bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genome-Scale Metabolic Modeling Reveals Sequential Dysregulation of Glutathione Metabolism in Livers from Patients with Alcoholic Hepatitis
Authors: Manchel Alexandra , Mahadevan Radhakrishnan , Bataller Ramon , Hoek Jan B. , Vadigepalli Rajanikanth
Published: November 2022

Alcoholic hepatitis (AH) is the most severe form of alcoholic liver disease for which there is no efficacious treatment aiding most patients. AH manifests differently in individuals, with some patients showing debilitating symptoms more so than others. Previous studies showed significant metabolic dysregulation associated with AH. Therefore, we sought to analyze how the activity of metabolic pathways differed in the liver of patients with varying degrees of AH severity. We utilized a genome-scale metabolic modeling approach that allowed for integration of a generic human cellular metabolic model with specific RNA-seq data corresponding to healthy and multiple liver disease states to predict the metabolic fluxes within each disease state. Additionally, we performed a systems-level analysis of the transcriptomic data and predicted metabolic flux data to identify the regulatory and functional differences in liver metabolism with increasing severity of AH. Our results provide unique insights into the sequential dysregulation of the solute transport mechanisms underlying the glutathione metabolic pathway with increasing AH disease severity. We propose targeting of the solute transporters in the glutathione pathway to mimic the flux activity of the healthy liver state as a potential therapeutic intervention for AH.
Cyclic Voltammetric-Paper-Based Genosensor for Detection of the Target DNA of Zika Virus
Authors: Bishoyi Anirudh , Alam Md. Anish , Hasan Mohd. Rahil , Khanuja Manika , Pilloton Roberto , Narang Jagriti
Published: November 2022

Zika virus (ZIKV), a positive-sense single-stranded RNA virus, has been declared as the cause of a ‘worldwide public health emergency’ by the WHO since the year 2016. In cases of acute infections, it has been found to cause Guillain–Barre syndrome and microcephaly. Considering the tropical occurrence of the infections, and the absence of any proper treatments, accurate and timely diagnosis is the only way to control this infectious disease. Currently, there are many diagnostic methods under investigation by the scientific community, but they have some major limitations, such as high cost, low specificity, and poor sensitivity. To overcome these limitations, we have presented a low-cost, simple-to-operate, and portable diagnosis system for its detection by utilizing silver nanoparticles. silver nanoparticles were synthesized via chemical methods and characterization was confirmed by UV/TEM and XRD. The paper platform was synthesized using a graphene-based conductive ink, methylene blue as the redox indicator, and a portable potentiostat to perform the cyclic voltammetry to ensure true point-of-care availability for patients in remote areas.
Mineralogical and Sedimentological Characterization of the Clay-Rich Sediments from Ases Cave (Cova Dets Ases, Mallorca, Spain): Origin and Classification
Authors: Entrena Ana , Fornós Joan J. , Auqué Luis F. , Gràcia Francesc , Laita Elisa
Published: November 2022

The Mallorca coastal caves present large amounts of speleothems that have been studied for decades. However, the sedimentary deposits also present in these cases have not been given the same attention. This work is the first study entirely focused on these deposits, specifically the ones found in the Ases cave. These deposits are formed by clay minerals (illitic phases, kaolinite, smectite, and chlorite), calcite and quartz, and minor proportions of dolomite, albite, orthoclase, hematite, and goethite. The grain size and the electron microscopy studies suggested the presence of different sedimentation processes (bedrock degradation, creep or saltation, and suspension) and different origins (authigenic and detrital origins) for the different sediments. Based on these differences, two types of deposits were characterized: autochthonous and allochthonous deposits. The first ones are located on the floor of chambers and corridors in subaqueous zones, indicating the stability of the mixing zone (and therefore the sea level) over time. The second ones appear filling voids on the walls and the ceiling in the terrestrial zone, evidencing the filling of the cavity in the presence of water (during a wet period). These results are very important to complete the understanding of the caves and their evolution and support the relevance of these materials in paleoenvironmental studies.
Metabolomic Profiling, Antioxidant and Enzyme Inhibition Properties and Molecular Docking Analysis of Antarctic Lichens
Authors: Torres-Benítez Alfredo , Ortega-Valencia José Erick , Sanchez Marta , Divakar Pradeep Kumar , Simirgiotis Mario J. , Gómez-Serranillos María Pilar
Published: November 2022

The lichen species Lecania brialmontii, Pseudephebe pubescens, and Sphaerophorus globosus are part of the prominent lichenoflora of the Antarctic territory. In this work, we report the metabolomic identification of ethanolic extracts of these species, their antioxidant and cholinesterase enzyme inhibitory activity, and conduct a molecular docking analysis with typical compounds. Eighteen compounds were identified by UHPLC-ESI-QTOF-MS in L. brialmontii, 18 compounds in P. pubescens, and 14 compounds in S. globosus. The content of phenolic compounds was variable among the species, ranging from 0.279 to 2.821 mg AG/g, and all three species showed high inhibition potential on the cholinesterase enzymes. Molecular docking showed important interactions between AChE and BChE with the selected compounds. This study evidences the chemical fingerprint of three species of the order Lecanorales that support the continuation of the study of other biological activities and their potential for medical research.
pH as a Key Factor for the Quality Assurance of the Preparation of Gastrodiae Rhizoma Formula Granules
Authors: Xie Shuting , Min Ke , Li Hai , Wang Ying , Liu Mincong , Ma Ming , Zhou Desheng , Tu Haijun , Chen Bo
Published: November 2022

