bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Scattering Behavior of Slivers in Shearing of Magnetized Ultra-High-Strength Steel Sheets
Authors: Yagita Ryo , Abe Yohei
Published: January 2023

The changes in the magnetization properties of high-strength steel and ultra-high-strength steel sheets are investigated, and then the sheared edges and the scattering behavior of slivers in shearing of the ultra-high-strength steel sheets are observed. The maximum magnetic flux density of the magnetized sheet is increased with the increasing tensile strength of the sheet. The maximum magnetic flux density in the magnetized blanks decreases, whereas the density in the demagnetized blanks increases. In the sheared edges, the ratio of the fracture surface becomes larger with the increasing tensile strength of the steel sheet. In shearing, the shearing slivers are observed at the time of crack penetration and at the time of punch rise. The mass of the slivers generated from the blank in shearing increases with the increasing tensile strength of the steel sheet. Two-thirds of the generated shearing slivers stick to the blank in the magnetized blank, whereas two-thirds of the slivers in the blank without magnetization scatter to the outside of the die.
Biogeographic Pattern and Network of Rhizosphere Fungal and Bacterial Communities in Panicum miliaceum Fields: Roles of Abundant and Rare Taxa
Authors: Tian Lixin , Zhang Yuchuan , Zhang Liyuan , Zhang Lei , Gao Xiaoli , Feng Baili
Published: January 2023

Unraveling how microbial interactions and assembly process regulate the rhizosphere abundant and rare taxa is crucial for determining how species diversity affects rhizosphere microbiological functions. We assessed the rare and abundant taxa of rhizosphere fungal and bacterial communities in proso millet agroecosystems to explore their biogeographic patterns and co-occurrence patterns based on a regional scale. The taxonomic composition was significantly distinct between the fungal and bacterial abundant and rare taxa. Additionally, the rare taxa of bacteria and fungi exhibited higher diversity and stronger phylogenetic clustering than those of the abundant ones. The phylogenetic turnover rate of abundant taxa of bacteria was smaller than that of rare ones, whereas that of fungi had the opposite trend. Environmental variables, particularly mean annual temperature (MAT) and soil pH, were the crucial factors of community structure in the rare and abundant taxa. Furthermore, a deterministic process was relatively more important in governing the assembly of abundant and rare taxa. Our network analysis suggested that rare taxa of fungi and bacteria were located at the core of maintaining ecosystem functions. Interestingly, MAT and pH were also the important drivers controlling the main modules of abundant and rare taxa. Altogether, these observations revealed that rare and abundant taxa of fungal and bacterial communities showed obvious differences in biogeographic distribution, which were based on the dynamic interactions between assembly processes and co-occurrence networks.
Nematophagous Fungi: A Review of Their Phosphorus Solubilization Potential
Authors: Vera-Morales Marcos , López Medina Segundo E. , Naranjo-Morán Jaime , Quevedo Adela , Ratti María F.
Published: January 2023

Nematophagous fungi (NF) are a group of diverse fungal genera that benefit plants. The aim of this review is to increase comprehension about the importance of nematophagous fungi and their role in phosphorus solubilization to favor its uptake in agricultural ecosystems. They use different mechanisms, such as acidification in the medium, organic acids production, and the secretion of enzymes and metabolites that promote the bioavailability of phosphorus for plants. This study summarizes the processes of solubilization, in addition to the mechanisms of action and use of NF on crops, evidencing the need to include innovative alternatives for the implementation of microbial resources in management plans. In addition, it provides information to help understand the effect of NF to make phosphorus available for plants, showing how these biological means promote phosphorus uptake, thus improving productivity and yield.
Metal Nanoparticles to Combat Candida albicans Infections: An Update
Authors: Carmo Paulo Henrique Fonseca do , Garcia Maíra Terra , Figueiredo-Godoi Lívia Mara Alves , Lage Anna Carolina Pinheiro , Silva Newton Soares da , Junqueira Juliana Campos
Published: January 2023

Candidiasis is an opportunistic mycosis with high annual incidence worldwide. In these infections, Candida albicans is the chief pathogen owing to its multiple virulence factors. C. albicans infections are usually treated with azoles, polyenes and echinocandins. However, these antifungals may have limitations regarding toxicity, relapse of infections, high cost, and emergence of antifungal resistance. Thus, the development of nanocarrier systems, such as metal nanoparticles, has been widely investigated. Metal nanoparticles are particulate dispersions or solid particles 10–100 nm in size, with unique physical and chemical properties that make them useful in biomedical applications. In this review, we focus on the activity of silver, gold, and iron nanoparticles against C. albicans. We discuss the use of metal nanoparticles as delivery vehicles for antifungal drugs or natural compounds to increase their biocompatibility and effectiveness. Promisingly, most of these nanoparticles exhibit potential antifungal activity through multi-target mechanisms in C. albicans cells and biofilms, which can minimize the emergence of antifungal resistance. The cytotoxicity of metal nanoparticles is a concern, and adjustments in synthesis approaches or coating techniques have been addressed to overcome these limitations, with great emphasis on green synthesis.
Recent Progress of Helicene Type Hole-Transporting Materials for Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Vailassery Jijitha , Sun Shih-Sheng
Published: January 2023

