bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Association between Water Fluoride Levels and Low Birth Weight: National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2013–2016
Authors: Arun Aaditya Krishna , Rustveld Luis , Sunny Ajeesh
Published: July 2022

Background: Excessive fluoride consumption affects reproductive and child health. We examined the association between levels of fluoride in drinking water and birth weight, in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2013–2016, after adjusting for known risk factors Low Birth Weight (LBW) including age, smoking, and socio-demographic variables including education, food security, health care access, and health status. Methods: The study included 7147 and 6858 women with complete birth weight and water fluoride data, respectively. Linear regression models evaluated the association between water fluoride and birth weight across racial/ethnic groups. The odds of delivering an LBW infant (<2500 g) compared to an infant weighing ≥ 2500 g, as well as the odds of delivering a Very Low Birth Weight (VLBW, <1500 g) infant compared to an LBW infant were explored in separate logistic regression models. Results: Women with LBW infants were exposed to significantly higher levels of water fluoride compared to those with normal birth weight infants. Our findings suggest a significant association between excess water fluoride exposure (>0.7 ppm) and LBW weight in Hispanic women, independent of established LBW risk factors. In logistic regression models, Hispanic women exposed to increased levels of water fluoride were 1.5 times more likely to give birth to an LBW infant and 3.5 more likely to give birth to a VLBW infant. Conclusion: Taken together, these findings can inform public health education strategies that highlight water fluoride as a potential risk factor during pregnancy in Hispanic women. More research is needed to confirm these findings.
Application of the Motor Abilities Assessment as Part of a Talent Identification System in Tennis Players: A Pilot Study
Authors: Tsao Jung-Piao , Liu Chia-Che , Chang Bi-Fon
Published: July 2022

In this study, we sought to develop a testing system to scientifically identify tennis talent. This testing system will provide helpful information for players who intend to pursue a professional tennis career. The experimental subjects were 18 college students consisting of 10 tennis players (including 4 soft tennis) and 8 basketball players (all males). The subjects were tested on their vertical jump, 60 m shuttle runs, and shoulder joint mobility to identify tennis talent. To statistically analyze the data, an R package was used to conduct a principal component analysis of the athletic performance indicators of the samples, and the samples were further classified via agglomerative hierarchical clustering. This study found that tennis players required more flexibility than basketball players. Regarding the differences between male and female soft tennis players, the unclassified results showed that there was a significant difference in explosive power. However, there was no significant difference in flexibility between genders. The research methods and results of this study can be used as a reference for others to build a system for identifying athletic performance characteristics in the future, and it is expected that the implementation of this system can provide sports coaches with more information for talent selection and improve the accuracy of their judgments, allowing athletes to play to their strengths.
Antibacterial and Cytocompatible: Combining Silver Nitrate with Strontium Acetate Increases the Therapeutic Window
Authors: Parizi Marjan Kheirmand , Doll Katharina , Rahim Muhammad Imran , Mikolai Carina , Winkel Andreas , Stiesch Meike
Published: July 2022

Microbial infection and insufficient tissue formation are considered to be the two main causes of dental implant failure. Novel studies have focused on designing dual-functional strategies to promote antibacterial properties and improve tissue cell response simultaneously. In this study, we investigated the antibacterial properties and cytocompatibility of silver nitrate (AgNO3) and strontium acetate (SrAc) in a mono-culture setup for dental application. Additionally, we defined the therapeutic window between the minimum inhibitory concentration against pathogenic bacteria and maximum cytocompatible dose in the case of combined applications in a co-culture setup. Antibacterial properties were screened using Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans and cell response experiments were performed with osteoblastic cells (MC3T3) and fibroblastic cells (NIH3T3). The osteoinductive behavior was investigated separately on MC3T3 cells using alizarin red staining. A therapeutic window for AgNO3 as well as SrAc applications could be defined in the case of MC3T3 cells while the cytocompatibility of NIH3T3 cells was compromised for all concentrations with an antibacterial effect. However, the combined application of AgNO3/SrAc caused an enhanced antibacterial effect and opened a therapeutic window for both cell lines. Enhanced mineralization rates could be observed in cultures containing SrAc. In conclusion, we were able to demonstrate that adding SrAc to AgNO3 not only intensifies antibacterial properties but also exhibits bone inductive characteristics, thereby offering a promising strategy to combat peri-implantitis and at the same time improve osseointegration in implant therapy.
Leaf Bacteriome in Sugar Beet Shows Differential Response against Beet curly top virus during Resistant and Susceptible Interactions
Authors: Majumdar Rajtilak , Strausbaugh Carl A. , Vincill Eric D. , Eujayl Imad , Galewski Paul J.
Published: July 2022

