bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Computer Aided Reverse Vaccinology: A Game-changer Approach for
Vaccine Development
Authors: Srivastava Poornima , Jain Chakresh Kumar
Published: September 2022

One of the most dynamic approaches in biotechnology is reverse vaccinology, which
plays a huge role in today’s developing vaccines. It has the capability of exploring and identifying
the most potent vaccine candidate in a limited period of time. The first successful novel approach
of reverse vaccinology was observed in Neisseria meningitidis serogroup B, which has revolutionised
the whole field of computational biology. In this review, we have summarized the application
of reverse vaccinology for different infectious diseases, discussed epitope prediction and various
available bioinformatic tools, and explored the advantages, limitations and necessary elements of
this approach. Some of the modifications in the reverse vaccinology approach, like pan-genome
and comparative reverse vaccinology, are also outlined. Vaccines for illnesses like AIDS and hepatitis
C have not yet been developed. Computer Aided Reverse vaccinology has the potential to be a
game-changer in this area. The use of computational tools, pipelines and advanced soft-computing
methods, such as artificial intelligence and deep learning, and exploitation of available omics data
in integration have paved the way for speedy and effective vaccine designing. Is reverse vaccinology
a viable option for developing vaccines against such infections, or is it a myth? Vaccine development
gained momentum after the spread of various infections, resulting in numerous deaths; these vaccines
are developed using the traditional technique, which includes inactivated microorganisms. As a result,
reverse vaccinology may be a far superior technique for creating an effective vaccine.
Glycation of Immunoglobulin-G from Pentose Sugar: A Cause for Structural
Perturbations
Authors: Alenazi Fahaad , Ahmad Saheem , Saleem Mohd , Syed Khaja Azharuddin Sajid , Zafar Mubashir , Alharbi Mohammed Salem , Hagbani Turki Al , Khan Mohd Yasir
Published: September 2022

Background:

Glycation of immunoglobulin-G (IgG) molecule with monosaccharides may cause significant structural disability thus resulting in their loss of function. The accumulation of AGEs formed from glycation play an important role in the aliments associated with metabolic diseases. Therefore, excess of sugar in plasma, interferes with the functioning of IgG and may contribute to wide range of diabetes-associated complications. The long-term formation of these heterogeneous AGEs may accumulate and can affect plasma proteins, especially long-lived proteins. In this study, we analyze glycation of immunoglobulin-G (IgG) with 2’-deoxyribose (deoxyribose) instigated modification in IgG structure and AGEs formation.

Methods:

This study aims to glycate IgG from varying concentrations of a pentose sugar, 2’-deoxy-ribose (deoxyribose). Post glycation of IgG, both the native and its glycated analogue were characterized by various physicochemical methods and techniques. The glycated protein will be assessed for its stability and perturbations by UV-VIS., fluorescence and FT-IR spectroscopic techniques. Moreover, the early glycation product will be done by NBT assay and other biochemical parameters like HMF, carbonyl content and thioflavin-T assays were also performed to see the biochemical changes induced in the glycated IgG macromolecule.

Results:

Glycation of protein macromolecules generates stable early glycation products (Amadori products). Later on, these Amadori products involve in series of chemical reactions to form more stable advanced glycation end products (AGEs).Our experimental study results could validate the modification in IgG structure and AGEs formation.

Conclusion:

The formation of IgG-AGEs from glycation of IgG with deoxyribose could exert cellular toxicity and might initiates secondary complications of diabetes. Therefore, this study emphasized on glycation reaction of IgG from deoxyribose and which has not been reported yet.
Significance of Molecular Docking in Developing Potent Antimicrobial
1,3,4-Thiadiazole Derivatives
Authors: Kaur Parminder , Arora Vimal
Published: September 2022

New drug development has been a convoluted, costly, tedious, and difficult job. Overall,
enormous sums of money are required for a new drug development pipeline through traditional methods.
The pharmaceutical industry faces challenges in diminishing the research cost and time period for
new drug discovery. Artificial intelligence has contributed to the industry for quicker, less expensive,
and more successful drug designs by giving new paradigms such as computer-aided drug discovery.
Recently, the fast development of computational tools for drug discovery is exhibiting remarkable effects
on drug design. This article delivers knowledge and success stories of artificial intelligence via
Computer Aided Drug Design (CADD) in Medicinal Chemistry and considers the assistance of molecular
docking in developing anti-microbial thiadiazole derivatives during the last decade.
Beyond 1,2,3-triazoles: Formation and Applications of Ketemines Derived
from Copper Catalyzed Azide Alkyne Cycloaddition
Authors: Escandón-Mancilla Flor M. , González-Rivas Nelly , Basavanag Unnamatla Murali V. , García-Eleno Marco A. , Corona-Becerril David , Frontana-Uribe Bernardo A. , Cuevas-Yañez Erick
Published: September 2022

