bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Selected Aspects of Lubrication in Die Forging Processes at Elevated Temperatures—A Review
Authors: Hawryluk Marek , Dudkiewicz Łukasz , Marzec Jan , Rychlik Marcin , Tkocz Roger
Published: May 2023

The paper concerns selected aspects of the application of cooling–lubricating agents as well as methods and devices assigned to lubrication in hot die forging processes realized at elevated and high temperatures in the context of their effect on the quality of the forgings and the durability of the forging instrumentation. An analysis was made of the currently used lubricants and their properties and applications in selected industrial forging processes, and a review was conducted of the presently applied cooling–lubricating systems and devices. The article also presents the authors’ own studies referring to the effect of the application of lubricating and cooling agents, the volume of the lubricant portion, the times and directions of its application, and other factors affecting tribological conditions. It also presents lubricating devices constructed based on the knowledge and experience of the authors. The elaborated systems, introduced into selected forging processes, make it possible to examine the effect of the volume and time-frequency of the applied lubricant dose on the wear of the tools and also to select and ensure the optimal tribological conditions in the process with respect to durability. The obtained research results, which were confirmed in the industrial process, indicate the great potential of implementing such devices also in other forging processes because the proposed solutions ensure greater repeatability and stability of working conditions. This increases the efficiency of production and thus significantly reduces the unit production costs, as a two-fold increase (from 8000 to 16,000 forgings) in tool life has been observed.
A Mixed Lubrication Model of Piston Rings on Cylinder Liner Contacts Considering Temperature-Dependent Shear Thinning and Elastic–Plastic Contact
Authors: Chu Nolan Ryan , Jackson Robert L , Ghaednia Hamed , Gangopadhyay Arup
Published: May 2023

This work develops a numerical methodology for predicting the performance of an automotive piston ring system by considering contact and lubrication mechanics. The rough surface contact mechanics and lubrication occurs on a scale much smaller than the size of the piston rings and therefore the key aspect of the model is an algorithm that simultaneously solves the multiple mechanisms at different scales. The finite element method will be used to model the mechanical deformations of the piston ring surfaces at large scales. The quasi-steady state model includes heat generation due to solid and viscous friction. This heat generation will then be used to predict the temperature rise and thermal effects in the lubricant and component. A statistical rough surface method that renders asperities as elastic–plastic wavy surfaces predicts the solid contact area. The modified Reynolds equation will be solved to consider the effects of mixed hydrodynamic lubrication while using flow factors formulated for actual piston and ring surfaces. The lubricant viscosity depends both on temperature and shear rate. This will allow for the regimes of boundary, mixed, and full-film lubrication to be considered. The model predicts friction for various loads and speeds that are then compared to experimental measurements. Although the contacts operate mostly in the mixed lubrication regime, the model and experiments show changes in friction with load, speed, and temperature.
Evaluation of Ocular Diameter Parameters Using Swept-Source Optical Coherence Tomography
Authors: Dong Jing , Yao Jinhan , Chang Shuimiao , Kanclerz Piotr , Khoramnia Ramin , Wang Xiaogang
Published: May 2023

Purpose: To investigate the iridocorneal angle-to-angle (ATA), sclera spur-to-sclera spur (STS), and white-to-white (WTW) ocular diameters and their potential influence on anterior chamber intraocular lens (ACIOL) and implantable collamer lens (ICL) sizing in Chinese subjects by using a swept-source optical coherence tomography system (SS-OCT). Design: A retrospective, observational, cross-sectional study. Methods: In 60 right eyes (60 subjects), the ATA, STS, and WTW were measured in six axes (0°–180°, 30°–210°, 60°–240°, 90°–270°, 120°–300°, and 150°–330°) using SS-OCT. The ACIOL and ICL sizes were calculated based on horizontal and vertical axes anterior segment data. A paired sample t-test was used to test the differences in each parameter across the six axes, the potential difference between each pair of parameters in a given axis, and the artificial lens size difference between the horizontal and vertical directions. Pearson’s correlation analysis was used to determine the potential correlation between age and AL, WTW, STS, and ATA distances. Results: ATA and STS were the longest on the vertical and shortest on the horizontal axis, while WTW was similar on both axes. These three parameters differed only in the vertical axis (F = 4.910, p = 0.008). ATA and STS were by 0.23 ± 0.08 mm (p = 0.005) and 0.21 ± 0.08 mm wider (p = 0.010) than WTW, respectively. ICL size was 0.27 ± 0.23 mm smaller when based on the horizontal than on the vertical axis parameters (p < 0.001), while ACIOL remained similar (p = 0.709). Age correlated negatively and axial length positively with all measured values. ATA, STS, and WTW correlated positively in the same axis (all p < 0.001). Conclusions: ATA and STS were longer in the vertical than in the horizontal direction, while WTW measurements remained similar. ATA and STS diameters more accurately depicted anatomic relationships for phakic IOL sizing than WTW.
Fetal Biometric Assessment and Infant Developmental Prognosis of the Tadalafil Treatment for Fetal Growth Restriction
Authors: Tsuji Makoto , Maki Shintaro , Enomoto Naosuke , Okamoto Kota , Kitamura Asa , Magawa Shoichi , Takakura Sho , Nii Masafumi , Tanaka Kayo , Yodoya Noriko , Tanaka Hiroaki , Sawada Hirofumi , Kondo Eiji , Hirayama Masahiro , Ikeda Tomoaki
Published: May 2023