Beet curly top virus (BCTV) significantly reduces sugar beet yield in semi-arid production areas. Genetic resistance to BCTV is limited; therefore, identification of additional resistance-associated factors is highly desired. Using 16S rRNA sequencing and BCTV resistant (R) genotypes (KDH13, KDH4-9) along with a susceptible (S) genotype (KDH19-17), we investigated leaf bacteriome changes during BCTV post inoculation (pi). At day 6 (~6-week-old plants), Cyanobacteria were predominant (~90%); whereas, at week 4 (~10-week-old plants) Firmicutes (11–66%), Bacteroidetes (17–26%), and Verrucomicrobia (12–29%) were predominant phyla and genotype dependent. Both Bacteroidetes and Verrucomicrobia, increased post infection only in the R lines. The bacterial genera Brevibacillus increased at 6 dpi, and Akkermansia and Bacteroides at 4 wkpi in the R lines. Linear discriminant analysis effect size (LEfSe) identified potential biomarkers in the R vs. S lines. Functional profiling revealed bacterial enrichment associated with the TCA cycle, polyisoprenoid, and L-methionine biosynthesis pathways only in KDH4-9 at 6 dpi. At 4 wkpi, bacteria associated with tryptophan and palmitate biosynthesis in the R lines, and uridine monophosphate, phosphatidyl glycerol, and phospholipid biosynthesis in the S line, were enriched. Future characterization of bacterial genera with antiviral properties will help establish their use as biocontrol agents/biomarkers against BCTV.
Brush-like Polyaniline with Optical and Electroactive Properties at Neutral pH and High Temperature
Authors: Conejo-Dávila Alain Salvador , Casas-Soto Carlos Rafael , Aparicio-Martínez Eider Pedro , Chávez-Flores David , Ramos-Sánchez Víctor Hugo , Dominguez Rocio Berenice , Osuna Velia Carolina , Estrada-Monje Anayansi , Vega-Rios Alejandro , Zaragoza-Contreras Erasto Armando
Published: July 2022

In this research, a brush-like polyaniline (poly(2-acrylamide-2-methyl-1-propanesulfonate)-g-polyaniline)-b-poly(N-vinylcarbazole) (BL PAni) was developed as a strategy to overcome the limited processability and dedoping above pH 4 of conventional polyaniline (PAni). For the BL PAni synthesis, RAFT polymerization (homopolymer), RAFT-mediated surfactant-free emulsion polymerization (block copolymer), and interfacial oxidative polymerization were applied to graft the PAni chains. NMR and FT-IR spectroscopies were performed to confirm the structural elucidation of the reaction pathways, while the thermal properties were analyzed by TGA and DSC. Notably, the BL PAni presents absorption throughout the visible region and up to the near-infrared, showing dedoping resistance at up to 80 °C and at a neutral pH. The absorption range of the BL PAni, block copolymer, and homopolymer were studied by UV–Vis spectroscopy in solid-state and dispersion/solution, highlighting BL PAni and poly(anilinium 2-acrylamide-2-methyl-1-propanesulfonate)-b-poly(N-vinylcarbazole) (PAAMP-b-PVK) due to the π-stacking between the anilinium and carbazole groups. The cyclic voltammetry confirmed the persistence of electroactivity at a pH near 7.
O-Glycosylation Changes in Serum Immunoglobulin G Are Associated with Inflammation Development in Advanced Endometriosis
Authors: Sołkiewicz Katarzyna , Kacperczyk Monika , Krotkiewski Hubert , Jędryka Marcin , Kratz Ewa Maria
Published: July 2022

Endometriosis is a gynecological disease, the pathogenesis of which seems to be directly related to inflammatory processes with an immune basis. Our study aimed to analyze the O-glycosylation of native serum IgG and IgG isolated from sera of women with advanced endometriosis, without endometriosis but with benign gynecological diseases, and from a control group of healthy women, in the context of its utility for differentiation of advanced endometriosis from the other two groups of women studied. For the analysis of serum IgG O-glycosylation and the expression of multi-antennary N-glycans, lectin-ELISA with lectins specific to O-glycans (MPL, VVL, and Jacalin) and highly branched N-glycans (PHA-L) was used. The relative reactivities of isolated serum IgG O-linked glycans with specific lectins as well as the MPL/VVL O-glycosylation ratio were significantly higher in patients with advanced endometriosis and those with other gynecological diseases when compared to the control group of healthy women. We also showed significantly higher expression of PHA-L-reactive multi-antennary N-glycans in isolated IgG in the advanced endometriosis and the non-endometriosis groups in comparison to the control group. Additionally, significantly higher expression of Jacalin-reactive O-glycans in isolated IgG was observed in the non-endometriosis than in the advanced endometriosis group. The results of the ROC curve and cluster analysis additionally confirmed that the lectin-based analysis of isolated serum IgG O-glycosylation and the expression of highly branched N-glycans may help distinguish women with advanced endometriosis from healthy women. Moreover, the analysis of the expression of Jacalin-reactive i-IgG O-glycans may be helpful in differentiation between women with advanced endometriosis and patients with other gynecological diseases with an inflammatory background. In the case of non-endometriosis patients, the observed differences were most probably caused by increased expression of core 3 type O-glycans.
A Fish of Multiple Faces, Which Show Us Enigmatic and Incredible Phenomena in Nature: Biology and Cytogenetics of the Genus Carassius
Authors: Knytl Martin , Forsythe Adrian , Kalous Lukáš
Published: July 2022

