bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cardioprotective Effects of 6-Gingerol against Alcohol-Induced ROS-Mediated Tissue Injury and Apoptosis in Rats
Authors: Ganjikunta Venkata Subbaiah , Maddula Ramana Reddy , Bhasha Shanmugam , Sahukari Ravi , Kondeti Ramudu Shanmugam , Chenji Venkatrayulu , Kesireddy Sathyavelu Reddy , Zheng Zhe , Korivi Mallikarjuna
Published: December 2022

The present study investigated the cardioprotective properties of 6-gingerol against alcohol-induced ROS-mediated cardiac tissue damage in rats. Experiments were conducted on 4 groups of rats, orally treated with control, 6-gingerol (10 mg/kg body weight), alcohol (6 g/kg body weight) and combination of 6-gingerol plus alcohol for two-month. In the results, we found 6-ginger treatment to alcohol-fed rats substantially suppressed ROS production in cardiac tissue. Alcohol-induced elevated 8-OHDG and protein carbonyls which represent oxidative modification of DNA and proteins were completely reversed by 6-gingerol. This was further endorsed by restored superoxide dismutase and catalase activities with 6-gingerol against alcohol-induced loss. The elevated cardiac biomarkers (CK-MB, cTn-T, cTn-I) and dyslipidemia in alcohol-intoxicated rats was significantly reversed by 6-gingerol. Furthermore, alcohol-induced apoptosis characterized by overexpression of cytochrome C, caspase-8 and caspase-9 was diminished with 6-gingerol treatment. Transmission electron microscope images conferred the cardioprotective properties of 6-gingerol as we have seen less structural derangements in mitochondria and reappearance of myofilaments. Our findings conclude that 6-ginger effectively protect alcohol-induced ROS-mediated cardiac tissue damage, which may be due to its potent antioxidant efficacy. Therefore, 6-gingerol could be a potential therapeutic molecule that can be used in the treatment of alcohol-induced myocardial injury.
Development and Validation of a UPLC-MS/MS Method for the Quantification of Components in the Ancient Classical Chinese Medicine Formula of Guyinjian
Authors: Ge Nan , Li Zhineng , Yang Le , Yan Guangli , Zhang Aihua , Zhang Xiwu , Wu Xiuhong , Sun Hui , Li Dan , Wang Xijun
Published: December 2022

Guyinjian (GYJ) is an ancient classic formula of traditional Chinese medicine used for the treatment of liver and kidney yin deficiency; it was derived from the book “Jing Yue Quan Shu” in the Ming Dynasty. Modern clinical observation experiments have shown that GYJ has a definite therapeutic effect on the treatment of gynecological diseases such as kidney deficiency type oligomenorrhea, climacteric syndrome, intermenstrual bleeding, pubertal metrorrhagia, etc. However, the lack of GYJ quality control studies has greatly limited the development of its wider clinical application. In this study, a validated UPLC-MS/MS method was developed successfully for the first time and used to quantify fourteen compounds in GYJ samples with good specificity, linearity (r = 0.9960−0.9999), precision (RSD% ≤ 3.18%), stability (RSD% ≤ 2.22%) and accuracy (recovery test within 88.64–107.43%, RSD% at 2.82–6.22%). Simultaneously, the determination results of 15 batches of GYJ samples were analyzed by multivariate statistical methods, and it was found that the compounds have a greater influence on batch-to-batch stability, mainly Rehmannioside D, Loganin, Morroniside, Ginsenoside Re, and 3′,6-Disinapoylsucrose. The proposed new method has the advantages of high sensitivity, high selectivity, and rapid analysis, which provides a reference for the GYJ quality control study.
Investigation of In Vitro and In Vivo Metabolism of α-Amanitin in Rats Using Liquid Chromatography-Quadrupole Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometric Method
Authors: Lee Jiyu , Lee Byeong ill , Choi Jangmi , Park Yuri , Park Seo-Jin , Park Minjae , Lim Jeong-Hyeon , Hwang Sangsoo , Lee Jeong-Min , Shin Young G.
Published: December 2022

The purpose of this study is to investigate the difference of in vitro–in vivo correlation of α-amanitin from clearance perspectives as well as to explore the possibility of extra-hepatic metabolism of α-amanitin. First, a liquid chromatography-quadrupole-time-of-flight-mass spectrometric (LC-qTOF-MS) method for α-amanitin in rat plasma was developed and applied to evaluate the in vitro liver microsomal metabolic stability using rat and human liver microsomes and the pharmacokinetics of α-amanitin in rat. The predicted hepatic clearance of α-amanitin in rat liver microsomes was quite low (5.05 mL/min/kg), whereas its in vivo clearance in rat (14.0 mL/min/kg) was close to the borderline between low and moderate clearance. To find out the difference between in vitro and in vivo metabolism, in vitro and in vivo metabolite identification was also conducted. No significant metabolites were identified from the in vivo rat plasma and the major circulating entity in rat plasma was α-amanitin itself. No reactive metabolites such as GSH-adducts were detected either. A glucuronide metabolite was newly identified from the in vitro liver microsomes samples with a trace level. A semi-mass balance study was also conducted to understand the in vivo elimination pathway of α-amanitin and it showed that most α-amanitin was mainly eliminated in urine as intact which implies some unknown transporters in kidney might play a role in the elimination of α-amanitin in rat in vivo. Further studies with transporters in the kidney would be warranted to figure out the in vivo clearance mechanism of α-amanitin.
Dissipation Kinetics and Safety Evaluation of Flonicamid in Four Various Types of Crops
Authors: Zhang Tao , Xu Yue , Zhou Xuan , Liang Xiaojie , Bai Yang , Sun Fengshou , Zhang Wenwen , Wang Ning , Pang Xiuyu , Li Yuekun
Published: December 2022

