bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Lung microbiome alterations in NSCLC patients
Authors: Zheng Leliang , Sun Ruizheng , Zhu Yinghong , Li Zheng , She Xiaoling , Jian Xingxing , Yu Fenglei , Deng Xueyu , Sai Buqing , Wang Lujuan , Zhou Wen , Wu Minghua , Li Guiyuan , Tang Jingqun , Jia Wei , Xiang Juanjuan
Published: June 2021

Lung is colonized by a diverse array of microbes and the lung microbiota is profoundly involved in the development of respiratory diseases. There is little knowledge about the role of lung microbiota dysbiosis in lung cancer. In this study, we performed metagenomic sequencing on bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) from two different sampling methods in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients and non-cancer controls. We found the obvious variation between bronchoscopy samples and lobectomy samples. Oral taxa can be found in both bronchoscopy and lobectomy samples and higher abundance of oral taxa can be found in bronchoscopy samples. Although the NSCLC patients had similar microbial communities with non-cancer controls, rare species such as Lactobacillus rossiae, Bacteroides pyogenes, Paenibacillus odorifer, Pseudomonas entomophila, Magnetospirillum gryphiswaldense, fungus Chaetomium globosum et al. showed obvious difference between NSCLC patients and non-cancer controls. Age-, gender-, and smoking-specific species and EGFR expression-related species in NSCLC patients were detected. There results implicated that different lung segments have differential lung microbiome composition. The oral taxa are found in the lobectomy samples suggesting that oral microbiota are the true members of lung microbiota, rather than contamination during bronchoscopy. Lung cancer does not obviously alter the global microbial composition, while rare species are altered more than common species. Certain microbes may be associated with lung cancer progression.
The epidemiological landscape of anemia in women of reproductive age in sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Correa-Agudelo Esteban , Kim Hae-Young , Musuka Godfrey N. , Mukandavire Zindoga , Miller F. DeWolfe , Tanser Frank , Cuadros Diego F.
Published: June 2021

The role of geographical disparities of health-related risk factors with anemia are poorly documented for women of reproductive age in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). We aimed to determine the contribution of potential factors and to identify areas at higher risk of anemia for women in reproductive age in SSA. Our study population comprised 27 nationally representative samples of women of reproductive age (15–49) who were enrolled in the Demographic and Health Surveys and conducted between 2010 and 2019 in SSA. Overall, we found a positive association between being anemic and the ecological exposure to malaria incidence [adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 1.02, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.02–1.02], and HIV prevalence (AOR = 1.01, CI 1.01–1.02). Women currently pregnant or under deworming medication for the last birth had 31% (AOR = 1.31, CI 1.24–1.39) and 5% (AOR = 1.05, CI 1.01–1.10) higher odds of having anemia, respectively. Similarly, women age 25–34 years old with low education, low income and living in urban settings had higher odds of having anemia. In addition, underweight women had 23% higher odds of suffering anemia (AOR = 1.23, CI 1.15–1.31). Females with low levels of education and wealth index were consistently associated with anemia across SSA. Spatial distribution shows increased risk of anemia in Central and Western Africa. Knowledge about the contribution of known major drivers and the spatial distribution of anemia risk can mitigate operational constraints and help to design geographically targeted intervention programs in SSA.
Characteristic and expression of Hsp70 and Hsp90 genes from Tyrophagus putrescentiae and their response to thermal stress
Authors: Wang Jing , Que Sheng-quan , Liu Xinyu , Jin Mengru , Xin Tian-Rong , Zou Zhi-wen , Xia Bin
Published: June 2021

The development of insects is critically affected by temperature, which therefore plays an important role in the control of stored grain pests. Extreme temperature stress conditions lead to biological responses in mites, such as the synthesis of heat shock proteins.Tyrophagus putrescentiae(Tp) is a pest mite in stored grain that has negative effects on both economy and health. SinceT. putrescentiaepopulation dynamics are strongly influenced by temperature, in the present study we have cloned the cDNA ofHSP70andHSP90(referred to asTpHSP70-1,TpHSP70-2andTpHSP90) and determined their expression by fluorescence real time quantitative PCR.TpHSP70andTpHSP90showed high homology with similar genes in other species and the open reading frames ofTpHSP70-1, TpHSP70-2andTpHSP90encoded proteins of 665, 661 and 718 amino acid residues, respectively. Under thermal stress, expression ofTpHsp70-1andTpHsp90was up-regulated at higher temperatures, suggesting their role in the defense against thermal stress.
Changes in urinary kidney injury molecule-1 levels after blood transfusions in preterm infants
Authors: Turner Stephanie S. , Davidson Jennifer M. , Elabiad Mohamad T.
Published: June 2021

Literature supports an association between transfusions and gut injury in preterm infants. We hypothesized that packed red blood (PRBC) transfusions are associated with kidney inflammation marked by a rise in urinary levels of Kidney Injury Molecule 1 (KIM-1). Prospectively, KIM-1 levels were measured before and then at 6, 12 and 24 h after a PRBC transfusion. Results are presented as mean (± SD) and median (IQR). Thirty-four infants, birth weight 865 (± 375) g, had higher pretransfusion KIM-1 levels of 2270 (830, 3250) pg/mg than what is normal for age. These were not associated with hematocrit levels. KIM-1 levels peaked between 6 and 12 h after the transfusion. Levels peaked to 3300 (1990, 6830) pg/mg; levels returned to pretransfusion levels of 2240 (1240, 3870) pg/mg by 24 h, p < 0.01. The 24-h post-transfusion KIM-1 levels were similar to pretransfusion levels, p = 0.63. PRBC transfusions in preterm infants are associated with an elevation in urinary KIM-1 levels. The mechanism of this association may be important in studying transfusion associated organ injury. KIM-1, as an inflammatory marker, may be helpful in assessing the effect of different transfusion volumes or in evaluating operational thresholds of anemia in premature infants.
Effect of tiger milk mushroom (Lignosus rhinocerus) supplementation on respiratory health, immunity and antioxidant status: an open-label prospective study
Authors: Tan Eugenie Sin Sing , Leo Teik Kee , Tan Chung Keat
Published: June 2021

