bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Numerical and Experimental Analysis of Shell and Tube Heat Exchanger with Round and Hexagonal Tubes
Authors: Khan Abdullah , Shah Imran , Gul Waheed , Khan Tariq Amin , Ali Yasir , Masood Syed Athar
Published: January 2023

Shell and tube heat exchangers are used to transfer thermal energy from one medium to another for regulating fluid temperatures in the processing and pasteurizing industries. Enhancement of a heat transfer rate is desired to maximize the energy efficiency of the shell and tube heat exchangers. In this research work, we performed computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations and experimental analysis on the shell and tube heat exchangers using round and hexagonal tubes for a range of flow velocities using both parallel flow and counter flow arrangements. In the present work, the rate of heat transfer, temperature drop, and heat transfer coefficient are computed using three turbulence models: the Spalart–Allmaras, the k-epsilon (RNG), and the k-omega shear stress transport (SST). We further utilized the logarithmic mean temperature difference (LMTD) method to compute the heat transfer and mass flow rates for both parallel and counter flow arrangements. Our results show that the rate of heat transfer is increased by introducing the hexagonal structure tubes, since it has better flow disruption as compared to the round tubes. We further validated our simulation results with experiments. For more accurate results, CFD is performed in counter and parallel flow and it is deduced that the rate of heat transfer directly depends upon the velocity of fluids and the number of turns of the tube.
Metabolomic Approach to Study the ‘Purple Queen’ Pomegranate Cultivar Response to Alternative Culture Media and Phenological Stages
Authors: Martínez-Nicolás Juan José , Hernández Francisca , Núñez-Gómez Dámaris , García-Sánchez Francisco , Martínez-Font Rafael , Legua Pilar , Melgarejo Pablo
Published: January 2023

The increasingly evident threat of depletion of world peat bogs is encouraging the search for and study of alternative agricultural substrates that can fully or partially replace peat, guaranteeing food supply (quality and quantity). On the other hand, the identification of the potential for the reuse of waste from relevant economic activities has increased in recent years, mainly motivated by the change to a sustainable circular economy, as is the case of port sediments. Taking into account that significant volumes of dredged port sediments are generated annually so that ports can maintain their economic activity, it is necessary to find objective, sustainable and safe reuse alternatives. In this sense, the objective of this study was to study the response of the “Purple Queen” pomegranate when grown with dredged port sediment. For this, the fruit production (kg), number of fruits (fruits tree-1), fruit weight (g), and seed yield (%) aiming to verify the correct tree development were evaluated. In addition, a 1H-NMR foliar metabolomic study for the three most relevant phenological phases was performed (flowering, fruit development, and post-harvest) to identify metabolic changes in trees. In total, 29 metabolites were identified; among them, 11 were amino acids, 6 organic acids, 5 sugars, and 7 secondary metabolites. The good agronomical development of the trees and fruits indicated the potential for using the dredged sediment as an agricultural substrate. On the other hand, the results revealed that the greatest variability in the metabolomic study occurred between the phenological phases and a lower variability is explained by the substrates used.
Antioxidant and Antibacterial Activity of Four Tannins Isolated from Different Sources and Their Effect on the Shelf-Life Extension of Vacuum-Packed Minced Meat
Authors: Nguyen Chau , Nirmal Nilesh , Sultanbawa Yasmina , Ziora Zyta
Published: January 2023

Four tannin samples extracted from chestnut wood (tannin oenologique, TO), grape (tannin VR grape, TVG), oak gall (tannin galalcool, TG), and oak tree (tannin VR supra elegance, TE) were evaluated for antioxidant and antibacterial activity. The highest total phenolic content (TPC) values were observed in the order of TVG > TG > TE > TO (p < 0.05). The antioxidant activities of all samples were determined in terms of DPPH radical scavenging activity, reducing power, metal-chelating activity, and linoleic acid peroxidation assay. The antioxidant activities of all samples vary and no correlation was observed with the respective TPC values of each sample. Antibacterial activities indicate that all samples showed more or less inhibitory effects against selected Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Based on antioxidant and antibacterial activity, TO and TVG were selected for the beef mince quality preservation study during refrigerated storage. Both TO and TVG at two different concentrations, 0.25 and 0.5%, could cease the chemical and microbial changes as compared to the control sample. Although total viable count (TVC) did not show a significant difference, the H2S-producing bacteria count was lower in all samples treated with TO and TVG compared to sodium metabisulfite (SMS) and the control sample (p < 0.05). Therefore, TO and TVG could be promising natural food preservatives during refrigerated storage.
Comparison and Intercorrelation of Various Bentonite Products for Oenological Properties, Elemental Compositions, Volatile Compounds and Organoleptic Attributes of White Wine
Authors: Rakonczás Nándor , Kállai Zoltán , Kovács Béla , Antal Gabriella , Szabó Szilárd , Holb Imre J.
Published: January 2023