Ketemines represent an interesting class of organic intermediates that has undergone a regrowth
as a consequence of recent extensions of copper catalyzed azide alkyne cycloaddition (Cu-
AAC) to other synthetic fields. This review summarizes the most recent generation methods of
ketimines from CuAAC reaction, highlighting chemical properties focused on the synthesis of cyclic
compounds, among others, affording a general outlook towards the development of new biologically
active compounds.
Neutrophil Elastase in the Pathogenesis of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary
Disease: A Review
Authors: Rosyid Alfian Nur , Saputra Pandit Bagus Tri , Purwati Dinda Dwi , Ulhaq Alyaa Ulaa Dhiya , Yolanda Sherly , Djatioetomo Yovita Citra Eka Dewi , Bakhtiar Arief
Published: September 2022

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is one of the leading causes of mortality
globally. It is associated with a low quality of life and socio-economic burden. Airway destruction
in COPD pathogenesis is primarily due to the three mechanisms: protease-antiprotease imbalance,
chronic airway inflammation, and oxidative stress, which is triggered by exposure to harmful particles, such as cigarette smoking. Neutrophil elastase (NE), a serine protease stored in azurophilic
granules of neutrophils, actively participates in airway remodeling and microbiocidal activity. It hydrolyzes elastin, collagen, and other vital extracellular matrix proteins (EMP) in the respiratory tissue. In addition, neutrophil elastase activates other principal proteinases such as matrix metalloprotease (MMP)-2, MMP-9, Cathepsin B, Meprin α protease, and Calpain that amplify EMP degradation. Macrophage, the primary leukocyte, responsible for lung parenchymal inflammation in COPD,
is also activated by NE. However, neutrophil elastase level is positively correlated with the degree
of airway inflammation and disease severity. Neutrophil elastase activates reactive oxygengenerating systems such as nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase and
myeloperoxidase and it also generates mitochondrial-derived-reactive oxygen species formation by
inducing the secretion of Interleukin (IL)-1 andTumour necrosis factor (TNF)- α. In addition, neutrophil elastase stimulates respiratory cell apoptosis by direct (e.g., activating the caspase-3 pathway) and indirect mechanisms (e.g., by secretion of Neutrophil Extracellular Traps). Surprisingly,
neutrophil elastase may have small anti-inflammatory properties. In conclusion, neutrophil elastase
is one of the main culprits responsible for COPD pathogenesis by mediating the activation of Triad
COPD pathogenesis.
Coexistence of Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma and Acute Myeloid Leukemia at Initial Diagnosis: A Case Report
Authors: Ke Meng Meng , Wang Zhi Zhong , Wan Qin , Chen Zhi Jun
Published: September 2022

:

Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and acute myeloid leukemia are both hematological malignancies that rarely coexist at the time of initial diagnosis. We present a case of non-Hodgkin lymphoma and acute myeloid leukemia diagnosed on the first admission.

Background:

Lymphoma and leukemia, both malignant hematological cancers, are primarily separate diseases, with a majority of cases originating independently. The co-occurrence of lymphoma and leukemia at the time of the first diagnosis is extremely rare, and few relevant reports exist in the medical literature. We describe a case of a patient with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and acute myeloid leukemia, a very rare occurrence.

Case Report:

A 57-year-old man complained of fatigue and neck tumors. A physical examination revealed several enlarged superficial lymph nodes throughout the body. On admission, routine blood tests revealed anemia, thrombocytopenia, and normal counts of white blood cells. Cytology of two cervical lymph nodes indicated non- Hodgkin's lymphoma, 18F-PET/CT: multiple enlarged lymph nodes with hypermetabolism, diffuse hypermetabolism of the bone marrow, suggesting lymphoma infiltration in the bone marrow, and a bone marrow biopsy revealed acute myeloid leukemia. Ultimately, the patient was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and acute myeloid leukemia.

Conclusion:

Primary bilineage hematological malignancies are rare, and the mechanism underlying their incidence is unknown. Infiltration of the bone marrow by lymphoma or leukemia can result in diffuse hypermetabolism, which is mostly diagnosed via bone marrow biopsy.
Isatin Conjugates as Antibacterial Agents: A Brief Review
Authors: Hassan Firoj , Azad Iqbal , Asif Mohd , Shukla Deepanjali , Husain Atif , Khan Abdul Rahman , Saquib Mohammad , Nasibullah Malik
Published: September 2022

Pathogenic bacteria, with their innate resistance to drugs, pose a constant threat to human
health and well-being and put a persistent strain on the health care system. Development of more
effective and safer novel antibacterial drugs is warranted to counter the menace unleashed by pathogenic
bacteria. Integration of privileged pharmacophores from various bioactive molecules into a
single template is a promising strategy to obtain new leads with unique mechanisms of action to
overcome drug resistance. In the past few years, numerous isatin-based hybrid molecules were
screened and their pharmacological properties were explored in efforts to develop novel therapeutics.
The results of screening show that isatin conjugates exhibit promising activity against a broad range
of highly pathogenic gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria and can serve as important leads in
the discovery of highly potent broad spectrum antibacterial drugs. Herein, we review the antibacterial
bioactive profile of a variety of hybrid isatin derivatives, including isatin–azole, isatin-quinoline/
quinolone, isatin-furan/coumarin, isatin-hydrazone/(thio)semicarbazone, isatin dimers, and isatin–
indole hybrids.
Mechanical Performance and Durability of Date Palm Fibers Repair Mortar
Authors: Yahiaoui Walid , Kenai Abdelraouf , Menadi Belkacem , Kenai Said
Published: September 2022

Background:

Concrete is the most widely used material in the world after water. However, concrete could be damaged under aggressive environments and many concrete structures require repair and frequent maintenance. Readymade mortars with and without synthetic fibers such as polypropylene and acrylic are often used as repair mortars. The partial replacement of cement by supplementary cementitious materials and the use of alternative fibers such as natural and agro-waste fibers could reduce the environmental impact of readymade mortars.

