bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Doubly-Resonant Photonic Crystal Cavities for Efficient Second-Harmonic Generation in III–V Semiconductors
Authors: Zanotti Simone , Minkov Momchil , Fan Shanhui , Andreani Lucio C. , Gerace Dario
Published: March 2021

Second-order nonlinear effects, such as second-harmonic generation, can be strongly enhanced in nanofabricated photonic materials when both fundamental and harmonic frequencies are spatially and temporally confined. Practically designing low-volume and doubly-resonant nanoresonators in conventional semiconductor compounds is challenging owing to their intrinsic refractive index dispersion. In this work we review a recently developed strategy to design doubly-resonant nanocavities with low mode volume and large quality factor via localized defects in a photonic crystal structure. We built on this approach by applying an evolutionary optimization algorithm in connection with Maxwell equations solvers; the proposed design recipe can be applied to any material platform. We explicitly calculated the second-harmonic generation efficiency for doubly-resonant photonic crystal cavity designs in typical III–V semiconductor materials, such as GaN and AlGaAs, while targeting a fundamental harmonic at telecom wavelengths and fully accounting for the tensor nature of the respective nonlinear susceptibilities. These results may stimulate the realization of small footprint photonic nanostructures in leading semiconductor material platforms to achieve unprecedented nonlinear efficiencies.
Integration of Stable Ionic Liquid-Based Nanofluids into Polymer Membranes. Part I: Membrane Synthesis and Characterization
Authors: Hermida-Merino Carolina , Pardo Fernando , Zarca Gabriel , Araújo João M. M. , Urtiaga Ane , Piñeiro Manuel M. , Pereiro Ana B.
Published: March 2021

In this work, polymeric membranes functionalized with ionic liquids (ILs) and exfoliated graphene nanoplatelets (xGnP) were developed and characterized. These membranes based on graphene ionanofluids (IoNFs) are promising materials for gas separation. The stability of the selected IoNFs in the polymer membranes was determined by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The morphology of membranes was characterized using scanning electron microscope (SEM) and interferometric optical profilometry (WLOP). SEM results evidence that upon the small addition of xGnP into the IL-dominated environment, the interaction between IL and xGnP facilitates the migration of xGnP to the surface, while suppressing the interaction between IL and Pebax®1657. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) was also used to determine the polymer–IoNF interactions and the distribution of the IL in the polymer matrix. Finally, the thermodynamic properties and phase transitions (polymer–IoNF) of these functionalized membranes were studied using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). This analysis showed a gradual decrease in the melting point of the polyamide (PA6) blocks with a decrease in the corresponding melting enthalpy and a complete disappearance of the crystallinity of the polyether (PEO) phase with increasing IL content. This evidences the high compatibility and good mixing of the polymer and the IoNF.
Colorimetric, Naked-Eye Detection of Lysozyme in Human Urine with Gold Nanoparticles
Authors: Castillo Paula M. , Fernández-Acejo Francisco J. , Carnerero Jose M. , Prado-Gotor Rafael , Jimenez-Ruiz Aila
Published: March 2021

The stabilizing effect of lysozymes to salt addition over a gold colloid are exploited in order to detect lysozymes in human urine samples. The present research is aimed at the development of a fast, naked-eye detection test for urinary lysozymuria, in which direct comparison with a colorimetric reference, allows for the immediate determination of positive/negative cases. CIEL*a*b* parameters were obtained from sample absorbance measurements, and their color difference with respect to a fixed reference point was measured by calculating the ΔE76 parameter, which is a measure of how well the colors can be distinguished by an untrained observer. Results show that a simple and quick test can reliably, in less than 15 min, give a positive colorimetric response in the naked eye for concentrations of a urinary lysozyme over 57.2 µg/mL. This concentration is well within the limits of that observed for leukemia-associated lysozymurias, among other disorders.
Inorganic Fillers in Composite Gel Polymer Electrolytes for High-Performance Lithium and Non-Lithium Polymer Batteries
Authors: Hoang Huy Vo Pham , So Seongjoon , Hur Jaehyun
Published: March 2021

Among the various types of polymer electrolytes, gel polymer electrolytes have been considered as promising electrolytes for high-performance lithium and non-lithium batteries. The introduction of inorganic fillers into the polymer-salt system of gel polymer electrolytes has emerged as an effective strategy to achieve high ionic conductivity and excellent interfacial contact with the electrode. In this review, the detailed roles of inorganic fillers in composite gel polymer electrolytes are presented based on their physical and electrochemical properties in lithium and non-lithium polymer batteries. First, we summarize the historical developments of gel polymer electrolytes. Then, a list of detailed fillers applied in gel polymer electrolytes is presented. Possible mechanisms of conductivity enhancement by the addition of inorganic fillers are discussed for each inorganic filler. Subsequently, inorganic filler/polymer composite electrolytes studied for use in various battery systems, including Li-, Na-, Mg-, and Zn-ion batteries, are discussed. Finally, the future perspectives and requirements of the current composite gel polymer electrolyte technologies are highlighted.
Gold Nanoparticle-Enhanced Detection of DNA Hybridization by a Block Copolymer-Templating Fiber-Optic Localized Surface Plasmon Resonance Biosensor
Authors: Lu Mengdi , Peng Wei , Lin Ming , Wang Fang , Zhang Yang
Published: March 2021

