bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Serum Metabolite Classifier for the Early Detection of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus-Positive Hepatocellular Cancer
Authors: Cao Lin-Lin , Han Yi , Pei Lin , Yue Zhi-Hong , Liu Bo-Yu , Cui Jing-Wen , Jia Mei , Wang Hui
Published: July 2022

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) has been identified as an independent risk factor for hepatocellular cancer (HCC). However, there are no ideal biomarkers for the surveillance and early detection of HCC in the T2DM population at present. In this study, we aimed to explore novel metabolite biomarkers for T2DM-positive [T2DM(+)] HCC by metabolomic analysis. At first, many serum metabolites were found dysregulated in T2DM(+) HCC patients in untargeted metabolomic analyses. Targeted metabolite analyses confirmed that serum benzoic acid and citrulline were increased, and creatine was decreased in T2DM(+) HCC compared to the T2DM group. A metabolite classifier including benzoic acid, creatine, and citrulline was identified as a novel biomarker for the diagnosis of T2DM(+) HCC, with an area under the ROC curve (AUC) of 0.93 for discriminating T2DM(+) HCC patients from T2DM patients. In addition, the metabolite classifier detected small-size (AUC = 0.94), early-stage (AUC = 0.94), and AFP-negative (AUC = 0.96) tumors with high sensitivity and specificity. The combination of this metabolite classifier and AFP might be useful in the surveillance and early detection of HCC in the T2DM population. In conclusion, this study establishes a novel diagnostic tool for T2DM(+) HCC.
Vitamin D Status in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders: Determinants and Effects of the Response to Probiotic Supplementation
Authors: Guiducci Letizia , Vassalle Cristina , Prosperi Margherita , Santocchi Elisa , Morales Maria Aurora , Muratori Filippo , Calderoni Sara
Published: July 2022

A relationship between the presence of clinical symptoms and gastrointestinal (GI) disturbances associated with nutritional deficiencies, including vitamin D (25(OH)D) deficiency, has been observed in autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The aim was to evaluate 25(OH)D levels according to the annual rhythm cycle, gender, the severity of autism, nutritional or clinical status, inflammatory and metabolic biomarkers, GI symptoms, and the clinical response to probiotic/placebo supplementation in preschooler children with ASD. Eighty-one ASD preschoolers (67 males) were assessed with standardized tools for ASD severity (ADOS score) and GI symptoms (by GI-Index at six-items and at nine-items, the latter defined as the Total GI-Index). The 25(OH)D levels were compared among different ASD subgroups according to metabolic and inflammatory biomarkers (leptin, insulin, resistin, PAI-1, MCP-1, TNF-alfa, and IL-6), gender, and the presence or absence of: (i) GI symptoms, (ii) the response to probiotic supplementation (the improvement of GI symptomatology), (iii) the response to probiotic supplementation (improvement of ASD severity). Only 25% of the ASD children presented an adequate 25(OH)D status (≥30 ng/mL according to the Endocrine Society guidelines). All the 25(OH)D levels falling in the severe deficiency range (<10 ng/mL) were observed in the male subgroup. A significant inverse correlation between 25(OH)D and leptin was observed (R = −0.24, p = 0.037). An inverse correlation was found between 25(OH)D levels and the GI Index 6-Items and Total GI-Index (R = −0.25, p = 0.026; −0.27, = 0.009) and a direct relationship with the probiotic response (R = 0.4, p = 0.05). The monitoring of 25(OH)D levels and the co-administration of 25(OH)D and probiotic supplementation could be considered in ASD from early ages.
Mixing Enhancement of a Passive Micromixer with Submerged Structures
Authors: Juraeva Makhsuda , Kang Dong Jin
Published: July 2022

A passive micromixer combined with two different mixing units was designed by submerging planar structures, and its mixing performance was simulated over a wider range of the Reynolds numbers from 0.1 to 80. The two submerged structures are a Norman window and rectangular baffles. The mixing performance was evaluated in terms of the degree of mixing (DOM) at the outlet and the required pressure load between inlet and outlet. The amount of submergence was varied from 30 μm to 70 μm, corresponding to 25% to 58% of the micromixer depth. The enhancement of mixing performance is noticeable over a wide range of the Reynolds numbers. When the Reynolds number is 10, the DOM is improved by 182% from that of no submergence case, and the required pressure load is reduced by 44%. The amount of submergence is shown to be optimized in terms of the DOM, and the optimum value is about 40 μm. This corresponds to a third of the micromixer depth. The effects of the submerged structure are most significant in the mixing regime of convection dominance from Re = 5 to 80. In a circular passage along the Norman window, one of the two Dean vortices burst into the submerged space, promoting mixing in the cross-flow direction. The submerged baffles in the semi-circular mixing units generate a vortex behind the baffles that contributes to the mixing enhancement as well as reducing the required pressure load.
The Effects of Heat Treatment on Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Selective Laser Melting 6061 Aluminum Alloy
Authors: Liu Wei , Huang Shan , Du Shuangsong , Gao Ting , Zhang Zhengbin , Chen Xuehui , Huang Lei
Published: July 2022