Background and Objectives: Tadalafil is expected to treat fetal growth restriction (FGR), a risk factor for stillbirth and neonatal morbidity. This study aimed to evaluate the fetal biometric growth pattern of fetuses with FGR treated with tadalafil by ultrasonographic assessment. Materials and Methods: This was a retrospective study. Fifty fetuses diagnosed with FGR and treated by maternal administration of tadalafil and ten controls who received conventional treatment at Mie University Hospital from 2015 to 2019 were assessed. Fetal biparietal diameter (BPD), head circumference (HC), abdominal circumference (AC), femur length (FL), and estimated fetal weight (EFW) at the start of treatment and at two weeks and four weeks of treatment were mainly assessed by ultrasound examination. The Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used to assess the measures. The Kyoto Scale of Psychological Development (KSPD) was used to assess the developmental prognosis on tadalafil-treated children at 1.5 years of corrected age (CA) and 3 years old. Results: The median gestational age at the start of treatment was 30 and 31 weeks in the tadalafil and control groups, respectively, and the median gestational age at delivery was 37 weeks in both groups. The Z-score of HC was significantly increased at 4 weeks of treatment (p = 0.005), and the umbilical artery resistance index was significantly decreased (p = 0.049), while no significant difference was observed in the control group. The number of cases with an abnormal score of less than 70 on the KSPD test was 19% for P-M, 8% for C-A, 19% for L-S, and 11% for total area at 1.5 years CA. At 3 years old, the respective scores were 16%, 21%, 16%, and 16%. Conclusions: Tadalafil treatment for FGR may maintain fetal HC growth and infants’ neuro-developmental prognosis.
Novel Pyrimidine Derivatives as Antioxidant and Anticancer Agents: Design, Synthesis and Molecular Modeling Studies
Authors: Myriagkou Malama , Papakonstantinou Evangelia , Deligiannidou Georgia-Eirini , Patsilinakos Alexandros , Kontogiorgis Christos , Pontiki Eleni
Published: May 2023

The heterocyclic ring system of pyrido [2,3-d]pyrimidines is a privileged scaffold in medicinal chemistry, possessing several biological activities. The synthesis of the pyrimidine derivatives was performed via the condensation of a suitable α,β-unsaturated ketone with 4-amino-6-hydroxy-2-mercaptopyrimidine monohydrate in glacial acetic acid. Chalcones were synthesized, as starting materials, via the Claisen–Schmidt condensation of an appropriately substituted ketone and an appropriately substituted aldehyde in the presence of aqueous KOH 40% w/v in ethanol. All the synthesized compounds were characterized using IR, 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR, LC-MS and elemental analysis. The synthesized compounds were evaluated for their antioxidant (DPPH assay), anti-lipid peroxidation (AAPH), anti-LOX activities and ability to interact with glutathione. The compounds do not interact significantly with DPPH but strongly inhibit lipid peroxidation. Pyrimidine derivatives 2a (IC50 = 42 μΜ), 2f (IC50 = 47.5 μΜ) and chalcone 1g (IC50 = 17 μM) were the most potent lipoxygenase inhibitors. All the tested compounds were found to interact with glutathione, apart from 1h. Cell viability and cytotoxicity assays were performed with the HaCaT and A549 cell lines, respectively. In the MTT assay towards the HaCaT cell line, none of the compounds presented viability at 100 μM. On the contrary, in the MTT assay towards the A549 cell line, the tested compounds showed strong cytotoxicity at 100 μM, with derivative 2d presenting the strongest cytotoxic effects at the concentration of 50 μΜ.
Three Component One-Pot Synthesis and Antiproliferative Activity of New [1,2,4]Triazolo[4,3-a]pyrimidines
Authors: Ben Hassen Manel , Msalbi Dhouha , Jismy Badr , Elghali Fares , Aifa Sami , Allouchi Hassan , Abarbri Mohamed , Chabchoub Fakher
Published: May 2023

A series of new [1,2,4]triazolo[4,3-a]pyrimidine derivatives was prepared using a one-pot three-component synthesis from 5-amino-1-phenyl-1H-1,2,4-triazoles, aromatic aldehydes and ethyl acetoacetate. The compound structures were confirmed by IR, 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR, HRMS and X-ray analyses. The biological activity of these compounds as antitumor agents was evaluated. Their antitumor activities against cancer cell lines (MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7) were tested by the MTT in vitro method. Among them, compounds 4c and 4j displayed the best antitumor activity with IC50 values of 17.83 μM and 19.73 μM against MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 cell lines, respectively, compared to the Cisplatin reference.
Ex Vivo Antiplatelet and Thrombolytic Activity of Bioactive Fractions from the New-Fangled Stem Buds of Ficus religiosa L. with Simultaneous GC-MS Examination
Authors: Kumar Sunil , Arif Muhammad , Kamal Mehnaz , Jawaid Talha , Khan Mohammed Moizuddin , Mukhtar Beenish , Khan Abdullah , Ahmed Saif , AlSanad Saud M. , Al-Khamees Osama A.
Published: May 2023

