bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ursolic Acid Ameliorates Myocardial Ischaemia/Reperfusion Injury by Improving Mitochondrial Function via Immunoproteasome-PP2A-AMPK Signalling
Authors: Xu Luo-Luo , Su Hui-Xiang , Li Pang-Bo , Li Hui-Hua
Published: February 2023

Cardiac ischaemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury causes cardiomyocyte apoptosis and mitochondrial dysfunction. Ursolic acid (UA), as a pentacyclic triterpenoid carboxylic acid, exerts several bioactivities in animal models of different diseases, but the preventive role of UA in I/R-induced myocardial dysfunction remains largely unknown. Male wild-type mice were pre-administered with UA at a dosage of 80 mg/kg i.p. and then subjected to cardiac I/R injury for 24 h. Cardiac function and pathological changes were examined by echocardiography and histological staining. The protein and mRNA levels of the genes were determined using qPCR and immunoblotting analysis. Our results revealed that UA administration in mice significantly attenuated the I/R-induced decline in cardiac function, infarct size, myocyte apoptosis, and oxidative stress. Mechanistically, UA increased three immunoproteasome catalytic subunit expressions and activities, which promoted ubiquitinated PP2A degradation and activated AMPK-PGC1α signalling, leading to improved mitochondrial biosynthesis and dynamic balance. In vitro experiments confirmed that UA treatment prevented hypoxia/reperfusion (H/R)-induced cardiomyocyte apoptosis and mitochondrial dysfunction through activation of AMPK signalling. In summary, our findings identify UA as a new activator of the immunoproteasome that exerts a protective role in I/R-induced myocardial dysfunction and suggest that UA supplementation could be beneficial for the prevention of cardiac ischaemic disease.
Disease-Modifying Adjunctive Therapy of Osteopenia and Osteoporosis with a Multimineral Marine Extract, LithoLexal® Bone
Authors: O’Gorman Denise M. , Naderi Zahra , Yeganeh Ali , Malboosbaf Ramin , Eriksen Erik Fink
Published: February 2023

There is evidence to suggest that restoration of major/rare biominerals by supplementation can produce osteogenic and anti-resorptive effects in humans. LithoLexal® is a natural extract harvested from a marine alga, Lithothamnion sp., with a porous microstructure and multimolecular composition rich in calcium (32% w/w) and magnesium (2.2% w/w) together with ~72 trace bioelements. In vitro, LithoLexal® demonstrated cellular-level osteogenic efficacy through enhancing the maturation and activity of pre-osteoblasts. This extract also expressed the ability to suppress osteoclastogenesis by downregulating the pro-resorptive cytokines TNF-α and IL-1β and the master regulator of inflammation NF-κB. Parathyroid hormone inhibition of parathyroid hormone secretion is another bioactivity of LithoLexal® Bone reported with both short- and long-term administration at a longer duration and higher magnitude than what calcium carbonate could induce. Due to these bioactivities that affect pathogenetic factors of osteoporosis, LithoLexal® Bone is referred to as a disease-modifying adjunctive therapy (DMAT). In postmenopausal animal models, LithoLexal® monotherapy preserved bone mineral density, microarchitecture, and biomechanical properties, while calcium carbonate failed to produce significant outcomes. The pro-resorptive effect of a high-fat diet was also efficiently counteracted in vivo by supplementary LithoLexal®. A large clinical trial on postmenopausal women verified the mitigating effects of LithoLexal® Bone on bone resorption and turnover rate. The characteristic composition of LithoLexal® together with its lattice microstructure are suggested to underlie its in vivo bioactivities. In conclusion, adjunctive therapy with LithoLexal® Bone is an attractive option for clinical prevention and treatment of osteopenia/osteoporosis.
COVID-19, Framing and Naming a Pandemic: How What Is Not in a Disease Name May Be More Important than What Is
Authors: Harvey T. S.
Published: February 2023

While the disease name and acronym COVID-19, where ‘CO’ refers to ‘corona’, ‘VI’ to virus, ‘D’ to disease, and ‘19′ the detection year, represents a rational, historically informed, and even culturally sensitive name choice by the World Health Organization, from the perspective of an ethnography of disease framing and naming, this study finds that it does not, however, readily communicate a public health message. This observation, based on linguistic and medical anthropological research and analyses, raises a critically important question: Can or should official disease names, beyond labeling medical conditions, also be designed to function as public health messages? As the ethnography of the term COVID-19 and its ‘framing’ demonstrates, using acronyms for disease names in public health can not only reduce their intelligibility but may also lower emerging public perceptions of risk, inadvertently, increasing the public’s vulnerability. This study argues that the ongoing messaging and communication challenges surrounding the framing of COVID-19 and its variants represent an important opportunity for public health to engage social science research on language and risk communication to critically rethink disease naming and framing and how what they are called can prefigure and inform the public’s uptake of science, understandings of risk, and the perceived importance of public health guidelines.
Ticks and Rickettsiae Associated with Wild Animals Sold in Bush Meat Markets in Cameroon
Authors: Paguem Archile , Manchang Kingsley , Kamtsap Pierre , Renz Alfons , Schaper Sabine , Dobler Gerhard , Bakkes Deon K. , Chitimia-Dobler Lidia
Published: February 2023

