bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Alcalase Potato Protein Hydrolysate-PPH902 Enhances Myogenic Differentiation and Enhances Skeletal Muscle Protein Synthesis under High Glucose Condition in C2C12 Cells
Authors: Chen Yi-Ju , Chang Ching-Fang , Angayarkanni Jayaraman , Lin Wan-Teng
Published: November 2021

Sarcopenia is an aging associated disorder involving skeletal muscle atrophy and a reduction in muscle strength, and there are no pharmaceutical interventions available thus far. Moreover, conditions such as hyperglycaemia are known to further intensify muscle degradation. Therefore, novel strategies to attenuate skeletal muscle loss are essential to enhance muscle function and thereby improve the quality of life in diabetic individuals. In this study, we have investigated the efficiency of a potato peptide hydrolysate PPH902 for its cytoprotective effects in skeletal muscle cells. PPH902 treatment in C2C12 cells showed the dose-dependent activation of the Akt/mTOR signalling pathway that is involved in skeletal myogenesis. According to Western blotting analysis, PPH902 induced the phosphorylation of Akt, mTOR proteins and induced the myogenic differentiation of C2C12 myoblasts in a differentiation medium. The phosphorylation myogenic transcription factor Foxo3A was also found to be increased in the cells treated with PPH902. In addition, treatment with PPH902 ameliorated the high glucose induced reduction in cell viability in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, the number of myotubes in a differentiation medium reduced upon high glucose challenge, but treatment with PPH902 increased the number of differentiated myotubes. Further, the phosphorylations of AMPK and mitochondrial-related transcription factors such as PGC-1α were suppressed upon high glucose challenge but PPH902 treatment restored the protein levels. We demonstrate, for the first time, that a specific potato peptide has a therapeutic effect against sarcopenia. In addition, PPH902 improved the myogenic differentiation and their mitochondrial biogenesis and further improved myogenic protein and inhibited muscle protein degradation in C2C12 cells challenged under a high glucose condition.
Recent Advances in the Synthesis of Polyamine Derivatives and Their Applications
Authors: Nichugovskiy Artemiy , Tron Gian , Maslov Mikhail
Published: November 2021

Biogenic polyamines (PAs) are involved in the growth and development of normal cells, and their intracellular concentration is stable. The concentration of PAs in cancer cells is significantly increased to promote and sustain their rapid proliferation. Over the years, synthetic PAs, which differ in their structure, have demonstrated high antitumor activity and are involved in clinical trials. The chemical synthesis of PAs and their conjugates require the correct choice of synthetic pathways—methods for constructing conjugates and the orthogonal protection of amino groups. The most common methods of synthesis of PA conjugates are acylation of regioselectively protected PAs or their alkylation under the conditions of the Fukuyama reaction. One of the most promising methods of PA synthesis is the use of a multicomponent Ugi reaction, which allows various PAs to be obtained in high yields. In this review, we describe and analyze various approaches that are used in the synthesis of polyamines and their conjugates.
Pyridinone Derivatives as Interesting Formyl Peptide Receptor (FPR) Agonists for the Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Crocetti Letizia , Vergelli Claudia , Guerrini Gabriella , Giovannoni Maria Paola , Kirpotina Liliya N. , Khlebnikov Andrei I. , Ghelardini Carla , Di Cesare Mannelli Lorenzo , Lucarini Elena , Schepetkin Igor A. , Quinn Mark T.
Published: November 2021

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by joint inflammation, cartilage damage and bone destruction. Although the pharmacological treatment of RA has evolved over the last few years, the new drugs have serious side effects and are very expensive. Thus, the research has been directed in recent years towards new possible targets. Among these targets, N-formyl peptide receptors (FPRs) are of particular interest. Recently, the mixed FPR1/FPR2 agonist Cpd43, the FPR2 agonist AT-01-KG, and the pyridine derivative AMC3 have been shown to be effective in RA animal models. As an extension of this research, we report here a new series of pyridinone derivatives containing the (substituted)phenyl acetamide chain, which was found to be essential for activity, but with different substitutions at position 5 of the scaffold. The biological results were also supported by molecular modeling studies and additional pharmacological tests on AMC3 have been performed in a rat model of RA, by repeating the treatments of the animals with 10 mg/kg/day of compound by 1 week.
The Involvement of PDE4 in the Protective Effects of Melatonin on Cigarette-Smoke-Induced Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Authors: Lim Je-Oh , Kim Woong-Il , Lee Se-Jin , Pak So-Won , Cho Young-Kwon , Kim Jong-Choon , Kim Joong-Sun , Shin In-Sik
Published: November 2021

