bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Quality of Set Yogurts Made from Raw Milk and Processed Milk Supplemented with Enriched Milk Fat Globule Membrane in a Two-Stage Homogenization Process
Authors: Ibitoye Joshua Oladapo , Ly-Nguyen Binh , Le Duy Nghia , Dewettinck Koen , Trzcinski Antoine P. , Phan Thi Thanh Que
Published: July 2021

Dairy products are relevant in the food industries as functional ingredients for several food products and contribute towards human nutrition in ameliorating certain disorders. In this study, set yogurts were produced from raw milk and processed milk combined with 4% Lacprodan®PL20 concentration and subjected to two-stage pressure homogenization. The total solids concentration of the mixture was raised to 15% using SMP (skim milk powder). The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of Lacprodan®PL20 on the set yogurt quality produced by homogenization-induced pressure and its interaction with milk components. The changes in the physical and chemical attributes of the milk fat globule membrane (MFGM) via destabilization of the membrane significantly affected the physicochemical properties of set yogurts produced from processed or raw milk. There was a slight variation in MFGM-specific proteins detected in the set yogurts. Set yogurt produced from homogenized raw milk (HRM) had a considerably higher water-holding capacity, firmness, and apparent viscosity. The microstructure of HRM was dense and compacted, unlike non-homogenized raw milk (NRM) with large MFGM fragments and pore holes between the matrixes. The inclusion of homogenization showed a remarkable improvement in set yogurt quality, promoting interaction between MFGM components and milk proteins.
A Brief Analysis of Tissue-Resident NK Cells in Pregnancy and Endometrial Diseases: The Importance of Pharmacologic Modulation
Authors: Garmendia Jenny Valentina , De Sanctis Juan Bautista
Published: July 2021

NK cells are lymphocytes involved in the innate and adaptative immune response. These cells are located in peripheral blood and tissues with ample functions, from immune vigilant to tolerogenic reactions. In the endometrium, NK cell populations vary depending on age, hormones, and inflammation. When pregnancy occurs, tissue-resident NK cells and conventional NK cells are recruited to protect the fetus, a tolerogenic response. On the contrary, in the inflamed endometrium, various inflammatory cells down-regulate NK tolerance and impair embryo implantation. Therefore, NK cells’ pharmacological modulation is difficult to achieve. Several strategies have been used, from progesterone, lipid emulsions to steroids; the success has not been as expected. However, new therapeutic approaches have been proposed to decrease the endometrial inflammatory burden and increase pregnancy success based on understanding NK cell physiology.
Three-Dimensional Anatomically Pre-Contoured Locking Plate for Isolated Weber B Type Fracture
Authors: Kim Jahyung , Chun Dong-Il , Won Sung-Hun , Min Tae-Hong , Yi Young , Park Suyeon , Cho Min-Soo , Cho Jaeho
Published: July 2021

We aimed to evaluate the functional and radiographic outcomes of a three-dimensionally (3D) pre-contoured lateral locking plate fixation for isolated Weber B type fractures and to evaluate the necessity of an interfragmentary lag screw in the use of the plate. Patients who underwent surgery for isolated Weber B type fracture were divided into two groups: 41 patients treated with the 3D plate and lag screw (Group A) and 31 patients treated with the 3D plate only (Group B). The included patients were evaluated regarding the functional and radiographic outcomes. According to the McLennan and Ungersma criteria, the majority of patients showed good or fair outcomes in both groups. Comparing the two groups, Group B showed better functional outcomes (p < 0.0046), while no difference between the two groups was found in terms of the radiographic outcomes (p = 0.143). The operation time was significantly shorter in Group B (p < 0.001) and the time to bony union was within 14 months in all patients with no significant difference between the two groups (p = 0.0821). No postoperative complication was observed in both groups. In conclusion, the use of a 3D pre-contoured lateral locking plate fixation for isolated Weber B type fractures demonstrated satisfactory functional and radiographic outcomes, regardless of lag screw insertion.
Variations of Thiol–Disulfide Homeostasis Parameters after Treatment with H1-Antihistamines in Patients with Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria
Authors: Matei Clara , Georgescu Simona Roxana , Nicolae Ilinca , Ene Corina Daniela , Mitran Cristina Iulia , Mitran Madalina Irina , Tampa Mircea
Published: July 2021

Background. The pathogenesis of chronic spontaneous urticaria involves metabolic, immunological, and psychological factors. The thiol–disulfide exchange reactions could be a mechanism to counteract oxidative stress in patients with chronic spontaneous urticaria. Objective: The assessment of thiol–disulfide homeostasis parameters (TDHPs) according to disease severity and the influence of H1-antihistamine therapy in patients with chronic spontaneous urticaria. Material and method. We have included 30 patients with chronic spontaneous urticaria in the study and we have determined the levels of native thiol, total thiol, disulfides as well as the disulfide/native thiol ratio, disulfide/total thiol ratio and the native thiol/total thiol ratio, before and after therapy with H1-antihistamines. Results. The results of the study showed altered levels of TDHPs and their normalization after treatment with H1-antihistamines in patients with chronic spontaneous urticaria. We determined a statistically significant increase in the serum levels of total thiol, native thiol, and native thiol/total thiol ratio and a significant reduction in the levels of disulfides, disulfide/native thiol ratio and disulfide/total thiol ratio after treatment with H1-antihistamines. The normalization of the serum levels of TDHPs has been associated with the relief of symptoms and reduction or resolution of pruritus and urticarial plaques. Conclusion. These results suggest the involvement of thiol–disulfide homeostasis in the defense against the harmful effects of reactive oxygen species in patients with chronic spontaneous urticaria and the potential role of TDHPs in monitoring H1-antihistamine therapy. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study investigating TDHPs in patients with chronic spontaneous urticaria before and after treatment.
Noise Waveforms within Seabed Vibrations and Their Associated Evanescent Sound Fields
Authors: Hazelwood Richard , Macey Patrick
Published: July 2021