Sexual vs. asexual reproduction—unisexual vs. bisexual populations—diploid vs. polyploid biotypes—genetic vs. environmental sex determination: all these natural phenomena are associated with the genus of teleost fish, Carassius. This review places emphasis on two Carassius entities with completely different biological characteristics: one globally widespread and invasive Carassius gibelio, and the other C. carassius with a decreasing trend of natural occurrence. Comprehensive biological and cytogenetic knowledge of both entities, including the physical interactions between them, can help to balance the advantages of highly invasive and disadvantages of threatened species. For example, the benefits of a wide-ranged colonization can lead to the extinction of native species or be compensated by parasitic enemies and lead to equilibrium. This review emphasizes the comprehensive biology and cytogenetic knowledge and the importance of the Carassius genus as one of the most useful experimental vertebrate models for evolutionary biology and genetics. Secondly, the review points out that effective molecular cytogenetics should be used for the identification of various species, ploidy levels, and hybrids. The proposed investigation of these hallmark characteristics in Carassius may be applied in conservation efforts to sustain threatened populations in their native ranges. Furthermore, the review focuses on the consequences of the co-occurrence of native and non-native species and outlines future perspectives of Carassius research.
Autoimmune Diseases: Enzymatic cross Recognition and Hydrolysis of H2B Histone, Myelin Basic Protein, and DNA by IgGs against These Antigens
Authors: Nevinsky Georgy A. , Buneva Valentina N. , Dmitrienok Pavel S.
Published: July 2022

As shown in many studies, one of the earliest statistically significant indicators of the development of many autoimmune diseases (ADs) is the appearance in the blood of antibodies with catalytic activities (abzymes) hydrolyzing different autoantigens. Antibodies-abzymes having different enzymatic activities are a specific and essential feature of some ADs. Most abzymes are harmful to humans. Free histones in the blood are damage-associated proteins, and their administration to animals drives systemic inflammatory and toxic effects. Myelin basic protein (MBP) is the most critical component of the axon myelin-proteolipid sheath. Hydrolysis of MBP by abzymes leads to the disruption of nerve impulses. Here, we analyzed the possible pathways for the formation of unusual antibodies and abzymes that exhibit polyspecificity in recognition during complex formation with partially related antigens and possess the ability to catalyze several different reactions for the first time. Using IgGs of HIV-infected and multiple sclerosis patients against five individual histones (H1–H4), MBP, and DNA, it was first shown that abzymes against each of these antigens effectively recognize and hydrolyze all three antigens: histones, MBP, and DNA. The data obtained indicate that the formation of such polyspecific abzymes, whose single active center can recognize different substrates and catalyze several reactions, can occur in two main ways. They can be antibodies against DNA–protein complex hybrid antigenic determinants containing proteins and nucleic sequences. Their formation may also be associated with the previously described phenomenon of IgG extensive LH half-molecule (containing one L-light and one H-heavy chains) exchange leading to H2L2 molecules containing HL halves with variable fragments recognizing different antigens.
Altered Accumbal Dopamine Terminal Dynamics Following Chronic Heroin Self-Administration
Authors: George Brianna E. , Dawes Monica H. , Peck Emily G. , Jones Sara R.
Published: July 2022

Administration of heroin results in the engagement of multiple brain regions and the rewarding and addictive effects are mediated, at least partially, through activation of the mesolimbic dopamine system. However, less is known about dopamine system function following chronic exposure to heroin. Withdrawal from chronic heroin exposure is likely to drive a state of low dopamine in the nucleus accumbens (NAc), as previously observed during withdrawal from other drug classes. Thus, we aimed to investigate alterations in NAc dopamine terminal function following chronic heroin self-administration to identify a mechanism for dopaminergic adaptations. Adult male Long Evans rats were trained to self-administer heroin (0.05 mg/kg/inf, IV) and then placed on a long access (FR1, 6-h, unlimited inf, 0.05 mg/kg/inf) protocol to induce escalation of intake. Following heroin self-administration, rats had decreased basal extracellular levels of dopamine and blunted dopamine response following a heroin challenge (0.1 mg/kg/inf, IV) in the NAc compared to saline controls. FSCV revealed that heroin-exposed rats exhibited reduced stimulated dopamine release during tonic-like, single-pulse stimulations, but increased phasic-like dopamine release during multi-pulse stimulation trains (5 pulses, 5–100 Hz) in addition to an altered dynamic range of release stimulation intensities when compared to controls. Further, we found that presynaptic D3 autoreceptor and kappa-opioid receptor agonist responsivity were increased following heroin self-administration. These results reveal a marked low dopamine state following heroin exposure and suggest the combination of altered dopamine release dynamics may contribute to increased heroin seeking.
Role of Diet in Stem and Cancer Stem Cells
Authors: Puca Francesca , Fedele Monica , Rasio Debora , Battista Sabrina
Published: July 2022

Diet and lifestyle factors greatly affect health and susceptibility to diseases, including cancer. Stem cells’ functions, including their ability to divide asymmetrically, set the rules for tissue homeostasis, contribute to health maintenance, and represent the entry point of cancer occurrence. Stem cell properties result from the complex integration of intrinsic, extrinsic, and systemic factors. In this context, diet-induced metabolic changes can have a profound impact on stem cell fate determination, lineage specification and differentiation. The purpose of this review is to provide a comprehensive description of the multiple “non-metabolic” effects of diet on stem cell functions, including little-known effects such as those on liquid-liquid phase separation and on non-random chromosome segregation (asymmetric division). A deep understanding of the specific dietetic requirements of normal and cancer stem cells may pave the way for the development of nutrition-based targeted therapeutic approaches to improve regenerative and anticancer therapies.
The Effect of Leptin on the Blood Hormonal Profile (Cortisol, Insulin, Thyroid Hormones) of the Ewe in Acute Inflammation in Two Different Photoperiodical Conditions
Authors: Krawczyńska Agata , Herman Andrzej Przemysław , Antushevich Hanna , Bochenek Joanna , Wojtulewicz Karolina , Zieba Dorota Anna
Published: July 2022

