bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dual Crosslinked Ion-Based Bacterial Cellulose Composite Hydrogel Containing Polyhexamethylene Biguanide
Authors: Chanabodeechalermrung Baramee , Chaiwarit Tanpong , Sommano Sarana Rose , Rachtanapun Pornchai , Kantrong Nutthapong , Chittasupho Chuda , Jantrawut Pensak
Published: August 2022

Composite bacterial cellulose (BC) based hydrogel with alginate (A) or pectin (P) or alginate and pectin was fabricated via a physical crosslinking technique using calcium chloride (CaCl2) solution and incorporated with polyhexamethylene biguanide (PHMB) as an effective antimicrobial drug by immersion method. After that, the physicochemical properties of all hydrogel formulations were characterized. The result showed that the formulations with PHMB performed better physicochemical properties than the hydrogel without PHMB. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) showed the interaction between PHMB and the carboxylic group of alginate and pectin. BC/A-PHMB hydrogel performed suitable mechanical strength, fluid uptake ability, water retention property, drug content, high integrity value, and maximum swelling degree. Moreover, in vitro cell viability of BC/A-PHMB hydrogel revealed high biocompatibility with human keratinocyte cell line (HaCaT) and demonstrated prolong released of PHMB in Tris-HCl buffer pH 7.4, while rapid release in phosphate buffer saline pH 7.4. BC/A-PHMB hydrogel demonstrated good anti-bacterial activity against S. aureus and P. aeruginosa. In conclusion, BC/A-PHMB hydrogel could be a potential dual crosslinked ion-based hydrogel for wound dressing with anti-bacterial activity.
Critical Evaluation and Thermodynamic Optimization of the Cu-Zn, Cu-Se and Zn-Se Binary Systems
Authors: Tang Yu , Ma Jie , Han Dong , Wang Jian , Qi Haiying , Jin Liling
Published: August 2022

In our study, a complete review of the literature, critical evaluation and thermodynamic assessment of the Cu-Zn, Cu-Se and Zn-Se binary systems were carried out. The modified quasi-chemical model (MQM) was applied to describe the Gibbs energy of the liquid phase. The Gibbs energies of all intermetallic compounds and terminal solid solutions were described using the compound energy formalism (CEF) model. The re-optimization of the Cu-Zn binary system was carried out by considering the ordered bcc_B2 crystal structure of the β’ phase. Moreover, the β and δ phases in the Cu-Zn binary system with the same bcc_A2 crystal structure were modeled as one single phase in the present work. A self-consistent thermodynamic database was constructed for the Cu-Zn, Cu-Se and Zn-Se binary systems, work that formed part of a comprehensive thermodynamic database development project researching zinc-based biodegradable materials.
Effect of TiN on Sulfide Morphology of Non-Quenched and Tempered Steel
Authors: Wu Huajie , Li Xin , Wang Zhe , Liu Wei
Published: August 2022

In this paper, non-quenched and tempered steel was selected to observe sulfide inclusions in as-cast and forged steel with different Ti and N contents, and analyzed the influence of TiN on the precipitation, morphology, distribution and composition of MnS. The precipitation of MnS and TiN in liquid-phase, solid–liquid two-phase region and solid phase was comparatively analyzed from a thermodynamic perspective, and the effect of the thermodynamic precipitation sequence on composite sulfide was explored. It was found that the change in Ti content had little effect on the morphology of sulfide in its as-cast state, and the composite sulfide was more spindle-like in the forged state. The increase in Ti and N content will increase the content of composite sulfide containing TiN in the steel, especially the number of MnS with TiN as the nucleation core. The initial precipitation temperature of TiN is higher than that of MnS, which provides a thermodynamic explanation for the existence of composite manganese sulfide containing TiN. Titanium treatment provides a new way to improve sulfide morphology.
Dynamic Prediction Model of Silicon Content in Molten Iron Based on Comprehensive Characterization of Furnace Temperature
Authors: Cui Zeqian , Yang Aimin , Wang Lijing , Han Yang
Published: August 2022

The silicon content of the molten iron is an important indicator of the furnace temperature trend in blast furnace smelting. In view of the multi-scale, non-linear, large time lag and strong coupling characteristics of the blast furnace smelting process, a dynamic prediction model for the silicon content of molten iron is established based on the analysis of comprehensive furnace temperature characterization data. The isolated forest algorithm is used to detect anomalies and analyze the causes of the anomalies in conjunction with the blast furnace mechanism. The maximum correlation-minimum redundancy mutual information feature selection method is used to reduce the dimensionality of the furnace temperature characterization data. The grey correlation analysis with balanced proximity is used to obtain the correlation between the furnace temperature characterization parameters and the silicon content of the molten iron at different time lags and to integrate the furnace temperature characterization data set. The GRA-FCM model is used to divide the parameter set of the integrated furnace temperature characterization and construct a parameter directed network from multiple control parameters to multiple state parameters. The GWO-SVR model is used to predict the state parameters of each delay step by step to achieve dynamic prediction of the silicon content of the molten iron. Finally, the control parameters are adjusted backwards according to the prediction results of the state parameters and the silicon content of the molten iron and expert experience to achieve accurate control of the furnace temperature. Starting from the actual production situation of a blast furnace, the characteristic parameters are divided into control parameters and state parameters. This model establishes a multi-step dynamic prediction and closed-loop control model of “control parameters-state parameters-silicon content in hot metal-control parameters”.
Acute Effects of Whole-Body Electromyostimulation on Energy Expenditure at Resting and during Uphill Walking in Healthy Young Men
Authors: Perez-De-Arrilucea-Le-Floc’h Unai A. , Dote-Montero Manuel , Carle-Calo Abraham , Sánchez-Delgado Guillermo , Ruiz Jonatan R. , Amaro-Gahete Francisco J.
Published: August 2022

