bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bioleaching Mercury from Coal with Aspergillus flavus M-3
Authors: Mao Wenqing , Mei Juan , He Huan , Liu Cheng , Tao Xiuxiang , Huang Zaixing
Published: November 2023

This study focuses on the utilization of Aspergillus flavus(M-3) for the bioleaching mercury from coal, offering an alternative and environmentally to its clean utilization. The fungus was isolated from the soil near a high mercury coal mine in Lao Ying Shan (LYS), Guizhou. Utilizing direct mercury analysis, X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Fourier Transform-Infrared (FT-IR) analysis techniques, the transformation of mercury speciation, mineral components, and organic groups in the coal were analyzed before and after the bioleaching process. The findings of the study illustrated that the fungus M-3 exhibited a remarkable capacity for coal bioliquefaction and mercury leaching from LYS coal. Following a 15-day bioleaching process, a remarkable mercury leaching rate of 83.79% was achieved. Various forms of mercury speciation, including residue, organic matter, sulfide-bound, oxide-bound, exchangeable, and carbonate-bound forms, were released from the coal, with leaching rates ranging from 80.41% to 92.60%. XRD analysis indicated that the M-3 strain facilitated the dissolution of coal pyrite and the degradation of macromolecules, effectively loosening the coal structure. FT-IR analysis of raw and residual coal demonstrated the breakdown of the aromatic ring structure and introduced oxygen-containing functional groups by M-3. Overall, this study highlights the efficacy of bioliquefying coal using Aspergillus flavus (M-3) as a method for clean coal utilization while simultaneously bioleaching mercury.
Synthesis, Spectroscopic Characterization, Catalytic and Biological Activity of Oxidovanadium(V) Complexes with Chiral Tetradentate Schiff Bases
Authors: Romanowski Grzegorz , Budka Justyna , Inkielewicz-Stepniak Iwona
Published: November 2023

New oxidovanadium(V) complexes, VOL1–VOL10, with chiral tetradentate Schiff bases obtained by monocondensation reaction of salicylaldehyde derivatives with 1S,2S-(+)-2-amino-1-(4-nitrophenyl)-1,3-propanediol. All complexes have been characterized using different spectroscopic methods, viz. IR, UV-Vis, circular dichroism, one- (1H, 51V) and two-dimensional (COSY, NOESY) NMR spectroscopy, and elemental analysis. Furthermore, the catalytic ability of all compounds in the epoxidation of styrene, cyclohexene, and its naturally occurring monoterpene derivatives, i.e., S(−)-limonene and (−)-α-pinene has also been studied, using two different oxidants, i.e., aqueous 30% H2O2 or tert-butyl hydroperoxide (TBHP). In addition, the biological properties of these chiral oxidovanadium(V) compounds, but also cis-dioxidomolybdenum(VI) complexes with the same chiral Schiff bases, were studied. Their cytotoxic and cytoprotective activity studies with the HT-22 hippocampal neuronal cells revealed a concentration-dependent effect in the range of 10–100 μM. Moreover, vanadium(V) complexes, in contrast to cis-dioxidomolybdenum(VI) compounds, demonstrated higher cytotoxicity and lack of cytoprotective ability against H2O2-induced cytotoxicity.
Mononuclear or Coordination Polymer Complexes? Both Are Possible for 3,6,9-Trioxaundecanedioic Acid
Authors: Bella Giovanni , Holub Jan , Bruno Giuseppe , Nicolò Francesco , Santoro Antonio
Published: November 2023

Investigating the driving forces leading to the formation of a specific supramolecular architecture among a wide spectrum of all the possibly obtainable structures is not an easy task. The contemporary literature provides several models for correctly predicting the thermodynamically accessible structures that can originate from a library of building blocks. Definitions are rigid by their very nature, so their application may sometimes require a shift in perspective. In the study presented herein, we describe the crystal structures of three metallo-supramolecular architectures assembled from deprotonated derivatives of 3,6,9-trioxaundecanedioic acid and Mn(II), Co(II) and Zn(II). In the Mn(II) case, the complexation resulted in a complex of a discrete/heptacoordinated nature, whereas the other two structures appeared as helical polymers. To explain such an anomaly, in this work, we describe how the interplay between the flexibility of the ligand spacer and the number of coordinating atoms involved determines the divergent or convergent organisation of the final coordination architecture.
Smart Responsive Microneedles for Controlled Drug Delivery
Authors: Qi Zhenzhen , Yan Zheng , Tan Guohongfang , Kundu Subhas C. , Lu Shenzhou
Published: November 2023

As an emerging technology, microneedles offer advantages such as painless administration, good biocompatibility, and ease of self-administration, so as to effectively treat various diseases, such as diabetes, wound repair, tumor treatment and so on. How to regulate the release behavior of loaded drugs in polymer microneedles is the core element of transdermal drug delivery. As an emerging on-demand drug-delivery technology, intelligent responsive microneedles can achieve local accurate release of drugs according to external stimuli or internal physiological environment changes. This review focuses on the research efforts in smart responsive polymer microneedles at home and abroad in recent years. It summarizes the response mechanisms based on various stimuli and their respective application scenarios. Utilizing innovative, responsive microneedle systems offers a convenient and precise targeted drug delivery method, holding significant research implications in transdermal drug administration. Safety and efficacy will remain the key areas of continuous efforts for research scholars in the future.
Downregulation of Exosomal hsa-miR-551b-3p in Obesity and Its Link to Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Dracheva Kseniia V. , Pobozheva Irina A. , Anisimova Kristina A. , Balandov Stanislav G. , Grunina Maria N. , Hamid Zarina M. , Vasilevsky Dmitriy I. , Pchelina Sofya N. , Miroshnikova Valentina V.
Published: November 2023

