bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Health Impact Assessment (HIA) of a Fluvial Environment Recovery Project in a Medium-Sized Spanish Town
Authors: Casajuana Kögel Cristina , Rodríguez Peña Tània , Sánchez Isabel , Tobella Montserrat , Alonso López José , Girón Espot Fernando , Pedrol Claramunt Francesc , Rabal Gemma , González Viana Angelina
Published: February 2020

Introduction: The Interdepartamental Public Health Plan of Catalonia (2014) seeks to enforce Health in All Policies (HiAP) at the regional and local levels. Within this context, the City Council of Sant Andreu de la Barca (SAB), the Metropolitan Area of Barcelona (MAB), and the Public Health Agency of Catalonia started a Health Impact Assessment (HIA) of an urbanistic redesign of the Llobregat fluvial area in SAB, the results of which are presented in this paper. Methodology: In 2018, after a HIA screening, a prospective nonquantitative HIA was conducted. Politicians, professionals, and citizens participated in identifying potential impacts. Impacts were prioritized and linked to health determinants, scientific evidence, and potentially affected social groups. Afterwards, recommendations were formulated in order to improve the health impacts of the project. Finally, indicators were selected to evaluate HIA implementation. Results: The HIA was successfully implemented with the participation of technicians and citizens of SAB. The health impacts identified were mainly related to environmental, public safety, lifestyle, socioeconomic, and political contexts. Ten recommendations were defined to minimize the potential negative health impacts of the project, with six of them directly included and only one dismissed due to incompatibility. Conclusion: A HIA was successfully carried out in the medium-sized town of Catalonia, promoting Health in all Policies at a local level and improving health impacts of an urbanistic project.
Mut9p-LIKE KINASE Family Members: New Roles of the Plant-Specific Casein Kinase I in Plant Growth and Development
Authors: Kang Junmei , Wang Zhen
Published: February 2020

Casein kinase I (CK1), a ubiquitous serine/threonine (Ser/Thr) protein kinase in eukaryotes, plays pivotal roles in a wide spectrum of cellular functions including metabolism, cell cycle progression, developmental control and stress response. Plant CK1 evolves a lineage expansion, resulting in a unique branch of members exclusive to the kingdom. Among them, Arabidopsis Mut9p-LIKE KINASEs (MLKs) target diverse substrates including histones and the key regulatory proteins involving in physiological processes of light signaling, circadian rhythms, phytohormone and plant defense. Deregulation of the kinase activity by mutating the enzyme or the phosphorylation sites of substrates causes developmental disorders and susceptibility to adverse environmental conditions. Recent findings suggest that MLKs have evolved as a general kinase that modifies transcription factors or primary regulatory proteins in a dynamic way. Here, we summarize the current knowledge of the roles of MLKs and MLK orthologs in several commercially important crops.
Transglutaminase 3 Reduces the Severity of Psoriasis in Imiquimod-Treated Mouse Skin
Authors: Piro Maria , Ventura Alessandra , Smirnov Artem , Saggini Andrea , Lena Anna , Mauriello Alessandro , Bianchi Luca , Melino Gerry , Candi Eleonora
Published: February 2020

Four transglutaminase (TG) isoforms have been detected in epidermal keratinocytes: TG1, TG2, TG3, and TG5. Except for TG1 and TG3, their contribution to keratinocyte development and structure remains undefined. In this paper, we focused on the roles of TG2 and TG3 in imiquimod-induced psoriasis in mouse skin. We evaluated the severity of psoriasis markers in the skin of imiquimod-treated TG3 null and TG2 null mice. Our results showed that compromised TG3KO mouse skin was more responsive than WT or TG2KO mouse skin to the action of the pro-inflammatory drug imiquimod.
BDNF Expression in Cortical GABAergic Interneurons
Authors: Tomás Federico José Barreda , Turko Paul , Heilmann Heike , Trimbuch Thorsten , Yanagawa Yuchio , Vida Imre , Münster-Wandowski Agnieszka
Published: February 2020

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is a major neuronal growth factor that is widely expressed in the central nervous system. It is synthesized as a glycosylated precursor protein, (pro)BDNF and post-translationally converted to the mature form, (m)BDNF. BDNF is known to be produced and secreted by cortical glutamatergic principal cells (PCs); however, it remains a question whether it can also be synthesized by other neuron types, in particular, GABAergic interneurons (INs). Therefore, we utilized immunocytochemical labeling and reverse transcription quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) to investigate the cellular distribution of proBDNF and its RNA in glutamatergic and GABAergic neurons of the mouse cortex. Immunofluorescence labeling revealed that mBDNF, as well as proBDNF, localized to both the neuronal populations in the hippocampus. The precursor proBDNF protein showed a perinuclear distribution pattern, overlapping with the rough endoplasmic reticulum (ER), the site of protein synthesis. RT-qPCR of samples obtained using laser capture microdissection (LCM) or fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) of hippocampal and cortical neurons further demonstrated the abundance of BDNF transcripts in both glutamatergic and GABAergic cells. Thus, our data provide compelling evidence that BDNF can be synthesized by both principal cells and INs of the cortex.
Elevated Systemic IL-10 Levels Indicate Immunodepression Leading to Nosocomial Infections after Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage (SAH) in Patients
Authors: Chaudhry Shafqat Rasul , Kahlert Ulf Dietrich , Kinfe Thomas Mehari , Lamprecht Alf , Niemelä Mika , Hänggi Daniel , Muhammad Sajjad
Published: February 2020

