bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Açaí (Euterpe oleracea Mart.) in Health and Disease: A Critical Review
Authors: Laurindo Lucas Fornari , Barbalho Sandra Maria , Araújo Adriano Cressoni , Guiguer Elen Landgraf , Mondal Arijit , Bachtel Gabrielle , Bishayee Anupam
Published: February 2023

The açaí palm (Euterpe oleracea Mart.), a species belonging to the Arecaceae family, has been cultivated for thousands of years in tropical Central and South America as a multipurpose dietary plant. The recent introduction of açaí fruit and its nutritional and healing qualities to regions outside its origin has rapidly expanded global demand for açaí berry. The health-promoting and disease-preventing properties of this plant are attributed to numerous bioactive phenolic compounds present in the leaf, pulp, fruit, skin, and seeds. The purpose of this review is to present an up-to-date, comprehensive, and critical evaluation of the health benefits of açaí and its phytochemicals with a special focus on cellular and molecular mechanisms of action. In vitro and in vivo studies showed that açaí possesses antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and exerts cardioprotective, gastroprotective, hepatoprotective, neuroprotective, renoprotective, antilipidemic, antidiabetic, and antineoplastic activities. Moreover, clinical trials have suggested that açaí can protect against metabolic stress induced by oxidation, inflammation, vascular abnormalities, and physical exertion. Due to its medicinal properties and the absence of undesirable effects, açaí shows a promising future in health promotion and disease prevention, in addition to a vast economic potential in the food and cosmetic industries.
The Potential of Spent Coffee Grounds in Functional Food Development
Authors: Bevilacqua Elza , Cruzat Vinicius , Singh Indu , Rose’Meyer Roselyn B. , Panchal Sunil K. , Brown Lindsay
Published: February 2023

Coffee is a popular and widely consumed beverage worldwide, with epidemiological studies showing reduced risk of cardiovascular disease, cancers and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. However, few studies have investigated the health effects of the post-brewing coffee product, spent coffee grounds (SCG), from either hot- or cold-brew coffee. SCG from hot-brew coffee improved metabolic parameters in rats with diet-induced metabolic syndrome and improved gut microbiome in these rats and in humans; further, SCG reduced energy consumption in humans. SCG contains similar bioactive compounds as the beverage including caffeine, chlorogenic acids, trigonelline, polyphenols and melanoidins, with established health benefits and safety for human consumption. Further, SCG utilisation could reduce the estimated 6–8 million tonnes of waste each year worldwide from production of coffee as a beverage. In this article, we explore SCG as a major by-product of coffee production and consumption, together with the potential economic impacts of health and non-health applications of SCG. The known bioactive compounds present in hot- and cold-brew coffee and SCG show potential effects in cardiovascular disease, cancer, liver disease and metabolic disorders. Based on these potential health benefits of SCG, it is expected that foods including SCG may moderate chronic human disease while reducing the environmental impact of waste otherwise dumped in landfill.
IgE-Dependent Allergy in Patients with Celiac Disease: A Systematic Review
Authors: Majsiak Emilia , Choina Magdalena , Knyziak-Mędrzycka Izabela , Bierła Joanna Beata , Janeczek Kamil , Wykrota Julia , Cukrowska Bożena
Published: February 2023

In order to answer the question if an IgE-mediated allergy (A-IgE) may occur in subjects with celiac disease (CD), a systematic review was performed of available publications collected in the United States National Institute for Biotechnology Information/National Institutes of Health/National Library of Medicine/PubMed database up to 28 December 2022, with the use of the following keywords “allergy&celiac/coeliac”, “sensitization&celiac/coeliac”, and “anaphylaxis&celiac/coeliac” compared in the form of a conjunction. In total, the search returned 2013 publications from these keywords in any section of the article. As numerous review articles included the above-mentioned entries in the abstract, we decided to focus on the publications with the entries only in the title (n = 63). After rejecting studies unrelated to the topic, narrative reviews, book chapters, conference abstracts, symposium reports, letters to the editor, or non-English articles, 18 publications (6 observational original studies and 12 case reports describing a total of 15 cases of A-IgE developed after a diagnosis of CD) were included to this review. Our study is the first systematic review on allergy occurrence in CD patients. The analysis indicated that the possibility of a coexistence of A-IgE with any food and inhalant allergens in subjects diagnosed with CD should be considered. A sensitization to wheat was the most frequently described in subjects with CD. The clinical manifestation of A-IgE in CD was similar to that in subjects without CD; e.g., with possible atopic dermatitis, vomiting, urticaria, angioedema, or anaphylactic shock. Screening for allergies in subjects with CD should be considered, especially in those cases where symptoms persist after introducing a gluten-free diet. The elimination of wheat from the diet of patients with CD may lead to a loss of immune tolerance and to the development of sensitization, which may even manifest as anaphylaxis. In conclusion, although there are few studies assessing the occurrence of A-IgE in subjects with CD, they show the possibility of a coexistence of both diseases and the high clinical significance of this phenomenon, which indicates the need for further studies.
Intervention Programs for First-Episode Psychosis: A Scoping Review Protocol
Authors: Gouveia Marta , Costa Tiago , Morgado Tânia , Sampaio Francisco , Rosa Amorim , Sequeira Carlos
Published: February 2023

