bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Valorization of Anaerobic-Fermentation Liquid Digestates—Membrane-Based Process Development
Authors: Tsaridou Charikleia , Karanasiou Anthoula , Plakas Konstantinos V. , Karabelas Anastasios J.
Published: March 2023

Complete valorization of various wastes and effluents, with significant organic content, remains a great challenge in the pursuit of a circular economy. The approach based on anaerobic fermentation, leading to valuable biogas production, has been broadly accepted and employed as an attractive processing scheme. However, despite notable research efforts, complete valorization of the digestates (involving recovery of nutrients/by-products and full recycling/reuse of treated water) requires additional work for sustainable process development. This study aims to make a contribution in this direction by demonstrating a systematic methodology for valorizing the liquid digestate. The proposed membrane-based processing scheme involves UF-membrane pretreatment of the liquid digestate (for sludge separation) and subsequent NF/RO membrane treatment for reuse/recycling of the permeate; the concentrate, enriched in “nutrients” (phosphate and ammonium compounds), can be utilized for soil fertilization, with further conditioning/processing. By performing targeted laboratory experiments and advanced simulations, the membrane-based process was developed to a relatively high technology-readiness level, including a pilot unit design/construction and preliminary testing with satisfactory results. Through pilot testing in industrial environment, further process development and optimization will be pursued, towards practical applications. The demonstrated methodology is also considered appropriate for systematic development of membrane-based processes to valorize/treat a variety of similar effluents.
Study on Fracture Failure Behavior of Super 13Cr Tubing Caused by Deposited Corrosion
Authors: Wu You , Ding Jian , Zhang Zhi , Zhao Yuanjin , Cai Nan
Published: March 2023

Fracture failure of super 13Cr can occur in complex and harsh environments such as high temperature, high pressure, and corrosive gas wells, which damages the economic benefit of oil and gas development and also poses a great threat to wellbore integrity. Therefore, it is urgent to study the corrosion mechanism of super 13Cr tubing in oil and gas wells, and this study performed an on-site experimental analysis on failed super 13Cr tubing, employing the microarea electrochemical scanning Kelvin probe (SKP) method to investigate the causes of corrosion of super 13Cr material. In addition, the thermodynamics of the mechanism by which pits turn into cracks was examined in light of the experimental findings on the nucleation and development of pitting corrosion. The findings reveal scale and clear pits on the surface of the failed super 13Cr tubing and that CaCO3 as well as FeCO3 are the scale’s primary constituents. According to the SKP scan results, the super 13Cr tubing has a risk of pitting under wells, and the galvanic cell with microcorrosion is the primary cause of pitting corrosion, which also shows that the potential difference between the anode area and the cathode area of the super 13Cr material gradually increases with the increase in immersion time. Under the autocatalytic effect of the occlusive corrosion cell and the applied load, the corrosion pits and cracks of super 13Cr tubing propagate, eventually leading to tubing breaks and failure.
An Electrochemical Study of the Corrosion Behaviour of T91 Steel in Molten Nitrates
Authors: Lopez-Dominguez D. , Gomez-Guzman N. B. , Porcayo-Calderón J. , Lopez-Sesenes R. , Larios-Galvez A. K. , Sarmiento-Bustos E. , Rodriguez-Clemente E. , Gonzalez-Rodriguez J. G.
Published: March 2023

A study of the corrosion behaviour of T91 steel in molten 60 wt% NaNO3-40%KNO3 has been carried out at 300, 400 and 500 °C during 1000 h. Employed techniques included potentiodynamic polarization tests, linear polarization resistance (LPR) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) measurements. Experiments were complemented by detailed scanning electronic measurements and X-ray diffraction studies. Polarization curves revealed the existence of a passive layer formed onto the steel, composed mainly of Cr2O3, FeCr2O4, NaCrO4 and K2Fe2O4. Corrosion current density values increased, whereas the polarization resistance value decreased more than one order of magnitude as the testing temperature increased. EIS tests indicated a charge transfer controlled corrosion process, regardless of the testing temperature, and that the double electrochemical layer resistance decreased with the temperature.
Mechanical Properties and Bonding Mechanism of the Mg/Al Clad Sheet Manufactured by the Corrugated Roll
Authors: Zhao Shi , Hu Yaoqing , Li Sha , Wang Tao
Published: March 2023

In this research, corrugated Mg/Al clad sheet with good interface bonding was prepared with a rolling mill of upper corrugated roll and a lower flat roll under the conditions of 35% reduction and 400 °C. The mechanical properties of the corrugated Mg/Al clad sheet were studied using the transverse tensile test, Vickers microhardness and as well as its bending properties. Moreover, the interface bonding mechanism of the corrugated clad sheet was researched through three-dimensional contour analysis. The results showed that the UTS at the trough position was the highest (~296 MPa), and that the peak position was the lowest (~257 MPa). The maximum fracture EL at the peak position was ~13.4%, while the minimum fracture EL at the trough position was ~10.6%. In the transverse tensile process, the interface cracked first due to the uneven stress distribution in the matrixes. Then, the Mg sheet broke, and finally the Mg/Al clad sheet failed with final fracturing of the Al sheet. The microhardness of interface metal Al at the four positions was higher than that of the interface metal Mg, which was closely related to the dislocation strengthening of the Al sheet. The interface bonding mechanism of the corrugated Mg/Al clad sheet could be divided into four stages: extrusion deformation, rubbing fracture, compound extension and compound completion.
New Perspectives on BolA: A Still Mysterious Protein Connecting Morphogenesis, Biofilm Production, Virulence, Iron Metabolism, and Stress Survival
Authors: da Silva Ana Alves , Galego Lisete , Arraiano Cecília Maria
Published: March 2023

