Fractional Extraction Research Articles

A Study on an Active Functional Group and Antimicrobial Properties From Rhizophora apiculata Extracts Used in Traditional Malay as Medicine

A mangrove plant known as Rhizophora apiculata is employed by Malay for treating skin diseases, diarrhea, vomiting, and nausea, as an antiseptic, for tanning, and also as fuelwood and fodder. Its large-scale use can be attributed to its high-quality timber, availability as well and the presence of a chemical named tannin that is employed for reinforcing fishing lines, nets, and ropes. The tannin content of R. apiculata's roots, bark, and leaves is regarded to be a natural inhibitor of fungal infections. This study is focused on determining the different kinds of functional groups, as well as individual phenolic compounds present in R. apiculata for identifying new bioactive compounds via decoding of the traditional values of Malay remedies. There is a high demand for such natural bioactive compounds, particularly in the healthcare and pharmaceutical markets. Alkaline fractional extracts were employed to design an analytical extraction method for R. apiculata. As per the HPLC results, there were three phenolic acids detected namely Caffeic acid, 4-Hydroxybenzoic acid, and Vanillic acid. Meanwhile, ten volatile compounds were identified by the GCTOF-MS. With regards to antibacterial activity, S. aureus, S. epidermidis, and E. coli were inhibited by R. apiculata leaf extract, while C. albicans and Fusarium sp. were inhibited by their antifungal activity.

Association between Fractional Oxygen Extraction from Resting Quadriceps Muscle and Body Composition in Healthy Men.

This study aimed to associate body composition with fractional oxygen extraction at rest in healthy adult men. Fourteen healthy adults (26.93 ± 2.49 years) from Chile participated. Body composition was assessed with octopole bioimpedance, and resting muscle oxygenation was evaluated in the vastus lateralis quadriceps with near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) during a vascular occlusion test, analyzing the muscleVO2, resaturation velocity during reactive hyperemia via the muscle saturation index (%TSI), and the area above the curve of HHb (AACrep). It was observed that the total and segmented fat mass are associated with lower reoxygenation velocities during hyperemia (p = 0.008; β = 0.678: p = 0.002; β = 0.751), and that the total and segmented skeletal muscle mass are associated with higher reoxygenation velocities during hyperemia (p = 0.020; β = -0.614: p = 0.027; β = -0.587). It was also observed that the total and segmented fat mass were associated with a higher area above the curve of HHb (AACrep) during hyperemia (p = 0.007; β = 0.692: p = 0.037; β = 0.564), and that total and segmented skeletal muscle mass was associated with a lower area above the curve of HHb (AACrep) during hyperemia (p = 0.007; β = -0.703: p = 0.017; β = -0.632). We concluded that fat mass is associated with lower resaturation rates and lower resting fractional O2 extraction levels. In contrast, skeletal muscle mass is associated with higher resaturation rates and fractional O2 extraction during reactive hyperemia. The AACrep may be relevant in the evaluation of vascular adaptations to exercise and metabolic health.

Cerebral and intestinal oxygen saturation of different volumes of red blood cell transfusion in preterm infants

