bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of Apocynin on Heart Muscle Oxidative Stress of Rats with Experimental Diabetes: Implications for Mitochondria
Authors: Bravo-Sánchez Estefanía , Peña-Montes Donovan , Sánchez-Duarte Sarai , Saavedra-Molina Alfredo , Sánchez-Duarte Elizabeth , Montoya-Pérez Rocío
Published: February 2021

Diabetes mellitus (DM) constitutes one of the public health problems today. It is characterized by hyperglycemia through a defect in the β-cells function and/or decreased insulin sensitivity. Apocynin has been tasted acting directly as an NADPH oxidase inhibitor and reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenger, exhibiting beneficial effects against diabetic complications. Hence, the present study’s goal was to dissect the possible mechanisms by which apocynin could mediate its cardioprotective effect against DM-induced oxidative stress. Male Wistar rats were assigned into 4 groups: Control (C), control + apocynin (C+A), diabetes (D), diabetes + apocynin (D+A). DM was induced with streptozotocin. Apocynin treatment (3 mg/kg/day) was applied for 5 weeks. Treatment significantly decreased blood glucose levels and insulin resistance in diabetic rats. In cardiac tissue, ROS levels were higher, and catalase enzyme activity was reduced in the D group compared to the C group; the apocynin treatment significantly attenuated these responses. In heart mitochondria, Complexes I and II of the electron transport chain (ETC) were significantly enhanced in the D+A group. Total glutathione, the level of reduced glutathione (GSH) and the GSH/ oxidized glutathione (GSSG) ratio were increased in the D+A group. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) and the glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activities were without change. Apocynin enhances glucose uptake and insulin sensitivity, preserving the antioxidant defense and mitochondrial function.
Protective Effects of 6,7,4′-Trihydroxyflavanone on Hypoxia-Induced Neurotoxicity by Enhancement of HO-1 through Nrf2 Signaling Pathway
Authors: Lee Hyun-Su , Jeong Gil-Saeng
Published: February 2021

Since hypoxia-induced neurotoxicity is one of the major causes of neurodegenerative disorders, including the Alzheimer’s disease, continuous efforts to find a novel antioxidant from natural products are required for public health. 6,7,4′-trihydroxyflavanone (THF), isolated from Dalbergia odorifera, has been shown to inhibit osteoclast formation and have an antibacterial activity. However, no evidence has reported whether THF has a protective role against hypoxia-induced neurotoxicity. In this study, we found that THF is not cytotoxic, but pre-treatment with THF has a cytoprotective effect on CoCl2-induced hypoxia by restoring the expression of anti-apoptotic proteins in SH-SY5y cells. In addition, pre-treatment with THF suppressed CoCl2-induced hypoxia-related genes including HIF1α, p53, VEGF, and GLUT1 at the mRNA and protein levels. Pre-treatment with THF also attenuated the oxidative stress occurred by CoCl2-induced hypoxia by preserving antioxidant proteins, including SOD and CAT. We revealed that treatment with THF promotes HO-1 expression through Nrf2 nuclear translocation. An inhibitor assay using tin protoporphyrin IX (SnPP) confirmed that the enhancement of HO-1 by pre-treatment with THF protects SH-SY5y cells from CoCl2-induced neurotoxicity under hypoxic conditions. Our results demonstrate the advantageous effects of THF against hypoxia-induced neurotoxicity through the HO-1/Nrf2 signaling pathway and provide a therapeutic insight for neurodegenerative disorders.
Fucoidan Fractionated from Sargassum coreanum via Step-Gradient Ethanol Precipitation Indicate Promising UVB-Protective Effects in Human Keratinocytes
Authors: Fernando Ilekuttige Priyan Shanura , Dias Mawalle Kankanamge Hasitha Madhawa , Madusanka Dissanayaka Mudiyanselage Dinesh , Han Eui Jeong , Kim Min Ju , Heo Soo-Jin , Ahn Ginnae
Published: February 2021

Fucoidans exhibit a wide range of bioactivities and receive significant attention in functional food and cosmetic research. Industrial applications of fucoidan are limited partially due to high extraction and purification costs. The present study implements an enzyme-assisted extraction and step-gradient ethanol precipitation for fractionating fucoidan from Sargassum coreanum based on its charge and molecular weight and evaluation of ultraviolet B (UVB) protective effects in human keratinocytes (HaCaT). The fucoidan fraction SCOC4 indicated higher fucose and sulfate contents with Fourier-transform infrared and 1H NMR spectral patterns resembling fucoidans. SCOC4 dose-dependently abated UVB-induced keratinocyte damage via suppressing intracellular reactive oxygen species, apoptotic body formation, DNA damage via suppressing mitochondria-mediated apoptosis. UVB-protective effects of SCOC4 were further attributable to the augmentation of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 mediated cellular antioxidant defense enzymes. Step-gradient ethanol precipitation was a convenient approach of fractionating fucoidans based on molecular weight and charge (depend on the degree of sulfation). Further evaluation of seasonal variations, biocompatibility parameters, efficacy, and shelf life may widen the use of S. coreanum fucoidans in developing UVB-protective cosmetics and functional foods.
Novel Structures and Applications of Graphene-Based Semiconductor Photocatalysts: Faceted Particles, Photonic Crystals, Antimicrobial and Magnetic Properties
Authors: Janczarek Marcin , Endo-Kimura Maya , Wei Zhishun , Bielan Zuzanna , Mogan Tharishinny R. , Khedr Tamer M. , Wang Kunlei , Markowska-Szczupak Agata , Kowalska Ewa
Published: February 2021