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a significant disease threatening human health. Currently, roflumilast, a phosphodiesterase (PDE)4 inhibitor, is recommended as a therapeutic agent for COPD. In this study, we investigated the therapeutic effects of melatonin against COPD, focusing on determining whether it is a PDE4 inhibitor via in vivo and in vitro experiment using cigarette smoke (CS) and cigarette smoke condensate (CSC), respectively. In the in vivo experiments, melatonin treatment reduced inflammatory responses, including inflammatory cell counts. Melatonin treatment also suppressed the CS-exposure-induced upregulation of cytokine and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9, reduced the PDE4B expression, and elevated cAMP levels. In addition, these effects were synergistic, as melatonin and roflumilast cotreatment eventually ameliorated the CS-exposure-induced worsening of lung function. In the CSC-stimulated NCI-H292 cells, melatonin inhibited elevation in the levels of inflammatory cytokines, MMP-9, and PDE4, and elevated cAMP levels. Furthermore, melatonin and roflumilast cotreatment was more effective on inflammatory responses than only melatonin or roflumilast treatment. Our results indicate that melatonin relieves inflammatory response and loss of lung function in COPD, which is associated with decreased PDE4 expression. Therefore, we suggest that melatonin is a putative candidate for the treatment of COPD.
Profiling the Concentration of Reduced and Oxidized Glutathione in Rat Brain Using HPLC/DAD Chromatographic System
Authors: Jîtcă George , Fogarasi Erzsébet , Ősz Bianca-Eugenia , Vari Camil Eugen , Fülöp Ibolya , Croitoru Mircea Dumitru , Rusz Carmen Maria , Dogaru Maria Titica
Published: November 2021

This study aimed to develop a HPLC/DAD method in order to determine and quantify the reduced glutathione (GSH) and oxidized glutathione (GSSG) levels in rat brain. Due to the presence of the thiol group (-SH), GSH can interact with the Ellman′s reagent (DTNB), with which it forms a reaction product through which the level of GSH can be quantified, using the DAD detection system. Chromatographic separation was achieved after a derivatization process by using a mobile phase acetonitrile (A) and phosphate buffer (20 mM, pH = 2.5) (B). The compounds of interest were detected at 330 nm using a chromatographic C8 column. The method of determination met the validation criteria, specified by the regulatory bodies. The applicability of the method was demonstrated in a chronic toxicology study of central nervous system (CNS), following different treatment regimens with haloperidol.
Synthesis and Characterization of Multifunctional Nanovesicles Composed of POPC Lipid Molecules for Nuclear Imaging
Authors: Petroni Debora , Riccardi Claudia , Cavasso Domenico , Russo Krauss Irene , Paduano Luigi , Montesarchio Daniela , Menichetti Luca
Published: November 2021

The integration of nuclear imaging analysis with nanomedicine has tremendously grown and represents a valid and powerful tool for the development and clinical translation of drug delivery systems. Among the various types of nanostructures used as drug carriers, nanovesicles represent intriguing platforms due to their capability to entrap both lipophilic and hydrophilic agents, and their well-known biocompatibility and biodegradability. In this respect, here we present the development of a labelling procedure of POPC (1-palmitoyl-2-oleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine)-based liposomes incorporating an ad hoc designed lipophilic NOTA (1,4,7-triazacyclononane-1,4,7-triacetic acid) analogue, derivatized with an oleic acid residue, able to bind the positron emitter gallium-68(III). Based on POPC features, the optimal conditions for liposome labelling were studied with the aim of optimizing the Ga(III) incorporation and obtaining a significant radiochemical yield. The data presented in this work demonstrate the feasibility of the labelling procedure on POPC liposomes co-formulated with the ad hoc designed NOTA analogue. We thus provided a critical insight into the practical aspects of the development of vesicles for theranostic approaches, which in principle can be extended to other nanosystems exploiting a variety of bioconjugation protocols.
Method Development and Validation for Omega-3 Fatty Acids (DHA and EPA) in Fish Using Gas Chromatography with Flame Ionization Detection (GC-FID)
Authors: Muhammad Alinafiah Suryati , Azlan Azrina , Ismail Amin , Mahmud Ab Rashid Nor-Khaizura
Published: November 2021

Gas chromatography with flame ionization detection (GC-FID) has often been used to quantify fatty acids in fish. This study validated the common method for determining omega-3 fatty acids (DHA and EPA) in the raw and cooked warm-water fish, selayang, using GC-FID for subsequent evaluation on EPA and DHA retention using the Weibull model. The EPA and DHA were separated using a high-polarity capillary GC HP-88 column (60 m length, 0.25 mm ID, 0.2 μm DF) with a total run time of 45.87 min. The method was validated in linearity, precision, accuracy, specificity and sensitivity based on ICH requirements. In addition, it was found that the method had a high recovery rate (>95%) and good precision (RSD ≤ 2%) with overall RSDs ranging below 0.001% for both omega-3 PUFA. In conclusion, this method identified and quantified fatty acids and omega-3 accurately and precisely and can be used effectively for routine FAME analysis in fish samples.
Anti-Multiple Myeloma Potential of Secondary Metabolites from Hibiscus sabdariffa—Part 2
Authors: Malacrida Alessio , Cavalloro Valeria , Martino Emanuela , Costa Giosuè , Ambrosio Francesca Alessandra , Alcaro Stefano , Rigolio Roberta , Cassetti Arianna , Miloso Mariarosaria , Collina Simona
Published: November 2021