Background: Aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) is a highly complex disease with very high mortality and morbidity. About one-third of SAH patients suffer from systemic infections, predominantly pneumonia, that can contribute to excess mortality after SAH. Immunodepression is probably the most important mechanism leading to infections. Interleukin-10 (IL-10) is a master regulator of immunodepression, but it is still not clear if systemic IL-10 levels contribute to immunodepression, occurrence of infections and clinical outcome after SAH. Methods: This explorative study included 76 patients with SAH admitted to our neurointensive care unit within 24 h after ictus. A group of 24 patients without any known intracranial pathology were included as controls. Peripheral venous blood was withdrawn on day 1 and day 7 after SAH. Serum was isolated by centrifugation and stored at −80 °C until analysis. Serum IL-10 levels were determined by enzyme-linked immunoassay (ELISA). Patient characteristics, post-SAH complications and clinical outcome at discharge were retrieved from patients’ record files. Results: Serum IL-10 levels were significantly higher on day 1 and day 7 in SAH patients compared to controls. Serum IL-10 levels were significantly higher on day 7 in patients who developed any kind of infection, cerebral vasospasm (CVS) or chronic hydrocephalus. Serum IL-10 levels were significantly higher in SAH patients discharged with poor clinical outcome (modified Rankin Scale (mRS) 3–6 or Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS) 1–3). Conclusion: Serum IL-10 might be an additional useful parameter along with other biomarkers to predict post-SAH infections.
Can Cities Activate Sleeper Species and Predict Future Forest Pests? A Case Study of Scale Insects
Authors: Frank Steven D. , Just Michael G.
Published: February 2020

Sleeper species are innocuous native or naturalized species that exhibit invasive characteristics and become pests in response to environmental change. Climate warming is expected to increase arthropod damage in forests, in part, by transforming innocuous herbivores into severe pests: awakening sleeper species. Urban areas are warmer than natural areas due to the urban heat island effect and so the trees and pests in cities already experience temperatures predicted to occur in 50–100 years. We posit that arthropod species that become pests of urban trees are those that benefit from warming and thus should be monitored as potential sleeper species in forests. We illustrate this with two case studies of scale insects that are important pests of urban trees in parts of the US. Melanaspis tenebricosa and Parthenolecanium quercifex are geographically native to the US but take on invasive characteristics such as higher survival and reproduction and become disconnected from natural enemies on urban trees due to the urban heat island effect. This allows them to reach high densities and damage their host trees. Parthenolecanium quercifex density increases up to 12 times on urban willow oaks with just 2 °C of warming due to higher survival and adaptation to warmer temperatures. The urban heat island effect also creates a phenological mismatch between P. quercifex and its parasitoid complex, and so egg production is higher. Melanaspis tenebricosa density can increase 300 times on urban red maples with 2.5 °C of warming. This too is due to direct effects of warmer temperatures on survival and fecundity but M. tenebricosa also benefits from the drought stress incurred by warmer urban trees. These effects combine to increase M. tenebricosa density in forests as well as on urban trees at latitudes higher than its native range. We illustrate how cities provide a unique opportunity to study the complex effects of warming on insect herbivores. Studying pestilent urban species could be a pragmatic approach for identifying and preparing for sleeper species.
Complete Genome of a Member of a New Bacterial Lineage in the Microgenomates Group Reveals an Unusual Nucleotide Composition Disparity Between Two Strands of DNA and Limited Metabolic Potential
Authors: Kadnikov Vitaly V. , Mardanov Andrey V. , Beletsky Alexey V. , Karnachuk Olga V. , Ravin Nikolai V.
Published: February 2020

The candidate phyla radiation is a large monophyletic lineage comprising unculturable bacterial taxa with small cell and genome sizes, mostly known from genomes obtained from environmental sources without cultivation. Here, we present the closed complete genome of a member of the superphylum Microgenomates obtained from the metagenome of a deep subsurface thermal aquifer. Phylogenetic analysis indicates that the new bacterium, designated Ch65, represents a novel phylum-level lineage within the Microgenomates group, sibling to the candidate phylum Collierbacteria. The Ch65 genome has a highly unusual nucleotide composition with one strand of highly enriched in cytosine versus guanine throughout the whole length. Such nucleotide composition asymmetry, also detected in the members of Ca. Collierbacteria and Ca. Beckwithbacteria, suggests that most of the Ch65 chromosome is replicated in one direction. A genome analysis predicted that the Ch65 bacterium has fermentative metabolism and could produce acetate and lactate. It lacks respiratory capacity, as well as complete pathways for the biosynthesis of lipids, amino acids, and nucleotides. The Embden–Meyerhof glycolytic pathway and nonoxidative pentose phosphate pathway are mostly complete, although glucokinase, 6-phosphofructokinase, and transaldolase were not found. The Ch65 bacterium lacks secreted glycoside hydrolases and conventional transporters for importing sugars and amino acids. Overall, the metabolic predictions imply that Ch65 adopts the lifestyle of a symbiont/parasite, or a scavenger, obtaining resources from the lysed microbial biomass. We propose the provisional taxonomic assignment ‘Candidatus Chazhemtobacterium aquaticus’, genus ‘Chazhemtobacterium‘, family ‘Chazhemtobacteraceae‘ in the Microgenomates group.
Ready Access to Molecular Rotors Based on Boron Dipyrromethene Dyes-Coumarin Dyads Featuring Broadband Absorption
Authors: Enríquez-Palacios Ernesto , Arbeloa Teresa , Bañuelos Jorge , Bautista-Hernández Claudia I. , Becerra-González José G. , López-Arbeloa Iñigo , Peña-Cabrera Eduardo
Published: February 2020

