bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Magma Sources and Tectonic Settings of Concealed Intrusive Rocks in the Jinchang Ore District, Yanbian–Dongning Region, Northeast China: Zircon U–Pb Geochronological, Geochemical, and Hf Isotopic Evidence
Authors: Wang Zhigao , Cai Wenyan , Li Shunda , Ma Xuli
Published: June 2022

The Jinchang deposit is a large Au deposit in the Yanbian–Dongning region, in Northeast China, and is the product of magmatic–hydrothermal activities related to Early Cretaceous concealed igneous intrusions. However, these Early Cretaceous ore-causative igneous intrusions and the ore-hosting rocks in the Jinchang ore district have rarely been studied, with their magma sources and tectonic settings being ambiguous. Here, we integrate new geochemical, zircon U–Pb and Hf isotopic data from the concealed ore-hosting monzogranite and the ore-causative granodiorite to constrain their magma sources and tectonic settings. Zircon U–Pb dating indicates that the two monzogranites from the drill holes JIZKN01 and J18ZK0303 have similar crystallization ages of 202.0 ± 1.6 and 200.9 ± 1.2 Ma, respectively, whereas the granodiorite from the drill hole JXI-1ZK1001 was formed in the Early Cretaceous period (107.0 ± 3.0 Ma). They are all enriched in large-ion lithophile elements (e.g., Rb, Th, and K) and light rare-earth elements, depleted in high field strength elements (e.g., Nb, Ta, and Ti) and heavy rare-earth elements, and yield similar positive εHf(t) values of +4.4 to +11.5, with their two-stage model ages ranging from 799 to 389 Ma. These results indicate that the concealed Early Jurassic ore-hosting monzogranite was derived from the partial melting of the Neoproterozoic–Paleozoic continental crust in a continental arc setting related to the Paleo-Pacific subduction. The ore-causative granodiorite originated from the partial melting of both the mantle wedge and the overlying continental crust, most likely caused by the dehydration and metasomatism of the subducted Paleo-Pacific slab involved in the rollback in the Early Cretaceous period.
Optimization and Stability of the Bottom Structure Parameters of the Deep Sublevel Stope with Delayed Backfilling
Authors: Guo Mochuan , Tan Yuye , Chen Da , Song Weidong , Cao Shuai
Published: June 2022

This study analyzes the stability and optimizes the parameters of the bottom structure in sublevel stoping with the delayed backfilling method, improves production efficiency, and increases the ore recovery ratio under the premise of ensuring safe production. Theoretical formulas are used to calculate the stability of the pillar with the bottom structure. Numerical simulation is used to study the stability of muck slash during excavation. Finally, the optimization parameters of the bottom structure are obtained by combining a similar physical experimental model and numerical simulation. The results show that the excavation of the muck slash caused different degrees of deformation at the roof and floor of the roadway. The largest stress occurred at the roadway crossing, whereas the smallest stress was in the middle area. The excavation also caused the secondary stress concentration at the adjacent bottom structure but did not significantly impact its stability. During the mining process, the largest displacement deformation occurred at the roadway crossing, and the influence of mining disturbance on the stability of the bottom structure involves timeliness and periodicity. Considering the recovery ratio, dilution ratio, and stability, the spacing of the extracted ore drift is recommended to be 9 m. This study ensures the stability of the bottom structure in the mining process and obtained reasonable parameters of the extracted ore drift, which provides a scientific way for the mines that use sublevel stoping with the delayed backfilling method.
The Structural Rule Distinguishing a Superfold: A Case Study of Ferredoxin Fold and the Reverse Ferredoxin Fold
Authors: Nishina Takumi , Nakajima Megumi , Sasai Masaki , Chikenji George
Published: June 2022

Superfolds are folds commonly observed among evolutionarily unrelated multiple superfamilies of proteins. Since discovering superfolds almost two decades ago, structural rules distinguishing superfolds from the other ordinary folds have been explored but remained elusive. Here, we analyzed a typical superfold, the ferredoxin fold, and the fold which reverses the N to C terminus direction from the ferredoxin fold as a case study to find the rule to distinguish superfolds from the other folds. Though all the known structural characteristics for superfolds apply to both the ferredoxin fold and the reverse ferredoxin fold, the reverse fold has been found only in a single superfamily. The database analyses in the present study revealed the structural preferences of αβ- and βα-units; the preferences separate two α-helices in the ferredoxin fold, preventing their collision and stabilizing the fold. In contrast, in the reverse ferredoxin fold, the preferences bring two helices near each other, inducing structural conflict. The Rosetta folding simulations suggested that the ferredoxin fold is physically much more realizable than the reverse ferredoxin fold. Therefore, we propose that minimal structural conflict or minimal frustration among secondary structures is the rule to distinguish a superfold from ordinary folds. Intriguingly, the database analyses revealed that a most stringent structural rule in proteins, the right-handedness of the βαβ-unit, is broken in a set of structures to prevent the frustration, suggesting the proposed rule of minimum frustration among secondary structural units is comparably strong as the right-handedness rule of the βαβ-unit.
High-Energy Long-Lived Emitting Mixed Excitons in Homopolymeric Adenine-Thymine DNA Duplexes
Authors: Vayá Ignacio , Gustavsson Thomas , Markovitsi Dimitra
Published: June 2022