While the effects of sound pressures in water have been studied extensively, very much less work has been done on seabed vibrations. Our previous work used finite element modeling to interpret the results of field trials, studying propagation through graded seabeds as excited by impulsive energy applied to a point. A new simulation has successfully replicated further features of the original observations, and more field work has addressed other questions. We have concentrated on the water-particle motion near the seabed, as this is well known to be critical for benthic species. The evanescent pressure sound fields set up as the impulsive vibration energy passes are expected to be important for the local species, such as crabs and flatfish. By comparison with effects occurring away from boundaries, these seismic interface waves create vigorous water-particle motion but proportionately less sound pressure. This comparative increase ratio exceeds 12 for unconsolidated sediment areas, as typically used for piling operations.
Combinations of Low-Frequency Genetic Variants Might Predispose to Familial Pancreatic Cancer
Authors: Slater Emily P. , Wilke Lisa M. , Böhm Lutz Benedikt , Strauch Konstantin , Lutz Manuel , Gercke Norman , Matthäi Elvira , Hemminki Kari , Försti Asta , Schlesner Matthias , Paramasivam Nagarajan , Bartsch Detlef K.
Published: July 2021

Familial pancreatic cancer (FPC) is an established but rare inherited tumor syndrome that accounts for approximately 5% of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) cases. No major causative gene defect has yet been identified, but germline mutations in predisposition genes BRCA1/2, CDKN2A and PALB2 could be detected in 10–15% of analyzed families. Thus, the genetic basis of disease susceptibility in the majority of FPC families remains unknown. In an attempt to identify new candidate genes, we performed whole-genome sequencing on affected patients from 15 FPC families, without detecting BRCA1/2, CDKN2A or PALB2 mutations, using an Illumina based platform. Annotations from CADD, PolyPhen-2, SIFT, Mutation Taster and PROVEAN were used to assess the potential impact of a variant on the function of a gene. Variants that did not segregate with pancreatic disease in respective families were excluded. Potential predisposing candidate genes ATM, SUFU, DAB1, POLQ, FGFBP3, MAP3K3 and ACAD9 were identified in 7 of 15 families. All identified gene mutations segregated with pancreatic disease, but sometimes with incomplete penetrance. An analysis of up to 46 additional FPC families revealed that the identified gene mutations appeared to be unique in most cases, despite a potentially deleterious ACAD9 Ala326Thr germline variant, which occurred in 4 (8.7%) of 46 FPC families. Notably, affected PDAC patients within a family carried identical germline mutations in up to three different genes, e.g., DAB1, POLQ and FGFBP3. These results support the hypothesis that FPC is a highly heterogeneous polygenetic disease caused by low-frequency or rare variants.
Situating China in the Global Effort to Combat Desertification
Authors: Kong Zheng-Hong , Stringer Lindsay , Paavola Jouni , Lu Qi
Published: July 2021

International efforts to tackle desertification led by the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) support participatory approaches. The emphasis has been on dialogue between different perspectives, which are often grounded in individualism rather than prioritizing society as a whole, and as a result progress in implementation has been slow. China has made substantial progress in tackling desertification, but its approaches have been controversial, and the sustainability of its achievements has been questioned. While China has been active in UNCCD processes, its approach to addressing desertification has differed from those of other countries. China can thus offer important insights into the international campaign, while acknowledging that China can also learn from the efforts of others. We compare the UNCCD’s “bottom-up” approach and China’s “top-down” approach to better understand the challenges of tackling desertification. We examine the evolution in how desertification has been addressed and shed light on the context behind the changes, focusing on the role of science, policies, and public participation. We find a convergence between top-down and bottom-up approaches and that similar challenges have been experienced. Constant communications with outsiders have enabled adjustments and changes in both China and the international community, even though their approaches remain distinct. We conclude that both approaches are moving toward solutions that start from proactive investments of governments in financial, legal, institutional, and organizational aspects, draw on scientific insights, and which are grounded in the motivated and voluntary participation of non-state actors. Improved sharing of lessons across these approaches would help to create a better enabling form of environmental governance that contributes to tackling desertification.
Opening Pandora’s Box: How Does Peer Assessment Affect EFL Students’ Writing Quality?
Authors: Meletiadou Eleni
Published: July 2021

Recent research has underlined the benefits of peer assessment (PA) as it helps learners write high-quality essays and increases their confidence as writers. In terms of this intervention study, 200 Greek Cypriot EFL learners’ essays (pre- and post-tests) were evaluated taking into consideration four aspects of writing quality after using either PA and teacher assessment (TA) (experimental groups, n = 100 students) or only TA (control groups, n = 100 students) in their writing classes for one year. This is one of the few studies, to the knowledge of the present researcher, which have performed text analysis of so many aspects of writing quality using such a—relatively—large sample (400 essays) in such a challenging setting (secondary education). Learners’ essays were evaluated in terms of accuracy, fluency, grammatical complexity, and lexical complexity using Atlas.ti. Findings indicated that learners who received PA and TA improved their essays more in terms of lexical complexity, accuracy, and some features of grammatical complexity and fluency than those who received only TA. The current study highlights the desirability of collaborative group work, in the form of PA activities, in the creation of opportunities conducive to promoting writing quality.
Gorham-Stout Disease with Multiple Bone Involvement—Challenging Diagnosis of a Rare Disease and Literature Review
Authors: Momanu Alina , Caba Lavinia , Gorduza Nicoleta Carmen , Arhire Oana Elena , Popa Alina Delia , Ianole Victor , Gorduza Eusebiu Vlad
Published: July 2021

