bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analytical Modeling and Validation of a Preloaded Piezoceramic Current Output
Authors: Zhang Bin , Liu Hongsheng , Li Dezhi , Liang Jinhui , Gao Jun
Published: March 2021

Energy harvesting using piezoceramic has drawn a lot of attention in recent years. Its potential usage in microelectromechanical systems is starting to become a reality thanks to the development of an integrated circuit. An accurate equivalent circuit of piezoceramic is important in energy harvesting and the sensing system. A piezoceramic is always considered to be a current source according to empirical testing, instead of the derivation from its piezoelectric characteristics, which lacks accuracy under complicated mechanical excitation situations. In this study, a new current output model is developed to accurately estimate its value under various kinds of stimulation. Considering the frequency, amplitude and preload variation imposed on a piezoceramic, the multivariate model parameters are obtained in relation to piezo coefficients. Using this model, the current output could be easily calculated without experimental testing in order to quickly estimate the output power in energy harvesting whatever its geometric shape and the various excitations.
Effect of Thermal Annealing on the Photoluminescence of Dense Si Nanodots Embedded in Amorphous Silicon Nitride Films
Authors: Liu Qianqian , Chen Xiaoxuan , Li Hongliang , Guo Yanqing , Song Jie , Zhang Wenxing , Song Chao , Huang Rui , Lin Zewen
Published: March 2021

Luminescent amorphous silicon nitride-containing dense Si nanodots were prepared by using very-high-frequency plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition at 250 °C. The influence of thermal annealing on photoluminescence (PL) was studied. Compared with the pristine film, thermal annealing at 1000 °C gave rise to a significant enhancement by more than twofold in terms of PL intensity. The PL featured a nanosecond recombination dynamic. The PL peak position was independent of the excitation wavelength and measured temperatures. By combining the Raman spectra and infrared absorption spectra analyses, the enhanced PL was suggested to be from the increased density of radiative centers related to the Si dangling bonds (K0) and N4+ or N20 as a result of bonding configuration reconstruction.
Mab_3083c Is a Homologue of RNase J and Plays a Role in Colony Morphotype, Aggregation, and Sliding Motility of Mycobacterium abscessus
Authors: Liu Ting-Yu , Tsai Sheng-Hui , Chen Jenn-Wei , Wang Yu-Ching , Hu Shiau-Ting , Chen Yih-Yuan
Published: March 2021

Mycobacterium abscessus is an opportunistic pathogen causing human diseases, especially in immunocompromised patients. M. abscessus strains with a rough morphotype are more virulent than those with a smooth morphotype. Morphotype switch may occur during a clinical infection. To investigate the genes involved in colony morphotype switching, we performed transposon mutagenesis in a rough clinical strain of M. abscessus. A morphotype switching mutant (smooth) named mab_3083c::Tn was obtained. This mutant was found to have a lower aggregative ability and a higher sliding motility than the wild type strain. However, its glycopeptidolipid (GPL) content remained the same as those of the wild type. Complementation of the mutant with a functional mab_3083c gene reverted its morphotype back to rough, indicating that mab_3083c is associated with colony morphology of M. abscessus. Bioinformatic analyses showed that mab_3083c has a 75.4% identity in amino acid sequence with the well-characterized ribonuclease J (RNase J) of M. smegmatis (RNase JMsmeg). Complementation of the mutant with the RNase J gene of M. smegmatis also switched its colony morphology from smooth back to rough. These results suggest that Mab_3083c is a homologue of RNase J and involved in regulating M. abscessus colony morphotype switching.
Plants Specifically Modulate the Microbiome of Root-Lesion Nematodes in the Rhizosphere, Affecting Their Fitness
Authors: Elhady Ahmed , Topalović Olivera , Heuer Holger
Published: March 2021

Plant-parasitic nematodes are a major constraint on agricultural production. They significantly impede crop yield. To complete their parasitism, they need to locate, disguise, and interact with plant signals exuded in the rhizosphere of the host plant. A specific subset of the soil microbiome can attach to the surface of nematodes in a specific manner. We hypothesized that host plants recruit species of microbes as helpers against attacking nematode species, and that these helpers differ among plant species. We investigated to what extend the attached microbial species are determined by plant species, their root exudates, and how these microbes affect nematodes. We conditioned the soil microbiome in the rhizosphere of different plant species, then employed culture-independent and culture-dependent methods to study microbial attachment to the cuticle of the phytonematode Pratylenchus penetrans. Community fingerprints of nematode-attached fungi and bacteria showed that the plant species govern the microbiome associated with the nematode cuticle. Bacteria isolated from the cuticle belonged to Actinobacteria, Alphaproteobacteria, Betaproteobacteria, Gammaproteobacteria, Sphingobacteria, and Firmicutes. The isolates Microbacterium sp. i.14, Lysobacter capsici i.17, and Alcaligenes sp. i.37 showed the highest attachment rates to the cuticle. The isolates Bacillus cereus i.24 and L. capsici i.17 significantly antagonized P. penetrans after attachment. Significantly more bacteria attached to P. penetrans in microbiome suspensions from bulk soil or oat rhizosphere compared to Ethiopian mustard rhizosphere. However, the latter caused a better suppression of the nematode. Conditioning the cuticle of P. penetrans with root exudates significantly decreased the number of Microbacterium sp. i.14 attaching to the cuticle, suggesting induced changes of the cuticle structure. These findings will lead to a more knowledge-driven exploitation of microbial antagonists of plant-parasitic nematodes for plant protection.
A Non-Destructive, Tuneable Method to Isolate Live Cells for High-Speed AFM Analysis
Authors: Evans Christopher T. , Baldock Sara J. , Hardy John G. , Payton Oliver , Picco Loren , Allen Michael J.
Published: March 2021