Perovskite solar cells have emerged as one of the most promising photovoltaic technologies for future clean energy sources to replace fossil fuels. Among the various components in a perovskite solar cell, the hole-transporting materials play significant roles in boosting device performance and stability. Recently, hole-transporting materials with helicene cores have received much attention due to their unique properties and ability to improve the performance and stability of the perovskite solar cells. The focus of this review is on the emerging special class of HTMs based on helicenes for perovskite solar cells. The optical, electrochemical, thermal and photovoltaic properties of helicene-based small molecules as HTMs or interfacial layer materials in n-i-p or p-i-n type perovskite solar cells are summarized. Finally, perspectives for the future development of helicene type hole-transporting materials are provided.
Icariin Alleviates Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome by Improving Liver Fatty Acid Oxidation and Inhibiting Lipid Accumulation
Authors: Hai Yang , Zuo Ling , Wang Meng , Zhang Ruoyu , Wang Munan , Ren Li , Yang Congwen , Wang Jianwei
Published: January 2023

(1) Background: Icariin is the main component of the Chinese herb Epimedium. A number of studies have shown that it alleviates abnormal lipid metabolism. However, it is not clear whether and how icariin can ameliorate hepatic steatosis with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). This study was designed to explore the anti-hepatosteatosis effect of icariin in rats with polycystic ovary syndrome. (2) Methods: Female Sprague Dawley(SD)rats were treated with a high-fat diet and letrozole for 21 days to make nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in the polycystic ovary syndrome model. Then model rats were treated with icariin (by gavage, once daily) for 28 days. Serum hormones and biochemical variables were determined by ELISA or enzyme. RNA-sequence analysis was used to enrich related target pathways. Then, quantitative Real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) and Western blot were performed to verify target genes and proteins. (3) Results: Icariin treatment reduced excess serum levels of Testosterone (T), Estradiol (E2), Luteinizing hormone (LH), Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), LH/FSH ratio, insulin, triglycerides (TG), and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) in high-fat diet (HFD) and letrozole fed rats. Meanwhile, icariin ameliorated HFD and letrozole-induced fatty liver, as evidenced by a reduction in excess triglyceride accumulation, vacuolization, and Oil Red O staining area in the liver of model rats. Results of RNA-sequencing, western blotting, and qRT-PCR analyses indicated that icariin up-regulated fatty acid translocase (CD36), in mitochondria, and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α (PPARα) expression, which led to the enhancement of fatty acid oxidation molecules, such as cytochrome P450, family 4, subfamily a, polypeptide 3 (CYP4A3), carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1 α (CPT1α), acyl-CoA oxidase 1 (ACOX1), medium-chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase (MCAD), and long-chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase (LCAD). Besides, icariin reduced lipid synthesis, which elicited stearoyl-Coenzyme A desaturase 1 (SCD1), fatty acid synthase (FASN), and acetyl-CoA (ACC). (4) Conclusion: Icariin showed an ameliorative effect on hepatic steatosis induced by HFD and letrozole, which was associated with improved fatty acid oxidation and reduced lipid accumulation in the liver.
Application of Cotton Swab–Ag Composite as Flexible Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering Substrate for DMMP Detection
Authors: Huang Wen-Chien , Chen Hong-Ru
Published: January 2023

It is both important and required to quickly and accurately detect chemical warfare agents, such as the highly toxic nerve agent sarin. Surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) has received considerable attention due to its rapid results, high sensitivity, non-destructive data acquisition, and unique spectroscopic fingerprint. In this work, we successfully prepared SERS cotton swabs (CSs) for the detection of the sarin simulant agent dimethyl methyl phosphonate (DMMP) by anchoring N1-(3-trimethoxysilylpropyl) diethylenetriamine (ATS)/silver nanoparticle (AgNP) nanocomposites on CSs using ATS as the stabilizer and coupling agent. Simultaneously, the binding mode and reaction mechanics between the AgNP, ATS, and CS were confirmed by XPS. The modified CSs exhibited good uniformity, stability, and adsorption capability for SERS measurements, enabling the adsorption and detection of DMMP residue from an irregular surface via a simple swabbing process, with a detection limit of 1 g/L. The relative standard deviations (RSDs) of RSD710 = 5.6% had high reproducibility. In this research, the fabrication method could easily be extended to other cellulose compounds, such as natural fibers and paper. Furthermore, the versatile SERS CSs can be used for the on-site detection of DMMP, particularly in civil and defense applications, to guarantee food security and the health of the population.
Application of Gas-Liquid Microextraction (GLME)/GC-MS for Flavour and Fragrance in Ice Cream Detection and Composition Analysis
Authors: Mu Li , Tong Qi , Liu Yuhang , Meng Xianglong , He Peng , Li Gang , Ye Linyang
Published: January 2023

Under gas-liquid microextraction (GLME) operating conditions (extraction temperature 270 °C, extraction time 7 min, condensation temperature −2 °C, and carrier nitrogen gas speed 2.5 mL/min), ice cream samples, as a representative food, were pre-treated. The volatile aroma components of each sample was qualitatively analysed using GC-MS. The principal component analysis was conducted to classify the functional groups, which showed that alcohols, acids, esters, ketones, and aldehydes were the main compounds responsible for the aroma of ice cream. It was found that furan-3-carboxaldehyde, 3-furanmethanol, 2(5H)-furanone, 5-methylfuranal, 2,5-diformylfuran, 3-hydroxy-2-methyl-4-pyrone, 5-hydroxymethylfurfural, ethyl maltol, and glycerol were routinely used flavour ingredients in ice cream.
Synthesis and Application of Liquid Metal Based-2D Nanomaterials: A Perspective View for Sustainable Energy
Authors: Liao Gengcheng , Ren Long , Guo Zixuan , Qiao Hui , Huang Zongyu , Wang Ziyu , Qi Xiang
Published: January 2023