Tiger milk mushroom (TMM;Lignosus rhinocerus) have been used for a long time by indigenous communities in South East Asia regions as traditional medicine for different ailments, including respiratory disorders. The beneficial effects of TMM have been proven through in vivo and in vitro models, but these effects have yet to be validated in a clinical study. In this study, the beneficial effects of TMM supplementation were investigated in 50 voluntary participants. Participants were required to take 300 mg of TMM twice daily for three months. Level of interleukin 1β (IL-1β), interleukin 8 (IL-8), immunoglobulin A (IgA), total antioxidant capacity, malondialdehyde (MDA), 3-nitrotyrosine (3-NT), 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), pulmonary function and respiratory symptoms were assessed during baseline and monthly follow-up visits. Results demonstrated that supplementation of TMM significantly (p < 0.05) suppressed the level of IL-1β, IL-8, MDA, as well as respiratory symptoms. In additional to that, TMM also significantly (p < 0.05) induced the level of IgA, total antioxidant capacity, as well as pulmonary function. Analyses of data indicated that gender and BMI were factors influencing the outcomes of antioxidant status. Collectively, our findings suggested that TMM supplementation effectively improves respiratory health, immunity and antioxidant status.
Modeling of aerosol transmission of airborne pathogens in ICU rooms of COVID-19 patients with acute respiratory failure
Authors: Crawford Cyril , Vanoli Emmanuel , Decorde Baptiste , Lancelot Maxime , Duprat Camille , Josserand Christophe , Jilesen Jonathan , Bouadma Lila , Timsit Jean-François
Published: June 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic has generated many concerns about cross-contamination risks, particularly in hospital settings and Intensive Care Units (ICU). Virus-laden aerosols produced by infected patients can propagate throughout ventilated rooms and put medical personnel entering them at risk. Experimental results found with a schlieren optical method have shown that the air flows generated by a cough and normal breathing were modified by the oxygenation technique used, especially when using High Flow Nasal Canulae, increasing the shedding of potentially infectious airborne particles. This study also uses a 3D Computational Fluid Dynamics model based on a Lattice Boltzmann Method to simulate the air flows as well as the movement of numerous airborne particles produced by a patient’s cough within an ICU room under negative pressure. The effects of different mitigation scenarii on the amount of aerosols potentially containing SARS-CoV-2 that are extracted through the ventilation system are investigated. Numerical results indicate that adequate bed orientation and additional air treatment unit positioning can increase by 40% the number of particles extracted and decrease by 25% the amount of particles deposited on surfaces 45s after shedding. This approach could help lay the grounds for a more comprehensive way to tackle contamination risks in hospitals, as the model can be seen as a proof of concept and be adapted to any room configuration.
Effects of Covid-19 confinement on the mental health of children and adolescents in Spain
Authors: Pizarro-Ruiz Juan Pablo , Ordóñez-Camblor Nuria
Published: June 2021

In Spain, in order to control COVID-19 transmission, one of the strictest confinement measures in the world for children and teenagers has been implemented. From 14 March to 26 April 2020 underage Spaniards were not allowed to leave their homes, except for reasons of force majeure. This could have consequences on their mental health in both the short and the long term. Thus, the aim of the present study was to explore the consequences of confinement on the mental health of Spanish children and teenagers, at the time when minors had been locked down in their homes between 8 and 10 days. The sample was composed of 590 confined Spanish children and teenagers between 8 and 18 years old. The scales of Depression, Self-esteem, Anxiety, Problems with Emotional Regulation, Rage Control Problems, Integration and Social Competence, Somatic Complaints, Rebellious Behaviour, as well as Awareness of the Problems of the Assessment System for Children and Adolescents (SENA) were used. The results revealed that, during confinement, children and adolescents showed emotional and behavioural alterations. This study, as far as we know, is the first one to explore the psychological consequences of lockdown in minors while it was taking place, with them being the ones directly assessed.
Association of dietary fiber intake with metabolic syndrome among adult cancer survivors: a population-based cross-sectional study
Authors: Kim Kyuwoong , Chang Yoonjung
Published: June 2021

