bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Spontaneous Hematomas and Deep Vein Thrombosis during the Recovery from a SARS-CoV-2 Infection: Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Tudoran Cristina , Tudoran Mariana , Abu-Awwad Ahmed , Cut Talida , Voiță-Mekereș Florica
Published: February 2022

Background: The frequent occurrence of thromboembolic events in patients infected with the severe acute respiratory syndrome CoV2 (SARS-CoV-2) virus is a well-recognized fact in the medical literature, but less data is available about possible hemorrhagic incidents. Methods: We report the case of a 76-year-old patient who suffered from a mild COVID-19 infection in September 2021 and after four weeks, experienced a completely spontaneous popliteal hematoma followed by deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Therapy with low molecular weight heparins (LMWH) was started, but subsequently, the patient developed a massive sub-pectoral and calf hematoma leading to moderate post-hemorrhagic anemia and acute kidney injury. This patient was treated completely conservatively. Conclusions: Considering the continuous spread of the infection with various, continuously evolving strains of this virus and the extended use of LWMH in clinical practice, such cases were seldom described in the medical literature, but should be considered as a potential cause for hemorrhagic events.
The Role of Placental Growth Factor in the Prediction of Carbohydrate and Thyroid Disorders during Pregnancy
Authors: Yanachkova Vesselina , Staynova Radiana , Naseva Emilia , Kamenov Zdravko
Published: February 2022

Background and objectives: To assess whether placental growth factor (PlGF) levels may have a predictive value for the onset of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and thyroid dysfunction during pregnancy. Materials and Methods: This single-center retrospective analysis was conducted at the Specialized Hospital for Active Treatment in Obstetrics and Gynecology “Dr. Shterev”, Sofia, Bulgaria, from December 2017 to December 2019. Using pregnant women’s electronic records, we analyzed and compared the data of 412 women diagnosed with GDM and 250 women without evidence for carbohydrate disorders. Thyroid function was tested in all patients at the time of performing GDM screening. The following measurements were compared and assessed: body mass index (BMI), fasting blood glucose levels, thyroid-stimulating hormone levels (TSH), free thyroxine, and triiodothyronine (FT4 and FT3) levels, and serum placental growth factor (PlGF). The sensitivity and specificity of PlGF as a predictive marker for GDM and thyroid dysfunction were analyzed using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. Results: There were no significant differences between GDM and control groups in terms of age and BMI (p > 0.05). In patients with established GDM, the PlGF corrected multiple of the median (MoM) was significantly higher compared to the control group (0.9 vs. 0.7, p < 0.001). The ROC-AUC for the prediction of GDM and thyroid dysfunction during pregnancy was 0.68 (95% CI 0.64–0.72) and 0.61 (95% CI 0.57–0.65), respectively. Conclusions: Our results underscore the potential role of PlGF as a biomarker in the prediction and diagnosis of GDM and thyroid dysfunction during pregnancy.
Editorial for the Special Issue on Micro/Nano Devices for Blood Analysis, Volume II
Authors: Catarino Susana O. , Minas Graça , Lima Rui
Published: February 2022

The development of micro- and nanodevices for blood analysis continues to be a growing interdisciplinary subject that demands the careful integration of different research fields [...]
SiC Heterojunction Trench MOSFET with a Buried P-Type Pillar for the Low Gate-Drain Charge and Switching Loss
Authors: Ran Shenglong , Huang Zhiyong , Hu Shengdong , Yang Han
Published: February 2022

A novel Silicon-Carbide heterojunction U-MOSFET embedded a P-type pillar buried in the drift layer (BP-TMOS) is proposed and simulated in this study. When functioning in the on state, the merged heterojunction structure will control the parasitic body diode, and the switching loss will decrease. Moreover, to lighten the electric field on the gate oxide corner, a high-doped L-shaped P+ layer near the heterojunction beneath the gate oxide was introduced; thus, the gate oxide reliability improved. A p-type pillar is introduced in the drift layer. The p-type pillar can assistant the drift layer to deplete. Thus, the specific on-resistance for BP-TMOS can be reduced with an increase in the N-drift region’s doping concentration. Compared to the traditional SiC MOSFET (C-TMOS), the specific on-resistance decreased by 20.4%, and the breakdown voltage increased by 53.7% for BP-TMOS, respectively. Meanwhile the device exhibits a 55% decrease and a 69.7% decrease for the switching loss and gate to drain charge.
Preliminary Data on the Occurrence of Anisakis spp. in European Hake (Merluccius merluccius) Caught Off the Portuguese Coast and on Reports of Human Anisakiosis in Portugal
Authors: Santos Maria J. , Matos Matilde , Guardone Lisa , Golden Olwen , Armani Andrea , Caldeira Andreia J. R. , Vieira-Pinto Madalena
Published: February 2022