Suitable immobilisation of microorganisms and single cells is key for high-resolution topographical imaging and study of mechanical properties with atomic force microscopy (AFM) under physiologically relevant conditions. Sample preparation techniques must be able to withstand the forces exerted by the Z range-limited cantilever tip, and not negatively affect the sample surface for data acquisition. Here, we describe an inherently flexible methodology, utilising the high-resolution three-dimensional based printing technique of multiphoton polymerisation to rapidly generate bespoke arrays for cellular AFM analysis. As an example, we present data collected from live Emiliania huxleyi cells, unicellular microalgae, imaged by contact mode High-Speed Atomic Force Microscopy (HS-AFM), including one cell that was imaged continuously for over 90 min.
A Statistical Examination of Distinct Characteristics Influencing the Performance of Vector-Borne Epidemiological Agent-Based Simulation Models
Authors: Galvão Scheidegger Anna Paula , dos Santos Maxir Henrique , Banerjee Amarnath
Published: March 2021

The spread of infectious diseases is a complex system in which pathogens, humans, the environment, and sometimes vectors interact. Mathematical and simulation modelling is a suitable approach to investigate the dynamics of such complex systems. The 2019 novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic reinforced the importance of agent-based simulation models to quickly and accurately provide information about the disease spread that would be otherwise hard or risky to obtain, and how this information can be used to support infectious disease control decisions. Due to the trade-offs between complexity, time, and accuracy, many assumptions are frequently made in epidemiological models. With respect to vector-borne diseases, these assumptions lead to epidemiological models that are usually bounded to single-strain and single-vector scenarios, where human behavior is modeled in a simplistic manner or ignored, and where data quality is usually not evaluated. In order to leverage these models from theoretical tools to decision-making support tools, it is important to understand how information quality, human behavior, multi-vector, and multi-strain affect the results. For this, an agent-based simulation model with different parameter values and different scenarios was considered. Its results were compared with the results of a traditional compartmental model with respect to three outputs: total number of infected individuals, duration of the epidemic, and number of epidemic waves. Paired t-test showed that, in most cases, data quality, human behavior, multi-vector, and multi-strain were characteristics that lead to statistically different results, while the computational costs to consider them were not high. Therefore, these characteristics should be investigated in more detail and be accounted for in epidemiological models in order to obtain more reliable results that can assist the decision-making process during epidemics.
Searching for Potential Markers of Glomerulopathy in Urine by HS-SPME-GC×GC TOFMS
Authors: Ligor Tomasz , Zawadzka Joanna , Strączyński Grzegorz , González Paredes Rosa M. , Wenda-Piesik Anna , Ratiu Ileana Andreea , Muszytowski Marek
Published: March 2021

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) exiting in urine are potential biomarkers of chronic kidney diseases. Headspace solid phase microextraction (HS-SPME) was applied for extraction VOCs over the urine samples. Volatile metabolites were separated and identified by means of two-dimensional gas chromatography and time of flight mass spectrometry (GC × GC TOF MS). Patients with glomerular diseases (n = 27) and healthy controls (n = 20) were recruited in the study. Different VOCs profiles were obtained from patients and control. Developed methodology offers the opportunity to examine the metabolic profile associated with glomerulopathy. Four compounds found in elevated amounts in the patients group, i.e., methyl hexadecanoate; 9-hexadecen-1-ol; 6,10-dimethyl-5,9-undecadien-2-one and 2-pentanone were proposed as markers of glomerular diseases.
Screening a Natural Product-Inspired Library for Anti-Phytophthora Activities
Authors: Lawrence Scott A. , Robinson Hannah F. , Furkert Daniel P. , Brimble Margaret A. , Gerth Monica L.
Published: March 2021

Phytophthora is a genus of microorganisms that cause devastating dieback and root-rot diseases in thousands of plant hosts worldwide. The economic impact of Phytophthora diseases on crops and native ecosystems is estimated to be billions of dollars per annum. These invasive pathogens are extremely difficult to control using existing chemical means, and the effectiveness of the few treatments available is being jeopardized by increasing rates of resistance. There is an urgent need to identify new chemical treatments that are effective against Phytophthora diseases. Natural products have long been regarded as “Nature’s medicine chest”, providing invaluable leads for developing front-line drugs and agrochemical agents. Here, we have screened a natural product-inspired library of 328 chemicals against two key Phytophthora species: Phytophthora cinnamomi and Phytophthora agathidicida. The library was initially screened for inhibition of zoospore germination. From these screens, we identified twenty-one hits that inhibited germination of one or both species. These hits were further tested in mycelial growth inhibition studies to determine their half-maximal inhibitory concentrations (IC50s). Four compounds had IC50 values of approximately 10 µM or less, and our best hit had IC50s of approximately 3 µM against both Phytophthora species tested. Overall, these hits may serve as promising leads for the development of new anti-Phytophthora agrochemicals
Advances in Anticancer Drug Discovery
Authors: Reynisson Jóhannes
Published: March 2021

It has been an absolute pleasure to be the guest editor of this Special Issue! As the title indicates, the topic is on the advances made against cancer [...]
Bis-Cyclometalated Indazole and Benzimidazole Chiral-at-Iridium Complexes: Synthesis and Asymmetric Catalysis
Authors: Brunen Sebastian , Grell Yvonne , Steinlandt Philipp S. , Harms Klaus , Meggers Eric
Published: March 2021