The chemical insecticide flonicamid is widely used to control aphids on crops. Differences among crops make the universality of detection methods a particularly important consideration. The aim of this study was to establish a universal, sensitive, accurate and efficient method for the determination of flonicamid residues in peach, cucumber, cabbage and cotton. QuEChERS pretreatment was combined with ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS). A satisfactory recovery rate of 84.3–99.3% was achieved at three spiking levels, and the relative standard deviation (RSD) was 0.41–5.95%. The limit of quantification (LOQ) of flonicamid in the four matrices was 0.01 mg/kg. The residue and dissipation kinetics of flonicamid in four types of crops in various locations were determined by using the optimized method. The results showed that flonicamid had a high dissipation rate in the four different types of crops and a half-life in the different matrices and locations of 2.28–9.74 days. The terminal residue of flonicamid was lower than the maximum residue limit (MRL). The risk quotient (RQ) of flonicamid was 4.4%, which is significantly lower than 100%. This result shows that the dietary risk presented by using flonicamid at the maximum recommended dose is low and acceptable. The comprehensive long-term dietary risk assessment of flonicamid performed in this study provides a reference for the protection of consumer health and safe insecticide use.
Synthesis and Characterization of an Analgesic Potential Conotoxin Lv32.1
Authors: Liu Siyi , Li Cheng , You Shen , Yan Qinghui , Luo Sulan , Fu Ying
Published: December 2022

In our work of screening analgesic peptides from the conotoxin libraries of diverse Conus species, we decoded a peptide sequence from Conus lividus and named it Lv32.1 (LvXXXIIA). The folding conditions of linear Lv32.1 on buffer, oxidizing agent, concentration of GSH/GSSG and reaction time were optimized for a maximum yield of (34.94 ± 0.96)%, providing an efficient solution for the synthesis of Lv32.1. Its disulfide connectivity was identified to be 1–3, 2–6, 4–5, which was first reported for the conotoxins with cysteine framework XXXII and different from the common connectivities established for conotoxins with six cysteines. The analgesic effect of Lv32.1 was determined by a hot plate test in mice. An evident increase in the pain threshold with time illustrated that Lv32.1 exhibited analgesic potency. The effects on Nav1.8 channel and α9α10 nAChR were detected, but weak inhibition was observed. In this work, we highlight the efficient synthesis, novel disulfide linkage and analgesic potential of Lv32.1, which laid a positive foundation for further development of conotoxin Lv32.1 as an analgesic candidate.
Synthesis, Structure, and Spectral-Luminescent Properties of Peripherally Fluorinated Mg(II) and Zn(II) Octaphenyltetraazaporphyrins
Authors: Rusanov Alexey , Chizhova Natalya , Mamardashvili Nugzar
Published: December 2022

The cyclization of di-(2,6-difluorophenyl)maleindinitrile with magnesium(II) and zinc(II) acetates in boiling ethylene glycol is applied to synthesize Mg(II) and Zn(II) complexes of the octa-(2,6-difluorophenyl)tetraazaporphyrin. The compounds are identified by UV–Vis, 1H NMR, and mass spectrometry methods. A comparative analysis is performed of the spectral-luminescent properties of magnesium and zinc octaaryltetraazaporphyrinates and their dependence on the number and position of the fluorine atoms in the macrocycle phenyl fragments. The DFT method is used to optimize the geometry of the synthesized complexes. Machine learning methods and QSPR are applied to predict the Soret band wavelength in the UV–V is spectra of the complexes described.
FOXO3a Mediates Homologous Recombination Repair (HRR) via Transcriptional Activation of MRE11, BRCA1, BRIP1, and RAD50
Authors: Inci Gozde , Warkad Madhuri Shende , Kang Beom-Goo , Lee Na-Kyung , Suh Hong-Won , Lim Soon Sung , Kim Jaebong , Kim Sung-Chan , Lee Jae-Yong
Published: December 2022

To test whether homologous recombination repair (HRR) depends on FOXO3a, a cellular aging model of human dermal fibroblast (HDF) and tet-on flag-h-FOXO3a transgenic mice were studied. HDF cells transfected with over-expression of wt-h-FOXO3a increased the protein levels of MRE11, BRCA1, BRIP1, and RAD50, while knock-down with siFOXO3a decreased them. The protein levels of MRE11, BRCA1, BRIP1, RAD50, and RAD51 decreased during cellular aging. Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assay was performed on FOXO3a binding accessibility to FOXO consensus sites in human MRE11, BRCA1, BRIP1, and RAD50 promoters; the results showed FOXO3a binding decreased during cellular aging. When the tet-on flag-h-FOXO3a mice were administered doxycycline orally, the protein and mRNA levels of flag-h-FOXO3a, MRE11, BRCA1, BRIP1, and RAD50 increased in a doxycycline-dose-dependent manner. In vitro HRR assays were performed by transfection with an HR vector and I-SceI vector. The mRNA levels of the recombined GFP increased after doxycycline treatment in MEF but not in wt-MEF, and increased in young HDF comparing to old HDF, indicating that FOXO3a activates HRR. Overall, these results demonstrate that MRE11, BRCA1, BRIP1, and RAD50 are transcriptional target genes for FOXO3a, and HRR activity is increased via transcriptional activation of MRE11, BRCA1, BRIP1, and RAD50 by FOXO3a.
Osthole Suppresses Knee Osteoarthritis Development by Enhancing Autophagy Activated via the AMPK/ULK1 Pathway
Authors: Ma Teng , Wang Xiangpeng , Qu Wenjing , Yang Lingsen , Jing Cheng , Zhu Bingrui , Zhang Yongkui , Xie Wenpeng
Published: December 2022

Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is an increasingly prevalent heterogeneous disease characterized by cartilage erosion and inflammation. As the main chemical constituent of Angelicae Pubescentis Radix (APR), an anti-inflammatory herbal medicine, the potential biological effects and underlying mechanism of osthole on chondrocytes and KOA progression remain elusive. In this study, the potential effect and mechanism of osthole on KOA were investigated in vitro and in vivo. We found that osthole inhibited IL-1β-induced apoptosis and cartilage matrix degeneration by activating autophagy in rat chondrocytes. In addition, osthole could activate autophagy through phosphorylation of AMPK/ULK1, and AMPK serves as a positive upstream regulator of ULK1. Furthermore, KOA rats treated with osthole showed phosphorylation of the AMPK/ULK1 pathway and autophagy activation, as well as cartilage protection. Collectively, the AMPK/ULK1 signaling pathway can be activated by osthole to enhance autophagy, thereby suppressing KOA development. Osthole may be a novel and effective therapeutic agent for the clinical treatment of KOA.
Marigold Metabolites: Diversity and Separation Methods of Calendula Genus Phytochemicals from 1891 to 2022
Authors: Olennikov Daniil N. , Kashchenko Nina I.
Published: December 2022

Marigold (Calendula), an important asteraceous genus, has a history of many centuries of therapeutic use in traditional and officinal medicines all over the world. The scientific study of Calendula metabolites was initiated at the end of the 18th century and has been successfully performed for more than a century. The result is an investigation of five species (i.e., C. officinalis, C. arvensis, C. suffruticosa, C. stellata, and C. tripterocarpa) and the discovery of 656 metabolites (i.e., mono-, sesqui-, di-, and triterpenes, phenols, coumarins, hydroxycinnamates, flavonoids, fatty acids, carbohydrates, etc.), which are discussed in this review. The identified compounds were analyzed by various separation techniques as gas chromatography and liquid chromatography which are summarized here. Thus, the genus Calendula is still a high-demand plant-based medicine and a valuable bioactive agent, and research on it will continue for a long time.
Appraisal of the Antioxidant Activity, Polyphenolic Content, and Characterization of Selected Himalayan Herbs: Anti-Proliferative Potential in HepG2 Cells
Authors: Yousuf Sumaira , Shabir Shabnam , Kauts Simran , Minocha Tarun , Obaid Ahmad A. , Khan Anmar A. , Mujalli Abdulrahman , Jamous Yahya F. , Almaghrabi Sarah , Baothman Bandar K. , Hjazi Ahmed , Singh Sandeep K. , Vamanu Emanuel , Singh Mahendra P.
Published: December 2022

Natural antioxidants derived from plants have played a vital role in preventing a wide range of human chronic conditions and provide novel bioactive leads for investigators in pharmacotherapy discovery. This work was designed to examine the ethnopharmacological role of Urtica dioica (UD), Capsella bursa-pastoris (CBP), and Inula racemosa (IR). The total phenolic and flavonoid contents (TPC and TFC) were illustrated through colorimetric assays, while the antioxidant activity was investigated through DPPH and ABTS assays. The evaluation of phytochemicals by FT-IR of UD and CBP revealed high contents of aliphatic amines, while IR showed a major peak for ketones. The antioxidant activity, TPC and TFC were highest in the ethanol extract of UD, followed by CBP, and IR showed the lowest activity. All of the extracts revealed significant antioxidant capacities along a dosage gradient. Through a HPLC analysis at a wavelength of 280 nm, UD leaves demonstrated an intense peak of quercetin, and the peak for rutin was less intense. CBP (whole plant), instead, demonstrated a major yield of rutin, and a peak for quercetin was not observed in CBP. IR (rhizomes) showed both quercetin and rutin. All of the extracts were significantly cytotoxic to HepG2 cells after 48 h with the trend IR > UD > CBP. The outcomes of this study may be effective in the selection of specific plants as realistic sources of the bioactive components that might be useful in the nutraceutical progression and other biomedical efficacies.
Electrochemical Exfoliation of Graphite to Graphene-Based Nanomaterials
Authors: Salverda Michael , Thiruppathi Antony Raj , Pakravan Farnood , Wood Peter C. , Chen Aicheng
Published: December 2022

Here, we report on a new automated electrochemical process for the production of graphene oxide (GO) from graphite though electrochemical exfoliation. The effects of the electrolyte and applied voltage were investigated and optimized. The morphology, structure and composition of the electrochemically exfoliated GO (EGO) were probed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), FTIR spectroscopy and Raman spectroscopy. Important metrics such as the oxygen content (25.3 at.%), defect density (ID/IG = 0.85) and number of layers of the formed EGO were determined. The EGO was also compared with the GO prepared using the traditional chemical method, demonstrating the effectiveness of the automated electrochemical process. The electrochemical properties of the EGO, CGO and other carbon-based materials were further investigated and compared. The automated electrochemical exfoliation of natural graphite powder demonstrated in the present study does not require any binders; it is facile, cost-effective and easy to scale up for a large-scale production of graphene-based nanomaterials for various applications.
Advanced Photoelectrochemical Hydrogen Generation by CdO-g-C3N4 in Aqueous Medium under Visible Light
Authors: Iqbal Naseer , Khan Muhammad Shahzeb , Zubair Muhammad , Khan Safyan Akram , Ali Asghar , Aldhafeeri Naif , Alsahli Saud , Alanzi Misheal , Enazi Abdelazeez , Alroyle Talal , Alrashidi Abdullatif
Published: December 2022

