bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Perceiving the Concealed and Unreported Pharmacophoric Features of the 5-Hydroxytryptamine Receptor Using Balanced QSAR Analysis
Authors: Bukhari Syed Nasir Abbas , Elsherif Mervat Abdelaziz , Junaid Kashaf , Ejaz Hasan , Alam Pravej , Samad Abdul , Jawarkar Rahul D. , Masand Vijay H.
Published: July 2022

The 5-hydroxytryptamine receptor 6 (5-HT6) has gained attention as a target for developing therapeutics for Alzheimer’s disease, schizophrenia, cognitive dysfunctions, anxiety, and depression, to list a few. In the present analysis, a larger and diverse dataset of 1278 molecules covering a broad chemical and activity space was used to identify visual and concealed structural features associated with binding affinity for 5-HT6. For this, quantitative structure–activity relationships (QSAR) and molecular docking analyses were executed. This led to the development of a statistically robust QSAR model with a balance of excellent predictivity (R2tr = 0.78, R2ex = 0.77), the identification of unreported aspects of known features, and also novel mechanistic interpretations. Molecular docking and QSAR provided similar as well as complementary results. The present analysis indicates that the partial charges on ring carbons present within four bonds from a sulfur atom, the occurrence of sp3-hybridized carbon atoms bonded with donor atoms, and a conditional occurrence of lipophilic atoms/groups from nitrogen atoms, which are prominent but unreported pharmacophores that should be considered while optimizing a molecule for 5-HT6. Thus, the present analysis led to identification of some novel unreported structural features that govern the binding affinity of a molecule. The results could be beneficial in optimizing the molecules for 5-HT6.
Cannabidiol Regulates PPARγ-Dependent Vesicle Formation as well as Cell Death in A549 Human Lung Cancer Cells
Authors: Park Yoon-Jong , Na Han-Heom , Kwon In-Seo , Hwang Yu-Na , Park Hye-Jin , Kwon Tae-Hyung , Park Jin-Sung , Kim Keun-Cheol
Published: July 2022

Extracts of phytocannabinoids from Cannabis sativa have been studied for therapeutic purposes. Although nonpsychoactive CBD has been studied as a promising anticancer drug because it induces apoptosis in many cancer cells, it is also known to induce several physiological changes. In this study, we clarify the functional role it plays in the morphological characteristics of intracellular vesicle formation as well as apoptosis in A549 human lung cancer cells. CBD treatment shows growth inhibition at concentrations above 20 μM, but FACS analysis shows low efficacy in terms of cell death. Microscopic observations suggest that multiple vesicles were detected in the cytoplasmic region of CBD-treated A549 cells. CBD treatment upregulates apoptosis-related proteins, such as p53, PARP, RIP1, RIP3, Atg12, and Beclin, indicating that CBD regulates several types of cell death. CBD treatment also induced E-cadherin, PPARγ, clathrin, β-adaptin, and Tsg101, also known to be cellular-differentiation inducers or vesicle-formation components. Treatment combining CBD with GW9662, a PPARγ inhibitor, reduced CBD-induced cytoplasmic vesicle formation. This indicates that PPARγ regulates the vesicle-formation mechanism. However, CBD-treated E-cad KO clones did not show this regulatory mechanism. These results elucidate the pharmacological and molecular networks associated with CBD in PPARγ-dependent vesicle formation and the induction of apoptosis.
Therapeutics for Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy: Approaches with Natural Compounds from Traditional Eastern Medicine
Authors: Chung Geehoon , Kim Sun Kwang
Published: July 2022

Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) often develops in patients with cancer treated with commonly used anti-cancer drugs. The symptoms of CIPN can occur acutely during chemotherapy or emerge after cessation, and often accompany long-lasting intractable pain. This adverse side effect not only affects the quality of life but also limits the use of chemotherapy, leading to a reduction in the survival rate of patients with cancer. Currently, effective treatments for CIPN are limited, and various interventions are being applied by clinicians and patients because of the unmet clinical need. Potential approaches to ameliorate CIPN include traditional Eastern medicine-based methods. Medicinal substances from traditional Eastern medicine have well-established analgesic effects and are generally safe. Furthermore, many substances can also improve other comorbid symptoms in patients. This article aims to provide information regarding traditional Eastern medicine-based plant extracts and natural compounds for CIPN. In this regard, we briefly summarized the development, mechanisms, and changes in the nervous system related to CIPN, and reviewed the substances of traditional Eastern medicine that have been exploited to treat CIPN in preclinical and clinical settings.
Drug–Drug Interactions with Oral Anticoagulants as Potentially Inappropriate Medications: Prevalence and Outcomes in Elderly Patients in Primary Care and Hospital Settings
Authors: Bories Mathilde , Bouzillé Guillaume , Cuggia Marc , Le Corre Pascal
Published: July 2022

