bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Population Status of Vitamin B12 Values in the General Population and in Individuals with Type 2 Diabetes, in Southwestern Colombia
Authors: Vargas-Uricoechea Hernando , Nogueira Juan Patricio , Pinzón-Fernández María V. , Agredo-Delgado Valentina , Vargas-Sierra Hernando David
Published: May 2023

Vitamin B12 (B12) is necessary for the proper functioning of the central and peripheral nervous systems. Although there is no exact definition for B12 levels, a value of 200 pg/mL is compatible with deficiency, 200–299 pg/mL is considered borderline, and 300 pg/mL is considered normal. In population studies, the prevalence of B12 deficiency ranges between 2.9% and 35%. Furthermore, many medications, such as metformin [for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM)], can cause B12 deficiency. The objectives of this study were to determine the population status of B12 in southwestern Colombia (and the status of B12 in subjects with T2DM). In the total population (participants with and without T2DM), the prevalence of B12 deficiency was 17.8%; that of borderline was 19.3%; and that of normal levels was 62.9%. The prevalence of deficiency increased with age and was significantly higher in those aged ≥60 years (p = 0.000). In T2DM subjects, the prevalence of deficiency was significantly higher concerning those without T2DM (p = 0.002) and was significantly higher in those who received >1 gm/day of metformin (p = 0.001). Thus, the prevalence of deficiency and borderline levels of B12 in our population was high, particularly in those >60 years of age. B12 deficiency was significantly higher in individuals with T2DM than in individuals without T2DM, especially among those receiving high doses of metformin.
Nutritional Composition of Breakfast in Children and Adolescents with and without Celiac Disease in Spain—Role of Gluten-Free Commercial Products
Authors: Úbeda Natalia , González María Purificación , Achón María , García-González Ángela , Ballestero-Fernández Catalina , Fajardo Violeta , Alonso-Aperte Elena
Published: May 2023

Eating a nutritionally balanced breakfast can be a challenge when following a gluten-free diet (GFD). We assessed the ingredients and nutrient composition of 364 gluten-free breakfast products (GFPs) and 348 gluten-containing counterparts (GCCs), and we analysed the nutritional quality of breakfast in a group of Spanish children and adolescents with celiac disease (CD) (n = 70), as compared to controls (n = 67). Food intakes were estimated using three 24 h dietary records. The composition of GFPs and GCCs was retrieved from the package labels of commercially available products. Most participants (98.5%) ate breakfast daily, and only one person in each group skipped breakfast once. The breakfast contribution of the total daily energy was 19% in participants with CD and 20% in controls. CD patients managed a balanced breakfast in terms of energy (54% from carbohydrates; 12% from proteins; 34% from lipids) and key food groups (cereals, dairy, fruits), but their intake of fruits needs improvement. Compared to controls, breakfast in the CD group provided less protein and saturated fat, a similar amount of carbohydrates and fibre, and more salt. Fibre is frequently added to GFPs, but these contain less protein because of the flours used in formulation. Gluten-free bread contains more fat and is more saturated than is GCC. Sugars, sweets, and confectionery contribute more to energy and nutrient intakes in participants with CD, while grain products do so in controls. Overall, breakfast on a GFD can be adequate, but can be improved by GFPs reformulation and a lower consumption of processed foods.
Experiences with Cling Film and Dental Dam Use in Oral Sex: A Mixed-Methods Systematic Review
Authors: Kanmodi Kehinde Kazeem , Egbedina Eyinade Adeduntan , Nkhata Misheck Julian , Nnyanzi Lawrence Achilles
Published: May 2023

This study aimed to conduct a mixed-methods SR of the literature investigating the experiences (knowledge, attitudes, practices, and effects of use) concerning dental dam and cling film use. The SR methodology was informed by the Preferred Reporting Items for SRs and Meta-analysis framework, the Cochrane Handbook for SR of Interventions, the Joanna Briggs Institute guideline for conducting mixed-methods SRs, and the PICO (population, intervention (or exposure), comparison, and outcome) framework. Using a set of inclusion criteria, relevant studies in the literature were obtained for the review from 11 electronic databases, Teesside University Library, websites of multilateral health organisations, and reference lists of eligible literature. The included literature was appraised for quality using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool version 2018 and the AAOCDS Tool. Only those studies in the literature with sufficient quality were finally included for data extraction (using an adapted version of the JBI Quality Assessment and Review Instruments) and synthesis. Best evidence synthesis was performed for the quantitative data, while meta-aggregation was performed for the qualitative data. The synthesised data were then configured using the segregated approach. A total of 529 studies from the literature were obtained from the searched databases, while only four were obtained from the other sources. After de-duplication, screening, and quality appraisal, a total of 17 studies were found eligible and included in this review. Sixteen studies were non-grey literature while, one was grey literature, and only a few reported a finding on cling film and heterosexual populations. A total of 5516 adolescents and adults were investigated in the analysed literature. Overall, the reported knowledge of dental dams was generally poor, while no study reported knowledge of cling film. The attitudes towards dental dams/cling film were complex and predominantly negative, with very few participants using dental dams/cling film for oral sex. No study reported any finding on the effect(s) of dental dam/cling film use. In conclusion, there is a need for robust and strategic public health interventions for sexual health and safer oral sex practices.
Synthetic Organic Molecules as Metallic Corrosion Inhibitors: General Aspects and Trends
Authors: Lessa Renato Corrêa da Silva
Published: May 2023

