bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessment of G Protein-Coupled Oestrogen Receptor Expression in Normal and Neoplastic Human Tissues Using a Novel Rabbit Monoclonal Antibody
Authors: Bubb Maria , Beyer Anna-Sophia Lieselott , Dasgupta Pooja , Kaemmerer Daniel , Sänger Jörg , Evert Katja , Wirtz Ralph M. , Schulz Stefan , Lupp Amelie
Published: May 2022

In addition to the classical oestrogen receptors, ERα and ERβ, a G protein-coupled oestrogen receptor (GPER) has been identified that primarily mediates the rapid, non-genomic signalling of oestrogens. Data on GPER expression at the protein level are contradictory; therefore, the present study was conducted to re-evaluate GPER expression by immunohistochemistry to obtain broad GPER expression profiles in human non-neoplastic and neoplastic tissues, especially those not investigated in this respect so far. We developed and thoroughly characterised a novel rabbit monoclonal anti-human GPER antibody, 20H15L21, using Western blot analyses and immunocytochemistry. The antibody was then applied to a large series of formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded human tissue samples. In normal tissue, GPER was identified in distinct cell populations of the cortex and the anterior pituitary; islets and pancreatic ducts; fundic glands of the stomach; the epithelium of the duodenum and gallbladder; hepatocytes; proximal tubules of the kidney; the adrenal medulla; and syncytiotrophoblasts and decidua cells of the placenta. GPER was also expressed in hepatocellular, pancreatic, renal, and endometrial cancers, pancreatic neuroendocrine tumours, and pheochromocytomas. The novel antibody 20H15L21 will serve as a valuable tool for basic research and the identification of GPER-expressing tumours during histopathological examinations.
Transcriptomic and Metabolomic Analyses of the Effects of Exogenous Trehalose on Heat Tolerance in Wheat
Authors: Luo Yin , Wang Yue , Xie Yanyang , Gao Yamin , Li Weiqiang , Lang Shuping
Published: May 2022

Trehalose can improve the tolerance of plants to various types of environmental stress. Nonetheless, information respecting the molecular networks of wheat seedlings to exogenous trehalose under heat stress is limited. Here, two wheat varieties pretreated with exogenous trehalose were selected to explore the molecular mechanism by which trehalose improves the heat tolerance of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). The results indicated that exogenous trehalose improved the physiological state of wheat seedlings under heat stress. Through RNA sequencing and metabolomics analysis, the genes and metabolites specifically expressed in trehalose pretreatment were identified. After heat stress, there were 18,352 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in the control and trehalose-treated (H_vs_TreH) groups of Yangmai 18 and 9045 DEGs in Yannong 19. Functional annotation and enrichment analyses showed that the DEGs in the two wheat varieties were mainly involved in carbohydrate metabolism and biosynthesis of secondary metabolites. Through a liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry platform, 183 differential metabolites in H_vs_TreH groups of Yangmai 18 and 77 differential metabolites in Yannong 19 were identified. Compared with the control group, many protective metabolites, such as amino acids, purines, phenylpropanoids and flavonoids, showed significant differences under heat stress. The results indicated that exogenous trehalose protected the wheat biomembrane system, enhanced carbohydrate metabolism and signal transduction, strengthened the activity of the tricarboxylic acid cycle (TCA cycle), regulated purine metabolism, gene expression and metabolite accumulation in the phenylpropanoid biosynthesis and flavonoid biosynthesis pathways, thus improving the heat tolerance of wheat.
Biofluid Specificity of Long Non-Coding RNA Profile in Hypertension: Relevance of Exosomal Fraction
Authors: Riffo-Campos Angela L. , Perez-Hernandez Javier , Martinez-Arroyo Olga , Ortega Ana , Flores-Chova Ana , Redon Josep , Cortes Raquel
Published: May 2022

Non-coding RNA (ncRNA)-mediated targeting of various genes regulates the molecular mechanisms of the pathogenesis of hypertension (HTN). However, very few circulating long ncRNAs (lncRNAs) have been reported to be altered in essential HTN. The aim of our study was to identify a lncRNA profile in plasma and plasma exosomes associated with urinary albumin excretion in HTN by next-generation sequencing and to assess biological functions enriched in response to albuminuria using GO and KEGG analysis. Plasma exosomes showed higher diversity and fold change of lncRNAs than plasma, and low transcript overlapping was found between the two biofluids. Enrichment analysis identified different biological pathways regulated in plasma or exosome fraction, which were implicated in fatty acid metabolism, extracellular matrix, and mechanisms of sorting ncRNAs into exosomes, while plasma pathways were implicated in genome reorganization, interference with RNA polymerase, and as scaffolds for assembling transcriptional regulators. Our study found a biofluid specific lncRNA profile associated with albuminuria, with higher diversity in exosomal fraction, which identifies several potential targets that may be utilized to study mechanisms of albuminuria and cardiovascular damage.
Novel CFTR Activator Cact-3 Ameliorates Ocular Surface Dysfunctions in Scopolamine-Induced Dry Eye Mice
Authors: Jeon Dongkyu , Jun Ikhyun , Lee Ho K. , Park Jinhong , Kim Bo-Rahm , Ryu Kunhi , Yoon Hongchul , Kim Tae-im , Namkung Wan
Published: May 2022

Cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) is highly expressed on the ocular epithelium and plays a pivotal role in the fluid secretion driven by chloride transport. Dry eye disease is one of the most common diseases with limited therapeutic options. In this study, a high-throughput screening was performed to identify novel CFTR activators capable of inducing chloride secretion on the ocular surface. The screening of 50,000 small molecules revealed three novel CFTR activators. Among them, the most potent CFTR activator, Cact-3 (7-(3,4-dimethoxyphenyl)-N-(4-ethoxyphenyl)pyrazolo [1,5-α]pyrimidine-2-carboxamide), produced large and sustained Cl− currents in WT-CFTR-expressing FRT cells with no alterations of ANO1 and hERG channel activity. The application of Cact-3 strongly activated CFTR in the ocular epithelia of mice and it also significantly increased CFTR-mediated Cl− transport in a primary cultured human conjunctival epithelium. Cact-3 strongly stimulated tear secretion in normal mice. In addition, Cact-3 significantly reduced ocular surface damage and the expression of proinflammatory factors, including interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, and interferon (IFN)-γ in an experimental mouse model of dry eye disease. These results suggest that Cact-3, a novel CFTR activator, may be a potential development candidate for the treatment of dry eye disease.
The Nitrogen Atom of Vitamin B6 Is Essential for the Catalysis of Radical Aminomutases
Authors: Maity Amarendra Nath , Chen Jun-Ru , Li Quan-Yuan , Ke Shyue-Chu
Published: May 2022

Radical aminomutases are pyridoxal 5′-phosphate (PLP, a B6 vitamer)-dependent enzymes that require the generation of a 5′-deoxyadenosyl radical to initiate the catalytic cycle, to perform a 1,2 amino group shift reaction. The role of the nitrogen atom of PLP in radical aminomutases has not been investigated extensively yet. We report an alternative synthetic procedure to provide easy access to 1-deazaPLP (dAPLP), an isosteric analog of PLP which acts as a probe for studying the role of the nitrogen atom. Our results revealed that lysine 5,6-aminomutase (5,6-LAM), a radical aminomutase, reconstituted with dAPLP cannot turn over a substrate, demonstrating that the nitrogen atom is essential for radical aminomutases. In contrast, biochemical and spectroscopic studies on the S238A variant reconstituted with PLP revealed a minuscule loss of activity. This apparent anomaly can be explained by a water-mediated rescue of activity in S238A, as if mimicking the active site of lysine 2,3-aminomutase. This study leads to a better comprehension of how enzymes harness the optimum capability of PLP to realize catalysis.
Incretin Response to Mixed Meal Challenge in Active Cushing’s Disease and after Pasireotide Therapy
Authors: Barbot Mattia , Mondin Alessandro , Regazzo Daniela , Guarnotta Valentina , Basso Daniela , Giordano Carla , Scaroni Carla , Ceccato Filippo
Published: May 2022

Cushing’s disease (CD) causes diabetes mellitus (DM) through different mechanisms in a significant proportion of patients. Glucose metabolism has rarely been assessed with appropriate testing in CD; we aimed to evaluate hormonal response to a mixed meal tolerance test (MMTT) in CD patients and analyzed the effect of pasireotide (PAS) on glucose homeostasis. To assess gastro-entero-pancreatic hormones response in diabetic (DM+) and non-diabetic (DM–) patients, 26 patients with CD underwent an MMTT. Ten patients were submitted to a second MMTT after two months of PAS 600 µg twice daily. The DM+ group had significantly higher BMI, waist circumference, glycemia, HbA1c, ACTH levels and insulin resistance indexes than DM− (p < 0.05). Moreover, DM+ patients exhibited increased C-peptide (p = 0.004) and glucose area under the curve (AUC) (p = 0.021) during MMTT, with a blunted insulinotropic peptide (GIP) response (p = 0.035). Glucagon levels were similar in both groups, showing a quick rise after meals. No difference in estimated insulin secretion and insulin:glucagon ratio was found. After two months, PAS induced an increase in both fasting glycemia and HbA1c compared to baseline (p < 0.05). However, this glucose trend after meal did not worsen despite the blunted insulin and C-peptide response to MMTT. After PAS treatment, patients exhibited reduced insulin secretion (p = 0.005) and resistance (p = 0.007) indexes. Conversely, glucagon did not change with a consequent impairment of insulin:glucagon ratio (p = 0.009). No significant differences were observed in incretins basal and meal-induced levels. Insulin resistance confirmed its pivotal role in glucocorticoid-induced DM. A blunted GIP response to MMTT in the DM+ group might suggest a potential inhibitory role of hypercortisolism on enteropancreatic axis. As expected, PAS reduced insulin secretion but also induced an improvement in insulin sensitivity as a result of cortisol reduction. No differences in incretin response to MMTT were recorded during PAS therapy. The discrepancy between insulin and glucagon trends while on PAS may be an important pathophysiological mechanism in this iatrogenic DM; hence restoring insulin:glucagon ratio by either enhancing insulin secretion or reducing glucagon tone can be a potential therapeutic target.
Acoustoelastic Modes in Rotor-Cavity Systems: An Overview on Frequency Shift Effects Supported with Measurements
Authors: Unglaube Tina , Brillert Dieter
Published: May 2022

