bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Elemental Associations in Stream and Alluvial Sediments of the Savinja and Voglajna Rivers (Slovenia, EU) as a Result of Natural Processes and Anthropogenic Activities
Authors: Žibret Gorazd
Published: July 2022

Stream and alluvial sediments of the Savinja and Voglajna rivers were sampled, and sediment fractions <0.063 and 0.063–0.125 mm were analyzed on the content of 60 of the main and trace elements. The objective was to determine elemental associations and identify possible sources of these associations. Differences of Al/Ti oxides ratio (9.7–26) can be attributed to the variations in the source rocks, while the K/Al oxides ratio indicates erosional or depositional river regime and variation in source rocks. One anthropogenic and three natural associations of elements were identified. The anthropogenic association (Ag, In, Sb, Cu, As, Zn, Pb, Cd, Bi, Mo and Sn) is linked to historic Zn smelting in the Celje area, and the subsequent erosion of the material from inadequately managed pyrometallurgical waste deposit. The second association (Li, Sc, Al, V, Cs and Ga) is linked to clay minerals, the third one (Mg, Ca and Te) to carbonate rocks, and the fourth one (Hf, Zr) to the heavy mineral fraction.
Acrylamide-Derived Ionome, Metabolic, and Cell Cycle Alterations Are Alleviated by Ascorbic Acid in the Fission Yeast
Authors: Kovár Marek , Navrátilová Alica , Kolláthová Renata , Trakovická Anna , Požgajová Miroslava
Published: July 2022

Acrylamide (AA), is a chemical with multiple industrial applications, however, it can be found in foods that are rich in carbohydrates. Due to its genotoxic and cytotoxic effects, AA has been classified as a potential carcinogen. With the use of spectrophotometry, ICP-OES, fluorescence spectroscopy, and microscopy cell growth, metabolic activity, apoptosis, ROS production, MDA formation, CAT and SOD activity, ionome balance, and chromosome segregation were determined in Schizosaccharomyces pombe. AA caused growth and metabolic activity retardation, enhanced ROS and MDA production, and modulated antioxidant enzyme activity. This led to damage to the cell homeostasis due to ionome balance disruption. Moreover, AA-induced oxidative stress caused alterations in the cell cycle regulation resulting in chromosome segregation errors, as 4.07% of cells displayed sister chromatid non-disjunction during mitosis. Ascorbic acid (AsA, Vitamin C), a strong natural antioxidant, was used to alleviate the negative impact of AA. Cell pre-treatment with AsA significantly improved AA impaired growth, and antioxidant capacity, and supported ionome balance maintenance mainly due to the promotion of calcium uptake. Chromosome missegregation was reduced to 1.79% (44% improvement) by AsA pre-incubation. Results of our multiapproach analyses suggest that AA-induced oxidative stress is the major cause of alteration to cell homeostasis and cell cycle regulation.
Noble Metal Complexes of a Bis-Caffeine Containing NHC Ligand
Authors: Bysewski Oliver , Winter Andreas , Liebing Phil , Schubert Ulrich S.
Published: July 2022

N-Heterocyclic carbenes (NHCs) have seen more and more use over the years. The go-to systems that are usually considered are derivatives of benzimidazole or imidazole. Caffeine possesses an imidazole unit and was already utilized as a carbene-type ligand; however, its use within a tridentate bis-NHC system has—to the best of our knowledge—not been reported so far. The synthesis of the ligand is straightforward and metal complexes are readily available via silver-salt metathesis. A platinum(II) and a palladium(II) complex were isolated and a crystal structure of the former was examined. For the Pt(II) complex, luminescence is observed in solid state as well as in solution.
Anti-Inflammatory and Anti-Rheumatic Potential of Selective Plant Compounds by Targeting TLR-4/AP-1 Signaling: A Comprehensive Molecular Docking and Simulation Approaches
Authors: Khan Ashrafullah , Khan Shafi Ullah , Khan Adnan , Shal Bushra , Rehman Sabih Ur , Rehman Shaheed Ur , Htar Thet Thet , Khan Salman , Anwar Sirajudheen , Alafnan Ahmed , Rengasamy Kannan RR
Published: July 2022

Plants are an important source of drug development and numerous plant derived molecules have been used in clinical practice for the ailment of various diseases. The Toll-like receptor-4 (TLR-4) signaling pathway plays a crucial role in inflammation including rheumatoid arthritis. The TLR-4 binds with pro-inflammatory ligands such as lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to induce the downstream signaling mechanism such as nuclear factor κappa B (NF-κB) and mitogen activated protein kinases (MAPKs). This signaling activation leads to the onset of various diseases including inflammation. In the present study, 22 natural compounds were studied against TLR-4/AP-1 signaling, which is implicated in the inflammatory process using a computational approach. These compounds belong to various classes such as methylxanthine, sesquiterpene lactone, alkaloid, flavone glycosides, lignan, phenolic acid, etc. The compounds exhibited different binding affinities with the TLR-4, JNK, NF-κB, and AP-1 protein due to the formation of multiple hydrophilic and hydrophobic interactions. With TLR-4, rutin had the highest binding energy (−10.4 kcal/mol), poncirin had the highest binding energy (−9.4 kcal/mol) with NF-κB and JNK (−9.5 kcal/mol), respectively, and icariin had the highest binding affinity (−9.1 kcal/mol) with the AP-1 protein. The root means square deviation (RMSD), root mean square fraction (RMSF), and radius of gyration (RoG) for 150 ns were calculated using molecular dynamic simulation (MD simulation) based on rutin’s greatest binding energy with TLR-4. The RMSD, RMSF, and RoG were all within acceptable limits in the MD simulation, and the complex remained stable for 150 ns. Furthermore, these compounds were assessed for the potential toxic effect on various organs such as the liver, heart, genotoxicity, and oral maximum toxic dose. Moreover, the blood–brain barrier permeability and intestinal absorption were also predicted using SwissADME software (Lausanne, Switzerland). These compounds exhibited promising physico-chemical as well as drug-likeness properties. Consequently, these selected compounds portray promising anti-inflammatory and drug-likeness properties.
Extraction and Fractionation of Prokinetic Phytochemicals from Chrozophora tinctoria and Their Bioactivities
Authors: Iqbal Arshad , Sher Ayaz Ali , Muhammad Naveed , Badshah Syed Lal , Emwas Abdul-Hamid , Jaremko Mariusz
Published: July 2022

