bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influence of Foods and Nutrition on the Gut Microbiome and Implications for Intestinal Health
Authors: Zhang Ping
Published: August 2022

Food components in our diet provide not only necessary nutrients to our body but also substrates for the mutualistic microbial flora in our gastrointestinal tract, termed the gut microbiome. Undigested food components are metabolized to a diverse array of metabolites. Thus, what we eat shapes the structure, composition, and function of the gut microbiome, which interacts with the gut epithelium and mucosal immune system and maintains intestinal homeostasis in a healthy state. Alterations of the gut microbiome are implicated in many diseases, such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). There is growing interest in nutritional therapy to target the gut microbiome in IBD. Investigations into dietary effects on the composition changes in the gut microbiome flourished in recent years, but few focused on gut physiology. This review summarizes the current knowledge regarding the impacts of major food components and their metabolites on the gut and health consequences, specifically within the GI tract. Additionally, the influence of the diet on the gut microbiome-host immune system interaction in IBD is also discussed. Understanding the influence of the diet on the interaction of the gut microbiome and the host immune system will be useful in developing nutritional strategies to maintain gut health and restore a healthy microbiome in IBD.
Foreleg Transcriptomic Analysis of the Chemosensory Gene Families in Plagiodera versicolora (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae)
Authors: Wu Zheran , Tong Na , Li Yang , Guo Jinmeng , Lu Min , Liu Xiaolong
Published: August 2022

Plagiodera versicolora (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) is a worldwide leaf-eating forest pest in salicaceous trees. The forelegs play important roles in the chemoreception of insects. In this study, we conducted a transcriptome analysis of adult forelegs in P. versicolora and identified a total of 53 candidate chemosensory genes encoding 4 chemosensory proteins (CSPs), 19 odorant binding proteins (OBPs), 10 odorant receptors (ORs), 10 gustatory receptors (GRs), 6 ionotropic receptors (IRs), and 4 sensory neuron membrane proteins (SNMPs). Compared with the previous antennae transcriptome data, 1 CSP, 4 OBPs, 1 OR, 3 IRs, and 4 GRs were newly identified in the forelegs. Subsequently, the tissue expression profiles of 10 P. versicolora chemosensory genes were performed by real-time quantitative PCR. The results showed that PverOBP25, PverOBP27, and PverCSP6 were highly expressed in the antennae of both sexes. PverCSP11 and PverIR9 are predominately expressed in the forelegs than in the antennae. In addition, the expression levels of PverGR15 in female antennae and forelegs were significantly higher than those in the male antennae, implying that it may be involved in some female-specific behaviors such as oviposition site seeking. This work would greatly further the understanding of the chemoreception mechanism in P. versicolora.
Additions to the Inventory of the Genus Alternaria Section Alternaria (Pleosporaceae, Pleosporales) in Italy
Authors: Li Junfu , Phookamsak Rungtiwa , Jiang Hongbo , Bhat Darbhe Jayarama , Camporesi Erio , Lumyong Saisamorn , Kumla Jaturong , Hongsanan Sinang , Mortimer Peter E. , Xu Jianchu , Suwannarach Nakarin
Published: August 2022

The genus Alternaria is comprised of well-known plant pathogens causing various important diseases in plants, as well as being common allergens in animals and humans. Species of Alternaria can be found as saprobes associated with various dead plant materials. This research aims to enhance the taxonomy of saprobic species in the genus Alternaria found on grasses and herbaceous plants from Italy, based on multi-locus phylogenetic analyses of a concatenated ITS, LSU, SSU, tef1-α, rpb2, gapdh and Alt-a1 DNA sequence dataset combined with morphological characteristics. Multi-locus phylogenetic analyses demonstrated six novel species belonging to the genus Alternaria sect. Alternaria as: A. muriformispora sp. nov., A. obpyriconidia sp. nov., A. ovoidea sp. nov., A. pseudoinfectoria sp. nov., A. rostroconidia sp. nov. and A. torilis sp. nov. Detailed morphological descriptions, illustrations and an updated phylogenetic relationship of taxa in the genus Alternaria sect. Alternaria are provided herein.
Evidencing New Roles for the Glycosyl-Transferase Cps1 in the Phytopathogenic Fungus Botrytis cinerea
Authors: Blandenet Matthieu , Gonçalves Isabelle R. , Rascle Christine , Dupuy Jean-William , Gillet François-Xavier , Poussereau Nathalie , Choquer Mathias , Bruel Christophe
Published: August 2022

The fungal cell wall occupies a central place in the interaction between fungi and their environment. This study focuses on the role of the putative polysaccharide synthase Cps1 in the physiology, development and virulence of the grey mold-causing agent Botrytis cinerea. Deletion of the Bccps1 gene does not affect the germination of the conidia (asexual spores) or the early mycelial development, but it perturbs hyphal expansion after 24 h, revealing a two-phase hyphal development that has not been reported so far. It causes a severe reduction of mycelial growth in a solid medium and modifies hyphal aggregation into pellets in liquid cultures. It strongly impairs plant penetration, plant colonization and the formation of sclerotia (survival structures). Loss of the BcCps1 protein associates with a decrease in glucans and glycoproteins in the fungus cell wall and the up-accumulation of 132 proteins in the mutant’s exoproteome, among which are fungal cell wall enzymes. This is accompanied by an increased fragility of the mutant mycelium, an increased sensitivity to some environmental stresses and a reduced adhesion to plant surface. Taken together, the results support a significant role of Cps1 in the cell wall biology of B. cinerea.
Nurses’ Knowledge, Attitudes, Confidence, and Practices with Genetics and Genomics: A Theory-Informed Integrative Review Protocol
Authors: Puddester Rebecca , Pike April , Maddigan Joy , Farrell Alison
Published: August 2022

