bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Use of Polymer and Surfactants for the Microencapsulation and Emulsion Stabilization
Authors: Sharipova Altynay , Aidarova Saule , Mutaliyeva Botagoz , Babayev Alpamys , Issakhov Miras , Issayeva Assem , Madybekova Galiya , Grigoriev Dmitry , Miller Reinhard
Published: October 2017

Polymer/surfactant mixtures have a wide range of industrial and technological applications, one of them being the use in microencapsulation and emulsion stabilization processes. These mixtures are able to form adsorption layers at the surface of oil droplets and so affect the emulsion stability, which depends on the polyelectrolyte/surfactant nature, concentrations ratio, method of the emulsification, etc. Polyelectrolytes alone show low surface activity in contrast to surfactants, which adsorb at the water/oil interface, making the droplets charged, but they are insufficient to stabilize emulsions. When an oppositely-charged polymer is added to the surfactant solution, a steric barrier is formed, which prevents coalescence and enhances the stability. The present review is devoted to the recent studies of the use of polymer/surfactant mixtures for the encapsulation of active ingredients and stabilization of single and double emulsions. Active ingredients are added to the oil phase prior to emulsification so that any subsequent dissolution of the core, like in other encapsulation protocols, can be omitted. By measuring the interfacial tension and dilational rheology it is possible to find optimum conditions for the emulsion formation and hence for encapsulation. Therefore, such systems have become a prominent approach for the encapsulation of active ingredients.
Tetrel, Chalcogen, and Charge-Assisted Hydrogen Bonds in 2-((2-Carboxy-1-(substituted)-2-hydroxyethyl)thio) Pyridin-1-ium Chlorides
Authors: Guseinov Firudin , Pistsov Mikhail , Movsumzade Eldar , Kustov Leonid , Tafeenko Victor , Chernyshev Vladimir , Gurbanov Atash , Mahmudov Kamran , Pombeiro Armando
Published: October 2017

Reaction of 2-chloro-2-(diethoxymethyl)-3-substitutedoxirane or 1-chloro-1-(substituted) -3,3-diethoxypropan-2-one with pyridine-2-thiol in EtOH at 25 °C yields 3-(diethoxymethyl)-3-hydroxy-2-substituted-2,3-dihydrothiazolo[3,2-a]pyridin-4-ium chlorides, which subsequently, in MeCN at 85°C, transforms into ring-opening products, 2-((2-carboxy-1-(substituted) -2-hydroxyethyl)thio)pyridin-1-ium chlorides. The tetrel (C···O) and chalcogen (S···O) bonds are found in the structures of 5 and 6, respectively. Compound 6 is also present in halogen bonding with a short O···Cl distance (3.067 Å). Both molecules are stabilized in crystal by tetrel, chalcogen, and multiple charge-assisted hydrogen bonds.
High-Pressure Reactivity of Kr and F2—Stabilization of Krypton in the +4 Oxidation State
Authors: Kurzydłowski Dominik , Sołtysiak Magdalena , Dżoleva Aleksandra , Zaleski-Ejgierd Patryk
Published: October 2017

Since the synthesis of the first krypton compound, several other Kr-bearing connections have been obtained. However, in all of them krypton adopts the +2 oxidation state, in contrast to xenon which forms numerous compounds with an oxidation state as high as +8. Motivated by the possibility of thermodynamic stabilization of exotic compounds with the use of high pressure (exceeding 1 GPa = 10 kbar), we present here theoretical investigations into the chemistry of krypton and fluorine at such large compression. In particular we focus on krypton tetrafluoride, KrF4, a molecular crystal in which krypton forms short covalent bonds with neighboring fluorine atoms thus adopting the +4 oxidation state. We find that this hitherto unknown compound can be stabilized at pressures below 50 GPa. Our results indicate also that, at larger compressions, a multitude of other KrmFn fluorides should be stable, among them KrF which exhibits covalent Kr–Kr bonds. Our results set the stage for future high-pressure synthesis of novel krypton compounds.
Crystallisation and Preliminary Crystallographic Analysis of Helicobacter pylori Periplasmic Binding Protein YckK
Authors: Rahman Mohammad , Germantsis Daniel , Machuca Mayra , Ud-Din Abu , Roujeinikova Anna
Published: October 2017

Helicobacter pylori infection can lead to the development of gastric and duodenal ulcers and gastric cancer. In recent years, the efficacy of the standard therapy has been falling, necessitating ongoing efforts to identify new drug targets. Due to their important role in chemotaxis and nutrient uptake, periplasmic binding proteins (PBPs) represent potential targets for new antimicrobial agents that have not yet been fully explored and exploited. The H. pylori PBP YckK is homologous to polar amino acid-binding proteins from other bacteria. The yckK gene overlaps the gene tcyB—a gene annotated as a polar amino acid-transporting permease. Purified recombinant YckK behaved as a monomer in solution. Crystals of YckK were grown by the hanging drop vapour diffusion method using PEG 3350 as the precipitating agent. The crystals belong to the primitive triclinic space group P1 with unit cell parameters a = 63.0, b = 63.5, c = 74.6 Å, α = 72.5, β = 68.3, γ = 69.4°. X-ray diffraction data were collected to 1.8 Å resolution using synchrotron radiation. Molecular replacement using this data revealed that the asymmetric unit contains three subunits: two in the open and one in the closed conformation.
Symbiotic Microbes from Marine Invertebrates: Driving a New Era of Natural Product Drug Discovery
Authors: Blockley Alix , Elliott David , Roberts Adam , Sweet Michael
Published: October 2017