Chrozophora tinctoria is an annual plant of the family Euphorbiaceae, traditionally used as a laxative, a cathartic and an emetic. A methanolic extract of Chrozophora tinctoria (MEC) whole plant and an n-butanol fraction of Chrozophora tinctoria (NBFC) were analyzed by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) to detect the phytochemicals. MEC and NBFC were tested for in vitro anti acetylcholinesterase (AChE) potential. The effect of both samples on intestinal propulsive movement and spasmolytic activity in the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) was also studied. About twelve compounds in MEC and three compounds in NBFC were tentatively identified through GC-MS. Some of them are compounds with known therapeutic activity, such as toluene; imipramine; undecane; 14-methyl-pentadecanoic acid methyl ester; and hexadecanoic acid. Both NBFC and MEC samples were checked for acute toxicity and were found to be highly toxic in a dose-dependent manner, causing diarrhea and emesis at 1 g/kg concentration in pigeons, with the highest lethargy and mortality above 3 g/kg. Both the samples of Chrozophora tinctoria revealed significant (p ≤ 0.01) laxative activity against metronidazole (7 mg/kg) and loperamide hydrochloride (4 mg/kg)-induced constipation. NBFC (81.18 ± 2.5%) and MEC (68.28 ± 2.4%) significantly increased charcoal meal intestinal transit compared to distal water (41.15 ± 4.3%). NBFC exhibited a significant relaxant effect (EC50 = 3.40 ± 0.20 mg/mL) in spontaneous rabbit jejunum as compared to MEC (EC50 = 4.34 ± 0.68 mg/kg). Similarly, the impact of NBFC on KCl-induced contraction was more significant than that of MEC (EC50 values of 7.22 ± 0.06 mg/mL and 7.47 ± 0.57 mg/mL, respectively). The present study scientifically validates the folk use of Chrozophora tinctoria in the management of gastrointestinal diseases such as constipation. Further work is needed to isolate the phytochemicals that act as diarrheal agents in Chrozophora tinctoria.
Total Polyphenols Content, Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Activities of Leaves of Solanum elaeagnifolium Cav. from Morocco
Authors: Bouslamti Mohammed , El Barnossi Azeddine , Kara Mohammed , Alotaibi Badriyah S. , Al Kamaly Omkulthom , Assouguem Amine , Lyoussi Badiaa , Benjelloun Ahmed Samir
Published: July 2022

Solanum elaeagnifolium is among the invasive plants of Morocco; studies on its chemical composition and biological activities are few in number in Morocco. S. elaeagnifolium has shown molluscicidal and nematicidal and cancer-inhibitory effects, anti-inflammatory, analgesic activity, and antibacterial activity. The objective of this research is to improve this plant and assess its antibacterial and antioxidant properties as well as its total polyphenolic content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC). The Folin-Ciocalteu method and the aluminium-trichloride method were used to determine TPC and TFC in hydro-ethanolic (HEE) and hydro-acetonic (HAE) leaf extract. Three assays were performed to determine the antioxidant activity: the DPPH test (radical 2,2’-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl), the FRAP test (Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power), and the TAC test. Disk diffusion and microdilution were used to test antibacterial activity against four pathogenic bacteria and Candida albicans. The hydro-ethanolic extract 2.54 ± 0.4 mg EAG/g has a greater polyphenol concentration than the hydro-acetonic extract 1.58 ± 0.03 mg EAG/g. Although the flavonoid content of the hydro-acetonic extract (0.067 ± 0.001 mg EQ/g) is larger than that of the hydro-ethanolic extract (0.012 ± 0.001 mg EQ/g), the flavonoid content of the hydro-ethanolic extract (0.012 ± 0.001 mg EQ/g). The DPPH values were IC-50 = 0.081 ± 0.004 mg/mL for hydro-ethanoic extract and 0.198 ± 0.019 mg/mL for hydro-acetonic extract, both extracts superior to BHT (0.122 ± 0.021 g/mL). While the FRAP assay showed a low iron-reducing power values for both extracts compared to BHT), the overall antioxidant activity of the two extracts was found to be considerable. The overall antioxidant activity of the hydro-ethanolic extract was 8.95 ± 0.42 mg EAA/g, whereas the total antioxidant activity of the hydro-acetonic extract was 6.44 ± 0.61 mg EAA/g. In comparison with the antibiotic Erythromycin, HAE and HEE from S. elaeagnifolium leaves demonstrated significant antibacterial action. HAE had the best inhibitory efficacy against Bacillus subtilis DSM 6333, with an inhibition diameter of 10.5 ± 0.50 mm and a MIC of 7.5 ± 0.00 mg/mL, as well as against Proteus mirabilis ATCC 29906, with an inhibitory diameter of 8.25 ± 0.75 mm and a MIC of 15 ± 0.00 mg/mL.
Membrane Permeabilization and Antimicrobial Activity of Recombinant Defensin-d2 and Actifensin against Multidrug-Resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Candida albicans
Authors: Gbala Ifeoluwa D. , Macharia Rosaline W. , Bargul Joel L. , Magoma Gabriel
Published: July 2022

