bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tunable Switching between Slow and Fast Light in the Graphene Nanodisks (GND)–Quantum Dot (QD) Plasmonic Hybrid Systems
Authors: Almzargah Ghadah M. , Tohari Mariam M.
Published: February 2023

Plasmonic nanocomposites demonstrate unique properties due to the plasmonic effects, especially those with graphene within their structures, thereby paving the way to various promising applications. In this paper, we investigate the linear properties of the graphene-nanodisks--quantum-dots hybrid plasmonic systems in the near-infrared region of the electromagnetic spectrum by numerically solving the linear susceptibility of the weak probe field at a steady state. Utilising the density matrix method under the weak probe field approximation, we derive the equations of motion for the density matrix elements using the dipole--dipole-interaction Hamiltonian under the rotating wave approximation, where the quantum dot is modelled as a three-level atomic system of Λ configuration interacting with two externally applied fields, a probe field, and a robust control field. We find that the linear response of our hybrid plasmonic system exhibits an electromagnetically induced transparency window and switching between absorption and amplification without population inversion in the vicinity of the resonance, which can be controlled by adjusting the parameters of the external fields and the system's setup. The probe field and the distance-adjustable major axis of the system must be aligned with the direction of the resonance energy of the hybrid system. Moreover, our plasmonic hybrid system offers tunable switching between slow and fast light near the resonance. Therefore, the linear properties obtained by the hybrid plasmonic system can be employed in applications such as communication, biosensing, plasmonic sensors, signal processing, optoelectronics, and photonic devices.
Grape Waste Materials—An Attractive Source for Developing Nanomaterials with Versatile Applications
Authors: Baroi Anda Maria , Sieniawska Elwira , Świątek Łukasz , Fierascu Irina
Published: February 2023

In the last decade, researchers have focused on the recycling of agro-food wastes for the production of value-added products. This eco-friendly trend is also observed in nanotechnology, where recycled raw materials may be processed into valuable nanomaterials with practical applications. Regarding environmental safety, replacing hazardous chemical substances with natural products obtained from plant wastes is an excellent opportunity for the “green synthesis” of nanomaterials. This paper aims to critically discuss plant waste, with particular emphasis on grape waste, methods of recovery of active compounds, and nanomaterials obtained from by-products, along with their versatile applications, including healthcare uses. Moreover, the challenges that may appear in this field, as well as future perspectives, are also included.
High-Performance On-Chip Racetrack Resonator Based on GSST-Slot for In-Memory Computing
Authors: Zhu Honghui , Lu Yegang , Cai Linying
Published: February 2023

The data shuttling between computing and memory dominates the power consumption and time delay in electronic computing systems due to the bottleneck of the von Neumann architecture. To increase computational efficiency and reduce power consumption, photonic in-memory computing architecture based on phase change material (PCM) is attracting increasing attention. However, the extinction ratio and insertion loss of the PCM-based photonic computing unit are imperative to be improved before its application in a large-scale optical computing network. Here, we propose a 1 × 2 racetrack resonator based on Ge2Sb2Se4Te1 (GSST)-slot for in-memory computing. It demonstrates high extinction ratios of 30.22 dB and 29.64 dB at the through port and drop port, respectively. The insertion loss is as low as around 0.16 dB at the drop port in the amorphous state and about 0.93 dB at the through port in the crystalline state. A high extinction ratio means a wider range of transmittance variation, resulting in more multilevel levels. During the transition between crystalline and amorphous states, the tuning range of the resonant wavelength is as high as 7.13 nm, which plays an important role in the realization of reconfigurable photonic integrated circuits. The proposed phase-change cell demonstrates scalar multiplication operations with high accuracy and energy efficiency due to a higher extinction ratio and lower insertion loss compared with other traditional optical computing devices. The recognition accuracy on the MNIST dataset is as high as 94.6% in the photonic neuromorphic network. The computational energy efficiency can reach 28 TOPS/W, and the computational density of 600 TOPS/mm2. The superior performance is ascribed to the enhanced interaction between light and matter by filling the slot with GSST. Such a device enables an effective approach to power-efficient in-memory computing.
Block Copolymer Adsorption on the Surface of Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes for Dispersion in N,N Dimethyl Formamide
Authors: Levin Irena , Radulescu Aurel , Liberman Lucy , Cohen Yachin
Published: February 2023

This research aims to characterize the adsorption morphology of block copolymer dispersants of the styrene-block-4-vinylpyridine family (S4VP) on the surface of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) in a polar organic solvent, N,N-dimethyl formamide (DMF). Good, unagglomerated dispersion is important in several applications such as fabricating CNT nanocomposites in a polymer film for electronic or optical devices. Small-angle neutron scattering (SANS) measurements, using the contrast variation (CV) method, are used to evaluate the density and extension of the polymer chains adsorbed on the nanotube surface, which can yield insight into the means of successful dispersion. The results show that the block copolymers adsorb onto the MWCNT surface as a continuous coverage of low polymer concentration. Poly(styrene) (PS) blocks adsorb more tightly, forming a 20 Å layer containing about 6 wt.% PS, whereas poly(4-vinylpyridine) (P4VP) blocks emanate into the solvent, forming a thicker shell (totaling 110 Å in radius) but of very dilute (<1 wt.%) polymer concentration. This indicates strong chain extension. Increasing the PS molecular weight increases the thickness of the adsorbed layer but decreases the overall polymer concentration within it. These results are relevant for the ability of dispersed CNTs to form a strong interface with matrix polymers in composites, due to the extension of the 4VP chains allowing for entanglement with matrix chains. The sparse polymer coverage of the CNT surface may provide sufficient space to form CNT-CNT contacts in processed films and composites, which are important for electrical or thermal conductivity.
Life Cycle Assessment as Support Tool for Development of Novel Polyelectrolyte Materials Used for Wastewater Treatment
Authors: Barjoveanu George , Teodosiu Carmen , Morosanu Irina , Ciobanu Ramona , Bucatariu Florin , Mihai Marcela
Published: February 2023

