bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Role of Stereochemistry on the Biological Activity of Nature-Inspired 3-Br-Acivicin Isomers and Derivatives
Authors: Galbiati Andrea , Zana Aureliano , Borsari Chiara , Persico Marco , Bova Stefania , Tkachuk Oleh , Corfu Alexandra Ioana , Tamborini Lucia , Basilico Nicoletta , Fattorusso Caterina , Bruno Stefano , Parapini Silvia , Conti Paola
Published: April 2023

Chiral natural compounds are often biosynthesized in an enantiomerically pure fashion, and stereochemistry plays a pivotal role in biological activity. Herein, we investigated the significance of chirality for nature-inspired 3-Br-acivicin (3-BA) and its derivatives. The three unnatural isomers of 3-BA and its ester and amide derivatives were prepared and characterized for their antimalarial activity. Only the (5S, αS) isomers displayed significant antiplasmodial activity, revealing that their uptake might be mediated by the L-amino acid transport system, which is known to mediate the acivicin membrane’s permeability. In addition, we investigated the inhibitory activity towards Plasmodium falciparum glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase (PfGAPDH) since it is involved in the multitarget mechanism of action of 3-BA. Molecular modeling has shed light on the structural and stereochemical requirements for an efficient interaction with PfGAPDH, leading to covalent irreversible binding and enzyme inactivation. While stereochemistry affects the target binding only for two subclasses (1a–d and 4a–d), it leads to significant differences in the antimalarial activity for all subclasses, suggesting that a stereoselective uptake might be responsible for the enhanced biological activity of the (5S, αS) isomers.
Effects of Seawater Intrusion on the Groundwater Quality of Multi-Layered Aquifers in Eastern Saudi Arabia
Authors: Benaafi Mohammed , Abba S. I. , Aljundi Isam H.
Published: April 2023

The degradation of groundwater (GW) quality due to seawater intrusion (SWI) is a major water security issue in water-scarce regions. This study aims to delineate the impact of SWI on the GW quality of a multilayered aquifer system in the eastern coastal region of Saudi Arabia. The physical and chemical properties of the GW were determined via field investigations and laboratory analyses. Irrigation indices (electrical conductivity (EC), potential salinity (PS), sodium adsorption ratio (SAR), Na%, Kelly’s ratio (KR), magnesium adsorption ratio (MAR), and permeability index (PI)) and a SWI index (fsea) were obtained to assess the suitability of GW for irrigation. K-mean clustering, correlation analysis, and principal component analysis (PCA) were used to determine the relationship between irrigation hazard indices and the degree of SWI. The tested GW samples were grouped into four clusters (C1, C2, C3, and C4), with average SWI degrees of 15%, 8%, 5%, and 2%, respectively. The results showed that the tested GW was unsuitable for irrigation due to salinity hazards. However, a noticeable increase in sodium and magnesium hazards was also observed. Moreover, increasing the degree of SWI (fsea) was associated with increasing salinity, sodium, and magnesium, with higher values observed in the GW samples in cluster C1, followed by clusters C2, C3, and C4. The correlation analysis and PCA results illustrated that the irrigation indices, including EC, PS, SAR, and MAR, were grouped with the SWI index (fsea), indicating the possibility of using them as primary irrigation indices to reflect the impact of SWI on GW quality in coastal regions. The results of this study will help guide decision-makers toward proper management practices for SWI mitigation and enhancing GW quality for irrigation.
Peptide Sodium Channels Modulator Mu-Agatoxin-Aa1a Prevents Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury of Cells
Authors: Iurova Elena , Beloborodov Evgenii , Rastorgueva Eugenia , Fomin Aleksandr , Saenko Yury
Published: April 2023

Ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) is an irreversible functional and structural injury. Restoration of normal oxygen concentration exacerbates the emergence and development of deadly cells. One of the possible moments of reperfusion damage to cells is an increase in the intracellular concentration of sodium ions. In this article, we study the mu-agatoxin-Aa1a, a modulator of sodium channels, on the processes of IRI cells damage. The toxin was synthesized using an automatic peptide synthesizer. Hypoxia was induced by reducing the content of serum and oxygen in the CHO-K1 culture. The influence of the toxin on the level of apoptosis; intracellular concentration of sodium, calcium, and potassium ions; intracellular pH; totality of reactive oxygen species (ROS), nitric oxide (NO), and ATP; and changes in the mitochondrial potential were studied. The experiments performed show that mu-agatoxin-Aa1a effectively prevents IRI of cells. Toxin reduces the level of apoptosis and prevents a decrease in the intracellular concentration of sodium and calcium ions during IRI. Mu-agatoxin-Aa1a contributes to the maintenance of elevated intracellular pH, reduces the intracellular concentration of ROS, and prevents the decrease in intracellular NO concentration and mitochondrial potential under conditions of reoxygenation/reperfusion. An analysis of experimental data shows that the mu-agatoxin-Aa1a peptide has adaptogenic properties. In the future, this peptide can be used to prevent ischemia/reperfusion tissue damage different genesis.
Green Synthesized Gold and Silver Nanoparticles Increased Oxidative Stress and Induced Cell Death in Colorectal Adenocarcinoma Cells
Authors: Bidian Cristina , Filip Gabriela Adriana , David Luminița , Moldovan Bianca , Olteanu Diana , Clichici Simona , Olănescu-Vaida-Voevod Maria-Cristina , Leostean Cristian , Macavei Sergiu , Muntean Dana Maria , Cenariu Mihai , Albu Adriana , Baldea Ioana
Published: April 2023

