water extract, alcohol extract, bottom of two-phase system extract, and separated bottom of two-phase system extract.

Conclusions

The results indicate that CF has great potential for use in natural plant health supplements and skin care products and that the two-phase extraction system can yield an effective CF extract.

Graphical Abstract
Adapting the CACAO model to support higher education STEM teaching reform
Authors: Viskupic Karen , Earl Brittnee , Shadle Susan E.
Published: January 2022

Background

Efforts to achieve improved student outcomes in STEM are critically reliant on the success of reform efforts associated with teaching and learning. Reform efforts include the transformation of course-based practices, community values, and the institutional policies and structures associated with teaching and learning in higher education. Enacting change is a complex process that can be guided by change theories that describe how and why a desired change takes place. We analyzed the utility of a theory-based change model applied in a higher education setting. Our results provide guidance for change efforts at other institutions.

Results

Use of the CACAO model to guide the transformation of STEM instruction at a large public university resulted in changes to faculty teaching practices and department culture consistent with the vision defined for the project. Such changes varied across STEM departments in accordance with the emergent nature of project activities at the department level. Our application of the CACAO model demonstrates the importance of (1) creating a vision statement (statement of desired change or end-state); (2) attending to different levels of the organization (e.g., individuals, departments, and colleges); (3) working with change agents who are situated to be effective at different organizational levels; and (4) employing strategies to meet the needs and interests of faculty at different stages of adoption with respect to the desired change.

Conclusion

Our work, which demonstrates the utility of the CACAO model for change and captures its key elements in a matrix, provides a potential foundation for others considering how to frame and study change efforts. It reinforces the value of using change theories to inform change efforts and creates a structure that others can build on and modify, either by applying our CACAO matrix in their own setting or by using the matrix to identify elements that connect to other change theories. We contribute to the growing body of literature which seeks to understand how change theories can be useful and generalizable beyond a single project.
Numerical investigation of heat transfer in a garment convective cooling system
Authors: Zhang Yijie , Jia Juhong , Guo Ziyi
Published: January 2022

A personal microclimate management system is designed to maintain thermal comfort which allows people to overcome a harsh environment. It consists of several micro-fans placed in the garment side seam to provide cooling air. The computational fluid dynamics method was used to simulate the three-dimensional model and analysis the influence of fan’s number and air gap distance. The obtained results depict that the introduced cool airflow will find its way along paths with flow resistance minimized and exhaust through several separated exit. The body heat flux is taken away at the same time. The convection effect is enhanced by the increase in the fans’ numbers, but the fans’ cooling effect varies a lot because of various air gap distances. When the air gap is small enough, the cooling air impact the body surface directly and causes fierce heat loss. While the air gap distance is large enough, the heat transfer along the skin surface could be enhanced by the eddy flow which is existed in the air gap between body and garment. These phenomena can maintain the body’s thermal comfort in a suitable range.
Cytokinin-microbiome interactions regulate developmental functions
Authors: Gupta Rupali , Elkabetz Dorin , Leibman-Markus Meirav , Jami Elie , Bar Maya
Published: January 2022

Background

The interaction of plants with the complex microbial networks that inhabit them is important for plant health. While the reliance of plants on their microbial inhabitants for defense against invading pathogens is well documented, the acquisition of data concerning the relationships between plant developmental stage or aging, and microbiome assembly, is still underway. The plant hormone cytokinin (CK) regulates various plant growth and developmental processes. Here, examining the relationships between plant development and microbiome assembly, we observed developmental-age dependent changes in the phyllopshere microbiome. We show that age-related shifts in microbiome content vary based on content of, or sensitivity to, CK.

Results

We found a developmental age associated decline in microbial richness and diversity, accompanied by a decline in the presence of growth promoting and resistance inducing Bacilli in the phyllosphere. This decline was absent from CK-rich or CK-hypersensitive genotypes. Bacillus isolates we obtained from CK rich genotypes were found to alter the expression of developmental genes to support morphogenesis and alter the leaf developmental program when applied to seedlings, and enhance yield and agricultural productivity when applied to mature plants.

