bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Leaf Angle as a Criterion for Optimizing Irrigation in Forest Nurseries: Impacts on Physiological Seedling Quality and Performance after Planting in Pots
Authors: da Silva Richardson Barbosa Gomes , Simões Danilo , Wendling Ivar , do Prado Débora Zanoni , Sartori Maria Márcia Pereira , Bertholdi Angelo Albano da Silva , da Silva Magali Ribeiro
Published: May 2023

Seedling species with different architectures, e.g., mean leaf angles, are often subjected to the same irrigation management in forest nurseries, resulting in wasted water and fertilizer and reduced seedling quality. We aimed to evaluate whether irrigation volumes applied to tree seedling species with different leaf angles affect the physiological quality in forest nurseries and, consequently, performance after potting. We submitted nine seedling species with different mean leaf angles to four daily water regimes (8, 10, 12, and 14 mm). In the nursery, the following physiological attributes were considered to assess seedling quality: leaf water potential, daily transpiration rate, SPAD value, chlorophyll a and b, anthocyanins, carotenoids, and total nutrient content. After potting, we evaluated height and stem diameter over 120 days. Leaf angle can be used as a criterion for optimizing irrigation in forest nurseries, avoiding water and fertilizer wastage, and increasing physiological seedling quality. Leaf angle measurements combined with concurrent assessments of leaf traits are helpful in further understanding the effects of leaf angle variation and water regime on seedling quality. For positive leaf angles, an irrigation volume of 8 mm is sufficient to increase physiological seedling quality. Conversely, seedlings with negative leaf angles show the opposite response, requiring the largest irrigation volume (14 mm) to increase physiological seedling quality, except when the mean leaf area is small and concentrated in the upper half of the stem, which facilitates the access of irrigation water to the substrate and thus satisfies seedling water requirements. For all species, up to 120 days after planting in pots, the effect of the irrigation volume that provides greater growth and physiological quality at the end of the nursery phase is not overcome by other irrigation volumes applied.
Logging Affects Genetic Diversity Parameters in an Araucaria angustifolia Population: An Endangered Species in Southern Brazil
Authors: Roque Rafael H. , Sebbenn Alexandre M. , Boshier David H. , Filho Afonso F. , Tambarussi Evandro V.
Published: May 2023

Araucaria angustifolia is an endangered species with more than 97% of its natural populations extinct. Logging of the species in the few remaining natural populations is highly restricted, though not readily accepted by farmers and logging companies. Consequently, political pressures have emerged for a return to logging of the species. Assessing the sustainability of such logging requires studies of a range of impacts on the remaining populations, including their genetic viability. We investigated the effect of selective logging on genetic diversity, intrapopulation spatial genetic structure (SGS), effective population size (Ne), and pollen and seed dispersal in three A. angustifolia permanent sample blocks established in a remnant of Araucaria Forest in Brazil. In these sample blocks, three logging intensities were applied (LI: 18.4, 31.4, and 32.3% of trees). Microsatellite analysis was performed for all adult and juvenile trees pre- and post-logging saplings. After selective logging, the greatest loss of alleles and the greatest decrease in Ne were observed from the highest LI. Logging increased SGS, while the distance and patterns of pollen and seed dispersal were different for both pre- and post-logging scenarios, with pollen dispersed over greater distances than seed. Pollen dispersal distance post-logging and seed dispersal distance pre- and post-logging decreased with the increased distance between parents. After logging, Ne reduced from 27.7 (LI = 31.4%) to 28.8 (LI = 18.4%) and 39.5% (LI = 32.3%), and some alleles were lost. Despite this, the loss of these alleles may be compensated for in subsequent generations, considering that logging resulted in changes such as an increase in the rate and distance of pollen immigration. Under the conditions evaluated in this study, selective logging of A. angustifolia is not adequate. To achieve truly sustainable forest logging, new rules that combine higher minimum DBH, lower logging intensity, and longer cutting cycles must be adopted. Furthermore, extensive genetic studies must be performed before logging any individual from a natural population.
The Influence of Processing Conditions on the Quality of Bent Solid Wood from European Oak
Authors: Straže Aleš , Žigon Jure , Pervan Stjepan , Mikšik Mislav , Prekrat Silvana
Published: May 2023

Bending of solid wood from European oak is one of the most demanding technological processes due to its specific structural and physical properties and variability. We investigated the influence of wood moisture content (MC) and stiffness, determined by NDT, as well as previous drying methods on the bending ability of the wood. The best quality was obtained with bending specimens bent at a moisture content of at least 16% and quarter- or semi-quartersawn. The number of rejected specimens increased slightly when HF bending was used. Single-stage predrying of oak to a final MC of 8% resulted in a high rejection rate (>70%) regardless of drying technique. The acceptance rate was higher for less stiff specimens where the ratio of ultrasonic velocity in the straight (vS) and bent region (vB) was less than 0.5 (vB/vS).
Omics Sequencing of Saccharomyces cerevisiae Strain with Improved Capacity for Ethanol Production
Authors: Lu Zhilong , Guo Ling , Chen Xiaoling , Lu Qi , Wu Yanling , Chen Dong , Wu Renzhi , Chen Ying
Published: May 2023