As a day animal with sensitivity to inflammation similar to that of humans, the sheep may highly outperform the rodent model in inflammation studies. Additionally, seasonality makes sheep an interesting model in endocrinology research. Although there are studies concerning inflammation’s influence on leptin secretion and vice versa, a ewe model, with its possible ‘long-day leptin resistance’, is still not examined enough. The present study aimed to examine whether leptin may modulate an acute inflammation influence on plasma hormones in two photoperiodical conditions. The experiment was conducted on 48 ewes divided into four groups (control, lipopolysaccharide (LPS), leptin, LPS + leptin) during short and long days. Blood sampling started 1 hour before and continued 3 h after LPS/saline administration for further hormonal analysis. The results showed that the photoperiod is one of the main factors influencing the basal concentrations of several hormones with higher values of leptin, insulin and thyroid hormones during long days. Additionally, the acute inflammation effect on cortisol, insulin and thyroid hormones was photoperiod-dependent. The endotoxemia may also exert an influence on leptin concentration regardless of season. The effects of leptin alone on hormone blood concentrations are rather limited; however, leptin can modulate the LPS influence on insulin or thyroxine in a photoperiod-dependent way.
Activation of Humoral Immunity during the Pathogenesis of Experimental Chronic Lung Allograft Dysfunction
Authors: Reichert Martin , Atanasova Srebrena , Petri Kathrin , Kampschulte Marian , Kojonazarov Baktybek , Fuchs-Moll Gabriele , Krombach Gabriele A. , Padberg Winfried , Grau Veronika
Published: July 2022

Alloreactive and autoreactive antibodies have been associated with the development of chronic lung allograft dysfunction (CLAD), but their pathogenic role is disputed. Orthotopic left lung transplantation was performed in the Fischer-344 to Lewis rat strain combination followed by the application of ciclosporine for 10 days. Four weeks after transplantation, lipopolysaccharide (LPS) was instilled into the trachea. Lungs were harvested before (postoperative day 28) and after LPS application (postoperative days 29, 33, 40, and 90) for histopathological, immunohistochemical, and Western blot analyses. Recipient serum was collected to investigate circulating antibodies. Lung allografts were more strongly infiltrated by B cells and deposits of immunoglobulin G and M were more prominent in allografts compared to right native lungs or isografts and increased in response to LPS instillation. LPS induced the secretion of autoreactive antibodies into the circulation of allograft and isograft recipients, while alloreactive antibodies were only rarely detected. Infiltration of B cells and accumulation of immunoglobulin, which is observed in allografts treated with LPS but not isografts or native lungs, might contribute to the pathogenesis of experimental CLAD. However, the LPS-induced appearance of circulating autoreactive antibodies does not seem to be related to CLAD, because it is observed in both, isograft and allograft recipients.
Modulation of Primary Cilia by Alvocidib Inhibition of CILK1
Authors: Wang Elena X. , Turner Jacob S. , Brautigan David L. , Fu Zheng
Published: July 2022

The primary cilium provides cell sensory and signaling functions. Cilia structure and function are regulated by ciliogenesis-associated kinase 1 (CILK1). Ciliopathies caused by CILK1 mutations show longer cilia and abnormal Hedgehog signaling. Our study aimed to identify small molecular inhibitors of CILK1 that would enable pharmacological modulation of primary cilia. A previous screen of a chemical library for interactions with protein kinases revealed that Alvocidib has a picomolar binding affinity for CILK1. In this study, we show that Alvocidib potently inhibits CILK1 (IC50 = 20 nM), exhibits selectivity for inhibition of CILK1 over cyclin-dependent kinases 2/4/6 at low nanomolar concentrations, and induces CILK1-dependent cilia elongation. Our results support the use of Alvocidib to potently and selectively inhibit CILK1 to modulate primary cilia.
The Impact of Plant Phytochemicals on the Gut Microbiota of Humans for a Balanced Life
Authors: Santhiravel Sarusha , Bekhit Alaa El-Din A. , Mendis Eresha , Jacobs Joe L. , Dunshea Frank R. , Rajapakse Niranjan , Ponnampalam Eric N.
Published: July 2022

The gastrointestinal tract of humans is a complex microbial ecosystem known as gut microbiota. The microbiota is involved in several critical physiological processes such as digestion, absorption, and related physiological functions and plays a crucial role in determining the host’s health. The habitual consumption of specific dietary components can impact beyond their nutritional benefits, altering gut microbiota diversity and function and could manipulate health. Phytochemicals are non-nutrient biologically active plant components that can modify the composition of gut microflora through selective stimulation of proliferation or inhibition of certain microbial communities in the intestine. Plants secrete these components, and they accumulate in the cell wall and cell sap compartments (body) for their development and survival. These compounds have low bioavailability and long time-retention in the intestine due to their poor absorption, resulting in beneficial impacts on gut microbiota population. Feeding diets containing phytochemicals to humans and animals may offer a path to improve the gut microbiome resulting in improved performance and/or health and wellbeing. This review discusses the effects of phytochemicals on the modulation of the gut microbiota environment and the resultant benefits to humans; however, the effect of phytochemicals on the gut microbiota of animals is also covered, in brief.
Photocatalytic Carbon Dioxide Conversion by Structurally and Materially Modified Titanium Dioxide Nanostructures
Authors: Fawzi Tarek , Rani Sanju , Roy Somnath C. , Lee Hyeonseok
Published: July 2022

