bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparative Analyses of the Self-Sealing Mechanisms in Leaves of Delosperma cooperi and Delosperma ecklonis (Aizoaceae)
Authors: Hesse Linnea , Kampowski Tim , Leupold Jochen , Caliaro Sandra , Speck Thomas , Speck Olga
Published: August 2020

Within the Aizoaceae, the genus Delosperma exhibits a vast diversification colonizing various ecological niches in South-Africa and showing evolutionary adaptations to dry habitats that might include rapid self-sealing. Leaves of Delosperma react to external damage by the bending or contraction of the entire leaf until wound edges are brought into contact. A study of leaf morphology and anatomy, biomechanics of entire leaves and individual tissues and self-sealing kinematics after a ring incision under low and high relative humidity (RH) was carried out comparing the closely related species Delosperma cooperi and Delosperma ecklonis, which are indigenous to semi-arid highlands and regions with an oceanic climate, respectively. For both species, the absolute contractions of the examined leaf segments (“apex”, “incision”, “base”) were more pronounced at low RH levels. Independent of the given RH level, the absolute contractions within the incision region of D. cooperi were significantly higher than in all other segments of this species and of D. ecklonis. The more pronounced contraction of D. cooperi leaves was linked mainly to the elastic properties of the central vascular strand, which is approximately twice as flexible as that of D. ecklonis leaves.
The Histone Deacetylase Inhibitor (MS-275) Promotes Differentiation of Human Dental Pulp Stem Cells into Odontoblast-Like Cells Independent of the MAPK Signaling System
Authors: Lee Eun-Cheol , Kim Yu-Mi , Lim Han-Moi , Ki Ga-Eun , Seo Young-Kwon
Published: August 2020

The role of dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) in dental tissue regeneration is gaining attention because DPSCs can differentiate into odontoblasts and other specialized cell types. Epigenetic modification has been found to play an important role in cell differentiation and regulation, among which histone deacetylase (HDAC) is involved in suppressing genes by removing histone acetyl groups. The use of HDAC inhibitor to control this is increasing and has been widely studied by many researchers. This study aimed to induce differentiation by causing epigenetic changes in odontoblast-related genes and the MAPK signaling pathway in human dental pulp stem cells. Western blot and immunofluorescence staining showed increased expression of DMP-1, ALP, DSPP, and RUNX2 compared to the control. However, activation of the MAPK signaling system was similar to but slightly different from the expression of odontoblast-related proteins. After 3 days, as shown by MTT and LDH assays, proliferation decreased overall, but cytotoxicity decreased at only a specific concentration. We confirmed that there was no change in mRNA expression of caspase 3 or 9 using real-time PCR. In addition, flow cytometry analysis confirmed that differentiation occurred due to the decrease in the expression of the CD73 and CD146. Although overall proliferation was reduced due to the G2/M inhibition of the cell cycle, the expression of BCL-2 protected the cells from cell death. Overall, cell proliferation decreased in response to MS-275, but it did not induce cytotoxicity in 5 nM and 10 nM concentration and induces differentiation into odontoblast-like cells.
Impact of Short-Term Hypoxia on Sirtuins as Regulatory Elements in HUVECs
Authors: Pecher Simone Johanna , Potthast Arne Björn , von Versen-Höynck Frauke , Das Anibh Martin
Published: August 2020

Background: Sirtuins (SIRT) are NAD+-dependent deacetylases that are involved in stress response, antioxidative defense, and longevity via posttranslational modifications. SIRT1 directly activates nitric oxide synthase (NOS). Aging is associated with a reduced sirtuin function and reduction of the cofactor NAD+. Age-related atherosclerosis and vascular diseases are linked to a compromised sirtuin function. Vascular events like stroke and cardiac infarction result in acute hypoxia, which can additionally impact sirtuins and thus the vascular function. This prompted us to study sirtuins in intact HUVECs, under acute, short-term hypoxic conditions. Methods: We measured intracellular sirtuin and NAD+ levels in HUVECs exposed to hypoxia (2% O₂) for 10–120 min, compared to normoxic controls. SIRT1, SIRT3, and SIRT4 were measured at the protein (Western Blot) and the transcript level (qRT-PCR), SIRT1 and SIRT3 at the enzyme level (fluorometrically), and NAD+ levels were measured spectrophotometrically. Results: We observed a reduction of SIRT1 and SIRT4 at the protein level, a downregulation of SIRT1 at the transcript level and increased NAD+ levels under hypoxia. SIRT3 was not affected by hypoxia. Conclusions: Downregulation of SIRT1 under hypoxia might reduce production of the reactive oxygen species (ROS) via the respiratory chain and inhibit the mitochondrial ATP-synthase, resulting in energy conservation. NOS might be impaired if SIRT1 is decreased. Increased NAD+ levels might compensate these effects. Hypoxic downregulation of SIRT4 might lead to mitochondrial uncoupling, hence endothelial dysfunction, and ADP/ATP-translocase 2 (ANT2)-inhibition. NAD+ upregulation might partly compensate this effect.
Optimising Seniors’ Metabolism of Medications and Avoiding Adverse Drug Events Using Data on How Metabolism by Their P450 Enzymes Varies with Ancestry and Drug–Drug and Drug–Drug–Gene Interactions
Authors: Thomas Roger E.
Published: August 2020

