bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Effects of Environmental Exposure on Epigenetic Modifications in Allergic Diseases
Authors: Mijač Sandra , Banić Ivana , Genc Ana-Marija , Lipej Marcel , Turkalj Mirjana
Published: January 2024

Allergic diseases are one of the most common chronic conditions and their prevalence is on the rise. Environmental exposure, primarily prenatal and early life influences, affect the risk for the development and specific phenotypes of allergic diseases via epigenetic mechanisms. Exposure to pollutants, microorganisms and parasites, tobacco smoke and certain aspects of diet are known to drive epigenetic changes that are essential for immune regulation (e.g., the shift toward T helper 2-Th2 cell polarization and decrease in regulatory T-cell (Treg) differentiation). DNA methylation and histone modifications can modify immune programming related to either pro-allergic interleukin 4 (IL-4), interleukin 13 (IL-13) or counter-regulatory interferon γ (IFN-γ) production. Differential expression of small non-coding RNAs has also been linked to the risk for allergic diseases and associated with air pollution. Certain exposures and associated epigenetic mechanisms play a role in the susceptibility to allergic conditions and specific clinical manifestations of the disease, while others are thought to have a protective role against the development of allergic diseases, such as maternal and early postnatal microbial diversity, maternal helminth infections and dietary supplementation with polyunsaturated fatty acids and vitamin D. Epigenetic mechanisms are also known to be involved in mediating the response to common treatment in allergic diseases, for example, changes in histone acetylation of proinflammatory genes and in the expression of certain microRNAs are associated with the response to inhaled corticosteroids in asthma. Gaining better insight into the epigenetic regulation of allergic diseases may ultimately lead to significant improvements in the management of these conditions, earlier and more precise diagnostics, optimization of current treatment regimes, and the implementation of novel therapeutic options and prevention strategies in the near future.
BMPD-Assisted Enhancement of Corrosion Resistance of Carbon Steel: Experimental and First-Principle DFTB Insights
Authors: Id El Mouden Omar , Al-Moubaraki Aisha H. , Chafiq Maryam , Bakhouch Mohamed , Batah Ahmed , Bammou Lahcen , Belkhaouda M’hammed , Chaouiki Abdelkarim , Ko Young Gun
Published: January 2024

Green corrosion inhibitors are gaining recognition for their sustainable, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly nature, along with their impressive water solubility and high corrosion inhibition efficiency. They offer a promising solution to combat corrosion issues that plague various industries. However, to harness the full potential of these eco-friendly corrosion inhibitors, a profound understanding of their development and underlying mechanisms is essential. This knowledge is the key to paving the way for the next generation of corrosion protection materials. Herein, a comprehensive study was conducted to understand the adsorption, corrosion inhibition efficiency, and stability of 3-benzoyl-4-hydroxy-2,6-bis(4-methoxyphenyl)-4-phenylcyclohexane-1,1-dicarbonitrile (BMPD). This study investigated the performance of BMPD applied to carbon steel (CS) in 1 M hydrochloric acid (HCl) solution. The corrosion inhibition effect was examined using weight loss, potentiodynamic polarization (PDP), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), and theoretical studies. The surface morphology was also characterized and Tafel polarization analysis shows that BMPD is a mixed inhibitor. The results obtained by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy indicate that the inhibitory effect increases with increasing inhibitor concentration. The adsorption of BMPD on a CS surface obeyed the Langmuir adsorption isotherm. Thermodynamic parameters were calculated and discussed. Furthermore, this study involved a comprehensive computational analysis of the BMPD compound. Using quantum chemical calculations and first-principle simulations, we delved into the structural and electronic properties of BMPD as well as the interfacial adsorption mechanisms between the studied molecule and the iron surface.
1H NMR Serum Metabolomic Change of Trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO) Is Associated with Alcoholic Liver Disease Progression
Authors: Oh Junsang , Kim Jayoung , Lee Sanghak , Park Gyubin , Baritugo Kei-Anne Garcia , Han Ki Jun , Lee Sangheun , Sung Gi-Ho
Published: January 2024

Without early detection and treatment, chronic and excessive alcohol consumption can lead to the development of alcoholic liver disease (ALD). With this in mind, we exploit the recent concept of the liver–gut axis and analyze the serum profile of ALD patients for identification of microbiome-derived metabolites that can be used as diagnostic biomarkers for onset of ALD. 1H-NMR was used to analyze serum metabolites of 38 ALD patients that were grouped according to their Child–Turcotte–Pugh scores (CTP): class A (CTP-A; 19), class B(CTP-B; 10), and class C (CTP-C; 9). A partial least squares-discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) and a variable importance of projection (VIP) score were used to identify significant metabolites. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and correlation heatmap were used to evaluate the predictability of identified metabolites as ALD biomarkers. Among 42 identified metabolites, 6 were significantly correlated to exacerbation of ALD. As ALD progressed in CTP-C, the levels of trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO), malate, tyrosine, and 2-hydroxyisovalerate increased, while isobutyrate and isocitrate decreased. Out of six metabolites, elevated levels of TMAO and its precursors (carnitine, betaine, choline) were associated with severity of ALD. This indicates that TMAO can be used as an effective biomarker for the diagnosis of ALD progression.
Endpoints in NASH Clinical Trials: Are We Blind in One Eye?
Authors: Lonardo Amedeo , Ballestri Stefano , Mantovani Alessandro , Targher Giovanni , Bril Fernando
Published: January 2024

