bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Expression of Antibacterial Peptide Turgencin A in Pichia pastoris and an Analysis of Its Antibacterial Activity
Authors: Dong Chunming , Li Mengru , Zhang Rui , Lu Weitao , Xu Lijun , Liu Jian , Chu Xinlei
Published: July 2023

Antibiotic resistance to pathogenic bacteria is becoming an increasing public health threat, and identifying alternatives to antibiotics would be an effective solution to the problem of drug resistance. Antimicrobial peptides are small peptides produced by various organisms; they are considered to be adequate antibiotic substitutes because they have intense, broad−spectrum antibacterial activity and stability, are widely available, and target strains do not quickly develop resistance. Recent research on antimicrobial peptides has shown that they have broad potential for applications in medicine, agriculture, food, and animal feed. Turgencin A is a potent antimicrobial peptide isolated from the Arctic sea squirt. We established a His-tagged expression system for Pichia pastoris and developed a rTurgencin A using the recombinant expression in Pichia pastoris with nickel column purification. This antimicrobial peptide showed intense antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria and a good stability at most temperatures and pHs, as well as in various protease and salt ion concentrations, but underwent a significant decrease in stability in high-temperature and low-pH environments. Turgencin A induced bacterial membrane rupture, resulting in content leakage and subsequent cell death. It was also shown to have low hemolytic activity. This study provides primary data for the industrial production and application of the antimicrobial peptide Turgencin A.
Chemical and Biological Aspects of Different Species of the Genus Clinanthus Herb. (Amaryllidaceae) from South America
Authors: Rodríguez-Escobar María Lenny , Tallini Luciana R. , Lisa-Molina Julia , Berkov Strahil , Viladomat Francesc , Meerow Alan , Bastida Jaume , Torras-Claveria Laura
Published: July 2023

The genus Clinanthus Herb. is found in the Andes Region (South America), mainly in Peru, Ecuador, and Bolivia. These plants belong to the Amaryllidaceae family, specifically the Amaryllidoideae subfamily, which presents an exclusive group of alkaloids known as Amaryllidaceae alkaloids that show important structural diversity and pharmacological properties. It is possible to find some publications in the literature regarding the botanical aspects of Clinanthus species, although there is little information available about their chemical and biological activities. The aim of this work was to obtain the alkaloid profile and the anti-cholinesterase activity of four different samples of Clinanthus collected in South America: Clinanthus sp., Clinanthus incarnatus, and Clinanthus variegatus. The alkaloid extract of each sample was analyzed by gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC-MS), and their potential against the enzymes acetyl- and butyrylcholinesterase were evaluated. Thirteen alkaloids have been identified among these species, while six unidentified structures have also been detected in these plants. The alkaloid extract of the C. variegatus samples showed the highest structural diversity as well as the best activity against AChE, which was likely due to the presence of the alkaloid sanguinine. The results suggest this genus as a possible interesting new source of Amaryllidaceae alkaloids, which could contribute to the development of new medicines.
Enzymatic Characterization of a Novel HSL Family IV Esterase EstD04 from Pseudomonas sp. D01 in Mealworm Gut Microbiota
Authors: Kuan Jung-En , Tsai Chih-Hsuan , Chou Chun-Chi , Wu Cindy , Wu Whei-Fen
Published: July 2023

Pseudomonas sp. D01, capable of growing in tributyrin medium, was isolated from the gut microbiota of yellow mealworm. By using in silico analyses, we discovered a hypothesized esterase encoding gene in the D01 bacterium, and its encoded protein, EstD04, was classified as a bacterial hormone-sensitive lipase (bHSL) of the type IV lipase family. The study revealed that the recombinant EstD04-His(6x) protein exhibited esterase activity and broad substrate specificity, as it was capable of hydrolyzing p-nitrophenyl derivatives with different acyl chain lengths. By using the most favorable substrate p-nitrophenyl butyrate (C4), we defined the optimal temperature and pH value for EstD04 esterase activity as 40 °C and pH 8, respectively, with a catalytic efficiency (kcat/Km) of 6.17 × 103 mM−1 s−1 at 40 °C. EstD04 demonstrated high stability between pH 8 and 10, and thus, it might be capably used as an alkaline esterase in industrial applications. The addition of Mg2+ and NH4+, as well as DMSO, could stimulate EstD04 enzyme activity. Based on bioinformatic motif analyses and tertiary structural simulation, we determined EstD04 to be a typical bHSL protein with highly conserved motifs, including a triad catalytic center (Ser160, Glu253, and His283), two cap regions, hinge sites, and an oxyanion hole, which are important for the type IV enzyme activity. Moreover, the sequence analysis suggested that the two unique discrete cap regions of EstD04 may contribute to its alkali mesophilic nature, allowing EstD04 to exhibit extremely distinct physiological properties from its evolutionarily closest esterase.
A MOR Antagonist with High Potency and Antagonist Efficacy among Diastereomeric C9-Alkyl-Substituted N-Phenethyl-5-(3-hydroxy)phenylmorphans
Authors: Chambers Dana R. , Sulima Agnieszka , Luo Dan , Prisinzano Thomas E. , Jacobson Arthur E. , Rice Kenner C.
Published: July 2023