ObjectivesThe purpose of this study was to investigate and compare the effects of 20 ml/kg and 15 ml/kg red blood cell transfusion (RBCT) on cerebral and intestinal tissue oxygenation, the number of administered transfusions, and neonatal complications in premature infants with anemia. MethodsThis prospective, randomized, partially blinded observational study investigated anemic neonates of gestational age < 32 weeks (Registration ID: ChiCTR 1,900,026,672). The infants were randomly assigned to receive 15 or 20 ml/kg red blood cell transfusion. Cerebral and intestinal tissue oxygen saturation (cer rSO2 and int rSO2) were collected 2 h before transfusion, 2, 4, 6, 12, 24, and 48 h after the beginning of transfusion by Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS). We also collected vital signs including heart rate (HR), peripheral oxygen saturation (SpO2), and mean arterial blood pressure (MABP) 2 h before infusion, 2 h, and 6 h after the beginning of transfusion. Then we analyzed and compared regional oxygen saturation(rSO2), fractional tissue oxygen extraction (FTOE), and other outcome readouts (blood transfusion numbers, changes in hematocrit and hemoglobin, hospitalization days, HR, SpO2, MABP, and complications) between the two groups. The intraindividual comparisons of the above readouts before transfusion and those after transfusion were also evaluated within each group. Result73 newborns received 20 ml/kg (large volume group) and 78 newborns received 15 ml/kg transfusion (small volume group). There was no significant difference in cer rSO2, int rSO2, Cerebral fractional tissue oxygen extraction (cFTOE), and intestinal fractional tissue oxygen extraction (iFTOE) between the two groups. rSO2, MABP, and SpO2 increased; HR, cFTOE, and iFTOE decreased following transfusion in both groups. The transfusion number of the large volume group is significantly less than that of the small volume group (1.9 ± 0.3 vs. 2.6 ± 0.9, p < 0.01) and hospitalization days were also less than those in the low volume group (44.3 ± 8.2 vs. 47.6 ± 9.8, p < 0.05). The increases in hematocrit and hemoglobin were higher in the large volume group than those in small volume (hematocrit increment (%),10.7 ± 4.2 vs. 10.1 ± 5.9, p = 0.015; Hb concentration after blood transfusion (g/L) 132.3 ± 11.1 vs. 127.4 ± 15.4, p = 0.028). ConclusionAfter the transfusion, cer rSO2 and int rSO2 increased significantly, FTOE decreased and vital signs improved in both the 15 ml/kg and 20 ml/kg groups, and these changes were not significantly different between the two groups. However, the larger group showed a more pronounced increase in hematocrit and hemoglobin, a reduction in the total number of transfusions, and a shorter duration of hospitalization after transfusion in preterm infants without increasing complications.

Reconstitution of a minimal ESX-5 type VII secretion system suggests a role for PPE proteins in the outer membrane transport of proteins.

Mycobacteria utilize type VII secretion systems (T7SSs) to secrete proteins across their highly hydrophobic and diderm cell envelope. Pathogenic mycobacteria have up to five different T7SSs, called ESX-1 to ESX-5, which are crucial for growth and virulence. Here, we use a functionally reconstituted ESX-5 system in the avirulent species Mycobacterium smegmatis that lacks ESX-5, to define the role of each esx-5 gene in system functionality. By creating an array of gene deletions and assessing protein levels of components and membrane complex assembly, we observed that only the five components of the inner membrane complex are required for its assembly. However, in addition to these five core components, active secretion also depends on both the Esx and PE/PPE substrates. Tagging the PPE substrates followed by subcellular fractionation, surface labeling and membrane extraction showed that these proteins localize to the mycobacterial outer membrane. This indicates that they could play a role in secretion across this enigmatic outer barrier. These results provide the first full overview of the role of each esx-5 gene in T7SS functionality.IMPORTANCEPathogenic mycobacteria, such as the notorious Mycobacterium tuberculosis, are highly successful as pathogens, in part due to their specific and diderm cell envelope, with a mycolic acid-containing outer membrane. The architecture of this highly impermeable membrane is little understood and the proteins that populate it even less so. To transport proteins across their cell envelope, mycobacteria employ a specialized transport pathway called type VII secretion. While recent studies have elucidated the type VII secretion membrane channel that mediates transport across the inner membrane, the identity of the outer membrane channel remains a black box. Here, we show evidence that specific substrates of the type VII pathway could form these channels. Elucidating the pathway and mechanism of protein secretion through the mycobacterial outer membrane will allow its exploitation for the development of novel mycobacterial therapeutics.

Green Extraction of Antioxidant Fractions from Humulus lupulus Varieties and Microparticle Production via Spray-Drying.