Herein we report on a straightforward access method for boron dipyrromethene dyes (BODIPYs)-coumarin hybrids linked through their respective 8- and 6- positions, with wide functionalization of the coumarin fragment, using salicylaldehyde as a versatile building block. The computationally-assisted photophysical study unveils broadband absorption upon proper functionalization of the coumarin, as well as the key role of the conformational freedom of the coumarin appended at the meso position of the BODIPY. Such free motion almost suppresses the fluorescence signal, but enables us to apply these dyads as molecular rotors to monitor the surrounding microviscosity.
Kinetics Study of Microwave-Assisted Brine Extraction of Lipid from the Microalgae Nannochloropsis sp.
Authors: Zghaibi Nour , Omar Rozita , Mustapa Kamal Siti Mazlina , Awang Biak Dayang Radiah , Harun Razif
Published: February 2020

The kinetics of lipid extraction utilizing microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) from Nannochloropsis sp. microalgae were studied using a low cost and green solvent, namely brine (NaCl) solution. The kinetic modelling of the lipid extraction was performed to evaluate the mechanism of the lipid mass transfer using different extraction models, including Fick’s Law, First and Second-order Rate Law and the Patricelli mathematical model. The Patricelli mathematical model described the kinetics of lipid extraction well, with the highest average values of determination coefficient (R2 ≥ 0.952) and the lowest average values of mean relative percentage deviation (MRPD ≤ 8.666%). The lipid analysis indicated a positive influence of the microwave temperature and time on the quantity and quality of extracted lipids. SEM analysis of spent microalgae clearly shows an increase in the distorted cell with increase microwave temperature and time, which could be directly correlated to the mechanism of the MAE-brine technique.
Optimization of Total Phenolic and Flavonoid Contents of Defatted Pitaya (Hylocereus polyrhizus) Seed Extract and Its Antioxidant Properties
Authors: Zulkifli Siti Atikah , Abd Gani Siti Salwa , Zaidan Uswatun Hasanah , Halmi Mohd Izuan Effendi
Published: February 2020

The present study was conducted to optimize extraction process for defatted pitaya seed extract (DPSE) adopting response surface methodology (RSM). A five-level central composite design was used to optimize total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), and 2,2′-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothizoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS) activities. The independent variables included extraction time (30–60 min), extraction temperature (40–80 °C) and ethanol concentration (60%–80%). Results showed that the quadratic polynomial equations for all models were significant at (p < 0.05), with non-significant lack of fit at p > 0.05 and R2 of more than 0.90. The optimized extraction parameters were established as follows: extraction time of 45 min, extraction temperature of 70 °C and ethanol concentration of 80%. Under these conditions, the recovery of TPC, TFC, and antioxidant activity based on FRAP and ABTS were 128.58 ± 1.61 mg gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/g sample, 9.805 ± 0.69 mg quercetin equivalent (QE)/g sample, 1.23 ± 0.03 mM Fe2+/g sample, and 91.62% ± 0.15, respectively. Ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-QTOF/MS) analysis identified seven chemical compounds with flavonoids constituting major composition of the DPSE.
In Vitro Propagation and Variation of Antioxidant Properties in Micropropagated Vaccinium Berry Plants—A Review
Authors: Debnath Samir C. , Goyali Juran C.
Published: February 2020

The berry crops in genus Vacciniun L. are the richest sources of antioxidant metabolites which have high potential to reduce the incidence of several degenerative diseases. In vitro propagation or micropropagation has been attractive to researchers for its incredible potential for mass production of a selected genotype in a short time, all year round. Propagation techniques affect the antioxidant activity in fruits and leaves. Total antioxidant activity was higher in the fruit of in vitro propagated plants compare to the plants grown ex vivo. This review provides critical information for better understanding the micropropagation and conventional propagation methods, and their effects on antioxidant properties and morphological differentiation in Vaccinium species, and fills an existing gap in the literature.
Metronidazole and Secnidazole Carbamates: Synthesis, Antiprotozoal Activity, and Molecular Dynamics Studies
Authors: Rocha-Garduño Genaro , Hernández-Martínez Norma Angélica , Colín-Lozano Blanca , Estrada-Soto Samuel , Hernández-Núñez Emanuel , Prieto-Martínez Fernando Daniel , Medina-Franco José L. , Chale-Dzul Juan Bautista , Moo-Puc Rosa , Navarrete-Vázquez Gabriel
Published: February 2020

