bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Association and Effectiveness of PAX1 Methylation and HPV Viral Load for the Detection of Cervical High-Grade Squamous Intraepithelial Lesion
Authors: Li Mingzhu , Zhao Chao , Zhao Yun , Li Jingran , Zhang Xiaobo , Zhang Wei , Gao Qingqing , Wei Lihui
Published: January 2023

Background: PAX1 methylation (PAX1m) and HPV viral load (VL) have been reported to detect cervical high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (HSIL), but the relationship between them is unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the correlation between HPV VL and PAX1m and its effectiveness in predicting cervical lesions. (2) Methods: A total of 476 women referred to colposcopy for abnormal cervical screening at the Peking University People’s Hospital between November 2020 and November 2021 were enrolled. PAX1m and HPV VL were determined by QMSP and BMRT-HPV reports type-specific VL/10,000 cells, respectively. (3) Results: PAX1m was significantly increased in HSIL, especially in cervical cancer, but there was no significant difference between cervical intraepithelial neoplasms 1(CIN1) and CIN2. However, HPV VL significantly differed between CIN1 and CIN2 but not between CIN3 and cervical cancer. In general, PAX1m positively correlated with all hrHPV VL, mainly in the HPV16/18 VL (p < 0.001), but had no relationship with the other 12 types of hrHPV VL. PAX1m had the highest specificity in diagnosing CIN2+, followed by HPV16/18 VL, which are higher than cytology ≥ASCUS. (4) Conclusions: Hypermethylation of PAX1 is associated with high HPV VL, especially HPV16/18, and both present advantageous specificity in detecting CIN2+.
Lomentospora prolificans Disseminated Infections: A Systematic Review of Reported Cases
Authors: Konsoula Afroditi , Agouridis Aris P. , Markaki Lamprini , Tsioutis Constantinos , Spernovasilis Nikolaos
Published: January 2023

Background: Lomentospora prolificans, a rare, highly virulent filamentous fungus with high rates of intrinsic resistance to antifungals, has been associated with different types of infections in immunocompromised as well as immunocompetent individuals. Objective: To systematically address all relevant evidence regarding L. prolificans disseminated infections in the literature. Methods: We searched Medline via PubMed and Scopus databases through July 2022. We performed a qualitative synthesis of published articles reporting disseminated infections from L. prolificans in humans. Results: A total of 87 studies describing 142 cases were included in our systematic review. The pathogen was most frequently reported in disseminated infections in Spain (n = 47), Australia (n = 33), the USA (n = 21), and Germany (n = 10). Among 142 reported cases, 48.5% were males. Underlying conditions identified for the majority of patients included malignancy (72.5%), hemopoietic stem cell transplantation (23.2%), solid organ transplantation (16%), and AIDS (2%). Lungs, central nervous system, skin, eyes, heart and bones/joints were the most commonly affected organs. Neutropenia was recorded in 52% of patients. The mortality rate was as high as 87.3%. Conclusions: To the best of our knowledge, this is the first systematic review conducted on disseminated infections due to this rare microorganism. Physicians should be aware that L. prolificans can cause a diversity of infections with high mortality and primarily affects immunocompromised and neutropenic patients.
The Anti-Leishmania amazonensis and Anti-Leishmania chagasi Action of Copper(II) and Silver(I) 1,10-Phenanthroline-5,6-dione Coordination Compounds
Authors: Oliveira Simone S. C. , Santos Vanessa S. , Devereux Michael , McCann Malachy , Santos André L. S. , Branquinha Marta H.
Published: January 2023

Leishmaniasis is a neglected disease caused by protozoa belonging to the Leishmania genus. Notably, the search for new, promising and potent anti-Leishmania compounds remains a major goal due to the inefficacy of the available drugs used nowadays. In the present work, we evaluated the effects of 1,10-phenanthroline-5,6-dione (phendione) coordinated to silver(I), [Ag(phendione)2]ClO4 (Ag-phendione), and copper(II), [Cu(phendione)3](ClO4)2·4H2O (Cu-phendione), as potential drugs to be used in the chemotherapy against Leishmania amazonensis and Leishmania chagasi. The results showed that promastigotes treated with Ag-phendione and Cu-phendione presented a significant reduction in the proliferation rate. The IC50 values calculated to Ag-phendione and Cu-phendione, respectively, were 7.8 nM and 7.5 nM for L. amazonensis and 24.5 nM and 20.0 nM for L. chagasi. Microscopical analyses revealed several relevant morphological changes in promastigotes, such as a rounding of the cell body and a shortening/loss of the single flagellum. Moreover, the treatment promoted alterations in the unique mitochondrion of these parasites, inducing significant reductions on both metabolic activity and membrane potential parameters. All these cellular perturbations induced the triggering of apoptosis-like death in these parasites, as judged by the (i) increased percentage of annexin-positive/propidium iodide negative cells, (ii) augmentation in the proportion of parasites in the sub-G0/G1 phase and (iii) DNA fragmentation. Finally, the test compounds showed potent effects against intracellular amastigotes; contrarily, these molecules were well tolerated by THP-1 macrophages, which resulted in excellent selective index values. Overall, the results highlight new selective and effective drugs against Leishmania species, which are important etiological agents of both cutaneous (L. amazonensis) and visceral (L. chagasi) leishmaniasis in a global perspective.
Association between Use of Spironolactone and Risk of Stroke in Hypertensive Patients: A Cohort Study
Authors: Cai Xintian , Li Nanfang
Published: January 2023

