bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessing the Pyloric Caeca and Distal Gut Microbiota Correlation with Flesh Color in Atlantic Salmon (Salmo salar L., 1758)
Authors: Nguyen Chan D. H. , Amoroso Gianluca , Ventura Tomer , Elizur Abigail
Published: August 2020

The Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar L., 1758) is a temperate fish species native to the northern Atlantic Ocean. The distinctive pink–red flesh color (i.e., pigmentation) significantly affects the market price. Flesh paleness leads to customer dissatisfaction, a loss of competitiveness, a drop in product value and, consequently, severe economic losses. This work extends our knowledge on salmonid carotenoid dynamics to include the interaction between the gut microbiota and flesh color. A significant association between the flesh color and abundance of specific bacterial communities in the gut microbiota suggests that color may be affected either by seeding resilient beneficial bacteria or by inhibiting the negative effect of pathogenic bacteria. We sampled 96 fish, which covered all phenotypes of flesh color, including the average color and the evenness of color of different areas of the fillet, at both the distal intestine and the pyloric caeca of each individual, followed by 16S rRNA sequencing at the V3-V4 region. The microbiota profiles of these two gut regions were significantly different; however, there was a consistency in the microbiota, which correlated with the flesh color. Moreover, the pyloric caeca microbiota also showed high correlation with the evenness of the flesh color (beta diversity index, PERMANOVA, p = 0.002). The results from the pyloric caeca indicate that Carnobacterium, a group belonging to the lactic acid bacteria, is strongly related to the flesh color and the evenness of the color between the flesh areas.
Association of the Gut Microbiota with Weight-Loss Response within a Retail Weight-Management Program
Authors: Dhakal Samitinjaya , McCormack Lacey , Dey Moul
Published: August 2020

Retail programs offer popular weight-loss options amid the ongoing obesity crisis. However, research on weight-loss outcomes within such programs is limited. This prospective-cohort observational study enrolled 58 men and women between ages 20 and 72 years from a retail program to assess the influence of client features on energy-restriction induced weight-loss response. DESeq2 in R-studio, a linear regression model adjusting for significantly correlating covariates, and Wilcoxon signed-rank and Kruskal–Wallis for within- and between-group differences, respectively, were used for data analyses. An average 10% (~10 kg) reduction in baseline-weight along with lower total-, android-, gynoid-, and android:gynoid-fat were observed at Week 12 (all, p < 0.05). Fifty percent of participants experienced a higher response, losing an average of 14.5 kg compared to 5.9 kg in the remaining low-response group (p < 0.0001). Hemoglobin-A1C (p = 0.005) and heart rate (p = 0.079) reduced in the high-response group only. Fat mass and A1C correlated when individuals had high android:gynoid fat (r = 0.55, p = 0.008). Gut-microbial β-diversity was associated with BMI, body fat%, and android-fat (all, p < 0.05). Microbiota of the high-response group had a higher baseline OTU-richness (p = 0.02) as well as differential abundance and/or associations with B. eggerthi, A. muciniphila, Turicibacter, Prevotella, and Christensenella (all, p/padj < 0.005). These results show that intestinal microbiota as well as sex and body composition differences may contribute to variable weight-loss response. This highlights the importance of various client features in the context of real-world weight control efforts.
The Occurrence of Authigenic Clay Minerals in Alkaline-Saline Lakes, Pantanal Wetland (Nhecolândia Region, Brazil)
Authors: Dias Isis Armstrong , Cury Leonardo Fadel , Titon Bruno Guimarães , Athayde Gustavo Barbosa , Fedalto Guilherme , da Rocha Santos Larissa , Soares Ana Paula , de Vasconcelos Müller Athayde Camila , Manuela Bahniuk Rumbeslperger Anelize
Published: August 2020

Mg clay minerals are usually associated with carbonates in alkaline-saline environments, precipitated from solution and/or transformation from other minerals. The aim of this research is to identify the mineralogy and geochemistry of clay minerals in different alkaline lakes in the Nhecolândia region, the southernmost region of the Pantanal wetland (Brazil). Sediment samples were analyzed by X-ray diffraction, X-ray fluorescence, scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. Water samples were analyzed, determining their main cations and anions, in order to understand their relationship with the clays. The analyses allowed classifying the water bodies as saline, oligosaline and freshwater lakes. The sediments are composed mainly of quartz and a fine-clay fraction, dominated by illite, kaolinite and smectite. The XRD results showed illite and smectite mixed-layered in the saline lakes at Barranco Alto farm, whereas at Nhumirim farm, trioctahedral smectite was only observed in one lake. The smectite minerals were normally identified coupled with calcite at the top of the sequences, associated with exopolymeric substances (EPS) in the lakes, suggesting that these minerals are precipitating due to the physical-chemical and biological conditions of the water bodies.
Impact of the Physicochemical Composition and Microbial Diversity in Apple Juice Fermentation Process: A Review
Authors: Al Daccache Marina , Koubaa Mohamed , Maroun Richard G. , Salameh Dominique , Louka Nicolas , Vorobiev Eugène
Published: August 2020

