bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of Acetaminophen Contamination on 5-Methylcytosine Content in Zea mays and Plant Physiological Parameters
Authors: Kudrna Jiří , Popov Marek , Hnilička František , Lhotská Marie , Zemanová Veronika , Vachová Pavla , Kubeš Jan , Česká Jana , Tunklová Barbora
Published: June 2023

Zea mays L. plants were exposed to acetaminophen (APAP). Experiments were conducted in an experimental greenhouse with semi-controlled conditions. Experimental plants were grown in concentrations of APAP of 0, 200, 400, 600, 800, and 1000 mg L−1 for 14 days in an NFT hydroponic system. The impact of APAP contamination was observed on photosynthetic rate, water potential, proline content, and levels of 5-methylcytosine (5 mC%). The results showed that the selected parameters were influenced by different concentrations of APAP. High concentrations of APAP caused a decrease in transpiration rate, stomatal conductance, and water use efficiency. The water potential between the control and highest APAP concentration value increased by 388%. An upward trend of 5 mC% levels was observed, growing with APAP contamination. A 51% growth of 5 mC% was found between the control variant and the highest 1000 mg L−1 APAP contaminated variant. In most of the observed parameters, between 600 mg L−1 and 800 mg L−1 of APAP treatments, a turning point was shown with a noticeable increase in the stress in experimental plants according to the changes in the monitored parameters.
Evaluation of Wheat Genotypes under Water Regimes Using Hyperspectral Reflectance and Agro-Physiological Parameters via Genotype by Yield*Trait Approaches in Sakha Station, Delta, Egypt
Authors: Darwish Mohamed , Elkot Ahmed , Elfanah Ahmed , Selim Adel , Yassin Mohamed , Abomarzoka Elsayed , El-Maghraby Maher , Rebouh Nazih , Ali Abdelraouf
Published: June 2023

Drought is an environmental abiotic stress that diminishes wheat production worldwide. In the present study, we evaluated fifty bread wheat genotypes (arranged in alpha lattice design) under two main water regimes, water-deficit (two surface irrigations) and well-watered (four irrigations), at different sites in two consecutive cropping seasons, 2019/20 and 2020/21. To identify the drought-tolerant genotypes, utilized several selection/phenotyping criteria, including agronomic traits, e.g., grain yield (GY) and yield components (SM); physiological parameters such as canopy temperature (CT), leaf transpiration rate (TRN), intercellular CO2 concentration (INCO); spectral reflectance indices, e.g., Leaf Chlorophyll Index (LCI), curvature index (CI), and normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI); and stress tolerance indices (STI) were determined concurrently with the grain yield. The results revealed significant differences (p ≤ 0.01) among the environments, genotypes, and their interaction for grain yield (GY), days to heading (DH), days to maturity (DM), grain filling period (GFP), grain filling rate (GFR), Normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), plant height (PH), and spikes per square meter (SM). The genotype plus genotype by environment (GGE) and genotype by yield*trait (GYT) biplot techniques indicated that Genotype 37 (Sakha 95) and Genotype 45 performed best under well-watered and water-deficit environments. Furthermore, the same genotypes were the best from the genotype by stress tolerance indices (GSTI) approach view. Genotype 37 (Sakha 95) was superior to the GYT selection method, with physiological parameters and spectral reflectance indices. Likewise, we can identify this genotype as low-water-tolerant based on GSTI, GYT, and SRI results and recommend involving it in the drought breeding program.
Construction and Functional Evaluation of CRISPR/Cas9 Multiple Knockout Vectors of the FAD2 Gene Family
Authors: Zhang Qi , Liu Lu , Xiao Zhifeng , Sun Yuwei , Xi Yongjing , Sun Tingting , Wang Jiabao , Wang Piwu
Published: June 2023

Soybean oil is a traditional edible oil. Increasing the oleic acid content is an important direction of soybean breeding. The soybean FAD2 family consists of seven genes that regulate how oleic acid is converted into linoleic acid. Five genes of the soybean FAD2 gene family, GmFAD2-1B, GmFAD2-1A, GmFAD2-2B, GmFAD2-2C, and GmFAD2-2D, were taken as target genes in this study. Firstly, a multivalent CRISPR/Cas9 gene-editing vector was constructed to regulate FAD2 gene expression. Multiple knockout vectors were inserted into the soybean varieties JN38, T6098, and T7010 using Agrobacterium-mediated soybean cotyledon transformation. The functional analysis, agronomic character analysis, and comparison of the mutant lines of the offspring of different genotypes indicated that the JN38 mutant was significantly taller in terms of plant height than the receptor JN38. The fatty acid content of the three groups showed the same trend. The fatty acid contents of mutant plants were higher than those of recipient plants, and the linoleic acid contents of mutant plants were lower than those of recipient plants. The best-performing among the three groups was the JN38 mutant, whose oleic acid content increased from 18.58% to 54.07% and whose linoleic acid content decreased from 57.79% to 26.17%. In conclusion, the knockout expression of multiple FAD2 genes increased the soybean oleic acid content and decreased the linoleic acid content in different receptors.
Real-Time Detection System of Broken Corn Kernels Based on BCK-YOLOv7
Authors: Wang Qihuan , Yang Haolin , He Qianghao , Yue Dong , Zhang Ce , Geng Duanyang
Published: June 2023