Objective: to investigate the relationship between the use of spironolactone and the risk of stroke in hypertensive patients. Methods: a total of 2464 spironolactone users and 12,928 non-users were identified (unmatched original cohort), and 1:1 matched pairs of 2461 spironolactone users and 2461 non-users based on propensity scores were created (propensity-score-matched cohort). Results: In the unmatched original cohort, the unadjusted analysis showed that the use of spironolactone was associated with a lower risk of total stroke (HR, 0.71; 95% CI, 0.61–0.84; p < 0.001), which was sustained in the adjusted analysis. According to stroke type, the association was with ischemic strokes (propensity-score-adjusted HR, 0.71; 95% CI, 0.59–0.85; p < 0.001) and hemorrhagic ones (propensity-score-adjusted HR, 0.63; 95% CI, 0.45–0.88; p = 0.008). Similar results were shown in the propensity-score-matched cohort. The results of the subgroup and sensitivity analyses were consistent with those of the primary analysis. The dose–response analysis demonstrated a dose-dependent association of spironolactone with a lower risk of stroke in hypertensive patients. Conclusions: The use of spironolactone was associated with a significantly lower risk of stroke events in hypertensive patients. Further research, including prospective randomized clinical trials, is needed to validate our findings.
Imaging of the Glucose-Dependent Insulinotropic Polypeptide Receptor Using a Novel Radiolabeled Peptide Rationally Designed Based on Endogenous GIP and Synthetic Exendin-4 Sequences
Authors: Velikyan Irina , Bossart Martin , Haack Torsten , Laitinen Iina , Estrada Sergio , Johansson Lars , Pierrou Stefan , Wagner Michael , Eriksson Olof
Published: January 2023

Imaging and radiotherapy targeting the glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide receptor (GIPR) could potentially benefit the management of neuroendocrine neoplasms (NENs), complementing clinically established radiopharmaceuticals. The aim of this study was to evaluate a GIPR-targeting positron emission tomography (PET) radioligand with receptor-specific binding, fast blood clearance, and low liver background uptake. The peptide DOTA-bioconjugate, C803-GIP, was developed based on the sequence of the endogenous GIP(1-30) and synthetic exendin-4 peptides with selective amino acid mutations to combine their specificity for the GIPR and in vivo stability, respectively. The 68Ga-labeled bioconjugate was evaluated in vitro in terms of binding affinity, specificity, and internalization in HEK293 cells transfected with the human GIPR, GLP1, or GCG receptors and in sections of human insulinoma and NENs. In vivo binding specificity, biodistribution, and tissue background were investigated in mice bearing huGIPR-HEK293 xenografts and in a pig. Ex vivo organ distribution, pharmacokinetics, and dosimetry were studied in normal rats. [68Ga]Ga-C803-GIP was stable and demonstrated a high affinity to the huGIPR-HEK293 cells. Binding specificity was demonstrated in vitro in frozen sections of NENs and huGIPR-HEK293 cells. No specific uptake was observed in the negative controls of huGLP1R and huGCGR cells. A novel rationally designed PET radioligand, [68Ga]Ga-C803-GIP, demonstrated promising binding characteristics and specificity towards the GIPR.
Formation and Characterisation of Posaconazole Hydrate Form
Authors: Lykouras Michail , Orkoula Malvina , Kontoyannis Christos
Published: January 2023

Posaconazole is an API added as Form I for the production of oral suspensions, but it is found as Form-S in the final formulation. In this study, it was found that this polymorphic conversion, which may affect the bioavailability, is due to an interaction with water. However, the relatively poor wettability of posaconazole Form I renders the complete wetting of its particles and production of pure Form-S challenging. Consequently, for its isolation, Form I should be dispersed in water followed by application of sonication for at least 10 min. Pure posaconazole Form-S was characterised using X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD), Raman spectroscopy, attenuated total reflection (ATR) spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and optical microscopy. From these techniques, posaconazole Form-S was characterised as a hydrate form, which includes three molecules of water per API molecule.
Synthesis and Characterization of Innovative Microgels Based on Polyacrylic Acid and Microalgae Cell Wall and Their Potential as Antigen Delivery Vehicles
Authors: García-Silva Ileana , Olvera-Sosa Miguel , Ortega-Berlanga Benita , Ruíz-Rodríguez Víctor , Palestino Gabriela , Rosales-Mendoza Sergio
Published: January 2023

In this study, hybrid polyacrylic acid and Schizochytrium sp. microalgae (PAA/Schizo) microgels were synthesized by inverse emulsion assisted by ultrasound using the cell wall fraction as crosslinker. Physicochemical characterization of PAA/Schizo microgels revealed polymeric spherical particles (288 ± 39 nm) and were deemed stable and negatively charged. The produced microgels are not inherently toxic as cell viability was sustained above 80% when mice splenocytes were exposed to concentrations ranging 10–900 µg/mL. PAA/Schizo microgels were evaluated as antigen delivery nanovehicle by adsorbing bovine serum albumin (BSA); with a loading efficiency of 72% and loading capacity of 362 µg/mg. Overall, intranasally-immunized BALB/c mice showed null IgG or IgA responses against PAA/Schizo microgel-BSA, whereas soluble BSA induced significant humoral responses in systemic and mucosal compartments. Splenocytes proliferation assay upon BSA stimulus revealed positive CD4+ T cells-proliferation response in PAA/Schizo microgels-BSA group. Thus, PAA/Schizo microgels constitute functional antigen delivery vehicles of simple and ecofriendly synthesis. Moreover, the use of cell wall fraction as cross-linker agent provides an alternative use for the generation of high-value products using residual algae biomass from the oil industry. Our data suggests that the PAA/Schizo microgels are potential antigen delivery vehicles for immunotherapy development.
Composite Nanoarchitectonics of Photoactivated Titania-Based Materials with Anticancer Properties
Authors: Papadopoulou-Fermeli Nefeli , Lagopati Nefeli , Pippa Natassa , Sakellis Elias , Boukos Nikos , Gorgoulis Vassilis G. , Gazouli Maria , Pavlatou Evangelia A.
Published: January 2023