Saccharomyces cerevisiae is the most important industrial microorganism used to fuel ethanol production worldwide. Herein, we obtained a mutant S. cerevisiae strain with improved capacity for ethanol fermentation, from 13.72% (v/v for the wild-type strain) to 16.13% (v/v for the mutant strain), and analyzed its genomic structure and gene expression changes. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment revealed that the changed genes were mainly enriched in the pathways of carbohydrate metabolism, amino acid metabolism, metabolism of cofactors and vitamins, and lipid metabolism. The gene expression trends of the two strains were recorded during fermentation to create a timeline. Venn diagram analysis revealed exclusive genes in the mutant strain. KEGG enrichment of these genes showed upregulation of genes involved in sugar metabolism, mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway, fatty acid and amino acid degradation, and downregulation of genes involved in oxidative phosphorylation, ribosome, fatty acid and amino acid biogenesis. Protein interaction analysis of these genes showed that glucose-6-phosphate isomerase 1, signal peptidase complex subunit 3, 6-phosphofructokinase 2, and trifunctional aldehyde reductase were the major hub genes in the network, linking pathways together. These findings provide new insights into the adaptive metabolism of S. cerevisiae for ethanol production and a framework for the construction of engineered strains of S. cerevisiae with excellent ethanol fermentation capacity.
Enhancing the Fertilizer Quality and Remediation Ability of Anaerobic Digestate via Myrothecium verrucaria Treatment
Authors: Yang Mingxin , Gong Binbin , Xu Jiayi , Sun Yonglin , Tian Pengjiao , Wang Xiqing
Published: May 2023

Low fertilizer quality and remediation ability are considered the major factors hampering the land application of anaerobic digestate. Therefore, the role of Myrothecium verrucaria treatment in enhancing the fertilizer quality and remediation ability of digestate for land application was explored. Higher content of humic acid (7.5 g/L) with a higher degree of humification index and oxygen-containing functional groups was observed in the digestate receiving Myrothecium verrucaria treatment. Likewise, humic acid formed from Myrothecium verrucaria treatment had a higher capacity of heavy metal binding. Moreover, the viable and culturable count of S. faecalis, S. typhi, C. perfringens, and E. coli pathogens in the digestate decreased to approximately 12.50%, 41.70%, 18.87%, and 50.00% and 25.97%, 64.44%, 37.51%, and 75.27%, respectively, after treatment with Myrothecium verrucaria. This study provided a novel strategy to enhance the fertilizer quality, remediation ability, and biological safety of anaerobic digestate for land application.
Effect of Flaxseed Mucilage on the Probiotic, Antioxidant, and Structural-Mechanical Properties of the Different Lactobacillus Cells
Authors: Sungatullina Alya , Petrova Tatyana , Kharina Maria , Mikshina Polina , Nikitina Elena
Published: May 2023

A positive effect of flaxseed mucilage (FSM) addition (at concentrations of 0.1, 0.2, and 0.4%) to MRS and milk whey nutrient medium on the survival, auto-aggregation, hydrophobicity, adhesive, and antioxidant properties of L. bulgaricus, L. fermentum AG8, and L. plantarum AG9 was shown. It was found that the AG 8 strain became less sensitive to 7% NaCl concentrations (the cell survival rate in the experiment with 0.4% flaxseed mucilage increased by 10% compared to the control). Cultivation in the presence of FSM led to an increase in auto-aggregation, especially in the case of AG8 (from 60 to 85%) and AG9 (from 50 to 80%) strains, and an increase in hydrophobicity was seen: for L. fermentum AG8, it was from 30% to 62–72%, for L. fermentum AG9 from 30% to 35–42%, and for L. bulgaricus from 20% to 30%. The adhesive properties of the L. fermentum AG8 and L. plantarum AG9 cells increased from 0.472 to 1 nN (nanonewton) and from 0.630 to 2.5 nN, respectively. The presence of flaxseed mucilage increased the total phenolic content in cell-free supernatants after 48 h of cultivation. The concentration of 0.1–0.2% FSM increased the OH-scavenging activity of milk whey nutrient medium cell-free supernatants of strains AG8 and AG9 by 7–10%. Flaxseed mucilage can serve as a promising bioactive additive that elevates antioxidant activity, increases the resistance and survival of Lactobacillus cells in the gastrointestinal tract, and leads to the synthesis of lipase and α-glucosidase inhibitors. The co-culture of these lactic acid bacteria in the presence of FSM and milk components in the form of whey leads to the synthesis of lipase and α-glucosidase inhibitors more than the culturing on de Man, Rogosa, and Sharpe broth.
Numerical Simulation of Downward Flame Propagation in Discontinuous Region of Solid Fuel
Authors: Zhu Yeming , Luo Shengfeng , Zhao Yanli , Zeng Yiping , Wu Guohua , Wei Ruichao , Sun Shutang
Published: May 2023

