bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Review of Bioactive Compounds and Antioxidant Activity Properties of Piper Species
Authors: Carsono Nono , Tumilaar Sefren Geiner , Kurnia Dikdik , Latipudin Diding , Satari Mieke Hermiawati
Published: October 2022

Antioxidants are compounds that are able to inhibit the negative effects that come from free radicals. The phenomenon of imbalanced antioxidant production and the accumulation of free radicals in cells and tissues can cause oxidative stress. Excessive free radicals that enter the body cannot be warded off by endogenous antioxidant compounds so that the required antioxidant compounds can come from the outside, which helps in the performance of endogenous antioxidants. Antioxidants that come from outside consist of synthetic and natural antioxidants; however, synthetic antioxidants are not an option because they have toxic and carcinogenic effects. Therefore, the use of natural ingredients is an alternative method that is needed to create a new natural antioxidant compound. Piper species are being considered as possible medicinal plants for the development of new sources of antioxidants. Several studies have been carried out starting from the extract levels, fractions, and compounds of the Piper species, which showed good antioxidant activity. Currently, some of these plants are being used as ingredients in traditional medicines to treat allergies, toothaches, and coughs. This review examines the distribution, botanical data, pharmacology, especially antioxidant activity, and the compounds contained in five Piper species, namely Piper amalago L., Piper betle L., Piper hispidum Sw., Piper longum L., and Piper umbellatum L.
Correction: Sato et al. Design and Characterizations of Inhalable Poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) Microspheres Prepared by the Fine Droplet Drying Process for a Sustained Effect of Salmon Calcitonin. Molecules 2020, 25, 1311
Authors: Sato Hideyuki , Tabata Aiko , Moritani Tatsuru , Morinaga Tadahiko , Mizumoto Takahiro , Seto Yoshiki , Onoue Satomi
Published: October 2022

The author wishes to make the following correction to this paper [...]
Isolation of Cellulose Nanocrystals from Banana Peel Using One-Pot Microwave and Mild Oxidative Hydrolysis System
Authors: Mohd Jamil Nurhidayah Azmirah , Jaffar Syafiqah Syazwani , Saallah Suryani , Misson Mailin , Siddiquee Shafiquzzaman , Roslan Jumardi , Lenggoro Wuled
Published: October 2022

The current investigation deals with the application of a one-pot system to facilitate the production of cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) from banana peel by a combination of microwave pre-treatment and mild oxidative hydrolysis with hydrogen peroxide (H2O2, 0–30 wt%) and sulfuric acid (H2SO4, 0–10%). H2O2 causes decolorization of the banana peel suspension from dark brown to light yellow, while further treatment with H2SO4 produces a white suspension, indicating successful removal of the non-cellulosic components from the banana peel. This finding was further supported by Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopic analysis, which showed the gradual disappearance of lignin and hemicellulose peaks with increasing H2O2 and H2SO4 concentrations. The CNCs has considerably high crystallinity, with the highest crystallinity (~85%) being obtained at 6% H2SO4. Therefore, CNCs obtained at 6% H2SO4 were selected for further characterization. Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) analysis confirmed the disintegration of the cellulose fibres into small fragments after hydrolysis. Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM) and Atomic Force Microscope (AFM) analyses revealed the spherical shape of the CNCs with an average size of approximately 20 nm. The CNCs have good stability with zeta potential of −42.9 mV. Findings from this study suggest that the combination of microwave pre-treatment and oxidative hydrolysis with 30 wt% H2O2 and 6% H2SO4, which is about 11 times lower than the commonly used H2SO4 concentration, is proven effective for the isolation of CNCs from banana peel. These observations are expected to provide insight into a facile and environmentally benign alternative to the conventional CNCs isolation method, using abundant and underutilized agricultural waste as feedstock.
Strategic Electrochemical Determination of Nitrate over Polyaniline/Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes-Gum Arabic Architecture
Authors: Kosa Samia Abdulhammed Mohamad , Khan Amna Nisar , Ahmed Sana , Aslam Mohammad , Bawazir Wafa AbuBaker , Hameed Abdul , Soomro Muhammad Tahir
Published: October 2022

Significant agricultural and industrial activities necessitate the regular monitoring of nitrate (NO3−) ions levels in feed and groundwater. The current comparative study discloses an innovative user-friendly electrochemical approach for the determination of NO3− over polyaniline (PAni)-based modified electrodes. The electrochemical sensors concocted with PAni, multi-walled carbon nanotubes (CNT), and gum arabic (GA). The unique electrode material GA@PAni-CNT was synthesized by facile one-pot catalytic polymerization of aniline (Ani) with FeCl3/H2O2 in the presence of CNT and GA as integral components. As revealed by cyclic voltammetry (CV), the anchoring/retention of NO3− followed by reduction is proposed to occur when a GA@PAni-CNT electrode is immersed in phosphate buffer electrolyte containing NO3− that eventually results in a significantly higher redox activity of the GA@PAni-CNT electrode upon potential scan. The mechanism of NO3− anchoring may be associated with the non-redox transition of leucomeraldine salt (LS) into emeraldine salt (ES) and the generation of nitrite (NO2−) ions. As a result, the oxidation current produced by CV for redox transition of ES ↔ pernigraniline (PN) was ~9 times of that obtained with GA@PAni-CNT electrode and phosphate buffer electrolyte, thus achieving indirect NO3− voltammetric determination of the GA@PAni-CNT electrode. The prepared GA@PAni-CNT electrode displayed a higher charge transfer ability as compared to that of PAni-CNT and PAni electrodes. The optimum square wave voltammetric (SWV) response resulted in two linear concentration ranges of 1–10 (R2 = 0.9995) and 15–50 µM (R2 = 0.9988) with a detection limit of 0.42 µM, which is significantly lower. The GA@PAni-CNT electrode demonstrated the best detection, sensitivity, and performance among the investigated electrodes for indirect voltammetric determination of NO3− that portrayed the possibility of utilizing GA—stabilized PAni and CNT nanocomposite materials in additional electrochemical sensing applications.
Significance of Hydroxyl Groups on the Optical Properties of ZnO Nanoparticles Combined with CNT and PEDOT:PSS
Authors: Nagpal Keshav , Rauwel Erwan , Estephan Elias , Soares Maria Rosario , Rauwel Protima
Published: October 2022