This narrative review aims to illustrate the notion that nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), recently renamed metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), is a systemic metabolic disorder featuring both adverse hepatic and extrahepatic outcomes. In recent years, several NASH trials have failed to identify effective pharmacological treatments and, therefore, lifestyle changes are the cornerstone of therapy for NASH. with this context, we analyze the epidemiological burden of NASH and the possible pathogenetic factors involved. These include genetic factors, insulin resistance, lipotoxicity, immuno-thrombosis, oxidative stress, reprogramming of hepatic metabolism, and hypoxia, all of which eventually culminate in low-grade chronic inflammation and increased risk of fibrosis progression. The possible explanations underlying the failure of NASH trials are also accurately examined. We conclude that the high heterogeneity of NASH, resulting from variable genetic backgrounds, exposure, and responses to different metabolic stresses, susceptibility to hepatocyte lipotoxicity, and differences in repair-response, calls for personalized medicine approaches involving research on noninvasive biomarkers. Future NASH trials should aim at achieving a complete assessment of systemic determinants, modifiers, and correlates of NASH, thus adopting a more holistic and unbiased approach, notably including cardiovascular–kidney–metabolic outcomes, without restricting therapeutic perspectives to histological surrogates of liver-related outcomes alone.
Tetrafluoroboric Acid Digestion for Accurate Determination of Rare Earth Elements in Coal and Fly Ash by ICP-MS Analysis
Authors: Li Zheng-Hua , WoldeGabriel Giday , Marina Oana
Published: January 2024

Coal and coal-related fly ash often contain rare earth elements (REEs) that have the potential to be utilized as valuable mineral resources. Accurately determining the REE content in coal and fly ash is crucial for resource evaluation. The conventional approach involves using hydrofluoric acid (HF) to dissolve silicates and release REEs, which, however, prolongs the digestion process due to the additional step of complexing fluoride ions (F−) with boric acid (H3BO3). Determining the correct amount of H3BO3 for neutralization can be challenging, and in some instances, the binding of fluoride ions with certain lanthanides (Lns) hampers the accurate determination of all 14 naturally occurring rare earth elements in a single digestion batch by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). In this study, we present an alternative method that achieves the accurate determination of all 14 naturally occurring REEs using tetrafluoroboric acid (HBF4) followed by ICP-MS analysis. This approach eliminates the need for an F− complexing step. We tested this method on certified REE reference materials, including NIST 1632e (coal) and NIST 1633c (fly ash), as well as the REE geological reference material USGS AGV-1 (andesite). Our results demonstrated excellent recovery rates (relative standard deviation, RSD < ±10%), with a correlation coefficient (r2) exceeding 0.99. Using this method, we investigated the concentrations of all 14 REEs in coal and fly ash samples collected from various locations in the southwestern USA. This improved digestion technique streamlines the analysis process and enhances the accuracy of REE determination, facilitating a more comprehensive evaluation of REE-rich coal and fly ash deposits for resource exploration.
Exploratory Review on Environmental Aspects of Enhanced Weathering as a Carbon Dioxide Removal Method
Authors: Vandeginste Veerle , Lim Carl , Ji Yukun
Published: January 2024

The accumulation of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere due to fossil fuel burning and deforestation has caused global warming and an increase in extreme weather events. To complement the shift towards clean energy, it is crucial to adopt methods for carbon dioxide removal, known as negative emission technologies. Enhanced weathering is one such approach that involves accelerating the natural process of rock weathering by spreading finely ground rocks over large areas, such as agricultural land or coastal areas. This exploratory review paper provides an overview of the fundamental mechanisms behind enhanced weathering, and outlines the techniques for its implementation. The environmental benefits of enhanced weathering are highlighted, including carbon dioxide removal, and improvement of soil fertility. Furthermore, potential impacts on ecosystems and biodiversity are examined, along with the effects on water, soil and air quality. The paper also considers the risks and challenges associated with large-scale implementation and long-term stability of enhanced weathering. Additionally, the integration of enhanced weathering with Sustainable Development Goals is explored, along with the potential co-benefits and trade-offs with other sustainability objectives. To conclude, this exploratory review paper summarizes the key findings and proposes avenues for further research in this field of enhanced weathering.
The Impact of Weight Bias and Stigma on the 24 h Dietary Recall Process in Adults with Overweight and Obesity: A Pilot Study
Authors: Howes Erica M. , Parker Molly K. , Misyak Sarah A. , DiFeliceantonio Alexandra G. , Davy Brenda M. , Brown Letisha Engracia Cardoso , Hedrick Valisa E.
Published: January 2024