The BolA-like protein family is widespread among prokaryotes and eukaryotes. BolA was originally described in E. coli as a gene induced in the stationary phase and in stress conditions. The BolA overexpression makes cells spherical. It was characterized as a transcription factor modulating cellular processes such as cell permeability, biofilm production, motility, and flagella assembly. BolA is important in the switch between motile and sedentary lifestyles having connections with the signaling molecule c-di-GMP. BolA was considered a virulence factor in pathogens such as Salmonella Typhimurium and Klebsiella pneumoniae and it promotes bacterial survival when facing stresses due to host defenses. In E. coli, the BolA homologue IbaG is associated with resistance to acidic stress, and in Vibrio cholerae, IbaG is important for animal cell colonization. Recently, it was demonstrated that BolA is phosphorylated and this modification is important for the stability/turnover of BolA and its activity as a transcription factor. The results indicate that there is a physical interaction between BolA-like proteins and the CGFS-type Grx proteins during the biogenesis of Fe-S clusters, iron trafficking and storage. We also review recent progress regarding the cellular and molecular mechanisms by which BolA/Grx protein complexes are involved in the regulation of iron homeostasis in eukaryotes and prokaryotes.
Motility of Different Gastric Helicobacter spp.
Authors: Bansil Rama , Constantino Maira A. , Su-Arcaro Clover , Liao Wentian , Shen Zeli , Fox James G.
Published: March 2023

Helicobacter spp., including the well-known human gastric pathogen H. pylori, can cause gastric diseases in humans and other mammals. They are Gram-negative bacteria that colonize the gastric epithelium and use their multiple flagella to move across the protective gastric mucus layer. The flagella of different Helicobacter spp. vary in their location and number. This review focuses on the swimming characteristics of different species with different flagellar architectures and cell shapes. All Helicobacter spp. use a run-reverse-reorient mechanism to swim in aqueous solutions, as well as in gastric mucin. Comparisons of different strains and mutants of H. pylori varying in cell shape and the number of flagella show that their swimming speed increases with an increasing number of flagella and is somewhat enhanced with a helical cell body shape. The swimming mechanism of H. suis, which has bipolar flagella, is more complex than that of unipolar H. pylori. H. suis exhibits multiple modes of flagellar orientation while swimming. The pH-dependent viscosity and gelation of gastric mucin significantly impact the motility of Helicobacter spp. In the absence of urea, these bacteria do not swim in mucin gel at pH < 4, even though their flagellar bundle rotates.
Lactobacilli and Their Probiotic Effects in the Vagina of Reproductive Age Women
Authors: Pendharkar Sonal , Skafte-Holm Axel , Simsek Gizem , Haahr Thor
Published: March 2023

In the present narrative review, the probiotic effects of vaginal Lactobacillus spp. are described in detail, covering the importance of the differential production of lactic acid, the lactic acid D/L isoforms, the questionable in vivo effect of hydrogen peroxide, as well as bacteriocins and other core proteins produced by vaginal Lactobacillus spp. Moreover, the microbe–host interaction is explained with emphasis on the vaginal mucosa. To understand the crucial role of Lactobacillus spp. dominance in the vaginal microbiota, different dysbiotic states of the vagina are explained including bacterial vaginosis and aerobic vaginitis. Finally, this review takes on the therapeutic aspect of live lactobacilli in the context of bacterial vaginosis. Until recently, there was very low-quality evidence to suggest that any probiotic might aid in reducing vaginal infections or dysbiosis. Therefore, clinical usage or over the counter usage of probiotics was not recommended. However, recent progress has been made, moving from probiotics that are typically regulated as food supplements to so-called live biotherapeutic products that are regulated as medical drugs. Thus, recently, a phase 2b trial using a Lactobacillus crispatus strain as a therapeutic add-on to standard metronidazole showed significant reduction in the recurrence of bacterial vaginosis by 12 weeks compared to placebo. This may constitute evidence for a brighter future where the therapeutic use of lactobacilli can be harnessed to improve women’s health.
Piezophilic Phenotype Is Growth Condition Dependent and Correlated with the Regulation of Two Sets of ATPase in Deep-Sea Piezophilic Bacterium Photobacterium profundum SS9
Authors: Li An-Qi , Zhang Wei-Jia , Li Xue-Gong , Bao Xu-Chong , Qi Xiao-Qing , Wu Long-Fei , Bartlett Douglas H.
Published: March 2023

Alteration of respiratory components as a function of pressure is a common strategy developed in deep-sea microorganisms, presumably to adapt to high hydrostatic pressure (HHP). While the electron transport chain and terminal reductases have been extensively studied in deep-sea bacteria, little is known about their adaptations for ATP generation. In this study, we showed that the deep-sea bacterium Photobacterium profundum SS9 exhibits a more pronounced piezophilic phenotype when grown in minimal medium supplemented with glucose (MG) than in the routinely used MB2216 complex medium. The intracellular ATP level varied with pressure, but with opposite trends in the two culture media. Between the two ATPase systems encoded in SS9, ATPase-I played a dominant role when cultivated in MB2216, whereas ATPase-II was more abundant in the MG medium, especially at elevated pressure when cells had the lowest ATP level among all conditions tested. Further analyses of the ΔatpI, ΔatpE1 and ΔatpE2 mutants showed that disrupting ATPase-I induced expression of ATPase-II and that the two systems are functionally redundant in MB2216. Collectively, we provide the first examination of the differences and relationships between two ATPase systems in a piezophilic bacterium, and expanded our understanding of the involvement of energy metabolism in pressure adaptation.
DeepmRNALoc: A Novel Predictor of Eukaryotic mRNA Subcellular Localization Based on Deep Learning
Authors: Wang Shihang , Shen Zhehan , Liu Taigang , Long Wei , Jiang Linhua , Peng Sihua
Published: March 2023

