bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Study of the Mechanisms and Characteristics of Fluorescence Enhancement for the Detection of Formononetin and Ononin
Authors: Cao Jinjin , Li Tingting , Liu Ting , Zheng Yanhui , Liu Jiamiao , Yang Qifan , Li Xuguang , Lu Wenbo , Wei Yongju , Li Wenhong
Published: February 2023

In this work, the origins for the spectral difference between two isoflavones, formononetin (F) and ononin (FG), are revealed via a comparison study of the fluorescence molecular structure. The fluorescence enhancement of FG in hot alkaline conditions is reported for the first time. For F, there is almost no fluorescence under acidic conditions, but when the pH is >4.8, its fluorescence begins to increase due to the deprotonation of 7-OH. Under a pH between 9.3 and 12.0, the anionic form of F produces a strong and stable fluorescence. The fluorescence quantum yield (Yf) of F is measured to be 0.042. FG shows only weak fluorescence in aqueous solutions under a wide range of pH until it is placed in hot alkaline solutions, which is attributed to the cleavage reaction of the γ-pyrone ring in FG. The Yf of FG is determined to be 0.020. Based on the fluorescence sensitization methods of F and FG, the quantitative analysis and detection of two substances can be realized. The limit of the detections for F and FG are 2.60 ng·mL−1 and 9.30 ng·mL−1, respectively. The linear detection ranges of F and FG are 11.7~1860 ng·mL−1 and 14.6~2920 ng·mL−1, respectively. Although the structural relationship between F and FG is glycoside and aglycone, under hot alkaline conditions, the final products after the cleavage and hydrolysis reactions are essentially different. The different fluorescence characteristics between F and FG pave a way for further identification and a quantitative analysis of the corresponding components in Chinese herbal medicine.
Development of Solid Lipid Nanoparticles as Dry Powder: Characterization and Formulation Considerations
Authors: Santonocito Debora , Sarpietro Maria Grazia , Castelli Francesco , Lauro Maria Rosaria , Torrisi Cristina , Russo Stefano , Puglia Carmelo
Published: February 2023

Solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) are lipid-based colloidal systems used for the delivery of active compounds. Although SLNs have many benefits, they show important issues due to physical and chemical instability phenomena during storage. For these reasons, it is highly desirable to have a dried SLN formulation available. Therefore, the aim of the project was to identify suitable methods to obtain a dry powder formulation from an SLN suspension. The nanoparticle suspension was dried using both freeze- and spray-drying techniques. The suitability of these methods in obtaining SLN dry powders was evaluated from the analyses of nanotechnological parameters, system morphology and thermal behavior using differential scanning calorimetry. Results pointed out that both drying techniques, although at different yields, were able to produce an SLN dry powder suitable for pharmaceutical applications. Noteworthily, the freeze-drying of SLNs under optimized conditions led to a dry powder endowed with good reconstitution properties and technological parameters similar to the starting conditions. Moreover, freeze–thaw cycles were carried out as a pretest to study the protective effect of different cryoprotectants (e.g., glucose and mannitol with a concentration ranging from 1% to 10% w/v). Glucose proved to be the most effective in preventing particle growth during freezing, thawing, and freeze-drying processes; in particular, the optimum concentration of glucose was 1% w/v.
Use of Trifluoro-Acetate Derivatives for GC-MS and GC-MS/MS Quantification of Trace Amounts of Stera-3β,5α,6β-Triols (Tracers of Δ5-Sterol Autoxidation) in Environmental Samples
Authors: Aubert Claude , Rontani Jean-François
Published: February 2023

Stera-3β,5α,6β-triols make useful tracers of the autoxidation of Δ5-sterols. These compounds are generally analyzed using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) after silylation. Unfortunately, the 5α hydroxyl groups of these compounds, which are not derivatized by conventional silylation reagents, substantially alter the chromatographic properties of these derivatives, thus ruling out firm quantification of trace amounts. In this work, we developed a derivatization method (trifluoroacetylation) that enables derivatization of the three hydroxyl groups of 3β,5α,6β-steratriols. The derivatives thus formed present several advantages over silyl ethers: (i) better stability, (ii) shorter retention times, (iii) better chromatographic properties and (iv) mass spectra featuring specific ions or transitions that enable very low limits of detection in selected ion monitoring (SIM) and multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) modes. This method, validated with cholesta-3β,5α,6β-triol, was applied to several environmental samples (desert dusts, marine sediments and particulate matter) and was able to quantify trace amounts of 3β,5α,6β-steratriols corresponding to several sterols: not only classical monounsaturated sterols (e.g., cholesterol, campesterol and sitosterol) but also, and for the first time, di-unsaturated sterols (e.g., stigmasterol, dehydrocholesterol and brassicasterol).
Discriminating Aroma Compounds in Five Cocoa Bean Genotypes from Two Brazilian States: White Kerosene-like Catongo, Red Whisky-like FL89 (Bahia), Forasteros IMC67, PA121 and P7 (Pará)
Authors: Collin Sonia , Fisette Toine , Pinto Anne , Souza Jesus , Rogez Hervé
Published: February 2023