Methods:

This paper presents a comparative study between the performance of laboratory made and ready-made repair mortars. The laboratory repair mortars were based on date palm fibers and local mineral additions (slag and natural pozzolan). The volume ratio of date palm fibers addition was 0.75% and mineral additions content were fixed at 15% as cement replacement. Compressive strength, flexural strength, shrinkage and the bond strength by slant shear test and tensile strength of concrete by the pull-off method were investigated. The durability of the mortar was evaluated by water capillary absorption.

Results:

The results indicated that the addition of natural fibers and the substitution of cement by 15% of mineral additions improves the flexural strength but reduces the compressive strength of the fiber-reinforced repair mortar. The lowest values of total shrinkage, water capillary absorption and sorptivity were observed for repair mortars based on acrylic fibers compared to repair mortars with natural vegetables fibers.

Conclusion:

The mechanical and durability performances of laboratory made repair mortars were comparable to those of readymade mortars.
Knowledge and Skill Needs in E-course Training of an Expanded Program for Immunization Staff in Thailand: A Mixed-method Design
Authors: Rutchanagul Pregamol , Sangnimitchaikul Wipada
Published: September 2022

Background:

This study was conducted to examine essential content needs in E-course training to improve the knowledge and skills of immunization staff members in Thailand.

Methods:

This study used a mixed-method research design. Quantitative methodology was used to study 449 staff members of government care facilities in the Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI). Surveys were conducted by using the perceived needs for immunization training questionnaire. Qualitative methodology employed in-depth interview guidelines on immunization content that were used to interview 14 staff members at EPI. The quantitative data were analyzed by using descriptive statistics and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). Interview data were analyzed in content analysis.

Results:

The participants were immunization staff members of three positions: registered nurses, pharmacists and public health technical officers. The participants had different E-course training content needs concerning vaccine-report registration, administering the vaccines and dealing with adverse events following immunization (AEFI) with a statistical significance of .05. This was consistent with the findings from in-depth interviews, which showed staff members had both varying and connected work responsibilities, giving members from all three groups a need for the same basic knowledge pertaining to immunization. In some aspects, staff members required different training content details depending on job descriptions. Public health technical officers were found to require details on vaccine-report registration. Nurses required knowledge dealing with AEFI and administering the vaccines. Pharmacists needed details on the cold-chain system the most.

Conclusion:

Executives at the policy level should specify essential content requiring development for each position in addition to designing training models to meet the needs of EPI staff, enabling access and promoting effective use.
Comparable Public Health Responses to COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Khan Farrukh Sher , Ullah Amin , Khan Omer Javed , Sehar Bismillah , Alsubaie Ali Saad R. , Asmat Sara , Zeb Falak
Published: September 2022

Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a serious respiratory disorder and has challenged public health organizations everywhere. To effectively target government interventions, the most vulnerable persons to coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19), the development of serious health indications and mortality must be identified. We conducted a thorough literature review to provide the existing position of technical information in these domains, stressing the necessity for a united worldwide approach, touching forward and learning for upcoming diseases. Medline, Embase and Global Health, and the Web of Science, were searched by the end of August 2021. The search criteria were SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19-specific. A broad array of descriptions has been recycled regarding the harshness of the condition. Furthermore, multiple countries took various public health steps to control the transmission of COVID-19. In this review, we are enlisting the countries and their short- andlong-term public health responses to combat this pandemic. We also described four key sections of public health responses, i-e, monitoring, public education, crowd control and establishment of health care facilities followed by various countries to prevent the pandemic.
Evaluation of Knowledge, Attitude, and Protective Behaviors of Teachers Against Dust Phenomenon Based on the Health Belief Model
Authors: Sarani Mohammad , Heydari Azadeh , Zare Seyedeh Mahboubeh Hosseini , Hosseini-Zare Maryam Sadat , Bazi Mohammad Abbas Zadeh , Sarani Najmeh , Isfahani Parvaneh
Published: September 2022

Background:

Awareness of protective behaviors against haze plays an important role in disease prevention and control. Students, who are in turn educated by teachers, are one of the important groups that can transfer health-related concepts to families. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate teachers' knowledge, attitudes, and behavior regarding adopting healthy behaviors upon exposure to haze using the health belief model (HBM).

Materials and Methods:

This descriptive-analytical (cross-sectional) study was performed on 250 primary school teachers from Zabol County by cluster sampling. Data were gathered by multi-section questionnaires. Its validity and reliability have been evaluated. The data were analyzed in SPSS software (version 21) using proper statistical tests at a significance level of P < 0.05.

Results:

Teachers were in the average age range of 38.66±6.81 years. Mean scores of behavior, perceived susceptibility, perceived severity, perceived benefits, perceived barriers, and self-efficacy were obtained as 11.88±2.47, 26.42±43.10, 26.42±4.10, 22.43±4.10, 28.26±5.12, 10.73±2.06, respectively. There was a significant relationship between awareness and protective behavior (r= 0.61, P=0.0012). Health belief model constructs were able to predict about 39.8% of the variance of protective behavior, with the level of Education (B = 0.369) being the strongest predictor.

