bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Epigenetic and Transcriptional Control of the Opioid Prodynorphine Gene: In-Depth Analysis in the Human Brain
Authors: Nosova Olga , Bazov Igor , Karpyak Victor , Hallberg Mathias , Bakalkin Georgy
Published: June 2021

Neuropeptides serve as neurohormones and local paracrine regulators that control neural networks regulating behavior, endocrine system and sensorimotor functions. Their expression is characterized by exceptionally restricted profiles. Circuit-specific and adaptive expression of neuropeptide genes may be defined by transcriptional and epigenetic mechanisms controlled by cell type and subtype sequence-specific transcription factors, insulators and silencers. The opioid peptide dynorphins play a critical role in neurological and psychiatric disorders, pain processing and stress, while their mutations cause profound neurodegeneration in the human brain. In this review, we focus on the prodynorphin gene as a model for the in-depth epigenetic and transcriptional analysis of expression of the neuropeptide genes. Prodynorphin studies may provide a framework for analysis of mechanisms relevant for regulation of neuropeptide genes in normal and pathological human brain.
The Investigation on Ultrafast Pulse Formation in a Tm–Ho-Codoped Mode-Locking Fiber Oscillator
Authors: Shang Jingcheng , Liu Yizhou , Zhao Shengzhi , Zhao Yuefeng , Song Yuzhi , Li Tao , Feng Tianli
Published: June 2021

We experimentally investigate the formation of various pulses from a thulium–holmium (Tm–Ho)-codoped nonlinear polarization rotation (NPR) mode-locking fiber oscillator. The ultrafast fiber oscillator can simultaneously operate in the noise-like and soliton mode-locking regimes with two different emission wavelengths located around 1947 and 2010 nm, which are believed to be induced from the laser transition of Tm3+ and Ho3+ ions respectively. When the noise-like pulse (NLP) and soliton pulse (SP) co-exist inside the laser oscillator, a maximum output power of 295 mW is achieved with a pulse repetition rate of 19.85-MHz, corresponding to a total single pulse energy of 14.86 nJ. By adjusting the wave plates, the fiber oscillator could also deliver the dual-NLPs or dual-SPs at dual wavelengths, or single NLP and single SP at one wavelength. The highest 61-order harmonic soliton pulse and 33.4-nJ-NLP are also realized respectively with proper design of the fiber cavity.
Pyrrolizidine-Derived Alkaloids: Highly Toxic Components in the Seeds of Crotalaria cleomifolia Used in Popular Beverages in Madagascar
Authors: Solofomalala Anjaramampionona Henintsoa Duvale , Rajemiarimoelisoa Clara Fredeline , Judicael Randriamampianina Lovarintsoa , Randrianarivo Hanitra Ranjana , Rakoto Danielle Aurore Doll , Jeannoda Victor Louis , Boumendjel Ahcène
Published: June 2021

Seeds of Crotalaria cleomifolia (Fabaceae) are consumed in Madagascar in preparation of popular beverages. The investigation of extracts from the seeds of this species revealed the presence of high amounts of alkaloids from which two pyrrolizidine-derived alkaloids were isolated. One of them was fully characterized by spectroscopic and spectrometric methods, which was found to be usaramine. Owing to the high toxicity of these alkaloids, issuing a strong warning among populations consuming the seeds of Crotalaria cleomifolia must be considered.
Understanding the Effects of Crosslinking and Reinforcement Agents on the Performance and Durability of Biopolymer Films for Cultural Heritage Protection
Authors: Infurna Giulia , Cavallaro Giuseppe , Lazzara Giuseppe , Milioto Stefana , Dintcheva Nadka Tzankova
Published: June 2021

In the last two decades, the naturally occurring polysaccharides, such as chitosan and pectin, have gained great attention having potential applications in different sectors, from biomedical to new generation packaging. Currently, the chitosan and pectic have been proposed as suitable materials also for the formulation of films and coatings for cultural heritage protection, as well as packaging films. Therefore, the formulation of biopolymer films, considering only naturally occurring polymers and additives, is a current challenging trend. This work reports on the formulation of chitosan (CS), pectin (PC), and chitosan:pectin (CS:PC) films, also containing natural crosslinking and reinforcement agents, such as citric acid (CA) and halloysite nanotubes (HNT), through the solvent casting technique. The produced films are characterized through water contact angle measurements, infrared and UV–visible spectroscopy and tensile test, while the durability of the CS:PC films is evaluated subjecting the film to accelerated UVB exposure and monitoring the photo-oxidation degradation in time though infrared spectroscopy. All obtained results suggest that both crosslinking and reinforcement agents have beneficial effects on the wettability, rigidity, and photo-oxidation resistance of biopolymer films. Therefore, these biopolymer films, also containing naturally occurring additives, have good properties and performance and they are suitable as coverage films for cultural heritage protection.
Unveiling Putative Functions of Mucus Proteins and Their Tryptic Peptides in Seven Gastropod Species Using Comparative Proteomics and Machine Learning-Based Bioinformatics Predictions
Authors: Tachapuripunya Viroj , Roytrakul Sittiruk , Chumnanpuen Pramote , E-kobon Teerasak
Published: June 2021