The publication deals with polymeric pA●pT and oligomeric A20●T20 DNA duplexes whose fluorescence is studied by time-correlated single photon counting. It is shown that their emission on the nanosecond timescale is largely dominated by high-energy components peaking at a wavelength shorter than 305 nm. Because of their anisotropy (0.02) and their sensitivity to base stacking, modulated by the duplex size and the ionic strength of the solution, these components are attributed to mixed ππ*/charge transfer excitons. As high-energy long-lived excited states may be responsible for photochemical reactions, their identification via theoretical studies is an important challenge.
Natural Antioxidant Evaluation: A Review of Detection Methods
Authors: Mendonça Jenifer da Silva , Guimarães Rita de Cássia Avellaneda , Zorgetto-Pinheiro Verônica Assalin , Fernandes Carolina Di Pietro , Marcelino Gabriela , Bogo Danielle , Freitas Karine de Cássia , Hiane Priscila Aiko , de Pádua Melo Elaine Silva , Vilela Marcelo Luiz Brandão , Nascimento Valter Aragão do
Published: June 2022

Antioxidants have drawn the attention of the scientific community due to being related to the prevention of various degenerative diseases. The antioxidant capacity has been extensively studied in vitro, and different methods have been used to assess its activity. However, the main issues related to studying natural antioxidants are evaluating whether these antioxidants demonstrate a key role in the biological system and assessing their bioavailability in the organism. The majority of outcomes in the literature are controversial due to a lack of method standardization and their proper application. Therefore, this study aims to compile the main issues concerning the natural antioxidant field of study, comparing the most common in vitro methods to evaluate the antioxidant activity of natural compounds, demonstrating the antioxidant activity in biological systems and the role of the main antioxidant enzymes of redox cellular signaling and explaining how the bioavailability of bioactive compounds is evaluated in animal models and human clinical trials.
Comparative Analysis of the Floral Fragrance Compounds of Panax notoginseng Flowers under the Panax notoginseng-pinus Agroforestry System Using SPME-GC-MS
Authors: Chen Siyu , Rui Rui , Wang Shu , He Xiahong
Published: June 2022

Panax notoginseng is a medicinal plant in China, the flowers of which have high medicinal value. To study the differences in the floral fragrance compounds of P. notoginseng flowers (bionic wild cultivation) from the forests of Yunnan Province, the floral fragrance compounds from four varieties of P. notoginseng flowers (four-forked seven leaves, three-forked seven leaves, four-forked five–seven leaves, and three-forked five–six leaves) were compared and analyzed via headspace solid phase microextraction combined with gas chromatography–mass spectrometry methods. A total of 53 floral fragrance compounds from the P. notoginseng flowers were divided into eight categories, mainly consisting of terpenes, alkynes, aromatic hydrocarbons, and alcohols. Moreover, high contents of 3-carene, germacrene D, (−)-α-gurjunene, valencene, (+)-γ-gurjunene, menogene, and aromandendrene were identified from the flowers of different P. notoginseng varieties. Interestingly, floral fragrance compounds such as 3-carene, valencene, aromandendrene, menogene, and (+)-γ-gurjunene were first reported in the flowers of P. notoginseng. Cluster analysis showed that P. notoginseng with four-forked and three-forked leaves clustered into two subgroups, respectively. In addition, principal component analysis showed that (+)-γ-gurjunene, (+)-calarene, copaene, 1,8,12-bisabolatriene, γ-elemene, (–)-aristolene, caryophyllene, 3-carenes, and 2,6-dimethyl-1,3,6-heptatriene can be used to distinguish the floral fragrance components of four P. notoginseng flower species. This study provides a theoretical basis for elucidating the floral fragrance compounds emitted from the flowers of different P. notoginseng varieties in an agroforestry system.
Electric Transport in Few-Layer ReSe2 Transistors Modulated by Air Pressure and Light
Authors: Faella Enver , Intonti Kimberly , Viscardi Loredana , Giubileo Filippo , Kumar Arun , Lam Hoi Tung , Anastasiou Konstantinos , Craciun Monica F. , Russo Saverio , Di Bartolomeo Antonio
Published: June 2022

We report the fabrication and optoelectronic characterization of field-effect transistors (FETs) based on few-layer ReSe2. The devices show n-type conduction due to the Cr contacts that form low Schottky barriers with the ReSe2 nanosheet. We show that the optoelectronic performance of these FETs is strongly affected by air pressure, and it undergoes a dramatic increase in conductivity when the pressure is lowered below the atmospheric one. Surface-adsorbed oxygen and water molecules are very effective in doping ReSe2; hence, FETs based on this two-dimensional (2D) semiconductor can be used as an effective air pressure gauge. Finally, we report negative photoconductivity in the ReSe2 channel that we attribute to a back-gate-dependent trapping of the photo-excited charges.
Graphene Quantum Dots and Phthalocyanines Turn-OFF-ON Photoluminescence Nanosensor for ds-DNA
Authors: Santiago Ana M. , Santos Carla I. M. , Lourenço Leandro M. O. , Mariz Inês F. A. , Tomé João P. C. , Maçôas Ermelinda
Published: June 2022

Supramolecular hybrids of graphene quantum dots (GQDs) and phthalocyanine (Pc) dyes were studied as turn-OFF-ON photoluminescence nanosensors for detection of ds-DNA. Pcs with four (Pc4) and eight (Pc8) positive charges were selected to interact with negatively charged GQDs. The photoluminescence of the GQDs was quenched upon interaction with the Pcs, due to the formation of non-emissive complexes. In the presence of ds-DNA, the Pcs interacted preferentially with the negatively charged ds-DNA, lifting the quenching effect over the photoluminescence of the GQDs and restoring their emission intensity. The best performance as a sensor of ds-DNA was registered for the GQD-Pc8, with a limit of detection (LOD) in the picomolar range. The LOD for GQD-Pc8 was more than one order of magnitude lower and its sensitivity was about a factor of three higher than that of the analogue GQD-Pc4 nanosensor. The sensitivity and selectivity of this simple GQD-Pc8 nanosensor is comparable to those of the more sophisticated carbon-based nanosensors for DNA reported previously.
Microstructural Study of MgB2 in the LiBH4-MgH2 Composite by Using TEM
Authors: Jin Ou , Shang Yuanyuan , Huang Xiaohui , Mu Xiaoke , Szabó Dorothée Vinga , Le Thi Thu , Wagner Stefan , Kübel Christian , Pistidda Claudio , Pundt Astrid
Published: June 2022