Fermented apple beverages are produced all over the world with diverse characteristics associated with each country. Despite the diversifications, cider producers are confronted with similar issues and risks. The nature of the raw material, also known as the fermentation medium, plays a key role in fermentation. A well-defined composition of apples is, therefore, required to produce cider with good quality. In addition, ferment and its metabolism are important factors in the fermentation process. The producers of cider and other alcoholic beverages are looking in general for novel yeast strains or for the use of native strains to produce “authentic” and diversified beverages that are distinct from each other, and that attract more and more consumers. Research articles on cider production are infrequent compared to wine production, especially on the impact of the chemical composition and microbial diversity of apples on fermentation. Even though the processing of fermented beverages is close in terms of microbial interactions and production, the study of the specific properties of apples and the production challenges of cider production is advantageous and meaningful for cider producers. This review summarizes the current knowledge on apple composition and the impact of the must composition on fermentation and yeast growth. In addition, the microbial diversity of cider, activities, and its influence on fermentation are reviewed.
Enhancement of an In Vivo Anti-Inflammatory Activity of Oleanolic Acid through Glycosylation Occurring Naturally in Stauntonia hexaphylla
Authors: Vinh Le Ba , Nguyet Nguyen Thi Minh , Ye Liu , Dan Gao , Phong Nguyen Viet , Anh Hoang Le Tuan , Kim Young Ho , Kang Jong Seong , Yang Seo Young , Hwang Inkyu
Published: August 2020

Stauntonia hexaphylla (Lardizabalaceae) has been used as a traditional herbal medicine in Korea and China for its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. As part of a bioprospecting program aimed at the discovery of new bioactive compounds from Korean medicinal plants, a phytochemical study of S. hexaphylla leaves was carried out leading to isolation of two oleanane-type triterpene saponins, 3-O-[β-d-glucopyranosyl (1→2)-α-l-arabinopyranosyl] oleanolic acid-28-O-[β-d-glucopyranosyl (1→6)-β-d-glucopyranosyl] ester (1) and 3-O-α-l-arabinopyranosyl oleanolic acid-28-O-[β-d-glucopyranosyl (1→6)-β-d-glucopyranosyl] ester (2). Their structures were established unambiguously by spectroscopic methods such as one- and two-dimensional nuclear magnetic resonance and infrared spectroscopies, high-resolution electrospray ionization mass spectrometry and chemical reactions. Their anti-inflammatory activities were examined for the first time with an animal model for the macrophage-mediated inflammatory response as well as a cell-based assay using an established macrophage cell line (RAW 264.7) in vitro. Together, it was concluded that the saponin constituents, when they were orally administered, exerted much more potent activities in vivo than their sapogenin core even though both the saponins and the sapogenin molecule inhibited the RAW 264.7 cell activation comparably well in vitro. These results imply that saponins from S. hexaphylla leaves have a definite advantage in the development of oral medications for the control of inflammatory responses.
Effect of Drying Methods on Bioactive Compounds and Antioxidant Capacity in Grape Skin Residues from the New Hybrid Variety “BRS Magna”
Authors: Silva Gabriela Viana da , Machado Bruna Aparecida Souza , Oliveira Walkia Polliana de , Silva Camilla Fernanda Godinho da , Quadros Cedenir Pereira de , Druzian Janice Izabel , Ferreira Ederlan de Souza , Umsza-Guez Marcelo Andrés
Published: August 2020

The effects of the drying process using the conventional oven and freeze-drying on the thermogravimetric profile, proximate composition, color parameters, individual bioactive compounds, and antioxidant activity in the grape residue (skin) were evaluated. Twenty individual phenolic compounds were identified, where a variation in concentration was observed for flavonols, stilbenes, phenolic acids, flavonoids, procyanidins, and particularly anthocyanins (malvidin-3,5-di-O-glucoside of 253.2–536.9 mg/kg) due to the drying process. Drying in a conventional oven caused a decrease of 23% of the total polyphenols. The skin of the BRS magna grape has a high concentration of total phenolic content of 489.5–148.3 mg.GAE/100 g, total anthocyanin content of 124.9–260.1 mg.CE/100 g, and total flavonoid content of 12.7–26.0 mg.QE/100 g. The results of free radical scavenging activity (1.26–4.91 μg/mL, as EC50) and ferric reducing antioxidant power (82.93–184.10 μmol/g of skin as equivalent to Fe2SO4) indicate high antioxidant activity, independently of the drying process applied. It was concluded that, if the application is directed to anthocyanin compounds, the use of lyophilization is recommended. On the other hand, if the interest is in bioactive compounds that exert antioxidant activity, conventional oven-drying can be used.
Synthesis and Characterization of Cholesteryl Conjugated Lysozyme (CHLysozyme)
Authors: Katsura Shinji , Furuishi Takayuki , Ueda Haruhisa , Yonemochi Etsuo
Published: August 2020

Hydrophobic interaction is important for protein conformation. Conjugation of a hydrophobic group can introduce intermolecular hydrophobic contacts that can be contained within the molecule. It is possible that a strongly folded state can be formed in solution compared with the native state. In this study, we synthesized cholesteryl conjugated lysozyme (CHLysozyme) using lysozyme and cholesterol as the model protein and hydrophobic group, respectively. Cholesteryl conjugation to lysozyme was confirmed by nuclear-magnetic resonance. Differential-scanning calorimetry suggested that CHLysozyme was folded in solution. CHLysozyme secondary structure was similar to lysozyme, although circular dichroism spectra indicated differences to the tertiary structure. Fluorescence measurements revealed a significant increase in the hydrophobic surface of CHLysozyme compared with that of lysozyme; CHLysozyme self-associated by hydrophobic interaction of the conjugated cholesterol but the hydrophobic surface of CHLysozyme decreased with time. The results suggested that hydrophobic interaction changed from intramolecular interaction to an intermolecular interaction. Furthermore, the relative activity of CHLysozyme to lysozyme increased with time. Therefore, CHLysozyme likely forms a folded state with an extended durability of activity. Moreover, lysozyme was denatured in 100% DMSO but the local environment of tryptophan in CHLysozyme was similar to that of a native lysozyme. Thus, this study suggests that protein solution stability and resistance to organic solvents may be improved by conjugation of a hydrophobic group.
Electrosynthesis of Biobased Chemicals Using Carbohydrates as a Feedstock
Authors: Vedovato Vincent , Vanbroekhoven Karolien , Pant Deepak , Helsen Joost
Published: August 2020