Conclusions

Our results support the notion that CK supports developmental functions in part via the bacterial community.
The Assessment, Management and Prevention of Calf Muscle Strain Injuries: A Qualitative Study of the Practices and Perspectives of 20 Expert Sports Clinicians
Authors: Green Brady , McClelland Jodie A. , Semciw Adam I. , Schache Anthony G. , McCall Alan , Pizzari Tania
Published: January 2022

Background

Despite calf muscle strain injuries (CMSI) being problematic in many sports, there is a dearth of research to guide clinicians dealing with these injuries. The aim of this study was to evaluate the current practices and perspectives of a select group of international experts regarding the assessment, management and prevention of CMSI using in-depth semi-structured interviews.

Results

Twenty expert clinicians working in elite sport and/or clinician-researchers specialising in the field completed interviews. A number of key points emerged from the interviews. Characteristics of CMSI were considered unique compared to other muscle strains. Rigor in the clinical approach clarifies the diagnosis, whereas ongoing monitoring of calf capacity and responses to loading exposure provides the most accurate estimate of prognosis. Athlete intrinsic characteristics, injury factors and sport demands shaped rehabilitation across six management phases, which were guided by key principles to optimise performance at return to play (RTP) while avoiding subsequent injury or recurrence. To prevent CMSI, periodic monitoring is common, but practices vary and data are collected to inform load-management and exercise selection rather than predict future CMSI. A universal injury prevention program for CMSI may not exist. Instead, individualised strategies should reflect athlete intrinsic characteristics and sport demands.

Conclusions

Information provided by experts enabled a recommended approach to clinically evaluate CMSI to be outlined, highlighting the injury characteristics considered most important for diagnosis and prognosis. Principles for optimal management after CMSI were also identified, which involved a systematic approach to rehabilitation and the RTP decision. Although CMSI were reportedly difficult to prevent, on- and off-field strategies were implemented by experts to mitigate risk, particularly in susceptible athletes.
The Effect of Pedal Pump Lymphatic Technique Versus Passive Recovery Following Maximal Exercise: A Randomized Cross-Over Trial
Authors: DiFrancisco-Donoghue Joanne , Chan Thomas , Jensen Alexandra S. , Docherty James E. B. , Grohman Rebecca , Yao Sheldon C.
Published: January 2022

Context

Muscle damage and delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) can occur following intense exercise. Various modalities have been studied to improve blood lactate accumulation, which is a primary reason for DOMS. It has been well established that active recovery facilitates blood lactate removal more rapidly that passive recovery due to the pumping action of the muscle. The pedal pump is a manual lymphatic technique used in osteopathic manipulative medicine to increase lymphatic drainage throughout the body. Pedal pump has been shown to increase lymphatic flow and improve immunity. This may improve circulation and improve clearance of metabolites post-exercise.

Objective

This study compared the use of pedal pump lymphatic technique to passive supine recovery following maximal exercise.

Methods

17 subjects (male n = 10, age 23 ± 3.01; female n = 7, age 24 ± 1.8), performed a maximal volume O2 test (VO2 max) using a Bruce protocol, followed by a recovery protocol using either pedal pump technique or supine passive rest for 10 min, followed by sitting for 10 min. Outcome measures included blood lactate concentration (BL), heart rate (HR), systolic blood pressure (SBP) and VO2. Subjects returned on another day to repeat the VO2 max test to perform the other recovery protocol. All outcomes were measured at rest, within 1- minute post-peak exercise, and at minutes 4, 7, 10 and 20 of the recovery protocols. A 2 × 6 repeated measures ANOVA was used to compare outcome measures (p ≤ 0.05).

Results

No significant differences were found in VO2, HR, or SBP between any of the recovery protocols. There was no significant difference in BL concentrations for recovery at minutes 4, 7, or 10 (p > 0.05). However, the pedal pump recovery displayed significantly lower BL concentrations at minute 20 of recovery (p = 0.04).