Accurately and effectively measuring the breaking quality of harvested corn kernels is a critical step in the intelligent development of corn harvesters. The detection of broken corn kernels is complicated during the harvesting process due to turbulent corn kernel movement, uneven lighting, and interference from numerous external factors. This paper develops a deep learning-based detection method in real time for broken corn kernels in response to these issues. The system uses an image acquisition device to continuously acquire high-quality corn kernel image data and cooperates with a deep learning model to realize the rapid and accurate recognition of broken corn kernels. First, we defined the range of broken corn kernels based on image characteristics captured by the acquisition device and prepared the corn kernel datasets. The corn kernels in the acquired image were densely distributed, and the highly similar features of broken and whole corn kernels brough challenges to the system for visual recognition. To address this problem, we propose an improved model called BCK-YOLOv7, which is based on YOLOv7. We fine-tuned the model’s positive sample matching strategy and added a transformer encoder block module and coordinate attention mechanism, among other strategies. Ablation experiments demonstrate that our approach improves the BCK-YOLOv7 model’s ability to learn effectively broken corn kernel features, even when high-density features are similar. The improved model achieved a precision rate of 96.9%, a recall rate of 97.5%, and a mAP of 99.1%, representing respective improvements of 3.7%, 4.3%, and 2.8% over the original YOLOv7 model. To optimize and deploy the BCK-YOLOv7 model to the edge device (NVIDIA Jetson Nano), TensorRT was utilized, resulting in an impressive inference speed of 33 FPS. Finally, the simulation system experiment for corn kernel broken rate detection was performed. The results demonstrate that the system’s mean absolute deviation is merely 0.35 percent compared to that of manual statistical results. The main contribution of this work is the fact that this is the first time that a set of deep learning model improvement strategies and methods are proposed to deal with the problem of rapid and accurate corn kernel detection under the conditions of high density and similar features.
Field Screening of Lentil (Lens culinaris) for High-Temperature Tolerance
Authors: Delahunty Audrey J. , Brand Jason D. , Nuttall James G.
Published: June 2023

Lentil production in arable, Mediterranean-type climates is limited by acute high temperature (HT) commonly occurring during the reproductive stage. With changing climate and greater weather extremes, there is a need to increase the HT tolerance of lentil to sustain production, and global germplasm provides adaptation opportunities. The current study assessed 81 genotypes for HT tolerance from a range of global climatic zones. Field screening of germplasm was undertaken over two consecutive years (2014 and 2015), in southern Australia, using a late-sowing approach, which included a subset of 22 genotypes that were screened in both years. Partially shaded temperature treatments within a split-plot arrangement were used to generate two different HT profiles. Stress indices, i.e., the yield stability index (YSI), the stress tolerance index (STI), and a third proposed high-temperature tolerance index (HTTI), were applied to rank the HT tolerance of germplasm. In 2014, under field conditions associated with natural temperature ranges that were favorable for screening, the following five landraces with increased temperature tolerance were identified: AGG 73838, AGG 70118, AGG 70951, AGG 70156, and AGG 70549. Among the 10 commercial varieties tested, one variety (i.e., cv. Nipper) was observed to have HT tolerance. For the YSI, which had the greatest amount of consistency in response across the 2 years (11 of the 22 genotypes), there were two genotypes (AGG 71457 and Nipper) which maintained their yield stability. These results demonstrate the opportunity that germplasm provides to improve the adaptation of lentil to HT. Ultimately, the late-sowing approach is one possible methodology to integrate into contemporary breeding programs for improving adaptation of lentil within Mediterranean-type environments.
Enhancing Soil Remediation of Copper-Contaminated Soil through Washing with a Soluble Humic Substance and Chemical Reductant
Authors: Wang Lina , Wei Jing , Yang Lu , Chen Yun , Wang Mengjie , Xiao Liang , Yuan Guodong
Published: June 2023

The bioavailability and mobility of copper (Cu) in soil play a crucial role in its toxicity and impact on soil organisms. Humic substances, with their abundant functional groups and unique pore structure, have demonstrated the ability to effectively mitigate the toxic effects of heavy metals in soil. This study explores the potential of a soluble humic substance (HS) derived from leonardite for Cu removal from contaminated soils. The effects of various washing conditions, such as concentration and washing cycles, on removal efficiency were assessed. The results showed that a single washing with HS solution achieved an optimal removal efficiency of 37.5% for Cu in soil, with a subsequent reuse achieving a removal efficiency of over 30.5%. To further enhance Cu removal efficiency, a two-step soil washing approach using a chemical reductant NH2OH·HCl coupled with an HS solution (NH2OH·HCl + HS) was employed, resulting in an increased removal efficiency to 53.0%. Furthermore, this approach significantly reduced the plant availability and bioaccessibility of Cu by 13.6% and 11.4%, respectively. Compared to a single washing with NH2OH·HCl, both HS and NH2OH·HCl + HS increased the soil pH and organic matter content. These findings suggest that the two-step soil-washing approach using NH2OH·HCl + HS effectively removed Cu from polluted soil. This study demonstrates the potential of humic substances as environmentally friendly materials for remediating heavy metal-polluted soil, promoting green and sustainable applications in soil remediation practices.
Combined Small RNA and Degradome Sequencing Reveals Important Roles of Light-Responsive microRNAs in Wild Potato (Solanum chacoense)
Authors: Qiao Yan , Yang Fang , Li Qian , Ren Panrong , An Peipei , Li Dan , Xiao Junfei
Published: June 2023

