bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Novel Generative Adversarial Network-Based Approach for Automated Brain Tumour Segmentation
Authors: Sille Roohi , Choudhury Tanupriya , Sharma Ashutosh , Chauhan Piyush , Tomar Ravi , Sharma Durgansh
Published: January 2023

Background: Medical image segmentation is more complicated and demanding than ordinary image segmentation due to the density of medical pictures. A brain tumour is the most common cause of high mortality. Objectives: Extraction of tumorous cells is particularly difficult due to the differences between tumorous and non-tumorous cells. In ordinary convolutional neural networks, local background information is restricted. As a result, previous deep learning algorithms in medical imaging have struggled to detect anomalies in diverse cells. Methods: As a solution to this challenge, a deep convolutional generative adversarial network for tumour segmentation from brain Magnetic resonance Imaging (MRI) images is proposed. A generator and a discriminator are the two networks that make up the proposed model. This network focuses on tumour localisation, noise-related issues, and social class disparities. Results: Dice Score Coefficient (DSC), Peak Signal to Noise Ratio (PSNR), and Structural Index Similarity (SSIM) are all generally 0.894, 62.084 dB, and 0.88912, respectively. The model’s accuracy has improved to 97 percent, and its loss has reduced to 0.012. Conclusions: Experiments reveal that the proposed approach may successfully segment tumorous and benign tissues. As a result, a novel brain tumour segmentation approach has been created.
Divergent Directionality of Immune Cell-Specific Protein Expression between Bipolar Lithium Responders and Non-Responders Revealed by Enhanced Flow Cytometry
Authors: Gao Keming , Kaye Nicholas M. , Ayati Marzieh , Koyuturk Mehmet , Calabrese Joseph R. , Christian Eric , Lazarus Hillard M. , Kaplan David
Published: January 2023

Background and Objectives: There is no biomarker to predict lithium response. This study used CellPrint™ enhanced flow cytometry to study 28 proteins representing a spectrum of cellular pathways in monocytes and CD4+ lymphocytes before and after lithium treatment in patients with bipolar disorder (BD). Materials and Methods: Symptomatic patients with BD type I or II received lithium (serum level ≥ 0.6 mEq/L) for 16 weeks. Patients were assessed with standard rating scales and divided into two groups, responders (≥50% improvement from baseline) and non-responders. Twenty-eight intracellular proteins in CD4+ lymphocytes and monocytes were analyzed with CellPrint™, an enhanced flow cytometry procedure. Data were analyzed for differences in protein expression levels. Results: The intent-to-treat sample included 13 lithium-responders (12 blood samples before treatment and 9 after treatment) and 11 lithium-non-responders (11 blood samples before treatment and 4 after treatment). No significant differences in expression between the groups was observed prior to lithium treatment. After treatment, the majority of analytes increased expression in responders and decreased expression in non-responders. Significant increases were seen for PDEB4 and NR3C1 in responders. A significant decrease was seen for NR3C1 in non-responders. Conclusions: Lithium induced divergent directionality of protein expression depending on the whether the patient was a responder or non-responder, elucidating molecular characteristics of lithium responsiveness. A subsequent study with a larger sample size is warranted.
Comparison between Robotic Single-Site and Laparoendoscopic Single-Site Hysterectomy: Multicentric Analysis of Surgical Outcomes
Authors: Gardella Barbara , Dominoni Mattia , Gritti Andrea , Mereu Liliana , Bogliolo Stefano , Torella Marco , Fanfani Francesco , Malzoni Mario , Couso Aldina , Zapico Alvaro , Zapardiel Ignacio
Published: January 2023

Background and Objectives: Minimally invasive surgery, especially the single-site approach, has demonstrated several advantages in the gynaecological setting. The aim of this study was to compare the surgical outcomes of single-site hysterectomy for benign conditions between the traditional laparoendoscopic approach and robotic surgery. Materials and Methods: We consecutively enrolled 278 women between 2012 and 2019 in this multicentre trial. The patients underwent robotic single-site hysterectomy (RSSH) or laparoendoscopic single-site hysterectomy (LESSH) procedures with or without salpingo-oophorectomy for benign indications. Surgical parameters and surgical outcomes were analysed. Results: There was a statistical difference between the two surgical techniques for total operative time (p = 0.001), set-up time (p = 0.013), and anaesthesia time (p = 0.001). Significant differences in intraoperative blood loss were observed (p = 0.001), but no differences were shown for blood transfusion or intraoperative or postoperative complications in the two groups. Conclusions: LESSH outperformed RSSH in terms of surgical performance and clinical outcomes, with no differences in adverse events.
Transoral Outlet Reduction (TORe) for the Treatment of Weight Regain and Dumping Syndrome after Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass
Authors: Hakiza Landry , Sartoretto Adrian , Burgmann Konstantin , Kumbhari Vivek , Matter Christoph , Seibold Frank , Staudenmann Dominic
Published: January 2023