Conclusion

The pedal pump significantly decreased blood lactate concentrations following intense exercise at recovery minute 20. The use of manual lymphatic techniques in exercise recovery should be investigated further.
A pilot study investigating the relationship between heart rate variability and blood pressure in young adults at risk for cardiovascular disease
Authors: Bolin Linda P. , Saul Amelia D. , Bethune Scroggs Lauren L. , Horne Carolyn
Published: January 2022

Background

Cardiovascular disease is one of the leading causes of death globally with hypertension being a primary cause of premature death from this disease process. Individuals with a family history of cardiovascular disease and hypertension are at a greater risk for developing the same sequela. Autonomic cardiac control is important in the level of cardiac function. One intervention that is effective in improving cardiovascular function is heart rate variability biofeedback training. The purpose of our study was to determine the effectiveness of heart rate biofeedback training on HRV and blood pressure in individuals with a family history of cardiovascular disease.

Methods

Thirty-four participants (76.5% female, 22.7 ± 4.3 years) completed a baseline assessment and training using an established short-term HRV protocol followed by two weeks of at-home paced breathing employing a smartphone application. The participants were then reassessed in a biofeedback clinic.

Results

The participants physiological measures showed a significant increase in means between pre and post intervention of SDNN (t (32) = 2.177, p =.037) and TP, (t (32) = 2.327 p = .026). Correlation noted a medium effect on diastolic blood pressure and high frequency heart rate variability, F, r = .41, n =33, p < .05. A multiple regression with all predictor variables in the model found no significance with diastolic and systolic blood pressure.

Conclusions

The findings from this pilot study demonstrated that a two-week paced breathing intervention may assist in reducing heart rate and diastolic blood pressure while improving heart rate variability.
The sociodemographic and clinical profile of children with an autism spectrum disorder in the oriental region of Morocco
Authors: Oneib Bouchra , Fajoui Younes , El Ghazouani Fatima
Published: January 2022

Background

The objective of our study is to assess the clinical profile of autistic children in Morocco and the cultural perception of their parents. We collect data with a standard questionnaire on 130 children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). They were recruited from child psychiatry consultation in the hospital for mental health from 2017 to 2019. This questionnaire assesses the socio-demographic characteristics of children and parents, personal and family medical history, the progress of pregnancy and childbirth. For each child, we determined the developmental age, signs of autism, the comorbidities, the nature of the treatment, the evolution. We complete the examination with parents' perception and attitude towards autism.

Results

The age of diagnosis was 3.4 years. The sex ratio in our study was 4.6. A low rate of children screened by general practitioners (4.6%). Language impairment was the main reason for the consultation, followed by social withdrawal and stereotypies. 75% of the children benefited from multidisciplinary care. The autism age of screening was significantly lower among families belonging to medium and high socioeconomic status (F = 11.233; p = 0.001).

Acceptance of diagnosis was present in 83% of cases, while 73.6% were involved in the care. Only 24% of parents thought that autism etiology is genetic, 75.4% notice improvement with age, and 80.2% consider it a source of family suffering.

Conclusions

These findings underscore the sociodemographic and clinical profile of children with ASD in the oriental region in Morocco. It could be relevant for early screening, intervention, and guidance for families with children having these conditions.
Medicinal herbs as a panacea for biogenic silver nanoparticles
Authors: Hiba Habeeb , Thoppil John E.
Published: January 2022

Background

Scientists created a new area known as "green nanotechnology" by combining the concept of sustainability with nanotechnology. Its goal is to eliminate the use of chemicals in nanoparticle manufacturing by replacing them with plant-based materials. Green synthesis is promoted as the best alternative to the traditional method of nanoparticle synthesis in this new domain. Plants that constitute a major portion of our biodiversity are embraced with inherent potentiality to be transformed as miracle medicine due to its phytochemicals. These phytochemicals efficiently replace the classical wet chemical ingredients involved in nanoparticle synthesis by upgrading to greener method for its synthesis. By incorporating plant-based sources as the chief ingredient of nanoparticle synthesis, we are able to reduce the hazards of greenhouse gas emissions and enlighten the insights of our scientific community with nanotechnology for green innovation. Hence, this review simultaneously aims at promoting plant extracts as the most efficient as well as renewable recipe for green synthesis of silver nanoparticles and preparing earth for a greener tomorrow.

