bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Chemical Sensing and Chemoresponsive Pumping with Conical-Pore Polymeric Membranes
Authors: Bush Stevie N. , Volta Thomas T. , Martin Charles R.
Published: March 2020

Synthetic membranes containing asymmetrically shaped pores have been shown to rectify the ionic current flowing through the membrane. Ion-current rectification means that such membranes produce nonlinear current–voltage curves analogous to those observed with solid-state diode rectifiers. In order to observe this ion-current rectification phenomenon, the asymmetrically shaped pores must have pore-wall surface charge. Pore-wall surface charge also allows for electroosmotic flow (EOF) to occur through the membrane. We have shown that, because ion-current is rectified, EOF is likewise rectified in such membranes. This means that flow through the membrane depends on the polarity of the voltage applied across the membrane, one polarity producing a higher, and the opposite producing a lower, flow rate. As is reviewed here, these ion-current and EOF rectification phenomena are being used to develop new sensing technologies. Results obtained from an ion-current-based sensor for hydrophobic cations are reviewed. In addition, ion-current and EOF rectification can be combined to make a new type of device—a chemoresponsive nanofluidic pump. This is a pump that either turns flow on or turns flow off, when a specific chemical species is detected. Results from a prototype Pb2+ chemoresponsive pump are also reviewed here.
Immunomodulatory Potential of Differently-Terminated Ultra-Small Silicon Carbide Nanoparticles
Authors: Bělinová Tereza , Machová Iva , Beke David , Fučíková Anna , Gali Adam , Humlová Zuzana , Valenta Jan , Hubálek Kalbáčová Marie
Published: March 2020

Ultra-small nanoparticles with sizes comparable to those of pores in the cellular membrane possess significant potential for application in the field of biomedicine. Silicon carbide ultra-small nanoparticles with varying surface termination were tested for the biological system represented by different human cells (using a human osteoblastic cell line as the reference system and a monocyte/macrophage cell line as immune cells). The three tested nanoparticle surface terminations resulted in the observation of different effects on cell metabolic activity. These effects were mostly noticeable in cases of monocytic cells, where each type of particle caused a completely different response (‘as-prepared’ particles, i.e., were highly cytotoxic, –OH terminated particles slightly increased the metabolic activity, while –NH2 terminated particles caused an almost doubled metabolic activity) after 24 h of incubation. Subsequently, the release of cytokines from such treated monocytes and their differentiation into activated cells was determined. The results revealed the potential modulation of immune cell behavior following stimulation with particular ultra-small nanoparticles, thus opening up new fields for novel silicon carbide nanoparticle biomedical applications.
Low Voltage Graphene-Based Amplitude Modulator for High Efficiency Terahertz Modulation
Authors: Zheng Qianying , Xia Liangping , Tang Linlong , Du Chunlei , Cui Hongliang
Published: March 2020

In this paper, a high-efficiency terahertz amplitude modulation device based on a field-effect transistor has been proposed. The polarization insensitive modulator is designed to achieve a maximum experimental modulation depth of about 53% within 5 V of gate voltages using monolayer graphene. Moreover, the manufacturing processes are inexpensive. Two methods are adopted to improve modulation performance. For one thing, the metal metamaterial designed can effectively enhance the electromagnetic field near single-layer graphene and therefore greatly promote the graphene’s modulation ability in terahertz. For another, polyethylene oxide-based electrolytes (PEO:LiClO4) acts as a high-capacity donor, which makes it possible to dope single-layer graphene at a relatively low voltage.
Synthesis and Characterization of CuFe2O4 Nanoparticles Modified with Polythiophene: Applications to Mercuric Ions Removal
Authors: H. Kamel Ayman , Hassan Amr A. , Amr Abd El-Galil E. , El-Shalakany Hadeel H. , A. Al-Omar Mohamed
Published: March 2020

In this research, CuFe2O4 nanoparticles were synthesized by co-precipitation methods and modified by coating with thiophene for removal of Hg(II) ions from aqueous solution. CuFe2O4 nanoparticles, with and without thiophene, were characterized by x-ray diffraction (XRD), Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), energy dispersive x-ray (EDX), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) and Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET). Contact time, adsorbent dose, solution pH, adsorption kinetics, adsorption isotherm and recyclability were studied. The maximum adsorption capacity towards Hg2+ ions was 7.53 and 208.77 mg/g for CuFe2O4 and CuFe2O4@Polythiophene composite, respectively. Modification of CuFe2O4 nanoparticles with thiophene revealed an enhanced adsorption towards Hg2+ removal more than CuFe2O4 nanoparticles. The promising adsorption performance of Hg2+ ions by CuFe2O4@Polythiophene composite generates from soft acid–soft base strong interaction between sulfur group of thiophene and Hg(II) ions. Furthermore, CuFe2O4@Polythiophene composite has both high stability and reusability due to its removal efficiency, has no significant decrease after five adsorption–desorption cycles and can be easily removed from aqueous solution by external magnetic field after adsorption experiments took place. Therefore, CuFe2O4@Polythiophene composite is applicable for removal Hg(II) ions from aqueous solution and may be suitable for removal other heavy metals.
Thermal Convection of Nanoliquid in a Double-Connected Chamber
Authors: Pop Ioan , Sheremet Mikhail A. , Groşan Teodor
Published: March 2020