Conclusion:

Results show that the design and implementation of educational programs based on the HBM in schools are effective in the promotion of awareness and empowerment with the aim of increasing protective behavior in teachers in the face of the haze phenomenon.
MicroRNA-Mediated Regulation of BMP Signaling in the Developing
Neural Tube
Authors: Greene Robert M. , Mukhopadhyay Partha , Seelan Ratnam S. , Pisano M. Michele
Published: September 2022

Background:

Neural tube (NT) morphogenesis is reliant on the proper temporospatial
expression of numerous genes and synchronized crosstalk between diverse signaling cascades and
gene regulatory networks governing key cellular processes. MicroRNAs (miRNAs), a group of
small non-coding regulatory RNAs, execute defining roles in directing key canonical pathways during
embryogenesis.

Objective:

In order to comprehend the mechanistic underpinnings of miRNA regulation of NT morphogenesis,
we have identified in the current study various miRNAs and their target mRNAs associated
with BMP signaling during critical stages of neurulation.

Methods:

We previously demonstrated the expression of several miRNAs during the critical stages
of neurulation (gestational days (GD) 8.5, 9.0, and 9.5) employing high-sensitivity, high-coverage
microarrays. In the present study, bioinformatic analyses were used to identify miRNAs differentially
expressed (DE) in the embryonic NT that target messenger RNAs (mRNAs) associated with the
bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signaling pathway. RNAs extracted from the developing NT
were hybridized to both miRNA and mRNA arrays to evaluate miRNA-mRNA interactions.

Results:

Bioinformatic analysis identified several DE miRNAs that targeted mRNAs encoding
members of (and proteins associated with) the BMP signaling pathway – a signaling cascade central
to normal NT development.

Conclusion:

Identification of the miRNAs and their mRNA targets associated with BMP signaling
facilitates a better understanding of the crucial epigenetic mechanisms underlying normal NT development
as well as the pathogenesis of NT defects. The current study supports the notion that miRNAs
function as key regulators of neural tube morphogenesis via modulation of the BMP signaling
cascade. Altered expression of these miRNAs during neurulation may therefore result in NT defects.
Biomedical Applications of Polysaccharide-Based Aerogels: A Review
Authors: Warrier Sreelakshmi K. , Mathew Shilpa Sarah , Pothan Laly A. , Ajish Koottumpurath Raghavan
Published: September 2022

Aerogels, in recent times, have become materials of extensive research due to their fascinating capabilities in different fields. High porosity, large surface area, low thermal conductivity and low density make them significant in fields such as medicine, environmental engineering, food packaging, and so on. Biodegradability, low toxicity and biocompatibility, in addition to the aforementioned properties, offered by bio-based aerogels, especially polysaccharide based aerogels, give them a huge advantage over conventional inorganic ones. Polysaccharide based aerogels synthesised from starch, cellulose, pectin, alginate, chitosan, carrageenan and agarose precursors enable sustainable developments in the biomedical, cosmetic, electronic, construction and food industries. This review focuses on the biomedical applications of polysaccharide based aerogels, with special emphasis on its implications in drug delivery, tissue engineering, medical implantable devices, wound dressing, biosensors and bio-imaging. The future perspectives of these smart materials have also been subjected to discussion.
Overview on Bio-based Polymers
Authors: Singh Sudarshan , Chunglok Warangkana
Published: September 2022

Synthetic polymers are an imperative manmade discovery that has long been under environmental scrutiny due to their several detriments such as slow or nondegradation, diminutive re-usage, and severe milieu effects. A rough estimate indicates that 8300 million metric tons of virgin plastic are produced using synthetic materials to date, of which only 9% have been recycled until 2015. The detrimental effects of a synthetic polymeric waste product on surroundings can be slowed down by replacing it with biopolymers. Biodegradable polymers are materials that degrade due to the action of either aerobic or anaerobic microorganisms and/or enzymes. Environmental protection agency and PlasticEurope indicated that biodegradable polymers have shown a promising impact on the environment with a decline in the waste and toxic gas produced by either burying or incinerating synthetic polymers and their products. Moreover, the replacement of plastic products with bio-polymeric material for general, pharmaceutical, and agricultural use has also shown a significant decline in waste plastic in landfills and oceans. Furthermore, the potential market share of biopolymers growing gradually and is projected to generate 10.6 billion US Dollars by 2026. However, the potential biodegradable polymers market capital share has yet not reached its peak, due to the non-availability of specific regulatory standards and approval process. Thus, a complete replacement of synthetic polymers with biodegradable polymeric materials can be a paradigm shift for nature and human beings. This chapter acmes on the history of biodegradable materials and their impact on nature with their regulatory requirements to gain market capital share.
Biopolymers Towards Green and Sustainable Development
Authors: Singh Sudarshan , Chunglok Warangkana
Published: September 2022

Bio-based polymers are materials that are produced from renewable resources. Their biodegradable properties are the driver of worldwide interest among researchers and manufacturers in recent years due to the demand and need for alternatives to fossil fuel based polymers. The use of biodegradable polymers creates a sustainable industry. In contrast, the raw materials for synthetic polymers derived from petrochemicals will eventually deplete and most of them are non-biodegradable. Despite these advantages, bio-based polymers account for only a tiny fraction of the total global plastic market.

