bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ameliorative Effects of Zingiber officinale Rosc on Antibiotic-Associated Diarrhea and Improvement in Intestinal Function
Authors: Kim Sung Jin , Shin Myoung-Sook , Choi You-Kyung
Published: February 2024

The global increase in antibiotic consumption is related to increased adverse effects, such as antibiotic-associated diarrhea (AAD). This study investigated the chemical properties of Zingiber officinale Rosc (ZO) extract and its ameliorative effects using a lincomycin-induced AAD mouse model. Intestinal tissues were evaluated for the expression of lysozyme, claudin-1, and α-defensin-1, which are associated with intestinal homeostasis. The cecum was analyzed to assess the concentration of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). The chemical properties analysis of ZO extracts revealed the levels of total neutral sugars, acidic sugars, proteins, and polyphenols to be 86.4%, 8.8%, 4.0%, and 0.8%, respectively. Furthermore, the monosaccharide composition of ZO was determined to include glucose (97.3%) and galactose (2.7%). ZO extract administration ameliorated the impact of AAD and associated weight loss, and water intake also returned to normal. Moreover, treatment with ZO extract restored the expression levels of lysozyme, α-defensin-1, and claudin-1 to normal levels. The decreased SCFA levels due to induced AAD showed a return to normal levels. The results indicate that ZO extract improved AAD, strengthened the intestinal barrier, and normalized SCFA levels, showing that ZO extract possesses intestinal-function strengthening effects.
Combination of a Deep Eutectic Solvent and Macroporous Resin for Green Recovery of Iridoids, Chlorogenic Acid, and Flavonoids from Eucommia ulmoides Leaves
Authors: Liao Yunhui , Chen Feng , Tang Haishan , Dessie Wubliker , Qin Zuodong
Published: February 2024

To increase the effectiveness of using typical biomass waste as a resource, iridoids, chlorogenic acid, and flavonoids from the waste biomass of Eucommia ulmoides leaves (EULs) were extracted by deep eutectic solvents (DESs) in conjunction with macroporous resin. To optimize the extract conditions, the experiment of response surface was employed with the single-factor of DES composition molar ratio, liquid–solid ratio, water percentage, extraction temperature, and extraction time. The findings demonstrated that the theoretical simulated extraction yield of chlorogenic acid (CGA), geniposidic acid (GPA), aucubin (AU), geniposide (GP), rutin (RU), and isoquercetin (IQU) were 42.8, 137.2, 156.7, 5.4, 13.5, and 12.8 mg/g, respectively, under optimal conditions (hydrogen bond donor–hydrogen bond acceptor molar ratio of 1.96, liquid–solid ratio of 28.89 mL/g, water percentage of 38.44%, temperature of 317.36 K, and time of 55.59 min). Then, 12 resins were evaluated for their adsorption and desorption capabilities for the target components, and the HPD950 resin was found to operate at its optimum. Additionally, the HPD950 resin demonstrated significant sustainability and considerable potential in the recyclability test. Finally, the hypoglycemic in vitro, hypolipidemic in vitro, immunomodulatory, and anti-inflammatory effects of EUL extract were evaluated, and the correlation analysis of six active components with biological activity and physicochemical characteristics of DESs by heatmap were discussed. The findings of this study can offer a theoretical foundation for the extraction of valuable components by DESs from waste biomass, as well as specific utility benefits for the creation and development of natural products.
Efficient Scavenging of TEMPOL Radical by Ascorbic Acid in Solution and Related Prolongation of 13C and 1H Nuclear Spin Relaxation Times of the Solute
Authors: Římal Václav , Bunyatova Eleonora I. , Štěpánková Helena
Published: February 2024

Dynamic nuclear polarization for nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy and imaging uses free radicals to strongly enhance the NMR signal of a compound under investigation. At the same time, the radicals shorten significantly its nuclear spin relaxation times which reduces the time window available for the experiments. Radical scavenging can overcome this drawback. Our work presents a detailed study of the reduction of the TEMPOL radical by ascorbic acid in solution by high-resolution NMR. Carbon-13 and hydrogen-1 nuclear spin relaxations are confirmed to be restored to their values without TEMPOL. Reaction mechanism, kinetics, and the influence of pD and viscosity are thoroughly discussed. The detailed investigation conducted in this work should help with choosing suitable concentrations in the samples for dynamic nuclear polarization and optimizing the measurement protocols.
Egg White Protein–Proanthocyanin Complexes Stabilized Emulsions: Investigation of Physical Stability, Digestion Kinetics, and Free Fatty Acid Release Dynamics
Authors: Zhang Ting , Li Shanglin , Yang Meng , Li Yajuan , Liu Xuanting , Shang Xiaomin , Liu Jingbo , Du Zhiyang , Yu Ting
Published: February 2024

Egg white proteins pose notable limitations in emulsion applications due to their inadequate wettability and interfacial instability. Polyphenol-driven alterations in proteins serve as an effective strategy for optimizing their properties. Herein, covalent and non-covalent complexes of egg white proteins-proanthocyanins were synthesized. The analysis of structural alterations, amino acid side chains and wettability was performed. The superior wettability (80.00° ± 2.23°) and rigid structure (2.95 GPa) of covalent complexes established favorable conditions for their utilization in emulsions. Furthermore, stability evaluation, digestion kinetics, free fatty acid (FFA) release kinetics, and correlation analysis were explored to unravel the impact of covalent and non-covalent modification on emulsion stability, dynamic digestion process, and interlinkages. Emulsion stabilized by covalent complex exhibited exceptional stabilization properties, and FFA release kinetics followed both first-order and Korsmeyer–Peppas models. This study offers valuable insights into the application of complexes of proteins-polyphenols in emulsion systems and introduces an innovative approach for analyzing the dynamics of the emulsion digestion process.
Total Synthesis of the Racemate of Laurolitsine
Authors: Cao Mingyu , Wang Yiming , Zhang Yong , Zhang Caiyun , Chen Niangen , Zhang Xiaopo
Published: February 2024

