bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Radiation Shielding Tests of Crosslinked Polystyrene-b-Polyethyleneglycol Block Copolymers Blended with Nanostructured Selenium Dioxide and Boron Nitride Particles
Authors: Cinan Zehra Merve , Erol Burcu , Baskan Taylan , Mutlu Saliha , Ortaç Bülend , Savaskan Yilmaz Sevil , Yilmaz Ahmet Hakan
Published: January 2022

In this work, gamma-ray shielding features of crosslinked polystyrene-b-polyethyleneglycol block copolymers (PS-b-PEG) blended with nanostructured selenium dioxide (SeO2) and boron nitride (BN) particles were studied. This research details several radiation shielding factors i.e., mass attenuation coefficient (μm), linear attenuation coefficient (μL), radiation protection efficiency (RPE), half-value layer (HVL), tenth-value layer (TVL), and mean free path (MFP). The irradiation properties of our nanocomposites were investigated with rays from the 152Eu source (in the energy intervals from 121.780 keV to 1408.010 keV) in a high-purity germanium (HPGe) detector system, and analyzed with GammaVision software. Moreover, all radiation shielding factors were determined by theoretical calculus and compared with the experimental results. In addition, the morphological and thermal characterization of all nanocomposites was surveyed with various techniques i.e., nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Acceptable compatibility was revealed and observed in all nanocomposites between the experimental and theoretical results. The PS-b-PEG copolymer and nanostructured SeO2 and BN particles exerted a significant effect in enhancing the resistance of the nanocomposites, and the samples with high additive rates exhibited better resistance than the other nanocomposites. From the achieved outcomes, it can be deduced that our polymer-based nanocomposites can be utilized as a good choice in the gamma-irradiation-shielding discipline.
Surface Coverage Simulation and 3D Plotting of Main Process Parameters for Molybdenum and Vanadium Adsorption onto Ferrihydrite
Authors: Brinza Loredana
Published: January 2022

Ferrihydrite, FHY, was synthesized and characterized for morphology, mineralogy, surface area, hydrodynamic diameter and surface charge properties before molybdenum (Mo) and vanadium (V) adsorption. The potentiometric titration results showed first direct evidence that CO2 affects FHY surface sites at pH 6–9. Beside CO2, particles concentration may affect surface properties with an impact on adsorption performance. Additional new adsorption simulation results on theoretical surface coverage vs. experimental results obtained at varying particles concentration help theoreticians and experimentalists to better estimate and apply anion adsorption processes to real environments and suggest that simulation may not always be entirely reliable. Uptake capacities obtained experimentally, varying pH, particles and metals concentrations, were plotted to assess their synergetic effect and derive trends for future process optimization. Adsorption kinetics and isotherms were also considered. Experimentally derived values for maximum uptake capacities (0.43 and 1.20 mmol g−1, for Mo and V, respectively) and partitioning coefficients have applications, such as in making decisions for anions removal from wastewaters to achieve depollution efficiency or concentration required for effluents discharge and also implications in elements cycling from a geochemical perspective. In this work, the 3D plotting of the main adsorption process parameters obtained experimentally showed inter-correlations between significant process parameters that influence the adsorption process, and provides guidelines for its optimization and indicates that laboratory data can be transposed to real systems.
Monolayer Graphene Radiation Sensor with Backend RF Ring Oscillator Transducer
Authors: Tawfik Mohamed W. , Sharaf Abdelhameed , Serry Mohamed
Published: January 2022

This paper proposes a new graphene gamma- and beta-radiation sensor with a backend RF ring oscillator transducer employed to convert the change in the graphene resistivity due to ionizing irradiation into a frequency output. The sensor consists of a CVD monolayer of graphene grown on a copper substrate, with an RF ring oscillator readout circuit in which the percentage change in frequency is captured versus the change in radiation dose. The novel integration of the RF oscillator transducer with the graphene monolayer results in high average sensitivity to gamma irradiation up to 3.82 kΩ/kGy, which corresponds to a percentage change in frequency of 7.86% kGy−1 in response to cumulative gamma irradiation ranging from 0 to 1 kGy. The new approach helps to minimize background environmental effects (e.g., due to light and temperature), leading to an insignificant error in the output change in frequency of the order of 0.46% when operated in light versus dark conditions. The uncertainty in readings due to background light was analyzed, and the error in the resistance was found to be of the order of 1.34 Ω, which confirms the high stability and selectivity of the proposed sensor under different background effects. Furthermore, the evolution of the graphene’s lattice defect density due to radiation was observed using Raman spectroscopy and SEM, indicating a lattice defect density of up to 1.780 × 1011/cm2 at 1 kGy gamma radiation, confirming the increase in the graphene resistance and proving the graphene’s sensitivity. In contrast, the graphene’s defect density in response to beta radiation was 0.683 × 1011/cm2 at 3 kGy beta radiation, which is significantly lower than the gamma effects. This can be attributed to the lower p-doping effect caused by beta irradiation in ambient conditions, compared with that caused by gamma irradiation. Morphological analysis was used to verify the evolution of the microstructural defects caused by ionizing irradiation. The proposed sensor monitors the low-to-medium cumulative range of ionizing radiations ranging from 0 to 1 kGy for gamma radiation and 0 to 9 kGy for beta radiation, with high resolution and selectivity, filling the research gap in the study of graphene-based radiation sensors at low-to-medium ionizing radiation doses. This range is essential for the pharmaceutical and food industries, as it spans the minimum range for affecting human health, causing cancer and DNA damage.
Regulating Morphology and Composition of Laser-Induced Periodic Structures on Titanium Films with Femtosecond Laser Wavelength and Ambient Environment
Authors: Bronnikov Kirill , Gladkikh Semyon , Okotrub Konstantin , Simanchuk Andrey , Zhizhchenko Alexey , Kuchmizhak Aleksandr , Dostovalov Alexander
Published: January 2022

