bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Investigation of the Relationship between the 2D and 3D Box-Counting Fractal Properties and Power Law Fractal Properties of Aggregates
Authors: Wang Rui , Singh Abhinandan Kumar , Kolan Subash Reddy , Tsotsas Evangelos
Published: December 2022

The fractal dimension Df has been widely used to describe the structural and morphological characteristics of aggregates. Box-counting (BC) and power law (PL) are the most common methods to calculate the fractal dimension of aggregates. However, the prefactor k, as another important fractal property, has received less attention. Furthermore, there is no relevant research about the BC prefactor (kBC). This work applied a tunable aggregation model to generate a series of three-dimensional aggregates with different input parameters (power law fractal properties: Df,PL and kPL, and the number of primary particles NP). Then, a projection method is applied to obtain the 2D information of the generated aggregates. The fractal properties (kBC and Df,BC) of the generated aggregates are estimated by both, for 2D and 3D BC methods. Next, the relationships between the box-counting fractal properties and power law fractal properties are investigated. Notably, 2D information is easier achieved than 3D data in real processes, especially for aggregates made of nanoparticles. Therefore, correlations between 3D BC and 3D PL fractal properties with 2D BC properties are of potentially high importance and established in the present work. Finally, a comparison of these correlations with a previous one (not considering k) is performed, and comparison results show that the new correlations are more accurate.
Development of a Method for the Engineering of Digital Innovation Using Design Science Research
Authors: Huseynli Murad , Bub Udo , Ogbuachi Michael Chima
Published: December 2022

This paper outlines the path towards a method focusing on a process model for the integrated engineering of Digital Innovation (DI) and Design Science Research (DSR). The use of the DSR methodology allows for achieving both scientific rigor and practical relevance, while integrating the concept of innovation strategies into the proposed method enables a conscious approach to classify different Information Systems (IS) artifacts, and provides a way to create, transfer, and generalize their design. The resulting approach allows for the systematic creation of innovative IS artifacts. On top of that, cumulative DSR knowledge can be systematically built up, facilitating description, comparability, and reuse of the artifacts. We evaluate this newly completed approach in a case study for an automated conversational call center interface leveraging the identification of the caller’s age and gender for dialog optimization, based on machine learning models trained on the SpeechDat spoken-language resource database. Moreover, we validate innovation strategies by analyzing additional innovative projects.
Peppermint-Mediated Green Synthesis of Nano ZrO2 and Its Adsorptive Removal of Cobalt from Water
Authors: Hasan Ibrahem Mohamed Abouzeid , Salah El-Din Hanan , AbdElRaady Ahmed A.
Published: December 2022

Zirconium oxide nanoparticles (ZrO2NPs) were green synthesized for the first time using an aqueous peppermint extract as a precipitating and capping agent. Addition of the extract to Zr4+ solution was followed by calcination of the resulting precipitate at 570 and 700 °C to form ZrO2NPs570 and ZrO2NPs700, respectively. These oxides were characterized using X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, and BET surface area analysis, and used as adsorbents for cobalt ions (Co2+) in water. The effects of pH, initial Co2+ concentration, ZrO2NPs mass, and contact time on adsorption efficiency were studied. Characterization results showed formation of cubic ZrO2 with average crystallite sizes (XRD data) of 6.27 and 7.26 nm for ZrO2NPs570 and ZrO2NPs700, respectively. TEM images of the two oxides exhibited nearly spherical nanoparticles and BET surface area measurements indicated the formation of mesoporous oxides having surface areas of 94.8 and 62.4 m2/g, respectively. The results of the adsorption study confirmed that the synthesized ZrO2NPs can be efficiently used for the adsorption of Co2+ from water. The uptake of Co2+ from the treated solution is favored at pH values higher than its point of zero charge (6.0). In addition, the adsorption of Co2+ by ZrO2 follows a pseudo-second order kinetics (R2 = 1.0) and can be explained by the Langmuir adsorption isotherm (R2 = 0.973).
Evolutionary Potential of Parthenogenesis—Bisexual Lineages within Triploid Apomictic Thelytoky in Cacopsylla ledi (Flor, 1861) (Hemiptera, Psylloidea) in Fennoscandia
Authors: Nokkala Seppo , Kuznetsova Valentina G. , Pietarinen Peppi , Nokkala Christina
Published: December 2022

A widely accepted hypothesis is that parthenogenesis is an evolutionary dead end since it is selectively advantageous in the short term only but results in lowered diversification rates. Triploid apomictic parthenogenesis might represent an exception, as in favorable environments, triploid females are able to produce rare males and diploid females. The aim of the present study was to analyze the modes of reproduction and their evolutionary implications in the parthenogenetic psyllid Cacopsylla ledi (Flor, 1861) from Fennoscandia. The cytogenetic assessment of ploidy levels and the analysis of the COI haplotype revealed two geographically separated bisexual lineages implying genuine bisexual populations. The southern lineage occurring south of latitude 65° N in Finland showed a COI haplotype different from that of parthenogenetic triploids in the same population but identical to the haplotype of specimens in a genuine bisexual population in the Czech Republic. This allows us to suggest that bisexuals in southern Fennoscandia represent the original bisexual C. ledi. By contrast, in the northern bisexual lineage north of latitude 65° N, rare males and diploid females carried the same haplotype as triploids in the same population, having been produced by the triploids. In the Kola Peninsula, a genuine bisexual population of presumably rare male/diploid female origin was discovered. As this population is geographically isolated from populations of the ancestral bisexual C. ledi, it can develop into a new bisexual species through peripatric speciation during evolution. Our findings demonstrate that apomictic triploid parthenogenesis is not necessarily an evolutionary dead end but is able to lead to the emergence of a new bisexual species of parthenogenetic origin.
Corrosion Behavior and Biocompatibility of Hot-Extruded Mg–Zn–Ga–(Y) Biodegradable Alloys
Authors: Bazhenov Viacheslav , Li Anna , Iliasov Artem , Bautin Vasily , Plegunova Sofia , Koltygin Andrey , Komissarov Alexander , Abakumov Maxim , Redko Nikolay , Shin Kwang Seon
Published: December 2022