A new class of bis-cyclometalated iridium(III) catalysts containing two inert cyclometalated 6-tert-butyl-2-phenyl-2H-indazole bidentate ligands or two inert cyclometalated 5-tert-butyl-1-methyl-2-phenylbenzimidazoles is introduced. The coordination sphere is complemented by two labile acetonitriles, and a hexafluorophosphate ion serves as a counterion for the monocationic complexes. Single enantiomers of the chiral-at-iridium complexes (>99% er) are obtained through a chiral-auxiliary-mediated approach using a monofluorinated salicyloxazoline and are investigated as catalysts in the enantioselective conjugate addition of indole to an α,β-unsaturated 2-acyl imidazole and an asymmetric Nazarov cyclization.
Role of Zinc-Doped Bioactive Glass Encapsulated with Microspherical Gelatin in Localized Supplementation for Tissue Regeneration: A Contemporary Review
Authors: Kim Dokyeong , Shim Youn-Soo , An So-Youn , Lee Myung-Jin
Published: March 2021

Gelatin, a natural polymer, provides excellent tissue compatibility for use in tissue rehabilitation. Bioactive glasses (BAG) offer superior capacity in stimulating a bioactive response but show high variability in uptake and solubility. To tackle these drawbacks, a combination of gelatin with BAG is proposed to form composites, which then offer a synergistic response. The cross-linked gelatin structure’s mechanical properties are enhanced by the incorporation of the inorganic BAG, and the rate of BAG ionic supplementation responsible for bioactivity and regenerative potential is better controlled by a protective gelatin layer. Several studies have demonstrated the cellular benefits of these composites in different forms of functional modification such as doping with zinc or incorporation of zinc such as ions directly into the BAG matrix. This review presents a comprehensive perspective on the individual characteristics of BAG and gelatin, including the synthesis and mechanism of action. Further, adaptation of the composite into various applications for bone tissue engineering is discussed and future challenges are highlighted.
Polymerized Whey Protein Concentrate-Based Glutathione Delivery System: Physicochemical Characterization, Bioavailability and Sub-Chronic Toxicity Evaluation
Authors: Zhang Siyu , Wang Cuina , Zhong Weigang , Kemp Alyssa H. , Guo Mingruo , Killpartrick Adam
Published: March 2021

Glutathione (GSH) is a powerful antioxidant, but its application is limited due to poor storage stability and low bioavailability. A novel nutrient encapsulation and delivery system, consisting of polymerized whey protein concentrate and GSH, was prepared and in vivo bioavailability, antioxidant capacity and toxicity were evaluated. Polymerized whey protein concentrate encapsulated GSH (PWPC-GSH) showed a diameter of roughly 1115 ± 7.07 nm (D50) and zeta potential of 30.37 ± 0.75 mV. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) confirmed that GSH was successfully dispersed in PWPC particles. In vivo pharmacokinetics study suggested that PWPC-GSH displayed 2.5-times and 2.6-fold enhancement in maximum concentration (Cmax) and area under the concentration–time curve (AUC) as compared to free GSH. Additionally, compared with plasma of mice gavage with free GSH, significantly increased antioxidant capacity of plasma in mice with PWPC-GSH was observed (p < 0.05). Sub-chronic toxicity evaluation indicated that no adverse toxicological reactions related to oral administration of PWPC-GSH were observed on male and female rats with a diet containing PWPC-GSH up to 4% (w/w). Data indicated that PWPC may be an effective carrier for GSH to improve bioavailability and antioxidant capacity.
A Rapid Nano-Liquid Chromatographic Method for the Analysis of Cannabinoids in Cannabis sativa L. Extracts
Authors: Žampachová Lucie , Aturki Zeineb , Mariani Francesca , Bednář Petr
Published: March 2021

Cannabis sativa L. is an herbaceous plant belonging to the family of Cannabaceae. It is classified into three different chemotypes based on the different cannabinoids profile. In particular, fiber-type cannabis (hemp) is rich in cannabidiol (CBD) content. In the present work, a rapid nano liquid chromatographic method (nano-LC) was proposed for the determination of the main cannabinoids in Cannabis sativa L. (hemp) inflorescences belonging to different varieties. The nano-LC experiments were carried out in a 100 µm internal diameter capillary column packed with a C18 stationary phase for 15 cm with a mobile phase composed of ACN/H2O/formic acid, 80/19/1% (v/v/v). The reverse-phase nano-LC method allowed the complete separation of four standard cannabinoids in less than 12 min under isocratic elution mode. The nano-LC method coupled to ultraviolet (UV) detection was validated and applied to the quantification of the target analytes in cannabis extracts. The nano-LC system was also coupled to an electrospray ionization–mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) detector to confirm the identity of the cannabinoids present in hemp samples. For the extraction of the cannabinoids, three different approaches, including dynamic maceration (DM), ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE), and an extraction procedure adapted from the French Pharmacopeia’s protocol on medicinal plants, were carried out, and the results achieved were compared.
The Effects of Andrographolide on the Enhancement of Chondrogenesis and Osteogenesis in Human Suprapatellar Fat Pad Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells
Authors: Kulsirirat Thitianan , Honsawek Sittisak , Takeda-Morishita Mariko , Sinchaipanid Nuttanan , Udomsinprasert Wanvisa , Leanpolchareanchai Jiraporn , Sathirakul Korbtham
Published: March 2021