Gastrodiae rhizoma (GR) formula granules and preparations have been used as a popular traditional Chinese medicine for clinical treatment since they have good pharmacological activity to treat nervous system diseases. Gastrodin and parishins have been the main active components in aqueous extracts for GR formula granules, but their pharmacological activities and metabolism are different. For quality control of the extracts, the extraction conditions should be investigated to accurately control the contents of two kinds of components. In this paper, the transfer rate of six index components (including gastrodin, p-hydroxybenzyl alcohol, parishin A, parishin B, parishin C, and parishin E) obtained by HPLC were used as indicators to investigate the effect of pH on the GR extraction process. The results demonstrated that pH is a key factor for preventing transforming parishins into gastrodin and maintaining high content of parishins in the extracts. It can be concluded that the weak acid environment could improve the transfer rate of parishins, thus ensuring the gastrodin and parishins consistency between GR raw materials and its aqueous extracts. Therefore, pH is an essential condition for accurate quality control of the extracts.
Two Theorems and Important Insight on How the Preferred Mechanism of Free Radical Scavenging Cannot Be Settled. Comment on Pandithavidana, D.R.; Jayawardana, S.B. Comparative Study of Antioxidant Potential of Selected Dietary Vitamins; Computational Insights. Molecules 2019, 24, 1646
Authors: Bâldea Ioan
Published: November 2022

Totally ignoring that the five enthalpies of reaction—bond dissociation enthalpy (BDE), adiabatic ionization potential (IP), proton dissociation enthalpy (PDE), proton affinity (PA), and electron transfer enthalpy (ETE)—characterizing the three free radical scavenging mechanisms—direct hydrogen atom transfer (HAT), sequential electron transfer proton transfer (SET-PT), and stepwise proton loss electron transfer (SPLET)—are not independent of each other, a recent publication on the antioxidant activity of dietary vitamins compared various vitamins and “found” different quantities, which should be strictly equal by virtue of energy conservation. Aiming to clarify this point, as well as to avoid such mistakes in future studies and to unravel errors in the previous literature, in the present paper we formulate two theorems that any sound results on antioxidation should obey. The first theorem states that the sums of the enthalpies characterizing the individual steps of SET-PT and SPLET are equal: IP+PDE = PA+ETE (=H2). This is a mathematical identity emerging from the fact that both the reactants and the final products of SET-PT and SPLET are chemically identical. The second theorem, which is also a mathematical identity, states that H2 − BDE = IPH > 0, where IPH is the ionization potential of the H-atom in the medium (e.g., gas or solvent) considered. Due to their general character, these theorems may/should serve as necessary sanity tests for any results on antioxidant activity, whatever the method employed in their derivation. From a more general perspective, they should represent a serious word of caution regarding attempts to assign the preferred free radical scavenging pathway based merely on thermochemical descriptors.
Neuropeptides, New Ligands of SARS-CoV-2 Nucleoprotein, a Potential Link between Replication, Inflammation and Neurotransmission
Authors: Henri Julien , Minder Laetitia , Mohanasundaram Kevin , Dilly Sébastien , Goupil-Lamy Anne , Di Primo Carmelo , Slama Schwok Anny
Published: November 2022

This work identifies new ligands of the nucleoprotein N of SARS-CoV-2 by in silico screening, which used a new model of N, built from an Alphafold model refined by molecular dynamic simulations. The ligands were neuropeptides, such as substance P (1-7) and enkephalin, bound at a large site of the C-terminal or associated with the N-terminal β−sheet. The BA4 and BA5 Omicron variants of N also exhibited a large site as in wt N, and an increased flexibility of the BA5 variant, enabling substance P binding. The binding sites of some ligands deduced from modeling in wt N were assessed by mutation studies in surface plasmon resonance experiments. Dynamic light scattering showed that the ligands impeded RNA binding to N, which likely inhibited replication. We suggest that the physiological role of these neuropeptides in neurotransmission, pain and vasodilation for cholecystokinin and substance P could be altered by binding to N. We speculate that N may link between viral replication and multiple pathways leading to long COVID-19 symptoms. Therefore, N may constitute a “danger hub” that needs to be inhibited, even at high cost for the host. Antivirals targeted to N may therefore reduce the risk of brain fog and stroke, and improve patients’ health.
Identification of Antidiabetic Compounds from the Aqueous Extract of Sclerocarya birrea Leaves
Authors: Maharaj Vinesh , Ezeofor Chidinma Christiana , Naidoo Maharaj Dashnie , Muller Christo J. F. , Obonye Nnini Jennifer
Published: November 2022

