bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analysis of the Exposure of Organisms to the Action of Nanomaterials
Authors: Staroń Anita , Długosz Olga , Pulit-Prociak Jolanta , Banach Marcin
Published: January 2020

The rapid development of the production of materials containing metal nanoparticles and metal oxides is a potential risk to the environment. The degree of exposure of organisms to nanoparticles increases from year to year, and its effects are not fully known. This is due to the fact that the range of nanoparticle interactions on cells, tissues and the environment requires careful analysis. It is necessary to develop methods for testing the properties of nanomaterials and the mechanisms of their impact on individual cells as well as on entire organisms. The particular need to raise public awareness of the main sources of exposure to nanoparticles should also be highlighted. This paper presents the main sources and possible routes of exposure to metal nanoparticles and metal oxides. Key elements of research on the impact of nanoparticles on organisms, that is, in vitro tests, in vivo tests and methods of detection of nanoparticles in organisms, are presented.
Burst Strength of BIOLOX®delta Femoral Heads and Its Dependence on Low-Temperature Environmental Degradation
Authors: Tateiwa Toshiyuki , Marin Elia , Rondinella Alfredo , Ciniglio Marco , Zhu Wenliang , Affatato Saverio , Pezzotti Giuseppe , Bock Ryan M. , McEntire Bryan J. , Bal B. Sonny , Yamamoto Kengo
Published: January 2020

Zirconia-toughened alumina (ZTA) currently represents the bioceramic gold standard for load-bearing components in artificial hip joints. ZTA is long known for its high flexural strength and fracture toughness, both properties arising from a microscopic crack-tip shielding mechanism due to the stress-induced tetragonal-to-monoclinic (t→m) polymorphic transformation of zirconia. However, there have been concerns over the years regarding the long-term structural performance of ZTA since the t→m transformation also spontaneously occurs at the material’s surface under low-temperature environmental conditions with a concomitant degradation of mechanical properties. Spontaneous surface degradation has been extensively studied in vitro, but predictive algorithms have underestimated the extent of in vivo degradation observed in retrievals. The present research focused on burst-strength assessments of Ø28 mm ZTA femoral before and after long-term in vitro hydrothermal ageing according to ISO 7206-10. An average burst strength of 52 kN was measured for pristine femoral heads. This value was ~36% lower than results obtained under the same standard conditions by other authors. A further loss of burst strength (~13% in ultimate load) was observed after hydrothermal ageing, with increased surface monoclinic content ranging from ~6% to >50%. Nevertheless, the repetitively stressed and hydrothermally treated ZTA heads exceeded the minimum burst strength stipulated by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) despite severe test conditions. Lastly, Raman spectroscopic assessments of phase transformation and residual stresses on the fracture surface of the femoral heads were used to clarify burst-strength fluctuations and the effect of hydrothermal ageing on the material’s overall strength degradation.
Comparison of the Structural Characteristics of Native Collagen Fibrils Derived from Bovine Tendons Using Two Different Methods: Modified Acid-Solubilized and Pepsin-Aided Extraction
Authors: Ju Haiyan , Liu Xiuying , Zhang Gang , Liu Dezheng , Yang Yongsheng
Published: January 2020

Native collagen fibrils (CF) were successfully extracted from bovine tendons using two different methods: modified acid-solubilized extraction for A-CF and pepsin-aided method for P-CF. The yields of A-CF and P-CF were up to 64.91% (±1.07% SD) and 56.78% (±1.22% SD) (dry weight basis), respectively. The analyses of both amino acid composition and sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) confirmed that A-CF and P-CF were type I collagen fibrils. Both A-CF and P-CF retained the intact crystallinity and integrity of type I collagen’s natural structure by FTIR spectra, circular dichroism spectroscopy (CD) and X-ray diffraction detection. The aggregation structures of A-CF and P-CF were displayed by UV–Vis. However, A-CF showed more intact aggregation structure than P-CF. Microstructure and D-periodicities of A-CF and P-CF were observed (SEM and TEM). The diameters of A-CF and P-CF are about 386 and 282 nm, respectively. Although both A-CF and P-CF were theoretically concordant with the Schmitt hypothesis, A-CF was of evener thickness and higher integrity in terms of aggregation structure than P-CF. Modified acid-solubilized method provides a potential non-enzyme alternative to extract native collagen fibrils with uniform thickness and integral aggregation structure.
Hybrid Nanostructured Magnetite Nanoparticles: From Bio-Detection and Theragnostics to Regenerative Medicine
Authors: Piñeiro Yolanda , González Gómez Manuel , de Castro Alves Lisandra , Arnosa Prieto Angela , García Acevedo Pelayo , Seco Gudiña Román , Puig Julieta , Teijeiro Carmen , Yáñez Vilar Susana , Rivas José
Published: January 2020

Nanotechnology offers the possibility of operating on the same scale length at which biological processes occur, allowing to interfere, manipulate or study cellular events in disease or healthy conditions. The development of hybrid nanostructured materials with a high degree of chemical control and complex engineered surface including biological targeting moieties, allows to specifically bind to a single type of molecule for specific detection, signaling or inactivation processes. Magnetite nanostructures with designed composition and properties are the ones that gather most of the designs as theragnostic agents for their versatility, biocompatibility, facile production and good magnetic performance for remote in vitro and in vivo for biomedical applications. Their superparamagnetic behavior below a critical size of 30 nm has allowed the development of magnetic resonance imaging contrast agents or magnetic hyperthermia nanoprobes approved for clinical uses, establishing an inflection point in the field of magnetite based theragnostic agents.
Cohomology of Presheaves of Monoids
Authors: Carrasco Pilar , Cegarra Antonio M.
Published: January 2020

