bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fast Eating Speed Could Be Associated with HbA1c and Salt Intake Even after Adjusting for Oral Health Status: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Watanabe Satsuki , Matsuda Yuhei , Nanba Yui , Takeda Mayu , Abe Takafumi , Tominaga Kazumichi , Isomura Minoru , Kanno Takahiro
Published: February 2023

This study aimed to examine the relationship between eating speed and hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), considering the number of teeth, using cross-sectional health examination data from community-dwelling older individuals in Japan. We used data from the Center for Community-Based Healthcare Research and Education Study in 2019. We collected data on gender, age, body mass index, blood test results, Salt intake, bone mineral density, body fat percentage, muscle mass, basal metabolic rate, number of teeth, and lifestyle information. Eating speed was evaluated subjectively as fast, normal, or slow. Overall, 702 participants were enrolled in the study and 481 participants were analyzed. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed a significant association between fast eating speed and being a male (odds ratio [95% confidence interval]: 2.15 [1.02–4.53]), HbA1c (1.60 [1.17–2.19]), salt intake (1.11 [1.01–1.22]), muscle mass (1.05 [1.00–1.09]), and enough sleep (1.60 [1.03–2.50]). Fast eating may be associated with overall health and lifestyle. The characteristics of fast eaters, after taking oral information into consideration, tended to increase the risk of type 2 diabetes, renal dysfunction, and hypertension. Dental professionals should provide dietary and lifestyle guidance to fast eaters.
Sexual Satisfaction Mediates the Effects of the Quality of Dyadic Sexual Communication on the Degree of Perceived Sexual Desire Discrepancy
Authors: Galizia Roberta , Theodorou Annalisa , Simonelli Chiara , Lai Carlo , Nimbi Filippo Maria
Published: February 2023

Difficulties related to sexual desire discrepancy are among the most common complaints in people seeking help in therapy. The aims of the current study were to test a mediation model using a bootstrapping procedure where the quality of the dyadic sexual communication plays a key role in increasing or diminishing the degree of perceived sexual desire discrepancy through sexual satisfaction. An online survey was administered through social media to N = 369 participants involved in a romantic relationship, measuring the quality of dyadic sexual communication, sexual satisfaction, the degree of the perceived sexual desire discrepancy, and a series of relevant covariates. As expected, the mediation model showed that a better quality of dyadic sexual communication is related to a lower degree of perceived sexual desire discrepancy through increased sexual satisfaction (β = −0.17, SE = 0.05, [95% CI = −0.27, −0.07]). The effect held over and above the effect of the relevant covariates. The theoretical and practical implications of the present study are discussed.
Obstetric Violence among Pregnant Jordanian Women: An Observational Study between the Private and Public Hospitals in Jordan
Authors: Azzam Omar A. , Sindiani Amer Mahmoud , Eyalsalman Maysa M. , Odeh Mira K. , AbedAlkareem Kenda Y. , Albanna Sara A. , Abdulrahman Elaf M. , Abukhadrah Weaam Q. , Hazaimeh Haitham O. , Zaghloul Ashraf Ahmed , Mahgoub Samir S.
Published: February 2023

Background: Obstetric Violence (OV) is a public health matter that affects women and their children with an incidence rate between 18.3–75.1% globally. The delivery institution of public and private sectors represents a potential factor contributing to OV. This study aimed to assess OV existence among sample of pregnant Jordanian women and its risk factors domains between public and private hospitals. Methodology: This is a case-control study including 259 recently delivered mothers from Al-Karak Public and Educational Hospital and The Islamic Private Hospital. A designated questionnaire including demographic variables and OV domains was used for data collection. Results: A significant difference was seen between patients delivering in the public sector compared to patients delivering the private sector in education level, occupation, monthly income, delivery supervision and overall satisfaction. Patients delivering in the private sector showed a significantly less physical abuse by the medical staff compared to patients delivering in the public sector, and patients delivering in a private room also showed a significantly less OV and risk of physical abuse compared to patients delivering in shared room. In public settings, medications information was lesser versus the private ones, additionally, there is significant association between performing episiotomy, physical abuse by staff and the delivery in shared rooms in private settings. Conclusion: This study showed that OV was less susceptible during childbirth in private settings compared to public settings. Educational status, low monthly income, occupation are risk factors for OV; also, features of disrespect and abuse like obtaining consent for episiotomy performance, delivery provision updates, care perception based on payment ability and medication information were reported.
Analysis and Forecast of Indicators Related to Medical Workers and Medical Technology in Selected Countries of Eastern Europe and Balkan
Authors: Stepovic Milos , Vekic Stefan , Vojinovic Radisa , Jovanovic Kristijan , Radovanovic Snezana , Radevic Svetlana , Rancic Nemanja
Published: February 2023

Health indicators measure certain health characteristics in a specific population or country and can help navigate the health systems. As the global population is rising, the demand for an increase in the number of health workers is simultaneously rising. The aim of this study was to compare and predict the indicators related to the number of medical workers and medical technologies in selected countries in Eastern Europe and Balkan in the studied period. The article analyzed the reported data of selected health indicators extracted from the European Health for All database. The indicators of interest were the number of physicians, pharmacists, general practitioners and dentists per 100,000 people. To observe the changes in these indicators through the available years, we used linear trends, regression analysis and forecasting to the year 2025. The regression analysis shows that the majority of the observed countries will experience an increase in the number of general practitioners, pharmacists, health workers/professionals and dentists, as well as in the number of computerized tomography scanners and the number of magnetic resonance units, predicted to occur by 2025. Following trends of medical indicators can help the government and health sector to focus and navigate the best investments for each country according to the level of their development.
The Stability of Important Fruit Traits in Strawberry in Queensland
Authors: Menzel Christopher Michael
Published: February 2023