Recently, highly uniform thermochemical laser-induced periodic surface structures (TLIPSS) have attracted significant research attention due to their practical applicability for upscalable fabrication of periodic surface morphologies important for surface functionalization, diffraction optics, sensors, etc. When processed by femtosecond (fs) laser pulses in oxygen-containing environments, TLIPSS are formed on the material surface as parallel protrusions upon local oxidation in the maxima of the periodic intensity pattern coming from interference of the incident and scattered waves. From an application point of view, it is important to control both the TLIPSS period and nanoscale morphology of the formed protrusions that can be expectedly achieved by scalable shrinkage of the laser-processing wavelength as well as by varying the ambient environment. However, so far, the fabrication of uniform TLIPSS was reported only for near-IR wavelength in air. In this work, TLIPSS formation on the surface of titanium (Ti) films was systematically studied using near-IR (1026 nm), visible (513 nm) and UV (256 nm) wavelengths revealing linear scalability of the protrusion period versus the fs-laser wavelength. By changing the ambient environment from air to vacuum (10−2 atm) and pressurized nitrogen gas (2.5 atm) we demonstrate tunability of the composition and morphology of the Ti TLIPSS protrusions. In particular, Raman spectroscopy revealed formation of TiN together with dominating TiO2 (rutile phase) in the TLIPSS protrusions produced in the nitrogen-rich atmosphere.
A Novel Digital Nutrition Diary for Geriatric Patients at High Risk of Frailty Syndrome
Authors: Elfert Patrick , Berndt Julia , Dierkes Louisa , Eichelberg Marco , Rösch Norbert , Hein Andreas , Diekmann Rebecca
Published: January 2022

Due to the physical, psychological, or socioeconomic changes that accompany aging, many people will be affected by geriatric frailty syndrome, which can lead to multimorbidity and premature death. Nutrition counseling is often used to prevent and intervene in frailty syndrome, especially in geriatric rehabilitation. To this end, the consumption behavior of geriatric patients is recorded using paper-based, as well as retrospective memory logs in face-to-face interviews between patients and nutritionists. To simplify this procedure, a digital nutrition diary was developed that is specially adapted to the needs of geriatric patients (>=70 years), enabling them to record their consumption behavior themselves. In an initial study (Study 1), conducted in a geriatric rehabilitation division with twelve subjects (ten male, two female, mean age 79.2 ±5.9 years), feedback about the usability of the digital nutrition diary, and how to improve it, was surveyed. In addition, the usability of an activity tracker and a body composition scale was surveyed to determine whether geriatric patients are generally able to use these devices. In a second study (Study 2), also conducted in the geriatric rehabilitation division, this time with sixteen subjects (ten male, six female, mean age 79.3 ±3.9 years), the usability of the digital nutrition diary was surveyed again to evaluate its modifications based on the feedback from Study 1. In Study 1, the usability rating of the system (0–100) was 82.5 for the activity tracker, 29.71 for the body composition scale, and 51.66 initially for the digital nutrition diary, which increased to 76.41 in Study 2.
Sugar-Sweetened Beverages and Symptom Complaints among School-Aged Children: A National Longitudinal Study
Authors: Cao Muqing , Zhu Yanna , Chen Yajun , Jing Jin
Published: January 2022

The association between sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) and symptom complaints among school-aged children remains unclear. Children aged 6–17 years (n = 29,028) were recruited on the basis of a national school-based study. Data collection included two waves: the exposure was the amount and frequency of SSB consumption, collected in the 2013 autumn semester, and outcomes were defined as having clinical symptom complaints after two weeks of observation, collected in the 2014 spring semester. Symptom complaints were defined as fever, cough, headache, loose bowels, vomiting, sore throat, rash, conjunctival congestion, and stomachache. The associations between the amount/frequency of SSBs and symptoms complaints were explored by a general linear model, with adjustments made for socio-demographic and other lifestyle information. Among the 12,454 children (10.32 ± 3.15 years, 48.7% male) in the final analysis, the odds ratio for having symptom complaints (1.46, 95% CI: 1.10–1.95) among children whose SSB consumption was >75 mL/day was significantly higher than that among children who had no SSB consumption. Among children with a daily SSB intake of more than 75 mL, there was a higher risk for symptom complaints. We recommend more support for decreasing SSB consumption among children to minimize negative health outcomes.
A Mixed-Method Study Exploring Experiences and Perceptions of Nutritionists Regarding Use of an Image-Based Dietary Assessment System in Tanzania
Authors: Saronga Naomi , Mosha Idda H. , Stewart Samantha J. , Bakar Saidah , Sunguya Bruno F. , Burrows Tracy L. , Leyna Germana H. , Adam Marc T. P. , Collins Clare E. , Rollo Megan E.
Published: January 2022