The subcellular localization of messenger RNA (mRNA) precisely controls where protein products are synthesized and where they function. However, obtaining an mRNA’s subcellular localization through wet-lab experiments is time-consuming and expensive, and many existing mRNA subcellular localization prediction algorithms need to be improved. In this study, a deep neural network-based eukaryotic mRNA subcellular location prediction method, DeepmRNALoc, was proposed, utilizing a two-stage feature extraction strategy that featured bimodal information splitting and fusing for the first stage and a VGGNet-like CNN module for the second stage. The five-fold cross-validation accuracies of DeepmRNALoc in the cytoplasm, endoplasmic reticulum, extracellular region, mitochondria, and nucleus were 0.895, 0.594, 0.308, 0.944, and 0.865, respectively, demonstrating that it outperforms existing models and techniques.
The Resonance Raman Spectrum of Cytosine in Water: Analysis of the Effect of Specific Solute–Solvent Interactions and Non-Adiabatic Couplings
Authors: Xu Qiushuang , Liu Yanli , Wang Meishan , Cerezo Javier , Improta Roberto , Santoro Fabrizio
Published: March 2023

In this contribution, we report a computational study of the vibrational Resonance Raman (vRR) spectra of cytosine in water, on the grounds of potential energy surfaces (PES) computed by time-dependent density functional theory (TD-DFT) and CAM-B3LYP and PBE0 functionals. Cytosine is interesting because it is characterized by several close-lying and coupled electronic states, challenging the approach commonly used to compute the vRR for systems where the excitation frequency is in quasi-resonance with a single state. We adopt two recently developed time-dependent approaches, based either on quantum dynamical numerical propagations of vibronic wavepackets on coupled PES or on analytical correlation functions for cases in which inter-state couplings were neglected. In this way, we compute the vRR spectra, considering the quasi-resonance with the eight lowest-energy excited states, disentangling the role of their inter-state couplings from the mere interference of their different contributions to the transition polarizability. We show that these effects are only moderate in the excitation energy range explored by experiments, where the spectral patterns can be rationalized from the simple analysis of displacements of the equilibrium positions along the different states. Conversely, at higher energies, interference and inter-state couplings play a major role, and the adoption of a fully non-adiabatic approach is strongly recommended. We also investigate the effect of specific solute–solvent interactions on the vRR spectra, by considering a cluster of cytosine, hydrogen-bonded by six water molecules, and embedded in a polarizable continuum. We show that their inclusion remarkably improves the agreement with the experiments, mainly altering the composition of the normal modes, in terms of internal valence coordinates. We also document cases, mostly for low-frequency modes, in which a cluster model is not sufficient, and more elaborate mixed quantum classical approaches, in explicit solvent models, need to be applied.
Structural, Binding and Functional Properties of Milk Protein-Polyphenol Systems: A Review
Authors: van de Langerijt Tessa M. , O’Mahony James A. , Crowley Shane V.
Published: March 2023

Polyphenols (PP) are linked to health benefits (e.g., prevention of cancer, cardiovascular disease and obesity), which are mainly attributed to their antioxidant activity. During digestion, PP are oxidised to a significant degree reducing their bio-functionality. In recent years, the potential of various milk protein systems, including β-casein micelles, β-lactoglobulin aggregates, blood serum albumin aggregates, native casein micelles and re-assembled casein micelles, to bind and protect PP have been investigated. These studies have yet to be systematically reviewed. The functional properties of the milk protein-PP systems depend on the type and concentration of both PP and protein, as well as the structure of the resultant complexes, with environmental and processing factors also having an influence. Milk protein systems protect PP from degradation during digestion, resulting in a higher bioaccessibility and bioavailability, which improve the functional properties of PP upon consumption. This review compares different milk protein systems in terms of physicochemical properties, PP binding performance and ability to enhance the bio-functional properties of PP. The goal is to provide a comprehensive overview on the structural, binding, and functional properties of milk protein-polyphenol systems. It is concluded that milk protein complexes function effectively as delivery systems for PP, protecting PP from oxidation during digestion.
Biosorption of Cadmium and Lead by Dry Biomass of Nostoc sp. MK-11: Kinetic and Isotherm Study
Authors: Kaleem Muhammad , Minhas Lubna Anjum , Hashmi Muhammad Zafar , Ali Mohammad Ajmal , Mahmoud Rania M. , Saqib Saddam , Nazish Moona , Zaman Wajid , Samad Mumtaz Abdul
Published: March 2023

Cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb) are global environmental pollutants. In this study, Nostoc sp. MK-11 was used as an environmentally safe, economical, and efficient biosorbent for the removal of Cd and Pb ions from synthetic aqueous solutions. Nostoc sp. MK-11 was identified on a morphological and molecular basis using light microscopic, 16S rRNA sequences and phylogenetic analysis. Batch experiments were performed to determine the most significant factors for the removal of Cd and Pb ions from the synthetic aqueous solutions using dry Nostoc sp. MK1 biomass. The results indicated that the maximum biosorption of Pb and Cd ions was found under the conditions of 1 g of dry Nostoc sp. MK-11 biomass, 100 mg/L of initial metal concentrations, and 60 min contact time at pH 4 and 5 for Pb and Cd, respectively. Dry Nostoc sp. MK-11 biomass samples before and after biosorption were characterized using FTIR and SEM. A kinetic study showed that a pseudo second order kinetic model was well fitted rather than the pseudo first order. Three isotherm models Freundlich, Langmuir, and Temkin were used to explain the biosorption isotherms of metal ions by Nostoc sp. MK-11 dry biomass. Langmuir isotherm, which explains the existence of monolayer adsorption, fitted well to the biosorption process. Considering the Langmuir isotherm model, the maximum biosorption capacity (qmax) of Nostoc sp. MK-11 dry biomass was calculated as 75.757 and 83.963 mg g−1 for Cd and Pb, respectively, which showed agreement with the obtained experimental values. Desorption investigations were carried out to evaluate the reusability of the biomass and the recovery of the metal ions. It was found that the desorption of Cd and Pb was above 90%. The dry biomass of Nostoc sp. MK-11 was proven to be efficient and cost-effective for removing Cd and especially Pb metal ions from the aqueous solutions, and the process is eco-friendly, feasible, and reliable.
Folic Acid and Leucovorin Have Potential to Prevent SARS-CoV-2-Virus Internalization by Interacting with S-Glycoprotein/Neuropilin-1 Receptor Complex
Authors: Škrbić Ranko , Travar Maja , Stojiljković Miloš P. , Djuric Dragan M. , Suručić Relja
Published: March 2023

The interaction of the SARS-CoV-2 spike (S) glycoprotein receptor-binding domain with the host-cell ACE2 receptor is a well-known step in virus infection. Neuropilin-1 (NRP-1) is another host factor involved in virus internalization. The interaction between S-glycoprotein and NRP-1 has been identified as a potential COVID-19 treatment target. Herein, the effectiveness of folic acid and leucovorin in preventing contact between S-glycoprotein and NRP-1 receptors was investigated using in silico studies and then confirmed in vitro. The results of a molecular docking study showed that leucovorin and folic acid had lower binding energies than EG01377, a well-known NRP-1 inhibitor, and lopinavir. Two hydrogen bonds with Asp 320 and Asn 300 residues stabilized the leucovorin, while interactions with Gly 318, Thr 349, and Tyr 353 residues stabilized the folic acid. The molecular dynamic simulation revealed that the folic acid and leucovorin created very stable complexes with the NRP-1. The in vitro studies showed that the leucovorin was the most active inhibitor of the S1-glycoprotein/NRP-1 complex formation, with an IC75 value of 185.95 µg/mL. The results of this study suggest that folic acid and leucovorin could be considered as potential inhibitors of the S-glycoprotein/NRP-1 complex and, thus, could prevent the SARS-CoV-2 virus’ entry into host cells.
The Phenolic Compounds’ Role in Beer from Various Adjuncts
Authors: Gribkova Irina N. , Eliseev Mikhail N. , Lazareva Irina V. , Zakharova Varvara A. , Sviridov Dmitrii A. , Egorova Olesya S. , Kozlov Valery I.
Published: March 2023

Background: The present article considers the influence of malt with various adjuncts on beer organic compounds and taste profile composition, with more attention paid to the phenol complex change. The topic under consideration is relevant since it studies the interactions of phenolic compounds with other biomolecules, and expands the understanding of the adjuncts organic compounds contribution and their joint effect on beer quality. Methods: Samples of beer were analyzed at a pilot brewery using barley and wheat malts, barley, rice, corn and wheat, and then fermented. The beer samples were assessed by industry-accepted methods and using instrumental analysis methods (high-performance liquid chromatography methods—HPLC). The obtained statistical data were processed by the Statistics program (Microsoft Corporation, Redmond, WA, USA, 2006). Results: The study showed that at the stage of hopped wort organic compounds structure formation, there is a clear correlation between the content of organic compounds and dry substances, including phenolic compounds (quercetin, catechins), as well as isomerized hop bitter resines. It is shown that the riboflavin content increases in all adjunct wort samples, and mostly with the use of rice—up to 4.33 mg/L, which is 9.4 times higher than the vitamin levels in malt wort. The melanoidin content in the samples was in the range of 125–225 mg/L and its levels in the wort with additives exceeded the malt wort. Changes in β-glucan and nitrogen with thiol groups during fermentation occurred with different dynamics and depending on the adjunct’s proteome. The greatest decrease in non-starch polysaccharide content was observed in wheat beer and nitrogen with thiol groups content—in all other beer samples. The change in iso-α-humulone in all samples at the beginning of fermentation correlated with a decrease in original extract, and in the finished beer there was no correlation. The behavior of catechins, quercetin, and iso-α-humulone has been shown to correlate with nitrogen with thiol groups during fermentation. A strong correlation was shown between the change in iso-α-humulone and catechins, as well as riboflavin and quercetin. It was established that various phenolic compounds were involved in the formation of taste, structure, and antioxidant properties of beer in accordance with the structure of various grains, depending on the structure of its proteome. Conclusions: The obtained experimental and mathematical dependences make it possible to expand the understanding of intermolecular interactions of beer organic compounds and take a step toward predicting the quality of beer at the stage of using adjuncts.
Thermal Polymorphism in CsCB11H12
Authors: Černý Radovan , Brighi Matteo , Wu Hui , Zhou Wei , Dimitrievska Mirjana , Murgia Fabrizio , Gulino Valerio , de Jongh Petra E. , Trump Benjamin A. , Udovic Terrence J.
Published: March 2023