Information was collected on yield and fruit quality in ‘Festival’, ‘Fortuna’, ‘Red Rhapsody’, ‘Fronteras’, ‘Grenada’ and ‘Petaluma’ strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa Duch.) in southern Queensland, Australia. Marketable yield was similar in the cultivars and ranged from 352 to 416 g/plant. Fruit were smaller in ‘Festival’ and ‘Grenada’ (21.3 or 23.7 g), intermediate in ‘Fortuna’ and ‘Red Rhapsody’ (25.0 or 24.7 g), and larger in ‘Fronteras’ and ‘Petaluma’ (27.6 or 27.8 g). Fruit soluble solids content (SSC) was lower in ‘Fronteras’, ‘Grenada’ and ‘Petaluma’ (6.9% to 7.2%) than in the other cultivars (7.4% to 8.3%). Fruit titratable acidity (TA) was lower in ‘Fortuna’ and ‘Fronteras’ (0.55% to 0.58%) than in the other cultivars (0.63% to 0.69%). The cultivars had similar estimates of stability for fruit weight (0.74 to 1.27) using the method of Finlay and Wilkinson (1963), where a cultivar with a value of one has average stability in a group. This suggests that the cultivars behaved similarly to changes in conditions over the season. The estimates of stability for SSC were lower than one or higher than one in some cultivars (0.45 to 1.75). The estimates of stability for TA were lower than one for some cultivars (0.33 to 1.33). None of the cultivars had high values of fruit quality and stable values of fruit quality for all the three traits. ‘Festival’ would be an acceptable parent in a breeding programme used to increase fruit SSC. In contrast, the other cultivars would be acceptable parents to increase fruit size. Efforts need to be made to develop cultivars with high and stable values of quality and that are suitable for production under global warming.
The First Complete Chloroplast Genome Sequence of Mortiño (Vaccinium floribundum) and Comparative Analyses with Other Vaccinium Species
Authors: López Karla E. Rojas , Armijos Carolina E. , Parra Manuela , Torres María de Lourdes
Published: February 2023

Vaccinium floribundum, commonly known as mortiño, is a native high Andean wild species of cultural and economic importance. Genomic resources for V. floribundum are scarce, and a clear phylogenetic and evolutionary history for this species has yet to be elucidated. This study aimed to assemble the complete chloroplast genome sequence of this species and perform an in-depth comparative analysis with other Vaccinium species. The chloroplast genome of V. floribundum was obtained using Oxford Nanopore Technology (ONT). The de novo assembly of the chloroplast genome of V. floribundum resulted in a 187,966 bp sequence, which contained 134 genes (84 Protein Coding Genes (PCGs), 42 transfer RNA (tRNA) genes, and 8 ribosomal RNA (rRNA) genes). The comparative analysis of the V. floribundum chloroplast genome with other nine chloroplast genomes of the Vaccinium species suggested that a contraction/expansion event of the inverted repeat (IR) regions could have occurred, causing the relocation of psbA and rpl32 genes. Additionally, a possible loss of function of the ndhF gene was found. For the phylogenetic analysis based on 87 genes, the chloroplast genome of 19 species (including V. floribundum) was used and revealed that V. myrtillus could be a sister group of V. floribundum. Altogether, our findings provide insights into the plastome characteristics and the phylogeny of V. floribundum. This study describes the complete chloroplast genome sequence of V. floribundum as the first genomic resource available for an Andean species native to Ecuador.
Research on Evaluation of University Emergency Management Ability Based on BP Neural Network
Authors: Hu Ruili , Zhang Ye , Wang Longkang
Published: February 2023

University emergency management ability is an important part of university safety management. To evaluate university emergency management ability scientifically, objectively, and accurately, this study constructs three first-level indexes, namely, pre-prevention ability, in-process control ability, and post-recovery ability, and 15 s-level indexes, including the establishment of emergency management institutions; the construction of emergency plans; the allocation of emergency personnel, equipment, and materials; and the training and exercise of emergency plans. On the basis of the backpropagation (BP) neural network method and MATLAB platform, an evaluation model of university emergency management ability is constructed. The neural network evaluation model is trained with sample data, and a university in Beijing is adopted as an example to verify the good prediction effect of the model. The results show that applying the evaluation model based on the BP neural network to the emergency management ability of colleges and universities is feasible. The model provides a new method to evaluate the emergency management ability of colleges and universities.
Taxonomic Revision of the Genus Croaker Johnius (Perciformes: Sciaenidae) in Taiwanese Waters
Authors: Hanafi Norhafiz , Chen Meng-Hsien , Seah Ying Giat , Chang Chih-Wei , Liu Shang Yin Vanson , Lai Chien-Cheng , Chao Ning Labbish
Published: February 2023