Antimicrobial resistance requires urgent efforts towards the discovery of active antimicrobials, and the development of strategies to sustainably produce them. Defensin and defensin-like antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are increasingly gaining pharmacological interest because of their potency against pathogens. In this study, we expressed two AMPs: defensin-d2 derived from spinach, and defensin-like actifensin from Actinomyces ruminicola. Recombinant pTXB1 plasmids carrying the target genes encoding defensin-d2 and actifensin were generated by the MEGAWHOP cloning strategy. Each AMP was first expressed as a fusion protein in Escherichia coli, purified by affinity chromatography, and was thereafter assayed for antimicrobial activity against multidrug-resistant (MDR) pathogens. Approximately 985 µg/mL and 2895 µg/mL of recombinant defensin-d2 and actifensin, respectively, were recovered with high purity. An analysis by MALDI-TOF MS showed distinct peaks corresponding to molecular weights of approximately 4.1 kDa for actifensin and 5.8 kDa for defensin-d2. An in vitro antimicrobial assay showed that MDR Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Candida albicans were inhibited at minimum concentrations of 7.5 µg/mL and 23 µg/mL for recombinant defensin-d2 and actifensin, respectively. The inhibitory kinetics of the peptides revealed cidal activity within 4 h of the contact time. Furthermore, both peptides exhibited an antagonistic interaction, which could be attributed to their affinities for similar ligands, as deduced by peptide–ligand profiling. Moreover, both peptides inhibited biofilm formation, and they exhibited no resistance potential and low hemolytic activity. The peptides also possess the ability to permeate and disrupt the cell membranes of MDR P. aeruginosa and C. albicans. Therefore, recombinant actifensin and defensin-d2 exhibit broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity and have the potential to be used as therapy against MDR pathogens.
The Content of Phenolic Compounds and Mineral Elements in Edible Nuts
Authors: Woźniak Magdalena , Waśkiewicz Agnieszka , Ratajczak Izabela
Published: July 2022

Edible nuts are an important component of a healthy diet, and their frequent consumption has beneficial impact on human health, including reducing the risk of cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases. Moreover, various factors, including cultivar, climate, soil characteristic, storage and treatment have influence on the chemical composition of nuts. Therefore, nine tree nut types and peanuts commonly available on Polish market were evaluated for phenolic profile and mineral elements content. The concentration of individual phenolic compounds, including flavonoids, aromatic acids and caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) was determined by ultra-high pressure liquid chromatography, while the content of macro-elements and trace minerals was analyzed by atomic absorption spectrometry. The phenolic profile of analyzed nuts substantially varied depending on the type of nut. The highest total content of all analyzed flavonoids was determined in walnuts (114.861 µg/g), while the lowest in almonds (1.717 µg/g). In turn, the highest total content of all tested aromatic acid was determined in pecans (33.743 µg/g), and the lowest in almonds (0.096 µg/g). Epicatechin and cinnamic acid were detected in the highest concentration in tested nuts. Moreover, in examined nuts (except walnuts and Brazil nuts), the presence of CAPE was confirmed. The tested nuts were also characterized by wide variation in element concentrations. Almonds contained high concentration of macro-elements (13,111.60 µg/g), while high content of trace elements was determined in pine nuts (192.79 µg/g). The obtained results indicate that the tested nuts are characterized by a significant diversity in the content of both phenolic compounds and minerals. However, all types of nuts, apart from the well-known source of fatty acids, are a rich source of various components with beneficial effect on human health.
New Organoselenium (NSAIDs-Selenourea and Isoselenocyanate) Derivatives as Potential Antiproliferative Agents: Synthesis, Biological Evaluation and in Silico Calculations
Authors: Nie Yousong , Li Shaolei , Lu Ying , Zhong Min , Li Xiaolong , Zhang Youhong , He Xianran
Published: July 2022

In this study, we report on the synthesis of new organoselenium derivatives, including nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) scaffolds and Se functionalities (isoselenocyanate and selenourea), which were evaluated against four types of cancer cell line: SW480 (human colon adenocarcinoma cells), HeLa (human cervical cancer cells), A549 (human lung carcinoma cells), MCF-7 (human breast adenocarcinoma cells). Among these compounds, most of the investigated compounds reduced the viability of different cancer cell lines. The most promising compound 6b showed IC50 values under 10 μM against the four cancer cell lines, particularly to HeLa and MCF-7, with IC50 values of 2.3 and 2.5 μM, respectively. Furthermore, two compounds, 6b and 6f, were selected to investigate their ability to induce apoptosis in MCF-7 cells via modulation of the expression of anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 protein, pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-2) and proapoptotic caspase-3 protein. The redox properties of the NSAIDs-Se derivatives were conducted by 2, 2-didiphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), bleomycin-dependent DNA damage and glutathione peroxidase (GPx)-like assays. Finally, a molecular docking study revealed that an interaction with the active site of thioredoxin reductase 1 (TrxR1) predicted the antiproliferative activity of the synthesized candidates. Overall, these results could serve as a promising launch point for further designs of NSAIDs-Se derivatives as potential antiproliferative agents.
Proteome-Based Serotyping of the Food-Borne Pathogens Salmonella Enterica by Label-Free Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Wang Xixi , Chen Chen , Yang Yang , Wang Lian , Li Ming , Zhang Peng , Deng Shi , Liang Shufang
Published: July 2022