Thermal polymorphism in the alkali-metal salts incorporating the icosohedral monocarba-hydridoborate anion, CB11H12−, results in intriguing dynamical properties leading to superionic conductivity for the lightest alkali-metal analogues, LiCB11H12 and NaCB11H12. As such, these two have been the focus of most recent CB11H12− related studies, with less attention paid to the heavier alkali-metal salts, such as CsCB11H12. Nonetheless, it is of fundamental importance to compare the nature of the structural arrangements and interactions across the entire alkali-metal series. Thermal polymorphism in CsCB11H12 was investigated using a combination of techniques: X-ray powder diffraction; differential scanning calorimetry; Raman, infrared, and neutron spectroscopies; and ab initio calculations. The unexpected temperature-dependent structural behavior of anhydrous CsCB11H12 can be potentially justified assuming the existence of two polymorphs with similar free energies at room temperature: (i) a previously reported, ordered R3 polymorph stabilized upon drying and transforming first to R3c symmetry near 313 K and then to a similarly packed but disordered I43d polymorph near 353 K and (ii) a disordered Fm3 polymorph that initially appears from the disordered I43d polymorph near 513 K along with another disordered high-temperature P63mc polymorph. Quasielastic neutron scattering results indicate that the CB11H12− anions in the disordered phase at 560 K are undergoing isotropic rotational diffusion, with a jump correlation frequency [1.19(9) × 1011 s−1] in line with those for the lighter-metal analogues.
Inhibition of TLR4 Alleviates Heat Stroke-Induced Cardiomyocyte Injury by Down-Regulating Inflammation and Ferroptosis
Authors: Chen Dandan , Geng Yao , Deng Ziwei , Li Peiling , Xue Shujing , Xu Tao , Li Guanghua
Published: March 2023

Inflammatory response and cell death play key roles in the mechanism of myocardial cell injury induced by heat stroke (HS) in rats. Ferroptosis is a newly discovered regulatory type of cell death, which is involved in the occurrence and development of various cardiovascular diseases. However, the role of ferroptosis in the mechanism of cardiomyocyte injury caused by HS remains to be clarified. The purpose of this study was to investigate the role and potential mechanism of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) in cardiomyocyte inflammation and ferroptosis under HS conditions at the cellular level. The HS cell model was established by exposing H9C2 cells at 43 °C for 2 h and then recovering at 37 °C for 3 h. The association between HS and ferroptosis was investigated by adding the ferroptosis inhibitor, liproxstatin-1, and the ferroptosis inducer, erastin. The results show that the expressions of ferroptosis-related proteins recombinant solute carrier family 7 member 11 (SLC7A11) and glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) were decreased, the contents of glutathione (GSH) were decreased, and the contents of malondialdehyde (MDA), reactive oxygen species (ROS), and Fe2+ were increased in H9C2 cells in the HS group. Moreover, the mitochondria of the HS group became smaller and the membrane density increased. These changes were consistent with the effects of erastin on H9C2 cells and were reversed with liproxstatin-1. The addition of TLR4 inhibitor TAK-242 or NF-κB inhibitor PDTC reduced the expressions of NF-κB and p53, increased the expressions of SLC7A11 and GPX4, reduced the contents of TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1β, increased the content of GSH and reduced MDA, ROS, and Fe2+ levels in H9C2 cells under the HS condition. TAK-242 may improve the mitochondrial shrinkage and membrane density of H9C2 cells induced by HS. In conclusion, this study illustrated that inhibition of the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway can regulate the inflammatory response and ferroptosis induced by HS, which provides new information and a theoretical basis for the basic research and clinical treatment of cardiovascular injuries caused by HS.
Neuroprotective Effects of Carnosic Acid: Insight into Its Mechanisms of Action
Authors: Mirza Fatima Javed , Zahid Saadia , Holsinger R. M. Damian
Published: March 2023

Carnosic acid is a diterpenoid abundantly present in plants belonging to the genus Rosmarinus and Salvia of the family Lamiaceae, accounting for their application in traditional medicine. The diverse biological properties of carnosic acid that include antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticarcinogenic activities have instigated studies on its mechanistic role, providing further insights into its potential as a therapeutic agent. Accumulating evidence has established the relevance of carnosic acid as a neuroprotective agent exhibiting therapeutic efficacy in combatting neuronal-injury-induced disorders. The physiological importance of carnosic acid in the mitigation of neurodegenerative disorders is just beginning to be understood. This review summarizes the current data on the mode of action through which carnosic acid exerts its neuroprotective role that may serve to strategize novel therapeutic approaches for these debilitating neurodegenerative disorders.
A Review on Catalytic Fast Co-Pyrolysis Using Analytical Py-GC/MS
Authors: Mariyam Sabah , Zuhara Shifa , Parthasarathy Prakash , McKay Gordon
Published: March 2023