Obesity is a significant risk factor for the development of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Adipose tissue dysfunction can affect the pool of circulating exosomal miRNAs, driving concomitant disease in obesity. These exosomal miRNAs can reflect adipose tissue functionality, thus serving as prognostic biomarkers for disease monitoring in case of T2DM. In the present study, we conducted NanoString microRNA profiling of extracellular vesicles (EVs) secreted by adipose tissue of obese patients (body mass index (BMI) > 35) without T2DM and nonobese individuals (BMI < 30) as a control group. Functional and pathway enrichment analysis showed that miRNAs associated with obesity in this study were implicated in insulin signaling and insulin resistance biological pathways. Further, these microRNAs were screened in serum EVs in the following groups: (1) obese patients with T2DM, (2) obese patients without T2DM, and (3) nonobese individuals as a control group. has-miR-551b-3p was shown to be downregulated in adipose tissue EVs, as well as in serum EVs, of patients with obesity without T2DM. At the same time, the serum exosomal hsa-miR-551b-3p content was significantly higher in obese patients with T2DM when compared with obese patients without T2DM and may be a potential biomarker of T2DM development in obesity.
Dysregulation of Non-Coding RNAs: Roles of miRNAs and lncRNAs in the Pathogenesis of Multiple Myeloma
Authors: Ismail Nor Hayati , Mussa Ali , Al-Khreisat Mutaz Jamal , Mohamed Yusoff Shafini , Husin Azlan , Al-Jamal Hamid Ali Nagi , Johan Muhammad Farid , Islam Md Asiful
Published: November 2023

The dysregulation of non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), specifically microRNAs (miRNAs) and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), leads to the development and advancement of multiple myeloma (MM). miRNAs, in particular, are paramount in post-transcriptional gene regulation, promoting mRNA degradation and translational inhibition. As a result, miRNAs can serve as oncogenes or tumor suppressors depending on the target genes. In MM, miRNA disruption could result in abnormal gene expression responsible for cell growth, apoptosis, and other biological processes pertinent to cancer development. The dysregulated miRNAs inhibit the activity of tumor suppressor genes, contributing to disease progression. Nonetheless, several miRNAs are downregulated in MM and have been identified as gene regulators implicated in extracellular matrix remodeling and cell adhesion. miRNA depletion potentially facilitates the tumor advancement and resistance of therapeutic drugs. Additionally, lncRNAs are key regulators of numerous cellular processes, such as gene expression, chromatin remodeling, protein trafficking, and recently linked MM development. The lncRNAs are uniquely expressed and influence gene expression that supports MM growth, in addition to facilitating cellular proliferation and viability via multiple molecular pathways. miRNA and lncRNA alterations potentially result in anomalous gene expression and interfere with the regular functioning of MM. Thus, this review aims to highlight the dysregulation of these ncRNAs, which engender novel therapeutic modalities for the treatment of MM.
Resveratrol Attenuates 2,3,7,8-Tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin-Mediated Induction of Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cells (MDSC) and Their Functions
Authors: Neamah Wurood Hantoosh , Rutkovsky Alex , Abdullah Osama , Wilson Kiesha , Bloomquist Ryan , Nagarkatti Prakash , Nagarkatti Mitzi
Published: November 2023

Previously, we showed that 2,3,7,8-Tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD), an aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) ligand and a potent and persistent toxicant and carcinogenic agent, induces high levels of murine myeloid-derived suppressor cell (MDSC) when injected into mice. In the current study, we demonstrate that Resveratrol (3,4,5-trihydroxy-trans-stilbene; RSV), an AhR antagonist, reduces TCDD-mediated MDSC induction. RSV decreased the number of MDSCs induced by TCDD in mice but also mitigated the immunosuppressive function of TCDD-induced MDSCs. TCDD caused a decrease in F4/80+ macrophages and an increase in CD11C+ dendritic cells, while RSV reversed these effects. TCDD caused upregulation in CXCR2, a critical molecule involved in TCDD-mediated induction of MDSCs, and Arginase-1 (ARG-1), involved in the immunosuppressive functions of MDSCs, while RSV reversed this effect. Transcriptome analysis of Gr1+ MDSCs showed an increased gene expression profile involved in the metabolic pathways in mice exposed to TCDD while RSV-treated mice showed a decrease in such pathways. The bio-energetic profile of these cells showed that RSV treatment decreased the energetic demands induced by TCDD. Overall, the data demonstrated that RSV decreased TCDD-induced MDSC induction and function by altering the dynamics of various myeloid cell populations involving their numbers, phenotype, and immunosuppressive potency. Because MDSCs play a critical role in tumor growth and metastasis, our studies also support the potential use of RSV to attenuate the immunosuppressive properties of MDSC.
Absorption and Excretion of Glucosinolates and Isothiocyanates after Ingestion of Broccoli (Brassica oleracea L. var italica) Leaf Flour in Mice: A Preliminary Study
Authors: Martins Tânia , Ferreira Tiago , Colaço Bruno , Medeiros-Fonseca Beatriz , Pinto Maria de Lurdes , Barros Ana Novo , Venâncio Carlos , Rosa Eduardo , Antunes Luís Miguel , Oliveira Paula Alexandra , Pires Maria João
Published: November 2023