Due to global advances in technology, image-based food record methods have emerged as an alternative to traditional assessment methods. The use of image-based food records in low and lower-middle income countries such as Tanzania is limited, with countries still using traditional methods. The current study aimed to determine the feasibility of using a new voice and image-based dietary assessment system (VISIDA) in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. This mixed-method study recruited 18 nutritionists as participants who collected image-based records of food and drinks they consumed using the VISIDA smartphone app. Participants viewed an online demonstration of the VISIDA web platform and the analysis process for intake data collected using the VISIDA app. Then, participants completed an online survey and were interviewed about the VISIDA app and web platform for food and nutrient intake analysis. The method was reported as being acceptable and was found to be easy to use, although technical challenges were experienced by some participants. Most participants indicated a willingness to use the VISIDA app again for one week or longer and were interested in using the VISIDA system in their current role. Participants acknowledged that the VISIDA web platform would simplify some aspects of their current job. Image-based food records could potentially be used in Tanzania to improve the assessment of dietary intake by nutritionists in urban areas. Participants recommended adding sound-on notifications, using the VISIDA app in both Apple and Android phones, enabling installation from the app store, and improving the quality of the fiducial markers.
Sex-Specific Effects of Nutritional Supplements for Infants Born Early or Small: An Individual Participant Data Meta-Analysis (ESSENCE IPD-MA) I—Cognitive Function and Metabolic Risk
Authors: Lin Luling , Gamble Greg D. , Crowther Caroline A. , Bloomfield Frank H. , Agosti Massimo , Atkinson Stephanie A. , Biasini Augusto , Embleton Nicholas D. , Fewtrell Mary S. , Lamy-Filho Fernando , Fusch Christoph , Gianni Maria L. , Kanmaz Kutman H. Gozde , Koo Winston , Litmanovitz Ita , Morgan Colin , Mukhopadhyay Kanya , Neri Erica , Picaud Jean-Charles , Rochow Niels , Roggero Paola , Singhal Atul , Stroemmen Kenneth , Tan Maw J. , Tandoi Francesco M. , Wood Claire L. , Zachariassen Gitte , Harding Jane E.
Published: January 2022

Neonatal nutritional supplements are widely used to improve growth and development but may increase risk of later metabolic disease, and effects may differ by sex. We assessed effects of supplements on later development and metabolism. We searched databases and clinical trials registers up to April 2019. Participant-level data from randomised trials were included if the intention was to increase macronutrient intake to improve growth or development of infants born preterm or small-for-gestational-age. Co-primary outcomes were cognitive impairment and metabolic risk. Supplementation did not alter cognitive impairment in toddlers (13 trials, n = 1410; adjusted relative risk (aRR) 0.88 [95% CI 0.68, 1.13]; p = 0.31) or older ages, nor alter metabolic risk beyond 3 years (5 trials, n = 438; aRR 0.94 [0.76, 1.17]; p = 0.59). However, supplementation reduced motor impairment in toddlers (13 trials, n = 1406; aRR 0.76 [0.60, 0.97]; p = 0.03), and improved motor scores overall (13 trials, n = 1406; adjusted mean difference 1.57 [0.14, 2.99]; p = 0.03) and in girls not boys (p = 0.03 for interaction). Supplementation lowered triglyceride concentrations but did not affect other metabolic outcomes (high-density and low-density lipoproteins, cholesterol, fasting glucose, blood pressure, body mass index). Macronutrient supplementation for infants born small may not alter later cognitive function or metabolic risk, but may improve early motor function, especially for girls.
A Time to Rest, a Time to Dine: Sleep, Time-Restricted Eating, and Cardiometabolic Health
Authors: Gupta Charlotte C. , Vincent Grace E. , Coates Alison M. , Khalesi Saman , Irwin Christopher , Dorrian Jillian , Ferguson Sally A.
Published: January 2022

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) poses a serious health and economic burden worldwide. Modifiable lifestyle factors are a focus of research into reducing the burden of CVD, with diet as one of the most investigated factors. Specifically, the timing and regularity of food intake is an emerging research area, with approaches such as time-restricted eating (TRE) receiving much attention. TRE involves shortening the time available to eat across the day and is associated with improved CVD outcomes compared with longer eating windows. However, studies that have examined TRE have not considered the impact of sleep on CVD outcomes despite recent evidence showing that sleep duration can influence the timing and amount of food eaten. In this article, we argue that as TRE and sleep influence each other, and influence the same cardiometabolic parameters, experiencing inadequate sleep may attenuate any positive impact TRE has on CVD. We examine the relationship between TRE and CVD, with sleep as a potential mediator in this relationship, and propose a research agenda to investigate this relationship. This will provide necessary evidence to inform future interventions aimed at reducing the burden of CVD.
Effects of Fish Oil Supplementation on Oxidative Stress Biomarkers and Liver Damage in Hypercholesterolemic Rats
Authors: Lima Rocha Joana Érica , Mendes Furtado Mariely , Mello Neto Renato Sampaio , da Silva Mendes Ana Victória , Brito Ana Karolinne da Silva , Sena de Almeida José Otávio Carvalho , Rodrigues Queiroz Emerson Iuri , de Sousa França José Vinícius , Silva Primo Maísa Guimarães , Cunha Sales Ana Lina de Carvalho , Gomes Vasconcelos Andreanne , Felix Cabral Wanessa , Souza Kückelhaus Selma Aparecida , de Souza de Almeida Leite José Roberto , Fortes Lustosa Ana Karina Marques , Lucarini Massimo , Durazzo Alessandra , Arcanjo Daniel Dias Rufino , Martins Maria do Carmo de Carvalho e
Published: January 2022

