bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Molecular and Physiological Diversity of Indigenous Yeasts Isolated from Spontaneously Fermented Wine Wort from Ilfov County, Romania
Authors: Corbu Viorica Maria , Csutak Ortansa
Published: December 2022

(1) Background: Wine yeast research offers the possibility of isolating new strains with distinct metabolic properties due to the geographical location of the vineyard and the processes used in winemaking. Our study deals with the isolation and identification of six yeasts from spontaneously fermented wine wort from Romania and their characterization as new potential starter culture for traditional beverages, for food industry or biomedicine. (2) Materials and methods: The isolates were identified using conventional taxonomy tests, phenotypic phylogeny analysis (Biolog YT), MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry, PCR-RFLP, and sequencing of the ITS1-5,8S-ITS2 rDNA region. The capacity of the yeasts to grow under thermal, ionic, and osmotic stress was determined. The safe status was confirmed by testing virulence and pathogenicity factors. Assays were performed in order to evaluate the growth inhibition of Candida strains and determine the antimicrobial mechanism of action. (3) Results and discussions: The yeast isolates were identified as belonging to the Metschinikowia, Hanseniaspora, Torulaspora, Pichia, and Saccharomyces genera. All the isolates were able to develop under the tested stress conditions and were confirmed as safe. With the exception of S. cerevisiae CMGB-MS1-1, all the isolates showed good antimicrobial activity based on competition for iron ions or production of killer toxins. (4) Conclusions: The results revealed the resistance of our yeasts to environmental conditions related to industrial and biomedical applications and their high potential as starter cultures and biocontrol agents, respectively.
Molecular Epidemiology of Group B Streptococcus Colonization in Egyptian Women
Authors: Shabayek Sarah , Vogel Verena , Jamrozy Dorota , Bentley Stephen D. , Spellerberg Barbara
Published: December 2022

(1) Background: Streptococcus agalactiae or Group B Streptococcus (GBS) causes severe neonatal infections with a high burden of disease, especially in Africa. Maternal vaginal colonization and perinatal transmissions represent the common mode of acquiring the infection. Development of an effective maternal vaccine against GBS relies on molecular surveillance of the maternal GBS population to better understand the global distribution of GBS clones and serotypes. (2) Methods: Here, we present genomic data from a collection of colonizing GBS strains from Ismailia, Egypt that were sequenced and characterized within the global JUNO project. (3) Results: A large proportion of serotype VI, ST14 strains was discovered, a serotype which is rarely found in strain collections from the US and Europe and typically not included in the current vaccine formulations. (4) Conclusions: The molecular epidemiology of these strains clearly points to the African origin with the detection of several sequence types (STs) that have only been observed in Africa. Our data underline the importance of continuous molecular surveillance of the GBS population for future vaccine implementations.
Molecular Epidemiology, Clinical Course, and Implementation of Specific Hygiene Measures in Hospitalised Patients with Clostridioides difficile Infection in Brandenburg, Germany
Authors: Dirks Esther E. , Luković Jasminka A. , Peltroche-Llacsahuanga Heidrun , Herrmann Anke , Mellmann Alexander , Arvand Mardjan
Published: December 2022

(1) Background: Clostridioides difficile infections (CDI) have increased worldwide, and the disease is one of the most common healthcare-associated infections (HAI). This study aimed to evaluate the molecular epidemiology of C. difficile, the clinical outcome, and the time of initiation of specific hygiene measures in patients with CDI in a large tertiary-care hospital in Brandenburg. (2) Methods: Faecal samples and data from hospitalised patients diagnosed with CDI were analysed from October 2016 to October 2017. The pathogens were isolated, identified as toxigenic C. difficile, and subsequently subtyped using PCR ribotyping and whole genome sequencing (WGS). Data regarding specific hygiene measures for handling CDI patients were collected. (3) Results: 92.1% of cases could be classified as healthcare-associated (HA)-CDI. The recurrence rate within 30 and 90 days after CDI diagnosis was 15.7% and 18.6%, and the mortality rate was 21.4% and 41.4%, respectively. The most frequent ribotypes (RT) were RT027 (31.3%), RT014 (18.2%), and RT005 (14.1%). Analysis of WGS data using cgMLST showed that all RT027 isolates were closely related; they were assigned to two subclusters. Single-room isolation or barrier measures were implemented in 95.7% patients. (4) Conclusions: These data show that RT027 is regionally predominant, thus highlighting the importance of specific hygiene measures to prevent and control CDI and the need to improve molecular surveillance of C. difficile at the local and national level.
Identification and Molecular Characterization of Four New Blastocystis Subtypes Designated ST35-ST38
Authors: Maloney Jenny G. , Molokin Aleksey , Seguí Raimundo , Maravilla Pablo , Martínez-Hernández Fernando , Villalobos Guiehdani , Tsaousis Anastasios D. , Gentekaki Eleni , Muñoz-Antolí Carla , Klisiowicz Debora R. , Oishi Camila Y. , Toledo Rafael , Esteban J. Guillermo , Köster Pamela C. , de Lucio Aida , Dashti Alejandro , Bailo Begoña , Calero-Bernal Rafael , González-Barrio David , Carmena David , Santín Mónica
Published: December 2022