With the continuous exploration of low-dimensional nanomaterials, two dimensional metal oxides (2DMOs) has been received great interest. However, their further development is limited by the high cost in the preparation process and the unstable states caused by the polarization of surface chemical bonds. Recently, obtaining mental oxides via liquid metals have been considered a surprising method for obtaining 2DMOs. Therefore, how to scientifically choose different preparation methods to obtain 2DMOs applying in different application scenarios is an ongoing process worth discussing. This review will provide some new opportunities for the rational design of 2DMOs based on liquid metals. Firstly, the surface oxidation process and in situ electrical replacement reaction process of liquid metals are introduced in detail, which provides theoretical basis for realizing functional 2DMOs. Secondly, by simple sticking method, gas injection method and ultrasonic method, 2DMOs can be obtained from liquid metal, the characteristics of each method are introduced in detail. Then, this review provides some prospective new ideas for 2DMOs in other energy-related applications such as photodegradation, CO2 reduction and battery applications. Finally, the present challenges and future development prospects of 2DMOs applied in liquid metals are presented.
Improving the Transduction Efficiency and Antitumor Effect of Conditionally Replicative Adenovirus by Application of 6-cyclohexyl Methyl-β-D-maltoside
Authors: Lu Wenjing , Fang Yaping , Meng Xue , Wang Xiaoli , Liu Wenbo , Liu Mengdong , Zhang Ping
Published: January 2023

As a tumor-targeting oncolytic adenovirus (Ad), conditionally replicating adenovirus (CRAd) can access the cell interior by binding to coxsackievirus-Ad receptors (CARs) and specifically replicate and destroy cancer cells without lethal effects on normal cells. The transduction efficiency of CRAd is highly dependent on the number of CARs on the cell membrane. However, not all tumor cells highly express CARs; therefore, improving the transduction efficiency of CRAd is beneficial for improving its antitumor effect. In this study, 6-cyclohexyl methyl-β-D-maltoside (6-β-D), as maltoside transfection agent, showed several advantages, including high transfection efficiency, low toxicity, and potential for intensive use and easy operation. With pretreatment of cancer cells with low concentration of 6-β-D (≤5 μg/mL), the transduction efficiency of “model” Ad (eGFP-Ad) was improved 18-fold compared to eGFP-Ad alone. 6-β-D improved the antitumor effect of CRAd while being safe for normal cells, in which treatment with 6-β-D helped the lethal effects of CRAd at a multiplicity-of-infection ratio of 10 (MOI 10) achieve the oncolytic outcomes of MOI 50. This means that if CRAd is combined with 6-β-D, the amount of CRAd used in clinical practice could be greatly reduced without diminishing its curative effect or exposing patients to the potential side effects of high-titer CRAd. Finally, the underlying mechanism of antitumor effect of CRAd + 6-β-D was primarily investigated, and we found that 6-β-D increased the virus’s replication in cancer cells at the early stage of infection and activated the apoptosis signaling pathway at the late stage of the cell cycle. This research will provide an effective technical reference for further improving Ad-mediated cancer gene therapy in clinical practice.
Low Overpotential Electrochemical Reduction of CO2 to Ethanol Enabled by Cu/CuxO Nanoparticles Embedded in Nitrogen-Doped Carbon Cuboids
Authors: Alkoshab Monther Q. , Thomou Eleni , Abdulazeez Ismail , Suliman Munzir H. , Spyrou Konstantinos , Iali Wissam , Alhooshani Khalid , Baroud Turki N.
Published: January 2023

The electrochemical conversion of CO2 into value-added chemicals is a promising approach for addressing environmental and energy supply problems. In this study, electrochemical CO2 catalysis to ethanol is achieved using incorporated Cu/CuxO nanoparticles into nitrogenous porous carbon cuboids. Pyrolysis of the coordinated Cu cations with nitrogen heterocycles allowed Cu nanoparticles to detach from the coordination complex but remain dispersed throughout the porous carbon cuboids. The heterogeneous composite Cu/CuxO-PCC-0h electrocatalyst reduced CO2 to ethanol at low overpotential in 0.5 M KHCO3, exhibiting maximum ethanol faradaic efficiency of 50% at −0.5 V vs. reversible hydrogen electrode. Such electrochemical performance can be ascribed to the synergy between pyridinic nitrogen species, Cu/CuxO nanoparticles, and porous carbon morphology, together providing efficient CO2 diffusion, activation, and intermediates stabilization. This was supported by the notably high electrochemically active surface area, rich porosity, and efficient charge transfer properties.
Sr(II) and Ba(II) Alkaline Earth Metal–Organic Frameworks (AE-MOFs) for Selective Gas Adsorption, Energy Storage, and Environmental Application
Authors: Király Nikolas , Capková Dominika , Gyepes Róbert , Vargová Nikola , Kazda Tomáš , Bednarčík Jozef , Yudina Daria , Zelenka Tomáš , Čudek Pavel , Zeleňák Vladimír , Sharma Anshu , Meynen Vera , Hornebecq Virginie , Straková Fedorková Andrea , Almáši Miroslav
Published: January 2023