The 5-(3-hydroxy)phenylmorphan structural class of compounds are unlike the classical morphinans, 4,5-epoxymorphinans, and 6,7-benzomorphans, in that they have an equatorially oriented aromatic ring rather than the axial orientation of that ring found in the classical opioids. This modified and simplified opioid-like structure has been shown to retain antinociceptive activity, depending on its stereochemistry and substituents, and some of them have been found to be much more potent than morphine. A simple C9-hydroxy-5-(3-hydroxy)phenylmorphan enantiomer was found to be about 500 times more potent than morphine in vivo. We have previously examined C9-alkenyl and hydroxyalkyl substituents in the N-phenethyl-5-(3-hydroxy)phenylmorphan class of compounds. Comparable C9-alkyl (methyl through butyl) substituents, with their sets of diastereomers, have not been explored. All these compounds have now been synthesized to determine the effect chain-length and stereochemistry at the C9 position in the molecule might have on their interaction with opioid receptors. We now report the synthesis and in vitro activity of 16 compounds, the C9-methyl, ethyl, propyl, and butyl diastereomers, using the inhibition of forskolin-induced cAMP accumulation assay. Several potent (sub-nanomolar and nanomolar) MOR compounds were found to be selective agonists with varying efficacy. Of greatest interest, a selective MOR antagonist was discovered; it did not display any DOR or KOR agonist activity in vitro, was three times more potent than naltrexone, and was found to antagonize the EC90 of fentanyl at MOR to a greater extent than naltrexone.
Solid-Phase Synthesis of 2-Benzothiazolyl and 2-(Aminophenyl)benzothiazolyl Amino Acids and Peptides
Authors: Mourtas Spyridon , Athanasopoulos Vasileios , Gatos Dimitrios , Barlos Kleomenis
Published: July 2023

2-benzothiazoles and 2-(aminophenyl)benzothiazoles represent biologically interesting heterocycles with high pharmacological activity. The combination of these heterocycles with amino acids and peptides is of special interest, as such structures combine the advantages of amino acids and peptides with the advantages of the 2-benzothiazolyl and 2-(aminophenyl)benzothiazolyl pharmacophore group. In this work, we developed an easy and efficient method for the solid-phase synthesis of 2-benzothiazolyl (BTH) and 2-(aminophenyl)benzothiazolyl (AP-BTH) C-terminal modified amino acids and peptides with high chiral purity.
DoxoDB: A Database for the Expression Analysis of Doxorubicin-Induced lncRNA Genes
Authors: Distefano Rebecca , Ilieva Mirolyuba , Madsen Jens Hedelund , Rennie Sarah , Uchida Shizuka
Published: July 2023

Cancer and cardiovascular disease are the leading causes of death worldwide. Recent evidence suggests that these two life-threatening diseases share several features in disease progression, such as angiogenesis, fibrosis, and immune responses. This has led to the emergence of a new field called cardio-oncology. Doxorubicin is a chemotherapy drug widely used to treat cancer, such as bladder and breast cancer. However, this drug causes serious side effects, including acute ventricular dysfunction, cardiomyopathy, and heart failure. Based on this evidence, we hypothesize that comparing the expression profiles of cells and tissues treated with doxorubicin may yield new insights into the adverse effects of the drug on cellular activities. To test this hypothesis, we analyzed published RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) data from doxorubicin-treated cells to identify commonly differentially expressed genes, including long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) as they are known to be dysregulated in diseased tissues and cells. From our systematic analysis, we identified several doxorubicin-induced genes. To confirm these findings, we treated human cardiac fibroblasts with doxorubicin to record expression changes in the selected doxorubicin-induced genes and performed a loss-of-function experiment of the lncRNA MAP3K4-AS1. To further disseminate the analyzed data, we built the web database DoxoDB.
Exploring the Potential Benefits of Natural Calcium-Rich Mineral Waters for Health and Wellness: A Systematic Review
Authors: Pop Manuela Simona , Cheregi Dragoș Cornel , Onose Gelu , Munteanu Constantin , Popescu Cristina , Rotariu Mariana , Turnea Marius-Alexandru , Dograru Gabriela , Ionescu Elena Valentina , Oprea Doinița , Iliescu Mădălina Gabriela , Minea Mihaela , Stanciu Liliana Elena , Silișteanu Sînziana Călina , Oprea Carmen
Published: July 2023

This systematic review investigates the potential health and wellness benefits of natural calcium-rich mineral waters. It emphasizes the importance of dietary calcium sourced from natural mineral waters in promoting bone health, maintaining cardiovascular function, aiding in weight management, and enhancing overall well-being. The review process involved the comprehensive analysis of peer-reviewed articles, clinical trials, and experimental studies published within the last decade. Findings reveal that consuming calcium-rich mineral water can contribute significantly to daily calcium intake, particularly for those with lactose intolerance or individuals adhering to plant-based diets. The unique bioavailability of calcium from such waters also appears to enhance absorption, thus potentially offering an advantage over other calcium sources. The potential benefits extend to the cardiovascular system, with some studies indicating a reduction in blood pressure and the prevalence of cardiovascular diseases. Emerging evidence suggests that calcium-rich mineral water might have a role in body weight management, though further research is needed. The review identifies several areas requiring additional research, such as the potential interaction between calcium-rich mineral water and other dietary components, the effects on populations with specific health conditions, and the long-term effects of consumption. In conclusion, natural calcium-rich mineral waters show promise as a readily accessible and bioavailable sources of dietary calcium, potentially beneficial for a broad range of individuals. However, further investigation is required to fully understand its range of health impacts and define optimal intake levels.
Association of Dietary Sodium-to-Potassium Ratio with Cardiometabolic Risk Factors in Korean Adults: Findings from the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey
Authors: Baek Seo-Young , Kim Hye-Kyeong
Published: July 2023