Food-borne diseases caused by Salmonella enterica of 2500 serovars represent a serious public health problem worldwide. A quick identification for the pathogen serovars is critical for controlling food pollution and disease spreading. Here, we applied a mass spectrum-based proteomic profiling for identifying five epidemiologically important Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serovars (Enteritidis, Typhimurium, London, Rissen and Derby) in China. By label-free analysis, the 53 most variable serovar-related peptides, which were almost all enzymes related to nucleoside phosphate and energy metabolism, were screened as potential peptide biomarkers, and based on which a C5.0 predicted model for Salmonella enterica serotyping with four predictor peptides was generated with the accuracy of 94.12%. In comparison to the classic gene patterns by PFGE analysis, the high-throughput proteomic fingerprints were also effective to determine the genotypic similarity among Salmonella enteric isolates according to each strain of proteome profiling, which is indicative of the potential breakout of food contamination. Generally, the proteomic dissection on Salmonella enteric serovars provides a novel insight and real-time monitoring of food-borne pathogens.
Microwave Irradiation as a Powerful Tool for the Preparation of n-Type Benzotriazole Semiconductors with Applications in Organic Field-Effect Transistors
Authors: Torres-Moya Iván , Harbuzaru Alexandra , Donoso Beatriz , Prieto Pilar , Ponce Ortiz Rocío , Díaz-Ortiz Ángel
Published: July 2022

In this work, as an equivocal proof of the potential of microwave irradiation in organic synthesis, a complex pyrazine-decorated benzotriazole derivative that is challenging to prepare under conventional conditions has been obtained upon microwave irradiation, thus efficiently improving the process and yields, dramatically decreasing the reaction times and resulting in an environmentally friendly synthetic procedure. In addition, this useful derivative could be applied in organic electronics, specifically in organic field-effect transistors (OFETs), exhibiting the highest electron mobilities reported to date for benzotriazole discrete molecules, of around 10−2 cm2V−1s−1.
Regulation Mechanism for Friction Coefficient of Poly(vinylphosphoric acid) (PVPA) Superlubricity System Based on Ionic Properties
Authors: Liu Mengmeng , Wang Lihui , Zhang Caixia , Cheng Yanhong , Yang Congbin , Liu Zhifeng
Published: July 2022

Adjustable lubrication aims to achieve active control of the relative motion of the friction interface, providing a new idea for intelligent operation. A new phenomenon of sudden changes of friction coefficient (COF) in the poly(vinylphosphoric acid) (PVPA) superlubricity system by mixing different lubricants, was found in this study. It was found that anions were the critical factor for the COF change. The change degrees of the COF were investigated by a universal micro tribometer (UMT). A quartz crystal microbalance (QCM)-D was used to analyze the adsorption quantity of anions on the PVPA surface. The hydratability of the PVPA interface was controlled by changing the anionic properties (the amount of charge and structure), thus regulating the COF. The adsorption difference of anions is an important reasoning of how anionic properties can regulate the hydratability. It was analyzed by molecular dynamics simulation. For anions carrying different numbers of charges or double bonds, the adsorption quantity of anions was mainly affected by the adsorption degree on the PVPA surface, while the adsorption quantity of anions with different molecular configuration was synergistically regulated by the adsorption degree and adsorption area of anions on the PVPA surface. This work can be used to develop smart surfaces for applications.
Optimization of Piezoresistive Strain Sensors Based on Gold Nanoparticle Deposits on PDMS Substrates for Highly Sensitive Human Pulse Sensing
Authors: Su Yu-Shun , Yang Wei-Rong , Jheng Wei-Wun , Kuo Watson , Tzeng Shien-Der , Yasuda Kiyokazu , Song Jenn-Ming
Published: July 2022

In this study, highly-sensitive piezoresistive strain sensors based on gold nanoparticle thin films deposited on a stretchable PDMS substrate by centrifugation were developed to measure arterial pulse waveform. By controlling carbon chain length of surfactants, pH value and particle density of the colloidal solutions, the gauge factors of nanoparticle thin film sensors can be optimized up to 677 in tensile mode and 338 in compressive mode, and the pressure sensitivity up to 350. Low pH and thin nanoparticle films produce positive influences to superior gauge factors. It has been demonstrated that nanoparticle thin film sensors on PDMS substrates were successfully applied to sense arterial pulses in different body positions, including wrist, elbow crease, neck, and chest.
Nanomaterials and Nanostructures Hand-In-Hand with Biology
Authors: Villaverde Gonzalo , Baeza Alejandro , Gómez-Graña Sergio
Published: July 2022

The nanoparticle’s synthesis had its tipping point at the beginning of the 21st century, opening up the possibility of manufacturing nanoparticles with almost every imaginable shape and size [...]
Meal Patterns of Older Adults: Results from the OUTDOOR ACTIVE Study
Authors: Stalling Imke , Albrecht Birte Marie , Foettinger Linda , Recke Carina , Bammann Karin
Published: July 2022

