bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Canonical Concordance Correlation Analysis
Authors: Lipovetsky Stan
Published: December 2022

A multivariate technique named Canonical Concordance Correlation Analysis (CCCA) is introduced. In contrast to the classical Canonical Correlation Analysis (CCA) which is based on maximization of the Pearson’s correlation coefficient between the linear combinations of two sets of variables, the CCCA maximizes the Lin’s concordance correlation coefficient which accounts not just for the maximum correlation but also for the closeness of the aggregates’ mean values and the closeness of their variances. While the CCA employs the centered data with excluded means of the variables, the CCCA can be understood as a more comprehensive characteristic of similarity, or agreement between two data sets measured simultaneously by the distance of their mean values and the distance of their variances, together with the maximum possible correlation between the aggregates of the variables in the sets. The CCCA is expressed as a generalized eigenproblem which reduces to the regular CCA if the means of the aggregates are equal, but for the different means it yields a different from CCA solution. The properties and applications of this type of multivariate analysis are described. The CCCA approach can be useful for solving various applied statistical problems when closeness of the aggregated means and variances, together with the maximum canonical correlations are needed for a general agreement between two data sets.
Incidental Hepatocellular Carcinoma after Liver Transplantation: Clinicopathologic Features and Prognosis
Authors: Ozdemir Fatih , Ince Volkan , Usta Sertac , Carr Brian I. , Bag Harika G. , Akatli Ayse Nur , Kahraman Aysegul Sagir , Yilmaz Sezai
Published: December 2022

Background: The prognostic impact and clinicopathologic features of incidental hepatocellular carcinoma (iHCC) detected in explanted livers of patients undergoing liver transplantation (LT) has been a controversial issue in previous studies when compared with patients who are diagnosed with hepatocellular carcinoma (pdHCC) before LT. We aimed to review and compare these patient groups in a high-volume LT center. Methods: The present study involves a retrospective analysis of 406 HCC patients who received LT between January 2002 and April 2022. Among these patients, demographic data, histopathologic features and prognosis for iHCC and pdHCC were evaluated. Results: In our series, 406 patients’ final diagnosis was HCC after they had received LT, nevertheless 54 patients in this HCC group were diagnosed incidentally after the pathological evaluation of the explanted livers. The etiology of the underlying liver disease between pdHCC (n = 352) and iHCC (n = 54) groups had some differences in our study population. Most of the patients in the pdHCC group had moderately differentiated tumors (45.7%). On the other hand, most of the patients in the iHCC group had well differentiated tumors (79.6%). There were 158 (44%) patients who met the Milan criteria in the pdHCC group while there were 48 (92%) patients in the iHCC group (p < 0.001). IHCC patients had statistically better 1, 3, 5 and 10 years disease-free and overall survival rates when compared with pdHCC patients. There was only 1 (1.8%) patient who had tumor recurrence in the iHCC group while 76 (21%) patients had tumor recurrence in the pdHCC group (p = 0.001). There is no disease free and overall survival difference when iHCC patients are compared with pdHCC patients who met the Milan criteria. Conclusion: It is the first study to show that iHCC patients may differ from pdHCC patients in terms of etiological features. IHCC tumors show better histopathologic features than pdHCC with low recurrence rate and iHCC patients have better survival rates than pdHCC patients.
The Dynamics of the Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte and Platelet-to-Lymphocyte Ratios Predict Progression to Septic Shock and Death in Patients with Prolonged Intensive Care Unit Stay
Authors: Botoș Ioana Denisa , Pantiș Carmen , Bodolea Constantin , Nemes Andrada , Crișan Dana , Avram Lucreția , Negrău Marcel Ovidiu , Hirișcău Ioana Elisabeta , Crăciun Rareș , Puia Cosmin Ioan
Published: December 2022

Background and objectives: The prognoses of patients experiencing a prolonged stay in the intensive care unit (ICU) are often significantly altered by hospital-acquired infections (HAIs), the early detection of which might be cumbersome. The aim of this study was to investigate the roles of the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte (NLR), derived-NRL (d-NLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte (PLR), and lymphocyte-to-C-reactive protein (LCR) ratios in predicting the progression to septic shock and death. Materials and Methods: A retrospective analysis of a consecutive series of ninety COVID-19 patients with prolonged hospitalization (exceeding 15 days) admitted to the ICU was conducted. The prevalence of culture-proven HAIs throughout their hospital stays was documented. NLR, dNLR, PLR, and LCR were recorded on admission, day 7, and day 14 to assess their discriminative prowess for detecting further progression to septic shock or death. Results: The prevalence of HAIs was 76.6%, 50% of patients met the criteria for septic shock, and 50% died. The median time to the first positive culture was 13.5 days and 20.5 days for developing septic shock. Mechanical ventilation was a key contributing factor to HAI, septic shock, and mortality. On admission and day 7 NLR, dNLR, PLR, and LCR values had no prognostic relevance for events occurring late during hospitalization. However, day-14 NLR, dNLR, and PLR were independent predictors for progression to septic shock and mortality and have shown good discriminative capabilities. The AUCs for septic shock were 0.762, 0.764, and 0.716, while the values for predicting in-hospital death were 0.782, 0.778, and 0.758, respectively. Conclusions: NLR, dNLR, and PLR are quick, easy-to-use, cheap, effective biomarkers for the detection of a more severe disease course, of the late development of HAIs, and of the risk of death in critically ill patients requiring a prolonged ICU stay.
Polymer Free Amphilimus Drug Eluting Stent for Infrapopliteal Arterial Disease in Patients with Critical Limb Ischemia: A New Device in the Armamentarium
Authors: Tigkiropoulos Konstantinos , Abatzis-Papadopoulos Manolis , Sidiropoulou Katerina , Stavridis Kyriakos , Karamanos Dimitrios , Lazaridis Ioannis , Saratzis Nikolaos
Published: December 2022