The effects of the different electrical frequencies of whole-body electrical stimulation (WB-EMS) on energy expenditure (EE) and the respiratory exchange ratio (RER) remain poorly understood. This study aimed to determine the effects of different WB-EMS electrical frequencies on EE and the RER during supine resting and uphill walking. A total of 10 healthy and recreationally active men (21.6 ± 3.3 years old) participated in the present study. Participants completed two testing sessions in a randomized order. In each session, a variety of impulse frequencies (1 hertz (Hz), 2 Hz, 4 Hz, 6 Hz, 8 Hz, and 10 Hz) were applied in a randomized order, allowing a 10 min passive recovery between them. Oxygen consumption and carbon dioxide production were measured to calculate EE and the RER. All frequencies increased EE at rest (all p ≤ 0.001), with 4 Hz being the frequency producing the highest increase (Δ = 8.89 ± 1.49 kcal/min), as did 6 Hz (Δ = 8.05 ± 1.52 kcal/min) and 8 Hz (Δ = 7.04 ± 2.16 kcal/min). An increment in the RER at rest was observed with 4 Hz, 6 Hz, 8 Hz and 10 Hz (all p ≤ 0.016), but not with 1 Hz and 2 Hz (p ≥ 0.923). During uphill walking, the frequency that elicited the highest increase in EE was 6 Hz (Δ = 4.87 ± 0.84 kcal/min) compared to the unstimulated condition. None of the impulse frequencies altered the RER during uphill walking. WB-EMS increases EE in healthy young men both during resting and uphill walking.
Research on the Mechanism of Multi-Domain Coupling Centrifugal Electrostatic Blowing Flying Deposition
Authors: Xu Guojie , Zhou Bei , Guo Jian , Zeng Jun , Zhang Rongguang , Cai Nian , Li Yongxing , Wu Peixuan , Chen Xun , Wang Han , Ruso Juan M. , Liu Zhen
Published: August 2022

The centrifugal electrostatic blowing process proposed in this paper solves the difficult continuous and stable deposition problem in the traditional centrifugal electrostatic spinning process. By establishing a flight deposition model of the centrifugal electrostatic spraying process, CFD is used to simulate and analyze the electrohydrodynamic effect of centrifugal jets, and the driving mechanism is explored. Subsequently, MATLAB is used to obtain the optimal solution conditions, and finally, the establishment of a two-dimensional flight trajectory model is completed and experimentally verified. In addition, the deposition model of the jet is established to clarify the flight trajectory under the multi-field coupling, the stable draft area of the jet is found according to this, and the optimal drafting station is clarified. This research provides new ideas and references for the exploration of the deposition mechanism of the centrifugal electrostatic blowing and electrostatic spinning process.
Oligoimide-Mediated Graphene Oxide-Epoxy Nanocomposites with Enhanced Thermal Conductivity and Mechanical Properties
Authors: Khan Muhammad Inshad , Akhter Toheed , Siddiqi Humaira Masood , Lee Young Jun , Park Hyeonjung , Hassan Muhmood ul , Park Chan Ho
Published: August 2022

The current study reports the preparation of thermally conductive polymeric nanocomposites. For this purpose, two epoxy-based nanocomposites were prepared by dispersing a different type of functionalized graphene oxide (GO) nanofiller in each series. Both these GO nanofillers were functionalized by covalently bonding oligoimide chains on their surfaces. In one series, these oligoimide chains were prepared by reaction of 3,3′,4,4′-benzophenonetetracarboxylic dianhydride (BTDA) with a diamine 4,4′-methylenedianiline (MDA). While in the other case, BTDA was reacted with N,N′-[((propane-2,2-diylbis(4,1-phenylene))bis(oxy))bis(4,1-phenylene)]bis(4-aminobenzamide) (BDM) to mount oligoimide chains on the surface of GO. Both types of oligoimide chains have amino groups as chain-end functional groups. These modified GO nanofillers were added to the epoxy matrices separately to prepare their respective nanocomposites (MDA-B-GO-epoxy nanocomposites and BDM-B-GO-epoxy nanocomposites). The chain-end amino groups of oligoimide chains reacted with the epoxy ring developing a covalent bonding between oligoimide chains of GO and the epoxy matrix. Moreover, these oligoimide chains prevented the agglomeration of GO by acting as spacer groups leading to the uniform dispersion of GO in the epoxy matrix. Various analytical techniques were used to examine the attachment of oligoimide chains to the GO surface, and to examine the morphology, curing potential, mechanical strength, thermal stability, and thermal conductivity of the prepared nanocomposites. We demonstrated that the thermal conductivity of MDA-B-GO-epoxy nanocomposites increased by 52% and an increase of 56% was observed in BDM-B-GO-epoxy nanocomposites. Similarly, a significant improvement was observed in the mechanical strength and thermal stability of both types of nanocomposites.
Antibiotic Resistance in Neisseria gonorrhoeae: Challenges in Research and Treatment
Authors: Shaskolskiy Boris , Kandinov Ilya , Dementieva Ekaterina , Gryadunov Dmitry
Published: August 2022

Gonococcal infection caused by the Gram-negative bacteria Neisseria gonorrhoeae is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections (STIs) worldwide [...]
Applications of Probiotic-Based Multi-Components to Human, Animal and Ecosystem Health: Concepts, Methodologies, and Action Mechanisms
Authors: Kouhounde Sonagnon , Adéoti Kifouli , Mounir Majid , Giusti Alessandro , Refinetti Paulo , Otu Akaninyene , Effa Emmanuel , Ebenso Bassey , Adetimirin Victor O. , Barceló Josep Mercader , Thiare Ousmane , Rabetafika Holy N. , Razafindralambo Hary L.
Published: August 2022

