bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Physicochemical Study of the Antioxidant Activity of Corn Silk Extracts
Authors: Lapčík Lubomír , Řepka David , Lapčíková Barbora , Sumczynski Daniela , Gautam Shweta , Li Peng , Valenta Tomáš
Published: May 2023

Corn silk (CS) extracts are reported to contain flavonoids (appx. 59.65 mg quercetin/g), polysaccharides (appx. 58.75 w.%), steroids (appx. 38.3 × 10−3 to 368.9 × 10−3 mg/mL), polyphenols (appx. 77.89 mg/GAE/g) and other functional biological substances. This study investigated the antioxidant activity of corn silk extracts related to their functional compounds. The radical scavenging effect of corn silk extracts was evaluated by the spin-trapping electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) technique, 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzo-thiazoline-6-sulfonate) (ABTS•+) free radical measurement, ferric ion-reducing antioxidant power, and copper ion reductive capacity. It was found that the maturity stage of CS plant materials and the applied extraction procedure of their bioactive compounds have a profound effect on the radical scavenging capacity. Differences in the antioxidant activity of the studied corn silk samples based on their maturity were also confirmed. The strongest DPPH radical scavenging effect was observed for the corn silk mature stage (CS-M)stage (CS-MS) (65.20 ± 0.90)%, followed by the silky stage (CS-S) (59.33 ± 0.61)% and the milky stage (CS-M) (59.20 ± 0.92)%, respectively. In general, the final maturity stage (CS-MS) provided the most potent antioxidant effect, followed by the earliest maturity stage (CS-S) and the second maturity stage (CS-M).
Facile Synthesis of Multifunctional Carbon Dots from Spent Gromwell Roots and Their Application as Coating Agents
Authors: Bhattacharya Tanima , Do Hyeon A. , Rhim Jong-Whan , Shin Gye Hwa , Kim Jun Tae
Published: May 2023

Spent Gromwell root-based multifunctional carbon dots (g-CDs) and sulfur-functionalized g-CDs (g-SCDs) were synthesized using a hydrothermal method. The mean particle size of g-CDs was confirmed to be 9.1 nm by TEM (transmission electron microscopy) analysis. The zeta potentials of g-CDs and g-SCDs were mostly negative with a value of −12.5 mV, indicating their stability in colloidal dispersion. Antioxidant activities were 76.9 ± 1.6% and 58.9 ± 0.8% for g-CDs, and 99.0 ± 0.1% and 62.5 ± 0.5% for g-SCDs by 2,2′-Azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging tests, respectively. In addition, the bathochromic shift of g-CDs is observed when their emission peaks appear at a higher wavelength than the excitation peaks. The prepared g-CDs and g-SCDs solutions were used as a coating agent for potato slices. The browning index of the control potato slices increased significantly from 5.0 to 33.5% during 24 to 72 h storage. However, the sample potato slices coated with g-CDs or g-SCDs suppressed the increase in the browning index. In particular, the browning index of the potato slices coated with g-SCDs ranged from 1.4 to 5.5%, whereas the potato slices coated with g-CDs had a browning index ranging from 3.5 to 26.1%. The g-SCDs were more effective in delaying oxidation or browning in foods. The g-CDs and g-SCDs also played a catalytic role in the Rhodamine B dye degradation activity. This activity will be useful in the future to break down toxins and adulterants in food commodities.
Production and Characterization of k-Carrageenan Films Incorporating Cymbopogon winterianus Essential Oil as New Food Packaging Materials
Authors: Santos Catarina , Ramos Ana , Luís Ângelo , Amaral Maria E.
Published: May 2023

The global production of synthetic plastics from petroleum-based raw ingredients exceeds 150 million metric tons. The environment is threatened by tons of plastic waste, thus endangering wildlife and the public’s health. These consequences increased the interest in biodegradable polymers as potential substitutes for traditional packaging materials. This study aimed to produce and characterize k-carrageenan films incorporating Cymbopogon winterianus essential oil, in which citronellal was determined to be the major compound (41.12%). This essential oil presented remarkable antioxidant activity, as measured through DPPH (IC50 = 0.06 ± 0.01%, v/v; AAI = 85.60 ± 13.42) and β-carotene bleaching (IC50 = 3.16 ± 0.48%, v/v) methods. The essential oil also showed antibacterial properties against Listeria monocytogenes LMG 16779 (diameter of inhibition zone = 31.67 ± 5.16 mm and MIC = 8 µL/mL), which were also observed when incorporated in the k-carrageenan films. Moreover, scanning electron microscopy showed the reduction of the biofilms of this bacterium, and even its inactivation, due to visible destruction and loss of integrity when the biofilms were created directly on the developed k-carrageenan films. This study also revealed the quorum sensing inhibition potential of Cymbopogon winterianus essential oil (diameter of violacein production inhibition = 10.93 ± 0.81 mm), where it could impede intercellular communication and, hence, lower violacein synthesis. The produced k-carrageenan films were transparent (>90%) and slightly hydrophobic (water contact angle > 90°). This work demonstrated the viability of using Cymbopogon winterianus essential oil to produce k-carrageenan bioactive films as new food packaging materials. Future work should focus on the scale-up production of these films.
Evaluation of the Safety of Neauvia Stimulate Injectable Product in Patients with Autoimmune Thyroid Diseases Based on Histopathological Examinations and Retrospective Analysis of Medical Records
Authors: Kubik Paweł , Gallo Daniela , Tanda Maria Laura , Jankau Jerzy , Rauso Raffaele , Gruszczyński Wojciech , Pawłowska Aleksandra , Chrapczyński Paweł , Malinowski Maciej , Grzanka Dariusz , Smolińska Marta , Antosik Paulina , Piesiaków Maria-Luiza , Łukasik Bartłomiej , Pawłowska-Kubik Agnieszka , Stabile Giorgio , Guida Stefania , Kodłubański Łukasz , Decates Tom , Zerbinati Nicola
Published: May 2023

