bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bi‐amino acid functionalized biomimetic honeycomb chitosan membrane as a multifunctional hydrophilic probe for specific capture of N‐linked glycopeptides in nasopharyngeal carcinoma's disease patient's serum
Authors: Fu Mengyao , Wang Baichun , Yi Linhua , Jin Xueting , Yan Yinghua , Ding Chuan‐Fan
Published: February 2022

In this work, a novel porous bifunctionalized composite material was synthesized via a simple method. Gold nanoparticles are uniformly dispersed on the surface of the biomimetic honeycomb chitosan membrane through the interaction between amino and Au, and then cysteine and glutathione are successfully grafted onto the surface of the Au by the Au‐S bond. The modification of cysteine and glutathione makes this bifunctionalized composite material have significant advantages of superhydrophilicity and small steric hindrance simultaneously. This material manifests excellent property in glycopeptides enrichment, with high selectivity (1:5000), low detection limit (0.1 fmol·μL–1), high recovery rate (99.4 ± 0.5%), and good repeatability. In addition, with the help of nano‐flow liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry, this composite achieved excellent performance in efficiently enriching glycopeptides in the serum of healthy people and nasopharyngeal carcinoma's disease patient. More excitingly, further gene ontology analysis of molecular function and biological process indicated that 41 original glycoproteins of the identified glycopeptides from serum of nasopharyngeal carcinoma's disease patient significantly partake in numerous cancer‐associated events, including protease binding, calcium ion binding, enzyme binding, extracellular matrix organization, cellular response to tumor necrosis factor, and inflammatory response.
Effectiveness of psychosocial interventions in mitigating adverse mental health outcomes among disaster‐exposed health care workers: A systematic review
Authors: Ottisova Livia , Gillard Julia A. , Wood Maximillian , Langford Sarah , John‐Baptiste Bastien Rayanne , Madinah Haris Aishah , Wild Jennifer , Bloomfield Michael A.P. , Robertson Mary
Published: February 2022

Health care workers worldwide are at an increased risk of a range of adverse mental health outcomes, including posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), following the unprecedented demand placed upon them during the COVID‐19 pandemic. Psychosocial interventions offered to mitigate these risks should be based on the best available evidence; however, limited information regarding the comparative effectiveness of interventions is available. We undertook a systematic review of psychosocial interventions delivered to health care workers before, during, and after disasters. Eight databases were searched, including the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, PubMed/MEDLINE, EMBASE, and PsycINFO. Our primary outcomes were changes in symptoms of PTSD, anxiety, depression, and sleep. We calculated effect sizes, where unreported, and reliable change indices to appraise intervention effectiveness. The study was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42020182774). In total, 12,198 papers were screened, 14 of which were included in the present review. Interventions based on evidence‐based protocols, including individual and group‐based cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for PTSD, anxiety, and depression were found to lead to reliable changes in PTSD and anxiety symptoms. Single‐session debriefing and psychological first aid workshops showed limited efficacy. There is limited evidence on psychosocial interventions for health care workers faced with disasters, with the strongest evidence base for CBT‐based approaches. Future research should include controlled evaluations of interventions and aim to target identified risk factors.
Psychometric properties of the Chinese version of the Centrality of Event Scale across multiple trauma‐exposed Taiwanese samples
Authors: Kung Yi‐Wen , Su Yi‐Jen , Chen Sue‐Huei
Published: February 2022

The widely used Centrality of Event Scale (CES) measures the extent that a traumatic event serves as a central component of self‐identity, a reference point, and a turning point in an individual's life story. The present study aimed to develop a Chinese version of the CES and assess its reliability, criterion validity, and factor structure. Data were collected from three samples of trauma‐exposed Taiwanese individuals (N = 939), including 420 earthquake survivors, 300 trauma‐exposed community adults, and 219 trauma‐exposed undergraduate students. We conducted an exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis and compared the resulting models with a one‐factor model and the originally proposed model. The results indicated that a new three‐factor model, S‐Bχ2(167, N = 519) = 687.01, p < .001, CFI = .95, IFI = .95, NNFI = .94, RMSEA = .078, SRMR = .047, might better represent the construct compared to the one‐factor or originally proposed model. Furthermore, the Chinese CES demonstrated excellent internal consistency, Cronbach's αs = .89–.94; adequate 1‐month reliability, rs = .54–.64, and 6‐month temporal stability, rs = .52–.67; and good concurrent and predictive validity. The findings indicate that the Chinese version of the CES demonstrates good psychometric properties with a three‐factor structure, and it could be used to assess event centrality among nonclinical trauma‐exposed Taiwanese adults.
Neutrophils and their extracellular traps impair ablative fractional carbon dioxide laser‐induced dermal remolding in mice
Authors: Zheng Wenyue , Zhu Zhenlai , Shi Yanqiang , Wen Si , Ye Li , Man Maoqiang , Yang Bin , Liu Zhenfeng
Published: February 2022

Objectives

Ablative fractional CO2 laser (AFL) therapy is an effective intervention to induce dermal remodeling. AFL treatment of the skin triggers the recruitment of immune cells, with neutrophils dominating the early phase. However, the role of recruited neutrophils in AFL‐induced microinjuries and their subsequent dermal remodeling capacity remains elusive.

Materials and Methods

A mouse model of AFL‐induced dermal remodeling was established. RNA sequencing was used to identify the prominent features of AFL‐treated tissues. Histological analysis, including H&E and Masson staining, ultrastructure observation by transmission microscopy, immunofluorescence, and quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction were used for dermal remodeling analysis. Moreover, AFL‐treated mice were intraperitoneally injected with anti‐mouse Ly6G antibodies to deplete neutrophils. Neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) were explored using immunofluorescence, transmission microscopy, and in vitro coculture experiments.