During the harvesting of the broccoli plant, the leaves are discarded, being considered a by-product that may be up to 47% of total broccoli biomass, representing a large amount of wasted material. The use of broccoli leaves is of great interest in the sense that this wasted material is rich in health promoter compounds, such as isothiocyanates. In this study, C57BL/6J mice ingested 790 mg/kg broccoli leaf flour, and the presence of glucosinolates and isothiocyanates in the plasma, liver, kidney, adipose tissue, faeces and urine was analysed at 1, 2, 4, 8, 12 and 24 h post-ingestion. In plasma, only glucoerucin (GE), glucobrassicin (GB), sulforaphane (SFN) and indol-3-carbinol (I3C) were detected, and all four compounds peaked between 4 and 8 h after ingestion. The compounds SFN, SFN-glutathione (SFN-GSH), SFN–cysteine (SFN-CYS) and SFN-N-acetyl-cysteine (SFN-NAC) were excreted in faeces at high levels, while glucoraphanin (GR), the precursor of SFN, was not detected in any biological samples other than urine. In the liver, the compounds GE, SFN-CYS, SFN-NAC and I3C were detected, while in the kidney, only GE, GB and SFN-GSH were present. None of the glucosinolates and isothiocyanates analysed were detected in fat tissue. These results demonstrate that glucosinolates and their derivatives were absorbed into the bloodstream and were bioavailable after ingestion of powdered broccoli leaves.
Pets, Wildlife and Parasites
Authors: Diakou Anastasia , Deak Georgiana , Veronesi Fabrizia
Published: November 2023

In our dynamic world, borders of different sorts are being rapidly altered or even erased [...]
Stable Gastric Pentadecapeptide BPC 157 Therapy: Effect on Reperfusion Following Maintained Intra-Abdominal Hypertension (Grade III and IV) in Rats
Authors: Tepes Marijan , Krezic Ivan , Vranes Hrvoje , Smoday Ivan Maria , Kalogjera Luka , Zizek Helena , Vukovic Vlasta , Oroz Katarina , Kovac Katarina Kasnik , Madzar Zrinko , Rakic Mislav , Miskic Blazenka , Sikiric Suncana , Barisic Ivan , Strbe Sanja , Antunovic Marko , Novosel Luka , Kavelj Ivana , Vlainic Josipa , Dobric Ivan , Staresinic Mario , Skrtic Anita , Seiwerth Sven , Blagaic Alenka Boban , Sikiric Predrag
Published: November 2023

Given in reperfusion, the use of stable gastric pentadecapeptide BPC 157 is an effective therapy in rats. It strongly counteracted, as a whole, decompression/reperfusion-induced occlusion/occlusion-like syndrome following the worst circumstances of acute abdominal compartment and intra-abdominal hypertension, grade III and grade IV, as well as compression/ischemia-occlusion/occlusion-like syndrome. Before decompression (calvariectomy, laparotomy), rats had long-lasting severe intra-abdominal hypertension, grade III (25 mmHg/60 min) (i) and grade IV (30 mmHg/30 min; 40 mmHg/30 min) (ii/iii), and severe occlusion/occlusion-like syndrome. Further worsening was caused by reperfusion for 60 min (i) or 30 min (ii/iii). Severe vascular and multiorgan failure (brain, heart, liver, kidney, and gastrointestinal lesions), widespread thrombosis (peripherally and centrally) severe arrhythmias, intracranial (superior sagittal sinus) hypertension, portal and caval hypertension, and aortal hypotension were aggravated. Contrarily, BPC 157 therapy (10 µg/kg, 10 ng/kg sc) given at 3 min reperfusion times eliminated/attenuated venous hypertension (intracranial (superior sagittal sinus), portal, and caval) and aortal hypotension and counteracted the increases in organ lesions and malondialdehyde values (blood ˃ heart, lungs, liver, kidney ˃ brain, gastrointestinal tract). Vascular recovery promptly occurred (i.e., congested inferior caval and superior mesenteric veins reversed to the normal vessel presentation, the collapsed azygos vein reversed to a fully functioning state, the inferior caval vein–superior caval vein shunt was recovered, and direct blood delivery returned). BPC 157 therapy almost annihilated thrombosis and hemorrhage (i.e., intracerebral hemorrhage) as proof of the counteracted general stasis and Virchow triad circumstances and reorganized blood flow. In conclusion, decompression/reperfusion-induced occlusion/occlusion-like syndrome counteracted by BPC 157 therapy in rats is likely for translation in patients. It is noteworthy that by rapidly counteracting the reperfusion course, it also reverses previous ischemia-course lesions, thus inducing complete recovery.
A Critical Analysis of the FDA’s Omics-Driven Pharmacodynamic Biomarkers to Establish Biosimilarity
Authors: Niazi Sarfaraz K.
Published: November 2023