The research investigated the effect of gold (Au-CM) and silver nanoparticles (Ag-CM) phytoreduced with Cornus mas fruit extract (CM) on a human colorectal adenocarcinoma (DLD-1) cell line. The impact of nanoparticles on the viability of DLD-1 tumor cells and normal cells was evaluated. Oxidative stress and cell death mechanisms (annexin/propidium iodide analysis, caspase-3 and caspase-8 levels, p53, BCL-2, BAX, NFkB expressions) as well as proliferation markers (Ki-67, PCNA and MAPK) were evaluated in tumor cells. The nanoparticles were characterized using UV–Vis spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and by measuring zeta potential, hydrodynamic diameter and polydispersity index (PDI). Energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) and X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) analyses were also performed. The nanoparticles induced apoptosis and necrosis of DLD-1 cells and reduced cell proliferation, especially Ag-CM, while on normal cells, both nanoparticles maintained their viability up to 80%. Ag-CM and Au-CM increased the expressions of p53 and NFkB in parallel with the downregulation of BCL-2 protein and induced the activation of caspase-8, suggesting the involvement of apoptosis in cell death. Lipid peroxidation triggered by Ag-CM was correlated with tumor cell necrosis rate. Both nanoparticles obtained with phytocompounds from the CM extract protected normal cells and induced the death of DLD-1 tumor cells, especially by apoptosis.
Modeling Catalyst-Free Growth of III-V Nanowires: Empirical and Rigorous Approaches
Authors: Dubrovskii Vladimir G.
Published: April 2023

Catalyst-free growth of III-V and III-nitride nanowires (NWs) by the self-induced nucleation mechanism or selective area growth (SAG) on different substrates, including Si, show great promise for monolithic integration of III-V optoelectronics with Si electronic platform. The morphological design of NW ensembles requires advanced growth modeling, which is much less developed for catalyst-free NWs compared to vapor–liquid–solid (VLS) NWs of the same materials. Herein, we present an empirical approach for modeling simultaneous axial and radial growths of untapered catalyst-free III-V NWs and compare it to the rigorous approach based on the stationary diffusion equations for different populations of group III adatoms. We study in detail the step flow occurring simultaneously on the NW sidewalls and top and derive the general laws governing the evolution of NW length and radius versus the growth parameters. The rigorous approach is reduced to the empirical equations in particular cases. A good correlation of the model with the data on the growth kinetics of SAG GaAs NWs and self-induced GaN NWs obtained by different epitaxy techniques is demonstrated. Overall, the developed theory provides a basis for the growth modeling of catalyst-free NWs and can be further extended to more complex NW morphologies.
Laser-Induced Au Catalyst Generation for Tailored ZnO Nanostructure Growth
Authors: Durbach Sebastien , Schniedermeyer Lars , Marx Anna , Hampp Norbert
Published: April 2023

ZnO nanostructures, semiconductors with attractive optical properties, are typically grown by thermal chemical vapor deposition for optimal growth control. Their growth is well investigated, but commonly results in the entire substrate being covered with identical ZnO nanostructures. At best a limited, binary growth control is achieved with masks or lithographic processes. We demonstrate nanosecond laser-induced Au catalyst generation on Si(100) wafers, resulting in controlled ZnO nanostructure growth. Scanning electron and atomic force microscopy measurements reveal the laser pulse’s influence on the substrate’s and catalyst’s properties, e.g., nanoparticle size and distribution. The laser-induced formation of a thin SiO2-layer on the catalysts plays a key role in the subsequent ZnO growth mechanism. By tuning the irradiation parameters, the width, density, and morphology of ZnO nanostructures, i.e., nanorods, nanowires, and nanobelts, were controlled. Our method allows for maskless ZnO nanostructure designs locally controlled on Si-wafers.
Controlled Growth Cu2S Nanoarrays with High-Performance Photothermal Properties
Authors: Miao Huanran , Wu Yanlong , Zhou Cheng , Yang Zhimao , Kong Chuncai
Published: April 2023

The controlled growth of Cu2S nanoarrays was constructed by a facile two-step impregnation synthesis route. The as-synthesized Cu2S/CuO@Cu samples were precisely characterized in terms of surface morphology, phase, composition, and oxidation states. At the laser irradiation of 808 nm, Cu2S/CuO@Cu heated up to 106 °C from room temperature in 120 s, resulting in an excellent photothermal conversion performance. The Cu2S/CuO@Cu exhibited excellent cycling performance—sustaining the photothermal performance during five heating-cooling cycles. The finite difference time domain (FDTD) simulation of optical absorption and electric field distributions assured the accuracy and reliability of the developed experimental conditions for acquiring the best photothermal performance of Cu2S/CuO@Cu.
A Review of Analytical Techniques for the Determination and Separation of Silver Ions and Its Nanoparticles
Authors: Rievaj Miroslav , Culková Eva , Šandorová Damiána , Durdiak Jaroslav , Bellová Renáta , Tomčík Peter
Published: April 2023