The total synthesis of laurolitsine was achieved for the first time. This reaction was accomplished in 14 steps with a 2.3% yield (this was calculated using 3-hydroxy-4-methoxybenzaldehyde as the starting material) starting from two simple materials, 3-hydroxy-4-methoxybenzaldehyde and 2-(3-hydroxy-4-methoxyphenyl)acetic acid, and the longest linear sequence consisted of 11 steps. The key steps included an electrophilic addition reaction in which a nitro group was reduced to an amino group using lithium tetrahydroaluminum and a Pd-catalyzed direct biaryl coupling reaction. In this paper, many of the experimental steps were optimized, and an innovative postprocessing method in which 2-(3-(benzyloxy)-4-methoxyphenyl)ethanamine is salted with oxalic acid was proposed.
Neuropsychiatric Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: Molecules Involved in Its Imunopathogenesis, Clinical Features, and Treatment
Authors: Justiz-Vaillant Angel A. , Gopaul Darren , Soodeen Sachin , Arozarena-Fundora Rodolfo , Barbosa Odette Arozarena , Unakal Chandrashehkar , Thompson Reinand , Pandit Bijay , Umakanthan Srikanth , Akpaka Patrick E.
Published: February 2024

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an idiopathic chronic autoimmune disease that can affect any organ in the body, including the neurological system. Multiple factors, such as environmental (infections), genetic (many HLA alleles including DR2 and DR3, and genes including C4), and immunological influences on self-antigens, such as nuclear antigens, lead to the formation of multiple autoantibodies that cause deleterious damage to bodily tissues and organs. The production of autoantibodies, such as anti-dsDNA, anti-SS(A), anti-SS(B), anti-Smith, and anti-neuronal DNA are characteristic features of this disease. This autoimmune disease results from a failure of the mechanisms responsible for maintaining self-tolerance in T cells, B cells, or both. Immune complexes, circulating antibodies, cytokines, and autoreactive T lymphocytes are responsible for tissue injury in this autoimmune disease. The diagnosis of SLE is a rheumatological challenge despite the availability of clinical criteria. NPSLE was previously referred to as lupus cerebritis or lupus sclerosis. However, these terms are no longer recommended because there is no definitive pathological cause for the neuropsychiatric manifestations of SLE. Currently, the treatment options are primarily based on symptomatic presentations. These include the use of antipsychotics, antidepressants, and anxiolytic medications for the treatment of psychiatric and mood disorders. Antiepileptic drugs to treat seizures, and immunosuppressants (e.g., corticosteroids, azathioprine, and mycophenolate mofetil), are directed against inflammatory responses along with non-pharmacological interventions.
miRNAs as Biomolecular Markers for Food Safety, Quality, and Traceability in Poultry Meat—A Preliminary Study
Authors: Baraldo Nada , Buzzoni Luna , Pasti Luisa , Cavazzini Alberto , Marchetti Nicola , Mancia Annalaura
Published: February 2024

In this study, the expression and abundance of two candidate chicken (Gallus gallus; gga) microRNAs (miRNAs, miR), gga-miR-21-5p (miR-21) and gga-miR-126-5p (miR-126), have been analyzed in order to identify biomarkers for the traceability and quality of poultry meat. Two breeds of broiler chickens were tested: the most common Ross308 (fast-growing) and the high-quality Ranger Gold (slow-growing). A preliminary analysis of the two miRNAs expressions was conducted across various tissues (liver, lung, spleen, skeletal muscle, and kidney), and the three tissues (lung, spleen, and muscle) with a higher expression were chosen for further analysis. Using quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR), the expression of miRNAs in the three tissues of a total of thirteen animals was determined. The results indicate that miR-126 could be a promising biomarker for the lung tissue in the Ranger Gold (RG) breed (p < 0.01), thus suggesting a potential applicability for tracing hybrids. RG exhibits a significantly higher miR-126 expression in the lung tissue compared to the Ross308 broilers (R308), an indication of greater respiratory capacity and, consequently, a higher oxidative metabolism of the fast-growing hybrid. During sampling, two R308 broilers presented some anomalies, including airsacculitis, hepatic steatosis, and enlarged spleen. The expression of miR-126 and miR-21 was compared in healthy animals and in those presenting anomalies. Chickens with airsacculitis and hepatic steatosis showed an up-regulation of miR-21 and miR-126 in the most commercially valuable tissue, the skeletal muscle or breast (p < 0.05).
Combined Application of Fluorescence Spectroscopy and Principal Component Analysis in Characterisation of Selected Herbhoneys
Authors: Banaś Joanna , Banaś Marian
Published: February 2024