The hampered kinetics of reactive hydride composites (RHCs) in hydrogen storage and release, which limits their use for extensive applications in hydrogen storage S1and energy conversion, can be improved using additives. However, the mechanism of the kinetic restriction and the additive effect on promoting the kinetics have remained unclear. These uncertainties are addressed by utilizing versatile transmission electron microscopy (TEM) on the LiBH4-MgH2 composite under the influence of the 3TiCl3·AlCl3 additives. The formation of the MgB2 phase, as the rate-limiting step, is emphatically studied. According to the observations, the heterogeneous nucleation of MgB2 relies on different nucleation centers (Mg or TiB2 and AlB2). The varied nucleation and growth of MgB2 are related to the in-plane strain energy density at the interface, resulting from the atomic misfit between MgB2 and its nucleation centers. This leads to distinct MgB2 morphologies (bars and platelets) and different performances in the dehydrogenation kinetics of LiBH4-MgH2. It was found that the formation of numerous MgB2 platelets is regarded as the origin of the kinetic improvement. Therefore, to promote dehydrogenation kinetics in comparable RHC systems for hydrogen storage, it is suggested to select additives delivering a small atomic misfit.
Phase Composition, Structure and Properties of the Spark Plasma Sintered Ceramics Obtained from the Al12Mg17-B-Si Powder Mixtures
Authors: Nikitin Pavel , Zhukov Ilya , Matveev Alexey , Sokolov Sergei , Sachkov Victor , Vorozhtsov Alexander
Published: June 2022

In this work, composite materials were obtained by spark plasma sintering of an Al12Mg17-B-Si powder mixture. The structure, phase composition, and mechanical properties of the obtained composites were studied. It was found that various compounds based on B12 icosahedrons, such as AlB12, B4Si, and B6Si, are formed during spark plasma sintering. Based on the SEM images and results of XRD analysis of the obtained specimens, a probable scheme for the formation of the phase composition of composite materials during spark plasma sintering was proposed. An increase in the Al12Mg17-B powder content in the initial mixture from 30 to 70 wt% leads to an increase in hardness from 16.55 to 21.24 GPa and a decrease in the friction coefficient and wear rate from 0.56 to 0.32 and 13.60 to 5.60 10−5 mm−3/(N/m), respectively.
Effects of Sr/F-Bioactive Glass Nanoparticles and Calcium Phosphate on Monomer Conversion, Biaxial Flexural Strength, Surface Microhardness, Mass/Volume Changes, and Color Stability of Dual-Cured Dental Composites for Core Build-Up Materials
Authors: Mirchandani Bharat , Padunglappisit Chawal , Toneluck Arnit , Naruphontjirakul Parichart , Panpisut Piyaphong
Published: June 2022

This study prepared composites for core build-up containing Sr/F bioactive glass nanoparticles (Sr/F-BGNPs) and monocalcium phosphate monohydrate (MCPM) to prevent dental caries. The effect of the additives on the physical/mechanical properties of the materials was examined. Dual-cured resin composites were prepared using dimethacrylate monomers with added Sr/F-BGNPs (5 or 10 wt%) and MCPM (3 or 6 wt%). The additives reduced the light-activated monomer conversion by ~10%, but their effect on the conversion upon self-curing was negligible. The conversions of light-curing or self-curing polymerization of the experimental materials were greater than that of the commercial material. The additives reduced biaxial flexural strength (191 to 155 MPa), modulus (4.4 to 3.3), and surface microhardness (53 to 45 VHN). These values were comparable to that of the commercial material or within the acceptable range of the standard. The changes in the experimental composites’ mass and volume (~1%) were similar to that of the commercial comparison. The color change of the commercial material (1.0) was lower than that of the experimental composites (1.5–5.8). The addition of Sr/F-BGNPs and MCPM negatively affected the physical/mechanical properties of the composites, but the results were satisfactory except for color stability.
MPTHub: An Open-Source Software for Characterizing the Transport of Particles in Biorelevant Media
Authors: Gabriel Leandro , Almeida Helena , Avelar Marta , Sarmento Bruno , das Neves José
Published: June 2022

The study of particle transport in different environments plays an essential role in understanding interactions with humans and other living organisms. Importantly, obtained data can be directly used for multiple applications in fields such as fundamental biology, toxicology, or medicine. Particle movement in biorelevant media can be readily monitored using microscopy and converted into time-resolved trajectories using freely available tracking software. However, translation into tangible and meaningful parameters is time consuming and not always intuitive. We developed new software—MPTHub—as an open-access, standalone, user-friendly tool for the rapid and reliable analysis of particle trajectories extracted from video microscopy. The software was programmed using Python and allowed to import and analyze trajectory data, as well as to export relevant data such as individual and ensemble time-averaged mean square displacements and effective diffusivity, and anomalous transport exponent. Data processing was reliable, fast (total processing time of less than 10 s), and required minimal memory resources (up to a maximum of around 150 MB in random access memory). Demonstration of software applicability was conducted by studying the transport of different polystyrene nanoparticles (100–200 nm) in mucus surrogates. Overall, MPTHub represents a freely available software tool that can be used even by inexperienced users for studying the transport of particles in biorelevant media.
Polymer Nanocomposites: Preparation, Characterisation and Applications
Authors: Pielichowska Kinga
Published: June 2022