Given the identification of the new species Johnius taiwanesis, the Johnius genus in Taiwanese water is here reviewed through a collection of field samples, museum specimens, and a review of the Taiwanese scientific literature. Seven valid Johnius species were successfully identified and distinguished based on gill raker length, tip of upper jaw to mouth hinge length, tip of lower jaw to mouth hinge length, and length of second spine of anal fin. Our phylogenetic tree based on cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI) showed the existence of high interspecific genetic diversity within the genus Johnius forming a monophyletic group. The Johnius species in Taiwan are mainly distributed in a latitude ranging from Xingda (22.4° N) to Hsinchu (24.8° N) with J. taiwanensis, J. distinctus, and J. belangerii representing the most abundant species caught throughout the year. Johnius amblycephalus and J. borneensis were only caught in the summer, while J. trewavasae was rarely caught. In conclusion, we provide a dichotomous key for the genus Johnius in Taiwan waters.
Advances in Marine Engineering: Geological Environment and Hazards
Authors: Guo Xingsen , Liu Xiaolei , Stoesser Thorsten
Published: February 2023

With the continuous advancement of coastal, offshore, and deep-sea engineering construction (e [...]
Does Geopolitical Risk Matter for Sovereign Credit Risk? Fresh Evidence from Nonlinear Analysis
Authors: Naifar Nader , Aljarba Shumokh
Published: February 2023

The recent geopolitical uncertainty and the alarming increase in the sovereign credit risk of many countries have motivated us to investigate the potential asymmetric co-movement between geopolitical risk and sovereign credit risk for nineteen countries (China, Russia, USA, Brazil, UK, South Korea, Mexico, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Sweden, Spain, Norway, Italy, Morocco, France, Bahrain, Abu Dhabi, Japan, and Greece). Using data consisting of Sovereign Credit Default Swap (SCDS), Geopolitical Risk (GPR), and the Quantile-on-Quantile approach (QQA), empirical findings indicate that (i) the effects of GPR on SCDS were heterogeneous, mainly positive, asymmetric, and varied across quantiles and countries; (ii) when the SCDS and GPR are both in upper quantiles, the impacts of GPR are more pronounced; (iii) the countries with the most significant sovereign wealth funds (Norway, China, Saudi Arabia) are less affected by geopolitical uncertainty.
Syntactic Awareness and Reading Comprehension in Emergent Bilingual Children
Authors: Burchell Diana , Hipfner-Boucher Kathleen , Deacon S. Hélène , Koh Poh Wee , Chen Xi
Published: February 2023

The present study investigated the role of syntactic awareness in reading comprehension among English–French bilinguals learning French as an additional language in Canadian French immersion programs. We examined the direct effect of French syntactic awareness on French reading comprehension as well as the indirect effects mediated through French word reading and French vocabulary. We further examined the extent to which English syntactic awareness contributed to French reading comprehension through cross-language transfer, again considering both the direct effect and the indirect effects through French word reading and French vocabulary. Mediation analyses indicated that, within French, the relationship between French syntactic awareness and French reading comprehension was fully mediated by both French word reading and French vocabulary. In contrast, English syntactic awareness contributed directly to French reading comprehension. Finally, French word reading partially mediated the relationship between English syntactic awareness and French reading comprehension. Our study suggests that children who learn French as an additional language rely on word reading and vocabulary, in addition to French syntactic awareness, to comprehend French texts. Given that English is French immersion children’s stronger language, they use English syntactic awareness to support French reading comprehension both directly and indirectly through French word reading.
New Results Concerning Approximate Controllability of Conformable Fractional Noninstantaneous Impulsive Stochastic Evolution Equations via Poisson Jumps
Authors: Alhojilan Yazid , Ahmed Hamdy M.
Published: February 2023

We introduce the conformable fractional (CF) noninstantaneous impulsive stochastic evolution equations with fractional Brownian motion (fBm) and Poisson jumps. The approximate controllability for the considered problem was investigated. Principles and concepts from fractional calculus, stochastic analysis, and the fixed-point theorem were used to support the main results. An example is applied to show the established results.
Adaptive Backstepping Terminal Sliding Mode Control of Nonlinear System Using Fuzzy Neural Structure
Authors: Gong Xiaoyu , Fu Wen , Bian Xingao , Fei Juntao
Published: February 2023

An adaptive backstepping terminal sliding mode control (ABTSMC) method based on a multiple−layer fuzzy neural network is proposed for a class of nonlinear systems with parameter variations and external disturbances in this study. The proposed neural network is utilized to estimate the nonlinear function to handle the unknown uncertainties of the system and reduce the switching term gain. It has a strong learning ability and high approximation accuracy due to the combination of a fuzzy neural network and recurrent neural network. The neural network parameters can be adaptively adjusted to optimal values through the adaptive laws derived from the Lyapunov theorem. To stabilize the control signal, the additional parameter adaptive law derived by the adaptive projection algorithm is used to estimate the control coefficient. The terminal sliding mode control (TSMC) is introduced on the basis of backstepping control, which can ensure that the tracking error converges in finite time. The simulation example is carried out on the DC–DC buck converter model to verify the effectiveness and superiority of the proposed control method. The contrasting results show that the ABTSMC−DHLRNN possesses higher steady−state accuracy and faster transient response.
A Novel Toolbox for Automatic Design of Fractional Order PI Controllers Based on Automatic System Identification from Step Response Data
Authors: Muresan Cristina I. , Bunescu Iulia , Birs Isabela , De Keyser Robin
Published: February 2023