Obesity is a chronic relapsing disease of global pandemic proportions. In this context, an increasing number of patients are undergoing bariatric surgery, which is considered the most effective weight loss treatment for long-term improvement in obesity-related comorbidities. One of the most popular bariatric surgeries is the Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB). Despite its proven short- and long-term efficacy, progressive weight regain and dumping symptoms remain a challenge. Revisional bariatric surgery is indicated when dietary and lifestyle modification, pharmaceutical agents and/or psychological therapy fail to arrest weight regain or control dumping. However, these re-interventions present greater technical difficulty and are accompanied by an increased risk of peri- and postoperative complications with substantial morbidity and mortality. The endoscopic approach to gastrojejunal anastomotic revision, transoral outlet reduction (TORe), is used as a minimally invasive treatment that aims to reduce the diameter of the gastrojejunal anastomosis, delaying gastric emptying and increasing satiety. With substantial published data supporting its use, TORe is an effective and safe bariatric endoscopic technique for addressing weight regain and dumping syndrome after RYGB.
Mechanical Properties, Wear Resistance, and Reliability of Two CAD-CAM Resin Matrix Ceramics
Authors: Silva Ebele Adaobi , Simionato Anselmo Agostinho , Faria Adriana Cláudia Lapria , Bonfante Estevam Augusto , Rodrigues Renata Cristina Silveira , Ribeiro Ricardo Faria
Published: January 2023

Background and Objectives: There are limited data regarding the behavior of resin matrix ceramics for current CAD-CAM materials. Further studies may be beneficial and can help clinicians planning to use these materials during prosthodontic rehabilitation. The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the flexural strength and strain distributions, filler content, wear, and reliability of two resin matrix ceramic CAD-CAM materials. Materials and Methods: Two resin matrix ceramics, Ambarino High-Class (AH) and Vita Enamic (VE), were tested for flexural strength (n = 24), wear (n = 10), and reliability (n = 18). Thermogravimetric analysis was used to determine the percentage of filler by weight, and digital image correlation (DIC) was used for strain analysis in flexural strength test. Reliability of each resin matrix ceramic was compared after accelerated lifetime testing of crowns using a two-parameter Weibull distribution. Data of flexural strength, wear, and thermogravimetry were analyzed by independent t-tests with significance level at 5%. Results: The results of DIC analysis were analyzed by a qualitative comparison between the images obtained. The materials tested showed different flexural strength (p < 0.05) and strain distributions. The filler content was the same as informed by manufacturers. No difference was observed in the wear or reliability analysis (p > 0.05). The flexural strength of material AH was superior to VE, and the strain distribution was compatible with this finding. Conclusions: The two resin matrix ceramics tested showed similar behavior in wear and reliability analysis. Both can provide safe use for dental crowns.
Influenza A Virus M1 Protein Non-Specifically Deforms Charged Lipid Membranes and Specifically Interacts with the Raft Boundary
Authors: Loshkareva Anna S. , Popova Marina M. , Shilova Liudmila A. , Fedorova Natalia V. , Timofeeva Tatiana A. , Galimzyanov Timur R. , Kuzmin Petr I. , Knyazev Denis G. , Batishchev Oleg V.
Published: January 2023

Topological rearrangements of biological membranes, such as fusion and fission, often require a sophisticated interplay between different proteins and cellular membranes. However, in the case of fusion proteins of enveloped viruses, even one molecule can execute membrane restructurings. Growing evidence indicates that matrix proteins of enveloped viruses can solely trigger the membrane bending required for another crucial step in virogenesis, the budding of progeny virions. For the case of the influenza A virus matrix protein M1, different studies report both in favor and against M1 being able to produce virus-like particles without other viral proteins. Here, we investigated the physicochemical mechanisms of M1 membrane activity on giant unilamellar vesicles of different lipid compositions using fluorescent confocal microscopy. We confirmed that M1 predominantly interacts electrostatically with the membrane, and its ability to deform the lipid bilayer is non-specific and typical for membrane-binding proteins and polypeptides. However, in the case of phase-separating membranes, M1 demonstrates a unique ability to induce macro-phase separation, probably due to the high affinity of M1’s amphipathic helices to the raft boundary. Thus, we suggest that M1 is tailored to deform charged membranes with a specific activity in the case of phase-separating membranes.
Lamellarity-Driven Differences in Surface Structural Features of DPPS Lipids: Spectroscopic, Calorimetric and Computational Study
Authors: Pašalić Lea , Pem Barbara , Bakarić Danijela
Published: January 2023

Although single-lipid bilayers are usually considered models of eukaryotic plasma membranes, their research drops drastically when it comes to exclusively anionic lipid membranes. Being a major anionic phospholipid in the inner leaflet of eukaryote membranes, phosphatidylserine-constituted lipid membranes were occasionally explored in the form of multilamellar liposomes (MLV), but their inherent instability caused a serious lack of efforts undertaken on large unilamellar liposomes (LUVs) as more realistic model membrane systems. In order to compensate the existing shortcomings, we performed a comprehensive calorimetric, spectroscopic and MD simulation study of time-varying structural features of LUV made from 1,2-dipalmitoyl-sn-glycero-3-phospho-L-serine (DPPS), whereas the corresponding MLV were examined as a reference. A substantial uncertainty of UV/Vis data of LUV from which only Tm was unambiguously determined (53.9 ± 0.8 °C), along with rather high uncertainty on the high-temperature range of DPPS melting profile obtained from DSC (≈50–59 °C), presumably reflect distinguished surface structural features in LUV. The FTIR signatures of glycerol moiety and those originated from carboxyl group serve as a strong support that in LUV, unlike in MLV, highly curved surfaces occur continuously, whereas the details on the attenuation of surface features in MLV were unraveled by molecular dynamics.
Influence on Fatigue Strength of Post-Process Treatments on Thin-Walled AlSi10Mg Structures Made by Additive Manufacturing
Authors: Spignoli Nicola , Minak Giangiacomo
Published: January 2023