Methodology

Scientific articles and publications were selected from reputed journals and sorted out with pertinent keywords of this review. Electronic sources like Google Scholar, PubMed, Research Gate, Science Direct, Wiley Online Library, Web of Science and Scopus were searched for potential articles and recent breakthroughs published in the area of silver nanoparticle synthesis via green chemistry and biological methods using plant extracts. Scientific names of medicinal plants were checked using botanical databases like Plant List and International Plant Names Index.

Conclusion

This review pinpoints on empowering better life on earth by protecting it from hazardous effects of conventional nanotechnological production through replacing the former with sustainable green synthesis approach. Ergo, it outlines that by incorporating plant-based sources as the chief ingredient of nanoparticle synthesis, we are able to reduce the hazards of greenhouse gas emissions in turn by slowing down increasing climate change disasters globally and enlighten the insights of our scientific community with nanotechnology for green innovation.
Production, characterization, and antitumor efficiency of l-glutaminase from halophilic bacteria
Authors: Gomaa Eman Zakaria
Published: January 2022

Background

Halophiles are an excellent source of enzymes that are not only salt stable, but also can withstand and carry out reaction efficiently under extreme conditions. l-glutaminase has attracted much attention with respect to proposed applications in several fields such as pharmaceuticals and food industries. The aim of the present study was to investigate the anticancer activity of l-glutaminase produced by halophilic bacteria. Various halophilic bacterial strains were screened for extracellular l-glutaminase production. An attempt was made to study the optimization, purification, and characterization of l-glutaminase from Bacillus sp. DV2-37. The antitumor activity of the produced enzyme was also investigated.

Results

The potentiality of 15 halophilic bacterial strains isolated from the marine environment that produced extracellular l-glutaminase was investigated. Bacillus sp. DV2-37 was selected as the most potent strain and optimized for enzyme production. The optimization of fermentation process revealed that the highest enzyme activity (47.12 U/ml) was observed in a medium supplemented with 1% (w/v) glucose as a carbon source, 1% (w/v) peptone as a nitrogen source, 5% (w/v) NaCl, the initial pH was 7.0, at 37 °C, using 20% (v/v) inoculum size after 96 h of incubation. The produced crude enzyme was partially purified by ammonium sulfate precipitation and dialysis. Of the various parameters tested, pH 7, 40 °C, and 5% NaCl were found to be the best for l-glutaminase activity. The enzyme also exhibited high salt and temperature stability. The antitumor effect against human breast (MCF-7), hepatocellular (HepG-2), and colon (HCT-116) carcinoma cell lines revealed that l-glutaminase produced by Bacillus sp. DV2-37 showed potent cytotoxic activity of all the tested cell lines in a dose-dependent manner with an IC50 value of 3.5, 3.4, and 3.8 µg/ml, respectively.

Conclusions

The present study proved that l-glutaminase produced by marine bacteria holds proper features and it has a high potential to be useful for many therapeutic applications.
Perception of mucormycosis infection among Bangladeshi healthcare workers: an exploratory cross-sectional study in the year following the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Kabir Humayun , Hasan Md. Kamrul , Rahman Mamunur , Akter Shimpi , Chowdhury Golam Ishraque , Bhuya Mohammad Toyabur Rahaman , Mitra Dipak Kumar
Published: January 2022

Background

Mucormycosis, a severe fungal infection, is an emerging public health concern during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study aimed to investigate the perception of mucormycosis among Bangladeshi healthcare workers.

Results

An exploratory cross-sectional study was carried out among the Bangladeshi healthcare workers from May 25, 2021, to June 5, 2021. The study found 422 responses from the healthcare workers of Bangladesh. Among the respondents, nearly half of them (45.26%) were doctors (n = 191). This study explored that the healthcare workers’ mucormycosis perception scores were significantly associated with their age, gender, profession, monthly income, marital status, job type, and death of friends and family members due to COVID-19.