Early intervention programs for first-episode psychosis aim to intervene in the early stages of the disease. They are essential to prevent and delay the progression of the illness to a more advanced stage, but information about their characteristics is not systematized. The scoping review considered all studies of first-episode psychosis intervention programs, regardless of their context (hospital or community), and explored their characteristics. The scoping review was developed according to the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology and PRISMA-ScR guidelines. The PCC mnemonic (population, concept, and context) addressed research questions, the inclusion and exclusion criteria, and the search strategy. The scoping review sought to identify the literature that meets the predefined inclusion criteria. The research was conducted in the following databases: Web of Science Core Collection, MEDLINE, CINAHL Complete and PsycINFO, Scopus, Cochrane Library, and JBI Evidence Synthesis. The search for unpublished studies included OpenGrey (a European repository) and MedNar. It used sources in English, Portuguese, Spanish, and French. It included quantitative, qualitative, and multi-method/mixed methods studies. It also considered gray or unpublished literature. After removing duplicates, two independent reviewers extracted the relevant information after selecting the articles. If there were disagreements, a third reviewer was used. The researchers have developed a tool based on the JBI model that will allow them to extract the relevant information for the review. The results are presented schematically in narratives and tables. This scoping review maps first-episode psychosis intervention programs by identifying their characteristics, participants, and specific implementation contexts and allows researchers to create multicomponent programs tailored to different contexts.
Gauge Sector Dynamics in QCD
Authors: Ferreira Mauricio Narciso , Papavassiliou Joannis
Published: February 2023

The dynamics of the QCD gauge sector give rise to non-perturbative phenomena that are crucial for the internal consistency of the theory; most notably, they account for the generation of a gluon mass through the action of the Schwinger mechanism, the taming of the Landau pole, the ensuing stabilization of the gauge coupling, and the infrared suppression of the three-gluon vertex. In the present work, we review some key advances in the ongoing investigation of this sector within the framework of the continuum Schwinger function methods, supplemented by results obtained from lattice simulations.
Value of Verbal Autopsy in a Fragile Setting: Reported versus Estimated Community Deaths Associated with COVID-19, Banadir, Somalia
Authors: Afrah Tahlil Abdi , Nyagah Lilly M. , Ali Asma Swaleh , Karanja Mary , Nor Hassan W. , Abera Solomon , Mohamed Ali Sh , Guled Mohamed Ahmed Yusuf , Biday Mohamed Mohamud Hassan , Obtel Majdouline , Malik Sk Md Mamunur Rahman
Published: February 2023

Background: Accurate mortality data associated with infectious diseases such as coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) are often unavailable in countries with fragile health systems such as Somalia. We compared officially reported COVID-19 deaths in Somalia with COVID-19 deaths estimated using verbal autopsy. Methods: We interviewed relatives of deceased persons to collect information on symptoms, cause, and place of death. We compared these data with officially reported data and estimated the positive and negative predictive values of verbal autopsy. Results: We identified 530 deaths during March–October 2020. We classified 176 (33.2%) as probable COVID-19 deaths. Most deaths (78.5%; 416/530) occurred at home and 144 (34.6%) of these were attributed to COVID-19. The positive predictive value of verbal autopsy was lower for home deaths (22.3%; 95% CI: 15.7–30.1%) than for hospital deaths (32.3%; 95% CI: 16.7–51.4%). The negative predictive value was higher: 97.8% (95% CI: 95.0–99.3%) for home deaths and 98.4% (95% CI: 91.5–100%) for hospital deaths. Conclusions Verbal autopsy has acceptable predictive value to estimate COVID-19 deaths where disease prevalence is high and can provide data on the COVID-19 burden in countries with low testing and weak mortality surveillance where home deaths may be missed.
Immunopathological Mechanisms Underlying Cardiac Damage in Chagas Disease
Authors: De Alba-Alvarado Mariana Citlalli , Torres-Gutiérrez Elia , Reynoso-Ducoing Olivia Alicia , Zenteno-Galindo Edgar , Cabrera-Bravo Margarita , Guevara-Gómez Yolanda , Salazar-Schettino Paz María , Rivera-Fernández Norma , Bucio-Torres Martha Irene
Published: February 2023

In Chagas disease, the mechanisms involved in cardiac damage are an active field of study. The factors underlying the evolution of lesions following infection by Trypanosoma cruzi and, in some cases, the persistence of its antigens and the host response, with the ensuing development of clinically observable cardiac damage, are analyzed in this review.
Discovery of Ureido-Based Apcin Analogues as Cdc20-specific Inhibitors against Cancer
Authors: He Yiqin , Le Xiangyang , Hu Gaoyun , Li Qianbin , Chen Zhuo
Published: February 2023

Cdc20 is a promising drug target that plays an important role in the mid-anaphase process of cellular mitosis, and Apcin is the only reported core structure of the Cdc20-specific inhibitor. Some potent Apcin derivatives were obtained in our previous research, and a structure–activity relationship was determined. In this study, we designed and synthesized a series of ureido-based Apcin derivatives. The proliferation-inhibition experiments on four cancer-cell lines showed that ureido skeleton could promote the anti-proliferation activity of purine-substituted compounds, whereas the ureido analogues with pyrimidine substitutes showed no significant improvement in the inhibitory effect compared with the original ones. Further tests confirmed that ureido-based compounds can enhance the binding affinity to Cdc20 by increasing the levels of Cdc20 downstream proteins. Compound 27 revealed a remarkably antitumor activity pattern against Hela (IC50 = 0.06 ± 0.02 μM) and potent binding affinity to Cdc20. Moreover, compound 20 induced caspase-dependent apoptosis and cell-cycle arrest at the G2/M phase, and compound 27 induced caspase-dependent apoptosis and promoted microtubule polymerization. Finally, a molecular-docking simulation was performed for compounds 20 and 27 to predict the potential ligand–protein interactions with the active sites of the Cdc20 proteins.
Transferability of Published Population Pharmacokinetic Models for Apixaban and Rivaroxaban to Subjects with Obesity Treated for Venous Thromboembolism: A Systematic Review and External Evaluations
Authors: Leven Cyril , Ménard Pauline , Gouin-Thibault Isabelle , Ballerie Alice , Lacut Karine , Ollier Edouard , Théreaux Jérémie
Published: February 2023