Different parts of Ficus religiosa are the common components of various traditional formulations for the treatment of several blood disorders. The new-fangled stem buds’ powder was extracted with 80% ethanol and successively fractionated by chloroform and methanol. Chloroform and methanol fractions of Ficus religiosa (CFFR and MFFR) were tested for antiplatelet, antithrombotic, thrombolytic, and antioxidant activity in ex vivo mode. The MFFR was particularly investigated for GC-MS and toxicity. The antiplatelet activity of the CFFR, MFFR, and standard drug aspirin at 50 μg/mL was 54.32%, 86.61%, and 87.57%, and a significant delay in clot formation was noted. CFFR at different concentrations did not show a significant effect on the delay of clot formation, antiplatelet, and free radical scavenging activity. The most possible marker compounds for antiplatelet and antioxidant activity identified by GC-MS in the MFFR are salicylate derivatives aromatic compounds such as benzeneacetaldehyde (7), phenylmalonic acid (13), and Salicylic acid (14), as well as Benzamides derivatives such as carbobenzyloxy-dl-norvaline (17), 3-acetoxy-2(1H)-pyridone (16), and 3-benzylhexahydropyrrolo [1,2-a] pyrazine-1,4-dione (35). A toxicity study of MFFR did not show any physical indications of toxicity and mortality up to 1500 mg/kg body weight and nontoxic up to 1000 mg/kg, which is promising for the treatment of atherothrombotic diseases.
Thymosin Beta 4 Protects Hippocampal Neuronal Cells against PrP (106–126) via Neurotrophic Factor Signaling
Authors: Kim Sokho , Choi Jihye , Kwon Jungkee
Published: May 2023

Prion protein peptide (PrP) has demonstrated neurotoxicity in brain cells, resulting in the progression of prion diseases with spongiform degenerative, amyloidogenic, and aggregative properties. Thymosin beta 4 (Tβ4) plays a role in the nervous system and may be related to motility, axonal enlargement, differentiation, neurite outgrowth, and proliferation. However, no studies about the effects of Tβ4 on prion disease have been performed yet. In the present study, we investigated the protective effect of Tβ4 against synthetic PrP (106–126) and considered possible mechanisms. Hippocampal neuronal HT22 cells were treated with Tβ4 and PrP (106–126) for 24 h. Tβ4 significantly reversed cell viability and reactive oxidative species (ROS) affected by PrP (106–126). Apoptotic proteins induced by PrP (106–126) were reduced by Tβ4. Interestingly, a balance of neurotrophic factors (nerve growth factor and brain-derived neurotrophic factor) and receptors (nerve growth factor receptor p75, tropomyosin related kinase A and B) were competitively maintained by Tβ4 through receptors reacting to PrP (106–126). Our results demonstrate that Tβ4 protects neuronal cells against PrP (106–126) neurotoxicity via the interaction of neurotrophic factors/receptors.
DNA-Guided Metallization of Nanomaterials and Their Biomedical Applications
Authors: Li Ke , Liu Yanfei , Lou Beibei , Tan Yifu , Chen Liwei , Liu Zhenbao
Published: May 2023

Precise control of the structure of metallic nanomaterials is critical for the advancement of nanobiotechnology. As DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) can readily modify various moieties, such as sulfhydryl, carboxyl, and amino groups, using DNA as a directing ligand to modulate the morphology of nanomaterials is a promising strategy. In this review, we focus on the use of DNA as a template to control the morphology of metallic nanoparticles and their biomedical applications, discuss the use of DNA for the metallization of gold and silver, explore the factors that influence the process, and outline its biomedical applications. This review aims to provide valuable insights into the DNA-guided growth of nanomaterials. The challenges and future directions are also discussed.
High Coulomb Efficiency Sn–Co Alloy/rGO Composite Anode Material for Li–ion Battery with Long Cycle–Life
Authors: Shen Ding , Jia Mengyuan , Li Mingyue , Fu Xiaofan , Liu Yaohan , Dong Wei , Yang Shaobin
Published: May 2023

The low cycle performance and low Coulomb efficiency of tin-based materials confine their large–scale commercial application for lithium–ion batteries. To overcome the shortage of volume expansion of pristine tin, Sn–Co alloy/rGO composites have been successfully synthesized by chemical reduction and sintering methods. The effects of sintering temperature on the composition, structure and electrochemical properties of Sn–Co alloy/rGO composites were investigated by experimental study and first-principles calculation. The results show that Sn–Co alloys are composed of a large number of CoSn and trace CoSn2 intermetallics, which are uniformly anchored on graphene nanosheets. The sintering treatment effectively improves the electrochemical performance, especially for the first Coulomb efficiency. The first charge capacity of Sn–Co alloy/rGO composites sintered at 450 °C is 675 mAh·g−1, and the corresponding Coulomb efficiency reaches 80.4%. This strategy provides a convenient approach to synthesizing tin-based materials for high-performance lithium–ion batteries.
Comparative Analysis of Active Ingredients and Potential Bioactivities of Essential Oils from Artemisia argyi and A. verlotorum
Authors: Wang Yun-Fen , Zheng Yang , Feng Yang , Chen Hao , Dai Shao-Xing , Wang Yifei , Xu Min
Published: May 2023

Artemisia argyi H. Lév. and Vaniot is a variety of Chinese mugwort widely cultured in central China. A. verlotorum Lamotte, another variety of Chinese mugwort, has been used in the southern region of China since ancient times. Despite their similar uses in traditional medicine, little is known about the differences in their active ingredients and potential benefits. Herein, the chemical compositions of the essential oils (EOs) from both varieties were analyzed using chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). A series of databases, such as the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology database (TCMSP), SuperPred database and R tool, were applied to build a networking of the EOs. Our results revealed significant differences in the chemical compositions of the two Artemisia EOs. However, we found that they shared similar ingredient–target–pathway networking with diverse bioactivities, such as neuroprotective, anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory. Furthermore, our protein connection networking analysis showed that transcription factor p65 (RELA), phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase regulatory subunit alpha (PIK3R1) and mitogen-activated protein kinase 1 (MAPK1) are crucial for the biological activity of Artemisia EOs. Our findings provided evidence for the use of A. verlotorum as Chinese mugwort in southern China.
Comparative Analysis of Stable Gold Nanoparticles Synthesized Using Sonochemical and Reduction Methods for Antibacterial Activity
Authors: Dheyab Mohammed Ali , Aziz Azlan Abdul , Oladzadabbasabadi Nazila , Alsaedi Alyaa , Braim Farhank Saber , Jameel Mahmood S. , Ramizy Asmeit , Alrosan Mohammad , Almajwal Ali Madi
Published: May 2023