This life cycle assessment (LCA) study focused on comparing the environmental performances of two types of synthesis strategies for polyethyleneimine (PEI) coated silica particles (organic/inorganic composites). The classic layer-by-layer and the new approach (one-pot coacervate deposition) were the two synthesis routes that were tested for cadmium ions removal from aqueous solutions by adsorption in equilibrium conditions. Data from the laboratory scale experiments for materials synthesis, testing, and regeneration, were then fed into a life cycle assessment study so that the types and values of environmental impacts associated with these processes could be calculated. Additionally, three eco-design strategies based on material substitution were investigated. The results point out that the one-pot coacervate synthesis route has considerably lower environmental impacts than the layer-by-layer technique. From an LCA methodology point of view, it is important to consider material technical performances when defining the functional unit. From a wider perspective, this research is important as it demonstrates the usefulness of LCA and scenario analysis as environmental support tools for material developers because they highlight environmental hotspots and point out the environmental improvement possibilities from the very early stages of material development.
Diamane-like Films Based on Twisted G/BN Bilayers: DFT Modelling of Atomic Structures and Electronic Properties
Authors: Demin Victor , Chernozatonskii Leonid
Published: February 2023

Diamanes are unique 2D carbon materials that can be obtained by the adsorption of light atoms or molecular groups onto the surfaces of bilayer graphene. Modification of the parent bilayers, such as through twisting of the layers and the substitution of one of the layers with BN, leads to drastic changes in the structure and properties of diamane-like materials. Here, we present the results of the DFT modelling of new stable diamane-like films based on twisted Moiré G/BN bilayers. The set of angles at which this structure becomes commensurate was found. We used two commensurate structures with twisted angles of θ = 10.9° and θ = 25.3° with the smallest period as the base for the formation of the diamane-like material. Previous theoretical investigations did not take into account the incommensurability of graphene and boron nitride monolayers when considering diamane-like films. The double-sided hydrogenation or fluorination of Moiré G/BN bilayers and the following interlayer covalent bonding led to the opening of a gap up to 3.1 eV, which was lower than the corresponding values of h-BN and c-BN. The considered G/BN diamane-like films offer great potential in the future for a variety of engineering applications.
A Wide-Range-Response Piezoresistive–Capacitive Dual-Sensing Breathable Sensor with Spherical-Shell Network of MWCNTs for Motion Detection and Language Assistance
Authors: Zhang Shuming , Sun Xidi , Guo Xin , Zhang Jing , Li Hao , Chen Luyao , Wu Jing , Shi Yi , Pan Lijia
Published: February 2023

It is still a challenge for flexible electronic materials to realize integrated strain sensors with a large linear working range, high sensitivity, good response durability, good skin affinity and good air permeability. In this paper, we present a simple and scalable porous piezoresistive/capacitive dual-mode sensor with a porous structure in polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) and with multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) embedded on its internal surface to form a three-dimensional spherical-shell-structured conductive network. Thanks to the unique spherical-shell conductive network of MWCNTs and the uniform elastic deformation of the cross-linked PDMS porous structure under compression, our sensor offers a dual piezoresistive/capacitive strain-sensing capability, a wide pressure response range (1–520 kPa), a very large linear response region (95%), excellent response stability and durability (98% of initial performance after 1000 compression cycles). Multi-walled carbon nanotubes were coated on the surface of refined sugar particles by continuous agitation. Ultrasonic PDMS solidified with crystals was attached to the multi-walled carbon nanotubes. After the crystals were dissolved, the multi-walled carbon nanotubes were attached to the porous surface of the PDMS, forming a three-dimensional spherical-shell-structure network. The porosity of the porous PDMS was 53.9%. The large linear induction range was mainly related to the good conductive network of the MWCNTs in the porous structure of the crosslinked PDMS and the elasticity of the material, which ensured the uniform deformation of the porous structure under compression. The porous conductive polymer flexible sensor prepared by us can be assembled into a wearable sensor with good human motion detection ability. For example, human movement can be detected by responding to stress in the joints of the fingers, elbows, knees, plantar, etc., during movement. Finally, our sensors can also be used for simple gesture and sign language recognition, as well as speech recognition by monitoring facial muscle activity. This can play a role in improving communication and the transfer of information between people, especially in facilitating the lives of people with disabilities.
Adaptation and Validation of the Well-Being Related to Food Questionnaire (Well-BFQ©) for the French-Speaking General Adult Population of Québec, Canada
Authors: Doyon Andrée-Anne , Bédard Alexandra , Trudel-Guy Catherine , Corneau Louise , Lemieux Simone
Published: February 2023