Probiotics and related preparations, including synbiotics and postbiotics, are living and non-living microbial-based multi-components, which are now among the most popular bioactive agents. Such interests mainly arise from the wide range and numerous beneficial effects of their use for various hosts. The current minireview article attempts to provide an overview and discuss in a holistic way the concepts, methodologies, action mechanisms, and applications of probiotic-based multi-components in human, animal, plant, soil, and environment health. Probiotic-based multi-component preparations refer to a mixture of bioactive agents, containing probiotics or postbiotics as main functional ingredients, and prebiotics, protectants, stabilizers, encapsulating agents, and other compounds as additional constituents. Analyzing, characterizing, and monitoring over time the traceability, performance, and stability of such multi-component ingredients require relevant and sensitive analytical tools and methodologies. Two innovative profiling and monitoring methods, the thermophysical fingerprinting thermogravimetry–differential scanning calorimetry technique (TGA-DSC) of the whole multi-component powder preparations, and the Advanced Testing for Genetic Composition (ATGC) strain analysis up to the subspecies level, are presented, illustrated, and discussed in this review to respond to those requirements. Finally, the paper deals with some selected applications of probiotic-based multi-components to human, animal, plant, soil and environment health, while mentioning their possible action mechanisms.
Overexpression of llm1 Affects the Synthesis of Secondary Metabolites of Aspergillus cristatus
Authors: Wang Yunsheng , Chen Yincui , Zhang Jin , Zhang Chuanbo
Published: August 2022

Putative methyltransferases are thought to be involved in the regulation of secondary metabolites in filamentous fungi. Here, we report the effects of overexpression of a predicted LaeA-like methyltransferase gene llm1 on the synthesis of secondary metabolites in Aspergillus cristatus. Our results revealed that overexpression of the gene llm1 in A. cristatus significantly hindered the production of conidia and enhanced sexual development, and reduced oxidative tolerance to hydrogen peroxide. Compared with the wild-type, the metabolic profile of the overexpression transformant was distinct, and the contents of multiple secondary metabolites were markedly increased, mainly including terpenoids and flavonoids, such as (S)-olEuropeic acid, gibberellin A62, gibberellin A95, ovalitenone, PD 98059, and 1-isomangostin. A total of 600 significantly differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified utilizing transcriptome sequencing, and the DEGs were predominantly enriched in transmembrane transport and secondary metabolism-related biological processes. In summary, the strategy of overexpressing global secondary metabolite regulators successfully activated the expression of secondary metabolite gene clusters, and the numerous secondary metabolites were greatly strengthened in A. cristatus. This study provides new insights into the in-depth exploitation and utilization of novel secondary metabolites of A. cristatus.
Amgaite, Tl3+2Te6+O6, a New Mineral from the Khokhoyskoe Gold Deposit, Eastern Siberia, Russia
Authors: Kasatkin Anatoly V. , Anisimova Galina S. , Nestola Fabrizio , Plášil Jakub , Sejkora Jiří , Škoda Radek , Sokolov Evgeniy P. , Kondratieva Larisa A. , Kardashevskaia Veronika N.
Published: August 2022

The new mineral amgaite was discovered at the Khokhoyskoe gold deposit, 120 km W of Aldan town, Aldanskiy District, Sakha Republic (Yakutia), Eastern Siberia, Russia. Amgaite forms fine-grained colloform aggregates up to 0.05 mm across, and is often intimately intergrown with avicennite, unidentified carbonates and antimonates of Tl. Other associated minerals include gold, silver, acanthite, arsenopyrite, pyrite, berthierite, chalcocite, weissbergite, chlorargyrite, calcite, quartz, goethite etc. Amgaite is dark reddish brown to black. It has submetallic luster, black streak, brittle tenacity and conchoidal fracture. Its density calculated from the empirical formula and powder XRD data is 8.358 g/cm3. Its Mohs’ hardness is ca. 1.5–2. Optically, amgaite is uniaxial. In reflected light, it is gray with a bluish shade, very weakly anisotropic with rare brownish red internal reflections. Reflectance values for the four COM wavelengths [Rmin, Rmax (%)(λ in nm)] are: 13.5, 14.2 (470); 12.7, 13.2 (546); 12.3, 12.7 (589); and 11.7, 12.3 (650). The Raman spectrum shows bands of Te–O and Tl–O bonds and confirms the absence in amgaite of H2O, OH–, CO32– groups and B–O bonds. The chemical composition is (electron microprobe, wt.%): MgO 0.43, CaO 1.62, Fe2O3 0.36, Tl2O3 66.27, Sb2O5 3.48, TeO3 27.31, total 99.47. The empirical formula based on 6 O apfu is Tl3+1.74Ca0.17Mg0.06Fe3+0.03Te6+0.93Sb5+0.13O6. Amgaite is trigonal, space group P321; unit-cell parameters are as follows: a = 9.0600(9), c = 4.9913(11) Å, V = 354.82(8) Å3, Z = 3. The strongest lines of the powder X-ray diffraction pattern [dobs, Å (I, %) (hkl)] are as follows: 3.352 (100) (111), 3.063 (15) (201), 2.619 (49) (300), 2.065 (18) (221), 1.804 (28) (302), 1.697 (8) (321), 1.625 (9) (411). The crystal structure of amgaite is the same as of synthetic Tl3+2Te6+O6. The new mineral is named after the Amga River, the basin of which hosts the type locality, Khokhoyskoe occurrence. The type material is deposited in the collections of the Fersman Mineralogical Museum of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia, with the registration number 5773/1.
The Lanthanide “Tetrad Effect” as an Exploration Tool for Granite-Related Rare Metal Ore Systems: Examples from the Iberian Variscan Belt
Authors: Martins Ivo , Mateus António , Cathelineau Michel , Boiron Marie Christine , Ribeiro da Costa Isabel , Dias da Silva Ícaro , Gaspar Miguel
Published: August 2022