TiO2 has aroused considerable attentions as a promising photocatalytic material for decades due to its superior material properties in several fields such as energy and environment. However, the main dilemmas are its wide bandgap (3–3.2 eV), that restricts the light absorption in limited light wavelength region, and the comparatively high charge carrier recombination rate of TiO2, is a hurdle for efficient photocatalytic CO2 conversion. To tackle these problems, lots of researches have been implemented relating to structural and material modification to improve their material, optical, and electrical properties for more efficient photocatalytic CO2 conversion. Recent studies illustrate that crystal facet engineering could broaden the performance of the photocatalysts. As same as for nanostructures which have advantages such as improved light absorption, high surface area, directional charge transport, and efficient charge separation. Moreover, strategies such as doping, junction formation, and hydrogenation have resulted in a promoted photocatalytic performance. Such strategies can markedly change the electronic structure that lies behind the enhancement of the solar spectrum harnessing. In this review, we summarize the works that have been carried out for the enhancement of photocatalytic CO2 conversion by material and structural modification of TiO2 and TiO2-based photocatalytic system. Moreover, we discuss several strategies for synthesis and design of TiO2 photocatalysts for efficient CO2 conversion by nanostructure, structure design of photocatalysts, and material modification.
The AP2/ERF GmERF113 Positively Regulates the Drought Response by Activating GmPR10-1 in Soybean
Authors: Fang Xin , Ma Jia , Guo Fengcai , Qi Dongyue , Zhao Ming , Zhang Chuanzhong , Wang Le , Song Bo , Liu Shanshan , He Shengfu , Liu Yaguang , Wu Junjiang , Xu Pengfei , Zhang Shuzhen
Published: July 2022

Ethylene response factors (ERFs) are involved in biotic and abiotic stress; however, the drought resistance mechanisms of many ERFs in soybeans have not been resolved. Previously, we proved that GmERF113 enhances resistance to the pathogen Phytophthora sojae in soybean. Here, we determined that GmERF113 is induced by 20% PEG-6000. Compared to the wild-type plants, soybean plants overexpressing GmERF113 (GmERF113-OE) displayed increased drought tolerance which was characterized by milder leaf wilting, less water loss from detached leaves, smaller stomatal aperture, lower Malondialdehyde (MDA) content, increased proline accumulation, and higher Superoxide dismutase (SOD) and Peroxidase (POD) activities under drought stress, whereas plants with GmERF113 silenced through RNA interference were the opposite. Chromatin immunoprecipitation and dual effector-reporter assays showed that GmERF113 binds to the GCC-box in the GmPR10-1 promoter, activating GmPR10-1 expression directly. Overexpressing GmPR10-1 improved drought resistance in the composite soybean plants with transgenic hairy roots. RNA-seq analysis revealed that GmERF113 downregulates abscisic acid 8′-hydroxylase 3 (GmABA8’-OH 3) and upregulates various drought-related genes. Overexpressing GmERF113 and GmPR10-1 increased the abscisic acid (ABA) content and reduced the expression of GmABA8’-OH3 in transgenic soybean plants and hairy roots, respectively. These results reveal that the GmERF113-GmPR10-1 pathway improves drought resistance and affects the ABA content in soybean, providing a theoretical basis for the molecular breeding of drought-tolerant soybean.
The Pt(S-pr-thiosal)2 and BCL1 Leukemia Lymphoma: Antitumor Activity In Vitro and In Vivo
Authors: Silconi Zana Besser , Rosic Vesna , Benazic Sasa , Radosavljevic Gordana , Mijajlovic Marina , Pantic Jelena , Ratkovic Zoran R. , Radic Gordana , Arsenijevic Aleksandar , Milovanovic Marija , Arsenijevic Nebojsa , Milovanovic Jelena
Published: July 2022

