bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Lanthanide-Ion-Doping Effect on the Morphology and the Structure of NaYF4:Ln3+ Nanoparticles
Authors: Bogachev Nikita A. , Betina Anna A. , Bulatova Tatyana S. , Nosov Viktor G. , Kolesnik Stefaniia S. , Tumkin Ilya I. , Ryazantsev Mikhail N. , Skripkin Mikhail Yu. , Mereshchenko Andrey S.
Published: August 2022

Two series of β-NaYF4:Ln3+ nanoparticles (Ln = La–Nd, Sm–Lu) containing 20 at. % and 40 at. % of Ln3+ with well-defined morphology and size were synthesized via a facile citric-acid-assisted hydrothermal method using rare-earth chlorides as the precursors. The materials were composed from the particles that have a shape of uniform hexagonal prisms with an approximate size of 80–1100 nm. The mean diameter of NaYF4:Ln3+ crystals non-monotonically depended on the lanthanide atomic number and the minimum size was observed for Gd3+-doped materials. At the same time, the unit cell parameters decreased from La to Lu according to XRD data analysis. The diameter-to-length ratio increased from La to Lu in both studied series. The effect of the doping lanthanide(III) ion nature on particle size and shape was explained in terms of crystal growth dynamics. This study reports the correlation between the nanoparticle morphologies and the type and content of doping lanthanide ions. The obtained results shed light on the understanding of intrinsic factors’ effect on structural features of the nanocrystalline materials.
Data-Enhanced Deep Greedy Optimization Algorithm for the On-Demand Inverse Design of TMDC-Cavity Heterojunctions
Authors: Zhao Zeyu , You Jie , Zhang Jun , Tang Yuhua
Published: August 2022

A data-enhanced deep greedy optimization (DEDGO) algorithm is proposed to achieve the efficient and on-demand inverse design of multiple transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDC)-photonic cavity-integrated heterojunctions operating in the strong coupling regime. Precisely, five types of photonic cavities with different geometrical parameters are employed to alter the optical properties of monolayer TMDC, aiming at discovering new and intriguing physics associated with the strong coupling effect. Notably, the traditional rigorous coupled wave analysis (RCWA) approach is utilized to generate a relatively small training dataset for the DEDGO algorithm. Importantly, one remarkable feature of DEDGO is the integration the decision theory of reinforcement learning, which remedies the deficiencies of previous research that focused more on modeling over decision making, increasing the success rate of inverse prediction. Specifically, an iterative optimization strategy, namely, deep greedy optimization, is implemented to improve the performance. In addition, a data enhancement method is also employed in DEDGO to address the dependence on a large amount of training data. The accuracy and effectiveness of the DEDGO algorithm are confirmed to be much higher than those of the random forest algorithm and deep neural network, making possible the replacement of the time-consuming conventional scanning optimization method with the DEDGO algorithm. This research thoroughly describes the universality, interpretability, and excellent performance of the DEDGO algorithm in exploring the underlying physics of TMDC-cavity heterojunctions, laying the foundations for the on-demand inverse design of low-dimensional material-based nano-devices.
Fast Synthesis of Au Nanoparticles on Metal–Phenolic Network for Sweat SERS Analysis
Authors: Zhang Xiaoying , Wang Xin , Ning Mengling , Wang Peng , Wang Wen , Zhang Xiaozhou , Liu Zhiming , Zhang Yanjiao , Li Shaoxin
Published: August 2022

The biochemical composition of sweat is closely related to the human physiological state, which provides a favorable window for the monitoring of human health status, especially for the athlete. Herein, an ultra-simple strategy based on the surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) technique for sweat analysis is established. Metal–phenolic network (MPN), an outstanding organic-inorganic hybrid material, is adopted as the reductant and platform for the in situ formation of Au-MPN, which displays excellent SERS activity with the limit of detection to 10−15 M for 4-mercaptobenzoic acid (4-MBA). As an ultrasensitive SERS sensor, Au-MPN is capable of discriminating the molecular fingerprints of sweat components acquired from a volunteer after exercise, such as urea, uric acid, lactic acid, and amino acid. For pH sensing, Au-MPN/4-MBA efficiently presents the pH values of the volunteer’s sweat, which can indicate the electrolyte metabolism during exercise. This MPN-based SERS sensing strategy unlocks a new route for the real-time physiological monitoring of human health.
Noble Metals Deposited LaMnO3 Nanocomposites for Photocatalytic H2 Production
Authors: Jawhari Ahmed , Hasan Nazim , Radini Ibrahim , Narasimharao Katabathini , Malik Maqsood
Published: August 2022

Due to the growing demand for hydrogen, the photocatalytic hydrogen production from alcohols present an intriguing prospect as a potential source of low-cost renewable energy. The noble metals (Ag, Au, Pd and Pt) deposited LaMnO3 nanocomposites were synthesized by a non-conventional green bio-reduction method using aqueous lemon peel extract, which acts as both reducing and capping agent. The successful deposition of the noble metals on the surface of LaMnO3 was verified by using powder XRD, FTIR, TEM, N2-physisorption, DR UV-vis spectroscopy, and XPS techniques. The photocatalytic activity of the synthesized nanocomposites was tested for photocatalytic H2 production under visible light irradiation. Different photocatalytic reaction parameters such as reaction time, pH, catalyst mass and reaction temperature were investigated to optimize the reaction conditions for synthesized nanocomposites. Among the synthesized noble metal deposited LaMnO3 nanocomposites, the Pt-LaMnO3 nanocomposite offered superior activity for H2 production. The enhanced photocatalytic activity of the Pt-LaMnO3 was found as a result from low bandgap energy, high photoelectrons generation and enhanced charge separation due to deposition of Pt nanoparticles. The effective noble metal deposition delivers a new route for the development of plasmonic noble metal-LaMnO3 nanocomposites for photocatalytic reforming of aqueous methanol to hydrogen.
Synthesis of Co3O4 Nanoplates by Thermal Decomposition for the Colorimetric Detection of Dopamine
Authors: Tang Zengmin , Zhang Ling , Tang Sijia , Li Junping , Xu Jianxiong , Li Na , Xu Lijian , Du Jingjing
Published: August 2022

