bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Role of Cellular Metabolism in Maintaining the Function of the Dentine-Pulp Complex: A Narrative Review
Authors: Nijakowski Kacper , Ortarzewska Martyna , Jankowski Jakub , Lehmann Anna , Surdacka Anna
Published: April 2023

The cellular metabolic processes ensure the physiological integrity of the dentine-pulp complex. Odontoblasts and odontoblast-like cells are responsible for the defence mechanisms in the form of tertiary dentine formation. In turn, the main defence reaction of the pulp is the development of inflammation, during which the metabolic and signalling pathways of the cells are significantly altered. The selected dental procedures, such as orthodontic treatment, resin infiltration, resin restorations or dental bleaching, can impact the cellular metabolism in the dental pulp. Among systemic metabolic diseases, diabetes mellitus causes the most consequences for the cellular metabolism of the dentine-pulp complex. Similarly, ageing processes present a proven effect on the metabolic functioning of the odontoblasts and the pulp cells. In the literature, several potential metabolic mediators demonstrating anti-inflammatory properties on inflamed dental pulp are mentioned. Moreover, the pulp stem cells exhibit the regenerative potential essential for maintaining the function of the dentine-pulp complex.
Optimization of Phenolic Compounds Extraction and Antioxidant Activity from Inonotus hispidus Using Ultrasound-Assisted Extraction Technology
Authors: Machado-Carvalho Liliana , Martins Tânia , Aires Alfredo , Marques Guilhermina
Published: April 2023

The use of ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) of bioactive compounds has been increasing because it is a good alternative to the conventional extraction methods. UAE was used to maximize total polyphenol content (TPC), 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging capacity, and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) of the mushroom Inonotus hispidus using response surface methodology (RSM). Firstly, the effect of 40% (v/v) ethanol and 80% (v/v) methanol on the TPC, DPPH scavenging capacity, and FRAP was evaluated. The ethanolic extracts showed a significantly higher (p < 0.0001) TPC, DPPH scavenging capacity, and FRAP than the methanolic extracts. The best condition to produce an extract with the higher TPC and antioxidant activity was achieved when using 40% (v/v) ethanol, a ratio of 75 mL/g, and an extraction time of 20 min. The chromatographic profile of the extract obtained in the optimized condition revealed that hispidin is the main polyphenol present in the extracts of I. hispidus, representing, together with hispidin-like compounds, the majority of the phenolic compounds (159.56 µg/g DW out of 219.01 µg/g DW). The model allowed us to optimize the conditions to maximize the extraction of phenolic compounds with antioxidant activity from I. hispidus, demonstrating its potential as a source of antioxidant compounds, with possible industrial, pharmaceutical, and food applications.
Unexpected Value of Honey Color for Prediction of a Non-Enzymatic H2O2 Production and Honey Antibacterial Activity: A Perspective
Authors: Brudzynski Katrina
Published: April 2023

Hydrogen peroxide is the principal antibacterial compound of honey and its concentration determines honey bacteriostatic (MIC) and bactericidal (MBC) potencies. Levels of H2O2 produced are highly relevant to honey therapeutic potential, but they vary extensively among honey with reasons not immediately apparent. According to a traditional view, H2O2 is produced as a by-product of glucose oxidation by the honey bee enzyme, glucose oxidase; however, significant levels of H2O2 could be produced in a non-enzymatic way via polyphenol autooxidation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential for such an alternative pathway by re-examining evidence from many experimental and correlative studies in order to identify factors and compounds required for pro-oxidant activity. Unexpectedly, the color intensity was found to be the main indicator separating honey varieties based on the quantitative differences in the polyphenolic content, antioxidant activity and the content of transition metals, Fe, Cu and Mn, the main factors required for pro-oxidant effects. The color-impeding polyphenolics and their oxidation products (semiquinones and quinones) further contributed to color development through multiple chemical conjugations with proteins, phenolic oxidative polymerization, chelation or the reduction of metal ions. Moreover, quinones, as an intrinsic part of polyphenol redox activity, play an active role in the formation of higher-order structures, melanoidins and colloids in honey. The latter structures are also known to chelate metal ions, potentially contributing to H2O2 production. Thus, the color intensity appears as a major parameter that integrates polyphenol-dependent pro-oxidant reactions resulting in H2O2 generation.
Longitudinal Evaluation Using Preclinical 7T-Magnetic Resonance Imaging/Spectroscopy on Prenatally Dose-Dependent Alcohol-Exposed Rats
Authors: Nakano Tensei , Natsuyama Tomohiro , Tsuji Naoki , Katayama Nanami , Ueda Junpei , Saito Shigeyoshi
Published: April 2023

