bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Early Treatment of Acute Myocardial Infarction with Melatonin: Effects on MMP-9 and Adverse Cardiac Events
Authors: Domínguez-Rodríguez Alberto , Hernández-Vaquero Daniel , Abreu-González Pedro , Báez-Ferrer Néstor , Díaz Rocío , Avanzas Pablo , Simko Fedor , Domínguez-González Virginia , Sharma Ramaswamy , Reiter Russel J.
Published: March 2022

Background: Matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) is crucial in tissue remodeling after an adverse cardiac event. In experimental studies, melatonin has been found to attenuate MMP-9 activation. The present study assessed the effects of systemic melatonin administration on the prognosis of patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) successfully treated with primary percutaneous coronary intervention, and to examine the effects on MMP-9 levels. Methods: We conducted a randomized controlled trial, enrolling patients who underwent primary percutaneous coronary intervention due to AMI. They were assigned to two groups for melatonin or placebo. The primary endpoint was a combined event of mortality and heart failure readmission at 2 years. The secondary endpoint was the levels of MMP-9 after the percutaneous coronary intervention. Results: Ninety-four patients were enrolled, 45 in the melatonin group and 49 in the control group. At 2 years of follow-up, 13 (13.8%) patients suffered the primary endpoint (3 deaths and 10 readmissions due to heart failure), 3 patients in the melatonin group and 10 in the placebo group. The difference in the restricted mean survival time was 87.5 days (p = 0.02); HR = 0.3 (95% CI 0.08–1.08; p = 0.06); Log-rank test 0.04. After controlling for confounding variables, melatonin administration reduced MMP-9 levels to 90 ng/mL (95% CI 77.3–102.6). Conclusions: This pilot study demonstrated that compared to placebo, melatonin administration was associated with better outcomes in AMI patients undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention.
The Role of Intelligence and Self-Concept for Teachers’ Competence
Authors: Blömeke Sigrid , Jenßen Lars , Eid Michael
Published: March 2022

Research on intelligence and competence has developed widely independent of each other. The present paper aims at relating these traditions and at integrating the dominant models to fill gaps in the respective theories. We test the structural models derived from this integration in a series of confirmatory factor analyses and a latent moderated structural equations approach using teachers as an example. The data reveal that both fluid intelligence (gf) and domain-specific knowledge affect teachers’ ability to solve the domain-specific items. Teachers’ academic self-concept related to mathematics explains individual differences beyond gf. An interaction effect between gf and self-concept exists for teachers’ pedagogical content and general pedagogical knowledge, but not for their mathematics knowledge. This finding indicates that a positive self-concept cannot compensate for a lack of gf, but it supports the acquisition of domain-specific knowledge in case of high gf, probably because it facilitates overcoming challenges.
A New Perspective on Assessing Cognition in Children through Estimating Shared Intentionality
Authors: Danilov Igor Val , Mihailova Sandra
Published: March 2022

This theoretical article aims to create a conceptual framework for future research on digital methods for assessing cognition in children through estimating shared intentionality, different from assessing through behavioral markers. It shows the new assessing paradigm based directly on the evaluation of parent-child interaction exchanges (protoconversation), allowing early monitoring of children’s developmental trajectories. This literature analysis attempts to understand how cognition is related to emotions in interpersonal dynamics and whether assessing these dynamics shows cognitive abilities in children. The first part discusses infants’ unexpected achievements, observing the literature about children’s development. The analysis supposes that due to the caregiver’s help under emotional arousal, newborns’ intentionality could appear even before it is possible for children’s intention to occur. The emotional bond evokes intentionality in neonates. Therefore, they can manifest unexpected achievements while performing them with caregivers. This outcome shows an appearance of protoconversation in adult-children dyads through shared intentionality. The article presents experimental data of other studies that extend our knowledge about human cognition by showing an increase of coordinated neuronal activities and the acquisition of new knowledge by subjects in the absence of sensory cues. This highlights the contribution of interpersonal interaction to gain cognition, discussed already by Vygotsky. The current theoretical study hypothesizes that if shared intentionality promotes cognition from the onset, this interaction modality can also facilitate cognition in older children. Therefore in the second step, the current article analyzes empirical data of recent studies that reported meaningful interaction in mother-infant dyads without sensory cues. It discusses whether an unbiased digital assessment of the interaction ability of children is possible before the age when the typical developmental trajectory implies verbal communication. The article develops knowledge for a digital assessment that can measure the extent of children’s ability to acquire knowledge through protoconversation. This specific assessment can signalize the lack of communication ability in children even when the typical trajectory of peers’ development does not imply verbal communication.
Impact of Power on Uneven Development: Evaluating Built-Up Area Changes in Chengdu Based on NPP-VIIRS Images (2015–2019)
Authors: Liu Long , Li Zhichao , Fu Xinyi , Liu Xuan , Li Zehao , Zheng Wenfeng
Published: March 2022