Inorganic nanomaterials with enzyme-like activity have been attracting much attention due to their low cost, favorable stability, convenient storage, and simple preparation. Herein, Co3O4 nanoplates with a uniform nanostructure were prepared by the thermolysis of cobalt hydroxide at different temperatures, and the influence of the annealing temperature on the performance of the mimetic enzyme also was reported for the first time. The results demonstrated that Co3O4 nanoplates obtained at an annealing temperature of 200 °C possessed strong oxidase activity and efficiently catalyzed the oxidation of 3,3′,5,5′-tetramethylbenzidine (TMB) without the addition of hydrogen peroxide to generate the blue color product ox-TMB. Once the annealing temperature was increased to 500 °C and 800 °C, the oxidase activity of Co3O4 decreased rapidly, and was even inactivated. This might be attributed to the relatively large specific surface area of Co3O4 annealed at 200 °C. Besides this, based on the TMB-Co3O4 nanoplate system, a colorimetric analysis method was developed to detect dopamine with a limit of 0.82 μmol/L in a linear range from 1.6 μmol/L to 20 μmol/L.
Clinical and Radiological Characteristics for Recurrence of Chronic Subdural Hematoma: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Mishra Rakesh , Deora Harsh , Florez-Perdomo William Andres , Moscote-Salazar Luis Rafael , Garcia-Ballestas Ezequiel , Rahman Md Moshiur , Shrivastava Adesh , Raj Sumit , Chavda Vishal , Montemurro Nicola , Agrawal Amit
Published: August 2022

Chronic subdural hematoma (cSDH) is one of the most studied clinical entities in the neurosurgical literature. Management of cSDH is complicated by its propensity to recurrence. Various factors for the development of recurrence of cSDH have been described in various clinical, epidemiological, and observational studies, yet the evidence available is limited. A systematic review and meta-analysis as per PRISMA guidelines to identify clinical and radiological factors which can predict the development of recurrence in cSDH. A total of 14 studies were included for the systematic review and meta-analysis after a comprehensive search of the online databases. Eight studies were of high methodological quality. Age, use of anticoagulants, obesity, seizure, and liver disease were found to be statistically significant clinical risk factors for the development of recurrence in cSDH. Among the radiological parameters, the internal structure of the hematoma and the width of the hematoma was found to be significant risk factor predicting the development of recurrence. Age >75 years, use of anticoagulation therapy, liver disease, and obesity were significant risk factors for cSDH recurrence. Pneumocephalus, internal architecture of hematoma, bilateral cSDH, the width of hematoma, and the presence of bilateral cSDH are important radiological parameters of the development of recurrent cSDH
Nutri-Score and NutrInform Battery: Effects on Performance and Preference in Italian Consumers
Authors: Fialon Morgane , Serafini Mauro , Galan Pilar , Kesse-Guyot Emmanuelle , Touvier Mathilde , Deschasaux-Tanguy Mélanie , Sarda Barthélémy , Hercberg Serge , Nabec Lydiane , Julia Chantal
Published: August 2022

In May 2020, the European Commission announced a proposal for a mandatory front-of-pack label (FoPL) for all European Union (EU) countries. Indeed, FoPLs have been recognized by several public institutions as a cost-effective measure to guide consumers toward nutritionally favorable food products. The aim of this study was to compare the performance and consumer preference of two FoPLs currently proposed or implemented in EU countries, the interpretive format Nutri-Score and the non-interpretive format NutrInform Battery, among Italian consumers. The experimental study was conducted in 2021 on a representative sample of 1064 Italian adults (mean age = 46.5 ± 14.1 years; 48% men). Participants were randomized to either Nutri-Score or NutrInform and had to fill out an online questionnaire testing their objective understanding of the FoPL on three food categories (breakfast products, breakfast cereals and added fats) as well as purchase intention, subjective understanding and perception. Multivariable logistic regressions and t-tests were used to analyze the answers. In terms of the capacity of participants to identify the most nutritionally favorable products, Nutri-Score outperformed NutrInform in all food categories, with the highest odds ratio being observed for added fats (OR = 21.7 [15.3–31.1], p < 0.0001). Overall, with Nutri-Score, Italian participants were more likely to intend to purchase nutritionally favorable products than with NutrInform (OR = 5.29 [4.02–6.97], p < 0.0001). Focusing on olive oil, participants of the Nutri-Score group had higher purchase intention of olive oil compared to those in the NutrInform group (OR = 1.92 [1.42–2.60], p < 0.0001) after manipulating the label. The interpretive format Nutri-Score appears to be a more efficient tool than NutrInform for orienting Italian consumers towards more nutritionally favorable food choices.
Short-Term Fish Oil Supplementation during Adolescence Supports Sex-Specific Impact on Adulthood Visuospatial Memory and Cognitive Flexibility
Authors: Raymond Julie , Morin Alexandre , Poitras Marilou , Plamondon Hélène
Published: August 2022