Two new alkaline earth metal–organic frameworks (AE-MOFs) containing Sr(II) (UPJS-15) or Ba(II) (UPJS-16) cations and extended tetrahedral linker (MTA) were synthesized and characterized in detail (UPJS stands for University of Pavol Jozef Safarik). Single-crystal X-ray analysis (SC-XRD) revealed that the materials are isostructural and, in their frameworks, one-dimensional channels are present with the size of ~11 × 10 Å2. The activation process of the compounds was studied by the combination of in situ heating infrared spectroscopy (IR), thermal analysis (TA) and in situ high-energy powder X-ray diffraction (HE-PXRD), which confirmed the stability of compounds after desolvation. The prepared compounds were investigated as adsorbents of different gases (Ar, N2, CO2, and H2). Nitrogen and argon adsorption measurements showed that UPJS-15 has SBET area of 1321 m2 g−1 (Ar) / 1250 m2 g−1 (N2), and UPJS-16 does not adsorb mentioned gases. From the environmental application, the materials were studied as CO2 adsorbents, and both compounds adsorb CO2 with a maximum capacity of 22.4 wt.% @ 0 °C; 14.7 wt.% @ 20 °C and 101 kPa for UPJS-15 and 11.5 wt.% @ 0°C; 8.4 wt.% @ 20 °C and 101 kPa for UPJS-16. According to IAST calculations, UPJS-16 shows high selectivity (50 for CO2/N2 10:90 mixture and 455 for CO2/N2 50:50 mixture) and can be applied as CO2 adsorbent from the atmosphere even at low pressures. The increased affinity of materials for CO2 was also studied by DFT modelling, which revealed that the primary adsorption sites are coordinatively unsaturated sites on metal ions, azo bonds, and phenyl rings within the MTA linker. Regarding energy storage, the materials were studied as hydrogen adsorbents, but the materials showed low H2 adsorption properties: 0.19 wt.% for UPJS-15 and 0.04 wt.% for UPJS-16 @ −196 °C and 101 kPa. The enhanced CO2/H2 selectivity could be used to scavenge carbon dioxide from hydrogen in WGS and DSR reactions. The second method of applying samples in the area of energy storage was the use of UPJS-15 as an additive in a lithium-sulfur battery. Cyclic performance at a cycling rate of 0.2 C showed an initial discharge capacity of 337 mAh g−1, which decreased smoothly to 235 mAh g−1 after 100 charge/discharge cycles.
Gut Microbial-Derived Short Chain Fatty Acids: Impact on Adipose Tissue Physiology
Authors: May Karolline S. , den Hartigh Laura J.
Published: January 2023

Obesity is a global public health issue and major risk factor for pathological conditions, including type 2 diabetes, dyslipidemia, coronary artery disease, hepatic steatosis, and certain types of cancer. These metabolic complications result from a combination of genetics and environmental influences, thus contributing to impact whole-body homeostasis. Mechanistic animal and human studies have indicated that an altered gut microbiota can mediate the development of obesity, leading to inflammation beyond the intestine. Moreover, prior research suggests an interaction between gut microbiota and peripheral organs such as adipose tissue via different signaling pathways; yet, to what degree and in exactly what ways this inter-organ crosstalk modulates obesity remains elusive. This review emphasizes the influence of circulating gut-derived short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) i.e., acetate, propionate, and butyrate, on adipose tissue metabolism in the scope of obesity, with an emphasis on adipocyte physiology in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, we discuss some of the well-established mechanisms via which microbial SCFAs exert a role as a prominent host energy source, hence regulating overall energy balance and health. Collectively, exploring the mechanisms via which SCFAs impact adipose tissue metabolism appears to be a promising avenue to improve metabolic conditions related to obesity.
Immune System and Epidemics: The Role of African Indigenous Bioactive Substances
Authors: Frazzoli Chiara , Grasso Gerardo , Husaini Danladi Chiroma , Ajibo Doris Nnenna , Orish Fortune Chiemelie , Orisakwe Orish E.
Published: January 2023

With over 6 million coronavirus pandemic deaths, the African continent reported the lowest death rate despite having a high disease burden. The African community’s resilience to the pandemic has been attributed to climate and weather conditions, herd immunity, repeated exposure to infectious organisms that help stimulate the immune system, and a disproportionately large youth population. In addition, functional foods, herbal remedies, and dietary supplements contain micronutrients and bioactive compounds that can help boost the immune system. This review identified significant traditional fermented foods and herbal remedies available within the African continent with the potential to boost the immune system in epidemics and pandemics. Methodology: Databases, such as PubMed, the Web of Science, and Scopus, were searched using relevant search terms to identify traditional African fermented foods and medicinal plants with immune-boosting or antiviral capabilities. Cereal-based fermented foods, meat-, and fish-based fermented foods, and dairy-based fermented foods containing antioxidants, immunomodulatory effects, probiotics, vitamins, and peptides were identified and discussed. In addition, nine herbal remedies and spices belonging to eight plant families have antioxidant, immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, hepatoprotective, cardioprotective, and antiviral properties. Peptides, flavonoids, alkaloids, sterols, ascorbic acid, minerals, vitamins, and saponins are some of the bioactive compounds in the remedies. Bioactive compounds in food and plants significantly support the immune system and help increase resistance against infectious diseases. The variety of food and medicinal plants found on the African continent could play an essential role in providing community resilience against infectious diseases during epidemics and pandemics. The African continent should investigate nutritional, herbal, and environmental factors that support healthy living and longevity.
Genetic Underpinnings of Carotenogenesis and Light-Induced Transcriptome Remodeling in the Opportunistic Pathogen Mycobacterium kansasii
Authors: Janisch Niklas , Levendosky Keith , Budell William C. , Quadri Luis E. N.
Published: January 2023