The synthesis of titania-based composite materials with anticancer potential under visible-light irradiation is the aim of this study. In specific, titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles (NPs) chemically modified with silver were embedded in a stimuli-responsive microgel (a crosslinked interpenetrating network (IP) network that was synthesized by poly (N-Isopropylacrylamide) and linear chains of polyacrylic acid sodium salt, forming composite particles. The ultimate goal of this research, and for our future plans, is to develop a drug-delivery system that uses optical fibers that could efficiently photoactivate NPs, targeting cancer cells. The produced Ag-TiO2 NPs, the microgel and the composite materials were characterized through X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), micro-Raman spectroscopy, ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy (UV-Vis), dynamic light scattering (DLS) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Our results indicated that Ag-TiO2 NPs were successfully embedded within the thermoresponsive microgel. Either Ag-TiO2 NPs or the composite materials exhibited high photocatalytic degradation efficiency on the pollutant rhodamine B and significant anticancer potential under visible-light irradiation.
Lactone Stabilized by Crosslinked Cyclodextrin Metal-Organic Frameworks to Improve Local Bioavailability of Topotecan in Lung Cancer
Authors: Xiong Ting , Guo Tao , He Yaping , Cao Zeying , Xu Huipeng , Wu Wenting , Wu Li , Zhu Weifeng , Zhang Jiwen
Published: January 2023

The protection of unstable anticancer molecules and their delivery to lesions are challenging issues in cancer treatment. Topotecan (TPT), a classic cytotoxic drug, is widely used for treating refractory lung cancer. However, the therapeutic effects of TPT are jeopardized by its active lactone form that is intrinsically hydrolyzed in physiological fluids, resulting in low bioavailability. Herein, the TPT-loaded crosslinked cyclodextrin metal-organic framework (TPT@CL-MOF) was engineered to improve the local bioavailability of TPT for the treatment of lung cancer. CL-MOF exhibited the efficient loading (12.3 wt%) of TPT with sustained release characteristics. In particular the formulation offered excellent protection in vitro against hydrolysis and increased the half-life of TPT from approximately 0.93 h to 22.05 h, which can be attributed to the host–guest interaction between cyclodextrin and TPT, as confirmed by molecular docking. The TPT@CL-MOF could effectively kill the cancer cells and inhibit the migration and invasion of B16F10 cells in vitro. Moreover, TPT@CL-MOF was efficiently distributed in the lungs after intravenous administration. In an in vivo study using a B16F10 pulmonary metastatic tumor model, TPT@CL-MOF significantly reduced the number and size of metastatic lung nodules at a reduced low dose by five times, and no noticeable side effects were observed. Therefore, this study provides a possible alternative therapy for the treatment of lung cancer with the camptothecin family drugs or other unstable therapeutically significant molecules.
Hybrid Silica-Coated PLGA Nanoparticles for Enhanced Enzyme-Based Therapeutics
Authors: Gustafson Kyle T. , Mokhtari Negin , Manalo Elise C. , Montoya Mira Jose , Gower Austin , Yeh Ya-San , Vaidyanathan Mukanth , Esener Sadik C. , Fischer Jared M.
Published: January 2023

Some cancer cells rely heavily on non-essential biomolecules for survival, growth, and proliferation. Enzyme based therapeutics can eliminate these biomolecules, thus specifically targeting neoplastic cells; however, enzyme therapeutics are susceptible to immune clearance, exhibit short half-lives, and require frequent administration. Encapsulation of therapeutic cargo within biocompatible and biodegradable poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) nanoparticles (PLGA NPs) is a strategy for controlled release. Unfortunately, PLGA NPs exhibit burst release of cargo shortly after delivery or upon introduction to aqueous environments where they decompose via hydrolysis. Here, we show the generation of hybrid silica-coated PLGA (SiLGA) NPs as viable drug delivery vehicles exhibiting sub-200 nm diameters, a metastable Zeta potential, and high loading efficiency and content. Compared to uncoated PLGA NPs, SiLGA NPs offer greater retention of enzymatic activity and slow the burst release of cargo. Thus, SiLGA encapsulation of therapeutic enzymes, such as asparaginase, could reduce frequency of administration, increase half-life, and improve efficacy for patients with a range of diseases.
Management of Sjogren’s Dry Eye Disease—Advances in Ocular Drug Delivery Offering a New Hope
Authors: Wu Kevin Y. , Chen Wei T. , Chu-Bédard Y-Kim , Patel Gauri , Tran Simon D.
Published: January 2023