Numerous studies have supported benefits of omega-3 supplementation using Menhaden fish oil (FO) to promote brain maturation and plasticity during critical developmental periods. The goal of this study was to determine sex-specific immediate and delayed impact of adolescent omega-3 supplementation on visuospatial memory and cognitive flexibility. Sixty-four Wistar rats (n = 32 males and females) received daily FO or soybean oil (CSO) supplementation via oral gavage (0.3 mL/100 g body weight) from postnatal day 28–47. The Barnes Maze Test (BMT) was used to measure visuospatial memory and reversal learning trials (RL) determined cognitive flexibility. Juveniles underwent testing immediately after the gavage period, while adults began testing on postnatal day 90. Adult rats showed reduced working memory errors (WME) and gradual decrease in escape latencies compared to juveniles. Importantly, adult FO-supplemented females displayed fewer WME than males, while males’ performance benefited from CSO supplementation. Overall, sex- and supplementation-dependent effects supported a positive impact of FO in female rats only. Our findings support the potential for supplementation limited to the early adolescence period to influence adulthood spatial learning and cognitive flexibility in a sex-specific manner.
Effects of Resveratrol, Curcumin and Quercetin Supplementation on Bone Metabolism—A Systematic Review
Authors: Inchingolo Alessio Danilo , Inchingolo Angelo Michele , Malcangi Giuseppina , Avantario Pasquale , Azzollini Daniela , Buongiorno Silvio , Viapiano Fabio , Campanelli Merigrazia , Ciocia Anna Maria , De Leonardis Nicole , de Ruvo Elisabetta , Ferrara Irene , Garofoli Grazia , Montenegro Valentina , Netti Anna , Palmieri Giulia , Mancini Antonio , Patano Assunta , Piras Fabio , Marinelli Grazia , Di Pede Chiara , Laudadio Claudia , Rapone Biagio , Hazballa Denisa , Corriero Alberto , Fatone Maria Celeste , Palermo Andrea , Lorusso Felice , Scarano Antonio , Bordea Ioana Roxana , Di Venere Daniela , Inchingolo Francesco , Dipalma Gianna
Published: August 2022

Phenolic compounds are natural phytochemicals that have recently reported numerous health benefits. Resveratrol, curcumin, and quercetin have recently received the most attention among these molecules due to their documented antioxidant effects. The review aims to investigate the effects of these molecules on bone metabolism and their role in several diseases such as osteopenia and osteoporosis, bone tumours, and periodontitis. The PubMed/Medline, Web of Science, Google Scholar, Scopus, Cochrane Library, and Embase electronic databases were searched for papers in line with the study topic. According to an English language restriction, the screening period was from January 2012 to 3 July 2022, with the following Boolean keywords: (“resveratrol” AND “bone”); (“curcumin” AND “bone”); (“quercetin” AND “bone”). A total of 36 papers were identified as relevant to the purpose of our investigation. The studies reported the positive effects of the investigated phenolic compounds on bone metabolism and their potential application as adjuvant treatments for osteoporosis, bone tumours, and periodontitis. Furthermore, their use on the titanium surfaces of orthopaedic prostheses could represent a possible application to improve the osteogenic processes and osseointegration. According to the study findings, resveratrol, curcumin, and quercetin are reported to have a wide variety of beneficial effects as supplement therapies. The investigated phenolic compounds seem to positively mediate bone metabolism and osteoclast-related pathologies.
Individualised Nutritional Care for Disease-Related Malnutrition: Improving Outcomes by Focusing on What Matters to Patients
Authors: Holdoway Anne , Page Fionna , Bauer Judy , Dervan Nicola , Maier Andrea B.
Published: August 2022

Delivering care that meets patients’ preferences, needs and values, and that is safe and effective is key to good-quality healthcare. Disease-related malnutrition (DRM) has profound effects on patients and families, but often what matters to patients is not captured in the research, where the focus is often on measuring the adverse clinical and economic consequences of DRM. Differences in the terminology used to describe care that meets patients’ preferences, needs and values confounds the problem. Individualised nutritional care (INC) is nutritional care that is tailored to a patient’s specific needs, preferences, values and goals. Four key pillars underpin INC: what matters to patients, shared decision making, evidence informed multi-modal nutritional care and effective monitoring of outcomes. Although INC is incorporated in nutrition guidelines and studies of oral nutritional intervention for DRM in adults, the descriptions and the degree to which it is included varies. Studies in specific patient groups show that INC improves health outcomes. The nutrition care process (NCP) offers a practical model to help healthcare professionals individualise nutritional care. The model can be used by all healthcare disciplines across all healthcare settings. Interdisciplinary team approaches provide nutritional care that delivers on what matters to patients, without increased resources and can be adapted to include INC. This review is of relevance to all involved in the design, delivery and evaluation of nutritional care for all patients, regardless of whether they need first-line nutritional care or complex, highly specialised nutritional care.
Dose-Dependent Effects of Amino Acids on Clinical Outcomes in Adult Medical Inpatients Receiving Only Parenteral Nutrition: A Retrospective Cohort Study Using a Japanese Medical Claims Database
Authors: Takagi Kosei , Murotani Kenta , Kamoshita Satoru , Kuroda Akiyoshi
Published: August 2022

