bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Operators and Boundary Problems in Finance, Economics and Insurance: Peculiarities, Efficient Methods and Outstanding Problems
Authors: Levendorskiĭ Sergei
Published: March 2022

The price V of a contingent claim in finance, insurance and economics is defined as an expectation of a stochastic expression. If the underlying uncertainty is modeled as a strong Markov process X, the Feynman–Kac theorem suggests that V is the unique solution of a boundary problem for a parabolic equation. In the case of PDO with constant symbols, simple probabilistic tools explained in this paper can be used to explicitly calculate expectations under very weak conditions on the process and study the regularity of the solution. Assuming that the Feynman–Kac theorem holds, and a more general boundary problem can be localized, the local results can be used to study the existence and regularity of solutions, and derive efficient numerical methods. In the paper, difficulties for the realization of this program are analyzed, several outstanding problems are listed, and several closely efficient methods are outlined.
Comparative Toxicity of Interferon Beta-1a Impurities of Heavy Metal Ions
Authors: Berillo Dmitriy
Published: March 2022

Background and Objectives: Providing a proper quality control of drugs is essential for efficient treatment of various diseases minimizing the possible side effects of pharmaceutical active substances and potential impurities. Recent in vitro and in vivo studies have shown that certain heavy metalloids and metals interfere with protein folding of nascent proteins in cells and their biological function can be altered. It is unknown whether the drug impurities including heavy metals may affect the tertiary protein structure. Materials and Methods: ReciGen and Rebif are pharmaceutical interferon beta-1a (IFNβ-1a) contained in preparations that are used for parenteral administration. Heavy metal impurities of these samples have been studied by gel electrophoresis, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry analysis (ICP MS). The concentration of heavy metals including mercury, arsenic, nickel, chromium, iron, and aluminum did not exceed permitted levels established by International Council for Harmonisation guideline for elemental impurities. Results: The ICP MS analysis revealed the presence of heavy metals, moreover zeta potential was significantly different for IFNβ-1a, which can be an indirect indication of the difference in composition of ReciGen and Rebif samples, respectively. FTIR analysis revealed very similar amide I and II bonds at 1654 and 1560 cm−1 attributed to the peptide absorption peaks of IFNβ-1a in Rebif and ReciGen. Conclusions: It was hypothesized that the IFNβ-1a complex binds heavy metals affecting the tertiary protein structure and may lead to some side effects of drug administration. Further testing of IFNβ-1a bioequivalence for parenteral application is necessary.
Plant-RNA in Extracellular Vesicles: The Secret of Cross-Kingdom Communication
Authors: Urzì Ornella , Gasparro Roberta , Ganji Nima Rabienezhad , Alessandro Riccardo , Raimondo Stefania
Published: March 2022

The release of extracellular vesicles (EVs) is a common language, used by living organisms from different kingdoms as a means of communication between them. Extracellular vesicles are lipoproteic particles that contain many biomolecules, such as proteins, nucleic acids, and lipids. The primary role of EVs is to convey information to the recipient cells, affecting their function. Plant-derived extracellular vesicles (PDEVs) can be isolated from several plant species, and the study of their biological properties is becoming an essential starting point to study cross-kingdom communication, especially between plants and mammalians. Furthermore, the presence of microRNAs (miRNAs) in PDEVs represents an interesting aspect for understanding how PDEVs can target the mammalian genes involved in pathological conditions such as cancer, inflammation, and oxidative stress. In particular, this review focuses on the history of PDEVs, from their discovery, to purification from various matrices, and on the functional role of PDEV-RNAs in cross-kingdom interactions. It is worth noting that miRNAs packaged in PDEVs can be key modulators of human gene expression, representing potential therapeutic agents.
Composite Coating Prepared with Ferulic Acid to Improve the Corrosion Resistance and Blood Compatibility of Magnesium Alloy
Authors: Han Zhijin , Guo Haojie , Zhou Yifan , Wang Liguo , Zhang Kun , Li Jing-an
Published: March 2022

Magnesium (Mg) alloy has been used for medical vascular stents because of its good biocompatibility and degradability, but its rapid degradation and poor blood compatibility limits its further application. In this study, ferulic acid (FA) was conjugated onto the polydopamine (PDA) deposited Mg-Zn-Y-Nd alloy to prepare a PDA/FA multi-functional coating with better corrosion resistance and blood compatibility. The results suggest that the PDA/FA coating possessed potential application for surface modification of a medical Mg alloy.
Effect of Sucrose on Amino Acid Absorption of Whey: A Randomized Crossover Trial
Authors: Wajiki Mai , Yamamoto Takayuki , Maruki-Uchida Hiroko , Nagashima Hirotaka , Shimizu Tetsu , Morita Minoru
Published: March 2022