Gastropods are among the most diverse animals. Gastropod mucus contains several glycoproteins and peptides that vary by species and habitat. Some bioactive peptides from gastropod mucus were identified only in a few species. Therefore, using biochemical, mass spectrometric, and bioinformatics approaches, this study aimed to comprehensively identify putative bioactive peptides from the mucus proteomes of seven commonly found or commercially valuable gastropods. The mucus was collected in triplicate samples, and the proteins were separated by 1D-SDS-PAGE before tryptic digestion and peptide identification by nano LC-MS/MS. The mucus peptides were subsequently compared with R scripts. A total of 2818 different peptides constituting 1634 proteins from the mucus samples were identified, and 1218 of these peptides (43%) were core peptides found in the mucus of all examined species. Clustering and correspondence analyses of 1600 variable peptides showed unique mucous peptide patterns for each species. The high-throughput k-nearest neighbor and random forest-based prediction programs were developed with more than 95% averaged accuracy and could identify 11 functional categories of putative bioactive peptides and 268 peptides (9.5%) with at least five to seven bioactive properties. Antihypertensive, drug-delivering, and antiparasitic peptides were predominant. These peptides provide an understanding of gastropod mucus, and the putative bioactive peptides are expected to be experimentally validated for further medical, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic applications.
From Residues to Added-Value Bacterial Biopolymers as Nanomaterials for Biomedical Applications
Authors: Blanco Francisco G. , Hernández Natalia , Rivero-Buceta Virginia , Maestro Beatriz , Sanz Jesús M. , Mato Aránzazu , Hernández-Arriaga Ana M. , Prieto M. Auxiliadora
Published: June 2021

Bacterial biopolymers are naturally occurring materials comprising a wide range of molecules with diverse chemical structures that can be produced from renewable sources following the principles of the circular economy. Over the last decades, they have gained substantial interest in the biomedical field as drug nanocarriers, implantable material coatings, and tissue-regeneration scaffolds or membranes due to their inherent biocompatibility, biodegradability into nonhazardous disintegration products, and their mechanical properties, which are similar to those of human tissues. The present review focuses upon three technologically advanced bacterial biopolymers, namely, bacterial cellulose (BC), polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA), and γ-polyglutamic acid (PGA), as models of different carbon-backbone structures (polysaccharides, polyesters, and polyamides) produced by bacteria that are suitable for biomedical applications in nanoscale systems. This selection models evidence of the wide versatility of microorganisms to generate biopolymers by diverse metabolic strategies. We highlight the suitability for applied sustainable bioprocesses for the production of BC, PHA, and PGA based on renewable carbon sources and the singularity of each process driven by bacterial machinery. The inherent properties of each polymer can be fine-tuned by means of chemical and biotechnological approaches, such as metabolic engineering and peptide functionalization, to further expand their structural diversity and their applicability as nanomaterials in biomedicine.
Stretchable Transparent Light-Emitting Diodes Based on InGaN/GaN Quantum Well Microwires and Carbon Nanotube Films
Authors: Kochetkov Fedor M. , Neplokh Vladimir , Mastalieva Viktoria A. , Mukhangali Sungat , Vorob’ev Aleksandr A. , Uvarov Aleksandr V. , Komissarenko Filipp E. , Mitin Dmitry M. , Kapoor Akanksha , Eymery Joel , Amador-Mendez Nuño , Durand Christophe , Krasnikov Dmitry , Nasibulin Albert G. , Tchernycheva Maria , Mukhin Ivan S.
Published: June 2021

We propose and demonstrate both flexible and stretchable blue light-emitting diodes based on core/shell InGaN/GaN quantum well microwires embedded in polydimethylsiloxane membranes with strain-insensitive transparent electrodes involving single-walled carbon nanotubes. InGaN/GaN core-shell microwires were grown by metal-organic vapor phase epitaxy, encapsulated into a polydimethylsiloxane film, and then released from the growth substrate. The fabricated free-standing membrane of light-emitting diodes with contacts of single-walled carbon nanotube films can stand up to 20% stretching while maintaining efficient operation. Membrane-based LEDs show less than 15% degradation of electroluminescence intensity after 20 cycles of stretching thus opening an avenue for highly deformable inorganic devices.
Stable and Durable Conductive Superhydrophobic Coatings Prepared by Double-Layer Spray Coating Method
Authors: Liu Xiang , Chen Kai , Zhang Dekun , Guo Zhiguang
Published: June 2021

Herein, a low cost, durable, and stable conductive superhydrophobic composite coating (CSC coating) was fabricated on a Q345 steel surface by simple double-layer spray coating. The water contact angle (WCA) of the CSC coating was 160° and the sliding angle (SA) was 3°. In addition to its excellent conductivity (3.10 × 103 Ω), the fabricated composite coating had good durability and wear resistance. After 10 sand-washing cycles, the CSC coating surface still exhibited stable superhydrophobicity (149° WCA, 9.5° SA). At 200 g pressure, the surface of the optimized CSC coating still maintained fine superhydrophobicity (150° WCA, 9.2° SA) and conductivity (1.86 × 104 Ω) after 10 abrasion cycles. In addition, it also exhibited fine adhesion (0.307 MPa) between the composite coating and the substrate. This functional superhydrophobic surface can be applied in specialty fields with harsh conditions such as coal mining and petrochemical activities. This new coating may also expand the application fields of superhydrophobic surfaces and have broad practical application prospects.
Neonatal Hyperglycemia Related to Parenteral Nutrition Affects Long-Term Neurodevelopment in Preterm Newborn: A Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Boscarino Giovanni , Conti Maria Giulia , Gasparini Corinna , Onestà Elisa , Faccioli Francesca , Dito Lucia , Regoli Daniela , Spalice Alberto , Parisi Pasquale , Terrin Gianluca
Published: June 2021

