bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Freeze dried pomegranate juices of Moroccan fruits: main representative phenolic compounds
Authors: Indelicato Serena , Houmanat Karim , Bongiorno David , Ejjilani Assia , Hssaini Lahcen , Razouk Rachid , Charafi Jamal , Ennahli Said , Hanine Hafida
Published: September 2022

BACKGROUND

The pomegranate (Punica granatum) is an ancient perennial plant species of the Punicaceae family. Its seeds are consumed as food or as juice. Previous studies have noted that pomegranate juice encompasses many active compounds with beneficial effects. The main goals of this work were to study the phenolic components of freeze‐dried and reconstituted pomegranate juices obtained from 13 pomegranate genotypes growing in Morocco.

RESULTS

We analyzed several pomegranate juices using high‐performance liquid chromatography and high‐resolution mass spectrometry to determine phenolic compounds. Twenty‐seven bio‐phenols, belonging to four different classes (phenolic acids, hydrolyzable tannins, anthocyanins, and flavonoids), were identified based on their accurate mass measurements, and quantified. Some encouraging results were obtained. Even though the freeze‐drying process introduced a marked degradation of bio‐phenols, substantially lowering their levels in the reconstituted fruit juices, these fruit juices were still rich enough in bio‐phenols to compete with some fresh fruit juices. The reconstituted juices obtained by rehydration of the lyophilized material still differed enough to enable a statistical classification based on their polyphenol content. A correlation analysis was applied to the polyphenol data to explore correlations and similarities between genotypes.

CONCLUSIONS

The results showed that freeze‐drying and reconstitution of juices introduced some degradation of the polyphenol content. The overall polyphenolic pattern within the same cultivar, in two different harvesting years, was maintained, however, suggesting the composition stability of the freeze‐dried juices produced in this time span. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
Intracordal injection therapy for vocal fold scarring: Steroid versus basic fibroblast growth factor
Authors: Nozawa Miki , Takahashi Satoka , Kanazawa Takeharu , Kurakami Kazuya , Hasegawa Tomohiro , Hirosaki Mayu , Kamitomai Manami , Komazawa Daigo , Konomi Ujimoto , Ito Makoto , Watanabe Yusuke
Published: September 2022

Objectives

Vocal fold scarring is caused by replacement of vocal fold mucosa with fibrous tissue due to repeated inflammation or trauma. It can lead to severe dysphonia. It is currently treated conservatively and with phonosurgery and intracordal injections. Intracordal injection of steroid or basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) has been recently found to be useful for treating vocal fold scarring that does not respond to voice therapy.

Methods

This retrospective study involved the administration of steroid injection and bFGF injection bilaterally under local anesthesia in 16 patients each. Laboratory measurements of voice parameters were performed before and 3–6 months after injection.

Results

In the steroid injection group, the Voice Handicap Index (VHI) score significantly improved from 57.1 to 40.5, total Grade, Roughness, Breathiness, Asthenia, Strain (tGRBAS) score significantly improved from 4.2 to 2.6, and mean speech fundamental frequency (SFF) increased from 192.5 to 211.4 dB, but there was no improvement in maximum phonation time (MPT) and mean airflow rate (MFR). In the bFGF injection group, significant improvements in the VHI score (from 53.3 to 35.7), MPT (from 16.9 to 21.8 s) and MFR (from 314.6 to 210.5 ml/s) were seen; however, the tGRBAS score did not improve. In addition, the SFF significantly decreased from 178.1 to 160.5 Hz.

Conclusion

These results suggest that both steroid and bFGF injections are effective for treating vocal fold scarring, with steroids improving voice quality and bFGF improving glottic closure, thereby contributing to improvements in VHI scores.

Level of Evidence

4.
Comparison of readmission and complication rates between traditional sleep surgery and hypoglossal nerve stimulation
Authors: Nord Ryan , Fitzpatrick Thomas , DeShazo Jonathan P. , Reiter Evan R.
Published: September 2022

Objective

This study aims to compare readmission and complication rates between hypoglossal nerve stimulation (HNS) and traditional sleep surgery (TSS) in the 90‐day postoperative period using a federated electronic health record (EHR) database.

Methods

We queried TriNetX, a global federated health research network providing access to EHR data from approximately 70 million patients in 49 large health care organizations to identify individuals who underwent either HNS or TSS for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) from April 2014 to March 2021. Propensity scores based on demographics and obesity were used to balance groups. We compared the frequency of readmission/representation and surgical‐related complication rates between cohorts.

Results

After propensity score matching of HNS versus palatal surgery (n = 1014 in each cohort) and HNS versus multilevel surgery (n = 374 in each cohort), we found palatal and multilevel surgery had a significantly higher risk of readmission versus HNS. (12% vs. 4%, p < .0001). Palatal surgery complication rate was also higher than HNS (21% vs. 2%, p < .0001). Multi‐level surgery results were similarly higher (22% vs. 3%, p < .001). The most common diagnoses at ER readmission for TSS were procedural complications and pain, while common diagnoses for HNS readmission were general complaints such as malaise and headache.

Conclusions

Hypoglossal nerve stimulation has lower risk of readmission and postoperative complications than traditional sleep surgery as demonstrated in a large research network database analysis.

