bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Delayed Comprehensive Stroke Unit Care Attributable to the Evolution of Infection Protection Measures across Two Consecutive Waves of the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Sedghi Annahita , Siepmann Timo , Pallesen Lars-Peder , Reichmann Heinz , Puetz Volker , Barlinn Jessica , Barlinn Kristian
Published: July 2021

We aimed to assess how evidence-based stroke care changed over the two waves of the COVID-19 pandemic. We analyzed acute stroke patients admitted to a tertiary care hospital in Germany during the first (2 March 2020–9 June 2020) and second (23 September 2020–31 December 2020, 100 days each) infection waves. Stroke care performance indicators were compared among waves. A 25.2% decline of acute stroke admissions was noted during the second (n = 249) compared with the first (n = 333) wave of the pandemic. Patients were more frequently tested SARS-CoV-2 positive during the second than the first wave (11 (4.4%) vs. 0; p < 0.001). There were no differences in rates of reperfusion therapies (37% vs. 36.5%; p = 1.0) or treatment process times (p > 0.05). However, stroke unit access was more frequently delayed (17 (6.8%) vs. 5 (1.5%); p = 0.001), and hospitalization until inpatient rehabilitation was longer (20 (1, 27) vs. 12 (8, 17) days; p < 0.0001) during the second compared with the first pandemic wave. Clinical severity, stroke etiology, appropriate secondary prevention medication, and discharge disposition were comparable among both waves. Infection control measures may adversely affect access to stroke unit care and extend hospitalization, while performance indicators of hyperacute stroke care seem to be untainted.
The Value of OCT and OCTA as Potential Biomarkers for Preclinical Alzheimer’s Disease: A Review Study
Authors: López-Cuenca Inés , Salobrar-García Elena , Elvira-Hurtado Lorena , Fernández-Albarral José A. , Sánchez-Puebla Lidia , Salazar Juan J. , Ramírez José M. , Ramírez Ana I. , de Hoz Rosa
Published: July 2021

Preclinical Alzheimer’s disease (AD) includes cognitively healthy subjects with at least one positive biomarker: reduction in cerebrospinal fluid Aβ42 or visualization of cerebral amyloidosis by positron emission tomography imaging. The use of these biomarkers is expensive, invasive, and not always possible. It has been shown that the retinal changes measured by optical coherence tomography (OCT) and OCT-angiography (OCTA) could be biomarkers of AD. Diagnosis in early stages before irreversible AD neurological damage takes place is important for the development of new therapeutic interventions. In this review, we summarize the findings of different published studies using OCT and OCTA in participants with preclinical AD. To date, there have been few studies on this topic and they are methodologically very dissimilar. Moreover, these include only two longitudinal studies. For these reasons, it would be interesting to unify the methodology, make the inclusion criteria more rigorous, and conduct longer longitudinal studies to assess the evolution of these subjects. If the results were consistent across repeated studies with the same methodology, this could provide us with insight into the value of the retinal changes observed by OCT/OCTA as potential reliable, cost-effective, and noninvasive biomarkers of preclinical AD.
Insight into the Mechanisms of Low Coverage Adsorption of N-Alcohols on Single Walled Carbon Nanohorn
Authors: Szymański Grzegorz Stanisław , Kaczmarek-Kędziera Anna , Zięba Monika , Kowalczyk Piotr , Terzyk Artur Piotr
Published: July 2021

We report for the first time the chromatographic study of n-alcohols (from methanol to butanol) adsorption on single walled carbon nanohorn (SWCNH). Using measured temperature dependence of adsorption isotherms (373–433 K) the isosteric adsorption enthalpy is calculated and compared with the data reported for a graphite surface. It is concluded that a graphite surface is more homogeneous, and the enthalpy of adsorption on SWCNHs at zero coverage correlates well with molecular diameter and polarizability, suggesting leading role of dispersive interactions, i.e., no heteroatoms presence in the walls of SWCNH structures. Next using modern DFT approach we calculate the energy of n-alcohols interactions with a graphene sheet and with a single nanocone finally proposing a more realistic—double nanocone model. Obtained results suggest alcohols entrapping between SWCNH with OH groups located toward nanocones ends, leading to the conclusions about very promising future applications of SWCNHs in catalytic reactions with participation of n-alcohols.
Features of the Structure and Electrophysical Properties of Solid Solutions of the System (1-x-y) NaNbO3-xKNbO3-yCd0.5NbO3
Authors: Andryushin Konstantin , Shilkina Lidiya , Andryushina Inna , Nagaenko Alexandr , Moysa Maxim , Dudkina Svetlana , Reznichenko Larisa
Published: July 2021