The formulation of polymeric microparticles to encapsulate bioactive compounds from two hop varieties (Nugget and Perle) using sequential green extraction processes was performed. The technologies used were ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) and pressurized hot water (PHW) extraction. Liquid phases were analyzed for total phenolic content (~2%), antioxidant activity (IC50, DPPH: 3.68 (Nugget); 4.46 (Perle) g/L, TEAC (~4-5%), FRAP (~2-3%), and reducing power (~4%)), protein content (~1%), oligosaccharide content (~45%), and for structural features. The fractions obtained from UAE were selected to continue with the drying process, achieving the maximum yield at 120 °C (Perle) and 130 °C (Nugget) (~77%). Based on these results, the formulation of polymeric microparticles using mannitol as the carrier was performed with these fractions. The production yield (~65%), particle size distribution (Perle: 250-750 µm and Nugget: ~100 µm), and rheological features (30-70 mPa s at 0.1 s-1) were the parameters evaluated. The UAE extracts from hop samples processed using a sustainable aqueous treatment allowed the formulation of microparticles with a suitable yield, and morphological and viscosity properties adequate for potential food and non-food applications.

DIAGNOSTIC VALUE OF ADDITIONAL MARKERS FOR ACUTE KIDNEY INJURY IN PRETERM NEONATES WITH PATENT DUCTUS ARTERIOSUS

DIAGNOSTIC VALUE OF ADDITIONAL MARKERS FOR ACUTE KIDNEY INJURY IN PRETERM NEONATES WITH PATENT DUCTUS ARTERIOSUS

Unlocking the phytochemicals in unopened pitcher fluids of Nepenthes khasiana -a GC–MS study

BackgroundThe pitcher plant, Nepenthes khasiana is utilized by several indigenous groups in Meghalaya, India owing to its medicinal properties. Due to their therapeutic qualities, a pioneer work was undertaken where the GC–MS technique was used to detect and identify the phytochemical substances present in the unopened pitcher fluids of N. khasiana. Materials and methodsSample preparation and extraction of the methanol fraction of N. khasiana pitcher fluid were done following standard methods and exposed to GC–MS for phytochemical profiling. ResultsThe GC–MS study revealed 22 compounds in total, each of which had different phytochemical properties. The metabolites present were coronavirus inhibitors, antioxidants, antimicrobials, cure urolithiasis, hypocholesterolemic, and can cure cancer. Lipinski's Rule of 5 also depicted that 19 compounds of 22 have the potential to make active oral drugs for humans. ConclusionThe metabolites present in pitcher fluids could be used in drug formulation in pharmacology. Even, the fluids can be used as raw medicine for poor people owing to their medicinal properties as depicted in GC–MS however, further research on quantitative and qualitative investigation, its clinical trial on animals along with cytotoxic study are required for a concrete conclusion.

Extraction by maceration, ultrasound, and pressurized liquid methods for the recovery of anthocyanins present in the peel of guabiju (Myrcianthes pungens): Maximizing the extraction of anthocyanins from the peel of guabiju

Guabiju (Myrcianthes pungens) is a fruit that stands out for its chemical composition, especially anthocyanins, which bring health benefits and can be used as natural dyes. However, there are no studies comparing different methods of extracting anthocyanins from guabiju peel. The objective of this work was to maximize the extraction of anthocyanins from guabiju peels by comparing the extraction methods of maceration, assisted by ultrasound, and pressurized liquid to characterize the obtained extracts. The extracts were characterized in terms of anthocyanin content, extract yield and productivity, soluble solids, color, acidity, total phenolic compounds, flavonoids, antioxidant activity, and the cost analysis involved in each methodology. The maximized conditions were absolute ethanol pH 1.0, fractional extraction (240 min) with solvent renewal in half the extraction time, 60 °C, 100 rpm of agitation in maceration, and 70 kHz by using ultrasound. The ultrasound assisted extraction method obtained the highest amount of anthocyanins (248.96 mg CE - cyanidin-3-glucoside equivalent/100 g) and an extract yield of 11.96%. For phenolic compounds and flavonoids (10,544.04 mg GAE - gallic acid equivalent/100 g and 1621.78 mg QE - quercetin equivalent/100 g), respectively, with good antioxidant capacity. Its properties and color allow for possible applications in different products. Ultrasound-assisted extraction showed a slightly lower cost of extraction than by maceration, while by PLE had a final cost approximately 2.4 times higher for 1 kg of anthocyanins.