Andrographolide is a labdane diterpenoid herb, which is isolated from the leaves of Andrographis paniculata, and widely used for its potential medical properties. However, there are no reports on the effects of andrographolide on the human suprapatellar fat pad of osteoarthritis patients. In the present study, our goal was to evaluate the innovative effects of andrographolide on viability and Tri-lineage differentiation of human mesenchymal stem cells from suprapatellar fat pad tissues. The results revealed that andrographolide had no cytotoxic effects when the concentration was less than 12.5 µM. Interestingly, andrographolide had significantly enhanced, dose dependent, osteogenesis and chondrogenesis as evidenced by a significantly intensified stain for Alizarin Red S, Toluidine Blue and Alcian Blue. Moreover, andrographolide can upregulate the expression of genes related to osteogenic and chondrogenic differentiation, including Runx2, OPN, Sox9, and Aggrecan in mesenchymal stem cells from human suprapatellar fat pad tissues. In contrast, andrographolide suppressed adipogenic differentiation as evidenced by significantly diminished Oil Red O staining and expression levels for adipogenic-specific genes for PPAR-γ2 and LPL. These findings confirm that andrographolide can specifically enhance osteogenesis and chondrogenesis of mesenchymal stem cells from human suprapatellar fat pad tissues. It has potential as a therapeutic agent derived from natural sources for regenerative medicine.
QSAR and Pharmacophore Modeling of Nitrogen Heterocycles as Potent Human N-Myristoyltransferase (Hs-NMT) Inhibitors
Authors: Zaki Magdi E. A. , Al-Hussain Sami A. , Masand Vijay H. , Akasapu Siddhartha , Lewaa Israa
Published: March 2021

N-myristoyltransferase (NMT) is an important eukaryotic monomeric enzyme which has emerged as an attractive target for developing a drug for cancer, leishmaniasis, ischemia-reperfusion injury, malaria, inflammation, etc. In the present work, statistically robust machine leaning models (QSAR (Quantitative Structure–Activity Relationship) approach) for Human NMT (Hs-NMT) inhibitory has been performed for a dataset of 309 Nitrogen heterocycles screened for NMT inhibitory activity. Hundreds of QSAR models were derived. Of these, the model 1 and 2 were chosen as they not only fulfil the recommended values for a good number of validation parameters (e.g., R2 = 0.77–0.79, Q2LMO = 0.75–0.76, CCCex = 0.86–0.87, Q2-F3 = 0.74–0.76, etc.) but also provide useful insights into the structural features that sway the Hs-NMT inhibitory activity of Nitrogen heterocycles. That is, they have an acceptable equipoise of descriptive and predictive qualities as per Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) guidelines. The developed QSAR models identified a good number of molecular descriptors like solvent accessible surface area of all atoms having specific partial charge, absolute surface area of Carbon atoms, etc. as important features to be considered in future optimizations. In addition, pharmacophore modeling has been performed to get additional insight into the pharmacophoric features, which provided additional results.
Alkaloids Used as Medicines: Structural Phytochemistry Meets Biodiversity—An Update and Forward Look
Authors: Heinrich Michael , Mah Jeffrey , Amirkia Vafa
Published: March 2021

Selecting candidates for drug developments using computational design and empirical rules has resulted in a broad discussion about their success. In a previous study, we had shown that a species’ abundance [as expressed by the GBIF (Global Biodiversity Information Facility)] dataset is a core determinant for the development of a natural product into a medicine. Our overarching aim is to understand the unique requirements for natural product-based drug development. Web of Science was queried for research on alkaloids in combination with plant systematics/taxonomy. All alkaloids containing species demonstrated an average increase of 8.66 in GBIF occurrences between 2014 and 2020. Medicinal Species with alkaloids show higher abundance compared to non-medicinal alkaloids, often linked also to cultivation. Alkaloids with high biodiversity are often simple alkaloids found in multiple species with the presence of ’driver species‘ and are more likely to be included in early-stage drug development compared to ‘rare’ alkaloids. Similarly, the success of an alkaloid containing species as a food supplement (‘botanical’) is linked to its abundance. GBIF is a useful tool for assessing the druggability of a compound from a certain source species. The success of any development programme from natural sources must take sustainable sourcing into account right from the start.
Determination of 77 Multiclass Pesticides and Their Metabolitesin Capsicum and Tomato Using GC-MS/MS and LC-MS/MS
Authors: Naik Rathod Harischandra , Mallappa Bheemanna , Malenahalli Sidramappa Pallavi , Reddy Vennapusa Chandra Sekhara , Kamin Pavankumar , Revanasiddappa Nidoni Udaykumar , Desai Bheemsain Rao Kishan Rao , Rao Saroja Narsing , Mariappan Paramasivam
Published: March 2021

A quick, sensitive, and reproducible analytical method for the determination of 77 multiclass pesticides and their metabolites in Capsicum and tomato by gas and liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry was standardized and validated. The limit of detection of 0.19 to 10.91 and limit of quantification of 0.63 to 36.34 µg·kg−1 for Capsicum and 0.10 to 9.55 µg·kg−1 (LOD) and 0.35 to 33.43 µg·kg−1 (LOQ) for tomato. The method involves extraction of sample with acetonitrile, purification by dispersive solid phase extraction using primary secondary amine and graphitized carbon black. The recoveries of all pesticides were in the range of 75 to 110% with a relative standard deviation of less than 20%. Similarly, the method precision was evaluated interms of repeatability (RSDr) and reproducibility (RSDwR) by spiking of mixed pesticides standards at 100 µg·kg−1 recorded anRSD of less than 20%. The matrix effect was acceptable and no significant variation was observed in both the matrices except for few pesticides. The estimated measurement uncertainty found acceptable for all the pesticides. This method found suitable for analysis of vegetable samples drawn from market and farm gates.
Design, Synthesis, Molecular Modeling and Antitumor Evaluation of Novel Indolyl-Pyrimidine Derivatives with EGFR Inhibitory Activity
Authors: Ahmed Naglaa M. , Youns Mahmoud M. , Soltan Moustafa K. , Said Ahmed M.
Published: March 2021

