bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prenatal and Postnatal Choline Supplementation in Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder
Authors: Ernst Abigail M. , Gimbel Blake A. , de Water Erik , Eckerle Judith K. , Radke Joshua P. , Georgieff Michael K. , Wozniak Jeffrey R.
Published: February 2022

Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) is common and represents a significant public health burden, yet very few interventions have been tested in FASD. Cognitive deficits are core features of FASD, ranging from broad intellectual impairment to selective problems in attention, executive functioning, memory, visual–perceptual/motor skills, social cognition, and academics. One potential intervention for the cognitive impairments associated with FASD is the essential nutrient choline, which is known to have numerous direct effects on brain and cognition in both typical and atypical development. We provide a summary of the literature supporting the use of choline as a neurodevelopmental intervention in those affected by prenatal alcohol. We first discuss how alcohol interferes with normal brain development. We then provide a comprehensive overview of the nutrient choline and discuss its role in typical brain development and its application in the optimization of brain development following early insult. Next, we review the preclinical literature that provides evidence of choline’s potential as an intervention following alcohol exposure. Then, we review a handful of existing human studies of choline supplementation in FASD. Lastly, we conclude with a review of practical considerations in choline supplementation, including dose, formulation, and feasibility in children.
Validation of a Food Knowledge Questionnaire on Tanzanian Women of Childbearing Age
Authors: Conti Maria Vittoria , Gnesi Marco , De Giuseppe Rachele , Giampieri Francesca , Monti Maria Cristina , Mshanga Naelijwa , Kinabo Joyce , Msuya John , Cena Hellas
Published: February 2022

The present manuscript describes the validation of a food knowledge questionnaire (FKQ) for Tanzanian childbearing age women. The FKQ was derived from the Ugandan version and was adapted according to Tanzanian culture and food habits, including 114 closed-ended questions, divided into five different sections. The FKQ was administered to 671 Tanzanian childbearing-age women who were eligible if they: (i) were aged between 14 and 49 years old, (ii) had not been diagnosed with any disease and (iii) lived in the urban or peri-urban area of the Arusha and Morogoro region. The validation process of the FKQ was conducted in Tanzania and the recruitment occurred between August and October 2020. The final version of the validated questionnaire was characterized by a total of 88 questions, divided into ten different sections; each section aimed to investigate a different aspect of food knowledge, except for section A, which collected information related to the social and demographic characteristics of the respondent. The food knowledge questionnaire showed good construct validity and content validity to assess knowledge and food practices in Tanzanian women of childbearing age and could be used in future studies to identify women at higher risk of unhealthy eating habits and food choices.
Beneficial Activities of Alisma orientale Extract in a Western Diet-Induced Murine Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis and Related Fibrosis Model via Regulation of the Hepatic Adiponectin and Farnesoid X Receptor Pathways
Authors: Jeon Seung Ho , Jang Eungyeong , Park Geonha , Lee Yeongae , Jang Young Pyo , Lee Kyung-Tae , Inn Kyung-Soo , Lee Jong Kil , Lee Jang-Hoon
Published: February 2022

The hepatic adiponectin and farnesoid X receptor (FXR) signaling pathways play multiple roles in modulating lipid and glucose metabolism, reducing hepatic inflammation and fibrosis, and altering various metabolic targets for the management of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Alisma orientale (AO, Ze xie in Chinese and Taeksa in Korean) is an herbal plant whose tubers are enriched with triterpenoids, which have been reported to exhibit various bioactive properties associated with NAFLD. Here, the present study provides a preclinical evaluation of the biological functions and related signaling pathways of AO extract for the treatment of NAFLD in a Western diet (WD)-induced mouse model. The findings showed that AO extract significantly reversed serum markers (liver function, lipid profile, and glucose) and improved histological features in the liver sections of mice fed WD for 52 weeks. In addition, it also reduced hepatic expression of fibrogenic markers in liver tissue and decreased the extent of collagen-positive areas, as well as inhibited F4/80 macrophage aggregation and inflammatory cytokine secretion. The activation of adiponectin and FXR expression in hepatic tissue may be a major mechanistic signaling cascade supporting the promising role of AO in NAFLD pharmacotherapy. Collectively, our results demonstrated that AO extract improves non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) resolution, particularly with respect to NASH-related fibrosis, along with the regulation of liver enzymes, postprandial hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia, and weight loss, probably through the modulation of the hepatic adiponectin and FXR pathways.
The p97 Inhibitor UPCDC-30245 Blocks Endo-Lysosomal Degradation
Authors: Wang Feng , Li Shan , Cheng Kai-Wen , Rosencrans William M. , Chou Tsui-Fen
Published: February 2022

The diverse modes of action of small molecule inhibitors provide versatile tools to investigate basic biology and develop therapeutics. However, it remains a challenging task to evaluate their exact mechanisms of action. We identified two classes of inhibitors for the p97 ATPase: ATP competitive and allosteric. We showed that the allosteric p97 inhibitor, UPCDC-30245, does not affect two well-known cellular functions of p97, endoplasmic-reticulum-associated protein degradation and the unfolded protein response pathway; instead, it strongly increases the lipidated form of microtubule-associated proteins 1A/1B light chain 3B (LC3-II), suggesting an alteration of autophagic pathways. To evaluate the molecular mechanism, we performed proteomic analysis of UPCDC-30245 treated cells. Our results revealed that UPCDC-30245 blocks endo-lysosomal degradation by inhibiting the formation of early endosome and reducing the acidity of the lysosome, an effect not observed with the potent p97 inhibitor CB-5083. This unique effect allows us to demonstrate UPCDC-30245 exhibits antiviral effects against coronavirus by blocking viral entry.
Application and Utility of Liposomal Neuroprotective Agents and Biomimetic Nanoparticles for the Treatment of Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Fukuta Tatsuya , Oku Naoto , Kogure Kentaro
Published: February 2022