Direct oral anticoagulants and vitamin K antagonists are considered as potentially inappropriate medications (PIM) in several situations according to Beers Criteria. Drug–drug interactions (DDI) occurring specifically with these oral anticoagulants considered PIM (PIM–DDI) is an issue since it could enhance their inappropriate character and lead to adverse drug events, such as bleeding events. The aim of this study was (1) to describe the prevalence of oral anticoagulants as PIM, DDI and PIM–DDI in elderly patients in primary care and during hospitalization and (2) to evaluate their potential impact on the clinical outcomes by predicting hospitalization for bleeding events using machine learning methods. This retrospective study based on the linkage between a primary care database and a hospital data warehouse allowed us to display the oral anticoagulant treatment pathway. The prevalence of PIM was similar between primary care and hospital setting (22.9% and 20.9%), whereas the prevalence of DDI and PIM–DDI were slightly higher during hospitalization (47.2% vs. 58.9% and 19.5% vs. 23.5%). Concerning mechanisms, combined with CYP3A4–P-gp interactions as PIM–DDI, were among the most prevalent in patients with bleeding events. Although PIM, DDI and PIM–DDI did not appeared as major predictors of bleeding events, they should be considered since they are the only factors that can be optimized by pharmacist and clinicians.
Reduction of αSYN Pathology in a Mouse Model of PD Using a Brain-Penetrating Bispecific Antibody
Authors: Roshanbin Sahar , Julku Ulrika , Xiong Mengfei , Eriksson Jonas , Masliah Eliezer , Hultqvist Greta , Bergström Joakim , Ingelsson Martin , Syvänen Stina , Sehlin Dag
Published: July 2022

Immunotherapy targeting aggregated alpha-synuclein (αSYN) is a promising approach for the treatment of Parkinson’s disease. However, brain penetration of antibodies is hampered by their large size. Here, RmAbSynO2-scFv8D3, a modified bispecific antibody that targets aggregated αSYN and binds to the transferrin receptor for facilitated brain uptake, was investigated to treat αSYN pathology in transgenic mice. Ex vivo analyses of the blood and brain distribution of RmAbSynO2-scFv8D3 and the unmodified variant RmAbSynO2, as well as in vivo analyses with microdialysis and PET, confirmed fast and efficient brain uptake of the bispecific format. In addition, intravenous administration was shown to be superior to intraperitoneal injections in terms of brain uptake and distribution. Next, aged female αSYN transgenic mice (L61) were administered either RmAbSynO2-scFv8D3, RmAbSynO2, or PBS intravenously three times over five days. Levels of TBS-T soluble aggregated αSYN in the brain following treatment with RmAbSynO2-scFv8D3 were decreased in the cortex and midbrain compared to RmAbSynO2 or PBS controls. Taken together, our results indicate that facilitated brain uptake of αSYN antibodies can improve treatment of αSYN pathology.
Isolation and Molecular Characterization of a Novel Lytic Bacteriophage That Inactivates MDR Klebsiella pneumoniae Strains
Authors: Balcão Victor M. , Moreli Fernanda C. , Silva Erica C. , Belline Bianca G. , Martins Layla F. , Rossi Fernando P. N. , Pereira Carla , Vila Marta M. D. C. , da Silva Aline M.
Published: July 2022

The worldwide increase in serious infections caused by multidrug-resistant (MDR) K. pneumoniae emphasizes the urgent need of new therapeutic strategies for the control of this pathogen. There is growing interest in the use of bacteriophages (or phages) to treat K. pneumoniae infections, and newly isolated phages are needed. Here, we report the isolation and physical/biological/molecular characterization of a novel lytic phage and its efficacy in the control of MDR K. pneumoniae. The phage vB_KpnS_Uniso31, referred to hereafter as phage Kpn31, was isolated from hospital wastewater using K. pneumoniae CCCD-K001 as the host. Phage Kpn31 presents a siphovirus-like morphotype and was classified as Demerecviridae; Sugarlandvirus based on its complete genome sequence. The 113,444 bp Kpn31 genome does not encode known toxins or antimicrobial resistance genes, nor does it encode depolymerases related sequences. Phage Kpn31 showed an eclipse time of 15 min and a burst size of 9.12 PFU/host cell, allowing us to conclude it replicates well in K. pneumoniae CCCD-K001 with a latency period of 30 min. Phage Kpn31 was shown to be effective against at least six MDR K. pneumoniae clinical isolates in in vitro antibacterial activity assays. Based on its features, phage Kpn31 has potential for controlling infections caused by MDR K. pneumoniae.
Effect of Ingestion of Ice Slurry on the Sleep Quality of Rugby Union Players in the Summer Season
Authors: Morito Akihisa , Inami Takayuki , Hirata Akihiro , Yamada Satoshi , Shimomasuda Masatsugu , Kato Keita , Tahara Shigeyuki , Kohtake Naohiko
Published: July 2022

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of ingestion of ice slurry before bedtime on the sleep quality of rugby union players in the summer season. Thirteen healthy male university rugby union players volunteered for this study. The participants ingested either ice slurry or a room-temperature beverage (control) 30 min before bedtime. A wearable activity-based sleep monitor was used to analyze objective sleep parameters, and the subjective sleep scores were assessed using the Oguri–Shirakawa–Azumi Sleep Inventory, middle-aged and aged version (OSA-MA). No differences in the amount or efficiency of sleep were observed between the ice slurry/control beverage conditions. Significant shortening of the sleep latency was observed in the ice slurry condition as compared with the control beverage condition. Moreover, significant improvement of the subjective sleep score for “feeling refreshed” on the OSA-MA was observed in the ice slurry condition. There were no significant differences in the other subjective sleep scores between the two conditions. The results suggest that ice slurry ingestion before bedtime may improve the latency of sleep onset, accelerate recovery from fatigue, and be useful as a sleep improvement strategy in rugby union players engaging in exercises during the summer season.
Ethnoveterinary Practices and Ethnobotanical Knowledge on Plants Used against Cattle Diseases among Two Communities in South Africa
Authors: Chakale Mompati Vincent , Asong John Awungnjia , Struwig Madeleen , Mwanza Mulunda , Aremu Adeyemi Oladapo
Published: July 2022