Graphene, graphene oxide, reduced graphene oxide and their composites with various compounds/materials have high potential for substantial impact as cheap photocatalysts, which is essential to meet the demands of global activity, offering the advantage of utilizing “green” solar energy. Accordingly, graphene-based materials might help to reduce reliance on fossil fuel supplies and facile remediation routes to achieve clean environment and pure water. This review presents recent developments of graphene-based semiconductor photocatalysts, including novel composites with faceted particles, photonic crystals, and nanotubes/nanowires, where the enhancement of activity mechanism is associated with a synergistic effect resulting from the presence of graphene structure. Moreover, antimicrobial potential (highly needed these days), and facile recovery/reuse of photocatalysts by magnetic field have been addresses as very important issue for future commercialization. It is believed that graphene materials should be available soon in the market, especially because of constantly decreasing prices of graphene, vis response, excellent charge transfer ability, and thus high and broad photocatalytic activity against both organic pollutants and microorganisms.
Investigation of the Effects of Different Working Fluids on Compressor Cascade Performance
Authors: Tian Zhitao , Wang Chengze , Zheng Qun
Published: February 2021

The compressor of closed Brayton cycle (CBC) plant operating with working fluid other than air is a vital element of the energy conversion unit. However, due to insufficient understanding of the influence of the physical properties of working fluids on the performance of the compressor, the actual working conditions and design conditions of the compressor’s performance deviate greatly. In this paper, the objective is to analyze the influence mechanism of the physical properties on the performance of the cascade of compressor (static pressure ratio and total pressure loss coefficient). Therefore, the impact of a specific heat ratio on the performance of the compressor cascade is studied utilizing carbon dioxide (γ = 1.29), air and carbon monoxide (γ = 1.4), argon and helium (γ = 1.667). Moreover, the relationships of static pressure ratio and total pressure loss coefficient with physical properties of the working fluids are analyzed in the compressor cascade. It is established that a higher specific heat ratio fluid gives a higher coefficient of total pressure loss and static pressure ratio in contrast to smaller specific heat ratio at matching inlet Reynolds number and Mach number.
Evaluation of Keratin/Bacterial Cellulose Based Scaffolds as Potential Burned Wound Dressing
Authors: Radu Cezar Doru , Verestiuc Liliana , Ulea Eugen , Lipsa Florin Daniel , Vulpe Vasile , Munteanu Corneliu , Bulgariu Laura , Pașca Sorin , Tamas Camelia , Ciuntu Bogdan Mihnea , Ciocan Madalina , Sîrbu Ionela , Gavrilas Elena , Macarel Ciprian Vasile , Istrate Bogdan
Published: February 2021

The study presents the preparation and characterization of new scaffolds based on bacterial cellulose and keratin hydrogel which were seeded with adipose stem cells. The bacterial cellulose was obtained by developing an Acetobacter xylinum culture and was visualized using SEM (scanning electron microscopy) and elementally determined through EDAX (dispersive X-ray analysis) tests. Keratin species (β–keratose and γ-keratose) was extracted by hydrolytic degradation from non-dyed human hair. SEM, EDAX and conductometric titration tests were performed for physical–chemical and morphological evaluation. Cytocompatibility tests performed in vitro confirmed the material non-toxic effect on cells. The scaffolds, with and without stem cells, were grafted on the burned wounds on the rabbit’s dorsal region and the grafts were monitored for 21 days after the application on the wounds. The clinical monitoring of the grafts and the histopathological examination demonstrated the regenerative potential of the bacterial cellulose–keratin scaffolds, under the test conditions.
Low Effectiveness of the Introduction of pmaxGFP into Primary Human Coronary Endothelial Cells Using Cell-Penetrating Peptides and Nuclear-Localization Sequences in Non-Covalent Interactions
Authors: Zielińska Wioletta , Gagat Maciej , Mikołajczyk Klaudia , Hałas-Wiśniewska Marta , Grzanka Alina
Published: February 2021

Cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs), due to their effectiveness and low cytotoxicity, are of increasing interest in the context of the transport of macromolecules to the cells. The simplest and safest method seems to be the non-covalent binding of CPP and cargo molecules. However, it requires the optimization of the reaction conditions. The study aimed to determine the effectiveness and cytotoxicity of the Pep-1, KALA, and TAT proteins as well as the NLS [47–55] and NLS [47–56] sequences derived from the Simian Vacuolating 40 (SV40) T-antigen in the context of the transport of the pmaxGFP plasmid to primary human coronary artery endothelial cells. The results are presented in the form of extensive photographic documentation, which shows significant differences in the efficiency of the transfection process between electroporation and the use of CPPs. The study presents negative results in which, despite the manipulation of various parameters (incubation time, incubation temperature, culture time, charge ratio, plasmid concentration), results similar to electroporation were not obtained.
An Efficient Multi-Scale Focusing Attention Network for Person Re-Identification
Authors: Huang Wei , Li Yongying , Zhang Kunlin , Hou Xiaoyu , Xu Jihui , Su Ruidan , Xu Huaiyu
Published: February 2021

