bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Synthesis of CoFe2O4/Peanut Shell Powder Composites and the Associated Magnetic Solid Phase Extraction of Phenoxy Carboxylic Acid Herbicides in Water
Authors: Ji Dongliang , Huang Zhaoqin , Du Buyun
Published: July 2022

The magnetic biochar material CoFe2O4/PCPS (peanut shell powder) was prepared based on the hybrid calcination method. The properties of prepared composites and the extraction effect of magnetic solid phase extraction on phenoxy carboxylic acid herbicides were assessed. The morphology, crystal structure, specific surface area, and pore size distribution of the material were analysed using a transmission electron microscope (TEM), infrared Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and N2 absorption surface analysis (BET). The results of the magnetic solid phase extraction of a variety of phenoxy carboxylic acid herbicides in water using CoFe2O4/PCPS composites showed that, when the mass ratio of CoFe2O4 and PCPS was 1:1, 40 mg of the composite was used, and the adsorption time was 10 min at pH 8.50. Methanol was used as the eluent, and the recovery rates of the three phenoxy carboxylic acid herbicides were maintained at 81.95–99.07%. Furthermore, the actual water sample analysis results showed that the established method had good accuracy, stability, and reliability.
Diamond Model of Green Commitment and Low-Carbon Travel Motivation, Constraint, and Intention
Authors: Shie An-Jin , Dai You-Yu , Shen Ming-Xing , Tian Li , Yang Ming , Luo Wen-Wei , Wu Yenchun Jim , Su Zhao-Hui
Published: July 2022

Although consumers generally accept and care about environmental issues, consumers have not adjusted their behavior accordingly. Based on the diamond model theory, this study proposes and tests the direct impact of personal green commitments on low-carbon travel motivation and constraint, and the possibility of subsequent low-carbon travel intention. According to the results of 358 valid questionnaire surveys, this study shows that green commitments positively affect the low-carbon travel motivation and intention, while negatively affecting the low-carbon travel constraint. The low-carbon travel motivation has some mediating effects. The research results can be used as a reference by relevant managers of the tourism industry to make changes in the content of travel services that are more suitable for specific populations.
Challenges and Priorities of Municipal Solid Waste Management in Cambodia
Authors: Pheakdey Dek Vimean , Quan Nguyen Van , Khanh Tran Dang , Xuan Tran Dang
Published: July 2022

Municipal solid waste (MSW) management is one of the utmost challenges for Cambodia’s city and district centers. The unsound management of MSW has detrimentally affected the environment and human health. In the present study, an attempt has been made to provide a comprehensive insight into the generation and characteristics, policies and legislation frameworks, management arrangement, collection, treatment, and disposal of MSW. The experience of developed and developing countries and the challenges and priorities of MSW management in Cambodia are also highlighted. In Cambodia, about 4.78 million tons of MSW were generated in 2020, with a 0.78 kg/capita/day generation rate. Only 86% of cities and districts have access to MSW collection services. The current practice of MSW management is reliance on landfill (44%). There are 164 landfills operating countrywide, receiving about 5749 tons of MSW per day. Recycling, incineration, and composting share 4%, 4%, and 2% of MSW generation, respectively. In 2021, the total revenue that was recovered from recyclables was USD 56M. The study concludes several major challenges and proposes valuable suggestions, which may be beneficial for the improvement of the current system to support the sustainable management of MSW in Cambodia.
Relationship between Self-Esteem and Technological Readiness: Mediation Effect of Readiness for Change and Moderated Mediation Effect of Gender in South Korean Teachers
Authors: Kim Jungsug , Kim Eunjeung
Published: July 2022

This study aimed to investigate the moderated mediation effect of gender and the mediation effect of readiness for change (RC) on self-esteem and technology readiness (TR) among South Korean teachers. Participants were 302 teachers who are living and working in South Korea. The collected data were analyzed using frequency and correlation analyses, and the moderated mediation effect. First, we considered the differences in TR and RC according to gender, and they were reported to be higher in men than in women. The number of teachers who had worked for more than 11 years was significantly higher than that of other teaching career groups. Second, correlation analysis showed a positive correlation between self-esteem, TR, and RC by gender. Third, teachers’ RC mediates the relationship between self-esteem and TR. Fourth, the teachers’ gender moderated the relationship between self-esteem and RC. Additionally, teachers’ gender moderated the mediating effect of RC on self-esteem and TR. Finally, based on the study results, we suggest the development of a program for improving self-esteem to enhance TR and RC among teachers of both genders. Additionally, future research should consider universal teacher sampling to facilitate the comparison of teachers’ characteristics and to identify variances in the data.
Prevention of Cardiovascular Diseases in Community Settings and Primary Health Care: A Pre-Implementation Contextual Analysis Using the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research
Authors: Aerts Naomi , Anthierens Sibyl , Van Bogaert Peter , Peremans Lieve , Bastiaens Hilde
Published: July 2022