This study reports the use of front-face fluorescence spectroscopy with principal component analysis (PCA) as a tool for the characterisation of selected Polish herbhoneys (raspberry, lemon balm, rose, mint, black current, instant coffee, pine, hawthorn, and nettle). Fluorimetric spectra registered in the ranges ascribed to fluorescence of amino acids, polyphenols, vitamins, and products of Maillard’s reaction enabled the comparison of herbhoney compositions. Obtained synchronous spectra combined with PCA were used to investigate potential differences between analysed samples and interactions between compounds present in them. The most substantial influence on the total variance had the intensities of polyphenols fluorescence. These intensities were the main factor differentiated by the analysed products.
The Perfect Cup? Coffee-Derived Polyphenols and Their Roles in Mitigating Factors Affecting Type 2 Diabetes Pathogenesis
Authors: Chapple Brooke , Woodfin Seth , Moore William
Published: February 2024

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is a growing health concern with an estimated 462 million people having been diagnosed worldwide. T2D is characterized by chronically elevated blood glucose and insulin resistance, which culminate in a diminished function of the β-cell mass in its later stages. This can be perpetuated by and result in inflammation, excess reactive oxygen species production, obesity, and the dysregulation of multiple cellular pathways. Many naturally occurring small molecules have been investigated in terms of their roles in modulating glucose homeostasis and β-cell function. Many of these compounds can be found in commonly used sources of food and drink. Interestingly, a correlation has been observed between coffee consumption and T2D incidence. However, the specific compounds responsible for this correlation and their mechanisms are still somewhat undetermined. This paper reviews recent research findings on the effects of several polyphenols that are either found in coffee or are metabolites of compounds found in coffee (enterodiol, enterolactone, matairesinol, secoisolariciresinol, kaempferol, quercetin, and chlorogenic acid) on glucose homeostasis and health complications associated with glucose dysregulation, with a special emphasis on their potential anti-diabetic effects. The factors that affect polyphenol content in coffee are also addressed.
Catalytic Hydroconversion of Model Compounds over Ni/NiO@NC Nanoparticles
Authors: Liu Ting , Ma Yanxi , Tang Yakun , Zhang Yue , Liu Jingmei , Zhou Xiaodong , Li Xiaohui , Liu Lang
Published: February 2024

The conversion of lignite into aromatic compounds by highly active catalysts is a key strategy for lignite valorization. In this study, Ni/NiO@NC nanocomposites with a high specific surface area and a vesicular structure were successfully prepared via a facile sol–gel method. The Ni/NiO@NC catalysts exhibited excellent catalytic activity for the catalytic hydroconversion (CHC) of benzyloxybenzene (as lignite-related modeling compounds) under mild conditions (120 °C, 1.5 MPa H2, 60 min). The possible mechanism of the catalytic reaction was investigated by analyzing the type and content of CHC reaction products at different temperatures, pressures, and times. More importantly, the magnetic catalyst could be conveniently separated by a magnet after the reaction, and it maintained high catalytic efficiency after six reuses. This study provides an efficient and recyclable catalyst for the cleavage of >CH–O bonds in lignite, thereby offering another way for improved utilization of lignite.
Trimethylamine N-Oxide Improves Exercise Performance by Reducing Oxidative Stress through Activation of the Nrf2 Signaling Pathway
Authors: Zou Hong , Zhou Yu , Gong Lijing , Huang Caihua , Liu Xi , Lu Ruohan , Yu Jingjing , Kong Zhenxing , Zhang Yimin , Lin Donghai
Published: February 2024

Trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO) has attracted interest because of its association with cardiovascular disease and diabetes, and evidence for the beneficial effects of TMAO is accumulating. This study investigates the role of TMAO in improving exercise performance and elucidates the underlying molecular mechanisms. Using C2C12 cells, we established an oxidative stress model and administered TMAO treatment. Our results indicate that TMAO significantly protects myoblasts from oxidative stress-induced damage by increasing the expression of Nrf2, heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), NAD(P)H dehydrogenase (NQO1), and catalase (CAT). In particular, suppression of Nrf2 resulted in a loss of the protective effects of TMAO and a significant decrease in the expression levels of Nrf2, HO-1, and NQO1. In addition, we evaluated the effects of TMAO in an exhaustive swimming test in mice. TMAO treatment significantly prolonged swimming endurance, increased glutathione and taurine levels, enhanced glutathione peroxidase activity, and increased the expression of Nrf2 and its downstream antioxidant genes, including HO-1, NQO1, and CAT, in skeletal muscle. These findings underscore the potential of TMAO to counteract exercise-induced oxidative stress. This research provides new insights into the ability of TMAO to alleviate exercise-induced oxidative stress via the Nrf2 signaling pathway, providing a valuable framework for the development of sports nutrition supplements aimed at mitigating oxidative stress.
Enhancing Silicon Solar Cell Performance Using a Thin-Film-like Aluminum Nanoparticle Surface Layer
Authors: Fjell Mirjam D. , Lothe John Benjamin , Halas Naomi J. , Rosnes Mali H. , Holst Bodil , Greve Martin M.
Published: February 2024