Scaffolds hybridization is a well-known drug design strategy for antitumor agents. Herein, series of novel indolyl-pyrimidine hybrids were synthesized and evaluated in vitro and in vivo for their antitumor activity. The in vitro antiproliferative activity of all compounds was obtained against MCF-7, HepG2, and HCT-116 cancer cell lines, as well as against WI38 normal cells using the resazurin assay. Compounds 1–4 showed broad spectrum cytotoxic activity against all these cancer cell lines compared to normal cells. Compound 4g showed potent antiproliferative activity against these cell lines (IC50 = 5.1, 5.02, and 6.6 μM, respectively) comparable to the standard treatment (5-FU and erlotinib). In addition, the most promising group of compounds was further evaluated for their in vivo antitumor efficacy against EAC tumor bearing mice. Notably, compound 4g showed the most potent in vivo antitumor activity. The most active compounds were evaluated for their EGFR inhibitory (range 53–79%) activity. Compound 4g was found to be the most active compound against EGFR (IC50 = 0.25 µM) showing equipotency as the reference treatment (erlotinib). Molecular modeling study was performed on compound 4g revealed a proper binding of this compound inside the EGFR active site comparable to erlotinib. The data suggest that compound 4g could be used as a potential anticancer agent.
Immunological Analysis of Isothiocyanate-Modified α-Lactalbumin Using High-Performance Thin Layer Chromatography
Authors: Spöttel Jenny , Brockelt Johannes , Badekow Svenja , Rohn Sascha
Published: March 2021

Undirected modifications between food proteins and secondary plant metabolites can occur during food processing. The results of covalent interactions can alter the functional and biological properties of the proteins. The present work studied the extent of which covalent conjugation of the bioactive metabolite benzyl isothiocyanate (BITC; a glucosinolate breakdown product) to the whey protein α-lactalbumin affects the protein’s allergenicity. Additional to the immunological analysis of native untreated and BITC-modified α-lactalbumin, the analysis of antigenic properties of proteolytically digested protein derivatives was also performed by high performance thin layer chromatography and immunostaining. As a result of the chemical modifications, structural changes in the protein molecule affected the allergenic properties. In this process, epitopes are destroyed or inactivated, but at the same time, buried epitopes can be exposed or newly formed, so that the net effect was an increase in allergenicity, in this case. Results from the tryptic hydrolysis suggest that BITC conjugation sterically hindered the cleavage sites for the enzyme, resulting in reduced digestibility and allergenicity. Residual antigenicity can be still present as short peptide fragments that provide epitopes. The desire to make food safer for allergy sufferers and to protect sensitized individuals from an allergenic reaction makes it clear that the detection of food antigens is mandatory; especially by considering protein interactions.
(Poly)phenols in Inflammatory Bowel Disease and Irritable Bowel Syndrome: A Review
Authors: Hagan Marilyn , Hayee Bu' Hussain , Rodriguez-Mateos Ana
Published: March 2021

(Poly)phenols (PPs) may have a therapeutic benefit in gastrointestinal (GI) disorders, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The aim of this review is to summarise the evidence-base in this regard. Observational evidence does not give a clear indication that PP intake has a preventative role for IBD or IBS, while interventional studies suggest these compounds may confer symptomatic and health-related quality of life improvements in known patients. There are inconsistent results for effects on markers of inflammation, but there are promising reports of endoscopic improvement. Work on the effects of PPs on intestinal permeability and oxidative stress is limited and therefore conclusions cannot be formed. Future work on the use of PPs in IBD and IBS will strengthen the understanding of clinical and mechanistic effects.
Endocannabinoid System Dysregulation from Acetaminophen Use May Lead to Autism Spectrum Disorder: Could Cannabinoid Treatment Be Efficacious?
Authors: Schultz Stephen , Gould Georgianna G. , Antonucci Nicola , Brigida Anna Lisa , Siniscalco Dario
Published: March 2021

Persistent deficits in social communication and interaction, and restricted, repetitive patterns of behavior, interests or activities, are the core items characterizing autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Strong inflammation states have been reported to be associated with ASD. The endocannabinoid system (ECS) may be involved in ASD pathophysiology. This complex network of lipid signaling pathways comprises arachidonic acid and 2-arachidonoyl glycerol-derived compounds, their G-protein-coupled receptors (cannabinoid receptors CB1 and CB2) and the associated enzymes. Alterations of the ECS have been reported in both the brain and the immune system of ASD subjects. ASD children show low EC tone as indicated by low blood levels of endocannabinoids. Acetaminophen use has been reported to be associated with an increased risk of ASD. This drug can act through the ECS to produce analgesia. It may be that acetaminophen use in children increases the risk for ASD by interfering with the ECS.This mini-review article summarizes the current knowledge on this topic.
Computational Study on the Mechanism of the Photouncaging Reaction of Vemurafenib: Toward an Enhanced Photoprotection Approach for Photosensitive Drugs
Authors: Bani-Yaseen Abdulilah Dawoud
Published: March 2021