Herein, hydrothermal fabrication of CdO-g-C3N4 photocatalyst for a substantially better photocatalytic recital in water splitting is presented. The XRD analysis confirms the cubic phase of CdO-g-C3N4, whereas FTIR and UV-VIS studies revealed the presence of respective groups and a median band gap energy (2.55 eV) of the photocatalyst, respectively, which further enhanced its photo-electrochemical (PEC) properties. The SEM displays the oblong structures of g-C3N4 sheets and nano rod-like morphology of CdO and CdO-g-C3N4, respectively. The HR-TEM exhibits morphology & orientation of the grains and substantiates the polycrystal-line nature of CdO-g-C3N4 nanocomposite. The photocatalytic water-splitting concert is evaluated by PEC experiments under 1 SUN visible light irradiation. Linear sweep voltammetry (LSV), chronoamperometry (CA), and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) comprehend the CdO-g-C3N4 as a hydrogen evolution photocatalyst. A photocurrent density beyond ≥5 mA/cm2 is recorded from CdO-g-C3N4, which is 5–6 folds greater than pure CdO and g-C3N4. The efficient separation and transfer of charges allocated to CdO-g-C3N4 and fabricating heterojunctions between g-C3N4 and CdO suppresses the unfavorable electron-hole pairs recombination process. Thus, it recesses charge transfer resistance, augmenting enhanced photocatalytic performance under 1 SUN irradiation.
3D Composite PDMS/MWCNTs Aerogel as High-Performing Anodes in Microbial Fuel Cells
Authors: Massaglia Giulia , Quaglio Marzia
Published: December 2022

Porous 3D composite materials are interesting anode electrodes for single chamber microbial fuel cells (SCMFCs) since they exploit a surface layer that is able to achieve the correct biocompatibility for the proliferation of electroactive bacteria and have an inner charge transfer element that favors electron transfer and improves the electrochemical activity of microorganisms. The crucial step is to fine-tune the continuous porosity inside the anode electrode, thus enhancing the bacterial growth, adhesion, and proliferation, and the substrate’s transport and waste products removal, avoiding pore clogging. To this purpose, a novel approach to synthetize a 3D composite aerogel is proposed in the present work. A 3D composite aerogel, based on polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) and multi-wall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) as a conductive filler, was obtained by pouring this mixture over the commercial sugar, used as removable template to induce and tune the hierarchical continuous porosity into final nanostructures. In this scenario, the granularity of the sugar directly affects the porosities distribution inside the 3D composite aerogel, as confirmed by the morphological characterizations implemented. We demonstrated the capability to realize a high-performance bioelectrode, which showed a 3D porous structure characterized by a high surface area typical of aerogel materials, the required biocompatibility for bacterial proliferations, and an improved electron pathway inside it. Indeed, SCMFCs with 3D composite aerogel achieved current densities of (691.7 ± 9.5) mA m−2, three orders of magnitude higher than commercial carbon paper, (287.8 ± 16.1) mA m−2.
Antiviral Properties against SARS-CoV-2 of Nanostructured ZnO Obtained by Green Combustion Synthesis and Coated in Waterborne Acrylic Coatings
Authors: Primo Julia de O. , Correa Jamille de S. , Horsth Dienifer F. L. , Das Arkaprava , Zając Marcin , Umek Polona , Wattiez Ruddy , Anaissi Fauze J. , Onderwater Rob C. A. , Bittencourt Carla
Published: December 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic has increased the need for developing disinfectant surfaces as well as reducing the spread of infections on contaminated surfaces and the contamination risk from the fomite route. The present work reports on the antiviral activity of coatings containing ZnO particles obtained by two simple synthesis routes using Aloe vera (ZnO-aloe) or cassava starch (ZnO-starch) as reaction fuel. After detailed characterization using XRD and NEXAFS, the obtained ZnO particles were dispersed in a proportion of 10% with two different waterborne acrylic coatings (binder and commercial white paint) and brushed on the surface of polycarbonates (PC). The cured ZnO/coatings were characterized by scanning electron microscopes (SEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). Wettability tests were performed. The virucidal activity of the ZnO particles dispersed in the waterborne acrylic coating was compared to a reference control sample (PC plates). According to RT-PCR results, the ZnO-aloe/coating displays the highest outcome for antiviral activity against SARS-CoV-2 using the acrylic binder, inactivating >99% of the virus after 24 h of contact relative to reference control.
MXene-Based Ink Design for Printed Applications
Authors: Aghayar Zahra , Malaki Massoud , Zhang Yizhou
Published: December 2022