Sjögren’s syndrome is a chronic and insidious autoimmune disease characterized by lymphocyte infiltration of exocrine glands. Patients typically present with dry eye, dry mouth, and other systemic manifestations. Currently, the available molecules and drug-delivery systems for the treatment of Sjögren’s syndrome dry eye (SSDE) have limited efficacy since they are not specific to SSDE but to dry eye disease (DED) in general. The current treatment modalities are based on a trial-and-error approach using primarily topical agents. However, this approach gives time for the vicious cycle of DED to develop which eventually causes permanent damage to the lacrimal functional unit. Thus, there is a need for more individualized, specific, and effective treatment modalities for SSDE. The purpose of this article is to describe the current conventional SSDE treatment modalities and to expose new advances in ocular drug delivery for treating SSDE. A literature review of the pre-clinical and clinical studies published between 2016 and 2022 was conducted. Our current understanding of SSDE pathophysiology combined with advances in ocular drug delivery and novel therapeutics will allow the translation of innovative molecular therapeutics from the bench to the bedside.
Recent Advances in Genomics-Based Approaches for the Development of Intracellular Bacterial Pathogen Vaccines
Authors: Khan Muhammad Ajmal , Amin Aftab , Farid Awais , Ullah Amin , Waris Abdul , Shinwari Khyber , Hussain Yaseen , Alsharif Khalaf F. , Alzahrani Khalid J. , Khan Haroon
Published: January 2023

Infectious diseases continue to be a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. The majority of infectious diseases are caused by intracellular pathogenic bacteria (IPB). Historically, conventional vaccination drives have helped control the pathogenesis of intracellular bacteria and the emergence of antimicrobial resistance, saving millions of lives. However, in light of various limitations, many diseases that involve IPB still do not have adequate vaccines. In response to increasing demand for novel vaccine development strategies, a new area of vaccine research emerged following the advent of genomics technology, which changed the paradigm of vaccine development by utilizing the complete genomic data of microorganisms against them. It became possible to identify genes related to disease virulence, genetic patterns linked to disease virulence, as well as the genetic components that supported immunity and favorable vaccine responses. Complete genomic databases, and advancements in transcriptomics, metabolomics, structural genomics, proteomics, immunomics, pan-genomics, synthetic genomics, and population biology have allowed researchers to identify potential vaccine candidates and predict their effects in patients. New vaccines have been created against diseases for which previously there were no vaccines available, and existing vaccines have been improved. This review highlights the key issues and explores the evolution of vaccines. The increasing volume of IPB genomic data, and their application in novel genome-based techniques for vaccine development, were also examined, along with their characteristics, and the opportunities and obstacles involved. Critically, the application of genomics technology has helped researchers rapidly select and evaluate candidate antigens. Novel vaccines capable of addressing the limitations associated with conventional vaccines have been developed and pressing healthcare issues are being addressed.
Active Compensation of Differential Group Delay in a Dual-Wavelength Pulsed Fiber Laser Driven by Quasi-Synchronous Pumping
Authors: Nyushkov Boris , Ivanenko Aleksey , Vishnyakov Gleb , Kharauzov Alexey , Smirnov Sergey
Published: January 2023

We report on synchronized dual-wavelength (1.07 μm and 1.24 μm) pulsed lasing driven by a quasi-synchronous primary pumping (at 0.98 μm) of an Yb-doped fiber laser, which incorporates also a P2O5-doped fiber as an intracavity Raman converter. The original method developed for such lasing does not require saturable absorbers (or optical modulators) and dispersion management. We demonstrated that the mechanism of the quasi-synchronous pumping enables the aforesaid stationary lasing in spite of significant differential group delay (DGD) inevitably acquired by light pulses with such different wavelengths during an intracavity round trip due to large normal chromatic dispersion. This DGD can be actively compensated at every round trip by the forced “acceleration” of the pulses at 1.07 μm in the Yb-doped active fiber due to the overrated frequency of the quasi-synchronous pumping at 0.98 μm. This mechanism is related to the particular pulse amplification dynamics in a such gain-modulated active fiber. The demonstrated approach to synchronized dual-wavelength pulsed lasing in a single-cavity fiber laser features remarkable simplicity and reliability. Our proof-of-concept setup enabled the stable two-wavelength generation of regular trains of nanosecond pulses with energy up to 34 nJ at equal repetition rates.
Calculation of the Proportion of Free Water Molecules in Aqueous Solutions Using the Parameters of Their Dielectric Permittivity in the Terahertz Range, Based on the Onsager Theory
Authors: Penkov Nikita V.
Published: January 2023

The question of the structure of aqueous solutions is one of the most fundamental and complex, while it is relevant to all natural science disciplines. An important parameter of the dynamically equilibrium structure of an aqueous solution is the number of free water molecules. To date, there are no reliable and fully justified methods for determining this parameter. Recently, the terahertz time-domain spectroscopy (THz-TDS) method has been developing. It makes it possible to record the spectra of the complex permittivity in the THz region, where an orientation relaxation band of free water molecules is detected for aqueous solutions. The purpose of this work is to establish the relationship of the parameters of THz dielectric permittivity with the number of free water molecules. For this purpose, the process of polarization of water in the THz region was theoretically considered using the formalism of electrodynamics of continuous media. The Onsager theory is taken as a basis and its development is carried out for the case of high-frequency fields. As a result, an analytical ratio was obtained for calculating the proportion of free water molecules in solutions. A comparison with other well-known, more simplified and poorly substantiated approaches is presented. Calculations of the fraction of free molecules for a number of aqueous solutions have been carried out. It can be argued that the first theoretically justified approach to calculating the population of free water molecules in a solution, which does not contain internal contradictions, is presented.
A “Zero-Cost” Adsorbing Hydroxyapatite-Based Material from Amazon Fishery Waste for Water Remediation and Nutrient Release for Agriculture
Authors: Renda Carmen Greice , Ruellas Thamara Machado de Oliveira , Malafatti João Otávio Donizette , Araújo Carla Suellem Sousa , Silva Gabriela Leite da , Figueira Bruno Apolo Miranda , Quaranta Simone , Paris Elaine Cristina
Published: January 2023