High-sodium and low-potassium intakes are interdependently linked to hypertension and cardiovascular diseases. We investigated the associations of dietary sodium-to-potassium (Na/K) ratio with cardiometabolic risk factors in 12,996 Korean adults (≥30 years) from the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey Ⅶ (2016–2018). Food intake was assessed through 24 h dietary recall data. Participants were divided into thirds based on their dietary Na/K ratio, with mean molar Na/K ratios of 1.11 (low), 1.92 (medium), and 3.21 (high). Although no significant associations were found between the dietary Na/K level and the risk of hypertension, obesity, and diabetes in all participants, the high Na/K ratio group had a higher risk of hypertension compared to the low Na/K ratio group in older adults (≥65 years) after adjusting for confounding factors (odds ratio = 1.38, 95% confidence interval: 1.10–1.72). Moreover, a higher Na/K ratio was associated with an increased risk of metabolic syndrome (MetS) in all participants (p for trend = 0.0020). Within MetS components, abdominal obesity, elevated triglycerides, and elevated blood pressure were positively associated with the Na/K level. The food groups positively associated with a lower Na/K ratio were fruits, unsalted vegetables, nuts, potatoes, and dairy products. These findings suggest that a high dietary Na/K ratio may be an important risk factor for hypertension in older adults and MetS in all adults.
Magnesium—An Ion with Multiple Invaluable Actions, Often Insufficiently Supplied: From In Vitro to Clinical Research
Authors: Barbagallo Mario , Veronese Nicola , Dominguez Ligia J.
Published: July 2023

Magnesium (Mg) is a key ion for numerous metabolic processes, being a cofactor of over 600 enzymes involved in cell metabolism and multiple biological processes [...]
Increasing Household Diet Diversity and Food Security in Rural Rwanda Using Small-Scale Nutrition-Sensitive Agriculture: A Community-Engaged Proof-of-Concept Study
Authors: Sly Brittney C. , Weir Tiffany L. , Cunningham-Sabo Leslie , Leisz Stephen J. , Stull Valerie J. , Melby Christopher L.
Published: July 2023

Malnutrition and food insecurity remain high in rural Rwanda, where residents consume a low-diversity diet provided through subsistence farming. Agricultural interventions using kitchen gardens may improve diet diversity in some populations. However, little is known about their efficacy when developed using community-based participatory research in combination with nutrition education focused on the empowerment of women. The objective of this study was to develop and implement a kitchen garden and nutrition education intervention using a community-engaged model and examine its impact on household diet diversity and food security. Using a mixed methods community-level design, we assessed a 16-week intervention implemented in Cyanika, Rwanda. Stratified purposeful sampling was used to select women participants representing 42 households. Household diet diversity scores (HHDS) and hunger scores were calculated at the baseline, post-intervention and one-year follow-up. HDDS increased after intervention from a pre-intervention intake of 2.59 [1.3] food groups/day, to 4.85 [1.6] at four months post-intervention and at one year post-intervention, reaching 5.55 [1.3]. There were no significant changes in household hunger scores. Our results indicate that collaborative community-engaged nutrition-sensitive agricultural interventions can increase household diet diversity; however, future work should explore whether this type of intervention strategy can lead to sustained changes and impact nutritional adequacy in this population.
Diet Plus Inositols, α-Lactalbumin and Gymnema sylvestre: The Successful Combo to Restore Body Weight and Metabolic Profile in Obese and Dysmetabolic Patients
Authors: Basciani Sabrina , Nordio Maurizio , Dinicola Simona , Unfer Vittorio , Gnessi Lucio
Published: July 2023

The primary control of dysmetabolic patients is extremely challenging worldwide, with inadequate dietary habits and sporadic physical activity among the key risk factors for metabolic syndrome onset. Nowadays, there is no exclusive treatment for this condition, and considering that preventive measures usually fail, new therapeutic approaches need to be proposed and investigated. This present pilot study compared the effects of diet alone and in association with a combination of myo-inositol and d-chiro-inositol in their 40:1 ratio, α-lactalbumin, and Gymnema sylvestre on different metabolic parameters in obese dysmetabolic patients. To this purpose, 37 patients with BMI between 30 and 40 and fasting blood glucose between 100 and 125 mg/dL were divided into two groups: (i) the control group followed a hypocaloric Mediterranean diet, (ii) while the study group was also supplemented with a daily dosage of two sachets, each one containing 1950 mg myo-inositol, 50 mg d-chiro-inositol, 50 mg α-lactalbumin, and 250 mg Gymnema Sylvestre. After a 6-month treatment, all parameters improved in both groups. Nevertheless, the treated group experienced a greater improvement, especially concerning the variation from the baseline of HOMA index, triglycerides, BMI, body weight, and waist circumference. These findings support the supplementation with myo-inositol and d-chiro-inositol in the 40:1 ratio, α-lactalbumin, and Gymnema sylvestre as a therapeutical strategy to potentiate the beneficial effects induced via dietary programs in dysmetabolic patients.
Analysis of Metabolites in Gout: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Li Yuanyuan , Han Xu , Tong Jinlin , Wang Yuhe , Liu Xin , Liao Zeqi , Jiang Miao , Zhao Hongyan
Published: July 2023

