bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Effects of the Food Additive Titanium Dioxide (E171) on Tumor Formation and Gene Expression in the Colon of a Transgenic Mouse Model for Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Bischoff Nicolaj , Proquin Héloïse , Jetten Marlon , Schrooders Yannick , Jonkhout Marloes , Briedé Jacco , van Breda Simone , Jennen Danyel , Medina-Reyes Estefany , Delgado-Buenrostro Norma , Chirino Yolanda , van Loveren Henk , de Kok Theo
Published: April 2022

Titanium dioxide (TiO2) is present in many different food products as the food additive E171, which is currently scrutinized due to its potential adverse effects, including the stimulation of tumor formation in the gastrointestinal tract. We developed a transgenic mouse model to examine the effects of E171 on colorectal cancer (CRC), using the Cre-LoxP system to create an Apc-gene-knockout model which spontaneously develops colorectal tumors. A pilot study showed that E171 exposed mice developed colorectal adenocarcinomas, which were accompanied by enhanced hyperplasia in epithelial cells, and increased tumor size. In the main study, tumor formation was studied following the exposure to 5 mg/kgbw/day of E171 for 9 weeks (Phase I). E171 exposure showed a statistically nonsignificant increase in the number of colorectal tumors in these transgenic mice, as well as a statistically nonsignificant increase in the average number of mice with tumors. Gene expression changes in the colon were analyzed after exposure to 1, 2, and 5 mg/kgbw/day of E171 for 2, 7, 14, and 21 days (Phase II). Whole-genome mRNA analysis revealed the modulation of genes in pathways involved in the regulation of gene expression, cell cycle, post-translational modification, nuclear receptor signaling, and circadian rhythm. The processes associated with these genes might be involved in the enhanced tumor formation and suggest that E171 may contribute to tumor formation and progression by modulation of events related to inflammation, activation of immune responses, cell cycle, and cancer signaling.
Luminescent Citrate-Functionalized Terbium-Substituted Carbonated Apatite Nanomaterials: Structural Aspects, Sensitized Luminescence, Cytocompatibility, and Cell Uptake Imaging
Authors: Gómez-Morales Jaime , Fernández-Penas Raquel , Acebedo-Martínez Francisco Javier , Romero-Castillo Ismael , Verdugo-Escamilla Cristóbal , Choquesillo-Lazarte Duane , Esposti Lorenzo Degli , Jiménez-Martínez Yaiza , Fernández-Sánchez Jorge Fernando , Iafisco Michele , Boulaiz Houria
Published: April 2022

This work explores the preparation of luminescent and biomimetic Tb3+-doped citrate-functionalized carbonated apatite nanoparticles. These nanoparticles were synthesized employing a citrate-based thermal decomplexing precipitation method, testing a nominal Tb3+ doping concentration between 0.001 M to 0.020 M, and a maturation time from 4 h to 7 days. This approach allowed to prepare apatite nanoparticles as a single hydroxyapatite phase when the used Tb3+ concentrations were (i) ≤ 0.005 M at all maturation times or (ii) = 0.010 M with 4 h of maturation. At higher Tb3+ concentrations, amorphous TbPO4·nH2O formed at short maturation times, while materials consisting of a mixture of carbonated apatite prisms, TbPO4·H2O (rhabdophane) nanocrystals, and an amorphous phase formed at longer times. The Tb3+ content of the samples reached a maximum of 21.71 wt%. The relative luminescence intensity revealed an almost linear dependence with Tb3+ up to a maximum of 850 units. Neither pH, nor ionic strength, nor temperature significantly affected the luminescence properties. All precipitates were cytocompatible against A375, MCF7, and HeLa carcinogenic cells, and also against healthy fibroblast cells. Moreover, the luminescence properties of these nanoparticles allowed to visualize their intracellular cytoplasmic uptake at 12 h of treatment through flow cytometry and fluorescence confocal microscopy (green fluorescence) when incubated with A375 cells. This demonstrates for the first time the potential of these materials as nanophosphors for living cell imaging compatible with flow cytometry and fluorescence confocal microscopy without the need to introduce an additional fluorescence dye. Overall, our results demonstrated that Tb3+-doped citrate-functionalized apatite nanoparticles are excellent candidates for bioimaging applications.
Astaxanthin Bioactivity Is Determined by Stereoisomer Composition and Extraction Method
Authors: Snell Terry W. , Carberry John
Published: April 2022

Astaxanthin (ASX) is a natural product and one of the most powerful antioxidants known. It has significant effects on the metabolism of many animals, increasing fecundity, egg yolk volume, growth rates, immune responses, and disease resistance. A large part of the bioactivity of ASX is due to its targeting of mitochondria, where it inserts itself into cell membranes. Here, ASX stabilizes membranes and acts as a powerful antioxidant, protecting mitochondria from damage by reactive oxygen species (ROS). ROS are ubiquitous by-products of energy metabolism that must be tightly regulated by cells, lest they bind to and inactivate proteins, DNA and RNA, lipids, and signaling molecules. Most animals cannot synthesize ASX, so they need to acquire it in their diet. ASX is easily thermally denatured during extraction, and its high hydrophobicity limits its bioavailability. Our focus in this review is to contrast the bioactivity of different ASX stereoisomers and how extraction methods can denature ASX, compromising its bioavailability and bioactivity. We discuss the commercial sources of astaxanthin, structure of stereoisomers, relative bioavailability and bioactivity of ASX stereoisomers, mechanisms of ASX bioactivity, evolution of carotenoids, and why mitochondrial targeting makes ASX such an effective antioxidant.
Lansium domesticum—A Fruit with Multi-Benefits: Traditional Uses, Phytochemicals, Nutritional Value, and Bioactivities
Authors: Abdallah Hossam M. , Mohamed Gamal A. , Ibrahim Sabrin R. M.
Published: April 2022

