bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Anti-Quorum-Sensing Activity of Tryptophan-Containing Cyclic Dipeptides
Authors: Wang Yinglu , Zheng Qian , Li Li , Pan Lile , Zhu Hu
Published: January 2022

Quorum sensing (QS) can regulate the pathogenicity of bacteria and the production of some virulence factors. It is a promising target for screening to find anti-virulence agents in the coming post-antibiotics era. Cyclo (L-Trp-L-Ser), one variety of cyclic dipeptides (CDPs), isolated from a marine bacterium Rheinheimera aquimaris, exhibited anti-QS activity against Chromobacterium violaceum CV026 and Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1. Unlike the CDPs composed of phenylalanine or tyrosine, the anti-QS activity has been widely studied; however, cyclo (L-Trp-L-Ser) and derivatives, containing one tryptophan unit and one non-aromatic amino acid, have not been systematically explored. Herein, the cyclo (L-Trp-L-Ser) and seven derivatives were synthesized and evaluated. All tryptophane-contained CDPs were able to decrease the production of violacein in C.violaceum CV026 and predicted as binding within the same pocket of receptor protein CviR, but in lower binding energy compared with the natural ligand C6HSL. As for P. aeruginosa PAO1, owning more complicated QS systems, these CDPs also exhibited inhibitory effects on pyocyanin production, swimming motility, biofilm formation, and adhesion. These investigations suggested a promising way to keep the tryptophan untouched and make modifications on the non-aromatic unit to increase the anti-QS activity and decrease the cytotoxicity, thus developing a novel CDP-based anti-virulence agent.
Antimicrobial and Antioxidant Activities of N-2-Hydroxypropyltrimethyl Ammonium Chitosan Derivatives Bearing Amino Acid Schiff Bases
Authors: Cui Jingmin , Ji Xia , Mi Yingqi , Miao Qin , Dong Fang , Tan Wenqiang , Guo Zhanyong
Published: January 2022

N-2-hydroxypropyltrimethyl ammonium chloride chitosan (HACC), a cationic quaternary ammonium salt polymer exhibiting good solubility in water, is widely used because of its low toxicity and good biocompatibility. Herein, through ion exchange reaction, we prepared N-2-hydroxypropyltrimethyl ammonium chitosan derivatives bearing amino acid Schiff bases with good biological activities. The accuracy of the structures was verified by FT-IR and 1H NMR. The antibacterial activity, antifungal activity, and scavenging ability of DPPH radical and superoxide radical of HACC derivatives were significantly improved compared with that of HACC. In particular, HACGM (HACC-potassium 2-((2-hydroxy-3-methoxybenzylidene)amino)acetate) and HACGB (HACC-potassium 2-((5-bromo-2-hydroxybenzylidene)amino)acetate) showed good inhibitory effect on bacteria and fungi, including Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Botrytis cinerea, and Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense. The inhibition rate of HACGB on Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli could reach 100% at the concentration of 0.1 mg/mL, and the inhibition rate of HACGM and HACGB on Botrytis cinerea and Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense could also reach 100% at the concentration of 0.5 mg/mL. Improving antimicrobial and antioxidant activities of HACC could provide ideas and experiences for the development and utilization of chitosan derivatives.
Foundational Research Could Improve Future Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation Evaluations
Authors: Gladwell Peter W. , Cramp Fiona , Palmer Shea
Published: January 2022

Background and objectives: There is a lack of good quality evidence regarding the effectiveness of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) for chronic musculoskeletal pain, including chronic low back pain. High quality randomised controlled trials (RCTs) have been called for to establish effectiveness over and above placebo and some guidance has already been offered regarding the design of such trials. This article expands the discussion regarding the design of future TENS trials. There is qualitative evidence of the complexity of TENS as an intervention which should be considered in future TENS evaluations. This complexity includes multiple benefits reported by patients, depending on their chosen contexts of TENS use. The ideal content and delivery of support for patients to optimise TENS use also lacks consensus. There is no evidence that a TENS education package has been designed to support the complex set of behaviours and choices which experienced users suggest are required to optimise TENS benefits. Finally, clinical and research outcomes have not been contextualised and related to the specific strategies of use. Conclusions: We suggest that research is required to develop consensus about the content and delivery of training in TENS use for patients who live with pain, informed by the experience of patients, clinicians, and researchers. Once a consensus about the content of TENS training has been reached, there is then a need to develop a TENS training course (TTC) based on this content. An effective and acceptable TTC is needed to develop the knowledge and skills required to optimise TENS use, supporting patients to build confidence in using TENS in everyday life situations with the aim of reducing the impact of chronic pain on function and quality of life. Further research is required to extend the evidence base regarding appropriate, contextualised TENS patient-reported outcomes.
Angiostrongylus cantonensis an Atypical Presenilin: Epitope Mapping, Characterization, and Development of an ELISA Peptide Assay for Specific Diagnostic of Angiostrongyliasis
Authors: De-Simone Salvatore G. , Napoleão-Pêgo Paloma , Gonçalves Priscila S. , Lechuga Guilherme C. , Mandonado Arnaldo , Graeff-Teixeira Carlos , Provance David W.
Published: January 2022