Background and Objectives: Endovascular technologies have significantly improved the outcome of patients with critical limb ischemia (CLI). Drug eluting stents (DES) have documented their efficacy against percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) and bare metal stents (BMS) in infrapopliteal arterial occlusive disease. However, late in-stent neoatherosclerosis may lead to vascular lumen loss and eventually thrombosis. Polymer free DES constitute a new technology aiming to improve long term patency which their action is still under investigation. The purpose of this study is to report the mechanism of action and to provide a literature review of a novel polymer free amphilimus eluting stent (Cre8, Alvimedica, Instabul, Turkey) in infrapopliteal arterial disease. Methods: Publications listed in electronic databases, European Union Drug Regulating Authorities Clinical Trials Database, as well as scientific programmes of recent interventional vascular conferences were searched. Three studies were included. We analyzed primary and secondary patency, major amputation rate, freedom from CD-TLR, and mortality. Results: Cre8 was implanted in 79 patients with CLI. Most of the patients (n = 65) were Rutherford class 5–6 (82.3%), and diabetes mellitus (DM) was present in 66 patients (83.5%). Mean primary patency was 82.5% at 12 months. Mean lesion stented length was 20 mm and 35 mm in two studies. Mean limb salvage was 91.3% at 12 months. Freedom from CD-TLR was reported in two out of the three studies and was 96% and 83.8%. Mortality was 15% and 23.8% in the same studies, whilst it was not reported in one study. Conclusion: Stenting of infrapopliteal arteries with Cre8 is safe and feasible in patients with CLI and diabetes. All studies have shown very good primary patency and freedom from CD-TLR at 12 and 24 months. Larger observational prospective studies and randomized trials are necessary to establish long term effectiveness and clinical outcomes using the non-polymer Cre8 DES.
Assessment of Bone Height Changes Based on the Cone–Beam Computed Tomography Following Intentional Replantation for Periodontally Compromised Teeth
Authors: Park So-hyun , Paek Seung-Heon , Kim Bongju , Lee Jung-Tae
Published: December 2022

Background and Objectives; This study aimed to evaluate the clinical outcomes and bone changes before and after intentional replantation (IR) for periodontally compromised teeth by using cone–beam computed tomography (CBCT). Materials and Methods; Fourteen periodontally involved teeth were selected for IR. A preoperative orthodontic procedure was performed to apply luxation, and the tooth was then gently extracted. Retrograde filling of the root-end canal was performed. Once the tooth was repositioned in the socket, it was splinted with the adjacent tooth. After three months, prosthetic restoration was performed. Results; Clinical parameters and CBCT images were obtained before and after the IR procedure. The height of the alveolar bone was measured on the CBCT images by using software. Most preoperative symptoms, including pain, mobility, probing depth (PD) and bleeding on probing (BOP), significantly decreased after IR (pain: 4.71 to 1.00; mobility: 1.36 to 0.29; PD: 5.60 to 2.85; BOP: 3.50 to 0.79). CBCT analysis indicated an increase in bone height after IR (the amount of change: maxilla, 4.00; mandible, 1.95). Conclusions; A previous study reported that IR for periodontally involved teeth is quite limited. However, in this study, IR of periodontally compromised teeth showed favorable results in clinical and radiographic evaluations, suggesting that IR may be an alternative to extraction of teeth with periodontal disease.
Chrysophanol-Induced Autophagy Disrupts Apoptosis via the PI3K/Akt/mTOR Pathway in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma Cells
Authors: Park Dan-Bi , Park Bong-Soo , Kang Hae-Mi , Kim Jung-Han , Kim In-Ryoung
Published: December 2022

Background and Objectives: Natural products are necessary sources for drug discovery and have contributed to cancer chemotherapy over the past few decades. Furthermore, substances derived from plants have fewer side effects. Chrysophanol is an anthraquinone derivative that is isolated from rhubarb. Although the anticancer effect of chrysophanol on several cancer cells has been reported, studies on the antitumor effect of chrysophanol on oral squamous-cell carcinoma (OSCC) cells have yet to be elucidated. Therefore, in this study, we investigated the anticancer effect of chrysophanol on OSCC cells (CAL-27 and Ca9-22) via apoptosis and autophagy, among the cell death pathways. Results: It was found that chrysophanol inhibited the growth and viability of CAL-27 and Ca9-22 and induced apoptosis through the intrinsic pathway. It was also found that chrysophanol activates autophagy-related factors (ATG5, beclin-1, and P62/SQSTM1) and LC3B conversion. That is, chrysophanol activated both apoptosis and autophagy. Here, we focused on the roles of chrysophanol-induced apoptosis and the autophagy pathway. When the autophagy inhibitor 3-MA and PI3K/Akt inhibitor were used to inhibit the autophagy induced by chrysophanol, it was confirmed that the rate of apoptosis significantly increased. Therefore, we confirmed that chrysophanol induces apoptosis and autophagy at the same time, and the induced autophagy plays a role in interfering with apoptosis processes. Conclusions: Therefore, the potential of chrysophanol as an excellent anticancer agent in OSCC was confirmed via this study. Furthermore, the combined treatment of drugs that can inhibit chrysophanol-induced autophagy is expected to have a tremendous synergistic effect in overcoming oral cancer.
Assessment of the Impacts of Centipeda minima (L.) on Cell Viability, and Osteogenic Differentiation of Mesenchymal Stem Cell Spheroids
Authors: Lee Hyun-Jin , Na Kyung-Hwan , Uddin Md. Salah , Park Jun-Beom
Published: December 2022