This paper presents a numerical model that investigates the characteristics of flow, heat, and mass transfer on downward flame propagation in the discontinuous region of solid fuel. Simulations were carried out for various discontinuous distances to analyze the morphology of the flame front and the competition between the “jump” of flame spread and heat transfer from the flame to the unburned area. The results demonstrate that there is a “jump” in the flame propagation in the discontinuous zone, with the flame front exhibiting a defined “acute angle” that undergoes a process from large to small during the flame spreading in the discontinuous area and deflects towards the discontinuous area of the material. The temperature in the discontinuous zone reaches a peak, and the average flame spread rate initially increases and then decreases with the increase of discontinuity distance until the flame spread stops. The study provides valuable insights into the growth and development of fires involving discretely distributed combustible materials.
Narrowing the Horizon: Using Known Invasives and Propagule Pressure to Focus Risk Screening Efforts on Potential Invasives
Authors: Hill Jeffrey E. , Durland Donahou Allison , Wooley Emily S. , Lapham Lauren N. , Tuckett Quenton M.
Published: May 2023

About 11 million marine ornamental fish of ca 1800 non-native species are imported into the USA each year. Selecting species for risk assessment is daunting for such a diverse pathway. Herein, we discuss a focused method for species selection: choosing important taxa related to known invaders in high-volume pathways and narrowing prospective species lists to manageable groups of potential hazards. We provide an example using 11 damselfishes, a family with high volume in trade and one of the species established in USA waters. We used a specialized literature review and a risk screening tool (Aquatic Species Invasiveness Screening Kit) to provide an estimate of risk of invasiveness of marine waters of Florida. The established species was identified as a hazard and potential invasive. All other species scored well below the threshold for invasiveness and future climate had little effect on estimates of invasiveness. The analysis revealed little need for additional risk assessment or prohibitions on damselfishes in trade. Education, monitoring, and early detection and rapid response were the main risk management recommendations. The focused species selection process employed herein provided hazard identification and preliminary risk estimates for just 11 species, but collectively, they represent 40% by volume of fishes imported in the marine ornamental trade.
Glucocorticoid Receptor Mediates Cortisol Regulation of Glycogen Metabolism in Gills of the Euryhaline Tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus)
Authors: Wu Chien-Yu , Lee Tsung-Han , Tseng Deng-Yu
Published: May 2023

In this study, we investigated the effects of cortisol on the regulation of the glycogen metabolism biomarkers glycogen synthase (GS) and glycogen phosphorylase (GP) in the glycogen-rich cells of the gills of tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus). In the gills of tilapia, GP, GS, and glycogen were immunocytochemically colocalized in a specific group of glycogen-rich cells adjacent to the gills’ main ionocytes and mitochondria-rich cells. Cortisol plays a vital role in the regulation of physiological functions in animals, including energy metabolism, respiration, immune response, and ion regulation. However, no studies have elucidated the mechanisms regulating cortisol and glycogen-rich cells in the gills. Therefore, we treated tilapia larvae with exogenous cortisol and a glucocorticoid receptor (GR) antagonist to investigate the regulatory mechanisms between cortisol and glycogen-rich cells in the gills. Our results showed that cortisol promoted the expression of gill glycogen phosphorylase isoform (GPGG) mRNA via GR, whereas the GS gene expression remained unaffected. We also found that GR mRNA was colocalized with some glycogen-rich cells in the gills, further confirming our hypothesis that cortisol directly acts on glycogen-rich cells in the gills of tilapia and regulates glycogen metabolism by promoting GPGG mRNA expression.
Flow-Induced Forces for a Group of One Large and Several Small Structures in the Sheared Turbulent Flow
Authors: Annapeh Henry Francis , Kurushina Victoria
Published: May 2023

Evaluating the hydrodynamic force fluctuations acting on each structure in a group of subsea objects of different cross-section shapes, sizes and relative positions represents a challenge due to the sensitivity of the vortex shedding process, especially for a variety of sheared flows. The present study uses the numerical 2D computational fluid dynamics model to estimate the flow-induced forces on a group of small circular and D-shaped cylinders in the linear and parabolic sheared flow, which are placed in proximity to a larger structure of the squared cross-section. This allows us to evaluate loads, which are affected by the presence of subsea equipment located on the seabed. The average Reynolds number of the considered linear flow profile is 3900, while the parabolic flow profile has the maximum Reynolds number of 3900. The k-ω SST turbulence model is used for simulations. The work demonstrates the effect of the cross-sectional shape of smaller cylinders on hydrodynamic coefficients, explores the effect from the spacing in between the structures and highlights differences between loads in the linearly sheared and parabolic flow. The results obtained show that the presence of the squared cylinder notably influences the mean drag coefficient on the first cylinder, for both circular and D-shaped cylinders. The parabolic sheared flow profile in this series leads to the highest mean drag and the highest amplitudes of the fluctuating drag and lift coefficients.
Modelling The Hemodynamics of Coronary Ischemia
Authors: Baraikan Abdulaziz Al , Czechowicz Krzysztof , Morris Paul D. , Halliday Ian , Gosling Rebecca C. , Gunn Julian P. , Narracott Andrew J. , Williams Gareth , Garg Pankaj , Malawski Maciej , Vosse Frans van de , Lungu Angela , Rafiroiu Dan , Hose David Rodney
Published: May 2023