Highly fractionated granites and related magmatic-hydrothermal ore-forming processes can be traced by elemental ratios such as Nb/Ta, K/Rb, Y/Ho, Sr/Eu, Eu/Eu*, Zr/Hf, and Rb/Sr. The lanthanide “tetrad effect” parameter (TE1,3) can also be a useful geochemical fingerprint of highly fractionated granites. This work assesses its application as an exploration vector for granite-related mineralization in the Central Iberian Zone by examining TE1,3 variations with different elemental ratios and with the concentrations of rare metals and fluxing elements (such as F, P, and B). The multi-elemental whole-rock characterization of the main Cambrian–Ordovician and Carboniferous–Permian granite plutons and late aplite–pegmatite dykes exposed across the Segura–Panasqueira Sn-W-Li belt show that the increase in TE1,3 values co-vary with magmatic differentiation and metal-enrichment, being the Carboniferous–Permian granite rocks the most differentiated, and metal specialized. The Argemela Li-Sn-bearing rare metal granite and the Segura Li-phosphate-bearing aplite–pegmatite dykes deviate from this geochemical trend, displaying TE1,3 < 1.1, but high P2O5 contents. The results suggest that mineralized rocks related to peraluminous-high-phosphorus Li-Sn granite systems are typified by TE1,3 < 1.1, whereas those associated with peraluminous-high-phosphorus Sn-W-Li (lepidolite) and peraluminous-low-phosphorus Sn-Ta-Nb granite systems display TE1,3 > 1.1, reaching values as high as 1.4 and 2.1, respectively.
Understanding the Entrainment Behavior of Gangue Minerals in Flake Graphite Flotation
Authors: Qiu Yangshuai , Mao Zhenfei , Sun Kangkang , Zhang Lingyan , Qian Yupeng , Lei Tao , Liang Wenbo , An Yaxin
Published: August 2022

Flotation is one of the most used methods to upgrade natural graphite resources. However, the efficiency is usually decreased due to the entrainment of undesirable fine gangue minerals. In this work, the impact of different factors such as particle size, pulp density, and flotation reagent on the entrainment of mica and quartz in a flake graphite flotation was studied. The single gangue mineral flotation results showed increased gangue entrainment when reducing the particle size of gangue minerals and increasing the pulp density. Moreover, the flotation of artificial mixtures indicated enhanced entrainment of mica and quartz in the presence of graphite particles. The collector and frother also strongly affect gangue entrainment by modifying the structure and stability of the froth. Kerosene, which has a prominent deforming feature, can reduce gangue entrainment more effectively than diesel.
Effect of Al2O3 on Sound Velocity of MgSiO3 Glass at High Pressure
Authors: Wei Xinmiao , Dong Lingling , Li Fangfei , Zhou Qiang , Zhang Caizi , Guo Mengqi , Wei Yingzhan , Zhang Xue , Li Liang , Li Xinyang , Liu Zhaodong
Published: August 2022

Silicate glass has been used as an analog for silicate melts to understand the nature of dense magmas in the Earth’s mantle. To understand the effect of Al2O3 on the sound velocity and structure of MgSiO3 glass, in this study, combined with Brillouin scattering and diamond anvil cells (DACs), the acoustic velocity of MgSiO3∙5 mol%Al2O3 (MA1) and MgSiO3∙24.5 mol%Al2O3 (MA2) glass were measured up to 20 and 42 GPa, respectively. Our studies show that the incorporation of Al2O3 could increase the sound velocity of MgSiO3 glass. Using the obtained velocities, the bulk and shear moduli (KS, G), density (ρ) and Poisson’s ratio (ν) are calculated at high pressures, and the results indicate that Al2O3 could induce the stiffness of MgSiO3 glass. However, the effect of Al2O3 content on the stiffness of MgSiO3 glass is non-linear, and MA1 and MA2 exhibit similar KS and G at high pressures. With the increase of pressure, the transverse acoustic mode (VS) of MA1 and MA2 shows abnormal changes at 17.8 GPa and 31.8 GPa, which are related to the transition of coordination number (CN) for Si-O in Al-bearing MgSiO3 glass. Compared with previous studies on sound velocity of MgSiO3 glass, the incorporation of Al2O3 delays the transition pressure of Si-O coordination to a higher pressure. Our study has profound implications for understanding the density and sound velocity of Al-bearing MgSiO3 melt in the Earth’s interior.
Specific Cation Effect on the Flotation of Graphite
Authors: An Yaxin , Sun Kangkang , Qiu Yangshuai , Zhang Lingyan
Published: August 2022

Inorganic electrolytes are assumed to significantly impact the flotation performance of graphite resources; however, the underlying mechanism is still unclear. In this work, the effect of three inorganic salts, including KCl, MgCl2, and AlCl3, was studied on the flotation of graphite. Flotation results indicated significantly increased graphite recovery with the addition of KCl regardless of pulp pH. MgCl2 improved the flotation performance under acidic and slightly alkaline conditions, while AlCl3 had a better activation on graphite flotation under strong acidic and alkaline conditions. Contact angle and Zeta potential results confirmed that electrolytes substantially reduced the absolute value of surface charge and the hydration of graphite surface, thus improving the hydrophobicity. Froth stability studies indicated that multivalent Al3+ and Mg2+ ions exhibit superior foaming performance than K+ ions and contribute to more stable and abundant foam. Additionally, these salt ions increased the surface tension and prevented bubble coalescence, contributing to nanobubble formation. Therefore, adding MgCl2 and KCl is of great significance for improved graphite flotation under neutral conditions.
Testing and Analysis of MOSFET-Based Absorber Integrated Antenna for 5G/WiMAX/WLAN Applications
Authors: Omoru Elliot O. , Srivastava Viranjay M.
Published: August 2022