With an increase in fluid densities in centrifugal compressors, fluid-structure interaction and coupled acoustoelastic modes receive growing attention to avoid machine failure. Besides the vibrational behavior of the impeller, acoustic modes building up in the side cavities need to be understood to ensure safe and reliable operation. In a coupled system, these structure and acoustic dominant modes influence each other. Therefore, a comprehensive overview of frequency shift effects in rotor-cavity systems is established based on findings in the literature. Additionally, experimental results on coupled mode pairs in a rotor-cavity test rig with a rotating disk under varying operating conditions are presented. Measurement results for structure dominant modes agree well with theoretical predictions. The development of a forward and a backward traveling wave is demonstrated for each mode in case of disk rotation. Conducted experiments reveal the occurrence of weakly and strongly coupled mode pairs as frequency shifts are observed that cannot solely be explained by “uncoupled mode effects”, such as the added mass, speed of sound, and stiffening effect, but indicate an additional coupling effect. However, the hypothesis of a bigger frequency shift for stronger coupled modes cannot be corroborated consistently. Only for the strongly coupled four nodal diameter mode pair in the “wide cavity” setup, a coupling effect is clearly visible in the form of mode veering.
Does Bacillus thuringiensis Affect the Stress and Immune Responses of Rhynchophorus ferrugineus Larvae, Females, and Males in the Same Way?
Authors: Celi Monica , Russo Debora , Vazzana Mirella , Arizza Vincenzo , Manachini Barbara
Published: May 2022

Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) is considered a potentially useful entomopathogen against red palm weevil (RPW) Rhynchophorus ferrugineus. We compared the effects of Bt on mature larvae, females, and males. The pathogenicity of Bt was evaluated, estimating: Median Lethal Dose (LD50), Median Lethal Time (LT50), Total Hemocyte Count (THC), and Differential Hemocyte Counts (DHC), and the expression of the stress protein Heat Shock Protein 70 (Hsp 70) in hemocytes and the brain. Mortality exhibited a positive trend with the dosage and duration of exposure to Bt. Larvae were more susceptible than adults, and the LD50 of females was almost double the value of that of the larvae. LT50 value was higher for females than for males and larvae. Treatment with sub-lethal doses of Bt induced a decrease in THC in larvae, females, and males. In treated larvae, plasmatocytes decreased, while oenocytes and spherulocytes increased. In treated females, all types of hemocytes decreased, while in males the number of plasmatocytes decreased and granulocytes increased. We also registered the stress response directly on hemocytes showing that, already at 3 h after eating Bt, the expression of the stress protein Hsp 70 was modulated. This effect was also observed in brain tissue at 6 h after treatment. The results confirm that Bt treatment induces a pathogenic state in larvae and adults of both sexes, with effects after only a few hours from ingestion; however, the effects are different in magnitude and in type of target.
Attraction of Egg Parasitoids Trissolcus mitsukurii and Trissolcus japonicus to the chemical cues of Halyomorpha halys and Nezara viridula
Authors: Scala Marica , Fouani Jalal Melhem , Zapponi Livia , Mazzoni Valerio , Wells Karen Elizabeth , Biondi Antonio , Baser Nuray , Verrastro Vincenzo , Anfora Gianfranco
Published: May 2022

Trissolcus mitsukurii and Trissolcus japonicus are two Asian egg parasitoids associated with different pentatomids such as Halyomorpha halys. Adventive populations of T. mitsukurii were found in Northern Italy, suggesting its employment as a biological control agent (BCA) against H. halys. Nevertheless, to reduce the latter’s population, T. japonicus was released in Italy. Releasing an exotic parasitoid requires investigating the interaction between the BCA and the environment to avoid negative impacts on the entomofauna of the new habitat. Trissolcus mitsukurii is mainly associated with Nezara viridula in its native area. Therefore, we investigated and compared the ability of female T. mitsukurii and T. japonicus to distinguish between naturally released cues of H. halys and N. viridula. A single parasitoid was exposed to contact kairomones of both pests to evaluate its modifications in orthokinetic and locomotory behaviour. The behaviour of female T. mitsukurii was also tested on synthetic compounds simulating the cues of the two pentatomids. When naturally released cues were used, T. japonicus preferred the traces of H. halys, while T. mitsukurii preferred N. viridula’s cues. Moreover, the attraction of T. mitsukurii to N. viridula’s cues was confirmed with synthetic cues. Additional studies are needed to judge if this parasitoid can be used as a BCA.
First Report of the Immature Stages of the Leaf-Mining Genus Subclemensia Kozlov, 1987 (Lepidoptera: Incurvariidae), with a Re-Illustration of the Type Species and a Generic Concept Discussion Based on Immature Characters
Authors: Liu Tengteng , Geng Xiaoping , Tang Ye , Li Baozhu , Zhang Haixin , Teng Kaijian
Published: May 2022

The immature stages of primitive Lepidoptera can provide quite different but often useful morphological evidence and synapomorphies from those of adults. Incurvariidae is one of the most primitive lineages of extant Lepidoptera, which is species-poor but highly diverse, but half of the genera lack any information on immature stages. New knowledge on the immature stages of the family is expected to provide useful morphological evidence and synapomorphies to stabilize the generic nomenclature. Subclemensia Kozlov, 1987 is one of the monotypic genera in Incurvariidae. In this study, the immature stages of the type species of Subclemensia are reported for the first time. The leaf mine, host plant and its biological characteristics are also provided. DNA barcodes were generated to aid the species delimitation. The adult male and female genitalia are re-illustrated by color photography to supplement the original line drawings. The generic concepts of Subclemensia and other related genera are discussed based on immature characters.
Mechanochemical Characterisation of Calcined Impure Kaolinitic Clay as a Composite Binder in Cementitious Mortars
Authors: Boakye Kwabena , Khorami Morteza , Saidani Messaoud , Ganjian Eshmaiel , Dunster Andrew , Ehsani Ahmad , Tyrer Mark
Published: May 2022