This work aims to study the fatigue behavior of thin-walled structures and the possible influence of post-process treatments. Specimens with novel geometry were manufactured in AlSi10Mg with different inner diameter values using selective laser melting (SLM) technology and then treated. The different processes applied to the specimens were T6 quenching, microshot peening, and controlled roughness machining. The fracture data were analyzed to obtain the fatigue strength values at 2×106 cycles. The results showed that the mechanical treatments and the T6 quenching improved the fatigue strength by over 55% and over 80%, respectively. Relative density and per cent porosity were measured, and microscopic observations by electron microscope, metallographic microscope, and scanning electron microscope (SEM) were performed. It was possible to conclude that thickness did not affect fatigue life in the studied cases.
Effect of Sulfur on Antimony-Induced High-Temperature Ductility Deterioration of C-Mn Steel
Authors: Sun Guilin , Dong Guochun , Tao Sufen , Xia Yunjin , Chen Chao
Published: January 2023

The recycling of steel scrap is becoming more and more developed to save resources and protect the environment. However, impurities such as antimony in steel scrap cannot be economically and effectively removed, resulting in an inevitable accumulation of impurities. Once the impurity concentration exceeds a certain limit, they will have a great impact on the ductility deterioration and hot shortness of steel. It has been shown that sulfide can inhibit the precipitation of residual elements, such as copper at grain boundaries, in steel. The effect of sulfur on the thermoplasticity of antimony-containing C-Mn steel at 700–1100 °C was examined using a Gleeble 1500 thermodynamic simulation device (Gleeble, Poestenkill, NY, USA). Area reduction (RA%) was used to evaluate the thermal ductility. The 0.16 mass % Sb extended the range of the ductile grooves, reducing the RA% at 750–950 °C. Antimony (Sb) was found to segregate at the boundaries tested by an electron probe microanalyzer. Additionally, scanning electron microscopy was used to examine the fracture morphology, which exhibited the characteristics of intergranular failure. In contrast, the addition of sulfur to the steel compensated for the deterioration of the thermal ductility caused by the Sb.
Effect of Sc, Hf, and Yb Additions on Superplasticity of a Fine-Grained Al-0.4%Zr Alloy
Authors: Nokhrin Aleksey , Gryaznov Mikhail , Shotin Sergey , Nagicheva Galina , Chegurov Mikhail , Bobrov Aleksandr , Kopylov Vladimir , Chuvil’deev Vladimir
Published: January 2023

This research was undertaken to study the way deformation behaves in ultrafine-grained (UFG)-conducting Al-Zr alloys doped with Sc, Hf, and Yb. All in all, eight alloys were studied with zirconium partially replaced by Sc, Hf, and/or Yb. Doping elements (X = Zr, Sc, Hf, Yb) in the alloys totaled 0.4 wt.%. The choice of doping elements was conditioned by the possible precipitation of Al3X particles with L12 structure in the course of annealing these alloys. Such particles provide higher thermal stability of a nonequilibrium UFG microstructure. Initial coarse-grained samples were obtained by induction casting. A UFG microstructure in the alloys was formed by equal-channel angular pressing (ECAP) at 225 °C. Superplasticity tests were carried out at temperatures ranging from 300 to 500 °C and strain rates varying between 3.3 × 10−4 and 3.3 × 10−1 s−1. The highest values of elongation to failure are observed in Sc-doped alloys. A UFG Al-0.2%Zr-0.1%Sc-0.1%Hf alloy has maximum ductility: at 450 °C and a strain rate of 3.3 × 10−3 s−1, relative elongation to failure reaches 765%. At the onset of superplasticity, stress (σ)–strain (ε) curves are characterized by a stage of homogeneous (uniform) strain and a long stage of localized plastic flow. The dependence of homogeneous (uniform) strain (εeq) on test temperature in UFG Sc-doped alloys is increasing uniformly, which is not the case for other UFG alloys, with εeq(T) dependence peaking at 350–400 °C. The strain rate sensitivity coefficient of flow stress m is small and does not exceed 0.26–0.3 at 400–500 °C. In UFG alloys containing no Sc, the m coefficient is observed to go down to 0.12–0.18 at 500 °C. It has been suggested that lower m values are driven by intensive grain growth and pore formation in large Al3X particles, which develop specifically at an ingot crystallization stage.
In Vitro Activity of Essential Oils from Piper Species (Piperaceae) against Tachyzoites of Toxoplasma gondii
Authors: Pereira Filho Adalberto Alves , Cunha Mariana Maciel , Alves Stanton Mariana , Fumiko Yamaguchi Lydia , Jorge Kato Massuo , Martins-Duarte Érica S.
Published: January 2023

Toxoplasmosis is a tropical and neglected disease caused by the parasitic protozoa Toxplasma gondii. Conventional treatment with sulfadiazine and pyrimethamine plus folinic acid, has some drawbacks, such as inefficacy in the chronic phase, toxic side effects, and potential cases of resistance have been observed. In this study, the activity of essential oils (EOs) from three Piper species and their main constituents, including α-Pinene (Piper lindbergii and P. cernuum), β-Pinene (P. cernuum), and dillapiole (P. aduncum), were evaluated against tachyzoites of T. gondii. α-Pinene was more active [(IC50 0.3265 (0.2958 to 0.3604) μg/mL)] against tachyzoites than P. lindbergii EO [0.8387 (0.6492 to 1.084) μg/mL]. Both α-Pinene and P. lindbergii EO exhibited low cytotoxicity against NHDF cells, with CC50 41.37 (37.64 to 45.09) µg/mL and 83.80 (75.42 to 91.34) µg/mL, respectively, suggesting they could be of potential use against toxoplasmosis.
Benchmarking Outlier Detection Methods for Detecting IEM Patients in Untargeted Metabolomics Data
Authors: Bongaerts Michiel , Kulkarni Purva , Zammit Alan , Bonte Ramon , Kluijtmans Leo A. J. , Blom Henk J. , Engelke Udo F. H. , Tax David M. J. , Ruijter George J. G. , Reinders Marcel J. T.
Published: January 2023