In the context of uneven development studies of China, urban built-up area changes are the index of the impact of power, as the local government is the only party that is able to acquire agricultural land and convert it to construction urban land. Existing studies generally use statistical data to describe the built-up area changes and struggle to meet the requirement of an updated and inexpensive monitoring of uneven development, especially for western cities with tight budgets. Open access NPP-VIIRS (Suomi National Polar-orbiting Partnership Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite), NDVI (Normalized Difference Vegetation Index), and nighttime LST (Land Surface Temperature) data ranging from 2015 to 2019 were analyzed with a stratified SVM (Support Vector Machine) method in this study to track urban built-up area changes in Chengdu, one of the biggest cities in Western China. The SDE (Standard Deviation Ellipse) and Moran’s I were then applied to evaluate the spatial variations of the built-up area changes. It was revealed that the spatial evolution of built-up area change in Chengdu over the period 2015–2019 demonstrated a “northwest-southeast” spatial expansion pattern, and the change distance in the center of gravity in 2018 and 2019 was greater than that from 2015 to 2017, which reflected the faster uneven development in 2018 and 2019 in Chengdu. The results were verified with finer resolution Landsat-8 OLI images; the high OA (all larger than 92%) and KAPPA (all larger than 0.6) values showed the accuracy of the method. The methodology proposed in this study offers a practical way for cities with tight budgets to monitor uneven development, and this study suggests a further adaption using higher-resolution remote sensing images and field experiments.
The Skyscraper as a Component of Public Space—The Case of Warsaw
Authors: Goncikowski Marcin
Published: March 2022

The following paper is devoted to the problem of relations between public space and high-rise buildings which were constructed in Warsaw in the years 1989–2022. The location of twenty-three high-rise buildings with a minimum height of one hundred meters was examined in terms of their role as basic elements of the city image and urban composition. According to the theory of K. Lynch and K. Wejchert, there were examined: multifunctionality of the space available in the public space in buildings, number of building users, parameters of the nearest neighboring public space including its area and width, and the visibility of buildings from the public space. Research shows that the high-rise buildings in Warsaw are located adjacent to public space that does not correspond to their scale and the generated traffic in the public space. Most of the analyzed buildings do not have a multifunctional ground floor, or offer more than three functions of public space. Most of the buildings are located at streets or traffic junctions while only two buildings are located at urban squares, and one at the closure of the streets. It is not possible to distinguish a coherent planning strategy related to the location of such facilities in Warsaw.
Cultural Perception of the Historical and Cultural Blocks of Beijing Based on Weibo Photos
Authors: Chen Siyu , Meng Bin , Liu Na , Qi Zhenyu , Liu Jian , Wang Juan
Published: March 2022

Historic blocks are steeped in the history and culture of a city, reflecting the characteristics of the landscape during historical periods; they are of great significance to the preservation of the historical memory of the city. However, existing research generally lacks integration with big data, and research perspectives are mostly from the conservation planning of historic blocks, the evaluation mechanisms of blocks, and the development of block tourism resources; thus, the public perception is lacking. This study involved 28 historical and cultural blocks in Beijing, the capital of China, and constructed a system of cultural perception symbols based on the cultural connotations of the capital. On this basis, photo recognition was conducted on Weibo photo data collected by relying on the photo segmentation method, and the intrinsic factors affecting the cultural perception of the historical and cultural blocks were explored from the perspective of public perception (local residents and tourists). The results show that: (1) the capital culture of Beijing can be roughly divided into five categories: ancient capital culture, red culture, Beijing-style culture, innovation culture, and other types of culture, based on the photo recognition method; (2) from the perspective of public perception, the degree of perception of Beijing culture and innovation culture is generally higher, while the degree of perception of red culture and ancient capital culture is lower; (3) the 28 historic and cultural blocks of Beijing’s old city are mainly dominated by one or more cultures, and there are no historic and cultural blocks with a balance of five cultures, reflecting the relative lack of cultural diversity within the blocks; (4) the local cultural identity of Beijing is prominent and dominant in the public mind. However, local residents have a relatively high perception of innovative culture, whereas tourists have a higher perception of ancient capital culture and red culture. In this study, photo recognition technology was introduced to study the cultural perception of historical and cultural blocks to provide new ideas and methods for the study of historical and cultural blocks.
Study of an “Artefact” of the Castilla Canal: Reconstruction of the Missing Machinery
Authors: Geijo Jose Manuel , Sanchez-Lite Alberto , Zulueta Patricia , Sampaio Alcínia Zita
Published: March 2022

This work aims to apply a systematic methodology to the analysis and graphical recovery of the “artefact” of the first lock of the Canal de Castilla (“the forge of Alar del Rey”) located in the Canal de Castilla as it passes through the province of Palencia (Spain). The canal, a great engineering work that began in the 18th century, was declared an asset of cultural interest (BIC, for its acronym in Spanish) in 1991 and was included in the National Plan for Industrial Heritage. To analyze and to obtain graphic reconstruction proposals, six main activities were developed, following three phases (study of primary and complementary technological and historical sources, fieldwork, and digital reconstruction). The reconstruction proposals were evaluated using three criteria: artefact data, the number of similar artefacts, and the performance. The weights of these three criteria were obtained using the Best-Worst Method (BWM), and the reconstruction proposals were classified using the Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) under uncertain conditions. AutoCAD was used to obtain detailed artefact geometric documentation (plans and detail drawings of each element). The work carried out on the artefact has allowed the reconstruction of the missing machinery and its factory, establishing a proposal consistent with the technological solutions of the end of the eighteenth century as well as with the ironworks studied and with the documentary sources consulted, recovering the memory of an artefact that is about to be lost.
An Artificial Neural Network Approach for Solving Inverse Kinematics Problem for an Anthropomorphic Manipulator of Robot SAR-401
Authors: Kramar Vadim , Kramar Oleg , Kabanov Aleksey
Published: March 2022