Ethnoveterinary practices and ethnobotanical knowledge serve as potential therapeutic approaches used to manage and prevent cattle diseases within poor communities in developing nations. Most of the knowledge and practices remain inadequately documented and threatened with extinction in the future. This study aimed to explore the ethnoveterinary practices and knowledge on plants used to treat cattle diseases in two communities of the Ramotshere Moiloa local municipality, South Africa. A semi-structured interview guide, snowball, and purposive technique were used to collect data and recruit 90 participants. Three ethnobotanical indices (informant consensus factor (Fic), use-value (UV), and relative frequency of citation (RFC) were used for quantitative analysis. A total of 64 medicinal plants from 32 families (dominated by Compositae, Fabaceae, and Asparagaceae) were used to treat 27 cattle diseases. The plants with a high frequency of citation and RFC were Gomphocarpus fruticosus (75, 0.83), Opuntia ficus-indica (74, 0.82), Schkuhria pinnata and Portulaca oleracea (73, 0.81), Solanum lichtensteinii (70, 0.77), and Senna italica. In addition, Schkuhria pinnata and Aloe greatheadii (0.077) had the highest UV. About 28.13% of 64 identified plants were documented as ethnoveterinary medicine for treating cattle ailments, for the first time. The remedies were mainly either prepared as a decoction (52.04%), ground, or prepared as an infusion (16.33%). The plants were administered either orally (69.79%) or topically (30.2%). The ailments with a high frequency of citations were: wounds and constipation (76); arthralgia and retained placenta (69); and lumpy skin disease (68). The categories with the highest number of plants used were gastrointestinal problems (53), skin problems (33), respiratory problems (25), and fertility/reproduction disorders (21). The highest Fic score was cited for tick-borne diseases (1), followed by musculoskeletal systems (Fic = 0.89), and general system infection (Fic = 0.88). The current findings contribute to the documentation and preservation of valuable knowledge from indigenous communities for extensive use. Additionally, ethnoveterinary uses of Portulaca oleracea, Securidaca longipedunculata, and Plumbago zeylanica were recorded for the first time. Further scientific evaluation of the most cited and indigenous/native plants is recommended to establish their therapeutic potential and possible integration into the conventional veterinary sector for the welfare of cattle.
Modification of the Maxwell–Wagner Heterogeneous Dielectric Model for Heterogeneous Polymers and Emulsions
Authors: Qian Jiangbo , Yan Shimi , Li Zhenyu , Yu Ling , Wang Xinlei , Zhang Zhijie , Sun Junze , Han Xu
Published: July 2022

In heterogeneous polymers and emulsions, the volume fraction of the discrete phase and the frequency of electromagnetic waves affect the accuracy of the dielectric model. The integral method was used to modify the Maxwell–Wagner (M–W) heterogeneous dielectric theory, and a new model for the complex dielectric constant of polymers and emulsions was established. The experimental data were compared with the results of the M–W heterogeneous dielectric integral modification model and other theoretical models for different frequencies and volume fractions of the discrete phase. We discovered that with a decreasing volume fraction of the discrete phase, the dominant frequency range of the integral modification model expanded. When the volume fraction of the discrete phase is 10%, the dominant frequency range reaches 3 GHz. When the volume fraction of the discrete phase is 1%, the dominant frequency range reaches 4 GHz. When the volume fraction of the discrete phase is 0.06%, the dominant frequency range of the real part reaches 9.6 GHz, and the dominant frequency range of the imaginary part reaches 7.2 GHz. These results verify the advantages of the M–W modification model, which provides a theoretical basis to study the dielectric properties of polymers and emulsions, as well as for microwave measurement.
Potentiality of Utilizing Woven Pineapple Leaf Fibre for Polymer Composites
Authors: Hadi Agung Efriyo , Siregar Januar Parlaungan , Cionita Tezara , Norlaila Mohd Bakeri , Badari Muhammad Amin Mohd , Irawan Agustinus Purna , Jaafar Jamiluddin , Rihayat Teuku , Junid Ramli , Fitriyana Deni Fajar
Published: July 2022

Pineapple leaf fibre (PALF) is one of the natural fibres with the highest tensile strength and cellulose content. This has led to the investigation of the application of short, long, random mats, and unidirectional types as reinforcement agents, but there is limited study on the usage of woven PALF in composites. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the potential of this woven PALF in reinforcing epoxy resin (ER) composite as well as the effect of layering numbers and fibre orientations on the mechanical properties of the product. This involved using hand lay-up and press moulding with a hydraulic machine to produce the composite and specimen test while 2, 3, and 4 layers of woven PALF were used as the layering number parameter. Moreover, the warp and weft direction of the woven PALF were used to simulate the effect of fibre orientation in composites. The findings showed that the 3-layer woven PALF performed better in terms of tensile and flexural properties than the other layers. It was also discovered that the orientation of the composite with warp direction is slightly higher than the weft direction. Furthermore, the scanning electron microscopic (SEM) method was applied to analyse the tensile fracture of the composites and the results showed that the interfacial adhesion of the 3-layer woven PALF successfully transferred the load to the epoxy resin matrix due to its reinforcement role in composites.
Influence of Raster Pattern on Residual Stress and Part Distortion in FDM of Semi-Crystalline Polymers: A Simulation Study
Authors: Antony Samy Anto , Golbang Atefeh , Harkin-Jones Eileen , Archer Edward , Dahale Monali , McAfee Marion , Abdi Behzad , McIlhagger Alistair
Published: July 2022

