bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Preparative isolation of diterpenoids from Salvia bowleyana Dunn roots by high‐speed countercurrent chromatography combined with high‐performance liquid chromatography
Authors: Jiang Xiaohua , Chen Yueyuan , Yang Xuerong , Yan Xiaojie , Lu Fenglai , Liu Zhangbin , Li Dianpeng 
Published: February 2022

AbstractThe root of Salvia bowleyana Dunn (Lamiaceae) is used as a traditional Chinese medicine that has multiple therapeutic effects. In this study, an efficient strategy was developed to separate diterpenoid compounds, which are the main active ingredients in Salvia bowleyana Dunn roots, from complex crude extracts by high‐speed countercurrent chromatography combined with preparative high‐performance liquid chromatography. A two‐phase solvent system comprising n‐hexane–ethyl acetate–methanol–water (7:3:7:3, v/v/v/v) was selected for high‐speed countercurrent chromatographic separation. Three major diterpenoids, 6α‐hydroxysugiol (7), sugiol (8), and 6, 12‐dihydroxyabieta‐5,8,11,13‐tetraen‐7‐one (9) were obtained at purities of 98.9, 95.4, and 96.2%, respectively, and minor diterpenoids were enriched via one‐step separation. The enriched minor diterpenoids were further purified by continuous preparative high‐performance liquid chromatography to yield two new norabietanoids (1, 6) and four known compounds (2–5). The structures of these new compounds were determined using NMR spectroscopy, high‐resolution electrospray ionization mass spectrometry, and electronic circular dichroism spectroscopy. The results suggest that high‐speed countercurrent chromatography combined with preparative high‐performance liquid chromatography efficiently isolates diterpenoids, including minor components, from complex natural products.
Assessing local perceptions of deforestation, forest restoration, and the role of agroecology for agroecosystem restoration in northern Malawi
Authors: Kpienbaareh Daniel , Luginaah Isaac , Bezner Kerr Rachel , Wang Jinfei , Poveda Katja , Steffan‐Dewenter Ingolf , Lupafya Esther , Dakishoni Laifolo 
Published: February 2022

AbstractDeforestation drives climate change and reinforces food insecurity in forest‐dependent communities. What drives deforestation varies by location and is shaped by livelihood systems. But how locals perceive restoration is crucial for developing restoration policies. Evidence suggests that applying sustainable farming strategies can potentially restore forests and sustain livelihoods. Applying a broad‐based conceptualization of deforestation and restoration in policymaking, however, results in missed opportunities for addressing deforestation and restoration. Here, we explore the drivers of deforestation, the perceptions of restoration, and the challenges to restoration among smallholder farmers in northern Malawi and examine how agroecology can contribute to restoring degraded agroecosystems. Participants report agricultural land expansion, charcoal production, climate change, burnt brick production, and government subsidies as the major drivers of deforestation. We observed that although perceptions of forest restoration reflect farmers' traditional ecological knowledge (TEK) to include reclamation of degraded farmlands, reconstruction of native tree species, and replacement of felled trees on farmlands, there are challenges including splitting families to gain access to more subsidized fertilizers and food aid, embedded cultural practices, growing demand for charcoal in cities, and weak ecosystem governance structures that hinder the effectiveness of restoration efforts. We, however, do find that agroecological intensification can increase yield from smaller farmlands and allow for larger and longer‐lasting fallows of spare lands which regenerate forests. Key overarching implications of these findings include the need to integrate livelihoods more explicitly into restoration plans, accounting for TEK in restoration policies in forest‐dependent communities and encouraging the adoption of agroecology.
An extension of Jónsson‐Tarski representation and model existence in predicate non‐normal modal logics
Authors: Tanaka Yoshihito 
Published: February 2022