Level of Evidence: 3.
Up‐Converted Long Persistent Luminescence from CsPbBr3 Nanocrystals in Glass
Authors: Peng Qingpeng , Wang Ting , Tang Haitao , Ji Tao , Wang Wei , Xiao Jianqiang , Li Xin , Liu Zhichao , Qiu Jianbei , Yu Xue , Xu Xuhui
Published: September 2022

All‐inorganic CsPbBr3 perovskite nanocrystals (NCs) have stimulated the enthusiasm of the research on light emitting diodes (LEDs), laser, X‐ray detection, and information encryption, thanks to their excellent optical performance. Exploiting CsPbBr3 NCs with fascinating long persistent luminescence (LPL) is significantly important for expanding their potential applications. In this work, the room temperature LPL is successfully achieved in CsPbBr3 glass‐ceramics (GCs) through the optical write with a femtosecond (fs) laser. The carriers captured by the generated trapping centers for the crack of non‐bridged oxygen bonds in the glassy matrix are released by the thermal disturbance of room temperature. Moreover, the LPL performance is modulated flexibly for doping with La3+, Dy3+, Nd3+, and Lu3+ ions in the CsPbBr3 GCs, endowing the successful construction of a time‐resolved anti‐counterfeiting mode. Furthermore, the high stability and high color purity (97.04%) of the as‐obtained CsPbBr3 GCs are demonstrated. The results open a window for fs laser induced perovskite with myriad applications in optical storage devices.
Phosphor‐in‐Silica‐Glass: Filling the Gap between Low‐ and High‐Brightness Solid‐State Lightings
Authors: Li Qi , Xiao Wenge , Zhang Dao , Wang Dandan , Zheng Guojun , Qiu Jianrong
Published: September 2022

High‐brightness phosphor‐converted solid‐state light (SSL) sources based on blue light‐emitting diodes (LEDs) or laser diodes (LDs) will enable versatile optical applications other than general illumination. However, luminescence ceramics/crystals are too expensive for widespread use, while phosphor‐in‐glass converters suffer from low conversion efficiency at high‐power‐density excitation and poor chemical and thermal stabilities of low‐melting glasses. Herein, an ultrathin interface (<50 nm) is reported in Lu3Al5O12:Ce3+ phosphor‐in‐silica‐glass (LuAG:Ce‐PiSG) despite being sintered at 1250 °C, endowing them with high internal quantum efficiency (>95%) and excellent stabilities. Combined experimental results and first‐principles calculations reveal that the large formation energy of SiAl point defects makes the undesired interfacial reaction between aluminate garnets and silica glass intrinsically suppressed. Phosphor‐converted LEDs/LDs fabricated by LuAG:Ce‐PiSG exhibit high luminous efficiency (195 lm W−1 @ 20 mA) and high brightness (1914 lm @ 13.4 W mm−2), approaching the performances of their ceramic counterparts. The results not only provide a way to balance the brightness and the price for SSL sources but also unleash the potential of silica glass as an inorganic matrix for emerging optical applications.
Ablative fractional carbon dioxide laser improves quality of life in patients with extensive burn scars: A nested case–control study
Authors: Liu Huazhen , Shu Futing , Xu Haiting , Ji Chao , Wang Yuxiang , Lou Xiaozhen , Luo Pengfei , Xiao Shichu , Xia Zhaofan , Lv Kaiyang
Published: September 2022

Background and Objectives

Ablative fractional carbon dioxide laser (CO2‐AFL) for small‐area burn scar management shows encouraging outcomes. Few studies, however, focused on comprehensive outcomes following CO2‐AFL treatment for extensive burn scars. This study evaluated whether CO2‐AFL surgery improved the quality of life (QoL) for burn survivors with extensive hypertrophic scars.

Methods

A retrospective nested case–control study was initiated to analyze the efficacy of CO2‐AFL treatment for patients with large‐area burn scars. Patients with extensive burn scars (≥30% total body surface area [TBSA]) were registered in our hospital from March 2016 to October 2018. Patients undergoing CO2‐AFL surgery were divided into CO2‐AFL group, and patients undergoing conventional surgery were matched in a 1:1 ratio as the conventional surgery group according to the burned area. The questionnaires were collected and followed up. The 36‐Item Short Form Health Survey (SF‐36) and Burns Specific Health Scale–Brief (BSHS‐B) were the primary parameters. Secondary parameters included the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), University of North Carolina “4P” Scars Scale (UNC4P), Patient Scars Assessment Scale for Patient (POSAS‐P), and Douleur Neuropathique 4 questions (DN4).

Results

23 patients (55.96 ± 21.59% TBSA) were included in CO2‐AFL group and 23 patients (57.87 ± 18.21% TBSA) in conventional surgery group. Both the BSHS‐B total score (CO2‐AFL vs. conventional surgery: 115.35 ± 29.24 vs. 85.43 ± 33.19, p = 0.002) and the SF‐36 total score (CO2‐AFL vs. conventional surgery: 427.79 ± 118.27 vs. 265.65 ± 81.66, p < 0.001) for the CO2‐AFL group were higher than those for the conventional surgery group. Parameters for the CO2‐AFL group were lower than those for the conventional surgery group in all of the following comparisons: PSQI total score (CO2‐AFL vs. conventional surgery: 7.70 ± 3.74 vs. 12.26 ± 4.61, p = 0.001), POSAS‐P total score (CO2‐AFL vs. conventional surgery: 26.48 ± 6.60 vs. 33.04 ± 4.56, p < 0.001), UNC4P total score (CO2‐AFL vs. conventional surgery: 5.57 ± 1.97 vs. 7.26 ± 1.81, p = 0.004), and DN4 score (CO2‐AFL vs. conventional surgery: 3 [2–5] vs. 5 [4–8], p = 0.004).

