bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Characterization and Kinetic Studies of Poly(vinylidene fluoride-co-hexafluoropropylene) Polymer Inclusion Membrane for the Malachite Green Extraction
Authors: Soo Jillin Ai Lam , Makhtar Muaz Mohd Zaini , Shoparwe Noor Fazliani , Otitoju Tunmise Ayode , Mohamad Mardawani , Tan Lian See , Li Sanxi
Published: September 2021

Textile industry effluent contains a high amount of toxic colorants. These dyes are carcinogenic and threats to the environment and living beings. In this study, poly(vinylidene fluoride-co-hexafluoropropylene) (PVDF-co-HFP) was used as the based polymer for PIMs with bis-(2-ethylhexyl) phosphate (B2EHP) and dioctyl phthalate (DOP) as the carrier and plasticizer. The fabricated PIMs were employed to extract the cation dye (Malachite Green; MG) from the feeding phase. PIMs were also characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscope (AFM), contact angle, water uptake, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and ions exchange capacity. The performance of the PIMs was investigated under various conditions such as percentage of carrier and initial dye concentration. With permeability and flux values of 0.1188 cm/min and 1.1913 mg cm/min, PIM produced with 18% w/w PVDF-co-HFP, 21% w/w B2EHP, 1% w/w DOP and 40% w/w THF and was able to achieve more than 97% of MG extraction. The experimental data were then fitted with a pseudo-second-order (PSO) model, and the calculated R2 value was ~0.99. This shows that the data has a good fit with the PSO model. PIM is a potential alternative technology in textile industry effluent treatment; however, the right formulation is crucial for developing a highly efficient membrane.
Simultaneous Quantification of Trace and Micro Phenolic Compounds by Liquid Chromatography Tandem-Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Wang Dandan , Zhang Liangxiao , Yu Li , Ma Fei , Li Peiwu
Published: September 2021

The simultaneous quantification of trace and micro metabolites is a bottleneck in food and biological analysis. Phenolic compounds are the most widely distributed and have various physiological functions. In this study, the strategy for the simultaneous liquid chromatography tandem-mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) quantification of 13 trace and micro phenolic compounds was proposed by taking product ions and isotopic ions as quantitative ions. The method validation results showed that the limits of detection (LODs) were from 0.01 to 9.84 μg/kg, and the limits of quantification (LOQs) were from 0.03 to 32.8 μg/kg. The intra-day precision and inter-day precision were below 8.4% and 14.4%, respectively. The recoveries ranged from 81.9% to 117.2%, and the matrix effects ranged from −11.5% to 13.7%, which indicated that the method has high sensitivity and suitable stability. The developed analytical method was applied to determine trace and micro constituents in rapeseed samples. The analysis results indicated that the contents of sinapine have significantly different between high and low total phenolic content rapeseeds. This method provides a reference strategy for the simultaneous quantitative analysis of other micro- and trace antioxidants.
Differential Surface Capping Effects on the Applications of Simple Amino-Acid-Capped ZnS:Mn Nanoparticles
Authors: Park Jinwoo , Hwang Cheong-Soo
Published: September 2021

Water-dispersible ZnS:Mn nanoparticles (NPs) were prepared by capping their surface with simple structured amino acids: l-alanine (Ala), l-glycine (Gly), and l-valine (Val) molecules, which have very similar structures except for the terminal organic functional groups. The detailed characterization works for the prepared colloidal NPs were performed using various spectroscopic methods. In particular, the NPs commonly showed UV/visible absorption peaks around 325 nm and PL emission peaks around 590 nm, corresponding to the wavelength of orange color light. In this study, these amino-acid-capped NPs were applied as optical photosensors in the detection of specific divalent transition metal cations in the same conditions. Consequently, all three NPs showed exclusive fluorescence quenching effects upon the addition of Cu (II) metal ions, whereas their quenching efficiencies were quite different to each other. These experimental results indicated that the Gly-ZnS:Mn NPs (k = 4.09 × 105 M−1) can be the most effective optical photosensor for the detection of Cu2+ ions in water among the three NPs in the same conditions. This study showed that the steric effect of the capping ligand can be one of the key factors affecting the sensor activities of the ZnS:Mn NPs.
Design of a Hand-Held and Battery-Operated Digital Microfluidic Device Using EWOD for Lab-on-a-Chip Applications
Authors: Grant Nicholas , Geiss Brian , Field Stuart , Demann August , Chen Thomas W.
Published: September 2021