The purpose of this work is to extend Leech cohomology for monoids (and so Eilenberg-Mac Lane cohomology of groups) to presheaves of monoids on an arbitrary small category. The main result states and proves a cohomological classification of monoidal prestacks on a category with values in groupoids with abelian isotropy groups. The paper also includes a cohomological classification for extensions of presheaves of monoids, which is useful to the study of H -extensions of presheaves of regular monoids. The results apply directly in several settings such as presheaves of monoids on a topological space, simplicial monoids, presheaves of simplicial monoids on a topological space, monoids or simplicial monoids on which a fixed monoid or group acts, and so forth.
On the Number of Shortest Weighted Paths in a Triangular Grid
Authors: Nagy Benedek , Khassawneh Bashar
Published: January 2020

Counting the number of shortest paths in various graphs is an important and interesting combinatorial problem, especially in weighted graphs with various applications. We consider a specific infinite graph here, namely the honeycomb grid. Changing to its dual, the triangular grid, paths between triangle pixels (we abbreviate this term to trixels) are counted. The number of shortest weighted paths between any two trixels of the triangular grid is discussed. For each trixel, there are three different types of neighbor trixels, 1-, 2- and 3-neighbours, depending the Euclidean distance of their midpoints. When considering weighted distances, the positive values α, β and γ are assigned to the ‘steps’ to various neighbors. We gave formulae for the number of shortest weighted paths between any two trixels in various cases by the respective weight values. The results are nicely connected to various numbers well-known in combinatorics, e.g., to binomial coefficients and Fibonacci numbers.
Pyrenosetins A–C, New Decalinoylspirotetramic Acid Derivatives Isolated by Bioactivity-Based Molecular Networking from the Seaweed-Derived Fungus Pyrenochaetopsis sp. FVE-001
Authors: Fan Bicheng , Dewapriya Pradeep , Li Fengjie , Blümel Martina , Tasdemir Deniz
Published: January 2020

Marine algae represent a prolific source of filamentous fungi for bioprospecting. In continuation of our search for new anticancer leads from fungi derived from the brown alga Fucus vesiculosus, an endophytic Pyrenochaetopsis sp. FVE-001 was selected for an in-depth chemical analysis. The crude fungal extract inhibited several cancer cell lines in vitro, and the highest anticancer activity was tracked to its CHCl3–soluble portion. A bioactivity-based molecular networking approach was applied to C18-SPE fractions of the CHCl3 subextract to predict the bioactivity scores of metabolites in the fractions and to aid targeted purification of anticancer metabolites. This approach led to a rapid isolation of three new decalinoylspirotetramic acid derivatives, pyrenosetins A–C (1–3) and the known decalin tetramic acid phomasetin (4). The structures of the compounds were elucidated by extensive NMR, HR-ESIMS, FT-IR spectroscopy, [α]D and Mosher’s ester method. Compounds 1 and 2 showed high anticancer activity against malignant melanoma cell line A-375 (IC50 values 2.8 and 6.3 μM, respectively), in line with the bioactivity predictions. This is the first study focusing on secondary metabolites of a marine-derived Pyrenochaetopsis sp. and the second investigation performed on the member of the genus Pyrenochaetopsis.
Promotion of Wound Healing and Prevention of Frostbite Injury in Rat Skin by Exopolysaccharide from the Arctic Marine Bacterium Polaribacter sp. SM1127
Authors: Sun Mei-Ling , Zhao Fang , Chen Xiu-Lan , Zhang Xi-Ying , Zhang Yu-Zhong , Song Xiao-Yan , Sun Cai-Yun , Yang Jie
Published: January 2020

Many marine microorganisms synthesize exopolysaccharides (EPSs), and some of these EPSs have been reported to have potential in different fields. However, the pharmaceutical potentials of marine EPSs are rarely reported. The EPS secreted by the Artic marine bacterium Polaribacter sp. SM1127 has good antioxidant activity, outstanding moisture-retention ability, and considerable protective property on human dermal fibroblasts (HDFs) at low temperature. Here, the effects of SM1127 EPS on skin wound healing and frostbite injury prevention were studied. Scratch wound assay showed that SM1127 EPS could stimulate the migration of HDFs. In the full-thickness cutaneous wound experiment of Sprague–Dawley (SD) rats, SM1127 EPS increased the wound healing rate and stimulated tissue repair detected by macroscopic observation and histologic examination, showing the ability of SM1127 EPS to promote skin wound healing. In the skin frostbite experiment of SD rats, pretreatment of rat skin with SM1127 EPS increased the rate of frostbite wound healing and promoted the repair of the injured skin significantly, indicating the good effect of SM1127 EPS on frostbite injury prevention. These results suggest the promising potential of SM1127 EPS in the pharmaceutical area to promote skin wound healing and prevent frostbite injury.
Isolation and Characterization of Antimicrobial Peptides with Unusual Disulfide Connectivity from the Colonial Ascidian Synoicum turgens
Authors: Hansen Ida K. Ø. , Isaksson Johan , Poth Aaron G. , Hansen Kine Ø. , Andersen Aaron J. C. , Richard Céline S. M. , Blencke Hans-Matti , Stensvåg Klara , Craik David J. , Haug Tor
Published: January 2020