Three recent studies of Blastocystis epidemiology in mammalian hosts identified four novel sequences that appeared to share B. lapemi as the most similar sequence. However, full-length ssu rRNA gene sequences were not available to confirm the validity of these new subtypes. In the present study, Nanopore MinION sequencing was used to obtain full-length reference sequences for each of the new subtypes. Additionally, phylogenetic analyses and pairwise distance comparisons were performed to confirm the validity of each of these new subtypes. We propose that the novel sequences described in this study should be assigned the subtype designations ST35-ST38. The full-length reference sequences of ST35-ST38 will assist in accurate sequence descriptions in future studies of Blastocystis epidemiology and subtype diversity.
Effect of Trehalose and Lactose Treatments on the Freeze-Drying Resistance of Lactic Acid Bacteria in High-Density Culture
Authors: Cui Shumao , Hu Mengyu , Sun Yuanyuan , Mao Bingyong , Zhang Qiuxiang , Zhao Jianxin , Tang Xin , Zhang Hao
Published: December 2022

Freeze-drying is a commonly used method in commercial preparations of lactic acid bacteria. However, some bacteria are killed during the freeze-drying process. To overcome this, trehalose and lactose are often used as protective agents. Moreover, high-density culture is an efficient way to grow bacterial strains but creates a hypertonic growth environment. We evaluated the effects of trehalose and lactose, as a primary carbon source or as an additive in fermentation, on the freeze-drying survival of Lactobacillus fermentum FXJCJ6-1, Lactobacillus brevis 173-1-2, and Lactobacillus reuteri CCFM1040. Our results showed that L. fermentum FXJCJ6-1 accumulated but did not use intracellular trehalose in a hypertonic environment, which enhanced its freeze-drying resistance. Furthermore, genes that could transport trehalose were identified in this bacterium. In addition, both the lactose addition and lactose culture improved the freeze-drying survival of the bacterium. Further studies revealed that the added lactose might exert its protective effect by attaching to the cell surface, whereas lactose culture acted by reducing extracellular polysaccharide production and promoting the binding of the protectant to the cell membrane. The different mechanisms of lactose and trehalose in enhancing the freeze-drying resistance of bacteria identified in this study will help to elucidate the anti-freeze-drying mechanisms of other sugars in subsequent investigations.
Involvement of Soil Microorganisms in C, N and P Transformations and Phytotoxicity in Soil from Post-Industrial Areas Treated with Chemical Industry Waste
Authors: Kwiatkowska Edyta , Joniec Jolanta , Kwiatkowski Cezary A.
Published: December 2022

Soil degradation is an unavoidable phenomenon that poses a real threat, as it limits soil utility and reduces its resources. Early assessment of soil degradation can prevent its further deterioration. Various parameters of soil microbial activity may be helpful in this evaluation. Therefore, the purpose of the study was to assess the usefulness of microbiological (total abundance of oligotrophic bacteria and filamentous fungi), biochemical (soil respiration) and enzymatic (dehydrogenase, protease, acid and alkaline phosphatase activity and fluorescein hydrolytic activity) indicators, as well as phytotoxicity, in monitoring the condition of chemically degraded soils due to severe alkalization. The experimental material was soil collected in three sites located at different distances from the reservoir with liquid post-production waste. The analyzed indicators were correlated with the physical and chemical properties of the soil in three variants at the level of sampling sites, soil profile and seasonal variability. All analyzed parameters showed significant changes in the level of their activity at individual sampling sites. The location closest to the waste reservoir was characterized by the lowest values of the discussed activities and the highest phytotoxicity. Individual activities also showed changes depending on the season and soil layer. Considering the usefulness in monitoring changes in soils exposed to chemical degradation, total bacterial and fungal counts, as well as acid and alkaline phosphatase activities and fluorescein hydrolytic activity proved to be the most sensitive indicators.
Study on Dispersion and Mixing Mechanism of Coal Slime Particles in Jet Mixing Flow Field
Authors: Zhou Wei , Wang Shujie , Wang Lingling , Cai Chuanchuan , Li Jianbo , Liu Liangliang , Zhu Jinbo , Min Fanfei
Published: December 2022

The jet flow field is characterized by the dispersion and mixing of multiphase flow, which is widely used in the field of coal slime flotation. In this paper, the behavior of coal slime surface modification, the behavior of material suspension and the effect of different jet fluids on coal slurry blending were studied. Based on the action mechanism of the jet flow field, a jet device suitable for coal slime graded mixing was proposed, and the mixing effect of the jet device was tested. The results show that the jet flow field has strong effects on material dissociation and dispersion, and the mixing effect of a single jet is equivalent to that of the laser particle size analyzer’s own agitation device after stirring for 2.5 min at 500 r/min speed. The SEM test of material surface morphology and the changes of Al and Si elements measured by EDS show that the jet flow field can effectively remove the fine mud wrapped on the surface of coal particles. The precondition of material suspension is to have the just-suspended capacity. The critical jet velocity of coal slime suspension is in the range of 6 m/s~9 m/s. The mixing ability of the jet stream has certain limitations. The increase or decrease of the jet height will cause the decrease of the suspension percentage of sampling points in the tank. The gas jet mode can promote the reagent acting on the surface of the bubble liquid film to form oil bubbles, which is more suitable for hydrophobic mineral flotation. The optimal speed of the gas jet is 0.86 m/s, and the shortest cycle period is 1.0 T (T is one material cycle period). The flotation perfection index of 0.5–0.25 mm and less than 0.075 mm coal slime increased by 2.67% and 26.78%, respectively, indicating that the overall idea of the jet mixing device proposed based on the experimental conclusion is feasible.
Nitrogen-Doped Carbon Quantum Dots for Biosensing Applications: The Effect of the Thermal Treatments on Electrochemical and Optical Properties
Authors: Ghezzi Francesco , Donnini Riccardo , Sansonetti Antonio , Giovanella Umberto , La Ferla Barbara , Vercelli Barbara
Published: December 2022