Ticks are obligate blood-sucking parasites of wild animals and transmit many zoonotic microorganisms that can spread to domesticated animals and then to humans. In Cameroon, little is known about tick diversity among wildlife, especially for animals which are hunted for human consumption. Therefore, this survey was undertaken to investigate tick and Rickettsia species diversity parasitizing the wild animals sold in bush meat markets in Cameroon. In total, 686 ticks were collected and identified to the species level based on morphology, and some were genetically analyzed using the 16S rRNA gene. Eighteen tick species belonging to five genera were identified: Amblyomma spp. (Amblyomma compressum, Amblyomma flavomaculatum, and Amblyomma variegatum), Haemaphysalis spp. (Haemaphysalis camicasi, Haemaphysalis houyi, Haemaphysalis leachi, and Haemaphysalis parmata), Hyalomma spp. (Hyalomma nitidum, Hyalomma rufipes, and Hyalomma truncatum), Ixodes spp. (Ixodes rasus and Ixodes moreli), and Rhipicephalus spp. (Rhipicephalus guilhoni, Rhipicephalus moucheti, Rhipicephalus muhsamae, Rhipicephalus microplus, Rhipicephalus camicasi, and Rhipicephalus linnaei). In terms of Rickettsia important for public health, two Rickettsia spp., namely Rickettsia aeschlimannii and Rickettsia africae, were detected in Hyalomma spp. and Amblyomma spp., respectively. Distinct tick–pathogen patterns were present for divergent sequences of R. africae associated with exclusively A. variegatum vectors (type strain) versus vectors comprising A. compressum, A. flavomaculatum, and A. variegatum. This suggests possible effects of vector species population dynamics on pathogen population circulation dynamics. Furthermore, Candidatus Rickettsia africaustralis was detected for the first time in Cameroon in I. rasus. This study highlights the high diversity of ticks among wildlife sold in bush meat markets in Cameroon.
Cyclotron-Based Production of 67Cu for Radionuclide Theranostics via the 70Zn(p,α)67Cu Reaction
Authors: Brühlmann Santiago Andrés , Walther Martin , Kreller Martin , Reissig Falco , Pietzsch Hans-Jürgen , Kniess Torsten , Kopka Klaus
Published: February 2023

Theranostic matched pairs of radionuclides have aroused interest during the last couple of years, and in that sense, copper is one element that has a lot to offer, and although 61Cu and 64Cu are slowly being established as diagnostic radionuclides for PET, the availability of the therapeutic counterpart 67Cu plays a key role for further radiopharmaceutical development in the future. Until now, the 67Cu shortage has not been solved; however, different production routes are being explored. This project aims at the production of no-carrier-added 67Cu with high radionuclidic purity with a medical 30MeV compact cyclotron via the 70Zn(p,α)67Cu reaction. With this purpose, proton irradiation of electrodeposited 70Zn targets was performed followed by two-step radiochemical separation based on solid-phase extraction. Activities of up to 600MBq 67Cu at end of bombardment, with radionuclidic purities over 99.5% and apparent molar activities of up to 80MBq/nmol, were quantified.
Profiling of Secondary Metabolites of Optimized Ripe Ajwa Date Pulp (Phoenix dactylifera L.) Using Response Surface Methodology and Artificial Neural Network
Authors: Alshammari Fanar , Alam Md Badrul , Naznin Marufa , Javed Ahsan , Kim Sunghwan , Lee Sang-Han
Published: February 2023

The date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) is a popular edible fruit consumed all over the world and thought to cure several chronic diseases and afflictions. The profiling of the secondary metabolites of optimized ripe Ajwa date pulp (RADP) extracts is scarce. The aim of this study was to optimize the heat extraction (HE) of ripe Ajwa date pulp using response surface methodology (RSM) and artificial neural network (ANN) modeling to increase its polyphenolic content and antioxidant activity. A central composite design was used to optimize HE to achieve the maximum polyphenolic compounds and antioxidant activity of target responses as a function of ethanol concentration, extraction time, and extraction temperature. From RSM estimates, 75.00% ethanol and 3.7 h (extraction time), and 67 °C (extraction temperature) were the optimum conditions for generating total phenolic content (4.49 ± 1.02 mgGAE/g), total flavonoid content (3.31 ± 0.65 mgCAE/g), 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (11.10 ± 0.78 % of inhibition), and cupric-reducing antioxidant capacity (1.43 µM ascorbic acid equivalent). The good performance of the ANN was validated using statistical metrics. Seventy-one secondary metabolites, including thirteen new bioactive chemicals (hebitol II, 1,2-di-(syringoyl)-hexoside, naringin dihydrochalcone, erythron-guaiacylglycerol-β-syringaresinol ether hexoside, erythron-1-(4′-O-hexoside-3,5-dimethoxyphenyl)-2-syrngaresinoxyl-propane-1,3-diol, 2-deoxy-2,3-dehydro-N-acetyl-neuraminic acid, linustatin and 1-deoxynojirimycin galactoside), were detected using high-resolution mass spectroscopy. The results revealed a significant concentration of phytoconstituents, making it an excellent contender for the pharmaceutical and food industries.
Gamma-Irradiated Non-Capsule Group B Streptococcus Promotes T-Cell Dependent Immunity and Provides a Cross-Protective Reaction
Authors: Zhi Yong , Chen Fengjia , Cao Guangxu , Li Fang
Published: February 2023