Untargeted metabolomics (UM) is increasingly being deployed as a strategy for screening patients that are suspected of having an inborn error of metabolism (IEM). In this study, we examined the potential of existing outlier detection methods to detect IEM patient profiles. We benchmarked 30 different outlier detection methods when applied to three untargeted metabolomics datasets. Our results show great differences in IEM detection performances across the various methods. The methods DeepSVDD and R-graph performed most consistently across the three metabolomics datasets. For datasets with a more balanced number of samples-to-features ratio, we found that AE reconstruction error, Mahalanobis and PCA reconstruction error also performed well. Furthermore, we demonstrated the importance of a PCA transform prior to applying an outlier detection method since we observed that this increases the performance of several outlier detection methods. For only one of the three metabolomics datasets, we observed clinically satisfying performances for some outlier detection methods, where we were able to detect 90% of the IEM patient samples while detecting no false positives. These results suggest that outlier detection methods have the potential to aid the clinical investigator in routine screening for IEM using untargeted metabolomics data, but also show that further improvements are needed to ensure clinically satisfying performances.
The Importance of Sharing Data in Systems Biology
Authors: Wood-Charlson Elisha M.
Published: January 2023

Systems biology research spans a range of biological scales and science domains, and often requires a collaborative effort to collect and share data so that integration is possible. However, sharing data effectively is a challenging task that requires effort and alignment between collaborative partners, as well as coordination between organizations, repositories, and journals. As a community of systems biology researchers, we must get better at efficiently sharing data, and ensuring that shared data comes with the recognition and citations it deserves.
Glycolytic Plasticity of Metastatic Lung Cancer Captured by Noninvasive 18F-FDG PET/CT and Serum 1H-NMR Analysis: An Orthotopic Murine Model Study
Authors: Chung Yi-Hsiu , Hung Tsai-Hsien , Yu Ching-Fang , Tsai Cheng-Kun , Weng Chi-Chang , Jhang Fujie , Chen Fang-Hsin , Lin Gigin
Published: January 2023

We aim to establish a noninvasive diagnostic platform to capture early phenotypic transformation for metastasis using 18F-FDG PET and 1H-NMR-based serum metabolomics. Mice with implantation of NCI-H460 cells grew only primary lung tumors in the localized group and had both primary and metastatic lung tumors in the metastatic group. The serum metabolites were analyzed using 1H-NMR at the time of PET/CT scan. The glycolysis status and cell proliferation were validated by Western blotting and staining. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was performed to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of SUVmean and serum metabolites in metastasis. In the metastatic mice, the SUVmean of metastatic tumors was significantly higher than that of primary lung tumors in PET images, which was supported by elevated glycolytic protein expression of HK2 and PKM2. The serum pyruvate level in the metastatic group was significantly lower than that in the localized group, corresponding to increased pyruvate-catalyzed enzyme and proliferation rates in metastatic tumors. In diagnosing localized or metastatic tumors, the areas under the ROC curves of SUVmean and pyruvate were 0.92 and 0.91, respectively, with p < 0.05. In conclusion, the combination of 18F-FDG PET and 1H-NMR-based serum metabolomics demonstrated the feasibility of a glycolytic platform for diagnosing metastatic lung cancers.
Lignocellulolytic Biocatalysts: The Main Players Involved in Multiple Biotechnological Processes for Biomass Valorization
Authors: Benatti Ana Laura Totti , Polizeli Maria de Lourdes Teixeira de Moraes
Published: January 2023

Human population growth, industrialization, and globalization have caused several pressures on the planet’s natural resources, culminating in the severe climate and environmental crisis which we are facing. Aiming to remedy and mitigate the impact of human activities on the environment, the use of lignocellulolytic enzymes for biofuel production, food, bioremediation, and other various industries, is presented as a more sustainable alternative. These enzymes are characterized as a group of enzymes capable of breaking down lignocellulosic biomass into its different monomer units, making it accessible for bioconversion into various products and applications in the most diverse industries. Among all the organisms that produce lignocellulolytic enzymes, microorganisms are seen as the primary sources for obtaining them. Therefore, this review proposes to discuss the fundamental aspects of the enzymes forming lignocellulolytic systems and the main microorganisms used to obtain them. In addition, different possible industrial applications for these enzymes will be discussed, as well as information about their production modes and considerations about recent advances and future perspectives in research in pursuit of expanding lignocellulolytic enzyme uses at an industrial scale.
Interactions between Entomopathogenic Fungi and Entomopathogenic Nematodes
Authors: Půža Vladimír , Tarasco Eustachio
Published: January 2023