Invertebrates account for more than 89% of all extant organisms in the marine environment, represented by over 174,600 species (recorded to date). Such diversity is mirrored in (or more likely increased by) the microbial symbionts associated with this group and in the marine natural products (or MNPs) that they produce. Since the early 1950s over 20,000 MNPs have been discovered, including compounds produced by symbiotic bacteria, and the chemical diversity of compounds produced from marine sources has led to them being referred to as "blue gold" in the search for new drugs. For example, 80% of novel antibiotics stemming from the marine environment have come from Actinomycetes, many of which can be found associated with marine sponges, and compounds with anti-tumorigenic and anti-diabetic potential have also been isolated from marine symbionts. In fact, it has been estimated that marine sources formed the basis of over 50% of FDA-approved drugs between 1981 and 2002. In this review, we explore the diversity of marine microbial symbionts by examining their use as the producers of novel pharmaceutical actives, together with a discussion of the opportunities and constraints offered by “blue gold” drug discovery.
Thermodynamic Analysis for Buoyancy-Induced Couple Stress Nanofluid Flow with Constant Heat Flux
Authors: Adesanya Samuel , Ogunseye Hammed , Falade J. , Lebelo R.S.
Published: October 2017

This paper addresses entropy generation in the flow of an electrically-conducting couple stress nanofluid through a vertical porous channel subjected to constant heat flux. By using the Buongiorno model, equations for momentum, energy, and nanofluid concentration are modelled, solved using homotopy analysis and furthermore, solved numerically. The variations of significant fluid parameters with respect to fluid velocity, temperature, nanofluid concentration, entropy generation, and irreversibility ratio are investigated, presented graphically, and discussed based on physical laws.
A Transient Stability Numerical Integration Algorithm for Variable Step Sizes Based on Virtual Input
Authors: Gao Yifan , Wang Jianquan , Xiao Tannan , Jiang Daozhuo
Published: October 2017

In order to reduce the online calculations for power system simulations of transient stability, and dramatically improve numerical integration efficiency, a transient stability numerical integration algorithm for variable step sizes based on virtual input is proposed. The method for fully constructing the nonhomogeneous virtual input for a certain integration scheme is given, and the calculation method for the local truncation error of the power angle for the corresponding integration scheme is derived. A step size control strategy based on the predictor corrector variable step size method is proposed, which performs an adaptive control of the step size in the numerical integration process. The proposed algorithm was applied to both the IEEE39 system and a regional power system (5075 nodes, 496 generators) in China, and demonstrated a high level of accuracy and efficiency in practical simulations compared to the conventional numerical integration algorithm.
Stability Analysis of Aircraft Power Systems Based on a Unified Large Signal Model
Authors: Che Yanbo , Xu Jianmei , Shi Kun , Liu Huanan , Chen Weihua , Yu Dongmin
Published: October 2017

Complex power electronic conversion devices, most of which have high transmission performance, are important power conversion units in modern aircraft power systems. However, these devices can also affect the stability of the aircraft power system more and more prominent due to their dynamic and nonlinear characteristics. To analyze the stability of aircraft power systems in a simple, accurate and comprehensive way, this paper develops a unified large signal model of aircraft power systems. In this paper, first the Lyapunov linearization method and the mixed potential theory are employed to analyze small signal and large signal stability, respectively, and then a unified stability criterion is proposed to estimate small and large signal stability problems. Simulation results show that the unified large signal model of aircraft power systems presented in this paper can be used to analyze the stability problem of aircraft power systems in an accurate and comprehensive way. Furthermore, with simplicity, universality and structural uniformity, the unified large signal model lays a good foundation for the optimal design of aircraft power systems.
Chromosome Evolution in the Free-Living Flatworms: First Evidence of Intrachromosomal Rearrangements in Karyotype Evolution of Macrostomum lignano (Platyhelminthes, Macrostomida)
Authors: Zadesenets Kira , Ershov Nikita , Berezikov Eugene , Rubtsov Nikolay
Published: October 2017

The free-living flatworm Macrostomum lignano is a hidden tetraploid. Its genome was formed by a recent whole genome duplication followed by chromosome fusions. Its karyotype (2n = 8) consists of a pair of large chromosomes (MLI1), which contain regions of all other chromosomes, and three pairs of small metacentric chromosomes. Comparison of MLI1 with metacentrics was performed by painting with microdissected DNA probes and fluorescent in situ hybridization of unique DNA fragments. Regions of MLI1 homologous to small metacentrics appeared to be contiguous. Besides the loss of DNA repeat clusters (pericentromeric and telomeric repeats and the 5S rDNA cluster) from MLI1, the difference between small metacentrics MLI2 and MLI4 and regions homologous to them in MLI1 were revealed. Abnormal karyotypes found in the inbred DV1/10 subline were analyzed, and structurally rearranged chromosomes were described with the painting technique, suggesting the mechanism of their origin. The revealed chromosomal rearrangements generate additional diversity, opening the way toward massive loss of duplicated genes from a duplicated genome. Our findings suggest that the karyotype of M. lignano is in the early stage of genome diploidization after whole genome duplication, and further studies on M. lignano and closely related species can address many questions about karyotype evolution in animals.
Senescent Nephropathy: The New Renal Syndrome
Authors: Aiello Florencia , Dueñas Eliana , Musso Carlos
Published: October 2017