The aim of this study was to test the effect of hyaluronic acid cross-linked with polyethylene glycol containing micronized portions of calcium hydroxyapatite (Neauvia Stimulate) on both local tissue and systemic consequences, which are crucial from the perspective of long-term safety, in patients suffering from Hashimoto’s disease. This most common autoimmune disease is a frequently mentioned contraindication to the use of fillers based on hyaluronic acid as well as biostimulants based on calcium hydroxyapatite. Broad-spectrum aspects of histopathology were analyzed to identify key features of inflammatory infiltration before the procedure and 5, 21, and 150 days after the procedure. A statistically significant effect on the reduction of the intensity of the inflammatory infiltration in the tissue in relation to the state before the procedure was demonstrated, combined with a reduction in the occurrence of both antigen-recognizing (CD4) and cytotoxic (CD8) T lymphocytes. With complete statistical certainty, it was demonstrated that the treatment with Neauvia Stimulate had no effect on the levels of these antibodies. All this corresponds with the risk analysis that showed no alarming symptoms during the time of observation. The choice of hyaluronic acid fillers cross-linked with polyethylene glycol should be considered justified and safe in the case of patients suffering from Hashimoto’s disease.
Self-Assembling Nanoarchitectonics of Twisted Nanofibers of Fluorescent Amphiphiles as Chemo-Resistive Sensor for Methanol Detection
Authors: Singh Vandana , Thamizhanban Ayyapillai , Lalitha Krishnamoorthy , Subbiah Dinesh Kumar , Rachamalla Arun Kumar , Rebaka Vara Prasad , Banoo Tohira , Kumar Yogendra , Sridharan Vellaisamy , Ahmad Asrar , Maheswari Chockalingam Uma , Balaguru Rayappan John Bosco , Khan Azmat Ali , Nagarajan Subbiah
Published: May 2023

The inhalation, ingestion, and body absorption of noxious gases lead to severe tissue damage, ophthalmological issues, and neurodegenerative disorders; death may even occur when recognized too late. In particular, methanol gas present in traces can cause blindness, non-reversible organ failure, and even death. Even though ample materials are available for the detection of methanol in other alcoholic analogs at ppm level, their scope is very limited because of the use of either toxic or expensive raw materials or tedious fabrication procedures. In this paper, we report on a simple synthesis of fluorescent amphiphiles achieved using a starting material derived from renewable resources, this material being methyl ricinoleate in good yields. The newly synthesized bio-based amphiphiles were prone to form a gel in a broad range of solvents. The morphology of the gel and the molecular-level interaction involved in the self-assembly process were thoroughly investigated. Rheological studies were carried out to probe the stability, thermal processability, and thixotropic behavior. In order to evaluate the potential application of the self-assembled gel in the field of sensors, we performed sensor measurements. Interestingly, the twisted fibers derived from the molecular assembly could be able to display a stable and selective response towards methanol. We believe that the bottom-up assembled system holds great promise in the environmental, healthcare, medicine, and biological fields.
High Level of GMFG Correlated to Poor Clinical Outcome and Promoted Cell Migration and Invasion through EMT Pathway in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer
Authors: Zhao Yonglin , Wei Xing , Li Jia , Diao Yan , Shan Changyou , Li Weimiao , Zhang Shuqun , Wu Fei
Published: May 2023

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) has a very poor prognosis due to the disease’s lack of established targeted treatment options. Glia maturation factor γ (GMFG), a novel ADF/cofilin superfamily protein, has been reported to be differentially expressed in tumors, but its expression level in TNBC remains unknown. The question of whether GMFG correlates with the TNBC prognosis is also unclear. In this study, data from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), Clinical Proteomic Tumor Analysis Consortium (CPTAC), Human Protein Atlas (HPA), and Genotype-Tissue Expression (GTEx) databases were used to analyze the expression of GMFG in pan-cancer and the correlation between clinical factors. Gene Set Cancer Analysis (GSCA) and Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) were also used to analyze the functional differences between the different expression levels and predict the downstream pathways. GMFG expression in breast cancer tissues, and its related biological functions, were further analyzed by immunohistochemistry (IHC), immunoblotting, RNAi, and function assay; we found that TNBC has a high expression of GMFG, and this higher expression was correlated with a poorer prognosis in TCGA and collected specimens of the TNBC. GMFG was also related to TNBC patients’ clinicopathological data, especially those with histological grade and axillary lymph node metastasis. In vitro, GMFG siRNA inhibited cell migration and invasion through the EMT pathway. The above data indicate that high expression of GMFG in TNBC is related to malignancy and that GMFG could be a biomarker for the detection of TNBC metastasis.
Genetic Mapping of Genotype-by-Ploidy Effects in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Wijnen Cris L. , Becker Frank F. M. , Okkersen Andries A. , de Snoo C. Bastiaan , Boer Martin P. , van Eeuwijk Fred A. , Wijnker Erik , Keurentjes Joost J. B.
Published: May 2023