Cardiovascular diseases are the world’s leading cause of mortality, with a high burden especially among vulnerable populations. Interventions for primary prevention need to be further implemented in community and primary health care settings. Context is critically important to understand potential implementation determinants. Therefore, we explored stakeholders’ views on the evidence-based SPICES program (EBSP); a multicomponent intervention for the primary prevention of cardiovascular disease, to inform its implementation. In this qualitative study, we conducted interviews and focus groups with 24 key stakeholders, 10 general practitioners, 9 practice nurses, and 13 lay community partners. We used adaptive framework analysis. The Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research guided our data collection, analysis, and reporting. The EBSP was valued as an opportunity to improve risk awareness and health behavior, especially in vulnerable populations. Its relative advantage, evidence-based design, adaptability to the needs and resources of target communities, and the alignment with policy evolutions and local mission and vision, were seen as important facilitators for its implementation. Concerns remain around legal and structural characteristics and intervention complexity. Our results highlight context dimensions that need to be considered and tailored to primary care and community needs and capacities when planning EBSP implementation in real life settings.
SarQoL Questionnaire in Community-Dwelling Older Adults under EWGSOP2 Sarcopenia Diagnosis Algorithm: A New Screening Method?
Authors: Guillamón-Escudero Carlos , Diago-Galmés Angela , Zuazua Rico David , Maestro-González Alba , Tenías-Burillo Jose M. , Soriano Jose M. , Fernández-Garrido Julio J.
Published: July 2022

This article is an observational and cross-sectional study that related the result obtained in the questionnaire for the evaluation of quality of life related to muscle mass (SarQoL) and the prevalence of sarcopenic pathology measured under the EWGSOP2 algorithm. Participants were 202 community-dwelling older adults living in Valencia, Spain. The prevalence of sarcopenia in men was 28.9%, while in women it was 26.2%. In the case of the SarQoL questionnaire, the mean score obtained for men was 75.5 and 72.6 for women, showing significant differences in both sexes between the results obtained by the group with and without sarcopenia. After the exhaustive data analysis, a high discriminative capacity for sarcopenic disease was found in the SarQoL questionnaire total score and in domains 2 (locomotion), 4 (functionality) and 5 (activities of daily living). In accordance with the existing controversy regarding the use of SARC-F as a screening method for sarcopenia, the authors pointed out the capacity of domain 2 (locomotion) in isolation as a possible screening method for this disease, exposing a high risk of suffering sarcopenia when scores in this domain were below 60 points. Further research is needed to develop new lines of research as these showed in this work, as well as new and easily applicable screening methods for sarcopenia in clinical practice, that allow a rapid detection of this disease in the community.
Post-Crash First Response by Traffic Police in Nepal: A Feasibility Study
Authors: Smart Gary , Banstola Amrit , Raut Raju , Ghimire Krishna , Mytton Julie , Joshi Elisha , Joshi Sunil
Published: July 2022

Background: Road traffic injuries are a significant and increasing public health burden in Nepal, but there is no national coverage of regulated and standardized emergency medical service systems. Therefore, this study was designed to develop a first responder trauma training program for the Nepal traffic police and to evaluate the feasibility of its delivery and follow up. Methods: A training needs assessment with traffic-police officers in a single district of Nepal informed the development of a 3-day first-response course which was provided to officers in May 2019. Participants were supplied with a trauma-pack and asked to complete a report form when first-responder skills were used. Knowledge and confidence face-to-face surveys were used before and after training to assess learning, and were repeated at 6 months to assess retention of knowledge. The surveys at 6 months assessed the factors affecting application of first response skills. Results: Most (97%) participants believed giving first-aid was part of their responsibilities and 95% had experience of transporting road crash victims to hospital with a range of injuries. Low levels of first-aid training and variable course content were reported. Knowledge and confidence scores improved post-intervention but were reduced at 6-months. During attendance at 303 road crashes in the 6-months follow-up period, 44% of the participants self-reported using at least one skill from the course; applying them on 92 occasions. Incident report-forms were frequently not completed. Barriers to providing treatment included: the patient already en-route to hospital when police arrived at scene; resistance to providing care from relatives or bystanders; and competing police duties (e.g., traffic management). Conclusions: Delivering a first-response training program for traffic-police in Nepal is feasible. Knowledge was retained and used, and skills were in frequent demand. A study of effectiveness and cost-effectiveness appears warranted to determine if extending the training to other districts can improve outcomes in road traffic injury patients in the absence of formal emergency medical services.
Crop Identification Based on Multi-Temporal Active and Passive Remote Sensing Images
Authors: Zhang Hebing , Yuan Hongyi , Du Weibing , Lyu Xiaoxuan
Published: July 2022

Although vegetation index time series from optical images are widely used for crop mapping, it remains difficult to obtain sufficient time-series data because of satellite revisit time and weather in some areas. To address this situation, this paper considered Wen County, Henan Province, Central China as the research area and fused multi-source features such as backscatter coefficient, vegetation index, and time series based on Sentinel-1 and -2 data to identify crops. Through comparative experiments, this paper studied the feasibility of identifying crops with multi-temporal data and fused data. The results showed that the accuracy of multi-temporal Sentinel-2 data increased by 9.2% compared with single-temporal Sentinel-2 data, and the accuracy of multi-temporal fusion data improved by 17.1% and 2.9%, respectively, compared with multi-temporal Sentinel-1 and Sentinel-2 data. Multi-temporal data well-characterizes the phenological stages of crop growth, thereby improving the classification accuracy. The fusion of Sentinel-1 synthetic aperture radar data and Sentinel-2 optical data provide sufficient time-series data for crop identification. This research can provide a reference for crop recognition in precision agriculture.
Evaluation of Platelet-Derived Extracellular Vesicles in Gingival Fibroblasts and Keratinocytes for Periodontal Applications
Authors: Antich-Rosselló Miquel , Munar-Bestard Marta , Forteza-Genestra Maria Antònia , Calvo Javier , Gayà Antoni , Monjo Marta , Ramis Joana M.
Published: July 2022