Selective laser melting technology can be used for forming curved panels of 6061 aluminum alloy thermal shield devices for the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER), in order to make the formed parts with better performance. This study proposes different heat treatment processes, including annealed treatment at 300 °C for 2 h, solution treatment at 535 °C and then aging at 175 °C over 2 h, to control the mechanical behavior of the 6061 aluminum alloy samples prepared by selective laser melting (SLM). The mechanical properties such as ductility, tensile strength, and hardness of SLM 6061 aluminum alloy were investigated, and the microstructure of the samples was analyzed. The eutectic silicon skeleton shape disappeared after annealing treatment at 300 °C for 2 h. The tensile strength decreased by 22.86% (from 315 MPa to 243 MPa of the deposited state samples), and the elongation increased from 2.01% to 6.89%. Moreover, the hardness reduced from 120.07 HV0.2 to 89.6 HV0.2. After solution aging, the unique microstructure of SLM disappeared. Furthermore, the precipitation of massive Si particles on the α-Al matrix increased, and a trace amount of the Mg2Si(β) phase was generated. Compared with the deposited samples, the tensile strength decreased by 12.06%, while the hardness of specimens was 118.8 HV0.2. However, the elongation showed a remarkable increase of 297% (from 2.01% to 7.97%). Therefore, solution aging can critically improve the plasticity without losing significant tensile stress in the SLM 6061 aluminum alloy. This study proposes the use of SLM 6061 aluminum alloy for the thermal shields on the ITER and provides a reference for choosing a reasonable heat-treatment method for the optimal performance of the SLM 6061 aluminum alloy.
Lactobacillus paracasei CCFM1223 Protects against Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Acute Liver Injury in Mice by Regulating the “Gut–Liver” Axis
Authors: Guo Weiling , Mao Bingyong , Tang Xin , Zhang Qiuxiang , Zhao Jianxin , Cui Shumao , Zhang Hao
Published: July 2022

Background: Lactobacillus paracasei CCFM1223, a probiotic previously isolated from the healthy people’s intestine, exerts the beneficial influence of preventing the development of inflammation. Methods: The aim of this research was to explore the beneficial effects of L. paracasei CCFM1223 to prevent lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced acute liver injury (ALI) and elaborate on its hepatoprotective mechanisms. Results: L. paracasei CCFM1223 pretreatment remarkably decreased the activities of serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) in mice with LPS treatment and remarkably recovered LPS-induced the changes in inflammatory cytokines (tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, IL-17, IL-10, and LPS) and antioxidative enzymes activities (total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), and catalase (CAT)). Metagenomic analysis showed that L. paracasei CCFM1223 pretreatment remarkably increased the relative abundance of Catabacter compared with the LPS group but remarkably reduced the relative abundance of [Eubacterium] xylanophilumgroup, ASF356, LachnospiraceaeNK4A136group, and Lachnoclostridium, which is closely associated with the inflammation cytokines and antioxidative enzymes. Furthermore, L. paracasei CCFM1223 pretreatment remarkably increased the colonic, serum, and hepatic IL-22 levels in ALI mice. In addition, L. paracasei CCFM1223 pretreatment remarkably down-regulated the hepatic Tlr4 and Nf-kβ transcriptions and significantly up-regulated the hepatic Tlr9, Tak1, Iκ-Bα, and Nrf2 transcriptions in ALI mice. Conclusions: L. paracasei CCFM1223 has a hepatoprotective function in ameliorating LPS-induced ALI by regulating the “gut–liver” axis.
Oral Dysbiosis and Neurodegenerative Diseases: Correlations and Potential Causations
Authors: Nicholson Justine S. , Landry Kyle S.
Published: July 2022

Biofilms are a heterogenous complex community of vegetative cells and extracellular polymeric substances that can adhere to various surfaces and are responsible for a variety of chronic and acute diseases. The impact of bacterial biofilms on oral and intestinal health is well studied, but the correlation and causations of biofilms and neurodegenerative diseases are still in their infancy. However, the correlations between biofilms and diseases such as Alzheimer’s Disease, Multiple Sclerosis, and even Parkinson’s Disease are starting to demonstrate the role bacterial biofilms have in promoting and exasperating various illnesses. The review article provides insight into the role bacterial biofilms may have on the development and progression of various neurodegenerative diseases and hopefully shine a light on this very important area of research.
West Nile Virus Occurrence and Ecological Niche Modeling in Wild Bird Species and Mosquito Vectors: An Active Surveillance Program in the Peloponnese Region of Greece
Authors: Sofia Marina , Giannakopoulos Alexios , Giantsis Ioannis A. , Touloudi Antonia , Birtsas Periklis , Papageorgiou Kontantinos , Athanasakopoulou Zoi , Chatzopoulos Dimitris C. , Vrioni Georgia , Galamatis Dimitrios , Diamantopoulos Vassilis , Mpellou Spyridoula , Petridou Evanthia , Kritas Spyridon K. , Palli Matina , Georgakopoulos Giorgos , Spyrou Vassiliki , Tsakris Athanassios , Chaskopoulou Alexandra , Billinis Charalambos
Published: July 2022

