bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Realities, Challenges and Benefits of Antimicrobial Stewardship in Dairy Practice in the United States
Authors: Ruegg Pamela L.
Published: August 2022

The use of antimicrobials for the treatment of food-producing animals is increasingly scrutinized and regulated based on concerns about maintaining the efficacy of antimicrobials used to treat important human diseases. Consumers are skeptical about the use of antibiotics in dairy cows, while dairy producers and veterinarians demonstrate ambivalence about maintaining animal welfare with reduced antimicrobial usage. Antimicrobial stewardship refers to proactive actions taken to preserve the efficacy of antimicrobials and emphasizes the prevention of bacterial diseases and use of evidence-based treatment protocols. The ability to broadly implement antimicrobial stewardship in the dairy industry is based on the recognition of appropriate antimicrobial usage as well as an understanding of the benefits of participating in such programs. The most common reason for the use of antimicrobials on dairy farms is the intramammary treatment of cows affected with clinical mastitis or at dry off. Based on national sales data, intramammary treatments comprise < 1% of overall antimicrobial use for food-producing animals, but a large proportion of that usage is a third-generation cephalosporin, which is classified as a highest-priority, critically important antimicrobial. Opportunities exist to improve the use of antimicrobials in dairy practice. While there are barriers to the increased adoption of antimicrobial stewardship principles, the structured nature of dairy practice and existing emphasis on disease prevention provides an opportunity to easily integrate principles of antimicrobial stewardship into daily veterinary practice. The purpose of this paper is to define elements of antimicrobial stewardship in dairy practice and discuss the challenges and potential benefits associated with these concepts.
Genesis of the Dongpuzi Gold Deposit in the Liaodong Peninsula, NE China: Constraints from Geology, Fluid Inclusion, and C–H–O–S–Pb Isotopes
Authors: Chen Cong , Wu Taotao , Sha Deming , Li Dongtao , Yang Zhongzhu , Zhang Jing , Shang Qingqing
Published: August 2022

The Dongpuzi deposit is an epithermal gold deposit located in the southern margin of the Shaozihe volcanic fault basin in the Liaodong Peninsula. On the basis of fluid inclusion and C–H–O–S–Pb isotope data, a metallogenic model is established for the Dongpuzi deposit. The mineralization at the Dongpuzi deposit has experienced quartz–pyrite (I), quartz–sulfide (II), and quartz–calcite (III) stages. The quartz from ore stage II has liquid-dominated aqueous inclusions, which have homogenization temperatures ranging from 113 to 162 °C and salinities varying from 3.2 to 9.6 wt% NaCl equiv. The quartz from the quartz–calcite stage has decreasing homogenization temperatures (106~143 °C) and salinities (2.7~6.9 wt% NaCl equiv.). The fluid inclusion data indicate that the gold ores were precipitated from low-temperature and low-salinity solutions, with an obvious decrease in temperature and salinity from ore stages II to III. The calculated δ18Owater values for the quartz of ore stage II range from −14.71‰ to −13.31‰, and the corresponding δDwater values range from −103.3‰ to −96.1‰, indicating that the ore-forming fluids could be of a meteoric origin. The calcite from ore stage III has δ13CV-PDB values of −4.5‰ to −4.2‰ and δ18OV-SMOW values of +7.0‰ to +7.4‰, indicating a mantle source for the carbon. The pyrite yielded δ34S values of +4.1‰ to +6.6‰ and Pb isotopes consistent with those of the host trachyte porphyry and volcanic rocks of the Xiaoling Formation, which suggests that the S and Pb in gold ores were dominantly derived from the host trachyte porphyry and volcanic rocks of the Xiaoling Formation, with some combination of Paleoproterozoic metamorphic rocks of the Gaixian Formation. These results, together with the ore geology, indicate that the Dongpuzi deposit is a typical low-sulfidation epithermal gold deposit with important ore-forming materials input from the host trachyte porphyry, volcanic rocks of the Xiaoling Formation, and Paleoproterozoic metamorphic rocks of the Gaixian Formation. The Dongpuzi deposit was formed under an extensional setting related to the Early Cretaceous lithospheric extension and thinning of the eastern North China Craton.
Approximate Analytic Expression for the Time-Dependent Transient Electrophoretic Mobility of a Spherical Colloidal Particle
Authors: Ohshima Hiroyuki
Published: August 2022

The general expression is derived for the Laplace transform of the time-dependent transient electrophoretic mobility (with respect to time) of a spherical colloidal particle when a step electric field is applied. The transient electrophoretic mobility can be obtained by the numerical inverse Laplace transformation method. The obtained expression is applicable for arbitrary particle zeta potential and arbitrary thickness of the electrical double layer around the particle. For the low potential case, this expression gives the result obtained by Huang and Keh. On the basis of the obtained general expression for the Laplace transform of the transient electrophoretic mobility, we present an approximation method to avoid the numerical inverse Laplace transformation and derive a simple approximate analytic mobility expression for a weakly charged particle without involving numerical inverse Laplace transformations. The transient electrophoretic mobility can be obtained directly from this approximate mobility expression without recourse to the numerical inverse Laplace transformation. The results are found to be in excellent agreement with the exact numerical results obtained by Huang and Keh.
Investigation of the N-Glycosylation of the SARS-CoV-2 S Protein Contained in VLPs Produced in Nicotiana benthamiana
Authors: Balieu Juliette , Jung Jae-Wan , Chan Philippe , Lomonossoff George P. , Lerouge Patrice , Bardor Muriel
Published: August 2022