The knowledge of the ways in which post-synthesis treatments may influence the properties of carbon quantum dots (CDs) is of paramount importance for their employment in biosensors. It enables the definition of the mechanism of sensing, which is essential for the application of the suited design strategy of the device. In the present work, we studied the ways in which post-synthesis thermal treatments influence the optical and electrochemical properties of Nitrogen-doped CDs (N-CDs). Blue-emitting, N-CDs for application in biosensors were synthesized through the hydrothermal route, starting from citric acid and urea as bio-synthesizable and low-cost precursors. The CDs samples were thermally post-treated and then characterized through a combination of spectroscopic, structural, and electrochemical techniques. We observed that the post-synthesis thermal treatments show an oxidative effect on CDs graphitic N-atoms. They cause their partially oxidation with the formation of mixed valence state systems, [CDs]0+, which could be further oxidized into the graphitic N-oxide forms. We also observed that thermal treatments cause the decomposition of the CDs external ammonium ions into ammonia and protons, which protonate their pyridinic N-atoms. Photoluminescence (PL) emission is quenched.
Use of Piranha Solution as An Alternative Route to Promote Bioactivation of PEEK Surface with Low Functionalization Times
Authors: Santos Flavia Suzany Ferreira dos , Rodrigues José Filipe Bacalhau , da Silva Milena Costa , Barreto Maria Eduarda Vasconcelos , da Silva Henrique Nunes , de Lima Silva Suédina Maria , Fook Marcus Vinicius Lia
Published: December 2022

This study aimed to achieve bioactivity on the PEEK surface using piranha solution through a lower functionalization time. For this purpose, the functionalization occurred with piranha solution and 98% sulfuric acid in the proportions of 1:2, 1:1, and 2:1 at periods of 30, 60, and 90 s. The samples treated for longer times at higher concentrations registered the characteristic spectroscopy band associated with sulfonation. Additionally, both chemical treatments allowed the opening of the aromatic ring, increasing the number of functional groups available and making the surface more hydrophilic. The piranha solution treatments with higher concentrations and longer times promoted greater heterogeneity in the surface pores, which affected the roughness of untreated PEEK. Furthermore, the treatments induced calcium deposition on the surface during immersion in SBF fluid. In conclusion, the proposed chemical modifications using sulfuric acid SPEEK 90 and, especially, the piranha solution PEEK-PS 2:1-90, were demonstrated to be promising in promoting the rapid bioactivation of PEEK-based implants.
Flavonoid Metabolism in Tetrastigma hemsleyanum Diels et Gilg Based on Metabolome Analysis and Transcriptome Sequencing
Authors: Bai Yan , Jiang Lingtai , Li Zhe , Liu Shouzan , Hu Xiaotian , Gao Fei
Published: December 2022

Tetrastigma hemsleyanum Diels et Gilg, known as a “plant antibiotic”, possesses several attractive properties including anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, and antioxidant effects, with its efficacy being attributed to flavonoids. However, the flavonoid biosynthesis of T. hemsleyanum has rarely been studied. In this study, we investigated the flavonoid metabolism of T. hemsleyanum through metabolome analysis and transcriptome sequencing. The metabolomic results showed differences in the flavonoids of the leaves and root tubers of T. hemsleyanum. A total of 22 flavonoids was detected, and the concentrations of most flavonoids in the leaves were higher than those in the root tubers. Transcriptome analysis revealed that differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in the leaves and root tubers were enriched in photosynthesis-antenna proteins. Pearson correlation analysis indicated that the expression levels of chalcone isomerase (CHI) and UDP-glycose flavonoid glycosyltransferase (UFGT) were highly correlated with the concentrations of most flavonoids. Further, this study found that the photosynthesis-antenna proteins essentially contributed to the difference in the flavonoids in T. hemsleyanum. The gene expressions and concentrations of the total flavonoids of leaves and root tubers in Hangzhou, Jinhua, Lishui, and Taizhou in Zhejiang Province, China, showed that CHI (CL6715.Contig1_All, Unigene19431_All, CL921.Contig4_All) and UFGT (CL11556.Contig3_All, CL11775.Contig1_All) were the potential key genes of accumulation of most flavonoids in T. hemsleyanum.
Validation of HPLC Method for Analysis of Gamma-Aminobutyric and Glutamic Acids in Plant Foods and Medicinal Plants
Authors: Pencheva Daniela , Teneva Desislava , Denev Petko
Published: December 2022

Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is the major inhibitory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system of mammals and plays an important role in the suppression of neurons’ excitability. GABA is formed from the decarboxylation of glutamic acid (Glu), and both GABA and Glu could be considered as important biologically active food components. In the current study, we validated a HPLC method for concomitant detection of GABA and Glu in plant samples after derivatization with dansyl chloride. The validated method had high precision and a high recovery rate and was successfully used for GABA and Glu quantification in 55 plant foods (fruits, vegetables, legumes, cereals, pseudocereals, and nuts) and 19 medicinal plants. Vegetables were the most important dietary source of these amino acids, with the highest quantity of GABA found in potatoes—44.86 mg/100 g fresh weight (FW) and yellow cherry tomatoes—36.82 mg/100 g FW. The highest amount of Glu (53.58 mg/100 g FW) was found in red cherry tomatoes. Analyzed fruits were relatively poor in GABA and Glu, and European gooseberry was the richest fruit with 13.18 mg/100 g FW GABA and 10.95 mg/100 g FW Glu. Cereals, pseudocereals, nuts, and legumes contain much higher amounts of Glu than GABA. The obtained results enrich the available information on the content of gamma-aminobutyric and glutamic acids in plant foods and could be used for the development of GABA-enriched functional foods.
Silica Immobilised Chloro- and Amido-Derivatives of Eremomycine as Chiral Stationary Phases for the Enantioseparation of Amino Acids by Reversed-Phase Liquid Chromatography
Authors: Sarvin Nikita , Puzankov Ruslan , Vasiyarov Georgii , Nesterenko Pavel N. , Staroverov Sergey M.
Published: December 2022

Macrocyclic glycopeptide antibiotics immobilized on silica are one of the effective classes of stationary phases for chiral recognition and HPLC separation of a wide range of optically active compounds. Enantioselectivity primarily depends on the chemical structure of the chiral ligand, immobilization chemistry, and separation conditions. In the present work, three new chiral stationary phases (CSPs) based on macrocyclic antibiotic eremomycin were prepared and investigated for enantioseparation of amino acids. Two eremomycin derivatives, including simple non-substituted amide and bulky adamantyl amide, provided important information on the role of the carboxylic group in the eremomycin structure in the chiral recognition mechanism concerning amino acid optical isomers. One more CSP having a chlorine atom in the same position elucidates the role of the first aromatic ring in the eremomycin structure as a crucial point for chiral recognition. CSP with immobilized chloreremomycin was the most successful among the phases prepared in this work. It was additionally investigated under various separation conditions, including the type and content of the organic solvent in the eluent, the effects of different additives, and the concentration and pH of the buffer. Importantly, an efficient enantioselective separation of amino acids was achieved with pure water as the eluent.
Facile Controlled Synthesis of Pd-ZnO Nanostructures for Nitrite Detection
Authors: Hu Yaojuan , He Fengyun , Chen Changyun , Zhang Changli , Liu Jingliang
Published: December 2022

The electrocatalytic characteristics of nanostructures are significantly affected by surface structure. The strict regulation of structural characteristics is highly beneficial for the creation of novel nanocatalysts with enhanced electrocatalytic performance. This work reports a nitrite electrochemical sensor based on novel flower-like Pd-ZnO nanostructures. The Pd-ZnO nanocatalysts were synthesized through a simple hydrothermal method, and their morphology and structure were characterized via field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Their electrocatalytical performance in the nitrite oxidation reaction was studied via cyclic voltammetry (CV) and the amperometric technique. Compared to pure ZnO and Pd nanoparticles, the Pd-ZnO nanostructures exhibited enhanced electrochemical performance in the nitrite oxidation reaction. In order to investigate the relationships between the structures of Pd-ZnO nanocatalysts and the corresponding electrocatalytic performances, different surface morphologies of Pd-ZnO nanocatalysts were fabricated by altering the solution pH. It was found that the flower-like Pd-ZnO nanostructures possessed larger effective surface areas and faster electron transfer rates, resulting in the highest electrocatalytic performance in the nitrite oxidation reaction. The designed nitrite sensor based on flower-like Pd-ZnO displayed a wide concentration linear range of 1 μM–2350 μM, a low detection limit of 0.2 μM (S/N of 3), and high sensitivity of 151.9 μA mM−1 cm−2. Furthermore, the proposed sensor exhibited perfect selectivity, excellent reproducibility, and long-time stability, as well as good performance in real sample detection.
Highly Efficient Photocatalysts for Methylene Blue Degradation Based on a Platform of Deposited GO-ZnO Nanoparticles on Polyurethane Foam
Authors: Morsy Mohamed , Abdel-Salam Ahmed I. , Gomaa Islam , Moustafa Hesham , Kalil Haitham , Helal Ahmed
Published: December 2022

The demand for reactive dyes in industries has increased rapidly in recent years, and producing a large quantity of dye-containing effluent waste contaminates soils and water streams. Current efforts to remove these harmful dyes have focused on utilizing functionalized nanomaterials. A 3D polyurethane foam loaded with reduced graphene oxide (rGO) and ZnO nanocomposite (PUF/rGO/ZnO) has been proposed as an efficient structural design for dye degradation under the influence of visible light. The proposed structure was synthesized using a hydrothermal route followed by microwave irradiation. The resultant 3D PUF/rGO/ZnO was examined and characterized by various techniques such as XRD, FTIR, SEM, EDAX, BET, and UV–visible spectroscopy. SEM data illustrated that a good dispersion and embedment of the rGO/ZnO NPs within the PUF matrix occurred. The adsorption capacity for neat PUF showed that around 20% of the Methylene blue (MB) dye was only adsorbed on its surface. However, it was found that an exceptional adsorption capacity for MB degradation was observed when the rGO/ZnO NPs inserted into the PUF, which initially deteriorated to ~ 70 % of its initial concentration. Notably, the MB dye was completely degraded within 3 h.
Expression and Molecular Modification of Chitin Deacetylase from Streptomyces bacillaris
Authors: Yin Lili , Wang Qi , Sun Jianan , Mao Xiangzhao
Published: December 2022