Protein intake has been reported to secrete insulin and lower glucose levels, but the effect of carbohydrate and protein co-ingestion on amino acid absorption has not been well documented. A randomized, placebo-controlled, single-blinded, crossover trial was conducted to evaluate the effect of sucrose on blood amino acid levels. Eleven volunteers (both sexes aged 20–60 years with body mass index 21.4 ± 2.4 kg/m2) randomly received one of four test solutions: water (P-group), 10 g sucrose (S-group), 10 g whey protein (W-group), or 10 g whey protein + 10 g sucrose (W-S-group), and blood amino acid concentration, glucose levels, and insulin levels were monitored over 180 min. Following the wash-out period, randomized treatment and blood parameter monitoring were repeated. Consequently, amino acid concentration was significantly lower in the S-group than in the P-group, showing that single ingestion of sucrose decreased blood amino acid levels in a fasted state. However, there was no significant difference between blood amino acid levels of the W- and W-S-groups, suggesting that co-ingestion of sucrose does not affect blood amino acid concentration. Insulin levels were significantly higher in the W-S than in the S-group, and glucose levels were significantly lower in the W-S- than in the S-group, suggesting positive impact on glycotoxicity by reducing blood glucose levels. Therefore, whey protein co-ingestion with sucrose suppresses glucose levels and increases insulin levels as opposed to the sucrose ingestion, but does not affect amino acid absorption of whey protein, indicating that this co-ingestion may not be a problem for protein supplementation.
Design of Ultra-High Extinction Ratio TM- and TE-Pass Polarizers Based on Si-Sc0.2Sb2Te3 Hybrid Waveguide
Authors: Xie Xuanxuan , Liu Furong , Chen Qingyuan , Zhang Yongzhi
Published: March 2022

The selective polarizers play an important role in silicon-based integrated circuits. The previous polarizers based on silicon waveguides have the defects of large scale and low extinction ratio. In this work, TM- and TE-pass polarizers only 10 μm long were developed based on phase-change material of Sc0.2Sb2Te3 (SST) hybrid silicon waveguide, where several SST bars with a varied distance was designed. Because of the excellent characteristics of the refractive index of the material, ultra-high extinction ratios (ERs) were achieved. A 3-D finite element simulation was carried out to optimize the structure of the polarizers, and the distribution of light field, as well as the transmission behavior of TE and TM modes in the two polarizers, was further demonstrated in detail. When the SST is crystalline, the unwanted mode can be attenuated, while the wanted mode can pass through with low loss. Compared with the GST-based polarizers, the proposed ones achieved high extinction ratios of ~43.12 dB (TM-pass one) and ~44.21 dB (TE-pass one), respectively; at the same time, ILs for the wanted modes could be negligible. The design of high-performance polarizers paves a new way for applications of all-optical integrated circuits.
Fabrication of Transparent and Flexible Digital Microfluidics Devices
Authors: Cai Jianchen , Jiang Jiaxi , Jiang Jinyun , Tao Yin , Gao Xiang , Ding Meiya , Fan Yiqiang
Published: March 2022

This study proposed a fabrication method for thin, film-based, transparent, and flexible digital microfluidic devices. A series of characterizations were also conducted with the fabricated digital microfluidic devices. For the device fabrication, the electrodes were patterned by laser ablation of 220 nm-thick indium tin oxide (ITO) layer on a 175 μm-thick polyethylene terephthalate (PET) substrate. The electrodes were insulated with a layer of 12 μm-thick polyethylene (PE) film as the dielectric layer, and finally, a surface treatment was conducted on PE film in order to enhance the hydrophobicity. The whole digital microfluidic device has a total thickness of less than 200 μm and is nearly transparent in the visible range. The droplet manipulation with the proposed digital microfluidic device was also achieved. In addition, a series of characterization studies were conducted as follows: the contact angles under different driving voltages, the leakage current density across the patterned electrodes, and the minimum driving voltage with different control algorithms and droplet volume were measured and discussed. The UV–VIS spectrum of the proposed digital microfluidic devices was also provided in order to verify the transparency of the fabricated device. Compared with conventional methods for the fabrication of digital microfluidic devices, which usually have opaque metal/carbon electrodes, the proposed transparent and flexible digital microfluidics could have significant advantages for the observation of the droplets on the digital microfluidic device, especially for colorimetric analysis using the digital microfluidic approach.
Effects of Menstrual Cycle on the Accumulation of Human Papillomavirus-Infected Cells Exfoliated from the Cervix That Drift into the Vagina
Authors: Okodo Mitsuaki , Okayama Kaori , Teruya Koji , Tanabe Kazumasa , Ito Chieko , Ishii Yasuyoshi , Fujii Masahiko , Kimura Hirokazu , Oda Mizue
Published: March 2022

Human papillomavirus (HPV) testing using self-collected vaginal specimens is the preferred choice to increase screening uptake. Although the HPV testing results of these samples depend on the cells that naturally exfoliate from the cervical lesion and drift into the vagina, the mechanism of when and how these exfoliated cells mix with the self-collected sample remains unclear. Hence, the study aimed to clarify the relationship between the vaginal drift of HPV-infected cells exfoliated from the cervix, and the menstrual cycle. A total of 180 scraped samples of the cervix and vagina were examined. The exfoliated cells were classified into two categories according to the HPV genotyping results of each sample: sufficient accumulation (same HPV types in cervical and vaginal samples) and insufficient accumulation (fewer HPV types in vaginal samples than in cervical samples, or HPV positivity in cervical samples and HPV negativity in vaginal samples). A moderately strong statistically significant association was observed between exfoliated cell accumulation and the menstrual cycle, and insufficient accumulation was statistically significantly increased at the early proliferative phases. Self-collection of vaginal samples at the early proliferation phase indicates insufficient sample quantities or lower viral load, thereby affecting HPV genotyping.
Prediction and Potential Treatment of Underground Contaminated Water Based on Monitoring of pH and Salinity in a Coal Mine Waste Heap, Southern Poland
Authors: Suponik Tomasz , Franke Dawid M. , Neculita Carmen M. , Mzyk Tadeusz , Frączek Robert
Published: March 2022