Introduction: As key healthcare providers, nurses require genomic competency to fulfil their professional obligations in the genomic era. Prior research suggests that nurses have limited competency with genomics-informed practice. Concepts in the Rogers’ Diffusion of Innovation (DOI) theory (i.e., knowledge, attitudes, and attributes of innovation adopters) provide a framework to understand the process of adoption of innovations, such as genomics, across organizations. We aim to synthesize what is known about the adoption of genomics across nursing within the DOI framework to identify gaps and opportunities to enact sustained adoption of genomics in nursing. Methods and analysis: An integrative literature review, following Whittemore and Knafl’s five steps, will be conducted to evaluate qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-method primary studies that meet inclusion and exclusion criteria. The MEDLINE, PsychINFO, CINAHL, Cochrane, and Sociological Abstracts electronic databases will be searched in addition to the ancestry search method. Two researchers will perform independent screening of studies, quality appraisal using the Mixed-Methods Appraisal Tool, and data analysis using the narrative synthesis method. Disagreements will be resolved by a third reviewer. Findings in this review could be used to develop theory- and evidence-informed strategies to support the sustained adoption of genomics in nursing.
Artificial Intelligence-Based Medical Data Mining
Authors: Zia Amjad , Aziz Muzzamil , Popa Ioana , Khan Sabih Ahmed , Hamedani Amirreza Fazely , Asif Abdul R.
Published: August 2022

Understanding published unstructured textual data using traditional text mining approaches and tools is becoming a challenging issue due to the rapid increase in electronic open-source publications. The application of data mining techniques in the medical sciences is an emerging trend; however, traditional text-mining approaches are insufficient to cope with the current upsurge in the volume of published data. Therefore, artificial intelligence-based text mining tools are being developed and used to process large volumes of data and to explore the hidden features and correlations in the data. This review provides a clear-cut and insightful understanding of how artificial intelligence-based data-mining technology is being used to analyze medical data. We also describe a standard process of data mining based on CRISP-DM (Cross-Industry Standard Process for Data Mining) and the most common tools/libraries available for each step of medical data mining.
Issues of Letter of Credit in Malaysian Islamic Banks
Authors: Syed Alwi Sharifah Faigah , Osman Ismah , Badri Mohd Bahroddin , Muhamat Amirul Afif , Muda Ruhaini , Ibrahim Uzaimah
Published: August 2022

This paper discussed the prevailing issues currently faced by Islamic banks on the offering of Letter of Credit (LC), originally brought forward by the International Chamber of Commerce, using Shariah contracts and puts forth recommendations on practical solutions to solve the issues. The study adopted a qualitative method where the information on the issues of Islamic LCs was gathered throughout interviews with different bankers closely involved in LC issuance from 12 Islamic banks in Malaysia. The results indicate that there are three vital issues related to LCs offered by Islamic banks which lead to Shariah non-compliance issues. The issues revolve around the conversion of LC Wakalah (agency) to LC Murabahah (cost-plus), the existence of a sale contract between the customer and exporter and lastly the title of goods stated in the bill of lading. The findings recommend several solutions in relation to LCs within the underlying Shariah contracts to ensure that their operation complies with the Shariah requirements and Malaysian laws, standards and regulations. This paper highlights the issues of Islamic LC yet to be discussed thoroughly based on the views of a panel of experts and Islamic bankers.
Trading Activity in Public Real Estate Markets
Authors: Richter Thomas
Published: August 2022

Trading activity is an important characteristic of financial markets, since it is related to price discovery, volatility, and market liquidity. It is therefore of crucial importance to understand what drives trading activity in real estate markets. Here, we use a panel dataset consisting of 142 US REIT stocks observed over almost 20 years and a fixed-effects regression approach to link variation in trading activity to proxies for different trading motives (theory-motivated). The paper shows that the drivers of trading activity in real estate markets are distinct from those in the broader equity market. Proxies for portfolio rebalancing needs and liquidity trading are shown to be important trading motives in REIT markets. However, unlike in the broader equity market, difference of opinions and information-based trading motives seem to play a minor role for REIT trading activity.
Financial Inclusion in Rural South Africa: A Qualitative Approach
Authors: Simatele Munacinga , Maciko Loyiso
Published: August 2022

