bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Five Regions of the Pea Genome Co-Control Partial Resistance to D. pinodes, Tolerance to Frost, and Some Architectural or Phenological Traits
Authors: Boutet Gilles , Lavaud Clément , Lesné Angélique , Miteul Henri , Pilet-Nayel Marie-Laure , Andrivon Didier , Lejeune-Hénaut Isabelle , Baranger Alain
Published: July 2023

Evidence for reciprocal links between plant responses to biotic or abiotic stresses and architectural and developmental traits has been raised using approaches based on epidemiology, physiology, or genetics. Winter pea has been selected for years for many agronomic traits contributing to yield, taking into account architectural or phenological traits such as height or flowering date. It remains nevertheless particularly susceptible to biotic and abiotic stresses, among which Didymella pinodes and frost are leading examples. The purpose of this study was to identify and resize QTL localizations that control partial resistance to D. pinodes, tolerance to frost, and architectural or phenological traits on pea dense genetic maps, considering how QTL colocalizations may impact future winter pea breeding. QTL analysis revealed five metaQTLs distributed over three linkage groups contributing to both D. pinodes disease severity and frost tolerance. At these loci, the haplotypes of alleles increasing both partial resistance to D. pinodes and frost tolerance also delayed the flowering date, increased the number of branches, and/or decreased the stipule length. These results question both the underlying mechanisms of the joint control of biotic stress resistance, abiotic stress tolerance, and plant architecture and phenology and the methods of marker-assisted selection optimizing stress control and productivity in winter pea breeding.
Moral Breakdowns and Ethical Dilemmas of Perioperative Nurses during COVID-19: COREQ-Compliant Study
Authors: Sillero Sillero Amalia , Ayuso Margañon Raquel , Gil Poisa Maria , Buil Neus , Padrosa Eva , Insa Calderón Esther , Marques-Sule Elena , Alcover Van de Walle Carlota
Published: July 2023

(1) Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has led to an increase in the complexity of caregiving, resulting in challenging situations for perioperative nurses. These situations have prompted nurses to assess their personal and professional lives. The aim of this study was to explore the experiences of perioperative nurses during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, with a specific focus on analyzing moral breakdowns and ethical dilemmas triggered by this situation. (2) Methods: A qualitative design guided by a hermeneutical approach was employed. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 24 perioperative nurses. The interviews were transcribed and thematically analysed following the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research (COREQ) guidelines. (3) Results: The findings revealed three main categories and ten subcategories. These categories included the context in which moral breakdowns emerged, the ethical dilemmas triggered by these breakdowns, and the consequences of facing these dilemmas. (4) Conclusions: During the first wave of COVID-19, perioperative nurses encountered moral and ethical challenges, referred to as moral breakdowns, in critical settings. These challenges presented significant obstacles and negatively impacted professional responsibility and well-being. Future studies should focus on identifying ethical dilemmas during critical periods and developing strategies to enhance collaboration among colleagues and provide comprehensive support.
Examining the Canadian 24-Hour Movement Guidelines among Adults with Intellectual Disability: A Pilot Study
Authors: Coats John Cooper , Coxon Matthew , Temple Viviene A. , Butler Cara , Stuart-Hill Lynneth
Published: July 2023

The purpose of this pilot study was to investigate the extent to which adults with intellectual disability (ID) met the 2020 Canadian 24-Hour Movement Guidelines. Fifteen adults (six females and nine males) participated in this nine-day observational study (age = 20–64 years) in 2021–2022, during the COVID-19 pandemic. Moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA), sedentary time, and total sleep time were measured with a smartwatch to compare to the guidelines. A diary subjectively tracked physical activity. Of the 15 participants, 11 met the MVPA guidelines (73%), 4 met the sedentary behaviour guidelines (27%), 7 met the sleep guidelines (47%), and only 1 participant met all 3 of the guidelines (7%). There were no differences in physical activity or sleep between weekends and weekdays, or between males and females. Walking, cleaning dishes, and swimming were the most common types of physical activity performed by the participants. The findings of this pilot study indicate the need to improve sleep and reduce sedentary time in adults with ID. As most participants met the MVPA guidelines, few met the sedentary behaviour guidelines, and nearly half met the sleep guidelines, these data also demonstrate how important it is to assess all three aspects of the movement guidelines. All these behaviours have independent health benefits and risks, which interact to influence overall health.
Domestic Factors as Determinant of Sickness Absence with Psychiatric Disorders: A Scoping Review of Nordic Research Published between 2010–2019
Authors: Hensing Gunnel , Rajagopalan Varsha , Staland-Nyman Carin
Published: July 2023

Uneven division of domestic factors may contribute to sex differences in sickness absence with psychiatric disorders. The aim of this scoping review was to compile current Nordic research on domestic factors and sickness absence with psychiatric disorders. A systematic search was performed to identify studies from the Nordic countries published between 1 January 2010 and 31 December 2019. Twelve studies were included. Marital status, family situation, work-home interference (in both directions), social affiliation, and loss of child/young adult (suicide, accident, or natural death) were identified as measures of domestic factors. In 8 of the 12 studies, domestic factors were used as co-variates, while four used them as the main exposure. Social affiliation, home-to-work conflict, and total workload were not associated with the outcome. One study found that parents with children older than two years, widows/widowers, and those divorced or unmarried had an increased risk of sickness absence with psychiatric disorders. One study found that work-to-home conflict was associated with sickness absence with stress-related diagnoses in men, and with other mental disorders in women. Finally, one study found that losing a son or daughter aged 16–24 years increased the risk of future sickness absence with a psychiatric disorder regardless of the cause of death. Future studies need to develop concepts, study designs, and measurements to move this research area further. In particular, the concept of “unpaid domestic work” needs theoretical and empirical development.
Macrophage Function Modulated by tPA Signaling in Mouse Experimental Kidney Disease Models
Authors: Lin Ling , Hu Kebin
Published: July 2023