Apixaban and rivaroxaban have first-line use for many patients needing anticoagulation for venous thromboembolism (VTE). The pharmacokinetics of these drugs in non-obese subjects have been extensively studied, and, while changes in pharmacokinetics have been documented in obese patients, data remain scarce for these anticoagulants. The aim of this study was to perform an external validation of published population pharmacokinetic (PPK) models of apixaban and rivaroxaban in a cohort of obese patients with VTE. A literature search was conducted in the PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, and Embase databases following the PRISMA statement. External validation was performed using MonolixSuite software, using prediction-based and simulation-based diagnostics. An external validation dataset from the university hospitals of Brest and Rennes, France, included 116 apixaban pharmacokinetic samples from 69 patients and 121 rivaroxaban samples from 81 patients. Five PPK models of apixaban and 16 models of rivaroxaban were included, according to the inclusion criteria of the study. Two of the apixaban PPK models presented acceptable performances, whereas no rivaroxaban PPK model did. This study identified two published models of apixaban applicable to apixaban in obese patients with VTE. However, none of the rivaroxaban models evaluated were applicable. Dedicated studies appear necessary to elucidate rivaroxaban pharmacokinetics in this population.
Modified Linear Peptides Effectively Silence STAT-3 in Breast Cancer and Ovarian Cancer Cell Lines
Authors: Mandal Dindyal , Lohan Sandeep , Sajid Muhammad Imran , Alhazza Abdulelah , Tiwari Rakesh Kumar , Parang Keykavous , Montazeri Aliabadi Hamidreza
Published: February 2023

RNA interference (RNAi) has drawn enormous attention as a powerful tool because of its capability to interfere with mRNA and protein production. However, designing a safe and efficient delivery system in RNAi therapeutics remains challenging. Herein, we have designed and synthesized several linear peptides containing tryptophan (W) and arginine (R) residues separated by the β-alanine (βA) spacer and attached to a lipophilic fatty acyl chain, cholesterol, or PEG. The peptide backbone sequences were: Ac-C-βA-βA-W4-βA-βA-R4-CO-NH2 and Ac-K-βA-βA-W4-βA-βA-R4-CO-NH2, with only a difference in N-terminal amino acid. The cysteine side chain in the first sequence was used for the conjugation with PEG2000 and PEG550. Alternatively, the side chain of lysine in the second sequence was used for conjugation with cholesterol or oleic acid. We hypothesized that amphiphilic peptides and optimum fatty acyl chain or PEG could function as an effective siRNA carrier by complementing each structural component’s self-assembly and membrane internalization properties. None of the designed peptides showed cytotoxicity up to 10 µM. Serum stability studies suggested that the newly designed peptides efficiently protected siRNA against early degradation by nucleases. Flow cytometry analysis indicated 50–90% cellular uptake of siRNA using the newly developed modified linear peptides (MLPs). Western blot results revealed more than 90% protein downregulation after targeting STAT3 in MDA-MB-231 and SKOV-3 cell lines. In summary, a new peptide class was developed to safely and efficiently deliver siRNA.
Elastin-Derived VGVAPG Fragment Decorated Cell-Penetrating Peptide with Improved Gene Delivery Efficacy
Authors: Shen Wen-Juan , Tian Duo-Mei , Fu Le , Jin Biao , Liu Yu , Xu Yun-Sheng , Ye Yong-Bin , Wang Xiao-Bo , Xu Xiao-Jun , Tang Chun , Li Fang-Ping , Wang Chun-Fei , Wu Gang , Yan Le-Ping
Published: February 2023

Cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs) are attractive non-viral gene delivery vectors due to their high transfection capacity and safety. Previously, we have shown that cell-penetrating peptide RALA can be a promising gene delivery vector for chronic wound regeneration application. In this study, we engineered a novel peptide called RALA-E by introducing elastin-derived VGVAPG fragment into RALA, in order to target the elastin-binding protein on the cell surface and thus improve delivery efficacy of RALA. The transfection efficiency of RALA-E was evaluated by transfecting the HEK-293T and HeLa cell lines cells with RALA-E/pDNA complexes and the flow-cytometry results showed that RALA-E significantly increased the transfection efficiency by nearly 20% in both cell lines compared to RALA. Inhibition of pDNA transfection on HEK-293T cells via chlorpromazine, genistein and mβCD showed that the inhibition extent in transfection efficiency was much less for RALA-E group compared to RALA group. In addition, RALA-E/miR-146a complexes showed up to 90% uptake efficiency in macrophages, and can escape from the endosome and enter the nucleus to inhibit the expression of inflammation genes. Therefore, the developed RALA-E peptide has high potential as a safe and efficient vector for gene therapy application.
Subnanometer-Resolution Nanoparticle Sensing through the Strong Coupling between Surface Plasmon Polariton Whispering Gallery Resonances and Localized Surface Plasmon
Authors: Yang Han , Chen Yue-Gang
Published: February 2023