Conclusions

Compared to conventional surgery, whole scar CO2‐AFL surgery dramatically improved physical and mental health as well as QoL for people with extensive burn scars. Additionally, CO2‐AFL enhanced the evaluation of scars including their appearance, pain, itching, and a host of other symptoms.
The value of broad taxonomic comparisons in evolutionary medicine: Disease is not a trait but a state of a trait!
Authors: Pavličev Mihaela , Wagner Günter P.
Published: September 2022

In this short paper, we argue that there is a fundamental connection between the medical sciences and evolutionary biology as both are sciences of biological variation. Medicine studies pathological variation among humans (and domestic animals in veterinary medicine) and evolutionary biology studies variation within and among species in general. A key principle of evolutionary biology is that genetic differences among species have arisen first from mutations originating within populations. This implies a mechanistic continuity between variation among individuals within a species and variation between species. This fact motivates research that seeks to leverage comparisons among species to unravel the genetic basis of human disease vulnerabilities. This view also implies that genetically caused diseases can be understood as extreme states of an underlying trait, that is, an axis of variation, rather than distinct traits, as often assumed in GWAS studies. We illustrate these points with a number of examples as diverse as anatomical birth defects, cranio‐facial variation, preeclampsia and vulnerability to metastatic cancer.
The durability of thin superficial circumflex iliac artery perforator flap in sole reconstruction: Clinical experience with 18 cases
Authors: Abdelfattah Usama , Elbanoby Tarek , Elmofty Ahmed Maged , Hassan Ali , Mohammed Ahmed Saied , Roshdy Samir , Salah Mohamed
Published: September 2022

Background

The superficial circumflex iliac artery perforator flap's overall success in the reconstruction of the lower limb has been acceptable, but the sole of the foot remains more challenging. The purpose of this article is to report our experience employing the SCIP flap and evaluate its durability in reconstructing different units of the foot's sole, heel, middle, and forefoot.

Patients and Methods

This retrospective study reviewed 18 patients with sole defect reconstructed with free SCIP flap from 2017 to 2019. 18 free SCIP flaps were harvested depending on the superficial branch of SCIA (n = 16) or deep branch (n = 2). All flaps were thin and elevated above the scrapa's fascia. The heel (n = 10), middle foot sole (n = 5), forefoot sole (n = 2), and combined heel and midfoot in one patient were among the defect locations. Sole defects were caused by trauma in 10 patients (55.5%), while the rest of the causes were melanoma (three patients, 16.7%), diabetic ulcer (three patients, 16.7%), and unstable scar (one patient), and calcaneal osteomyelitis (one patient). The defect size ranged from 24 to 230 cm2.

Results

The flap dimensions ranged from 6 × 4 to 18 × 11 cm. Mean follow‐up observations were 42.5 months. 72.2% of our patients developed protective sensation between 12–18 months. No ulcerations were observed, and all of the patients had successful functional recoveries with satisfying cosmetic outcomes.

Conclusion

The SCIP flap can be an optimal durable skin flap for weight‐bearing sole reconstruction. SCIP flap has the advantage of being thin minimizing the problem of shearing, the need for secondary procedures, and the faster recovery of protective sensation that could prevent ulceration.
Determination of the proton LET using thin film solar cells coated with scintillating powder
Authors: Jeong Seonghoon , Kim Chankyu , An Seohyeon , Kwon Yong‐Cheol , Pak Sang‐il , Cheon Wonjoong , Shin Dongho , Lim Youngkyung , Jeong Jong Hwi , Kim Haksoo , Lee Se Byeong
Published: September 2022

Purpose

The amount of luminescent light detected in a scintillator is reduced with increased proton linear energy transfer (LET) despite receiving the same proton dose, through a phenomenon called quenching. This study evaluated the ability of a solar cell coated with scintillating powder (SC‐SP) to measure therapeutic proton LET by measuring the quenching effect of the scintillating powder using a solar cell while simultaneously measuring the dose of the proton beam.

Methods

SC‐SP was composed of a flexible thin film solar cell and scintillating powder. The LET and dose of the pristine Bragg peak in the 14 cm range were calculated using a validated Monte Carlo model of a double scattering proton beam nozzle. The SC‐SP was evaluated by measuring the proton beam under the same conditions at specific depths using SC‐SP and Markus chamber. Finally, the 10 and 20 cm range pristine Bragg peaks and 5 cm spread‐out Bragg peak (SOBP) in the 14 cm range were measured using the SC‐SP and the Markus chamber. LETs measured using the SC‐SP were compared with those calculated using Monte Carlo simulations.

Results

The quenching factors of the SC‐SP and solar cell alone, which were slopes of linear fit obtained from quenching correction factors according to LET, were 0.027 and 0.070 µm/keV (R2: 0.974 and 0.975). For pristine Bragg peaks in the 10 and 20 cm ranges, the maximum differences between LETs measured using the SC‐SP and calculated using Monte Carlo simulations were 0.5 keV/µm (15.7%) and 1.2 keV/µm (12.0%), respectively. For a 5 cm SOBP proton beam, the LET measured using the SC‐SP and calculated using Monte Carlo simulations differed by up to 1.9 keV/µm (18.7%).

Conclusions

Comparisons of LETs for pristine Bragg peaks and SOBP between measured using the SC‐SP and calculated using Monte Carlo simulations indicated that the solar cell‐based system could simultaneously measure both LET and dose in real‐time and is cost‐effective.
Periodic paralysis due to cumulative effects of rare variants in SCN4A with small functional alterations
Authors: Shibano Maki , Kubota Tomoya , Kokubun Norito , Miyaji Yosuke , Kuriki Hiroko , Ito Yuzuru , Hamanoue Haruka , Takahashi Masanori P.
Published: September 2022

Introduction/Aims

Mutations in the SCN4A gene encoding a voltage‐gated sodium channel (Nav1.4) cause hyperkalemic periodic paralysis (HyperPP) and hypokalemic periodic paralysis (HypoPP). Typically, both HyperPP and HypoPP are considered as monogenic disorders caused by a missense mutation with a large functional effect. However, a few cases with atypical periodic paralysis phenotype have been caused by multiple mutations in ion‐channel genes expressed in skeletal muscles. In this study we investigated the underlying pathogenic mechanisms in such cases.

Methods

We clinically assessed two families: proband 1 with HyperPP and proband 2 with atypical periodic paralysis with hypokalemia. Genetic analyses were performed by next‐generation sequencing and conventional Sanger sequencing, followed by electrophysiological analyses of the mutant Nav1.4 channels expressed in human embryonic kidney 293T (HEK293T) cells using the whole‐cell patch‐clamp technique.