(1) Background: Many studies have attempted to explore potential biomarkers for the early detection of gout, but consistent and high levels of evidence are lacking. In this study, metabolomics was used to summarize the changes of metabolites in the literature and explore the potential value of metabolites in predicting the occurrence and development of gout. (2) Methods: We searched the databases including the EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, PubMed, Web of Science, VIP Date, Wanfang Data, and CNKI, and the screening was fulfilled on 30 July 2022. The records were screened according to the inclusion criteria and the risk of bias was assessed. Qualitative analysis was performed for all metabolites, and meta-analysis was performed for metabolite concentrations using random effects to calculate the Std mean difference and 95% confidence interval. (3) Results: A total of 2738 records were identified, 33 studies with 3422 participants were included, and 701 metabolites were identified. The qualitative analysis results showed that compared with the healthy control group, the concentration of 56 metabolites increased, and 22 metabolites decreased. The results of the meta-analysis indicated that 17 metabolites were statistically significant. (4) Conclusions: Metabolites are associated with gout. Some specific metabolites such as uric acid, hypoxanthine, xanthine, KYNA, guanosine, adenosine, creatinine, LB4, and DL-2-Aminoadipic acid have been highlighted in the development of gout.
Probiotics and Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Perspective for Management in Adolescents with Obesity
Authors: Calcaterra Valeria , Rossi Virginia , Massini Giulia , Casini Francesca , Zuccotti Gianvincenzo , Fabiano Valentina
Published: July 2023

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) affects a considerable percentage of females of reproductive age. PCOS is an obesity-related condition and its effects are greatly amplified by obesity. Even though the pathogenesis of PCOS remains complex and has not been fully elucidated, a link between obesity, PCOS, and dysbiosis has been described. The potential role of the gut microbiota in the development and progression of PCOS and its associated symptoms has also been reported. The aim of this narrative review is to present a non-systematic analysis of the available literature on the topic of probiotics and PCOS in adolescents with obesity in order to revise the beneficial effects of probiotics/symbiotic supplementation on hormonal and metabolic profiles and inflammatory conditions. The effectiveness of probiotics/synbiotics in PCOS has been supported. The literature suggests that probiotic/symbiotic supplementation may ameliorate hormonal profiles, inflammatory indicators, and lipid metabolism disturbances caused by PCOS. Studies also show improvements in weight, BMI, insulin, and HOMA-IR, including a potential role it plays in protecting fertility. Even though further studies are needed to confirm these findings, particularly in adolescent patients, probiotic supplementation may be considered a solution for managing PCOS in adolescents with obesity.
Biochemical Changes in Salivary pH and Its Correlation to Hemoglobin Levels, Calcium and Phosphate Ion Concentrations among Pregnant Women, Tanzania: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Mbembela Oscar , Ngarashi Davis , Nyamuryekung’e Kasusu Klint
Published: July 2023

Background: Surveys in Tanzania show that pregnant women have a significant burden of oral disease, although there is still little literature on the variation of their intraoral electrolytes. The present study investigated changes in salivary calcium (Ca2+), phosphate (PO43−), and hydrogen (H) ions during pregnancy and the correlation between salivary pH and hemoglobin levels. Methodology: A cross-sectional study involved sixty (60) pregnant women stratified by trimester and twenty (20) non-pregnant women attending an antenatal clinic at Mnazi Mmoja Hospital. Consecutive sampling was used, saliva was collected, and electrolyte levels were measured. Gestation age was the independent variable, whereas saliva pH and calcium and phosphate ion concentrations and hemoglobin levels were the dependent variables. Results: A difference in calcium concentration (z = −3.145, p = 0.001) and salivary pH (t = −2.49, p = 0.014) was observed between pregnant and non-pregnant women. Kruskal–Wallis tests for saliva Ca2+ and PO43− and ANOVA for saliva pH revealed differences in concentrations of saliva Ca2+, PO43−, and pH levels between trimester groups (saliva Ca2+ (H = 9.91, df = 3, p = 0.019), saliva PO43− (H = 12.36, df = 3, p = 0.006), saliva pH (F (3.76) = (16.42); p < 0.001)). Pearson’s correlation tests showed no association between salivary pH and hemoglobin levels. Conclusions: Pregnancy is associated with a reduction in saliva pH and saliva calcium levels with a progressive increase in the magnitude of reduction from the first trimester to the third trimester. Saliva phosphate reduction was noticed during the third trimester only and saliva pH levels were independent of hemoglobin levels.
Impact of Multiple Phase Transitions in Dense QCD on Compact Stars
Authors: Sedrakian Armen
Published: July 2023