Background: Angiostrongyliasis, the leading cause universal of eosinophilic meningitis, is an emergent disease due to Angiostrongylus cantonensis (rat lungworm) larvae, transmitted accidentally to humans. The diagnosis of human angiostrongyliasis is based on epidemiologic characteristics, clinical symptoms, medical history, and laboratory findings, particularly hypereosinophilia in blood and cerebrospinal fluid. Thus, the diagnosis is difficult and often confused with those produced by other parasitic diseases. Therefore, the development of a fast and specific diagnostic test for angiostrongyliasis is a challenge mainly due to the lack of specificity of the described tests, and therefore, the characterization of a new target is required. Material and Methods: Using bioinformatics tools, the putative presenilin (PS) protein C7BVX5-1 was characterized structurally and phylogenetically. A peptide microarray approach was employed to identify single and specific epitopes, and tetrameric epitope peptides were synthesized to evaluate their performance in an ELISA-peptide assay. Results: The data showed that the A. cantonensis PS protein presents nine transmembrane domains, the catalytic aspartyl domain [(XD (aa 241) and GLGD (aa 332–335)], between TM6 and TM7 and the absence of the PALP and other characteristics domains of the class A22 and homologous presenilin (PSH). These individualities make it an atypical sub-branch of the PS family, located in a separate subgroup along with the enzyme Haemogonchus contournus and separated from other worm subclasses. Twelve B-linear epitopes were identified by microarray of peptides and validated by ELISA using infected rat sera. In addition, their diagnostic performance was demonstrated by an ELISA-MAP4 peptide. Conclusions: Our data show that the putative AgPS is an atypical multi-pass transmembrane protein and indicate that the protein is an excellent immunological target with two (PsAg3 and PsAg9) A. costarisencis cross-reactive epitopes and eight (PsAg1, PsAg2, PsAg6, PsAg7, PsAg8, PsAg10, PsAg11, PsAg12) apparent unique A. cantonensis epitopes. These epitopes could be used in engineered receptacle proteins to develop a specific immunological diagnostic assay for angiostrongyliasis caused by A. cantonensis.
Mycorrhiza-Tree-Herbivore Interactions: Alterations in Poplar Metabolome and Volatilome
Authors: Sivaprakasam Padmanaban Prasath Balaji , Rosenkranz Maaria , Zhu Peiyuan , Kaling Moritz , Schmidt Anna , Schmitt-Kopplin Philippe , Polle Andrea , Schnitzler Jörg-Peter
Published: January 2022

Plants are continuously interacting with other organisms to optimize their performance in a changing environment. Mycorrhization is known to affect the plant growth and nutrient status, but it also can lead to adjusted plant defense and alter interactions with other trophic levels. Here, we studied the effect of Laccaria bicolor-mycorrhization on the poplar (Populus x canescens) metabolome and volatilome on trees with and without a poplar leaf beetle (Chrysomela populi) infestation. We analyzed the leaf and root metabolomes employing liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry, and the leaf volatilome employing headspace sorptive extraction combined with gas-chromatography–mass spectrometry. Mycorrhization caused distinct metabolic adjustments in roots, young/infested leaves and old/not directly infested leaves. Mycorrhization adjusted the lipid composition, the abundance of peptides and, especially upon herbivory, the level of various phenolic compounds. The greatest change in leaf volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions occurred four to eight days following the beetle infestation. Together, these results prove that mycorrhization affects the whole plant metabolome and may influence poplar aboveground interactions. The herbivores and the mycorrhizal fungi interact with each other indirectly through a common host plant, a result that emphasizes the importance of community approach in chemical ecology.
Bifurcation Analysis on the Periodic Response of a Comb Drive MEMS Resonator
Authors: Zhang Huabiao , Zhang Lijuan , Li Xinye , Wang Dongai , Liu Tingting
Published: January 2022