High-resolution nanoparticle sensing is very important, and many schemes have been proposed to achieve this goal. Circular nanocavities in which surface plasmon polariton (SPP) whispering gallery mode (WGM) resonances were excited were designed to sense particles of ultra-small size and with high resolution. Localized surface plasmon resonances (LSPRs) were excited when a metal particle was set in the circular cavity. The SPP WGM split into symmetric mode (SM) and antisymmetric mode (ASM) due to the LSPRs scattering into the SPPs. The strong coupling between SM resonance and LSPRs generated positive and opposite modes, which were sensitive to the variation in nanoparticle size and position. Even a small nanometer-sized metal particle introduced LSPRs and produced mode splitting. The WGM mode splitting induced by LSPRs reduced the sensing limit. The simulation results show that 1 nm changes in nanoparticle radius and position led to SM 11.8 nm and 10.2 nm wavelength shifts, respectively. This means that variations of 0.09 nm in size and 0.1 nm in position can be sensed with a 1 nm spectral resolution. The strong coupling between SPP WGM and LSPRs can be applied to sense at a subnanometer resolution.
Generation of Vector Vortex Beams Based on the Optical Integration of Dynamic Phase and Geometric Phase
Authors: Zeng Kuiming , He Shanshan , Wang Xianping , Luo Hailu
Published: February 2023

The phase and polarization of electromagnetic waves can be conveniently manipulated by the dynamic phase and geometric phase elements. Here, we propose a compact optical integration of dynamic phase and geometric phase to generate arbitrary vector vortex beams on a hybrid-order Poincaré sphere. Two different technologies have been applied to integrate dynamic and geometric phase elements into a single glass plate to modulate the phase and polarization of light simultaneously. A spiral phase structure is made on one side of a glass substrate with optical lithography and a geometric phase metasurface structure is designed on the other side by femtosecond laser writing. The vector polarization is realized by the metasurface structure, while the vortex phase is generated by the spiral phase plate. Therefore, any desirable vector vortex beams on the hybrid-order Poincaré sphere can be generated. We believe that our scheme may have potential applications in future integrated optical devices for the generation of vector vortex beams due to its the high transmission efficiency and conversion efficiency.
Chromatic Dispersion Measurements of Single-Mode Fibers, Polarization-Maintaining Fibers, and Few-Mode Fibers Using a Frequency Domain Method
Authors: Chen Xin , Hurley Jason E. , Stone Jeffery S. , Li Ming-Jun
Published: February 2023

Chromatic dispersion is an important fiber attribute affecting transmission performance over optical fibers. Various chromatic dispersion measurement methods have been developed primarily for single-mode fibers. In the literature, measurement techniques were also developed to characterize few-mode fibers and multi-mode fibers. These methods are often subject to some limitations. In this paper, a simple and robust measurement method for chromatic dispersion measurement of single-mode fibers, polarization--maintaining fibers, and few-mode fibers is presented using a frequency domain instrument and a vector network analyzer. The method is applied to all three types of fibers through one measurement methodology uniformly. Using a vector network analyzer, the measurement instrument obtains the complex transfer function of fiber transmission. The inverse Fourier transform of the measured complex transfer function is used to determine the group delays for each mode of the fiber. Although the sampling is highly under-sampled for the whole fiber link, through proper treatment of the data, we can de-alias the signals and obtain accurate values of the group delays of each mode. By measuring the group delays over different wavelengths, the data can yield the chromatic dispersion of each mode over the wavelength window.
Fluid Replacement Strategies and Heart Rate Variability Recovery Following Prolonged Exercise in the Heat and Mild Dehydration
Authors: Manning Ciara N. , Morrissey Margaret C. , Langan Sean P. , Stearns Rebecca L. , Huggins Robert A. , Curtis Ryan M. , Sekiguchi Yasuki , Laxminarayan Srinivas , Reifman Jaques , Casa Douglas J.
Published: February 2023

Background: In sporting and combat settings, optimal fluid replacement is rarely achieved, exacerbating physiological strain. It is unknown if prescribed fluid replacement following exercise in heat impacts heart rate variability (HRV). Purpose: Compare prescribed drinking (PD) and ad libitum (AL) fluid replacement on HRV following exercise in heat. Methods: Twelve participants (26 ± 5 years, VO2max: 58.44 ± 7.05 mL·kg−1·min−1) completed three trials in heat (36 °C, 36% humidity) on separate days, and were placed into groups, PD or AL. Recovery was assessed ~24 h later (hydration and HRV). HRV time and frequency was measured using a 3-lead electrocardiogram. Two-way repeated measures analysis of variance measured changes in HRV pre-trial, post-trial, and follow-up between groups. Data reported: p-value, mean difference (MD). Results: Fluid consumption was greater in PD during recovery (p = 0.012, MD = 1245 mL). Both groups were euhydrated at follow-up. HRV time (p < 0.001, MD = 24.23) and frequency (p < 0.001, MD = −1.98 ms2) decreased post-trial and increased by follow-up (time, p < 0.001, MD = −32.12; frequency, p < 0.001, MD = 2.38 ms2). HRV was similar between groups (p > 0.05). Conclusions: Replacing ≥60% fluid sufficiently rehydrates and restores HRV 24 h post-exercise in heat and mild dehydration (BML ≤ 3%). Prescribed fluid consumption during recovery was ~30% greater. Additional measures of recovery sensitive to heat strain may provide a more holistic understanding of specific mechanisms of recovery.
Antibacterial Components and Modes of the Methanol-Phase Extract from Commelina communis Linn
Authors: Liu Yue , Tang Yingping , Ren Shunlin , Chen Lanming
Published: February 2023