Eating habits have a substantial effect on health, not only because of consumed foods and nutrients, but also because of the regularity of meals. This study investigates meal patterns in older adults. Data from 1198 adults (52.8% female) aged between 65 and 75 years, who resided in Bremen, Germany, were included in this cross-sectional study. Using a self-administered questionnaire, daily meals were assessed and categorised into three meal pattern types: ‘regular eaters’ (eating at least three meals a day), ‘meal skippers’ (skipping one meal a day), and ‘irregular eaters’ (skipping more than one meal a day). Descriptive analyses were carried out, stratified by sex and meal pattern types. Most women and men were regular eaters (51.5% and 51.7%, respectively), 33.8% of women and 33.3% of men were meal skippers, and 14.7% of women and 15.0% of men were irregular eaters. Differences between meal patterns were seen with regard to socioeconomic status; self-rated health; body-mass index; hypertension; consumption of self-prepared meals; and consumption of whole-grain products, green vegetables, meat, and alcohol. The results provide first insights into possible associations between meal patterns and sociodemographic and health factors, and can benefit disease prevention and health promotion in older adults.
Polyphenols: Bioavailability, Microbiome Interactions and Cellular Effects on Health in Humans and Animals
Authors: Scott Michael B. , Styring Amy K. , McCullagh James S. O.
Published: July 2022

Polyphenolic compounds have a variety of functions in plants including protecting them from a range of abiotic and biotic stresses such as pathogenic infections, ionising radiation and as signalling molecules. They are common constituents of human and animal diets, undergoing extensive metabolism by gut microbiota in many cases prior to entering circulation. They are linked to a range of positive health effects, including anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibiotic and disease-specific activities but the relationships between polyphenol bio-transformation products and their interactions in vivo are less well understood. Here we review the state of knowledge in this area, specifically what happens to dietary polyphenols after ingestion and how this is linked to health effects in humans and animals; paying particular attention to farm animals and pigs. We focus on the chemical transformation of polyphenols after ingestion, through microbial transformation, conjugation, absorption, entry into circulation and uptake by cells and tissues, focusing on recent findings in relation to bone. We review what is known about how these processes affect polyphenol bioactivity, highlighting gaps in knowledge. The implications of extending the use of polyphenols to treat specific pathogenic infections and other illnesses is explored.
Co-Circulation of Different Hepatitis E Virus Genotype 3 Subtypes in Pigs and Wild Boar in North-East Germany, 2019
Authors: Priemer Grit , Cierniak Filip , Wolf Carola , Ulrich Rainer G. , Groschup Martin H. , Eiden Martin
Published: July 2022

Hepatitis E is a major cause of acute liver disease in humans worldwide. The infection is caused by hepatitis E virus (HEV) which is transmitted in Europe to humans primarily through zoonotic foodborne transmission from domestic pigs, wild boar, rabbits, and deer. HEV belongs to the family Hepeviridae, and possesses a positive-sense, single stranded RNA genome. This agent usually causes an acute self-limited infection in humans, but in people with low immunity, e.g., immunosuppressive therapy or underlying liver diseases, the infection can evolve to chronicity and is able to induce a variety of extrahepatic manifestations. Pig and wild boar have been identified as the primary animal reservoir in Europe, and consumption of raw and undercooked pork is known to pose a potential risk of foodborne HEV infection. In this study, we analysed pig and wild boar liver, faeces, and muscle samples collected in 2019 in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, north-east Germany. A total of 393 animals of both species were investigated using quantitative real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR), conventional nested RT-PCR and sequence analysis of amplification products. In 33 animals, HEV RNA was detected in liver and/or faeces. In one individual, viral RNA was detected in muscle tissue. Sequence analysis of a partial open reading frame 1 region demonstrated a broad variety of genotype 3 (HEV-3) subtypes. In conclusion, the study demonstrates a high, but varying prevalence of HEV RNA in swine populations in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania. The associated risk of foodborne HEV infection needs the establishment of sustainable surveillance and treatment strategies at the interface between humans, animals, and the environment within a One Health framework.
Advances in Mid-Infrared Single-Photon Detection
Authors: Dello Russo Stefano , Elefante Arianna , Dequal Daniele , Pallotti Deborah Katia , Santamaria Amato Luigi , Sgobba Fabrizio , Siciliani de Cumis Mario
Published: July 2022

The current state of the art of single-photon detectors operating in the mid-infrared wavelength range is reported in this review. These devices are essential for a wide range of applications, such as mid-infrared quantum communications, sensing, and metrology, which require detectors with high detection efficiency, low dark count rates, and low dead times. The technological challenge of moving from the well-performing and commercially available near-infrared single-photon detectors to mid-infrared detection is discussed. Different approaches are explored, spanning from the stoichiometric or geometric engineering of a large variety of materials for infrared applications to the exploitation of alternative novel materials and the implementation of proper detection schemes. The three most promising solutions are described in detail: superconductive nanowires, avalanche photodiodes, and photovoltaic detectors.
Seed Germination Ecology of Semiparasitic Weed Pedicularis kansuensis in Alpine Grasslands
Authors: Hu Jiedong , Li Kaihui , Deng Chengjun , Gong Yanming , Liu Yanyan , Wang Lei
Published: July 2022

