A multi-scale mathematical model is proposed, seeking to describe the propagation of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) in a group of young people between 15 and 24 years of age, through unprotected sexual contact. The uses of antiretroviral therapy (ART) and therapeutic failure are considered to show how the rate of propagation and prevalence are affected. The model consists of a complex network modeling the interactions on the population scale, coupled with the immunological dynamics of each individual, which is modeled by a system of differential equations. The immunological model allows to observe some known facts from the literature, such as to control HIV infection in the immune system, it is necessary to reduce the probability of healthy CD4 T cells becoming infected or increase the probability at which cells of the specific cell response against HIV eliminate infected CD4 T cells. At the population level, it is shown that, to have a high prevalence, it is not necessary for the... [more]

Today, water is an integral part of the course of our lives, from the operation and maintenance of households to extensive industrial and agricultural use [...]

As a chronic non-infectious disease, severely affecting human quality and health of life, diabetes mellitus (DM) and its complications have gradually developed into a major global public health problem. Mulberry Leaf and Radix Astragali have been used as a traditional medicinal formulation in diabetic patients for a long time, whose combination is usually found in traditional Chinese medicine prescriptions. However, due to the unclear synergistic mechanism of them for DM, the changes of differential genes and proteins in the liver tissue of streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice were analyzed, and then the potential synergistic mechanism of them in anti-diabetes was investigated in our research. Compared with the diabetic model group, there were 699 differentially expressed genes and 169 differentially expressed proteins in the Mulberry Leaf and Radix Astragali treated group, and there were 35 common specific genes both in the transcriptome and the proteome. These common genes participat... [more]

The black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) is a sustainable ingredient for feed applications, biofuels, composite materials and other biobased products. Processing BSFL to obtain lipid and protein fractions with enhanced functional properties as a suitable replacement for conventional feed ingredients has gained considerable momentum. In this regard, a novel and sustainable wet mode fractionation (WMF) scheme for BSFL was explored. Fresh BSFL were steam blanched and pulped to obtain BSFL juice and juice press cake. Subsequent treatment of BSFL juice employing homogenization or enzyme incubation and further centrifugation resulted in the obtention of four different BSFL fractions (Lipid—LF; Cream—CF; Aqueous—AF; and Solid—SF). Total energy consumption for a batch BSFL (500 g) WMF process was 0.321 kWh. Aqueous and solid fractions were the predominant constituents of BSFL juice. Lauric acid (44.52−49.49%) and linoleic acid (19.12−20.12%) were the primary fatty acids present in BSFL lipids. Lipi... [more]

Our body composition is enormously influenced by our lifestyle choices, which affect our health and longevity. Nutrition and physical activities both impact overall metabolic condition, thus, a positive energy balance causes oxidative stress and inflammation, hastening the development of metabolic syndrome. With this knowledge, boosting endogenous and exogenous antioxidants has emerged as a therapeutic strategy for combating metabolic disorders. One of the promising therapeutic inventions is the use of alkaline reduced water (ARW). Aside from its hydrating and non-caloric properties, ARW has demonstrated strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that can help stabilize physiologic turmoil caused by oxidative stress and inflammation. This review article is a synthesis of studies where we elaborate on the intra- and extracellular effects of drinking ARW, and relate these to the pathophysiology of common metabolic disorders, such as obesity, diabetes mellitus, non-alcoholic fatt... [more]

Marine sources are gaining popularity and attention as novel materials for manufacturing biopolymers such as proteins and polysaccharides. Due to their biocompatibility, biodegradability, and non-toxicity features, these biopolymers have been claimed to be beneficial in the development of food packaging materials. Several studies have thoroughly researched the extraction, isolation, and latent use of marine biopolymers in the fabrication of environmentally acceptable packaging. Thus, a review was designed to provide an overview of (a) the chemical composition, unique properties, and extraction methods of marine biopolymers; (b) the application of marine biopolymers in film and coating development for improved shelf-life of packaged foods; (c) production flaws and proposed solutions for better isolation of marine biopolymers; (d) methods of preparation of edible films and coatings from marine biopolymers; and (e) safety aspects. According to our review, these biopolymers would make a si... [more]