Many individuals ≥65 have multiple illnesses and polypharmacy. Primary care physicians prescribe >70% of their medications and renew specialists’ prescriptions. Seventy-five percent of all medications are metabolised by P450 cytochrome enzymes. This article provides unique detailed tables how to avoid adverse drug events and optimise prescribing based on two key databases. DrugBank is a detailed database of 13,000 medications and both the P450 and other complex pathways that metabolise them. The Flockhart Tables are detailed lists of the P450 enzymes and also include all the medications which inhibit or induce metabolism by P450 cytochrome enzymes, which can result in undertreatment, overtreatment, or potentially toxic levels. Humans have used medications for a few decades and these enzymes have not been subject to evolutionary pressure. Thus, there is enormous variation in enzymatic functioning and by ancestry. Differences for ancestry groups in genetic metabolism based on a worldwide meta-analysis are discussed and this article provides advice how to prescribe for individuals of different ancestry. Prescribing advice from two key organisations, the Dutch Pharmacogenetics Working Group and the Clinical Pharmacogenetics Implementation Consortium is summarised. Currently, detailed pharmacogenomic advice is only available in some specialist clinics in major hospitals. However, this article provides detailed pharmacogenomic advice for primary care and other physicians and also physicians working in rural and remote areas worldwide. Physicians could quickly search the tables for the medications they intend to prescribe.
3,5-Dimethoxy-2-[(4-methoxyphenyl)diazenyl]phenol
Authors: Micheletti Gabriele , Telese Dario , Boga Carla
Published: August 2020

3,5-Dimethoxy-2-[(4-methoxyphenyl)diazenyl]phenol was synthesized by an azo-coupling reaction between 3,5-dimethoxyphenol and 4-methoxy benzenediazonium tetrafluoroborate. The structure of newly synthesized compound was elucidated based on 1H NMR, 13C NMR, ESI-MS, UV-Vis and FT-IR.
On the Role of Hollow Aluminium Oxide Microballoons during Machining of AZ31 Magnesium Syntactic Foam
Authors: Kannan Sathish , Pervaiz Salman , Alhourani Abdulla , Klassen Robert J. , Selvam Rajiv , Haghshenas Meysam
Published: August 2020

The role played by hollow ceramic thin-walled aluminium oxide microballoons on the shear deformation characteristics of AZ31 Magnesium syntactic foam is studied through high-speed machining. The ceramic microballoons embedded in the AZ31 matrix provides the necessary stiffness for these novel foams. The effect of hollow ceramic microballoon properties, such as the volume fraction, thin wall thickness to diameter ratio, and microballoon diameter, profoundly affects the chip formation. A novel force model has been proposed to explain the causes of variation in cutting forces during chip formation. The results showed an increase in machining forces during cutting AZ31 foams dispersed with higher volume fraction and finer microballoons. At a lower (Davg/h) ratio, the mode of microballoon deformation was a combination of bubble burst and fracture through an effective load transfer mechanism with the plastic AZ31 Mg matrix. The developed force model explained the key role played by AZ31 matrix/alumina microballoon on tool surface friction and showed a better agreement with measured machining forces.
Comparative Analysis of Carbon, Ecological, and Water Footprints of Polypropylene-Based Composites Filled with Cotton, Jute and Kenaf Fibers
Authors: Korol Jerzy , Hejna Aleksander , Burchart-Korol Dorota , Wachowicz Jan
Published: August 2020

Composites containing natural fibers are considered environmentally friendly materials which is related to the reduced use of fossil fuels and the emission of carbon dioxide compared to petroleum-based polymers. Nevertheless, a complete evaluation of their environmental impact requires a broader view. This paper presents a carbon, ecological, and water footprints assessment of polypropylene-based composites filled with cotton, jute, and kenaf fibers based on a standardized European pallet (EUR-pallet) case study. Obtained results were compared with unmodified polypropylene and composite with glass fibers. Incorporation of 30 wt% of cotton, jute, and kenaf fibers into a polypropylene matrix reduced its carbon footprint by 3%, 18%, and 18%, respectively. Regarding the ecological footprint, an 8.2% and 9.4% reduction for jute and kenaf fibers were noted, while for cotton fibers, its value increased by 52%. For these footprints, the use of jute and kenaf fibers was more beneficial than glass fibers. Nevertheless, the application of natural fibers caused a 286%, 758%, and 891% drastic increase of water footprint of the final product, which was mainly affected by cultivation and irrigation of crops. Therefore, in a holistic view, the incorporation of natural fibers into the polypropylene matrix definitely cannot be impartially considered as an environmentally friendly solution.
Mechanical Properties of Glass Ionomer Cements after Incorporation of Marine Derived Hydroxyapatite
Authors: Bilić-Prcić Maja , Rajić Valentina Brzović , Ivanišević Ana , Pilipović Ana , Gurgan Sevil , Miletić Ivana
Published: August 2020