To overcome low surface coverage and aggregation of particles, which usually restricts the sensitivity and resolution of conventional localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) fiber-optic sensors, we propose a simple self-assembled templating technique that uses a nanometer thickness block copolymer (BCP) layer of poly(styrene-b-4-vinylpyridine) to form a 33 nm gold nanoparticle (AuNP) monolayer with high uniformity and density for LSPR sensing. The LSPR resonance wavelength for this PS-b-P4VP templated methodology is 592 nm and its refractive index sensitivity is up to 386.36 nm/RIU, both of which are significantly improved compared to those of conventional LSPR techniques. Calibrated by a layer-by-layer polyelectrolyte deposition procedure, the decay length of this LSPR sensor is calculated to be 78 nm, which is lower than other traditional self-assembled LSPR sensors. Furthermore, hybridization between target ssDNA, which is linked with capture ssDNA on the LSPR biosensor and DNA–AuNP conjugates, leads to a low detection limit of 67 pM. These enhanced performances are significant and valuable for high-sensitivity and cost-effective LSPR biosensing applications.
Effects of Vitamin D Supplementation on CD4+ T Cell Subsets and mTOR Signaling Pathway in High-Fat-Diet-Induced Obese Mice
Authors: An Jeong Hee , Cho Da Hye , Lee Ga Young , Kang Min Su , Kim So Jeong , Han Sung Nim
Published: March 2021

Obesity is associated with an impaired balance of CD4+ T cell subsets. Both vitamin D and obesity have been reported to affect the mTOR pathway. In this study, we investigated the effects of vitamin D on CD4+ T cell subsets and the mTOR pathway. Ten-week-old male C57BL/6 mice were divided into four groups and fed diets with different fat (control or high-fat diets: CON or HFD) and vitamin D contents (vitamin D control or supplemented diets: vDC or vDS) for 12 weeks. T cells purified by negative selection were stimulated with anti-CD3/anti-CD28 mAbs and cultured for 48 h. The percentage of CD4+IL-17+ T cells was higher in the vDS than vDC groups. The CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ T cells percentage was higher in HFD than CON groups. The phospho-p70S6K/total-p70S6K ratio was lower in vDS than vDC, but the phospho-AKT/total-AKT ratio was higher in vDS than vDC groups. Hif1α mRNA levels were lower in vDS than vDC groups. These findings suggest HIF1α plays an important role in vitamin-D-mediated regulation of glucose metabolism in T cells, and dietary vitamin D supplementation may contribute to the maintenance of immune homeostasis by regulating the mTOR pathway in T cells.
Nutrition and Muscle Health
Authors: Arosio Beatrice , Cesari Matteo
Published: March 2021

The increase in human life expectancy at birth and the rapid aging of the population represent major social phenomena of this time [...]
Effect of Selenium and Iodine on Oxidative Stress in the First Trimester Human Placenta Explants
Authors: Habibi Nahal , Labrinidis Agatha , Leemaqz Shalem Yiner-Lee , Jankovic-Karasoulos Tanja , McCullough Dylan , Grieger Jessica A. , Gilbert Sarah , Ricciardelli Carmela , Zhou Shao Jia , Perkins Anthony V. , Roberts Claire T. , Bianco-Miotto Tina
Published: March 2021

Imbalanced maternal micronutrient status, poor placentation, and oxidative stress are associated with greater risk of pregnancy complications, which impact mother and offspring health. As selenium, iodine, and copper are essential micronutrients with key roles in antioxidant systems, this study investigated their potential protective effects on placenta against oxidative stress. First trimester human placenta explants were treated with different concentrations of selenium (sodium selenite), iodine (potassium iodide), their combination or copper (copper (II) sulfate). The concentrations represented deficient, physiological, or super physiological levels. Oxidative stress was induced by menadione or antimycin. Placenta explants were collected, fixed, processed, and embedded for laser ablation inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (LA ICP-MS) element imaging or immunohistochemical labelling. LA ICP-MS showed that placenta could uptake selenium and copper from the media. Sodium selenite and potassium iodide reduced DNA damage and apoptosis (p < 0.05). Following oxidative stress induction, a higher concentration of sodium selenite (1.6 µM) was needed to reduce DNA damage and apoptosis while both concentrations of potassium iodide (0.5 and 1 µM) were protective (p < 0.05). A high concentration of copper (40 µM) increased apoptosis and DNA damage but this effect was no longer significant after induction of oxidative stress. Micronutrients supplementation can increase their content within the placenta and an optimal maternal micronutrient level is essential for placenta health.
Methylxanthines and Neurodegenerative Diseases: An Update
Authors: Janitschke Daniel , Lauer Anna A. , Bachmann Cornel M. , Grimm Heike S. , Hartmann Tobias , Grimm Marcus O. W.
Published: March 2021

Methylxanthines (MTX) are purine derived xanthine derivatives. Whereas naturally occurring methylxanthines like caffeine, theophylline or theobromine are widely consumed in food, several synthetic but also non-synthetic methylxanthines are used as pharmaceuticals, in particular in treating airway constrictions. Besides the well-established bronchoprotective effects, methylxanthines are also known to have anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative properties, mediate changes in lipid homeostasis and have neuroprotective effects. Known molecular mechanisms include adenosine receptor antagonism, phosphodiesterase inhibition, effects on the cholinergic system, wnt signaling, histone deacetylase activation and gene regulation. By affecting several pathways associated with neurodegenerative diseases via different pleiotropic mechanisms and due to its moderate side effects, intake of methylxanthines have been suggested to be an interesting approach in dealing with neurodegeneration. Especially in the past years, the impact of methylxanthines in neurodegenerative diseases has been extensively studied and several new aspects have been elucidated. In this review we summarize the findings of methylxanthines linked to Alzheimer´s disease, Parkinson’s disease and Multiple Sclerosis since 2017, focusing on epidemiological and clinical studies and addressing the underlying molecular mechanisms in cell culture experiments and animal studies in order to assess the neuroprotective potential of methylxanthines in these diseases.
Analysis of Serum Fatty Acids Profile in Kidney Transplant Recipients
Authors: Mika Adriana , Halinski Lukasz P , Sledzinski Tomasz , Malgorzewicz Sylwia , Woloszyk Paulina , Dardzinska Jolanta , Debska-Slizien Alicja , Chmielewski Michal
Published: March 2021