Entomopathogenic fungi and entomopathogenic nematodes are globally distributed soil organisms capable of infecting and killing a vast variety of insects. Therefore, these organisms are frequently used as biocontrol agents in insect pest management. Both entomopathogenic fungi and nematodes share the soil environment and thus can infest and compete for the same insect host; however, natural co-infections are rarely found due to the cryptic soil environment. Our current knowledge on their interactions within hosts mainly comes from laboratory experiments. Because of the recent trend of combining biocontrol agents to increase their efficacy, many studies have focused on the co-application of different species of EPF and EPNs against various insect pests with variable outcomes ranging from synergistic effects and additive effects to antagonism. In addition, the effect on the development and reproduction of each pathogen varies from normal reproduction to exclusion, and generally the outcomes of the interactions are dependent on pathogen and host species, pathogen doses, and the timing of infection. The present review aims to summarize the current knowledge on the interactions of entomopathogenic fungi and nematodes within an insect host and to estimate the possible effects of the interactions on natural pathogen populations and on their use in biocontrol.
Isolation and Characterization of A Novel Iron–Sulfur Oxidizing Bacterium Acidithiobacillus Ferrooxidans YQ-N3 and its Applicability in Coal Biodesulfurization
Authors: Li Wenbo , Feng Qiyan , Li Ze
Published: January 2023

Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans is a chemotrophic, aerobic, acidophilic, and Gram-negative bacterium that plays a key role in iron and sulfur cycling and has a wide range of applications in the industrial field. A novel A. ferrooxidans strain, hereinafter referred to as strain “YQ-N3”, was isolated from sediments of a river polluted by acid mine drainage (AMD) of an abandoned mine in Shanxi, China. The whole genome sequencing results revealed that A. ferrooxidans YQ-N3 has a 3,217,720 bp genome, which is comprised of one circular chromosome and five circular plasmids (Plasmid A, Plasmid B, Plasmid C, Plasmid D, Plasmid E). Plasmid E, a new plasmid, had not been annotated in the reference database. A. ferrooxidans YQ-N3 had a close evolutionary relationship with A. ferrooxidans ATCC23270 and A. ferridurans JCM18981 and exhibited higher similarity in its genomic structure with A. ferrooxidans ATCC23270. Multiple genes related to environmental resistance and iron and sulfur metabolism were predicted from its genome. A. ferrooxidans YQ-N3 can remarkably increase the oxidation rate of Fe2+ and S0 and enhance the hydrophilicity of S0, which was supported by functional gene analysis and laboratory experiments. The biological desulfurization experiment demonstrated that A. ferrooxidans YQ-N3 can reduce the sulfur content in coal by removing pyrite sulfur and organic sulfur.
Humulus lupulus L. Extract Protects against Senior Osteoporosis through Inhibiting Amyloid β Deposition and Oxidative Stress in APP/PS1 Mutated Transgenic Mice and Osteoblasts
Authors: Xia Tianshuang , Zhang Jiabao , Guo Yunxiang , Jiang Yiping , Qiao Fangliang , Li Kun , Wang Nani , Han Ting , Xin Hailiang
Published: January 2023

As aging progresses, β-amyloid (Aβ) deposition and the resulting oxidative damage are key causes of aging diseases such as senior osteoporosis (SOP). Humulus lupulus L. (hops) is an important medicinal plant widely used in the food, beverage and pharmaceutical industries due to its strong antioxidant ability. In this study, APP/PS1 mutated transgenic mice and Aβ-injured osteoblasts were used to evaluate the protective effects of hops extracts (HLE) on SOP. Mice learning and memory levels were assessed by the Morris water maze. Mice femurs were prepared for bone micro-structures and immunohistochemistry experiments. The deposition of Aβ in the hippocampus, cortex and femurs were determined by Congo red staining. Moreover, protein expressions related to antioxidant pathways were evaluated by Western blotting. It was found that HLE markedly improved learning abilities and ameliorated memory impairment of APP/PS1 mice, as well as regulated antioxidant enzymes and bone metabolism proteins in mice serum. Micro-CT tests indicated that HLE enhanced BMD and improved micro-architectural parameters of mice femur. More importantly, it was discovered that HLE significantly reduced Aβ deposition both in the brain and femur. Further in vitro results showed HLE increased the bone mineralization nodule and reduced the ROS level of Aβ-injured osteoblasts. Additionally, HLE increased the expression of antioxidant related proteins Nrf2, HO-1, NQO1, FoxO1 and SOD-2. These results indicated that Humulus lupulus L. extract could protect against senior osteoporosis through inhibiting Aβ deposition and oxidative stress, which provides a reference for the clinical application of hops in the prevention and treatment of SOP.
Screening of Rosemary Essential Oils with Different Phytochemicals for Antioxidant Capacity, Keratinocyte Cytotoxicity, and Anti-Proliferative Activity
Authors: Huang Yeqin , Xu Heran , Ding Mengting , Li Jingyi , Wang Di , Li Hui , Sun Meiyu , Xia Fei , Bai Hongtong , Wang Min , Mo Meiling , Shi Lei
Published: January 2023