Fine-grade cocoa beans are characterized by their great organoleptic quality. Brazilian cocoa producers increasingly privilege organoleptic quality over yield. Catongo and FL89, fine Brazilian cocoa genotypes from Bahia, are characterized by particular flavors (respectively, kerosene and whisky). The beans IMC67, PA121, and P7 from the state of Pará are genotypes that have high resistance to diseases. Solvent-assisted flavor evaporation (SAFE) aroma extraction was used here to identify and quantify the volatile compounds discriminating these genotypes. The results show that the kerosene aroma of Catongo is likely due to the presence, at high levels, of ethyl acetate and isobutyl acetate. On the other hand, ethyl benzoate, heptanoate, and octanoate, trans-2-nonenal, 1-octen-3-ol, and 3-methylbutanol could play a key role in the whisky notes of FL89. Heptan-2-ol, heptan-2-one, nonan-2-one, linalool (although still more concentrated in IMC67 from Pará state), benzaldehyde, and phenylacetaldehyde also discriminate these beans. Other compounds, although not discriminating, appear important in determining their aromatic quality. The PCA showed that cocoa from Pará state formed a cluster due to similar aromas, while FL89 was the most distinct among the genotypes. Beans from Brazil show great potential and diversity for the fine cocoa market.
Therapeutic Applications of Biogenic Silver Nanomaterial Synthesized from the Paper Flower of Bougainvillea glabra (Miami, Pink)
Authors: Oves Mohammad , Rauf Mohd Ahmar , Qari Huda A.
Published: February 2023

In this research, Bougainvillea glabra paper flower extract was used to quickly synthesize biogenic silver nanoparticles (BAgNPs) utilizing green chemistry. Using the flower extract as a biological reducing agent, silver nanoparticles were generated by the conversion of Ag+ cations to Ag0 ions. Data patterns obtained from physical techniques for characterizing BAgNPs, employing UV-visible, scattering electron microscope (SEM), transmission electron microscope (TEM), dynamic light scattering (DLS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), suggested that the nanoparticles have a spherical to oval form with size ranging from 10 to 50 nm. Spectroscopy and microscopic analysis were used to learn more about the antibacterial properties of the biologically produced BAgNPs from Bougainvillea glabra. Further, the potential mechanism of action of nanoparticles was investigated by studying their interactions in vitro with several bacterial strains and mammalian cancer cell systems. Finally, we can conclude that BAgNPs can be functionalized to dramatically inhibit bacterial growth and the growth of cancer cells in culture conditions, suggesting that biologically produced nanomaterials will provide new opportunities for a wide range of biomedical applications in the near future.
Nickel—Alumina Catalysts for the Transformation of Vegetable Oils into Green Diesel: The Role of Preparation Method, Activation Temperature, and Reaction Conditions
Authors: Nikolopoulos Ioannis , Kogkos George , Tsavatopoulou Vasiliki D. , Kordouli Eleana , Bourikas Kyriakos , Kordulis Christos , Lycourghiotis Alexis
Published: February 2023

Two nickel alumina catalysts containing 60 wt. % Ni were synthesized by wet impregnation and co-precipitation in order to study the effect of preparation methods on the catalytic efficiency concerning the transformation of sunflower oil into green diesel. The effect of activation temperature on the catalytic efficiency of the most active catalyst was also studied. The catalysts were characterized using various techniques and which were evaluated in the aforementioned reaction using a semi-batch reactor. The catalyst prepared by co-precipitation exhibited a higher specific surface area and smaller mean crystal size of the nickel nanoparticle (higher nickel metallic surface). These justify its higher efficiency with respect to the corresponding catalyst synthesized by wet impregnation. The increase in the activation temperature from 400 to 600 °C increased the size of the nickel nanoparticles through sintering, thus destroying the small pores. These led to a decrease in the nickel surface and specific surface area and, thus, to a decrease in the catalytic efficiency. The optimization of the reaction conditions over the most active catalyst (prepared by co-precipitation and activated at 400 °C) leads to the complete transformation not only of the sunflower oil (edible oil) but also of waste cooking oil (non-edible oil) into green diesel. The liquid produced after the hydrotreatment for these two feedstocks for 7 h, at H2 pressure 40 bar and temperature 350 °C using 100 mL of oil and 1 g of catalyst was composed of 97 and 96 wt. % of green diesel, respectively.
Highly Efficient and Stable Self-Powered Perovskite Photodiode by Cathode-Side Interfacial Passivation with Poly(Methyl Methacrylate)
Authors: Kim Wonsun , Park JaeWoo , Aggarwal Yushika , Sharma Shital , Choi Eun Ha , Park Byoungchoo
Published: February 2023

For several years now, organic–inorganic hybrid perovskite materials have shown remarkable progress in the field of opto-electronic devices. Herein, we introduce a cathode-side passivation layer of poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) for a highly efficient and stable self-powered CH3NH3PbI3 perovskite-based photodiode. For effective noise–current suppression, the PMMA passivation layer was employed between a light-absorbing layer of CH3NH3PbI3 (MAPbI3) perovskite and an electron transport layer of [6,6]-phenyl-C61-butyric acid methyl ester. Due to its passivation effect on defects in perovskite film, the PMMA passivation layer can effectively suppress interface recombination and reduce the leakage/noise current. Without external bias, the MAPbI3 photodiode with the PMMA layer demonstrated a significantly high specific detectivity value (~1.07 × 1012 Jones) compared to that of a conventional MAPbI3 photodiode without a PMMA layer. Along with the enhanced specific detectivity, a wide linear dynamic response (~127 dB) with rapid rise (~50 μs) and decay (~17 μs) response times was obtained. Furthermore, highly durable dynamic responses of the PMMA-passivated MAPbI3 photodiode were observed even after a long storage time of 500 h. The results achieved with the cathode-side PMMA-passivated perovskite photodiodes represent a new means by which to realize highly sensitive and stable self-powered photodiodes for use in developing novel opto-electronic devices.
Recent Advances in Biomass-Based Materials for Oil Spill Cleanup
Authors: Ouyang Dan , Lei Xiaotian , Zheng Honglei
Published: February 2023