This review covers several recent developments in the physics of dense QCD with an emphasis on the impact of multiple phase transitions on astrophysical manifestations of compact stars. To motivate the multi-phase modeling of dense QCD and delineate the perspectives, we start with a discussion of the structure of its phase diagram and the arrangement of possible color-superconducting and other phases. It is conjectured that pair-correlated quark matter in β-equilibrium is within the same universality class as spin-imbalanced cold atoms and the isospin asymmetrical nucleonic matter. This then implies the emergence of phases with broken space symmetries and tri-critical (Lifshitz) points. The beyond-mean-field structure of the quark propagator and its non-trivial implications are discussed in the cases of two- and three-flavor quark matter within the Eliashberg theory, which takes into account the frequency dependence (retardation) of the gap function. We then construct an equation of state (EoS) that extends the two-phase EoS of dense quark matter within the constant speed of sound parameterization by adding a conformal fluid with a speed of sound cconf.=1/3 at densities ≥10nsat, where nsat is the saturation density. With this input, we construct static, spherically symmetrical compact hybrid stars in the mass–radius diagram, recover such features as the twins and triplets, and show that the transition to conformal fluid leads to the spiraling-in of the tracks in this diagram. Stars on the spirals are classically unstable with respect to the radial oscillations but can be stabilized if the conversion timescale between quark and nucleonic phases at their interface is larger than the oscillation period. Finally, we review the impact of a transition from high-temperature gapped to low-temperature gapless two-flavor phase on the thermal evolution of hybrid stars.
A Review of Circumpolar Arctic Marine Mammal Health—A Call to Action in a Time of Rapid Environmental Change
Authors: Barratclough Ashley , Ferguson Steven H. , Lydersen Christian , Thomas Peter O. , Kovacs Kit M.
Published: July 2023

The impacts of climate change on the health of marine mammals are increasingly being recognised. Given the rapid rate of environmental change in the Arctic, the potential ramifications on the health of marine mammals in this region are a particular concern. There are eleven endemic Arctic marine mammal species (AMMs) comprising three cetaceans, seven pinnipeds, and the polar bear (Ursus maritimus). All of these species are dependent on sea ice for survival, particularly those requiring ice for breeding. As air and water temperatures increase, additional species previously non-resident in Arctic waters are extending their ranges northward, leading to greater species overlaps and a concomitant increased risk of disease transmission. In this study, we review the literature documenting disease presence in Arctic marine mammals to understand the current causes of morbidity and mortality in these species and forecast future disease issues. Our review highlights potential pathogen occurrence in a changing Arctic environment, discussing surveillance methods for 35 specific pathogens, identifying risk factors associated with these diseases, as well as making recommendations for future monitoring for emerging pathogens. Several of the pathogens discussed have the potential to cause unusual mortality events in AMMs. Brucella, morbillivirus, influenza A virus, and Toxoplasma gondii are all of concern, particularly with the relative naivety of the immune systems of endemic Arctic species. There is a clear need for increased surveillance to understand baseline disease levels and address the gravity of the predicted impacts of climate change on marine mammal species.
Galactoside-Based Molecule Enhanced Antimicrobial Activity through Acyl Moiety Incorporation: Synthesis and In Silico Exploration for Therapeutic Target
Authors: Ahmmed Faez , Al-Mijalli Samiah Hamad , Abdallah Emad M. , Eissa Ibrahim H. , Ali Ferdausi , Bhat Ajmal R. , Jamalis Joazaizulfazli , Ben Hadda Taibi , Kawsar Sarkar M. A.
Published: July 2023

In this study, a series of galactoside-based molecules, compounds of methyl β-d-galactopyranoside (MDGP, 1), were selectively acylated using 2-bromobenzoyl chloride to obtain 6-O-(2-bromobenzoyl) substitution products, which were then transformed into 2,3,4-tri-O-6-(2-bromobenzoyl) compounds (2–7) with various nontraditional acyl substituents. The chemical structures of the synthesized analogs were characterized by spectroscopic methods and physicochemical and elemental data analyses. The antimicrobial activities of the compounds against five human pathogenic bacteria and two phyto-fungi were evaluated in vitro and it was found that the acyl moiety-induced synthesized analogs exhibited varying levels of antibacterial activity against different bacteria, with compounds 3 and 6 exhibiting broad-spectrum activity and compounds 2 and 5 exhibiting activity against specific bacteria. Compounds 3 and 6 were tested for MIC (minimum inhibitory concentration) and MBC (minimum bactericidal concentration) based on their activity. The synthesized analogs were also found to have potential as a source of new antibacterial agents, particularly against gram-positive bacteria. The antifungal results suggested that the synthesized analogs could be a potential source of novel antifungal agents. Moreover, cytotoxicity testing revealed that the compounds are less toxic. A structure-activity relationship (SAR) investigation revealed that the lauroyl chain [CH3(CH2)10CO-] and the halo-aromatic chain [3(/4)-Cl.C6H4CO-] in combination with sugar, had the most potent activity against bacterial and fungal pathogens. Density functional theory (DFT)-calculated thermodynamic and physicochemical parameters, and molecular docking, showed that the synthesized molecule may block dengue virus 1 NS2B/NS3 protease (3L6P). A 150 ns molecular dynamic simulation indicated stable conformation and binding patterns in a stimulating environment. In silico ADMET calculations suggested that the designed (MDGP, 1) had good drug-likeness values. In summary, the newly synthesized MDGP analogs exhibit potential antiviral activity and could serve as a therapeutic target for dengue virus 1 NS2B/NS3 protease.
A New Era in Ocular Therapeutics: Advanced Drug Delivery Systems for Uveitis and Neuro-Ophthalmologic Conditions
Authors: Wu Kevin Y. , Tan Kenneth , Akbar Dania , Choulakian Mazen Y. , Tran Simon D.
Published: July 2023