Py-GC/MS combines pyrolysis with analytical tools of gas chromatography (GC) and mass spectrometry (MS) and is a quick and highly effective method to analyse the volatiles generated from small amounts of feeds. The review focuses on using zeolites and other catalysts in the fast co-pyrolysis of various feedstocks, including biomass wastes (plants and animals) and municipal waste materials, to improve the yield of specific volatile products. The utilisation of zeolite catalysts, including HZSM-5 and nMFI, results in a synergistic reduction of oxygen and an increase in the hydrocarbon content of pyrolysis products. The literature works also indicate HZSM-5 produced the most bio-oil and had the least coke deposition among the zeolites tested. Other catalysts, such as metals and metal oxides, and feedstocks that act as catalysts (self-catalysis), such as red mud and oil shale, are also discussed in the review. Combining catalysts, such as metal oxides and HZSM-5, further improves the yields of aromatics during co-pyrolysis. The review highlights the need for further research on the kinetics of the processes, optimisation of feed-to-catalyst ratios, and stability of catalysts and products.
Metal–Support Interaction of Carbon–Based Electrocatalysts for Oxygen Evolution Reaction
Authors: Zhang Xiaoyun , Liu Yuxin , Ma Xiaoshuang , Liu Xiaojin , Zhang Renyun , Wang Yuqiao
Published: March 2023

Metal–support interaction (MSI) is considered a key effect of electronic and geometric structures of catalysts on tuning catalytic performance. The oxygen evolution reaction (OER) is a crucial process during energy conversion and storage. However, the OER process requires the help of noble metal catalysts to reduce the reaction overpotential, enhance reactivity with intermediates, and maintain good operating stability. Carbon–supported metal catalysts have been considered candidates for noble metal catalysts for OER. MSI occurs at the interface of carbon supports and metals, affecting the catalytic performance through electronic and geometric modulation. MSI can influence the catalytic performance and change reaction pathways from charge redistribution, electron transfer, chemical coordination and bonding, and steric effect. Connecting MSI effects with the OER mechanism can provide theoretical guidance and a practical approach to the design of efficient catalysts, including the modulation of particle size, morphology, heteroatom doping, defect engineering, and coordination atom and number. Advantage can be taken of MSI modulation between metal compounds and carbon supports to provide guidance for catalyst design.
Precision Storage Rings for Electric Dipole Moment Searches: A Tool En Route to Physics Beyond-the-Standard-Model
Authors: Ströher Hans , Schmidt Sebastian M. , Lenisa Paolo , Pretz Jörg
Published: March 2023

Electric Dipole Moments (EDM) of particles (leptons, nucleons, and light nuclei) are currently deemed one of the best indicators for new physics, i.e., phenomena which lie outside the Standard Model (SM) of elementary particle physics—so-called physics “Beyond-the-Standard-Model” (BSM). Since EDMs of the SM are vanishingly small, a finite permanent EDM would indicate charge-parity (CP) symmetry violation in addition to the well-known sources of the SM, and could explain the baryon asymmetry of the Universe, while an oscillating EDM would hint at a possible Dark Matter (DM) field comprising axions or axion-like particles (ALPs). A new approach exploiting polarized charged particles (proton, deuteron, 3He) in precision storage rings offers the prospect to push current experimental EDM upper limits significantly further, including the possibility of an EDM discovery. In this paper, we describe the scientific background and the steps towards the realization of a precision storage ring, which will make such measurements possible.
Exploring the Potential of Iminosugars as Antivirals for Crimean-Congo Haemorrhagic Fever Virus, Using the Surrogate Hazara Virus: Liquid-Chromatography-Based Mapping of Viral N-Glycosylation and In Vitro Antiviral Assays
Authors: Tyrrell Beatrice E. , Kumar Abhinav , Gangadharan Bevin , Alonzi Dominic , Brun Juliane , Hill Michelle , Bharucha Tehmina , Bosworth Andrew , Graham Victoria , Dowall Stuart , Miller Joanna L. , Zitzmann Nicole
Published: March 2023

Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV) is a pathogen of increasing public health concern, being a widely distributed arbovirus and the causative agent of the potentially fatal Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever. Hazara virus (HAZV) is a genetically and serologically related virus that has been proposed as a surrogate for antiviral and vaccine testing for CCHFV. Glycosylation analysis of HAZV has been limited; first, we confirmed for the first time the occupation of two N-glycosylation sites in the HAZV glycoprotein. Despite this, there was no apparent antiviral efficacy of a panel of iminosugars against HAZV, as determined by quantification of the total secretion and infectious virus titres produced following infection of SW13 and Vero cells. This lack of efficacy was not due to an inability of deoxynojirimycin (DNJ)-derivative iminosugars to access and inhibit endoplasmic reticulum α-glucosidases, as demonstrated by free oligosaccharide analysis in uninfected and infected SW13 and uninfected Vero cells. Even so, iminosugars may yet have potential as antivirals for CCHFV since the positions and importance of N-linked glycans may differ between the viruses, a hypothesis requiring further evaluation.
Trapping Behaviour of Duddingtonia flagrans against Gastrointestinal Nematodes of Cattle under Year-Round Grazing Conditions
Authors: Fernández Silvina , Zegbi Sara , Sagües Federica , Iglesias Lucía , Guerrero Inés , Saumell Carlos
Published: March 2023