Multiple Myeloma (MM) is an aggressive tumor causing millions of deaths every year and currently available therapies are often unsuccessful or correlated with severe side effects. In our previous work we demonstrated that the Hibiscus sabdariffa hydroalcoholic extract inhibits the growth of the MM cell line and we isolated two metabolites responsible for the activity: Hib-ester and Hib-carbaldehyde. Herein we report their interaction with proteasome, one of the main targets in the fight against MM. The molecular modelling study outlined a good interaction of both compounds with the target and these results prompted us to investigate their potential to inhibit proteasome. Metabolites were then isolated from the calyces and an extract with a high content of Hib-ester and Hib-carbaldehyde was prepared. An anticancer profile was drawn, evaluating apoptosis, autophagy and proteasome inhibition, with the anticancer properties being mainly attributed to the Hib-ester and Hib-carbaldehyde, while the proteasome inhibition of the extract could also be ascribed to the presence of anthocyanins, a class of secondary metabolites already known for their proteasome inhibitory activity.
Curcumin Acetylsalicylate Extends the Lifespan of Caenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Zhou Lei , Liu Jin , Bu Lan-Lan , Liao Duan-Fang , Cheng Shao-Wu , Zheng Xi-Long
Published: November 2021

Aspirin and curcumin have been reported to be beneficial to anti-aging in a variety of biological models. Here, we synthesized a novel compound, curcumin acetylsalicylate (CA), by combining aspirin and curcumin. We characterized how CA affects the lifespan of Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) worms. Our results demonstrated that CA extended the lifespan of worms in a dose-dependent manner and reached its highest anti-aging effect at the concentration of 20 μM. In addition, CA reduced the deposition of lipofuscin or “age pigment” without affecting the reproductivity of worms. CA also caused a rightward shift of C. elegans lifespan curves in the presence of paraquat-induced (5 mM) oxidative stress or 37 °C acute heat shock. Additionally, CA treatment decreased the reactive oxygen species (ROS) level in C. elegans and increased the expression of downstream genes superoxide dismutase (sod)-3, glutathione S-transferase (gst)-4, heat shock protein (hsp)-16.2, and catalase-1 (ctl-1). Notably, CA treatment resulted in nuclear translocation of the DAF-16 transcription factor, which is known to stimulate the expression of SOD-3, GST-4, HSP-16, and CTL-1. CA did not produce a longevity effect in daf-16 mutants. In sum, our data indicate that CA delayed the aging of C. elegans without affecting reproductivity, and this effect may be mediated by its activation of DAF-16 and subsequent expression of antioxidative genes, such as sod-3 and gst-4. Our study suggests that novel anti-aging drugs may be developed by combining two individual drugs.
Protective Role of Flavonoids against Intestinal Pro-Inflammatory Effects of Silver Nanoparticles
Authors: Rufino Ana , Ramalho Ana , Sousa Adelaide , Ferreira de Oliveira José , Freitas Paulo , Gómez Manuel , Piñeiro-Redondo Yolanda , Rivas José , Carvalho Félix , Fernandes Eduarda , Freitas Marisa
Published: November 2021

Silver nanoparticles (AgNP) have been increasingly incorporated into food-related and hygiene products for their unique antimicrobial and preservative properties. The consequent oral exposure may then result in unpredicted harmful effects in the gastrointestinal tract (GIT), which should be considered in the risk assessment and risk management of these materials. In the present study, the toxic effects of polyethyleneimine (PEI)-coated AgNP (4 and 19 nm) were evaluated in GIT-relevant cells (Caco-2 cell line as a model of human intestinal cells, and neutrophils as a model of the intestinal inflammatory response). This study also evaluated the putative protective action of dietary flavonoids against such harmful effects. The obtained results showed that AgNP of 4 and 19 nm effectively induced Caco-2 cell death by apoptosis with concomitant production of nitric oxide, irrespective of the size. It was also observed that AgNP induced human neutrophil oxidative burst. Interestingly, some flavonoids, namely quercetin and quercetagetin, prevented the deleterious effects of AgNP in both cell types. Overall, the data of the present study provide a first insight into the promising protective role of flavonoids against the potentially toxic effects of AgNP at the intestinal level.
Amino Alcohols from Eugenol as Potential Semisynthetic Insecticides: Chemical, Biological, and Computational Insights
Authors: Pereira Renato B. , Pinto Nuno F. S. , Fernandes Maria José G. , Vieira Tatiana F. , Rodrigues Ana Rita O. , Pereira David M. , Sousa Sérgio F. , Castanheira Elisabete M. S. , Fortes A. Gil , Gonçalves M. Sameiro T.
Published: November 2021

A series of β-amino alcohols were prepared by the reaction of eugenol epoxide with aliphatic and aromatic amine nucleophiles. The synthesized compounds were fully characterized and evaluated as potential insecticides through the assessment of their biological activity against Sf9 insect cells, compared with a commercial synthetic pesticide (chlorpyrifos, CHPY). Three derivatives bearing a terminal benzene ring, either substituted or unsubstituted, were identified as the most potent molecules, two of them displaying higher toxicity to insect cells than CHPY. In addition, the most promising molecules were able to increase the activity of serine proteases (caspases) pivotal to apoptosis and were more toxic to insect cells than human cells. Structure-based inverted virtual screening and molecular dynamics simulations demonstrate that these molecules likely target acetylcholinesterase and/or the insect odorant-binding proteins and are able to form stable complexes with these proteins. Encapsulation assays in liposomes of DMPG and DPPC/DMPG (1:1) were performed for the most active compound, and high encapsulation efficiencies were obtained. A thermosensitive formulation was achieved with the compound release being more efficient at higher temperatures.
Evolution of Complexity. Molecular Aspects of Preassembly
Authors: Menger Fredric M. , Rizvi Syed A. A.
Published: November 2021

