bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Insights into the Relationship between the Microstructure and the Catalytic Behavior of Fe2(MoO4)3 during the Ethanolysis of Naomaohu Coal
Authors: Liu Ting , Sun Xuesong , Tang Yakun , Zhang Yue , Liu Jingmei , Zhou Xiaodong , Li Xiaohui , Liu Lang
Published: September 2023

Ethanolysis is an effective method to depolymerize weak bonds in lignite under mild conditions, which can result in the production of high-value-added chemicals. However, improving ethanolysis yield and regulating its resulting product distribution is a big challenge. Hence, exploiting highly active catalysts is vital. In this work, Fe2(MoO4)3 catalysts with zero-dimensional nanoparticles, one-dimensional (1D) nanorods, two-dimensional (2D) nanosheets, and three-dimensional (3D) nanoflower structures were successfully prepared and applied in the ethanolysis of Naomaohu coal. The results showed that for all samples, the yield of ethanol-soluble portions (ESP) was significantly improved. The highest yield was obtained for the Fe2(MoO4)3 nanorods, with an increase from 28.84% to 47.68%, and could be attributed to the fact that the Fe2(MoO4)3 nanorods had a higher number of exposed active (100) facets. In addition, the amounts of oxygen-containing compounds, such as ethers, esters, and phenols, increased significantly. The mechanism of ethanolysis catalyzed by the Fe2(MoO4)3 nanorods was also studied using phenylbenzyl ether (BOB) as a model compound. BOB was completely converted at 260 °C after 2 h. It is suggested that Fe2(MoO4)3 nanorods can effectively break the C-O bonds of coal macromolecules, thus promoting the conversion of coal.
Maltodextrin as a Drying Adjuvant in the Lyophilization of Tropical Red Fruit Blend
Authors: Paiva Yaroslávia Ferreira , Figueirêdo Rossana Maria Feitosa de , Queiroz Alexandre José de Melo , Santos Francislaine Suelia dos , Amadeu Lumara Tatiely Santos , Lima Antônio Gilson Barbosa de , Lima Thalis Leandro Bezerra de , Silva Wilton Pereira da , Moura Henrique Valentim , Silva Eugênia Telis de Vilela , Costa Caciana Cavalcanti , Galdino Plúvia Oliveira , Gomes Josivanda Palmeira , Leão Douglas Alexandre Saraiva
Published: September 2023

Guava, pitanga and acerola are known for their vitamin content and high levels of bioactive compounds. Thus, the preparation of combinations of these fruits comprises a blend with high nutraceutical potential, yielding a strong and attractive pigmentation material. In this study, the influence of different proportions of maltodextrin on the lyophilization of a blend of guava, acerola and pitanga was evaluated considering not only the physicochemical, physical and colorimetric parameters but also the bioactive compounds in the obtained powders. The blend was formulated from the mixture and homogenization of the three pulps in a ratio of 1:1:1 (m/m), then maltodextrin was added to the blend, resulting in four formulations: blend without adjuvant (BL0), and the others containing 10% (BL10), 20% (BL20) and 30% (BL30) maltodextrin. The formulations were lyophilized and disintegrated to obtain powders. The powders were characterized in terms of water content, water activity, pH, total titratable acidity, ash, total and reducing sugars, ascorbic acid, total phenolic content, flavonoids, anthocyanins, carotenoids, lycopene, color parameters, Hausner factor, Carr index, angle of repose, solubility, wettability and porosity. All evaluated powders showed high levels of bioactive compounds and the increase in maltodextrin concentration promoted positive effects, such as reductions in water content, water activity and porosity and improved flow, cohesiveness and solubility characteristics.
Computational Studies on Diverse Characterizations of Molecular Descriptors for Graphyne Nanoribbon Structures
Authors: Raza Muhammad Awais , Mahmood Muhammad Khalid , Imran Muhammad , Tchier Fairouz , Ahmad Daud , Masood Muhammad Kashif
Published: September 2023

Materials made of graphyne, graphyne oxide, and graphyne quantum dots have drawn a lot of interest due to their potential uses in medicinal nanotechnology. Their remarkable physical, chemical, and mechanical qualities, which make them very desirable for a variety of prospective purposes in this area, are mostly to blame for this. In the subject of mathematical chemistry, molecular topology deals with the algebraic characterization of molecules. Molecular descriptors can examine a compound’s properties and describe its molecular topology. By evaluating these indices, researchers can predict a molecule’s behavior including its reactivity, solubility, and toxicity. Amidst the captivating realm of carbon allotropes, γ-graphyne has emerged as a mesmerizing tool, with exquisite attention due to its extraordinary electronic, optical, and mechanical attributes. Research into its possible applications across numerous scientific and technological fields has increased due to this motivated attention. The exploration of molecular descriptors for characterizing γ-graphyne is very attractive. As a result, it is crucial to investigate and predict γ-graphyne’s molecular topology in order to comprehend its physicochemical characteristics fully. In this regard, various characterizations of γ-graphyne and zigzag γ-graphyne nanoribbons, by computing and comparing distance-degree-based topological indices, leap Zagreb indices, hyper leap Zagreb indices, leap gourava indices, and hyper leap gourava indices, are investigated.
Preparation and Characterization of Isostructural Na2MoO4 and Na2WO4 and a Study of the Composition of Their Mixed System
Authors: Ubaldini Alberto , Cicconi Flavio , Rizzo Antonietta , Salvi Stefano , Cuzzola Vincenzo , Gennerini Francesco , Bruni Stefania , Marghella Giuseppe , Gessi Alessandro , Falsini Naomi
Published: September 2023