This study presents a potential treatment method for contaminated groundwater from a waste heap in southern Poland. The method is based on the continuous monitoring of two parameters: pH and electrical conductivity (EC). Four years of historical monitoring data (2007–2010) were modeled using a Visual MODFLOW based numerical model of groundwater flow and migration of pollutants for low and high precipitation periods. Mapping the natural conditions in the numerical model allowed for the direction of contaminant migration in the aquifer to be identified. Groundwater treatment via injection of a nano zerovalent iron (nZVI) suspension into the aquifer was then designed; the target contaminant was Zn(II) because of its high concentrations and relatively high toxicity. Online monitoring for mining waste heaps is proposed to record sudden outflows of contaminants into the groundwater related to climate change and to take remedial action via nZVI injection. EC is the variable to be introduced into the contaminant migration model, which allows to determine the nZVI injection locations. As a result, the aquatic environment would be effectively and economically protected. The optimal use of nZVI, without intensively interfering with the environment, is ensured. This method is a convenient tool when making decisions to treat mining-impacted groundwater.
Alkaline Leaching and Concurrent Cementation of Dissolved Pb and Zn from Zinc Plant Leach Residues
Authors: Silwamba Marthias , Ito Mayumi , Hiroyoshi Naoki , Tabelin Carlito Baltazar , Hashizume Ryota , Fukushima Tomoki , Park Ilhwan , Jeon Sanghee , Igarashi Toshifumi , Sato Tsutomu , Nyambe Imasiku , Nakata Hokuto , Nakayama Shouta , Ishizuka Mayumi
Published: March 2022

Zinc plant leach residues (ZPLRs), particularly those produced using old technologies, have both economic importance as secondary raw materials and have environmental impacts because they contain hazardous heavy metals that pose risks to human health and the environment. Therefore, the extraction and recovery of these metals from ZPLRs has both economic and environmental benefits. In this study, we investigated the removal of lead (Pb) and zinc (Zn) from ZPLRs by alkaline (NaOH) leaching and the concurrent cementation of dissolved Pb and Zn using aluminum (Al) metal powder. The effects of the leaching time, NaOH concentration, solid-to-liquid ratio (S/L), and dosage of Al metal powder on the extraction of Pb and Zn were investigated. Pb and Zn removal efficiencies increased with increasing NaOH concentrations and decreasing S/Ls. The Pb and Zn removal efficiencies were 62.2% and 27.1%, respectively, when 2.5 g/50 mL (S/L) of ZPLRs were leached in a 3 M NaOH solution for 30 min. The extraction of Pb and Zn could be attributed to the partitioning of these metals in relatively more mobile phases—water-soluble, exchangeable, and carbonate phases—in ZPLRs. Around 100% of dissolved Pb and less than 2% of dissolved Zn were cemented in leaching pulp when Al metal powder was added. Minerals in the solid residues, particularly iron oxides minerals, were found to suppress the cementation of extracted Zn in leaching pulp, and when they were removed by filtration, Zn was recovered by Al metal powder via cementation.
Indicator Minerals, Pathfinder Elements, and Portable Analytical Instruments in Mineral Exploration Studies
Authors: Balaram V. , Sawant S. S.
Published: March 2022

Until recently, the classic approach to mineral exploration studies was to bring the field samples/drill cores collected during field studies to the laboratory, followed by laborious analysis procedures to generate the analytical data. This is very expensive, time-consuming, and difficult for exploring vast areas. However, rapid technological advances in field-portable analytical instruments, such as portable visible and near-infrared spectrophotometers, gamma-ray spectrometer, pXRF, pXRD, pLIBS, and µRaman spectrometer, have changed this scenario completely and increased their on-site applications in mineral exploration studies. LED fluorimeter is a potential portable tool in the hydrogeochemical prospecting studies of uranium. These instruments are currently providing direct, rapid, on-site, real-time, non-destructive, cost-effective identification, and determination of target elements, indicator minerals and pathfinder elements in rock, ore, soil, sediment, and water samples. These portable analytical instruments are currently helping to obtain accurate chemical and mineralogical information directly in the field with minimal or no sample preparation and providing decision-making support during fieldwork, as well as during drilling operations in several successful mineral exploration programs. In this article, the developments in these portable devices, and their contributions in the platinum group elements (PGE), rare earth elements (REE), gold, base metals, and lithium exploration studies both on land and on the ocean bed, have been summarized with examples.
A Case of Predominance of Alicyclobacillus tolerans in Microbial Community during Bioleaching of Pentlandite-Chalcopyrite Concentrate
Authors: Panyushkina Anna , Muravyov Maxim , Fomchenko Natalya
Published: March 2022

Bacterial isolates assigned to the species Alicyclobacillus tolerans, which occupies an intermediate position between an organotrophic genus Alicyclobacillus and mixotrophic genus Sulfobacillus, were revealed as members of the acidophilic chemolithotrophic community during stirred-tank bioleaching of violarite–pentlandite–chalcopyrite concentrate at 40 °C. Surprisingly, this species succeeded more common iron-oxidizing community members after a series of bioleaching processes in bioreactors. The possibility of mixotrophic and organoheterotrophic growth of Al. tolerans, tolerance to low pH values (1.0–1.15), as well as preservation of cells via sporulation under unfavorable conditions, may explain its key role in the bioleaching of the copper–nickel bulk concentrate. Isolation of two other sulfur-oxidizing pure cultures dominating the microbial community, together with their phylogenetic characterization, allowed the assignment of these isolates to the species Acidithiobacillus caldus. This and other studies of acidophilic microbial communities are important for the development and intensification of the bioleaching processes, including a biobeneficiation approach previously proposed by us.
A Preliminary Color Study of Different Basil-Based Semi-Finished Products during Their Storage
Authors: Turrini Federica , Farinini Emanuele , Leardi Riccardo , Grasso Federica , Orlandi Valentina , Boggia Raffaella
Published: March 2022