Group B Streptococcus (GBS) is a Gram-positive bacterium commonly found in the genitourinary tract and is also a leading cause of neonatal sepsis and pneumonia. Despite the current antibiotic prophylaxis (IAP), the disease burdens of late-onset disease in newborns and non-pregnant adult infections are increasing. Recently, inactivation of the pathogens via gamma radiation has been proven to eliminate their replication ability but cause less damage to the antigenicity of the key epitopes. In this study, the non-capsule GBS strain was inactivated via radiation (Rad-GBS) or formalin (Che-GBS), and we further determined its immunogenicity and protective efficacy as vaccines. Notably, Rad-GBS was more immunogenic and gave rise to higher expression of costimulatory molecules in BMDCs in comparison with Che-GBS. Flow cytometric analysis revealed that Rad-GBS induced a stronger CD4+ IFN-γ+ and CD4+IL-17A+ population in mice. The protective efficacy was measured through challenge with the highly virulent strain CNCTC 10/84, and the adoptive transfer results further showed that the protective role is reversed by functionally neutralizing antibodies and T cells. Finally, cross-protection against challenges with prevalent serotypes of GBS was induced by Rad-GBS. The higher opsonophagocytic killing activity of sera against multiple serotypes was determined in sera from mice immunized with Rad-GBS. Overall, our results showed that the inactivated whole-cell encapsulated GBS could be an alternative strategy for universal vaccine development against invasive GBS infections.
Glycomimetic Peptides as Therapeutic Tools
Authors: Hoober J. Kenneth , Eggink Laura L.
Published: February 2023

The entry of peptides into glycobiology has led to the development of a unique class of therapeutic tools. Although numerous and well-known peptides are active as endocrine regulatory factors that bind to specific receptors, and peptides have been used extensively as epitopes for vaccine production, the use of peptides that mimic sugars as ligands of lectin-type receptors has opened a unique approach to modulate activity of immune cells. Ground-breaking work that initiated the use of peptides as tools for therapy identified sugar mimetics by screening phage display libraries. The peptides that have been discovered show significant potential as high-avidity, therapeutic tools when synthesized as multivalent structures. Advantages of peptides over sugars as drugs for immune modulation will be illustrated in this review.
Therapeutic Potential of Dopamine and Related Drugs as Anti-Inflammatories and Antioxidants in Neuronal and Non-Neuronal Pathologies
Authors: Bandala Cindy , Cárdenas-Rodríguez Noemi , Mendoza-Torreblanca Julieta Griselda , Contreras-García Itzel Jatziri , Martínez-López Valentín , Cruz-Hernández Teresita Rocio , Carro-Rodríguez Jazmín , Vargas-Hernández Marco Antonio , Ignacio-Mejía Iván , Alfaro-Rodriguez Alfonso , Lara-Padilla Eleazar
Published: February 2023

Dopamine (DA), its derivatives, and dopaminergic drugs are compounds widely used in the management of diseases related to the nervous system. However, DA receptors have been identified in nonneuronal tissues, which has been related to their therapeutic potential in pathologies such as sepsis or septic shock, blood pressure, renal failure, diabetes, and obesity, among others. In addition, DA and dopaminergic drugs have shown anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties in different kinds of cells. Aim: To compile the mechanism of action of DA and the main dopaminergic drugs and show the findings that support the therapeutic potential of these molecules for the treatment of neurological and non-neurological diseases considering their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory actions. Method: We performed a review article. An exhaustive search for information was carried out in specialized databases such as PubMed, PubChem, ProQuest, EBSCO, Scopus, Science Direct, Web of Science, Bookshelf, DrugBank, Livertox, and Clinical Trials. Results: We showed that DA and dopaminergic drugs have emerged for the management of neuronal and nonneuronal diseases with important therapeutic potential as anti-inflammatories and antioxidants. Conclusions: DA and DA derivatives can be an attractive treatment strategy and a promising approach to slowing the progression of disorders through repositioning.
Drug Delivery Systems in Regenerative Medicine: An Updated Review
Authors: Mansour Alaa , Romani Maya , Acharya Anirudh Balakrishna , Rahman Betul , Verron Elise , Badran Zahi
Published: February 2023

Modern drug discovery methods led to evolving new agents with significant therapeutic potential. However, their properties, such as solubility and administration-related challenges, may hinder their benefits. Moreover, advances in biotechnology resulted in the development of a new generation of molecules with a short half-life that necessitates frequent administration. In this context, controlled release systems are required to enhance treatment efficacy and improve patient compliance. Innovative drug delivery systems are promising tools that protect therapeutic proteins and peptides against proteolytic degradation where controlled delivery is achievable. The present review provides an overview of different approaches used for drug delivery.
Linear and Nonlinear Optical Properties of Quadrupolar Bithiophenes and Cyclopentadithiophenes as Fluorescent Oxygen Photosensitizers
Authors: Richy Nicolas , Gam Safa , Messaoudi Sabri , Triadon Amédée , Mongin Olivier , Blanchard-Desce Mireille , Latouche Camille , Humphrey Mark G. , Boucekkine Abdou , Halet Jean-François , Paul Frédéric
Published: February 2023