B cell malignancies are, despite the development of targeted therapy in a certain percentage of the patients still a chronic disease with relapses, requiring multiple lines of therapy. Regimens that include platinum-based drugs provide high response rates in different B cell lymphomas, high-risk chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), and devastating complication of CLL, Richter’s syndrome. The aim of this study was to explore the potential antitumor activity of previously synthetized platinum(IV) complex with alkyl derivatives of thyosalicilc acid, PtCl2(S-pr-thiosal)2, toward murine BCL1 cells and to delineate possible mechanisms of action. The PtCl2(S-pr-thiosal)2 reduced the viability of BCL1 cells in vitro but also reduced the growth of metastases in the leukemia lymphoma model in BALB/c mice. PtCl2(S-pr-thiosal)2 induced apoptosis, inhibited proliferation of BCL1 cells, and induced cell cycle disturbance. Treatment of BCL1 cells with PtCl2(S-pr-thiosal)2 inhibited expression of cyclin D3 and cyclin E and enhanced expression of cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors p16, p21, and p27 resulting in cell cycle arrest in the G1 phase, reduced the percentage of BCL1 cells in the S phase, and decreased expression of Ki-67. PtCl2(S-pr-thiosal)2 treatment reduced expression of phosphorylated STAT3 and downstream-regulated molecules associated with cancer stemness and proliferation, NANOG, cyclin D3, and c-Myc, and expression of phosphorylated NFκB in vitro and in vivo. In conclusion, PtCl2(S-pr-thiosal)2 reduces STAT3 and NFκB phosphorylation resulting in inhibition of BCL1 cell proliferation and the triggering of apoptotic cell death.
Hematites Precipitated in Alkaline Precursors: Comparison of Structural and Textural Properties for Methane Oxidation
Authors: Valášková Marta , Leštinský Pavel , Matějová Lenka , Klemencová Kateřina , Ritz Michal , Schimpf Christian , Motylenko Mykhailo , Rafaja David , Bělík Jakub
Published: July 2022

Hematite (α-Fe2O3) catalysts prepared using the precipitation methods was found to be highly effective, and therefore, it was studied with methane (CH4), showing an excellent stable performance below 500 °C. This study investigates hematite nanoparticles (NPs) obtained by precipitation in water from the precursor of ferric chloride hexahydrate using precipitating agents NaOH or NH4OH at maintained pH 11 and calcined up to 500 °C for the catalytic oxidation of low concentrations of CH4 (5% by volume in air) at 500 °C to compare their structural state in a CH4 reducing environment. The conversion (%) of CH4 values decreasing with time was discussed according to the course of different transformation of goethite and hydrohematites NPs precursors to magnetite and the structural state of the calcined hydrohematites. The phase composition, the size and morphology of nanocrystallites, thermal transformation of precipitates and the specific surface area of the NPs were characterized in detail by X-ray powder diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, infrared spectroscopy, thermal TG/DTA analysis and nitrogen physisorption measurements. The results support the finding that after goethite dehydration, transformation to hydrohematite due to structurally incorporated water and vacancies is different from hydrohematite α-Fe2O3. The surface area SBET of Fe2O3_NH-70 precipitate composed of protohematite was larger by about 53 m2/g in comparison with Fe2O3_Na-70 precipitate composed of goethite. The oxidation of methane was positively influenced by the hydrohematites of the smaller particle size and the largest lattice volume containing structurally incorporated water and vacancies.
Fabrication of Highly Compacted Green Body Using Multi-Sized Al Powder under a Centrifugal Force
Authors: Sariyev Bakytzhan , Aldabergen Abilkhairkhan , Akzhigitov Dulat , Golman Boris , Spitas Christos
Published: July 2022

This study investigates the application of centrifugal force for the compaction of metal powder. Previous studies using the centrifugal force for manufacturing the green bodies were focused on fine powders with narrow particle size distribution or binary mixtures. This study explores the particle packing of multi-sized powder. Aluminum alloy powder with a particle size less than 100 µm and polymer binder were admixed and compacted in the centrifugal casting with ranging magnitudes of centripetal acceleration. Three different centrifugal forces were tested: 700, 1800, and 3700 G. The microstructure of the green bodies was then observed on the SEM micrographs. The obtained green bodies had high packing densities ranging from 62 to 69%. The packing density and median particle size increase at the positions further away from the center of rotation of the centrifuge with an increase of centrifugal force. The effect of centrifugal force on the segregation of particles was investigated through the quasi-binary segregation index. The segregation phenomena was not observed at 700 G, but clear particle segregation was found at higher centrifugal forces. The increase of the centrifugal force resulted in higher segregation with finer particles moving to the inner part of the spinning mold, with a significant change in the size of particles located closer to the center of rotation. Overall, the centrifugal process was found to produce highly compacted green bodies while yielding a segregation effect due to wide particle size distribution.
Perfective Marking in the Breton Tense-Aspect System
Authors: Corre Éric
Published: July 2022

The tense-aspect system of Breton, a continental Celtic language, is largely under-described. This paper has two main goals. First, it gives an overview of the numerous verbal morphosyntactic constructions of Breton, with the aim of evaluating how they carve up the tense-aspect domain. The second goal is to zero in on one particular set of constructions, namely, perfect-like constructions. In particular, it investigates the use of the present perfect in narrative and oral discourse, compared to two other competing constructions, the simple past and the past perfect. In the spirit of de Swart and Le Bruyn’s Time in Translation project, we adopt a parallel corpus-based approach from Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone and its Breton translation. We develop an account of the distinction between these temporal forms, in particular the present and past perfects, drawing on the interaction between rhetorical relations and temporal structure. Results show that in written narrative stretches, the simple past is the norm; however, in dialogues, the present perfect is required in cases of ‘weak’ narration, and if the past situation is somehow felt to be currently relevant, even if the situation refers to an explicit past time. However, the past perfect occurs in narrative stretches within the dialogue, in cases of ‘strong’ narration, especially if the situation described is anaphorically tied to a temporal antecedent.
The Effectiveness of Teaching English-Language Lessons Using Study Strategies by Producing Video Content on Students’ Academic Enthusiasm and Vitality
Authors: Aram Yousef , Sharifi Rahnemo Saeed , Fathi Ayatollah , Rahnemo Majid Sharifi , Aram Farshid
Published: July 2022