The increasing bacterial resistance and negative impacts of the present antibacterial agents have led to the search for novel antibacterial agents. This study focuses on the influence of synthetic methods on the aggregation stability and antibacterial activity of gold nanoparticles (NPs) prepared by using sodium citrate as a reducing and capping agent against Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus). Gold NPs were synthesized using a simple and rapid sonochemical method and compared to gold NPs synthesized using a reduction method. The physicochemical features of gold NPs were characterized using UV-vis, XRD, TEM, and zeta potential, and the TEM results showed that the sonochemical method produced monodispersed spherical gold NPs with an average diameter of 18.5 nm, while the reduction method produced NPs with an average diameter of around 20 nm. The sonochemical method produced gold NPs with excellent stability (−48 mV) compared to the reduction method (−21 mV). The gold NPs with high stability also exhibited strong antibacterial activity against S. aureus present in water, indicating their potential use in water purification processes to limit bacterial growth. The outcomes of this research are expected to significantly contribute to the creation of new drugs by paving the way for the development of novel strategies to combat pathogens using highly stable gold nanoparticles. These gold NPs, produced via the sonochemical method, have the potential to be employed as beneficial nanocompounds in the medical industry.
Gas-Phase Structure of 3,7,9-tris(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)-3,7,9-triazabicyclo[3.3.1]nonane by GED and Theoretical Calculations
Authors: Shainyan Bagrat A. , Eroshin Alexey V. , Mukhina Valeriya A. , Shlykov Sergey A.
Published: May 2023

The molecular structure and conformational and rotational composition of 3,7,9-tris(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)-3,7,9-triazabicyclo[3.3.1]nonane 1 have been investigated by synchronous gas-phase electron diffraction/mass spectrometry GED/MS and theoretical calculations (B3LYP and M06-2X with cc-pVTZ and aug-cc-pVTZ basis sets) and compared to the X-ray structure. All 16 possible conformers and rotamers were calculated, differing by the conformations of the two piperazine rings, orientation of the CF3 groups relative to these rings, and non-equivalence of the two wings of the butterfly structure. The optimized geometry of the most stable 1-c-out-2-c-out conformer coincides with that in the crystal. In contrast to only one conformer determined by X-ray, the GED analysis revealed the presence of five conformers, 1-c-out-2-c-out (I), 1-c-in-2-c-out (II), 1-c-out-2-c-in (III), 1-b-out-2-c-out (IV), 1-c-out-2-b-out (V) in the ratio of I:(II + III):IV:V = 36(10):42(6):22(10):0(10). The experimental results are better reproduced by calculations performed for 428 K (the temperature of the GED experiment) than for 298 K (standard), and most satisfactorily at the M06-2X/aug-cc-pVTZ level of theory.
Qualitative and Quantitative Analysis of the Major Bioactive Components of Juniperus chinensis L. Using LC-QTOF-MS and LC-MSMS and Investigation of Antibacterial Activity against Pathogenic Bacteria
Authors: Lim Da Jung , Song Jeong-Sup , Lee Byoung-Hee , Son Youn Kyoung , Kim Yangseon
Published: May 2023

Plants in the genus Juniperus have been reported to produce a variety of chemical components, such as coumarins, flavonoids, lignans, sterols, and terpenoids. Here, ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-QTOF-MS) and ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) were applied to qualitatively and quantitatively analyze the major bioactive components in an ethanolic crude extract from the leaves of Juniperus chinensis L., which grows naturally in Korea. In addition, the antibacterial activity of the crude extract against pathogenic bacteria was investigated. Using LC-QTOF-MS analysis, we identified ten compounds, of which six were confirmed to be flavonoid and lignan-based components as the major bioactive components, i.e., isoquercetin, quercetin-3-O-α-l-rhamnoside, hinokiflavone, amentoflavone, podocarpusflavone A, and matairesinoside. Among them, a quantitative analysis performed using LC-MS/MS revealed that the levels of quercetin-3-O-α-l-rhamnoside and amentoflavone in the crude extract were 203.78 and 69.84 mg/g, respectively. Furthermore, the crude extract exhibited potential antibacterial activity against 10 pathogenic bacteria, with the highest antibacterial activity detected against Bordetella pertussis. Thus, further studies of the leaf extract of J. chinensis L. must be carried out to correlate the compounds present in the extract with the antibacterial activity and elucidate the mechanisms of action of this extract against bacteria.
Identification of Small Molecule Inhibitors of Human Cytomegalovirus pUL89 Endonuclease Using Integrated Computational Approaches
Authors: Almehmadi Mazen , Haq Ihtisham Ul , Alsaiari Ahad Amer , Alshabrmi Fahad M. , Abdulaziz Osama , Allahyani Mamdouh , Aladhadh Mohammed , Shafie Alaa , Aljuaid Abdulelah , Alotaibi Rema Turki , Ullah Jawad , Alharthi Nada Saud
Published: May 2023