Diabetes, a prevalent metabolic condition with a wide range of complications, is fast becoming a global health crisis. Herbal medicine and enhanced extracts are some of the therapeutic options used in the management of diabetes mellitus. The plant-derived molecules and their suitable structure modification have given many leads or drugs to the world such as metformin used as an antidiabetic drug. The stem extract of Sclerocarya birrea has been reported as a potent antidiabetic (glucose uptake) agent. However, the bioactive compounds have not been reported from S. birrea for treatment of diabetes. In this study, the spray-dried aqueous leaf extracts of S. birrea were investigated as an antidiabetic agent using a 2-deoxy-glucose (2DG) technique showing good stimulatory effect on glucose uptake in differentiated C2C12 myocytes with % 2DG uptake ranging from 110–180% that was comparable to the positive control insulin. Three compounds were isolated and identified using bioassay-guided fractionation of the spray-dried aqueous extract of S. birrea leaves: myricetin (1), myricetin-3-O-β-D-glucuronide (2) and quercetin-3-O-β-D-glucuronide (3). Their chemical structures were determined using NMR and mass spectrometric analyses, as well as a comparison of experimentally obtained data to those reported in the literature. The isolated compounds (1–3) were studied for their stimulatory actions on glucose uptake in differentiated C2C12 myocytes. The three compounds (1, 2 and 3) showed stimulatory effects on the uptake of 2DG in C2C12 myocytes with % 2DG uptake ranging from 43.9–109.1% that was better compared to the positive control insulin. Additionally, this is the first report of the flavonoid glycosides (myricetin-3-O-β-D-glucuronide) for antidiabetic activity and they are the main bioactive compound in the extract responsible for the antidiabetic activity. This result suggests that the S. birrea leaves have the potential to be developed for treatment of diabetes.
Fractionation and Extraction Optimization of Potentially Valuable Compounds and Their Profiling in Six Varieties of Two Nicotiana Species
Authors: Laszlo Csaba , Kaminski Kacper , Guan Haifeng , Fatarova Maria , Wei Jianbing , Bergounioux Alexandre , Schlage Walter K. , Schorderet-Weber Sandra , Guy Philippe A. , Ivanov Nikolai V. , Lamottke Kai , Hoeng Julia
Published: November 2022

There is an increasingly urgent call to shift industrial processes from fossil fuel feedstock to sustainable bio-based resources. This change becomes of high importance considering new budget requirements for a carbon-neutral economy. Such a transformation can be driven by traditionally used plants that are able to produce large amounts of valuable biologically relevant secondary metabolites. Tobacco plants can play a leading role in providing value-added products in remote areas of the world. In this study, we propose a non-exhaustive list of compounds with potential economic interest that can be sourced from the tobacco plant. In order to optimize extraction methodologies, we first analyzed their physico-chemical properties using rapid solubility tests and high-resolution microfractionation techniques. Next, to identify an optimal extraction for a selected list of compounds, we compared 13 different extraction method–solvent combinations. We proceeded with profiling some of these compounds in a total of six varieties from Nicotiana tabacum and Nicotiana rustica species, identifying the optimal variety for each. The estimated expected yields for each of these compounds demonstrate that tobacco plants can be a superior source of valuable compounds with diverse applications beyond nicotine. Among the most interesting results, we found high variability of anatabine content between species and varieties, ranging from 287 to 1699 µg/g. In addition, we found that CGA (1305 µg/g) and rutin (7910 µg/g) content are orders of magnitude lower in the Burley variety as compared to all others.
Synthesis, In Silico and In Vivo Toxicity Assessment of Functionalized Pyridophenanthridinones via Sequential MW-Assisted Intramolecular Friedel-Crafts Alkylation and Direct C–H Arylation
Authors: Ortiz Villamizar Marlyn C. , Puerto Galvis Carlos E. , Pedraza Rodríguez Silvia A. , Zubkov Fedor I. , Kouznetsov Vladimir V.
Published: November 2022

A rapid, efficient, and original synthesis of novel pyrido[3,2,1-de]phenanthridin-6-ones is reported. First, the key cinnamamide intermediates 8a–f were easily prepared from commercial substituted anilines, cinnamic acid, and 2-bromobenzylbromide in a tandem amidation and N-alkylation protocol. Then, these N-aryl-N-(2-bromobenzyl) cinnamamides 8a–f were subjected to a TFA-mediated intramolecular Friedel-Crafts alkylation followed by a Pd-catalyzed direct C–H arylation to obtain a series of potentially bioactive 4-phenyl-4,5-dihydro-6H,8H-pyrido[3,2,1-de]phenanthridin-6-one derivatives 4a–f in good yields. Finally, the toxicological profile of the prepared final compounds, including their corresponding intermediates, was explored through in silico computational methods, while the acute toxicity toward zebrafish embryos (96 hpf-LC50, 50% lethal concentration) was also determined in the present study.
Beyond Traditional Use of Alchemilla vulgaris: Genoprotective and Antitumor Activity In Vitro
Authors: Jelača Sanja , Dajić-Stevanović Zora , Vuković Nenad , Kolašinac Stefan , Trendafilova Antoaneta , Nedialkov Paraskev , Stanković Miroslava , Tanić Nasta , Tanić Nikola T. , Acović Aleksandar , Mijatović Sanja , Maksimović-Ivanić Danijela
Published: November 2022

Alchemilla vulgaris L. (lady’s mantle) was used for centuries in Europe and Balkan countries for treatments of numerous conditions and diseases of the reproductive system, yet some of the biological activities of lady’s mantle have been poorly studied and neglected. The present study aimed to estimate the potential of A. vulgaris ethanolic extract from Southeast Serbia to prevent and suppress tumor development in vitro, validated by antioxidant, genoprotective, and cytotoxic properties. A total of 45 compounds were detected by UHPLC–HRMS analysis in A. vulgaris ethanolic extract. Measurement of antioxidant activity revealed the significant potential of the tested extract to scavenge free radicals. In addition, the analysis of micronuclei showed an in vitro protective effect on chromosome aberrations in peripheral human lymphocytes. A. vulgaris extract strongly suppressed the growth of human cell lines derived from different types of tumors (MCF-7, A375, A549, and HCT116). The observed antitumor effect is realized through the blockade of cell division, caspase-dependent apoptosis, and autophagic cell death. Our study has shown that Alchemilla vulgaris L. is a valuable source of bioactive compounds able to protect the subcellular structure from damage, thus preventing tumorigenesis as well as suppressing tumor cell growth.
Cyclo- and Polyphosphazenes for Biomedical Applications
Authors: Casella Girolamo , Carlotto Silvia , Lanero Francesco , Mozzon Mirto , Sgarbossa Paolo , Bertani Roberta
Published: November 2022