Demonstrating biosimilarity entails comprehensive analytical assessment, clinical pharmacology profiling, and efficacy testing in patients for at least one medical indication, as required by the U.S. Biologics Price Competition and Innovation Act (BPCIA). The efficacy testing can be waived if the drug has known pharmacodynamic (PD) markers, leaving most therapeutic proteins out of this concession. To overcome this, the FDA suggests that biosimilar developers discover PD biomarkers using omics technologies such as proteomics, glycomics, transcriptomics, genomics, epigenomics, and metabolomics. This approach is redundant since the mode-action-action biomarkers of approved therapeutic proteins are already available, as compiled in this paper for the first time. Other potential biomarkers are receptor binding and pharmacokinetic profiling, which can be made more relevant to ensure biosimilarity without requiring biosimilar developers to conduct extensive research, for which they are rarely qualified.
Structural Study of a New MbtI-Inhibitor Complex: Towards an Optimized Model for Structure-Based Drug Discovery
Authors: Mori Matteo , Villa Stefania , Chiarelli Laurent R. , Meneghetti Fiorella , Bellinzoni Marco
Published: November 2023

MbtI from Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) is a Mg2+-dependent salicylate synthase, belonging to the chorismate-utilizing enzyme (CUE) family. As a fundamental player in iron acquisition, MbtI promotes the survival and pathogenicity of Mtb in the infected host. Hence, it has emerged in the last decade as an innovative, potential target for the anti-virulence therapy of tuberculosis. In this context, 5-phenylfuran-2-carboxylic acids have been identified as potent MbtI inhibitors. The first co-crystal structure of MbtI in complex with a member of this class was described in 2020, showing the enzyme adopting an open configuration. Due to the high mobility of the loop adjacent to the binding pocket, large portions of the amino acid chain were not defined in the electron density map, hindering computational efforts aimed at structure-driven ligand optimization. Herein, we report a new, high-resolution co-crystal structure of MbtI with a furan-based derivative, in which the closed configuration of the enzyme allowed tracing the entirety of the active site pocket in the presence of the bound inhibitor. Moreover, we describe a new crystal structure of MbtI in open conformation and in complex with the known inhibitor methyl-AMT, suggesting that in vitro potency is not related to the observed enzyme conformation. These findings will prove fundamental to enhance the potency of this series via rational structure-based drug-design approaches.
Lipid Nanoparticles Loading Steroidal Alkaloids of Tomatoes Affect Neuroblastoma Cell Viability in an In Vitro Model
Authors: Santonocito Debora , Campisi Agatina , Pellitteri Rosalia , Sposito Giovanni , Basilicata Manuela Giovanna , Aquino Giovanna , Pepe Giacomo , Sarpietro Maria Grazia , Pittalà Maria Gaetana Giovanna , Schoubben Aurelie , Pignatello Rosario , Puglia Carmelo
Published: November 2023

Tomato by-products represent a good source of phytochemical compounds with health properties, such as the steroidal glycoalkaloid α-tomatine (α-TM) and its aglycone tomatidine (TD). Both molecules have numerous beneficial properties, such as potential anticancer activity. Unfortunately, their therapeutic application is limited due to stability and bioavailability issues. Therefore, a valid strategy seems to be their encapsulation into Solid Lipid Nanoparticles (SLN). The nanoformulations containing α-TM (α-TM-SLN) and TD (TD-SLN) were prepared by solvent-diffusion technique and subsequently characterized in terms of technological parameters (particle size, polydispersity index, zeta potential, microscopy, and calorimetric studies). To assess the effect of α-TM and TD on the percentage of cellular viability in Olfactory Ensheathing Cells (OECs), a peculiar glial cell type of the olfactory system used as normal cells, and in SH-SY5Y, a neuroblastoma cancer cell line, an MTT test was performed. In addition, the effects of empty, α-TM-SLN, and TD-SLN were tested. Our results show that the treatment of OECs with blank-SLN, free α-TM (0.25 µg/mL), and TD (0.50 µg/mL) did not induce any significant change in the percentage of cell viability when compared with the control. In contrast, in SH-SY5Y-treated cells, a significant decrease in the percentage of cell viability when compared with the control was found. In particular, the effect appeared more evident when SH-SY5Y cells were exposed to α-TM-SLN and TD-SLN. No significant effect in blank-SLN-treated SH-SY5T cells was observed. Therefore, SLN is a promising approach for the delivery of α-TM and TD.
Innovative Topical Patches for Non-Melanoma Skin Cancer: Current Challenges and Key Formulation Considerations
Authors: Kim Sangseo , Day Candace M. , Song Yunmei , Holmes Amy , Garg Sanjay
Published: November 2023

Non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC) is the most prevalent malignancy worldwide, with approximately 6.3 million new cases worldwide in 2019. One of the key management strategies for NMSC is a topical treatment usually utilised for localised and early-stage disease owing to its non-invasive nature. However, the efficacy of topical agents is often hindered by poor drug penetration and patient adherence. Therefore, various research groups have employed advanced drug delivery systems, including topical patches to overcome the problem of conventional topical treatments. This review begins with an overview of NMSC as well as the current landscape of topical treatments for NMSC, specifically focusing on the emerging technology of topical patches. A detailed discussion of their potential to overcome the limitations of existing therapies will then follow. Most importantly, to the best of our knowledge, this work unprecedentedly combines and discusses all the current advancements in innovative topical patches for the treatment of NMSC. In addition to this, the authors present our insights into the key considerations and emerging trends in the construction of these advanced topical patches. This review is meant for researchers and clinicians to consider utilising advanced topical patch systems in research and clinical trials toward localised interventions of NMSC.
“Green” Fluorescent–Plasmonic Carbon-Based Nanocomposites with Controlled Performance for Mild Laser Hyperthermia
Authors: Ryabchikov Yury V. , Zaderko Alexander
Published: November 2023