Thermogravitational convective thermal transmission, inside a square differentially-heated chamber with a nanoliquid, has been examined in the presence of internal adiabatic or a thermally-conducting solid body. A single-phase nanoliquid approach is employed, based on the experimentally-extracted relations for nanofluid heat conductivity and dynamic viscosity. The governing equations have been written using non-primitive parameters such as stream function and vorticity. Such approach allows a decrease in computational time due to a reduction of equation numbers. One of the main challenges in such a technique is a determining the stream function magnitude at the inner body walls. A solution of this problem has been described in detail in this paper. Computational scrutinizing has been performed by employing the finite difference technique. The mesh sensitivity analysis and comparison with theoretical and experimental results of other researchers have been included. An influence of the Rayleigh number, nanoparticles concentration, internal block size, heat conductivity ratio and non-dimensional time on nanofluid motion and energy transport has been studied.
Effect of Structure of Polymers Grafted from Graphene Oxide on the Compatibility of Particles with a Silicone-Based Environment and the Stimuli-Responsive Capabilities of Their Composites
Authors: Zygo Monika , Mrlik Miroslav , Ilcikova Marketa , Hrabalikova Martina , Osicka Josef , Cvek Martin , Sedlacik Michal , Hanulikova Barbora , Munster Lukas , Skoda David , Urbánek Pavel , Pietrasik Joanna , Mosnáček Jaroslav
Published: March 2020

This study reports the utilization of controlled radical polymerization as a tool for controlling the stimuli-responsive capabilities of graphene oxide (GO) based hybrid systems. Various polymer brushes with controlled molecular weight and narrow molecular weight distribution were grafted from the GO surface by surface-initiated atom transfer radical polymerization (SI-ATRP). The modification of GO with poly(n-butyl methacrylate) (PBMA), poly(glycidyl methacrylate) (PGMA), poly(trimethylsilyloxyethyl methacrylate) (PHEMATMS) and poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) was confirmed by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) coupled with online Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Various grafting densities of GO-based materials were investigated, and conductivity was elucidated using a four-point probe method. Raman shift and XPS were used to confirm the reduction of surface properties of the GO particles during SI-ATRP. The contact angle measurements indicated the changes in the compatibility of GOs with silicone oil, depending on the structure of the grafted polymer chains. The compatibility of the GOs with poly(dimethylsiloxane) was also investigated using steady shear rheology. The tunability of the electrorheological, as well as the photo-actuation capability, was investigated. It was shown that in addition to the modification of conductivity, the dipole moment of the pendant groups of the grafted polymer chains also plays an important role in the electrorheological (ER) performance. The compatibility of the particles with the polymer matrix, and thus proper particles dispersibility, is the most important factor for the photo-actuation efficiency. The plasticizing effect of the GO-polymer hybrid filler also has a crucial impact on the matrix stiffness and thus the ability to reversibly respond to the external light stimulation.
Recent Advances in Applications of Hybrid Graphene Materials for Metals Removal from Wastewater
Authors: Abu-Nada Abdulrahman , McKay Gordon , Abdala Ahmed
Published: March 2020

The presence of traces of heavy metals in wastewater causes adverse health effects on humans and the ecosystem. Adsorption is a low cost and eco-friendly method for the removal of low concentrations of heavy metals from wastewater streams. Over the past several years, graphene-based materials have been researched as exceptional adsorbents. In this review, the applications of graphene oxide (GO), reduce graphene oxide (rGO), and graphene-based nanocomposites (GNCs) for the removal of various metals are analyzed. Firstly, the common synthesis routes for GO, rGO, and GNCs are discussed. Secondly, the available literature on the adsorption of heavy metals including arsenic, lead, cadmium, nickel, mercury, chromium and copper using graphene-based materials are reviewed and analyzed. The adsorption isotherms, kinetics, capacity, and removal efficiency for each metal on different graphene materials, as well as the effects of the synthesis method and the adsorption process conditions on the recyclability of the graphene materials, are discussed. Finally, future perspectives and trends in the field are also highlighted.
Increase of Akkermansia muciniphila by a Diet Containing Japanese Traditional Medicine Bofutsushosan in a Mouse Model of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
Authors: Nishiyama Mitsue , Ohtake Nobuhiro , Kaneko Atsushi , Tsuchiya Naoko , Imamura Sachiko , Iizuka Seiichi , Ishizawa Shiori , Nishi Akinori , Yamamoto Masahiro , Taketomi Akinobu , Kono Toru
Published: March 2020