Gorham-Stout disease is a rare disorder, which may result in a poor prognosis. This disease, a rare lymphangiomatosis, is defined by progressive bone disappearance due to massive unicentric and multicentric osteolysis. Osteolytic lesions of the spine and pleura effusion are poor prognostic factors. Herein, we will present a case where the onset of disease occurred at the age of 18 with asthenia, myalgia, and major bone pain, followed by incomplete motor deficiency in the lower limbs and, later, in the upper limbs. Imaging studies (CT scan and MRI) of the patient revealed osteolytic lesions (cervical and thoracic vertebrae, rib, and clavicle) and a pathological fracture of the C7 vertebra. Surgical procedures undertaken involved replacing the affected vertebrae with bone grafting and prosthesis. The investigations performed allowed for the exclusion of inflammation, thyroid or parathyroid disease, lymphoma, neoplasia, or autoimmune disorders. A bone marrow biopsy showed osteolysis, the replacement of bone tissues with connective tissue, and chronic non-specific inflammation. The evolution was negative with almost complete osteolysis of the left clavicle, the emergence of new osteolysis areas in the lumbar vertebrae, pelvic bones, and the bilateral proximal femur, splenic nodules, chylothorax, and associated major neurological deficits. Unfortunately, this negative evolution resulted in the patient’s death a year after onset.
Pretreatment of Copper Sulphide Ores Prior to Heap Leaching: A Review
Authors: Neira Andrés , Pizarro Diana , Quezada Víctor , Velásquez-Yévenes Lilian
Published: July 2021

Although the main cause of hydrometallurgical plant closures is the depletion of oxidized copper minerals reserves, the lack of new hydrometallurgy projects also contributes to these closures. One solution is to be able to process copper sulphide ores hydrometallurgically. However, it is widely known that sulphide copper ores—and chalcopyrite in particular—have very slow dissolution kinetics in traditional leaching systems. An alternative to improve the extraction of copper from sulphide ores is the use of a pretreatment process. Several investigations were developed evaluating the effects of pretreatment, mainly in the extraction of copper from chalcopyrite in chloride media. This study presents a review of various pretreatment methods prior to heap leaching to aid in the dissolution of copper from sulphide ores. Different variables of pretreatment that affect the extraction of copper were identified, including the type of salts used in agglomeration, curing time, and curing temperatures. Successful cases such as the implementation of the CuproChlor® process (use of calcium chloride), and various pilot studies using sodium chloride and temperature, show that pretreatment is an alternative that aids in the dissolution of copper from sulphide ores.
Urinary Metabolites Reveal Hyperinsulinemia and Insulin Resistance in Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)
Authors: Fulghesu Anna Maria , Piras Cristina , Dessì Angelica , Succu Claudia , Atzori Luigi , Pintus Roberta , Gentile Cecilia , Angioni Stefano , Fanos Vassilios
Published: July 2021

The identification of insulin resistance and hyperinsulinemia in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is not a minor issue. The homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance index (HOMA) is the most used index of IR (Insulin Resistance), validated in overweight and obese patients but not in normal-weight PCOS subjects, who can still present with increased insulin secretion by an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). The evaluation of insulin secretion and resistance represents a still unresolved problem. The aim of this study is to identify a possible yet noninvasive method to properly evaluate the insulin metabolism in young non-diabetic subjects. Girls aged 14–22 years, afferent to the center of Gynecological Diseases in Childhood and Adolescence of Cagliari (Italy), were screened for PCOS. A total of 42 subjects comprised the study group. Hormonal assays, OGTT, transabdominal (TA) or transvaginal (TV) US, and urine collection for 1H-NMR analysis were assayed in the early follicular phase. A 1H-NMR coupled multivariate statistical analysis was performed. The OPLS model indicated that the NMR profile of urine had a good fit and prediction ability for the AUC OGTT with R2 = 0.813. Metabolomics can be a promising tool to the potential identification of biomarkers of an exaggerated insulin response to OGTT and can encourage substantial progress for a more accurate and early diagnosis in PCOS.
How Do Polymer Coatings Affect the Growth and Bacterial Population of a Biofilm Formed by Total Human Salivary Bacteria?—A Study by 16S-RNA Sequencing
Authors: Al-Ahmad Ali , Wollensak Kira , Rau Sibylle , Guevara Solarte Diana Lorena , Paschke Stefan , Lienkamp Karen , Staszewski Ori
Published: July 2021