In fused deposition modelling (FDM) based on the selected raster pattern, the developed internal thermal residual stresses can vary considerably affecting the mechanical properties and leading to distinct part distortions. This phenomenon is more pronounced in semi-crystalline than amorphous polymers due to crystallisation. Hence, this study focuses on the simulation of the FDM process of a semi-crystalline polymer (polypropylene) with raster patterns such as line (90°/90°), line (0°/90°), zigzag (45°/45°), zigzag (45°/−45°), and concentric from Cura (slicing software). The simulation provides visualisation and prediction of the internally developed thermal residual stresses and resulting warpage with printing time and temperature. The sample with a line (90°/90°) raster pattern is considered as the reference sample in order to compare the relative levels of residual stress and warpage in the other printed/simulated samples. Among the considered raster patterns, the concentric pattern displays the lowest amount of warpage (5.5% decrease) along with a significant drop in residual stress of 21%. While the sample with a zigzag (45°/−45°) pattern showed the highest increase of 37% in warpage along with a decrease of 9.8% in residual stresses. The sample with a zigzag (45°/45°) pattern, exhibited a considerable increase of 16.2% in warpage with a significant increase of 31% in residual stresses. Finally, the sample with a line (0°/90°) raster pattern displayed an increase of 24% increase in warpage with an increase of 6.6% in residual stresses.
Fe-Immobilised Catechol-Based Hypercrosslinked Polymer as Heterogeneous Fenton Catalyst for Degradation of Methylene Blue in Water
Authors: Ratvijitvech Thanchanok
Published: July 2022

Clean water is one of the sustainable development goals. Organic dye is one of the water pollutants affecting water quality. Hence, the conversion of dyes to safer species is crucial for water treatment. The Fenton reaction using Fe as a catalyst is a promising process. However, homogeneous catalysts are normally sensitive, difficult to separate, and burdensome to reuse. Therefore, a catechol-based hypercrosslinked polymer (catechol-HCP) was developed as an inexpensive solid support for Fe (catechol-HCP-Fe) and applied as a heterogenous Fenton catalyst. The good interaction of the catechol moiety with Fe, as well as the porous structure, simple preparation, low cost, and high stability of catechol-HCP, make it beneficial for Fe-loading in the polymer and Fenton reaction utilisation. The catechol-HCP-Fe demonstrated good catalytic activity for methylene blue (MB) degradation in a neutral pH. Complete decolouration of 100 ppm MB could be observed within 25 min. The rate of reaction was influenced by H2O2 concentration, polymer dose, MB concentration, pH, and temperature. The catechol-HCP-Fe could be reused for at least four cycles. The dominant reactive species of the reaction was considered to be singlet oxygen (1O2), and the plausible mechanism of the reaction was proposed.
Incorporation of Fluorescent Fluorinated Methacrylate Nano-Sized Particles into Chitosan Matrix Formed as a Membranes or Beads
Authors: Szwajca Anna , Juszczyńska Sandra , Jarzębski Maciej , Baryła-Pankiewicz Elżbieta
Published: July 2022

Fluorescent particles are of particular interest as probes and active agents for biomedical, pharmaceutical, and food applications. Here, we present two strategies for incorporation of core-shell acrylic fluorescent nanoparticles (NPs) with Rhodamine B (RhB) as a dye into a chitosan (CS) matrix. We selected two variants of NPsRhB immobilisation in a CS membrane and biopolymeric CS beads. Modification of the method for production of the biopolymer cover/transporter of nanoparticles allowed two series of hydrogels loaded with nanoparticles to be obtained with a similar concentration of the aqueous solution of the nanoparticles. Microscopic analysis showed that the NPs were nonuniformly distributed in millimetre-sized CS beads, as well as membranes, but the fluorescence signal was strong. The composition of CS layers loaded with nanoparticles (CS/NPsRhB) showed water vapour barrier properties, characterised by the contact angle of 71.8°. Finally, we incorporated NPsRhBCS beads into a gelatine matrix to check their stability. The results confirmed good stability of the NPsRhBCS complex system, and no dye leakage was observed from the beads and the membranes. The proposed complex system demonstrated promising potential for further use in bioimaging and, thus, for the development of advanced diagnostic tools.
Theoretical and Experimental Investigation of Shape Memory Polymers Programmed below Glass Transition Temperature
Authors: Shahi Kartikey , Ramachandran Velmurugan
Published: July 2022

An epoxy-based shape memory polymer (SMP) is synthesized and examined for its deterioration in shape fixity due to springback and isothermal viscoelastic recovery at different ambient temperatures. Shape fixity depends not only on material properties but also on programming conditions. A constitutive finite deformation model is incorporated to predict the behavior of the proposed SMP and find maximum shape fixity. A programming approach is followed in which, in contrast to hot programming, the SMPs are neither heated before deformation nor cooled afterward but are deformed at ambient temperature and then stress-relaxed. The proximity of the programming temperature to the glass transition temperature plays a crucial role in determining the shape fixity of SMP. It has been found that the SMP with a glass transition temperature of 42.9 °C can achieve maximum shape fixity of 92.25% when programmed at 23 °C with 100 min stress relaxation time. Thermal contraction and dynamic tests are performed in the Dynamic Mechanical Analyzer (DMA) to determine structural relaxation properties and distinguish the programming temperature in the cold, warm or hot temperature zone. The shape memory tests are carried out using temperature-controlled UTM to determine the shape fixity and shape recovery of SMP. The SMPs are subjected to a full thermomechanical cycle with different stress relaxation times and programming temperatures.
Characterization of 3D Printed Metal-PLA Composite Scaffolds for Biomedical Applications
Authors: Buj-Corral Irene , Sanz-Fraile Héctor , Ulldemolins Anna , Tejo-Otero Aitor , Domínguez-Fernández Alejandro , Almendros Isaac , Otero Jorge
Published: July 2022

