bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Laser Powder Bed Fusion of an Al-Mg-Sc-Zr Alloy: Manufacturing, Peak Hardening Response and Thermal Stability at Peak Hardness
Authors: Mehta Bharat , Svanberg Arvid , Nyborg Lars
Published: December 2021

This study shows a rapid and systematic approach towards identifying full density and peak hardness for an Al-Mg-Sc-Zr alloy commonly known as Scalmalloy®. The alloy is tailored for the laser powder bed fusion process and has been shown to be printable with >99.8% relative density. The microstructure suggests Al grain refinement in melt pool boundaries, associated with formation of primary Al3(Sc,Zr) particles during solidification. Peak hardening response was identified by heat treatment tests at 573,598 and 623 K between 0 and 10 h. A peak hardness of 172 HV0.3 at 598 K for 4 h was identified. The mechanical properties were also tested with yield and ultimate strengths of 287 MPa and 364 MPa in as-printed and 468 MPa and 517 MPa in peak hardened conditions, respectively, which is consistent with the literature. Such an approach is considered apt when qualifying new materials in industrial laser powder bed fusion systems. The second part of the study discusses the thermal stability of such alloys post-peak-hardening. One set of samples was peak hardened at the conditions identified before and underwent secondary ageing at three different temperatures of 423,473 and 523 K between 0 and 120 h to understand thermal stability and benchmark against conventional Al alloys. The secondary heat treatments performed at lower temperatures revealed lower deterioration of hardness over ageing times as compared to the datasheets for conventional Al alloys and Scalmalloy®, thus suggesting that longer ageing times are needed.
Lead Recovery from a Lead Concentrate throughout Direct Smelting Reduction Process with Mixtures of Na2CO3 and SiC to 1000 °C
Authors: Gutiérrez Pérez Víctor Hugo , Osorio Hernández Juan Daniel , Sánchez Alvarado Ricardo Gerardo , Cruz Ramírez Alejandro , Olvera Vázquez Seydy Lizbeth , Rivera Salinas Jorge Enrique
Published: December 2021

Lead was recovered through a direct smelting reduction route from a lead concentrate by using mixtures of Na2CO3 and SiC to 1000 °C. The lead concentrate was obtained from the mining State of Zacatecas, México by traditional mineral processing and froth flotation. The experimental trials showed that 86 wt.% of lead with a purity up to 97% can be recovered from the lead concentrate by a single step reduction process when 40 wt.% Na2CO3 and 0.4 g SiC were used in the initial charge. The process was modeled in the thermodynamic software FactSage 7.3 to evaluate the effect of adding different amounts of Na2CO3 on the lead recovery rates while holding constant the SiC amount and temperature. The stability phase diagram obtained showed that an addition of 34 wt.% Na2CO3 was enough to reach the highest lead recovery. It was observed that the interaction of Na2CO3 and SiC at a high temperature promotes the formation of C and Na2O, and SiO2, respectively, where the Na2O partially bonds with silica and sulfur forming Na2S and sodium silicates which may decrease the SO2 emissions and increase the weather degradation of the slag. The PbS was mainly reduced by the produced C and CO formed by the interaction between Na2CO3 and SiC at 1000 °C. The predicted results reasonably match with those obtained experimentally in the lead recovery rates and compounds formation.
Taxonomic and Metabolite Diversities of Moss-Associated Actinobacteria from Thailand
Authors: Insuk Chadabhorn , Pongpamorn Pornkanok , Forsythe Adrian , Matsumoto Atsuko , Ōmura Satoshi , Pathom-aree Wasu , Cheeptham Naowarat , Xu Jianping
Published: December 2021

Actinobacteria are a group of ecologically important bacteria capable of producing diverse bioactive compounds. However, much remains unknown about the taxonomic and metabolic diversities of actinobacteria from many geographic regions and ecological niches. In this study, we report the isolation of actinobacteria from moss and moss-associated rhizosphere soils in Thailand. Among the 89 isolates analyzed for their bioactivities, 86 strains produced indole-3-acetic acid (IAA, ranging from 0.04 to 59.12 mg/L); 42 strains produced hydroxamate type of siderophore; 35 strains produced catecholate type of siderophore; 21 strains solubilized tricalcium phosphate; and many strains exhibited antagonistic activities against one to several of the seven selected plant, animal, and human pathogens. Overall, actinobacteria from the rhizosphere soil of mosses showed greater abilities to produce IAA and siderophores and to solubilize tricalcium phosphate than those from mosses. Among these 89 isolates, 37 were analyzed for their 16S rRNA gene sequences, which revealed their diverse phylogenetic distributions among seven genera, Streptomyces, Micromonospora, Nocardia, Actinoplanes, Saccharothrix, Streptosporangium, and Cryptosporangium. Furthermore, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analyses of ethyl acetate crude extracts of three selected isolates with inhibitory effects against a methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus strain revealed diverse metabolites with known antimicrobial activities. Together, our results demonstrate that actinobacteria from mosses in Thailand are taxonomically diverse and capable of producing a range of metabolites with plant-growth-promoting and microbial pathogen-inhibiting potentials.
Design and Fabrication of a Ka Band RF MEMS Switch with High Capacitance Ratio and Low Actuation Voltage
Authors: Deng Kun , Yang Fuxing , Wang Yucheng , Lai Chengqi , Han Ke
Published: December 2021