In this paper, we investigate the bifurcation characteristics of a comb drive MEMS resonator. The method of averaging and the residue theorem are used to get a more accurate analytical solution for the periodic response. Then, the singularity theory is employed to give the transition sets on the DC-AC voltage plane and the lateral separation-quality factor plane, which divide the planes into 9 persist regions. The corresponding bifurcation diagrams are present to discuss the jump phenomena of the periodic response, and the influences of the parameters on the amplitude-frequency response are studied. We also attempt to analyze the feasibility for the resonators working in the nonlinear regions and give the available frequency range and the available maximum amplitude of the nonlinear response. With the increase of the DC voltage, the amplitude-frequency curves change from hardening to softening, and the lateral separation has the opposite effect. The amplitude-frequency curves increase along the backbone curves with the AC voltage and quality factor. The response curves of softening or hardening characteristics have enough available frequency range and large available amplitudes, which may be more appropriate for the operation of the resonator than those of the mixture characteristics.
High Cycle Stability of Hybridized Co(OH)2 Nanomaterial Structures Synthesized by the Water Bath Method as Anodes for Lithium-Ion Batteries
Authors: Ren Longlong , Wang Linhui , Qin Yufeng , Li Qiang
Published: January 2022

Cobalt oxides have been intensely explored as anodes of lithium-ion batteries to resolve the intrinsic disadvantages of low electrical conductivity and volume change. However, as a precursor of preparing cobalt oxides, Co(OH)2 has rarely been investigated as the anode material of lithium-ion batteries, perhaps because of the complexity of hydroxides. Hybridized Co(OH)2 nanomaterial structures were synthesized by the water bath method and exhibited high electrochemical performance. The initial discharge and charge capacities were 1703.2 and 1262.9 mAh/g at 200 mA/g, respectively. The reversible capacity was 1050 mAh/g after 150 cycles. The reversible capability was 1015 mAh/g at 800 mA/g and increased to 1630 mAh/g when driven back to 100 mA/g. The electrochemical reaction kinetics study shows that the lithium-ion diffusion-controlled contribution is dominant in the energy storage mechanism. The superior electrochemical performance could result from the water bath method and the hybridization of nanosheets and nanoparticles structures. These hybridized Co(OH)2 nanomaterial structures with high electrochemical performance are promising anodes for lithium-ion batteries.
Carbon Sources as a Factor Determining the Activity of Microbial Oxidation of Sulfide Concentrate at Elevated Temperature
Authors: Bulaev Aleksandr , Boduen Anna
Published: January 2022

The goal of the present work was to evaluate the possibility of improving the efficiency of the stirred tank reactor biooxidation of sulfide gold-bearing concentrate by means of addition of carbon sources required for the constructive metabolism of microorganisms. Biooxidation experiments were performed on gold-bearing pyrite-arsenopyrite concentrate in continuous mode at 45 °C to determine the influence of additional carbon sources (carbon dioxide and molasses) on sulfide mineral oxidation. The use of CO2 allowed increasing the efficiency of the biooxidation and the extents of sulfide sulfur (Ss) oxidation and gold recovery were 79% and 84%, respectively. Biooxidation in a control experiment (without additional carbon sources) and when using molasses allowed achieving 39% and 66% oxidation of Ss as well as 73% and 81% of gold recovery. Analysis of the microbial populations formed in biooxidation reactors using NGS methods demonstrated that CO2 application led to an increase in the relative abundance of the genus Sulfobacillus. Thus, it was determined that application of additional carbon source makes it possible to manage the biooxidation process, affecting both sulfide mineral oxidation and microbial population composition.
Beneficial Health Effects of Glucosinolates-Derived Isothiocyanates on Cardiovascular and Neurodegenerative Diseases
Authors: Kamal Ramla Muhammad , Abdull Razis Ahmad Faizal , Mohd Sukri Nurul Syafuhah , Perimal Enoch Kumar , Ahmad Hafandi , Patrick Rollin , Djedaini-Pilard Florence , Mazzon Emanuela , Rigaud Sébastien
Published: January 2022

Neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs) and cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are illnesses that affect the nervous system and heart, all of which are vital to the human body. To maintain health of the human body, vegetable diets serve as a preventive approach and particularly Brassica vegetables have been associated with lower risks of chronic diseases, especially NDDs and CVDs. Interestingly, glucosinolates (GLs) and isothiocyanates (ITCs) are phytochemicals that are mostly found in the Cruciferae family and they have been largely documented as antioxidants contributing to both cardio- and neuroprotective effects. The hydrolytic breakdown of GLs into ITCs such as sulforaphane (SFN), phenylethyl ITC (PEITC), moringin (MG), erucin (ER), and allyl ITC (AITC) has been recognized to exert significant effects with regards to cardio- and neuroprotection. From past in vivo and/or in vitro studies, those phytochemicals have displayed the ability to mitigate the adverse effects of reactive oxidation species (ROS), inflammation, and apoptosis, which are the primary causes of CVDs and NDDs. This review focuses on the protective effects of those GL-derived ITCs, featuring their beneficial effects and the mechanisms behind those effects in CVDs and NDDs.
Quantification of Porous Properties of Shear Crystallized Lipids
Authors: Howard Brandon D. , Maleky Farnaz
Published: January 2022

The aim of this study was to investigate the impact that shear and composition have on the structural properties associated with the porous phases of lipids. To accomplish this aim, we developed eight main crystallized samples using cocoa butter (CB) or trilaurin (TL) in the presence or absence of monostearate (M) (5% w/w). The samples were sheared at 500 s−1 using random (RS) or laminar (LS) shear at a cooling rate of 2 °C/min. Using the maximal ball (MB) algorithm, several empirical void measurements such as connectivity (z), pore and throat volume weighted radii (R43), and void fraction (v) were quantified using 3D X-ray microcomputed tomography images. Most void features were identified as micropores (R ≥ 10 μm) possibly originating from the crystallization process and post-process crystal growth. Likewise, depending on the applied treatments, mechanisms impacting void formation were found to produce noticeable variation in v (0.019 to 0.139) and to determine whether void morphology was spherical, irregular, and/or highly connected.
Phytochemical Analysis, Antioxidant, and Wound Healing Activity of Pluchea indica L. (Less) Branch Extract Nanoparticles
Authors: Chiangnoon Rattanakorn , Samee Weerasak , Uttayarat Pimpon , Jittachai Wullapa , Ruksiriwanich Warintorn , Sommano Sarana Rose , Athikomkulchai Sirivan , Chittasupho Chuda
Published: January 2022

Proliferation and migration of keratinocytes and fibroblasts play an important role in cutaneous wound healing, while oral mucosal squamous cell proliferation and migration are crucial for oral wound healing. In this study, the phytochemical profile of Pluchea indica branch ethanolic extract was characterized. The bioactive compound of Pluchea indica branch ethanolic extract was identified and analyzed by the validated HPLC method. The nanoparticles of P. indica branch extract were formulated by solvent displacement method to increase the solubility and the colloidal stability of the extract. The stability of the nanoparticles was investigated by using the dynamic light scattering technique. Effects of P. indica crude extract and nanoparticles on cell viability, proliferation and migration of primary epidermal keratinocytes, human dermal fibroblasts, and oral mucosal keratinocyte cells were investigated by MTT assay and scratch assay, respectively. The results showed that P. indica branch extract contained a high content of total phenolic and total flavonoids. The HPLC analysis revealed that the main compound in the extract was 4,5-O-dicaffeoylquinic acid. The cell viability of the extract and nanoparticles decreased when cells were exposed to a high concentration of extract and nanoparticles. These results demonstrate that P. indica branch extract and extract nanoparticles at specific concentrations possess in vitro wound healing activity and they may be possibly used to treat different types of wounds including dermal and oral mucosal wounds.
Evaluation of the Effects of Cold Plasma on Cell Membrane Lipids and Oxidative Injury of Salmonella typhimurium
Authors: Lv Xiaoye , Cheng Jun-Hu
Published: January 2022