The current climate awareness coupled with increased focus on renewable energy and biobased chemicals have led to an increased demand for such biomass derived products. Electrosynthesis is a relatively new approach that allows a shift from conventional fossil-based chemistry towards a new model of a real sustainable chemistry that allows to use the excess renewable electricity to convert biobased feedstock into base and commodity chemicals. The electrosynthesis approach is expected to increase the production efficiency and minimize negative health for the workers and environmental impact all along the value chain. In this review, we discuss the various electrosynthesis approaches that have been applied on carbohydrate biomass specifically to produce valuable chemicals. The studies on the electro-oxidation of saccharides have mostly targeted the oxidation of the primary alcohol groups to form the corresponding uronic acids, with Au or TEMPO as the active electrocatalysts. The investigations on electroreduction of saccharides focused on the reduction of the aldehyde groups to the corresponding alcohols, using a variety of metal electrodes. Both oxidation and reduction pathways are elaborated here with most recent examples. Further recommendations have been made about the research needs, choice of electrocatalyst and electrolyte as well as upscaling the technology.
The Effect of Sacred Lotus (Nelumbo nucifera) and Its Mixtures on Phenolic Profiles, Antioxidant Activities, and Inhibitions of the Key Enzymes Relevant to Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Temviriyanukul Piya , Sritalahareuthai Varittha , Promyos Natnicha , Thangsiri Sirinapa , Pruesapan Kanchana , Srinuanchai Wanwisa , Nuchuchua Onanong , Siriwan Dalad , On-nom Nattira , Suttisansanee Uthaiwan
Published: August 2020

Sacred lotus (Nelumbo nucifera) has long been used as a food source and ingredient for traditional herbal remedies. Plant parts contain neuroprotective agents that interact with specific targets to inhibit Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Organic solvents including methanol, ethyl acetate, hexane, and n-butanol, are widely employed for extraction of sacred lotus but impact food safety. Seed embryo, flower stalk, stamen, old leaf, petal, and leaf stalk of sacred lotus were extracted using hot water (aqueous extraction). The extractions were analyzed for their bioactive constituents, antioxidant and anti-AD properties as key enzyme inhibitory activities toward acetylcholinesterase (AChE), butyrylcholinesterase (BChE), and β-secretase 1 (BACE-1). Results showed that the sacred lotus stamen exhibited significant amounts of phenolics, including phenolic acids and flavonoids, that contributed to high antioxidant activity via both single electron transfer (SET) and hydrogen atom transfer (HAT) mechanisms, with anti-AChE, anti-BChE, and anti-BACE-1 activities. To enhance utilization of other sacred lotus parts, a combination of stamen, old leaf and petal as the three sacred lotus plant components with the highest phenolic contents, antioxidant activities, and enzyme inhibitory properties was analyzed. Antagonist interaction was observed, possibly from flavonoids–flavonoids interaction. Further in-depth elucidation of this issue is required. Findings demonstrated that an aqueous extract of the stamen has potential for application as a functional food to mitigate the onset of Alzheimer’s disease.
Antimicrobial Activities of Ellagitannins against Clostridiales perfringens, Escherichia coli, Lactobacillus plantarum and Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Puljula Elina , Walton Gemma , Woodward Martin J. , Karonen Maarit
Published: August 2020

In this study, we tested the growth inhibition effect of 22 individual ellagitannins and of pentagalloylglucose on four bacterial species, i.e., Clostridiales perfringens, Escherichia coli, Lactobacillus plantarum and Staphylococcus aureus. All tested compounds showed antimicrobial effects against S. aureus, and almost all against E. coli and C. perfringens. For L. plantarum, no or very weak growth inhibition was detected. The level of inhibition was the greatest for S. aureus and the weakest for C. perfringens. For S. aureus, the molecular size or flexibility of ellagitannins did not show a clear relationship with their antimicrobial activity, even though rugosins E and D and pentagalloylglucose with four or five free galloyl groups had a stronger growth inhibition effect than the other ellagitannins with glucopyranose cores but with less free galloyl groups. Additionally, our results with S. aureus showed that the oligomeric linkage of ellagitannin might have an effect on its antimicrobial activity. For E. coli, the molecular size, but not the molecular flexibility, of ellagitannins seemed to be an important factor. For C. perfringens, both the molecular size and the flexibility of ellagitannin were important factors. In previous studies, corilagin was used as a model for ellagitannins, but our results showed that other ellagitannins are much more efficacious; therefore, the antimicrobial effects of ellagitannins could be more significant than previously thought.
Recovery and Stabilization of Anthocyanins and Phenolic Antioxidants of Roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.) with Hydrophilic Deep Eutectic Solvents
Authors: Zannou Oscar , Koca Ilkay , Aldawoud Turki M. S. , Galanakis Charis M.
Published: August 2020