Gingival regeneration aims at restoring the architecture and functionality of oral damaged tissue. Different biomaterials or biological materials have been tested for tissue repair, such as platelet concentrates such as PL. In this article, the use of extracellular vesicles (EVs) derived from platelet lysate (PL) and their combination with hyaluronic acid biomaterials (HA) in an in vitro wound healing assay is investigated. EVs were isolated by size exclusion chromatography from PL. In addition, HA gels were formulated with PL or EVs. EVs or HA combined with EVs (HA-EVs) were tested in vitro in gingival fibroblasts and keratinocytes for biocompatibility (LDH activity and metabolic activity) and by an in vitro wound-healing assay and gene expression analysis. EVs and EVs-HA treatments were biocompatible in gingival fibroblasts and keratinocytes and showed an increase in wound healing in vitro compared to control. Moreover, changes in gene expression related to extracellular matrix remodeling were observed after the treatment with EVs. EVs can be combined with HA biomaterials, showing good biocompatibility and preserving their activity and functionality. Therefore, platelet-derived EVs could emerge as a new application for periodontal regeneration in combination with biomaterials in order to enhance their clinical use.
California Condors, Source Credibility, and Wildlife Conservation Messaging
Authors: Belanger Patrick
Published: July 2022

This article examines the role of source credibility in the sphere of wildlife conservation campaigns. Specifically, it explores how particular messengers can motivate hunters, ranchers, and wildlife managers in California, Utah, and Arizona to voluntarily adopt non-lead ammunition. I analyze two partner websites, each designed to provide the hunting community with accurate information about non-lead ammunition. I then identify key principles regarding source credibility that arose from semi-structured interviews with four individuals closely involved in North American vulture and raptor conservation: representatives of the Ventana Wildlife Society, the Institute for Wildlife Studies, The Peregrine Fund, and Pinnacles National Park. The conclusion identifies lessons about the role of source credibility in wildlife conservation campaigns and situates the findings in the context of existing research on environmental communication and education.
A Review of Spatial Mismatch Research: Empirical Debate, Theoretical Evolution and Connotation Expansion
Authors: Wang Liping , Wu Cifang , Zhao Songnian
Published: July 2022

At present, widespread urban expansion, regeneration, and transformation have inevitably led to the spatial separation of residence and employment, and negatively affected the employment welfare of the subjects concerned, which needs to be traced back to the theory of spatial mismatch to explore possible solutions. The theory of spatial mismatch has been proposed for more than sixty years, and its theoretical connotation has been continuously expanded through the heated debate on its objective existence. However, due to the lack of understanding of its expansion process and the essence of its theoretical connotation, its theoretical meaning is ambiguous and fails to truly guide its role in practice. Based on the structural analysis of the connotation of spatial mismatch, this study summarizes the theoretical evolution and empirical development of spatial mismatch from four levels: “objects of concern-influencing factors-spatial relations-consequential effects”. It is found that after half a century of evolution, the study of spatial mismatch has formed a relatively perfect theoretical and methodological system, and in the process of expansion, spatial mismatch has been given a deeper meaning, which can provide an important theoretical and practical reference for solving the separation of residential and spatial resources and the resultant welfare loss effects.
Thornton Wilder and Arthur Miller: A Brief History of Time, Space, and Matter
Authors: Talluto Salvatore
Published: July 2022

While many literary theories focus on materialistic concerns, less frequently have these theories focused on the spiritual matters arising from such concerns. A cosmological interpretive strategy focuses on such spiritual and cosmic themes rather than ignoring them. This essay’s analysis will focus on using a cosmological interpretive strategy to analyze Thornton Wilder’s Our Town and Arthur Miller’s The Man Who Had All the Luck. This strategy will reveal that, rather than merely being focused on spatial and material concerns, these texts also demonstrate a concern with our relationships with nature and the wider cosmos. Through their narratives, both Wilder and Miller address the passage of time and the questions of agency which occur when thinking about time. This analysis will demonstrate how these stories deny economic and historical determinism in favor of an interdependency between humans and the wider cosmos. These texts help reveal reality as a set of interconnected narratives and histories that include each individual, the societies around that individual, nature around those societies, and the wider cosmos within which everything exists.
Knowledge of Human Monkeypox and Its Relation to Conspiracy Beliefs among Students in Jordanian Health Schools: Filling the Knowledge Gap on Emerging Zoonotic Viruses
Authors: Sallam Malik , Al-Mahzoum Kholoud , Dardas Latefa Ali , Al-Tammemi Ala’a B. , Al-Majali Laith , Al-Naimat Hala , Jardaneh Laila , AlHadidi Farah , Al-Salahat Khaled , Al-Ajlouni Eyad , AlHadidi Nadin Mohammad , Bakri Faris G. , Mahafzah Azmi , Harapan Harapan
Published: July 2022