Results

In proband 1, K880del was identified in the SCN4A gene. In proband 2, K880del and a novel mutation, R1639H, were identified in the same allele of the SCN4A gene. Functional analyses revealed that the K880del in SCN4A has a weak functional effect on hNav1.4, increasing the excitability of the sarcolemma, which could represent a potential pathogenic factor. Although R1639H alone did not reveal functional changes strong enough to be pathogenic, Nav1.4 with both K880del and R1639H showed enhanced activation compared with K880del alone, indicating that R1639H may modify the hNav1.4 channel function.

Discussion

A cumulative effect of variants with small functional alterations may be considered as the underpinning oligogenic pathogenic mechanisms for the unusual phenotype of periodic paralysis.
Anoxia/reoxygenation enhances spontaneous contractile activity via TRPA1 channel and COX2 activation in isolated rat whole bladder
Authors: Anraku Tsuyoshi
Published: September 2022

Purpose

Bladder ischemia/reperfusion is an important etiologic factor for overactive bladder disease. The occurrence of this disease is closely associated with enhanced spontaneous contractile activity of the bladder. However, the relationship between bladder ischemia/reperfusion and altered spontaneous bladder contractions (SBC) remains poorly studied. Therefore, the present study investigated whether ischemia/reperfusion affects SBC ex vivo.

Methods

SBC was measured using isolated whole bladder preparations from rats. The preparations were exposed to anoxia (95% N2) for 0.5–6 h, followed by reoxygenation (95% O2) in Krebs medium.

Results

Anoxia followed by reoxygenation significantly enhanced the amplitude of SBC without affecting its frequency in an anoxic duration‐dependent manner. The 5 h anoxia/reoxygenation‐induced enhancement of SBC amplitude was completely suppressed by an antioxidant combination of L(+)‐ascorbate/D, L‐α‐tocopherol, or N‐acetyl cysteine. Additionally, the enhanced SBC amplitude was inhibited in a concentration‐dependent manner by the nonselective TRP antagonist ruthenium red, or selective TRPA1 antagonists HC‐030031 or AP‐18. A similar inhibitory effect was obtained after repeated treatment with the TRPA1 agonist allyl isothiocyanate, as it induced acute desensitization of TRPA1 channels. Further, the enhanced SBC amplitude was significantly diminished by the nonselective cyclooxygenase (COX) inhibitor indomethacin or selective COX2 inhibitor NS‐398, but not by the selective COX1 inhibitor SC‐560 and 5‐lipoxygenase inhibitor MK‐886.

Conclusions

The study findings reveal that the spontaneous contractile activity of the bladder is significantly enhanced in response to anoxia/reoxygenation, and that oxidative stress and activation of TRPA1 and COX2 (the resulting production of prostaglandins) are involved in the enhanced SBC activity.
Multiscale investigation of the effect of sizing chemistry on the adhesion and interfacial properties of glass fiber‐reinforced epoxy composites
Authors: Assengone Otogo Be Sigrid , Fahs Armand , Belec Lénaïk , Belkessam Saadia , Louarn Guy , Chailan Jean‐François
Published: September 2022

The objective of the present work is to understand how the main constituents of sizing modify the interfacial strength, the mechanical properties of epoxy composites as well as their durability. In this study, two model interphases between E‐glass fibers and epoxy resin were designed and studied in terms of adhesion and mechanical strength from nano to macroscale. The first one is made from a reactive sizing of APTMS silane coupling agent and DGEBA pre‐polymer film‐former. The other one contains a non‐reactive MTES silane and neutralized DGEBA film‐former. The sizings were evidenced by SEM/AFM observations and XPS spectroscopy. The characterization of the prepared composites by AFM nano‐mechanic mode, micromechanical tests revealed the effect of the sizing chemistry on the interfacial properties between glass fibers and matrix. The interfacial strength is more important for the composites reinforced with APTMS‐DGEBA sized fibers than those prepared with MTES‐BGEA sized fibers. In each case, an interphase area of around 200 nm width is detected at fibers vicinity. In this area, the elastic modulus is more than 25% lower than the bulk matrix modulus.
Poly(vinylidene fluoride)/molybdenum disulfide nanocomposite coatings: Studying the surface properties and corrosion protection
Authors: Ramezani Afsaneh , Seyfi Javad , Razavi Aghjeh Mir Karim , Mohammadloo Hossein Eivaz , Mousavi Seyed Rasoul , Khonakdar Hossein Ali
Published: September 2022

Robust nanocomposite coatings based on polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) and molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) nanoplatelets were prepared by a spray coating method. To achieve various surface structures, the coatings were dried at room and oven temperatures (20 and 200°C). All the samples dried at room temperature exhibited a highly porous surface structure, attributed to the strong nonsolvent role of water vapor, which triggered the nonsolvent‐induced phase separation (VIPS). On the other hand, the oven‐dried coatings showed a dense structure with no pores, resulting from eliminating the VIPS process by enhancing the drying temperature. MoS2 nanoplatelets were localized at the surface layer and the adjacent beneath layers. The formation of α‐type PVDF crystals was intensified for the oven‐dried samples based on the surface morphology and X‐ray diffraction patterns. Roughness analysis demonstrated that MoS2 nanoplatelets interfere with the phase separation process leading to a lower porosity for the room‐dried coatings. The elimination of porosity by increasing the drying temperature caused the hydrophobicity of the coatings to be notably decreased. Polarization and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy results revealed that both polymeric and nanocomposite coatings improved the corrosion resistance of the aluminum substrates, and the oven‐dried pure PVDF coating exhibited the highest level of corrosion protection.
Thes‐trans,s‐cis‐conformer of all‐trans‐1,6‐diphenyl‐1,3,5‐hexatriene was detected: A response
Authors: Saltiel Jack
Published: September 2022