In this paper a high capacitance ratio and low actuation voltage RF MEMS switch is designed and fabricated for Ka band RF front-ends application. The metal-insulator-metal (MIM) capacitors is employed on a signal line to improve the capacitance ratio, which will not degrade the switch reliability. To reduce the actuation voltage, a low spring constant bending folding beam and bilateral drop-down electrodes are designed in the MEMS switch. The paper analyzes the switch pull-in model and deduces the elastic coefficient calculation equation, which is consistent with the simulation results. The measured results indicated that, for the proposed MEMS switch with a gap of 2 μm, the insertion loss is better than −0.5 dB and the isolation is more than −20 dB from 25 to 35 GHz with an actuation voltage of 15.8 V. From the fitted results, the up-state capacitance is 6.5 fF, down-state capacitance is 4.3 pF, and capacitance ratios is 162. Compared with traditional MEMS capacitive switches with dielectric material Si3N4, the proposed MEMS switch exhibits high on/off capacitance ratios of 162 and low actuation voltage.
The History and Applications of Phage Therapy in Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Silva Carina , Sá Sara , Guedes Carla , Oliveira Carla , Lima Cláudio , Oliveira Marco , Mendes João , Novais Gonçalo , Baylina Pilar , Fernandes Ruben
Published: December 2021

The Pseudomonas aeruginosa is one of the bacteria that cause serious infections due to resistance to many antibiotics can be fatal in severe cases. Antimicrobial resistance is a global public health concern. To solve this problem, interest in phage therapy has revived; some studies are being developed to try to prove the effectiveness of this therapy. Thus, in this opinion article, several historical aspects are addressed as well some applications of phage therapy against P. aeruginosa.
Effect of Acclimatization in Elevated CO2 on Growth and Aflatoxin B1 Production by Aspergillus flavus Strains on Pistachio Nuts
Authors: Baazeem Alaa , Medina Angel , Magan Naresh
Published: December 2021

There is little knowledge of the effect of acclimatization of Aspergillus flavus strains to climate-related abiotic factors and the subsequent effects on growth and aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) production. In this study, two strains of A. flavus (AB3, AB10) were acclimatized for five generations in elevated CO2 (1000 ppm × 37 °C) on a milled pistachio-based medium. A comparison was made of the effects of non-acclimatized strains and those that were acclimatized when colonizing layers of pistachio nuts exposed to 35 or 37 °C, 400 or 1000 ppm CO2, and 0.93 or 0.98 water activity (aw), respectively. Acclimatization influenced the fitness in terms of the growth of one strain, while there was no significant effect on the other strain when colonizing pistachio nuts. AFB1, production was significantly stimulated after ten days colonization when comparing the non-acclimatized and the acclimatized AB3 strain. However, there was no significant increase when comparing these for strain AB10. This suggests that there may be inter-strain differences in the effects of acclimatization and this could have a differential influence on the mycotoxin contamination of such commodities.
Isolated Systolic Blood Pressure and Red-Complex Bacteria—A Risk for Generalized Periodontitis and Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Mahendra Jaideep , Palathingal Plato , Mahendra Little , Muralidharan Janani , Alzahrani Khalid J. , Sayed Mohammed , Mugri Maryam H. , Almagbol Mohammad , Varadarajan Saranya , Balaji Thodur Madapusi , Bhandi Shilpa , Srinivasan Sruthi , Raj A. Thirumal , Patil Shankargouda
Published: December 2021

Hypertension is a risk factor for generalized periodontitis (GP) and chronic kidney diseases (CKD). However, the role of isolated systolic blood pressure as one of the major risks for these inflammatory diseases has not been explored. Very limited studies exist identifying the red-complex bacteria in association with the isolated systolic blood pressure. Hence, the main objective of this study was to assess the isolated systolic blood pressure and the red-complex bacteria along with the demographic variables, periodontal parameters, and renal parameters in patients with generalized periodontitis and chronic kidney disease. One hundred twenty participants (age 30–70 years) were divided into four groups—Group C: control (systemically and periodontally healthy subjects), Group GP: generalized periodontitis, Group CKD: subjects with CKD with good periodontal health, Group CKD + GP: subjects with both generalized periodontitis and CKD. Demographic variables and periodontal parameters were measured and recorded. Blood pressure measurements and a detailed history and renal parameters such as serum creatinine, eGFR, and fasting blood sugar were recorded. The red-complex bacteria (RCB) were assessed in the subgingival plaque samples of all four groups using RT-PCR. Older participants (above 50 years) showed worse periodontal scores in the CKD + GP group along with elevated isolated systolic blood pressure, higher serum creatinine, and fasting blood sugar. eGFR was significantly decreased compared to the other groups. Bacterial counts were higher in the GP + CKD group, suggesting that they may be at a higher risk for generalized periodontitis and chronic kidney disease. Isolated systolic blood pressure (ISBP) and RCB were significantly correlated with the renal and periodontal parameters. A log-linear relationship exists between periodontal disease, CKD, RCB, and isolated systolic hypertension levels.
Effect of Atmospheres on Transformation of Heavy Metals during Thermal Treatment of MSWI Fly Ash: By Thermodynamic Equilibrium Calculation
Authors: Jiao Facun , Ma Xulong , Liu Tao , Wu Chengli , Li Hanxu , Dong Zhongbing
Published: December 2021