The linear and nonlinear optical properties of two quadrupolar bithiophenes and two quadrupolar cyclopentadithiophenes have been investigated. At the 5,5′ positions of the central bi/dithiophene units, the molecules possess 1,4-phenylalkynyl groups that bear either electron-donating (NPh2) or electron-withdrawing (SO2CF3) groups. The optical properties were experimentally studied and modelled via quantum chemistry computations of key configurations and conformations. All the compounds show good light harvesting efficiency due to their strong absorption in the visible range. These fluorescent compounds are also good two-photon absorbers in the NIR range that can photosensitize oxygen in toluene. DFT calculations reveal that the mixtures of conformers in a solution show similar linear optical properties. TD-DFT calculations reproduce the experimental spectroscopic data fairly well, including vibronic couplings in the fluorescence spectra. The lowest excited state for two-photon absorption corresponds to the S2 state. The roles of the SO2CF3 and NPh2 terminal groups on the nonlinear response were analyzed for possible bio-oriented applications, with the cyclopentadithiophenes showing the most promising figures of merit.
Quantum Gate Generation in Two-Level Open Quantum Systems by Coherent and Incoherent Photons Found with Gradient Search
Authors: Petruhanov Vadim N. , Pechen Alexander N.
Published: February 2023

In this work, we consider an environment formed by incoherent photons as a resource for controlling open quantum systems via an incoherent control. We exploit a coherent control in the Hamiltonian and an incoherent control in the dissipator which induces the time-dependent decoherence rates γk(t) (via time-dependent spectral density of incoherent photons) for generation of single-qubit gates for a two-level open quantum system which evolves according to the Gorini–Kossakowski–Sudarshan–Lindblad (GKSL) master equation with time-dependent coefficients determined by these coherent and incoherent controls. The control problem is formulated as minimization of the objective functional, which is the sum of Hilbert-Schmidt norms between four fixed basis states evolved under the GKSL master equation with controls and the same four states evolved under the ideal gate transformation. The exact expression for the gradient of the objective functional with respect to piecewise constant controls is obtained. Subsequent optimization is performed using a gradient type algorithm with an adaptive step size that leads to oscillating behaviour of the gradient norm vs. iterations. Optimal trajectories in the Bloch ball for various initial states are computed. A relation of quantum gate generation with optimization on complex Stiefel manifolds is discussed. We develop methodology and apply it here for unitary gates as a testing example. The next step is to apply the method for generation of non-unitary processes and to multi-level quantum systems.
Labellar Structure of the Maxillaria splendens Alliance (Orchidaceae: Maxillariinae) Indicates Floral Polyphenols as a Reward for Stingless Bees
Authors: Davies Kevin L. , Pansarin Emerson R. , Stpiczyńska Małgorzata
Published: February 2023

Several studies have reported stingless Meliponini bees gathering hairs from the labella of Maxillaria spp., including M. ochroleuca, a member of the M. splendens alliance. Such hairs usually contain food materials and are thought to have nutritional value. The papillose labella of representatives of the Maxillaria splendens alliance, however, bear scattered, simple 1-5-celled uniseriate trichomes (hairs) that lack food materials. By contrast, here, as well as polyphenolic compounds, typical labellar papillae usually contain small quantities of starch, protein, and minute droplets of lipid, the last probably involved in the production of fragrance. Towards the labellum apex occur elevated groups of papillae that lack food materials, but contain volatile compounds, probably fragrance precursors. In the past, the terms ‘trichomes’ or ‘hairs’ and ‘papillae’ have been used interchangeably, causing some confusion. Since the trichomes, however, unlike the papillae, are easily detachable and can fragment, it is most likely they, not the papillae, that have previously been observed being collected by bees, but their poor food content indicates that they do not function as food-hairs. Even so, our field observations of M. ochroleuca reveal that stingless bees scrape polyphenol-rich labellar tissue and possibly use this material to produce a resinous, complex, heterogeneous substance commonly referred to as ‘bee glue’, used for nest construction and repair.
Plastomes of Garcinia mangostana L. and Comparative Analysis with Other Garcinia Species
Authors: Wee Ching-Ching , Nor Muhammad Nor Azlan , Subbiah Vijay Kumar , Arita Masanori , Nakamura Yasukazu , Goh Hoe-Han
Published: February 2023

The two varieties of mangosteen (Garcinia mangostana L.) cultivated in Malaysia are known as Manggis and Mesta. The latter is preferred for its flavor, texture, and seedlessness. Here, we report a complete plastome (156,580 bp) of the Mesta variety that was obtained through a hybrid assembly approach using PacBio and Illumina sequencing reads. It encompasses a large single-copy (LSC) region (85,383 bp) and a small single-copy (SSC) region (17,137 bp) that are separated by 27,230 bp of inverted repeat (IR) regions at both ends. The plastome comprises 128 genes, namely, 83 protein-coding genes, 37 tRNA genes, and 8 rRNA genes. The plastome of the Manggis variety (156,582 bp) obtained from reference-guided assembly of Illumina reads was found to be nearly identical to Mesta except for two indels and the presence of a single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP). Comparative analyses with other publicly available Garcinia plastomes, including G. anomala, G. gummi-gutta, G. mangostana var. Thailand, G. oblongifolia, G. paucinervis, and G. pedunculata, found that the gene content, gene order, and gene orientation were highly conserved among the Garcinia species. Phylogenomic analysis divided the six Garcinia plastomes into three groups, with the Mesta and Manggis varieties clustered closer to G. anomala, G. gummi-gutta, and G. oblongifolia, while the Thailand variety clustered with G. pedunculata in another group. These findings serve as future references for the identification of species or varieties and facilitate phylogenomic analysis of lineages from the Garcinia genus to better understand their evolutionary history.
Neuroprotective Effect of Methanolic Ajwa Seed Extract on Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Memory Dysfunction and Neuroinflammation: In Vivo, Molecular Docking and Dynamics Studies
Authors: Mani Vasudevan , Arfeen Minhajul , Dhaked Devendra Kumar , Mohammed Hamdoon A. , Amirthalingam Palanisamy , Elsisi Hossam A.
Published: February 2023