Oil spill on sea surfaces, which mainly produced by the oil leakage accident happened on tankers, offshore platforms, drilling rigs and wells, has bring irreversible damage to marine environments and ecosystems. Among various spill oil handling methods, using sorbents to absorb and recover spill oils is a perspective method because they are cost-effective and enable a high recovery and without secondary pollution to the ecosystem. Currently, sorbents based on biomass materials have aroused extensively attention thanks to their features of inexpensive, abundant, biodegradable, and sustainable. Herein, we comprehensively review the state-of-the-art development of biomass-based sorbents for spill oil cleanup in the recent five years. After briefly introducing the background, the basic theory and material characteristics for the separation of oil from water and the adsorption of oils is also presented. Various modification methods for biomass materials are summarized in section three. Section four discusses the recent progress of biomass as oil sorbents for oil spill cleanup, in which the emphasis is placed on the oil sorption capacity and the separation efficiency. Finally, the challenge and future development directions is outlined.
Synergistic Effect of Pt and Dual Ni/Co Cations in Hydrotalcite-Derived Pt/Ni1.5Co0.5AlO Catalysts for Promoting Soot Combustion
Authors: Zhang Yilin , Zhang Peng , Xiong Jing , Li Yuanfeng , Ma Yaxiao , Zhang Sicheng , Zhao Zhen , Liu Jian , Wei Yuechang
Published: February 2023

In this article, the catalysts of hydrotalcite-derived Ni1.5Co0.5AlO nanosheet-supported highly dispersed Pt nanoparticles (Ptn/Ni1.5Co0.5AlO, where n% is the weigh percentage of the Pt element in the catalysts) were elaborately fabricated by the gas-bubble-assisted membrane--reduction method. The specific porous structure formed by the stack of hydrotalcite-derived Ni1.5Co0.5AlO nanosheets can increase the transfer mass efficiency of the reactants (O2, NO, and soot) and the strong Pt–Ni1.5Co0.5AlO interaction can weaken the Ni/Co-O bond for promoting the mobility of lattice oxygen and the formation of surface-oxygen vacancies. The Ptn/Ni1.5Co0.5AlO catalysts exhibited excellent catalytic activity and stability during diesel soot combustion under the loose contact mode between soot particles and catalysts. Among all the catalysts, the Pt2/Ni1.5Co0.5AlO catalyst showed the highest catalytic activities for soot combustion (T50 = 350 °C, TOF = 6.63 × 10−3 s−1). Based on the characterization results, the catalytic mechanism for soot combustion is proposed: the synergistic effect of Pt and dual Ni/Co cations in the Pt/Ni1.5Co0.5AlO catalysts can promote the vital step of catalyzing NO oxidation to NO2 in the NO-assisted soot oxidation mechanism. This insight into the synergistic effect of Pt and dual Ni/Co cations for soot combustion provides new strategies for reducing the amounts of noble metals in high-efficient catalysts.
Hybrid Nanomat: Copolymer Template CdSe Quantum Dots In Situ Stabilized and Immobilized within Nanofiber Matrix
Authors: Nirwan Viraj , Lasak Magdalena , Ciepluch Karol , Fahmi Amir
Published: February 2023

Fabrication and characterization of hybrid nanomats containing quantum dots can play a prominent role in the development of advanced biosensors and bio-based semiconductors. Owing to their size-dependent properties and controlled nanostructures, quantum dots (QDs) exhibit distinct optical and electronic characteristics. However, QDs include heavy metals and often require stabilizing agents which are toxic for biological applications. Here, to mitigate the use of toxic ligands, cadmium selenide quantum dots (CdSe QDs) were synthesized in situ with polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) at room temperature. The addition of PVP polymer provided size regulation, stability, and control over size distribution of CdSe QDs. The characterization of the optical properties of the CdSe QDs was performed using fluorescence and ultraviolet–visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy. CdSe QDs exhibited a typical absorbance peak at 280 nm and a photoluminescence emission peak at 580 nm. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) micrographs demonstrated that CdSe QDs having an average size of 6 ± 4 nm were obtained via wet chemistry method. CdSe QDs were immobilized in a blend of PVP and poly(L-lactide-co-ε-caprolactone) (PL-b-CL) copolymer that was electrospun to produce nanofibers. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), thermal analyses and attenuated total reflectance Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR) were used to characterize properties of fabricated nanofibers. Both pristine and hybrid nanofibers possessed cylindrical geometry and rough surface features, facilitating increased surface area. Infrared absorption spectra showed a slight shift in absorbance peaks due to interaction of PVP-coated CdSe QDs and nanofiber matrix. The presence of CdSe QDs influenced the fiber diameter and their thermal stability. Further, in vitro biological analyses of hybrid nanofibers showed promising antibacterial effect and decline in cancer cell viability. This study offers a simple approach to obtain hybrid nanomats immobilized with size-controlled PVP-coated CdSe QDs, which have potential applications as biosensors and antibacterial and anticancer cell agents.
Nanostructure, Plastic Deformation, and Influence of Strain Rate Concerning Ni/Al2O3 Interface System Using a Molecular Dynamic Study (LAMMPS)
Authors: Fu Xueqiong
Published: February 2023