This paper describes a novel automatic control toolbox, designed for non-experienced practitioners. Fractional order (FO) controllers are easily tuned with the main purpose of easy practical implementation. Experimental step data are required for the automatic FO controller tuning. An embedded system identification algorithm uses the step data to obtain a process model as a second order plus dead-time (SOPDT) system. Finally, the FO controller is computed based on the previously estimated SOPDT model in order to fulfil a set of user-imposed frequency domain performance specifications: phase margin, gain crossover frequency and gain margin maximization. Experimental step response data from a strongly nonlinear vertical take-off and landing unit have been used to design an FO controller using the toolbox. The experimental closed loop results validate the proposed toolbox. The end result is a user-friendly automatic fractional order controller tuning with endless possibilities of real-world applicability.
On Importance of Sensitivity Analysis on an Example of a k-out-of-n System
Authors: Ivanova Nika
Published: February 2023

Reliability and sensitivity issues are very close and important problems in any technical system. The system’s sensitivity is understood as the dependence of its behavior on changes in some internal parameters. To perform sensitivity analysis, a general procedure based on a theoretical and numerical study is proposed and applied to a repairable k-out-of-n model. The results show the asymptotic insensitivity of the non-stationary and stationary characteristics of the system reliability to the shape of the repair-time distribution, as well as to the value of its coefficient of variation at a fixed mean. The proposed methodology can be useful to researchers and engineers at the designing stage of real systems, as well as applied to other stochastic reliability models.
On Monochromatic Clean Condition on Certain Finite Rings
Authors: Sim Kai An , Wan Ruzali Wan Muhammad Afif , Wong Kok Bin , Ho Chee Kit
Published: February 2023

For a finite commutative ring R, let a,b,c∈R be fixed elements. Consider the equation ax+by=cz where x, y, and z are idempotents, units, and any element in the ring R, respectively. We say that R satisfies the r-monochromatic clean condition if, for any r-colouring χ of the elements of the ring R, there exist x,y,z∈R with χ(x)=χ(y)=χ(z) such that the equation holds. We define m(a,b,c)(R) to be the least positive integer r such that R does not satisfy the r-monochromatic clean condition. This means that there exists χ(i)=χ(j) for some i,j∈{x,y,z} where i≠j. In this paper, we prove some results on m(a,b,c)(R) and then formulate various conditions on the ring R for when m(1,1,1)(R)=2 or 3, among other results concerning the ring Zn of integers modulo n.
Deviance and Pearson Residuals-Based Control Charts with Different Link Functions for Monitoring Logistic Regression Profiles: An Application to COVID-19 Data
Authors: Cheema Maryam , Amin Muhammad , Mahmood Tahir , Faisal Muhammad , Brahim Kamel , Elhassanein Ahmed
Published: February 2023

In statistical process control, the control charts are an effective tool to monitor the process. When the process is examined based on an exponential family distributed response variable along with a single explanatory variable, the generalized linear model (GLM) provides better estimates and GLM-based charts are preferred. This study is designed to propose GLM-based control charts using different link functions (i.e., logit, probit, c-log-log, and cauchit) with the binary response variable. The Pearson residuals (PR)- and deviance residuals (DR)-based control charts for logistic regression are proposed under different link functions. For evaluation purposes, a simulation study is designed to evaluate the performance of the proposed control charts. The results are compared based on the average run length (ARL). Moreover, the proposed charts are implemented on a real application for COVID-19 death monitoring. The Monte Carlo simulation study and real applications show that the performance of the model-based control charts with the c-log-log link function gives a better performance as compared to model-based control charts with other link functions.
Theoretical Forming Limit Diagram Based on Induced Stress in the Thickness Direction
Authors: Wang Haibo , Wang Zipeng
Published: February 2023

The conventional theoretical forming limit diagram (FLD) based on the plane stress state has defects due to the neglect of the stress in the thickness direction of the sheet. It is urgent to study the FLD which considers the stress in the thickness direction. Through the finite element simulation, it is further confirmed that the stress in the thickness direction will be induced in the deformation process. At the same time, the effect of the induced stress in the thickness direction on FLD is not the same as that always applied stress in the thickness direction during the deformation process. Based on the Modified Maximum Force Criterion (MMFC) instability theory, C-H instability theory, Mises and Hill48 yield criterion, the effects of the two stresses on FLD are compared. The induced stress in the thickness direction also affects the sensitivity of the coefficient of normal anisotropy r, but does not significantly change the effect of the stress-strain index n on Forming Limit Curves (FLC). The theoretical calculations of the three materials TRIP780, AA5182, and 5754O are compared with the experimental data, which proves that the FLD which considers induced stress in the thickness direction is more accurate than the FLD of the plane stress.
Application of Phytogenic Liquid Supplementation in Soil Microbiome Restoration in Queensland Pasture Dieback
Authors: Ren Xipeng , Whitton Maria M. , Yu Sung J. , Trotter Tieneke , Bajagai Yadav S. , Stanley Dragana
Published: February 2023