Background and Objective: The recent multi-country outbreak of human monkeypox (HMPX) in non-endemic regions poses an emerging public health concern. University students in health schools/faculties represent a core knowledgeable group that can be helpful to study from a public health point of view. As future healthcare workers, assessment of their knowledge and attitude towards emerging zoonotic viral infections can be helpful to assess their taught material and courses with potential improvement if gaps in knowledge were identified. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the level of HMPX knowledge, conspiracy beliefs regarding emerging virus infections, as well as their associated determinants among university students studying Medicine, Nursing, Dentistry, Pharmacy, Medical Laboratory Sciences, and Rehabilitation in Jordanian health schools/faculties. In addition, we sought to evaluate the correlation between HMPX knowledge and the extent of holding conspiracy beliefs regarding emerging viral infection. Materials and Methods: A convenient sample of university students was obtained through an electronic survey distributed in late May 2022 using the chain-referral approach. Assessment of HMPX knowledge and general attitude towards emerging virus infections was based on survey items adopted from previously published literature. Results: The study sample comprised 615 students with a mean age of 20 years and a majority of females (432, 70.2%) and medical students (n = 351, 57.1%). Out of eleven monkeypox knowledge items, three were identified correctly by >70% of the respondents. Only 26.2% of the respondents (n = 161) knew that vaccination to prevent monkeypox is available. Age was significantly associated with better HMPX knowledge for a majority of items. Older age, females, and affiliation to non-medical schools/faculties were associated with harboring higher levels of conspiracy beliefs regarding emerging virus infections. Our data also indicate that lower levels of HMPX knowledge were associated with higher levels of conspiracy beliefs. Conclusion: The current study pointed to generally unsatisfactory levels of knowledge regarding the emerging HMPX among university students in Jordanian health schools/faculties. Conspiracy beliefs regarding emerging virus infections were widely prevalent, and its potential detrimental impact on health behavior should be evaluated in future studies.
High-Density Upper Amphibolite/Granulite Facies Fluid Inclusions in Magmatic Garnet from the Koralpe Mountains (Eastern Alps, Austria)
Authors: Husar Martina , Krenn Kurt
Published: July 2022

Fluid and solid inclusions in magmatic garnet from Permian pegmatites of the Koralpe Mountains were investigated. On the basis of MnO/(MnO + FeO) ratios, different degrees of melt fractionation during garnet growth were linked with fluid inclusion densities and chemistries. It is shown that garnet indicating low-melt fractionation trends contained primary CO2 ± N2-rich fluid inclusions of the highest densities, up to 1.15 g/cm3, compared to garnet samples of increased fractionation trends comprising CO2-N2-rich fluid inclusions with lower densities up to 0.85 g/cm3. This fluid composition is interpreted as a part of an unmixed CO2 ± N2-H2O-rich fluid that was present during garnet crystallization. Variabilities in the nitrogen composition up to 40.83 mol% resulted from different degrees of partial melting of mica and plagioclase from the metapelitic host rock. Densities, fluid chemistries, and mineral chemical data enabled a continuous upward trend for garnet crystallization during anatexis from lower (ca. 25 km) up to middle crustal levels (12–15 km). Resulting amphibolite/granulite facies conditions of 7.6 kbar/700 °C for garnet crystallization in spodumene-free pegmatites were significantly higher than previously suggested for pegmatite formation in the Koralpe Mountains.
Bioactive Peptides and Proteins from Centipede Venoms
Authors: Han Yalan , Kamau Peter Muiruri , Lai Ren , Luo Lei
Published: July 2022

Venoms are a complex cocktail of biologically active molecules, including peptides, proteins, polyamide, and enzymes widely produced by venomous organisms. Through long-term evolution, venomous animals have evolved highly specific and diversified peptides and proteins targeting key physiological elements, including the nervous, blood, and muscular systems. Centipedes are typical venomous arthropods that rely on their toxins primarily for predation and defense. Although centipede bites are frequently reported, the composition and effect of centipede venoms are far from known. With the development of molecular biology and structural biology, the research on centipede venoms, especially peptides and proteins, has been deepened. Therefore, we summarize partial progress on the exploration of the bioactive peptides and proteins in centipede venoms and their potential value in pharmacological research and new drug development.
Cyclic Peptides for the Treatment of Cancers: A Review
Authors: Ramadhani Dalifa , Maharani Rani , Gazzali Amirah Mohd , Muchtaridi Muchtaridi
Published: July 2022

Cyclic peptides have been widely reported to have therapeutic abilities in the treatment of cancer. This has been proven through in vitro and in vivo studies against breast, lung, liver, colon, and prostate cancers, among others. The multitude of data available in the literature supports the potential of cyclic peptides as anticancer agents. This review summarizes the findings from previously reported studies and discusses the different cyclic peptide compounds, the sources, and their modes of action as anticancer agents. The prospects and future of cyclic peptides will also be described to give an overview on the direction of cyclic peptide development for clinical applications.
Antiplatelet and Anticoagulant Activity of Isorhamnetin and Its Derivatives Isolated from Sea Buckthorn Berries, Measured in Whole Blood
Authors: Stochmal Anna , Rolnik Agata , Skalski Bartosz , Zuchowski Jerzy , Olas Beata
Published: July 2022