The plastic deformation mechanisms of Ni/Al2O3 interface systems under tensile loading at high strain rates were investigated by the classical molecular dynamics (MD) method. A Rahman–Stillinger–Lemberg potential was used for modeling the interaction between Ni and Al atoms and between Ni and O atoms at the interface. To explore the dislocation nucleation and propagation mechanisms during interface tensile failure, two kinds of interface structures corresponding to the terminating Ni layer as buckling layer (Type I) and transition layer (Type II) were established. The fracture behaviors show a strong dependence on interface structure. For Type I interface samples, the formation of Lomer–Cottrell locks in metal causes strain hardening; for Type II interface samples, the yield strength is 40% higher than that of Type I due to more stable Ni-O bonds at the interface. At strain rates higher than 1×109 s−1, the formation of L-C locks in metal is suppressed (Type I), and the formation of Shockley dislocations at the interface is delayed (Type II). The present work provides the direct observation of nucleation, motion, and reaction of dislocations associated with the complex interface dislocation structures of Ni/Al2O3 interfaces and can help researchers better understand the deformation mechanisms of this interface at extreme conditions.
Diatomite-like KFeS2 for Use in High-Performance Electrodes for Energy Storage and Oxygen Evolution
Authors: Wang Can , Li Kailin , Sun Qing , Zhu Shijin , Zhang Chenzhi , Zhang Yunhao , Shi Zhongyi , Hu Youzhong , Zhang Yuxin
Published: February 2023

Bifunctional materials possess remarkable properties that allow them to store and convert electrical energy easily. In this paper, diatomite-like potassium iron disulfide (KFeS2) was synthesized by a multistep sacrificial template method, and its morphological, electrochemical, and oxygen evolution reaction (OER) properties were investigated. KFeS2 was found to be porous, hollow, and cake-like, which suggests a high specific surface area (SSA) and abundant electrochemically active sites. A very high specific capacitance of 651 F g−1 at 1.0 A g−1 was also obtained due to the substance’s unique structure and high porosity. Additionally, the diatomite-like KFeS2 possessed a very low overpotential ƞ10 of 254 mV at a current density of 10 mA cm−2 and a small Tafel slope of about 48.4 mV dec−1. Thus, the diatomite-like KFeS2 demonstrates broad application prospects for both energy storage and conversion.
Effect of Iso-Caloric Substitution of Animal Protein for Other Macro Nutrients on Risk of Overall, Cardiovascular and Cancer Mortality: Prospective Evaluation in EPIC-Heidelberg Cohort and Systematic Review
Authors: Bajracharya Rashmita , Katzke Verena , Mukama Trasias , Kaaks Rudolf
Published: February 2023

Ecological studies showed correlations between a shift toward animal-protein-rich diets and longer life-expectancy; however, only a few studies examined individual-level association of protein source and mortality risks using appropriate iso-caloric substitution models adjusted for total energy intake. We used EPIC-Heidelberg (European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and nutrition) to create iso-caloric substitution models and determined relative all-cause, cardiovascular and cancer mortality hazards associated with dietary intake of animal protein and other macronutrients, employing Cox proportional hazard models. For comparison with other studies, we also synthesized evidence from a systematic review relating animal protein intake to mortality risk from seven prospective cohort studies in the USA, Europe and Japan. Substitution of 3% of total energy from animal protein for fat (saturated, mono-unsaturated) and carbohydrate (simple, complex) was associated with all-cause mortality (Hazard Ratios [HR] from 1.05 to 1.11), mostly driven by cardiovascular mortality (HR from 1.13 to 1.15). Independently of animal protein, substituting poly-unsaturated fat for saturated fat increased cancer-related mortality risk by 12 percent. The systematic review largely corroborated our findings. Overall, higher proportions of dietary energy from animal protein, combined with low energy intake from either carbohydrate sub-types or dietary fats, increases all-cause and cardiovascular mortality risks, but not cancer-related mortality.
Development and Rasch Analysis of the 18-Item Health Resilience Profile (HRP)
Authors: Papini Natalie M. , Jung Myungjin , Kang Minsoo , Lopez Nanette V. , Herrmann Stephen D.
Published: February 2023

Existing resilience measures have psychometric shortcomings, and there is no current gold-standard resilience measure. Previous work indicates adults enrolled in a health coaching program may benefit from a resilience measure that is tailored and contextualized to this sample. This two-part study aimed to develop and evaluate a resilience instrument focused on health behavior change in adults in a health coaching program. Two studies were conducted to (1) create a resilience instrument (Health Resilience Profile; HRP) specific to adults attempting health behavior change (n = 427; female = 83.8%; age = 44.5 ± 11.9 years) and to (2) optimize the instrument performance using Rasch analysis (n = 493; female = 62.1%; age = 49.8 ± 12.5 years). Study 1 identified two issues: (1) four unacceptable misfit items and (2) inappropriate rating scale functioning. Study 2 evaluated an improved instrument based on the outcome of study 1 resulting in one more misfit item, and unidimensionality was supported. The new four-category rating scale functioned well. The item-person map indicated that item difficulty distribution was well matched to participants’ resilience level, and items were free from measurement error. Finally, items did not show differential item functioning across age, sex, alcohol use, and obesity status. The 18-item HRP is optimized for adults in a health coaching program.
Curcuma aromatica Salisb. Protects from Acetaminophen-Induced Hepatotoxicity by Regulating the Sirt1/HO-1 Signaling Pathway
Authors: Kim Hyunseong , Hong Jinyoung , Lee Junseon , Jeon Wanjin , Yeo Changhwan , Lee Yoonjae , Baek Seungho , Ha Inhyuk
Published: February 2023