Conclusions

This study emphasized the healthcare workers’ mucormycosis perception along with other associated factors. The findings could help policymakers to mitigate mucormycosis and related infectious diseases emergencies in the post-COVID-19 situation.
Management of large multiple oral papillary lesions suspected Acanthosis Nigricans: a case report
Authors: Zhao Min
Published: January 2022

Background

Papillary oral pathologies are a heterogenous group. Both virus-associated and non-virus-associated, malignant and benign entities may enter the differential diagnosis. In some cases, oral papillary lesions are part of a variety of skin or systemic disorders and syndromes. It is a challenge for clinicians to identify and treat the various etiology of oral papillary lesions.

Case presentation

This case report describes the successful management of large multiple oral papillary lesions in a 65-year-old female. Combined the clinical features, pathological findings and medical history, the patient was tended to be the diagnosis of Acanthosis Nigricans and was successfully managed. The neuro-endocrine-immune network and mechanical factors in the pathogenesis of oral papillary lesions of Acanthosis Nigricans were discussed. Common questions regarding differential diagnosis, the management of oral papillary lesions of Acanthosis Nigricans patients and follow-up visits are addressed.

Conclusions

The neuro-endocrine-immune network and mechanical factors play important roles in the pathogenesis of oral papillary lesions with Acanthosis Nigricans. Removing traumatic factors of oral mucosa and the treatment of underlying systemic diseases is necessary for Acanthosis Nigricans patients with oral papillary lesions. The clinical management plan should comprise both the local treatments of oral papillary lesions and the systemic treatment of underlying diseases. Multidisciplinary correlation is helpful and the patient’s collaboration is necessary to arrive at the correct diagnosis and successful long-term treatment effect. From the clinician’s perspective, recognizing various causes and clinical presentations of oral papillary lesions will help guide management.
Modulation of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) gut microbiota composition and predicted metabolic capacity by feeding diets with processed black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) larvae meals and fractions
Authors: Weththasinghe Pabodha , Rocha Sérgio D. C. , Øyås Ove , Lagos Leidy , Hansen Jon Ø. , Mydland Liv T. , Øverland Margareth
Published: January 2022

Background

Black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) is a promising insect species to use as a novel ingredient in fish feeds. Black soldier fly larvae consists of three major fractions, namely protein, lipid, and exoskeleton. These fractions contain bioactive compounds that can modulate the gut microbiota in fish such as antimicrobial peptides, lauric acid, and chitin. However, it is not certain how, or which fractions of black solider fly would affect gut microbiota in fish. In the present study, black soldier fly larvae were processed into three different meals (full-fat, defatted and de-chitinized) and two fractions (oil and exoskeleton), and included in diets for Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar). Atlantic salmon pre-smolts were fed with these diets in comparison with a commercial-like control diet for eight weeks to investigate the effects of insect meals and fractions on the composition and predicted metabolic capacity of gut microbiota. The gut microbiota was profiled by 16S rRNA gene sequencing, and the predicted metabolic capacities of gut microbiota were determined using genome-scale metabolic models.

Results

The inclusion of insect meals and fractions decreased abundance ofProteobacteriaand increased abundance ofFirmicutesin salmon gut. The diets that contained insect chitin, i.e., insect meals or exoskeleton diets, increased abundance of chitinolytic bacteria including lactic acid bacteria andActinomycesin salmon gut, with fish fed full-fat meal diet showing the highest abundances. The diets that contained insect lipids, i.e., insect meals and oil diets enrichedBacillaceaein fish gut. The fish fed diets containing full-fat insect meal had a unique gut microbiota composition dominated by beneficial lactic acid bacteria andActinomyces,and showed a predicted increase in mucin degradation compared to the other diets.