(1) Background: Recent evidence reported a reduced tolerance of macronutrient parenteral intakes in subjects in critically ill conditions. We designed a prospective cohort study to evaluate the effects of hyperglycemia (HG) related to parenteral nutrition (PN) on neurodevelopment (NDV) in survived preterm newborns. (2) Methods: Enrolled newborns with gestational age < 32 weeks or birth weight < 1500 g, were divided in two cohorts: (A) exposed to moderate or severe HG (glucose blood level > 180 mg/dL) in the first week of life; (B) not exposed to HG. We considered as the primary outcome the rate of preterm newborns survived without NDV delay at 24 months of life, evaluated with Bayley Scales of Infants Development III edition. (3) Results: We analyzed 108 (A 32 vs. B 76) at 24 months of life. Newborns in cohort A showed a higher rate of cognitive and motor delay (A 44% vs. B 22 %, p = 0.024; A 38% vs. B 8%, p < 0.001). When adjusting for background characteristics, HG remained a risk factor for motor delay. (4) Conclusions: High nutritional intakes through PN soon after birth increase the risk of HG. The consequences of this severe metabolic complication affect long-term NDV and survival in preterm newborns.
Factors Influencing Breast Milk Fat Loss during Administration in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit
Authors: Paulsson Mattias , Jacobsson Lena , Ahlsson Fredrik
Published: June 2021

The objective of this study was to investigate factors influencing fat loss during tube feeding of breast milk to preterm infants. An experimental study with 81 feeding simulations was performed, with nine continuous infusions in each of six modalities: Horizontal Higher, Horizontal Matched, Horizontal Lower, Tilted Higher, Tilted Matched, and Tilted Lower, and for comparison, 27 bolus feedings: nine flushed with air, nine with water, and nine that were not flushed, done at matched height. Each simulation utilized 16 mL of breast milk given over four hours. Continuous infusions were given with a flow rate of 4 mL/h. Bolus was given as 8 mL over the course of 15–20 min every other hour. Analysis for fat, true protein, carbohydrate, total solids, and energy was performed before and after each simulation. The percent of macronutrient loss was compared between all simulations. Continuous infusion resulted in an average fat loss of 40%. Bolus feedings resulted in an average fat loss of 11% (p ≤ 0.001). Considerable fat loss is seen during continuous tube feeding. Neither height in relation to the infant nor tilting of the pump reduce fat loss. To limit fat loss, the bolus feeding method should be utilized.
Effects of Palm Stearin versus Butter in the Context of Low-Carbohydrate/High-Fat and High-Carbohydrate/Low-Fat Diets on Circulating Lipids in a Controlled Feeding Study in Healthy Humans
Authors: Hyde Parker , Sapper Teryn , LaFountain Richard , Kackley Madison , Buga Alex , Fell Brandon , Crabtree Christopher , Phinney Stephen , Miller Vincent , King Sarah , Krauss Ronald , Kraemer William , Volek Jeff
Published: June 2021

Background. Foods rich in saturated fatty acids (SFAs) have been discouraged by virtue of their cholesterol-raising potential, but this effect is modulated by the food source and background level of carbohydrate. Objective. We aimed to compare the consumption of palm stearin (PS) versus butter on circulating cholesterol responses in the setting of both a low-carbohydrate/high-fat (LC/HF) and high-carbohydrate/low-fat (HC/LF) diet in healthy subjects. We also explored effects on plasma lipoprotein particle distribution and fatty acid composition. Methods. We performed a randomized, controlled-feeding, cross-over study that compared a PS- versus a Butter-based diet in a group of normocholesterolemic, non-obese adults. A controlled canola oil-based ‘Run-In’ diet preceded the experimental PS and Butter diets. All diets were eucaloric, provided for 3-weeks, and had the same macronutrient distribution but varied in primary fat source (40% of the total fat). The same Run-In and cross-over experiments were done in two separate groups who self-selected to either a LC/HF (n = 12) or a HC/LF (n = 12) diet track. The primary outcomes were low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein (HDL)-C, triglycerides, and LDL particle distribution. Results. Compared to PS, Butter resulted in higher LDL-C in both the LC/HF (13.4%, p = 0.003) and HC/LF (10.8%, p = 0.002) groups, which was primarily attributed to large LDL I and LDL IIa particles. There were no differences between PS and Butter in HDL-C, triglycerides, or small LDL particles. Oxidized LDL was lower after PS than Butter in LC/HF (p = 0.011), but not the HC/LF group. Conclusions. These results demonstrate that Butter raises LDL-C relative to PS in healthy normocholesterolemic adults regardless of background variations in carbohydrate and fat, an effect primarily attributed to larger cholesterol-rich LDL particles.
Carotenoids in the Management of Glaucoma: A Systematic Review of the Evidence
Authors: Lem Drake W. , Gierhart Dennis L. , Davey Pinakin Gunvant
Published: June 2021

Primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) remains a leading cause of irreversible blindness globally. Recent evidence further substantiates sustained oxidative stress, and compromised antioxidant defenses are key drivers in the onset of glaucomatous neurodegeneration. Overwhelming oxidative injury is likely attributed to compounding mitochondrial dysfunction that worsens with age-related processes, causing aberrant formation of free radical species. Thus, a compromised systemic antioxidant capacity exacerbates further oxidative insult in glaucoma, leading to apoptosis, neuroinflammation, and subsequent tissue injury. The purpose of this systematic review is to investigate the neuroprotective benefits of the macular carotenoids lutein, zeaxanthin, and meso-zeaxanthin on glaucomatous neurodegeneration for the purpose of adjunctive nutraceutical treatment in glaucoma. A comprehensive literature search was conducted in three databases (PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science) and 20 records were identified for screening. Lutein demonstrated enhanced neuroprotection on retinal ganglion cell survival and preserved synaptic activity. In clinical studies, a protective trend was seen with greater dietary consumption of carotenoids and risk of glaucoma, while greater carotenoid levels in macular pigment were largely associated with improved visual performance in glaucomatous eyes. The data suggest that carotenoid vitamin therapy exerts synergic neuroprotective benefits and has the capacity to serve adjunctive therapy in the management of glaucoma.
Subcutaneous Craniofacial Emphysema Following Endodontic Treatment: Case Report with Literature Review
Authors: D’Agostino Silvia , Dolci Marco
Published: June 2021

Subcutaneous emphysema is a well-known and recognized complication in oral surgery, due to high pressure rotating instrument use, mostly related to impacted tooth surgery. Although root canal treatment in endodontic therapy is considered as a safe and standard procedure, affected by a low incidence of complication, subcutaneous emphysema due to the choice of mechanical tools or as a consequence of the use of air stream to dry the operating field should be considered as a potential cause. The air can spread through soft tissue from the apex or from an iatrogenic root perforation, suddenly leading to this unusual complication. It is very important for a dental practitioner to promptly identify the adverse event and to know how to manage this situation. We report a case of a 57-year-old woman with immediate subcutaneous cervicofacial emphysema after root canal therapy of the right inferior second premolar and its management. A brief review of the literature is also displayed.
Short-Term Efficacy and Safety of Oral and Nasal Corticosteroids in COVID-19 Patients with Olfactory Dysfunction: A European Multicenter Study
Authors: Saussez Sven , Vaira Luigi , Chiesa-Estomba Carlos , Le Bon Serge , Horoi Mihaela , Deiana Giovanna , Petrocelli Marzia , Boelpaep Philippe , Salzano Giovanni , Khalife Mohamad , Hans Stephane , De Riu Giacomo , Hopkins Claire , Lechien Jerome
Published: June 2021

Background: The objective of this study was to investigate the efficacy and safety of early administration of oral corticosteroids (OC) or nasal corticosteroids (NC) as an add-on to olfactory training (OT) versus OT alone in patients with olfactory dysfunction (OD) related to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Methods: Patients with a positive diagnosis of COVID-19 and OD were prospectively recruited from March 22 to December 15, 2020 from 4 European hospitals. Patients had confirmed OD on psychophysical testing. All patients undertook OT, with add-on 10 days of OC (group 1: OC + OT), or 1 month of NC (group 2: NC + OT) or olfactory training alone (group 3: OT). Olfactory evaluations (Sniffin’Sticks tests) were carried out at the time of inclusion, 1 and 2 months after the start of the therapeutic course. Results: A total of 152 hyposmic or anosmic patients completed the study. Group 1, 2 and 3 included 59, 22 and 71 patients, respectively and all patient groups were comparable regarding baseline Sniffin’Sticks tests. The median Sniffin’Sticks test values significantly improved from pre- to post-intervention in all groups. The increase of Sniffin’Sticks test values was higher in group 1 (OC + OT) compared with groups 2 and 3 (p < 0.001) at one month after treatment but did not remain so at 2 months. Groups 1, 2 and 3, respectively, presented parosmia in 20/71 (28.2%), 9/22 (40.9%) and 42/71 (59.2%) patients. This difference was statistically significant between group 1 and 3 (p < 0.001). There were no patients with a worsening of the disease or an increase of the severity of the COVID-19 symptoms. Conclusions: The use of OCs in patients with OD related to mild COVID-19 is generally well-tolerated without any case of deterioration of symptoms. OC is associated with greater improvement in psychophysical olfactory evaluations at 1-month post-treatment but there was no difference at 2 months. Parosmia may be reduced following treatment with OC and NC. On the basis of these preliminary results, it is possible to state that considering the 2 months efficacy of OC and NC with respect to the OT alone and the risk-benefit ratio, the benefit to start a specific treatment of COVID-19 related OD cannot be demonstrated and there is a need for a randomised controlled trial to assess this further.
Long-Term Persistence of Anti-SARS-CoV-2 Antibodies in a Pediatric Population
Authors: Méndez-Echevarría Ana , Sainz Talía , Falces-Romero Iker , de Felipe Beatriz , Escolano Lucia , Alcolea Sonia , Pertiñez Lidia , Neth Olaf , Calvo Cristina
Published: June 2021