Deep eutectic solvents (DESs) have got huge interest as new green and sustainable solvents for the extraction of bioactive compounds from plants in recent decades. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the effectiveness of hydrophilic DES for the extraction of anthocyanin and polyphenol antioxidants from Roselle. A natural hydrophilic DES constituted of sodium acetate (hydrogen bond acceptor) and formic acid (hydrogen bond donor) designed to evaluate the total phenolic compound (TPC), total flavonoid (TFC), total anthocyanin (TACN), 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) values of Roselle. Distilled water, 70% ethanol, and 80% methanol used as conventional solvents for comparison. The results indicated that the DES prepared in molarity ratio (SAFAm) was the most efficient. Subsequently, this prominent DES selected for the optimization and the optimum extraction conditions were 1:3.6 molarity ratio, 0% additional water, and 10 mL solvent. TPC, TFC, TACN, FRAP, and DPPH radical scavenging at the optimum point were 233.26 mg GAE/g, 10.14 mg ECE/g, 10.62 mg D3S/g, 493.45 mmol ISE/g, and 343.41 mmol TE/g, respectively. The stability tests showed that anthocyanins were more stable in SAFAm. These findings revealed that SAFAm is an effective green solvent for the extraction of polyphenols from various plants.
Baking Optimization as a Strategy to Extend Shelf-Life through the Enhanced Quality and Bioactive Properties of Pulse-Based Snacks
Authors: Rico Daniel , González-Paramás Ana M. , Brezmes Cristina , Martín-Diana Ana Belén
Published: August 2020

Food processing optimization can enhance the nutrient bioavailability, storage time, and stability of convenience foods. Baking is a heat and mass transfer process with a high impact on the shelf-life of the obtained product; a small variation in the parameters during baking can lead to significant changes in the end baked product, as it significantly affects the food nutrient profile and bioactive compounds. Response surface methodology (RSM) was used for mapping a response surface over a particular region of interest of baking conditions. The combined effect of the two factors (baking temperature and time) on the selected quality and bioactive parameters as dependent factors was evaluated in order to predict the optimal baking conditions which can facilitate the extended shelf-life of the product through maximizing the antioxidant bioactive properties. This design was used to develop models to predict the effect of the temperature and time baking profile and select those conditions where the quality and bioactive parameters reached a balance to obtain pulse snacks with a high quality, enhanced bioactive properties, and thus a longer shelf-life. Simultaneous optimization by the desirability function showed that a maximum temperature of 210 °C and a time of 14 min were the optimum conditions to produce a pulse-based snack with high antioxidant-antihypertensive activity and nutritional quality.
Sustainable Access to π-Conjugated Molecular Materials via Direct (Hetero)Arylation Reactions in Water and under Air
Authors: Calascibetta Adiel Mauro , Mattiello Sara , Sanzone Alessandro , Facchinetti Irene , Sassi Mauro , Beverina Luca
Published: August 2020

Direct (hetero)arylation (DHA) is playing a key role in improving the efficiency and atom economy of C–C cross coupling reactions, so has impacts in pharmaceutical and materials chemistry. Current research focuses on further improving the generality, efficiency and selectivity of the method through careful tuning of the reaction conditions and the catalytic system. Comparatively fewer studies are dedicated to the replacement of the high-boiling-point organic solvents dominating the field and affecting the overall sustainability of the method. We show herein that the use of a 9:1 v/v emulsion of an aqueous Kolliphor 2 wt% solution while having toluene as the reaction medium enables the preparation of relevant examples of thiophene-containing π-conjugated building blocks in high yield and purity.
Reaction of Aldoximes with Sodium Chloride and Oxone under Ball-Milling Conditions
Authors: Chen Kuan , Niu Chuang , Wang Guan-Wu
Published: August 2020

The solvent-free mechanochemical reaction has aroused increasing interest among scientists. Mechanical ball-milling can implement reactions under mild conditions, shorten the reaction time, and improve the reaction efficiency. Particularly, the most attractive characteristic of mechanochemistry is that it can alter the reaction pathway. However, few such examples have been reported so far. In this paper, we report the reaction of aldoximes with NaCl and Oxone under ball-milling conditions to afford N-acyloxyimidoyl chlorides, which are different from those of the liquid-phase counterpart.
Uptake and Glycosylation of Smoke-Derived Volatile Phenols by Cabernet Sauvignon Grapes and Their Subsequent Fate during Winemaking
Authors: Szeto Colleen , Ristic Renata , Capone Dimitra , Puglisi Carolyn , Pagay Vinay , Culbert Julie , Jiang WenWen , Herderich Markus , Tuke Jonathan , Wilkinson Kerry
Published: August 2020