People with overweight and obesity tend to both underreport dietary energy intake and experience weight stigma. This exploratory pilot study aimed to determine the relationship between weight bias and weight stigma and energy intake reporting accuracy. Thirty-nine weight-stable adults with BMI ≥ 25 completed three 24 h dietary recalls; indirect calorimetry to measure resting metabolic rate; a survey measuring weight stigma, psychosocial constructs, and physical activity; and a semi-structured qualitative interview. Multiple linear regression was used to determine if weight bias internalization, weight bias toward others, and experiences of weight stigma were predictive of the accuracy of energy reporting. A thematic analysis was conducted for the qualitative interviews. Weight stigma was reported by 64.1% of the sample. Weight stigma constructs did not predict the accuracy of energy intake reporting. People with obesity underreported by a mean of 477 kcals (p = 0.02). People classified as overweight overreported by a mean of 144 kcals, but this was not significant (p = 0.18). Participants reported a desire to report accurate data despite concerns about reporting socially undesirable foods. Future research should quantify the impact of weight stigma on energy reporting in 24 h recalls using a larger, more diverse sample size and objective measures like doubly labeled water for validation.
Apple Pomace Extract Improves MK-801-Induced Memory Impairment in Mice
Authors: Watanabe Ayako , Shimada Minori , Maeda Hayato , Narumi Tsuyoshi , Ichita Junji , Itoku Koh , Nakajima Akira
Published: January 2024

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disease that involves progressive cognitive decline accompanied by synaptic degeneration and impaired neurotransmission. Recent studies revealed that apple pomace, a waste byproduct of the apple processing industry, has beneficial health properties, but its potential to prevent and treat AD has not been determined. Herein, we examined the effects of apple pomace extract on N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor antagonist MK-801-induced memory impairment in mice. Repeated treatment with apple pomace extract for 7 days reversed the MK-801-induced impairment of associative memory and recognition memory. RNA sequencing revealed that repeated treatment with apple pomace extract altered the gene expression profile in the hippocampus of mice. Real-time PCR showed that apple pomace extract induced upregulation of the mRNA expression for Zfp125 and Gstp1. Furthermore, gene sets related to synapse and neurotransmission were upregulated by apple pomace extract. These findings indicate that apple pomace extract may be useful for the prevention and treatment of AD.
Accurate Diagnosis of Schistosoma mansoni and S. haematobium from Filtered Urine Samples Collected in Tanzania, Africa
Authors: Miller Koreena , Choudry Javeriya , Mahmoud El Shaimaa , Lodh Nilanjan
Published: January 2024

Schistosomiasis is a bloodborne, and waterborne parasitic disease caused by the human Schistosoma species, namely Schistosoma mansoni and S. haematobium. The parasite requires an intermediate snail host, where they grow and develop, along with a human host (definitive). Schistosoma egg detection in feces (S. mansoni) and urine (S. haematobium) are the WHO-recommended confirmatory diagnostic tests. The goal of our research was to determine the efficacy of detecting single or dual Schistosome species from filtered human urine samples collected in Tanzania by amplifying species-specific cell-free repeat DNA fragments via polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and gel electrophoresis. In total, 104 filtered human urine samples were evaluated and collected from individuals residing in the village of Kayenze, Tanzania. All samples were detected with 100% accuracy and no cross-amplification was present. For a single infection of S. mansoni, 22 (21%) of the samples were positive, while 15 (14%) of the samples were negative via PCR. Moreover, for a single infection of S. haematobium, 7 (7%) of the samples were positive, while 15 (14%) of the samples were negative. Dual infections were found in a higher percentage, with 60 (58%) of the samples being positive. Thus, we have justified that PCR is more sensitive and specific by amplifying species-specific cell-free repeat DNA fragments from the same urine sample than WHO-recommended methods of processing stool and urine.
G-Quadruplexes in the Regulation of Viral Gene Expressions and Their Impacts on Controlling Infection
Authors: Zareie Andrew R. , Dabral Prerna , Verma Subhash C.
Published: January 2024

G-quadruplexes (G4s) are noncanonical nucleic acid structures that play significant roles in regulating various biological processes, including replication, transcription, translation, and recombination. Recent studies have identified G4s in the genomes of several viruses, such as herpes viruses, hepatitis viruses, and human coronaviruses. These structures are implicated in regulating viral transcription, replication, and virion production, influencing viral infectivity and pathogenesis. G4-stabilizing ligands, like TMPyP4, PhenDC3, and BRACO19, show potential antiviral properties by targeting and stabilizing G4 structures, inhibiting essential viral life-cycle processes. This review delves into the existing literature on G4’s involvement in viral regulation, emphasizing specific G4-stabilizing ligands. While progress has been made in understanding how these ligands regulate viruses, further research is needed to elucidate the mechanisms through which G4s impact viral processes. More research is necessary to develop G4-stabilizing ligands as novel antiviral agents. The increasing body of literature underscores the importance of G4s in viral biology and the development of innovative therapeutic strategies against viral infections. Despite some ligands’ known regulatory effects on viruses, a deeper comprehension of the multifaceted impact of G4s on viral processes is essential. This review advocates for intensified research to unravel the intricate relationship between G4s and viral processes, paving the way for novel antiviral treatments.
A Preliminary Study on Hepatoprotective, Hypolipidemic and Aortic Morphometric Effects of Omega-3-Rich Fish Oil in Hypercholesterolemic Mice
Authors: Sales Ana Lina C. C. , Primo Maísa G. S. , Mello Neto Renato S. , Mendes Ana Victória S. , Furtado Mariely M. , Rocha Joana Érica L. , Almeida José Otávio C. S. , França José Vinícius S. , Alencar Salmon R. , Brito Ana Karolinne S. , Lopes Luana O. , Rizzo Márcia S. , Lustosa Ana Karina M. F. , Nunes Paulo Humberto M. , Lucarini Massimo , Durazzo Alessandra , Arcanjo Daniel Dias Rufino , Martins Maria do Carmo C.
Published: January 2024