Background: Antibody dynamics over time after SARS-CoV-2 infection are still unclear, and data regarding children are scarce. Methods: A prospective cohort study was performed including children infected by SARS-CoV-2 between March and May 2020. Patients were categorized into 3 groups: children admitted with COVID-19; outpatient children with mild COVID-19; and seropositive children participating in a seroprevalence study among cohabitants of infected healthcare workers (HCWs). Six months after the infection, a new serological control was performed. Results: A total of 58 children were included, 50% male (median age 8.3 [IQR 2.8–13.5] years). The median time between the two serological studies was 186 (IQR 176–192) days, and 86% (48/56) of the children maintained positive IgG six months after the infection. This percentage was 100% in admitted patients and 78% among the rest of the included children (p = 0.022). The diagnoses of lower respiratory tract infection and multisystemic inflammatory syndrome were associated with persistence of IgG (p = 0.035). The children of HCWs in the seroprevalence study lost antibodies more often (p = 0.017). Initial IgG titers of the children who remained positive six months after the infection were significantly higher (p = 0.008). Conclusions: Most children infected by SARS-CoV-2 maintain a positive serological response six months after the infection. Those children who lost their IgG titer were more frequently asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic, presenting with low antibody titers after the infection.
Endosymbiont Capture, a Repeated Process of Endosymbiont Transfer with Replacement in Trypanosomatids Angomonas spp.
Authors: Skalický Tomáš , Alves João M. P. , Morais Anderson C. , Režnarová Jana , Butenko Anzhelika , Lukeš Julius , Serrano Myrna G. , Buck Gregory A. , Teixeira Marta M. G. , Camargo Erney P. , Sanders Mandy , Cotton James A. , Yurchenko Vyacheslav , Kostygov Alexei Y.
Published: June 2021

Trypanosomatids of the subfamily Strigomonadinae bear permanent intracellular bacterial symbionts acquired by the common ancestor of these flagellates. However, the cospeciation pattern inherent to such relationships was revealed to be broken upon the description of Angomonas ambiguus, which is sister to A. desouzai, but bears an endosymbiont genetically close to that of A. deanei. Based on phylogenetic inferences, it was proposed that the bacterium from A. deanei had been horizontally transferred to A. ambiguus. Here, we sequenced the bacterial genomes from two A. ambiguus isolates, including a new one from Papua New Guinea, and compared them with the published genome of the A. deanei endosymbiont, revealing differences below the interspecific level. Our phylogenetic analyses confirmed that the endosymbionts of A. ambiguus were obtained from A. deanei and, in addition, demonstrated that this occurred more than once. We propose that coinfection of the same blowfly host and the phylogenetic relatedness of the trypanosomatids facilitate such transitions, whereas the drastic difference in the occurrence of the two trypanosomatid species determines the observed direction of this process. This phenomenon is analogous to organelle (mitochondrion/plastid) capture described in multicellular organisms and, thereafter, we name it endosymbiont capture.
Equid herpesvirus-1 Distribution in Equine Lymphoid and Neural Tissues 70 Days Post Infection
Authors: Samoilowa Susanna , Giessler Kim S. , Torres Carlos E. Medina , Hussey Gisela Soboll , Allum Allison , Fux Robert , Jerke Christin , Kiupel Matti , Matiasek Kaspar , Sledge Dodd G. , Goehring Lutz S.
Published: June 2021

Equid herpesvirus-1 (EHV-1) causes respiratory disease, abortion and myeloencephalopathy in horses worldwide. As member of the Alphaherpesvirinae, latency is key to EHV-1 epidemiology. EHV-1 latent infection has been detected in the trigeminal ganglion (TG), respiratory associated lymphoid tissue (RALT) and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) but additional locations are likely. The aim of this study was to investigate the distribution of viral DNA throughout the equine body. Twenty-five horses divided into three groups were experimentally infected via intranasal instillation with one of three EHV-1 viruses and euthanized on Day 70, post infection. During necropsy, TG, various sympathetic/parasympathetic ganglia of head, neck, thorax and abdomen, spinal cord dorsal root ganglia, RALT, mesenteric lymph nodes, spleen and PBMC of each horse were collected. Genomic viral loads and L-(late) gene transcriptional activity in each tissue and PBMC were measured using qPCR. In addition, immunohistochemistry (IHC) was applied on neural parenchyma tissue sections. EHV-1 DNA was detected in many neural and lymphoid tissue sections, but not in PBMC. L-gene transcriptional activity was not detected in any sample, and translational activity was not apparent on IHC. Tissue tropism differed between the Ab4 wild type and the two mutant viruses.
Fundamentals of Lossless, Reciprocal Bianisotropic Metasurface Design
Authors: Szymanski Luke , Raeker Brian O. , Lin Chun-Wen , Grbic Anthony
Published: June 2021

Lossless, reciprocal bianisotropic metasurfaces have the ability to control the amplitude, phase, and polarization of electromagnetic wavefronts. However, producing the responses that are necessary for achieving this control with physically realizable surfaces is a challenging task. Here, several design approaches for bianisotropic metasurfaces are reviewed that produce physically realizable metasurfaces using cascaded impedance sheets. In practice, three or four impedance sheets are often used to realize bianisotropic responses, which can result in narrowband designs that require the unit cells to be optimized in order to improve the performance of the metasurface. The notion of a metasurface quality factor is introduced for three-sheet metasurfaces to address these issues in a systematic manner. It is shown that the quality factor can be used to predict the bandwidth of a homogeneous metasurface, and it can also be used to locate problematic unit cells when designing inhomogeneous metasurfaces. Several design examples are provided to demonstrate the utility of the quality factor, including an impedance matching layer with maximal bandwidth and a gradient metasurface for plane wave refraction. In addition to these examples, several metasurfaces for polarization control are also reported, including an isotropic polarization rotator and an asymmetric circular polarizer.
Compact Photonic Crystal Polarization Beam Splitter Based on the Self-Collimation Effect
Authors: Tang Geyu , Huang Huamao , Liu Yuqi , Wang Hong
Published: June 2021