Salmonella typhimurium (S. typhimurium) is a major causative agent of foodborne illness worldwide. Cold plasma (CP) was used to inactivate S. typhimurium and to investigate the effect of CP on cell membrane lipids and oxidative injury of cells. Results indicated that the inactivation effect of CP on S. typhimurium was positively correlated with the treatment time and voltage. S. typhimurium was undetectable (total number of surviving colonies <2 log CFU/mL) after 5 min treatment with the voltage of 50 V. CP treatment caused damage to the cell membrane of S. typhimurium and the leakage of cell contents, and the relative content of unsaturated fatty acids in cell membrane decreased. Cell membrane lipids were oxidized; the malondialdehyde content increased from 0.219 nmol/mL to 0.658 nmol/mL; the catalase activity of S. typhimurium solution increased from 751 U/mL to 2542 U/mL; and the total superoxide dismutase activity increased from 3.076 U/mL to 4.54 U/mL, which confirmed the oxidative damage in S. typhimurium cell membrane caused by CP treatment. It was demonstrated that the potential application of plasma-mediated reactive oxygen species is suitable for destroying the structures of the cell membrane and ensuring the microbial safety of fresh food samples.
Mineral Montmorillonite Valorization by Developing Ni and Mo–Ni Catalysts for Third-Generation Green Diesel Production
Authors: Lycourghiotis Sotiris , Kordouli Eleana , Zafeiropoulos John , Kordulis Christos , Bourikas Kyriakos
Published: January 2022

Four Ni catalysts and one Mo–Ni catalyst supported on montmorillonite were synthesized, characterized by various techniques and evaluated, under solvent-free conditions, for the production of green diesel from waste cooking oil. The optimum Ni content was found to be 20 wt.%. The addition of 2 wt.% Mo to the catalyst resulted in a considerable increase in the amount of green diesel hydrocarbons. The Mo species, moreover, led to a decrease in the (C15 + C17)/(C16 + C18) ratio, which is beneficial from the viewpoint of carbon atom economy. The promoting action of Mo was mainly attributed to the synergy between the oxygen vacancies on the surface of the well-dispersed Mo(V) and Mo(VI) oxides and the neighboring Ni0 sites. The optimum reaction conditions, for achieving a proportion of liquid product in the green diesel hydrocarbons (C15–18) equal to 96 wt.%, were found to be 350 °C, 3 g of catalyst per 100 mL of waste cooking oil and 13 h reaction time. These conditions correspond to an LHSV of 2.5 h−1, a value that is considered quite reliable from the viewpoint of industrial applications. Thus, the cheap and abundant mineral montmorillonite is proved a promising support for developing efficient Ni–Mo catalysts for green diesel production.
Nitrogen-Broadening Parameters for Atmospheric Spectra Modelling of the ν3 Band of SF6
Authors: Dridi Nawel , Boudon Vincent , Faye Mbaye , Manceron Laurent
Published: January 2022

The infrared absorption of the ν3 band region of SF6, at temperatures spanning the 130 to 297 K range, has been reexamined using improved instrumentation with one goal: to estimate the broadening of parameters by nitrogen gas. These parameters are compared to previous literature predictions and an extended set of IR cross-sections is proposed and compared to other existing datasets.
Illicium verum (Star Anise) and Trans-Anethole as Valuable Raw Materials for Medicinal and Cosmetic Applications
Authors: Sharafan Marta , Jafernik Karolina , Ekiert Halina , Kubica Paweł , Kocjan Ryszard , Blicharska Eliza , Szopa Agnieszka
Published: January 2022

Illicium verum Hook f. (star anise) is considered an important species in Traditional Chinese Medicine and is also used in contemporary medicine in East Asian countries. It occurs in natural habitats in southeastern parts of China and Vietnam, and is cultivated in various regions in China. The raw materials—Anisi stellati fructus and Anisi stellati aetheroleum obtained from this species exhibit expectorant and spasmolytic activities. The European Pharmacopoeia (4th edition) indicates that these raw materials have been used in allopathy since 2002. The biological activities of the above-mentioned raw materials are determined by the presence of valuable secondary metabolites such as monoterpenoids, sesquiterpenoids, phenylpropanoids, and flavonoids. Recent pharmacological studies on fruit extracts and the essential oil of this species have confirmed their antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant activities and thus their medicinal and cosmetic value. The aim of this review was to examine the progress of phytochemical and pharmacological studies that focused on possible cosmetic applications. In addition to fruit extracts and essential oil, the current consensus on the safety of trans-anethole, which is the main compound of essential oil used in cosmetology, is underlined here.
Glucoraphanin Increases Intracellular Hydrogen Sulfide (H2S) Levels and Stimulates Osteogenic Differentiation in Human Mesenchymal Stromal Cell
Authors: Gambari Laura , Barone Marli , Amore Emanuela , Grigolo Brunella , Filardo Giuseppe , Iori Renato , Citi Valentina , Calderone Vincenzo , Grassi Francesco
Published: January 2022