This paper puts forward the use of “low-cost/low-end” hydroxyapatite-based adsorbing materials prepared from Tambaqui fish cleaning residues (i.e., bones) by grinding and/or thermal annealing. The nature of raw materials and treatments practically resulted in a “zero-cost” adsorbent for atrazine pesticide and Co2+ ion remediation in an aqueous solution. Despite the distinctive character of the two contaminants, all adsorptions were found to follow pseudo-second order kinetics and Freundlich isotherm models. Pristine hydroxyapatite proved to be more effective in adsorbing atrazine at low concentrations due to interactions with collagen residues. Conversely, heat-treated materials demonstrated better adsorption performances for cobalt due to the removal of organic residues hindering access to the surface. On the other hand, lower adsorption affinities resulted into a faster and more efficient Co2+ release into water. The different behavior in terms of phosphate and cobalt release shown by the three hydroxyapatite-based absorbents can be exploited for differential liberation of targeted nutrients, with high seed germination rates. Considering circular economic principles, waste-derived hydroxyapatites may be potentially attractive for removing ionic species, minimizing water pollution stemming from heavy industry, and for their subsequent targeted release to edible plants, enhancing agricultural availability of mineral nutrients for soil fertilization.
Antibacterial, Antioxidant Activities, GC-Mass Characterization, and Cyto/Genotoxicity Effect of Green Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles Using Latex of Cynanchum acutum L
Authors: Soliman Magda I. , Mohammed Nada S. , EL-Sherbeny Ghada , Safhi Fatmah Ahmed , ALshamrani Salha Mesfer , Alyamani Amal A. , Alharthi Badr , Qahl Safa H. , Al Kashgry Najla Amin T. , Abd-Ellatif Sawsan , Ibrahim Amira A.
Published: January 2023

Green synthesis of nanoparticles is receiving more attention these days since it is simple to use and prepare, uses fewer harsh chemicals and chemical reactions, and is environmentally benign. A novel strategy aims to recycle poisonous plant chemicals and use them as natural stabilizing capping agents for nanoparticles. In this investigation, silver nanoparticles loaded with latex from Cynanchum acutum L. (Cy-AgNPs) were examined using a transmission electron microscope, FT-IR spectroscopy, and UV-visible spectroscopy. Additionally, using Vicia faba as a model test plant, the genotoxicity and cytotoxicity effects of crude latex and various concentrations of Cy-AgNPs were studied. The majority of the particles were spherical in shape. The highest antioxidant activity using DPPH was illustrated for CAgNPs (25 mg/L) (70.26 ± 1.32%) and decreased with increased concentrations of Cy-AGNPs. Antibacterial activity for all treatments was determined showing that the highest antibacterial activity was for Cy-AgNPs (50 mg/L) with inhibition zone 24 ± 0.014 mm against Bacillus subtilis, 19 ± 0.12 mm against Escherichia coli, and 23 ± 0.015 against Staphylococcus aureus. For phytochemical analysis, the highest levels of secondary metabolites from phenolic content, flavonoids, tannins, and alkaloids, were found in Cy-AgNPs (25 mg/L). Vicia faba treated with Cy-AgNPs- (25 mg/L) displayed the highest mitotic index (MI%) value of 9.08% compared to other Cy-AgNP concentrations (50–100 mg/L) and C. acutum crude latex concentrations (3%). To detect cytotoxicity, a variety of chromosomal abnormalities were used, including micronuclei at interphase, disturbed at metaphase and anaphase, chromosomal stickiness, bridges, and laggards. The concentration of Cy-AgNPs (25 mg/L) had the lowest level of chromosomal aberrations, with a value of 23.41% versus 20.81% for the control. Proteins from seeds treated with V. faba produced sixteen bands on SDS-PAGE, comprising ten monomorphic bands and six polymorphic bands, for a total percentage of polymorphism of 37.5%. Eight ISSR primers were employed to generate a total of 79 bands, 56 of which were polymorphic and 23 of which were common. Primer ISSR 14 has the highest level of polymorphism (92.86%), according to the data. Using biochemical SDS-PAGE and ISSR molecular markers, Cy-AgNPs (25 mg/L) showed the highest percentage of genomic template stability (GTS%), with values of 80% and 51.28%, respectively. The findings of this work suggest employing CyAgNPs (25 mg/L) in pharmaceutical purposes due to its highest content of bioactive compounds and lowest concentration of chromosomal abnormalities.
Comprehensive Volatilome Signature of Various Brassicaceae Species
Authors: Lukić Igor , Išić Nina , Ban Dean , Salopek Sondi Branka , Goreta Ban Smiljana
Published: January 2023

