bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fucoidan in Pharmaceutical Formulations: A Comprehensive Review for Smart Drug Delivery Systems
Authors: Haggag Yusuf , Abd Elrahman Abeer , Ulber Roland , Zayed Ahmed
Published: February 2023

Fucoidan is a heterogeneous group of polysaccharides isolated from marine organisms, including brown algae and marine invertebrates. The physicochemical characteristics and potential bioactivities of fucoidan have attracted substantial interest in pharmaceutical industries in the past few decades. These polysaccharides are characterized by possessing sulfate ester groups that impart negatively charged surfaces, low/high molecular weight, and water solubility. In addition, various promising bioactivities have been reported, such as antitumor, immunomodulatory, and antiviral effects. Hence, the formulation of fucoidan has been investigated in the past few years in diverse pharmaceutical dosage forms to be able to reach their site of action effectively. Moreover, they can act as carriers for various drugs in value-added drug delivery systems. The current work highlights the attractive biopharmaceutical properties of fucoidan being formulated in oral, inhalable, topical, injectable, and other advanced formulations treating life-quality-affecting diseases. Therefore, the present work points out the current status of fucoidan pharmaceutical formulations for future research transferring their application from in vitro and in vivo studies to clinical application and market availability.
Chilensosides E, F, and G—New Tetrasulfated Triterpene Glycosides from the Sea Cucumber Paracaudina chilensis (Caudinidae, Molpadida): Structures, Activity, and Biogenesis
Authors: Silchenko Alexandra S. , Avilov Sergey A. , Popov Roman S. , Dmitrenok Pavel S. , Chingizova Ekaterina A. , Grebnev Boris B. , Rasin Anton B. , Kalinin Vladimir I.
Published: February 2023

Three new tetrasulfated triterpene glycosides, chilensosides E (1), F (2), and G (3), have been isolated from the Far-Eastern sea cucumber Paracaudina chilensis (Caudinidae, Molpadida). The structures were established based on extensive analysis of 1D and 2D NMR spectra and confirmed by HR-ESI-MS data. The compounds differ in their carbohydrate chains, namely in the number of monosaccharide residues (five or six) and in the positions of sulfate groups. Chilensosides E (1) and F (2) are tetrasulfated pentaosides with the position of one of the sulfate groups at C-3 Glc3, and chilensoside G (3) is a tetrasulfated hexaoside. The biogenetic analysis of the glycosides of P. chilensis has revealed that the structures form a network due to the attachment of sulfate groups to almost all possible positions. The upper semi-chain is sulfated earlier in the biosynthetic process than the lower one. Noticeably, the presence of a sulfate group at C-3 Glc3—a terminal monosaccharide residue in the bottom semi-chain of compounds 1 and 2—excludes the possibility of this sugar chain’s further elongation. Presumably, the processes of glycosylation and sulfation are concurrent biosynthetic stages. They can be shifted in time in relation to each other, which is a characteristic feature of the mosaic type of biosynthesis. The hemolytic action of compounds 1–3 against human erythrocytes and cytotoxic activities against five human cancer cell lines were tested. The compounds showed moderate hemolytic activity but were inactive against cancer cells, probably because of their structural peculiarities, such as the combination of positions of four sulfate groups.
Binding of Different Cyclosporin Variants to Micelles Evidenced by NMR and MD Simulations
Authors: Kobchikova Polina P. , Efimov Sergey V. , Klochkov Vladimir V.
Published: February 2023

Peptides play a critical role in the life of organisms, performing completely different functions. The biological activity of some peptides, such as cyclosporins, can be determined by the degree of membrane permeability. Thus, it becomes important to study how the molecule interacts with lipid bilayers. Cyclosporins C, E, H and L were characterised molecular dynamics simulation; NMR spectroscopy studies were also carried out for cyclosporins C and E. The comparison of one- and two-dimensional spectra revealed certain similarities between spatial structures of the studied cyclosporin variants. Upon dissolving in water containing DPC micelles, which serve as model membranes, subtle changes in the NMR spectra appear, but in a different way for different cyclosporins. In order to understand whether observed changes are related to any structural modifications, simulation of the interaction of the peptide with the phospholipid micelle was performed. The onset of the interaction was observed, when the peptide is trapped to the surface of the micelle. Simulations of this kind are also of interest in the light of the well-known membrane permeability of cyclosporin, which is important for its biological action.
Bipolar Membrane Electrodialysis for Cleaner Production of Diprotic Malic Acid: Separation Mechanism and Performance Evaluation
Authors: He Jinfeng , Zhou Rong , Dong Zhiguo , Yan Junying , Ma Xixi , Liu Wenlong , Sun Li , Li Chuanrun , Yan Haiyang , Wang Yaoming , Xu Tongwen
Published: February 2023