The vaporization behaviors of eight heavy metals (Pb, Zn, Cu, Cd, Cr, Co, Mn, and Ni) in municipal solid wastes incineration (MSWI) fly ash during thermal treatment under air atmosphere (21% O2/79% N2), an inert atmosphere (100% N2), and a reducing atmosphere (50% CO/50% N2) were evaluated based on a thermodynamic equilibrium calculation by FactSage 8.1. The results show that the reducing atmosphere promotes the melting of MSWI fly ash, resulting in a more liquid phase than in air or an inert atmosphere. Except for Cd, the formation of liquids can dissolve heavy metals and reduce their vaporization ratio. In the air and inert atmospheres, Pb, Zn, Cu, Co, Mn, and Ni vaporize mainly in the form of metallic chlorides, while Cd volatilizes in the form of metallic Cd (g) and CdO (g). In the reducing atmosphere, Co, Mn, and Ni still vaporize as chlorides. Zn and Cd mainly vaporize in the form of Zn (g) and Cd (g), respectively. In terms of Pb, in addition to its chlorides, the volatiles of Pb contain some Pb (g) and PbS (g). Cr has a low vaporization ratio, accounting for 2.4% of the air atmosphere. Cr, on the other hand, readily reacts with Ca to form water-soluble CrCaO4, potentially increasing Cr leaching. Except for Cd, the results of this study suggest that the reducing atmosphere is used for the thermal treatment of MSWI fly ash because it promotes the melting of fly ash and thus prevents heavy metal vaporization.
Sesquiterpene Lactones with Dual Inhibitory Activity against the Trypanosoma brucei Pteridine Reductase 1 and Dihydrofolate Reductase
Authors: Possart Katharina , Herrmann Fabian C. , Jose Joachim , Costi Maria P. , Schmidt Thomas J.
Published: December 2021

The parasite Trypanosoma brucei (T. brucei) is responsible for human African trypanosomiasis (HAT) and the cattle disease “Nagana” which to this day cause severe medical and socio-economic issues for the affected areas in Africa. So far, most of the available treatment options are accompanied by harmful side effects and are constantly challenged by newly emerging drug resistances. Since trypanosomatids are auxotrophic for folate, their pteridine metabolism provides a promising target for an innovative chemotherapeutic treatment. They are equipped with a unique corresponding enzyme system consisting of the bifunctional dihydrofolate reductase-thymidylate synthase (TbDHFR-TS) and the pteridine reductase 1 (TbPTR1). Previously, gene knockout experiments with PTR1 null mutants have underlined the importance of these enzymes for parasite survival. In a search for new chemical entities with a dual inhibitory activity against the TbPTR1 and TbDHFR, a multi-step in silico procedure was employed to pre-select promising candidates against the targeted enzymes from a natural product database. Among others, the sesquiterpene lactones (STLs) cynaropicrin and cnicin were identified as in silico hits. Consequently, an in-house database of 118 STLs was submitted to an in silico screening yielding 29 further virtual hits. Ten STLs were subsequently tested against the target enzymes in vitro in a spectrophotometric inhibition assay. Five compounds displayed an inhibition over 50% against TbPTR1 as well as three compounds against TbDHFR. Cynaropicrin turned out to be the most interesting hit since it inhibited both TbPTR1 and TbDHFR, reaching IC50 values of 12.4 µM and 7.1 µM, respectively.
Synthesis, Pharmacological Evaluation, and Computational Studies of Cyclic Opioid Peptidomimetics Containing β3-Lysine
Authors: Wtorek Karol , Lipiński Piotr F. J. , Adamska-Bartłomiejczyk Anna , Piekielna-Ciesielska Justyna , Sukiennik Jarosław , Kluczyk Alicja , Janecka Anna
Published: December 2021

Our formerly described pentapeptide opioid analog Tyr-c[D-Lys-Phe-Phe-Asp]NH2 (designated RP-170), showing high affinity for the mu (MOR) and kappa (KOR) opioid receptors, was much more stable than endomorphine-2 (EM-2) in the rat brain homogenate and displayed remarkable antinociceptive activity after central (intracerebroventricular) and peripheral (intravenous ) administration. In this report, we describe the further modification of this analog, which includes the incorporation of a β3-amino acid, (R)- and (S)-β3-Lys, instead of D-Lys in position 2. The influence of such replacement on the biological properties of the obtained analogs, Tyr-c[(R)-β3-Lys-Phe-Phe-Asp]NH2 (RP-171) and Tyr-c[(S)-β3-Lys-Phe-Phe-Asp]NH2, (RP-172), was investigated in vitro. Receptor radiolabeled displacement and functional calcium mobilization assays were performed to measure binding affinity and receptor activation of the new analogs. The obtained data revealed that only one of the diastereoisomeric peptides, RP-171, was able to selectively bind and activate MOR. Molecular modeling (docking and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations) suggests that both compounds should be accommodated in the MOR binding site. However, in the case of the inactive isomer RP-172, fewer hydrogen bonds, as well as instability of the canonical ionic interaction to Asp147, could explain its very low MOR affinity.
A Study of the Key Factors on Production of Graphene Materials from Fe-Lignin Nanocomposites through a Molecular Cracking and Welding (MCW) Method
Authors: Yan Qiangu , Ketelboeter Timothy , Cai Zhiyong
Published: December 2021