Fixation screws and other temporary magnesium alloy fixation devices are used in orthopedic practice because of their biodegradability, biocompatibility and acceptable biodegradation rates. The substitution of dissolving implant by tissues during the healing process is one of the main requirements for biodegradable implants. Previously, clinical tests showed the effectiveness of Ga ions on bone tissue regeneration. This work is the first systematic study on the corrosion rate and biocompatibility of Mg–Zn–Ga–(Y) alloys prepared by hot extrusion, where Ga is an additional major alloying element, efficient as a bone-resorption inhibitor. Most investigated alloys have a low corrosion rate in Hanks’ solution close to ~0.2 mm/year. No cytotoxic effects of Mg–2Zn–2Ga (wt.%) alloy on MG63 cells were observed. Thus, considering the high corrosion resistance and good biocompatibility, the Mg–2Zn–2Ga alloy is possible for applications in osteosynthesis implants with improved bone tissue regeneration ability.
Biobanking as a Tool for Genomic Research: From Allele Frequencies to Cross-Ancestry Association Studies
Authors: Lazareva Tatyana E. , Barbitoff Yury A. , Changalidis Anton I. , Tkachenko Alexander A. , Maksiutenko Evgeniia M. , Nasykhova Yulia A. , Glotov Andrey S.
Published: December 2022

In recent years, great advances have been made in the field of collection, storage, and analysis of biological samples. Large collections of samples, biobanks, have been established in many countries. Biobanks typically collect large amounts of biological samples and associated clinical information; the largest collections include over a million samples. In this review, we summarize the main directions in which biobanks aid medical genetics and genomic research, from providing reference allele frequency information to allowing large-scale cross-ancestry meta-analyses. The largest biobanks greatly vary in the size of the collection, and the amount of available phenotype and genotype data. Nevertheless, all of them are extensively used in genomics, providing a rich resource for genome-wide association analysis, genetic epidemiology, and statistical research into the structure, function, and evolution of the human genome. Recently, multiple research efforts were based on trans-biobank data integration, which increases sample size and allows for the identification of robust genetic associations. We provide prominent examples of such data integration and discuss important caveats which have to be taken into account in trans-biobank research.
Application of Augmented Reality to Maxillary Resections: A Three-Dimensional Approach to Maxillofacial Oncologic Surgery
Authors: Ceccariglia Francesco , Cercenelli Laura , Badiali Giovanni , Marcelli Emanuela , Tarsitano Achille
Published: December 2022

In the relevant global context, although virtual reality, augmented reality, and mixed reality have been emerging methodologies for several years, only now have technological and scientific advances made them suitable for revolutionizing clinical care and medical settings through the provision of advanced features and improved healthcare services. Over the past fifteen years, tools and applications using augmented reality (AR) have been designed and tested in the context of various surgical and medical disciplines, including maxillofacial surgery. The purpose of this paper is to show how a marker-less AR guidance system using the Microsoft® HoloLens 2 can be applied in mandible and maxillary demolition surgery to guide maxillary osteotomies. We describe three mandibular and maxillary oncologic resections performed during 2021 using AR support. In these three patients, we applied a marker-less tracking method based on recognition of the patient’s facial profile. The surgeon, using HoloLens 2 smart glasses, could see the virtual surgical planning superimposed on the patient’s anatomy. We showed that performing osteotomies under AR guidance is feasible and viable, as demonstrated by comparison with osteotomies performed using CAD-CAM cutting guides. This technology has advantages and disadvantages. However, further research is needed to improve the stability and robustness of the marker-less tracking method applied to patient face recognition.
Global Spillovers of a Chinese Growth Slowdown
Authors: Ahmed Shaghil , Correa Ricardo , Dias Daniel A. , Gornemann Nils , Hoek Jasper , Jain Anil , Liu Edith , Wong Anna
Published: December 2022

This paper analyzes the potential spillovers of a slowdown in Chinese growth to the United States and the rest of the world. Through a combination of structural VAR and DSGE analyses, we find that (1) spillovers from China to the rest of the world have grown significantly in the past decade; (2) the negative growth spillovers to the United States are more modest than to emerging market economies—particularly for commodity exporters—or other advanced economies, primarily because the latter group has larger direct exposure in trade to China; and (3) although the United States has limited direct financial exposure to China, the negative spillovers to the U.S. economy are amplified significantly if the negative Chinese growth shock leads to adverse global risk sentiment and monetary policy in the United States is constrained in its reaction.
A Bibliometric Analysis of Knowledge Dynamics in Managerial Decision Making
Authors: Bratianu Constantin , Paiuc Dan
Published: December 2022