Ferroelectric ceramic materials based on the (1-x-y) NaNbO3-xKNbO3-yCd0.5NbO3 system (x = 0.05–0.65, y = 0.025–0.30, Δx = 0.05) were obtained by a two-stage solid-phase synthesis followed by sintering using conventional ceramic technology. It was found that the region of pure solid solutions extends to x = 0.70 at y = 0.05 and, with increasing y, it narrows down to x ≤ 0.10 at y = 0.25. Going out beyond the specified concentrations leads to the formation of a heterogeneous region. It is shown that the grain landscape of all studied ceramics is formed during recrystallization sintering in the presence of a liquid phase, the source of which is unreacted components (Na2CO3 with Tmelt. = 1126 K, K2CO3 with Tmelt. = 1164 K, KOH with Tmelt. = 677 K) and low-melting eutectics in niobate mixtures (NaNbO3, Tmelt. = 1260 K, KNbO3, Tmelt. = 1118 K). A study of the electrophysical properties at room temperature showed the nonmonotonic behavior of all dependences with extrema near symmetry transitions, which corresponds to the logic of changes in the electrophysical parameters in systems with morphotropic phase boundaries. An analysis of the evolution of dielectric spectra made it possible to distinguish three groups of solid solutions: classical ferroelectrics (y = 0.05–0.10), ferroelectrics with a diffuse phase transition (y = 0.30), and ferroelectrics relaxors (y = 0.15–0.25). A conclusion about the expediency of using the obtained data in the development of materials and devices based on such materials has been made.
Parametric Studies of the Load Transfer Platform Reinforcement Interaction with Columns
Authors: Gajewska Beata , Gajewski Marcin , Lechowicz Zbigniew
Published: July 2021

When designing embankments on a soft ground improved with columns (rigid inclusions) and with a geosynthetically reinforced load transfer platform (LTP), the methods of determining strains in reinforcement reduce the spatial problem to a two-dimensional one, and analytical calculations are carried out for reinforcement strips in the directions along and across the embankment. In addition, the two-dimensional FEM models do not allow for a complete analysis of the behavior of the reinforcement material. The aim of this research was to analyze the work of the membrane in the 3D space modeling of the LTP reinforcement, depending on the interaction with the column, the shape of the column’s cap, the value of the Poisson’s ratio, the value of the stiffness of the elastic foundation (subgrade reaction k) modeling of the soft soil resistance between the columns and the load distribution over membranes that model the reinforcement. The membranes were modeled in the framework of the theory of large deformations using the finite element method and slender shell elements as three-dimensional objects. This modeling method allowed for the analysis of the behavior of the LTP reinforcement in various directions. The conducted analyses showed, among others, that in the absence of soil resistance between the columns, regardless of the shape of the cap (square, circle), the greatest strains are located near the edge of the cap in the diagonal direction between the columns.
Molecular Dynamics Investigation of the Influence of Voids on the Impact Mechanical Behavior of NiTi Shape-Memory Alloy
Authors: Wu Zhenwei , Chen Xiang , Fu Tao , Zheng Hengwei , Zhao Yang
Published: July 2021

To date, research on the physical and mechanical behavior of nickel-titanium shape-memory alloy (NiTi SMA) has focused on the macroscopic physical properties, equation of state, strength constitution, phase transition induced by temperature and stress under static load, etc. The behavior of a NiTi SMA under high-strain-rate impact and the influence of voids have not been reported. In this present work, the behavior evolution of (100) single-crystal NiTi SMA and the influencing characteristics of voids under a shock wave of 1.2 km/s are studied by large-scale molecular dynamics calculation. The results show that only a small amount of B2 austenite is transformed into B19’ martensite when the NiTi sample does not pass through the void during impact compression, whereas when the shock wave passes through the hole, a large amount of martensite phase transformation and plastic deformation is induced around the hole; the existence of phase transformation and phase-transformation-induced plastic deformation greatly consumes the energy of the shock wave, thus making the width of the wave front in the subsequent propagation process wider and the peak of the foremost wave peak reduced. In addition, the existence of holes disrupts the orderly propagation of shock waves, changes the shock wave front from a plane to a concave surface, and reduces the propagation speed of shock waves. The calculation results show that the presence of pores in a porous NiTi SMA leads to significant martensitic phase transformation and plastic deformation induced by phase transformation, which has a significant buffering effect on shock waves. The results of this study provide great guidance for expanding the application of NiTi SMA in the field of shock.
Electron Transport in Naphthalene Diimide Derivatives
Authors: Jung Jaroslaw , Selerowicz Arkadiusz , Maczugowska Paulina , Halagan Krzysztof , Rybakiewicz-Sekita Renata , Zagorska Malgorzata , Stefaniuk-Grams Anna
Published: July 2021

Two naphthalene diimides derivatives containing two different (alkyl and alkoxyphenyl) N-substituents were studied, namely, N,N′-bis(sec-butyl)-1,4,5,8-naphthalenetetracarboxylic acid diimide (NDI-s-Bu) and N,N′-bis(4-n-hexyloxyphenyl)-1,4,5,8-naphthalenetetracarboxylic acid diimide (NDI-4-n-OHePh). These compounds are known to exhibit electron transport due to their electron-deficient character evidenced by high electron affinity (EA) values, determined by electrochemical methods and a low-lying lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) level, predicted by density functional theory (DFT) calculations. These parameters make the studied organic semiconductors stable in operating conditions and resistant to electron trapping, facilitating, in this manner, electron transport in thin solid layers. Current–voltage characteristics, obtained for the manufactured electron-only devices operating in the low voltage range, yielded mobilities of 4.3 × 10−4 cm2V−1s−1 and 4.6 × 10−6 cm2V−1s−1 for (NDI-s-Bu) and (NDI-4-n-OHePh), respectively. Their electron transport characteristics were described using the drift–diffusion model. The studied organic semiconductors can be considered as excellent candidates for the electron transporting layers in organic photovoltaic cells and light-emitting diodes
Sex-Specific Relationship between the Cardiorespiratory Fitness and Plasma Metabolite Patterns in Healthy Humans—Results of the KarMeN Study
Authors: Kistner Sina , Döring Maik , Krüger Ralf , Rist Manuela J. , Weinert Christoph H. , Bunzel Diana , Merz Benedikt , Radloff Katrin , Neumann Rainer , Härtel Sascha , Bub Achim
Published: July 2021

Cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) represents a strong predictor of all-cause mortality and is strongly influenced by regular physical activity (PA). However, the biological mechanisms involved in the body’s adaptation to PA remain to be fully elucidated. The aim of this study was to systematically examine the relationship between CRF and plasma metabolite patterns in 252 healthy adults from the cross-sectional Karlsruhe Metabolomics and Nutrition (KarMeN) study. CRF was determined by measuring the peak oxygen uptake during incremental exercise. Fasting plasma samples were analyzed by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and mass spectrometry coupled to one- or two-dimensional gas chromatography or liquid chromatography. Based on this multi-platform metabolomics approach, 427 plasma analytes were detected. Bi- and multivariate association analyses, adjusted for age and menopausal status, showed that CRF was linked to specific sets of metabolites primarily indicative of lipid metabolism. However, CRF-related metabolite patterns largely differed between sexes. While several phosphatidylcholines were linked to CRF in females, single lyso-phosphatidylcholines and sphingomyelins were associated with CRF in males. When controlling for further assessed clinical and phenotypical parameters, sex-specific CRF tended to be correlated with a smaller number of metabolites linked to lipid, amino acid, or xenobiotics-related metabolism. Interestingly, sex-specific CRF explanation models could be improved when including selected plasma analytes in addition to clinical and phenotypical variables. In summary, this study revealed sex-related differences in CRF-associated plasma metabolite patterns and proved known associations between CRF and risk factors for cardiometabolic diseases such as fat mass, visceral adipose tissue mass, or blood triglycerides in metabolically healthy individuals. Our findings indicate that covariates like sex and, especially, body composition have to be considered when studying blood metabolic markers related to CRF.
Flow of Non-Newtonian Fluids in a Single-Cavity Microchannel
Authors: Raihan Mahmud Kamal , Jagdale Purva P. , Wu Sen , Shao Xingchen , Bostwick Joshua B. , Pan Xinxiang , Xuan Xiangchun
Published: July 2021

Having a basic understanding of non-Newtonian fluid flow through porous media, which usually consist of series of expansions and contractions, is of importance for enhanced oil recovery, groundwater remediation, microfluidic particle manipulation, etc. The flow in contraction and/or expansion microchannel is unbounded in the primary direction and has been widely studied before. In contrast, there has been very little work on the understanding of such flow in an expansion–contraction microchannel with a confined cavity. We investigate the flow of five types of non-Newtonian fluids with distinct rheological properties and water through a planar single-cavity microchannel. All fluids are tested in a similarly wide range of flow rates, from which the observed flow regimes and vortex development are summarized in the same dimensionless parameter spaces for a unified understanding of the effects of fluid inertia, shear thinning, and elasticity as well as confinement. Our results indicate that fluid inertia is responsible for developing vortices in the expansion flow, which is trivially affected by the confinement. Fluid shear thinning causes flow separations on the contraction walls, and the interplay between the effects of shear thinning and inertia is dictated by the confinement. Fluid elasticity introduces instability and asymmetry to the contraction flow of polymers with long chains while suppressing the fluid inertia-induced expansion flow vortices. However, the formation and fluctuation of such elasto-inertial fluid vortices exhibit strong digressions from the unconfined flow pattern in a contraction–expansion microchannel of similar dimensions.
Electrochemical Cell-Based Sensor for Detection of Food Hazards
Authors: Zhang Jiancheng , Lu Lixia , Zhang Zhenguo , Zang Liguo
Published: July 2021

People’s health has been threatened by several common food hazards. Thus, it is very important to establish rapid and accurate methods to detect food hazards. In recent years, biosensors have inspired developments because of their specificity and sensitivity, short reaction time, low cost, small size and easy operation. Owing to their high precision and non-destructive characteristics, cell-based electrochemical detection methods can reflect the damage of food hazards to organisms better. In this review, the characteristics of electrochemical cell-based biosensors and their applications in the detection of common hazards in food are reviewed. The strategies of cell immobilization and 3D culture on electrodes are discussed. The current limitations and further development prospects of cell-based electrochemical biosensors are also evaluated.
Spatial and Temporal Distribution of Bacterioplankton Molecular Ecological Networks in the Yuan River under Different Human Activity Intensity
Authors: Wu Bobo , Wang Peng , Devlin Adam T. , Chen Lu , Xia Yang , Zhang Hua , Nie Minghua , Ding Mingjun
Published: July 2021