Patients with end-stage kidney disease, treated with renal transplantation, are at increased risk of cardio-vascular disease (CVD) and cardio-vascular mortality. They are also characterized by an atherogenic dyslipidemia. Alterations of the fatty acids (FA) profile contribute to increased cardio-vascular risk in the general population. In the current study we test the hypothesis that kidney transplantation is associated with ab-normalities in FA profile. FA profile was analysed by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry in 198 renal transplant recipients, and 48 control subjects. The most profound differences between renal transplant patients and controls were related to the content of branched chain FA, monounsaturated FA, and n-6 polyunsaturated FA, respectively. The FA profile significantly separated the patients from the controls in the principal component analysis (PCA). The abnormalities of FA profile showed a tendency for normalization in long-term kidney recipients, as compared to patients with recent transplants. The n-3 PUFA content demonstrated a strong inverse association with the presence of inflammation. Most profound alterations of the FA profile were observed in patients with impaired graft function (glomerular filtration rate < 45 mL/min). The study demonstrated significant disorders of the FA profile in kidney transplant recipients, that might contribute to cardio-vascular risk in this vulnerable patient population.
Transient Effect of Infant Formula Supplementation on the Intestinal Microbiota
Authors: Chin Ning , Méndez-Lagares Gema , Taft Diana H. , Laleau Victoria , Kieu Hung , Narayan Nicole R. , Roberts Susan B. , Mills David A. , Hartigan-O’Connor Dennis J. , Flaherman Valerie J.
Published: March 2021

Breastfeeding is the gold standard for feeding infants because of its long-term benefits to health and development, but most infants in the United States are not exclusively breastfed in the first six months. We enrolled 24 infants who were either exclusively breastfed or supplemented with formula by the age of one month. We collected diet information, stool samples for evaluation of microbiotas by 16S rRNA sequencing, and blood samples for assessment of immune development by flow cytometry from birth to 6 months of age. We further typed the Bifidobacterium strains in stool samples whose 16S rRNA sequencing showed the presence of Bifidobacteriaceae. Supplementation with formula during breastfeeding transiently changed the composition of the gut microbiome, but the impact dissipated by six months of age. For example, Bifidobacterium longum, a bacterial species highly correlated with human milk consumption, was found to be significantly different only at 1 month of age but not at later time points. No immunologic differences were found to be associated with supplementation, including the development of T-cell subsets, B cells, or monocytes. These data suggest that early formula supplementation, given in addition to breast milk, has minimal lasting impact on the gut microbiome or immunity.
Association of Hemoglobin and Hematocrit Levels during Pregnancy and Maternal Dietary Iron Intake with Allergic Diseases in Children: The Japan Environment and Children’s Study (JECS)
Authors: Yang Limin , Sato Miori , Saito-Abe Mayako , Irahara Makoto , Nishizato Minaho , Sasaki Hatoko , Konishi Mizuho , Ishitsuka Kazue , Mezawa Hidetoshi , Yamamoto-Hanada Kiwako , Matsumoto Kenji , Ohya Yukihiro ,   on behalf of the Japan Environment and Children’s Study (JECS) Group
Published: March 2021

Few epidemiologic studies have examined the role of maternal iron status in allergic diseases in offspring and findings have been inconsistent. We used a large birth cohort in Japan to explore the association of the markers for maternal iron status (maternal hemoglobin, hematocrit and dietary iron intake during pregnancy) with allergy development in offspring during early childhood. We analyzed information on children age 0–3 years from the Japan Environment and Children’s Study (JECS). We used logistic models and generalized estimating equation models to evaluate the effect of maternal hemoglobin and hematocrit levels and dietary iron intake on allergies in children. Models were also fitted with propensity score-matched datasets. Data were collected for a total of 91,247 mother–child pairs. The prevalence (95% confidence interval) of low hemoglobin and hematocrit was 14.0% (13.7–14.2%) and 12.5% (12.3–12.8%), respectively. After adjusting confounders, low hemoglobin and hematocrit during pregnancy were not associated with childhood allergic outcomes. Findings from models with propensity score-matched datasets also indicated that children born to mothers with low hemoglobin or hematocrit levels during pregnancy did not have a higher risk of developing allergic conditions at 3 years old. We found no meaningful associations between low energy adjusted maternal dietary iron intake and allergies in children. In conclusion, using birth cohort data, we found no evidence supporting an association of low maternal hemoglobin, hematocrit and low dietary iron intake with allergy symptoms during early childhood. Further studies with more suitable proxy markers for blood iron status are needed.
Probiotic Escherichia coli Ameliorates Antibiotic-Associated Anxiety Responses in Mice
Authors: Park Kiwoong , Park Suhyeon , Nagappan Arulkumar , Ray Navin , Kim Juil , Yoon Sik , Moon Yuseok
Published: March 2021