Prenatal alcohol exposure causes many detrimental alcohol-induced defects in children, collectively known as fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD). This study aimed to evaluate a rat model of FASD, in which alcohol was administered at progressively increasing doses during late pregnancy, using preclinical magnetic resonance (MR) imaging (MRI) and MR spectroscopy (MRS). Wistar rats were orally administered 2.5 mL/day of ethanol (25% concentration) on gestational day 15, and postnatal fetuses were used as FASD models. Four groups were used: a control group (non-treatment group) and three groups of FASD model rats that received one, two, or four doses of ethanol, respectively, during the embryonic period. Body weight was measured every other week until eight weeks of age. MRI and MRS were performed at 4 and 8 weeks of age. The volume of each brain region was measured using acquired T2-weighted images. At 4 weeks of age, body weight and cortex volume were significantly lower in the three FASD model groups (2.5 × 1: 304 ± 6 mm3, p < 0.05; 2.5 × 2: 302 ± 8 mm3, p < 0.01; 2.5 × 4: 305 ± 6 mm3, p < 0.05) than they were in the non-treatment group (non-treatment: 313 ± 6 mm3). The FASD model group that received four doses of alcohol (2.5 × 4: 0.72 ± 0.09, p < 0.05) had lower Taurine/Cr values than the non-treatment group did (non-treatment: 0.91 ± 0.15), an effect that continued at 8 weeks of age (non-treatment: 0.63 ± 0.09; 2.5 × 4: 0.52 ± 0.09, p < 0.05). This study is the first to assess brain metabolites and volume over time using MRI and MRS. Decreases in brain volume and taurine levels were observed at 4 and 8 weeks of age, suggesting that the effects of alcohol persisted beyond adulthood.
A Simulation Study of Triband Low SAR Wearable Antenna
Authors: Abdulkawi Wazie M. , Masood Asad , Nizam-Uddin N. , Alnakhli Mohammad
Published: April 2023

The proposed paper presents a flexible antenna that is capable of operating in several frequency bands, namely 2.45 GHz, 5.8 GHz, and 8 GHz. The first two frequency bands are frequently utilized in industrial, scientific, and medical (ISM) as well as wireless local area network (WLAN) applications, whereas the third frequency band is associated with X-band applications. The antenna, with dimensions of 52 mm × 40 mm (0.79 λ × 0.61 λ), was designed using a 1.8 mm thick flexible kapton polyimide substrate with a permittivity of 3.5. Using CST Studio Suite, full-wave electromagnetic simulations were conducted, and the proposed design achieved a reflection coefficient below −10 dB for the intended frequency bands. Additionally, the proposed antenna achieves an efficiency value of up to 83% and appropriate values of gain in the desired frequency bands. In order to quantify the specific absorption rate (SAR), simulations were conducted by mounting the proposed antenna on a three-layered phantom. The SAR1g values recorded for the frequency bands of 2.45 GHz, 5.8 GHz, and 8 GHz were 0.34, 1.45, and 1.57 W/Kg respectively. These SAR values were observed to be significantly lower than the 1.6 W/Kg threshold set by the Federal Communication Commission (FCC). Moreover, the performance of the antenna was evaluated by simulating various deformation tests.
Analysis of Homogeneous/Heterogeneous Reactions in an Electrohydrodynamic Environment Utilizing the Second Law
Authors: Aslam Farida , Noreen Saima , Afridi Muhammad Idrees , Qasim Muhammad
Published: April 2023

In this study, we investigate what happens to entropy in the presence of electrokinetic phenomena. It is speculated that the microchannel has an asymmetrical and slanted configuration. The presence of fluid friction, mixed convection, Joule heating, presence and absence of homogeneity, and a magnetic field are modelled mathematically. It is also emphasized that the diffusion factors of the autocatalyst and the reactants are equal. The governing flow equations are linearized using the Debye–Huckel and lubrication assumptions. The resulting nonlinear couple differential equations are solved using the program’s integrated numerical solver, Mathematica. We take a graphical look at the results of homogeneous and heterogeneous reactions and talk about what we see. It has been demonstrated that homogeneous and heterogeneous reaction parameters affect concentration distribution f in different ways. The Eyring–Powell fluid parameters B1 and B2 display an opposite relation with the velocity, temperature, entropy generation number, and Bejan number. The mass Grashof number, the Joule heating parameter, and the viscous dissipation parameter all contribute to the overall increase in fluid temperature and entropy.
Clostridium butyricum Strain MIYAIRI 588 (CBM588) as a Precision Probiotic Therapy in the Ketogenic Diet: A Possible Application?
Authors: Bertuccioli Alexander , Cardinali Marco , Zonzini Giordano , Neri Marco , Palazzi Chiara Maria , Gregoretti Aurora , Cazzaniga Massimiliano , Di Pierro Francesco
Published: April 2023

The ketogenic diet has proven to be effective in many recent studies not only as a weight-losing strategy but also as a valuable add-on therapy in medical conditions such as diabetes and epilepsy. Additionally, frequent conditions such as autism spectrum disorders and Alzheimer disease could have a benefit derived from ketogenic diet metabolic changes. Many of these benefits could be driven by an intestinal microbiota change. While the effects of a ketogenic diet on microbiota should still be thoroughly clarified, as most studies observe an increase in bacterial strains considered neuroprotective such as Akkermansia muciniphila, with a concomitant reduction in some pathogenic strains such as Salmonella spp. it is important to highlight how many studies show a reduction in butyrate-producing strains, leading to a colonic proinflammatory state with increased intestinal permeability and an increase in pathogenic bacterial strains. The Clostridium butyricum strain MIYAIRI 588 (CBM588) is a butyrate-producing strain that was recently approved for human use in Europe due to its safety and effectiveness. The beneficial effect of CBM588 on the human colon could derive from a mucosal layer thickness increase and mucosal immune cell regulation, leading to a reduction in diarrhea and mucosal damage. Additionally, CBM588 could improve systemic insulin sensitivity and reduce the splanchnic organ inflammatory state. Therefore, CBM588 is a bacterial strain that should be considered an add-on when following a ketogenic diet, leading to a reduction in some of the potential gastrointestinal side effects and improving weight management through increased insulin sensitivity and the optimization of the lipid metabolism.
Drug Resistance: An Incessant Fight against Evolutionary Strategies of Survival
Authors: Ramos-Martín Francisco , D’Amelio Nicola
Published: April 2023