Basil-based semi-finished products, which are mainly used as an intermediate to produce the typical pesto sauce, are prepared and exported all over the world. Color is a fundamental organoleptic requirement for the acceptability of these semi-finished products by the manufacturers of the pesto sauce. Some alternative formulations, which adjust the typical industrial recipe by both changing the preservative agent (ascorbic acid, citric acid, or a mixture of both) and introducing a preliminary thermic treatment (blast chilling), were evaluated. In this work, a fast and non-destructive spectrophotometric analysis, to monitor the color variations in these food products during their shelf-life, was proposed. The raw diffuse reflectance spectra (380–900 nm) obtained by a UV–visible spectrophotometer, endowed with an integrating sphere, together with the CIELab parameters (L*, a*, b*) automatically obtained from these, were considered, and elaborated using multivariate statistical analysis (principal component analysis). From this preliminary study, blast chilling, together with the use of ascorbic acid, proved to be the best solution to better preserve the color of these products during their shelf-life.
Monitoring Stimulated Darkening from UV-C Light on Different Bean Genotypes by NMR Spectroscopy
Authors: Salvador Marília Vilela , Kock Flávio Vinícius Crizóstomo , Santos Isabella Laporte , Paulino Jean Fausto Carvalho , de Almeida Caléo Panhoca , dos Santos Garcia Rodrigo Henrique , Benchimol-Reis Luciana Lasry , Colnago Luiz Alberto , Ferreira Antonio Gilberto
Published: March 2022

The use of UV-C cool white light on bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) seeds significantly increases the biochemical seed coat post-harvest darkening process, whilst preserving seed germination. The aim of this work consists in monitoring the effect caused by the incidence of UV-C light on different bean genotypes using NMR spectroscopy. The genotype samples named IAC Alvorada; TAA Dama; BRS Estilo and BRS Pérola from the Agronomic Institute (IAC; Campinas; SP; Brazil) were evaluated. The following two methodologies were used: a prolonged darkening, in which the grain is placed in a room at a controlled temperature (298 K) and humidity for 90 days, simulating the supermarket shelf; an accelerated darkening, where the grains are exposed to UV-C light (254 nm) for 96 h. The experiments were performed using the following innovative time-domain (TD) NMR approaches: the RK-ROSE pulse sequence; one- and two-dimensional high resolution (HR) NMR experiments (1H; 1H-1H COSY and 1H-13C HSQC); chemometrics tools, such as PLS-DA and heat plots. The results suggest that the observed darkening occurs on the tegument after prolonged (90 days) and accelerated (96 h) conditions. In addition, the results indicate that phenylalanine is the relevant metabolite within this context, being able to participate in the chemical reactions accounted for by the darkening processes. Additionally, it is possible to confirm that a UV-C lamp accelerates oxidative enzymatic reactions and that the NMR methods used were a trustworthy approach to monitor and understand the darkening in bean seeds at metabolite level.
pyAIR—A New Software Tool for Breathomics Applications—Searching for Markers in TD-GC-HRMS Analysis
Authors: Yishai Aviram Lilach , Marder Dana , Prihed Hagit , Tartakovsky Konstantin , Shem-Tov Daniel , Sinelnikov Regina , Dagan Shai , Tzanani Nitzan
Published: March 2022

Volatile metabolites in exhaled air have promising potential as diagnostic biomarkers. However, the combination of low mass, similar chemical composition, and low concentrations introduces the challenge of sorting the data to identify markers of value. In this paper, we report the development of pyAIR, a software tool for searching for volatile organic compounds (VOCs) markers in multi-group datasets, tailored for Thermal-Desorption Gas-Chromatography High Resolution Mass-Spectrometry (TD-GC-HRMS) output. pyAIR aligns the compounds between samples by spectral similarity coupled with retention times (RT), and statistically compares the groups for compounds that differ by intensity. This workflow was successfully tested and evaluated on gaseous samples spiked with 27 model VOCs at six concentrations, divided into three groups, down to 0.3 nL/L. All analytes were correctly detected and aligned. More than 80% were found to be significant markers with a p-value < 0.05; several were classified as possibly significant markers (p-value < 0.1), while a few were removed due to background level. In all group comparisons, low rates of false markers were found. These results showed the potential of pyAIR in the field of trace-level breathomics, with the capability to differentially examine several groups, such as stages of illness.
Green Synthesis of BPL-NiONPs Using Leaf Extract of Berberis pachyacantha: Characterization and Multiple In Vitro Biological Applications
Authors: Uddin Siraj , Iqbal Javed , Safdar Luqman Bin , Ahmad Saleem , Abbasi Banzeer Ahsan , Capasso Raffaele , Kazi Mohsin , Quraihi Umar Masood
Published: March 2022