We report on the synthesis of ZnO nanoparticles and their hybrids consisting of carbon nanotubes (CNT) and polystyrene sulfonate (PEDOT:PSS). A non-aqueous sol–gel route along with hydrated and anhydrous acetate precursors were selected for their syntheses. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) studies revealed their spherical shape with an average size of 5 nm. TEM also confirmed the successful synthesis of ZnO-CNT and ZnO-PEDOT:PSS hybrid nanocomposites. In fact, the choice of precursors has a direct influence on the chemical and optical properties of the ZnO-based nanomaterials. The ZnO nanoparticles prepared with anhydrous acetate precursor contained a high amount of oxygen vacancies, which tend to degrade the polymer macromolecule, as confirmed from X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and Raman spectroscopy. Furthermore, a relative increase in hydroxyl functional groups in the ZnO-CNT samples was observed. These functional groups were instrumental in the successful decoration of CNT and in producing the defect-related photoluminescence emission in ZnO-CNT.
Tailorable Electronic and Electric Properties of Graphene with Selective Decoration of Silver Nanoparticles by Laser-Assisted Photoreduction
Authors: Song Inseon , Kim Yujeong , Lee Byung Hoon , Chae Minji , Kim Sooyeon , Yoon ChangKyu , Joo Min-Kyu , Shin Jeeyoung , Kim Soo Min , Ko Changhyun
Published: October 2022

While graphene shows great potential for diverse device applications, to broaden the scope of graphene-based device applications further, it would be necessary to tune the electronic state of graphene and its resultant electrical properties properly. Surface decoration with metal nanoparticles is one of the efficient doping methods to control the properties of two-dimensional materials. Here, we report the p-type doping effects in single-layer graphene decorated with silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) that were formed area-selectively by the facile one-step photoreduction (PR) process based on focused-laser irradiation. During the PR process, AgNPs were reduced on graphene in AgNO3 solution by laser-driven photoexcitation followed by chemical reactions. Based on scanning electron microscopy analyses, the morphology characteristics of AgNPs were shown to be modulated by the laser dwell time and power controllably. Further, p-type doping effects were demonstrated using graphene-field-effect transistor structures whose graphene channels were selectively decorated with AgNPs by the PR process, as validated by the decrease in channel resistance and the shift of the Dirac point voltage. Moreover, the growth of AgNPs was observed to be more active on the graphene channel that was laser-annealed ahead of the PR process, leading to enhancing the efficiency of this approach for altering device characteristics.
RONS and Oxidative Stress: An Overview of Basic Concepts
Authors: Aranda-Rivera Ana Karina , Cruz-Gregorio Alfredo , Arancibia-Hernández Yalith Lyzet , Hernández-Cruz Estefani Yaquelin , Pedraza-Chaverri José
Published: October 2022

Oxidative stress (OS) has greatly interested the research community in understanding damaging processes occurring in cells. OS is triggered by an imbalance between reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and their elimination by the antioxidant system; however, ROS function as second messengers under physiological conditions. ROS are produced from endogenous and exogenous sources. Endogenous sources involve mitochondria, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate hydrogen (NADPH), oxidases (NOXs), endoplasmic reticulum (ER), xanthine oxidases (XO), endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOs), and others. In contrast, exogenous ROS might be generated through ultraviolet (UV) light, ionizing radiation (IR), contaminants, and heavy metals, among others. It can damage DNA, lipids, and proteins if OS is not controlled. To avoid oxidative damage, antioxidant systems are activated. In the present review, we focus on the basic concepts of OS, highlighting the production of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS) derived from internal and external sources and the last elimination. Moreover, we include the cellular antioxidant system regulation and their ability to decrease OS. External antioxidants are also proposed as alternatives to ameliorate OS. Finally, we review diseases involving OS and their mechanisms.
Downregulation of sCD40 and sCTLA4 in Recovered COVID-19 Patients with Comorbidities
Authors: Méndez-Frausto Gwendolyne , Godina-González Susana , Rivas-Santiago César E. , Nungaray-Anguiano Edna , Mendoza-Almanza Gretel , Rivas-Santiago Bruno , Galván-Tejada Carlos E. , Gonzalez-Curiel Irma E.
Published: October 2022