Antimicrobial surface modifications are required to prevent biomaterial-associated biofilm infections, which are also a major concern for oral implants. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of three different coatings on the biofilm formed by human saliva. Biofilms grown from human saliva on three different bioactive poly(oxanorbornene)-based polymer coatings (the protein-repellent PSB: poly(oxanorbornene)-based poly(sulfobetaine), the protein-repellent and antimicrobial PZI: poly(carboxyzwitterion), and the mildly antimicrobial and protein-adhesive SMAMP: synthetic mimics of antimicrobial peptides) were analyzed and compared with the microbial composition of saliva, biofilms grown on uncoated substrates, and biofilms grown in the presence of chlorhexidine digluconate. It was found that the polymer coatings significantly reduced the amount of adherent bacteria and strongly altered the microbial composition, as analyzed by 16S RNA sequencing. This may hold relevance for maintaining oral health and the outcome of oral implants due to the existing synergism between the host and the oral microbiome. Especially the reduction of some bacterial species that are associated with poor oral health such as Tannerella forsythia and Fusobacterium nucleatum (observed for PSB and SMAMP), and Prevotella denticola (observed for all coatings) may positively modulate the oral biofilm, including in situ.
AtfA-Independent Adaptation to the Toxic Heavy Metal Cadmium in Aspergillus nidulans
Authors: Emri Tamás , Gila Barnabás , Antal Károly , Fekete Fanni , Moon Heungyun , Yu Jae-Hyuk , Pócsi István
Published: July 2021

Cadmium is an exceptionally toxic industrial and environmental pollutant classified as a human carcinogen. In order to provide insight into how we can keep our environment safe from cadmium contamination and prevent the accumulation of it in the food chain, we aim to elucidate how Aspergillus nidulans, one of the most abundant fungi in soil, survives and handles cadmium stress. As AtfA is the main transcription factor governing stress responses in A. nidulans, we examined genome-wide expression responses of wild-type and the atfA null mutant exposed to CdCl2. Both strains showed up-regulation of the crpA Cu2+/Cd2+ pump gene and AN7729 predicted to encode a putative bis(glutathionato)-cadmium transporter, and transcriptional changes associated with elevated intracellular Cys availability leading to the efficient adaptation to Cd2+. Although the deletion of atfA did not alter the cadmium tolerance of the fungus, the cadmium stress response of the mutant differed from that of a reference strain. Promoter and transcriptional analyses of the “Phospho-relay response regulator” genes suggest that the AtfA-dependent regulation of these genes can be relevant in this phenomenon. We concluded that the regulatory network of A. nidulans has a high flexibility allowing the fungus to adapt efficiently to stress both in the presence and absence of this important transcription factor.
Geochemistry and Genesis of Beryl Crystals in the LCT Pegmatite Type, Ebrahim-Attar Mountain, Western Iran
Authors: Daneshvar Narges , Azizi Hossein , Asahara Yoshihiro , Tsuboi Motohiro , Minami Masayo , Mohammad Yousif O.
Published: July 2021

Ebrahim-Attar granitic pegmatite, which is distributed in southwest Ghorveh, western Iran, is strongly peraluminous and contains minor beryl crystals. Pale-green to white beryl grains are crystallized in the rim and central parts of the granite body. The beryl grains are characterized by low contents of alkali oxides (Na2O = 0.24–0.41 wt.%, K2O = 0.05–0.17 wt.%, Li2O = 0.03–0.04 wt.%, and Cs2O = 0.01–0.03 wt.%) and high contents of Be2O oxide (10.0 to 11.9 wt.%). The low contents of alkali elements (oxides), low Na/Li (apfu) ratios (2.94 to 5.75), and variations in iron oxide (FeO= 0.28–1.18 wt.%) reveal a poorly evolved magmatic source of the beryl grains. Low abundances of rare earth elements (ΣREE = 0.8–4.9 ppm) with high 87Sr/86Sr(i) ratios of 0.739 ±0.036 for the beryl grains and 0.7081 for the host granites infer that the primary magma was directly produced by partial melting of the upper continental crust (UCC). The crystallization temperature of the Ebrahim-Attar granitic pegmatite changes from 586 to 755 °C (average = 629 °C), as calculated based on the zircon saturation index. Furthermore, the quartz geobarometer calculation shows that crystallization occurred at pressures of approximately 233–246 MPa. This pressure range is a promising condition for saturation of Be in magma. During granitic magma crystallization, the melt was gradually saturated with Be, and then beryl crystallized in the assemblage of the main minerals such as quartz and feldspar. Likewise, the host granite is characterized by high ratios of Nb/Ta (4.79–16.3) and Zr/Hf (12.2–19.1), and peraluminous signatures are compatible with Be-bearing LCT (Li-Ce and Ta) pegmatites.
Identification of Phenolic Compounds by LC-MS/MS and Evaluation of Bioactive Properties of Two Edible Halophytes: Limonium effusum and L. sinuatum
Authors: Baysal Ipek , Ekizoglu Melike , Ertas Abdulselam , Temiz Burak , Agalar Hale Gamze , Yabanoglu-Ciftci Samiye , Temel Hamdi , Ucar Gulberk , Turkmenoglu Fatma Pinar
Published: July 2021