Financial inclusion efforts have resulted in a rapid increase in access to financial services. However, the usage of these financial services has not expanded at the same pace, especially in rural areas. The paper explores the factors that have caused usage to lag behind access using a qualitative approach. Data is collected from two predominantly rural provinces in South Africa using focus group discussions. While supply-side factors of distance and transaction costs are important, demand-side factors, including lack of employment, low and irregular incomes, financial illiteracy, and risk and trust perceptions, play a more significant role. We suggest that creating an enabling environment for the development of mobile money could overcome proximity barriers and result in better inclusion of rural communities. There is a need to invest in technology to improve network and Internet reception in rural areas. In addition, the government needs to reconsider the exclusive issuance of e-money by banks. Partnerships with supermarket money markets also have the potential to expand financial inclusion. Moreover, post-adoption financial education should complement efforts to expand financial inclusion. Simplified and transparent cost structures could help resolve the mistrust of banks.
Preparation and Study of Composite Materials of the NiAl-Cr-Mo-Nanoparticles (ZrO2, MgAl2O4) System
Authors: Agureev Leonid , Kostikov Valeriy , Savushkina Svetlana , Eremeeva Zhanna , Lyakhovetsky Maxim
Published: August 2022

Materials based on the NiAl-Cr-Mo system with zirconium oxide or aluminum-magnesium spinel nanoparticle small additions were obtained by spark plasma sintering. Thermodynamic modeling was carried out to predict the phase formation in the NiAl-Cr-Mo system and its change depending on temperature, considering the presence of a small amount of carbon in the system. The phase composition and microstructure of materials were studied. NiAl (B2) and CrMo phases were found in the sintered samples. Bending strength measurements at different temperatures shows that nanoparticles of insoluble additives lead to an increase in bending strength, especially at high temperatures. A fractographic analysis of the sample’s fractures shows their hybrid nature and intercrystalline fracture, which is confirmed by the clearly visible matrix grains similar to cleavage. The maximum strength at 700 °C (475 MPa) was found for material with the addition of 0.1 wt.% zirconium oxide nanoparticles. In the study of internal friction, typical peaks of a nickel-aluminum alloy were found in the temperature ranges of 150–200 °C and 350–400 °C.
Nano-Ag Particles Embedded in C-Matrix: Preparation, Properties and Application in Cell Metabolism
Authors: Terpilowska Sylwia , Gluszek Stanislaw , Czerwosz Elzbieta , Wronka Halina , Firek Piotr , Szmidt Jan , Suchanska Malgorzata , Keczkowska Justyna , Kaczmarska Bozena , Kozlowski Mirosław , Diduszko Ryszard
Published: August 2022

The application of nano-Ag grains as antiviral and antibacterial materials is widely known since ancient times. The problem is the toxicity of the bulk or big-size grain materials. It is known that nano-sized silver grains affect human and animal cells in some medical treatments. The aim of this study is to investigate the influence of nano-Ag grains embedded in a carbonaceous matrix on cytotoxicity, genotoxicity in fibroblasts, and mutagenicity. The nanocomposite film is composed of silver nanograins embedded in a carbonaceous matrix and it was obtained via the PVD method by deposition from two separated sources of fullerenes and silver acetate powders. This method allows for the preparation of material in the form of a film or powder, in which Ag nanograins are stabilized by a carbon network. The structure and morphology of this material were studied using SEM/EDX, XRD, and Raman spectroscopy. The toxicology studies were performed for various types of the material differing in the size of Ag nanograins. Furthermore, it was found that these properties, such as cell viability, genotoxicity, and mutagenicity, depend on Ag grain size.
Design of Environmentally Friendly Ca-Alginate Beads for Self-Healing Cement-Based Materials
Authors: Zhang Xiaohang , Ding Yonggang
Published: August 2022

Ca-alginate beads have strong hygroscopicity, which have been used for the self-healing and internal curing of cement-based materials. However, ca-alginate beads in cement will chelate with calcium ions, which decreases the swelling rate of ca-alginate beads in the healing environment and is detrimental to the self-healing of cement-based materials. In this paper, the mechanism and steps for preparing ca-alginate beads with a lower ability to chelate with calcium ions were proposed based on protonation theory. In addition, the molecular structure and the swelling rates in cement filtrate and healing environment of ca-alginate beads prepared by the proposed method were characterized. The results showed that the ca-alginate beads prepared by the proposed method had higher molecular density and a lower ability to chelate with calcium ions. The swelling rate in the healing environment is not decreased. Furthermore, the equilibrium swelling rate in cement filtrate can satisfy the need for internal curing of cement-based materials.
Renewable and Recyclable Polymeric Materials for Food Packaging: A New Open Special Issue in Materials
Authors: Jafarzadeh Shima , Zargar Masoumeh , Forough Mehrdad
Published: August 2022

“Renewable and Recyclable Polymeric Materials for Food Packaging” is a new open Special Issue of Materials that will publish original and review papers on new scientific and applied research, and the articles it contains will make a contribution to the discovery and understanding of biodegradable and recyclable materials, their functional properties, characterization and applications [...]
Experimental Investigation on the Strengthening of Reinforced Concrete Beams Using Externally Bonded and Near-Surface Mounted Natural Fibre Reinforced Polymer Composites—A Review
Authors: Effiong John Uduak , Ede Anthony Nkem
Published: August 2022