Lansium domesticum (Langsat, Meliaceae) is a tropical fruit mainly found in Southeast Asian countries, particularly in Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines. Traditionally, it is utilized as a folk treatment for eye inflammation, ulcers, diarrhea, dysentery, fever, spasms, flatulence, worms, insect bites, scorpion stings, and malaria. Additionally, it is utilized as a mosquito repellent, skin moisturizer and whitening agent. Pharmacological research showed that the plant has a wide array of bioactivities, including antimalarial, antifeedant, anti-aging, wound healing, antioxidant, cytotoxic, analgesic, antibacterial, antimutagenic, insecticidal, and larvicidal. The most commonly described activities were attributed to the presence of terpenoids and phenolics. Further, some studies reported the preparation of nanoparticles and pharmaceutical formulations from the plant. This review highlights the potential of L. domesticum as herbal medicine. It provides an overview about the reported data on L. domesticum from 1931 to November 2021, including nutritional value, traditional uses, phytoconstituents, and bioactivities, as well as nanoparticles and pharmaceutical formulations.
Increasing Importance of Clinical Nutrition for Arterial Health
Authors: Acosta Stefan
Published: April 2022

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death in high-income countries [...]
Prevalence of Undernutrition, Frailty and Sarcopenia in Community-Dwelling People Aged 50 Years and Above: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Almohaisen Nada , Gittins Matthew , Todd Chris , Sremanakova Jana , Sowerbutts Anne Marie , Aldossari Amal , Almutairi Asrar , Jones Debra , Burden Sorrel
Published: April 2022

The world’s population aged ≥65 is expected to rise from one in eleven in 2019 to one in six by 2050. People aged ≥65 are at a risk of undernutrition, frailty, and sarcopenia. The association between these conditions is investigated in a hospital setting. However, there is little understanding about the overlap and adverse health outcomes of these conditions in community-dwelling people. This systematic review aims to quantify the reported prevalence and incidence of undernutrition, frailty, and sarcopenia among older people aged ≥50 living in community dwellings. Searches were conducted using six databases (AMED, CENTRAL, EMBASE, Web of Science, MEDLINE, and CINAHL), and 37 studies were included. Meta-analyses produced weighted combined estimates of prevalence for each condition (Metaprop, Stata V16/MP). The combined undernutrition prevalence was 17% (95% CI 0.01, 0.46, studies n = 5; participants = 4214), frailty was 13% (95% CI 0.11, 0.17 studies n = 28; participants = 95,036), and sarcopenia was 14% (95% CI 0.09, 0.20, studies n = 9; participants = 7656). Four studies reported incidence rates, of which three included data on frailty. Nearly one in five of those aged ≥50 was considered either undernourished, frail, or sarcopenic, with a higher occurrence in women, which may reflect a longer life expectancy generally observed in females. Few studies measured incidence rates. Further work is required to understand population characteristics with these conditions and the overlap between them. PROSPERO registration No. CRD42019153806.
Electrostatic Simulations for the DUNE ND-GAr Field Cage
Authors: Hayes Christopher , Urheim Jon
Published: April 2022

ND-GAr is one of three detector systems in the design of the DUNE Near Detector complex, which will be located on the Fermilab campus, sixty meters underground and 570 m from the source of an intense neutrino beam. ND-GAr will consist of a cylindrical 10-bar gaseous Argon Time Projection Chamber (TPC) and a surrounding sampling electromagnetic calorimeter embedded within a superconducting solenoid, the cryostat and yoke for which together serve as the pressure vessel. While various options for the specific configuration of ND-GAr are being explored, essential design work for the detector has moved forward in recent months. This document describes basic mechanical, electrostatic, and gas flow design features of the ND-GAr TPC and presents results of electrostatic simulations of the interior of the pressure vessel for both single and dual-anode arrangements. Simulations are implemented with the Elmer finite-element software suite and related programs.
Antimicrobial Synergy between Aminoglycosides and Licorice Extract in Listeria monocytogenes
Authors: Park Myungseo , Horn Liz , Lappi Victoria , Boxrud Dave , Hedberg Craig , Jeon Byeonghwa
Published: April 2022

Listeria monocytogenes is a foodborne pathogen that can develop serious invasive infections. Among foodborne pathogens, L. monocytogenes exhibits the highest case fatality despite antibiotic treatment, suggesting the current therapy should be improved. Although ampicillin and gentamicin are used as a combination therapy to treat listeriosis, our results showed there is no synergy between the two antibiotics. We discovered that aqueous extract of licorice generated significant antimicrobial synergy when combined with aminoglycosides, such as gentamicin, in L. monocytogenes. In the presence of 1 mg/mL licorice extract, for instance, the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of gentamicin was reduced by 32-fold. Moreover, antimicrobial synergy with licorice extract made gentamicin-resistant clinical isolates of L. monocytogenes susceptible to gentamicin. Given the common use of licorice as a food sweetener in Western countries and a herb in Oriental medicine, our findings suggest that licorice extract can be potentially used as an antibiotic adjuvant to improve the efficacy of antimicrobial treatment of listeriosis.
Characteristics and Clinical Course of Alveolar Echinococcosis in Patients with Immunosuppression-Associated Conditions: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Deibel Ansgar , Meyer zu Schwabedissen Cordula , Husmann Lars , Grimm Felix , Deplazes Peter , Reiner Cäcilia S. , Müllhaupt Beat
Published: April 2022