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a condition characterized by progressive and irreversible deterioration of renal function due to the reduction of nephron mass for a period of at least three months. The prevalence of CKD is roughly 10% in the general population but increases with age, affecting more than one-third of people older than 65. Frailty is a condition usually found in elderly people, characterized by weakness, motility, and balance issues, with a declined ability to resist stressors leading to increased risks of adverse health outcomes including falls, fracture, hospitalization, institutionalization, disability, dependence, dementia, poor quality of life, and death. There is interdependence between CKD and normal ageing whereby CKD makes ageing more accelerated and pronounced (senescence), whereas senescence accelerates chronic nephropathy’s progression. Frailty status catalyzes this spiral, with renal and systemic consequences, phenomenon which can be named senescent nephropathy. In conclusion, senescent nephropathy is a new renal syndrome that should be taken into account, and we must try to handle its appearance and progression not only by applying nephron prevention measurements but also by diagnosis and treating frailty in the CKD population.
Sensitizing Black Adult and Youth Consumers to Targeted Food Marketing Tactics in Their Environments
Authors: Isselmann DiSantis Katherine , Kumanyika Shiriki , Carter-Edwards Lori , Rohm Young Deborah , Grier Sonya , Lassiter Vikki
Published: October 2017

Food marketing environments of Black American consumers are heavily affected by ethnically-targeted marketing of sugar sweetened beverages, fast foods, and other products that may contribute to caloric overconsumption. This qualitative study assessed Black consumers’ responses to targeted marketing. Black adults (2 mixed gender groups; total n = 30) and youth (2 gender specific groups; total n = 35) from two U.S. communities participated before and after a sensitization procedure—a critical practice used to understand social justice concerns. Pre-sensitization focus groups elicited responses to scenarios about various targeted marketing tactics. Participants were then given an informational booklet about targeted marketing to Black Americans, and all returned for the second (post-sensitization) focus group one week later. Conventional qualitative content analysis of transcripts identified several salient themes: seeing the marketer’s perspective (“it’s about demand”; “consumers choose”), respect for community (“marketers are setting us up for failure”; “making wrong assumptions”), and food environments as a social justice issue (“no one is watching the door”; “I didn’t realize”). Effects of sensitization were reflected in participants’ stated reactions to the information in the booklet, and also in the relative occurrence of marketer-oriented themes and social justice-oriented themes, respectively, less and more after sensitization.
New Instrument to Measure Hospital Patient Experiences in Flanders
Authors: Bruyneel Luk , Tambuyzer Else , Coeckelberghs Ellen , De Wachter Dirk , Sermeus Walter , De Ridder Dirk , Ramaekers Dirk , Weeghmans Ilse , Vanhaecht Kris
Published: October 2017

Implementing a standardized patient experience survey may initiate a process to apply pressure on hospitals to attend to improving patient experiences. In Flanders, Belgium, the Flemish Patient Survey was developed between 2011 and 2015. A preliminary version was developed from a scoping review and patient and expert focus groups, and included 27 items for eight hypothesized dimensions: ‘preparing for hospital stay’, ‘information and communication’, ‘coordination’, ‘respect’, ‘privacy’, ‘safe care’, pain management’, and ‘participation’. Exploratory factor analysis for 1076 patients in 17 hospitals found that the data did not fit the dimensions. Adaptations in item wording and response categories were based on the US Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems. The revised version showed excellent model fit in 22,143 patients in 37 hospitals. Multiple group analysis pointed to evidence of measurement invariance over time across mode of administration, type of nursing unit, and various patient characteristics. Fostering a collaborative approach thus proved successful in implementing a standardized patient experience survey. The most recent findings (2016) illustrate substandard performance and a need for patient-mix adjustment. The Flemish government developed a dedicated website to make findings publicly available and the federal government currently considers patient experiences in devising a pay-for-quality scheme.
Laminin-Coated Poly(Methyl Methacrylate) (PMMA) Nanofiber Scaffold Facilitates the Enrichment of Skeletal Muscle Myoblast Population
Authors: Zahari Nor , Idrus Ruszymah , Chowdhury Shiplu
Published: October 2017

Myoblasts, the contractile cells of skeletal muscle, have been invaluable for fundamental studies of muscle development and clinical applications for muscle loss. A major limitation to the myoblast-based therapeutic approach is contamination with non-contractile fibroblasts, which overgrow during cell expansion. To overcome these limitations, this study was carried out to establish a 3D culture environment using nanofiber scaffolds to enrich the myoblast population during construct formation. Poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) nanofiber (PM) scaffolds were fabricated using electrospinning techniques and coated with extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins, such as collagen or laminin, in the presence or absence of genipin. A mixed population of myoblasts and fibroblasts was isolated from human skeletal muscle tissues and cultured on plain surfaces, as well as coated and non-coated PM scaffolds. PMMA can produce smooth fibers with an average diameter of 360 ± 50 nm. Adsorption of collagen and laminin on PM scaffolds is significantly enhanced in the presence of genipin, which introduces roughness to the nanofiber surface without affecting fiber diameter and mechanical properties. It was also demonstrated that laminin-coated PM scaffolds significantly enhance myoblast proliferation (0.0081 ± 0.0007 h−1) and migration (0.26 ± 0.04 μm/min), while collagen-coated PM scaffolds favors fibroblasts proliferation (0.0097 ± 0.0009 h−1) and migration (0.23 ± 0.03 μm/min). Consequently, the myoblast population was enriched on laminin-coated PM scaffolds throughout the culture process. Therefore, laminin coating of nanofiber scaffolds could be a potential scaffold for the development of a tissue-engineered muscle substitute.
Metformin Potentiates the Benefits of Dietary Restraint: A Metabolomic Study
Authors: Riera-Borrull Marta , García-Heredia Anabel , Fernández-Arroyo Salvador , Hernández-Aguilera Anna , Cabré Noemí , Cuyàs Elisabet , Luciano-Mateo Fedra , Camps Jordi , Menendez Javier , Joven Jorge
Published: October 2017