Infectious diseases caused by pathogenic bacteria severely threaten human health. Traditional Chinese herbs are potential sources of new or alternative medicine. In this study, we analyzed for the first time antibacterial substances in the methanol-phase extract from a traditional Chinese herb—Commelina communis Linn—which showed an inhibition rate of 58.33% against 24 species of common pathogenic bacteria. The extract was further purified using preparative high-performance liquid chromatography (Prep-HPLC), which generated four single fragments (Fragments 1 to 4). The results revealed that Fragment 1 significantly increased bacterial cell surface hydrophobicity and membrane permeability and decreased membrane fluidity, showing disruptive effects on cell integrity of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, such as Bacillus cereus, Enterococcus faecalis, Staphylococcus aureus, and Salmonella enterica subsp., compared to the control groups (p < 0.05). In sum, 65 compounds with known functions in Fragment 1 were identified using liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry (LC-MS), of which quercetin-3-o-glucuronide was predominant (19.35%). Comparative transcriptomic analysis revealed multiple altered metabolic pathways mediated by Fragment 1, such as inhibited ABC transporters, ribosome, citrate cycle and oxidative phosphorylation, and upregulated nitrogen metabolism and purine metabolism, thereby resulting in the repressed bacterial growth and even death (p < 0.05). Overall, the results of this study demonstrate that Fragment 1 from C. communis Linn is a promising candidate against common pathogenic bacteria.
Transcriptome Profiling and Chlorophyll Metabolic Pathway Analysis Reveal the Response of Nitraria tangutorum to Increased Nitrogen
Authors: Liu Chenggong , Duan Na , Chen Xiaona , Li Xu , Zhao Naqi , Cao Wenxu , Li Huiqing , Liu Bo , Tan Fengsen , Zhao Xiulian , Li Qinghe
Published: February 2023

To identify genes that respond to increased nitrogen and assess the involvement of the chlorophyll metabolic pathway and associated regulatory mechanisms in these responses, Nitraria tangutorum seedlings were subjected to four nitrogen concentrations (N0, N6, N36, and N60: 0, 6, 36, and 60 mmol·L−1 nitrogen, respectively). The N. tangutorum seedling leaf transcriptome was analyzed by high-throughput sequencing (Illumina HiSeq 4000), and 332,420 transcripts and 276,423 unigenes were identified. The numbers of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were 4052 in N0 vs. N6, 6181 in N0 vs. N36, and 3937 in N0 vs. N60. Comparing N0 and N6, N0 and N36, and N0 and N60, we found 1101, 2222, and 1234 annotated DEGs in 113, 121, and 114 metabolic pathways, respectively, classified in the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes database. Metabolic pathways with considerable accumulation were involved mainly in anthocyanin biosynthesis, carotenoid biosynthesis, porphyrin and chlorophyll metabolism, flavonoid biosynthesis, and amino acid metabolism. N36 increased δ-amino levulinic acid synthesis and upregulated expression of the magnesium chelatase H subunit, which promoted chlorophyll a synthesis. Hence, N36 stimulated chlorophyll synthesis rather than heme synthesis. These findings enrich our understanding of the N. tangutorum transcriptome and help us to research desert xerophytes’ responses to increased nitrogen in the future.
Evaluation of the Antibacterial Properties of Polyvinyl Alcohol-Pullulan Scaffolds Loaded with Nepeta racemosa Lam. Essential Oil and Perspectives for Possible Applications
Authors: Lungoci Constantin , Rîmbu Cristina Mihaela , Motrescu Iuliana , Serbezeanu Diana , Horhogea Cristina Elena , Vlad-Bubulac Tăchiță , Ghițău Carmen Simona , Puiu Ioan , Neculai-Văleanu Andra-Sabina , Robu Teodor
Published: February 2023

Essential oil of Nepeta racemosa Lam. was extracted and characterized to determine its antimicrobial activity and potential use in applications. The essential oil was loaded on polyvinyl alcohol-pullulan films and gels and characterized by optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and UV-Vis spectroscopy before having its antimicrobial capacities assessed. The essential oil extracted from Nepeta racemosa Lam. was characterized using gas chromatography coupled with mass spectroscopy, which indicated that the most abundant component was nepetalic acid (55.5%), followed by eucalyptol (10.7%) and other compounds with concentrations of about 5% or less. The essential oil, as well as the loaded films and gels, exhibited good antibacterial activity on both gram-positive and gram-negative strains, with growth inhibition zones larger in some cases than for gentamicin, indicating excellent premises for using these essential-oil-loaded materials for applications in the food industry or biomedicine.
Photoperiod Genes Contribute to Daylength-Sensing and Breeding in Rice
Authors: Qiu Leilei , Zhou Peng , Wang Hao , Zhang Cheng , Du Chengxing , Tian Shujun , Wu Qinqin , Wei Litian , Wang Xiaoying , Zhou Yiming , Huang Rongyu , Huang Xi , Ouyang Xinhao
Published: February 2023