A 3D electromagnetic circuit design and analysis of a MOSFET-based absorber active integrated antenna has been performed. It integrates a transmitting dual-band double material substrate (DMS) cylindrical surrounding patch antenna (CSPA) with a MOSFET-based absorber of reflected radio frequency power. It is a solution to the problem of performance degradation in the power amplifier (PA) resulting from antenna and PA impedance mismatch. This fully integrated MOSFET-based absorber antenna can absorb reflected RF power with a diode-based quasi-circulator as part of the integrated design circuitry. The antenna used for the proposed integrated design will operate at frequencies ranging from 2 GHz to 3 GHz and from 4.6 GHz to 6.1 GHz, thus providing a bandwidth of 1 GHz and 1.5 GHz at a resonance frequency of 2.5 GHz and 5.3 GHz, respectively. This makes it suitable for use in lower and upper bands of WLAN/WiMAX medium RF front-end applications. Furthermore, the condition for MOSFET connected to the absorber (IS ≤ ID and VDS = 0) has been satisfied at both instances of resonance. In this proposed design, an antenna radiation efficiency of 84% has been observed.
Exploiting Nanoscale Complexion in LATP Solid-State Electrolyte via Interfacial Mg2+ Doping
Authors: Stegmaier Sina , Reuter Karsten , Scheurer Christoph
Published: August 2022

While great effort has been focused on bulk material design for high-performance All Solid-State Batteries (ASSBs), solid-solid interfaces, which typically extend over a nanometer regime, have been identified to severely impact cell performance. Major challenges are Li dendrite penetration along the grain boundary network of the Solid-State Electrolyte (SSE) and reductive decomposition at the electrolyte/electrode interface. A naturally forming nanoscale complexion encapsulating ceramic Li1+xAlxTi2−x(PO4)3 (LATP) SSE grains has been shown to serve as a thin protective layer against such degradation mechanisms. To further exploit this feature, we study the interfacial doping of divalent Mg2+ into LATP grain boundaries. Molecular Dynamics simulations for a realistic atomistic model of the grain boundary reveal Mg2+ to be an eligible dopant candidate as it rarely passes through the complexion and thus does not degrade the bulk electrolyte performance. Tuning the interphase stoichiometry promotes the suppression of reductive degradation mechanisms by lowering the Ti4+ content while simultaneously increasing the local Li+ conductivity. The Mg2+ doping investigated in this work identifies a promising route towards active interfacial engineering at the nanoscale from a computational perspective.
Functionalization with Polyphenols of a Nano-Textured Ti Surface through a High–Amino Acid Medium: A Chemical–Physical and Biological Characterization
Authors: Scannavino Rafaella C. P. , Riccucci Giacomo , Ferraris Sara , Duarte Gabriel L. C. , de Oliveira Paulo T. , Spriano Silvia
Published: August 2022

The study aimed to identify an effective mechanism of adsorption of polyphenols on a nano-textured Ti surface and to evaluate the osteogenic differentiation on it. The source of polyphenols was a natural extract from red grape pomace. A chemical etching was used to form an oxide layer with a nanoscale texture on Ti; this layer is hydrophilic, but without hydroxyl groups with high acidic–basic chemical reactivity. The samples were characterized by electron and fluorescence microscopies, UV–Vis spectroscopy, contact angle measurements, zeta potential titration curves, and Folin–Ciocâlteu test. The presence of an adsorbed layer of polyphenols on the functionalized surface, maintaining redox ability, was confirmed by several tests. Consistent with the surface features, the adsorption was maximized by dissolving the extract in a high–amino acid medium, with respect to an inorganic solution, exploiting the high affinity of amino acids for polyphenols and for porous titanium surfaces. The osteogenic differentiation was assessed on an osteoblastic cell line by immunofluorescence, cell viability, expression of key osteoblast markers, and extracellular matrix mineralization. The surfaces functionalized with the extract diluted in the range 1 × 10−5–1 mg/mL resulted in having a greater osteogenic activity for the highest concentration, with lower values of cell viability; higher expression of alkaline phosphatase, bone sialoprotein, and collagen; and lower levels of osteopontin. In conclusion, the functionalization of a nano-textured Ti surface with polyphenols can potentially favor the osteogenic activity of osseointegrated implants.
Development of Parkinsonism in a Patient with Central Pontine Myelinolysis
Authors: Antonioni Annibale , Rispoli Vittorio , Fazio Patrik , Golfrè Andreasi Nico , Govoni Vittorio , Granieri Enrico
Published: August 2022

Osmotic demyelination syndrome (ODS) is caused by damage to the pons myelin sheath and nerve cells. Although the pathophysiological mechanism responsible for the damage is not yet fully understood, it is currently believed that osmotic-type changes (especially if they are massive and too rapid) cause oedema that leads to compression and, subsequently, demyelination of white matter fibres. It generally manifests with acute paraparesis/tetraparesis, dysphagia, dysarthria, diplopia, and loss of consciousness, as well as hallucinations, spasms, and other neurological symptoms related to brainstem damage. In extreme cases, the locked-in syndrome may also appear. Of note, in some cases an association between osmotic demyelinating damage and the onset of movement disorders has been documented and, although the pathophysiology is still unknown, a correlation has been postulated between ODS and movement disorders. Here, we present a patient with ODS who developed parkinsonism, thus supporting the hypothesis of a correlation between these pathological events.
Effects of the Long-Term Consumption of a High-Sucrose Diet on microRNA Expression in Visceral Adipose Tissue of Rats
Authors: Fernandes Isabela Costa , Santos Talita Adriana Pereira , Oliveira Daiane Teixeira , Oliveira Victor Fernandes , Sousa Graziele Galdino , Pereira Luciene Santos , Barboza Natália Rocha , Evangelista Elísio Alberto , Guerra-Sá Renata
Published: August 2022