Microfluidics offer many advantages to Point of Care (POC) devices through lower reagent use and smaller size. Additionally, POC devices offer the unique potential to conduct tests outside of the laboratory. In particular, Electro-wetting on Dielectric (EWOD) microfluidics has been shown to be an effective way to move and mix liquids enabling many PoC devices. However, much of the research surrounding these microfluidic systems are focused on a single aspect of the system capability, such as droplet control or a specific new application at the device level using the EWOD technology. Often in these experiments the supporting systems required for operation are bench top equipment such as function generators, power supplies, and personal computers. Although various aspects of how an EWOD device is capable of moving and mixing droplets have been demonstrated at various levels, a complete self-contained and portable lab-on-a-chip system based on the EWOD technology has not been well demonstrated. For instance, EWOD systems tend to use high voltage alternating current (AC) signals to actuate electrodes, but little consideration is given to circuitry size or power consumption of such components to make the entire system portable. This paper demonstrates the feasibility of integrating all supporting hardware and software to correctly operate an EWOD device in a completely self-contained and battery-powered handheld unit. We present results that demonstrate a complete sample preparation flow for deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) extraction and isolation. The device was designed to be a field deployable, hand-held platform capable of performing many other sample preparation tasks automatically. Liquids are transported using EWOD and controlled via a programmable microprocessor. The programmable nature of the device allows it to be configured for a variety of tests for different applications. Many considerations were given towards power consumption, size, and system complexity which make it ideal for use in a mobile environment. The results presented in this paper show a promising step forward to the portable capability of microfluidic devices based on the EWOD technology.
Plant Microbial Biostimulants as a Promising Tool to Enhance the Productivity and Quality of Carrot Root Crops
Authors: Gavelienė Virgilija , Šocik Božena , Jankovska-Bortkevič Elžbieta , Jurkonienė Sigita
Published: September 2021

The interest in studies focused on applying probiotic microorganisms is increasing due to sustainable agriculture development. In this research, we aimed to evaluate the impact of two commercial plant probiotics—ProbioHumus and NaturGel on carrot growth, yield, and quality in organic and nonorganic production systems. The research was carried out under laboratory and field conditions. Plants were treated with probiotics (2 L/ha) at the nine leaves stage. Biometrical measurements and chemical analyses were performed at a maturation stage. The average weight of carrot roots increased by 17 and 20 g in the test variant with ProbioHumus as compared to the control in the organic and nonorganic farms, respectively. Plant microbial biostimulants ProbioHumus and NaturGel had a positive effect on the quality of carrots from organic and nonorganic farms: applied in couple they promoted the accumulation of monosaccharides, ascorbic acid, carotenoids, phenols, and increased antioxidant activity. Quantitative nitrate analysis regardless of the biostimulant used revealed about twofold lower nitrate content of carrots from organic than nonorganic farms, and probiotics did not show a significant effect on nitrate accumulation. Finally, ProbioHumus and NaturGel were effective at low doses. The use of microbial biostimulants can be recommended as an element of cultivation for creating ecologically friendly technologies.
Bacterial Consumption of T4 Phages
Authors: Godon Jean-Jacques , Bize Ariane , Ngo Hoang , Cauquil Laurent , Almeida Mathieu , Petit Marie-Agnès , Zemb Olivier
Published: September 2021

The bacterial consumption of viruses not been reported on as of yet even though bacteria feed on almost anything. Viruses are widely distributed but have no acknowledged active biocontrol. Viral biomass undoubtedly reintegrates trophic cycles; however, the mechanisms of this phase still remain unknown. 13C-labelled T4 phages monitor the increase of the density of the bacterial DNA concomitant with the decrease of plaque forming units. We used 12C T4 phages as a control. T4 phage disappearance in wastewater sludge was found to occur mainly through predation by Aeromonadacea. Phage consumption also favours significant in situ bacterial growth. Furthermore, an isolated strain of Aeromonas was observed to grow on T4 phages as sole the source of carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus. Bacterial species are capable of consuming bacteriophages in situ, which is likely a widespread and underestimated type of biocontrol. This assay is anticipated as a starting point for harnessing the bacterial potential in limiting the diffusion of harmful viruses within environments such as in the gut or in water.
Application of Whole Genome Sequencing to Aid in Deciphering the Persistence Potential of Listeria monocytogenes in Food Production Environments
Authors: Unrath Natalia , McCabe Evonne , Macori Guerrino , Fanning Séamus
Published: September 2021

Listeria monocytogenes is the etiological agent of listeriosis, a foodborne illness associated with high hospitalizations and mortality rates. This bacterium can persist in food associated environments for years with isolates being increasingly linked to outbreaks. This review presents a discussion of genomes of Listeria monocytogenes which are commonly regarded as persisters within food production environments, as well as genes which are involved in mechanisms aiding this phenotype. Although criteria for the detection of persistence remain undefined, the advent of whole genome sequencing (WGS) and the development of bioinformatic tools have revolutionized the ability to find closely related strains. These advancements will facilitate the identification of mechanisms responsible for persistence among indistinguishable genomes. In turn, this will lead to improved assessments of the importance of biofilm formation, adaptation to stressful conditions and tolerance to sterilizers in relation to the persistence of this bacterium, all of which have been previously associated with this phenotype. Despite much research being published around the topic of persistence, more insights are required to further elucidate the nature of true persistence and its implications for public health.
Novel Thermotolerant Amylase from Bacillus licheniformis Strain LB04: Purification, Characterization and Agar-Agarose
Authors: Silva-Salinas Anaid , Rodríguez-Delgado Melissa , Gómez-Treviño Jesús , López-Chuken Ulrico , Olvera-Carranza Clarita , Blanco-Gámez Edgar Allan
Published: September 2021