Parasitic nematodes of the genus Anisakis are among the most important biological hazards associated with seafood. A survey of Anisakis spp. in European hake (Merluccius merluccius) was undertaken as this species is a staple of the Portuguese diet. Moreover, a literature review of cases of anisakiosis reported from Portugal, a country with one of the highest levels of fish consumption in the world, was also carried out. Seventy-five European hake caught in the Atlantic Ocean off the northern coast of Portugal were analyzed to determine the infection levels and site distribution of Anisakis spp. Isolated nematode larvae were identified to species level by molecular analysis. Two sets of samples were collected. Firstly, a total of 46 Anisakis spp. L3 larvae were collected with a prevalence of 76.7% (95% CI 61.5–91.8%) and intensity (mean ± SD, range) of 2.0 ± 1.2 (1–5). Most larvae were found on the liver (45.7%) and on the gonads (32.6%), but none in the muscle. The molecular analysis showed the presence of both A. simplex s.s. (70%) and A. pegreffii (30%). For the second sample, analyzed using the UV-Press method, a total of 473 Anisakis spp. were found, with a prevalence of 95.6% (95% CI 89.5–100.0%), intensity (mean ± SD, range) of 11.3 ± 9.7 (1–41), density of 0.05 ± 0.04 (0–0.16) worms/muscle weight in g, and density of 0.54 ± 0.50 (0–2.53) worms/viscera weight in g. Surprisingly, only three very recent cases of human anisakiosis in Portugal have been reported in the literature. Data from this study contribute towards an updating of the existing epidemiological picture in an area characterized by very high seafood consumption and changing eating habits.
Influence of Host Blood Meal Source on Gut Microbiota of Wild Caught Aedes aegypti, a Dominant Arboviral Disease Vector
Authors: Sarma Devojit Kumar , Kumar Manoj , Dhurve Jigyasa , Pal Namrata , Sharma Poonam , James Meenu Mariya , Das Deepanker , Mishra Sweta , Shubham Swasti , Kumawat Manoj , Verma Vinod , Tiwari Rajnarayan R. , Nagpal Ravinder , Marotta Francesco
Published: February 2022

Blood feeding is an important behavior of Aedes aegypti, a dominant arboviral disease vector, as it can establish and transmit viruses to humans. Bacteria associated with the mosquito gut can modulate the biological characteristics and behavior of disease vectors. In this study, we characterized the gut microbiota composition of human-blood-fed (HF), non-human-blood-fed (NHF) and non-fed (NF) field-collected Ae. aegypti mosquitoes, using a 16S metagenomic approach, to assess any association of bacterial taxa with the blood-feeding behavior of Ae. aegypti. A significant difference in the microbiota composition between the HF and NF mosquito group was observed. A significant association was observed in the relative abundance of families Rhodobacteraceae, Neisseriaceae and Dermacoccaceae in the HF group in contrast to NF and NHF Ae. aegypti mosquitoes, respectively. At the class level, two classes (Rhodobacterales and Neisseriales) were found to be in higher abundance in the HF mosquitoes compared to a single class of bacteria (Caulobacterales) in the NF mosquitoes. These results show that human-blood feeding may change the gut microbiota in wild Ae. aegypti populations. More research is needed to determine how changes in the midgut bacterial communities in response to human-blood-feeding affect the vectorial capacity of Ae. aegypti.
Parameterising Translational Feedback Models of Autoregulatory RNA-Binding Proteins in Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Clarke-Whittet Michael , Rocco Andrea , Gerber André P.
Published: February 2022

Post-transcriptional gene regulation is driven by RNA-binding proteins (RBPs). Recent global approaches suggest widespread autoregulation of RBPs through binding to their own mRNA; however, little is known about the regulatory impact and quantitative models remain elusive. By integration of several independent kinetic parameters and abundance data, we modelled autoregulatory feedback loops for six canonical and non-canonical RBPs from the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, namely Hrb1p, Hek2/Khd1p, Ski2p, Npl3p, Pfk2p, and Map1p. By numerically solving ordinary differential equations, we compared non-feedback models with models that considered the RPBs as post-transcriptional activators/repressors of their own expression. While our results highlight a substantial gap between predicted protein output and experimentally determined protein abundances applying a no-feedback model, addition of positive feedback loops are surprisingly versatile and can improve predictions towards experimentally determined protein levels, whereas negative feedbacks are particularly sensitive to cooperativity. Our data suggests that introduction of feedback loops supported by real data can improve models of post-transcriptional gene expression.
Holistic Approach to Define the Blast Design in Quarrying
Authors: Fernández Pablo R. , Rodríguez Rafael , Bascompta Marc
Published: February 2022

A new approach to determine the most efficient blast design was proposed, taking the peak particle velocity (PPV) as the main constraint, while including costs, production, granulometry, air blast and carbon footprint as relevant characteristics. The research was based on a case study that registered and analyzed 548 blasts over more than 10 years, while the vibration of the blast was recorded in 32% of them. A general attenuation law and several local laws were determined based on the geological conditions of the quarry. The blast design improvement allowed one to reduce the specific consumption by almost 30%, 26% of the blast cost in terms of explosive consumption and 18% of the CO2 emissions. This allowed for the achievement of a more environmentally friendly extraction system while complying with the legal standards, the quality requirements and the production and productivity conditions established.
Magnetic Fabrics and Petrography of Rocksalts Reveal Preferred Orientation of Anhydrites within a Halite Matrix
Authors: Issachar Ran , Weinberger Ram , Levi Tsafrir , Barabasch Jessica , Urai Janos L.
Published: February 2022