Ischemic stroke is still one of the leading causes of high mortality and severe disability worldwide. Therapeutic options for ischemic stroke and subsequent cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury remain limited due to challenges associated with drug permeability through the blood-brain barrier (BBB). Neuroprotectant delivery with nanoparticles, including liposomes, offers a promising solution to address this problem, as BBB disruption following ischemic stroke allows nanoparticles to pass through the intercellular gaps between endothelial cells. To ameliorate ischemic brain damage, a number of nanotherapeutics encapsulating neuroprotective agents, as well as surface-modified nanoparticles with specific ligands targeting the injured brain regions, have been developed. Combination therapy with nanoparticles encapsulating neuroprotectants and tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA), a globally approved thrombolytic agent, has been demonstrated to extend the narrow therapeutic time window of t-PA. In addition, the design of biomimetic drug delivery systems (DDS) employing circulating cells (e.g., leukocytes, platelets) with unique properties has recently been investigated to overcome the injured BBB, utilizing these cells’ inherent capability to penetrate the ischemic brain. Herein, we review recent findings on the application and utility of nanoparticle DDS, particularly liposomes, and various approaches to developing biomimetic DDS functionalized with cellular membranes/membrane proteins for the treatment of ischemic stroke.
Adaptation of the Kirkstall QV600 LLI Microfluidics System for the Study of Gastrointestinal Absorption by Mass Spectrometry Imaging and LC-MS/MS
Authors: Spencer Chloe E. , Rumbelow Stephen , Mellor Steve , Duckett Catherine J. , Clench Malcolm R.
Published: February 2022

Absorption studies on oral drugs can be difficult due to the challenge of replicating the complex structure and environment of the GI tract. Drug absorption studies can be conducted using in vivo and ex vivo animal tissue or animal-free techniques. These studies typically involve the use of Caco-2 cells. However, Caco-2 cells do not incorporate all the cell types found in intestinal tissue and lack P450 metabolizing enzymes. The QV600 LLI system is a microfluidics system designed for use with cell culture. Here, it has been adapted to house appropriate sections of ex vivo porcine tissue to act as a system that models the duodenum section of the small intestine. A pH regulated solution of Atorvastatin was flowed over the apical layer of the GI tissue and a nutrient solution flowed over the basal layer of the tissue to maintain tissue viability. The tissue samples were snap-frozen, cryosectioned, and imaged using MALDI Mass Spectrometry Imaging (MSI). A proof-of-concept study on the effect of excipients on absorption was conducted. Different concentrations of the solubilizing agent were added to the donor circuit of the QV600 LLI. The amount of Atorvastatin in the acceptor circuit was determined to study the effect of the excipient on the amount of drug that had permeated through the tissue. Using these data, Papp, pig values were calculated and compared with the literature.
Optical Biomedical Diagnostics Using Lab-on-Fiber Technology: A Review
Authors: Gupta Banshi D. , Pathak Anisha , Shrivastav Anand M.
Published: February 2022

Point-of-care and in-vivo bio-diagnostic tools are the current need for the present critical scenarios in the healthcare industry. The past few decades have seen a surge in research activities related to solving the challenges associated with precise on-site bio-sensing. Cutting-edge fiber optic technology enables the interaction of light with functionalized fiber surfaces at remote locations to develop a novel, miniaturized and cost-effective lab on fiber technology for bio-sensing applications. The recent remarkable developments in the field of nanotechnology provide innumerable functionalization methodologies to develop selective bio-recognition elements for label free biosensors. These exceptional methods may be easily integrated with fiber surfaces to provide highly selective light-matter interaction depending on various transduction mechanisms. In the present review, an overview of optical fiber-based biosensors has been provided with focus on physical principles used, along with the functionalization protocols for the detection of various biological analytes to diagnose the disease. The design and performance of these biosensors in terms of operating range, selectivity, response time and limit of detection have been discussed. In the concluding remarks, the challenges associated with these biosensors and the improvement required to develop handheld devices to enable direct target detection have been highlighted.
Accurate Local Modulation of Graphene Terahertz Metamaterials by Direct Electron Beam Irradiation
Authors: Zhang Zhuocheng , Zhang Xiaoqiuyan , Hu Min , Zhang Tianyu , Xu Xingxing , Zhao Tao , Wei Yanyu , Gong Yubin , Liu Shenggang
Published: February 2022

Electrical gating has been typically used for Graphene-based devices to deliver high performance with superior electrical controllability. In this study, we utilize direct electron beam irradiation to attain the electrical controllability of graphene. The newly established system combines terahertz time-domain spectroscopy (TDS) with scanning electron microscopy (SEM). We experimentally demonstrate the precise localized tuning of graphene terahertz metamaterials, as the size and position of the electron beam generated by SEM are highly controllable. Furthermore, graphene metamaterials with different chemical potentials are simulated, and the results are highly consistent with the experiments.
Transcriptome Responses of Wild Arachis to UV-C Exposure Reveal Genes Involved in General Plant Defense and Priming
Authors: Martins Andressa Cunha Quintana , Mota Ana Paula Zotta , Carvalho Paula Andrea Sampaio Vasconcelos , Passos Mario Alfredo Saraiva , Gimenes Marcos Aparecido , Guimaraes Patricia Messenberg , Brasileiro Ana Cristina Miranda
Published: February 2022