The majority of inpatients requiring parenteral nutrition (PN) do not receive adequate amino acid, which may negatively impact clinical outcomes. We investigated the influence of amino acid doses on clinical outcomes in medical adult inpatients fasting >10 days and receiving only PN, using Japanese medical claims database. The primary endpoint was in-hospital mortality, and the secondary endpoints included deterioration of activities of daily living (ADL), intravenous catheter infection, hospital readmission, hospital length of stay (LOS), and total medical costs. Patients were divided into four groups according to their mean prescribed daily amino acid doses from Days 4 to 10 of fasting: Adequate (≥0.8 g/kg/day), Moderate (≥0.6–<0.8 g/kg/day), Low (≥0.4–<0.6 g/kg/day), and Very low (<0.4 g/kg/day). Multivariate logistic or multiple regression analyses were performed with adjustments for patient characteristics (total n = 86,702). The Adequate group was used as the reference in all analyses. For the Moderate, Low, and Very low groups, adjusted ORs (95% CI) of in-hospital mortality were 1.20 (1.14–1.26), 1.43 (1.36–1.51), and 1.72 (1.62–1.82), respectively, and for deterioration of ADL were 1.21 (1.11–1.32), 1.34 (1.22–1.47), and 1.22 (1.09–1.37), respectively. Adjusted regression coefficients (95% CI) of hospital LOS were 1.2 (0.4–2.1), 1.5 (0.6–2.4), and 2.9 (1.8–4.1), respectively. Lower prescribed doses of amino acids were associated with worse clinical outcomes including higher in-hospital mortality.
Obesity, Pregnancy and the Social Contract with Today’s Adolescents
Authors: Berti Cristiana , Elahi Shirin , Catalano Patrick , Bhutta Zulfiqar A. , Krawinkel Michael B. , Parisi Francesca , Agostoni Carlo , Cetin Irene , Hanson Mark
Published: August 2022

Adolescent health and well-being are of great concern worldwide, and adolescents encounter particular challenges, vulnerabilities and constraints. The dual challenges of adolescent parenthood and obesity are of public health relevance because of the life-altering health and socioeconomic effects on both the parents and the offspring. Prevention and treatment strategies at the individual and population levels have not been successful in the long term, suggesting that adolescent pregnancy and obesity cannot be managed by more of the same. Here, we view adolescent obese pregnancy through the lens of the social contract with youth. The disruption of this contract is faced by today’s adolescents, with work, social and economic dilemmas which perpetuate socioeconomic and health inequities across generations. The lack of employment, education and social opportunities, together with obesogenic settings, increase vulnerability and exposure to lifelong health risks, affecting their offspring’s life chances too. To break such vicious circles of disadvantage and achieve sustainable solutions in real-world settings, strong efforts on the part of policymakers, healthcare providers and the community must be oriented towards guaranteeing equity and healthy nutrition and environments for today’s adolescents. The involvement of adolescents themselves in developing such programs is paramount, not only so that they feel a sense of agency but also to better meet their real life needs.
Emergent and Neglected Equine Filariosis in Egypt: Species Diversity and Host Immune Response
Authors: Abo-Aziza Faten A. M. , Hendawy Seham H. M. , Abdullah Hend H. A. M. , El Namaky Amira , Laidoudi Younes , Mediannikov Oleg
Published: August 2022

Equine filariosis (EF) is a neglected vector-borne disease caused by nematode species belonging to the Onchocercidae and Setariidae families. Aside from their zoonotic potential, some species are responsible for serious health problems in equids worldwide, leading to significant economic difficulties. Here, we molecularly investigated equine blood samples (320 horses and 109 donkeys from Egypt) and four adult worms isolated from the peritoneal cavity of 5 out of the 94 slaughtered donkeys. In addition, quantitative enzyme-linked immunoassays (ELISAs) targeting circulating cytokines were used to identify whether the immunological profile of the infected animals is a Th1 (i.e., INF-gamma as indicator) or Th2 (i.e., IL-5 and IL-10 as indicators) response type. Overall, 13.8% and 0.3% of the donkeys and horses, respectively, were scored as positive for filaroid DNA. The 18S phylogeny revealed the occurrence of three different filaroid species, identified here as Mansonella (Tetrapetalonema) sp., Setaria digitata and Dirofilaria repens. Th1 (INF-gamma and IL-5) and Th2 (IL-10) immune response types were identified in equines infected with S. digitata and Mansonella (T.) sp., respectively. These results provide new data on the species diversity of EF in Egypt and extend knowledge of the downregulation of the protective immune response by the potentially zoonotic Mansonella (T) sp. There is an urgent need to implement control measures to preserve equine health and limit the propagation of these vector-borne filaroids in Egypt.
Protective Effect of Lactobacillus crispatus against Vaginal Colonization with Group B Streptococci in the Third Trimester of Pregnancy
Authors: Starc Maja , Lučovnik Miha , Eržen Vrlič Petra , Jeverica Samo
Published: August 2022

Background: A normal vaginal microbiota may protect the vaginal mucosa from colonization by potentially pathogenic bacteria, including group B streptococci (GBS). The aim of this study was to investigate the association between colonization with GBS and the presence of specific vaginal microbiota isolated from vaginal swabs in the third trimester of pregnancy. Methods: A semiquantitative culture of 1860 vaginal swabs from consecutive pregnant women in their third trimester was analyzed. The dominant bacteria, including lactobacilli, were identified using MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry. An enrichment culture for GBS was performed on the swabs. GBS colonization correlated with the bacteria isolated at the same time. Results: Lactobacilluscrispatus was isolated in 27.5% of the cultures, followed by L. jensenii (13.9%), L. gasseri (12.6%), and L. iners (10.1%). The presence of lactobacilli as a group, and of L. crispatus, inversely correlated with GBS colonization (OR = 0.44 and OR = 0.5, respectively; both with p < 0.001). Other microorganisms, including Gardnerella vaginalis, mixed aerobic bacteria and yeasts, were not associated with GBS colonization. Conclusions: Lactobacilli, especially L. crispatus, may prevent GBS colonization in pregnancy. Maintaining a normal vaginal microbiota could be an effective method for the antibiotic-free prevention of invasive GBS infections in neonates.
Rosiglitazone Does Not Show Major Hidden Cardiotoxicity in Models of Ischemia/Reperfusion but Abolishes Ischemic Preconditioning-Induced Antiarrhythmic Effects in Rats In Vivo
Authors: Weber Bennet Y. , Brenner Gábor B. , Kiss Bernadett , Gergely Tamás G. , Sayour Nabil V. , Tian Huimin , Makkos András , Görbe Anikó , Ferdinandy Péter , Giricz Zoltán
Published: August 2022