Acetaminophen (APAP) overdose-induced hepatotoxicity reduces the activity of sirtuin-1 (Sirt1) along with heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1) and promotes inflammatory responses and oxidative stress. Although the extract of Curcuma aromatica Salisb. (CAS) possesses hepatoprotective properties, scientific evidence on whether CAS prevents hepatotoxicity and the underlying molecular mechanisms are lacking. Here, we hypothesized that CAS ameliorates hepatotoxicity by inhibiting inflammation and oxidative stress via Sirt1/HO-1 signaling. CAS pretreatment at doses of 200 and 400 μg/mL significantly increased cell viability in APAP-treated primary hepatocytes. The expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) substantially increased after APAP treatment; however, this expression significantly decreased in cells pretreated with 100, 200, and 400 µg/mL CAS. CAS increased Sirt1 and HO-1 levels in APAP-treated hepatocytes in a dose-dependent manner. When CAS was orally administered to mice at doses of 20 or 100 mg/kg for 7 days, the APAP-induced increase in serum aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase levels was inhibited. Moreover, CAS decreased IL-6, TNF-α, and IL-1β, increased IL-10, suppressed ROS generation, increased glutathione levels, inhibited iNOS and cyclooxygenase-2, and enhanced Sirt1 and HO-1 in the mouse model of APAP-induced hepatotoxicity. These findings suggest that CAS could be used as a natural hepatoprotective drug to treat APAP-induced injury.
Plasma Trimethylamine N-Oxide Levels Are Associated with Poor Kidney Function in People with Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Kalagi Nora A. , Thota Rohith N. , Stojanovski Elizabeth , Alburikan Khalid A. , Garg Manohar L.
Published: February 2023

Previous studies have linked elevated plasma trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO) levels to poor renal function. The relationship between TMAO and chronic kidney disease (CKD) in type 2 diabetes (T2D) is still unclear. We investigated the association between plasma TMAO levels and CKD in patients with T2D. A cross-sectional study of 133 patients with T2D with or without CKD has been conducted. Blood biomarkers of kidney function, diabetes, and inflammation were assessed in the study participants. Plasma TMAO levels were quantified using UPLC-MS/MS. People with T2D and CKD exhibited significantly higher plasma TMAO levels [10.16 (5.86–17.45) µmol/L] than those without CKD [4.69 (2.62–7.76) µmol/L] (p = 0.002). Participants in the highest quartile of TMAO levels (>8.38 µmol/L) presented relatively elevated serum creatinine levels and a higher number of people with CKD than those in the lower quartiles. TMAO levels were significantly correlated with kidney function biomarkers, including estimated glomerular filtration rate and urinary albumin to creatinine ratio. The association between TMAO and CKD was evident (p < 0.0001) and remained significant after adjusting for risk factors of kidney disease, including age, gender, body mass index, duration of diabetes, and smoking. These findings suggest the association between plasma TMAO and CKD in patients with T2D.
Association of Thoracic Skeletal Muscle Index with Clinical Outcome and Response to Nutritional Interventions in Patients at Risk of Malnutrition—Secondary Analysis of a Randomized Trial
Authors: Mueller Leonie , Mentil Nicole , Staub Nathalie , Griot Stephanie , Olpe Tobias , Burn Felice , Schindera Sebastian , Mueller Beat , Schuetz Philipp , Stanga Zeno , Baumgartner Annic
Published: February 2023

Background: Measurement of skeletal muscle index (SMI) in computed tomography has been suggested to improve the objective assessment of muscle mass. While most studies have focused on lumbar vertebrae, we examine the association of SMI at the thoracic level with nutritional and clinical outcomes and response to nutritional intervention. Methods: We conducted a secondary analysis of EFFORT, a Swiss-wide, multicenter, randomized trial. We investigated the association of low SMI at the 12th thoracic vertebra (T12) with adverse outcome within 30 days after hospital admission (primary endpoint). Results: 663 of 2028 patients from the EFFORT trial had available CT scans for T12, and 519 among them also had available L3 scans. Mean SMI at T12 was 22.4 ± 5.8 cm2/m2 and 19.6 ± 5.5 cm2/m2 in male and female patients, respectively, and correlated well with nutritional parameters, including nutritional risk based on NRS 2002 (adjusted coefficient −0.63, 95%CI −1.25 to −0.01, p = 0.047), BMI (adjusted coefficient 0.74, 95%CI 0.66 to 0.82, p < 0.001) and handgrip strength (adjusted coefficient 0.15, 95%CI 0.11 to 0.2, p < 0.001). In multivariate regression analyses, low SMI was not a significant predictor for either clinical outcome or for treatment response. Results for SMI measured at L3 were similar, with only little prognostic value. Conclusions: Within medical patients at risk for malnutrition, SMI at thoracic vertebra provided low prognostic information regarding clinical outcomes and nutritional treatment response.
Dysbiosis of the Subgingival Microbiome and Relation to Periodontal Disease in Association with Obesity and Overweight
Authors: Rahman Betul , Al-Marzooq Farah , Saad Hiba , Benzina Dalenda , Al Kawas Sausan
Published: February 2023