The multi-scale lightweight network and attention mechanism recently attracted attention in person re-identification (ReID) as it is capable of improving the model’s ability to process information with low computational cost. However, state-of-the-art methods mostly concentrate on the spatial attention and big block channel attention model with high computational complexity while rarely investigate the inside block attention with the lightweight network, which cannot meet the requirements of high efficiency and low latency in the actual ReID system. In this paper, a novel lightweight person ReID model is designed firstly, called Multi-Scale Focusing Attention Network (MSFANet), to capture robust and elaborate multi-scale ReID features, which have fewer float-computing and higher performance. MSFANet is achieved by designing a multi-branch depthwise separable convolution module, combining with an inside block attention module, to extract and fuse multi-scale features independently. In addition, we design a multi-stage backbone with the ‘1-2-3’ form, which can significantly reduce computational cost. Furthermore, the MSFANet is exceptionally lightweight and can be embedded in a ReID framework flexibly. Secondly, an efficient loss function combining softmax loss and TriHard loss, based on the proposed optimal data augmentation method, is designed for faster convergence and better model generalization ability. Finally, the experimental results on two big ReID datasets (Market1501 and DukeMTMC) and two small ReID datasets (VIPeR, GRID) show that the proposed MSFANet achieves the best mAP performance and the lowest computational complexity compared with state-of-the-art methods, which are increasing by 2.3% and decreasing by 18.2%, respectively.
Contextual Emotion Appraisal Based on a Sentential Cognitive System for Robots
Authors: Ahn Hyunsik , Park Sung
Published: February 2021

Emotion plays a powerful role in human interaction with robots. In order to express more human-friendly emotions, robots need the capability of contextual appraisal that expresses the emotional relevance of various targets in the spatiotemporal situation. In this paper, an emotional appraisal methodology is proposed to cope with such contexts. Specifically, the Ortony, Clore, and Collins model is abstracted and simplified to approximate an emotional appraisal model in the form of a sentence-based cognitive system. The contextual emotion appraisal is modeled by formulating the emotional relationships among multiple targets and the emotional transition with events and time passing. To verify the proposed robotic system’s feasibility, simulations were conducted for scenarios where it interacts with humans manipulating liked or disliked objects on a table. This experiment demonstrated that the robot’s emotion could change over time like humans by using a proposed formula for emotional valence, which is moderated by emotion appraisal of occurring events.
Cavity Formation during Asymmetric Water Entry of Rigid Bodies
Authors: Panciroli Riccardo , Minak Giangiacomo
Published: February 2021

This work numerically evaluates the role of advancing velocity on the water entry of rigid wedges, highlighting its influence on the development of underpressure at the fluid–structure interface, which can eventually lead to fluid detachment or cavity formation, depending on the geometry. A coupled FEM–SPH numerical model is implemented within LS-DYNA, and three types of asymmetric impacts are treated: (I) symmetric wedges with horizontal velocity component, (II) asymmetric wedges with a pure vertical velocity component, and (III) asymmetric wedges with a horizontal velocity component. Particular attention is given to the evolution of the pressure at the fluid–structure interface and the onset of fluid detachment at the wedge tip and their effect on the rigid body dynamics. Results concerning the tilting moment generated during the water entry are presented, varying entry depth, asymmetry, and entry velocity. The presented results are important for the evaluation of the stability of the body during asymmetric slamming events.
Influence of Electrically Powered Pedal Assistance on User-Induced Cycling Loads and Muscle Activity during Cycling
Authors: Dieltiens Sien , Jiménez-Peña Carlos , Van Loon Senne , D’hondt Jordi , Claeys Kurt , Demeester Eric
Published: February 2021

Bicycles with electrically powered pedal assistance (PA) show great potential as ecological alternatives for engine-based vehicles. There is plenty of research available about the influence of various bicycle parameters on cycling technique. Though, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, there is none about the influence of PA. In this study, a recreational bicycle is equipped with PA and unique instrumentation to measure the user-induced loads on seat, steer and pedals. Joint loading is derived in the sagittal plane from inverse dynamics and muscle activity of the lower limbs is recorded with an electromyography system integrated in cycling pants. An experiment is set up, in which volunteers cycle on an athletics track, with a varying level of PA and a varying seat height. An ANOVA is conducted to determine significant differences due to the level of PA and seat height and to analyze the interaction effect. No interaction effect was found and only differences due to the level of PA were significant. Knowledge about the influence of PA provides insights into (i) electric bicycle design; (ii) the usage of electric bicycle for physically challenged people; (iii) the usage of electric bicycles as a rehabilitation tool.
Immunohistochemical Differences in Squamous Precancerous and Cancerous Lesions of the Oral Cavity and the Larynx: Preliminary Data
Authors: Aló Piero Luigi , Cicciarelli Miriam , De Felice Francesca , Quintiliani Claudia , Corsi Alessandro , Polimeni Antonella
Published: February 2021