Plants can express different phenotypic responses following polyploidization, but ploidy-dependent phenotypic variation has so far not been assigned to specific genetic factors. To map such effects, segregating populations at different ploidy levels are required. The availability of an efficient haploid inducer line in Arabidopsis thaliana allows for the rapid development of large populations of segregating haploid offspring. Because Arabidopsis haploids can be self-fertilised to give rise to homozygous doubled haploids, the same genotypes can be phenotyped at both the haploid and diploid ploidy level. Here, we compared the phenotypes of recombinant haploid and diploid offspring derived from a cross between two late flowering accessions to map genotype × ploidy (G × P) interactions. Ploidy-specific quantitative trait loci (QTLs) were detected at both ploidy levels. This implies that mapping power will increase when phenotypic measurements of monoploids are included in QTL analyses. A multi-trait analysis further revealed pleiotropic effects for a number of the ploidy-specific QTLs as well as opposite effects at different ploidy levels for general QTLs. Taken together, we provide evidence of genetic variation between different Arabidopsis accessions being causal for dissimilarities in phenotypic responses to altered ploidy levels, revealing a G × P effect. Additionally, by investigating a population derived from late flowering accessions, we revealed a major vernalisation-specific QTL for variation in flowering time, countering the historical bias of research in early flowering accessions.
QTL Mapping and Candidate Gene Identifying for N, P, and K Use Efficiency at the Maturity Stages in Wheat
Authors: Han Xu , Zhang Mingxia , Gao Minggang , Yuan Yuanyuan , Yuan Yapei , Zhang Guizhi , An Yanrong , Guo Ying , Kong Fanmei , Li Sishen
Published: May 2023

Nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) are the three most important mineral nutrients for crop growth and development. We previously constructed a genetic map of unigenes (UG-Map) based on their physical positions using a RIL population derived from the cross of “TN18 × LM6” (TL-RILs). In this study, a total of 18 traits related to mineral use efficiency (MUE) of N/P/K were investigated under three growing seasons using TL-RILs. A total of 54 stable QTLs were detected, distributed across 19 chromosomes except for 3A and 5B. There were 50 QTLs associated with only one trait, and the other four QTLs were associated with two traits. A total of 73 candidate genes for stable QTLs were identified. Of these, 50 candidate genes were annotated in Chinese Spring (CS) RefSeq v1.1. The average number of candidate genes per QTL was 1.35, with 45 QTLs containing only one candidate gene and nine QTLs containing two or more candidate genes. The candidate gene TraesCS6D02G132100 (TaPTR gene) for QGnc-6D-3306 belongs to the NPF (NRT1/PTR) gene family. We speculate that the TaPTR gene should regulate the GNC trait.
Association between HSPA8 Gene Variants and Ischemic Stroke: A Pilot Study Providing Additional Evidence for the Role of Heat Shock Proteins in Disease Pathogenesis
Authors: Kobzeva Ksenia A. , Soldatova Maria O. , Stetskaya Tatiana A. , Soldatov Vladislav O. , Deykin Alexey V. , Freidin Maxim B. , Bykanova Marina A. , Churnosov Mikhail I. , Polonikov Alexey V. , Bushueva Olga Y.
Published: May 2023

HSPA8 is involved in many stroke-associated cellular processes, playing a pivotal role in the protein quality control system. Here we report the results of the pilot study aimed at determining whether HSPA8 SNPs are linked to the risk of ischemic stroke (IS). DNA samples from 2139 Russians (888 IS patients and 1251 healthy controls) were genotyped for tagSNPs (rs1461496, rs10892958, and rs1136141) in the HSPA8 gene using probe-based PCR. SNP rs10892958 of HSPA8 was associated with an increased risk (risk allele G) of IS in smokers (OR = 1.37; 95% CI = 1.07–1.77; p = 0.01) and patients with low fruit and vegetable consumption (OR = 1.36; 95% CI = 1.14–1.63; p = 0.002). SNP rs1136141 of HSPA8 was also associated with an increased risk of IS (risk allele A) exclusively in smokers (OR = 1.68; 95% CI = 1.23–2.28; p = 0.0007) and in patients with a low fruit and vegetable intake (OR = 1.29; 95% CI = 1.05–1.60; p = 0.04). Sex-stratified analysis revealed an association of rs10892958 HSPA8 with an increased risk of IS in males (risk allele G; OR = 1.30; 95% CI = 1.05–1.61; p = 0.01). Thus, SNPs rs10892958 and rs1136141 in the HSPA8 gene represent novel genetic markers of IS.
The Work of Nurses in Primary Health Care: Crossings of the New Public Management
Authors: Kasper Maristel Silva , Santos Felipe Lima dos , Oliveira Poliana Silva de , Silva Janaina Pereira da , Santos Karen da Silva , Araujo Priscila Norié de , Souza Gabriella Carrijo , Quintão Cássia Bianca de Souza , Viana Angelina Lettiere , Matumoto Silvia , Mishima Silvana Martins , Fermino Tauani Zampieri , Abrahão Ana Lucia , Righi Liane Beatriz , Monceau Gilles , Fortuna Cinira Magali
Published: May 2023