An extension of neo-Darwinism, termed preassembly, states that genetic material required for many complex traits, such as echolocation, was present long before emergence of the traits. Assembly of genes and gene segments had occurred over protracted time-periods within large libraries of non-coding genes. Epigenetic factors ultimately promoted transfers from noncoding to coding genes, leading to abrupt formation of the trait via de novo genes. This preassembly model explains many observations that to this present day still puzzle biologists: formation of super-complexity in the absence of multiple fossil precursors, as with bat echolocation and flowering plants; major genetic and physical alterations occurring in just a few thousand years, as with housecat evolution; lack of precursors preceding lush periods of species expansion, as in the Cambrian explosion; and evolution of costly traits that exceed their need during evolutionary times, as with human intelligence. What follows in this paper is a mechanism that is not meant to supplant neo-Darwinism; instead, preassembly aims to supplement current ideas when complexity issues leave them struggling.
Preliminary Assessment of the Anti-inflammatory Activity of New Structural Honokiol Analogs with a 4′-O-(2-Fluoroethyl) Moiety and the Potential of Their 18F-Labeled Derivatives for Neuroinflammation Imaging
Authors: Vaulina Daria D. , Stosman Kira I. , Sivak Konstantin V. , Aleksandrov Andrey G. , Viktorov Nikolai B. , Kuzmich Nikolay N. , Kiseleva Mariia M. , Kuznetsova Olga F. , Gomzina Natalia A.
Published: November 2021

Neolignans honokiol and 4′-O-methylhonokiol (MH) and their derivatives have pronounced anti-inflammatory activity, as evidenced by numerous pharmacological studies. Literature data suggested that cyclooxygenase type 2 (COX-2) may be a target for these compounds in vitro and in vivo. Recent studies of [11C]MPbP (4′-[11C]methoxy-5-propyl-1,1′-biphenyl-2-ol) biodistribution in LPS (lipopolysaccharide)-treated rats have confirmed the high potential of MH derivatives for imaging neuroinflammation. Here, we report the synthesis of four structural analogs of honokiol, of which 4′-(2-fluoroethoxy)-2-hydroxy-5-propyl-1, 1′-biphenyl (F-IV) was selected for labeling with fluorine-18 (T1/2 = 109.8 min) due to its high anti-inflammatory activity confirmed by enzyme immunoassays (EIA) and neuromorphological studies. The high inhibitory potency of F-IV to COX-2 and its moderate lipophilicity and chemical stability are favorable factors for the preliminary evaluation of the radioligand [18F]F-IV in a rodent model of neuroinflammation. [18F]F-IV was prepared with good radiochemical yield and high molar activity and radiochemical purity by 18F-fluoroethylation of the precursor with Boc-protecting group (15) with [18F]2-fluoro-1-bromoethane ([18F]FEB). Ex vivo biodistribution studies revealed a small to moderate increase in radioligand uptake in the brain and peripheral organs of LPS-induced rats compared to control animals. Pretreatment with celecoxib resulted in significant blocking of radioactivity uptake in the brain (pons and medulla), heart, lungs, and kidneys, indicating that [18F]F-IV is likely to specifically bind to COX-2 in a rat model of neuroinflammation. However, in comparison with [11C]MPbP, the new radioligand showed decreased brain uptake in LPS rats and high retention in the blood pool, which apparently could be explained by its high plasma protein binding. We believe that the structure of [18F]F-IV can be optimized by replacing the substituents in the biphenyl core to eliminate these disadvantages and develop new radioligands for imaging activated microglia.
Ascaris suum Nutrient Uptake and Metabolic Release, and Modulation of Host Intestinal Nutrient Transport by Excretory-Secretory and Cuticle Antigens In Vitro
Authors: Koehler Sarina , Springer Andrea , Issel Nicole , Klinger Stefanie , Wendt Michael , Breves Gerhard , Strube Christina
Published: November 2021

Ascaris suum, the most important pig parasite, also infects humans as a zoonotic pathogen. Malabsorption upon infection probably results from impaired nutrient transport, presumably mediated by the parasite’s excretory-secretory (ES) or cuticle somatic (CSO) antigens. The present study investigated the electrogenic transport (ΔIsc) of glucose, alanine and the dipeptide glycyl-l-glutamine (glygln), as well as glucose net flux rates in pig jejunal tissue after in vitro exposure to adult A. suum total ES or CSO antigens in Ussing chambers. ΔIsc of glucose, alanine and glucose net flux rate were significantly decreased after one hour of exposure to total ES antigen. In contrast, CSO antigens increased the transport of glygln. Additionally, nutrient uptake and ES antigen pattern were compared in culture medium from untreated adult worms and those with sealed mouth and anal openings. Untreated worms completely absorbed glucose, while cuticular absorption in sealed worms led to 90% reduction. Amino acid absorption was 30% less effective in sealed worms, and ammonia excretion decreased by 20%. Overall, the results show that A. suum total ES antigen rapidly impairs nutrient transport in vitro. Future studies confirming the results in vivo, narrowing down the ES components responsible and investigating underlying molecular mechanisms are needed.
Generation of Subpicosecond Pulse Trains in Fiber Cascades Comprising a Cylindrical Waveguide with Propagating Refractive Index Wave
Authors: Abramov Aleksei , Zolotovskii Igor , Kamynin Vladimir , Domanov Andrei , Alekseev Aleksandr , Korobko Dmitry , Yavtushenko Marina , Fotiadi Andrei
Published: November 2021