This study analyzed the thermostability and effect of calcium ions on the enzymatic activity of α-amylase produced by Bacillus licheniformis strain LB04 isolated from Espinazo Hot springs in Nuevo Leon, Mexico. The enzyme was immobilized by entrapment on agar-agarose beads, with an entrapment yield of 19.9%. The identification of the bacteria was carried out using 16s rDNA sequencing. The enzyme was purified through ion exchange chromatography (IEX) in a DEAE-Sephadex column, revealing a protein with a molecular weight of ≈130 kDa. The enzyme was stable at pH 3.0 and heat stable up to 80 °C. However, the optimum conditions were reached at 65 °C and pH 3.0, with a specific activity of 1851.7 U mg−1 ± 1.3. The agar-agarose immobilized α-amylase had a hydrolytic activity nearly 25% higher when compared to the free enzyme. This study provides critical information for the understanding of the enzymatic profile of B. licheniformis strain LB04 and the potential application of the microorganisms at an industrial level, specifically in the food industry.
Selected Artificial Intelligence Methods in the Risk Analysis of Damage to Masonry Buildings Subject to Long-Term Underground Mining Exploitation
Authors: Chomacki Leszek , Rusek Janusz , Słowik Leszek
Published: September 2021

This paper presents an advanced computational approach to assess the risk of damage to masonry buildings subjected to negative kinematic impacts of underground mining exploitation. The research goals were achieved using selected tools from the area of artificial intelligence (AI) methods. Ultimately, two models of damage risk assessment were built using the Naive Bayes classifier (NBC) and Bayesian Networks (BN). The first model was used to compare results obtained using the more computationally advanced Bayesian network methodology. In the case of the Bayesian network, the unknown Directed Acyclic Graph (DAG) structure was extracted using Chow-Liu’s Tree Augmented Naive Bayes (TAN-CL) algorithm. Thus, one of the methods involving Bayesian Network Structure Learning from data (BNSL) was implemented. The application of this approach represents a novel scientific contribution in the interdisciplinary field of mining and civil engineering. The models created were verified with respect to quality of fit to observed data and generalization properties. The connections in the Bayesian network structure obtained were also verified with respect to the observed relations occurring in engineering practice concerning the assessment of the damage intensity to masonry buildings in mining areas. This allowed evaluation of the model and justified the utility of the conducted research in the field of protection of mining areas. The possibility of universal application of the Bayesian network, both in the case of damage prediction and diagnosis of its potential causes, was also pointed out.
Identifying the Characteristics of Virtual Reality Gamification for Complex Educational Topics
Authors: Falah Jannat , Wedyan Mohammad , Alfalah Salsabeel F. M. , Abu-Tarboush Muhannad , Al-Jakheem Ahmad , Al-Faraneh Muath , Abuhammad Areej , Charissis Vassilis
Published: September 2021

Multidisciplinary topics in education pose a major challenge for traditional learning and teaching methods. Such topics can deter students from selecting particular courses or hinder their study progress. This study focused on the subject of medicinal chemistry, which is a discipline combining medicine and chemistry. This combination of applied and basic science creates a complex field of education that is challenging to both teach and learn. Chemical and pharmacological principles are typically presented in 2D molecular structures and, recently, 3D molecular models have been utilized to improve the visualization of chemical compounds and their chemical interactions. Contemporary studies have presented Virtual Reality (VR) as an alternative method for improving the learning and teaching of multidisciplinary specialties such as this. However, current educational efforts employing VR offer limited interactivity and a traditional teaching method previously presented in 2D. This reduces students’ interest and concentration in the taught subjects. This paper presents the development rationale of a novel VR educational application based on the evaluation of the user requirements by 405 pharmacy undergraduate students. The results informed the development and preliminary evaluation of a proposed VR serious game application, which was deployed in a real-life class environment and evaluated in contrast to traditional teaching methods by 15 students. The derived results confirmed the advantages of VR technology as a learning and teaching tool, in addition to the end-users’ willingness to adopt VR systems as a learning aid.
Hydroxyapatite Functionalized Calcium Carbonate Composites with Ag Nanoparticles: An Integrated Characterization Study
Authors: Bolli Eleonora , Kaciulis Saulius , Mezzi Alessio , Ambrogi Valeria , Nocchetti Morena , Latterini Loredana , Di Michele Alessandro , Padeletti Giuseppina
Published: September 2021

In the present work, composite materials very promising for biomedical and pharma-ceutical applications were investigated. They are composed of silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) in a matrix constituted of calcium carbonate functionalized with hydroxyapatite (HA-FCC). The composites were obtained by different synthesis methods, starting from a mixture of the silver acetate with HA-FCC (using adsorption or mixing in wet conditions methods) and then treating them by exposure to visible light or calcination to promote the silver reduction; a synthetic procedure based on ultrasound-assisted reduction with NaBH4 or citrate was also carried out. The characterization by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and reflected electron energy loss spectroscopy analysis also involved the reference sample of HA-FCC matrix. Then the morphology of the Ag NPs and the crystalline structure of HA-FCC were studied by transmission electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction, respectively. To assess the effectiveness of the different methods on silver reduction, the Auger parameters α’ were calculated and compared. The use of this methodology based on the Auger parameter is neither trivial nor ordinary. We demonstrate its validity since the different values of this parameter allow to identify the oxidation state of silver and consequently to evaluate the formation yield of metallic Ag NPs in the HA-FCC matrix and the effectiveness of the different reduction methods used.
Developments in Synthesis and Potential Electronic and Magnetic Applications of Pristine and Doped Graphynes
Authors: Abdi Gisya , Alizadeh Abdolhamid , Grochala Wojciech , Szczurek Andrzej
Published: September 2021