Bipolar membrane electrodialysis (BMED) is a promising process for the cleaner production of organic acid. In this study, the separation mechanism of BMED with different cell configurations, i.e., BP-A, BP-A-C, and BP-C (BP, bipolar membrane; A, anion exchange membrane; C, cation exchange membrane), to produce diprotic malic acid from sodium malate was compared in consideration of the conversion ratio, current efficiency and energy consumption. Additionally, the current density and feed concentration were investigated to optimize the BMED performance. Results indicate that the conversion ratio follows BP-C > BP-A-C > BP-A, the current efficiency follows BP-A-C > BP-C > BP-A, and the energy consumption follows BP-C < BP-A-C < BP-A. For the optimized BP-C configuration, the current density was optimized as 40 mA/cm2 in consideration of low total process cost; high feed concentration (0.5–1.0 mol/L) is more feasible to produce diprotic malic acid due to the high conversion ratio (73.4–76.2%), high current efficiency (88.6–90.7%), low energy consumption (0.66–0.71 kWh/kg) and low process cost (0.58–0.59 USD/kg). Moreover, a high concentration of by-product NaOH (1.3497 mol/L) can be directly recycled to the upstream process. Therefore, BMED is a cleaner, high-efficient, low energy consumption and environmentally friendly process to produce diprotic malic acid.
Effect of Low Concentrations of Lithium Chloride Additive on Cellulose-Rich Ultrafiltration Membrane Performance
Authors: Lopatina Anastasiia , Esmaeili Mohammadamin , Anugwom Ikenna , Mänttäri Mika , Kallioinen-Mänttäri Mari
Published: February 2023

Various water treatment processes make extensive use of porous polymeric membranes. A key objective in membrane fabrication is to improve membrane selectivity without sacrificing other properties such as permeability. Herein, LiCl (0–2 wt.%) was utilised as a preforming agent in fabricating biomass-derived cellulosic membranes. The fabricated membranes were characterised by dope solution viscosity, surface and cross-sectional morphology, pure water flux, relative molecular mass cut-off (MWCO, 35 kDa), membrane chemistry, and hydrophilicity. The results demonstrated that at the optimum LiCl concentration (0.4 wt.%), there is an interplay of thermodynamic instability and kinetic effects during membrane formation, wherein the membrane morphology and hydrophilicity can be preferably altered and thus lead to the formation of the membrane with better rejection at no detriment to its permeability.
Friction and Wear of Electroless Ni-P-CS Composite Coating
Authors: Zhang Xiaoli , Wang Heming , Liu Guiqun
Published: February 2023

Carbon nanoparticles have excellent lubricating properties, however, they are less involved in metal protection. In this study, easily prepared candle soot was added to electroless nickel-phosphorus plating as a re-enforcement particle. Ball-disc friction and wear tests were conducted to evaluate the wear-resistance capabilities of the electroless Ni-P coating and Ni-P-CS (Candle Soot) composite coatings. The parameters for the friction coefficient, wear amount, and friction morphology of the Ni-P-CS composite coatings were studied after being heat-treated (300 °C, 400 °C, 500 °C, and 600 °C). The surface morphology and phase composition of the Ni-P-CS composite coatings after thermal treatment at various temperatures were also investigated. The results are as follows: heat treatment strengthens the local hardness of the Ni-P-CS composite coating but does not further enhance wear resistance. Compared with the Ni-P coating and the heat-treated Ni-P-CS composite coating, the Ni-P-CS composite coatings without heat treatment have a lower friction coefficient (0.35) and better wear resistance.
Web Bend-Buckling of Steel Plate Girders Reinforced by Two Longitudinal Stiffeners with Various Cross-Section Shapes
Authors: Peng Yongli , Kong Zhengyi , Dinh Ba Huu , Nguyen Huu-Hue , Cao Truong-Son , Papazafeiropoulos George , Vu Quang-Viet
Published: February 2023

This work performs an investigation into the optimal position of two longitudinal stiffeners with different cross-section shapes such as open section (L-shaped and T-shaped) and closed section (rectangular and triangular shapes) shapes of stiffened plate girders under bending loading through an optimization procedure using a gradient-based interior point (IP) optimization algorithm. The stiffener optimum locations are found by maximizing the bend-buckling coefficient, kb, generated from eigenvalue buckling analyses in Abaqus. The optimization procedure efficiently combines the finite element method and the IP optimization algorithm and is implemented using the Abaqus2Matlab toolbox which allows for the transfer of data between Matlab and Abaqus and vice versa. It is found that the proposed methodology can lead to the optimum design of the steel plate girder for all stiffener cross-section types with an acceptable accuracy and a reduced computational effort. Based on the optimization results, the optimum positions of two longitudinal stiffeners with various cross-section shapes are presented for the first time. It is reported that the optimum locations of two longitudinal stiffeners with open cross-section shapes (T- and L-shaped) are similar to that of flat cross-section, while the optimum positions of two longitudinal stiffeners with closed cross-section types (rectangular and triangular sections) are slightly different. One of the main findings of this study is that the bend-buckling coefficient of the stiffened girder having stiffeners with triangular cross-section shape is highest while that with flat cross-section shape is lowest among all considered stiffener types and this latter case has minimum requirement regarding the web thickness.
Microstructure and Mechanical Performance of Tin-Based Babbitt Alloy Containing Iron Oxide and Silica Nanoparticles
Authors: Ramadan Mohamed , Subhani Tayyab , Hafez Khalid , Fathy Naglaa , Ayadi Badreddine , Abdel Halim K. , Alghamdi Abdulaziz , Ibrahim Khaled
Published: February 2023