Nowadays, the demand for rosemary essential oils (REOs) in the cosmetic, food, and pharmaceutical industries is increasing, and the abundant germplasm resources of rosemary provide more possibilities for functional applications. The REOs from six cultivars were selected to evaluate and compare their bioactivities. REOs have good cellular antioxidant activity in scavenging reactive oxygen species, and the technology for order preference by similarity to an ideal solution (TOPSIS)-random forest multivariate model indicated that ‘Dutch Mill’ REO has the best antioxidant activity, which is closely related to its verbenone content. In addition, α-pinene-dominant REOs are more toxic to human keratinocytes, which is closely related to the content of α-pinene, as revealed by multivariate analyses. Moreover, anti-proliferative assays on six cancer cell lines showed that all REOs have a higher anti-proliferative ability against human pancreatic cancer cell line SW1990 and gastric epithelial cell line NCI-N87. Among them, ‘Miss Jessopp’s Upright’ and ‘Blue Lagoon’ REOs exhibit more prominent anti-proliferative activity. Our study provides a reference value for exploring the application potential of different REOs by evaluating their differences in chemical composition and bioactivity.
Ultrafine Co-Species Interspersed g-C3N4 Nanosheets and Graphene as an Efficient Polysulfide Barrier to Enable High Performance Li-S Batteries
Authors: Wang Shanxing , Liu Xinye , Deng Yuanfu
Published: January 2023

Lithium-sulfur (Li-S) batteries are regarded as one of the promising advanced energy storage systems due to their ultrahigh capacity and energy density. However, their practical applications are still hindered by the serious shuttle effect and sluggish reaction kinetics of soluble lithium polysulfides. Herein, g-C3N4 nanosheets and graphene decorated with an ultrafine Co-species nanodot heterostructure (Co@g-C3N4/G) as separator coatings were designed following a facile approach. Such an interlayer can not only enable effective polysulfide affinity through the physical barrier and chemical binding but also simultaneously have a catalytic effect on polysulfide conversion. Because of these superior merits, the Li-S cells assembled with Co@g-C3N4/G-PP separators matched with the S/KB composites (up to ~70 wt% sulfur in the final cathode) exhibit excellent rate capability and good cyclic stability. A high specific capacity of ~860 mAh g−1 at 2.0 C as well as a capacity-fading rate of only ~0.035% per cycle over 350 cycles at 0.5 C can be achieved. This bifunctional separator can even endow a Li-S cell at a low current density to exhibit excellent cycling capability, with a capacity retention rate of ~88.4% at 0.2 C over 250 cycles. Furthermore, a Li-S cell with a Co@g-C3N4/G-PP separator possesses a stable specific capacity of 785 mAh g−1 at 0.2 C after 150 cycles and a superior capacity retention rate of ~84.6% with a high sulfur loading of ~3.0 mg cm−2. This effective polysulfide-confined separator holds good promise for promoting the further development of high-energy-density Li-S batteries.
Enhanced Catalytic Activity of TEMPO-Mediated Aerobic Oxidation of Alcohols via Redox-Active Metal–Organic Framework Nodes
Authors: Wang Bing , Zhang Junjie , Xue Yun , Chong Yuliang , Zhao Dongdong , Cheng Hu , Tian Liangliang , Zhuang Jinliang
Published: January 2023

Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) are outstanding platforms for heterogeneous catalysis due to their tunable pore size, huge surface area, large porosity, and potential active sites. The design and synthesis of MOF/organocatalyst co-catalytic systems have attracted considerable interest owing to their high catalytic activity, low toxicity, and mild reaction conditions. Herein, we reported the synthesis of a bifunctional TEMPO-IsoNTA organocatalyst featuring a pyridyl group as an anchoring site and a TEMPO radical as a catalytic active site. By using the topologically isomorphic structures of MIL-101(Fe) and MIL-101(Cr) as co-catalysts, these MOF/TEMPO-IsoNTA systems enable the efficient aerobic oxidation of various alcohols to their corresponding aldehydes or ketones under mild conditions. Notably, the MIL-101(Fe)/TEMPO-IsoNTA system exhibits superior catalytic activity, thanks to their redox-active FeIII-oxo nodes, which facilitate the regeneration of TEMPO-IsoNTA. Our research not only solves the problem of potential heavy metal contamination in the TEMPO-based homogeneous catalytic system, but also enriches the understanding of synergism of MOFs/organocatalysts.
In Silico and In Vitro Study of Janus Kinases Inhibitors from Naphthoquinones
Authors: Sanachai Kamonpan , Mahalapbutr Panupong , Tabtimmai Lueacha , Seetaha Supaphorn , Kaekratoke Nantawat , Chamni Supakarn , Azam Syed Sikander , Choowongkomon Kiattawee , Rungrotmongkol Thanyada
Published: January 2023

Janus kinases (JAKs) are involved in numerous cellular signaling processes related to immune cell functions. JAK2 and JAK3 are associated with the pathogenesis of leukemia and common lymphoid-derived illnesses. JAK2/3 inhibitors could reduce the risk of various diseases by targeting this pathway. Herein, the naphthoquinones were experimentally and theoretically investigated to identify novel JAK2/3 inhibitors. Napabucasin and 2′-methyl napabucasin exhibited potent cell growth inhibition in TF1 (IC50 = 9.57 and 18.10 μM) and HEL (IC50 = 3.31 and 6.65 μM) erythroleukemia cell lines, and they significantly inhibited JAK2/3 kinase activity (in a nanomolar range) better than the known JAK inhibitor, tofacitinib. Flow cytometric analysis revealed that these two compounds induced apoptosis in TF1 cells in a time and dose-dependent manner. From the molecular dynamics study, both compounds formed hydrogen bonds with Y931 and L932 residues and hydrophobically contacted with the conserved hinge region, G loop, and catalytic loop of the JAK2. Our obtained results suggested that napabucasin and its methylated analog were potential candidates for further development of novel anticancer drug targeting JAKs.
Leaky Gut and the Ingredients That Help Treat It: A Review
Authors: Aleman Ricardo Santos , Moncada Marvin , Aryana Kayanush J.
Published: January 2023