The purpose of this paper is to present a bibliometric analysis of the literature, focusing on knowledge dynamics in managerial decision making. The motivation of our research is based on the new theory of knowledge fields and knowledge dynamics and its influence on decision making in business and management. The methodology used is based on a bibliometric analysis performed with the specialized software VOSviewer. The analysis graphically presents a series of semantic clusters which show the co-citation distances between different concepts related to the search expressions used like “knowledge dynamics”, “managerial decision”, and “decision making”. As a database, we used the papers published in journals indexed in Web of Science. The outcomes of our analysis are some graphical representations of semantic clusters for the expressions “knowledge dynamics” and “managerial decision making”, and a series of tables with the content analysis of the clusters and some other data concerning publications and authors. The findings demonstrate that there is a consistent link between knowledge dynamics and the managerial decision making process. The contribution of the paper comes from the fact that it is a first bibliometric analysis of the correlations between knowledge dynamics and managerial decision making as reflected in papers indexed in Web of Science. Also, the analysis includes for the first time the topic of entropic knowledge dynamics as reflected in papers indexed in Web of Science.
9,14-Diphenyl-9,9a,10,13,13a,14-hexahydro-9,14:10,13-dimethanobenzo[f]tetraphen-15-one
Authors: Chalmers Brian A. , Cordes David B. , Doig Thomas , Du Yuanyuan , Lebl Tomas , Liu Meiyue , Mealyou Fraser , Rainer Jasmine , Smith Siobhan R. , Walker Ryan , Smellie Iain A.
Published: December 2022

X-ray crystallography has been used to characterise the title compound for the first time, 1H NMR, 13C NMR and IR spectroscopic data has also been updated from earlier reports.
Knowledge-Driven Multi-Objective Optimization for Reconfigurable Manufacturing Systems
Authors: Smedberg Henrik , Barrera-Diaz Carlos Alberto , Nourmohammadi Amir , Bandaru Sunith , Ng Amos H. C.
Published: December 2022

Current market requirements force manufacturing companies to face production changes more often than ever before. Reconfigurable manufacturing systems (RMS) are considered a key enabler in today’s manufacturing industry to cope with such dynamic and volatile markets. The literature confirms that the use of simulation-based multi-objective optimization offers a promising approach that leads to improvements in RMS. However, due to the dynamic behavior of real-world RMS, applying conventional optimization approaches can be very time-consuming, specifically when there is no general knowledge about the quality of solutions. Meanwhile, Pareto-optimal solutions may share some common design principles that can be discovered with data mining and machine learning methods and exploited by the optimization. In this study, the authors investigate a novel knowledge-driven optimization (KDO) approach to speed up the convergence in RMS applications. This approach generates generalized knowledge from previous scenarios, which is then applied to improve the efficiency of the optimization of new scenarios. This study applied the proposed approach to a multi-part flow line RMS that considers scalable capacities while addressing the tasks assignment to workstations and the buffer allocation problems. The results demonstrate how a KDO approach leads to convergence rate improvements in a real-world RMS case.
State-of-the-Art and Future Directions in Organ Regeneration with Mesenchymal Stem Cells and Derived Products during Dynamic Liver Preservation
Authors: De Stefano Nicola , Calleri Alberto , Navarro-Tableros Victor , Rigo Federica , Patrono Damiano , Romagnoli Renato
Published: December 2022

Transplantation is currently the treatment of choice for end-stage liver diseases but is burdened by the shortage of donor organs. Livers from so-called extended-criteria donors represent a valid option to overcome organ shortage, but they are at risk for severe post-operative complications, especially when preserved with conventional static cold storage. Machine perfusion technology reduces ischemia-reperfusion injury and allows viability assessment of these organs, limiting their discard rate and improving short- and long-term outcomes after transplantation. Moreover, by keeping the graft metabolically active, the normothermic preservation technique guarantees a unique platform to administer regenerative therapies ex vivo. With their anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties, mesenchymal stem cells are among the most promising sources of therapies for acute and chronic liver failure, but their routine clinical application is limited by several biosafety concerns. It is emerging that dynamic preservation and stem cell therapy may supplement each other if combined, as machine perfusion can be used to deliver stem cells to highly injured grafts, avoiding potential systemic side effects. The aim of this narrative review is to provide a comprehensive overview on liver preservation techniques and mesenchymal stem cell-based therapies, focusing on their application in liver graft reconditioning.
Simultaneous Carbamazepine and Phosphate Removal from a Moving-Bed Membrane Bioreactor Effluent by the Electrochemical Process: Treatment Optimization by Factorial Design
Authors: Dao Khanh-Chau , Tsai Yung-Pin , Yang Chih-Chi , Chen Ku-Fan
Published: December 2022