In a series of publications, starting in 1992, we presented detailed analyses of changes in the fluorescence and absorption spectra of all‐trans‐1,6‐diphenyl‐1,3,5‐hexatriene,ttt‐DPH, that allowed their resolution into the pure spectra of two contributing species. Consistent with theory, we assigned the absorption and fluorescence of the major and minor species to thes‐trans,s‐trans‐ ands‐cis,s‐trans‐conformers ofttt‐DPH, respectively. Catalán criticized our use of isopolarizability conditions to achieve improved analyses, and we responded. He has now repeated his criticism in “Catalán, J. On the temperature‐dependent isomerization of all‐trans‐1,6‐diphenyl‐1,3,5‐hexatriene in solution: A reappraisal.J. Phys. Org. Chem. 2022, ASAP,” revealing persisting misconceptions. Not wishing to leave the casual reader with the impression that there are valid reasons for considering our work invalid or, at best, controversial, we respond again.
Solvatochromic Shift Enables Intracellular Fate Determination of Curcumin Nanocrystals
Authors: Lizoňová Denisa , Brejchová Adéla , Králová Eva , Hanuš Jaroslav , Štěpánek František
Published: September 2022

Drug nanocrystals represent an effective way of delivering poorly water‐soluble substances to target tissues and cells. Due to the large specific surface area, nanocrystals promote dissolution; therefore, the drug usually co‐exists in both crystalline and dissolved forms. Commonly used analytical methods do not make it possible to easily distinguish between these forms within live cells. The present study reports a novel fluorescence microscopy method that makes it possible to distinguish intracellular forms of curcumin based on differences in fluorescence emission spectra. Due to solvatochromism, crystalline curcumin can be distinguished from curcumin dissolved in the lipidic components of cells. The methodology utilization is demonstrated by investigating the effect of surface stabilization of curcumin nanocrystals on cell uptake by different cell lines: macrophages and epithelial cells. The understanding of factors that control drug nanocrystal phagocytosis makes it possible to better interpret the observed anticancer effects of curcumin nanocrystals and design efficient drug delivery systems.
Activity, selection response and molecular mode of action of the isoxazoline afoxolaner in Tetranychus urticae
Authors: Mermans Catherine , Dermauw Wannes , Geibel Sven , Van Leeuwen Thomas
Published: September 2022

BACKGROUND

Afoxolaner is a novel representative of the isoxazolines, a class of ectoparasiticides which has been commercialized for the control of tick and flea infestations in dogs. In this study, the biological efficacy of afoxolaner against the two‐spotted spider mite Tetranychus urticae was evaluated. Furthermore, as isoxazolines are known inhibitors of γ‐aminobutyric acid‐gated chloride channels (GABACls), the molecular mode of action of afoxolaner on T. urticae GABACls (TuRdls) was studied using functional expression in Xenopus oocytes followed by two‐electrode voltage‐clamp (TEVC) electrophysiology, and results were compared with inhibition by fluralaner, fipronil and endosulfan. To examine the influence of known GABACl resistance mutations, H301A, I305T and A350T substitutions in TuRdl1 and a S301A substitution in TuRdl2 were introduced.

RESULTS

Bioasassays revealed excellent efficacy of afoxolaner against all developmental stages and no cross‐resistance was found in a panel of strains resistant to most currently used acaricides. Laboratory selection over a period of 3 years did not result in resistance. TEVC revealed clear antagonistic activity of afoxolaner and fluralaner for all homomeric TuRdl1/2/3 channels. The introduction of single, double or triple mutations to TuRdl1 and TuRdl2 did not lower channel sensitivity. By contrast, both endosulfan and fipronil had minimal antagonistic activities against TuRdl1/2/3, and channels carrying single mutations, whereas the sensitivity of double and triple TuRdl1 mutants was significantly increased.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results demonstrate that afoxolaner is a potent antagonist of GABACls of T. urticae and has a powerful mode of action to control spider mites. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
Catalyzing systemic movement of inward rectifier potassium channel inhibitors for antifeedant activity against the cotton aphid, Aphis gossypii (Glover)
Authors: O'Hara Flinn M , Liu Zhijun , Davis Jeffrey A , Swale Daniel R
Published: September 2022

Background

The cotton aphid, Aphis gossypii Glover (Hemiptera: Aphididae), is a destructive agricultural pest, capable of photosynthate removal and plant virus transmission. Therefore, we aimed to test the antifeedant properties of small‐molecule inhibitors of inward rectifier potassium (Kir) channels expressed in insect salivary glands and develop an approach for enabling systemic movement of lipophilic Kir inhibitors.

Results

Two Kir channel inhibitors, VU041 and VU730, reduced the secretory activity of the aphid salivary glands by 3.3‐fold and foliar applications of VU041 and VU730 significantly (P < 0.05) increased the time to first probe, total probe duration, and nearly eliminated phloem salivation and ingestion. Next, we aimed to facilitate systemic movement of VU041 and VU730 through evaluation of a novel natural product based solubilizer containing rubusoside that was isolated from Chinese sweet leaf (Rubus suavissimus) plants. A single lower leaf was treated with Kir inhibitor soluble liquid (KI‐SL) and systemic movement throughout the plant was verified via toxicity bioassays and changes to feeding behavior through the electrical penetration graph (EPG) technique. EPG data indicate KI‐SL significantly reduced ability to reach E1 (phloem salivation) and E2 (phloem ingestion) waveforms and altered plant probing behavior when compared to the untreated control. High‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis indicated the presence of VU041 and VU730 in the upper leaf tissue of these plants. Together, these data provide strong support that incorporation of rubusoside with Kir inhibitors enhanced translaminar and translocation movement through the plant tissue.