This study aims to evaluate the hepatoprotective, hypolipidemic and aortic morphometric effects of fish oil rich in omega-3 in hypercholesterolemic BALB/c mice. This is an experimental model that included 16 male BALB/c mice (Mus musculus) divided into three groups (G1 (standard commercial chow and 0.9% saline solution), G2 (hypercholesterolemic diet and 0.9% saline solution) and G3 (hypercholesterolemic diet and fish oil)) for 8 weeks. There was no significant difference in the treatment with omega-3-rich fish oil in the lipid profile (p > 0.05). In the histological analysis, group G2 detected the presence of hepatitis and liver tissue necrosis, but this was not observed in group G3. As for the morphometry in the light area of the vessel, the G1 group had a higher score (2.62 ± 0.36 mm2) when compared to G2 (2.10 ± 0.16 mm2) and G3 (2.26 ± 0.25 mm2) (p < 0.05). The vessel wall thickness did not differ between the groups (p > 0.05). It is concluded that supplementation with fish oil rich in omega-3 carried out in this study may have a protective effect on liver tissue, but it has not yet improved the lipid and morphometric profile. Despite this research being preliminary, it is a relevant study with future prospects for improving the doses of EPA and DHA in order to better elucidate the benefits of fish oil in models of dyslipidemia.
Assessing Nasal Epithelial Dynamics: Impact of the Natural Nasal Cycle on Intranasal Spray Deposition
Authors: Seifelnasr Amr , Si Xiuhua , Xi Jinxiang
Published: January 2024

This study investigated the intricate dynamics of intranasal spray deposition within nasal models, considering variations in head orientation and stages of the nasal cycle. Employing controlled delivery conditions, we compared the deposition patterns of saline nasal sprays in models representing congestion (N1), normal (N0), and decongestion (P1, P2) during one nasal cycle. The results highlighted the impact of the nasal cycle on spray distribution, with congestion leading to confined deposition and decongestion allowing for broader dispersion of spray droplets and increased sedimentation towards the posterior turbinate. In particular, the progressive nasal dilation from N1 to P2 decreased the spray deposition in the middle turbinate. The head angle, in conjunction with the nasal cycle, significantly influenced the nasal spray deposition distribution, affecting targeted drug delivery within the nasal cavity. Despite controlled parameters, a notable variance in deposition was observed, emphasizing the complex interplay of gravity, flow shear, nasal cycle, and nasal morphology. The magnitude of variance increased as the head tilt angle increased backward from upright to 22.5° to 45° due to increasing gravity and liquid film destabilization, especially under decongestion conditions (P1, P2). This study’s findings underscore the importance of considering both natural physiological variations and head orientation in optimizing intranasal drug delivery.
The Bi-(AID-1-T) G-Quadruplex Has a Janus Effect on Primary and Recurrent Gliomas: Anti-Proliferation and Pro-Migration
Authors: Pavlova Svetlana , Fab Lika , Savchenko Ekaterina , Ryabova Anastasia , Ryzhova Marina , Revishchin Alexander , Pronin Igor , Usachev Dmitry , Kopylov Alexey , Pavlova Galina
Published: January 2024

High-grade gliomas are considered an incurable disease. Despite all the various therapy options available, patient survival remains low, and the tumor usually returns. Tumor resistance to conventional therapy and stimulation of the migratory activity of surviving cells are the main factors that lead to recurrent tumors. When developing new treatment approaches, the effect is most often evaluated on standard and phenotypically depleted cancer cell lines. Moreover, there is much focus on the anti-proliferative effect of such therapies without considering the possible stimulation of migratory activity. In this paper, we studied how glioma cell migration changes after exposure to bi-(AID-1-T), an anti-proliferative aptamer. We investigated the effect of this aptamer on eight human glioma cell cultures (Grades III and IV) that were derived from patients’ tumor tissue; the difference between primary and recurrent tumors was taken into account. Despite its strong anti-proliferative activity, bi-(AID-1-T) was shown to induce migration of recurrent tumor cells. This result shows the importance of studying the effect of therapeutic molecules on the invasive properties of glioma tumor cells in order to reduce the likelihood of inducing tumor recurrence.
Alpha-Emitting Radionuclides: Current Status and Future Perspectives
Authors: Miederer Matthias , Benešová-Schäfer Martina , Mamat Constantin , Kästner David , Pretze Marc , Michler Enrico , Brogsitter Claudia , Kotzerke Jörg , Kopka Klaus , Scheinberg David A. , McDevitt Michael R.
Published: January 2024

The use of radionuclides for targeted endoradiotherapy is a rapidly growing field in oncology. In particular, the focus on the biological effects of different radiation qualities is an important factor in understanding and implementing new therapies. Together with the combined approach of imaging and therapy, therapeutic nuclear medicine has recently made great progress. A particular area of research is the use of alpha-emitting radionuclides, which have unique physical properties associated with outstanding advantages, e.g., for single tumor cell targeting. Here, recent results and open questions regarding the production of alpha-emitting isotopes as well as their chemical combination with carrier molecules and clinical experience from compassionate use reports and clinical trials are discussed.
Cytocidal Effect of Irradiation on Gastric Cancer Cells Infected with a Recombinant Mammalian Orthoreovirus Expressing a Membrane-Targeted KillerRed
Authors: Shirasaka Yoshinori , Yamada Kentaro , Etoh Tsuyoshi , Noguchi Kazuko , Hasegawa Takumi , Ogawa Katsuhiro , Kobayashi Takeshi , Nishizono Akira , Inomata Masafumi
Published: January 2024