Prevention of the metabolic consequences of a chronic energy-dense/high-fat diet (HFD) represents a public health priority. Metformin is a strong candidate to be incorporated in alternative therapeutic approaches. We used a targeted metabolomic approach to assess changes related to the multi-faceted metabolic disturbances provoked by HFD. We evaluated the protective effects of metformin and explored how pro-inflammatory and metabolic changes respond when mice rendered obese, glucose-intolerant and hyperlipidemic were switched to diet reversal with or without metformin. Mice treated with metformin and diet-reversal showed a dramatically improved protection against HFD-induced hepatic steatosis, a beneficial effect that was accompanied by a lowering of liver-infiltrating pro-inflammatory macrophages and lower release of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Metformin combined with diet reversal promoted effective weight loss along with better glucose control, lowered levels of circulating cholesterol and triglycerides, and reduced adipose tissue content. Our findings underscored the ability of metformin to target the contribution of branched chain amino acids to adipose tissue metabolism while suppressing mitochondrial-dependent biosynthesis in hepatic tissue. The relationship between adipose tissue and liver might provide clinical potential for combining metformin and dietary modifications to protect against the metabolic damage occurring upon excessive dietary fat intake.
Angelica sinensis Polysaccharides Ameliorate Stress-Induced Premature Senescence of Hematopoietic Cell via Protecting Bone Marrow Stromal Cells from Oxidative Injuries Caused by 5-Fluorouracil
Authors: Xiao Hanxianzhi , Xiong Lirong , Song Xiaoying , Jin Pengwei , Chen Linbo , Chen Xiongbin , Yao Hui , Wang Yaping , Wang Lu
Published: October 2017

Myelosuppression is the most common complication of chemotherapy. Decline of self-renewal capacity and stress-induced premature senescence (SIPS) of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) induced by chemotherapeutic agents may be the cause of long-term myelosuppression after chemotherapy. Whether the mechanism of SIPS of hematopoietic cells relates to chemotherapeutic injury occurred in hematopoietic microenvironment (HM) is still not well elucidated. This study explored the protective effect of Angelica sinensis polysaccharide (ASP), an acetone extract polysaccharide found as the major effective ingredients of a traditional Chinese medicinal herb named Chinese Angelica (Dong Quai), on oxidative damage of homo sapiens bone marrow/stroma cell line (HS-5) caused by 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), and the effect of ASP relieving oxidative stress in HM on SIPS of hematopoietic cells. Tumor-suppressive doses of 5-FU inhibited the growth of HS-5 in a dose-dependent and time-dependent manner. 5-FU induced HS-5 apoptosis and also accumulated cellular hallmarks of senescence including cell cycle arrest and typical senescence-associated β-galactosidase positive staining. The intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) was increased in 5-FU treated HS-5 cells and coinstantaneous with attenuated antioxidant capacity marked by superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase. Oxidative stress initiated DNA damage indicated by increased γH2AX and 8-OHdG. Oxidative damage of HS-5 cells resulted in declined hematopoietic stimulating factors including stem cell factor (SCF), stromal cell-derived factor (SDF), and granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF), however, elevated inflammatory chemokines such as RANTES. In addition, gap junction channel protein expression and mediated intercellular communications were attenuated after 5-FU treatment. Significantly, co-culture on 5-FU treated HS-5 feeder layer resulted in less quantity of human umbilical cord blood-derived hematopoietic cells and CD34+ hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells (HSPCs), and SIPS of hematopoietic cells. However, it is noteworthy that ASP ameliorated SIPS of hematopoietic cells by the mechanism of protecting bone marrow stromal cells from chemotherapeutic injury via mitigating oxidative damage of stromal cells and improving their hematopoietic function. This study provides a new strategy to alleviate the complication of conventional cancer therapy using chemotherapeutic agents.
Deep Eutectic Solvents (DESs) for the Isolation of Willow Lignin (Salix matsudana cv. Zhuliu)
Authors: Li Tengfei , Lyu Gaojin , Liu Yu , Lou Rui , Lucia Lucian , Yang Guihua , Chen Jiachuan , Saeed Haroon
Published: October 2017