Organic molecules are gaining special attention over the last years in the corrosion area thanks to their general low achievable cytotoxicity, structural versatility, and environmentally friendly obtainment methods. Under those approaches, synthetic organic motifs have attracted the interest of researchers due to their variated methods of obtention through molecular manipulation via diverse chemical reactions, allowing the production of adequately planned structures or repurposing their original application in the case of drugs. This review summarizes general aspects that are desired in organic molecules as corrosion inhibitors, presenting selected works published in the 2022–2023 period and emphasizing the importance of finding novel and different organic corrosion inhibitors. Patents were not considered in this review. Scifinder, Google Scholar, and Web of Science were employed as databases. Mathematical and analytical methods involved in the search for corrosion inhibitors are out of this review’s scope.
MKX-AS1 Gene Expression Associated with Variation in Drug Response to Oxaliplatin and Clinical Outcomes in Colorectal Cancer Patients
Authors: Gonzalez Ricardo D. , Small George W. , Green Adrian J. , Akhtari Farida S. , Motsinger-Reif Alison A. , Quintanilha Julia C. F. , Havener Tammy M. , Reif David M. , McLeod Howard L. , Wiltshire Tim
Published: May 2023

Oxaliplatin (OXAL) is a commonly used chemotherapy for treating colorectal cancer (CRC). A recent genome wide association study (GWAS) showed that a genetic variant (rs11006706) in the lncRNA gene MKX-AS1 and partnered sense gene MKX could impact the response of genetically varied cell lines to OXAL treatment. This study found that the expression levels of MKX-AS1 and MKX in lymphocytes (LCLs) and CRC cell lines differed between the rs11006706 genotypes, indicating that this gene pair could play a role in OXAL response. Further analysis of patient survival data from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and other sources showed that patients with high MKX-AS1 expression status had significantly worse overall survival (HR = 3.2; 95%CI = (1.17–9); p = 0.024) compared to cases with low MKX-AS1 expression status. Alternatively, high MKX expression status had significantly better overall survival (HR = 0.22; 95%CI = (0.07–0.7); p = 0.01) compared to cases with low MKX expression status. These results suggest an association between MKX-AS1 and MKX expression status that could be useful as a prognostic marker of response to OXAL and potential patient outcomes in CRC.
Structure Optimization of 12β-O-γ-Glutamyl Oleanolic Acid Derivatives Resulting in Potent FXR Antagonist/Modulator for NASH Therapy
Authors: Ma Hao , Bao Yunyang , Niu Shuaishuai , Wang Shaorong , Li Yiming , He Hongwei , Zhang Na , Fang Weishuo
Published: May 2023

The farnesoid X receptor (FXR) plays a crucial role in regulating the metabolism of bile acids, lipids, and sugars. Consequently, it is implicated in the treatment of various diseases, including cholestasis, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, and cancer. The advancement of novel FXR modulators holds immense importance, especially in managing metabolic disorders. In this study, a series of oleanolic acid (OA) derivatives bearing 12β-O-(γ-glutamyl) groups were designed and synthesized. Using a yeast one-hybrid assay, we established a preliminary structure–activity relationship (SAR) and identified the most potent compound, 10b, which selectively antagonizes FXR over other nuclear receptors. Compound 10b can differentially modulate the downstream genes of FXR, including with the upregulation of the CYP7A1 gene. In vivo testing revealed that 10b (100 mg·Kg−1) not only effectively inhibits lipid accumulation in the liver but also prevents liver fibrosis in both BDL rats and HFD mice. Molecular modeling indicated that the branched substitution of 10b extends into the H11–H12 region of FXR-LBD, possibly accounting for its CYP7A1 upregulation, which is different from a known OA 12β-alkonate. These findings suggest that 12-glutamyl OA derivative 10b represents a promising candidate for the treatment of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH).
Topically Applied Biopolymer-Based Tri-Layered Hierarchically Structured Nanofibrous Scaffold with a Self-Pumping Effect for Accelerated Full-Thickness Wound Healing in a Rat Model
Authors: Hamza Kholoud H. , El-Shanshory Ahmed A. , Agwa Mona M. , Abo-Alkasem Mohamed I. , El-Fakharany Esmail M. , Abdelsattar Abdallah S. , El-Bardan Ali A. , Kassem Taher S. , Mo Xiumei , Soliman Hesham M. A.
Published: May 2023

Wound healing has grown to be a significant problem at a global scale. The lack of multifunctionality in most wound dressing-based biopolymers prevents them from meeting all clinical requirements. Therefore, a multifunctional biopolymer-based tri-layered hierarchically nanofibrous scaffold in wound dressing can contribute to skin regeneration. In this study, a multifunctional antibacterial biopolymer-based tri-layered hierarchically nanofibrous scaffold comprising three layers was constructed. The bottom and the top layers contain hydrophilic silk fibroin (SF) and fish skin collagen (COL), respectively, for accelerated healing, interspersed with a middle layer of hydrophobic poly-3-hydroxybutyrate (PHB) containing amoxicillin (AMX) as an antibacterial drug. The advantageous physicochemical properties of the nanofibrous scaffold were estimated by SEM, FTIR, fluid uptake, contact angle, porosity, and mechanical properties. Moreover, the in vitro cytotoxicity and cell healing were assessed by MTT assay and the cell scratching method, respectively, and revealed excellent biocompatibility. The nanofibrous scaffold exhibited significant antimicrobial activity against multiple pathogenic bacteria. Furthermore, the in vivo wound healing and histological studies demonstrated complete wound healing in wounded rats on day 14, along with an increase in the expression level of the transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) and a decrease in the expression level of interleukin-6 (IL-6). The results revealed that the fabricated nanofibrous scaffold is a potent wound dressing scaffold, and significantly accelerates full-thickness wound healing in a rat model.
Formulation Strategies of Nanosuspensions for Various Administration Routes
Authors: Pınar Sıla Gülbağ , Oktay Ayşe Nur , Karaküçük Alptuğ Eren , Çelebi Nevin
Published: May 2023