The outcomes of unresectable gastric cancer (GC) are unfavorable even with chemotherapy; therefore, a new treatment modality is required. The combination of an oncolytic virus and photodynamic therapy can be one of the promising modalities to overcome this. Mammalian orthoreovirus (MRV) is an oncolytic virus that has been used in clinical trials for several cancers. In this study, we developed and evaluated a recombinant MRV strain type 3 Dearing (T3D) that expresses membrane-targeting KillerRed (KRmem), a phototoxic fluorescent protein that produces cytotoxic reactive oxygen species upon light irradiation. KRmem was fused in-frame to the 3′ end of the σ2 viral gene in the S2 segment using a 2A peptide linker, enabling the expression of multiple proteins from a single transcript. RNA electrophoresis, Western blotting, and immunofluorescence analyses confirmed functional insertion of KRmem into the recombinant virus. The growth activity of the recombinant virus was comparable to that of the wild-type MRV in a cultured cell line. The recombinant virus infected two GC cell lines (MKN45P and MKN7), and a significant cytocidal effect was observed in MKN45P cells infected with the recombinant virus after light irradiation. Thus, recombinant MRV-expressing KRmem has the potential to serve as a novel treatment tool for GC.
Identification of Antagonistic Action of Pyrrolizidine Alkaloids in Muscarinic Acetylcholine Receptor M1 by Computational Target Prediction Analysis
Authors: Abdalfattah Sara , Knorz Caroline , Ayoobi Akhtar , Omer Ejlal A. , Rosellini Matteo , Riedl Max , Meesters Christian , Efferth Thomas
Published: January 2024

Pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs) are one of the largest distributed classes of toxins in nature. They have a wide range of toxicity, such as hepatotoxicity, pulmonary toxicity, neuronal toxicity, and carcinogenesis. Yet, biological targets responsible for these effects are not well addressed. Using methods of computational biology for target identification, we tested more than 200 PAs. We used a machine-learning approach that applies structural similarity for target identification, ChemMapper, and SwissTargetPrediction. The predicted targets with high probabilities were muscarinic acetylcholine receptor M1. The predicted interactions between these two targets and PAs were further studied by molecular docking-based binding energies using AutoDock and VinaLC, which revealed good binding affinities. The PAs are bound to the same binding pocket as pirenzepine, a known M1 antagonist. These results were confirmed by in vitro assays showing that PAs increased the levels of intracellular calcium. We conclude that PAs are potential acetylcholine receptor M1 antagonists. This elucidates for the first time the serious neuro-oncological toxicities exerted by PA consumption.
Shifting from Ammonium to Phosphonium Salts: A Promising Strategy to Develop Next-Generation Weapons against Biofilms
Authors: Alfei Silvana
Published: January 2024

Since they are difficult and sometimes impossible to treat, infections sustained by multidrug-resistant (MDR) pathogens, emerging especially in nosocomial environments, are an increasing global public health concern, translating into high mortality and healthcare costs. In addition to having acquired intrinsic abilities to resist available antibiotic treatments, MDR bacteria can transmit genetic material encoding for resistance to non-mutated bacteria, thus strongly decreasing the number of available effective antibiotics. Moreover, several pathogens develop resistance by forming biofilms (BFs), a safe and antibiotic-resistant home for microorganisms. BFs are made of well-organized bacterial communities, encased and protected in a self-produced extracellular polymeric matrix, which impedes antibiotics’ ability to reach bacteria, thus causing them to lose efficacy. By adhering to living or abiotic surfaces in healthcare settings, especially in intensive care units where immunocompromised older patients with several comorbidities are hospitalized BFs cause the onset of difficult-to-eradicate infections. In this context, recent studies have demonstrated that quaternary ammonium compounds (QACs), acting as membrane disruptors and initially with a low tendency to develop resistance, have demonstrated anti-BF potentialities. However, a paucity of innovation in this space has driven the emergence of QAC resistance. More recently, quaternary phosphonium salts (QPSs), including tri-phenyl alkyl phosphonium derivatives, achievable by easy one-step reactions and well known as intermediates of the Wittig reaction, have shown promising anti-BF effects in vitro. Here, after an overview of pathogen resistance, BFs, and QACs, we have reviewed the QPSs developed and assayed to this end, so far. Finally, the synthetic strategies used to prepare QPSs have also been provided and discussed to spur the synthesis of novel compounds of this class. We think that the extension of the knowledge about these materials by this review could be a successful approach to finding effective weapons for treating chronic infections and device-associated diseases sustained by BF-producing MDR bacteria.
Flexible Coatings Facilitate pH-Targeted Drug Release via Self-Unfolding Foils: Applications for Oral Drug Delivery
Authors: Milián-Guimerá Carmen , De Vittorio Laura , McCabe Reece , Göncü Nuray , Krishnan Samvrta , Thamdrup Lasse Højlund Eklund , Boisen Anja , Ghavami Mahdi
Published: January 2024