Results

Dermal remodeling, characterized by an increased number of CD31‐positve vessels and elevated messenger RNA (mRNA) expression of genes encoding transforming growth factor‐β (TGF‐β), collagen I, and collagen III, was observed at 15 days after AFL treatment. In the AFL‐induced inflammation phase, RNA sequencing identified neutrophil chemotaxis, and degranulation genes were significantly enriched. Histology and immunofluorescence staining of human and mouse tissues harvested at Day 1 after AFL treatment revealed significant neutrophil infiltration surrounding thermal‐induced microinjuries. Neutrophil depletion decreased the expression of stress‐related genes such as S100A8 and S100A9 in the early phase following AFL treatment. Importantly, neutrophil depletion enhanced dermal remodeling at Day 15, as reflected by enrichment of the extracellular matrix and collagen biosynthesis genes based on RNA sequencing. Moreover, increased collagen I, collagen III, and TGF‐β mRNA expression, increased cell proliferation, and vascularity were observed. Interestingly, NETs, which could be induced by AFL‐treated fibroblasts in vitro, were identified in both human and mouse tissues on Day 1 after AFL treatment.

Conclusions

AFL‐treated human and mouse skin recruited a large number of neutrophils. The neutrophil surge impaired dermal remodeling in mice. The microenvironment and fibroblast functional modulation mediated by neutrophil degranulation and NET formation were determined to be the underlying mechanisms. Our results indicate that modification of infiltrated neutrophil activity might be a potential therapeutic target for AFL‐induced dermal remodeling.
Understanding the Biological Interactions of pH‐Swellable Nanoparticles
Authors: Kermaniyan Sarah S. , Chen Moore , Zhang Changhe , Smith Samuel A. , Johnston Angus P. R. , Such Chris , Such Georgina K.
Published: February 2022

pH‐responsive nanoparticles have generated significant interest for use as drug delivery systems due to their potential for inducible release at low pH. The pH variation from the bloodstream (pH 7.4) to intracellular compartments of cells called endosomes/lysosomes (pH < 5.0) has been of particular interest. However, one of the limitations with nanoparticle delivery systems is the inability to migrate out of these compartments to the cytosol or other organelles, via a process termed endosomal escape. Previous studies have postulated that pH‐responsive nanoparticles can facilitate endosomal escape through a range of mechanisms including membrane interaction, pH‐induced swelling, and the proton‐sponge effect. In this study, a series of pH‐swellable nanoparticles (85–100 nm) are designed and their impact on biological interactions, particularly endosomal escape, are investigated. The particles exhibit tunable pH‐induced swelling (from 120% to 200%) and have good buffering capacity. The cellular association is studied using flow cytometry and endosomal escape is determined using a calcein leakage assay. Interestingly, no endosomal escape with all nanoparticle formulations is found, which suggests there are limitations with both the proton‐sponge effect and pH‐induced swelling mechanism as the primary methods for inducing endosomal escape.
Hyaluronic‐Acid‐Coated Chitosan Nanoparticles for Insulin Oral Delivery: Fabrication, Characterization, and Hypoglycemic Ability
Authors: Wu Haishan , Guo Ting , Nan Jian , Yang Liu , Liao Guangfu , Park Hyun Jin , Li Jinglei
Published: February 2022

Oral administration of insulin faces multiple biological challenges, such as varied digestive environments, mucin exclusion, and low epithelial cells’ absorption. In the present study, a hyaluronic acid (HA)‐coated chitosan (CS) nanoparticle (HCP) delivery system is fabricated for insulin oral delivery. It is hypothesized that the developed nanoparticles will protect insulin from digestive degradation, promote intestinal epithelial cell absorption, and exert strong in vivo hyperglycemic ability. Nanoparticles formulated by CS and sodium tripolyphosphate (TPP) are optimized to form the core nanoparticles (CNPs). HA is further applied to coat CNP (HCP) to improve stability, reduce enzymatic degradation, and promote absorption of insulin. HCP promotes insulin uptake by Caco‐2 cells, absorbs less mucin, and improves intestinal absorption. Moreover, an in vivo test demonstrates that oral administration of insulin‐loaded HCP exerts strong and continuous hyperthermia effect (with a pharmacological availability (PA) of 13.8%). In summary, HCP is a promising delivery platform for insulin oral administration in terms of protecting insulin during digestion, facilitating its absorption and ultimately promoting its oral bioavailability.
Effect of retrogression re‐aging treatment on the stress corrosion behavior of the 7075 Al–Zn–Mg–Cu alloy
Authors: Liu Jinqiu , Guo Fuqiang , Wu Dongting , Matsuda Kenji , Wang Tao , Zou Yong
Published: February 2022

This paper studies the influence of the regression re‐aging (RRA) process on the mechanical properties and corrosion resistance of 7075. In the RRA heat treatment, the material properties are markedly affected by the variation of parameters in the regression stage. When the regression temperature and the regression duration increase, the mechanical properties of the material decrease. There was no intergranular corrosion in the samples treated by RRA, while obvious intergranular corrosion occurred in the T6 sample. Compared with the T6 sample, the RRA‐190‐0.5 sample with optimized parameters has a higher density of the precipitated phase and narrower precipitate‐free zone, and the precipitated phase along the grain boundary is discontinuous, isolated, and short. Compared with the single‐stage peak aging treatment, the RRA treatment can considerably improve the corrosion resistance and stress corrosion resistance but slightly reduce the strength. The best heat treatment process condition is 120°C/24 h + 190°C/0.5 h + 120°C/24 h.
A Comparison Study of Fiber Diameter's Effect on Characteristic Features of Donepezil/Curcumin‐Loaded Polycaprolactone/Polylactic Acid Nanofibers
Authors: Aydin Saliha , Kabaoglu Ilke , Guler Ece , Topal Fadime , Hazar‐Yavuz Ayse Nur , Ekentok Ceyda , Tatar Esra , Gurbuz Fatmanur , Gunduz Oguzhan , Cam Muhammet Emin
Published: February 2022