Pasture production is vital in cattle farming as it provides animals with food and nutrients. Australia, as a significant global beef producer, has been experiencing pasture dieback, a syndrome of deteriorating grassland that results in the loss of grass and the expansion of weeds. Despite two decades of research and many remediation attempts, there has yet to be a breakthrough in understanding the causes or mechanisms involved. Suggested causes of this phenomenon include soil and plant microbial pathogens, insect infestation, extreme heat stress, radiation, and others. Plants produce a range of phytomolecules with antifungal, antibacterial, antiviral, growth-promoting, and immunostimulant effects to protect themselves from a range of environmental stresses. These products are currently used more in human and veterinary health than in agronomy. In this study, we applied a phytogenic product containing citric acid, carvacrol, and cinnamaldehyde, to investigate its ability to alleviate pasture dieback. The phytogenic liquid-based solution was sprayed twice, one week apart, at 5.4 L per hectare. The soil microbial community was investigated longitudinally to determine long-term effects, and pasture productivity and plant morphometric improvements were explored. The phytogenic liquid significantly improved post-drought recovery of alpha diversity and altered temporal and spatial change in the community. The phytogenic liquid reduced biomarker genera associated with poor and polluted soils and significantly promoted plant and soil beneficial bacteria associated with plant rhizosphere and a range of soil benefits. Phytogenic liquid application produced plant morphology improvements and a consistent enhancement of pasture productivity extending beyond 18 months post-application. Our data show that phytogenic products used in the livestock market as an alternative to antibiotics may also have a beneficial role in agriculture, especially in the light of climate change-related soil maintenance and remediation.
Resveratrol, a New Allosteric Effector of Hemoglobin, Enhances Oxygen Supply Efficiency and Improves Adaption to Acute Severe Hypoxia
Authors: Chu Zongtang , Li Weidan , You Guoxing , Chen Yuzhi , Qin Dong , Shu Peilin , Wang Yujing , Wang Ying , Zhao Lian , Zhou Hong
Published: February 2023

Acute altitude hypoxia represents the cause of multiple adverse consequences. Current treatments are limited by side effects. Recent studies have shown the protective effects of resveratrol (RSV), but the mechanism remains unknown. To address this, the effects of RSV on the structure and function of hemoglobin of adult (HbA) were preliminarily analyzed using surface plasmon resonance (SPR) and oxygen dissociation assays (ODA). Molecular docking was conducted to specifically analyze the binding regions between RSV and HbA. The thermal stability was characterized to further validate the authenticity and effect of binding. Changes in the oxygen supply efficiency of HbA and rat RBCs incubated with RSV were detected ex vivo. The effect of RSV on the anti-hypoxic capacity under acute hypoxic conditions in vivo was evaluated. We found that RSV binds to the heme region of HbA following a concentration gradient and affects the structural stability and rate of oxygen release of HbA. RSV enhances the oxygen supply efficiency of HbA and rat RBCs ex vivo. RSV prolongs the tolerance times of mice suffering from acute asphyxia. By enhancing the oxygen supply efficiency, it alleviates the detrimental effects of acute severe hypoxia. In conclusion, RSV binds to HbA and regulates its conformation, which enhances oxygen supply efficiency and improves adaption to acute severe hypoxia.
Molecularly Imprinted Polymer Nanospheres with Hydrophilic Shells for Efficient Molecular Recognition of Heterocyclic Aromatic Amines in Aqueous Solution
Authors: Sun Peijian , Wang Yipeng , Yang Song , Sun Xuehui , Peng Bin , Pan Lining , Jia Yunzhen , Zhang Xiaobing , Nie Cong
Published: February 2023

Heterocyclic aromatic amine molecularly imprinted polymer nanospheres with surface-bound dithioester groups (haa-MIP) were firstly synthesized via reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) precipitation polymerization. Then, a series of core-shell structural heterocyclic aromatic amine molecularly imprinted polymer nanospheres with hydrophilic shells (MIP-HSs) were subsequently prepared by grafting the hydrophilic shells on the surface of haa-MIP via on-particle RAFT polymerization of 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA), itaconic acid (IA), and diethylaminoethyl methacrylate (DEAEMA). The haa-MIP nanospheres showed high affinity and specific recognition toward harmine and its structural analogs in organic solution of acetonitrile, but lost the specific binding ability in aqueous solution. However, after the grafting of the hydrophilic shells on the haa-MIP particles, the surface hydrophilicity and water dispersion stability of the polymer particles of MIP-HSs greatly improved. The binding of harmine by MIP-HSs with hydrophilic shells in aqueous solutions is about two times higher than that of NIP-HSs, showing an efficient molecular recognition of heterocyclic aromatic amines in aqueous solution. The effect of hydrophilic shell structure on the molecular recognition property of MIP-HSs was further compared. MIP-PIA with carboxyl groups containing hydrophilic shells showed the highest selective molecular recognition ability to heterocyclic aromatic amines in aqueous solution.
A Review Concerning the Polysaccharides Found in Edible and Medicinal Plants in Xinjiang
Authors: Taoerdahong Hailiqian , Kadeer Gulimila , Chang Junmin , Kang Jinsen , Ma Xiaoli , Yang Fei
Published: February 2023