Ingestible self-configurable proximity-enabling devices have been developed as a non-invasive platform to improve the bioavailability of drug compounds via swellable or self-unfolding devices. Self-unfolding foils support unidirectional drug release in close proximity to the intestinal epithelium, the main drug absorption site following oral administration. The foils are loaded with a solid-state formulation containing the active pharmaceutical ingredient and then coated and rolled into enteric capsules. The coated lid must remain intact to ensure drug protection in the rolled state until targeted release in the small intestine after capsule disintegration. Despite promising results in previous studies, the deposition of an enteric top coating that remains intact after rolling is still challenging. In this study, we compare different mixtures of enteric polymers and a plasticizer, PEG 6000, as potential coating materials. We evaluate mechanical properties as well as drug protection and targeted release in gastric and intestinal media, respectively. Commercially available Eudragit® FL30D-55 appears to be the most suitable material due to its high strain at failure and integrity after capsule fitting. In vitro studies of coated foils in gastric and intestinal media confirm successful pH-triggered drug release. This indicates the potential advantage of the selected material in the development of self-unfolding foils for oral drug delivery.
Functionalization of Osteoplastic Material with Human Placental Growth Factor and Assessment of Biocompatibility of the Resulting Material In Vitro
Authors: Aleynik Diana Ya , Bokov Andrey E. , Charykova Irina N. , Rubtsova Yulia P. , Linkova Daria D. , Farafontova Ekaterina A. , Egorikhina Marfa N.
Published: January 2024

This article provides the results of a study of the interaction of placental growth factor with adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) of various origins, as well as the possibility of generating osteoplastic material based on xenogeneic matrix functionalization with human placental growth factor (PLGF). It is demonstrated that the greatest release of this factor from the functionalized material into the medium occurs during the first 3 h of contact with the model medium, but then the levels of the factor being released fall sharply, although release did continue throughout the 7 days of observation. The modified material was not cytotoxic, and its surface provided good cell adhesion. During 3 days of cultivation, the ASCs proliferated and migrated more actively on the surfaces of the modified material than on the surfaces of the control material. This study can serve as the basis for the development of original methods to functionalize such osteoplastic material by increasing PLGF immobilization by creating stronger bonds in order to regulate both factor dosage and the dynamics of the factor release into the environment. Further studies in experimental animals should facilitate assessment of the effectiveness of the functionalized materials. Such studies will be useful in the development of osteoplastic materials with new properties resulting from the inclusion of growth factors and in research on their biological activity.
Physiological and Biochemical Mechanisms of Wood Vinegar-Induced Stress Response against Tomato Fusarium Wilt Disease
Authors: Zhou Hongyin , Fu Kejian , Shen Yan , Li Runhe , Su Youbo , Deng Yishu , Xia Yunsheng , Zhang Naiming
Published: January 2024

Wood vinegar, a by-product of charcoal biomass pyrolysis, has been used as a biofungicide in plant disease management because of its antimicrobial properties. However, the physiological and biochemical mechanisms through which wood vinegar alleviates biotic stress are poorly understood. In this study, pot experiments were conducted to investigate the resistance and regulation mechanism of wood vinegar prepared from different raw materials (ZM) and from a single raw material (SM) in controlling tomato (Solanum lycopersicum “Bonny Best”) Fusarium wilt at different concentrations (0.3%, 0.6%, 0.9%, 1.2%, and 1.5%). The results showed that ZM and SM had significant control effects on tomato fusarium wilt under different concentrations in the same growth cycle. Under biotic stress, the two kinds of wood vinegar significantly increased the plant height, stem diameter, leaf area and yield of tomato under the concentration of 0.3%, 0.6%, 0.9% and 1.2%, and significantly reduced the content of malondialdehyde (MDA) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) in tomato leaves. The effect of 0.9% treatment was the most significant, ZM and SM significantly increased tomato yield by 122% and 74%, respectively, compared with CK under 0.9% treatment. However, the plant height, stem diameter and leaf area of tomato were significantly reduced under 1.5% treatment, but the content of soluble sugar, soluble protein and vitamin C in tomato fruit was the best. Compared with CK, ZM significantly increased by 14%, 193% and 67%, respectively, and SM significantly increased by 28%, 300% and 159%, respectively. Except for 0.3% treatment, both significantly increased the activities of catalase (CAT), peroxidase (POD) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) in tomato leaves. The response intensity of two kinds of wood vinegar—physiological and biochemical—to tomato disease resistance, growth and development, showed ZM > SM. The disease index of tomato showed highly significant negative correlation with plant height, stem thickness, leaf area and antioxidant physiology CAT, and highly significant positive correlation with MDA and H2O2 content. In conclusion, ZM was more effective than SM in enhancing tomato disease resistance by promoting tomato growth and development, decreasing leaf MDA and H2O2 content, and inducing antioxidant enzyme activity in leaves at moderate concentrations.
Dynamic Evolution of Aquaculture along the Bohai Sea Coastline and Implications for Eco-Coastal Vegetation Restoration Based on Remote Sensing
Authors: Wang Zhaohua , Liu Kai
Published: January 2024