This study aimed to identify the effectiveness of English-language teaching using study strategies by producing video content on students’ academic enthusiasm and academic vitality. The present study was a quasi-experimental study with a pre-test and post-test design with a control group. The statistical population of all the 12th high school male students in Hamedan in the academic year 2020–2021 was 7302 students, of whom 30 were randomly selected in multi-stage cluster sampling and randomly divided into two groups of 15 people. To conduct the research, under the same conditions, both pre-test groups were conducted using Academic Enthusiasm Questionnaire, which were used to determine their validity from content validity, and to achieve reliability, Cronbach’s alpha coefficient was used, which was 0.71 and 0.82, respectively. Then, a training package of study strategies was prepared for eight sessions, in which the content validity ratio (CVR) and content validity index (CVI) were determined by experts and was concluded to be between 0.9 and 1; while, during this period, the control group did not receive any intervention. At the end of the training sessions on the experimental group, both groups underwent a post-test under the same conditions and, finally, the data were analyzed using analysis of covariance. After the training sessions on the experimental group, both groups underwent a post-test in the same conditions. The results of the analysis of covariance showed that teaching study strategies increase academic motivation in all components of behavioral enthusiasm, emotional enthusiasm and cognitive enthusiasm as well as students’ vitality in English-language courses. In general, the results of this study showed that the use of these teaching study strategies is effective to increase students’ academic enthusiasm and vitality in English-language lessons.
Forecasting the Post-Pandemic Effects of the SARS-CoV-2 Virus Using the Bullwhip Phenomenon Alongside Use of Nanosensors for Disease Containment and Cure
Authors: Alqahtani Mohammed S. , Abbas Mohamed , Abdulmuqeet Mohammed , Alqahtani Abdullah S. , Alshahrani Mohammad Y. , Alsabaani Abdullah , Ramalingam Murugan
Published: July 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic has the tendency to affect various organizational paradigm alterations, which civilization hasyet to fully comprehend. Personal to professional, individual to corporate, and across most industries, the spectrum of transformations is vast. Economically, the globe has never been more intertwined, and it has never been subjected to such widespread disruption. While many people have felt and acknowledged the pandemic’s short-term repercussions, the resultant paradigm alterations will certainly have long-term consequences with an unknown range and severity. This review paper aims at acknowledging various approaches for the prevention, detection, and diagnosis of the SARS-CoV-2 virus using nanomaterials as a base material. A nanostructure is a material classification based on dimensionality, in proportion to the characteristic diameter and surface area. Nanoparticles, quantum dots, nanowires (NW), carbon nanotubes (CNT), thin films, and nanocomposites are some examples of various dimensions, each acting as a single unit, in terms of transport capacities. Top-down and bottom-up techniques are used to fabricate nanomaterials. The large surface-to-volume ratio of nanomaterials allows one to create extremely sensitive charge or field sensors (electrical sensors, chemical sensors, explosives detection, optical sensors, and gas sensing applications). Nanowires have potential applications in information and communication technologies, low-energy lightning, and medical sensors. Carbon nanotubes have the best environmental stability, electrical characteristics, and surface-to-volume ratio of any nanomaterial, making them ideal for bio-sensing applications. Traditional commercially available techniques have focused on clinical manifestations, as well as molecular and serological detection equipment that can identify the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Scientists are expressing a lot of interest in developing a portable and easy-to-use COVID-19 detection tool. Several unique methodologies and approaches are being investigated as feasible advanced systems capable of meeting the demands. This review article attempts to emphasize the pandemic’s aftereffects, utilising the notion of the bullwhip phenomenon’s short-term and long-term effects, and it specifies the use of nanomaterials and nanosensors for detection, prevention, diagnosis, and therapy in connection to the SARS-CoV-2.
Stability Study of the Irradiated Poly(lactic acid)/Styrene Isoprene Styrene Reinforced with Silica Nanoparticles
Authors: Lupu (Luchian) Ana Maria , Mariş Marius , Zaharescu Traian , Marinescu Virgil Emanuel , Iovu Horia
Published: July 2022