The photochemical behavior of the photosensitive first-line anticancer drug vemurafenib (VFB) is of great interest due to the impact of such behavior on its pharmacological activity. In this work, we computationally elucidated the mechanism of the photoinduced release of VFB from the 4,5-dimethoxy-2-nitrobenzene (DMNB) photoprotecting group by employing various density functional theory (DFT)/time-dependent DFT (TD-DFT) approaches. The computational investigations included a comparative assessment of the influence of the position of the photoprotecting group as a substituent on the thermodynamics and kinetics of the photouncaging reactions of two VFB-DMNB prodrugs, namely pyrrole (NP) and sulfonamide (NS). With the aid of the DFT calculations concerning the activation energy barrier (∆G‡), the obtained results suggest that the step of the photoinduced intramolecular proton transfer of the DMNB moiety is not detrimental concerning the overall reaction profile of the photouncaging reaction of both prodrugs. However, the obtained results suggested that the position of the substitution position of the DMNB photoprotecting group within the prodrug structure has a substantial impact on the photouncaging reaction. In particular, the DMNB-Ns-VFB prodrug exhibited a notable increase in ∆G‡ for the key step of ring opining within the DMNB moiety indicative of potentially hindered kinetics of the photouncaging process compared with DMNB-Np-VFB. Such an increase in ∆G‡ may be attributed to the electronic influence of the NP fragment of the prodrug. The results reported herein elaborate on the mechanism of the photoinduced release of an important anticancer drug from photoprotecting groups with the aim of enhancing our understanding of the photochemical behavior of such photosensitive pharmaceutical materials at the molecular level.
Investigation of Structural and Luminescent Properties of Sol-Gel-Derived Cr‑Substituted Mg3Al1−xCrx Layered Double Hydroxides
Authors: Valeikiene Ligita , Grigoraviciute-Puroniene Inga , Katelnikovas Arturas , Zarkov Aleksej , Kareiva Aivaras
Published: March 2021

In the present work, Cr-substituted Mg3Al1−xCrx layered double hydroxides (LDHs) were synthesised through the phase conversion of sol-gel-derived mixed-metal oxides in an aqueous medium. The chromium substitution level in the range of 1 to 25 mol% was investigated. It was demonstrated that all synthesised specimens were single-phase LDHs. The results of elemental analysis confirmed that the suggested synthetic sol-gel chemistry approach is suitable for the preparation of LDHs with a highly controllable chemical composition. The surface microstructure of sol-gel-derived Mg3Al1−xCrx LDHs does not depend on the chromium substitution level. The formation of plate-like agglomerated particles, which consist of hexagonally shaped nanocrystallites varying in size from approximately 200 to 300 nm, was observed. Optical properties of the synthesised Mg3Al1−xCrx LDHs were investigated by means of photoluminescence. All Cr-containing powders exhibited characteristic emission in the red region of the visible spectrum. The strongest emission was observed for the sample doped with 5 mol% Cr3+ ions. However, the emission intensity of samples doped with 1–10 mol% Cr3+ ions was relatively similar. A further increase in the Cr3+ ion concentration to 25 mol% resulted in severe concentration quenching.
Research on Molecular Structure and Electronic Properties of Ln3+ (Ce3+, Tb3+, Pr3+)/Li+ and Eu2+ Co-Doped Sr2Si5N8 via DFT Calculation
Authors: Yin Ziqian , Li Meijuan , Zhang Jianwen , Shen Qiang
Published: March 2021

We use density functional theory (DFT) to study the molecular structure and electronic band structure of Sr2Si5N8:Eu2+ doped with trivalent lanthanides (Ln3+ = Ce3+, Tb3+, Pr3+). Li+ was used as a charge compensator for the charge imbalance caused by the partial replacement of Sr2+ by Ln3+. The doping of Ln lanthanide atom causes the structure of Sr2Si5N8 lattice to shrink due to the smaller atomic radius of Ln3+ and Li+ compared to Sr2+. The doped structure’s formation energy indicates that the formation energy of Li+, which is used to compensate for the charge imbalance, is the lowest when the Sr2 site is doped. Thus, a suitable Li+ doping site for double-doped lanthanide ions can be provided. In Sr2Si5N8:Eu2+, the doped Ce3+ can occupy partly the site of Sr12+ ([SrN8]), while Eu2+ accounts for Sr12+ and Sr22+ ([SrN10]). When the Pr3+ ion is selected as the dopant in Sr2Si5N8:Eu2+, Pr3+ and Eu2+ would replace Sr22+ simultaneously. In this theoretical model, the replacement of Sr2+ by Tb3+ cannot exist reasonably. For the electronic structure, the energy level of Sr2Si5N8:Eu2+/Li+ doped with Ce3+ and Pr3+ appears at the bottom of the conduction band or in the forbidden band, which reduces the energy bandgap of Sr2Si5N8. We use DFT+U to adjust the lanthanide ion 4f energy level. The adjusted 4f-CBM of CeSr1LiSr1-Sr2Si5N8 is from 2.42 to 2.85 eV. The energy range of 4f-CBM in PrSr1LiSr1-Sr2Si5N8 is 2.75–2.99 eV and its peak is 2.90 eV; the addition of Ce3+ in EuSr1CeSr1LiSr1 made the 4f energy level of Eu2+ blue shift. The addition of Pr3+ in EuSr2PrSr2LiSr1 makes part of the Eu2+ 4f energy level blue shift. Eu2+ 4f energy level in EuSr2CeSr1LiSr1 is not in the forbidden band, so Eu2+ is not used as the emission center.
Four New Gallate Derivatives from Wine-Processed Corni Fructus and Their Anti-Inflammatory Activities
Authors: Li Hong-Bin , Feng Qing-Mei , Zhang Ling-Xia , Wang Jing , Chi Jun , Chen Sui-Qing , Wang Zhi-Min , Dai Li-Ping , Xu Er-Ping
Published: March 2021