Blood platelets play a crucial role in hemostasis, the process responsible for keeping blood flowing in the circulatory system. However, unnecessary platelet activation can lead to aggregation at the site of atherosclerotic plaque rapture and the formation of a thrombus, which promotes atherothrombotic diseases. Various dietary components, such as phenolic compounds, are known to demonstrate antiplatelet and anticoagulant properties, and it is possible that these could form an important element in the prophylaxis and therapy of cardiovascular diseases. Our present study examined the biological activity of isorhamnetin (1) and two isorhamnetin derivatives, (2): 3-O-beta-glucoside-7-O-alpha-rhamnoside and (3): 3-O-beta-glucoside-7-O-alpha-(3″′-isovaleryl)-rhamnoside, isolated from the phenolic fraction of sea buckthorn fruit, against human washed blood platelets and human whole blood in vitro. The anti-platelet and anticoagulant potential was determined using (A) flow cytometry, (B) the thrombus-formation analysis system (T-TAS) and (C) colorimetry. The results of the T-TAS test indicate that the AUC10 (Area Under the Curve) of the tested phenolic compounds (compounds 1, 2 and 3; 50 µg/mL) was markedly reduced compared to the control values. Moreover, flavonol demonstrated anti-platelet potential, including anti-adhesive activity, with these effects being more intense in compound 2 than isorhamnetin. Different actions of flavonol on platelet activation may depend on their binding ability to various receptors on blood platelets. However, the mechanism of their anti-platelet potential requires further additional studies, including in vitro and in vivo experiments.
Lanthanide Molecular Species Generated Fe3O4@SiO2-TbDPA Nanosphere for the Efficient Determination of Nitrite
Authors: Li Xiangqian , Wen Qin , Chen Jiannian , Sun Wenjie , Zheng Yuhui , Long Chenggang , Wang Qianming
Published: July 2022

The presence of nitrite (NO2−) in water and food leads to serious problems in public health and the environment. Therefore, it is important to develop a rapid and efficient method for the selective detection of NO2−. In this work, the synthesis and characterization of magnetic Fe3O4@SiO2-TbDPA nanoprobe have been carried out. The Fe3O4@SiO2-TbDPA aqueous solution exhibits a strong green emission. Due to the addition of various concentrations of NO2− (0–100 μM), the fluorescence intensity has been suppressed. The nanoprobe Fe3O4@SiO2-TbDPA exhibits excellent selectivity and sensitivity toward NO2− ions. Excellent linearity is obtained in the range of 5–80 μM with a detection limit of 1.03 μM. Furthermore, the presence of magnetic Fe3O4 nanoparticles in Fe3O4@SiO2-TbDPA nanospheres will also facilitate the effective separation of Fe3O4@SiO2-TbDPA from the aqueous solution. Our proposed strategy is expected to fabricate an organic-inorganic hybrid magnetic nanomaterial and can be used as an efficient sensor. It has been shown that this new strategy has numerous advantages, such as high stability, selectivity, and simplicity of operation. It demonstrates great potential for simple and convenient NO2− detection. It may expand to a variety of ranges in environmental monitoring and biomedical fields.
Mushroom-Derived Novel Selenium Nanocomposites’ Effects on Potato Plant Growth and Tuber Germination
Authors: Tsivileva Olga M. , Perfileva Alla I.
Published: July 2022

Multicomponent materials, where nanosized selenium (Se) is dispersed in polymer matrices, present as polymer nanocomposites (NCs), namely, selenium polymer nanocomposites (SeNCs). Selenium as an inorganic nanofiller in NCs has been extensively studied for its biological activity. More ecologically safe and beneficial approaches to obtain Se-based products are the current challenge. Biopolymers have attained great attention with perspective multifunctional and high-performance NCs exhibiting low environmental impact with unique properties, being abundantly available, renewable, and eco-friendly. Composites based on polysaccharides, including beta-glucans from edible and medicinal mushrooms, are bioactive, biocompatible, biodegradable, and have exhibited innovative potential. We synthesized SeNCs on the basis of the extracellular polysaccharides of several medicinal mushrooms. The influence of bio-composites from mushrooms on potato plant growth and tuber germination were studied in two potato cultivars: Lukyanovsky and Lugovskoi. Bio-composites based on Grifola umbellata demonstrated the strongest positive effect on the number of leaves and plant height in both cultivars, without negative effect on biomass of the vegetative part. Treatment of the potato tubers with SeNC from Gr. umbellata also significantly increased germ length. Potato plants exposed to Se-bio-composite from Ganoderma lucidum SIE1303 experienced an increase in the potato vegetative biomass by up to 55% versus the control. We found earlier that this bio-composite was the most efficient against biofilm formation by the potato ring rot causative agent Clavibacter sepedonicus (Cms). Bio-composites based on Pleurotus ostreatus promoted increase in the potato root biomass in the Lugovskoi cultivar by up to 79% versus the control. The phytostimulating ability of mushroom-based Se-containing bio-composites, together with their anti-phytopathogenic activity, testifies in favor of the bifunctional mode of action of these Se-biopreparations. The application of stimulatory green SeNCs for growth enhancement could be used to increase crop yield. Thus, by combining myco-nanotechnology with the intrinsic biological activity of selenium, an unexpectedly efficient tool for possible applications of SeNCs could be identified.
Hit Compounds and Associated Targets in Intracellular Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Authors: Tsui Clement K. M. , Sorrentino Flavia , Narula Gagandeep , Mendoza-Losana Alfonso , del Rio Ruben Gonzalez , Herrán Esther Pérez , Lopez Abraham , Bojang Adama , Zheng Xingji , Remuiñán-Blanco Modesto Jesus , Av-Gay Yossef
Published: July 2022

Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb), the etiological agent of tuberculosis, is one of the most devastating infectious agents in the world. Chemical-genetic characterization through in vitro evolution combined with whole genome sequencing analysis was used identify novel drug targets and drug resistance genes in Mtb associated with its intracellular growth in human macrophages. We performed a genome analysis of 53 Mtb mutants resistant to 15 different hit compounds. We found nonsynonymous mutations/indels in 30 genes that may be associated with drug resistance acquisitions. Beyond confirming previously identified drug resistance mechanisms such as rpoB and lead targets reported in novel anti-tuberculosis drug screenings such as mmpL3, ethA, and mbtA, we have discovered several unrecognized candidate drug targets including prrB. The exploration of the Mtb chemical mutant genomes could help novel drug discovery and the structural biology of compounds and associated mechanisms of action relevant to tuberculosis treatment.
Preparation of Polycarbonate-ZnO Nanocomposite Films: Surface Investigation after UV Irradiation
Authors: Jaleh Babak , Hamzehi Sara , Sepahvand Reza , Azizian Saeid , Eslamipanah Mahtab , Golbedaghi Reza , Meidanchi Alireza , Fausto Rui
Published: July 2022

Polycarbonate (PC)-ZnO films with different percentages of ZnO were prepared by a solution stirring technique and subjected to ultraviolet (UV; λ = 254 nm) irradiation. Structural parameters of the samples and the effects of UV irradiation on the surface properties of the PC and PC-ZnO nanocomposites were evaluated by X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), atomic force microscopy (AFM), water contact angle (WCA) measurements, and a Vickers microhardness (HV) tester. The XRD patterns of the nanocomposite films were found to show an increase in crystallinity with the increasing ZnO nanoparticles percentage. The WCA was found to be reduced from 90° to 17° after 15 h of UV irradiation, which could be ascribed to the oxidation of the surface of the samples during the irradiation and exposure of the ZnO nanoparticles, a result that is also supported by the obtained XPS data. The microhardness value of the PC-ZnO films including 30 wt.% ZnO enhanced considerably after UV radiation, which can also be attributed to the exposition of the ZnO nanoparticles after photodegradation of the PC superficial layer of the nanocomposite films.
Short Sleep Duration Was Associated with Increased Regional Body Fat in US Adults: The NHANES from 2011 to 2018
Authors: Xu Chong , Zhao Song , Yu Shikai , Tang Jiamin , Zhang Han , Xu Bei , Xu Yawei , Zhang Yi
Published: July 2022

Background: The relationship between sleep duration and different regional fat is unclear. We aimed to investigate the association between sleep duration and different regional fat mass (FM) among a population of US adults. Methods: 9413 participants were included from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), from 2011 to 2018. The sleep duration was divided into short sleep (<7 h/day), normal sleep (7–9 h/day) and long sleep (>9 h/day). Different regional FM was measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, including trunk FM, arms FM and legs FM. Fat mass index (FMI) was obtained by dividing FM (kg) by the square of body height (m2). Multiple linear regression was used to evaluate the relationship between sleep duration and regional FMI. Results: The mean sleep duration was 7.1 ± 1.5 h/day. After adjusting for socio-demographic, lifestyle information, comorbid diseases and medications, short sleepers had higher trunk FMI (β = 0.134, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.051–0.216, p = 0.001), arms FMI (β = 0.038, 95% CI: 0.016–0.06, p < 0.001) and legs FMI (β = 0.101, 95% CI: 0.044–0.158, p < 0.001) compared to normal sleepers, whereas no significant difference was found in long sleepers. The similar results were also observed in men, while short sleepers only had higher arms FM in women (all p < 0.01). In addition, compared to normal sleepers, short sleepers had higher arms FMI and legs FMI in the obese group (all p < 0.05), while no relationship was observed in non-obese group. Conclusions: Short sleep duration, but not long sleep duration, was independently related to the increased different regional body fat in US adults, especially in men and those with obesity.
Vitamin D and Its Receptor from a Structural Perspective
Authors: Rochel Natacha
Published: July 2022

The activities of 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3, 1,25D3, are mediated via its binding to the vitamin D receptor (VDR), a ligand-dependent transcription factor that belongs to the nuclear receptor superfamily. Numerous studies have demonstrated the important role of 1,25D3 and VDR signaling in various biological processes and associated pathologies. A wealth of information about ligand recognition and mechanism of action by structural analysis of the VDR complexes is also available. The methods used in these structural studies were mainly X-ray crystallography complemented by NMR, cryo-electron microscopy and structural mass spectrometry. This review aims to provide an overview of the current knowledge of VDR structures and also to explore the recent progress in understanding the complex mechanism of action of 1,25D3 from a structural perspective.
Biodistribution Analysis of an Anti-EGFR Antibody in the Rat Brain: Validation of CSF Microcirculation as a Viable Pathway to Circumvent the Blood-Brain Barrier for Drug Delivery
Authors: Naseri Kouzehgarani Ghazal , Kumar Pankaj , Bolin Susan E. , Reilly Edward B. , Lefebvre Didier R.
Published: July 2022

Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) microcirculation refers to CSF flow through brain or spinal parenchyma. CSF enters the tissue along the perivascular spaces of the penetrating arteries where it mixes with the interstitial fluid circulating through the extracellular space. The potential of harnessing CSF microcirculation for drug delivery to deep areas of the brain remains an area of controversy. This paper sheds additional light on this debate by showing that ABT-806, an EGFR-specific humanized IgG1 monoclonal antibody (mAb), reaches both the cortical and the deep subcortical layers of the rat brain following intra-cisterna magna (ICM) injection. This is significant because the molecular weight of this mAb (150 kDa) is highest among proteins reported to have penetrated deeply into the brain via the CSF route. This finding further confirms the potential of CSF circulation as a drug delivery system for a large subset of molecules offering promise for the treatment of various brain diseases with poor distribution across the blood-brain barrier (BBB). ABT-806 is the parent antibody of ABT-414, an antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) developed to engage EGFR-overexpressing glioblastoma (GBM) tumor cells. To pave the way for future efficacy studies for the treatment of GBM with an intra-CSF administered ADC consisting of a conjugate of ABT-806 (or of one of its close analogs), we verified in vivo the binding of ABT-414 to GBM tumor cells implanted in the cisterna magna and collected toxicity data from both the central nervous system (CNS) and peripheral tissues. The current study supports further exploration of harnessing CSF microcirculation as an alternative to systemic delivery to achieve higher brain tissue exposure, while reducing previously reported ocular toxicity with ABT-414.
Immobilized Lipase in Resolution of Ketoprofen Enantiomers: Examination of Biocatalysts Properties and Process Characterization
Authors: Degórska Oliwia , Szada Daria , Zdarta Agata , Smułek Wojciech , Jesionowski Teofil , Zdarta Jakub
Published: July 2022

In this study, lipase from Aspergillus niger immobilized by physical immobilization by the adsorption interactions and partially interfacial activation and mixed physical immobilization via interfacial activation and ion exchange was used in the kinetic resolution of the ketoprofen racemic mixture. The FTIR spectra of samples after immobilization of enzyme-characteristic signals can be seen, and an increase in particle size diameters upon immobilization is observed, indicating efficient immobilization. The immobilization yield was on the level of 93% and 86% for immobilization unmodified and modified support, respectively, whereas activity recovery reached around 90% for both systems. The highest activity of immobilized biocatalysts was observed at pH 7 and temperature 40 °C and pH 8 and 20 °C for lipase immobilized by physical immobilization by the adsorption interactions and partially interfacial activation and mixed physical immobilization via interfacial activation and ion exchange, respectively. It was also shown that over a wide range of pH (from 7 to 10) and temperature (from 20 to 60 °C) both immobilized lipases retained over 80% of their relative activity, indicating improvement of enzyme stability. The best solvent during kinetic resolution of enantiomers was found to be phosphate buffer at pH 7, which obtained the highest efficiency of racemic ketoprofen methyl ester resolution at the level of over 51%, followed by enantiomeric excess 99.85% in the presence of biocatalyst obtained by physical immobilization by the adsorption interactions and partially interfacial activation.
Retinal Delivery of the Protein Kinase C-β Inhibitor Ruboxistaurin Using Non-Invasive Nanoparticles of Polyamidoamine Dendrimers
Authors: Alshammari Rehab A. , Aleanizy Fadilah S. , Aldarwesh Amal , Alqahtani Fulwah Y. , Mahdi Wael A. , Alquadeib Bushra , Alqahtani Qamraa H. , Haq Nazrul , Shakeel Faiyaz , Abdelhady Hosam G. , Alsarra Ibrahim A.
Published: July 2022

Ruboxistaurin (RBX) is an anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) agent that is used in the treatment of diabetic retinopathy and is mainly given intravitreally. To provide a safe and effective method for RBX administration, this study was designed to develop RBX nanoparticles using polyamidoamine (PAMAM) dendrimer generation 5 for the treatment of diabetic retinopathy. Drug loading efficiency, and in vitro release of proposed complexes of RBX: PAMAM dendrimers were determined and the complexation ratio that showed the highest possible loading efficiency was selected. The drug loading efficiency (%) of 1:1, 2.5:1, and 5:1 complexes was 89.2%, 96.4%, and 97.6%, respectively. Loading capacities of 1:1, 2.5:1, and 5:1 complexes were 1.6%, 4.0%, and 7.2% respectively. In comparison, the 5:1 complex showed the best results in the aforementioned measurements. The in vitro release studies showed that in 8 h, the RBX release from 1:1, 2.5:1, and 5:1 complexes was 37.5%, 35.9%, and 77.0%, respectively. In particular, 5:1 complex showed the highest drug release. In addition, particle size measurements showed that the diameter of empty PAMAM dendrimers was 214.9 ± 8.5 nm, whereas the diameters of loaded PAMAM dendrimers in 1:1, 2.5:1, 5:1 complexes were found to be 461.0 ± 6.4, 482.4 ± 12.5, and 420.0 ± 7.1 nm, respectively. Polydispersity index (PDI) showed that there were no significant changes in the PDI between the free and loaded PAMAM dendrimers. The zeta potential measurements showed that the free and loaded nanoparticles possessed neutral charges due to the presence of anionic and cationic terminal structures. Furthermore, the safety of this formulation was apparent on the viability of the MIO-M1 cell lines. This nanoformulation will improve the therapeutic outcomes of anti-VEGF therapy and the bioavailability of RBX to prevent vision loss in patients with diabetic retinopathy.
The Effect of CYP2D6 Phenotypes on the Pharmacokinetics of Propafenone: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Tran Quyen Thi , Baek In-hwan , Han Na-young , Yun Hwi-yeol , Chae Jung-woo
Published: July 2022