Efforts to develop effective strategies that improve dietary intake are needed; however, this improvement in diet quality must not be at the expense of well-being. The Well-Being related to Food Questionnaire (Well-BFQ©) is a tool that has been developed in France to comprehensively measure food well-being. Even though the same language is spoken in France and in Québec, cultural and linguistic differences are present, which supports the importance of adapting and validating this tool before its use in the Québec population. This study aimed to adapt and validate the Well-BFQ© for the French-speaking general adult population of Québec, Canada. The Well-BFQ© underwent a full linguistic adaptation process, including an expert panel adaptation step, a pretest among 30 French-speaking adult (18–65 years) Quebecers, and a final proofreading. The questionnaire was thereafter administered to 203 French-speaking adult Quebecers (49.3% females, MAGE = 34.9, SD = 13.5; 88.2% Caucasians; 54.2% with a university degree). The exploratory factor analysis showed a two-factor structure: (1) food well-being related to physical and psychological health (27 items) and (2) food well-being related to symbolic/pleasure of food (32 items). Internal consistency was adequate, with a Cronbach’s α of 0.92 and 0.93, respectively, for the subscales, and 0.94 for the total scale. The total food well-being score, as well as the two subscale scores, were associated with psychological and eating-related variables in expected directions. Overall, the adapted version of the Well-BFQ© was found to be a valid instrument to measure food well-being in the French-speaking general adult population of Québec, Canada.
Clinical and Peripheral Biomarkers in Female Patients Affected by Anorexia: Does the Neutrophil/Lymphocyte Ratio (NLR) Affect Severity?
Authors: Caldiroli Alice , La Tegola Davide , Affaticati Letizia Maria , Manzo Francesca , Cella Francesca , Scalia Alberto , Capuzzi Enrico , Nicastro Monica , Colmegna Fabrizia , Buoli Massimiliano , Clerici Massimo , Dakanalis Antonios
Published: February 2023

Anorexia Nervosa (AN) is a disabling disorder characterized by extreme weight loss and frequent chronicization, especially in its most severe forms. This condition is associated with a pro-inflammatory state; however, the role of immunity in symptom severity remains unclear. Total cholesterol, white blood cells, neutrophils, lymphocytes, platelets, iron, folate, vitamin D and B12 were dosed in 84 female AN outpatients. Mildly severe (Body Mass Index—BMI ≥ 17) versus severe (BMI < 17) patients were compared using one-way ANOVAs or χ2 tests. A binary logistic regression model was run to investigate the potential association between demographic/clinical variables or biochemical markers and the severity of AN. Patients with severe anorexia (compared to mild forms) were older (F = 5.33; p = 0.02), engaged in more frequent substance misuse (χ2 = 3.75; OR = 3.86; p = 0.05) and had a lower NLR (F = 4.12; p = 0.05). Only a lower NLR was predictive of severe manifestations of AN (OR = 0.007; p = 0.031). Overall, our study suggests that immune alterations may be predictive of AN severity. In more severe forms of AN, the response of the adaptive immunity is preserved, while the activation of the innate immunity may be reduced. Further studies with larger samples and a wider panel of biochemical markers are needed to confirm the present results.
Investigating the Dietary Intake Using the CyFFQ Semi-Quantitative Food Frequency Questionnaire in Cypriot Huntington’s Disease Patients
Authors: Christodoulou Christiana , Demetriou Christiana , Philippou Elena , Papanicolaou Eleni
Published: February 2023

Huntington’s disease (HD) is a rare progressive neurodegenerative disease characterised by autosomal dominant inheritance. The past decade saw a growing interest in the associations between the Mediterranean Diet (MD) and HD risk and outcomes. The aim of this case-control study was to assess the dietary intake and habits of Cypriot HD patients, comparing them to gender and age-matched controls, using the Cyprus Food Frequency Questionnaire (CyFFQ) and to assess adherence to the MD by disease outcomes. The method relied on the validated CyFFQ semi-quantitative questionnaire to assess energy, macro- and micronutrient intake over the past year in n = 36 cases and n = 37 controls. The MedDiet Score and the MEDAS score were used to assess adherence to the MD. Patients were grouped based on symptomatology such as movement and cognitive and behavioral impairment. The two-sample Wilcoxon rank-sum (Mann–Whitney) test was used to compare cases vs. controls. Statistically significant results were obtained for energy intake (kcal/day) (median (IQR): 4592 (3376) vs. 2488 (1917); p = 0.002) from cases and controls. Energy intake (kcal/day) (median (IQR): 3751 (1894) vs. 2488 (1917); p = 0.044) was also found to be significantly different between asymptomatic HD patients and controls. Symptomatic patients were also different from controls in terms of energy intake (kcal/day) (median (IQR): 5571 (2907) vs. 2488 (1917); p = 0.001); % energy monounsaturated fatty acids (median (IQR): 13.4 (5.2) vs. 15.5 (5.7); p = 0.0261) and several micronutrients. A significant difference between asymptomatic and symptomatic HD patients was seen in the MedDiet score (median (IQR): 31.1 (6.1) vs. 33.1 (8.1); p = 0.024) and a significant difference was observed between asymptomatic HD patient and controls (median (IQR): 5.5 (3.0) vs. 8.2 (2.0); p = 0.014) in the MEDAS score. This study confirmed previous findings that HD cases have a significantly higher energy intake than controls, revealing differences in macro and micronutrients and adherence to the MD by both patients and controls and by HD symptom severity. These findings are important as they are an effort to guide nutritional education within this population group and further understand diet–disease associations.
Prolonged Egg Supplement Advances Growing Child’s Growth and Gut Microbiota
Authors: Suta Sophida , Surawit Apinya , Mongkolsucharitkul Pichanun , Pinsawas Bonggochpass , Manosan Thamonwan , Ophakas Suphawan , Pongkunakorn Tanyaporn , Pumeiam Sureeporn , Sranacharoenpong Kitti , Sutheeworapong Sawannee , Poungsombat Patcha , Khoomrung Sakda , Akarasereenont Pravit , Thaipisuttikul Iyarit , Suktitipat Bhoom , Mayurasakorn Korapat
Published: February 2023