West Nile Virus (WNV) is maintained in nature in a bird-mosquito cycle and human infections follow a seasonal pattern, favored by climatic conditions. Peloponnese Region, located in Southern Greece, initiated an active WNV surveillance program to protect public health during 2019–2020. The project included monitoring of avian hosts and mosquito vectors, while sampling locations were prioritized after consideration of WNV circulation in birds, mosquitos and humans during previous seasons. Biological materials were collected from 493 wild birds of 25 species and 678 mosquito pools, which were molecularly screened for WNV presence. In this case, 14 environmental variables were associated with WNV detection in wild birds and mosquitos by using two separate MaxEnt models. Viral RNA was not detected in the target species during 2019, although in 2020, it was reported on 46 wild birds of ten species and 22 mosquito pools (Culex pipiens and Aedes albopictus). Altitude and land uses were significant predictors for both models and in fact, suitable conditions for virus occurrence were identified in low altitude zones. Bird- and mosquito-based surveillance systems yielded similar results and allowed for targeted vector control applications in cases of increased virus activity. Human cases were not reported on Peloponnese in 2020.
Green Mining Takes Place at the Power Plant
Authors: Zhang Zhiyi , Liu Hao , Su Hui , Zeng Qiang
Published: July 2022

The number of large coal power plants, characterized by pithead plants, is increasing rapidly in major coal mining countries around the world. Overburden movement caused by coal mining and greenhouse gas emissions caused by coal thermal power generation are intertwined, and have become important challenges for mine ecological environment protection at present and in the future. In order to provide more options for green mining in large coal power plants, a large coal power base in northwest China was taken as the researching background in this paper, and a green mining model considering the above two aspects of ecological environment damages was proposed; that is, the carbon dioxide greenhouse gas produced by coal-fired power plants can be geologically trapped in goaf, whose overburden stability is controlled by backfill strips made of solid mine waste. In order to explore the feasibility of this model, the bearing strength of the filled gray brick consisting mainly of aeolian sand and fly ash under different curing methods was firstly studied, and it was discovered that the strength of the gray brick significantly improved after carbonization curing. After that, X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were employed to compare the mineral composition and its spatial morphology in gray brick before and after carbonization, and it is believed that the formation of dense acicular calcium carbonate after carbonization curing was the fundamental reason for the improvement of its bearing strength. Finally, a series of stope numerical models were established with UDEC software to analyze the surface settlement, crack propagation height and air tightness of the overlying strata, respectively, when goaf was supported by the backfilling strips with carbonized gray brick. The research results of this paper showed that the stability of overlying strata in goaf can be effectively controlled by adjusting the curing methods, width and spacing of the filled gray brick, so as to facilitate the following geological sequestration of carbon dioxide greenhouse gas in goaf. Consequently, the ecological environment damages caused by coal mining and utilization in a large coal power base can be resolved as a whole, and the purpose of green mining can be achieved as desired.
Caledonian Tin Mineralization in the Jiuwandashan Area, Northern Guangxi, South China
Authors: Yue Zhi-Heng , Bai Ling-An , Hu Rong-Guo , Wu Jie , Dai Yu , Zhou Shou-Yu , Feng Zuo-Hai , Xu Cheng , Zhao Zeng-Xia , Liu Xi-Jun
Published: July 2022

The Jiangnan orogenic belt is located between the Yangtze and Cathaysia blocks in South China and is one of the largest W–Sn–Nb–Ta ore belts worldwide. Mineralization occurred from the Proterozoic to Mesozoic, but Caledonian Sn mineralization has rarely been reported. The Jialong cassiterite–sulfide deposit is located in the western Jiangnan orogenic belt. It is hosted by the Sibao Group and in contact with the northeastern part of the Yuanbaoshan granite. The deposit was overprinted by the Sirong ductile shear zone. Here, we present cassiterite U–Pb and mylonitic granite muscovite 40Ar/39Ar ages for this deposit. The cassiterite and muscovite yielded concordant U–Pb and 40Ar/39Ar ages of 422–420 Ma, indicating that Sn mineralization occurred during the early Paleozoic and was spatially and temporally related to the ductile shear zone. The cassiterite is depleted in Nb (0.51–5.46 ppm), Ta (0.01–1.09 ppm), Ti (32.84–423.15 ppm), Sc (0.02–1.45 ppm), Hf (0–1.11 ppm), and other high-field-strength elements. Elements, such as Pb (0.01–8.11 ppm) and Sb (9.92–56.45 ppm), are relatively enriched in the cassiterite, which indicate the Jialong deposit was not directly related to magmatism. Shearing along the Sirong ductile shear zone occurred at 419.6 ± 3.8 Ma, concurrent with the formation of the Jialong Sn–Cu deposit. Moreover, cassiterite in the deposit exhibits obvious shear and brittle deformation, and dissolution and regrowth, suggesting that Sn mineralization was closely related to ductile shearing. The Sirong ductile shear zone and secondary shear structures had a key role in controlling the Sn orebody. The heat generated during tectonic deformation in the ductile shear zone may have produced the ore-forming hydrothermal fluids, and NW–SE-trending fractures in the strata provided the space for mineralization. Metamorphic hydrothermal fluids generated by Caledonian shear deformation extracted Sn from Sn-rich strata, which then migrated along interlayer fractures produced by shearing. A decrease in pressure and water–rock reactions led to the mineralization of Sn and other elements. This deposit is the first example of Caledonian and shear zone-related Sn mineralization identified in the Jiuwandashan area of northern Guangxi.
Charge Transport Mechanisms of Black Diamond at Cryogenic Temperatures
Authors: Orsini Andrea , Barettin Daniele , Ercoli Federica , Rossi Maria Cristina , Pettinato Sara , Salvatori Stefano , Mezzi Alessio , Polini Riccardo , Bellucci Alessandro , Mastellone Matteo , Girolami Marco , Valentini Veronica , Orlando Stefano , Trucchi Daniele Maria
Published: July 2022