Solar cells play an increasing role in global electricity production, and it is critical to maximize their conversion efficiency to ensure the highest possible production. The number of photons entering the absorbing layer of the solar cell plays an important role in achieving a high conversion efficiency. Metal nanoparticles supporting localized surface plasmon resonances (LSPRs) have for years been suggested for increasing light in-coupling for solar cell applications. However, most studies have focused on materials exhibiting strong LSPRs, which often come with the drawback of considerable light absorption within the solar spectrum, limiting their applications and widespread use. Recently, aluminum (Al) nanoparticles have gained increasing interest due to their tuneable LSPRs in the ultraviolet and visible regions of the spectrum. In this study, we present an ideal configuration for maximizing light in-coupling into a standard textured crystalline silicon (c-Si) solar cell by determining the optimal Al nanoparticle and anti-reflection coating (ARC) parameters. The best-case parameters increase the number of photons absorbed by up to 3.3%. We give a complete description of the dominating light–matter interaction mechanisms leading to the enhancement and reveal that the increase is due to the nanoparticles optically exhibiting both particle- and thin-film characteristics, which has not been demonstrated in earlier works.
Pilot Study of Heat-Stabilized Rice Bran Acceptability in Households of Rural Southwest Guatemala and Estimates of Fiber, Protein, and Micro-Nutrient Intakes among Mothers and Children
Authors: Pfluger Brigitte A. , Giunta Alexis , Calvimontes Diva M. , Lamb Molly M. , Delgado-Zapata Roberto , Ramakrishnan Usha , Ryan Elizabeth P.
Published: February 2024

Nutrient-dense, acceptable foods are needed in low-resource settings. Rice bran, a global staple byproduct of white rice processing, is rich in amino acids, fibers, and vitamins, when compared to other cereal brans. This pilot study examines the nutritional contribution of rice bran to the daily diets of mother–child pairs in rural southwest Guatemala. Thirty households were screened. Mothers (≥18 years) and children (6 to 24 months) completed 24 h dietary recalls at baseline and after 12 weeks (endline) for diet intake and diversity analyses. During biweekly visits for 12 weeks, households with <5 members received 14 packets containing 60 g of heat-stabilized rice bran, and those with ≥5 members received 28 packets. The macro- and micro-nutrient contributions of rice bran and whole, cooked black beans were included in dietary simulation models with average intakes established between the recalls and for comparison with dietary reference intakes (DRIs). A baseline child food frequency questionnaire was administered. The 27 mothers and 23 children with complete recalls were included in analyses. Daily maternal consumption of 10 g/d of rice bran plus 100 g/d of black beans resulted in all achieving at least 50% of the fiber, protein, magnesium, niacin, potassium, and thiamin DRIs. Daily child consumption of 3 g/d of rice bran plus 10 g/d of black beans resulted in all achieving at least 50% of the magnesium, niacin, phosphorous, and thiamine DRIs. For 15/17 food categories, male children had a higher intake frequency, notably for animal-source foods and coffee. Dietary rice bran coupled with black beans could improve nutritional adequacy, especially for fiber and key micro-nutrients, with broader implications for addressing maternal and child malnutrition in low-resource settings.
Beneficial Effects of Dietary Flaxseed on Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
Authors: Parikh Mihir , Hirst Broderick C. , O’Hara Kimberley A. , Maddaford Thane G. , Austria J. Alejandro , Stamenkovic Aleksandra , Yu Liping , Kura Branislav , Garg Bhavana , Netticadan Thomas , Proctor Spencer D. , Pierce Grant N.
Published: February 2024

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), a significant cause of chronic liver disease, presents a considerable public health concern. Despite this, there is currently no treatment available. This study aimed to investigate dietary flaxseed in the JCR:LA-corpulent rat strain model of NAFLD. Both obese male and female rats were studied along with their lean counterparts after 12 weeks of ingestion of a control diet, or control diet with flaxseed, or high fat, high sucrose (HFHS), or HFHS plus flaxseed. Obese rats showed higher liver weight and increased levels of cholesterol, triglyceride, and saturated fatty acid, which were further elevated in rats on the HFHS diet. The HFHS diet induced a significant two-fold elevation in the plasma levels of both aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase in the obese male and female rats. Including flaxseed in the HFHS diet significantly lowered liver weight, depressed the plasma levels of both enzymes in the obese male rats, and reduced hepatic cholesterol and triglyceride content as well as improving the fatty acid profile. In summary, including flaxseed in the diet of male and female obese rats led to an improved lipid composition in the liver and significantly reduced biomarkers of tissue injury despite consuming a HFHS chow.
Prodigiosin as an Antibiofilm Agent against the Bacterial Biofilm-Associated Infection of Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Ma Zhiwen , Xiao Hong , Li Hailin , Lu Xiaoling , Yan Jing , Nie Hao , Yin Qi
Published: February 2024

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is known to generate bacterial biofilms that increase antibiotic resistance. With the increase of multi-drug resistance in recent years, the formulation of a new therapeutic strategy has seemed urgent. Preliminary findings show that Prodigiosin (PG), derived from chromium-resistant Serratia marcescens, exhibited efficient anti-biofilm activity against Staphylococcus aureus. However, its anti-biofilm activity against P. aeruginosa remains largely unexplored. The anti-biofilm activity of PG against three clinical single drug-resistant P. aeruginosa was evaluated using crystal violet staining, and the viability of biofilms and planktonic cells were also assessed. A model of chronic lung infection was constructed to test the in vivo antibiofilm activity of PG. The results showed that PG inhibited biofilm formation and effectively inhibited the production of pyocyanin and extracellular polysaccharides in vitro, as well as moderated the expression of interleukins (IL-1β, IL-6, IL-10) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α) in vivo, which might be attributed to the downregulation of biofilm-related genes such as algA, pelA, and pslM. These findings suggest that PG could be a potential treatment for drug-resistant P aeruginosa and chronic biofilm infections.
Culicoides Species of the Rain Forest Belt of the Littoral Region of Cameroon: Their Incrimination in the Transmission of Mansonella perstans
Authors: Ebai Rene , Kien Chi Anizette , Fombad Fanny Fri , Esofi Frederick , Ouam Emmanuel , Ntuh Anna Ning , Amambo Glory Ngongeh , Gandjui Victor Narcisse Tchamatchoua , Chunda Valerine Chawa , Nietcho Franck , Nchang Lucy Cho , Magha Chefor , Cho Jerome Fru , Esum Mathias Eyong , Enyong Peter Ivo , Pfarr Kenneth , Hoerauf Achim , Ritter Manuel , Wanji Samuel
Published: February 2024