Islamic literature has indicated that daily consumption of Ajwa dates heals a variety of chronic diseases and disorders. The current research investigates the neuroprotective effect of methanolic Ajwa seed extract (MASE) on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced cognitive deficits using multiple approaches. For animal studies, MASE (200 and 400 mg/kg, p.o.) was administrated for thirty consecutive days, and four doses of LPS (250 µg/kg, i.p.) were injected to induce neurotoxicity. Memory functions were evaluated using elevated plus-maze and novel object recognition tests. Acetylcholine (ACh) and neuroinflammatory markers (cyclooxygenase (COX)-2, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-6, IL-10, and transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1) were estimated in brain tissues. Studies of molecular docking and dynamics were conducted to provide insight into the molecular-level mechanisms. MASE administration resulted in a significant reversal of LPS-induced memory impairment in both maze models. Both doses of MASE elevated the ACh levels in an LPS-treated rat brain. In addition, the extract lowered COX-2 and proinflammatory cytokines (TNF-α and IL-6) while increasing anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-10 and TGF-β1) in LPS-treated brain tissues. Molecular modeling results revealed that the compound’s ellagic acid, epicatechin, catechin, kaempferol, quercetin, and apigenin have the potential to act as a dual inhibitor of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and COX-2 and can be responsible for the improvement of both cholinergic and inflammatory conditions, while the cinnamic acid, hesperidin, hesperetin, narengin, and rutin compounds are responsible only for the improvement of cholinergic transmission. The above compounds acted by interacting with the key residues Trp84, Asp72, Gly118, Ser200, Tyr334, and His440, which are responsible for the hydrolysis of ACh in AChE, while the COX-2 is inhibited by interacting with the residues (Val349, Leu352, Tyr355, Tyr385, Ala527, Ser530, and Leu531) of the hydrophobic channel. By promoting cholinergic activity and protecting neuroinflammation in the rat brain, MASE provides neuroprotection against LPS-induced cognitive deficits. Our preliminary findings will help with further drug discovery processes related to neuroinflammation-related neurodegeneration.
Defensive Resistance of Cowpea Vigna unguiculata Control Megalurothrips usitatus Mediated by Jasmonic Acid or Insect Damage
Authors: Li Tao , Feng Mingyue , Chi Yuanming , Shi Xing , Sun Zilin , Wu Zhen , Li Aomei , Shi Wangpeng
Published: February 2023

Vigna unguiculata is a vital vegetable crop in Southeast Asia, and Megalurothrips usitatus can cause huge damage to this crop. Enhancing the resistance of V. unguiculata against M. usitatus is a promising way to protect this crop; however, there is limited information regarding the mechanism underlying the resistance of V. unguiculata against M. usitatus. Here, a behavior assay was performed to explore the resistance of V. unguiculata against M. usitatus after insect damage or treatment by jasmonic acid (JA). Furthermore, transcriptome and metabonomics analysis was used to detect the putative mechanism underlying the resistance of V. unguiculata against M. usitatus. The pre-treatment of Vigna unguiculata with JA or infestation with Megalurothrips usitatus alleviated the damage resulting from the pest insect. We further identified differentially expressed genes and different metabolites involved in flavonoid biosynthesis and alpha-linolenic acid metabolism. Genes of chalcone reductase and shikimate O-hydroxycinnamoyltransferase involved in flavonoid biosynthesis, as well as lipoxygenase and acyl-CoA oxidase involved in alpha-linolenic acid metabolism, were upregulated in plants after herbivory or JA supplementation. The upregulation of these genes contributed to the high accumulation of metabolites involved in flavonoid biosynthesis and the alpha-linolenic acid metabolism pathway. These transcriptional and metabolite changes are potentially responsible for plant defense and a putative regulatory model is thus proposed to illustrate the cowpea defense mechanism against insect attack. Our study provides candidate targets for the breeding of varieties with resistance to insect herbivory by molecular technology.
Phenotypic and Genotypic Characterization of Newly Isolated Xanthomonas euvesicatoria-Specific Bacteriophages and Evaluation of Their Biocontrol Potential
Authors: Kizheva Yoana , Urshev Zoltan , Dimitrova Melani , Bogatzevska Nevena , Moncheva Penka , Hristova Petya
Published: February 2023

Bacteriophages have greatly engaged the attention of scientists worldwide due to the continuously increasing resistance of phytopathogenic bacteria to commercially used chemical pesticides. However, the knowledge regarding phages is still very insufficient and must be continuously expanded. This paper presents the results of the isolation, characterization, and evaluation of the potential of 11 phage isolates as natural predators of a severe phytopathogenic bacterium—Xanthomonas euvesicatoria. Phages were isolated from the rhizosphere of tomato plants with symptoms of bacterial spot. The plaque morphology of all isolates was determined on a X. euvesicatoria lawn via a plaque assay. Three of the isolates were attributed to the family Myoviridae based on TEM micrographs. All phages showed good long-term viability when stored at 4 °C and −20 °C. Three of the phage isolates possessed high stability at very low pH values. Fifty-five-day persistence in a soil sample without the presence of the specific host and a lack of lytic activity on beneficial rhizosphere bacteria were found for the phage isolate BsXeu269p/3. The complete genome of the same isolate was sequenced and analyzed, and, for the first time in this paper, we report a circular representation of a linear but circularly permuted phage genome among known X. euvesicatoria phage genomes.
Trichoderma asperellum L. Coupled the Effects of Biochar to Enhance the Growth and Physiology of Contrasting Maize Cultivars under Copper and Nickel Stresses
Authors: Amanullah Fatima , Khan Waqas-ud-Din
Published: February 2023