An eco-friendly biogenic method for the synthesis of nickel oxide nanoparticles (NiONPs) using phytochemically rich Berberis pachyacantha leaf extract (BPL) was established. To achieve this purpose, 80 mL of BPL extract was used as a suitable reducing and capping agent for the synthesis of NiONPs. The synthesis of BPL-based nickel oxide nanoparticles (BPL@NiONPs) was confirmed using different microscopic and spectroscopic techniques: UV Visible spectroscopy (UV-Vis), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), energy dispersive X-ray (EDX), dynamic light scattering (DLS) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis. Spectroscopically, BPL-NiONPs was found with a pure elemental composition (oxygen and nickel), average size (22.53 nm) and rhombohedral structure with multiple functional groups (-OH group and Ni-O formation) on their surface. In the next step, the BPL extract and BPL@NiONPs were further investigated for various biological activities. As compared to BPL extract, BPL@NiONPs exhibited strong biological activities. BPL@NiONPs showed remarkable antioxidant activities in terms of 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (76.08%) and total antioxidant capacity (68.74%). Antibacterial action was found against Pseudomonas aeruginosa (27 mm), Staphylococcus aureus (20 mm) and Escherichia coli (19.67 mm) at 500 µg/mL. While antifungal potentials were shown against Alternaria alternata (81.25%), Fusarium oxysporum (42.86%) and Aspergillus niger (42%) at 1000 µg/mL. Similarly, dose-dependent cytotoxicity response was confirmed against brine shrimp with IC50 value (45.08 µg/mL). Additionally, BPL@NiONPs exhibited stimulatory efficacy by enhancing seed germination rate at low concentrations (31.25 and 62.5 µg/mL). In conclusion, this study depicted that BPL extract has important phytochemicals with remarkable antioxidant activities, which successfully reduced and stabilized the BPL@NiONPs. The overall result of this study suggested that BPL@NiONPs could be used as nanomedicines and nanofertilizers in biomedical and agrarian fields.
Synthesis of Pyridoxine-Derived Dimethylpyridinols Fused with Aminooxazole, Aminoimidazole, and Aminopyrrole
Authors: Awasthi Bhuwan Prasad , Lee Hyunji , Jeong Byeong-Seon
Published: March 2022

Described in this paper are studies on the preparation of three classes of dimethylpyridinols derived from pyridoxine fused with aminooxazole, aminoimidazole, and aminopyrrole. The key feature of this synthetic strategy is the manipulation of hydroxymethyl moiety of C(5)-position of the pyridoxine starting material along with the installation of an amino group at C(6)-position. Efficient and practical synthesis for the oxazole- and imidazole-fused targets was accomplished, while the instability of the pyrrole-fused one was observed.
Natural Products with Antitumor Potential Targeting the MYB-C/EBPβ-p300 Transcription Module
Authors: Schmidt Thomas J. , Klempnauer Karl-Heinz
Published: March 2022

The transcription factor MYB is expressed predominantly in hematopoietic progenitor cells, where it plays an essential role in the development of most lineages of the hematopoietic system. In the myeloid lineage, MYB is known to cooperate with members of the CCAAT box/enhancer binding protein (C/EBP) family of transcription factors. MYB and C/EBPs interact with the co-activator p300 or its paralog CREB-binding protein (CBP), to form a transcriptional module involved in myeloid-specific gene expression. Recent work has demonstrated that MYB is involved in the development of human leukemia, especially in acute T-cell leukemia (T-ALL) and acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Chemical entities that inhibit the transcriptional activity of the MYB-C/EBPβ-p300 transcription module may therefore be of use as potential anti-tumour drugs. In searching for small molecule inhibitors, studies from our group over the last 10 years have identified natural products belonging to different structural classes, including various sesquiterpene lactones, a steroid lactone, quinone methide triterpenes and naphthoquinones that interfere with the activity of this transcriptional module in different ways. This review gives a comprehensive overview on the various classes of inhibitors and the inhibitory mechanisms by which they affect the MYB-C/EBPβ-p300 transcriptional module as a potential anti-tumor target. We also focus on the current knowledge on structure-activity relationships underlying these biological effects and on the potential of these compounds for further development.
Effects of Liquid Phase Nano Titanium Dioxide (TiO2) on Seed Germination and Seedling Growth of Camphor Tree
Authors: Zhou You , Zhang Lei , Liu Yaodi , She Jiyun
Published: March 2022

It is of great significance to popularize and apply nanotechnology in forest plantations for the high-quality development of such areas. Camphor trees have good ecological and environmental benefits and are economic, which makes them worthy of widespread popularization and promotion. In this paper, we successfully synthesized bulk and rod-like TiO2 powder and used it to study the influence of camphor seed germination and seedling growth. The germination rate, germination potential, germination index activity index of camphorwood seed during germination were measured by TiO2 solution with different morphology. Meanwhile, the fresh weight, root length and seedling height of seedlings, as well as the activities of CAT, SOD and POD and MDA content in the seedlings were measured in detail. The difference in the promoting effect between bulk and rod TiO2 powder was compared. The possible reasons are also explained. The results showed that bulk and rod-like TiO2 solution improved the activities of SOD, POD and CAT, and increased the resilience of camphor seedlings. Moreover, the rod-like TiO2 solution has a stronger osmotic effect on seed, and has a better effect on promoting seed germination and seedling growth. The study on the influence of nano-TiO2 concentration also further showed that the treatment of nano-TiO2 solution with appropriate concentration could effectively promote seed germination and seedling growth, and enhance its adoptability to adversity; but excessive concentration will bring some side effects, which was not conducive to seed germination and seedling growth. In general, the results of this study provide a theoretical basis and technical guidance for the practical application of nanotechnology in camphor seedling and afforestation production.
Computational Framework of Magnetized MgO–Ni/Water-Based Stagnation Nanoflow Past an Elastic Stretching Surface: Application in Solar Energy Coatings
Authors: Bhatti Muhammad Mubashir , Bég Osman Anwar , Abdelsalam Sara I.
Published: March 2022