Metabolic syndrome, especially its component related to dyslipidemia, is related to the development of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), which is a disease with a significant global prevalence. Supplementation with omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids emerged as a complementary therapeutic possibility for dyslipidemia, but its benefits are questioned. This paper aims at evaluating the effects of fish oil supplementation in rats with hypercholesterolemia induced by hypercholesterolemic diet (HD). The study design is based on an experimental model in which the animals were randomly divided into 3 groups: G1 (standard commercial feed + saline solution); G2 (hypercholesterolemic diet + saline solution) and G3 (hypercholesterolemic diet + fish oil) over a period of 16 weeks. Metabolic control parameters and oxidative stress biomarkers were evaluated according to standardized methodologies. The G3 group showed significantly lower values of plasma concentrations of TG, and hepatic myeloperoxidase as well as higher erythrocyte superoxide dismutase activity (p < 0.05). Regarding histopathological analysis, there was lipid accumulation in the liver of animals from group G2; meanwhile, hepatocytes reorganization and expressive reduction of lipid vacuoles and hepatic TG content was observed in group G3. This study demonstrated how fish oil supplementation reduced the plasma concentration and hepatic content of triglycerides, as well as liver tissue damage in histopathological analysis.
Copro-Molecular Identification of Tapeworms in Introduced Invasive Carnivores in Poland
Authors: Buńkowska-Gawlik Katarzyna , Hildebrand Joanna , Popiołek Marcin , Merta Dorota , Perec-Matysiak Agnieszka
Published: January 2022

The raccoon (Procyon lotor) and the raccoon dog (Nyctereutes procyonoides) were introduced to Europe and, in the past decades, their populations have increased and adapted to synanthropic environments across Europe. In view of their possible further spread in Europe, the invasive species should be examined as potential reservoirs for helminths, including tapeworms. This study aims to investigate the prevalence and diversity of tapeworms in introduced wild carnivores in Poland by identifying cestode species based on copro-DNA analysis. A total of 214 individual fecal samples from non-native invasive carnivores, i.e., raccoons and raccoon dogs, and additionally 47 samples from native carnivores, i.e., European badgers (Meles meles), were analyzed for the presence of cestodes. PCR analysis of fecal samples targeting a fragment of mitochondrial (mt) 12S rRNA gene revealed the presence of cestode DNA in 19 of 103 (18.4%) raccoons, in 13 of 111 (11.7%) raccoon dogs and in 23 of 47 (48.9%) badgers. Sequence analysis demonstrated the presence of Mesocestoides litteratus in raccoons and raccoon dogs, while Mesocestoides lineatus was identified only in two samples derived from raccoon dogs. Moreover, in this study, Atriotaenia incisa was for the first time molecularly characterized by using fragments of mt 12S rRNA gene, and the DNA of this cestode species was detected in the fecal samples of all the examined host species.
Effect of Lactobacillus reuteri on Gingival Inflammation and Composition of the Oral Microbiota in Patients Undergoing Treatment with Fixed Orthodontic Appliances: Study Protocol of a Randomized Control Trial
Authors: Agossa Kevimy , Dubar Marie , Lemaire Grégoire , Blaizot Alessandra , Catteau Céline , Bocquet Emmanuël , Nawrocki Laurent , Boyer Emile , Meuric Vincent , Siepmann Florence
Published: January 2022

The effect of probiotics in improving or maintaining oral health in orthodontic patients is understudied. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of probiotic administration in addition to tooth brushing on clinical gingival inflammation, plaque formation, subgingival microbiota composition, and salivary biomarkers of inflammation in adolescents with fixed orthodontic appliances. The present study is a 6-month, double-blind, two-arm, placebo-controlled, single-center trial, in which 116 adolescent volunteers aged 12–16 years will be recruited from the patients of the orthodontics clinic of the University Hospital of Lille, France. Subjects who meet the eligibility criteria will be allocated to one of the following groups: (i) control: two placebo lozenges per day for 90 days together with regular oral hygiene, (ii) test: two probiotic lozenges per day for 90 days together with regular oral hygiene. Clinical assessment and biological sample collection will be performed at baseline, 3 and 6 months. In addition, compliance outcomes and adverse events will be monitored.
Wildlife Waterfowl as a Source of Pathogenic Campylobacter Strains
Authors: Wysok Beata , Sołtysiuk Marta , Stenzel Tomasz
Published: January 2022