In this paper, the stability improvement of poly(lactic acid) (PLA)/styrene-isoprene block copolymer (SIS) loaded with silica nanoparticles is characterized. The protection efficiency in the material of thermal stability is mainly studied by means of high accurate isothermal and nonisothermal chemiluminescence procedures. The oxidation induction times obtained in the isothermal CL determinations increase from 45 min to 312 min as the polymer is free of silica or the filler loading is about 10%, respectively. The nonisothermal measurements reveal the values of onset oxidation temperatures with about 15% when the concentration of SiO2 particles is enhanced from none to 10%. The curing assay and Charlesby–Pinner representation as well as the modifications that occurred in the FTIR carbonyl band at 1745 cm−1 are appropriate proofs for the delay of oxidation in hybrid samples. The improved efficiency of silica during the accelerated degradation of PLA/SIS 30/n-SiO2 composites is demonstrated by means of the increased values of activation energy in correlation with the augmentation of silica loading. While the pristine material is modified by the addition of 10% silica nanoparticles, the activation energy grows from 55 kJ mol−1 to 74 kJ mol−1 for nonirradiated samples and from 47 kJ mol−1 to 76 kJ mol−1 for γ-processed material at 25 kGy. The stabilizer features are associated with silica nanoparticles due to the protection of fragments generated by the scission of hydrocarbon structure of SIS, the minor component, whose degradation fragments are early converted into hydroperoxides rather than influencing depolymerization in the PLA phase. The reduction of the transmission values concerning the growing reinforcement is evidence of the capacity of SiO2 to minimize the changes in polymers subjected to high energy sterilization. The silica loading of 10 wt% may be considered a proper solution for attaining an extended lifespan under the accelerated degradation caused by the intense transfer of energy, such as radiation processing on the polymer hybrid.
Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of an Al–Mg–Si–Zr Alloy Processed by L-PBF and Subsequent Heat Treatments
Authors: Yang Wonseok , Jung Young-Gil , Kwak Taeyang , Kim Shae K. , Lim Hyunkyu , Kim Do-Hyang
Published: July 2022

The aim of this study was to develop a new Al–Mg–Si–Zr alloy with a high magnesium content to achieve a wide range of mechanical properties using heat treatment and at a lower cost. Additive manufacturing was conducted using a powder bed fusion process with various scan speeds to change the volumetric energy density and establish optimal process conditions. In addition, mechanical properties were evaluated using heat treatment under various conditions. The characterization of the microstructure was conducted by scanning electron microscopy with electron backscatter diffraction and transmission electron microscopy. The mechanical properties were determined by tensile tests. The as-built specimen showed a yield strength of 447.9 ± 3.6 MPa, a tensile strength of 493.4 ± 6.7 MPa, and an elongation of 9.6 ± 1.1%. Moreover, the mechanical properties could be adjusted according to various heat treatment conditions. Specifically, under the HT1 (low-temperature artificial aging) condition, the ultimate tensile strength increased to 503.2 ± 1.1 MPa, and under the HT2 (high-temperature artificial aging) condition, the yield strength increased to 467 ± 1.3 MPa. It was confirmed that the maximum elongation (14.3 ± 0.8%) was exhibited with the HT3 (soft annealing) heat treatment.
Desulfurization of Cu–Fe Alloy Obtained from Copper Slag and the Effect on Form of Copper in Alloy
Authors: Zhang Baojing , Feng Peizhong , Zhang Tingan
Published: July 2022

In order to realize the high-value utilization of copper slag, a process for preparing Cu–Fe alloy through the reduction of copper slag is proposed. The sulfur in the alloy exists in the form of matte inclusions, which is different from sulfur in molten iron. The reaction of CaO with Cu2S is difficult. It is necessary to add a reducing agent to promote desulfurization. To avoid the introduction of other elements, Fe–Mn and CaC2 additions were used as desulfurizers for the desulfurization of Cu–Fe alloy. The thermodynamics of the desulfurization reaction were calculated and the experimental process was studied. It was found that the Gibbs free energy of desulfurization reactions was negative for Fe–Mn and that CaC2 can reduce the sulfur in the alloy to 0.0013% and 0.0079%, respectively. The desulfurization process affected the shape of copper in the alloy. Part of copper in this alloy exists in the form of nano-copper spheres, and the size of the spheres is found to increase after desulfurization. Reducing agents can facilitate the desulfurization process of stable sulfides.
Special Issue: Emerging Dielectric, Piezoelectric, and Ferroelectric Ceramic and Crystalline Materials and Their Applications
Authors: Jankowska-Sumara Irena , Krupska-Klimczak Magdalena
Published: July 2022

Materials Physics: Emerging Dielectric, Piezoelectric, and Ferroelectric Ceramic and Crystalline Materials and their Applications is an open Special Issue of Materials, which aims to publish original and review papers on new scientific and applied research and make great contributions to the identification and understanding of ceramic and crystalline materials which today enable applications that were previously virtually unimaginable [...]
Anti-Corrosion Performance of Migratory Corrosion Inhibitors on Reinforced Concrete Exposed to Varying Degrees of Chloride Erosion
Authors: Sun Congtao , Sun Ming , Liu Junde , Dong Zhenping , Fan Liang , Duan Jizhou
Published: July 2022

This study investigated the anti-corrosion performance of commercial amino alcohol migratory corrosion inhibitors (MCIs) on concrete that underwent varying degrees of chloride erosion. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), potentiodynamic polarization (PD), scanning electron microscopy, and energy dispersive spectroscopy (SEM-EDS) analyses were performed to study the anti-corrosion performance and mechanism of the MCIs on the steel bars. The results indicated that the corrosion resistance of the steel bars in concrete was significantly improved by coating with the MCIs, and the earlier the specimens were coated with the MCIs, the higher the anti-corrosion efficiency. The anti-corrosion efficiency was 55.35% when the MCIs coating was applied before chloride erosion; however, the anti-corrosion efficiency decreased to 3.40% when the MCIs coating was applied after the ninth drying–wetting cycle. The improvement in corrosion resistance of the steel bar in concrete coated with MCIs was due to the protective MCIs-molecule film that formed on the steel bar surfaces, and the oxidative dissolution of iron at the anode was effectively inhibited by the MCIs coating.