Iron oxide and silica nanoparticles were individually incorporated in tin-based Babbitt alloy and combined to prepare a novel class of nanocomposites for bearing material applications. The route of liquid metallurgy in combination with the stirring technique was adopted to manufacture nanocomposites. Microstructural evolution and mechanical property evaluation were performed by optical and electron microscopy, EDS, hardness, compression, and wear tests. The morphology of the Cu6Sn5 phase was changed from elongated to spherical in the microstructures of nanocomposites. The solitary addition of 0.5 wt% iron oxide nanoparticles improved the hardness and compressive strength but adversely affected the wear properties by increasing the weight loss and friction coefficient value. In contrast, the addition of 0.5 wt% silica nanoparticles could not significantly increase the hardness and compressive strength but it could improve the tribological properties by reducing the weight loss and friction coefficient value. Tin-based Babbitt alloy showed a compressive strength of 89.22 ± 0.50 MPa after the addition of 0.5 wt% iron oxide showing a rise of ~11%. The combined effect of the addition of both types of nanoparticles showed considerable results, i.e., a rise of ~7.9% (86.75 ± 0.68 MPa). The balanced approach of incorporating dual reinforcements of 0.25 wt% iron oxide and 0.25 wt% silica nanoparticles intermediately improved the hardness, compressive strength, and decreased weight loss.
Superior Plasticity of Silver-Based Composites with Reinforcing Pyrochlore
Authors: Zhang Lingjie , Cai Weiwei , Bao Ningzhong , Geng Xueyu , Yang Hui
Published: February 2023

Silver (Ag) has difficult forming strong bonding with oxides due to its deep d band beneath the Fermi level and completely filled 4d orbital. Thus, it is difficult to fabricate silver-based composites with superior plasticity and processability because of the easy debonding at their interface. Herein, La2Sn2O7 pyrochlore was used as a reinforcing phase for a silver matrix. The enhanced interfacial bonding strength of Ag-La2Sn2O7 was confirmed both theoretically and experimentally, indicating that Ag could form more localized ionic bonding with La2Sn2O7 than with SnO2. The superior plasticity was further confirmed for the Ag-La2Sn2O7 composite, as the uniform elongation (UE) of the Ag-La2Sn2O7 composite was ~19%, i.e., ~14% higher than and 2.8 times that of the conventional Ag-SnO2 composite. The plasticity enhancement mechanism was also unraveled by calculating the interfacial mobility. This work verified the usefulness of pyrochlore to fabricate silver-based composites with superior plasticity and also provides a new strategy for the construction of advanced silver-based composites for application in the electrical contact field.
Effects of B and Ce Grain Boundary Segregation on Precipitates in Super Austenitic Stainless Steel
Authors: Yang Song , Ma Jinyao , Chen Chao , Zhang Caili , Ren Junyu , Jiang Zhouhua , Fan Guangwei , Han Peide
Published: February 2023

In order to reduce the segregation of Cr and Mo and inhibit the precipitates, we added a small amount of B and Ce to traditional S31254 steel. Using an air-cooling and low-temperature diffusion treatment, the purpose was to control B and Ce at the grain boundary. The heat-treatment process could prompt co-segregation of B, precipitate-forming elements, and Ce at the grain boundary at 950 °C. After aging at 950 °C for different amounts of time, the diffusion treatment had an obvious inhibitory effect on the precipitates that caused them to become discontinuous, fine, and serrated. The B-containing serrated precipitates were only rich in Mo, while Cr was homogeneously distributed in the probed volume. A uniform distribution of Cr reduced the Cr-depleted zone in the area adjacent to the phase interface. Ce was observed to be segregated at the grain boundary. This showed that Ce could inhibit the formation of precipitates at the grain boundary. The serrated precipitates had an obvious resistance to intergranular corrosion.
Effect of a Multistrain Probiotic on Feline Gut Health through the Fecal Microbiota and Its Metabolite SCFAs
Authors: Li Yifei , Ali Ilyas , Lei Zhiqi , Li Yanan , Yang Min , Yang Caixia , Li Lian
Published: February 2023

With the increasing awareness of raising pets following scientific methods, people are becoming increasingly more interested in the nutrition and health of pets, especially their intestinal health, which has become a research hotspot. Both Saccharomyces boulardii and Pediococcus acidilactici are probiotics with strong probiotic properties that can maintain the balance of intestinal flora. However, the role of Saccharomyces boulardii and Pediococcus acidilactici in felines has not been comprehensively studied to date. The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of multistrain probiotics consisting of Saccharomyces boulardii and Pediococcus acidilactici on the gut health of felines by modulating gut microbes and the production of metabolite SCFAs. The results show that the multistrain probiotic did not alter the intestinal microbial diversity and structure of short-haired domestic cats, promoted the colonization of beneficial bacteria, increased the levels of microbiota-derived SCFAs and fecal antioxidants, and reduced the levels of fecal inflammatory markers. In conclusion, the use of a multistrain probiotic in healthy, short-haired domestic cats can promote gut health by modulating gut microbes, improving microbiota-derived SCFA production, reducing inflammatory conditions, and improving antioxidant status. These results provide new insights for further exploration of the role of probiotics in the gut microbiome of cats.
Bark Beetles Utilize Ophiostomatoid Fungi to Circumvent Host Tree Defenses
Authors: Zaman Rashaduz , May Courtney , Ullah Aziz , Erbilgin Nadir
Published: February 2023