The human body is in daily contact with potentially toxic and infectious substances in the gastrointestinal tract (GIT). The GIT has the most significant load of antigens. The GIT can protect the intestinal integrity by allowing the passage of beneficial agents and blocking the path of harmful substances. Under normal conditions, a healthy intestinal barrier prevents toxic elements from entering the blood stream. However, factors such as stress, an unhealthy diet, excessive alcohol, antibiotics, and drug consumption can compromise the composition of the intestinal microbiota and the homeostasis of the intestinal barrier function of the intestine, leading to increased intestinal permeability. Intestinal hyperpermeability can allow the entry of harmful agents through the junctions of the intestinal epithelium, which pass into the bloodstream and affect various organs and systems. Thus, leaky gut syndrome and intestinal barrier dysfunction are associated with intestinal diseases, such as inflammatory bowel disease and irritable bowel syndrome, as well as extra-intestinal diseases, including heart diseases, obesity, type 1 diabetes mellitus, and celiac disease. Given the relationship between intestinal permeability and numerous conditions, it is convenient to seek an excellent strategy to avoid or reduce the increase in intestinal permeability. The impact of dietary nutrients on barrier function can be crucial for designing new strategies for patients with the pathogenesis of leaky gut-related diseases associated with epithelial barrier dysfunctions. In this review article, the role of functional ingredients is suggested as mediators of leaky gut-related disorders.
Thiophenium Salts as New Oxidant for Redox Polymerization under Mild- and Low-Toxicity Conditions
Authors: Barrat Alexis , Simon Frédéric , Mazajczyk Jérôme , Charriere Bruno , Fouquay Stéphane , Lalevee Jacques
Published: January 2023

In mild conditions (under air, room temperature, no monomer purification and without any energy activation), redox free radical polymerization (RFRP) is considered as one of the most effective methods to polymerize (meth)acrylate monomers. In the past several years, there has been a growing interest in research on the development of new redox initiating systems (RISs), thanks mainly to the evolution of toxicity labeling and the stability issue of the current RIS based on peroxide and aromatic amine. In this study, a new, low-toxicity RIS based on thiophenium salt as the oxidant species is presented with various reductive species. The reactivity and the stability of the proposed RISs are investigated and the synthesis of new thiophenium salts reported.
Recent Advances on Small-Molecule Antagonists Targeting TLR7
Authors: Zheng Haoyang , Wu Peiyang , Bonnet Pierre-Antoine
Published: January 2023

Toll-like receptor 7 (TLR7) is a class of pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) recognizing the pathogen-associated elements and damage and as such is a major player in the innate immune system. TLR7 triggers the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines or type-I interferons (IFN), which is essential for immunoregulation. Increasing reports also highlight that the abnormal activation of endosomal TLR7 is implicated in various immune-related diseases, carcinogenesis as well as the proliferation of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Hence, the design and development of potent and selective TLR7 antagonists based on small molecules or oligonucleotides may offer new tools for the prevention and management of such diseases. In this review, we offer an updated overview of the main structural features and therapeutic potential of small-molecule antagonists of TLR7. Various heterocyclic scaffolds targeting TLR7 binding sites are presented: pyrazoloquinoxaline, quinazoline, purine, imidazopyridine, pyridone, benzanilide, pyrazolopyrimidine/pyridine, benzoxazole, indazole, indole, and quinoline. Additionally, their structure-activity relationships (SAR) studies associated with biological activities and protein binding modes are introduced.
Applications of Capillary Electrophoresis for the Determination of Cannabinoids in Different Matrices
Authors: Blebea Nicoleta Mirela , Hancu Gabriel , Vlad Robert Alexandru , Pricopie Andreea
Published: January 2023

Cannabinoids, terpenophenolic chemicals found only in cannabis, are primarily responsible for cannabis pharmacologic effects; nearly 150 distinct cannabinoids have been identified thus far. Among these, the main psychoactive molecule, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), and the non-psychoactive counterpart, cannabidiol (CBD) are distinguishable. In the past decade, a CBD-containing pharmaceutical preparation was approved by Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of drug-resistant epileptic seizures in children, and research trials for a variety of additional medical conditions for which CBD has been suggested as a therapy are being conducted. Additionally, the number of “CBD-containing” dietary supplements, largely available online, is increasing rapidly. Consequently, the necessity for the development of qualitative and quantitative methodologies for the analysis of the bioactive components of Cannabis is rising because of the increase in the production of therapeutic cannabis products. One of the analytical methods with good potential in cannabinoids analysis is capillary electrophoresis (CE). It has advantages related to high separation efficiency, relatively short analysis time, and the small consumption of analytes and reagents which generates relatively lower operational costs than other methods. This review focuses on the use of CE techniques to examine biological matrices and plant materials for the presence of cannabinoids and other bioactive compounds found in cannabis. The advantages, drawbacks, and applicability of the various electromigration approaches are also assessed. The article provides an overview of the “state of the art” and the latest trends in CE-based methods for the determination of cannabinoids.
Removal of Chromium Species by Adsorption: Fundamental Principles, Newly Developed Adsorbents and Future Perspectives
Authors: Liu Bo , Xin Ya-Nan , Zou Jiao , Khoso Fazal , Liu Yi-Ping , Jiang Xin-Yu , Peng Sui , Yu Jin-Gang
Published: January 2023