The paper proposes a new design of an artificial neural network for solving the inverse kinematics problem of the anthropomorphic manipulator of robot SAR-401. To build a neural network (NN), two sets were used as input data: generalized coordinates of the manipulator and elements of a homogeneous transformation matrix obtained by solving a direct kinematics problem based on the Denavi–Hartenberg notation. According to the simulation results, the NN based on the homogeneous transformation matrix showed the best accuracy. However, the accuracy was still insufficient. To increase the accuracy, a new NN design was proposed. It consists of adding a so-called “correctional” NN, the input of which is fed the same elements of the homogeneous transformation matrix and additionally the output of the first NN. The proposed design based on the correctional NN allowed the accuracy to increase two times. The application of the developed NN approach was carried out on a computer model of the manipulator in MATLAB, on the SAR-401 robot simulator, as well as on the robot itself.
Transforming Private Pensions: An Actuarial Model to Face Long-Term Costs
Authors: De La Peña J. Iñaki , Fernández-Ramos M. Cristina , Garayeta Asier , Martín Iratxe D.
Published: March 2022

A common response in public pension systems to population ageing is to link pensions to observed longevity. This creates an automatic stabiliser that arises from the valuation of a private actuarially funded system. However, no private pension plan mechanism has been articulated to adapt to this ageing in relation to the increased costs it entails. Private pension plans focus on saving for retirement; capital is accumulated to pay for it. However, perceptions of health status change over time and, as retirement age approaches, concerns about long-term care (LTC) increase. Moreover, there is not enough time to plan for it sufficiently in advance. This paper proposes to incorporate a mechanism to add an allowance to the financial pension (retirement, disability, rotation) to cover LTC within a private defined benefit pension plan, in the case of a pensioner becoming dependent. Depending on a pensioner’s health status, both the expected number of payments and their intensity are transformed. For this purpose, a mechanism is defined (through Markov chains) to adapt the amount of LTC support to a beneficiary’s health-related life expectancy. The study’s main contribution is that it establishes a private pension plan model that offers to incorporate dependency aid through this mechanism into the economic pensions without increasing the total cost of the plan. It adapts to life expectancy according to a person’s state (healthy, disabled, dependent).
Rigorous Analysis of the Quasi-Steady-State Assumption in Enzyme Kinetics
Authors: Bitsouni Vasiliki , Gialelis Nikolaos , Stratis Ioannis G.
Published: March 2022

We study, from a purely quantitative point of view, the quasi-steady-state assumption for the fundamental mathematical model of the general enzymatic reaction. In particular, (i) we introduce a simple, yet generic, algorithm for the proper scaling of the corresponding problem, (ii) we define the two essential parts (the standard and the reverse) of the quasi-steady-state assumption in a quantitative fashion, and (iii) we comment on the dispensable, although widely adopted, third part (the total) of it.
Contribution of Cardiorespiratory Coupling to the Irregular Dynamics of the Human Cardiovascular System
Authors: Ishbulatov Yurii M. , Bibicheva Tatiana S. , Gridnev Vladimir I. , Prokhorov Mikhail D. , Ogneva Marina V. , Kiselev Anton R. , Karavaev Anatoly S.
Published: March 2022

Irregularity is an important aspect of the cardiovascular system dynamics. Numerical indices of irregularity, such as the largest Lyapunov exponent and the correlation dimension estimated from interbeat interval time series, are early markers of cardiovascular diseases. However, there is no consensus on the origin of irregularity in the cardiovascular system. A common hypothesis suggests the importance of nonlinear bidirectional coupling between the cardiovascular system and the respiratory system for irregularity. Experimental investigations of this theory are severely limited by the capabilities of modern medical equipment and the nonstationarity of real biological systems. Therefore, we studied this problem using a mathematical model of the coupled cardiovascular system and respiratory system. We estimated and compared the numerical indices of complexity for a model simulating the cardiovascular dynamics in healthy subjects and a model with blocked regulation of the respiratory frequency and amplitude, which disturbs the coupling between the studied systems.
Survival with Random Effect
Authors: Šiaulys Jonas , Puišys Rokas
Published: March 2022

The article focuses on mortality models with a random effect applied in order to evaluate human mortality more precisely. Such models are called frailty or Cox models. The main assertion of the paper shows that each positive random effect transforms the initial hazard rate (or density function) to a new absolutely continuous survival function. In particular, well-known Weibull and Gompertz hazard rates and corresponding survival functions are analyzed with different random effects. These specific models are presented with detailed calculations of hazard rates and corresponding survival functions. Six specific models with a random effect are applied to the same data set. The results indicate that the accuracy of the model depends on the data under consideration.
Lie-Group Type Quadcopter Control Design by Dynamics Replacement and the Virtual Attractive-Repulsive Potentials Theory
Authors: Fiori Simone , Bigelli Luca , Polenta Federico
Published: March 2022