Na2MoO4 and Na2WO4 are isostructural semiconductors, belonging to the spinel class. They have interesting properties and find applications in numerous sectors. These properties can be tuned by controlling the composition of their solid solutions. Here, different methods to obtain these compounds are presented, both wet and solid-state synthesis. The obtained results show a possible dependence of the material properties on the chosen synthesis method. The pure compounds and their mixtures were characterized by Raman spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and X-ray diffraction.
Synthesis of Temperature Sensing Nitrogen-Doped Carbon Dots and Their Application in Fluorescent Ink
Authors: Liu Pingping , Ga Lu , Wang Yong , Ai Jun
Published: September 2023

With the discovery of research, many properties of carbon dots are getting better and better. People have taken advantage of this and utilized them interspersed in various fields. In the present study, water-soluble nitrogen-doped carbon dots (N-CDs) with excellent optical and fluorescence thermal properties were prepared by the hydrothermal method using 4-dimethylaminopyridine and N,N′-methylenebisacrylamide as precursors. Co2+ has a selective bursting effect on the fluorescence of N-CDs. The fluorescence of N-CDs is selectively burst by Co2+, and the high sensitivity is good in the range of 0–12 μM with a detection limit of 74 nM. In addition, the good temperature response (reversible and recoverable fluorescence in the temperature range of 20~90 °C) and excellent optical properties of the N-CDs also make them new potentials in the field of fluorescent inks and temperature sensing.
Analysis of Pesticide Residues on Fruit Using Swab Spray Ionization Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Muggli Thomas Michael , Schürch Stefan
Published: September 2023

The vast quantity and high variety of pesticides globally used in agriculture entails considerable risks for the environment and requires ensuring the safety of food products. Therefore, powerful analytical tools are needed to acquire qualitative and quantitative data for monitoring pesticide residues. The development of ambient ionization mass spectrometry methods in the past two decades has demonstrated numerous ways to generate ions under atmospheric conditions and simultaneously to reduce the need for extended sample preparation and circumvent chromatographic separation prior to mass analysis. Swab spray ionization enables the generation of ions directly from swabs via the application of high voltage and solvent flow. In this study, swab sampling of fruit surfaces and subsequent ionization directly from the swab in a modified electrospray ion source was employed for the screening and quantitation of pesticide residues. Aspects regarding sample collection, sampling efficacy on different surfaces, and swab background are discussed. The effect of solvent composition on pesticide-sodium adduct formation and the suppression of ionization by the background matrix have been investigated. Furthermore, a novel approach for the quantitation of pesticide residues based on depletion curve areas is presented. It is demonstrated that swab spray ionization is an effective and quick method for spectral library-based identification and the quantitative analysis of polar contact pesticide residues on food.
A Gram Scale Soft-Template Synthesis of Heteroatom Doped Nanoporous Hollow Carbon Spheres for Oxygen Reduction Reaction
Authors: Kang Jisue , Kim Jong Gyeong , Han Sunghoon , Cho Youngin , Pak Chanho
Published: September 2023

Heteroatom-doped nanoporous carbon materials with unique hierarchical structures have been shown to be promising supports and catalysts for energy conversion; however, hard-template methods are limited by their inflexibility and time-consuming process. Soft-template methods have been suggested as an alternative, but they are limited by their picky requirements for stable reactions and the few known precursors for small-batch synthesis. In this study, a gram-scale soft-template-based silica-assisted method was investigated for producing nitrogen-doped hollow nanoporous carbon spheres (N-HNCS). Nitrogen doping is accomplished during preparation with enhanced electrocatalytic activity without complicating the methodology. To investigate the effect of the unique structural characteristics of N-HNCS (specific surface area: 1250 m2 g−1; pore volume: 1.2 cm3 g−1), cobalt was introduced as an active center for the oxygen reduction reaction. Finely tuned reaction conditions resulted in well-dispersed cobalt particles with minimal agglomeration. This sheds light on the advancement of new experimental procedures for developing more active and promising non-noble catalysts in large and stable batches.
Safety Assessment and Hepatic–Renal Protection of Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp. Root and Its Soy Isoflavone Contents
Authors: Vo Thuy-Lan-Thi , Cai Xiang-Ming , Liao Jiunn-Wang , Huang Liang-Gie , Chen Chien-Lin , Wu Chi-Hao , Song Tuzz-Ying
Published: September 2023

Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp., also known as pigeon pea, has roots that have exhibited much pharmacological potential. The present study was conducted to assess the safe dose of the ethanolic extract of C. cajan roots (EECR95) and to analyze the main soy isoflavones contents. In vitro, we investigated the mutagenicity and cytotoxic effect of EECR95 on Salmonella typhimurium-TA98 and TA100 (by Ames tests) and RAW 264.7, L-929, and HGF-1 cell lines (by MTT tests) for 24 h of incubation. We found no mutagenic or cytotoxic effects of EECR95. After administration of 0.2 or 1.0 g/kg bw of EECR95 to both male and female Wistar rats for 90 days, there were no significant adverse effects on the behaviors (body weight, water intake, and food intake), organ/tissue weights, or immunohistochemical staining, and the urine and hematological examinations of the rats were within normal ranges. EECR95 potentially decreases renal function markers in serum (serum uric acid, BUN, CRE, and GLU) or liver function markers (cholesterol, triglyceride, and glutamic-pyruvate-transaminase (GPT)). We also found that EECR95 contained five soy isoflavones (genistein, biochanin A, daidzein, genistin, and cajanol), which may be related to its hepatorenal protection. Based on the high dose (1.0 g/kg bw) of EECR95, a safe daily intake of EECR95 for human adults is estimated to be 972 mg/60 kg person/day.
Virtual Pedagogy and Care: Systematic Review on Educational Innovation with Mobile Applications for the Development of Healthy Habits in the Adolescent Population
Authors: Arana-Álvarez Cristina , Gómez-Asencio David , Gago-Valiente Francisco-Javier , Cabrera-Arana Yeray , Merino-Godoy María-de-los-Ángeles , Moreno-Sánchez Emilia
Published: September 2023

Background: The scientific literature was reviewed to determine the state of the art regarding innovative educational practices that employ mobile health applications with the aim of establishing healthy habits in the adolescent population, following a strategy based on spiral curriculum. Methods: The search was conducted in the WOS, Scopus and PubMed databases, discarding any articles that were not published in English, Spanish or French. The search was limited to studies performed in the last 6 years, that is, from 1 January 2017 to 18 March 2023. Results: From the initial sample of 132 articles selected, the final sample included 9 articles that met the eligibility criteria after a more exhaustive analysis. This systematic review identified one application (11.11%) with topics about sex and reproductive health, two applications (22.22%) that tackled mental health, six applications (66.66%) with topics about nutrition, three applications (33.33%) that contemplate physical activity, and two applications (22.22%) with aspects related to the prevention of harmful habits. The results show a positive relationship between the use of mobile health applications used as innovative didactic resources and the establishment of healthy habits in the adolescent population. Conclusions: Digital devices have been incorporated to the lives of humans as fundamental tools for their daily living. Specifically, adolescents are especially attracted to mobile phones. If this resource is used in this population to improve health, it is possible to attain very satisfactory objectives. The results of this review indicate that these devices can be used as a didactic resource in the promotion of health by implementing healthy habits at early ages, thereby contributing to the prevention of chronic diseases in future adulthood.
In Which Situations Do We Eat? A Diary Study on Eating Situations and Situational Stability
Authors: Wowra Patricia , Joanes Tina , Gwozdz Wencke
Published: September 2023

Eating situations are crucial for understanding and changing eating behavior. While research on individual situational dimensions exists, little is known about eating situations as a whole. This study aimed to fill this gap by identifying eating situations as combinations of multiple situational dimensions and describing how stable individuals eat in those situations. In a five-day online diary study, 230 participants reported a total of 2461 meals and described the corresponding eating situation using predefined situational dimensions. Divisive hierarchical cluster analyses were conducted separately for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, resulting in unique cluster solutions that characterized the most common eating situations. The most common breakfast situations were characterized by a combination of the dimensions social, affect, and hunger. The most common lunch and dinner situations were characterized by varying combinations of the dimensions social, affect, and activity. Based on the identified situations, a situational stability index was developed to describe how stable individuals eat in the same situations. The findings suggest high interindividual differences in situational stability, which were associated with socio-demographic characteristics like age or employment. This study enhances our understanding of the situational aspects of eating behavior while offering tools to describe eating situations and situational stability.
Fat Consumption Attenuates Cortical Oxygenation during Mental Stress in Young Healthy Adults
Authors: Baynham Rosalind , Lucas Samuel J. E. , Weaver Samuel R. C. , Veldhuijzen van Zanten Jet J. C. S. , Rendeiro Catarina
Published: September 2023

Mental stress has been associated with cardiovascular events and stroke, and has also been linked with poorer brain function, likely due to its impact on cerebral vasculature. During periods of stress, individuals often increase their consumption of unhealthy foods, especially high-fat foods. Both high-fat intake and mental stress are known to impair endothelial function, yet few studies have investigated the effects of fat consumption on cerebrovascular outcomes during periods of mental stress. Therefore, this study examined whether a high-fat breakfast prior to a mental stress task would alter cortical oxygenation and carotid blood flow in young healthy adults. In a randomised, counterbalanced, cross-over, postprandial intervention study, 21 healthy males and females ingested a high-fat (56.5 g fat) or a low-fat (11.4 g fat) breakfast 1.5 h before an 8-min mental stress task. Common carotid artery (CCA) diameter and blood flow were assessed at pre-meal baseline, 1 h 15 min post-meal at rest, and 10, 30, and 90 min following stress. Pre-frontal cortex (PFC) tissue oxygenation (near-infrared spectroscopy, NIRS) and cardiovascular activity were assessed post-meal at rest and during stress. Mental stress increased heart rate, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and PFC tissue oxygenation. Importantly, the high-fat breakfast reduced the stress-induced increase in PFC tissue oxygenation, despite no differences in cardiovascular responses between high- and low-fat meals. Fat and stress had no effect on resting CCA blood flow, whilst CCA diameter increased following consumption of both meals. This is the first study to show that fat consumption may impair PFC perfusion during episodes of stress in young healthy adults. Given the prevalence of consuming high-fat foods during stressful periods, these findings have important implications for future research to explore the relationship between food choices and cerebral haemodynamics during mental stress.
New Insights into the Pathogenesis of Metabolic-Associated Fatty Liver Disease (MAFLD): Gut–Liver–Heart Crosstalk
Authors: Yang Keungmo , Song Myeongjun
Published: September 2023