Many articles have already been published dealing with silver ions and its nanoparticles, but mostly from the environmental and toxicological point of view. This article is a review focused on the various analytical techniques and detection platforms used in the separation and determination of mentioned above species, especially on the trace concentration level. Commonly used are optical methods because of their high sensitivity and easy automation. The separation methods are mainly used for the separation and preconcentration of silver particles. Their combination with other analytical techniques, mainly inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) leads to very low detection limits of analysis. The electrochemical methods are also powerful and perspective mainly because of the fabrication of new sensors designed for silver determination. All methods may be combined with each other to achieve a synergistic improvement of analytical parameters with an impact on sensitivity, selectivity and reliability. The paper comprises a review of all three types of analytical methods on the determination of trace quantities of silver ions and its nanoparticles.
Is Autologous Fecal Microbiota Transfer after Exclusive Enteral Nutrition in Pediatric Crohn’s Disease Patients Rational and Feasible? Data from a Feasibility Test
Authors: Hoelz Hannes , Heetmeyer Jeannine , Tsakmaklis Anastasia , Hiergeist Andreas , Siebert Kolja , De Zen Federica , Häcker Deborah , Metwaly Amira , Neuhaus Klaus , Gessner André , Vehreschild Maria J. G. T. , Haller Dirk , Schwerd Tobias
Published: April 2023

Background: Exclusive enteral nutrition (EEN) is a highly effective therapy for remission induction in pediatric Crohn’s disease (CD), but relapse rates after return to a regular diet are high. Autologous fecal microbiota transfer (FMT) using stool collected during EEN-induced clinical remission might represent a novel approach to maintaining the benefits of EEN. Methods: Pediatric CD patients provided fecal material at home, which was shipped at 4 °C to an FMT laboratory for FMT capsule generation and extensive pathogen safety screening. The microbial community composition of samples taken before and after shipment and after encapsulation was characterized using 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing. Results: Seven pediatric patients provided fecal material for nine test runs after at least three weeks of nutritional therapy. FMT capsules were successfully generated in 6/8 deliveries, but stool weight and consistency varied widely. Transport and processing of fecal material into FMT capsules did not fundamentally change microbial composition, but microbial richness was <30 genera in 3/9 samples. Stool safety screening was positive for potential pathogens or drug resistance genes in 8/9 test runs. Conclusions: A high pathogen burden, low-diversity microbiota, and practical deficiencies of EEN-conditioned fecal material might render autologous capsule-FMT an unsuitable approach as maintenance therapy for pediatric CD patients.
Molecular Detection and Associated Risk Factors of Brucella melitensis in Aborted Sheep and Goats in Duhok Province, Iraq
Authors: Ameen Alind M. , Abdulaziz Nadhim S. , Ghaffar Nacheervan M.
Published: April 2023

Brucellosis in sheep and goats has a significant economic and zoonotic impact on the livestock population of Duhok province, Iraq. A total of 681 blood samples from aborted sheep and goats were collected from different flocks in seven districts of Duhok and tested using real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Logistic regression was used for the analysis of the potential risk factors associated with RT-PCR positivity. Results revealed an overall prevalence of 35.45% (CI = 2.57) and 23.8% 18 (CI = 0.44) in sheep and goats, respectively. A statistically significant (p = 0.004) difference in prevalence was found between the two species. RT-PCR detected more positive cases in older-aged animals (OR = 0.7164; p = 0.073). A significant difference was found in RT-PCR positivity in relation to different risk factors, including body condition, treatment taken, and abortion frequency (<0.001). The phylogenetic tree based on the 16S rRNA gene indicated that the isolates belonged to B. melitensis and shared a common ancestor and were genetically related to the United States of America (USA), Greece, China, and Nigeria. This study demonstrates that brucellosis is widely prevalent in the study regions. Therefore, the study suggests the implementation of preventive control measures for brucellosis.
Diversity and Phylogeny of Cattle Ixodid Ticks and Associated Spotted Fever Group Rickettsia spp. in Tunisia
Authors: Kratou Myriam , Belkahia Hanene , Selmi Rachid , Andolsi Rihab , Dhibi Mokhtar , Mhadhbi Moez , Messadi Lilia , Ben Said Mourad
Published: April 2023

Tick-borne rickettsioses are mainly caused by obligate intracellular bacteria belonging to the spotted fever group (SFG) of the Rickettsia genus. So far, the causative agents of SFG rickettsioses have not been detected in cattle ticks from Tunisia. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the diversity and phylogeny of ticks associated with cattle from northern Tunisia and their associated Rickettsia species. Adult ticks (n = 338) were collected from cattle in northern Tunisia. The obtained ticks were identified as Hyalomma excavatum (n = 129), Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato (n = 111), Hyalomma marginatum (n = 84), Hyalomma scupense (n = 12) and Hyalomma rufipes (n = 2). After DNA extraction from the ticks, 83 PCR products based on the mitochondrial 16S rRNA gene were sequenced and a total of four genotypes for Rh. sanguineus s.l., two for Hy. marginatum and Hy. excavatum and only one for Hy. scupense and Hy. rufipes were recorded, with the occurrence of one, two and three novel genotypes, respectively, for Hy. marginatum, Hy. excavatum and Rh. sanguineus s.l. mitochondrial 16S rRNA partial sequences. The tick DNA was tested for the presence of Rickettsia spp. by using PCR measurements and sequencing targeting three different genes (ompB, ompA and gltA). Of the 338 analyzed ticks, 90 (26.6%), including 38 (34.2%) Rh. sanguineus s.l., 26 (20.1%) Hy. excavatum, 25 (29.8%) Hy. marginatum and one (50%) Hy. rufipes tick, were positive for Rickettsia spp. Based on 104 partial sequences of the three analyzed genes, the BLAST analysis and phylogenetic study showed the infection of Hy. excavatum, Hy. marginatum and Rh. sanguineus s.l. tick specimens with R. massiliae, R. aeschlimannii and R. sibirica subsp. mongolitimonae and one Hy. rufipes tick specimen with R. aeschlimannii. In addition, coinfection with R. massiliae and R. aeschlimannii was reported in one Hy. marginatum and one Rh. sanguineus s.l. tick specimen, while a coinfection with R. massiliae and R. sibirica subsp. mongolitimonae was recorded in one Rh. sanguineus s.l. tick specimen. In conclusion, our study reports, for the first time in Tunisia, the infection of cattle ticks belonging to Hyalomma and Rhipicephalus genera with zoonotic Rickettsia species belonging to the SFG group.
Human Borrelia miyamotoi Infection in North America
Authors: Burde Jed , Bloch Evan M. , Kelly Jill R. , Krause Peter J.
Published: April 2023