Deep eutectic solvents (DESs) are a potentially high-value lignin extraction methodology. DESs prepared from choline chloride (ChCl) and three hydrogen-bond donors (HBD)—lactic acid (Lac), glycerol, and urea—were evaluated for isolation of willow (Salix matsudana cv. Zhuliu) lignin. DESs types, mole ratio of ChCl to HBD, extraction temperature, and time on the fractionated DES-lignin yield demonstrated that the optimal DES-lignin yield (91.8 wt % based on the initial lignin in willow) with high purity of 94.5% can be reached at a ChCl-to-Lac molar ratio of 1:10, extraction temperature of 120 °C, and time of 12 h. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) , 13C-NMR, and 31P-NMR showed that willow lignin extracted by ChCl-Lac was mainly composed of syringyl and guaiacyl units. Serendipitously, a majority of the glucan in willow was preserved after ChCl-Lac treatment.
Telomeres and Telomerase in Hematopoietic Dysfunction: Prognostic Implications and Pharmacological Interventions
Authors: Vasko Theresa , Kaifie Andrea , Stope Matthias , Kraus Thomas , Ziegler Patrick
Published: October 2017

Leukocyte telomere length (TL) has been suggested as a marker of biological age in healthy individuals, but can also reflect inherited and acquired hematopoietic dysfunctions or indicate an increased turnover of the hematopoietic stem and progenitor cell compartment. In addition, TL is able to predict the response rate of tyrosine kinase inhibitor therapy in chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), indicates clinical outcomes in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), and can be used as screening tool for genetic sequencing of selected genes in patients with inherited bone marrow failure syndromes (BMFS). In tumor cells and clonal hematopoietic disorders, telomeres are continuously stabilized by reactivation of telomerase, which can selectively be targeted by telomerase-specific therapy. The use of the telomerase inhibitor Imetelstat in patients with essential thrombocythmia or myelofibrosis as well as the use of dendritic cell-based telomerase vaccination in AML patients with complete remissions are promising examples for anti-telomerase targeted strategies in hematologic malignancies. In contrast, the elevation in telomerase levels through treatment with androgens has become an exciting clinical intervention for patients with BMFS. Here, we review recent developments, which highlight the impact of telomeres and telomerase targeted therapies in hematologic dysfunctions.
Deep Eutectic Solvents as Efficient Media for the Extraction and Recovery of Cynaropicrin from Cynara cardunculus L. Leaves
Authors: De Faria Emanuelle , Do Carmo Rafael , Cláudio Ana Filipa , Freire Carmen , Freire Mara , Silvestre Armando
Published: October 2017

In recent years a high demand for natural ingredients with nutraceutical properties has been witnessed, for which the development of more environmentally-friendly and cost-efficient extraction solvents and methods play a primary role. In this perspective, in this work, the application of deep eutectic solvents (DES), composed of quaternary ammonium salts and organic acids, as alternative solvents for the extraction of cynaropicrin from Cynara cardunculus L. leaves was studied. After selecting the most promising DES, their aqueous solutions were investigated, allowing to obtain a maximum cynaropicrin extraction yield of 6.20 wt %, using 70 wt % of water. The sustainability of the extraction process was further optimized by carrying out several extraction cycles, reusing either the biomass or the aqueous solutions of DES. A maximum cynaropicrin extraction yield of 7.76 wt % by reusing the solvent, and of 8.96 wt % by reusing the biomass, have been obtained. Taking advantage of the cynaropicrin solubility limit in aqueous solutions, water was added as an anti-solvent, allowing to recover 73.6 wt % of the extracted cynaropicrin. This work demonstrates the potential of aqueous solutions of DES for the extraction of value-added compounds from biomass and the possible recovery of both the target compounds and solvents.
Ethnobotanic, Ethnopharmacologic Aspects and New Phytochemical Insights into Moroccan Argan Fruits
Authors: Khallouki Farid , Eddouks Mohamed , Mourad Akdad , Breuer Andrea , Owen Robert
Published: October 2017

This review summarizes available data on argan fruit botany, geographical distribution, traditional uses, environmental interest, socioeconomic role, phytochemistry, as well as health beneficial effects and examination of future prospects. In particular, ethnomedical uses of argan fruits are carried out throughout Morocco where it has been used against various diseases. Different classes of bioactive compounds have been characterized including essential oils, fatty acids, triacylglycerols, flavonoids and their newly reported acylglycosyl derivatives, monophenols, phenolic acids, cinnamic acids, saponins, triterpenes, phytosterols, ubiquinone, melatonin, new aminophenols along with vitamin E among other secondary metabolites. The latter have already shown a wide spectrum of in vitro, and ex vivo biologicalactivities including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, antihypertensive, anti-hypercholesterolemia, analgesic, antimicrobial, molluscicidal anti-nociceptive and anticancer potential. Argan flesh (pulp) contains a broad spectrum of polyphenolic compounds which may have utility for incorporation into nutraceuticals and cosmeceuticals relevant to the food, cosmetic and health industries. Further research is recommended, especially on the health beneficial effects of the aminophenols.
Altered Synaptic Membrane Retrieval after Strong Stimulation of Cerebellar Granule Neurons in Cyclic GMP-Dependent Protein Kinase II (cGKII) Knockout Mice
Authors: Collado-Alsina Andrea , Hofmann Franz , Sánchez-Prieto José , Torres Magdalena
Published: October 2017