Acting upon clinical patient data, acquired in the pathway of percutaneous intervention, we deploy hierarchical, multi-stage, data-handling protocols and interacting low- and high-order mathematical models (chamber elastance, state-space system and CFD models), to establish and then validate a framework to quantify the burden of ischaemia. Our core tool is a compartmental, zero-dimensional model of the coupled circulation with four heart chambers, systemic and pulmonary circulations and an optimally adapted windkessel model of the coronary arteries that reflects the diastolic dominance of coronary flow. We guide the parallel development of protocols and models by appealing to foundational physiological principles of cardiac energetics and a parameterisation (stenotic Bernoulli resistance and micro-vascular resistance) of patients’ coronary flow. We validate our process first with results which substantiate our protocols and, second, we demonstrate good correspondence between model operation and patient data. We conclude that our core model is capable of representing (patho)physiological states and discuss how it can potentially be deployed, on clinical data, to provide a quantitative assessment of the impact, on the individual, of coronary artery disease.
Stream and Potential Functions for Transient Flow Simulations in Porous Media with Pressure-Controlled Well Systems
Authors: Alotaibi Manal , Alotaibi Shoug , Weijermars Ruud
Published: May 2023

Gaussian solutions of the diffusion equation can be applied to visualize the flow paths in subsurface reservoirs due to the spatial advance of the pressure gradient caused by engineering interventions (vertical wells, horizontal wells) in subsurface reservoirs for the extraction of natural resources (e.g., water, oil, gas, and geothermal fluids). Having solved the temporal and spatial changes in the pressure field caused by the lowered pressure of a well’s production system, the Gaussian method is extended and applied to compute and visualize velocity magnitude contours, streamlines, and other relevant flow attributes in the vicinity of well systems that are depleting the pressure in a reservoir. We derive stream function and potential function solutions that allow instantaneous modeling of flow paths and pressure contour solutions for transient flows. Such analytical solutions for transient flows have not been derived before without time-stepping. The new closed-form solutions avoid the computational complexity of time-stepping, required when time-dependent flows are modeled by superposing steady-state solutions using complex analysis methods.
Co-Gelation of Pumpkin-Seed Protein with Egg-White Protein
Authors: Tomczyńska-Mleko Marta , Terpiłowski Konrad , Pérez-Huertas Salvador , Sapiga Viktoria , Polischuk Galina , Sołowiej Bartosz , Nastaj Maciej , Wesołowska-Trojanowska Marta , Mleko Stanisław
Published: May 2023

The aim of this study was to investigate the gelation process of binary mixes of pumpkin-seed and egg-white proteins. The substitution of pumpkin-seed proteins with egg-white proteins improved the rheological properties of the obtained gels, i.e., a higher storage modulus, lower tangent delta, and larger ultrasound viscosity and hardness. Gels with a larger egg-white protein content were more elastic and more resistant to breaking structure. A higher concentration of pumpkin-seed protein changed the gel microstructure to a rougher and more particulate one. The microstructure was less homogenous, with a tendency to break at the pumpkin/egg-white protein gel interface. The decrease in the intensity of the amide II band with an increase in the pumpkin-seed protein concentration showed that the secondary structure of this protein evolved more toward a linear amino acid chain compared with the egg-white protein, which could have an impact on the microstructure. The supplementation of pumpkin-seed proteins with egg-white proteins caused a decrease in water activity from 0.985 to 0.928, which had important implications for the microbiological stability of the obtained gels. Strong correlations were found between the water activity and rheological properties of the gels; an improvement of their rheological properties resulted in a decrease in water activity. The supplementation of pumpkin-seed proteins with egg-white proteins resulted in more homogenous gels with a stronger microstructure and better water binding.
Effect of Soybean Protein Concentrate Preparation on Copy Numbers and Structural Characteristics of DNA from Genetically Modified Soybean
Authors: Du Yan , Chen Fusheng , Liu Kunlun , Chen Chen
Published: May 2023

To regulate the degradation of transgenic DNA and lay theoretical foundations for the rational utilization of genetically modified (GM) products, variations in copy numbers and structural characteristics of DNA from GM soybean event GTS 40-3-2 during soybean protein concentrate (SPC) preparation were evaluated. Results showed that defatting and the first ethanol extraction were key procedures inducing DNA degradation. After these two procedures, copy numbers of the lectin and cp4 epsps targets decreased by more than 4 × 108, occupying 36.88–49.30% of the total copy numbers from raw soybean. Atomic force microscopy images visually revealed the degradation of DNA that thinned and shortened during SPC preparation. Circular dichroism spectra suggested a lower helicity of DNA from defatted soybean kernel flour and a conformation transition of DNA from B-type to A-type after ethanol extraction. The fluorescence intensity of DNA decreased during SPC preparation, verifying the DNA damage along this preparation chain.
Bioactive Components and Their Activities from Different Parts of Citrus aurantifolia (Christm.) Swingle for Food Development
Authors: Indriyani Nastiti Nur , Anshori Jamaludin Al , Permadi Nandang , Nurjanah Sarifah , Julaeha Euis
Published: May 2023