Protein-energy malnutrition still impacts children’s growth and development. We investigated the prolonged effects of egg supplementation on growth and microbiota in primary school children. For this study, 8–14-year-old students (51.5% F) in six rural schools in Thailand were randomly assigned into three groups: (1) whole egg (WE), consuming 10 additional eggs/week (n = 238) (n = 238); (2) protein substitute (PS), consuming yolk-free egg substitutes equivalent to 10 eggs/week (n = 200); and (3) control group (C, (n = 197)). The outcomes were measured at week 0, 14, and 35. At the baseline, 17% of the students were underweight, 18% were stunted, and 13% were wasted. At week 35, compared to the C group the weight and height difference increased significantly in the WE group (3.6 ± 23.5 kg, p < 0.001; 5.1 ± 23.2 cm, p < 0.001). No significant differences in weight or height were observed between the PS and C groups. Significant decreases in atherogenic lipoproteins were observed in the WE, but not in PS group. HDL-cholesterol tended to increase in the WE group (0.02 ± 0.59 mmol/L, ns). The bacterial diversity was similar among the groups. The relative abundance of Bifidobacterium increased by 1.28-fold in the WE group compared to the baseline and differential abundance analysis which indicated that Lachnospira increased and Varibaculum decreased significantly. In conclusion, prolonged whole egg supplementation is an effective intervention to improve growth, nutritional biomarkers, and gut microbiota with unaltered adverse effects on blood lipoproteins.
Examining Students’ Online Learning Satisfaction during COVID-19 to Inform Post-Pandemic Program Planning
Authors: Alasagheirin Mohammad , Olsen Jeanette M. , Mota Dalete , Lagunas Meg , Bogle Benjamin D.
Published: February 2023

Background: Student satisfaction is one of five pillars of quality online learning and is associated with academic achievement. This study aimed to examine nursing students’ satisfaction with online learning during COVID-19, their desire to continue online classes, and associated factors. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was completed by 125 nursing students from a public university. The students’ satisfaction was measured with the Student’s Satisfaction Towards Online Learning Questionnaire. Demographics, stress, and resilience were also measured. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and multiple logistic regression. Results: Fewer than half (41.8%) of students were satisfied with online learning. Just over half (51.2%) did not want to continue with online classes. The strongest predictor of satisfaction was course management and coordination. The strongest predictor for a preference to continue with online classes was the instructor’s characteristics. Conclusions: Considering the trend of providing more online education to nursing students, instructors should be prepared for excellence in online course management and coordination as the instructors have a fundamental role in students’ satisfaction with online learning. Further examination of nursing students’ satisfaction with online learning during the pandemic may yield valuable insights for post-pandemic program planning.
Mosquito Salivary Proteins and Arbovirus Infection: From Viral Enhancers to Potential Targets for Vaccines
Authors: Marín-López Alejandro , Raduwan Hamidah , Chen Tse-Yu , Utrilla-Trigo Sergio , Wolfhard David P. , Fikrig Erol
Published: February 2023

Arthropod-borne viruses present important public health challenges worldwide. Viruses such as DENV, ZIKV, and WNV are of current concern due to an increasing incidence and an expanding geographic range, generating explosive outbreaks even in non-endemic areas. The clinical signs associated with infection from these arboviruses are often inapparent, mild, or nonspecific, but occasionally develop into serious complications marked by rapid onset, tremors, paralysis, hemorrhagic fever, neurological alterations, or death. They are predominately transmitted to humans through mosquito bite, during which saliva is inoculated into the skin to facilitate blood feeding. A new approach to prevent arboviral diseases has been proposed by the observation that arthropod saliva facilitates transmission of pathogens. Viruses released within mosquito saliva may more easily initiate host invasion by taking advantage of the host’s innate and adaptive immune responses to saliva. This provides a rationale for creating vaccines against mosquito salivary proteins, especially because of the lack of licensed vaccines against most of these viruses. This review aims to provide an overview of the effects on the host immune response by the mosquito salivary proteins and how these phenomena alter the infection outcome for different arboviruses, recent attempts to generate mosquito salivary-based vaccines against flavivirus including DENV, ZIKV, and WNV, and the potential benefits and pitfalls that this strategy involves.
Molecular Characterization of the First African Swine Fever Virus Genotype II Strains Identified from Mainland Italy, 2022
Authors: Giammarioli Monica , Alessandro Dondo , Cammà Cesare , Masoero Loretta , Torresi Claudia , Marcacci Maurilia , Zoppi Simona , Curini Valentina , Rinaldi Antonio , Rossi Elisabetta , Casciari Cristina , Pela Michela , Pellegrini Claudia , Iscaro Carmen , Feliziani Francesco
Published: February 2023