Biting midges belonging to the genus Culicoides are tiny stout-shaped hematophagous insects and are thought to transmit the filarial nematode Mansonella perstans. Little is known about the Culicoides fauna in the rain forest belt of the Littoral Region of Cameroon. This study was designed to investigate the diversity, abundance and distribution of Culicoides spp. and their role as the purported vector(s) of M. perstans. Overnight light trap collections and human landing catches (HLCs) revealed eight species of Culicoides with C. grahamii being the most abundant species followed by C. milnei. Four anthropophilic species (C. inornatipennis, C. grahamii, C. fulvithorax and C. milnei) were determined by the HLCs with a higher abundance in the 4–6 p.m. collections. The drop trap technique and Mp419 LAMP assay confirmed C. milnei to be the most efficient vector in enabling the development of the microfilarial stage to the infective larval form of M. perstans. The LAMP assay also revealed that natural transmission of this nematode is fostered by C. milnei and C. grahamii in the wild. In conclusion, C. milnei was shown to be the main vector of M. perstans in the rain forest belt of the Littoral Region of Cameroon.
First Case of Human Anisakiosis in Greece: Acute Invasive Infection Mimicking Peritoneal Malignancy
Authors: Dinas Sotirios , Diakou Anastasia , Vasiliadis Konstantinos , Chaintoutis Serafeim C. , Massa Eleftheria , Konstantinou George N. , Totsi Albion , Xakis Athanasios , Papavasiliou Christos
Published: February 2024

Consumption of raw and mildly processed seafood, in the context of modern Western world eating trends, is recognized as a major driver for human fish-borne infections. However, these zoonoses and their unfamiliar risks remain neglected and underappreciated among European diagnosticians. In contemporary Europe anisakidosis is one of the most important fish-borne zoonoses. It is caused by ingesting the third-stage infective larvae of the nematode parasites that belong to the family Anisakidae. The case described herein, is an intestinal and ectopic form of anisakiosis (Anisakis spp.), causing symptoms of subacute abdomen and masquerading as an intraperitoneal malignancy. It is the first anisakidosis case reported in Greece, affecting a young patient who had been repeatedly exposed to the parasite by consuming homemade raw fish. Right hemicolectomy, omentectomy and excision of a descending colon nodule were uneventfully performed. The pathology report confirmed granulomatous tissue with eosinophilic infiltration and parasites that were morphologically and molecularly identified as Anisakis spp. Although challenging, acquiring an accurate diagnosis of anisakidosis can prevent unnecessary surgery, as the infection typically is self-resolving, and if treatment is deemed necessary, it can be limited to antiparasitic medication. However, in rare cases, extra-gastrointestinal migration of larvae can cause severe damage with practically unknown risks, posing a diagnostic and therapeutic dilemma. In such a clinical case scenario, surgical exploration can decisively contribute to a definitive diagnosis and early identification of intraabdominal complications necessitating surgical intervention.
Structure-Based In Silico Approaches Reveal IRESSA as a Multitargeted Breast Cancer Regulatory, Signalling, and Receptor Protein Inhibitor
Authors: Almasoudi Hassan Hussain , Mashraqi Mutaib M. , Alshamrani Saleh A. , Alharthi Afaf Awwadh , Alsalmi Ohud , Nahari Mohammed H. , Al-Mansour Fares Saeed H. , Alhazmi Abdulfattah Yahya M.
Published: February 2024

Breast cancer begins in the breast cells, mainly impacting women. It starts in the cells that line the milk ducts or lobules responsible for producing milk and can spread to nearby tissues and other body parts. In 2020, around 2.3 million women across the globe received a diagnosis, with an estimated 685,000 deaths. Additionally, 7.8 million women were living with breast cancer, making it the fifth leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women. The mutational changes, overexpression of drug efflux pumps, activation of alternative signalling pathways, tumour microenvironment, and cancer stem cells are causing higher levels of drug resistance, and one of the major solutions is to identify multitargeted drugs. In our research, we conducted a comprehensive screening using HTVS, SP, and XP, followed by an MM/GBSA computation of human-approved drugs targeting HER2/neu, BRCA1, PIK3CA, and ESR1. Our analysis pinpointed IRESSA (Gefitinib-DB00317) as a multitargeted inhibitor for these proteins, revealing docking scores ranging from −4.527 to −8.809 Kcal/mol and MM/GBSA scores between −49.09 and −61.74 Kcal/mol. We selected interacting residues as fingerprints, pinpointing 8LEU, 6VAL, 6LYS, 6ASN, 5ILE, and 5GLU as the most prevalent in interactions. Subsequently, we analysed the ADMET properties and compared them with the standard values of QikProp. We extended our study for DFT computations with Jaguar and plotted the electrostatic potential, HOMO and LUMO regions, and electron density, followed by a molecular dynamics simulation for 100 ns in water, showing an utterly stable performance, making it a suitable drug candidate. IRESSA is FDA-approved for lung cancer, which shares some pathways with breast cancers, clearing the hurdles of multitargeted drugs against breast and lung cancer. This has the potential to be groundbreaking; however, more studies are needed to concreate IRESSA’s role.
The Antitubercular Activities of Natural Products with Fused-Nitrogen-Containing Heterocycles
Authors: Boshoff Helena I. , Malhotra Neha , Barry Clifton E. , Oh Sangmi
Published: February 2024