Chitin deacetylase can be used in the green and efficient preparation of chitosan from chitin. Herein, a novel chitin deacetylase SbCDA from Streptomyces bacillaris was heterologously expressed and comprehensively characterized. SbDNA exhibits its highest deacetylation activity at 35 °C and pH 8.0. The enzyme activity is enhanced by Mn2+ and prominently inhibited by Zn2+, SDS, and EDTA. SbCDA showed better deacetylation activity on colloidal chitin, (GlcNAc)5, and (GlcNAc)6 than other forms of the substrate. Molecular modification of SbCDA was conducted based on sequence alignment and homology modeling. A mutant SbCDA63G with higher activity and better temperature stability was obtained. The deacetylation activity of SbCDA63G was increased by 133% compared with the original enzyme, and the optimal reaction temperature increased from 35 to 40 °C. The half-life of SbCDA63G at 40 °C is 15 h, which was 5 h longer than that of the original enzyme. The improved characteristics of the chitin deacetylase SbCDA63G make it a potential candidate to industrially produce chitosan from chitin.
Raman Spectroscopy and Thermoelectric Characterization of Composite Thin Films of Cu2ZnSnS4 Nanocrystals Embedded in a Conductive Polymer PEDOT:PSS
Authors: Havryliuk Yevhenii , Dzhagan Volodymyr , Karnaukhov Anatolii , Selyshchev Oleksandr , Hann Julia , Zahn Dietrich R. T.
Published: December 2022

Cu2ZnSnS4 (CZTS) is an intensively studied potential solar cell absorber and a promising thermoelectric (TE) material. In the form of colloidal nanocrystals (NCs), it is very convenient to form thin films on various substrates. Here, we investigate composites of CZTS NCs with PEDOT:PSS, a widely used photovoltaics polymer. We focus on the investigation of the structural stability of both NCs and polymers in composite thin films with different NC-to-polymer ratios. We studied both pristine films and those subjected to flash lamp annealing (FLA) or laser irradiation with various power densities. Raman spectroscopy was used as the main characterization technique because the vibrational modes of CZTS NCs and the polymer can be acquired in one spectrum and thus allow the properties of both parts of the composite to be monitored simultaneously. We found that CZTS NCs and PEDOT:PSS mutually influence each other in the composite. The thermoelectric properties of PEDOT:PSS/CZTS composite films were found to be higher compared to the films consisting of bare materials, and they can be further improved by adding DMSO. However, the presence of NCs in the polymer deteriorates its structural stability when subjected to FLA or laser treatment.
The Role of Foveal Cortex in Discriminating Peripheral Stimuli: The Sketchpad Hypothesis
Authors: Oletto Carolina Maria , Contemori Giulio , Bertamini Marco , Battaglini Luca
Published: December 2022

Foveal (central) and peripheral vision are strongly interconnected to provide an integrated experience of the world around us. Recently, it has been suggested that there is a feedback mechanism that links foveal and peripheral vision. This peripheral-to-foveal feedback differs from other feedback mechanisms in that during visual processing a novel representation of a stimulus is formed in a different cortical region than that of the feedforward representation. The functional role of foveal feedback is not yet completely understood, but some evidence from neuroimaging studies suggests a link with peripheral shape processing. Behavioural and transcranial magnetic stimulation studies show impairment in peripheral shape discrimination when the foveal retinotopic cortex is disrupted post stimulus presentation. This review aims to link these findings to the visual sketchpad hypothesis. According to this hypothesis, foveal retinotopic cortex stores task-relevant information to aid identification of peripherally presented objects. We discuss how the characteristics of foveal feedback support this hypothesis and rule out other possible explanations. We also discuss the possibility that the foveal feedback may be independent of the sensory modality of the stimulation.
Review of Template-Based Neuroimaging Tools in Neuro-Oncology: Novel Insights
Authors: Germann Jürgen , Yang Andrew , Chow Clement T. , Santyr Brendan , Samuel Nardin , Vetkas Artur , Sarica Can , Elias Gavin J. B. , Voisin Mathew R. , Kucharczyk Walter , Zadeh Gelareh , Lozano Andres M. , Boutet Alexandre
Published: December 2022

Background: A common MRI reference space allows for easy communication of findings, and has led to high-impact discoveries in neuroscience. Brain MRI of neuro-oncology patients with mass lesions or surgical cavities can now be accurately transformed into reference space, allowing for a reliable comparison across patients. Despite this, it is currently seldom used in neuro-oncology, leaving analytic tools untapped. The aim of this study was to systematically review the neuro-oncology literature utilizing reference space. Methods: A systematic review of the neuro-oncology publications was conducted according to PRISMA statement guidelines. Studies specially reporting the use of the Montreal Neurological Institute (MNI) reference space were included. Studies were categorized according to their type of input data and their contributions to the field. A sub-analysis focusing on connectomics and transcriptomics was also included. Results: We identified only 101 articles that utilized the MNI brain in neuro-oncology research. Tumor locations (n = 77) and direct electrocortical stimulation (n = 19) were the most common source of data. A majority of studies (n = 51) provided insights on clinical factors such as tumor subtype, growth progression, and prognosis. A small group of studies (n = 21) have used the novel connectomic and transcriptomic tools. Conclusions: Brain MRI of neuro-oncology patients can be accurately transformed to MNI space. This has contributed to enhance our understanding of a wide variety of clinical questions ranging from tumor subtyping to symptom mapping. Many advanced tools such as connectomics and transcriptomics remain relatively untapped, thereby hindering our knowledge of neuro-oncology.
Phenyliodine(III)diacetate (PIDA): Applications in Organic Synthesis
Authors: Varala Ravi , Seema Vittal , Dubasi Narsimhaswamy
Published: December 2022