Despite the beneficial actions of antibiotics against bacterial infections, the use of antibiotics is a crucial etiological factor influencing microbial dysbiosis-associated adverse outcomes in human health. Based on the assumption that gut microbial dysbiosis can provoke behavioral or psychological disorders, the present study evaluated anxiety-linked behavioral changes in a mouse model of streptomycin-induced dysbiosis. Measuring anxiety-like behavior using the light–dark box and elevated plus maze tests indicated that streptomycin treatment caused acute anxiety in mice. As an intervention for dysbiosis-associated distress, the probiotic strain Escherichia coli Nissle 1917 (EcN) was evaluated for its effects on streptomycin-induced behavioral changes in mice. EcN supplementation persistently ameliorated anxiety responses in mice with streptomycin-induced dysbiosis. As an outcome of anxiety, body weight changes were marginally affected by antibiotic treatment. However, mice supplemented with EcN displayed acute retardation of body weight gain, since EcN is known to reduce food intake and increase energy expenditure. Taken together, EcN treatment prominently counteracted streptomycin-induced anxiety in mice, with the metabolically beneficial retardation of body weight gain. The present model simulates psychological disorders in antibiotic users. As a promising intervention, EcN treatment can facilitate psychological relief under conditions of dysbiotic stress by blocking the pathologic gut–brain circuit.
Antimicrobial Resistance Profiles of Salmonella Isolates on Chickens Processed and Retailed at Outlets of the Informal Market in Gauteng Province, South Africa
Authors: Mokgophi Thelma M. , Gcebe Nomakorinte , Fasina Folorunso , Adesiyun Abiodun A.
Published: March 2021

The study determined the antimicrobial resistance profiles of Salmonella on chickens processed and retailed at outlets of the informal markets in Gauteng province, South Africa. The study also investigated the relationship of antimicrobial resistant Salmonella to the source and type of samples and their serotypes. Carcass swabs, cloacal swabs and carcass drips were randomly collected from each of 151 slaughtered chickens from six townships. Isolation and identification were performed using standard and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) methods. The disc diffusion method was used to determine the resistance of Salmonella isolates to 16 antimicrobial agents and PCR to determine their serovars. Ninety-eight (64.9%) of the 151 chickens were contaminated with Salmonella of which 94.9% (93/98) were resistant serovars. The frequency of antimicrobial resistance of Salmonella isolates was high to erythromycin (94.9%) and spectinomycin (82.7%) but was low to ciprofloxacin (1.0%) and norfloxacin (1.0%) (p < 0.05). All 170 isolates of Salmonella tested exhibited resistance to one or more antimicrobial agents and the frequency varied significantly (p < 0.05) across the townships, the type of samples and the serovars. The prevalence of multidrug resistance (MDR) in Salmonella was 81.8% (139/170). Our findings pose zoonotic, food safety and therapeutic risks to workers and consumers of undercooked, contaminated chickens from these outlets.
Efficacy of Everolimus Low-Dose Treatment for Cardiac Rhabdomyomas in Neonatal Tuberous Sclerosis: Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Nespoli Luisa Federica , Albani Elena , Corti Carla , Spaccini Luigina , Alfei Enrico , Daniele Irene , Zuccotti Gian Vincenzo , Lista Gianluca , Calcaterra Valeria , Mannarino Savina
Published: March 2021

Background: Cardiac rhabdomyomas (CRs) are the most common cardiac tumors in newborns. Approximately 80–90% of cases are associated with tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC). In selective cases, Everolimus has resulted in a remarkable tumoral regression effect in children with TS. The optimal dosage for neonates is still unknown. Case presentation: We describe the use of Everolimus in a neonate with multiple biventricular CRs, causing subaortic obstruction, in which a low-dose treatment (0.1 mg/die), in an effort to maintain serum trough levels of 3–7 ng/mL, was successfully used off-label, without adverse effects. Conclusions: We showed that a low-dose Everolimus regimen may be an effective and safe treatment for CR regression in TS neonates, when the minimum therapeutic range was maintained.
Mechanistic Insights into Side Effects of Troglitazone and Rosiglitazone Using a Novel Inverse Molecular Docking Protocol
Authors: Kores Katarina , Konc Janez , Bren Urban
Published: March 2021

Thiazolidinediones form drugs that treat insulin resistance in type 2 diabetes mellitus. Troglitazone represents the first drug from this family, which was removed from use by the FDA due to its hepatotoxicity. As an alternative, rosiglitazone was developed, but it was under the careful watch of FDA for a long time due to suspicion, that it causes cardiovascular diseases, such as heart failure and stroke. We applied a novel inverse molecular docking protocol to discern the potential protein targets of both drugs. Troglitazone and rosiglitazone were docked into predicted binding sites of >67,000 protein structures from the Protein Data Bank and examined. Several new potential protein targets with successfully docked troglitazone and rosiglitazone were identified. The focus was devoted to human proteins so that existing or new potential side effects could be explained or proposed. Certain targets of troglitazone such as 3-oxo-5-beta-steroid 4-dehydrogenase, neutrophil collagenase, stromelysin-1, and VLCAD were pinpointed, which could explain its hepatoxicity, with additional ones indicating that its application could lead to the treatment/development of cancer. Results for rosiglitazone discerned its interaction with members of the matrix metalloproteinase family, which could lead to cancer and neurodegenerative disorders. The concerning cardiovascular side effects of rosiglitazone could also be explained. We firmly believe that our results deepen the mechanistic understanding of the side effects of both drugs, and potentially with further development and research maybe even help to minimize them. On the other hand, the novel inverse molecular docking protocol on the other hand carries the potential to develop into a standard tool to predict possible cross-interactions of drug candidates potentially leading to adverse side effects.
Current Update of Collagen Nanomaterials—Fabrication, Characterisation and Its Applications: A Review
Authors: Lo Samantha , Fauzi Mh Busra
Published: March 2021