Three-dimensional printing is revolutionizing the development of scaffolds due to their rapid-prototyping characteristics. One of the most used techniques is fused filament fabrication (FFF), which is fast and compatible with a wide range of polymers, such as PolyLactic Acid (PLA). Mechanical properties of the 3D printed polymeric scaffolds are often weak for certain applications. A potential solution is the development of composite materials. In the present work, metal-PLA composites have been tested as a material for 3D printing scaffolds. Three different materials were tested: copper-filled PLA, bronze-filled PLA, and steel-filled PLA. Disk-shaped samples were printed with linear infill patterns and line spacing of 0.6, 0.7, and 0.8 mm, respectively. The porosity of the samples was measured from cross-sectional images. Biocompatibility was assessed by culturing Human Bone Marrow-Derived Mesenchymal Stromal on the surface of the printed scaffolds. The results showed that, for identical line spacing value, the highest porosity corresponded to bronze-filled material and the lowest one to steel-filled material. Steel-filled PLA polymers showed good cytocompatibility without the need to coat the material with biomolecules. Moreover, human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stromal cells differentiated towards osteoblasts when cultured on top of the developed scaffolds. Therefore, it can be concluded that steel-filled PLA bioprinted parts are valid scaffolds for bone tissue engineering.
Temperature Responsive PBT Bicomponent Fibers for Dynamic Thermal Insulation
Authors: Khadse Ninad , Ruckdashel Rebecca , Macajoux Shnaidie , Sun Hongwei , Park Jay Hoon
Published: July 2022

Thermoresponsive self-crimping polybutylene terephtlate (PBT)-based bicomponent fibers were fabricated by melt-spinning to serve as primary constituents for textiles, such as nonwoven battings, for an adaptive single insulting layer. Due to the intrinsically mismatching modulus and coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE), the fibers curl or straighten with temperature, similar to the concept of Timoshenko’s bimetallic strip. Maximizing the curvature is driven by an optimum of fiber diameter, overall CTE, and fiber moduli, which are all affected by drawing ratio and, consequently, fiber’s microstructure. A draw ratio of 2.33 yielded the best combination of mechanical and thermal properties; it was observed that increasing the draw ratio does not necessarily increase the self-crimping behavior. Tests performed on non-woven battings of these fibers exhibited comparable thermoreponsive behaviors to polypropylene-based thermoresponsive fibers from previous studies in the −20 °C to 20 °C temperature range, which has potential for wearable insulations for both commercial and defense sectors alike.
Preparation of Y2O3/TiO2-Loaded Polyester Fabric and Its Photocatalytic Properties under Visible Light Irradiation
Authors: Ren Yu , Zhao Ziyao , Jiang Wenwen , Zhang Guangyu , Tan Yuxin , Guan Yongyin , Zhou Long , Cui Li , Choi Sung Woong , Li Mei-Xian
Published: July 2022

In this study, Y2O3/TiO2-loaded polyester fabric was prepared to improve the catalytic activity of the TiO2 and to increase its reuse efficiency. The samples were systematically characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffractometry (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). Furthermore, the degradation performance of methyl orange in the presence of simulated visible light irradiation was also investigated. The results showed that the TiO2 in the Y2O3/TiO2 composite photocatalyst was suitably anatase. In addition, Y2O3/TiO2-loaded polyester fabric had higher photocatalytic performance than that of pure polyester fabric under visible light and the degradation rate reached 83% after 120 min of light exposure but remained above 50% after repeated exposure (three times). Compared to the pure polyester fabric, Y2O3/TiO2-loaded polyester fabric had self-cleaning effects in methyl blue and soy sauce solutions under visible light.
Morphological Dependence of Breast Cancer Cell Responses to Doxorubicin on Micropatterned Surfaces
Authors: Zheng Jing , Sun Rui , Chen Huajian , Zeng Tianjiao , Yoshitomi Toru , Kawazoe Naoki , Yang Yingnan , Chen Guoping
Published: July 2022

Cell morphology has been widely investigated for its influence on the functions of normal cells. However, the influence of cell morphology on cancer cell resistance to anti-cancer drugs remains unclear. In this study, micropatterned surfaces were prepared and used to control the spreading area and elongation of human breast cancer cell line. The influences of cell adhesion area and elongation on resistance to doxorubicin were investigated. The percentage of apoptotic breast cancer cells decreased with cell spreading area, while did not change with cell elongation. Large breast cancer cells had higher resistance to doxorubicin, better assembled actin filaments, higher DNA synthesis activity and higher expression of P-glycoprotein than small breast cancer cells. The results suggested that the morphology of breast cancer cells could affect their resistance to doxorubicin. The influence was correlated with cytoskeletal organization, DNA synthesis activity and P-glycoprotein expression.
Effect of Hydrophilic/Hydrophobic Nanostructured TiO2 on Space Charge and Breakdown Properties of Polypropylene
Authors: Gao Jun-Guo , Liu Hong-Shuo , Lee Ting-Tai , Schachtely Uwe , Kobayashi Hitoshi , Li Li-Li
Published: July 2022