Bentonite fining is one of the generally applied wine-making technological elements that may seriously affect wine components. The aim of this study was (i) to investigate the effect of 21 bentonite products on eight oenological parameters, 19 elements, 21 volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and 10 organoleptic properties of white wine; and (ii) to quantify intercorrelations among the parameters separately for each of the four quality attributes. Among oenological parameters, sugar, acidity, malic-, lactic-, citric acid and total phenol contents were significant among several bentonite products. The amounts of elements were the lowest in the control wine treatments (with exceptions of, e.g., Ni and Cu); and these values were significantly different from several bentonite products. The relative presence of the VOCs was above 100% for most VOCs, but it was below 100% for 1-propanol, 4-amino-1,5-pentandioic acid and butane-dioic acid, and diethyl ester in all treatments. For organoleptic parameters, the values of clearness, colour, flavour intensity and taste persistency was the lowest in the control wine treatment, while the values of flavour character, flavour quality, taste intensity, taste character, and overall harmony were the highest for the bentonite products of AP, EBE, M-SA, EBE, EBE, respectively. Results of correlation and factor analyses showed strong intercorrelative effects of bentonite fining on the four quality attributes. In conclusion, this study can help in the proper choice of a specific bentonite product in relation to complexity effects of bentonite fining.
Mannan Oligosaccharides Promoted Skeletal Muscle Hypertrophy through the Gut Microbiome and Microbial Metabolites in Mice
Authors: Zhao Weijie , Chen Lvshuang , Tan Weihao , Li Yongxiang , Sun Lijuan , Zhu Xiaotong , Wang Songbo , Gao Ping , Zhu Canjun , Shu Gang , Wang Lina , Jiang Qingyan
Published: January 2023

Mannan oligosaccharides (MOSs) have been implicated in the animal growth rate, health indices, and lipid oxidative stability. MOSs have been indicated to maintain intestinal health and anti-inflammatory effects via modulation of gut microbiota. Furthermore, the role of MOSs in modulating skeletal muscle function is largely unknown. Here, this study aimed to investigate the effects of MOS supplementation on muscle function and muscle mass in mice. Additionally, the possible underlying mechanisms, including the contributions of gut microbiota and microbial metabolites, were explored. In our study, 3-week-old C57BL/6J male mice (body weight of approximately 10.7 ± 1.1 g) were given pure water or pure water with 1% MOS. To study the effect of MOSs on gut-microbiota-derived metabolites, serum metabolic profiles were analyzed through untargeted metabolomic profiling. Moreover, we detected the downstream signals of differential metabolites, and decanoic acid (DA) was selected as our target spot. Then, DA was used to treat C2C12 cells, and we found that DA promotes C2C12 cell differentiation via the GPR84 and PI3K/AKT signaling pathways. In conclusion, these results showed that MOS supplementation improves muscle function and muscle mass. Additionally, gut microbiome and microbial metabolites were regulated by MOSs, and DA may be one of the most important links between the gut microbiome and skeletal muscle function regulation.
Influence of Seeds’ Age and Clarification of Cold-Pressed Raspberry (Rubus idaeus L.) Oil on the DSC Oxidative Stability and Phase Transition Profiles
Authors: Rajagukguk Yolanda Victoria , Islam Mahbuba , Tomaszewska-Gras Jolanta
Published: January 2023

After cold-pressing, small particles of seed residue remain in raspberry seed oil (RSO), even after passing it through cold filtration. The removal of the remaining seed residue is rather an alternative option to improve the visual properties of RSO. This study investigated the influence that the seeds’ age (0, 10, 20 months) and clarification process after pressing has on the oxidative stability and phase transition of RSO by means of differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The results proved that the oil centrifugation process reduces the DPPH radical scavenging activity and oxidative stability measured by p-anisidine value (p-AnV) and DSC oxidation induction time (OIT) at 120 °C of all RSO samples, regardless of the age of the seeds (p ≤ 0.05). No significant differences were observed on the DSC melting and crystallization properties at 1 °C/min after the oil clarification by centrifugation (p > 0.05). The storage time of raspberry seeds, i.e., 10 and 20 months after expiry date, influenced the quality deterioration of RSO, as measured by higher p-AnV, lower DPPH, and OIT values (p ≤ 0.05). The results presented provide new information about oil production processing, suggesting that producers should reconsider giving up the clarification process of oil, since it lowers all quality parameters.
A New Look at the Capacitor Theory
Authors: Ortigueira Manuel Duarte , Martynyuk Valeriy , Kosenkov Volodymyr , Batista Arnaldo Guimarães
Published: January 2023

The mathematical description of the charging process of time-varying capacitors is reviewed and a new formulation is proposed. For it, suitable fractional derivatives are described. The case of fractional capacitors that follow the Curie–von Schweidler law is considered. Through suitable substitutions, a similar scheme for fractional inductors is obtained. Formulae for voltage/current input/output are presented. Backward coherence with classic results is established and generalised to the variable order case. The concept of a tempered fractor is introduced and related to the Davidson–Cole model.
Optimising Soy and Pea Protein Gelation to Obtain Hydrogels Intended as Precursors of Food-Grade Dried Porous Materials
Authors: De Berardinis Lorenzo , Plazzotta Stella , Manzocco Lara
Published: January 2023