This study reports the isolation of two novel cysteine-rich antibacterial peptides, turgencin A and turgencin B, along with their oxidized derivatives, from the Arctic marine colonial ascidian Synoicum turgens. The peptides are post-translationally modified, containing six cysteines with an unusual disulfide connectivity of Cys1-Cys6, Cys2-Cys5, and Cys3-Cys4 and an amidated C-terminus. Furthermore, the peptides contain methionine residues resulting in the isolation of peptides with different degrees of oxidation. The most potent peptide, turgencin AMox1 with one oxidized methionine, displayed antimicrobial activity against both Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria with a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) as low as 0.4 µM against selected bacterial strains. In addition, the peptide inhibited the growth of the melanoma cancer cell line A2058 (IC50 = 1.4 µM) and the human fibroblast cell line MRC-5 (IC50 = 4.8 µM). The results from this study show that natural peptides isolated from marine tunicates have the potential to be promising drug leads.
Pre-Treatment with Laminarin Protects Hippocampal CA1 Pyramidal Neurons and Attenuates Reactive Gliosis Following Transient Forebrain Ischemia in Gerbils
Authors: Lee Tae-Kyeong , Ahn Ji Hyeon , Park Cheol Woo , Kim Bora , Park Young Eun , Lee Jae-Chul , Park Joon Ha , Yang Go Eun , Shin Myoung Cheol , Cho Jun Hwi , Kang Il-Jun , Won Moo-Ho
Published: January 2020

Transient brain ischemia triggers selective neuronal death/loss, especially in vulnerable regions of the brain including the hippocampus. Laminarin, a polysaccharide originating from brown seaweed, has various pharmaceutical properties including an antioxidant function. To the best of our knowledge, few studies have been conducted on the protective effects of laminarin against ischemic injury induced by ischemic insults. In this study, we histopathologically investigated the neuroprotective effects of laminarin in the Cornu Ammonis 1 (CA1) field of the hippocampus, which is very vulnerable to ischemia-reperfusion injury, following transient forebrain ischemia (TFI) for five minutes in gerbils. The neuroprotective effect was examined by cresyl violet staining, Fluoro-Jade B histofluorescence staining and immunohistochemistry for neuronal-specific nuclear protein. Additionally, to study gliosis (glial changes), we performed immunohistochemistry for glial fibrillary acidic protein to examine astrocytes, and ionized calcium-binding adaptor molecule 1 to examine microglia. Furthermore, we examined alterations in pro-inflammatory M1 microglia by using double immunofluorescence. Pretreatment with 10 mg/kg laminarin failed to protect neurons in the hippocampal CA1 field and did not attenuate reactive gliosis in the field following TFI. In contrast, pretreatment with 50 or 100 mg/kg laminarin protected neurons, attenuated reactive gliosis and reduced pro-inflammatory M1 microglia in the CA1 field following TFI. Based on these results, we firmly propose that 50 mg/kg laminarin can be strategically applied to develop a preventative against injuries following cerebral ischemic insults.
Analysis of the Bauschinger Effect in Cold Drawn Pearlitic Steels
Authors: Toribio Jesús , Kharin Viktor , Ayaso Francisco-Javier , Lorenzo Miguel , González Beatriz , Matos Juan-Carlos , Aguado Leticia
Published: January 2020

Prestressing steel wires usually undergo cyclic loading in service. Therefore, it is of interest to analyse certain features of their mechanical behaviour under this type of loading, such as the Bauschinger effect (BE) or the hardening rule, that fit the real mechanical behaviour appropriately. In this study, different samples of high strength pearlitic steel wires were subjected to cyclic tension-compression load exceeding the material yield strength, thus generating plastic strains. From the experimental results, various parameters were obtained revealing that analysed steels exhibited the so-called Masing type BE. In addition, the variation of the BE characteristics (of the effective and internal stresses) with the applied plastic pre-strain indicated that the studied materials followed a mixed strain hardening rule with the domination of the kinematic component.
Prototyping a Versatile Two-Layer Multi-Channel Microfluidic Device for Direct-Contact Cell-Vessel Co-Culture
Authors: Chen Li-Jiun , Raut Bibek , Nagai Nobuhiro , Abe Toshiaki , Kaji Hirokazu
Published: January 2020

Microfluidic devices are gaining increasing popularity due to their wide applications in various research areas. Herein, we propose a two-layer multi-channel microfluidic device allowing for direct-contact cell-vessel co-culture. Using the device, we built a co-culture model of the outer blood-retina barrier (oBRB), mimicking the in vivo retinal pigment epithelial cells-Bruch membrane-fenestrated choroids. To demonstrate the versatility of the design, we further modified the device by inserting platinum electrodes for trans-epithelial electrical resistance (TEER) measurement, demonstrating the feasibility of on-chip assessment of the epithelial barrier integrity. Our proposed design allows for direct-contact co-culture of cell–cell or cell–vessel, modifiable for real-time evaluation of the state of the epithelial monolayers.
A Piezo-Electromagnetic Coupling Multi-Directional Vibration Energy Harvester Based on Frequency Up-Conversion Technique
Authors: Shi Ge , Chen Junfu , Peng Yansheng , Shi Mang , Xia Huakang , Wang Xiudeng , Ye Yidie , Xia Yinshui
Published: January 2020