AbstractWe give an extension of the Jónsson‐Tarski representation theorem for both normal and non‐normal modal algebras so that it preserves countably many infinite meets and joins. In order to extend the Jónsson‐Tarski representation to non‐normal modal algebras we consider neighborhood frames instead of Kripke frames just as Došen's duality theorem for modal algebras, and to deal with infinite meets and joins, we make use of Q‐filters, which were introduced by Rasiowa and Sikorski, instead of prime filters. By means of the extended representation theorem, we show that every predicate modal logic, whether it is normal or non‐normal, has a model defined on a neighborhood frame with constant domains, and we give a completeness theorem for some predicate modal logics with respect to classes of neighborhood frames with constant domains. Similarly, we show a model existence theorem and a completeness theorem for infinitary modal logics which allow conjunctions of countably many formulas.
Bioavailability and Health Impact of Ingested Amyloid‐like Protein Fibrils and their Link with Inflammatory Status: A Need for More Research?
Authors: Luyckx Trui , Grootaert Charlotte , Monge‐Morera Margarita , Delcour Jan A. , Rousseau Frederic , Schymkowitz Joost , Van Camp John 
Published: February 2022

AbstractThe use of amyloid‐like protein fibrils (ALFs) in food formulations looks very promising in terms of improving techno‐functional properties, but raises some concerns in terms of food safety, because of their structural resemblance to disease‐related endogenous amyloids. This review focuses on the biological fate and potential health implications of ingested ALF structures in both healthy and predisposed individuals. A comprehensive overview of ALF gastrointestinal digestion, intestinal absorption, and systemic dissemination is provided, in addition to a thorough assessment of potential ALF cross‐seeding of endogenous precursor proteins linked to (non)neurodegenerative amyloidosis. In general, this study concludes that the health impact of ALF consumption remains widely understudied and merits additional research efforts to determine the exact extent to which ALF ingestion may influence the general health status.
Prebiotic Oligosaccharides Enhance Iron Absorption Via Modulation of Protein Expression and Gut Microbiota in a Dose‐Response Manner in Iron‐Deficient Growing Rats
Authors: Chen Jie‐Hua , Wang Yiyuan , Pan Jialiang , Lu Louise Weiwei , Yu Jianfeng , Liu Bin , Chen Feng , Deng Hong 
Published: February 2022

ScopeIron deficiency anemia (IDA) in children is one of the most common nutrition‐related health conditions worldwide. Prebiotic oligosaccharides, fructo‐oligosaccharide (FOS) and galacto‐oligosaccharides (GOS), have shown to affect iron absorption in anemic subjects, but the results in previous studies are inconsistent, thus the underlying mechanism and the effective dose of GOS in mitigating anemia remain unclear.Methods and ResultsThe present study aims to investigate the mechanism of how GOS/FOS affect iron absorption in an iron‐deficient growing rat model from the perspectives of protein expression and gut microbiota, and determine the optimum dose of GOS. Iron‐deficient models are established by providing young rats diet without iron addition for 14 days. Later, iron‐deficient rats are provided with standard rat chows supplemented with 0%, 3%, 5%, 10% GOS, and 10% FOS for 21 days. The results show that ≥5% GOS supplementation in diet improves iron status and significantly impacts iron‐binding/transport protein expression. Furthermore, a dose‐dependent modulating effect of GOS on gut microbiota is determined.ConclusionFor the first time, the present study provides evidence that GOS supplementation induces a dose‐response effect on iron absorption and gut microbiota in the established model, suggesting a positive role of GOS in ameliorating IDA in children.
Preventive Effects of Sesamol on Deep‐Frying Oil‐Induced Liver Metabolism Disorders by Altering Gut Microbiota and Protecting Gut Barrier Integrity
Authors: Wang Lei , Chen Weixuan , Tian Yujie , Duan Xiaorong , Yuan Yi , Wang Na , Xu Chao , Liu Xuebo , Liu Zhigang 
Published: February 2022