Noncoding microRNAs are involved in lipid and carbohydrate metabolism pathways and are powerful regulators of gene expression. The goals of this study were to evaluate the temporal expression profiles of miRNAs in rat adipose tissue and predict mRNA–microRNA interactions. Newly weaned Wistar rats were divided into groups fed a standard diet and high-sucrose diet (HSD). The HSD contains 66.86% carbohydrates (40.45% standard diet, 40.45% condensed milk, and 8.58% crystal sugar), and the HSD was provided for 4, 8 and 15-week periods to investigate the expression levels of miRNAs in visceral adipose tissue using RT–qPCR. Target selection, enriched pathways and networks were analyzed in silico. The factor consumption time significantly was associated to decreases (p < 0.05) in the expression levels of the following miRNAs: 124-5p, 125-5p, 126-5p, 200c-3p, and 212-3p in all experimental groups. The factor diet significantly influenced rno-miR-124-5p, 200c-3p, and 212-3p expression (p < 0.05). A significant reduction (p < 0.05) in rno-miR-27a-3p expression was observed. The biological processes involved key pathways regulating fat deposition. Our findings provide important insights into downregulated miRNA expression patterns in visceral adipose tissue, adiposity level, hyperinsulinemia and increased VLDL-c and triglyceride levels.
Estimates of Dietary Mineral Micronutrient Supply from Staple Cereals in Ethiopia at a District Level
Authors: Abdu Abdu Oumer , Kumssa Diriba B. , Joy Edward J. M. , Groote Hugo De , Lark R. Murray , Broadley Martin R. , Gashu Dawd
Published: August 2022

Recent surveys have revealed substantial spatial variation in the micronutrient composition of cereals in Ethiopia, where a single national micronutrient concentration values for cereal grains are of limited use for estimating typical micronutrient intakes. We estimated the district-level dietary mineral supply of staple cereals, combining district-level cereal production and crop mineral composition data, assuming cereal consumption of 300 g capita−1 day−1 proportional to district-level production quantity of each cereal. We considered Barley (Hordeum vulgare L.), maize (Zea mays L.), sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench), teff (Eragrostis tef (Zuccagni) Trotter), and wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) consumption representing 93.5% of the total cereal production in the three major agrarian regions. On average, grain cereals can supply 146, 23, and 7.1 mg capita−1 day−1 of Ca, Fe, and Zn, respectively. In addition, the Se supply was 25 µg capita−1 day−1. Even at district-level, cereals differ by their mineral composition, causing a wide range of variation in their contribution to the daily dietary requirements, i.e., for an adult woman: 1–48% of Ca, 34–724% of Fe, 17–191% of Se, and 48–95% of Zn. There was considerable variability in the dietary supply of Ca, Fe, Se, and Zn from staple cereals between districts in Ethiopia.
Use of Nutraceuticals in Elderly to Fight Inflammation and Immuno-Senescence: A Randomized Case-Control Study
Authors: Maselli del Giudice Alessandro , La Mantia Ignazio , Barbara Francesco , Ciccarone Silvana , Ragno Maria Sterpeta , de Robertis Valentina , Cariti Francesco , Barbara Michele , D’Ascanio Luca , Di Stadio Arianna
Published: August 2022

Elderly people are at high risk of suffering from infection and being affected by severe forms of disease because their immunosystem suffers from aging. The alteration of normal immune functions causes the increase of pro-inflammatory cytokines which can expose these people to increased risk of developing pathologies as cancer, diabetes, and/or arthritis. Some supplements could be helpful for restoring normal immune functions. We conducted a case-control study to evaluate the efficacy of a supplement containing Sambucus nigra, zinc, tyndallized Lactobacillus acidophilus (HA122), arabinogalactans, vitamin D, vitamin E, and vitamin C to improve the inflammatory levels (IL-6 and CRP) and to modulate the lymphocytes growth. Additionally, we analyzed wellness by self-questionnaire. This study had two control group: a young group and an elderly one. Our study showed that treating elderly patients with the supplement for 30 days improved IL-6, CRP, and lymphocytes levels; the result was independent from the dosage of the supplements used. Elderly patients, despite the improvement, were not able to reach the same conditions of young patients; however, most of the patients (>70%) claimed to “feel better” after the use of the supplement. The use of this supplement should be considered at a low dosage for a prolonged period to reduce inflammation and modulate immune senescence in patients over 60 years old.
Inonotus hispidus Protects against Hyperlipidemia by Inhibiting Oxidative Stress and Inflammation through Nrf2/NF-κB Signaling in High Fat Diet Fed Mice
Authors: Zhang Yongfeng , Hao Jie , Liu Zijian , Li Zhige , Teng Lirong , Wang Di
Published: August 2022