The aim of this study was to analyze molecules associated with regulatory immune response in unvaccinated, recovered COVID-19 patients with and without diabetes mellitus (DM) and hypertension (HTN). We determined anti-SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid IgG in plasma by electrochemiluminescence immunoassay. The levels of sCD40, TGF-ß, IL-10, and sCTLA-4 were assessed by ELISA in the serum of the subjects, as well as in healthy donors. We observed that only half of the subjects in the non-comorbid group produced antibodies, whereas all subjects in comorbid groups were IgG-positive for the anti-SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid. High levels of sCTL-4 were observed in the non-comorbid group, and the level of IL-10 was observed to increase in seropositive subjects without comorbidities. TGF-ß concentration was similar in all groups studied. Finally, sCD40 decreased in the comorbid group. In conclusion, our results suggest that comorbidities such as DM and HTN alter the production of co-stimulatory inhibitory molecules sCTLA-4 and sCD40 in subjects recovering from mild COVID-19. The alterations observed here were independent of seropositivity, suggesting an effective humoral immune response against COVID-19 separate from the levels of co-stimulatory inhibitory molecules.
The Enterotoxin Production and Antimicrobial Resistance of Campylobacter Strains Originating from Slaughter Animals
Authors: Wysok Beata , Wojtacka Joanna , Wiszniewska-Łaszczych Agnieszka , Sołtysiuk Marta , Kobuszewska Aleksandra
Published: October 2022

The pathogenicity of animal-origin Campylobacter strains, including antimicrobial resistance and enterotoxigenicity, was determined in this study. Overall, 149 Campylobacter isolates originating from cattle, swine and poultry were tested. The antimicrobial resistance profiles were examined by the diffusion disk method. The dominant resistance pattern was CIP_TET. The resistance rates for ciprofloxacin among swine, cattle and poultry isolates were 84%, 51% and 66%, respectively; for tetracycline, they were 82%, 57.1% and 76%, respectively. None of the obtained isolates was resistant to all four antimicrobials tested. The ability to produce enterotoxins was assessed by the use of a suckling mouse bioassay, with intestinal fluid accumulation as a positive result, and by CHO assay, with the elongation of cells as a positive result. The ability to produce enterotoxins was significantly higher among cattle isolates (61.2% and 71.4% positive isolates, respectively, in the bioassay and the CHO assay) than among swine (16% and 32% positive isolates, respectively) or poultry isolates (14% and 22% positive isolates, respectively). A strong positive correlation between in vitro and in vivo enterotoxicity tests was demonstrated.
CC Genotype of GNAS c.393C>T (rs7121) Polymorphism Has a Protective Effect against Development of BK Viremia and BKV-Associated Nephropathy after Renal Transplant
Authors: Peitz Tobias , Möhlendick Birte , Eisenberger Ute , Siffert Winfried , Heinemann Falko Markus , Kribben Andreas , Friebus-Kardash Justa
Published: October 2022

The GNAS gene encodes the alpha-subunit of the stimulatory G-protein (Gαs) in humans and mice. The single-nucleotide polymorphism of GNAS, c.393C>T, is associated with an elevated production of Gαs and an increased formation of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP). In the present study, we analyzed the effect of this GNAS polymorphism on a renal allograft outcome. We screened a cohort of 436 renal allograft recipients, who were retrospectively followed up for up to 5 years after transplant. GNAS genotypes were determined with polymerase chain reaction restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) assays. The 393T allele was detected in 319 (73%) recipients (113 recipients with TT and 206 with CT genotype) and the CC genotype in 117 (27%). The CC genotype was associated with a significantly lower frequency of BK viremia (CC, 17 recipients (15%); T 84 (26%)); p = 0.01; TT, 27 vs. CC, 17, p = 0.07; TT, 27 vs. CT, 57, p = 0. 46; CT, 57 vs. CC, 17, p = 0.01) and BKV-associated nephropathy (CC, 3 recipients (3%); T, 27 (8%); p = 0.03; TT,10 vs. CC, 3, p = 0.04; TT, 10 vs. CT,17, p = 0.85; CT, 17 vs. CC,3, p = 0.04) after transplant. BKV-associated nephropathy-free survival was significantly better among CC genotype carriers than among T allele carriers (p = 0.043; TT vs. CC, p = 0.03; CT vs. CC, p = 0.04; TT vs. CT, p = 0.83). Multivariate analysis indicated an independent protective effect of the CC genotype against the development of both BK viremia (relative risk. 0.54; p = 0.04) and BKV-associated nephropathy after renal transplant (relative risk. 0.27; p = 0.036). The GNAS 393 CC genotype seems to protect renal allograft recipients against the development of BK viremia and BKV-associated nephropathy.
The History of Infectious Diseases and Medicine
Authors: Sakai Tatsuo , Morimoto Yuh
Published: October 2022

From ancient times to the present, mankind has experienced many infectious diseases, which have mutually affected the development of society and medicine. In this paper, we review various historical and current infectious diseases in a five-period scheme of medical history newly proposed in this paper: (1) Classical Western medicine pioneered by Hippocrates and Galen without the concept of infectious diseases (ancient times to 15th century); (2) traditional Western medicine expanded by the publication of printed medical books and organized medical education (16th to 18th century); (3) early modern medicine transformed by scientific research, including the discovery of pathogenic bacteria (19th century); (4) late modern medicine, suppressing bacterial infectious diseases by antibiotics and elucidating DNA structure as a basis of genetics and molecular biology (20th century, prior to the 1980s); and (5) exact medicine saving human life by in vivo visualization and scientifically verified measures (after the 1990s). The historical perspectives that these five periods provide help us to appreciate ongoing medical issues, such as the present COVID-19 pandemic in particular, and remind us of the tremendous development that medicine and medical treatment have undergone over the years.
Dynamic Analysis of microRNAs from Different Life Stages of Rhipicephalus microplus (Acari: Ixodidae) by High-Throughput Sequencing
Authors: Luo Jin , Zhao Shuaiyang , Ren Qiaoyun , Wang Qilin , Chen Zeyu , Cui Jingjing , Jing Yujiao , Liu Peiwen , Yan Ruofeng , Song Xiaokai , Liu Guangyuan , Li Xiangrui
Published: October 2022