A cylindrical waveguide structure with the running refractive index wave has been recently demonstrated as a means for the generation of high-repetition-rate pulse trains. The operation mechanism involves a proper combination of the frequency modulation and modulation instability simultaneously experienced by the input continuous wave (CW) signal as it propagates through the cylinder waveguide. Here, we explore the same idea but employ the cylindrical waveguide only as a part of the cascaded optical fiber configuration now comprising both passive and active optical fiber segments. The new system design enables the improved control of the pulse train formation process in the cascaded system elements, relaxes strong requirements for the CW signal power, and provides an additional optical gain for the advanced pulse peak power scaling. In particular, using a low-amplitude, weakly modulated, continuous wave as an input signal we explore and optimize the nonlinear mechanisms underlying its cascaded transformation into the train of kilowatt peak power picosecond pulses.
Analysis of Milk from Different Sources Based on Light Propagation and Random Laser Properties
Authors: Muhamad Kamil Nur Ain Insyirah , Wan Ismail Wan Zakiah , Ismail Irneza , Jamaludin Juliza , Hanasil Nur Syaida , Ibrahim Raja Kamarulzaman Raja
Published: November 2021

Milk is a valuable contributor to a healthy diet as it contains nutritional components such as fats, proteins, carbohydrates, calcium, phosphorous and vitamins. This research aimed to differentiate milk from animal, plant and human sources based on light propagation and random-laser properties. Experimental, statistical and theoretical analyses were used. Light propagation in different types of milk such as almond milk, oat milk, soy milk, fresh milk, goat milk and human breast milk was measured using the spectrometry method. Near-IR and visible light transmission through the diluted milk samples were compared. Soy milk and fresh milk have the highest absorbance and fluorescence of light, respectively, due to a high content of fat, protein and carbohydrates. Principal component analysis was used to determine the accuracy of the experimental results. The research method is comprehensive as it covers light propagation from 350 nm to 1650 nm of wavelength range and non-intrusive as it does not affect the sample. Meanwhile, analysis of milk was also conducted based on random-laser properties such as multiple emission peaks and lasing threshold. Higher fat content in milk produces a lower random lasing threshold. Thus, we found that milk from animals, plants and humans can be analyzed using light absorption, fluorescence and random lasers. The research method might be useful for future study of milk contaminants that change the properties of milk.
A Broadband Gold-Coated Photonic Crystal Fiber Polarization Filter with a High Loss Ratio of Both Polarizations at 1550 and 1310 nm
Authors: Wang Chao , Zhang Guoxu , Wu Zheng , Zhang Yajing , Zhang Yiyang , Jiang Linghong , Bi Weihong
Published: November 2021

A new kind of gold-coated hexagonal photonic crystal fiber polarization filter is designed in this paper. The filtering properties can be adjusted through varying the structural parameters. With the 25.60 nm gold film thickness, the losses of the respective modes of Y and X-polarized core mode at 1550 nm are 1024.84 and 0.12 dB/cm with the loss ratio of 8540.33 between two polarizations. However, the losses of Y and X-polarized core mode at 1310 nm are 682.14 and 0.03 dB/cm, and the loss ratio is 22,738 with the gold film thickness of 55.30 nm. That indicates that the proposed filter has a higher loss ratio. Moreover, the crosstalk value with the fiber length of 200 μm at 1550 and 1310 nm are 178.01 and 118.49 dB, respectively. The bandwidths with crosstalk value greater than 20 dB are 640 and 180 nm. The designed polarization filter represents good filtering characteristics and allows great fabrication tolerances. Therefore, the designed hexagonal filter can be well applied in the domain of optical fiber communication.
Development and Adoption of Genetically Engineered Plants for Virus Resistance: Advances, Opportunities and Challenges
Authors: Niraula Prakash M. , Fondong Vincent N.
Published: November 2021