The aim of this study is to assess immune cell populations in squamous precancerous (preinvasive) and cancerous lesions of the oral cavity and larynx. Qualitative and quantitative immunohistochemical analyses were performed to determine the expressions of CD4, CD8, CD15, CD57 and CD68. The expressions of programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1), p16 and Ki67 were also assessed. Squamous cell lesions from forty-one patients were included in the study. Sixteen samples were categorized as precancerous (preinvasive) lesions and twenty-five as invasive squamous cell carcinoma. Invasive lesions showed a negative correlation with CD57+ cells (ρ = −0.69) and a positive correlation with Ki67 (ρ = 0.61). The amount of CD4+ lymphocytes was higher in invasive lesions. There were no differences in PD-L1 and p16 immunoreactivity. Our analysis showed differences in the immunohistochemical profile between preinvasive and invasive squamous cell lesions. In the near future, this study should be useful in driving treatment strategy in both preinvasive and invasive squamous cell lesions of the oral cavity and larynx. However, studies on larger series of patients focusing on site-specific lesions are required.
Optimal Estimation of Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells Parameter Based on Coyote Optimization Algorithm
Authors: Abaza Amlak , El-Sehiemy Ragab A. , Mahmoud Karar , Lehtonen Matti , Darwish Mohamed M. F.
Published: February 2021

In recent years, the penetration of fuel cells in distribution systems is significantly increased worldwide. The fuel cell is considered an electrochemical energy conversion component. It has the ability to convert chemical to electrical energies as well as heat. The proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cell uses hydrogen and oxygen as fuel. It is a low-temperature type that uses a noble metal catalyst, such as platinum, at reaction sites. The optimal modeling of PEM fuel cells improves the cell performance in different applications of the smart microgrid. Extracting the optimal parameters of the model can be achieved using an efficient optimization technique. In this line, this paper proposes a novel swarm-based algorithm called coyote optimization algorithm (COA) for finding the optimal parameter of PEM fuel cell as well as PEM stack. The sum of square deviation between measured voltages and the optimal estimated voltages obtained from the COA algorithm is minimized. Two practical PEM fuel cells including 250 W stack and Ned Stack PS6 are modeled to validate the capability of the proposed algorithm under different operating conditions. The effectiveness of the proposed COA is demonstrated through the comparison with four optimizers considering the same conditions. The final estimated results and statistical analysis show a significant accuracy of the proposed method. These results emphasize the ability of COA to estimate the parameters of the PEM fuel cell model more precisely.
Locomotion of Self-Excited Vibrating and Rotating Objects in Granular Environments
Authors: Liu Ping , Ran Xianwen , Cheng Qi , Tang Wenhui , Zhou Jingyuan , Blumenfeld Raphael
Published: February 2021

Many reptiles, known as ‘sand swimmers’, adapt to their specific environments by vibrating or rotating their body. To understand these type of interactions of active objects with granular media, we study a simplified model of a self-excited spherical object (SO) immersed in the granular bed, using three-dimensional discrete element method (DEM) simulations. Modelling the vibration by an oscillatory motion, we simulate the longitudinal locomotion of the SO in three modes: transverse vibration, rotation around different axes, and a combination of both. We find that the mode of oscillation in y direction coupled with rotation around x-axis is optimal in the sense that the SO rises fastest, with periodic oscillations, in the z direction while remaining stable at the initial x position. We analyze the physical mechanisms governing the meandering up or down and show that the large oscillations are caused by an asynchronous changes between the directions of oscillation and rotation. We also observed that the SO’s rising rate is sensitive to three parameters: the oscillation amplitude, the oscillation frequency, f, and the rotation angular velocity, Ω. We report the following results. 1. When the frequencies of the rotation and transverse motion are synchronised, SO rises when Ω<0 and sinks when Ω>0; the average rising/sinking rate is proportional to |Ω|. 2. The rising rate increases linearly with the oscillation amplitude. 3. There exists a critical oscillation frequency, above and below which the rising mechanisms are different. Our study reveals the range of parameters that idealized ‘swimmers’ need to use to optimize performance in granular environments.
Small-Scale Spatiotemporal Pattern in the Spawning of Pacific Herring (Clupea pallasii) in the Jinhae Bay, Korea, Estimated Using Hydroacoustic Survey
Authors: Lee Hyungbeen , Choi Jung Hwa , Moon Seong Yong , Lee Kyounghoon , Oh Wooseok , Im Yang Jae , Hwang Kangseok , Kim Doo Nam
Published: February 2021

Acoustic surveys were used to locate coastal Pacific herring (Clupea pallasii) spawning grounds, and the spatial and temporal patterns of their spawning in Jinhae Bay, Korea were examined. We deployed mooring with a newly designed autonomous echosounder for ~70 days during the Pacific herring spawning season in Jinhae Bay, from January to April 2018. At the same time, ship-based acoustic surveys were conducted to identify the spatial distribution twice, at 38 and 120 kHz, onboard the fishing vessel in January and April 2018 in the bay. Fish school signals, including those from adult Pacific herring, are often detected through ship-based acoustic surveys in January, from outside the bay. In the spring, weak scattering signals from fish larvae and zooplankton were continuously detected inside the bay. Backscatter at the mooring in the center of Jinhae Bay was low from mid-January to early March, gradually increasing to higher levels until the end of March. The backscatter observed from the mooring correlated well with ship-based acoustic surveys in the center of the bay. This study proposes that the mooring type acoustic echosounder is a valuable tool for temporal abundance information and other aspects of fish behavior.
Influence of Additional Bracing Arms as Reinforcement Members in Wooden Timber Cross-Arms on Their Long-Term Creep Responses and Properties
Authors: Asyraf Muhammad Rizal Muhammad , Ishak Mohamad Ridzwan , Sapuan Salit Mohd , Yidris Noorfaizal
Published: February 2021