The emergence of the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus pandemic in China in late 2019 led to the fast development of efficient therapeutics. Of the major structural proteins encoded by the SARS-CoV-2 genome, the SPIKE (S) protein has attracted considerable research interest because of the central role it plays in virus entry into host cells. Therefore, to date, most immunization strategies aim at inducing neutralizing antibodies against the surface viral S protein. The SARS-CoV-2 S protein is heavily glycosylated with 22 predicted N-glycosylation consensus sites as well as numerous mucin-type O-glycosylation sites. As a consequence, O- and N-glycosylations of this viral protein have received particular attention. Glycans N-linked to the S protein are mainly exposed at the surface and form a shield-masking specific epitope to escape the virus antigenic recognition. In this work, the N-glycosylation status of the S protein within virus-like particles (VLPs) produced in Nicotiana benthamiana (N. benthamiana) was investigated using a glycoproteomic approach. We show that 20 among the 22 predicted N-glycosylation sites are dominated by complex plant N-glycans and one carries oligomannoses. This suggests that the SARS-CoV-2 S protein produced in N. benthamiana adopts an overall 3D structure similar to that of recombinant homologues produced in mammalian cells.
Singular and Combined Effects of Essential Oil and Honey of Eucalyptus Globulus on Anti-Inflammatory, Antioxidant, Dermatoprotective, and Antimicrobial Properties: In Vitro and In Vivo Findings
Authors: Assaggaf Hamza M. , Naceiri Mrabti Hanae , Rajab Bodour S. , Attar Ammar A. , Hamed Munerah , Sheikh Ryan A. , Omari Nasreddine El , Menyiy Naoual El , Belmehdi Omar , Mahmud Shafi , Alshahrani Mohammed Merae , Park Moon Nyeo , Kim Bonglee , Zengin Gokhan , Bouyahya Abdelhakim
Published: August 2022

Eucalyptus globulus is a plant widely used by the world population, including Morocco, in the treatment of several pathologies. The aim of this work is to evaluate the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, dermatoprotective, and antimicrobial effects of essential oil and honey from E. globulus, as well as their combination. Chemical composition was determined by GC-MS analysis. The antioxidant activity was evaluated by three tests, namely, DPPH, reducing power, and the β-carotene/linoleic acid assay. The anti-inflammatory activity was investigated in vitro (5-lipoxygenase inhibition) and in vivo (carrageenan-induced paw edema model), while the dermatoprotective activity was tested in vitro (tyrosinase inhibition). Moreover, the antibacterial activity was assessed using agar well diffusion and microdilution methods. The results showed that eucalyptol presents the main compound of the essential oil of E. globulus (90.14%). The mixture of essential oil with honey showed the best antioxidant effects for all the tests used (0.07 < IC50 < 0.19 mg/mL), while the essential oil was the most active against tyrosinase (IC50 = 38.21 ± 0.13 μg/mL) and 5-lipoxygenase (IC50 = 0.88 ± 0.01 μg/mL), which corroborated the in vivo test. Additionally, the essential oil showed the best bactericidal effects against all strains tested, with inhibition diameter values ranging from 12.8 to 21.6 mm. The findings of this work showed that the combination of the essential oil with honey showed important results in terms of biological activity, but the determination of the underlying mechanisms of action remains a major prospect to be determined.
Traditional Use, Phytochemical Profiles and Pharmacological Properties of Artemisia Genus from Central Asia
Authors: Nurlybekova Aliya , Kudaibergen Aidana , Kazymbetova Aizhan , Amangeldi Magzhan , Baiseitova Aizhamal , Ospanov Meirambek , Aisa Haji Akber , Ye Yang , Ibrahim Mohamed Ali , Jenis Janar
Published: August 2022

The flora of Kazakhstan is characterized by its wide variety of different types of medicinal plants, many of which can be used on an industrial scale. The Traditional Kazakh Medicine (TKM) was developed during centuries based on the six elements of ancient Kazakh theory, associating different fields such as pharmacology, anatomy, pathology, immunology and food nursing as well as disease prevention. The endemic Artemisia L. species are potential sources of unique and new natural products and new chemical structures, displaying diverse bioactivities and leading to the development of safe and effective phytomedicines against prevailing diseases in Kazakhstan and the Central Asia region. This review provides an overview of Artemisia species from Central Asia, particularly traditional uses in folk medicine and the recent numerous phytochemical and pharmacological studies. The review is done by the methods of literature searches in well-known scientific websites (Scifinder and Pubmed) and data collection in university libraries. Furthermore, our aim is to search for promising and potentially active Artemisia species candidates, encouraging us to analyze Protein Tyrosine Phosphatase 1B (PTP1B), α-glucosidase and bacterial neuraminidase (BNA) inhibition as well as the antioxidant potentials of Artemisia plant extracts, in which endemic species have not been explored for their secondary metabolites and biological activities so far. The main result of the study was that, for the first time, the species Artemisia scopiformis Ledeb. Artemisia albicerata Krasch., Artemisia transiliensis Poljakov, Artemisia schrenkiana Ledeb., Artemisia nitrosa Weber and Artemisia albida Willd. ex Ledeb. due to their special metabolites, showed a high potential for α-glucosidase, PTP1B and BNA inhibition, which is associated with diabetes, obesity and bacterial infections. In addition, we revealed that the methanol extracts of Artemisia were a potent source of polyphenolic compounds. The total polyphenolic contents of Artemisia extracts were correlated with antioxidant potential and varied according to plant origin, the solvent of extraction and the analytical method used. Consequently, oxidative stress caused by reactive oxygen species (ROS) may be managed by the dietary intake of current Artemisia species. The antioxidant potentials of the species A. schrenkiana, A. scopaeformis, A. transiliensis and Artemisia scoparia Waldst. & Kitam. were also promising. In conclusion, the examination of details between different Artemisia species in our research has shown that plant materials are good as an antioxidant and eznyme inhibitory functional natural source.
Reactive Adsorption Performance and Behavior of Gaseous Cumene on MCM-41 Supported Sulfuric Acid
Authors: Zhao Dandan , Liu Yuheng , Ma Xiaolong , Qian Jinjin , Ma Zichuan
Published: August 2022