Metabolism-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) is a multifaceted disease that involves complex interactions between various organs, including the gut and heart. It is defined by hepatic lipid accumulation and is related to metabolic dysfunction, obesity, and diabetes. Understanding the intricate interplay of the gut–liver–heart crosstalk is crucial for unraveling the complexities of MAFLD and developing effective treatment and prevention strategies. The gut–liver crosstalk participates in the regulation of the metabolic and inflammatory processes through host–microbiome interactions. Gut microbiota have been associated with the development and progression of MAFLD, and its dysbiosis contributes to insulin resistance, inflammation, and oxidative stress. Metabolites derived from the gut microbiota enter the systemic circulation and influence both the liver and heart, resulting in the gut–liver–heart axis playing an important role in MAFLD. Furthermore, growing evidence suggests that insulin resistance, endothelial dysfunction, and systemic inflammation in MAFLD may contribute to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Additionally, the dysregulation of lipid metabolism in MAFLD may also lead to cardiac dysfunction and heart failure. Overall, the crosstalk between the liver and heart involves a complex interplay of molecular pathways that contribute to the development of CVD in patients with MAFLD. This review emphasizes the current understanding of the gut–liver–heart crosstalk as a foundation for optimizing patient outcomes with MAFLD.
A Mediterranean Dietary Pattern Is Associated with Greater Participation in Physical Activity and Better Health-Related Quality of Life among Students and Professors at the Melilla Campus (University of Granada)
Authors: López-Olivares María , Sapp Philip , Riley Terrence M. , Kris-Etherton Penny M. , Enrique-Mirón Carmen , Nestares Teresa , Davis Kristin M.
Published: September 2023

The objective of this study was to assess Mediterranean diet (MD) scores (i.e., alignment with a MD pattern) among students and professors, in addition to assessing how adherence to the MD was associated with other lifestyle behaviors. A cross-sectional observational study was conducted with a sample of 127 university professors and 272 students of the Melilla Campus at the University of Granada (Spain). Students were more physically active than professors (mean difference = 1058 METs, p < 0.001) and reported lower negative affect (NA; mean difference = −1.70, p < 0.001) whereas professors reported nominally better perceived mental health. For the total sample, the physical health component (β = 0.03, p = 0.03) and physical activity (β = 0.0001, p = 0.01) were significantly associated with higher MD scores. Health behaviors, including MD scores and physical activity, were suboptimal among both students and professors. The results suggest that a dietary pattern reflective of the MD is positively associated with both physical and mental health outcomes among students and professors, though the direction of the associations remains to be clarified.
The Impact of Clinical Experience in Advanced Practice Nursing Education—A Cross-Sectional Study of Norwegian Advanced Practice Nurses’ Perspectives
Authors: Leonardsen Ann-Chatrin Linqvist
Published: September 2023

Background: An Advanced Practice Nurse (APN) is a specialized nurse who has acquired context specific knowledge, complex decision-making skills, and clinical competencies. Previously in Norway, APN education programs had a prerequisite of a minimum of two years of clinical nursing experience. Recently, the government decided to abandon this prerequisite. Objectives: The objectives of this study were to assess APN’s and APN students’ (1) perspectives on the impact of clinical nursing experience on various aspects of nursing practice, (2) perspectives on the association between APN students’ previous clinical experience and the ability to achieve the learning outcomes in the education program, and (3) attitudes towards clinical nursing practice as a prerequisite before entry to APN education programs. Design: An observational, cross-sectional design. Methods: APN and APN students were invited to respond to a researcher-developed questionnaire. A snowballing sampling method was used. The questionnaire included 24 questions scored on a five-point Likert scale, and two questions with text responses. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, and text responses with thematic analysis. Results: In total, 1767 APNs (92.9%) and APN students (7.1%) responded. Between 93.6 and 98.2% of the respondents (n = 1767) agreed that clinical nursing experience leads to experience with communication, collaboration, basic procedures, medical equipment and documentation, and to the development of situation awareness, increased awareness on own role in teams, the ability to provide person-centered nursing, an independent nursing identity, and feeling of security. Over 90% of the respondents agreed that students’ previous clinical experience was associated with the ability to achieve the learning outcomes in the APN program. In addition, 93.7% of the respondents agreed that clinical nursing experience should be a prerequisite before entry to APN programs. Advantages of clinical experience were reported as ‘Professional identity’, ‘Intuitive grasp’, ‘Integration of technical skills’, and ‘See the whole picture’. Disadvantages were reported as ‘Prejudice and bad habits’, ‘The importance of relevant experience’, and ‘Recruitment issues’. Conclusion: This study adds insights into the impact of clinical nursing experience as a prerequisite to APN education programs. The results indicate that clinical nursing experience is an essential contributor to the development of nursing competence and a nursing identity. This study was not registered.
The Risk of Methylphenidate Pharmacotherapy for Adults with ADHD
Authors: Bieś Rafał , Fojcik Joanna , Warchala Anna , Trędzbor Beata , Krysta Krzysztof , Piekarska-Bugiel Katarzyna , Krzystanek Marek
Published: September 2023