The expansion and intensification of coastal aquaculture around the Bohai Sea in China has reduced the tidal flats and damaged the coastal vegetation environment. However, there are few studies on the relationship between the evolution of coastal aquaculture and the variability of coastal vegetation, which limits our understanding of the impact of human activities on the coastal ecosystem. In this study, based on remote sensing technology, we firstly used a combination of a neural network classifier and manual correction to monitor the long-term dynamic changes in aquaculture in the Bohai Sea from 1984 to 2022. We then analyzed its evolution, as well as the relationship between the evolution of coastal aquaculture and the variability of coastal vegetation, in detail. Our study had three main conclusions. Firstly, the aquaculture along the coast of the Bohai Sea showed an expanding trend from 1984 to 2022, with an increase of 538%. Secondly, the spatiotemporal changes in the aquaculture centroids in different provinces and cities varied. The centroid of aquaculture in Liaoning Province was mainly distributed in the Liaodong Peninsula, and moved northwest; that in Hebei Province was distributed in the northeast and moved with no apparent pattern; the centroid of aquaculture in Tianjin was mainly distributed in the southeast and moved westward; and the centroid of aquaculture in Shandong Province was mainly distributed in the northwest and moved in a northwesterly direction. Finally, the expansion of aquaculture of the Bohai Sea has increased the regional NDVI and length of the corresponding coastline, and has made coastlines move toward the sea. Our results provide reliable data support and reference for ecologically managing aquaculture and coastal environmental protection in the Bohai Sea.
Seed Priming by Low-Dose Radiation Improves Growth of Lactuca sativa and Valerianella locusta
Authors: Sorrentino Maria Cristina , Granata Angelo , Cantalupo Martina , Manti Lorenzo , Pugliese Mariagabriella , Giordano Simonetta , Capozzi Fiore , Spagnuolo Valeria
Published: January 2024

Valerian salad and lettuce are edible species that are easy to grow rapidly, and have traits useful for commercial purposes. The consumption of these species is increasing worldwide for their nutritional properties. Seed germination and seedling development are critical stages in the life cycle of plants. Seed priming, including the use of high-energy radiation, is a set of techniques based on the idea that low stress levels stimulate plant responses, thereby improving seed germination and plant growth. In this study, we evaluated in hydroponic culture (i) the germination performance; (ii) morphological traits; and (iii) antioxidant and phenol contents at different endpoints in Lactuca sativa and Valerianella locusta that were developed from seeds exposed to X-rays (1 Gy and 10 Gy doses). Under radiation, biomass production increased in both species, especially in lettuce, where also a reduction in the mean germination time occurred. Radiation increased the level of phenols during the first growth weeks, under both doses for lettuce, and only 1 Gy was required for valerian salad. The species-specific responses observed in this research suggest that the use of radiations in seed priming needs to be customized to the species.
Application of ZnO NPs, SiO2 NPs and Date Pollen Extract as Partial Substitutes to Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potassium Fertilizers for Sweet Basil Production
Authors: El-Mahrouk El-Sayed Mohamed , Atef Ekramy Abdel Moatamed , Gabr Mohamed Kadry , Aly Mahmoud Ahmed , Głowacka Aleksandra , Ahmed Mohamed A. A.
Published: January 2024

The reduction in mineral fertilizer usage is crucial to the production of medicinal and aromatic products for safety and health purposes. Presently, nanotechnology and the utilization of natural extracts have been extensively studied due to their significant contribution. Ocimum basilicum is commonly employed for various medicinal and aromatic applications. Therefore, randomized complete block design field experiments containing 10 treatments were conducted during the 2021 and 2022 seasons to investigate the effect of nanoparticles (NPs) of ZnO (1.5 and 2.0 g/L) and SiO2 (100 and 150 mg/L) and date palm pollen extract (DPPE) at 10 and 20 g/L either alone or in combination with the ¾ or ½ NPK recommended dose (RD). The NPK RD was served as a control treatment on basil plant production in each season. The effectiveness of ZnO NPs, SiO2 NPs, and DPPE for the decrease in NPK utilization was evaluated. Meanwhile, the most effective treatment for vegetative traits (except for plant height), essential oil %, and yield was ½ NPK RD + 20 g/L DPPE + 2.0 g/L ZnO NPs. Such a treatment increased the branch number/plant, main stem diameter, relevant chlorophyll content, fresh weight/plant, dry weight/plant, essential oil %, and essential oil yield/plant by 21.00 and 9.94%, 58.70 and 40.00%, 20.69 and 15.83%, 68.83 and 58.28%, 48.70 and 56.16%, 45.71 and 35.53%, and 113.22 and 110.32% over the control in the two seasons, respectively. For total phenol and antioxidant activity, the most effective treatments were the ¾ NPK +1.5 g/L ZnO NPs and ½ NPK +2.0 g/L ZnO NPs, respectively. Simultaneously, essential oil composition (with their compound numbers identified (11–29 for control and ¾ NPK RD + 1.5 g/L ZnO NPs)) and the percentage of total compounds, monoterpene hydrocarbons, sesquiterpene hydrocarbons, and oxygenated hydrocarbons were varied among the used applications. The major observed compounds (>8%) estragole, methyl eugenol, linalool, cineole, and caryophyllene were found in different treatments. Thus, the findings of this study indicate the favorable utilization of ZnO NPs, SiO2 NPs, and DPPE in reducing the application of NPK, which may present a novel strategy and beneficial approach.
Preparation and Modification of Collagen/Sodium Alginate-Based Biomedical Materials and Their Characteristics
Authors: Sun Leilei , Shen Yanyan , Li Mingbo , Wang Qiuting , Li Ruimin , Gong Shunmin
Published: January 2024