Harvesting vibration energy to power wearable devices has become a hot research topic, while the output power and conversion efficiency of a vibration energy harvester with a single electromechanical conversion mechanism is low and the working frequency band and load range are narrow. In this paper, a new structure of piezoelectric electromagnetic coupling up-conversion multi-directional vibration energy harvester is proposed. Four piezoelectric electromagnetic coupling cantilever beams are installed on the axis of the base along the circumferential direction. Piezoelectric plates are set on the surface of each cantilever beam to harvest energy. The permanent magnet on the beam is placed on the free end of the cantilever beam as a mass block. Four coils for collecting energy are arranged on the base under the permanent magnets on the cantilever beams. A bearing is installed on the central shaft of the base and a rotating mass block is arranged on the outer ring of the bearing. Four permanent magnets are arranged on the rotating mass block and their positions correspond to the permanent magnets on the cantilever beams. The piezoelectric cantilever is induced to vibrate at its natural frequency by the interaction between the magnet on cantilever and the magnets on the rotating mass block. It can collect the nonlinear impact vibration energy of low-frequency motion to meet the energy harvesting of human motion.
Synthesis and a Photo-Stability Study of Organic Dyes for Electro-Fluidic Display
Authors: Deng Yong , Li Shi , Ye Dechao , Jiang Hongwei , Tang Biao , Zhou Guofu
Published: January 2020

Electro-fluidic display (EFD) is one of the most promising reflective displays because of its full color and video speed. Colored EFD oil, which normally consists of soluble organic dyes and non-polar solvent, plays a critical role in color, electro-optical behavior, and the reliability of the EFD devices. In this paper, we report our research on two kinds of electro-fluidic dyes based on anthraquinone and azo pyrazolone, including their synthesis, structure characterization, and application properties. Changes of absorbance curves, color coordinates of oils, and photoelectric responses of devices were studied in detail under accelerated irradiation to investigate the photo-stability and reliability properties of synthesized oil materials and devices. Photoelectric responses and photo stability of dyes are highly varied depending on their structures. We found that 1,4-dlialkylamino anthraqinone and mono azo pyrazolone dyes are much more stable than 1,8-dlialkylamino anthraqinone and corresponding bisazo pyrazolone dyes.
Microfluidics Mediated Production of Foams for Biomedical Applications
Authors: Maimouni Ilham , Cejas Cesare M. , Cossy Janine , Tabeling Patrick , Russo Maria
Published: January 2020

Within the last decade, there has been increasing interest in liquid and solid foams for several industrial uses. In the biomedical field, liquid foams can be used as delivery systems for dermatological treatments, for example, whereas solid foams are frequently used as scaffolds for tissue engineering and drug screening. Most of the foam functionalities are largely correlated to their mechanical properties and their structure, especially bubble/pore size, shape, and interconnectivity. However, the majority of conventional foaming fabrication techniques lack pore size control which can induce important inhomogeneities in the foams and subsequently decrease their performance. In this perspective, new advanced technologies have been introduced, such as microfluidics, which offers a highly controlled production, allowing for design customization of both liquid foams and solid foams obtained through liquid-templating. This short review explores both the fabrication and the characterization of foams, with a focus on solid polymer foams, and sheds the light on how microfluidics can overcome some existing limitations, playing a crucial role in their production for biomedical applications, especially as scaffolds in tissue engineering.
Controlling Shapes in a Coaxial Flow Focusing Microfluidic Device: Experiments and Theory
Authors: Rodriguez-Trujillo Romen , Kim-Im Yu-Han , Hernandez-Machado Aurora
Published: January 2020

A coaxial flow focusing PDMS (polydimethylsiloxane) microfluidic device has been designed and manufactured by soft lithography in order to experimentally study a miscible inner flow. We studied a coaxially focused inner flow (formed by an aqueous fluorescein solution) which was fully isolated from all microchannel surfaces by an additional water outer flow. Different flow rates were used to produce a variety of flow ratios and a 3D reconstruction of the cross-section was performed using confocal microscope images. The results showed an elliptical section of the coaxially focused inner flow that changes in shape depending on the flow rate ratio applied. We have also developed a mathematical model that allows us to predict and control the geometry of the coaxially focused inner flow.
Experimental Study on Machinability of Zr-Based Bulk Metallic Glass during Micro Milling
Authors: Wang Tao , Wu Xiaoyu , Zhang Guoqing , Xu Bin , Chen Yinghua , Ruan Shuangchen
Published: January 2020

The micro machinability of Zr41.2Ti13.8Cu12.5Ni10Be22.5 bulk metallic glass (BMG) was investigated by micro milling with coated cemented carbide tools. The corresponding micro milling tests on Al6061 were conducted for comparison. The results showed that the tool was still in stable wear stage after milling 300 mm, and the surface roughness Ra could be maintained around 0.06 μm. The tool experienced only slight chipping and rubbing wear after milling the BMG, while a built-up edge and the coating peeling off occurred severely when milling Al6061. The influence of rotation speed on surface roughness was insignificant, while surface roughness decreased with the reduction of feed rate, and then increased dramatically when the feed rate was below 2 μm/tooth. The surface roughness increased gradually with the axial depth of cut (DOC). Milling force decreased slightly with the increase in rotation speed, while it increased with the increase in axial DOC, and the size effect on milling force occurred when the feed rate decreased below 1 μm/tooth. The results of X-ray diffraction (XRD) showed that all milled surfaces were still dominated by an amorphous structure. This study could pave a solid foundation for structural and functional applications.
Iridoids: Research Advances in Their Phytochemistry, Biological Activities, and Pharmacokinetics
Authors: Wang Congcong , Gong Xue , Bo Agula , Zhang Lei , Zhang Mingxu , Zang Erhuan , Zhang Chunhong , Li Minhui
Published: January 2020