Developing more resilient and sustainable physical infrastructure increases the demand for sustainable materials and strengthening approaches. Many investigations into strengthening RC beam structures have used either externally bonded (EB) or near-surface mounted (NSM) systems with synthetic fibre reinforced polymer composites. These synthetic fibres are unsustainable since they involve the use of nonrenewable resources and a large amount of energy. Research shows that natural fibre reinforced polymer (NFRP) composites may be an alternative to synthetic FRP composites in the strengthening of concrete beams. However, there is limited literature that validates their performance in various structural applications. Hence, the purpose of this paper is to explore the advances, prospects, and gaps of using EB/NSM NFRP techniques in strengthening concrete beams to provide areas for future research directions. The NSM FRP technique provides improved strengthening effects and mitigates the concerns associated with the EB system, based on a wider range of applications using synthetic FRPs. However, the NSM NFRP strengthening technique has been underutilized, though the EB NFRP system has been more commonly explored in reviewed studies. The knowledge gaps and areas for proposed future research directions are essential in developing work in emerging NFRPs and strengthening techniques for sustainable infrastructure.
Ridge Regression and the Elastic Net: How Do They Do as Finders of True Regressors and Their Coefficients?
Authors: Gana Rajaram
Published: August 2022

For the linear model Y=Xb+error, where the number of regressors (p) exceeds the number of observations (n), the Elastic Net (EN) was proposed, in 2005, to estimate b. The EN uses both the Lasso, proposed in 1996, and ordinary Ridge Regression (RR), proposed in 1970, to estimate b. However, when p>n, using only RR to estimate b has not been considered in the literature thus far. Because RR is based on the least-squares framework, only using RR to estimate b is computationally much simpler than using the EN. We propose a generalized ridge regression (GRR) algorithm, a superior alternative to the EN, for estimating b as follows: partition X from left to right so that every partition, but the last one, has 3 observations per regressor; for each partition, we estimate Y with the regressors in that partition using ordinary RR; retain the regressors with statistically significant t-ratios and the corresponding RR tuning parameter k, by partition; use the retained regressors and k values to re-estimate Y by GRR across all partitions, which yields b. Algorithmic efficacy is compared using 4 metrics by simulation, because the algorithm is mathematically intractable. Three metrics, with their probabilities of RR’s superiority over EN in parentheses, are: the proportion of true regressors discovered (99%); the squared distance, from the true coefficients, of the significant coefficients (86%); and the squared distance, from the true coefficients, of estimated coefficients that are both significant and true (74%). The fourth metric is the probability that none of the regressors discovered are true, which for RR and EN is 4% and 25%, respectively. This indicates the additional advantage RR has over the EN in terms of discovering causal regressors.
Data-Driven Building Energy Consumption Prediction Model Based on VMD-SA-DBN
Authors: Qin Yongrui , Zhao Meng , Lin Qingcheng , Li Xuefeng , Ji Jing
Published: August 2022

Prediction of building energy consumption using mathematical modeling is crucial for improving the efficiency of building energy utilization, assisting in building energy consumption planning and scheduling, and further achieving the goal of energy conservation and emission reduction. In consideration of the non-linear and non-smooth characteristics of building energy consumption time series data, a short-term, hybrid building energy consumption prediction model combining variational mode decomposition (VMD), a simulated annealing (SA) algorithm, and a deep belief network (DBN) is proposed in this study. In the proposed VMD-SA-DBN model, the VMD algorithm decomposes the time series into different modes to reduce the fluctuation of the data. The SA-DBN prediction model is built for each mode separately, and the DBN network structure parameters are optimized by the SA algorithm. The prediction results of each model are aggregated and reconstructed to obtain the final prediction output. The validity and prediction performance of the proposed model is evaluated on a publicly available dataset, and the results show that the proposed new model significantly improves the accuracy and stability of building energy consumption prediction compared with several typical machine learning methods. The mean absolute percent error (MAPE) of the VMD-SA-DBN model is 63.7%, 65.5%, 46.83%, 64.82%, 44.1%, 36.3%, and 28.3% lower than that of the long short-term memory (LSTM), gated recurrent unit (GRU), VMD-LSTM, VMD-GRU, DBN, SA-DBN, and VMD-DBN models, respectively. The results will help managers formulate more-favorable low-energy emission reduction plans and improve building energy efficiency.
Successful Plate Fixation with Long Intramedullary Fibula Bone Graft for Periprosthetic Femur Fracture: A Case Report
Authors: Yeh Kuei-Lin , Liaw Chen-Kun , Fuh Chiou-Shann , Chen Chu-Song , Chiang Chen-Hao , Shih Kao-Shang
Published: August 2022

Background and objectives: Treatment of a displaced or comminuted periprosthetic distal femur fracture is challenging, especially in patients with osteoporosis. In this case report, we shared our successful surgical experience of using a long intramedullary fibula bone graft in a plate fixation surgery for a periprosthetic distal femur fracture in an extremely elderly patient with osteoporosis. Case report: A 95-year-old woman with severe osteoporosis (bone mineral density level: −3.0) presented with right knee pain and deformity after a fall, and a right periprosthetic distal femur fracture was identified. The patient underwent an open reduction and an internal plate fixation surgery with the application of a long intramedullary fibular bone graft. Due to a solid fixation, immediate weight-bearing was allowed after the surgery. She could walk independently without any valgus or varus malalignment or shortening 3 months after the surgery. A solid union was achieved 4 months postoperatively. Conclusions: We present a case wherein a long intramedullary allogenous fibula strut bone graft was used successfully to treat a right periprosthetic femur fracture in an extremely elderly patient. A long allogenous fibula bone graft can act not only as a firm structure for bridging the bone defect but also as a guide for precise component alignment. We believe this treatment option for periprosthetic fractures is beneficial for achieving biological and mechanical stability and facilitates early mobilization and weight-bearing for the patient.
The Different Clinical Courses of Legionnaires’ Disease in Newborns from the Same Maternity Hospital
Authors: Kostic Andrijana , Cukovic Katarina , Stankovic Lidija , Raskovic Zorica , Nestorovic Jelena , Savic Dragana , Simovic Aleksandra , Prodanovic Tijana , Zivojinovic Suzana , Andrejevic Sladjana , Erovic Ismihana , Djordjevic Zorana , Rsovac Snezana , Sazdanovic Predrag , Stojkovic Andjelka
Published: August 2022