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of the incorporation of hydroxyapatite (HA) derived from cuttlefish bone on the mechanical properties of glass ionomer cements (GIC). Fuji II LC and Fuji IX GP Extra (GC Corporation, Tokyo, Japan) were used in the study. There were four groups (n = 11–18) for each material: a group without the addition of HA particles and three groups modified by incorporation of 2, 5, and 10 wt% HA. The tests were performed on a universal testing machine (Shimadzu, Duisburg, Germany) and descriptive statistics, two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) for the comparison of three mechanical properties, and one-way ANOVA for the comparison of different concentrations for each material were performed. Regarding the Fuji IX groups, compressive strength (CS) and flexural strength (FS) were highest in the group without HA particles added. The differences in CS between the Fuji IX group without HA particles and the Fuji IX groups with 2 wt% HA and 10 wt% HA were significant. The Fuji II 5 wt% HA group exhibited higher diametral tensile strength (DTS) and CS than other Fuji II groups, but not significantly. The Fuji II group, modified with 10 wt% HA, exhibited significantly higher FS than the Fuji II group without HA particles (p < 0.05). Porous HA incorporated into the Fuji IX groups had a significant impact on mechanical properties only in the Fuji IX 5 wt% HA group. Fuji II groups modified with 10 wt% HA showed the most favorable results with respect to FS.
Is Biochar from the Torrefaction of Sewage Sludge Hazardous Waste?
Authors: Białowiec Andrzej , Pulka Jakub , Styczyńska Marzena , Koziel Jacek A. , Kalka Joanna , Jureczko Marcelina , Felis Ewa , Manczarski Piotr
Published: August 2020

Improved technologies are needed for sustainable management of sewage sludge (SS). The torrefaction (also known as biomass “roasting”) is considered a pretreatment of SS before use in agriculture. However, it is not known whether the torrefaction has the potential to decrease heavy metals’ (HMs) leachability and the SS toxicity. Thus, the aim of the study was to evaluate the influences of the SS torrefaction parameters (temperature and process time) on HM contents in biochar, HM leachability, and biochar toxicity, and compare them with raw SS. The experiments were designed in 18 combinations (six temperatures, 200, 220, 240, 260, 280, and 300 °C; and three process times—20, 40, 60 min). Standard tests were used to determine HMs content, leachability, and toxicity. Results indicated that the torrefaction did not increase (p < 0.05) the HM content in comparison to the raw SS. The leachability of Zn, Ni, Cu, Cr, and Mn from SS biochars was similar to raw SS. However, the degree of leachability varied significantly (p < 0.05) from as low as 0.1% for Cu to high as 16.7% for Cd. The leachability of Cd (<16.7%) and Pb (<11.9%) from biochars was higher than from raw SS (<6.1% and <2.4%, respectively). The leachability of Cd from SS biochar, in five torrefaction combinations, was higher than the threshold value for hazardous waste. It is recommended that site-specific decisions are made for torrefaction of SS with respect to its HM content, as the resulting biochar could be considered as hazardous waste, depending on the feedstock. Moreover, the biochar produced under the whole range of temperatures during 20 min retention time significantly (p < 0.05) increased the Daphnia magna Straus mobility inhibition by up to 100% in comparison to the biochar obtained during 40 and 60 min torrefaction. Taking into account the increased leachability of specific HMs and D. magna Straus mobility inhibition, biochar should be considered a potentially hazardous material. Future research should focus on biochar dosage as a fertilizer in relation to its toxicity. Additional research is warranted to focus on the optimization of SS torrefaction process parameters affecting the toxicity.
The Real-Time Depth Estimation for an Occluded Person Based on a Single Image and OpenPose Method
Authors: Tsai Yu-Shiuan , Hsu Li-Heng , Hsieh Yi-Zeng , Lin Shih-Syun
Published: August 2020

In recent years, the breakthrough of neural networks and the rise of deep learning have led to the advancement of machine vision, which has been commonly used in the practical application of image recognition. Automobiles, drones, portable devices, behavior recognition, indoor positioning and many other industries also rely on the integrated application, and require the support of deep learning and machine vision. As for these technologies, there is a high demand for the accuracy related to the recognition of portraits or objects. The recognition of human figures is also a research goal that has drawn great attention in various fields. However, the portrait will be affected by various factors such as height, weight, posture, angle and whether it is covered or not, which affects the accuracy of recognition. This paper applies the application of deep learning to portraits with different poses and angles, especially the actual distance of a single lens for the shadowed portrait (depth estimation), so that it can be used for automatic control of drones in the future. Traditional methods for calculating depth using images are mainly divided into three types: one—single-lens estimation, two—lens estimation, and three—optical band estimation. In view of the fact that both the second and third categories require relatively large and expensive equipment to effectively perform distance calculations, numerous methods for calculating distance using a single lens have recently been produced. However, whether it is the use of traditional “units of distance measurement calibration”, “defocus distance measurement”, or the “three-dimensional grid space messages distance measurement method”, all of these face corresponding difficulties and problems. Additionally, they have to deal with outside disturbances and process the shadowed image. Therefore, under the new research method, OpenPose, which is proposed by Carnegie Mellon University, this paper intends to propose a depth algorithm for a single-lens occluded portrait to estimate the actual portrait distance for different poses, angles of view and obscuration.
Quality of Life Indicators in Patients Operated on for Breast Cancer in Relation to the Type of Surgery—A Retrospective Cohort Study of Women in Serbia
Authors: Kovačević Predrag , Miljković Snežana , Višnjić Aleksandar , Kozarski Jefta , Janković Radmilo
Published: August 2020