Mycobacterium kansasii (Mk) causes opportunistic pulmonary infections with tuberculosis-like features. The bacterium is well known for its photochromogenicity, i.e., the production of carotenoid pigments in response to light. The genetics defining the photochromogenic phenotype of Mk has not been investigated and defined pigmentation mutants to facilitate studies on the role of carotenes in the bacterium’s biology are not available thus far. In this study, we set out to identify genetic determinants involved in Mk photochromogenicity. We screened a library of ~150,000 transposon mutants for colonies with pigmentation abnormalities. The screen rendered a collection of ~200 mutants. Each of these mutants could be assigned to one of four distinct phenotypic groups. The insertion sites in the mutant collection clustered in three chromosomal regions. A combination of phenotypic analysis, sequence bioinformatics, and gene expression studies linked these regions to carotene biosynthesis, carotene degradation, and monounsaturated fatty acid biosynthesis. Furthermore, introduction of the identified carotenoid biosynthetic gene cluster into non-pigmented Mycobacterium smegmatis endowed the bacterium with photochromogenicity. The studies also led to identification of MarR-type and TetR/AcrR-type regulators controlling photochromogenicity and carotenoid breakdown, respectively. Lastly, the work presented also provides a first insight into the Mk transcriptome changes in response to light.
IgG Fc Affinity Ligands and Their Applications in Antibody-Involved Drug Delivery: A Brief Review
Authors: Yang Chang , He Bing , Zhang Hua , Wang Xueqing , Zhang Qiang , Dai Wenbing
Published: January 2023

Antibodies are not only an important class of biotherapeutic drugs, but also are targeting moieties for achieving active targeting drug delivery. Meanwhile, the rapidly increasing application of antibodies and Fc-fusion proteins has inspired the emerging development of downstream processing technologies. Thus, IgG Fc affinity ligands have come into being and have been widely exploited in antibody purification strategies. Given the high binding affinity and specificity to IgGs, binding stability in physiological medium conditions, and favorable toxicity and immunogenicity profiles, Fc affinity ligands are gradually applied to antibody delivery, non-covalent antibody–drug conjugates or antibody-mediated active-targeted drug delivery systems. In this review, we will briefly introduce IgG affinity ligands that are widely used at present and summarize their diverse applications in the field of antibody-involved drug delivery. The challenges and outlook of these systems are also discussed.
Co-Crystallization Approach to Enhance the Stability of Moisture-Sensitive Drugs
Authors: Dhondale Madhukiran R. , Thakor Pradip , Nambiar Amritha G. , Singh Maan , Agrawal Ashish K. , Shastri Nalini R. , Kumar Dinesh
Published: January 2023

Stability is an essential quality attribute of any pharmaceutical formulation. Poor stability can change the color and physical appearance of a drug, directly impacting the patient’s perception. Unstable drug products may also face loss of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) and degradation, making the medicine ineffective and toxic. Moisture content is known to be the leading cause of the degradation of nearly 50% of medicinal products, leading to impurities in solid dose formulations. The polarity of the atoms in an API and the surface chemistry of API particles majorly influence the affinity towards water molecules. Moisture induces chemical reactions, including free water that has also been identified as an important factor in determining drug product stability. Among the various approaches, crystal engineering and specifically co-crystals, have a proven ability to increase the stability of moisture-sensitive APIs. Other approaches, such as changing the salt form, can lead to solubility issues, thus making the co-crystal approach more suited to enhancing hygroscopic stability. There are many reported studies where co-crystals have exhibited reduced hygroscopicity compared to pure API, thereby improving the product’s stability. In this review, the authors focus on recent updates and trends in these studies related to improving the hygroscopic stability of compounds, discuss the reasons behind the enhanced stability, and briefly discuss the screening of co-formers for moisture-sensitive drugs.
Pharmaceutical Systems as a Strategy to Enhance the Stability of Oxytetracycline Hydrochloride Polymorphs in Solution
Authors: Bueno Maria S. , Longhi Marcela R. , Garnero Claudia
Published: January 2023

In order to improve the stability of oxytetracycline hydrochloride, a polymorphic antibiotic set of novel binary systems were developed using β-cyclodextrin and amino acids with different acid-basic characteristics as ligands. The formation constants for each system containing β-cyclodextrin, L-aspartic acid, histidine and N-acetylcysteine were determined by Scott’s method and statistical studies. The structure of the binary systems with β-cyclodextrin and N-acetylcysteine was elucidated by NMR experiments. The effect β-cyclodextrin and N-acetylcysteine on the polymorph’s chemical stability in aqueous and phosphate buffered saline solutions at 25 °C was monitored by an optimized and validated high-performance liquid chromatography method. The combination of N-acetylcysteine with the three polymorphs and the β-cyclodextrin system obtained with the form III demonstrated a reduction in the degradation rate of oxytetracycline hydrochloride in the aqueous solution when compared to each free form, with an increase of 20 h in the half time. It evidences that the use of amino acids as ligands constitutes an interesting alternative for pharmaceutical areas. In conclusion, based on the results obtained, these pharmaceutical systems could be candidates for the development of a pharmaceutical formulation for the administration of the drug through reconstituted solutions using the binary system as a promising tool for improving the stability of oxytetracycline hydrochloride polymorphs in solution.
A Graphene-Metasurface-Inspired Optical Sensor for the Heavy Metals Detection for Efficient and Rapid Water Treatment
Authors: Almawgani Abdulkarem H. M. , Surve Jaymit , Parmar Tanvirjah , Armghan Ammar , Aliqab Khaled , Ali Ghassan Ahmed , Patel Shobhit K.
Published: January 2023