Obesity causes gut dysbiosis; nevertheless, little is known about the oral microbiome. We aimed to identify differences in the subgingival microbiota influenced by body weight and periodontal status. Patients (n = 75) recruited at the University Dental Hospital Sharjah, United Arab Emirates, were distributed into three equal groups (healthy weight, overweight, and obese) sub-divided into having either no-mild (NM) or moderate-severe (MS) periodontitis. Subgingival plaques were collected. Microbiota were identified by 16S rRNA sequencing using nanopore technology. Linear discriminant analysis demonstrated significant bacterial biomarkers for body weight and periodontal health. Unique microbiota signatures were identified, with enrichment of periopathogens in patients with MS periodontitis (Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans in obese, Tannerella forsythia and Treponema denticola in overweight, Porphyromonas gingivalis and Fusobacterium nucleatum in healthy weight), thus reflecting differences in the microbiota affected by body weight. Other pathogenic bacteria, such as Salmonella enterica and Klebsiella pneumoniae, were enriched in overweight subjects with NM periodontitis, suggesting an increase in the relative abundance of pathogens even in patients with good periodontal health if they were overweight. Alpha and beta diversities were significantly different among the groups. Dysbiosis of the subgingival microbiota in obese and overweight individuals was associated with increased prevalence and severity of periodontal disease, which was correlated with the body mass index. This study highlights the immense importance of the oral microbiome and the need for lifestyle and dental interventions to resolve oral dysbiosis and restore normal homeostasis.
Tocotrienol in the Management of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: A Systematic Review
Authors: Chin Kok-Yong , Ekeuku Sophia Ogechi , Chew Deborah Chia Hsin , Trias Anne
Published: February 2023

The increasing burden of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) requires innovative management strategies, but an effective pharmacological agent has yet to be found. Apart from weight loss and lifestyle adjustments, one isomer of the vitamin E family—alpha-tocopherol—is currently recommended for nondiabetic steatohepatitis patients. Another member of the vitamin E family, tocotrienol (T3), has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that reach beyond those of alpha-tocopherol, making it a potential agent for use in NAFLD management. This systematic review aimed to provide an overview of the effects of T3 supplementation on NAFLD from both clinical and preclinical perspectives. A literature search was performed in October 2022 using PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science. Original research articles reporting NAFLD outcomes were included in this review. The search located 12 articles (8 animal studies and 4 human studies). The literature reports state that T3 isomers or natural mixtures (derived from palm or annatto) improved NAFLD outcomes (liver histology, ultrasound or liver profile). However, the improvement depended on the severity of NAFLD, study period and type of intervention (isomers/mixture of different compositions). Mechanistically, T3 improved lipid metabolism and prevented liver steatosis, and reduced mitochondrial and endoplasmic reticulum stress, inflammation and ultimately liver fibrosis. In summary, T3 could be a potential agent for use in managing NAFLD, pending more comprehensive preclinical and human studies.
Subspecific Nomenclature of Giardia duodenalis in the Light of a Compared Population Genomics of Pathogens
Authors: Tibayrenc Michel
Published: February 2023

Genetic and genomic data have long recognized that the species Giardia duodenalis is subdivided into at least eight genetic clusters that have been named “assemblages” by specialists in the field. Some of these assemblages have been given the status of species, with Linnean binames. In the framework of the predominant clonal evolution model (PCE), we have shown that, from an evolutionary point of view, G. duodenalis assemblages are equatable to “near-clades”, that is to say: clades whose discreteness is somewhat clouded by occasional genetic exchange, but remain discrete and stable in space and time. The implications of this evolutionary status for the species described within G. duodenalis are discussed in light of the most recent genetic and genomic studies. The pattern of this species’ subspecific genetic variability and genetic clustering appears to be very similar to the ones of various parasitic, fungal and bacteria species. This underlines the relevance of a compared population genomics of pathogenic species allowed by the broad framework of the PCE model.
Biocontrol Potential of Bacillus subtilis and Bacillus tequilensis against Four Fusarium Species
Authors: Baard Vejonepher , Bakare Olalekan Olanrewaju , Daniel Augustine Innalegwu , Nkomo Mbukeni , Gokul Arun , Keyster Marshall , Klein Ashwil
Published: February 2023

The use of biological control agents as opposed to synthetic agrochemicals to control plant pathogens has gained momentum, considering their numerous advantages. The aim of this study is to investigate the biocontrol potential of plant bacterial isolates against Fusarium oxysporum, Fusarium proliferatum, Fusarium culmorum, and Fusarium verticillioides. Isolation, identification, characterization, and in vitro biocontrol antagonistic assays of these isolates against Fusarium species were carried out following standard protocols. The bacterial endophytes were isolated from Glycine max. L leaves (B1), Brassica napus. L seeds (B2), Vigna unguiculata seeds (B3), and Glycine max. L seeds (B4). The bacterial isolates were identified using 16S rRNA PCR sequencing. A phylogenetic analysis shows that the bacterial isolates are closely related to Bacillus subtilis (B1) and Bacillus tequilensis (B2–B4), with an identity score above 98%. All the bacterial isolates produced a significant amount (p < 0.05) of indole acetic acid (IAA), siderophores, and protease activity. In vitro antagonistic assays of these isolates show a significant (p < 0.05) growth inhibition of the fungal mycelia in the following order: F. proliferatum > F. culmorum > F. verticillioides > F. oxysporum, compared to the control. The results suggest that these bacterial isolates are good biocontrol candidates against the selected Fusarium species.
The In Vitro Anticoccidial Activity of Some Herbal Extracts against Eimeria spp. Oocysts Isolated from Piglets
Authors: Bǎieş Mihai-Horia , Györke Adriana , Cotuţiu Vlad-Dan , Boros Zsolt , Cozma-Petruț Anamaria , Filip Lorena , Vlase Laurian , Vlase Ana-Maria , Crişan Gianina , Spînu Marina , Cozma Vasile
Published: February 2023