The literature in the field of health management mentions a concept called new public management (NPM), introduced in Brazil and France at the end of the 20th century. The objective of the study was to analyze the repercussions of the work of nurses in primary health care in Brazil and France under the influence of NPM. This is an excerpt of a double-titled thesis, which is a research intervention with nurses from two Brazilian states and five French departments. Data were produced between February 2019 and July 2021. The public policy Health on the Hour acted as an institutional transducer, provoking a reduction in access and producing effects on professional practices. In both countries, NPM amplified the predominance of technical and quantifiable acts, the focus on individual care, and the loss of autonomy. Nurses reported insurmountable situations, using the metaphor “Sophie’s choice”. The results showed that making dilemmatic decisions has been the daily routine of nurses, which has not resulted in debureaucratization and higher quality of care.
Comparative Evaluation of Different Extraction Techniques for Separation of Artemisinin from Sweet Wormwood (Artemisia annua L.)
Authors: Banožić Marija , Wronska Aleksandra Weronika , Jakovljević Kovač Martina , Aladić Krunoslav , Jerković Igor , Jokić Stela
Published: May 2023

Sweet wormwood (Artemisia annua L.) valorization is gaining importance due to the presence of the health-promoting bioactive compound, artemisinin. Considering the wide possible application of artemisinin drug formulations, new, greener technologies in their production are welcome. In this study, artemisinin was extracted from A. annua leaves using green extraction technologies (ultrasound-assisted extraction, supercritical CO2 extraction, deep eutectic solvent extraction and subcritical water extraction) in combination with green solvents. Artemisinin was present up to 3.21 µg/mgdw. Among the different green extraction techniques, HPLC data revealed supercritical CO2 (SCO2) extracts to exhibit the highest yield of artemisinin due to the solvent non-polar properties. Additionally, the volatile compounds profile of SCO2 extract was determined, with camphor (12.23%), arteannuin b (15.29%) and artemisia ketone (10.97%) as the most abundant compounds. Obtained results encourage the use of green extraction techniques for the separation of artemisinin and are expected to find potential in pharmaceutical, cosmetic and food applications.
Renewed Urgency: Reimagining Roles in Nursing and Academia Amidst Rapid AI Advancements
Authors: De Gagne Jennie C.
Published: May 2023

As a professor of nursing in higher education, I am constantly situated at the nexus of tradition and innovation [...]
Partnership and Motivations for Starting a Family of One’s Own in the Opinions of Students with Disabilities
Authors: Łukaszek Maria , Zaborniak-Sobczak Małgorzata , Kijak Remigiusz
Published: May 2023

Creating and maintaining stable, happy intimate relationships is a right every individual has. Previous research has shown that people with disabilities are at risk of building unsatisfactory partner relationships. The aim of the study was to ascertain the beliefs of students with disabilities concerning their motives for starting families and, in regard to potential partners, their tolerance for risky life experiences and the personal qualities accepted. A cross-sectional study was conducted with a sample of 2847 university students in southeastern Poland. It was found that the following motives for entering into a permanent relationship were considered more important by students with disabilities than they were by students without disabilities: enhancement of self-esteem (p = 0.001), high economic potential of a partner (p = 0.007) and a shared system of values and interests (p = 0.036). Love (p = 0.031) and the mental qualities (p = 0.010) of a partner were considered less important by students with disabilities than they were by students without disabilities. Moreover, students with disabilities are far more likely than students without disabilities to accept disability (p < 0.001) in potential partners. They are also significantly more willing to enter into relationships with people who have risky life experiences, even in the form of violence against previous life partners (p < 0.015) and children (p = 0.001), addiction to alcohol (p < 0.001) or drugs (p = 0.01) and the resulting treatment, and those having served time in prison (p = 0.034). Educational and institutional support for students with disabilities should be intensified with regard to partner selection being satisfactory to both partners.
HPV-Related Oral Lesions: YouTube Videos Suitability for Preventive Interventions including Mass-Reach Health Communication and Promotion of HPV Vaccination
Authors: Di Spirito Federica , Amato Alessandra , D’Ambrosio Francesco , Cannatà Davide , Di Palo Maria Pia , Coppola Nicoletta , Amato Massimo
Published: May 2023

Given the need to improve patient knowledge about HPV-related oral lesions, awareness of HPV infection prevention measures, and compliance with vaccination, as well as patient demand for free and easy access to well-tailored and time-saving health information, the present cross-sectional study examined the accuracy of relevant YouTube videos and their suitability for mass-reach health communication and HPV vaccination promotion. A video search was performed, using keywords obtained from the Google Trends website, until 9 January 2023. Video selection and data collection were performed by independent, pre-calibrated examiners. Descriptive statistics were performed on videos’ general characteristics, source reliability, popularity, information and quality, content topics, vaccination-encouraging/discouraging messages, and educational value. Pearson’s correlation was calculated between educational value and all parameters. Mann–Whitney U test compared very low/low vs. medium/good/excellent educational value and HPV vaccination-encouraging vs. -discouraging videos. Most of the 97 YouTube videos analyzed were moderately accurate and reliable, 53% had moderate/good/excellent educational value, and 80% encouraged HPV vaccination, making them suitable for mass-reach communication. The limited role of oral healthcare providers in uploading relevant content, with the poor dissemination of information about HPV-related benign and malignant oral lesions, may be expanded by purposefully using YouTube and other mass media to improve patient knowledge of HPV-related oral lesions and promote HPV vaccination, which also underscores its potential beneficial oral effects.
Selective Activation of D3 Dopamine Receptors Ameliorates DOI-Induced Head Twitching Accompanied by Changes in Corticostriatal Processing
Authors: Estrada-Sánchez Ana María , Rangel-Barajas Claudia , Howe Andrew G. , Barton Scott J. , Mach Robert H. , Luedtke Robert R. , Rebec George V.
Published: May 2023