Dried porous materials based on plant proteins are attracting large attention thanks to their potential use as sustainable food ingredients. Nevertheless, plant proteins present lower gelling properties than animal ones. Plant protein gelling could be improved by optimising gelation conditions by acting on protein concentration, pH, and ionic strength. This work aimed to systematically study the effect of these factors on the gelation behaviour of soy and pea protein isolates. Protein suspensions having different concentrations (10, 15, and 20% w/w), pH (3.0, 4.5, 7.0), and ionic strength (IS, 0.0, 0.6, 1.5 M) were heat-treated (95 °C for 15 min) and characterised for rheological properties and physical stability. Strong hydrogels having an elastic modulus (G′) higher than 103 Pa and able to retain more than 90% water were only obtained from suspensions containing at least 15% soy protein, far from the isoelectric point and at an IS above 0.6 M. By contrast, pea protein gelation was achieved only at a high concentration (20%), and always resulted in weak gels, which showed increasing G′ with the increase in pH and IS. Results were rationalised into a map identifying the gelation conditions to modulate the rheological properties of soy and pea protein hydrogels, for their subsequent conversion into xerogels, cryogels, and aerogels.
Influence of Cross-Linking Conditions on Drying Kinetics of Alginate Hydrogel
Authors: Łabowska Magdalena B. , Skrodzka Maria , Sicińska Hanna , Michalak Izabela , Detyna Jerzy
Published: January 2023

Hydrogels are three-dimensional cross-linked polymeric networks capable of a large amount of fluid retention in their structure. Hydrogel outputs manufactured using additive manufacturing technologies are exposed to water loss, which may change their original shape and dimensions. Therefore, the possibility of retaining water is important in such a structure. In this manuscript, kinetic analysis of water evaporation from sodium alginate-based hydrogels exposed to different environmental conditions such as different temperatures (7 and 23 °C) and ambient humidity (45, 50 and 95%) has been carried out. The influence of the cross-linking method (different calcium chloride concentration—0.05, 0.1 and 0.5 M) of sodium alginate and cross-linking time on the water loss was also considered. Studies have shown that a decrease in the temperature and increase in the storage humidity can have a positive effect on the water retention in the structure. The storage conditions that led to the least weight and volume loss were T 7 °C and 95% humidity. These experiments may help in selecting the appropriate hydrogel preparation method for future applications, as well as their storage conditions for minimum water loss and, consequently, the least change in dimensions and shape.
The Association between Physical Activity, Self-Compassion, and Mental Well-Being after COVID-19: In the Exercise and Self-Esteem Model Revised with Self-Compassion (EXSEM-SC) Perspective
Authors: Wong Ming-Yu , Fung Hong-Wang , Yuan Guangzhe
Published: January 2023

During the great life-altering challenges brought by Coronavirus 2019, school closures and lack of access to exercise and social interactions may have increased students’ negative emotions. The current research acts as a follow-up study to the development of the EXSEM-SC, using the Repeated Measures Panel Analysis Framework (RMPAF) to examine the stability of the model in revealing the relationship between physical activity, self-compassion, and mental well-being among Hong Kong adolescents. It is also aimed at examining the changes in physical activity, self-compassion, and mental well-being among Hong Kong adolescents between, before, and after the peak of COVID-19 using the EXSEM-SC Model. The RMPAF has involved 572 (60% Female, Mage = 13.63, SD =1.31) Hong Kong secondary school students. Furthermore, using the abductive qualitative approach, a total of 25 (Mage = 14.84, SD = 1.40) students were involved in the in-depth interviews to further investigate the relationships within the EXSEM-SC. The quantitative results showed that the relationship between physical activity and self-compassion could be demonstrated by the EXSEM-SC, with a satisfactory goodness-of-fit index in the SEMs, as well as satisfying model construct consistency. Moreover, it showed no significant differences in the level of physical activity, self-compassion, and mental well-being during and after the peak of COVID-19. The qualitative results demonstrated two new categories within the EXSEM-SC variables, which are personality traits and injuries experiences. With the stability of the EXSEM-SC model among adolescents, it is expected that the physical activity intervention, which is based on the EXSEM-SC model, could also aim at easing Hong Kong adolescent’s mental health issues. In addition, in terms of generating a long-term impact among students, the physical activity and self-compassionate intervention should be promoted among schools. However, the quantitative properties of the two new categories in the qualitative outcomes should be involved in future investigation.
Hyperhomocysteinemia in Patients with Newly Diagnosed Primary Hypertension in Can Tho City, Vietnam
Authors: Tran Son Kim , Ngo Toan Hoang , Nguyen Phi Hoang , Truong An Bao , Truong Giang Khanh , Tran Khoa Dang Dang , Vo Phuong Minh , Nguyen Phi The , Nguyen Thuan Tuan , Nguyen Phu Ngoc Thien , Nguyen Kien Trung , Tran Hung Do
Published: January 2023

Background: Elevated levels of blood total homocysteine is one of the cardiovascular risk factors in hypertensive patients. Objectives: Determine the prevalence of hyperhomocysteinemia and its associated factors in newly diagnosed primary hypertension patients. Materials and methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study on 105 patients with newly diagnosed primary hypertension at Can Tho University of Medicine and Pharmacy Hospital from May 2017 to May 2018. Total homocysteine levels and related factors were collected at the study time. Results: The mean plasma total homocysteine level was 16.24 ± 4.49 µmol/L. There were 78 patients with elevated plasma total homocysteine levels ≥15 µmol/L, accounting for 74.3% of all patients. Being elderly, gender, hypertension stage, and diabetes were factors associated with hyperhomocysteinemia (p < 0.05). Total homocysteine levels were positively correlated with SBP, DBP, and age with r(SBP) = 0.696, r(DBP) = 0.585, and r(age) = 0.286. Conclusion: Research on the subpopulation of Vietnamese people shows that hyperhomocysteinemia is common in patients with newly diagnosed primary hypertension, and high blood total homocysteine levels are often related to age, sex, hypertension stage, and diabetes.
Presenilin 1 Modulates Acetylcholinesterase Trafficking and Maturation
Authors: Cortés-Gómez María-Ángeles , Barberá Víctor M. , Alom Jordi , Sáez-Valero Javier , García-Ayllón María-Salud
Published: January 2023