Borrelia miyamotoi is an emerging pathogen that causes a febrile illness and is transmitted by the same hard-bodied (ixodid) ticks that transmit several other pathogens, including Borrelia species that cause Lyme disease. B. miyamotoi was discovered in 1994 in Ixodes persulcatus ticks in Japan. It was first reported in humans in 2011 in Russia. It has subsequently been reported in North America, Europe, and Asia. B. miyamotoi infection is widespread in Ixodes ticks in the northeastern, northern Midwestern, and far western United States and in Canada. In endemic areas, human B. miyamotoi seroprevalence averages from 1 to 3% of the population, compared with 15 to 20% for B. burgdorferi. The most common clinical manifestations of B. miyamotoi infection are fever, fatigue, headache, chills, myalgia, arthralgia, and nausea. Complications include relapsing fever and rarely, meningoencephalitis. Because clinical manifestations are nonspecific, diagnosis requires laboratory confirmation by PCR or blood smear examination. Antibiotics are effective in clearing infection and are the same as those used for Lyme disease, including doxycycline, tetracycline, erythromycin, penicillin, and ceftriaxone. Preventive measures include avoiding areas where B. miyamotoi-infected ticks are found, landscape management, and personal protective strategies such as protective clothing, use of acaricides, and tick checks with rapid removal of embedded ticks.
Neurotrophin-3 (NT-3) as a Potential Biomarker of the Peripheral Nervous System Damage Following Breast Cancer Treatment
Authors: Tonyan Samvel , Pospelova Maria , Krasnikova Varvara , Fionik Olga , Alekseeva Tatyana , Samochernykh Konstantin , Ivanova Nataliya , Vavilova Tatyana , Vasilieva Elena , Makhanova Albina , Nikolaeva Aleksandra , Bukkieva Tatyana , Combs Stephanie , Shevtsov Maxim
Published: April 2023

Damage to the peripheral nervous system (PNS) is a common complication of breast cancer (BC) treatment, with 60 to 80% of breast cancer survivors experiencing symptoms of PNS damage. In the current study, the levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), galectin-3 (Gal-3), and neurotrophin-3 (NT-3) were measured in the blood serum of BC patients by ELISA as potential biomarkers that might indicate the PNS damage. Sixty-seven patients were enrolled in this multi-center trial and compared to the aged-matched healthy female volunteers (control group) (n = 25). Intergroup comparison of biomarker levels (i.e., Gal-3 and BDNF) did not show significant differences in any of the studied subgroups. However, intriguingly, NT-3 levels were significantly higher in BC patients as compared to healthy volunteers, constituting 14.85 [10.3; 18.0] and 5.74 [4.56; 13.7] pg/mL, respectively (p < 0.001). In conclusion, NT-3 might be employed as a potential biomarker in BC patients with clinical manifestations of PNS damage. However, further studies to validate its correlation to the degree of peripheral nervous system lesions are of high value.
Natural Ingredients to Improve Immunity
Authors: Gasmi Amin , Shanaida Mariia , Oleshchuk Oleksandra , Semenova Yuliya , Mujawdiya Pavan Kumar , Ivankiv Yana , Pokryshko Olena , Noor Sadaf , Piscopo Salva , Adamiv Stepan , Bjørklund Geir
Published: April 2023

The immune system protects the body from infectious agents such as bacteria, viruses, or fungi. Once encountered with pathogens or antigens, the innate and adaptive arms of the immune system trigger a strong immune response to eliminate them from the system and protect the body. Thus, well-balanced immunity is pivotal for maintaining human health, as an insufficient level of immune defense leads to infections and tumors. In contrast, the excessive functioning of the immune system causes the development of autoimmune diseases and allergies. Strong immunity requires adequate nutrition, dietary interventions, and sufficient intake of certain vitamins (vitamin C, vitamin D, and folic acid) and minerals (magnesium, zinc, and selenium). Therefore, nutritional and micronutrient deficiencies lead to compromised immunity. Several natural ingredients have shown potent immunomodulatory properties. The immune-enhancing properties of many plants and fungi are due to containing bioactive phytoconstituents such as polyphenols, terpenoids, β-glucans, vitamins, etc. Probiotics and prebiotics can be used as innovative tools to reduce intestinal inflammation and downregulate hypersensitivity reactions. Plant sources of melatonin, a multifunctional molecule with proven anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties, have been discovered relatively recently. The bioactive compounds augment the immune response by directly increasing the cytotoxic activity of natural killer cells, macrophages, and neutrophils. Many phytoconstituents prevent cell damage due to their powerful antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties. The present review attempts to understand the molecular mechanisms underlying the immune-enhancing properties of some bioactive compounds from plants, fungi, animals, microorganisms, and other natural sources.
Core Structure–Activity Relationship Studies of 5,7,20-O-Trimethylsilybins in Prostate Cancer Cell Models
Authors: Wu Sitong , Chen Guanglin , Chen Eva Y. , Farshidpour Leyla S. , Zhang Qiang , Wang Guangdi , Chen Qiao-Hong
Published: April 2023