We investigate the magnetic fabrics and microstructures of diamagnetic rocksalt samples from the Sedom salt wall (diapir), Dead Sea Basin, as possible strain markers. A comprehensive study of anisotropy of magnetic susceptibility (AMS), combined with magnetic, microtextural, geochemical and mineralogical analyses allows us to depict the deformation mechanisms and to reveal the mineral sources of the AMS. The rocksalts are composed of halite as the major mineral phase (>80%) and anhydrite as a minor phase (5–20%), and have an average magnetic susceptibility value of −13.4 ± 0.7 × 10−6 SI. Ferromagnetic and paramagnetic minerals make a negligible contribution to the bulk magnetic properties of the samples. The AMS indicates and reveals significant anisotropy with the maximum susceptibility axis (K1) subparallel to the bedding strike, although the cubic halite crystals are isotropic. Polarizing microscope and SEM images show preferred alignment of needle-like anhydrite crystals parallel to the direction of the K1 axis. Petrographic investigation of gamma irradiated thin sections reveals the deformation recorded in the microstructures of the rocksalts and points to a dominant contribution by dislocation creep, although both dislocation creep and pressure solution were active deformation mechanisms. We infer that during dislocation creep, the thin bands of anhydrite crystals deform along with the surrounding halite grains. We suggest that although the shape preferred orientation of halite grains is not indicative of finite strain because of resetting by grain boundary migration, the preferred orientation of the anhydrite crystals may be. These results suggest that the AMS of the rocksalts provides a textural proxy that reflects deformation processes of the rocksalts, despite their very low magnetic susceptibility.
Mollification of Doxorubicin (DOX)-Mediated Cardiotoxicity Using Conjugated Chitosan Nanoparticles with Supplementation of Propionic Acid
Authors: Siva Durairaj , Abinaya Subramanian , Rajesh Durairaj , Archunan Govindaraju , Padmanabhan Parasuraman , Gulyás Balázs , Achiraman Shanmugam
Published: February 2022

Doxorubicin is an extensively prescribed antineoplastic agent. It is also known for adverse effects, among which cardiotoxicity tops the list. The possible mechanism underlying doxorubicin (DOX)-mediated cardiotoxicity has been investigated in this study. Further, to reduce the DOX-mediated cardiotoxicity, DOX was conjugated with Chitosan Nanoparticles (DCNPs) and supplemented with propionic acid. Initially, the drug loading efficacy and conjugation of DOX with chitosan was confirmed by UV–Visible Spectroscopy (UV) and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR). The average sizes of the synthesized Chitosan Nanoparticles (CNPs) and DCNPs were measured by Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) analysis as 187.9 ± 1.05 nm and 277.3 ± 8.15 nm, respectively, and the zeta potential values were recorded as 55.2 ± 0.7 mV and 51.9 ± 1.0 mV, respectively. The size and shape of CNPs and DCNPs were recorded using a High-Resolution Electron Microscopy (HRTEM). The particles measured <30 nm and 33–84 nm, respectively. The toxic effects of DCNPs and propionic acid were evaluated in rat model. The data from the electrocardiogram (ECG), cardiac biomarkers, Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) and histological observations indicated evidence of DOX-mediated cardiotoxicity, whereas the administration of DCNPs, as well as Propionic Acid (PA), brought about a restoration to normalcy and offered protection in the context of DOX-induced cardiotoxicity.
Vancomycin-Loaded Furriness Amino Magnetic Nanospheres for Rapid Detection of Gram-Positive Water Bacterial Contamination
Authors: Azzam Ahmed M. , Shenashen Mohamed A. , Selim Mohamed S. , Mostafa Bayaumy , Tawfik Ahmed , El-Safty Sherif A.
Published: February 2022

Bacterial pathogens pose high threat to public health worldwide. Different types of nanomaterials have been synthesized for the rapid detection and elimination of pathogens from environmental samples. However, the selectivity of these materials remains challenging, because target bacterial pathogens commonly exist in complex samples at ultralow concentrations. In this study, we fabricated novel furry amino magnetic poly-L-ornithine (PLO)/amine-poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG)-COOH/vancomycin (VCM) (AM-PPV) nanospheres with high-loading VCM for vehicle tracking and the highly efficient capture of pathogens. The magnetic core was coated with organosilica and functionalized with cilia. The core consisted of PEG/PLO loaded with VCM conjugated to Gram-positive bacterial cell membranes, forming hydrogen bonds with terminal peptides. The characterization of AM-PPV nanospheres revealed an average particle size of 56 nm. The field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) micrographs showed well-controlled spherical AM-PPV nanospheres with an average size of 56 nm. The nanospheres were relatively rough and contained an additional 12.4 nm hydrodynamic layer of PLO/PEG/VCM, which provided additional stability in the suspension. The furry AM-PPV nanospheres exhibited a significant capture efficiency (>90%) and a high selectivity for detecting Bacillus cereus (employed as a model for Gram-positive bacteria) within 15 min, even in the presence of other biocompatible pathogens. Moreover, AM-PPV nanospheres rapidly and accurately detected B. cereus at levels less than 10 CFU/mL. The furry nano-design can potentially satisfy the increasing demand for the rapid and sensitive detection of pathogens in clinical and environmental samples.
Pharmacokinetics of PEGylated Gold Nanoparticles: In Vitro—In Vivo Correlation
Authors: Dubaj Tibor , Kozics Katarina , Sramkova Monika , Manova Alena , Bastús Neus G. , Moriones Oscar H. , Kohl Yvonne , Dusinska Maria , Runden-Pran Elise , Puntes Victor , Nelson Andrew , Gabelova Alena , Simon Peter
Published: February 2022

Data suitable for assembling a physiologically-based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) model for nanoparticles (NPs) remain relatively scarce. Therefore, there is a trend in extrapolating the results of in vitro and in silico studies to in vivo nanoparticle hazard and risk assessment. To evaluate the reliability of such approach, a pharmacokinetic study was performed using the same polyethylene glycol-coated gold nanoparticles (PEG-AuNPs) in vitro and in vivo. As in vitro models, human cell lines TH1, A549, Hep G2, and 16HBE were employed. The in vivo PEG-AuNP biodistribution was assessed in rats. The internalization and exclusion of PEG-AuNPs in vitro were modeled as first-order rate processes with the partition coefficient describing the equilibrium distribution. The pharmacokinetic parameters were obtained by fitting the model to the in vitro data and subsequently used for PBPK simulation in vivo. Notable differences were observed in the internalized amount of Au in individual cell lines compared to the corresponding tissues in vivo, with the highest found for renal TH1 cells and kidneys. The main reason for these discrepancies is the absence of natural barriers in the in vitro conditions. Therefore, caution should be exercised when extrapolating in vitro data to predict the in vivo NP burden and response to exposure.
Plasmon-Induced Transparency for Tunable Atom Trapping in a Chiral Metamaterial Structure
Authors: Chen Zhao , Yu Yaolun , Wang Yilin , Hou Zhiling , Yu Li
Published: February 2022