Stress priming is an important strategy for enhancing plant defense capacity to deal with environmental challenges and involves reprogrammed transcriptional responses. Although ultraviolet (UV) light exposure is a widely adopted approach to elicit stress memory and tolerance in plants, the molecular mechanisms underlying UV-mediated plant priming tolerance are not fully understood. Here, we investigated the changes in the global transcriptome profile of wild Arachis stenosperma leaves in response to UV-C exposure. A total of 5751 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified, with the majority associated with cell signaling, protein dynamics, hormonal and transcriptional regulation, and secondary metabolic pathways. The expression profiles of DEGs known as indicators of priming state, such as transcription factors, transcriptional regulators and protein kinases, were further characterized. A meta-analysis, followed by qRT-PCR validation, identified 18 metaDEGs as being commonly regulated in response to UV and other primary stresses. These genes are involved in secondary metabolism, basal immunity, cell wall structure and integrity, and may constitute important players in the general defense processes and establishment of a priming state in A. stenosperma. Our findings contribute to a better understanding of transcriptional dynamics involved in wild Arachis adaptation to stressful conditions of their natural habitats.
Molecular Cloning and Characterization of SaCLCd, SaCLCf, and SaCLCg, Novel Proteins of the Chloride Channel Family (CLC) from the Halophyte Suaeda altissima (L.) Pall
Authors: Nedelyaeva Olga I. , Popova Larissa G. , Volkov Vadim S. , Balnokin Yurii V.
Published: February 2022

Coding sequences of the CLC family genes SaCLCd, SaCLCf, and SaCLCg, the putative orthologs of Arabidopsis thaliana AtCLCd, AtCLCf, and AtCLCg genes, were cloned from the euhalophyte Suaeda altissima (L.) Pall. The key conserved motifs and glutamates inherent in proteins of the CLC family were identified in SaCLCd, SaCLCf, and SaCLCg amino acid sequences. SaCLCd and SaCLCg were characterized by higher homology to eukaryotic (human) CLCs, while SaCLCf was closer to prokaryotic CLCs. Ion specificities of the SaCLC proteins were studied in complementation assays by heterologous expression of the SaCLC genes in the Saccharomyces cerevisiae GEF1 disrupted strain Δgef1. GEF1 encoded the only CLC family protein, the Cl− transporter Gef1p, in undisrupted strains of this organism. Expression of SaCLCd in Δgef1 cells restored their ability to grow on selective media. The complementation test and the presence of both the “gating” and “proton” conservative glutamates in SaCLCd amino acid sequence and serine specific for Cl− in its selectivity filter suggest that this protein operates as a Cl−/H+ antiporter. By contrast, expression of SaCLCf and SaCLCg did not complement the growth defect phenotype of Δgef1 cells. The selectivity filters of SaCLCf and SaCLCg also contained serine. However, SaCLCf included only the “gating” glutamate, while SaCLCg contained the “proton” glutamate, suggesting that SaCLCf and SaCLCg proteins act as Cl− channels. The SaCLCd, SaCLCf, and SaCLCg genes were shown to be expressed in the roots and leaves of S. altissima. In response to addition of NaCl to the growth medium, the relative transcript abundances of all three genes of S. altissima increased in the leaves but did not change significantly in the roots. The increase in expression of SaCLCd, SaCLCf, and SaCLCg in the leaves in response to increasing salinity was in line with Cl− accumulation in the leaf cells, indicating the possible participation of SaCLCd, SaCLCf, and SaCLCg proteins in Cl− sequestration in cell organelles. Generally, these results suggest the involvement of SaCLC proteins in the response of S. altissima plants to increasing salinity and possible participation in mechanisms underlying salt tolerance.
The Integrated Effect of Microbial Inoculants and Biochar Types on Soil Biological Properties, and Plant Growth of Lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.)
Authors: Ma Hua , Shurigin Vyacheslav , Jabborova Dilfuza , dela Cruz Jeane Aril , dela Cruz Thomas Edison , Wirth Stephan , Bellingrath-Kimura Sonoko Dorothea , Egamberdieva Dilfuza
Published: February 2022