MXenes are a class of two-dimensional nanomaterials with a rich chemistry, hydrophilic surface and mechano-ceramic nature, and have been employed in a wide variety of applications ranging from medical and sensing devises to electronics, supercapacitors, electromagnetic shielding, and environmental applications, to name a few. To date, the main focus has mostly been paid to studying the chemical and physical properties of MXenes and MXene-based hybrids, while relatively less attention has been paid to the optimal application forms of these materials. It has been frequently observed that MXenes show great potential as inks when dispersed in solution. The present paper aims to comprehensively review the recent knowledge about the properties, applications and future horizon of inks based on 2D MXene sheets. In terms of the layout of the current paper, 2D MXenes have briefly been presented and followed by introducing the formulation of MXene inks, the process of turning MAX to MXene, and ink compositions and preparations. The chemical, tribological and rheological properties have been deeply discussed with an eye to the recent developments of the MXene inks in energy, health and sensing applications. The review ends with a summary of research pitfalls, challenges, and future directions in this area.
Study of the Oxidation Behavior of Fine-Grained Graphite ET-10 by Combining X-ray μCT with Mercury Porosimetry
Authors: Zhao Yumeng , Dong Yujie , Zhou Yangping , Li Zhengcao , Yan Rui , Zhang Zuoyi
Published: December 2022

By combining X-ray micro-computed tomography with mercury porosimetry, the evolution of the oxygen supply, porous structure, mass loss and oxidized compositions were investigated to characterize the oxidation behavior of fine-grained graphite ET-10, regarding the geometry of the specimen and its oxidation temperature. Here, the porous structure and the gas flows out of and into the porous structure were comprehensively compared for two kinds of specimens—large pure graphite (D = H = 25.4 mm), oxidized at a test facility based on ASTM D7542, and small partially SiC-coated graphite (D ≈ 1 mm and H = 1.95 mm), oxidized in the bottom section of a U-type tube. The fine grains and large geometry resulted in small pores and long flow distances, which exhausted the oxygen in the small stream to the interior of the specimen, making its oxidation deviate from the kinetics-controlled regime. In addition, the well-known three-regime theory was reasonably reinterpreted regarding the oxidation of different compositions, binders and fillers. The kinetics-controlled uniform oxidation mainly oxidizing binders is restricted by their limited contents, while the rate of surface-dominated oxidation increases continuously via the consumption of more fillers. Furthermore, we proposed a new design for the test facility used for the oxidation experiment, wherein a partially shielded millimeter specimen can be oxidized in the long straight bottom section of a U-tube, and this will be discussed further in related future studies.
PLGA-Based Nanomedicine: History of Advancement and Development in Clinical Applications of Multiple Diseases
Authors: Alsaab Hashem O. , Alharbi Fatima D. , Alhibs Alanoud S. , Alanazi Nouf B. , Alshehri Bayan Y. , Saleh Marwa A. , Alshehri Fahad S. , Algarni Majed A. , Almugaiteeb Turki , Uddin Mohammad N. , Alzhrani Rami M.
Published: December 2022

Research on the use of biodegradable polymers for drug delivery has been ongoing since they were first used as bioresorbable surgical devices in the 1980s. For tissue engineering and drug delivery, biodegradable polymer poly-lactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA) has shown enormous promise among all biomaterials. PLGA are a family of FDA-approved biodegradable polymers that are physically strong and highly biocompatible and have been extensively studied as delivery vehicles of drugs, proteins, and macromolecules such as DNA and RNA. PLGA has a wide range of erosion times and mechanical properties that can be modified. Many innovative platforms have been widely studied and created for the development of methods for the controlled delivery of PLGA. In this paper, the various manufacturing processes and characteristics that impact their breakdown and drug release are explored in depth. Besides different PLGA-based nanoparticles, preclinical and clinical applications for different diseases and the PLGA platform types and their scale-up issues will be discussed.
New and Old Horizons for an Ancient Drug: Pharmacokinetics, Pharmacodynamics, and Clinical Perspectives of Dimethyl Fumarate
Authors: Matteo Paolinelli , Federico Diotallevi , Emanuela Martina , Giulia Radi , Tommaso Bianchelli , Alfredo Giacchetti , Anna Campanati , Annamaria Offidani
Published: December 2022

(1) Background: In their 60-year history, dimethyl fumarate and other salts of fumaric acid have been used for the treatment of psoriasis and other immune-mediated diseases for their immune-modulating properties. Over the years, new mechanisms of action have been discovered for this evergreen drug that remains a first-line treatment for several different inflammatory diseases. Due to its pleiotropic effects, this molecule is still of great interest in varied conditions, not exclusively inflammatory diseases. (2) Methods: The PubMed database was searched using combinations of the following keywords: dimethyl fumarate, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, adverse effects, psoriasis, multiple sclerosis, and clinical indications. This article reviews and updates the pharmacokinetics, mechanisms of action, and clinical indications of dimethyl fumarate. (3) Conclusions: The pharmacology of dimethyl fumarate is complex, fascinating, and not fully known. Progressive insights into the molecule’s mechanisms of action will make it possible to maximize its clinical efficacy, reduce concerns about adverse effects, and find other possible areas of application.
Management of Anti-Seizure Medications during Pregnancy: Advancements in The Past Decade
Authors: Avachat Charul , Barry Jessica M. , Lyu Xintian , Sherwin Catherine M. , Birnbaum Angela K.
Published: December 2022