Macrophage infiltration and accumulation is a hallmark of chronic kidney disease. Tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) is a serine protease regulating the homeostasis of blood coagulation, fibrinolysis, and matrix degradation, and has been shown to act as a cytokine to trigger various receptor-mediated intracellular signal pathways, modulating macrophage function in response to kidney injury. In this review, we discuss the current understanding of tPA-modulated macrophage function and underlying signaling mechanisms during kidney fibrosis and inflammation.
The Role of Hyperthermia in Potentiation of Anti-Angiogenic Effect of Cisplatin and Resveratrol in Mice Bearing Solid Form of Ehrlich Ascites Tumour
Authors: Kučan Darko , Oršolić Nada , Odeh Dyana , Ramić Snježana , Jakopović Boris , Knežević Jelena , Jazvinšćak Jembrek Maja
Published: July 2023

The aim of this study was to investigate the therapeutic potential of resveratrol in combination with cisplatin on the inhibition of tumour angiogenesis, growth, and macrophage polarization in mice bearing the solid form of an Ehrlich ascites tumour (EAT) that were exposed to whole-body hyperthermia treatment. In addition, we investigated whether a multimodal approach with hyperthermia and resveratrol could abolish cisplatin resistance in tumour cells through the modulation of histone deacetylase (HDAC) activity and levels of heat shock proteins (HSP70/HSP90) and contribute to the direct toxicity of cisplatin on tumour cells. The tumour was induced by injecting 1 × 106 EAT cells subcutaneously (sc) into the thighs of Balb/c mice. The mice were treated with resveratrol per os for five consecutive days beginning on day 2 after tumour injection and/or by injecting cisplatin intraperitoneally (ip) at a dose of 2.5 mg/kg on days 10 and 12 and at a dose of 5 mg/kg on day 15. Immediately thereafter, the mice were exposed to systemic hyperthermia for 15 min at a temperature of 41 °C. The obtained results showed that the administration of resveratrol did not significantly contribute to the antitumour effect of cisplatin and hyperthermia, but it partially contributed to the immunomodulatory effect and to the reduction of cisplatin toxicity and to a slight increase in animal survival. This treatment schedule did not affect microvessel density, but it inhibited tumour growth and modulated macrophage polarization to the M1 phenotype. Furthermore, it abolished the resistance of tumour cells to cisplatin by modulating HDAC activity and the concentration of HSP70 and HSP90 chaperones, contributing to the increased lifespan of mice. However, the precise mechanism of the interaction between resveratrol, cisplatin, and hyperthermia needs to be investigated further.
ABF1 Positively Regulates Rice Chilling Tolerance via Inducing Trehalose Biosynthesis
Authors: Shu Yazhou , Zhang Wensheng , Tang Liqun , Li Zhiyong , Liu Xinyong , Liu Xixi , Liu Wanning , Li Guanghao , Ying Jiezheng , Huang Jie , Tong Xiaohong , Hu Honghong , Zhang Jian , Wang Yifeng
Published: July 2023

Chilling stress seriously limits grain yield and quality worldwide. However, the genes and the underlying mechanisms that respond to chilling stress remain elusive. This study identified ABF1, a cold-induced transcription factor of the bZIP family. Disruption of ABF1 impaired chilling tolerance with increased ion leakage and reduced proline contents, while ABF1 over-expression lines exhibited the opposite tendency, suggesting that ABF1 positively regulated chilling tolerance in rice. Moreover, SnRK2 protein kinase SAPK10 could phosphorylate ABF1, and strengthen the DNA-binding ability of ABF1 to the G-box cis-element of the promoter of TPS2, a positive regulator of trehalose biosynthesis, consequently elevating the TPS2 transcription and the endogenous trehalose contents. Meanwhile, applying exogenous trehalose enhanced the chilling tolerance of abf1 mutant lines. In summary, this study provides a novel pathway ‘SAPK10-ABF1-TPS2’ involved in rice chilling tolerance through regulating trehalose homeostasis.
Expression, Purification, and Characterization of Plasmodium vivax Lactate Dehydrogenase from Bacteria without Codon Optimization
Authors: Kim Yeon-Jun , Shin Jun-Seop , Lee Kang Woo , Eom Hyo-Ji , Jo Byung Gwan , Lee Jin Woo , Kim Jun Hyoung , Kim So Yeon , Kang Jung Hoon , Choi Jae-Won
Published: July 2023