OR12-03 The Pancreatic Islet Alpha Cell Arginine Transporter SLC7A2 Regulates Arginine-induced Glucagon Secretion and Glycemia

Abstract Disclosure: J.E. Stanley: None. A. Reuter: None. K. Sellick: None. A.D. Attie: None. M.P. Keller: None. E. Dean: None. Glucagon secreted from pancreatic islet α cells stimulates both hepatic glycogenolysis and gluconeogenesis resulting in the fractional extraction of amino acids from the blood. Thus, glucagon stimulates hepatic glucose output and raises blood glucose. When liver glucagon signaling is impaired, amino acid accumulation (hyperaminoacidemia) promotes subsequent α cell hyperplasia and hyperglucagonemia via this liver-α-cell axis, an endocrine feedback loop. We show that high levels of both glutamine and recently arginine are required to stimulate α cells to proliferate. Arginine also potently stimulates glucagon secretion, but the mechanisms behind this are not well defined. We find that the cationic amino acid transporter, SLC7A2/CAT2 is the most highly expressed amino acid transporter in human pancreatic α cells and three-fold higher in α cells than it is in β-cells in both mouse and human islets. We also find two SNPs in the human SLC7A2 locus are strongly associated with HbA1c (rs142010226 (A/G) - chr8: 17,367,112; p=9.11e-18; β=0.0113 and rs2517232 - chr8: 17,367,421; p=2.553e-14; β=-0.0283). Both SNPs are in the first intron of SLC7A2 but appear to exert opposite effect on HbA1c and associated with distinct haplotype blocks. ATAC-Seq analyses of human islets show that these SNPs are within 1 kb of binding sites for MAFB and FOXA2 transcription factors, both critical for α cell gene expression. To test if α cell expression of SLC7A2 plays a role in both glycemia and arginine-stimulated glucagon secretion, we generated α cell-specific Slc7a2-/- (α7A2KO) mice. Blood glucose and glucagon levels were not significantly different after a 6-hour fast in α7A2KO and 7A2WTCre+ mice. After a 6-hour fast, mice were administered an arginine bolus (2g/kg) via intraperitoneal injections and their blood glucose and glucagon levels were measured 15 minutes post-injection. α7A2KO mice had a significantly higher blood glucose level than 7A2WTcre+ mice after stimulation with arginine (arginine-stimulated blood glucose - 7A2WTCre+ 124.3 ± 26.7 mg/dl vs. α7A2KO 159.6 ± 32.1 mg/dl n=23-25 p=0.0019). However, glucagon secretion was significantly lower after stimulation with arginine in the α7A2KO mice compared to the 7A2WTCre+ mice (arginine-stimulated glucagon - 7A2WTCre+ 321.8 ± 171.9 pM vs. α7A2KO 74.6 ± 22.8 pM n=4-6; p&amp;lt;0.0001). Together, these data indicate that SLC7A2 mediates arginine’s effects in α cells and plays an important role in regulating glycemia. Presentation: Friday, June 16, 2023

Đánh giá tác dụng chống oxy hóa và bảo vệ gan trên thực nghiệm của cây muồng lùn

Antioxidant and hepatoprotective effects of different fractions of extract from Chamaecrista pumila (Lam.) K. Larsen were investigated by employing in vitro and in vivo models, respectively. In vitro antioxidant activity of ethanol extract and its n-hexan, ethyl acetate, chloroform, n-butanol and remained water fraction extracts obtained from C. pumila was assessed by 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical and superoxide radical scavenging assay. In vitro results revealed that the ethanol extract had potential DPPH radical and superoxide radical scavenging activities with an IC50 value of 18.65 (9.91-35.08) µg/ml and 12.33 (5.24-29.02) µg/mL, respectively. Among fractions extracted from ethanol extract, the ethyl acetate fraction possessed highest antioxidant property through DPPH radical scarvenging activity with an IC50value of 9.98 (6.23-16.01) µg/mL and superoxide radical scavenging activity with an IC50 value of 8.38 (6.11-11.50) µg/mL. In vivo hepatoprotective activities of ethanolic extract and ethyl acetate fraction obtained from C. pumila were investigated in mice using a model of paracetamol-induced hepatotoxicity. Ethanol extract of C. pumila at doses of 250 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg decreased levels of serum transaminases ASAT. Ethyl acetate fraction of C. pumila at doses of 250 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg significantly improved the parameters of paracetamol-induced liver injury including ASAT, ALAT and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities; ethyl acetat fraction of C. pumila at dose of 500 mg/kg also exhibited in vivo antioxidant properties by reducing malondialdehyde (MDA) content and increasing glutathione (GSH) content.