Non-biodegradability issues of synthetic pharmaceutical inactive ingredients strongly emphasized innovators towards the development of biopolymers. Recently natural biodegradable excipients gained significant attention due to their sustainability and engineered applications. Innovative technologies to transform these materials into value-added chemicals via novel graft-polymerization or co-processing techniques for the production of high-performance multifunctional and low-cost polymers with tunable structures are key parts of its sustainable development.

Biopolymers Towards Green and Sustainable Development elaborates on important issues that surround bio-based polymers. It gives the reader an overview of biopolymers, the impact of non-biodegradable polymers on the environment and health, emerging sources of biodegradable polymers, structural and morphological characterization techniques, thermomechanical properties, biodegradable plastics from biopolymers, pharmaceutical, biomedical, and textile applications, and pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics. with a brief on bibliometric. Moreover, a brief bibliometric meta-analysis on bio-based pharmaceutical excipients provides an update about teams involved in the development of polymeric research that may be of interest to anyone who wants to work on sustainable biopolymer projects.

Key Features

- provides an updated summary on recently discovered natural polymeric materials

- gives a thorough breakdown of the vast range of biopolymer applications including fabrication of conventional and novel drug delivery, polymeric scaffolds, composites, microneedles, and green synthesis of metallic nanoparticles,

-summarizes pharmacology and pharmacokinetics of the inactive pharmaceutical ingredient and excipients

- presents a bibliometric meta-analysis indicating potential collaboration between country, organization, institution, and authors with a view on recent ongoing trends with biopolymers.
Bioactive Peptide Production from Slaughterhouse Blood Proteins: Impact of Pulsed Electric Fields and Ph on Enzyme Inactivation, Antimicrobial and Antioxidant Activities of Peptic Hydrolysates from Bovine and Porcine Hemoglobins
Authors:   Université Laval, Reinoso Zain Sanchez , Thibodeau Jacinthe ,   Université Laval, Said Laila Ben ,   Université Laval, Fliss Ismail ,   Université Laval, Bazinet Laurent ,   Université Laval, Mikhaylin Sergey ,   Université Laval
Published: September 2022

Slaughterhouse blood is a valuable by-product since multiple bioactive compounds can be derived out of it. Its solid fraction consists mainly of hemoglobin, which is a good source of antimicrobial and antioxidant peptides that can be released by peptic hydrolysis. Nevertheless, this method has limitations such as low yield, expensive cost of enzyme process, and non-eco-friendly production (high energy consumption and chemical reagents requested). Amount the alternative green technologies for protein valorization, pulsed electric field (PEF) stands out since it allows modifying the physicochemical properties of proteins, promoting the enzymatic hydrolysis, enzyme inactivation, and bioactivity enhancement. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the effect of PEF on the pepsin inactivation and biological activities (antimicrobial and antioxidant) in hemoglobin hydrolysates. Bovine and porcine hemoglobins were hydrolyzed with pepsin for 3 h (37°C, pH 3.0) and treated with PEF (73 pulses, 23.8kV/cm, 90Hz) to inactivate the enzyme. The hydrolysis degree was evaluated, which did not show significant changes after PEF-inactivation of pepsin, whereas the peptide population analysis by RP-UPLC-MS/MS showed some changes in PEF-treated hydrolysates over time, which suggested a residual pepsin activity. Additionally, the impact of pH (3, 7, and 10) on bioactivity was studied. PEF-treatments did not show a significant impact on antimicrobial (antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-yeast activities) and antioxidant activities (DPPH and ORAC). However, higher pH fostered stronger anti-yeast activity (R. mucilaginosa) and DPPH‐scavenging capacity, whereas pH 7 fostered the antifungal activity (M. racemosus). Even though some changes were observed in the peptide population, no negative effects of PEF were found for biological activities. Thus, the utilization of hemoglobin from the meat industry combined with PEF-treatment fits the circular economy concept since derived peptides can be recycled to protect meat and other products against microbial growth and oxidation.
Increasing Soybean Meal Protein Level Reduces GHG Emissions and Improves Farm and Food Sector Sustainability Metrics
Authors:   Blue Spring Communications, Osthus John , Borg Bart ,   Standard Nutrition Company, Conley Shawn ,   University of Wisconsin-Madison, Mitchell Paul ,   University of Wisconsin-Madison, Boyd R. Dean ,   Animal Nutrition Research
Published: September 2022

Soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] is the most important legume crop in the United States, being rich in essential amino acids, essential fatty acids, and oil. However, soybean protein content has been declining for decades, and a comprehensive ecosystem-based approach to address that decline does not exist. Furthermore, feed production comprises about 90 percent of greenhouse gas emissions from pig and poultry production, so improving soybean meal protein has significant farm revenue and emissions implications. Our goal was to develop a system model that characterizes and quantifies the link between improved soybean protein, improved corn demand, and reduced emissions. Our research objectives were to (i) quantify and predict the feed value of improving soybean protein, and volume required, (ii) quantify the effect of improved soybean meal protein on increasing feed corn demand, and (iii) quantify the impact of increased soybean meal protein on emissions of swine and poultry operations. Our results show that when soybean meal protein increases from 44 percent to 50 percent, corn demand increases up to 13.8 percent, lifecycle emissions decrease by up to 4.6 percent in pig diets and decrease by up to 4.5 percent in poultry diets; while improving implied soybean value by enough to offset the volume lost by improving protein. Our findings also indicate that as soybean protein content declined, crop farmers have lost billions of dollars in corn and soybean revenue since about 2000 to synthetic amino acids and corn distillers-dried grain with solubles (DDGS), and GHG emissions in feed has been gradually increasing. These findings are significant to AOCS membership because they illustrate how GHG emissions can be reduced by improved soybean protein, thereby delivering on farmer goals of increasing feed value, and supporting food company goals of improving environmental sustainability.
Processing of Silflower (Silphium Integrifolium) Seeds to Obtain Oil and Enriched Protein Meal
Authors:   USDA ARS NCAUR Bio-Oils Research, Evangelista Roque , Hojilla-Evangelista Milagros ,   USDA ARS NCAUR Plant Polymer Research, Cermak Steven ,   USDA, Van Tassel David ,   Land Institute
Published: September 2022

Silflower (Silphium integrifolium Michx.), a perennial plant in the sunflower family, has been a promising subject for domestication as an oilseed crop. This work was carried out to investigate the seed processing aspect of this effort. Selected physical properties of the seed were evaluated, seed milling to obtain enriched kernel fraction was conducted, and initial characterization of the seed protein was performed. There was wide variation in seed length (11.5 to 20.8 mm), width (4.6 to 11.8 mm), and thickness (0.9 to 1.6 mm). The thousand seed weight was 23.8 g but the tapped bulk density was only 189.6 g/L due to the presence of wing around the seed’s periphery. The kernel accounted for 56.1% of the seed weight and contained 31.0% oil. An enriched kernel fraction with 79.6% purity was obtained by roller-milling, sifting, and air classification. Linoleic (62.3%) and oleic (19.6%) acids were the major fatty acids in the oil. The defatted enriched kernel fraction contained 63.4% crude protein. Globulin, glutelin, albumin, and prolamin accounted for 55.6%, 19.3%, 16.4%, and 8.7% of the soluble proteins, respectively. At an extraction pH of 9, protein solubility was 62%. Maximum solubility (70%) was obtained at pH 10 while minimum solubility of 9% occurred between pH 4 and 5.5. Aside from the oil, the dehulling of silflower seeds also produced a high-protein defatted meal, which may be used as is or as a starting material for enriching the protein further into a protein isolate.
Does Soil Nutrient Management with Nitrogen Fertilizer Increase Protein Content in Leguminous Plants
Authors:   University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Jundt Emily , Majumder Kaustav ,   University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Maharjan Bijesh ,   University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Published: September 2022

Dry edible beans (Phaseolus vulgaris) are leguminous plants and are an excellent source of dietary proteins. Great Northern (GN) beans are a market class of dry edible beans and a major agricultural commodity in Nebraska. Soil nutrient management with nitrogen (N) fertilizer can enhance bean production by increasing N uptake, potentially improving protein quantity, and resulting in a potential economic benefit to bean farmers. Thus, this experiment aims to evaluate and optimize the effects of N treatment on yield, total protein, and soluble protein in GN beans. Seven treatments were tested, consisting of two controls and 5 treatments of urea at different rates. This field trial used a randomized complete block design (RCBD) structure, with four replications per treatment. GN beans were planted in May 2021, fertilized in June, and harvested in September 2021. Yield was calculated, total protein content was measured via the Dumas method, and soluble protein content was analyzed by Lowry’s protein estimation method. Bean yield linearly increased with fertilizer N rate. Bean yield ranged from 3260 lbs/ac at 0 lbs N/ac to 3710 lbs/ac at 125 lbs N/ac. Results also showed that both total and soluble protein content in GN beans linearly increased with applied N rate. The urea treatment at a rate of 100 and 125 lbs /ac increased the total protein content by 1.0 and 2.9%, respectively. Soluble protein content increased by 1.2 and 1.8% when urea was applied at rates of 100 and 125 lbs/ac, respectively. As the demand for plant-based protein continues to grow, it brings a large market for legume proteins that can be optimized with N management. The use of N management to enhance the bean quality by increasing total and soluble protein will add more economic value to the GN beans and benefit the bean growers.
Development of a Low-cost, Nano-fibrillar Xerogel Network Comprised of Cyclic-di-amino Acids
Authors:   University of Guelph, Sultani Arianna , Rogers Michael ,   University of Guelph, Nasr Pedram ,   University of Guelph
Published: September 2022