The aim of the present research work is to design a control law for a quadcopter drone based on the Virtual Attractive-Repulsive Potentials (VARP) theory. VARP theory, originally designed to enable path following by a small wheeled robot, will be tailored to control a quadcopter drone, hence allowing such device to learn flight planning. The proposed strategy combines an instance of VARP method to control a drone’s attitude (SO(3)-VARP) and an instance of VARP method to control a drone’s spatial location (R3-VARP). The resulting control strategy will be referred to as double-VARP method, which aims at making a drone follow a predefined path in space. Since the model of the drone as well as the devised control theory are formulated on a Lie group, their simulation on a computing platform is performed through a numerical analysis method specifically designed for these kinds of numerical simulations. A numerical simulation analysis is used to assess the salient features of the proposed regulation theory. In particular, resilience against shock-type disturbances are assessed numerically.
Primary Lymphocutaneous Nocardia brasiliensis in an Immunocompetent Host: Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Dumic Igor , Brown Alethea , Magee Kyle , Elwasila Sammer , Kaljevic Marija , Antic Marina , Igandan Oladapo , Cardozo Milena , Rueda Prada Libardo , Paulson Margaret
Published: March 2022

Nocardia spp. is a Gram-positive, partially acid-fast aerobic bacterium usually associated with infection in immunocompromised people. The most common sites of infection are the skin, lungs, and the brain, however disease can disseminate and affect every organ. Clinical manifestations of cutaneous disease are varied and frequently misdiagnosed. We present a case of an immunocompetent 66-year-old man who sustained a left finger injury while gardening. He was misdiagnosed on several occasions and treated with inappropriate antibiotics against Streptococcus spp. and Staphylococcus spp. When infection spread cutaneously, sporotrichoid (lymphocutaneous) nocardiosis was suspected and the patient was started on appropriate therapy with Bactrim which resulted in a cure. We also summarize the literature on lymphocutaneous infection by Nocardia brasiliensis. By reporting this case, we want to raise awareness among clinicians about unusual causes of cellulitis, the differential diagnosis of lymphocutaneous infection and the importance of obtaining a detailed exposure history to assist in the prompt diagnosis of nocardiosis.
Adsorption of Indium(III) Ions from an Acidic Solution by Using UiO-66
Authors: Zeng Wanyi , Xu Lei , Wang Qiongling , Chen Chen , Fu Minglai
Published: March 2022

Considering environmental friendliness and economic factors, the separation and extraction of indium under acidic conditions are of great significance. In this research, metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) of UiO-66 were successfully prepared and used for the separation and adsorption of indium. The properties of UiO-66 were structurally characterized using powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Brunauer-Emmett-Teller surface area analyzer (BET), thermogravimetric analysers (TGA) and Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). The results show that UiO-66 can resist acid and keep its structure unchanged, even at a strong acidity of pH 1. The adsorption performance of UiO-66 to indium (III) was also evaluated. The results show that the adsorption process of indium ions was by the Langmuir adsorption isotherm, with a maximum adsorption capacity of 11.75 mg·g−1 being recorded. The adsorption kinetics experiment preferably fits the second-order kinetic model. A possible mechanism for the adsorption of In(III) by UiO-66 was explored through X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and Fourier transform infrared analysis(FT-IR). It was concluded that the C=O of free –COOH of UiO-66 was involved in the adsorption of In(III) by cation exchange. This study indicates, for the first time, that UiO-66 can be applied as an acid-resistant adsorbent to recover indium (III).
Occurrence of Antimicrobial Resistance in the Environment in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland: A Narrative Review of Existing Evidence
Authors: Treskova Marina , Kuhlmann Alexander , Freise Fritjof , Kreienbrock Lothar , Brogden Sandra
Published: March 2022

(1) Background: This study summarizes the current research on antibiotic resistance (AR) in the environment conducted in Austria, Germany, and Switzerland; (2) Methods: A narrative systematic literature review of epidemiological studies based on searches in EMBASE and CAB abstracts (up to 16 June2021) was conducted. Environmental reservoirs included water sources, wastewater, animal husbandry, wildlife, soil, and sediment; (3) Results: Four hundred and four records were screened, and 52 studies were included. Thirteen studies examined aquatic environments, and eleven investigated wastewater. Eight studies investigated both wildlife and animal husbandry. Less evidence was available for sediments, soil, and air. Considerable heterogeneity in research focus, study design, sampling, and measurement of resistance was observed. Resistance to all categories of antimicrobials in the WHO CIA list was identified. Resistance to critically important and highly important substances was reported most frequently; (4) Conclusions: The current research scope presents data-gathering efforts. Usage of a unified protocol for isolate collection, selecting sampling sites, and susceptibility testing is required to provide results that can be compared between the studies and reservoirs. Epidemiological, environmental, and ecological factors should be considered in surveys of the environmental dissemination of AR. Systematic epidemiological studies investigating AR at the interface of human, animal, and environmental health are needed.
Plant-Growth-Promoting Potential of PGPE Isolated from Dactylis glomerata L.
Authors: Zhang Chaowen , Cai Kai , Li Mengyuan , Zheng Jiaqi , Han Yuzhu
Published: March 2022