Silibinin, also known as silybin, is isolated from milk thistle (Silybum marianum). Silibinin has been demonstrated to be a good lead compound due to its potential to prevent and treat prostate cancer. Its moderate potency and poor pharmacokinetic profile hindered it from moving forward to therapeutic use. Our research group has been working on optimizing silibinin for the potential treatment of castration-resistant prostate cancer. Our previous studies established 5,7,20-O-trimethylsilybins as promising lead compounds as they can selectively suppress androgen receptor (AR)-positive LNCaP cell proliferation. Encouraged by the promising data, the present study aims to investigate the relationships between the core structure of 5,7,20-O-trimethylsilybin and their antiproliferative activities towards AR-positive (LNCaP) and AR-negative prostate cancer cell lines (PC-3 and DU145). The structure–activity relationships among the four different core structures (including flavanonol-type flavonolignan (silibinin), flavone-type flavonolignan (hydnocarpin D), chalcone-type flavonolignan, and taxifolin (a flavonolignan precursor) indicate that 5,7,20-O-trimethylsilybins are the most promising scaffold to selectively suppress AR-positive LNCaP prostate cancer cell proliferation. Further investigation on the antiproliferative potency of their optically enriched versions of the most promising 5,7,20-O-trimethylsilybins led to the conclusion that (10R,11R) derivatives (silybin A series) are more potent than (10S,11S) derivatives (silybin B series) in suppressing AR positive LNCaP cell proliferation.
Comprehensive Two-Dimensional Gas Chromatography as a Bioanalytical Platform for Drug Discovery and Analysis
Authors: Zaid Atiqah , Hassan Norfarizah Hanim , Marriott Philip J. , Wong Yong Foo
Published: April 2023

Over the last decades, comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography (GC×GC) has emerged as a significant separation tool for high-resolution analysis of disease-associated metabolites and pharmaceutically relevant molecules. This review highlights recent advances of GC×GC with different detection modalities for drug discovery and analysis, which ideally improve the screening and identification of disease biomarkers, as well as monitoring of therapeutic responses to treatment in complex biological matrixes. Selected recent GC×GC applications that focus on such biomarkers and metabolite profiling of the effects of drug administration are covered. In particular, the technical overview of recent GC×GC implementation with hyphenation to the key mass spectrometry (MS) technologies that provide the benefit of enhanced separation dimension analysis with MS domain differentiation is discussed. We conclude by highlighting the challenges in GC×GC for drug discovery and development with perspectives on future trends.
Development of Olive Oil Containing Phytosomal Nanocomplex for Improving Skin Delivery of Quercetin: Formulation Design Optimization, In Vitro and Ex Vivo Appraisals
Authors: Hendawy Omnia M. , Al-Sanea Mohammad M. , Elbargisy Rehab Mohammed , Rahman Hidayat Ur , Gomaa Hesham A. M. , Mohamed Ahmed A. B. , Ibrahim Mohamed F. , Kassem Abdulsalam M. , Elmowafy Mohammed
Published: April 2023

The objective of the current work was to fabricate, optimize and assess olive oil/phytosomal nanocarriers to improve quercetin skin delivery. Olive oil/phytosomal nanocarriers, prepared by a solvent evaporation/anti-solvent precipitation technique, were optimized using a Box–Behnken design, and the optimized formulation was appraised for in vitro physicochemical characteristics and stability. The optimized formulation was assessed for skin permeation and histological alterations. The optimized formulation (with an olive oil/PC ratio of 0.166, a QC/PC ratio of 1.95 and a surfactant concentration of 1.6%), and with a particle diameter of 206.7 nm, a zeta potential of −26.3 and an encapsulation efficiency of 85.3%, was selected using a Box–Behnken design. The optimized formulation showed better stability at ambient temperature when compared to refrigerating temperature (4 °C). The optimized formulation showed significantly higher skin permeation of quercetin when compared to an olive-oil/surfactant-free formulation and the control (~1.3-fold and 1.9-fold, respectively). It also showed alteration to skin barriers without remarkable toxicity aspects. Conclusively, this study demonstrated the use of olive oil/phytosomal nanocarriers as potential carriers for quercetin—a natural bioactive agent—to improve its skin delivery.
Depolarization Measurement through a Single-Mode Fiber-Based Endoscope for Full Mueller Endoscopic Polarimetric Imaging
Authors: Buckley Colman , Fabert Marc , Pagnoux Dominique
Published: April 2023

Coupled to endoscopic techniques, Mueller polarimetry has been proven to be promising for early detection of certain diseases which affect biological tissues of inner organs. However, the depolarization power which is one of the most informative polarimetric characteristics cannot be directly measured through a fiber endoscope. For evaluating this quantity, we propose a method based on the Lu–Chipman decomposition of the averaged sum of the Mueller matrices of neighboring pixels. The principle is well supported by numerical simulations. Depolarization powers of Spectralon and of different areas of a biological sample are also successfully evaluated.
Extensible LED-Induced Integrated Fluorescence Detection Module for Quantitative Analysis of Lucigenin Concentration
Authors: Qi Xiaoguang , Hao Xianglong , Zhang Muzi , Jiang Lili , Gao Wenyue , Wu Chi
Published: April 2023