Efficient removal of cumene from gaseous streams and recovery of its derivatives was accomplished using a MCM-41-supported sulfuric acid (SSA/MCM-41) adsorbent. The results indicated that the removal performance of the SSA/MCM-41 for cumene was significantly influenced by the process conditions such as bed temperature, inlet concentration, bed height, and flow rate. The dose–response model could perfectly describe the collected breakthrough adsorption data. The SSA/MCM-41 adsorbent exhibited a reactive temperature region of 120–170 °C, in which the cumene removal ratios (Xc) were greater than 97%. Rising the bed height or reducing the flow rate enhanced the theoretical adsorption performance metrics, such as theoretical breakthrough time (tB,th) and theoretical breakthrough adsorption capacity (QB,th), whereas increasing the inlet concentration resulted in tB,th shortening and QB,th rising. As demonstrated in this paper, the highest tB,th and QB,th were 69.60 min and 324.50 mg g−1, respectively. Meanwhile, the spent SSA/MCM-41 could be desorbed and regenerated for cyclic reuse. Moreover, two recoverable adsorbed products, 4-isopropylbenzenesulfonic acid and 4, 4′-sulfonyl bis(isopropyl-benzene), were successfully separated and identified using FTIR and 1H/13C NMR characterization. Accordingly, the relevance of a reactive adsorption mechanism was confirmed. This study suggests that the SSA/MCM-41 has remarkable potential for application as an adsorbent for the resource treatment of cumene pollutants.
67-kDa Laminin Receptor-Mediated Cellular Sensing System of Green Tea Polyphenol EGCG and Functional Food Pairing
Authors: Fujimura Yoshinori , Kumazoe Motofumi , Tachibana Hirofumi
Published: August 2022

The body is equipped with a “food factor-sensing system” that senses food factors, such as polyphenols, sulfur-containing compounds, and vitamins, taken into the body, and plays an essential role in manifesting their physiological effects. For example, (−)-epigallocatechin-3-O-gallate (EGCG), the representative catechin in green tea (Camellia sinensi L.), exerts various effects, including anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, and anti-allergic effects, when sensed by the cell surficial protein 67-kDa laminin receptor (67LR). Here, we focus on three representative effects of EGCG and provide their specific signaling mechanisms, the 67LR-mediated EGCG-sensing systems. Various components present in foods, such as eriodictyol, hesperetin, sulfide, vitamin A, and fatty acids, have been found to act on the food factor-sensing system and affect the functionality of other foods/food factors, such as green tea extract, EGCG, or its O-methylated derivative at different experimental levels, i.e., in vitro, animal models, and/or clinical trials. These phenomena are observed by increasing or decreasing the activity or expression of EGCG-sensing-related molecules. Such functional interaction between food factors is called “functional food pairing”. In this review, we introduce examples of functional food pairings using EGCG.
Prediction of Drug–Target Interaction Using Dual-Network Integrated Logistic Matrix Factorization and Knowledge Graph Embedding
Authors: Li Jiaxin , Yang Xixin , Guan Yuanlin , Pan Zhenkuan
Published: August 2022

Nowadays, drug–target interactions (DTIs) prediction is a fundamental part of drug repositioning. However, on the one hand, drug–target interactions prediction models usually consider drugs or targets information, which ignore prior knowledge between drugs and targets. On the other hand, models incorporating priori knowledge cannot make interactions prediction for under-studied drugs and targets. Hence, this article proposes a novel dual-network integrated logistic matrix factorization DTIs prediction scheme (Ro-DNILMF) via a knowledge graph embedding approach. This model adds prior knowledge as input data into the prediction model and inherits the advantages of the DNILMF model, which can predict under-studied drug–target interactions. Firstly, a knowledge graph embedding model based on relational rotation (RotatE) is trained to construct the interaction adjacency matrix and integrate prior knowledge. Secondly, a dual-network integrated logistic matrix factorization prediction model (DNILMF) is used to predict new drugs and targets. Finally, several experiments conducted on the public datasets are used to demonstrate that the proposed method outperforms the single base-line model and some mainstream methods on efficiency.
Development of Eggshell-Based Orange Peel Activated Carbon Film for Synergetic Adsorption of Cadmium (II) Ion
Authors: Vonnie Joseph Merillyn , Li Chua Shek , Erna Kana Husna , Yin Koh Wee , Felicia Wen Xia Ling , Aqilah Md Nasir Nur’ , Rovina Kobun
Published: August 2022