In this work, few-layer graphene materials were produced from Fe-lignin nanocomposites through a molecular cracking and welding (MCW) method. MCW process is a low-cost, scalable technique to fabricate few-layer graphene materials. It involves preparing metal (M)-lignin nanocomposites from kraft lignin and a transition metal catalyst, pretreating the M-lignin composites, and forming of the graphene-encapsulated metal structures by catalytic graphitization the M-lignin composites. Then, these graphene-encapsulated metal structures are opened by the molecule cracking reagents. The graphene shells are peeled off the metal core and simultaneously welded and reconstructed to graphene materials under a selected welding reagent. The critical parameters, including heating temperature, heating time, and particle sizes of the Fe-lignin composites, have been explored to understand the graphene formation mechanism and to obtain the optimized process parameters to improve the yield and selectivity of graphene materials.
Analyses of Antioxidative Properties of Selected Cyclitols and Their Mixtures with Flavanones and Glutathione
Authors: Płonka Joanna , Szablińska-Piernik Joanna , Buszewski Bogusław , Baranowska Irena , Lahuta Lesław B.
Published: December 2021

The conditions for determining the antioxidant properties of cyclitols (d-pinitol, l-quebrachitol, myo-, l-chiro-, and d-chiro-inositol), selected flavanones (hesperetin, naringenin, eriodictyol, and liquiritigenin) and glutathione by spectrophotometric methods—CUPRAC and with DPPH radical, and by a chromatographic method DPPH-UHPLC-UV, have been identified. Interactions of the tested compounds and their impact on the ox-red properties were investigated. The RSA (%) of the compounds tested was determined. Very low antioxidative properties of cyclitols, compared with flavanones and glutathione alone, were revealed. However, a significant increase in the determined antioxidative properties of glutathione by methyl-ether derivatives of cyclitols (d-pinitol and l-quebrachitol) was demonstrated for the first time. Thus, cyclitols seem to be a good candidate for creating drugs for the treatment of many diseases associated with reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation.
AtTrxh3, a Thioredoxin, Is Identified as an Abscisic AcidBinding Protein in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Anabuki Tomoaki , Ohashi Keisuke , Takasuka Taichi E. , Matsuura Hideyuki , Takahashi Kosaku
Published: December 2021

Abscisic acid (ABA, 1) is a plant hormone that regulates various plant physiological processes such as seed developing and stress responses. The ABA signaling system has been elucidated; binding of ABA with PYL proteins triggers ABA signaling. We have previously reported a new method to isolate a protein targeted with a bioactive small molecule using a biotin linker with alkyne and amino groups, a protein cross-linker, and a bioactive small molecule with an azido group (azido probe). This method was used to identify the unknown ABA binding protein of Arabidopsis thaliana. As a result, AtTrxh3, a thioredoxin, was isolated as an ABA binding protein. Our developed method can be applied to the identification of binding proteins of bioactive compounds.
Nanotechnology in Clothing and Fabrics
Authors: Paramsothy Muralidharan
Published: December 2021

Making clothing and fabric with nanoparticles or nanofibers allows the improvement of fabric properties without a significant increase in weight, thickness, or stiffness [...]
Secondary Exfoliation of Electrolytic Graphene Oxide by Ultrasound Assisted Microwave Technique
Authors: Yang Yin , Wang Ziyang , Zheng Shaobo
Published: December 2021

Scalable production of large size and high quality graphene is an important prerequisite to fully realize its commercial applications. Herein, we propose a high-efficient route for preparing few-layer graphene. The secondary exfoliation of unexfoliated graphite flakes from electrochemical exfoliation was achieved by using ultrasonication assisted microwave exfoliation technique. The results show that the as-prepared sample has a C/O of 15.2, a thickness of about 1 nm and a transverse dimension of over 100 nm, and the Raman spectrogram shows low defects upon reduction of the sample. These results suggest that electrolytic graphene can be exfoliated to form graphene nanosheets under ultrasonic-assisted microwave technology, thus indicating that the current method has great potential for synthesizing high-quality graphene at an industrial-scale.
Dendropanoxide, a Triterpenoid from Dendropanax morbifera, Ameliorates Hepatic Fibrosis by Inhibiting Activation of Hepatic Stellate Cells through Autophagy Inhibition
Authors: Park Yong-Joo , Kim Dong-Min , Choi Hye-Been , Jeong Mi-Ho , Kwon Seung-Hwan , Kim Ha-Ryong , Kwak Jong-Hwan , Chung Kyu-Hyuck
Published: December 2021

Hepatic fibrosis results from chronic liver damage and is characterized by excessive accumulation of extracellular matrix (ECM). In this study, we showed that dendropanoxide (DPX), isolated from Dendropanax morbifera, had anti-fibrotic effects on hepatic fibrosis by inhibiting hepatic stellate cell (HSC) activation. DPX suppressed mRNA and protein expression of α-SMA, fibronectin, and collagen in activated HSCs. Moreover, DPX (40 mg/kg) treatment significantly lowered levels of liver injury markers (aspartate aminotransferase and alanine transaminase), expression of fibrotic markers, and deposition of ECM in a carbon tetrachloride-induced mouse model. Anti-fibrotic effects of DPX were comparable to those of silymarin in a hepatic fibrosis mouse model. As a possible mechanism of anti-fibrotic effects, we showed that DPX inhibited autophagosome formation (LC3B-II) and degradation of p62, which have important roles in HSC activation. These findings suggest that DPX inhibits HSC activation by inhibiting autophagy and can be utilized in hepatic fibrosis therapy.
Jasmine Tea Attenuates Chronic Unpredictable Mild Stress-Induced Depressive-like Behavior in Rats via the Gut-Brain Axis
Authors: Zhang Yangbo , Huang Jianan , Xiong Yifan , Zhang Xiangna , Lin Yong , Liu Zhonghua
Published: December 2021

