bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modeling Isothermal Reduction of Iron Ore Pellet Using Finite Element Analysis Method: Experiments & Validation
Authors: Meshram Amogh , Govro Joe , OMalley Ronald J. , Sridhar Seetharaman , Korobeinikov Yuri
Published: November 2022

Iron ore pellet reduction experiments were performed with pure hydrogen (H2) and mixtures with carbon monoxide (CO) at different ratios. For direct reduction processes that switch dynamically between reformed natural gas and hydrogen as the reductant, it is important to understand the effects of the transition on the oxide reduction kinetics to optimize the residence time of iron ore pellets in a shaft reactor. Hence, the reduction rates were studied by varying experimental parameters such as the temperature (800, 850 & 900 °C), reactant gas flow rate (100, 150 & 200 cm3/min), pellet size and composition of the reactant gas mixture. The rate of reduction was observed to increase with an increase in temperature and reactant gas flow rate, but it decreased with an increase in pellet size. SEM greyscale analysis was performed to analyze the porosity and phase composition of partially reduced pellets. The porosity of the pellets was observed to increase from 0.3 for unreacted pellet to 0.42 for a completely reduced pellet. Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDAX) analysis was performed to identify the phases observed in the SEM images. The fraction of iron phase was observed to increase from the shell region of the pellet to the core region with an increase in the degree of reduction. A 2D-axisymmetric numerical model was developed on COMSOL Multiphysics, and it was validated using the conversion (X) vs. time curves obtained from each experiment. The model was able to accurately predict the total time needed for the complete conversion of a single iron ore pellet for multiple experiments. Effects of changes in the porosity and tortuosity of the pellet on the model were also studied and the rate of reduction was observed to be sensitive to changes in both porosity and tortuosity. The SEM analysis and the model results show that tortuosity is higher for pellets reduced with H2 than for pellets reduced with H2-CO gas mixtures.
Effect of Copper on the Formation of L12 Intermetallic Phases in Al–Cu–X (X = Ti, Zr, Hf) Alloys
Authors: Popova Elvira , Kotenkov Pavel , Gilev Ivan , Pryanichnikov Stepan , Shubin Alexey
Published: November 2022

Transition metal trialuminides of the Al3X type of groups 4 and 5 of the periodic system have reduced density, high melting points, and corrosion resistance. Aluminides with a cubic lattice of the Al3Sc type can be used as a nucleating phase for aluminum alloys. However, low plasticity and a tetragonal lattice limit their application. In this work, we stabilized the metastable cubic lattice of Al3X-type aluminides by replacing aluminum with copper. The conditions for the formation of L12 metastable aluminides in the Al–Cu–TM (TM: Ti, Zr, Hf) alloys were studied using a wide range of copper concentrations. A high concentration of copper (hypereutectic alloys) is the one of the necessary conditions for the formation of (Al1−xCux)3Ti, (Al1−xCux)3Zr, (Al1−xCux)3Hf aluminides. With an increase in the copper concentration, the number of metastable aluminides sharply increased. The process of their formation strongly depended on the sequence of dissolution of the corresponding components in the melts. The low volume fraction of precipitated titanium aluminides was the result of insufficient supersaturation of α-Al with titanium (at the peritectic temperature) compared to that for alloys with zirconium and hafnium. Under identical synthesis conditions in the crystal lattice of metastable aluminides formed in experimental Al–Cu–Ti, Al–Cu–Zr, Al–Cu–Hf alloys, copper was found to substitute up to 8, 10, and 13 at.% of aluminum, respectively. The crystallographic and dimensional similarities of the lattices in metastable transition metal aluminides and in α-Al suggest their usefulness as modifying additions in aluminum-based alloys.
Phosphorus-Solubilizing Capacity of Mortierella Species Isolated from Rhizosphere Soil of a Poplar Plantation
Authors: Sang Yue , Jin Long , Zhu Rui , Yu Xing-Ye , Hu Shuang , Wang Bao-Teng , Ruan Hong-Hua , Jin Feng-Jie , Lee Hyung-Gwan
Published: November 2022

Phosphorus is one of the main nutrients necessary for plant growth and development. Phosphorus-dissolving microorganisms may convert insoluble phosphorus in soil into available phosphorus that plants can easily absorb and utilize. In this study, four phosphorus-solubilizing fungi (L3, L4, L5, and L12) were isolated from the rhizosphere soil of a poplar plantation in Dongtai, Jiangsu Province, China. Phylogenetic analysis based on the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) and large subunit (LSU) of the ribosomal DNA sequences showed that the ITS and 28S sequences of isolates were the most similar to those of Mortierella. Morphological observation showed that most colonies grew in concentric circles and produced spores under different culture conditions. These results and further microscopic observations showed that these isolated fungi belonged to the genus Mortierella. Pikovskaya (PKO) medium, in which tricalcium phosphate was the sole phosphorus source, was used to screen strain L4 with the best phosphorus-solubilizing effect for further study. When the carbon source was glucose, the nitrogen source was ammonium chloride, the pH was 5, and the available phosphorus content was the highest. By exploring the possible mechanism of phosphorus release by phosphorus-solubilizing fungi, it was found that strain L4 produces several organic acids, such as oxalic acid, lactic acid, acetic acid, succinic acid, tartaric acid, malic acid, and citric acid. At 24 h, the alkaline phosphatase and acid phosphatase activities reached 154.72 mol/(L·h) and 120.99 mol/(L·h), respectively.
Systems Biology: New Insight into Antibiotic Resistance
Authors: Francine Piubeli
Published: November 2022