Heavy metal contamination has spread around the world, particularly in emerging countries. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of starch/eggshell/orange peel-activated carbon-based composite films in removing cadmium (II) ions from water samples. X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy were used to characterize the composite films. The effect of Cd2+ was studied using a UV-Vis spectrophotometer and atomic absorption spectroscopy. The morphology of the composite film reveals a highly porous and rough surface with more open channels and a non-uniform honeycomb, indicating that the film has a high potential to adsorb Cd2+. The diffraction peaks for this film were found to be at 13.74°, 17.45°, 18.4°, and 23.6°, indicating a typical crystalline A-type packing arrangement within the starch granules. The results indicate that crystalline structure was unaffected by the addition of eggshell powder and orange peel-activated carbon. In 0.5 mg L−1 and 1.0 mg L−1 Cd2+ ions, the composite film removed 100% and 99.7% of the Cd2+, respectively, while the maximum removal efficiency for methylene blue was 93.75%. Thus, the current study shows that starch/eggshell/orange peel activated carbon film has a high potential for commercial activated carbon as a low-cost adsorbent.
Interface Engineered V-Zn Hybrids: Electrocatalytic and Photocatalytic CO2 Reductions
Authors: Hwang Seon Young , Jang Hye Ji , Kim Young Jun , Maeng Ju Young , Park Go Eun , Yang Seo Young , Rhee Choong Kyun , Sohn Youngku
Published: August 2022

V-Zn hybrids have widely been used as catalyst materials in the environment and as energy. Herein, V-Zn hybrid electrodes were prepared by the hydrothermal and sputter-deposition methods using a Zn foil support. Their electrocatalytic CO2 reduction (EC CO2 RR) performances were tested under various applied potentials, different electrolytes, and concentrations before and after thermal treatment of the demonstrated electrode. Gas and liquid products were confirmed by gas chromatography and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, respectively. For V-Zn electrode by hydrothermal method produced mainly syngas (CO and H2) with tunable ratio by varying applied potential. Minor products include CH4, C2H4, and C2H6. A liquid product of formate showed a Faradaic efficiency (FE) of 2%. EC CO2 RR efficiency for CO, CH4, and formate was best in 0.2 M KHCO3 electrolyte condition. CO and formate were further increased by photoirradiation and Nafion-treated electrode. Formate and CH4 productions were significantly increased by thermal treatment of the V-Zn electrode. CO production was diminished for the V-Zn electrode by sputter deposition but was recovered by thermal treatment. Photocatalytic CO2 RR was tested to find that RR products include CH3OH, CO, CH4, C2H4, and C2H6. Interestingly long-chain hydrocarbons (CnH2n and CnH2n+2, where n = 3–6) were first observed under mild conditions. The long-chain formation was understood by Fisher-Tropsch (F-T) synthesis. Alkenes were observed to be more produced than alkanes unlike in the conventional F-T synthesis. The present new findings provide useful clues for the development of hybrid electro-and photo-catalysts tested under various experimental conditions in energy and environment.
Selenium Prevents Inflammation in Human Placenta and Adipose Tissue In Vitro: Implications for Metabolic Diseases of Pregnancy Associated with Inflammation
Authors: Nguyen-Ngo Caitlyn , Perkins Anthony V. , Lappas Martha
Published: August 2022

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and maternal obesity are significant metabolic complications increasingly prevalent in pregnancy. Of major concern, both GDM and maternal obesity can have long-term detrimental impacts on the health of both mother and offspring. Recent research has shown that increased inflammation and oxidative stress are two features central to the pathophysiology of these metabolic conditions. Evidence suggests selenium supplementation may be linked to disease prevention in pregnancy; however, the specific effects of selenium on inflammation and oxidative stress associated with GDM and maternal obesity are unknown. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effect of selenium supplementation on an in vitro model of GDM and maternal obesity. Human placental tissue, visceral adipose tissue (VAT) and subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) were stimulated with either the bacterial product lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or the pro-inflammatory cytokine TNF-α. Selenium pre-treatment blocked LPS and TNF-α induced mRNA expression and secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines, while increasing anti-inflammatory cytokine and antioxidant mRNA expression in placenta, VAT and SAT. Selenium pre-treatment was also found to inhibit LPS- and TNF-α induced phosphorylation of ERK in placenta, VAT and SAT. These findings indicate that selenium may be able to prevent inflammation and oxidative stress associated with GDM and maternal obesity. Additional in vivo studies are required to identify the efficacy of selenium supplementation in preventing inflammatory pathways activated by GDM and maternal obesity and to elucidate the mechanism involved.
Prevalence of Emotional Eating in Groups of Students with Varied Diets and Physical Activity in Poland
Authors: Grajek Mateusz , Krupa-Kotara Karolina , Białek-Dratwa Agnieszka , Staśkiewicz Wiktoria , Rozmiarek Mateusz , Misterska Ewa , Sas-Nowosielski Krzysztof
Published: August 2022

Background: Emotional eating (EE) is not a separate eating disorder, but rather a type of behavior within a group of various eating behaviors that are influenced by habits, stress, emotions, and individual attitudes toward eating. The relationship between eating and emotions can be considered on two parallel levels: psychological and physiological. In the case of the psychological response, stress generates a variety of bodily responses relating to coping with stress. Objective: Therefore, the main objective of this study was to evaluate and compare the prevalence of emotional eating in groups of students in health-related and non-health-related fields in terms of their differential health behaviors—diet and physical activity levels. Material and Methods: The cross-sectional survey study included 300 individuals representing two groups of students distinguished by their fields of study—one group was in health-related fields (HRF) and the other was in non-health-related fields (NRF). The study used standardized questionnaires: the PSS-10 and TFEQ-13. Results: The gender of the subjects was as follows: women, 60.0% (174 subjects) (HRF: 47.1%, n= 82; NRF: 52.9%, n = 92); men, 40.0% (116 subjects) (HRF: 53.4%, n = 62; NRF: 46.6%, n = 54). The age of the subjects was 26 years (±2 years). Based on the results of the TFEQ-13, among 120 subjects (41.4%) there were behaviors consistent with limiting food intake (HRF: 72.4%; NRF: 11.0%), while 64 subjects (20.7%) were characterized by a lack of control over food intake (HRF: 13.8%, 20 subjects; NRF: 27.4%, 20 subjects). Emotional eating was characteristic of 106 students (37.9%), with the NRF group dominating (61.6%, n = 90). It was observed that a high PSS-10 score is mainly characteristic of individuals who exhibit EE. Conclusions: The results obtained in the study indicate that lifestyle can have a real impact on the development of emotional eating problems. Individuals who are characterized by elevated BMI values, unhealthy diets, low rates of physical activity, who underestimate meal size in terms of weight and calories, and have high-stress feelings are more likely to develop emotional eating. These results also indicate that further research in this area should be undertaken to indicate whether the relationships shown can be generalized.
The Association between Diet and Sleep Quality among Spanish University Students
Authors: Ramón-Arbués Enrique , Granada-López José-Manuel , Martínez-Abadía Blanca , Echániz-Serrano Emmanuel , Antón-Solanas Isabel , Jerue Benjamin Adam
Published: August 2022