Plant-growth-promoting endophytes (PGPE) are a kind of beneficial microorganisms which could inhabit plant tissues to antagonize certain plant pathogens and promote the host plant’s growth and development. At present, many studies have confirmed the mutualistic effect of endophytes with plants, but there are few systematic studies on beneficial roles between endophytes and Dactylis glomerata, especially on the PGPE characteristics of the forage and environmental restoration plant. This study aimed to isolate PGPE from D. glomerata, evaluate their effects on plant growth, and ultimately acquire desirable microbial inoculants for agricultural use. First, endophytes were isolated from D. glomerata by plant re-inoculation experiment, and identified by morphological and molecular analyses. Fixation medium and methods were carried out to assess the nitrogen fixation ability of the strains. Then, the ability to dissolve phosphorus was determined by the Olsen and silicate medium methods; secretory IAA was measured by Salkowski colorimetric method; and the inhibitive effects on phytopathogen were observed by confrontation culture. Twenty-one strains were isolated from four varieties of D. glomerata, among which 14 strains with plant-growth-promoting characteristics were obtained by re-inoculation experiments, including seven endophytic bacteria and seven endophytic fungi. Further evaluation of three selected strains with the most significant PGP attributes were performed by using the pot re-inoculation experiment which revealed that TG2-B derived from Myroides odoratimimus was the most effective plant-growth-promoting agent due to its ability to produce high levels of IAA; the strain Bacillus cereus exhibited the most robust ability in dissolving inorganic phosphorus; and Trichoderma harzianum manifested a conspicuously antagonistic effect against a variety of plant pathogens. For the first time, this study reports the identification of D. glomerata endophytes that were able to promote plant growth and have a considerable antagonistic effects on plant pathogens, which could be considered as microbial inoculants for using in improving crop production and plant disease control.
5-Bromo-3,4-dihydroxybenzaldehyde Promotes Hair Growth through Activation of Wnt/β-Catenin and Autophagy Pathways and Inhibition of TGF-β Pathways in Dermal Papilla Cells
Authors: Kang Jung-Il , Choi Youn Kyung , Han Sang-Chul , Nam Hyunwoo , Lee Gilwoo , Kang Ji-Hoon , Koh Young Sang , Hyun Jin Won , Yoo Eun-Sook , Kang Hee-Kyoung
Published: March 2022

Various studies addressing the increasing problem of hair loss, using natural products with few side effects, have been conducted. 5-bromo-3,4-dihydroxybenzaldehyde (BDB) exhibited anti-inflammatory effects in mouse models of atopic dermatitis and inhibited UVB-induced oxidative stress in keratinocytes. Here, we investigated its stimulating effect and the underlying mechanism of action on hair growth using rat vibrissa follicles and dermal papilla cells (DPCs), required for the regulation of hair cycle and length. BDB increased the length of hair fibers in rat vibrissa follicles and the proliferation of DPCs, along with causing changes in the levels of cell cycle-related proteins. We investigated whether BDB could trigger anagen-activating signaling pathways, such as the Wnt/β-catenin pathway and autophagy in DPCs. BDB induces activation of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway through the phosphorylation of GSG3β and β-catenin. BDB increased the levels of autophagic vacuoles and autophagy regulatory proteins Atg7, Atg5, Atg16L, and LC3B. We also investigated whether BDB inhibits the TGF-β pathway, which promotes transition to the catagen phase. BDB inhibited the phosphorylation of Smad2 induced by TGF-β1. Thus, BDB can promote hair growth by modulating anagen signaling by activating Wnt/β-catenin and autophagy pathways and inhibiting the TGF-β pathway in DPCs.
Functional Polyion Complex Micelles for Potential Targeted Hydrophobic Drug Delivery
Authors: Kalinova Radostina , Dimitrov Ivaylo
Published: March 2022

Polyion complex (PIC) micelles have gained an increasing interest, mainly as promising nano-vehicles for the delivery of various hydrophilic charged (macro)molecules such as DNA or drugs to the body. The aim of the present study is to construct novel functional PIC micelles bearing cell targeting ligands on the surface and to evaluate the possibility of a hydrophobic drug encapsulation. Initially, a pair of functional oppositely charged peptide-based hybrid diblock copolymers were synthesized and characterized. The copolymers spontaneously co-assembled in water into nanosized PIC micelles comprising a core of a polyelectrolyte complex between poly(L-aspartic acid) and poly(L-lysine) and a biocompatible mixed shell of disaccharide-modified poly(ethylene glycol) and poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate). Depending on the molar ratio between the oppositely charged groups, PIC micelles varying in surface charge were obtained and loaded with the natural hydrophobic drug curcumin. PIC micelles’ drug loading efficiency, in vitro drug release profiles and antioxidant activity were evaluated. The preliminary results indicate that PIC micelles can be successfully used as carriers of hydrophobic drugs, thus expanding their potential application in nanomedicine.
Reaction Products of β-Aminopropioamidoximes Nitrobenzenesulfochlorination: Linear and Rearranged to Spiropyrazolinium Salts with Antidiabetic Activity
Authors: Kayukova Lyudmila , Vologzhanina Anna , Dorovatovskii Pavel , Baitursynova Gulnur , Yergaliyeva Elmira , Kurmangaliyeva Ayazhan , Shulgau Zarina , Adekenov Sergazy , Shaimerdenova Zhanar , Akatan Kydymolla
Published: March 2022