The number of depressed people has increased worldwide. Dysfunction of the gut microbiota has been closely related to depression. The mechanism by which jasmine tea ameliorates depression via the brain-gut-microbiome (BGM) axis remains unclear. Here, the effects of jasmine tea on rats with depressive-like symptoms via the gut microbiome were investigated. We first established a chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) rat model to induce depressive symptoms and measured the changes in depression-related indicators. Simultaneously, the changes in gut microbiota were investigated by 16S rRNA sequencing. Jasmine tea treatment improved depressive-like behaviors and neurotransmitters in CUMS rats. Jasmine tea increased the gut microbiota diversity and richness of depressed rats induced by CUMS. Spearman’s analysis showed correlations between the differential microbiota (Patescibacteria, Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, Spirochaetes, Elusimicrobia, and Proteobacteria) and depressive-related indicators (BDNF, GLP-1, and 5-HT in the hippocampus and cerebral cortex). Combined with the correlation analysis of gut microbiota, the result indicated that jasmine tea could attenuate depression in rats via the brain- gut-microbiome axis.
Age-Dependent Decline of NAD+—Universal Truth or Confounded Consensus?
Authors: Peluso Augusto , Damgaard Mads V. , Mori Marcelo A. S. , Treebak Jonas T.
Published: December 2021

Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) is an essential molecule involved in various metabolic reactions, acting as an electron donor in the electron transport chain and as a co-factor for NAD+-dependent enzymes. In the early 2000s, reports that NAD+ declines with aging introduced the notion that NAD+ metabolism is globally and progressively impaired with age. Since then, NAD+ became an attractive target for potential pharmacological therapies aiming to increase NAD+ levels to promote vitality and protect against age-related diseases. This review summarizes and discusses a collection of studies that report the levels of NAD+ with aging in different species (i.e., yeast, C. elegans, rat, mouse, monkey, and human), to determine whether the notion that overall NAD+ levels decrease with aging stands true. We find that, despite systematic claims of overall changes in NAD+ levels with aging, the evidence to support such claims is very limited and often restricted to a single tissue or cell type. This is particularly true in humans, where the development of NAD+ levels during aging is still poorly characterized. There is a need for much larger, preferably longitudinal, studies to assess how NAD+ levels develop with aging in various tissues. This will strengthen our conclusions on NAD metabolism during aging and should provide a foundation for better pharmacological targeting of relevant tissues.
Does Probiotic Consumption Enhance Wound Healing? A Systematic Review
Authors: Togo Camille , Zidorio Ana Paula , Gonçalves Vivian , Botelho Patrícia , de Carvalho Kenia , Dutra Eliane
Published: December 2021

The use of probiotics is one of the emerging lines of treatment for wound healing. This systematic review aimed to summarize currently available evidence on the effect of oral or enteral probiotic therapy on skin or oral mucosal wound healing in humans. To verify the developments in this field and the level of available scientific evidence, we applied a broad search strategy with no restrictions on wound type, target population, probiotic strain, or intervention protocol used. This review included seven studies involving 348 individuals. Four studies reported positive outcomes for healing improvement after probiotic therapy, and none of the studies reported adverse effects or a marked increase in wound healing time. The positive or neutral results observed do not generate strong evidence regarding the effectiveness of probiotics for wound healing. However, they suggest a promising field for future clinical research where the probiotic strains used, type of wounds, and target population are controlled for.
Preventing the Adverse Effects of SARS-CoV-2 Infection and COVID-19 through Diet, Supplements, and Lifestyle
Authors: Lordan Ronan , Grant William B.
Published: December 2021

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the pathogen responsible for the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and the ongoing worldwide pandemic, has cost the lives of almost 5 [...]
A Long-Term Energy-Rich Diet Increases Prefrontal BDNF in Sprague-Dawley Rats
Authors: Virtuoso Alessandro , Tveden-Nyborg Pernille , Schou-Pedersen Anne Marie Voigt , Lykkesfeldt Jens , Müller Heidi Kaastrup , Elfving Betina , Sørensen Dorte Bratbo
Published: December 2021

Findings of the effect of high-fat feeding including “Cafeteria Diets” (CAF) on brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in the hippocampus (HIP) and prefrontal cortex (PFC) in rodents are conflicting. CAF is a non-standardized, highly palatable energy-rich diet composed by everyday food items for human consumption and is known to induce metabolic syndrome and obesity in rats. However, the highly palatable nature of CAF may counteract a negative effect of chronic stress on anticipatory behavior and synaptic plasticity in the hippocampus, hence represent a confounding factor (e.g., when evaluating functional effects on the brain). This study investigated the effects of a chronic, restricted access to CAF on BDNF, monoamine neurotransmitters, and redox imbalance in HIP and PFC in male rats. Our results show that CAF induced BDNF and its receptor TrkB in PFC compared to the controls (p < 0.0005). No differences in monoamine neurotransmitters were detected in either PFC or HIP. CAF increased dehydroascorbic acid and decreased malondialdehyde in PFC (p < 0.05), suggesting an early redox imbalance insufficient to induce lipid peroxidation. This study supports that a chronic CAF on a restricted schedule increases BDNF levels in the PFC of rats, highlighting that this may be a suboptimal feeding regime when investigating the effects of diet-induced obesity in the brain and emphasizing this as a point of attention when comparing the findings.
Felid Parasitoses, New Insights and Open Perspectives
Authors: Diakou Anastasia , Morelli Simone , Traversa Donato
Published: December 2021