Over the past few decades, antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has emerged as an important threat to public health, resulting from the global propagation of multidrug-resistant strains of various bacterial species. Knowledge of the intrinsic factors leading to this resistance is necessary to overcome these new strains. This has contributed to the increased use of omics technologies and their extrapolation to the system level. Understanding the mechanisms involved in antimicrobial resistance acquired by microorganisms at the system level is essential to obtain answers and explore options to combat this resistance. Therefore, the use of robust whole-genome sequencing approaches and other omics techniques such as transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics provide fundamental insights into the physiology of antimicrobial resistance. To improve the efficiency of data obtained through omics approaches, and thus gain a predictive understanding of bacterial responses to antibiotics, the integration of mathematical models with genome-scale metabolic models (GEMs) is essential. In this context, here we outline recent efforts that have demonstrated that the use of omics technology and systems biology, as quantitative and robust hypothesis-generating frameworks, can improve the understanding of antibiotic resistance, and it is hoped that this emerging field can provide support for these new efforts.
Virulence Factors in Colorectal Cancer Metagenomes and Association of Microbial Siderophores with Advanced Stages
Authors: Mathlouthi Nour El Houda , Kriaa Aicha , Keskes Leila Ammar , Rhimi Moez , Gdoura Radhouane
Published: November 2022

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a growing public health challenge, featuring a multifactorial etiology and complex host–environment interactions. Recently, increasing evidence has pointed to the role of the gut microbiota in CRC development and progression. To explore the role of gut microbes in CRC, we retrieved metagenomic data from 156 stools from the European Nucleotide Archive database and mapped them against the VFDB database for virulence factors (VFs). GO annotations of VFs and KEGG pathways were then performed to predict the microbial functions and define functional pathways enriched in the tumor-associated microbiota. Interestingly, 306 VFs were detected in the metagenomic data. We revealed the enrichment of adenomas with VFs involved in cell adhesion, whereas in the early stages of CRC they were enriched in both adhesins and isochorismatase. Advanced stages of CRC were enriched with microbial siderophores, especially enterobactin, which was significantly associated with isochorismate synthase. We highlighted higher abundances of porins and transporters involved in antibiotic resistance and the development of biofilm in advanced stages of CRC. Most VFs detected in CRC, particularly in advanced stages, were shown to be included in siderophore biosynthesis pathways. This enrichment of predicted VFs supports the key role of the gut microbiota in the disease.
Bacteriophages as a Strategy to Protect Potato Tubers against Dickeya dianthicola and Pectobacterium carotovorum Soft Rot
Authors: Beňo Filip , Horsáková Iveta , Kmoch Martin , Petrzik Karel , Krátká Gabriela , Ševčík Rudolf
Published: November 2022

The protective effect of bacteriophage suspensions (Ds3CZ + Ds20CZ and PcCB7V + PcCB251) on phytopathogenic bacteria causing soft rot of potato tubers, namely Dickeya dianthicola (D50, D200) and Pectobacterium carotovorum (P87, P224), was observed in ex vivo and in vitro experiments. Ex vivo tests were performed (with air access) on potato slices, on cylindrical cuts from the center of the tubers, and directly in whole potato tubers. In vitro experiments were carried out in a liquid medium using RTS-8 bioreactors, where bacterial growth was monitored as optical density. In particular, the inhibitory effects of phages were confirmed in experiments on potato slices, where suppression of rot development was evident at first glance. Phage treatment against selected bacteria positively affected potato hardness. Hardness of samples treated with bacteria only was statistically significantly reduced (p < 0.05 for D50 and p < 0.001 for D200 and P87). Ex vivo experiments confirmed significant inhibition of P87 symptom development, partial inhibition of D200 and D50 in phage-treated tubers, and no effect was observed for P224. The inhibitory effect of phages against bacteria was not observed in the in vitro experiment.
Characterization and Dynamics of the Gut Microbiota in Rice Fishes at Different Developmental Stages in Rice-Fish Coculture Systems
Authors: Tao Ling , Chai Jie , Liu Hongyi , Huang Wenhao , Zou Yan , Wu Mengling , Peng Buqing , Wang Qiong , Tang Keyi
Published: November 2022

The rice-fish system (RFS), a traditional coculture farming model, was selected as a “globally important agricultural heritage system.” Host-associated microbiota play important roles in development, metabolism, physiology, and immune function. However, studies on the gut microbiota of aquatic animals in the RFS are scarce, especially the lack of baseline knowledge of the dynamics of gut microbial communities in rice fish during different developmental stages. In this study, we characterized the microbial composition, community structure, and functions of several sympatric aquatic animals (common carp (Cyprinus carpio), crucian carp (Carassius carassius), and black-spotted frogs (Pelophylax nigromaculatus)), and the environment (water) in the RFS using 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Moreover, we investigated stage-specific signatures in the gut microbiota of common carp throughout the three developmental stages (juvenile, sub-adult, and adult). Our results indicated that the Fusobacteriota, Proteobacteria, and Firmicutes were dominant gut microbial phyla in rice fish. The differences in gut microbial compositions and community structure between the three aquatic species were observed. Although no significant differences in alpha diversity were observed across the three developmental stages, the microbial composition and community structure varied with development in common carp in the RFS, with an increase in the relative abundance of Firmicutes in sub-adults and a shift in the functional features of the community. This study sheds light on the gut microbiota of aquatic animals in the RFS. It deepens our understanding of the dynamics of gut microflora during common carp development, which may help improve aquaculture strategies in the RFS.
Study on Explicit–Implicit Simulation and In-Situ Measurement of Floor Failure Law in Extra-Thick Coal Seams
Authors: Guo Guoqiang , Wang Zhimin , Qu Shaobo , Li Hao , Zhou Yang , Lyu Hanjiang , He Yuan
Published: November 2022