African swine fever (ASF) is responsible for important socio-economic effects in the global pig industry, especially for countries with large-scale piggery sectors. In January 2022, the African swine fever virus (ASFV) genotype II was identified in a wild boar population in mainland Italy (Piedmont region). This study describes the molecular characterization, by Sanger and next-generation sequencing (NGS), of the first index case 632/AL/2022 and of another isolate (2802/AL/2022) reported in the same month, in close proximity to the first, following multiple ASF outbreaks. Phylogenetic analysis based on the B646L gene and NGS clustered the isolates 632/AL/2022 and 2802/AL/2022 within the wide and most homogeneous p72 genotype II that includes viruses from European and Asian countries. The consensus sequence obtained from the ASFV 2802/AL/2022 isolate was 190,598 nucleotides in length and had a mean GC content of 38.38%. At the whole-genome level, ASF isolate 2802/AL/2022 showed a close genetic correlation with the other representative ASFV genotype II strains isolated between April 2007 and January 2022 from wild and domestic pigs in Eastern/Central European (EU) and Asian countries. CVR subtyping clustered the two Italian ASFV strains within the major CVR variant circulating since the first virus introduction in Georgia in 2007. Intergenic region I73R-I329L subtyping placed the Italian ASFV isolates within the variant identical to the strains frequently identified among wild boars and domestic pigs. Presently, given the high sequence similarity, it is impossible to trace the precise geographic origin of the virus at a country level. Moreover, the full-length sequences available in the NCBI are not completely representative of all affected territories.
Parents’ Evaluation of Developmental Status and Strength and Difficulties Questionnaire as Screening Measures for Children in India: A Scoping Review
Authors: Sheel Hina , Suárez Lidia , Marsh Nigel V.
Published: February 2023

Due to the limited availability of suitable measures, screening children for developmental delays and social–emotional learning has long been a challenge in India. This scoping review examined the use of the Parents’ Evaluation of Developmental Status (PEDS), PEDS: Developmental Milestones (PEDS:DM), and the Strength and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) with children (<13 years old) in India. The scoping review was conducted following the Joanna Briggs Institute Protocol to identify primary research studies that examined the use of the PEDS, PEDS:DM, and SDQ in India between 1990 and 2020. A total of seven studies for the PEDS and eight studies for the SDQ were identified for inclusion in the review. There were no studies using the PEDS:DM. Two empirical studies used the PEDS, while seven empirical studies used the SDQ. This review represents the first step in understanding the use of screening tools with children in India.
Structure-Based Virtual Screening of Furan-1,3,4-Oxadiazole Tethered N-phenylacetamide Derivatives as Novel Class of hTYR and hTYRP1 Inhibitors
Authors: Irfan Ali , Faisal Shah , Ahmad Sajjad , Al-Hussain Sami A. , Javed Sadia , Zahoor Ameer Fawad , Parveen Bushra , Zaki Magdi E. A.
Published: February 2023

Human tyrosinase (hTYR) is a key and rate-limiting enzyme along with human tyrosinase-related protein-1 (hTYRP1), which are among the most prominent targets of inhibiting hyper pigmentation and melanoma skin cancer. In the current in-silico computer-aided drug design (CADD) study, the structure-based screening of sixteen furan-1,3,4-oxadiazole tethered N-phenylacetamide structural motifs BF1–BF16 was carried out to assess their potential as hTYR and hTYRP1 inhibitors. The results revealed that the structural motifs BF1–BF16 showed higher binding affinities towards hTYR and hTYRP1 than the standard inhibitor kojic acid. The most bioactive lead furan-1,3,4-oxadiazoles BF4 and BF5 displayed stronger binding in affinities (−11.50 kcal/mol and −13.30 kcal/mol) than the standard drug kojic acid against hTYRP1 and hTYR enzymes, respectively. These were further confirmed by MM-GBSA and MM-PBSA binding energy computations. The stability studies involving the molecular dynamics simulations also provided stability insights into the binding of these compounds with the target enzymes, wherein it was found that they remain stable in the active sites during the 100 ns virtual simulation time. Moreover, the ADMET, as well as the medicinal properties of these novel furan-1,3,4-oxadiazole tethered N-phenylacetamide structural hybrids, also showed a good prospect. The excellent in-silico profiling of furan-1,3,4--oxadiazole structural motifs BF4 and BF5 provide a hypothetical gateway to use these compounds as potential hTYRP1 and hTYR inhibitors against melanogenesis.
Electrospun Naringin-Loaded Fibers for Preventing Scar Formation during Wound Healing
Authors: Tottoli Erika M. , Benedetti Laura , Chiesa Enrica , Pisani Silvia , Bruni Giovanna , Genta Ida , Conti Bice , Ceccarelli Gabriele , Dorati Rossella
Published: February 2023