Conclusions

The present results showed that the dietary inclusion of insect meals and fractions can differently modulate the composition and predicted metabolic capacity of gut microbiota in Atlantic salmon pre-smolts. The use of full-fat black soldier fly larvae meal in diets for salmon is more favorable for beneficial modulation of gut microbiota than larvae processed by separation of lipid or exoskeleton fractions.
Nixtamal techniques for different maize races prepared as tortillas and tostadas by women of Chiapas, Mexico
Authors: Palacios-Pola Gabriela , Perales Hugo , Estrada Lugo Erin I. J. , Figueroa-Cárdenas Juan de Dios
Published: January 2022

Nixtamalization, which means cooking maize in alkaline water, is the central technique for the culinary use of maize in Mexico and Central America. Without this procedure, relying on maize as the basic starch staple is inadequate because of nutriment deficiencies. Mexico has more than 50 principal racial types of maize, and these differ in grain qualities that can require the adjustment of the nixtamalization process. Properties such as hardness and grain composition influence nixtamalization because they are related to the absorption of water that occurs during cooking and steeping. Some maize preparations, like tortillas and tostadas, can also require the adjustment of nixtamalization to obtain a high-quality foodstuff. We studied how women in three regions of the state of Chiapas, which differ in the prevalent maize race available, prepare their nixtamal and whether they make changes according to the type of food they prepare. Interviews of 30 women follow the measure of relevant variables when the women prepared nixtamal. We found that nixtamalization is adjusted for different grain hardnesses and for environmental conditions. Variations were found in the cooking time of the nixtamal, in the amount of time the nixtamal was steeped, and in a special process of double boiling of the nixtamal performed by some women for tostadas. Women that specialize in production for the market have developed variations preferred by consumers. As practiced by women in Chiapas, nixtamalization is a flexible technique that is adjusted for maize type and for food preparations.
Toxicity evaluation of collagen hydrolysates from chrome shavings and their potential use in the preparation of amino acid fertilizer for crop growth
Authors: Zhao Li , Mu Shengdong , Wang Weixiang , Gu Haibin
Published: January 2022

Resource utilization of chrome shavings (CS) has attracted a lot of attention from scientists and technologists in leather industry. Especially, the collagen hydrolysates extracted from CS are expected to find potential application values in agricultural field. However, there is no biotoxicity analysis of collagen hydrolysates from CS. Herein, the collagen hydrolysates with different molecular weights were produced from CS by three hydrolysis dechroming methods including alkaline hydrolysis, enzymatic hydrolysis and alkaline-enzymatic synergistic hydrolysis, and the optimal hydrolysis process of CS was designed and conducted. To evaluate their toxicity, the three collagen hydrolysates were formulated into a nutrient solution for zebrafish development. The obtained results indicated that the hydrolysates with low concentrations (less than 0.6 mg/mL) were safe and could promote the development for zebrafish embryos. Furthermore, the three collagen hydrolysates were utilized as organic nitrogen sources and formulated into amino acid water-soluble fertilizers (AAWSF) including alkaline type fertilizer (OH), enzymatic type fertilizer (M) and alkaline-enzymatic type fertilizer (OH–M) for the early soilless seeding cultivation of wheat, soybean and rapeseed. It is worth mentioning that the chromium contents in the prepared AAWSF were less than 10 mg/kg, which is far less than the limit value in the standard (China, 50 mg/kg). The growth and development of seedlings (germination rate, plant height, fresh weight of leaves, soluble sugar content and chlorophyll content) were investigated. The corresponding results showed that the growth of seedlings watered with AAWSF was better compared with the other treatments, and the OH–M fertilizer had the best promoting effect on the seedlings growth and development, followed by the M and OH fertilizers. The safe toxicity assessment of the collagen hydrolysates will expand their application scope, and the use of collagen hydrolysates extracted from CS for seedlings growth also provides an effective and reasonable way to deal with the chromium-containing leather solid waste, which is an effective way to realize its resource utilization.