The inherent capacity of all organisms to evolve under selective pressure has created multidrug-resistant microbes and cells that are now threatening decades of progress in human health introduced by the advent of antibiotics. This resistance is developed by all pathogens, from bacteria to cancer cells, through fungi, parasites, or the seemingly simpler entities, i.e., viruses. In this review, we give an overview on this phenomenon, describing the mechanisms by which resistant organisms manage to evade the action of drugs. We also review existing therapies, including some of the most recent. This bibliographic review shows how, despite the encouraging progress that has been achieved in many areas, a permanent effort from scientists is necessary and will always be needed in order to compensate for the continuous microbial response intrinsically linked to the evolutionary process.
The Effects of Antiperspirant Aluminum Chlorohydrate on the Development of Antibiotic Resistance in Staphylococcus epidermidis
Authors: Aras Ayse , Rizvanoglu Suna Sibel , Tanriverdi Elif Seren , Karaca Basar , Eryilmaz Mujde
Published: April 2023

This study investigates the effects of the antiperspirant aluminum chlorohydrate on the development of antibiotic resistance in commensal Staphylococcus epidermidis isolates. The isolates were exposed to aluminum chlorohydrate for 30 days. The bacteria that developed resistance to oxacillin and ciprofloxacin were isolated, and the expression levels of some antibiotic resistance genes were determined using quantitative reverse transcriptase PCR. Before and after exposure, the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values of the bacteria were determined using the microdilution method. A time-dependent increase was observed in the number of bacteria that developed resistance and increased MIC values. Consistent with the ciprofloxacin resistance observed after exposure, an increase in norA, norB/C, gyrA, gyrB, parC, and parE gene expression was observed. In addition to aluminum chlorohydrate exposure, oxacillin resistance was observed in all test bacteria in the group only subcultured in the medium, suggesting that phenotypic resistance cannot be correlated with chemical exposure in light of these data. The increase in mecA gene expression in selected test bacteria that acquired resistance to oxacillin after exposure compared with control groups suggests that the observed resistance may have been related to aluminum chlorohydrate exposure. To our knowledge, this is the first time in the literature that the effects of aluminum chlorohydrate as an antiperspirant on the development of antibiotic resistance in Staphylococcus epidermidis have been reported.
Information Scale Correction for Varying Length Amplicons Improves Eukaryotic Microbiome Data Integration
Authors: Zhou Tong , Zhao Feng , Xu Kuidong
Published: April 2023

The integration and reanalysis of big data provide valuable insights into microbiome studies. However, the significant difference in information scale between amplicon data poses a key challenge in data analysis. Therefore, reducing batch effects is crucial to enhance data integration for large-scale molecular ecology data. To achieve this, the information scale correction (ISC) step, involving cutting different length amplicons into the same sub-region, is essential. In this study, we used the Hidden Markov model (HMM) method to extract 11 different 18S rRNA gene v4 region amplicon datasets with 578 samples in total. The length of the amplicons ranged from 344 bp to 720 bp, depending on the primer position. By comparing the information scale correction of amplicons with varying lengths, we explored the extent to which the comparability between samples decreases with increasing amplicon length. Our method was shown to be more sensitive than V-Xtractor, the most popular tool for performing ISC. We found that near-scale amplicons exhibited no significant change after ISC, while larger-scale amplicons exhibited significant changes. After the ISC treatment, the similarity among the data sets improved, especially for long amplicons. Therefore, we recommend adding ISC processing when integrating big data, which is crucial for unlocking the full potential of microbial community studies and advancing our knowledge of microbial ecology.
The Preventive Effects of Probiotic Prevotella histicola on the Bone Loss of Mice with Ovariectomy-Mediated Osteoporosis
Authors: Zhang Yuan-Wei , Cao Mu-Min , Li Ying-Juan , Sheng Ren-Wang , Zhang Ruo-Lan , Wu Meng-Ting , Chi Jia-Yu , Zhou Rui-Xin , Rui Yun-Feng
Published: April 2023

It has been demonstrated that the disturbance of gut microbiota (GM) is closely related to the reduction of bone mass and incidence of osteoporosis (OP). The aim of this study is to investigate whether the supplementation of Prevotella histicola (Ph) can prevent the bone loss in mice with ovariectomy (OVX)-mediated OP, and further explore relevant mechanisms. Regular (once a day for 8 consecutive weeks) and quantitative (200 µL/d) perfusion of Ph (the bacteria that orally gavaged) was conducted starting from 1 week after the construction of mice models. Bone mass and bone microstructure were detected by Micro-computed tomography (Micro-CT). Expressions of intestinal permeability, pro-inflammatory cytokines, and osteogenic and osteoclastic activities of mice were analyzed by histological staining and immunohistochemistry (IHC). 16S rRNA high throughput sequencing technique was applied to analyze the alterations of composition, abundance, and diversity of collected feces. Regular and quantitative perfusion of Ph mitigated the bone loss in mice with OVX-mediated OP. Compared with OVX + PBS group, perfusion of Ph repressed osteoclastogenesis and promoted osteogenesis, reduced release of pro-inflammatory cytokine cytokines (interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α)), and reversed expressions of tight junction proteins (zonula occludens protein 1 (ZO-1) and Occludin). Besides, the perfusion of Ph improved the composition, abundance, and diversity of GM. Collectively, this study revealed that regular and quantitative perfusion of Ph can improve the bone loss in mice with OVX-mediated OP by repairing intestinal mucosal barrier damage, optimizing intestinal permeability, inhibiting release of pro-osteoclastogenic cytokines, and improving disturbance of GM.
Urinary Tract Infections in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, a Review
Authors: Sula Idris , Alreshidi Mateq Ali , Alnasr Najah , Hassaneen Ahmad M. , Saquib Nazmus
Published: April 2023