Nitrobenzenesulfochlorination of β-aminopropioamidoximes leads to a set of products depending on the structure of the initial interacting substances and reaction conditions. Amidoximes, functionalized at the terminal C atom with six-membered N-heterocycles (piperidine, morpholine, thiomorpholine and phenylpiperazine), as a result of the spontaneous intramolecular heterocyclization of the intermediate reaction product of an SN2 substitution of a hydrogen atom in the oxime group of the amidoxime fragment by a nitrobenzenesulfonyl group, produce spiropyrazolinium ortho- or para-nitrobenzenesulfonates. An exception is ortho-nitrobenzenesulfochlorination of β-(thiomorpholin-1-yl)propioamidoxime, which is regioselective at room temperature, producing two spiropyrazolinium salts (ortho-nitrobezenesulfonate and chloride), and regiospecific at the boiling point of the solvent, when only chloride is formed. The para-Nitrobezenesulfochlorination of β-(benzimidazol-1-yl)propioamidoxime, due to the reduced nucleophilicity of the aromatic β-amine nitrogen atom, is regiospecific at both temperatures, and produces the O-para-nitrobenzenesulfochlorination product. The antidiabetic screening of the new nitrobezenesulfochlorination amidoximes found promising samples with in vitro α-glucosidase activity higher than the reference drug acarbose. 1H-NMR spectroscopy and X-ray analysis revealed the slow inversion of six-membered heterocycles, and experimentally confirmed the presence of an unfavorable stereoisomer with an axial N–N bond in the pyrazolinium heterocycle.
Anticancer Activity of Cordia dichotoma against a Panel of Human Cancer Cell Lines and Their Phytochemical Profiling via HPLC and GCMS
Authors: Raina Shilpa , Sharma Vikas , Sheikh Zahid Nabi , Kour Navneet , Singh Shashank K. , Zari Ali , Zari Talal A. , Alharby Hesham F. , Hakeem Khalid Rehman
Published: March 2022

The current study was conducted to examine the in vitro anticancer potential of Cordia dichotoma (bark, leaves, pulp and seed). The plant material was collected from UT of J&K and methodical bioassays were carried out on ten human cancer cell lines (Michigan Cancer Foundation-7 (MCF-7), M.D. Anderson-Metastatic Breast (MDA-MB-231), Neuroblastoma-2a (N2A), SH-SY5Y, U-251, HCT-116, SW-620, A-549, MIA PaCa-2, Panc-1) from five different origins (breast, CNS, colon, lung, pancreas) respectively. Methanolic extracts were produced and fractions were then obtained from the extracts and evaluated for cytotoxicity. Mechanistic assays, HPLC, and GCMS profiling were performed on the highest active fraction. The Sulforhodamine B (SRB) assay determined the in vitro cytotoxicity. The findings revealed that the bark portion had in vitro cytotoxicity against the A-549 human lung cancer cell line. To our knowledge, this is the first study to show that the plant’s bark has anticancer properties and induced chromatin condensation, confirmed cell death via ROS generation, and significantly decreased colony formation in A-549 cell line from lung origin in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, HPLC and GCMS investigations indicated the presence of a number of bioactive molecules such as gallic acid (144,969.86) uV*sec, caffeic acid (104.26) uV*sec, ferulic acid (472.87) uV*sec, vanillic acid (13,775.39) uV*sec, palmitic acid (18.34%), cis vaccenic acid (28.81%), etc. and one of the compounds was reported for the first time from the bark. As a result of its promising efficacy, it may become an essential cancer chemopreventive or chemotherapeutic medication for patients with lung carcinoma.
Demulsification of Heavy Oil-in-Water Emulsion by a Novel Janus Graphene Oxide Nanosheet: Experiments and Molecular Dynamic Simulations
Authors: Xu Yingbiao , Wang Yefei , Wang Tingyi , Zhang Lingyu , Xu Mingming , Jia Han
Published: March 2022

Various nanoparticles have been applied as chemical demulsifiers to separate the crude-oil-in-water emulsion in the petroleum industry, including graphene oxide (GO). In this study, the Janus amphiphilic graphene oxide (JGO) was prepared by asymmetrical chemical modification on one side of the GO surface with n-octylamine. The JGO structure was verified by Fourier-transform infrared spectra (FTIR), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and contact angle measurements. Compared with GO, JGO showed a superior ability to break the heavy oil-in-water emulsion with a demulsification efficiency reaching up to 98.25% at the optimal concentration (40 mg/L). The effects of pH and temperature on the JGO’s demulsification efficiency were also investigated. Based on the results of interfacial dilatational rheology measurement and molecular dynamic simulation, it was speculated that the intensive interaction between JGO and asphaltenes should be responsible for the excellent demulsification performance of JGO. This work not only provided a potential high-performance demulsifier for the separation of crude-oil-in-water emulsion, but also proposed novel insights to the mechanism of GO-based demulsifiers.
Quantum Computational Investigation of (E)-1-(4-methoxyphenyl)-5-methyl-N′-(3-phenoxybenzylidene)-1H-1,2,3-triazole-4-carbohydrazide
Authors: Gökce Halil , Şen Fatih , Sert Yusuf , Abdel-Wahab Bakr F. , Kariuki Benson M. , El-Hiti Gamal A.
Published: March 2022