The semiparasitic weed Pedicularis kansuensis Maxim. has rapidly spread in the alpine grasslands of northern China over the past twenty years and has caused serious ecological problems. In order to effectively halt the spread of this weed, a thorough understanding of the dormancy type and the seed-germination ecology of P. kansuensis is required. We have conducted a series of experiments to investigate the effects of plant growth regulators (gibberellin (GA3) and strigolactone synthesis (GR24)), as well as different abiotic (temperature, light, cold stratification, and drought) and biotic (aqueous extracts of three native dominant plants) factors on the seed-germination characteristics of P. kansuensis. The seed-germination percentages ranged from 2% to 62% at all of the temperatures that were examined, with the highest occurring at 25/10 °C. The light conditions did not significantly affect the germination percentage. The seed germination was greatly improved after two to eight weeks of cold stratification. The seed germination decreased dramatically with an increasing polyethylene glycol (PEG-6000) concentration, from 55% to 0%, under 10% and 20% PEG-6000. The seed germination was improved at a proper concentration of GA3, GR24, and the aqueous extracts of Festuca ovina L., Stipa purpurea L., and Leymus secalinus (Georgi) Tzvel. Furthermore, in the pot experiment, the seedling emergence of P. kansuensis was also improved by the cultivation of these three dominant grasses. These findings indicate that the dormancy type of P. kansuensis seeds is non-deep physiological dormancy, and such findings will help in paving the way for the creation of effective weed management strategies, based on a thorough knowledge of germination ecology.
Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi Induce Tolerance to Salinity Stress in Taro Plantlets (Colocasia esculenta L. Schott) during Acclimatization
Authors: Baltazar-Bernal Obdulia , Spinoso-Castillo José Luis , Mancilla-Álvarez Eucario , Bello-Bello Jericó Jabín
Published: July 2022

Soil salinity is a problem that affects soil fertility and threatens agri-food crop production worldwide. Biotechnology, through plant micropropagation and the use of biofertilizers such as arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF), is an alternative to increase productivity and induce tolerance to salinity stress in different crops. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of different doses of the fungus Glomus intraradices on the ex vitro development of taro (Colocasia esculenta L. Schott cv. Criolla) plantlets under salinity stress during the acclimatization stage. In vitro-obtained C. esculenta plantlets were inoculated at different doses (0, 100, and 200 spores per plantlet) of G. intraradices during acclimatization. At 60 d of acclimatization in the greenhouse, plantlets were exposed to 100 mM NaCl salinity stress for 10 d. After the stress period, plantlet development, colonization percentage, and biomass were evaluated. In addition, the content of chlorophyll, carotenoids, proteins, proline, glycine-betaine, soluble phenols, and antioxidant capacity were quantified. The results showed differences in the developmental, physiological, and biochemical variables evaluated; however, no changes in total protein content were observed. Spore colonization showed that the symbiotic association has positive effects on the development of plantlets with or without salinity stress. This symbiotic interaction contributes to salinity stress tolerance in C. esculenta plantlets. The early application of AMF in in vitro-obtained taro plantlets is an alternative to increase or maintain the productivity of this crop in saline soils.
Use of Repeated Measures Data Analysis for Field Trials with Annual and Perennial Crops
Authors: Pagliari Paulo , Galindo Fernando Shintate , Strock Jeffrey , Rosen Carl
Published: July 2022

Field studies conducted over time to collect any type of plant response to a set of treatments are often not treated as repeated measures data. The most used approaches for statistical analyses of this type of longitudinal data are based on separate analyses such as ANOVA, regression, or time contrasts. In many instances, during the review of manuscripts, reviewers have asked researchers to treat year, for example, as a random effect and ignore the interactions between year and other main effects. One drawback of this approach is that the correlation between measurements taken on the same subject over time is ignored. Here, we show that avoiding the covariance between measurements can induce erroneous (e.g., no differences reported when they exist, or differences reported when they actually do not exist) inference of treatment effects. Another issue that has received little attention for statistical inference of multi-year field experiments is the combination of fixed, random, and repeated measurement effects in the same statistical model. This type of analysis requires a more in-depth understanding of modeling error terms and how the statistical software used translates the statistical language of the given command into mathematical computations. Ignoring possible significant interactions among repeated, fixed, and random effects might lead to an erroneous interpretation of the data set. In this manuscript, we use data from two field experiments that were repeated during two and three consecutive years on the same plots to illustrate different modeling strategies and graphical tools with an emphasis on the use of mixed modeling techniques with repeated measures.
Bioprospects of Endophytic Bacteria in Plant Growth Promotion and Ag-Nanoparticle Biosynthesis
Authors: Singh Monika , Qureshi Kamal A. , Jaremko Mariusz , Rajput Minakshi , Singh Sandeep Kumar , Kaushalendra  , Pandey Kapil D. , Ferreira Luiz Fernando Romanholo , Kumar Ajay
Published: July 2022

In this study, five endophytic bacterial strains, namely Rhizobium pusense (MS-1), Bacillus cereus MS-2, Bacillus flexus (MS-3), Methylophilus flavus (MS-4), and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (MS-5), were used to investigate their potential role in the enhancement of growth yields of two types of tomato varieties, viz. hybrid and local, and in the biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). The inoculation of bacterial strains enhanced the root and shoot length, biomass, and leaf chlorophyll contents. The fruit weight of the tomato (kg/plant) was also higher in the bacteria inoculated plants of both hybrid and local varieties than in the control (untreated). A significant increase was recorded in the fruit yield (g/plant) in all the treatments, whereas Methylophilus flavus (MS-4) inoculated plants yielded nearly 2.5 times more fruit weight compared to the control in the hybrid variety and two times higher in the local variety. The response to M. flavus as a microbial inoculant was greater than to the other strains. Biosynthesis of Ag nanoparticles was also carried out using all five endophytic bacterial strains. The weakest producers of AgNPs were Rhizobium pusense (MS-1) and Methylophilus flavus (MS-4), while Bacillus cereus MS-2, Bacillus flexus (MS-3), and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (MS-5) were strong producers of AgNPs. Nanoparticles were further characterized using high-resolution scanning electron microscopy (HR-SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), UV-Vis spectrophotometry, and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis, and revealed cuboidal shaped AgNPs in the Bacillus cereus MS-2 strain. In addition, the biosynthesized AgNPs showed antibacterial activity against various pathogenic and endophytic bacterial strains.
Current State of Knowledge Regarding WHO Critical Priority Pathogens: Mechanisms of Resistance and Proposed Solutions through Candidates Such as Essential Oils
Authors: Badescu Bianca , Buda Valentina , Romanescu Mirabela , Lombrea Adelina , Danciu Corina , Dalleur Olivia , Dohou Angele Modupe , Dumitrascu Victor , Cretu Octavian , Licker Monica , Muntean Delia
Published: July 2022