Polymer nanocomposites are an interesting and rapidly growing class of novel materials with enhanced properties, and these enhancements can be observed even at low nanofiller loading [...]
Association between Triplex-Forming Sites of Cardiac Long Noncoding RNA GATA6-AS1 and Chromatin Organization
Authors: Soibam Benjamin
Published: June 2022

This study explored the relationship between 3D genome organization and RNA–DNA triplex-forming sites of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs), a group of RNAs that do not code for proteins but are important factors regulating different aspects of genome activity. The triplex-forming sites of anti-sense cardiac lncRNA GATA6-AS1 derived from DBD-Capture-Seq were examined and compared to modular features of 3D genome organization called topologically associated domains (TADs) obtained from Hi-C data. It was found that GATA6-AS1 triplex-forming sites are positioned non-randomly in TADs and their boundaries. The triplex sites showed a preference for TAD boundaries over internal regions of TADs. Computational prediction analysis indicated that CTCF, the key protein involved in TAD specification, may interact with GATA6-AS1, and their binding sites correlate with each other. Examining locations of repeat elements in the genome suggests that the ability of lncRNA GATA6-AS1 to form triplex sites with many genomic locations may be achieved by the rapid expansion of different repeat elements. Some of the triplex-forming sites were found to be positioned in regions that undergo dynamic chromatin organization events such as loss/gain of TAD boundaries during cardiac differentiation. These observed associations suggest that lncRNA–DNA triplex formation may contribute to the specification of TADs in 3D genome organization.
Prognostic Value of the Controlling Nutritional Status (CONUT) Score in Patients at Dialysis Initiation
Authors: Takagi Kimiaki , Takahashi Hiroshi , Miura Tomomi , Yamagiwa Kasumi , Kawase Kota , Muramatsu-Maekawa Yuka , Koie Takuya , Mizuno Masashi
Published: June 2022

Protein-energy wasting (PEW) is common in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), and affects their prognosis. The Controlling Nutritional Status (CONUT) score is a nutritional screening tool calculated using only blood test data. This study aimed to investigate the prognostic value of CONUT score in patients just initiating dialysis. A total of 311 CKD patients who stably initiated dialysis were enrolled. Only 27 (8.7%) patients were classified as having normal nutritional status. The CONUT score was also independently correlated with elevated C-reactive protein levels (β = 0.485, p < 0.0001). During the median follow-up of 37 months, 100 patients (32.2%) died. The CONUT score was an independent predictor of all-cause mortality (adjusted hazard ratio 1.13, 95% confidence interval 1.04–1.22, p < 0.0024). As model discrimination, the addition of the CONUT score to a prediction model based on established risk factors significantly improved net reclassification improvement (0.285, p = 0.028) and integrated discrimination improvement (0.025, p = 0.023). The CONUT score might be a simplified surrogate marker of the PEW with clinical utility and could predict all-cause mortality, in addition to improving the predictability in CKD patients just initiating dialysis. The CONUT score also could predict infectious-disease mortality.
Obesity and Dyslipidemia in Chinese Adults: A Cross-Sectional Study in Shanghai, China
Authors: Zhu Junjie , Zhang Yue , Wu Yiling , Xiang Yu , Tong Xin , Yu Yuting , Qiu Yun , Cui Shuheng , Zhao Qi , Wang Na , Jiang Yonggen , Zhao Genming
Published: June 2022

This study examined the association of obesity and dyslipidemia according to body measurements among Chinese adults in Shanghai, a place in the process of rapid urbanization. Using the baseline data of the Shanghai Suburban Adult Cohort and Biobank study (SSACB), the subjects completed questionnaires and physical examinations, and fasting blood was collected for biochemical assays. We estimated the odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) by multivariable logistic regression. The prevalence was 12.9% and 28.8% in both general and central obesity, respectively. Compared with the non-obese, the general or central obesity participants had a higher level of TC, TG, LDL-C and lower level of HDL-C. The OR (95%CI) for dyslipidemia was 1.79 (1.69–1.91) and 1.91 (1.83–2.00) in general or central obesity, respectively. Positive associations were also observed between obesity and high TC, high LDL-C, low HDL-C and high TG, with the adjusted OR ranging from 1.11 to 2.00. Significant modifying effect of gender, age, hypertension, and diabetes were found in the association of obesity and different forms of dyslipidemia. The findings of our study indicated that participants with obesity, including general or central obesity, have a higher prevalence of dyslipidemia and gender, age, hypertension, and diabetes might be potential modifiers of the association. More effective attention and interventions should be directed to managing body weight to reduce the prevalence of dyslipidemia.
Oleuropein Counteracts Both the Proliferation and Migration of Intra- and Extragonadal Seminoma Cells
Authors: Bossio Sabrina , Perri Anna , Malivindi Rocco , Giordano Francesca , Rago Vittoria , Mirabelli Maria , Salatino Alessandro , Brunetti Antonio , Greco Emanuela Alessandra , Aversa Antonio
Published: June 2022