A reliable numerical simulation method and large-scale in-situ test method for super-thick coal seams are very important to determine the failure range of mining floors, which is often the basis to protect Ordovician limestone water, an important drinking water source for people in North China. This paper takes Yushupo Coal Mine as an example; the explicit–implicit coupling simulation method and the corresponding double scalar elastic–plastic constitutive model were established to predict the failure depth of the floor numerically, and verified by the full section borehole stress–strain in-situ testing method. The results show that the explicit–implicit coupling numerical program and the double scalar elastoplastic constitutive model are suitable for predicting the floor failure depth under the condition of extra-thick coal seams. In this condition, the overburden moves violently, resulting in a loading–unloading–reloading process with large stress variation amplitude in the mining floor, which leads to serious rock failure compared with that of medium-thick coal seam conditions. In Yushupo 5105 working face, the floor failure starts to develop from 9.3–24.2 m ahead of the coal wall of working face, and the failure depth no longer increases after 35 m behind the coal wall, with the maximum failure depth of 28 m; the envelope line of the floor failure depth presents an inverted saddle distribution. The above research results lay a foundation for further protecting the Ordovician limestone water, and realizing green coal mining.
Mineralogical and Fluid Inclusion Evidence for Reworking of Au Mineralization by Ag-Sb-Base Metal-Rich Fluids from the Bytíz Deposit, Příbram Uranium and Base-Metal Ore District, Czech Republic
Authors: Sejkora Jiří , Dolníček Zdeněk , Zachariáš Jiří , Ulmanová Jana , Šrein Vladimír , Škácha Pavel
Published: November 2022

This mineralogical and fluid inclusion study was conducted on an Au-bearing quartz–sulfide vein encountered in the deep parts of the Bytíz deposit in the Příbram uranium and base-metal district, Bohemian Massif, Czech Republic. The samples were taken where the Au-bearing vein is crosscut by the common base-metal Zn-Pb ore vein Bt23C. The early mineralization of the Au-bearing vein is composed mainly of quartz (Q-1 to Q-3), illite–muscovite, Fe-Mg chlorite, arsenopyrite, and Au-Ag alloys, showing a wide range of compositions (4–69 at. % Ag) and a decrease in Au/(Au + Ag) ratios during vein evolution. Younger hydrothermal processes led to the crystallization of nests and veinlets composed of late quartz (Q-4), carbonates (siderite, dolomite–ankerite and calcite), base-metal sulfides (galena, sphalerite, chalcopyrite, and tetrahedrite), a suite of Ag and Bi-tellurides, and acanthite. The input of Sb is manifested by the partial to complete replacement of some gold grains by aurostibite and an unnamed (Ag,Au)-Sb oxide with a composition close to AuSbO3. The fluid inclusion study, combined with chlorite thermometry and arsenopyrite thermometry, showed that the early mineralization crystallized from progressively cooled (from 300 to 400 °C down to ca. 180 °C), diluted (1.2–7.0 wt. % NaCl eq.) aqueous solutions. The late portion of the mineralization formed from aqueous fluids with highly variable salinity (0.2–23.4 wt. % NaCl eq.) and homogenization temperatures decreasing from ca. 250 °C to < 50 °C, which compare well with the base-metal mineralization of the vein Bt23C and other base-metal veins of the Příbram ore area. Our study illustrates the nature and intensity of the processes of the reworking of the early gold mineralization mediated by the younger Ag,Sb-rich base-metal fluids, giving rise to Příbram’s typical late-Variscan vein Zn-Pb mineralization.
The Identification and Quantitative Analysis of Unusual Keto-Carotenoids in Ripe Fruits of Maclura tricuspidate and Its Potential as a Valuable Source of Cryptocapsin
Authors: Kim Jong-Kuk , Kim Dae-Woon , Gebru Yoseph Asmelash , Choi Han-Seok , Kim Young-Hoi , Kim Myung-Kon
Published: November 2022

Ripe fruits of Maclura tricuspidata (MT) are used as food material and a natural colorant in Korea. Although MT fruits have a deep red color due to carotenoid-like pigments, their chemical nature has not been explored in detail so far. The present study aimed at elucidating the chemical structures and composition of carotenoids in MT fruits and changes at different maturity stages. Two carotenoids from saponified MT fruit extract were isolated using repeated silica gel column chromatography. Based on interpretations of spectroscopic data, these compounds were determined as keto-carotenoids, i.e., capsanthin (3,3′-dihydroxy-β,κ-caroten-6′-one) and cryptocapsin (3′-hydroxy-β,κ-caroten-6’-one), and the contents of individual carotenoids were quantified with HPLC based on calibration curves obtained from authentic standards. The contents of capsanthin and cryptocapsin in the sample of saponified MT fruits were 57.65 ± 1.97 µg/g and 171.66 ± 4.85 μg/g as dry weight base (dw). The majority of these keto-carotenoids in the MT fruits were present in esterified forms with lauric, myristic or palmitic acid rather than in their free forms. The results also showed that esterification of these compounds occurred starting from early stage (yellow-brownish stage) of maturation. Considering the high cryptocapsin content, MT fruits can be applied as a potentially valuable source of cryptocapsin for food and medicinal application as well as a source of provitamin A.
Automated Optimized Synthesis of [18F]FLT Using Non-Basic Phase-Transfer Catalyst with Reduced Precursor Amount
Authors: Fedorova Olga S. , Orlovskaya Viktoriya V. , Krasikova Raisa N.
Published: November 2022