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders. It was once thought to be a disorder affecting only children, but in those undiagnosed in childhood, symptoms do not disappear with age. There is now a growing recognition of the late diagnosis and treatment of adults with ADHD. The first-line drug in pharmacotherapy is methylphenidate, and information about its adverse effects, when used by adults, has not been as extensively described as in children. The aim of this article was to review the literature describing the risks of methylphenidate therapy for adults with ADHD. A total of 19 articles—15 clinical trials and 4 case reports presenting rare side effects resulting from methylphenidate therapy, such as reversible ischemic stroke, myocardial infarction, and psychotic episodes, were analyzed. The analysis from clinical trials included 3458 adult patients with ADHD and described the most common side effects, psychiatric adverse events, effects of methylphenidate treatment on sleep, laboratory results, body mass, and cardiovascular symptoms. Methylphenidate treatment is well tolerated, with side effects described, according to severity, as mild to moderate. We conclude that pharmacotherapy is not risk-free and methylphenidate, due to its side effects, may not be the first drug of choice for every patient.
Natural Products as Drug Candidates for Redox-Related Human Disease
Authors: Kim Jong H. , Land Kirkwood M. , Huang Canhua , Zhang Yuan-Yuan
Published: September 2023

This Special Issue presented recent progress on natural products that serve as drug candidates for redox-related human diseases [...]
An Innovative Approach to Address Neurodegenerative Diseases through Kinase-Targeted Therapies: Potential for Designing Covalent Inhibitors
Authors: Bhujbal Swapnil P. , Hah Jung-Mi
Published: September 2023

Owing to the dysregulation of protein kinase activity in various diseases such as cancer and autoimmune, cardiovascular, neurodegenerative, and inflammatory conditions, the protein kinase family has emerged as a crucial drug target in the 21st century. Notably, many kinases have been targeted to address cancer and neurodegenerative diseases using conventional ATP-mimicking kinase inhibitors. Likewise, irreversible covalent inhibitors have also been developed for different types of cancer. The application of covalent modification to target proteins has led to significant advancements in the treatment of cancer. However, while covalent drugs have significantly impacted medical treatment, their potential for neurodegenerative diseases remains largely unexplored. Neurodegenerative diseases present significant risks to brain function, leading to progressive deterioration in sensory, motor, and cognitive abilities. Alzheimer’s disease (AD), Huntington’s disease (HD), Parkinson’s disease (PD), and multiple sclerosis (MS) are among the various examples of such disorders. Numerous research groups have already reported insights through reviews and research articles on FDA-approved covalent inhibitors, revealing their mechanisms and the specific covalent warheads that preferentially interact with particular amino acid residues in intricate detail. Hence, in this review, we aim to provide a concise summary of these critical topics. This summary endeavors to guide medicinal chemists in their quest to design covalent inhibitors for protein kinases, specifically targeting neurodegenerative diseases.
Development of Analytical Quality by Design Compliant Chaotropic Chromatography Method for Ziprasidone and Its Five Impurities Determination
Authors: Rmandić Milena , Vasilić Đorđe , Rašević Marija , Zečević Mira , Otašević Biljana , Protić Ana , Malenović Anđelija
Published: September 2023

In this study, an AQbD-compliant chaotropic chromatography method for ziprasidone and the determination of its five impurities was developed. The influence of critical method parameters (initial and final methanol fraction in the mobile phase, gradient duration) on the set of selected critical method attributes (t_imp. V, t_imp. V − t_imp. I, S and ) was studied by Box–Behnken design. The errors resulting from the calculation of the model coefficients were propagated to the selected responses by Monte Carlo simulations, and their predictive distribution was obtained. The design space was computed (π ≥ 80%), and a working point was selected: initial methanol fraction 38.5%, final methanol fraction 77.5%, and gradient duration 16.25 min. Furthermore, the quantitative robustness of the developed method was tested using the Plackett–Burman design. P_imp II and P_imp V were found to be significantly affected, the first by mobile phase flow rate and the second by gradient duration. Finally, the method was validated, and its reliability for routine quality control in capsules was confirmed.
Prognosis and Personalized In Silico Prediction of Treatment Efficacy in Cardiovascular and Chronic Kidney Disease: A Proof-of-Concept Study
Authors: Jaimes Campos Mayra Alejandra , Andújar Iván , Keller Felix , Mayer Gert , Rossing Peter , Staessen Jan A. , Delles Christian , Beige Joachim , Glorieux Griet , Clark Andrew L. , Mullen William , Schanstra Joost P. , Vlahou Antonia , Rossing Kasper , Peter Karlheinz , Ortiz Alberto , Campbell Archie , Persson Frederik , Latosinska Agnieszka , Mischak Harald , Siwy Justyna , Jankowski Joachim
Published: September 2023