Recent and growing literature has reported that oleuropein (OLE), the main polyphenol in olive leaf extract, inhibits tumor cell proliferation and reduces the invasiveness properties of cancer cells; therefore, OLE may play a significant role in the development of new drugs for cancer treatment. These antineoplastic properties have been reported in many experimental cancer models, but the effect of OLE on seminoma cells is yet to be evaluated. In the present study, we demonstrate, for the first time, that OLE reduces cell viability in both intra- and extragonadal TCAM-2 and SEM-1 seminoma cells, respectively, in a dose-dependent manner. As shown by Western-blot analysis, OLE exposure reduced cyclin-D1 expression and upregulated p21Cip/WAF1, concomitantly affecting the upstream pathway of NF-κB, leading to the reduction of its nuclear content, thereby suggesting that OLE could modulate cell-cycle regulators by inhibiting NF-κB. Moreover, Annexin V staining revealed that OLE induced apoptosis in cancer cells and upregulated the pro-apoptotic factor BAX. Through wound-healing scratch and transmigration assays, we also demonstrated that OLE significantly reduced the migration and motility of TCAM-2 and SEM-1 cells, and downregulated the expression of TGFβ-1, which is known to be the main pro-fibrotic factor involved in the acquisition of the migratory and invasive properties of cancer cells. Collectively, our results indicate that OLE reduces seminoma cell proliferation, promotes apoptosis, and counteracts cell migration and motility. Further studies are needed to explore the molecular mechanisms underlying these observed effects.
Anti-Photoaging Effect of Rhodiola rosea Fermented by Lactobacillus plantarum on UVA-Damaged Fibroblasts
Authors: Fu Hao , Zhang Yuzhi , An Quan , Wang Dongdong , You Shiquan , Zhao Dan , Zhang Jiachan , Wang Changtao , Li Meng
Published: June 2022

UVA can cause oxidative stress and photoaging of cells. We established a UVA-induced oxidative stress model of human fibroblasts and focused on the antioxidant and anti-photoaging ability of Lactobacillus plantarum fermented Rhodiola rosea. Compared with the unfermented Rhodiola rosea, Lactobacillus plantarum fermented Rhodiola rosea has better DPPH free radical and hydroxyl free radical scavenging ability, significantly reduces the content of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and improves the antioxidant level. Further studies have shown that the Lactobacillus plantarum fermented Rhodiola rosea can activate the Nrf2/Keap1 signaling pathway and up-regulate heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), NAD(P)H quinone dehydrogenase 1 (NQO1), catalase (CAT) and glutathione Peptide peroxidase (GSH-Px), and protect fibroblasts from oxidative stress caused by UVA. On the other hand, Lactobacillus plantarum fermented Rhodiola rosea significantly reduces the activity of metalloproteinases in the cell, thereby increasing the collagen and elastin in the cell, alleviating the photoaging caused by UVA. Finally, we concluded that the antioxidant capacity and anti-photoaging ability of Lactobacillus plantarum fermented Rhodiola rosea are better than that of unfermented Rhodiola rosea.
Safety of a Sustainably Produced, Bioengineered, Nature-Identical Salidroside Compound
Authors: Kasprzyk Philip G. , Vickery Christopher , Ye Mingli , Sewastianik Magdalena , Gong Wei , Ding Sheng , Dziwenka Margitta , Mozingo Amy , Valm Kaiti , Schachner Holly , Weng Jing-Ke
Published: June 2022

Bioactive phytochemicals such as salidroside have been studied to understand the beneficial effects of Rhodiola rosea, an herbaceous plant used in traditional medicine to increase energy and treat a variety of health issues. However, Rhodiola plants are often slow-growing, and many are endangered in their native habitats. Thus, there is a need for safe, alternative supplies of key phytochemicals from Rhodiola. The salidroside subject of this safety study is a synthetic biology product from fermentation of a bioengineered E. coli that produces salidroside. Here, we present comprehensive test results that support the safety of salidroside manufactured via a patented sustainable bioengineering manufacturing process. In vitro bacterial reverse mutation assays with the bioengineered salidroside show no mutagenicity in any of the concentrations tested. In vivo toxicity studies in rats show no adverse effects from the salidroside product. Based on the results of these studies, we conclude that the bioengineered salidroside discussed here is not genotoxic and demonstrates a no-observed-adverse-effect level (NOAEL) at least 2000 mg/kg bw/day in male and female Sprague–Dawley rats. This study supports that the salidroside compound produced using bioengineered E. coli is a viable alternative to salidroside produced from harvested Rhodiola plants for use as a dietary supplement, food ingredient, or potentially as a pharmaceutical product.
Experimental Hut Trials Reveal That CYP6P9a/b P450 Alleles Are Reducing the Efficacy of Pyrethroid-Only Olyset Net against the Malaria Vector Anopheles funestus but PBO-Based Olyset Plus Net Remains Effective
Authors: Menze Benjamin D. , Mugenzi Leon M. J. , Tchouakui Magellan , Wondji Murielle J. , Tchoupo Micareme , Wondji Charles S.
Published: June 2022