Objectives: Since the change in the millennium, an increase in cases of alveolar echinococcosis (AE) has been observed in endemic European countries. Previous studies indicate that a significant proportion of the new AE cases have an immunosuppression-associated condition (IAC). The aim of the current study was to determine how IACs impact the number of new AE diagnoses per year and the characteristics of AE at diagnosis and its clinical course at our center. Methods: Retrospective analysis of 189 patients with AE diagnosed between 2000 and 2021 and participating in the Zurich Echinococcosis Cohort Study (ZECS) included clinical characteristics of AE at diagnosis and report of an IAC, as well as the clinical course during follow-up. Results: Of 189 patients participating in this study, 38 had an IAC reported at, or shortly after, AE diagnosis. Over time, there was a steeper increase in the number of newly diagnosed AE patients without an IAC than the number of patients with IAC. Patients with an IAC were older at diagnosis, more frequently had an incidental finding of AE, smaller mean lesion size, and negative Em18 serology. All but two showed favorable outcomes on the last follow-up. Conclusion: IACs have little impact on the increase in new AE cases, as well as on the extent of the disease at diagnosis and clinical course.
Predicting Bovine Respiratory Disease Risk in Feedlot Cattle in the First 45 Days Post Arrival
Authors: Rojas Hector A. , White Brad J. , Amrine David E. , Larson Robert L.
Published: April 2022

Bovine respiratory disease (BRD) is the leading cause of morbidity in feedlot cattle. The ability to accurately identify the expected BRD risk of cattle would allow managers to detect high-risk animals more frequently. Five classification models were built and evaluated towards predicting the expected BRD risk (high/low) of feedlot cattle within the first 45 days on feed (DOF) and incorporate an economic analysis to determine the potential health cost advantage when using a predictive model compared with standard methods. Retrospective data from 10 U.S. feedlots containing 1733 cohorts representing 188,188 cattle with known health outcomes were classified into high- (≥15% BRD morbidity) or low- (<15%) BRD risk in the first 45 DOF. Area under the curve was calculated from the test dataset for each model and ranged from 0.682 to 0.789. The economic performance for each model was dependent on the true proportion of high-risk cohorts in the population. The decision tree model displayed a greater potential economic advantage compared with standard procedures when the proportion of high-risk cohorts was ≤45%. Results illustrate that predictive models may be useful at delineating cattle as high or low risk for disease and may provide economic value relative to standard methods.
Drug Nanocrystals for Active Tumor-Targeted Drug Delivery
Authors: Lu Linwei , Xu Qianzhu , Wang Jun , Wu Sunyi , Luo Zimiao , Lu Weiyue
Published: April 2022

Drug nanocrystals, which are comprised of active pharmaceutical ingredients and only a small amount of essential stabilizers, have the ability to improve the solubility, dissolution and bioavailability of poorly water-soluble drugs; in turn, drug nanocrystal technology can be utilized to develop novel formulations of chemotherapeutic drugs. Compared with passive targeting strategy, active tumor-targeted drug delivery, typically enabled by specific targeting ligands or molecules modified onto the surface of nanomedicines, circumvents the weak and heterogeneous enhanced permeability and retention (EPR) effect in human tumors and overcomes the disadvantages of nonspecific drug distribution, high administration dosage and undesired side effects, thereby contributing to improving the efficacy and safety of conventional nanomedicines for chemotherapy. Continuous efforts have been made in the development of active tumor-targeted drug nanocrystals delivery systems in recent years, most of which are encouraging and also enlightening for further investigation and clinical translation.
Application of In Vivo Imaging Techniques and Diagnostic Tools in Oral Drug Delivery Research
Authors: Senekowitsch Stefan , Schick Philipp , Abrahamsson Bertil , Augustijns Patrick , Gießmann Thomas , Lennernäs Hans , Matthys Christophe , Marciani Luca , Pepin Xavier , Perkins Alan , Feldmüller Maximilian , Sulaiman Sarah , Weitschies Werner , Wilson Clive G. , Corsetti Maura , Koziolek Mirko
Published: April 2022

Drug absorption following oral administration is determined by complex and dynamic interactions between gastrointestinal (GI) physiology, the drug, and its formulation. Since many of these interactions are not fully understood, the COST action on “Understanding Gastrointestinal Absorption-related Processes (UNGAP)” was initiated in 2017, with the aim to improve the current comprehension of intestinal drug absorption and foster future developments in this field. In this regard, in vivo techniques used for the characterization of human GI physiology and the intraluminal behavior of orally administered dosage forms in the GI tract are fundamental to gaining deeper mechanistic understanding of the interplay between human GI physiology and drug product performance. In this review, the potential applications, advantages, and limitations of the most important in vivo techniques relevant to oral biopharmaceutics are presented from the perspectives of different research fields.
Regulation of p27 (Kip1) by Ubiquitin E3 Ligase RNF6
Authors: Deshmukh Dhanraj , Xu Jin , Yang Xi , Shimelis Hermela , Fang Shengyun , Qiu Yun
Published: April 2022

The cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor p27 (Kip1) is an important regulator of the G1/S checkpoint. It is degraded by the SCF-SKP2 complex in late G1 thereby allowing cells to progress to the S phase. Here we investigated the role of the E3 ubiquitin ligase RNF6 (Ring Finger Protein 6) in cell cycle progression in prostate cancer cells. Our data demonstrate that RNF6 can promote cell cycle progression by reducing the levels of p27. Knockdown of RNF6 led to an increase in the stability of p27 and to the arrest of cells in the G1 phase. RNF6 interacted with p27 via its KIL domain and this interaction was found to be phosphorylation independent. RNF6 enhanced ubiquitination and subsequent degradation of p27 in the early G0/G1 phase of the cell cycle. Knockdown of RNF6 expression by short hairpin RNA led to inhibition of the CDK2/Cyclin E complex thereby reducing phosphorylation of Retinoblastoma protein (Rb) and to a subsequent decrease in cell cycle progression and proliferation. Our data suggest that RNF6 acts as a negative regulator for p27kip1 leading to its proteasome-dependent degradation in the early G0/G1 phase of the cell cycle.
Finding Oneself Well Together with Others: A Phenomenological Study of the Ontology of Human Well-Being
Authors: Holst Jonas
Published: April 2022

Based on critical readings of Martin Heidegger’s Being and Time and Aristotle’s Nicomachean Ethics, the paper offers a phenomenological study of the ontology of well-being that transcends the opposition between subjective and objective being. By interpreting the Heideggerian notion of Befindlichkeit as the fundamental way in which humans find themselves in the world, being affected by and faced with their own existence, the paper opens a way to understanding well-being that locates the possibility of elevating one’s own being not inside or outside the I but in the affective bond to others called friendship. Aristotle’s reflections on philia play a crucial role in developing this understanding of well-being, according to which humans find themselves well by sharing joy with each other and making a vital contribution to the realization of their own possibilities.
A Light Field Display Realization with a Nematic Liquid Crystal Microlens Array and a Polymer Dispersed Liquid Crystal Film
Authors: Li Hui , He Yancheng , Yu Yi , Wu Yuntao , Zhang Shuiping , Zhang Yanduo
Published: April 2022

This study demonstrates a light field display system using a nematic liquid crystal (LC) microlens array (MLA) and a polymer dispersed liquid crystal (PDLC) film. LC-MLA without polarization effects presented high-resolution intermediate 3D images by adopting a depolarization algorithm. The adopted PDLC film modulated the reconstructed 3D images to deliver full-parallax images efficiently with a wide FOV. The experimental result shows that the peak signal to noise ratio (PSNR) value of photograph accurate display results improves compared to the pure LC-MLA method. The proposed method is an essential step toward high-quality light field display.
Plastid Genome of Equisetum xylochaetum from the Atacama Desert, Chile and the Relationships of Equisetum Based on Frequently Used Plastid Genes and Network Analysis
Authors: Satjarak Anchittha , Graham Linda E. , Trest Marie T. , Arancibia-Avila Patricia
Published: April 2022

The modern pteridophyte genus Equisetum is the only survivor of Sphenopsida, an ancient clade known from the Devonian. This genus, of nearly worldwide distribution, comprises approximately 15 extant species. However, genomic information is limited. In this study, we assembled the complete chloroplast genome of the giant species Equisetum xylochaetum from a metagenomic sequence and compared the plastid genome structure and protein-coding regions with information available for two other Equisetum species using network analysis. Equisetum chloroplast genomes showed conserved traits of quadripartite structure, gene content, and gene order. Phylogenetic analysis based on plastome protein-coding regions corroborated previous reports that Equisetum is monophyletic, and that E. xylochaetum is more closely related to E. hyemale than to E. arvense. Single-gene phylogenetic estimation and haplotype analysis showed that E. xylochaetum belonged to the subgenus Hippochaete. Single-gene haplotype analysis revealed that E. arvense, E. hyemale, E. myriochaetum, and E. variegatum resolved more than one haplotype per species, suggesting the presence of a high diversity or a high mutation rate of the corresponding nucleotide sequence. Sequences from E. bogotense appeared as a distinct group of haplotypes representing the subgenus Paramochaete that diverged from Hippochaete and Equisetum. In addition, the taxa that were frequently located at the joint region of the map were E. scirpoides and E. pratense, suggesting the presence of some plastome characters among the Equiseum subgenera.
Exploring New Sources of Bioactive Phenolic Compounds from Western Balkan Mountains
Authors: Karalija Erna , Dahija Sabina , Demir Arnela , Bešta-Gajević Renata , Zeljković Sanja Ćavar , Tarkowski Petr
Published: April 2022