The eye’s intricate anatomical barriers pose significant challenges to the penetration, residence time, and bioavailability of topically applied medications, particularly in managing uveitis and neuro-ophthalmologic conditions. Addressing this issue, polymeric nano-based drug delivery systems (DDS) have surfaced as a promising solution. These systems enhance drug bioavailability in hard-to-reach target tissues, extend residence time within ocular tissues, and utilize biodegradable and nanosized polymers to reduce undesirable side effects. Thus, they have stimulated substantial interest in crafting innovative treatments for uveitis and neuro-ophthalmologic diseases. This review provides a comprehensive exploration of polymeric nano-based DDS used for managing these conditions. We discuss the present therapeutic hurdles posed by these diseases and explore the potential role of various biopolymers in broadening our treatment repertoire. Our study incorporates a detailed literature review of preclinical and clinical studies from 2017 to 2023. Owing to advancements in polymer science, ocular DDS has made rapid strides, showing tremendous potential to revolutionize the treatment of patients with uveitis and neuro-ophthalmologic disorders.
Student Perspectives on the Pharmacist’s Role in Deprescribing Opioids: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Cernasev Alina , Barenie Rachel E. , Metzmeier Sydni , Axon David R. , Springer Sydney P. , Scott Devin
Published: July 2023

Introduction: Opioid over-prescribing has led to changes in prescribing habits and a reduction in the amount of opioid prescriptions per patient. Deprescribing has proved to be an effective way of decreasing the number of opioids patients are receiving, and pharmacists are in the optimal position to provide these services for their patients. However, student pharmacists require additional education and training to be able to understand their role in deprescribing opioids upon entering the profession. Methods: Student pharmacists at three United States of America schools of pharmacy were invited to participate in virtual focus groups about deprescribing opioids in Fall 2021. A trained qualitative researcher conducted the focus groups, which were audio-recorded and later transcribed verbatim for thematic analysis. Two independent qualitative researchers coded the transcripts using both inductive and deductive approaches. The researchers then met to identify, discuss, and describe themes from the data. Results: Thematic analysis revealed two themes: (1) perceived obstacles and enablers to initiate deprescribing for opioid medications and (2) additional pharmacy curricula experiences are necessary to better equip student pharmacists to address deprescribing. These themes emphasize the challenges student pharmacists face as well as opportunities to enhance their knowledge to be practice-ready. Conclusion: Varying educational approaches to teaching deprescribing in the pharmacy curriculum, including objective structured clinical exams, interprofessional education, and motivational interviewing, should be further assessed.
Pansexuality: A Closer Look at Sexual Orientation
Authors: Pismenny Arina
Published: July 2023

‘What is ‘sexual orientation’ for?’ is a question we need to answer when addressing a seemingly more basic one, ‘what is sexual orientation?’. The concept of sexual orientation is grounded in the concepts of sex and/or gender since it refers to the sex or gender of the individuals one is sexually attracted to. Typical categories of sexual orientation, such as ’heterosexual’, ‘homosexual’, and ‘bisexual’, all rely on a sex or gender binary. Yet, it is now common practice to recognize sex and gender categories that transcend the binary. Should our sexual orientation categories be revised to reflect sex and gender diversity? Drawing on the example of pansexuality, I argue that they should. The reason is that one aim of reconstructing the concept of sexual orientation—in addition to the epistemic goal of understanding—should also be political: it should make it easier to argue for the protection of those who have been marginalized or discriminated against because their sexual attraction is other than heterosexual.
Efficient LED-Array Optical Wireless Power Transmission System for Portable Power Supply and Its Compact Modularization
Authors: Zhao Mingzhi , Miyamoto Tomoyuki
Published: July 2023

Optical wireless power transmission (OWPT) has been a promising solution for remote power supply, eliminating the need for power cables or batteries. In this paper, we propose a light emitting diode (LED) array based OWPT system with improved transmission efficiency and compact system dimension. In this experiment, the proposed four-LED-array collimation scheme achieved a lens system efficiency as high as 70%, while obtaining an electrical power of 0.8 W from a 50 × 50 mm2 GaAs solar cell at 1 m. The emitting side with the lens system was integrated into a 120 × 114 × 61 mm3 portable device by 3D printing. In addition, the thermal performance of the integrated module and the effective surface irradiance at the receiving side were analyzed in detail. The proposed system exhibits high efficiency and portability, with the advantageous potential to temporarily power remote devices.
Conduction–Radiation Coupling between Two Distant Solids Interacting in a Near-Field Regime
Authors: Reina Marta , Gharib Ali Barura Chams , Ben-Abdallah Philippe , Messina Riccardo
Published: July 2023