The title compound was synthesized and structurally characterized. Theoretical IR, NMR (with the GIAO technique), UV, and nonlinear optical properties (NLO) in four different solvents were calculated for the compound. The calculated HOMO–LUMO energies using time-dependent (TD) DFT revealed that charge transfer occurs within the molecule, and probable transitions in the four solvents were identified. The in silico absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADME) analysis was performed in order to determine some physicochemical, lipophilicity, water solubility, pharmacokinetics, drug-likeness, and medicinal properties of the molecule. Finally, molecular docking calculation was performed, and the results were evaluated in detail.
A Platform Approach to Protein Encapsulates with Controllable Surface Chemistry
Authors: Warner Nina , Osojnik Črnivec Ilja Gasan , Rana Vijay Kumar , Cruz Menandro , Scherman Oren A.
Published: March 2022

The encapsulation of proteins into core-shell structures is a widely utilised strategy for controlling protein stability, delivery and release. Despite the recognised utility of these microstructures, however, core-shell fabrication routes are often too costly or poorly scalable to allow for industrial translation. Furthermore, many scalable routes rely upon emulsion-techniques implicating denaturing or environmentally harmful organic solvents. Herein, we investigate core-shell protein encapsulation through single-feed, aqueous spray drying: a cheap, industrially ubiquitous particle-formation technology in the absence of organic solvents. We show that an excipient’s preference for the surface of the spray dried particle is well-predicted by its hydrodynamic diameter (Dh) under relevant feed buffer conditions (pH and ionic strength) and that the predictive power of Dh is improved when measured at the spray dryer outlet temperature compared to room temperature (R2 = 0.64 vs. 0.59). Lastly, we leverage these findings to propose an adaptable design framework for fabricating core-shell protein encapsulates by single-feed aqueous spray drying.
LC/ESI/TOF-MS Characterization, Anxiolytic and Antidepressant-like Effects of Mitragyna speciosa Korth Extract in Diabetic Rats
Authors: Chen Lin , Fei Shizao , Olatunji Opeyemi Joshua
Published: March 2022

In this study, the attenuative effects of the hydro-alcoholic extract from Mitragyna speciosa (MSE) against diabetes-induced anxiety and depression-like behaviors were examined. In addition, UPLC/ESI/TOF-MS analysis was performed to identify the phytochemical nature of MSE. DM was induced using a combination of high fructose/streptozotocin, and the diabetic rats were treated with MSE (50 and 200 mg/kg) for 5 weeks. After treatment, the animals were subjected to a forced swim test, open field test and elevated plus-maze tests. Additionally, proinflammatory cytokines and oxidative stress parameters were evaluated in the brain tissues of the rats. UPLC/ESI/TOF-MS analysis revealed that MSE is abundantly rich in polyphenolic constituents, notably flavonoid and phenolic glycosides. Behavioral tests and biochemical analyses indicated that diabetic rats showed significantly increased anxiety and depressive-like behavioral deficits, brain oxidative stress and pro-inflammatory cytokines levels (IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α). Treatment with MSE (50 and 200 mg/kg) significantly attenuated increased blood glucose level, depressive and anxiety-like behaviors in diabetic rats. Additionally, the antioxidant enzymes activities were markedly increased in MSE-treated animals, while TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6 cytokines were notably suppressed. Taken together, these results suggested that MSE has potentials as antidepressant and anxiolytic-like effects and improves the brain oxido-inflammatory status in diabetic rats.
Three New Dihydrophenanthrene Derivatives from Cymbidium ensifolium and Their Cytotoxicity against Cancer Cells
Authors: Jimoh Tajudeen O. , Costa Bruno Cesar , Chansriniyom Chaisak , Chaotham Chatchai , Chanvorachote Pithi , Rojsitthisak Pornchai , Likhitwitayawuid Kittisak , Sritularak Boonchoo
Published: March 2022

From the aerial parts of Cymbidium ensifolium, three new dihydrophenanthrene derivatives, namely, cymensifins A, B, and C (1–3) were isolated, together with two known compounds, cypripedin (4) and gigantol (5). Their structures were elucidated by analysis of their spectroscopic data. The anticancer potential against various types of human cancer cells, including lung, breast, and colon cancers as well as toxicity to normal dermal papilla cells were assessed via cell viability and nuclear staining assays. Despite lower cytotoxicity in lung cancer H460 cells, the higher % apoptosis and lower % cell viability were presented in breast cancer MCF7 and colon cancer CaCo2 cells treated with 50 µM cymensifin A (1) for 24 h compared with the treatment of 50 µM cisplatin, an available chemotherapeutic drug. Intriguingly, the half-maximum inhibitory concentration (IC50) of cymensifin A in dermal papilla cells at >200 µM suggested its selective anticancer activity. The obtained information supports the further development of a dihydrophenanthrene derivative from C. ensifolium as an effective chemotherapy with a high safety profile for the treatment of various cancers.
Do Bio-Ethanol and Synthetic Ethanol Produced from Air-Captured CO2 Have the Same Degree of “Greenness” and Relevance to “Fossil C”?
Authors: Aresta Michele
Published: March 2022