Rice (Oryza sativa L.), one of the most important food crops worldwide, is a facultative short-day (SD) plant in which flowering is modulated by seasonal and temperature cues. The photoperiodic molecular network is the core network for regulating flowering in rice, and is composed of photoreceptors, a circadian clock, a photoperiodic flowering core module, and florigen genes. The Hd1-DTH8-Ghd7-PRR37 module, a photoperiodic flowering core module, improves the latitude adaptation through mediating the multiple daylength-sensing processes in rice. However, how the other photoperiod-related genes regulate daylength-sensing and latitude adaptation remains largely unknown. Here, we determined that mutations in the photoreceptor and circadian clock genes can generate different daylength-sensing processes. Furthermore, we measured the yield-related traits in various mutants, including the main panicle length, grains per panicle, seed-setting rate, hundred-grain weight, and yield per panicle. Our results showed that the prr37, elf3-1 and ehd1 mutants can change the daylength-sensing processes and exhibit longer main panicle lengths and more grains per panicle. Hence, the PRR37, ELF3-1 and Ehd1 locus has excellent potential for latitude adaptation and production improvement in rice breeding. In summary, this study systematically explored how vital elements of the photoperiod network regulate daylength sensing and yield traits, providing critical information for their breeding applications.
Non-Coplanar Diphenyl Fluorene and Weakly Polarized Cyclohexyl Can Effectively Improve the Solubility and Reduce the Dielectric Constant of Poly (Aryl Ether Ketone) Resin
Authors: Bao Feng , Liu Yanxing , Shi Ludi , Cui Jinze , Ji Muwei , Liu Huichao , Yu Jiali , Zhu Caizhen , Xu Jian
Published: February 2023

With the rapid development of high-frequency communication and large-scale integrated circuits, insulating dielectric materials require a low dielectric constant and dielectric loss. Poly (aryl ether ketone) resins (PAEK) have garnered considerable attention as an intriguing class of engineering thermoplastics possessing excellent chemical and thermal properties. However, the high permittivity of PAEK becomes an obstacle to its application in the field of high-frequency communication and large-scale integrated circuits. Therefore, reducing the dielectric constant and dielectric loss of PAEK while maintaining its excellent performance is critical to expanding the PAEK applications mentioned above. This study synthesized a series of poly (aryl ether ketone) resins that are low dielectric, highly thermally resistant, and soluble, containing cyclohexyl and diphenyl fluorene. The effects of cyclohexyl contents on the properties of a PAEK resin were studied systematically. The results showed that weakly-polarized cyclohexyl could reduce the molecular polarization of PAEK, resulting in low permittivity and high transmittance. The permittivity of PAEK is 2.95–3.26@10GHz, and the transmittance is 65–85%. In addition, the resin has excellent solubility and can be dissolved in NMP, DMF, DMAc, and other solvents at room temperature. Furthermore, cyclohexyl provided PAEK with excellent thermal properties, including a glass transition temperature of 239–245 °C and a 5% thermogravimetric temperature, under a nitrogen atmosphere of 469–534 °C. This makes it a promising candidate for use in high-frequency communications and large-scale integrated circuits.
Ruxolitinib-Loaded Imprinted Polymeric Drug Reservoir for the Local Management of Post-Surgical Residual Glioblastoma Cells
Authors: Bărăian Alexandra-Iulia , Iacob Bogdan-Cezar , Sorițău Olga , Tomuță Ioan , Tefas Lucia Ruxandra , Barbu-Tudoran Lucian , Șușman Sergiu , Bodoki Ede
Published: February 2023

(1) Background: The current limitations of glioblastoma (GBM) chemotherapy were addressed by developing a molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP)-based drug reservoir designed for the localized and sustained release of ruxolitinib (RUX) within the tumor post-resection cavity, targeting residual infiltrative cancerous cells, with minimum toxic effects toward normal tissue. (2) Methods: MIP reservoirs were synthesized by precipitation polymerization using acrylamide, trifluoromethacrylic acid, methacrylic acid, and styrene as monomers. Drug release profiles were evaluated by real-time and accelerated release studies in phosphate-buffered solution as a release medium. The cytotoxicity of polymers and free monomers was evaluated in vitro on GBM C6 cells using the Alamar Blue assay, optical microscopy, and CCK8 cell viability assay. (3) Results: Among the four synthesized MIPs, trifluoromethacrylic acid-based polymer (MIP 2) was superior in terms of loading capacity (69.9 μg RUX/mg MIP), drug release, and efficacy on GBM cells. Accelerated drug release studies showed that, after 96 h, MIP 2 released 42% of the loaded drug at pH = 7.4, with its kinetics fitted to the Korsmeyer–Peppas model. The cell viability assay proved that all studied imprinted polymers provided high efficacy on GBM cells. (4) Conclusions: Four different drug-loaded MIPs were developed and characterized within this study, with the purpose of obtaining a drug delivery system (DDS) embedded in a fibrin-based hydrogel for the local, post-surgical administration of RUX in GBM in animal models. MIP 2 emerged as superior to the others, making it more suitable and promising for further in vivo testing.
Low-Temperature Curable Negative-Tone Photosensitive Polyimides: Structure and Properties
Authors: Fan Sheng-nan , Yuan Li-li , Wang Li-zhe , Jia Bin , Ma Jia-xin , Yang Hai-xia , Yang Shi-yong
Published: February 2023