D3 receptors, a key component of the dopamine system, have emerged as a potential target of therapies to improve motor symptoms across neurodegenerative and neuropsychiatric conditions. In the present work, we evaluated the effect of D3 receptor activation on the involuntary head twitches induced by 2,5-dimethoxy-4-iodoamphetamine (DOI) at behavioral and electrophysiological levels. Mice received an intraperitoneal injection of either a full D3 agonist, WC 44 [4-(2-fluoroethyl)-N-[4-[4-(2-methoxyphenyl)piperazin 1-yl]butyl]benzamide] or a partial D3 agonist, WW-III-55 [N-(4-(4-(4-methoxyphenyl)piperazin-1-yl)butyl)-4-(thiophen-3-yl)benzamide] five minutes before the intraperitoneal administration of DOI. Compared to the control group, both D3 agonists delayed the onset of the DOI-induced head-twitch response and reduced the total number and frequency of the head twitches. Moreover, the simultaneous recording of neuronal activity in the motor cortex (M1) and dorsal striatum (DS) indicated that D3 activation led to slight changes in a single unit activity, mainly in DS, and increased its correlated firing in DS or between presumed cortical pyramidal neurons (CPNs) and striatal medium spiny neurons (MSNs). Our results confirm the role of D3 receptor activation in controlling DOI-induced involuntary movements and suggest that this effect involves, at least in part, an increase in correlated corticostriatal activity. A further understanding of the underlying mechanisms may provide a suitable target for treating neuropathologies in which involuntary movements occur.
Signaling Pathways in the Pathogenesis of Barrett’s Esophagus and Esophageal Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Maslenkina Ksenia , Mikhaleva Liudmila , Naumenko Maxim , Vandysheva Rositsa , Gushchin Michail , Atiakshin Dmitri , Buchwalow Igor , Tiemann Markus
Published: May 2023

Barrett’s esophagus (BE) is a premalignant lesion that can develop into esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC). The development of Barrett’s esophagus is caused by biliary reflux, which causes extensive mutagenesis in the stem cells of the epithelium in the distal esophagus and gastro-esophageal junction. Other possible cellular origins of BE include the stem cells of the mucosal esophageal glands and their ducts, the stem cells of the stomach, residual embryonic cells and circulating bone marrow stem cells. The classical concept of healing a caustic lesion has been replaced by the concept of a cytokine storm, which forms an inflammatory microenvironment eliciting a phenotypic shift toward intestinal metaplasia of the distal esophagus. This review describes the roles of the NOTCH, hedgehog, NF-κB and IL6/STAT3 molecular pathways in the pathogenesis of BE and EAC.
The Role of Gut Microbiota in the Clinical Outcome of Septic Patients: State of the Art and Future Perspectives
Authors: Marascio Nadia , Scarlata Giuseppe Guido Maria , Romeo Francesco , Cicino Claudia , Trecarichi Enrico Maria , Quirino Angela , Torti Carlo , Matera Giovanni , Russo Alessandro
Published: May 2023

Sepsis is a life-threatening multiple-organ dysfunction caused by a dysregulated host response to infection, with high mortality worldwide; 11 million deaths per year are attributable to sepsis in high-income countries. Several research groups have reported that septic patients display a dysbiotic gut microbiota, often related to high mortality. Based on current knowledge, in this narrative review, we revised original articles, clinical trials, and pilot studies to evaluate the beneficial effect of gut microbiota manipulation in clinical practice, starting from an early diagnosis of sepsis and an in-depth analysis of gut microbiota.
Conformational Disorder Analysis of the Conditionally Disordered Protein CP12 from Arabidopsis thaliana in Its Different Redox States
Authors: Del Giudice Alessandra , Gurrieri Libero , Galantini Luciano , Fanti Silvia , Trost Paolo , Sparla Francesca , Fermani Simona
Published: May 2023

CP12 is a redox-dependent conditionally disordered protein universally distributed in oxygenic photosynthetic organisms. It is primarily known as a light-dependent redox switch regulating the reductive step of the metabolic phase of photosynthesis. In the present study, a small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) analysis of recombinant Arabidopsis CP12 (AtCP12) in a reduced and oxidized form confirmed the highly disordered nature of this regulatory protein. However, it clearly pointed out a decrease in the average size and a lower level of conformational disorder upon oxidation. We compared the experimental data with the theoretical profiles of pools of conformers generated with different assumptions and show that the reduced form is fully disordered, whereas the oxidized form is better described by conformers comprising both the circular motif around the C-terminal disulfide bond detected in previous structural analysis and the N-terminal disulfide bond. Despite the fact that disulfide bridges are usually thought to confer rigidity to protein structures, in the oxidized AtCP12, their presence coexists with a disordered nature. Our results rule out the existence of significant amounts of structured and compact conformations of free AtCP12 in a solution, even in its oxidized form, thereby highlighting the importance of recruiting partner proteins to complete its structured final folding.
In Situ Silver Nanonets for Flexible Stretchable Electrodes
Authors: Liao Qingwei , Si Wei , Zhang Jingxin , Sun Hanchen , Qin Lei
Published: May 2023