In children, the incidence of Legionnaires’ disease (LD) is unknown, hospital-acquired LD is associated with clinical risk factors and environmental risk, and children with cell-mediated immune deficiency are at high risk of infection. Both newborns were born in the same delivery room; stayed in the same hospital room where they were cared for, bathed, and breastfed; were male; were born on time, with normal birth weight, and with high Apgar score at birth; and survived this severe infection (L. pneumophila, serogroup 2-15) but with different clinical courses. In neonate 1, bleeding in the brain, thrombosis of deep pelvic veins, and necrosis of the lungs, which left behind cystic and cavernous changes in the lungs, were found, while neonate 2 suffered from pneumonia alone. The only difference in risk factors for LD between these two newborns is the number of days of illness until the start of azithromycin treatment (sixth versus the third day of illness). We suggest that a change in the guidelines for diagnosing and treating community-acquired pneumonia and hospital-acquired pneumonia in newborns is needed in terms of mandatory routine testing for Legionella pneumophila. Early initiation of macrolide therapy is crucial for the outcome of LD in the newborn.
Application of Bipolar Membrane Electrodialysis in Environmental Protection and Resource Recovery: A Review
Authors: Luo Yu , Liu Yaoxing , Shen Jiangnan , Van der Bruggen Bart
Published: August 2022

Bipolar membrane electrodialysis (BMED) is a new membrane separation technology composed of electrodialysis (ED) through a bipolar membrane (BPM). Under the action of an electric field, H2O can be dissociated to H+ and OH−, and the anions and cations in the solution can be recovered as acids and bases, respectively, without adding chemical reagents, which reduces the application cost and carbon footprint, and leads to simple operation and high efficiency. Its application is becoming more widespread and promising, and it has become a research hotspot. This review mainly introduces the application of BMED to recovering salts in the form of acids and bases, CO2 capture, ammonia nitrogen recovery, and ion removal and recovery from wastewater. Finally, BMED is summarized, and future prospects are discussed.
Insulin Resistance and the Brain–Novel Insights Combining Metabolic Research and Neuroscience
Authors: Ekblad Laura , Rebelos Eleni
Published: August 2022

In the last decades, we have been facing an epidemic of obesity and type 2 diabetes (T2D) [...]
Natural Products in Mitigation of Bisphenol A Toxicity: Future Therapeutic Use
Authors: Sirasanagandla Srinivasa Rao , Al-Huseini Isehaq , Sakr Hussein , Moqadass Marzie , Das Srijit , Juliana Norsham , Abu Izuddin Fahmy
Published: August 2022

Bisphenol A (BPA) is a ubiquitous environmental toxin with deleterious endocrine-disrupting effects. It is widely used in producing epoxy resins, polycarbonate plastics, and polyvinyl chloride plastics. Human beings are regularly exposed to BPA through inhalation, ingestion, and topical absorption routes. The prevalence of BPA exposure has considerably increased over the past decades. Previous research studies have found a plethora of evidence of BPA’s harmful effects. Interestingly, even at a lower concentration, this industrial product was found to be harmful at cellular and tissue levels, affecting various body functions. A noble and possible treatment could be made plausible by using natural products (NPs). In this review, we highlight existing experimental evidence of NPs against BPA exposure-induced adverse effects, which involve the body’s reproductive, neurological, hepatic, renal, cardiovascular, and endocrine systems. The review also focuses on the targeted signaling pathways of NPs involved in BPA-induced toxicity. Although potential molecular mechanisms underlying BPA-induced toxicity have been investigated, there is currently no specific targeted treatment for BPA-induced toxicity. Hence, natural products could be considered for future therapeutic use against adverse and harmful effects of BPA exposure.
Phytochemical Compounds and Pharmacological Properties of Larrea tridentata
Authors: Morales-Ubaldo Ana Lizet , Rivero-Perez Nallely , Valladares-Carranza Benjamín , Madariaga-Navarrete Alfredo , Higuera-Piedrahita Rosa Isabel , Delgadillo-Ruiz Lucía , Bañuelos-Valenzuela Rómulo , Zaragoza-Bastida Adrian
Published: August 2022