The availability of some supplementary cementitious materials, especially fly ash, is of imminent concern in Europe due to the projected closure of several coal-fired power generation plants. Pure kaolinitic clays, which arguably have the potential to replace fly ash, are also scarce and expensive due to their use in other industrial applications. This paper examines the potential utilisation of low-grade kaolinitic clays for construction purposes. The clay sample was heat-treated at a temperature of 800 °C and evenly blended with Portland cement in substitutions of 10–30% by weight. The physical, chemical, mineralogical and mechanical characteristics of the blended calcined clay cement were determined. The Frattini test proved the pozzolanic potential of the calcined impure clay, as a plot of its CaO and OH− was found below the lime solubility curve. The 28 days compressive strengths trailed the reference cement by 5.1%, 12.3% and 21.7%, respectively, at all replacement levels. The optimum replacement level between the three blends was found to be 20 wt.%.
The Mycovirome in a Worldwide Collection of the Brown Rot Fungus Monilinia fructicola
Authors: De Miccolis Angelini Rita Milvia , Raguseo Celeste , Rotolo Caterina , Gerin Donato , Faretra Francesco , Pollastro Stefania
Published: May 2022

The fungus Monilinia fructicola is responsible for brown rot on stone and pome fruit and causes heavy yield losses both pre- and post-harvest. Several mycoviruses are known to infect fungal plant pathogens. In this study, a metagenomic approach was applied to obtain a comprehensive characterization of the mycovirome in a worldwide collection of 58 M. fructicola strains. Deep sequencing of double-stranded (ds)RNA extracts revealed a great abundance and variety of mycoviruses. A total of 32 phylogenetically distinct positive-sense (+) single-stranded (ss)RNA viruses were identified. They included twelve mitoviruses, one in the proposed family Splipalmiviridae, and twelve botourmiaviruses (phylum Lenarviricota), eleven of which were novel viral species; two hypoviruses, three in the proposed family Fusariviridae, and one barnavirus (phylum Pisuviricota); as well as one novel beny-like virus (phylum Kitrinoviricota), the first one identified in Ascomycetes. A partial sequence of a new putative ssDNA mycovirus related to viruses within the Parvoviridae family was detected in a M. fructicola isolate from Serbia. The availability of genomic sequences of mycoviruses will serve as a solid basis for further research aimed at deepening the knowledge on virus–host and virus–virus interactions and to explore their potential as biocontrol agents against brown rot disease.
Integration of Untargeted Metabolomics with Transcriptomics Provides Insights into Beauvericin Biosynthesis in Cordyceps chanhua under H2O2-Induced Oxidative Stress
Authors: Zhao Cheng , Bu Haifen , Zhu Jiahua , Wang Yulong , Oliver Kerry M. , Hu Fenglin , Huang Bo , Li Zengzhi , Peng Fan
Published: May 2022

Cordyceps chanhua is an important cordycipitoid mushroom widely used in Asia and beyond. Beauvericin (BEA), one of the bioactive compounds of C. chanhua, has attracted much attention because of its medicinal value and food safety risk. In order to clear up the relationship between oxidative stress and BEA synthesis, we investigated the impact of H2O2-induced oxidative stress on the secondary metabolism of C. chanhua using untargeted metabolomics and a transcript profiling approach. Metabolic profiling of C. chanhua mycelia found that in total, 73 differential metabolites were identified, including organic acids, phospholipids, and non-ribosomal peptides (NRPs), especially the content of BEA, increasing 13-fold under oxidative stress treatment. Combining transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses, we found that the genes and metabolites associated with the NRP metabolism, especially the BEA biosynthesis, were highly significantly enriched under H2O2-induced stress, which indicated that the BEA metabolism might be positive in the resistance of C. chanhua to oxidative stress. These results not only aid in better understanding of the resistance mechanisms of C. chanhua against oxidative stress but also might be helpful for molecular breeding of C. chanhua with low BEA content.
Atractylodin Induces Apoptosis and Inhibits the Migration of A549 Lung Cancer Cells by Regulating ROS-Mediated Signaling Pathways
Authors: Zhang Tong , Li Shu-Mei , Li Yan-Nan , Cao Jing-Long , Xue Hui , Wang Chang , Jin Cheng-Hao
Published: May 2022

Atractylodin (ATR) has anticancer effects on some tumor cells by inducing apoptosis, but its mechanism in lung cancer remains unclear. This study investigates the inhibitory effect of ATR on A549 lung cancer cells. Cell viability was detected by the Cell Counting Kit-8 assay, and results showed that ATR could significantly inhibit the proliferation of A549 cells. Apoptosis was detected by Annexin V-FITC/PI staining, and apoptosis rate and mitochondrial membrane potential were detected by flow cytometry. Results showed that the effect of ATR on the apoptosis of A549 cells was negatively correlated with the change in mitochondrial membrane potential. Western blot analysis showed that ATR regulated apoptosis induced by mitogen-activated protein kinase, signal transducer and activator of transcription 3, and nuclear factor kappa B signaling pathways. Analyses of reactive oxygen species (ROS), cell cycle, and cell migration showed that ATR induced intracellular ROS accumulation as an initiation signal to induce cell cycle arrest regulated by the AKT signaling pathway and cell migration inhibition regulated by the Wnt signaling pathway. Results showed that ATR can inhibit cell proliferation, induce cell apoptosis, induce cell cycle arrest, and inhibit the migration of A549 cells (p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant, * p < 0.05, ** p < 0.01 and *** p < 0.001).
Investigation of Chemical Compositions and Biological Activities of Mentha suaveolens L. from Saudi Arabia
Authors: Aldogman Bashayr , Bilel Hallouma , Moustafa Shaima Mohamed Nabil , Elmassary Khaled F. , Ali Hazim M. , Alotaibi Faddaa Qayid , Hamza Mohamed , Abdelgawad Mohamed A. , El-Ghorab Ahmed H.
Published: May 2022