Nutrient intake for adult cancer survivors is of clinical importance for managing metabolic health. Whether dietary fiber intake is associated with metabolic syndrome (MetS) or not in adult cancer survivors is uncertain. We aim to investigate the association between dietary fiber intake and MetS in adult cancer survivors using a population-based cross-sectional study. A study sample of 1301 adult cancer survivors aged more than 20 years from the sixth and seventh Korea Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES) from 2013 to 2018 was identified. Odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were estimated from multiple logistic regression adjusted for sociodemographic factors, health behavior, and nutritional status. Among 1,301 adult cancer survivors identified from the KNHANES 2013–2018, the mean dietary fiber intake was 28.1 g/day (standard error, 0.54). Compared to the first quintile of dietary fiber intake, the adjusted ORs and 95% CIs for MetS in the second, third, fourth, and fifth quintiles of dietary fiber intake were 0.84 (0.27–2.61), 0.77 (0.16–3.74), 0.55 (0.14–2.22), and 0.26 (0.05–1.39), respectively (p value for trend = 0.0007). Our findings suggest that high dietary fiber intake is marginally associated with reduced odds of MetS in adult cancer survivors.
Design, synthesis, molecular docking, and in vitro α-glucosidase inhibitory activities of novel 3-amino-2,4-diarylbenzo[4,5]imidazo[1,2-a]pyrimidines against yeast and rat α-glucosidase
Authors: Peytam Fariba , Takalloobanafshi Ghazaleh , Saadattalab Toktam , Norouzbahari Maryam , Emamgholipour Zahra , Moghimi Setareh , Firoozpour Loghman , Bijanzadeh Hamid Reza , Faramarzi Mohammad Ali , Mojtabavi Somayeh , Rashidi-Ranjbar Parviz , Karima Saeed , Pakraad Roya , Foroumadi Alireza
Published: June 2021

In an attempt to find novel, potent α-glucosidase inhibitors, a library of poly-substituted 3-amino-2,4-diarylbenzo[4,5]imidazo[1,2-a]pyrimidines 3a–ag have been synthesized through heating a mixture of 2-aminobenzimidazoles 1 and α-azidochalcone 2 under the mild conditions. This efficient, facile protocol has been resulted into the desirable compounds with a wide substrate scope in good to excellent yields. Afterwards, their inhibitory activities against yeast α-glucosidase enzyme were investigated. Showing IC50 values ranging from 16.4 ± 0.36 µM to 297.0 ± 1.2 µM confirmed their excellent potency to inhibit α-glucosidase which encouraged us to perform further studies on α-glucosidase enzymes obtained from rat as a mammal source. Among various synthesized 3-amino-2,4-diarylbenzo[4,5]imidazo[1,2-a]pyrimidines, compound 3k exhibited the highest potency against both Saccharomyces cerevisiae α-glucosidase (IC50 = 16.4 ± 0.36 μM) and rat small intestine α-glucosidase (IC50 = 45.0 ± 8.2 μM). Moreover, the role of amine moiety on the observed activity was studied through substituting with chlorine and hydrogen resulted into a considerable deterioration on the inhibitory activity. Kinetic study and molecular docking study have confirmed the in-vitro results.
The L730V/I RET roof mutations display different activities toward pralsetinib and selpercatinib
Authors: Shen Tao , Hu Xueqing , Liu Xuan , Subbiah Vivek , Mooers Blaine H. M. , Wu Jie
Published: June 2021

Recently Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved pralsetinib (BLU-667) and selpercatinib (LOXO-292) are RET-selective protein tyrosine kinase inhibitors for treating RET-altered cancers, but whether they have distinct activity was unknown. The L730V/I mutations at the roof of the solvent-front site of the RET kinase were identified as strongly resistant to pralsetinib but not to selpercatinib. Selpercatinib effectively inhibited these mutants and the KIF5B-RET(L730V/I) oncogene-driven tumors.
The Mutable Collagenous Tissue of Echinoderms: From Biology to Biomedical Applications
Authors: Wilkie I. C. , Sugni M. , Gupta H. S. , Carnevali M. D. Candia , Elphick M. R.
Published: June 2021

The mutable collagenous tissue (MCT) of echinoderms (starfish, sea-urchins and their close relations) has the capacity to drastically alter its mechanical properties within a timescale of seconds under the control of the nervous system. MCT is of central importance to the biology of echinoderms: postural fixation of the body or its appendages depends on passive MCT stiffening, and all autotomy (defensive self-detachment) mechanisms involve irreversible MCT destabilisation. This chapter reviews research on the biology and biomedical applications of MCT. It focuses on recent advances in knowledge of its organisation, biomechanics, molecular mechanisms of tensile change and neural control and demonstrates that MCT has attracted interest as a source of constituents for the construction of novel materials with potential biomedical applications and as a source of inspiration for the design of entirely artificial materials with adaptable and controllable mechanical properties.
Soft Fibrillar Biomaterials by Fibre Spinning Routes
Authors: Ulloa D. Torres , Blaker J. J.
Published: June 2021

There have been significant advances in the last two decades in the development of scaffolds for tissue engineering and regeneration. We now have more bio-interactive materials available and techniques to mimic aspects of the extra cellular matrix (ECM) found in native tissues. A raft of fibre spinning techniques and combinatorial additive manufacture technologies have been developed, and it is now possible to produce complex shapes that exhibit some of the structural hierarchies, mechanical properties and cell guidance cues found in the ECM, as well as incorporate electrically conductive elements for stimulation and sensing. Examples of the spinning technologies in combination with new biomaterials approaches are discussed using skin, the heart, vascular grafts, and peripheral nerve conduits to highlight some of these approaches. The ability to develop biomimetic tissue analogues and micro-tissue models using these tools will enable deeper understanding of cell–material interactions for improved scaffolds, as well as disease modelling and drug screening.
Shaping Soft Structures Using Bottom-up Layer-by-layer Assembly Technology for Biomedical Applications
Authors: Borges J. , Sousa C. F. V. , Bjørge I. M. , Nadine S. , Correia C. R. , Patrício S. G. , Mano J. F.
Published: June 2021