One of the hypervalent iodines most widely used as an oxidizing agent in organic chemistry is (diacetoxyiodo)benzene (PhI(OAc)2), also known as (DAIB), phenyliodine(III) diacetate (PIDA). In this septennial mini-review, the authors have concisely and systematically presented representative applications of PIDA in organic synthesis involving C-H functionalization, hetero-hetero bond formations, heterocyclic ring construction, rearrangements or migrations and miscellaneous reactions along with their interesting mechanistic aspects starting from the summer of 2015 to the present.
Retrospective Assessment of The Intestinal Protozoan Distribution in Patients Admitted to The Hospital Aristide Le Dantec in Dakar, Senegal, from 2011 to 2020
Authors: Ndiaye Mouhamadou , Diongue Khadim , Seck Mame Cheikh , Diallo Mamadou Alpha , Kouevidjin Ekoué , Badiane Aida Sadikh , Ndiaye Daouda
Published: December 2022

Infectious parasites, especially the intestinal protozoan parasites, continue to be a major public health problem in Africa, where many of the same factors contribute to the transmission of these parasites. This study was conducted to investigate the parasites causing intestinal protozoal infections diagnosed in Aristide Le Dantec hospital (Senegal). Direct examination and the Ritchie technique were used. Among the 3407 stool samples studied, 645 demonstrated the presence of intestinal protozoa in single parasitism, biparasitism, or polyparasitism, representing a prevalence of 18.93%. Out of a total of 645 protozoa, 579 (16.99%) were identified in monoparasitism in the following order: Entamoeba coli (6.87%) and Blastocystis hominis (5.69%) for low pathogenic species, and Entamoeba histolytica/dispar (2.31%) and Giardia intestinalis (1.32%) for pathogenic species. The rates of biparasitism and polyparasitism were 1.88% and 0.06%, respectively. The highest rate of parasites was 24.83% between the ages of 0–15 years. A logistical regression model indicated that intestinal protozoan infections were not associated with age groups. There was an association between age groups and Giardia intestinalis and Blastocystis hominis (p < 0.05). These results demonstrated the frequency of intestinal protozoa in Senegal. There is a need to implement treatment, prevention, and control measures to limit the circulation of these protozoan infections.
Interleukin 10 (IL-10) Production and Seroprevalence of Entamoeba histolytica Infection among HIV-Infected Patients in South Africa
Authors: Ngobeni Renay , Ramalivhana Jeffrey Naledzani , Traore Afsatou Ndama , Samie Amidou
Published: December 2022

Infections by the parasite E. histolytica are increasing in HIV-infected individuals. Interleukin (IL-10) plays an important role in maintaining the mucosal barrier. Therefore, the seroprevalence of E. histolytica was investigated in relation to the IL-10 serum concentration among HIV- infected patients. A total of 647 blood samples were collected from asymptomatic HIV-infected patients. The Entamoeba histolytica antigen (GALNAC lectin) and serum antibodies were assessed using specific ELISAs (TECHLAB, Virginia, USA). IL10 blood levels were measured using a commercial ELISA test, and the results were analyzed using parametric and non-parametric statistical tests. The Gal/GALNAC lectin was detected in only 0.5% (3/647) of individuals, and the antibodies against E. histolytica were detected in 65.2% (422/647) of the samples. A significant increase in IL-10 levels was found in 68.1% of patients who were sero-negative for E. histolytica antibodies compared to patients who were sero-positive. There is a high level of exposure to E. histolytica among HIV patients in South Africa, although the prevalence of amoebic liver abscesses might be low. This study revealed that elevated levels of IL-10 might be associated with a reduced risk of amebiasis.
Sanyin Formula Enhances the Therapeutic Efficacy of Paclitaxel in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Metastases through the JAK/STAT3 Pathway in Mice
Authors: Wu Chunyu , Sun Chenping , Han Xianghui , Ye Yiyi , Qin Yuenong , Liu Sheng
Published: December 2022

Sanyin formula (SYF) is used as a complementary treatment for triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). The purpose of this study was to identify the potential functional components and clarify the underlying molecular mechanisms of SYF in TNBC. High-performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS) was used to identify the main components of SYF extracts. Network pharmacology and bioinformatic analyses were carried out to identify potential candidate targets of SYF in TNBC. Cell proliferation was determined with a Celigo imaging cytometer. Wound-healing and Transwell assays were adopted to evaluate cell migration. A Transwell cell-invasion assay was performed with Matrigel-coated membranes. In vivo bioluminescence imaging (BLI) and pathological analyses illustrated the effect of SYF on cancer cell metastasis in tumour-bearing mice. The inhibitory mechanism of SYF was investigated via quantitative PCR (qPCR) and Western blotting. We found that 3,4-dihydroxyphenyllactic acid, kaempferol, p-coumaric acid, and vanillic acid may be the active components of SYF. Molecular docking confirmed that kaempferol, p-coumaric acid, vanillic acid, and 3,4-dihydroxyphenyllactic acid bound stably to proteins such as AKR1C3, MMPs, and STAT3. SYF extract suppressed TNBC cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and metastasis by inhibiting JAK/STAT3 signalling and then regulating downstream genes, such as MMP-2/MMP-9. SYF regulates the expression of genes involved in cell proliferation, migration, and invasion by regulating the JAK/STAT3 signalling pathway and finally inhibits tumour cell metastasis in TNBC. The present study clarifies the mechanism by which SYF inhibits TNBC metastasis and lays an experimental foundation for the continued clinical development of SYF targeting the JAK/STAT3 pathway.
Am80-Encapsulated Lipid Nanoparticles, Developed with the Aim of Achieving Alveolar Regeneration, Have an Improvement Effect on Pulmonary Emphysema
Authors: Akita Tomomi , Morita Yuki , Kawai Takehiro , Oda Kazuaki , Tange Kota , Nakai Yuta , Yamashita Chikamasa
Published: December 2022