The accumulation of chlorophyll and antinutritional glycoalkaloids in potato tubers resulting from exposure to light has been widely recognized as a cause of unpredictable quality loss of potato tuber. While transcriptional regulation of light-induced chlorophyll and glycoalkaloids accumulation has been extensively investigated, the mechanisms of post-transcriptional regulation through miRNA remain largely unexplored. An experimental model, the tubers of Solanum chacoense, were used to identify light-responsive miRNA–target interactions (MTIs) related to tuber greening and glycoalkaloid biosynthesis by employing multi-omics approaches (miRNA-seq and degradome-seq). A total of 732 unique mature miRNAs have been identified in S. chacoense. In total, 6335 unique target transcripts were cleaved by 489 known miRNAs and 153 novel miRNAs. The results revealed that light-responsive miRNAs can be grouped into eight temporally related clusters and play important roles in various physiological processes such as plant growth, stress responses, and primary and secondary metabolism. Multi-omics analyses have revealed that the modulation of transcript abundance of MYB59, HSPs, and EBF1/EBF2 by light-responsive miRNAs is pivotal for their function in cross-tolerance responses to both abiotic and biotic stresses. Furthermore, our findings suggest that many light-responsive miRNAs are crucial regulators in various biosynthetic pathways, including tetrapyrrole biosynthesis, suberin biosynthesis, and steroid biosynthesis. These findings highlight the significant role of light-responsive miRNAs in secondary metabolic pathways, particularly in isoprenoid, terpenoid, and glycoalkaloid biosynthesis, and have implications for the precise manipulation of metabolic pathways to produce new potato varieties with improved resistance to greening and lower glycoalkaloid levels.
Postharvest Preservation of Flammulina velutipes with Isoamyl Isothiocyanate
Authors: Zhu Peilin , Wang Peng , Teng Qian , Chen Tong , Tian Guoting , Yao Chunxin , Yalimaimaiti Nuerziya , Liu Qinghong
Published: June 2023

Flammulina velutipes was treated with 10, 50, and 250 μL L−1 isoamyl isothiocyanate (IAITC), and effects on quality preservation were assessed. IAITC displayed positive effects during the storage of F. velutipes: (i) maintained tissue integrity, reduced weight loss rates; (ii) reduced browning degree by inhibiting the activities of browning-related enzymes; (iii) enhanced activities of two antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase and catalase) and increased ascorbic acid content; (iv) ameliorated microbial spoilage by inhibiting bacterial growth, especially Serratia, a major bacterial community on the surface of F. velutipes; (v) enhanced chitin content and thereby maintained structural integrity; and (vi) maintained levels of Asp, Glu, linoleic acid, and polyunsaturated fatty acids. In conclusion, IAITC reduced catalase activity and total phenolic content in F. velutipes during storage. The most suitable concentration of IAITC in the preservation of F. velutipes was 50 µL L−1.
Characterization of the Antibacterial Activity of Quinone-Based Compounds Originating from the Alnumycin Biosynthetic Gene Cluster of a Streptomyces Isolate
Authors: Sagurna Leonie , Heinrich Sascha , Kaufmann Lara-Sophie , Rückert-Reed Christian , Busche Tobias , Wolf Alexander , Eickhoff Jan , Klebl Bert , Kalinowski Jörn , Bandow Julia E.
Published: June 2023

Bacteria of the genus Streptomyces produce various specialized metabolites. Single biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs) can give rise to different products that can vary in terms of their biological activities. For example, for alnumycin and the shunt product K115, antimicrobial activity was described, while no antimicrobial activity was detected for the shunt product 1,6-dihydro 8-propylanthraquinone. To investigate the antibacterial activity of 1,6-dihydro 8-propylanthraquinone, we produced alnumycin and 1,6-dihydro 8-propylanthraquinone from a Streptomyces isolate containing the alnumycin BGC. The strain was cultivated in liquid glycerol–nitrate–casein medium (GN), and both compounds were isolated using an activity and mass spectrometry-guided purification. The structures were validated via nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. A minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) test revealed that 1,6-dihydro 8-propylanthraquinone exhibits antimicrobial activity against E. coli ΔtolC, B. subtilis, an S. aureus type strain, and a vancomycin intermediate-resistance S. aureus strain (VISA). Activity of 1,6-dihydro 8-propylanthraquinone against E. coli ΔtolC was approximately 10-fold higher than that of alnumycin. We were unable to confirm gyrase inhibition for either compound and believe that the modes of action of both compounds are worth reinvestigating.
Antibiotic Utilization in Acute Pancreatitis: A Narrative Review
Authors: Severino Andrea , Varca Simone , Airola Carlo , Mezza Teresa , Gasbarrini Antonio , Franceschi Francesco , Candelli Marcello , Nista Enrico Celestino
Published: June 2023