Physico-Chemical Properties and Valorization of Biopolymers Derived from Food Processing Waste.

The widespread use of synthetic plastics, as well as the waste produced at the end of their life cycle, poses serious environmental issues. In this context, bio-based plastics, i.e., natural polymers produced from renewable resources, represent a promising alternative to petroleum-based materials. One potential source of biopolymers is waste from the food industry, the use of which also provides a sustainable and eco-friendly solution to waste management. Thus, the aim of this work concerns the extraction of polysaccharide fractions from lemon, tomato and fennel waste. Characterizing the chemical-physical and thermodynamic properties of these polysaccharides is an essential step in evaluating their potential applications. Hence, the solubility of the extracted polysaccharides in different solvents, including water and organic solvents, was determined since it is an important parameter that determines their properties and applications. Also, acid-base titration was carried out, along with thermoanalytical tests through differential scanning calorimetry. Finally, the electrospinning of waste polysaccharides was investigated to explore the feasibility of obtaining polysaccharide-based membranes. Indeed, electrospun fibers are a promising structure/system via which it is possible to apply waste polysaccharides in packaging or well-being applications. Thanks to processing feasibility, it is possible to electrospin waste polysaccharides by combining them with different materials to obtain porous 3D membranes made of nanosized fibers.

Positive effects of hypoxic preconditioning of the extracellular matrix and stromal vascular fraction from adipose tissue

BackgroundNumerous approaches have been developed to decelerate the aging process of facial skin. Synthetic fillers and cell-enriched fat grafts are the main procedures employed to fill wrinkles. ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to evaluate the in vitro and in vivo safety and efficiency of a new process developed by SYMBIOKEN: the AmeaCell, which facilitates the extraction of the stromal vascular fraction (SVF) and the associated hypoxia pre-conditioned matrix to promote fat graft survival. MethodsThe AmeaCell device allows the extraction from adipose tissue of SVF and pre-conditioned MatriCS and promotes a hypoxic environment. Experiments were carried out on human cells and then in mice. ResultsCharacterization of cells and MatriCS showed that after their extraction using the new process developed by SYMBIOKEN, the extracted cells expressed stem-cell markers. The presence of characteristic proteins and lipid fractions found in the adipose matrix were confirmed in MatriCS. Cobalt chloride treatment of the matrix using the AmeaCell device induced modifications in the matrix composition with a decrease in laminin and without collagen modification, both of which promote adhesion and differentiation of SVF or adipose-derived stromal cells. The combination of MatriCS and SVF (1 × 106 and 5 × 106, respectively) is safe and efficient to fill winkles induced by UVB irradiation. The cross-talk between MatriCS and SVF can act a durable filler compared to the filling performed using cells or matrix or fat alone, which need to be replaced frequently. ConclusionThese results indicate that the combination of MatriCS and SVF is safe and effective as a biological filler for achieving skin rejuvenation and wrinkle filling.

Estimation of Oleanolic Acid by HPTLC and HPLC Methods in Successive Leaf Extracts of Leucas aspera and Tridax procumbens and their In vitro Anti-Inflammatory Activity