Background and Objectives: Centipeda minima (L.) is a well-known and traditional pharmaceutical that has been utilized to treat different conditions controlling rhinitis, soothe pain, and decrease swelling. We assessed the impacts of Centipeda minima (L.) extricates (CMTs) on the osteogenic differentiation of cell spheroids made of human-bone-marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells. Materials and Methods: Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in spheroid 3D culture were generated and propagated in the presence of CMTs ranging from 0 to 1 μg/mL. Cell morphology was measured on Days 1, 3, 5, and 7. The quantitative cellular viability was evaluated on Days 1, 3, 5, and 7. Alkaline phosphatase activity assays were designed to measure the osteogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cell spheroids on Day 7. Alizarin Red S staining was performed to investigate the mineralization of cell spheroids on Days 7 and 14. Real-time polymerase chain reactions were used to measure the expression levels of RUNX2 and COL1A1 on Day 14. Western blot techniques were performed to identify the protein expression of Runt-related transcription factor 2 and type I collagen. Results: The control group’s mesenchymal stem cells displayed a spheroid shape. There was no noticeable change in morphology with the addition of CMTs at final concentrations of 0.001, 0.01, 0.1, and 1 μg/mL compared with the untreated (control) group. The application of CMTs did not induce a significant change in cell viability. The relative alkaline phosphatase activity values in the 0.001, 0.01, 0.1, and 1 μg/mL CMT groups were 114.4% ± 8.2%, 130.6% ± 25.3%, 87.8% ± 3.4%, and 92.1% ± 6.8%, respectively, considering a control of 100% (100.0% ± 17.9%). On Day 14, calcium deposits were clearly observed in each group. The relative values of Alizarin Red S staining in the 0.001, 0.01, 0.1, and 1 μg/mL CMT groups were 100.1% ± 8.9%, 105.9% ± 0.0%, 109.7% ± 19.1%, and 87.0% ± 40.9%, respectively, considering a control of 100% (100.0% ± 28.7%). The addition of CMT significantly increased RUNX2 expression in the 0.01 μg/mL group and COL1A1 in the 0.001 and 0.01 μg/mL groups. Normalization of protein expression showed that the addition of CMTs significantly increased type I collagen expression in the 0.001, 0.01, and 1 μg/mL groups. Conclusions: In conclusion, CMTs influence the osteogenic differentiation of bone-marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells and the use of CMTs may positively influence the osteogenic differentiation of cell spheroids.
Comparison of Post-Cesarean Pain Perception of General Versus Regional Anesthesia, a Single-Center Study
Authors: Stanisic Danka Mostic , Kalezic Nevena , Rakic Aleksandar , Rajovic Nina , Mostic Tatjana Ilic , Cumic Jelena , Stulic Jelena , Rudic Biljic Erski Ivana , Divac Nevena , Milic Natasa , Stojanovic Radan
Published: December 2022

Background and Objectives: Pain during and after the procedure remains the leading concern among women undergoing cesarean section. Numerous studies have concluded that the type of anesthesia used during a cesarean section undoubtedly affects the intensity and experience of pain after the operation. Materials and Methods: This prospective cohort study was conducted at the Clinic for Gynecology and Obstetrics, Clinical Center “Dragisa Misovic—Dedinje”, Belgrade, Serbia. Patients at term pregnancy (37–42 weeks of gestation) with an ASA I score who delivered under general (GEA) or regional anesthesia (RA) by cesarean section were included in the study. Following the procedure, we assessed pain using the Serbian McGill questionnaire (SF–MPQ), Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and the pain attributes questionnaire at pre-established time intervals of 2, 12, and 24 h after the procedure. Additionally, time to patient’s functional recovery was noted. We also recorded the time to the first independent mobilization, first oral intake, and lactation establishment. Results: GEA was performed for 284 deliveries while RA was performed for 249. GEA had significantly higher postoperative sensory and affective pain levels within intervals of 2, 12, and 24 h after cesarean section. GEA had significantly higher postoperative VAS pain levels. On pain attribute scale intensity, GEA had significantly higher postoperative pain levels within all intervals. Patients who received RA had a shorter time to first oral food intake, first independent mobilization, and faster lactation onset in contrast to GEA. Conclusions: The application of RA presented superior postoperative pain relief, resulting in earlier mobilization, shorter time to first oral food intake, and faster lactation onset in contrast to GEA.
Poorer Survival in Patients with Cecum Cancer Compared with Sigmoid Colon Cancer
Authors: Song Shibo , Wang Jiefu , Zhou Heng , Wang Wenpeng , Kong Dalu
Published: December 2022