Graphical Abstract
Supporting the development of scientific understanding when constructing an evolving explanation
Authors: Novak Ann M. , Treagust David F.
Published: January 2022

We explore how students developed an integrated understanding of scientific ideas and how they applied their understandings in new situations. We examine the incremental development of 7th grade students’ scientific ideas across four iterations of a scientific explanation related to a freshwater system. We demonstrate that knowing how to make use of scientific ideas to explain phenomena needs to be learned just as developing integrated understanding of scientific ideas needs to be learned. Students participated in an open-ended, long-term project-based learning unit, constructing one explanation over time to address, “How healthy is our stream for freshwater organisms and how do our actions on land potentially impact the water quality of the stream?” The explanation developed over several weeks as new data were collected and analyzed. Students discussed evidence by revisiting scientific ideas and including new scientific ideas. This research investigates two questions: (1) As students engage in writing a scientific explanation over time, to what extent do they develop integrated understanding of appropriate scientific ideas? and (2) When writing about new evidence, do these earlier experiences of writing explanations enable students to make use of new scientific ideas in more sophisticated ways? In other words, do earlier experiences allow students to know how to make use of their ideas in these new situations? The results indicated statistically significant effects. Through various iterations of the explanation students included richer discussion using appropriate scientific ideas. Students were also able to make better use of new knowledge in new situations.
A revised analysis of current and emerging Nano suspension technological approaches for cardiovascular medicine
Authors: Pilli Gayathri Devi , Elumalai Karthikeyan , Muthukumar Vijey Aanandhi , Sundaram Palani Shanmuga
Published: January 2022

Background

This is an objective critique to give an in-depth description of Nano suspensions. This article is attempting to address the issue of whether or not Nano science is realistic with respect to price, with regards to item costs being added to the endeavor and Lipotropic drugs have proven to be rewarding and Lipo-immunotherapy has proven to be beneficial. In modern times, drug marketing and promotion have become crucial to efficient commercializing of successful molecules, pharmaceutical companies often work to increase the chances of promoting successful drugs, these included cardiovascular drugs because of their widespread usage.

Main body

Nano suspension is a Nano metric Colloidal Suspension system i.e., Nano suspensions, in the solid form reaches the bloodstream and Nanoparticle colloids readily available to the target cells. All research on Nanostructures is focused on the four primary dimensions, composition, homogeneity, heterogeneity, elasticity, and agglomeration. Researchers are devising ways to deliver medication and other substances to a damaged cell and diseased region, as well as diagnose the body to pinpoint disease and defects, by way of Nanotechnology.

Short conclusions

The vital analysis of Nano science experiment on Nano suspension is working to achieve the goal of reducing product cost by using Nanotechnology in product development, as it wants to examine the probability of development by utilizing Nanotechnology. The usage of the top-limited technology allows the development of cardiovascular drugs classified under the biopharmaceutical classification system (Class II and Class IV) to use two approaches namely top-down and bottom-up methods.
Therapeutic potential of policosanol in the concurrent management of dyslipidemia and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Arora Mandeep K. , Pandey Sudhanshu , Tomar Ritu , Sahoo Jagannath , Kumar Dinesh , Jangra Ashok
Published: January 2022

Background

High-fat diet (HFD) possesses a major cause of cardiovascular disease, and hepatosteatosis. Unfortunately, long-term use of statins has a theoretical possibility of worsening of hepatic histology in the patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The objective of the study was to explore hepatoprotective potential of policosanol as an alternative to statins in experimental NAFLD. For the same, young male Wistar rats were fed with HFD for 8 weeks to induce NAFLD. 48 adult Wistar rats were distributed into six investigational groups: normal control, HFD control, and four treatment groups, receiving policosanol (50 and 100 mg/kg/day), atorvastatin (30 mg/kg/day), and silymarin (100 mg/kg/day) for 8 weeks along with HFD.

Result

HFD consumption caused profound hepatotoxicity evident by hepatic oxidative stress, increased Serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (SGOT), Serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase (SGPT), Alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and bilirubin content. Treatment with policosanol (100 mg/kg) markedly reduced the elevated SGOT, SGPT, and ALP levels in HFD-fed rats. Moreover, policosanol significantly reduced hepatic oxidative stress manifest by reduced malondialdehyde (MDA) and increased glutathione (GSH) level. The treatment with policosanol (100 mg/kg) was found to be more active in attenuating the HFD-induced hepatotoxicity as compared to policosanol (50 mg/kg) and atorvastatin (30 mg/kg). Moreover, we observed that the hepatoprotective potential of policosanol was comparable to the silymarin.