Mentha is an aromatic plant used since antiquity for its pharmaceutical virtues. The climate of Saudi Arabia favors the growth of aromatic plants including Mentha suaveolens L. The aim of this study is to analyze the volatile oils of different parts of fresh and dried Mentha suaveolens L. grown in Saudi Arabia (Aljouf area) using Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry (GC/MS) and Gas Chromatography Flame Ionization Detector (GC/FID) techniques, to recognize the effect of drying on chemical composition, then to evaluate the antioxidant and antifungal activities of different extracts. In total, 118 compounds were identified via GC/MS and GC/FID, in which carvone is the main volatile constituent (stems, leaves, whole plant 45–64%). This investigation deduces that Mentha belonged to the carvone chemotype. Then, the analysis of non-volatile constituents of fresh and dried Mentha was performed by HPLC. The main phenolic compound of fresh and dried Mentha for different parts was rosmarinic acid (ranging from 28,002.5 to 6558 µg/g). The ethanolic extract of fresh stem showed the highest antifungal activity (53% inhibition) compared with miconazole (60% inhibition) but the ethanoic extract of dry stem showed no activity. Additionally, all ethanolic extracts, whether for fresh or dry Mentha, have antioxidant activity more than 90% while the antioxidant activity of whole plant volatile oil is equal to 53.33%. This research shows that M. suaveolens L. could be applied to manufacture natural antioxidants, antifungal, and flavoring agents.
Solvent Casting and UV Photocuring for Easy and Safe Fabrication of Nanocomposite Film Dressings
Authors: Di Muzio Laura , Simonetti Prisca , Carriero Vito Cosimo , Brandelli Chiara , Trilli Jordan , Sergi Claudia , Tirillò Jacopo , Cairone Francesco , Cesa Stefania , Radocchia Giulia , Schippa Serena , Petralito Stefania , Paolicelli Patrizia , Casadei Maria Antonietta
Published: May 2022

The aim of this work was to optimize and characterize nanocomposite films based on gellan gum methacrylate (GG-MA) and silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) for application in the field of wound dressing. The films were produced using the solvent casting technique coupled with a photocuring process. The UV irradiation of GG-MA solutions containing glycerol as a plasticizer and different amounts of silver nitrate resulted in the concurrent crosslinking of the photocurable polymer and a reduction of Ag ions with consequent in situ generation of AgNPs. In the first part of the work, the composition of the films was optimized, varying the concentration of the different components, the GG-MA/glycerol and GG-MA/silver nitrate weight ratios as well as the volume of the film-forming mixture. Rheological analyses were performed on the starting solutions, whereas the obtained films were characterized for their mechanical properties. Colorimetric analyses and swelling studies were also performed in order to determine the AgNPs release and the water uptake capacity of the films. Finally, microbiological tests were carried out to evaluate the antimicrobial efficacy of the optimized films, in order to demonstrate their possible application as dressings for the treatment of infected hard-to-heal wounds, which is a demanding task for public healthcare.
Eutectic Thin-Layer Chromatography as a New Possibility for Quantification of Plant Extracts—A Case Study
Authors: Raj Danuta
Published: May 2022

Deep eutectic solvents (DES), compared to classic ones, have interesting properties, such as the ability to solubilize compounds differing in polarity or increased dissolution of selected chemical compounds. They also offer specific interactions between the mobile and stationary phases. Those features make them promising solvents in chromatographic techniques, including the use in the separation of complicated samples. The first quantitative analysis with eutectic thin-layer chromatography (TLC) is presented in the paper. As a case study, five alkaloids from Chelidonium maius were selected as target compounds. A wide range of terpene-based DESs was investigated to develop the chromatographic system, both pure and after dilution. Moreover, a novel approach was employed to adjust polarity, involving mixing DESs differing in chromatographic properties. This procedure has proved to be effective. The best results were obtained with a 2:1 (wt/wt) mixture of DESs: camphor + phenol and menthol + limonene, with a 20% addition of methanol. The chromatographic system was validated and checked on the real sample, which made it the first applicable and operational quantitative eutectic TLC system.
The Elemental Profile of Beer Available on Polish Market: Analysis of the Potential Impact of Type of Packaging Material and Risk Assessment of Consumption
Authors: Gajek Magdalena , Wysocki Piotr , Pawlaczyk Aleksandra , Sać Łucja , Szynkowska-Jóźwik Małgorzata Iwona
Published: May 2022

Twenty-five elements, including the most essential and toxic metals, were determined in fifty beer samples stored in cans and bottles by Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS), Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-OES) and Cold Vapor Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (CVAAS) techniques. The packaging material was analyzed using the Scanning Electron Microscopy with Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (SEM-EDS) technique. The control of the level of individual metals is necessary, not only to maintain the organoleptic properties of the product, but also to fulfill the standards regarding the permissible maximum concentrations. Metals can originate from different sources, including the brewing water, malt grains, hops, adjuncts, fruits, and spices. They may also come from contamination from the brewery equipment, i.e., vessels and tanks, including beer packing, storing and transporting (kegs, casks, cans). Discriminant analysis revealed that the differentiation of three types of beer (Lager, Ale, Craft) was possible, based on elemental concentrations, for the reduced data set after their selection using the Kruskal-Wallis test. The analysis of the impact of the packaging material (can or bottle) proved that when this parameter was used as a differentiating criterion, the difference in the content of Na, Al, Cu and Mn can be indicated. The risk assessment analysis showed that the consumption of beer in a moderate quantity did not have any adverse effect in terms of the selected element concentrations, besides Al. However, in the case of Al, the risk related to consumption can be considered, but only for the beer stored in cans produced from aluminum.
Direct Quantitation of Phytocannabinoids by One-Dimensional 1H qNMR and Two-Dimensional 1H-1H COSY qNMR in Complex Natural Mixtures
Authors: Dadiotis Evangelos , Mitsis Vangelis , Melliou Eleni , Magiatis Prokopios
Published: May 2022