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is considered a worldwide healthcare problem that mirrors the increased prevalence of obesity. Gut microbiota plays a crucial role in the progression and treatment of NAFLD. Bofutsushosan (BTS), a pharmaceutical-grade Japanese traditional medicine, has long been prescribed in Japan for obesity and obesity-related syndrome. Although BTS has been reported to exert an anti-obesity effect in obese patients as well as various obesity-model animals, its effect on gut microbiota is unknown. Here, the effects of BTS on obesity, liver damage, and the gut microbiome in genetically obese mice, ob/ob, were studied. Seven-week-old ob/ob mice were fed a standard diet with (BTS group) or without (CONT group) 5% BTS for 4 weeks. By comparison to the CONT group, the BTS group showed reduced body weight gain and hyperlipidemia as well as improved liver function. Moreover, gut microbiota in the CONT and BTS group formed a significantly different cluster. Specifically, the genera Akkermansia, Bacteroides and an unknown genus of the family Enterobacteriaceae expanded dramatically in the BTS group. Noteworthy, the population of Akkermansia muciniphila, which is reported to elicit an anti-obesity effect and improve various metabolic abnormalities, was markedly increased (93-fold) compared with the CONT group. These results imply that BTS may be a promising agent for treating NAFLD.
Is a Gluten-Free Diet Enough to Maintain Correct Micronutrients Status in Young Patients with Celiac Disease?
Authors: Nestares Teresa , Martín-Masot Rafael , Labella Ana , Aparicio Virginia A. , Flor-Alemany Marta , López-Frías Magdalena , Maldonado José
Published: March 2020

The current study assesses whether the use of a gluten-free diet (GFD) is sufficient for maintaining correct iron status in children with celiac disease (CD). The study included 101 children. The celiac group (n = 68) included children with CD, with long (> 6 months) (n = 47) or recent (< 6 months) (n = 21) adherence to a GFD. The control group (n = 43) included healthy children. Dietary assessment was performed by a food frequency questionnaire and a 3-day food record. Celiac children had lower iron intake than controls, especially at the beginning of GFD (p < 0.01). The group CD-GFD >6 months showed a higher intake of cobalamin, meat derivatives and fish compared to that of CD-GFD <6 months (all, p < 0.05). The control group showed a higher consumption of folate, iron, magnesium, selenium and meat derivatives than that of children CD-GFD >6 months (all, p < 0.05). Control children also showed a higher consumption of folate and iron compared to that of children CD-GFD <6 months (both, p < 0.05). The diet of celiac children was nutritionally less balanced than that of the control. Participation of dietitians is necessary in the management of CD to guide the GFD as well as assess the inclusion of iron supplementation and other micronutrients that may be deficient.
Grandmother’s Diet Matters: Early Life Programming with Sucrose Influences Metabolic and Lipid Parameters in Second Generation of Rats
Authors: Školníková Elena , Šedová Lucie , Šeda Ondřej
Published: March 2020

Early life exposure to certain environmental stimuli is related to the development of alternative phenotypes in mammals. A number of these phenotypes are related to an increased risk of disease later in life, creating a massive healthcare burden. With recent focus on the determination of underlying causes of common metabolic disorders, parental nutrition is of great interest, mainly due to a global shift towards a Western-type diet. Recent studies focusing on the increase of food or macronutrient intake don’t always consider the source of these nutrients as an important factor. In our study, we concentrate on the effects of high-sucrose diet, which provides carbohydrates in form of sucrose as opposed to starch in standard diet, fed in pregnancy and lactation in two subsequent generations of spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) and congenic SHR-Zbtb16 rats. Maternal sucrose intake increased fasting glycaemia in SHR female offspring in adulthood and increased their chow consumption in gravidity. High-sucrose diet fed to the maternal grandmother increased brown fat weight and HDL cholesterol levels in adult male offspring of both strains, i.e., the grandsons. Fasting glycaemia was however decreased only in SHR offspring. In conclusion, we show the second-generation effects of maternal exposition to a high-sucrose diet, some modulated to a certain extent by variation in the Zbtb16 gene.
Histidine in Health and Disease: Metabolism, Physiological Importance, and Use as a Supplement
Authors: Holeček Milan
Published: March 2020

L-histidine (HIS) is an essential amino acid with unique roles in proton buffering, metal ion chelation, scavenging of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species, erythropoiesis, and the histaminergic system. Several HIS-rich proteins (e.g., haemoproteins, HIS-rich glycoproteins, histatins, HIS-rich calcium-binding protein, and filaggrin), HIS-containing dipeptides (particularly carnosine), and methyl- and sulphur-containing derivatives of HIS (3-methylhistidine, 1-methylhistidine, and ergothioneine) have specific functions. The unique chemical properties and physiological functions are the basis of the theoretical rationale to suggest HIS supplementation in a wide range of conditions. Several decades of experience have confirmed the effectiveness of HIS as a component of solutions used for organ preservation and myocardial protection in cardiac surgery. Further studies are needed to elucidate the effects of HIS supplementation on neurological disorders, atopic dermatitis, metabolic syndrome, diabetes, uraemic anaemia, ulcers, inflammatory bowel diseases, malignancies, and muscle performance during strenuous exercise. Signs of toxicity, mutagenic activity, and allergic reactions or peptic ulcers have not been reported, although HIS is a histamine precursor. Of concern should be findings of hepatic enlargement and increases in ammonia and glutamine and of decrease in branched-chain amino acids (valine, leucine, and isoleucine) in blood plasma indicating that HIS supplementation is inappropriate in patients with liver disease.
Anti-Osteoarthritic Effects of a Mixture of Dried Pomegranate Concentrate Powder, Eucommiae Cortex, and Achyranthis Radix 5:4:1 (g/g) in a Surgically Induced Osteoarthritic Rabbit Model
Authors: Choi Beom-Rak , Kang Su-Jin , Kim Jong-Lae , Lee Young-Joon , Ku Sae-Kwang
Published: March 2020