Nanosuspensions (NSs), which are nanosized colloidal particle systems, have recently become one of the most interesting substances in nanopharmaceuticals. NSs have high commercial potential because they provide the enhanced solubility and dissolution of low-water-soluble drugs by means of their small particle sizes and large surface areas. In addition, they can alter the pharmacokinetics of the drug and, thus, improve its efficacy and safety. These advantages can be used to enhance the bioavailability of poorly soluble drugs in oral, dermal, parenteral, pulmonary, ocular, or nasal routes for systemic or local effects. Although NSs often consist mainly of pure drugs in aqueous media, they can also contain stabilizers, organic solvents, surfactants, co-surfactants, cryoprotectants, osmogents, and other components. The selection of stabilizer types, such as surfactants or/and polymers, and their ratio are the most critical factors in NS formulations. NSs can be prepared both with top-down methods (wet milling, dry milling, high-pressure homogenization, and co-grinding) and with bottom-up methods (anti-solvent precipitation, liquid emulsion, and sono-precipitation) by research laboratories and pharmaceutical professionals. Nowadays, techniques combining these two technologies are also frequently encountered. NSs can be presented to patients in liquid dosage forms, or post-production processes (freeze drying, spray drying, or spray freezing) can also be applied to transform the liquid state into the solid state for the preparation of different dosage forms such as powders, pellets, tablets, capsules, films, or gels. Thus, in the development of NS formulations, the components/amounts, preparation methods, process parameters/levels, administration routes, and dosage forms must be defined. Moreover, those factors that are the most effective for the intended use should be determined and optimized. This review discusses the effect of the formulation and process parameters on the properties of NSs and highlights the recent advances, novel strategies, and practical considerations relevant to the application of NSs to various administration routes.
Development of Thermoresponsive Hydrogels with Mucoadhesion Properties Loaded with Metronidazole Gel-Flakes for Improved Bacterial Vaginosis Treatment
Authors: Permana Andi Dian , Asri Rangga Meidianto , Amir Muhammad Nur , Himawan Achmad , Arjuna Andi , Juniarti Nana , Utami Rifka Nurul , Mardikasari Sandra Aulia
Published: May 2023

Bacterial vaginosis is an infectious disease that has significantly affected women’s health. Metronidazole has been widely used as a drug for treating bacterial vaginosis. Nevertheless, the currently available therapies have been found to be inefficient and inconvenient. Here, we developed the combination approach of gel flake and thermoresponsive hydrogel systems. The gel flakes were prepared using gellan gum and chitosan, showing that the incorporation of metronidazole was able to provide a sustained release pattern for 24 h with an entrapment efficiency of >90%. Moreover, the gel flakes were incorporated into Pluronics-based thermoresponsive hydrogel using the combination of Pluronic F127 and F68. The hydrogels were found to exhibit the desired thermoresponsive properties, showing sol-gel transition at vaginal temperature. Following the addition of sodium alginate as a mucoadhesive agent, the hydrogel was retained in the vaginal tissue for more than 8 h, with more than 5 mg of metronidazole retained in the ex vivo evaluation. Finally, using the bacterial vaginosis infection model in rats, this approach could decrease the viability of Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus with reduction percentages of more than 95% after 3 days of treatment, with the healing ability similar to normal vaginal tissue. In conclusion, this study offers an effective approach for the treatment of bacterial vaginosis.
Development, Management and Utilization of a Kiwifruit (Actinidia spp.) In Vitro Collection: A New Zealand Perspective
Authors: Nadarajan Jayanthi , Esfandiari Azadeh , Mathew Liya , Divinagracia Jasmine , Wiedow Claudia , Morgan Ed
Published: May 2023

The New Zealand Institute for Plant and Food Research Limited (PFR) supports a large kiwifruit breeding program that includes more than twenty Actinidia species. Almost all the kiwifruit accessions are held as field collections across a range of locations, though not all plants are at multiple locations. An in vitro collection of kiwifruit in New Zealand was established upon the arrival of Pseudomonas syringae pv. Actinadiae-biovar 3 in 2010. The value of an in vitro collection has been emphasized by restrictions on importation of new plants into New Zealand and increasing awareness of the array of biotic and abiotic threats to field collections. The PFR in vitro collection currently holds about 450 genotypes from various species, mostly A. chinensis var. chinensis and A. chinensis var. deliciosa. These collections and the in vitro facilities are used for germplasm conservation, identification of disease-free plants, reference collections and making plants available to users. Management of such a diverse collection requires appropriate protocols, excellent documentation, training, sample tracking and databasing and true-to-type testing, as well as specialized facilities and resources. This review also discusses the New Zealand biosecurity and compliance regime governing kiwifruit plant movement, and how protocols employed by the facility aid the movement of pathogen-free plants within and from New Zealand.
Transformation from Electromagnetic Inflection to Absorption of Silicone Rubber and Accordion-Shaped Ti3C2MXene Composites by Highly Electric Conductive Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes
Authors: Guo Xin , Liu Li , Ding Naixiu , Liu Guangye
Published: May 2023