Replication of Human Cytomegalovirus (HCMV) requires the presence of a metal-dependent endonuclease at the C-terminus of pUL89, in order to properly pack and cleave the viral genome. Therefore, pUL89 is an attractive target to design anti-CMV intervention. Herein, we used integrated structure-based and ligand-based virtual screening approaches in combination with MD simulation for the identification of potential metal binding small molecule antagonist of pUL89. In this regard, the essential chemical features needed for the inhibition of pUL89 endonuclease domain were defined and used as a 3D query to search chemical compounds from ZINC and ChEMBL database. Thereafter, the molecular docking and ligand-based shape screening were used to narrow down the compounds based on previously identified pUL89 antagonists. The selected virtual hits were further subjected to MD simulation to determine the intrinsic and ligand-induced flexibility of pUL89. The predicted binding modes showed that the compounds reside well in the binding site of endonuclease domain by chelating with the metal ions and crucial residues. Taken in concert, the in silico investigation led to the identification of potential pUL89 antagonists. This study provided promising starting point for further in vitro and in vivo studies.
The Efficient Synthesis and Anti-Fatigue Activity Evaluation of Macamides: The Unique Bioactive Compounds in Maca
Authors: Liu Tao , Peng Ziyan , Lai Wei , Shao Yan , Gao Qing , He Miaoxin , Zhou Wan , Guo Lirong , Kang Jiyao , Jin Xiaobao , Yin Hui
Published: May 2023

Macamides are a class of amide alkaloids that are only found in maca and are widely considered to be its bioactive marker compounds. More than thirty macamide monomers have been identified in recent years; however, it is difficult to obtain a single macamide monomer from the maca plant because of their similar structures and characteristics. We used the carbodiimide condensation method (CCM) to efficiently synthesize five typical macamides, including N-benzyl-hexadecanamide (NBH), N-benzyl-9Z,12Z,15Z-octadecenamide, N-(3-methoxybenzyl)-9Z,12Z-octadecenamide, N-benzyl-9Z,12Z-octadecenamide, and N-(3-methoxybenzyl)-9Z,12Z,15Z-octadecadienamide. All the synthesized macamides were purified by a one-step HPLC with a purity of more than 95%. NBH is the most abundant macamide monomer in natural maca, and it was selected to evaluate the anti-fatigue effects of macamides. The results indicated that NBH could enhance the endurance capacity of mice by increasing liver glycogen levels and decreasing blood urea nitrogen, lactate dehydrogenase, blood ammonia, and blood lactic acid levels. Macamides might be the active substances that give maca its anti-fatigue active function.
Determination of Pentacyclic Triterpenoids in Plant Biomass by Porous Graphitic Carbon Liquid Chromatography—Tandem Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Voronov Ilya S. , Falev Danil I. , Faleva Anna V. , Ul’yanovskii Nikolay V. , Kosyakov Dmitry S.
Published: May 2023

Pentacyclic triterpenoids (PCTs), which possess a number of bioactive properties, are considered one of the most important classes of secondary plant metabolites. Their chromatographic determination in plant biomass is complicated by the need to separate a large number of structurally similar compounds belonging to several classes that differ greatly in polarity (monools, diols, and triterpenic acids). This study proposes a rapid, sensitive, and low-cost method for the simultaneous quantification of ten PCTs (3β-taraxerol, lupeol, β-amyrin, α-amyrin, betulin, erythrodiol, uvaol, betulinic, oleanolic, and ursolic acids) by high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS) using porous graphitic carbon (Hypercarb) as a stationary phase capable of hydrophobic retention and specific interactions with analytes. Revealing the effects of the mobile phase composition, pH, ionic strength, and column temperature on retention and selection of chromatographic conditions on this basis allowed for the effective separation of all target analytes within 8 min in gradient elution mode and attaining limits of detection in the range of 4–104 µg L−1. The developed method was fully validated and successfully tested in the determination of PCTs in common haircap (Polytrichum commune) and prairie sphagnum (Sphagnum palustre) mosses, and fireweed (Chamaenerion angustifolium) stems and leaves.
Hydrogels for Oral Tissue Engineering: Challenges and Opportunities
Authors: Chen Anfu , Deng Shuhua , Lai Jindi , Li Jing , Chen Weijia , Varma Swastina Nath , Zhang Jingjing , Lei Caihong , Liu Chaozong , Huang Lijia
Published: May 2023

Oral health is crucial to daily life, yet many people worldwide suffer from oral diseases. With the development of oral tissue engineering, there is a growing demand for dental biomaterials. Addressing oral diseases often requires a two-fold approach: fighting bacterial infections and promoting tissue growth. Hydrogels are promising tissue engineering biomaterials that show great potential for oral tissue regeneration and drug delivery. In this review, we present a classification of hydrogels commonly used in dental research, including natural and synthetic hydrogels. Furthermore, recent applications of these hydrogels in endodontic restorations, periodontal tissues, mandibular and oral soft tissue restorations, and related clinical studies are also discussed, including various antimicrobial and tissue growth promotion strategies used in the dental applications of hydrogels. While hydrogels have been increasingly studied in oral tissue engineering, there are still some challenges that need to be addressed for satisfactory clinical outcomes. This paper summarizes the current issues in the abovementioned application areas and discusses possible future developments.
Effect of the Harvest Season of Anthyllis henoniana Stems on Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Activities: Phytochemical Profiling of Their Ethyl Acetate Extracts
Authors: Ayachi Amani , Ben Younes Amer , Ben Ammar Ameni , Bouzayani Bouthaina , Samet Sonda , Siala Mariam , Trigui Mohamed , Treilhou Michel , Téné Nathan , Mezghani-Jarraya Raoudha
Published: May 2023