Tuberculosis (TB) is notorious as the leading cause of death worldwide due to a single infectious entity and its causative agent, Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb), has been able to evolve resistance to all existing drugs in the treatment arsenal complicating disease management programs. In drug discovery efforts, natural products are important starting points in generating novel scaffolds that have evolved to specifically bind to vulnerable targets not only in pathogens such as Mtb, but also in mammalian targets associated with human diseases. Structural diversity is one of the most attractive features of natural products. This review provides a summary of fused-nitrogen-containing heterocycles found in the natural products reported in the literature that are known to have antitubercular activities. The structurally targeted natural products discussed in this review could provide a revealing insight into novel chemical aspects with novel biological functions for TB drug discovery efforts.
Simultaneously Predicting the Pharmacokinetics of CES1-Metabolized Drugs and Their Metabolites Using Physiologically Based Pharmacokinetic Model in Cirrhosis Subjects
Authors: Luo Xin , Zhang Zexin , Mu Ruijing , Hu Guangyu , Liu Li , Liu Xiaodong
Published: February 2024

Hepatic carboxylesterase 1 (CES1) metabolizes numerous prodrugs into active ingredients or direct-acting drugs into inactive metabolites. We aimed to develop a semi-physiologically based pharmacokinetic (semi-PBPK) model to simultaneously predict the pharmacokinetics of CES1 substrates and their active metabolites in liver cirrhosis (LC) patients. Six prodrugs (enalapril, benazepril, cilazapril, temocapril, perindopril and oseltamivir) and three direct-acting drugs (flumazenil, pethidine and remimazolam) were selected. Parameters such as organ blood flows, plasma-binding protein concentrations, functional liver volume, hepatic enzymatic activity, glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and gastrointestinal transit rate were integrated into the simulation. The pharmacokinetic profiles of these drugs and their active metabolites were simulated for 1000 virtual individuals. The developed semi-PBPK model, after validation in healthy individuals, was extrapolated to LC patients. Most of the observations fell within the 5th and 95th percentiles of simulations from 1000 virtual patients. The estimated AUC and Cmax were within 0.5–2-fold of the observed values. The sensitivity analysis showed that the decreased plasma exposure of active metabolites due to the decreased CES1 was partly attenuated by the decreased GFR. Conclusion: The developed PBPK model successfully predicted the pharmacokinetics of CES1 substrates and their metabolites in healthy individuals and LC patients, facilitating tailored dosing of CES1 substrates in LC patients.
Design of Backstepping Control Based on a Softsign Linear–Nonlinear Tracking Differentiator for an Electro-Optical Tracking System
Authors: Li Jiachen , Zhuang Shanlin , Wang Haolin , Deng Jiuqiang , Mao Yao
Published: February 2024

To address the problems of a low tracking accuracy and slow error convergence in high-order single-input, single-output electro-optical tracking systems, a backstepping control method based on a Softsign linear–nonlinear tracking differentiator is proposed. First, a linear–nonlinear tracking differentiator is designed in conjunction with the Softsign excitation function, using its output as an approximate replacement for the conventional differentiation process. Then, this is combined with backstepping control to eliminate the “explosion of complexity” problem in conventional backstepping procedures due to repeated derivation of virtual control quantities. This reduces the workload of parameter tuning, takes into account the rapidity and stability of signal convergence, and improves the trajectory tracking performance. This method can ensure the boundedness of the system signal. The effectiveness and superiority of this control method are verified through simulations and experiments.
Small Footprint and High Extinction Ratio Cladding-Modulated Bragg Grating Structure as a Wideband Bandstop Filter
Authors: Butt Muhammad A. , Piramidowicz Ryszard
Published: February 2024

This study presents a comprehensive numerical investigation of silicon Bragg grating (BG) waveguide structures with cladding modulation. The device design features a uniform silicon ridge waveguide with corrugated cladding on both sides. Two distinct architectures are explored: one where silicon serves as the cladding and another where gold (Au) is employed. Our detailed analysis uncovers compelling results for both configurations. The silicon corrugated cladding BG waveguide demonstrates a bandstop bandwidth of ~50 nm, accompanied by an extinction ratio (ER) of 7.98 dB. The device footprint is compact, measuring approximately 16.4 × 3 µm2. In contrast, the Au corrugated cladding BG waveguide exhibits exceptional performance, boasting a wideband bandstop bandwidth of ~143 nm and an impressive ER of 19.96 dB. Despite this enhanced functionality, the device maintains a reasonably small footprint at around 16.9 × 3 µm2. This investigation underscores the potential of Au corrugated cladding BG waveguides as ideal candidates for achieving high-spectral-characteristic bandstop filters. The significant improvement in bandstop bandwidth and ER makes them promising for advanced optical filtering applications.
Plant Regeneration via Adventitious Shoot Formation from Immature Zygotic Embryo Explants of Camelina
Authors: Rezaeva Barno Ruzimurodovna , Rutten Twan , Bollmann Carola , Ortleb Stefan , Melzer Michael , Kumlehn Jochen
Published: February 2024