Bark beetles maintain symbiotic associations with a diversity of microbial organisms, including ophiostomatoid fungi. Studies have frequently reported the role of ophiostomatoid fungi in bark beetle biology, but how fungal symbionts interact with host chemical defenses over time is needed. We first investigated how inoculations by three fungal symbionts of mountain pine beetle affect the terpene chemistry of live lodgepole pine trees. We then conducted a complimentary laboratory experiment specifically measuring the host metabolite degradation by fungi and collected the fungal organic volatiles following inoculations with the same fungal species on lodgepole pine logs. In both experiments, we analyzed the infected tissues for their terpene chemistry. Additionally, we conducted an olfactometer assay to determine whether adult beetles respond to the volatile organic chemicals emitted from each of the three fungal species. We found that all fungi upregulated terpenes as early as two weeks after inoculations. Similarly, oxygenated monoterpene concentrations also increased by several folds (only in logs). A large majority of beetles tested showed a strong attraction to two fungal species, whereas the other fungus repelled the beetles. Together this study shows that fungal symbionts can alter host defense chemistry, assist beetles in overcoming metabolite toxicity, and provide possible chemical cues for bark beetle attraction.
Clinical Evidence of Low-Carbohydrate Diets against Obesity and Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Pavlidou Eleni , Papadopoulou Sousana K. , Fasoulas Aristeidis , Mantzorou Maria , Giaginis Constantinos
Published: February 2023

The popularity of low-carbohydrate diets (LCDs) in the last few decades has motivated several research studies on their role in a variety of metabolic and non-morbid conditions. The available data of the results of these studies are put under the research perspective of the present literature review of clinical studies in search of the effects of LCDs on Obesity and Diabetes Mellitus. The electronic literature search was performed in the databases PubMed, Cochrane, and Embase. The literature search found seven studies that met the review’s inclusion and exclusion criteria out of a total of 2637 studies. The included studies involved randomized controlled trials of at least 12 weeks’ duration, in subjects with BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2, with dietary interventions. The results of the study on the effects of LCDs on obesity showed their effectiveness in reducing Body Mass Index and total body fat mass. In addition, LCDs appear to cause drops in blood pressure, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and triglycerides, and seem to improve high-density lipoprotein (HDL) values. Regarding the effectiveness of LCDs in Diabetes Mellitus, their effect on reducing insulin resistance and fasting blood glucose and HbA1c values are supported. In conclusion, the results suggest the critical role of LCDs to improve the health of people affected by obesity or diabetes.
Low to Zero Concentrations of Airborne Bacterial Pathogens and Indicator E. coli in Proximity to Beef Cattle Feedlots in Imperial Valley, California
Authors: Wei Xiaohong , Aggrawal Amlan , Bond Ronald F. , Atwill Edward R.
Published: February 2023

This study characterized the effect of distance from beef cattle feedlots, environmental factors, and climate on the occurrence of airborne bacterial indicators and pathogens. Three hundred air samples were collected over 6 months from five feedlots, with each air sample comprising 6000 L of air. Air samples were processed onto TSB-enriched air filters, qPCR-screened, and then qPCR-confirmed for suspect positive colonies of E. coli O157, non-O157-Shiga-toxin-producing E. coli (STEC), Salmonella, and E. coli. Direct enumeration of E. coli was also collected. Although no bacterial pathogens were qPCR-confirmed for the 300 samples, E. coli was detected in 16.7% (50/300) of samples, with an overall mean concentration of 0.17 CFU/6000 L air. Logistic regression analyses revealed a higher odds of E. coli for samples in close proximity compared to >610 m (2000 ft) distance from feedlots, along with significant associations with meteorological factors, sampling hour of day, and the presence of a dust-generating activity such as plowing a field or nearby vehicular traffic. The lack of bacterial pathogen detection suggests airborne deposition from nearby feedlots may not be a significant mechanism of leafy green bacterial pathogen contamination; the result of our study provides data to inform future revisions of produce-safety guidance.
Gut Microbiota and Metabolites may Play a Crucial Role in Sea Cucumber Apostichopus Japonicus Aestivation
Authors: Kang Yuan-Huan , Yang Bin-Tong , Hu Ren-Ge , Zhang Peng , Gu Min , Cong Wei
Published: February 2023

The constant increase in temperatures under global warming has led to a prolonged aestivation period for Apostichopus japonicus, resulting in considerable losses in production and economic benefits. However, the specific mechanism of aestivation has not been fully elucidated. In this study, we first tried to illustrate the biological mechanisms of aestivation from the perspective of the gut microbiota and metabolites. Significant differences were found in the gut microbiota of aestivating adult A. japonicus (AAJSD group) compared with nonaestivating adult A. japonicus (AAJRT group) and young A. japonicus (YAJRT and YAJSD groups) based on 16S rRNA gene high-throughput sequencing analysis. The abundances of Desulfobacterota, Myxococcota, Bdellovibrionota, and Firmicutes (4 phyla) in the AAJSD group significantly increased. Moreover, the levels of Pseudoalteromonas, Fusibacter, Labilibacter, Litorilituus, Flammeovirga, Polaribacter, Ferrimonas, PB19, and Blfdi19 genera were significantly higher in the AAJSD group than in the other three groups. Further analysis of the LDA effect size showed that species with significant variation in abundance in the AAJSD group, including the phylum Firmicutes and the genera Litorilituus, Fusibacter, and Abilibacter, might be important biomarkers for aestivating adult A. japonicus. In addition, the results of metabolomics analysis showed that there were three distinct metabolic pathways, namely biosynthesis of secondary metabolites, tryptophan metabolism, and sesquiterpenoid and triterpenoid biosynthesis in the AAJSD group compared with the other three groups. Notably, 5-hydroxytryptophan was significantly upregulated in the AAJSD group in the tryptophan metabolism pathway. Moreover, the genera Labilibacter, Litorilituus, Ferrimonas, Flammeovirga, Blfdi19, Fusibacter, Pseudoalteromonas, and PB19 with high abundance in the gut of aestivating adult A. japonicus were positively correlated with the metabolite 5-HTP. These findings suggest that there may be potential biological associations among the gut microbiota, metabolites, and aestivation in A. japonicus. This work may provide a new perspective for further understanding the aestivation mechanism of A. japonicus.
Study on Dissociation and Chemical Structural Characteristics of Areca Nut Husk
Authors: Yuan Jianbo , Zhang Haonan , Zhao Hui , Ren Hao , Zhai Huamin
Published: February 2023