This work aimed to evaluate the phenolic content and in vitro antioxidant, antimicrobial and enzyme inhibitory activities of the methanol extracts and their fractions of two edible halophytic Limonium species, L. effusum (LE) and L. sinuatum (LS). The total phenolic content resulted about two-fold higher in the ethyl acetate fraction of LE (522.82 ± 5.67 mg GAE/g extract) than in that of LS (274.87 ± 1.87 mg GAE/g extract). LC-MS/MS analysis indicated that tannic acid was the most abundant phenolic acid in both species (71,439.56 ± 3643.3 µg/g extract in LE and 105,453.5 ± 5328.1 µg/g extract in LS), whereas hyperoside was the most abundant flavonoid (14,006.90 ± 686.1 µg/g extract in LE and 1708.51 ± 83.6 µg/g extract in LS). The antioxidant capacity was evaluated by DPPH and TAC assays, and the stronger antioxidant activity in ethyl acetate fractions was highlighted. Both species were more active against Gram-positive bacteria than Gram negatives and showed considerable growth inhibitions against tested fungi. Interestingly, selective acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity was observed with LE and LS. Particularly, the water fraction of LS strongly inhibited AChE (IC50 = 0.199 ± 0.009 µg/mL). The ethyl acetate fractions of LE and LS, as well as the n-hexane fraction of LE, exhibited significant antityrosinase activity (IC50 = 245.56 ± 3.6, 295.18 ± 10.57 and 148.27 ± 3.33 µg/mL, respectively). The ethyl acetate fraction and methanol extract of LS also significantly inhibited pancreatic lipase (IC50 = 83.76 ± 4.19 and 162.2 ± 7.29 µg/mL, respectively). Taken together, these findings warrant further investigations to assess the potential of LE and LS as a bioactive source that can be exploited in pharmaceutical, cosmetics and food industries.
DNA-Templated Fluorescent Silver Nanoclusters Inhibit Bacterial Growth While Being Non-Toxic to Mammalian Cells
Authors: Rolband Lewis , Yourston Liam , Chandler Morgan , Beasock Damian , Danai Leyla , Kozlov Seraphim , Marshall Nolan , Shevchenko Oleg , Krasnoslobodtsev Alexey V. , Afonin Kirill A.
Published: July 2021

Silver has a long history of antibacterial effectiveness. The combination of atomically precise metal nanoclusters with the field of nucleic acid nanotechnology has given rise to DNA-templated silver nanoclusters (DNA-AgNCs) which can be engineered with reproducible and unique fluorescent properties and antibacterial activity. Furthermore, cytosine-rich single-stranded DNA oligonucleotides designed to fold into hairpin structures improve the stability of AgNCs and additionally modulate their antibacterial properties and the quality of observed fluorescent signals. In this work, we characterize the sequence-specific fluorescence and composition of four representative DNA-AgNCs, compare their corresponding antibacterial effectiveness at different pH, and assess cytotoxicity to several mammalian cell lines.
Discovery of Novel Diarylamide N-Containing Heterocyclic Derivatives as New Tubulin Polymerization Inhibitors with Anti-Cancer Activity
Authors: Liu Xu , Pang Xiao-Jing , Liu Yuan , Liu Wen-Bo , Li Yin-Ru , Yu Guang-Xi , Zhang Yan-Bing , Song Jian , Zhang Sai-Yang
Published: July 2021

Tubulin has been regarded as an attractive and successful molecular target in cancer therapy and drug discovery. Vicinal diaryl is a simple scaffold found in many colchicine site tubulin inhibitors, which is also an important pharmacophoric point of tubulin binding and anti-cancer activity. As the continuation of our research work on colchicine binding site tubulin inhibitors, we designed and synthesized a series of diarylamide N-containing heterocyclic derivatives by the combination of vicinal diaryl core and N-containing heterocyclic skeletons into one hybrid though proper linkers. Among of these compounds, compound 15b containing a 5-methoxyindole group exhibited the most potent inhibitory activity against the tested three human cancer cell lines (MGC-803, PC-3 and EC-109) with IC50 values of 1.56 μM, 3.56 μM and 14.5 μM, respectively. Besides, the SARs of these compounds were preliminarily studied and summarized. The most active compound 15b produced the inhibition of tubulin polymerization in a dose-dependent manner and caused microtubule network disruption in MGC-803 cells. Therefore, compound 15b was identified as a novel tubulin polymerization inhibitor targeting the colchicine binding site. In addition, the results of molecular docking also suggested compound 15b could tightly bind into the colchicine binding site of β-tubulin.
Metabolomics Analysis of Litchi Leaves during Floral Induction Reveals Metabolic Improvement by Stem Girdling
Authors: Su Zuanxian , Xiao Qiushen , Shen Jiyuan , Chen Houbin , Yan Shijuan , Huang Wenjie
Published: July 2021

Prolonged exposure to cold temperatures often results in a relatively low flowering rate in litchi (Litchi chinensis Sonn.) trees with younger leaves. This study aimed to verify the impact of stem girdling on litchi flowering by identifying and characterizing the induced metabolic changes. After a 60 day exposure to cold treatment at 15 °C/10 °C (12 h/12 h), the flowering rate of the girdled trees was 100%, while that of the non-girdled trees was 20%, indicating that girdling improved litchi flowering at its turning stage. The metabolic profiles of litchi leaves with and without stem girdling during floral induction were compared and 505 metabolites potentially associated with litchi flowering were detected. Most metabolites were involved in the metabolism of starch and sucrose, fatty acid, and phenylpyruvic acid. The metabolic pathways concerned with the biosynthesis of epinephrine, sucrose, and d-maltose were induced in leaves after girdling treatment. The level of galactitol, phenylpyruvic acid, acetyl-CoA, linoleic acid, alpha-linolenic acid, and 13-HPOT biosynthesis remained stable in the leaves from girdled trees but changed drastically in the leaves from non-girdled trees. In addition, 379 metabolites concerning flowering rate were characterized. Metabolism pathways of starch and sucrose, galactose, and linoleic acid are of great significance to the flowering of litchi. Linoleic acid exhibited the most significant variations between girdled trees and non-girdled trees with fold changes of up to 13.62. These results contribute to understanding the biological mechanism of litchi floral induction and the metabolic changes after stem girdling.
Forward Precision Medicine: Micelles for Active Targeting Driven by Peptides
Authors: Prencipe Filippo , Diaferia Carlo , Rossi Filomena , Ronga Luisa , Tesauro Diego
Published: July 2021