(1) Background: Kidney and cardiovascular diseases are responsible for a large fraction of population morbidity and mortality. Early, targeted, personalized intervention represents the ideal approach to cope with this challenge. Proteomic/peptidomic changes are largely responsible for the onset and progression of these diseases and should hold information about the optimal means of treatment and prevention. (2) Methods: We investigated the prediction of renal or cardiovascular events using previously defined urinary peptidomic classifiers CKD273, HF2, and CAD160 in a cohort of 5585 subjects, in a retrospective study. (3) Results: We have demonstrated a highly significant prediction of events, with an HR of 2.59, 1.71, and 4.12 for HF, CAD, and CKD, respectively. We applied in silico treatment, implementing on each patient’s urinary profile changes to the classifiers corresponding to exactly defined peptide abundance changes, following commonly used interventions (MRA, SGLT2i, DPP4i, ARB, GLP1RA, olive oil, and exercise), as defined in previous studies. Applying the proteomic classifiers after the in silico treatment indicated the individual benefits of specific interventions on a personalized level. (4) Conclusions: The in silico evaluation may provide information on the future impact of specific drugs and interventions on endpoints, opening the door to a precision-based medicine approach. An investigation into the extent of the benefit of this approach in a prospective clinical trial is warranted.
Electrosprayed Core (Cellulose Acetate)–Shell (Polyvinylpyrrolidone) Nanoparticles for Smart Acetaminophen Delivery
Authors: Xu Lin , He Hua , Du Yutong , Zhang Shengwei , Yu Deng-Guang , Liu Ping
Published: September 2023

Smart drug delivery, through which the drug molecules are delivered according to the requests of human biological rhythms or by maximizing drug therapeutic effects, is highly desired in pharmaceutics. Many biomacromolecules have been exploited for this application in the past few decades, both in industry and laboratories. Biphasic release, with an intentional pulsatile release and a following extended release stage, represents a typical smart drug delivery approach, which aims to provide fast therapeutic action and a long time period of effective blood drug concentration to the patients. In this study, based on the use of a well-known biomacromolecule, i.e., cellulose acetate (CA), as the drug (acetaminophen, ATP)-based sustained release carrier, a modified coaxial electrospraying process was developed to fabricate a new kind of core–shell nanoparticle. The nanoparticles were able to furnish a pulsatile release of ATP due to the shell polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP). The time cost for a release of 30% was 0.32 h, whereas the core–shell particles were able to provide a 30.84-h sustained release of the 90% loaded ATP. The scanning electron microscope and transmission electron microscope results verified in terms of their round surface morphologies and the obvious core–shell double-chamber structures. ATP presented in both the core and shell sections in an amorphous state owing to its fine compatibility with CA and PVP. The controlled release mechanisms of ATP were suggested. The disclosed biomacromolecule-based process–structure–performance relationship can shed light on how to develop new sorts of advanced nano drug delivery systems.
Diverse Interactions: Root-Nodule Formation and Herb-Layer Composition in Black Locust (Robinia pseudoacacia) Stands
Authors: Csiszár Ágnes , Winkler Dániel , Bartha Dénes , Zagyvai Gergely
Published: September 2023

The black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia L.) is the second-most abundant deciduous tree in forest plantations, and one of the most important invasive woody species worldwide. The species has a strong transformer capacity, especially expressed by its nitrogen enrichment effect caused by nitrogen-fixing bacteria living in its root-nodules. The aim of this study was to explore the mutually interacting factors of nitrogen-fixing root-nodules, site characteristics, and herb-layer composition of 28 North Hungarian black locust stands. In the herb-layers of the study sites, a total of 121 plant species were identified, representing a relatively low species richness. The studied black locust stands showed high variability both in their herb-layer compositions and root-nodule formation, but no clear relationship could be demonstrated between these characteristics. The PCA component with which the species richness and Shannon–Wiener diversity index were strongly correlated was negatively associated with all root-nodule parameters (number, surface area, and weight), supporting the biodiversity-reducing effect of black locust by its nitrogen-fixing bacteria. All of the root-nodule parameters were negatively correlated with the PCA factor predominantly determined by stand age, confirming that the root-nodule biomass decreases as time progresses.
Metabolic Profiling in Tuberous Roots of Ranunculus asiaticus L. as Influenced by Vernalization Procedure
Authors: Fusco Giovanna Marta , Carillo Petronia , Nicastro Rosalinda , Pagliaro Letizia , De Pascale Stefania , Paradiso Roberta
Published: September 2023

Ranunculus asiaticus L. is an ornamental geophyte. In commercial practice, it is mainly propagated by rehydrated tuberous roots. Vernalization before planting is a common practice to overcome the natural dormancy of tuberous roots; however, little is known about the mechanisms underlying the plant’s response to low temperatures. We investigated the influence of three preparation procedures of tuberous roots, only rehydration (control, C), and rehydration plus vernalization at 3.5 °C for 2 weeks (V2) and for 4 weeks (V4), on plant growth, leaf photosynthesis, flowering, and metabolism in plants of two hybrids, MBO (early flowering, pale orange flower) and MDR (medium earliness, bright orange flower), grown in pots in an unheated greenhouse. We reported the responses observed in the aerial part in a previous article in this journal. In this paper, we show changes in the underground organs in carbohydrate, amino acids, polyphenols, and protein levels throughout the growing cycle in the different plant stages: pre-planting, vegetative growth, and flowering. The metabolic profile revealed that the two hybrids had different responses to the root preparation procedure. In particular, MBO synthesized GABA and alanine after 2 weeks and sucrose after 4 weeks of vernalization. In contrast, MDR was more sensitive to vernalization; in fact, a higher synthesis of polyphenols was observed. However, both hybrids synthesized metabolites that could withstand exposure to low temperatures.
Investigating Variability in Viral Presence and Abundance across Soybean Seed Development Stages Using Transcriptome Analysis
Authors: Choi Hoseong , Jo Yeonhwa , Chung Hyunjung , Choi Soo Yeon , Kim Sang-Min , Hong Jin-Sung , Lee Bong Choon , Cho Won Kyong
Published: September 2023