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is characterized by chronic bronchitis and emphysema, and current drug treatments target its symptoms. Thus, the development of a therapeutic drug to repair alveolar destruction is urgently needed. Our previous research revealed that the synthetic retinoic acid Am80 (1.0 mg/kg) showed a repairing effect on collapsed alveoli in a mouse model of elastase-induced emphysema. However, a further reduction in the dose is desirable to facilitate the development of a powder inhalation formulation for clinical application. We, therefore, focused on SS-OP to deliver Am80 efficiently. As a result, 0.01 mg/kg of Am80-encapsulated SS-OP nanoparticles repaired collapsed alveoli and improved the respiratory function in the mouse model of elastase induced emphysema. The results suggested that, with the use of SS-OP, the Am80 dose could be reduced. This could contribute to the development of a powder inhalation system as a curative medicine for COPD.
Our Experience over 20 Years: Antimicrobial Peptides against Gram Positives, Gram Negatives, and Fungi
Authors: Rizzetto Giulio , Gambini Daisy , Maurizi Andrea , Candelora Matteo , Molinelli Elisa , Cirioni Oscar , Brescini Lucia , Giacometti Andrea , Offidani Annamaria , Simonetti Oriana
Published: December 2022

Antibiotic resistance is rapidly increasing, and new anti-infective therapies are urgently needed. In this regard, antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) may represent potential candidates for the treatment of infections caused by multiresistant microorganisms. In this narrative review, we reported the experience of our research group over 20 years. We described the AMPs we evaluated against Gram-positive, Gram-negative, and fungi. In conclusion, our experience shows that AMPs can be a key option for treating multiresistant infections and overcoming resistance mechanisms. The combination of AMPs allows antibiotics and antifungals that are no longer effective to exploit the synergistic effect by restoring their efficacy. A current limitation includes poor data on human patients, the cost of some AMPs, and their safety, which is why studies on humans are needed as soon as possible.
In Vitro and In Vivo Characterization Methods for Evaluation of Modern Wound Dressings
Authors: Ahmad Naveed
Published: December 2022

Chronic wound management represents a major challenge in the healthcare sector owing to its delayed wound-healing process progression and huge financial burden. In this regard, wound dressings provide an appropriate platform for facilitating wound healing for several decades. However, adherent traditional wound dressings do not provide effective wound healing for highly exudating chronic wounds and need the development of newer and innovative wound dressings to facilitate accelerated wound healing. In addition, these dressings need frequent changing, resulting in more pain and discomfort. In order to overcome these issues, a wide range of affordable and innovative modern wound dressings have been developed and explored recently to accelerate and improve the wound healing process. However, a comprehensive understanding of various in vitro and in vivo characterization methods being utilized for the evaluation of different modern wound dressings is lacking. In this context, an overview of modern dressings and their complete in vitro and in vivo characterization methods for wound healing assessment is provided in this review. Herein, various emerging modern wound dressings with advantages and challenges have also been reviewed. Furthermore, different in vitro wound healing assays and in vivo wound models being utilized for the evaluation of wound healing progression and wound healing rate using wound dressings are discussed in detail. Finally, a summary of modern wound dressings with challenges and the future outlook is highlighted.
Targeting OPA1-Mediated Mitochondrial Fusion Contributed to Celastrol’s Anti-Tumor Angiogenesis Effect
Authors: Li Gaofu , Zhou Lei , Deng Huifang , Huang Congshu , Wang Ningning , Yue Lanxin , Zhang Pengfei , Zhou Yongqiang , Zhou Wei , Gao Yue
Published: December 2022

Celastrol, an active triterpenoid extracted from one of the most famous traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs), Tripterygium wilfordii Hook.f., is a novel anti-cancer drug with significant anti-angiogenesis activity. However, the exact molecular mechanisms underlying its anti-tumor angiogenesis effect remain unclear. The process of angiogenesis needs lots of energy supply, which mostly derives from mitochondria, the “energy factory” in our body. This study shows that celastrol exerts visible suppression on tumor growth and angiogenesis in a cell-derived xenograft (CDX). Likewise, it reduced the tube formation and migration of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs), suppressed the energy metabolism of mitochondria in the Seahorse XF Mito Stress Test, and triggered mitochondrial fragmentation and NF-κB activation. Mechanically, celastrol downregulated the expression of mitochondrial-sharping protein optic atrophy protein 1 (OPA1), which was further estimated by the OPA1 knockdown model of HUVECs. Specifically, celastrol directly suppressed OPA1 at the mRNA level by inhibiting the phosphorylation of STAT3, and stattic (STAT3 inhibitor) showed the same effects on OPA1 suppression and anti-angiogenesis activity. Overall, this study indicates that celastrol inhibits tumor angiogenesis by suppressing mitochondrial function and morphology via the STAT3/OPA1/P65 pathway and provides new insight for mitochondrion-targeted cancer therapy.
Chromatic-Aberration-Corrected Hyperspectral Single-Pixel Imaging
Authors: Liu Ying , Yang Zhao-Hua , Yu Yuan-Jin , Wu Ling-An , Song Ming-Yue , Zhao Zhi-Hao
Published: December 2022