Iridoids are a class of active compounds that widely exist in the plant kingdom. In recent years, with advances in phytochemical research, many compounds with novel structure and outstanding activity have been identified. Iridoid compounds have been confirmed to mainly exist as the prototype and aglycone and Ι and II metabolites, by biological transformation. These metabolites have been shown to have neuroprotective, hepatoprotective, anti-inflammatory, antitumor, hypoglycemic, and hypolipidemic activities. This review summarizes the new structures and activities of iridoids identified locally and globally, and explains their pharmacokinetics from the aspects of absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion according to the differences in their structures, thus providing a theoretical basis for further rational development and utilization of iridoids and their metabolites.
Effects of Oil Droplet Size and Interfacial Protein Film on the Properties of Fish Myofibrillar Protein–Oil Composite Gels
Authors: Xu Xia , Chen Hong , Zhang Qi , Lyu Fei , Ding Yuting , Zhou Xuxia
Published: January 2020

The effects of oil droplet size and the formation of an interfacial protein film (IPF) on silver carp myofibrillar protein (MP)–oil composite gels were studied. MP- or Tween 80-stabilized camellia seed oil emulsions with different droplet sizes were prepared and added to MPs to prepare composite gels. The oil droplet size of the Tween 80-stabilized emulsion was significantly smaller (p < 0.05) than that of the MP-stabilized emulsion with the same homogenization speed. However, polymerization of Tween 80-stabilized emulsions during the preparation of the composite gels was found. Composite gels with the MP-stabilized emulsions of a small droplet size showed significantly improved water-holding capacity, texture, and dynamic rheological properties. Interfacial shear rheology studies revealed that the storage modulus (G’) of the MP-stabilized emulsion composite gels was higher than that of the Tween 80-stabilized gels, and the tan δ of the MP-stabilized oil emulsion composite gels was smaller than that of the Tween 80-stabilized gels, indicating that stronger elastic gel structures were formed. These results suggested that the IPF formed in the MP-stabilized emulsion helped stabilize the oil droplets embedded in the protein gel network, and the smaller the droplet size, the more stable the composite gel. This work provides a better understanding of how oil emulsions interact with protein and affect the properties of MP–oil composite gels.
Antimicrobial Activity of Protein Fraction from Naja ashei Venom against Staphylococcus epidermidis
Authors: Bocian Aleksandra , Ciszkowicz Ewa , Hus Konrad K. , Buczkowicz Justyna , Lecka-Szlachta Katarzyna , Pietrowska Monika , Petrilla Vladimír , Petrillova Monika , Legáth Ľubomír , Legáth Jaroslav
Published: January 2020

One of the key problems of modern infectious disease medicine is the growing number of drug-resistant and multi-drug-resistant bacterial strains. For this reason, many studies are devoted to the search for highly active antimicrobial substances that could be used in therapy against bacterial infections. As it turns out, snake venoms are a rich source of proteins that exert a strong antibacterial effect, and therefore they have become an interesting research material. We analyzed Naja ashei venom for such antibacterial properties, and we found that a specific composition of proteins can act to eliminate individual bacterial cells, as well as the entire biofilm of Staphylococcus epidermidis. In general, we used ion exchange chromatography (IEX) to obtain 10 protein fractions with different levels of complexity, which were then tested against certified and clinical strains of S. epidermidis. One of the fractions (F2) showed exceptional antimicrobial effects both alone and in combination with antibiotics. The protein composition of the obtained fractions was determined using mass spectrometry techniques, indicating a high proportion of phospholipases A2, three-finger toxins, and L-amino acids oxidases in F2 fraction, which are most likely responsible for the unique properties of this fraction. Moreover, we were able to identify a new group of low abundant proteins containing the Ig-like domain that have not been previously described in snake venoms.
Biogas Production from Physicochemically Pretreated Grass Lawn Waste: Comparison of Different Process Schemes
Authors: Antonopoulou Georgia , Vayenas Dimitrios , Lyberatos Gerasimos
Published: January 2020

Various pretreatment methods, such as thermal, alkaline and acid, were applied on grass lawn (GL) waste and the effect of each pretreatment method on the Biochemical Methane Potential was evaluated for two options, namely using the whole slurry resulting from pretreatment or the separate solid and liquid fractions obtained. In addition, the effect of each pretreatment on carbohydrate solubilization and lignocellulossic content fractionation (to cellulose, hemicellulose, lignin) was also evaluated. The experimental results showed that the methane yield was enhanced with alkaline pretreatment and, the higher the NaOH concentration (20 g/100 gTotal Solids (TS)), the higher was the methane yield observed (427.07 L CH4/kg Volatile Solids (VS), which was almost 25.7% higher than the BMP of the untreated GL). Comparing the BMP obtained under the two options, i.e., that of the whole pretreatment slurry with the sum of the BMPs of both fractions, it was found that direct anaerobic digestion without separation of the pretreated biomass was favored, in almost all cases. A preliminary energy balance and economic assessment indicated that the process could be sustainable, leading to a positive net heat energy only when using a more concentrated pretreated slurry (i.e., 20% organic loading), or when applying NaOH pretreatment at a lower chemical loading.
Synthesis of Highly Crystalline Graphite from Spontaneous Ignition of In Situ Derived Acetylene and Chlorine at Ambient Conditions
Authors: Chalmpes Nikolaos , Spyrou Konstantinos , Bourlinos Athanasios B. , Moschovas Dimitrios , Avgeropoulos Apostolos , Karakassides Michael A. , Gournis Dimitrios
Published: January 2020