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are among the most common infections and are associated with an increased rate of antimicrobial resistance in Saudi Arabia. Better knowledge of the most common pathogens and their antimicrobial resistance patterns will be useful for creating new treatment guidelines. PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Google Scholar were searched using suitable keywords to identify UTI publications until November 2022. Eligible studies were selected and analyzed. A total of 110 records were found, but only 58 articles were analyzed. Most studies were retrospective, and just a few were cross-sectional or prospective. The majority of the studies were conducted in the central region followed by the Eastern region. Escherichia coli and Klebsiella spp. were the most common pathogens. There was a significant resistance rate against co-trimoxazole and ciprofloxacin. On the other hand, amikacin was one of the most effective antibiotics. Overall, only a few studies have been published on UTIs in Saudi Arabia. Moreover, not all regions have been represented, so the full scope of the issue is unknown. UTIs are still a major problem, and resistance has developed against commonly used antibiotics. Thus, large epidemiological studies are needed to battle the rapid emergence of antimicrobial resistance.
Selecting 16S rRNA Primers for Microbiome Analysis in a Host–Microbe System: The Case of the Jellyfish Rhopilema nomadica
Authors: Barak Noga , Fadeev Eduard , Brekhman Vera , Aharonovich Dikla , Lotan Tamar , Sher Daniel
Published: April 2023

Amplicon sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene is extensively used to characterize bacterial communities, including those living in association with eukaryotic hosts. Deciding which region of the 16S rRNA gene to analyze and selecting the appropriate PCR primers remains a major decision when initiating any new microbiome study. Based on a detailed literature survey of studies focusing on cnidarian microbiomes, we compared three commonly used primers targeting different hypervariable regions of the 16S rRNA gene, V1V2, V3V4, and V4V5, using the jellyfish Rhopilema nomadica as a model. Although all primers exhibit a similar pattern in bacterial community composition, the performance of the V3V4 primer set was superior to V1V2 and V4V5. The V1V2 primers misclassified bacteria from the Bacilli class and exhibited low classification resolution for Rickettsiales, which represent the second most abundant 16S rRNA gene sequence in all the primers. The V4V5 primer set detected almost the same community composition as the V3V4, but the ability of these primers to also amplify the eukaryotic 18S rRNA gene may hinder bacterial community observations. However, after overcoming the challenges possessed by each one of those primers, we found that all three of them show very similar bacterial community dynamics and compositions. Nevertheless, based on our results, we propose that the V3V4 primer set is potentially the most suitable for studying jellyfish-associated bacterial communities. Our results suggest that, at least for jellyfish samples, it may be feasible to directly compare microbial community estimates from different studies, each using different primers but otherwise similar experimental protocols. More generally, we recommend specifically testing different primers for each new organism or system as a prelude to large-scale 16S rRNA gene amplicon analyses, especially of previously unstudied host–microbe associations.
Cretaceous Changes of Strike-Slip Tectonics on the North Pacific Margins: Implications for the Earth’s Rotation
Authors: Nechaev Victor P. , Sutherland Frederick L. , Nechaeva Eugenia V.
Published: April 2023

This study reviews the Meso–Cenozoic tectonic paleo-reconstructions for the East Asian and western North American continental margins, focusing on strike-slip tectonics. It follows previous studies by the present and other authors, which investigated the Cretaceous turn of geological evolution (CTGE). They largely studied significant changes in the Earth’s mineralization, magmatism and climate. The present study focuses on significant changes related to the Earth’s rotation velocity. This question is significant not only for fundamental science, but also for applied geology, because CTGE is marked by abundant ore and energetic resources. The results show domination of sinistral shearing on the NE-oriented Asian margin during the pre-early Cretaceous time that turned to significant development of dextral movements in the mid Cretaceous–Cenozoic time. On the NW-oriented American margin, significant development of sinistral movements in the pre-early Cretaceous time turned to domination of dextral shearing during late Cretaceous and Cenozoic. These tectonic changes indicate the transition of the Earth’s rotation from the accelerating towards decelerating regime after CTGE (135–120 Ma). This change may be caused by the transition of the Earth’ mass to, and then, away from the polar regions, the processes being related to melting and freezing of the ice caps.
Mechanical Model for Calculating Surface Movement Related to Open-Pit and Underground Caving Combined Mining
Authors: Ma Kai , Yang Tianhong , Zhao Yong , Gao Yuan , He Rongxing , Liu Yilong , Hou Junxu , Li Jinduo
Published: April 2023