In this study, we aimed to determine the synergistic effects of a formula consisting of dried pomegranate concentrate powder, Eucommiae Cortex, and Achyranthis Radix 5:4:1 (g/g) (PCP:EC:AR) in a surgically induced osteoarthritis (OA) rabbit model. PCP:EC:AR was orally administered once per day. Knee thickness, maximum extension of the knee joint, gross articular defect area, and the histopathological appearance of the cartilage were monitored, along with serum collagen type II C-telopeptide (CTX-II), cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP), matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-3, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-1β, and subchondral IL-1β and TNF-α levels. Roentgenographic images were also evaluated. PCP:EC:AR significantly inhibited the surgically induced increase in knee thickness, maximum extension of both knees, knee thickness after capsule exposure, gross femoral and tibial articular defect areas, loss of the knee joint area, serum and synovial COMP, CTX-II, and MMP expression, and synovial IL-1β, and TNF-α expression. In addition, surgically induced narrowing of the knee bones, loss of the joint area, cartilage damage, and osteophyte formation were reduced. PCP:EC:AR suppressed the surgically induced increases in the Mankin score, and subchondral IL-1β and TNF-α immunolabeled cell numbers. PCP:EC:AR exerted potent OA protective effects in a surgically induced OA rabbit model.
Serum Microelements in Early Pregnancy and their Risk of Large-for-Gestational Age Birth Weight
Authors: Lewandowska Małgorzata , Lubiński Jan
Published: March 2020

Excessive birth weight has serious perinatal consequences, and it “programs” long-term health. Mother’s nutritional status can be an important element in fetal “programming”; microelements such as selenium (Se), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), and iron (Fe) are involved in many metabolic processes. However, there are no studies assessing the relationship of the microelements in the peri-conceptual period with the risk of excessive birth weight. We performed a nested case control study of serum microelements’ levels in the 10–14th week of pregnancy and assessed the risk of large-for-gestational age (LGA) newborns using the data from a prospective cohort of pregnant women recruited in 2015–2016 in Poznań, Poland. Mothers delivering LGA newborns (n = 66) were examined with matched mothers delivering appropriate-for-gestational age (AGA) newborns (n = 264). Microelements’ levels were quantified using mass spectrometry. The odds ratios of LGA (and 95% confidence intervals) were calculated by multivariate logistic regression. In the whole group, women with the lowest quartile of Se had a 3 times higher LGA risk compared with women in the highest Se quartile (AOR = 3.00; p = 0.013). Importantly, the result was sustained in the subgroup of women with the normal pre-pregnancy BMI (AOR = 4.79; p = 0.033) and in women with a male fetus (AOR = 6.28; p = 0.004), but it was not sustained in women with a female fetus. There were no statistical associations between Zn, Cu, and Fe levels and LGA. Our study provides some preliminary evidence for the relationships between lower serum Se levels in early pregnancy and a higher risk of large-for-gestational age birth weight. Appropriate Se intake in the periconceptual period may be important for optimal fetal growth.
Queuine Micronutrient Deficiency Promotes Warburg Metabolism and Reversal of the Mitochondrial ATP Synthase in Hela Cells
Authors: Hayes Patti , Fergus Claire , Ghanim Magda , Cirzi Cansu , Burtnyak Lyubomyr , McGrenaghan Callum J. , Tuorto Francesca , Nolan Derek P. , Kelly Vincent P.
Published: March 2020

Queuine is a eukaryotic micronutrient, derived exclusively from eubacteria. It is incorporated into both cytosolic and mitochondrial transfer RNA to generate a queuosine nucleotide at position 34 of the anticodon loop. The transfer RNA of primary tumors has been shown to be hypomodified with respect to queuosine, with decreased levels correlating with disease progression and poor patient survival. Here, we assess the impact of queuine deficiency on mitochondrial bioenergetics and substrate metabolism in HeLa cells. Queuine depletion is shown to promote a Warburg type metabolism, characterized by increased aerobic glycolysis and glutaminolysis, concomitant with increased ammonia and lactate production and elevated levels of lactate dehydrogenase activity but in the absence of significant changes to proliferation. In intact cells, queuine deficiency caused an increased rate of mitochondrial proton leak and a decreased rate of ATP synthesis, correlating with an observed reduction in cellular ATP levels. Data from permeabilized cells demonstrated that the activity of individual complexes of the mitochondrial electron transport chain were not affected by the micronutrient. Notably, in queuine free cells that had been adapted to grow in galactose medium, the re-introduction of glucose permitted the mitochondrial F1FO-ATP synthase to operate in the reverse direction, acting to hyperpolarize the mitochondrial membrane potential; a commonly observed but poorly understood cancer trait. Together, our data suggest that queuosine hypomodification is a deliberate and advantageous adaptation of cancer cells to facilitate the metabolic switch between oxidative phosphorylation and aerobic glycolysis.
Nutritional Challenges in Pregnant Women with Renal Diseases: Relevance to Fetal Outcomes
Authors: Esposito Pasquale , Garibotto Giacomo , Picciotto Daniela , Costigliolo Francesca , Viazzi Francesca , Conti Novella Evelina
Published: March 2020