The nitric oxide (NO)/cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP)/cGMP-dependent protein kinase (cGK) signaling pathway regulates the clustering and the recruitment of proteins and vesicles to the synapse, thereby adjusting the exoendocytic cycle to the intensity of activity. Accordingly, this pathway can accelerate endocytosis following large-scale exocytosis, and pre-synaptic cGK type II (cGKII) plays a major role in this process, controlling the homeostatic balance of vesicle exocytosis and endocytosis. We have studied synaptic vesicle recycling in cerebellar granule cells from mice lacking cGKII under strong and sustained stimulation, combining imaging techniques and ultrastructural analyses. The ultrastructure of synapses in the adult mouse cerebellar cortex was also examined in these animals. The lack of cGKII provokes structural changes to synapses in cultured cells and in the cerebellar cortex. Moreover, endocytosis is slowed down in a subset of boutons in these cells when they are stimulated strongly. In addition, from the results obtained with the selective inhibitor of cGKs, KT5823, it can be concluded that cGKI also regulates some aspects of vesicle cycling. Overall, these results confirm the importance of the cGMP pathway in the regulation of vesicle cycling following strong stimulation of cerebellar granule cells.
Effect of Climate and Agricultural Land Use Changes on UK Feed Barley Production and Food Security to the 2050s
Authors: Yawson David , Mulholland Barry , Ball Tom , Adu Michael , Mohan Sushil , White Philip
Published: October 2017

Currently, the UK has a high self-sufficiency rate in barley production. This paper assessed the effects of projected climate and land use changes on feed barley production and, consequently, on meat supply in the UK from the 2030s to the 2050s. Total barley production under projected land use and climate changes ranged from 4.6 million tons in the 2030s to 9.0 million tons in the 2050s. From these, the projected feed barley supply ranged from approximately 2.3 to 4.6 million tons from the 2030s to the 2050s, respectively. The results indicate that while UK spring barley production will thrive under, and benefit from climate change, total land area allocated to barley production will ultimately determine self-sufficiency. Without expansion in the area of land and/or further significant increases in yields, the UK may face large deficits in domestic feed barley production and, for that matter, meat supply in the future. Hence, agricultural and food security policy needs to consider, principally, the effect of agricultural land use change on key crops, such as barley. Even though the UK can import feed barley or meat to address the deficits observed in this study, the question that needs to be addressed is where all that import will come from.
Impact of the Household Registration System on Farmers’ Rural Housing Land Use Decisions in China
Authors: Zhu Xinhua
Published: October 2017

By using the difference-in-difference method and introducing control variables, this study investigates the effect of the household registration system (hukou) on farmers’ willingness to transfer rural housing land based on survey data of farmers in Chongqing and Wuhan, China. The results show that the effect of household registration system reform is significant at the 1% level, which indicates that household registration system reform significantly influences farmers’ willingness to transfer rural housing land in the experimental area, leading to an increase in the share of farmers willing to transfer such land by 37%. In areas with greater efforts to reform the household registration system, farmers are more willing to transfer rural housing land. Moreover, the per capita non-farm income of rural households and compensation standard have a significantly positive correlation with farmers’ willingness.
Investigation of Production Limits in Manufacturing Microstructured Surfaces Using Micro Coining
Authors: Zahner Michael , Lentz Lukas , Steinlein Felix , Merklein Marion
Published: October 2017

The application of microstructured surfaces is one possible method to reduce friction in lubricated contacts between components with relative movement. Due to this, the energy efficiency and the occurring wear during the operating time of the final products could be decreased. To manufacture structured surfaces economically, a micro coining process was analyzed within this study. This process offers the potential for integration into the established manufacturing processes of different final products, such as tappets used in a valve train. Thus, large-scale production is enabled. To detect the manufacturing limits of the micro coining process, the manufacturing of the coining tools as well as the coining process needs to be investigated. Within this study, the achievable accuracy and the failure of cuboid and cylindrical microstructure elements with selected dimensions were analyzed. For both types of microstructures, the minimal lateral dimensions were detected. Besides the achievable accuracy, correlations between different geometrical dimensions of the micro elements are presented. Additionally, the aspect ratio is detected as the main cause of failure for the micro coining process. In general, the suitability of a coining process for manufacturing microstructured surfaces is proven.
Fabrication of Hexagonal Microlens Arrays on Single-Crystal Silicon Using the Tool-Servo Driven Segment Turning Method
Authors: Mukaida Mao , Yan Jiwang
Published: October 2017

Single-crystal silicon microlens arrays are increasingly required in advanced infrared optics. In this study, the authors attempted to fabricate hexagonal microlens arrays, which offer high optical efficiency, on a single-crystal silicon wafer using diamond turning. A tool-servo driven segment turning method was proposed to reduce the dynamic error of the machine tool induced by lenslet edges during lens array cutting. From the results of both cutting experiments and theoretical analysis of the machine tool dynamic error, it was demonstrated that the segment turning method reduced significantly the dynamic errors and led to high form accuracy. As a result, sharp edges among the lenslets were generated precisely and microlens arrays with a form error of ~300 nm peak-to-valley and surface roughness of ~5 nmSa, which meets the requirements of infrared optical systems, were successfully fabricated. The subsurface damage, such as the amorphization of silicon, caused by machining was also reduced.
CO2 Mineralization Using Brine Discharged from a Seawater Desalination Plant
Authors: Bang Jun-Hwan , Yoo Yeongsuk , Lee Seung-Woo , Song Kyungsun , Chae Soochun
Published: October 2017