Background: The aim of the study was to determine whether free-living birds belonging to game species whose meat is used for human consumption can constitute a reservoir of pathogenic Campylobacter strains, spreading these bacteria to other hosts or directly contributing to human infection. Methods: A total of 91 cloacal swabs were taken from different species of wildlife waterfowl to estimate the Campylobacter prevalence, the genetic diversity of the isolates, and the presence of virulence genes and to evaluate the antimicrobial resistance. Results: The presence of Campylobacter spp. was confirmed in 32.9% of samples. Based on flaA-SVR sequencing, a total of 19 different alleles among the tested Campylobacter isolates were revealed. The virulence genes involved in adhesion were detected at high frequencies among Campylobacter isolates regardless of the host species. The highest resistance was observed for ciprofloxacin. The resistance rates to erythromycin and tetracycline were observed at the same level. Conclusions: These results suggest that wildlife waterfowl belonging to game species may constitute a reservoir of Campylobacter, spreading these bacteria to other hosts or directly contributing to human disease. The high distribution of virulence-associated genes among wildlife waterfowl Campylobacter isolates make them potentially able to induce infection in humans.
Application of Optical Methods for Determination of Concentration of Doxorubicin in Blood and Plasma
Authors: Sikora Tomasz , Morawska Karolina , Lisowski Wiesław , Rytel Paweł , Dylong Agnieszka
Published: January 2022

The aim of presented research is to develop a simple and quick method of spectrophotometric detection for the determination of doxorubicin hydrochloride in blood and plasma. Anthracycline antibiotics are among the most effective antineoplastic agents. However, despite their high efficacy in the treatment of various types of cancer, their administration is limited primarily because they exhibit myocardial toxicity. This may be a limiting factor in the dosage of medications; nevertheless, drugs exhibiting this mechanism of action constitute a very important group of chemotherapeutics. One of the more widely studied antibiotics from the anthracycline group is doxorubicin. It exhibits the highest antineoplastic activity from among a number of derivative compounds. Because of the adverse effects of doxorubicin, especially cardiotoxicity, it is important to maintain control of its concentration in body fluids. The method in the study consists of extraction doxorubicin from the plasma or blood and measurements of the absorbance of light in the visible light range in a DOX solution with respect to a reference sample. The research used blood and plasma samples spiked with doxorubicin to give concentrations in the range of 0.2–10 µg/mL. Obtained LODs were 1.6 µg/mL and 1.2 µg/mL, respectively.
Characterizing the Drug-Release Enhancement Effect of Surfactants on Megestrol-Acetate-Loaded Granules
Authors: Katona Gábor , Sipos Bence , Ambrus Rita , Csóka Ildikó , Szabó-Révész Piroska
Published: January 2022

In this study, the effect of Cremophor® RH 40 (CR 40) classic micelles and Soluplus® (SP) polymeric micelles were investigated on a novel granule-type drug-delivery system containing megestrolacetate (MGA). Using a risk assessment-based approach on the formulation via melt technology resulted in the formation of these granules, presented as the dosage, with proper particle size and flow characteristics. Due to the application of a eutectic carrier base composition, gentle process conditions were reached, retaining the crystalline structure of the carrier system and allowing for the proper distribution of MGA in the granules. The increased water solubility (0.111 mg/mL to 2.154 mg/mL), and the decreased nano particle size (102.27 nm) with uniform distribution (polydispersity index of 0.259) and colloid stability (zeta potential of −12.99 mV) resulted in SP polymeric micelles prevailing over CR 40 micelles in this gastric dissolution study, performed in biorelevant fasted and fed state drug-release media. Mathematical characterization and kinetic model fitting supported the fast drug-release mechanism of polymeric micelles over micelles. The value-added polymeric micelle-containing formulation developed can be successfully administered perorally and the enhanced drug release offers the possibility of greater drug absorption in the gastrointestinal tract.
Metal Detoxification in Land Plants: From Bryophytes to Vascular Plants. STATE of the Art and Opportunities
Authors: Fasani Elisa , Li Mingai , Varotto Claudio , Furini Antonella , DalCorso Giovanni
Published: January 2022

Potentially toxic elements are a widespread concern due to their increasing diffusion into the environment. To counteract this problem, the relationship between plants and metal(loid)s has been investigated in the last 30 years. In this field, research has mainly dealt with angiosperms, whereas plant clades that are lower in the evolutive scale have been somewhat overlooked. However, recent studies have revealed the potential of bryophytes, pteridophytes and gymnosperms in environmental sciences, either as suitable indicators of habitat health and elemental pollution or as efficient tools for the reclamation of degraded soils and waters. In this review, we summarize recent research on the interaction between plants and potentially toxic elements, considering all land plant clades. The focus is on plant applicability in the identification and restoration of polluted environments, as well as on the characterization of molecular mechanisms with a potential outlet in the engineering of element tolerance and accumulation.
Carbon-11 Radiotracing Reveals Physiological and Metabolic Responses of Maize Grown under Different Regimes of Boron Treatment
Authors: Wilder Stacy L. , Scott Stephanie , Waller Spenser , Powell Avery , Benoit Mary , Guthrie James M. , Schueller Michael J. , Awale Prameela , McSteen Paula , Matthes Michaela S. , Ferrieri Richard A.
Published: January 2022