Polypropylene (PP) has received more and more attention in the field of insulating materials as a recyclable thermoplastic. To further enhance the applicability of polypropylene in the field of insulation, it needs to be modified to improve its electrical properties. In this paper, the impact mechanism of AEROXIDE® TiO2 P 90 (P90) and AEROXIDE® TiO2 NKT 90 (NKT90) as nanosized hydrophilic and hydrophobic fumed titania from Evonik on the electrical properties of PP was studied mainly through the crystallization behavior and space charge distribution of PP nanocomposites. Two kinds of nanostructured TiO2 were melt-blended with PP according to four types of contents. The results of alternating current (AC)/direct current (DC) breakdown field strength of the two materials were explained by studying the microstructure and space charge characteristics of the nanocomposites. Among them, hydrophilic nanostructured TiO2 are agglomerated when the content is low. The spherulite size of the nanocomposite is large, the space charge suppression ability is poor, the charge is easy to penetrate into the pattern, and the AC/DC breakdown field strength is significantly reduced. However, hydrophobic nanostructured TiO2 has better dispersion in PP, smaller spherulites, more regular arrangement, and less space charge accumulation. The charge penetration occurs only when the nanostructured material content is 2 wt%, and the AC/DC breakdown strength increases by 20.8% at the highest when the nanostructured material content is 1 wt%. It provides the possibility to prepare recyclable high-performance DC PP composite insulating materials.
Chiral Porous Carbon Surfaces for Enantiospecific Synthesis
Authors: Aloni Sapir Shekef , Nassir Molhm , Mastai Yitzhak
Published: July 2022

Chiral surfaces, developed in the last decade, serve as media for enantioselective chemical reactions. Until today, they have been based mostly on developments in silica templating, and are made mainly from imprints of silicate materials developed a long time ago. Here, a chiral porous activated carbon surface was developed based on a chiral ionic liquid, and the surface chemistry and pore structure were studied to lay a new course of action in the field. The enantioselectivities of surfaces are examined by using variety of methods such as circular dichroism, linear sweep voltammetry and catalysis. These techniques revealed a 28.1% preference for the D enantiomer of the amino acid proline, and linear sweep voltammetry confirmed chirality recognition by another probe. An aldol surface chiral catalytic reaction was devised and allowed to determine the root of the enantiomeric excess. These results affirm the path toward a new type of chiral surface.
Effects of Neutral, Anionic and Cationic Polymer Brushes Grafted from Poly(para-phenylene vinylene) and Poly(para-phenylene ethynylene) on the Polymer’s Photoluminescent Properties
Authors: Kerr-Phillips Thomas , Damavandi Mona , Pilkington Lisa I. , Whitehead Kathryn A. , Travas-Sejdic Jadranka , Barker David
Published: July 2022

The conformation of a fluorescent polymer, in the solid state or in solution, plays a critical role in the polymer’s fluorescent properties. Thus, grafted side chains on a fluorescent polymer can directly influence its optical properties. In this study, the effect of grafted polymeric side chains on the photoluminescent properties of poly(para-phenylene vinylene) (PPV) and poly(para-phenylene ethynylene) (PPE) were investigated. Low- and high-molecular-weight grafts of neutral poly(n-butyl acrylate), cationic poly(trimethylaminoethyl methacrylate) and anionic poly(sulfopropyl acrylate) were grafted onto PPVs and PPEs, and the effect of the grafting on the graft copolymer’s absorption and emission wavelengths, the fluorescence intensity and the quantum yield were studied. The results indicate that in the case of the ionic grafts, contrary to the expectations, the polymers have a reduced quantum yield. This contrasts with the copolymers with uncharged side chains (PnBA), where a major increase in the quantum yield is seen for the self-quenching conjugated pristine polymers. These results reinforce that the molecular conformation of the polymer in a solid or solution plays a critical role in fluorescent polymers photoluminescent properties.
Influence of Alkali Treatment on the Mechanical, Thermal, Water Absorption, and Biodegradation Properties of Cymbopogan citratus Fiber-Reinforced, Thermoplastic Cassava Starch–Palm Wax Composites
Authors: Kamaruddin Zatil , Jumaidin Ridhwan , Ilyas Rushdan , Selamat Mohd , Alamjuri Roziela , Yusof Fahmi
Published: July 2022

In this study, thermoplastic cassava starch–palm wax blends, reinforced with the treated Cymbopogan citratus fiber (TPCS/ PW/ CCF) were successfully developed. The TPCS were priorly modified with palm wax to enhance the properties of the matrix. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of alkali treatments on the TPCS/PW/CCF biocomposite. The fiber was treated with different sodium hydroxide (NaOH) concentrations (3%, 6%, and 9%) prior to the composite preparation via hot pressing. The obtained results revealed improved mechanical characteristics in the treated composites. The composites that underwent consecutive alkali treatments at 6% NaOH prior to the composite preparation had higher mechanical strengths, compared to the untreated fibers. A differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and a thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) indicated that adding treated fibers into the TPCS matrix improved the thermal stability of the samples. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) demonstrated an improved fiber–matrix adhesion due to the surface modification. An increment in the glass transition temperature (Tg) of the composites after undergoing NaOH treatment denoted an improved interfacial interaction in the treated samples. The Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) showed the elimination of hemicellulose at wavelength 1717 cm−1, for the composites treated with 6% NaOH. The water absorption, solubility, and thickness swelling revealed a higher water resistance of the composites following the alkali treatment of the fiber. These findings validated that the alkaline treatment of CCF is able to improve the functionality of the Cymbopogan citratus fiber-reinforced composites.
Influence of formic acid on blood parameters and reproductive traits of sows
Authors:   Federal State Budgetary Educational Institution of Higher Education “Vyatka State Agrotechnological University”, Russia, Kirov, Lobanov V. S.
Published: July 2022