Precision medicine is based on innovative administration methods of active principles. Drug delivery on tissue of interest allows improving the therapeutic index and reducing the side effects. Active targeting by means of drug-encapsulated micelles decorated with targeting bioactive moieties represents a new frontier. Between the bioactive moieties, peptides, for their versatility, easy synthesis and immunogenicity, can be selected to direct a drug toward a considerable number of molecular targets overexpressed on both cancer vasculature and cancer cells. Moreover, short peptide sequences can facilitate cellular intake. This review focuses on micelles achieved by self-assembling or mixing peptide-grafted surfactants or peptide-decorated amphiphilic copolymers. Nanovectors loaded with hydrophobic or hydrophilic cytotoxic drugs or with gene silence sequences and externally functionalized with natural or synthetic peptides are described based on their formulation and in vitro and in vivo behaviors.
Spectral Characteristics Related to Chemical Substructures and Structures Indicative of Organic Precursors from Fulvic Acids in Sediments by NMR and HPLC-ESI-MS
Authors: López-Martínez Verónica Gisela , Guerrero-Álvarez Jorge A. , Ronderos-Lara José Gustavo , Murillo-Tovar Mario Alfonso , Solá-Pérez Jorge Ernesto , León-Rivera Ismael , Saldarriaga-Noreña Hugo
Published: July 2021

The aim of this work was to determine Fulvic Acids (FAs) in sediments to better know their composition at the molecular level and to propose substructures and structures of organic precursors. The sediment samples were obtained from a priority area for the conservation of ecosystems and biodiversity in Mexico. FAs were extracted and purified using modifications to the International Humic Substances Society method. The characterization was carried out by 1D and 2D nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and high-performance liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry (HPLC-ESI-MS) in positive (ESI+) and negative (ESI−) modes. Twelve substructures were proposed by the COSY and HSQC experiments, correlating with compounds likely belonging to lignin derivatives obtained from soils as previously reported. The analysis of spectra obtained by HPLC-ESI-MS indicated likely presence of compounds chemically similar to that of the substructures elucidated by NMR. FAs studied are mainly constituted by carboxylic acids, hydroxyl, esters, vinyls, aliphatics, substituted aromatic rings, and amines, presenting structures related to organic precursors, such as lignin derivatives and polysaccharides.
Zuccagnia punctata Cav. Essential Oil into Poly(ε-caprolactone) Matrices as a Sustainable and Environmentally Friendly Strategy Biorepellent against Triatoma infestans (Klug) (Hemiptera, Reduviidae)
Authors: López Sandra , Tapia Alejandro , Zygadlo Julio , Stariolo Raúl , Abraham Gustavo A. , Cortez Tornello Pablo R.
Published: July 2021

The main strategies against Triatoma infestans (primary vector responsible for the Chagas disease transmission) are the elimination or reduction of its abundance in homes through the application of insecticides or repellents with residual power, and environmental management through the improvement of housing. The use of plant-derived compounds as a source of therapeutic agents (i.e., essential oils from aromatic plants and their components) is a valuable alternative to conventional insecticides and repellents. Essential oil-based insect repellents are environmentally friendly and provide reliable personal protection against the bites of mosquitoes and other blood-sucking insects. This study investigates, for the first time to our knowledge, the potential repellent activity of Zuccagnia punctata essential oil (ZEO) and poly(ε-caprolactone) matrices loaded with ZEO (ZEOP) prepared by solvent casting. The analysis of its essential oil from aerial parts by GC–FID and GC-MS, MS allowed the identification of 25 constituents representing 99.5% of the composition. The main components of the oil were identified as (−)-5,6-dehydrocamphor (62.4%), alpha-pinene (9.1%), thuja-2, 4 (10)-diene (4.6%) and dihydroeugenol (4.5%). ZEOP matrices were homogeneous and opaque, with thickness of 800 ± 140 µm and encapsulation efficiency values above 98%. ZEO and ZEOP at the lowest dose (0.5% wt./wt., 96 h) showed a repellency of 33 and 73% respectively, while at the highest dose (1% wt./wt., 96 h) exhibited a repellent activity of 40 and 66 %, respectively. On the other hand, until 72 h, ZEO showed a strong repellent activity against T. infestans (88% repellency average; Class V) to both concentrations, compared with positive control N-N diethyl-3-methylbenzamide (DEET). The essential oils from the Andean flora have shown an excellent repellent activity, highlighting the repellent activity of Zuccagnia punctata. The effectiveness of ZEO was extended by its incorporation in polymeric systems and could have a potential home or peridomiciliary use, which might help prevent, or at least reduce, Chagas’ disease transmission.
High-Solids, Solvent-Free Modification of Engineered Polysaccharides
Authors: Porfyris Athanasios , Papaspyrides Constantine D. , Behabtu Natnael , Lenges Cristian , Kopatsis Alexander
Published: July 2021