The purpose of using nematophagous fungi as biological control agents of gastrointestinal nematodes of livestock is to reduce the build-up of infective larvae on pasture and thus avoid clinical and subclinical disease. As the interaction of fungus-larval stages takes place in the environment, it is crucial to know how useful the fungal agents are throughout the seasons in areas where livestock graze all year-round. This study was designed to determine the predatory ability of the nematophagous fungus Duddingtonia flagrans against gastrointestinal nematodes of cattle during four experiments set up in different seasons. In each experiment, faeces containing eggs of gastrointestinal nematodes were mixed with 11,000 chlamydospores/g and deposited on pasture plots. A comparison between fungal-added faeces and control faeces without fungus were made with regard to pasture infectivity, larval presence in faecal pats, faecal cultures, faecal pat weight, and temperature inside the faecal mass. In three of the four experiments, Duddingtonia flagrans significantly reduced the population of infective larvae in cultures (68 to 97%), on herbage (80 to 100%), and inside the faecal pats (70 to 95%). The study demonstrated the possibility of counting on a biological control tool throughout most of the year in cattle regions with extensive grazing seasons.
Enrichment of Acid-Associated Microbiota in the Saliva of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Adults: A Systematic Review
Authors: Cena Jéssica Alves , Reis Letícia Gonçalves , de Lima Ana Karolina Almeida , Vieira Lima Camilla Pedrosa , Stefani Cristine Miron , Dame-Teixeira Naile
Published: March 2023

It could conceivably be hypothesized that a link exists between an altered microbiota due to local hyperglycemia and the increased risk of caries in diabetes mellitus (DM). This systematic review aimed to perform a cross-study comparison into the salivary microbiota of adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D) compared to adults without T2D, particularly focusing on the abundance of acid-associated bacteria. This report follows PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses). Studies using next-generation sequencing and other molecular techniques are included. The methodological quality of individual studies was assessed using appropriate Joanna Briggs Institute tools. The certainty of the evidence considering the effect direction was evaluated using the GRADE approach. From 2060 titles retrieved, 12 were included in the data synthesis, totalling 873 individuals with T2D and controls evaluated across the literature. Weighted averages of blood glucose levels (HbA1c—fasting blood glucose) were 8.21%—172.14 mg/dL and 5.12%—84.53 mg/dL for T2D and controls, respectively. In most studies, the relative abundance of acidogenic and aciduric bacteria was higher in diabetics when compared to their normoglycaemic controls. Whilst the evidence certainty was very low, there was a consistent Proteobacteria depletion and Firmicutes enrichment in T2D. As for the acid-associated genera, there was consistent enrichment of Lactobacillus and Veillonela for T2D. Tannerella/T. forsythia was enriched in T2D saliva, but the certainty is low. Further well-designed cohorts are needed to clarify the distribution of acid-associated microorganisms in the saliva of adults with T2D and how this can be clinically manifested (PROSPERO = CRD42021264350).
Photophysical Properties of Bright Luminescent Polyethyleneimine@Carbon Nanodots and Their Application in White Light-Emitting Diodes
Authors: Zhang Junming , Yang Ailing , Zhang Kang
Published: March 2023

Highly fluorescent carbon nanodots (CNDs) have broad application prospects in optoelectronics, energy, biological imaging, and other fields because of their good solubility in water, adjustable photoluminescence (PL), low toxicity, good biocompatibility, and stable chemical properties. In this paper, polyethyleneimine@CNDs (PEI@CNDs) with unique excitation- and concentration-dependent PL properties were synthesized by a one-pot hydrothermal approach. The morphology, structure, surface chemistry, photophysical properties, and stability of the PEI@CNDs were well probed. The PEI@CNDs solution at low concentration displayed blue PL with a quantum yield of 50.6%. As the concentrations of the PEI@CNDs increase, the PL colors changed from blue, cyan, and green, to greenish-yellow. At low concentration, the excitation-independent and excitation-dependent PL property is mainly caused by carbon core and surface state emission. However, at higher concentration, the quenched blue emission and enhanced green emission were found. This is mainly attributed to the aggregate-related inner filter effect, electron transfer, and surface states. Mixing 10.0 mg/mL of PEI@CNDs with polyvinyl alcohol can be used to construct composite films, which were combined with the blue light-emitting diode to construct white light-emitting diodes with white and warm white emissions.
Transgene Bioconfinement: Don’t Flow There
Authors: Stockdale Jessica N. , Millwood Reginald J.
Published: March 2023

The adoption of genetically engineered (GE) crops has led to economic and environmental benefits. However, there are regulatory and environmental concerns regarding the potential movement of transgenes beyond cultivation. These concerns are greater for GE crops with high outcrossing frequencies to sexually compatible wild relatives and those grown in their native region. Newer GE crops may also confer traits that enhance fitness, and introgression of these traits could negatively impact natural populations. Transgene flow could be lessened or prevented altogether through the addition of a bioconfinement system during transgenic plant production. Several bioconfinement approaches have been designed and tested and a few show promise for transgene flow prevention. However, no system has been widely adopted despite nearly three decades of GE crop cultivation. Nonetheless, it may be necessary to implement a bioconfinement system in new GE crops or in those where the potential of transgene flow is high. Here, we survey such systems that focus on male and seed sterility, transgene excision, delayed flowering, as well as the potential of CRISPR/Cas9 to reduce or eliminate transgene flow. We discuss system utility and efficacy, as well as necessary features for commercial adoption.
On the Path towards a “Greener” EU: A Mini Review on Flax (Linum usitatissimum L.) as a Case Study
Authors: Stavropoulos Panteleimon , Mavroeidis Antonios , Papadopoulos George , Roussis Ioannis , Bilalis Dimitrios , Kakabouki Ioanna
Published: March 2023