Crop cultivation in heavy metal (HM)-polluted soils is a routine practice in developing countries that causes multiple human health consequences. Hence, two independent studies have been performed to investigate the efficiency of rice husk biochar (BC) and three fungal species, Trichoderma harzianum (F1), Trichoderma asperellum (F2) and Trichoderma viride (F3), to improve the growth and physiology of Zea mays L. plants grown on soil contaminated with Cu and Ni. Initially, a biosorption trial was conducted to test the HM removal efficiency of species F1, F2 and F3. Among them, F2 sp. showed the maximum Cu and Ni removal efficiency. Then, a pot study was conducted with two cultivars (spring corn and footer corn) having eleven treatments with three replicates. The results demonstrated a significant genotypic variation among both cultivars under applied HM stress. The maximum decreases in leaf Chl a. (53%), Chl b. (84%) and protein (63%) were reported in footer corn with applied Cu stress. The combined application of biochar and F2 increased leaf CAT (96%) in spring corn relative to Cu stress. Altogether, it was found that BC + F2 treatment showed the maximum efficiency in combatting Cu and Ni stress in spring corn.
Polymer Membranes of Zeolitic Imidazole Framework-8 with Sodium Alginate Synthesized from ZIF-8 and Their Application in Light Gas Separation
Authors: Khan Aftab , Patil Mallikarjunagouda , Rathod Laxmibai , Vader Shivalila , Raizada Pankaj , Singh Pardeep , Alotaibi Maha , Ansari Mohammad , Khan Anish , Azum Naved , Rub Malik , Arshad Muhammad , Asiri Abdullah
Published: February 2023

The potential of nanocomposite membranes (NCMs) prepared by the sodium alginate polymer and embedded with synthesized zeolitic imidazole framework-8 (ZIF-8) as fillers having microporous structure in the application of separation of gaseous mixture generated by the process of methane reforming was assessed. ZIF-8 crystals were created through hydrothermal synthesis, with sizes varying from 50 to 70 nm. NCMs were prepared with a 15% filler loading, i.e., synthesized ZIF-8. NCMs (ZIF-8) having H2 permeability of 28 Barrer and H2/CH4 selectivity of 125 outperformed neat polymer membranes in terms of separation performance at ambient temperature and 4 kg/cm2 pressure. The purity of H2 increased to as high as 95% among the measured values. The NCMs did not, however, outperform a neat polymer membrane in terms of their ability to separate mixtures of gases. Moreover, the combination of ZIF-8 as a filler with sodium alginate was new and had not been reported previously. As a result, it is worthwhile to investigate.
Enhancing the Mechanical Properties of Historical Masonry Using Fiber-Reinforced Geopolymers
Authors: Dollente Ithan Jessemar R. , Valerio Daniel Nichol R. , Quiatchon Pauline Rose J. , Abulencia Anabel B. , Villoria Ma. Beatrice D. , Garciano Lessandro Estelito O. , Promentilla Michael Angelo B. , Guades Ernesto J. , Ongpeng Jason Maximino C.
Published: February 2023

Current research into the production of sustainable construction materials for retrofitting and strengthening historic structures has been rising, with geopolymer technology being seen as an advantageous alternative to traditional concrete. Fiber reinforcement using this novel cementitious material involves a low embodied carbon footprint while ensuring cohesiveness with local materials. This study aims to develop fly ash-based geopolymers reinforced with six different types of fibers: polyvinyl alcohol, polypropylene, chopped basalt, carbon fiber, and copper-coated stainless steel. The samples are produced by mixing the geopolymer mortar in random distribution and content. Twenty-eight geopolymer mixes are evaluated through compressive strength, split-tensile strength, and modulus of elasticity to determine the fiber mix with the best performance compared with pure geopolymer mortar as a control. Polyvinyl alcohol and copper-coated stainless-steel fiber samples had considerably high mechanical properties and fracture toughness under applied tensile loads. However, the polypropylene fiber source did not perform well and had lower mechanical properties. One-way ANOVA verifies these results. Based on these findings, polyvinyl alcohol and stainless-steel fibers are viable options for fiber reinforcement in historical structures, and further optimization and testing are recommended before application as a reinforcement material in historic structures.
Drug Release from Nanoparticles (Polymeric Nanocapsules and Liposomes) Mimed through a Multifractal Tunnelling-Type Effect
Authors: Băcăiță Elena Simona , Rață Delia Mihaela , Cadinoiu Anca Niculina , Ghizdovăț Vlad , Agop Maricel , Luca Alina-Costina
Published: February 2023