3′-deoxy-3′-[18F]fluorothymidine ([18F]FLT) is a positron emission tomography (PET) tracer useful for tumor proliferation assessment for a number of cancers, particularly in the cases of brain, lung, and breast tumors. At present [18F], FLT is commonly prepared by means of the nucleophilic radiofluorination of 3-N-Boc-5′-O-DMT-3′-O-nosyl thymidine precursor in the presence of a phase-transfer catalyst, followed by an acidic hydrolysis. To achieve high radiochemical yield, relatively large amounts of precursor (20–40 mg) are commonly used, leading to difficulties during purification steps, especially if a solid-phase extraction (SPE) approach is attempted. The present study describes an efficient method for [18F]FLT synthesis, employing tetrabutyl ammonium tosylate as a non-basic phase-transfer catalyst, with a greatly reduced amount of precursor employed. With a reduction of the precursor amount contributing to lower amounts of synthesis by-products in the reaction mixture, an SPE purification procedure using only two commercially available cartridges—OASIS HLB 6cc and Sep-Pak Alumina N Plus Light—has been developed for use on the GE TRACERlab FX N Pro synthesis module. [18F]FLT was obtained in radiochemical yield of 16 ± 2% (decay-corrected) and radiochemical purity >99% with synthesis time not exceeding 55 min. The product was formulated in 16 mL of normal saline with 5% ethanol (v/v). The amounts of chemical impurities and residual solvents were within the limits established by European Pharmacopoeia. The procedure described compares favorably with previously reported methods due to simplified automation, cheaper and more accessible consumables, and a significant reduction in the consumption of an expensive precursor.
Detection of Pork in Beef Meatballs Using LC-HRMS Based Untargeted Metabolomics and Chemometrics for Halal Authentication
Authors: Windarsih Anjar , Riswanto Florentinus Dika Octa , Bakar Nor Kartini Abu , Yuliana Nancy Dewi , Dachriyanus  , Rohman Abdul
Published: November 2022

Adulteration of high-quality meat products using lower-priced meats, such as pork, is a crucial issue that could harm consumers. The consumption of pork is strictly forbidden in certain religions, such as Islam and Judaism. Therefore, the objective of this research was to develop untargeted metabolomics using liquid chromatography-high resolution mass spectrometry (LC-HRMS) combined with chemometrics for analysis of pork in beef meatballs for halal authentication. We investigated the use of non-targeted LC-HRMS as a method to detect such food adulteration. As a proof of concept using six technical replicates of pooled samples from beef and pork meat, we could show that metabolomics using LC-HRMS could be used for high-throughput screening of metabolites in meatballs made from beef and pork. Chemometrics of principal component analysis (PCA) was successfully used to differentiate beef meatballs and pork meatball samples. Partial least square-discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) clearly discriminated between halal and non-halal beef meatball samples with 100% accuracy. Orthogonal projection to latent structures-discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) perfectly discriminated and classified meatballs made from beef, pork, and a mixture of beef-pork with a good level of fitness (R2X = 0.88, R2Y = 0.71) and good predictivity (Q2 = 0.55). Partial least square (PLS) and orthogonal PLS (OPLS) were successfully applied to predict the concentration of pork present in beef meatballs with high accuracy (R2 = 0.99) and high precision. Thirty-five potential metabolite markers were identified through VIP (variable important for projections) analysis. Metabolites of 1-(1Z-hexadecenyl)-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine, acetyl-l-carnitine, dl-carnitine, anserine, hypoxanthine, linoleic acid, and prolylleucine had important roles for predicting pork in beef meatballs through S-line plot analysis. It can be concluded that a combination of untargeted metabolomics using LC-HRMS and chemometrics is promising to be developed as a standard analytical method for halal authentication of highly processed meat products.
Antimicrobial Activity of Smilax china L. Root Extracts against the Acne-Causing Bacterium, Cutibacterium acnes, and Its Active Compounds
Authors: Joo Ji-Hae , Han Min-Hui , Kim Ja-I , Kim Jong-Eun , Jung Kyung-Hwan , Oh Han Sun , Chung Young Soo , An Hyun Jin , Lee Jae Duk , Moon Gi-Seong , Lee Hyang-Yeol
Published: November 2022

The root of Smilax china L. is used in traditional Korean medicine. We found that the Smilax china L. root extract has strong antimicrobial activity against two Cutibacterium acnes strains (KCTC 3314 and KCTC 3320). The aim of this study was to identify the beneficial properties of Smilax china L. extracts for their potential use as active ingredients in cosmetics for the treatment of human skin acne. The high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and liquid chromatography-hybrid quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (LC/QTOF/MS) methods were used to obtain the profile of secondary metabolites from the ethyl acetate-soluble fraction of the crude extract. Agar diffusion and resazurin-based broth microdilution assays were used to evaluate antimicrobial activity and minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC), respectively. Among the 24 metabolites, quercetin, resveratrol, and oxyresveratrol were the most potent compounds against Cutibacterium acnes. Minimum inhibitory concentrations of quercetin, resveratrol, and oxyresveratrol were 31.25, 125, and 250 μg/mL, respectively.
Mechanical, Barrier, Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Properties of Alginate Films: Effect of Seaweed Powder and Plasma-Activated Water
Authors: Dysjaland Hege , Sone Izumi , Noriega Fernández Estefanía , Sivertsvik Morten , Sharmin Nusrat
Published: November 2022