Fluorescent carbon nanodots are a promising nanomaterial for different applications in biophotonics, sensing and optical nanothermometry fields due to their strong fluorescence properties. However, their multi-modal applications are considerably limited, requiring the use of several nanoagents that could solve different tasks simultaneously. In this paper, we report the first experimental results on a facile “green” laser-based synthesis of multi-modal carbon–metallic nanocomposites with tuned optical performance. This simple approach leads to the appearance of finely controlled plasmonic properties in carbon-based nanocomposites whose spectral position is adapted by using an appropriate material. Thus, longer laser ablation provokes 29-fold increase in the absorption intensity of carbon–gold nanocomposites due to the increase in the metal content from 13% (30 s) to 53% (600 s). Despite strong plasmonic properties, the metal presence results in the quenching of the carbon nanostructures’ fluorescence (2.4-fold for C-Au NCs and 3.6-fold for C-Ag NCs for 600 s ablation time). Plasmonic nanocomposites with variable metal content reveal a ~3-fold increase in the laser-to-heat conversion efficiency of carbon nanodots matching the temperature range for mild hyperthermia applications. The findings presented demonstrate a facile approach to expanding the properties of chemically prepared semiconductor nanostructures due to the formation of novel semiconductor–metallic nanocomposites using a “green” approach. Together with the ease in control of their performance, it can considerably increase the impact of semiconductor nanomaterials in various photonic, plasmonic and biomedical applications.
No-Tillage System Can Improve Soybean Grain Production More Than Conventional Tillage System
Authors: Silva Gustavo Ferreira da , Calonego Juliano Carlos , Luperini Bruno Cesar Ottoboni , Silveira Vinicius Brasil , Chamma Larissa , Soratto Rogério Peres , Putti Fernando Ferrari
Published: November 2023

Soil management systems can directly interfere with crop yield via changes in the soil’s physical and hydraulic properties. However, short- to medium-term experiments of conduction do not always demonstrate the modifications of the management systems in these properties. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the physical properties of the soil in a long-term management system and to relate it to the storage and availability of water to plants, verifying its effect on soybean yield. The experiment was conducted in randomized blocks in a split-plot scheme with four replications. Plots were composed by soil management (conventional tillage and no-tillage), and subplots represented three soil depths (0.0–0.1, 0.1–0.2, and 0.2–0.4 m). The soil’s physical and hydraulic properties, root development, and soybean yield were evaluated. The no-tillage system not only presented higher bulk density and soil resistance to compaction up to a depth of 0.2 m but also greater root development. This management also did not affect the process of water infiltration in the soil and presented an increase in soybean grain yield by 6.5%. The long-term no-tillage system (33 years) offers less risk of water stress to soybean plants; it contributes to greater grain yield of this crop when compared to the conventional tillage system.
Relation of Crown Failure Load to Flexural Strength for Three Contemporary Dental Polymers
Authors: Alghazzawi Tariq F.
Published: November 2023

Polymeric materials show great promise for use in a variety of dental applications. Manufacturers generally provide flexural strength information based on standardized (ISO and ASTM) specimen dimensions and loading conditions. It is not clear, however, if flexural strength data are predictive of the clinical performance of dental crowns. The objectives of this study were, therefore, to determine whether flexural strengths, as measured via three-point bending (3PB), would be predictive of failure loads assessed via crunch-the-crown (CTC) tests. Three brands of polymers (Trilor, Juvora, and Pekkton) were fabricated into rectangular bars and fully contoured crowns (10 specimens of each polymer brand, 30 specimens of each shape). Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and burn off tests were used to characterize/confirm the materials. Bars were tested blindly in 3PB to determine flexural strength, and crowns were CTC-tested to determine failure load after luting to resin abutments. The statistical significance of the test results was evaluated via one-way ANOVA (α = 0.05) and Pearson’s correlation coefficient, while regression analysis was used to test for a correlation between 3PB and CTC results. The fracture mechanisms and failure surface characteristics were characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). There were significant differences (p < 0.05) in the mean crown failure loads (Trilor (7033 N) > Juvora (5217 N) > Pekkton (3023 N)) and mean flexural strengths of the bars (Trilor (468 MPa) > Juvora (197 MPa) = Pekkton (192 MPa)). The mode of crown fracture was different between the materials and included deformation (Juvora), ductile-to-brittle fracture (Pekkton), and a combination of cracks and deformation (Trilor). Flexural strengths did not correlate with the corresponding crown failure loads for any of the materials tested. These results suggest that dental practitioners should not rely on the flexural strengths reported from three-point bending tests, as advertised by the manufacturer, to predict the performance of polymeric crowns.
Assessment of Molecularly Imprinted Polymers as Selective Solid-Phase Extraction Sorbents for the Detection of Cloxacillin in Drinking and River Water
Authors: Garcinuño Rosa Mª , Collado Eduardo José , Paniagua Gema , Bravo Juan Carlos , Fernández Hernando Pilar
Published: November 2023