Wine made from grapes exposed to bushfire smoke can exhibit unpleasant smoky, ashy characters, which have been attributed to the presence of smoke-derived volatile phenols, in free or glycosylated forms. Here we report the uptake and glycosylation of volatile phenols by grapes following exposure of Cabernet Sauvignon vines to smoke, and their fate during winemaking. A significant delay was observed in the conversion of volatile phenols to their corresponding glycoconjugates, which suggests sequestration, the presence of intermediates within the glycosylation pathway and/or other volatile phenol storage forms. This finding has implications for industry in terms of detecting smoke-affected grapes following vineyard smoke exposure. The potential for an in-canopy sprinkler system to mitigate the uptake of smoke-derived volatile phenols by grapes, by spraying grapevines with water during smoke exposure, was also evaluated. While “misting” appeared to partially mitigate the uptake of volatile phenols by grapes during grapevine exposure to smoke, it did not readily influence the concentration of volatile phenols or the sensory perception of smoke taint in wine. Commercial sensors were used to monitor the concentration of smoke particulate matter (PM) during grapevine exposure to low and high density smoke. Similar PM profiles were observed, irrespective of smoke density, such that PM concentrations did not reflect the extent of smoke exposure by grapes or risk of taint in wine. The sensors could nevertheless be used to monitor the presence of smoke in vineyards during bushfires, and hence, the need for compositional analysis of grapes to quantify smoke taint marker compounds.
Advances in the Synthesis of Ferrierite Zeolite
Authors: Xu Hao , Zhu Jie , Zhu Longfeng , Zhou Enmu , Shen Chao
Published: August 2020

As one of the most important porous materials, zeolites with intricate micropores have been widely employed as catalysts for decades due to their large pore volume, high surface area, and good thermal and hydrothermal stabilities. Among them, ferrierite (FER) zeolite with a two-dimensional micropore structure is an excellent heterogeneous catalyst for isomerization, carbonylation, cracking, and so on. In the past years, considering the important industrial application of FER zeolite, great efforts have been made to improve the synthesis of FER zeolite and thus decrease the synthesis cost and enhance catalytic performance. In this review, we briefly summarize the advances in the synthesis of FER zeolite including the development of synthesis routes, the use of organic templates, organotemplate-free synthesis, the strategies of morphology control, and the creation of intra-crystalline mesopores. Furthermore, the synthesis of hetero-atomic FER zeolites such as Fe-FER and Ti-FER has been discussed.
Tailor-Made Fluorinated Ionic Liquids for Protein Delivery
Authors: Vieira N. S. M. , Castro P. J. , Marques D. F. , Araújo J. M. M. , Pereiro A. B.
Published: August 2020

Nowadays, pharmaceutical companies are facing several challenges with the development and approval of new biological products. The unique properties of several fluorinated ionic liquids (FILs), such as their high surfactant power in aqueous solutions, their chemical and biological stability, and low toxicity, favor their application in the pharmaceutical industry. Furthermore, the numerous combinations between cations and anions, in the FILs design, enlarge the possibilities to construct a successful delivery system. Several FILs also proved to not affect the activity, stability, and secondary structure of the therapeutic protein lysozyme. This work aims to study the aggregation behavior of distinct FILs in the protein suitable medium, in the presence or absence of lysozyme. Besides, different incubation conditions were tested to guarantee the optimal enzymatic activity of the protein at more stable delivery systems. Following the optimization of the incubation conditions, the quantification of the encapsulated lysozyme was performed to evaluate the encapsulation efficiency of each FIL-based system. The release of the protein was tested applying variables such as time, temperature, and ultrasound frequency. The experimental results suggest that the aggregation behavior of FILs is not significantly influenced by the protein and/or protein buffer and supports their application for the design of delivery systems with high encapsulation efficiencies, maintaining the biological activity of either encapsulated and released protein.
A Review about the Recent Advances in Selected NonThermal Plasma Assisted Solid–Gas Phase Chemical Processes
Authors: Palma Vincenzo , Cortese Marta , Renda Simona , Ruocco Concetta , Martino Marco , Meloni Eugenio
Published: August 2020

Plasma science has attracted the interest of researchers in various disciplines since the 1990s. This continuously evolving field has spawned investigations into several applications, including industrial sterilization, pollution control, polymer science, food safety and biomedicine. nonthermal plasma (NTP) can promote the occurrence of chemical reactions in a lower operating temperature range, condition in which, in a conventional process, a catalyst is generally not active. The aim, when using NTP, is to selectively transfer electrical energy to the electrons, generating free radicals through collisions and promoting the desired chemical changes without spending energy in heating the system. Therefore, NTP can be used in various fields, such as NOx removal from exhaust gases, soot removal from diesel engine exhaust, volatile organic compound (VOC) decomposition, industrial applications, such as ammonia production or methanation reaction (Sabatier reaction). The combination of NTP technology with catalysts is a promising option to improve selectivity and efficiency in some chemical processes. In this review, recent advances in selected nonthermal plasma assisted solid–gas processes are introduced, and the attention was mainly focused on the use of the dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) reactors.
Preliminary Investigation to Review If a Glycomacropeptide Compared to L-Amino Acid Protein Substitute Alters the Pre- and Postprandial Amino Acid Profile in Children with Phenylketonuria
Authors: Daly Anne , Evans Sharon , Pinto Alex , Jackson Richard , Ashmore Catherine , Rocha Júlio César , MacDonald Anita
Published: August 2020