This study presents the first report on phenolic composition and bioactivity of ethanolic extracts of three plant species that grow in the western Balkan mountains and are used in traditional folk medicine: Valeriana montana, Salix retusa, and Campanula hercegovina. Phenolics were extracted from different aerial plant parts using 80% ethanol to assess the possibility of sustainable use of these plants as a source of bioactive compounds without disruption to the roots (for V. montana) or destruction of whole habitats (for S. retusa and C. hercegovina). The ethanolic extract of V. montana flower contained noticeable levels of apigenin and quercetin. The branches and bark of S. retusa were significantly rich in catechin, while rutin was the major phenolic found in the leaf extract of C. hercegovina. Furthermore, the flower extract of V. montana revealed the best antioxidant activity, which was comparable to 4-hydroxybenzoic acid and quercetin. Considering antimicrobial activity, the leaf extracts of V. montana and C. hercegovina demonstrated potent activity against all microbes tested, while the extracts of S. retusa were moderately effective. The presented results emphasize the potential of these plants as novel sources of bioactive compounds.
Signal Transduction in Cereal Plants Struggling with Environmental Stresses: From Perception to Response
Authors: Nykiel Małgorzata , Gietler Marta , Fidler Justyna , Prabucka Beata , Rybarczyk-Płońska Anna , Graska Jakub , Boguszewska-Mańkowska Dominika , Muszyńska Ewa , Morkunas Iwona , Labudda Mateusz
Published: April 2022

Cereal plants under abiotic or biotic stressors to survive unfavourable conditions and continue growth and development, rapidly and precisely identify external stimuli and activate complex molecular, biochemical, and physiological responses. To elicit a response to the stress factors, interactions between reactive oxygen and nitrogen species, calcium ions, mitogen-activated protein kinases, calcium-dependent protein kinases, calcineurin B-like interacting protein kinase, phytohormones and transcription factors occur. The integration of all these elements enables the change of gene expression, and the release of the antioxidant defence and protein repair systems. There are still numerous gaps in knowledge on these subjects in the literature caused by the multitude of signalling cascade components, simultaneous activation of multiple pathways and the intersection of their individual elements in response to both single and multiple stresses. Here, signal transduction pathways in cereal plants under drought, salinity, heavy metal stress, pathogen, and pest attack, as well as the crosstalk between the reactions during double stress responses are discussed. This article is a summary of the latest discoveries on signal transduction pathways and it integrates the available information to better outline the whole research problem for future research challenges as well as for the creative breeding of stress-tolerant cultivars of cereals.
Influence of Light Intensity and Spectrum on Duckweed Growth and Proteins in a Small-Scale, Re-Circulating Indoor Vertical Farm
Authors: Petersen Finn , Demann Johannes , Restemeyer Dina , Olfs Hans-Werner , Westendarp Heiner , Appenroth Klaus-Juergen , Ulbrich Andreas
Published: April 2022

Duckweeds can be potentially used in human and animal nutrition, biotechnology or wastewater treatment. To cultivate large quantities of a defined product quality, a standardized production process is needed. A small-scale, re-circulating indoor vertical farm (IVF) with artificial lighting and a nutrient control and dosing system was used for this purpose. The influence of different light intensities (50, 100 and 150 µmol m−2 s−1) and spectral distributions (red/blue ratios: 70/30, 50/50 and 30/70%) on relative growth rate (RGR), crude protein content (CPC), relative protein yield (RPY) and chlorophyll a of the duckweed species Lemna minor and Wolffiella hyalina were investigated. Increasing light intensity increased RGR (by 67% and 76%) and RPY (by 50% and 89%) and decreased chlorophyll a (by 27% and 32%) for L. minor and W. hyalina, respectively. The spectral distributions had no significant impact on any investigated parameter. Wolffiella hyalina achieved higher values in all investigated parameters compared to L. minor. This investigation proved the successful cultivation of duckweed in a small-scale, re-circulating IVF with artificial lighting.
In-Depth Sulfhydryl-Modified Cellulose Fibers for Efficient and Rapid Adsorption of Cr(VI)
Authors: Wang Wenxuan , Yu Feihan , Ba Zhichen , Qian Hongbo , Zhao Shuai , Liu Jie , Jiang Wei , Li Jian , Liang Daxin
Published: April 2022

As one of the hazardous heavy metal ion pollutants, Cr(VI) has attracted much attention in the sewage treatment research field due to its wide distribution range and serious toxicity. In this paper, cellulose fibers were prepared by wet spinning and followed by freeze drying, resulting in large porosity. Subsequently, in-depth sulfhydryl modification was applied with cellulose fibers for efficient and rapid adsorption of Cr(VI). The maximum adsorption capacity of sulfhydryl-modified cellulose fibers to Cr(VI) can reach 120.60 mg g−1, the adsorption equilibrium can be achieved within 300 s, and its adsorption rate can reach 0.319 mg g−1 s−1. The results show that the in-depth sulfhydryl-modified cellulose fibers perform excellent adsorption capacity for chromium, and are also available for other heavy metal ions. At the same time, the low cost and environmentally friendly property of the as-synthesized material also demonstrate its potential for practical usage for the treatment of heavy metal ion pollution in waste water.
Polydopamine-Coated Natural Rubber Sponge for Highly Efficient Vapor Generation
Authors: Yu Han , Shi Yuqi , Ding Aiwu , Liao Jianhe , Gui Hongxing , Chen Yongping
Published: April 2022