Camelina is an oil seed crop that is enjoying increasing interest because it has a particularly valuable fatty acid profile, is modest regarding its water and nutrient requirements, and is comparatively resilient to abiotic and biotic stress factors. The regeneration of plants from cells accessible to genetic manipulation is an essential prerequisite for the generation of genetically engineered plants, be it by transgenesis or genome editing. Here, immature embryos were used on the assumption that their incomplete differentiation was associated with totipotency. In culture, regenerative structures appeared adventitiously at the embryos’ hypocotyls. For this, the application of auxin- or cytokinin-type growth regulators was essential. The formation of regenerative structures was most efficient when indole-3-acetic acid was added to the induction medium at 1 mg/L, zygotic embryos of the medium walking stick stage were used, and their hypocotyls were stimulated by pricking to a wound response. Histological examinations revealed that the formation of adventitious shoots was initiated by locally activated cell division and proliferation in the epidermis and the outer cortex of the hypocotyl. While the regeneration of plants was established in principle using the experimental line Cam139, the method proved to be similarly applicable to the current cultivar Ligena, and hence it constitutes a vital basis for future genetic engineering approaches.
Cut, Root, and Grow: Simplifying Cassava Propagation to Scale
Authors: Sheat Samar , Mushi Edda , Gwandu Francisca , Sikirou Mouritala , Baleke Patrick , Kayondo Siraj Ismail , Kulembeka Heneriko , Adetoro Najimu , Winter Stephan
Published: February 2024

Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) is an essential crop with increasing importance for food supply and as raw material for industrial processing. The crop is vegetatively propagated through stem cuttings taken at the end of the growing cycle and its low multiplication rate and the high cost of stem transportation are detrimental to the increasing demand for high-quality cassava planting materials. Rapid multiplication of vegetative propagules of crops comprises tissue culture (TC) and semi-autotroph hydroponics (SAH) that provide cost-effective propagation of plant materials; however, they contrast the need for specific infrastructure, special media and substrates, and trained personnel. Traditional methods such as TC and SAH have shown promise in efficient plant material propagation. Nonetheless, these techniques necessitate specific infrastructure, specialized media and substrates, as well as trained personnel. Moreover, losses during the intermediate nursery and adaptation stages limit the overall effectiveness of these methods. Building upon an earlier report from Embrapa Brazil, which utilized mature buds from cassava for rapid propagation, we present a modified protocol that simplifies the process for wider adoption. Our method involves excising single nodes with attached leaves from immature (green) cassava stems at 2 months after planting (MAP). These nodes are then germinated in pure water, eliminating the need for specific growth substrates and additional treatments. After the initial phase, the rooted sprouts are transferred into soil within 1–8 weeks. The protocol demonstrates a high turnover rate at minimal costs. Due to its simplicity, cost-effectiveness, and robustness, this method holds significant promise as an efficient means of producing cassava planting materials to meet diverse agricultural needs.
HPMC/PVP K90 Dissolving Microneedles Fabricated from 3D-Printed Master Molds: Impact on Microneedle Morphology, Mechanical Strength, and Topical Dissolving Property
Authors: Chanabodeechalermrung Baramee , Chaiwarit Tanpong , Chaichit Siripat , Udomsom Suruk , Baipaywad Phornsawat , Worajittiphon Patnarin , Jantrawut Pensak
Published: February 2024

Three-dimensional (3D) printing can be used to fabricate custom microneedle (MN) patches instead of the conventional method. In this work, 3D-printed MN patches were utilized to fabricate a MN mold, and the mold was used to prepare dissolving MNs for topical lidocaine HCl (L) delivery through the skin. Topical creams usually take 1–2 h to induce an anesthetic effect, so the delivery of lidocaine HCl from dissolving MNs can allow for a therapeutic effect to be reached faster than with a topical cream. The dissolving-MN-patch-incorporated lidocaine HCl was constructed from hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC; H) and polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP K90; P) using centrifugation. Additionally, the morphology, mechanical property, skin insertion, dissolving behavior, drug-loading content, drug release of MNs and the chemical interactions among the compositions were also examined. H51P2-L, H501P2-L, and H901P2-L showed an acceptable needle appearance without bent tips or a broken structure, and they had a low % height change (<10%), including a high blue-dot percentage on the skin (>80%). These three formulations exhibited a drug-loading content approaching 100%. Importantly, the composition-dependent dissolving abilities of MNs were revealed. Containing the lowest amount of HPMC in its formulation, H901P2-L showed the fastest dissolving ability, which was related to the high amount of lidocaine HCl released through the skin. Moreover, the results of an FTIR analysis showed no chemical interactions among the two polymers and lidocaine HCl. As a result, HPMC/PVP K90 dissolving microneedles can be used to deliver lidocaine HCl through the skin, resulting in a faster onset of anesthetic action.
Fuzzy Fault Tree Analysis and Safety Countermeasures for Coal Mine Ground Gas Transportation System
Authors: Liu Chun , Li Jinshi , Zhang Di
Published: February 2024