In Alzheimer’s disease (AD), the reduction in acetylcholinesterase (AChE) enzymatic activity is not paralleled with changes in its protein levels, suggesting the presence of a considerable enzymatically inactive pool in the brain. In the present study, we validated previous findings, and, since inactive forms could result from post-translational modifications, we analyzed the glycosylation of AChE by lectin binding in brain samples from sporadic and familial AD (sAD and fAD). Most of the enzymatically active AChE was bound to lectins Canavalia ensiformis (Con A) and Lens culinaris agglutinin (LCA) that recognize terminal mannoses, whereas Western blot assays showed a very low percentage of AChE protein being recognized by the lectin. This indicates that active and inactive forms of AChE vary in their glycosylation pattern, particularly in the presence of terminal mannoses in active ones. Moreover, sAD subjects showed reduced binding to terminal mannoses compared to non-demented controls, while, for fAD patients that carry mutations in the PSEN1 gene, the binding was higher. The role of presenilin-1 (PS1) in modulating AChE glycosylation was then studied in a cellular model that overexpresses PS1 (CHO-PS1). In CHO-PS1 cells, binding to LCA indicates that AChE displays more terminal mannoses in oligosaccharides with a fucosylated core. Immunocytochemical assays also demonstrated increased presence of AChE in the trans-Golgi. Moreover, AChE enzymatic activity was higher in plasmatic membrane of CHO-PS1 cells. Thus, our results indicate that PS1 modulates trafficking and maturation of AChE in Golgi regions favoring the presence of active forms in the membrane.
Optic Nerve Regeneration in Diabetic Retinopathy: Potentials and Challenges Ahead
Authors: Wu Suqian , Mo Xiaofen
Published: January 2023

Diabetic retinopathy (DR), the most common microvascular compilation of diabetes, is the leading cause of vision loss and blindness worldwide. Recent studies indicate that retinal neuron impairment occurs before any noticeable vascular changes in DR, and retinal ganglion cell (RGC) degeneration is one of the earliest signs. Axons of RGCs have little capacity to regenerate after injury, clinically leading the visual functional defects to become irreversible. In the past two decades, tremendous progress has been achieved to enable RGC axon regeneration in animal models of optic nerve injury, which holds promise for neural repair and visual restoration in DR. This review summarizes these advances and discusses the potential and challenges for developing optic nerve regeneration strategies treating DR.
A Comprehensive Exploration of the Transcriptomic Landscape in Multiple Sclerosis: A Systematic Review
Authors: Chiricosta Luigi , Blando Santino , D’Angiolini Simone , Gugliandolo Agnese , Mazzon Emanuela
Published: January 2023

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is, to date, an incurable disease of the nervous system characterized by demyelination. Several genetic mutations are associated with the disease but they are not able to explain all the diagnosticated cases. Thus, it is suggested that altered gene expression may play a role in human pathologies. In this review, we explored the role of the transcriptomic profile in MS to investigate the main altered biological processes and pathways involved in the disease. Herein, we focused our attention on RNA-seq methods that in recent years are producing a huge amount of data rapidly replacing microarrays, both with bulk and single-cells. The studies evidenced that different MS stages have specific molecular signatures and non-coding RNAs may play a key role in the disease. Sex-dependence was observed before and after treatments used to alleviate symptomatology activating different biological processes in a drug-dependent manner. New pathways, such as neddylation, were found deregulated in MS and inflammation was linked to neuron degeneration areas through spatial transcriptomics. It is evident that the use of RNA-seq in the study of complex pathologies, such as MS, is a valid strategy to shed light on new involved mechanisms.
Population Genomic Analyses Suggest a Hybrid Origin, Cryptic Sexuality, and Decay of Genes Regulating Seed Development for the Putatively Strictly Asexual Kingdonia uniflora (Circaeasteraceae, Ranunculales)
Authors: Sun Yanxia , Zhang Xu , Zhang Aidi , Landis Jacob B. , Zhang Huajie , Sun Hang , Xiang Qiu-Yun (Jenny) , Wang Hengchang
Published: January 2023

Asexual lineages are perceived to be short-lived on evolutionary timescales. Hence, reports for exceptional cases of putative ‘ancient asexuals’ usually raise questions about the persistence of such species. So far, there have been few studies to solve the mystery in plants. The monotypic Kingdonia dating to the early Eocene, contains only K. uniflora that has no known definitive evidence for sexual reproduction nor records for having congeneric sexual species, raising the possibility that the species has persisted under strict asexuality for a long period of time. Here, we analyze whole genome polymorphism and divergence in K. uniflora. Our results show that K. uniflora is characterized by high allelic heterozygosity and elevated πN/πS ratio, in line with theoretical expectations under asexual evolution. Allele frequency spectrum analysis reveals the origin of asexuality in K. uniflora occurred prior to lineage differentiation of the species. Although divergence within K. uniflora individuals exceeds that between populations, the topologies of the two haplotype trees, however, fail to match each other, indicating long-term asexuality is unlikely to account for the high allele divergence and K. uniflora may have a recent hybrid origin. Phi-test shows a statistical probability of recombination for the conflicting phylogenetic signals revealed by the split network, suggesting K. uniflora engages in undetected sexual reproduction. Detection of elevated genetic differentiation and premature stop codons (in some populations) in genes regulating seed development indicates mutational degradation of sexuality-specific genes in K. uniflora. This study unfolds the origin and persistence mechanism of a plant lineage that has been known to reproduce asexually and presents the genomic consequences of lack of sexuality.
Clostridium butyricum Can Promote Bone Development by Regulating Lymphocyte Function in Layer Pullets
Authors: Song Mengze , Zhang Xuesong , Hao Guijuan , Lin Hai , Sun Shuhong
Published: January 2023