To investigate in detail the volatilomes of various Brassicaceae species, landraces, and accessions, and to extract specific volatile markers, volatile aroma compounds were isolated from plant samples by headspace solid-phase microextraction and analyzed by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (HS-SPME-GC/MS). The data obtained were subjected to uni- and multivariate statistical analysis. In general, two cabbage (Brassica oleracea L. var. capitata) landraces emitted the lowest amounts of volatiles generated in the lipoxygenase (LOX) pathway. Wild species Brassica incana Ten. and Brassica mollis Vis. were characterized by relatively high trans-2-hexenal/cis-3-hexen-1-ol ratio in relation to other investigated samples. A Savoy cabbage (Brassica oleracea L. var. sabauda) cultivar and three kale (Brassica oleracea L. var. acephala) accessions exhibited particular similarities in the composition of LOX volatiles, while the LOX volatilome fraction of B. incana and B. mollis partially coincided with that of another wild species, Diplotaxis tenuifolia L. Regarding volatiles formed in the glucosinolate (GSL) pathway, Savoy cabbage and wild species B. incana, B. mollis, and D. tenuifolia showed more intense emission of isothiocyanates than cabbage and kale. Diplotaxis tenuifolia showed a rather limited production of nitriles. The results of this study contribute to the general knowledge about volatile composition from various Brassicaceae species, which could be exploited for their better valorization. Future studies should focus on the influence of various environmental, cultivation, and post-harvest factors to obtain data with a higher level of applicability in practice.
Growth and Physiological Response of Viola tricolor L. to NaCl and NaHCO3 Stress
Authors: Liu Xiaoe , Su Shiping
Published: January 2023

Soil salinization is an important environmental problem worldwide and has a significant impact on the growth of plants. In recent years, the mechanisms of plant salt tolerance have received extensive attention from researchers. In this paper, an experiment was implemented to assess the potential effect of different NaCl and NaHCO3 (sodium bicarbonate—an alkaline salt) concentrations (25 mmol·L−1, 50 mmol·L−1, 100 mmol·L−1, 150 mmol·L−1 and 200 mmol·L−1) on the growth, antioxidant enzymes, osmoprotectants, photosynthetic pigments and MDA of Viola tricolor L. to reveal the physiological response and explore the maximum concentrations of NaCl and NaHCO3 stress that V. tricolor can tolerate. The results showed that NaCl and NaHCO3 treatments had significant effects on osmoprotectants, antioxidant enzymes, photosynthetic pigments, MDA content and the plant height growth of V. tricolor. On day 14 of the NaCl and NaHCO3 stress, the height growth of V. tricolor was significantly greater than CK when the concentration of NaCl and NaHCO3 was less than 100 mmol·L−1. Soluble protein (SP) was significantly greater than CK when the NaCl concentration was less than 150 mmol·L−1 and the NaHCO3 concentration was less than 200 mmol·L−1; soluble sugar (SS) was significantly greater than CK under all NaCl and NaHCO3 treatments; proline (Pro) was significantly greater than CK when the NaCl concentration was 150 mmol·L−1 and the NaHCO3 concentration were 150 and 200 mmol·L−1, respectively. Peroxidase (POD) was significantly greater than CK when the NaCl concentration was less than 200 mmol·L−1 and the NaHCO3 concentration was less than 150 mmol·L−1; superoxide dismutase (SOD) was significantly greater than CK when the NaCl concentration was 50 mmol·L−1 and the NaHCO3 concentrations were 50, 100 and 150 mmol·L−1, respectively; catalase (CAT) was significantly greater than CK when the NaCl and NaHCO3 concentrations were 25, 50 and 100 mmol·L−1, respectively. Chlorophyll (Chl) was significantly lower than CK when the NaCl and NaHCO3 concentrations were greater than 100 mmol·L−1. Malondialdehyde (MDA) gradually increased with the increase in the NaCl and NaHCO3 concentrations. Membership function analysis showed that the concentrations of NaCl and NaHCO3 that V. tricolor was able to tolerate were 150 mmol·L−1 and 200 mmol·L−1, respectively. Beyond these thresholds, osmoprotectants and antioxidant enzymes were seriously affected, Chl degradation intensified, the photosynthetic system was seriously damaged, and the growth of V. tricolor was severely affected. According to a comprehensive ranking of results, the degree of NaCl stress on V. tricolor was lower than that from NaHCO3 when the treatment concentration was lower than 50 mmol·L−1, but higher than that from NaHCO3 when it exceeded 50 mmol·L−1.
Cretan Dittany (Origanum dictamnus L.), a Valuable Local Endemic Plant: In Vitro Regeneration Potential of Different Type of Explants for Conservation and Sustainable Exploitation
Authors: Sarropoulou Virginia , Maloupa Eleni , Grigoriadou Katerina
Published: January 2023

Origanum dictamnus L. is a medicinal local endemic to the Island of Crete, Greece. Its propagation through biotechnological tissue culture techniques is essential due to its augmented multi-industrial sector demand. For direct organogenesis, among different culture media variants (MS, Gamborg B5), and cytokinins [6-benzyladenine (BA), kinetin (Kin), 2-isopentenyl adenine (2-iP)], the MS + added with BA (2.2 μM) was the most effective treatment for shoots and roots formation. For indirect organogenesis, all explant types (leaves, petioles, roots) showed a 100% callusing rate after 2 months in all media variants tested; ODK1: 20 μM thidiazuron (TDZ) + 5 μM indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) or ODK2: 0.5 μM kinetin + 5 μM 2,4-dichlorophenoxy acetic acid (2,4-D). The leaves and petiole explants assured a low rate of shoot regeneration (20%) in ODK1. Afterwards, leaf-, petiole-and root-callus derived from both media were transferred to four new media plant growth regulators—free or with BA + IBA + gibberellic acid (GA3). After 10 months from callus transferring, the petiole callus gave rise to roots (20–75%) while the leaf callus exhibited 10–30% shoot or 30% root regeneration. In this study, indirect organogenesis of O. dictamnus was carried out for the first time, thus various organs can be used for plant regeneration, and the developed protocol may be applicable in the horticulture industry.
Genome-Wide Association Study of Arabinoxylan Content from a 562 Hexaploid Wheat Collection
Authors: Lee Myoung Hui , Park Jinhee , Kim Kyeong-Hoon , Kim Kyeong-Min , Kang Chon-Sik , Lee Go Eun , Choi Jun Yong , Shon Jiyoung , Ko Jong-Min , Choi Changhyun
Published: January 2023