ScopeThe total polar components (TPC) in the edible oil are produced during the frying process, and excessive intake of TPC may lead to metabolic disorders. This study aims to investigate the preventive effects of sesamol, a functional component from sesame, on suppressing TPC production, and on the deep‐frying oil (DFO)‐induced liver lipid metabolism disorders and gut homeostasis disruption.Methods and resultsSesamol addition (0.2 mg mL−1) improves the quality of the soybean oil by reducing the production of TPC during the deep‐frying process (180 °C for 40 h). The diet‐induced obesity model is established by feeding mice with a high‐fat diet for 8 weeks. Either sesamol pre‐treated DFO or sesamol supplementation (0.2%, w/w) in the diet reduces the liver lipid accumulation in the obese mice by increasing lipolysis‐related genes expression. Sesamol elevates the antioxidant enzyme activities, protectes the integrity of the jejunum and colon barrier, and enhances the relative abundance of Bifidobacterium and Akkermansia in obese mice.ConclusionSesamol suppresses TPC production and prolongs the use time of deep‐frying oil. Meanwhile, sesamol can improve TPC‐induced liver lipid metabolism disorders and gut dysbiosis, thus reducing the health risks associated with deep‐fried food.
Gene Expression Profiling of 1α,25(OH)2D3 Treatment in 2D/3D Human Hepatocyte Models Reveals CYP3A4 Induction but Minor Changes in Other Xenobiotic‐Metabolizing Genes
Authors: Pavek Petr , Dusek Jan , Smutny Tomas , Lochman Lukas , Kucera Radim , Skoda Josef , Smutna Lucie , Kamaraj Rajamanikkam , Soucek Pavel , Vrzal Radim , Dvorak Zdenek 
Published: February 2022

ScopeCYP3A4 is the most important drug‐metabolizing enzyme regulated via the vitamin D receptor (VDR) in the intestine. However, less is known about VDR in the regulation of CYP3A4 and other drug‐metabolizing enzymes in the liver.Methods and ResultsThis study investigates whether 1α,25‐dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1α,25(OH)2D3) regulates major cytochrome P450 enzymes, selected phase I and II enzymes, and transporters involved in xenobiotic and steroidal endobiotic metabolism in 2D and 3D cultures of human hepatocytes. The authors found that 1α,25(OH)2D3 increases hepatic CYP3A4 expression and midazolam 1′‐hydroxylation activity in 2D hepatocytes. The results are confirmed in 3D spheroids, where 1α,25(OH)2D3 has comparable effect on CYP3A4 mRNA expression as 1α‐hydroxyvitamin D3, an active vitamin D metabolite. Other regulated genes such as CYP1A2, AKR1C4, SLC10A1, and SLCO4A1 display only mild changes in mRNA levels after 1α,25(OH)2D3 treatment in 2D hepatocytes. Expression of other cytochrome P450, phase I and phase II enzyme, or transporter genes are not significantly influenced by 1α,25(OH)2D3. Additionally, the effect of VDR activation on CYP3A4 mRNA expression is abolished by natural dietary compound sulforaphane, a common suppressor of pregnane X receptor (PXR) and constitutive androstane receptor (CAR).ConclusionThis study proposes that VDR or vitamin D supplementation is unlikely to significantly influence liver detoxification enzymes apart from CYP3A4.
Technical note: Temperature and concentration dependence of water diffusion in polyvinylpyrrolidone solutions
Authors: Amouzandeh Ghoncheh , Chenevert Thomas L. , Swanson Scott D. , Ross Brian D. , Malyarenko Dariya I. 
Published: February 2022

AbstractObjectiveThe goal of this work is to provide temperature and concentration calibration of water diffusivity in polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) solutions used in phantoms to assess system bias and linearity in apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) measurements.MethodADC measurements were performed for 40 kDa (K40) PVP of six concentrations (0%, 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, and 50% by weight) at three temperatures (19.5°C, 22.5°C, and 26.4°C), with internal phantom temperature monitored by optical thermometer (±0.2°C). To achieve ADC measurement and fit accuracy of better than 0.5%, three orthogonal diffusion gradients were calibrated using known water diffusivity at 0°C and system gradient nonlinearity maps. Noise‐floor fit bias was also controlled by limiting the maximum b‐value used for ADC calculation of each sample. The ADC temperature dependence was modeled by Arrhenius functions of each PVP concentration. The concentration dependence was modeled by quadratic function for ADC normalized by the theoretical water diffusion values. Calibration coefficients were obtained from linear regression model fits.ResultsMeasured phantom ADC values increased with temperature and decreasing PVP concentration, [PVP]. The derived Arrhenius model parameters for [PVP] between 0% and 50%, are reported and can be used for K40 ADC temperature calibration with absolute ADC error within ±0.016 μm2/ms. Arrhenius model fit parameters normalized to water value scaled with [PVP] between 10% and 40%, and proportional change in activation energy increased faster than collision frequency. ADC normalization by water diffusivity, DW, from the Speedy–Angell relation accounted for the bulk of temperature dependence (±0.035 μm2/ms) and yielded quadratic calibration for ADCPVP/DW = (12.5 ± 0.7) ·10−5·[PVP]2 − (23.2 ± 0.3)·10−3·[PVP]+1, nearly independent of PVP molecular weight and temperature.ConclusionThe study provides ground‐truth ADC values for K40 PVP solutions commonly used in diffusion phantoms for scanning at ambient room temperature. The described procedures and the reported calibration can be used for quality control and standardization of measured ADC values of PVP at different concentrations and temperatures.
Upper bound limit analysis of roof collapse of deep cavities in unsaturated soils
Authors: Zhao Yanru , Li Xiaojiao , Tai Pei , Huang Liping , Pu Bo , Chen Rui 
Published: February 2022