The nature-identical engineered polysaccharide α-(1,3) glucan, produced by the enzymatic polymerization of sucrose, was chemically modified by acylation with succinic anhydride. This modification reaction was initially performed at the micro scale in a TGA reactor to access a range of reaction conditions and to study the mechanism of the reaction. Subsequently, the best performing conditions were reproduced at the larger laboratory scale. The reaction products were characterized via coupled TGA/DSC analysis, FT-IR spectroscopy, solution viscosity and pH determination. The acylation path resulted in partially modifying the polysaccharide by altering its behavior in terms of thermal properties and solubility. The acylation in a solvent-free approach was found promising for the development of novel, potentially melt-processable and fully bio-based and biodegradable ester compounds.
Pristine and Modified Porous Membranes for Zinc Slurry–Air Flow Battery
Authors: Tsehaye Misgina Tilahun , Teklay Gebreslassie Getachew , Heon Choi Nak , Milian Diego , Martin Vincent , Fischer Peter , Tübke Jens , El Kissi Nadia , Donten Mateusz L. , Alloin Fannie , Iojoiu Cristina
Published: July 2021

The membrane is a crucial component of Zn slurry–air flow battery since it provides ionic conductivity between the electrodes while avoiding the mixing of the two compartments. Herein, six commercial membranes (Cellophane™ 350PØØ, Zirfon®, Fumatech® PBI, Celgard® 3501, 3401 and 5550) were first characterized in terms of electrolyte uptake, ion conductivity and zincate ion crossover, and tested in Zn slurry–air flow battery. The peak power density of the battery employing the membranes was found to depend on the in-situ cell resistance. Among them, the cell using Celgard® 3501 membrane, with in-situ area resistance of 2 Ω cm2 at room temperature displayed the highest peak power density (90 mW cm−2). However, due to the porous nature of most of these membranes, a significant crossover of zincate ions was observed. To address this issue, an ion-selective ionomer containing modified poly(phenylene oxide) (PPO) and N-spirocyclic quaternary ammonium monomer was coated on a Celgard® 3501 membrane and crosslinked via UV irradiation (PPO-3.45 + 3501). Moreover, commercial FAA-3 solutions (FAA, Fumatech) were coated for comparison purpose. The successful impregnation of the membrane with the anion-exchange polymers was confirmed by SEM, FTIR and Hg porosimetry. The PPO-3.45 + 3501 membrane exhibited 18 times lower zincate ions crossover compared to that of the pristine membrane (5.2 × 10−13 vs. 9.2 × 10−12 m2 s−1). With low zincate ions crossover and a peak power density of 66 mW cm−2, the prepared membrane is a suitable candidate for rechargeable Zn slurry–air flow batteries.
Application of Ascophyllum nodosum-Based Soluble Extract on Micropropagation and Regeneration of Nicotiana benthamiana and Prunus domestica
Authors: Faize Mohamed , Faize Lydia , Burgos Lorenzo , Critchley Alan , Alburquerque Nuria
Published: July 2021

In the present study, the effect of a commercial extract of the seaweed Ascophyllum nodosum on in vitro micropropagation, shoot regeneration, and rhizoghenesis were studied in Nicotiana benthamiana and Prunus domestica. Results showed that the MS medium supplemented with various concentrations of the Ascophyllum extract (5, 10, 50, and 100 mg L−1) significantly enhanced the number of regenerated buds from N. benthamiana leaf discs to the conventional MS regenerating medium. Increases ranged from 3.5 to 6.5 times higher than the control. The effect of the Ascophyllum extract on N. benthamiana micropropagation was assessed through the measurement of some plant growth parameters. Results showed that the extract alone could not replace the micropropagation medium since shoot length, shoot diameter, root length, and leaf area were significantly reduced. However, its combination with a half-strength MS medium enhanced these parameters. Its effect was also evaluated on regeneration from plum hypocotyl slices. When added to the shoot regeneration medium without any plant growth regulators, the Ascophyllum extract alone could induce shoot regeneration. However, the percentage of bud regeneration and number of regenerated buds were lower than with the conventional shoot regeneration medium containing complete growth regulators. In contrast, the Ascophyllum extract drastically promoted rhizogenesis from plum hypocotyl slices. These results pave the way for the possible use of A. nodosum extracts in in vitro mass propagation of higher plants.
Weather Conditions Influence on Hyssop Essential Oil Quality
Authors: Aćimović Milica , Pezo Lato , Zeremski Tijana , Lončar Biljana , Marjanović Jeromela Ana , Stanković Jeremic Jovana , Cvetković Mirjana , Sikora Vladimir , Ignjatov Maja
Published: July 2021

This paper is a study of the chemical composition of Hyssopus officinalis ssp. officinalis grown during three years (2017–2019) at the Institute of Field and Vegetable Crops Novi Sad (Vojvodina Province, Serbia). Furthermore, comparisons with ISO standards during the years were also investigated, as well as a prediction model of retention indices of compounds from the essential oils. An essential oil obtained by hydrodistillation and analysed by GC-FID and GC-MS was isopinocamphone chemotype. The gathered information about the volatile compounds from H. officinalis was used to classify the samples using the unrooted cluster tree. The correlation analysis was applied to investigate the similarity of different samples, according to GC-MS data. The quantitative structure–retention relationship (QSRR) was also employed to predict the retention indices of the identified compounds. A total of 74 experimentally obtained retention indices were used to build a prediction model. The coefficient of determination for the training cycle was 0.910, indicating that this model could be used for the prediction of retention indices for H. officinalis essential oil compounds.
Multivariable Robust Regulation of Alkalinities in Continuous Anaerobic Digestion Processes: Experimental Validation
Authors: Alcaraz-González Víctor , Fregoso-Sánchez Fabián Azael , González-Alvarez Víctor , Steyer Jean-Philippe
Published: July 2021