Plasmodium vivax is the most widespread cause of malaria, especially in subtropical and temperate regions such as Asia-Pacific and America. P. vivax lactate dehydrogenase (PvLDH), an essential enzyme in the glycolytic pathway, is required for the development and reproduction of the parasite. Thus, LDH from these parasites has garnered attention as a diagnostic biomarker for malaria and as a potential molecular target for developing antimalarial drugs. In this study, we prepared a transformed Escherichia coli strain for the overexpression of PvLDH without codon optimization. We introduced this recombinant plasmid DNA prepared by insertion of the PvLDH gene in the pET-21a(+) expression vector, into the Rosetta(DE3), an E. coli strain suitable for eukaryotic protein expression. The time, temperature, and inducer concentration for PvLDH expression from this E. coli Rosetta(DE3), containing the original PvLDH gene, were optimized. We obtained PvLDH with a 31.0 mg/L yield and high purity (>95%) from this Rosetta(DE3) strain. The purified protein was characterized structurally and functionally. The PvLDH expressed and purified from transformed bacteria without codon optimization was successfully demonstrated to exhibit its potential tetramer structure and enzyme activity. These findings are expected to provide valuable insights for research on infectious diseases, metabolism, diagnostics, and therapeutics for malaria caused by P. vivax.
Influence of Single-Wall Carbon Nanotube Suspension on the Mechanical Properties of Polymeric Films and Electrospun Scaffolds
Authors: Dokuchaeva Anna A. , Vladimirov Sergey V. , Borodin Vsevolod P. , Karpova Elena V. , Vaver Andrey A. , Shiliaev Gleb E. , Chebochakov Dmitry S. , Kuznetsov Vasily A. , Surovtsev Nikolay V. , Adichtchev Sergey V. , Malikov Alexander G. , Gulov Mikhail A. , Zhuravleva Irina Y.
Published: July 2023

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are used in applications ranging from electrical engineering to medical device manufacturing. It is well known that the addition of nanotubes can influence the mechanical properties of various industrial materials, including plastics. Electrospinning is a popular method for fabricating nanomaterials, widely suggested for polymer scaffold manufacturing. In this study, we aimed to describe the influence of single-walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT) suspensions on polymeric poured films and electrospun scaffolds and to investigate their structural and mechanical properties obtained from various compositions. To obtain films and electrospun scaffolds of 8 mm diameter, we used poly-ε-caprolactone (PCL) and poly(cyclohexene carbonate) (PCHC) solutions containing several mass fractions of SWCNT. The samples were characterized using tensile tests, atomic force and scanning electronic microscopy (AFM and SEM). All the studied SWCNT concentrations were shown to decrease the extensibility and strength of electrospun scaffolds, so SWCNT use was considered unsuitable for this technique. The 0.01% mass fraction of SWCNT in PCL films increased the polymer strength, while fractions of 0.03% and more significantly decreased the polymer strength and extensibility compared to the undoped polymer. The PHCH polymeric films showed a similar behavior with an extremum at 0.02% concentration for strength at break.
Composite Fibrin/Carbon Microfiber Implants for Bridging Spinal Cord Injury: A Translational Approach in Pigs
Authors: Alves-Sampaio Alexandra , Del-Cerro Patricia , Collazos-Castro Jorge E.
Published: July 2023

Biomaterials may enhance neural repair after spinal cord injury (SCI) and testing their functionality in large animals is essential to achieve successful clinical translation. This work developed a porcine contusion/compression SCI model to investigate the consequences of myelotomy and implantation of fibrin gel containing biofunctionalized carbon microfibers (MFs). Fourteen pigs were distributed in SCI, SCI/myelotomy, and SCI/myelotomy/implant groups. An automated device was used for SCI. A dorsal myelotomy was performed on the lesion site at 1 day post-injury for removing cloths and devitalized tissue. Bundles of MFs coated with a conducting polymer and cell adhesion molecules were embedded in fibrin gel and used to bridge the spinal cord cavity. Reproducible lesions of about 1 cm in length were obtained. Myelotomy and lesion debridement caused no further neural damage compared to SCI alone but had little positive effect on neural regrowth. The MFs/fibrin gel implant facilitated axonal sprouting, elongation, and alignment within the lesion. However, the implant also increased lesion volume and was ineffective in preventing fibrosis, thus precluding functional neural regeneration. Our results indicate that myelotomy and lesion debridement can be advantageously used for implanting MF-based scaffolds. However, the implants need refinement and pharmaceuticals will be necessary to limit scarring.
SNM Radiation Signature Classification Using Different Semi-Supervised Machine Learning Models
Authors: Stomps Jordan R. , Wilson Paul P. H. , Dayman Kenneth J. , Willis Michael J. , Ghawaly James M. , Archer Daniel E.
Published: July 2023

The timely detection of special nuclear material (SNM) transfers between nuclear facilities is an important monitoring objective in nuclear nonproliferation. Persistent monitoring enabled by successful detection and characterization of radiological material movements could greatly enhance the nuclear nonproliferation mission in a range of applications. Supervised machine learning can be used to signal detections when material is present if a model is trained on sufficient volumes of labeled measurements. However, the nuclear monitoring data needed to train robust machine learning models can be costly to label since radiation spectra may require strict scrutiny for characterization. Therefore, this work investigates the application of semi-supervised learning to utilize both labeled and unlabeled data. As a demonstration experiment, radiation measurements from sodium iodide (NaI) detectors are provided by the Multi-Informatics for Nuclear Operating Scenarios (MINOS) venture at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) as sample data. Anomalous measurements are identified using a method of statistical hypothesis testing. After background estimation, an energy-dependent spectroscopic analysis is used to characterize an anomaly based on its radiation signatures. In the absence of ground-truth information, a labeling heuristic provides data necessary for training and testing machine learning models. Supervised logistic regression serves as a baseline to compare three semi-supervised machine learning models: co-training, label propagation, and a convolutional neural network (CNN). In each case, the semi-supervised models outperform logistic regression, suggesting that unlabeled data can be valuable when training and demonstrating value in semi-supervised nonproliferation implementations.
Metabolic Plasticity and Virulence-Associated Factors of Sporothrix brasiliensis Strains Related to Familiar Outbreaks of Cat-to-Human Transmitted Sporotrichosis
Authors: Corrêa-Junior Dario , de Andrade Iara Bastos , Alves Vinicius , Avellar-Moura Igor , Rodrigues-Alves Tânia , de Souza Rabello Vanessa Brito , de S. Araújo Glauber R. , Borba-Santos Luana Pereira , Zancopé-Oliveira Rosely Maria , Almeida-Paes Rodrigo , Frases Susana
Published: July 2023