Layer-by-layer (LbL) assembly is an easier, inexpensive, and highly versatile bottom-up methodology to modify surfaces and fabricate functional multilayer thin films and nanocomposites with fine-tuned compositions, structures, properties, and functions at the nanoscale. Since the early stages of its development, LbL technology has gathered increasing attention across different fields of application, including in the biomedical field owing to its mild processing conditions. In this chapter, we review the multitude of templates, spanning from the zero-dimensional to the three-dimensional, for shaping a diverse set of multifunctional soft-based LbL structures aiming for biomedical applications. Several examples are given on multilayered structures, including nano-to-macro particles and hollow capsules or tubes, multilayered thin films and free-standing membranes, multi-compartmentalized systems, porous scaffolds, and even dynamic living cell platforms, which can act as unprecedented building blocks to create highly complex LbL devices. We envisage that such a multitude of functional LbL devices will stimulate scientists to pursue the further development of LbL technology and foster its effective translation to practical biomedical applications.
Polysaccharide-based Hydrogels for the Controlled Delivery of Therapeutic Biomacromolecules
Authors: Rial-Hermida M. I. , Rey-Rico A. , Carballo-Pedrares N. , Mano J. F.
Published: June 2021

In the last decade, polysaccharide hydrogels have been extensively used in the development of novel drug delivery systems. Their excellent biocompatible and biodegradation characteristics as well as their green origin make them an appealing resource for their implementation. In this chapter, we sum up various polysaccharide hydrogels of diverse nature, combined or not with other polymers or drug delivery systems, implemented in the delivery of biotherapeutics as proteins, growth factors, gene vector, enzymes, hormones or monoclonal antibodies, with a special focus on pharmaceutical and biotechnological fields.
Detection and mapping of haemoglobin variants in blood fingermarks by MALDI MS for suspect “profiling”
Authors: Heaton Cameron , Witt Matthias , Cole Laura , Eyre Jason , Tazzyman Simon , McColm Richard , Francese Simona
Published: June 2021

The detection and visualisation of haemoglobin variants from a bloodstain or a blood mark enable to narrow down the pool of suspects whilst providing identifying biometric information.
Three asymmetric BODIPY derivatives as fluorescent probes for highly selective and sensitive detection of cysteine in living cells
Authors: Yue Jinlei , Wang Nannan , Wang Jiamin , Tao Yuanfang , Wang Han , Liu Jinying , Zhang Jian , Jiao Junrong , Zhao Weili
Published: June 2021

Three new asymmetric BODIPY-based fluorescent probes were designed and synthesized for highly selective and sensitive detection of cysteine. These probes were able to image exogenous and endogenous Cys through green or red channels in living cells.
Spin crossover in iron(ii) Hofmann clathrates analogues with 1,2,3-triazole
Authors: Kuzevanova Iryna S. , Kucheriv Olesia I. , Hiiuk Volodymyr M. , Naumova Dina D. , Shova Sergiu , Shylin Sergii I. , Kotsyubynsky Volodymyr O. , Rotaru Aurelian , Fritsky Igor O. , Gural'skiy Il'ya A.
Published: June 2021

2D coordination cyanometallic frameworks supported by the 1,2,3-triazole ligand display thermally induced cooperative spin crossover.
A computationally efficient model to represent the chemistry, thermodynamics, and microphysics of secondary organic aerosols (simpleSOM): model development and application to α-pinene SOA
Authors: Jathar Shantanu H. , Cappa Christopher D. , He Yicong , Pierce Jeffrey R. , Chuang Wayne , Bilsback Kelsey R. , Seinfeld John H. , Zaveri Rahul A. , Shrivastava Manish
Published: June 2021

Secondary organic aerosols (SOA) constitute an important fraction of fine-mode atmospheric aerosol mass.
Towards circular carbo-chemicals – the metamorphosis of petrochemicals
Authors: Lange J.-P.
Published: June 2021

The petrochemical industry must transition into a circular carbo-chemical industry to respond to three main challenges: shifting hydrocarbon stock, climate change and circular economy.
Bi-functional interfaces by poly(ionic liquid) treatment in efficient pin and nip perovskite solar cells
Authors: Caprioglio Pietro , Cruz Daniel Saul , Caicedo-Dávila Sebastián , Zu Fengshuo , Sutanto Albertus Adrian , Peña-Camargo Francisco , Kegelmann Lukas , Meggiolaro Daniele , Gregori Luca , Wolff Christian M. , Stiller Burkhard , Perdigón-Toro Lorena , Köbler Hans , Li Bor , Gutierrez-Partida Emilio , Lauermann Iver , Abate Antonio , Koch Norbert , De Angelis Filippo , Rech Bernd , Grancini Giulia , Abou-Ras Daniel , Nazeeruddin Mohammad Khaja , Stolterfoht Martin , Albrecht Steve , Antonietti Markus , Neher Dieter
Published: June 2021

In this work, we demonstrate how the use of a poly(ionic liquid) interlayer in combination with perovskite solar cells provides a bi-functionality of the surface allowing to concomitantly reduce the energy losses, enhance the charge extraction and improve the device stability all at once.
Electrocoagulation for industrial wastewater treatment: an updated review
Authors: Jing Gaogui , Ren Shuai , Pooley Stephen , Sun Wei , Kowalczuk Przemyslaw B. , Gao Zhiyong
Published: June 2021

Electrocoagulation (EC) is a promising method that has been effectively employed in the treatment of various types of industrial effluents.
Kaempferol attenuates diquat-induced oxidative damage and apoptosis in intestinal porcine epithelial cells
Authors: Jin Yuhang , Zhai Zhian , Jia Hai , Lai Jinhua , Si Xuemeng , Wu Zhenlong
Published: June 2021