In this article, motivated by novel nanofluid solar energy coating systems, a mathematical model of hybrid magnesium oxide (MgO) and nickel (Ni) nanofluid magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) stagnation point flow impinging on a porous elastic stretching surface in a porous medium is developed. The hybrid nanofluid is electrically conducted, and a magnetic Reynolds number is sufficiently large enough to invoke an induced magnetic field. A Darcy model is adopted for the isotropic, homogenous porous medium. The boundary conditions account for the impacts of the velocity slip and thermal slip. Heat generation (source)/absorption (sink) and also viscous dissipation effects are included. The mathematical formulation has been performed with the help of similarity variables, and the resulting coupled nonlinear dimensionless ordinary differential equations have been solved numerically with the help of the shooting method. In order to test the validity of the current results and the convergence of the solutions, a numerical comparison with previously published results is included. Numerical results are plotted for the effect of emerging parameters on velocity, temperature, magnetic induction, skin friction, and Nusselt number. With an increment in nanoparticle volume fraction of both MgO and Ni nanoparticles, the temperature and thermal boundary layer thickness of the nanofluid are elevated. An increase in the porous medium parameter (Darcy number), velocity slip, and thermal Grashof number all enhance the induced magnetic field. Initial increments in the nanoparticle volume fraction for both MgO and Ni suppress the magnetic induction near the wall, although, subsequently, when further from the wall, this effect is reversed. Temperature is enhanced with heat generation, whereas it is depleted with heat absorption and thermal slip effects. Overall, excellent thermal enhancement is achieved by the hybrid nanofluid.
Promotion of Ru or Ni on Alumina Catalysts with a Basic Metal for CO2 Hydrogenation: Effect of the Type of Metal (Na, K, Ba)
Authors: García-Bordejé Enrique , Dongil Ana , Conesa José , Guerrero-Ruiz Antonio , Rodríguez-Ramos Inmaculada
Published: March 2022

Ru and Ni on alumina catalysts have been promoted with a 10 wt% of alkali metal (K or Na) or alkaline earth metal (Ba) and tested in CO2 methanation. For the catalyst consisting of Ni and Ba, the variation of Ba loading while keeping Ni loading constant was studied. The promotion in terms of enhanced CH4 yield was found only for the addition of barium to 15 wt% Ni/Al2O3. In contrast, K and Na addition increased the selectivity to CO while decreasing conversion. For the Ru-based catalyst series, no enhancement in conversion or CH4 yield was attained by any of the alkaline metals. CO2 temperature-programed desorption (CO2-TPD) revealed that the amount of chemisorbed CO2 increased significantly after the addition of the base metal. The reactivity of COx ad-species for each catalyst was assessed by temperature-programed surface reaction (TPSR). The characterization revealed that the performance in the Sabatier reaction was a result of the interplay between the amount of chemisorbed CO2 and the reactivity of the COx ad-species, which was maximized for the (10%Ba)15%Ni/Al2O3 catalyst.
Highly Reflective Silver-Enhanced Coating with High Adhesion and Sulfurization Resistance for Telescopes
Authors: Wu Hsing-Yu , Huang Shao-Rong , Shih Chih-Hsuan , Hsiao Li-Jen , Chen Hong-Wei , Cheng Ming-Chung , Hsu Jin-Cherng
Published: March 2022

Highly reflective metal coatings are essential for manufacturing reflecting telescope mirrors to achieve the highest reflectivity with broad spectral bandwidth. Among metallic materials, enhanced silver-based coatings can provide higher reflectivity in the 400–500 nm spectral range to better performance from visible to near IR. Moreover, over-coating a dielectric protective layer on the mirror’s front side attains additional hardness and oxidation stability. In this paper, we study a combination of thermal and electron beam evaporation as a technology to form protected enhanced high reflective Ag coatings. A newly designed multiplayer film can pass ASTM 5B adhesive performance testing and give sulfurization inhibition. The average specular reflectivity for the enhancement coating is about 98% in wavelengths across the spectral range from 400–1000 nm. This innovation has been demonstrated on a Newtonian type telescope, with storage in an ambiance humidity H = 60–85%, and temperature T = 10–35 °C, for more than six months without degradation in coating performance.
Cortical Oxygenation during a Motor Task to Evaluate Recovery in Subacute Stroke Patients: A Study with Near-Infrared Spectroscopy
Authors: Lamberti Nicola , Manfredini Fabio , Nardi Francesca , Baroni Andrea , Piva Giovanni , Crepaldi Anna , Basaglia Nino , Casetta Ilaria , Straudi Sofia
Published: March 2022