Clinical observations are highly inconsistent with the use of the antidiabetic rosiglitazone regarding its associated increased risk of myocardial infarction. This may be due to its hidden cardiotoxic properties that have only become evident during post-marketing studies. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the hidden cardiotoxicity of rosiglitazone in ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury models. Rats were treated orally with either 0.8 mg/kg/day rosiglitazone or vehicle for 28 days and subjected to I/R with or without cardioprotective ischemic preconditioning (IPC). Rosiglitazone did not affect mortality, arrhythmia score, or infarct size during I/R. However, rosiglitazone abolished the antiarrhythmic effects of IPC. To investigate the direct effect of rosiglitazone on cardiomyocytes, we utilized adult rat cardiomyocytes (ARCMs), AC16, and differentiated AC16 (diffAC16) human cardiac cell lines. These were subjected to simulated I/R in the presence of rosiglitazone. Rosiglitazone improved cell survival of ARCMs at 0.3 μM. At 0.1 and 0.3 μM, rosiglitazone improved cell survival of AC16s but not that of diffAC16s. This is the first demonstration that chronic administration of rosiglitazone does not result in major hidden cardiotoxic effects in myocardial I/R injury models. However, the inhibition of the antiarrhythmic effects of IPC may have some clinical relevance that needs to be further explored.
Repurposing Potential of the Antiparasitic Agent Ivermectin for the Treatment and/or Prophylaxis of COVID-19
Authors: Awad Hoda , Hassan Basmala , Dweek Sara , Aboelata Yasmeen , Rawas-Qalaji Mutasem , Ahmed Iman Saad
Published: August 2022

Due to the rapid, vast, and emerging global spread of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, many drugs were quickly repurposed in a desperate attempt to unveil a miracle drug. Ivermectin (IVM), an antiparasitic macrocyclic lactone, was tested and confirmed for its in vitro antiviral activity against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) in early 2020. Along with its potential antiviral activity, the affordability and availability of IVM resulted in a wide public interest. Across the world, trials have put IVM to test for both the treatment and prophylaxis of COVID-19, as well as its potential role in combination therapy. Additionally, the targeted delivery of IVM was studied in animals and COVID-19 patients. Through this conducted literature review, the potential value and effectiveness of the repurposed antiparasitic agent in the ongoing global emergency were summarized. The reviewed trials suggested a value of IVM as a treatment in mild COVID-19 cases, though the benefit was not extensive. On the other hand, IVM efficacy as a prophylactic agent was more evident and widely reported. In the most recent trials, novel nasal formulations of IVM were explored with the hope of an improved optimized effect.
Recent Advances in Oral Peptide or Protein-Based Drug Liposomes
Authors: Cui Jian , Wen Zhiwei , Zhang Wei , Wu Wei
Published: August 2022

The high physiology and low toxicity of therapeutic peptides and proteins have made them a hot spot for drug development in recent years. However, their poor oral bioavailability and unstable metabolism make their clinical application difficult. The bilayer membrane of liposomes provides protection for the drug within the compartment, and their high biocompatibility makes the drug more easily absorbed by the body. However, phospholipids—which form the membranes—are subjected to various digestive enzymes and mucosal adhesion in the digestive tract and disintegrate before absorption. Improvements in the composition of liposomes or modifying their surface can enhance the stability of the liposomes in the gastrointestinal tract. This article reviews the basic strategies for liposome preparation and surface modification that promote the oral administration of therapeutic polypeptides.
Pharmacological Effects of Houttuynia cordata Thunb (H. cordata): A Comprehensive Review
Authors: Rafiq Shahzad , Hao Haihong , Ijaz Muhammad , Raza Ahmed
Published: August 2022

Houttuynia cordata Thunb (H. cordata) is a rhizomatous, herbaceous, and perennial plant widely distributed in Asia. It has multiple chemical constituents, such as alkaloids, essential oils, phenolic acids, and flavonoids used against various health problems. The essential oils and flavonoids are the main components of H. cordata that play an essential role in disease treatment and traditional health care. Moreover, the leaves and stems of H. cordata have a long medicinal history in China. In addition, H. cordata is used against several health issues, such as cold, cough, fever, pneumonia, mumps, and tumors, due to its anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, anti-viral, anti-oxidant, and anti-tumor effects. It protects organs due to its anti-inflammatory activity. H. cordata regulates immunity by enhancing immune barriers of the oral cavity, vagina, and gastrointestinal tract, and shows broad-spectrum activity against liver, lung, breast, and colon tumors. However, there are some gaps to be filled to understand its pathways and mechanisms. Mechanisms such as its interaction with cells, cell membranes, and various drugs are important. Studies in relation to the blood–brain barrier, lipophilicity, cAMP signaling, and skin permeability, including pharmaceutical effects, will be very useful. This review includes the biological and pharmacological activities of H. cordata based on up-to-date research.
Design of Smart Nanodiamonds: Introducing pH Sensitivity to Improve Nucleic Acid Carrier Efficiency of Diamoplexes
Authors: Alwani Saniya , Rai Raj , Zittlau Isabella , Rekve Jonathan , Michel Deborah , Badea Ildiko
Published: August 2022