Hypertrophic scars (HTSs) are aberrant structures that develop where skin is injured complexly and represent the result of a chronic inflammation as a healing response. To date, there is no satisfactory prevention option for HTSs, which is due to the complexity of multiple mechanisms behind the formation of these structures. The present work aimed to propose Biofiber (Biodegradable fiber), an advanced textured electrospun dressing, as a suitable solution for HTS formation in complex wounds. Biofiber has been designed as a 3-day long-term treatment to protect the healing environment and enhance wound care practices. Its textured matrix consists of homogeneous and well-interconnected Poly-L-lactide-co-poly-ε-caprolactone (PLA-PCL) electrospun fibers (size 3.825 ± 1.12 µm) loaded with Naringin (NG, 2.0% w/w), a natural antifibrotic agent. The structural units contribute to achieve an optimal fluid handling capacity demonstrated through a moderate hydrophobic wettability behavior (109.3 ± 2.3°), and a suitable balance between absorbency (389.8 ± 58.16%) and moisture vapor transmission rate (MVTR, 2645 ± 60.43 g/m2 day). The flexibility and conformability of Biofiber to the body surfaces is due to its innovative circular texture, that also allow it to obtain finer mechanical properties after 72 h in contact with Simulated Wound Fluid (SWF), with an elongation of 352.6 ± 36.10%, and a great tenacity (0.25 ± 0.03 Mpa). The ancillary action of NG results in a prolonged anti-fibrotic effect on Normal Human Dermal Fibroblasts (NHDF), through the controlled release of NG for 3 days. The prophylactic action was highlighted at day 3 with the down regulation of the major factors involved in the fibrotic process: Transforming Growth Factor β1 (TGF-β1), Collagen Type 1 alpha 1 chain (COL1A1), and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA). No significant anti-fibrotic effect has been demonstrated on Hypertrophic Human Fibroblasts derived from scars (HSF), proving the potential of Biofiber to minimize HTSs in the process of early wound healing as a prophylactic therapy.
Application of Amniotic Membrane in Skin Regeneration
Authors: Fitriani Nurul , Wilar Gofarana , Narsa Angga Cipta , Mohammed Ahmed F. A. , Wathoni Nasrul
Published: February 2023

Amniotic membrane (AM) is an avascular structure composed of three different layers, which contain collagen, extracellular matrix, and biologically active cells (stem cells). Collagen, a naturally occurring matrix polymer, provides the structural matrix/strength of the amniotic membrane. Tissue remodeling is regulated by growth factors, cytokines, chemokines, and other regulatory molecules produced by endogenous cells within AM. Therefore, AM is considered an attractive skin-regenerating agent. This review discusses the application of AM in skin regeneration, including its preparation for application to the skin and its mechanisms of therapeutic healing in the skin. This review involved collecting research articles that have been published in several databases, including Google Scholar, PubMed, Science Direct, and Scopus. The search was conducted by using the keywords ‘amniotic membrane skin’, ‘amniotic membrane wound healing’, ‘amniotic membrane burn’, ‘amniotic membrane urethral defects’, ‘amniotic membrane junctional epidermolysis bullosa’, and ‘amniotic membrane calciphylaxis’. Ultimately, 87 articles are discussed in this review. Overall, AM has various activities that help in the regeneration and repair of damaged skin.
Plant-Derived Bioactive Compounds in the Management of Neurodegenerative Disorders: Challenges, Future Directions and Molecular Mechanisms Involved in Neuroprotection
Authors: Shoaib Shoaib , Ansari Mohammad Azam , Fatease Adel Al , Safhi Awaji Y. , Hani Umme , Jahan Roshan , Alomary Mohammad N. , Ansari Mohd Nazam , Ahmed Nabeel , Wahab Shadma , Ahmad Wasim , Yusuf Nabiha , Islam Najmul
Published: February 2023

Neurodegenerative disorders encompass a wide range of pathological conditions caused by progressive damage to the neuronal cells and nervous-system connections, which primarily target neuronal dysfunction and result in problems with mobility, cognition, coordination, sensation, and strength. Molecular insights have revealed that stress-related biochemical alterations such as abnormal protein aggregation, extensive generation of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species, mitochondrial dysfunction, and neuroinflammation may lead to damage to neuronal cells. Currently, no neurodegenerative disease is curable, and the available standard therapies can only provide symptomatic treatment and delay the progression of the disease. Interestingly, plant-derived bioactive compounds have drawn considerable attention due to their well-established medicinal properties, including anti-apoptotic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and antimicrobial properties, as well as neuroprotective, hepatoprotective, cardioprotective, and other health benefits. Plant-derived bioactive compounds have received far more attention in recent decades than synthetic bioactive compounds in the treatment of many diseases, including neurodegeneration. By selecting suitable plant-derived bioactive compounds and/or plant formulations, we can fine tune the standard therapies because the therapeutic efficacy of the drugs is greatly enhanced by combinations. A plethora of in vitro and in vivo studies have demonstrated plant-derived bioactive compounds’ immense potential, as proven by their capacity to influence the expression and activity of numerous proteins implicated in oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, apoptosis, and aggregation. Thus, this review mostly focuses on the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-aggregation, anti-cholinesterase, and anti-apoptotic properties of several plant formulations and plant-derived bioactive compounds and their molecular mechanisms against neurodegenerative disorders.
Can Essential Oils/Botanical Agents Smart-Nanoformulations Be the Winning Cards against Psoriasis?
Authors: Ashraf Mohamed , El-Sawy Hossam S. , El Zaafarany Ghada M. , Abdel-Mottaleb Mona M. A.
Published: February 2023

Although psoriasis remains one of the most devastating inflammatory disorders due to its huge negative impact on patients’ quality of life, new “green” treatment approaches still need to be fully explored. The purpose of this review article is to focus on the utilization of different essential oils and active constituents of herbal botanical origin for the treatment of psoriasis that proved efficacious via both in vitro and in vivo models. The applications of nanotechnology-based formulations which displayed great potential in augmenting the permeation and delivery of these agents is also addressed. Numerous studies have been found which assessed the potential activity of natural botanical agents to overcome psoriasis. Nano-architecture delivery is applied in order to maximize the benefits of their activity, improve properties, and increase patient compliance. This field of natural innovative formulations can be a promising tool to optimize remediation of psoriasis while minimizing adverse effects.
Hybrid Magnetic Lipid-Based Nanoparticles for Cancer Therapy
Authors: Luiz Marcela Tavares , Dutra Jessyca Aparecida Paes , Viegas Juliana Santos Rosa , de Araújo Jennifer Thayanne Cavalcante , Tavares Junior Alberto Gomes , Chorilli Marlus
Published: February 2023