Electromagnetic (EM) pollution becomes more penetrating in daily life and work due to more convenience provided by multi-electrical devices, as does secondary pollution caused by electromagnetic reflection. EM wave absorption material with less reflection is a good solution to absorb unavoidable EM radiation or reduce it from the source. Filled with two-dimensional Ti3SiC2MXenes, silicone rubber (SR)composite demonstrated a good electromagnetic shielding effectiveness of 20 dB in the X band by melt-mixing processes for good conductivity of more than 10−3 S/cm and displayed dielectric properties and a low magnetic permeability; however, the reflection loss was only −4 dB. By the combination of one-dimensional highly electric conductive multi-walled carbon nanotubes (HEMWCNTs) and MXenes, the composites achieved the transformation from electromagnetic inflection to an excellent absorbing performance to reach a minimum reflection loss of −30.19 dB due to electric conductivity of above 10−4 S/cm, a higher dielectric constant, and more loss in both dielectric and magnetic properties. Ni-added multi-walled carbon nanotubes were not able to achieve the transformation. The as-prepared SR/HEMWCNT/MXene composites have potential application prospects in protective layers, which can be used for electromagnetic wave absorption, electromagnetic interference suppression of devices, and stealth of the equipment.
The Antibacterial Activities and Characterizations of Biosynthesized Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles, and Their Coated with Alginate Derived from Fucus vesiculosus
Authors: Hamouda Ragaa A. , Alharbi Asrar A. , Al-Tuwaijri Majdah M. , Makharita Rabab R.
Published: May 2023

Zinc oxide nanoparticles have many advantages for nano-biotechnologists due to their intense biomedical applications. ZnO-NPs are used as antibacterial agents, which influence bacterial cells through the rupture of the cell membrane and the generation of reactive free radicals. Alginate is a polysaccharide of natural origin due to its excellent properties that are used in various biomedical applications. Brown algae are good sources of alginate and are used as a reducing agent in the synthesis of nanoparticles. This study aims to synthesize ZnO-NPs by using brown alga Fucus vesiculosus (Fu/ZnO-NPs) and also to extract alginate from the same alga, which is used in coating the ZnO-NPs (Fu/ZnO-Alg-NCMs). The characterizations of Fu/ZnO-NPs and Fu/ZnO-Alg-NCMs were determined by FTIR, TEM, XRD, and zeta potential. The antibacterial activities were applied against multidrug resistance bacteria of both gram-positive and negative. The results obtained in FT-TR showed there are some shifts in the peak positions of Fu/ZnO-NPs and Fu/ZnO-Alg-NCMs. The peak at 1655 cm−1, which assigned amide I-III, is present in both Fu/ZnO-NPs and Fu-Alg-ZnO-NCMs; this band is responsible for bio-reductions and stabilization of both nanoparticles. The TEM images proved the Fu/ZnO-NPs have rod shapes with sizes ranging from 12.68 to 17.66 and are aggregated, but Fu/ZnO/Alg-NCMs are spherical in shape with sizes ranging from 12.13 to 19.77. XRD-cleared Fu/ZnO-NPs have nine sharp peaks that are considered good crystalline, but Fu/ZnO-Alg-NCMs have four broad and sharp peaks that are considered semi-crystalline. Both Fu/ZnO-NPs and Fu/ZnO-Alg-NCMs have negative charges (−1.74 and −3.56, respectively). Fu/ZnO-NPs have more antibacterial activities than Fu/ZnO/Alg-NCMs in all tested multidrug-resistant bacterial strains. Fu/ZnO/Alg-NCMs had no effect on Acinetobacter KY856930, Staphylococcus epidermidis, and Enterobacter aerogenes, whereas there was an apparent effect of ZnO-NPs against the same strains.
Analysis of the Influencing Factors of the Efficient Degradation of Waste Polyurethane and Its Scheme Optimization
Authors: Gu Xiaohua , Zhu Shangwen , Liu Siwen , Liu Yan
Published: May 2023

This work proposes an efficient catalytic recovery and utilization method for waste polyurethane foam. This method uses ethylene glycol (EG) and propylene glycol (PPG) as two-component alcohololytic agents for the alcoholysis of waste polyurethane foams. For the preparation of recycled polyethers, the conditions of different catalytic degradation systems were catalyzed by duplex metal catalysts (DMC) and alkali metal catalysts, and a synergy with both was also used. The experimental method was adopted with the blank control group and was set up for comparative analysis. The effect of the catalysts on the recycling of waste polyurethane foam was investigated. The catalytic degradation of DMC and the alkali metal catalysts alone, as well as the synergistic effect of the two catalysts, was explored. The findings revealed that the NaOH and DMC synergistic catalytic system was the best, and that the system activity was high under a two-component catalyst synergistic degradation. When the amount of NaOH added in the degradation system was 0.25%, the amount of DMC added was 0.04%, the reaction time was 2.5 h, and the reaction temperature was 160 °C, the waste polyurethane foam was completely alcoholized, and the prepared regenerated polyurethane foam had high compressive strength and good thermal stability. The efficient catalytic recycling method of waste polyurethane foam proposed in this paper has certain guiding and reference values for the practical production of solid-waste-recycled polyurethane.
Dispersion Performances of Naphthalimides Doped in Dual Temperature- and pH-Sensitive Poly (N-Isopropylacrylamide-co-acrylic Acid) Shell Assembled with Vinyl-Modified Mesoporous SiO2 Core for Fluorescence Cell Imaging
Authors: Xu Xiaohuan , Wang Xiaoli , Cui Xueqing , Jia Bingying , Xu Bang , Sun Jihong
Published: May 2023