Pharmaceutical and personal care products are frequently used in various fields and released into water bodies from the outlets of wastewater treatment plants. These products can harm the environment and human health even at low concentrations. Carbamazepine (CBZ), the most persistent pharmaceutical, has frequently been found in surface waters that bypassed the secondary treatments of conventional activated sludge. In addition, the treatment of phosphate in wastewater by the electrochemical process has recently attracted much attention because of its ability to remove, recover, and prevent environmental problems associated with eutrophication. This study proposes using the electrochemical process as an advanced oxidation process to simultaneously treat CBZ and phosphate from the moving-bed membrane bioreactor effluent. The study includes a long-term survey of CBZ treatment efficiency and common parameters of synthetic wastewater in the moving-bed membrane bioreactor system. Afterward, the electrochemical process is applied as an advanced oxidation process for the simultaneous removal of CBZ and phosphate from the moving-bed membrane bioreactor. Under the investigated conditions, CBZ has proven not to be an inhibitor of microbial activity, as evidenced by the high extent of chemical oxygen demand and nutrient removal. Using a factorial design, the electrochemical process using Pt/Ti as anode and cathode under optimal conditions (reaction time—80 min, bias potential—3 V, and electrode distance—1 cm) resulted in as high as 56.94% CBZ and 95.95% phosphate removal, respectively. The results demonstrated the ability to combine an electrochemical and a moving-bed membrane bioreactor process to simultaneously remove CBZ and phosphate in wastewater.
Gold Nanospikes Formation on Screen-Printed Carbon Electrode through Electrodeposition Method for Non-Enzymatic Electrochemical Sensor
Authors: Anshori Isa , Althof Raih Rona , Rizalputri Lavita Nuraviana , Ariasena Eduardus , Handayani Murni , Pradana Arfat , Akbar Mohammad Rizki , Syamsunarno Mas Rizky Anggun Adipurna , Purwidyantri Agnes , Prabowo Briliant Adhi , Annas Muhammad Sjahrul , Munawar Hasim , Yuliarto Brian
Published: December 2022

In this study, we reported the construction of Gold Nanospike (AuNS) structures on the surface of screen-printed carbon electrode (SPCE) used for non-enzymatic electrochemical detection. This modification was prepared with a one-step electrodeposition method by controlling the electrodeposition parameters, such as applied potential and deposition time, via Constant Potential Amperometry (CPA). Those parameters and precursor solution concentration were varied to investigate the optimum electrodeposition configuration. The results confirmed that AuNS were homogenously deposited and well-dispersed on the working electrode surface of SPCE. The AuNS-modified SPCE was implemented as a non-enzymatic sensor toward dopamine and could enhance the electrocatalytic ability compared with the bare SPCE. Further examination shows that the sensing performance of the AuNS-modified SPCE produced an increase in electrochemical surface area (ECSA) at 17.25 times higher than the bare electrode, a sensitivity of 0.056 µA mM−1 cm−2 with a wide linear range of 0.2–50 µM and a detection limit of 0.33 µM. In addition, AuNS-modified SPCE can selectively detect dopamine among other interfering analytes such as ascorbic acid, urea, and uric acid, which commonly coexist in the body fluid. This work demonstrated that AuNS-modified SPCE is a prospective sensing platform for non-enzymatic dopamine detection.
Dynamic Deformation and Failure Characteristics of Deep Underground Coal Measures Sandstone: The Influence of Accumulated Damage
Authors: Sha Ziheng , Pu Hai , Xu Junce
Published: December 2022

Understanding accumulated damage effects is essential when undertaking deep underground rock engineering, as complex in situ environments and intense engineering disturbances realistically affect the physical and mechanical properties of rocks. Accumulated damage mainly causes the extension of micro-cracks and the sprouting of specific defects in the rocks, altering the microstructural parameters. In this investigation, loading and unloading tests were used to simulate the damage states of the deep underground coal measures sandstone. The accumulated damage factor was formed by combining the P-wave and energy damage variables. The effect of accumulated damage on the bearing capacity and deformation behavior of sandstone was particularly pronounced after experiencing impact loading. The experimental results demonstrate that the accumulated damage factor can depict the initial damage state of sandstone as well as the subsequent dynamic and progressive damage. There is a mutually governing effect between accumulated damage and strain rate. In contrast, accumulated damage significantly extends the range of strain rates, which is fed back into the dynamic uniaxial compressive strength of the sandstone. There is a negative correlation between dynamic fracture energy and accumulated damage, which strongly agrees with the sandstone’s deformation mechanism. The combination of accumulated damage and impact loads can be used to assess the long-term safety of deep underground rock engineering.
Paleo-Tethyan Ocean Evolution and Indosinian Orogenesis in the East Kunlun Orogen, Northern Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Li Ruibao , Pei Xianzhi , Li Zuochen , Pei Lei , Chen Guochao , Liu Zhanqing , Chen Youxin , Liu Chengjun , Wang Meng , Zhang Min
Published: December 2022