Four new gallate derivatives—ornusgallate A, ent-cornusgallate A, cornusgallate B and C (1a, 1b, 2, 3)—were isolated from the wine-processed fruit of Cornus officinalis. Among them, 1a and 1b are new natural compounds with novel skeletons. Their chemical structures were elucidated by comprehensive spectroscopy methods including NMR, IR, HRESIMS, UV, ECD spectra and single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. The in vitro anti-inflammatory activities of all compounds were assayed in RAW 264.7 cells by assessing LPS-induced NO production. As the result, all compounds exhibited anti-inflammatory activities at attested concentrations. Among the tested compounds, compound 2 exhibited the strongest anti- inflammatory activity.
Cryptotympana pustulata Extract and Its Main Active Component, Oleic Acid, Inhibit Ovalbumin-Induced Allergic Airway Inflammation through Inhibition of Th2/GATA-3 and Interleukin-17/RORγt Signaling Pathways in Asthmatic Mice
Authors: Kim Seung-Hyung , Hong Jung-Hee , Yang Won-Kyung , Kim Hyo-Jung , An Hyo-Jin , Lee Young-Cheol
Published: March 2021

Cicadae Periostracum (CP), derived from the slough of Cryptotympana pustulata, has been used as traditional medicine in Korea and China because of its diaphoretic, antipyretic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antianaphylactic activities. The major bioactive compounds include oleic acid (OA), palmitic acid, and linoleic acid. However, the precise therapeutic mechanisms underlying its action in asthma remain unclear. The objective of this study was to determine the antiasthmatic effects of CP in an ovalbumin (OVA)-induced asthmatic mouse model. CP and OA inhibited the inflammatory cell infiltration, airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR), and production of interleukin (IL)7 and Th2 cytokines (IL-5) in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and OVA-specific imunoglobin E (IgE) in the serum. The gene expression of IL-5, IL-13, CCR3, MUC5AC, and COX-2 was attenuated in lung tissues. CP and OA might inhibit the nuclear translocation of GATA-binding protein 3 (GATA-3) and retinoic acid receptor-related orphan receptor γt (RORγt) via the upregulation of forkhead box p3 (Foxp3), thereby preventing the activation of GATA-3 and RORγt. In the in vitro experiment, a similar result was observed for Th2 and GATA-3. These results suggest that CP has the potential for the treatment of asthma via the inhibition of the GATA-3/Th2 and IL-17/RORγt signaling pathways.
Comparative Analysis of Chemical Constituents in Different Parts of Lotus by UPLC and QToF-MS
Authors: Pei Haotian , Su Wenyu , Gui Meng , Dou Mingjie , Zhang Yingxin , Wang Cuizhu , Lu Dan
Published: March 2021

Six parts of lotus (seeds, leaves, plumule, stamens, receptacles and rhizome nodes) are herbal medicines that are listed in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia. Their indications and functions have been confirmed by a long history of clinical practice. To fully understand the material basis of clinical applications, UPLC-QToF-MS combined with the UNIFI platform and multivariate statistical analysis was used in this study. As a result, a total of 171 compounds were detected and characterized from the six parts, and 23 robust biomarkers were discovered. The method can be used as a standard protocol for the direct identification and prediction of the six parts of lotus. Meanwhile, these discoveries are valuable for improving the quality control method of herbal medicines. Most importantly, this was the first time that alkaloids were detected in the stamen, and terpenoids were detected in the cored seed. The stamen is a noteworthy part because it contains the greatest diversity of flavonoids and terpenoids, but research on the stamen is rather limited.
Characteristics of the Proteolytic Enzymes Produced by Lactic Acid Bacteria
Authors: Kieliszek Marek , Pobiega Katarzyna , Piwowarek Kamil , Kot Anna M.
Published: March 2021

Over the past several decades, we have observed a very rapid development in the biotechnological use of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) in various branches of the food industry. All such areas of activity of these bacteria are very important and promise enormous economic and industrial successes. LAB are a numerous group of microorganisms that have the ability to ferment sugars into lactic acid and to produce proteolytic enzymes. LAB proteolytic enzymes play an important role in supplying cells with the nitrogen compounds necessary for their growth. Their nutritional requirements in this regard are very high. Lactic acid bacteria require many free amino acids to grow. The available amount of such compounds in the natural environment is usually small, hence the main function of these enzymes is the hydrolysis of proteins to components absorbed by bacterial cells. Enzymes are synthesized inside bacterial cells and are mostly secreted outside the cell. This type of proteinase remains linked to the cell wall structure by covalent bonds. Thanks to advances in enzymology, it is possible to obtain and design new enzymes and their preparations that can be widely used in various biotechnological processes. This article characterizes the proteolytic activity, describes LAB nitrogen metabolism and details the characteristics of the peptide transport system. Potential applications of proteolytic enzymes in many industries are also presented, including the food industry.
Traceability and Authentication of Manila Clams from North-Western Adriatic Lagoons Using C and N Stable Isotope Analysis
Authors: Bianchini Gianluca , Brombin Valentina , Carlino Pasquale , Mistri Enrico , Natali Claudio , Salani Gian Marco
Published: March 2021