Nanofibers (NFs) offer an alternative option for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease (AD) by addressing unmet clinical problems. In this study, anti‐AD drugs, donepezil (DO) and curcumin (CUR), are loaded in polylactic acid/polycaprolactone NFs. The effect of fiber diameter on drug release behavior is mainly observed, and the successful loading of DO and CUR to NFs is demonstrated. The tensile strength of DO/CUR‐loaded NFs (DNFs) with lower fiber diameter is found to be higher. The working temperature is increased by the decrease of glass transition temperature and increase of the melting temperature after loading drugs. Furthermore, the increase in the percentage of swelling and decrease in the degradation rate for NFs are observed due to the increase of fiber diameter. Encapsulation efficiency and burst release percentages for DNFs are augmented by the increase of fiber diameter. Nevertheless, DNFs exhibit a sustained drug release manner over 2 weeks. NFs do not demonstrate a toxic effect on L929 (mouse fibroblast) cells, and additionally, they promote cell proliferation. Considering all these results, it is proven that the fiber diameter affects all characteristic features of NFs, and DNFs lead to a new and promising drug delivery system for the treatment of AD.
Modulating the Crystallinity of a Circular Plastic towards Packaging Material with Outstanding Barrier Properties
Authors: Sangroniz Ainara , Zhu Jian‐Bo , Etxeberria Agustin , Chen Eugene Y.‐X. , Sardon Haritz
Published: February 2022

Chemically recyclable polymers have attracted increasing attention since they are promising materials in a circular economy, but such polymers appropriate for packaging applications are scarce. Here a combined thermal, mechanical, and transport (permeability and sorption) study is presented of a circular polymer system based on biobased trans‐hexahydrophthalide which, upon polymerization, can lead to amorphous, homochiral crystalline, and nanocrystalline stereocomplex materials. This study uncovers their largely different transport properties of the same polymer but with different stereochemical arrangements and synergistic or conflicting effects of crystallinity on transport properties versus thermal and mechanical properties. Overall, the homocrystalline chiral polymer shows the best performance with an outstanding barrier character to gases and vapors, outperforming commercial poly(ethylene terephthalate) and polyethylene. The results presented herein show that it is possible to modify the crystalline structure of the same polymer to tune the mechanical and transport properties and generate multiple materials of different barrier characters.
Development of High Throughput Photopolymerizations Using Micron‐Sized Ultrathin Metal‐Organic Framework Nanosheets
Authors: Huang Ya , Guo Wan Lin , He Jin Cheng , Li Xue , Cai Tao
Published: February 2022

Polymer syntheses in a high throughput format are still challenging due to the tedious procedures for prior deoxygenation and catalyst removal. 2D metal‐organic framework (MOF) nanosheets are advantageous for elevating the catalytic efficiency and catalyst recyclability. Polymerization of a wide variety of monomers, including hydrophilic acrylamides and hydrophobic acrylates, is attempted directly in a multi‐well plate by employing Zn‐ZnPPF‐2D nanosheets (PPF = porphyrin paddlewheel framework) as a heterogeneous photocatalyst. Various parameters such as monomer concentration, catalyst concentration, and light wavelength are investigated with respect to their effects on polymerization rate and the degree of control over the molecular weight and molecular weight distribution. Due to the larger surface area and more accessible catalytic sites, the top‐performing Zn‐ZnPPF‐2D exhibits fast polymerization kinetics over the Zn‐ZnPPF‐3D bulk crystals. In addition, the synthesis of triblock copolymers with a single loading of catalysts confirms the outstanding catalytic performance of these 2D MOF catalysts. Finally, photopolymerization is demonstrated to be achievable entirely in a microliter‐scale human cell culture medium. As such, this strategy provides high levels of control and precision over macromolecular synthesis outcomes that best align with the requirements of high throughput approaches toward biological applications.
Indian Sign Language Recognition Using Ensemble Based Classifier Combination
Authors: Sahoo Ashok Kumar , Sarangi Pradeepta Kumar , Yadav Chandra Shekhar
Published: February 2022

Indian Sign Language (ISL) is an alternate to written and direct communication language used in India and Indian subcontinent. It is commonly used by deaf and mute people who cannot speak and hear. The ISL is a new sign language as compared to other sign languages used in developed countries. There is a need for automatic recognition of any sign language including ISL due to its application aspects in current times. The automation of ISL will helpful to both communities (those who can interact only through ISL and those who do not know ISL at all), because in many places the unblessed people facing difficulty in communicating like at airports, railway stations, banks, hospitals, and other places. In this paper, the authors have tried to develop an automatic conversion from ISL signs to text in the domain of digits. The system requires a digital camera to capture the ISL signs and the underlying software will interpret the meaning of the image. To develop such a system, pattern recognition concept including image processing techniques have been used. Important features from the ISL signs are extracted using Histogram Oriented Gradient (HOG) technique. To classify the input images, two classification techniques have been used in the experiments namely Tree Bagger and Fit Ensemble.
Inhibition Action of Non‐polar Eichhornia crassipes Extract on the Carbon Steel Corrosion in 1 M HCl
Authors: Salman Hamida Idan , Hassan Sajid , Abd‐Alkareem Saja Ahmed
Published: February 2022