Cyclic and polyphosphazenes are extremely interesting and versatile substrates characterized by the presence of -P=N- repeating units. The chlorine atoms on the P atoms in the starting materials can be easily substituted with a variety of organic substituents, thus giving rise to a huge number of new materials for industrial applications. Their properties can be designed considering the number of repetitive units and the nature of the substituent groups, opening up to a number of peculiar properties, including the ability to give rise to supramolecular arrangements. We focused our attention on the extensive scientific literature concerning their biomedical applications: as antimicrobial agents in drug delivery, as immunoadjuvants in tissue engineering, in innovative anticancer therapies, and treatments for cardiovascular diseases. The promising perspectives for their biomedical use rise from the opportunity to combine the benefits of the inorganic backbone and the wide variety of organic side groups that can lead to the formation of nanoparticles, polymersomes, or scaffolds for cell proliferation. In this review, some aspects of the preparation of phosphazene-based systems and their characterization, together with some of the most relevant chemical strategies to obtain biomaterials, have been described.
The Ultratrace Determination of Fluoroquinolones in River Water Samples by an Online Solid-Phase Extraction Method Using a Molecularly Imprinted Polymer as a Selective Sorbent
Authors: Baeza A. N. , Urriza-Arsuaga Idoia , Navarro-Villoslada F. , Urraca Javier L.
Published: November 2022

Fluoroquinolones (FQs) are broad-spectrum antibiotics widely used to treat animal and human infections. The use of FQs in these activities has increased the presence of antibiotics in wastewater and food, triggering antimicrobial resistance, which has severe consequences for human health. The detection of antibiotics residues in water and food samples has attracted much attention. Herein, we report the development of a highly sensitive online solid-phase extraction methodology based on a selective molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) and fluorescent detection (HPLC-FLD) for the determination of FQs in water at low ng L−1 level concentration. Under the optimal conditions, good linearity was obtained ranging from 0.7 to 666 ng L−1 for 7 FQs, achieving limits of detection (LOD) in the low ng L−1 level and excellent precision. Recoveries ranged between 54 and 118% (RSD < 17%) for all the FQs tested. The method was applied to determining FQs in river water. These results demonstrated that the developed method is highly sensitive and selective.
Size-Dependent Superconducting Properties of In Nanowire Arrays
Authors: Noyan Alexey A. , Ovchenkov Yevgeniy A. , Ryazanov Valery V. , Golovchanskiy Igor A. , Stolyarov Vasily S. , Levin Eduard E. , Napolskii Kirill S.
Published: November 2022

Arrays of superconducting nanowires may be useful as elements of novel nanoelectronic devices. The superconducting properties of nanowires differ significantly from the properties of bulk structures. For instance, different vortex configurations of the magnetic field have previously been predicted for nanowires with different diameters. In the present study, arrays of parallel superconducting In nanowires with the diameters of 45 nm, 200 nm, and 550 nm—the same order of magnitude as coherence length ξ—were fabricated by templated electrodeposition. Values of magnetic moment M of the samples were measured as a function of magnetic field H and temperature T in axial and transverse fields. M(H) curves for the arrays of nanowires with 45 nm and 200 nm diameters are reversible, whereas magnetization curves for the array of nanowires with 550 nm diameter have several feature points and show a significant difference between increasing and decreasing field branches. Critical fields increase with a decrease in diameter, and the thinnest nanowires exceed bulk critical fields by 20 times. The qualitative change indicates that magnetic field configurations are different in the nanowires with different diameters. Variation of M(H) slope in small fields, heat capacity, and the magnetic field penetration depth with the temperature were measured. Superconductivity in In nanowires is proven to exist above the bulk critical temperature.
Stable Configurations of DOXH Interacting with Graphene: Heuristic Algorithm Approach Using NSGA-II and U-NSGA-III
Authors: Sumetpipat Kanes , Baowan Duangkamon
Published: November 2022

Nanoparticles in drug delivery have been widely studied and have become a potential technique for cancer treatment. Doxorubicin (DOX) and carbon graphene are candidates as a drug and a nanocarrier, respectively, and they can be modified or decorated by other molecular functions to obtain more controllable and stable systems. A number of researchers focus on investigating the energy, atomic distance, bond length, system formation and their properties using density function theory and molecular dynamic simulation. In this study, we propose metaheuristic optimization algorithms, NSGA-II and U-NSGA-III, to find the interaction energy between DOXH molecules and pristine graphene in three systems: (i) interacting between two DOXHs, (ii) one DOXH interacting with graphene and (iii) two DOXHs interacting with graphene. The result shows that the position of the carbon ring plane of DOXH is noticeably a key factor of stability. In the first system, there are three possible, stable configurations where their carbon ring planes are oppositely parallel, overlapping and perpendicular. In the second system, the most stable configuration is the parallel form between the DOXH carbon ring plane and graphene, and the spacing distance from the closest atom on the DOXH to the graphene is 2.57 Å. In the last system, two stable configurations are formed, where carbon ring planes from the two DOXHs lie either in the opposite direction or in the same direction and are parallel to the graphene sheet. All numerical results show good agreement with other studies.
Modification of Frictional Properties of Hydrogel Surface via Laser Ablated Topographical Micro-Textures
Authors: Zhou Zhuangzhuang , Chu Yihang , Hou Zhishan , Zhou Xiaopeng , Cao Yu
Published: November 2022