Management of seizures often involves continuous medication use throughout a patient’s life, including when a patient is pregnant. The physiological changes during pregnancy can lead to altered drug exposure to anti-seizure medications, increasing patient response variability. In addition, subtherapeutic anti-seizure medication concentrations in the mother may increase seizure frequency, raising the risk of miscarriage and preterm labor. On the other hand, drug exposure increases can lead to differences in neurodevelopmental outcomes in the developing fetus. Established pregnancy registries provide insight into the teratogenicity potential of anti-seizure medication use. In addition, some anti-seizure medications are associated with an increased risk of major congenital malformations, and their use has declined over the last decade. Although newer anti-seizure medications are thought to have more favorable pharmacokinetics in general, they are not without risk, as they may undergo significant pharmacokinetic changes when an individual becomes pregnant. With known changes in metabolism and kidney function during pregnancy, therapeutic monitoring of drug concentrations helps to determine if and when doses should be changed to maintain similar seizure control as observed pre-pregnancy. This review concentrates on the results from research in the past decade (2010–2022) regarding risks of major congenital malformations, changes in prescribing patterns, and pharmacokinetics of the anti-seizure medications that are prescribed to pregnant patients with epilepsy.
The Effect of Voriconazole on Tacrolimus in Kidney Transplantation Recipients: A Real-World Study
Authors: Zhao Yi-Chang , Xiao Chen-Lin , Hou Jing-Jing , Li Jia-Kai , Zhang Bi-Kui , Xie Xu-Biao , Fang Chun-Hua , Peng Feng-Hua , Sandaradura Indy , Yan Miao
Published: December 2022

Tacrolimus is an immunosuppressant with a narrow therapeutic window. Tacrolimus exposure increased significantly during voriconazole co-therapy. The magnitude of this interaction is highly variable, but it is hard to predict quantitatively. We conducted a study on 91 kidney transplantation recipients with voriconazole co-therapy. Furthermore, 1701 tacrolimus concentration data were collected. Standard concentration adjusted by tacrolimus daily dose (C/D) and weight-adjusted standard concentration (CDW) increased to 6 times higher during voriconazole co-therapy. C/D and CDW increased with voriconazole concentration. Patients with the genotype of CYP3A5 *3/*3 and CYP2C19 *2/*2 or *2/*3 were more variable at the same voriconazole concentration level. The final prediction model could explain 54.27% of the variation in C/D and 51.11% of the variation in CDW. In conclusion, voriconazole was the main factor causing C/D and CDW variation, and the effect intensity should be quantitative by its concentration. Kidney transplant recipients with CYP3A5 genotype of *3/*3 and CYP2C19 genotype of *2/*2 and *2/*3 should be given more attention during voriconazole co-therapy. The prediction model established in this study may help to reduce the occurrence of rejection.
Luffa cylindrica Intercropping with Semen cassiae—A Production Practice of Improving Land Use in Soil Contaminated with Arsenic
Authors: Chen Weizhen , Yang Yanan , Meng Dele , Ying Jidong , Huang Huiyin , Li Huashou
Published: December 2022

In recent years, research on the safe utilization and green remediation of contaminated soil by intercropping has become common. In this study, the growth of an intercropping system of Luffa cylindrica–Semen cassiae in soil contaminated with medium amounts of arsenic (As) was studied using field (91.60 mg kg−1) and pot (83.34 mg kg−1) experiments. The field experiments showed that intercropping significantly increased the yield per plant of L. cylindrica by 27.36%, while the yield per plant of S. cassiae decreased by 21.66%; however, this difference was not significant. Intercropping reduced the concentration of As in all organs of L. cylindrica but increased the concentration of As in all parts of S. cassiae. The accumulation of As per plant of L. cylindrica was reduced by 20.72%, while that in a single plant of S. cassiae was increased by 201.93%. In addition, the concentration of As in the fruit of these two crops in these two planting modes was low enough to meet the National Food Safety Standard of China (GB2762-2017). In addition, the land equivalent ratio and As metal removal equivalent ratio of the intercropping mode was 1.03 and 2.34, indicating that the intercropping mode had advantages in land use and As removal. In the pot experiment, the biomass and As concentration of L. cylindrica and S. cassiae were roughly consistent with those in the field experiment. During the sampling period, intercropping reduced the concentration of As in the rhizosphere soil solution of L. cylindrica by 3.1–23.77%, while it increased the concentration of As in the rhizosphere soil solution of S. cassiae by 13.30–59.40%. The changes in pH and redox potential were also closely related to the content of water-soluble As in the rhizosphere environment, which affects the absorption of As by plants. In general, the L. cylindrica–S. cassiae intercropping system is a planting mode that can effectively treat soil that is moderately contaminated with As and remove it from the soil to an extent.
Cell Membrane Features as Potential Breeding Targets to Improve Cold Germination Ability of Seeds
Authors: Dhaliwal Lakhvir Kaur , Angeles-Shim Rosalyn B.
Published: December 2022

Cold stress breeding that focuses on the improvement of chilling tolerance at the germination stage is constrained by the complexities of the trait which involves integrated cellular, biochemical, hormonal and molecular responses. Biological membrane serves as the first line of plant defense under stress. Membranes receive cold stress signals and transduce them into intracellular responses. Low temperature stress, in particular, primarily and effectively affects the structure, composition and properties of cell membranes, which ultimately disturbs cellular homeostasis. Under cold stress, maintenance of membrane integrity through the alteration of membrane lipid composition is of prime importance to cope with the stress. This review describes the critical role of cell membranes in cold stress responses as well as the physiological and biochemical manifestations of cold stress in plants. The potential of cell membrane properties as breeding targets in developing strategies to improve cold germination ability is discussed using cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) as a model.
An Updated Checklist of the Genus Capparis L. (Capparaceae) in Vietnam, including a New Species from Hon Tre Island
Authors: Fici Silvio , Averyanov Leonid , Sy Danh
Published: December 2022