We developed an extensible LED-induced fluorescence detection module with a highly integrated and ultra-compact structure. A target-oriented design methodology was used to demonstrate the module’s optimal design. Lucigenin solution was used as a test sample in evaluation trials to demonstrate the module’s quantitative fluorescence detection capability. Results showed that the integrated module has an outstanding linear response in the range of 0–1 μmol·L−1, with sensitivity and limit of detection (LOD) of 0.1692 V/μmol·L−1 and 0.03 μmol·L−1, respectively. Statistical analyses showed that our integrated module has extremely high repeatability and accuracy, i.e., the values of Pearson’s correlation coefficient and root-mean-square error exceeded 0.9995 and 1.8‰, respectively. More importantly, the integrated module possesses favorable extensibility and can realize on-demand rapid fluorescence-signal detection of other targets using appropriate parameter combinations. This module offers new opportunities for reliable, cost-effective and easy-to-use fluorescence-signal detection, especially in resource-constrained fluorescence detection applications.
Axial Collective Mode of a Dipolar Quantum Droplet
Authors: Blakie Peter Blair
Published: April 2023

In this work, we investigate the ground state properties and collective excitations of a dipolar Bose–Einstein condensate that self-binds into a quantum droplet, stabilized by quantum fluctuations. We demonstrate that a sum rule approach can accurately determine the frequency of the low energy axial excitation, using properties of the droplet obtained from the ground state solutions. This excitation corresponds to an oscillation in the length of the filament-shaped droplet. Additionally, we evaluate the static polarizabilities, which quantify change in the droplet dimensions in response to a change in harmonic confinement.
Hadamard Single-Pixel Imaging Based on Positive Patterns
Authors: Sun Rui , Long Jiale , Ding Yi , Kuang Jiaye , Xi Jiangtao
Published: April 2023

Hadamard single-pixel imaging (SPI) employs the differential measurement strategy to eliminate the effect of negative value of Hadamard basis patterns but leads to doubling the number of measurements. To reduce the number of measurements, a Hadamard SPI method based on positive patterns is proposed. In this method, only the positive patterns are used to acquire measurement values and reconstruct images, so the number of measurements will be reduced by 1/2. Combined with the intensity correlation theory of ghost imaging, the average value of the acquired measures is found; this average value is subtracted from all the measurement values to obtain the spectral coefficients, thus the background noise is eliminated to ensure the imaging quality. Simulation and experimental results show that the proposed method has good noise robustness and can efficiently reconstruct high quality images.
Micropropagation of Endemic Endangered Taxa of the Italian Flora: Adenostyles alpina subsp. macrocephala (Asteraceae), as a Case Study
Authors: Gianguzzi Valeria , Barone Giulio , Di Gristina Emilio , Sottile Francesco , Domina Gianniantonio
Published: April 2023

The conservation of endangered, rare, and endemic plant species is based on in situ and ex situ conservation strategies. When in situ conservation alone is not sufficient to guarantee the survival of the species, ex situ techniques are adopted in support. This study aimed to develop an efficient micropropagation protocol for Adenostyles by evaluating the effect of different plant growth regulators on leaf explants. Adenostyles alpina subsp. macrocephala (Asterace) is a perennial herbaceous plant endemic to Calabria (Southern Italy). The genus Adenostyles includes three species confined to the mountains of the Mediterranean and southern Europe. For callus induction, media supplemented with different concentrations of Benzylaminopurine (BAP) (0.5, 1, 2, and 3 mg L−1), Naphthaleneacetic Acid (NAA) (1 mg L−1), and 2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic Acid (2,4-D) (1 mg L−1) were tested. Shoot regeneration and proliferation were obtained in media supplemented with BAP (1, 2, and 3 mg L−1) and NAA (1 mg L−1). Root induction was obtained in media supplemented with IBA (0.25, 0.50, and 1 mg L−1) and NAA (0.25, 0.50, and 1 mg L−1). Statistically significant differences in callus induction and shoot regeneration were observed between the various media tested. The medium containing Murashige and Skoog (MS) supplemented with 3 mg L−1 of BAP and 1 mg L−1 of NAA showed the highest percentage of callus induction and increased shoot regeneration. The regenerated shoots showed more effective root induction in the hormone-free MS medium and in the presence of Indole-3-Butyric Acid (IBA) at concentrations of 0.25, 0.50, and 1 mg L−1. These results can be used as a basis for the preparation of a micropropagation protocol for different taxa of Adenostyles, as well as other species of Asteraceae specialized to the Mediterranean mountain habitat.
Chlorophylls as Natural Bioactive Compounds Existing in Food By-Products: A Critical Review
Authors: Ebrahimi Peyman , Shokramraji Zahra , Tavakkoli Setareh , Mihaylova Dasha , Lante Anna
Published: April 2023

Chlorophylls are a group of naturally occurring pigments that are responsible for the green color in plants. This pigment group could have numerous health benefits due to its high antioxidant activity, including anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and anti-obesity properties. Many food by-products contain a high level of chlorophyll content. These by-products are discarded and considered environmental pollutants if not used as a source of bioactive compounds. The recovery of chlorophylls from food by-products is an interesting approach for increasing the sustainability of food production. This paper provides insight into the properties of chlorophylls and the effect of different treatments on their stability, and then reviews the latest research on the extraction of chlorophylls from a sustainable perspective.
Fingerprinting of Plum (Prunus domestica) Genotypes in Lithuania Using SSR Markers
Authors: Antanynienė Raminta , Šikšnianienė Jūratė Bronė , Stanys Vidmantas , Frercks Birutė
Published: April 2023