The incorporation of natural fillers such as seaweed may potentially enhance the properties of biopolymer films. In this study, we investigated the effect of seaweed powder as a bio-filler in alginate-based films at different concentrations (10, 30, and 50%, w/w alginate) and particle sizes (100 and 200 μm) on the mechanical, barrier, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties of alginate which are essential for food packaging applications. Initially, mechanical properties of the alginate films prepared at different temperatures were evaluated to find the optimal temperature for preparing alginate solution. The addition of seaweed powder did not have any positive effect on the mechanical properties of the alginate films. However, the barrier (water vapor transmission rate) and antioxidant properties were improved with the addition of seaweed filler regardless of concentration. In addition, selected films were prepared in plasma-activated water (PAW). The mechanical properties (tensile strength, but not elongation at break) of the films prepared with PAW improved compared to the films prepared in distilled water, while a significant decrease was observed when incorporated with the seaweed filler. The films prepared in PAW also showed improved barrier properties compared to those prepared in distilled water. The antimicrobial activity of the alginate-seaweed film-forming solution was in general more pronounced when prepared with PAW and stored at 10 °C, particularly at the highest concentration of the film-forming solution (83.3% v/v). A more pronounced inhibitory effect was observed on the Gram-positive S. aureus than on the Gram-negative E. coli, which has been attributed to the different composition and structure of the respective cell walls. This study has demonstrated the potential of seaweed filler in combination with PAW towards enhanced functionality and bioactivity of alginate films for potential food packaging applications.
Peptide-Based Nanoparticles for αvβ3 Integrin-Targeted DNA Delivery to Cancer and Uterine Leiomyoma Cells
Authors: Egorova Anna , Selutin Alexander , Maretina Marianna , Selkov Sergei , Kiselev Anton
Published: November 2022

Uterine leiomyoma is the most common benign tumor of the reproductive system. Current therapeutic options do not simultaneously meet the requirements of long-term efficiency and fertility preservation. Suicide gene delivery can be proposed as a novel approach to uterine leiomyoma therapy. Non-viral vehicles are an attractive approach to DNA delivery for gene therapy of both malignant and benign tumors. Peptide-based vectors are among the most promising candidates for the development of artificial viruses, being able to efficiently cross barriers of DNA transport to cells. Here we described nanoparticles composed of cysteine-crosslinked polymer and histidine-arginine-rich peptide modified with iRGD moiety and characterized them as vehicles for plasmid DNA delivery to pancreatic cancer PANC-1 cells and the uterine leiomyoma cell model. Several variants of nanoparticles were formulated with different targeting ligand content. The physicochemical properties that were studied included DNA binding and protection, interaction with polyanions and reducing agents, size, structure and zeta-potential of the peptide-based nanoparticles. Cytotoxicity, cell uptake and gene transfection efficiency were assessed in PANC-1 cells with GFP and LacZ-encoding plasmids. The specificity of gene transfection via αvβ3 integrin binding was proved in competitive transfection. The therapeutic potential was evaluated in a uterine leiomyoma cell model using the suicide gene therapy approach. The optimal formulation was found to be at the polyplex with the highest iRGD moiety content being able to transfect cells more efficiently than control PEI. Suicide gene therapy using the best formulation resulted in a significant decrease of uterine leiomyoma cells after ganciclovir treatment. It can be concluded that the application of iRGD-modified peptide-based nanoparticles has a high potential for cellular delivery of DNA therapeutics in favor of uterine leiomyoma gene therapy.
Quantitative Sensing of Domoic Acid from Shellfish Using Biological Photonic Crystal Enhanced SERS Substrates
Authors: Juneja Subhavna , Zhang Boxin , Nujhat Nabila , Wang Alan X.
Published: November 2022

Frequent monitoring of sea food, especially shellfish samples, for the presence of biotoxins serves not only as a valuable strategy to mitigate adulteration associated health risks, but could also be used to develop predictive models to understand algal explosion and toxin trends. Periodic toxin assessment is often restricted due to poor sensitivity, multifarious cleaning/extraction protocols and high operational costs of conventional detection methods. Through this work, a simplistic approach to quantitatively assess the presence of a representative marine neurotoxin, Domoic acid (DA), from spiked water and crab meat samples is presented. DA sensing was performed based on surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) using silver nanoparticle enriched diatomaceous earth—a biological photonic crystal material in nature. Distinctive optical features of the quasi-ordered pore patterns in diatom skeleton with sporadic yet uniform functionalization of silver nanoparticles act as excellent SERS substrates with improved DA signals. Different concentrations of DA were tested on the substrates with the lowest detectable concentration being 1 ppm that falls well below the regulatory DA levels in seafood (>20 ppm). All the measurements were rapid and were performed within a measurement time of 1 min. Utilizing the measurement results, a standard calibration curve between SERS signal intensity and DA concentration was developed. The calibration curve was later utilized to predict the DA concentration from spiked Dungeness crab meat samples. SERS based quantitative assessment was further complemented with principal component analysis and partial least square regression studies. The tested methodology aims to bring forth a sensitive yet simple, economical and an extraction free routine to assess biotoxin presence in sea food samples onsite.
Rate Coefficients of the Reactions of Fluorine Atoms with H2S and SH over the Temperature Range 220–960 K
Authors: Bedjanian Yuri
Published: November 2022