The selection of wheat varieties with high arabinoxylan (AX) levels could effectively improve the daily consumption of dietary fiber. However, studies on the selection of markers for AX levels are scarce. This study analyzed AX levels in 562 wheat genotypes collected from 46 countries using a GWAS with the BLINK model in the GAPIT3. Wheat genotypes were classified into eight subpopulations that exhibited high genetic differentiation based on 31,926 SNP loci. Eight candidate genes were identified, among which those encoding F-box domain-containing proteins, disease resistance protein RPM1, and bZIP transcription factor 29 highly correlated with AX levels. The AX level was higher in the adenine allele than in the guanine alleles of these genes in the wheat collection. In addition, the AX level was approximately 10% higher in 3 adenine combinations than 2 guanine, 1 adenine, and 3 guanine combinations in genotypes of three genes (F-box domain-containing proteins, RPM1, and bZIP transcription factor 29). The adenine allele, present in 97.46% of AX-95086356 SNP, exhibited a high correlation with AX levels following classification by country. Notably, the East Asian wheat genotypes contain high adenine alleles in three genes. These results highlight the potential of these three SNPs to serve as selectable markers for high AX content.
Volatile Compounds in Norway Spruce (Picea abies) Significantly Vary with Season
Authors: Schoss Katja , Kočevar Glavač Nina , Kreft Samo
Published: January 2023

Norway spruce (Picea abies) is one of the most important commercial conifer species naturally distributed in Europe. In this paper, the composition and abundance of essential oil and hydrosol from the needles and branches of P. abies were investigated with an additional evaluation of changes related to different times of the year, annual shoots and branches, and differences in composition under different microenvironments. Essential oils and hydrosols obtained via hydrodistillation were analyzed using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS), where 246 compounds in essential oil and 53 in hydrosols were identified. The relative amounts of monoterpenes, sesquiterpenes, and diterpenes in essential oil changed significantly during the year, with the highest peak of monoterpenes observed in April (72%), the highest abundance of sesquiterpenes observed in August (21%), and the highest abundance of diterpenes observed in June (27%). The individual compound with the highest variation was manool, with variation from 1.5% (April) to 18.7% (June). Our results also indicate that the essential oil with the lowest allergenic potential (lowest quantity of limonene and linalool) was obtained in late spring or summer. Location had no significant influence on composition, while the method of collection for distillation (whole branch or annual shoots) had a minor influence on the composition. All nine main compounds identified in the hydrosol samples were oxygenated monoterpenes. The composition of P. abies hydrosol was also significantly affected by season. The method of preparing the branches for distillation did not affect the composition of P. abies hydrosol, while the location had a minor effect on composition.
Extraction of Corn Bract Cellulose by the Ammonia-Coordinated Bio-Enzymatic Method
Authors: Yuan Xushuo , Zhao Jiaxin , Wu Xiaoxiao , Yao Wentao , Guo Haiyang , Ji Decai , Yu Qingkai , Luo Liwen , Li Xiaoping , Zhang Lianpeng
Published: January 2023

This study explored a green and efficient method for cellulose extraction from corn bract. The cellulose extraction by the CHB (CH3COOH/H2O2/Bio-enzyme) method and the N-CHB (NH3·H2O-CH3COOH/H2O2/Bio-enzyme) method were compared and analyzed. The effect of ammonia pretreatment on cellulose extraction by bio-enzymatic methods was discussed. The results showed that ammonia promoted the subsequent bio-enzymatic reaction and had a positive effect on the extraction of cellulose. Sample microstructure images (SEM) showed that the cellulose extracted by this method was in the form of fibrous bundles with smooth surfaces. The effect of different pretreatment times of ammonia on cellulose was further explored, and cellulose was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and thermogravimetric (TG) analysis. The results showed that the N3h-CHB (NH3·H2O 50 °C 3 h, CH3COOH/H2O2 70 °C 11 h, Bio-enzyme 50 °C 4 h) method was the best way to extract cellulose in this study. FTIR showed that most of the lignin and hemicellulose were removed. XRD showed that all the cellulose extracted in this study was type I cellulose. TG analysis showed that the cellulose was significantly more thermally stable, with a maximum degradation temperature of 338.9 °C, close to that of microcrystalline cellulose (MCC). This study provides a reference for the utilization of corn bract and offers a new technical route for cellulose extraction.
Durability Evaluation of Outdoor Scrimbers Fabricated from Superheated Steam-Treated Bamboo Fibrous Mats
Authors: Qin Li , Wei Jinguang , Bao Minzhen , Yu Yanglun , Yu Wenji
Published: January 2023