Tissue engineering technology is a promising alternative approach for improvement in health management. Biomaterials play a major role, acting as a provisional bioscaffold for tissue repair and regeneration. Collagen a widely studied natural component largely present in the extracellular matrix (ECM) of the human body. It provides mechanical stability with suitable elasticity and strength to various tissues, including skin, bone, tendon, cornea and others. Even though exogenous collagen is commonly used in bioscaffolds, largely in the medical and pharmaceutical fields, nano collagen is a relatively new material involved in nanotechnology with a plethora of unexplored potential. Nano collagen is a form of collagen reduced to a nanoparticulate size, which has its advantages over the common three-dimensional (3D) collagen design, primarily due to its nano-size contributing to a higher surface area-to-volume ratio, aiding in withstanding large loads with minimal tension. It can be produced through different approaches including the electrospinning technique to produce nano collagen fibres resembling natural ECM. Nano collagen can be applied in various medical fields involving bioscaffold insertion or fillers for wound healing improvement; skin, bone, vascular grafting, nerve tissue and articular cartilage regeneration as well as aiding in drug delivery and incorporation for cosmetic purposes.
6-Gingerol, a Bioactive Compound of Ginger Attenuates Renal Damage in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats by Regulating the Oxidative Stress and Inflammation
Authors: Almatroodi Saleh A. , Alnuqaydan Abdullah M. , Babiker Ali Yousif , Almogbel Mashael Abdullah , Khan Amjad Ali , Husain Rahmani Arshad
Published: March 2021

The aim of present study is to investigate the role of 6-gingerol in ameliorating the renal injury in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. The diabetes was induced by using a single dose of freshly prepared STZ (55 mg/kg body weight) intraperitoneally which causes the degeneration of pancreatic Langerhans islet β-cells. The diabetic rats were treated with oral gavage of 6-gingerol (10 mg/kg b.w.). The treatment plan was continued for 8 weeks successively and the body weight and fasting blood glucose levels were weekly checked. The biochemical parameters like lipid profile, kidney profile, antioxidant enzyme levels, lipid peroxidation and anti-inflammatory marker levels were investigated after the treatment plant. The pathological condition of kidneys was examined by haematoxylin-eosin (H&E) staining besides this analysis of NF-κB protein expression by immuno-histochemistry was performed. Some of the major parameters in diabetes control vs. normal control were reported as fasting blood glucose (234 ± 10 vs. 102 ± 8 mg/dL), serum creatinine (109.7 ± 7.2 vs. 78.9 ± 4.5 μmol/L) and urea (39.9 ± 1.8 vs. 18.6 mg/dL), lipid profile levels were significantly enhanced in diabetic rats. Moreover, diabetic rats were marked with decreased antioxidant enzyme levels and increased inflammatory markers. Treatment with 6-gingerol significantly restored the fasting blood glucose level, hyperlipidaemia, Malondialdehyde (MDA) and inflammatory marker levels, NF-κB protein expression and augmented the antioxidant enzyme levels in the kidneys of diabetic rats. The kidney damage was significantly normalized by the treatment of 6-gingerol and it provides an evidence that this novel compound plays a significant role in the protection of kidney damage. These findings demonstrate that 6-gingerol reduces lipid parameters, inflammation and oxidative stress in diabetic rats, thereby inhibiting the renal damage. Our results demonstrate that use of 6-gingerol could be a novel therapeutic approach to prevent the kidney damage associated with the diabetes mellitus.
Material Characterisation and Stratification of Conjunctival Epithelial Cells on Electrospun Poly(ε-Caprolactone) Fibres Loaded with Decellularised Tissue Matrices
Authors: Bosworth Lucy A. , Doherty Kyle G. , Hsuan James D. , Cray Samuel P. , D’Sa Raechelle A. , Pineda Molina Catalina , Badylak Stephen F. , Williams Rachel L.
Published: March 2021

The conjunctiva, an under-researched yet incredibly important tissue, plays key roles in providing protection to the eye and maintaining homeostasis of its ocular surface. Multiple diseases can impair conjunctival function leading to severe consequences that require surgical intervention. Small conjunctival defects can be repaired relatively easily, but larger defects rely on tissue grafts which generally do not provide adequate healing. A tissue engineering approach involving a biomaterial substrate capable of supporting a stratified epithelium with embedded, mucin-secreting goblet cells offers a potential solution. As a first step, this study aimed to induce stratification of human conjunctival epithelial cells cultured on electrospun scaffolds composed from poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) and decellularised tissue matrix (small intestinal submucosa (SIS) or urinary bladder matrix (UBM)) and held at the air/liquid interface. Stratification, up to 5 cell layers, occurred more frequently on scaffolds containing PCL + UBM. Incorporation of these decellularised tissue matrices also impacted material properties, with significant changes occurring to their fibre diameter, tensile properties, and chemical composition throughout the scaffold structure compared to PCL alone. These matrix containing scaffolds warrant further long-term investigation as a potential advanced therapy medicinal product for conjunctiva repair and regeneration.
Enhanced Skin Permeation of Estradiol by Dimethyl Sulfoxide Containing Transdermal Patches
Authors: Otterbach Anna , Lamprecht Alf
Published: March 2021