Bone health problems are a serious threat to laying hens; microbiome-based therapies, which are harmless and inexpensive, may be an effective solution for bone health problems. Here, we examined the impacts of supplementation with Clostridium butyricum (CB) on bone and immune homeostasis in pullets. The results of in vivo experiments showed that feeding the pullets CB was beneficial to the development of the tibia and upregulated the levels of the bone formation marker alkaline phosphatase and the marker gene runt-related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2). For the immune system, CB treatment significantly upregulated IL-10 expression and significantly increased the proportion of T regulatory (Treg) cells in the spleen and peripheral blood lymphocytes. In the in vitro test, adding CB culture supernatant or butyrate to the osteoblast culture system showed no significant effects on osteoblast bone formation, while adding lymphocyte culture supernatant significantly promoted bone formation. In addition, culture supernatants supplemented with treated lymphocytes (pretreated with CB culture supernatants) stimulated higher levels of bone formation. In sum, the addition of CB improved bone health by modulating cytokine expression and the ratio of Treg cells in the immune systems of layer pullets. Additionally, in vitro CB could promote the bone formation of laying hen osteoblasts through the mediation of lymphocytes.
Obesogenic Diet-Induced Neuroinflammation: A Pathological Link between Hedonic and Homeostatic Control of Food Intake
Authors: Marcos José Luis , Olivares-Barraza Rossy , Ceballo Karina , Wastavino Melisa , Ortiz Víctor , Riquelme Julio , Martínez-Pinto Jonathan , Muñoz Pablo , Cruz Gonzalo , Sotomayor-Zárate Ramón
Published: January 2023

Obesity-induced neuroinflammation is a chronic aseptic central nervous system inflammation that presents systemic characteristics associated with increased pro-inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin 1 beta (IL-1β) and interleukin 18 (IL-18) and the presence of microglia and reactive astrogliosis as well as the activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome. The obesity pandemic is associated with lifestyle changes, including an excessive intake of obesogenic foods and decreased physical activity. Brain areas such as the lateral hypothalamus (LH), lateral septum (LS), ventral tegmental area (VTA), and nucleus accumbens (NAcc) have been implicated in the homeostatic and hedonic control of feeding in experimental models of diet-induced obesity. In this context, a chronic lipid intake triggers neuroinflammation in several brain regions such as the hypothalamus, hippocampus, and amygdala. This review aims to present the background defining the significant impact of neuroinflammation and how this, when induced by an obesogenic diet, can affect feeding control, triggering metabolic and neurological alterations.
Alpha2-Adrenergic Receptors as a Pharmacological Target for Spike-Wave Epilepsy
Authors: Sitnikova Evgenia , Rutskova Elizaveta , Smirnov Kirill
Published: January 2023

Spike-wave discharges are the hallmark of idiopathic generalized epilepsy. They are caused by a disorder in the thalamocortical network. Commercially available anti-epileptic drugs have pronounced side effects (i.e., sedation and gastroenterological concerns), which might result from a low selectivity to molecular targets. We suggest a specific subtype of adrenergic receptors (ARs) as a promising anti-epileptic molecular target. In rats with a predisposition to absence epilepsy, alpha2 ARs agonists provoke sedation and enhance spike-wave activity during transitions from awake/sedation. A number of studies together with our own observations bring evidence that the sedative and proepileptic effects require different alpha2 ARs subtypes activation. Here we introduce a new concept on target pharmacotherapy of absence epilepsy via alpha2B ARs which are presented almost exclusively in the thalamus. We discuss HCN and calcium channels as the most relevant cellular targets of alpha2 ARs involved in spike-wave activity generation.
Lignin Degradation via Chlorine Dioxide at Room Temperature: Chemical Groups and Structural Characterization
Authors: Weng Shuxian , Zhang Guixin , Hu Yun , Bo Caiying , Song Fei , Feng Guodong , Hu Lihong , Zhou Yonghong , Jia Puyou
Published: January 2023

Lignin degradation is an effective means of achieving the high-value application of lignin, but degradation usually requires the use of high temperatures and harsh reaction-conditions. This study describes a green, mild approach for the degradation of lignin, in which chlorine dioxide (ClO2) was used for the oxidative degradation of lignin (IL) in an acidic aqueous suspension at room temperature. The optimal process conditions were: 30 mL of ClO2 solution (2.5 mg·L−1), pH 4.5 and 3 h. The FT-IR, NMR (1H NMR, 2D-HSQC and 31P NMR), XPS and GPC analyses indicated that lignin could be degraded by ClO2 relatively well at room temperature, to form quinones and muconic acids. Additionally, DIL was reduced to substances with a high phenolic-hydroxyl (OH) content (RDIL) under the presence of NaBH4, which further confirmed the composition of DIL and which can be applied to the development of lignin-based phenolic resins, providing a reference for the further modification as well as the utilization of DIL.
Intra-Articular Injection of Botulinum Toxin for the Treatment of Knee Osteoarthritis: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Sconza Cristiano , Leonardi Giulia , Carfì Carla , Kon Elizaveta , Respizzi Stefano , Scaturro Dalila , Letizia Mauro Giulia , Massazza Giuseppe , Di Matteo Berardo
Published: January 2023