Citrus aurantifolia is part of the Rutaceae family and belongs to the genus Citrus. It is widely used in food, the chemical industry, and pharmaceuticals because it has a unique flavor and odor. It is nutrient-rich and is beneficial as an antibacterial, anticancer, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and insecticide. Secondary metabolites present in C. aurantifolia are what give rise to biological action. Flavonoids, terpenoids, phenolics, limonoids, alkaloids, and essential oils are among the secondary metabolites/phytochemicals discovered in C. aurantifolia. Every portion of the plant’s C. aurantifolia has a different composition of secondary metabolites. Environmental conditions such as light and temperature affect the oxidative stability of the secondary metabolites from C. aurantifolia. The oxidative stability has been increased by using microencapsulation. The advantages of microencapsulation are control of the release, solubilization, and protection of the bioactive component. Therefore, the chemical makeup and biological functions of the various plant components of C. aurantifolia must be investigated. The aim of this review is to discuss the bioactive components of C. aurantifolia such as essential oils, flavonoids, terpenoids, phenolic, limonoids, and alkaloids obtained from different parts of the plants and their biological activities such as being antibacterial, antioxidant, anticancer, an insecticide, and anti-inflammatory. In addition, various extraction techniques of the compounds out of different parts of the plant matrix as well as the microencapsulation of the bioactive components in food are also provided.
Combining Blue Light and Yellow Curcumin to Obtain a “Green” Tool for Berry Preservation against Bacterial Contamination: A Preliminary Investigation
Authors: Stura Ilaria , Munir Zunaira , Cavallo Lorenza , Torri Luisa , Mandras Narcisa , Banche Giuliana , Spagnolo Rita , Pertusio Raffaele , Cavalli Roberta , Guiot Caterina
Published: May 2023

Background: According to recent studies, tens of millions of tons of fruit are wasted each year in Europe in primary production and home/service consumption. Among fruits, berries are most critical because they have a shorter shelf life and a softer, more delicate, and often edible skin. Curcumin is a natural polyphenolic compound extracted from the spice turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) which exhibits antioxidant, photophysical, and antimicrobial properties that can be further enhanced by photodynamic inactivation of pathogens when irradiated with blue or ultraviolet light. Materials and methods: Multiple experiments were performed in which berry samples were sprayed with a complex of β-cyclodextrin containing 0.5 or 1 mg/mL of curcumin. Photodynamic inactivation was induced by irradiation with blue LED light. Antimicrobial effectiveness was assessed with microbiological assays. The expected effects of oxidation, curcumin solution deterioration, and alteration of the volatile compounds were investigated as well. Results: The treatment with photoactivated curcumin solutions reduced the bacterial load (3.1 vs. 2.5 colony forming units/mL (UFC/ml) in the control and treated groups; p-value = 0.01), without altering the fruit organoleptic and antioxidant properties. Conclusions: The explored method is a promising approach to extend berries’ shelf life in an easy and green way. However, further investigations of the preservation and general properties of treated berries are still needed.
Preparation and Characterization of the Composition of Volatile Compounds, Fatty Acids and Thermal Behavior of Paprika
Authors: Dippong Thomas , Senila Lacrimioara , Muresan Laura Elena
Published: May 2023

This study aimed to investigate the thermal behavior and composition of volatile compounds, fatty acids and polyphenols in paprika obtained from peppers of different countries. The thermal analysis revealed various transformations in the paprika composition, namely drying, water loss and decomposition of volatile compounds, fatty acids, amino acids, cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin. The main fatty acids found in all paprika oils were linoleic (20.3–64.8%), palmitic (10.6–16.0%) and oleic acid (10.4–18.1%). A notable amount of omega-3 was found in spicy paprika powder varieties. The volatile compounds were classified into six odor classes (citrus (29%), woody (28%), green (18%), fruity (11%), gasoline (10%) and floral (4%)). The total polyphenol content ranged between 5.11 and 10.9 g GA/kg.
Detection of Ciguatoxins and Tetrodotoxins in Seafood with Biosensors and Other Smart Bioanalytical Systems
Authors: Reverté Jaume , Alkassar Mounira , Diogène Jorge , Campàs Mònica
Published: May 2023

The emergence of marine toxins such as ciguatoxins (CTXs) and tetrodotoxins (TTXs) in non-endemic regions may pose a serious food safety threat and public health concern if proper control measures are not applied. This article provides an overview of the main biorecognition molecules used for the detection of CTXs and TTXs and the different assay configurations and transduction strategies explored in the development of biosensors and other biotechnological tools for these marine toxins. The advantages and limitations of the systems based on cells, receptors, antibodies, and aptamers are described, and new challenges in marine toxin detection are identified. The validation of these smart bioanalytical systems through analysis of samples and comparison with other techniques is also rationally discussed. These tools have already been demonstrated to be useful in the detection and quantification of CTXs and TTXs, and are, therefore, highly promising for their implementation in research activities and monitoring programs.
Physicochemical and In Vitro Digestion Properties of Curcumin-Loaded Solid Lipid Nanoparticles with Different Solid Lipids and Emulsifiers
Authors: Yu Yasi , Chen Dechu , Lee Yee Ying , Chen Nannan , Wang Yong , Qiu Chaoying
Published: May 2023