Doping and its consequences on the electronic features, optoelectronic features, and magnetism of graphynes (GYs) are reviewed in this work. First, synthetic strategies that consider numerous chemically and dimensionally different structures are discussed. Simultaneous or subsequent doping with heteroatoms, controlling dimensions, applying strain, and applying external electric fields can serve as effective ways to modulate the band structure of these new sp2/sp allotropes of carbon. The fundamental band gap is crucially dependent on morphology, with low dimensional GYs displaying a broader band gap than their bulk counterparts. Accurately chosen precursors and synthesis conditions ensure complete control of the morphological, electronic, and physicochemical properties of resulting GY sheets as well as the distribution of dopants deposited on GY surfaces. The uniform and quantitative inclusion of non-metallic (B, Cl, N, O, or P) and metallic (Fe, Co, or Ni) elements into graphyne derivatives were theoretically and experimentally studied, which improved their electronic and magnetic properties as row systems or in heterojunction. The effect of heteroatoms associated with metallic impurities on the magnetic properties of GYs was investigated. Finally, the flexibility of doped GYs’ electronic and magnetic features recommends them for new electronic and optoelectronic applications.
Conceptual Progress for Explaining and Predicting Self-Organization on Anodized Aluminum Surfaces
Authors: Pashchanka Mikhail
Published: September 2021

Over the past few years, researchers have made numerous breakthroughs in the field of aluminum anodizing and faced the problem of the lack of adequate theoretical models for the interpretation of some new experimental findings. For instance, spontaneously formed anodic alumina nanofibers and petal-like patterns, flower-like structures observed under AC anodizing conditions, and hierarchical pores whose diameters range from several nanometers to sub-millimeters could be explained neither by the classical field-assisted dissolution theory nor by the plastic flow model. In addition, difficulties arose in explaining the basic indicators of porous film growth, such as the nonlinear current–voltage characteristics of electrochemical cells or the evolution of hexagonal pore patterns at the early stages of anodizing experiments. Such a conceptual crisis resulted in new multidisciplinary investigations and the development of novel theoretical models, whose evolution is discussed at length in this review work. The particular focus of this paper is on the recently developed electroconvection-based theories that allowed making truly remarkable advances in understanding the porous anodic alumina formation process in the last 15 years. Some explanation of the synergy between electrode reactions and transport processes leading to self-organization is provided. Finally, future prospects for the synthesis of novel anodic architectures are discussed.
LncRNA TP53TG1 Promotes the Growth and Migration of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells via Activation of ERK Signaling
Authors: Lu Qingchun , Guo Qian , Xin Mingyang , Lim Casey , Gamero Ana M. , Gerhard Glenn S. , Yang Ling
Published: September 2021

Long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) TP53 target 1 (TP53TG1) was discovered as a TP53 target gene. TP53TG1 has been reported as having dual roles by exerting tumor-suppressive and oncogenic activities that vary depending on the cancer type. Yet, the role of TP53TG1 in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is not fully understood. In this study, we performed both gain- and loss-of-function studies to determine the biological role of TP53TG1 in HCC. We found that the knockdown of TP53 in HCC cells caused the upregulation of TP53TG1. Furthermore, we found that the knockdown of TP53TG1 not only suppressed HCC cell proliferation and migration, but also reduced intrinsic ERK signaling. In contrast, the overexpression of TP53TG1 increased ERK activation and enhanced HCC proliferation. In conclusion, our study reveals an oncogenic role of TP53TG1 in HCC, which provides a novel insight into the cell-type-specific function of TP53TG1 in HCC.
Effects of Different Organic Soil Amendments on Nitrogen Nutrition and Yield of Organic Greenhouse Tomato Crop
Authors: Gatsios Anastasios , Ntatsi Georgia , Yfantopoulos Dionisios , Baltzoi Penelope , Karapanos Ioannis C. , Tsirogiannis Ioannis , Patakioutas Georgios , Savvas Dimitrios
Published: September 2021

Manure is a common source of nitrogen (N) in organic farming. However, manure is not always easily available, while the maximum N amount added as animal manure in organic agriculture is restricted by EU regulations. The present study was designed to test whether green manuring with a warm-season legume and intercropping with a cold-season legume can substitute farm-yard manure or compost as N sources in organic greenhouse tomato crops. To test this hypothesis, a winter-spring (WS) tomato crop was installed in February following the incorporation of crop residues of an autumn-winter (AW) tomato crop intercropped with faba bean, which had been fertilized with cowpea residues as green manure. This treatment, henceforth termed legume treatment (LT), was compared with the use of compost or manure as an N fertilization source in both tomato crops. In addition, a combination of compost and LT was also used as a fourth treatment. The results showed that green manuring with legumes and particularly cowpea can contribute a significant amount of N to the following organic tomato crop, through the biological fixation process. Nevertheless, legumes as green manure, or compost, or their combination cannot efficiently replace farmyard manure as an N fertilization source. Compost exhibited a slow mineralization course.
Optimizing N Fertilization for Increasing Yield and Profits of Rainfed Maize Grown under Sandy Loam Soil
Authors: Dhakal Krishna , Baral Bandhu Raj , Pokhrel Keshab Raj , Pandit Naba Raj , Gaihre Yam Kanta , Vista Shree Prasad
Published: September 2021