With the emerging development of hyperspectral single-pixel imaging (SPI) systems, the trade-off between the simplicity of optical structure and the correction of chromatic aberration is now an essential factor to be considered. To address both issues simultaneously, we propose a chromatic-aberration-corrected hyperspectral single-pixel imaging scheme, which is based on spectral measurement and dispersion correction. Its achromatism feature is evaluated by optical simulations and proof-of-concept experiments. Moreover, to overcome the shortcomings of traditional algorithms, a new adaptive iterative algorithm is employed, which can further optimize image quality. The results demonstrate that both dispersion and noise in our system are significantly reduced. Taking the position coordinate variance as a figure of merit, we have realized an order of magnitude improvement in the lateral chromatic aberration over the spectral range of 400–780 nm compared to that in conventional hyperspectral SPI. Meanwhile, the contrast-to-noise ratio in our system is enhanced on average by 3 dB. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first such demonstration, and the technique presents possibilities for future integrated applications of high spatial/spectral resolution over the entire visible range, and the system has the potential to be scaled down for future integrated applications.
Phenotypic and Genetic Variation in Morphophysiological Traits in Huanglongbing-Affected Mandarin Hybrid Populations
Authors: Yu Qibin , Dai Fanwei , Russo Riccardo , Guha Anirban , Pierre Myrtho , Zhuo Xiaokang , Wang Yuanzhi Zimmy , Vincent Christopher , Gmitter Frederick G.
Published: December 2022

Huanglongbing (HLB) caused by ‘Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus’ (CLas) is the most costly disease for the global citrus industry. Currently, no effective tools have been found to control HLB. Most commercial citrus varieties are susceptible to HLB, though some citrus hybrid cultivars have reduced sensitivity to the disease. Citrus breeding populations contain a large diversity of germplasm, with thousands of unique genotypes exhibiting a broad range of phenotypes. Understanding phenotypic variation and genetic inheritance in HLB-affected mandarin hybrid populations are crucial for breeding tolerant citrus varieties. In this study, we assessed 448 diverse mandarin hybrids coming from 30 crosses, and 45 additional accessions. For HLB tolerance, we measured HLB severity visual score and CLas titers by qPCR. We also measured seven morphophysiological traits indirectly related to HLB tolerance with leaf area index (LAI), leaf area (LA), leaf mass per area (LMA), photosystem II parameters (Fv/Fo, Fv/Fm), and photochemical performance index (PIabs). By estimating the genetic variation in five half-sib families, we estimated the heritability of phenotypic traits and found a significant genetic effect on HLB visual score and photosynthesis parameters, which indicates opportunities for the genetic improvement of HLB tolerance. In addition, although it is easy to identify infected trees based on HLB symptomatic leaves, visually phenotyping whole trees can be difficult and inconsistent due to the interpersonal subjectivity of characterization. We investigated their relationships and found that LAI was highly correlated with HLB score, with correlation coefficients of r = 0.70 and r = 0.77 for the whole population and five half-sib families, respectively. Photochemical parameters showed significant correlation with HLB severity and responded differentially with the side of the canopy. Our study suggests that LAI and photochemical parameters could be used as a rapid and cost-effective method to evaluate HLB tolerance and inheritance in citrus breeding programs.
Rhizobium leguminosarum bv. viciae-Mediated Silver Nanoparticles for Controlling Bean Yellow Mosaic Virus (BYMV) Infection in Faba Bean Plants
Authors: Abdelkhalek Ahmed , Yassin Yara , Abdel-Megeed Ahmed , Abd-Elsalam Kamel , Moawad Hassan , Behiry Said
Published: December 2022

The faba bean plant (Vicia faba L.) is one of the world’s most important legume crops and can be infected with various viral diseases that affect its production. One of the more significant viruses in terms of economic impact is bean yellow mosaic virus (BYMV). The current study used the molecularly identified Rhizobium leguminosarum bv. viciae strain 33504-Borg1, a nitrogen-fixing bacteria, to biosynthesize silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) to control BYMV disease in faba bean plants. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), a particle size analyzer (PSA) with dynamic light scattering (DLS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) were used to characterize the prepared AgNPs. The DLS, SEM, and TEM analyses revealed that the AgNPs were spherical and rough, with sizes ranging from 13.7 to 40 nm. The FTIR analysis recognized various functional groups related to AgNP capping and stability. Under greenhouse conditions, spraying faba bean leaves with the AgNPs (100 µg/mL) 24 h before BYMV inoculation induced plant resistance and reduced plant disease severity and virus concentration levels. Contrarily, the AgNP treatment enhanced plant health by raising photosynthetic rates, increasing the fresh and dry weight of the faba bean plants, and increasing other measured metrics to levels comparable to healthy controls. Antioxidant enzymes (peroxidase and polyphenol oxidase) inhibited the development of BYMV in the faba bean plants treated with the AgNPs. The AgNPs decreased oxidative stress markers (H2O2 and MDA) in the faba bean plants. The plants treated with the AgNPs showed higher expression levels of PR-1 and HQT than the control plants. The study findings could be used to develop a simple, low-cost, and environmentally friendly method of protecting the faba bean plant from BYMV.