Low-temperature curable negative-tone photosensitive polyimide (n-LTPI) viscous solutions were prepared by dissolving photo-crosslinkable poly (amic ester) (pc-PAE) resin, photophotocrosslinker, photoinitiator, and the heteroaromatic base as curing catalysts, and other additives in organic solvents. Among them, the pc-PAE resin was synthesized by polycondensation of aromatic diacid chloride and diester of 2-ethoxymathacrylate, aromatic diamines in aprotic solvents. After being spun-coated on a silicon wafer surface, soft-baked, exposed to UV light, and developed, the n-LTPI with 2% of imidazole (IMZ) as a curing catalyst produced high-quality photo-patterns with line via resolution of 5 μm at 5 μm film thickness. The photo-patterned polymer films thermally cured at 230 °C/2 h in nitrogen showed 100% of the imidization degree (ID) determined by in situ FT-IR spectroscopy. The thermally cured polymer films exhibited great combined mechanical and thermal properties, including mechanical properties with tensile strength of as high as 189.0 MPa, tensile modulus of 3.7 GP, and elongation at breakage of 59.2%, as well as glass transition temperature of 282.0 °C, showing great potential in advanced microelectronic packaging applications.
ESBR Nanocomposites Filled with Monodisperse Silica Modified with Si747: The Effects of Amount and pH on Performance
Authors: Xia Lijian , Tao Anmin , Cui Jinyun , Sun Abin , Kan Ze , Liu Shaofeng
Published: February 2023

To prepare silica/rubber composites for low roll resistance tires, a novel strategy was proposed in this study, in which autonomous monodisperse silica (AS) was prepared and modified using 3-mercaptopropyloxy-methoxyl-bis(nonane-pentaethoxy) siloxane (Si747), after which silica/emulsion styrene butadiene rubber (ESBR) master batches were produced using the latex compounding technique. Meanwhile, the commercial precipitated silica (PS) was introduced as a control. In this study, the effects of amount of Si747 and pH value on the properties of the silica/ESBR composites were systematically analyzed. Thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) results indicated that Si747 reduced the silanol group by chemical grafting and physical shielding, and the optimum amounts of Si747 for AS and PS modification were confirmed to be 15% and 20%, respectively. Under a pH of 9, ESBR/modified AS (MAS) composites with 15% Si747 presented better silica dispersion and a weaker Payne effect, compared with ESBR/modified PS (MPS) composites with 20% Si747. Meanwhile, in terms of dynamic properties, the ESBR/MAS composites exhibited a better balance of lower rolling resistance and higher wet skid resistance than the ESBR/MPS composites.
Stab-Resistant Polymers—Recent Developments in Materials and Structures
Authors: Panneke Niklas , Ehrmann Andrea
Published: February 2023

Stab-resistant garments have been used for centuries, utilizing metals, paper, or polymeric structures, often inspired by natural structures such as scales. Nowadays, stab-resistant vests or vest inserts are used by police and security personnel, but also by bus drivers, ambulance officers, and other people who are empirically often attacked on duty. Since stab protection garments are often heavy and thus uncomfortable and not well accepted, whether in the form of chain-mail or metal inserts in protective vests, researchers are striving to find lightweight, drapable alternatives, often based on polymeric materials. These research attempts have recently focused on textile fabrics, mostly with impregnation by shear-thickening fluids (STFs) or ceramic coatings, as well as on lightweight composites. The first studies on 3D printed polymeric objects with tailored shapes, as well as theoretical investigations of the stab-protective effect of different materials, have been published throughout the last years. Here, we discuss different measurement methods, including dynamic and quasistatic methods, and correlations of stab-resistance with other physical properties, before we give an overview of recent developments of stab-resistant polymers, using different materials/material combinations and structures.
Research on Uprighting Process of a Capsized Ship in Combined Wind and Wave Parameters
Authors: Pan Dewei , Liu Zhijie , Zhou Zhaoxin , Geng Yanan , Shang Jinpeng , Min Zhen , Zhang Wei
Published: February 2023

At present, most salvage schemes are designed based on the calculation results of ship statics, which is still an empirical method. However, many projects are always affected by the wind and waves, and there is a significant difference between the force situation of ships with wind area and the calculation results of ship statistics. This paper analyzes the methods and tools of righting a capsized ship, establishes the righting force model of a capsized ship in wind and waves in accordance with floatation, stability, righting force, waves and wind, and then derives the method of longitudinal strength calculation. The floating state and stability of a capsized ship in four different sea conditions are calculated by GHS software, and three uprighting schemes are designed based on the number and position of the righting force. According to the size of the wind and waves, this paper simulates the uprighting process of the capsized hull in four cases. According to the results, it found that waves and wind can play a significant role in the uprighting process. Case I could reduce the righting force by 76.2~78.3% more than case III. The wind force moment of case II is about 34% less than that of case I. The size of the waves is negligible to the stability of a capsized ship; however, it also has an impact on the hull loads during the uprighting process. When the winds and waves are large, setting the location of righting force in a proper cross-section can reduce the righting force and hull loads to a certain extent. Through comparative analysis, the paper gives the righting schemes for different cases.
Experimental Research and Analysis of Soil Disturbance Behavior during the Hole Drilling Process of a Hanging-Cup Transplanter by DEM
Authors: Zeng Fandi , Li Xuying , Bai Hongbin , Cui Ji , Liu Xuening , Zhang Yongzhi
Published: February 2023