The optimum dose of fertilizers for crops varies with soil, agro-ecology, and crop management practices. Optimizing application dose is critical to reduce nutrient loss to the environment and increase nitrogen use efficiency (NUE), crop yields, and economic return to farmers. An experiment was conducted to determine the optimum N dose for increasing maize (Zea mays L. cv, Manakamana-3) yield, NUE, and farm profits under rainfed conditions. Five levels of N (0, 60, 120, 180, and 240 kg ha−1), and a non-fertilized treatment were tested in a randomized complete block design with three replications. Effects of each treatment on yield and yield attributing traits, plant lodging and Sterility (plants with no cob or grain formation), NUE, and stay green trait of maize were recorded. Application of N above 120 kg ha−1 (N120) did not have any significant effects on yield and yield components. Nitrogen, at N120 and above, produced highly fertile plants (though sterility slightly increased at N180 and N240), higher N uptake, and lower dead leaf area (18–27%). N120 produced the highest agronomic; yield increase per unit of N application (AEN—26.89 kg grain kg−1 N) and physiological efficiency of N (PEN—42.67 kg grain kg−1 N uptake), and net benefit (USD 500.43). Considering agronomic, economic, and NUE factors, an N dose of 120 kg ha−1 was found optimum for the cultivation of rainfed maize (Manakamana-3) under sandy loam soil.
Microbiota’s Role in Diet-Driven Alterations in Food Intake: Satiety, Energy Balance, and Reward
Authors: Rautmann Allison W. , de La Serre Claire B.
Published: September 2021

The gut microbiota plays a key role in modulating host physiology and behavior, particularly feeding behavior and energy homeostasis. There is accumulating evidence demonstrating a role for gut microbiota in the etiology of obesity. In human and rodent studies, obesity and high-energy feeding are most consistently found to be associated with decreased bacterial diversity, changes in main phyla relative abundances and increased presence of pro-inflammatory products. Diet-associated alterations in microbiome composition are linked with weight gain, adiposity, and changes in ingestive behavior. There are multiple pathways through which the microbiome influences food intake. This review discusses these pathways, including peripheral mechanisms such as the regulation of gut satiety peptide release and alterations in leptin and cholecystokinin signaling along the vagus nerve, as well as central mechanisms, such as the modulation of hypothalamic neuroinflammation and alterations in reward signaling. Most research currently focuses on determining the role of the microbiome in the development of obesity and using microbiome manipulation to prevent diet-induced increase in food intake. More studies are necessary to determine whether microbiome manipulation after prolonged energy-dense diet exposure and obesity can reduce intake and promote meaningful weight loss.
Using Community-Based Prevention Marketing to Generate Demand for Healthy Diets in Jordan
Authors: Merritt Rowena K. , de Groot Jacqueline , Almajali Lama , Patel Nitesh
Published: September 2021

Jordan has been experiencing a nutrition transition with high rates of micronutrient deficiencies and rising overweight and obesity rates. This highlights the need to generate demand for healthy diets. This study used a community-based prevention marketing approach and worked with local communities as partners to develop a set of behavior change interventions to improve healthy eating within vulnerable communities. Individual, family, and paired-friendship interviews, and co-creation workshops were conducted with 120 people. The aim of these interviews was to gain an in-depth understand of school-aged children and their families’ nutrition knowledge, attitudes, and practices, including social and cultural norms and behavioral determinants, and then use this information to co-create interventions, activities and materials targeted at supporting school-aged child nutrition. Analysis of the interviews revealed that dietary habits are both deeply personal and profoundly entwined by emotions and social norms, and that parents often gave in to their children’s demands for unhealthy foods and beverages due to their perception of what a ‘good parent’ looks like and the desire to see their child ‘smile’. These key insights were then shared during the co-creation workshops to develop behavior change interventions—ensuring that interventions were developed by the community, for the community.
25 Years of Research in Human Lactation: From Discovery to Translation
Authors: Geddes Donna Tracy , Gridneva Zoya , Perrella Sharon Lisa , Mitoulas Leon Robert , Kent Jacqueline Coral , Stinson Lisa Faye , Lai Ching Tat , Sakalidis Vanessa , Twigger Alecia-Jane , Hartmann Peter Edwin
Published: September 2021

Researchers have recently called for human lactation research to be conceptualized as a biological framework where maternal and infant factors impacting human milk, in terms of composition, volume and energy content are studied along with relationships to infant growth, development and health. This approach allows for the development of evidence-based interventions that are more likely to support breastfeeding and lactation in pursuit of global breastfeeding goals. Here we summarize the seminal findings of our research programme using a biological systems approach traversing breast anatomy, milk secretion, physiology of milk removal with respect to breastfeeding and expression, milk composition and infant intake, and infant gastric emptying, culminating in the exploration of relationships with infant growth, development of body composition, and health. This approach has allowed the translation of the findings with respect to education, and clinical practice. It also sets a foundation for improved study design for future investigations in human lactation.
Kaempferol Blocks the Skin Fibroblastic Interleukin 1β Expression and Cytotoxicity Induced by 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate by Suppressing c-Jun N-terminal Kinase
Authors: Park Su-Ji , Kim Do-Wan , Lim Seong-Ryeong , Sung Junghee , Kim Tae Hoon , Min In Sun , Choi Chang-Hyung , Lee Sei-Jung
Published: September 2021