Conclusions

The results of the study clearly indicated that the policosanol could be considered an intriguing approach for the treatment of NAFLD.
HCV co-infection is related to acute ischemic severity and outcome
Authors: Masoud Mohammed M. , Sayed Hany A. , El Masry Hatem A. , Abdelkareem Shaimaa A.
Published: January 2022

Background and aim

HCV infection is associated with increased risk of ischemic cerebral stroke. HCV stroked patients are younger with a lower burden of classical risk factors and higher levels of systemic inflammation. The present study aimed to discover the association between HCV infection functional outcome of stroke.

Patients and methods

The present prospective study included 60 patients with acute ischemic stroke. All patients were subjected to careful history taking and through clinical and neurological examination. Stroke severity at presentation was assessed using National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS). Quantitative HCV RNA test was used to diagnose HCV infection. The prognosis of the studied patients was 3 months after treatment using modified Rankin scale (mRS) for neurologic disability.

Results

The present study was conducted on 60 patients with ischemic stroke. They comprised 13 patients (21.7%) with HCV and 47 patients without. Stroke patients with HCV had significantly higher frequency of carotid artery stenosis, higher NIHSS (17.9 ± 6.9 versus 9.9 ± 5.3, p < 0.001) and higher frequency of severe stroke (46.1% versus 4.3%, p = 0.001) when compared with patients without HCV. Logistic regression analysis identified patients’ sex, NIHSS and HCV as significant predictors of outcome in univariate analysis. However, in multivariate analysis, only NIHSS proved to be significant.

Conclusions

The present study suggests a significant link between chronic HCV infection and ischemic stroke severity and poor outcome. This is probably related to the pathogenic effects of the chronic inflammatory state induced by HCV infection on the cerebral microvasculature.
The use of Telenomus remus (Nixon, 1937) (Hymenoptera: Scelionidae) in the management of Spodoptera spp.: potential, challenges and major benefits
Authors: Colmenarez Yelitza Coromoto , Babendreier Dirk , Ferrer Wurst Francisco Ramón , Vásquez-Freytez Carlos Luis , de Freitas Bueno Adeney
Published: January 2022

Spodoptera frugiperda(Smith, 1797) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), also known as fall armyworm (FAW) is a polyphagous pest which can cause significant losses and is considered a global threat to different crops and a risk to food security. Currently, in maize, the pest is predominantly controlled by pesticides or transgenic events. However, the use of biological control agents is considered the most sustainable and preferred method of control, providing high effectiveness. Among the various natural enemies reported for FAW, the egg parasitoidTelenomus remushas gained most interest, and has been mass released against FAW in the Americas for many years. In addition to FAW, other armyworms of the genusSpodopteraoften cause high crop damage and may be controlled usingT. remus. Among other important aspects, this paper presents a review onT. remusmass rearing techniques, estimated costs of mass production, and release strategies. Due to the recent invasion of FAW in Africa, Asia, and AustraliaT. remusprovides good opportunities for the establishment of an augmentative biological control program, reinforcing sustainable production of major crops such as maize in affected countries.
Perioperative Management of Pheochromocytomas and Sympathetic Paragangliomas
Authors: Fagundes Gustavo F C , Almeida Madson Q
Published: January 2022

Pheochromocytomas and paragangliomas (PPGLs) are rare neuroendocrine tumors arising from chromaffin cells of the adrenal medulla or extra-adrenal paraganglia, respectively. PPGLs have the highest degree of heritability among endocrine tumors. Currently, ~40% of individuals with PPGLs have a genetic germline and there are at least 12 different genetic syndromes related to these tumors. Metastatic PPGLs are defined by the presence of distant metastases at sites where chromaffin cells are physiologically absent. Approximately 10% of pheochromocytomas and ~40% of sympathetic paragangliomas are linked to metastases, explaining why complete surgical resection is the first-choice treatment for all PPGL patients. The surgical approach is a high-risk procedure requiring perioperative management by a specialized multidisciplinary team in centers with broad expertise. In this review, we summarize and discuss the most relevant aspects of perioperative management in patients with pheochromocytomas and sympathetic paragangliomas.