We prepared a series of 10 carbamates derivatives based on two common antiprotozoal drugs: metronidazole (1–5) and secnidazole (6–10). The compounds were tested in vitro against a set of two amitochondriate protozoa: Giardia duodenalis and Trichomonas vaginalis. Compounds 1–10 showed strong antiprotozoal activities, with potency values in the low micromolar-to-nanomolar range, being more active than their parent drugs. Metronidazole carbamate (1) was the most active of the series, with nanomolar activities against G. duodenalis (IC50 = 460 nM) and T. vaginalis (IC50 = 60 nM). The potency of compound 1 was 10 times greater than that of metronidazole against both parasites. None of compounds showed in vitro cytotoxicity against VERO cells tested at 100 µM. Molecular dynamics of compounds 1–10, secnidazole, and metronidazole onto the ligand binding site of pyruvate–ferredoxin oxidoreductase of T. vaginalis and the modeled β-tubulin of G. duodenalis revealed putative molecular interactions with key residues in the binding site of both proteins implicated in the mode of action of the parent drugs.
Towards the Preparation of Stable Cyclic Amino(ylide)Carbenes
Authors: Steinert Henning , Schwarz Christopher , Kroll Alexander , Gessner Viktoria H.
Published: February 2020

Cyclic amino(ylide)carbenes (CAYCs) are the ylide-substituted analogues of N-heterocyclic Carbenes (NHCs). Due to the stronger π donation of the ylide compared to an amino moiety they are stronger donors and thus are desirable ligands for catalysis. However, no stable CAYC has been reported until today. Here, we describe experimental and computational studies on the synthesis and stability of CAYCs based on pyrroles with trialkyl onium groups. Attempts to isolate two CAYCs with trialkyl phosphonium and sulfonium ylides resulted in the deprotonation of the alkyl groups instead of the formation of the desired CAYCs. In case of the PCy3-substituted system, the corresponding ylide was isolated, while deprotonation of the SMe2-functionalized compound led to the formation of ethene and the thioether. Detailed computational studies on various trialkyl onium groups showed that both the α- and β-deprotonated compounds were energetically favored over the free carbene. The most stable candidates were revealed to be α-hydrogen-free adamantyl-substituted onium groups, for which β-deprotonation is less favorable at the bridgehead position. Overall, the calculations showed that the isolation of CAYCs should be possible, but careful design is required to exclude decomposition pathways such as deprotonations at the onium group.
Catalytic Production of Jet Fuels from Biomass
Authors: Díaz-Pérez Manuel Antonio , Serrano-Ruiz Juan Carlos
Published: February 2020

Concerns about depleting fossil fuels and global warming effects are pushing our society to search for new renewable sources of energy with the potential to substitute coal, natural gas, and petroleum. In this sense, biomass, the only renewable source of carbon available on Earth, is the perfect replacement for petroleum in producing renewable fuels. The aviation sector is responsible for a significant fraction of greenhouse gas emissions, and two billion barrels of petroleum are being consumed annually to produce the jet fuels required to transport people and goods around the world. Governments are pushing directives to replace fossil fuel-derived jet fuels with those derived from biomass. The present mini review is aimed to summarize the main technologies available today for converting biomass into liquid hydrocarbon fuels with a molecular weight and structure suitable for being used as aviation fuels. Particular emphasis will be placed on those routes involving heterogeneous catalysts.
Development of a Unified Reversed-Phase HPLC Method for Efficient Determination of EP and USP Process-Related Impurities in Celecoxib Using Analytical Quality by Design Principles
Authors: Tome Tim , Časar Zdenko , Obreza Aleš
Published: February 2020

This article presents the development of a reversed-phase (RP) high-performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) method for determination of process-related impurities in a celecoxib drug substance following Analytical Quality by Design (AQbD) principles. The method from European Pharmacopeia (EP) for celecoxib drug substance does not sufficiently separate celecoxib from its EP impurity B because the system suitability criterion is not achieved (resolution NLT 1.8). The same issue was observed with the proposed method from United States Pharmacopeia (USP) for celecoxib capsules, where EP impurity A elutes under the main peak. A new HPLC method was developed that eliminates the disadvantages of the two pharmacopeial methods and is capable of efficiently separating and determining all seven impurities listed in EP and the proposed USP monographs. The development of a new HPLC method started with method scouting, in which various C18 and phenyl stationary phases were tested. Improved selectivity was obtained only with a chiral stationary phase. An immobilized Chiralpak IA-3 column used in RP mode turned out to be the most appropriate for method optimization. The ratio of acetonitrile in the mobile phase, flow rate, and column temperature were recognized as critical method parameters (CMPs) and were further investigated using a central composite face response-surface design. A multiple linear regression (MLR) method was applied to fit the mathematical models on the experimental data to determine factor–response relationships. The models created show adequate fit and good prediction abilities. The Monte Carlo simulation method was used to establish the design space. The method developed was verified in terms of precision, sensitivity, accuracy, and linearity, and the results showed that the new method is suitable for determination of seven process-related impurities of celecoxib.
Effect of Different Green Extraction Methods and Solvents on Bioactive Components of Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla L.) Flowers
Authors: Žlabur Jana Šic , Žutić Ivanka , Radman Sanja , Pleša Maja , Brnčić Mladen , Barba Francisco J. , Rocchetti Gabriele , Lucini Luigi , Lorenzo Jose M. , Domínguez Rubén , Rimac Brnčić Suzana , Galić Ante , Voća Sandra
Published: February 2020

Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla L.) dried flowers contain a group of interesting biologically active compounds such as sesquiterpenes, flavonoids, coumarins, vitamins, phenolic acids and glucosides. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to characterize the composition in bioactive compounds (specialized metabolites) present in water and ethanol extracts of chamomile flowers, together with monitoring the impact of different extraction techniques (conventional vs. ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE)) on the parameters under investigation. UAE treatment significantly decreased the extraction time of bioactive compounds from herbal material. Polyphenolic compounds content and antioxidant capacity were significantly higher in UAE extracts. Moreover, solvent type had a significant impact on the specialized metabolites content, while the highest vitamin C and polyphenols content were recorded in 50% ethanol (v/v) extracts. Optimization of basic extraction factors: solvent type, temperature and technique is crucial for obtaining the extracts with the highest content of specialized metabolites and antioxidant capacity.
Analysis of Pollution in High Voltage Insulators via Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy
Authors: Wang Xinwei , Lu Shan , Wang Tianzheng , Qin Xinran , Wang Xilin , Jia Zhidong
Published: February 2020

Surface pollution deposition in a high voltage surface can reduce the surface flashover voltage, which is considered to be a serious accident in the transmission of electric power for the high conductivity of pollution in wet weather, such as rain or fog. Accordingly, a rapid and accurate online pollution detection method is of great importance for monitoring the safe status of transmission lines. Usually, to detect the equivalent salt deposit density (ESDD) and non-soluble deposit density (NSDD), the pollution should be collected when power cut off and bring back to lab, time-consuming, low accuracy and unable to meet the online detection. Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) shows the highest potential for achieving online pollution detection, but its application in high voltage electrical engineering has only just begun to be examined. In this study, a LIBS method for quantitatively detecting the compositions of pollutions on the insulators was investigated, and the spectral characteristics of a natural pollution sample were examined. The energy spectra and LIBS analysis results were compared. LIBS was shown to detect pollution elements that were not detected by conventional energy spectroscopy and had an improved capacity to determine pollution composition. Furthermore, the effects of parameters, such as laser energy intensity and delay time, were investigated for artificial pollutions. Increasing the laser energy intensity and selecting a suitable delay time could enhance the precision and relative spectral intensities of the elements. Additionally, reducing the particle size and increasing the density achieved the same results.
Special Issue “Chemical Speciation of Organic and Inorganic Components of Environmental and Biological Interest in Natural Fluids: Behaviour, Interaction and Sequestration”
Authors: Crea Francesco , Pettignano Alberto
Published: February 2020

Several different definitions were in the past proposed to describe the term chemical speciation, and some of them were accepted from the scientific community [...]
Synthesis of Natural (−)-Antrocin and Its Enantiomer via Stereoselective Aldol Reaction
Authors: Angamuthu Venkatachalam , Tai Dar-Fu
Published: February 2020

The total synthesis of (−)-antrocin and its enantiomer are presented. Antrocin (−)-1 is an important natural product which acts as an antiproliferative agent in a metastatic breast cancer cell line (IC50: 0.6 μM). The key features of this synthesis are: (a) selective anti-addition of trimethylsilyl cyanide (TMSCN) to α,β-unsaturated ketone; (b) resolution of (±)-7 using chiral auxiliary L-dimethyl tartrate through formation of cyclic ketal diastereomers followed by simple column chromatography separation and acid hydrolysis; (c) substrate-controlled stereoselective aldol condensation of (+)-12 with monomeric formaldehyde and pyridinium chlorochromate (PCC) oxidation for synthesis of essential lactone core in (−)-14; and (d) non-basic Lombardo olefination of the carbonyl at the final step to yield (−)-antrocin. In addition, (+)-9 cyclic ketal diastereomer was converted to (+)-antrocin with similar reaction sequences.
One-Part Plastic Formable Inorganic Coating Obtain from Alkali-Activated Slag /Starch(CMS) Hybrid Composites
Authors: Lv Xuesen , Qin Yao , Lin Zhaoxu , Tian Zhenkun , Cui Xuemin
Published: February 2020

Coating technology can be applied to decorate building constructions. Alkali-activated materials (AAM) are promising green and durable inorganic binders which show potential for development as innovative coating. In the paper, the possibility of using AAM composited with starch (CMS) as a novel plastic formable inorganic coating for decorating in building was investigated. The rheological properties, including plastic viscosity, yield stress, and thixotropy were considered to be critical properties to obtain the working requirements. Four different mixtures were systematically investigated to obtain the optimum formulation, and then were used to study their hardened properties, such as mechanical strengths (compressive, flexural, and adhesive strength), drying shrinkage, cracking behavior, and microstructure. Study results found that CMS could quickly and efficiently be hydrolyzed in an alkaline solution to produce organic plastic gel which filled in AAM paste, leading to the significant improvement of coating consistency, plastic viscosity, and thixotropy. The optimum coating composited with 15.40 wt% CMS shows a relatively stable rheological development, the setting time sufficient at higher than 4 h. Furthermore, CMS shows a significant positive effect on the cracking and shrinkage control due to padding effect and water retention of CMS, which results in no visible cracks on the coating surface. Although the mechanical strength development is relatively lower than that of plain AAM, its value, adhesive strength 2.11 MPa, compressive strength 55.09 MPa, and flexural strength 8.06 MPa highly meet the requirements of a relevant standard.
Enantioselective Iron/Bisquinolyldiamine Ligand-Catalyzed Oxidative Coupling Reaction of 2-Naphthols
Authors: Wu Lin-Yang , Usman Muhammad , Liu Wen-Bo
Published: February 2020