The rise of multidrug-resistant (MDR) pathogens has become a global health threat and an economic burden in providing adequate and effective treatment for many infections. This large-scale concern has emerged mainly due to mishandling of antibiotics (ABs) and has resulted in the rapid expansion of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Nowadays, there is an urgent need for more potent, non-toxic and effective antimicrobial agents against MDR strains. In this regard, clinicians, pharmacists, microbiologists and the entire scientific community are encouraged to find alternative solutions in treating infectious diseases cause by these strains. In its “10 global issues to track in 2021”, the World Health Organization (WHO) has made fighting drug resistance a priority. It has also issued a list of bacteria that are in urgent need for new ABs. Despite all available resources, researchers are unable to keep the pace of finding novel ABs in the face of emerging MDR strains. Traditional methods are increasingly becoming ineffective, so new approaches need to be considered. In this regard, the general tendency of turning towards natural alternatives has reinforced the interest in essential oils (EOs) as potent antimicrobial agents. Our present article aims to first review the main pathogens classified by WHO as critical in terms of current AMR. The next objective is to summarize the most important and up-to-date aspects of resistance mechanisms to classical antibiotic therapy and to compare them with the latest findings regarding the efficacy of alternative essential oil therapy.
Biological Activities of Seven Medicinal Plants Used in Chiapas, Mexico
Authors: De La Cruz-Jiménez Liliana , Hernández-Torres Mario Alberto , Monroy-García Imelda N. , Rivas-Morales Catalina , Verde-Star María Julia , Gonzalez-Villasana Vianey , Viveros-Valdez Ezequiel
Published: July 2022

Seven medicinal plants from Chiapas, Mexico, used by Native Americans were analyzed, aiming to improve the understanding of their medicinal properties through the evaluation of various biological activities, i.e., bactericidal, antioxidant, α-glucosidase inhibition, and toxicity, to provide a scientific basis for the management of infectious and hyperglycemic diseases in the Mexican southeast. Plant extracts were obtained from Cordia dodecandra, Gaultheria odorata, Heliotropium angiospermum, Justicia spicigera, Leucaena collinsii spp. collinsii, Tagetes nelsonii, and Talisia oliviformis through maceration techniques using methanol and chloroform (1:1). Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) was employed to determine the antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Enterobacter faecalis, Escherichia coli, Enterobacter aerogenes, Enterobacter cloacae, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Pseudomonas aeuroginosa. The antiradical/antioxidant activity was determined by the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2’-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) assays and antihemolytic activity using the 2,2’-Azobis(2-amidinopropane) dihydrochloride radical (APPH). The anti-α-glucosidase activity was evaluated in vitro through the chromogenic PNPG assay. The toxicity was assessed using the brine shrimp lethality assay. The highest antimicrobial activity was displayed by T. nelsonii, mainly against E. faecalis and P. aeuroginosa. The extracts of L. collinsii, J. spicigera, and T. nelsonii possess antioxidant properties with EC50 < 50 μg/mL. J. spicigera and T. nelsonii extracts showed the highest antihemolytic activity with IC50 < 14 μg/mL. T. nelsonii exhibited a remarkable inhibitor effect on the α-glucosidase enzyme and the greatest toxic effect on Artemia salina with IC50 = 193 ± 20 μg/mL and LD50 = 14 ± 1 μg/mL, respectively. According to our results, G. odorata, J. spicigera, T. nelsonii, and T. oliviformis extracts contained active antimicrobial compounds. At the same time, T. nelsonii stands to be a possible source of effective antineoplastic and antihyperglycemic compounds.
Potential of the Liquid Fermentation of Fishery Waste by Paenibacillus elgii for Metalloprotease Production
Authors: Doan Chien Thang , Tran Thi Ngoc , Nguyen Minh Trung , Nguyen Huu Kien , Tran Thi Kim Thi , Nguyen Thi Hanh , Tran Thi Phuong Hanh , Nguyen Van Bon , Nguyen Anh Dzung , Wang San-Lang
Published: July 2022