Cancer is a deadly disease and, globally, represents the second leading cause of death in the world. Although it is a disease where several factors can help its development, virus induced infections have been associated with different types of neoplasms. However, in bacterial infections, their participation is not known for certain. Among the proposed approaches to oncogenesis risks in different infections are microRNAs (miRNAs). These are small molecules composed of RNA with a length of 22 nucleotides capable of regulating gene expression by directing protein complexes that suppress the untranslated region of mRNA. These miRNAs and other recently described, such as small RNAs (sRNAs), are deregulated in the development of cancer, becoming promising biomarkers. Thus, resulting in a study possibility, searching for new tools with diagnostic and therapeutic approaches to multiple oncological diseases, as miRNAs and sRNAs are main players of gene expression and host−infectious agent inter... [more]

Chemotherapeutic agents are frequently used to treat various cancers, but the mechanisms mediating the cellular response to the drugs are still not fully understood. We previously reported that the nuclear translocation of serine/arginine protein kinases (SRPKs), triggered by the exposure of cells to DNA damage-inducers, plays a pivotal role in drug responsiveness. Here, we investigated the mechanism linking the nuclear accumulation of SRPK2 to the cisplatin treatment of HeLa cells. We present experimental evidence that nuclear SRPK2 acts downstream of Chk2 in the ATM/Chk2 cascade. The inhibition of ATM or Chk2 kinase activity by specific low-molecular-weight inhibitors restricted SRPK2 to the cytoplasm and conferred tolerance to cisplatin treatment. A similar effect was achieved by treating cells with SRPIN340, a selective SRPK1/2 inhibitor, thus confirming previous findings that kinase activity is indispensable for the nuclear import of SRPKs. These data add to previous findings that... [more]

The aromatic herb lemon myrtle is a good source of polyphenols, with high antioxidant and antimicrobial capacity. In this study, the green extraction technique microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) was applied and the extraction parameters were optimized using response surface methodology (RSM) to maximize the extraction yield of phenolic compound and antioxidant properties. Then, it was compared with other popular novel and conventional extraction techniques including ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) and shaking water bath (SWB) to identify the most effective technique for extraction of phenolic compounds from lemon myrtle. The results showed that the MAE parameters including radiation time, power, and sample to solvent ratio had a significant influence on the extraction yield of phenolic compounds and antioxidant capacity. The optimal MAE conditions were radiation time of 6 min, microwave power of 630 W, and sample to solvent ratio of 6 g/100 mL. Under optimal conditions, MAE dry e... [more]

When somatic cells in the human body undergo apoptosis or necrosis, the released DNA enters the bloodstream. This type of DNA is called cell-free DNA (cfDNA). In patients with cancer, DNA released from tumor cells is called circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA), which carries genetic alterations specific to tumor cells. In recent years, ctDNA has attracted particular attention in terms of the concept of liquid biopsy in cancer care. Conventionally, tissue biopsy is required for the definitive diagnosis of cancer, and imaging examinations, such as CT, are performed for evaluating recurrence and residual lesions. Although the treatment burden on cancer patients is being slightly reduced due to advances in medicine, invasive examinations and medical exposure are still unavoidable. In addition, the prognosis of cancer varies considerably depending on the degree of progression at the time of detection. Therefore, the early detection of cancer is of utmost importance. With the increase in health con... [more]