Surface movement under the combined mining of open-pit and underground caving is the main problem affecting safe and efficient mining. Taking the combined mining of Dahongshan Iron Mine as an example, a mechanical model for calculating surface movement range was established to reveal the movement mechanism. The topography, the caving zone, the gravel filling of the caving zone and mining depth were considered, and the surface principal stress was calculated. Based on the mechanical model, the mechanical relationship between the subsidence angle and the surface cracking range was established and the definition of subsidence angle was supplemented: the subsidence angle is the angle measured from the horizontal of the moving boundary line, a straight line with zero displacement from the edge of the deepest extraction level to the surface and the largest surface cracking range. A trial calculation method for calculating the subsidence angle was proposed: by presetting different subsidence angles, the subsidence angle corresponding to the maximum surface prone cracking range calculated by mechanical model was found as the real subsidence angle. The subsidence angle calculated by the mechanical model was 60°, consistent with the observed subsidence angle of 64° in the Dahongshan Iron Mine, which verifies the reliability of the model.
14-Substituted Diquinothiazines as a New Group of Anticancer Agents
Authors: Jeleń Małgorzata , Pluta Krystian , Szmielew Małgorzata , Morak-Młodawska Beata , Herman Kinga , Giercuszkiewicz Klaudia , Kasprzycka Anna , Skonieczna Magdalena
Published: April 2023

A series of novel double-angularly condensed diquinothiazines with aminoalkyl, amidoalkyl, sulfonamidoalkyl, and substituted phenyl groups was designed, synthesized, and evaluated for their anticancer activity against four selected human tumor cell lines (HTC116, SH-SY5Y, A549, and H1299). The cytotoxicity of the novel diquinothiazines was investigated against BEAS-2B cells. The activities of the compounds were compared to etoposide. Among them, compounds with aminoalkyl and phenyl groups showed excellent broad-spectrum anticancer activity. The most active 14-(methylthiophenyl)diquinothiazine, 3c, showed low cytotoxicity against BEAS-2B cells and high activity against tumor cell lines HTC116, SH-SY5Y, A549, and H1299, with IC50 values of 2.3 µM, 2.7 µM, 17.2 µM, and 2.7 µM, respectively (etopiside 8.6 µM, 3.9 µM, 44.8 µM, and 0.6, respectively). Live long-term microscopic observations of cell survival using the starting molecule M0 were also performed. Flow cytometry showed the proapoptotic effects of the studied diquinothiazines. Inhibition of the cell cycle in the S phase was observed, which is associated with damage to nucleic acids and connected to DNA replication arrest.
Probing the Demulsification Mechanism of Emulsion with SPAN Series Based on the Effect of Solid Phase Particles
Authors: Cheng Qingchao , Cao Guangsheng , Bai Yujie , Zhu Zhixuan , Zhang Ning , Li Dongju
Published: April 2023

The solid particles in the produced fluids from the oil wells treated by compound flooding can greatly stabilize the strength of the interfacial film and enhance the stability of the emulsion, increasing the difficulty of processing these produced fluids on the ground. In this paper, the oil phase and the water phase were separated from the SPAN series emulsions by electrical dehydration technology and adding demulsifier agents. The changing trends of the current at both ends of the electrodes were recorded during the process. The efficient demulsification of the emulsion containing solid particles was studied from the perspective of oil-water separation mechanisms. Combined with the method of molecular dynamics simulation, the effect of the addition of a demulsifier on the free movement characteristics of crude oil molecules at the position of the liquid film of the emulsion were further analyzed. The results indicated that the presence of solid particles greatly increased the emulsifying ability of the emulsion and reduced its size. Under the synergistic effect of demulsifier and electric dehydration, the demulsification effect of the emulsion increased significantly, and the demulsification rate could reach more than 82%. The addition of demulsifiers changed the stable surface state of the solid particles. The free movement ability of the surrounding crude oil molecules was enhanced, which led to a decrease in the strength of the emulsion film so that the water droplets in the emulsions were more likely to coalesce and break. These results are of great significance for the efficient treatment of wastewater from oilfields, promoting the sustainability of environment-friendly oilfield development.
Optimization of Medium Constituents for the Production of Citric Acid from Waste Glycerol Using the Central Composite Rotatable Design of Experiments
Authors: Książek Ewelina Ewa , Janczar-Smuga Małgorzata , Pietkiewicz Jerzy Jan , Walaszczyk Ewa
Published: April 2023

Citric acid is currently produced by submerged fermentation of sucrose with the aid of Aspergillus niger mold. Its strains are characterized by a high yield of citric acid biosynthesis and no toxic by-products. Currently, new substrates are sought for production of citric acid by submerged fermentation. Waste materials such as glycerol or pomace could be used as carbon sources in the biosynthesis of citric acid. Due to the complexity of the metabolic state in fungus, there is an obvious need to optimize the important medium constituents to enhance the accumulation of desired product. Potential optimization approach is a statistical method, such as the central composite rotatable design (CCRD). The aim of this study was to increase the yield of citric acid biosynthesis by Aspergillus niger PD-66 in media with waste glycerol as the carbon source. A mathematical method was used to optimize the culture medium composition for the biosynthesis of citric acid. In order to maximize the efficiency of the biosynthesis of citric acid the central composite, rotatable design was used. Waste glycerol and ammonium nitrate were identified as significant variables which highly influenced the final concentration of citric acid (Y1), volumetric rate of citric acid biosynthesis (Y2), and yield of citric acid biosynthesis (Y3). These variables were subsequently optimized using a central composite rotatable design. Optimal values of input variables were determined using the method of the utility function. The highest utility value of 0.88 was obtained by the following optimal set of conditions: waste glycerol—114.14 g∙L−1and NH4NO3—2.85 g∙L−1.
An Overview on Fecal Profiles of Amino Acids and Related Amino-Derived Compounds in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder in Tunisia
Authors: Chamtouri Mariem , Merghni Abderrahmen , Salazar Nuria , Redruello Begoña , Gaddour Naoufel , Mastouri Maha , Arboleya Silvia , de los Reyes-Gavilán Clara G.
Published: April 2023