Bacterioplankton communities play a crucial role in freshwater ecosystem functioning, but it is unknown how co-occurrence networks within these communities respond to human activity disturbances. This represents an important knowledge gap because changes in microbial networks could have implications for their functionality and vulnerability to future disturbances. Here, we compare the spatiotemporal and biogeographical patterns of bacterioplankton molecular ecological networks using high-throughput sequencing of Illumina HiSeq and multivariate statistical analyses from a subtropical river during wet and dry seasons. Results demonstrated that the lower reaches (high human activity intensity) network had less of an average degree (10.568/18.363), especially during the dry season, when compared with the upper reaches (low human activity intensity) network (10.685/37.552) during the wet and dry seasons, respectively. The latter formed more complexity networks with more modularity (0.622/0.556) than the lower reaches (high human activity intensity) network (0.505/0.41) during the wet and dry seasons, respectively. Bacterioplankton molecular ecological network under high human activity intensity became significantly less robust, which is mainly caused by altering of the environmental conditions and keystone species. Human activity altered the composition of modules but preserved their ecological roles in the network and environmental factors (dissolved organic carbon, temperature, arsenic, oxidation–reduction potential and Chao1 index) were the best parameters for explaining the variations in bacterioplankton molecular ecological network structure and modules. Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria and Bacteroidetes were the keystone phylum in shaping the structure and niche differentiations in the network. In addition, the lower reaches (high human activity intensity) reduce the bacterioplankton diversity and ecological niche differentiation, which deterministic processes become more important with increased farmland and constructed land area (especially farmland) with only 35% and 40% of the community variation explained by the neutral community model during the wet season and dry season, respectively. Keystone species in high human activity intensity stress habitats yield intense functional potentials and Bacterioplankton communities harbor keystone taxa in different human activity intensity stress habitats, which may exert their influence on microbiome network composition regardless of abundance. Therefore, human activity plays a crucial role in shaping the structure and function of bacterioplankton molecular ecological networks in subtropical rivers and understanding the mechanisms of this process can provide important information about human–water interaction processes, sustainable uses of freshwater as well as watershed management and conservation.
Contamination of the Soil–Groundwater–Crop System: Environmental Risk and Opportunities
Authors: Economou-Eliopoulos Maria , Megremi Ifigeneia
Published: July 2021

The increasing development of industries, resulting in a large volume of mining, smelting, and combustion wastes, and intense agricultural activities, due to demand for food and energy, have caused environmental hazards for food quality and ecosystems. This is a review on the contamination of the soil–groundwater–crop system and a potential reduction of the contamination by a gradual shift towards green economy within the European Union and on a worldwide scale. Available mineralogical and geochemical features from contaminated Neogene basins have shown a diversity in the contamination sources for soil and groundwater, and highlighted the need to define the contamination sources, hot spots, degree/extent of contamination, and provide ways to restrict the transfer of heavy metals/metalloids into the food chain, without the reduction of the agricultural and industrial production. Among harmful elements for human health and ecosystems, the contamination of groundwater (thousands of μg/L Cr(VI)) by industrial activities in many European countries is of particular attention. Although Cr(VI) can be reduced to Cr(III) and be completely attenuated in nature under appropriate pH and Eh conditions, the contamination by Cr(VI) of coastal groundwater affected by the intrusion of seawater often remains at the hundreds μg/L level. A positive trend between B and Cr(VI) may provide insights on the role of the borate [B(OH)4]− ions, a potential buffer, on the stability of Cr(VI) in coastal groundwater. Efforts are needed towards reducing toxic metal(loids) from the industrial wastewaters prior to their discharge into receptors, as well as the transformation of hazardous mining/industrial wastes to new products and applications to the optimization of agricultural management strategies.
Sawdust for the Removal of Heavy Metals from Water: A Review
Authors: Meez Elie , Rahdar Abbas , Kyzas George Z.
Published: July 2021

The threat of the accumulation of heavy metals in wastewater is increasing, due to their abilities to inflict damage to human health, especially in the past decade. The world’s environmental agencies are trying to issue several regulations that allow the management and control of random disposals of heavy metals. Scientific studies have heavily focused on finding suitable materials and techniques for the purification of wastewaters, but most solutions have been rejected due to cost-related issues. Several potential materials for this objective have been found and have been compared to determine the most suitable material for the purification process. Sawdust, among all the materials investigated, shows high potential and very promising results. Sawdust has been shown to have a good structure suitable for water purification processes. Parameters affecting the adsorption mechanism of heavy metals into sawdust have been studied and it has been shown that pH, contact time and several other parameters could play a major role in improving the adsorption process. The adsorption was found to follow the Langmuir or Freundlich isotherm and a pseudo second-order kinetic model, meaning that the type of adsorption was a chemisorption. Sawdust has major advantages to be considered and is one of the most promising materials to solve the wastewater problem.
Soybean and Lupine Addition in Hen Nutrition—Influence on Egg Immunoreactivity
Authors: Tomczak Aneta , Misiak Michalina , Zielińska-Dawidziak Magdalena
Published: July 2021