Sporothrix brasiliensis is the main agent of zoonotic sporotrichosis transmitted by domestic cats in South America. In humans, sporotrichosis commonly presents with cutaneous or lymphocutaneous lesions, and in cats, with multiple ulcerated skin lesions associated with enlarged lymph nodes and respiratory signs. Fungal virulence factors may affect the clinical presentation of the mycoses. Sporothrix spp. present some virulence factors. This study aims to compare 24 S. brasiliensis strains from 12 familiar outbreaks of cat-to-human transmitted sporotrichosis. Fungal growth in different substrates, thermotolerance, resistance to oxidative stress, and production of enzymes were evaluated. An invertebrate model of experimental infection was used to compare the virulence of the strains. The strains grew well on glucose and N-acetyl-D-glucosamine but poorly on lactate. Their thermotolerance was moderate to high. All strains were susceptible to hydrogen peroxide, and the majority produced hemolysins but not phospholipase and esterase. There was no significant difference in the putative virulence-associated factors studied among the different hosts. Moreover, strains isolated from a human and a cat from four familiar outbreaks presented a very similar profile of expression of these factors, reinforcing the zoonotic transmission of S. brasiliensis in Brazil and demonstrating the plasticity of this species in the production of virulence factors.
Temporal and Spatial Variations in Landscape Habitat Quality under Multiple Land-Use/Land-Cover Scenarios Based on the PLUS-InVEST Model in the Yangtze River Basin, China
Authors: He Ning , Guo Wenxian , Wang Hongxiang , Yu Long , Cheng Siyuan , Huang Lintong , Jiao Xuyang , Chen Wenxiong , Zhou Haotong
Published: July 2023

Despite the Yangtze River Basin (YRB)’s abundant land and forestry resources, there is still a dearth of research on forecasting habitat quality changes resulting from various geographic and environmental factors that drive landscape transformations. Hence, this study concentrates on the YRB as the focal area, with the aim of utilizing the Patch Landscape Upscaling Simulation model (PLUS) and the habitat quality model to scrutinize the spatial distribution of landscape patterns and the evolution of HQ under four scenarios: the natural development scenario (NDS), farmland protection scenario (CPS), urban development scenario (UDS), and ecological protection scenario (EPS), spanning from the past to 2030. Our results show that (1) from 2000 to 2020, the construction land in the YRB expanded at a high dynamic rate of 47.86% per year, leading to a decrease of 32,776 km2 in the cultivated land area; (2) the UDS had the most significant expansion of construction land, followed by the NDS, CPS, and EPS, which had higher proportions of ecologically used land such as forests and grasslands; (3) from 2000 to 2020, the HQ index ranged from 0.211 to 0.215 (low level), showing a slight upward trend, with the most drastic changes occurring in the low-level areas (−0.49%); (4) the EPS had the highest HQ (0.231), followed by the CPS (0.215), with the CPS increasing the HQ proportion of the lower-level areas by 2.64%; (5) and in addition to government policies, NDVI, DEM, GDP, and population were also significant factors affecting landscape pattern and changes in habitat quality.
Fundamental Structure–Function Relationships in Vegetable Oil-Based Lubricants: A Critical Review
Authors: Soodoo Navindra , Bouzidi Laziz , Narine Suresh S.
Published: July 2023

Vegetable oil (VO)-based lubricants are environmentally friendly replacements for mineral oils. This work critically reviews the literature and identifies the molecular structures in VO-based lubricants which have been used to improve performance. The specific roles that size, type, number, position, spatial arrangement, and symmetry play in determining lubricating functionality were highlighted. Data were systematically collected to identify the contributions of major structural components and relate them to specific physical functionality measurables. The relationships were presented to reveal structure–function trends. Empirical predictive relationships between flow and thermal transition properties and structures were established. Molecular mass was revealed to be a fundamental determinant of viscosity and transition temperatures, but these properties were shown to also be influenced by other structural factors such as polar functional groups, branching, and symmetry. Almost all the examined viscosity data plotted versus molecular mass are enclosed within the 95% prediction band of an exponential rise to a maximum function (R2 = 0.7897). Generally, for both flow and thermal transition, a given structure versus function follows simple linear or exponential functions with unbranched VO-based lubricants, lending themselves more easily to strong correlations. This review is a first step towards comprehensively relating structure to lubrication function. The revealed relationships of structural contributions to the lubricating functionality of VO-based lubricants provide insights that may be used to extend the ranges of chemical and physical properties of some molecular architectures examined.
Potassium Trifluorotris(pentafluoroethyl)phosphate
Authors: Mokrushin Ivan G. , Permyakov Pavel A. , Pinegina Olga A. , Poturaev Petr S. , Dmitriev Maksim V. , Markin Igor V.
Published: July 2023