Developing effective intelligent nanocarriers is highly desirable for fluorescence imaging and therapeutic applications but remains challenging. Using a vinyl-grafted BMMs (bimodal mesoporous SiO2 materials) as a core and PAN ((2-aminoethyl)-6-(dimethylamino)-1H-benzo[de]isoquinoline-1,3(2H)-dione))-dispersed dual pH/thermal-sensitive poly(N-isopropylacrylamide-co-acrylic acid) as a shell, PAN@BMMs with strong fluorescence and good dispersibility were prepared. Their mesoporous features and physicochemical properties were extensively characterized via XRD patterns, N2 adsorption–desorption analysis, SEM/TEM images, TGA profiles, and FT-IR spectra. In particular, their mass fractal dimension (dm) features based on SAXS patterns combined with fluorescence spectra were successfully obtained to evaluate the uniformity of the fluorescence dispersions, showing that the dm values increased from 2.49 to 2.70 with an increase of the AN-additive amount from 0.05 to 1%, along with the red shifting of their fluorescent emission wavelength from 471 to 488 nm. The composite (PAN@BMMs-I-0.1) presented a densification trend and a slight decrease in peak (490 nm) intensity during the shrinking process. Its fluorescent decay profiles confirmed two fluorescence lifetimes of 3.59 and 10.62 ns. The low cytotoxicity obtained via in vitro cell survival assay and the efficient green imaging performed via HeLa cell internalization suggested that the smart PAN@BMM composites are potential carriers for in vivo imaging and therapy.
An Eco-Friendly Adsorbent Based on Bacterial Cellulose and Vermiculite Composite for Efficient Removal of Methylene Blue and Sulfanilamide
Authors: Bai Xiuzhi , Liu Zhongxiang , Liu Pengfei , Zhang Yijun , Hu Linfeng , Su Tongchao
Published: May 2023

In this work, a novel composite of bacterial cellulose (BC) and expanded vermiculite (EVMT) composite was used to adsorb dyes and antibiotics. The pure BC and BC/EVMT composite were characterized using SEM, FTIR, XRD, XPS and TGA. The BC/EVMT composite exhibited a microporous structure, providing abundant adsorption sites for target pollutants. The adsorption performance of the BC/EVMT composite was investigated for the removal of methylene blue (MB) and sulfanilamide (SA) from an aqueous solution. The adsorption capacity of BC/ENVMT for MB increased with increasing pH, while the adsorption capacity for SA decreased with increasing pH. The equilibrium data were analyzed using the Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms. As a result, the adsorption of MB and SA by the BC/EVMT composite was found to follow the Langmuir isotherm well, indicating a monolayer adsorption process on a homogeneous surface. The maximum adsorption capacity of the BC/EVMT composite was found to be 92.16 mg/g for MB and 71.53 mg/g for SA, respectively. The adsorption kinetics of both MB and SA on the BC/EVMT composite showed significant characteristics of a pseudo-second-order model. Considering the low cost and high efficiency of BC/EVMT, it is expected to be a promising adsorbent for the removal of dyes and antibiotics from wastewater. Thus, it can serve as a valuable tool in sewage treatment to improve water quality and reduce environmental pollution.
The Investigation of Copolymer Composition Sequence on Non-Isothermal Crystallization Kinetics of Bio-Based Polyamide 56/512
Authors: Gan Diansong , Liu Yuejun , Hu Tianhui , Fan Shuhong , Liu Xiaochao , Cui Lingna , Yang Ling , Wu Yincai , Chen Lily , Mo Zhixiang
Published: May 2023

A new bio-based polyamide 56/512 (PA56/512) has been synthesized with a higher bio-based composition compared to industrialized bio-based PA56, which is considered a lower carbon emission bio-based nylon. In this paper, the one-step approach of copolymerizing PA56 units with PA512 units using melt polymerization has been investigated. The structure of the copolymer PA56/512 was characterized using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and Proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR). Other measurement methods, including relative viscosity tests, amine end group measurement, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), were used to analyze the physical and thermal properties of the PA56/512. Furthermore, the non-isothermal crystallization behaviors of PA56/512 have been investigated with the analytical model of Mo’s method and the Kissinger method. The melting point of copolymer PA56/512 exhibited a eutectic point at 60 mol% of 512 corresponding to the typical isodimorphism behavior, and the crystallization ability of PA56/512 also displayed a similar tendency.
Novel CuMgAlTi-LDH Photocatalyst for Efficient Degradation of Microplastics under Visible Light Irradiation
Authors: Jiang Shengyun , Yin Mingshan , Ren Huixue , Qin Yaping , Wang Weiliang , Wang Quanyong , Li Xuemei
Published: May 2023