Reaction F + H2S→SH + HF (1) is an effective source of SH radicals and an important intermediate in atmospheric and combustion chemistry. We employed a discharge-flow, modulated molecular beam mass spectrometry technique to determine the rate coefficient of this reaction and that of the secondary one, F + SH→S + HF (2), at a total pressure of 2 Torr and in a wide temperature range 220–960 K. The rate coefficient of Reaction (1) was determined directly by monitoring consumption of F atoms under pseudo-first-order conditions in an excess of H2S. The rate coefficient of Reaction (2) was determined via monitoring the maximum concentration of the product of Reaction (1), SH radical, as a function of [H2S]. Both rate coefficients were found to be virtually independent of temperature in the entire temperature range of the study: k1 = (1.86 ± 0.28) × 10−10 and k2 = (2.0 ± 0.40) × 10−10 cm3 molecule−1 s−1. The kinetic data from the present study are compared with previous room temperature measurements.
A Comprehensive Review on Printed Electronics: A Technology Drift towards a Sustainable Future
Authors: Chandrasekaran Sridhar , Jayakumar Arunkumar , Velu Rajkumar
Published: November 2022

Printable electronics is emerging as one of the fast-growing engineering fields with a higher degree of customization and reliability. Ironically, sustainable printing technology is essential because of the minimal waste to the environment. To move forward, we need to harness the fabrication technology with the potential to support traditional process. In this review, we have systematically discussed in detail the various manufacturing materials and processing technologies. The selection criteria for the assessment are conducted systematically on the manuscript published in the last 10 years (2012–2022) in peer-reviewed journals. We have discussed the various kinds of printable ink which are used for fabrication based on nanoparticles, nanosheets, nanowires, molecular formulation, and resin. The printing methods and technologies used for printing for each technology are also reviewed in detail. Despite the major development in printing technology some critical challenges needed to be addressed and critically assessed. One such challenge is the coffee ring effect, the possible methods to reduce the effect on modulating the ink environmental condition are also indicated. Finally, a summary of printable electronics for various applications across the diverse industrial manufacturing sector is presented.
Laboratory Investigation of Nanofluid-Assisted Polymer Flooding in Carbonate Reservoirs
Authors: Ulasbek Kassymzhomart , Hashmet Muhammad Rehan , Pourafshary Peyman , Muneer Rizwan
Published: November 2022

In the petroleum industry, the remaining oil is often extracted using conventional chemical enhanced oil recovery (EOR) techniques, such as polymer flooding. Nanoparticles have also greatly aided EOR, with benefits like wettability alteration and improvements in fluid properties that lead to better oil mobility. However, silica nanoparticles combined with polymers like hydrolyzed polyacrylamide (HPAM) improve polymer flooding performance with better mobility control. The oil displacement and the interaction between the rock and polymer solution are both influenced by this hybrid approach. In this study, we investigated the effectiveness of the injection of nanofluid-polymer as an EOR approach. It has been observed that nanoparticles can change rock wettability, increase polymer viscosity, and decrease polymer retention in carbonate rock. The optimum concentrations for hydrolyzed polyacrylamide (2000 ppm) and 0.1 wt% (1000 ppm) silica nanoparticles were determined through rheology experiments and contact angle measurements. The results of the contact angle measurements revealed that 0.1 wt% silica nanofluid alters the contact angle by 45.6°. The nano-silica/polymer solution resulted in a higher viscosity than the pure polymer solution as measured by rheology experiments. A series of flooding experiments were conducted on oil-wet carbonate core samples in tertiary recovery mode. The maximum incremental oil recovery of 26.88% was obtained by injecting silica nanofluid followed by a nanofluid-assisted polymer solution as an EOR technique. The application of this research will provide new opportunities for hybrid EOR techniques in maximizing oil production from depleted high-temperature and high-salinity carbonate reservoirs.
Graphene Oxide/Chitosan Injectable Composite Hydrogel for Controlled Release of Doxorubicin: An Approach for Enhanced Intratumoral Delivery
Authors: Eltahir Safaa , Al homsi Reem , Jagal Jayalakshmi , Ahmed Iman Saad , Haider Mohamed
Published: November 2022