In Phenylketonuria (PKU), the peptide structure of the protein substitute (PS), casein glycomacropeptide (CGMP), is supplemented with amino acids (CGMP-AA). CGMP may slow the rate of amino acid (AA) absorption compared with traditional phenylalanine-free amino acids (Phe-free AA), which may improve nitrogen utilization, decrease urea production, and alter insulin response. Aim: In children with PKU, to compare pre and postprandial AA concentrations when taking one of three PS’s: Phe-free AA, CGMP-AA 1 or 2. Methods: 43 children (24 boys, 19 girls), median age 9 years (range 5–16 years) were studied; 11 took CGMP-AA1, 18 CGMP-AA2, and 14 Phe-free AA. Early morning fasting pre and 2 h postprandial blood samples were collected for quantitative AA on one occasion. A breakfast with allocated 20 g protein equivalent from PS was given post fasting blood sample. Results: There was a significant increase in postprandial AA for all individual AAs with all three PS. Postprandial AA histidine (p < 0.001), leucine (p < 0.001), and tyrosine (p < 0.001) were higher in CGMP-AA2 than CGMP-AA1, and leucine (p < 0.001), threonine (p < 0.001), and tyrosine (p = 0.003) higher in GCMP-AA2 than Phe-free AA. This was reflective of the AA composition of the three different PS’s. Conclusions: In PKU, the AA composition of CGMP-AA influences 2 h postprandial AA composition, suggesting that a PS derived from CGMP-AA may be absorbed similarly to Phe-free AA, but this requires further investigation.
The Effect of Isoleucine Supplementation on Body Weight Gain and Blood Glucose Response in Lean and Obese Mice
Authors: O’Rielly Rebecca , Li Hui , Lim See Meng , Yazbeck Roger , Kritas Stamatiki , Ullrich Sina S. , Feinle-Bisset Christine , Heilbronn Leonie , Page Amanda J.
Published: August 2020

Chronic isoleucine supplementation prevents diet-induced weight gain in rodents. Acute-isoleucine administration improves glucose tolerance in rodents and reduces postprandial glucose levels in humans. However, the effect of chronic-isoleucine supplementation on body weight and glucose tolerance in obesity is unknown. This study aimed to investigate the impact of chronic isoleucine on body weight gain and glucose tolerance in lean and high-fat-diet (HFD) induced-obese mice. Male C57BL/6-mice, fed a standard-laboratory-diet (SLD) or HFD for 12 weeks, were randomly allocated to: (1) Control: Drinking water; (2) Acute: Drinking water with a gavage of isoleucine (300 mg/kg) prior to the oral-glucose-tolerance-test (OGTT) or gastric-emptying-breath-test (GEBT); (3) Chronic: Drinking water with 1.5% isoleucine, for a further six weeks. At 16 weeks, an OGTT and GEBT was performed and at 17 weeks metabolic monitoring. In SLD- and HFD-mice, there was no difference in body weight, fat mass, and plasma lipid profiles between isoleucine treatment groups. Acute-isoleucine did not improve glucose tolerance in SLD- or HFD-mice. Chronic-isoleucine impaired glucose tolerance in SLD-mice. There was no difference in gastric emptying between any groups. Chronic-isoleucine did not alter energy intake, energy expenditure, or respiratory quotient in SLD- or HFD-mice. In conclusion, chronic isoleucine supplementation may not be an effective treatment for obesity or glucose intolerance.
Soy Isoflavone Genistein Inhibits an Axillary Osmidrosis Risk Factor ABCC11: In Vitro Screening and Fractional Approach for ABCC11-Inhibitory Activities in Plant Extracts and Dietary Flavonoids
Authors: Saito Hiroki , Toyoda Yu , Hirata Hiroshi , Ota-Kontani Ami , Tsuchiya Youichi , Takada Tappei , Suzuki Hiroshi
Published: August 2020

Axillary osmidrosis (AO) is a common chronic skin condition characterized by unpleasant body odors emanating from the armpits, and its aetiology is not fully understood. AO can seriously impair the psychosocial well-being of the affected individuals; however, no causal therapy has been established for it other than surgical treatment. Recent studies have revealed that human ATP-binding cassette transporter C11 (ABCC11) is an AO risk factor when it is expressed in the axillary apocrine glands—the sources of the offensive odors. Hence, identifying safe ways to inhibit ABCC11 may offer a breakthrough in treating AO. We herein screened for ABCC11-inhibitory activities in 34 natural products derived from plants cultivated for human consumption using an in vitro assay system to measure the ABCC11-mediated transport of radiolabeled dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S—an ABCC11 substrate). The water extract of soybean (Glycine max) was found to exhibit the strongest transport inhibition. From this extract, via a fractionation approach, we successfully isolated and identified genistein, a soy isoflavone, as a novel ABCC11 inhibitor with a half-maximal inhibitory concentration value of 61.5 μM. Furthermore, we examined the effects of other dietary flavonoids on the ABCC11-mediated DHEA-S transport to uncover the effects of these phytochemicals on ABCC11 function. While further human studies are needed, our findings here about the natural compounds will help develop a non-surgical therapy for AO.
Breakfast Characteristics and Their Association with Energy, Macronutrients, and Food Intake in Children and Adolescents: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Giménez-Legarre Natalia , Flores-Barrantes Paloma , Miguel-Berges María Luisa , Moreno Luis A. , Santaliestra-Pasías Alba M.
Published: August 2020