An iron-catalyzed asymmetric oxidative homo-coupling of 2-naphthols for the synthesis of 1,1′-Bi-2-naphthol (BINOL) derivatives is reported. The coupling reaction provides enantioenriched BINOLs in good yields (up to 99%) and moderate enantioselectivities (up to 81:19 er) using an iron-complex generated in situ from Fe(ClO4)2 and a bisquinolyldiamine ligand [(1R,2R)-N1,N2-di(quinolin-8-yl)cyclohexane-1,2-diamine, L1]. A number of ligands (L2–L8) and the analogs of L1, with various substituents and chiral backbones, were synthesized and examined in the oxidative coupling reactions.
Unsteady Radiative Natural Convective MHD Nanofluid Flow Past a Porous Moving Vertical Plate with Heat Source/Sink
Authors: Anwar Talha , Kumam Poom , Shah Zahir , Watthayu Wiboonsak , Thounthong Phatiphat
Published: February 2020

In this research article, we investigated a comprehensive analysis of time-dependent free convection electrically and thermally conducted water-based nanofluid flow containing Copper and Titanium oxide (Cu and TiO 2 ) past a moving porous vertical plate. A uniform transverse magnetic field is imposed perpendicular to the flow direction. Thermal radiation and heat sink terms are included in the energy equation. The governing equations of this flow consist of partial differential equations along with some initial and boundary conditions. The solution method of these flow interpreting equations comprised of two parts. Firstly, principal equations of flow are symmetrically transformed to a set of nonlinear coupled dimensionless partial differential equations using convenient dimensionless parameters. Secondly, the Laplace transformation technique is applied to those non-dimensional equations to get the close form exact solutions. The control of momentum and heat profile with respect to different associated parameters is analyzed thoroughly with the help of graphs. Fluid accelerates with increasing Grashof number (Gr) and porosity parameter (K), while increasing values of heat sink parameter (Q) and Prandtl number (Pr) drop the thermal profile. Moreover, velocity and thermal profile comparison for Cu and TiO 2 -based nanofluids is graphed.
Microbial Degradation of Hydrocarbons—Basic Principles for Bioremediation: A Review
Authors: Ławniczak Łukasz , Woźniak-Karczewska Marta , Loibner Andreas P. , Heipieper Hermann J. , Chrzanowski Łukasz
Published: February 2020

Crude oil-derived hydrocarbons constitute the largest group of environmental pollutants worldwide. The number of reports concerning their toxicity and emphasizing the ultimate need to remove them from marine and soil environments confirms the unceasing interest of scientists in this field. Among the various techniques used for clean-up actions, bioremediation seems to be the most acceptable and economically justified. Analysis of recent reports regarding unsuccessful bioremediation attempts indicates that there is a need to highlight the fundamental aspects of hydrocarbon microbiology in a clear and concise manner. Therefore, in this review, we would like to elucidate some crucial, but often overlooked, factors. First, the formation of crude oil and abundance of naturally occurring hydrocarbons is presented and compared with bacterial ability to not only survive but also to utilize such compounds as an attractive energy source. Then, the significance of nutrient limitation on biomass growth is underlined on the example of a specially designed experiment and discussed in context of bioremediation efficiency. Next, the formation of aerobic and anaerobic conditions, as well as the role of surfactants for maintaining appropriate C:N:P ratio during initial stages of biodegradation is explained. Finally, a summary of recent scientific reports focused on the removal of hydrocarbon contaminants using bioaugmentation, biostimulation and introduction of surfactants, as well as biosurfactants, is presented. This review was designed to be a comprehensive source of knowledge regarding the unique aspects of hydrocarbon microbiology that may be useful for planning future biodegradation experiments. In addition, it is a starting point for wider debate regarding the limitations and possible improvements of currently employed bioremediation strategies.
Copper Complexing Capacity and Trace Metal Content in Common and Balsamic Vinegars: Impact of Organic Matter
Authors: Karavoltsos Sotirios , Sakellari Aikaterini , Sinanoglou Vassilia J. , Zoumpoulakis Panagiotis , Plavšić Marta , Dassenakis Manos , Kalogeropoulos Nick
Published: February 2020

Complex formation is among the mechanisms affecting metal bioaccessibility. Hence, the quantification of organic metal complexation in food items is of interest. Organic ligands in solutions of environmental and/or food origin function as buffering agents against small changes in dissolved metal concentrations, being able to maintain free metal ion concentrations below the toxicity threshold. Organic matter in vinegars consists of bioactive compounds, such as polyphenols, Maillard reaction endproducts, etc., capable of complexing metal ions. Furthermore, transition metal ions are considered as micronutrients essential for living organisms exerting a crucial role in metabolic processes. In this study, differential pulse anodic stripping voltammetry (DPASV), a sensitive electrochemical technique considered to be a powerful tool for the study of metal speciation, was applied for the first time in vinegar samples. The concentrations of Cu complexing ligands (LT) in 43 vinegars retailed in Greece varied between 0.05 and 52 μM, with the highest median concentration determined in balsamic vinegars (14 μM), compared to that of common vinegars (0.86 μM). In 21% of the vinegar samples examined, LT values were exceeded by the corresponding total Cu concentrations, indicating the presence of free Cu ion and/or bound within labile inorganic/organic complexes. Red grape balsamic vinegars exhibited the highest density of Cu ligands per mass unit of organic matter compared to other foodstuffs such as herbal infusions, coffee brews, and beers. Among the 16 metals determined in vinegars, Pb is of particular importance from a toxicological point of view, whereas further investigation is required regarding potential Rb biomagnification.
Antioxidant Activity of Pastinaca sativa L. ssp. sylvestris [Mill.] Rouy and Camus Essential Oil
Authors: Jianu Călin , Goleț Ionuț , Stoin Daniela , Cocan Ileana , Lukinich-Gruia Alexandra Teodora
Published: February 2020