Anthyllis henoniana stems were harvested in two seasons: winter and spring (February and May 2021). In this study, we investigated the antioxidant (DPPH, ABTS, FRAP and TAC) and antimicrobial activities, total phenolic contents and total flavonoid contents of the obtained extracts (hexane, ethyl acetate and methanol). The results showed that ethyl acetate extract from stems harvested in winter exhibited the highest antioxidant activity, while ethyl acetate extract from the stems harvested in spring showed the most potent antibacterial and antifungal activities. To explain these differences, we investigated the phytochemical composition of these two extracts using liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry. Therefore, 45 compounds were detected, from which we identified 20 compounds (flavonoids, triterpenoids, chalcones and phenolic acids); some were specific to the harvest month while others were common for both periods. Some of the major compounds detected in ethyl acetate (spring) were dihydrochalcone (Kanzonol Y, 8.2%) and flavanone (sophoraflavanone G, 5.9%), previously recognized for their antimicrobial effects. We therefore concluded that the difference in activities observed for the two harvest periods depends on the chemical composition of the extracts and the relative abundance of each compound.
Microstructure, Physical and Biological Properties, and BSA Binding Investigation of Electrospun Nanofibers Made of Poly(AA-co-ACMO) Copolymer and Polyurethane
Authors: Mansour Hanaa , Elsigeny Samia M. , Elshami Fawzia I. , Auf Mohamed , Shaban Shaban Y. , van Eldik Rudi
Published: May 2023

In this study, poly(AA-co-ACMO) and polyurethane-based nanofibers were prepared in a ratio of 1:1 (NF11) and 2:1 (NF21) as antimicrobial carriers for chronic wound management. Different techniques were used to characterize the nanofibers, and poly(AA-co-ACMO) was mostly found on the surface of PU. With an increase in poly(AA-co-ACMO) dose from 0 (PU) and 1:1 (NF11) to 2:1 (NF21) in the casting solution, the contact angle (CA) was reduced from 137 and 95 to 24, respectively, and hydrophilicity was significantly increased. As most medications inhibit biological processes by binding to a specific protein, in vitro protein binding was investigated mechanistically using a stopped-flow technique. Both NF11 and NF21 bind to BSA via two reversible steps: a fast second-order binding followed by a slow first-order one. The overall parameters for NF11 (Ka = 1.1 × 104 M−1, Kd = 89.0 × 10−6, ΔG0 = −23.1 kJ mol−1) and NF21 (Ka = 189.0 × 104 M−1, Kd = 5.3 × 10−6 M, ΔG0 = −27.5 kJ mol−1) were determined and showed that the affinity for BSA is approximately (NF11)/(NF21) = 1/180. This indicates that NF21 has much higher BSA affinity than NF11, although BSA interacts with NF11 much faster. NF21 with higher hydrophilicity showed effective antibacterial properties compared to NF11, in agreement with kinetic data. The study provided an approach to manage chronic wounds and treating protein-containing wastewater.
Untreated Opuntia ficus indica for the Efficient Adsorption of Ni(II), Pb(II), Cu(II) and Cd(II) Ions from Water
Authors: Barbera Marcella , Indelicato Serena , Bongiorno David , Censi Valentina , Saiano Filippo , Piazzese Daniela
Published: May 2023

The raw cladode of Opuntia ficus indica (OFI) was evaluated as a sustainable biosorbent for the removal of heavy metals (Ni, Pb, Cu, and Cd) from aqueous solutions. The functional groups of OFI were identified by employing DRIFT-FTIR and CP-MAS-NMR techniques before and after contact with the ions in an aqueous media, showing a rearrangement of the biomass structure due to the complexation between the metal and the functional groups. The adsorption process was studied in both single- and multi-component systems under batch conditions at different pHs (4.0, 5.0, and 6.0), different metal concentrations, and different biomass amounts. The results show that the raw OFI had a removal capacity at room temperature of over 80% for all metals studied after only 30 min of contact time, indicating a rapid adsorption process. Biosorption kinetics were successfully fitted by the pseudo-second-order equation, while Freundlich correctly modelled the biosorption data at equilibrium. The results of this work highlight the potential use of the untreated cladode of OFI as an economical and environmentally friendly biosorbent for the removal of heavy metals from the contaminated aqueous solution.
Nitrogen Metabolism in Non-Nodulated and Nodulated Soybean Plants Related to Ureide Synthesis
Authors: Ohyama Takuji , Matsumoto Kahori , Goto Haruka , Saito Akihiro , Higuchi Kyoko
Published: May 2023

Soybean plants can fix atmospheric N2 in the root nodule, a symbiotic organ with rhizobia. The primary forms of N transported from N2 fixation are ureides, allantoate, and allantoin, supplemented with asparagine. The nitrate absorbed in the roots is transported to the shoots in the forms of NO3− and asparagine with a little portion of ureides. The concentrations of N-metabolites were analyzed by capillary electrophoresis after supplying various concentrations of urea, precursors of ureides, and allopurinol, an inhibitor of xanthine dehydrogenase, to investigate the ureide synthesis pathway in the roots. When the non-nodulated soybean plants were treated with 0–5 mM of urea, the concentrations of asparagine and glutamine in the xylem sap and the roots increased remarkably. In addition, allantoate concentration increased with the urea concentrations becoming higher. Allopurinol inhibited the accumulation of allantoate but did not affect the asparagine and glutamine accumulation in roots, stems, leaves, and xylem sap, supporting that allantoate is synthesized by purine degradation in roots the same as in the nodules. When ureide precursors were supplied to the nodulated soybean plants, the concentrations of asparagine and glutamine in the xylem sap and roots increased, suggesting that the ureide precursors were absorbed and assimilated to amides in the roots.
Mapping Heresy in Sixteenth-Century Venice
Authors: Celati Alessandra
Published: May 2023