Previously, numerous creep studies on wood materials have been conducted in various coupon-scale tests. None had conducted research on creep properties of full-scale wooden cross-arms under actual environment and working load conditions. Hence, this research established findings on effect of braced arms on the creep behaviors of Virgin Balau (Shorea dipterocarpaceae) wood timber cross-arm in 132 kV latticed tower. In this research, creep properties of the main members of both current and braced wooden cross-arm designs were evaluated under actual working load conditions at 1000 h. The wooden cross-arm was assembled on a custom-made creep test rig at an outdoor area to simulate its long-term mechanical behaviours under actual environment of tropical climate conditions. Further creep numerical analyses were also performed by using Findley and Burger models in order to elaborate the transient creep, elastic and viscoelastic moduli of both wooden cross-arm configurations. The findings display that the reinforcement of braced arms in cross-arm structure significantly reduced its creep strain. The inclusion of bracing system in cross-arm structure enhanced transient creep and stress independent material exponent of the wooden structure. The addition of braced arms also improved elastic and viscoelastic moduli of wooden cross-arm structure. Thus, the outcomes suggested that the installation of bracing system in wooden cross-arm could extend the structure’s service life. Subsequently, this effort would ease maintenance and reduce cost for long-term applications in transmission towers.
Ru(terpy)-Based Conducting Polymer in Electrochemical Biosensing of Epinephrine
Authors: Meloni Francesca , Pilo Maria I. , Sanna Gavino , Spano Nadia , Zucca Antonio
Published: February 2021

A heteroleptic [Ru(terpy)2]2+ (terpy = 2,2′:6′,2″-terpyridine) complex was electrochemically polymerized to give the corresponding metal-containing conducting polymer on gold and glassy carbon electrodes. The polymerization of the Ru(II) complex was allowed by a terthiophene functionalization on one of the two terpy coordinating fragments, whereas the presence of -COOH substituents on the second terpy ligand enabled the film to immobilize a tyrosinase enzyme by cross-linking with glutaraldehyde. Then, the Ru(terpy) conducting polymer worked as a transducer as well as an immobilizing agent in the design of amperometric biosensors for the determination of epinephrine. The electrochemical behavior of enzymatic sensors containing Ru(terpy)-based conducting polymers was investigated by differential pulse voltammetry and chronoamperometry. Analytical performances and kinetic parameters were calculated, suggesting a potential application of the reported biosensors in the determination of epinephrine in pharmaceutical products.
Gold Derivatives Development as Prospective Anticancer Drugs for Breast Cancer Treatment
Authors: Ielo Ileana , Iacopetta Domenico , Saturnino Carmela , Longo Pasquale , Galletta Maurilio , Drommi Dario , Rosace Giuseppe , Sinicropi Maria Stefania , Plutino Maria Rosaria
Published: February 2021

Commonly used anticancer drugs are cisplatin and other platinum-based drugs. However, the use of these drugs in chemotherapy causes numerous side effects and the onset of frequent drug resistance phenomena. This review summarizes the most recent results on the gold derivatives used for their significant inhibitory effects on the in vitro proliferation of breast cancer cell models and for the consequences deriving from morphological changes in the same cells. In particular, the study discusses the antitumor activity of gold nanoparticles, gold (I) and (III) compounds, gold complexes and carbene-based gold complexes, compared with cisplatin. The results of screening studies of cytotoxicity and antitumor activity for the gold derivatives show that the death of cancer cells can occur intrinsically by apoptosis. Recent research has shown that gold (III) compounds with square planar geometries, such as that of cisplatin, can intercalate the DNA and provide novel anticancer agents. The gold derivatives described can make an important contribution to expanding the knowledge of medicinal bioorganometallic chemistry and broadening the range of anticancer agents available, offering improved characteristics, such as increased activity and/or selectivity, and paving the way for further discoveries and applications.
Antidiabetic, Anticholesterol, and Antioxidant Activity of Gryllusbimaculatus Fermented by Bacillus and Lactobacillus Strains
Authors: Jang Hyunah , Kim Misook
Published: February 2021