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental pathology characterized by the impairment of social interaction, difficulties in communication, and repetitive behaviors. Alterations in the metabolism of amino acids have been reported. We performed a chromatographic analysis of fecal amino acids, ammonium, biogenic amines, and gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA) in Tunisian autistic children from 4 to 10 years, and results were compared with their siblings (SIB) and children from the general population (GP). ASD presented significantly higher levels of fecal amino acids than SIB and GP; differences being more pronounced in younger (4–7 years) than in older (8–10 years) individuals whereas no changes were found for the remaining compounds. Lower levels of histidine were the only difference related with severe symptoms of autism (CARS scale). A linear discriminant analysis (LDA) based on fecal amino acid profiles clearly separated ASD, SIB, and GP at 4 to 7 years but not at more advanced age (8–10 years), evidencing more pronounced alterations in younger children. The relationship of fecal amino acids with autism needs deeper research integrating blood analytical parameters, brain metabolism, and intestinal microbiota. Fecal amino acids could be targeted for designing personalized diets to prevent or minimize cognitive impairments associated with ASD.
Chemical Bonding and Dynamic Structural Fluxionality of a Boron-Based Na5B7 Sandwich Cluster
Authors: Han Peng-Fei , Wang Ying-Jin , Feng Lin-Yan , Gao Shu-Juan , Sun Qiang , Zhai Hua-Jin
Published: April 2023

Doping alkali metals into boron clusters can effectively compensate for the intrinsic electron deficiency of boron and lead to interesting boron-based binary clusters, owing to the small electronegativity of the former elements. We report on the computational design of a three-layered sandwich cluster, Na5B7, on the basis of global-minimum (GM) searches and electronic structure calculations. It is shown that the Na5B7 cluster can be described as a charge-transfer complex: [Na4]2+[B7]3−[Na]+. In this sandwich cluster, the [B7]3− core assumes a molecular wheel in shape and features in-plane hexagonal coordination. The magic 6π/6σ double aromaticity underlies the stability of the [B7]3− molecular wheel, following the (4n + 2) Hückel rule. The tetrahedral Na4 ligand in the sandwich has a [Na4]2+ charge-state, which is the simplest example of three-dimensional aromaticity, spherical aromaticity, or superatom. Its 2σ electron counting renders σ aromaticity for the ligand. Overall, the sandwich cluster has three-fold 6π/6σ/2σ aromaticity. Molecular dynamics simulation shows that the sandwich cluster is dynamically fluxional even at room temperature, with a negligible energy barrier for intramolecular twisting between the B7 wheel and the Na4 ligand. The Na5B7 cluster offers a new example for dynamic structural fluxionality in molecular systems.
In situ Electrochemical Evaluation of the Interaction of dsDNA with the Proteasome Inhibitor Anticancer Drug Bortezomib
Authors: Bunea Mihaela-Cristina , Enache Teodor Adrian , Diculescu Victor Constantin
Published: April 2023

Bortezomib is an inhibitor of proteasomes and an anti-cancer drug. Although bortezomib is considered a safe drug, as confirmed by cytotoxicity assays, recent reports highlighted the possibility of interaction between bortezomib and cellular components, with detrimental long-term effects. The evaluation of the interaction between bortezomib and dsDNA was investigated in bulk solution and using a dsDNA electrochemical biosensor. The binding of bortezomib to dsDNA involved its electroactive centers and led to small morphological modifications in the dsDNA double helix, which were electrochemically identified through changes in the guanine and adenine residue oxidation peaks and confirmed by electrophoretic and spectrophotometric measurements. The redox product of bortezomib amino group oxidation was electrochemically generated in situ on the surface of the dsDNA electrochemical biosensor. The redox product of bortezomib was shown to interact primarily with guanine residues, preventing their oxidation and leading to the formation of bortezomib–guanine adducts, which was confirmed by control experiments with polyhomonucleotides electrochemical biosensors and mass spectrometry. An interaction mechanism between dsDNA and bortezomib is proposed, and the formation of the bortezomib redox product–guanine adduct explained.
Two Cases of Myofibrillar Myopathies: Genetic and Quality of Life Study
Authors: Angelini Corrado , Ceolin Chiara , Rodriguez Alicia Aurora , Nigro Vincenzo
Published: April 2023

We describe two cases of myofibrillar myopathies, due to different gene mutations. The first was a girl with cardiomyopathy and sensory axonal neuropathy that underwent cardiac transplantation at 15 years and suffers from rotatory scoliosis due to BAG3 mutation. The second is a male patient, with evident limb-girdle weakness since age 3. Two muscle biopsies were performed at ages 3 and 15, with muscle MRI, and LDB3 gene sequence analysis also carried out. Muscle biopsies revealed the presence of dystrophic changes in the first biopsy and myopathic abnormalities in the second, and the MRI images of the lower limbs showed an asymmetrical involvement in the thigh of quadriceps muscles and in the calf of gastrocnemius muscles. The patient was responsive to treatment with an intermittent steroid regimen and muscle-strengthening exercises. Considerations on both muscle–bone interaction and psychological and socioeconomic conditions are carried out for both cases.
Efficient mRNA Delivery with Lyophilized Human Serum Albumin-Based Nanobubbles
Authors: Kida Hiroshi , Yamasaki Yutaro , Feril Jr. Loreto B. , Endo Hitomi , Itaka Keiji , Tachibana Katsuro
Published: April 2023