Conclusion

These data further support hemipteran Kir channels as a target to prevent feeding and induce toxicity. Further, these studies highlight a novel delivery approach for generating plant systemic activity of lipophilic insecticides. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
Hectogram‐scale synthesis of [Aib8, Arg34]‐GLP‐1 (7–37) by liquid‐phase fragment condensation
Authors: Zhang Jinhua , Zhao Mengjia , He Yufeng , Dong Yuanzhen
Published: September 2022

Based on small‐scale synthesis (0.3 g), a 100‐g scale‐up synthesis of crude [Aib8, Arg34]‐glucagon‐like peptide‐1 (GLP‐1) (7–37) was completed. The crude [Aib8, Arg34]‐GLP‐1 (7–37) was purified using a dynamic axial compression column 200 (DAC‐200). Approximately 61 g of [Aib8, Arg34]‐GLP‐1 (7–37) with a purity of >99% was obtained through one‐step reverse‐phase chromatography. The purification yield was approximately 92%. The yield from the total reaction was approximately 60%. In summary, we developed an economical and environmentally friendly route to the synthesis and purification of crude [Aib8, Arg34]‐GLP‐1 (7–37), laying a foundation for subsequent industrial production.
Enhanced Detection of Surface Plasmon Resonance Microscope via Multiangle Illumination and Pretrained Deep Neural Network
Authors: Zhang Yifan , Liu Yang , Lu Fengya , Zhang Douguo
Published: September 2022

Surface plasmon resonance microscopy (SPRM) has proved to be a powerful tool for label‐free imaging, detection, and mass/size measurement of single isolated virus, cells, and nanoparticles. Herein, SPRM that can be extended to detect the dense nanoparticles, such as counting the number density of nanoparticles, is demonstrated. To improve the counting accuracy, multiangle illumination is adopted in a conventional SPRM, then a deep learning method based on pretrained neural network approach is proposed to deal with the large number of SPRM images. Numerical simulations show that the new approach can significantly enhance the accuracy in detecting the number densities of nanoparticles. The ability to precisely count the number of particles is important for the monitor and detection of environmental pollution because that the number density of the particulate matter is strongly related to the air quality and atmospheric visibility.
Inference for constant stress accelerated life test under the proportional reverse hazards lifetime distribution
Authors: Wang Xiaofei , Wang Bing Xing , Liang Wenjuan , Jiang Peihua
Published: September 2022

In this paper, we consider small sample statistical inference methods for the constant stress accelerated life test (CSALT) under the proportional reverse hazards family (PRHF). The model parameters are assumed to be the exponential functions of the stress. The generalized confidence intervals (GCIs) are derived for the model parameters and some commonly used reliability metrics such as the quantile and the reliability function of the lifetime at the designed stress level. The generalized prediction interval (GPI) is also proposed for the future failure time (FFT) and the remaining useful life (RUL) at the designed stress level. The Monte Carlo simulation study for the generalized Lindley distribution (GLD) and the inverse Weibull distribution are used to illustrate the performance of the proposed GCIs and GPI. The simulation results indicate that the performance of the proposed GCIs and GPI is better than the Wald confidence intervals (CIs) and bootstrap‐p CIs in terms of the coverage probability (CP). Finally, a real example is used to illustrate the developed procedures.
Exploring of catalytic oxygen reduction reaction activity of lattice carbons of vanadium and niobium doped nitrogen codoped carbon nanotubes by density functional theory
Authors: Kuzmin Anton V. , Shainyan Bagrat A.
Published: September 2022

The oxygen electroreduction mechanism on the V‐ and Nb‐doped nitrogen‐codoped (6,6)armchair carbon nanotube with incorporated MN4 fragment has been studied using the ωB97XD and PBE density functional theory approaches. The metal center in MN4 fragment and the adjacent NCCN double bond (C2 site) of the support have been revealed as active centers. The metal active centers turned out to be irreversibly oxidized at the first step of ORR affording stable O*, 2O*, or O*HO* adsorbates depending on the applied electrode potential U, that makes them no longer active in ORR. Therefore, the C2 site comes at the forefront in ORR catalysis. Among the metal oxidized forms M(O)N4, M(O)(O)N4, and M(O)(OH)N4CNT, the C2 site of the latter turned out to be most active for 4e dissociative ORR. For both metals the last protonation/electron transfer step, HO* + H* → H2O, is the rate‐limiting step. The alternative hydrogen peroxide formation is not only thermodynamically less favorable but also kinetically slower than the 4e dissociative ORR route on the C2 site of model M(O)(OH)N4CNT catalyst.
Phosphorous‐modified Porous Carbon Supported Nickel Nanoparticles as a Catalyst for the Reduction of Nitroaromatics in Water
Authors: Tavakol Hossein , Abedi Behnam
Published: September 2022

Phosphorus‐modified porous carbon (PCP) with about 7 w% phosphorus content has been prepared from acetylene and triphenylphosphine using chemical vapor deposition method. Then, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, and 30 w% nickel(0) nanoparticles have been deposited (using the in‐situ reduction of NiCl2 salt) on the surface of PCP to obtain Ni‐decorated PCP (NPCP). The prepared materials (NPCP) have been employed as a catalyst for the catalytic reduction of nitrobenzene derivatives to anilines. The NPCP with 20 w% of Ni showed the highest catalytic efficiency. The reaction was carried out using 10 mg catalyst, 2 mL of 25 % hydrazine hydrate solution as the reducing agent in 2 h (optimized conditions) to obtain the product in 51–100 % yield. To show the versatility of this method, 8 nitrobenzene derivatives (including 3 different nitrophenols) have been successfully reduced using this method. The recyclability of the catalyst was investigated and the results showed only 20 % decreasing in the yield after 6 runs.
Synthesis of Reduced Graphene Oxide by Ethyl Acetate and Its Utilization in Determining Hydroxychloroquine in Wastewater and Pharmaceutical Samples
Authors: Matrouf Mustapha , Loudiki Abdelwahed , Alaoui Ouafa Tahiri , Laghrib Fathellah , Farahi Abdelfettah , Bakasse Mina , Saqrane Sana , Lahrich Sara , El Mhammedi Moulay Abderrahim
Published: September 2022