Pregnancy in women affected by chronic kidney disease (CKD) has become more common in recent years, probably as a consequence of increased CKD prevalence and improvements in the care provided to these patients. Management of this condition requires careful attention since many clinical aspects have to be taken into consideration, including the reciprocal influence of the renal disease and pregnancy, the need for adjustment of the medical treatments and the high risk of maternal and obstetric complications. Nutrition assessment and management is a crucial step in this process, since nutritional status may affect both maternal and fetal health, with potential effects also on the future development of adult diseases in the offspring. Nevertheless, few data are available on the nutritional management of pregnant women with CKD and the main clinical indications are based on small case series or are extrapolated from the general recommendations for non-pregnant CKD patients. In this review, we discuss the main issues regarding the nutritional management of pregnant women with renal diseases, including CKD patients on conservative treatment, patients on dialysis and kidney transplant patients, focusing on their relevance on fetal outcomes and considering the peculiarities of this population and the approaches that could be implemented into clinical practice.
Characterization of the Humoral Immune Response to Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea Virus Infection under Experimental and Field Conditions Using an AlphaLISA Platform
Authors: Kimpston-Burkgren Kay , Mora-Díaz Juan Carlos , Roby Philippe , Bjustrom-Kraft Jordan , Main Rodger , Bosse Roger , Giménez-Lirola Luis Gabriel
Published: March 2020

Coronavirus infections are a continuous threat raised time and again. With the recent emergence of novel virulent strains, these viruses can have a large impact on human and animal health. Porcine epidemic diarrhea (PED) is considered to be a reemerging pig disease caused by the enteropathogenic alphacoronavirus PED virus (PEDV). In the absence of effective vaccines, infection prevention and control through diagnostic testing and quarantine are critical. Early detection and differential diagnosis of PEDV infections increase the chance of successful control of the disease. Therefore, there is a continuous need for development of reduced assay-step protocols, no-wash, high-throughput immunoassays. This study described the characterization of the humoral immune response against PEDV under experimental and field conditions using a rapid, sensitive, luminescent proximity homogenous assay (AlphaLISA). PEDV IgG and IgA antibodies were developed toward the beginning of the second week of infection. PEDV IgG antibodies were detected for at least 16 weeks post-exposure. Remarkably, the serum IgA levels remained high and relatively stable throughout the study, lasting longer than the serum IgG response. Overall, AlphaLISA allows the detection and characterization of pathogen-specific antibodies with new speed, sensitivity, and simplicity of use. Particularly, the bridge assay constitutes a rapid diagnostic that substantially improves upon the “time to result” metric of currently available immunoassays.
The Bradyzoite: A Key Developmental Stage for the Persistence and Pathogenesis of Toxoplasmosis
Authors: Cerutti Aude , Blanchard Nicolas , Besteiro Sébastien
Published: March 2020

Toxoplasma gondii is a ubiquitous parasitic protist found in a wide variety of hosts, including a large proportion of the human population. Beyond an acute phase which is generally self-limited in immunocompetent individuals, the ability of the parasite to persist as a dormant stage, called bradyzoite, is an important aspect of toxoplasmosis. Not only is this stage not eliminated by current treatments, but it can also reactivate in immunocompromised hosts, leading to a potentially fatal outcome. Yet, despite its critical role in the pathology, the bradyzoite stage is relatively understudied. One main explanation is that it is a considerably challenging model, which essentially has to be derived from in vivo sources. However, recent progress on genetic manipulation and in vitro differentiation models now offers interesting perspectives for tackling key biological questions related to this particularly important developmental stage.
Emetine, Ipecac, Ipecac Alkaloids and Analogues as Potential Antiviral Agents for Coronaviruses
Authors: Bleasel Martin , Peterson Gregory
Published: March 2020

The COVID-19 coronavirus is currently spreading around the globe with limited treatment options available. This article presents the rationale for potentially using old drugs (emetine, other ipecac alkaloids or analogues) that have been used to treat amoebiasis in the treatment of COVID-19. Emetine had amongst the lowest reported half-maximal effective concentration (EC50) from over 290 agents screened for the Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) and severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) coronaviruses. While EC50 concentrations of emetine are achievable in the blood, studies show that concentrations of emetine can be almost 300 times higher in the lungs. Furthermore, based on the relative EC50s of emetine towards the coronaviruses compared with Entamoeba histolytica, emetine could be much more effective as an anti-coronavirus agent than it is against amoebiasis. This paper also discusses the known side effects of emetine and related compounds, how those side effects can be managed, and the optimal method of administration for the potential treatment of COVID-19. Given the serious and immediate threat that the COVID-19 coronavirus poses, our long history with emetine and the likely ability of emetine to reach therapeutic concentrations within the lungs, ipecac, emetine, and other analogues should be considered as potential treatment options, especially if in vitro studies confirm viral sensitivity.
Quality by Design: Development of the Quality Target Product Profile (QTPP) for Semisolid Topical Products
Authors: Namjoshi Sarika , Dabbaghi Maryam , Roberts Michael S. , Grice Jeffrey E. , Mohammed Yousuf
Published: March 2020