Kaempferol blocked diquat-induced ROS generation in IPEC-1 cells.
Rh2-enriched Korean ginseng (Ginseng Rh2+) inhibits tumor growth and development of metastasis of non-small cell lung cancer
Authors: Lev-ari Shahar , Starr Alexander N. , Vexler Akiva , Kalich-Philosoph Lital , Yoo Hwa-seung , Kwon Ki-rok , Yadgar Meital , Bondar Ekaterina , Bar-shai Amir , Volovitz Ilan , Schwarz Yehuda
Published: June 2021

While there are multiple studies on the anti-tumoral effects ofPanax ginsengas an active ingredient/s or as a whole plant extract, there is a lack of studies to assess the effect ofPanax ginsengactive ingredients combined with the whole plant extract.
Structure–activity relationship of avocadyne
Authors: Tcheng Matthew , Cunha Vitor L. S. , Ahmed Nawaz , Liu Xiaofan , Smith Richard W. , Rea Kevin A. , Akhtar Tariq A. , D'Alessandro Angelo , Minden Mark D. , Vockley Jerry , O'Doherty George A. , Lowary Todd L. , Spagnuolo Paul A.
Published: June 2021

Structural components including the terminal triple bond, the presence and (R)-stereochemistry of the hydroxyl groups, and number of carbons in avocadyne's aliphatic linear chain are critical to its ability to modulate fatty acid oxidation.
Gastrodin extends the lifespan and protects against neurodegeneration in the Drosophila PINK1 model of Parkinson's disease
Authors: He Jianzheng , Li Xu , Yang Shipei , Li Yaling , Lin Xingyao , Xiu Minghui , Li Xuexiang , Liu Yongqi
Published: June 2021

Gastrodin feeding extends lifespan, improves antioxidant ability, and delays the onset of a Parkinson-like phenotypes in Pink1B9 mutant, but does not ameliorate the tau-induced neurobehavioral deficits in Drosophila melanogaster.
Efficient visible-light-driven hydrogen production by Zn–porphyrin based photocatalyst with engineered active donor–acceptor sites
Authors: Chanda Nageshwarrao , Koteshwar Devulapally , Gonuguntla Spandana , Bojja Sreedhar , Pal Ujjwal , Giribabu Lingamallu
Published: June 2021

Significantly enhanced hydrogen evolution achieved from fine-tuned donor-π-acceptor based zinc-porphyrin sensitized TiO2 photocatalyst.
Incommensurate transition-metal dichalcogenides via mechanochemical reshuffling of binary precursors
Authors: Hlova Ihor Z. , Singh Prashant , Malynych Serhiy Z. , Gamernyk Roman V. , Dolotko Oleksandr , Pecharsky Vitalij K. , Johnson Duane D. , Arroyave Raymundo , Pathak Arjun K. , Balema Viktor P.
Published: June 2021

A new family of semiconducting heterostructured transition-metal dichalcogenides (TMDCs) with incommensurate (“misfit”) spatial arrangements has been prepared from structurally dissimilar 2H-MoS2 and 1T-HfS2 upon mechanical processing and annealing.
Unprecedented Ag–Cu2O composited mesocrystals with efficient charge separation and transfer as well as visible light harvesting for enhanced photocatalytic activity
Authors: Sun Shaodong , Zhang Xiaochuan , Yu Xiaojing , Cui Jie , Yang Man , Yang Qing , Xiao Peng , Liang Shuhua
Published: June 2021

Unprecedented Ag–Cu2O composited mesocrystals were synthesized in this work, which simultaneously possessed efficient charge separation and transfer as well as visible light harvesting for enhanced photocatalytic activity.
Probing the plasmon-driven Suzuki–Miyaura coupling reactions with cargo-TERS towards tailored catalysis
Authors: Li Zhandong , Kurouski Dmitry
Published: June 2021

A plasmon-driven Suzuki–Miyaura coupling has been probed by tip-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (TERS).
Magnetic perovskite nanoparticles for latent fingerprint detection
Authors: Wei Tong , Han Jiachen , Wang Le , Tao Jiaqi , Zhang Hu , Xu Da , Su Sijing , Fan Chao , Bi Wengang , Sun Chun
Published: June 2021

Fe3O4@SiO2–CsPbBr3 as a new type of bifunctional magnetic-fluorescent nanoparticle has been designed to detect latent fingerprints and showed excellent performance in detecting fingerprints.
Tagetes erecta as an organic precursor: synthesis of highly fluorescent CQDs for the micromolar tracing of ferric ions in human blood serum
Authors: Sagar Pinky , Gupta Gopal Krishna , Srivastava Monika , Srivastava Amit , Srivastava S. K.
Published: June 2021

TE-CQDs synthesized via the hydrothermal method for the detection of Fe3+ in HBS.
Reticular design and crystal structure determination of covalent organic frameworks
Authors: Nguyen Ha L.
Published: June 2021

This article describes the conceptual basis of rational design in COF chemistry and comprehensively discusses the crystal structure determination of COFs using the topological approach, X-ray diffraction, and 3D electron diffraction.
Mapping the binding site topology of amyloid protein aggregates using multivalent ligands
Authors: Sanna Elena , Rodrigues Margarida , Fagan Steven G. , Chisholm Timothy S. , Kulenkampff Klara , Klenerman David , Spillantini Maria Grazia , Aigbirhio Franklin I. , Hunter Christopher A.
Published: June 2021