We exploited a classic chemistry demonstration experiment based on the reaction of acetylene with chlorine to obtain highly crystalline graphite at ambient conditions. Acetylene and chlorine were generated in-situ by the addition of calcium carbide (CaC2) in a concentrated HCl solution, followed by the quick addition of domestic bleach (NaClO). The released gases reacted spontaneously, giving bursts of yellow flame, leaving highly crystalline graphite deposits in the aqueous phase. This was a rather benign alternative towards synthetic graphite, the latter usually being prepared at high temperatures. The synthetic graphite was further utilized to obtain graphene or conductive inks.
Synthesis and Antimalarial Activity of 1,4-Disubstituted Piperidine Derivatives
Authors: Seck Rokhyatou , Gassama Abdoulaye , Cojean Sandrine , Cavé Christian
Published: January 2020

In order to prepare, at low cost, new compounds active against Plasmodium falciparum, and with a less side-effects, we have designed and synthesized a library of 1,4-disubstituted piperidine derivatives from 4-aminopiperidine derivatives 6. The resulting compound library has been evaluated against chloroquine-sensitive (3D7) and chloroquine-resistant (W2) strains of P. falciparum. The most active molecules—compounds 12d (13.64 nM (3D7)), 13b (4.19 nM (3D7) and 13.30 nM (W2)), and 12a (11.6 nM (W2))—were comparable to chloroquine (22.38 nM (3D7) and 134.12 nM (W2)).
Charge Displacement Analysis—A Tool to Theoretically Characterize the Charge Transfer Contribution of Halogen Bonds
Authors: Ciancaleoni Gianluca , Nunzi Francesca , Belpassi Leonardo
Published: January 2020

Theoretical bonding analysis is of prime importance for the deep understanding of the various chemical interactions, covalent or not. Among the various methods that have been developed in the last decades, the analysis of the Charge Displacement function (CD) demonstrated to be useful to reveal the charge transfer effects in many contexts, from weak hydrogen bonds, to the characterization of σ hole interactions, as halogen, chalcogen and pnictogen bonding or even in the decomposition of the metal-ligand bond. Quite often, the CD analysis has also been coupled with experimental techniques, in order to give a complete description of the system under study. In this review, we focus on the use of CD analysis on halogen bonded systems, describing the most relevant literature examples about gas phase and condensed phase systems. Chemical insights will be drawn about the nature of halogen bond, its cooperativity and its influence on metal-ligand bond components.
Ammi Visnaga L., a Potential Medicinal Plant: A Review
Authors: Khalil Noha , Bishr Mokhtar , Desouky Samar , Salama Osama
Published: January 2020

Ammi visnaga L. (Visnaga daucoides Gaertn., Family Apiaceae), also known as Khella Baldi or toothpick weed, is an annual or biennial herb indigenous to the Mediterranean region of North Africa, Asia, and Europe. The plant is known to have been used in traditional medicine a long time ago. Nowadays, it is used in modern medicine to treat many aliments such as renal colic and coronary insufficiency, and is used as an antioxidant, antifungal, and antibacterial, with a larvicidal effect on mosquito larvae. Peer-reviewed studies show that these pharmacological activities are due its valuable chemical constituents that include mainly essential oil, polyphenolic compounds including flavonoids, as well as γ-pyrones, represented mainly by khellin and visnagin. Its essential oil is reported to have antiviral, antibacterial, and larvicidal effects, while its flavonoid content is responsible for its antioxidant activity. Its γ-pyrone content has a powerful effect on facilitating the passage of kidney stones and relieving renal colic, in addition to having a relaxant effect on smooth muscle including that of the coronary arteries. The current review represents the progress in research on A. visnaga in terms of either its chemistry or biological activities. This review represents scientific support material for the use of the plant by the pharmaceutical industry.
Voltammetry and Spectroelectrochemistry of TCNQ in Acetonitrile/RTIL Mixtures
Authors: Atifi Abderrahman , Ryan Michael D.
Published: January 2020

Understanding the solvation and ion-pairing interactions of anionic substrates in room-temperature ionic liquids (RTIL) is key for the electrochemical applications of these new classes of solvents. In this work, cyclic voltammetry and visible and infrared spectroelectrochemistry of tetracyanoquinodimethane (TCNQ) was examined in molecular (acetonitrile) and RTIL solvents, as well as mixtures of these solvents. The overall results were consistent with the formation of RTIL/acetonitrile nanodomains. The voltammetry indicated that the first electrogenerated product, TCNQ−, was not incorporated into the RTIL nanodomain, while the second electrogenerated product, TCNQ2−, was strongly attracted to the RTIL nanodomain. The visible spectroelectrochemistry was also consistent with these observations. Infrared spectroelectrochemistry showed no discrete ion pairing between the cation and TCNQ− in either the acetonitrile or RTIL solutions. Discrete ion pairing was, however, observed in the acetonitrile domain between the tetrabutylammonium ion and TCNQ2−. On the other hand, no discrete ion pairing was observed in BMImPF6 or BMImBF4 solutions with TCNQ2−. In BMImNTf2, however, discrete ion pairs were formed with BMIm+ and TCNQ2−. Density function theory (DFT) calculations showed that the cations paired above and below the aromatic ring. The results of this work support the understanding of the redox chemistry in RTIL solutions.
Chemistry and Some Biological Potential of Bismuth and Antimony Dithiocarbamate Complexes
Authors: Adeyemi Jerry O. , Onwudiwe Damian C.
Published: January 2020