Malaria remains a major public health concern in Africa. Metabolic resistance in major malaria vectors such as An. funestus is jeopardizing the effectiveness of long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs) to control malaria. Here, we used experimental hut trials (EHTs) to investigate the impact of cytochrome P450-based resistance on the efficacy of PBO-based net (Olyset Plus) compared to a permethrin-only net (Olyset), revealing a greater loss of efficacy for the latter. EHT performed with progenies of F5 crossing between the An. funestus pyrethroid-resistant strain FUMOZ and the pyrethroid-susceptible strain FANG revealed that PBO-based nets (Olyset Plus) induced a significantly higher mortality rate (99.1%) than pyrethroid-only nets (Olyset) (56.7%) (p < 0.0001). The blood-feeding rate was higher in Olyset compared to Olyset Plus (11.6% vs. 5.6%; p = 0.013). Genotyping the CYP6P9a/b and the intergenic 6.5 kb structural variant (SV) resistance alleles showed that, for both nets, homozygote-resistant mosquitoes have a greater ability to blood-feed than the susceptible mosquitoes. Homozygote-resistant genotypes significantly survived more with Olyset after cone assays (e.g., CYP6P9a OR = 34.6; p < 0.0001) than homozygote-susceptible mosquitoes. A similar but lower correlation was seen with Olyset Plus (OR = 6.4; p < 0.001). Genotyping EHT samples confirmed that CYP6P9a/b and 6.5 kb_SV homozygote-resistant mosquitoes survive and blood-feed significantly better than homozygote-susceptible mosquitoes when exposed to Olyset. Our findings highlight the negative impact of P450-based resistance on pyrethroid-only nets, further supporting that PBO nets, such as Olyset Plus, are a better solution in areas of P450-mediated resistance to pyrethroids.
Efficacy and Safety of Pathogen-Reduced Platelets Compared with Standard Apheresis Platelets: A Systematic Review of RCTs
Authors: Pati Ilaria , Masiello Francesca , Pupella Simonetta , Cruciani Mario , De Angelis Vincenzo
Published: June 2022

In this systematic review, we evaluate the efficacy and safety of blood components treated with pathogen reduction technologies (PRTs). We searched the Medline, Embase, Scopus, Ovid, and Cochrane Library to identify RCTs evaluating PRTs. Risk of bias assessment and the Mantel–Haenszel method for data synthesis were used. We included in this review 19 RCTs evaluating 4332 patients (mostly oncohematological patients) receiving blood components treated with three different PRTs. Compared with standard platelets (St-PLTs), the treatment with pathogen-reduced platelets (PR-PLTs) does not increase the occurrence of bleeding events, although a slight increase in the occurrence of severe bleeding events was observed in the overall comparison. No between-groups difference in the occurrence of serious adverse events was observed. PR-PLT recipients had a lower 1 and 24 h CI and CCI. The number of patients with platelet refractoriness and alloimmunization was significantly higher in PR-PLT recipients compared with St-PLT recipients. PR-PLT recipients had a higher number of platelet and RBC transfusions compared with St-PLT recipients, with a shorter transfusion time interval. The quality of evidence for these outcomes was from moderate to high. Blood components treated with PRTs are not implicated in serious adverse events, and PR-PLTs do not have a major effect on the increase in bleeding events. However, treatment with PRTs may require a greater number of transfusions in shorter time intervals and may be implicated in an increase in platelet refractoriness and alloimmunization.
Platelet Distribution Width and Increased D-Dimer at Admission Predicts Subsequent Development of ARDS in COVID-19 Patients
Authors: Yovchevska Iviana P. , Trenovski Alexandar B. , Atanasova Maria H. , Georgiev Martin N. , Tafradjiiska-Hadjiolova Radka K. , Lazarov Simeon D. , Yovchevski Plamen H.
Published: June 2022

In the current pandemic of coronavirus disease (COVID-19), the identification of the patients admitted with severe infection–who are disposed to a high risk of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) development, is of a major significance for the determination of the appropriate therapeutic strategy. Laboratory records in admission were retrospectively reviewed from 493 cases of severe COVID-19 divided into two groups: Group 1 with ARDS and Group 2 without ARDS. The platelet distribution width (PDW) difference between Group 1 and Group 2 is significant–15.10 ± 2.08 fl for those who developed ARDS versus 12.94 ± 2.12 fl for those without ARDS. The sensitivity and the specificity of this parameter is lower than that of D-dimer. After grouping of the PDW values into intervals and combining them with the rate of increase in D-dimer (D-PDWf index) to form a forecasting index, a significant increase in the specificity and sensitivity of the two parameters is identified–area under the ROC curve (AUC) is 0.874 for D-PDWf index, with respective AUC for PDW 0.768 and AUC for D-dimer 0.777. Conclusion: PDW is a significant predictive parameter at admission for subsequent development of ARDS in patients, with increased significance in combination with the degree of increase in D-dimer.
Applications in Which Aptamers Are Needed or Wanted in Diagnostics and Therapeutics
Authors: Bruno John G.
Published: June 2022

One strategy for bringing aptamers more into the mainstream of biomedical diagnostics and therapeutics is to exploit niche applications where aptamers are truly needed or wanted for their innate differences versus antibodies. This brief review article highlights some of those relatively rare applications in which aptamers are necessary or better suited to the user requirements than antibodies with explanations for why the aptamer is a necessary or superior choice. These situations include when no commercial antibody exists, when antibodies are excessively difficult to develop against a particular target because the target is highly toxic to host animals, when antibodies fail to discriminate closely related targets, when a smaller size is preferable to penetrate a tissue, when humanized monoclonal antibodies are too expensive and when the target is rapidly evolving or mutating. Examples of each are provided to illustrate these points.
Analgesics Induce Alterations in the Expression of SARS-CoV-2 Entry and Arachidonic-Acid-Metabolizing Genes in the Mouse Lungs
Authors: Khirfan Fatima , Jarrar Yazun , Al-Qirim Tariq , Goh Khang Wen , Jarrar Qais , Ardianto Chrismawan , Awad Mohammad , Al-Ameer Hamzeh J. , Al-Awaida Wajdy , Moshawih Said , Ming Long Chiau
Published: June 2022