Aims: The study was started with the goal of quantifying the oleanolic acid from consecutive leaf extracts of Leucas aspera and Tridax procumbens using a marker oleanolic acid by utilizing HPTLC and HPLC techniques, as well as to perform an evaluation of their antiinflammatory activity.&#x0D; Place and Duration of Study: The study was carried out between October 2022 and June 2023 in the Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis and Pharmacognosy, Sri Ramakrishna Institute of Paramedical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Coimbatore-44, Tamil nadu, India.&#x0D; Methodology: The extraction of leaves is done using successive extractions by Continuous hot percolation method using soxhlet extractor. Petroleum ether, ethyl acetate and methanol fractions for which the phytochemical analysis were conducted. Standardization of oleanolic acid was performed by using HPTLC and HPLC techniques. Quantification of oleanolic acid in the two plants sequential leaf extracts were done. In vitro study of antiinflammatory activity was performed by Xanthine oxidase inhibitory activity in the ethyl acetate fraction.&#x0D; Results: Alkaloids, glycosides, terpenoids, steroids, flavonoids, saponins, carbohydrates, and proteins were all found in the two plant extracts by using phytochemical screening. In HPTLC method, petroleum ether, ethyl acetate and methanol leaf extracts of Leucas aspera and Tridax procumbens were developed in suitable mobile phase of toluene: ethyl acetate: formic acid (7:3:0.2%v/v/v) followed by derivatizing with anisaldehyde sulphuric acid derivatizing agent and scanned under 530nm. HPLC of standard marker and successive leaf extracts of Leucas aspera and Tridax procumbens were carried out using methanol: 25mM phosphate buffer (pH-3) in the ratio of 90:10% v/v at flow rate of 1ml/min and chromatograms were recorded at 202nm. Xanthine oxidase inhibitory activity of combined leaf extracts of ethyl acetate showed IC50 value of 0.026μg/ml. &#x0D; Conclusion: Standardization of oleanolic acid was conducted by HPTLC and HPLC methods and linearity were found to be 0.9964 and 0.9998 respectively. Quantification of oleanolic acid in successive leaf extracts of the two plants were conducted. In vitro study using xanthine oxidase inhibitory activity showed that combined extracts of ethyl acetate fractions exhibited better antiinflammatory property than the individual extracts of the selected plants.

Free radical scavenging effect of extracts from \(\textit{Isaria cicadae}\) F0004 in Vietnam

Isaria cicadae, currently identified as Paecilomyces cicadae (Miq.) Samson (Cordycipitaceae, Hypocreales, Ascomycetes), is a parasitic fungus on cicadas and is considered a folk medicine in traditional medicine. In this research, the antioxidant activity of some extracts from the biomass and fruit bodies of Isaria cicadae F0004 isolated in Vietnam was investigated. The results showed that the Ethyl acetate (EA) fraction extract of the biomass of Isaria cicadae F0004 exhibited the best antioxidant activity in vitro, with IC50 values of 159.73 ± 7.33 μg/mL (DPPH assay) and 379.25 ± 7.33 μg/mL (ABTS assay). Meanwhile, the EA fraction extract of the fruit bodies of I. cicadae F0004 showed antioxidant activity with IC50 values of 90.8 ± 2.36 μg/mL (xanthine oxidase inhibition), 68.631 ± 0.632 μg/mL (protein membrane protection), 19.042 ± 1.072 μg/mL (lipid membrane protection). Furthermore, the EA fraction extract of the fruit bodies of I. cicadae F0004 exhibited a strong capability for DNA damage protection at 100 μg/mL concentration and ∆OD4000 μg/mL = 0.422 ± 0.014 (reducing power). Therefore, the EA fraction extract of I. cicadae F0004 serves as an effective free radical scavenger and a potential source of natural antioxidants, and this study contributes more information on the biological activities of I. cicadae F0004 from local raw materials.

Electric arc pyrolysis of different fractions derived from waste tire pyrolysis oil

The paper reports the experimental results on extraction and characterization of different fractions (light (<180 °C), middle (180–350 °C), and heavy (>350 °C)) derived from pyrolysis oil of waste tires of mining vehicles, followed by their electric arc pyrolysis in order to produce nanosized carbon material. The released gas was found to contain 20.4–37.1 vol% hydrogen, 7.4–24.9 vol% methane, and 24.7–27.9 vol% carbon monoxide. The carbon material obtained was presented by an array of nanosized particles (30–250 nm) with a graphite-like structure and a wide range of specific surface area values (Ssf = 38.8–79.7 m2/g). The content of carbon and sulfur was 98.3–99.1 wt% and 0.1–0.3 wt%, respectively. Transmission electron microscopic analysis of the test samples revealed two types of carbon nanostructures of different morphology: polyhedral graphite and carbon nano-onions. Characteristics of the samples obtained from pyrolysis oil and its fraction with a boiling point exceeding 350 °C were the closest to those of carbon black.