This paper discusses the epochal change in the reputation of carbon dioxide, which is now considered as a raw material alternative to fossil C for the synthesis of chemicals, materials and fuels, as opposed to a waste material that must be confined underground. In particular, its use as renewable C is compared to biomass. In this paper, a specific point is discussed: is ethanol (or any fuel) produced via the catalytic conversion of atmospheric CO2 different from the relevant biomass-sourced product(s)? The answer to this question is very important because it ultimately determines whether or not fuels derived from atmospheric CO2 (either e-fuels or solar fuels) have the right to be subsidized in the same way that biofuels are. Conclusions are drawn demonstrating that ethanol derived from atmospheric CO2 deserves the same benefits as bio-ethanol, with the additional advantage that its synthesis can be less pollutant than its production via the fermentation of sugars. The same concept can be applied to any fuel derived from atmospheric CO2.
Synthesis of Cyclic Peptides in SPPS with Npb-OH Photolabile Protecting Group
Authors: Chen Tingting , Wang Gang , Tang Lin , Yang Hongpeng , Xu Jing , Wen Xiaoxue , Sun Yunbo , Liu Shuchen , Peng Tao , Zhang Shouguo , Wang Lin
Published: March 2022

Significant efforts have been made in recent years to identify more environmentally benign and safe alternatives to side-chain protection and deprotection in solid-phase peptide synthesis (SPPS). Several protecting groups have been endorsed as suitable candidates, but finding a greener protecting group in SPPS has been challenging. Here, based on the 2-(o-nitrophenyl) propan-1-ol (Npp-OH) photolabile protecting group, a structural modification was carried out to synthesize a series of derivatives. Through experimental verification, we found that 3-(o-Nitrophenyl) butan-2-ol (Npb-OH) had a high photo-release rate, high tolerance to the key conditions of Fmoc-SPPS (20% piperidine DMF alkaline solution, and pure TFA acidic solution), and applicability as a carboxyl-protective group in aliphatic and aromatic carboxyl groups. Finally, Npb-OH was successfully applied to the synthesis of head–tail cyclic peptides and side-chain–tail cyclic peptides. Moreover, we found that Npb-OH could effectively resist diketopiperazines (DKP). The α-H of Npb-OH was found to be necessary for its photosensitivity in comparison to 3-(o-Nitrophenyl)but-3-en-2-ol (Npbe-OH) during photolysis-rate verification.
Wool-Based Carbon Fiber/MoS2 Composite Prepared by Low-Temperature Catalytic Hydrothermal Method and Its Application in the Field of Gas Sensors
Authors: Xia Yidan , Wu Zhaofeng , Qin Zhangjie , Chen Fengjuan , Lv Changwu , Zhang Min , Shaymurat Talgar , Duan Haiming
Published: March 2022

Under the background of the Paris Agreement on reducing greenhouse gases, waste wools were converted into wool carbon fiber (WCF) and WCF–MoS2 composites by low-temperature catalytic hydrothermal carbonization. Their structures and gas-sensing performances were studied for the first time. Due to the existence of heterojunctions, the responses of the WCF–MoS2 composite to the five analytes were 3–400 times those of MoS2 and 2–11 times those of WCF. Interestingly, because of the N, P, and S elements contained in wools, the WCF prepared by the hydrothermal method was realized the doping of N, P, and S, which caused the sensing curves of WCF to have different shapes for different analytes. This characteristic was also well demonstrated by the WCF–MoS2 composite, which inspired us to realize the discriminative detection only by a single WCF–MoS2 sensor and image recognition technology. What’s more, the WCF–MoS2 composite also showed a high sensitivity, a high selectivity, and a rapid response to NH3. The response time and the recovery time to 3 ppm NH3 were about 16 and 5 s, respectively. The detection of limit of WCF–MoS2 for NH3 was 19.1 ppb. This work provides a new idea for the development of sensors and the resource utilization of wool waste.
The Dangerous Liaisons in the Oxidative Stress Response to Leishmania Infection
Authors: Reverte Marta , Snäkä Tiia , Fasel Nicolas
Published: March 2022

Leishmania parasites preferentially invade macrophages, the professional phagocytic cells, at the site of infection. Macrophages play conflicting roles in Leishmania infection either by the destruction of internalized parasites or by providing a safe shelter for parasite replication. In response to invading pathogens, however, macrophages induce an oxidative burst as a mechanism of defense to promote pathogen removal and contribute to signaling pathways involving inflammation and the immune response. Thus, oxidative stress plays a dual role in infection whereby free radicals protect against invading pathogens but can also cause inflammation resulting in tissue damage. The induced oxidative stress in parasitic infections triggers the activation in the host of the antioxidant response to counteract the damaging oxidative burst. Consequently, macrophages are crucial for disease progression or control. The ultimate outcome depends on dangerous liaisons between the infecting Leishmania spp. and the type and strength of the host immune response.