Background and Objectives: An increasing number of studies have shown the influence of primary tumor location of colon cancer on prognosis, but the prognostic difference between colon cancers at different locations remains controversial. After comparing the prognostic differences between left-sided and right-sided colon cancer, the study subdivided left-sided and right-sided colon cancer into three parts, respectively, and explored which parts had the most significant prognostic differences, with the aim to further analyze the prognostic significance of primary locations of colon cancer. Materials and Methods: Clinicopathological data of patients with colon cancer who underwent radical surgery from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Program database were analyzed. The data was divided into two groups (2004–2009 and 2010–2015) based on time intervals. Two tumor locations with the most significant survival difference were explored by using Cox regression analyses. The prognostic difference of the two locations was further verified in survival analyses after propensity score matching. Results: Patients with right-sided colon cancer had worse cancer-specific and overall survival compared to left-sided colon cancer. Survival difference between cecum cancer and sigmoid colon cancer was found to be the most significant among six tumor locations in both 2004–2009 and 2010–2015 time periods. After propensity score matching, multivariate analyses showed that cecum cancer was an independent unfavorable factor for cancer specific survival (HR [95% CI]: 1.11 [1.04–1.17], p = 0.001 for 2004–2009; HR [95% CI]: 1.23 [1.13–1.33], p < 0.001 for 2010–2015) and overall survival (HR [95% CI]: 1.09 [1.04–1.14], p < 0.001 for 2004–2009; HR [95% CI]: 1.09 [1.04–1.14], p < 0.001 for 2010–2015) compared to sigmoid colon cancer. Conclusions: The study indicates the prognosis of cecum cancer is worse than that of sigmoid colon. The current dichotomy model (right-sided vs. left-sided colon) may be inappropriate for the study of colon cancer.
The Use of Hydroxyapatite Loaded with Doxycycline (HADOX) in Dentoalveolar Surgery as a Risk-Reduction Therapeutic Protocol in Subjects Treated with Different Bisphosphonate Dosages
Authors: Sacco Roberto , Sartoretto Suelen Cristina , de Brito Resende Rodrigo Figueiredo , de Albuquerque Calasans-Maia Jose , Rossi Alexandre Malta , de Souza Lima Victor Hugo , de Almeida Barros Mourão Carlos Fernando , Granjeiro Jose Mauro , Yates Julian , Calasans-Maia Monica Diuana
Published: December 2022

Medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ) is considered as a severe adverse side effect of specific drugs such as anti-resorptive and anti-angiogenic medications. Evidence suggests that MRONJ is linked to invasive dental procedures, mainly dentoalveolar surgery. Several preventive strategies to minimize the risk of developing MRONJ have been investigated. However, no investigation has been attempted to evaluate the therapeutic effect of local drug-delivery technology as a preventive strategy protocol. The aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of hydroxyapatite-containing doxycycline (HADOX) in rats with high-risk MRONJ development. All the rats used in this study were divided into seven groups. Six groups of rats out of seven were exposed to two different doses of antiresorptive drug therapy for four weeks before undergoing an upper incisor extraction. After 28 days, all the animals were euthanized, and the bone blocks were processed for histological and histomorphometrical evaluation. The histomorphometric analysis confirmed that newly formed bone (NFB) was present in all groups, with significant differences. NFB in the HADOX group treated with zoledronic acid at 4% showed (28.38; C.I. 22.29–34.48), which represents a significant increase compared to HA (15.69; C.I. 4.89–26.48) (p = 0.02). A similar pattern was observed in the HADOX group treated with zoledronic acid 8% ZA treatment (p = 0.001). Conclusions: HADOX did not inhibit any bone repair and reduced early inflammatory response. Hence, HADOX could promote bone healing in patients undergoing antiresorptive drug therapy.
Dimensionality of the Causes of Churning: A Multivariate Statistical Analysis
Authors: Pirrolas Olga Alexandra Chinita , Correia Pedro Miguel Alves Ribeiro
Published: December 2022

The present study was conducted in Portugal and had, as its object of study, workers from Portuguese companies belonging to several sectors of activity. The main goal of this study was the identification of the dimensions related to the causes of churning and to analyse its applicability in the management of human resources to promote individual and corporate welfare. Its specific targets were (a) to make a sociographic characterisation of the workers; (b) to make their professional characterisation; (c) to analyse the perception workers had in relation to the selected dimensions under study. Through the gathering of data per questionnaire, a sample consisting of 801 answers was considered. First, we resorted to a multivariate statistical analysis through the application of an Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) that allowed for the selection of the most relevant dimensions, followed by a descriptive statistical analysis on the collected sample and used items. Finally, we resorted to a TwoStep Cluster analysis that allowed for the identification of two Clusters of workers with a differentiated probability for the occurrence of churning.
Using Machine Vision of Glycolytic Elements to Predict Breast Cancer Recurrences: Design and Implementation
Authors: Petty Howard R.
Published: December 2022

A major goal of biomedical research has been the early and quantitative identification of patients who will subsequently experience a cancer recurrence. In this review, I discuss the ability of glycolytic enzyme and transporter patterns within tissues to detect sub-populations of cells within ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) lesions that specifically precede cancer recurrences. The test uses conventional formalin fixed paraffin embedded tissue samples. The accuracy of this machine vision test rests on the identification of relevant glycolytic components that promote enhanced glycolysis (phospho-Ser226-glucose transporter type 1 (phospho-Ser226-GLUT1) and phosphofructokinase type L (PFKL)), their trafficking in tumor cells and tissues as judged by computer vision, and their high signal-to-noise levels. For each patient, machine vision stratifies micrographs from each lesion as the probability that the lesion originated from a recurrent sample. This stratification method removes overlap between the predicted recurrent and non-recurrent patients, which eliminates distribution-dependent false positives and false negatives. The method identifies computationally negative samples as non-recurrent and computationally positive samples are recurrent; computationally positive non-recurrent samples are likely due to mastectomies. The early phosphorylation and isoform switching events, spatial locations and clustering constitute important steps in metabolic reprogramming. This work also illuminates mechanistic steps occurring prior to a recurrence, which may contribute to the development of new drugs.
Bacteria Associated with the Roots of Common Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) at Different Development Stages: Diversity and Plant Growth Promotion
Authors: Rocha Ricardo , Lopes Tiago , Fidalgo Cátia , Alves Artur , Cardoso Paulo , Figueira Etelvina
Published: December 2022