Curcumin-loaded solid lipid nanoparticles (Cur-SLN) were prepared using medium- and long chain diacylglycerol (MLCD) or glycerol tripalmitate (TP) as lipid matrix and three kinds of surfactants including Tween 20 (T20), quillaja saponin (SQ) and rhamnolipid (Rha). The MLCD-based SLNs had a smaller size and lower surface charge than TP-SLNs with a Cur encapsulation efficiency of 87.54–95.32% and the Rha-based SLNs exhibited a small size but low stability to pH decreases and ionic strength. Thermal analysis and X-ray diffraction results confirmed that the SLNs with different lipid cores showed varying structures, melting and crystallization profiles. The emulsifiers slightly impacted the crystal polymorphism of MLCD-SLNs but largely influenced that of TP-SLNs. Meanwhile, the polymorphism transition was less significant for MLCD-SLNs, which accounted for the better stabilization of particle size and higher encapsulation efficiency of MLCD-SLNs during storage. In vitro studies showed that emulsifier formulation greatly impacted on the Cur bioavailability, whereby T20-SLNs showed much higher digestibility and bioavailability than that of SQ- and Rha-SLNs possibly due to the difference in the interfacial composition. Mathematical modeling analysis of the membrane release further confirmed that Cur was mainly released from the intestinal phase and T20-SLNs showed a faster release rate compared with other formulations. This work contributes to a better understanding of the performance of MLCD in lipophilic compound-loaded SLNs and has important implications for the rational design of lipid nanocarriers and in instructing their application in functional food products.
Effect of Sprouting on Biomolecular and Antioxidant Features of Common Buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum)
Authors: Borgonovi Sara Margherita , Chiarello Elena , Pasini Federica , Picone Gianfranco , Marzocchi Silvia , Capozzi Francesco , Bordoni Alessandra , Barbiroli Alberto , Marti Alessandra , Iametti Stefania , Di Nunzio Mattia
Published: May 2023

Buckwheat is a pseudo-cereal widely grown and consumed throughout the world. Buckwheat is recognized as a good source of nutrients and, in combination with other health-promoting components, is receiving increasing attention as a potential functional food. Despite the high nutritional value of buckwheat, a variety of anti-nutritional features makes it difficult to exploit its full potential. In this framework, sprouting (or germination) may represent a process capable of improving the macromolecular profile, including reducing anti-nutritional factors and/or synthesizing or releasing bioactives. This study addressed changes in the biomolecular profile and composition of buckwheat that was sprouted for 48 and 72 h. Sprouting increased the content of peptides and free-phenolic compounds and the antioxidant activity, caused a marked decline in the concentration of several anti-nutritional components, and affected the metabolomic profile with an overall improvement in the nutritional characteristics. These results further confirm sprouting as a process suitable for improving the compositional traits of cereals and pseudo-cereals, and are further steps towards the exploitation of sprouted buckwheat as a high-quality ingredient in innovative products of industrial interest.
On a Novel Dynamics of a SIVR Model Using a Laplace Adomian Decomposition Based on a Vaccination Strategy
Authors: Dhandapani Prasantha Bharathi , Leiva Víctor , Martin-Barreiro Carlos , Rangasamy Maheswari
Published: May 2023

In this paper, we introduce a SIVR model using the Laplace Adomian decomposition. This model focuses on a new trend in mathematical epidemiology dedicated to studying the characteristics of vaccination of infected communities. We analyze the epidemiological parameters using equilibrium stability and numerical analysis techniques. New mathematical strategies are also applied to establish our epidemic model, which is a pandemic model as well. In addition, we mathematically establish the chance for the next wave of any pandemic disease and show that a consistent vaccination strategy could control it. Our proposal is the first model introducing a vaccination strategy to actively infected cases. We are sure this work will serve as the basis for future research on COVID-19 and pandemic diseases since our study also considers the vaccinated population.
Composite Hydrogels with Included Solid-State Nanoparticles Bearing Anticancer Chemotherapeutics
Authors: Zhivkov Alexandar M. , Popov Trifon T. , Hristova Svetlana H.
Published: May 2023

Hydrogels have many useful physicochemical properties which, in combination with their biocompatibility, suggest their application as a drug delivery system for the local and prorogated release of drugs. However, their drug-absorption capacity is limited because of the gel net’s poor adsorption of hydrophilic molecules and in particular, hydrophobic molecules. The absorption capacity of hydrogels can be increased with the incorporation of nanoparticles due to their huge surface area. In this review, composite hydrogels (physical, covalent and injectable) with included hydrophobic and hydrophilic nanoparticles are considered as suitable for use as carriers of anticancer chemotherapeutics. The main focus is given to the surface properties of the nanoparticles (hydrophilicity/hydrophobicity and surface electric charge) formed from metal and dielectric substances: metals (gold, silver), metal-oxides (iron, aluminum, titanium, zirconium), silicates (quartz) and carbon (graphene). The physicochemical properties of the nanoparticles are emphasized in order to assist researchers in choosing appropriate nanoparticles for the adsorption of drugs with hydrophilic and hydrophobic organic molecules.
Novel Differentially Methylated Regions Identified by Genome-Wide DNA Methylation Analyses Contribute to Racial Disparities in Childhood Obesity
Authors: Patel Priyadarshni , Selvaraju Vaithinathan , Babu Jeganathan Ramesh , Wang Xu , Geetha Thangiah
Published: May 2023