Cancer is one of the major public health problems worldwide. Despite the advances in cancer therapy, it remains a challenge due to the low specificity of treatment and the development of multidrug resistance mechanisms. To overcome these drawbacks, several drug delivery nanosystems have been investigated, among them, magnetic nanoparticles (MNP), especially superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPION), which have been applied for treating cancer. MNPs have the ability to be guided to the tumor microenvironment through an external applied magnetic field. Furthermore, in the presence of an alternating magnetic field (AMF) this nanocarrier can transform electromagnetic energy in heat (above 42 °C) through Néel and Brown relaxation, which makes it applicable for hyperthermia treatment. However, the low chemical and physical stability of MNPs makes their coating necessary. Thus, lipid-based nanoparticles, especially liposomes, have been used to encapsulate MNPs to improve their stability and enable their use as a cancer treatment. This review addresses the main features that make MNPs applicable for treating cancer and the most recent research in the nanomedicine field using hybrid magnetic lipid-based nanoparticles for this purpose.
Implementation of Systematic Bioanalysis of Antibody–Drug Conjugates for Preclinical Pharmacokinetic Study of Ado-Trastuzumab Emtansine (T-DM1) in Rats
Authors: Jeon Eun-Jeong , Han Ju-Hee , Seo Youjin , Koh Eun Mi , Han Kang-Hyun , Hwang Kyunghwa , Jung Kyung Jin
Published: February 2023

Antibody–drug conjugates (ADCs) are composed of monoclonal antibodies covalently bound to cytotoxic drugs by a linker. They are designed to selectively bind target antigens and present a promising cancer treatment without the debilitating side effects of conventional chemotherapies. Ado-trastuzumab emtansine (T-DM1) is an ADC that received US FDA approval for the treatment of HER2-positive breast cancer. The purpose of this study was to optimize methods for the quantification of T-DM1 in rats. We optimized four analytical methods: (1) an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to quantify the total trastuzumab levels in all drug-to-antibody ratios (DARs), including DAR 0; (2) an ELISA to quantify the conjugated trastuzumab levels in all DARs except DAR 0; (3) an LC–MS/MS analysis to quantify the levels of released DM1; and (4) a bridging ELISA to quantify the level of anti-drug antibodies (ADAs) of T-DM1. We analyzed serum and plasma samples from rats injected intravenously with T-DM1 (20 mg/kg, single dose) using these optimized methods. Based on these applied analytical methods, we evaluated the quantification, pharmacokinetics, and immunogenicity of T-DM1. This study establishes the systematic bioanalysis of ADCs with validated assays, including drug stability in matrix and ADA assay, for future investigation on the efficacy and safety of ADC development.
Insights into the Safety and Versatility of 4D Printed Intravesical Drug Delivery Systems
Authors: Uboldi Marco , Perrotta Cristiana , Moscheni Claudia , Zecchini Silvia , Napoli Alessandra , Castiglioni Chiara , Gazzaniga Andrea , Melocchi Alice , Zema Lucia
Published: February 2023

This paper focuses on recent advancements in the development of 4D printed drug delivery systems (DDSs) for the intravesical administration of drugs. By coupling the effectiveness of local treatments with major compliance and long-lasting performance, they would represent a promising innovation for the current treatment of bladder pathologies. Being based on a shape-memory pharmaceutical-grade polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), these DDSs are manufactured in a bulky shape, can be programmed to take on a collapsed one suitable for insertion into a catheter and re-expand inside the target organ, following exposure to biological fluids at body temperature, while releasing their content. The biocompatibility of prototypes made of PVAs of different molecular weight, either uncoated or coated with Eudragit®-based formulations, was assessed by excluding relevant in vitro toxicity and inflammatory response using bladder cancer and human monocytic cell lines. Moreover, the feasibility of a novel configuration was preliminarily investigated, targeting the development of prototypes provided with inner reservoirs to be filled with different drug-containing formulations. Samples entailing two cavities, filled during the printing process, were successfully fabricated and showed, in simulated urine at body temperature, potential for controlled release, while maintaining the ability to recover about 70% of their original shape within 3 min.
Three-Dimensional-Printed Oral Films Based on LCD: Influence Factors of the Film Printability and Received Qualities
Authors: Xu Tingfeng , Li Huijie , Xia Yi , Ding Sheng , Yang Qingliang , Yang Gensheng
Published: February 2023