In this study, we developed an efficient mRNA delivery vehicle by optimizing a lyophilization method for preserving human serum albumin-based nanobubbles (HSA-NBs), bypassing the need for artificial stabilizers. The morphology of the lyophilized material was verified using scanning electron microscopy, and the concentration, size, and mass of regenerated HSA-NBs were verified using flow cytometry, nanoparticle tracking analysis, and resonance mass measurements, and compared to those before lyophilization. The study also evaluated the response of HSA-NBs to 1 MHz ultrasound irradiation and their ultrasound (US) contrast effect. The functionality of the regenerated HSA-NBs was confirmed by an increased expression of intracellularly transferred Gluc mRNA, with increasing intensity of US irradiation. The results indicated that HSA-NBs retained their structural and functional integrity markedly, post-lyophilization. These findings support the potential of lyophilized HSA-NBs, as efficient imaging, and drug delivery systems for various medical applications.
Poly(lactic acid)/Plasticizer/Nano-Silica Ternary Systems: Properties Evolution and Effects on Degradation Rate
Authors: Capuano Roberta , Avolio Roberto , Castaldo Rachele , Cocca Mariacristina , Dal Poggetto Giovanni , Gentile Gennaro , Errico Maria Emanuela
Published: April 2023

Plasticized nanocomposites based on poly(lactic acid) have been prepared by melt mixing following a two-step approach, adding two different oligomeric esters of lactic acid (OLAs) as plasticizers and fumed silica nanoparticles. The nanocomposites maintained a remarkable elongation at break in the presence of the nanoparticles, with no strong effects on modulus and strength. Measuring thermo-mechanical properties as a function of aging time revealed a progressive deterioration of properties, with the buildup of phase separation, related to the nature of the plasticizer. Materials containing hydroxyl-terminated OLA showed a higher stability of properties upon aging. On the contrary, a synergistic effect of the acid-terminated plasticizer and silica nanoparticles was pointed out, inducing an accelerated hydrolytic degradation of PLA: materials at high silica content exhibited a marked brittleness and a dramatic decrease of molecular weight after 16 weeks of aging.
Impact of Proton Irradiation on Medium Density Polyethylene/Carbon Nanocomposites for Space Shielding Applications
Authors: Zaccardi Federica , Toto Elisa , Rastogi Shreya , La Saponara Valeria , Santonicola Maria Gabriella , Laurenzi Susanna
Published: April 2023

The development of novel materials with improved radiation shielding capability is a fundamental step towards the optimization of passive radiation countermeasures. Polyethylene (PE) nanocomposites filled with carbon nanotubes (CNT) or graphene nanoplatelets (GNP) can be a good compromise for maintaining the radiation shielding properties of the hydrogen-rich polymer while endowing the material with multifunctional properties. In this work, nanocomposite materials based on medium-density polyethylene (MDPE) loaded with different amounts of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT), GNPs, and hybrid MWCNT/GNP nanofillers were fabricated, and their properties were examined before and after proton exposure. The effects of irradiation were evaluated in terms of modifications in the chemical and physical structure, wettability, and surface morphology of the nanocomposites. The aim of this work was to define and compare the MDPE-based nanocomposite behavior under proton irradiation in order to establish the best system for applications as space shielding materials.
Amplifying the Output of a Triboelectric Nanogenerator Using an Intermediary Layer of Gallium-Based Liquid Metal Particles
Authors: Kim Jong Hyeok , Kim Ju-Hyung , Seo Soonmin
Published: April 2023

The production of energy has become a major issue in today’s world. Triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) are promising devices that can harvest mechanical energy and convert it into electrical energy. This study explored the use of Galinstan particles in the production of TENGs, which convert mechanical energy into electrical energy. During the curing process, the evaporation of the hexane solvent resulted in a film with varying concentrations of Galinstan particles. The addition of n-hexane during ultrasonication reduced the viscosity of the polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) solution, allowing for the liquid metal (LM) particles to be physically pulverized into smaller pieces. The particle size distribution of the film with a Galinstan concentration of 23.08 wt.% was measured to be within a few micrometers through ultrasonic crushing. As the amount of LM particles in the PDMS film increased, the capacitance of the film also increased, with the LM/PDMS film with a 23.08% weight percentage exhibiting the highest capacitance value. TENGs were created using LM/PDMS films with different weight percentages and tested for open-circuit voltage, short-circuit current, and charge amount Q. The TENG with an LM/PDMS film with a 23.08% weight percentage had the highest relative permittivity, resulting in the greatest voltage, current, and charge amount. The use of Galinstan particles in PDMS films has potential applications in wearable devices, sensors, and biomedical fields.
Two-Dimensional Sb Modified TiO2 Nanorod Arrays as Photoanodes for Efficient Solar Water Splitting
Authors: Gao Jie , Zhang Shengqi , Ma Xiaoqing , Sun Yi , Zhang Xiaoyan
Published: April 2023