The East Kunlun Orogen on the northern margin of the Tethyan orogenic system records a history of Gondwana dispersal and Laurasian accretion. Uncertainties remain regarding the detailed histories of northern branches of the Paleo-Tethys Ocean in East Kunlun Orogen (Buqingshan Ocean). Based on a synthesis of sedimentary, structural, lithological, geochemical, and geochronological data from the East Kunlun Orogen and adjacent regions, this paper discusses the spreading and northward consumption of the Paleo-Tethys Ocean during Late Paleozoic–Early Mesozoic times. The main evolutionary stages are: (1) during Carboniferous to Middle Permian, the Paleo-Tethys Ocean (Buqingshan Ocean) was in an ocean spreading stage, as suggested by the occurrence of Carboniferous MORB-, and OIB-type oceanic units and Carboniferous to Middle Permian Passive continental margin deposits; (2) the Buqingshan Ocean subducted northward beneath the East Kunlun Terrane, leading to the development of a large continental magmatic arc (Burhan Budai arc) and forearc basin between ~270–240 Ma; (3) during the late Middle Triassic to early Late Triassic (ca. 240–230 Ma), the Qiangtang terrane collided with the East Kunlun–Qaidam terranes, leading to the final closure of the Buqingshan Ocean and occurrences of minor collision-type magmatism and potentially inception of the Bayan Har foreland basin; (4) finally, the East Kunlun Orogen evolved into a post-collisional stage and produced major magmatic flare-ups and polymetallic mineral deposits between Late Triassic to Early Jurassic (ca. 230–200 Ma), which is possibly related to asthenospheric mantle upwelling induced by delamination of thickened continental lithosphere and partial melting of the lower crust. In this paper, we propose that the Wilson cycle-like processes controlled the Late Paleozoic–Early Triassic tectonic evolution of East Kunlun, which provides significant implications for the evolution of the Paleo-Tethys Ocean.
VOCs Analysis of Three Different Cultivars of Watermelon (Citrullus lanatus L.) Whole Dietary Fiber
Authors: Maletti Laura , D’Eusanio Veronica , Durante Caterina , Marchetti Andrea , Tassi Lorenzo
Published: December 2022

In this study, the trend of VOCs of dietary fiber samples, coming from three different watermelon cultivars Citrullus lanatus L. (variety Gavina®®, Crimson Sweet, and Asahi Miyako) was investigated. This foodstuff, obtained as a by-product of residual agri-food production, has gained increasing attention because of its many bioactive components and high dietary fiber content. The result is a fibrous material for specific applications in food manufacturing, such as corrector for some functional and technological properties. In this study, a method based on headspace solid-phase microextraction (HS-SPME) coupled with gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) was used to characterize the aromatic profiles of the dried raw materials. Therefore, the VOCs of the samples of the three cultivars were investigated. Experimental results have shown that watermelon fibers generate VOCs, which can be grouped into six common classes of analytes. The different distributions of the identified compounds made it possible to effectively differentiate the three cultivars studied based on their peculiar aroma profiles. In particular, Gavina®® fiber is distinguished by the high content of terpenes, Asahi Miyako by the presence of aldehydes generated as fatty acid metabolites, and Crimson Sweet by the higher content of acetyl esters.
Polarity- and Pressure-Induced Emission from a Benzophenone-Based Luminophore
Authors: Hu Qintao , Zhang Pu , Zhang Yunpeng , Sun Jingwei
Published: December 2022

Since strong polarity usually causes emission quenching, materials with polarity-induced emission (PIE) are rarely reported despite their important applications in polar environments. Herein, an N-phenylcarbazole-substituted benzophenone derivative (BP-3-Cz) with a twisted electron donor–acceptor (D–A) structure is synthesized. The incorporation of heteroatoms into the twisted π-conjugated D–A backbone simultaneously endows BP-3-Cz with obvious polarity- and pressure-induced emission. Spectral analysis, X-ray diffraction, differential scanning calorimetry, and quantum chemical calculation results confirm that BP-3-Cz has special optical features related to the molecular conformation change and excited state turning to planarized intramolecular charge transfer with an increase in polarity or applied pressure. These findings contribute to the understanding of the PIE mechanism and the design of new PIE materials.
Multi-Responsive Sensor Based on Porous Hydrogen-Bonded Organic Frameworks for Selective Sensing of Ions and Dopamine Molecules
Authors: Chen Faqiang , Xu Hui , Cai Youlie , Zhang Wei , Shen Penglei , Zhang Wenhua , Xie Hangqing , Bai Gongxun , Xu Shiqing , Gao Junkuo
Published: December 2022

Hydrogen-bonded organic frameworks (HOFs), as an emerging porous material, have attracted increasing research interest in fluorescence sensing due to their inherent fluorescence emission units with unique physicochemical properties. Herein, based on the organic building block 3,3′,5,5′-tetrakis-(4-carboxyphenyl)-1,1′-biphenyl (H4TCBP), the porous material HOF-TCBP was successfully synthesized using hydrogen bond self-assembly in a DMF solution. The fluorescence properties of the HOF-TCBP solution showed that when the concentration was high, excimers were easily formed, the PL emission was red-shifted, and the fluorescence intensity became weaker. HOF-TCBP showed good sensitivity and selectivity to metal ions Fe3+, Cr3+, and anion Cr2O72−. In addition, HOF-TCBP can serve as a label-free fluorescent sensor material for the sensitive and selective detection of dopamine (DA). HOF-based DA sensing is actually easy, low-cost, simple to operate, and highly selective for many potential interfering substances, and it has been successfully applied to the detection of DA in biological samples with satisfactory recoveries (101.1–104.9%). To our knowledge, this is the first report of HOF materials for efficient detection of the neurotransmitter dopamine in biological fluids. In short, this work widely broadens the application of HOF materials as fluorescent sensors for the sensing of ions and biological disease markers.
Application of Electrospun Water-Soluble Synthetic Polymers for Multifunctional Air Filters and Face Masks
Authors: Grasso Gerardo , Zane Daniela , Foglia Sabrina , Dragone Roberto
Published: December 2022