In this research, the anti‐corrosion properties of water hyacinth roots are studying. Firstly the roots are extracted by hexane solvent and a non‐polar extract is obtained. At a constant temperature (303 K) the inhibition efficiency increases and the corrosion current density decreases with the increasing of the inhibitor concentration. The thermodynamic measurement results show the mixed (chemical and physical) adsorption process and exothermic process.
Morphological Properties of Nanocrystalline Silicon from p‐Type Bulk Silicon
Authors: Al‐Kadumi Ahmed K. , AL‐Baghdadi M.
Published: February 2022

In this paper, the topography properties as layer thickness, porosity, and shape are studied for porous silicon prepared by using electro‐chemical etching method from p‐type bulk silicon like one side mirror with hydrofluoric acid (39%–43%) and ethanol (99.9%) (2:1), the etching time is (2, 4, 6, 8, and 10) min, with potential (6 V DC), the porosity and layer thickness can determine by using gravimetric method and SEM image to study the comparison between the image for different etching time.
Synthesis of 5‐Fluorouracil–Naproxen Conjugates as a Mutual Prodrug for Targeting Cancer Tissues
Authors: Mohammed Mohammed Hassan , Jasim Azhar Mehdi
Published: February 2022

A new 5‐fluorouracil–naproxen conjugate is synthesized as a mutual prodrug for targeting cancer tissues. The structure of the target compound and their intermediate are characterized by their melting point, IR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR, and elemental microanalysis. The cytotoxic activity is preliminarily evaluated using nonsmall lung cancer CRL‐2049, human breast cancer CAL‐51, and one type of normal cell line; rat embryo fibroblast cell line. The synthesized compound shows a good cytotoxic effect at the cancer cell and no significant effect at rat embryo fibroblast cell line.
Potassium Chloride Nanoparticles: Synthesis, Characterization, and Study the Antimicrobial Applications
Authors: Ismail Shaymaa N. , Ali Ehab.m. , Alwan Bahaa Jawad , Abd Ahmed N.
Published: February 2022

By looking at its wide range of applications, the aim of this study is the preparation and characterization of potassium chloride (KCl) nanoparticles by green synthesis using Curcuma longa plant. The detail characterization of KCl nanoparticles is carried out using X‐ray diffraction (XRD) analysis, UV–Visible spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscope (SEM) analysis that the result of KCl nanoparticles is observed as spiny, rock, semispherical, and spherical shape. The results of antibacterial activity show the inhibitory activity against bacteria in the case of preparing KCl by the method of plants, the results are noted that the best concentration in the inhibition area is (31 mm) in bacteria (Staphylococcus epidermidis) at a concentration of (100% mg mL−1).
Combination of Chitosan and Peppermint Essential Oil as Potential Active Coating Against Penicillium digitatum and Botrytis cinerea
Authors: Wardana Ata Aditya , Van Tran Thi , Mohammadi Leila , Tanaka Fumina , Tanaka Fumihiko
Published: February 2022

This work evaluates the effect of antifungal agent based on chitosan (CS) or peppermint essential oil (PEO) treatment and their mixtures to control P. digitatum and B. cinerea, identified as the potential plant pathogens. The efficacy of each CS (0.6%) and PEO (0.1–0.6%) or in combination to inhibit spore germination is assessed. The distribution of PEO in the emulsion system is more pronounced along with the increase in the oil level. Either CS or PEO can inhibit the growth of spore and germ tube elongation effectively. The mixtures of CS and PEO exhibit a greater inhibitory action additively or synergistically according to the Abbott index value. Propidium iodide staining test confirms the loss of membrane integrity of spores in response to coating treatment. The combination treatment of CS/0.6% PEO and CS/0.5% PEO can be an effective alternative to inhibit the spore germination, respectively, for P. digitatum by 91.54% and B. cinerea by 100%. Application of the composite coatings obtained in this study can prove to be potential for primary packaging, particularly for fresh postharvest commodities.
Sinter‐Crystallization and Optical Characterization of Dy3+: ZnO‐B2O3‐RHA Glass‐Ceramics
Authors: Wahab Rabiatul Adawiyah Abdul , Zaid Mohd Hafiz Mohd , Matori Khamirul Amin , Kamari Halimah Mohamed , Yamin Nurul Afiqah Mohammad , Zalamin Siti Norul Fadhilah , Ismail Nur Atikah Nazihah , Honda Sawao , Tanemura Masaki
Published: February 2022

In this current study, the behavior of dysprosium oxide (Dy2O3) doped willemite glass‐ceramic (WGC) derived from ZnO‐B2O3‐RHA: Dy2O3 glasses and rice‐husk ash (RHA) works as the active alternative silica has been studied. The fusions of the ternary host system of oxide components doped with rare earth oxide go through the melt‐quench technique followed by solid‐state sintering on the compacted glass frits. The sintered green samples are characterized utilizing the physical, structural, and optical properties to investigate the effect of different sintering temperatures on the samples accordingly. The bulk density of WGC increases together with the increment of sintering temperature from 2.571 to 2.940 g cm–3. Meanwhile, the increment of sintering temperature escalates the crystallization of the main crystalline phase, Zn2SiO4, corroborated by the enlargement of average crystallite size from 161 to 550 nm. Furthermore, the emission activity in the WGC also intensifies on the green emission region (524 nm) accordingly. This fabricated Dy3+:WGC contributes to the nomination as the potential solid‐state lighting material.
Synthesis, Characterization, and Antibacterial Activity of Co(II), Ni(II), and Pd(II) Complexes with Bisdithiocarbamate and Cyclic Amines Ligands
Authors: Mohammed Modher Y. , Mustafa Ziyad M. , Aziz Fatima N.
Published: February 2022