A transparent white crystalline product, K[(C2F5)3PF3] (KFAP), has been synthesized via a one-pot route. Difluorotris(pentafluoroethyl)phosphorane was reacted first with aqueous HF then with K2CO3 or KHCO3 in a solution. Isolation of the intermediate, tris(pentafluoroethyl)trifluorophosphoric acid H[(C2F5)3PF3] (HFAP), was not carried out. The salt has been characterised by powder and single crystal X-ray diffraction. The single-crystal structure shows a monoperiodic coordination polymer involving K∙∙∙F bridging interactions to be present. The thermal characteristics and behaviour of KFAP have been established by simultaneous TGA-DSC measurements.
Influence of the NiFe/Cu/NiFe Structure Dimensions and Position in External Magnetic Field on Resistance Changes under the Magnetoresistance Effect
Authors: Kisała Jakub , Kociubiński Andrzej , Jartych Elżbieta
Published: July 2023

The subject of this work is NiFe/Cu/NiFe thin-film structures made by magnetron sputtering and showing the phenomenon of magnetoresistance. Three series of samples differing in spatial dimensions and thickness of the Cu spacer were produced. During the sputtering process, an external magnetic field of approx. 10 mT was applied to the substrate. Measurements of the resistance of the structures were carried out in the field of neodymium magnets in three different positions of the sample in relation to the direction of the field. The measurements allowed us to indicate in which position the structures of different series achieved the greatest changes in resistance. For each of the three series of layer systems, the nature of changes in the determined coefficient of giant magnetoresistance ΔR/R remained similar, while for the series with the smallest copper thickness (2.5 nm), the coefficient reached the highest value of about 2.7‰. In addition, impedance measurements were made for the structures of each series in the frequency range from 100 Hz to 100 kHz. For series with a thinner copper layer, a decrease in impedance values was observed in the 10–100 kHz range.
Sorption Capacity of Polydimethylsiloxane Foams Filled with Thermal-Treated Bentonite—Polydimethylsiloxane Composite Foams for Oil Spill Remediation
Authors: Calabrese Luigi , Piperopoulos Elpida , Stankov Jovanović Vesna , Nikolić Jelena , Ćirić Slobodan , Milone Candida , Proverbio Edoardo
Published: July 2023

The spillage of oil causes severe and long-lasting impacts on both the environment and human life. It is crucial to carefully reconsider the methods and techniques currently employed to recover spilled oil in order to prevent any possible secondary pollution and save time. Therefore, the techniques used to recover spilled oil should be readily available, highly responsive, cost-effective, environmentally safe, and, last but not least, they should have a high sorption capacity. The use of sorbents obtained from natural materials is considered a suitable approach for dealing with oil spills because of their exceptional physical characteristics that support sustainable environmental protection strategies. This article presents a novel sorbent material, which is a composite siloxane foam filled with bentonite clay, aimed at enhancing the hydrophobic and oleophilic behavior of the material. The thermal treatment of bentonite optimizes its sorption capacity by eliminating water, and increasing the surface area, and, consequently, its interaction with oils. In particular, the maximum sorption capacity is observed in kerosene and naphtha for the bentonite clay thermally treated at 600 °C, showing an uptake at saturation of 496.8% and 520.1%, respectively. Additionally, the reusability of the composite foam is evaluated by squeezing it after reaching its saturation point to determine its sorption capacity and reusability.
Novel 3D-Printed Biocarriers from Aluminosilicate Materials
Authors: Economou Eleni Anna , Koltsakidis Savvas , Dalla Ioanna , Tsongas Konstantinos , Romanos George Em. , Tzetzis Dimitrios , Falaras Polycarpos , Theodorakopoulos George , Middelkoop Vesna , Sfetsas Themistoklis
Published: July 2023

The addition of biocarriers can improve biological processes in bioreactors, since their surface allows for the immobilization, attachment, protection, and growth of microorganisms. In addition, the development of a biofilm layer allows for the colonization of microorganisms in the biocarriers. The structure, composition, and roughness of the biocarriers’ surface are crucial factors that affect the development of the biofilm. In the current work, the aluminosilicate zeolites 13X and ZSM-5 were examined as the main building components of the biocarrier scaffolds, using bentonite, montmorillonite, and halloysite nanotubes as inorganic binders in various combinations. We utilized 3D printing to form pastes into monoliths that underwent heat treatment. The 3D-printed biocarriers were subjected to a mechanical analysis, including density, compression, and nanoindentation tests. Furthermore, the 3D-printed biocarriers were morphologically and structurally characterized using nitrogen adsorption at 77 K (LN2), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The stress–strain response of the materials was obtained through nanoindentation tests combined with the finite element analysis (FEA). These tests were also utilized to simulate the lattice geometries under compression loading conditions to investigate their deformation and stress distribution in relation to experimental compression testing. The results indicated that the 3D-printed biocarrier of 13X/halloysite nanotubes was endowed with a high specific surface area of 711 m2/g and extended mesoporous structure. Due to these assets, its bulk density of 1.67 g/cm3 was one of the lowest observed amongst the biocarriers derived from the various combinations of materials. The biocarriers based on the 13X zeolite exhibited the highest mechanical stability and appropriate morphological features. The 13X/halloysite nanotubes scaffold exhibited a hardness value of 45.64 MPa, which is moderate compared to the rest, while it presented the highest value of modulus of elasticity. In conclusion, aluminosilicate zeolites and their combinations with clays and inorganic nanotubes provide 3D-printed biocarriers with various textural and structural properties, which can be utilized to improve biological processes, while the most favorable characteristics are observed when utilizing the combination of 13X/halloysite nanotubes.
Recent Advances in Membranes Used for Nanofiltration to Remove Heavy Metals from Wastewater: A Review
Authors: Covaliu-Mierlă Cristina Ileana , Păunescu Oana , Iovu Horia
Published: July 2023