The global water crisis is becoming more and more serious, and solar steam generation has recently been investigated for clean water production and wastewater treatment. However, the efficiency of solar vapor transfer is still low. It is a great challenge to find photothermal materials which simultaneously have high energy transfer efficiency, facile production, and are low cost. To address this, we propose a method which is simple, low cost and suitable for large-scale preparation to fabricate the photothermal materials based on using recycled natural rubber sponge (NRS) coated with polydopamine (PDA). X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis confirmed that when the PDA coated the surface of the NRS, the hydrophilicity of the sponge was significantly improved. Scanning electron microscopy characterization showed that the PDA-coated natural rubber sponge (PNRS) maintained the porous 3D skeleton of the pristine sponge. As a result, PNRS exhibits excellent photothermal properties, a very high evaporation rate of 1.35 kg m−2 h−1, and an energy transfer efficiency of 84.6% can be achieved under a light intensity of 1 sun (1 kW m−2). It is worth noting that the vapor generation of PNRS is still at a high level with 1.06 and 1.09 kg m−2 h−1 in the corrosive liquids of 1 M H2SO4 and 0.5 M NaOH, respectively. The photothermal materials based on using recycled NRS have good application prospects in seawater desalination and the purification of wastewater, which also provides a new method for the recycling of waste NRS.
Impact of the Liquid Crystal Order of Poly(azomethine-sulfone)s on the Semiconducting Properties
Authors: Dumbravă Oana , Popovici Dumitru , Vasincu Decebal , Popa Ovidiu , Ochiuz Lăcrămioara , Irimiciuc Ștefan-Andrei , Agop Maricel , Negură Anca
Published: April 2022

Organic semiconductors are an attractive class of materials with large application in various fields, from optoelectronics to biomedicine. Usually, organic semiconductors have low electrical conductivity, and different routes towards improving said conductivity are being investigated. One such method is to increase their ordering degree, which not only improves electrical conduction but promotes cell growth, adhesion, and proliferation at the polymer–tissue interface. The current paper proposes a mathematical model for understanding the influence of the ordering state on the electrical properties of the organic semiconductors. To this end, a series of aromatic poly(azomethine)s were prepared as thin films in both amorphous and ordered states, and their supramolecular and electrical properties were analyzed by polarized light microscopy and surface type cells, respectively. Furthermore, the film surface characteristics were investigated by atomic force microscopy. It was established that the manufacture of thin films from mesophase state induced an electrical conductivity improvement of one order of magnitude. A mathematical model was developed in the framework of a multifractal theory of motion in its Schrodinger representation. The model used the order degree of the thin films as a fractality measure of the physical system’s representation in the multifractal space. It proposed two types of conductivity, which manifest at different ranges of fractalization degrees. The mathematical predictions were found to be in line with the empirical data.
Development of PVA–Psyllium Husk Meshes via Emulsion Electrospinning: Preparation, Characterization, and Antibacterial Activity
Authors: Parın Fatma Nur , Ullah Azeem , Yeşilyurt Ayşenur , Parın Uğur , Haider Md. Kaiser , Kharaghani Davood
Published: April 2022

In this study, polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and psyllium husk (PSH)/D-limonene electrospun meshes were produced by emulsion electrospinning for use as substrates to prevent the growth of bacteria. D-limonene and modified microcrystalline cellulose (mMCC) were preferred as antibacterial agents. SEM micrographs showed that PVA–PSH electrospun mesh with a 4% amount of D-limonene has the best average fiber distribution with 298.38 ± 62.8 nm. Moreover, the fiber morphology disrupts with the addition of 6% D-limonene. FT-IR spectroscopy was used to analyze the chemical structure between matrix–antibacterial agents (mMCC and D-limonene). Although there were some partial physical interactions in the FT-IR spectrum, no chemical reactions were seen between the matrixes and the antibacterial agents. The thermal properties of the meshes were determined using thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA). The thermal stability of the samples increased with the addition of mMCC. Further, the PVA–PSH–mMCC mesh had the highest value of contact angle (81° ± 4.05). The antibacterial activity of functional meshes against Gram (−) (Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa) and Gram (+) bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus) was specified based on a zone inhibition test. PPMD6 meshes had the highest antibacterial results with 21 mm, 16 mm, and 15 mm against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, respectively. While increasing the amount of D-limonene enhanced the antibacterial activity, it significantly decreased the amount of release in cases of excess D-limonene amount. Due to good fiber morphology, the highest D-limonene release value (83.1%) was observed in PPMD4 functional meshes. The developed functional meshes can be utilized as wound dressing material based on our data.
A Modified Mean Stress Criterion for Considering Size Effects on Mode I Fracture Estimation of Rounded-Tip V-Notched Polymeric Specimens
Authors: Torabi Ali Reza , Jabbari Mahdi , Akbardoost Javad , Cicero Sergio
Published: April 2022

The aim of this paper is to assess the size and geometry effects on the mode I notch fracture toughness of polymeric samples containing rounded-tip V-shaped (RV) notches (V-notch with a finite radius at the notch tip). First, using a large number of fracture tests on an RV-notched Brazilian disk and semi-circular bending polymeric samples with four different sizes, the size-dependent values of the notch fracture toughness are obtained. Then, the mean stress criterion is modified for characterizing the size-dependency of notch fracture toughness in polymeric samples. The resulting modified mean stress criterion considers higher order terms of the stress field when calculating the fracture process zone length around the tip of the defect. Additionally, the critical distance rc is assumed to be associated with the specimen size and a formula containing fitting parameters is utilized for considering this trend of rc. The comparison between the values of notch fracture toughness obtained from experiments and those predicted by the modified mean stress criterion shows that the suggested approach can provide accurate estimations of size-dependent values of notch fracture toughness in polymeric specimens containing RV notches.
Modified Release of the Pineal Hormone Melatonin from Matrix Tablets Containing Poly(L-lactic Acid) and Its PLA-co-PEAd and PLA-co-PBAd Copolymers
Authors: Vlachou Marilena , Siamidi Angeliki , Anagnostopoulou Dionysia , Christodoulou Evi , Bikiaris Nikolaos D.
Published: April 2022