Reaction of metal salts CoCl2·6H2O,NiCl2·6H2O and Na2[PdCl4] with thymine bisdithiocarbamate and uracil bisthiocarbamate in molar ratio 2:1 (metal/ligand) affords the presumably tetrahedral complexes [M2(dtc)(H2O)4Cl2] M; Co, Ni and square planer complexes [Pd(dtc)(H2O)4Cl2] dtc=tdtc, utdc. Dithiocarbamates (dtcs) behave as monodentate ligands. Reaction of [M2 dtc (H2O)4Cl2] M; Co (II), Ni (II), and Pd(II) with 1,10‐Phen.″ or 2,2′‐BiPy. (two equivalents) affords tetrahedral complexes of type [M2dtc(Amin)2Cl2] M; Co, Ni and square planer complexes [Pd2dtc(Amin)2Cl2], bis(dithiocarbametes) acts as a monodentate ligand and binds to the metal center through the soft sulfur atoms. Antibacterial activity of ligands and complexes is evaluated with two types of bacteria Staphylococcus aurous (gram‐positive) and Escherichia coli (gram‐negative). The complexes are characterized by physico‐chemical and spectroscopic methods.
Laser Induced Plasma of PbS Thin Films: Effects of Laser Power on Morphology, Structure, and Optical Properties
Authors: Majed Mirvat D. , Kh. Abdalameer Nisreen
Published: February 2022

The structural and optical characteristics of lead sulfide (PbS) nanoparticles from PbS films are investigated in this study. Laser induced plasma of thin samples on glass substrates is performed using an Nd:Yak laser with a wavelength of 1064 nm and a range of laser intensities (160, 200, 260, 300) mJ. The effect of increasing the laser intensity on the structural characteristics of the material is investigated using atomic force microscopy (AFM), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The XRD data indicate that the membrane produced is polycrystalline in nature, with the (111) and (200) planes being the main phases. Additionally, the (AFM) measurements revealed that the smallest particle size is produced with the lowest laser deposition energy (160 mJ). The results indicated that it is possible to fabricate thin films with medium grain sizes. The impact of altering the laser intensity on the optical characteristics is investigated, and it is discovered that they have direct acceptable transitions in the range (1.65–1.95) electron volts.
Effect of Natural Sisal Fibers on Mechanical Properties of Heat Cured Acrylic Resin
Authors: Hameed Teba Mageed , Al‐Dabbagh Balqees Mohameed , Jasim Ragdaa Kareem
Published: February 2022

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the influence of natural sisal fibers on mechanical properties of polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA). Materials and Method: In total, 90 specimens are prepared to be used in the study. The specimens are divided into three main groups, 30 specimens of heat cure PMMA without additives (control) and experimental groups of 60 specimens of heat cure PMMA with salinized sisal fibers with two different weight percentages (5% and 10%) wt. Three point bending test is performed to evaluate the flexural strength of the specimens, while the impact strength is done by impact testing Charpy's machine and tensile test is performed according to ASTM D‐638. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) test is used for statistical analysis.

Results: Impact test results indicate a highly significant in the reinforced specimens when compare with control specimens. Tensile strength significantly increases after reinforcement with fibers. Nonsignificant difference is detected in flexural strength among the reinforced groups and control group.

Conclusion: Reinforcement of the heat cured acrylic resin with natural sisal fibers significantly increases its impact strength and tensile strength with nonsignificant in flexural strength.
Modeling Consumer Price Index: A Machine Learning Approach
Authors: Sarangi Pradeepta Kumar , Sahoo Ashok Kumar , Sinha Sachin
Published: February 2022

The change in price of a group of goods and services is reflected in terms of consumer price index (CPI), making it one of the most important economic indicators. This is also the mostly used measure of inflation. Forecasted CPI values help the Government to take corrective measures to control the economic conditions of the country. This paper implements and examines two machine learning models such as artificial neural network (ANN) and ANN model optimized with particle swarm optimization (PSO) known as ANN‐PSO to assess the accuracy in predictability of CPI. The data set for four groups such as food and beverages, housing, clothing, and footwear used for the calculation of all India CPI has been taken from the official website of the Government of India. The mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) has been used as the validator for model accuracy. The MAPE calculated for all experiments are less than 10% which indicates that the ANN‐PSO models used are highly accurate for prediction of CPI of India.
Biological Activity of Solvent Extracts of Angelica archangelica Leaf and Stem
Authors: De Anindita , Singh Ruchi , Singh Yogita , Jain Preeti , Singh Pratibha
Published: February 2022

In the current study, extraction from the stem and leaf of the well‐known Indian medicinal plant Angelica archangelica (A. Angelica) with the solvents of variable polarity such as water, methanol, ethyl acetate, and chloroform is reported. The presence of different secondary metabolites like terpenoid, flavonoid, glycosides, carbohydrates, resin, steroid, proteins, and tannin are confirmed by different phytochemical qualitative test for ethyl acetate, water, chloroform, and methanol extract. The difference in the composition of all the extracts is motivated to conduct the comparison of the biological potential of all extracts in the form of DNA cleavage, DNA binding, and antioxidant activity. It is observed that the methanolic extract is most potent among all which has high concentration of terpenoids. It has shown 95% DPPH scavenging activity and 62% DNA cleavage activity. Separation of terpenoids from methanolic extracts to hexane layer is conducted which proved the same as hexane layer has shown maximum DNA binding potential. Hexane layer has shown 52% DNA binding activity.
Hydrogen Storage Capacity and Thermodynamic Calculations of Mercury(II) and Palladium(II) Syn‐2‐Pyridine Aldoxime Complexes
Authors: Al‐Isawi Abdulsalam A. , Al‐Jibori Subhi A. , Al‐Janabi Ahmed S. M. , Alheety Mustafa A.
Published: February 2022