From the perspective of full-component utilization of woody fiber biomass resources, areca nut husk is an excellent woody fiber biomass feedstock because of its fast regeneration, significant regeneration ability, sustainability, low cost, and easy availability. In this study, fiber cell morphologies, chemical compositions, lignin structures, and carbohydrate contents of areca nut husks were analyzed and compared with those of rice straw, and the application potentials of these two materials as biomass resources were compared. We found that areca nut husk fibers were shorter and wider than those of rice straw; areca nut husk contained more lignin and less ash, as well as less holocellulose than rice straw; areca nut husk and rice straw lignin were obtained by ball milling and phase separation, and areca nut husk lignin was found to be a typical GHS-type lignin. Herein, the yield of lignocresol was higher than that of milled wood lignin for both raw materials, and the molecular size was more homogeneous. Tricin structural monomers were discovered in the lignin of areca nut husk, similar to those present in other types of herbaceous plants. Structures of areca nut husk MWL (AHMWL) and AHLC were comprehensively characterized by quantitative NMR techniques (that is, 1H NMR, 31P NMR, and 2D NMR). The molecular structure of AHLC was found to be closer to the linear structure with more functional groups exposed on the molecular surface, and the hydroxyl-rich p-cresol grafting structure was successfully introduced into the lignin structure. In addition, the carbohydrate content in the aqueous layer of the phase separation system was close to the carbohydrate content in the raw material, indicating that the phase separation method can precisely separate lignin from carbohydrates. These experimental results indicate that the phase separation method as a method for lignin utilization and structure study has outstanding advantages in lignin structure regulation and yield, and areca nut husk lignin is suitable for application in the same phase separation systems as short-period herbs, such as rice straw and wheat grass, and has the advantages of low ash content and high lignification degree, which will provide guidance for the high-value utilization of areca nut husk in the future.
Effects of Morphology and Solvent/Temperature on THz Spectra: Take Nucleosides as Example
Authors: Wang Fang , Lin Haifeng , Tong Jiawen , Tai Junbin , Wu Jiaen , Yao Yaru , Liu Yunfei
Published: February 2023

Water molecules were easy to combine with organic molecules and embed into the lattice of solid molecules to form a hydrate. Compared with anhydrous compounds, a hydrate has completely different physical and chemical properties. In this paper, terahertz (THz) spectra of five nucleosides in the solid and liquid phases were studied experimentally by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) in the frequency of 0.5–9 THz. In addition, the lattice energy, geometric structure, and vibration spectrum of the molecular crystal of the nucleosides were analyzed theoretically by the generalized energy-based fragmentation approach under periodic boundary conditions (denoted as PBC-GEBF). Furthermore, different nucleoside molecular morphology (monomer, polymer, and crystal), solvent (implicit and explicit water), and temperature/theoretical model effect on the THz spectra were mainly investigated. It was found that in the low-frequency band, the vibrational modes were generally originated from the collective vibration of all molecules involved (more than 99% of them were vibration; only less than 1% of them were rotation and translation), which can reflect the molecular structure and spatial distribution of different substances. The Gibbs free energy of thymidine monomer, dimer, tetramer, and crystal was studied. It was found that the cell-stacking energy had the greatest influence on the spectrum, indicating that only the crystal structure constrained by the periodic boundary conditions could well describe the experimental results. In addition, hydrophobic forces dominated the formation of new chemical bonds and strong inter-molecular interactions; the free water had little contribution to the THz spectrum of nucleosides, while crystalline water had a great influence on the spectrum.
Bioactivity Profiles on 15 Different Effect Mechanisms for 15 Golden Root Products via High-Performance Thin-Layer Chromatography, Planar Assays, and High-Resolution Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Nikolaichuk Hanna , Choma Irena M. , Morlock Gertrud E.
Published: February 2023

Planar chromatography has recently been combined with six different effect-directed assays for three golden root (Rhodiola rosea L.) samples. However, the profiles obtained showed an intense tailing, making zone differentiation impossible. The profiling was therefore improved to allow for the detection of individual bioactive compounds, and the range of samples was extended to 15 commercial golden root products. Further effect-directed assays were studied providing information on 15 different effect mechanisms, i.e., (1) tyrosinase, (2) acetylcholinesterase, (3) butyrylcholinesterase, (4) β-glucuronidase, and (5) α-amylase inhibition, as well as endocrine activity via the triplex planar yeast antagonist-verified (6–8) estrogen or (9–11) androgen screen, (12) genotoxicity via the planar SOS-Umu-C bioassay, antimicrobial activity against (13) Gram-negative Aliivibrio fischeri and (14) Gram-positive Bacillus subtilis bacteria, and (15) antioxidative activity (DPPH• radical scavengers). Most of the golden root profiles obtained were characteristic, but some samples differed substantially. The United States Pharmacopeia reference product showed medium activity in most of the assays. The six most active compound zones were further characterized using high-resolution mass spectrometry, and the mass signals obtained were tentatively assigned to molecular formulae. In addition to confirming the known activities, this study is the first to report that golden root constituents inhibit butyrylcholinesterase (rosin was tentatively assigned), β-glucuronidase (rosavin, rosarin, rosiridin, viridoside, and salidroside were tentatively assigned), and α-amylase (stearic acid and palmitic acid were tentatively assigned) and that they are genotoxic (hydroquinone was tentatively assigned) and are both agonistic and antagonistic endocrine active.
In Vitro Neurotrophic Properties and Structural Characterization of a New Polysaccharide LTC-1 from Pyrola corbieri Levl (Luticao)
Authors: Li Liangqun , Yu Kangkang , Mo Zhengchang , Yang Keling , Chen Fuxue , Yang Juan
Published: February 2023