In recent years, the “quality by design” (QbD) approach has been used for developing pharmaceutical formulations. This is particularly important for complex dosage forms such as topical semisolid products. The first step for developing a product using this efficient approach is defining the quality target product profile (QTPP), a list of quality attributes (QAs) that are required to be present in the final product. These quality attributes are affected by the ingredients used as well as manufacturing procedure parameters. Hence, critical material attributes (CMAs) and critical process parameters (CPPs) need to be specified. Possible failure modes of a topical semisolid product can be determined based on the physiochemical properties of ingredients and manufacturing procedures. In this review, we have defined and specified QTPP, QAs, CMAs and CPPs that are required for developing a topical semisolid product based on the QbD approach.
Nanogel: A Versatile Nano-Delivery System for Biomedical Applications
Authors: Yin Yanlong , Hu Ben , Yuan Xiao , Cai Li , Gao Huile , Yang Qian
Published: March 2020

Nanogel-based nanoplatforms have become a tremendously promising system of drug delivery. Nanogels constructed by chemical crosslinking or physical self-assembly exhibit the ability to encapsulate hydrophilic or hydrophobic therapeutics, including but not limited to small-molecule compounds and proteins, DNA/RNA sequences, and even ultrasmall nanoparticles, within their 3D polymer network. The nanosized nature of the carriers endows them with a specific surface area and inner space, increasing the stability of loaded drugs and prolonging their circulation time. Reactions or the cleavage of chemical bonds in the structure of drug-loaded nanogels have been shown to trigger the controlled or sustained drug release. Through the design of specific chemical structures and different methods of production, nanogels can realize diverse responsiveness (temperature-sensitive, pH-sensitive and redox-sensitive), and enable the stimuli-responsive release of drugs in the microenvironments of various diseases. To improve therapeutic outcomes and increase the precision of therapy, nanogels can be modified by specific ligands to achieve active targeting and enhance the drug accumulation in disease sites. Moreover, the biomembrane-camouflaged nanogels exhibit additional intelligent targeted delivery features. Consequently, the targeted delivery of therapeutic agents, as well as the combinational therapy strategy, result in the improved efficacy of disease treatments, though the introduction of a multifunctional nanogel-based drug delivery system.
Changes in Foliar Functional Traits of S. pyrenaicus subsp. carpetanus under the Ongoing Climate Change: A Retrospective Survey
Authors: Magaña Ugarte Rosina , Escudero Adrián , Sánchez Mata Daniel , Gavilán Rosario G.
Published: March 2020

The sensitivity of stomatal behavior and patterning (i.e., distribution, density, size) to environmental stimuli, renders them crucial for defining the physiological performance of leaves. Thus, assessing long-term modifications in stomatal traits in conserved specimens arises as a valuable eco-physiological approach to predict how the rising trend of warmer, drier summers could affect plant fitness; particularly in mountain areas already experiencing climate aggravation and lacking the related monitoring schemes like Mediterranean high-mountains. Variations in foliar and stomatal traits were studied in conserved specimens of Senecio pyrenaicus subsp. carpetanus from Sierra de Guadarrama over the past 71 years. Our findings revealed decreasing trends in leaf width, stomatal size, and increasing tendency in stomatal density, all correlated with the recent 30-year climate exacerbation in these mountains. This evidenced a positive selection favoring traits that allow safeguarding plant performance under drier, hotter weather conditions. The significant relation between stomatal traits and climatic variables upholds the role of stomatal patterning in sensing environmental cues in this species, feasibly optimizing physiological responses involved in the growth–water loss trade-off. The transition to smaller, densely packed stomata observed in recent decades could indicate local-adaptive plasticity in this species, enhancing stomatal response, as coarser environmental conditions take place in Sierra de Guadarrama.
Biodegradation Pattern of Glycopolymer Based on D-Mannose Oligomer and Hydroxypropyl Acrylate
Authors: Pană Ana-Maria , Ordodi Valentin , Rusu Gerlinde , Gherman Vasile , Bandur Geza , Rusnac Lucian-Mircea , Dumitrel Gabriela-Alina
Published: March 2020

Glycopolymers are polymers with sugar moieties which display biodegradable and/or biocompatible character. They have emerged as an environmentally-friendly solution to classical synthetic polymers and have attracted significant research interest in the past years. Herein, we present the synthesis of a D-mannose based glycopolymer with biodegradable features. The glycopolymer was synthesized by radical copolymerization between a D-mannose oligomer bearing polymerizable double bonds and 2-hydroxypropyl acrylate, in a weight ratio of 1:2. The copolymerization kinetics was investigated by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and the activation energy of the process was comparatively assessed by Kissinger–Akahira–Sunose and Flynn–Wall–Ozawa methods. The obtained glycopolymer displayed good thermal behavior, fact proven by thermogravimetrical (TG) analysis and it was submitted to biodegradation inside a bioreactor fed with water from the Bega River as the source of microbial inoculum. The glycopolymer sample degraded by approximately 60% in just 23 days. The biodegradation pattern of the glycopolymer was successfully fitted against a modified sigmoidal exponential function. The kinetic model coefficients and its accuracy were calculated using Matlab and the correlation coefficient is more than promising. The changes inside glycopolymer structure after biodegradation were studied using TG and FTIR analyses, which revealed that the sugar moiety is firstly attacked by the microbial consortia as nutrient source for proliferation.
Conducting Polymer Grafting: Recent and Key Developments
Authors: Maity Nabasmita , Dawn Arnab
Published: March 2020