Four palladium(II) and mercury(II) complexes of the type [MCl2(HPAO)] or [M(PAO)2](HPAO = syn‐2‐pyridine aldoxime) are prepared and characterized using FTIR, 1H NMR spectra, molar conductivity, and melting point. The results demonstrated that a chelating bidentate behavior of APO through the indo and exocyclic nitrogen atoms. The applicability of the prepared complexes in hydrogen storage at a temperature of 77 K and a pressure of 100 bar is studied. The results show that the complexes are capable of storing hydrogen as follows: 1.54, 2.3, 0.53, and 0.63 wt.% of H2 for [Hg(HAPO)Cl2] (1), [Pd(HAPO)Cl2] (2), [Hg(APO)2] (3), and [Pd(APO)2] (4), respectively. Thermodynamic calculations show that the storage type of hydrogen is the physico‐absorption type. The study shows that the central metal has an effect on the ability of the complex to store hydrogen, as the palladium complexes are more capable of storing hydrogen than their mercury counterparts.
An optimization‐based stochastic model of the two‐compartment pharmacokinetics
Authors: Liu Qianning , Shan Qingsong
Published: February 2022

The original pharmacokinetics (PK) two‐compartment model illustrates the change law of the drug in the central and peripheral chambers after administration, respectively. Although this deterministic model has derived many practical conclusions, it is based on simplifications and neglects noise, which is inherent to pharmacological processes. The actual pharmacological processes are always influenced by factors that cannot be entirely understood or modeled explicitly. Modeling without considering these phenomena may impact the accuracy and the related conclusions. A stochastic type of model can capture such noise. We proposed a novel two‐compartment PK model concerning drug administration through intravenous route by combining optimal control theory and stochastic analysis. The selection of the objective function was based on the goal of obtaining the best possible therapeutic effect with the least possible drug dosage. Firstly, we extended the original PK two‐compartment model based on optimal control and proved the existence and uniqueness of the switch in the control. Moreover, considering the possible uncertain factors, we added disturbances to the distance between the drug concentration and equilibrium point of the dynamic system and extended the model to a stochastic differential equation model. Qualitative and quantitative analyses showed that optimal controls were bang‐bang, that is, alternating the drug dosages at a full dose with rest‐periods in‐between. Our analysis provided a schedule for optimal dosage and timing. The solutions of the model provided estimates of the drug concentration at any given time. Finally, we simulated the model using R and showed that the numerical method is stable.
Urolithin A Attenuates Diabetes‐Associated Cognitive Impairment by Ameliorating Intestinal Barrier Dysfunction via N‐glycan Biosynthesis Pathway
Authors: Xiao Yao , Li Kailin , Bian Ji , Liu Hang , Zhai Xiaotong , El‐Omar Emad , Han Lin , Gong Lan , Wang Min
Published: February 2022

Scope

This study aims to investigate the effect of Urolithin A (UA) on diabetes‐associated cognitive impairment in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) mouse model induced by high‐fat diet (HFD) and streptozotocin (STZ).

Methods and Results

The UA‐treated T2DM mice display an attenuated cognitive impairment as well as reduced levels of metabolic endotoxemia and proinflammatory cytokines in serum. A systemic restraint of gut/brain inflammation in UA‐treated T2DM mice is also observed as the downregulation of TLR4 and Myd88 in colon along with the inhibition of GFAP, Iba‐1, NLRP3, and inflammation‐related genes in brain. Moreover, UA ameliorates gut barrier dysfunction by upregulating tight‐junction proteins levels. Furthermore, UA restores the hyperglycemia‐mediated downregulation of genes involved in N‐glycan biosynthesis both in vivo and in vitro, which plays a crucial role in barrier integrity. Although UA shares similar beneficial effects on diabetes with metformin, unlike metformin, the effect of UA is independent of gut microbiome and short chain fatty acids. Taken together, these data suggest that feeding UA can attenuate diabetes‐associated cognitive impairment by ameliorating systemic inflammation and intestinal barrier dysfunction via N‐glycan biosynthesis pathway. The study implies UA as a potential novel pharmaceutic target for diabetes therapy via manipulating gut‐brain axis and N‐glycan metabolism.
Zinc Levels Affect the Metabolic Switch of T Cells by Modulating Glucose Uptake and Insulin Receptor Signaling
Authors: Peng‐Winkler Yiming , Wessels Inga , Rink Lothar , Fischer Henrike Josephine
Published: February 2022

Scope

T cell activation requires a metabolic reprogramming from oxidative phosphorylation to aerobic glycolysis to rapidly provide substrates for biosynthesis. An individual's zinc status plays an important role in balancing the activation of T cells and is required for a proper function of immune cells. Furthermore, zinc plays an important role during effector T cell polarization to T helper cell subsets or regulatory T cells, with effector T cells relying on glycolysis and regulatory T cells on oxidative phosphorylation. Therefore, the study aims to analyze if zinc also impacts on T cell activation on the level of intracellular metabolism.

Methods and results

Mixed lymphocyte culture and anti‐CD3/CD28 stimulation is used as in vitro models for T cell activation to investigate the effect of zinc supplementation and deprivation on metabolic switching. Promoted glucose uptake, insulin receptor expression, and signaling in both zinc conditions are observed, whereas key metabolic enzymes are stimulated mainly by zinc deprivation. Alterations in cytokine production suggest an immune‐activating effect of zinc deprivation and a balancing effect of zinc supplementation.