Paracetamol and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are widely used in the management of respiratory viral infections. This study aimed to determine the effects of the most commonly used analgesics (paracetamol, ibuprofen, and diclofenac) on the mRNA expression of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) entry and arachidonic-acid-metabolizing genes in mouse lungs. A total of twenty eight Balb/c mice were divided into four groups and treated separately with vehicle, paracetamol, ibuprofen, and diclofenac in clinically equivalent doses for 14 days. Then, the expressions of SARS-CoV-2 entry, ACE2, TMPRSS2, and Ctsl genes, in addition to the arachidonic-acid-metabolizing cyp450, cox, and alox genes, were analyzed using real-time PCR. Paracetamol increased the expressions of TMPRSS2 and Ctsl genes by 8.5 and 5.6 folds, respectively, while ibuprofen and diclofenac significantly decreased the expression of the ACE2 gene by more than 2.5 folds. In addition, all tested drugs downregulated (p < 0.05) cox2 gene expression, and paracetamol reduced the mRNA levels of cyp4a12 and 2j5. These molecular alterations in diclofenac and ibuprofen were associated with pathohistological alterations, where both analgesics induced the infiltration of inflammatory cells and airway wall thickening. It is concluded that analgesics such as paracetamol, ibuprofen, and diclofenac alter the expression of SARS-CoV-2 entry and arachidonic-acid-metabolizing genes in mouse lungs.
State of the Art in Capsule-Based Dry Powder Inhalers: Deagglomeration Techniques and the Consequences for Formulation Aerosolization
Authors: Groß Roman , Berkenfeld Kai , Schulte Christoph , Ebert Anselm , Sule Sunita , Sule Ameet , Lamprecht Alf
Published: June 2022

Commercially available dry powder inhalers (DPIs) are usually devices in a fixed combination with the intended formulation, and a change in medication by the physician often forces the patient to use a different device, requiring the patient to relearn how to use it, resulting in lower adherence and inadequate therapy. To investigate whether DPIs can achieve successful outcomes regardless of the formulation and flow rate used, a novel DPI and two commercially available devices were compared in vitro for their deagglomeration behavior for different binary blends and a spray-dried particle formulation. The results demonstrate that the novel device achieved the highest fine particle fraction (FPF) regardless of the formulations tested. In the binary mixtures tested, the highest emitted fraction was obtained by shaking out the powder due to the oscillating motion of the capsule in the novel device during actuation. For DPIs with high intrinsic resistance to airflow, similar FPFs were obtained with the respective DPI and formulation, regardless of the applied flow rate. Additionally, the development and use of binary blends of spray-dried APIs and carrier particles may result in high FPF and overcome disadvantages of spray-dried particles, such as high powder retention in the capsule.
Photon Spectra of a Bragg Microresonator with Bigyrotropic Filling
Authors: Eliseeva Svetlana V. , Fedorova Irina V. , Sementsov Dmitry I.
Published: June 2022

In this article, we have obtained the transmission spectra of a microresonator structure with Bragg mirrors, the working cavity of which is filled with a magnetically active finely layered ferrite-semiconductor structure with material parameters controlled by an external magnetic field. It is shown that a change in the external field and the size of the cavity (filling layer thickness) provokes a controlled rearrangement of the transmission spectrum of TM and TE waves. The polarization characteristics of the microcavity, their dependence on the external field, and the ratio of the thicknesses of the layers that make up the period of the ferrite-semiconductor structure are investigated.
Virus and Virus-like Pathogens in the Grapevine Virus Collection of Croatian Autochthonous Grapevine Cultivars
Authors: Vončina Darko , Diaz-Lara Alfredo , Preiner Darko , Al Rwahnih Maher , Stevens Kristian , Jurić Snježana , Malenica Nenad , Šimon Silvio , Meng Baozhong , Maletić Edi , Fulgosi Hrvoje , Cvjetković Bogdan
Published: June 2022

Grapevine collections play an important role, especially in the study of viruses and virus-like pathogens. In 2009, after an initial ELISA screening for eight viruses (arabis mosaic virus, grapevine fanleaf virus, grapevine fleck virus, grapevine leafroll-associated viruses 1, 2, and 3, and grapevine viruses A and B), a collection of 368 grapevine accessions representing 14 different Croatian autochthonous cultivars and containing single or mixed infection of viruses was established to further characterize the viral pathogens. Subsequently, Western blot, RT-PCR, cloning, and sequencing revealed that grapevine rupestris stem pitting-associated virus was frequently found in accessions of the collection, with isolates showing substantial genetic diversity in the helicase and coat protein regions. High-throughput sequencing of 22 grapevine accessions provides additional insight into the viruses and viroids present in the collection and confirms the fact that Croatian autochthonous grapevine cultivars have high infection rates and high virome diversity. The recent spread of “flavescence dorée” phytoplasma in Europe has not spared the collection. After the first symptoms observed in 2020 and 2021, the presence of phytoplasma was confirmed by LAMP in six grapevine accessions and some of them were lost. Single or multiple viruses and viroids, as well as own rooted grapevines in the collection, make the plants susceptible to various abiotic factors, which, together with the recent occurrence of “flavescence dorée”, makes the maintenance of the collection a challenge. Future efforts will be directed towards renewing the collection, as 56% of the original collection has been lost in the last 13 years.
Chemical Profile, Antibacterial and Antioxidant Potential of Zingiber officinale Roscoe and Elettaria cardamomum (L.) Maton Essential Oils and Extracts
Authors: Tarfaoui Kelthoum , Brhadda Najiba , Ziri Rabea , Oubihi Asmaa , Imtara Hamada , Haida Sara , Al kamaly Omkulthom M. , Saleh Asmaa , Parvez Mohammad Khalid , Fettach Saad , Ouhssine Mohammed
Published: June 2022