Black diamond is an emerging material for solar applications. The femtosecond laser surface treatment of pristine transparent diamond allows the solar absorptance to be increased to values greater than 90% from semi-transparency conditions. In addition, the defects introduced by fs-laser treatment strongly increase the diamond surface electrical conductivity and a very-low activation energy is observed at room temperature. In this work, the investigation of electronic transport mechanisms of a fs-laser nanotextured diamond surface is reported. The charge transport was studied down to cryogenic temperatures, in the 30–300 K range. The samples show an activation energy of a few tens of meV in the highest temperature interval and for T < 50 K, the activation energy diminishes to a few meV. Moreover, thanks to fast cycles of measurement, we noticed that the black-diamond samples also seem to show a behavior close to ferromagnetic materials, suggesting electron spin influence over the transport properties. The mentioned properties open a new perspective in designing novel diamond-based biosensors and a deep knowledge of the charge-carrier transport in black diamond becomes fundamental.
The Efficient and Convenient Extracting Uranium from Water by a Uranyl-Ion Affine Microgel Container
Authors: He Peiyan , Shen Minghao , Xie Wanli , Ma Yue , Pan Jianming
Published: July 2022

Uranium is an indispensable part of the nuclear industry that benefits us, but its consequent pollution of water bodies also makes a far-reaching impact on human society. The rapid, efficient and convenient extraction of uranium from water is to be a top priority. Thanks to the super hydrophilic and fast adsorption rate of microgel, it has been the ideal adsorbent in water; however, it was too difficult to recover the microgel after adsorption, which limited its practical applications. Here, we developed a uranyl-ion affine and recyclable microgel container that has not only the rapid swelling rate of microgel particles but also allows the detection of the adsorption saturation process by the naked eye.
Lanthanide (Eu, Tb, La)-Doped ZnO Nanoparticles Synthesized Using Whey as an Eco-Friendly Chelating Agent
Authors: Picasso Carolina , Salinas Yolanda , Brüggemann Oliver , Scharber Markus Clark , Sariciftci Niyazi Serdar , Cardozo Olavo D. F. , Rodrigues Eriverton S. , Silva Marcelo S. , Stingl Andreas , Farias Patricia M. A.
Published: July 2022

Strategies for production and use of nanomaterials have rapidly moved towards safety and sustainability. Beyond these requirements, the novel routes must prove to be able to preserve and even improve the performance of the resulting nanomaterials. Increasing demand of high-performance nanomaterials is mostly related to electronic components, solar energy harvesting devices, pharmaceutical industries, biosensors, and photocatalysis. Among nanomaterials, Zinc oxide (ZnO) is of special interest, mainly due to its environmental compatibility and vast myriad of possibilities related to the tuning and the enhancement of ZnO properties. Doping plays a crucial role in this scenario. In this work we report and discuss the properties of undoped ZnO as well as lanthanide (Eu, Tb, and La)-doped ZnO nanoparticles obtained by using whey, a by-product of milk processing, as a chelating agent, without using citrate nor any other chelators. The route showed to be very effective and feasible for the affordable large-scale production of both pristine and doped ZnO nanoparticles in powder form.
Self-Assembled Nanoscale Materials for Neuronal Regeneration: A Focus on BDNF Protein and Nucleic Acid Biotherapeutic Delivery
Authors: Wu Yu , Rakotoarisoa Miora , Angelov Borislav , Deng Yuru , Angelova Angelina
Published: July 2022

Enabling challenging applications of nanomedicine and precision medicine in the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders requires deeper investigations of nanocarrier-mediated biomolecular delivery for neuronal targeting and recovery. The successful use of macromolecular biotherapeutics (recombinant growth factors, antibodies, enzymes, synthetic peptides, cell-penetrating peptide–drug conjugates, and RNAi sequences) in clinical developments for neuronal regeneration should benefit from the recent strategies for enhancement of their bioavailability. We highlight the advances in the development of nanoscale materials for drug delivery in neurodegenerative disorders. The emphasis is placed on nanoformulations for the delivery of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) using different types of lipidic nanocarriers (liposomes, liquid crystalline or solid lipid nanoparticles) and polymer-based scaffolds, nanofibers and hydrogels. Self-assembled soft-matter nanoscale materials show favorable neuroprotective characteristics, safety, and efficacy profiles in drug delivery to the central and peripheral nervous systems. The advances summarized here indicate that neuroprotective biomolecule-loaded nanoparticles and injectable hydrogels can improve neuronal survival and reduce tissue injury. Certain recently reported neuronal dysfunctions in long-COVID-19 survivors represent early manifestations of neurodegenerative pathologies. Therefore, BDNF delivery systems may also help in prospective studies on recovery from long-term COVID-19 neurological complications and be considered as promising systems for personalized treatment of neuronal dysfunctions and prevention or retarding of neurodegenerative disorders.
Crystallization of Nano-Sized Macromolecules by the Example of Hexakis-[4-{(N-Allylimino)methyl}phenoxy]cyclotriphosphazene
Authors: Chistyakov Evgeniy , Yudaev Pavel , Nelyubina Yulia
Published: July 2022