In subacute stroke patients we studied cortical oxygenation changes by near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) during a motor task performed with the hemiparetic arm (15 s of reaching and grasping, 45 s of rest, repeated 6 times). Twenty-three subjects were included at baseline, compared with six healthy subjects, and restudied after 6 weeks of rehabilitation. Motor/premotor cortical changes in oxyhemoglobin detected by NIRS were quantified as the area under the curve (AUC) for the total cortex (TOT-AUC) and for both affected (AFF-AUC) and unaffected hemispheres (UN-AUC). The ratio between AUC and the number of task repetitions performed identified the cortical metabolic cost (CMC) or the oxygenation increase for a single movement. Fugl–Meyer assessment of the upper extremity (FMA-UE) was also performed. At baseline, both total and hemispheric CMC were significantly higher in stroke patients than in healthy subjects and inversely correlated with FMA-UE. After rehabilitation, changes in total-CMC and unaffected-CMC, but not Affected-CMC, were inversely correlated with variations in the FMA-UE score. A value > 5000 a.u. for the ratio baseline TOT-CMC/days since stroke was associated with not reaching the clinically important difference for FMA-UE after rehabilitation. In subacute stroke the CMC, a biomarker assessed by NIRS during a motor task with the hemiparetic arm, may describe cortical time/treatment reorganization and favor patient selection for rehabilitation.
Correlations between First 72 h Hypophosphatemia, Energy Deficit, Length of Ventilation, and Mortality—A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Statlender Liran , Raphaeli Orit , Bendavid Itai , Hellerman Moran , Kagan Ilya , Fishman Guy , Singer Pierre
Published: March 2022

Introduction. Hypophosphatemia may prolong ventilation and induce weaning failure. Some studies have associated hypophosphatemia with increased mortality. Starting or restarting nutrition in a critically ill patient may be associated with refeeding syndrome and hypophosphatemia. The correlation between nutrition, mechanical ventilation, and hypophosphatemia has not yet been fully elucidated. Methods. A retrospective cohort study of 825 admissions during two consecutive years was conducted. Using the electronic medical chart, demographic and clinical data were obtained. Hypophosphatemia was defined as a phosphate level below 2.5 mg/dL (0.81 mmol/L) in the first 72 h of ICU admission. Comparisons between baseline characteristics and outcomes and multivariate analysis were performed. Results. A total of 324 (39.27%) patients had hypophosphatemia during the first 72 h of ICU admission. Patients with hypophosphatemia tended to be younger, with lower APACHE-II, SOFA24, and ΔSOFA scores. They had a longer length of stay and length of ventilation, more prevalent prolonged ventilation, and decreased mortality. Their energy deficit was lower. There was no effect of hypophosphatemia severity on these results. In multivariate analysis, hypophosphatemia was not found to be statistically significant either with respect to mortality or survivor’s length of ventilation, but lower average daily energy deficit and SOFA24 were found to be statistically significant with respect to survivor’s length of ventilation. Conclusion. Hypophosphatemia had no effect on mortality or length of ventilation. Lower average daily energy deficit is associated with a longer survivor’s length of ventilation.
Optimal Obesity- and Lipid-Related Indices for Predicting Metabolic Syndrome in Chronic Kidney Disease Patients with and without Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in China
Authors: Li Hangtian , Wang Qian , Ke Jianghua , Lin Wenwen , Luo Yayong , Yao Jin , Zhang Weiguang , Zhang Li , Duan Shuwei , Dong Zheyi , Chen Xiangmei
Published: March 2022

Existing obesity- and lipid-related indices are inconsistent with metabolic syndrome (MetS) in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients. We compared seven indicators, including waist circumference (WC), body mass index (BMI), visceral fat area (VFA), subcutaneous fat area (SFA), visceral adiposity index (VAI), Chinese VAI and lipid accumulation product (LAP), to evaluate their ability to predict MetS in CKD patients with and without Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) under various criteria. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to investigate the independent associations between the indices and metabolic syndrome among 547 non-dialysis CKD patients, aged ≥18 years. The predictive power of these indices was assessed using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. After adjusting for potential confounders, the correlation between VAI and MetS was strongest based on the optimal cut-off value of 1.51 (sensitivity 86.84%, specificity 91.18%) and 2.35 (sensitivity 83.54%, specificity 86.08%), with OR values of 40.585 (8.683–189.695) and 5.076 (1.247–20.657) for males and females with CKD and T2DM. In CKD patients without T2DM, based on the optimal cut-off values of 1.806 (sensitivity 98.11%, specificity 72.73%) and 3.11 (sensitivity 84.62%, specificity 83.82%), the OR values were 7.514 (3.757–15.027) and 3.008 (1.789–5.056) for males and females, respectively. The area under ROC curve (AUC) and Youden index of VAI were the highest among the seven indexes, indicating its superiority in predicting MetS in both male and female CKD patients, especially those with T2DM.
Baseline Objective Malnutritional Indices as Immune-Nutritional Predictors of Long-Term Recurrence in Patients with Acute Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Han Xiaoyan , Cai Jinhua , Li Youjia , Rong Xiaoming , Li Yi , He Lei , Li Honghong , Liang Yuchan , Huang Huiqin , Xu Yongteng , Shen Qingyu , Tang Yamei
Published: March 2022