MicroRNAs (miRNAs), which are small, noncoding RNA molecules, play an important regulatory role in gene expression at the posttranscriptional level. Relatively limited knowledge exists on miRNAs in Rhipicephalus microplus ticks in China; however, understanding the physiology of miRNA functions and expression at different developmental stages is important. In this study, three small RNA libraries were constructed for R. microplus eggs, larvae, and female adults; miRNAs were detected during these developmental stages by high-throughput sequencing, with 18,162,337, 8,090,736, and 11,807,326 clean reads, respectively. A total of 5132 known miRNAs and 31 novel miRNAs were identified. A total of 1736 differentially expressed miRNAs were significantly different at a p-value of <0.01; in female adults, 467 microRNAs were upregulated and 376 miRNAs downregulated compared to larval tick controls. Using larvae as controls, 218 upregulated and 203 downregulated miRNAs were detected in eggs; in eggs, 108 miRNAs were upregulated and 364 downregulated compared to female adults controls. To verify the reliability of the sequencing data, RT–qPCR was applied to compare expression levels of novel miRNAs. Some differentially expressed miRNAs are involved in developmental physiology, signal transduction, and cell-extracellular communications based on GO annotation and KEGG pathway analyses. Here, we provide a dynamic analysis of miRNAs in R. microplus and their potential targets, which has significance for understanding the biology of ticks and lays the foundation for improved understanding of miRNA functioning in the regulation of R. microplus development. These results can assist future miRNA studies in other tick species that have great significance for human and animal health.
Zoonotic Risks of Sleeping with Pets
Authors: Zanen Lucie A. , Kusters Johannes G. , Overgaauw Paul A. M.
Published: October 2022

Background: Pets are increasingly becoming part of the family and interactions between pets and their owners is changing. This results in extended and more intimate contact between owners and their pets, which give rise to zoonotic risks. Objective: To establish the presence of potential zoonotic pathogens in pets that sleep with their owner. Methods: As a pilot study, a group of 28 healthy dogs and 22 healthy cats were monitored for the presence of the zoonotic parasites Cheyletiella, Ctenocephalides spp. and Toxocara spp., the dermatophyte Microsporum canis, and the bacteria Clostridium difficile, Salmonella spp., Campylobacter jejuni and Enterobacteriaceae. This was investigated by taking samples from the fur, the footpads and the animal bed. The owners filled in a questionnaire. Results: In total, 29 of the 50 pets (58%) slept on the bed, of which 15 pets (30%) slept in the bed (under the blankets). A total of 19/22 dogs (86%) and 7/22 cats (32%) tested positive for Enterobacteriaceae on the fur or footpads. Fleas were found in 5/22 of the cats’ (23%) and 2/28 of the dogs’ (7%) favourite sleeping spots. High levels of aerobic colonies were found, up to 216 colony forming units/cm2. Other pathogens were not found in this study. Conclusions: The results of this preliminary study confirm literature reports that pets may constitute a potential risk in the transmission of zoonotic pathogens to their owner, especially during direct contact when sleeping in the same bed. Owners should therefore be informed about these risks and educated to interact with their pets in a more responsible way.
Recurrent Episodes of Some Mosquito-Borne Viral Diseases in Nigeria: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Onoja Anyebe Bernard , Omatola Arome Cornelius , Maiga Mamoudou , Gadzama Ishaya Samuel
Published: October 2022

Different ecological zones favor the breeding of Aedes species. The molecular epidemiology of dengue virus (DENV), yellow fever virus (YFV), and Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) was determined from outbreaks and surveillance activities in Nigeria. Twenty-eight DENV, twenty-five YFV, and two CHIKV sequences from Nigeria were retrieved from GenBank. Genotyping was performed with a genome detective typing tool. The evolutionary comparison was performed by the Maximum Likelihood method on MEGA. Chi-square was used to compare the association between the proportions of viral infections at different times. Six DENV-1 were detected in 1964, 1965, 1978, 2007, and 2018. Nineteen DENV-2 strains were reported, four belonging to sylvatic VI, one belonging to cosmopolitan II, and twelve to Asian I genotype V. DENV-2 genotype VI was detected in 1966, and genotypes II and V in 2019. All three DENV-3 were detected in 2018, while only one DENV-4 was identified in 2019. YFV was reported in 1946 and then in the 60s, 70s, 80s, 90s, 2018, and 2019 with reports to date. CHIKV is still circulating following its identification in 1964 and 1965. Recurrent episodes of dengue, Chikungunya, and yellow fever continue unabated. Vector control initiatives and immunization should be greatly sustained.
Monitoring Appropriate Monoclonal Antibodies Prescribing via Administrative Data: An Application to Psoriasis
Authors: Guidotti Elisa , Seghieri Chiara , Vinci Bruna , Borghini Alice , Attanasio Francesco
Published: October 2022