Shape-controlled synthesis is an effective method for controlling the physicochemical properties of nanomaterials, especially single-crystal nanomaterials, but it is difficult to control the morphology of single-crystal metallic nanomaterials. Silver nanowires (AgNWs) are regarded as key materials for the new generation of human–computer interaction, which can be applied in large-scale flexible and foldable devices, large-size touch screens, transparent LED films, photovoltaic cells, etc. When used on a large scale, the junction resistance will be generated at the overlap between AgNWs and the conductivity will decrease. When stretched, the overlap of AgNWs will be easily disconnected, which will lead to a decrease in electrical conductivity or even system failure. We propose that in situ silver nanonets (AgNNs) can solve the above two problems. The AgNNs exhibited excellent electrical conductivity (0.15 Ω∙sq−1, which was 0.2 Ω∙sq−1 lower than the 0.35 Ω∙sq−1 square resistance of AgNWs) and extensibility (the theoretical tensile rate was 53%). In addition to applications in flexible stretchable sensing and display industries, they also have the potential to be used as plasmonic materials in molecular recognition, catalysis, biomedicine and other fields.
Insights into the Alcyoneusvirus Adsorption Complex
Authors: Noreika Algirdas , Rutkiene Rasa , Dumalakienė Irena , Vilienė Rita , Laurynėnas Audrius , Povilonienė Simona , Skapas Martynas , Meškys Rolandas , Kaliniene Laura
Published: May 2023

The structures of the Caudovirales phage tails are key factors in determining the host specificity of these viruses. However, because of the enormous structural diversity, the molecular anatomy of the host recognition apparatus has been elucidated in only a number of phages. Klebsiella viruses vB_KleM_RaK2 (RaK2) and phiK64-1, which form a new genus Alcyoneusvirus according to the ICTV, have perhaps one of the most structurally sophisticated adsorption complexes of all tailed viruses described to date. Here, to gain insight into the early steps of the alcyoneusvirus infection process, the adsorption apparatus of bacteriophage RaK2 is studied in silico and in vitro. We experimentally demonstrate that ten proteins, gp098 and gp526–gp534, previously designated as putative structural/tail fiber proteins (TFPs), are present in the adsorption complex of RaK2. We show that two of these proteins, gp098 and gp531, are essential for attaching to Klebsiella pneumoniae KV-3 cells: gp531 is an active depolymerase that recognizes and degrades the capsule of this particular host, while gp098 is a secondary receptor-binding protein that requires the coordinated action of gp531. Finally, we demonstrate that RaK2 long tail fibers consist of nine TFPs, seven of which are depolymerases, and propose a model for their assembly.
Neuroprotection by Abdominal Ultrasound in Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Systemic Inflammation
Authors: Song Wen-Shin , Hung Tai-Ho , Liu Shing-Hwa , Zheng Yin-Ting , Lin Hsin-Mei , Yang Feng-Yi
Published: May 2023

Systemic inflammation is associated with intestinal inflammation and neuroinflammation by imbalancing the gut–brain axis. Low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) has neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory effects. This study explored LIPUS’s neuroprotective effects against lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced neuroinflammation through transabdominal stimulation. Male C57BL/6J mice were intraperitoneally injected with LPS (0.75 mg/kg) daily for seven days, and abdominal LIPUS was applied to the abdominal area for 15 min/day during the last six days. One day after the last LIPUS treatment, biological samples were collected for microscopic and immunohistochemical analysis. Histological examination showed that LPS administration leads to tissue damage in the colon and brain. Transabdominal LIPUS stimulation attenuated colonic damage, reducing histological score, colonic muscle thickness, and villi shortening. Furthermore, abdominal LIPUS reduced hippocampal microglial activation (labeled by ionized calcium-binding adaptor molecule-1 [Iba-1]) and neuronal cell loss (labeled by microtubule-associated protein 2 [MAP2]). Moreover, abdominal LIPUS attenuated the number of apoptotic cells in the hippocampus and cortex. Altogether, our results indicate that abdominal LIPUS stimulation attenuates LPS-induced colonic inflammation and neuroinflammation. These findings provide new insights into the treatment strategy for neuroinflammation-related brain disorders and may facilitate method development through the gut–brain axis pathway.
Exogenously Induced Silencing of Four MYB Transcription Repressor Genes and Activation of Anthocyanin Accumulation in Solanum lycopersicum
Authors: Suprun Andrey R. , Kiselev Konstantin V. , Dubrovina Alexandra S.
Published: May 2023

RNA interference (RNAi) is a natural post-transcriptional regulatory mechanism that can be artificially induced by exogenous application of double-stranded RNAs (dsRNAs) to the plant surfaces. Recent studies show that it is possible to silence plant genes and change plant properties using plant RNA spraying and other approaches for dsRNA delivery. In this study, we investigated the effect of exogenous gene-specific dsRNAs on the silencing of four tomato genes encoding MYB-family transcription repressors of anthocyanin biosynthesis in the leaves of tomato Solanum lycopersicum L. We found that the exogenous application of dsRNAs encoding for the SlMYBATV1, SlMYB32, SlMYB76, and SlTRY genes downregulated mRNA levels of these endogenous repressors of anthocyanin production, upregulated the expression of anthocyanin biosynthesis-related genes, and enhanced anthocyanin content in the leaves of S. lycopersicum. The data demonstrated that exogenous gene-specific dsRNAs can induce post-transcriptional gene silencing in tomato leaves by direct foliar application of dsRNAs. This approach may be used for plant secondary metabolism induction and as a silencing tool for gene function studies without the need to produce genetically modified plants.
Possible Molecular Mechanisms Underlying the Decrease in the Antibacterial Activity of Protamine-like Proteins after Exposure of Mytilus galloprovincialis to Chromium and Mercury
Authors: Marinaro Carmela , Lettieri Gennaro , Verrillo Mariavittoria , Morelli Michela , Carraturo Federica , Guida Marco , Piscopo Marina
Published: May 2023