Intratumoral (IT) injection of chemotherapeutics into needle-accessible solid tumors can directly localize the anticancer drug in the tumor site, thus increasing its local bioavailability and reducing its undesirable effects compared to systemic administration. In this study, graphene oxide (GO)-based chitosan/β-glycerophosphate (CS/GP) thermosensitive injectable composite hydrogels (CH) were prepared and optimized for the localized controlled delivery of doxorubicin (DOX). A quality-by-design (QbD) approach was used to study the individual and combined effects of several formulation variables to produce optimal DOX-loaded GO/CS/GP CH with predetermined characteristics, including gelation time, injectability, porosity, and swelling capacity. The surface morphology of the optimal formulation (DOX/opt CH), chemical interaction between its ingredients and in vitro release of DOX in comparison to GO-free CS/GP CH were investigated. Cell viability and cellular uptake after treatment with DOX/opt CH were studied on MCF 7, MDB-MB-231 and FaDu cell lines. The statistical analysis of the measured responses revealed significant effects of the concentration of GO, the concentration of CS, and the CS:GP ratio on the physicochemical characteristics of the prepared GO/CS/GP CH. The optimization process showed that DOX-loaded GO/CS/GP CH prepared using 0.1% GO and 1.7% CS at a CS: GO ratio of 3:1 (v/v) had the highest desirability value. DOX/opt CH showed a porous microstructure and chemical compatibility between its ingredients. The incorporation of GO resulted in an increase in the ability of the CH matrices to control DOX release in vitro. Finally, cellular characterization showed a time-dependent increase in cytotoxicity and cellular uptake of DOX after treatment with DOX/opt CH. The proposed DOX/opt CH might be considered a promising injectable platform to control the release and increase the local bioavailability of chemotherapeutics in the treatment of solid tumors.
Criterion Validity of a Short Food Frequency Questionnaire for Mexican American Adults
Authors: Heredia Natalia I. , Hoelscher Deanna M. , Vega Vanessa , Reininger Belinda M.
Published: November 2022

Background: The purpose of this study was to validate the School Physical Activity and Nutrition (SPAN) Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ) for Mexican American adults (SPAN MAA). Methods: A sample of 100 Mexican American adult participants was drawn from the Cameron County Hispanic Cohort (on the Texas–Mexico border). We used Spearman rank order correlation coefficients, kappa statistics, and percent agreement to compare the SPAN MAA questionnaire to a 24 h recall collected on the same day. Results: Of 100 participants, 93 were included in the analyses. One item showed substantial (>0.6), five items moderate (>0.4), five items fair (>0.2) and three items little to no agreement (<0.2). Items with low agreement were those reported in low frequencies by study participants. Conclusions: SPAN MAA FFQ had moderate to fair agreement between instruments across both sexes, making this brief questionnaire a useful tool to quickly assess the dietary intake patterns of Mexican American adults.
Milk Exosomal miR-27b Worsen Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress Mediated Colorectal Cancer Cell Death
Authors: Martino Elisa , Balestrieri Anna , Mele Luigi , Sardu Celestino , Marfella Raffaele , D’Onofrio Nunzia , Campanile Giuseppe , Balestrieri Maria Luisa
Published: November 2022

The relationship between dietary constituents and the onset and prevention of colorectal cancer (CRC) is constantly growing. Recently, the antineoplastic profiles of milk and whey from Mediterranean buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) have been brought to attention. However, to date, compared to cow milk, the potential health benefits of buffalo milk exosome-miRNA are still little explored. In the present study, we profiled the exosomal miRNA from buffalo milk and investigated the possible anticancer effects in CRC cells, HCT116, and HT-29. Results indicated that buffalo milk exosomes contained higher levels of miR-27b, miR-15b, and miR-148a compared to cow milk. Mimic miR-27b transfection in CRC cells induced higher cytotoxic effects (p < 0.01) compared to miR-15b and miR-148a. Moreover, miR-27b overexpression in HCT116 and HT-29 cells (miR-27b+) induced apoptosis, mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS), and lysosome accumulation. Exposure of miR-27b+ cells to the bioactive 3kDa milk extract aggravated the apoptosis rate (p < 0.01), mitochondrial stress (p < 0.01), and advanced endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress (p < 0.01), via PERK/IRE1/XBP1 and CHOP protein modulation (p < 0.01). Moreover, GSK2606414, the ER-inhibitor (ER-i), decreased the apoptosis phenomenon and XBP1 and CHOP modulation in miR-27b+ cells treated with milk (p < 0.01 vs. miR-27b++Milk), suggesting the ER stress as a cell-death-aggravating mechanism. These results support the in vitro anticancer activity of 3kDa milk extract and unveil the contribution of miR-27b in the promising beneficial effect of buffalo milk in CRC prevention.
Enhancing the Effect of Nucleic Acid Vaccines in the Treatment of HPV-Related Cancers: An Overview of Delivery Systems
Authors: de Moura Ingrid Andrêssa , Silva Anna Jéssica Duarte , de Macêdo Larissa Silva , Invenção Maria da Conceição Viana , de Sousa Mylenna Máyra Gois , de Freitas Antonio Carlos
Published: November 2022

Prophylactic vaccines against human papillomavirus (HPV) have proven efficacy in those who have not been infected by the virus. However, they do not benefit patients with established tumors. Therefore, the development of therapeutic options for HPV-related malignancies is critical. Third-generation vaccines based on nucleic acids are fast and simple approaches to eliciting adaptive immune responses. However, techniques to boost immunogenicity, reduce degradation, and facilitate their capture by immune cells are frequently required. One option to overcome this constraint is to employ delivery systems that allow selective antigen absorption and help modulate the immune response. This review aimed to discuss the influence of these different systems on the response generated by nucleic acid vaccines. The results indicate that delivery systems based on lipids, polymers, and microorganisms such as yeasts can be used to ensure the stability and transport of nucleic acid vaccines to their respective protein synthesis compartments. Thus, in view of the limitations of nucleic acid-based vaccines, it is important to consider the type of delivery system to be used—due to its impact on the immune response and desired final effect.
Recent Developments in Electrochemical Sensors for the Detection of Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria
Authors: Madhu Sekar , Ramasamy Sriramprabha , Choi Jungil
Published: November 2022