Numerous reports confirm the positive effect of biochar application on soil properties and plant development. However, the interaction between root-associated beneficial microbes and different types of biochar is not well understood. The objective of this study was to evaluate the plant growth of lettuce after the application of three types of biochar in loamy, sandy soil individually and in combination with plant-beneficial microbes. Furthermore, total microbial activity in rhizosphere soil of lettuce was measured by means of fluorescein diacetate (FDA) hydrolase and enzyme activities linked to carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus cycling. We used three types of biochar: (i) pyrolysis char from cherry wood (CWBC), (ii) pyrolysis char from wood (WBC), and (iii) pyrolysis char from maize (MBC) at 2% concentration. Our results showed that pyrolysis biochars positively affected plant interaction with microbial inoculants. Plant dry biomass grown on soil amended with MBC in combination with Klebsiella sp. BS13 and Klebsiella sp. BS13 + Talaromyces purpureogenus BS16aPP inoculants was significantly increased by 5.8% and 18%, respectively, compared to the control plants. Comprehensively, interaction analysis showed that the biochar effect on soil enzyme activities involved in N and P cycling depends on the type of microbial inoculant. Microbial strains exhibited plant growth-promoting traits, including the production of indole 3-acetic-acid and hydrogen cyanide and phosphate-solubilizing ability. The effect of microbial inoculant also depends on the biochar type. In summary, these findings provide new insights into the understanding of the interactions between biochar and microbial inoculants, which may affect lettuce growth and development.
Paclobutrazol Improves the Quality of Tomato Seedlings to Be Resistant to Alternaria solani Blight Disease: Biochemical and Histological Perspectives
Authors: Shalaby Tarek A. , Taha Naglaa A. , Taher Dalia I. , Metwaly Metwaly M. , El-Beltagi Hossam S. , Rezk Adel A. , El-Ganainy Sherif M. , Shehata Wael F. , El-Ramady Hassan R. , Bayoumi Yousry A.
Published: February 2022

The production and quality of tomato seedlings needs many growth factors and production requirements besides controlling the phytopathogens. Paclobutrazol (PBZ) has benefit applications in improving crop productivity under biotic stress (Alternaria solani, the causal agent of early blight disease in tomatoes). In the current study, the foliar application of PBZ, at rates of 25, 50, and 100 mg L−1, was evaluated against early blight disease in tomatoes under greenhouse conditions. The roles of PBZ to extend tomato seedling lives and handling in nurseries were also investigated by measuring different the biochemical (leaf enzymes, including catalase and peroxidase) and histological attributes of tomato seedlings. Disease assessment confirmed that PBZ enhanced the quality of tomato seedlings and induced resistance to early blight disease post inoculation, at 7, 14, and 21 days. Higher values in chlorophyll content, enzyme activities, and anatomical features of stem (cuticle thickness) and stomata (numbers and thickness) were recorded, due to applied PBZ. This may support the delay of the transplanting of tomato seedlings without damage. The reason for this extending tomato seedling life may be due to the role of PBZ treatment in producing seedlings to be greener, more compact, and have a better root system. The most obvious finding to emerge from this study is that PBZ has a distinguished impact in ameliorating biotic stress, especially of the early blight disease under greenhouse conditions. Further studies, which consider molecular variables, will be conducted to explore the role of PBZ in more detail.
Flowering Mechanisms and Environmental Stimuli for Flower Transition: Bases for Production Scheduling in Greenhouse Floriculture
Authors: Proietti Simona , Scariot Valentina , De Pascale Stefania , Paradiso Roberta
Published: February 2022

The scheduling of plant production is a critical aspect in modern floriculture since nowadays, sales are not oriented toward the recurring holidays as in the past, but always more toward impulse buying, implying a more diverse and constant demand on the market. This requires continuous production, often regulated by precise commercial agreements between growers and buyers, and between buyers and dealers, particularly in large-scale retail trade. In this scenario, diverse techniques to modulate the duration of the growing cycle, by hastening or slowing down plant growth and development, have been developed to match plant flowering to the market demand. Among the numerous approaches, the manipulation of climatic parameters in the growth environment is one of the most common in greenhouse floriculture. In this review, we summarize the physiological and biochemical bases underlying the main mechanisms of flowering, depending on the plant reaction to endogenous signals or environmental stimuli. In addition, the strategies based on the control of temperature (before or after planting) and light environment (as light intensity and spectrum, and the photoperiod) in the scheduling of flower and ornamental crop production are briefly described.
Extracts from Environmental Strains of Pseudomonas spp. Effectively Control Fungal Plant Diseases
Authors: Librizzi Valentina , Malacrinò Antonino , Li Destri Nicosia Maria , Barger Nataly , Luzzatto-Knaan Tal , Pangallo Sonia , Agosteo Giovanni , Schena Leonardo
Published: February 2022

The use of synthetic chemical products in agriculture is causing severe damage to the environment and human health, but agrochemicals are still widely used to protect our crops. To counteract this trend, we have been looking for alternative strategies to control plant diseases without causing harm to the environment or damage to our health. However, these alternatives are still far from completely replacing chemical products. Microorganisms have been widely known as a biological tool to control plant diseases, but their use is still limited due to the high variability in their efficacy, together with issues in product registration. However, the metabolites produced by these microorganisms can represent a novel tool for the environment-friendly management of plant diseases, while reducing the issues mentioned above. In this study, we explore the soil microbial diversity in natural systems to look for microorganisms with the potential to be used in pre- and post-harvest protection against fungal plant pathogens. Using a simple workflow, we isolated 22 bacterial strains that were tested both in vitro and in vivo for their ability to counteract the growth of common plant pathogens. The three best isolates, identified as members of the bacterial genus Pseudomonas, were used to produce a series of alcoholic extracts, which were then tested for their action against plant pathogens in simulated real-world applications. Results show that extracts from these isolates have an exceptional biocontrol activity and can be successfully used to control plant pathogens in operational setups. Thus, this study shows that the environmental microbiome is an important source of microorganisms producing metabolites that might provide an alternative strategy to synthetic chemical products.
Crop Adaptation to Elevated CO2 and Temperature
Authors: Bunce James
Published: February 2022