Due to the widespread use of antibiotics in medical treatment, animal husbandry and aquaculture, a large number of antibiotics are discharged into the environment as metabolites or in their original state, causing pollution to water bodies, which is a serious issue. In this study, a novel nanocomposite adsorbent MIL-53/D201 was successfully prepared by hydrothermal synthesis. This approach overcomes the disadvantage of easy dissociation of MOF material in the water phase and realizes the efficient removal of antibiotic azlocillin sodium in water. The crystal morphology and basic structure of the composites were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy scattering spectroscopy (EDS), and specific surface area and porosity analyzer (BET). The results showed that MIL-53 was successfully synthesized in situ in D201. The results of adsorption experiments show that the maximum saturated adsorption capa... [more]

In this study, three single-chamber microbial fuel cells (MFCs), each having Pt-coated carbon cloth as a cathode and four bamboo charcoal (BC) plates as an anode, were run in a fed-batch mode, individually and in series. Simulated potato-processing wastewater was used as a substrate for supporting the growth of a mixed bacterial culture. The maximum power output increased from 0.386 mW with one MFC to 1.047 mW with three MFCs connected in series. The maximum power density, however, decreased from 576 mW/m2 (normalized to the cathode area) with one MFC to 520 mW/m2 with three MFCs in series. The experimental results showed that power can be increased by connecting the MFCs in series; however, choosing low resistance BC is crucial for increasing power density.

Mebendazole and flubendazole are antihelmintic drugs that have re-entered the research spotlight due to their exhibited anticancer effects, thus making them strong candidates as repurposed drugs. However, these benzimidazole derivatives exhibit poor solubility in water and various organic solvents, which limits their bioavailability. With the aim of obtaining an improved drug solubility and increased biological effect, mebendazole and flubendazole were complexed with 2-hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin (HPBCD). The binary 1:1 conjugates were physicochemically evaluated by X-ray diffraction, thermal analysis, and FTIR spectroscopy, revealing the formation of physical mixtures. The increased aqueous solubility of the binary 1:1 conjugates vs. pure benzimidazole compounds was demonstrated by performing dissolution tests. The in vitro antiproliferative activity of mebendazole and flubendazole, as well as their combination with HPBCD, was tested on two cancer cell lines, human melanoma—A375 and... [more]

Concentration polarization and membrane fouling have been identified as the main problems during the ultrafiltration treatment of cork processing wastewaters. These problems drastically reduce the permeate fluxes and, therefore, their potential applications. In this work, a soft ozonation pretreatment was applied to minimize these undesirable effects. A new systematic study was carried out for membranes with different molecular weight cut-offs and at different operating conditions to monitor and quantify the concentration polarization caused by the wastewater’s remaining ozonated compounds. Film theory was used to correlate the mass transfer coefficient,, and the intrinsic rejection coefficient,′, with the resistance introduced by concentration polarization. The ultrafiltration treatment was carried out under varying hydrodynamic operating conditions (circulating flow rates of 100−200 L/h) and transmembrane pressures (1−3 bar) for a set of four cellulose acetate membranes covering a wi... [more]

The promising angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitory peptides derived from corn protein usually have strong bitterness and thus limit their use among consumers. To prepare ACE inhibitory peptides with low bitterness, two energy-efficient types of ultrasound pretreatment were introduced into the multi-enzymatic system of corn gluten meal. The results showed that Flavourzyme−Protamex sequential enzymolysis produced the peptides with high ACE inhibitory activity and the lowest bitterness compared with other enzymolysis conditions. During the optimized sequential enzymolysis, the divergent ultrasound pretreatment with a frequency of 40 kHz for 60 min exhibited higher ACE inhibitory activity (65.36%, accounting for 73.84% of the highest ACE inhibitory activity) and lower bitterness intensity of peptides, compared with an energy-gathered ultrasound. The results of the study showed that, on the one hand, divergent ultrasound pretreatment induced the highest intrinsic fluorescence of p... [more]

is a microorganism used for the production of biopesticides worldwide. In the present paper, different kinetic models were analyzed to study and compare three different strains of Bt ssp kurstaki (LIP, BLB1, and HD1). Bioperformances (vegetative cell, spore, substrate, and protein) and successive culture phases (oxidative growth, limitation and sporulation, and protein release) were depicted with an overarching aim to estimate total protein productivity, yield, and titer. In the end, two models were calibrated using experimental dataset (11 batches culture in 3 L bioreactor with semisynthetic medium), subsequently validated, and statistically compared. Both models satisfactorily followed the dynamics of the experimental data. Finally, a dynamic model was selected following the Akaike information criterion (AIC).