The Italian Medicines Agency (AIFA) and the Italian Regional Health Systems have implemented measures together with data collection and analysis to improve medicines’ appropriate prescription. Administrative databases represent rich Real-World Evidence (RWE) sources that may be leveraged for research purposes. Thus, such heritage may allow for appropriate prescription studies to be carried out on complex pharmaceutical molecules, as the appropriateness of prescriptions is essential both for patients’ treatment and to ensure healthcare systems’ sustainability. This study analyzed the appropriate monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) prescribed in psoriasis treatment across Tuscany, Italy. Data were extracted from several large administrative databases collected by the Tuscan Regional Healthcare System through record linkages. The analysis showed that over 30% of the 2020 cohort of psoriatic patients could be regarded as potentially inappropriate treated, signaling that mAbs are often prescribed as first-line treatment contrary to guidelines. Variation was observed in the appropriate prescription of mAbs, across different types of mAbs and areas. The study revealed potential inappropriate prescription, and its geographic variation should raise awareness among managers about the appropriate use of resources. Despite limitations, this could represent a pilot for future studies to evaluate the appropriate prescription of mAbs in other clinic conditions and across time.
AuNP/Chitosan Nanocomposites Synthesized through Plasma Induced Liquid Chemistry and Their Applications in Photothermal Induced Bacteria Eradication
Authors: Guo Zhijun , Sun Dan , Zhou Xian , Xu Huan , Huang Yizhou , Chu Chenglin , Shen Baolong
Published: October 2022

In this work, a facile direct current atmospheric pressure micro-plasma (APM) technology was deployed for the synthesis of functional gold nanoparticle/chitosan (AuNP/CS) nanocomposites for the first time. Different experimental parameters, such as metal salt precursor concentration and chitosan viscosity, have been investigated to understand their effects on the resulting nanocomposite structures and properties. The nanocomposites were fully characterized using a wide range of material characterization techniques such as UV–vis, transmission electron microscope (TEM), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analyses. Potential reaction pathways have been proposed for the nanocomposite synthesis process. Finally, potential of the synthesized nanocomposites towards photothermal conversion and bacteria eradiation applications has been demonstrated. The results show that APM is a facile, rapid and versatile technique for the synthesis of AuNP/CS functional nanocomposites. Through this work, a more in-depth understanding of the multi-phase system (consisting of gas, plasma, liquid and solid) has been established and such understanding could shine a light on the future design and fabrication of new functional nanocomposites deploying the APM technique.
Chitosan as a Functional Carrier for the Local Delivery Anti-Inflammatory Systems Containing Scutellariae baicalensis radix Extract
Authors: Paczkowska-Walendowska Magdalena , Cielecka-Piontek Judyta
Published: October 2022

The aim of the study was to establish the influence of chitosan on the preparation of systems containing Scutellariae baicalensis radix extract and to demonstrate the potential of anti-inflammatory action for the treatment of periodontitis. In the first stage, the impact of the variables (extraction mixture composition, temperature, and the number of extraction cycles) on the extracted samples’ biological characteristics was analyzed using the Design of Experiments (DoE) approach. The best conditions for baicalin, baicalein, and wogonin extraction from Scutellariae baicalensis radix were 80% methanol in the extraction mixture, 70 °C, and 4 cycles per 60 min. The DoE approach can be used to choose the best chitosan system parameters with equal success. An increase in the deacetylation degree of chitosan used in the system improved the potential for reducing free radicals and inhibiting the hyaluronidase enzyme. Also, increasing the degree of chitosan deacetylation results in increased resistance of the carrier to biodegradation and an extended baicalin release profile, which is also associated with an increase in the viscosity of the chitosan-based system. In total, the system of a freeze-dried extract with chitosan 90/500 in the ratio of 2:1 (system S9) turns out to be the one with the best physicochemical (high percentage of baicalin release and the highest viscosity conditioning the prolonged stay at the site of administration) and biological properties (the highest antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities), resulting in the highest potential for use in the treatment of oral inflammatory diseases.
Evaluation of the Sensititre YeastOne and Etest in Comparison with CLSI M38-A2 for Antifungal Susceptibility Testing of Three Azoles, Amphotericin B, Caspofungin, and Anidulafungin, against Aspergillusfumigatus and Other Species, Using New Clinical Breakpoints and Epidemiological Cutoff Values
Authors: Melhem Marcia S. C. , Coelho Vivian C. , Fonseca Claudia A. , Oliveira Lidiane de , Bonfietti Lucas X. , Szeszs Maria. W. , Magri Marcello M. C. , Dorneles Francine S. , Taguchi Hideaki , Moreira Daniel V. S. , Motta Adriana L. , Batista Marjorie V. , Kamei Katsuhiko , Shikanai-Yasuda Maria A.
Published: October 2022

Aspergillosis is an invasive fungal disease associated with high mortality. Antifungal susceptibility testing (AFST) is receiving increasing consideration for managing patients, as well as for surveilling emerging drug resistance, despite having time-consuming and technically complex reference methodologies. The Sensititre YeastOne (SYO) and Etest methods are widely utilized for yeasts but have not been extensively evaluated for Aspergillus isolates. We obtained Posaconazole (POS), Voriconazole (VCZ), Itraconazole (ITC), Amphotericin B (AMB), Caspofungin (CAS), and Anidulafungin (AND) minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) for both the Etest (n = 330) and SYO (n = 339) methods for 106 sequenced clinical strains. For 84 A. fumigatus, we analyzed the performance of both commercial methods in comparison with the CLSI-AFST, using available cutoff values. An excellent correlation could be demonstrated for Etest-AMB and Etest-VCZ (p < 0.01). SYO-MICs of AMB, VCZ, and POS resulted in excellent essential agreement (>93%), and >80% for AMB, VCZ, and ITC Etest-MICs. High categoric agreement was found for AMB, ITC, and CAS Etest-MICs (>85%) and AMB SYO-MICs (>90%). The considerable number of major/very major errors found using Etest and SYO, possibly related to the proposed cutoffs and associated with the less time-consuming processes, support the need for the improvement of commercial methods for Aspergillus strains.
Photobehavior of an Acidochromic Dinitrophenyl-Hydrazinylidene Derivative: A Case of Total Internal Conversion
Authors: Mencaroni Letizia , Cesaretti Alessio , Consiglio Giuseppe , Elisei Fausto , Fortuna Cosimo Gianluca , Spalletti Anna
Published: October 2022