Peptides are a promising class of gelators and specifically, cyclic-di-amino acids (CdAA) have great versatility and biocompatibility due to their amino acid side chain diversity. This allows custom programing of the molecular motifs responsible for self-assembly. Six pairs of di-peptides were tested in 25 solvents, of which 16 combinations resulted in a gel. Each of the amino acids selected have unique properties in self-assembly and the 25 solvents represent a broad spectrum of solvent conditions, allowing the result to be extrapolated to untested solvents. The ability to self-assemble into fibrous structures requires a meticulous balance amongst opposing factors, including solubility and those that control growth into elongated aggregates/fibers. The fibrous inter-woven peptide nanofibers from self-assembled CdAA form enormous aspect ratio fibers. The crystal morphology of the resultant gels drastically varied, which is attributed to changes in the side chains, as well as the thermodynamic driving force, being either slow cooling or electrospinning (rapid solvent evaporation). As shown, phenylalanine and leucine when cyclized at a 2% wt in canola oil formed a fibrillar network. Fiber formation was characterized using atomic force, scanning electron, brightfield and polarized light microscopies, as well as X-ray diffraction. Additionally, the 16 gels were examined for fiber formation using Hansen Solubility parameters.
Sequential Fractionation as a Tool for Understanding the Physicochemical and Thermal Properties of Aqueous and Enzyme-assisted Aqueous Extracted Black Bean Proteins
Authors:   University of California, Davis, Yang Jasmin , Dias Fernanda Furlan Goncalves ,   University of California, Davis, Leite Nobrega De Moura Bell Juliana M. ,   University of California, Davis
Published: September 2022

Black bean proteins were sequentially extracted and characterized to understand the contribution of different protein classes to the physicochemical and thermal properties of black bean protein extracts produced with commercially-feasible extraction processes (i.e., aqueous extraction process, AEP, and enzyme-assisted aqueous extraction process, EAEP). The Osborne fractionation method was used to produce protein fractions rich in albumins (56%), globulins (22%), prolamins (0.65%), and glutelins (16%). AEP (pH 9.0, 50 °C, 1:10 solids-to-liquid ratio, 60 min) and EAEP (same conditions as AEP, except by the addition of 0.5% (w/w) alkaline protease) enabled the extraction of 75 and 81% of the bean flour protein, respectively. The protein molecular weight distribution showed that the AEP generates a mixture of albumins, globulins, and high-molecular weight glutelins while the EAEP hydrolyzed a majority of the ~42-48 kDa phaseolin into ~26.5 kDa fragments. EAEP proteins exhibited decreased surface hydrophobicity and increased absolute zeta potential values in relation to AEP proteins. The thermal stability of AEP and EAEP proteins decreased compared to that of the albumin- and globulin-rich fractions, likely due to partial denaturation in alkaline extraction conditions. However, the nearly identical thermal transition behavior of the AEP (To = 85.2 °C, Td = 92.0 °C) and EAEP (To = 84.1 °C, Td = 92.3 °C) proteins suggests that enzymatic hydrolysis did not significantly affect the thermal properties of bean proteins. Furthermore, the physicochemical modifications observed when enzymes were used during the extraction resulted in proteins with higher solubility at pH 4.0 (27% for AEP vs. 60% for EAEP). The results of this study demonstrate that aqueous extraction methods are effective in extracting albumins, globulins, and glutelins from black beans. Moreover, the use of commercial enzymes to assist protein extraction is a feasible method to improve bean protein extractability and functionality while retaining their thermal stability.
Process Considerations for Using Alternative Feedstock in the Production of Biodiesel
Authors:   American Biodiesel Dba Community Fuels, Yeh Bryan
Published: September 2022

Alternative feedstock, like used cooking oils and animal fats have the benefit of having low costs and low carbon intensity. This generally results in lower variable costs and higher margins for the biodiesel producer. However, these materials are also typically high is water and free fatty acids, and cannot be processed neat using traditional transesterification. Additional unit operations like acid esterification are necessary to be able to utilize this feedstock. When using additional unit operations, the processor needs to consider factors such as new processing aids, new process conditions, supply chain logistics and other downstream changes in order to produce biodiesel that at minimum meets ASTM specifications. This presentation will focus on describing the process changes, operating procedures, process safety management principles and quality control at an existing biodiesel plant in Stockton, California.
Chicken Feathers Keratin/ Modified Graphene Oxide Based Biosorbent for Water Remediation
Authors:   University of Alberta, Zubair Muhammad , Ullah Aman ,   University of Alberta
Published: September 2022

Water is one of the most precious resources on the earth and is a life source for all the living organisms. Around 75% of industrial wastewater is being discharged into the freshwater streams and 38% of it released untreated. Worldwide, wastewater from oil sands projects is being released into the water bodies and severely polluting the water resources. The tailings pond water contains toxic metals including lead, cadmium, arsenic, nickel, chromium, and selenium. Reverse osmosis, filtration and disinfection are being used to address the water quality issues. However, these have high cost, shorter life and poor adsorption capacity. We developed an eco-friendly biosorbent from chicken feathers with potential to remove heavy metals. Keratin from chicken feathers is an almost infinite source of natural protein ( >92%). Poultry feathers have a few applications, but large quantities are disposed in landfills that create environmental issues. Chicken feathers were washed, ground, and dissolved using reducing agent. Keratin was isolated from the solution using dialysis followed by freeze drying. Finally, biosorbent was obtained by treating powdered keratin with water dispersed modified graphene oxide and polymerized at high temperature. The biosorbents was tested for metals removal from synthetic contaminated water with concentration of 600, 1000 and 2000 ppb. Adsorption studies were performed using ICP-MS and compared with the commercially available adsorbents. Our study revealed that adsorbent can remove As, Se, Pb, Cu, Cd and Cr with adsorption capacity between 80-99% from the polluted water. This excellent adsorption capacity was ascribed to the incorporation of graphene oxide which increased the surface affinity of the keratin to adsorb heavy metals easily. The synthesis of environmentally benign adsorbent from chicken feathers showed potential to be implemented on larger scale. The study will also provide an alternate for chicken feathers utilization instead of simple disposal that causes environmental concerns.
Atmospheric Cold Plasma Treatment Enhanced the Pea Protein Gelling Properties and Mechanisms Study
Authors:   University of Alberta, Zhang Sitian , Chen Lingyun ,   University of Alberta
Published: September 2022