We investigated the extent of the heritability underestimation for molecules from an infinitesimal model in mixed model analysis. To this end, we estimated the heritability of transcription, ribosome occupancy, and translation in lymphoblastoid cell lines from Yoruba individuals. Upon considering all genome-wide nucleotide variants, a considerable underestimation in heritability was observed for mRNA transcription (−0.52), ribosome occupancy (−0.48), and protein abundance (−0.47). We employed a mixed model with an optimal number of nucleotide variants, which maximized heritability, and identified two novel expression quantitative trait loci (eQTLs; p < 1.0 × 10−5): rs11016815 on chromosome 10 that influences the transcription of SCP2, a trans-eGene on chromosome 1—whose expression increases in response to MGMT downregulation-induced apoptosis, the cis-eGene of rs11016815—and rs1041872 on chromosome 11 that influences the ribosome occupancy of CCDC25 on chromosome 8 and whose cis-eGe... [more]

The incidence of urologic cancers, including kidney, upper tract urothelial, and bladder malignancies, is increasing globally, with a high percentage of cases showing metastasis upon diagnosis and low five-year survival rates. MicroRNA (miRNA), a small non-coding RNA, was found to regulate the expression of oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes in several tumors, including cancers of the urinary system. In the current review, we comprehensively discuss the recently reported up-or down-regulated miRNAs as well as their possible targets and regulated pathways involved in the development, progression, and metastasis of urinary tract cancers. These miRNAs represent potential therapeutic targets and diagnostic/prognostic biomarkers that may help in efficient and early diagnosis in addition to better treatment outcomes.

Non-alcoholic cereal beverages (NACB) are usually produced through uncontrolled fermentation driven by a cocktail of bacteria resulting in final product variability. Hence, to commercialise fermented traditional cereal beverages bioburden microbial cultures are required. This investigation aimed to evaluate the physicochemical, nutritional, and sensory characteristics of NACB produced using pure cultures of Leuconostoc mesenteroides and Pediococcus pentosaceus. Pearl millet extract (PME) pasteurised at 85 °C for 15 min and cooled to 40 °C was inoculated with Leuconostoc mesenteroides and Pediococcus pentosaceus at 0.050% and 0.025% (1:0.5), respectively, and fermented at 37 °C for 18 h, referred to as plain non-alcoholic pearl millet beverage (PNAPMB). Moringa supplemented non-alcoholic pearl millet beverage (MSNAPMB) was produced following the same method as PNAPMB but a 4% moringa leaf extract powder was added before hydration of the pearl millet powder. The traditional non-alcoholic... [more]

Autographa californica nucleopolyhedrovirus is a very productive expression vector for recombinant proteins in insect cells. Most vectors are based on the polyhedrin gene promoter, which comprises a TAAG transcription initiation motif flanked by 20 base pairs upstream and 47 base pairs downstream before the native ATG. Many transfer vectors also include a short sequence downstream of the ATG, in which case this sequence is mutated to ATT to abolish translation. However, the ATT sequence, or AUU in the mRNA, is known to be leaky. If a target-coding region is placed in the frame with the AUU, then some products will comprise a chimeric molecule with part of the polyhedrin protein. In this study, we showed that if AUU is placed in the frame with a Strep tag and eGFP coding region, we could identify a protein product with both sequences present. Further work examined if alternative codons in lieu of AUG might reduce translation initiation further. We found that AUA was used slightly more e... [more]