The purpose of the present paper was to review the available evidence on intra-articular botulinum toxin (BTX) injection in the treatment of knee osteoarthritis and to compare it to other conservative treatment options. A systematic review of the literature was performed on the PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Pedro and Research Gate databases with the following inclusion criteria: (1) randomized controlled trials (RCTs), (2) written in the English language, and (3) published on indexed journals in the last 20 years (2001–2021) dealing with the use of BTX intra-articular injection for the treatment of knee OA. The risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool for RCTs. Nine studies involving 811 patients in total were included. Patients in the control groups received different treatments: conventional physiotherapy, hyaluronic acid injection or prolotherapy or a combination thereof in 5 studies, steroid infiltrative therapy (triamcinolone) in 1 study, placebo in 2, and local anesthetic treatment in 1 study. Looking at the quality of the available literature, two of the included studies reached “Good quality” standard, three were ranked as “Fair”, and the rest were considered “Poor”. No major complications or serious adverse events were reported following intra-articular BTX, which provided encouraging pain relief, improved motor function, and quality of life. Based on the available data, no clear indication emerged from the comparison of BTX with other established treatments for knee OA. The analysis of the available RCTs on BTX intra-articular injection for the treatment of knee OA revealed modest methodological quality. However, based on the data retrieved, botulinum toxin has been proven to provide good short-term outcomes, especially in patients with pain sensitization, by modulating neurotransmitter release, peripheral nociceptive transduction, and acting on the control of chronic pain from central sensitization.
Dimethyl Fumarate Treatment Reduces the Amount but Not the Avidity of the Epstein–Barr Virus Capsid-Antigen-Specific Antibody Response in Multiple Sclerosis: A Pilot Study
Authors: Castellazzi Massimiliano , Ferri Caterina , Piola Alice , Permunian Samantha , Buscemi Gaia , Laudisi Michele , Baldi Eleonora , Pugliatti Maura
Published: January 2023

(1) Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic inflammatory disease of autoimmune origin. The Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) is associated with the onset of MS, as almost all patients have high levels of EBV-specific antibodies as a result of a previous infection. We evaluated longitudinally the effects of dimethyl fumarate (DMF), a first-line treatment of MS, on the quantity and quality of EBV-specific IgG in MS patients. (2) Serum samples from 17 MS patients receiving DMF were taken before therapy (T0) and after 1 week (T1) and 1 (T2), 3 (T3) and 6 (T4) months of treatment. Anti-EBV nuclear antigen (EBNA)-1 and capsid antigen (CA) IgG levels and anti-CA IgG avidity were measured in all samples. (3) Serum levels of anti-CA IgG were lower at T1 (p = 0.0341), T2 (p = 0.0034), T3 (p < 0.0001) and T4 (p = 0.0023) than T0. These differences were partially confirmed also in anti-EBNA-1 IgG levels (T3 vs. T0, p = 0.0034). All patients had high-avidity anti-CA IgG at T0, and no changes were observed during therapy. (4): DMF can reduce the amount but not the avidity of the anti-EBV humoral immune response in MS patients from the very early stages of treatment.
Bottom-Up Strategy to Forecast the Drug Location and Release Kinetics in Antitumoral Electrospun Drug Delivery Systems
Authors: Longo Raffaele , Raimondo Marialuigia , Vertuccio Luigi , Ciardulli Maria Camilla , Sirignano Marco , Mariconda Annaluisa , Della Porta Giovanna , Guadagno Liberata
Published: January 2023

Electrospun systems are becoming promising devices usable for topical treatments. They are eligible to deliver different therapies, from anti-inflammatory to antitumoral. In the current research, polycaprolactone electrospun membranes loaded with synthetic and commercial antitumoral active substances were produced, underlining how the matrix-filler affinity is a crucial parameter for designing drug delivery devices. Nanofibrous membranes loaded with different percentages of Dacarbazine (the drug of choice for melanoma) and a synthetic derivative of Dacarbazine were produced and compared to membranes loaded with AuM1, a highly active Au-complex with low affinity to the matrix. AFM morphologies showed that the surface profile of nanofibers loaded with affine substances is similar to one of the unloaded systems, thanks to the nature of the matrix-filler interaction. FTIR analyses proved the efficacy of the interaction between the amidic group of the Dacarbazine and the polycaprolactone. In AuM1-loaded membranes, because of the weak matrix-filler interaction, the complex is mainly aggregated in nanometric domains on the nanofiber surface, which manifests a nanometric roughness. Consequently, the release profiles follow a Fickian behavior for the Dacarbazine-based systems, whereas a two-step with a highly prominent burst effect was observed for AuM1 systems. The performed antitumoral tests evidence the high-cytotoxic activity of the electrospun systems against melanoma cell lines, proving that the synthetic substances are more active than the commercial dacarbazine.
New Transcriptomic Biomarkers of 5-Fluorouracil Resistance
Authors: Fekete János Tibor , Győrffy Balázs
Published: January 2023