Tissue Oxygenation Changes After Transfusion and Outcomes in Preterm Infants

Preterm infants with varying degrees of anemia have different tissue oxygen saturation responses to red blood cell (RBC) transfusion, and low cerebral saturation may be associated with adverse outcomes. To determine whether RBC transfusion in preterm infants is associated with increases in cerebral and mesenteric tissue saturation (Csat and Msat, respectively) or decreases in cerebral and mesenteric fractional tissue oxygen extraction (cFTOE and mFTOE, respectively) and whether associations vary based on degree of anemia, and to investigate the association of Csat with death or neurodevelopmental impairment (NDI) at 22 to 26 months corrected age. This was a prospective observational secondary study conducted among a subset of infants between August 2015 and April 2017 in the Transfusion of Prematures (TOP) multicenter randomized clinical trial at 16 neonatal intensive care units of the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development Neonatal Research Network. Preterm neonates with gestational age 22 to 28 weeks and birth weight 1000 g or less were randomized to higher or lower hemoglobin thresholds for transfusion. Data were analyzed between October 2020 and May 2022. Near-infrared spectroscopy monitoring of Csat and Msat. Primary outcomes were changes in Csat, Msat, cFTOE, and mFTOE after transfusion between hemoglobin threshold groups, adjusting for age at transfusion, gestational age, birth weight stratum, and center. Secondary outcome at 22 to 26 months was death or NDI defined as cognitive delay (Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development-III score <85), cerebral palsy with Gross Motor Function Classification System level II or greater, or severe vision or hearing impairment. A total of 179 infants (45 [44.6%] male) with mean (SD) gestational age 25.9 (1.5) weeks were enrolled, and valid data were captured from 101 infants during 237 transfusion events. Transfusion was associated with a significant increase in mean Csat of 4.8% (95% CI, 2.7%-6.9%) in the lower-hemoglobin threshold group compared to 2.7% (95% CI, 1.2%-4.2%) in the higher-hemoglobin threshold group, while mean Msat increased 6.7% (95% CI, 2.4%-11.0%) vs 5.6% (95% CI, 2.7%-8.5%). Mean cFTOE and mFTOE decreased in both groups to a similar extent. There was no significant change in peripheral oxygen saturation (SpO2) in either group (0.2% vs -0.2%). NDI or death occurred in 36 infants (37%). Number of transfusions with mean pretransfusion Csat less than 50% was associated with NDI or death (odds ratio, 2.41; 95% CI, 1.08-5.41; P = .03). In this secondary study of the TOP randomized clinical trial, Csat and Msat were increased after transfusion despite no change in SpO2. Lower pretransfusion Csat may be associated with adverse outcomes, supporting further investigation of targeted tissue saturation monitoring in preterm infants with anemia. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01702805.

Chemical evolution of primordial salts and organic sulfur molecules in the asteroid 162173 Ryugu

Samples from the carbonaceous asteroid (162173) Ryugu provide information on the chemical evolution of organic molecules in the early solar system. Here we show the element partitioning of the major component ions by sequential extractions of salts, carbonates, and phyllosilicate-bearing fractions to reveal primordial brine composition of the primitive asteroid. Sodium is the dominant electrolyte of the salt fraction extract. Anions and NH4+ are more abundant in the salt fraction than in the carbonate and phyllosilicate fractions, with molar concentrations in the order SO42− > Cl− > S2O32− > NO3− > NH4+. The salt fraction extracts contain anionic soluble sulfur-bearing species such as Sn-polythionic acids (n < 6), Cn-alkylsulfonates, alkylthiosulfonates, hydroxyalkylsulfonates, and hydroxyalkylthiosulfonates (n < 7). The sulfur-bearing soluble compounds may have driven the molecular evolution of prebiotic organic material transforming simple organic molecules into hydrophilic, amphiphilic, and refractory S allotropes.