Multivalent ligands offer a powerful approach to obtain high affinity reagents to bind the aggregates that form in neurodegenerative disease. Selectivity for different proteins was achieved by using different linkers to connect the head groups.
Rapid and robust cysteine bioconjugation with vinylheteroarenes
Authors: Seki Hikaru , Walsh Stephen J. , Bargh Jonathan D. , Parker Jeremy S. , Carroll Jason , Spring David R.
Published: June 2021

Vinylheteroarene linkers can chemoselectively modify cysteine residues in proteins and antibodies. These linkers give stable bioconjugates, and were used to synthesise efficacious antibody-drug conjugates.
Improved corrosion resistance and biocompatibility of biomedical magnesium alloy with polypeptide TK14 functionalised hydrophobic coating
Authors: Shen Yang , Shen Xiaolong , Zhang Hao , Li Xin , Shang Tengda , Zhao Yuancong , Wang Jin , Huang Nan
Published: June 2021

Magnesium (Mg) and its alloys can be used as biomedical materials because of their excellent mechanical properties and biocompatibility. However, the rapid degradation rate of Mg‐based materials limits their application in biodegradable intravascular stents. To overcome this issue, we constructed a hydrophobic coating on magnesium. After pre‐treatments with alkali and a silane coupling agent of pure magnesium, 4,4’‐diphenylmethane‐diisocyanate (MDI) and amino‐terminated polydimethylsiloxane (H2N–PDMS–NH2) were stepwise deposited on the surface, forming an amino‐containing hydrophobic coating (–(M/P)3) to enhance the corrosion resistance. Furthermore, polypeptide TK14 was immobilised on the hydrophobic coating to promote vascular endothelial cell adhesion and proliferation. The electrochemical results revealed that the self‐corrosion current density (icorr) of –(M/P)3 decreased by approximately 4.5 orders of magnitude compared with that of pure Mg. After TK14 immobilisation, the number of endothelial cells adhering to the surface of –(M/P)3–T increased significantly. Although the corrosion resistance of –(M/P)3–T was slightly reduced, the subcutaneous implantation inflammatory response of the surrounding tissues was lower, showing suitable biocompatibility. Therefore, the polypeptide TK14 functionalised hydrophobic coating may be a promising candidate material for the interface of magnesium‐based cardiovascular implants.
Changes in granulation scales over the solar cycle seen with SDO/HMI and Hinode/SOT
Authors: Ballot J. , Roudier T. , Malherbe J. M. , Frank Z.
Published: June 2021

Context. The Sun is the only star where the superficial turbulent convection can be observed at very high spatial resolution. The Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO) has continuously observed the full Sun from space with multi-wavelength filters since July 2010. In particular, the Helioseismic and Magnetic Imager (HMI) instrument takes high-cadence frames (45 s) of continuum intensity in which solar granulation is visible.

Aims. We aimed to follow the evolution of the solar granules over an activity cycle and look for changes in their spatial properties.

Methods. We investigated the density of granules and their mean area derived directly from the segmentation of deconvolved images from SDO/HMI. To perform the segmentation, we define granules as convex elements of images.

Results. We measured an approximately 2% variation in the density and the mean area of granules over the cycle, the density of granules being greater at solar maximum with a smaller granule mean area. The maximum density appears to be delayed by about one year compared to classical activity indicators, such as the sunspot number. We complemented this study with high-spatial-resolution observations obtained with Hinode/SOTBFI (Solar Optical Telescope Broadband Filter Imager), which are consistent with our results.

Conclusions. The observed variations in solar granulation at the disc centre reveal a direct insight into the change in the physical properties that occur in the upper convective zone during a solar cycle. These variations can be due to interactions between convection and magnetic fields, either at the global scale or, locally, at the granulation scale.
Vegetation recovery in open cast mines of Tver Region
Authors: Parakhina Elena , Naumova Ksenia
Published: June 2021

In the study natural plant communities appearing at the first stages of vegetation recovery in open cuts are described. Sixty-three species of higher vascular plants were found, six of which are adventive (Bunias orientalis L., Cichorium intybus L., Cirsium arvense (L.) Scop., Melilotus albus Medik., Sedum spurium M.Bieb., Solidago canadensis L.). Species from the Asteraceae (15), Gramíneae (8), Fabáceae (7) families prevail. The predominant life form according to I. Serebryakov are long-rhizome. According to G. Zozulin’s classification, plants belonging to the meadow and birch formations are most common. The associations of Calamagrostis epigejos and Bromus inermis predominate. Cirsium arvense (L.) Scop., Heracleum sibiricum L., Campanula glomerata L. are single.
Determination of background concentrations of tropospheric ozone in natural and anthropogenically changed conditions using the phase portraits approach
Authors: Khaustov Aleksandr , Redina Margarita , Khaustova Nonna
Published: June 2021