Modifying hen fodder is a common way of changing eggs composition today. However, there is no information on the effect of the source of protein in the fodder replacement on egg allergenicity. This research aimed to detect potential differences in the immunoreactivity and protein composition of eggs from hens fed with fodder containing legume. The aim of the first step of the study was to select the proper solvent for extracting allergenic proteins from hen eggs. Two of them (containing Tween 20 and Triton 100) were selected, based on protein profile and concentration analysis. Egg-white- and egg-yolk-proteins extracts prepared with them were checked for potential differences, using SDS-PAGE electrophoresis, and then the Western-blot method, using sera from children allergic to eggs and soy. Preliminary studies on the influence of fodder composition on the composition of egg proteins suggest that the addition of soy and lupine to fodder modifies the expression of egg proteins. The observed differences in the immunoreactivity of proteins contained in hen egg-white samples do not seem to be as significant as the appearance of protein with a molecular weight of ~13 kDa in the yolk of eggs obtained from soybean-fed hens. This protein may increase the immunoreactivity of eggs for children allergic solely to soy.
Fluorimetric Analysis of Five Amino Acids in Chocolate: Development and Validation
Authors: Synaridou Maria S. , Tsamis Vasilis , Sidiropoulou Georgia , Zacharis Constantinos K. , Panderi Irene , Markopoulou Catherine K.
Published: July 2021

Amino acids present ergogenic action, helping to increase, protect, and restore the muscular system of young athletes. Moreover, the encapsulation of five relevant amino acids in chocolate pellet form will appeal to them, facilitating their daily consumption. A reliable HPLC fluorimetric method was developed to detect and quantitatively determine L-Leucine, L-Isoleucine, L-Histidine, L-Valine, and β-Alanine in chocolate using aniline as an internal standard. Experimental design methodology was used to investigate and optimize the clean-up procedure of the samples. Therefore, three extraction techniques (solid-phase extraction (by two different SPE cartridges) and liquid–solid extraction (LSE)) were compared and evaluated. The LOQ values in chocolate varied from 24 to 118 ng/g (recovery 89.7–95.6%, %RSD < 2.5). Amino acids were pre-column derivatized with o-phthalaldehyde (OPA), while derivatization parameters were thoroughly investigated by experimental design methodology. The analysis was performed by HPLC-fluorescence (emission: λ = 455 nm, excitation: λ = 340 nm) method using a C18 column and a mixture of phosphate buffer (pH = 2.8; 20 mM)-methanol as a mobile phase in gradient elution. The method was validated (r2 > 0.999, %RSD < 2, LOD: 10 ng mL−1 for histidine and leucine, 2 ng mL−1 for alanine and valine, and 4 ng mL−1 for Isoleucine) according to the International Conference on Harmonization guidelines.
Reaction of Chalcones with Cellular Thiols. The Effect of the 4-Substitution of Chalcones and Protonation State of the Thiols on the Addition Process. Diastereoselective Thiol Addition
Authors: Kenari Fatemeh , Molnár Szilárd , Perjési Pál
Published: July 2021

Several biological effects of chalcones have been reported to be associated with their thiol reactivity. In vivo, the reactions can result in the formation of small-molecule or protein thiol adducts. Both types of reactions can play a role in the biological effects of this class of compounds. Progress of the reaction of 4-methyl- and 4-methoxychalcone with glutathione and N-acetylcysteine was studied by the HPLC-UV-VIS method. The reactions were conducted under three different pH conditions. HPLC-MS measurements confirmed the structure of the formed adducts. The chalcones reacted with both thiols under all incubation conditions. The initial rate and composition of the equilibrium mixtures depended on the ratio of the deprotonated form of the thiols. In the reaction of 4-methoxychalcone with N-acetylcysteine under strongly basic conditions, transformation of the kinetic adduct into the thermodynamically more stable one was observed. Addition of S-protonated N-acetylcysteine onto the polar double bonds of the chalcones showed different degrees of diastereoselectivity. Both chalcones showed a Michael-type addition reaction with the ionized and non-ionized forms of the investigated thiols. The initial reactivity of the chalcones and the equilibrium composition of the incubates showed a positive correlation with the degree of ionization of the thiols. Conversions showed systematic differences under each set of conditions. The observed differences can hint at the difference in reported biological actions of 4-methyl- and 4-methoxy-substituted chalcones.
Updating Insights into the Catalytic Domain Properties of Plant Cellulose synthase (CesA) and Cellulose synthase-like (Csl) Proteins
Authors: Daras Gerasimos , Templalexis Dimitris , Avgeri Fengoula , Tsitsekian Dikran , Karamanou Konstantina , Rigas Stamatis
Published: July 2021

The wall is the last frontier of a plant cell involved in modulating growth, development and defense against biotic stresses. Cellulose and additional polysaccharides of plant cell walls are the most abundant biopolymers on earth, having increased in economic value and thereby attracted significant interest in biotechnology. Cellulose biosynthesis constitutes a highly complicated process relying on the formation of cellulose synthase complexes. Cellulose synthase (CesA) and Cellulose synthase-like (Csl) genes encode enzymes that synthesize cellulose and most hemicellulosic polysaccharides. Arabidopsis and rice are invaluable genetic models and reliable representatives of land plants to comprehend cell wall synthesis. During the past two decades, enormous research progress has been made to understand the mechanisms of cellulose synthesis and construction of the plant cell wall. A plethora of cesa and csl mutants have been characterized, providing functional insights into individual protein isoforms. Recent structural studies have uncovered the mode of CesA assembly and the dynamics of cellulose production. Genetics and structural biology have generated new knowledge and have accelerated the pace of discovery in this field, ultimately opening perspectives towards cellulose synthesis manipulation. This review provides an overview of the major breakthroughs gathering previous and recent genetic and structural advancements, focusing on the function of CesA and Csl catalytic domain in plants.
A Novel Reagent for Radioiodine Labeling of New Chemical Entities (NCEs) and Biomolecules
Authors: Kumar Krishan , Woolum Karen
Published: July 2021