Natural bioactive compounds represent a new frontier of antimicrobial molecules, and the marine ecosystem represents a new challenge in this regard. In the present work, we evaluated the possibility of changes in the antibacterial activity of protamine-like (PL) proteins, the major nuclear basic protein components of Mytilus galloprovincialis sperm chromatin, after the exposure of mussels to subtoxic doses of chromium (VI) (1, 10, and 100 nM) and mercury (1, 10, and 100 pM) HgCl2, since these metals affect some properties of PL. After exposure, we analyzed the electrophoretic pattern of PLs by both acetic acid-urea polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (AU-PAGE) and SDS-PAGE and determined the MIC and MBC of these proteins on different gram+ and gram– bacteria. PLs, particularly after mussels were exposed to the highest doses of chromium and mercury, showed significantly reduced antibacterial activity. Just at the highest doses of exposure to the two metals, changes were found in the electrophoretic pattern of PLs, suggesting that there were conformational changes in these proteins, which were confirmed by the fluorescence measurements of PLs. These results provide the first evidence of a reduction in the antibacterial activity of these proteins following the exposure of mussels to these metals. Based on the results, hypothetical molecular mechanisms that could explain the decrease in the antibacterial activity of PLs are discussed.
Similar Transcriptomic Responses to Early and Late Drought Stresses Produce Divergent Phenotypes in Sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.)
Authors: Janzen Garrett M. , Dittmar Emily L. , Langlade Nicolas B. , Blanchet Nicolas , Donovan Lisa A. , Temme Andries A. , Burke John M.
Published: May 2023

Cultivated sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) exhibits numerous phenotypic and transcriptomic responses to drought. However, the ways in which these responses vary with differences in drought timing and severity are insufficiently understood. We used phenotypic and transcriptomic data to evaluate the response of sunflower to drought scenarios of different timing and severity in a common garden experiment. Using a semi-automated outdoor high-throughput phenotyping platform, we grew six oilseed sunflower lines under control and drought conditions. Our results reveal that similar transcriptomic responses can have disparate phenotypic effects when triggered at different developmental time points. Leaf transcriptomic responses, however, share similarities despite timing and severity differences (e.g., 523 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were shared across all treatments), though increased severity elicited greater differences in expression, particularly during vegetative growth. Across treatments, DEGs were highly enriched for genes related to photosynthesis and plastid maintenance. A co-expression analysis identified a single module (M8) enriched in all drought stress treatments. Genes related to drought, temperature, proline biosynthesis, and other stress responses were overrepresented in this module. In contrast to transcriptomic responses, phenotypic responses were largely divergent between early and late drought. Early-stressed sunflowers responded to drought with reduced overall growth, but became highly water-acquisitive during recovery irrigation, resulting in overcompensation (higher aboveground biomass and leaf area) and a greater overall shift in phenotypic correlations, whereas late-stressed sunflowers were smaller and more water use-efficient. Taken together, these results suggest that drought stress at an earlier growth stage elicits a change in development that enables greater uptake and transpiration of water during recovery, resulting in higher growth rates despite similar initial transcriptomic responses.
PeGSTU58, a Glutathione S-Transferase from Populus euphratica, Enhances Salt and Drought Stress Tolerance in Transgenic Arabidopsis
Authors: Meng Huijing , Zhao Jinna , Yang Yanfei , Diao Kehao , Zheng Guangshun , Li Tao , Dai Xinren , Li Jianbo
Published: May 2023

Glutathione S-transferases (GSTs) play a crucial role in responding to abiotic stress and are an important target for research on plant stress tolerance mechanisms. Populus euphratica is a promising candidate species for investigating the abiotic tolerance mechanisms in woody plants. In our previous study, PeGSTU58 was identified as being associated with seed salinity tolerance. In the present study, PeGSTU58 was cloned from P. euphratica and functionally characterized. PeGSTU58 encodes a Tau class GST and is located in both the cytoplasm and nucleus. Transgenic Arabidopsis overexpressing PeGSTU58 displayed enhanced tolerance to salt and drought stress. Under salt and drought stress, the transgenic plants exhibited significantly higher activities of antioxidant enzymes, including SOD, POD, CAT, and GST, compared to the wild-type (WT) plants. Additionally, the expression levels of several stress-responsive genes, including DREB2A, COR47, RD22, CYP8D11, and SOD1 were upregulated in PeGSTU58 overexpression lines compared to those in WT Arabidopsis under salt and drought stress conditions. Furthermore, yeast one-hybrid assays and luciferase analysis showed that PebHLH35 can directly bind to the promoter region of PeGSTU58 and activate its expression. These results indicated that PeGSTU58 was involved in salt and drought stress tolerances by maintaining ROS homeostasis, and its expression was positively regulated by PebHLH35.
Effects of Hypoglycemia on Cardiovascular Function in Patients with Diabetes
Authors: Christou Maria A. , Christou Panagiota A. , Kyriakopoulos Christos , Christou Georgios A. , Tigas Stelios
Published: May 2023