An easy and sensitive sensor made by carbon paste modified with reduced graphene oxide rGO‐CPE was developed for the detection of hydroxychloroquine (HCQ). Graphene oxide GO was reduced using ethyl acetate. Scanning electron microscope and X‐ray diffraction (XRD) were used for the characterization of rGO powder. The reduction of graphene oxide was confirmed by the disappearance of the identical peak of graphite in the XRD pattern. Herein, the modified electrode rGO‐CPE showed stronger electrochemical activity compared to bare CPE. The electrochemical behavior of HCQ was studied by cyclic voltammetry, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, and chronoamperometry. The mechanism of the HCQ oxidation in the surface of rGO‐CPE was found to be controlled by an adsorption process with the transfer of 2 electrons. Furthermore, the standard heterogeneous rate constant (Ks) and the surface concentration of electroactive species (Γ) were calculated and the obtained values are 1.03×10−2 cm s−1 and 1.07×10−10 mol cm−2, respectively. Differential pulse voltammetry was used for HCQ quantification as a result a linear relationship between HCQ concentration and the oxidation peak current was obtained in the range from 1.0×10−7 to 8.0×10−6 mol L−1 and from 8.0×10−6 to 1.0×10−4 mol L−1, with a detection limit (LOD) of 6.29×10−8 mol L−1 and a sensitivity of 6.42 A L mol−1 cm−2. Moreover, the rGO‐CPE was successfully applied for the detection of HCQ in wastewater and pharmaceutical samples.
Synthesis and Overall Migration Study of Chitosan‐Encapsulated ZnO‐Based ESO Bionanocomposite with Synergistic Antimicrobial Activity for Packaging Purpose.
Authors: Panda Shiv kumari
Published: September 2022

Current report deals with the successful synthesis and characterization of bionanocomposites from Epoxidized soybean oil matrix reinforced with Chitosan (CS) encapsulated ZnO nanoparticle in different compositions by using simple sonication method. Then they are pressed by using a mold for fabrication of nanocomposite. The properties like mechanical, thermal, water absorption tendency, biodegradability, water contact angle characteristics and antibacterial activity of the cured bionanocomposites have been performed. The cured bionanocomposites demonstrated significant improvement in all of the above properties due to the nanofiller reinforcement. This nanocomposite confirmed a progress in the mechanical properties with good temperature forbearance due to this reinforcement. For determination of the presence of functional groups as well as surface morphology of the prepared bionanocomposite, it was characterized by FTIR and SEM. FTIR analysis proved the presence of strong hydrogen bonding among the polar groups of the bioresin and the hydroxyl groups of the synthesized nanoparticle. Again the study of overall migration tendency with enhanced biodegradability and antibacterial activity, the nanocomposite has proved its candidature for food packaging applications. This novel bionanocomposite is biodegradable, recyclable and can strongly establish its potentiality for multiple applications in different fields with various atmospheric conditions at a particular concentration of the CS encapsulated ZnO nanofiller.
Ozone in Polar (Acetonitrile) and Nonpolar (Carbon Tetrachloride) Organic Liquids: Optical Absorption, Solubility, and Stability
Authors: Ershov Boris G. , Panich Nadezhda M.
Published: September 2022

The optical characteristics, solubility, and decomposition kinetics of ozone in polar (acetonitrile, CH3CN) and nonpolar (carbon tetrachloride, CCl4) liquids in the temperature range 233.15–295.15 K were studied. The rate constants of the O3 decomposition at 295.15 K in CH3CN and CCl4 are 3.3×10−5 and 5.0×10−5 s−1, respectively. At low temperatures, ozone solutions are practically stable. The solubility coefficients at 295.15 K are 2.6 in CH3CN and 2.9 in CCl4; at 233.15 K, they increase to approximately 7.0. Thus, these two liquids have a set of properties making them optimum for studying the ozonolysis in polar and nonpolar media.
Methanol‐to‐Light Olefins Reaction using Zn‐Ag Modified SSZ‐13 Catalyst
Authors: Dange Rutvija M. , Gawali Chirag B. , Niphadkar Prashant S. , Bokade Vijay V. , Nandanwar Sachin U.
Published: September 2022

The 2 wt.% of Zn and Ag (Zn1‐x‐Agx; x=0.2, 0.4, 0.6 %) modified SSZ‐13 (SZ‐13) zeolite was prepared by wet‐impregnation method, and its catalytic activity was demonstrated for methanol‐to‐olefin (MTO). The Zn0.6‐Ag0.4/SZ‐13 catalyst exhibited high catalytic activity due to change in properties of catalyst. The Zn particles were highly dispersed inside the SZ‐13; while Ag particles were dispersed on the surface of SZ‐13, confirmed by HRTEM and surface area. The small % of Ag over SZ‐13 promotes ethylene production via aromatization of reaction, and highly dispersed Zn on SZ‐13 help to produce stable ethylene and propylene. The Zn0.6‐Ag0.4/SZ‐13 catalyst showed (∼10 %) higher light olefin (87 %) selectivity than parent SZ‐13 as well as mono metal incorporated SZ‐13. The higher catalytic activity was attributed due to effect of both metals (Zn and Ag), where Ag promotes partial aromatization on the surface, and Zn increases the Lewis acidity in the zeolite pore. This catalyst can help to improve the selectivity of light olefin using MTO reaction.
Syntheses and Preferred Structure Elucidation of N‐heterocyclic Imine Nickel and Cobalt Catalysts for MMA Polymerization
Authors: Su Biyun , Yang Dou , Liu Bo , Liu Zhijun , Yan Tingyu , Dong Ranran , Huang Aiyu , Wang Li , Ding Liqin
Published: September 2022