This study’s aim was to evaluate the genetic diversity of European plum (Prunus domestica) cultivars and hybrids in Lithuania using SSR markers. In total, 107 plum genotypes (including 68 European plum cultivars and 39 hybrids) from the genetic resources collection of the Institute of Horticulture of the Lithuanian Research Centre for Agriculture and Forestry (LRCAF IH) were evaluated using nine microsatellite markers (SSRs) previously published and suggested by the European Cooperative Programme for Plant Genetic Resources (ECPGR). Up to six alleles per locus with each primer pair were generated for some genotypes due to the hexaploidy of plums. The number of alleles in each primer ranged from 18 to 30, with an average of 24.33. The highest number of alleles was generated with the PacA33 primer pair (30). The most informative primer, according to the PIC value, was BPPCT007. Sixty-two unique alleles (representing 39.5% of all polymorphic alleles) have been detected in the plum germplasm developed in Lithuania. According to UPGMA cluster analysis, 58 European plum genotypes were separated into eight groups without any relation to fruit color or shape. By genetic diversity (UPGMA) and structure (Bayesian) analysis, European plum hybrids were grouped into clusters according to their pedigree.
Bacterial Nanocellulose from Komagataeibacter Medellinensis in Fique Juice for Activated Carbons Production and Its Application for Supercapacitor Electrodes
Authors: Villarreal-Rueda Juliana , Zapata-Benabithe Zulamita , Posada Laia , Martínez Estefanía , Herrera Sara , López Stiven , Sobrido Ana B. J. , Castro Cristina I.
Published: April 2023

This paper presents the results obtained from the chemical activation of bacterial nanocellulose (BCN) using fique juice as a culture medium. BNC activation (BNCA) was carried out with H3PO4 and KOH at activation temperatures between 500 °C to 800 °C. The materials obtained were characterized morphologically, physicochemically, superficially, and electrochemically, using scanning electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), the physisorption of gases N2 and CO2 at 77 K and 273 K, respectively, cyclic voltammetry, chronopotentiometry, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The samples activated with H3PO4 presented specific surface areas (SBET) around 780 m2 g−1, while those activated with KOH values presented specific surface areas between 680 and 893 m2 g−1. The XPS analysis showed that the PXPS percentage on the surface after H3PO4 activation was 11 wt%. The energy storage capacitance values ranged between 97.5 F g−1 and 220 F g−1 by EIS in 1 M H2SO4. The samples with the best electrochemical performance were activated with KOH at 700 °C and 800 °C, mainly due to the high SBET available and the accessibility of the microporosity. The capacitance of BNCAs was mainly improved by electrostatic effects due to the SBET rather than that of pseudocapacitive ones due to the presence of phosphorus heteroatoms.
Renewable, Degradable, and Recyclable Polymer Composites
Authors: Hejna Aleksander
Published: April 2023

The substantial plastic pollution reaching almost every area of our planet and every aspect of human lives is pushing the polymer sector towards a circular economy, which would significantly limit its environmental impact [...]
Tremella fuciform Polysaccharides: Extraction, Physicochemical, and Emulsion Properties at Different pHs
Authors: Tian Lili , Roos Yrjö H. , Gómez-Mascaraque Laura G. , Lu Xu , Miao Song
Published: April 2023

The chemical composition, macromolecular characteristics, and structure of four types of Tremella fuciform polysaccharides (TPS) were analyzed, including one TPS that was extracted in the laboratory (L-TPS) and three commercial TPS. The effects of pH on the properties of TPS emulsions were investigated by analyzing their zeta potential, particle size, apparent viscosity, and stability. The results showed that L-TPS presented a higher percentage content of protein (2.33%) than commercial TPS (0.73–0.87%), and a lower molecular mass (17.54 × 106 g/mol). Thus, L-TPS exhibited the best emulsifying activity but gave poor emulsion stability. The droplet sizes and apparent viscosity of commercial TPS-stabilized emulsions were larger or higher in acidic environments. At pH 2, the apparent viscosity was the lowest for L-TPS. Commercial TPS emulsions were most stable at pH 6, while the L-TPS-stabilized emulsion was most stable at pH 2. The obtained results revealed that the emulsifying properties of TPS varied and the effects of pH on emulsion characteristics differed, as determined from the molecular mass, macromolecular characteristics, and structure. This research is useful for expanding the application of TPS as a novel food ingredient in emulsions.
Mechanical Properties, Fractal Dimension, and Texture Analysis of Selected 3D-Printed Resins Used in Dentistry That Underwent the Compression Test
Authors: Paradowska-Stolarz Anna , Wieckiewicz Mieszko , Kozakiewicz Marcin , Jurczyszyn Kamil
Published: April 2023