Background and objectives: Quality of life (QoL) after breast cancer surgery is an important public health issue. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between the levels of perceived quality of life in patients operated on for breast cancer in relation to the type of surgery, using the standardized questionnaires. Materials and Methods: We assessed 425 women after surgery for breast cancer. The assessment included the application of the WHOQOL-bref (The World Health Organization Quality of Life-Bref), and FACT-B (Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Breast) questionnaires. The statistical analysis of the data included multiple linear regression and correlation tests. Results: Multiple linear regression analysis found that education, existence of comorbidities, time elapsed since surgery, and type of surgery were significant predictors of overall quality of life. Women’s overall quality of life and general health has increased by 0.16 times for each subsequent year of surgery, and by 0.34 times for each subsequent higher education level. Breast-conserving surgery or mastectomy with breast reconstruction were statistically significant (β = 0.18) compared to total mastectomy. Conclusions: There is a significant difference in the quality of life perceived by patients in whom the breast has been preserved or reconstructed in relation to patients in whom total mastectomy has been performed.
Influence of Surface Ultrasonic Rolling on Microstructure and Corrosion Property of T4003 Ferritic Stainless Steel Welded Joint
Authors: Liu Pengtao , Yu Runze , Gao Xinhuan , Zhang Guanzhen
Published: August 2020

In this paper, the effect of surface ultrasonic rolling treatment (SURT) on surface properties of T4003 cold metal transfer (CMT) welded joints was studied. Surface topography and microstructure changes of the welded joint surface before and after SURT were observed by optical microscope and scanning electron microscope. The hardness and residual stress distribution of welded joint were measured by a microhardness tester and X-ray diffractometer. The change of corrosion resistance of welded joints was studied by electrochemical polarization curve measurement. The results show that surface roughness (Ra) of the weld zone, heat affect zone (HAZ), and base metal after SURT was reduced to 0.320 μm, 0.156 μm, and 0.227 μm, respectively, and surface morphology became smooth. The plastic deformation layer and working hardening layer were formed at the welded joint. The degree of plastic deformation of the weld zone was more serious than that in the base metal, and grains in weld zone was obviously refined. The thickness of plastic deformation layer was about 100 μm. The surface hardness in the weld zone was highest, which is about 420 HV. The refinement of grains and the increase of surface hardness can improve the fatigue life of welded joint. After SURT, the residual stress in the welded joint changes from residual tensile stress to residual compressive stress, which can also improve fatigue life of the welded joint. Surface corrosion resistance of welded joints after SURT was improved due to smooth surface and the formation of fine grains layer.
Adaptation of Coccomyxa sp. to Extremely Low Light Conditions Causes Deep Chlorophyll and Oxygen Maxima in Acidic Pit Lakes
Authors: Sánchez-España Javier , Falagán Carmen , Ayala Diana , Wendt-Potthoff Katrin
Published: August 2020

Deep chlorophyll maxima (DCM) and metalimnetic oxygen maxima (MOM) are outstanding biogeochemical features of acidic pit lakes (APL). However, knowledge of the eukaryotic phototrophs responsible for their formation is limited. We aimed at linking the dynamics of phototrophic communities inhabiting meromictic APL in Spain with the formation of these characteristic layers. Firstly, the dynamics of DCM and MOM and their relation to physico-chemical parameters (photosynthetically active radiation (PAR), pH, dissolved ferric iron concentration, temperature), pigments and nutrient distribution is described; secondly, the phototrophic community composition is studied through a combination of microscopy, biomolecular and “omics” tools. Phototrophic communities of the studied APL show a low diversity dominated by green microalgae, specifically Coccomyxa sp., which have been successfully adapted to the chemically harsh conditions. DCM and MOM are usually non-coincident. DCM correspond to layers where phototrophs have higher chlorophyll content per cell to cope with extremely low PAR (<1 µmol m−2 s−1), but where photosynthetic oxygen production is limited. MOM correspond to shallower waters with more light, higher phytoplankton biomass and intense photosynthetic activity, which affects both oxygen concentration and water temperature. The main drivers of DCM formation in these APL are likely the need for nutrient uptake and photo-acclimation.
Surviving Reactive Chlorine Stress: Responses of Gram-Negative Bacteria to Hypochlorous Acid
Authors: da Cruz Nizer Waleska Stephanie , Inkovskiy Vasily , Overhage Joerg
Published: August 2020

Sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) and its active ingredient, hypochlorous acid (HOCl), are the most commonly used chlorine-based disinfectants. HOCl is a fast-acting and potent antimicrobial agent that interacts with several biomolecules, such as sulfur-containing amino acids, lipids, nucleic acids, and membrane components, causing severe cellular damage. It is also produced by the immune system as a first-line of defense against invading pathogens. In this review, we summarize the adaptive responses of Gram-negative bacteria to HOCl-induced stress and highlight the role of chaperone holdases (Hsp33, RidA, Cnox, and polyP) as an immediate response to HOCl stress. We also describe the three identified transcriptional regulators (HypT, RclR, and NemR) that specifically respond to HOCl. Besides the activation of chaperones and transcriptional regulators, the formation of biofilms has been described as an important adaptive response to several stressors, including HOCl. Although the knowledge on the molecular mechanisms involved in HOCl biofilm stimulation is limited, studies have shown that HOCl induces the formation of biofilms by causing conformational changes in membrane properties, overproducing the extracellular polymeric substance (EPS) matrix, and increasing the intracellular concentration of cyclic-di-GMP. In addition, acquisition and expression of antibiotic resistance genes, secretion of virulence factors and induction of the viable but nonculturable (VBNC) state has also been described as an adaptive response to HOCl. In general, the knowledge of how bacteria respond to HOCl stress has increased over time; however, the molecular mechanisms involved in this stress response is still in its infancy. A better understanding of these mechanisms could help understand host-pathogen interactions and target specific genes and molecules to control bacterial spread and colonization.
Human Skin Bacterial Community Response to Probiotic (Lactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938) Introduction
Authors: Frerejacques Marie , Rousselle Camille , Gauthier Loüen , Cottet-Emard Salomé , Derobert Léa , Roynette Anne , Lerch Thomas Z. , Changey Frédérique
Published: August 2020