Drawing on a systematic study of the Savi sopra l’eresia archive in Venice, the most complete collection of historical records pertaining to Italian heretical movements and their repression, this article sketches the geography of heretical circles in Venice between the 1540s and the 1580s. The article puts space back into history and reads the history of religious dissent against the urban structure of sixteenth-century Venice, where streets and squares favored people’s encounters, allowing and fueling the exchange of information and the process of knowledge generation. Shifting the focus from people to places, and emphasizing fluidity and porosity, suggests new ways to pursue a more dynamic and performative conception of religious dissent.
Christians in Jewish Houses: The Testimony of the Inquisition in the Duchy of Modena in the Seventeenth Century
Authors: Aron-Beller Katherine
Published: May 2023

This article concentrates on Modenese inquisitorial processi that investigated interactions between Jews and Christians that took place in their domestic premises, especially the more spacious dwellings in country towns and villages where there were no ghettoes. These investigations confirm that inquisitorial vetoes on socializing were blithely ignored, and that Jews and Christians often seemed to have no antipathy for or suspicion of each other. As will be shown, Christians went into Jews’ houses, but Jews seldom appeared to enter those of Christians. The reasons for this are suggested below.
Outbreak of Acute Clinical Mastitis in Primigravidae Ewes in the Immediately Pre-Partum Period
Authors: Gougoulis Dimitrios , Athanasiou Labrini V. , Vasileiou Natalia Gabriela , Voulgarakis Nikolaos , Dimoveli Konstantina , Mavrogianni Vasiliki
Published: May 2023

An outbreak of acute mastitis was investigated in a dairy sheep farm in Central Greece with a prevalence of 8.2%. Two animals were examined with symptoms of hyperacute inflammation in one of the two mammary glands. Affected glands presented swollen to grossly enlarged, warm and painful. In both animals, haematological examination revealed mild anaemia, increased leucocyte counts with mature neutropaenia and left shift, and marked thrombocytosis. Bacteriological examinations of mammary gland secretion yielded heavy growth of Streptococcus dysgalactiae and Escherichia coli from each of the two animals, respectively. Serological examination revealed a high percentage of positive samples for small ruminant lentivirus infection in both animals. The somatic cell count in the bulk-tank milk was 0.65 × 106 cells/mL. The housing conditions were inadequate with high levels of ammonia, intense stocking and muddy bedding. This pathological condition in nulliparous ewes was attributed to the extensive oedema of mammary gland and teat, the relaxation of immunity during the peri-parturient period and the heavily contaminated environment. These findings are in general agreement with corresponding incidents in heifers. Following our instructions for improving housing conditions, no other similar incidents were recorded.
Relocated Employees’ Experience with the Costs and Benefits of Video Technology for Maintaining Relationships
Authors: Walling Kayla
Published: May 2023

Relocation as a result of a job opportunity or as part of a current job has increased in recent years in the United States. The frequency with which employees are relocating makes exploring employees’ perception of the costs and benefits of technology for maintaining family relationships useful. The purpose of this qualitative descriptive study was to explore how employees who have relocated for employment opportunities perceive the costs and benefits of video technology as an option for maintaining family relationships, for employees working in a company located in the United States. The sample consisted of 25 employees at a healthcare facility in the state of Florida who had relocated for employment opportunities and had used video technology to maintain relationships with family members in another location. Data collected from semi-structured interviews, open-ended questionnaires, and a focus group were analyzed through thematic analysis. Findings provided evidence that relocated employees perceived video technology to be an important tool to help maintain work–life balance when they were away from their family. The employees’ perception of the benefits of video technology in maintaining family relationships included closeness despite distance and tangibility of the person. These findings have implications for employees who have relocated, employees considering relocation, and families of employees, as well as organization leaders and human resource departments.
Inflation and Reinforced Concrete Materials: An Investigation of Economic and Environmental Effects
Authors: Akal Ahmed Yousry
Published: May 2023

Focusing on Reinforced Concrete (RC), the main building material worldwide, inflation and CO2 emissions negatively impact the economic and environmental sustainability of the construction industry and the environment, respectively. Therefore, it is important to investigate the economic and environmental correlations and effects of RC in view of the inflation–CO2 emissions nexus. Previous literature did not sufficiently scrutinize this issue, leaving behind huge knowledge gaps for understanding (1) the inflation–RC material prices nexus, (2) the inflation–RC cost relationship, and (3) the inflation–RC material CO2 emissions correlation. The knowledge body, additionally, suffers from the controversial conclusion of prior literature that countering inflation reduces building material prices; however, it does not reduce their associated CO2 emissions. To address these loopholes, Spearman correlation test was employed to analyze data from Egypt’s construction market on inflation, RC material prices, RC cost, and RC material CO2 emissions from 2011 to 2019. Spearman test yielded that RC material prices and RC cost are directly correlated with inflation. In addition, steel reinforcement prices are more sensitive to inflation than the prices of other RC materials. By analyzing these outputs, using the Deviation Percentage approach, it has been found that 1% increase in inflation drives up the prices of steel reinforcement and RC cost by 1.568% and 1.548%, respectively. Further, increasing inflation by 1% increases RC material CO2 emissions, particularly steel reinforcement by 15.968%. This implies that the inflation–construction material CO2 emissions nexus has a direct correlation, not an inverse relationship, as mentioned in the archival literature. These results guide contractors to define an accurate percentage-based risk margin against the effects of inflation on overrunning their projects budgets. Importantly, they add to the knowledge body the precise description of the inflation–building materials nexus, whether economically in terms of construction material prices, or environmentally in light of building material CO2 emissions.
Recursive Symmetries: Chemically Induced Combinatorics of Colorings of Hyperplanes of an 8-Cube for All Irreducible Representations
Authors: Balasubramanian Krishnan
Published: May 2023