There is no ambiguity about the fact that both atmospheric CO2 levels and air temperatures are continuing to increase [...]
UPLC-PDA-MS/MS Profiling and Healing Activity of Polyphenol-Rich Fraction of Alhagi maurorum against Oral Ulcer in Rats
Authors: El-Zahar Hala , Menze Esther T. , Handoussa Heba , Osman Ahmed K. , El-Shazly Mohamed , Mostafa Nada M. , Swilam Noha
Published: February 2022

Camelthorn, Alhagi maurorum Boiss, family Fabaceae has long been used in African folk medicine owing to its richness in pharmacologically active metabolites. The crude extract (CEAM), ethyl acetate fraction (EFAM) and n-butanol (BFAM) fraction of A. maurorum aerial parts were investigated for their total polyphenols and oral antiulcer activity using in-vitro and in-vivo models. The major phenolic compound was isolated from the polyphenol-rich EFAM fraction and identified by conventional and spectroscopic methods of analysis as isorhamnetin-3-O-rutinoside. Furthermore, standardization of EAFM using UPLC-PDA-UV quantified isorhamnetin-3-O-rutinoside as 262.91 0.57 g/mg of the fraction. Analysis of EFAM using UPLC-PDA-MS/MS revealed tentative identification of 25 polyphenolic compounds. EFAM exhibited the most potent free radical scavenging activity against DPPH, with an IC50 (27.73 ± 1.85 µg/mL) and an FRAP value of (176.60 ± 5.21 μM Trolox equivalent (TE)/mg fraction) in comparison with CEAM and BFAM. Acetic acid-induced oral ulcers in a rat model were used to evaluate the healing properties of A. maurorum aerial parts. EFAM significantly decreased tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin-2 (IL-2) by 36.4% and 50.8%, respectively, in the ulcer tissues while, CEAM and BFAM exhibited lower activity at the same dose. In addition, EFAM led to a significant (p < 0.0001) rise in the expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), a cell proliferation marker. A. maurorum exhibited a potent healing effect in acetic acid-induced oral ulcers in rats by mitigating the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines and improving PCNA expression.
Polyelectrolyte–Dye Interactions: An Overview
Authors: Chakraborty Gulmi , Bhattarai Ajaya , De Ranjit
Published: February 2022

Polyelectrolytes are polymers with repeating units of ionizable groups coupled with counterions. Recently, polyelectrolytes have drawn significant attention as highly promising macromolecular materials with potential for applications in almost every sector of our daily lives. Dyes are another class of chemical compounds that can interact with substrates and subsequently impart color through the selective absorption of electromagnetic radiation in the visible range. This overview begins with an introduction to polyelectrolytes and dyes with their respective definitions, classifications (based on origin, molecular architecture, etc.), and applications in diverse fields. Thereafter, it explores the different possible interactions between polyelectrolytes and dyes, which is the main focus of this study. The various mechanisms involved in dye–polyelectrolyte interactions and the factors that influence them are also surveyed. Finally, these discussions are summarized, and their future perspectives are presented.
PVP/Highly Dispersed AgNPs Nanofibers Using Ultrasonic-Assisted Electrospinning
Authors: Zhu Li , Zhu Wanying , Hu Xin , Lin Yingying , Machmudah Siti , Wahyudiono  , Kanda Hideki , Goto Motonobu
Published: February 2022

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are novel materials with antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral activities over a wide range. This study aimed to prepare polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) electrospinning composites with uniformly distributed AgNPs. In this study, starch-capped ~2 nm primary AgNPs were first synthesized using Atmospheric pressure Pulsed Discharge Plasma (APDP) at AC 10 kV and 10 kHz. Then, 0.6 wt.% AgNPs were mixed into a 10 wt.% PVP ethanol-based polymer solution and coiled through an Ultrasonic-assisted Electrospinning device (US-ES) with a 50 W and 50 kHz ultrasonic generator. At 12 kV and a distance of 10 cm, this work successfully fabricated AgNPs-PVP electrospun fibers. The electrospun products were characterized using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), High-Resolution TEM (HR-TEM), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Thermogravimetric (TG), and X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) methods.
Action of Mechanical Forces on Polymerization and Polymers
Authors: Ponomarenko Anatoly T. , Tameev Alexey R. , Shevchenko Vitaliy G.
Published: February 2022

In this review, we summarize recent developments in the field of the mechanochemistry of polymers. The aim of the review is to consider the consequences of mechanical forces and actions on polymers and polymer synthesis. First, we review classical works on chemical reactions and polymerization processes under strong shear deformations. Then, we analyze two emerging directions of research in mechanochemistry—the role of mechanophores and, for the first time, new physical phenomena, accompanying external impulse mechanical actions on polymers. Mechanophores have been recently proposed as sensors of fatigue and cracks in polymers and composites. The effects of the high-pressure pulsed loading of polymers and composites include the Dzyaloshinskii–Moriya effect, emission of superradiation and the formation of metal nanoparticles. These effects provide deeper insight into the mechanism of chemical reactions under shear deformations and pave the way for further research in the interests of modern technologies.
Synthesis and Application Studies of DOPO-Based Organophosphorous Derivatives to Modify the Thermal Behavior of Polybenzoxazine
Authors: Haubold Thorben Sören , Hartwig Andreas , Koschek Katharina
Published: February 2022