The introduction of a strain or consortium has often been considered as a potential solution to restore microbial ecosystems. Extensive research on the skin microbiota has led to the development of probiotic products (with live bacterial strains) that are likely to treat dysbiosis. However, the effects of such introductions on the indigenous microbiota have not yet been investigated. Here, through a daily application of Lactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938 on volunteers’ forearm skin, we studied in vivo the impact of a probiotic on the indigenous skin bacterial community diversity using Terminal-Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (T-RFLP) for 3 weeks. The results demonstrate that Lactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938 inoculum had a transient effect on the indigenous community, as the resilience phenomenon was observed within the skin microbiota. Moreover, Lactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938 monitoring showed that, despite a high level of detection after 2 weeks of application, thereafter the colonization rate drops drastically. The probiotic colonization rate was correlated significantly to the effect on the indigenous microbial community structure. These preliminary results suggest that the success of probiotic use and the potential health benefits resides in the interactions with the human microbiota.
Spectroscopic Study on Pseudomonas Aeruginosa Biofilm in the Presence of the Aptamer-DNA Scaffolded Silver Nanoclusters
Authors: Sengupta Bidisha , Adhikari Prakash , Mallet Esther , Havner Ronald , Pradhan Prabhakar
Published: August 2020

We report the effectiveness of silver nanocluster (Ag-NC) against the biofilm of Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA). Two DNA aptamers specific for PA and part of their sequences were chosen as templates for growing the Ag-NC. While circular dichroism (CD) studies determined the presence of secondary structures, UV/Vis absorption, and fluorescence spectroscopic studies confirmed the formation of the fluorescent Ag-NC on the DNA templates. Furthermore, mesoscopic physics-based partial wave spectroscopy (PWS) was used to analyze the backscattered light signal that can detect the degree of nanoscale mass density/refractive index fluctuations to identify the biofilm formation, comparatively among the different aptamers with respect to the control sample. The importance of the secondary structure of the aptamer DNA in targeting, successfully binding with the cells and delivering the Ag-NC, is evidenced by the decrease in disorder strength (Ld) of the Ag-NC treated samples compared to the untreated PA cells, which showed the abundance of higher Ld in the PWS studies. The higher Ld value attributed to the higher mass density fluctuations and the formation of biofilm. We envision this study to open a new avenue in using a powerful optical microscopic technique like PWS in detection, and DNA aptamer enclosed silver nanoclusters to prevent biofilms for opportunist pathogens like Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
Hydroxycinnamic Acids and Carotenoids of Dried Loquat Fruit cv. ‘Algar’ Affected by Freeze-, Convective-, Vacuum-Microwave- and Combined-Drying Methods
Authors: López-Lluch David Bernardo , Cano-Lamadrid Marina , Hernández Francisca , Zimmer Aleksandra , Lech Krzysztof , Figiel Adam , Carbonell-Barrachina Ángel Antonio , Wojdyło Aneta
Published: August 2020

The effect of different drying techniques (freeze, convective, vacuum-microwave and combined drying) on the drying kinetics, the phytochemical compounds and sensory characteristics in loquat cultivar ‘Algar’ was studied. The convective drying resulted in the highest amount of total hydroxycinnamic acids (5077 mg/kg wet weight (ww)), with 3-caffeoyl quinic acid and 5-caffeoyl quinic acid being the greatest carotenoids. The highest values of total carotenoids were obtained by the freeze-drying technique (2601 mg/kg ww), followed by all convective treatments and vacuum-microwave at 360 W. The highest carotenoid was β-carotene. The ABTS+• (2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid)) and FRAP (Ferric Ion Reducing Antioxidant Power) values ranged from 2.04 up to 3.27 mmol Trolox/100 g ww, and from 1.89 up to 2.29 mmol Trolox/100 g ww, respectively. As expected, the color difference of freeze-dried samples was the lowest (7.06), similar to combined drying conditions (9.63), whilst the highest value was found after convective drying (37.0). All treatments were sensory acceptable (no off-flavors). However, still, further research is needed to fully optimize these studied drying treatments because the freeze-dried sample still had higher carotenoid content and better instrumental color parameters. Although recently the impact of microwave drying has been studied, this is the first work comparing phytochemical composition of loquat fruit under the different drying methods mentioned above.
Design of Curcumin and Flavonoid Derivatives with Acetylcholinesterase and Beta-Secretase Inhibitory Activities Using in Silico Approaches
Authors: Tran Thai-Son , Le Minh-Tri , Tran Thanh-Dao , Tran The-Huan , Thai Khac-Minh
Published: August 2020

Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and beta-secretase (BACE-1) are the two crucial enzymes involved in the pathology of Alzheimer’s disease. The former is responsible for many defects in cholinergic signaling pathway and the latter is the primary enzyme in the biosynthesis of beta-amyloid as the main component of the amyloid plaques. These both abnormalities are found in the brains of Alzheimer’s patients. In this study, in silico models were developed, including 3D-pharmacophore, 2D-QSAR (two-dimensional quantitative structure-activity relationship), and molecular docking, to screen virtually a database of compounds for AChE and BACE-1 inhibitory activities. A combinatorial library containing more than 3 million structures of curcumin and flavonoid derivatives was generated and screened for drug-likeness and enzymatic inhibitory bioactivities against AChE and BACE-1 through the validated in silico models. A total of 47 substances (two curcumins and 45 flavonoids), with remarkable predicted pIC50 values against AChE and BACE-1 ranging from 4.24–5.11 (AChE) and 4.52–10.27 (BACE-1), were designed. The in vitro assays on AChE and BACE-1 were performed and confirmed the in silico results. The study indicated that, by using in silico methods, a series of curcumin and flavonoid structures were generated with promising predicted bioactivities. This would be a helpful foundation for the experimental investigations in the future. Designed compounds which were the most feasible for chemical synthesis could be potential candidates for further research and lead optimization.
Phenolic Compounds in Poorly Represented Mediterranean Plants in Istria: Health Impacts and Food Authentication
Authors: Miklavčič Višnjevec Ana , Schwarzkopf Matthew
Published: August 2020

Phenolic compounds are well-known bioactive compounds in plants that can have a protective role against cancers, cardiovascular diseases and many other diseases. To promote local food development, a comprehensive overview of the phenolic compounds’ composition and their impact on human health from typical Mediterranean plants such as Punica granatum L., Ziziphus jujuba Mill., Arbutus unedo L., Celtis australis L., Ficus carica L., Cynara cardunculus var. Scolymus L. is provided. Moreover, the potential use of these data for authenticity determination is discussed. Some of the plants’ phenolic compounds and their impact to human health are very well determined, while for others, the data are scarce. However, in all cases, more data should be available about the content, profile and health impacts due to a high variation of phenolic compounds depending on genetic and environmental factors. Quantifying variation in phenolic compounds in plants relative to genetic and environmental factors could be a useful tool in food authentication control. More comprehensive studies should be conducted to better understand the importance of phenolic compounds on human health and their variation in certain plants.
Research Progress in Conversion of CO2 to Valuable Fuels
Authors: Xu Luyi , Xiu Yang , Liu Fangyuan , Liang Yuwei , Wang Shengjie
Published: August 2020

Rapid growth in the world’s economy depends on a significant increase in energy consumption. As is known, most of the present energy supply comes from coal, oil, and natural gas. The overreliance on fossil energy brings serious environmental problems in addition to the scarcity of energy. One of the most concerning environmental problems is the large contribution to global warming because of the massive discharge of CO2 in the burning of fossil fuels. Therefore, many efforts have been made to resolve such issues. Among them, the preparation of valuable fuels or chemicals from greenhouse gas (CO2) has attracted great attention because it has made a promising step toward simultaneously resolving the environment and energy problems. This article reviews the current progress in CO2 conversion via different strategies, including thermal catalysis, electrocatalysis, photocatalysis, and photoelectrocatalysis. Inspired by natural photosynthesis, light-capturing agents including macrocycles with conjugated structures similar to chlorophyll have attracted increasing attention. Using such macrocycles as photosensitizers, photocatalysis, photoelectrocatalysis, or coupling with enzymatic reactions were conducted to fulfill the conversion of CO2 with high efficiency and specificity. Recent progress in enzyme coupled to photocatalysis and enzyme coupled to photoelectrocatalysis were specially reviewed in this review. Additionally, the characteristics, advantages, and disadvantages of different conversion methods were also presented. We wish to provide certain constructive ideas for new investigators and deep insights into the research of CO2 conversion.
d-allulose Ameliorates Metabolic Dysfunction in C57BL/KsJ-db/db Mice
Authors: Lee Dayoun , Han Youngji , Kwon Eun-Young , Choi Myung-Sook
Published: August 2020

d-allulose is an uncommon sugar that provides almost no calories when consumed. Its sweetness is 70% that of sucrose. d-allulose is a metabolic regulator of glucose and lipid metabolism. However, few reports concerning its effect on diabetes and related metabolic disturbances in db/db mice are available. In this study, we evaluated d-allulose’s effect on hyperglycemia, hyperinsulinemia, diabetes and inflammatory responses in C57BL/KsJ-db/db mice. Mice were divided into normal diet, erythritol supplemented (5% w/w), and d-allulose supplemented (5% w/w) groups. Blood glucose and plasma glucagon levels and homeostatic model assessment (HOMA-IR) were significantly lower in the d-allulose group than in the normal diet group, and plasma insulin level was significantly increased. Further, d-allulose supplement significantly increased hepatic glucokinase activity and decreased hepatic phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase and glucose-6-phosphatase activity. Expression of glucose transporter 4, insulin receptor substrate 1, phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate 3-kinase catalytic subunit alpha and AKT serine/threonine kinase 2 were also upregulated by d-allulose supplement in adipocyte and muscle. Finally, d-allulose effectively lowered plasma and hepatic triglyceride and free fatty acid levels, and simultaneously reduced hepatic fatty acid oxidation and carnitine palmitoyl transferase activity. These changes are likely attributable to suppression of hepatic fatty acid synthase and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase activity. Notably, d-allulose also reduced pro-inflammatory adipokine and cytokine levels in plasma. Our results indicate that d-allulose is an effective sugar substitute for improving lipid and glucose metabolism.
Feasibility of Casein to Record Stable Isotopic Variation of Cow Milk in New Zealand
Authors: Wijenayake Kavindra , Frew Russell , McComb Kiri , Van Hale Robert , Clarke Dianne
Published: August 2020