Microwave radiation induces modifications in the protein fractions of tef flours and modulates their derived techno-functional properties

The impact of microwave (MW) treatments on the structure, solubility, and techno-functional properties of the proteins in starchy matrices is still poorly understood. This study aimed to investigate the effects of MW intensity by applying 1, 2, and 6 min of radiation on two tef flour varieties moistened at 15 % and 25 %. The fractionation method recovered ∼83 % of the total protein content in untreated flours. The interaction between treatment time and moisture content (MC) significantly influenced the extraction of protein fractions. Samples treated at 25 %MC showed significant reductions in albumins (up to −74 %), globulins (up to −79 %), and prolamins (up to −32 %). The SDS-extractable proteins of both tef flours presented similar molecular weights (12–100 kDa). SDS-PAGE analysis revealed decreased band intensity in MW-treated samples compared to untreated flours, and confocal analysis showed changes in the native state of proteins in treated samples. Shorter treatments at low MC significantly improved the emulsifying stability of tef flours, particularly in brown tef flour, with an enhancement of up to 203 %. The hydration properties significantly increased in flours treated at 25 %MC for 6 min. Pearson correlation analysis demonstrated the influence of treatment time and MC on protein recovery and functional properties of tef flours.

An Exploratory Review on the Potential of Artificial Intelligence for Early Detection of Acute Kidney Injury in Preterm Neonates.

A preterm birth is a live birth that occurs before 37 completed weeks of pregnancy. Approximately 15 million babies are born preterm annually worldwide, indicating a global preterm birth rate of about 11%. Up to 50% of premature neonates in the gestational age (GA) group of <29 weeks' gestation will develop acute kidney injury (AKI) in the neonatal period; this is associated with high mortality and morbidity. There are currently no proven treatments for established AKI, and no effective predictive tool exists. We propose that the development of advanced artificial intelligence algorithms with neural networks can assist clinicians in accurately predicting AKI. Clinicians can use pathology investigations in combination with the non-invasive monitoring of renal tissue oxygenation (rSO2) and renal fractional tissue oxygenation extraction (rFTOE) using near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) and the renal resistive index (RRI) to develop an effective prediction algorithm. This algorithm would potentially create a therapeutic window during which the treating clinicians can identify modifiable risk factors and implement the necessary steps to prevent the onset and reduce the duration of AKI.

Evaluation of Compounds from Balanites aegyptiaca against Squalene Epoxidase of Micropsorum gypseum—In Vitro and In Silico Studies

Microsporum gypseum is a dermatophyte with a geophilic nature that is found all over the globe. It mainly causes tinea in the scalp, arms, and legs in humans. Squalene epoxidase (SE) is a crucial enzyme in M. gypseum for the biosynthesis of ergosterol. The medicinal plant Balanites aegyptiaca is an abundant supply of secondary constituents with great therapeutic values. In this research, the fruit epicarp portion was used to inhibit M. gypseum using experimental and computational techniques. The anti-dermatophytic activity of epicarp extracts on M. gypseum was evaluated using the poison plate method at five different concentrations. At 3 mg/mL, the M. gypseum was completely controlled by the fractioned chloroform extract of epicarp. The compounds from previous research were utilized for docking studies (Abuthakir et al., 2022). The ideal compounds and the drug terbinafine were then docked using Schrödinger’s Glide module. It demonstrates that (3E)-7-Hydroxy-3,7-dimethyl-3-octen-1-yl-6-O-(6-deoxy-alpha-L-mannopyranosyl)-beta-D-glucopyranoside outperforms other substances and the drug terbinafine in docking analysis. Desmond, Schrödinger Molecular Dynamics simulations were also performed for (3E)-7-Hydroxy-3,7-dimethyl-3-octen-1-yl-6-O-(6-deoxy-alpha-L-mannopyranosyl)-beta-D-glucopyranoside-squalene epoxidase complexes. The complex appears to be more stable, according to the MD simulation research. This study indicates that (3E)-7-Hydroxy-3,7-dimethyl-3-octen-1-yl-6-O-(6-deoxy-alpha-L-mannopyranosyl)-beta-D-glucopyranoside could be used as a potential inhibitor of M. gypseum growth, and it could be studied further.