The overall response rate to fluoropyrimidine monotherapy in colorectal cancer (CRC) is limited. Transcriptomic datasets of CRC patients treated with 5-fluorouracil (5FU) could assist in the identification of clinically useful biomarkers. In this research, we aimed to analyze transcriptomic cohorts of 5FU-treated cell lines to uncover new predictive biomarker candidates and to validate the strongest hits in 5FU-treated human colorectal cancer samples with available clinical response data. We utilized an in vitro dataset of cancer cell lines treated with 5FU and used the reported area under the dose–response curve values to determine the therapeutic response to 5FU treatment. Mann–Whitney and ROC analyses were performed to identify significant genes. The strongest genes were combined into a single signature using a random forest classifier. The compound 5-fluorouracil was tested in 592 cell lines (294 nonresponders and 298 responders). The validation cohort consisted of 157 patient samples with 5FU monotherapy from three datasets. The three strongest associations with treatment outcome were observed in SHISA4 (AUC = 0.745, p-value = 5.5 × 10−25), SLC38A6 (AUC = 0.725, p-value = 3.1 × 10−21), and LAPTM4A (AUC = 0.723, p-value = 6.4 × 10−21). A random forest model utilizing the top genes reached an AUC value of 0.74 for predicting therapeutic sensitivity. The model correctly identified 83% of the nonresponder and 73% of the responder patients. The cell line cohort is available and the entire human colorectal cohort have been added to the ROCPlot analysis platform. Here, by using in vitro and in vivo data, we present a framework enabling the ranking of future biomarker candidates of 5FU resistance. A future option is to conduct an independent validation of the established predictors of resistance.
Mott Transition in the Hubbard Model on Anisotropic Honeycomb Lattice with Implications for Strained Graphene: Gutzwiller Variational Study
Authors: Rut Grzegorz , Fidrysiak Maciej , Goc-Jagło Danuta , Rycerz Adam
Published: January 2023

The modification of interatomic distances due to high pressure leads to exotic phenomena, including metallicity, superconductivity and magnetism, observed in materials not showing such properties in normal conditions. In two-dimensional crystals, such as graphene, atomic bond lengths can be modified by more than 10 percent by applying in-plane strain, i.e., without generating high pressure in the bulk. In this work, we study the strain-induced Mott transition on a honeycomb lattice by using computationally inexpensive techniques, including the Gutzwiller Wave Function (GWF) and different variants of Gutzwiller Approximation (GA), obtaining the lower and upper bounds for the critical Hubbard repulsion (U) of electrons. For uniaxial strain in the armchair direction, the band gap is absent, and electron correlations play a dominant role. A significant reduction in the critical Hubbard U is predicted. Model considerations are mapped onto the tight-binding Hamiltonian for monolayer graphene by the auxiliary Su–Schrieffer–Heeger model for acoustic phonons, assuming zero stress in the direction perpendicular to the strain applied. Our results suggest that graphene, although staying in the semimetallic phase even for extremely high uniaxial strains, may show measurable signatures of electron correlations, such as the band narrowing and the reduction in double occupancies.
Characteristics of Root Cells during In Vitro Rhizogenesis under Action of NaCl in Two Tomato Genotypes Differing in Salt Tolerance
Authors: Bogoutdinova Liliya R. , Baranova Ekaterina N. , Kononenko Neonila V. , Chaban Inna A. , Konovalova Ludmila N. , Gulevich Alexander A. , Lazareva Elena M. , Khaliluev Marat R.
Published: January 2023

Understanding the mechanisms of plant salt tolerance as a complex trait is an integral part of many studies, the results of which have been used in the breeding process. The aim of this study was to compare the root response of two tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) genotypes (breeding line YaLF and cultivar Recordsmen) differing in salt tolerance. Rhizogenesis was induced in tomato shoots in vitro with different concentrations of NaCl in the culture medium. A number of morphobiological and cytological parameters were evaluated at the organ, tissue, and cellular levels for possible use in a comprehensive assessment of genotypes for salt tolerance. The influence of NaCl caused disruption of the cell cycle and redistribution of cells in the phases of the cell cycle. An increase in the degree of vacuolization was shown in cv Recordsmen at 75 and 150 mM NaCl and in the YaLF line at 150 mM NaCl. Under salt action, an increase/decrease in the length of cells such as columella cells (both genotypes) and epidermal cells (in cv Recordsmen at 75 and 150 mM NaCl) was shown. Differences between genotypes were demonstrated by changes in the area of the central cylinder and primary root cortex cells, as well as by changes of the Snucleolus/Snucleus ratio in these cells. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) showed the modification of the chromatin structure in the root cells of these genotypes. Various cytoskeletal disorders were revealed in interphase cells of the tomato root of cv Recordsmen and the YaLF line by immunofluorescent staining under saline conditions. These morphometric and cytological parameters can be used for a comparative evaluation of genotypes differing in salt tolerance in a comprehensive assessment of varieties.
Green Synthesis of Anti-bacterial Nano Silver by Polysaccharide from Bletilla Striata
Authors: Zhang Jiahao , Yin Yunxue , Hu Shuo , Wang Guangyu , Tong Yuxin , Zen Mingyang , Liang Zhile , Li Minghao , Yan Ran , Wang Yue
Published: January 2023