Breakfast plays an important role in health because it has been associated with overall health, which includes a high daily nutrient intake and a low risk of chronic diseases. For this reason, we investigated the associations between breakfast consumption and daily energy, macronutrients, and food and beverage consumption. We systematically searched peer-reviewed articles in three datasets (Pubmed, Scopus, and Cochrane). Two independent reviewers evaluated 3188 studies against the inclusion criteria using the Appraisal tool for Cross-Sectional Studies (AXIS) critical appraisal and Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) methodologies. The meta-analysis was performed by comparing results based on type of breakfast consumed (ready to eat cereal breakfasts or other types of breakfasts). Ultimately, 38 studies were included in the review and 7 of them in the energy and macronutrients intake meta-analysis. In the Systematic Review, breakfast consumers had higher energy intake (EI), fibre intake, and higher consumption of fruits and vegetables and lower consumption of soft drinks than breakfast skippers. In the Meta-Analysis, breakfast consumers had a higher carbohydrates intake (MD, −8.21; 95%CI: −11.37, −5.05) and fibre intake (MD, −8.43; 95%CI: −12.63, −4.23) than breakfast skippers. However, breakfast consumers had a lower fat intake (MD, 4.59; 95%CI: 2.04, 7.15). Our review suggests that breakfast consumption is associated with better macronutrient intake and healthier food and beverage consumption.
Oral Ingestion of Synthetically Generated Recombinant Prion Is Sufficient to Cause Prion Disease in Wild-Type Mice
Authors: Pan Chenhua , Yang Junwei , Zhang Xiangyi , Chen Ying , Wei Shunxiong , Yu Guohua , Pan Yi-Hsuan , Ma Jiyan , Yuan Chonggang
Published: August 2020

Prion disease is a group of transmissible neurodegenerative disorders affecting humans and animals. The prion hypothesis postulates that PrPSc, the pathogenic conformer of host-encoded prion protein (PrP), is the unconventional proteinaceous infectious agent called prion. Supporting this hypothesis, highly infectious prion has been generated in vitro with recombinant PrP plus defined non-protein cofactors and the synthetically generated prion (recPrPSc) is capable of causing prion disease in wild-type mice through intracerebral (i.c.) or intraperitoneal (i.p.) inoculation. Given that many of the naturally occurring prion diseases are acquired through oral route, demonstrating the capability of recPrPSc to cause prion disease via oral transmission is important, but has never been proven. Here we showed for the first time that oral ingestion of recPrPSc is sufficient to cause prion disease in wild-type mice, which was supported by the development of fatal neurodegeneration in exposed mice, biochemical and histopathological analyses of diseased brains, and second round transmission. Our results demonstrate the oral transmissibility of recPrPSc and provide the missing evidence to support that the in vitro generated recPrPSc recapitulates all the important properties of naturally occurring prions.
Parthenolide as Cooperating Agent for Anti-Cancer Treatment of Various Malignancies
Authors: Sztiller-Sikorska Malgorzata , Czyz Malgorzata
Published: August 2020

Primary and acquired resistance of cancer to therapy is often associated with activation of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB). Parthenolide (PN) has been shown to inhibit NF-κB signaling and other pro-survival signaling pathways, induce apoptosis and reduce a subpopulation of cancer stem-like cells in several cancers. Multimodal therapies that include PN or its derivatives seem to be promising approaches enhancing sensitivity of cancer cells to therapy and diminishing development of resistance. A number of studies have demonstrated that several drugs with various targets and mechanisms of action can cooperate with PN to eliminate cancer cells or inhibit their proliferation. This review summarizes the current state of knowledge on PN activity and its potential utility as complementary therapy against different cancers.
An AC-Rich Bean Element Serves as an Ethylene-Responsive Element in Arabidopsis
Authors: Wang Chunying , Lin Tingting , Wang Mengqi , Qi Xiaoting
Published: August 2020

Ethylene-responsive elements (EREs), such as the GCC box, are critical for ethylene-regulated transcription in plants. Our previous work identified a 19-bp AC-rich element (ACE) in the promoter of bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) metal response element-binding transcription factor 1 (PvMTF-1). Ethylene response factor 15 (PvERF15) directly binds ACE to enhance PvMTF-1 expression. As a novel ERF-binding element, ACE exhibits a significant difference from the GCC box. Here, we demonstrated that ACE serves as an ERE in Arabidopsis. It conferred the minimal promoter to respond to the ethylene stress and inhibition of ethylene. Moreover, the cis-acting element ACE could specifically bind the nuclear proteins in vitro. We further revealed that the first 9-bp sequence of ACE (ACEcore) is importantly required by the binding of nuclear proteins. In addition, PvERF15 and PvMTF-1 were strongly induced by ethylene in bean seedlings. Since PvERF15 activates PvMTF-1 via ACE, ACE is involved in ethylene-induced PvMTF-1 expression. Taken together, our findings provide genetic and biochemical evidence for a new ERE.
The Cypriot Indigenous Grapevine Germplasm Is a Multi-Clonal Varietal Mixture
Authors: Grigoriou Apostolis , Tsaniklidis Georgios , Hagidimitriou Marianna , Nikoloudakis Nikolaos
Published: August 2020

Cypriot vineyards are considered as one among the earliest niches of viticulture and a pivotal hub for the domestication and dissemination of grapevine. The millennial presence of Vitis spp. in this Eastern Mediterranean island has given rise to a plethora of biotypes that have not been adequately characterized, despite their unique attributes and stress tolerance. This ancient germplasm also has an additional value since it survived the phylloxera outbreak; hence, it possesses a large amount of genetic diversity that has been unnoticed. In order to provide useful insights to the lineage of Cypriot vineyards, a two-year-spanning collection of centennial grapevine cultivars mostly regarded to belong to four indigenous variety clusters (“Mavro”, “Xynisteri”, “Maratheftiko”, and “Veriko”) was initiated. There were 164 accessions across the broader Commandaria wine zone sampled and characterized using a universal microsatellite primer set. Genetic analysis indicated that considered indigenous Cypriot germplasm has a polyclonal structure with a high level of heterozygosity. Moreover, several lineages or unexplored varieties may exist, since a larger than considered number of discrete genotypes was discovered. Furthermore, it was established that grapevine lineages in Cyprus were shaped across eras via clonal, as well as, sexual propagation. The special attributes of the Cypriot landscape are discussed.
Intraspecific Variations in Functional and Molecular Traits of Near-Endemic Onopordum alexandrinum Boiss. in Natural and Anthropogenic Habitats along the Western Mediterranean Coast of Egypt: Implications for Conservation
Authors: Yahia Aya , Mashaly Ibrahim , El-Bana Magdy , Rizk Rehab , El-Sherbeny Ghada
Published: August 2020