Plant viruses cause yield losses to crops of agronomic and economic significance and are a challenge to the achievement of global food security. Although conventional plant breeding has played an important role in managing plant viral diseases, it will unlikely meet the challenges posed by the frequent emergence of novel and more virulent viral species or viral strains. Hence there is an urgent need to seek alternative strategies of virus control that can be more readily deployed to contain viral diseases. The discovery in the late 1980s that viral genes can be introduced into plants to engineer resistance to the cognate virus provided a new avenue for virus disease control. Subsequent advances in genomics and biotechnology have led to the refinement and expansion of genetic engineering (GE) strategies in crop improvement. Importantly, many of the drawbacks of conventional breeding, such as long lead times, inability or difficulty to cross fertilize, loss of desirable plant traits, are overcome by GE. Unfortunately, public skepticism towards genetically modified (GM) crops and other factors have dampened the early promise of GE efforts. These concerns are principally about the possible negative effects of transgenes to humans and animals, as well as to the environment. However, with regards to engineering for virus resistance, these risks are overstated given that most virus resistance engineering strategies involve transfer of viral genes or genomic segments to plants. These viral genomes are found in infected plant cells and have not been associated with any adverse effects in humans or animals. Thus, integrating antiviral genes of virus origin into plant genomes is hardly unnatural as suggested by GM crop skeptics. Moreover, advances in deep sequencing have resulted in the sequencing of large numbers of plant genomes and the revelation of widespread endogenization of viral genomes into plant genomes. This has raised the possibility that viral genome endogenization is part of an antiviral defense mechanism deployed by the plant during its evolutionary past. Thus, GM crops engineered for viral resistance would likely be acceptable to the public if regulatory policies were product-based (the North America regulatory model), as opposed to process-based. This review discusses some of the benefits to be gained from adopting GE for virus resistance, as well as the challenges that must be overcome to leverage this technology. Furthermore, regulatory policies impacting virus-resistant GM crops and some success cases of virus-resistant GM crops approved so far for cultivation are discussed.
Grapevine Virology in the Third-Generation Sequencing Era: From Virus Detection to Viral Epitranscriptomics
Authors: Javaran Vahid Jalali , Moffett Peter , Lemoyne Pierre , Xu Dong , Adkar-Purushothama Charith Raj , Fall Mamadou Lamine
Published: November 2021

Among all economically important plant species in the world, grapevine (Vitis vinifera L.) is the most cultivated fruit plant. It has a significant impact on the economies of many countries through wine and fresh and dried fruit production. In recent years, the grape and wine industry has been facing outbreaks of known and emerging viral diseases across the world. Although high-throughput sequencing (HTS) has been used extensively in grapevine virology, the application and potential of third-generation sequencing have not been explored in understanding grapevine viruses and their impact on the grapevine. Nanopore sequencing, a third-generation technology, can be used for the direct sequencing of both RNA and DNA with minimal infrastructure. Compared to other HTS methods, the MinION nanopore platform is faster and more cost-effective and allows for long-read sequencing. Due to the size of the MinION device, it can be easily carried for field viral disease surveillance. This review article discusses grapevine viruses, the principle of third-generation sequencing platforms, and the application of nanopore sequencing technology in grapevine virus detection, virus–plant interactions, as well as the characterization of viral RNA modifications.
Uncovering Research Trends of Phycobiliproteins Using Bibliometric Approach
Authors: Tan Hui Teng , Yusoff Fatimah Md. , Khaw Yam Sim , Ahmad Siti Aqlima , Shaharuddin Noor Azmi
Published: November 2021

Phycobiliproteins are gaining popularity as long-term, high-value natural products which can be alternatives to synthetic products. This study analyzed research trends of phycobiliproteins from 1909 to 2020 using a bibliometric approach based on the Scopus database. The current findings showed that phycobiliprotein is a burgeoning field in terms of publications outputs with “biochemistry, genetics, and molecular biology” as the most related and focused subject. The Journal of Applied Phycology was the most productive journal in publishing articles on phycobiliproteins. Although the United States of America (U.S.A.) contributed the most publications on phycobiliproteins, the Chinese Academy of Sciences (China) is the institution with the largest number of publications. The most productive author on phycobiliproteins was Glazer, Alexander N. (U.S.A.). The U.S.A. and Germany were at the forefront of international collaboration in this field. According to the keyword analysis, the most explored theme was the optimization of microalgae culture parameters and phycobiliproteins extraction methods. The bioactivity properties and extraction of phycobiliproteins were identified as future research priorities. Synechococcus and Arthrospira were the most cited genera. This study serves as an initial step in fortifying the phycobiliproteins market, which is expected to exponentially expand in the future. Moreover, further research and global collaboration are necessary to commercialize phycobiliproteins and increase the consumer acceptability of the pigments and their products.
Investigation of the Performance and Emission Characteristics of a Diesel Engine with Different Diesel–Methanol Dual-Fuel Ratios
Authors: Chen Shaoji , Tian Jie , Li Jiangtao , Li Wangzhen , Zhang Zhiqing
Published: November 2021

In this paper, the effects of different diesel–methanol blends on the combustion and emission characteristics of diesel engines are investigated in terms of cylinder pressure, heat release rate, cylinder temperature, brake specific fuel consumption, thermal brake efficiency, brake power, and soot, nitrogen oxides, and carbon monoxide emissions in a four-stroke diesel engine. The corresponding three-dimensional Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) model was established using the Anstalt für Verbrennungskraftmaschinen List (AVL)-Fire coupled Chemkin program, and the chemical kinetic mechanism, including 135 reactions and 77 species, was established. The simulation model was verified by the experiment at 50% and 100% loads, and the combustion processes of pure diesel (D100) and diesel–methanol (D90M10, D80M20, and D70M30) were investigated, respectively. The results showed that the increase in methanol content in the blended fuel significantly improved the emission and power characteristics of the diesel engine. More specifically, at full load, the cylinder pressures increased by 0.78%, 1.21%, and 1.41% when the proportions of methanol in the blended fuel were 10%, 20%, and 30%, respectively. In addition, the power decreased by 2.76%, 5.04%, and 8.08%, respectively. When the proportion of methanol in the blended fuel was 10%, 20%, and 30%, the soot emissions were decreased by 16.45%, 29.35%, and 43.05%, respectively. Therefore, methanol content in blended fuel improves the combustion and emission characteristics of the engine.
Integral Layout Optimization of Subsea Production Control System Considering Three-Dimensional Space Constraint
Authors: Yue Yuanlong , Liu Zhixiang , Zuo Xin
Published: November 2021