Dairy products occupy a special place among foods in contributing to a major part of our nutritional requirements, while also being prone to fraud. Hence, the verification of the authenticity of dairy products is of prime importance. Multiple stable isotopic studies have been undertaken that demonstrate the efficacy of this approach for the authentication of foodstuffs. However, the authentication of dairy products for geographic origin has been a challenge due to the complex interactions of geological and climatic drivers. This study applies stable isotope measurements of δ2H, δ18O, δ13C and δ15N values from casein to investigate the inherent geo-climatic variation across dairy farms from the South and North Islands of New Zealand. The stable isotopic ratios were measured for casein samples which had been separated from freeze-dried whole milk samples. As uniform feeding and fertilizer practices were applied throughout the sampling period, the subtropical (North Island) and temperate (South Island) climates were reflected in the variation of δ13C and δ15N. However, highly correlated δ2H and δ18O (r = 0.62, p = 6.64 × 10−10, α = 0.05) values did not differentiate climatic variation between Islands, but rather topographical locations. The highlight was the strong influence of δ15N towards explaining climatic variability, which could be important for further discussion.
Characterizing Epitope Binding Regions of Entire Antibody Panels by Combining Experimental and Computational Analysis of Antibody: Antigen Binding Competition
Authors: Brooks Benjamin D. , Closmore Adam , Yang Juechen , Holland Michael , Cairns Tina , Cohen Gary H. , Bailey-Kellogg Chris
Published: August 2020

Vaccines and immunotherapies depend on the ability of antibodies to sensitively and specifically recognize particular antigens and specific epitopes on those antigens. As such, detailed characterization of antibody–antigen binding provides important information to guide development. Due to the time and expense required, high-resolution structural characterization techniques are typically used sparingly and late in a development process. Here, we show that antibody–antigen binding can be characterized early in a process for whole panels of antibodies by combining experimental and computational analyses of competition between monoclonal antibodies for binding to an antigen. Experimental “epitope binning” of monoclonal antibodies uses high-throughput surface plasmon resonance to reveal which antibodies compete, while a new complementary computational analysis that we call “dock binning” evaluates antibody–antigen docking models to identify why and where they might compete, in terms of possible binding sites on the antigen. Experimental and computational characterization of the identified antigenic hotspots then enables the refinement of the competitors and their associated epitope binding regions on the antigen. While not performed at atomic resolution, this approach allows for the group-level identification of functionally related monoclonal antibodies (i.e., communities) and identification of their general binding regions on the antigen. By leveraging extensive epitope characterization data that can be readily generated both experimentally and computationally, researchers can gain broad insights into the basis for antibody–antigen recognition in wide-ranging vaccine and immunotherapy discovery and development programs.
Thiourea-Derived Chelating Ligands and Their Organometallic Compounds: Investigations into Their Anticancer Activity
Authors: Tong Kelvin K. H. , Hanif Muhammad , Lovett James H. , Hummitzsch Katja , Harris Hugh H. , Söhnel Tilo , Jamieson Stephen M. F. , Hartinger Christian G.
Published: August 2020

Thiones have been investigated as ligands in metal complexes with catalytic and biological activity. We report the synthesis, characterization, and biological evaluation of a series of MII/III complexes of the general formulae [MII(cym)(L)Cl]X (cym = η6-p-cymene) or [MIII(Cp*)(L)Cl]X (Cp* = η5-pentamethylcyclopentadienyl), where X = Cl− or PF6−, and L represents heterocyclic derivatives of thiourea. The thiones feature a benzyl-triazolyl pendant and they act as bidentate ligands via N,S-coordination to the metal centers. Several derivatives have been investigated by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. NMR investigations showed a counterion-dependent shift of several protons due to the interaction with the counterions. These NMR investigations were complemented with X-ray diffraction analysis data and the effects of different counterions on the secondary coordination sphere were also investigated by DFT calculations. In biological studies, the Ir benzimidazole derivative was found to accumulate in the cytoplasm and it was the most cytotoxic derivative investigated.
Long-Time Non-Debye Kinetics of Molecular Desorption from Substrates with Frozen Disorder
Authors: Bondarev Victor N. , Kutarov Volodymyr V. , Schieferstein Eva , Zavalniuk Vladimir V.
Published: August 2020