The silver nanoparticle is a good antibacterial material being used as a broad-spectrum fungicide, including against some multidrug-resistant strains. Compared with the normal chemical and physical preparation methods, green synthesis has attracted wide attention, because of the pharmaceutical activities of the natural product, mild reaction conditions, and environmentally friendly, etc. In this study, the synthesis of silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) was prepared from Bletilla striata polysaccharide (BSP) and characterized by UV-vis spectroscopy and Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) indicated the morphology of Ag NPs was subspherical with an average size of 20–35 nm. Bletilla striata polysaccharide not only can be used as a natural reducing agent, but also has good repairing ability. Moreover, the antibacterial experimental results showed its great antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus), Gram-negative bacteria (Escherichia coli) and Candida albicans.
Older People Hospitalized for COVID-19: Prognostic Role of Multidimensional Prognostic Index and Other Prognostic Scores
Authors: Carruba Luca , Armata Maria , Vassallo Giusy , Saccaro Carlo , Di Palermo Carla , Giannettino Chiara , Cilona Laura , Capitummino Rossella , Veronese Nicola , Dominguez Ligia J. , Barbagallo Mario
Published: January 2023

During the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, frailty and patients’ poor outcomes seem to be closely related. However, there is no clear indication of the significance of this connection and the most adequate risk index in clinical practice. In this study, we compared a short version of MPI (multidimensional prognostic index) and other two prognostic scores for COVID-19 as potential predictors of poor patient outcomes. The patients were consecutively enrolled in the hospital of Palermo for COVID-19. The accuracy of Brief-MPI, 4C score and COVID-GRAM score in points was evaluated using the area under the curve (AUC) with 95% CI, taking mortality or sub-ICU admission as outcome. The study included 112 participants (mean age 77.6, 55.4% males). During a mean of 16 days of hospitalization, Brief-MPI significantly increased by 0.03 ± 0.14 (p = 0.04), whilst COVID-GRAM did not. Brief-MPI, 4C score and COVID-GRAM scores had good accuracy in predicting negative outcomes (AUC > 0.70 for all three scores). Brief-MPI was significantly associated with an increased mortality/ICU admission risk, indicating the importance of multidimensional impairment in clinical decision-making with an accuracy similar to other prognostic scores commonly used in COVID-19 study, providing information regarding domains for which interventions can be proposed.
Coagulation Disorders in Sepsis and COVID-19—Two Sides of the Same Coin? A Review of Inflammation–Coagulation Crosstalk in Bacterial Sepsis and COVID-19
Authors: Tuculeanu Georgeana , Barbu Ecaterina Constanta , Lazar Mihai , Chitu-Tisu Cristina Emilia , Moisa Emanuel , Negoita Silvius Ioan , Ion Daniela Adriana
Published: January 2023

Sepsis is a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Sepsis-associated coagulation disorders are involved in the pathogenesis of multiorgan failure and lead to a subsequently worsening prognosis. Alongside the global impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, a great number of research papers have focused on SARS-CoV-2 pathogenesis and treatment. Significant progress has been made in this regard and coagulation disturbances were once again found to underlie some of the most serious adverse outcomes of SARS-CoV-2 infection, such as acute lung injury and multiorgan dysfunction. In the attempt of untangling the mechanisms behind COVID-19-associated coagulopathy (CAC), a series of similarities with sepsis-induced coagulopathy (SIC) became apparent. Whether they are, in fact, the same disease has not been established yet. The clinical picture of CAC shows the unique feature of an initial phase of intravascular coagulation confined to the respiratory system. Only later on, patients can develop a clinically significant form of systemic coagulopathy, possibly with a consumptive pattern, but, unlike SIC, it is not a key feature. Deepening our understanding of CAC pathogenesis has to remain a major goal for the research community, in order to design and validate accurate definitions and classification criteria.
Benthic Opportunistic Polychaete/Amphipod Ratio: An Indicator of Pollution or Modification of the Environment by Macroinvertebrates?
Authors: Maximov Alexey A. , Berezina Nadezhda A.
Published: January 2023

The development of sensitive indicators reflecting the state of the environment is an important issue for the monitoring of marine ecosystems. The spionid polychaete Marenzelleria arctia and pontoporeiid amphipod Monoporeia affinis are common macrobenthic species in the brackish Gulf of Finland (the easternmost Baltic Sea). This paper aims to apply the Benthic Opportunistic Polychaetes Amphipods (BOPA) and Benthic Opportunistic Annelid Amphipods (BO2A) indices based on the polychaete/amphipod ratio as indicators of the environmental state in this region. We analyzed the relationships between environmental variables and benthic indices based on samples from two benthic surveys in 2019 (10 sites) and 2020 (9 sites). The coastal sites were characterized by worse water quality (i.e., the higher concentration of hydrocarbons, total phosphorus and chlorophyll-a), but cleaner sediments (i.e., total phosphorus, organic carbon, polyaromatic hydrocarbons and trace metals) than offshore sites. The BOPA and BO2A correlated positively with the level of water pollution and negatively with sediment pollution. The activity of the benthic organisms seems to strongly influence the concentration of contaminants in sediments, so this factor hinders the use of BOPA and BO2A indices for the assessment of bottom sediments quality in the eastern Baltic Sea. At the same time, this study shows that BOPA and BO2A indices can be used in assessing water quality.