A multivariable adaptive feedback control for highly uncertain continuous anaerobic digestion processes is proposed to regulate the volatile fatty acids (VFA) concentration, the strong ions concentrations, and the total and intermediate alkalinities. The multivariable control scheme includes a Luenberger observer to estimate both the unmeasured variables (i.e., VFA) and unknown microbial growth kinetics. The control approach is designed using an exponential Lyapunov function to resemble the typical exponential biological growth of the involved microbial consortia. Taking into account physicochemical equilibrium, alkalinities are represented as a function of the state variables. As a result, the control problem becomes a regulation problem on alkalinities, and in turn, a tracking control problem on the state variables, with two manipulated variables—the dilution rate and the feed rate of a strong alkali solution—while the state variables’ set-points are given as a function of pH. The implementation of this multivariable control scheme was experimentally tested and validated in a 0.982 m3 pilot plant treating agro-industrial wastewater and demonstrated to be robust in the face of unknown microbial growth kinetics. Results showed the potential for practical application and optimization of industrial digesters.
A Novel Evolutionary Arithmetic Optimization Algorithm for Multilevel Thresholding Segmentation of COVID-19 CT Images
Authors: Abualigah Laith , Diabat Ali , Sumari Putra , Gandomi Amir H.
Published: July 2021

One of the most crucial aspects of image segmentation is multilevel thresholding. However, multilevel thresholding becomes increasingly more computationally complex as the number of thresholds grows. In order to address this defect, this paper proposes a new multilevel thresholding approach based on the Evolutionary Arithmetic Optimization Algorithm (AOA). The arithmetic operators in science were the inspiration for AOA. DAOA is the proposed approach, which employs the Differential Evolution technique to enhance the AOA local research. The proposed algorithm is applied to the multilevel thresholding problem, using Kapur’s measure between class variance functions. The suggested DAOA is used to evaluate images, using eight standard test images from two different groups: nature and CT COVID-19 images. Peak signal-to-noise ratio (PSNR) and structural similarity index test (SSIM) are standard evaluation measures used to determine the accuracy of segmented images. The proposed DAOA method’s efficiency is evaluated and compared to other multilevel thresholding methods. The findings are presented with a number of different threshold values (i.e., 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6). According to the experimental results, the proposed DAOA process is better and produces higher-quality solutions than other comparative approaches. Moreover, it achieved better-segmented images, PSNR, and SSIM values. In addition, the proposed DAOA is ranked the first method in all test cases.
Model-Based Prediction of Perceived Light Flashing in Recirculated Inclined Wavy-Bottomed Photobioreactors
Authors: Olivieri Giuseppe , Moroni Monica , Janssen Marcel , Piersanti Luca , Mezza Daniela , Bravi Marco
Published: July 2021

Microalgae biomass production rate in short light-path photobioreactors potentially can be improved by mixing-induced flashing light regimes. A cascade photobioreactor features a thin liquid layer flowing down a sloping, wavy-bottomed surface where liquid flow exhibits peculiar local recirculation hydrodynamics, potentially conducive to an ordered flashing light regime. This article presents a model-based analysis of the frequency distribution of perceived irradiance in said wavy-bottomed photobioreactor. The model combines a Lagrangian description of the motion of individual cells, in turn derived from the hydrodynamic parameters of the photobioreactor extracted from an experimentally validated Computational Fluid Dynamic model, with a simplified description of the irradiance field across the culture thickness, down to the spectral analysis of perceived irradiance. The main finding of the work is that the wavy bottomed photobioreactor provides a ‘robust’ spectral excitation to the circulating microalgae up to 3 Hz frequency, while in flat panels and bubble columns excitation decays evenly at a 24 db/octave rate. This analysis paves the way to improving the light flashing performance of the wavy-bottomed photobioreactor with respect to geometry (cavity size and installation inclination) and operation (flow rate).
Together toward Christ: Comparing Orthodox and Wesleyan Positions on Evangelism
Authors: Whiteman Kristina
Published: July 2021

Inspired by the events of the 2018 consultation of the Lausanne-Orthodox Initiative, this brief article seeks to pare down the broader question of “greater Christian unity” within the North American sphere to a more digestible, specific, practical question: How do Wesleyan and Orthodox positions on evangelism compare? This question is examined by describing the Wesleyan and Orthodox views of evangelism, delineating some key similarities and differences, and proposing a way forward for Wesleyans and Orthodox, together toward Christ.
Virtual Electric Dipole Field Applied to Autonomous Formation Flight Control of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
Authors: Ambroziak Leszek , Ciężkowski Maciej
Published: July 2021

The following paper presents a method for the use of a virtual electric dipole potential field to control a leader-follower formation of autonomous Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs). The proposed control algorithm uses a virtual electric dipole potential field to determine the desired heading for a UAV follower. This method’s greatest advantage is the ability to rapidly change the potential field function depending on the position of the independent leader. Another advantage is that it ensures formation flight safety regardless of the positions of the initial leader or follower. Moreover, it is also possible to generate additional potential fields which guarantee obstacle and vehicle collision avoidance. The considered control system can easily be adapted to vehicles with different dynamics without the need to retune heading control channel gains and parameters. The paper closely describes and presents in detail the synthesis of the control algorithm based on vector fields obtained using scalar virtual electric dipole potential fields. The proposed control system was tested and its operation was verified through simulations. Generated potential fields as well as leader-follower flight parameters have been presented and thoroughly discussed within the paper. The obtained research results validate the effectiveness of this formation flight control method as well as prove that the described algorithm improves flight formation organization and helps ensure collision-free conditions.