Research in photochemistry is always looking for novel compounds that can serve a role in applications ranging from medicine to environmental science. Push–pull compounds with protonable groups represent an interesting class of molecules in this sense, as they can prove to be sensitive to changes in both the acidity and polarity of the medium, becoming valuable as sensors and probes. Hence, in this work, a new dinitrophenyl-hydrazinylidene derivative with multiple protonable centers has been specifically designed and synthesized. The molecule showed an important acidochromism in the visible, with three differently-protonated species under acidic, neutral, and basic conditions, each characterized by a peculiar absorption spectrum. The photophysical characterization of this compound revealed an ultrafast excited-state deactivation, as described by femtosecond transient absorption experiments, and the hints of charge-transfer dynamics, as supported by the observed solvatochromism and quantum-mechanical calculations. These properties led to almost undetectable fluorescence that, together with negligible intersystem crossing and the absence of reactive pathways, points to the preference for a total non-radiative deactivation mechanism, i.e., internal conversion. This intriguing behavior stimulates interest in light of possible applications of the investigated acidochromic dye as a probe in photoacoustic imaging, which offers an alternative to classical fluorescence imaging.
Optically Tunable Diffraction Efficiency in Reflection Grating Written in Photomobile Polymers
Authors: Castagna Riccardo , Di Donato Andrea , Francescangeli Oriano , Lucchetta Daniele Eugenio
Published: October 2022

In this work, we report the fabrication and optical characterization of a one-dimensional reflection holographic volume phase grating recorded in a recently developed holographic photomobile composite polymer mixture. The reflection grating recorded on the photomobile material was a periodic one-dimensional arrangement of hard polymeric walls and viscous regions. The reflection notch was located in the near-infrared region of the electromagnetic spectrum. The transmission efficiency of the grating was modulated by an external CW laser light source operating at λ = 532 nm. The transmission efficiency increased with the increase in the power of the external laser source, and in the range of the used power values, the phenomenon was completely reversible. At the highest power levels, a 48% increase in the diffraction efficiency was achieved. The increase in the diffraction efficiency was related to the growth of the refractive-index contrast of the grating. In particular, under illumination, the viscous material escaped from the irradiated area. This feature explains the experimentally observed changes in the values of the grating’s refractive index.
Sorption and Photocatalytic Characteristics of Composites Based on Cu–Fe Oxides
Authors: Agafonov Alexander , Evdokimova Anastasia , Larionov Andrey , Sirotkin Nikolay , Titov Valerii , Khlyustova Anna
Published: October 2022

Plasma ignition in the volume of liquid solution/water initiates the chemical activation of the liquid phase (formation of chemically active particles) and the sputtering of electrode materials, which leads to the formation of nanostructured materials. In this work, the synthesis of structures was carried out by means of underwater plasma excited in water between electrodes composed of different materials. The polarity of the Fe and Cu electrodes was varied at two plasma currents of 0.25 and 0.8 A. The kinetics of the sorption and photocatalysis of three dyes (Rhodamine B, Reactive Red 6C, and Methylene Blue) were studied. According to the results obtained, the polarity of the electrode material has a greater effect on the phase composition than the plasma current. The sorption process can be limiting depending on the type of dye and phase composition. The sorption kinetics can be described by various models at different stages of the process. Photocatalytic studies have shown that the complete decomposition of the three dyes can be achieved in 15–30 min of irradiation.
Exogenous Glutathione Promotes the Proliferation of Pinus koraiensis Embryonic Cells and the Synthesis of Glutathione and Ascorbic Acid
Authors: Gao Fang , Shi Yujie , Wang Ruirui , Tretyakova Iraida Nikolaevna , Nosov Alexander Mikhaylovich , Shen Hailong , Yang Ling
Published: October 2022

Somatic embryogenesis (SE), which leads to the formation of embryonic callus (EC) tissue, is the most promising method for large-scale production and selective breeding of woody plants. However, in many species, SE suffers from low proliferation rates, hindering the production of improved plant materials. One way of improving proliferation rates is achieved by improving the redox status of the culture medium. In this study, we investigated the effects of exogenous glutathione (GSH) and L-buthionine sulfoximine (BSO, the inhibitor of glutathione synthase) on the EC proliferation rate in Korean pine (Pinus koraiensis), using cell lines with both high (F: 001#-001) and low (S: 001#-010) proliferation potential. We found that exogenous GSH promoted cell proliferation in both cell lines, while exogenous BSO inhibited proliferation in both cell lines. At 35 d with exogenous GSH treatment, the fresh weight of F and S cell lines increased by 35.48% and 48.39%, respectively, compared with the control. The exogenous application of GSH increased the intracellular levels of GSH, total GSH (T-GSH), oxidized glutathione (GSSG), ascorbic acid (ASA), total ASA (T-ASA), and the ratios of GSH:T-GSH and ASA:T-ASA in both F and S cell lines. Furthermore, exogenous GSH increased the activity of both glutathione reductase (GR) and dehydroascorbate reductase (DHAR) while decreasing the activity of ascorbate peroxidase (APX) in both cell lines. It appears that the application of exogenous GSH promotes a reducing cultural environment, which is conducive to EC proliferation in Korean pine. By helping to reveal the mechanism whereby GSH regulates redox homeostasis in Korean pine EC cells, we have laid the foundation for a large-scale breeding of Korean pine somatic embryogenesis technology system.
Molecular Hydrogen Improves Rice Storage Quality via Alleviating Lipid Deterioration and Maintaining Nutritional Values
Authors: Cai Chenxu , Zhao Zhushan , Zhang Yingying , Li Min , Li Longna , Cheng Pengfei , Shen Wenbiao
Published: October 2022