In the Adriatic lagoons of northern Italy, manila clam (Ruditapes philippinarum) farming provides important socio-economic returns and local clams should be registered with the Protected Designations of Origin scheme. Therefore, there is a need for the development of rapid, cost-effective tests to guarantee the origin of the product and to prevent potential fraud. In this work, an elemental analysis (EA) coupled with isotope ratio mass spectrometry (IRMS) was employed to identify the isotopic fingerprints of clams directly collected onsite in three Adriatic lagoons and bought at a local supermarket, where they exhibited certification. In particular, a multivariate analysis of C/N, δ13C and δ15N in manila clam tissues as well as δ13C in shells and Δ13C (calculated as δ13Cshell–δ13Ctissues) seems a promising approach for tracking the geographical origin of manila clams at the regional scale.
Arene Ruthenium(II) Complexes Bearing the κ-P or κ-P,κ-S Ph2P(CH2)3SPh Ligand
Authors: Arlt Sören , Petković Vladana , Ludwig Gerd , Eichhorn Thomas , Lang Heinrich , Rüffer Tobias , Mijatović Sanja , Maksimović-Ivanić Danijela , Kaluđerović Goran N.
Published: March 2021

Neutral [Ru(η6-arene)Cl2{Ph2P(CH2)3SPh-κP}] (arene = benzene, indane, 1,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthalene: 2a, 2c and 2d) and cationic [Ru(η6-arene)Cl(Ph2P(CH2)3SPh-κP,κS)]X complexes (arene = mesitylene, 1,4-dihydronaphthalene; X = Cl: 3b, 3e; arene = benzene, mesitylene, indane, 1,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthalene, and 1,4-dihydronaphthalene; X = PF6: 4a–4e) complexes were prepared and characterized by elemental analysis, IR, 1H, 13C and 31P NMR spectroscopy and also by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analyses. The stability of the complexes has been investigated in DMSO. Complexes have been assessed for their cytotoxic activity against 518A2, 8505C, A253, MCF-7 and SW480 cell lines. Generally, complexes exhibited activity in the lower micromolar range; moreover, they are found to be more active than cisplatin. For the most active ruthenium(II) complex, 4b, bearing mesitylene as ligand, the mechanism of action against 8505C cisplatin resistant cell line was determined. Complex 4b induced apoptosis accompanied by caspase activation.
An Antifungal Chitosanase from Bacillus subtilis SH21
Authors: Pang Yuanxiang , Yang Jianjun , Chen Xinyue , Jia Yu , Li Tong , Jin Junhua , Liu Hui , Jiang Linshu , Hao Yanling , Zhang Hongxing , Xie Yuanhong
Published: March 2021

Bacillus subtilis SH21 was observed to produce an antifungal protein that inhibited the growth of F. solani. To purify this protein, ammonium sulfate precipitation, gel filtration chromatography, and ion-exchange chromatography were used. The purity of the purified product was 91.33% according to high-performance liquid chromatography results. Sodium dodecyl sulfate–polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) analysis revealed that the molecular weight of the protein is 30.72 kDa. The results of the LC–MS/MS analysis and a subsequent sequence-database search indicated that this protein was a chitosanase, and thus, we named it chitosanase SH21. Scanning and transmission electron microscopy revealed that chitosanase SH21 appeared to inhibit the growth of F. solani by causing hyphal ablation, distortion, or abnormalities, and cell-wall depression. The minimum inhibitory concentration of chitosanase SH21 against F. solani was 68 µg/mL. Subsequently, the corresponding gene was cloned and sequenced, and sequence analysis indicated an open reading frame of 831 bp. The predicted secondary structure indicated that chitosanase SH21 has a typical a-helix from the glycoside hydrolase (GH) 46 family. The tertiary structure shared 40% similarity with that of Streptomyces sp. N174. This study provides a theoretical basis for a topical cream against fungal infections in agriculture and a selection marker on fungi.
A Novel Galantamine-Curcumin Hybrid as a Potential Multi-Target Agent against Neurodegenerative Disorders
Authors: Simeonova Rumyana , Zheleva Dimitrina , Valkova Iva , Stavrakov Georgi , Philipova Irena , Atanasova Mariyana , Doytchinova Irini
Published: March 2021

The acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitors are the main drugs for symptomatic treatment of neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer’s disease. A recently designed, synthesized and tested hybrid compound between the AChE inhibitor galantamine (GAL) and the antioxidant polyphenol curcumin (CU) showed high AChE inhibition in vitro. Here, we describe tests for acute and short-term toxicity in mice as well as antioxidant tests on brain homogenates measured the levels of malondialdehide (MDA) and glutathione (GSH) and in vitro DPPH, ABTS, FRAP and LPO inhibition assays. Hematological and serum biochemical analyses were also performed. In the acute toxicity tests, the novel AChE inhibitor given orally in mice showed LD50 of 49 mg/kg. The short-term administration of 2.5 and 5 mg/kg did not show toxicity. In the ex vivo tests, the GAL-CU hybrid performed better than GAL and CU themselves; in a dose of 5 mg/kg, it demonstrates 25% reduction in AChE activity, as well as a 28% and 73% increase in the levels of MDA and GSH, respectively. No significant changes in blood biochemical data were observed. The antioxidant activity of 4b measured ex vivo was proven in the in vitro tests. In the ABTS assay, 4b showed radical scavenging activity 10 times higher than the positive control butylhydroxy toluol (BHT). The GAL-CU hybrid is a novel non-toxic AChE inhibitor with high antioxidant activity which makes it a prospective multitarget drug candidate for treatment of neurodegenerative disorders.