Hydrogels and biological cartilage tissues are highly similar in structure and composition due to their unique characteristics such as high-water content and low friction coefficients. The introduction of hydrogel cartilage can effectively reduce the friction coefficient and wear coefficient of the original bone joint and the implanted metal bone joint (generally titanium alloy or stainless steel), which is considered as a perfect replacement material for artificial articular cartilage. How to accurately regulate the local tribological characteristics of hydrogel artificial cartilage according to patient weight and bone shape is one of the important challenges in the current clinical application field of medical hydrogels. In this study, the mechanism by which micro-pits improve the surface friction properties was studied. Ultraviolet lasers were used to efficiently construct micro-pits with different shapes on a polyvinyl alcohol hydrogel in one step. It was shown that by using such a maskless laser processing, the performance of each part of the artificial cartilage can be customized flexibly and effectively. We envision that the approach demonstrated in this article will provide an important idea for the development of a high-performance, continuous and accurate method for controlling surface friction properties of artificial cartilage.
Insights into Photocatalytic Degradation Pathways and Mechanism of Tetracycline by an Efficient Z-Scheme NiFe-LDH/CTF-1 Heterojunction
Authors: Zhang Jinpeng , Chen Xiaoping , Chen Qiaoshan , He Yunhui , Pan Min , Huang Guocheng , Bi Jinhong
Published: November 2022

Photocatalysis offers a sustainable approach for recalcitrant organic pollutants degradation, yet it is still challenging to seek robust photocatalysts for application purposes. Herein, a novel NiFe layered double hydroxide (LDH)/covalent triazine framework (CTF-1) Z-scheme heterojunction photocatalyst was rationally designed for antibiotics degradation under visible light irradiation. The NiFe-LDH/CTF-1 nanocomposites were readily obtained via in situ loading of NiFe-LDH on CTF-1 through covalent linking. The abundant coupling interfaces between two semiconductor counterparts lay the foundation for the formation of Z-scheme heterostructure, thereby effectively promoting the transfer of photogenerated electrons, inhibiting the recombination of carriers, as well as conferring the nanocomposites with stronger redox ability. Consequently, the optimal photocatalytic activity of the LDH/CTF heterojunction was significantly boosted for the degradation of a typical antibiotic, tetracycline (TC). Additionally, the photodegradation process and the mineralization of TC were further elucidated. These results envision that the LDH/CTF-1 can be a viable photocatalyst for long-term and sustainable wastewater treatment.
Correction: Tusup et al. Evaluation of the Interplay between the ADAR Editome and Immunotherapy in Melanoma. Non-Coding RNA 2021, 7, 5
Authors: Tusup Marina , Cheng Phil F. , Picardi Ernesto , Raziunaite Austeja , Dummer Reinhard , Levesque Mitchell P. , French Lars E. , Guenova Emmanuella , Kundig Thomas M. , Pascolo Steve
Published: November 2022

In the original article [...]
Differential Gene Expression of Subcutaneous Adipose Tissue among Lean, Obese, and after RYGB (Different Timepoints): Systematic Review and Analysis
Authors: Cruz-García Elena Marisol , Frigolet María E. , Canizales-Quinteros Samuel , Gutiérrez-Aguilar Ruth
Published: November 2022

The main roles of adipose tissue include triglycerides storage and adipokine secretion, which regulate energy balance and inflammation status. In obesity, adipocyte dysfunction leads to proinflammatory cytokine production and insulin resistance. Bariatric surgery is the most effective treatment for obesity, the gold-standard technique being Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB). Since metabolic improvements after RYGB are clear, a better understanding of adipose tissue molecular modifications could be derived from this study. Thus, the aim of this systematic review was to find differentially expressed genes in subcutaneous adipose tissue of lean, obese and post-RYGB (distinct timepoints). To address this objective, publications from 2015–2022 reporting gene expression (candidate genes or transcriptomic approach) of subcutaneous adipose tissue from lean and obese individuals before and after RGYB were searched in PubMed, Elsevier, and Springer Link. Excluded publications were reviews, studies analyzing serum, other types of tissues, or bariatric procedures. A risk-of-bias summary was created for each paper using Robvis, to finally include 17 studies. Differentially expressed genes in post-RYGB vs. obese and lean vs. obese were obtained and the intersection among these groups was used for analysis and gene classification by metabolic pathway. Results showed that the lean state as well as the post-RYGB is similar in terms of increased expression of insulin-sensitizing molecules, inducing lipogenesis over lipolysis and downregulating leukocyte activation, cytokine production and other factors that promote inflammation. Thus, massive weight loss and metabolic improvements after RYGB are accompanied by gene expression modifications reverting the “adipocyte dysfunction” phenomenon observed in obesity conditions.
Temporal Association of Total Serum Cholesterol and Pancreatic Cancer Incidence
Authors: Wang Qiao-Li , Khil Jaewon , Hong SungEun , Lee Dong Hoon , Ha Kyoung Hwa , Keum NaNa , Kim Hyeon Chang , Giovannucci Edward L.
Published: November 2022