The presence of heavy metal ions in polluted wastewater represents a serious threat to human health, making proper disposal extremely important. The utilization of nanofiltration (NF) membranes has emerged as one of the most effective methods of heavy metal ion removal from wastewater due to their efficient operation, adaptable design, and affordability. NF membranes created from advanced materials are becoming increasingly popular due to their ability to depollute wastewater in a variety of circumstances. Tailoring the NF membrane’s properties to efficiently remove heavy metal ions from wastewater, interfacial polymerization, and grafting techniques, along with the addition of nano-fillers, have proven to be the most effective modification methods. This paper presents a review of the modification processes and NF membrane performances for the removal of heavy metals from wastewater, as well as the application of these membranes for heavy metal ion wastewater treatment. Very high treatment efficiencies, such as 99.90%, have been achieved using membranes composed of polyvinyl amine (PVAM) and glutaraldehyde (GA) for Cr3+ removal from wastewater. However, nanofiltration membranes have certain drawbacks, such as fouling of the NF membrane. Repeated cleaning of the membrane influences its lifetime.
Interactions of the Kv1.1 Channel with Peptide Pore Blockers: A Fluorescent Analysis on Mammalian Cells
Authors: Orlov Nikita A. , Kryukova Elena V. , Efremenko Anastasia V. , Yakimov Sergey A. , Toporova Victoria A. , Kirpichnikov Mikhail P. , Nekrasova Oksana V. , Feofanov Alexey V.
Published: July 2023

The voltage-gated potassium channel Kv1.1, which is abundant in the CNS and peripheral nervous system, controls neuronal excitability and neuromuscular transmission and mediates a number of physiological functions in non-excitable cells. The development of some diseases is accompanied by changes in the expression level and/or activity of the channels in particular types of cells. To meet the requirements of studies related to the expression and localization of the Kv1.1 channels, we report on the subnanomolar affinity of hongotoxin 1 N-terminally labeled with Atto 488 fluorophore (A-HgTx) for the Kv1.1 channel and its applicability for fluorescent imaging of the channel in living cells. Taking into consideration the pharmacological potential of the Kv1.1 channel, a fluorescence-based analytical system was developed for the study of peptide ligands that block the ion conductivity of Kv1.1 and are potentially able to correct abnormal activity of the channel. The system is based on analysis of the competitive binding of the studied compounds and A-HgTx to the mKate2-tagged human Kv1.1 (S369T) channel, expressed in the plasma membrane of Neuro2a cells. The system was validated by measuring the affinities of the known Kv1.1-channel peptide blockers, such as agitoxin 2, kaliotoxin 1, hongotoxin 1, and margatoxin. Peptide pore blocker Ce1, from the venom of the scorpion Centruroides elegans, was shown to possess a nanomolar affinity for the Kv1.1 channel. It is reported that interactions of the Kv1.1 channel with the studied peptide blockers are not affected by the transition of the channel from the closed to open state. The conclusion is made that the structural rearrangements accompanying the channel transition into the open state do not change the conformation of the P-loop (including the selectivity filter) involved in the formation of the binding site of the peptide pore blockers.
Effects of Storage Temperature at the Early Postharvest Stage on the Firmness, Bioactive Substances, and Amino Acid Compositions of Chili Pepper (Capsicum annuum L.)
Authors: Cheng Yuan , Gao Chengan , Luo Shaodan , Yao Zhuping , Ye Qingjing , Wan Hongjian , Zhou Guozhi , Liu Chaochao
Published: July 2023

The commercial and nutritional quality of chili peppers deteriorates rapidly after harvest. So far, little is known about the effect of temperature on postharvest chili pepper quality. This study elucidated the effects of two temperatures (20 °C and 30 °C) on chili peppers’ postharvest firmness, flavor, and nutritional attributes. We found that compared to 20 °C, 30 °C escalated the decline in fruit firmness, capsaicin content, and dihydrocapsaicin content, while enhancing the increment in water loss and electrical conductivity, as well as total carotenoids and ascorbic acid content. The contents of most amino acids (AAs) decreased significantly during postharvest storage compared to their initial values, whether stored at 20 °C or 30 °C; however, 30 °C had a more substantial impact than 20 °C. Meanwhile, as for soluble protein and amino acid compositions, the effect of storage temperature was genotype-dependent, as reflected by differential changes in total AA contents, single AA contents, essential AA ratio, delicious AA ratio, etc., under the 20 °C or 30 °C treatments. In conclusion, our findings reveal the influence of temperature on pepper quality, showing that the storage temperature of 20 °C was better for maintaining chili quality than 30 °C from the perspective of overall commercial attributes.
Phytochemical-Mediated Biosynthesis of Silver Nanoparticles from Strobilanthes glutinosus: Exploring Biological Applications
Authors: Javed Rabia , Ijaz Shumaila , Hameed Hajra , Nazish Moona , Sharif Muhammad Shakeeb , Afreen Afshan , Alarjani Khaloud Mohammed , Elshikh Mohamed S. , Mehboob Saadia , Abdul Razak Sarah , Waheed Abdul , Ahmed Rashid , Tariq Muhammad
Published: July 2023