The aim of this work was to study the chemical composition of the essential oil extracted from ginger rhizomes (Zingiber officinale Roscoe) and cardamom seeds (Elettaria cardamomum (L.) Maton). Using gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC/MS), a total of 43 compounds were identified in ginger essential oil and 17 compounds in cardamom. The most abundant components, respectively, were zingiberene (22.18%) and 1.8-cinéol (43.47%). Essential oils, methanol, ethanol and chloroform extracts for both plants were tested against nine bacteria and yeast. The highest sensitivity was noticed against Staphylococcus aureus with a 25 mm inhibition zone. The antioxidant potency of both oils and extracts were measured using DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl hydrazyl) free radical scavenging and the ferric reducing power (FRP) method; the ethanolic extract of cardamom fruits exhibited the best results for both tests, with an IC 50 = 0.423 ± 0.015 mg/mL and 95.03 ± 0.076 FRP mg AAE/g.
Phenotypic Selection in Halenia elliptica D. Don (Gentianaceae), an Alpine Biennial with Mixed Mating System
Authors: Huang Xiaojuan , Chen Minyu , Wang Linlin , Yang Mingliu , Yang Nacai , Li Zhonghu , Duan Yuanwen
Published: June 2022

The transition from outcrossing to selfing is a common evolutionary trend in flowering plants, and floral traits change significantly with the evolution of selfing. Whether or not plant traits are subjected to selection remains an open question in species with mixed mating systems. We examined phenotypic selection in two populations of Halenia elliptica with different selfing rates. We found that the pollen–ovule ratio, seed size, plant height, spur length, and pollinator visitation rate in the population with the higher selfing rate were lower than those in the population with the lower selfing rate. Selfing provides reproductive assurance for populations when pollinator service is low, and the floral traits that are associated with selfing syndrome are evident in populations with a higher selfing rate but are subjected to weak selection in each of the two populations with different selfing rates. Directional selection for an early flowering time indicated that late blooming flowers could experience a risk of seed development in alpine environments, and for large plants, selection indicated that seed production could be limited by the available resources. The floral traits that are associated with pollinator attraction and specialization could be subjected to weak selection at the plant level as selfing evolves, and the selective pressures that are independent of pollinators might not change significantly; highlighting the selective biotic and abiotic pressures that shape the morphological traits of plant species and their independence from the mating system.
Genetic Resources of Cereal Crops for Aphid Resistance
Authors: Radchenko Evgeny E. , Abdullaev Renat A. , Anisimova Irina N.
Published: June 2022

The genetic resources of cereal crops in terms of resistance to aphids are reviewed. Phytosanitary destabilization led to a significant increase in the harmfulness of this group of insects. The breeding of resistant plant genotypes is a radical, the cheapest, and environmentally safe way of pest control. The genetic homogeneity of crops hastens the adaptive microevolution of harmful organisms. Both major and minor aphid resistance genes of cereal plants interact with insects differentially. Therefore, rational breeding envisages the expansion of the genetic diversity of cultivated varieties. The possibilities of replenishing the stock of effective resistance genes by studying the collection of cultivated cereals, introgression, and creating mutant forms are considered. The interaction of insects with plants is subject to the gene-for-gene relationship. Plant resistance genes are characterized by close linkage and multiple allelism. The realizing plant genotype depends on the phytophage biotype. Information about the mechanisms of constitutional and induced plant resistance is discussed. Resistance genes differ in terms of stability of expression. The duration of the period when varieties remain resistant is not related either to its phenotypic manifestation or to the number of resistance genes. One explanation for the phenomenon of durable resistance is the association of the virulence mutation with pest viability.
Local Wisdom and Diversity of Medicinal Plants in Cha Miang Forest in Mae Kampong Village, Chiang Mai, Thailand, and Their Potential for Use as Osteoprotective Products
Authors: Sukkho Treethip , Khanongnuch Chartchai , Lumyong Saisamorn , Ruangsuriya Jetsada , Pattananandecha Thanawat , Apichai Sutasinee , Ogata Fumihiko , Kawasaki Naohito , Saenjum Chalermpong
Published: June 2022

“People-Forest-Miang” communities are villages located in the cultivated area of Camellia sinensis var. assamica, or Cha Miang, in northern Thailand. Cha Miang forests are a form of agriculture relying on forest-rich bioresources. This study focuses on a survey of the diversity of medicinal plants used by “People-Forest-Miang” communities in Mae Kampong Village, Chiang Mai, Thailand. The results demonstrated that 73 species of medicinal plants were used to prevent and treat various ailments. The highest number of species (30.14%) was used for musculoskeletal system disorders, followed by digestive system disorders (21.92%) and unspecified medicinal disorders (15.07%). The alkaline phosphatase (ALP) is the most widely recognized biochemical marker for osteoblast activity. The ALP activity of ethanol and deionized water extracts of the nine selected medicinal plants used for musculoskeletal system disorders were examined in the MG63 cell line. The results showed that the numerous water extracts, including MKP1, MKP2, MKP5, MKP6, MKP7, MKP8, and MKP9, and the ethanolic extracts—namely, MKP2, MKP3, MKP7, and MKP9—significantly increased ALP activity in the MG-63 cell line. The findings indicate that some medicinal plants may be further studied for active chemicals and developed as natural active pharmaceutical ingredients for osteoprotective products.