Current agricultural methodologies are vulnerable to erratic climate and are dependent on cost-intensive fertilization to ensure high yields. Sustainable practices should be pursued to ensure food security. Phaseolus vulgaris L. is one of the most produced legumes worldwide and may be an alternative to reduce the environmental impact of meat production as a reliable source of high-quality protein. Plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) are emerging as a sustainable option to increase agricultural production. To understand the dynamics between plants and microorganisms, the culturable microbiota of bean roots was isolated and identified at distinct stages of plant development (early and late vegetative growth, flowering, and pod) and root compartments (rhizoplane, endosphere, and nodules). Diversity and abundance of bacteria associated with root compartments differed throughout the plant life cycle. Bacterial plant growth promotion (PGP) and protection abilities (indole-3-acetic acid production, siderophore synthesis, and antifungal activity) were assessed and associated with plant phenology, demonstrating that among the bacteria associated with plant roots, several strains had an active role in the response to plant biological needs at each stage. Several strains stood out for their ability to display one or more PGP traits, being excellent candidates for efficient stage-specific biostimulants for application in precision agriculture.
The Infection Rate of Bird-Feeding Ixodes ricinus Ticks with Borrelia garinii and B. valaisiana Varies with Host Haemosporidian Infection Status
Authors: Šujanová Alžbeta , Čužiová Zuzana , Václav Radovan
Published: December 2022

Background: Birds are known to maintain and spread human pathogenic borreliae, but they are common hosts of diverse parasite communities, notably haemosporidians. Only a few studies examined whether tick infestation and/or Borrelia prevalences vary with hosts’ haemosporidian infection status. Methods: Here, we study whether Ixodes ricinus infestation rates and Borrelia infection rates in bird-feeding ticks vary according to haemosporidian infection status in a community of free-living avian tick hosts. Results: Birds of six avian species harbored the majority of ticks. Both the tick infestation prevalence and the intensity peaked during spring and summer, but while bird-feeding nymphs prevailed in spring, bird-feeding larvae dominated in summer. Almost half of the bird-feeding ticks were found to be positive for B. burgdorferi s.l. Although the majority of infections involved bird-associated B. garinii and B. valaisiana, B. garinii appears to be the dominant Borrelia strain circulating in locally breeding avian species. We detected a negative link between the hosts’ haemosporidian infection status and the Borrelia infection rate of bird-feeding ticks, but the association was dependent on the host’s age. Conclusions: Our results on tick infestation intensity support the idea that more immunologically vulnerable hosts harbor more ticks but suggest that different mechanisms may be responsible for tick infestation rates among immunologically naïve and experienced avian hosts. The results on Borrelia infection rates in bird-feeding ticks are consistent with studies revealing that intracellular parasites, such as haemosporidians, can benefit from the host immune system prioritizing immune responses against extracellular parasites at the expense of immune responses against intracellular parasites. The findings of our study urge for a more robust design of parasitological studies to understand the ecology of interactions among hosts and their parasites.
Variability in Cold Tolerance of Food and Clinical Listeria monocytogenes Isolates
Authors: Myintzaw Peter , Pennone Vincenzo , McAuliffe Olivia , Begley Máire , Callanan Michael
Published: December 2022

The aim of this study was to investigate the level of strain variability amongst food and clinical Listeria monocytogenes isolates growing at low temperatures (4 and 7 °C) in both laboratory media and real food matrices. Isolates (n = 150) grown in laboratory media demonstrated a large variation in growth profiles measured using optical density. Overall, it was noted that clinical isolates exhibited a significantly higher growth rate (p ≤ 0.05) at 7 °C than the other isolates. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) tests of isolates grouped using Multi Locus Sequence Typing (MLST) revealed that clonal complex 18 (CC18) isolates were significantly (p ≤ 0.05) faster growing at 4 °C than other CC-type isolates while CC101, CC18, CC8, CC37 and CC14 were faster growing than other CC types at 7 °C. Euclidean distance and Ward method-based hierarchical clustering of mean growth rates classified 33.33% of isolates as faster growing. Fast and slow growing representative isolates were selected from the cluster analysis and growth rates were determined using plate count data in laboratory media and model food matrices. In agreement with the optical density experiments, CC18 isolates were faster and CC121 isolates were slower than other CC types in laboratory media, UHT milk and fish pie. The same trend was observed in chocolate milk but the differences were not statistically significant. Moreover, pan-genome analysis (Scoary) of isolate genome sequences only identified six genes of unknown function associated with increased cold tolerance while failing to identify any known cold tolerance genes. Overall, an association that was consistent in laboratory media and real food matrices was demonstrated between isolate CC type and increased cold tolerance.
Mechanisms of BPA Degradation and Toxicity Resistance in Rhodococcus equi
Authors: Tian Kejian , Yu Yue , Qiu Qing , Sun Xuejian , Meng Fanxing , Bi Yuanping , Gu Jinming , Wang Yibing , Zhang Fenglin , Huo Hongliang
Published: December 2022