In the classical approach to dealing with near-field radiative heat exchange between two closely spaced bodies, no coupling between the different heat carriers inside the materials and thermal photons is usually considered. Here, we provide an overview of the current state of research on this coupling between solids of different sizes while paying specific attention to the impact of the conduction regime inside the solids on the conduction–radiation coupling. We describe how the shape of the solids affects this coupling, and show that it can be located at the origin of a drastic change in the temperature profiles inside each body and the heat flux exchanged between them. These results could have important implications in the fields of nanoscale thermal management, near-field solid-state cooling, and nanoscale energy conversion.
Genome-Wide Identification and Expression Analysis of the PLATZ Transcription Factor in Tomato
Authors: Zhang Lifang , Yang Tao , Wang Zepeng , Zhang Fulin , Li Ning , Jiang Weijie
Published: July 2023

The PLATZ (plant AT protein and zinc-binding protein) transcription factor family is involved in the regulation of plant growth and development and plant stress response. In this study, 24 SlPLATZs were identified from the cultivated tomato genome and classified into four groups based on the similarity of conserved patterns among members of the same subfamily. Fragment duplication was an important way to expand the SlPLATZ gene family in tomatoes, and the sequential order of tomato PLATZ genes in the evolution of monocotyledonous and dicotyledonous plants and the roles they played were hypothesized. Expression profiles based on quantitative real-time reverse transcription PCR showed that SlPLATZ was involved in the growth of different tissues in tomatoes. SlPLATZ21 acts mainly in the leaves. SlPLATZ9, SlPLATZ21, and SlPLATZ23 were primarily involved in the red ripening, expanding, and mature green periods of fruit, respectively. In addition, SlPLATZ1 was found to play an important role in salt stress. This study will lay the foundation for the analysis of the biological functions of SlPLATZ genes and will also provide a theoretical basis for the selection and breeding of new tomato varieties and germplasm innovation.
Are Mediterranean Island Mountains Hotspots of Taxonomic and Phylogenetic Biodiversity? The Case of the Endemic Flora of the Balearic Islands
Authors: Guardiola Moisès , Sáez Llorenç
Published: July 2023

The Mediterranean islands are exceptionally rich in endemism, most of which is narrowly distributed. Conservation measures, such as protected areas, have been prioritised, mainly on the basis of species richness and endemism, but phylogenetic information should also be taken into account. In this study, we calculated several taxonomic and phylogenetic metrics at a high resolution for the endemic flora of the Balearic Islands (154 taxa), in order to identify (i) the spatial patterns and environmental factors that explain this endemism, (ii) hotspots of species and phylogenetic endemism, and (iii) gaps in the protected areas. The taxonomic and phylogenetic metrics showed different distribution patterns, but the mountainous areas of Mallorca, and some coastal areas of the Balearic Islands, have the highest values. These values were positively related to elevation, precipitation, temperature, and slope, and negatively related to the distance from the coast, aspect, and the temperature of the wettest quarter. We identified top grid hotspots where all the metrics had the highest values, and we also identified nano-hotspots within these hotspots, in some of the highest peaks of Mallorca, where most of these metrics’ maximum values coincided. This approach allowed us to identify some gaps in the conservation priority areas, and to highlight the need to review their boundaries and definition.
Plant-CNN-ViT: Plant Classification with Ensemble of Convolutional Neural Networks and Vision Transformer
Authors: Lee Chin Poo , Lim Kian Ming , Song Yu Xuan , Alqahtani Ali
Published: July 2023

Plant leaf classification involves identifying and categorizing plant species based on leaf characteristics, such as patterns, shapes, textures, and veins. In recent years, research has been conducted to improve the accuracy of plant classification using machine learning techniques. This involves training models on large datasets of plant images and using them to identify different plant species. However, these models are limited by their reliance on large amounts of training data, which can be difficult to obtain for many plant species. To overcome this challenge, this paper proposes a Plant-CNN-ViT ensemble model that combines the strengths of four pre-trained models: Vision Transformer, ResNet-50, DenseNet-201, and Xception. Vision Transformer utilizes self-attention to capture dependencies and focus on important leaf features. ResNet-50 introduces residual connections, aiding in efficient training and hierarchical feature extraction. DenseNet-201 employs dense connections, facilitating information flow and capturing intricate leaf patterns. Xception uses separable convolutions, reducing the computational cost while capturing fine-grained details in leaf images. The proposed Plant-CNN-ViT was evaluated on four plant leaf datasets and achieved remarkable accuracy of 100.00%, 100.00%, 100.00%, and 99.83% on the Flavia dataset, Folio Leaf dataset, Swedish Leaf dataset, and MalayaKew Leaf dataset, respectively.
Composition and Biological Activity of the Essential Oils from Wild Horsemint, Yarrow, and Yampah from Subalpine Meadows in Southwestern Montana: Immunomodulatory Activity of Dillapiole
Authors: Schepetkin Igor A. , Özek Gulmira , Özek Temel , Kirpotina Liliya N. , Klein Robyn A. , Khlebnikov Andrei I. , Quinn Mark T.
Published: July 2023