Obesity is frequently associated with dysregulated lipid metabolism and lipotoxicity. Inonotus hispidus (Bull.: Fr.) P. Karst (IH) is an edible and medicinal parasitic mushroom. In this study, after a systematic analysis of its nutritional ingredients, the regulatory effects of IH on lipid metabolism were investigated in mice fed a high-fat diet (HFD). In HFD-fed mice, IH reversed the pathological state of the liver and the three types of fat and significantly decreased the levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), and leptin (LEP) and increased the level of high-density liptein cholesterol (HDL-C) in serum. Meanwhile, IH ameliorated liver damage by reducing alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) levels in the liver and serum. Compared with HFD-fed mice, IH significantly modulated the gut microbiota, changed the relative abundances of microflora at different taxonomic levels, and regulated lipid levels. The results showed that 30 differential lipids were found. Results from Western blotting confirmed that IH regulated the nuclear factor erythroid-2 related factor 2 (Nrf2)/nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) signaling pathway and oxidative stress. This study aimed to provide experimental evidence for the applicability of IH in obesity treatment.
Overview on the Infections Related to Rare Candida Species
Authors: Kumar Sunil , Kumar Awanish , Roudbary Maryam , Mohammadi Rasoul , Černáková Lucia , Rodrigues Célia Fortuna
Published: August 2022

Atypical Candida spp. infections are rising, mostly due to the increasing numbers of immunocompromised patients. The most common Candida spp. is still Candida albicans; however, in the last decades, there has been an increase in non-Candida albicans Candida species infections (e.g., Candida glabrata, Candida parapsilosis, and Candida tropicalis). Furthermore, in the last 10 years, the reports on uncommon yeasts, such as Candida lusitaniae, Candida intermedia, or Candida norvegensis, have also worryingly increased. This review summarizes the information, mostly related to the last decade, regarding the infections, diagnosis, treatment, and resistance of these uncommon Candida species. In general, there has been an increase in the number of articles associated with the incidence of these species. Additionally, in several cases, there was a suggestive antifungal resistance, particularly with azoles, which is troublesome for therapeutic success.
A Pharmacokinetic Dose-Optimization Study of Cabotegravir and Bictegravir in a Mouse Pregnancy Model
Authors: Mohan Haneesha , Atkinson Kieran , Watson Birgit , Brumme Chanson J. , Serghides Lena
Published: August 2022

Animal pregnancy models can be useful tools to study HIV antiretroviral safety and toxicity and to perform mechanistic studies that are not easily performed in humans. Utilization of clinically relevant dosing in these models improves the relevance of the findings. Cabotegravir and bictegravir are new integrase strand transfer inhibitors (INSTIs), recently approved for the treatment of people living with HIV. Studies of these drugs in pregnancy are very limited. The objective of this study was to perform a dose-optimization study of cabotegravir and bictegravir in a mouse pregnancy model with the goal of determining the dose that would yield plasma drug concentrations similar those observed in humans. Pregnant mice were administered increasing doses of cabotegravir or bictegravir in combination with emtricitabine and tenofovir by oral gavage from gestational day 11.5 to 15.5. Drug concentrations in the maternal plasma at 1 h and 24 h post drug administration and in the amniotic fluid at 1 h post drug administration were determined using high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry. A review of cabotegravir and bictegravir human pharmacokinetic studies are also reported. We hope these data will encourage studies of HIV antiretroviral safety/toxicity and mechanistic studies in animal pregnancy models.
Recent Strategies to Address Hypoxic Tumor Environments in Photodynamic Therapy
Authors: Du Yuyin , Han Jianhua , Jin Feiyang , Du Yongzhong
Published: August 2022

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) has become a promising method of cancer treatment due to its unique properties, such as noninvasiveness and low toxicity. The efficacy of PDT is, however, significantly reduced by the hypoxia tumor environments, because PDT involves the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which requires the great consumption of oxygen. Moreover, the consumption of oxygen caused by PDT would further exacerbate the hypoxia condition, which leads to angiogenesis, invasion of tumors to other parts, and metastasis. Therefore, many research studies have been conducted to design nanoplatforms that can alleviate tumor hypoxia and enhance PDT. Herein, the recent progress on strategies for overcoming tumor hypoxia is reviewed, including the direct transport of oxygen to the tumor site by O2 carriers, the in situ generation of oxygen by decomposition of oxygen-containing compounds, reduced O2 consumption, as well as the regulation of tumor microenvironments. Limitations and future perspectives of these technologies to improve PDT are also discussed.
The Polar Code Construction Method in Free Space Optical Communication
Authors: Cao Yang , Li Wenqing , Zhang Jing , Peng Xiaofeng , Li Yue
Published: August 2022

In order to solve the problem of the high complexity of polarization code construction under free-space optical communication, this paper proposes a segmented turbulent partial order construction method, which effectively reduces the complexity of polarization code construction while obtaining the highest possible quality of communication performance. The method introduces the generalized partial order technique into the atmospheric strong turbulent channel, determines the reliability relationship between each sub-channel in the strong turbulence using Monte Carlo simulation, and combines it with the polarization weight formula to find the optimal parameter values in different signal-to-noise ratio ranges to construct the polarization code. The simulation results showed that the method had a similar communication performance compared with the conventional Monte Carlo construction method for different turbulence intensities, code rates, and code lengths, and its construction complexity was negligible due to its offline operation nature. For different code rate code lengths and BER of 10-4, this method generated about 0.03–0.17 dB loss compared with the Monte Carlo method; for different turbulence strengths and BER of 10-4, only a loss of about 0.05–0.07 dB was generated. It provides a solution for the efficient application of polarization codes under free-space optical communication.
Impacts of Drought Stress and Mycorrhizal Inoculation on the Performance of Two Spring Wheat Cultivars
Authors: Pons Caroline , Müller Caroline
Published: August 2022