Currently, pig farming plays an important role in providing the country with meat products. The intensification and profitability of this industry depends on the effectiveness of increasing the live weight gain and livability of pigs. Therefore, the problem of increasing the productivity of pigs is urgent. An increase in the productive traits of pigs can be achieved by using organic acids, as acidifiers of feed or water. Therefore, the purpose of this work was to study the influence of formic acid added to the drinking water of lactating sows on their blood parameters and reproductive traits, as well as on the increase in their feed intake, live weight gain and livability of piglets. Studies were carried out on 120 hybrid sows of F₁. After farrowing sows were divided into two groups according to the principle of pairs of analogues: at the beginning of lactation, formic acid was added to the water for drinking as an acidifier to the experimental group of animals (n=60), the acidifier was not added to the water to the control group of animals (n=60). As a result of the conducted studies, the effectiveness of the influence of formic acid added to drinking water for lactating sows on the physiological state of sows, morphological and biochemical blood parameters, reproductive traits was established. It was revealed that the use of formic acid as the acidifier of drinking water provided to lactating sows stimulates their feed intake, which in turn positively affects the livability rate and the average weight of their offspring at the end of the preweaning period. Thus, the average weight of one piglet at the end of the preweaning period in sows of the experimental group was 7,24 kg, which was 4,47 % more (p < 0,01) than in animals of the control group. As the result, in the experimental group of animals the litter weight was 87,02 kg, which was by 9,96 kg or 12,93 % more than in the sows of the control group (p < 0,001).
Prediction the number of hunting animal populations in the Yaroslavl region based on matrix verified models
Authors:   Federal State Budgetary Educational Institution of Higher Education “Russian State Agrarian University – Moscow Timiryazev Agricultural Academy”, Russia, Moscow, Kaledin A. P.
Published: July 2022

Prediction the dynamics of the level and structure of regional hunting resources is relevant from the standpoint of their rational use. Matrix models are widely used to make predictions on the dynamics of hunting animal populations. The algorithm of the modified P. H. Leslie matrix model with a correction matrix is used. The accuracy of predictions on the dynamics of hunting animal populations based on matrix models is improved by their verification. In the proposed study, model verification is considered not only as a method for determining the correspondence of the model to the corresponding modeling object, but also as a tool for clarifying model parameters under conditions of possible uncertainty of information. A retrospective verification of models of the dynamics of prediction the number of hunting animal populations is considered, the results of which are verified by prospective verification. On the basis of retrospective verification under the conditions of incompleteness of the available information, the parameters of the models are clarified. The proposed prediction algorithm works well with a steady increase in the population of hunting animals. In practice, there are regressive and unstable scenarios of the dynamics of the number of hunting animal populations. In a regressive and stable scenario, the proposed algorithm for predicting the number of hunting animal populations works well, but regressive results give predictions for a decrease and even degradation of the population. In this case, the prediction tasks change. For example, for determining the percentage of production of a given type of hunting animals while maintaining the population size or its insignificant growth. As a result of the research, predictions were made on the dynamics of the populations of the main hunting animals in the Yaroslavl region (moose, bear, fox, white hare, grouse and capercaillie) based on verified matrix models.
Effectiveness of milk production when using an energy and protein feed additive in the ration of cows
Authors:   Federal State Scientific Institution “Federal Altai Scientific Center for Agrobiotechnology”, Russia, Barnaul, Science town, Kireeva K. V. , Martynov V. A. ,   Federal State Scientific Institution “Federal Altai Scientific Center for Agrobiotechnology”, Russia, Barnaul, Science town, Kostomakhin N. M. ,   Federal State Budgetary Educational Institution of Higher Education “Russian State Agrarian University – Moscow Timiryazev Agricultural Academy”, Russia, Moscow
Published: July 2022