Kaempferol, a bioflavonoid present in fruits and vegetables, has a variety of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory capacities, but the functional role of kaempferol in oxidative skin dermal damage has yet to be well studied. In this study, we examine the role of kaempferol during the inflammation and cell death caused by 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA) in normal human dermal fibroblasts (NHDF). TPA (5 μM) significantly induced cytotoxicity of NHDF, where a robust increase in the interleukin (IL)-1β mRNA among the various pro-inflammatory cytokines. The skin fibroblastic cytotoxicity and IL-1β expression induced by TPA were significantly ameliorated by a treatment with 100 nM of kaempferol. Kaempferol blocked the production of the intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) responsible for the phosphorylation of c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) induced by TPA. Interestingly, we found that kaempferol inhibited the phosphorylation of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) and the inhibitor NF-κB (IκBα), which are necessary for the expression of cleaved caspase-3 and the IL-1β secretion in TPA-treated NHDF. These results suggest that kaempferol is a functional agent that blocks the signaling cascade of the skin fibroblastic inflammatory response and cytotoxicity triggered by TPA.
The Present and Future of Yellow Fever Vaccines
Authors: Hansen Clairissa A. , Barrett Alan D. T.
Published: September 2021

The disease yellow fever (YF) is prevented by a live-attenuated vaccine, termed 17D, which has been in use since the 1930s. One dose of the vaccine is thought to give lifelong (35+ years) protective immunity, and neutralizing antibodies are the correlate of protection. Despite being a vaccine-preventable disease, YF remains a major public health burden, causing an estimated 109,000 severe infections and 51,000 deaths annually. There are issues of supply and demand for the vaccine, and outbreaks in 2016 and 2018 resulted in fractional dosing of the vaccine to meet demand. The World Health Organization (WHO) has established the “Eliminate Yellow Fever Epidemics” (EYE) initiative to reduce the burden of YF over the next 10 years. As with most vaccines, the WHO has recommendations to assure the quality, safety, and efficacy of the YF vaccine. These require the use of live 17D vaccine only produced in embryonated chicken eggs, and safety evaluated in non-human primates only. Thus, any second-generation vaccines would require modification of WHO recommendations if they were to be used in endemic countries. There are multiple second-generation YF vaccine candidates in various stages of development that must be shown to be non-inferior to the current 17D vaccine in terms of safety and immunogenicity to progress through clinical trials to potential licensing. The historic 17D vaccine continues to shape the global vaccine landscape in its use in the generation of multiple licensed recombinant chimeric live vaccines and vaccine candidates, in which its structural protein genes are replaced with those of other viruses, such as dengue and Japanese encephalitis. There is no doubt that the YF 17D live-attenuated vaccine will continue to play a role in the development of new vaccines for YF, as well as potentially for many other pathogens.
Pharma 4.0 Continuous mRNA Drug Products Manufacturing
Authors: Ouranidis Andreas , Davidopoulou Christina , Tashi Reald-Konstantinos , Kachrimanis Kyriakos
Published: September 2021

Continuous mRNA drugs manufacturing is perceived to nurture flow processes featuring quality by design, controlled automation, real time validation, robustness, and reproducibility, pertaining to regulatory harmonization. However, the actual adaptation of the latter remains elusive, hence batch-to-continuous transition would a priori necessitate holistic process understanding. In addition, the cost related to experimental, pilot manufacturing lines development and operations thereof renders such venture prohibitive. Systems-based Pharmaceutics 4.0 digital design enabling tools, i.e., converging mass and energy balance simulations, Monte-Carlo machine learning iterations, and spatial arrangement analysis were recruited herein to overcome the aforementioned barriers. The primary objective of this work is to hierarchically design the related bioprocesses, embedded in scalable devices, compatible with continuous operation. Our secondary objective is to harvest the obtained technological data and conduct resource commitment analysis. We herein demonstrate for first time the feasibility of the continuous, end-to-end production of sterile mRNA formulated into lipid nanocarriers, defining the equipment specifications and the desired operational space. Moreover, we find that the cell lysis modules and the linearization enzymes ascend as the principal resource-intensive model factors, accounting for 40% and 42% of the equipment and raw material, respectively. We calculate MSPD 1.30–1.45 €, demonstrating low margin lifecycle fluctuation.
3D Printing of Pharmaceutical Application: Drug Screening and Drug Delivery
Authors: Gao Ge , Ahn Minjun , Cho Won-Woo , Kim Byoung-Soo , Cho Dong-Woo
Published: September 2021