The worsening of air quality is an urgent human health issue of modern society. The outbreak of COVID-19 has made the improvement of air quality even more imperative, both for the general achievement of major health gains and to reduce the critical factors in the transmission of airborne diseases. Thus, the development of solutions for the filtration of airborne pollutants is pivotal. Electrospinning has gained wide attention as an effective fabrication technique for preparing ultrafine fibers which are specifically tailored for air filtration. Nevertheless, the utilization of harmful organic solvents is the major barrier for the large-scale applicability of electrospinning. The use of water-soluble synthetic polymers has attracted increasing attention as a ‘green’ solution in electrospinning. We reported an overview of the last five years of the scientific literature on the use of water-soluble synthetic polymers for the fabrication of multifunctional air filters layers. Most of recent studies have focused on polyvinyl alcohol (PVA). Various modifications of electrospun polymers have been also described. The use of water-soluble synthetic polymers can contribute to the scalability of electrospinning and pave the way to innovative applications. Further studies will be required to fully harness the potentiality of these ‘greener’ electrospinning processes.
Emerging Roles of NDUFS8 Located in Mitochondrial Complex I in Different Diseases
Authors: Wang Sifan , Kang Yuanbo , Wang Ruifeng , Deng Junqi , Yu Yupei , Yu Jun , Wang Junpu
Published: December 2022

NADH:ubiquinone oxidoreductase core subunit S8 (NDUFS8) is an essential core subunit and component of the iron-sulfur (FeS) fragment of mitochondrial complex I directly involved in the electron transfer process and energy metabolism. Pathogenic variants of the NDUFS8 are relevant to infantile-onset and severe diseases, including Leigh syndrome, cancer, and diabetes mellitus. With over 1000 nuclear genes potentially causing a mitochondrial disorder, the current diagnostic approach requires targeted molecular analysis, guided by a combination of clinical and biochemical features. Currently, there are only several studies on pathogenic variants of the NDUFS8 in Leigh syndrome, and a lack of literature on its precise mechanism in cancer and diabetes mellitus exists. Therefore, NDUFS8-related diseases should be extensively explored and precisely diagnosed at the molecular level with the application of next-generation sequencing technologies. A more distinct comprehension will be needed to shed light on NDUFS8 and its related diseases for further research. In this review, a comprehensive summary of the current knowledge about NDUFS8 structural function, its pathogenic mutations in Leigh syndrome, as well as its underlying roles in cancer and diabetes mellitus is provided, offering potential pathogenesis, progress, and therapeutic target of different diseases. We also put forward some problems and solutions for the following investigations.
Multiscale Spectral Analysis on Lysozyme Aqueous Solutions in the Presence of PolyEthyleneGlycol
Authors: Caccamo Maria Teresa , Magazù Salvatore
Published: December 2022

Infrared spectroscopy measurements were performed on Lysozyme aqueous solutions also in the presence of PolyEthylene Glycol (PEG 400) as a function of an increasing temperature from T = 27 °C to 90 °C, and, successively in sequence, by decreasing temperatures from T = 90 °C to 27 °C. Data were analyzed by evaluating the spectral difference with respect to the initial spectrum collected at 27 °C. This procedure allows to quantitatively evaluate the thermal restraint related to the thermal scan from T = 27 °C to 90 °C, as well as to introduce a spectral resilience concerning the entire increasing and decreasing thermal paths which allow to highlight the bioprotectant effectiveness of low molecular weight PEG. In particular, the main purpose of the present work is to highlight the effects of a thermal treatment on a mixture of Lysozyme/water and of Lysozyme/water/PEG 400 during an increasing temperature scan, and then after a successive decreasing temperature scan, in order to highlight the bioprotectant role of PEG 400. On that score, an evaluation of the spectral distances of the registered spectra as a function of increasing and decreasing temperatures has been performed and analyzed.
Phosphorylation of Thr9 Affects the Folding Landscape of the N-Terminal Segment of Human AGT Enhancing Protein Aggregation of Disease-Causing Mutants
Authors: Neira Jose L. , Naganathan Athi N. , Mesa-Torres Noel , Salido Eduardo , Pey Angel L.
Published: December 2022

The mutations G170R and I244T are the most common disease cause in primary hyperoxaluria type I (PH1). These mutations cause the misfolding of the AGT protein in the minor allele AGT-LM that contains the P11L polymorphism, which may affect the folding of the N-terminal segment (NTT-AGT). The NTT-AGT is phosphorylated at T9, although the role of this event in PH1 is unknown. In this work, phosphorylation of T9 was mimicked by introducing the T9E mutation in the NTT-AGT peptide and the full-length protein. The NTT-AGT conformational landscape was studied by circular dichroism, NMR, and statistical mechanical methods. Functional and stability effects on the full-length AGT protein were characterized by spectroscopic methods. The T9E and P11L mutations together reshaped the conformational landscape of the isolated NTT-AGT peptide by stabilizing ordered conformations. In the context of the full-length AGT protein, the T9E mutation had no effect on the overall AGT function or conformation, but enhanced aggregation of the minor allele (LM) protein and synergized with the mutations G170R and I244T. Our findings indicate that phosphorylation of T9 may affect the conformation of the NTT-AGT and synergize with PH1-causing mutations to promote aggregation in a genotype-specific manner. Phosphorylation should be considered a novel regulatory mechanism in PH1 pathogenesis.
A Review on Gold Nanotriangles: Synthesis, Self-Assembly and Their Applications
Authors: Yu Xiaoxi , Wang Zhengkang , Cui Handan , Wu Xiaofei , Chai Wenjing , Wei Jinjian , Chen Yuqin , Zhang Zhide
Published: December 2022

Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) with interesting optical properties have attracted much attention in recent years. The synthesis and plasmonic properties of AuNPs with a controllable size and shape have been extensively investigated. Among these AuNPs, gold nanotriangles (AuNTs) exhibited unique optical and plasmonic properties due to their special triangular anisotropy. Indeed, AuNTs showed promising applications in optoelectronics, optical sensing, imaging and other fields. However, only few reviews about these applications have been reported. Herein, we comprehensively reviewed the synthesis and self-assembly of AuNTs and their applications in recent years. The preparation protocols of AuNTs are mainly categorized into chemical synthesis, biosynthesis and physical-stimulus-induced synthesis. The comparison between the advantages and disadvantages of various synthetic strategies are discussed. Furthermore, the specific surface modification of AuNTs and their self-assembly into different dimensional nano- or microstructures by various interparticle interactions are introduced. Based on the unique physical properties of AuNTs and their assemblies, the applications towards chemical biology and sensing were developed. Finally, the future development of AuNTs is prospected.
Neuroprotective Properties of Cardoon Leaves Extracts against Neurodevelopmental Deficits in an In Vitro Model of Rett Syndrome Depend on the Extraction Method and Harvest Time
Authors: Spennato Mariachiara , Roggero Ottavia Maria , Varriale Simona , Asaro Fioretta , Cortesi Angelo , Kašpar Jan , Tongiorgi Enrico , Pezzella Cinzia , Gardossi Lucia
Published: December 2022

This study investigates the bioactive properties of different extracts of cardoon leaves in rescuing neuronal development arrest in an in vitro model of Rett syndrome (RTT). Samples were obtained from plants harvested at different maturity stages and extracted with two different methodologies, namely Naviglio® and supercritical carbon dioxide (scCO2). While scCO2 extracts more hydrophobic fractions, the Naviglio® method extracts phenolic compounds and less hydrophobic components. Only the scCO2 cardoon leaves extract obtained from plants harvested in spring induced a significant rescue of neuronal atrophy in RTT neurons, while the scCO2 extract from the autumn harvest stimulated dendrite outgrowth in Wild-Type (WT) neurons. The scCO2 extracts were the richest in squalene, 3ß-taraxerol and lupeol, with concentrations in autumn harvest doubling those in spring harvest. The Naviglio® extract was rich in cynaropicrin and exerted a toxic effect at 20 µM on both WT and RTT neurons. When cynaropicrin, squalene, lupeol and 3ß-taraxerol were tested individually, no positive effect was observed, whereas a significant neurotoxicity of cynaropicrin and lupeol was evident. In conclusion, cardoon leaves extracts with high content of hydrophobic bioactive molecules and low cynaropicrin and lupeol concentrations have pharmacological potential to stimulate neuronal development in RTT and WT neurons in vitro.
Virtual Screening of FDA-Approved Drugs for Enhanced Binding with Mitochondrial Aldehyde Dehydrogenase
Authors: Zhou Boqian , Zhang Yongguang , Jiang Wanyun , Zhang Haiyang
Published: December 2022

Mitochondrial aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH2) is a potential target for the treatment of substance use disorders such as alcohol addiction. Here, we adopted computational methods of molecular dynamics (MD) simulation, docking, and molecular mechanics Poisson–Boltzmann surface area (MM-PBSA) analysis to perform a virtual screening of FDA-approved drugs, hitting potent inhibitors against ALDH2. Using MD-derived conformations as receptors, butenafine (net charge q = +1 e) and olaparib (q = 0) were selected as promising compounds with a low toxicity and a binding strength equal to or stronger than previously reported potent inhibitors of daidzin and CVT-10216. A few negatively charged compounds were also hit from the docking with the Autodock Vina software, while the MM-PBSA analysis yielded positive binding energies (unfavorable binding) for these compounds, mainly owing to electrostatic repulsion in association with a negatively charged receptor (q = −6 e for ALDH2 plus the cofactor NAD+). This revealed a deficiency of the Vina scoring in dealing with strong charge–charge interactions between binding partners, due to its built-in protocol of not using atomic charges for electrostatic interactions. These observations indicated a requirement of further verification using MD and/or MM-PBSA after docking prediction. The identification of key residues for the binding implied that the receptor residues at the bottom and entrance of the substrate-binding hydrophobic tunnel were able to offer additional interactions with different inhibitors such as π-π, π-alkyl, van der Waals contacts, and polar interactions, and that the rational use of these interactions is beneficial to the design of potent inhibitors against ALDH2.
Cannabidiol and Its Combinations with Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs Induce Apoptosis and Inhibit Activation of NF-κB Signaling in Vulvar Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Krajka-Kuźniak Violetta , Papierska Katarzyna , Narożna Maria , Jelińska Anna , Majchrzak-Celińska Aleksandra
Published: December 2022