Cereal production is becoming challenging, given ongoing climate change. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) are discussed to mitigate effects of drought for plants and enhance nutrient uptake. Thus, we investigated the impacts of drought and mycorrhiza on the growth and allocation patterns of two cultivars of spring wheat (Triticum aestivum). Plants were grown under three irrigation regimes (well-watered, continuous or pulsed drought) and in three substrates (absence or presence of one or three AMF species). Applied water use efficiency (WUEapplied), harvest index (HI) and contents of carbon (C), nitrogen (N) and phosphorous (P) were determined when grains were watery ripe. When grains were hard, again, WUEapplied, HI and the thousand-kernel weight were measured. The WUEapplied and HI were lowest in plants under pulsed drought stress at the second harvest, while the thousand-kernel weight was lower in mycorrhized compared to non-mycorrhized plants. The C/N ratio dropped with increasing drought stress but was enhanced by mycorrhiza, while the P content was surprisingly unaffected by mycorrhiza. The total root length colonization was higher in substrates with the AMF mix, but overall, fungal presence could not alleviate the effects of drought. Our results highlight the complexity of responses to challenging environments in this highly domesticated species.
In Vitro and In Silico Study of the α-Glucosidase and Lipase Inhibitory Activities of Chemical Constituents from Piper cumanense (Piperaceae) and Synthetic Analogs
Authors: Prieto-Rodríguez Juliet A. , Lévuok-Mena Kevin P. , Cardozo-Muñoz Juan C. , Parra-Amin Jorge E. , Lopez-Vallejo Fabián , Cuca-Suárez Luis E. , Patiño-Ladino Oscar J.
Published: August 2022

Digestive enzymes are currently considered important therapeutic targets for the treatment of obesity and some associated metabolic diseases, such as type 2 diabetes. Piper cumanense is a species characterized by the presence of bioactive constituents, particularly prenylated benzoic acid derivatives. In this study, the inhibitory potential of chemical constituents from P. cumanense and some synthesized compounds was determined on digestive enzymes (pancreatic lipase (PL) and α-glucosidase (AG)). The methodology included isolating and identifying secondary metabolites from P. cumanense, synthesizing some analogs, and a molecular docking study. The chemical study allowed the isolation of four prenylated benzoic acid derivatives (1–4). Four analogs (5–8) were synthesized. Seven compounds were found to significantly inhibit the catalytic activity of PL with IC50 values between 28.32 and 55.8 µM. On the other hand, only two compounds (6 and 7) were active as inhibitors of AG with IC50 values lower than 155 µM, standing out as the potential multitarget of these chromane compounds. Enzyme kinetics and molecular docking studies showed that the bioactive compounds mainly interact with amino acids other than those of the catalytic site in both PL and AG. This work constitutes the first report on the antidiabetic and antiobesity potential of substances derived from P. cumanense.
OsVTC1-1 Gene Silencing Promotes a Defense Response in Rice and Enhances Resistance to Magnaporthe oryzae
Authors: Lamanchai Kanyanat , Smirnoff Nicholas , Salmon Deborah L. , Ngernmuen Athipat , Roytrakul Sittiruk , Leetanasaksakul Kantinan , Kittisenachai Suthathip , Jantasuriyarat Chatchawan
Published: August 2022

Rice blast disease is a serious disease in rice caused by Magnaporthe oryzae (M. oryzae). Ascorbic acid (AsA), or vitamin C, is a strong antioxidant that prevents oxidative damage to cellular components and plays an essential role in plant defense response. GDP-D-mannose pyrophosphorylase (GMP or VTC1) is an enzyme that generates GDP-D-mannose for AsA, cell wall, and glycoprotein synthesis. The OsVTC1 gene has three homologs in the rice genome: OsVTC1-1, OsVTC1-3, and OsVTC1-8. Using OsVTC1-1 RNAi lines, this study investigated the role of the OsVTC1-1 gene during rice blast fungus inoculation. The OsVTC1-1 RNAi inoculated with rice blast fungus induced changes to cell wall monosaccharides, photosynthetic efficiency, reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation, and malondialdehyde (MDA) content. Additionally, the OsVTC1-1 RNAi lines were shown to be more resistant to rice blast fungus than the wild type. Genes and proteins related to defense response, plant hormone synthesis, and signaling pathways, especially salicylic acid and jasmonic acid, were up-regulated in the OsVTC1-1 RNAi lines after rice blast inoculation. These results suggest that the OsVTC1-1 gene regulates rice blast resistance through several defense mechanisms, including hormone synthesis and signaling pathways.
Integration of DNA Methylation and Transcriptome Data Improves Complex Trait Prediction in Hordeum vulgare
Authors: Hansen Pernille Bjarup , Ruud Anja Karine , de los Campos Gustavo , Malinowska Marta , Nagy Istvan , Svane Simon Fiil , Thorup-Kristensen Kristian , Jensen Jens Due , Krusell Lene , Asp Torben
Published: August 2022

Whole-genome multi-omics profiles contain valuable information for the characterization and prediction of complex traits in plants. In this study, we evaluate multi-omics models to predict four complex traits in barley (Hordeum vulgare); grain yield, thousand kernel weight, protein content, and nitrogen uptake. Genomic, transcriptomic, and DNA methylation data were obtained from 75 spring barley lines tested in the RadiMax semi-field phenomics facility under control and water-scarce treatment. By integrating multi-omics data at genomic, transcriptomic, and DNA methylation regulatory levels, a higher proportion of phenotypic variance was explained (0.72–0.91) than with genomic models alone (0.55–0.86). The correlation between predictions and phenotypes varied from 0.17–0.28 for control plants and 0.23–0.37 for water-scarce plants, and the increase in accuracy was significant for nitrogen uptake and protein content compared to models using genomic information alone. Adding transcriptomic and DNA methylation information to the prediction models explained more of the phenotypic variance attributed to the environment in grain yield and nitrogen uptake. It furthermore explained more of the non-additive genetic effects for thousand kernel weight and protein content. Our results show the feasibility of multi-omics prediction for complex traits in barley.