(1) Background: Collagen and sodium alginate are commonly used in the field of biomedical materials due to their excellent biocompatibility. This study focuses on the preparation, modification, and characterization of collagen/sodium alginate (C/SA)-based biomedical materials. (2) Methods: The characteristics, including surface chemistry, mechanical properties, hygroscopicity, and porosity, were analyzed. The hemostatic activity in vitro was measured using a blood clotting assay and dynamic blood clotting assay. (3) Results: The results from microstructure and porosity measurement revealed that all of the sponges exhibited a porosity of more than 95 percent. The sponge cross-linked with 1-ethyl-3-(3-dimethylaminopropyl) carbodiimide/N-hydroxysuccinimide (EDC/NHS) showed better tensile strength and lower elongation at break. The sponges cross-linked with EDC/NHS and oxidized sodium alginate (OSA) exhibited the highest hygroscopicity in comparison with the uncross-linked sponge. (4) Conclusions: Our study demonstrated that the C/SA-based material we prepared exhibited a high level of porosity, enabling efficient absorption of tissue exudate and blood. Additionally, the materials revealed excellent hemocompatibility, making them suitable for use as a hemostatic dressing in the field of biomedical materials.
Optimization of Carbon Sequestration and Carbon Displacement in Fractured Horizontal Wells in Low Permeability Reservoirs
Authors: Wang Xiaochen , Wang Peijun , Tang Kang , Dong Peng , Cui Can , Yang Zepeng , Sun Zhenwei
Published: January 2024

The increasing use of fossil fuels has raised concerns about rising greenhouse gas emissions. Carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) is one of the most important technologies for achieving net zero carbon emissions. In oil reservoirs, fully understanding their geological characteristics, fluid characteristics, and pressure distribution and injecting CO2 in a reasonable scheme, some remaining oil can be recovered to improve oil recovery and even obtain certain economic benefits. In this paper, we investigate the effect of CCUS implementation in low-permeability reservoirs from both technical and economic aspects. First, based on the parameters of a low-permeability reservoir, a numerical simulation model of a reservoir with gas injection in a multi-stage fractured horizontal well at the top of the reservoir and oil recovery in a multi-stage fractured horizontal well at the bottom is established. Next, four cases of continuous CO2 injection, intermittent CO2 injection, CO2 injection after water flooding, and water alternating gas drive (WAG) are designed to evaluate their effects on CO2 storage and enhanced oil recovery. Finally, an economic evaluation model is developed to evaluate these four cases. The results show that fractured horizontal wells can improve the injection capacity, increase the swept volume of injected gas, cause CO2 to fully contact the crude oil, greatly increase the contact area between the wellbore and crude oil, and greatly improve oil recovery. The WAG injection-production method can effectively inhibit gas channeling, reduce the production gas–oil ratio, improve oil recovery, and, at the same time, bury more CO2 into the reservoir. Its economic benefit evaluation is also the best among the four cases. In addition, the remaining oil distribution and CO2 buried distribution under different injection-production schemes are also analyzed. This study provides a scientific basis for the operation scheme design of CCUS in low-permeability reservoirs.
Humanism and History as Ethics of Institutions: A Reflection on Linda Woodhead, Truth, and Institutions
Authors: Warne Nathaniel A.
Published: January 2024

This paper builds on Linda Woodhead’s discussion of institutions and truth-telling and suggests how we might make progress towards more ethical institutions. Much of the literature on the ethics of institutions focuses on institutions like banks, churches, hospitals, universities, or even political entities. This is also Woodhead’s focus. But another understanding of institutions is something akin to “an established law, practice, or custom”; namely, a tradition. How these two senses of institutions might relate and inform each other regarding justice and facilitating truth-telling is largely ignored. Drawing out this distinction helps reposition ourselves with regard to the starting point of the ethics of institutions and provides a backdoor into our understanding of formal institutions. Taking this as my starting point along with Woodhead’s discussion of truth and institutions, in this paper, I explore this backdoor further. I do this by drawing on the work of Edward Said and showing that the ethics of institutions is the realm of the humanist, but more specifically, the historian.
End-to-End Detail-Enhanced Dehazing Network for Remote Sensing Images
Authors: Dong Weida , Wang Chunyan , Sun Hao , Teng Yunjie , Liu Huan , Zhang Yue , Zhang Kailin , Li Xiaoyan , Xu Xiping
Published: January 2024

Space probes are always obstructed by floating objects in the atmosphere (clouds, haze, rain, etc.) during imaging, resulting in the loss of a significant amount of detailed information in remote sensing images and severely reducing the quality of the remote sensing images. To address the problem of detailed information loss in remote sensing images, we propose an end-to-end detail enhancement network to directly remove haze in remote sensing images, restore detailed information of the image, and improve the quality of the image. In order to enhance the detailed information of the image, we designed a multi-scale detail enhancement unit and a stepped attention detail enhancement unit, respectively. The former extracts multi-scale information from images, integrates global and local information, and constrains the haze to enhance the image details. The latter uses the attention mechanism to adaptively process the uneven haze distribution in remote sensing images from three dimensions: deep, middle and shallow. It focuses on effective information such as haze and high frequency to further enhance the detailed information of the image. In addition, we embed the designed parallel normalization module in the network to further improve the dehazing performance and robustness of the network. Experimental results on the SateHaze1k and HRSD datasets demonstrate that our method effectively handles remote sensing images obscured by various levels of haze, restores the detailed information of the images, and outperforms the current state-of-the-art haze removal methods.