Н основе анализа суточной и месячной динамики получены фоновые значения, которые могут впоследствии использоваться для управления качеством атмосферы в рамках квотирования выбросов. Полученные оценки верифицировались с использованием официальных методических указаний. Показано, что методики дают близки значения фоновых концентрация для более длительных периодов наблюдений. Tropospheric ozone is one of the most active and toxic pollutants in the atmosphere. The dynamics of its concentrations is determined not only by the characteristics of emissions of precursor substances, but also by the complex of meteorological conditions. Atmospheric quality control requires the regulation of emissions based on the consideration of background concentrations and acceptable hygiene standards. The proposed article presents approaches to the estimation of background concentrations using the analysis of phase portraits based on continuous observations of the concentrations of ozone, its precursor substances, as well as a number of meteorological parameters. The dynamic phase portraits for the conditions of Moscow (Southern Administrative District) and the background territory (Krasnye polyany) are analyzed. Based on the analysis of daily and monthly dynamics, background values are obtained, which can later be used to control the quality of the atmosphere within the framework of emission quotas arrangement. The obtained estimates were verified using official methodological guidelines. It is shown that the methods give similar values of background concentrations for longer periods of observations (month and more).
Calculation of ground-level concentrations and mapping of pollutant dispersion fields
Authors: Keldiyarova Gulmira F. , Madjidova Tanzila R.
Published: June 2021

This article examines the impact of building materials manufacturing on public health and the environment. It is noted that the assessment processes were carried out on the basis of modern software and the analysis of the width of the atmospheric emissions of harmful substances emitted by enterprises. In addition, the use of normative documents, the accounting of the sources of emissions are recorded. And also, the rules for the field of dispersion of pollutants in the surface layer of the atmosphere are given.
Assessment of soil biocontamination with toxocara eggs in urbanized ecosystems
Authors: Maslennikova Olga , Erofeeva Viktoriya
Published: June 2021

Toxocariasis in the Russian Federation is the most dangerous of the common helminthiases that can affect dogs or cats. Toxocariasis is a zoonotic geohelminthiasis, which is naturally transmitted from vertebrates to humans and poses a threat to people as a source of infection in megacities. In order to study the prevalence of toxocars among domestic and stray dogs living in the urbanized ecosystems of the Kirov region, the study of dog excrement by the flotation method has been carried out for 3 years. The results of the research show that, on average, in the village of Zagarye of the Yuryansk region, the amount of the dogs infected with toxocariasis is 64%, in the yards and children's playgrounds - 76.6%. In the parks of Kirov, the amount of infected dogs is 28.0 ± 2.3% and 21.0 ± 3.6%, respectively. The calculated values of soil biocontamination in the parks of Kirov per day are 1948.64 and 1205.0 thousand eggs, in the village of Zagarye - 161,014.0 thousand Toxocara eggs. During the year, these values reach astronomical values: 711 253, 6 thousand, 439 854.0 thousand and 58 770 110.0 thousand toxocara eggs, respectively. The high prevalence rates of infection with Toxocara spp. among stray and domestic animals create conditions that can lead to constant pollution of urbanized ecosystems and cause a tense ecological and epidemic situation in the city.
Environmental impact assessment of industrial enterprises (on the example of objects of category I,II of environmental impact in the Samarkand region)
Authors: Madjidova Tanzila R. , Boboeva Gulmira S. , Keldiyarova Gulmira F.
Published: June 2021

As a result, the implementation of measures to protect the atmosphere (the use of innovative technologies in the introduction of dust and gas cleaning equipment, the conversion of cars to gaseous fuel, the renewal of rolling stock, the implementation of the state program to reduce emissions), the stabilization of the environment is observed. It is necessary to carry out technical re-equipment of key sectors of the economy, the introduction of new technologies, as well as the stabilization and reduction of emissions of pollutants into the atmosphere. It is recommended to take additional measures to ensure that the amount of pollutants released into the atmosphere as a result of the operation of the facility does not exceed the permissible level, to install dust-collecting equipment that captures dust with high efficiency (up to 99.5%).
Assessment of the ecotoxicity of bismuth at the phytotoxicity of soils
Authors: Sudina Lyudmila , Kolesnikov Sergey , Minnikova Tatiana , Ter-Misakyants Tigran , Nevedomaya Helena , Kazeev Kamil
Published: June 2021

The results of the study of the ecotoxicity of bismuth on ordinary chernozem, brown forest soils and sierosands along the length of radish roots are presented. Small doses of 1.5-3 mg/kg of bismuth stimulated the growth of radish roots on ordinary chernozem. The maximum toxicity of bismuth carbonate and nitrate at a dose of 300 mg / kg was established on sierosands (reduction in the length of radish roots by 43% of the control). Bismuth carbonate 300 mg/kg showed the greatest toxicity when applied to ordinary chernozem and brown forest soil and reduced the length of radish roots by 31 and 44% of control, respectively. The series of toxicity ((on radish’s root length) of chemical forms of bismuth for soils forms the following sequence: bismuth carbonate (84) ≥ bismuth nitrate (86) > bismuth oxide (90). The toxic effect of bismuth depends on the form and concentration of bismuth in the soil,the particle-size composition, the reaction of the soil environment and the content of organic matter in the soil.
Ecological and physiological assessment of adaptation processes of nonresident students to the anthropogenic conditions of Moscow
Authors: Majorova Yana , Efremova Dilyara , Severin Alexander , Shevtsov Vasily , Isaev Konstantin , Laver Bogdan , Alam Shamsher
Published: June 2021

The article provides an ecological and physiological assessment of the adaptation of nonresident students to the anthropogenic conditions of the metropolitan metropolis. The complex of environmental factors (socio-economic, ecological and anthropogenic factors) that play a significant role in the dynamics of adaptation of students is considered. The analysis of the obtained data showed that a complex of environmental factors of a large city causes a violation of the rhythm of sleep and wakefulness and the level of personal and situational anxiety. The presented complex of stress factors in general has a significant impact on the mental health of nonresident students, which is manifested in a high level of personal and situational anxiety and deterioration of the functional state of the autonomic nervous system. All this in general led to mental discomfort and to overstrain the adaptation processes of nonresident students of different courses.
Informational and constitutional framework for ensuring the accuracy of environmental information disclosure
Authors: Bulanova Valeriya , Petrovskaya Olga
Published: June 2021