Coccidiosis in pigs seldom results in important economic losses. However, it can influence growth rates in weaners and it is an important hygiene indicator in swine farms. Certain herbs, along with their extracts, have been used over the course of history in traditional medicine. The aim of this study was to evaluate the in vitro anticoccidial effects of Allium sativum L. (garlic), Artemisia absinthium L. (wormwood), Coriandrum sativum L. (coriander), Cucurbita pepo L. (pumpkin), Satureja hortensis L. (summer savory), and Calendula officinalis L. (marigold) against Eimeria suis and Eimeria debliecki oocysts. The stock solution of oocysts (58% E. suis + 42% E. debliecki) was incubated for three days, before adding the tested solutions. The unsporulated Eimeria spp. oocysts were then placed in a 3 mL well plate and incubated for 96 h at 27 °C, in a suspension containing serial dilutions of alcoholic plant extracts (5%, 2.5%, 1.25%, 0.625%, and 0.312%). The percentage of sporulated and destroyed oocysts was recorded every 24 h for 96 h. All extracts had a good in vitro anticoccidial effect against oocysts of Eimeria spp. compared with the control groups. Oocyst sporulation was significantly (p = 0.05) inhibited by the 5% marigold extract (3.6% sporulated oocysts). The same extract had the highest lytic effect on oocysts (65.2% destroyed oocysts). Our results prove that the most effective alcoholic plant extract is the marigold extract, followed, in order of efficiency, by the wormwood, coriander, garlic, pumpkin, and summer savory extracts. This study represents a preliminary contribution for establishing a new generation of natural disinfectants aimed at destroying Eimeria oocysts in the context of swine contamination.
Lysiphyllum strychnifolium (Craib) A. Schmitz Extracts Moderate the Expression of Drug-Metabolizing Enzymes: In Vivo Study to Clinical Propose
Authors: Kuendee Natthaporn , Naladta Alisa , Kulsirirat Thitianan , Yimsoo Thunyatorn , Yingmema Werayut , Pansuksan Kanoktip , Sathirakul Korbtham , Sukprasert Sophida
Published: February 2023

Lysiphyllum strychnifolium (Craib) A. Schmitz (LS) has been traditionally used as a medicinal herb by folk healers in Thailand with rare evidence-based support. Hepatic cytochrome P450s (CYPs450) are well known as the drug-metabolizing enzymes that catalyze all drugs and toxicants. In this study, we investigated the mRNA levels of six clinically important CYPs450, i.e., CYP1A2, 3A2, 2C11, 2D1, 2D2, and 2E1, in rats given LS extracts. Seventy Wistar rats were randomized into seven groups (n = 10). Each group was given LS stem ethanol (SE) and leaf water (LW) extracts orally at doses of 300, 2000, and 5000 mg/kg body weight (mg/kg.bw) for twenty-eight consecutive days. After treatment, the expression of CYPs450 genes was measured using quantitative real-time PCR. The results revealed that SE and LW, which contained quercetin and gallic acid, promoted the upregulation of all CYPs450. Almost all CYPs450 genes were downregulated in all male LW-treated rats but upregulated in female-treated groups, suggesting that CYP gene expressions in LS-treated rats were influenced by gender. Moderate and high doses of the LS extracts had a tendency to induce six CYP450s’ transcription levels in both rat genders. CYP2E1 gene showed a unique expression level in male rats receiving SE at a dose of 2000 mg/kg.bw, whereas a low dose of 300 mg/kg.bw was found in the LW-treated female group. As a result, our findings suggest that different doses of LS extracts can moderate the varying mRNA expression of clinically relevant CYP genes. In this study, we provide information about CYP induction and inhibition in vivo, which could be a desirable condition for furthering the practical use of LS extracts in humans.
Targeting Mcl-1 Degradation by Bergenin Inhibits Tumorigenesis of Colorectal Cancer Cells
Authors: Gan Yu , Li Xiaoying , Han Shuangze , Zhou Li , Li Wei
Published: February 2023

Myeloid leukemia 1 (Mcl-1) is frequently overexpressed in human malignancies and emerged as a promising drug target. In this study, we verified the inhibitory effect of bergenin on colorectal cancer cells both in vivo and in vitro. In an in vitro setting, bergenin significantly reduced the viability and colony formation and promoted apoptosis of CRC cells dose-dependently. Bergenin decreased the activity of Akt/GSK3β signaling and enhanced the interaction between FBW7 and Mcl-1, which eventually induced Mcl-1 ubiquitination and degradation. Using the HA-Ub K48R mutant, we demonstrated that bergenin promotes Mcl-1 K48-linked polyubiquitination and degradation. In vivo studies showed that bergenin significantly reduced tumor size and weight without toxicity to vital organs in mice. Overall, our results support the role of bergenin in inhibiting CRC cells via inducing Mcl-1 destruction, suggesting that targeting Mcl-1 ubiquitination could be an alternative strategy for antitumor therapy.
Cyclodextrin-Based Nanoparticles for Delivery of Antisense Oligonucleotides Targeting Huntingtin
Authors: Mendonça Monique C. P. , Sun Yao , Cronin Michael F. , Lindsay Andrew J. , Cryan John F. , O’Driscoll Caitriona M.
Published: February 2023