Radioiodine labeling of peptides and proteins is routinely performed by using various oxidizing agents such as Chloramine T, Iodobeads, and Iodogen reagent and radioactive iodide (I−), although some other oxidizing agents were also investigated. The main objective of the present study was to develop and test a novel reagent, inorganic monochloramine (NH2Cl), for radioiodine labeling of new chemical entities and biomolecules which is cost-effective, easy to make and handle, and is selective to label amino acids, peptides, and proteins. The data presented in this report demonstrate that the yields of the non-radioactive iodine labeling reactions using monochloramine are >70% for an amino acid (tyrosine) and a cyclic peptide (cyclo Arg-Gly-Asp-d-Tyr-Lys, cRGDyK). No evidence of the formation of N-chloro derivatives in cRGDyK was observed, suggesting that the reagent is selective in iodinating the tyrosine residue in the biomolecules. The method was successfully translated into radioiodine labeling of amino acid, a peptide, and a protein, Bovine Serum Albumin (BSA).
Free-Standing, Flexible Nanofeatured Polymeric Films Prepared by Spin-Coating and Anodic Polymerization as Electrodes for Supercapacitors
Authors: Ruano Guillem , Molina Brenda G. , Torras Juan , Alemán Carlos
Published: July 2021

Flexible and self-standing multilayered films made of nanoperforated poly(lactic acid) (PLA) layers separated by anodically polymerized poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) conducting layers have been prepared and used as electrodes for supercapacitors. The influence of the external layer has been evaluated by comparing the charge storage capacity of four- and five-layered films in which the external layer is made of PEDOT (PLA/PEDOT/PLA/PEDOT) and nanoperforated PLA (PLA/PEDOT/PLA/PEDOT/PLA), respectively. In spite of the amount of conducting polymer is the same for both four- and five-layered films, they exhibit significant differences. The electrochemical response in terms of electroactivity, areal specific capacitance, stability, and coulombic efficiency was greater for the four-layered electrodes than for the five-layered ones. Furthermore, the response in terms of leakage current and self-discharge was significantly better for the former electrodes than for the latter ones.
Identification of Insulin-Mimetic Plant Extracts: From an In Vitro High-Content Screen to Blood Glucose Reduction in Live Animals
Authors: Stadlbauer Verena , Neuhauser Cathrina , Aumiller Tobias , Stallinger Alexander , Iken Marcus , Weghuber Julian
Published: July 2021

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is linked to insulin resistance and a loss of insulin sensitivity, leading to millions of deaths worldwide each year. T2DM is caused by reduced uptake of glucose facilitated by glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4) in muscle and adipose tissue due to decreased intracellular translocation of GLUT4-containing vesicles to the plasma membrane. To treat T2DM, novel medications are required. Through a fluorescence microscopy-based high-content screen, we tested more than 600 plant extracts for their potential to induce GLUT4 translocation in the absence of insulin. The primary screen in CHO-K1 cells resulted in 30 positive hits, which were further investigated in HeLa and 3T3-L1 cells. In addition, full plasma membrane insertion was examined by immunostaining of the first extracellular loop of GLUT4. The application of appropriate inhibitors identified PI3 kinase as the most important signal transduction target relevant for GLUT4 translocation. Finally, from the most effective hits in vitro, four extracts effectively reduced blood glucose levels in chicken embryos (in ovo), indicating their applicability as antidiabetic pharmaceuticals or nutraceuticals.
A Review on Microfluidics: An Aid to Assisted Reproductive Technology
Authors: Alias Anand Baby , Huang Hong-Yuan , Yao Da-Jeng
Published: July 2021

Infertility is a state of the male or female reproductive system that is defined as the failure to achieve pregnancy even after 12 or more months of regular unprotected sexual intercourse. Assisted reproductive technology (ART) plays a crucial role in addressing infertility. Various ART are now available for infertile couples. Fertilization in vitro (IVF), intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) and intrauterine insemination (IUI) are the most common techniques in this regard. Various microfluidic technologies can incorporate various ART procedures such as embryo and gamete (sperm and oocyte) analysis, sorting, manipulation, culture and monitoring. Hence, this review intends to summarize the current knowledge about the application of this approach towards cell biology to enhance ART.
Novel Perbutyrylated Glucose Derivatives of (–)-Epigallocatechin-3-Gallate Inhibit Cancer Cells Proliferation by Decreasing Phosphorylation of the EGFR: Synthesis, Cytotoxicity, and Molecular Docking
Authors: Wang Ya , Shen Xiao-Jing , Su Fa-Wu , Xie Yin-Rong , Wang Li-Xia , Zhang Ning , Wu Yi-Long , Niu Yun , Zhang Dong-Ying , Zi Cheng-Ting , Wang Xuan-Jun , Sheng Jun
Published: July 2021