Osteopenia and osteoporosis are among the most prevalent consequences of ageing, urging the promotion of healthy nutritional habits as a tool in preventing bone fractures. Glucosinolates (GLSs) are organosulfur compounds considered relatively inert precursors of reactive derivatives isothiocyanates (ITCs). Recent evidence suggests that GLSs may exert biological properties based on their capacity to release hydrogen sulfide (H2S). H2S-donors are known to exert anabolic function on bone cells. Here, we investigated whether a GLS, glucoraphanin (GRA) obtained from Tuscan black kale, promotes osteogenesis in human mesenchymal stromal cells (hMSCs). H2S release in buffer and intracellular H2S levels were detected by amperometric measurements and fluorimetric/cytofluorimetric analyses, respectively. Alizarin red staining assay and real-time PCR were performed to evaluate mineral apposition and mRNA expression of osteogenic genes. Using an in vitro cell culture model, our data demonstrate a sulforaphane (SFN)-independent osteogenic stimulation of GRA in hMSCs, at least partially attributable to H2S release. In particular, GRA upregulated the expression of osteogenic genes and enhanced mineral apposition while increasing intracellular concentrations of H2S. Overall, this study suggests the feasibility of using cruciferous derivatives as natural alternatives to chemical H2S-donors as adjuvant therapies in the treatment of bone-wasting diseases.
Association of Picky Eating with Weight and Height—The European Longitudinal Study of Pregnancy and Childhood (ELSPAC–CZ)
Authors: Grulichova Marketa , Kuruczova Daniela , Svancara Jan , Pikhart Hynek , Bienertova-Vasku Julie
Published: January 2022

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate whether preschool children identified as picky eaters showed differences in anthropometric characteristics (weight and height) from their non-picky peers at 15 years of age. Design: This study was performed among the cohort members of the EL- SPAC–CZ study, a longitudinal study of pregnancy and childhood. The analysis included 2068 children (997 girls and 1071 boys) followed between births and 15 years of age. Picky eaters were identified at 1.5, 3, and 5 years of age. Anthropometric characteristics were measured at 15 years of age (15 years). Results: Picky eaters (n = 346; 16.7%) had a lower weight and height than non-picky eaters (n = 1722; 83.3%) at 15 years. This difference in weight and height was maintained after controlling for sex of the child, birth weight, birth length, maternal education, family structure at 15 years, and maternal age at childbirth. The picky children were on average 2.3 kg lighter and 0.8 cm shorter than non- picky children at 15 years. Conclusions: Persistent picky eating in preschool children is related to lower weight and height at 15 years of age in ELSPAC–CZ study.
Evaluation of New Antimicrobial Agents Based on tris(1H-Indol-3-yl)methylium Salts: Activity, Toxicity, Suppression of Experimental Sepsis in Mice
Authors: Trenin Alexey S. , Isakova Elena B. , Treshchalin Michael I. , Polozkova Vasilisa A. , Mirchink Elena P. , Panov Alexey A. , Simonov Alexander Y. , Bychkova Olga P. , Tatarskiy Victor V. , Lavrenov Sergey N.
Published: January 2022

The antimicrobial activity and toxicity of three novel synthetic antibacterial agents containing tris(1H-indol-3-yl)methylium fragment were studied in vitro and in vivo. All compounds in vitro revealed high activity (minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) 0.13–1.0 µg/mL) against bacteria that were either sensitive or resistant to antibiotics, including multidrug-resistant clinical isolates. The derivatives combining high antimicrobial activity with relatively low cytotoxicity against human donor fibroblasts HPF-hTERT were subjected to further testing on mice. In vivo they revealed fairly good tolerance and relatively low toxicity. Acute toxicity was evaluated, and the main indicators of toxicity, including LD50 and LD10, were determined. A study of compounds in vivo showed their efficiency in the model of staphylococcal sepsis in mice. The efficiency of compounds may be due to the ability of indolylmethylium salts to form pores in the cytoplasmic membrane of microbial cells and thereby facilitate the penetration of molecules into the pathogen.
First In Silico Screening of Insect Molecules for Identification of Novel Anti-Parasitic Compounds
Authors: Gallinger Tom L. , Aboagye Samuel Y. , Obermann Wiebke , Weiss Michael , Grünweller Arnold , Unverzagt Carlo , Williams David L. , Schlitzer Martin , Haeberlein Simone
Published: January 2022