Felids are fascinating animals [...]
Detection of Anti-Echinococcus granulosus Antibodies in Humans: An Update from Pakistan
Authors: Khan Huma , Ahmed Haroon , Afzal Muhammad Sohail , Awan Usman Ayub , Khurram Muhammad , Simsek Sami , Cao Jianping
Published: December 2021

Human cystic echinococcosis (CE) is a zoonotic disease caused by the larval stage of Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato that causes economic losses by affecting livestock and also poses a public health threat worldwide. The present study is the first retrospective report on the seroprevalence of anti-E. granulosus antibodies in humans in Pakistan. The study used data from 93 blood analysis reports of patients suspected of having CE from different medical centers in Lahore, Pakistan. Out of 93 sera samples, 20 (21.5%) were seropositive, and higher seropositivity (17.2%) was recorded with the indirect hemagglutination test (IHA) than with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The findings indicated that age, gender, and year had no significant relationship with the seropositivity of CE. The current study provides directions towards the management of the disease in the near future in Pakistan.
CRISPR/CasRx Proof-of-Concept for RNA Degradation: A Future Tool against RNA Viruses?
Authors: Perez-SanJose Diana , de la Fuente Miguel Angel , Serna Pérez Julia , Simarro Maria , Eiros Bouza José María , Sanz-Muñoz Ivan
Published: December 2021

Influenza viruses provide a great threat for the human population, causing highly contagious respiratory infections that can lead to serious clinical complications. There are a limited variety of influenza antivirals, and these antivirals are subjected to the constant emergence of resistances. Therefore, the development of new antiviral strategies to combat influenza viruses and other RNA viruses must be promoted. In this work, we design a proof-of-concept of a recently described CRISPR/Cas tool that has been proposed as a possible future RNA virus antiviral, named CRISPR/CasRx. For this, we verified the efficiency of the CasRx endonuclease in the degradation of the eGFP mRNA reporter gene and we established the best conditions for, and the efficient performance of, the CRISPR/CasRx system. The results were measured by fluorescence microscopy, flow cytometry, and qRT-PCR. The analyses demonstrated a reduction in fluorescence, regardless of the amount of eGFP reporter plasmid transfected. The analyses showed an 86–90% reduction in fluorescence by flow cytometry and a 51–80% reduction in mRNA expression by qRT-PCR. Our results demonstrate that the CasRx endonuclease is an efficient tool for eGFP mRNA knockdown. Therefore, subsequent experiments could be useful for the development of a new antiviral tool.
Solvent-Free Fabrication of Biphasic Lipid-Based Microparticles with Tunable Structure
Authors: Bertoni Serena , Albertini Beatrice , Ronowicz-Pilarczyk Joanna , Calonghi Natalia , Passerini Nadia
Published: December 2021

Lipid-based biphasic microparticles are generally produced by long and complex techniques based on double emulsions. In this study, spray congealing was used as a solvent-free fabrication method with improved processability to transform water-in-oil non-aqueous emulsions into spherical solid lipid-based particles with a biphasic structure (b-MPs). Emulsions were prepared by melt emulsification using different compositions of lipids (Dynasan®118 and Compritol®888 ATO), surfactants (Cetylstearyl alcohol and Span®60) and hydrophilic carriers (PEGs, Gelucire®48/16 and Poloxamer 188). First, pseudo-ternary phase diagrams were constructed to identify the area corresponding to each emulsion type (coarse emulsion or microemulsion). The hydrophobicity of the lipid mostly affected the interfacial tension, and thus the microstructure of the emulsion. Emulsions were then processed by spray congealing and the obtained b-MPs were characterized in terms of thermal and chemical properties (by DSC and FT-IR), external and internal morphology (by SEM, CLSM and Raman mapping). Solid free-flowing spherical particles (main size range 200–355 µm) with different architectures were successfully produced: microemulsions led to the formation of particles with a homogeneous internal structure, while coarse emulsions generated “multicores-shell” particles consisting of variable size hydrophilic cores evenly distributed within the crystalline lipid phase. Depending on their composition and structure, b-MPs could achieve various release profiles, representing a more versatile system than microparticles based on a single lipid phase. The formulation and technological strategy proposed, provides a feasible and cost-effective way of fabricating b-MPs with tunable internal structure and release behavior.
Endolysosomal Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticle Trafficking along Microtubular Highways
Authors: Noureddine Achraf , Paffett Michael L. , Franco Stefan , Chan Alfonso E. , Pallikkuth Sandeep , Lidke Keith , Serda Rita E.
Published: December 2021

This study examines intra- and intercellular trafficking of mesoporous silica nanoparticles along microtubular highways, with an emphasis on intercellular bridges connecting interphase and telophase cells. The study of nanoparticle trafficking within and between cells during all phases of the cell cycle is relevant to payload destination and dilution, and impacts delivery of therapeutic or diagnostic agents. Super-resolution stochastic optical reconstruction and sub-airy unit image acquisition, the latter combined with Huygens deconvolution microscopy, enable single nanoparticle and microtubule resolution. Combined structural and functional data provide enhanced details on biological processes, with an example of mitotic inheritance during cancer cell trivision.
Remote Learning in Transnational Education: Relationship between Virtual Learning Engagement and Student Academic Performance in BSc Pharmaceutical Biotechnology
Authors: Hatahet Taher , Mohamed Ahmed A.Raouf , Malekigorji Maryam , Kerry Emma K.
Published: December 2021