This study attempted to use fishery processing wastes to produce protease by Paenibacillus elgii TKU051. Of the tested wastes, tuna head powder (THP) was found to be the most effective carbon and nitrogen (C/N) source, and the optimal conditions were as follows: 0.811% THP, 0.052% K2HPO4, 0.073% MgSO4, initial pH of 8.96, incubation temperature of 31.4 °C, and incubation time of 3.092 days to achieve the maximum protease activity of 2.635 ± 0.124 U/mL. A protease with a molecular weight of 29 kDa was purified and biochemically characterized. Liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry analysis revealed an amino acid sequence of STVHYSTR of P. elgii TKU051 protease, suggesting that the enzyme may belong to the M4 family of metalloproteases. The optimal activity of the enzyme was achieved at 60 °C and pH 8. P. elgii TKU051 protease was strongly inhibited by ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid and 1,10-phenanthroline, indicating its precise metalloprotease property. P. elgii TKU051 protease displayed the activity toward casein and raw fishery wastes such as tuna heads, tuna viscera, shrimp heads, and squid pens. Finally, the purified P. elgii TKU051 protease could improve the free-radical scavenging activity of fishery wastes. In short, P. elgii TKU051 has potential application in eco-friendly approaches to efficiently convert fishery wastes to metalloprotease.
In Silico Study: Combination of α-Mangostin and Chitosan Conjugated with Trastuzumab against Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2
Authors: Megantara Sandra , Wathoni Nasrul , Mohammed Ahmed Fouad Abdelwahab , Suhandi Cecep , Ishmatullah Maryam H. , Putri Melisa F. F. D.
Published: July 2022

Breast cancer is a type of cancer with the highest prevalence worldwide. Almost 10–30% of breast cancer cases are diagnosed as positive for HER2 (human epidermal growth factor receptor 2). The currently available treatment methods still exhibit many shortcomings such as a high incidence of side effects and treatment failure due to resistance. This in silico study aims to simulate α-mangostin and chitosan combination conjugated to trastuzumab formulation against HER2 as an effort to improve breast cancer patient therapy. This molecular docking simulation was done through using PatchDock Server. The materials used including the two-dimensional structure of α-mangostin, chitosan, and sodium tripolyphosphate from the PubChem database; trastuzumab FASTA sequence from the DrugBank database; and HER2 structure obtained from a crystal complex with PDB ID: 1N8Z. The results indicated that the particle of α-mangostin and chitosan combinations interacted mostly with the crystallizable fragment (Fc region) of trastuzumab in the conjugation process. The conjugation of trastuzumab to the particle of a combination of α-mangostin and chitosan resulted in the greatest increase in the binding score of the smallest-sized particles (50 Å) with an increase in the score of 3828 and also gave the most similar mode of interaction with trastuzumab. However, the conjugation of trastuzumab eliminated the similarity of the mode of interaction and increased the value of atomic contact energy. Thus, a cominbation of α-mangostin and chitosan conjugated to a trastuzumab formulation was predicted can increase the effectiveness of breast cancer therapy at a relatively small particle size but with the consequence of decreasing atomic contact energy.
Interfacial Dipole poly(2-ethyl-2-oxazoline) Modification Triggers Simultaneous Band Alignment and Passivation for Air-Stable Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Xi He , Song Zhicheng , Guo Yonggang , Zhu Weijia , Ding Lisong , Zhu Weidong , Chen Dazheng , Zhang Chunfu
Published: July 2022

To promote the performance of perovskite solar cells (PSCs), its theoretical power conversion efficiency (PCE) and high stability, elaborative defect passivation, and interfacial engineering at the molecular level are required to regulate the optoelectric properties and charge transporting process at the perovskite/hole transport layer (HTL) interfaces. Herein, we introduce for the first time a multifunctional dipole polymer poly(2-ethyl-2-oxazoline) (PEOz) between the perovskite and Spiro-OMeTAD HTL in planar n-i-p PSCs, which advances the PSCs toward both high efficiency and excellent stability by stimulating three beneficial effects. First, the ether–oxygen unshared electron pairs in PEOz chemically react with unsaturated Pb2+ on the perovskite surfaces by forming a strong Pb–O bond, which effectively reduces the uncoordinated defects on the perovskite surfaces and enhances the absorption ability of the resulting PSCs. Second, the dipole induced by PEOz at the perovskite/HTL interface can decrease the HOMO and LUMO level of Spiro-OMeTAD and optimize the band alignment between these layers, thereby suppressing the interfacial recombination and accelerating the hole transport/extraction ability in the cell. Third, the hygroscopic PEOz thin film can protect perovskite film from water erosion by absorbing the water molecules before perovskite does. Finally, the PEOz-modified PSC exhibits an optimized PCE of 21.86%, with a high short-circuit current density (Jsc) of 24.88 mA/cm2, a fill factor (FF) of 0.79, and an open-circuit voltage (Voc) of 1.11 V. The unencapsulated devices also deliver excellent operation stability over 300 h in an ambient atmosphere with a humidity of 30~40% and more than 10 h under thermal stress.
An Overview of In Vitro Drug Release Methods for Drug-Eluting Stents
Authors: Abbasnezhad Navideh , Zirak Nader , Champmartin Stéphane , Shirinbayan Mohammadali , Bakir Farid
Published: July 2022

The drug release profile of drug-eluting stents (DESs) is affected by a number of factors, including the formulation, design, and physicochemical properties of the utilized material. DES has been around for twenty years and despite its widespread clinical use, and efficacy in lowering the rate of target lesion restenosis, it still requires additional development to reduce side effects and provide long-term clinical stability. Unfortunately, for analyzing these implants, there is still no globally accepted in vitro test method. This is owing to the stent’s complexity as well as the dynamic arterial compartments of the blood and vascular wall. The former is the source of numerous biological, chemical, and physical mechanisms that are more commonly observed in tissue, lumen, and DES. As a result, universalizing bio-relevant apparatus, suitable for liberation testing of such complex implants is difficult. This article aims to provide a comprehensive review of the methods used for in vitro release testing of DESs. Aspects related to the correlation of the release profiles in the cases of in vitro and in vivo are also addressed.