In the last decade, there has been growing interest in the food industry in replacing synthetic chemicals with natural products with bioactive properties. This study’s aims were to determine the chemical composition and the antioxidant properties of the essential oil of Pastianica sylvestris. The essential oil was isolated with a yield of 0.41% (w/v) by steam distillation from the dried seeds and subsequently analysed by GC-MS. Octyl acetate (78.49%) and octyl hexanoate (6.68%) were the main components. The essential oil exhibited an excellent activity for the inhibition of primary and secondary oxidation products for cold-pressed sunflower oil comparable with butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) and butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), which were evaluated using peroxide and thiobarbituric acid values. The antioxidant activity of the essential oil was additionally validated using DPPH radical scavenging (0.0016 ± 0.0885 mg/mL), and β-carotene-linoleic acid bleaching assays. Also, the amounts of total phenol components (0.0053 ± 0.0023 mg GAE/g) were determined.
Preservative Effects of Gelatin Active Coating Containing Eugenol and Higher CO2 Concentration Modified Atmosphere Packaging on Chinese Sea bass (Lateolabrax maculatus) during Superchilling (−0.9 °C) Storage
Authors: Zhou Qianqian , Li Peiyun , Fang Shiyuan , Mei Jun , Xie Jing
Published: February 2020

The purpose of this research was to explore the fresh keeping effect of modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) with different gas ratios combined with gelatin active coatings containing eugenol on Chinese sea bass stored at −0.9 °C for 36 days. The results showed that MAP3 (60% CO2/10% O2/30% N2), together with gelatin active coatings containing eugenol, could prevent water loss, which maintained high field NMR, MRI, and organoleptic evaluation results. This hurdle technology could also effectively delay the bacterial reproduction, protein degradation, and alkaline accumulation, so it showed the lowest K value, total volatile basic nitrogen, free amino acids, total viable count, Pseudomonas spp., and H2S-producing bacteria, which better maintain the quality of sea bass.
Enhanced Degradation of Naproxen by Immobilization of Bacillus thuringiensis B1(2015b) on Loofah Sponge
Authors: Dzionek Anna , Wojcieszyńska Danuta , Adamczyk-Habrajska Małgorzata , Guzik Urszula
Published: February 2020

The naproxen-degrading bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis B1(2015b) was immobilised onto loofah sponge and introduced into lab-scale trickling filters. The trickling filters constructed for this study additionally contained stabilised microflora from a functioning wastewater treatment plant to assess the behavior of introduced immobilized biocatalyst in a fully functioning bioremediation system. The immobilised cells degraded naproxen (1 mg/L) faster in the presence of autochthonous microflora than in a monoculture trickling filter. There was also abundant colonization of the loofah sponges by the microorganisms from the system. Analysis of the influence of an acute, short-term naproxen exposure on the indigenous community revealed a significant drop in its diversity and qualitative composition. Bioaugmentation was also not neutral to the microflora. Introducing a new microorganism and increasing the removal of the pollutant caused changes in the microbial community structure and species composition. The incorporation of the immobilised B1(2015b) was successful and the introduced strain colonized the basic carrier in the trickling filter after the complete biodegradation of the naproxen. As a result, the bioremediation system could potentially be used to biodegrade naproxen in the future.
Anticancer Potential of Resveratrol, β-Lapachone and Their Analogues
Authors: Ferraz da Costa Danielly C. , Pereira Rangel Luciana , Martins-Dinis Mafalda Maria Duarte da Cunha , Ferretti Giulia Diniz da Silva , Ferreira Vitor F. , Silva Jerson L.
Published: February 2020

This review aims to explore the potential of resveratrol, a polyphenol stilbene, and beta-lapachone, a naphthoquinone, as well as their derivatives, in the development of new drug candidates for cancer. A brief history of these compounds is reviewed along with their potential effects and mechanisms of action and the most recent attempts to improve their bioavailability and potency against different types of cancer.
How Different Substitution Positions of F, Cl Atoms in Benzene Ring of 5-Methylpyrimidine Pyridine Derivatives Affect the Inhibition Ability of EGFRL858R/T790M/C797S Inhibitors: A Molecular Dynamics Simulation Study
Authors: E Jingwen , Liu Ye , Guan Shanshan , Luo Zhijian , Han Fei , Han Weiwei , Wang Song , Zhang Hao
Published: February 2020

Lung cancer is the most frequent cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide, and mutations in the kinase domain of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) are a common cause of non-small-cell lung cancers, which is a major subtype of lung cancers. Recently, a series of 5-methylpyrimidine-pyridinone derivatives have been designed and synthesized as novel selective inhibitors of EGFR and EGFR mutants. However, the binding-based inhibition mechanism has not yet been determined. In this study, we carried out molecular dynamic simulations and free-energy calculations for EGFR derivatives to fill this gap. Based on the investigation, the three factors that influence the inhibitory effect of inhibitors are as follows: (1) The substitution site of the Cl atom is the main factor influencing the activity through steric effect; (2) The secondary factors are repulsion between the F atom (present in the inhibitor) and Glu762, and the blocking effect of Lys745 on the phenyl ring of the inhibitor. (3) The two factors function synergistically to influence the inhibitory capacity of the inhibitor. The theoretical results of this study can provide further insights that will aid the design of oncogenic EGFR inhibitors with high selectivity.
Synthesis and Cytotoxic Evaluation of Some Substituted 5-Pyrazolones and Their Urea Derivatives
Authors: Gediz Erturk Aliye , Omerustaoglu Hilal
Published: February 2020