The mechanism of cellular uptake and intracellular fate of nanodiamond/nucleic acid complexes (diamoplexes) are major determinants of its performance as a gene carrier. Our group designed lysine-nanodiamonds (K-NDs) as vectors for nucleic acid delivery. In this work, we modified the surface of K-NDs with histidine to overcome endo-lysosomal entrapment diamoplexes, the major rate limiting step in gene transfer. Histidine is conjugated onto the NDs in two configurations: lysyl-histidine-NDs (HK-NDs) where histidine is loaded on 100% of the lysine moieties and lysine/lysyl-histidine-NDs (H50K50-NDs) where histidine is loaded on 50% of the lysine moieties. Both HK-NDs and H50K50-NDs maintained the optimum size distribution (i.e., <200 nm) and a cationic surface (zeta potential > 20 mV), similar to K-NDs. HK-NDs binds plasmid deoxyribonucleic acid (pDNA) and small interfering ribonucleic acid (siRNA) forming diamoplexes at mass ratios of 10:1 and 60:1, respectively. H50K50-NDs significantly improved nucleic acid binding, forming diamoplexes at a 2:1 mass ratio with pDNA and a 30:1 mass ratio with siRNA, which are at values similar to the K-NDs. The amount of histidine on the surface also impacted the interactions with mammalian cells. The HK-NDs reduced the cell viability by 30% at therapeutic concentrations, while H50K50-NDs maintained more than 90% cell viability, even at the highest concentrations. H50K50-NDs also showed highest cellular uptake within 24 h, followed by K-NDs and HK-NDs. Most functionalized NDs show cellular exit after 5 days, leaving less than 10% of cells with internalized diamonds. The addition of histidine to the ND resulted in higher transfection of anti-green fluorescent protein siRNA (anti-GFP siRNA) with the fraction of GFP knockdown being 0.8 vs. 0.6 for K-NDs at a mass ratio of 50:1. H50K50-NDs further improved transfection by achieving a similar fraction of GFP knockdown (0.8) at a lower mass ratio of 30:1. Overall, this study provides evidence that the addition of histidine, a pH-modulating entity in the functionalization design at an optimized ratio, renders high efficiency to the diamoplexes. Further studies will elucidate the uptake mechanism and intracellular fate to build the relationship between physicochemical characteristics and biological efficacy and create a platform for solid-core nanoparticle-based gene delivery.
Piperine as Therapeutic Agent in Paracetamol-Induced Hepatotoxicity in Mice
Authors: Coelho Aline Meireles , Queiroz Isabela Ferreira , Perucci Luiza Oliveira , Souza Melina Oliveira de , Lima Wanderson Geraldo , Talvani André , Costa Daniela Caldeira
Published: August 2022

High doses of paracetamol (APAP) can cause irreversible liver damage. Piperine (P) inhibits cytochrome P450, which is involved in the metabolism of various xenobiotics, including paracetamol. We evaluated the hepatoprotective effects of piperine with or without N-acetylcysteine (NAC) in APAP-induced hepatotoxicity. The mice were treated with two doses of piperine (P20 or P40) and/or NAC at 2 h after administration of APAP. The NAC+P20 and NAC+P40 groups showed a reduced area of necrosis, MMP-9 activity, and Casp-1 expression. Furthermore, the NAC+P20 group was the only treatment that reduced alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and increased the levels of sulfhydryl groups (-SH). In the NAC+P40 group, NLRP-3 expression was reduced. Aspartate aminotransferase (AST), thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS), and IL-1β expression decreased in the NAC, NAC+P20, and NAC+P40 groups compared to the APAP group. The liver necrosis area, TNF levels, carbonylated protein, and IL-18 expression decreased in the P40, NAC, NAC+P20, and NAC+P40 groups compared to the APAP group. The cytokine IL-6 was reduced in all treatments. Piperine can be used in combination with NAC to treat APAP-induced hepatotoxicity.
Vascular Disruptive Hydrogel Platform for Enhanced Chemotherapy and Anti-Angiogenesis through Alleviation of Immune Surveillance
Authors: Li Fasheng , Shao Xinmei , Liu Dehui , Jiao Xiaogang , Yang Xinqi , Yang Wencai , Liu Xiaoyan
Published: August 2022

Patients undergoing immunotherapy always exhibit a low-response rate due to tumor heterogeneity and immune surveillance in the tumor. Angiogenesis plays an important role in affecting the status of tumor-infiltrated lymphocytes by inducing hypoxia and acidosis microenvironment, suggesting its synergistic potential in immunotherapy. However, the antitumor efficacy of singular anti-angiogenesis therapy often suffers from failure in the clinic due to the compensatory pro-angiogenesis signaling pathway. In this work, classic injectable thermosensitive PLGA-PEG-PLGA copolymer was used to construct a platform to co-deliver CA4P (vascular disruptive agent) and EPI for inducing immunogenic cell death of cancer cells by targeting the tumor immune microenvironment. Investigation of 4T1 tumor-bearing mouse models suggests that local administration of injectable V+E@Gel could significantly inhibit the proliferation of cancer cells and prolong the survival rate of 4T1 tumor-bearing mouse models. Histological analysis further indicates that V+E@Gel could effectively inhibit tumor angiogenesis and metastasis by down-regulating the expression of CD34, CD31, MTA1 and TGF-β. Moreover, due to the sustained release kinetics of V+E@Gel, its local administration relieves the immune surveillance in tumor tissues and thus induces a robust and long-lasting specific antitumor immune response. Overall, this work provides a new treatment strategy through the mediation of the tumor immune microenvironment by vascular disruption to fulfill enhanced chemotherapy and immunotherapy.
The Anti-Obesity Effect of Porous Silica Is Dependent on Pore Nanostructure, Particle Size, and Surface Chemistry in an In Vitro Digestion Model
Authors: Chen JingYi , Hanrahan John P. , McGrath Joe , Courtney Melissa A. , Prestidge Clive A. , Joyce Paul
Published: August 2022