Acute pancreatitis is a complex inflammatory disease with significant morbidity and mortality. Despite advances in its management, the role of antibiotics in the prophylaxis and treatment of acute pancreatitis remains controversial. The aim of this comprehensive review is to analyze current evidence on the use of antibiotics in acute pancreatitis, focusing on prophylactic and therapeutic strategies. Prophylactic use aims to prevent local and systemic infections. However, recent studies have questioned the routine use of antibiotics for prophylaxis and highlighted the potential risks of antibiotic resistance and adverse effects. In selected high-risk cases, such as infected necrotizing pancreatitis, prophylactic antibiotic therapy may still be beneficial. As for therapeutic use, antibiotics are usually used to treat infected pancreatic necrosis and extrapancreatic infections. When selecting an antibiotic, the microbiologic profile and local resistance patterns should be considered. Combination therapy with broad-spectrum antibiotics is often recommended to cover both Gram-positive and Gram-negative pathogens. Recent research has highlighted the importance of individualized approaches to antibiotic use in acute pancreatitis and underscored the need for a tailored approach based on patient-specific factors. This review also highlights the potential role of new antimicrobial agents and alternative strategies, such as probiotics, in the management of acute pancreatitis.
Phylogeny, Virulence, and Antimicrobial Resistance Gene Profiles of Enterococcus faecium Isolated from Australian Feedlot Cattle and Their Significance to Public and Environmental Health
Authors: Messele Yohannes E. , Trott Darren J. , Hasoon Mauida F. , Veltman Tania , McMeniman Joe P. , Kidd Stephen P. , Petrovski Kiro R. , Low Wai Y.
Published: June 2023

The extent of similarity between E. faecium strains found in healthy feedlot beef cattle and those causing extraintestinal infections in humans is not yet fully understood. This study used whole-genome sequencing to analyse the antimicrobial resistance profile of E. faecium isolated from beef cattle (n = 59) at a single feedlot and compared them to previously reported Australian isolates obtained from pig (n = 60) and meat chicken caecal samples (n = 8), as well as human sepsis cases (n = 302). The E. faecium isolated from beef cattle and other food animal sources neither carried vanA/vanB responsible for vancomycin nor possessed gyrA/parC and liaR/liaS gene mutations associated with high-level fluoroquinolone and daptomycin resistance, respectively. A small proportion (7.6%) of human isolates clustered with beef cattle and pig isolates, including a few isolates belonging to the same sequence types ST22 (one beef cattle, one pig, and two human isolates), ST32 (eight beef cattle and one human isolate), and ST327 (two beef cattle and one human isolate), suggesting common origins. This provides further evidence that these clonal lineages may have broader host range but are unrelated to the typical hospital-adapted human strains belonging to clonal complex 17, significant proportions of which contain vanA/vanB and liaR/liaS. Additionally, none of the human isolates belonging to these STs contained resistance genes to WHO critically important antimicrobials. The results confirm that most E. faecium isolated from beef cattle in this study do not pose a significant risk for resistance to critically important antimicrobials and are not associated with current human septic infections.
Genomic Analysis of Mycobacterium tuberculosis Strains Resistant to Second-Line Anti-Tuberculosis Drugs in Lusaka, Zambia
Authors: Chizimu Joseph Yamweka , Solo Eddie Samuneti , Bwalya Precious , Kapalamula Thoko Flav , Mwale Kaemba Kunkuta , Squarre David , Shawa Misheck , Lungu Patrick , Barnes David Atomanyi , Yamba Kaunda , Mufune Tiza , Chambaro Herman , Kamboyi Harvey , Munyeme Musso , Hang’ombe Bernard Mudenda , Kapata Nathan , Mukonka Victor , Chilengi Roma , Thapa Jeewan , Nakajima Chie , Suzuki Yasuhiko
Published: June 2023

The emergence of pre-extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis (pre-XDR-TB) is a threat to TB control programs in developing countries such as Zambia. Studies in Zambia have applied molecular techniques to understand drug-resistance-associated mutations, circulating lineages and transmission patterns of multi-drug-resistant (MDR) Mycobacterium tuberculosis. However, none has reported genotypes and mutations associated with pre-XDR TB. This study characterized 63 drug-resistant M. tuberculosis strains from the University Teaching Hospital between 2018 and 2019 using targeted gene sequencing and conveniently selected 50 strains for whole genome sequencing. Sixty strains had resistance mutations associated to MDR, one polyresistant, and two rifampicin resistant. Among MDR strains, seven percent (4/60) had mutations associated with pre-XDR-TB. While four, one and nine strains had mutations associated with ethionamide, para-amino-salicylic acid and streptomycin resistances, respectively. All 50 strains belonged to lineage 4 with the predominant sub-lineage 4.3.4.2.1 (38%). Three of four pre-XDR strains belonged to sub-lineage 4.3.4.2.1. Sub-lineage 4.3.4.2.1 strains were less clustered when compared to sub-lineages L4.9.1 and L4.3.4.1 based on single nucleotide polymorphism differences. The finding that resistances to second-line drugs have emerged among MDR-TB is a threat to TB control. Hence, the study recommends a strengthened routine drug susceptibility testing for second-line TB drugs to stop the progression of pre-XDR to XDR-TB and improve patient treatment outcomes.
The Clinical Characteristics, Microbiology and Risk Factors for Adverse Outcomes in Neonates with Gram-Negative Bacillary Meningitis
Authors: Ou-Yang Mei-Chen , Tsai Ming-Horng , Chu Shih-Ming , Chen Chih-Chen , Yang Peng-Hong , Huang Hsuan-Rong , Chang Ching-Min , Fu Ren-Huei , Hsu Jen-Fu
Published: June 2023