This paper describes a new methodology for carrying out quantitative extraction of cloxacillin from drinking and river water samples using a molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) as a selective sorbent for solid-phase extraction (MISPE). Several polymers were synthesized via thermal polymerization using cloxacillin as a template, methacrylic acid (MAA) as a functional monomer, ethyleneglycoldimethacrylate (EGDMA) as a cross-linker and different solvents as porogens. Binding characteristics of the adequate molecularly imprinted and non-imprinted (NIP) polymers were evaluated via batch adsorption assays following the Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms and Scatchard assays. The parameters related to the extraction approach were studied to select the most appropriate polymer for cloxacillin determination. Using the optimized MIP as the SPE sorbent, a simple sample treatment methodology was combined with high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) to analyze cloxacillin residues in drinking and river water. Under the optimum experimental conditions, the MISPE methodology was validated using spiked samples. The linearity for cloxacillin was assessed within the limits of 0.05–1.5 µg L−1 and the recovery percentage was higher than 98% (RSD < 4%). The limits of detection and limits of quantification were 0.29 and 0.37 µg L−1 and 0.8 and 0.98 µg L−1 for drinking and river water, respectively. The selectivity of MIP against other ß-lactam antibiotics with similar structures (oxacillin, cefazoline, amoxicillin and penicillin V) was studied, obtaining a good recovery higher than 85% for all except cefazoline. The proposed MISPE-HPLC methodology was successfully applied for the detection of cloxacillin in drinking water from Canal de Isabel II (Madrid) and river water from the Manzanares River (Madrid).
Crafting and Analyzing Multi-Structured Aramid Materials and Their Pyrolytic Transformations: A Comprehensive Exploration
Authors: Trigo-López Miriam , Miguel Álvaro , García José M. , Mendía Aránzazu , Ruiz Virginia , Valente Artur J. M. , Vallejos Saúl
Published: November 2023

Gradient porous materials, particularly carbon-based materials, hold immense potential in the fields of batteries, energy storage, electrocatalysis, and sensing, among others, by synergistically combining the attributes associated with each pore size within a unified structural framework. In this study, we developed a gradient porous aramid (GP-Aramid) by incorporating cellulose acetate as a porosity promoter in the polymer casting solution in different proportions. These GP-Aramids were subsequently transformed into their pyrolyzed counterparts (GP-Pyramids), retaining their original structures while displaying diverse cellular or dense microstructures inherited from the parent aramid, as confirmed via scanning electron microscopy. X-ray diffraction spectra provided evidence of the conversion of aramids into carbonaceous materials. The materials showed structural defects observed through the intensity ratio of the G and D bands (ID/IG = 1.05) in the Raman spectra, while X-ray photoelectron spectra (XPS) revealed that the carbonization process yielded pyrolyzed carbon materials unusually rich in nitrogen (6%), oxygen (20%), and carbon (72%), which is especially relevant for catalysis applications. The pyrolyzed materials showed bulk resistivities from 5.3 ± 0.3 to 34.2 ± 0.6 depending on the meta- or para-orientation of the aramid and the porous structure. This work contributes to understanding these gradient porous aromatic polyamides’ broader significance and potential applications in various fields.
Heterogeneity of Active Sites in the Polymer Chain Transfer Reactions at Olefin Polymerization over Multisite Supported Ziegler-Natta Catalysts
Authors: Matsko Mikhail , Zakharov Vladimir
Published: November 2023

In this review, we summarize and discuss our experimental data published in a number of papers on the transfer reactions of polymer chains in the polymerization of ethylene, propylene, and hexene-1, and the copolymerization of ethylene with α-olefins over multisite supported titanium–magnesium catalysts (TMC). Three groups of transfer reactions are discussed in the review: (1) transfer reactions with AlEt3 cocatalyst, (2) transfer reactions with hydrogen, and (3) transfer reactions with participation of α-olefins in the case of ethylene copolymerization with α-olefins. We have found polymerization conditions where it is possible to observe heterogeneity of active sites of TMC for all three groups of the indicated reactions. It is shown that (1) the transfer reaction with AlEt3 proceeds with higher reactivity on the active sites that produce polymers with low molecular weight; (2) the transfer reaction with hydrogen, in the case of α-olefin polymerization and copolymerization of ethylene with α-olefins, proceeds with higher reactivity on the active sites which produce polymers with high molecular weight; (3) the transfer reaction with α-olefins proceed with higher reactivity on the active sites that produce high molecular weight polymers.
Asymmetric Bioreduction of Ethyl 4-Chloroacetoacetate into Ethyl 4-Chloro-3-hydroxybutyrate by Recombinant Escherichia coli CgCR in Ethyl Acetate-Betaine:Lactic Acid-Water
Authors: Yang Linsong , Xu Daozhu , Jiang Luyao , He Yucai
Published: November 2023

Objective: Optically active (R)-ethyl 4-chloro-3-hydroxybutyrate ((R)-CHBE) is a useful chiral building block for the synthesis of pharmaceuticals. Recently, there has been great interest in the synthesis of (R)-CHBE via the highly stereoselective bioreduction of ethyl 4-chloro-3-oxobutanoate (COBE) under mild conditions. Methods: A highly efficient bioreduction process for transforming COBE into (R)-CHBE was developed in a biocompatible organic solvent–deep eutectic solvent–water reaction medium. Results: Recombinant Escherichia coli containing carbonyl reductase (CgCR) and glucose dehydrogenase (GDH) was successfully constructed and characterized. In addition, the feasibility of the asymmetric bioreduction of COBE to (R)-CHBE was verified in an organic solvent–deep eutectic solvent–water (ethyl acetate-betaine/lactic acid-water) system. At pH 7.0 and 30 °C, the kinetic constants Km and kcat of COBE were 20.9 mM and 56.1 s−1, respectively. A high (R)-CHBE yield (≥90%) was achieved by catalyzing COBE (1000 mM) in 12 h with E. coli CgCR cells in the presence of Ni2+ (7 mM) and glucose (3.5 mM glucose/mM COBE) in an ethyl acetate-betaine/lactic acid-H2O (50/7/43, v/v/v) system. The effects of organic solvents and DESs on whole-cell permeability were analyzed. Conclusions: An efficient bioreduction system was constructed for biologically transforming COBE to (R)-CHBE via whole-cell biocatalysis, and the established bioprocess has potential application in future.
The Development of Oral Solid Dosage Forms Using the Direct-Compression Tableting of Spray-Dried Bacteriophages Suitable for Targeted Delivery and Controlled Release
Authors: Yazdi Zahra Rezaie , Leaper Mark C. , Malik Danish J.
Published: November 2023