Lung cancer is one of the most commonly occurring cancer mortality worldwide. The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) plays an important role in cellular functions and has become the new promising target. Natural products and their derivatives with various structures, unique biological activities, and specific selectivity have served as lead compounds for EGFR. D-glucose and EGCG were used as starting materials. A series of glucoside derivatives of EGCG (7–12) were synthesized and evaluated for their in vitro anticancer activity against five human cancer cell lines, including HL-60, SMMC-7721, A-549, MCF-7, and SW480. In addition, we investigated the structure-activity relationship and physicochemical property–activity relationship of EGCG derivatives. Compounds 11 and 12 showed better growth inhibition than others in four cancer cell lines (HL-60, SMMC-7721, A-549, and MCF), with IC50 values in the range of 22.90–37.87 μM. Compounds 11 and 12 decreased phosphorylation of EGFR and downstream signaling protein, which also have more hydrophobic interactions than EGCG by docking study. The most active compounds 11 and 12, both having perbutyrylated glucose residue, we found that perbutyrylation of the glucose residue leads to increased cytotoxic activity and suggested that their potential as anticancer agents for further development.
Robust Conductive Hydrogels with Ultrafast Self-Recovery and Nearly Zero Response Hysteresis for Epidermal Sensors
Authors: Xu Xiuru , He Chubin , Luo Feng , Wang Hao , Peng Zhengchun
Published: July 2021

Robust conductive hydrogels are in great demand for the practical applications of smart soft robots, epidermal electronics, and human–machine interactions. We successfully prepared nanoparticles enhanced polyacrylamide/hydroxypropyl guar gum/acryloyl-grafted chitosan quaternary ammonium salt/calcium ions/SiO2 nanoparticles (PHC/Ca2+/SiO2 NPs) conductive hydrogels. Owing to the stable chemical and physical hybrid crosslinking networks and reversible non-covalent interactions, the PHC/Ca2+/SiO2 NPs conductive hydrogel showed good conductivity (~3.39 S/m), excellent toughness (6.71 MJ/m3), high stretchability (2256%), fast self-recovery (80% within 10 s, and 100% within 30 s), and good fatigue resistance. The maximum gauge factor as high as 66.99 was obtained, with a wide detectable strain range (from 0.25% to 500% strain), the fast response (25.00 ms) and recovery time (86.12 ms), excellent negligible response hysteresis, and good response stability. The applications of monitoring the human’s body movements were demonstrated, such as wrist bending and pulse tracking.
Optical Studies and Transmission Electron Microscopy of HgCdTe Quantum Well Heterostructures for Very Long Wavelength Lasers
Authors: Rumyantsev Vladimir V. , Razova Anna A. , Bovkun Leonid S. , Tatarskiy Dmitriy A. , Mikhailovskii Vladimir Y. , Zholudev Maksim S. , Ikonnikov Anton V. , Uaman Svetikova Tatyana A. , Maremyanin Kirill V. , Utochkin Vladimir V. , Fadeev Mikhail A. , Remesnik Vladimir G. , Aleshkin Vladimir Y. , Mikhailov Nikolay N. , Dvoretsky Sergey A. , Potemski Marek , Orlita Milan , Gavrilenko Vladimir I. , Morozov Sergey V.
Published: July 2021

HgTe/CdHgTe quantum well (QW) heterostructures have attracted a lot of interest recently due to insights they provided towards the physics of topological insulators and massless Dirac fermions. Our work focuses on HgCdTe QWs with the energy spectrum close to the graphene-like relativistic dispersion that is supposed to suppress the non-radiative Auger recombination. We combine various methods such as photoconductivity, photoluminescence and magneto-optical measurements as well as transmission electron microscopy to retrofit growth parameters in multi-QW waveguide structures, designed for long wavelengths lasing in the range of 10–22 μm. The results reveal that the attainable operating temperatures and wavelengths are strongly dependent on Cd content in the QW, since it alters the dominating recombination mechanism of the carriers.
Polarization and Dielectric Properties of BiFeO3-BaTiO3 Superlattice-Structured Ferroelectric Films
Authors: Noguchi Yuji , Matsuo Hiroki
Published: July 2021

Superlattice-structured epitaxial thin films composed of Mn(5%)-doped BiFeO3 and BaTiO3 with a total thickness of 600 perovskite (ABO3) unit cells were grown on single-crystal SrTiO3 substrates by pulsed laser deposition, and their polarization and dielectric properties were investigated. When the layers of Mn-BiFeO3 and BaTiO3 have over 25 ABO3 unit cells (N), the superlattice can be regarded as a simple series connection of their individual capacitors. The superlattices with an N of 5 or less behave as a unified ferroelectric, where the BaTiO3 and Mn-BiFeO3 layers are structurally and electronically coupled. Density functional theory calculations can explain the behavior of spontaneous polarization for the superlattices in this thin regime. We propose that a superlattice formation comprising two types of perovskite layers with different crystal symmetries opens a path to novel ferroelectrics that cannot be obtained in a solid solution system.
Association between Body Composition and Dysphagia in Patients with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
Authors: Salvioni Cristina , Oda Adriana Leico , Orsini Marco , Pauli Michele , Frabasile Luciana M. , Alves Percilia C. L. , Borges Rosana M. , Sierra Helena N. M. , Menegatti Gabriela , Pinho Márcio Ottoboni , Oliveira Acary Souza Bulle
Published: July 2021