Huntington’s disease (HD) is a progressive inherited neurodegenerative disease caused by a CAG repeat expansion in the huntingtin gene, which is translated into the pathologic mutant huntingtin (mHTT) protein. Despite the great potential of HTT lowering strategies and the numerous antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) in pre- and clinical trials, sustained silencing of mHTT has not been achieved. As a strategy to improve ASO delivery, cyclodextrin-based nanoparticles (CDs) offer a promising approach. Here, three CDs with distinct chemical structures were designed and their efficacies were compared as potential platforms for the delivery of ASO targeting HTT. Results using striatal neurons and HD patient-derived fibroblasts indicate that modified γ-CDs exhibited the best uptake efficiency and successfully downregulated mHTT at protein and allele levels. The incorporation of the brain-targeting peptide RVG into the modified γ-CDs showed greater downregulation of mHTT protein and HD-causing allele SNP1 than untargeted ones in an in vitro blood–brain barrier model. Although the ASO sequence was designed as a nonallele-specific therapeutic approach, our strategy gives an additional benefit of some mHTT selectivity. Overall, this study demonstrated the CD platform’s feasibility for delivering ASO-based therapeutics for HD treatment.
Novel Silicone-Grafted Alginate as a Drug Delivery Scaffold: Pharmaceutical Characterization of Gliclazide-Loaded Silicone-Based Composite Microcapsules
Authors: Gedawy Ahmed , Luna Giuseppe , Martinez Jorge , Brown Daniel , Al-Salami Hani , Dass Crispin R.
Published: February 2023

A novel gliclazide-loaded elastomeric carbohydrate pharmaceutical vehicle was successfully developed. This new siliconized alginate platform showed pseudoplastic rheology with a zeta potential ranging from (−43.8 mV to −75.5 mV). A Buchi-B390 encapsulator was employed to formulate different types of silicone-grafted alginate microcapsules loaded with gliclazide relying on the vibrational ionic gelation technology. The use of tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS) to crosslink the silicone elastomer (hydroxy terminated polydimethylsiloxane) of this new platform had improved the gliclazide encapsulation (>92.13% ± 0.76) of the free-flowing composite microcapsules, which showed good mechanical durability (up to 12 h in PBS pH 6.8) and promising results to sustain the drug release.
Evaluation of Therapeutic Efficacy and Imaging Capabilities of 153Sm2O3-Loaded Polystyrene Microspheres for Intra-Tumoural Radionuclide Therapy of Liver Cancer Using Sprague-Dawley Rat Model
Authors: Tan Hun Yee , Wong Yin How , Kasbollah Azahari , Md Shah Mohammad Nazri , Yahya Noorazrul , Abdullah Basri Johan Jeet , Yeong Chai Hong
Published: February 2023

Introduction: Neutron-activated samarium-153-oxide-loaded polystyrene ([153Sm]Sm2O3-PS) microspheres has been developed in previous study as a potential theranostic agent for hepatic radioembolization. In this study, the therapeutic efficacy and diagnostic imaging capabilities of the formulation was assessed using liver cancer Sprague-Dawley (SD) rat model. Methods: Twelve male SD rats (150–200 g) that implanted with N1-S1 hepatoma cell line orthotopically were divided into two groups (study versus control) to monitor the tumour growth along 60 days of treatment. The study group received an intra-tumoural injection of approximately 37 MBq of [153Sm]Sm2O3-PS microspheres, while control group received an intra-tumoural injection of 0.1 mL of saline solution. A clinical single photon emission computed tomography/computed tomography (SPECT/CT) system was used to scan the rats at Day 5 post-injection to investigate the diagnostic imaging capabilities of the microspheres. All rats were monitored for change in tumour volume using a portable ultrasound system throughout the study period. Histopathological examination (HPE) was performed after the rats were euthanized at Day 60. Results: At Day 60, no tumour was observed on the ultrasound images of all rats in the study group. In contrast, the tumour volumes in the control group were 24-fold larger compared to baseline. Statistically significant difference was observed in tumour volumes between the study and control groups (p < 0.05). The SPECT/CT images clearly displayed the location of [153Sm]Sm2O3-PS in the liver tumour of all rats at Day 5 post-injection. Additionally, the [153Sm]Sm2O3-PS microspheres was visible on the CT images and this has added to the benefits of 153Sm as a CT contrast agent. The HPE results showed that the [153Sm]Sm2O3-PS microspheres remained concentrated at the injection site with no tumour cells observed in the study group. Conclusions: Neutron-activated [153Sm]Sm2O3-PS microspheres demonstrated excellent therapeutic and diagnostic imaging capabilities for theranostic treatment of liver cancer in a SD rat model. Further studies with different animal and tumour models are planned to validate this finding.
Production of Bi-Compartmental Tablets by FDM 3D Printing for the Withdrawal of Diazepam
Authors: Macedo Joana , Marques Rita , Vervaet Chris , Pinto João F.
Published: February 2023

Diazepam (DZP) is a long-acting benzodiazepine to treat anxiety or acute alcohol withdrawal. Although this class of drugs should be taken for a short period of time, many patients take them for longer than recommended, which has been linked to an increased risk of dementia and dependence. The present work aimed at using the dual-nozzle system of fused deposition modeling (FDM) 3D printers to prepare tablets with gradual doses of DZP with constant mass and size. Placebo and DZP-loaded filaments were prepared by hot-melt extrusion and used to print the bi-compartmental tablets. Thermal processing allowed the conversion of crystalline DZP to its amorphous counterpart. Tablets with different DZP contents were effectively printed with a mass, thickness and diameter average of 111.6 mg, 3.1 mm, and 6.4 mm, respectively. Microscopic data showed good adhesion between the different layers in the printed tablets. The desired drug contents were successfully achieved and were within the acceptance criteria (European Pharmacopeia). The combination of a placebo and drug-loaded extrudates proved to be beneficial in the production of tablets by FDM for patients in need of drug withdrawal.