In this paper, a series of new substituted-5-pyrazolones were first synthesized, then formulated by the Vilsmeier–Haack reaction to obtain substituted-4-carbaldehyde-5-pyrazolones. In the final step, when urea was reacted with formulated pyrazolones, we found that, instead of the C=N bond in azomethine form, the compounds tautomerized to form a series of novel pyrazole-4-ylidenemethylurea structures. The structures of these compounds were elucidated by FTIR, 1H, 13C NMR, LC-MS/MS, and elemental analysis methods. The cytotoxic and antioxidant effects of substituted 5-pyrazolones and their pyrazolone-urea derivatives were investigated in metastatic A431 and noncancerous HaCaT human keratinocytes by a mitochondrial activity test. The effects of the compounds on the migration of cancerous and noncancerous cell lines were investigated by using a cell scratch assay. The General Linear Model, Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS v26) was used to determine if there was a statistically significant difference between the control and the treatment groups. Four of the nine compounds showed an antioxidant effect. All 5-pyrazolone-urea compounds showed higher toxicity (p < 0.05) in cancerous A431 cells compared to noncancerous cells at all time points. All compounds also showed a biphasic hormetic effect. Four of the nine compounds inhibited cell migration.
Traditional Yellow Dyes Used in the 21st Century in Central Iran: The Knowledge of Master Dyers Revealed by HPLC-DAD and UHPLC-HRMS/MS
Authors: Sharif Samaneh , Nabais Paula , Melo Maria J. , Oliveira M. Conceição
Published: February 2020

This work provides new knowledge on natural yellows used in Iran. Seven biological sources were selected based on interviews with dye masters in Isfahan workshops (Iran). Delphinium semibarbatum, Eremostachys laevigata, Prangos ferulacea, Morus alba, Pistacia vera, Punica granatum, and Vitis vinifera are currently used in these workshops. Aiming to study the dye composition of wool samples dyed with the extracts of the selected biological sources, and the changes induced by the dyeing procedures in the original chemical composition of the plant extract, raw materials and dyed wool (by us and in the workshops) were analyzed by HPLC–DAD and UHPLC–HRMS/MS. In solutions extracted from the textiles, the main yellows for E. laevigata are luteolin-O-glycosides. In the other plant sources, the main chromophores are based on 3-O-glycosides of kaempferol, quercetin, and isorhamnetin. In pistachio hulls, myricitin derivatives were detected and we propose their use as markers. Generally, the solutions extracted from the wool displayed a higher amount of more polar compounds, but also a higher amount of aglycones. Importantly, the chromatographic profiles of the samples we prepared compared well with 17th c. yellows in Persian carpets, and therefore can be considered highly characterized references for the study of Persian yellows.
Flow Synthesis of Biologically-Relevant Compound Libraries
Authors: Luque Navarro Pilar María , Lanari Daniela
Published: February 2020

Flow chemistry is one of the most prominent enabling technologies that has greatly shaped the way chemists’ approach organic synthesis. Specifically, in drug discovery, the advantages of flow techniques over batch procedures allow the rapid and efficient assembly of compound libraries to be tested for biological properties. The aim of the present review is to comment on some representative examples from the last five years of literature that highlight how flow procedures are becoming of increasing importance for the synthesis of biologically-relevant molecules.
Opuntia Fruits as Food Enriching Ingredient, the First Step towards New Functional Food Products
Authors: Oniszczuk Anna , Wójtowicz Agnieszka , Oniszczuk Tomasz , Matwijczuk Arkadiusz , Dib Ahlem , Markut-Miotła Ewa
Published: February 2020

Prickly pear (Opuntia ficus indica (L.) Mill.) is a rich source of vitamins C, B1, B2, A, and E, minerals such as calcium, potassium, magnesium, iron, and phosphorus, as well as bioactive substances, i.e., carotenoids, betalains, and phenolic compounds. Of these, the phenolic acids, betalains, and flavonoids are notable in that they are largely responsible for the health-promoting properties of this plant. The purpose of the presented research was to first determine the antioxidant properties and the content of polyphenolic compounds (including individual phenolic acids) in prickly pear fruit, then to produce an innovative gluten-free pasta from rice-field bean flour enriched with various amounts of pear prickly fruit. The content of free phenolic acids, the sum of polyphenols and antioxidant properties of pasta were subsequently determined in the supplemented pasta. Chromatographic analysis (HPLC-ESI-MS/MS) showed a wide variety of phenolic acids. In the fruit sample, 14 acids were detected, whereas in the pasta sample without additives, 9. The dominant acid was isoferulic. The total content of free phenolic acids and the sum of polyphenols increased with increasing content of the functional additive. Moreover, the content of individual acids generally increased as the Opuntia fruit was added. The antioxidant activity was also positively correlated with the addition of fruit, with the content of free phenolic acids and the sum of polyphenols. Our research has shown that our innovative pasta with the addition of prickly fruit can become a source of the free phenolic acids indispensable for human health.