Agastache urticifolia (Benth.) Kuntze (horsemint), Achillea millefolium L. (yarrow), and Perideridia gairdneri (Hook. & Arn.) Mathias (yampah) are native, culturally important plants that grow in the subalpine meadows of Montana. Analysis of the composition of essential oils extracted from these plants showed that the main components of essential oils obtained from flowers and leaves of A. urticifolia (designated as AUF/AUL) were menthone (2.7/25.7%), isomenthone (2.6/29.1%), pulegone (78.9/28.8%), and limonene (4.2/6.2%), whereas essential oils obtained from the inflorescence of A. millefolium (designated as AMI) were high in α-thujone (17.1%) and β-thujone (14.9%), 1,8-cineole (17.0%), camphor (13.0%), sabinene (7.0%), guaia-3,9-dien-11-ol (3.2%), and terpinen-4-ol (2.5%). Essential oils obtained from the inflorescence of P. gairdneri (designated as PGI) contained high amounts of dillapiole (30.3%), p-cymen-8-ol (14.1%), terpinolene (12.0%), 4-hydroxy-4-methyl-cyclohex-2-enone (6.2%), and γ-terpinene (2.4%). Evaluation of their immunomodulatory activity demonstrated that essential oils extracted from all of these plants could activate human neutrophils with varying efficacy. Analysis of individual components showed that dillapiole activated human neutrophil intracellular Ca2+ flux ([Ca2+]i) (EC50 = 19.3 ± 1.4 μM), while α-thujone, β-thujone, menthone, isomenthone, and pulegone were inactive. Since dillapiole activated neutrophils, we also evaluated if it was able to down-regulate neutrophil responses to subsequent agonist activation and found that pretreatment with dillapiole inhibited neutrophil activation by the chemoattractant fMLF (IC50 = 34.3 ± 2.1 μM). Pretreatment with P. gairdneri essential oil or dillapiole also inhibited neutrophil chemotaxis induced by fMLF, suggesting these treatments could down-regulate human neutrophil responses to inflammatory chemoattractants. Thus, dillapiole may be a novel modulator of human neutrophil function.
Biochemical Compounds, Antioxidant Capacity, Leaf Color Profile and Yield of Basil (Ocimum sp.) Microgreens in Floating System
Authors: Fayezizadeh Mohammad Reza , Ansari Naser Alemzadeh , Sourestani Mohammad Mahmoudi , Hasanuzzaman Mirza
Published: July 2023

Basil is a great source of phytochemicals such as polyphenols, vitamin C, anthocyanin, and flavonoids. In this work, the biochemical compounds, antioxidant capacity, leaf color profile, and yield of 21 cultivars and genotypes of basil microgreen were investigated. Results showed that the highest antioxidant potential composite index (APCI) was measured in Persian Ablagh genotype (70.30). Twenty-one basil genotypes were classified into four clusters, including cluster 1 (lowest antioxidant capacity and total phenolic compounds), cluster 2 (lowest anthocyanin, vitamin C and APCI index), cluster 3 (highest vitamin C, total phenolic compounds, antioxidant capacity and APCI index), and cluster 4 (highest levels of anthocyanin). The principal components analysis (PCA) of basil genotypes showed diversity in terms of phytochemical components, and F1, F2, F3, and F4 explained the variation at the rate of 78.12%. The average annual temperature of the origin of basil seeds plays an important role in the synthesis of antioxidant content. Most of the seeds with moderate origin had a higher APCI index. The Persian Ablagh genotype, Violeto, and Kapoor cultivars can be recommended, according to their APCI index and yield. These cultivars can be used individually or in different ratios to produce different biochemical substances with different concentrations for various purposes.
Numerical Study of the Effect of High Gravity in Material Extrusion System and Polymer Characteristics during Filament Fabrication
Authors: Jiang Xin , Koike Ryo
Published: July 2023

Polymer science plays a crucial role in the understanding and numerical study of material extrusion processes that have revolutionized additive manufacturing (AM). This study investigated the impact of high-gravity conditions on material extrusion and conducted a numerical study by referring to the development of a high-gravity material extrusion system (HG-MEX). In this study, we evaluated the polymeric characteristics of HG-MEX. By analyzing the interplay between polymer behavior and gravity, we provide insights into the effects of high gravity on extrusion processes, including filament flow, material deposition, and the resulting fabrication characteristics. The established numerical study of high-gravity material extrusion in additive manufacturing is a meaningful and valuable approach for improving the quality and efficiency of the process. This study is unique in that it incorporates material surface characteristics to represent the performance and contact with polymer science in additive manufacturing. The findings presented herein contribute to a broader understanding of polymer science and its practical implications for HG-MEX under various gravitational conditions.
Incorporating Variable Porosity into the Determination of Effective Permeability in Interchanging Double Cloth Woven Fabrics Using Darcy’s Law
Authors: Kalazić Ana , Badrov Tea , Schwarz Ivana , Brnada Snježana
Published: July 2023

Woven fabrics are widely used for thermal protection due to their porosity, which provides thermal insulation and breathability. This research focuses on investigating the influential parameters in the thermal protective properties of layer interchanging double cloth, including the woven structure and varying yarn fineness. The properties affecting the protective properties and comfort of multilayered woven fabrics include the fabric thickness, fabric porosity, and air permeability. Darcy’s law is applicable for determining the effective air permeability of woven fabrics. By understanding and controlling fabric porosity, it becomes possible to develop thermal protective clothing that combines improved comfort, cost-efficiency, and effectiveness. This study represents a novel approach for the clarification of airflow permeability behavior in complex structures of elastic multilayer woven fabrics using Darcy’s law. This innovative approach expands the understanding of permeability in fabrics beyond single-layer fabrics with vertical pores or 3D fabrics used in resin injection processes.