The subsea production control system, characterized by a complex and diverse structure and high cost, is one of the essential parts of a subsea production system. The rational layout of the subsea production control system is essential to reduce development costs and ensure safe production in offshore fields. Most previous studies on layout design in offshore fields have focused on the oil- and gas-gathering system. However, the layout of the subsea production control system has not thoroughly been researched to date and the seabed terrain and integral optimization have rarely been discussed. This paper focuses on the multi-layer star structure and multi-layer star-tree structure, two common layout structures of subsea production control systems, and establishes the corresponding model with obstacle and seabed terrain conditions. Obtaining the lowest possible total cost was the aim of the model. A hybrid algorithm combining the adaptive mutation particle swarm algorithm and the A-star algorithm was applied to integrally optimize the subsea distribution unit and umbilical touch down point positions, the pipe connection topology and pipe routes. The practicality of this approach is demonstrated by designing a layout with one FPSO and 22 subsea control modules. The results indicate that the multi-layer star-tree layout structure has a lower total cost compared to that of the multi-layer star layout structure. In addition, the results were compared with a case that ignores the seabed terrain, indicating differences in the total construction cost. This method provides engineers with quantitative references and reliable cost estimates to make decisions regarding the layout of the subsea production control system.
Design and Validation of a Reduced Switching Components Step-Up Multilevel Inverter (RSCS-MLI)
Authors: Wasiq Mohammad , Sarwar Adil , Sarwer Zeeshan , Tariq Mohd , Ahmad Shafiq , Al-Shayea Adel , Hossain Jahangir
Published: November 2021

A reduced switching components step-up multilevel inverter (RSCS-MLI) is presented in the paper. The basic circuit of the proposed MLI can produce 11 levels in the output voltage with a reduced number of switching components. The other features of the proposed circuit include a low value of voltage stresses and the inherent generation of the voltage levels pertaining to the negative half without the requirement of an H-bridge. Fundamental frequency switching technique, also known as Nearest Level Control (NLC) technique, is implemented in the proposed topology for generating the switching signals. The experimental total harmonic distortion (THD) in the output voltage comes out to be 9.4% for modulation index equal to 1. Based on different parameters, a comparative study has been shown in the paper, which makes the claim of the proposed MLI stronger. An experimental setup is prepared to carry out the hardware implementation of the proposed structure and monitor its performance under dynamic load conditions, which is also used to verify the simulation results. Power loss analysis, carried out by using PLECS software, helps us to gain insight into different losses occurring while operating the inverter. The different results are explained and analyzed in the paper.
Seaweeds as a Fermentation Substrate: A Challenge for the Food Processing Industry
Authors: Monteiro Pedro , Lomartire Silvia , Cotas João , Pacheco Diana , Marques João C. , Pereira Leonel , Gonçalves Ana M. M.
Published: November 2021

Seaweeds are gaining momentum as novel and functional food and feed products. From whole consumption to small bioactive compounds, seaweeds have remarkable flexibility in their applicability, ranging from food production to fertilizers or usages in chemical industries. Regarding food production, there is an increasing interest in the development of novel foods that, at the same time, present high nutritious content and are sustainably developed. Seaweeds, because they require no arable land, no usage of fresh water, and they have high nutritious and bioactive content, can be further explored for the development of newer and functional food products. Fermentation, especially performed by lactic acid bacteria, is a method used to produce functional foods. However, fermentation of seaweed biomass remains an underdeveloped topic that nevertheless demonstrates high potential for the production of new alimentary products that hold and further improve the organoleptic and beneficial properties that these organisms are characterized for. Although further research has to be deployed in this field, the prebiotic and probiotic potential demonstrated by fermented seaweed can boost the development of new functional foods.
Road Scene Recognition of Forklift AGV Equipment Based on Deep Learning
Authors: Liu Gang , Zhang Rongxu , Wang Yanyan , Man Rongjun
Published: November 2021

The application of scene recognition in intelligent robots to forklift AGV equipment is of great significance in order to improve the automation and intelligence level of distribution centers. At present, using the camera to collect image information to obtain environmental information can break through the limitation of traditional guideway and positioning equipment, and is beneficial to the path planning and system expansion in the later stage of warehouse construction. Taking the forklift AGV equipment in the distribution center as the research object, this paper explores the scene recognition and path planning of forklift AGV equipment based on a deep convolution neural network. On the basis of the characteristics of the warehouse environment, a semantic segmentation network applied to the scene recognition of the warehouse environment is established, and a scene recognition method suitable for the warehouse environment is proposed, so that the equipment can use the deep learning method to learn the environment features and achieve accurate recognition in the large-scale environment, without adding environmental landmarks, which provides an effective convolution neural network model for the scene recognition of forklift AGV equipment in the warehouse environment. The activation function layer of the model is studied by using the activation function with better gradient performance. The results show that the performance of the H-Swish activation function is better than that of the ReLU function in recognition accuracy and computational complexity, and it can save costs as a calculation form of the mobile terminal.
Bioassay-Guided Discovery of Potential Partial Extracts with Cytotoxic Effects on Liver Cancer Cells from Vietnamese Medicinal Herbs
Authors: Nguyen Hien , Nguyen Nhi , Chau Nghia , Nguyen Anh , Tran Van , Hoang Viet , Le Tri , Wang Hui-Chun , Yen Chia-Hung
Published: November 2021