Intensive cattle breeding often leads to a shortage of energy, protein and minerals in the rations of animals. The use of effective energy and protein additives that increase the dairy productivity of cows while reducing the prime-cost of the products obtained is of great scientific interest. The purpose of the work was to study the economic indicators of milk production when using an energy and protein feed additive in the ration of cows. Scientific and economic experiment was carried out in the “Komsomolskoye” pedigree farm in the Pavlovsky area in the Altai Territory on lactating cows of Black-and-White breed during the period of increasing the milk yield. In order to conduct the experiment, four groups of cows-analogues of 10 heads each were selected. The studies were carried out for 50 days according to the following scheme: the 1st control group was fed a basic ration with the addition of 1 kg of compound feed without the inclusion of an energy and protein additive. The basic ration of the 2nd experimental group of cows included the energy and protein additive in the amount of 500 g/head/day, in the basic ration of the 3rd experimental group of cows the energy and protein additive in the amount of 750 g/head/day was included, in the basic ration of the 4th experimental group the energy and protein additive in the amount of 1000 g/head/day was included. According to the results of the experiment, the animals of the experimental groups had a gross milk yield during the experiment period: in the 2nd experimental group it was 1405,6 kg, in the 3rd experimental group it was 1555,9 kg and in the 4th experimental group it was 1594,6 kg of milk, which was by 16,2, 166,5 and 205,5 kg more than the control group. Higher revenue from the sale of the received products was established in the 3rd and 4th experimental groups, which was higher than in the 1st control group by 11,98–14,77 %.
The effectiveness of the use of the probiotic drug Plantarum in the feeding of dairy goats
Authors:   Federal State Budgetary Educational Institution of Higher Education “Altai State Agrarian University”, Russia, Barnaul, Vladimirov N. I. , Funk I. A. ,   Federal State Budgetary Educational Institution of Higher Education “Altai State Agrarian University”, Russia, Barnaul
Published: July 2022

Currently dairy goat breeding is one of the most promising branches of animal husbandry. The use of probiotics in the diets of farm animals makes it possible to increase the digestibility and accessibility of feed, reduce production costs, increase productivity and livability, and also get high-quality and biologically complete food products from them. However, despite the widespread practice of using probiotics in animal husbandry, the use of probiotic drugs in dairy goat breeding remains insufficiently studied, which justifies the relevance of the topic of the work. The purpose of the research was to study the effectiveness of the use of the probiotic drug Plantarum in feeding dairy goats. Research has been carried out to study the effect of the probiotic drug Plantarum, consisting of biologically active strains of lactobacilli of the genus Lactobacillus and propionic acid bacteria of the genus Propionibacterium, on the reproductive ability, milk productivity and morphological and biochemical parameters of the blood of goats in the type of Zaanen breed, as well as on the conformation and constitutional features, live weight and hematological parameters of the off spring obtained from them (young goats). The object of the study were mature goats of dairy productivity in the type of Zaanen breed at the age of 2 years and their off spring (young goats) from birth to the age of 4 months. During the experiment the effectiveness of the use of the probiotic drug Plantarum in the diets of pregnant goats and young goats at a dose of 0,6 ml/kg of body weight/day and 0,8 ml/kg/day was proved.
Análisis del curso inglés técnico en el diseño curricular de la Escuela Profesional de Ingeniería de Minas de la Universidad Nacional de Moquegua Perú-2021
Authors: Parra Ocampo Paola Julia , Quispe Pérez Marcos Luis
Published: July 2022

El siguiente artículo de investigación tuvo como propósito analizar de qué forma el curso de Inglés técnico contribuiría en la formación del estudiante de la Escuela Profesional de Ingeniería de Minas de la Universidad Nacional de Moquegua, y si esta se incorporaría en el diseño curricular durante su preparación profesional y podría obtener mejor desempeño experto y comunicativo a nivel internacional. Este artículo tuvo como objetivo general determinar la relación que existe entre los estudiantes universitarios de la Escuela de Ingeniería de Minas y el dominio del idioma inglés comunicativo y técnico en el ámbito laboral a nivel nacional e internacional.
EFEKTIVITAS MEDIA AVA DAN LEAFLET DALAM PENYULUHAN TENTANG TB PARU TERHADAP PENINGKATAN PENGETAHUAN KADER KESEHATAN DI WILAYAH KOTA BANDUNG
Authors: Ihlasuyandi Ence , Sudiyat Rahmat
Published: July 2022

Penyakit TB Paru di Masyarakat berdasarkan tabel profil kesehatan dinas kesehatan kota bandung tahun 2018, diperoleh data penyakit TB paru selama tahun 2018 sebanyak 2.304 kasus dengan komposisi 1.100 kasus baru. Untuk menanggulangi kejadian tuberkulosis paru, diperlukan media untuk memberikan informasi kepada kader kesehatan sebagai  garda terdepan dalam memberikan informasi kepada masyarakat. Hal ini sesuai dengan pengertian kader sebagai tenaga sukarela yang direkrut dari, oleh dan untuk masyarakat yang bertugas membantu kelancaran pelayanan kesehatan. Kehadiran kader seringkali dikaitkan dengan pelayanan rutin di posyandu. Sehingga seorang kader posyandu harus mau bekerja dengan sukarela dan ikhlas, mau dan mampu melaksanakan kegiatan posyandu, serta mau dan mampu menggerakan masyarakat untuk melaksanakan dan berpartisipasi dalam kegiatan posyandu. informasi yang efektif dalam memberikan penyuluhan kepada kader kesehatan tentang penyakit TB paru yang pada gilirannya media yang paling efektif akan menjadi bahan bagi kader kesehatan dalam meningkatkan pengetahuan dan sikap untuk melaksanakan tugas dan perannya sebagai kader kesehatan dalam pencegahan TB paru di wilayah. Hasil penelitian ini menunjukan tidak adanya perbedaan atau efektifitas pengetahuan tentang penyakit TB paru kader kesehatan antara kelompok perlakuan melalui media leaflet dan AVA (P value 0,05 = 0,979 (two tails) dan 0,49 (one tails) dan tidak ada perbedaan atau efektivitas sikap tentang penyakit TB Paru pada kader kesehatan antar kelompok perlakuan melalui leaflet dan media AVA (P value > 0,05 = 0,781 (two tails) dan 0,39 (one tails).