The application of green synthesis for silver nanoparticles in nanomedicine has experienced significant growth. Strobilanthes glutinosus, a plant primarily located in the Himalayas, remains largely unexplored. Considering the biomedical value of S. glutinosus, phytochemicals from this plant were used for the biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles. Silver nanoparticles were synthesized from aqueous extract of root and leaves of Strobilanthes glutinosus. The synthesized silver nanoparticles were characterized using UV–Vis spectrophotometry, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and X-ray diffraction. Total phenolic and flavonoid contents of plants were determined and compared with nanoparticles. The biomedical efficacy of plant extracts and silver nanoparticles was assessed using antioxidant and antibacterial assays. The UV–Vis spectra of leaf- and root-extract-mediated AgNPs showed characteristic peaks at 428 nm and 429 nm, respectively. TEM images revealed the polycrystalline and spherical shapes of leaf- and root-extract-mediated AgNPs with size ranges of 15–60 nm and 20–52 nm, respectively. FTIR findings shown the involvement of phytochemicals of root and leaf extracts in the reduction of silver ions into silver nanoparticles. The crystalline face-centered cubic structure of nanoparticles is depicted by the XRD spectra of leaf and root AgNPs. The plant has an ample amount of total phenolic content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC), which enhance the scavenging activity of plant samples and their respective AgNPs. Leaf and root AgNPs have also shown good antibacterial activity, which may enhance the medicinal value of AgNPs.
The Gut Microbiota Contributes to Systemic Responses and Liver Injury in Gut-Derived Sepsis
Authors: Zhao Meiqi , Ma Jiajia , Liu Huiru , Luo Ying , Deng Huiting , Wang Dandan , Wang Fengmei , Zhang Peng
Published: July 2023

The gut microbiota, as a major source of opportunistic pathogens, poses a great threat to systemic infection, whereas the role of the gut microbiota in sepsis is underestimated. Here, we aimed to explore the effects of different gut microbiota patterns (namely, enterotypes) in cecal ligation and puncture (CLP)-induced murine sepsis. To achieve this purpose, we built four kinds of enterotypes by exposing mice to different types of antibiotics (azithromycin, amoxicillin, metronidazole, and levofloxacin). The results showed that antibiotic exposure induced different enterotypes, which, in turn, led to varying levels of systemic inflammation in septic mice, with amoxicillin-associated enterotypes exhibiting the most severe inflammation, followed by metronidazole, azithromycin, and levofloxacin. Specifically, the amoxicillin-associated enterotype was characterized by an abundance of intestinal opportunistic pathogens, including Enterobacteriaceae, Sutterellaceae, and Morganellaceae. This enterotype played a significant role in promoting the pathogenic potential of the gut microbiota, ultimately contributing to the development of severe systemic inflammation. Furthermore, the amoxicillin-associated enterotype exaggerated the sepsis-related liver injury, as evidenced by higher levels of alanine aminotransferase, aspartate transaminase, and hepatic malondialdehyde. The results of the RNA sequencing and the fecal suspension intraperitoneal injection sepsis model indicated that the amoxicillin-associated enterotype provoked acute hepatic immune responses and led to more significant metabolic compensation in the event of sepsis. Collectively, we concluded that the gut microbiota was one crucial factor for heterogeneity in sepsis, where the modulated gut microbiota likely prevented or reduced the serious consequences of sepsis, at least in gut-derived sepsis.
Effect of Potassium Salt on Swelling of Halloysite Clay Mineral during Leaching Process of Ionic Rare Earth Ore
Authors: Hu Qi , Xu Yuanlai , Deng Xiangyi , Hu Shimin , Xu Jiaying , Zhou Fang , Chi Ru’an
Published: July 2023

Currently, the primary method for leaching rare earth ores is through in situ leaching. This approach involves contact between clay minerals and liquids, which can lead to the potential swelling of clay minerals with water, triggering natural disasters such as landslides. The main purpose of this study is to select the suitable anti-swelling solution for Hunan Jianghua ionic rare earth ore. According to the ore composition analysis, 88 wt% of Hunan Jianghua ionic rare earth ore is composed of halloysite clay mineral. Therefore, halloysite clay mineral is used to investigate its anti-swelling behavior in order to provide a reference for future research on the selection of raw ore swelling inhibitors. In this study, the traditional leaching agent, MgSO4 solution, was used as the solvent along with two additional compounds, CH3COOK and KCl, which were prepared in different concentrations to form a new composite swelling inhibitor solution to observe their effect on the swelling rate of halloysite clay mineral. At the same time, the seepage velocity of halloysite clay mineral with different anti-swelling solutions is studied. The results indicate that the optimal concentration in the CH3COOK + MgSO4 solution system is 0.05 mol/dm3. At this concentration, the swelling rate is 5.129%, the inhibition rate is 20.08%, and the seepage velocity rate is 12.51 × 10−3 cm/min, respectively. In KCl + MgSO4 solution, the swelling rate is 4.868%, the inhibition rate is 24.15% and the seepage velocity rate is 13.23 × 10−3 cm/min at the concentration of 0.02 mol/dm3, which is the optimum concentration. In addition, FTIR and TG studies have further demonstrated the mechanism by which these two composite bulking inhibitors inhibit the swelling of halloysite clay mineral.
Investigating the Correlation between Electrolyte Concentration and Electrochemical Properties of Ionogels
Authors: Suen Ji Wei , Elumalai Naveen Kumar , Debnath Sujan , Mubarak Nabisab Mujawar , Lim Chye Ing , Reddy Moola Mohan , Tan Yee Seng , Khalid Mohammad
Published: July 2023