While it has long been recognized that diet is a leading behavioral risk factor for human health, recent scientific findings have also suggested that diet and sleep quality may be connected. The purpose of the present study is to evaluate the association between diet and sleep quality among a group of Spanish university students. To do so, a cross-sectional study of 868 students was carried out. Sleep quality was assessed using the Spanish version of the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), while diet was assessed using the Spanish Healthy Eating Index (SHEI). The study revealed a noteworthy rate of bad sleepers (51.6%) and students whose diet needed modifications (82.2%). Unhealthy eaters were more likely to have poor sleep quality (aOR = 4.20; CI 95%: 2.07–8.52). The unbalanced intake of vegetables (aOR = 1.63; CI 95%: 1.14–2.34), fruits (aOR = 4.08; CI 95%: 2.90–5.74), dairy products (aOR = 1.96; CI 95%: 1.41–2.72), lean meats (aOR = 1.82; CI 95%: 1.19–2.78), legumes (aOR = 1.43; CI 95%: 1.00–2.02), sweets (aOR = 1.60; CI 95%: 1.13–2.25) and sugary soft drinks (aOR = 1.46; CI 95%: 1.07–1.99) was associated with lower sleep quality.
Understanding Key Factors Influencing Consumers’ Willingness to Try, Buy, and Pay a Price Premium for Mycoproteins
Authors: Dean David , Rombach Meike , Koning Wim de , Vriesekoop Frank , Satyajaya Wisnu , Yuliandari Puspita , Anderson Martin , Mongondry Philippe , Urbano Beatriz , Luciano Cristino Alberto Gómez , Hao Wendy , Eastwick Emma , Achirimbi Elma , Jiang Zheng , Boereboom Anouk , Rashid Farzana , Khan Imran , Alvarez Beatriz , Aguiar Luis Kluwe
Published: August 2022

Mycoprotein is a fungal-based meat alternative sold in food retail in various countries around the world. The present study builds on a multi-national sample and uses partial least square structural equation modeling. The proposed conceptual model identified key factors that are driving and inhibiting consumer willingness to try, buy, and pay a price premium for mycoprotein. The results relate to the overall sample of 4088 respondents and to two subsample comparisons based on gender and meat consumption behavior. The results show that the biggest drivers of willingness to consume mycoprotein were healthiness, followed by nutritional benefits, safe to eat, and sustainability. Affordability and taste had mixed results. Willingness to consume mycoprotein was inhibited if nutritional importance was placed on meat and, to a lesser extent, if the taste, texture, and smell of meat were deemed important. Best practice recommendations address issues facing marketing managers in the food industry.
The Effects of Physical Activity on the Gut Microbiota and the Gut–Brain Axis in Preclinical and Human Models: A Narrative Review
Authors: Cataldi Stefania , Poli Luca , Şahin Fatma Neşe , Patti Antonino , Santacroce Luigi , Bianco Antonino , Greco Gianpiero , Ghinassi Barbara , Di Baldassarre Angela , Fischetti Francesco
Published: August 2022

Increasing evidence supports the importance of the gut microbiota (GM) in regulating multiple functions related to host physical health and, more recently, through the gut–brain axis (GBA), mental health. Similarly, the literature on the impact of physical activity (PA), including exercise, on GM and GBA is growing. Therefore, this narrative review summarizes and critically appraises the existing literature that delves into the benefits or adverse effects produced by PA on physical and mental health status through modifications of the GM, highlighting differences and similarities between preclinical and human studies. The same exercise in animal models, whether performed voluntarily or forced, has different effects on the GM, just as, in humans, intense endurance exercise can have a negative influence. In humans and animals, only aerobic PA seems able to modify the composition of the GM, whereas cardiovascular fitness appears related to specific microbial taxa or metabolites that promote a state of physical health. The PA favors bacterial strains that can promote physical performance and that can induce beneficial changes in the brain. Currently, it seems useful to prioritize aerobic activities at a moderate and not prolonged intensity. There may be greater benefits if PA is undertaken from a young age and the effects on the GM seem to gradually disappear when the activity is stopped. The PA produces modifications in the GM that can mediate and induce mental health benefits.
Effect of Maternal Glucose and Triglyceride Levels during Early Pregnancy on Pregnancy Outcomes: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Wu Dandan , Zhang Jianlin , Xiong Yimeng , Wang Hui , Lu Danyang , Guo Mengxi , Zhang Jian , Chen Lei , Fan Jianxia , Huang Hefeng , Lin Xianhua
Published: August 2022