Emerging chromium (Cr) species have attracted increasing concern. A majority of Cr species, especially hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)), could lead to lethal effects on human beings, animals, and aquatic lives even at low concentrations. One of the conventional water-treatment methodologies, adsorption, could remove these toxic Cr species efficiently. Additionally, adsorption possesses many advantages, such as being cost-saving, easy to implement, highly efficient and facile to design. Previous research has shown that the application of different adsorbents, such as carbon nanotubes (carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and graphene oxide (GO) and its derivatives), activated carbons (ACs), biochars (BCs), metal-based composites, polymers and others, is being used for Cr species removal from contaminated water and wastewater. The research progress and application of adsorption for Cr removal in recent years are reviewed, the mechanisms of adsorption are also discussed and the development trend of Cr treatment by adsorption is proposed.
Napyradiomycin A4 and Its Relate Compounds, a New Anti-PRV Agent and Their Antibacterial Activities, from Streptomyces kebangsaanensis WS-68302
Authors: Zhang Yani , Fang Wei , Wang Kaimei , Zhang Zhigang , Wu Zhaoyuan , Shi Liqiao , Liu Fang , Wan Zhongyi , Liu Manli
Published: January 2023

Two new napyradiomycins derivatives, napyradiomycin A4 (1) and A80915 H (2), along with five known ones, were isolated from the ethyl acetate extract of fermentation culture of Streptomyces kebangsaanensis WS-68302. Their structures were elucidated by extensive spectroscopic analysis, including HR-MS, 1D and 2D NMR, CD spectrum, as well as comparison with literature data. Compound 1 exhibited significant antiviral activity against PRV (Pseudorabies virus) with an IC50 value of 2.056 μM and therapeutic ratio at 14.98, suggesting that it might have potential for development of an antiviral agent. Moreover, compound 1 displayed the strongest inhibition against PRV protein among the tested napyradiomycins in the indirect immunofuorescence assay. Compounds 3 and 4 showed higher activities against swine pathogenic Streptococcus suis than the positive control penicillin G sodium salt, with MIC values of 3.125 and 6.25 μg/mL, respectively. Compounds 1 and 3–6 exhibited moderate antibacterial activity against the swine pathogenic Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae, with MIC values ranging from 25 to 50 μg/mL.
Isosarcophytoxide Derivatives with a 2,5-Dihydrofuran Moiety from the Soft Coral Sarcophyton cinereum
Authors: Chao Chih-Hua , Wu Yuan-Jhong , Huang Tzu-Yin , Tai Chi-Jen , Chen Yi-Ju , Huang Chiung-Yao , Lin Chi-Chien , Dai Chang-Feng , Huang Hui-Chi , Sheu Jyh-Horng
Published: January 2023

The present chemical investigation on the organic extract of the soft coral Sarcophyton cinereum has contributed to the isolation of four new cembranoids: 16β- and 16α-hydroperoxyisosarcophytoxides (1 and 2), 16β- and 16α-methoxyisosarcophytoxides (3 and 4), and a known cembranoid, lobocrasol (5). The structures of all isolates were elucidated by detailed spectroscopic analysis. Their structures were characterized by a 2,5-dihydrofuran moiety, of which the relative configuration was determined by DU8-based calculation for long-range coupling constants (4JH,H). The cytotoxicity and immunosuppressive activities of all isolates were evaluated in this study.
Effect of Steam Flash-Explosion on Physicochemical Properties and Structure of High-Temperature Denatured Defatted Rice Bran Protein Isolate
Authors: Na Zhiguo , Bi Haixin , Wang Yingbin , Guo Yujuan , Ma Yongqiang
Published: January 2023

The effects of Steam Flash-Explosion (SFE) on the physicochemical properties and molecular structure of high-temperature denatured defatted rice bran protein isolate (RBPI) were investigated. The mechanism of SFE treatment on high-temperature denatured defatted RBPI was revealed. The analysis of the physical and chemical properties of RBPI showed that the surface hydrophobicity, characteristic viscosity, and thermal stability of rice bran protein isolate were significantly affected by the pressure of saturated steam and pressure holding time. Under the conditions of 2.1 MPa and 210 s, the surface hydrophobicity index decreased significantly from 137.5 to 17.5, and the characteristic viscosity increased significantly. The peak temperature of denaturation decreases from 114.2 to 106.7 °C, and the enthalpy of denaturation decreases from 356.3 to 231.4 J/g. The higher structure (circular dichroic spectrum and endogenous fluorescence spectrum) of rice bran protein isolate was analyzed by volume rejection chromatography (SEC). The results showed that steam flash treatment could depolymerize and aggregate RBPI, and the relative molecular weight distribution changed greatly. The decrease in small molecules with poor solubility was accompanied by the increase in macromolecules (>550 kDa) soluble aggregates, which were the products of a Maillard reaction. The contents of free sulfhydryl and disulfide bonds in high-temperature rice bran meal protein isolate were significantly increased, which resulted in the increase in soluble aggregates containing disulfide bonds. Circular dichroism (CD) analysis showed that the α-helix content of the isolated protein was significantly decreased, the random curl content was increased, and the secondary structure of the isolated protein changed from order to disorder. The results of endogenous fluorescence spectroscopy showed that the high-temperature rice bran meal protein isolate was more extended, tryptophan was in a more hydrophilic microenvironment, the fluorescence intensity was reduced, and the tertiary structure was changed. In addition, the mean particle size and net surface charge of protein isolate increased in the aqueous solution, which was conducive to the development of the functional properties of the protein.