The magnitude of the childhood obesity epidemic and its effects on public health has accelerated the pursuit of practical preventative measures. Epigenetics is one subject that holds a lot of promise, despite being relatively new. The study of potentially heritable variations in gene expression that do not require modifications to the underlying DNA sequence is known as epigenetics. Here, we used Illumina MethylationEPIC BeadChip Array to identify differentially methylated regions in DNA isolated from saliva between normal weight (NW) and overweight/obese (OW/OB) children and between European American (EA) and African American (AA) children. A total of 3133 target IDs (associated with 2313 genes) were differentially methylated (p < 0.05) between NW and OW/OB children. In OW/OB children, 792 target IDs were hypermethylated and 2341 were hypomethylated compared to NW. Similarly, in the racial groups EA and AA, a total of 1239 target IDs corresponding to 739 genes were significantly differentially methylated in which 643 target IDs were hypermethylated and 596 were hypomethylated in the AA compared to EA participants. Along with this, the study identified novel genes that could contribute to the epigenetic regulation of childhood obesity.
Effect of the Field-Stress State on the Subgrade Resilient Modulus for Pavement Rutting and IRI
Authors: Islam Kazi Moinul , Gassman Sarah L.
Published: May 2023

The new Mechanistic-Empirical Pavement Design Guide (MEPDG) uses the subgrade resilient modulus (MR) as the key input parameter to represent the subgrade soil behavior for pavement design. The resilient modulus increases with an increase in confining pressure, whereas, for an increase in deviatoric stress, it increases for granular soils and decreases for fine-grained soils. The value of MR is highly stress dependent, with the stress state (i.e., bulk stress) a function of the position of the materials in the pavement structure and applied traffic loading. Applying excessive vertical stress at the top of the subgrade without knowing the appropriate stress state can result in permanent deformation. In situ stress must be calculated so the correct resilient modulus can be determined. To facilitate the implementation of MEPDG, this study develops a methodology to select the appropriate subgrade resilient modulus for predicting rutting and IRI. A comprehensive research methodology was undertaken to study the effect of in situ or undisturbed subgrade MR on pavement performance using the MEPDG. Results show that MR obtained from in situ stress is approximately 1.4 times higher than the MR estimate from NCHRP-285. Thus, the in situ stress significantly affects the calculation of subgrade MR and, subsequently, the use of MR in the predicted rutting, with IRI using the AASHTOWare pavement mechanistic-empirical design. Results also show that the pavement sections were classified as in “Good” and “Fair” conditions for rutting and IRI, respectively, considering in situ MR.
Cinema, the Settler
Authors: Veracini Lorenzo
Published: May 2023

While the history and technology of cinema are considered for the purpose of achieving decolonial ends, this paper suggests that ‘classic’ cinema may be considered a quintessentially settler colonial medium. However, the moving image is now delivered in new ways and through new devices, and streaming has transformed global patterns of cinema production and consumption. Thus, two developments are considered in relation to this transformation. On the one hand, there are signs that mainstream cinema may be genuinely addressing its implication with colonialism, and this paper focuses on a formal apology and on a big budget movie that adopted a radically innovative approach to representing Indigenous peoples: Prey (2022). On the other hand, streaming has made cinema portable and has made consumption in personally deliberated instalments possible. The ‘digital natives’ consume cinema in fragmented and noncollective patterns, and their activity is subjected to unprecedented modalities of surveillance and appropriation. This paper concludes that a form of digital colonialism supported by streaming operates in ways that are homologous with modes of settler colonial appropriation.
The First Case of Human Hepatic Fasciolosis Presented as Hepatic Pseudotumor Histopathologically Diagnosed in Romania—A Case Report
Authors: Birlutiu Victoria , Birlutiu Rares-Mircea
Published: May 2023

Human hepatic fasciolosis has been reported in 81 countries, some of which are endemic areas. In Europe, case reports from humans were published in Portugal, Spain, France, and Italy. Regarding Romania, we do not have any data on the prevalence of this parasitosis, with the exception of two cases of twins that were born in Romania and diagnosed in the last 37 years in Italy after joining their mother that lived there. We report the case of a patient diagnosed in Romania with chronic fasciolosis, presented as a hepatic pseudotumor that was diagnosed during the histopathological examination of the hepatic lesion. The patient received oral treatment with triclabendazole, two doses of 10 milligrams (mg) per kilogram (kg) of body weight, given 12 h apart, with no side effects during or after the treatment. The evolution of the patient was favorable. In conclusion, even in areas free of human fasciolosis, the presence of an anemic syndrome especially in children, abdominal pain in the upper quadrants, associated or not with other digestive manifestations, even more so associated with eosinophilia in the acute phase, should be carefully evaluated for ruling out a parasitosis such as fasciolosis even in countries where this diagnosis seems unlikely.
Neurorehabilitation: Looking Back and Moving Forward, 1st Edition
Authors: Nasios Grigorios , Messinis Lambros , Dardiotis Efthimios , Sgantzos Markos
Published: May 2023

Rehabilitation is “a set of interventions designed to optimize functioning and reduce disability in individuals with health conditions in interaction with their environment”, according to the recent report from the World Health Organization (WHO), released in January 2023 [...]
Child-to-Parent Violence Specialist and Generalist Perpetrators: Risk Profile and Gender Differences
Authors: Loinaz Ismael , Irureta Maialen , San Juan César
Published: May 2023