Maternal dysglycemia and lipid metabolic dysfunction have been recognized as risk factors for pregnancy complications and adverse perinatal outcome jointly and separately, but current diagnostic window-period which is at the end of the second trimester might be late to avoid chronic adverse impacts on both mother and fetus. A retrospective cohort study involving 48,973 women with fasting blood glucose (FPG) below diagnostic thresholds and lipid screening in early pregnancy was performed. Data of pregnancy outcomes including gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), hypertensive disorders in pregnancy (HDP), and neonatal outcomes were obtained for multivariable logistic analysis. As a result, higher FPG (≥75th, 4.68 mM) significantly increased risks of GDM (Adjusted odds ratio (AOR), 2.81; 95% CI, 2.60 to 3.05) and HDP (1.98; 1.81 to 2.16), and slightly increased risks of large for gestational age (LGA), macrosomia births and neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) compared to women with low FPG (≤25th, 4.21 mM). High maternal triglyceride (mTG) level had higher risks of GDM and HDP in all maternal FPG strata. Further analysis showed that women of top quartile of glucose combined with upper 10 percentile triglyceride have higher risks for GDM (AOR, 5.97; 95% CI, 5.26 to 6.78; risk difference 30.8, 95% CI 29.2 to 32.3) and HDP (AOR, 2.56; 95% CI, 2.20 to 2.99, risk difference 11.3, 95% CI 9.9 to 12.7) when compared to those in women of the bottom strata after adjustment. Therefore, both the early-pregnancy FPG and mTG levels should be screened among overall population including the low-risk population to reduce the incidence of pregnancy complications.
Critically Important Antimicrobial Resistance Trends in Salmonella Derby and Salmonella Typhimurium Isolated from the Pork Production Chain in Brazil: A 16-Year Period
Authors: Pissetti Caroline , de Freitas Costa Eduardo , Zenato Karoline Silva , de Itapema Cardoso Marisa Ribeiro
Published: August 2022

Knowledge about antimicrobial resistance in Salmonella is relevant due to its importance in foodborne diseases. We gathered data obtained over 16 years in the southern Brazilian swine production chain to evaluate the temporal evolution of halo for carbapenem, and the MIC for third-generation cephalosporins, fluoroquinolone, and polymyxin in 278 Salmonella Derby and Typhimurium isolates. All antimicrobial resistance assays were performed in accordance with EUCAST. To assess the diameter halo, we used a mixed linear model, and to assess the MIC, an accelerated failure time model for interval-censored data using an exponential distribution was used. The linear predictor of the models comprised fixed effects for matrix, serovar, and the interaction between year, serovar, and matrix. The observed halo diameter has decreased for ertapenem, regardless of serovars and matrices, and for the serovar Typhimurium it has decreased for three carbapenems. The MIC for ciprofloxacin and cefotaxime increased over 16 years for Typhimurium, and for Derby (food) it decreased. We did not find evidence that the MIC for colistin, ceftazidime, ciprofloxacin (Derby), or cefotaxime (food Typhimurium and animal Derby) has changed over time. This work gave an overview of antimicrobial resistance evolution from an epidemiological point of view and observed that using this approach can increase the sensitivity and timeliness of antimicrobial resistance surveillance.
Zoonotic Giardia duodenalis Genotypes and Other Gastrointestinal Parasites in a Badger Population Living in an Anthropized Area of Central Italy
Authors: Maestrini Michela , Berrilli Federica , Di Rosso Alessia , Coppola Francesca , Guadano Procesi Isabel , Mariacher Alessia , Felicioli Antonio , Perrucci Stefania
Published: August 2022

The Eurasian badger (Meles meles) is widespread in Italy and occupies different habitats. The occurrence and species of gastrointestinal parasites were evaluated in a free-ranging badger population living in a highly anthropic area in central Italy. A total of 43 fecal samples were examined using the flotation test, the Mini-FLOTAC and Baermann techniques, and a rapid immunoassay for the detection of Giardia duodenalis and Cryptosporidium spp. fecal antigens. Molecular investigations were also performed that aimed at identifying Giardia genotypes. Overall, 37/43 samples (86%) were found positive. Specifically, 48.8% (21 samples) were positive for G.duodenalis, 23.2% (10/43) for Cryptosporidium spp., and 7% (3/43) for coccidian oocysts. Strongyloides sp. nematode larvae were detected in 3/43 samples (7%). Ascarid (1/43, 2.3%), capillariid (1/43, 2.3%), and strongyle-type eggs (76.7%, 33/43) were also identified. Among the 11 readable sequences of samples that were positive for G. duodenalis by end-point PCR (18/21), the zoonotic assemblage A sub-assemblage AII and mixed assemblage A and B were identified. This is the first report of zoonotic G. duodenalis genotypes in the Eurasian badger. Moreover, most of identified parasites have zoonotic potential and/or potential impact on the population health of wild badgers and other wild and domestic animals.
Design of a Broadband Perfect Solar Absorber Based on a Four-Layer Structure with a Cross-Shaped Resonator and Triangular Array
Authors: Chen Yushan , You Kewei , Lin Jianze , Zhao Junwei , Ma Wenzhuang , Meng Dan , Cheng Yuyao , Liu Jing
Published: August 2022