Pea protein is increasingly used as an alternative for soy protein due to its high nutritional value and hypoallergenic status. However, high denaturation temperatures and less cysteine content of pea protein cause a weaker gelation performance than soy protein, which limited pea protein applications as gelling ingredients in food formulations. In this study, atmospheric cold plasma as a promising non-thermal technology was applied to induce the gel formation of pea protein at reduced temperatures even at 70-80 oC that is much lower than its denaturation temperature. Moreover, the formed gels exhibited significantly improved mechanical strength when compared to that of pea protein without treatment, as well as high viscoelasticity and water holding capacity (88%). Next, the gelling mechanism was studied by monitoring pea protein structural changes during cold plasma treatment, as well as the gel formation process. Atmospheric cold plasma treatment could partially unfold the pea protein tertiary structure and increase the surface hydrophobicity. Meanwhile, unfolded protein was susceptible to oxidization by reactive species (such as reactive oxygen species and reactive nitrogen species) generated by atmospheric cold plasma, resulting in an increase in exposed free sulfhydryl groups and disulfide bonds. Additionally, hydrogen bonding could play an important role to stabilize the gel network through the results of gelation and dissociation of the gel formation process. Therefore, atmospheric cold plasma facilitated the formation of protein networks via physical forces and covalent bonds. This work has broadened the application of atmospheric cold plasma technology for a plant protein treatment and provided a novel and energy efficiency strategy to develop the gelling ingredient from pea protein for plant-based food development as a trend in the food market.
Analysis of Ki Hajar Dewantara's Humanistic Education in the Concept of Independent Learning Curriculum
Authors: Anggraini Garin Ocshela , Wiryanto Wiryanto
Published: September 2022

Education is a transformation in humans to achieve optimal self-actualization. The education process becomes a place to give freedom to every human being from a life that intimidates and seems to exploit. Education according to Ki Hadjar Dewantara is a form of freedom of thought for all humans. Ki Hajar Dewantara's concept of humanistic education is written in the philosophy "Ing ngarso sung tulodo, ing madyo mangun karso, tut wuri handayani". Humanistic education uses the learning process to increase self-awareness, so that students can seek and find patterns of their quality. Self-quality can be seen through student responses in a series of activities. Self-quality has a relationship with potential, so students can be guided to accept the uniqueness of potential in order to be able to change aspects that are considered not optimal in themselves. The fruit of this thought forms the creation of an independent learning curriculum. The concept of this curriculum is that the process and method of learning can be determined by the education unit itself, so that each teacher can develop independently related to the preparation of the syllabus and lesson plans.
Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry based steroid metabolomics in women with different phenotypes of polycystic ovarian syndrome and normal body weight
Authors: Glavnova O. B. , Vorokhobina N. V. , Velikanova L. I. , Yarmolinskaya M. I. , Malevanaya E. V. , Strelnikova E. G. , Balandina K. A.
Published: September 2022

Objective: to study the steroid metabolomics in women with normal body weight and various PCOS phenotypes by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Materials and methods: forty-eight(48)women with PCOS aged 25±0,3 yearswith a BMI less than 25 kg/m2 were examined. The control group (CG) consisted of twenty-five (25) healthy women aged 26±0,6 years with a BMI of 23 (21-24) kg/m2. Immunoassays were used to determine the levels of hormones in serum. Urinary steroid profiles (USP) were studied by GC-MS method. Statistical data processing was performed using the software system STATISTICA for WINDOWS (ver. 10). Results: the article provides an analysis of the metabolism of androgens, glucocorticoids and progestogens in women with different phenotypes of polycystic ovary syndromeaccording to gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Summary: the urinary excretion of androstenedione metabolites was increased in PCOS patients with androgen excess and anovulation (A and B phenotypes), dehydroepiandrosterone metabolites - in PCOS patients with androgen excess (A, B and C phenotypes). PCOS women with phenotype C showed raised urinary excretion of 11-oxo-pregnanetriol, pregnanetriol and 17-hydroxypregnanolone, a decrease in the ratios of the sum of tetrahydro derivatives of cortisol and cortisone to these progestogens, as well as determination of tetrahydro-21-deoxycorticol and nonclassical 5-ene-pregnenes according to GC-MS data. In fact, it indicated to deficiency of the 21-hydroxylase enzyme in these patients. It was found PCOS patients with androgen excess (A, B and C phenotypes) had the signs of insufficient 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase activity. PCOS women with phenotype A were revealed deficiency of 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (type 1).