Previous studies have suggested a “cholesterol-lowering effect” of preclinical pancreatic cancer, suggesting lower total cholesterol as a potential diagnostic marker. Leveraging repeated measurements of total cholesterol, this study aims to examine the temporal association of total cholesterol and pancreatic cancer incidence. We conducted a nested case-control study based on a Korean National Health Insurance Service–Health Screening Cohort, including 215 pancreatic cancer cases and 645 controls matched on age and sex. Conditional logistic regression was applied to estimate the odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) for the associations of pancreatic cancer incidence with total cholesterol levels across different time windows over 11 years before pancreatic cancer diagnosis (recent, mid, distant). We found that, compared to participants with total cholesterol < 200 mg/dL in the recent 3 years prior to diagnosis, those having total cholesterol ≥ 240 mg/dL showed a significantly lower pancreatic cancer incidence (OR = 0.50 (0.27–0.93)). No significant association was found in relation to total cholesterol measured in the mid and distant past. When changes in total cholesterol over the three time periods were analyzed, compared with those with total cholesterol levels consistently below 240 mg/dL over the entire period, the OR of pancreatic cancer was 0.45 (0.20–1.03) for participants with recent-onset hypercholesterolemia, 1.89 (0.95–3.75) for recent-resolved hypercholesterolemia, and 0.71 (0.30–1.66) for consistent hypercholesterolemia. In conclusion, while high total cholesterol in the recent past may indicate a lower pancreatic cancer incidence, a recent decrease in total cholesterol may suggest an elevated incidence of pancreatic cancer.
Serum Antioxidant Vitamins Mediate the Association between Periodontitis and Metabolically Unhealthy Overweight/Obesity
Authors: Li An , Tang Zhi , Zhu Peijun , van den Bosch Florien , Chen Yuntao , Xu Shulan , Tjakkes Geerten-Has E.
Published: November 2022

Background: Periodontal disease is associated with metabolic syndrome and obesity. This cross-sectional study aimed to investigate whether serum antioxidant vitamins could mediate the association between periodontitis and a metabolically unhealthy phenotype in the overweight and obese population; Methods: We included 6158 Americans (body mass index (BMI) ≥ 25 kg/m2) from the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES III). Periodontitis was defined using a half-reduced CDC/AAP (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention/American Academy of Periodontology) definition. Having two or more metabolic abnormalities was defined as a metabolically unhealthy overweight and obese (MUO) phenotype. Mediation analysis of four oxidative stress biomarkers (serum antioxidant vitamins A, C, D, and E) was conducted; Results: Of participants with overweight and obesity, 2052 (33.3%) Americans were categorized as having periodontitis. Periodontitis increased dyslipidemia risk and systemic inflammation in the overweight and obese population. In the multivariable logistic regression model, periodontitis was positively associated with MUO (adjusted odds ratio = 1.238; 95% confidence interval: 1.091 to 1.406). These findings were validated in an independent cohort. Serum vitamins C and D were estimated to mediate 19.3% and 8.4% of the periodontitis–MUO association. Conclusions: Periodontitis might decrease serum vitamins C and D and induce a metabolically unhealthy state among adults with overweight and obesity.
Perspectives on Collaboration between Physicians and Nurse Practitioners in Japan: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Igarashi Mari , Ohta Ryuichi , Nakata Akinori , Kurita Yasuo , Mitobe Yuta , Hayakawa Miho , Yamazaki Tsutomu , Gomi Harumi
Published: November 2022

Background: Nurse practitioners (NPs) are known as effective healthcare providers worldwide. In Japan, nurse practitioner adoption is considered to be in a shaky period. Although nurse practitioners were introduced approximately 10 years ago at the initiative of educational institutions in Japan, the full extent of this trend is not known. Therefore, we have clarified the whole picture of nurse practitioners from two directions: the perception of nurse practitioners in Japan and the perception of physicians who work with nurse practitioners. This will inform discussions regarding the recruitment of nurse practitioners at the national level in Japan. Methods: From 18 June to 24 July 2021, we administered a nationwide cross-sectional survey of NPs and physicians working in the same clinical settings as NPs in Japan. The domains of the survey included “scope and content of work”, “perceptions of NPs’ clinical practice”, and “individual clinical practice characteristics”. The survey was distributed and collected digitally. Results: The total number of respondents to the survey was 281, including 169 NPs and 112 physicians; the percentage of NPs who responded was 50.5%. The number of valid responses was 164 NPs and 111 physicians, for a total of 275 respondents. Approximately 60% of NPs are concentrated in Tokyo, the capital of Japan, and the three prefectures adjacent to Tokyo. They also worked fewer hours per week, cared for fewer patients per day, and earned less money than physicians. More physicians than NPs indicated that “more NPs would improve the quality of care”. A total of 90.1% of physicians and 82.3% of NPs agreed that “Nurse practitioners should practice to the full extent of their education and training,” and 73.9% of physicians and 81.7% of NPs agreed that “Nurse practitioners’ scope of practice should be uniformly defined at a national level”. Conclusions: This study clarified the present working conditions of NPs from NPs’ and physicians’ perspectives in Japanese contexts. Japanese NPs may be able to work effectively in collaboration with physicians. Therefore, the implementation of NPs in Japanese medical conditions should be discussed further for better healthcare.
Oxidative Stress-Induced Silver Nano-Carriers for Chemotherapy
Authors: Nguyen Minh Phuong , Pham Duy Phong , Kim Dukjoon
Published: November 2022