The 21st century has seen dramatic changes to education delivery which have widened the scope of transnational education and remote learning via various virtual learning environments (VLEs). Efficient remote teaching activities require students to be engaged with taught materials and academic staff, and for educators to be able to track and improve student engagement. This article describes the generation of a predictive mathematical model for students’ exam performance using VLE engagement indicators and coursework marks together to enable the creation of a model with a correlation coefficient of 0.724. This article examines the relationship of each of these variables with final exam marks, as well as the addition of personal related variable X on the generated model’s accuracy. The generated models show that each variable had a different impact on the prediction of the final exam mark. The results’ analysis suggests that coursework marks and total VLE page views were the major attributes, while personal factors were also found to greatly impact model accuracy. Considering the case of outliers, who were students with low VLE engagement achieving high exam marks, it is proposed that personal factors, such as behavioural factors and study style, also have a significant effect on student academic attainment. The generated model can be used by students to improve self-efficacy by adjusting their study style and by educators to provide early interventions to support disengaged students. This model can be replicated in different remote learning settings and transnational education, and the findings might be insightful for courses with remote learning strategies to investigate the key educational, personal and engagement parameters for students’ overall success.
Interactive Narrative Simulation as a Method for Preceptor Development
Authors: Williams Charlene R. , Hubal Robert , Wolcott Michael D. , Kruse Abbey
Published: December 2021

(1) Background: This proof-of-concept study assessed an interactive web-based tool simulating three challenging non-academic learning situations—student professionalism, cross-cultural interactions, and student well-being—as a means of preceptor development. (2) Methods: Three scripts focused on professionalism, cross-cultural interactions, and student well-being were developed and implemented using a commercial narrative tool with branching dialog. Delivered online, this tool presented each challenge to participants. Participants had up to four response options at each turn of the conversation; the choice of response influenced the subsequent conversation, including coaching provided at the resolution of the situation. Participants were invited to complete pre-activity, immediate post-activity, and one-month follow-up questionnaires to assess satisfaction, self-efficacy, engagement, and knowledge change with the tool. Knowledge was assessed through situational judgment tests (SJTs). (3) Results: Thirty-two pharmacist preceptors participated. The frequency of participants reflecting on challenging learning situations increased significantly one-month post-simulation. Participants affirmatively responded that the tool was time-efficient, represented similar challenges they encountered in precepting, was easily navigable, and resulted in learning. Self-efficacy with skills in managing challenging learning situations increased significantly immediately post-simulation and at a one-month follow-up. Knowledge as measured through SJTs was not significantly changed. (4) Conclusions: Preceptors found an interactive narrative simulation a relevant, time-efficient approach for preceptor development for challenging non-academic learning situations. Post-simulation, preceptors more frequently reflected on challenging learning situations, implying behavior change. Self-efficacy and self-report of knowledge increased. Future research is needed regarding knowledge assessments.
Experimental Investigation on the Ranging Resolution of a FMCW Lidar
Authors: Xiao Zhenzhen , Wu Zhengmao , Jiang Zaifu , Yue Dianzuo , Xia Guangqiong
Published: December 2021

In some previous reports about frequency-modulated continuous-wave (FMCW) Lidar, observing the longer waveform of a de-chirped signal is considered an effective scheme for further improving the ranging resolution. In this work, the ranging resolution of a FMCW Lidar is experimentally investigated, and the feasibility of such a scheme is tested. During the experiment, a FMCW signal is generated via a Mach–Zehnder modulator in the transmitted port. In the received port, the de-chirped signal is extracted based on a homodyne detection scheme and is analyzed by an electrical spectrum analyzer. Two different methods are adopted to determine the ranging resolution. One is based on a single target, for which the ranging resolution is obtained through inspecting the shift of spectral peak position as the target moves. The other is based on two targets, for which the ranging resolution is acquired through inspecting the variation of spectrum distribution as the spacing of two targets changes. The experimental results demonstrate that extending the observed duration of the de-chirped signal cannot improve the ranging resolution, and the corresponding physical mechanism is revealed.
Thin-Film Lithium Niobate Based Acousto-Optic Modulation Working at Higher-Order TE1 Mode
Authors: Yang Yang , Xu Yin , Huang Dongmei , Li Feng , Dong Yue , Zhang Bo , Ni Yi , Wai P. K. A.
Published: December 2021

Acousto-optic modulation (AOM) is regarded as an effective way to link multi-physical fields on-chip. We propose an on-chip AOM scheme based on the thin-film lithium niobate (TFLN) platform working at the higher-order TE1 mode, rather than the commonly used fundamental TE0 mode. Multi-physical field coupling analyses were carried out to obtain the refractive index change of the optical waveguide (>6.5×10−10 for a single phonon) induced by the enhanced acousto-optic interaction between the acoustic resonator mode and the multimode optical waveguide. By using a Mach-Zehnder interferometer (MZI) structure, the refractive index change is utilized to modulate the output spectrum of the MZI, thus achieving the AOM function. In the proposed AOM scheme, efficient mode conversion between the TE0 and TE1 mode is required in order to ensure that the AOM works at the higher-order TE1 mode in the MZI structure. Our results show that the half-wave-voltage-length product (VπL) is <0.01 V·cm, which is lower than that in some previous reports on AOM and electro-optic modulation (EOM) working at the fundamental TE0 mode (e.g., VπL > 0.04 V·cm for AOM, VπL > 1 V·cm for EOM). Finally, the proposed AOM has lower loss when compared with EOM because the electrode of the AOM can be placed far from the optical waveguide.
A Curvature-Based Multidirectional Local Contrast Method for Star Detection of a Star Sensor
Authors: Lu Kaili , Liu Enhai , Zhao Rujin , Zhang Hui , Lin Ling , Tian Hong
Published: December 2021