Microplastics (MPs) in the water system could easily enter the human body and pose a potential threat, so finding a green and effective solution remains a great challenge. At present, the advanced oxidation technology represented by photocatalysis has been proven to be effective in the removal of organic pollutants, making it a feasible method to solve the problem of MP pollution. In this study, the photocatalytic degradation of typical MP polystyrene (PS) and polyethylene (PE) by a new quaternary layered double hydroxide composite photomaterial CuMgAlTi-R400 was tested under visible light irradiation. After 300 h of visible light irradiation, the average particle size of PS decreased by 54.2% compared with the initial average particle size. The smaller the particle size, the higher the degradation efficiency. The degradation pathway and mechanism of MPs were also studied by GC–MS, which showed that PS and PE produced hydroxyl and carbonyl intermediates in the process of photodegradation. This study demonstrated a green, economical, and effective strategy for the control of MPs in water.
Aromatherapeutic and Antibacterial Properties of Cotton Materials Treated with Emulsions Containing Peppermint Essential Oil (Menthae piperitae aetheroleum)
Authors: Rosu Genoveva , Muresan Emil Ioan , Spac Adrian Florin , Diaconu Mariana , Ciolacu Diana Elena , Danila Angela , Tita Carmen , Muresan Augustin
Published: May 2023

The objective of the work was to obtain materials with aromatherapeutic and antibacterial properties by applying emulsions based on peppermint essential oil (PEO) onto cotton fabric. For this purpose, some emulsions based on PEO incorporated in various matrices (chitosan + gelatin + beeswax; chitosan + beeswax; gelatin + beeswax and gelatin + chitosan) were prepared. Tween 80 was used as a synthetic emulsifier. The influence of the nature of matrices and of the concentration of Tween 80 on the stability of the emulsions was evaluated by the creaming indices. The materials treated with the stable emulsions were analyzed in terms of sensory activity, of the comfort characteristics, and of the gradual release of the PEO in the artificial perspiration solution. The sum of volatile components retained by samples after exposure to air was determined by GC-MS. The results regarding antibacterial activity showed that materials treated with emulsions have a good inhibitory effect on S. aureus (diameters of the inhibition zones between 53.6 and 64.0 mm) and on E. coli (diameters of the inhibition zones between 38.3 and 64.0 mm). Our data suggest that by applying peppermint-oil-based emulsions on a cotton support, aromatherapeutic patches, bandages and dressings with antibacterial properties can be obtained.
Antimicrobial and Mechanical Properties of Ag@Ti3C2Tx-Modified PVA Composite Hydrogels Enhanced with Quaternary Ammonium Chitosan
Authors: Guo Linxinzheng , Hu Kun , Wang Haibo
Published: May 2023

Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) is a polymeric material with good biocompatibility, excellent hydrophilicity, and a large number of hydroxyl groups. However, due to its insufficient mechanical properties and poor inhibition of bacteria, it has a lack of applications in wound dressings, stent materials, and other fields. In this study, a simple method was used to prepare composite gel materials: Ag@MXene-HACC-PVA hydrogels with a double-network structure were prepared using an acetal reaction. Due to the double cross-linked interaction, the hydrogel has good mechanical properties and is resistant to swelling. The adhesion and bacterial inhibition were enhanced due to the addition of HACC. In addition, the strain sensing properties of this conductive hydrogel were stable, and the GF (specification factor) was 1.7617 at 40–90% strain. Therefore, the dual-network hydrogel with excellent sensing properties, adhesion properties, antibacterial properties, and cytocompatibility has potential applications in biomedical materials, especially as a tissue engineering repair material.
Electrochemical Deposition of Polypyrrole in the Presence of Silanes as Adhesion Promoters
Authors: Castro-Beltran Andres , Alvarado-Beltran Clemente G. , Lara-Sanchez Jesus F. , de la Cruz Wencel , Castillon-Barraza Felipe F. , Cruz-Silva Rodolfo
Published: May 2023

Polypyrrole adhesion to indium–tin oxide electrodes was improved by adding pre-hydrolyzed alkoxysilanes to the electrodeposition media. The pyrrole oxidation and film growth rates were studied by potentiostatic polymerization in acidic media. The morphology and thickness of the films were studied by contact profilometry and surface-scanning electron microscopy. The bulk and surface semiquantitative chemical composition was studied by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Finally, the adhesion was studied by scotch-tape adhesion test, where both alkoxysilanes showed a significant improvement in adhesion. We proposed a hypothesis for the improvement in adhesion, that involves the formation of siloxane material as well as in situ surface modification of the transparent metal oxide electrode.
Intraarticular Implantation of Autologous Chondrocytes Placed on Collagen or Polyethersulfone Scaffolds: An Experimental Study in Rabbits
Authors: Płończak Maciej , Wasyłeczko Monika , Jakutowicz Tomasz , Chwojnowski Andrzej , Czubak Jarosław
Published: May 2023