In this study, functionality of Gryllusbimaculatus (GB) fermented by Bacillus and Lactobacillus strain was investigated. GB was fermented by each of the following strains: probiotic Bacillus amyloliquefaciens MKSK-J1 (SKGB), probiotic Lactobacillus plantarum MKHA15 (HAGB), Bacillus amyloliquefaciens MKSE (SEGB), and Lactobacillus plantarum KCTC 3103 (LPGB). Fermentation was carried out at 35 °C for 24 h. In HAGB, complete inhibition of α-glucosidase and 3-hydroxy-methyl glutaryl-coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase occurred (101.94% and 120.89%, respectively), and superoxide dismutase (SOD)-like activity (IC50) was significantly low (22.37 mg/mL). After in vitro digestion, SOD-like activity was the highest in HAGB (21.18%). In SKGB, reducing power (EC50) was significantly low (0.29 mg/mL). After in vitro digestion, the reducing was also highest in SKGB (86.06%). Fermentation enhanced the bioactivity of GB; in particular, MKHA15 was found to have great potential as a starter in the production of fermented GB, as it would offer multi-health functions, including antidiabetic, anticholesterol, and antioxidant activity.
New Mechanistic Insights on Carbon Nanotubes’ Nanotoxicity Using Isolated Submitochondrial Particles, Molecular Docking, and Nano-QSTR Approaches
Authors: González-Durruthy Michael , Concu Riccardo , Ruso Juan M. , Cordeiro M. Natália D. S.
Published: February 2021

Single-walled carbon nanotubes can induce mitochondrial F0F1-ATPase nanotoxicity through inhibition. To completely characterize the mechanistic effect triggering the toxicity, we have developed a new approach based on the combination of experimental and computational study, since the use of only one or few techniques may not fully describe the phenomena. To this end, the in vitro inhibition responses in submitochondrial particles (SMP) was combined with docking, elastic network models, fractal surface analysis, and Nano-QSTR models. In vitro studies suggest that inhibition responses in SMP of F0F1-ATPase enzyme were strongly dependent on the concentration assay (from 3 to 5 µg/mL) for both pristine and COOH single-walled carbon nanotubes types (SWCNT). Besides, both SWCNTs show an interaction inhibition pattern mimicking the oligomycin A (the specific mitochondria F0F1-ATPase inhibitor blocking the c-ring F0 subunit). Performed docking studies denote the best crystallography binding pose obtained for the docking complexes based on the free energy of binding (FEB) fit well with the in vitro evidence from the thermodynamics point of view, following an affinity order such as: FEB (oligomycin A/F0-ATPase complex) = −9.8 kcal/mol > FEB (SWCNT-COOH/F0-ATPase complex) = −6.8 kcal/mol ~ FEB (SWCNT-pristine complex) = −5.9 kcal/mol, with predominance of van der Waals hydrophobic nano-interactions with key F0-ATPase binding site residues (Phe 55 and Phe 64). Elastic network models and fractal surface analysis were performed to study conformational perturbations induced by SWCNT. Our results suggest that interaction may be triggering abnormal allosteric responses and signals propagation in the inter-residue network, which could affect the substrate recognition ligand geometrical specificity of the F0F1-ATPase enzyme in order (SWCNT-pristine > SWCNT-COOH). In addition, Nano-QSTR models have been developed to predict toxicity induced by both SWCNTs, using results of in vitro and docking studies. Results show that this method may be used for the fast prediction of the nanotoxicity induced by SWCNT, avoiding time- and money-consuming techniques. Overall, the obtained results may open new avenues toward to the better understanding and prediction of new nanotoxicity mechanisms, rational drug design-based nanotechnology, and potential biomedical application in precision nanomedicine.
Peptidomimetics Therapeutics for Retinal Disease
Authors: Parsons Dylan E. , Lee Soo Hyeon , Sun Young Joo , Velez Gabriel , Bassuk Alexander G. , Smith Mark , Mahajan Vinit B.
Published: February 2021

Ocular disorders originating in the retina can result in a partial or total loss of vision, making drug delivery to the retina of vital importance. However, effectively delivering drugs to the retina remains a challenge for ophthalmologists due to various anatomical and physicochemical barriers in the eye. This review introduces diverse administration routes and the accordant pharmacokinetic profiles of ocular drugs to aid in the development of safe and efficient drug delivery systems to the retina with a focus on peptidomimetics as a growing class of retinal drugs, which have great therapeutic potential and a high degree of specificity. We also discuss the pharmacokinetic profiles of small molecule drugs due to their structural similarity to small peptidomimetics. Lastly, various formulation strategies are suggested to overcome pharmacokinetic hurdles such as solubility, retention time, enzymatic degradation, tissue targeting, and membrane permeability. This knowledge can be used to help design ocular delivery platforms for peptidomimetics, not only for the treatment of various retinal diseases, but also for the selection of potential peptidomimetic drug targets.
Antimicrobial and In Vitro Cytotoxic Efficacy of Biogenic Silver Nanoparticles (Ag-NPs) Fabricated by Callus Extract of Solanum incanum L.
Authors: Lashin Islam , Fouda Amr , Gobouri Adil A. , Azab Ehab , Mohammedsaleh Zuhair M. , Makharita Rabab R.
Published: February 2021