In terms of drug delivery, the attractive properties of poly(L-lactic acid) (PLA) and its aliphatic polyesters, poly(ethylene adipate) (PEAd) and poly(butylene adipate) (PBAd), render them ideal co-formulants for the preparation of modified-release pharmaceutical formulations. Furthermore, we have previously demonstrated that by adding a “softer” aliphatic polyester onto the macromolecular chain of PLA, i.e., PEAd or PBAd, resulting in the formation of the PLA’s copolymers (PLA-co-PEAd and PLA-co-PBAd, in 95/5, 90/10, 75/25 and 50/50 weight ratios), the hydrolysis rate is also severely affected, leading to improved dissolution rates of the active pharmaceutical ingredients (API). In the present report, we communicate our findings on the in vitro modified release of the chronobiotic hormone melatonin (MLT), in aqueous media (pH 1.2 and 6.8), from poly(L-lactic acid) and the aforementioned copolymer matrix tablets, enriched with commonly used biopolymers, such as hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC K15), lactose monohydrate, and sodium alginate. It was found that, depending on the composition and the relevant content of these excipients in the matrix tablets, the release of MLT satisfied the sought targets for fast sleep onset and sleep maintenance. These findings constitute a useful background for pursuing relevant in vivo studies on melatonin in the future.
Physicochemical Properties and Atomic-Scale Interactions in Polyaniline (Emeraldine Base)/Starch Bio-Based Composites: Experimental and Computational Investigations
Authors: Boudjelida Soufiane , Djellali Souad , Ferkous Hana , Benguerba Yacine , Chikouche Imane , Carraro Mauro
Published: April 2022

The processability of conductive polymers still represents a challenge. The use of potato starch as a steric stabilizer for the preparation of stable dispersions of polyaniline (emeraldine base, EB) is described in this paper. Biocomposites are obtained by oxidative polymerization of aniline in aqueous solutions containing different ratios of aniline and starch (% w/w). PANI-EB/Starch biocomposites are subjected to structural analysis (UV-Visible, RAMAN, ATR, XRD), thermal analysis (TGA, DSC), morphological analysis (SEM, Laser Granulometry), and electrochemical analysis using cyclic voltammetry. The samples were also tested for their solubility using various organic solvents. The results showed that, with respect to starch particles, PANI/starch biocomposites exhibit an overall decrease in particles size, which improves both their aqueous dispersion and solubility in organic solvents. Although X-ray diffraction and DSC analyses indicated a loss of crystallinity in biocomposites, the cyclic voltammetry tests revealed that all PANI-EB/Starch biocomposites possess improved redox exchange properties. Finally, the weak interactions at the atomic-level interactions between amylopectin–aniline and amylopectin–PANI were disclosed by the computational studies using DFT, COSMO-RS, and AIM methods.
Synthesis of 3D Hollow Layered Double Hydroxide-Molybdenum Disulfide Hybrid Materials and Their Application in Flame Retardant Thermoplastic Polyurethane
Authors: Qian Yi , Su Wenyuan , Li Long , Fu Haoyan , Li Jiayin , Zhang Yihao
Published: April 2022

The development of high-performance thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) with high flame retardancy and low toxicity has always been the focus of its research. In this paper, the novel 3D hollow layered double hydroxide/molybdenum disulfide (LDH/MoS2) hybrid materials were synthesized by hydrothermal method using the MIL-88A as in situ sacrificial template and MoS2 as synergistic flame retardant. Among all TPU composites, the peak heat release rate, total heat release rate, and total smoke release rate of TPU/NiFeTb-LDH/MoS2 were reduced by 50.9%, 18.2%, and 35.8% compared with pure TPU, respectively. The results of the thermogravimetric infrared analysis demonstrated that the contents of combustible volatiles (hydrocarbons) and toxic volatiles (CO and HCN) emitted from TPU/LDH/MoS2 were significantly reduced, indicating that LDH/MoS2 hybrid materials can dramatically enhance the fire safety of TPU composites. Combined with the analysis of carbon residues and thermal stability of TPU composites, the enhanced flame retardancy and smoke suppression performances are primarily attributed to the catalytic carbonization of LDH and the physical barrier effect of MoS2.
Hierarchical Co(OH)2 Dendrite Enriched with Oxygen Vacancies for Promoted Electrocatalytic Oxygen Evolution Reaction
Authors: Zhou Tingting , Cao Zhen , Tai Xishi , Yu Lei , Ouyang Jian , Li Yunfei , Lu Jitao
Published: April 2022

It is critical to develop efficient oxygen evolution reaction (OER) catalysts with high catalytic properties for overall water splitting. Electrocatalysts with enriched vacancies are crucial for enhancing the catalytic activity of OER through defect engineering. We demonstrated the dealloying method in a reducing alkaline solution using the Co5Al95 alloy foil as a precursor to produce a new oxygen-vacancy-rich cobalt hydroxide (OV−Co(OH)2) hierarchical dendrite. The as-synthesised OV−Co(OH)2 showed superior electrocatalytic activities toward OER when compared to pristine cobalt hydroxide (p–Co(OH)2), which had a low onset overpotential of only 242 mV and a small Tafel slope of 64.9 mV dec−1. Additionally, for the high surface area provided by the hierarchical dendrite, both p–Co(OH)2 and OV−Co(OH)2 showed a superior activity as compared to commercial catalysts. Furthermore, they retained good catalytic properties without remarkably decaying at an overpotential of 350 mV for 12 h. The as-made OV−Co(OH)2 has prospective applications as an anode electrocatalyst in electrochemical water-splitting technologies with the advantages of superior OER performances, large surface area and ease of preparation.
Need for a Next Generation of Chromatography Models—Academic Demands for Thermodynamic Consistency and Industrial Requirements in Everyday Project Work
Authors: Vetter Florian Lukas , Strube Jochen
Published: April 2022