Approximately 110 types of medicinal materials are listed in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia, both for medicinal purposes and for use as food. There are several domestic scholars who have carried out research on edible plant medicine in China and the results are satisfactory. Though these related articles have appeared in domestic magazines and journals, many of them are yet to be translated into English. Most of the research stays in the extraction and quantitative testing stage, and there are a few medicinal and edible plants that are still under in-depth study. A majority of these edible and herbal plants are also highly enriched in polysaccharides, and this has an effect on immune systems for the prevention of cancer, inflammation, and infection. Comparing the polysaccharide composition of medicinal and edible plants, the monosaccharide and polysaccharide species were identified. It is found that different polysaccharides of different sizes have different pharmacological properties, with some polysaccharides containing special monosaccharides. The pharmacological properties of polysaccharides can be summarized as immunomodulatory, antitumor, anti-inflammatory, antihypertensive and anti-hyperlipemic, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties. There have been no poisonous effects found in studies of plant polysaccharides, probably because the substances have a long history of use and are safe. In this paper, the application potential of polysaccharides in medicinal and edible plants in Xinjiang was reviewed, and the research progress in the extraction, separation, identification, and pharmacology of these plant polysaccharides was reviewed. At present, the research progress of plant polysaccharides in medicines and food in Xinjiang has not been reported. This paper will provide a data summary for the development and utilization of medical and food plant resources in Xinjiang.
Importance of the 2,6-Difluorobenzamide Motif for FtsZ Allosteric Inhibition: Insights from Conformational Analysis, Molecular Docking and Structural Modifications
Authors: Barbier Thibaut , Dumitrescu Oana , Lina Gérard , Queneau Yves , Soulère Laurent
Published: February 2023

A conformational analysis and molecular docking study comparing 2,6-difluoro-3-methoxybenzamide (DFMBA) with 3-methoxybenzamide (3-MBA) has been undertaken for investigating the known increase of FtsZ inhibition related anti S. aureus activity due to fluorination. For the isolated molecules, the calculations reveal that the presence of the fluorine atoms in DFMBA is responsible for its non-planarity, with a dihedral angle of -27° between the carboxamide and the aromatic ring. When interacting with the protein, the fluorinated ligand can thus more easily adopt the non-planar conformation found in reported co-crystallized complexes with FtsZ, than the non-fluorinated one. Molecular docking studies of the favored non-planar conformation of 2,6-difluoro-3-methoxybenzamide highlights the strong hydrophobic interactions between the difluoroaromatic ring and several key residues of the allosteric pocket, precisely between the 2-fluoro substituent and residues Val203 and Val297 and between the 6-fluoro group and the residues Asn263. The docking simulation in the allosteric binding site also confirms the critical importance of the hydrogen bonds between the carboxamide group with the residues Val207, Leu209 and Asn263. Changing the carboxamide functional group of 3-alkyloxybenzamide and 3-alkyloxy-2,6-difluorobenzamide to a benzohydroxamic acid or benzohydrazide led to inactive compounds, confirming the importance of the carboxamide group.
Effects of Different Lengths of Oligo (Ethylene Glycol) Side Chains on the Electrochromic and Photovoltaic Properties of Benzothiadiazole-Based Donor-Acceptor Conjugated Polymers
Authors: Jia Songrui , Qi Shiying , Xing Zhen , Li Shiyi , Wang Qilin , Chen Zheng
Published: February 2023

In recent years, donor-acceptor (D-A)-type conjugated polymers have been widely used in the field of organic solar cells (OSCs) and electrochromism (EC). Considering the poor solubility of D-A conjugated polymers, the solvents used in material processing and related device preparation are mostly toxic halogenated solvents, which have become the biggest obstacle to the future commercial process of the OSC and EC field. Herein, we designed and synthesized three novel D-A conjugated polymers, PBDT1-DTBF, PBDT2-DTBF, and PBDT3-DTBF, by introducing polar oligo (ethylene glycol) (OEG) side chains of different lengths in the donor unit benzodithiophene (BDT) as side chain modification. Studies on solubility, optics, electrochemical, photovoltaic and electrochromic properties are conducted, and the influence of the introduction of OEG side chains on its basic properties is also discussed. Studies on solubility and electrochromic properties show unusual trends that need further research. However, since PBDT-DTBF-class polymers and acceptor IT-4F failed to form proper morphology under the low-boiling point solvent THF solvent processing, the photovoltaic performance of prepared devices is not ideal. However, films with THF as processing solvent showed relatively desirable electrochromic properties and films cast from THF display higher CE than CB as the solvent. Therefore, this class of polymers has application feasibility for green solvent processing in the OSC and EC fields. The research provides an idea for the design of green solvent-processable polymer solar cell materials in the future and a meaningful exploration of the application of green solvents in the field of electrochromism.
Advances in Ultra-High-Resolution Mass Spectrometry for Pharmaceutical Analysis
Authors: Deschamps Estelle , Calabrese Valentina , Schmitz Isabelle , Hubert-Roux Marie , Castagnos Denis , Afonso Carlos
Published: February 2023