Like other forms of domestic violence, child-to-parent violence (CPV) is a social and health-related problem. The identification of risk factors has preventive and therapeutic implications. This paper analyzes the risk profiles and gender differences of 206 CPV cases between 12 and 28 years of age (58% males) from clinical and judicial contexts in Spain, assessed using the Child to Parent Violence Risk (CPVR) Assessment tool. Two profiles were compared according to the extent of their violence: those using only CPV (specialist, 64.1%) and those also using other types of violence (generalist, 35.9%), as coded by professionals working with the cases. Generalist perpetrators had a significantly higher prevalence in terms of the bidirectionality of the violence (being victims at home), bullying victimization, empathy problems, anger management issues, attitudes justifying violence, antisocial behavior, failure of previous interventions, violence between parents, cohabitation problems other than CPV, problematic education style, and inversion of the hierarchy. Females were less likely to be generalists, and, in the case of female specialists, violence from parents and issues in the family context may have been among the main explanations for their violence. The results suggest differences between groups, which is consistent with previous research, but also the need for more accurate typological classification methods.
The Burden of Modifiable Cardiovascular Risk Factors in a Population of Central Italy: A Pilot Study
Authors: Altobelli Emma , Marzi Francesca , Angeletti Paolo Matteo , Galassi Francesca , Guercache Antonello Karim , Profeta Valerio Filippo , Angelone Anna Maria
Published: May 2023

Background: By the mid-20th century, cardiovascular disease (CVD) had become an important cause of mortality and morbidity in developed countries. The aim was to set up a pilot study to screen citizens aged 45–59 in order to identify modifiable risk factors (RFs). Methods: Our study was conducted from February 2019 to February 2020 on citizens of a population of central Italy, aged 45–59, contacted by letter. The variables evaluated were lipid profile, glycemia, anthropometric parameters, lifestyle and utility of screening. Results: It is important to underline that from the comparison with Italian national data, our results showed that blood pressure and lipid profile had better values. On the contrary, there were some alarm bells: a high percentage (57%) of smokers (63.9 in men and 37.1 in women), a sedentary lifestyle (24.5%), and a significantly higher waist circumference than the reference cut-offs for both men and women. The organization of the screening was considered excellent by 56.3% of women and 48.4% of men, and good by 37.5% of women and 46.5% of men. Conclusions: Our study provides a picture to stakeholders of the state of the health of citizens in the area under study, in the immediate pre-pandemic period; however, it is important to underline that their state of health may be modified after the pandemic period. Furthermore, cardiovascular (CV) screening was perceived by the citizens to be important for health care.
The Effect of Craniofacial Manual Lymphatic Drainage after Moderate Traumatic Brain Injury
Authors: Esparza Wilmer Danilo , Aladro-Gonzalvo Arian Ramón , Ruíz-Hontangas Antonio , Celi Daniela , Aguirre María Belén
Published: May 2023

Previous studies suggest that craniofacial manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) facilitates brain fluids clearance, reducing intracranial pressure and reabsorbing chronic subdural hematoma. This study aimed to explore the effect of craniofacial MLD in combination with pharmacological treatment for improving cranial pain intensity, vital signs, and cerebral edema (Hounsfield units, HUs) in moderate traumatic brain injury (mTBI). Patient 1 received pharmacological therapy, while patient 2 received both pharmacological and craniocervical MLD treatment. Patient 2 showed decreased cranial pain intensity and systolic blood pressure (66%–11.11%, respectively) after two 30 min daily sessions of treatment for three days. HUs in the caudate nucleus of both hemispheres (left 24.64%–right 28.72%) and in the left temporal cortical gray matter increased (17.8%). An increase in HU suggests a reduction in cerebral edema and vice versa. For patient 1, there were no changes in cranial pain intensity, but a slight increase in the systolic blood pressure was observed (0%–3.27%, respectively). HUs decreased in the temporal cortical (14.98%) and caudate nucleus gray matter (9.77%) of the left and right cerebral hemispheres (11.96%–16.74%, respectively). This case study suggests that craniofacial MLD combined with pharmacological treatment could reduce cerebral edema, decrease head pain intensity, and maintain vital signs in normal physiologic values in patients with mTBI.
Trend Analysis of Different Climate Parameters and Watering Requirements for Hazelnut in Central Italy Related to Climate Change
Authors: Vinci Alessandra , Di Lena Bruno , Portarena Silvia , Farinelli Daniela
Published: May 2023

In this study, the effects of climate change on the irrigation water requirement of hazelnut trees were investigated in Central Italy. The meteorological variables considered were precipitation, temperature, chilling units, and the Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI) in Central Italy. The hydrological variables were the reference evapotranspiration (ET0) and the water requirement based on soil water balance. Climate data were collected from eight meteorological stations for the period 1974–2021, and ET0 was estimated by the Hargreaves and Samani equation. The SPI index was calculated for a four-month time scale corresponding to the hazelnut growing season (April–August). A statistical analysis of the trends of the variables considered was conducted. The results showed an increasing trend for temperature, ET0, and water requirements, while a decreasing trend was shown for the chilling units. No significant trends were detected for precipitation and SPI.
Comment on Liu et al. Hemodialysis Treatment for Patients with Lithium Poisoning. Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19, 10044
Authors: Ott Michael , Werneke Ursula
Published: May 2023

In a recent article, Liu and colleagues presented a case-series of patients with lithium poisoning, with special emphasis on hemodialysis [...]