Onopordum alexandrinum is a near-endemic to Egypt and neighboring countries. Its habitats are designated as priority sites for conservation in the south and east Mediterranean regions. We hypothesize that variation in morphological, reproductive, and molecular traits could provide a survival strategy that allows the species to occupy landscapes including anthropogenic habitats (barley and abandoned fields) and natural habitats (sand dunes and desert plateau) with different soil resources along the western Mediterranean coast of Egypt. The results indicated that plant functional traits associated with high rates of resource acquisition and growth (e.g., high values of vegetative height and specific leaf area, and low values of leaf dry matter content) occurred in populations located in abandoned fields with high soil resources. The genetic diversity analyses indicated similarity in genetic diversity of the present populations of O. alexandrinum in barley and abandoned fields with those of sand dunes. However, the genetic structures of these populations were different from those of natural desert plateau, which suggests reduced rates of gene flow. In this framework, it is essential to monitor and reduce the anthropogenic activity which will not only support the conservation of genetic diversity within populations but will also help ensure the resilience of O. alexandrinum in the face of environmental and climatic changes.
Evaluation of Anthocyanin Profile, Antioxidant, Cytoprotective, and Anti-Angiogenic Properties of Callistemon citrinus Flowers
Authors: Laganà Giuseppina , Barreca Davide , Smeriglio Antonella , Germanò Maria Paola , D'Angelo Valeria , Calderaro Antonella , Bellocco Ersilia , Trombetta Domenico
Published: August 2020

Lemon bottlebrush (Callistemon citrinus (Curtis) Skeels) is one of the most common ornamental plants, diffused worldwide, and characterized by the presence of flowers with an intense red/purple coloration. There is increasing interest in the use and application of anthocyanins for their unique structural/chemical features in both food and pharmaceutical applications. RP-HPLC-DAD-ESI-MS/MS analysis of an enriched fraction of acidified methanolic extract of C. citrinus flowers allow the possibility of identifying, for the first time, the presence of four anthocyanins: cyanidin-3,5-O-diglucoside (cyanin), peonidin-3,5-O-diglucoside (peonin), cyanidin-3-O-glucoside, and cyanidin-coumaroylglucoside-pyruvic acid. Moreover, the evaluation of antioxidant and biological potential showed a remarkable activity of this fraction, able to actively scavenge DPPH, AAPH, and ABTS radicals, and to counteract the β-carotene-bleaching. In addition, it protects human mononuclear cells from oxidative injuries and prevents angiogenesis (acting in the range of few μg/ml); furthermore, it does not show significant iron-chelating ability (up to 200 µg/mL). The easy way of cultivation, robustness, and adaptability to different environments make the flowers of this plant a useful source of anthocyanins, with remarkable health promoting properties.
Nanoformulation Design Including MamC-Mediated Biomimetic Nanoparticles Allows the Simultaneous Application of Targeted Drug Delivery and Magnetic Hyperthermia
Authors: Jabalera Ylenia , Oltolina Francesca , Peigneux Ana , Sola-Leyva Alberto , Carrasco-Jiménez Maria P. , Prat Maria , Jimenez-Lopez Concepcion , Iglesias Guillermo R.
Published: August 2020

The design of novel nanomaterials that can be used as multifunctional platforms allowing the combination of therapies is gaining increased interest. Moreover, if this nanomaterial is intended for a targeted drug delivery, the use of several guidance methods to increase guidance efficiency is also crucial. Magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) allow this combination of therapies and guidance strategies. In fact, MNPs can be used simultaneously as drug nanocarriers and magnetic hyperthermia agents and, moreover, they can be guided toward the target by an external magnetic field and by their functionalization with a specific probe. However, it is difficult to find a system based on MNPs that exhibits optimal conditions as a drug nanocarrier and as a magnetic hyperthermia agent. In this work, a novel nanoformulation is proposed to be used as a multifunctional platform that also allows dual complementary guidance. This nanoformulation is based on mixtures of inorganic magnetic nanoparticles (M) that have been shown to be optimal hyperthermia agents, and biomimetic magnetic nanoparticles (BM), that have been shown to be highly efficient drug nanocarriers. The presence of the magnetosome protein MamC at the surface of BM confers novel surface properties that allow for the efficient and stable functionalization of these nanoparticles without the need of further coating, with the release of the relevant molecule being pH-dependent, improved by magnetic hyperthermia. The BM are functionalized with Doxorubicin (DOXO) as a model drug and with an antibody that allows for dual guidance based on a magnetic field and on an antibody. The present study represents a proof of concept to optimize the nanoformulation composition in order to provide the best performance in terms of the magnetic hyperthermia agent and drug nanocarrier.