Hypoglycemia is common in patients with type 1 and type 2 diabetes (T1D, T2D), treated with insulin or sulfonylureas, and has multiple short- and long-term clinical implications. Whether acute or recurrent, hypoglycemia significantly affects the cardiovascular system with the potential to cause cardiovascular dysfunction. Several pathophysiological mechanisms have been proposed linking hypoglycemia to increased cardiovascular risk, including hemodynamic changes, myocardial ischemia, abnormal cardiac repolarization, cardiac arrhythmias, prothrombotic and proinflammatory effects, and induction of oxidative stress. Hypoglycemia-induced changes can promote the development of endothelial dysfunction, which is an early marker of atherosclerosis. Although data from clinical trials and real-world studies suggest an association between hypoglycemia and cardiovascular events in patients with diabetes, it remains uncertain whether this association is causal. New therapeutic agents for patients with T2D do not cause hypoglycemia and have cardioprotective benefits, whereas increasing the use of new technologies, such as continuous glucose monitoring devices and insulin pumps, has the potential to reduce hypoglycemia and its adverse cardiovascular outcomes in patients with T1D.
A Unique Mode of Coenzyme A Binding to the Nucleotide Binding Pocket of Human Metastasis Suppressor NME1
Authors: Tossounian Maria-Armineh , Hristov Stefan Denchev , Semelak Jonathan Alexis , Yu Bess Yi Kun , Baczynska Maria , Zhao Yuhan , Estrin Dario Ariel , Trujillo Madia , Filonenko Valeriy , Gouge Jerome , Gout Ivan
Published: May 2023

Coenzyme A (CoA) is a key cellular metabolite which participates in diverse metabolic pathways, regulation of gene expression and the antioxidant defense mechanism. Human NME1 (hNME1), which is a moonlighting protein, was identified as a major CoA-binding protein. Biochemical studies showed that hNME1 is regulated by CoA through both covalent and non-covalent binding, which leads to a decrease in the hNME1 nucleoside diphosphate kinase (NDPK) activity. In this study, we expanded the knowledge on previous findings by focusing on the non-covalent mode of CoA binding to the hNME1. With X-ray crystallography, we solved the CoA bound structure of hNME1 (hNME1-CoA) and determined the stabilization interactions CoA forms within the nucleotide-binding site of hNME1. A hydrophobic patch stabilizing the CoA adenine ring, while salt bridges and hydrogen bonds stabilizing the phosphate groups of CoA were observed. With molecular dynamics studies, we extended our structural analysis by characterizing the hNME1-CoA structure and elucidating possible orientations of the pantetheine tail, which is absent in the X-ray structure due to its flexibility. Crystallographic studies suggested the involvement of arginine 58 and threonine 94 in mediating specific interactions with CoA. Site-directed mutagenesis and CoA-based affinity purifications showed that arginine 58 mutation to glutamate (R58E) and threonine 94 mutation to aspartate (T94D) prevent hNME1 from binding to CoA. Overall, our results reveal a unique mode by which hNME1 binds CoA, which differs significantly from that of ADP binding: the α- and β-phosphates of CoA are oriented away from the nucleotide-binding site, while 3′-phosphate faces catalytic histidine 118 (H118). The interactions formed by the CoA adenine ring and phosphate groups contribute to the specific mode of CoA binding to hNME1.
Efficient Photocatalytic Degradation of Tetracycline on the MnFe2O4/BGA Composite under Visible Light
Authors: Jiang Xiaoyu , Zhou Qin , Lian Yongfu
Published: May 2023

In this work, the MnFe2O4/BGA (boron-doped graphene aerogel) composite prepared via the solvothermal method is applied as a photocatalyst to the degradation of tetracycline in the presence of peroxymonosulfate. The composite’s phase composition, morphology, valence state of elements, defect and pore structure were analyzed by XRD, SEM/TEM, XPS, Raman scattering and N2 adsorption–desorption isotherms, respectively. Under the radiation of visible light, the experimental parameters, including the ratio of BGA to MnFe2O4, the dosages of MnFe2O4/BGA and PMS, and the initial pH and tetracycline concentration were optimized in line with the degradation of tetracycline. Under the optimized conditions, the degradation rate of tetracycline reached 92.15% within 60 min, whereas the degradation rate constant on MnFe2O4/BGA remained 4.1 × 10−2 min−1, which was 1.93 and 1.56 times of those on BGA and MnFe2O4, respectively. The largely enhanced photocatalytic activity of the MnFe2O4/BGA composite over MnFe2O4 and BGA could be ascribed to the formation of type I heterojunction on the interfaces of BGA and MnFe2O4, which leads to the efficient transfer and separation of photogenerated charge carriers. Transient photocurrent response and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy tests offered solid support to this assumption. In line with the active species trapping experiments, SO4•− and O2•− radicals are confirmed to play crucial roles in the rapid and efficient degradation of tetracycline, and accordingly, a photodegradation mechanism for the degradation of tetracycline on MnFe2O4/BGA is proposed.
Potency Assays for Mesenchymal Stromal Cell Secretome-Based Products for Tissue Regeneration
Authors: Sagaradze Georgy , Monakova Anna , Efimenko Anastasia
Published: May 2023

Adult stem cells maintaining tissue homeostasis and regeneration are tightly regulated by their specific microenvironments or stem cell niches. The dysfunction of niche components may alter the activity of stem cells and ultimately lead to intractable chronic or acute disorders. To overcome this dysfunction, niche-targeting regenerative medicine treatments such as gene, cell, and tissue therapy are actively investigated. Here, multipotent mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs), and particularly their secretomes, are of high interest due to their potency to recover and reactivate damaged or lost stem cell niches. However, a workflow for the development of MSC secretome-based products is not fully covered by regulatory authorities, and and this issue significantly complicates their clinical translation and has possibly been expressed in a huge number of failed clinical trials. One of the most critical issues in this regard relates to the development of potency assays. In this review, guidelines for biologicals and cell therapies are considered to be applied for the development of potency assays for the MSC secretome-based products that aim for tissue regeneration. Specific attention is paid to their possible effects on stem cell niches and to a spermatogonial stem cell niche in particular.