This article is dedicated to the study of the issue of ensuring the accuracy of environmental information disclosure and its informational and constitutional framework. Compliance with the obligatory transparency of environmental information, as well as its accuracy, the need for and reality of observance of informational and constitutional foundations for enforcement of the rights of citizens is the subject of heated discussions. The article makes an emphasis on the nonexistence of a definition for the term “accuracy of information” in the current Russian legislation. Due to the tightening of responsibility for the dissemination of fake information on the Internet, the problem of the definition of “the accuracy of environmental information” takes on special significance. The author calls attention to the facts of untimely disclosure of information about a number of environmental disasters and to the need for improvement of information and legal mechanisms.
Probing regolith-covered surfaces in low gravity
Authors: Kollmer Jonathan E. , Featherstone Jack , Bullard Robert , Emm Tristan , Jackson Anna , Reid Riley , Shefferman Sean , Dove Adrienne , Colwell Joshua , Daniels Karen E.
Published: June 2021

The surfaces of many planetary bodies, including asteroids, moons, and planets, are composed of rubble-like grains held together by varying levels of gravitational attraction and cohesive forces. Future instrumentation for operation on, and interacting with, such surfaces will require efficient and effective design principles and methods of testing. Here we present results from the EMPANADA experiment (Ejecta-Minimizing Protocols for Applications Needing Anchoring or Digging on Asteroids) which flew on several reduced gravity parabolic flights. EMPANADA studies the effects of the insertion of a flexible probe into a granular medium as a function of ambient gravity. This is done for an idealized 2D system as well as a more realistic 3D sample. To quantify the dynamics inside the 2D granular material we employ photoelasticity to identify the grain-scale forces throughout the system, while in 3D experiments we use simulated regolith. Experiments were conducted at three different levels of gravity: martian, lunar, and microgravity. In this work, we demonstrate that the photoelastic technique provides results that complement traditional load cell measurements in the 2D sample, and show that the idealized system exhibits similar behaviour to the more realistic 3D sample. We note that the presence of discrete, stick-slip failure events depends on the gravitational acceleration.
Planar column collapse of elongated grains
Authors: Jara Andrea , Cabrera Miguel
Published: June 2021

The granular column collapse is a benchmark configuration for the study of granular flows in dry, saturated, and submerged conditions. The collapse sequence and resultant mobility is acknowledged to be controlled by the column aspect ratio, while grain properties define the relative transition of each stage. Grain shape effects are found to modify the global shear resistance of granular media, with a strong and coupled interaction when interacting with a fluid. In this work, we present the first steps towards the study of grain shape effects in a column collapse when interacting with an ambient fluid. For this purpose, we use a planar configuration and explore the collapse of a column consisting of rod-like grains and study the initial and after collapse grain orientations. On it, the mobilized grains deposit in a preferential horizontal orientation, but further experiments are required to confirm if a nematic configuration can be achieved.
Rheology of two-dimensional crushable granular materials
Authors: Ishikawa Haruto , Takada Satoshi , Matsumoto Yuji
Published: June 2021

The rheology of two-dimensional crushable granular materials under shear is numerically studied using the discrete element method. We find that the mean fragment size changes as the shear strain increases while the shear stress is almost independent of this mean size. The fragment size distribution is found to follow a power law. In particular, the exponent in the intermediate fragment size regime becomes approximately – 11/6, which is almost independent of the shear rate.
Modeling particle-fluid interaction in a coupled CFD-DEM framework
Authors: Fonceca Ilberto , Maza Diego , Cruz Hidalgo Raúl
Published: June 2021

In this work, we present an alternative methodology to solve the particle-fluid interaction in the resolved CFDEM ® coupling framework. This numerical approach consists of coupling a Discrete Element Method (DEM) with a Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) scheme, solving the motion of immersed particles in a fluid phase. As a novelty, our approach explicitly accounts for the body force acting on the fluid phase when computing the local momentum balance equations. Accordingly, we implement a fluid-particle interaction computing the buoyant and drag forces as a function of local shear strain and pressure gradient. As a benchmark, we study the Stokesian limit of a single particle. The validation is performed comparing our outcomes with the ones provided by a previous resolved methodology and the analytical prediction. In general, we find that the new implementation reproduces with very good accuracy the Stokesian dynamics. Complementarily, we study the settling terminal velocity of a sphere under confined conditions.
Transients in pressure-imposed shearing of dense granular suspensions
Authors: Athani Shivakumar , Forterre Yoel , Metzger Bloen , Mari Romain
Published: June 2021

Granular materials whether dry or immersed in fluid show dilation or compaction depending upon the initial conditions, solid fraction and normal stress. Here we probe the transient response of a dense granular suspension subjected to change of applied normal stress under simple shear. In this aim, normal-stress-imposed discrete element particle simulations are developed considering the contributions arising from the drag induced on the particles by fluid phase. These pressure-imposed simulations show transient behaviors of dense granular suspensions such as dilation or compaction before reaching a steady state following the µ(J) rheology. Less expectedly, the transient behavior, in particular the height of the system as a function of applied strain, can also be described by assuming that the system follows the steady µ(J) rheology at all times.