As solar energy is a low-cost and clean energy source, there has been a great deal of interest in how to harvest it. To absorb solar energy efficiently, we designed a broadband metamaterial absorber based on the principle of Fabry–Pérot (FP) cavities and surface plasmon resonance (SPR). We propose a broadband perfect absorber consisting of a four-layer structure of silica–tungsten–silica–titanium (SiO2–W–SiO2–Ti) for the incident light wavelength range of 300–2500 nm. The structure achieves perfect absorption of incident light in the wavelength range of 351.8–2465.0 nm (absorption > 90%), with an average absorption of 96.3%. The advantage of our proposed structure is that it combines the characteristics of both high and broadband absorption, and has high overall absorption efficiency for solar radiation. It is also independent of polarization and insensitive to incident angle. We investigated how absorption was affected by different structures, materials, geometric parameters, and refractive indices for different dielectric materials, and we explored the reasons for high absorption. This structure is refractory and ultrathin, and it offers a good tradeoff between bandwidth and absorption. It therefore has premium application prospects and value.
Maritime Infrared and Visible Image Fusion Based on Refined Features Fusion and Sobel Loss
Authors: Gao Zongjiang , Zhu Feixiang , Chen Haili , Ma Baoshan
Published: August 2022

Infrared (IR) and visible image fusion has become an important technology for maritime environment awareness. In this study, we employed refined features fusion and Sobel loss for maritime IR and visible image fusion. First, we used the encoder in Densefuse net to transform the image to be fused from the pixel domain to the feature domain. Then, the features’ information was accurately measured, and the refined features were fused and sent to the decoder to reconstruct the fused images. Mixed loss, commonly employed in image fusion, eliminates the effect of different losses but also introduces hyperparameters. We innovatively used Sobel loss to measure the input and fused images to reduce the hyperparameters in the loss function. Finally, experiments were performed, and our algorithm achieved good fusion results in the qualitative and quantitative evaluations.
Comparing the Accuracy of Four Intraocular Lens Formulas in Eyes with Two Types of Widely Used Monofocal Lens Implants
Authors: Malaescu Monica , Tabacaru Bogdana , Munteanu Mihnea , Barri Leila Al , Stanila Adriana , Stanca Horia Tudor
Published: August 2022

The present study aimed to compare the accuracy of intraocular lens calculation formulas Barrett Universal II, Hoffer Q, Holladay 1, and SRK/T in the prediction of postoperative refraction for two widely used monofocal implants: SN60WF and ZCB00. All eyes were divided based on axial length (<22 mm, 22–24.5 mm, and >24.5 mm) and lens type. The mean and median of the absolute refractive error (AE) were calculated for all four formulas, using manufacturer-recommended lens constants as well as optimized constants. The subgroup analysis showed that the Barrett Universal II formula had the smallest mean absolute error in three groups (with short, medium, and long axial length) before and after lens factor optimization, and Holladay 1 had the best results in two groups (of medium and long axial length), and SRK/T in one short axial length group, as well as one medium AL group after A-constant optimization. This study hints at the versatility of the Barrett Universal II formula, a fourth-generation formula that is now widely available on most optical biometers and provides a useful tool of calculation for eyes of all axial lengths even without lens constant optimization.
Tentative Identification of Phytochemicals from Smilax glabra and Smilax corbularia Extracts by LC-QTOF/MS and Their Bioactive Potential
Authors: Jeeno Peerapong , Tongban Sukit , Yana Pichamon , Wongta Anurak , Sutan Kunrunya , Yadoung Sumed , Hongsibsong Surat
Published: August 2022

The Smilacaceae family has been used as a food source and herbal medicine for a long time. This study aims to identify the phytochemicals extracted from Smilax glabra and Smilax corbularia by using LC-QTOF/MS analysis and determine their bioactive potential. Compounds were identified from S. glabra and S. corbularia extracts by LC–QTOF-MS and it was found that longistylin A and CAY10435 have higher degrees of matching compounds (99.66% and 99.87%). Smilax glabra showed antioxidant capacity, i.e., DPPH and ABTS at percentage inhibitions of 71.94 ± 1.46% and 59.84 ± 4.80%, respectively, and FRAP at 730.69 ± 33.62 mg AAE/100 g sample. The total phenolic compound contents of the ethanol, methanol, and water extracts were 0.017 ± 0.001, 0.015 ± 0.001, and 0.016 ± 0.001 mg GAE/g, respectively, while the total flavonoid contents were 0.043 ± 0.002, 0.033 ± 0.002, and 0.006 ± 0.003 mg QE/g, respectively. The anti-inflammatory capacity showed 97.26% protection and 2.74% hemolysis. The antimicrobial activity can inhibit Gram-positive bacteria with a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 62.5 mg/mL and a minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of 500 mg/mL. Smilax corbularia showed antioxidant capacity, i.e., DPPH and ABTS at percentage inhibitions of 72.24 ± 0.64% and 39.87 ± 2.37%, respectively, and FRAP at 208.33 ± 50.80 mg AAE/100 g sample. The total phenolic compound contents of the ethanol, methanol, and water extracts were 0.006 ± 0.000, 0.007 ± 0.002, and 0.002 ± 0.001 mg GAE/g, respectively, while the total flavonoid contents of the ethanol and methanol extracts were 0.012 ± 0.001 and 0.008 ± 0.000 mg QE/g, respectively. The anti-inflammatory capacity showed 96.64% protection and 3.36% hemolysis. The antimicrobial activity of the extracts can inhibit Gram-positive bacteria with a MIC of 31.25 mg/mL and MBC of 125 mg/mL for the ethanol extract and a MIC of 125 mg/mL and MBC of 62.5 mg/mL for the methanol extract. In conclusion, Smilax glabra and Smilax corbularia were found to contain several phytochemicals that can be used for further study. Both Smilax species can also be used as sources of antioxidants and herbal medicines for killing Gram-positive bacteria.
The Utility of Ground Bryophytes in the Assessment of Soil Condition in Heavy Metal-Polluted Grasslands
Authors: Rola Kaja , Plášek Vítězslav
Published: August 2022