Improvement of the storage quality of rice is a critical challenge for the scientific community. This study assesses the effects of the irrigation with hydrogen nanobubble water (HNW) on the storage quality of rice (Oryza sativa ‘Huruan1212’). Compared with ditch water control, after one year of storage at 25 °C and 70% RH, the HNW-irrigated rice had higher contents of essential amino acids, especially lysine. Importantly, the generation of off-flavors in the stored rice was significantly decreased, which was confirmed by the lower levels of volatile substances, including pentanal, hexanal, heptanal, octanal, 1-octen-3-ol, and 2-heptanone. The subsequent results showed that the HNW-irrigated rice not only retained lower levels of free fatty acid values, but also had increased antioxidant capacity and decreased lipoxygenase activity and transcripts, thus resulting in decreased lipid peroxidation. This study opens a new window for the practical application of HNW irrigation in the production and subsequent storage of crops.
Novel Antiviral Efficacy of Hedyotis diffusa and Artemisia capillaris Extracts against Dengue Virus, Japanese Encephalitis Virus, and Zika Virus Infection and Immunoregulatory Cytokine Signatures
Authors: Mao Zhan Qiu , Minakawa Noboru , Moi Meng Ling
Published: October 2022

Currently, there are no specific therapeutics for flavivirus infections, including dengue virus (DENV) and Zika virus (ZIKV). In this study, we evaluated extracts from the plants Hedyotis diffusa (HD) and Artemisia capillaris (AC) to determine the antiviral activity against DENV, ZIKV, and Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV). HD and AC demonstrated inhibitory activity against JEV, ZIKV, and DENV replication and reduced viral RNA levels in a dose–responsive manner, with non-cytotoxic concentration ranging from 0.1 to 10 mg/mL. HD and AC had low cytotoxicity to Vero cells, with CC50 values of 33.7 ± 1.6 and 30.3 ± 1.7 mg/mL (mean ± SD), respectively. The anti-flavivirus activity of HD and AC was also consistent in human cell lines, including human glioblastoma (T98G), human chronic myeloid leukemia (K562), and human embryonic kidney (HEK-293T) cells. Viral-infected, HD-treated cells demonstrated downregulation of cytokines including CCR1, CCL26, CCL15, CCL5, IL21, and IL17C. In contrast, CCR1, CCL26, and AIMP1 were elevated following AC treatment in viral-infected cells. Overall, HD and AC plant extracts demonstrated flavivirus replication inhibitory activity, and together with immunoregulatory cytokine signatures, these results suggest that HD and AC possess bioactive compounds that may further be refined as promising candidates for clinical applications.
The Phylogenetic Significance of Fruit Structures in the Family Cornaceae of China and Related Taxa
Authors: Wang Jingru , Zou Hui , Liu Mei , Wang Yuting , Ru Jian , Guo Changhong
Published: October 2022

The fruit morphological structures of the Cornaceae of China and related taxa were studied using the wax GMA semi-thin section method and other methods to identify characters useful in delimiting clades circumscribed in previous molecular phylogenetic studies. Maximum parsimony analyses of 27 fruit structural characters resulted in a generally poorly resolved strict consensus tree, yet one whose major clades matched those revealed previously. Cornaceae of China and related taxa are recognized in four significant clades with the following fruit structural features: (1) Helwingia, fruits lack trichome, the abdominal vascular bundles are close to the endocarp, and the endocarp sclereid is elongated; (2) Aucuba, single-cell lanceolate trichomes, pericarp without secretory structure; (3) Torricellia, polygon and elongated sclereids in the endocarp, pericarp without crystal and tannin; and (4) Cornus sensu lato, the trichome is T-shaped, the abdominal ventral bundle is absent, and the endocarp sclereid is nearly round. In Cornus sensu lato, this document supported that the cornelian cherries (CC, subg. Cornus) and the big-bracted dogwoods (BB, subg. Syncarpea) are sister groups. The dwarf dogwoods (DW, subg. Arctocrania) are sister to them, and the blue- or white-fruited dogwoods (BW, subg. Kraniopsis, subg. Yinquania, and subg. Mesomora) are the base of the Cornus sensu lato clade. The number of cell layers of endocarps and the types of crystals afford sound evidence for identifying their relationship. This study indicated that the fruit structures of Cornaceae might provide morphological and anatomical evidence for molecular phylogeny.
Plant Hormone and Inorganic Ion Concentrations in the Xylem Exudate of Grafted Plants Depend on the Scion–Rootstock Combination
Authors: Kawaguchi Kohei , Nakaune Makoto , Ma Jian Feng , Kojima Mikiko , Takebayashi Yumiko , Sakakibara Hitoshi , Otagaki Shungo , Matsumoto Shogo , Shiratake Katsuhiro
Published: October 2022