Background: The controlling nutritional status (CONUT) score and the prognostic nutritional index (PNI) score were designed as indicators of patients’ immune-nutritional status. This study aimed to investigate the prognostic impact of the CONUT and PNI scores on long-term recurrent ischemic stroke (RIS) and adverse outcomes for adults with acute ischemic stroke (AIS). Methods: This retrospective study enrolled 991 AIS patients. Multivariable Cox regression models were used to assess the relationships of the malnutritional indices and RIS and major cardiovascular events (MACEs). Results: During a median follow-up at 44 months (IQR 39–49 months), 203 (19.2%) patients had RIS and 261 (26.3%) had MACEs. Compared with normal nutritional status, moderate to severe malnutrition was significantly related to an increased risk of RIS in the CONUT score (adjusted hazard ratio (HR) 3.472, 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.223–5.432, p < 0.001). A higher PNI value tertile (tertile two, adjusted HR 0.295, 95% CI 0.202–0.430; tertile three, adjusted HR 0.445, 95% CI 0.308–0.632, all p < 0.001) was related to a lower risk of RIS. Similar results were found for MACEs. The PNI exhibited nonlinear association with the RIS and both two malnutritional indices improved the model’s discrimination when added to the model with other clinical risk factors. Conclusions: This study demonstrated that the CONUT and PNI are promising, straightforward screening indicators to identify AIS patients with impaired immune-nutritional status at higher risk of long-term RIS and MACEs.
Incidence and Impact of Refeeding Syndrome in an Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology Ward of an Italian Tertiary Referral Center: A Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Rinninella Emanuele , D’Angelo Marco , Borriello Raffaele , Galasso Tiziano , Cintoni Marco , Raoul Pauline , Impagnatiello Michele , Annicchiarico Brigida Eleonora , Gasbarrini Antonio , Mele Maria Cristina
Published: March 2022

Background: Refeeding syndrome (RS) is a neglected, potentially fatal syndrome that occurs in malnourished patients undergoing rapid nutritional replenishment after a period of fasting. The American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (ASPEN) recently released new criteria for RS risk and diagnosis. Real-life data on its incidence are still limited. Methods: We consecutively enrolled patients admitted to the Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology Unit of our center. The RS risk prevalence and incidence of RS were evaluated according to ASPEN. The length of stay (LOS), mortality, and re-admission rate within 30 days were assessed. Results: Among 203 admitted patients, 98 (48.3%) were at risk of RS; RS occurred in 38 patients (18.7% of the entire cohort). Patients diagnosed with RS had a higher mean LOS (12.5 days ± 7.9) than those who were not diagnosed with RS (7.1 ± 4.2) (p < 0.0001). Nine patients (4.4%) died. Body mass index (OR 0.82; 95% CI 0.69–0.97), RS diagnosis (OR 10.1; 95% CI 2.4–42.6), and medical nutritional support within 48 h (OR 0.12; 95% CI 0.02–0.56) were associated with mortality. Conclusions: RS incidence is high among clinical wards, influencing clinical outcomes. Awareness among clinicians is necessary to identify patients at risk and to support those developing this syndrome.
Niacin Limitation Promotes Candida glabrata Adhesion to Abiotic Surfaces
Authors: Li Xiaolan , He Libang , Krom Bastiaan , Cheng Lei , de Soet Johannes , Deng Dong
Published: March 2022

Candida glabrata is a prevalent fungal pathogen in humans, which is able to adhere to host cells and abiotic surfaces. Nicotinic acid (NA) limitation has been shown to promote the adherence of C. glabrata to human epithelial cells. Clinically, the elderly and hospitalized patients who are prone to C. glabrata–related denture stomatitis often suffer from vitamin deficiency. This study aimed to investigate C. glabrata adhesion to abiotic surfaces, including acrylic resin (a denture material) surfaces, cell surface hydrophobicity and adhesion gene expression. C. glabrata CBS138 was grown in media containing decreasing NA concentrations (40, 0.4, 0.04 and 0.004 µM). Adherence of C. glabrata to glass coverslips and acrylic resin was analyzed. C. glabrata adhesion to both surfaces generally increased with decreasing NA concentrations. The highest adhesion was found for the cells grown with 0.004 µM NA. The cell surface hydrophobicity test indicated that NA limitation enhanced hydrophobicity of C. glabrata cells. Quantitative PCR showed that of all adhesion genes tested, EPA1, EPA3 and EPA7 were significantly up-regulated in both 0.004 µM NA and 0.04 µM NA groups compared to those in the 40 µM NA group. No significant up- or down-regulation under NA limitation was observed for the other tested adhesion genes, namely AWP3, AWP4, AWP6 and EPA6. NA limitation resulted in increased expression of some adhesion genes, higher surface hydrophobicity of C. glabrata and enhanced adhesion to abiotic surfaces. NA deficiency is likely a risk factor for C. glabrata–related denture stomatitis in the elderly.
Biofilm Formation by Pathogenic Bacteria: Applying a Staphylococcus aureus Model to Appraise Potential Targets for Therapeutic Intervention
Authors: Sedarat Zahra , Taylor-Robinson Andrew W.
Published: March 2022

Carried in the nasal passages by up to 30% of humans, Staphylococcus aureus is recognized to be a successful opportunistic pathogen. It is a frequent cause of infections of the upper respiratory tract, including sinusitis, and of the skin, typically abscesses, as well as of food poisoning and medical device contamination. The antimicrobial resistance of such, often chronic, health conditions is underpinned by the unique structure of bacterial biofilm, which is the focus of increasing research to try to overcome this serious public health challenge. Due to the protective barrier of an exopolysaccharide matrix, bacteria that are embedded within biofilm are highly resistant both to an infected individual’s immune response and to any treating antibiotics. An in-depth appraisal of the stepwise progression of biofilm formation by S. aureus, used as a model infection for all cases of bacterial antibiotic resistance, has enhanced understanding of this complicated microscopic structure and served to highlight possible intervention targets for both patient cure and community infection control. While antibiotic therapy offers a practical means of treatment and prevention, the most favorable results are achieved in combination with other methods. This review provides an overview of S. aureus biofilm development, outlines the current range of anti-biofilm agents that are used against each stage and summarizes their relative merits.