Dimethyl sulfoxide is a well-known and widely used dermal penetration enhancer. Its incorporation in transdermal patches would be highly desirable; however, due to its volatility this is extremely challenging. Here, we report on the feasibility of a dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) containing transdermal system containing estradiol as a model compound. Transdermal patches were prepared from duro-tak® 387-2510 containing various DMSO concentrations at different drying temperatures. The resulting patches were analyzed for DMSO content, estradiol and DMSO release, estradiol and DMSO permeation through excised porcine skin, and recrystallization during stability testing. Drying conditions in the range of 35° to 40° allowed a complete polymer solvents removal while retaining significant amounts of DMSO (≤10 mg/patch). Estradiol skin permeation increased 4-fold (Jss = 4.12 µg/cm−2·h−1) compared to DMSO-negative control (Jss = 1.1 ± 0.2 µg/cm−2·h−1). As additional benefit, estradiol recrystallization was inhibited by DMSO at even lowest solvent concentrations. Storage stability was limited to 6 months at 25 °C with a surprising discrepancy between DMSO content (significantly lower) and flux (not significantly different). Although the technical feasibility range is relatively narrow, such DMSO-containing matrix-type patches are able to significantly enhance drug permeation through the skin while ameliorating the product stability against recrystallization.
Evaluation of Physiological and Morphological Traits for Improving Spring Wheat Adaptation to Terminal Heat Stress
Authors: Rehman Hafeez ur , Tariq Absaar , Ashraf Imran , Ahmed Mukhtar , Muscolo Adele , Basra Shahzad M. A. , Reynolds Matthew
Published: March 2021

Wheat crop experiences high temperature stress during flowering and grain-filling stages, which is termed as “terminal heat stress”. Characterizing genotypes for adaptive traits could increase their selection for better performance under terminal heat stress. The present study evaluated the morpho-physiological traits of two spring wheat cultivars (Millet-11, Punjab-11) and two advanced lines (V-07096, V-10110) exposed to terminal heat stress under late sowing. Early maturing Millet-11 was used as heat-tolerant control. Late sowing reduced spike length (13%), number of grains per spike (10%), 1000-grain weight (13%) and biological yield (15–20%) compared to timely sowing. Nonetheless, higher number of productive tillers per plant (19–20%) and grain yield (9%) were recorded under late sowing. Advanced lines and genotype Punjab-11 had delayed maturity and better agronomic performance than early maturing heat-tolerant Millet-11. Advanced lines expressed reduced canopy temperature during grain filling and high leaf chlorophyll a (20%) and b (71–125%) contents during anthesis under late sowing. All wheat genotypes expressed improved stem water-soluble carbohydrates under terminal heat stress that were highest for heat-tolerant Millet-11 genotype during anthesis. Improved grain yield was associated with the highest chlorophyll contents showing stay green characteristics with maintenance of high photosynthetic rates and cooler canopies under late sowing. The results revealed that advanced lines and Punjab-11 with heat adaptive traits could be promising source for further use in the selection of heat-tolerant wheat genotypes.
Seed Dormancy and Preharvest Sprouting in Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd)
Authors: McGinty Emma M. , Murphy Kevin M. , Hauvermale Amber L.
Published: March 2021

Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) is a culturally significant staple food source that has been grown for thousands of years in South America. Due to its natural drought and salinity tolerance, quinoa has emerged as an agronomically important crop for production in marginal soils, in highly variable climates, and as part of diverse crop rotations. Primary areas of quinoa research have focused on improving resistance to abiotic stresses and disease, improving yields, and increasing nutrition. However, an evolving issue impacting quinoa seed end-use quality is preharvest sprouting (PHS), which is when seeds with little to no dormancy experience a rain event prior to harvest and sprout on the panicle. Far less is understood about the mechanisms that regulate quinoa seed dormancy and seed viability. This review will cover topics including seed dormancy, orthodox and unorthodox dormancy programs, desiccation sensitivity, environmental and hormonal mechanisms that regulate seed dormancy, and breeding and non-breeding strategies for enhancing resistance to PHS in quinoa.
Molecular Characterization of the Alfalfa mosaic virus Infecting Solanum melongena in Egypt and the Control of Its Deleterious Effects with Melatonin and Salicylic Acid
Authors: Sofy Ahmed R. , Sofy Mahmoud R. , Hmed Ahmed A. , Dawoud Rehab A. , Refaey Ehab E. , Mohamed Heba I. , El-Dougdoug Noha K.
Published: March 2021