Background: We aimed to describe the clinical features of Gram-negative bacillary (GNB) meningitis in neonates and investigate the risk factors associated with final adverse outcomes of neonatal GNB meningitis. Methods: From 2003 to 2020, all neonates (aged ≤ 90 days old) with bacterial meningitis who were hospitalized in four tertiary-level neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) of two medical centers in Taiwan were enrolled. Neonates with GNB meningitis were compared with those with Streptococcus agalactiae (group B streptococcus, GBS) meningitis. Results: During the study period, a total of 153 neonates with bacterial meningitis were identified and enrolled. GNB and GBS accounted for 40.5% (n = 62) and 35.3% (n = 54) of all neonatal bacterial meningitis, respectively. In neonates with GNB meningitis, the final mortality rate was 6.5% (4 neonates died); 48 (77.4%) had neurological complications, and 26 (44.8%) of 58 survivors had neurological sequelae at discharge. Although the final outcomes were comparable between neonates with GNB meningitis and those with GBS meningitis, neonates with GNB meningitis were more likely to have more severe clinical manifestations initially and have ventriculomegaly at follow-up. After multivariate logistic regression analysis, neonates with seizure at onset, early onset sepsis, and requirement of surgical intervention for neurological complications were independently associated with final adverse outcomes. Conclusions: GNB meningitis was associated with a high risk of neurological complications and sequelae, although it did not significantly increase the final mortality rate. Close monitoring of the occurrence of neurological complications and advanced therapeutic strategies to optimize the outcomes are urgently needed in the future.
Emergence of Carbapenem-Resistant Gram-Negative Isolates in Hospital Settings in Djibouti
Authors: Ragueh Ayan Ali , Aboubaker Mohamed Houmed , Mohamed Sitani Idriss , Rolain Jean-Marc , Diene Seydina M.
Published: June 2023

Introduction: The antimicrobial resistance (AMR) of bacteria is increasing rapidly against all classes of antibiotics, with the increasing detection of carbapenem-resistant isolates. However, while growing prevalence has been reported around the world, data on the prevalence of carbapenem resistance in developing countries are fairly limited. In this study, we investigated and determined the resistance rate to carbapenems among multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria (MDR-GNB) isolated in Djibouti and characterized their resistance mechanisms. Results: Of the 256 isolates, 235 (91.8%) were identified as Gram-negative bacteria (GNB). Of these GNBs, 225 (95.7%) isolates exhibited a multidrug resistance phenotype, and 20 (8.5%) isolates were resistant to carbapenems, including 13 Escherichia coli, 4 Acinetobacter baumannii, 2 Klebsiella pneumoniae and 1 Proteus mirabilis. The most predominant GNB in this hospital setting were E. coli and K. pneumoniae species. Carbapenemase genes such as blaOXA-48 and blaNDM-5 were identified, respectively, in six and four E. coli isolates, whereas the carbapenemase blaNDM-1 was identified in three E. coli, two K. pneumoniae, one P. mirabilis and one A. baumannii. Moreover, three A. baumannii isolates co-hosted blaOXA-23 and blaNDM-1. Materials and Methods: A total of 256 clinical strains collected between 2019 and 2020 were identified using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight (MALDI-TOF). Antibiotic susceptibility testing was performed using disk diffusion and E-test methods. Real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), standard PCR and sequencing were used to investigate genes encoding for extended-spectrum-β-lactamases, carbapenemases and colistin resistance genes. Conclusions: We report, for the first time, the presence of MDR-GNB clinical isolates and the emergence of carbapenem-resistant isolates in Djibouti. In addition to performing antimicrobial susceptibility testing, we recommend phenotypic and molecular screening to track the spread of carbapenemase genes among clinical GNB isolates.
Whole Genome Sequencing for Studying Helicobacter pylori Antimicrobial Resistance
Authors: Fernández-Caso Belén , Miqueleiz Ana , Alarcón Teresa
Published: June 2023

Antibiotic resistance (AMR) is an alarming concern worldwide and Helicobacter pylori, one of the most prevalent bacteria, is not an exception. With antibiotics being its primary therapy, increasing resistance leads to a higher rate of treatment failure. Understanding the genomic mechanisms of resistance to clarithromycin, levofloxacin, metronidazole, amoxicillin, tetracycline, and rifampicin through next-generation sequencing-based molecular tools, such as whole genome sequencing (WGS), can be of great value, not only to direct a patient’s treatment, but also to establish and optimize treatment guidelines according to the local epidemiology and to avoid the use of inappropriate antibiotics. WGS approaches allow us to gain insight into the genomic determinants involved in AMR. To this end, different pipelines and platforms are continuously being developed. In this study, we take a more detailed view of the use and progression of WGS for in-depth study of H. pylori’s AMR.
Pathomechanisms of Prenatally Programmed Adult Diseases
Authors: Sulyok Endre , Farkas Balint , Bodis Jozsef
Published: June 2023

Based on epidemiological observations Barker et al. put forward the hypothesis/concept that an adverse intrauterine environment (involving an insufficient nutrient supply, chronic hypoxia, stress, and toxic substances) is an important risk factor for the development of chronic diseases later in life. The fetus responds to the unfavorable environment with adaptive reactions, which ensure survival in the short run, but at the expense of initiating pathological processes leading to adult diseases. In this review, the major mechanisms (including telomere dysfunction, epigenetic modifications, and cardiovascular–renal–endocrine–metabolic reactions) will be outlined, with a particular emphasis on the role of oxidative stress in the fetal origin of adult diseases.
Response Surface Methodology as an Experimental Strategy for Ultrasound-Assisted Extraction of Phenolic Compounds from Artichoke Heads
Authors: Melini Valentina , Melini Francesca , Comendador Francisco Javier
Published: June 2023