The DOPO-based flame-retardant additives DOPO-HQ, DOPO-AP and DOPO-Van were synthesized in varying numbers of phenolic hydroxyl groups and amine groups. Moreover, their influence on the polymerization of a bisphenol F-based benzoxazine, as well as the thermal properties of the resulting materials, were studied. All DOPO-based derivatives influenced the polymerization temperature onset with a reduction of up to 20 °C, while thermo-mechanical properties remained high. Surprisingly, phosphorous content below 0.4 wt% significantly improved the reaction against small flames yielding an increase in the limited oxygen index by 2% and a V-0 rating in the UL-94 test. DOPO-HQ proved to be the most effective additive regarding the reaction against small flames at an astonishingly low phosphorous concentration of below 0.1 wt%, whereas DOPO-AP and DOPO-Van simultaneously lowered the polymerization temperature.
Probing Oxygen-to-Hydrogen Peroxide Electro-Conversion at Electrocatalysts Derived from Polyaniline
Authors: Holade Yaovi , Knani Sarra , Lacour Marie-Agnès , Cambedouzou Julien , Tingry Sophie , Napporn Teko W. , Cornu David
Published: February 2022

Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is a key chemical for many industrial applications, yet it is primarily produced by the energy-intensive anthraquinone process. As part of the Power-to-X scenario of electrosynthesis, the controlled oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) can enable the decentralized and renewable production of H2O2. We have previously demonstrated that self-supported electrocatalytic materials derived from polyaniline by chemical oxidative polymerization have shown promising activity for the reduction of H2O to H2 in alkaline media. Herein, we interrogate whether such materials could also catalyze the electro-conversion of O2-to-H2O2 in an alkaline medium by means of a selective two-electron pathway of ORR. To probe such a hypothesis, nine sets of polyaniline-based materials were synthesized by controlling the polymerization of aniline in the presence or not of nickel (+II) and cobalt (+II), which was followed by thermal treatment under air and inert gas. The selectivity and faradaic efficiency were evaluated by complementary electroanalytical methods of rotating ring-disk electrode (RRDE) and electrolysis combined with spectrophotometry. It was found that the presence of cobalt species inhibits the performance. The selectivity towards H2O2 was 65–80% for polyaniline and nickel-modified polyaniline. The production rate was 974 ± 83, 1057 ± 64 and 1042 ± 74 µmolH2O2 h−1 for calcined polyaniline, calcined nickel-modified polyaniline and Vulcan XC 72R (state-of-the-art electrocatalyst), respectively, which corresponds to 487 ± 42, 529 ± 32 and 521 ± 37 mol kg−1cat h−1 (122 ± 10, 132 ± 8 and 130 ± 9 mol kg−1cat cm−2) for faradaic efficiencies of 58–78%.
The High Flux of Superhydrophilic-Superhydrophobic Janus Membrane of cPVA-PVDF/PMMA/GO by Layer-by-Layer Electrospinning for High Efficiency Oil-Water Separation
Authors: Wu Han , Shi Jia , Ning Xin , Long Yun-Ze , Zheng Jie
Published: February 2022

A simple and novel strategy of superhydrophilic-superhydrophobic Janus membrane was provided here to deal with the increasingly serious oil-water separation problem, which has a very bad impact on environmental pollution and resource recycling. The Janus membrane of cPVA-PVDF/PMMA/GO with opposite hydrophilic and hydrophobic properties was prepared by layer-by-layer electrospinning. The structure of the Janus membrane is as follows: firstly, the mixed solution of polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) and graphene oxide (GO) was electrospun to form a hydrophobic layer, then polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) nanofiber was coated onto the hydrophobic membrane by layer-by-layer electrospinning to form a composite membrane, and finally, the composite membrane was crosslinked to obtain a Janus membrane. The addition of GO can significantly improve the hydrophobicity, mechanical strength and stability of the Janus membrane. In addition, the prepared Janus membrane still maintained good oil-water separation performance and its separation efficiency almost did not decrease after many oil-water separation experiments. The flux in the process of oil-water separation can reach 1909.9 L m−2 h−1, and the separation efficiency can reach 99.9%. This not only proves the separation effect of the nanocomposite membrane, but also shows its high stability and recyclability. The asymmetric Janus membrane shows good oil-water selectivity, which gives Janus membrane broad application prospects in many fields.
The Improvement of the Performance of Sky-Blue OLEDs by Decreasing Interface Traps and Balancing Carriers with PSVA Treatment
Authors: Ning Yijun , Zhao Suling , Song Dandan , Qiao Bo , Xu Zheng , Zhou Yuxiang , Chen Junfei , Swelm Wageh , Al-Ghamdi Ahmed
Published: February 2022

The mitigation of interfacial charge accumulation in solution-processed organic light-emitting diodes (s-OLEDs) is an effective method to improve device performance. In this study, the polar solvent vapor annealing (PSVA) method was used to treat two layers in s-OLED, PEDOT:PSS and mCP:DMAC-DPS emitting layers, separately, to optimize the carrier transmission and balance. After the double-layer PSVA treatment, the current efficiency increased, the lifetime of the device is improved, the efficiency roll-off alleviated from 33.3% to 26.6%, and the maximum brightness increased by 31.3%. It is worth mentioning that the work function of the EML interface reduced by 0.36 eV, and the initial injection voltage of the electrons also reduced. Simulating the solubility of the LUMO and HOMO molecule parts of the mCP and DMAC-DPS, it was found that the LUMO parts had stronger polarity and higher solubility in polar solution than the HOMO parts. By comparing the untreated luminescent layer films, it was found that the PSVA treatment improved the uniformity of the film morphology. We may infer that a more ordered molecular arrangement enhances carrier transport as the LUMO parts tend to be close to the surface and the reduced local state traps on the EML surface promote electron injection. According to the experimental results, the injection of holes and electrons is enhanced from both sides of the EML, respectively, and the charge accumulated at the interface of s-OLEDs is significantly reduced due to the improvement of carrier-transported characteristics.
Engineering Characteristics of Cement Composites Containing a Chitosan-Based Polymer and Steel Slag Aggregates
Authors: Choi Se-Jin , Bae Sung-Ho , Choi Hoe Young , Ko Haye Min
Published: February 2022