The potential for porous silica to serve as an effective anti-obesity agent has received growing attention in recent years. However, neither the exact pharmacological mechanism nor the fundamental physicochemical properties of porous silica that drive its weight-lowering effect are well understood. Subsequently, in this study, an advanced in vitro digestion model capable of monitoring lipid and carbohydrate digestion was employed to elucidate the effect of porous silica supplementation on digestive enzyme activities. A suite of porous silica samples with contrasting physicochemical properties was investigated, where it was established that the inhibitory action of porous silica on digestive enzyme functionality was strongly dependent on porous nanostructure, particle size and morphology, and surface chemistry. Insights derived from this study validate the capacity of porous silica to impede the digestive processes mediated by pancreatic lipase and α-amylase within the gastrointestinal tract, while the subtle interplay between porous nanostructure and enzyme inhibition indicates that the anti-obesity effect can be optimized through strategic particle design.
Assessment of Temperature-Independent Resistance against Bacterial Wilt Using Major QTL in Cultivated Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.)
Authors: Yeon Jeyun , Le Ngoc Thi , Sim Sung-Chur
Published: August 2022

Bacterial wilt (Ralstonia solanacearum) is a devastating disease of cultivated tomato resulting in severe yield loss. Since chemicals are often ineffective in controlling this soil-borne pathogen, quantitative trait loci (QTL) conferring host resistance have been extensively explored. In this study, we investigated effects of ambient temperature and major QTL on bacterial wilt resistance in a collection of 50 tomato varieties. The five-week-old seedlings were inoculated using the race 1 (biovar 4 and phylotype I) strain of R. solanacearum and placed at growth chambers with three different temperatures (24 °C, 28 °C, and 36 °C). Disease severity was evaluated for seven days after inoculation using the 1–5 rating scales. Consistent bacterial wilt resistance was observed in 25 tomato varieties (R group) with the means of 1.16–1.44 for disease severity at all three temperatures. Similarly, 10 susceptible varieties with the means of 4.37–4.73 (S group) were temperature-independent. However, the other 15 varieties (R/S group) showed moderate levels of resistance at both 24 °C (1.84) and 28 °C (2.16), while they were highly susceptible with a mean of 4.20 at 36 °C. The temperature-dependent responses in the R/S group were supported by pairwise estimates of the Pearson correlation coefficients. Genotyping for three major QTL (Bwr-4, Bwr-6 and Bwr-12) found that 92% of varieties in the R group had ≥ two QTL and 40% of varieties in the R/S group had one or two QTL. This suggests that these QTL are important for stability of resistance against bacterial wilt at high ambient temperature. The resulting 25 varieties with temperature-independent resistance will be a useful resource to develop elite cultivars in tomato breeding programs.
A Revised Phylogenetic Classification for Viola (Violaceae)
Authors: Marcussen Thomas , Ballard Harvey E. , Danihelka Jiří , Flores Ana R. , Nicola Marcela V. , Watson John M.
Published: August 2022

The genus Viola (Violaceae) is among the 40–50 largest genera among angiosperms, yet its taxonomy has not been revised for nearly a century. In the most recent revision, by Wilhelm Becker in 1925, the then-known 400 species were distributed among 14 sections and numerous unranked groups. Here, we provide an updated, comprehensive classification of the genus, based on data from phylogeny, morphology, chromosome counts, and ploidy, and based on modern principles of monophyly. The revision is presented as an annotated global checklist of accepted species of Viola, an updated multigene phylogenetic network and an ITS phylogeny with denser taxon sampling, a brief summary of the taxonomic changes from Becker’s classification and their justification, a morphological binary key to the accepted subgenera, sections and subsections, and an account of each infrageneric subdivision with justifications for delimitation and rank including a description, a list of apomorphies, molecular phylogenies where possible or relevant, a distribution map, and a list of included species. We distribute the 664 species accepted by us into 2 subgenera, 31 sections, and 20 subsections. We erect one new subgenus of Viola (subg. Neoandinium, a replacement name for the illegitimate subg. Andinium), six new sections (sect. Abyssinium, sect. Himalayum, sect. Melvio, sect. Nematocaulon, sect. Spathulidium, sect. Xanthidium), and seven new subsections (subsect. Australasiaticae, subsect. Bulbosae, subsect. Clausenianae, subsect. Cleistogamae, subsect. Dispares, subsect. Formosanae, subsect. Pseudorupestres). Evolution within the genus is discussed in light of biogeography, the fossil record, morphology, and particular traits. Viola is among very few temperate and widespread genera that originated in South America. The biggest identified knowledge gaps for Viola concern the South American taxa, for which basic knowledge from phylogeny, chromosome counts, and fossil data is virtually absent. Viola has also never been subject to comprehensive anatomical study. Studies into seed anatomy and morphology are required to understand the fossil record of the genus.
Nitric Oxide Participates in Aluminum-Stress-Induced Pollen Tube Growth Inhibition in Tea (Camelliasinensis) by Regulating CsALMTs
Authors: Xu Xiaohan , Tian Zhiqiang , Xing Anqi , Wu Zichen , Li Xuyan , Dai Lingcong , Yang Yiyang , Yin Juan , Wang Yuhua
Published: August 2022