Plant transcriptomes offer a valuable resource for studying viral communities (viromes). In this study, we explore how plant transcriptome data can be applied to virome research. We analyzed 40 soybean transcriptomes across different growth stages and identified six viruses: broad bean wilt virus 2 (BBWV2), brassica yellow virus (BrYV), beet western yellow virus (BWYV), cucumber mosaic virus (CMV), milk vetch dwarf virus (MDV), and soybean mosaic virus (SMV). SMV was the predominant virus in both Glycine max (GM) and Glycine soja (GS) cultivars. Our analysis confirmed its abundance in both, while BBWV2 and CMV were more prevalent in GS than GM. The viral proportions varied across developmental stages, peaking in open flowers. Comparing viral abundance measured by viral reads and fragments per kilobase of transcript per million (FPKM) values revealed insights. SMV showed similar FPKM values in GM and GS, but BBWV2 and CMV displayed higher FPKM proportions in GS. Notably, the differences in viral abundance between GM and GS were generally insignificant based on the FPKM values across developmental stages, except for the apical bud stage in four GM cultivars. We also detected MDV, a multi-segmented virus, in two GM samples, with variable proportions of its segments. In conclusion, our study demonstrates the potential of plant transcriptomes for virome research, highlighting their strengths and limitations.
Exploring Wild Hordeum spontaneum and Hordeum marinum Accessions as Genetic Resources for Fungal Resistance
Authors: Ovesna Jaroslava , Chrpova Jana , Kolarikova Lucia , Svoboda Pavel , Hanzalova Alena , Palicova Jana , Holubec Vojtech
Published: September 2023

Crop Wild Relatives (CWRs), as potential sources of new genetic variants, are being extensively studied to identify genotypes that will be able to confer resistance to biotic stresses. In this study, a collection of barley wild relatives was assessed in the field, and their phenotypic variability was evaluated using a Barley Description List, reflecting the identified ecosites. Overall, the CWRs showed significant field resistance to various fungal diseases. To further investigate their resistance, greenhouse tests were performed, revealing that several CWRs exhibited resistance against Fusarium culmorum, Pyrenophora teres, and Puccinia hordei G.H. Otth. Additionally, to characterize the genetic diversity within the collection, DNA polymorphisms at 21 loci were examined. We successfully employed barley-specific SSR markers, confirming their suitability for identifying H. spontaneum and even H. marinum, i.e., perennial species. The SSR markers efficiently clustered the investigated collection according to species and ecotypes, similarly to the phenotypic assessment. Moreover, SSR markers associated with disease resistance revealed different alleles in comparison to those found in resistant barley cultivars. Overall, our findings highlight that this evaluated collection of CWRs represents a valuable reservoir of genetic variability and resistance genes that can be effectively utilized in breeding programs.
Identification and Characterization of Beneficial Soil Microbial Strains for the Formulation of Biofertilizers Based on Native Plant Growth-Promoting Microorganisms Isolated from Northern Mexico
Authors: Guardiola-Márquez Carlos Esteban , Santos-Ramírez María Teresa , Figueroa-Montes Melina Lizeth , Valencia-de los Cobos Eric Oswaldo , Stamatis-Félix Iván Jesús , Navarro-López Diego E. , Jacobo-Velázquez Daniel A.
Published: September 2023

Plant growth-promoting microorganisms (PGPM) benefit plant health by enhancing plant nutrient-use efficiency and protecting plants against biotic and abiotic stresses. This study aimed to isolate and characterize autochthonous PGPM from important agri-food crops and nonagricultural plants to formulate biofertilizers. Native microorganisms were isolated and evaluated for PGP traits (K, P, and Zn solubilization, N2-fixation, NH3-, IAA and siderophore production, and antifungal activity against Fusarium oxysporum). Isolates were tested on radish and broccoli seedlings, evaluating 19 individual isolates and 12 microbial consortia. Potential bacteria were identified through DNA sequencing. In total, 798 bacteria and 209 fungi were isolated. Isolates showed higher mineral solubilization activity than other mechanisms; 399 bacteria and 156 fungi presented mineral solubilization. Bacteria were relevant for nitrogen fixation, siderophore, IAA (29–176 mg/L), and ammonia production, while fungi for Fusarium growth inhibition (40–69%). Twenty-four bacteria and eighteen fungi were selected for their PGP traits. Bacteria had significantly (ANOVA, p < 0.05) better effects on plants than fungi; treatments improved plant height (23.06–51.32%), leaf diameter (25.43–82.91%), and fresh weight (54.18–85.45%) in both crops. Most potential species belonged to Pseudomonas, Pantoea, Serratia, and Rahnella genera. This work validated a high-throughput approach to screening hundreds of rhizospheric microorganisms with PGP potential isolated from rhizospheric samples.
Integrative Omic Analysis Reveals the Dynamic Change in Phenylpropanoid Metabolism in Morus alba under Different Stress
Authors: Li Yaohan , Liu Shengzhi , Zhang Di , Liu Amin , Zhu Wei , Zhang Jianbin , Yang Bingxian
Published: September 2023