Plasmon-induced transparency (PIT), usually observed in plasmonic metamaterial structure, remains an attractive topic for research due to its unique optical properties. However, there is almost no research on using the interaction of plasmonic metamaterial and high refractive index dielectric to realize PIT. Here, we report a novel nanophotonics system that makes it possible to realize PIT based on guided-mode resonance and numerically demonstrate its transmission and reflection characteristics by finite element method simulations. The system is composed of a high refractive-index dielectric material and a two-dimensional metallic photonic crystal with 4-fold asymmetric holes. The interaction mechanism of the proposed structure is analyzed by the coupled-mode theory, and the effects of the parameters on PIT are investigated in detail. In addition, we first consider this PIT phenomenon of such fields on atom trapping (87Rb), and the results show that a stable 3D atom trapping with a tunable range of position of about ~17 nm is achieved. Our work provides a novel, efficient way to realize PIT, and it further broadens the application of plasmonic metamaterial systems.
Intermittent Fasting and Metabolic Health
Authors: Vasim Izzah , Majeed Chaudry N. , DeBoer Mark D.
Published: February 2022

Given the ongoing strain that the obesity epidemic has placed on public health outcomes, new and effective approaches to weight control are needed. One approach to improving weight and metabolic outcomes is intermittent fasting, which consists of multiple different timing schedules for temporary food avoidance, including alternate-day fasting, other similar full-day fasting patterns, and time-restricted feeding (where the day’s food is consumed over a 6-h period, allowing for 18 h of fasting). These feeding schedules have favorable metabolic effects by intermittently inducing the metabolism of fatty acids to ketones. The regimens overall lead to a decrease in weight and have been linked to improvements in dyslipidemia and blood pressure. While more research is needed on longer-term outcomes and this approach should be avoided in particular health conditions, intermittent fasting should be considered as an option for individuals who have a pattern of unhealthy weight gain using standard eating patterns.
Pathogenic Infections during Pregnancy and the Consequences for Fetal Brain Development
Authors: Jash Sukanta , Sharma Surendra
Published: February 2022

Pathogens comprised of viruses, bacteria, gut microbiome, and parasites are a leading cause of ever-emerging diseases in humans. Studying pathogens for their ability to cause diseases is a topic of critical discussion among scientists and pharmaceutical centers for effective drug development that diagnose, treat, and prevent infection-associated disorders. Pathogens impact health either directly by invading the host or by eliciting an acute inflammatory immune response. This paradigm of inflammatory immune responses is even more consequential in people who may be immunocompromised. In this regard, pregnancy offers an altered immunity scenario, which may allow the onset of severe diseases. Viruses, such as Influenza, HIV, and now SARS-CoV-2, associated with the COVID-19 pandemic, raise new concerns for maternal and fetal/neonatal health. Intrauterine bacterial and parasitic infections are also known to impact pregnancy outcomes and neonatal health. More importantly, viral and bacterial infections during pregnancy have been identified as a common contributor to fetal brain development defects. Infection-mediated inflammatory uterine immune milieu is thought to be the main trigger for causing poor fetal brain development, resulting in long-term cognitive impairments. The concept of in utero programming of childhood and adult disorders has revolutionized the field of neurodevelopment and its associated complications. Recent findings in mice and humans clearly support the idea that uterine immunity during pregnancy controls the health trajectory of the child and considerably influences the cognitive function and mental health. In this review, we focus on the in utero programming of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and assess the effects of pathogens on the onset of ASD-like symptoms.
A Retrospective Cohort Study on Human Cystic Echinococcosis in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province (Pakistan) Based on 16 Years of Hospital Discharge Records
Authors: Khan Huma , Casulli Adriano , Harandi Majid Fasihi , Afzal Muhammad Sohail , Saqib Muhammad Arif Nadeem , Ahmed Haroon
Published: February 2022

Human cystic echinococcosis (CE) is a worldwide-distributed parasitic zoonotic disease, which represents a threat for both human and animals. The current study aimed at estimating the prevalence of human CE in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK) province of Pakistan. Clinical records from four major hospitals in this region were reviewed for CE human cases during the period of 2006–2021. Out of 251 (0.00071%) CE patients identified during the considered period, 142 (56.6%) were females, and 109 (43.4%) were males. The highest number of CE cases was recorded in the 21–30 (27.9%) age group, followed by 31–40 (23.1%) and 41–50 (16.3%). Most of the CE patients in KPK province were members of the Afghani ethnic group (17.1%); secondarily, they were Pakistani (6.4%), while for 76.5% ethnicity data were not available. The liver (41%) and the lungs (4.8%) were the most infected organs identified among CE patients in KPK province. The present study identified CE as a significant public health problem in KPK province, and the current findings demonstrated a constant endemicity of CE during the last 15 years. Further filed studies on the active search of CE carriers by means of ultrasound population-based surveys are needed to fill knowledge gaps on clinical and molecular epidemiology of human CE in Pakistan.
Acknowledgment to Reviewers of Pharmaceuticals in 2021
Authors:   Pharmaceuticals Editorial Office
Published: February 2022