Bryophytes are commonly used in biomonitoring heavy metal pollution, whereas the bioindicative value of bryophyte communities is a less known issue. The aim of the present study is to recognize the utility of the bryophyte community’s structure in the assessment of soil condition in heavy metal-polluted, dry grasslands. The study plots are examined with respect to bryophytes; vascular plants; concentrations of Zn, Pb, Cd, and As in the soil; total nitrogen and organic carbon content in the soil; and soil pH. The results show that both bryophyte species richness and composition greatly depend on soil chemical characteristics, including heavy-metal pollution levels and soil pH. Three groups of species are distinguished: (1) species sensitive to pollution growing on acidic soils, (2) nonspecific species inhabiting a wide spectrum of heavy metal-polluted sites, and (3) species preferring polluted and alkaline soils. Our study reveals a gradual replacement of the bryophyte species alongside increasing soil pollution and alkalinity. This proves that bryophytes are highly responsive to soil factors and the changes in bryophyte composition may indicate the soil condition of a certain site. Furthermore, high concentrations of heavy metals in the soil and an alkaline pH positively affect bryophyte species richness. Consequently, such sites could be considered as biodiversity hotspots for terrestrial bryophytes in post-industrial landscapes.
Traditional Uses of Medicinal Plants in South-Western Part of Lithuania
Authors: Karpavičienė Birutė
Published: August 2022

Changes in people’s dependence on the resources of the immediate natural environment and in the ways in which information is transmitted may result in the loss of some of the traditional knowledge of plants and their uses. In order to investigate and preserve this knowledge, a comprehensive ethnobotanical study was carried out in a little-studied ethnographic region. Knowledge about the plants used for treatment was collected through open-ended and semi-structured interviews in villages and small rural settlements in southwestern Lithuania. In total, 30 informants reported 103 plant and 1 lichen species. Although the survey was carried out in a small area, up to five local names per species were recorded. The most frequently used species were Matricaria chamomilla, Tilia cordata, Artemisia absinthium and Plantago major. The largest number of plant species was used to treat digestive and respiratory system disorders. Wild plants were mentioned in 71.0% of all use reports, while a relatively higher proportion of cultivated plants was recorded among the new uses. Decoction and infusion were the most commonly used, while some unusual preparations have been recorded in past uses. Research showed that the diversity of plant species used for healing has declined over the last 20 years and that part of traditional ethnobotanical knowledge is disappearing.
Phytochemical Screening, Antioxidant and Antibacterial Properties of Extracts of Viscum continuum E. Mey. Ex Sprague, a South African Mistletoe
Authors: Mapfumari Sipho , Nogbou Noel-David , Musyoki Andrew , Gololo Stanley , Mothibe Mmamosheledi , Bassey Kokoette
Published: August 2022

Viscum continuum E. Mey. Ex Sprague is a woody evergreen semi-parasitic shrub that grows on the branches of other trees. It is used by African traditional healers for post-stroke management. This study reports on the qualitative phytochemical screening and the antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of Viscum continuum’s acetone, methanol, hexane and dichloromethane extracts. Standard protocols for the phytochemical screening of extracts were employed. TLC bio-autography was used for qualitative antioxidants analysis. Assays: 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl, H2O2 free-radical scavenging and ferric chloride reducing power were carried out for quantitative antioxidant analysis. The antimicrobial potential of extracts was screened using disc diffusion, bio-autography and broth micro-dilution. The results indicate the presence of alkaloids, phenolics and tannins in all extracts. Acetone and methanol revealed significant amount of saponins, phenolics, tannins and terpenoids. The extracts exhibited significant antioxidant potential on TLC with positive compound bands at an Rf range of 0.05–0.89. DPPH, H2O2 and the reduction of Fe3+ to Fe2+ assays indicated that methanol extract has a strong antioxidant potential, followed by acetone, DCM and lastly hexane. The extracts of Viscum continuum show the potential to be antibacterial agents. It can be concluded that Viscum continuum extracts contain phytochemicals which are capable of mitigating against chronic health conditions such as cancer, stroke and stress-related and infectious diseases.
The Study of Mechanical Behaviors of Caprinae Horn Sheath under Pendulum Impact
Authors: Yang Kang , Qin Nannan , Zhou Changgeng , Wang Bing , Yu Haotian , Li Haotong , Yu Haiyun , Deng Hailiang
Published: August 2022

As a light-weight natural keratin biocomposite, Bovidae horn exhibits high mechanical properties and energy absorption. Different to the widely studied horn from subfamily Bovinae and Antilocapridae, few studies have focused on the horn sheath of subfamily Caprinae. In this work, three Caprinae horn sheathes from Cashmere goat, White goat and Black sheep were selected. Charpy pendulum impact tests were performed, and the fracture characteristics were evaluated. It was demonstrated that water plays an important role in acquiring balanced dynamic mechanical properties in all Caprinae horn sheaths. The hydrated keratin provides large plastic deformation capacity and further gives rise to a gradual generation of micro-cracks. Multi-scale structure including wavy-shaped interface, scattered voids and hierarchical micro-fibre were observed. Such a structure induced complex fracture mechanisms, such as delamination, 90° crack deflection and fibre pull-out, which were probably influenced by interfacial strength. The results are expected to endow the research and thinking of Bovidae horn.