The experiments on the kinetics of molecular desorption from structurally disordered adsorbents clearly demonstrate its non-Debye behavior at “long” times. In due time, when analyzing the desorption of hydrogen molecules from crystalline adsorbents, attempts were made to associate this behavior with the manifestation of second-order effects, when the rate of desorption is limited by the rate of surface diffusion of hydrogen atoms with their subsequent association into molecules. However, the estimates made in the present work show that the dominance of second-order effects should be expected in the region of times significantly exceeding those where the kinetics of H2 desorption have long acquired a non-Debye character. To explain the observed regularities, an approach has been developed according to which frozen fluctuations in the activation energy of desorption play a crucial role in the non-Debye kinetics of the process. The obtained closed expression for the desorption rate has a transparent physical meaning and allows us to give a quantitative interpretation of a number of experiments on the desorption kinetics of molecules not only from crystalline (containing frozen defects) but also from amorphous adsorbents. The ways of further development of the proposed theory and its experimental verification are outlined.
Multiscale Hierarchical Micro/Nanostructures Created by Femtosecond Laser Ablation in Liquids for Polarization-Dependent Broadband Antireflection
Authors: Zhang Dongshi , Ranjan Bikas , Tanaka Takuo , Sugioka Koji
Published: August 2020

In this work, we present the possibility of producing multiscale hierarchical micro/nanostructures by the femtosecond laser ablation of transition metals (i.e., Ta and W) in water and investigate their polarization-dependent reflectance. The hierarchical micro/nanostructures are composed of microscale-grooved, mountain-like and pit-rich structures decorated with hybrid laser-induced periodic surface structures (LIPSSs). The hybrid LIPSSs consist of low/high and ultrahigh spatial frequency LIPSSs (LSFLs/HSFLs and UHSFLs). LSFLs/HSFLs of 400–600 nm in a period are typically oriented perpendicular to the direction of the laser polarization, while UHSFLs (widths: 10–20 nm and periods: 30–50 nm) are oriented perpendicular to the curvatures of LSFLs/HSFLs. On the microstructures with height gradients, the orientations of LSFLs/HSFLs are misaligned by 18°. On the ablated W metasurface, two kinds of UHSFLs are observed. UHSFLs become parallel nanowires in the deep troughs of LSFLs/HSFLs but result in being very chaotic in shallow LSFLs, turning into polygonal nanonetworks. In contrast, chaotic USFLs are not found on the ablated Ta metasurfaces. With the help of Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, it is found that microgrooves show an obvious polarization-dependent reflectance at wavelengths of 15 and 17.5 μm associated with the direction of the groove, and the integration of microstructures with LSFs/HSFLs/UHSFLs is thus beneficial for enhancing the light absorbance and light trapping in the near-to-mid-infrared (NIR-MIR) range.
Reversal of Increase in Intestinal Permeability by Mangifera indica Seed Kernel Extract in High-Fat Diet-Induced Obese Mice
Authors: Mujawdiya Pavan Kumar , Sharma Pravesh , Sharad Shashwat , Kapur Suman
Published: August 2020

Obesity and hyper-intestinal permeability are interconnected. This study is designed to evaluate the ability of Mangifera indica seed kernel extract (MESK) in restoring the intestinal barrier and preventing obesity and associated metabolic complications in a high-fat diet-induced obese mouse model. Four groups of Swiss albino mice: (1) normal diet (ND), (2) high-fat diet (HFD), (3) HFD + Orlistat (100 µg/kg), and (4) HFD + MESK (75 µg/kg), were used to monitor various biochemical parameters associated with metabolic syndrome (glucose, total cholesterol, triglycerides) and body weight in an eight-week-long study. In vivo intestinal permeability was determined by the FITC-dextran method. Interestingly, MESK significantly reduced HFD-induced body weight gain, hepatic lipid accumulation, hepatic fibrosis, hyperglycemia, and dyslipidemia. Additionally, MESK treatment restored the expression of tight junction protein Zonula Occludens-1 (ZO-1) and Claudin-1 and hence prevented increased intestinal permeability induced by a high-fat diet. Moreover, it also increased the expression of potent satiety molecule Nesfatin-1 in the mouse jejunum. Our results, for the first time, establish MESK as a nutraceutical which prevents disruption of the intestinal barrier and thereby intercepts the adverse consequences of compromised intestinal permeability such as obesity, hyperglycemia, dyslipidemia, and systemic inflammation.
Developing Physical Assessment Skills in Pharmacy Students through Participation in a Creative Movement Workshop: An Interdisciplinary Study between Pharmacy and Dance
Authors: Wesner Amber , Chen Ting-Yu
Published: August 2020

The role a pharmacist plays in the care of patients is continually changing and expanding. Most recently, there is movement towards including pharmacists in the physical assessment of patients. We developed a creative movement workshop with the purpose of increasing students’ levels of comfort with touch, ability to interpret non-verbal mannerisms, to increase empathy for the patient, and to increase student comfort in conducting physical exams. In this interventional study, surveys were administered to third year pharmacy students, before and after the creative movement workshop, in order to assess participant’s change in level of comfort with a variety of behaviors needed to conduct effective physical assessment. The two hour workshop involved: partner stretching, mirroring, and creative spatial exploration between bodies. The 11-item survey evaluated students’ perceptions on touch, nonverbal communication, and sharing personal space. Our results showed that the level of comfort improved for the ability to give touch (p = 0.001), the ability to receive touch (p = 0.002), and the ability to share personal space (p = 0.001). Participants commented that the workshop increased their understanding of how important confidence is when performing physical assessment and reported an increased appreciation for how much non-verbal mannerisms can communicate to another. This study explores how an interdisciplinary workshop between pharmacy and dance has the potential to increase student effectiveness as future healthcare professionals, by targeting skills not often focused on within traditional pharmacy curriculums, including: sharing personal space, displaying empathy, and providing a comforting and confident touch.