Since the discovery of conductive polyacetylene, conductive electroactive polymers are at the focal point of technology generation and biocommunication materials. The reasons why this research never stops growing, are twofold: first, the demands from the advanced technology towards more sophistication, precision, durability, processability and cost-effectiveness; and second, the shaping of conducting polymer research in accordance with the above demand. One of the major challenges in conducting polymer research is addressing the processability issue without sacrificing the electroactive properties. Therefore, new synthetic designs and use of post-modification techniques become crucial than ever. This quest is not only advancing the field but also giving birth of new hybrid materials integrating merits of multiple functional motifs. The present review article is an attempt to discuss the recent progress in conducting polymer grafting, which is not entirely new, but relatively lesser developed area for this class of polymers to fine-tune their physicochemical properties. Apart from conventional covalent grafting techniques, non-covalent approach, which is relatively new but has worth creation potential, will also be discussed. The aim is to bring together novel molecular designs and strategies to stimulate the existing conducting polymer synthesis methodologies in order to enrich its fascinating chemistry dedicated toward real-life applications.
Multi-Material 3D Printed Shape Memory Polymer with Tunable Melting and Glass Transition Temperature Activated by Heat or Light
Authors: Sachyani Keneth Ela , Lieberman Rama , Rednor Matthew , Scalet Giulia , Auricchio Ferdinando , Magdassi Shlomo
Published: March 2020

Shape memory polymers are attractive smart materials that have many practical applications and academic interest. Three-dimensional (3D) printable shape memory polymers are of great importance for the fabrication of soft robotic devices due to their ability to build complex 3D structures with desired shapes. We present a 3D printable shape memory polymer, with controlled melting and transition temperature, composed of methacrylated polycaprolactone monomers and N-Vinylcaprolactam reactive diluent. Tuning the ratio between the monomers and the diluents resulted in changes in melting and transition temperatures by 20, and 6 °C, respectively. The effect of the diluent addition on the shape memory behavior and mechanical properties was studied, showing above 85% recovery ratio, and above 90% fixity, when the concentration of the diluent was up to 40 wt %. Finally, we demonstrated multi-material printing of a 3D structure that can be activated locally, at two different temperatures, by two different stimuli; direct heating and light irradiation. The remote light activation was enabled by utilizing a coating of Carbon Nano Tubes (CNTs) as an absorbing material, onto sections of the printed objects.
Comparison of the Foamability of Linear and Long-Chain Branched Polypropylene—The Legend of Strain-Hardening as a Requirement for Good Foamability
Authors: Weingart Nick , Raps Daniel , Lu Mingfu , Endner Lukas , Altstädt Volker
Published: March 2020

Polypropylene (PP) is an outstanding material for polymeric foams due to its favorable mechanical and chemical properties. However, its low melt strength and fast crystallization result in unfavorable foaming properties. Long-chain branching of PP is regarded as a game changer in foaming due to the introduction of strain hardening, which stabilizes the foam morphology. In this work, a thorough characterization with respect to rheology and crystallization characteristics of a linear PP, a PP/PE-block co-polymer, and a long-chain branched PP are conducted. Using these results, the processing window in foam-extrusion trials with CO2 and finally the foam properties are explained. Although only LCB-PP exhibits strain hardening, it neither provide the broadest foaming window nor the best foam quality. Therefore, multiwave experiments were conducted to study the gelation due to crystallization and its influence on foaming. Here, linear PP exhibited a gel-like behavior over a broad time frame, whereas the other two froze quickly. Thus, apart from strain hardening, the crystallization behavior/crystallization kinetics is of utmost importance for foaming in terms of a broad processing window, low-density, and good morphology. Therefore, the question arises, whether strain hardening is really essential for low density foams with a good cellular morphology.
Comparative Structure-Property Characterization of Poly(3-Hydroxybutyrate-Co-3-Hydroxyvalerate)s Films under Hydrolytic and Enzymatic Degradation: Finding a Transition Point in 3-Hydroxyvalerate Content
Authors: Zhuikov Vsevolod A. , Zhuikova Yuliya V. , Makhina Tatiana K. , Myshkina Vera L. , Rusakov Alexey , Useinov Alexey , Voinova Vera V. , Bonartseva Garina A. , Berlin Alexandr A. , Bonartsev Anton P. , Iordanskii Alexey L.
Published: March 2020

The hydrolytic and enzymatic degradation of polymer films of poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (PHB) of different molecular mass and its copolymers with 3-hydroxyvalerate (PHBV) of different 3-hydroxyvalerate (3-HV) content and molecular mass, 3-hydroxy-4-methylvalerate (PHB4MV), and polyethylene glycol (PHBV-PEG) produced by the Azotobacter chroococcum 7B by controlled biosynthesis technique were studied under in vitro model conditions. The changes in the physicochemical properties of the polymers during their in vitro degradation in the pancreatic lipase solution and in phosphate-buffered saline for a long time (183 days) were investigated using different analytical techniques. A mathematical model was used to analyze the kinetics of hydrolytic degradation of poly(3-hydroxyaklannoate)s by not autocatalytic and autocatalytic hydrolysis mechanisms. It was also shown that the degree of crystallinity of some polymers changes differently during degradation in vitro. The total mass of the films decreased slightly up to 8–9% (for the high-molecular weight PHBV with the 3-HV content 17.6% and 9%), in contrast to the copolymer molecular mass, the decrease of which reached 80%. The contact angle for all copolymers after the enzymatic degradation decreased by an average value of 23% compared to 17% after the hydrolytic degradation. Young’s modulus increased up to 2-fold. It was shown that the effect of autocatalysis was observed during enzymatic degradation, while autocatalysis was not available during hydrolytic degradation. During hydrolytic and enzymatic degradation in vitro, it was found that PHBV, containing 5.7–5.9 mol.% 3-HV and having about 50% crystallinity degree, presents critical content, beyond which the structural and mechanical properties of the copolymer have essentially changed. The obtained results could be applicable to biomedical polymer systems and food packaging materials.
Machine Learning-Based Prediction of a BOS Reactor Performance from Operating Parameters
Authors: Rahnama Alireza , Li Zushu , Sridhar Seetharaman
Published: March 2020