The in vitro callus induction of Solanum incanum L. was executed on MS medium supplemented with different concentrations of auxin and cytokinin utilizing petioles and explants of leaves. The highest significant fresh weights from petioles and leaf explants were 4.68 and 5.13 g/jar for the medium supplemented with1.0 mg L−1 BA and 1.0 mg L−1 2,4-D. The callus extract of the leaves was used for the green synthesis of silver nanoparticles (Ag-NPs). Analytical methods used for Ag-NPs characterization were UV-vis spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM). Spherical, crystallographic Ag-NPs with sizes ranging from 15 to 60nm were successfully formed. The FT-IR spectra exhibited the role of the metabolites involved in callus extract in reducing and capping Ag-NPs. The biological activities of Ag-NPs were dose-dependent. The MIC value for Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, and Escherichia coli was 12.5 µg mL−1, while it was 6.25 µg mL−1 for Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Candida albicans. The highest inhibition of phytopathogenic fungi Alternaria alternata, Fusarium oxysporum, Aspergillus niger, and Pythium ultimum was 76.3 ± 3.7, 88.9 ± 4.1, 67.8 ± 2.1, and 76.4 ± 1.0%, respectively at 200 µg mL−1. Moreover, green synthesized Ag-NPs showed cytotoxic efficacy against cancerous cell lines HepG2, MCF-7 and normal Vero cell line with IC50 values of 21.76 ± 0.56, 50.19 ± 1.71, and 129.9 ± 0.94 µg mL−1, respectively.
Acetylcholinesterase Inhibitory Potential of Various Sesquiterpene Analogues for Alzheimer’s Disease Therapy
Authors: Arya Ashwani , Chahal Rubal , Rao Rekha , Rahman Md. Habibur , Kaushik Deepak , Akhtar Muhammad Furqan , Saleem Ammara , Khalifa Shaden M. A. , El-Seedi Hesham R. , Kamel Mohamed , Albadrani Ghadeer M. , Abdel-Daim Mohamed M. , Mittal Vineet
Published: February 2021

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a gradually growing irreversible illness of the brain that almost affects every fifth person (aged > 80 years) in the world. World Health Organization (WHO) also revealed that the prevalence of this disease will enhance (upto double) significantly upto 2030. The poor cholinergic transmission at the synapse is considered to be one of the main reasons behind the progression and occurrence of this disorder. Natural inhibitors of acetylcholine (ACh) such as galanthamine and rivastigmine are used commercially in the treatmentof AD. The biomolecules such assesquiterpenes, possess a great structural diversity and are responsible for a plethora of pharmacological properties. The potential of various sesquiterpenes as anticholinesterase has been reviewed in this article. For this purpose, the various databases, mainly PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science were investigatedwith different keywords such as “sesquiterpenes+acetylcholinesterase” and “sesquiterpenes+cholinesterase+inhibitors” in the surveyed time frame (2010–2020). A vast literature was evident in the last decade, which affirms the potential of various sesquiterpenes in the improvement of cholinergic transmission by inhibiting the AChE. After data analysis, it was found that 12 compounds out of a total of 58 sesquiterpenes were reported to possess IC50 < 9 μM and can be considered as potential candidates for the improvement of learning and memory. Sesquiterpene is an important category of terpenoids, found to possess a large spectrum of biological activities. The outcome of the review clearly states that sesquiterpenes (such as amberboin, lipidiol, etc.) from herbs could offer fresh, functional compounds for possible prevention and treatment of AD.
Oxygen–Ozone Therapy in the Rehabilitation Field:State of the Art on Mechanisms of Action, Safety andEffectiveness in Patients with Musculoskeletal Disorders
Authors: de Sire Alessandro , Agostini Francesco , Lippi Lorenzo , Mangone Massimiliano , Marchese Simone , Cisari Carlo , Bernetti Andrea , Invernizzi Marco
Published: February 2021

In recent years, the interest in oxygen–ozone (O2O3) therapy application has considerably increased in the field of rehabilitation. Despite its widespread use in common clinical practice, the biochemical effects of O2O3 are still far from being understood, although its chemical properties seem to play a pivotal role in exerting its positive effects on different pathological conditions. Indeed, the effectiveness of O2O3 therapy might be partly due to the moderate oxidative stress produced by O3 interactions with biological components. O2O3 therapy is widely used as an adjuvant therapeutic option in several pathological conditions characterized by chronic inflammatory processes and immune over-activation, and most musculoskeletal disorders share these pathophysiological processes. The present comprehensive review depicts the state-of-the-art on the mechanisms of action, safety and effectiveness of O2O3 therapy in the complex scenario of the management of musculoskeletal disorders. Taken together, our findings suggest that O2O3 therapy seems to reduce pain and improve functioning in patients affected by low back pain and knee osteoarthritis, as reported by several studies in the literature. However, to date, further studies are warranted to clearly investigate the therapeutic effects of this promising therapy on other musculoskeletal disorders in the field of rehabilitation.
Monitoring and Modulating Inflammation-Associated Alterations in Synaptic Plasticity: Role of Brain Stimulation and the Blood–Brain Interface
Authors: Lenz Maximilian , Eichler Amelie , Vlachos Andreas
Published: February 2021