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most frequent type of primary liver cancer and is the leading cause of cancer mortality in Vietnam. Our study aims to discover the partial extracts with the potential cytotoxic effects on HCC cells from the different parts of 24 Vietnamese medicinal plants traditionally used in liver cancer treatment. Out of 52 crude methanol extracts, we found that Luvunga scandens leaves, Hyptis suaveolens roots, and Solanum torvum leaves showed the notable cytotoxic effects against HCC cells. After that, we carried out partial extract of the three methanol extracts with ethyl acetate, water, n-hexane, and 90% methanol. The cytotoxic activity on Huh-7 HCC cells, antioxidant capacity, and total flavonoids content (TFC) of each partial extraction were determined. Methanol, ethyl acetate, and 90% methanol extracts showed moderate to strong cytotoxicity activity against Huh-7 HCC cells. Notably, the ethyl acetate and 90% methanol extract from H. suaveolens roots with high TFC values and strong antioxidant capacity could be promising sources of novel therapeutic modalities for HCC treatment. For the leaves of L. scandens and S. torvum, the ethyl acetate extract showed high TFC value and promising anti-HCC activity, therefore recommended further studies.
Urban Gardens as Sustainable Attractions for Children in Family Tourism
Authors: Fusté-Forné Francesc , Forné Maria Fusté
Published: November 2021

Most of the global population live in urban environments and the majority of tourist flows are concentrated in cities. Urban agriculture has recently emerged as an avenue for the protection of sustainable food production and the promotion of sustainable food consumption. Also, the relationships between horticulture and tourism are attracting growing interest in the context of urban studies. Drawing on a qualitative approach based on ten semi-structured interviews, this research analyzes the relationship between urban gardens and family tourism. The paper innovatively contributes to the understanding of gardens as an urban attraction that improves the sustainable production and consumption of food in the context of family tourism experiences. The results show the relevance of urban gardens for the creation of sustainable experiences that engage families with local food, enhance local supply chains, and inform the future of urban environments. Urban gardens are a visitor attraction that may lead to the development of sustainable people, places and products, and they represent the sustainable integration of horticulture in tourism based on participatory experiences, direct contact with the natural environment and the discovery of the origin of food.
Machine Learning (ML) Technologies for Digital Credit Scoring in Rural Finance: A Literature Review
Authors: Kumar Anil , Sharma Suneel , Mahdavi Mehregan
Published: November 2021

Rural credit is one of the most critical inputs for farm production across the globe. Despite so many advances in digitalization in emerging and developing economies, still a large part of society like small farm holders, rural youth, and women farmers are untouched by the mainstream of banking transactions. Machine learning-based technology is giving a new hope to these individuals. However, it is the banking or non-banking institutions that decide how they will adopt this advanced technology, to have reduced human biases in loan decision making. Therefore, the scope of this study is to highlight the various AI-ML- based methods for credit scoring and their gaps currently in practice by banking or non-banking institutions. For this study, systematic literature review methods have been applied; existing research articles have been empirically reviewed with an attempt to identify and compare the best fit AI-ML-based model adopted by various financial institutions worldwide. The main purpose of this study is to present the various ML algorithms highlighted by earlier researchers that could be fit for a credit assessment of rural borrowers, particularly those who have no or inadequate loan history. However, it would be interesting to recognize further how the financial institutions could be able to blend the traditional and digital methods successfully without any ethical challenges.
Constructing an Evaluation Index System for China’s Low-Carbon Tourism Region—An Example from the Daxinganling Region
Authors: Liu Yiming , Suk Sunhee
Published: November 2021

With the intensification of global warming, the development of low-carbon tourism is not only an inevitable requirement for human development, but also an important way to enhance tourism, improve the quality of tourism, and obtain greater economic and social benefits from tourism. Scientifically and effectively constructing a low-carbon tourism development level evaluation index system is conducive to the healthy and sustainable development of the tourism industry. However, the current evaluation of the development level of low-carbon tourism mainly focuses on low-carbon development, energy conservation, and emission reduction. There are few studies and a lack of specific empirical research evaluating the development of low-carbon tourism. In this research, the Delphi method and analytic hierarchy process were used for data collection and corresponding weight analysis. This research refers to the results of existing studies on low-carbon tourism evaluation index systems, and constructs an objective and quantitative evaluation model. It establishes a low-carbon tourism development evaluation model with 34 specific indicators from the three dimensions of the tourism economic support level, the tourism low-carbon development level, and the tourism policy support level. The research results were applied to the Daxinganling region for verification. The results show that the development of tourism in the Daxinganling region has changed from a mode dominated by economic interests to a mode in which tourism-related parties begin to seek effective low-carbon methods to maintain low-carbon tourism activities. In addition, the Daxinganling region has the lowest level of low-carbon tourism development and the highest level of financial support. Based on the research conclusions, corresponding suggestions for the development of low-carbon tourism in the Daxinganling region are provided. The results are also intended to provide a reference point in the optimization of low-carbon tourism development models in this and other regions.