Stray light, such as sunlight, moonlight, and earth-atmosphere light, can bring about light spots in backgrounds, and it affects the star detection of star sensors. To overcome this problem, this paper proposes a star detection algorithm (CMLCM) with multidirectional local contrast based on curvature. It regards the star image as a spatial surface and analyzes the difference in the curvature between the star and the background. It uses a facet model to represent the curvature and calculate the second-order derivatives in four directions. According to the characteristic of the star and the complex background, it enhances the target and suppresses the complex background by a new calculation method of a local contrast map. Finally, it divides the local contrast map into multiple 256 × 256 sub-regions for a more effective threshold segmentation. The experimental results indicated that the CMLCM algorithm could effectively detect a large number of accurate stars under stray light interference, and the detection rate was higher than other compared algorithms with a lower false alarm rate.
Optimization for Compact and High Output LED-Based Optical Wireless Power Transmission System
Authors: Zhao Mingzhi , Miyamoto Tomoyuki
Published: December 2021

Optical wireless power transmission (OWPT) is a technology that supplies energy remotely. Due to the great advantages of long transmission distances, high directionality, no electromagnetic interference noise, and loose safety regulations, light emitting diode (LED) based OWPT systems become appropriate candidates for powering various applications, especially for the Internet of things (IoT). In this paper, improved LED-OWPT systems are proposed based on a collimation scheme for optimizing the system dimension and output. In a single LED configuration, the system dimension is compressed by 46% while the high transmission efficiency is maintained. As for the LED-array system, the dimension is compressed by 56%, and the output is enhanced by 40%. In the experiment, a high electricity output of 532 mW is achieved at 1 m transmission distance. In addition, the effect of misalignment between LED and lens and the potential of long-distance transmission are clarified in the LED-array OWPT system.
Impact of Sprouting under Potassium Nitrate Priming on Nitrogen Assimilation and Bioactivity of Three Medicago Species
Authors: Zrig Ahlem , Saleh Ahmed , Hamouda Foued , Okla Mohammad K. , Al-Qahtani Wahidah H. , Alwasel Yasmeen A. , Al-Hashimi Abdulrahman , Hegab Momtaz Y. , Hassan Abdelrahim H. A. , AbdElgawad Hamada
Published: December 2021

Edible sprouts are rich in flavonoids and other polyphenols, as well as proteins, minerals, and vitamins. Increasing sprout consumption necessitates improving their quality, palatability, and bioactivity. The purpose of this study was to test how KNO3 priming affects the sprouting process species on three Medicago species (Medicago indicus, Medicago interexta, and Medicago polymorpha) and their nutritional values. Targeted species of Medicago were primed with KNO3, and the levels of different primary and secondary metabolites were determined. KNO3 induced biomass accumulation in the sprouts of the three species, accompanied by an increased content of total mineral nutrients, pigments, vitamins, and essential amino acids. Besides, our results showed that KNO3 enhanced the activity of nitrate reductase (NR), glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH), and glutamine synthetase (GS) enzymes, which are involved in the nitrogen metabolism and GOGAT cycle, which, in turn, increase the nitrogen and protein production. KNO3 treatment improved the bioactive compound activities of Medicago sprouts by increasing total phenolic and flavonoid contents and enhancing the antioxidant and antidiabetic activities. Furthermore, species-specific responses toward KNO3 priming were noticeable, where Medicago interexta showed the highest antioxidant and antidiabetic activities, followed by Medicago polymorpha. Overall, this study sheds the light on the physiological and biochemical bases of growth, metabolism, and tissue quality improvement impact of KNO3 on Medicago sprouts.
Weather Patterns Associated with DON Levels in Norwegian Spring Oat Grain: A Functional Data Approach
Authors: Hjelkrem Anne-Grete Roer , Aamot Heidi Udnes , Lillemo Morten , Sørensen Espen Sannes , Brodal Guro , Russenes Aina Lundon , Edwards Simon G. , Hofgaard Ingerd Skow
Published: December 2021

Fusarium graminearum is regarded as the main deoxynivalenol (DON) producer in Norwegian oats, and high levels of DON are occasionally recorded in oat grains. Weather conditions in the period around flowering are reported to have a high impact on the development of Fusarium head blight (FHB) and DON in cereal grains. Thus, it would be advantageous if the risk of DON contamination of oat grains could be predicted based on weather data. We conducted a functional data analysis of weather-based time series data linked to DON content in order to identify weather patterns associated with increased DON levels. Since flowering date was not recorded in our dataset, a mathematical model was developed to predict phenological growth stages in Norwegian spring oats. Through functional data analysis, weather patterns associated with DON content in the harvested grain were revealed mainly from about three weeks pre-flowering onwards. Oat fields with elevated DON levels generally had warmer weather around sowing, and lower temperatures and higher relative humidity or rain prior to flowering onwards, compared to fields with low DON levels. Our results are in line with results from similar studies presented for FHB epidemics in wheat. Functional data analysis was found to be a useful tool to reveal weather patterns of importance for DON development in oats.