The coal mine ground gas transportation system is widely used for gas transportation and mixing preheating in the gas storage and oxidation utilization system. However, gas or coal dust explosions may occur, which could result in heavy casualties and significant economic losses. To prevent accidents in the gas transportation system, the present study takes the gas transportation system of Shanxi Yiyang Energy Company as an example to identify the composition and hazardous factors of the gas transportation system. Fault tree analysis (FTA) models were established with pipeline gas and coal dust explosions as the top events, and the importance of each basic event was quantitatively analyzed using the fuzzy fault tree analysis (FFTA) method. The results show that gas and coal dust explosion accidents are mostly caused by the combination of high-temperature ignition sources and explosive materials. The uneven mixing gas and the ventilation carrying a large amount of coal dust are the fundamental causes of coal mining accidents. Consequently, based on the general pipeline safety measures, gas indirect preheating, ventilation air methane in dust removal, and gas intelligent mixing and regulation were proposed to enhance the safety of the gas transportation system.
Numerical and Experimental Study on Preheating Burner Characteristics for Peak Shaving
Authors: Yao Guojia , Han Xiaoju , Tang Hong , Qu Jianxin
Published: February 2024

With the proportion of renewable energy power in the electricity market gradually increasing, coal-fired power is transforming from primary to basic power, with it providing peak and frequency shaving. However, most current methods for peaking below 50% load have been applied industrially, sacrificing the efficiency of the unit. This is not in line with the goals of energy conservation and emission reduction. Therefore, this study proposes a new preheating-based peaking method. This study experimentally and simulatively explores the flow characteristics, pyrolysis gas law, and NOx emission characteristics of a preheating burner at 40–100% load. The results show that the burner has a significant preheating effect, producing high-temperature char and large amounts of pyrolysis gas. As the load decreases, the burner exit temperature increases, whereas the airflow stiffness decreases. There is little variation in the pyrolysis gas concentration between 40% and 100% loads. The NOx concentration at the burner outlet increases and the reduction efficiency decreases with decreasing load. At 40% load, NOx emissions are 91.53 mg/Nm3 and the reduction efficiency reaches 95.9%. Therefore, preheating is an economical, stable, and low-NOx-emission-peaking method. This study provides theoretical guidance for the application of preheating burners for the 40–100% load peaking of coal-fired units.
Vegetation Patterns during the Last 132,000 Years: A Synthesis from Twelve Eifel Maar Sediment Cores (Germany): The ELSA-23-Pollen-Stack
Authors: Britzius Sarah , Dreher Frank , Maisel Patricia , Sirocko Frank
Published: February 2024

Seven published and four new pollen records from well-dated sediment cores from six Pleistocene and Holocene maar structures located in the Eifel, Germany, are combined to a pollen stack that covers the entire last 132,000 years. This stack is complemented by new macroremain data from one additional sediment core. The pollen data included into the stack show consistently that the Eifel was covered by a dense forest during the Eemian, early Marine Isotope Stage (MIS) 3, and the Holocene. While other European records indeed indicate a warming, the early MIS 3 fully developed forest remains a unique feature in central European pollen records. Comparison to orbital parameters and insolation hints to warm and humid, however, not fully interglacial conditions, which are also visible in speleothem growth throughout Europe. With the cooling trend towards the glacial maxima of MIS 4 and 2, tree pollen declined, with recovering phases during MIS 5c and 5a, as well as during all MIS 3 interglacials. During the colder stadials, steppe vegetation expanded. For MIS 5 and 4, we defined six new landscape evolution zones based on pollen and macroremains.
Optimization of Pyrolysis Process Parameters for Fuel Oil Production from the Thermal Recycling of Waste Polypropylene Grocery Bags Using the Box–Behnken Design
Authors: Prabha Balasubramaniam , Ramesh Desikan , Sriramajayam Srinivasan , Uma Doraiswamy
Published: February 2024

The impact of dumping plastic waste is realized in different ecosystems of the planet. Several methods have been adopted to dispose of these wastes for energy recovery. This study, for the first time, proposed the Box–Behnken design technique to optimize the pyrolysis process parameters for fuel oil production from waste polypropylene (PP) grocery bags using a semibatch-type pyrolytic reactor. The semibatch-type pyrolytic reactor was developed and employed to produce fuel oil from waste PP grocery bags. The effect of different process parameters on fuel oil production was comprehensively analyzed using the response surface methodology (RSM) with the conjunction of the Box–Behnken design (BBD). The BBD facilitates the prediction of the response variables with respect to changes in the input variables by developing a response model. The BBD was used to optimize the process parameters, such as the reaction temperature (400–550 °C), nitrogen flow rate (5–20 mL min−1), and substrate feed rate (0.25–1.5 kg h−1), and their effect on the responses were observed. The optimum response yields of the fuel oil (89.34 %), solid residue (2.74%), and gas yield (7.92%) were obtained with an optimized temperature (481 °C), a nitrogen flow rate (13 mL min−1), and a feed rate (0.61 kg h−1). The quadratic model obtained for the fuel oil response denotes the greater R2 value (0.99). The specific gravity and calorific value of the fuel oil were found to be 0.787 and 45.42 MJ kg−1, respectively. The fuel oil had higher research octane number (RON) (100.0 min) and motor octane number (MON) (85.1 min) values. These characteristics of the fuel oil were matched with conventional petroleum fuels. Further, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and gas chromatography–mass spectroscopy (GC-MS) were used to analyze the fuel oil, and the results revealed that the fuel oil was enriched with different hydrocarbons, namely, alkane (paraffins) and alkene (olefins), in the carbon range of C4–C20. These results, and also the fractional distillation of the fuel oil, show the presence of petroleum-range hydrocarbons in the waste PP fuel oil.