Recently, sustainable development has attracted significant global attention. Toward this, several studies have been performed on the development of alternative aggregates for mortar or concrete to prevent environmental damage and rapid depletion of natural aggregates. In this study, we investigated the applicability of a chitosan-based polymer (CBP), a biomimetic polymer, to cement mortar using steel slag as a fine aggregate. The CBP was synthesized via an amide coupling reaction among chitosan, 1-ethyl-3-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)carbodiimide hydrochloride, and 3-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)propionic acid. Upon addition to cement mortar using natural sand or a blast furnace slag aggregate, the CBP contributed toward increasing the compressive strength and tensile strength. However, in mortar mixes using a ferronickel slag aggregate, the tensile strength decreased by ~5.7–25.4% upon CBP addition. Moreover, the CBP reduced the total charge passed through the mixes. In particular, in the mortar mix using the steel slag aggregate, the CBP showed improved chloride-ion penetration resistance. The results showed that the as-prepared CBP was a suitable improving agent and exhibited promising compatibility with cement composites containing steel slag aggregates.
Revealing the Effect of MnO2, Activated Carbon and MnO2/Activated Carbon on Chitosan Polymer Host Fabricated Co NPs: Antibacterial Performance and Degradation of Organic Compounds
Authors: Mohammed Ali Hani S. H. , Sumiya  , Anwar Yasir , Al-Ghamdi Youssef O. , Fakieh Muhammad , Khan Shahid Ali
Published: February 2022

MnO2 and MnO2 blended with 1 and 2 weight percent of activated carbon (AC), MnO2/AC1 and MnO2/AC2 were synthesized through the sol–gel method. The pure chitosan (CS) films were cast in the form of films. Similarly, 5 weight% of each MnO2, AC, MnO2/AC1 and MnO2/AC2 was intermingled with the CS to produce different films, such as CS-AC, CS-MnO2, CS-MnO2/AC1 and CS-MnO2/AC2. Zero-valent Co NPs were then supported on these films through the chemical reduction method and expressed as CS@Co, CS-AC@Co, CS-MnO2@Co, CS-MnO2/AC1@Co and CS-MnO2/AC2@Co NPs. All the catalysts were characterized by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) techniques. The synthesized catalysts were used as a dip catalyst against the hydrogenation of 4-nitrophenol (4NP), and for the degradation of methyl orange (MO) and Congo red (CR) dyes. The kapp and R2 values were deduced from pseudo-first-order kinetics for 4NP and MO and zero-order kinetics for CR dye. The kapp values of CS-AC@Co and CS-MnO2/AC1@Co NPs for 4NP hydrogenation were higher than those for any other member of the series, at 1.14 × 10−1 and 1.56 × 10−1 min−1 respectively. Similarly, the rate of CR degradation was highest with CS-AC@Co. The R2 values for 4NP, MO and CR dyes were above 0.9, which indicated that the application of pseudo-first- and zero-order models were appropriate for this study. Furthermore, the antibacterial activity of all the catalysts was evaluated against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli. The CS-AC@Co NPs exhibited the highest zone of inhibition compared to other catalysts against P. aeruginosa, while all the catalysts were inactive against E. coli. This study reveals that the catalyst can be used for the degradation of other pollutants and for microbial inhibition.
Implementation of System Pharmacology and Molecular Docking Approaches to Explore Active Compounds and Mechanism of Ocimum Sanctum against Tuberculosis
Authors: Tabassum Sana , Khalid Hafiz Rameez , Haq Waqar ul , Aslam Sidra , Alshammari Abdulrahman , Alharbi Metab , Riaz Rajoka Muhammad Shahid , Khurshid Mohsin , Ashfaq Usman Ali
Published: February 2022

Worldwide, Tuberculosis (TB) is caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacteria. Ocimum sanctum, commonly known as holy basil (Tulsi), is an herbaceous perennial that belongs to the family Lamiaceae and is considered one of the most important sources of medicine and drugs for the treatment of various diseases. The presented study aims to discover the potential phenomenon of Ocimum sanctum in the medicament of tuberculosis using a network pharmacology approach. Active ingredients of Ocimum sanctum were fetched through two different databases and from literature review and then targets of these compounds were harvested by SwissTargetPrediction. Potential targets of TB were downloaded from GeneCards and DisGNet databases. After screening of mutual targets, enrichment analysis through DAVID was performed. Protein–protein interaction was performed using the String database and visualized by Cytoscape. Then the target-compound-pathway network was constructed with Cytoscape. In the end, molecular docking was performed to get the potential active ingredients against tuberculosis. Eight active ingredients with 776 potential therapeutic targets were obtained from O. sanctum, 632 intersected targets from two databases were found in TB, 72 common potential targets were found from TB and O. sanctum. The topological analysis exposes those ten targets that formed the core PPI network. Furthermore, molecular docking analysis reveals that active compounds have the greater binding ability with the potential target to suppress TB.
Microbial Control in the Primary Packaging of Pills Using Ionizing Radiation and Its Effect on Characteristic Constituents for Quality Control in Irradiated Pills
Authors: Yamaoki Rumi , Uno Satoshi , Kimura Shojiro
Published: February 2022