Gold(I) complexes with phosphine ligands—[Au(TrippyPhos)Cl] (1) (TrippyPhos = 1-[2-[bis(tert-butyl)phosphino]phenyl]-3,5-diphenyl-1H-pyrazole), [Au(BippyPhos)Cl]0.5CH2Cl2 (2) (BippyPhos = 5-(di-tert-butylphosphino)-1′, 3′, 5′-triphenyl-1′H-[1,4′]bipyrazole), and [Au(meCgPPh)Cl] (3) (meCgPPh = 1,3,5,7-tetramethyl-6-phenyl-2,4,8-trioxa-6-phosphaadamantane—were investigated as types of bioactive gold metallodrugs. Complexes (1)−(3) were characterized using IR, 1H, 13C, 31P NMR spectroscopy, elemental analysis and mass spectrometry (FAB-MS). Complexes of (1) and (2) exhibited substantial in vitro cytotoxicity (IC50 = 0.5−7.0 μM) against both the cisplatin-sensitive and -resistant variants of the A2780 human ovarian carcinoma cell line, as well as against the A549 human lung carcinoma, K562 chronic myelogenous leukemia, and HeLa (human cervix carcinoma) cells. However, among the compounds studied, complex (2) showed the most promising biological properties: the highest stability in biologic... [more]

This review aims to present the effects of cold plasma technology on the nutritional quality of fruits and fruit juices. This review focuses on the chemical changes induced by plasma on several bioactive compounds, such as sugars, starch, lipids, vitamins, phenolic compounds, carotenoids, and anthocyanins. The main plasma-reacting species that reacts with fruit compounds are presented and discussed. The review presents the mechanisms that lead to the improvement and degradation of the main compounds, showing both the advantages and disadvantages of cold plasma technology.

Hydrogen-oxidizing bacteria provide a sustainable solution for microbial protein production. Renewable electricity can be used for in situ water electrolysis in an electrobioreactor. The use of cultivation medium as the electrolyte enhances the hydrogen dissolution to the medium. This paper proposes a stack structure for in situ water electrolysis to improve the productivity of the electrobioreactor. The hydrogen production rate and the energy efficiency of the prototype stack are analyzed.

Slaughterhouse waste (SW) is potentially a good source of biomethane; however, its excessive ammonia content quickly causes inhibition of microbial processes. Our aim was therefore to remove ammonia from SW before putting it into a biogas reactor. Experimental 120 L pressure container was constructed to observe NH3 removal from diluted slaughterhouse waste at constant air flow of 144 NL/min, temperature 130 °C, and at different pressures: 300 kPa, 600 kPa, and 900 kPa. SW was first allowed to hydrolyze for 14 days at 38 °C. The SW was diluted with water (DSW) to 8.4% dry matter (DM) and forcibly aerated for 334 min. From the DSW, 0.7%, 3.8%, and 9% of initial total N were removed at 300 kPa, 600 kPa, and 900 kPa, respectively. However, the C/N ratio changed only slightly, from the initial 4.38 to 3.17, which is not a promising result for biomethanization. Further research on the presented system with the addition of bases might be promising to remove more ammonia.

Hydrogen gas (H2) is an energy carrier that does not generate carbon dioxide emissions during combustion, but several processes in use for its production demand high energy inputs associated with fossil fuels and greenhouse emissions. Biological processes, such as dark fermentation (DF), have the potential to remove the dependency on fossil fuels in H2 production. DF is a process that encourages fermentative bacteria to ferment organic substrates to produce H2 as a truly clean energy carrier, but its success depends on removing the presence of competing H2−consuming microorganisms in the inoculum consortia. This paper addresses a strategy to enhance H2 production from different types of substrates by testing inoculum pre-treatment processes to inactivate H2−consuming bacteria, including acid-shock (pH 3), basic-shock (pH 10) and heat-shock (115 °C) methods. Digestate from anaerobic digesters processing sewage sludge was used to produce pre-treated inocula, which were subsequently teste... [more]