Pharmaceutical analysis refers to an area of analytical chemistry that deals with active compounds either by themselves (drug substance) or when formulated with excipients (drug product). In a less simplistic way, it can be defined as a complex science involving various disciplines, e.g., drug development, pharmacokinetics, drug metabolism, tissue distribution studies, and environmental contamination analyses. As such, the pharmaceutical analysis covers drug development to its impact on health and the environment. Moreover, due to the need for safe and effective medications, the pharmaceutical industry is one of the most heavily regulated sectors of the global economy. For this reason, powerful analytical instrumentation and efficient methods are required. In the last decades, mass spectrometry has been increasingly used in pharmaceutical analysis both for research aims and routine quality controls. Among different instrumental setups, ultra-high-resolution mass spectrometry with Fourier transform instruments, i.e., Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance (FTICR) and Orbitrap, gives access to valuable molecular information for pharmaceutical analysis. In fact, thanks to their high resolving power, mass accuracy, and dynamic range, reliable molecular formula assignments or trace analysis in complex mixtures can be obtained. This review summarizes the principles of the two main types of Fourier transform mass spectrometers, and it highlights applications, developments, and future perspectives in pharmaceutical analysis.
Infrared Spectral Classification of Natural Bitumens for Their Rheological and Thermophysical Characterization
Authors: Yadykova Anastasiya Y. , Strelets Larisa A. , Ilyin Sergey O.
Published: February 2023

Natural bitumens consist of many molecules whose chemical composition depends on the oilfield and determines the physicochemical properties of the bitumens as materials. Infrared (IR) spectroscopy is the fastest and least expensive method to assess the chemical structure of organic molecules, which makes it attractive in terms of rapid prediction of the properties of natural bitumens based on their composition evaluated in this way. In this work, IR spectra were measured for ten samples of natural bitumens significantly different in properties and origin. Based on the ratios of certain IR absorption bands, bitumens are proposed to be divided into paraffinic, aromatic, and resinous. In addition, the internal relationship between IR spectral characteristics of bitumens, such as polarity, paraffinicity, branchiness, and aromaticity, is shown. A study of phase transitions in bitumens by differential scanning calorimetry was carried out, and the use of a heat flow differential to find hidden points of bitumens’ glass transitions is proposed. Furthermore, the dependences of the total melting enthalpy of crystallizable paraffinic compounds on the aromaticity and branchiness of bitumens are demonstrated. A detailed study of bitumens’ rheology in a wide temperature range was carried out, and characteristic features of rheological behavior for different bitumen classes are revealed. Based on the viscous properties of bitumens, their glass transition points were found and compared with the calorimetric glass transition temperatures and nominal solid–liquid transition points obtained from temperature dependences of bitumens’ storage and loss moduli. The dependences of viscosity, flow activation energy, and glass transition temperature of bitumens on their IR spectral characteristics are shown, which can be used to predict the rheological properties of bitumens.
Characterization of Ginsenosides from the Root of Panax ginseng by Integrating Untargeted Metabolites Using UPLC-Triple TOF-MS
Authors: Sun Yizheng , Fu Xiaojie , Qu Ying , Chen Lihua , Liu Xiaoyan , He Zichao , Xu Jing , Yang Jiao , Ma Wen , Li Jun , Guo Qingmei , Zhang Youbo
Published: February 2023

To compare the chemical distinctions of Panax ginseng Meyer in different growth environments and explore the effects of growth-environment factors on P. ginseng growth, an ultra-performance liquid chromatography–tandem triple quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-Triple-TOF-MS/MS) was used to characterize the ginsenosides obtained by ultrasonic extraction from P. ginseng grown in different growing environments. Sixty-three ginsenosides were used as reference standards for accurate qualitative analysis. Cluster analysis was used to analyze the differences in main components and clarified the influence of growth environment factors on P. ginseng compounds. A total of 312 ginsenosides were identified in four types of P. ginseng, among which 75 were potential new ginsenosides. The number of ginsenosides in L15 was the highest, and the number of ginsenosides in the other three groups was similar, but it was a great difference in specie of ginsenosides. The study confirmed that different growing environments had a great influence on the constituents of P. ginseng, and provided a new breakthrough for the further study of the potential compounds in P. ginseng.
Screening of Potential α-Glucosidase Inhibitors from the Roots and Rhizomes of Panax Ginseng by Affinity Ultrafiltration Screening Coupled with UPLC-ESI-Orbitrap-MS Method
Authors: Wang Hong-Ping , Fan Chun-Lan , Lin Zhao-Zhou , Yin Qiong , Zhao Chen , Peng Ping , Zhang Run , Wang Zi-Jian , Du Jing , Wang Zhi-Bin
Published: February 2023