Pyrola corbieri Levl has been used to strengthen bones and nourish the kidney (the kidney governs the bone and is beneficial to the brain) by the local Miao people in China. However, the functional components and neurotrophic activity have not been reported. A new acidic homogeneous heteropolysaccharide named LTC-1 was obtained and characterized by periodate oxidation, Smith degradation, partial acid hydrolysis, GC–MS spectrometry, methylation analysis, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and its molecular weight was 3239 Da. The content of mannuronic acid (Man A) in LTC-1 was 46%, and the neutral sugar was composed of L-rhamnose (L-Rha), L-arabinose (L-Ara), D-xylose (D-Xyl), D-mannose (D-Man), D-glucose (D-Glc) and D-galactose (D-Gal) with a molar ratio of 1.00:3.63:0.86:1.30:6.97:1.30. The main chain of LTC-1 was composed of Glc, Gal, Man, Man A and the branched chain Ara, Glc, Gal. The terminal residues were composed of Glc and Gal. The main chain and branched chains were linked by (1→5)-linked-Ara, (1→3)-linked-Glc, (1→4)-linked-Glc, (1→6)-linked-Glc, (1→3)-linked-Gal, (1→6)-linked-Gal, (1→3, 6)-linked-Man and ManA. Meanwhile, neurotrophic activity was evaluated through PC12 and primary hippocampal neuronal cell models. LTC-1 exhibited neurotrophic activity in a concentration-dependent manner, which significantly induced the differentiation of PC12 cells, promoted the neurite outgrowth of PC12 cells, enhanced the formation of the web architecture of dendrites, and increased the density of dendritic spines in hippocampal neurons and the expression of PSD-95. These results displayed significant neurotrophic factor-like activity of LTC-1, which suggests that LTC-1 is a potential treatment option for neurodegenerative diseases.
Synthesis and Characterization of MIPs for Selective Removal of Textile Dye Acid Black-234 from Wastewater Sample
Authors: Sadia Maria , Ahmad Izaz , Ul-Saleheen Zain , Zubair Muhammad , Zahoor Muhammad , Ullah Riaz , Bari Ahmed , Zekker Ivar
Published: February 2023

Herein, a molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) was prepared using bulk polymerization and applied to wastewater to aid the adsorption of targeted template molecules using ethylene glycol dimethacrylate (EGDMA), methacrylic acid (MAA), acid black-234 (AB-234), 2,2′-azobisisobutyronitrile (AIBN), and methanol as a cross linker, functional monomer, template, initiator, and porogenic solvent, respectively. For a non-molecularly imprinted polymer (NIP), the same procedure was followed but without adding a template. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and a surface area analyzer were used to determine the surface functional groups, morphology and specific surface area of the MIP and NIP. At pH 5, the AB-234 adsorption capability of the MIP was higher (94%) than the NIP (31%). The adsorption isotherm data of the MIP correlated very well with the Langmuir adsorption model with Qm 82, 83 and 100 mg/g at 283 K, 298 K, and 313 K, respectively. The adsorption process followed pseudo–second-order kinetics. The imprinted factor (IF) and Kd value of the MIP were 5.13 and 0.53, respectively. Thermodynamic studies show that AB-234 dye adsorption on the MIP and NIP was spontaneous and endothermic. The MIP proved to be the best selective adsorbent for AB-234, even in the presence of dyes with similar and different structures than the NIP.
Nanoencapsulation of Cyanidin 3-O-Glucoside: Purpose, Technique, Bioavailability, and Stability
Authors: Zannou Oscar , Oussou Kouame F. , Chabi Ifagbémi B. , Awad Nour M. H. , Aïssi Midimahu V. , Goksen Gulden , Mortas Mustafa , Oz Fatih , Proestos Charalampos , Kayodé Adéchola P. P.
Published: February 2023

The current growing attractiveness of natural dyes around the world is a consequence of the increasing rejection of synthetic dyes whose use is increasingly criticized. The great interest in natural pigments from herbal origin such as cyanidin 3-O-glucoside (C3G) is due to their biological properties and their health benefits. However, the chemical instability of C3G during processing and storage and its low bioavailability limits its food application. Nanoencapsulation technology using appropriate nanocarriers is revolutionizing the use of anthocyanin, including C3G. Owing to the chemical stability and functional benefits that this new nanotechnology provides to the latter, its industrial application is now extending to the pharmaceutical and cosmetic fields. This review focuses on the various nanoencapsulation techniques used and the chemical and biological benefits induced to C3G.
Electrical and Structural Properties of Si1−xGex Nanowires Prepared from a Single-Source Precursor
Authors: Behrle Raphael , Krause Vanessa , Seifner Michael S. , Köstler Benedikt , Dick Kimberly A. , Wagner Matthias , Sistani Masiar , Barth Sven
Published: February 2023