Bisphenol A (BPA) pollution poses an increasingly serious problem. BPA has been detected in a variety of environmental media and human tissues. Microbial degradation is an effective method of environmental BPA remediation. However, BPA is also biotoxic to microorganisms. In this study, Rhodococcus equi DSSKP-R-001 (R-001) was used to degrade BPA, and the effects of BPA on the growth metabolism, gene expression patterns, and toxicity-resistance mechanisms of Rhodococcus equi were analyzed. The results showed that R-001 degraded 51.2% of 5 mg/L BPA and that 40 mg/L BPA was the maximum BPA concentration tolerated by strain R-001. Cytochrome P450 monooxygenase and multicopper oxidases played key roles in BPA degradation. However, BPA was toxic to strain R-001, exhibiting nonlinear inhibitory effects on the growth and metabolism of this bacterium. R-001 bacterial biomass, total protein content, and ATP content exhibited V-shaped trends as BPA concentration increased. The toxic effects of BPA included the downregulation of R-001 genes related to glycolysis/gluconeogenesis, pentose phosphate metabolism, and glyoxylate and dicarboxylate metabolism. Genes involved in aspects of the BPA-resistance response, such as base excision repair, osmoprotectant transport, iron-complex transport, and some energy metabolisms, were upregulated to mitigate the loss of energy associated with BPA exposure. This study helped to clarify the bacterial mechanisms involved in BPA biodegradation and toxicity resistance, and our results provide a theoretical basis for the application of strain R-001 in BPA pollution treatments.
Antimicrobial Activity of Propolis from the Brazilian Stingless Bees Melipona quadrifasciata anthidioides and Scaptotrigona depilis (Hymenoptera, Apidae, Meliponini)
Authors: Campos Jaqueline Ferreira , Bonamigo Thaliny , Rocha Paola dos Santos da , Paula Vanessa Marina Branco , Santos Uilson Pereira dos , Balestieri José Benedito Perrella , Silva Denise Brentan , Carollo Carlos Alexandre , Estevinho Leticia M. , de Picoli Souza Kely , Santos Edson Lucas dos
Published: December 2022

Melipona quadrifasciata anthidioides and Scaptotrigona depilis are species of stingless bees capable of producing propolis, which has considerable bioprospecting potential. In this context, the objective of this study was to determine the chemical compositions and evaluate the antimicrobial activity of propolis produced by M. q. anthidioides and S. depilis. The ethanolic extracts of propolis of M. q. anthidioides (EEP-M) and S. depilis (EEP-S) were prepared, and their chemical constituents were characterized by HPLC-ESI-MS. The antimicrobial activity was evaluated against bacteria and fungi, isolated from reference strains and hospital origin resistant to the action of antibiotics. From EEP-M, phenolic compounds were annotated, including gallic acid, ellagic acid, and flavonoids, as well as diterpenes and triterpenes. EEP-S showed mainly triterpene in its chemical composition. Both extracts inhibited the growth of medically relevant bacteria and fungi, including hospital-acquired and antimicrobial-resistant. In general, EEP-S showed better antimicrobial activity compared to EEP-M. The MIC of EEP-S against vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecalis was 3.50 mg/mL, while the MIC of EEP-M was 5.33 ± 0.16 mg/mL. In conclusion, this study shows that propolis produced by M. q. anthidioides and S. depilis has the potential to be used for the prevention or treatment of microbial infections.
Signaling and Detoxification Strategies in Plant-Microbes Symbiosis under Heavy Metal Stress: A Mechanistic Understanding
Authors: Liu Yao , He Guandi , He Tengbing , Saleem Muhammad
Published: December 2022

Plants typically interact with a variety of microorganisms, including bacteria, mycorrhizal fungi, and other organisms, in their above- and below-ground parts. In the biosphere, the interactions of plants with diverse microbes enable them to acquire a wide range of symbiotic advantages, resulting in enhanced plant growth and development and stress tolerance to toxic metals (TMs). Recent studies have shown that certain microorganisms can reduce the accumulation of TMs in plants through various mechanisms and can reduce the bioavailability of TMs in soil. However, relevant progress is lacking in summarization. This review mechanistically summarizes the common mediating pathways, detoxification strategies, and homeostatic mechanisms based on the research progress of the joint prevention and control of TMs by arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF)-plant and Rhizobium-plant interactions. Given the importance of tripartite mutualism in the plant-microbe system, it is necessary to further explore key signaling molecules to understand the role of plant-microbe mutualism in improving plant tolerance under heavy metal stress in the contaminated soil environments. It is hoped that our findings will be useful in studying plant stress tolerance under a broad range of environmental conditions and will help in developing new technologies for ensuring crop health and performance in future.
Microplastics: A Review of Policies and Responses
Authors: Munhoz Davi R. , Harkes Paula , Beriot Nicolas , Larreta Joana , Basurko Oihane C.
Published: December 2022

Although (micro)plastic contamination is a worldwide concern, most scientific literature only restates that issue rather than presenting strategies to cope with it. This critical review assembles the current knowledge on policies and responses to tackle plastic pollution, including peer-reviewed scientific literature, gray literature and relevant reports to provide: (1) a timeline of policies directly or indirectly addressing microplastics; (2) the most up-to-date upstream responses to prevent microplastics pollution, such as circular economy, behavioral change, development of bio-based polymers and market-based instruments as well as source-specific strategies, focusing on the clothing industry, tire and road wear particles, antifouling paints and recreational activities; (3) a set of downstream responses tackling microplastics, such as waste to energy, degradation, water treatment plants and litter clean-up strategies; and examples of (4) multifaceted responses focused on both mitigating and preventing microplastics pollution, e.g., approaches implemented in fisheries and aquaculture facilities. Preventive strategies and multifaceted responses are postulated as pivotal to handling the exacerbated release of microplastics in the environment, while downstream responses stand out as auxiliary strategies to the chief upstream responses. The information gathered here bridges the knowledge gaps on (micro)plastic pollution by providing a synthesized baseline material for further studies addressing this environmental issue.
Ameliorative Effect of Citrus Lemon Peel Extract and Resveratrol on Premature Ovarian Failure Rat Model: Role of iNOS/Caspase-3 Pathway
Authors: Mobasher Maysa A. , Hassen Marwa T. , Ebiya Rasha A. , Alturki Norah A. , Alzamami Ahmad , Mohamed Hanaa K. , Awad Nabil S. , Khodeer Dina , Abd El-Motelp Bosy A.
Published: December 2022