The synthesized compound was characterized by 31P, 13C, and 1H NMR spectroscopy and MALDI-TOF mass spectroscopy. According to DSC data, the compound was initially crystalline, but the crystal structure was defective. The crystals suitable for X-ray diffraction study were prepared by slow precipitation of the compound from a solution by a vapor of another solvent. A study of the single crystal obtained in this way demonstrated that the phosphazene ring has a flattened chair conformation. It was found that the sphere circumscribed around the compound molecule has a diameter of 2.382 nm.
A Preliminary Study on a Form of the 24-h Recall That Balances Survey Cost and Accuracy, Based on the NCI Method
Authors: Huang Kun , Zhao Liyun , Fang Hongyun , Yu Dongmei , Yang Yuxiang , Li Zizi , Mu Di , Ju Lahong , Li Shujuan , Cheng Xue , Xu Xiaoli , Guo Qiya
Published: July 2022

The 24-h recall (24HR) is a short-term dietary assessment instrument that is widely used in large-scale nutrition surveys. The number of survey days is critical in the accuracy of estimates. The multiple, repeated collection of 24HRs can yield reliable dietary intakes, whereas that is not always feasible due to staffing, equipment, financial, and temporal constraints. The NCI (National Cancer Institute) method was developed to address this limitation by using only within-person variance to calculate usual dietary intake. However, the performance of different forms of 24HRs based on the NCI method remains unclear. The aim of this study was to explore a form of 24HR based on the NCI method that can balance accuracy and survey cost. A total of 595 subjects completed 7 consecutive 24HRs in each season, for a total of 28 24HRs. The averages of the 28 collection days were defined as the reference value to compare the performance of 24HRs for two consecutive days (C2), three consecutive days (C3), two non-consecutive days (NC2), and three non-consecutive days (NC3) for estimating the dietary intakes of Chinese adults. The equivalence test was used to evaluate whether the estimates of scenarios NC2 and NC3 were equivalent. Additionally, the accuracy of a scenario of NC2 which included a weekend was compared to that of a scenario of NC2 which included two weekdays. All results of the 24HRs in each scenario were corrected by the NCI method. Bias/relative bias and mean bias/mean relative bias were used as measures of precision and accuracy, respectively. The results showed that the precision was similar among the four scenarios, while the accuracy relationship varied among the different dietary components. In general, scenario NC3 was the most accurate, followed by scenario NC2, which was close to the former. The form using non-consecutive days was more accurate than that using consecutive days, and the main factor affecting the accuracy of the 24HRs was the continuity between multiple survey days rather than the number of days. The means and major percentiles of energy, nutrients, and frequently consumed food in scenarios NC2 and NC3 were functionally identical. The accuracy of the scenario of NC2 which included a weekend was higher than that of scenario NC2, which consisted of only weekdays. The above results indicated that the adoption of two, non-consecutive 24HRs consisting of a weekend and a weekday to collect dietary data prior to correction by the NCI method, is a feasible approach to balancing survey costs and accuracy in large-scale nutrition surveys.
Detection of Brucella abortus Vaccine Strain RB51 in Water Buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) Milk
Authors: Averaimo Daniela , De Massis Fabrizio , Savini Giovanni , Garofolo Giuliano , Sacchini Flavio , Abass Anna , Tittarelli Manuela , Migliorati Giacomo , Petrini Antonio
Published: July 2022

The isolation of B. abortus RB51 vaccine strain from a milk sample in a water buffalo farm in southern Italy emphasizes the risk to public health of consuming contaminated milk or milk products following illegal vaccination.
Spray Dried Levodopa-Doped Powder Potentially for Intranasal Delivery
Authors: Liu Xuan , Yan Shen , Li Mengyuan , Zhang Shengyu , Guo Gang , Yin Quanyi , Tong Zhenbo , Chen Xiao Dong , Wu Winston Duo
Published: July 2022

This work was aimed to develop levodopa (L-dopa) nasal powder to achieve controllable drug release and high nasal deposition efficiency. A series of uniform microparticles, composed of amorphous L-dopa and excipients of hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose (HPMC), polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), or hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin (CD), were fabricated by a self-designed micro-fluidic spray dryer. The effects of excipient type and drug/excipient mass ratio on the particle size, morphology, density, and crystal property, as well as the in vitro performance of drug release, mucoadhesion, and nasal deposition, were investigated. Increased amounts of added excipient, regardless of its type, could accelerate the L-dopa release to different extent. The addition of CD showed the most obvious effect, i.e., ~83% of L-dopa released in 60 min for SD-L1CD2, compared to 37% for raw L-dopa. HPMC could more apparently improve the particle mucoadhesion than PVP and CD, with respective adhesive forces of ~269, 111, and 26 nN for SD-L1H2, -L1P2, and -L1CD2. Nevertheless, the deposition fractions in the olfactory region for such samples were almost the same (~14%), probably ascribable to their quite similar particle aerodynamic diameter (~30 μm). This work demonstrates a feasible methodology for the development of nasal powder.
Exploration of Deformation of F-Actin during Macropinocytosis by Confocal Microscopy and 3D-Structured Illumination Microscopy
Authors: Xu Linyu , Zhang Yanwei , Lang Song , Gong Yan
Published: July 2022