Si1−xGex nanowires (NWs) were prepared by gold-supported chemical vapor deposition (CVD) using a single-source precursor with preformed Si–Ge bonds. Besides the tamed reactivity of the precursor, the approach reduces the process parameters associated with the control of decomposition characteristics and the dosing of individual precursors. The group IV alloy NWs are single crystalline with a constant diameter along their axis. During the wire growth by low pressure CVD, an Au-containing surface layer on the NWs forms by surface diffusion from the substrate, which can be removed by a combination of oxidation and etching. The electrical properties of the Si1−xGex/Au core-shell NWs are compared to the Si1−xGex NWs after Au removal. Core–shell NWs show signatures of metal-like behavior, while the purely semiconducting NWs reveal typical signatures of intrinsic Si1−xGex. The synthesized materials should be of high interest for applications in nano- and quantum-electronics.
Structural Evolution and Transitions of Mechanisms in Creep Deformation of Nanocrystalline FeCrAl Alloys
Authors: Yao Huan , Ye Tianzhou , Wang Pengfei , Wu Junmei , Zhang Jing , Chen Ping
Published: February 2023

FeCrAl alloys have been suggested as one of the most promising fuel cladding materials for the development of accident tolerance fuel. Creep is one of the important mechanical properties of the FeCrAl alloys used as fuel claddings under high temperature conditions. This work aims to elucidate the deformation feature and underlying mechanism during the creep process of nanocrystalline FeCrAl alloys using atomistic simulations. The creep curves at different conditions are simulated for FeCrAl alloys with grain sizes (GS) of 5.6–40 nm, and the dependence of creep on temperature, stress and GS are analyzed. The transitions of the mechanisms are analyzed by stress and GS exponents firstly, and further checked not only from microstructural evidence, but also from a vital comparison of activation energies for creep and diffusion. Under low stress conditions, grain boundary (GB) diffusion contributes more to the overall creep deformation than lattice diffusion does for the alloy with small GSs. However, for the alloy with larger GSs, lattice diffusion controls creep. Additionally, a high temperature helps the transition of diffusional creep from the GB to the dominant lattice. Under medium- and high-stress conditions, GB slip and dislocation motion begin to control the creep mechanism. The amount of GB slip increases with the temperature, or decreases with GS. GS and temperature also have an impact on the dislocation behavior. The higher the temperature or the smaller the GS is, the smaller the stress at which the dislocation motion begins to affect creep.
Advantages of Ta-Doped Sb3Te1 Materials for Phase Change Memory Applications
Authors: Shao Mingyue , Qiao Yang , Xue Yuan , Song Sannian , Song Zhitang , Li Xiaodan
Published: February 2023

Phase change memory (PCM), a typical representative of new storage technologies, offers significant advantages in terms of capacity and endurance. However, among the research on phase change materials, thermal stability and switching speed performance have always been the direction where breakthroughs are needed. In this research, as a high-speed and good thermal stability material, Ta was proposed to be doped in Sb3Te1 alloy to improve the phase transition performance and electrical properties. The characterization shows that Ta-doped Sb3Te1 can crystallize at temperatures up to 232 °C and devices can operate at speeds of 6 ns and 8 × 104 operation cycles. The reduction of grain size and the density change rate (3.39%) show excellent performances, which are both smaller than that of Ge2Sb2Te5 (GST) and Sb3Te1. These properties conclusively demonstrate that Ta incorporation of Sb3Te1 alloy is a material with better thermal stability and faster crystallization rates for PCM applications.
Effects of Charge Trapping on Memory Characteristics for HfO2-Based Ferroelectric Field Effect Transistors
Authors: Wang Jianjian , Bi Jinshun , Xu Yannan , Niu Gang , Liu Mengxin , Stempitsky Viktor
Published: February 2023

A full understanding of the impact of charge trapping on the memory window (MW) of HfO2-based ferroelectric field effect transistors (FeFETs) will permit the design of program and erase protocols, which will guide the application of these devices and maximize their useful life. The effects of charge trapping have been studied by changing the parameters of the applied program and erase pulses in a test sequence. With increasing the pulse amplitude and pulse width, the MW increases first and then decreases, a result attributed to the competition between charge trapping (CT) and ferroelectric switching (FS). This interaction between CT and FS is analyzed in detail using a single-pulse technique. In addition, the experimental data show that the conductance modulation characteristics are affected by the CT in the analog synaptic behavior of the FeFET. Finally, a theoretical investigation is performed in Sentaurus TCAD, providing a plausible explanation of the CT effect on the memory characteristics of the FeFET. This work is helpful to the study of the endurance fatigue process caused by the CT effect and to optimizing the analog synaptic behavior of the FeFET.
Human Papillomavirus Genotypes Infecting the Anal Canal and Cervix in HIV+ Men and Women, Anal Cytology, and Risk Factors for Anal Infection
Authors: Conde-Ferráez Laura , Chan-Mezeta Alberto , Gómez-Carballo Jesús Gilberto , Ayora-Talavera Guadalupe , González-Losa María del Refugio
Published: February 2023