The Indochinese Peninsula is a main center of speciation of Capparis, but the taxonomic treatment of the genus is still critical in this area. With regard to Vietnam, a discordant number of species was recorded by different authors during the last century, whereas various new species have been recently described. An updated checklist of the intrageneric taxa occurring in the country is here presented, including a new species from the island of Hon Tre, Khanh Hoa Province. The genus comprises in Vietnam 37 species, 9 subspecies and 3 varieties, all belonging to Capparis sect. Monostichocalyx. The study area, with 10 endemic species, is confirmed as one of the hotspots of the genus. Three lectotypes are also selected. The new species here described and illustrated, C. oxycarpa, is related to C. pranensis, differing in the few-flowered subumbels, narrower sepals, smaller petals, longer filaments and smaller, apiculate fruit; its affinities with related taxa and conservation status are discussed, and data on its ecology and phenology are given.
The Use of Mycoendophyte-Based Bioformulations to Control Apple Diseases: Toward an Organic Apple Production System in the Aurès (Algeria)
Authors: Bensaci Oussama A. , Aliat Toufik , Berdja Rafik , Popkova Anna V. , Kucher Dmitry E. , Gurina Regina R. , Rebouh Nazih Y.
Published: December 2022

The present study aims to investigate the effectiveness of bioformulations based on endophytic fungi to control apple scab and Valsa canker disease in two orchards in the Aurès region (Algeria). In both orchards, the results showed that the treatment of senescent apple leaves by invert emulsions containing Trichoderma longibrachiatum and Chaetomium globosum harmed the ascogenesis of winter forms of Venturia inaequalis by reducing the number of ascospore-ejecting asci, the number of morphologically mature asci, and a considerable increase in the immature asci number. This antifungal activity was more essential in soil-incorporated leaves, showing the importance of the combination of treatments with cultural practices to efficiently control the apple scab disease. Furthermore, the disease incidence decreased by 52.63% and 50.68% in R’haouat and Bouhmama orchards, respectively. Moreover, the treatment of Valsa ceratosperma cankers with a biogel containing the endophytic yeast Metschnikowia sp. led to wound healing varying from 43.52% and 87.97% after 120 days but remained more considerable than conventional treatment with Folicur (tebuconazol). The current results open real opportunities concerning the implementation of eco-friendly and potent apple protection systems.
Phytochemicals and Their Correlation with Molecular Data in Micromeria and Clinopodium (Lamiaceae) Taxa
Authors: Kremer Dario , Dunkić Valerija , Radosavljević Ivan , Bogunić Faruk , Ivanova Daniella , Ballian Dalibor , Stešević Danijela , Matevski Vlado , Ranđelović Vladimir , Eleftheriadou Eleni , Šatović Zlatko , Liber Zlatko
Published: December 2022

A study of the phytochemical and molecular characteristics of ten Micromeria and six Clinopodium taxa (family Lamiaceae) distributed in the Balkan Peninsula was carried out. The phytochemicals detected in essential oils by gas chromatography, mass spectrometry, and molecular data amplified fragment length polymorphism were used to study the taxonomic relationships among the taxa and the correlations between phytochemical and molecular data. STRUCTURE analysis revealed three genetic groups, while Bayesian Analysis of Population Structure grouped the studied taxa into 11 clusters nested in the groups obtained by STRUCTURE. Principal components analysis performed with the 21 most represented compounds in the essential oils yielded results that were partly consistent with those obtained by STRUCTURE and neighbour-joining analyses. However, their geographic distributions did not support the genetic grouping of the studied taxa and populations. The Mantel test showed a significant correlation between the phytochemical and genetic data (r = 0.421, p < 0.001). Genetic distance explained 17.8% of the phytochemical distance between populations. The current taxonomic position of several of the studied taxa is yet to be satisfactorily resolved, and further studies are needed. Such future research should include nuclear and plastid DNA sequences from a larger sample of populations and individuals.
Assessment of Berries of Some Sea Buckthorn Genotypes by Physicochemical Properties and Fatty Acid Content of the Seed
Authors: Máté Mónika , Selimaj Granit , Simon Gergely , Szalóki-Dorkó Lilla , Ficzek Gitta
Published: December 2022

Sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides L.) is consumed mainly in its processed form. Therefore, the investigation of the physicochemical properties of its berries is a current task in the aspect of food processing. The aim of this study was to determine the physicochemical parameters (soluble solid content, total titratable acidity, sugar/acid ratio), color characteristics (L*, a*, b*) and fatty acid profile of five varieties (‘Askola’, ‘Clara’, ‘Habego’, ‘Leikora’, ‘Mara’) and one Hungarian candidate, R-01, to establish a basis for experiments on the processability of the whole berries (e.g., drying). The weight of the berry of ‘Leikora’ (0.64 g) was significantly higher than the other investigated fruits. The differences between the values of soluble solid content (6.3–10.84 °Brix) and titratable acid (1.4–3.7%) content of berries were significant. ‘Mara’ had the highest sugar/acid ratio. Regarding the fatty acid profile, the amount of unsaturated fatty acids was measured between 72.6–83.4%, including polyunsaturated fatty acids, which were between 32.3–58.1%. The seeds of the tested samples contained high concentrations of linoleic acid (17.0–33.2%) and linolenic acid (15.3–24.9%), mainly in the case of the ‘Mara’, ‘Clara’ and ‘Askola’ varieties. Candidate R-01 could be used as a raw material for functional foods due to its significant content of palmitoleic acid and a favourable omega-6/omega-3 ratio.
Advances in Sucker Control for Sustainable European Hazelnut (Corylus avellana L.) Cultivation
Authors: Pacchiarelli Alberto , Silvestri Cristian , Cristofori Valerio
Published: December 2022