Recently, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have been extensively explored in a variety of biological applications, especially cancer treatment. AgNPs have been demonstrated to exhibit anti-tumor effects through cell apoptosis. This study intends to promote cell apoptosis further by increasing oxidative stress. AgNPs are encapsulated by biocompatible and biodegradable polyaspartamide (PA) (PA-AgNPs) that carries the anti-cancer drug Doxorubicin (Dox) to inhibit cancer cells primarily. PA-AgNPs have an average hydrodynamic diameter of 130 nm, allowing them to move flexibly within the body. PA-AgNPs show an excellent targeting capacity to cancer cells when they are conjugated to biotin. In addition, they release Dox efficiently by up to 88% in cancer environments. The DCFDA experiment demonstrates that the Dox-carried PA-AgNPs generate reactive oxidation species intensively beside 4T1 cells. The MTT experiment confirms that PA-AgNPs with Dox may strongly inhibit 4T1 cancer cells. Furthermore, the in vivo study confirms that PA-AgNPs with Dox successfully inhibit tumors, which are about four times smaller than the control group and have high biosafety that can be applied for chemotherapy.
Biochemical and Transcriptional Responses in Cold-Acclimated and Non-Acclimated Contrasting Camelina Biotypes under Freezing Stress
Authors: Soorni Jahad , Kazemitabar Seyed Kamal , Kahrizi Danial , Dehestani Ali , Bagheri Nadali , Kiss Attila , Kovács Péter Gergő , Papp István , Mirmazloum Iman
Published: November 2022

Cold-acclimated and non-acclimated contrasting Camelina (Camelina sativa L.) biotypes were investigated for changes in stress-associated biomarkers, including antioxidant enzyme activity, lipid peroxidation, protein, and proline content. In addition, a well-known freezing tolerance pathway participant known as C-repeat/DRE-binding factors (CBFs), an inducer of CBF expression (ICE1), and a cold-regulated (COR6.6) genes of the ICE-CBF-COR pathway were studied at the transcriptional level on the doubled-haploid (DH) lines. Freezing stress had significant effects on all studied parameters. The cold-acclimated DH34 (a freezing-tolerant line) showed an overall better performance under freezing stress than non-acclimated plants. The non-cold-acclimated DH08 (a frost-sensitive line) showed the highest electrolyte leakage after freezing stress. The highest activity of antioxidant enzymes (glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, and catalase) was also detected in non-acclimated plants, whereas the cold-acclimated plants showed lower enzyme activities upon stress treatment. Cold acclimation had a significantly positive effect on the total protein and proline content of stressed plants. The qRT-PCR analysis revealed significant differences in the expression and cold-inducibility of CsCBF1-3, CsICE1, and CsCOR6.6 genes among the samples of different treatments. The highest expression of all CBF genes was recorded in the non-acclimated frost-tolerant biotype after freezing stress. Interestingly a significantly higher expression of COR6.6 was detected in cold-acclimated samples of both frost-sensitive and -tolerant biotypes after freezing stress. The presented results provide more insights into freezing tolerance mechanisms in the Camelina plant from both a biochemical point of view and the expression of the associated genes.
Jewel Orchid’s Biology and Physiological Response to Aquaponic Water as a Potential Fertilizer
Authors: Chaneva Ganka , Tomov Alexander , Paunov Momchil , Hristova Viktoria , Ganeva Valentina , Mihaylova Nikolina , Anev Svetoslav , Krumov Nikolay , Yordanova Zhenya , Tsenov Boris , Vassileva Valya , Bonchev Georgi , Zhiponova Miroslava
Published: November 2022

Ludisia discolor is commonly known as a jewel orchid due to its variegated leaves. Easy maintenance of the orchid allows it to be used as a test system for various fertilizers and nutrient sources, including aquaponic water (AW). First, we applied DNA barcoding to assess the taxonomic identity of this terrestrial orchid and to construct phylogenetic trees. Next, the vegetative organs (leaf, stem, and root) were compared in terms of the level of metabolites (reducing sugars, proteins, anthocyanins, plastid pigments, phenolics, and antioxidant activity) and nutrient elements (carbon, nitrogen, sodium, and potassium), which highlighted the leaves as most functionally active organ. Subsequently, AW was used as a natural source of fish-derived nutrients, and the orchid growth was tested in hydroponics, in irrigated soil, and in an aquaponic system. Plant physiological status was evaluated by analyzing leaf anatomy and measuring chlorophyll content and chlorophyll fluorescence parameters. These results provided evidence of the beneficial effects of AW on the jewel orchid, including increased leaf formation, enhanced chlorophyll content and photosystems’ productivity, and stimulated and prolonged flowering. The information acquired in the present study could be used in addressing additional aspects of the growth and development of the jewel orchid, which is also known for its medicinal value.
The Effects of Elevated Tropospheric Ozone on Carbon Fixation and Stable Isotopic Signatures of Durum Wheat Cultivars with Different Biomass and Yield Stability
Authors: Ma Limin , Chen Chong , Cotrozzi Lorenzo , Bu Chengcheng , Luo Jiahong , Yao Guodong , Chen Guangyao , Zhang Weiwei , Nali Cristina , Lorenzini Giacomo
Published: November 2022