The present study analyzes (theoretically and experimentally) a drug release process from nanoparticles (polymeric nanocapsules and liposomes). This process is functionalized on the surface with an aptamer. These types of drug release processes can also be included in cream-type formulations. The obtained cream ensures the active targeting of tumor epithelial cells, in the case of skin cancer, because it can be easily administered to the skin by spreading, thus avoiding side effects caused by the toxicity of the drug to healthy cells, increasing both patient compliance and the effectiveness of the treatment. The process of obtaining these formulations is a simple one, easy to use and highly reproductible. The theoretical model, based on the multifractal tunnel effect within the Scale Relativity Theory, considers the system as a complex one. In this model, complexity is replaced with system multifractality, quantified in physical quantities as multifractal dimensions and multifractal functions. The main advantage of this approach consists in the fact that it allows us to obtain information on system behavior at a microscopic level and to evaluate microscopic characteristics of the system, such as intrinsic transparences of the drug molecules, multifractal constants as indicators of the system’s complexity, the frequency of interactions within the system and the energy ratio between potential barrier energy and the energy of drug molecules.
An Update on the Clinical Efficacy and Safety of Collagen Injectables for Aesthetic and Regenerative Medicine Applications
Authors: Salvatore Luca , Natali Maria Lucia , Brunetti Chiara , Sannino Alessandro , Gallo Nunzia
Published: February 2023

Soft tissues diseases significantly affect patients quality of life and usually require targeted, costly and sometimes constant interventions. With the average lifetime increase, a proportional increase of age-related soft tissues diseases has been witnessed. Due to this, the last two decades have seen a tremendous demand for minimally invasive one-step resolutive procedures. Intensive scientific and industrial research has led to the recognition of injectable formulations as a new advantageous approach in the management of complex diseases that are challenging to treat with conventional strategies. Among them, collagen-based products are revealed to be one of the most promising among bioactive biomaterials-based formulations. Collagen is the most abundant structural protein of vertebrate connective tissues and, because of its structural and non-structural role, is one of the most widely used multifunctional biomaterials in the health-related sectors, including medical care and cosmetics. Indeed, collagen-based formulations are historically considered as the “gold standard” and from 1981 have been paving the way for the development of a new generation of fillers. A huge number of collagen-based injectable products have been approved worldwide for clinical use and have routinely been introduced in many clinical settings for both aesthetic and regenerative surgery. In this context, this review article aims to be an update on the clinical outcomes of approved collagen-based injectables for both aesthetic and regenerative medicine of the last 20 years with an in-depth focus on their safety and effectiveness for the treatment of diseases of the integumental, gastrointestinal, musculoskeletal, and urogenital apparatus.
Conductive and Thermo-Responsive Composite Hydrogels with Poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) and Carbon Nanotubes Fabricated by Two-Step Photopolymerization
Authors: Ciarleglio Gianluca , Toto Elisa , Santonicola Maria Gabriella
Published: February 2023

Biocompatible and conductive polymer hydrogels are the subject of intensive research in the bioengineering field because of their use in bioelectronic devices and for the fabrication of electro-responsive tissues and drug delivery systems. In this study, we report the synthesis of conductive composite hydrogels consisting of a poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM) matrix embedding carboxyl-functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT-COOH) using a two-step photopolymerization method. Thermo-responsive hydrogels with controlled hydrophilicity and conductivity were prepared by varying the carbon nanotube concentration in the range 0.5–3 wt%. The thermal response of the PNIPAM-based composite hydrogels was measured by differential scanning calorimetry with both ultrapure water and PBS solution as swelling liquid. Results show that the endothermic peak associated with the temperature-induced volume phase transition (VPT) shifts to higher temperatures upon increasing the concentration of the nanotubes, indicating that more energy is required to dissociate the hydrogen bonds of the polymer/filler network. In PBS solution, the swelling ratios and the VPT temperatures of the composite hydrogels are reduced because of salt-induced screening of the oppositely charged polymer/filler assembly, and the electrical resistivity decreases by a factor of 10 with respect to the water-swollen hydrogels.
Design Analysis and Actuation Performance of a Push-Pull Dielectric Elastomer Actuator
Authors: Sun Wenjie , Zhao Bin , Zhang Fei
Published: February 2023

Dielectric elastomer actuation has been extensively investigated and applied to bionic robotics and intelligent actuators due to its status as an excellent actuation technique. As a conical dielectric elastomer actuator (DEA) structure extension, push-pull DEA has been explored in controlled acoustics, microfluidics, and multi-stable actuation due to its simple fabrication and outstanding performance. In this paper, a theoretical model is developed to describe the electromechanical behavior of push-pull DEA based on the force balance of the mass block in an actuator. The accuracy of the proposed model is experimentally validated by employing the mass block in the construction of the actuator as the object of study. The actuation displacement of the actuator is used as the evaluation indication to investigate the effect of key design parameters on the actuation performance of the actuator, its failure mode, and critical failure voltage. A dynamic actuator model is proposed and used with experimental data to explain the dynamic response of the actuator, its natural frequency, and the effect of variables. This work provides a strong theoretical background for dielectric elastomer actuators, as well as practical design and implementation experience.
Damping under Varying Frequencies, Mechanical Properties, and Failure Modes of Flax/Polypropylene Composites
Authors: Rahman Md Zillur , Xu Huaizhong
Published: February 2023