Nitric oxide (NO), as a signal molecule, is involved in the mediation of heavy-metal-stress-induced physiological responses in plants. In this study, we investigated the effect of NO on Camellia sinensis pollen tubes exposed to aluminum (Al) stress. Exogenous application of the NO donor decreased the pollen germination rate and pollen tube length and increased the malondialdehyde (MDA) content and antioxidant enzyme activities under Al stress. Simultaneously, the NO donor effectively increased NO content in pollen tube of C. sinensis under Al stress and could aggravate the damage of Al3+ to C. sinensis pollen tubes by promoting the uptake of Al3+. In addition, application of the NO-specific scavenger significantly alleviated stress damage in C. sinensis pollen tube under Al stress. Moreover, 18 CsALMT members from a key Al-transporting gene family were identified, which could be divided into four subclasses. Pearson correlation analysis showed the expression level of CsALMT8 showed significant positive correlation with the Al3+ concentration gradient and NO levels, but a significant negative correlation with pollen germination rate and pollen tube length. The expression level of CsALMT5 was negatively correlated with the Al3+ concentration gradient and NO level, and positively correlated with pollen germination rate and pollen tube length. The expression level of CsALMT17 showed a significant negative correlation with Al3+ concentration and NO content in pollen tubes, but significant positive correlation with pollen germination rate and pollen tube length. In conclusion, a complex signal network regulated by NO-mediated CsALMTs revealed that CsALMT8 was regulated by environmental Al3+ and NO to assist Al3+ entry into pollen tubes; CsALMT5 might be influenced by the Al3+ signal, stimulate malate efflux in vacuoles and chelate with Al3+ to detoxify Al in C. sinensis pollen tube.
Association of Root Hair Length and Density with Yield-Related Traits and Expression Patterns of TaRSL4 Underpinning Root Hair Length in Spring Wheat
Authors: Maqbool Saman , Saeed Fatima , Raza Ali , Rasheed Awais , He Zhonghu
Published: August 2022

Root hairs play an important role in absorbing water and nutrients in crop plants. Here we optimized high-throughput root hair length (RHL) and root hair density (RHD) phenotyping in wheat using a portable Dinolite™ microscope. A collection of 24 century wide spring wheat cultivars released between 1911 and 2016 were phenotyped for RHL and RHD. The results revealed significant variations for both traits with five and six-fold variation for RHL and RHD, respectively. RHL ranged from 1.01 mm to 1.77 mm with an average of 1.39 mm, and RHD ranged from 17.08 mm−2 to 20.8 mm−2 with an average of 19.6 mm−2. Agronomic and physiological traits collected from five different environments and their best linear unbiased predictions (BLUPs) were correlated with RHL and RHD, and results revealed that relative-water contents (RWC), biomass and grain per spike (GpS) were positively correlated with RHL in both water-limited and well-watered conditions. While RHD was negatively correlated with grain yield (GY) in four environments and their BLUPs. Both RHL and RHD had positive correlation indicating the possibility of simultaneous selection of both phenotypes during wheat breeding. The expression pattern of TaRSL4 gene involved in regulation of root hair length was determined in all 24 wheat cultivars based on RNA-seq data, which indicated the differentially higher expression of the A- and D- homeologues of the gene in roots, while B-homeologue was consistently expressed in both leaf and roots. The results were validated by qRT-PCR and the expression of TaRSL4 was consistently high in rainfed cultivars such as Chakwal-50, Rawal-87, and Margallah-99. Overall, the new phenotyping method for RHL and RHD along with correlations with morphological and physiological traits in spring wheat cultivars improved our understanding for selection of these phenotypes in wheat breeding.
Chemical and Genetic Variability of Istrian Foeniculum vulgare Wild Populations
Authors: Križman Mitja , Jakše Jernej
Published: August 2022

Wild Foeniculum vulgare populations from the region of Istria have been subjected to a genetic and chemical study. Headspace-gas chromatography analysis of volatile secondary metabolites and PCR-RFLP analysis of the ribosomal DNA internal transcribed spacer region has been chosen to analyze the chemical and genetic traits of single plants, respectively. Large intrapopulation and interpopulation differences have been observed in both chemical profiles and restriction patterns of PCR products. The data from chemical and genetic analyses were pooled and used to assess allele frequencies of three putative genetic loci on individual populations. The pooled allele frequencies were used to determine interpopulation distances for phenogram reconstruction. The combined use of chemical and genetic datasets for genetic variation analysis proved to be a more comprehensive approach for such a study, compared to the use of single datasets, even using such relatively simple analytical tools.
New Diterpenes with Potential Antitumoral Activity Isolated from Plants in the Years 2017–2022
Authors: Forzato Cristina , Nitti Patrizia
Published: August 2022

Diterpenes represent a wider class of isoprenoids, with more than 18,000 isolated compounds, and are present in plants, fungi, bacteria, and animals in both terrestrial and marine environments. Here, we report on the fully characterised structures of 251 new diterpenes, isolated from higher plants and published from 2017, which are shown to have antitumoral activity. An overview on the most active compounds, showing IC50 < 20 μM, is provided for diterpenes of different classes. The most active compounds were extracted from 29 different plant families; particularly, Euphorbiaceae (69 compounds) and Lamiaceae (54 compounds) were the richest sources of active compounds. A better activity than the positive control was obtained with 33 compounds against the A549 cell line, 28 compounds against the MCF-7 cell line, 9 compounds against the HepG2 cell line, 8 compounds against the Hep3B cell line, 19 compounds against the SMMC-7721 cell line, 9 compounds against the HL-60 cell line, 24 compounds against the SW480 cell line, and 19 compounds against HeLa.