For centuries, traditional medicine from plants (phytotherapy) was the only treatment for infectious and non-infectious diseases. Although it is still practiced in several countries with excellent therapeutic results, it is frequently underestimated because, unlike Western medicine, it is not based on an empirical scientific foundation. However, interest in the search for plant-based therapeutic resources has been stimulated by disciplines such as phytochemistry and the side effects of conventional pharmacological therapies. For example, Larrea tridentata is a perennial shrub used in traditional medicine in northern Mexico and the southern United States to treat infertility, rheumatism, arthritis, colds, diarrhea, skin problems, pain, inflammation and excess body weight. Scientific research has revealed its beneficial effects—antioxidant, antitumor, neuroprotective, regenerative, antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, anthelmintic, antiprotozoal and insecticidal—although reports indicate that some compounds in Larrea tridentata may be hepatotoxic and nephrotoxic. Therefore, the aim of this review was to highlight the updates regarding phytochemical compounds and the pharmacological properties of Larrea tridentata.
Evaluating the Biodegradation of Veterinary Antibiotics Using Kinetics Model and Response Surface Methodology
Authors: Chollom Martha Noro , Bakare Babatunde Femi , Rathilal Sudesh , Tetteh Emmanuel Kweinor
Published: August 2022

The inappropriate use and indiscriminate disposal of antibiotics has become a menace worldwide. The incomplete removal of these contaminants from wastewater treatment plants has also contributed to this. This study presents the biodegradation of two veterinary antibiotics; ciprofloxacin (CIP) and enrofloxacin (ENRO). Kinetics models were explored to understand the dynamics of biodegradation in an anaerobic digestion process. This was carried out in batch reactors under various operating conditions: pH, organic loading rate (OLR), and antibiotic concentration. The influence of the parameters was investigated using a response surface methodology (RSM) based on the Box–Behnken experimental design of 15 runs. The data obtained were fitted on a polynomial function model. OLR and pH exhibited a synergistic and antagonistic effect in the response models developed, with a high correlation regression coefficient (R2; 0.9834–0.9875) close to 1 at a 95% confidence level. The optimum conditions obtained from the RSM numerical optimization were pH (6), OLR (2 kgCOD·m−3·days−1), and an antibiotic concentration of 75%, which gave the removal of CIP, ENRO, and COD, respectively, as 80%, 83%, and 73% at a desirability function of 85%. The kinetics study shows that the biodegradation of antibiotics was well fitted on a first-order model (R2; 0.9885–0.9978) with rate constants ranging from 0.0695 to 0.96 days−1.
Chemical Contamination in Bread from Food Processing and Its Environmental Origin
Authors: Maher Agnieszka , Nowak Adriana
Published: August 2022

Acrylamide (AA), furan and furan derivatives, polycyclic aromatic amines (PAHs), monochloropropanediols (MCPDs), glycidol, and their esters are carcinogens that are being formed in starchy and high-protein foodstuffs, including bread, through baking, roasting, steaming, and frying due to the Maillard reaction. The Maillard reaction mechanism has also been described as the source of food processing contaminants. The above-mentioned carcinogens, especially AA and furan compounds, are crucial substances responsible for the aroma of bread. The other groups of bread contaminants are mycotoxins (MTs), toxic metals (TMs), and pesticides. All these contaminants can be differentiated depending on many factors such as source, the concentration of toxicant in the different wheat types, formation mechanism, metabolism in the human body, and hazardous exposure effects to humans. The following paper characterizes the most often occurring contaminants in the bread from each group. The human exposure to bread contaminants and their safe ranges, along with the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classification (if available), also have been analyzed.
Simultaneous Determination and Pharmacokinetics Study of Three Triterpenes from Sanguisorba officinalis L. in Rats by UHPLC–MS/MS
Authors: Wei Fanshu , Yang Chunjuan , Wu Lihong , Sun Jiahui , Wang Zhenyue , Wang Zhibin
Published: August 2022

A selective and rapid ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC–MS/MS) method was established and validated for the determination of ziyuglycoside I, 3β,19α-dihydroxyurs-12-en-28-oic-acid 28-β-d-glucopyranosyl ester, and pomolic acid in rats after the oral administration of ziyuglycoside I, 3β,19α-dihydroxyurs-12-en-28-oic-acid 28-β-d-glucopyranosyl ester, pomolic acid, and Sanguisorba officinalis L. extract. The separation was carried out on an ACQUITY UPLC®HSS T3 column (2.1 mm × 100 mm, 1.8 μm), using methanol and 5 mmol/L ammonium acetate water as the mobile phase. The three compounds were quantified using the multiple reaction monitoring mode with the electrospray ion source in both the positive and negative mode. Liquid-liquid extraction was applied to the plasma sample preparation. Bifendate was selected as the internal standard. The intra-day and inter-day precision and the accuracy of the method were all within receivable ranges. The lower limit of quantification of ziyuglycoside I, 3β,19α-dihydroxyurs-12-en-28-oic-acid 28-β-d-glucopyranosyl ester, and pomolic acid were 6.50, 5.75, and 2.63 ng/mL, respectively. The extraction recoveries of analytes in rat plasma ranged from 83 to 94%. The three components could be rapidly absorbed into the blood (Tmax, 1.4–1.6 h) both in the single-administration group or S. officinalis extract group, but the first peak of PA occurred at 0.5 h and the second peak at 4–5 h in the S. officinalis extract. Three compounds were eliminated relatively slowly (t1/2, 7.3–11 h). The research was to establish a rapid, sensible, and sensitive UHPLC–MS/MS method using the multi-ion mode for multi-channel simultaneous mensuration pharmacokinetics parameters of three compounds in rats after oral administration of S. officinalis extract. This study found, for the first time, differences in the pharmacokinetic parameters of the three compounds in the monomer compounds and S. officinalis extract administration, which preliminarily revealed the transformation and metabolism of the three compounds in vivo.
Bauhinia forficata Link Infusions: Chemical and Bioactivity of Volatile and Non-Volatile Fractions
Authors: Jung Eliane Przytyk , de Freitas Beatriz Pereira , Kunigami Claudete Norie , Moreira Davyson de Lima , de Figueiredo Natália Guimarães , Ribeiro Leilson de Oliveira , Moreira Ricardo Felipe Alves
Published: August 2022