Morus alba is used as a traditional Chinese medicine due to its various biological activities. Phenylpropanoid metabolism is one of the most important pathways in Morus alba to produce secondary metabolites and response to stress. From the general phenylpropanoid pathway, there are two metabolic branches in M. alba, including flavonoid and lignin biosynthesis, which also play roles in response to stress. However, the dynamic changes between flavonoid and lignin biosynthesis under Botrytis cinerea infection and UV-B stress in M. alba were unclear. To explore the different regulation mode of flavonoid and lignin biosynthesis in M. alba leaves’ response to biotic and abiotic stress, a combined proteomic and metabolomic study of M. alba leaves under UV-B stress and B. cinerea infection was performed. The results showed that most of the proteins involved in the lignin and flavonoid biosynthesis pathway were increased under either UV-B stress or B. cinerea infection in M. alba. This was also confirmed by enzyme assays and metabolomics analysis. Additionally, the abundance of proteins involved in the biosynthesis of jasmonic acid was increased after B. cinerea infection. This suggests that both flavonoid and lignin biosynthesis participate in the responses to abiotic and biotic stress in M. alba, but they might be regulated by different hormone signaling.
Improvement and Evaluation of a Device That Determines the Interfacial Shear Strength of Carbon Fiber/Polyphenylene Sulfide Composites
Authors: Dong Yuan , Yang Jia-Cao , Wang Xiao-Jun , Zhang Gang , Zhang Mei-Lin , Wei Zhi-Mei , Long Sheng-Ru , Yang Jie
Published: September 2023

This study improved homemade apparatus for characterizing the interfacial shear strength (IFSS) of carbon-fiber-reinforced polyphenylene sulfide (PPS/CF) composites. The upgraded generation II experimental device includes a newly developed experimental clamp for samples, as well as testing systems. Compared with the initial generation I apparatus and the commercial Toei instrument, the generation II device is easier and more efficient to operate. The average interfacial adhesion values obtained using these devices were consistently approximately 40 MPa, with relatively low data scatter, showing excellent repeatability and applicability during microbond tests. Notably, the generation II experimental device was equipped with an additional high-frequency data-capturing tool to identify the debonding peak force more precisely, which demonstrated a higher interfacial shear strength of 42.81 MPa during testing. Therefore, the new instrument was able to reflect the change in the interfacial stress state during the interface debonding process more accurately and reliably.
Producing Blends of Polybutylene Adipate Terephthalate and Blood Meal That Are Safe to Render
Authors: Verbeek Casparus J. R. , Yapa Priyal M. , Self Rachel , Harrison Mark
Published: September 2023

Single-use plastic hygiene control products used during red meat processing can have severe negative impacts on the environment and cannot be processed with offal during rendering into meat and bone meal. However, plastics made from protein could potentially solve this problem as the material would be safe to render. The objective of this work was to prepare blends of blood meal and polybutylene adipate terephthalate (PBAT) in the absence of water using the interaction between PBAT and protein as the plasticisation mechanism. The ratio of protein to PBAT (1:1.3), as well as the choice of compatibiliser (PBAT-g-IA), was critical to form a homogenous, compatibilised blend with mechanical properties suitable for injection-moulded hygeine control products. This blend had a tensile strenght of 11.2 MPa, a chord modulus of 492 MPa, and 10% elongation at break. Using less PBAT in the blend, or using Surlyn™ as a compatibiliser, resulted in blends that were either too difficult to process or with inferior mechancial properies. Using simulated rendering, the new material was indistinguishable from tallow or meat and bone meal, suggesting that hygeine control products made from this new material will degrade sufficiently to be safe to render with offal after red meat processing.
Percolation Effect on the Complex Permittivities of Polymer Blends
Authors: Chao Hsien-Wen , Lai Yun-Yu , Chang Tsun-Hsu
Published: September 2023

This study focuses on the measurement and analysis of the complex permittivities of polymer blends using the field enhancement method (FEM). The blends, consisting of air-powder or solvent–solute mixtures, are placed in a Teflon holder and inserted into the FEM cavity to determine the complex permittivity. The resonant frequency and quality factor of the FEM cavity coupled with the samples provide information on the blends’ dielectric constant and loss tangents. To extract the complex permittivities of three specific samples of DC-840, MCL-805, and MCL-Siloxane, we employ effective medium theories and the high-frequency structure simulator (HFSS) together with the measured data. The results reveal that when the volume fraction of the DC-840 solute in the xylene solvent surpasses a specific threshold, the dielectric constants and the loss tangents experience a notable increase. This phenomenon, known as percolation, strongly correlates with the viscosity of polymer blends. The observed percolation effect on the dielectric behavior is further elucidated using the generalized dielectric constant and the Debye model. By employing these models, the percolation effect and its impact on the dielectric properties of the blends can be explained.