This study provides a basis for designing and optimizing the key components of hanging-cup transplanters. The discrete element method, a high-speed photography test, and indoor soil bin tests were used to explore soil disturbance behavior during the hole drilling process. A comparative analysis of the discrete element method and the high-speed photography test indicated that soil particles are mainly affected by the coupled effects of the shear force and the squeezing force of the planter. The soil disturbance range in the horizontal and longitudinal sections gradually increases with the movement of the planter. The change in the soil particle velocity of the horizontal and longitudinal sections in different zones shows a trend of first increasing, then decreasing, and finally stabilizing. The velocity of soil particles in the longitudinal section varies significantly in the direction of burial. The soil in the horizontal section mainly moves to both sides when the duckbill is opened. The closer the soil particles are to the outer wall of the duckbill, the greater the change in velocity is. The soil bin tests and simulations were carried out under different conditions, but the change trend of the simulation results is consistent with the soil bin test results, proving that the simulation model is reliable. With the forward speed of the transplanter, planting depth, and soil compactness as the test factors, and the hole depth and hole longitudinal length as the response values, an orthogonal test of three factors and three levels was designed. A regression model between each element and response value was established. The optimal parameter combination was obtained when the forward speed was 1.25 km/h, the planting depth was 80 mm, and the soil firmness was 140~150 (N/cm2); these results were experimentally verified.
Experimental Evaluation of Continuous In-Situ Biomethanation of CO2 in Anaerobic Digesters Fed on Sewage Sludge and Food Waste and the Influence of Hydrogen Gas–Liquid Mass Transfer
Authors: Poggio Davide , Sastraatmaja Arman , Walker Mark , Michailos Stavros , Nimmo William , Pourkashanian Mohamed
Published: February 2023

In-situ biomethanation combines conventional biogas production from the anaerobic digestion (AD) of organic matter with the addition of hydrogen to produce a higher quality biomethane gas. However, challenges surrounding its performance and control could hinder its uptake. To investigate this, an automated rig was designed and operated to study in-situ biomethanation with sewage sludge (SS) and food waste (FW) feedstocks. The effects that were experimentally investigated included the biogas recirculation rate, stirring intensity, and organic loading rate (OLR). All the results highlighted the rate-limiting effect of H2 gas–liquid mass transfer (measured kLa in the range of 43–82 day−1), which was implied by a lack of evidence of hydrogen-induced biological inhibition and a high average equilibrium hydrogen content in the biogas (a volume of 7–37%). At an OLR of 2 g VS L−1day−1, increasing biogas recirculation and mechanical stirring rates improved the methane evolution rate up to 0.17 and 0.23 L L−1day−1 and the H2 conversion up to 80 and 66% for sewage sludge and food waste, respectively. A lower OLR of 1 g VS L−1day−1 allowed for increased hydrogen conversion but at a lower level of methane productivity. A process model, validated on experimental data, predicted that improving the kLa to at least 240 day−1 would be required for in-situ biomethanation at OLRs common in AD systems in order to achieve a drop-in quality in terms of the biogas, with further downstream treatment required for certain applications.
Citation Accuracy: A Case Study on Definition of the Grey Water Footprint
Authors: Ansorge Libor , Stejskalová Lada
Published: February 2023

Citing sources is an important part of any research paper. A number of studies in the past have dealt with discrepancies or errors in citations. The citation errors range from several percent to tens of percent. Although in most cases, these are minor formal inconsistencies that do not prevent tracing the source used, there are cases where the citations are incorrect or refer to non-existent articles. In this study, an analysis of the citation of the grey water footprint definition was conducted. The water footprint concept was introduced in 2002 as a methodology for the description of quantity aspects linked to water use in the life cycle. The grey water footprint, which represents the quality aspects of water use, was added to the water footprint concept later on. In this study, almost 300 articles that provide a definition of the grey water footprint and are indexed in the Scopus database were reviewed. More than two-thirds of the articles added the definition by citing the source. Only 3.5% of the citing articles contained an incorrect citation that could be considered a significant error. Although this is a low number, these significant errors have been appearing only in recent years. This suggests the possibility that the percentage of errors could gradually increase as the use of grey water footprint expands in practice. In the first period (up to 2017), only the grey water footprint originators are cited. From 2017 onwards, papers not written by the originators of the grey water footprint idea are also cited.
Is There ‘Spiritual Intelligence’? An Evaluation of Strong and Weak Proposals
Authors: Watts Fraser , Dorobantu Marius
Published: February 2023

The debate about whether, and in what sense, there is ‘spiritual intelligence’ remains unresolved. We suggest it will be helpful to make a distinction between strong and weak versions of the claim. The strong version proposes that there is a separate and distinct spiritual intelligence that meets the criteria set out by Howard Gardner in his ‘multiple intelligences’ framework. This involves evidence from neuroscience, evolutionary psychology, cognitive psychology, developmental psychology, individual differences, experimental tasks, and psychometrics. We review the relevant evidence and conclude that there is no support for the strong proposal. The weak version of the claim assumes that the intelligence that is apparent in spiritual contexts is the same as is found elsewhere, but it is nevertheless deployed in a distinctive way. We suggest that the evidence supports the claim, and we review six key marks of spiritual intelligence: ineffability, embodiment, open-minded attention, pattern-seeking meaning-making, participation, and relationality. Our approach makes use of a cognitive architecture, Interacting Cognitive Subsystems (ICS), which has been proved useful in modelling spiritual practices. It will be helpful in the future to bring this approach into dialogue with other scientific approaches to spiritual intelligence from psychometrics and from experimental research.