Ionogels are hybrid materials comprising an ionic liquid confined within a polymer matrix. They have garnered significant interest due to their unique properties, such as high ionic conductivity, mechanical stability, and wide electrochemical stability. These properties make ionogels suitable for various applications, including energy storage devices, sensors, and solar cells. However, optimizing the electrochemical performance of ionogels remains a challenge, as the relationship between specific capacitance, ionic conductivity, and electrolyte solution concentration is yet to be fully understood. In this study, we investigate the impact of electrolyte solution concentration on the electrochemical properties of ionogels to identify the correlation for enhanced performance. Our findings demonstrate a clear relationship between the specific capacitance and ionic conductivity of ionogels, which depends on the availability of mobile ions. The reduced number of ions at low electrolyte solution concentrations leads to decreased ionic conductivity and specific capacitance due to the scarcity of a double layer, constraining charge storage capacity. However, at a 31 vol% electrolyte solution concentration, an ample quantity of ions becomes accessible, resulting in increased ionic conductivity and specific capacitance, reaching maximum values of 58 ± 1.48 μS/cm and 45.74 F/g, respectively. Furthermore, the synthesized ionogel demonstrates a wide electrochemical stability of 3.5 V, enabling diverse practical applications. This study provides valuable insights into determining the optimal electrolyte solution concentration for enhancing ionogel electrochemical performance for energy applications. It highlights the impact of ion pairs and aggregates on ion mobility within ionogels, subsequently affecting their resultant electrochemical properties.
Evaluation of Novel B1R/B2R Agonists Containing TRIOZAN™ Nanoparticles for Targeted Brain Delivery of Antibodies in a Mouse Model of Alzheimer Disease
Authors: Gagnon Maxime , Savard Martin , Tran Thi Minh Hue , Vincent Laurence , Moquin Alexandre , Tremblay Philippe , Roucou Xavier , Dory Yves , Gobeil Fernand
Published: July 2023

The blood–brain barrier (BBB) is a major obstacle to the development of effective therapeutics for central nervous system (CNS) disorders, including Alzheimer’s disease (AD). This has been particularly true in the case of monoclonal antibody (mAbs) therapeutic candidates, due to their large size. To tackle this issue, we developed new nanoformulations, comprising bio-based Triozan polymers along with kinin B1 and B2 receptor (B1R and B2R) peptide agonist analogues, as potent BBB-permeabilizers to enhance brain delivery of a new anti-C1q mAb for AD (ANX005). The prepared B1R/B2R-TRIOZAN™ nanoparticles (NPs) displayed aqueous solubility, B1R/B2R binding capacity and uniform sizes (~130–165 nm). The relative biodistribution profiles of the mAb loaded into these NPs versus the naked mAb were assessed in vivo through two routes of administrations (intravenous (IV), intranasal (IN)) in the Tg-SwDI mouse model of AD. At 24 h post-administration, brain levels of the encapsulated mAb were significantly increased (up to 12-fold (IV) and 5-fold (IN), respectively) compared with free mAb in AD brain affected regions, entorhinal cortex and hippocampus of aged mice. Liver uptakes remained relatively low with similar values for the nanoformulations and free mAb. Our findings demonstrate the potential of B1R/B2R-TRIOZAN™ NPs for the targeted delivery of new CNS drugs, which could maximize their therapeutic effectiveness.
Statistical Modelling Investigation of MALDI-MSI-Based Approaches for Document Examination
Authors: Kjeldbjerg Lassen Johan , Bradshaw Robert , Villesen Palle , Francese Simona
Published: July 2023

Questioned document examination aims to assess if a document of interest has been forged. Spectroscopy-based methods are the gold standard for this type of evaluation. In the past 15 years, Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption Ionisation–Mass Spectrometry Imaging (MALDI-MSI) has emerged as a powerful analytical tool for the examination of finger marks, blood, and hair. Therefore, this study intended to explore the possibility of expanding the forensic versatility of this technique through its application to questioned documents. Specifically, a combination of MALDI-MSI and chemometric approaches was investigated for the differentiation of seven gel pens, through their ink composition, over 44 days to assess: (i) the ability of MALDI MSI to detect and image ink chemical composition and (ii) the robustness of the combined approach for the classification of different pens over time. The training data were modelled using elastic net logistic regression to obtain probabilities for each pen class and assess the time effect on the ink. This strategy led the classification model to yield predictions matching the ground truth. This model was validated using signatures generated by different pens (blind to the analyst), yielding a 100% accuracy in machine learning cross-validation. These data indicate that the coupling of MALDI-MSI with machine learning was robust for ink discrimination within the dataset and conditions investigated, which justifies further studies, including that of confounders such as paper brands and environmental factors.