This work investigates the effects of fibre content, fibre orientation, and frequency on the dynamic behaviour of flax fibre-reinforced polypropylene composites (FFPCs) to improve understanding of the parameters affecting vibration damping in FFPCs. The effects of fibre content and fibre orientation on the mechanical performances of FFPCs, along with fracture characteristics, are also investigated in this study. Laminates of various fibre contents and orientations were manufactured by a vacuum bagging process, and their dynamic and static properties were then obtained using dynamic (dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) to frequencies of 100 Hz) and various mechanical (tensile and flexural) analyses, respectively. The findings suggest that of all the parameters, fibre orientation has the most significant impact on the damping, and the maximum loss factor (i.e., 4.3–5.5%) is obtained for 45° and 60° fibre orientations. However, there is no significant difference in loss factors among the composites with different fibre contents. The loss factors lie mainly in the range of 4–5.5%, irrespective of the fibre volume fraction, fibre orientation, and frequency. A significant improvement (281 to 953%) in damping is feasible in flax fibre/polypropylene composites relative to more widespread glass/epoxy composites. The mechanical properties of composites are also strongly affected by fibre orientation with respect to the loading direction; for example, the tensile modulus decreases from 20 GPa to 3.45 GPa at an off-axis angle of 30° for a fibre volume fraction of 0.40. The largest mechanical properties (tensile and flexural) are found in the case of 0° fibre orientation. For composites with fibre volume fractions in the range 0.31–0.50, tensile moduli are in the range 16–21 GPa, and tensile strengths are in the range 125–173 MPa, while flexural moduli and strengths are in the ranges 12–15 GPa and 96–121 MPa, respectively, making them suitable for structural applications. The obtained results also suggest that flax fibre composites are comparable to glass fibre composites, especially in terms of specific stiffness. The ESEM analysis confirms the tensile failures of specimens due to fibre debonding, fibre pull-out and breakage, matrix cracking, and inadequate fibre/matrix adhesion. The outcomes from this study indicate that flax fibre-reinforced composite could be a commercially viable material for applications in which noise and vibration are significant issues and where a significant amount of damping is required with a combination of high stiffness and low weight.
Enhancing the Initial Whiteness and Long-Term Thermal Stability of Polyvinyl Chloride by Utilizing Layered Double Hydroxides with Low Surface Basicity
Authors: Shen Guanhua , Zhao Yanhua , Ma Mingxin , Wang Yongli , Hao Xiangying , Yuan Guodong
Published: February 2023

This study investigated the impact of surface basicity on the performance of layered double hydroxides (LDHs) as heat stabilizers for polyvinyl chloride (PVC). LDHs with varying surface basicity were synthesized and characterized using XRD, SEM, BET, and CO2-TPD. The LDHs were then combined with zinc stearate and dibenzoylmethane to create an environmentally friendly heat stabilizer and added to PVC. The resulting PVC composites were evaluated for thermal stability using the oven-aging method. The results showed that a lower Mg/Al molar ratio (2.0) improved the initial whiteness and long-term thermal stability of PVC composites compared to higher ratios (2.5, 3.0, and 3.5). Replacing Mg with Zn in the LDHs had a similar effect to that of reducing the Mg/Al ratio. Crosslinking the laminae of LDHs with 5% silane coupling agent KH-560 reduced the surface basicity of LDHs by 79%, increasing the chromaticity index, b*, and thermal stability time of PVC composites by 48% and 14%, respectively. A descriptive relationship was established between the structure and surface basicity of LDHs and the initial whiteness and long-term thermal stability of PVC composites.
Effect of Dispersant on Disperse Dyeing in Silicone Waterless Dyeing System
Authors: Chen Jingru , Pei Liujun , Shi Wenhua , Yi Jingyuan , Wang Jiping
Published: February 2023

Traditional water-based dyeing of polyester textiles usually generates burdensome processes and a great deal of wastewater, which can no longer meet the green and sustainable developments in the textile dyeing industry. In the silicone waterless dyeing system, polyester textiles can be dyed with disperse dye without water. However, the dyeing performance of polyester textiles is influenced by the dispersant. In this study, the relationship between the properties of dispersants and disperse dyeing performance was studied. When the amount of dispersant NNO (2-Naphthalenesulfonic acid) was 1.2%, the exhaustion of disperse red 177 and the final K/S value of the dyed fabric improved to 94.18% and 14.73, respectively. However, the exhaustion of disperse red 177 was reduced from 90.73% to 82.61%, and the final K/S value of the dyed fabric was decreased from 14.77 to 14.01 when the dosage of MF (Naphthalenesulfonic acid) was 1.2%. Compared with different dyeing systems, the final uptake of disperse red 177 was 93.81% and 94.18% in traditional water-based and silicone waterless dyeing systems and the K/S value of the dyed fabric was almost the same. The washing and rubbing fastness (wet and dry) of the dyed fabric were found to be at a level of 4 or 4–5, and the light fastness of the dyed fabric was 3–4. If only the dispersant was added in the silicone waterless dyeing system, there was no leveling problems on dyed samples. Moreover, the maximum absorption wavelength of disperse red 177 was not changed after adding the dispersant. With an increasing amount of dispersant NNO, the solubility of the dye in the silicone solvent decreased, but it increased with an increasing amount of dispersant MF. In the relationship between dye exhaustion and dye solubility in a silicone waterless dyeing system, the exhaustion of dye was linearly and inversely proportional to the dye solubility. A dispersant with better hydrophilicity can decrease the solubility of the dye in dyeing media, and the dyeing performance of dye is better. Compared with previous studies, the exhaustion of dye was consistent with the ClogP value (hydrophobic constant) of the dyeing accelerant. Therefore, a dispersant with high hydrophilicity can reduce the solubility of dye and improve the exhaustion of disperse dye in a silicone waterless dyeing system. Moreover, the color fastness of the dyed fabric did not change before and after adding the dispersant.