We propose a new compact polarization beam splitter based on the self-collimation effect of two-dimensional photonic crystals and photonic bandgap characteristics. The device is composed of a rectangular air holes-based polarization beam splitting structure and circular air holes-based self-collimating structure. By inserting the polarization beam splitting structure into the self-collimating structure, the TE and TM polarized lights are orthogonally separated at their junction. When the number of rows in the hypotenuse of the inserted rectangular holes is 5, the transmittance of TE polarized light at 1550 nm is 95.4% and the corresponding polarization extinction ratio is 23 dB; on the other hand, the transmittance of TM polarized light is 88.5% and the corresponding polarization extinction ratio is 37 dB. For TE and TM polarized lights covering a 100 nm bandwidth, the TE and TM polarization extinction ratios are higher than 18 dB and 30 dB, respectively. Compared with the previous polarization beam splitters, our structure is simple, the size is small, and the extinction ratio is high, which meets the needs of modern optical communications, optical interconnection, and optical integrated systems.
Development of a Temperature-Controlled Optical Planar Waveguide Sensor with Lossy Mode Resonance for Refractive Index Measurement
Authors: Lin Yu-Cheng , Chen Liang-Yü
Published: June 2021

The generation of lossy mode resonances (LMR) with a metallic oxide film deposited on an optical fiber has attracted the attention of many applications. However, an LMR-based optical fiber sensor is frangible, and therefore it does not allow control of the temperature and is not suited to mass production. This paper aims to develop a temperature-controlled lossy mode resonance (TC-LMR) sensor on an optical planar waveguide with an active temperature control function in which an ITO film is not only used as the LMR resonance but also to provide the heating function to achieve the benefits of compact size and active temperature control. A simple flat model about the heat transfer mechanism is proposed to determine the heating time constant for the applied voltages. The TC-LMR sensor is evaluated experimentally for refractive index measurement using a glycerol solution. The heating temperature functions relative to the controlled voltages for water and glycerol are obtained to verify the performance of the TC-LMR sensor. The TC-LMR sensor is a valuable sensing device that can be used in clinical testing and point of care for programming heating with precise temperature control.
Digital Holographic Interferometry for the Measurement of Symmetrical Temperature Fields in Liquids
Authors: Cubreli Gramoz , Psota Pavel , Dančová Petra , Lédl Vít , Vít Tomáš
Published: June 2021

In this paper, we present a method of quantitatively measuring in real-time the dynamic temperature field change and visualization of volumetric temperature fields generated by a 2D axial-symmetric heated fluid from a pulsatile jet in a water tank through off-axis digital holographic interferometry. A Mach-Zehnder interferometer on portable platform was built for the experimental investigation. The pulsatile jet was submerged in a water tank and fed with water with higher temperature. Tomographic approach was used to reconstruct the temperature fields through the Abel Transform and the filtered back-projection. Averaged results, tomographic view, standard deviation and errors are presented. The presented results reveal digital holographic interferometry as a powerful technique to visualize temperature fields in flowing liquids and gases.
Electromagnetic Wave Scattering from a Moving Medium with Stationary Interface across the Interluminal Regime
Authors: Deck-Léger Zoé-Lise , Zheng Xuezhi , Caloz Christophe
Published: June 2021

This paper extends current knowledge on electromagnetic wave scattering from bounded moving media in several regards. First, it complements the usual dispersion relation of moving media, ω(θk) (θk: phase velocity direction, associated with the wave vector, k), with the equally important impedance relation, η(θS) (θS: group velocity direction, associated with the Poynting vector, S). Second, it explains the interluminal-regime phenomenon of double-downstream wave transmission across a stationary interface between a regular medium and the moving medium, assuming motion perpendicular to the interface, and shows that the related waves are symmetric in terms of the energy refraction angle, while being asymmetric in terms of the phase refraction angle, with one of the waves subject to negative refraction, and shows that the wave impedances of the two transmitted waves are equal. Third, it generalizes the problem to the case where the medium moves obliquely with respect to the interface. Finally, it highlights the connection between this problem and a spacetime modulated medium.
Holographic Display System to Suppress Speckle Noise Based on Beam Shaping
Authors: Wang Di , Zheng Yi-Wei , Li Nan-Nan , Wang Qiong-Hua
Published: June 2021

In this paper, a holographic system to suppress the speckle noise is proposed. Two spatial light modulators (SLMs) are used in the system, one of which is used for beam shaping, and the other is used for reproducing the image. By calculating the effective viewing angle of the reconstructed image, the effective hologram and the effective region of the SLM are calculated accordingly. Then, the size of the diffractive optical element (DOE) is calculated accordingly. The dynamic DOEs and effective hologram are loaded on the effective regions of the two SLMs, respectively, while the wasted areas of the two SLMs are performed with zero-padded operations. When the laser passes through the first SLM, the light can be modulated by the effective DOEs. When the modulated beam illuminates the second SLM which is loaded with the effective hologram, the image is reconstructed with better quality and lower speckle noise. Moreover, the calculation time of the hologram is reduced. Experiments indicate the validity of the proposed system.
Effect of Individual, Simultaneous and Sequential Inoculation of Pseudomonas fluorescens and Meloidogyne incognita on Growth, Biochemical, Enzymatic and Nonenzymatic Antioxidants of Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.)
Authors: Noureldeen Ahmed , Asif Mohd , Ansari Taruba , Khan Faryad , Shariq Mohammad , Ahmad Faheem , Mfarrej Manar Fawzi Bani , Khan Amir , Tariq Moh , Siddiqui Mansoor Ahmad , Al-Barty Amal , Darwish Hadeer
Published: June 2021