Heavy metal ion contamination of water supplies has significantly increased during the last century due to advances in industry and technology. Therefore, a lot of effort was put into developing chemical and physical methods for detecting and tracking the presence of these potentially harmful solutions. Despite their comparatively high sensitivity and low detection limits, these methods are hindered by complex instrumentation and tedious, expensive, and difficult chemical processes. Therefore, in this study, we present a straightforward and effective sensing method based on the graphene metasurface for detecting several classes of heavy metal ions. A graphene-metasurface-inspired optical sensor with a glass substrate is developed that can detect Cu2+ and Mg2+ with a sensitivity of 113.92 GHz/RIU and 113.9 GHz/RIU, respectively. In addition to that, the linear fitting curve for both the metal ions is established, and R2 score of 0.9997 and 0.9982 is achieved, respectively. Furthermore, the lowest value of the figure of merit (FOM) of 2.98 RIU−1 and the maximum Quality factor (Q factor) of 11.22 is obtained. The proposed structure also exhibited a low detection limit as well as a resolution of 0.52 RIU and 78.14 THz, respectively. As a result of these findings, a simple and accurate tool for detecting water contamination with heavy metals and aqueous solutions with relatively high performance is developed.
Reduction in Crosstalk between Integrated Anisotropic Optical Waveguides
Authors: Grudinin Dmitriy , Matveeva Olga , Ermolaev Georgy , Vyshnevyy Andrey , Arsenin Aleksey , Volkov Valentyn
Published: January 2023

The minimization of waveguide crosstalk is a long-standing challenge for optical engineers. Nowadays, the most popular technique to suppress crosstalk is anisotropic nanostructures, realized as subwavelength stripes between waveguides. However, the influence of material anisotropy on the efficiency of such structures remains unknown. In this work, we consider MoS2 waveguides separated by MoS2 stripes because this material has the record value of optical anisotropy. We discover that the use of MoS2 instead of Si results in a several-orders-of-magnitude-larger crosstalk distance. Therefore, we envision that by combining the extraordinary material properties with the known crosstalk-suppression methods, one can make the integration density of photonic devices close to electronics.
Efficacy of Imidacloprid Seed Treatments against Four Wheat Aphids under Laboratory and Field Conditions
Authors: Zhang Zhi , Li Yaping , Li Xiangrui , Zhu Xun , Zhang Yunhui
Published: January 2023

Imidacloprid seed treatments are effective at reducing the cohorts of many insect pests on crops such as cotton, corn, and cereals. The effects of imidacloprid seed treatments depend on the aphid species. In China, there are four wheat aphid species—Sitobion avenae (Fabricius), Rhopalosiphum padi (Linnaeus), Schizaphis graminum (Rondani), and Metopolophium dirhodum (Walker)—and for a given region, these four aphid species differ in dominance with changes in cultivation practices and climate. Therefore, it is necessary to evaluate the effects of imidacloprid seed treatments on the four different aphid species. In experiments in the laboratory, imidacloprid seed treatments significantly reduced the survival rates of S. avenae, R. padi, and S. graminum to 57.33 ± 2.86%, 12.67 ± 1.92%, and 20.66 ± 2.33%, respectively, but for M. dirhodum, there was no significant difference between the control (96.33 ± 1.08%) and the treatment (97.00 ± 0.98%). The fecundities of the four aphid species were much reduced, especially for R. padi when feeding on treated wheat plants. For the field survey, only three aphid species were considered because the density of S. graminum was too low to be analyzed. The effects of imidacloprid seed treatment on the three aphid species in the field were consistent with the laboratory results. Imidacloprid seed treatment reduced the population sizes of S. avenae and R. padi at rates of 70.30 ± 3.15% and 87.62 ± 2.28%, respectively, for the whole wheat season in the field. For M. dirhodum, imidacloprid seed treatments were less effective, and the densities of M. dirhodum increased on four sample days. From this study, we confirmed that the effect of imidacloprid seed treatment varied with the composition of aphid species, being especially less effective for M. dirhodum.
Development and Evaluation of an AxiomTM 60K SNP Array for Almond (Prunus dulcis)
Authors: Duval Henri , Coindre Eva , Ramos-Onsins Sebastian E. , Alexiou Konstantinos G. , Rubio-Cabetas Maria J. , Martínez-García Pedro J. , Wirthensohn Michelle , Dhingra Amit , Samarina Anna , Arús Pere
Published: January 2023