Inflammation of the central nervous system can be triggered by endogenous and exogenous stimuli such as local or systemic infection, trauma, and stroke. In addition to neurodegeneration and cell death, alterations in physiological brain functions are often associated with neuroinflammation. Robust experimental evidence has demonstrated that inflammatory cytokines affect the ability of neurons to express plasticity. It has been well-established that inflammation-associated alterations in synaptic plasticity contribute to the development of neuropsychiatric symptoms. Nevertheless, diagnostic approaches and interventional strategies to restore inflammatory deficits in synaptic plasticity are limited. Here, we review recent findings on inflammation-associated alterations in synaptic plasticity and the potential role of the blood–brain interface, i.e., the blood–brain barrier, in modulating synaptic plasticity. Based on recent findings indicating that brain stimulation promotes plasticity and modulates vascular function, we argue that clinically employed non-invasive brain stimulation techniques, such as transcranial magnetic stimulation, could be used for monitoring and modulating inflammation-induced alterations in synaptic plasticity.
Fiber Optic Sensors: A Review for Glucose Measurement
Authors: Cano Perez José Luis , Gutiérrez-Gutiérrez Jaime , Perezcampos Mayoral Christian , Pérez-Campos Eduardo L. , Pina Canseco Maria del Socorro , Tepech Carrillo Lorenzo , Mayoral Laura Pérez-Campos , Vargas Treviño Marciano , Apreza Edmundo López , Rojas Laguna Roberto
Published: February 2021

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder, being globally one of the most deadly diseases. This disease requires continually monitoring of the body’s glucose levels. There are different types of sensors for measuring glucose, most of them invasive to the patient. Fiber optic sensors have been proven to have advantages compared to conventional sensors and they have great potential for various applications, especially in the biomedical area. Compared to other sensors, they are smaller, easy to handle, mostly non-invasive, thus leading to a lower risk of infection, high precision, well correlated and inexpensive. The objective of this review article is to compare different types of fiber optic sensors made with different experimental techniques applied to biomedicine, especially for glucose sensing. Observations are made on the way of elaboration, as well as the advantages and disadvantages that each one could have in real applications.
Non-Invasive Determination of Glucose Concentration Using a Near-Field Sensor
Authors: Gorst Aleksandr , Zavyalova Kseniya , Mironchev Aleksandr
Published: February 2021

The article presents a model of a near-field sensor for non-invasive glucose monitoring. The sensor has a specific design and forms a rather extended near-field. Due to this, the high penetration of electromagnetic waves into highly absorbing media (biologic media) is achieved. It represents a combined slot antenna based on a flexible RO3003 substrate. Moreover, it is small and rather flat (25 mm in diameter, 0.76 mm thick). These circumstances are the distinguishing features of this sensor in comparison with microwave sensors of other designs. The article presents the results of numerical modeling and experimental verification of a near-field sensor. Furthermore, a phantom of human biological media (human hand) was created for experimentation. In the case of numerical modeling, the sensor is located close to the hand model. In a full-scale experiment, it is located close to the phantom of the human hand for the maximum interaction of the near-field with biological materials. As a result of a series of measurements for this sensor, the reflection coefficient is measured, and the dependences of the reflected signal on the frequency are plotted. According to the results of the experiments carried out, there is a clear difference in glucose concentrations. At the same time, the accuracy of determining the difference in glucose concentrations is high. The values of the amplitude of the reflected signal with a change in concentration differ by 0.5–0.8 dB. This sensor can be used for developing a non-invasive blood glucose measurement procedure.
The Disruptive Adaptations of Construction 4.0 and Industry 4.0 as a Pathway to a Sustainable Innovation and Inclusive Industrial Technological Development
Authors: Lekan Amusan , Clinton Aigbavboa , Owolabi James
Published: February 2021

Construction 4.0 (C4.0) has tremendously impacted construction activities worldwide in recent times. This effect was made possible on account of innovations brought about by Industry 4.0 (I4.0). Industry 4.0 has the potential to create Construction 4.0 through the integration of the design, construction and maintenance of infrastructure through useful component integration for industrial and technological development. Therefore, this study aimed to present a pathway for achieving sustainable innovations and inclusive technological and infrastructural developments. The following parameters were reviewed in this study as part of the goals and objectives set in the survey: identifying the adaptable areas of Construction 4.0 in design, planning, construction and maintenance as part of infrastructural innovation in order to study the industrial application drivers of I4.0 and C4.0 hindrances in achieving C4.0; achieving the automation dream through C4.0, benchmarking the social and economic implications of C4.0 and identifying the issues and challenges in achieving sustainable innovation through infrastructural development and documenting the disruptive tools of C4.0 in achieving a sustainable design through technological development and examining the critical factors influencing the effective adaptation of C4.0 in achieving growth. The authors utilised 200 construction firms for this study using the Cochran and Slovin’s formulas. In addition, the sample size of 150 respondents that constituted the study were construction professionals. The respondents used the simple percentage, relative index, Spearman’s rank, Mann–Whitney U test, Kendall’s Tau test, Student’s t-test, ANOVA and chi-square tools in the data processing. The study found out, among other things, the following as part of the parameters earlier proposed: the introduction of a circular economy by adopting intelligent innovation, engaging new tools, technological innovation diffusion and the vertical and horizontal integration of versatile tools like I4.0 and C4.0 for inclusive technological development. This study recommended the objective and effective adaptation of I4.0 tools to enhance C4.0 for technical development, circular economic integration and a framework for sustainable innovation and a system for the inclusive monitoring of innovations in the design and planning of construction maintenance.