The accurate quantification of phenolic compounds (PCs) in foods has become mandatory for a reliable estimation of PCs dietary intake. However, the extraction step of these molecules from the food matrix is a challenging and complex task. To manage the current lack of an official or generally accepted procedure for the recovery of phenolics, the application of statistical and mathematical tools, such as the response surface methodology (RSM), that allow the optimization of extraction parameters and the acquisition of the best output, has become the analytical approach of choice. The aim of this study was to apply an RSM-optimized ultrasound-assisted procedure to extract phenolic compounds from artichoke (Cynara cardunculus L. var. scolymus (L.) Hegi, cultivar “Campagnano”) heads. The effect of extraction time, temperature, and solvent-to-sample ratio on the profile and content of phenolic acids and flavonoids was investigated. The total phenolic content was 488.13 ± 0.56 mg GAE 100 g−1 dry matter (dm) and total flavonoid content was 375.03 ± 1.49 mg CATeq 100 g−1 dm when the optimum extraction conditions were set. The HPLC analysis showed that caffeoylquinic acid derivatives (i.e., cynarin and 1,5-O-dicaffeoylquinic acid) were the main compounds in globe artichokes. Caffeic and p-coumaric acids were also identified. In regard to flavonoids, only the flavone luteolin-7-O-glucoside was identified.
Inhibition of Acetylcholinesterase and Amyloid-β Aggregation by Piceatannol and Analogs: Assessing In Vitro and In Vivo Impact on a Murine Model of Scopolamine-Induced Memory Impairment
Authors: Sie Yi-Yan , Chen Liang-Chieh , Li Cai-Jhen , Yuan Yu-Hsiang , Hsiao Sheng-Hung , Lee Mei-Hsien , Wang Ching-Chiung , Hou Wen-Chi
Published: June 2023

Currently, no drug is effective in delaying the cognitive impairment of Alzheimer’s disease, which ranks as one of the top 10 causes of death worldwide. Hydroxylated stilbenes are active compounds that exist in fruit and herbal plants. Piceatannol (PIC) and gnetol (GNT), which have one extra hydroxyl group in comparison to resveratrol (RSV), and rhapontigenin (RHA) and isorhapontigenin (isoRHA), which were metabolized from PIC in vivo and contain the same number of hydroxyl groups as RSV, were evaluated for their effects on Alzheimer’s disease-associated factors in vitro and in animal experiments. Among the five hydroxylated stilbenes, PIC was shown to be the most active in DPPH radical scavenging and in inhibitory activities against acetylcholinesterase and amyloid-β peptide aggregations, with concentrations for half-maximal inhibitions of 40.2, 271.74, and 0.48 μM. The different interactions of the five hydroxylated stilbenes with acetylcholinesterase or amyloid-β were obtained by molecular docking. The scopolamine-induced ICR mice fed with PIC (50 mg/kg) showed an improved learning behavior in the passive avoidance tests and had significant differences (p < 0.05) compared with those in the control group. The RHA and isoRHA at 10 μM were proven to stimulate neurite outgrowths in the SH-SY5Y cell models. These results reveal that nutraceuticals or functional foods containing PIC have the potential for use in the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders.
Inclusion of a Catechol-Derived Hydrazinyl-Thiazole (CHT) in β-Cyclodextrin Nanocavity and Its Effect on Antioxidant Activity: A Calorimetric, Spectroscopic and Molecular Docking Approach
Authors: Mic Mihaela , Pîrnău Adrian , Floare Călin G. , Palage Mariana Doina , Oniga Ovidiu , Marc Gabriel
Published: June 2023

The aim of the present research was to obtain a supramolecular complex between a strong antioxidant compound previously reported by our group, in order to extend its antioxidant activity. The formation of the inclusion complex of a catechol hydrazinyl-thiazole derivative (CHT) and β-cyclodextrin in aqueous solution has been investigated using isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC), spectroscopic and theoretical methods. The stoichiometry of this inclusion complex was established to be equimolar (1:1) and its equilibrium constant was determined. An estimation of the thermodynamic parameters of the inclusion complex showed that it is an enthalpy and entropy-driven process. Our observations also show that hydrophobic interactions are the key interactions that prevail in the complex. 1H NMR spectroscopic method was employed to study the inclusion process in an aqueous solution. Job plots derived from the 1H NMR spectral data demonstrated 1:1 stoichiometry of the inclusion complex in a liquid state. A 2D NMR spectrum suggests the orientation of the aromatic ring of CHT inside the β-CD cavity. The antiradical activity of the complex was evaluated and compared with free CHT, indicating a delayed activity compared with free CHT. To obtain additional qualitative and visual insight into the particularity of CHT and β-CD interaction, molecular docking calculations have been performed.
Targeting the Cysteine Redox Proteome in Parkinson’s Disease: The Role of Glutathione Precursors and Beyond
Authors: Martinez-Banaclocha Marcos A.
Published: June 2023