This study was conducted on tomato (Solanum lycopersicum cv. K-21) to investigate the bioprotective nature of Pseudomonas fluorescens and its interactive effects with Meloidogyne incognita in terms of growth biomarkers, changes in biochemical attributes and modulation in antioxidant enzymes of the tomato plant. In this study, we grew tomato plants with M. incognita and P. fluorescens in separate pots, simultaneously and sequentially (15 days prior or post) after 15 days of seed sowing. The sequential inoculation of Mi15→Pf maximally increased the root-knot index and decreased the nematode population. It was also noted that inoculation suppressed the plant growth biomarkers in comparison to control. However, maximum suppression in nematode reproduction and increment in growth and physiological attributes were observed when P. fluorescens was applied 15 days prior to the nematode (Pf15→Mi) as compared to control. All the treatments showed an increase in antioxidant enzymes. Expression of phenol content and defensive enzymes such as peroxidase (POX) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) increased, in contrast to a significant reduction in malondialdehyde (MDA) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) contents when compared with the untreated inoculated plants. However, the highest levels of POX and SOD, and a lowest of phenol, MDA and H2O2 were displayed in the treatment Pf15→Mi, followed by Mi+Pf and Mi15→Pf.
Evaluation of Mouthwash Containing Citrus hystrix DC., Moringa oleifera Lam. and Azadirachta indica A. Juss. Leaf Extracts on Dental Plaque and Gingivitis
Authors: Buakaew Watunyoo , Sranujit Rungnapa Pankla , Noysang Chanai , Sangouam Supaporn , Suphrom Nungruthai , Thongsri Yordhathai , Potup Pachuen , Usuwanthim Kanchana
Published: June 2021

Oral hygiene and control of microbial plaque biofilm formation are effective methods for preventing gingivitis. Mouthwashes containing leaf extracts of the medicinal plants Citrus hystrix DC. (KL), Moringa oleifera Lam. (MO) and Azadirachta indica A. Juss. (NE) were assessed for oral healthcare and gingivitis adjunctive treatment. Three types of mouthwash were developed; KL, a combination of KL and MO (KL + MO), and a combination of KL, and NE (KL + NE). The mouthwashes were tested in vivo on 47 subjects with gingivitis who were allocated into five groups as (i) placebo, (ii) KL, (iii) KL + MO, (iv) KL + NE, and (v) 0.12% chlorhexidine gluconate (CHX). Participants were instructed to rinse with herbal mouthwash twice daily for two weeks. Gingival index (GI), plaque index (PI), and oral microbial colonies were measured at baseline and 15 days. Results showed that GI and PI of groups (ii)–(iv) significantly decreased over the placebo group, while accumulative reduction percentages of both Staphylococcus spp. and Candida spp. were found in groups (iii) and (iv). Findings indicated that the herbal mouthwashes reduced GI and PI, and showed potential as oral healthcare products.
Calligonum polygonoides L. as Novel Source of Bioactive Compounds in Hot Arid Regions: Evaluation of Phytochemical Composition and Antioxidant Activity
Authors: Berwal Mukesh K. , Haldhar Shravan M. , Ram Chet , Shil Sandip , Kumar Ramesh , Gora Jagan S. , Singh Dhurendra , Samadia Dilip K. , Kumar Manoj , Mekhemar Mohamed
Published: June 2021

Calligonum polygonoides L. (Phog) is an endemic perennial herb that is highly resistant to all type of abiotic stresses and dominant biomass as well as phytochemicals producer in its natural habitat of the “Thar Desert” of Rajasthan, India. The present study was conducted to evaluate the effect of extreme environmental conditions on the phenolic, flavonoids, tannin content, and total antioxidant activities of C. polygonoides foliage harvested during different months. It exhibited a significant variation in the content of phenolic compounds, flavonoids, tannins, and antioxidant activity with harvesting time and all parameters are positively correlated to each other. The highest phenolic compounds and antioxidant activity was observed during severe winter and summer months, when monthly average environmental temperature was lowest and highest of the year, respectively. On the basis of the results, two harvests of C. polygonoides foliage during June and December are advised to maximize the phenolic compound production with highest antioxidant activity. These results demonstrate C. polygonoides, which is a dominant biomass producer under the harsh climatic conditions, can be an important source for the development of the functional foods rich in antioxidants in hot arid regions.
Emergence of Polymeric Material Utilising Sustainable Radiation Curable Palm Oil-Based Products for Advanced Technology Applications
Authors: Tajau Rida , Rohani Rosiah , Alias Mohd Sofian , Mudri Nurul Huda , Abdul Halim Khairul Azhar , Harun Mohd Hamzah , Mat Isa Naurah , Che Ismail Rosley , Muhammad Faisal Sharilla , Talib Marina , Rawi Mohamed Zin Muhammad , Izni Yusoff Izzati , Khairul Zaman Nadiah , Asyila Ilias Iqma
Published: June 2021