European hazelnut (Corylus avellana L.) is a shrub native to temperate zones of the northern hemisphere, and it is the most important species among the Corylus genus, mainly due to its high kernel demand from the confectionery industry. Its spontaneous habitus is characterized by a bushy shape, formed by numerous lignified stems generated by seasonal emission of suckers, which develop from adventitious buds inserted in the collar of stems, or more generally from the stump. Despite the agronomic role of suckers, which are often used to replace diseased, old, or poorly oriented branches, they compete with the plant for water and nutrient uptake, negatively influencing its growth and yield. In addition to promoting mechanical applications during the hazelnut orchard management, sucker removal is a required agronomic operation that must be carried out yearly during the growing season, making this practice expensive and time consuming, especially when performed manually. To date, there are several techniques for hazelnut sucker management, and their application depends on several factors, such as the size of the farm, model of cultivation (conventional or organic), soil orography, and plant training system. This review discusses the most widespread methods applied for sucker control, including manual, mechanical, physical, and chemical control (flame and steam), use of non-suckering rootstocks, disbudding, mulching, nitrogen solution applications, and new automatized control techniques recently proposed at the experimental level, analyzing their advantages and disadvantages.
Characteristics and Properties of Acid- and Pepsin-Solubilized Collagens from the Tail Tendon of Skipjack Tuna (Katsuwonus pelamis)
Authors: Chanmangkang Sagun , Wangtueai Sutee , Pansawat Nantipa , Tepwong Pramvadee , Panya Atikorn , Maneerote Jirawan
Published: December 2022

The tail tendons of skipjack tuna (Katsuwonus pelamis), a by-product from the meat-separation process in canned-tuna production, was used as an alternative source of collagen extraction. The acid-solubilized collagens using vinegar (VTC) and acetic-acid (ATC) extraction and pepsin-solubilized collagen (APTC) were extracted from tuna-tail tendon. The physiochemical properties and characteristics of those collagens were investigated. The obtained yield of VTC, ATC, and APTC were 7.88 ± 0.41, 8.67 ± 0.35, and 12.04 ± 0.07%, respectively. The determination of protein-collagen solubility, the effect of pH and NaCl on collagen solubility, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) spectrum, and microstructure of the collagen-fibril surface using a scanning electron microscope (SEM) were done. The protein solubility of VTC, ATC, and APTC were 0.44 ± 0.03, 0.52 ± 0.07, and 0.67 ± 0.12 mg protein/mg collagen. The solubility of collagen decreased with increasing of NaCl content. These three collagens were good solubility at low pH with the highest solubility at pH 5. The FTIR spectrum showed absorbance of Amide A, Amide B, Amide I, Amide II, and Amide III groups as 3286–3293 cm−1, 2853–2922 cm−1, 1634–1646 cm−1, 1543–1544 cm−1, and 1236–1237 cm−1, respectively. The SEM analysis indicated a microstructure of collagen surface as folding of fibril with small pore.
Dual Responsive Dependent Background Color Based on Thermochromic 1D Photonic Crystal Multilayer Films
Authors: Kim Yejin , Kim Seo Hyun , Girma Henok Getachew , Jeon Seungju , Lim Bogyu , Jung Seo-Hyun
Published: December 2022

In this paper, we present dual responsive one-dimensional (1D) photonic crystal (PC) multilayer films that utilize a high-humidity environment and temperature. Dual responsive 1D PC multilayer films are fabricated on precoated thermochromic film by sequential alternate layer deposition of photo-crosslinkable poly(2-vinylnaphthalene-co-benzophenone acrylate) (P(2VN-co-BPA)) as a high refractive index polymer, and poly(4-vinylpyrollidone-co-benzophenone acrylate) P(4VP-co-BPA) as a low refractive index polymer. The thermochromic film shows a vivid color transition from black to white at 28 °C. Three different colors of thermochromic 1D PC multilayer films are prepared by thickness modulation of P(4VP-co-BPA) layers, and the films on a black background exhibit visible spectrum color only in a high-humidity environment (over 90% relative humidity (RH)). For the three films placed on a hands display, three different composite colors are synthesized by the reflection of light, including yellow, magenta, and cyan, due to the changing of backgrounds from black to white with temperature. Additionally, the films show remarkable color transitions with reliable reversibility. The films can be applied as anti-counterfeiting labels and can be used for smart decoration films. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of dual response colorimetric films that change color in various ways depending on temperature and humidity changes, and we believe that it can be applied to various applications.
Molecular Dynamics and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Studies of Supercritical CO2 Sorption in Poly(Methyl Methacrylate)
Authors: Sobornova Valentina V. , Belov Konstantin V. , Dyshin Alexey A. , Gurina Darya L. , Khodov Ilya A. , Kiselev Michael G.
Published: December 2022

The study of supercritical carbon dioxide sorption processes is an important and urgent task in the field of “green” chemistry and for the selection of conditions for new polymer material formation. However, at the moment, the research of these processes is very limited, and it is necessary to select the methodology for each polymer material separately. In this paper, the principal possibility to study the powder sorption processes using 13C nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, relaxation-relaxation correlation spectroscopy and molecular dynamic modeling methods will be demonstrated based on the example of polymethylmethacrylate and supercritical carbon dioxide. It was found that in the first nanoseconds and seconds during the sorption process, most of the carbon dioxide, about 75%, is sorbed into polymethylmethacrylate, while on the clock scale the remaining 25% is sorbed. The methodology presented in this paper makes it possible to select optimal conditions for technological processes associated with the production of new polymer materials based on supercritical fluids.