Encouraging recent data on the molecular pathways underlying aging have identified variants and expansions of genes associated with DNA replication and repair, telomere and stem cell maintenance, regulation of the redox microenvironment, and intercellular communication. In addition, cell rejuvenation requires silencing some transcription factors and the activation of pluripotency, indicating that hidden molecular networks must integrate and synchronize all these cellular mechanisms. Therefore, in addition to gene sequence expansions and variations associated with senescence, the optimization of transcriptional regulation and protein crosstalk is essential. The protein cysteinome is crucial in cellular regulation and plays unexpected roles in the aging of complex organisms, which show cumulative somatic mutations, telomere attrition, epigenetic modifications, and oxidative dysregulation, culminating in cellular senescence. The cysteine thiol groups are highly redox-active, allowing high functional versatility as structural disulfides, redox-active disulfides, active-site nucleophiles, proton donors, and metal ligands to participate in multiple regulatory sites in proteins. Also, antioxidant systems control diverse cellular functions, including the transcription machinery, which partially depends on the catalytically active cysteines that can reduce disulfide bonds in numerous target proteins, driving their biological integration. Since we have previously proposed a fundamental role of cysteine-mediated redox deregulation in neurodegeneration, we suggest that cellular rejuvenation of the cysteine redox proteome using GSH precursors, like N-acetyl-cysteine, is an underestimated multitarget therapeutic approach that would be particularly beneficial in Parkinson’s disease.
Role of Enzymic Antioxidants in Mediating Oxidative Stress and Contrasting Wound Healing Capabilities in Oral Mucosal/Skin Fibroblasts and Tissues
Authors: Lohana Parkash , Suryaprawira Albert , Woods Emma L. , Dally Jordanna , Gait-Carr Edward , Alaidaroos Nadia Y. A. , Heard Charles M. , Lee Kwok Y. , Ruge Fiona , Farrier Jeremy N. , Enoch Stuart , Caley Matthew P. , Peake Matthew A. , Davies Lindsay C. , Giles Peter J. , Thomas David W. , Stephens Phil , Moseley Ryan
Published: June 2023

Unlike skin, oral mucosal wounds are characterized by rapid healing and minimal scarring, attributable to the “enhanced” healing properties of oral mucosal fibroblasts (OMFs). As oxidative stress is increasingly implicated in regulating wound healing outcomes, this study compared oxidative stress biomarker and enzymic antioxidant profiles between patient-matched oral mucosal/skin tissues and OMFs/skin fibroblasts (SFs) to determine whether superior oral mucosal antioxidant capabilities and reduced oxidative stress contributed to these preferential healing properties. Oral mucosa and skin exhibited similar patterns of oxidative protein damage and lipid peroxidation, localized within the lamina propria/dermis and oral/skin epithelia, respectively. SOD1, SOD2, SOD3 and catalase were primarily localized within epithelial tissues overall. However, SOD3 was also widespread within the lamina propria localized to OMFs, vasculature and the extracellular matrix. OMFs were further identified as being more resistant to reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and oxidative DNA/protein damage than SFs. Despite histological evaluation suggesting that oral mucosa possessed higher SOD3 expression, this was not fully substantiated for all OMFs examined due to inter-patient donor variability. Such findings suggest that enzymic antioxidants have limited roles in mediating privileged wound healing responses in OMFs, implying that other non-enzymic antioxidants could be involved in protecting OMFs from oxidative stress overall.
Feature Extraction of Oil–Paper Insulation Raman Spectroscopy Based on Manifold Dimension Transformation
Authors: Chen Xingang , Fan Yijie , Ma Zhipeng , Tan Shiyao , Li Ningyi , Song Xin , Huang Yuyang , Zhang Jinjing , Zhang Wenxuan
Published: June 2023

Transformers play a crucial role in power systems. In this respect, fault diagnosis and aging state assessment have garnered significant attention from researchers. Herein, accelerated thermal aging and Raman scattering experiments are conducted on oil–paper insulation samples to accurately detect aging states. The samples are categorized into different aging stages based on the polymerization degree of the insulating paper. Principal component analysis (PCA), multi-dimensional scale change method (MDS), and isometric mapping algorithm (Isomap) are employed to extract features from the Raman spectra. Subsequently, the XGBoost strong classifier, optimized through Bayesian hyperparameter optimization (BO-XGBoost), is utilized to distinguish between four and ten states among 175 groups of samples after feature extraction. The subsequent classification results of the three feature-extraction methods are compared. The results indicate that Isoamp, which pertains to the manifold dimension transformation, achieves the highest average discriminative accuracy after feature extraction. The discriminative accuracies for aging states four and ten are 97.0% and 95.1% respectively, demonstrating that Raman spectroscopy manifold dimension transformation enhances the distinctiveness between samples of different aging states in the feature-extraction process. The diagnostic model constructed with Isomap and BO-XGBoost enables accurate discrimination of the aging states of oil–paper insulation.
Effect of Type of Flour and Microalgae (Chlorella vulgaris) on the Rheological, Microstructural, Textural, and Sensory Properties of Vegan Muffins
Authors: Marzec Agata , Kramarczuk Patrycja , Kowalska Hanna , Kowalska Jolanta
Published: June 2023