Due to the pressures imposed by climate change, the European Union (EU) has been forced to design several initiatives (the Common Agricultural Policy, the European Green Deal, Farm to Fork) to tackle the climate crisis and ensure food security. Through these initiatives, the EU aspires to mitigate the adverse effects of the climate crisis and achieve collective prosperity for humans, animals, and the environment. The adoption or promotion of crops that would facilitate the attaining of these objectives is naturally of high importance. Flax (Linum usitatissimum L.) is a multipurpose crop with many applications in the industrial, health, and agri-food sectors. This crop is mainly grown for its fibers or its seed and has recently gained increasing attention. The literature suggests that flax can be grown in several parts of the EU, and potentially has a relatively low environmental impact. The aim of the present review is to: (i) briefly present the uses, needs, and utility of this crop and, (ii) assess its potential within the EU by taking into account the sustainability goals the EU has set via its current policies.
Autotetraploidization Alters Morphology, Photosynthesis, Cytological Characteristics and Fruit Quality in Sour Jujube (Ziziphus acidojujuba Cheng et Liu)
Authors: Wang Lihu , Wang Lixin , Ye Tingting , Zhao Jin , Wang Lili , Wei Hairong , Liu Ping , Liu Mengjun
Published: March 2023

Artificially induced polyploidization is one of the most effective techniques for improving the biological properties and creating new cultivars of fruit trees. Up to now, systematic research on the autotetraploid of sour jujube (Ziziphus acidojujuba Cheng et Liu) has not been reported. ‘Zhuguang’ is the first released autotetraploid sour jujube induced with colchicine. The objective of this study was to compare the differences in the morphological, cytological characteristics, and fruit quality between diploid and autotetraploid. Compared with the original diploid, ‘Zhuguang’ showed dwarf phenotypes and decreased tree vigor. The sizes of the flowers, pollen, stomata, and leaves of ‘Zhuguang’ were larger. Perceptible darker green leaves were observed in ‘Zhuguang’ trees owing to increased chlorophyll contents, which led to higher photosynthesis efficiency and bigger fruit. The pollen activities and the contents of ascorbic acid, titratable acid, and soluble sugar in the autotetraploid were lower than those in diploids. However, the cyclic adenosine monophosphate content in autotetraploid fruit was significantly higher. The sugar/acid ratio of autotetraploid fruit was higher than that of diploid fruit, which made the autotetraploid fruit taste different and better. The results indicated that the autotetraploid we generated in sour jujube could greatly meet the goals of our multi-objective optimized breeding strategies for improving sour jujube, which includes tree dwarfing, increased photosynthesis efficiency, and better nutrient values and flavors as well as more bioactive compounds. Needless to say, the autotetraploid can also serve as material for generating valuable triploids or other types of polyploids and are also instrumental in studying the evolution of both sour jujube and Chinese jujube (Ziziphus jujuba Mill.).
Maize Terpene Synthase 8 (ZmTPS8) Contributes to a Complex Blend of Fungal-Elicited Antibiotics
Authors: Saldivar Evan V. , Ding Yezhang , Poretsky Elly , Bird Skylar , Block Anna K. , Huffaker Alisa , Schmelz Eric A.
Published: March 2023

In maize (Zea mays), fungal-elicited immune responses include the accumulation of terpene synthase (TPS) and cytochrome P450 monooxygenases (CYP) enzymes resulting in complex antibiotic arrays of sesquiterpenoids and diterpenoids, including α/β-selinene derivatives, zealexins, kauralexins and dolabralexins. To uncover additional antibiotic families, we conducted metabolic profiling of elicited stem tissues in mapping populations, which included B73 × M162W recombinant inbred lines and the Goodman diversity panel. Five candidate sesquiterpenoids associated with a chromosome 1 locus spanning the location of ZmTPS27 and ZmTPS8. Heterologous enzyme co-expression studies of ZmTPS27 in Nicotiana benthamiana resulted in geraniol production while ZmTPS8 yielded α-copaene, δ-cadinene and sesquiterpene alcohols consistent with epi-cubebol, cubebol, copan-3-ol and copaborneol matching the association mapping efforts. ZmTPS8 is an established multiproduct α-copaene synthase; however, ZmTPS8-derived sesquiterpene alcohols are rarely encountered in maize tissues. A genome wide association study further linked an unknown sesquiterpene acid to ZmTPS8 and combined ZmTPS8-ZmCYP71Z19 heterologous enzyme co-expression studies yielded the same product. To consider defensive roles for ZmTPS8, in vitro bioassays with cubebol demonstrated significant antifungal activity against both Fusarium graminearum and Aspergillus parasiticus. As a genetically variable biochemical trait, ZmTPS8 contributes to the cocktail of terpenoid antibiotics present following complex interactions between wounding and fungal elicitation.
Recent Advancements and Biotechnological Implications of Carotenoid Metabolism of Brassica
Authors: Shi Lichun , Chang Lin , Yu Yangjun , Zhang Deshuang , Zhao Xiuyun , Wang Weihong , Li Peirong , Xin Xiaoyun , Zhang Fenglan , Yu Shuancang , Su Tongbing , Dong Yang , Shi Fumei
Published: March 2023

Carotenoids were synthesized in the plant cells involved in photosynthesis and photo-protection. In humans, carotenoids are essential as dietary antioxidants and vitamin A precursors. Brassica crops are the major sources of nutritionally important dietary carotenoids. Recent studies have unraveled the major genetic components in the carotenoid metabolic pathway in Brassica, including the identification of key factors that directly participate or regulate carotenoid biosynthesis. However, recent genetic advances and the complexity of the mechanism and regulation of Brassica carotenoid accumulation have not been reviewed. Herein, we reviewed the recent progress regarding Brassica carotenoids from the perspective of forward genetics, discussed biotechnological implications and provided new perspectives on how to transfer the knowledge of carotenoid research in Brassica to the crop breeding process.