As one of the widely studied semiconductor materials, titanium dioxide (TiO2) exhibits high photoelectrochemical (PEC) water-splitting performance as well as high chemical and photo stability. However, limited by a wide band gap and fast electron-hole recombination rate, the low solar-to-hydrogen conversion efficiency remains a bottleneck for the practical application of TiO2-based photoelectrodes. To improve the charge separation and water oxidation efficiency of TiO2 photoanodes, antimonene, a two-dimensional (2D) material obtained by liquid-phase exfoliation, was assembled onto TiO2 nanorod arrays (TNRAs) by a simple drop-coating assembly process. PEC measurements showed that the resulting 2D Sb/TiO2 photoelectrode displayed an enhanced photocurrent density of about 1.32 mA cm−2 in 1.0 M KOH at 0.3 V vs. Hg/HgO, which is ~1.65 times higher than that of the pristine TNRAs. Through UV-Vis absorption and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy measurements, it was possible to ascribe the enhanced PEC performances of the 2D Sb/TiO2 photoanode to increased absorption intensity in the visible light region, and improved interfacial charge-transfer kinetics in the 2D Sb/TiO2 heterojunction, which promotes electron-hole separation, transfer, and collection.
LncRNA PNKY Is Upregulated in Breast Cancer and Promotes Cell Proliferation and EMT in Breast Cancer Cells
Authors: Hakiminia Forough , Jannat Alipoor Firooz , Keshavarz Mostafa , Asadi Malek Hossein
Published: April 2023

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are known to be important regulators in different cellular processes and are implicated in various human diseases. Recently, lncRNA PNKY has been found to be involved in pluripotency and differentiation of embryonic and postnatal neural stem cells (NSCs); however, its expression and function in cancer cells is still unclear. In the present study, we observed the expression of PNKY in various cancer tissues, including brain, breast, colorectal, and prostate cancers. In particular, we demonstrated that lncRNA PNKY was significantly upregulated in breast tumors, especially high-grade tumors. Knock down experiments indicated that the suppression of PNKY in breast cancer cells could restrict their proliferation by promoting apoptosis, senescence, and cell cycle disruption. Moreover, the results demonstrated that PNKY may play a crucial role in the cell migration of breast cancer cells. We further found that PNKY may trigger EMT in breast cancer cells by upregulating miR-150 and restricting the expression of Zeb1 and Snail. This study is the first to provide new evidence on the expression and biological function of PNKY in cancer cells and its potential contribution to tumor growth and metastasis.
The Obesity Paradox and Mortality in Older Adults: A Systematic Review
Authors: Dramé Moustapha , Godaert Lidvine
Published: April 2023

“Obesity paradox” describes the counterintuitive finding that aged overweight and obese people with a particular disease may have better outcomes than their normal weight or underweight counterparts. This systematic review was performed to summarize the publications related to the obesity paradox in older adults, to gain an in-depth understanding of this phenomenon. PubMed©, Embase©, and Scopus© were used to perform literature search for all publications up to 20 March 2022. Studies were included if they reported data from older adults on the relation between BMI and mortality. The following article types were excluded from the study: reviews, editorials, correspondence, and case reports and case series. Publication year, study setting, medical condition, study design, sample size, age, and outcome(s) were extracted. This review has been registered with PROSPERO (no. CRD42021289015). Overall, 2226 studies were identified, of which 58 were included in this systematic review. In all, 20 of the 58 studies included in this review did not find any evidence of an obesity paradox. Of these 20 studies, 16 involved patients with no specific medical condition, 1 involved patients with chronic diseases, and 2 involved patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Seven out of the nine studies that looked at short-term mortality found evidence of the obesity paradox. Of the 28 studies that examined longer-term mortality, 15 found evidence of the obesity paradox. In the studies that were conducted in people with a particular medical condition (n = 24), the obesity paradox appeared in 18 cases. Our work supports the existence of an obesity paradox, especially when comorbidities or acute medical problems are present. These findings should help guide strategies for nutritional counselling in older populations.
Interleukin-18 Is a Potential Biomarker Linking Dietary Fatty Acid Quality and Insulin Resistance: Results from a Cross-Sectional Study in Northern Italy
Authors: Sergi Domenico , Sanz Juana Maria , Lazzer Stefano , Brombo Gloria , Zuliani Giovanni , Biolo Gianni , Šimunič Boštjan , Pišot Rado , Dalla Nora Edoardo , Passaro Angelina
Published: April 2023

Dietary lipids are pivotal in modulating metabolic inflammation. Among the inflammatory mediators characterizing metabolic inflammation, interleukin 18 (IL-18) has been consistently associated with obesity and insulin resistance. This study aims to evaluate whether the quality of lipid intake impacts upon IL-18 plasma levels and the implications on insulin resistance computed by the homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR). Using a cross-sectional design, this study confirmed that IL-18 correlated positively with insulin resistance and individuals with a HOMA-IR ≥ 2.5 displayed higher circulating IL-18 levels compared with their insulin-sensitive counterparts. In terms of the effect of the quality of dietary lipids on IL-18 circulating levels, the ratio between monounsaturated, omega-3, polyunsaturated and saturated fatty acids as well as the intake of eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acids correlated negatively with IL-18. Despite this, IL-18 circulating levels, but not dietary fatty acid quality, predicted insulin resistance. Nevertheless, the ratio between omega 3 and saturated fatty acids was a predictor of IL-18 plasma levels. Thus, the downregulation of IL-18 may underpin, at least partially, the beneficial metabolic effects of substituting omega 3 for saturated fatty acids with this cytokine potentially representing a biomarker linking dietary lipids and metabolic outcomes.