We outline symmetry-based combinatorial and computational techniques to enumerate the colorings of all the hyperplanes (q = 1–8) of the 8-dimensional hypercube (8-cube) and for all 185 irreducible representations (IRs) of the 8-dimensional hyperoctahedral group, which contains 10,321,920 symmetry operations. The combinatorial techniques invoke the Möbius inversion method in conjunction with the generalized character cycle indices for all 185 IRs to obtain the generating functions for the colorings of eight kinds of hyperplanes of the 8-cube, such as vertices, edges, faces, cells, tesseracts, and hepteracts. We provide the computed tables for the colorings of all the hyperplanes of the 8-cube. We also show that the developed techniques have a number of chemical, biological, chiral, and other applications that make use of such recursive symmetries.
A Measuring Method Based on Graph Structure for Decision-Making Complexity in Major Science and Technology Projects
Authors: Wu Zhifeng , Liu Yisheng
Published: May 2023

Unlike general large-scale projects, major science and technology projects (MSTPs) are strategically positioned to meet national needs, reflecting the forward-looking direction of science and technology development. The correctness of decision making for MSTPs is crucial for the long-term development and strategic interests of the country. To measure decision complexity accurately, we propose a graph-based approach that utilizes information entropy theory. This approach provides decision makers with a theoretical foundation for effectively managing decision complexity.
Octonion Internal Space Algebra for the Standard Model
Authors: Todorov Ivan
Published: May 2023

This paper surveys recent progress in our search for an appropriate internal space algebra for the standard model (SM) of particle physics. After a brief review of the existing approaches, we start with the Clifford algebras involving operators of left multiplication by octonions. A central role is played by a distinguished complex structure that implements the splitting of the octonions O=C⊕C3, which reflect the lepton-quark symmetry. Such a complex structure on the 32-dimensional space S of Cℓ10 Majorana spinors is generated by the Cℓ6(⊂Cℓ10) volume form, ω6=γ1⋯γ6, and is left invariant by the Pati–Salam subgroup of Spin(10), GPS=Spin(4)×Spin(6)/Z2. While the Spin(10) invariant volume form ω10=γ1…γ10 of Cℓ10 is known to split S on a complex basis into left and right chiral (semi)spinors, P=12(1−iω6) is interpreted as the projector on the 16-dimensional particle subspace (which annihilates the antiparticles).The standard model gauge group appears as the subgroup of GPS that preserves the sterile neutrino (which is identified with the Fock vacuum). The Z2-graded internal space algebra A is then included in the projected tensor product A⊂PCℓ10P=Cℓ4⊗Cℓ60. The Higgs field appears as the scalar term of a superconnection, an element of the odd part Cℓ41 of the first factor. The fact that the projection of Cℓ10 only involves the even part Cℓ60 of the second factor guarantees that the color symmetry remains unbroken. As an application, we express the ratio mHmW of the Higgs to the W boson masses in terms of the cosine of the theoretical Weinberg angle.
Vaccine Hesitancy in Women of Childbearing Age and Occupational Physicians: Results from a Cross-Sectional Study (Italy, 2022)
Authors: Riccò Matteo , Baldassarre Antonio , Cerviere Milena Pia , Marchesi Federico
Published: May 2023

Italian occupational physicians (OPs) are instrumental in promoting vaccination practice in occupational settings, and this study aims to characterize their attitudes, knowledge, and practices (collectively, KAP) towards immunization practice in women of childbearing age. A convenience sample of 120 OPs (50.8% males, mean age of 48.2 ± 5.9 years old) completed a structured online questionnaire (potential recipients: 2034; response rate: 5.9%) assessing their understanding of official recommendations, their general knowledge of vaccine practice, their attitudes towards vaccines, and their risk perception about vaccine-preventable infectious diseases. The sampled OPs exhibited a good understanding of official recommendations, and they were largely favorable towards vaccination of pregnant women. Knowledge status was relatively good (potential range 0 to 100%, average score 22 74.5% ± 18.2), while risk perception towards sampled disorders was heterogenous: the greatest was the one for SARS-CoV-2 (52.7% ± 32.9), followed by seasonal influenza (45.3% ± 31.6), and pertussis (37.8% 24 ± 28.2). The main predictors for promoting vaccination were higher knowledge about seasonal influenza vaccine (SIV; adjusted Odds Ratio [aOR] 102.2, 95% Confidence Interval [95%CI] 9.68–1080.26), tetanus-diphtheria-acellular pertussis vaccine (Tdap; aOR 12.34, 95%CI 2.62; 58.22) 27 and SARS-CoV-2 vaccine (aOR 14.76, 95%CI 2.74–79.69). A better attitude towards SIV was positively associated with previous vaccination of the respondent (aOR 4.90, 95%CI 1.19–20.14), while higher risk perception towards SIV was characterized as a negative predictor (aOR 0.04, 95%CI 0.01–0.35), as was working as an OP in healthcare facilities (aOR 0.03, 95%CI 0.01–0.43). Tdap was positively associated with male gender of respondents (aOR 10.22, 95%CI 2.60 to 40.24) and higher risk perception about pertussis (aOR 10.38, 95%CI 1.47 to 73.47). Overall, our data suggest that improving the understanding of OPs about the health burden of frequently encountered pathogens could be instrumental in increasing their involvement in the promotion of vaccine practice. Because of the low rate of response to our survey, our conclusions remain tentative.