In grafted plants, inorganic ions and plant hormones in the xylem exudate transported from the rootstock to the scion directly or indirectly affect the scion, thereby improving the traits. Therefore, the concentration of these components in the xylem exudate of grafted plants may be an indicator for rootstock selection. On the other hand, few reports have presented a comprehensive analysis of substances transferred from the rootstock to the scion in plants grafted onto different rootstocks, primarily commercial cultivars. In this study, we measured inorganic ions and plant hormones in the xylem exudate from the rootstock to the scion in various grafted plants of tomato and eggplant. The results revealed that the concentrations of inorganic ions and plant hormones in the xylem exudate significantly differed depending on the type of rootstock. In addition, we confirmed the concentration of the inorganic ions and plant hormones in the xylem exudate of plants grafted onto the same tomato rootstock cultivars as rootstock with tomato or eggplant as the scions. As a result, the concentrations of inorganic ions and plant hormones in the xylem exudate were significantly different in the grafted plants with eggplant compared with tomato as the scion. These results suggest that signals from the scion (shoot) control the inorganic ions and plant hormones transported from the rootstock (root).
Influence of Intact Mycelium of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi on Soil Microbiome Functional Profile in Wheat under Mn Stress
Authors: Conceição Taiana A. , Andrade Galdino , Brito Isabel
Published: October 2022

In the current agronomic context, the adoption of alternative forms of soil management is essential to increase crop yield. Agricultural sustainability requires practices that generate positive impacts and promote an increase in microbiome diversity as a tool to overcome adverse environmental conditions. An important ally is the indigenous arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) that can improve plant growth and provide protection against abiotic stress such as metal toxicity. In a greenhouse experiment, this work studied the effect of wheat growth on several parameters of biological activity and functional microbiome in relation to wheat antecedent plant mycotrophy and soil disturbance under Mn stress. When the wheat was planted after highly mycotrophic plants and the soil was not previously disturbed, the results showed a 60% increase in wheat arbuscular colonization and a 2.5-fold increase in dry weight along with higher values of photosynthetic parameters and dehydrogenase activity. Conversely, soil disturbance before wheat planting increased the β-glucosidase activity and the count of manganese oxidizers, irrespectively of antecedent plant, and decreased drastically the wheat dry weight, the AMF colonization and the chlorophyll content compared to the undisturbed treatment. These findings suggest that not only the wheat growth but also the soil functional microbiome associated is affected by the antecedent type of plant and previous soil disturbance imposed. In addition, the improvement in wheat dry weight despite Mn toxicity may rely on shifts in biological activity associated to a well-established and intact ERM early developed in the soil.
Monitoring mRNA Half-Life in Arabidopsis Using Droplet Digital PCR
Authors: Boubegtitene Alexandre , Merret Rémy
Published: October 2022

mRNA decay is an important process in post-transcriptional regulation; in addition, it plays a crucial role in plant development and response to stress. The development of new tools to quantify mRNA decay intermediates is thus important to better characterize the dynamic of mRNA decay in various conditions. Here, we applied droplet digital PCR (ddPCR), a recent and precise PCR technology, to determine mRNA half-life in Arabidopsis seedlings. We demonstrated that ddPCR can correctly assess mRNA half-life from a wide variety of transcripts in a reproducible manner. We also demonstrated that thanks to multiplexing mRNA, the half-life of multiple transcripts can be followed in the same reaction. As ddPCR allows precise quantification, we proposed that this approach is highly suitable when a low amount of RNA is available; for the detection of many targets or for the analysis of lowly expressed transcripts.
Investigation of Potential In Vitro Anticancer and Antimicrobial Activities of Balanites aegyptiaca (L.) Delile Fruit Extract and Its Phytochemical Components
Authors: Ibrahim Omer H. M. , Al-Qurashi Adel D. , Asiry Khalid A. , Mousa Magdi A. A. , Alhakamy Nabil A. , Abo-Elyousr Kamal A. M.
Published: October 2022

The therapeutic importance of Balanites aegyptiaca in folk medicine for the treatment of several common human diseases has led researchers to conduct phytochemical and pharmacological studies on extracts from various parts of the plant. In the current study, the phytochemical composition of the B. aegyptiaca methanolic fruit extract was characterized, and its antimicrobial activity was evaluated together with the cytotoxic activity against MCF-7, PC-3, and Caco-2, compared with normal Vero cells. Further, its effects on cell cycle arrest, apoptosis induction and expression of apoptosis-related genes were assessed. The phytochemical screening revealed the presence of fatty acids and their esters in addition to phytosterols, steroid derivatives, and bioflavonoid glycosides with oleic and palmitic acids being the prevalent components (24.12 and 21.56%, respectively). The results showed considerable cytotoxic activity of the extract against the three cancer cell lines (MCF-7, PC-3, and Caco-2) with a selectivity index ranging from 5.07 to 6.52. This effect was further confirmed with the accompanied increased total apoptosis of treated PC-3 cells (19.22% of the total number of cells) compared to the control cells (0.64% of the total number of cells) with cell cycle arrest at G1 phase and the increased transcription of pro-apoptotic genes including P53 (3.69) and BAX (3.33) expressed as fold change (2^ ΔΔCT). The calculated minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was similar (62.5 µg/mL) against the three tested bacterial strains (Acinetobacter johnsonii, Serratia marcescens and Agrobacterium tumefaciens), while it was higher than 1000 µg/mL for the fungal species (Rhizoctonia solani, Penicillium italicum, and Fusarium oxysporium). Our findings suggest a promising anticancer activity for B. aegyptiaca, which paves the way for more detailed future studies.