The development of efficient point-of-care (POC) diagnostic tools for detecting infectious diseases caused by destructive pathogens plays an important role in clinical and environmental monitoring. Nevertheless, evolving complex and inconsistent antibiotic-resistant species mire their drug efficacy. In this regard, substantial effort has been expended to develop electrochemical sensors, which have gained significant interest for advancing POC testing with rapid and accurate detection of resistant bacteria at a low cost compared to conventional phenotype methods. This review concentrates on the recent developments in electrochemical sensing techniques that have been applied to assess the diverse latent antibiotic resistances of pathogenic bacteria. It deliberates the prominence of biorecognition probes and tailor-made nanomaterials used in electrochemical antibiotic susceptibility testing (AST). In addition, the bimodal functional efficacy of nanomaterials that can serve as potential transducer electrodes and the antimicrobial agent was investigated to meet the current requirements in designing sensor module development. In the final section, we discuss the challenges with contemporary AST sensor techniques and extend the key ideas to meet the demands of the next POC electrochemical sensors and antibiotic design modules in the healthcare sector.
Antiproliferative Activity of Buddleja saligna (Willd.) against Melanoma and In Vivo Modulation of Angiogenesis
Authors: Twilley Danielle , Thipe Velaphi C. , Kishore Navneet , Bloebaum Pierce , Roma-Rodrigues Catarina , Baptista Pedro V. , Fernandes Alexandra R. , Selepe Mamoalosi A. , Langhansova Lenka , Katti Kattesh , Lall Namrita
Published: November 2022

Melanoma cells secrete pro-angiogenic factors, which stimulates growth, proliferation and metastasis, and therefore are key therapeutic targets. Buddleja saligna (BS), and an isolated triterpenoid mixture (DT-BS-01) showed a fifty percent inhibitory concentration (IC50) of 33.80 ± 1.02 and 5.45 ± 0.19 µg/mL, respectively, against melanoma cells (UCT-MEL-1) with selectivity index (SI) values of 1.64 and 5.06 compared to keratinocytes (HaCat). Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibition was observed with IC50 values of 35.06 ± 2.96 (BS) and 26.40 ± 4.19 µg/mL (DT-BS-01). BS (30 µg/mL) significantly inhibited interleukin (IL)-6 (83.26 ± 17.60%) and IL-8 (100 ± 0.2%) production, whereas DT-BS-01 (5 µg/mL) showed 51.07 ± 2.83 (IL-6) and 0 ± 6.7% (IL-8) inhibition. Significant vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) inhibition, by 15.84 ± 4.54 and 12.21 ± 3.48%, respectively, was observed. In the ex ovo chick embryo yolk sac membrane assay (YSM), BS (15 µg/egg) significantly reduced new blood vessel formation, with 53.34 ± 11.64% newly formed vessels. Silver and palladium BS nanoparticles displayed noteworthy SI values. This is the first report on the significant anti-angiogenic activity of BS and DT-BS-01 and should be considered for preclinical trials as there are currently no US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved drugs to inhibit angiogenesis in melanoma.
Susceptible Plasmonic Photonic Crystal Fiber Sensor with Elliptical Air Holes and External-Flat Gold-Coated Surface
Authors: Chao Chung-Ting , Kooh Muhammad , Chau Yuan-Fong , Thotagamuge Roshan
Published: November 2022

This paper proposes and analyzes a simple surface plasmon resonance (SPR)-based elliptical air hole photonic crystal fiber (PCF) sensor. The fiber structure comprises an analyte channel of the fiber surface coated with a gold layer on the flat surface and the fiber’s external surface. Numerical simulations are conducted using the finite element method (FEM) with an external sensing approach. We found that the thickness of plasmonic material (Au) is the most crucial factor that affects the full width at half maximum (FWHM) and confinement loss amplitude. We also demonstrated that the proposed elliptical air hole SPR-PCF is superior to circular air hole SPR-PCF in terms of confinement loss and FWHM. According to the wavelength interrogation technique, the simulation results show that the designed SPR-PCF sensor can attain a maximum sensitivity of 116,500 nm/RIU and a resolution of 8.58 × 10−7 RIU (RIU: refractive index unit) for the analyte RI of 1.395. We believe the proposed SPR-PCF sensor can be a potential candidate for biomolecular and biological analyte detection.
Dynamic Tunable Meta-Lens Based on a Single-Layer Metal Microstructure
Authors: Li Xiangjun , Liu Huadong , Hou Xiaomei , Yan Dexian
Published: November 2022

Ultra-thin focusing meta-lenses based on the metasurface structure with adjustable focal length show important applicant value in compact systems, especially in on-chip terahertz spectroscopy, imaging systems, and communication systems. A stretchable substrate, dynamic focusing meta-lens based on the cross-polarized metal C-shaped split ring resonators (SRRs) is designed and investigated. At the operation frequency of 0.1 THz, the operation characteristics of the unit cell structure and the formed meta-lens are investigated. The phase of the unit cell structures can be modulated by changing the rotation angle, width, and symmetry axis of the C-shaped metal SRRs. When the terahertz wave is incident vertically, the focusing performance can be achieved based on the specific arrangement of the metasurface unit cells. By stretching the flexible substrate of the meta-lens, the dynamic focusing effect can be realized. When the substrate stretches from 100% to 120%, the focal length changes from 59.8 mm to 125.2 mm, the dynamic focusing range is 109.4% of the minimum focal length, and the focusing efficiency changes between 5.5% and 10.5%.