Since their invention, confocal microscopy and super-resolution microscopy have become important choices in cell biology research. Macropinocytosis is a critical form of endocytosis. Deformation of the cell membrane is thought to be closely related to the movement of F-actin during macropinocytosis. However, it is still unclear how the morphology of F-actin and the membrane change during this process. In this study, confocal microscopy was utilized for macroscopic time-series imaging of the cell membranes and F-actin in cells induced by phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA). Super-resolution structured illumination microscopy (SIM), which can overcome the diffraction limit, was used to demonstrate the morphological characteristics of F-actin filaments. Benefiting from the advantages of SIM in terms of resolution and 3D imaging, we speculated on the regular pattern of the deformation of F-actin during macropinocytosis. The detailed visualization of structures also helped to validate the speculation regarding the role of F-actin filaments in macropinocytosis in previous studies. The results obtained in this study will provide a better understanding of the mechanisms underlying macropinocytosis and endocytosis.
Genomic Prediction Accuracy of Stripe Rust in Six Spring Wheat Populations by Modeling Genotype by Environment Interaction
Authors: Semagn Kassa , Iqbal Muhammad , Jarquin Diego , Randhawa Harpinder , Aboukhaddour Reem , Howard Reka , Ciechanowska Izabela , Farzand Momna , Dhariwal Raman , Hiebert Colin W. , N’Diaye Amidou , Pozniak Curtis , Spaner Dean
Published: July 2022

Some previous studies have assessed the predictive ability of genome-wide selection on stripe (yellow) rust resistance in wheat, but the effect of genotype by environment interaction (GEI) in prediction accuracies has not been well studied in diverse genetic backgrounds. Here, we compared the predictive ability of a model based on phenotypic data only (M1), the main effect of phenotype and molecular markers (M2), and a model that incorporated GEI (M3) using three cross-validations (CV1, CV2, and CV0) scenarios of interest to breeders in six spring wheat populations. Each population was evaluated at three to eight field nurseries and genotyped with either the DArTseq technology or the wheat 90K single nucleotide polymorphism arrays, of which a subset of 1,058- 23,795 polymorphic markers were used for the analyses. In the CV1 scenario, the mean prediction accuracies of the M1, M2, and M3 models across the six populations varied from −0.11 to −0.07, from 0.22 to 0.49, and from 0.19 to 0.48, respectively. Mean accuracies obtained using the M3 model in the CV1 scenario were significantly greater than the M2 model in two populations, the same in three populations, and smaller in one population. In both the CV2 and CV0 scenarios, the mean prediction accuracies of the three models varied from 0.53 to 0.84 and were not significantly different in all populations, except the Attila/CDC Go in the CV2, where the M3 model gave greater accuracy than both the M1 and M2 models. Overall, the M3 model increased prediction accuracies in some populations by up to 12.4% and decreased accuracy in others by up to 17.4%, demonstrating inconsistent results among genetic backgrounds that require considering each population separately. This is the first comprehensive genome-wide prediction study that investigated details of the effect of GEI on stripe rust resistance across diverse spring wheat populations.
Eupatorin and Salviandulin-A, with Antimicrobial and Anti-Inflammatory Effects from Salvia lavanduloides Kunth Leaves
Authors: González-Cortazar Manasés , Salinas-Sánchez David Osvaldo , Herrera-Ruiz Maribel , Román-Ramos Dionisio Celerino , Zamilpa Alejandro , Jiménez-Ferrer Enrique , Ble-González Ever A. , Álvarez-Fitz Patricia , Castrejón-Salgado Ricardo , Pérez-García Ma. Dolores
Published: July 2022

This study describes the antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects from extracts obtained from the leaves of Salvia lavanduloides. The plant material was macerated with three solvents of ascending polarity (n-hexane (Sl-Hex), ethyl acetate (Sl-AcOEt), and dichloromethane (Sl-D)). The extracts, fractions (SlD-2 and SlD-3), and isolated compounds (15,16-epoxy-10-β-hydroxy-neo-cleroda-3,7,13(16),14-tetraene-17,12R:18,19-diolide (1), salviandulin A (2), and eupatorin (3)) were evaluated as antimicrobials against Gram-negative, Gram-positive bacteria and the fungus Candida albicans (Ca) using the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and the anti-inflammatory activity induced by 13-acetate of 12-O-tetradecanoylforbol (TPA). Sl-D and Sl-AcOEt extracts, SlD-2 and SlD-3 fractions showed the highest antimicrobial activity. The isolated compounds showed good activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa with a MIC < 2 μg/mL, while the anti-inflammatory activity, the Sl-Hex, Sl-D extracts, and SlD-3 fraction presented an inhibition of 62, 45 and 61%, respectively, while (2) 70% and (3) 72%.
Regulation of Gene Expression through Food—Curcumin as a Sirtuin Activity Modulator
Authors: Ungurianu Anca , Zanfirescu Anca , Margină Denisa
Published: July 2022

The sirtuin family comprises NAD+-dependent protein lysine deacylases, mammalian sirtuins being either nuclear (SIRT1, SIRT2, SIRT6, and SIRT7), mitochondrial (SIRT3, SIRT4, and SIRT5) or cytosolic enzymes (SIRT2 and SIRT5). They are able to catalyze direct metabolic reactions, thus regulating several physiological functions, such as energy metabolism, stress response, inflammation, cell survival, DNA repair, tissue regeneration, neuronal signaling, and even circadian rhythms. Based on these data, recent research was focused on finding molecules that could regulate sirtuins’ expression and/or activity, natural compounds being among the most promising in the field. Curcumin (1,7-bis-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)-1,6-heptadiene-3,5-dione) can induce, through SIRT, modulation of cancer cell senescence, improve endothelial cells protection against atherosclerotic factors, enhance muscle regeneration in atrophy models, and act as a pro-longevity factor counteracting the neurotoxicity of amyloid-beta. Although a plethora of protective effects was reported (antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, etc.), its therapeutical use is limited due to its bioavailability issues. However, all the reported effects may be explained via the bioactivation theory, which postulates that curcumin’s observed actions are modulated via its metabolites and/or degradation products. The present article is focused on bringing together the literature data correlating the ability of curcumin and its metabolites to modulate SIRT activity and its consequent beneficial effects.
Pseudomonas cannabina pv. alisalensis Virulence Factors Are Involved in Resistance to Plant-Derived Antimicrobials during Infection
Authors: Sakata Nanami , Haraguchi Takumi , Masuo Shunsuke , Ishiga Takako , Ishiga Yasuhiro
Published: July 2022