The incidence of anal intraepithelial neoplasias associated with HPV is rising worldwide. In the general population, this pathology is rare, but individuals living with HIV/AIDS are at a significantly higher risk. We aimed to study HPV infection and performed cytological screening to study the epidemiological and behavioral determinants in a group of men and women living with HIV from a region in Mexico with high HIV incidence. This was a cross-sectional study including adults living with HIV/AIDS performed in Merida (Mexico). We invited patients of public HIV/STD clinics and those affiliated with social organizations of people living with HIV to participate in the study. Participants responded to an instrument to assess their risky behaviors and clinical history. Swabs from the anal canal and cervix and anal cytology specimens were obtained by medical staff from women and by self-sampling from men. For the 200 participants, 169 men and 31 women, anal HPV PCR tests resulted in 59.8% positivity (62.6% of men and 45.2% of women), and 17 genotypes were identified. The most frequent high-risk (HR) types for the anal canal were: HPV33 (35.3%), HPV58 (20.6%), HPV66 (18.6%), HPV45 (17.6%), and HPV16 (14.7%). Multiple genotypes were found in over 80% of the participants. Receptive anal intercourse in the previous 12 months, inconsistent condom use, and detectable HIV titers (≥50 cc/mL) were associated with HPV infection (p < 0.05). Cytology (smears and liquid-based) identified that 34.6% of the participants had low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (LSILs), and 3.5% had high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (HSILs). Neither HPV nor lesions were associated with low CD4+ counts (<200 cells/mm3, p > 0.05). Of the women, 60% were infected in the cervix and 45% in the anal canal, with an agreement of at least one genotype in 90%. The HR-HPV types associated with HSILs were HPV66, 33, 52, 51, 45, 18, and 68.
Overview of Apoptosis, Autophagy, and Inflammatory Processes in Toxoplasma gondii Infected Cells
Authors: Ahmadpour Ehsan , Babaie Farhad , Kazemi Tohid , Mehrani Moghaddam Sirous , Moghimi Ata , Hosseinzadeh Ramin , Nissapatorn Veeranoot , Pagheh Abdol Sattar
Published: February 2023

Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) is an obligate intracellular parasite. During the parasitic invasion, T. gondii creates a parasitophorous vacuole, which enables the modulation of cell functions, allowing its replication and host infection. It has effective strategies to escape the immune response and reach privileged immune sites and remain inactive in a controlled environment in tissue cysts. This current review presents the factors that affect host cells and the parasite, as well as changes in the immune system during host cell infection. The secretory organelles of T. gondii (dense granules, micronemes, and rhoptries) are responsible for these processes. They are involved with proteins secreted by micronemes and rhoptries (MIC, AMA, and RONs) that mediate the recognition and entry into host cells. Effector proteins (ROP and GRA) that modify the STAT signal or GTPases in immune cells determine their toxicity. Interference byhost autonomous cells during parasitic infection, gene expression, and production of microbicidal molecules such as reactive oxygen species (ROS) and nitric oxide (NO), result in the regulation of cell death. The high level of complexity in host cell mechanisms prevents cell death in its various pathways. Many of these abilities play an important role in escaping host immune responses, particularly by manipulating the expression of genes involved in apoptosis, necrosis, autophagy, and inflammation. Here we present recent works that define the mechanisms by which T. gondii interacts with these processes in infected host cells.
Prolonged Inflammation and Infectious Changes in the Corneal Epithelium Are Associated with Persistent Epithelial Defect (PED)
Authors: Dutta Tanmoy , Sangwan Jyoti , Mondal Moumita , Vohra Mehak , Nidhi Vatsala , Gour Abha , Kapur Neha , Gupta Nidhi , Bhowmick Tuhin , Chandru Arun , Mathur Umang , Sangwan Virender Singh , Acharya Manisha , Tiwari Anil
Published: February 2023

Purpose: Failure of rapid re-epithelialization within 10–14 days after corneal injury, even with standard supportive treatment, is referred to as persistent corneal epithelial (CE) defect (PED). Though an array of genes regulates reepithelization, their mechanisms are poorly understood. We sought to understand the network of genes driving the re-epithelialization in PED. Method: After obtaining informed consent, patients underwent an ophthalmic examination. Epithelial scrapes and tears samples of six PED patients and six individuals (control) undergoing photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) were collected. RNA isolation and quantification were performed using either the epithelial scrape taken from PED patients or from HCLE cells treated with control tears or tears of PED patients. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was performed to detect the expression of a few important genes in CE homeostasis, inflammation, and cell–cell communication, viz., Kruppel-like factor 4 (KLF4), GPX4, IL6, TNFα, STING, IL8, desmoglein, and E-cadherin, among others. Their expressions were normalized with their respective housekeeping genes and fold changes were recorded. KLF4 localization and MMPs activity was carried out via immunofluorescence and zymography, respectively. Results: KLF4, a transcription factor important for CE homeostasis, was upregulated in tears-treated HCLE cells and downregulated in PED patients compared to the healthy PRK group. Cell–cell communication genes were also upregulated in tears-treated cells, whereas they were downregulated in the PED tissue group. Genes involved in proinflammation (IL6, 282-fold; TNFα, 43-fold; IL8, 4.2-fold) were highly upregulated in both conditions. MMP9 activity increased upon tears treatment. Conclusions: This study suggests that tears create an acute proinflammatory milieu driving the PED disease pathology, whereas the PED patients scrapes are an indicator of the chronic stage of the disease. Interferons, pro-inflammatory genes, and their pathways are involved in PED, which can be a potential target for inducing epithelialization of the cornea.