Pharmaceutical products that mix natural raw materials are subject to unavoidable contamination with microorganisms from the environment and animals. This study focused on the effect of radiation on the quality of primary packaged pills, which are crude drug products. The pills, which were sealed in a sack for primary packaging laminated with polyethylene terephthalate, polyethylene, and aluminum foil, were irradiated by gamma rays or electron beam (EB). The survival counts of bacteria were reduced to 103 CFU/g or less by 6 kGy of irradiation. The counts of the spore-forming bacteria Bacillus megaterium, B. cereus, and Brevibacillus brevis in the pills were reduced to not over 100 CFU/g after 10 kGy irradiation. Although some of the cinnamaldehyde in the pills was oxidized to cinnamic acid, the decomposition of swertiamarin, berberine, glycyrrhizin, and cinnamaldehyde in the pills after 10 kGy irradiation were within the analytical accuracy by high-performance liquid chromatography. Gamma-ray or EB treatment at the final production of crude drug preparations was within the permissible standard value for the non-aqueous preparations for oral administration, with no statistically significant change in the indicator ingredients of crude drugs.
Comparison of Two CFD Approaches Using Constant and Temperature Dependent Heat Capacities during the Phase Transition in PCMs with Experimental and Analytical Results
Authors: Reichl Christoph , Both Svenja , Mascherbauer Philipp , Emhofer Johann
Published: February 2022

Modeling phase change materials (PCMs) has been a topic of research interest in the past, carried out experimentally and by means of computational fluid dynamics (CFD). The implemented solidification and melting (SM) model in Ansys Fluent-based on the enthalpy-porosity formulation is widely used in the literature. To the authors’ knowledge, few publications apply the apparent heat capacity (AHC) method in Ansys Fluent and even fewer have discussed both. The SM approach applies a linear relationship of the liquid fraction between solidus and liquidus temperature although it is known that the phase transition follows a non-linear behavior, which can be captured using the AHC method as a curve shape and location of the specific heat capacity containing information about the nature of phase transition behavior. Important factors in modeling are the temperature dependent thermophysical material properties density, viscosity, and thermal conductivity. They are often considered constant in the respective phase (solid or liquid) with a (linear) transition over the melting range. Temperature-dependent density is taken into account by using the Boussinesq approximation to model convective heat transfer. SM and AHC are compared to the analytical solution of the two-phase Stefan problem. As this does not include gravity and thus natural convection behavior, an additional comparison to two different PCMs, one from literature and a second data set gained in a new experiment is provided. The present work helps to evaluate the differences between the SM and AHC approach and to decide which is better suited for intended studies.
Recent Progress Using Solid-State Materials for Hydrogen Storage: A Short Review
Authors: Lee Seul-Yi , Lee Jong-Hoon , Kim Yeong-Hun , Kim Jong-Woo , Lee Kyu-Jae , Park Soo-Jin
Published: February 2022

With the rapid growth in demand for effective and renewable energy, the hydrogen era has begun. To meet commercial requirements, efficient hydrogen storage techniques are required. So far, four techniques have been suggested for hydrogen storage: compressed storage, hydrogen liquefaction, chemical absorption, and physical adsorption. Currently, high-pressure compressed tanks are used in the industry; however, certain limitations such as high costs, safety concerns, undesirable amounts of occupied space, and low storage capacities are still challenges. Physical hydrogen adsorption is one of the most promising techniques; it uses porous adsorbents, which have material benefits such as low costs, high storage densities, and fast charging–discharging kinetics. During adsorption on material surfaces, hydrogen molecules weakly adsorb at the surface of adsorbents via long-range dispersion forces. The largest challenge in the hydrogen era is the development of progressive materials for efficient hydrogen storage. In designing efficient adsorbents, understanding interfacial interactions between hydrogen molecules and porous material surfaces is important. In this review, we briefly summarize a hydrogen storage technique based on US DOE classifications and examine hydrogen storage targets for feasible commercialization. We also address recent trends in the development of hydrogen storage materials. Lastly, we propose spillover mechanisms for efficient hydrogen storage using solid-state adsorbents.
A Thermodynamic Analysis of Naphtha Catalytic Reforming Reactions to Produce High-Octane Gasoline
Authors: Martínez Jeremías , Zúñiga-Hinojosa María Antonieta , Ruiz-Martínez Richard Steve
Published: February 2022

The catalytic naphtha reforming process is key to producing high-octane gasoline. Dozens of components are involved in this process in hundreds of individual catalytic reactions. Calculations of concentrations at equilibrium, using equilibrium constants, are commonly performed for a small number of simultaneous reactions. However, the Gibbs free energy minimization method is recommended for the solution of complex reaction systems. This work aims to analyze, from the point of view of thermodynamic equilibrium, the effect of temperature, pressure, and the H2/HC ratio on the reactions of the catalytic reformation process and evaluate their impact on the production of high-octane gasoline. Gibbs’s free energy minimization method was used to evaluate the molar concentrations at equilibrium. The results were compared with those obtained in the simulation of a catalytic reforming process to evaluate the optimal conditions under which the process should operate.