The aim of this study was to develop a recipe for vegan muffins using wheat flour (100%) and a blend of whole-grain spelt flour (50%) and wheat flour (50%) enriched with microalgae (0, 0.5, 1.0, and 1.5% (g/100 g flour)). Replacing wheat flour with whole-grain spelt flour and adding microalgae while eliminating egg white from a recipe can affect the rheological properties of the dough and also the microstructure and texture of the muffins. The study analyzed the effects of the type of flour and the addition of microalgae on the rheological properties of the raw dough, measured through the oscillatory method, as well as the texture and microstructure, determined via X-ray microtomography. Additionally, the sensorial quality of the muffins was analyzed. The use of spelt flour in the formulation of muffins affected the rheological properties of the dough irrespective of the addition of microalgae. The dough made with spelt flour exhibited higher viscosity (consistency coefficient (K) was 74.7 Pa·sn), but it was more cohesive and less springy compared to the dough made with wheat flour alone, which had a K = 58.3 Pa·sn. Incorporating a mixture of spelt and wheat flour along with a 1.5% addition of microalgae made the dough more viscous (K = 118.6 Pa·sn), leading to a fine, porous microstructure (porosity was 69.7%) and a crumbly texture (hardness was 52.2 N) in the muffins. On the other hand, the wheat flour dough with 1.5% microalgae had a consistency coefficient of 69.3 Pa·sn, while the muffin porosity was 67.1% and the hardness 61.8 N. The microstructure had a strong effect on the texture of the muffin crumb. The new wheat flour products with microalgae exhibited a higher proportion of closed pores in their microstructure, whereas samples containing spelt flour and microalgae showed the opposite trend, with more open pores. The greatest difference in closed pores was observed with the addition of 1.5% of microalgae (33.4% in wheat muffins and 26.9% in spelled muffins). The presence of closed porosity contributed to the harder and less consistent texture observed in the muffins. However, despite the instrumental evaluation results, all the new products were accepted by consumers in terms of appearance, taste, and overall quality.
Response Surface Methodology as a Tool for Optimization of Extraction Process of Bioactive Compounds from Spent Coffee Grounds
Authors: Brzezińska Rita , Górska Agata , Wirkowska-Wojdyła Magdalena , Piasecka Iga
Published: June 2023

The main goal of this research was to model and optimize the extraction process of bioactive compounds from spent coffee grounds (SCG). This study utilized response surface methodology (RSM) to determine the significance of the effects of independently tested extraction process conditions and their interactions. The quality of the SCG extracts was evaluated by performing the following determinations: total polyphenols content (TPC), ABTS and FRAP assays, browning index (BI), and caffeine and chlorogenic acids contents by high-performance liquid chromatography. The resultant optimal extraction conditions, which maximized recovery of antioxidant bioactive compounds, were 65% hydroethanolic solution (v/v) in a solvent–matrix ratio of 51 mL/g CS, followed by ultrasound-assisted extraction carried out for 30 min at 60 °C. The SCG extract obtained by this extraction variant had values for TPC, ABTS, FRAP and BI of approximately 38 mg GAE (gallic acid equivalent) per g d.m. SCG, 73 mg Trolox/g d.m. SCG, 81 µmol Fe (II)/g d.m. SCG, and 0.22, respectively. The sample was also characterized by a high content of caffeine (5 mg/g d.m. SCG) and chlorogenic acids (8 mg/g d.m. SCG). Based on the obtained results, SCG may be recognized as a coffee by-product that has abundant components with antioxidant activity and broad possible applications in agri-food processing fields.
A Novel Secondary Side Series LCD Forward Converter with High Efficiency and Magnetic Reset
Authors: Zhu Gaozhong , Liu Shulin
Published: June 2023

A novel secondary side series LCD forward converter with a high efficiency and a magnetic reset is proposed in this paper. Compared with the traditional forward converter, the proposed converter can transfer excitation energy to the output terminal and achieve a reliable magnetic reset of the transformer with a better working efficiency. Moreover, the proposed converter realizes the low-voltage turn-on of the switch. The operating principle and energy transmission process of the proposed converter is explicitly analyzed. It was concluded that the optimal combined working mode was Lm-DCM, L1-CCM and L2-CCM. By analyzing the energy transmission mechanism of the proposed converter in the best working mode, the parameter design scheme of the proposed converter was obtained. Finally, a prototype was built. The simulation and experimental results are presented to verify the correctness of the theoretical analysis and the feasibility of the parameter design scheme of the proposed converter. At the same time, a comparison between the proposed converter and existing converters was conducted to demonstrate the best electrical performance of the proposed converter.
Unleashing the Hidden Potential: The Dynamic Duo of Antimicrobial Photodynamic Therapy and Photobiomodulation: A Spectrophotometric Study
Authors: Mylona Valina , Anagnostaki Eugenia , Petrakis Stylianos , Kosma Kyriaki , Parker Steven , Cronshaw Mark , Papadogiannis Nektarios , Grootveld Martin
Published: June 2023

Background: Despite intensive research, the ideal protocol applied to maximize the overall benefits of antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) remains unexplored. Evidence exists that following aPDT, the diffused light beyond the photosensitizer can exert a secondary therapeutic effect known as photobiomodulation (PBM), which stimulates the healing of the surrounding tissues. Therefore, the aim of this study was to examine the attenuation properties of five different photosensitizers activated by their corresponding laser wavelengths. Methods: The illumination of various concentrations of chosen photosensitizers, curcumin, methylene blue, toluidine blue, indocyanine green and a methylene blue derivative, irradiated by their respective laser wavelengths (445 nm, 635 nm, 660 nm and 808 nm) was explored via a spectrophotometric analysis. The onward transmitted light intensities for each combination of a photosensitizer and laser wavelength were assessed. The attenuation percentages observed were statistically evaluated using an analysis-of-variance (ANOVA) model. A Tukey’s post hoc test was performed to determine the significance of differences between individual group mean values. Results: With the exception of toluidine blue illuminated by an 808 nm laser, which showed the lowest intensity loss, all the other photosensitizers presented an attenuation range of 63% to 99%. Conclusions: At appropriate concentrations, all the examined photosensitizers may allow the passage of sufficient wavelength-dependent light transmission. Calculated fluences are proposed to achieve secondary, beneficial PBM effects.