As an oral mucosal drug delivery system, oral films have been of wide concern in recent years because of their advantages such as rapid absorption, being easy to swallow and avoiding the first-pass effect common for mucoadhesive oral films. However, the currently utilized manufacturing approaches including solvent casting have many limitations, such as solvent residue and difficulties in drying, and are not suitable for personalized customization. To solve these problems, the present study utilizes liquid crystal display (LCD), a photopolymerization-based 3D printing technique, to fabricate mucoadhesive films for oral mucosal drug delivery. The designed printing formulation includes PEGDA as the printing resin, TPO as the photoinitiator, tartrazine as the photoabsorber, PEG 300 as the additive and HPMC as the bioadhesive material. The influence of printing formulation and printing parameters on the printing formability of the oral films were elucidated in depth, and the results suggested that PEG 300 in the formulation not only provided the necessary flexibility of the printed oral films, but also improved drug release rate due to its role as pore former in the produced films. The presence of HPMC could greatly improve the adhesiveness of the 3D-printed oral films, but excessive HPMC increased the viscosity of the printing resin solution, which could strongly hinder the photo-crosslinking reaction and reduce printability. Based on the optimized printing formulation and printing parameters, the bilayer oral films containing a backing layer and an adhesive layer were successfully printed with stable dimensions, adequate mechanical properties, strong adhesion ability, desirable drug release and efficient in vivo therapeutic efficacy. All these results indicated that an LCD-based 3D printing technique is a promising alternative to precisely fabricate oral films for personalized medicine.
A Compendium for Novel Marker-Based Breeding Strategies in Eggplant
Authors: Gaccione Luciana , Martina Matteo , Barchi Lorenzo , Portis Ezio
Published: February 2023

The worldwide production of eggplant is estimated at about 58 Mt, with China, India and Egypt being the major producing countries. Breeding efforts in the species have mainly focused on increasing productivity, abiotic and biotic tolerance/resistance, shelf-life, the content of health-promoting metabolites in the fruit rather than decreasing the content of anti-nutritional compounds in the fruit. From the literature, we collected information on mapping quantitative trait loci (QTLs) affecting eggplant’s traits following a biparental or multi-parent approach as well as genome-wide association (GWA) studies. The positions of QTLs were lifted according to the eggplant reference line (v4.1) and more than 700 QTLs were identified, here organized into 180 quantitative genomic regions (QGRs). Our findings thus provide a tool to: (i) determine the best donor genotypes for specific traits; (ii) narrow down QTL regions affecting a trait by combining information from different populations; (iii) pinpoint potential candidate genes.
The Role of MbEGS1 and MbEGS2 in Methyleugenol Biosynthesis by Melaleuca bracteata
Authors: Lin Yongsheng , Qiu Ziwen , Lin Xiaojie , Wu Yingxiang , Niu Xianqian , Yin Guanwen , Shao Dandan , Xiang Xuwen , Li Yongyu , Yang Chao
Published: February 2023

Many aromatic plant volatile compounds contain methyleugenol, which is an attractant for insect pollination and has antibacterial, antioxidant, and other properties. The essential oil of Melaleuca bracteata leaves contains 90.46% methyleugenol, which is an ideal material for studying the biosynthetic pathway of methyleugenol. Eugenol synthase (EGS) is one of the key enzymes involved in the synthesis of methyleugenol. We recently reported two eugenol synthase genes (MbEGS1 and MbEGS2) present in M. bracteata, where MbEGS1 and MbEGS2 were mainly expressed in flowers, followed by leaves, and had the lowest expression levels in stems. In this study, the functions of MbEGS1 and MbEGS2 in the biosynthesis of methyleugenol were investigated using transient gene expression technology and virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS) technology in M. bracteata. Here, in the MbEGSs genes overexpression group, the transcription levels of the MbEGS1 gene and MbEGS2 gene were increased 13.46 times and 12.47 times, respectively, while the methyleugenol levels increased 18.68% and 16.48%. We further verified the function of the MbEGSs genes by using VIGS, as the transcript levels of the MbEGS1 and MbEGS2 genes were downregulated by 79.48% and 90.35%, respectively, and the methyleugenol content in M. bracteata decreased by 28.04% and 19.45%, respectively. The results indicated that the MbEGS1 and MbEGS2 genes were involved in the biosynthesis of methyleugenol, and the transcript levels of the MbEGS1 and MbEGS2 genes correlated with the methyleugenol content in M. bracteata.
Beyond Cleansing: Ecosystem Services Related to Phytoremediation
Authors: Guidi Nissim Werther , Castiglione Stefano , Guarino Francesco , Pastore Maria Chiara , Labra Massimo
Published: February 2023

Phytotechnologies used for cleaning up urban and suburban polluted soils (i.e., brownfields) have shown some weakness in the excessive extent of the timeframe required for them to be effectively operating. This bottleneck is due to technical constraints, mainly related to both the nature of the pollutant itself (e.g., low bio-availability, high recalcitrance, etc.) and the plant (e.g., low pollution tolerance, low pollutant uptake rates, etc.). Despite the great efforts made in the last few decades to overcome these limitations, the technology is in many cases barely competitive compared with conventional remediation techniques. Here, we propose a new outlook on phytoremediation, where the main goal of decontaminating should be re-evaluated, considering additional ecosystem services (ESs) related to the establishment of a new vegetation cover on the site. The aim of this review is to raise awareness and stress the knowledge gap on the importance of ES associated with this technique, which can make phytoremediation a valuable tool to boost an actual green transition process in planning urban green spaces, thereby offering improved resilience to global climate change and a higher quality of life in cities. This review highlights that the reclamation of urban brownfields through phytoremediation may provide several regulating (i.e., urban hydrology, heat mitigation, noise reduction, biodiversity, and CO2 sequestration), provisional (i.e., bioenergy and added-value chemicals), and cultural (i.e., aesthetic, social cohesion, and health) ESs. Although future research should specifically be addressed to better support these findings, acknowledging ES is crucial for an exhaustive evaluation of phytoremediation as a sustainable and resilient technology.