Hyaline cartilage has very limited repair capability and cannot be rebuilt predictably using conventional treatments. This study presents Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation (ACI) on two different scaffolds for the treatment of lesions in hyaline cartilage in rabbits. The first one is a commercially available scaffold (Chondro–Gide) made of collagen type I/III and the second one is a polyethersulfone (PES) synthetic membrane, manufactured by phase inversion. The revolutionary idea in the present study is the fact that we used PES membranes, which have unique features and benefits that are desirable for the 3D cultivation of chondrocytes. Sixty-four White New Zealand rabbits were used in this research. Defects penetrating into the subchondral bone were filled with or without the placement of chondrocytes on collagen or PES membranes after two weeks of culture. The expression of the gene encoding type II procollagen, a molecular marker of chondrocytes, was evaluated. Elemental analysis was performed to estimate the weight of tissue grown on the PES membrane. The reparative tissue was analyzed macroscopically and histologically after surgery at 12, 25, and 52 weeks. RT-PCR analysis of the mRNA isolated from cells detached from the polysulphonic membrane revealed the expression of type II procollagen. The elementary analysis of polysulphonic membrane slices after 2 weeks of culture with chondrocytes revealed a concentration of 0.23 mg of tissue on one part of the membrane. Macroscopic and microscopic evaluation indicated that the quality of regenerated tissue was similar after the transplantation of cells placed on polysulphonic or collagen membranes. The established method for the culture and transplantation of chondrocytes placed on polysulphonic membranes resulted in the growth of the regenerated tissue, revealing the morphology of hyaline-like cartilage to be of similar quality to collagen membranes.
The Long Ninth Century: Christian Reactions to Islamization and Islamication in Palestine and Al-Andalus
Authors: Ehrlich Michael
Published: May 2023

Christian communities in Palestine and Al-Andalus faced similar challenges during the ninth century. Although Muslim authorities tolerated Christianity and enshrined a certain degree of religious freedom, they downgraded these communities and encouraged conversion to Islam. In the long span, Christian communities decreased because many of their leading members emigrated or converted. Moreover, many of those that remained adopted the Arabic language, dressed like Muslims, and became increasingly assimilated into the ruling elite Muslim culture. This article suggests that the contacts and reciprocal influence between Christian communities from Palestine and Spain during this period were more substantial than hitherto perceived. Thus, they used the same methods with some local adaptations to tackle their critical situation. They introduced a growing use of Arabic in religious life, established and upgraded important pilgrimage shrines, and some extremist monastic communities fostered and encouraged martyrdom.
Proposing a Social Justice Approach to Diaconia for a South African Context
Authors: Beukes Jacques Walter , Beukes Laurika Elouise
Published: May 2023

South Africa, although a “young” democracy, has quickly become one of the most economically uneven nations due to its history of segregation and discrimination as contributing factors. South Africans have seen an increase in the number of protests over the past several years because of the frustration that has been caused by unbearable living circumstances, a lack of service delivery, and empty promises made by the government. Poverty, unemployment, and social injustice are seen by the South African government as the most important obstacles that need to be overcome to construct a prosperous nation. Despite the government’s commitment to a “better life for all” since 1994, the post-apartheid South African government has predominantly prioritised civil and political rights in its efforts to address social injustices, while the socio-economic needs of the country’s impoverished and marginalised populations have remained largely unfulfilled. The degradation of human dignity that results from conditions such as poverty and unemployment is significant. A violation of one’s dignity can also occur when one is excluded from efforts to combat issues such as poverty and unemployment, which should be considered. Amidst all of this, the church is criticised for remaining silent and doing little to address the situation. This article proposes social justice as an ideal approach to diaconia and development. Therefore, it seeks to understand and include social justice principles as a means of empowering people to ensure effective development. The objective of long-term poverty reduction cannot be accomplished unless there is an emphasis placed on social justice. This article conducts an in-depth analysis of a variety of social justice theories to rationalise a social justice approach to diaconia.
A Non-Performing Loans (NPLs) Portfolio Pricing Model Based on Recovery Performance: The Case of Greece
Authors: Marouli Alexandra Z. , Giannini Eugenia N. , Caloghirou Yannis D.
Published: May 2023

In this paper, a method was proposed for pricing NPL portfolios, which is currently a crucial point in the portfolio transactions between the banks and NPL servicers. The method was based on a simple mathematical model which simulated the collection process of the NPL portfolios considering the debtors’ behavioral response to various legal measures (phone calls, extrajudicial notices, court orders, and foreclosures). The model considered the recovery distribution over time and was applied successfully to the case of Greece. The model was also used to predict recovery, cost, and profit future cash flows, and to optimize the collection strategies related to the activation periods of different measures. A sensitivity analysis was also conducted to reveal the most significant factors affecting the collection process.
Supervised Classification of Tree Cover Classes in the Complex Mosaic Landscape of Eastern Rwanda
Authors: Gutkin Nick , Uwizeyimana Valens , Somers Ben , Muys Bart , Verbist Bruno
Published: May 2023

Eastern Rwanda consists of a mosaic of different land cover types, with agroforestry, forest patches, and shrubland all containing tree cover. Mapping and monitoring the landscape is costly and time-intensive, creating a need for automated methods using openly available satellite imagery. Google Earth Engine and the random forests algorithm offer the potential to use such imagery to map tree cover types in the study area. Sentinel-2 satellite imagery, along with vegetation indices, texture metrics, principal components, and non-spectral layers were combined over the dry and rainy seasons. Different combinations of input bands were used to classify land cover types in the study area. Recursive feature elimination was used to select the most important input features for accurate classification, with three final models selected for classification. The highest classification accuracies were obtained for the forest class (85–92%) followed by shrubland (77–81%) and agroforestry (68–77%). Agroforestry cover was predicted for 36% of the study area, forest cover was predicted for 14% of the study area, and shrubland cover was predicted for 18% of the study area. Non-spectral layers and texture metrics were among the most important features for accurate classification. Mixed pixels and fragmented tree patches presented challenges for the accurate delineation of some tree cover types, resulting in some discrepancies with other studies. Nonetheless, the methods used in this study were capable of delivering accurate results across the study area using freely available satellite imagery and methods that are not costly and are easy to apply in future studies.
Suitability of NASA’s Black Marble Daily Nighttime Lights for Population Studies at Varying Spatial and Temporal Scales
Authors: Martinez Juan Fernando , MacManus Kytt , Stokes Eleanor C. , Wang Zhuosen , de Sherbinin Alex
Published: May 2023