AbstractThe roof collapse of deep cavities has been investigated only under fully dry or saturated conditions. However, natural soils are largely unsaturated, and consequently, their mechanical behavior is significantly different owing to the presence of matric suction. In this study, a novel analytical solution for the roof collapse of deep cavities in unsaturated soils is developed based on the upper bound theorem and the nonlinear Mohr–Coulomb criterion, and the width of a cavity with an arbitrary shape at collapse is derived. Subsequently, a parametric study is conducted to investigate the effects of water retention properties, effective cohesion, friction angle, supporting pressure, and nonlinear coefficient on the safety factors of rectangular deep cavities. It is found that matric suction and soil type have significant influences on the stability of deep cavities. There is a peak for the safety factors of deep cavities as the matric suction increases when the water‐holding capacity of the soil is low. This novel analytical solution provides a new insight into the stability of deep cavities in unsaturated soils.
Modeling suffusion of ideally gap‐graded soil
Authors: Tangjarusritaratorn Tanawat , Miyazaki Yuusuke , Kikumoto Mamoru , Kishida Kiyoshi 
Published: February 2022

AbstractA novel framework for describing suffusion in cohesionless soil, incorporating ideally gap‐graded soil, is presented in this paper. The key assumption of the proposed simulation is that an erodible particle flow is induced primarily by drag force. The multiphase flow simulation for seepage‐soil particle flow phenomena is conducted based on the proposed framework. The validity of the proposed method is checked through a simulation of past laboratory experiments, in which the variation in grain size distributions is grasped by a sieve analysis. The primary results show cumulative fines loss; therefore, a comparison of the cumulative fines loss is mainly discussed in this research. In addition, a discussion is given on the two different parameters affecting the erosion behavior, namely the in the tortuosity function, , and the clogging relaxation time, . The tortuosity is the ratio of the actual flow path and the distance between its ends, while clogging relaxation time is the parameter that considers the particle flow through the bottleneck. The results show that the numerical simulation provides a good correlation with the experiment, while the is 3 which is the highest value for a geo‐material. Moreover, the simulation results of the cumulative fines loss for each particle size also confirm that smaller particles will be fully eroded earlier than larger ones, and that larger particles will slowly become detached from the soil mass.
Prenatal diagnosis of congenital diaphragmatic hernia: Parental counselling and support needs
Authors: Crombag Neeltje , Ceulemans Vanessa , Debeer Anne , Russo Francesca , Bollen Bieke , Power Beverley , Meijer Frank , Henrotte Nancy , Depré Kathleen , Laurent Josefien , Deprest Jan 
Published: February 2022

AbstractObjectiveTo define the dimensions of patient‐centeredness of prenatal care for parents who had a fetus with isolated congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) by exploring their values, experiences, needs and preferences.MethodsIn‐depth interviews with parents who were faced with the prenatal diagnosis of isolated CDH.ResultsInterviews (n = 18) identified seven dimensions of patient‐centeredness. Parental preferences are respected by unconditional acceptance of parental choices and needs. After diagnosis access to care should occur by swift referral to a specialised centre to prevent parents receiving contradictory information. Information and education help parents to gain some sense of control and cope with the many uncertainties. A multidisciplinary team with a coordinating professional is perceived supportive (coordination and integration), and seamless referral between local and treatment centres reduces parental distress (continuity and transition). Family‐centred emotional support helps parents to cope with emotions and distress. Informal support by involvement of family and friends and trusted peer‐support is of added value.ConclusionThe impact of the uncertainty of outcome in this condition is tremendous and needs to be considered when providing prenatal care. After initial diagnosis, one should avoid speculation about the severity of the condition and outcome, and provide swift referral to a specialist centre expert in managing CDH. Provision of realistic and comprehensive information helps parents cope. Multidisciplinary and continuous support throughout the full trajectory, but also integrated psychosocial support should become standard‐of‐care.
Database search engines and target database features impinge upon the identification of post‐translationally cis‐spliced peptides in HLA class I immunopeptidomes
Authors: Mishto Michele , Horokhovskyi Yehor , Cormican John A. , Yang Xiaoping , Lynham Steven , Urlaub Henning , Liepe Juliane 
Published: February 2022