Interest in the synthesis of Bi(III) and Sb(III) dithiocarbamate complexes is on the rise, and this has been attributed to their wide structural diversity and their interesting application as biological agents and in solid state/materials chemistry. The readily available binding sites of the two sulphur atoms within the dithiocarbamate moiety in the complexes confers a wide variety of geometry and interactions that often leads to supramolecular assemblies. Although none of the bismuth or antimony metals are known to play any natural biological function, their dithiocarbamate complexes, however, have proven very useful as antibacterial, antileishmanial, anticancer, and antifungal agents. The dithiocarbamate ligands modulate the associated toxicity of the metals, especially antimony, since bismuth is known to be benign, allowing the metal ion to get to the targeted sites; hence, making it less available for side and other damaging reactions. This review presents a concise chemistry and some known biological potentials of their trivalent dithiocarbamate complexes.
The Synthesis and Functional Study of Multicolor Nitrogen-Doped Carbon Dots for Live Cell Nuclear Imaging
Authors: Zhang Yanan , Zhang Xingwei , Shi Yanping , Sun Chao , Zhou Nan , Wen Haixia
Published: January 2020

The nitrogen-doped carbon dots (N-CQDs) were synthesized by citric acid as a raw material and propylene diamine as a passivation agent. Structure, optical properties and biocompatibility of N-CQDs were analyzed. It was found that the N-CQDs possessed concentration-dependent, multicolor photoluminescence and low toxicity. As demonstrated in the imaging of bioluminescence, by adjusting the concentration of N-CQDs, the cell imaging effect can be adjusted. The internalized N-CQDs were concentrated in the nucleus. A novel tool for studying the nuclear changes during the cell cycle was developed.
Application of Conducting Polymer Nanostructures to Electrochemical Biosensors
Authors: El-Said Waleed A. , Abdelshakour Muhammad , Choi Jin-Ha , Choi Jeong-Woo
Published: January 2020

Over the past few decades, nanostructured conducting polymers have received great attention in several application fields, including biosensors, microelectronics, polymer batteries, actuators, energy conversion, and biological applications due to their excellent conductivity, stability, and ease of preparation. In the bioengineering application field, the conducting polymers were reported as excellent matrixes for the functionalization of various biological molecules and thus enhanced their performances as biosensors. In addition, combinations of metals or metal oxides nanostructures with conducting polymers result in enhancing the stability and sensitivity as the biosensing platform. Therefore, several methods have been reported for developing homogeneous metal/metal oxide nanostructures thin layer on the conducting polymer surfaces. This review will introduce the fabrications of different conducting polymers nanostructures and their composites with different shapes. We will exhibit the different techniques that can be used to develop conducting polymers nanostructures and to investigate their chemical, physical and topographical effects. Among the various biosensors, we will focus on conducting polymer-integrated electrochemical biosensors for monitoring important biological targets such as DNA, proteins, peptides, and other biological biomarkers, in addition to their applications as cell-based chips. Furthermore, the fabrication and applications of the molecularly imprinted polymer-based biosensors will be addressed in this review.
Innovative Approaches for Recovery of Phytoconstituents from Medicinal/Aromatic Plants and Biotechnological Production
Authors: Fierascu Radu Claudiu , Fierascu Irina , Ortan Alina , Georgiev Milen I. , Sieniawska Elwira
Published: January 2020

Continuously growing demand for plant derived therapeutic molecules obtained in a sustainable and eco-friendly manner favors biotechnological production and development of innovative extraction techniques to obtain phytoconstituents. What is more, improving and optimization of alternative techniques for the isolation of high value natural compounds are issues having both social and economic importance. In this critical review, the aspects regarding plant biotechnology and green downstream processing, leading to the production and extraction of increased levels of fine chemicals from both plant cell, tissue, and organ culture or fresh plant materials and the remaining by-products, are discussed.
Improving the Tribological and Anticorrosion Performance of Waterborne Polyurethane Coating by the Synergistic Effect between Modified Graphene Oxide and Polytetrafluoroethylene
Authors: Bai Tao , Lv Lei , Du Weiping , Fang Wenqi , Wang Yansong
Published: January 2020

In this work, the effect of modified graphene oxide and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) on the tribological and anticorrosion properties of waterborne polyurethane (WPU) was studied. The modified graphene oxide (MGO) was obtained by the surface functionalization modification of graphene oxide (GO) with isophorone diisocyanate (IPDI), and MGO/WPU composite coating and MGO-PTFE/WPU composite coating with different mass fractions of MGO were prepared. The tribological and electrochemical experiment results demonstrated that the tribological properties of the coating and the corrosion resistance of the worn coating were effectively enhanced under the synergistic effect of MGO and PTFE. Finally, a mechanism was proposed to explain the improvement in anticorrosion performance of the worn coating.
High-Quality Black Phosphorus Quantum Dots Fabricated via Microwave-Tailored Technology
Authors: Du Kaixiang , Yang Wen , Deng Shukang , Li Xueming , Yang Peizhi
Published: January 2020