This paper investigates the potential link between changes in NASA’s Black Marble VIIRS/NPP Gap-Filled Lunar BRDF-Adjusted Nighttime Lights Daily L3 Global 500 m Linear Lat Lon Grid (VNP46A2) nighttime lights product (NTL) and human dynamics, particularly population counts and changes at a variety of spatial and temporal scales. We conducted analyses in four case studies at varying resolutions to explore the relationship of NTL data for population studies, including demographic research, disaster mitigation and adaptation planning, and infrastructure development. The analyses were conducted using different administrative geographies, including a refugee camp, a subnational region, and a country. We compared changes in population counts, density, migration, and displacement against changes in daily, weekly, monthly, and annual NTL values. Our case study results demonstrate that out-migration does not always lead to a decrease in NTL. We found that rural population decline did not correspond to a decrease in NTL. Despite significant out-migration in many rural areas NTL remained largely unchanged. NTL provided essential information on infrastructure damage in the short-term aftermath of this disaster; however, NTL alone was not correlated to the location of displaced individuals. Through news reports, we were able to corroborate the NTL changes to downtimes of the electrical systems. Monthly NTL averages were highly correlated to population counts, but a pixel-level analysis showed that the changes in NTL were primarily attributed to economic diversification. In summary, NTL is the product of several factors including demographic, environmental, economic, and political forces that shape electricity infrastructure, and we suggest that NTL data must first be parameterized with ancillary ground-level information in order to be effectively applied to population models.
Vegetation Dynamic in a Large Floodplain Wetland: The Effects of Hydroclimatic Regime
Authors: Jing Lei , Zeng Qing , He Ke , Liu Peizhong , Fan Rong , Lu Weizhi , Lei Guangchun , Lu Cai , Wen Li
Published: May 2023

Floodplain wetlands are among the most dynamic ecosystems on Earth, featuring high biodiversity and productivity. They are also sensitive to anthropogenic disturbances and are globally threatened. Understanding how flow regime drives the spatiotemporal dynamics of wetland habitats is fundamental to effective conservation practices. In this study, using Landsat imagery and the random forest (RF) machine learning algorithm, we mapped the winter distribution of four wetland habitats (i.e., Carex meadow, reedbed, mudflat, and shallow water) in East Dongting Lake, a Ramsar wetland in the middle to lower Yangtze Basin of China, for 34 years (1988–2021). The dynamics of wetland habitats were explored through pixel-by-pixel comparisons. Further, the response of wetland habitats to flow regime variations was investigated using generalized additive mixed models (GAMM). Our results demonstrated the constant expansion of reedbeds and shrinkage of mudflats, and that there were three processes contributing to the reduction in mudflat: (1) permanent replacement by reedbed; (2) irreversible loss to water; and (3) transitional swapping with Carex meadow. These changes in the relative extent of wetland habitats may degrade the conservation function of the Ramsar wetland. Moreover, the duration of the dry season and the date of water level withdrawal were identified as the key flow regime parameters shaping the size of wetland habitats. However, different wetland vegetation showed distinct responses to variations in flow regime: while Carex meadow increased with earlier water withdrawal and a longer dry season, reedbed continuously expanded independent of the flow regime corresponding to the increase in winter rainfall. Our findings suggested that flow regime acts in concert with other factors, such as climate change and sand mining in river channels, driving wetland habitat transition in a floodplain landscape. Therefore, effective conservation can only be achieved through diverse restoration strategies addressing all drivers.
Coseismic and Early Postseismic Deformation of the 2020 Mw 6.4 Petrinja Earthquake (Croatia) Revealed by InSAR
Authors: Zhu Sen , Wen Yangmao , Gong Xiaodong , Liu Jingbin
Published: May 2023

The largest earthquake (Mw 6.4) in northwestern Croatia ruptured the faults near the city of Petrinja on 29 December 2020, at 11:19 UTC. The epicenter was located ~3 km southwest of Petrinja, ~40 km southeast of Zagreb, the capital of the Republic of Croatia. Here we investigated the geometric and kinematic properties of the 2020 Mw 6.4 Petrinja earthquake using a joint inversion of ascending and descending interferograms from three tracks of Sentinel-1 Single-Look Complex (SLC) images. The coseismic and early postseismic surface displacements associated with the Petrinja earthquake were imaged using standard DInSAR and SBAS time-series InSAR methods, respectively. The distributed slip model was inverted based on the ground surface displacements with maximum slip patch in 5 km depth. The early postseismic deformation occurred on the northwestern extent of coseismic slip, and it cannot be well modeled by the coseismic model. We thus suggested that the postseismic deformation was caused by a combined effect of the postseismic afterslips and aftershocks occurring in this area. Based on the inverted slip model, we calculated the Coulomb stress change in the region, and found a good correlation between positive Coulomb failure stress ∆CFS and the distribution of aftershocks. Based on these results, we identified which faults are more active, and then better estimated the seismic hazards in the region.