Rigorous peer-reviews are the basis of high-quality academic publishing [...]
Interrogation of the Structure–Activity Relationship of a Lipophilic Nitroaromatic Prodrug Series Designed for Cancer Gene Therapy Applications
Authors: Ashoorzadeh Amir , Mowday Alexandra M. , Guise Christopher P. , Silva Shevan , Bull Matthew R. , Abbattista Maria R. , Copp Janine N. , Williams Elsie M. , Ackerley David F. , Patterson Adam V. , Smaill Jeff B.
Published: February 2022

PR-104A is a dual hypoxia/nitroreductase gene therapy prodrug by virtue of its ability to undergo either one- or two-electron reduction to its cytotoxic species. It has been evaluated extensively in pre-clinical GDEPT studies, yet off-target human aldo-keto reductase AKR1C3-mediated activation has limited its use. Re-evaluation of this chemical scaffold has previously identified SN29176 as an improved hypoxia-activated prodrug analogue of PR-104A that is free from AKR1C3 activation. However, optimization of the bystander effect of SN29176 is required for use in a GDEPT setting to compensate for the non-uniform distribution of therapeutic gene transfer that is often observed with current gene therapy vectors. A lipophilic series of eight analogues were synthesized from commercially available 3,4-difluorobenzaldehyde. Calculated octanol-water partition coefficients (LogD7.4) spanned > 2 orders of magnitude. 2D anti-proliferative and 3D multicellular layer assays were performed using isogenic HCT116 cells expressing E. coli NfsA nitroreductase (NfsA_Ec) or AKR1C3 to determine enzyme activity and measure bystander effect. A variation in potency for NfsA_Ec was observed, while all prodrugs appeared AKR1C3-resistant by 2D assay. However, 3D assays indicated that increasing prodrug lipophilicity correlated with increased AKR1C3 activation and NfsA_Ec activity, suggesting that metabolite loss from the cell of origin into media during 2D monolayer assays could mask cytotoxicity. Three prodrugs were identified as bono fide AKR1C3-negative candidates whilst maintaining activity with NfsA_Ec. These were converted to their phosphate ester pre-prodrugs before being taken forward into in vivo therapeutic efficacy studies. Ultimately, 2-(5-(bis(2-bromoethyl)amino)-4-(ethylsulfonyl)-N-methyl-2-nitrobenzamido)ethyl dihydrogen phosphate possessed a significant 156% improvement in median survival in mixed NfsA_Ec/WT tumors compared to untreated controls (p = 0.005), whilst still maintaining hypoxia selectivity comparable to PR-104A.
Improving Antibacterial Activity of a HtrA Protease Inhibitor JO146 against Helicobacter pylori: A Novel Approach Using Microfluidics-Engineered PLGA Nanoparticles
Authors: Hwang Jimin , Mros Sonya , Gamble Allan B. , Tyndall Joel D. A. , McDowell Arlene
Published: February 2022

Nanoparticle drug delivery systems have emerged as a promising strategy for overcoming limitations of antimicrobial drugs such as stability, bioavailability, and insufficient exposure to the hard-to-reach bacterial drug targets. Although size is a vital colloidal feature of nanoparticles that governs biological interactions, the absence of well-defined size control technology has hampered the investigation of optimal nanoparticle size for targeting bacterial cells. Previously, we identified a lead antichlamydial compound JO146 against the high temperature requirement A (HtrA) protease, a promising antibacterial target involved in protein quality control and virulence. Here, we reveal that JO146 was active against Helicobacter pylori with a minimum bactericidal concentration of 18.8–75.2 µg/mL. Microfluidic technology using a design of experiments approach was utilized to formulate JO146-loaded poly(lactic-co-glycolic) acid nanoparticles and explore the effect of the nanoparticle size on drug delivery. JO146-loaded nanoparticles of three different sizes (90, 150, and 220 nm) were formulated with uniform particle size distribution and drug encapsulation efficiency of up to 25%. In in vitro microdilution inhibition assays, 90 nm nanoparticles improved the minimum bactericidal concentration of JO146 two-fold against H. pylori compared to the free drug alone, highlighting that controlled engineering of nanoparticle size is important in drug delivery optimization.
Visual Acuity at Various Distances and Defocus Curve: A Good Match
Authors: Clavé Laura , Torrents Aurora , Millán María S.
Published: February 2022

The defocus curve (DC) has become the gold standard method for assessing the visual performance at different distances, and hence, to evaluate the depth of focus that is provided by modern presbyopia-compensating intraocular lenses that are used in cataract surgery. A former study, carried out by other authors, reported that the DC method, based on placing the chart at far distance and using trial negative lenses, underestimated the visual acuity that was measured by varying the test distance (VD) in pseudophakic patients. We have revisited the issue with pseudophakic subjects and have extended the study to include young phakic observers with their natural accommodation preserved. Our results show that both the VD and DC methods are equivalent in precision and accuracy and can be used indistinctly. However, the DC method is more practical in the clinics because it does not require further control of the chart positioning and illuminance.
The Role of Biostimulants as Alleviators of Biotic and Abiotic Stresses in Grapevine: A Review
Authors: Monteiro Eliana , Gonçalves Berta , Cortez Isabel , Castro Isaura
Published: February 2022