Premature ovarian failure (POF) is described as a loss of oocytes and the absence of folliculogenesis and is considered an adverse effect of chemotherapeutic drugs, which leads to infertility. Subsequently, the existing inquiry was achieved by exploring the potential suspicious influences of lemon peel extract (LPE), and resveratrol (RES) on cyclophosphamide (CPA) induced-POF. The results showed that CPA-induced POF significantly decreased serum estradiol (E2) and progesterone levels, along with a considerable rise in serum luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels. Moreover, CPA administration to rats significantly increased the serum level of Malondialdehyde (MDA) and significantly lowered the levels of reduced glutathione (GSH) and superoxide dismutase (SOD); in addition, it increased nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) levels, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), as well as cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2) with the spread expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) mRNA levels and caspase-3 (Casp3) levels in ovarian tissues versus the control rats. However, treatment with LPE and RES suppressed the triggering of NF- κB pathways, evidenced by a considerable reduction in Casp3 & iNOS mRNA expression level and significant ameliorative effects in all evaluated parameters, as confirmed by the histological and immunohistochemical investigation when comparing the model group. In overall findings, both lemon peel extract and resveratrol can mitigate the adverse effects of CPA-induced POF. Most crucially, its combination therapy is a promising pharmacological agent for this disease.
In Vitro Evaluation of α-amylase and α-glucosidase Inhibition of 2,3-Epoxyprocyanidin C1 and Other Constituents from Pterocarpus erinaceus Poir
Authors: Feunaing Romeo Toko , Tamfu Alfred Ngenge , Gbaweng Abel Joel Yaya , Mekontso Magnibou Larissa , Ntchapda Fidele , Henoumont Celine , Laurent Sophie , Talla Emmanuel , Dinica Rodica Mihaela
Published: December 2022

Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disorder which is one of the leading causes of mortality and morbidities in elderly humans. Chronic diabetes can lead to kidney failure, blindness, limb amputation, heart attack and stroke. Physical activity, healthy diets and medications can reduce the incidence of diabetes, so the search for more efficient antidiabetic therapies, most especially from natural products, is a necessity. Herein, extract from roots of the medicinal plant Pterocarpus erinaceus was purified by column chromatography and afforded ten compounds which were characterized by EIMS, HR-FAB-MS, 1D and 2D NMR techniques. Amongst them were, a new trimeric derivative of epicatechin, named 2,3-Epoxyprocyanidin C1 (1); two pentacyclic triterpenoids, friedelin (2) and betulin (3); angolensin (4); flavonoids such as 7-methoxygenistein (5), 7-methoxydaidzein (6), apigenin 7-O-glucoronide (8) and naringenin 7-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (9); and an ellagic acid derivative (10). The extract and compounds were evaluated for their antidiabetic potential by α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibitory assays. IC50 values of compound 7 (48.1 ± 0.9 µg/mL), compound 8 (48.6 ± 0.1 µg/mL), compound 9 (50.2 ± 0.5 µg/mL) and extract (40.5 ± 0.8 µg/mL) when compared to that of acarbose (26.4 ± 0.3 µg/mL) indicated good α-amylase inhibition. In the α-glucosidase assay, the extract (IC50 = 31.2 ± 0.1 µg/mL), compound 7 (IC50 = 39.5 ± 1.2 µg/mL), compound 8 (IC50 = 40.9 ± 1.3 µg/mL), compound 1 (IC50 = 41.6 ± 1.0 µg/mL), Compound 4 (IC50 = 43.4 ± 0.5 µg/mL), compound 5 (IC50 = 47.6 ± 0.9 µg/mL), compound 6 (IC50 = 46.3 ± 0.2 µg/mL), compound 7 (IC50 = 45.0 ± 0.8 µg/mL), compound 9 (IC50 = 44.8 ± 0.6 µg/mL) and compound 11 (IC50 = 47.5 ± 0.4 µg/mL) all had moderate-to-good inhibitions, compared to acarbose (IC50 = 22.0 ± 0.5 µg/mL). The ability to inhibit α-amylase and α-glucosidase indicates that P. erinaceus and its compounds can lower blood glucose levels by delaying hydrolysis of carbohydrates into sugars, thereby providing a source of natural antidiabetic remedy.
The Peroxymonocarbonate Anion HCO4− as an Effective Oxidant in the Gas Phase: A Mass Spectrometric and Theoretical Study on the Reaction with SO2
Authors: Salvitti Chiara , Pepi Federico , Troiani Anna , Rosi Marzio , de Petris Giulia
Published: December 2022

The peroxymonocarbonate anion, HCO4−, the covalent adduct between the carbon dioxide and hydrogen peroxide anion, effectively reacts with SO2 in the gas phase following three oxidative routes. Mass spectrometric and electronic structure calculations show that sulphur dioxide is oxidised through a common intermediate to the hydrogen sulphate anion, sulphur trioxide, and sulphur trioxide anion as primary products through formal HO2−, oxygen atom, and oxygen ion transfers. The hydrogen sulphite anion is also formed as a secondary product from the oxygen atom transfer path. The uncommon nucleophilic behaviour of HCO4− is disclosed by the Lewis acidic properties of SO2, an amphiphilic molecule that forms intermediates with characteristic and diagnostic geometries with peroxymonocarbonate.
Asymmetric Push–Pull Type Co(II) Porphyrin for Enhanced Electrocatalytic CO2 Reduction Activity
Authors: Huang Chenjiao , Bao Wenwen , Huang Senhe , Wang Bin , Wang Chenchen , Han Sheng , Lu Chenbao , Qiu Feng
Published: December 2022