A high-density single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) array is essential to enable faster progress in plant breeding for new cultivar development. In this regard, we have developed an Axiom 60K almond SNP array by resequencing 81 almond accessions. For the validation of the array, a set of 210 accessions were genotyped and 82.8% of the SNPs were classified in the best recommended SNPs. The rate of missing data was between 0.4% and 2.7% for the almond accessions and less than 15.5% for the few peach and wild accessions, suggesting that this array can be used for peach and interspecific peach × almond genetic studies. The values of the two SNPs linked to the RMja (nematode resistance) and SK (bitterness) genes were consistent. We also genotyped 49 hybrids from an almond F2 progeny and could build a genetic map with a set of 1159 SNPs. Error rates, less than 1%, were evaluated by comparing replicates and by detection of departures from Mendelian inheritance in the F2 progeny. This almond array is commercially available and should be a cost-effective genotyping tool useful in the search for new genes and quantitative traits loci (QTL) involved in the control of agronomic traits.
Iodine Biofortification and Seaweed Extract-Based Biostimulant Supply Interactively Drive the Yield, Quality, and Functional Traits in Strawberry Fruits
Authors: Consentino Beppe Benedetto , Vultaggio Lorena , Iacuzzi Nicolò , La Bella Salvatore , De Pasquale Claudio , Rouphael Youssef , Ntatsi Georgia , Virga Giuseppe , Sabatino Leo
Published: January 2023

The horticultural sector is seeking innovative and sustainable agronomic practices which could lead to enhanced yield and product quality. Currently, plant biofortification is recognized as a valuable technique to improve microelement concentrations in plant tissues. Among trace elements, iodine (I) is an essential microelement for human nutrition. Concomitantly, the application of biostimulants may improve overall plant production and quality traits. With the above background in mind, an experiment was designed with the aim of assessing the interactive impact of a seaweed extract-based biostimulant (SwE) (0 mL L−1 (served as control) or 3 mL L−1 (optimal dosage)) and 0, 100, 300, or 600 mg L−1 I on the growth parameters, yield, fruit quality, minerals, and functional characteristics of the tunnel-grown “Savana” strawberry. SwE foliar application improved the plant growth-related traits, total and marketable yield, fruit color parameters, soluble solids content, nitrogen (N), potassium (K), and magnesium (Mg) fruit concentrations. Furthermore, an enhancement in the fruit dry matter content, ascorbic acid, and I concentration in fruits was detected when the SwE supply interacted with a mild I dose (100 or 300 mg L−1). The research underlined that combining SwE application and I biofortification increased the strawberry yield and quality and enhanced the plant nutritional status variation, thereby, determining a boosted strawberry I tolerance.
Composition, Antibacterial Efficacy, and Anticancer Activity of Essential Oil Extracted from Psidium guajava (L.) Leaves
Authors: Alam Aftab , Jawaid Talha , Alsanad Saud M. , Kamal Mehnaz , Balaha Mohamed F.
Published: January 2023

Essential oils (EO) are used as a natural remedy to treat various chronic diseases, although clinical evidence is lacking. In this context, we have endeavored to measure the percentage of chemical composition and biological efficacy of Psidium guajava (guava) leaf essential oil in treating oral infections and oral cancer. The essential oil obtained from hydrodistillation of P. guajava L. leaves was analyzed by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS). The activities of selected oral pathogens Candida albicans (C. albicans) and Streptococcus mutans (S. mutants) were studied in vitro and in silico. MTT assay was used to test for anticancer activity against human oral epidermal carcinoma (KB). GC–MS showed that the main components of PGLEO were limonene (38.01%) and β-caryophyllene (27.98%). Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of 0.05–0.1% were demonstrated against C. albicans and S. mutans. Antimicrobial activity against C. albicans and S. mutans, as shown by molecular linkage analysis, revealed that the main metabolites, limonene and β-caryophyllene, potentially inhibited the receptors of C. albicans and S. mutans. PGLEO showed significant (p < 0.001) anticancer activity (45.89%) at 200 µg/mL compared to doxorubicin (47.87%) with an IC50 value of 188.98 µg/mL. The outcomes of the present study suggest that PGLEO has promising antimicrobial and anticancer activities and could be a useful source for developing a natural therapeutic agent for oral infections and oral cancer.
The Ethanol Extracts of Osmanthus fragrans Leaves Ameliorate the Bone Loss via the Inhibition of Osteoclastogenesis in Osteoporosis
Authors: Seo Yo-Seob , Lim HyangI , Seo Jeong-Yeon , Kang Kyeong-Rok , Kim Do Kyung , Lee Hyun-Hwa , Oh Deuk-Sil , Kim Jae-Sung
Published: January 2023

The aim of this study was to evaluate the anti-osteoporosis effects of Osmanthus fragrans leaf ethanol extract (OFLEE) in bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMM) and animals with osteoporosis. OFLEE not only suppressed tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP)-positive cells with multiple nuclei but also decreased TRAP activity in BMM treated with macrophage colony stimulating factor (M-CSF) and receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) ligand (RANKL). The formation of F-actin rings and the expression and activation of matrix metalloproteinases were decreased by OFLEE in BMM treated with M-CSF and RANKL. OFLEE suppressed M-CSF- and RANKL-induced osteoclastogenesis by inhibiting NF-κB phosphorylation, tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factor 6, c-fos, the nuclear factor of activated T-cells, cytoplasmic 1, and cathepsin K in BMM. OFLEE downregulated reactive oxygen species, cyclooxygenase-2, inducible nitric oxide synthase, prostaglandin E2, tumor necrosis factor α, interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, IL-17, and RANKL in BMM treated with M-CSF and RANKL. Oral administration of OFLEE suppressed osteoporotic bone loss without hepatotoxicity in ovariectomy-induced osteoporosis animals. Our findings suggest that OFLEE, with anti-inflammatory effects, prevents osteoporotic bone loss through the suppression of osteoclastic differentiation in BMM and animals with osteoporosis.
Genotype-Dependent Jasmonic Acid Effect on Pinus sylvestris L. Growth and Induced Systemic Resistance Indicators
Authors: Beniušytė Emilija , Čėsnienė Ieva , Sirgedaitė-Šėžienė Vaida , Vaitiekūnaitė Dorotėja
Published: January 2023