The viticulture and wine industry contribute to the economy and reputation of many countries all over the world. With the predicted climate change, a negative impact on grapevine physiology, growth, production, and quality of berries is expected. On the other hand, the impact of these changes in phytopathogenic fungi development, survival rates, and host susceptibility is unpredictable. Grapevine fungal diseases control has been a great challenge to winegrowers worldwide. The use of chemicals in viticulture is high, which can result in the development of pathogen resistance, increasingly raising concerns regarding residues in wine and effects on human and environmental health. Promoting sustainable patterns of production is one of the overarching objectives and essential requirements for sustainable development. Alternative holistic approaches, such as those making use of biostimulants, are emerging in order to reduce the consequences of biotic and abiotic stresses in the grapevine, namely preventing grape fungal diseases, improving grapevine resistance to water stress, and increasing yield and berry quality.
Acetolactate Synthase-Inhibitor Resistance in Monochoria vaginalis (Burm. f.) C. Presl from Indonesia
Authors: Widianto Ryan , Kurniadie Denny , Widayat Dedi , Umiyati Uum , Nasahi Ceppy , Sari Santika , Juraimi Abdul Shukor , Kato-Noguchi Hisashi
Published: February 2022

Monochoria vaginalis (Burm. f.) C. Presl, belonging to the family Pontederiaceae, is an aquatic herbaceous plant, native to temperate and tropical Asia. The species often occurs in paddy fields as a noxious weed in East Asia, and in the USA, and causes a significant reduction in rice production. The objective of the present research was the evaluation of the resistance levels of M. vaginalis against three chemical groups of acetolactate synthase (ALS)-inhibitor herbicides and other two different groups of herbicides, and the investigation of the mutations in the ALS gene of the resistant biotype of M. vaginalis. Herbicide dose–response experiments showed that the resistant biotype of M. vaginalis was highly resistant to bensulfuron-methyl, moderately resistant to bispyribac-sodium, had low resistance to penoxsulam and 2,4-D dimethyl ammonium, and was susceptible to sulfentrazone. The nucleotide sequences of the ALS gene of resistant and susceptible biotypes showed 14 base substitutions, which caused two amino acid substitutions: Val-143-Ile and Val-148-Ile. It is the first report of the substitutions of amino acids Val-143-Ile and Val-148-Ile in ALS protein. Those mutations may give different resistance spectra against three ALS-inhibitor herbicides: bensulfuron-methyl, bispyribac-sodium, and penoxsulam. Further research is needed to elucidate the molecular basis of target-site resistance mechanisms such as the transformation of the ALS gene of M. vaginalis. It is also necessary to evaluate herbicide mixtures and/or the rotation of herbicide sites of action to control the resistant biotype of M. vaginalis.
Fertigation with Zn-Lysine Confers Better Photosynthetic Efficiency and Yield in Water Stressed Maize: Water Relations, Antioxidative Defense Mechanism and Nutrient Acquisition
Authors: Shehzad Faisal , Ali Qasim , Ali Shafaqat , Al-Misned Fahad A. , Maqbool Saliha
Published: February 2022

Different strategies including the exogenous use of micronutrient-chelated amino acids are being employed for better crop yield with limited fresh water for irrigation. The present study was conducted to assess the effects of foliar-applied Zn-lysine (Zn-Lys) on maize growth and yield under limited irrigation, in relation to physio-biochemical mechanisms such as the plant–water relations, photosynthetic efficiency, antioxidant defense mechanism, amino acid accumulation and nutrient acquisition. The experiment comprised two maize cultivars (MMRI and Pearl), two irrigation levels and three levels of Zn-Lys (0.25, 0.5 and 0.75%). Zn-Lys fertigation was found to be effective in reducing the negative impacts of limited water supply on grain yield, associated with improved photosynthetic efficiency, water relations, antioxidative defense mechanism and reduced lipid peroxidation in both maize cultivars. Zn-Lys-induced improvement in antioxidative mechanisms was associated with improved content of non-enzymatic antioxidants and activities of antioxidant enzymes. Foliar-fertigation with Zn-Lys also significantly improved the contents of various amino acids including Lys, as well as uptake of nutrients in both maize cultivars. In conclusion, the 0.5% level of Zn-Lys was found to be effective in ameliorating the negative impacts of water stress for better grain yield in both maize cultivars that can also be used as an important environment-friendly source of Zn to fulfill maize Zn deficiency.
High-Throughput Root Imaging Analysis Reveals Wide Variation in Root Morphology of Wild Adzuki bean (Vigna angularis) Accessions
Authors: Tayade Rupesh , Kim Seong-Hoon , Tripathi Pooja , Choi Yi-Dam , Yoon Jung-Beom , Kim Yoon-Ha
Published: February 2022

Root system architecture and morphological diversification in wild accessions are important for crop improvement and productivity in adzuki beans. In this study, via analysis using 2-dimensional (2D) root imaging and WinRHIZO Pro software, we described the root traits of 61 adzuki bean accessions in their early vegetative growth stage. These accessions were chosen for study because they are used in Korea’s crop improvement programs; however, their root traits have not been sufficiently investigated. Analysis of variance revealed a significant difference between the accessions of all measured root traits. Distribution analysis demonstrated that most of the root traits followed normal distribution. The accessions showed up to a 17-fold increase in the values in contrasting accessions for the root traits. For total root length (TRL), the values ranged from 82.43 to 1435 cm, and for surface area (SA), they ranged from 12.30 to 208.39 cm2. The values for average diameter (AD) ranged from 0.23 to 0.56 mm. Significant differences were observed for other traits. Overall, the results showed that the accession IT 305544 had the highest TRL, SA, and number of tips (NT), whereas IT 262477 and IT 262492 showed the lowest values for TRL, SA, and AD. Principal component analysis showed an 89% variance for PC1 and PC2. K-mean clustering explained 77.4% of the variance in the data and grouped the accessions into three clusters. All six root traits had greater coefficients of variation (≥15%) among the tested accessions. Furthermore, to determine which root traits best distinguished different accessions, the correlation within our set of accessions provided trait-based ranking depending on their contribution. The identified accessions may be advantageous for the development of new crossing combinations to improve root features in adzuki beans during the early growth stage. The root traits assessed in this study could be attributes for future adzuki bean crop selection and improvement.
UHPLC-OrbiTrap MS Characterization of Phenolic Profiles in French Marigold Extracts and Analysis of Their Antifeedant Activity against Colorado Potato Beetle
Authors: Devrnja Nina , Gašić Uroš , Šajkunić Sanja , Cingel Aleksandar , Stupar Sofija , Tubić Ljiljana , Savić Jelena
Published: February 2022