Process chromatography modelling for process development, design, and optimization as well as process control has been under development for decades. Still, the discussion of scientific potential and industrial applications needs is open to innovation. The discussion of next-generation modelling approaches starting from Langmuirian to steric mass action and multilayer or thermodynamic consistent real and ideal adsorption theory or colloidal particle adsorption approaches is continued.
Improvement of Quantitative Single-Photon Emission Computed Tomography Image Quality by the New Step-and-Shoot Scan Mode
Authors: Yamamoto Hiroki , Sasaki Ami , Osaka Mizuki , Shirakawa Koji , Seino Morio , Matsuhashi Takaaki , Takahashi Yasuyuki , Zeniya Tsutomu , Hosokawa Shota , Narita Masataka , Aoki Masahiko
Published: April 2022

The step-and-shoot (SS) mode and continuous mode are currently used for single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) scan mode, and a new scan mode that combines both modes, step-and-shoot plus continuous (SSC) mode, was developed. It is expected to allow a shorter scan time and lower injected dose because the SSC mode is more sensitive than the SS mode. We confirmed the image quality of this scan mode, including various quantitative correction methods for scatter (SC), attenuation (AC), and resolution recovery (RR) in a phantom study and clinical case study. Image quality was evaluated by the count, contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR), and percent of the coefficient of variation (%CV). Independent of the correction methods, the count, CNR, and %CV of the SSC mode were superior to those of the SS mode. The ACSCRR was the best method, with a maximum increased rate of 66.4% in counts and 57.8% in CNR for the 13-mm sphere and 19.6% in CNR for other sphere sizes. The %CV for the SSC mode was the best for AC and ACRR, which was at 15.1%. With regards to attaining short bone SPECT scan time, the combination of the SSC mode and ACRR or ACSCRR demonstrated the best physical performance.
Nursing Enlightenment and a Grudge—Reinventing the Medieval Virgin’s Benevolent Breasts
Authors: Guardiola-Griffiths Cristina M.
Published: April 2022

This article expands upon the function of an adulterous episode in Chapter X, Book II of Alfonso Martínez’s Corbacho. The tale of adulterous deception may use, parodically, Madonna lactans imagery to reveal women’s sinful nature, the extent to which may be understood through an expression of inverted forces. That is to say, the import of Marian lactation in artistic and literary representations helps to fully address women’s particularly evil ways. A final consideration will be given to a particular image of Marian lactation, which represents the hagiographic legend of St. Bernard of Clairvaux (1090–1153).
Fabulation, Machine Agents, and Spiritually Authorizing Encounters
Authors: Loewen-Colón J. , Mosurinjohn Sharday C.
Published: April 2022

This paper uses a Tavesian model of religious experience to make a modest theorization about the role of “fabulation”, an embodied and affective process, to understand how some contemporary AI and robotics designers and users consider encounters with these technologies to be spiritually “authorizing”. By “fabulation”, we mean the Bergsonian concept of an evolved capacity that allows humans to see the potentialities of complex action within another object—in other words, an interior agential image, or “soul”; and by “authorizing”, we mean “deemed as having some claim to arbitration, persuasion, and legitimacy” such that the user might make choices that affect their life or others in accordance with the AI or might have their spiritual needs met. We considered two case studies where this agency took on a spiritual or religious valence when contextualized as such for the user: a robotic Buddhist priest known as Mindar, and a chatbot called The Spirituality Chatbot. We show how understanding perceptions of AI or robots as being spiritual or religious in a way that authorizes behavioral changes requires understanding tendencies of the human body more so than it does any metaphysical nature of the technology itself.
Topiramate-Induced Suicidal Ideation and Olfactory Hallucinations: A Case Report
Authors: Hudon Alexandre , Proulx Stéphane
Published: April 2022

Antiepileptic drugs prescribed in the context of migraine have been reported to be potentially linked with an increased risk of suicidal ideation and behavior. Meta-analyses support the evidence that amongst antiepileptic drugs, Topiramate has the greatest potential for facilitating the occurrence of suicidal ideation and behavior. Studies indicate that this occurs via the increased incidence of mood disorders amongst the population with migraines using Topiramate as a treatment, with a slow and progressive onset of suicidal ideation (if any). We discuss the unique case of a 43-year-old man known to have chronic migraines, who presented with intense rapid-onset suicidal ideation and olfactory hallucinations, three weeks after the introduction of Topiramate for chronic migraines. After a negative extensive investigation panel to rule out common organic diseases, Topiramate was ceased. The suicidal ideation and olfactory hallucinations resolved in less than 24 h without further interventions. This case report highlights that rapid-onset suicidal ideation and olfactory hallucinations could be linked as an unusual side effect to the introduction of Topiramate. The removal of Topiramate from the patient’s pharmacological treatments prevented further psychological distress linked to ego-dystonic suicidal ideation and a resolution of olfactory hallucinations. He was discharged 48 h later.