Tropospheric ozone (O3) enrichment caused by human activities can reduce important crop yields with huge economic loss and affect the global carbon cycle and climate change in the coming decades. In this study, two Italian cultivars of durum wheat (Claudio and Mongibello) were exposed to O3 (80 ppb, 5 h day−1 for 70 consecutive days), with the aim to investigate the changes in yield and biomass, ecophysiological traits, and stable carbon and nitrogen isotope values in plants, and to compare the stable isotope responses under environmental stressors. Both cultivars showed a relative O3 tolerance in terms of photosynthetic performance, but in cultivar Mongibello, O3 was detrimental to the grain yield and plant biomass. The δ13C values in the leaves of plants identified that the impact of O3 on CO2 fixation by RuBisCO was dominant. The δ15N value showed significant differences between treatments in both cultivars at seven days from the beginning of the exposure, which could be considered an early indicator of ozone pollution. Under increasingly frequent extreme climates globally, the relationships among stable isotope data, ecophysiological traits, and agronomic parameters could help breed future cultivars.
Effect of Rhizome Severing on Survival and Growth of Rhizomatous Herb Phragmites communis Is Regulated by Sand Burial Depth
Authors: Zhai Shanshan , Qian Jianqiang , Ma Qun , Liu Zhimin , Ba Chaoqun , Xin Zhiming , Tian Liang , Zong Lu , Liang Wei , Zhu Jinlei
Published: November 2022

Rhizome fragmentation and sand burial are common phenomena in rhizomatous clonal plants. These traits serve as an adaptive strategy for survival in stressful environments. Thus far, some studies have been carried out on the effects of rhizome fragmentation and sand burial, but how the interaction between rhizome fragmentation and sand burial affects the growth and reproduction of rhizomatous clonal plants is unclear. We investigated the effect of the burial depth and rhizome fragment size on the survival and growth of the rhizomatous herb Phragmites communis using 288 clonal fragments (6 burial depths × 8 clonal fragment sizes × 6 replicates) in a field rhizome severing experiment. The ramet survival of the rhizomatous species significantly increased with the sand burial depth and clonal fragment size (p < 0.01), and the effects of the clonal fragment size on ramet survival depended on the sand burial depth. Sand burial enhanced both the vertical and horizontal biomass (p < 0.05), while the clonal fragment size affected the vertical biomass rather than the horizontal biomass. Sand burial facilitated the vertical growth of ramets (p < 0.05) while the number of newly produced ramets firstly increased and then decreased with the increasing clonal fragment size, and the maximal value appeared in four clonal fragments under a heavy sand burial depth. There is an interaction between the burial depth and rhizome fragment size in the growth of rhizome herbaceous plants. The population growth increases in the increase of sand burial depth, and reaches the maximum under severe sand burial and moderate rhizome fragmentation.
Core/Double-Sheath Composite Fibers from Poly(ethylene oxide), Poly(L-lactide) and Beeswax by Single-Spinneret Electrospinning
Authors: Kyuchyuk Selin , Paneva Dilyana , Manolova Nevena , Rashkov Iliya , Karashanova Daniela , Markova Nadya
Published: November 2022

The conventional approach for preparation of core-sheath fibers is coaxial electrospinning. Single-spinneret electrospinning of emulsions is a much less common method to obtain core-sheath fibers. Core-sheath structure may be generated by electrospinning of homogeneous blend solutions; however, reports on such cases are still scarce. Herein, the preparation of nanofibrous composites from poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO), poly(L-lactide) (PLA) and beeswax (BW) by single-spinneret electrospinning of their homogeneous blend solutions in chloroform is reported. The produced fibers had core/double-sheath structure with a PEO core, PLA inner sheath and BW outer sheath. This original fiber structure was evidenced by transmission electron microscopy, selective extraction of BW or PEO, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The PLA/BW double sheath led to hydrophobicity of the PEO/PLA/BW mats. The tensile tests revealed that PEO/PLA/BW mats had substantially improved mechanical behavior as compared to PEO, PLA and PEO/BW mats. PEO/PLA/BW mats can be used as drug carriers as evidenced by the one-pot incorporation of the model drug 5-nitro-8-hydroxyquinoline (NQ) into the fibrous materials. Microbiological tests showed that PEO/PLA/BW/NQ had antimicrobial activity. Therefore, the new materials are promising for wound healing applications.
One-Part Alkali-Activated Materials: State of the Art and Perspectives
Authors: Qin Yongjun , Qu Changwei , Ma Cailong , Zhou Lina
Published: November 2022

Alkali-activated materials (AAM) are recognized as potential alternatives to ordinary Portland cement (OPC) to limit CO2 emissions and beneficiate several wastes into useful products. Compared with its counterparts involving the concentrated aqueous alkali solutions, the development of “just add water” one-part alkali-activated materials (OP-AAM) has drawn much attention, mainly attributed to their benefits in overcoming the hazardous, irritating, and corrosive nature of activator solutions. This study starts with a comprehensive overview of the OP-AAM; 89 published studies reported on mortar or concrete with OP-AAM were collected and concluded in this paper. Comprehensive comparisons and discussions were conducted on raw materials, preparation, working performance, mechanical properties, and durability, and so on. Moreover, an in-depth comparison of different material pretreatment methods, fiber types, and curing methods was presented, and their potential mechanisms were discussed. It is found that ground granulated blast-furnace slag (GGBS) provides the best mechanical properties, and the reuse of most aluminosilicate materials can improve the utilization efficiency of solid waste. The curing temperature can be improved significantly for precursor materials with low calcium contents. In order to overcome the brittleness of the AAM, fiber reinforcement might be an efficient way, and steel fiber has the best chemical stability. It is not recommended to use synthetic fiber with poor chemical stability. Based on the analysis of current limitations, both the recommendations and perspectives are laid down to be the lighthouse for further research.