Black phosphorus quantum dots (BPQDs) have recently obtained great attention due to their high mobility and tunable bandgap features, which are beneficial for their potential application in photoelectronic devices. However, a precise synthesis of high-quality BPQDs is still a great challenge owing to the formation of an impurity phase when employing traditional methods. Herein, we demonstrate the scalable fabrication of BPQDs from mineralization-derived bulk black phosphorus (BP) single crystals by means of a microwave (MW)-assisted liquid-phase exfoliation method in ethanol. The primary results demonstrate that ethanol plays a crucial role in determining the final properties of BPQDs, such as their excellent tolerance to oxygen, good crystallinity, and uniform size. Furthermore, the mechanism behind the formation of BPQDs is proposed, revealing that a layer-by-layer disintegration process of bulk BP crystals under microwave-energy stimuli is responsible. This work may provide a novel path for the further development of BPQDs and corresponding devices.
The Molecular and Physiological Effects of Protein-Derived Polyamines in the Intestine
Authors: Bekebrede Anna F. , Keijer Jaap , Gerrits Walter J. J. , Boer Vincent C. J. de
Published: January 2020

Consumption of a high-protein diet increases protein entry into the colon. Colonic microbiota can ferment proteins, which results in the production of protein fermentation end-products, like polyamines. This review describes the effects of polyamines on biochemical, cellular and physiological processes, with a focus on the colon. Polyamines (mainly spermine, spermidine, putrescine and cadaverine) are involved in the regulation of protein translation and gene transcription. In this, the spermidine-derived hypusination modification of EIF5A plays an important role. In addition, polyamines regulate metabolic functions. Through hypusination of EIF5A, polyamines also regulate translation of mitochondrial proteins, thereby increasing their expression. They can also induce mitophagy through various pathways, which helps to remove damaged organelles and improves cell survival. In addition, polyamines increase mitochondrial substrate oxidation by increasing mitochondrial Ca2+-levels. Putrescine can even serve as an energy source for enterocytes in the small intestine. By regulating the formation of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore, polyamines help maintain mitochondrial membrane integrity. However, their catabolism may also reduce metabolic functions by depleting intracellular acetyl-CoA levels, or through production of toxic by-products. Lastly, polyamines support gut physiology, by supporting barrier function, inducing gut maturation and increasing longevity. Polyamines thus play many roles, and their impact is strongly tissue- and dose-dependent. However, whether diet-derived increases in colonic luminal polyamine levels also impact intestinal physiology has not been resolved yet.
Perceptions of ‘Home Cooking’: A Qualitative Analysis from the United Kingdom and United States
Authors: Mills Susanna D.H. , Wolfson Julia A. , Wrieden Wendy L. , Brown Heather , White Martin , Adams Jean
Published: January 2020

Cooking at home is likely to be associated with benefits to diet and health. However, the nuanced perceptions and practices linked to different types of cooking are not yet fully understood. This research aimed to explore the specific concept of ‘home cooking’, using qualitative research from the UK and US. Data from two previously completed studies exploring cooking at home were combined and a new secondary analysis was undertaken using the Framework Method. Data in the first study were drawn from participants in the North East of the UK who were interviewed. Data in the second study were drawn from participants in Baltimore, US, who took part in focus groups. Data from a total of 71 adults (18 UK and 53 US), with diverse sociodemographic characteristics and experiences of cooking, were analysed. In both countries, participants distinguished ‘home cooking’ as a distinct subtype of cooking at home. ‘Home cooking’ was defined in terms of preparing a meal from scratch, cooking with love and care, and nostalgia. Cooking at home had a range of dimensions, and perceptions of ‘home cooking’ tended to focus on social and emotional associations. In future, public health initiatives might, therefore, highlight the potential social and emotional benefits of ‘home cooking’, rather than emphasising implications for physical health.
Menopause-Associated Lipid Metabolic Disorders and Foods Beneficial for Postmenopausal Women
Authors: Ko Seong-Hee , Kim Hyun-Sook
Published: January 2020

Menopause is clinically diagnosed as a condition when a woman has not menstruated for one year. During the menopausal transition period, there is an emergence of various lipid metabolic disorders due to hormonal changes, such as decreased levels of estrogens and increased levels of circulating androgens; these may lead to the development of metabolic syndromes including cardiovascular diseases and type 2 diabetes. Dysregulation of lipid metabolism affects the body fat mass, fat-free mass, fatty acid metabolism, and various aspects of energy metabolism, such as basal metabolic ratio, adiposity, and obesity. Moreover, menopause is also associated with alterations in the levels of various lipids circulating in the blood, such as lipoproteins, apolipoproteins, low-density lipoproteins (LDLs), high-density lipoproteins (HDL) and triacylglycerol (TG). Alterations in lipid metabolism and excessive adipose tissue play a key role in the synthesis of excess fatty acids, adipocytokines, proinflammatory cytokines, and reactive oxygen species, which cause lipid peroxidation and result in the development of insulin resistance, abdominal adiposity, and dyslipidemia. This review discusses dietary recommendations and beneficial compounds, such as vitamin D, omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, phytochemicals—and their food sources—to aid the management of abnormal lipid metabolism in postmenopausal women.