In agriculture, boron is known to play a critical role in healthy plant growth. To dissect the role of boron in maize metabolism, radioactive carbon-11 (t½ 20.4 min) was used to examine the physiological and metabolic responses of 3-week-old B73 maize plants to different levels of boron spanning 0 mM, 0.05 mM, and 0.5 mM boric acid (BA) treatments. Growth behavior, of both shoots and roots, was recorded and correlated to plant physiological responses. 11CO2 fixation, leaf export of [11C]-photosynthates, and their rate of transport increased systematically with increasing BA concentrations, while the fraction of [11C]-photosynthates delivered to the roots under 0 mM and 0.5 mM BA treatments was lower than under 0.05 mM BA treatment, likely due to changes in root growth. Additionally, solid-phase extraction coupled with gamma counting, radio-fluorescence thin layer chromatography, and radio-fluorescence high-performance liquid chromatography techniques applied to tissue extracts provided insight into the effects of BA treatment on ‘new’ carbon (as 11C) metabolism. Most notable was the strong influence reducing boron levels had on raising 11C partitioning into glutamine, aspartic acid, and asparagine. Altogether, the growth of maize under different regimes of boron affected 11CO2 fixation, its metabolism and allocation belowground, and altered root growth. Finally, inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry provided insight into the effects of BA treatment on plant uptake of other essential nutrients. Here, levels of boron and zinc systematically increased in foliar tissues with increasing BA concentration. However, levels of magnesium, potassium, calcium, manganese, and iron remained unaffected by treatment. The rise in foliar zinc levels with increased BA concentration may contribute to improved 11CO2 fixation under these conditions.
The Variation of Selected Physiological Parameters in Elm Leaves (Ulmus glabra Huds.) Infested by Gall Inducing Aphids
Authors: Kmieć Katarzyna , Kot Izabela , Rubinowska Katarzyna , Górska-Drabik Edyta , Golan Katarzyna , Sytykiewicz Hubert
Published: January 2022

Three aphid species, Eriosoma ulmi (L.), Colopha compressa (Koch) and Tetraneura ulmi (L.) induce distinct gall morphotypes on Ulmus glabra Huds.; opened and closed galls. Because the trophic relationship of aphids and their galls shows that throughout the gall formation aphids can elicit multiple physiological regulations, we evaluated the changes of hydrogen peroxide content (H2O2), cytoplasmic membrane condition, expressed as electrolyte leakage (EL) and concentration of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), as well as, the activity of catalase (CAT), guaiacol peroxidase (GPX) and ascorbate peroxidase (APX) in gall tissues, as well as, in damaged and undamaged parts of galled leaves. All aphid species increased EL from gall tissues and significantly upregulated APX activity in galls and galled leaves. Alterations in H2O2 and TBARS concentrations, as well as GPX and CAT activities, were aphid- and tissue-dependent. The development of pseudo- and closed galls on elm leaves did not have a clear effect on the direction and intensity of the host plant’s physiological response. The different modes of changes in H2O2, TBARS, CAT and GPX were found in true galls of C. compressa and T. ulmi. Generally, physiological alterations in new plant tissues were quite different compared to other tissues and could be considered beneficial to galling aphids.
Chemical Composition of Salix koreensis Anderss Flower Absolute and Its Skin Wound Healing Activities In Vitro
Authors: Kim Nan Young , Won Kyung Jong , Kim Ha Bin , Kim Do Yoon , Kim Mi Jung , Won Yu Rim , Lee Hwan Myung
Published: January 2022

Salix koreensis Anderss (SKA) has been used traditionally to treat inflammation, pain, and edema. SKA has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, but no study has examined its effects on skin wound healing. Here, we aimed to investigate the effects of the absolute extracted from SKA flower (SKAFAb) on skin wound healing-associated responses in keratinocytes. SKAFAb was produced using a solvent extraction method and its chemical composition was analyzed by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. The effects of SKAFAb on HaCaT cells (a human epidermal keratinocyte cell line) were investigated using a Boyden chamber and 5-bromo-2′-deoxyuridine incorporation, sprout outgrowth, immunoblotting, enzyme-linked immunosorbent, and water-soluble tetrazolium salt assays. Sixteen constituents were identified in SKAFAb. SKAFAb promoted HaCaT cell proliferation, migration, and type I and IV collagen productions. SKAFAb increased sprout outgrowth and increased the phosphorylations of serine/threonine-specific protein kinase (Akt), c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase, extracellular signal-regulated kinase1/2, and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) in HaCaT cells. These results indicate that SKAFAb promotes keratinocyte proliferation and migration, probably by activating Akt and MAPK signaling pathways, and induces collagen synthesis in keratinocytes. SKAFAb may be a promising material for promoting skin wound healing.
Antibacterial Effect of Functionalized Polymeric Nanoparticles on Titanium Surfaces Using an In Vitro Subgingival Biofilm Model
Authors: Bueno Jaime , Virto Leire , Toledano-Osorio Manuel , Figuero Elena , Toledano Manuel , Medina-Castillo Antonio L. , Osorio Raquel , Sanz Mariano , Herrera David
Published: January 2022