This study aimed to evaluate Bauhinia forficata infusions prepared using samples available in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. As such, infusions at 5% (w/v) of different brands and batches commercialized in the city (CS1, CS2, CS3, and CS4) and samples of plant material botanically identified (BS) were evaluated to determine their total phenolic and flavonoid contents (TPC and TFC), antioxidant capacity (ABTS•+, DPPH•, and FRAP assays), phytochemical profile, volatile compounds, and inhibitory effects against the α-amylase enzyme. The results showed that infusions prepared using BS samples had lower TPC, TFC and antioxidant potential than the commercial samples (p < 0.05). The batch averages presented high standard deviations mainly for the commercial samples, corroborating sample heterogeneity. Sample volatile fractions were mainly composed of terpenes (40 compounds identified). In the non-volatile fraction, 20 compounds were identified, with emphasis on the CS3 sample, which comprised most of the compounds, mainly flavonoid derivatives. PCA analysis demonstrated more chemical diversity in non-volatile than volatile compounds. The samples also inhibited the α-amylase enzyme (IC50 value: 0.235–0.801 mg RE/mL). Despite the differences observed in this work, B. forficata is recognized as a source of bioactive compounds that can increase the intake of antioxidant compounds by the population.
Electrodeposition of Molybdenum Disulfide (MoS2) Nanoparticles on Monocrystalline Silicon
Authors: Vizza Martina , Giurlani Walter , Cerri Lorenzo , Calisi Nicola , Leonardi Antonio Alessio , Faro Maria Josè Lo , Irrera Alessia , Berretti Enrico , Perales-Rondón Juan Víctor , Colina Alvaro , Bujedo Saiz Elena , Innocenti Massimo
Published: August 2022

Molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) has attracted great attention for its unique chemical and physical properties. The applications of this transition metal dichalcogenide (TMDC) range from supercapacitors to dye-sensitized solar cells, Li-ion batteries and catalysis. This work opens new routes toward the use of electrodeposition as an easy, scalable and cost-effective technique to perform the coupling of Si with molybdenum disulfide. MoS2 deposits were obtained on n-Si (100) electrodes by electrochemical deposition protocols working at room temperature and pressure, as opposed to the traditional vacuum-based techniques. The samples were characterized by X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) and Rutherford Back Scattering (RBS).
DFT and TD-DFT Study of the Chemical Effect in the SERS Spectra of Piperidine Adsorbed on Silver Colloidal Nanoparticles
Authors: Muniz-Miranda Francesco , Pedone Alfonso , Menziani Maria , Muniz-Miranda Maurizio
Published: August 2022

The surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) spectra of piperidine adsorbed on silver/chloride colloids were studied by a combined density functional theory (DFT)/time dependent DFT (TD-DFT) approach. The mechanism of chemical enhancement on the Raman signals is due to at least two contributions: the first comes from the changes in the molecular force constants and the dynamic polarizabilities of the normal modes, when the molecule is chemisorbed. DFT calculations satisfactorily reproduce the SERS spectra of piperidine adsorbed on silver, showing that the species formed on the silver particle is a complex formed by a deprotonated piperidine linked to a silver cation. A second contribution to the SERS chemical enhancement is due to a resonance Raman effect occurring when the wavelength of the Raman excitation falls within the electronic excitation band of the molecule/metal complex. Actually, the SERS spectra of piperidine show a significant dependence on the wavelength of the laser excitation, with a marked enhancement in the green-light region. TD-DFT calculations on the most-probable complex explain this behavior, because a strong excitation band of the complex is calculated in the green spectral region. This pinpoints that a resonance between the exciting radiation and the absorption band of this complex is responsible for this enhancement effect.
Effect of Oxalic Acid Concentration and Different Mechanical Pre-Treatments on the Production of Cellulose Micro/Nanofibers
Authors: Bastida Gabriela Adriana , Schnell Carla Natalí , Mocchiutti Paulina , Solier Yamil Nahún , Inalbon María Cristina , Zanuttini Miguel Ángel , Galván María Verónica
Published: August 2022