This study addresses the challenge of developing a cheap, patient-friendly alternative to antibiotics using bacteriophages for gastrointestinal applications. It explores the feasibility of manufacturing an enteric solid dosage form containing a salmonella-specific Myoviridae phage, Felix O1, encapsulated in spray-dried trehalose/Eudragit microparticles. The spray-dried powder was further formulated by combining the spray-dried microparticles with magnesium stearate to facilitate the fabrication of tablets using direct compression. The paper presents a comprehensive evaluation of the tablets with measurements of phage viability during tablet fabrication using a range of compression settings and, after tablet disintegration, dissolution and friability. Phage viability measurements were performed using storage stability testing of spray-dried powders and tablets in sealed vials at 4 °C, 20 °C and 30 °C and under different humidity conditions of 0%, 50% and 65% RH. The recommended compression force range was found to be 10–15 kN for a standard 10 mm diameter tablet. The storage of tablets at 4 °C/0% RH was found to be the most favourable condition resulting in a ~1 log loss in titre over a six-month storage period. Storage at higher temperatures and samples exposed to high levels of humidity resulted in a significant loss in phage viability. The paper highlights challenges in developing phage formulations suitable for direct-compression tableting, which afford the phages protection when exposed to temperatures and humidity levels that do not require a cold supply chain.
Melting Behavior and Densities of K2B2OF6 Melts Containing KReO4
Authors: Chernyshev Aleksandr A. , Apisarov Alexey P. , Isakov Andrey V. , Khudorozhkova Anastasia O. , Laptev Michael V.
Published: November 2023

Methods of simultaneous thermal analysis (differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetry) and an analysis of cooling curves were used to study the melting of K2B2OF6–(0–15 wt. %) KReO4 melts. The synthesis of K2B2OF6 was performed by alloying KF, KBF4, and B2O3 components. The liquidus temperature dependence on the content of potassium perrhenate in the K2B2OF6–(0–15 wt. %) KReO4 melts was determined. It was found that the addition of up to 6 wt. % KReO4 caused an increase in the melt liquidus temperature to 733 K. Further increases in potassium perrhenate did not change the temperature of the primary crystallization (733 ± 5 K) of the K2B2OF6–KReO4 melt. This fact testifies to the presence of the monotectic reaction. It was found that the relative loss of mass of the K2B2OF6–(0–15 wt. %) KReO4 melts did not exceed 2.1%. The delamination of the K2B2OF6–KReO4 melt was revealed according to the values of the primary crystallization temperatures (liquidus temperatures) in different layers of the melt. The density of the K2B2OF6–KReO4 melts as a function of potassium perrhenate content (0–15 wt. %) was investigated at 628–933 K. The temperature dependence of the K2B2OF6–KReO4 melts’ densities was recorded. They are presented as linear functions. The curves of the density temperature dependence of the K2B2OF6–KReO4 melts were used to determine the critical temperatures, i.e., the boundaries of the miscibility gap. The miscibility gap of the K2B2OF6–KReO4 melts is limited to 1 wt. % and 15 wt. % KReO4 content.
Intercultural and Interreligious Competences of Youth: A Case Study in a Secondary School in Barcelona
Authors: Quirós Domínguez Carolina , De Ormaechea Otarola Valeria , Freixa Niella Montserrat
Published: November 2023

The growing diversity of today’s societies has generated increasing interest across different subject areas that aim to help make these societies fairer and more inclusive. The constant increase in migrations and the broadening of the concept of diversity and its intersections, together with social challenges and the acceptance of this diversity, mean this issue needs to be dealt with, especially in the educational sphere. This research uses a case study to assess the perception and experience of cultural and religious diversity among young people at a state secondary school in the city of Barcelona, Spain. The case is analyzed through a mixed method, using quantitative data obtained through the exploitation of two scales, and qualitative information gained from a reflective pedagogical activity. The results show that students display attitudes of respect and acceptance of cultural and religious diversity while recognizing discriminatory behavior in the society in which they live. A salient point was that a more positive perception of interculturality and interreligiosity was observed in students from non-Spanish family backgrounds than among those born in the country.
New Prophetic Churches and Syncretism: A Critical View
Authors: Matshobane Mangaliso
Published: November 2023