Background: The influence of changes in body composition on swallowing in patients with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is unknown. Understanding the interrelation between body compartments and dysphagia may establish specific treatments related to both nutritional aspects as to myofunctional ones designed to delay swallowing loss. Aim: The aim of the study was to evaluate the relationship between body composition and dysphagia during the course of the disease. Methods: The protocol of this study included assessments carried out quarterly for one year and included: analysis of body composition by multi-frequency segmental bioimpedance, nutritional diagnosis, maximum strength test of the tongue and lips, analysis of swallowing using the Functional Oral Intake Score (FOIS) and Swallowing Rating Scale of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA), speech intelligibility and analysis of disease severity. To measure the degree of relationship between quantitative variables, Spearman’s correlation was used. Results: Thirty-four patients were evaluated, 28 Spinal Group and 6 Bulbar Group. The results did not show any significant differences in the analysis of body composition between the groups. Positive associations were found between body compartments and swallowing analysis. The phase angle showed a strong correlation between the FOIS scales (r = 0.74, p < 0.01), ASHA (r = 0.77, p < 0.01) and tongue (r = 0.66, p < 0.01). Conclusions: Changes in body compartments were related to swallowing functionality and speech intelligibility in ALS patients, emphasizing the importance of analyzing body compartments for decision making by the interdisciplinary team. Although these preliminary data were collected in a small sample size, they serve to motivate future studies in this area.
Administration with Quinoa Protein Reduces the Blood Pressure in Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats and Modifies the Fecal Microbiota
Authors: Guo Huimin , Hao Yuqiong , Fan Xin , Richel Aurore , Everaert Nadia , Yang Xiushi , Ren Guixing
Published: July 2021

Despite the well-established role of quinoa protein as the source of antihypertensive peptides through in vitro enzymolysis, there is little evidence supporting the in vivo antihypertensive effect of intact quinoa protein. In this study, in vivo study on spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs) was conducted by administering quinoa protein for five weeks. Gastrointestinal content identification indicated that many promising precursors of bioactive peptides were released from quinoa protein under gastrointestinal processing. Quinoa protein administration on SHRs resulted in a significant decrease in blood pressure, a significant increase in alpha diversity, and microbial structure alternation towards that in non-hypertension rats. Furthermore, blood pressure was highly negatively correlated with the elevated abundance of genera in quinoa protein-treated SHRs, such as Turicibacter and Allobaculum. Interestingly, the fecal microbiota in quinoa protein-treated SHRs shared more features in the composition of genera with non-hypertension rats than that of the captopril-treated group. These results indicate that quinoa protein may serve as a potential candidate to lower blood pressure and ameliorate hypertension-related gut dysbiosis.
Children’s Eating Habits, Physical Activity, Sleep, and Media Usage before and during COVID-19 Pandemic in Poland
Authors: Łuszczki Edyta , Bartosiewicz Anna , Pezdan-Śliż Iwona , Kuchciak Maciej , Jagielski Paweł , Oleksy Łukasz , Stolarczyk Artur , Dereń Katarzyna
Published: July 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused huge changes in people’s lifestyle, health, and social relationships. This situation has had an impact on children and adolescents, affecting their health, intellectual, physical, and emotional development. The survey aimed to compare eating behaviors, level of physical activity (PA), hours of sleep, and screen time among Polish children and adolescents aged 6–15 years before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. We obtained self-reported data from 1016 participants at two measurement points before and during the COVID-19 lockdown in Poland to examine the influence of the lockdown and the distance learning on PA, dietary habits, sleep, and media usage of children and adolescents aged 6–15 years. The study identified dietary differences and changes in daily activity patterns (reduced sleep duration with higher sleep quality and reduced physical activity). Additionally, the increase in general media usage was observed during the pandemic alongside a reduction in smartphone usage. Together, the findings indicate increased sleep, physical activity, and reduced media usage and screen time among Polish children and adolescents during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Promising Anticancer Activities of Alismatis rhizome and Its Triterpenes via p38 and PI3K/Akt/mTOR Signaling Pathways
Authors: Jang Eungyeong , Lee Jang-Hoon
Published: July 2021

The flowering plant genus Alisma, which belongs to the family Alismataceae, comprises 11 species, including Alisma orientale, Alisma canaliculatum, and Alisma plantago-aquatica. Alismatis rhizome (Ze xie in Chinese, Takusha in Japanese, and Taeksa in Korean, AR), the tubers of medicinal plants from Alisma species, have long been used to treat inflammatory diseases, hyperlipidemia, diabetes, bacterial infection, edema, oliguria, diarrhea, and dizziness. Recent evidence has demonstrated that its extract showed pharmacological activities to effectively reverse cancer-related molecular targets. In particular, triterpenes naturally isolated from AR have been found to exhibit antitumor activity. This study aimed to describe the biological activities and plausible signaling cascades of AR and its main compounds in experimental models representing cancer-related physiology and pathology. Available in vitro and in vivo studies revealed that AR extract possesses anticancer activity against various cancer cells, and the efficacy might be attributed to the cytotoxic and antimetastatic effects of its alisol compounds, such as alisol A, alisol B, and alisol B 23-acetate. Several beneficial functions of triterpenoids found in AR might be due to p38 activation and inhibition of the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathways. Moreover, AR and its triterpenes inhibit the proliferation of cancer cells that are resistant to chemotherapy. Thus, AR and its triterpenes may play potential roles in tumor attack, as well as a therapeutic remedy alone and in combination with other chemotherapeutic drugs.