In countries that are rich with oil palm, the use of palm oil to produce bio-based acrylates and polyol can be the most eminent raw materials used for developing new and advanced natural polymeric materials involving radiation technique, like coating resins, nanoparticles, scaffold, nanocomposites, and lithography for different branches of the industry. The presence of hydrocarbon chains, carbon double bonds, and ester bonds in palm oil allows it to open up the possibility of fine-tuning its unique structures in the development of novel materials. Cross-linking, reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT), polymerization, grafting, and degradation are among the radiation mechanisms triggered by gamma, electron beam, ultraviolet, or laser irradiation sources. These radiation techniques are widely used in the development of polymeric materials because they are considered as the most versatile, inexpensive, easy, and effective methods. Therefore, this review summarized and emphasized on several recent studies that have reported on emerging radiation processing technologies for the production of radiation curable palm oil-based polymeric materials with a promising future in certain industries and biomedical applications. This review also discusses the rich potential of biopolymeric materials for advanced technology applications.
Influence of Different Percentages of Binders on the Physico-Mechanical Properties of Rhizophora spp. Particleboard as Natural-Based Tissue-Equivalent Phantom for Radiation Dosimetry Applications
Authors: Zuber Siti Hajar , Hashikin Nurul Ab. Aziz , Yusof Mohd Fahmi Mohd , Aziz Mohd Zahri Abdul , Hashim Rokiah
Published: June 2021

Rhizophora spp. particleboard with the incorporation of lignin and soy flour as binders were fabricated and the influence of different percentages of lignin and soy flour (0%, 6% and 12%) on the physico-mechanical properties of the particleboard were studied. The samples were characterised by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray (EDX), X-ray fluorescence (XRF) and internal bonding. The results stipulated that the addition of binders in the fabrication of the particleboard did not change the functional groups according to the FTIR spectrum. For XRD, addition of binders did not reveal any major transformation within the composites. SEM and EDX analyses for all percentages of binders added showed no apparent disparity; however, it is important to note that the incorporation of binders allows better bonding between the molecules. In XRF analysis, lower percentage of chlorine in the adhesive-bonded samples may be advantageous in maintaining the natural properties of the particleboard. In internal bonding, increased internal bond strength in samples with binders may indicate better structural integrity and physico-mechanical strength. In conclusion, the incorporation of lignin and soy flour as binders may potentially strengthen and fortify the particleboard, thus, can be a reliable phantom in radiation dosimetry applications.
Enhancement of Nano-Biopolymer Antibacterial Activity by Pulsed Electric Fields
Authors: El-Kaliuoby Mai. I. , Amer Motaz , Shehata Nader
Published: June 2021

Chronic wounds are commonly colonized with bacteria in a way that prevents full healing process and capacity for repair. Nano-chitosan, a biodegradable and nontoxic biopolymer, has shown bacteriostatic activity against a wide spectrum of bacteria. Effectively, pulsed electromagnetic fields are shown to have both wound healing enhancement and antibacterial activity. This work aimed to combine the use of nano-chitosan and exposure to a pulsed electric field to overcome two common types of infectious bacteria, namely P. aeruginosa and S. aureus. Here, bacteria growing rate, growth kinetics and cell cytotoxicity (levels of lactate dehydrogenase, protein leakage and nucleic acid leakage) were investigated. Our findings confirmed the maximum antibacterial synergistic combination of nano-chitosan and exposure against P. aeruginosa than using each one alone. It is presumed that the exposure has influenced bacteria membrane charge distribution in a manner that allowed more chitosan to anchor the surface and enter inside the cell. Significantly, cell cytotoxicity substantiates high enzymatic levels as a result of cell membrane disintegration. In conclusion, exposure to pulsed electromagnetic fields has a synergistic antibacterial effect against S. aureus and P. aeruginosa with maximum inhibitory effect for the last one. Extensive work should be done to evaluate the combination against different bacteria types to get general conclusive results. The ability of using pulsed electromagnetic fields as a wound healing accelerator and antibacterial cofactor has been proved, but in vivo experimental work in the future to verify the use of such a new combination against infectious wounds and to determine optimum treatment conditions is a must.
Biodegradable Polymeric Foams Based on Modified Castor Oil, Styrene, and Isobornyl Methacrylate
Authors: Dicks James Anthony , Woolard Chris
Published: June 2021

The environmental issues of petroleum-derived polymeric foams have necessitated seeking renewable alternatives. This work aims to prepare renewable free-radically polymerized polymeric foams with the ability to biodegrade. Furthermore, this work attempted to incorporate a bio-based reactive diluent, which has not been reported in the literature. The synthesis of maleated castor oil glycerides was performed with products analyzed by Fourier transform infrared spectrometry using attenuated total reflection (ATR-FTIR) and 1H nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR) spectroscopy. Polymeric foams were prepared using maleated castor oil glycerides via free radical copolymerization with styrene and isobornyl methacrylate as reactive diluents. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to determine anisotropic macrocellular morphology, with log-normal cell diameter distributions. The compressive mechanical and energy absorption properties were investigated; the polymeric foams displayed Young’s modulus up to 26.85 ± 1.07 MPa and strength up to 1.11 ± 0.021 MPa using styrene as the reactive diluent, and Young’s modulus up to 1.38 ± 0.055 MPa and strength up to 0.088 MPa when incorporating isobornyl methacrylate. Furthermore, a thorough analysis of the cellular structure–property relationships was performed, indicating relationships to cell diameter, cell wall thickness and apparent density. The polymeric foams displayed rapid mass loss in an aerobic soil environment with multiple erosion sites revealed by SEM. In conclusion, renewable polymeric foams with excellent compressive properties were achieved using styrene as reactive diluent, but the incorporation of isobornyl methacrylate decreased strength-related properties.