New Prophetic Churches (NPCs) are a recent phenomenon within Pentecostalism in South Africa that have gained popularity. Their popularity is arguably due to their syncretism with African Traditional Religion (ATR), especially in its ministry practice of prophecy. The main objective of this article is to restore the sanctity of the prophetic ministry from a syncretic practice in NPCs back to its biblical foundation, by firstly highlighting the syncretic nature of NPCs prophetic ministry with divination, commonly practiced by native doctors in ATR. This study is a literary analysis of the practices of NPC prophets and their syncretic nature, using two case studies of NPC prophets. Osmer’s theoretical framework is used to describe syncretic practices of NPCs and the rationale behind such practices, then a normative reflection of the traditional practice is presented and pragmatic ways to realign NPCs into mainstream Pentecostalism are proposed. The findings reveal that most NPC prophets are faith healers operating in familiar spirits, not the Holy Spirit. The bible rejects divination; therefore, NPCs must determine what identity they choose between ATR and Christianity, because they cannot simultaneously operate in both.
Copula Models of COVID-19 Mortality in Minnesota and Wisconsin
Authors: Lei Xianhui , Shemyakin Arkady
Published: November 2023

In this study, we assess COVID-19-related mortality in Minnesota and Wisconsin with the aim of demonstrating both the temporal dynamics and the magnitude of the pandemic’s influence from an actuarial risk standpoint. In the initial segment of this paper, we discuss the methodology successfully applied to describe associations in financial and engineering time series. By applying time series analysis, specifically the autoregressive integrated with moving average methods (ARIMA), to weekly mortality figures at the national or state level, we subsequently delve into a marginal distribution examination of ARIMA residuals, addressing any deviation from the standard normality assumption. Thereafter, copulas are utilized to architect joint distribution models across varied geographical domains. The objective of this research is to offer a robust statistical model that utilizes observed mortality datasets from neighboring states and nations to facilitate precise short-term mortality projections. In the subsequent section, our focus shifts to a detailed scrutiny of the statistical interdependencies manifesting between Minnesota and Wisconsin’s weekly COVID-19 mortality figures, adjusted for the time series structure. Leveraging open-source data made available by the CDC and pertinent U.S. state government entities, we apply the ARIMA methodology with subsequent residual distribution modeling. To establish dependence patterns between the states, pair copulas are employed to articulate the relationships between the ARIMA residuals, drawing from fully parametric models. We explore several classes of copulas, comprising both elliptic and Archimedean families. Emphasis is placed on copula model selection. Student t-copula with the marginals modeled by non-standard t-distribution is suggested for ARIMA residuals of Minnesota and Wisconsin COVID mortality as the model of choice based on information criteria and tail cumulation. The copula approach is suggested for the construction of short-term prediction intervals for COVID-19 mortality based on publicly available data.
A Year of Volcanic Hot-Spot Detection over Mediterranean Europe Using SEVIRI/MSG
Authors: Alonso Catarina , Durão Rita , Gouveia Célia M.
Published: November 2023

Volcano eruption identification and watching is crucial to better understanding volcano dynamics, namely the near real-time identification of the eruption start, end, and duration. Eruption watching allows hazard assessment, eruption forecasting and warnings, and also risk mitigation during periods of unrest, to enhance public safety and reduce losses from volcanic events. The near real-time fire radiative power (FRP) product retrieved using information from the SEVIRI sensor onboard the Meteosat Second Generation (MSG) satellite are used to identify and follow up volcanic activity at the pan-European level, namely the Mount Etna and Cumbre Vieja eruptions which occurred during 2021. The FRP product is designed to record information on the location, timing, and fire radiative power output of wildfires. Measuring FRP from SEVIRI/MSG and integrating it over the lifetime of a fire provides an estimate of the total Fire Radiative Energy (FRE) released. Together with FRP data analysis, SO2 data from the Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service (CAMS) is used to assess the relationship between daily emitted concentrations of SO2 and the radiative energy released during volcanic eruptions. Results show that the FRE data allows us to evaluate the amount of energy released and is related to the pollutant concentrations from volcanic emissions during the considered events. A good agreement between FRP detection and SO2 atmospheric concentrations was found for the considered eruption occurrences. The adopted methodology, due to its simplicity and near real-time availability, shows potential to be used as a management tool to help authorities monitor and manage resources during ongoing volcanic events.
Satellite–Derived Bathymetry in Shallow Waters: Evaluation of Gokturk-1 Satellite and a Novel Approach
Authors: Gülher Emre , Alganci Ugur
Published: November 2023

For more than 50 years, marine and remote sensing researchers have investigated the methods of bathymetry extraction by means of active (altimetry) and passive (optics) satellite sensors. These methods, in general, are referred to as satellite-derived bathymetry (SDB). With the advances in sensor capabilities and computational power and recognition by the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO), SDB has been more popular than ever in the last 10 years. Despite a significant increase in the number of studies on the topic, the performance of the method is still variable, mainly due to environmental factors, the quality of the deliverables by sensors, the use of different algorithms, and the changeability in parameterization. In this study, we investigated the capability of Gokturk-1 satellite in SDB for the very first time at Horseshoe Island, Antarctica, using the random forest- and extreme gradient boosting machine learning-based regressors. All the images are atmospherically corrected by ATCOR, and only the top-performing algorithms are utilized. The bathymetry predictions made by employing Gokturk-1 imagery showed admissible results in accordance with the IHO standards. Furthermore, pixel brightness values calculated from Sentinel-2 MSI and tasseled cap transformation are introduced to the algorithms while being applied to Sentinel-2, Landsat-8, and Gokturk-1 multispectral images at the second stage. The results indicated that the bathymetric inversion performance of the Gokturk-1 satellite is in line with the Landsat-8 and Sentienl-2 satellites with a better spatial resolution. More importantly, the addition of a brightness value parameter significantly improves root mean square error, mean average error, coefficient of determination metrics, and, consequently, the performance of the bathymetry extraction.