The widespread use of phytocannabinoids or cannabis extracts as ingredients in numerous types of products, in combination with the legal restrictions on THC content, has created a need for the development of new, rapid, and universal analytical methods for their quantitation that ideally could be applied without separation and standards. Based on previously described qNMR studies, we developed an expanded 1H qNMR method and a novel 2D-COSY qNMR method for the rapid quantitation of ten major phytocannabinoids in cannabis plant extracts and cannabis-based products. The 1H qNMR method was successfully developed for the quantitation of cannabidiol (CBD), cannabidiolic acid (CBDA), cannabinol (CBN), cannabichromene (CBC), cannabichromenic acid (CBCA), cannabigerol (CBG), cannabigerolic acid (CBGA), Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC), Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (Δ9-THCA), Δ8-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ8-THC), cannabielsoin (CBE), and cannabidivarin (CBDV). Moreover, cannabidivarinic acid (CBDVA) and Δ9-tetrahydrocannabivarinic acid (Δ9-THCVA) can be distinguished from CBDA and Δ9-THCA respectively, while cannabigerovarin (CBGV) and Δ8-tetrahydrocannabivarin (Δ8-THCV) present the same 1H-spectra as CBG and Δ8-THC, respectively. The COSY qNMR method was applied for the quantitation of CBD, CBDA, CBN, CBG/CBGA, and THC/THCA. The two methods were applied for the analysis of hemp plants; cannabis extracts; edible cannabis medium-chain triglycerides (MCT); and hemp seed oils and cosmetic products with cannabinoids. The 1H-NMR method does not require the use of reference compounds, and it requires only a short time for analysis. However, complex extracts in 1H-NMR may have a lot of signals, and quantitation with this method is often hampered by peak overlap, with 2D NMR providing a solution to this obstacle. The most important advantage of the COSY NMR quantitation method was the determination of the legality of cannabis plants, extracts, and edible oils based on their THC/THCA content, particularly in the cases of some samples for which the determination of THC/THCA content by 1H qNMR was not feasible.
Enhanced Light Absorption and Efficient Carrier Collection in MoS2 Monolayers on Au Nanopillars
Authors: Song Jungeun , Kwon Soyeong , Jeong Hyunjeong , Choi Hyeji , Nguyen Anh Thi , Park Ha Kyung , Park Hyeong-Ho , Jo William , Lee Sang Wook , Kim Dong-Wook
Published: May 2022

We fabricated hybrid nanostructures consisting of MoS2 monolayers and Au nanopillar (Au-NP) arrays. The surface morphology and Raman spectra showed that the MoS2 flakes transferred onto the Au-NPs were very flat and nonstrained. The Raman and photoluminescence intensities of MoS2/Au-NP were 3- and 20-fold larger than those of MoS2 flakes on a flat Au thin film, respectively. The finite-difference time-domain calculations showed that the Au-NPs significantly concentrated the incident light near their surfaces, leading to broadband absorption enhancement in the MoS2 flakes. Compared with a flat Au thin film, the Au-NPs enabled a 6-fold increase in the absorption in the MoS2 monolayer at a wavelength of 615 nm. The contact potential difference mapping showed that the electric potential at the MoS2/Au contact region was higher than that of the suspended MoS2 region by 85 mV. Such potential modulation enabled the Au-NPs to efficiently collect photogenerated electrons from the MoS2 flakes, as revealed by the uniform positive surface photovoltage signals throughout the MoS2 surface.
Forced Convective Heat Transfer Coefficient Measurement of Low Concentration Nanorods ZnO–Ethylene Glycol Nanofluids in Laminar Flow
Authors: Alam Md. Shah , Nahar Bodrun , Gafur Md. Abdul , Seong Gimyeong , Hossain Muhammad Zamir
Published: May 2022

This paper presents the experimental forced convective heat transfer coefficient (HTC) of nanorods (NRs) zinc oxide–ethylene glycol nanofluids (ZnO–EG NFs) in laminar flow. First, ZnO NRs were synthesized using a hydrothermal method that uses zinc acetate dihydrate [Zn(CH3COO)2·2H2O] as a precursor, sodium hydroxide as a reducing agent, and polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) as a surfactant. The hydrothermal reaction was performed at 170 °C for 6 h in a Teflon-lined stainless-steel tube autoclave. The sample’s X-ray diffraction (XRD) pattern confirmed the formation of the hexagonal wurtzite phase of ZnO, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis revealed the NRs of the products with an average aspect ratio (length/diameter) of 2.25. Then, 0.1, 0.2, and 0.3 vol% of ZnO–EG NFs were prepared by adding the required ZnO NRs to 100 mL of EG. After that, time-lapse sedimentation observation, zeta potential (ζ), and ultraviolet-visible (UV–vis) spectroscopy was used to assess the stability of the NFs. Furthermore, the viscosity (μ) and density (ρ) of NFs were measured experimentally as a function of vol% from ambient temperature to 60 °C. Finally, the HTC of NFs was evaluated utilizing a vertical shell and tube heat transfer apparatus and a computer-based data recorder to quantify the forced convective HTC of NFs in laminar flow at Reynolds numbers (Re) of 400, 500, and 600. The obtained results indicate that adding only small amounts of ZnO NRs to EG can significantly increase the HTC, encouraging industrial and other heat management applications.
Enhanced Efficiency of Semitransparent Perovskite Solar Cells via Double-Sided Sandwich Evaporation Technique for Four Terminal Perovskite-Silicon Tandem Application
Authors: Jhou Jia-Ci , Gaurav Ashish , Chang Chung-Han , Lin Ching-Fuh
Published: May 2022