French marigold is an aromatic plant rich in polyphenolic secondary metabolites, which pesticidal potential was examined in this study. Ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC) connected with OrbiTrap mass spectrometer (MS) identified 113 phenolics and revealed the most detailed phytochemistry of French marigold published so far. Depending on plant material (flowers or leaves) and solvents used for extraction (water, methanol, dichloromethane), the phenolic composition varied. Methanol extract of flowers, with 89 identified phenolics and high antioxidant activity statistically comparable with positive control Trolox, was chosen for testing of antifeedant potential against the 3rd and 4th instars of Colorado potato beetle (CPB). A significant reduction in final body mass of 4th larval stage fed with potato leaves coated with methanol extract of flowers in the concentration of 10 mg/mL was observed (157.67 mg vs. 182.26 mg of controls fed with non-treated leaves). This caused delayed molting since treated larvae reached the maximal mass a day after controls and this delay persisted during the entire larval development. Continuous feeding caused a 25% decline in digestive proteolytic activity of the 4th instar in comparison to controls. The results suggest that French marigold methanol extract of flowers could be proposed as a promising antifeedant for CPB management, with an impact on the reduction in the environmental footprint associated with synthetic pesticide application.
Experimental Study of a Nonthermal DBD-Driven Plasma Jet System Using Different Supply Methods
Authors: Ivankov Anton , Capela Tony , Rueda Vanesa , Bru Eric , Piquet Hubert , Schitz Dmitry , Florez David , Diez Rafael
Published: February 2022

This article presents an experimental study of a DBD-driven plasma jet system. The aim of the study is to design a whole system (the jet reactor, its electrical power supply, and a gas-feeding apparatus) suitable for biomedical applications. The article describes the test bench developed for this purpose and discusses the parameters it controls. The measurements show that the studied solutions can be used to control critical parameters such as the jet temperature and dimensions. The best results were obtained for a bipolar short-pulse voltage power supply in the 10–20 kHz frequency range and for a series resonant inverter current power supply operated in “burst mode”, allowing low-frequency modulation.
Bio-Phenolic Resin Derived Porous Carbon Materials for High-Performance Lithium-Ion Capacitor
Authors: Cho Er-Chieh , Chang-Jian Cai-Wan , Lu Cheng-Zhang , Huang Jen-Hsien , Hsieh Tzu-Hsien , Wu Nian-Jheng , Lee Kuen-Chan , Hsu Shih-Chieh , Weng Huei Chu
Published: February 2022

In this article, hierarchical porous carbon (HPC) with high surface area of 1604.9 m2/g is prepared by the pyrolysis of rubberwood sawdust using CaCO3 as a hard template. The bio-oil pyrolyzed from the rubber sawdust, followed by the polymerization reaction to form resole phenolic resin, can be used as a carbon source to prepare HPC. The biomass-derived HPC shows a three-dimensionally interconnected morphology which can offer a continuous pathway for ionic transport. The symmetrical supercapacitors based on the as-prepared HPC were tested in 1.0 M tetraethylammonium tetrafluoroborate/propylene carbonate electrolyte. The results of electrochemical analysis show that the HPC-based supercapacitor exhibits a high specific capacitance of 113.3 F/g at 0.5 A/g with superior rate capability and cycling stability up to 5000 cycles. Hybrid lithium-ion capacitors (LICs) based on the HPC and Li4Ti5O12 (LTO) were also fabricated. The LICs have a maximum energy density of 113.3 Wh/kg at a power density of 281 W/kg. Moreover, the LIC also displays a remarkable cycling performance with a retention of 92.8% after 3000 cycles at a large current density of 0.75 A/g, suggesting great potential application in the energy storage of the LIC.
Separated Micelles Formation of pH-Responsive Random and Block Copolymers Containing Phosphorylcholine Groups
Authors: Nguyen Thi Lien , Ishihara Kazuhiko , Yusa Shin-ichi
Published: February 2022

The self-assembly of pH-responsive random and block copolymers composed of 2-(N,N-diisopropylamino)ethyl methacrylate and 2-methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine was investigated in aqueous media. Their pH-responsive behaviors were investigated in aqueous media by dynamic light scattering (DLS) and fluorescence measurements using a pyrene hydrophobic fluorescence probe. In an acidic environment, these copolymers existed as single polymer chains that did not interact with each other. In contrast, upon increasing the pH of the solution above the critical value of ~8, separated micelles were formed in the mixture, which was indicated by bimodal distribution in DLS results with radius of 4.5 and 10.4 nm, corresponding to the random and block copolymer micelles, respectively. Fluorescence resonance energy transfer efficiencies were near to zero in the mixture of the donor labeled block and acceptor labeled random copolymers under both acidic and basic pH. These results demonstrated the coexistence of two distinct micelles.
New Copolymers of Vinylphosphonic Acid with Hydrophilic Monomers and Their Eu3+ Complexes
Authors: Nazarova Olga , Chesnokova Elena , Nekrasova Tatyana , Zolotova Yulia , Dobrodumov Anatoliy , Vlasova Elena , Fischer Andrei , Bezrukova Marina , Panarin Eugeniy
Published: February 2022