A machine learning-based analysis was applied to process data obtained from a Basic Oxygen Steelmaking (BOS) pilot plant. The first purpose was to identify correlations between operating parameters and reactor performance, defined as rate of decarburization (dc/dt). Correlation analysis showed, as expected a strong positive correlation between the rate of decarburization (dc/dt) and total oxygen flow. On the other hand, the decarburization rate exhibited a negative correlation with lance height. Less obviously, the decarburization rate, also showed a positive correlation with temperature of the waste gas and CO2 content in the waste gas. The second purpose was to train the pilot-plant dataset and develop a neural network based regression to predict the decarburization rate. This was used to predict the decarburization rate in a BOS furnace in an actual manufacturing plant based on lance height and total oxygen flow. The performance was satisfactory with a coefficient of determination of 0.98, confirming that the trained model can adequately predict the variation in the decarburization rate (dc/dt) within BOS reactors.
Samaritans in the New Testament
Authors: Böhm Martina
Published: March 2020

Four New Testament writings mention Samaritans and Samaria—Luke–Acts, John, and Matthew. We must consider that all Samaritan texts in the New Testament are based on a historically correct knowledge of the cult of YHWH worshippers in Samaria oriented towards the Gerizim. If the YHWH admirers in Samaria are to be understood as one of the two independent “Israel” denominations that existed in the Palestinian heartland during the post-exilic period, consequently, in John, Matthew, and Luke–Acts, attention is paid to their understanding of the ecclesiological significance of “Israel” and to Christological aspects. Moreover, the authors of the Gospels reflect a semantically young phenomenon, when Σαμαρῖται is understood beyond the ethnicon as a term for a group religiously distinct from Judaism. At the time of Paul, the term “Samaritan” had not yet been established to refer to the religiously defined group. This means that care must be taken when interpreting the term “Israel” and “Israelites” in all Jewish or Jewish-Christian texts written before 70 A.D. This also applies to Paul: when Paul speaks of “Israel”, “Israelites”, and “circumcision”, he could have consciously used inclusive terminology that, in principle, included the (later named) “Samaritans” in the diaspora.
Devotion, a Lamp That Illuminates the Ground: Non-Referential Devotional Affect in Great Completeness
Authors: Ford Renée
Published: March 2020

I explore how devotion (mos gus) is re-interpreted as non-dual and non-conceptual through Mahāyoga tantric creation (skyed) and completion (rdzogs) stage practices as an expression of the ground (bzhi) for Longchenpa (klong chen rab ‘byams, 1308–1364) and Jigme Lingpa (‘jigs med gling pa, 1730–1785). Devotion, a felt-sense, allows for there to be something akin to a residue from these mental constructs that allows for a practitioner to carry over her experience into a later phase of meditation. Firstly, devotion, as an affect is necessarily non-dual because tantra entails pure perception (dag snang). Secondly, I demonstrate that for Longchenpa, tantra is a method that relies on non-conceptual frameworks. Finally, I address how devotion pivots ordinary mind (sems) towards recognizing this ground. Through this progression, there is a profound synchronicity between full-on openness to devotion and the infinitely spacious reality.
Religion and International Relations in the Middle East as a Challenge for International Relations (IR) Studies
Authors: Solarz Anna M.
Published: March 2020

This article addresses the search for religion’s “suitable place” within International Relations (IR), taking as a starting point the social changes in the world (“reflexive modernity”) and the postulated “Mesopotamian turn” in IR. The assumption is that religion is present at each level of IR analysis in the Middle East and, thanks to that, more and more at the international system level. This presence of religion serves to undermine one of the basic assumptions lying at the heart of the modern international order (and therefore also IR), i.e., the so-called “Westphalian presumption”. The author, inter alia, emphasizes how more attention needs to be paid to the “transnational region” constituted by the Middle East—in association with the whole Islamic World. A second postulate entails the need for a restoration of the lost level of analysis in IR, i.e., the level of the human being, for whom religion is—and in the nearest future, will remain—an important dimension of life, in the Middle East in particular. It can also be noted how, within analysis of IR, what corresponds closely to the level referred to is the concept of human security developed via the UN system. The Middle East obliges the researcher to extend considerations to the spiritual dimension of security, as is starting to be realized (inter alia, in the Arab Human Development Reports). It can thus be suggested that, through comparison and contrast with life in societies of the Middle East as it is in practice, religion has been incorporated quite naturally into IR, with this leaving the “Westphalian presumption” undermined at the same time. The consequences of that for the whole discipline may be considerable, but much will depend on researchers themselves, who may or may not take up the challenge posed.