Bacteria are exposed to and tolerate diverse and potentially toxic compounds in the natural environment. While efflux transporters are generally thought to involve bacterial antibiotic resistance in vitro, their contributions to plant bacterial virulence have so far been poorly understood. Pseudomonas cannabina pv. alisalensis (Pcal) is a causal agent of bacterial blight of Brassicaceae. We here demonstrated that NU19, which is mutated in the resistance-nodulation-cell division (RND) transporter encoded gene, showed reduced virulence on cabbage compared to WT, indicating that the RND transporter contributes to Pcal virulence on cabbage. We also demonstrated that brassinin biosynthesis was induced after Pcal infection. Additionally, the RND transporter was involved in resistance to plant-derived antimicrobials and antibiotics, including the cabbage phytoalexin brassinin. These results suggest that the RND transporter extrudes plant-derived antimicrobials and contributes to Pcal virulence. We also found that the RND transporter contributes to Pcal virulence on Brassicaceae and tomato, but not on oat. These results suggest that the RND transporter contributes to Pcal virulence differentially depending on the host-plant species. Lastly, our expression-profile analysis indicated that the type-three secretion system (TTSS), which is essential for pathogenesis, is also involved in suppressing brassinin biosynthesis. Taken together, our results suggest that several Pcal virulence factors are involved in resistance to plant-derived antimicrobials and bacterial survival during infection.
Honeycomb-Structured Porous Films from Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) and Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate): Physicochemical Characterization and Mesenchymal Stem Cells Behavior
Authors: Kulikouskaya Viktoryia I. , Nikalaichuk Viktoryia V. , Bonartsev Anton P. , Akoulina Elizaveta A. , Belishev Nikita V. , Demianova Irina V. , Chesnokova Dariana V. , Makhina Tatiana K. , Bonartseva Garina A. , Shaitan Konstantin V. , Hileuskaya Kseniya S. , Voinova Vera V.
Published: July 2022

Surface morphology affects cell attachment and proliferation. In this research, different films made of biodegradable polymers, poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (PHB) and poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHB-co-HV), containing different molecular weights, with microstructured surfaces were investigated. Two methods were used to obtain patterned films—water-assisted self-assembly (“breath figure”) and spin-coating techniques. The water-assisted technique made it possible to obtain porous films with a self-assembled pore structure, which is dependent on the monomer composition of a polymer along with its molecular weight and the technique parameters (distance from the nozzle, volume, and polymer concentration in working solution). Their pore morphologies were evaluated and their hydrophobicity was examined. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) isolated from bone marrow were cultivated on a porous film surface. MSCs’ attachment differed markedly depending on surface morphology. On strip-formed stamp films, MSCs elongated along the structure, however, they interacted with a larger area of film surface. The honeycomb films and column type films did not set the direction of extrusion, but cell flattening depended on structure topography. Thus, stem cells can “feel” the various surface morphologies of self-assembled honeycomb films and change their behavior depending on it.
Properties Enhancement of Oil Palm Trunk Plywood against Decay and Termite for Marine Applications
Authors: Che Ismail Atikah , Salim Sabiha , Md Tahir Paridah , Lee Seng Hua , Abd Ghani Muhammad Aizat , Al Edrus Syeed SaifulAzry , Ahmad Faisal Fadhlin Qayyum
Published: July 2022

Oil palm trunk (OPT) veneers have the potential to be used in the production of plywood for marine applications. However, OPT is not resistant to fungal decay and termites, limiting its use in the production of marine plywood. As a result, in this study, phenolic resin treatment was used to improve the biological durability of OPT and produce marine grade equivalent (MGE) plywood. The OPT veneer was treated with medium molecular weight phenol formaldehyde (MmwPF) resin. The results showed that MmwPF resin with a solid content of 30% resulted in higher weight percent gain and polymer retention. Veneers treated with 30% MmwPF resin were then pressed for more than 10 min at temperatures above 140 °C. Dimensional stability, shear strength, bending strength, fungal decay resistance, and termite resistance were all tested on the plywood produced. The results of this study revealed that MGE plywood has satisfactory bonding quality and excellent biological durability. Good bending strength was recorded for the MGE plywood with modulus of rupture and modulus of elasticity ranged between 31.03 and 38.85 MPa and 4110 and 5120 MPa, respectively. Rubberwood, as a reference sample in this study, is not durable (Class 5) against white rot fungi and is moderately durable (Class III) against subterranean termite attacks. Interestingly, MGE plywood produced in this study was found very durable (Class 1) against white rot fungi. It is also durable (Class II) and very durable (Class I) against termite attacks, depending on the pressing parameters employed. Based on their outstanding bonding quality, bending strength, and biological durability, the study confirmed the feasibility of OPT plywood for marine applications.
The Effect of Physical Aging and Degradation on the Re-Use of Polyamide 12 in Powder Bed Fusion
Authors: Sanders Benjamin , Cant Edward , Amel Hoda , Jenkins Michael
Published: July 2022