Propafenone (PPF) is a class 1C antiarrhythmic agent mainly metabolized by cytochrome (CYP) 2D6, CYP1A2, and CYP3A4. Previous studies have shown that CYP2D6 polymorphism influences the pharmacokinetics (PK) of PPF. However, the small sample sizes of PK studies can lead to less precise estimates of the PK parameters. Thus, this meta-analysis was performed to merge all current PK studies of PPF to determine the effects of the CYP2D6 phenotype more accurately on the PPF PK profile. We searched electronic databases for published studies to investigate the association between the PPF PK and CYP2D6 phenotype. Four PK-related outcomes were included: area under the time–concentration curve (AUC), maximum concentration (Cmax), apparent clearance (CL/F), and half-life (t1/2). A total of five studies were included in this meta-analysis (n = 56). Analyses were performed to compare PK parameters between poor metabolizers (PMs) versus extensive metabolizers (EMs). PPF has a non-linear pharmacokinetics; therefore, analyses were performed according to dose (300 mg and 400 mg). At 300 mg, the AUC mean (95% CI), Cmax, and t1/2 of PPF in PMs were 15.9 (12.5–19.2) µg·h/mL, 1.10 (0.796–1.40) µg/mL, and 12.8 (11.3–14.3) h, respectively; these values were 2.4-, 11.2-, and 4.7-fold higher than those in the EM group, respectively. At 400 mg, a comparison was performed between S- and R-enantiomers. The CL/F was approximately 1.4-fold higher for the R-form compared with the S-form, which was a significant difference. This study demonstrated that CYP2D6 metabolizer status could significantly affect the PPF PK profile. Adjusting the dose of PPF according to CYP2D6 phenotype would help to avoid adverse effects and ensure treatment efficacy.
A Green Resin Wood Adhesive from Synthetic Polyamide Crosslinking with Glyoxal
Authors: Zhang Qianyu , Xu Gaoxiang , Pizzi Antonio , Lei Hong , Xi Xuedong , Du Guanben
Published: July 2022

Glyoxal is considered to be the most likely substitute for formaldehyde to synthesize resin adhesives for wood bonding due to its reactivity, structural characteristics, being non-toxic, low volatility, and acceptable cost. Regrettably, the performance of the resin synthesized using glyoxal to directly replace all formaldehyde is not totally satisfactory, especially as it has almost no water resistance. This makes such a simple alternative fail to be suitable for industrial production. To prepare an environment-friendly glyoxal-based adhesive with good bonding performance, the work presented here relies first on reacting citric acid and hexamethylene diamine, producing a polyamide, with glyoxal, and then crosslinking it, thus synthesizing a thermosetting resin (namely CHG) adhesive and applying it for plywood bonding. The plywood prepared exhibits excellent dry and wet shear strength, which are better than GB/T9846-2015 standard requirements (≥0.7 MPa), and even after being soaked in hot water at 63 °C for 3 h, its strength is still as high as 1.35 MPa. The CHG resin is then potentially an adhesive for industrial application for replacing UF (urea-formaldehyde) and MUF (melamine-urea-formaldehyde) adhesives for wood composites.
Melting Point Depression of Poly(ethylene oxide)-Poly(propylene oxide)-Poly(ethylene oxide) Triblock Polymers in Supercritical Carbon Dioxide in the Presence of Menthol as a Solid Co-Plasticiser
Authors: Trivedi Vivek , Ajiboye Adejumoke Lara , Coleman Nichola J. , Bhomia Ruchir , Bascougnano Marion
Published: July 2022

The melting behaviour of the triblock polymers, Pluronic F38, F68, F77, F108, and F127, was investigated in pressurised CO2 and in the presence of menthol. The melting points of the polymers combined with 0, 10, 25, and 50 wt% of menthol were studied at atmospheric pressure and compared with those at 10 and 20 MPa in supercritical carbon dioxide (scCO2). The highest melting point depressions of 16.8 ± 0.5 °C and 29.0 ± 0.3 °C were observed at 10 and 20 MPa, respectively. The melting point of triblock polymers in pressurised CO2 was found to be dependent on molecular weight, poly(propylene oxide) (PPO) content, and menthol percentage. The melting point of most of the polymers studied in this work can be reduced to room temperature, which can be pivotal to the formulation development of thermolabile substances using these polymers.
On Bonshakuji as the Penultimate Buddhist Temple to Protect the State in Early Japanese History
Authors: Keyworth George A.
Published: July 2022

During the 740s in Japan, the emperor established Buddhist temples in nearly all the provinces, in which three Buddhist scriptures were chanted to avert natural disasters. Tōdaiji, in the recently constructed capital, was the head temple of a network of Temples of Bright Golden Light and Four Heavenly Kings to Protect the State. The principal Buddhist scripture followed in these temples was the Golden Light Sūtra, translated from Sanskrit into Chinese in Tang China at the beginning of the 8th century. This article investigates the history of an understudied example of one of these temples, called Bonshakuji. Emperor Kanmu (r. 781–806) repurposed it in 786 after the introduction from China of novel rituals to protect the state. It had among the most important Buddhist temple libraries, which came to rival perhaps only that of Tōdaiji through the 12th century. I also examine how and why scholar officials and powerful monastics, particularly those associated with the so-called esoteric Tendai and Shingon temples of Enryakuji and Miidera, and Tōji and Daigoji, respectively, utilized the library of Bonshakuji and older and novel state protection texts kept there to preserve early Japanese state-supported Buddhist worldmaking efforts long after that state had become virtually bankrupt.