This investigation aimed to evaluate the antibacterial effect of polymeric nanoparticles (NPs), functionalized with calcium, zinc, or doxycycline, using a subgingival biofilm model of six bacterial species (Streptococcus oralis,Actinomyces naeslundii, Veillonela parvula, Fusobacterium nucleatum, Porphyromonas gingivalis, and Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans) on sandblasted, large grit, acid-etched titanium discs (TiDs). Undoped NPs (Un-NPs) or doped NPs with calcium (Ca-NPs), zinc (Zn-NPs), or doxycycline (Dox-NPs) were applied onto the TiD surfaces. Uncovered TiDs were used as negative controls. Discs were incubated under anaerobic conditions for 12, 24, 48, and 72 h. The obtained biofilm structure was studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and its vitality and thickness by confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). Quantitative polymerase chain reaction of samples was used to evaluate the bacterial load. Data were evaluated by analysis of variance (p < 0.05) and post hoc comparisons with Bonferroni adjustments (p < 0.01). As compared with uncovered TiDs, Dox-NPs induced higher biofilm mortality (47.21% and 85.87%, respectively) and reduced the bacterial load of the tested species, after 72 h. With SEM, scarce biofilm formation was observed in Dox-NPs TiDs. In summary, Dox-NPs on TiD reduced biofilm vitality, bacterial load, and altered biofilm formation dynamics.
Recent Advances in the Development of Fire-Resistant Biocomposites—A Review
Authors: Madyaratri Elvara , Ridho Muhammad , Aristri Manggar , Lubis Muhammad , Iswanto Apri , Nawawi Deded , Antov Petar , Kristak Lubos , Majlingová Andrea , Fatriasari Widya
Published: January 2022

Biocomposites reinforced with natural fibers represent an eco-friendly and inexpensive alternative to conventional petroleum-based materials and have been increasingly utilized in a wide variety of industrial applications due to their numerous advantages, such as their good mechanical properties, low production costs, renewability, and biodegradability. However, these engineered composite materials have inherent downsides, such as their increased flammability when subjected to heat flux or flame initiators, which can limit their range of applications. As a result, certain attempts are still being made to reduce the flammability of biocomposites. The combustion of biobased composites can potentially create life-threatening conditions in buildings, resulting in substantial human and material losses. Additives known as flame-retardants (FRs) have been commonly used to improve the fire protection of wood and biocomposite materials, textiles, and other fields for the purpose of widening their application areas. At present, this practice is very common in the construction sector due to stringent fire safety regulations on residential and public buildings. The aim of this study was to present and discuss recent advances in the development of fire-resistant biocomposites. The flammability of wood and natural fibers as material resources to produce biocomposites was researched to build a holistic picture. Furthermore, the potential of lignin as an eco-friendly and low-cost FR additive to produce high-performance biocomposites with improved technological and fire properties was also discussed in detail. The development of sustainable FR systems, based on renewable raw materials, represents a viable and promising approach to manufacturing biocomposites with improved fire resistance, lower environmental footprint, and enhanced health and safety performance.
Hygrothermal Damage Monitoring of Composite Adhesive Joint Using the Full Spectral Response of Fiber Bragg Grating Sensors
Authors: Shin Chow-Shing , Lin Tzu-Chieh
Published: January 2022

Adhesive joints in composite structures are subject to degradation by elevated temperature and moisture. Moisture absorption leads to swelling, plasticization, weakening of the interface, interfacial defects/cracking and reduction in strength. Moisture and material degradation before the formation of defects are not readily revealed by conventional non-destructive examination techniques. Embedded fiber Bragg grating (FBG) sensors can reflect the swelling strain in adhesive joints and offer an economical alternative for on-line monitoring of moisture absorption under hygrothermal aging. Most of the available works relied on the peak shifting phenomenon for sensing. Degradation of adhesive and interfacial defects will lead to non-uniform strain that may chirp the FBG spectrum, causing complications in the peak shifting measurement. It is reasoned that the full spectral responses may be more revealing regarding the joint’s integrity. Studies on this aspect are still lacking. In this work, single-lap joint composite specimens with embedded FBGs are soaked in 60 °C water for 30 days. Spectrum evolution during this period and subsequent tensile and fatigue failure has been studied to shed some light on the possible use of the full spectral response to monitor the development of hygrothermal degradation.
Porous Organic Polymers Derived from Ferrocene and Tetrahedral Silicon-Centered Monomers for Carbon Dioxide Sorption
Authors: Zhao Xingya , Qi Yipeng , Li Jianquan , Ma Qingyu
Published: January 2022

Herein, we present two novel ferrocene-containing porous organic polymers, FPOP-1 and FPOP-2, by the Heck reactions of 1,1′-divinylferrocene with two tetrahedral silicon-centered units, i.e., tetrakis(4-bromophenyl)silane and tetrakis(4′-bromo-[1,1′-biphenyl]-4-yl)silane. The resulting materials possess high thermal stability and moderate porosity with the Brunauer–Emmer–Teller (BET) surface areas of 499 m2 g−1 (FPOP-1) and 354 m2 g−1 (FPOP-2) and total pore volumes of 0.43 cm3 g−1 (FPOP-1) and 0.49 cm3 g−1 (FPOP-2). The porosity is comparable to previously reported ferrocene-containing porous polymers. These materials possess comparable CO2 capacities of 1.16 mmol g−1 (5.10 wt%) at 273 K and 1.0 bar, and 0.54 mmol g−1 (2.38 wt%) at 298 K and 1.0 bar (FPOP-1). The found capacities are comparable to, or higher than many porous polymers having similar or higher surface areas. They have high isosteric heats of up to 32.9 kJ mol−1, proving that the affinity between the polymer network and CO2 is high, which can be explained by the presence of ferrocene units in the porous networks. These results indicate that these materials can be promisingly utilized as candidates for the storage or capture of CO2. More ferrocene-containing porous polymers can be designed and synthesized by combining ferrocene units with various aromatic monomers under this strategy and their applications could be explored.
Physicochemical Properties of Starch Binary Mixtures with Cordia and Ziziphus Gums
Authors: Mohamed Abdellatif , Hussain Shahzad , Alamri Mohammed S. , Ibraheem Mohammed A. , Qasem Akram A. Abdo , Ababtain Ibrahim A.
Published: January 2022