The present work analyzes the effect of process variables and the method of characterization of cellulose micro/nanofibers (CMNFs) obtained by different treatments. A chemical pre-treatment was performed using oxalic acid at 25 wt.% and 50 wt.%. Moreover, for mechanical pre-treatments, a rotary homogenizer or a PFI mill refiner were considered. For the mechanical fibrillation to obtain CMNFs, 5 and 15 passes through a pressurized homogenization were considered. The best results of nanofibrillation yield (76.5%), transmittance (72.1%) and surface charges (71.0 µeq/g CMNF) were obtained using the PFI mill refiner, 50 wt.% oxalic acid and 15 passes. Nevertheless, the highest aspect ratio (length/diameter) determined by Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) was found using the PFI mill refiner and 25 wt.% oxalic acid treatment. The aspect ratio was related to the gel point and intrinsic viscosity of CMNF suspensions. The values estimated for gel point agree with those determined by TEM. Moreover, a strong relationship between the intrinsic viscosity [η] of the CMNF dispersions and the corresponding aspect ratio (p) was found (ρ[η] = 0.014 p2.3, R2 = 0.99). Finally, the tensile strength of films obtained from CMNF suspensions was more influenced by the nanofibrillation yield than their aspect ratio.
NaCl-Assisted Chemical Vapor Deposition of Large-Domain Bilayer MoS2 on Soda-Lime Glass
Authors: Gao Qingguo , Chen Lvcheng , Chen Simin , Zhang Zhi , Yang Jianjun , Pan Xinjian , Yi Zichuan , Liu Liming , Chi Feng , Liu Ping , Zhang Chongfu
Published: August 2022

In recent years, two-dimensional molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) has attracted extensive attention in the application field of next-generation electronics. Compared with single-layer MoS2, bilayer MoS2 has higher carrier mobility and has more promising applications for future novel electronic devices. Nevertheless, the large-scale low-cost synthesis of high-quality bilayer MoS2 still has much room for exploration, requiring further research. In this study, bilayer MoS2 crystals grown on soda-lime glass substrate by sodium chloride (NaCl)-assisted chemical vapor deposition (CVD) were reported, the growth mechanism of NaCl in CVD of bilayer MoS2 was analyzed, and the effects of molybdenum trioxide (Mo) mass and growth pressure on the growth of bilayer MoS2 under the assistance of NaCl were further explored. Through characterization with an optical microscope, atomic force microscopy and Raman analyzer, the domain size of bilayer MoS2 prepared by NaCl-assisted CVD was shown to reach 214 μm, which is a 4.2X improvement of the domain size of bilayer MoS2 prepared without NaCl-assisted CVD. Moreover, the bilayer structure accounted for about 85%, which is a 2.1X improvement of bilayer MoS2 prepared without NaCl-assisted CVD. This study provides a meaningful method for the growth of high-quality bilayer MoS2, and promotes the large-scale and low-cost applications of CVD MoS2.
Nanofluids and Nanofluidics
Authors: Murshed S. M. Sohel
Published: August 2022

Both nanofluids and nanofluidics are popular research fields that have attracted tremendous research interest in recent years [...]
Deciding the Criteria Is Not Enough: Moral Issues to Consider for a Fair Allocation of Scarce ICU Resources
Authors: Battisti Davide , Picozzi Mario
Published: August 2022

During the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in Italy, practitioners had to make tragic decisions regarding the allocation of scarce resources in the ICU. The Italian debate has paid a lot of attention to identifying the specific regulatory criteria for the allocation of resources in the ICU; in this paper, however, we argue that deciding such criteria is not enough for the implementation of fair and transparent allocative decisions. In this respect, we discuss three ethical issues: (a) in the Italian context, the treating physician, rather than a separate committee, was generally the one responsible for the allocation decision; (b) although many allocative guidelines have supported moral equivalence between withholding and withdrawing treatments, some health professionals have continued to consider it a morally problematic aspect; and (c) the health workers who have had to make the aforementioned decisions or even only worked in ICU during the pandemic often experienced moral distress. We conclude by arguing that, even if these problems are not directly related to the above-mentioned issues of distributive justice, they can nevertheless directly affect the quality and ethics of the implementation of allocative criteria, regardless of those chosen.
Modest Propositional Contents in Non-Human Animals
Authors: Danón Laura
Published: August 2022

Philosophers have understood propositional contents in many different ways, some of them imposing stricter demands on cognition than others. In this paper, I want to characterize a specific sub-type of propositional content that shares many core features with full-blown propositional contents while lacking others. I will call them modest propositional contents, and I will be especially interested in examining which behavioral patterns would justify their attribution to non-human animals. To accomplish these tasks, I will begin by contrasting modest propositional contents with primitive feature-placing contents: a kind of content that, according to some philosophers, can explain the behavior of non-human animals. I will examine which cognitive abilities are involved in having mental states with each of these contents and which sorts of behavioral patterns would provide evidence that an animal has one of them or another. Finally, I will present some empirical evidence which strongly suggests that some non-human animals have mental states with modest propositional contents.
Assembling Cultural and Natural Values in Vernacular Landscapes: An Experimental Analysis
Authors: Altaba Pablo , García-Esparza Juan A. , Valentín Anna
Published: August 2022

Cultural landscapes can host natural and cultural areas. However, often, this distinction is not clear cut and the attempts to clarify this blur the character of landscapes. Vernacular landscapes today act as a living legacy, subject to transformation, preservation, or abandonment. This study analyses these legacies in order to evaluate elements and interactions. The research uses GIS with spatial and thematic databases of cultural heritage and natural habitats, as well as open data, historical cartography, citizen participation, and fieldwork information sources. In combination with GIS tools, LiDAR images helped in the dataset evaluation process. A priority scale of conservation for different areas was outlined through a process cataloguing the natural and cultural assets with conservation and intervention rubrics. These settings are classified according to their cultural and natural value, conservation, surrounding environment, and potential threats. The experimental methodology of this study aims to add new options for characterising vernacular landscapes by adding soft participatory values to datasets. These prove to be reliable complementary information, improving accuracy.