Molecular electrocatalysts for electrochemical carbon dioxide (CO2) reduction has received more attention both by scientists and engineers, owing to their well-defined structure and tunable electronic property. Metal complexes via coordination with many π-conjugated ligands exhibit the unique electrocatalytic CO2 reduction performance. The symmetric electronic structure of this metal complex may play an important role in the CO2 reduction. In this work, two novel dimethoxy substituted asymmetric and cross-symmetric Co(II) porphyrin (PorCo) have been prepared as the model electrocatalyst for CO2 reduction. Owing to the electron donor effect of methoxy group, the intramolecular charge transfer of these push–pull type molecules facilitates the electron mobility. As electrocatalysts at −0.7 V vs. reversible hydrogen electrode (RHE), asymmetric methoxy-substituted Co(II) porphyrin shows the higher CO2-to-CO Faradaic efficiency (FECO) of ~95 % and turnover frequency (TOF) of 2880 h−1 than those of control materials, due to its push–pull type electronic structure. The density functional theory (DFT) calculation further confirms that methoxy group could ready to decrease to energy level for formation *COOH, leading to high CO2 reduction performance. This work opens a novel path to the design of molecular catalysts for boosting electrocatalytic CO2 reduction.
Topological and Spectral Properties of Wavy Zigzag Nanoribbons
Authors: Arockiaraj Micheal , Fiona J. Celin , Kavitha S. Ruth Julie , Shalini Arul Jeya , Balasubramanian Krishnan
Published: December 2022

Low-dimensional graphene-based nanomaterials are interesting due to their cutting-edge electronic and magnetic properties. Their large surface area, strong mechanical resistance, and electronic properties have enabled potential pharmaceutical and opto-electronic applications. Graphene nanoribbons (GNRs) are graphene strips of nanometer size possessing zigzag and armchair edge geometries with tunable widths. Despite the recent developments in the characterization, design and synthesis of GNRs, the study of electronic, magnetic and topological properties, GNRs continue to pose a challenge owing to their multidimensionality. In this study, we obtain the topological and electronic properties of a series of wave-like nanoribbons comprising nanographene units with zigzag-shaped edges. The edge partition techniques based on the convex components are employed to compute the mathematical formulae of molecular descriptors for the wave-like zigzag GNRs. We have also obtained the spectral and energetic properties including HOMO-LUMO gaps, bond delocalization energies, resonance energies, 13C NMR and ESR patterns for the GNRs. All of these computations reveal zero to very low HOMO-LUMO gaps that make these nanoribbons potential candidates for topological spintronics.
Quantitative Determination of Polyphenols and Flavonoids in Cistus × incanus on the Basis of IR, NIR and Raman Spectra
Authors: Pielorz Sonia , Fecka Izabela , Bernacka Karolina , Mazurek Sylwester
Published: December 2022

Cistus is a plant that has been used in natural medicine for hundreds of years; it works primarily as an antioxidant and cleansing agent. Cistus × incanus leaves or herb can be an attractive source of polyphenols and flavonoids. The official protocols of active compound analysis relies on the extraction of compounds of interest from plant matter, which makes their determination long and costly. An analysis of plant material in its native state can be performed using vibrational spectroscopy. This paper presents a comparison of Raman spectroscopy, attenuated total reflection in mid-infrared and diffuse reflectance technique in the near-infrared region for the simultaneous quantification of total polyphenols (TPC) and flavonoids (TF) content, as well as the determination of FRAP antioxidant activity of C. incanus material. Utilizing vibrational spectra and using partial least squares algorithm, TPC and TF were quantified with the RSEPVAL errors in the 2.7–5.4% range, while FRAP antioxidant activity for validation sets was determined with relative errors ranged from 5.2 to 9.3%. For the analyzed parameters, the lowest errors of predictions were computed for models constructed using Raman data. The developed models allow for fast and precise quantification of the studied active compounds in C. incanus material without any chemical sample treatment.
pH and Salt-Assisted Macroscopic Chirality Inversion of Gadolinium Coordination Polymer
Authors: Hou Ting , Wu Lan-Qing , Xu Yan , Bao Song-Song , Zheng Li-Min
Published: December 2022

The precise adjustment of handedness of helical architectures is important to regulate their functions. Macroscopic chirality inversion has been achieved in organic supramolecular systems by pH, metal ions, solvents, chiral and non-chiral additives, temperature, and light, but rarely in coordination polymers (CPs). In particular, salt-assisted macroscopic chirality inversion has not been reported. In this work, we carried out a systematic investigation on the role of pH and salt in regulating the morphology of CPs based on Gd(NO3)3 and R-(1-phenylethylamino)methylphosphonic acid (R-pempH2). Without extra NO3−, the chirality inversion from the left-handed superhelix R-M to the right-handed superhelix R-P can be achieved by pH modulation from 3.2 to 3.8. The addition of NaNO3 (2.0 eq) at pH 3.8 results in an inversion of chiral sense from R-P to R-M as a pure phase. To our knowledge, this is the first example of salt-assisted macroscopic helical inversion in artificial systems.