Halide perovskite based solar cells (PSC’s) have shown tremendous potential based on its facile fabrication technique, and the low cost of perovskite thin film formation with efficiency passing through an unmatched growth in recent years. High quality film along with morphology and crystallinity of the perovskite layer influences the efficiency and other properties of the perovskite solar cell (PSC). Furthermore, semitransparent perovskite solar cells (ST-PSC) are an area of attraction due to its application in tandem solar cells, although various factors like suitable transparent rear electrodes and optimized technique limit the power conversion efficiency (PCE). In this article, we fabricated perovskite film using a technique termed Double-sided sandwich evaporation technique (DS-SET) resulting in high quality perovskite film (MAPbI3 and MAPbIxCl3−x). Using this fabrication approach as compared to the traditional spin-coating method, we reported an enhanced photovoltaic performance of the PSC with a better surface morphology and homogeneity. The best parameter via DS-SET was found to be SET 30 min, which demonstrated a PCE (%) up to 14.8% for MAPbI3 and 16.25% for MAPbIxCl3−x, respectively. Addressing the tandem solar cell, incorporating thin Ag as a transparent electrode with a thickness of 20 nm onto the PSC’s as the top cell and further combining with the Si solar cell results in the four terminal (4T) tandem solar cell exhibiting a PCE (%) of 24.43%.
An Atmospheric Turbulence Compensation Algorithm Based on FSM-DM Cascaded AO Architecture for FSO Communications
Authors: Mao Hongliang , Zhong Jie , Yu Siyuan , Xiao Pei , Yang Xinghao , Lu Gaoyuan
Published: May 2022

Free-space optics (FSO) communication enjoys desirable modulation rates at unexploited frequency bands, however, its application is hindered by atmospheric turbulence which causes phase shifting in laser links. Although a single deformable mirror (DM) adaptive optics (AO) system is a good solution, its performance remains unsatisfactory as the proportion of tilts aberrations becomes relatively high. This condition happens when the incident angle of the laser beam for the optical receiver dynamically shifts. To tackle this problem, we introduce a fast steering mirror (FSM), DM cascaded AO architecture, based upon which we also propose an atmospheric turbulence compensation algorithm. In this paper, we compare the compensation ability of FSM and DM towards tilts aberrations. Furthermore, we gain model matrices for FSM and DM from testbed and simulatively verify the effectiveness of our work. For a Kolmogorov theory-based atmospheric turbulence disturbed incident laser beam where the tilt components take up 80% of the total proportion of wavefront aberrations, our proposed architecture compensates the input wavefront to a residual wavefront root mean square (RMS) of 116 wavelength, compared to 16 wavelength for single DM architecture. The study intends to overcome atmospheric turbulence and has the potential to guide the development of future FSO communications.
Peripheral Blood Markers Correlate with the Progression of Active Tuberculosis Relative to Latent Control of Mycobacterium tuberculosis Infection in Macaques
Authors: Gough Maya , Singh Dhiraj K. , Moodley Chivonne , Niu Tianhua , Golden Nadia A. , Kaushal Deepak , Mehra Smriti
Published: May 2022

Despite a century of research into tuberculosis (TB), there is a dearth of reproducible, easily quantifiable, biomarkers that can predict disease onset and differentiate between host disease states. Due to the challenges associated with human sampling, nonhuman primates (NHPs) are utilized for recapitulating the closest possible modelling of human TB. To establish a predictive peripheral biomarker profile based on a larger cohort of rhesus macaques (RM), we analyzed results pertaining to peripheral blood serum chemistry and cell counts from RMs that were experimentally exposed to Mtb in our prior studies and characterized as having either developed active TB (ATB) disease or latent TB infection (LTBI). We compared lung CFU burdens and quantitative pathologies with a number of measurables in the peripheral blood. Based on our results, the investigations were then extended to the study of specific molecules and cells in the lung compartments of a subset of these animals and their immune responses. In addition to the elevated serum C-reactive protein (CRP) levels, frequently used to discern the level of Mtb infection in model systems, reduced serum albumin-to-globulin (A/G) ratios were also predictive of active TB disease. Furthermore, higher peripheral myeloid cell levels, particularly those of neutrophils, kynurenine-to-tryptophan ratio, an indicator of induced expression of the immunosuppressive molecule indoleamine dioxygenase, and an influx of myeloid cell populations could also efficiently discriminate between ATB and LTBI in experimentally infected macaques. These quantifiable correlates of disease were then used in conjunction with a regression-based analysis to predict bacterial load. Our results suggest a potential biomarker profile of TB disease in rhesus macaques, that could inform future NHP–TB research. Our results thus suggest that specific biomarkers may be developed from the myeloid subset of peripheral blood or plasma with the ability to discriminate between active and latent Mtb infection.
Development of a Highly Efficient Environmentally Friendly Plasticizer
Authors: Vikhareva Irina N. , Aminova Guliya K. , Mazitova Aliya K.
Published: May 2022