CO2 mineralization is a method of sequestering CO2 in the form of carbonated minerals. Brine discharged from seawater desalination is a potential source of Mg and Ca, which can precipitate CO2 as forms of their carbonate minerals. The concentration of Mg and Ca in brine are twice those in the seawater influent to desalination process. This study used a cycle for CO2 mineralization that involves an increase in the pH of the brine, followed by CO2 bubbling, and, finally, filtration. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time that non-synthesized brine from a seawater desalination plant has been used for CO2 mineralization. The resulting precipitates were CaCO3 (calcite), Mg5(CO3)4(OH)2·4H2O (hydromagnesite), and NaCl (halite) with these materials being identified by X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and thermo gravimetric-differentail thermal Analysis (TGA)-DTA. Despite the presence of Ca with Mg in brine being unfavorable for the precipitation of Mg carbonate, Mg reacted with CO2 to form hydromagnesite at a yield of 86%. Most of the Ca formed calcite, at 99% yield. This study empirically demonstrates that brine from seawater desalination plants can be used for CO2 mineralization.
Determination of the Bridging Ligand in the Active Site of Tyrosinase
Authors: Zou Congming , Huang Wei , Zhao Gaokun , Wan Xiao , Hu Xiaodong , Jin Yan , Li Junying , Liu Junjun
Published: October 2017

Tyrosinase is a type-3 copper enzyme that is widely distributed in plants, fungi, insects, and mammals. Developing high potent inhibitors against tyrosinase is of great interest in diverse fields including tobacco curing, food processing, bio-insecticides development, cosmetic development, and human healthcare-related research. In the crystal structure of Agaricus bisporus mushroom tyrosinase, there is an oxygen atom bridging the two copper ions in the active site. It is unclear whether the identity of this bridging oxygen is a water molecule or a hydroxide anion. In the present study, we theoretically determine the identity of this critical bridging oxygen by performing first-principles hybrid quantum mechanics/molecular mechanics/Poisson-Boltzmann-surface area (QM/MM-PBSA) calculations along with a thermodynamic cycle that aim to improve the accuracy. Our results show that the binding with water molecule is energy favored and the QM/MM-optimized structure is very close to the crystal structure, whereas the binding with hydroxide anions causes the increase of energy and significant structural changes of the active site, indicating that the identity of the bridging oxygen must be a water molecule rather than a hydroxide anion. The different binding behavior between water and hydroxide anions may explain why molecules with a carboxyl group or too many negative charges have lower inhibitory activity. In light of this, the design of high potent active inhibitors against tyrosinase should satisfy both the affinity to the copper ions and the charge neutrality of the entire molecule.
Margination of Fluorescent Polylactic Acid–Polyaspartamide based Nanoparticles in Microcapillaries In Vitro: the Effect of Hematocrit and Pressure
Authors: Craparo Emanuela , D’Apolito Rosa , Giammona Gaetano , Cavallaro Gennara , Tomaiuolo Giovanna
Published: October 2017

The last decade has seen the emergence of vascular-targeted drug delivery systems as a promising approach for the treatment of many diseases, such as cardiovascular diseases and cancer. In this field, one of the major challenges is carrier margination propensity (i.e., particle migration from blood flow to vessel walls); indeed, binding of these particles to targeted cells and tissues is only possible if there is direct carrier–wall interaction. Here, a microfluidic system mimicking the hydrodynamic conditions of human microcirculation in vitro is used to investigate the effect of red blood cells (RBCs) on a carrier margination in relation to RBC concentration (hematocrit) and pressure drop. As model drug carriers, fluorescent polymeric nanoparticles (FNPs) were chosen, which were obtained by using as starting material a pegylated polylactic acid–polyaspartamide copolymer. The latter was synthesized by derivatization of α,β-poly(N-2-hydroxyethyl)-d,l-aspartamide (PHEA) with Rhodamine (RhB), polylactic acid (PLA) and then poly(ethyleneglycol) (PEG) chains. It was found that the carrier concentration near the wall increases with increasing pressure drop, independently of RBC concentration, and that the tendency for FNP margination decreases with increasing hematocrit. This work highlights the importance of taking into account RBC–drug carrier interactions and physiological conditions in microcirculation when planning a drug delivery strategy based on systemically administered carriers.
Disrupting VEGF–VEGFR1 Interaction: De Novo Designed Linear Helical Peptides to Mimic the VEGF13-25 Fragment
Authors: Balsera Beatriz , Bonache M. , Reille-Seroussi Marie , Gagey-Eilstein Nathalie , Vidal Michel , González-Muñiz Rosario , Pérez de Vega María
Published: October 2017

The interaction between vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and its receptors (VEGFR) has important implications in angiogenesis and cancer, which moved us to search for peptide derivatives able to block this protein–protein interaction. In a previous work we had described a collection of linear 13-mer peptides specially designed to adopt helical conformations (Ac-SSEEX5ARNX9AAX12N-NH2), as well as the evaluation of seven library components for the inhibition of the interaction of VEGF with its Receptor 1 (VEGFR1). This study led to the discovery of some new, quite potent inhibitors of this protein–protein system. The results we found prompted us to extend the study to other peptides of the library. We describe here the evaluation of a new selection of peptides from the initial library that allow us to identify new VEGF-VEGFR1 inhibitors. Among them, the peptide sequence containing F, W, and I residues at the 5, 9, and 12 positions, show a very significant nanomolar IC50 value, competing with VEGF for its receptor 1, VEGFR1 (Flt-1), which could represent a new tool within the therapeutic arsenal for cancer detection and therapy.
The Forty-Sixth Euro Congress on Drug Synthesis and Analysis: Snapshot †
Authors: Mucaji Pavel , Atanasov Atanas G. , Bak Andrzej , Kozik Violetta , Sieron Karolina , Olsen Mark , Pan Weidong , Liu Yazhou , Hu Shengchao , Lan Junjie , Haider Norbert , Musiol Robert , Vanco Jan , Diederich Marc , Ji Seungwon , Zitko Jan , Wang Dongdong , Agbaba Danica , Nikolic Katarina , Oljacic Slavica , Vucicevic Jelica , Jezova Daniela , Tsantili-Kakoulidou Anna , Tsopelas Fotios , Giaginis Constantinos , Kowalska Teresa , Sajewicz Mieczyslaw , Silberring Jerzy , Mielczarek Przemyslaw , Smoluch Marek , Jendrzejewska Izabela , Polanski Jaroslaw , Jampilek Josef
Published: October 2017