During the spring of 2019, distinct virus-like symptoms were observed in the Kafr El-Sheikh Governorate in Egypt in naturally infected eggplants. Leaves of affected plants showed interveinal leaf chlorosis, net yellow, chlorotic sectors, mottling, blisters, vein enation, necrotic intervention, and narrowing symptoms. The Alfalfa mosaic virus (AMV) was suspected of to be involved in this disease. Forty plant samples from symptomatic eggplants and 10 leaf samples with no symptoms were collected. The samples were tested by double antibody sandwich ELISA (DAS-ELISA) using AMV-IgG. Six of the 40 symptomatic leaf samples tested positive for AMV, while, DAS-ELISA found no AMV in the 10 leaf samples without symptoms. The AMV Egyptian isolate (AMV-Eggplant-EG) was biologically isolated from the six positive samples tested by DAS-ELISA and from the similar local lesions induced on Chenopodium amaranticolor and then re-inoculated in healthy Solanum melongena as a source of AMV-Eggplant-EG and confirmed by DAS-ELISA. Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assay with a pair of primers specific for coat protein (CP) encoding RNA 3 of AMV yielded an amplicon of 666 bp from infected plants of Solanum melongena with AMV-Eggplant-EG. The amplified PCR product was cloned and sequenced. Analysis of the AMV-Eggplant-EG sequence revealed 666 nucleotides (nt) of the complete CP gene (translating 221 amino acid (aa) residues). Analysis of phylogeny for nt and deduced aa sequences of the CP gene using the maximum parsimony method clustered AMV-Eggplant-EG in the lineage of Egyptian isolates (shark-EG, mans-EG, CP2-EG, and FRE-EG) with a high bootstrap value of 88% and 92%, respectively. In addition to molecular studies, melatonin (MTL) and salicylic acid (SA) (100 μM) were used to increase the resistance of eggplant to AMV- infection. Foliar spray with MLT and SA caused a significant increase in the morphological criteria (shoot, root length, number of leaves, leaf area, and leaf biomass), chlorophyll and carotenoid content, antioxidant enzymes, and gene expression of some enzymes compared to the infected plants. On the other hand, treatment with MLT and SA reduced the oxidative damage caused by AMV through the reduction of hydrogen peroxide, superoxide anions, hydroxyl radicals, and malondialdehyde. In conclusion, MLT and SA are eco-friendly compounds and can be used as antiviral compounds.
A Mechanistic Weather-Driven Model for Ascochyta rabiei Infection and Disease Development in Chickpea
Authors: Salotti Irene , Rossi Vittorio
Published: March 2021

Ascochyta blight caused by Ascochyta rabiei is an important disease of chickpea. By using systems analysis, we retrieved and analyzed the published information on A. rabiei to develop a mechanistic, weather-driven model for the prediction of Ascochyta blight epidemics. The ability of the model to predict primary infections was evaluated using published data obtained from trials conducted in Washington (USA) in 2004 and 2005, Israel in 1996 and 1998, and Spain from 1988 to 1992. The model showed good accuracy and specificity in predicting primary infections. The probability of correctly predicting infections was 0.838 and the probability that there was no infection when not predicted was 0.776. The model’s ability to predict disease progress during the growing season was also evaluated by using data collected in Australia from 1996 to 1998 and in Southern Italy in 2019; a high concordance correlation coefficient (CCC = 0.947) between predicted and observed data was obtained, with an average distance between real and fitted data of root mean square error (RMSE) = 0.103, indicating that the model was reliable, accurate, and robust in predicting seasonal dynamics of Ascochyta blight epidemics. The model could help growers schedule fungicide treatments to control Ascochyta blight on chickpea.
The Absence of Hydrodynamic Stress Promotes Acquisition of Freezing Tolerance and Freeze-Dependent Asexual Reproduction in the Red Alga ‘Bangia’ sp. ESS1
Authors: Omuro Yoshiki , Khoa Ho Viet , Mikami Koji
Published: March 2021

The ebb tide causes calm stress to intertidal seaweeds in tide pools; however, little is known about their physiological responses to loss of water movement. This study investigated the effects of static culture of ‘Bangia’ sp. ESS1 at 15 °C on tolerance to temperature fluctuation. The freezing of aer-obically cultured thalli at −80 °C for 10 min resulted in the death of most cells. By contrast, statically cultured thalli acquired freezing tolerance that increased cell viability after freeze–thaw cycles, although they did not achieve thermotolerance that would enable survival at the lethal temperature of 32 °C. Consistently, the unsaturation of membrane fatty acids occurred in static culture. Notably, static culture of thalli enhanced the release of asexual spores after freeze-and-thaw treatment. We conclude that calm stress triggers both the acquisition of freezing tolerance and the promotion of freezing-dependent asexual reproduction. These findings provide novel insights into stress toler-ance and the regulation of asexual reproduction in Bangiales.
Fast and Efficient 5′P Degradome Library Preparation for Analysis of Co-Translational Decay in Arabidopsis
Authors: Carpentier Marie-Christine , Bousquet-Antonelli Cécile , Merret Rémy
Published: March 2021

The recent development of high-throughput technologies based on RNA sequencing has allowed a better description of the role of post-transcriptional regulation in gene expression. In particular, the development of degradome approaches based on the capture of 5′monophosphate decay intermediates allows the discovery of a new decay pathway called co-translational mRNA decay. Thanks to these approaches, ribosome dynamics could now be revealed by analysis of 5′P reads accumulation. However, library preparation could be difficult to set-up for non-specialists. Here, we present a fast and efficient 5′P degradome library preparation for Arabidopsis samples. Our protocol was designed without commercial kit and gel purification and can be easily done in one working day. We demonstrated the robustness and the reproducibility of our protocol. Finally, we present the bioinformatic reads-outs necessary to assess library quality control.
Fabricating Antibacterial and Antioxidant Electrospun Hydrophilic Polyacrylonitrile Nanofibers Loaded with AgNPs by Lignin-Induced In-Situ Method
Authors: Haider Md. Kaiser , Ullah Azeem , Sarwar Muhammad Nauman , Yamaguchi Takumi , Wang Qianyu , Ullah Sana , Park Soyoung , Kim Ick Soo
Published: March 2021