Conclusion

The results suggest a supportive effect of both zinc supplementation and deprivation on the metabolic switch during T cell activation, adding another level of immune regulation by zinc.
Curcumin Mitigates TNFα‐Induced Caco‐2 Cell Monolayer Permeabilization Through Modulation of NF‐κB, ERK1/2, and JNK Pathways
Authors: Iglesias Dario E. , Cremonini Eleonora , Oteiza Patricia I. , Fraga Cesar G.
Published: February 2022

Scope

This work studies the capacity of curcumin to inhibit tumor necrosis alpha (TNFα)‐induced inflammation, oxidative stress, and loss of intestinal barrier integrity, characterizing the underlying mechanisms.

Methods and Results

Caco‐2 cell monolayers are incubated with TNFα (10 ng mL–1), in the absence or presence of curcumin. TNFα causes an increase in interleukin (IL)‐6 and IL‐8 release, which is inhibited by curcumin in a dose‐dependent manner (half‐maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) = 3.4 µM for IL‐6). Moreover, TNFα leads to: i) increased intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM‐1) and NLRP3 inflammasome expression; ii) increased cell monolayer permeability and decreased levels of tight junction proteins; iii) increased cellular and mitochondrial oxidant production; iv) decreased mitochondrial membrane potential and complex I‐III activity; v) activation of redox‐sensitive pathways, i.e., nuclear factor‐kappa B (NF‐κB), extracellular signal‐regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2), and c‐Jun N‐terminal kinases (JNK); and vi) increased myosin light‐chain kinase (MLCK) expression and phosphorylation levels of myosin light‐chain protein MLC. Curcumin (2–8 µM) inhibits all these TNFα‐triggered undesirable outcomes, mostly showing dose‐dependent effects.

Conclusion

The inhibition of NF‐κB, ERK1/2, and JNK activation could be in part involved in the capacity of curcumin to mitigate intestinal inflammation, oxidant production, activation of redox‐sensitive pathways, and prevention of monolayer permeabilization. These results support an action of dietary curcumin in sustaining gastrointestinal tract physiology.
Reformulated McNamara RBE‐weighted beam orientation optimization for intensity modulated proton therapy
Authors: Ramesh Pavitra , Lyu Qihui , Gu Wenbo , Ruan Dan , Sheng Ke
Published: February 2022

Purpose

Empirical relative biological effectiveness (RBE) models have been used to estimate the biological dose in proton therapy but do not adequately capture the factors influencing RBE values for treatment planning. We reformulate the McNamara RBE model such that it can be added as a linear biological dose fidelity term within our previously developed sensitivity‐regularized and heterogeneity‐weighted beam orientation optimization (SHBOO) framework.

Methods

Based on our SHBOO framework, we formulated the biological optimization problem to minimize total McNamara RBE dose to OARs. We solve this problem using two optimization algorithms: FISTA (McNam‐FISTA) and Chambolle‐Pock (McNam‐CP). We compare their performances with a physical dose optimizer assuming RBE = 1.1 in all structures (PHYS‐FISTA) and an LET‐weighted dose model (LET‐FISTA). Three head and neck patients were planned with the four techniques and compared on dosimetry and robustness.

Results

Compared to Phys‐FISTA, McNam‐CP was able to match CTV [HI, Dmax, D95%, D98%] by [0.00, 0.05%, 1.4%, 0.8%]. McNam‐FISTA and McNam‐CP were able to significantly improve overall OAR [Dmean, Dmax] by an average of [36.1%,26.4%] and [29.6%, 20.3%], respectively. Regarding CTV robustness, worst [Dmax, V95%, D95%, D98%] improvement of [−6.6%, 6.2%, 6.0%, 4.8%] was reported for McNam‐FISTA and [2.7%, 2.7%, 5.3%, −4.3%] for McNam‐CP under combinations of range and setup uncertainties. For OARs, worst [Dmax, Dmean] were improved by McNam‐FISTA and McNam‐CP by an average of [25.0%, 19.2%] and [29.5%, 36.5%], respectively. McNam‐FISTA considerably improved dosimetry and CTV robustness compared to LET‐FISTA, which achieved better worst‐case OAR doses.

Conclusion

The four optimization techniques deliver comparable biological doses for the head and neck cases. Besides modest CTV coverage and robustness improvement, OAR biological dose and robustness were substantially improved with both McNam‐FISTA and McNam‐CP, showing potential benefit for directly incorporating McNamara RBE in proton treatment planning.
Phantom task‐based image quality assessment of three generations of rapid kV‐switching dual‐energy CT systems on virtual monoenergetic images
Authors: Greffier Joël , Viry Anaïs , Barbotteau Yves , Frandon Julien , Loisy Maeliss , de Oliveira Fabien , Beregi Jean Paul , Dabli Djamel
Published: February 2022

Purpose

To compare the spectral performance of three rapid kV switching dual‐energy CT (DECT) systems on virtual monoenergetic images (VMIs) at low‐energy levels on abdominal imaging.

Methods

A multi‐energy phantom was scanned on three DECT systems equipped with three different gemstone spectral imaging (GSI) platforms: GSI (1st generation, GSI‐1st), GSI‐Pro (2nd generation, GSI‐2nd ), and GSI‐Xtream (3rd generation, GSI‐3rd). Acquisitions on the phantom were performed with a CTDIvol close to 11mGy. For all platforms, raw data were reconstructed using filtered‐back projection (FBP) and a hybrid iterative reconstruction algorithm (ASIR‐V at 50%; AV50). A deep‐learning image reconstruction (DLR) algorithm (TrueFidelity) was used only for the GSI‐3rd. Noise power spectrum (NPS) and task‐based transfer function (TTF) were evaluated from 40 to 80 keV of VMIs. A detectability index (d′) was computed to assess the detection of two contrast‐enhanced lesions according to the keV level used.