Free radical copolymerization is used for the synthesis of novel water-soluble copolymers of vinylphosphonic acid with 2-deoxy-2-methacrylamido-D-glucose or 4-acryloylmorpholine, with varied compositions and molecular masses, as well as for the synthesis of copolymers of vinylphosphonic acid with acrylamide. The obtained copolymers contain 6–97 mol.% of vinylphosphonic acid units, and their molecular masses vary from 5 × 103 to 310 × 103. The monomer reactivity ratios of vinylphosphonic acid and 2-deoxy-2-methacrylamido-D-glucose in copolymerization are determined for the first time, and their values are 0.04 and 9.02, correspondingly. It is demonstrated that the synthesized copolymers form luminescent mixed-ligand complexes with Eu3+, thenoyltrifluoroacetone, and phenanthroline. The influence of the comonomer’s nature on the intensity of the luminescence of complex solutions is revealed.
Filler Influence on H2 Permeation Properties in Sulfur-CrossLinked Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer Polymers Blended with Different Concentrations of Carbon Black and Silica Fillers
Authors: Jung Jae Kap , Lee Chang Hoon , Baek Un Bong , Choi Myung Chan , Bae Jong Woo
Published: February 2022

Filler effects on H2 permeation properties in sulfur-crosslinked ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) polymers blended with two kinds of carbon black (CB) and silica fillers at different contents of 20 phr–60 phr are investigated by employing volumetric analysis in the pressure exposure range of 1.2 MPa~9.0 MPa. A linear relationship is observed between the sorbed amount and pressure for H2 gas, which is indicative of Henry’s law behavior. The hydrogen solubility of EPDM composites increases linearly with increasing filler content. The magnitude of hydrogen solubility for the filled EPDM composites is dependent on the filler type. The hydrogen solubility is divided into two contributions: hydrogen absorption in the EPDM polymer and hydrogen adsorption at the filler surface. Neat EPDM reveals pressure-dependent bulk diffusion behavior. However, with increasing filler content, the diffusivity for the filled EPDM composites is found to be independent of pressure. The magnitude of filler effects on the hydrogen permeation parameter is measured in the order of high abrasion furnace CB~semireinforcing furnace CB ˃ silica, whose effect is related to the specific surface area of CB particles and interfacial structure. The correlation between the permeation parameters and filler content (or crosslink density) is discussed.
Imidazolium-Quaternized Poly(2,6-Dimethyl-1,4-Phenylene Oxide)/Zeolitic Imidazole Framework-8 Composite Membrane as Polymer Electrolyte for Fuel-Cell Application
Authors: Letsau Thabakgolo T. , Govender Penny P. , Msomi Phumlani F.
Published: February 2022

Anion exchange membrane fuel cells (AEMFCs) are considered superior to their counterpart proton exchange fuel cells due to their many advantages. Both fuel cells use membranes as polymer electrolytes to improve fuel-cell properties and power output. This work evaluates a series of imidazolium-quaternized poly(2,6-dimethyl-1,4-phenylene oxide) (ImPPO) functionalized zeolitic imidazole framework-8 (ZIF-8) (ImPPO/ZIF-8) as anion exchange membrane (AEM) electrolytes in a direct methanol alkaline fuel cell. FTIR and 1H NMR were used to confirm the successful membrane fabrication. SEM and TGA were used to study the morphological and thermal stability properties of the ImPPO/ZIF-8 membranes. The AEMs obtained in this work had contact angles ranging from 55.27–106.73°, water uptake from 9–83%, ion exchange capacity (IEC) from 1.93–3.15 mmol/g, and ion conductivity (IC) from 1.02–2.43 mS/cm. The best-performing membrane, ImPPO/3%ZIF-8, showed a water uptake of up to 35% at 80 °C, a swelling ratio of 15.1% after 72 h, IEC of 4.06 mmol/g, and IC of 1.96 mS/cm. A power density of 158.10 mW/cm2 was obtained. This makes ZIF-8 a good prospect as a filler for enhancing membrane properties.
Modeling and Experiment for the Diffusion Coefficient of Subcritical Carbon Dioxide in Poly(methyl methacrylate) to Predict Gas Sorption and Desorption
Authors: Kim Jaehoo , Kim Kwan Hoon , Ryu Youngjae , Cha Sung Woon
Published: February 2022

Several researchers have investigated the phenomenon of polymer–gas mixtures, and a few have proposed diffusion coefficient values instead of a diffusion coefficient model. There is a paucity of studies focused on the continuous change in the diffusion coefficient corresponding to the overall pressure and temperature range of the mixture. In this study, the gas sorption and desorption experiments of poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) were conducted via solid-state batch foaming, and the weight change was measured using the gravimetric method with a magnetic balance. The control parameters were temperature, which ranged from 290 to 370 K, and pressure, which ranged from 2 to 5 MPa in the subcritical regime. Based on the experimental data, the diffusion coefficient of the PMMA was calculated using Fick’s law. After calculating the diffusion coefficient in the range of the experiment, the diffusion coefficient model was employed using the least-squares method. Subsequently, the model was validated by comparing the obtained results with those in the literature, and the overall trend was found to be consistent. Therefore, it was confirmed that there were slight differences between the diffusion coefficient obtained using only Fick’s equation and the value using by a different method.