Advances in three-dimensional (3D) printing techniques and the development of tailored biomaterials have facilitated the precise fabrication of biological components and complex 3D geometrics over the past few decades. Moreover, the notable growth of 3D printing has facilitated pharmaceutical applications, enabling the development of customized drug screening and drug delivery systems for individual patients, breaking away from conventional approaches that primarily rely on transgenic animal experiments and mass production. This review provides an extensive overview of 3D printing research applied to drug screening and drug delivery systems that represent pharmaceutical applications. We classify several elements required by each application for advanced pharmaceutical techniques and briefly describe state-of-the-art 3D printing technology consisting of cells, bioinks, and printing strategies that satisfy requirements. Furthermore, we discuss the limitations of traditional approaches by providing concrete examples of drug screening (organoid, organ-on-a-chip, and tissue/organ equivalent) and drug delivery systems (oral/vaginal/rectal and transdermal/surgical drug delivery), followed by the introduction of recent pharmaceutical investigations using 3D printing-based strategies to overcome these challenges.
Engineering Therapeutic Strategies in Cancer Immunotherapy via Exogenous Delivery of Toll-like Receptor Agonists
Authors: Jeong Sehwan , Choi Yunyoung , Kim Kyobum
Published: September 2021

As a currently spotlighted method for cancer treatment, cancer immunotherapy has made a lot of progress in recent years. Among tremendous cancer immunotherapy boosters available nowadays, Toll-like receptor (TLR) agonists were specifically selected, because of their effective activation of innate and adaptive immune cells, such as dendritic cells (DCs), T cells, and macrophages. TLR agonists can activate signaling pathways of DCs to express CD80 and CD86 molecules, and secrete various cytokines and chemokines. The maturation of DCs stimulates naïve T cells to differentiate into functional cells, and induces B cell activation. Although TLR agonists have anti-tumor ability by activating the immune system of the host, their drawbacks, which include poor efficiency and remarkably short retention time in the body, must be overcome. In this review, we classify and summarize the recently reported delivery strategies using (1) exogenous TLR agonists to maintain the biological and physiological signaling activities of cargo agonists, (2) usage of multiple TLR agonists for synergistic immune responses, and (3) co-delivery using the combination with other immunomodulators or stimulants. In contrast to naked TLR agonists, these exogenous TLR delivery strategies successfully facilitated immune responses and subsequently mediated anti-tumor efficacy.
Photocatalytic Decomposition of Nitrobenzene in Aqueous Solution by Ag/Cu2O Assisted with Persulfate under Visible Light Irradiation
Authors: Chen Wen-Shing , Chen Jyun-Yang
Published: September 2021

The mineralization of nitrobenzene was executed using an innovative method, wherein Ag/Cu2O semiconductors stimulated by visible light irradiation were supported with persulfate anions. Batch-wise experiments were performed for the evaluation of effects of silver metal contents impregnated, persulfate concentrations and Ag/Cu2O dosages on the nitrobenzene removal efficiency. The physicochemical properties of fresh and reacted Ag/Cu2O were illustrated by X-ray diffraction analyses, FE-SEM images, EDS Mapping analyses, UV–Vis diffuse reflectance spectra, transient photocurrent analyses and X-ray photoelectron spectra, respectively. Because of intense scavenging effects caused by benzene, 1-propanol and methanol individually, the predominant oxidant was considered to be sulfate radicals, originated from persulfate anions via the photocatalysis of Ag/Cu2O. As regards oxidation pathways, nitrobenzene was initially transformed into hydroxycyclohexadienyl radicals, followed with the production of 2-nitrophenol, 3-nitrophenol or 4-nitrophenol. Afterwards, phenol compounds descended from denitration of nitrophenols were converted into hydroquinone and p-benzoquinone.
Investigation on the Effects of MXene and β-Nucleating Agent on the Crystallization Behavior of Isotactic Polypropylene
Authors: Peng Wanxin , Kang Jian , Song Xiuduo , Zhang Yue , Hu Bo , Cao Ya , Xiang Ming
Published: September 2021

The effects of MXene on the crystallization behavior of β-nucleated isotactic polypropylene (iPP) were comparatively studied. The commonly used MXene Ti3C2Tx was prepared by selective etching and its structure and morphology were studied in detail. Then MXene and a rare earth β-nucleating agent (NA) WBG-II were nucleated with iPP to prepare samples with different polymorphic compositions. The crystallization, melting behavior, and morphologies of neat iPP, iPP/MXene, iPP/WBG-II, and iPP/MXene/WBG-II were comparatively studied. The crystallization behavior analysis reveals that a competitive relationship exists between MXene and WBG-II when they were compounded as α and β nucleating agents. In the system, the β-nucleation efficiency (NE) of WBG-II is higher than α-NE of MXene. The β-phase has relatively low thermal stability and would transform to α-phase when cooled below a critical temperature.
Preparation of a Novel Resin Based Covalent Framework Material and Its Application in the Determination of Phenolic Endocrine Disruptors in Beverages by SPE-HPLC
Authors: Ma Yunjie , Ruan Yang , Gao Xin , Cui Hang , Zhang Wei , Wang Shaoyan
Published: September 2021