Here, L1 (2‐(pyridin‐2‐yl)quinoxaline) and L2 ((1‐((1H‐pyrrol‐2‐yl)ethylidene)benzene‐1,2‐diamine) ⋅ (1‐(1H‐pyrrol‐2‐yl)ethanone)) were synthesized and reacted with CoCl2 ⋅ 6H2O and NiCl2 ⋅ 6H2O to produce complexes 1–4. We found several interesting pieces of crystal structure information. Firstly, ligands L1 and L2 with completely different molecular structures were obtained by reacting the precursors containing similar N‐heterocycles with 1,2‐diaminobenzene. Secondly, in methanol and DMF solvents, 1 showed two structures, the binuclear and mononuclear cobalt complexes 1 a and 1 b. Finally, the structure of 4 showed the formation of a new 2 : 1 type ligand at eutectic L2 in the presence of a Ni2+ template. Upon treatment with AIBN, 1–4 showed moderate to high activities for MMA polymerization, producing PMMA with low to high molecular weights (2.02∼73.03×104 g⋅mol‐1) and moderate dispersity indices (PDI: 1.72∼3.32). Moreover, 1 b displayed higher catalytic activities (up to 1.138×105 g mol−1 ⋅ h−1), which was 20 times higher than that of 3 and more than 7 times higher than that of 1 a.
Bifunctional Activity of PVP K‐30 Assisted Cobalt Molybdate for Electrocatalytic Water Splitting**
Authors: Dalai Namita , Dash Barsha , Jena Bijayalaxmi
Published: September 2022

Hydrogen fuel has emerged as pollution free renewable energy source and is a better substitute for carbon‐based fossil fuels. Now it is a big challenge for research community to produce green efficient hydrogen fuel in order to fulfil the demand of our daily need. Water splitting process is a highly recognized way of hydrogen production and storage. The fabrication of efficient electrocatalyst is highly desirable for water splitting application. Structure directing groups play an unique role in controlling the size, and morphology of nanoparticles which ultimately affects the efficiency. Here we report a cost‐effective CoMoO4 electrocatalyst, which was synthesized by an easy chemical co‐precipitation method in presence of organic polymeric surfactant K‐30. It has a rod shape morphology. CoMoO4 electrocatalyst exhibits high OER activity with low overpotential of 240 mV at 10 mA cm−2 and low Tafel slope value, 75 mV/dec and stability of 10 h. The electrocatalyst also exhibits better HER activity with over potential of 224 mV at 10 mA cm−2 and Tafel slope value of 104 mV/dec and stability of 8 h.
Carbon‐Based Nanomaterials for Cancer Treatment and Diagnosis: A Review
Authors: Thomas Dieney Thresia , Baby Anjana , Raman Vidya , Balakrishnan Sreeja P
Published: September 2022

Early detection and treatment is a successful method to fight against cancer. The use of conventional methods often limits the early‐stage detection of the same. Nanotechnology, especially nanomedicine, has become an evolving field in research today. Nanoparticles, with their diverse application in medicine, have grown tremendously. Despite their physicochemical properties, the toxicity of nanoparticles in living organisms has helped the scientific community develop these nanoparticles for cancer treatment. In this review, we highlight the two different types of synthesis of nanoparticles: Top‐down and Bottom‐up approaches, many instances of various techniques and other inorganic nanoparticles that are good platforms for bioimaging and biosensing applications, drug delivery nanocarriers for specific tumor targeting, thereby reducing the toxicity to healthy tissues and Photodynamic therapy (PDT) and Photo Thermal Therapy (PTT), their mechanism and nanoparticles and examples of their surface functionalization used in cancer treatment.
Synthesis of 3‐Hydroxy‐2‐oxindole and 2,5‐Diketopiperazine Cores as Privileged Scaffolds of Indole Alkaloids
Authors: Karpe Sameer A. , Mondal Dhananjoy
Published: September 2022

The diverse biological activities of synthetically and naturally occurring molecules containing functionalized 2,5‐diketopiperazines and/or 3‐hydroxy‐2‐oxindoles have sparked an interest in medicinal chemistry. This paper describes the Barbier reaction‐mediated synthesis of 3‐substituted‐3‐hydroxy‐2‐oxindole from commercially available isatin and the construction of spiro‐epoxy‐2‐oxindole via (E)‐selective olefin installation at the C3‐position of N‐methylisatin followed by epoxidation reaction. It also includes the formation of 2,5‐diketopiperazine scaffolds from amino acid derivatives via amide coupling reaction. The synthesis of these “privileged cores” has been reported herein as key precursors to the accessibility of several complex alkaloid series of natural products, such as maremycins and other structurally related and medicinally significant natural and their synthetic analogues.
Synthesis of Pyridyl‐Imine Complex of Iron(III) as a Fluorescent Sensor for Hydrazine Detection Based on Redox Chemistry
Authors: Yu Jie , Zhang Haiqi , Tam Chun Fai , Wong Wing‐Leung
Published: September 2022

A six‐coordinated iron(III) pyridyl‐imine complex was synthesized by one‐pot reaction and was demonstrated as a fluorescent sensor for the detection of hydrazine in solution based on the redox reaction. The fluorescence signal generated was attributed to the reduction of the oxidative iron‐center of Fe(III) to Fe(II) by the reductive hydrazine. A good linear relationship for the analysis of hydrazine was obtained with the concentration range of 0.06–0.15 mM (R2=0.99114) in DMF solution. The limit of detection (LOD) estimated was 14.8 μM and the limit of quantitation (LOQ) was 49 μM. Moreover, the color change of the iron(III) pyridyl‐imine complex solution from dark green to reddish brown was able to observed by naked eye, indicating that the Fe(III)‐complex may be also utilized as a colorimetric sensor for hydrazine at millimolar level. The present study demonstrated an interesting fluorescent sensing system based on redox chemistry of an iron(III) complex that generated fluorescence response upon reacting with its redox pair such as the reducing agent hydrazine.