With natural texture and high performance, bamboo scrimber is one of the artificial lignocellulosic composites widely used in construction, furniture and other structural applications. However, it is vulnerable to the actions of water, ultraviolet radiation and fungus, which affect its durability, especially in the open. Here, bamboo was treated with superheated steam in an attempt to improve the durability of bamboo scrimbers. The chemical composition, mechanical properties, dimensional stability, aging resistance, decay resistance and anti-mildew properties were investigated at different temperatures (160~200 °C). After superheated steam treatment, the relative contents of holocellulose and α-cellulose in bamboo decreased. The bending strength and short-beam shearing strength slightly decreased as the temperature was raised while the modulus was essentially retained. The aging resistance in terms of thickness swelling rate (≤9.38%) was substantially improved. The decay resistance reached to the level of Grade I and can be dramatically enhanced by elevating temperature. The anti-mildew properties were also improved. To take together, superheated steam treatment remarkably improves the resistance of bamboo scrimbers to water, ultraviolet radiation, rot fungi and mildew with some concomitant reduction in mechanical properties. The results will permit outdoor construction using bamboo scrimbers more resistant to environmental damage.
A Comprehensive Technical Review of the Friction Stir Welding of Metal-to-Polymer Hybrid Structures
Authors: Barakat Ali A. , Darras Basil M. , Nazzal Mohammad A. , Ahmed Aser Alaa
Published: January 2023

Metal–polymer hybrid structures are becoming desirable due to their wide range of applications in the automotive, aerospace, biomedical and construction industries. Properties such as a light weight, high specific strength, and design flexibility along with the low manufacturing costs of metal–polymer hybrid structures make them widely attractive in several applications. One of the main challenges that hinders the widespread utilization of metal–polymer hybrid structures is the challenging dissimilar joining of metals to polymers. Friction stir welding (FSW) shows a promising potential in overcoming most of the issues and limitations faced in the conventional joining methods of such structures. Several works in the literature have explored the FSW of different metal-to-polymer combinations. In some of the works, the joints are examined based on processing parameter optimization, microstructural characteristics, and mechanical performances. It is, therefore, important to summarize the findings of these works as a means of providing a reference to researchers to facilitate further research on the utilization of FSW in joining metals to polymers. Thus, this work aims to present a comprehensive technical review on the FSW technique for joining metals to polymers by reviewing the reported literature findings on the impact of materials, tools, process parameters, and defects on the strength and microstructure of the produced joints. In addition, this work reviews and presents the latest practices aiming to enhance the metal–polymer joint quality that have been reported in the literature.
Recent Developments in Molecular Characterization, Bioactivity, and Application of Arabinoxylans from Different Sources
Authors: Pang Jinxin , Zhang Yi , Tong Xiaoyang , Zhong Yaoguang , Kong Fanjun , Li Dan , Liu Xifan , Qiao Yongjin
Published: January 2023

Arabinoxylan (AX) is a polysaccharide composed of arabinose, xylose, and a small number of other carbohydrates. AX comes from a wide range of sources, and its physicochemical properties and physiological functions are closely related to its molecular characterization, such as branched chains, relative molecular masses, and substituents. In addition, AX also has antioxidant, hypoglycemic, antitumor, and proliferative abilities for intestinal probiotic flora, among other biological activities. AXs of various origins have different molecular characterizations in terms of molecular weight, degree of branching, and structure, with varying structures leading to diverse effects of the biological activity of AX. Therefore, this report describes the physical properties, biological activities, and applications of AX in diverse plants, aiming to provide a theoretical basis for future research on AX as well as provide more options for crop breeding.
Predicting Characteristics of Dissimilar Laser Welded Polymeric Joints Using a Multi-Layer Perceptrons Model Coupled with Archimedes Optimizer
Authors: Moustafa Essam B. , Elsheikh Ammar
Published: January 2023

This study investigates the application of a coupled multi-layer perceptrons (MLP) model with Archimedes optimizer (AO) to predict characteristics of dissimilar lap joints made of polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) and polycarbonate (PC). The joints were welded using the laser transmission welding (LTW) technique equipped with a beam wobbling feature. The inputs of the models were laser power, welding speed, pulse frequency, wobble frequency, and wobble width; whereas, the outputs were seam width and shear strength of the joint. The Archimedes optimizer was employed to obtain the optimal internal parameters of the multi-layer perceptrons. In addition to the Archimedes optimizer, the conventional gradient descent technique, as well as the particle swarm optimizer (PSO), was employed as internal optimizers of the multi-layer perceptrons model. The prediction accuracy of the three models was compared using different error measures. The AO-MLP outperformed the other two models. The computed root mean square errors of the MLP, PSO-MLP, and AO-MLP models are (39.798, 19.909, and 2.283) and (0.153, 0.084, and 0.0321) for shear strength and seam width, respectively.
Elasto-Plastic Mechanical Modeling of Fused Deposition 3D Printing Materials
Authors: Bandinelli Francesco , Peroni Lorenzo , Morena Alberto
Published: January 2023

Fused deposition modeling (FDM) is one of the most common 3D printing technologies and is becoming a well-established production method. Short fiber-reinforced polymers represent a new class of printing materials that enhance the mechanical properties of final components, thus informing an interesting subject of analysis for this study. FDM-printed parts are characterized by a strong anisotropy, so their behavior should be analyzed accordingly. The authors proposed a modeling strategy based on a transversely isotropic behavior hypothesis, representing material behaviors associated with an elasticity matrix in relation to the elastic field and a combination of Hill’s yield criterion and Voce’s isotropic hardening law for the plastic field. Material properties of materials were experimentally identified through tensile tests on dog bone specimens printed with different orientations in space. The numerical model was then calibrated using the finite element software LS-DYNA and the optimization software LS-OPT. An agreement between numerical and experimental results showed the robustness of the modeling strategy proposed to describe the stress behaviors of printed materials until a maximum load is reached, while strain behaviors have yet to be correctly defined due to the difficulties associated with evaluating an equivalent deformation.