Due to temperature changes, forests are expected to encounter more stress than before, both in terms of biotic factors, such as increased insect attacks, and abiotic factors, such as more frequent droughts. Priming trees to respond to these changes faster and more effectively would be beneficial. Induced systemic resistance (ISR) is a mechanism that is turned on when plants encounter unfavorable conditions. Certain elicitors, such as jasmonic acid (JA) are known to induce plants’ metabolic response. However, even though studies on ISR in herbaceous species are common and varied ISR elicitors can be used in agriculture, the same cannot be said about trees and forestry enterprises. We aimed to investigate whether JA used in different concentrations could induce metabolic changes (total phenol content, total flavonoid content, photosynthesis pigment content, antioxidant enzyme activity) in Pinus sylvestris seedlings and how this varies between different pine half-sib families (genotypes). After six weeks with a single application of JA, pine seedlings in several pine genetic families exhibited increased antioxidant enzyme activity, total phenol content and carotenoid content that correlated positively with JA concentrations used. Results from other genetic families were varied, but in many cases, there was a significant response to JA, with a noticeable increase as compared to the unaffected group. The impact on chlorophyll content and flavonoids was less noticeable overall. A positive effect on seedling growth parameters was not observed in any of the test cases. We conclude that JA can induce systemic resistance after a single application exogenously in P. sylvestris seedlings and recommend that the use of JA needs to be optimized by selecting appropriate concentrations.
Preparation and Properties of Bio-Based Attapulgite Copolymer (BAC) Sand-Fixing Material
Authors: Wang Han , Zhao Rui , Wu Xiangci , Zhao Dan , Xue Hua , Zhang Yuxin , Dai Nan , Song Dan , Zhang Mengling , Ding Hui
Published: January 2023

Desertification, one of the world’s most pressing serious environmental problems, poses a serious threat to human survival as well as to social, economic, and political development. Nevertheless, the development of environmentally friendly sand-fixing materials is still a tremendous challenge for preventing desertification. This study developed a bio-based attapulgite copolymer (BAC) by grafting copolymerization of attapulgite, starch, sulfomethyl lignin, and biological mycelia. Water retention, anti-water erosion, and anti-wind erosion tests were conducted to assess the application performance of the BAC. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was then employed to determine the morphology of the attapulgite and attapulgite graft copolymer sand-fixing material (CSF). The intermolecular interactions in CSF were revealed using Fourier transform infrared spectrum (FT-IR). The role of sand-fixing materials on soil physicochemical properties and seed germination was then discussed based on the germination rate experiments, and 16S rDNA sequencing technology was used to analyze the differences in microbial communities in each sample group. The results demonstrated that the BAC not only has superior application properties and significantly increased seed germination (95%), but also promotes soil development by regulating the structure of the soil microbial community. This work provides novel insights into the design of sand-fixing material for preventing desertification while improving soil fertility.
Facile Surface Treatment of 3D-Printed PLA Filter for Enhanced Graphene Oxide Doping and Effective Removal of Cationic Dyes
Authors: Park Sung-Sil , Lee Yun-Seok , Lee Seung-Woo , Repo Eveliina , Kim Tae-Hyun , Park Yuri , Hwang Yuhoon
Published: January 2023

The structured adsorption filter material is one of the ways to enhance the practical applicability of powdered adsorbents, which have limitations in the real water treatment process due to difficulty in the separation process. In this study, three-dimensional (3D) printing technology was applied to prepare filter materials for water treatment processes. A 3D-printed graphene-oxide (GO)-based adsorbent is prepared on a polylactic acid (PLA) scaffold. The surface of the PLA scaffold was modified by subjecting it to strong alkaline or organic solvent treatment to enhance GO doping for realizing effective adsorption of cationic dye solutions. When subjected to 95% acetone treatment, the structural properties of PLA changed, and particularly, two main hydrophilic functional groups (carboxylic acids and hydroxyls) were newly formed on the PLA through cleavage of the ester bond of the aliphatic polyester. Owing to these changes, the roughness of the PLA surface increased, and its tensile strength decreased. Meanwhile, its surface was doped mainly with GO, resulting in approximately 75% methylene blue (MB) adsorption on the 3D-printed GO-based PLA filter. Based on the established optimal pretreatment conditions, a kinetic MB sorption study and an isotherm study were conducted to evaluate the 3D-printed GO-based PLA filter. The pseudo-second-order model yielded the best fit, and the MB adsorption was better fitted to the Langmuir isotherm. These results suggested that chemical adsorption was the main driver of the reaction, and monolayer sorption occurred on the adsorbent surface. The results of this study highlight the importance of PLA surface modification in enhancing GO doping and achieving effective MB adsorption in aqueous solutions. Ultimately, this study highlights the potential of using 3D printing technology to fabricate the components required for implementing water treatment processes.