Powder bed fusion (PBF) is an additive manufacturing (AM) technique which offers efficient part-production, light-weighting, and the ability to create complex geometries. However, during a build cycle, multiple aging and degradation processes occur which may affect the reusability of the Polyamide 12 (PA-12) powder. Limited understanding of these phenomena can result in discarding re-usable powder unnecessarily, or the production of parts with insufficient properties, both of which lead to significant amounts of waste. This paper examines the thermal, chemical, and mechanical characteristics of PA-12 via an oven storage experiment that simulates multi jet fusion (MJF) conditions. Changes in the properties of PA-12 powder during oven storage showed two separate, time-dependent trends. Initially, differential scanning calorimetry showed a 4.2 °C increase in melting temperature (Tm) and a rise in crystallinity (Xc). This suggests that secondary crystallisation is occurring instead of, or in addition to, the more commonly reported further polycondensation process. However, with extended storage time, there were substantial reductions in Tm and Xc, whilst an 11.6 °C decrease in crystallisation temperature was observed. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, a technique rarely used in PBF literature, shows an increased presence of imide bonds—a key marker of thermo-oxidative degradation. Discolouration of samples, an 81% reduction in strength and severe material embrittlement provided further evidence that thermo-oxidative degradation becomes the dominant process following extended storage times beyond 100 h. An additional pre-drying experiment showed how moisture present within PA-12 can also accelerate degradation via hydrolysis.
Polyglycerols as Multi-Functional Platforms: Synthesis and Biomedical Applications
Authors: Pouyan Paria , Cherri Mariam , Haag Rainer
Published: July 2022

The remarkable and unique characteristics of polyglycerols (PG) have made them an attractive candidate for many applications in the biomedical and pharmaceutical fields. The presence of multiple hydroxy groups on the flexible polyether backbone not only enables the further modification of the PG structure but also makes the polymer highly water-soluble and results in excellent biocompatibility. In this review, the polymerization routes leading to PG with different architectures are discussed. Moreover, we discuss the role of these polymers in different biomedical applications such as drug delivery systems, protein conjugation, and surface modification.
Study on Bond-Slip Behavior between Seawater Sea-Sand Concrete and Carbon Fiber-Reinforced Polymer (CFRP) Bars with Different Surface Shapes
Authors: Gao Jing , Xu Penghai , Fan Lingyun , Terrasi Giovanni Pietro
Published: July 2022

The application of CFRP bar and seawater sea-sand concrete (SSSC) in construction can overcome the shortcomings in conventional reinforced concrete, such as corrosion induced by carbonation and chloride ingress. In this study, the bond-slip behavior between an SSSC cube and CFRP bar has been investigated, and different CFRP bar surface shapes have been considered. A total of 27 specimens (9 groups) were fabricated for a pull-out test, where three types of CFRP bar with different surface shapes were used: smooth regular bars, double-wrapped bars and ribbed bars. Bond strength, bond-slip curve, and failure mode have been presented and discussed. FE models have been constructed and validated by experimental results. The effect of concrete compressive strength and relative area of ribs on bond strength has been studied through numerical simulations. It is found that the bond strength increased with concrete compressive strength, and the ribbed bar had significantly higher bond strength than the smooth regular bar. Pull-out failure was observed when the cover-depth-to-bar-diameter ratio was no less than 4 and, otherwise, splitting failure occurred. In addition, a simple formula has been proposed to approximately evaluate the bond strength between an SSSC cube and CFRP bar and validated by experimental results, and analytical expressions for different bond-slip curves have also been developed.
Investigation of the Crystallization Kinetics and Melting Behaviour of Polymer Blend Nanocomposites Based on Poly(L-Lactic Acid), Nylon 11 and TMDCs WS2
Authors: Naffakh Mohammed , Shuttleworth Peter S.
Published: July 2022

The aim of this work was to study the crystallization kinetics and melting behaviour of polymer blend nanocomposites based on poly (L-lactic acid) (PLLA), nylon 11 and tungsten disulfide nanotubes (INT-WS2), which are layered transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDCs), using non-isothermal differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Blends containing different nylon 11 contents ranging from 20 to 80 wt.% with or without INT-WS2 were prepared by melt mixing. Evaluation of their morphology with high-resolution SEM imaging proved that the incorporation of inorganic nanotubes into the immiscible PLLA/nylon 11 mixtures led to an improvement in the dispersibility of the nylon 11 phase, a reduction in its average domain size and, consequently, an increase in its interfacial area. The crystallization temperatures of these PLLA/nylon 11-INT blends were influenced by the cooling rate and composition. In particular, the DSC results appear to demonstrate that the 1D-TMDCs WS2 within the PLLA/nylon 11-INT blend nanocomposites initiated nucleation in both polymeric components, with the effect being more pronounced for PLLA. Moreover, the nucleation activity and activation energy were calculated to support these findings. The nucleation effect of INT-WS2, which influences the melting behaviour of PLLA, is highly important, particularly when evaluating polymer crystallinity. This study opens up new perspectives for the development of advanced PLA-based nanomaterials that show great potential for ecological and biomedical applications.