The purpose of this work is the synthesis of adipic acid ester and the study of the possibility of its use as a PVC plasticizer. The resulting butyl phenoxyethyl adipate was characterized by Fourier-transform infrared spectrometry, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The compatibility, effectiveness and plasticizing effect of butyl phenoxyethyl adipate in comparison with dioctylphthalate (DOP) were determined. The new environmentally friendly plasticizer has good compatibility with PVC and high thermal stability. The effectiveness of the plasticizing action of adipate based on the glass-transition temperature was 132.2 °C in relation to pure PVC and 7.7 °C in comparison to compounds based on DOP. An increase in the fluidity of the melt of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) compounds in the temperature range of 160–205 °C by 19–50% confirms a decrease in the energy intensity of the processes of manufacturing and the processing of polymer materials containing a new additive.
Bistable Morphing Composites for Energy-Harvesting Applications
Authors: Elsheikh Ammar
Published: May 2022

Bistable morphing composites have shown promising applications in energy harvesting due to their capabilities to change their shape and maintain two different states without any external loading. In this review article, the application of these composites in energy harvesting is discussed. Actuating techniques used to change the shape of a composite structure from one state to another is discussed. Mathematical modeling of the dynamic behavior of these composite structures is explained. Finally, the applications of artificial-intelligence techniques to optimize the design of bistable structures and to predict their response under different actuating schemes are discussed.
Proteomes of Uropathogenic Escherichia coli Growing in Human Urine and in J82 Urinary Bladder Cells
Authors: Andersen Sisse , Nawrocki Arkadiusz , Johansen Andreas Eske , Herrero-Fresno Ana , Menéndez Vanesa García , Møller-Jensen Jakob , Olsen John Elmerdahl
Published: May 2022

Uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC) are the most common cause of urinary tract infection (UTI). UPEC normally reside in the intestine, and during establishment of UTI, they undergo metabolic adaptations, first to urine and then upon tissue invasion to the bladder cell interior. To understand these adaptations, we used quantitative proteomic profiling to characterize protein expression of the UPEC strain UTI89 growing in human urine and when inside J82 bladder cells. In order to facilitate detection of UPEC proteins over the excess amount of eukaryotic proteins in bladder cells, we developed a method where proteins from UTI89 grown in MOPS and urine was spiked-in to enhance detection of bacterial proteins. More than 2000 E. coli proteins were detected. During growth in urine, proteins associated with iron acquisition and several amino acid uptake and biosynthesis systems, most prominently arginine metabolism, were significantly upregulated. During growth in J82 cells, proteins related to iron uptake and arginine metabolisms were likewise upregulated together with proteins involved in sulfur compound turnover. Ribosomal proteins were downregulated relative to growth in MOPS in this environment. There was no direct correlation between upregulated proteins and proteins reported to be essential for infections, showing that upregulation during growth does not signify that the proteins are essential for growth under a condition.
Examining the Relationships between Religious Affiliation, External and Internal Behavioural Factors, and Personal Carbon Footprint
Authors: Orellano Anabel , Chuvieco Emilio
Published: May 2022

Different studies have shown that daily consumption is responsible for a large portion of greenhouse gas emissions. Since consumption is closely linked to individuals’ preferences, motivations, and beliefs, the personal carbon footprint should be a good indicator of actual consumers’ commitments towards climate change mitigation. Previous research has shown the importance of considering individual-level religion as an antecedent of mitigation outcomes, although the evidence is inconclusive in this regard. This study examines the relationship between religious affiliation and personal carbon footprint, following socio-psychological models that consider behaviour to depend on external or situational factors, and internal or intrinsic ones. A questionnaire was carried out on a random sample of the Spanish population (N = 845) to determine the main drivers of carbon footprint for different religious groups. External factors (i.e., socioeconomic) and internal ones related to climate change knowledge, commitment, and intractability, on the one hand, and value orientation, nature-relatedness, and the main motivation to conserve nature on the other hand, were analysed. Intergroup differences in the personal carbon footprint were found, especially based on sex, age group, and type of work among external factors and value orientation, the main motivation for conserving nature and climate change perceived commitment within the internals. Intragroup differences for food carbon footprint were also observed, as follows: the main motivation to conserve nature and the level of commitment implied differences among Catholic believers, whereas value orientation and the level of commitment implied differences among non-believers. Our conclusions suggest, on the one hand, the importance of examining the religion-mitigation link in a socio-psychological framework and, on the other, the need for further study within groups to promote better behavioural responses to climate change.
Aesthetic and Educational Aspects of Contact with Contemporary Religious Architecture
Authors: Kulik Małgorzata Maria , Rutyna Halina , Steć Małgorzata , Wendołowska Anna
Published: May 2022

This article addresses the issue of the importance of contemporary architecture—especially Christian architecture—for the aesthetic and spiritual development of an individual. It also highlights the educational aspect that may arise in the framework of the contact of a human with the works of religious architecture. Among many things, the article points out the values of truth and beauty in the space of the sacrum. The major importance in the process of human development involves personal, individual and group experiences of meetings in various areas of religious architecture that operate with the language of signs and symbols, modern artistic forms, single-space harmony, and atmosphere—an invisible order of things. In recent years, a number of studies have been carried out that attempted to define what makes the place of sacrum sufficiently meaningful, mysterious, and still necessary in order to establish a spiritual relationship with the community of believers and with God, which is relevant in one’s transition to adulthood.