Panax ginseng was a traditional Chinese medicine with various pharmacological activities and one of its important activities was hypoglycemic activity; therefore, panax ginseng has been used in China as an adjuvant in the treatment of diabetes mellitus. In vivo and in vitro tests have revealed that ginsenosides, which are derived from the roots and rhizomes of panax ginseng have anti-diabetic effects and produce different hypoglycemic mechanisms by acting on some specific molecular targets, such as SGLT1, GLP-1, GLUTs, AMPK, and FOXO1. α-Glucosidase is another important hypoglycemic molecular target, and its inhibitors can inhibit the activity of α-Glucosidase so as to delay the absorption of dietary carbohydrates and finally reduce postprandial blood sugar. However, whether ginsenosides have the hypoglycemic mechanism of inhibiting α-Glucosidase activity, and which ginsenosides exactly attribute to the inhibitory effect as well as the inhibition degree are not clear, which needs to be addressed and systematically studied. To solve this problem, affinity ultrafiltration screening coupled with UPLC-ESI-Orbitrap-MS technology was used to systematically select α-Glucosidase inhibitors from panax ginseng. The ligands were selected through our established effective data process workflow based on systematically analyzing all compounds in the sample and control specimens. As a result, a total of 24 α-Glucosidase inhibitors were selected from panax ginseng, and it was the first time that ginsenosides were systematically studied for the inhibition of α-Glucosidase. Meanwhile, our study revealed that inhibiting α-Glucosidase activity probably was another important mechanism for ginsenosides treating diabetes mellitus. In addition, our established data process workflow can be used to select the active ligands from other natural products using affinity ultrafiltration screening.
The Role of Natural and Semi-Synthetic Compounds in Ovarian Cancer: Updates on Mechanisms of Action, Current Trends and Perspectives
Authors: Islam Md. Rezaul , Rahman Md. Mominur , Dhar Puja Sutro , Nowrin Feana Tasmim , Sultana Nasrin , Akter Muniya , Rauf Abdur , Khalil Anees Ahmed , Gianoncelli Alessandra , Ribaudo Giovanni
Published: February 2023

Ovarian cancer represents a major health concern for the female population: there is no obvious cause, it is frequently misdiagnosed, and it is characterized by a poor prognosis. Additionally, patients are inclined to recurrences because of metastasis and poor treatment tolerance. Combining innovative therapeutic techniques with established approaches can aid in improving treatment outcomes. Because of their multi-target actions, long application history, and widespread availability, natural compounds have particular advantages in this connection. Thus, effective therapeutic alternatives with improved patient tolerance hopefully can be identified within the world of natural and nature-derived products. Moreover, natural compounds are generally perceived to have more limited adverse effects on healthy cells or tissues, suggesting their potential role as valid treatment alternatives. In general, the anticancer mechanisms of such molecules are connected to the reduction of cell proliferation and metastasis, autophagy stimulation and improved response to chemotherapeutics. This review aims at discussing the mechanistic insights and possible targets of natural compounds against ovarian cancer, from the perspective of medicinal chemists. In addition, an overview of the pharmacology of natural products studied to date for their potential application towards ovarian cancer models is presented. The chemical aspects as well as available bioactivity data are discussed and commented on, with particular attention to the underlying molecular mechanism(s).
Functional Bimetal/Carbon Composites Co/Zr@AC for Pesticide Atrazine Removal from Water
Authors: Liu Danxia , Liu Yongpan , He Huijun , Liu Jie , Yang Xiaolong , Zhang Lin , Tang Yiyan , Zhu Hongxiang
Published: February 2023

Atrazine is a toxic and refractory herbicide that poses threats to human health and the ecological environment. In order to efficiently remove atrazine from water, a novel material, Co/Zr@AC, was developed. This novel material is prepared by loading two metal elements, cobalt and zirconium, onto activated carbon (AC) through solution impregnation and high-temperature calcination. The morphology and structure of the modified material were characterized, and its ability to remove atrazine was evaluated. The results showed that Co/Zr@AC had a large specific surface area and formed new adsorption functional groups when the mass fraction ratio of Co2+:Zr4+ in the impregnating solution was 1:2, the immersion time was 5.0 h, the calcination temperature was 500 °C, and the calcination time was 4.0 h. During the adsorption experiment on 10 mg/L atrazine, the maximum adsorption capacity of Co/Zr@AC was shown to be 112.75 mg/g and the maximum removal rate was shown to be 97.5% after 90 min of the reaction at a solution pH of 4.0, temperature of 25 °C, and Co/Zr@AC concentration of 60.0 mg/L. In the kinetic study, the adsorption followed the pseudo-second-order kinetic model (R2 = 0.999). The fitting effects of Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms were excellent, indicating that the process of Co/Zr@AC adsorbing atrazine also conformed to two isotherm models, so the adsorption of atrazine by Co/Zr@AC had multiple effects including chemical adsorption, mono-molecular layer adsorption, and multi-molecular layer adsorption. After five experimental cycles, the atrazine removal rate was 93.9%, indicating that Co/Zr@AC is stable in water and is an excellent novel material that can be used repeatedly.
High-Efficiency Oxygen Reduction Reaction Revived from Walnut Shell
Authors: Yan Lei , Liu Yuchen , Hou Junhua
Published: February 2023

The development of inexpensive and efficient electrocatalysts for oxygen reduction reactions (ORR) remains a challenge with respect to renewable energy technologies. In this research, a porous, nitrogen-doped ORR catalyst is prepared using the hydrothermal method and pyrolysis with walnut shell as a biomass precursor and urea as a nitrogen source. Unlike past research, in this study, urea is not directly doped; instead, a new type of doping is carried out after annealing at 550 °C. In addition, the sample’s morphology and structure are analyzed and characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray powder diffraction (XRD). A CHI 760E electrochemical workstation is used to test NSCL-900’s performance in terms of oxygen reduction electrocatalysis (ORR). It has been found that the catalytic performance of NSCL-900 is significantly improved compared with that of NS-900 without urea doping. In a 0.1 mol/L KOH electrolyte, the half-wave potential can reach 0.86 V (vs. RHE) and the initial potential is 1.00 V (vs. RHE). The catalytic process is close to four-electron transfer and there are large quantities of pyridine nitrogen and pyrrole nitrogen.