Results

For all GSI platforms, the noise magnitude decreased from 40 to 70 keV, and using AV50 compared to FBP. The average NPS spatial frequency (fav) and spatial resolution (TTF50%) were similar from 40 to 70 keV and decreased with AV50 compared to FBP. Compared to AV50, using DLR reduced the noise magnitude (−27% ± 3%) and improved fav values (10% ± 0%) and altering spatial resolution (2% ± 5%). For the two lesions, d′ values peaked at 70 keV for GSI‐1st and GSI‐2nd platforms and at 40/50 keV for GSI‐3rd, for all reconstruction algorithms. The highest d′ values were found for the GSI‐3rd with DLR.

Conclusion

Differences in image quality were found between the GSI platforms for VMIs at low keV. The new DLR algorithm on the GSI‐3rd platform reduced noise and improved spatial resolution and detectability without changing the noise texture for VMIs at low keV. The choice of the best energy level in VMIs depends on the platform and the reconstruction algorithm.
Computational1H and13C NMR in structural and stereochemical studies
Authors: Krivdin Leonid B.
Published: February 2022

Present review outlines the advances and perspectives of computational1H and13C NMR applied to the stereochemical studies of inorganic, organic, and bioorganic compounds, involving in particular natural products, carbohydrates, and carbonium ions. The first part of the review briefly outlines theoretical background of the modern computational methods applied to the calculation of chemical shifts and spin–spin coupling constants at the DFT and the non‐empirical levels. The second part of the review deals with the achievements of the computational1H and13C NMR in the stereochemical investigation of a variety of inorganic, organic, and bioorganic compounds, providing in an abridged form the material partly discussed by the author in a series of parent reviews. Major attention is focused herewith on the publications of the recent years, which were not reviewed elsewhere.
Diffusion MRI signal cumulants and hepatocyte microstructure at fixed diffusion time: Insights from simulations, 9.4T imaging, and histology
Authors: Grussu Francesco , Bernatowicz Kinga , Casanova‐Salas Irene , Castro Natalia , Nuciforo Paolo , Mateo Joaquin , Barba Ignasi , Perez‐Lopez Raquel
Published: February 2022

Purpose

Relationships between diffusion‐weighted MRI signals and hepatocyte microstructure were investigated to inform liver diffusion MRI modeling, focusing on the following question: Can cell size and diffusivity be estimated at fixed diffusion time, realistic SNR, and negligible contribution from extracellular/extravascular water and exchange?

Methods

Monte Carlo simulations were performed within synthetic hepatocytes for varying cell size/diffusivity /, and clinical protocols (single diffusion encoding; maximum b‐value: {1000, 1500, 2000} s/mm2; 5 unique gradient duration/separation pairs; SNR = {, 100, 80, 40, 20}), accounting for heterogeneity in and perfusion contamination. Diffusion () and kurtosis () coefficients were calculated, and relationships between and were visualized. Functions mapping to were computed to predict unseen values, tested for their ability to classify discrete cell‐size contrasts, and deployed on 9.4T ex vivo MRI‐histology data of fixed mouse livers

Results

Relationships between and are complex and depend on the diffusion encoding. Functions mapping to captures salient characteristics of and dependencies. Mappings are not always accurate, but they enable just under 70% accuracy in a three‐class cell‐size classification task (for SNR = 20, = 1500 s/mm2, = 20 ms, and = 75 ms). MRI detects cell‐size contrasts in the mouse livers that are confirmed by histology, but overestimates the largest cell sizes.

Conclusion

Salient information about liver cell size and diffusivity may be retrieved from minimal diffusion encodings at fixed diffusion time, in experimental conditions and pathological scenarios for which extracellular, extravascular water and exchange are negligible.
Aripiprazole LAI two‐injection start in a 16 year‐old adolescent with schizophrenia
Authors: Salvi Virginio , Appignanesi Cristina , Marpepa Brodinela , Orsolini Laura , Volpe Umberto
Published: February 2022

Background

Aripiprazole long‐acting injection (LAI) is approved for the treatment of schizophrenia in adults. Recently, Europe and Canada approved the use of the two‐injection start regimen: two separate injections of 400‐mg long‐acting aripiprazole along with a single 20‐mg dose of oral aripiprazole. Aripiprazole showed efficacy in the treatment of adolescents with acute schizophrenia in several controlled trials, leading to its approval for 13‐ to 17‐year‐old adolescents with schizophrenia by the EMA. However, the LAI formulation still remains off‐label in adolescents.

Case presentation

The patient was admitted to the General Psychiatry inpatient unit with a Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) total score of 136 and the Clinical Global Impression (CGI) score of 7. Aripiprazole was started and up‐titrated to 30 mg/d. After 3 weeks, the positive symptoms were significantly reduced; however, he still showed prominent negative symptoms. Clozapine 100 mg/d was added, and in the following 2 weeks, the patient appeared slightly more communicative and generally more aware of himself and the others. The PANSS total score decreased to 81. Due to poor insight, the patient was at‐risk not to take medications upon returning home; therefore, aripiprazole LAI was proposed. Since he urged to be discharged from the hospital, we opted for the two‐injection start. The medication was optimally tolerated, with no evidence of akathisia or other side effects. One month later, global functioning and illness insight improved; Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale score was 43 and CGI score 2.

Conclusions

Aripiprazole LAI showed good efficacy and tolerability in an adolescent with schizophrenia. The two‐injection start regimen was a safe and effective option.