Three-dimensional printing is finding increasing applications in today’s world. Due to the accuracy and the possibility of rapid production, the CAD/CAM (computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing) technology has become the most desired approach in the preparation of elements, especially in medicine and dentistry. This study aimed to compare the biomechanical properties, fractal dimension (FD), and texture of three selected materials used for 3D printing in dentistry. Three biomaterials used in 3D printing were evaluated. The materials were subjected to the compression test. Then, their mechanical features, FD, and texture were analyzed. All the tested materials showed different values for the studied properties. The only statistically insignificant difference was observed for the force used in the compression test. All three materials showed differences in width and height measurements. The difference in the decrease between the compression plates was also significant. For Dental LT Clear, the mean value was 0.098 mm (SD = 0.010), while for BioMed Amber it was 0.059 mm (SD = 0.019), and for IBT it was 0.356 mm (SD = 0.015). The nominal strain also differed between the materials. IBT had the highest mean value (7.98), while BioMed Amber had the smallest (1.31). FD analysis revealed that Dental LT Clear did not show differences in the structure of the material. The other two materials showed significant changes after the compression test. Texture analysis (TA) revealed similar results: BioMed Amber resin showed significantly less pronounced texture changes compared to the other two materials. BioMed Amber also showed the most stable mechanical properties, whereas those of IBT changed the most. Fractal analysis revealed that IBT showed significant differences from the other two materials, whereas TA showed that only Dental LT Clear did not show changes in its texture after the compression test. Before the compression, however, BioMed Amber differed the most when bone index was taken into account.
Experimental Investigation and Thermodynamic Assessment of the Ternary Al–Ni–Er System
Authors: Song Qian , Li Chenbo , Deng Zixuan , Zhang Ligang , Liu Libin
Published: April 2023

Al–Ni–Er is an essential system in heat-resistant Al alloys. However, the aluminum-rich corner of this system, which has the most practical application significance, has not been fully studied. In this work, the phase equilibria of the Al–Ni–Er system are investigated via experiments and thermodynamic modeling. The isothermal sections of the Al-rich corner of this ternary system at 600 and 700 °C were determined through equilibrated alloys combined with scanning electron microscopy (SEM), electron probe microanalysis (EPMA) and X-ray diffractometry (XRD). In addition, the vertical sections of the Al–Ni–Er system at Al0.7Ni0.3–Al0.7Er0.3 and Al0.8Ni0.2–Al0.8Er0.2 were measured via differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analysis. A new ternary compound, τ14-Al12Ni2Er3, was discovered. On the basis of the experimental results of this and previous studies, the ternary Al–Ni–Er system was optimized with the calculation of phase diagrams (CALPHAD) method. The calculated isothermal and vertical section phase diagrams of the ternary system are in good agreement with experimental and literature data.
Modelling and Analysis of Hospital Inventory Policies during COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Rehman Ateekh Ur , Mian Syed Hammad , Usmani Yusuf Siraj , Abidi Mustufa Haider , Mohammed Muneer Khan
Published: April 2023

The global coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19) started in 2020 and is still ongoing today. Among the numerous insights the community has learned from the COVID-19 pandemic is the value of robust healthcare inventory management. The main cause of many casualties around the world is the lack of medical resources for those who need them. To inhibit the spread of COVID-19, it is therefore imperative to simulate the demand for desirable medical goods at the proper time. The estimation of the incidence of infections using the right epidemiological criteria has a significant impact on the number of medical supplies required. Modeling susceptibility, exposure, infection, hospitalization, isolation, and recovery in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic is indeed crucial for the management of healthcare inventories. The goal of this research is to examine the various inventory policies such as reorder point, periodic order, and just-in-time in order to minimize the inventory management cost for medical commodities. To accomplish this, a SEIHIsRS model has been employed to comprehend the dynamics of COVID-19 and determine the hospitalized percentage of infected people. Based on this information, various situations are developed, considering the lockdown, social awareness, etc., and an appropriate inventory policy is recommended to reduce inventory management costs. It is observed that the just-in-time inventory policy is found to be the most cost-effective when there is no lockdown or only a partial lockdown. When there is a complete lockdown, the periodic order policy is the best inventory policy. The periodic order and reorder policies are cost-effective strategies to apply when social awareness is high. It has also been noticed that periodic order and reorder policies are the best inventory strategies for uncertain vaccination efficacy. This effort will assist in developing the best healthcare inventory management strategies to ensure that the right healthcare requirements are available at a minimal cost.
The Non-Uniformity Control Strategy of a Marine High-Speed Diesel Engine Based on Each Cylinder’s Exhaust Temperature
Authors: Xie Liangtao , Sun Sicong , Dong Fei
Published: April 2023

To improve the non-uniformity of a multi-cylinder marine diesel engine caused by manufacturing assembly errors and performance degradation of the fuel injection system, with the instantaneous speed applied as the control target, the feedback variable of each cylinder’s exhaust temperature was used to obtain the non-uniformity information and the injection quantity of each cylinder was applied as the control variable; the inhomogeneity control was accomplished by modifying the injection pulse spectrum. The model of AVL Cruise M was established and validated by bench test data. The non-uniformity control strategy based on the instantaneous speed and the exhaust temperature of each cylinder was developed in SIMULINK, and the control effect was compared with the closed-loop control of cylinder pressure by software in-loop simulation. The results showed that the non-uniformity control strategy based on exhaust temperature could significantly improve the uniformity of each cylinder; although the improvement effect was not as great as the non-uniformity control strategy based on cylinder pressure, the cost was significantly reduced, and the practicality and reliability were better. With the closed-loop control of exhaust temperature and instantaneous speed, the CV (Coefficient of Variation) of IMEP (indicated effective pressure) was close to the closed-loop control of cylinder pressure; the maximum occurred at 25% load when it was 0.199%. This co-simulation provided a theoretical basis for the subsequent hardware-in-the-loop simulation and actual engine tests.