AbstractUnconventional epitopes presented by HLA class I complexes are emerging targets for T cell targeted immunotherapies. Their identification by mass spectrometry (MS) required development of novel methods to cope with the large number of theoretical candidates. Methods to identify post‐translationally spliced peptides led to a broad range of outcomes. We here investigated the impact of three common database search engines – that is, Mascot, Mascot+Percolator, and PEAKS DB – as final identification step, as well as the features of target database on the ability to correctly identify non‐spliced and cis‐spliced peptides. We used ground truth datasets measured by MS to benchmark methods’ performance and extended the analysis to HLA class I immunopeptidomes. PEAKS DB showed better precision and recall of cis‐spliced peptides and larger number of identified peptides in HLA class I immunopeptidomes than the other search engine strategies. The better performance of PEAKS DB appears to result from better discrimination between target and decoy hits and hence a more robust FDR estimation, and seems independent to peptide and spectrum features here investigated.
Toxicity of antimony in 18 soils of China evaluated by soil dehydrogenase activity
Authors: Ma Xing , Tian Haixia , Liao Maoyuan , Huang Yi , Yang Rui , Guo Zhaohui , Megharaj Mallavarapu , He Wenxiang 
Published: February 2022

AbstractAntimony (Sb) contamination has attracted global attention due to the elevated Sb entering the environment and threatening human health. Dehydrogenase activity (DHA) has been used as a sensitive bioindicator to assess Sb toxicity. However, only total Sb content and a few types of soils were used so far, which ignored the effect of Sb adsorption characteristics and soil heterogeneity in the Sb toxicity assessment. This study used 18 soil samples varying in their properties to explore the Sb adsorption behavior and the subsequent effects on Sb toxicity using DHA as an indicator. The adsorption isotherm parameters of Sb in 18 soils showed that acidic and neutral soils favored Sb adsorption (na > 2) over alkaline soils (1 < na < 2), and the adsorption process tended to be irreversible (RL close to 0). The solid binding force (kL) of Sb to alkaline soils is less than that of acidic and neutral soils; therefore, alkaline soils pose a higher risk of secondary pollution. Variation partitioning analysis showed that water‐soluble Sb was the predominant factor responsible for the observed decrease in DHA. Ecological doses (ED10) based on water‐soluble Sb fluctuated from 3.4 to 360 mg kg−1 in soils. Soil properties, such as pH, total phosphorus, amorphous Fe, and clay content, played a crucial role in Sb toxicity to DHA. This study highlighted the importance of water‐soluble Sb while evaluating the Sb toxicity in soils. Thus, the study is useful in risk assessment and remediation of Sb‐contaminated soils.
Structure and Functional Properties of Purple Yam (Dioscorea alata L.) Starch from China
Authors: Lu Kui , Liu Xia , Yu Jinglin , Wang Shujun 
Published: February 2022

AbstractStructural and functional properties of starch from purple yam (Dioscorea alata L.) is investigated, and starches from other three yam varieties grown in China are used for comparison. The yam starches show a variety of shapes from oval to elongated or irregular. The amylose content of four yam starches is in the range of 28.3–37.9%. The D. alata L. starch exhibits a typical B‐type X‐ray diffraction (XRD) pattern with a higher relative crystallinity compared with other three yam starches, which show a C‐type XRD pattern. The D. alata L. starch has the higher proportion (20.6%) of long branch chain (Degree of polymerization (DP) ≥ 37) and the lower proportion (11.8%) of short branch chains (DP 6–12), which accounts for its higher thermal stability and lower in vitro enzymatic digestibility. This study provides useful information on the properties of purple yam starch, which would be of use for their application in preparation of foods with low enzymatic digestion.