The 46th EuroCongress on Drug Synthesis and Analysis (ECDSA-2017) was arranged within the celebration of the 65th Anniversary of the Faculty of Pharmacy at Comenius University in Bratislava, Slovakia from 5–8 September 2017 to get together specialists in medicinal chemistry, organic synthesis, pharmaceutical analysis, screening of bioactive compounds, pharmacology and drug formulations; promote the exchange of scientific results, methods and ideas; and encourage cooperation between researchers from all over the world. The topic of the conference, “Drug Synthesis and Analysis,” meant that the symposium welcomed all pharmacists and/or researchers (chemists, analysts, biologists) and students interested in scientific work dealing with investigations of biologically active compounds as potential drugs. The authors of this manuscript were plenary speakers and other participants of the symposium and members of their research teams. The following summary highlights the major points/topics of the meeting.
Polyphosphates as Inhibitors for Poly(vinyl Chloride) Photodegradation
Authors: Ahmed Dina , El-Hiti Gamal , Yousif Emad , Hameed Ayad
Published: October 2017

Three polyphosphates were used as inhibitors for poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) photodegradation. The polyphosphates were added to PVC at a concentration of 0.5% by weight. The PVC films (40 µm thickness) were irradiated at room temperature with ultraviolet (UV) light for up to 300 h. The changes in PVC films after irradiation were monitored by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, weight loss, viscosity-average molecular weight determination, and atomic force microscopy. These changes were very noticeable in the blank PVC films compared to the ones obtained when additives were used. The polyphosphates can inhibit the PVC photodegradation through direct absorption of UV light, interactions with PVC chains, and acting as radical scavengers.
Marrubium vulgare L. Leave Extract: Phytochemical Composition, Antioxidant and Wound Healing Properties
Authors: Amri Bédis , Martino Emanuela , Vitulo Francesca , Corana Federica , Kaâb Leila Bettaieb-Ben , Rui Marta , Rossi Daniela , Mori Michela , Rossi Silvia , Collina Simona
Published: October 2017

Several factors contribute in wound generation, e.g., accidental traumas or surgery, and in certain cases, this dermal injury may have a devastating outcome. When skin damage occurs, the human body puts in place a sophisticated choreography, which involves numerous repairing processes to restore physiological conditions. Nevertheless, natural healing mechanisms are ineffective towards chronic or non-healing wounds and thus, therapeutic strategies may represent the only beneficial alternative to counteract these tissue insults. Over the years, numerous studies showed the great potential of plants in promoting wound healing, by virtue of their high contents in antioxidant species. These compounds trigger a molecular cascade that collimate into the promotion of reparative processes. In this article, we report on the potential effect on wound healing of Marrubium vulgare L., a medicinal plant well known for several pharmaceutical activities. To this aim, the methanolic extract was prepared and subjected to a phytochemical investigation, quantifying the amount of marrubiin via NMR and drawing the phytochemical fingerprint via high performance liquid chromatography—ultra violet/photodiode-array detection-electrospray/mass (HPLC-UV/PAD-ESI/MS) analysis. Lastly, the antioxidant properties and wound healing potential have been evaluated.
Simultaneous Determination of Twenty-Five Compounds in Rat Plasma Using Ultra-High Performance Liquid Chromatography-Polarity Switching Tandem Mass Spectrometry and Its Application to a Pharmacokinetic Study
Authors: Zhang Na , Li Yueting , Sun Jing , Li Chun , Song Yuelin , Li Jun , Tu Pengfei , Zhao Yunfang
Published: October 2017

An attempt was made to characterize the pharmacokinetic profiles of Qishen Keli (QSKL) that has been widely proved to be effective in clinical practice. A method using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS) for the simultaneous determination of 25 analytes in rat plasma was developed and validated. Satisfactory chromatographic separation was achieved on an ACQUITY UPLC HSS T3 column with gradient elution using mobile phase consisting of 0.02% aqueous formic acid (A) and acetonitrile fortified with 0.02% formic acid (B), and analyte detection was carried out using polarity-switching multiple reaction monitoring mode. Method validation assays in terms of selectivity, linearity, inter- and intra-day variations, matrix effect, and recovery demonstrated the newly developed method to be specific, sensitive, accurate, and precise. Following the oral administration of QSKL at a single dose, the qualified method was successfully applied for pharmacokinetic investigations in sham and model rats. Mild differences occurred for the pharmacokinetic patterns of most components between those two groups, whereas significant differences were observed for glycyrrhizic acid and glycyrrhetic acid. The obtained findings could provide meaningful information for the clarification of the effective material basis of QSKL.