A new type of economical covalent organic framework material(COF), namely resin based covalent organic framework material, was prepared by combining resin and covalent organic framework material by hydrothermal synthesis, which was based on the preparation of traditional COF material(TpBD COF). The properties of the material and covalent organic framework material were compared in the way of characterization, and the possible reaction mechanism was analyzed. The solid phase extraction separation (SPE) ability of this material for four kinds of phenolic endocrine disrupting compounds (bisphenol F, bisphenol A, octylphenol and nonylphenol) in beverage samples was investigated. The results showed that the prepared COF materials had abundant internal channels, ordered structure, large specific surface area (TpBD COF: 814.6 m2/g and resin based COF: 623.9 m2/g) and good thermal stability (pyrolysis temperature was 443 °C and 437 °C, respectively). Solid phase extraction experiments demonstrated that the two COF materials as adsorbent of solid phase extraction column had ideal adsorption separation effect and good anti-interference ability, and had strong anti-interference ability. The SPE effect was superior to the traditional solid phase extraction column. The precision RSD of this method was less than 3%. This SPE method had high recovery and could be reused (carbonated beverage: 98.18–102.18% and beverage: 98.52–101.79%), In addition, the recovery of the material did not change significantly in the 50 cycles of solid phase extraction, indicating that the material had good stability and could be reused, which could meet the requirements for the detection and analysis of trace pollutants in environmental samples. The resin based COF material prepared in this study could reduce the cost of monomer uses and provide a possibility for its industrial production. At the same time, as an efficient SPE adsorbent, it also provided a new research scheme for the enrichment of trace phenolic endocrine disruptors in beverage samples.
An Investigation on the Feasibility of Fabricating Composites Using Outdated Waste Carbon Fibers and Easily Disposable Polyolefin Resins
Authors: Kwon Dong-Jun , Cho Kang Rae , Seo Hyoung-Seock
Published: September 2021

Outdated-waste-carbon-fiber-reinforced olefin composites (oCFOCs) were fabricated with easily disposable polyolefin resins, polypropylene (PP), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), and low-density polyethylene (LDPE), by compressive molding using a hot press. The flexural and impact strengths of the oCFOCs from each respective resin type and oCF content, ranging from 35 to 70 wt.%, were increased by the aging treatment (120 °C and 95% humidity under a pressure of 0.8 MPa) until an aging time of three days, due to improved resin impregnation. For the oCFOC with PP, the hydrogen bond between PP and developed C-O groups due to the aging treatment and the existing silane layer of oCF is considered to assist cohesion between the resin and oCF. In particular, PP and 45 wt.% oCF content were the most effective conditions for improving the oCFOCs’ mechanical properties, in addition to endowing the oCFOCs with good moldability and dimensional stability. Our results demonstrate that durable recycled composites can be manufactured using oCF and PP.
Design and Synthesis of Lactose, Galactose and Cholic Acid Related Dual Conjugated Chitosan Derivatives as Potential Anti Liver Cancer Drug Carriers
Authors: Ding Yili , Cui Wutong , Vara Prasad Chamakura V. N. S. , Wang Bingyun
Published: September 2021

Cholic acid and galactose or lactose dual conjugated chitosan derivatives were designed and synthesized as potential anti liver cancer drug carriers, their structures were characterized through proton NMR spectra, elemental analysis, size distribution, zeta potential, and scanning electron microscope image studies. The ability of the dual conjugates to enhance the aqueous solubility of the cancer drug sorafenib was evaluated. The entrapment efficiency (EE%) and drug content (DC%) of sorafenib in the inclusion complexes were measured. The chitosan dual conjugate with cholic acid and galactose was found to be best in enhancing the aqueous solubility of sorafenib. The solubility of sorafenib in water has increased from 1.7 µg/mL to 1900 µg/mL which is equal to 1117-fold increase in its solubility due to the inclusion complex with chitosan conjugate.
Color Stability and Staining Susceptibility of Direct Resin-Based Composites after Light-Activated In-Office Bleaching
Authors: Peng Pei-Wen , Huang Chiung-Fang , Hsu Ching-Ying , Chen Ann , Ng Ho-Him , Cheng Man-Si , Tsay Shiang , Lai Jia-Yi , Yang Tzu-Sen , Lee Wei-Fang
Published: September 2021

This study evaluated color stability and staining susceptibility of five direct resin-based composites (RBCs) subjected to light-activated in-office bleaching with 40% hydrogen peroxide (HP). The test materials included 5 RBCs, which consisted of one nano-filled, one sub-micron, one bulk-filled, and two nano-hybrid RBC types. Ten disc-shaped specimens of each RBC were fabricated and divided into bleaching (BLE) and non-bleaching (CON) groups (n = 5 for each group). Specimens were then immersed in red wine solution over 4 h. A spectrophotometer was used to obtain Commission Internationale de l’Eclairage (CIE) L*a*b* parameters for each of the following periods tested: before bleaching (TBA), after bleaching (TBL), and after staining (TST). Color stability and staining susceptibility were evaluated using two metrics, CIEDE2000 color differences (ΔE00) and whiteness variations using the whiteness index (ΔWID). Data were analyzed using repeated measures two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) (α = 0.05). Statistically significant and clinically unaccepted ΔE00 and ΔWID were observed for all tested specimens between TBA and TBL. The nano-hybrid type RBCs showed the highest discoloration among materials after bleaching treatment. The BLE group exhibited significantly higher ΔE00 and ΔWID than the CON group for all the tested RBCs between TBA and TST. The sub-micron type RBC showed the highest discoloration among materials after immersion in the red wine. Conclusion. The light-activated in-office bleaching with 40% HP’s influences on color and whiteness index were material-dependent. The use of bleaching treatment also increased the susceptibility to red wine for all RBCs.