Vulvar squamous cell carcinoma (VSCC) is a rare malignancy with a relatively good prognosis. However, the prognosis remains poor for elderly patients and those with a significant depth of tumor invasion; thus, novel treatment modalities are needed. The aim of this study was to analyze the impact of cannabidiol (CBD) and its combination with NSAIDs, diclofenac (DIC) and ibuprofen (IBU) on VSCC cells. In this regard, the MTT test was applied for cytotoxicity analysis. Moreover, the influence of CBD, DIC and IBU, as well as their combinations, on apoptosis and cell cycle distribution were analyzed by flow cytometry. The mechanisms of action of the analyzed compounds, including their impact on NF-κB signaling, p53 and COX-2 expression were evaluated using Western blot. This study shows that CBD and its combinations with NSAIDs are cytotoxic to A431 cells, but they also reduce, in a dose-dependent manner, the viability of immortalized keratinocyte HaCaT cells, and human umbilical vein cell line, EA.hy926. Moreover, the compounds and their combinations induced apoptosis, diminished the NF-κB signaling activation and reduced COX-2 expression. We conclude that CBD and its combination with DIC or IBU are promising candidates for the adjuvant treatment of high-risk VSCC patients. However, their impact on non-cancerous cells requires careful evaluation.
Silviridoside: A New Triterpene Glycoside from Silene viridiflora with Promising Antioxidant and Enzyme Inhibitory Potential
Authors: Makhmudova Markhabo M. , Bacher Markus , Zengin Gokhan , Rosenau Thomas , Youssef Fadia S. , Almasri Diena M. , Elhady Sameh S. , Mamadalieva Nilufar Z.
Published: December 2022

A new triterpene glycoside, silviridoside, was isolated from the aerial parts of Silene viridiflora (Caryophyllaceae) using different chromatographic techniques. The structure of silviridoside was comprehensively elucidated as 3-O-β-D-galacturonopyranosyl-quillaic acid 28-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl-(1→2)-[α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1→3)]-β-D-fucopyranosyl ester by one- and two-dimensional nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy and high-resolution mass spectrometry (HR-MS). Silviridoside showed promising antioxidant activity in different antioxidant assays such as 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) (2.32 mg TE/g), 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) (1.24 mg TE/g), cupric-reducing antioxidant capacity (CUPRAC) (9.59 mg TE/g), ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) (5.13 mg TE/g), phosphomolybdenum (PHD) (0.28 mmol TE/g), and metal-chelating (MCA) (6.62 mg EDTA/g) assays. It exhibited a good inhibitory potential on acetylcholinesterase (AChE) (2.52 mg GALAE/g), butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) (7.16 mg GALAE/g), α-amylase (0.19 mmol ACAE/g), α-glucosidase (1.21 mmol ACAE/g), and tyrosinase (38.83 mg KAE/g). An in silico evaluation of the pharmacodynamic, pharmacokinetic, and toxicity properties of silviridoside showed that the new compound exhibited reasonable pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic properties without any mutagenic effect, but slight toxicity. Thus, it could be concluded that silviridoside could act as a promising lead drug for pharmaceutical and nutraceutical developments to combat oxidative stress and various disorders, but a future optimization is necessary.
Proteomic Insights into Cardiac Fibrosis: From Pathophysiological Mechanisms to Therapeutic Opportunities
Authors: Qi Ruiqiang , Lin E. , Song Juan , Wang Yan , Lin Ling
Published: December 2022

Cardiac fibrosis is a common pathophysiologic process in nearly all forms of heart disease which refers to excessive deposition of extracellular matrix proteins by cardiac fibroblasts. Activated fibroblasts are the central cellular effectors in cardiac fibrosis, and fibrotic remodelling can cause several cardiac dysfunctions either by reducing the ejection fraction due to a stiffened myocardial matrix, or by impairing electric conductance. Recently, there is a rising focus on the proteomic studies of cardiac fibrosis for pathogenesis elucidation and potential biomarker mining. This paper summarizes the current knowledge of molecular mechanisms underlying cardiac fibrosis, discusses the potential of imaging and circulating biomarkers available to recognize different phenotypes of this lesion, reviews the currently available and potential future therapies that allow individualized management in reversing progressive fibrosis, as well as the recent progress on proteomic studies of cardiac fibrosis. Proteomic approaches using clinical specimens and animal models can provide the ability to track pathological changes and new insights into the mechanisms underlining cardiac fibrosis. Furthermore, spatial and cell-type resolved quantitative proteomic analysis may also serve as a minimally invasive method for diagnosing cardiac fibrosis and allowing for the initiation of prophylactic treatment.
Arbutin: Occurrence in Plants, and Its Potential as an Anticancer Agent
Authors: Nahar Lutfun , Al-Groshi Afaf , Kumar Anil , Sarker Satyajit D.
Published: December 2022

Arbutin, a hydroquinone glucoside, has been detected in ca. 50 plant families, especially in the plants of the Asteraceae, Ericaceae, Proteaceae and Rosaceae families. It is one of the most widely used natural skin-whitening agents. In addition to its skin whitening property, arbutin possesses other therapeutically relevant biological properties, e.g., antioxidant, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory, as well as anticancer potential. This review presents, for the first time, a comprehensive overview of the distribution of arbutin in the plant kingdom and critically appraises its therapeutic potential as an anticancer agent based on the literature published until the end of August 2022, accessed via several databases, e.g., Web of Science, Science Direct, Dictionary of Natural Products, PubMed and Google Scholar. The keywords used in the search were arbutin, cancer, anticancer, distribution and hydroquinone. Published outputs suggest that arbutin has potential anticancer properties against bladder, bone, brain, breast, cervix, colon, liver, prostate and skin cancers and a low level of acute or chronic toxicity.