The effect of gum Cordia (GC) and gum Ziziphus (GZ) on the physicochemical properties of wheat, potato, and chickpea starches was investigated. Native or acetylated gums were mixed with starch at 2% or 5%. Starches were analyzed using rapid viscoanalyzer (RVA), differential scanning calorimeter (DSC), texture analyzer, and rheometer. In the presence of gums, the data showed clear variations between the starch gels. The effects of gum acetylation on the starch characteristics were significant. According to the starch type, the peak viscosity of the gels increased depending on the gum type or concentration. With the exception of the potato starch, when gums were added, the gelatinization temperature of the starches increased. Gum acetylation significantly increased starch–gel elasticity (high G′), particularly at the 2% concentration. GC-starch gel hardness was ranked as follows: chickpea–5% native gum > wheat–5% native gum > potato–0% gum, whereas GZ followed the order of: chickpea–2% native gum > wheat–2% native gum > potato–2% native gum. Both the gums promoted reduction in syneresis for the wheat and chickpea starches. Although there was no clear trend, the Ea of the native starches was lowered overall as a result of the gums, indicating the limited effect of temperature on the rheological properties of the blends.
Finding Words in the Belly of Sheol: Reading Jonah’s Lament in Contexts of Individual and Collective Trauma
Authors: Claassens L Juliana
Published: January 2022

By reading Jonah’s lament in Jonah 2 through the lens of trauma hermeneutics, this article will try to better understand the words that have been assigned to the main character Jonah, which represent a community’s deep sorrow in the aftermath of the unspeakable horrors of warfare. Read as an attempt to ascribe meaning to individual and collective trauma, I propose that Jonah’s lament in Jonah 2 taps into the metaphors and images available in the lament tradition of the Book of Psalms. The application of symbolic language in ascribing meaning to traumatic events is particularly significant, and may help us derive new layers of meaning from the words placed into the mouth of the prophet who finds himself in the belly of Sheol.
Consumer Bankruptcy Prediction Using Balanced and Imbalanced Data
Authors: Brygała Magdalena
Published: January 2022

This paper examines the usefulness of logit regression in forecasting the consumer bankruptcy of households using an imbalanced dataset. The research on consumer bankruptcy prediction is of paramount importance as it aims to build statistical models that can identify consumers in a difficult financial situation that may lead to consumer bankruptcy. In the face of the current global pandemic crisis, the future of household finances is uncertain. The change of the macroeconomic and microeconomic situation of households requires searching for better and more precise methods. The research relies on four samples of households: two learning samples (imbalanced and balanced) and two testing samples (imbalanced and balanced) from the Survey of Consumer Finances (SCF) which was conducted in the United States. The results show that the predictive performance of the logit model based on a balanced sample is more effective compared to the one based on an imbalanced sample. Furthermore, mortgage debt to assets ratio, age, being married, having credit constraints, payday loans or payments more than 60 days past due in the last year appear to be predictors of consumer bankruptcy which increase the risk of becoming bankrupt. Moreover, both the ratio of credit card debt to overall debt and owning a house decrease the risk of going bankrupt.
Location and Extraction of Telegraph Poles from Image Matching-Based Point Clouds
Authors: Wang Jingru , Wang Cheng , Xi Xiaohuan , Wang Pu , Du Meng , Nie Sheng
Published: January 2022

The monitoring of telegraph poles as essential features supporting overhead distribution network lines is the primary subject of this work. This paper proposes a method for locating and extracting telegraph poles from an image matching-based point cloud. Firstly, the point cloud of the poles is extracted using the planar grid segmentation clustering algorithm and the connected component analysis algorithm of the region grows according to the isolated features of the poles perpendicular to the ground. Secondly, the candidate telegraph poles are located based on the suspension point of the buffer, considering that the top of the pole is connected to the power suspension line. Thirdly, the horizontal projection method of the backbone area is utilized to eliminate the interference of vegetation in the buffer area. Finally, the point cloud of the telegraph pole is extracted through the density-based spatial clustering of applications with noise (DBSCAN) algorithm. The experimental results demonstrate that the average values of Recall, Precision, and F1-score in telegraph pole detection can reach 91.09%, 90.82%, and 90.90%, respectively. The average RMSE value of location deviation is 0.51m. The average value of the F1-score in the telegraph pole extraction is 91.83%, and the average extraction time of a single pole is 0.27s. Accordingly, this method has strong adaptability to areas with lush vegetation and can automatically locate and extract the telegraph pole point cloud with high accuracy, and it can still achieve very high accuracy even under the holes in the data.