Concerning the environmental hazards owing to the chemical-based synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), this study aimed to investigate the possibility of synthesizing AgNPs on the surface of polyacrylonitrile (PAN) nanofibers utilizing biomacromolecule lignin. SEM observations revealed that the average diameters of the produced nanofibers were slightly increased from ~512 nm to ~673 nm due to several factors like-swellings that happened during the salt treatment process, surface-bound lignin, and the presence of AgNPs. The presence of AgNPs was validated by transmission electron microscope (TEM) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis. The amount of synthesized AgNPs on PAN nanofibers was found to be dependent on both precursor silver salt and reductant lignin concentration. Fourier transform infrared-attenuated total reflectance (FTIR-ATR) spectra confirm the presence of lignin on PAN nanofibers. Although the X-ray diffraction pattern did not show any AgNPs band, the reduced intensity of the stabilized PAN characteristics bands at 2θ = 17.28° and 29.38° demonstrated some misalignment of PAN polymeric chains. The water contact angle (WCA) of hydrophobic PAN nanofibers was reduced from 112.6 ± 4.16° to 21.4 ± 5.03° for the maximum AgNPs coated specimen. The prepared membranes exhibited low thermal stability and good swelling capacity up to 20.1 ± 0.92 g/g and 18.05 ± 0.68 g/g in distilled water and 0.9 wt% NaCl solution, respectively. Coated lignin imparts antioxidant activity up to 78.37 ± 0.12% at 12 h of incubation. The resultant nanofibrous membranes showed a proportional increase in antibacterial efficacy with the rise in AgNPs loading against both Gram-positive S. aureus and Gram-negative E. coli bacterial strains by disc diffusion test (AATCC 147-1998). Halos for maximum AgNPs loading was calculated to 18.89 ± 0.15 mm for S. aureus and 21.38 ± 0.17 mm for E. coli. An initial burst release of silver elements within 24 h was observed in the inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES) test, and the release amounts were proportionally expansive with the increase in Ag contents. Our results demonstrated that such types of composite nanofibers have a strong potential to be used in biomedicine.
Fabrication of Polydimethysiloxane (PDMS) Dense Layer on Polyetherimide (PEI) Hollow Fiber Support for the Efficient CO2/N2 Separation Membranes
Authors: Li Guoqiang , Knozowska Katarzyna , Kujawa Joanna , Tonkonogovas Andrius , Stankevičius Arūnas , Kujawski Wojciech
Published: March 2021

The development of thin layer on hollow-fiber substrate has drawn great attention in the gas-separation process. In this work, polydimethysiloxane (PDMS)/polyetherimide (PEI) hollow-fiber membranes were prepared by using the dip-coating method. The prepared membranes were characterized by Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), and gas permeance measurements. The concentration of PDMS solution and coating time revealed an important influence on the gas permeance and the thickness of the PDMS layer. It was confirmed from the SEM and EDX results that the PDMS layer’s thickness and the atomic content of silicon in the selective layer increased with the growth in coating time and the concentration of PDMS solution. The composite hollow-fiber membrane prepared from 15 wt% PDMS solution at 10 min coating time showed the best gas-separation performance with CO2 permeance of 51 GPU and CO2/N2 ideal selectivity of 21.
Heterogeneity Effects in Highly Cross-Linked Polymer Networks
Authors: Munoz Gérald , Dequidt Alain , Martzel Nicolas , Blaak Ronald , Goujon Florent , Devémy Julien , Garruchet Sébastien , Latour Benoit , Munch Etienne , Malfreyt Patrice
Published: March 2021

Despite their level of refinement, micro-mechanical, stretch-based and invariant-based models, still fail to capture and describe all aspects of the mechanical properties of polymer networks for which they were developed. This is for an important part caused by the way the microscopic inhomogeneities are treated. The Elastic Network Model (ENM) approach of reintroducing the spatial resolution by considering the network at the level of its topological constraints, is able to predict the macroscopic properties of polymer networks up to the point of failure. We here demonstrate the ability of ENM to highlight the effects of topology and structure on the mechanical properties of polymer networks for which the heterogeneity is characterised by spatial and topological order parameters. We quantify the macro- and microscopic effects on forces and stress caused by introducing and increasing the heterogeneity of the network. We find that significant differences in the mechanical responses arise between networks with a similar topology but different spatial structure at the time of the reticulation, whereas the dispersion of the cross-link valency has a negligible impact.
Synthetic, Natural, and Semisynthetic Polymer Carriers for Controlled Nitric Oxide Release in Dermal Applications: A Review
Authors: Gutierrez Cisneros Carolina , Bloemen Veerle , Mignon Arn
Published: March 2021

Nitric oxide (NO•) is a free radical gas, produced in the human body to regulate physiological processes, such as inflammatory and immune responses. It is required for skin health; therefore, a lack of NO• is known to cause or worsen skin conditions related to three biomedical applications— infection treatment, injury healing, and blood circulation. Therefore, research on its topical release has been increasing for the last two decades. The storage and delivery of nitric oxide in physiological conditions to compensate for its deficiency is achieved through pharmacological compounds called NO-donors. These are further incorporated into scaffolds to enhance therapeutic treatment. A wide range of polymeric scaffolds has been developed and tested for this purpose. Hence, this review aims to give a detailed overview of the natural, synthetic, and semisynthetic polymeric matrices that have been evaluated for antimicrobial, wound healing, and circulatory dermal applications. These matrices have already set a solid foundation in nitric oxide release and their future perspective is headed toward an enhanced controlled release by novel functionalized semisynthetic polymer carriers and co-delivery synergetic platforms. Finally, further clinical tests on patients with the targeted condition will hopefully enable the eventual commercialization of these systems.