Schistosomiasis is a neglected tropical disease caused by blood flukes of the genus Schistosoma. In silico screenings of compounds for the identification of novel anti-parasitic drug candidates have received considerable attention in recent years, including the screening of natural compounds. For the first time, we investigated molecules from insects, a rather neglected source in drug discovery, in an in silico screening approach to find novel antischistosomal compounds. Based on the Dictionary of Natural Products (DNP), we created a library of 1327 insect compounds suitable for molecular docking. A structure-based virtual screening against the crystal structure of a known druggable target in Schistosoma mansoni, the thioredoxin glutathione reductase (SmTGR), was performed. The top ten compounds predominantly originated from beetles and were predicted to interact particularly with amino acids in the doorstop pocket of SmTGR. For one compound from a jewel beetle, buprestin H, we tested and confirmed antischistosomal activity against adult and juvenile parasites in vitro. At concentrations with anti-parasitic activity, we could also exclude any unspecific cytotoxic activity against human HepG2 cells. This study highlights the potential of insect molecules for the identification of novel antischistosomal compounds. Our library of insect-derived molecules could serve not only as basis for future in silico screenings against additional target proteins of schistosomes, but also of other parasites.
Cerium-Containing Bioactive Glasses Promote In Vitro Lymphangiogenesis
Authors: Xie Hanyu , Sha Sha , Lu Lingbo , Wu Geng , Jiang Hongbing , Boccaccini Aldo R. , Zheng Kai , Xu Rongyao
Published: January 2022

The lymphatic system is crucial for the regeneration of many tissues due to its fundamental role in immune cell trafficking, protein transport, and tissue homeostasis maintenance. Strategies stimulating lymphangiogenesis can provide new therapeutic approaches for tissue repair and regeneration (e.g., chronic wound healing). Here, we explored the effects of cerium-containing mesoporous bioactive glass nanoparticles (Ce-MBGNs) on lymphangiogenesis. The results showed that the extracts of Ce-MBGNs (1, 5, or 10 wt/v%) were non-cytotoxic toward lymphatic endothelial cells (LECs), while they enhanced the proliferation of LECs. Moreover, as evidenced by the scratch wound healing and Transwell migration assays, conditioned media containing the extract of Ce-MBGNs (1 wt/v%) could enhance the migration of LECs in comparison to the blank control and the media containing vascular endothelial growth factor-C (VEGF-C, 50 ng/mL). Additionally, a tube-formation assay using LECs showed that the extract of Ce-MBGNs (1 wt/v%) promoted lymphatic vascular network formation. Western blot results suggested that Ce-MBGNs could induce lymphangiogenesis probably through the HIF-1α/VEGFR-3 pathway. Our study for the first time showed the effects of Ce-MBGNs on stimulating lymphangiogenesis in vitro, highlighting the potential of Ce-MBGNs for wound healing.
A ‘Relay’-Type Drug-Eluting Nerve Guide Conduit: Computational Fluid Dynamics Modeling of the Drug Eluting Efficiency of Various Drug Release Systems
Authors: Zhou Jiarui , Vijayavenkataraman Sanjairaj
Published: January 2022

Nerve guidance conduits (NGCs) are tubular scaffolds that act as a bridge between the proximal and distal ends of the native nerve to facilitate the nerve regeneration. The application of NGCs is mostly limited to nerve defects less than 3 mm due to the lack of sufficient cells in the lumen. The development of drug-release-system-embedded NGCs has the potential to improve the nerve regeneration performance by providing long-term release of growth factors. However, most of the past works only focused on one type of drug release system, limiting the variation in drug release system types and features. Therefore, in this study, computer-aided design (CAD) models were constructed and Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations were carried out to investigate the effect of growth factor transporting efficiency on different drug release systems. To overcome the challenges posed by the current NGCs in treating long nerve gap injuries (>4 cm), a novel ‘relay’ NGC design is first proposed in this paper and has the potential to improve the nerve regeneration performance to next level. The intermediate cavities introduced along the length of the multi-channel NGCs act as a relay to further enhance the cell concentrations or growth factor delivery as well as the regeneration performance. Four different drug release systems, namely, a single-layer microsphere system, a double-layer microsphere system, bulk hydrogel, and hydrogel film, were chosen for the simulation. The results show that the double-layer microsphere system achieves the highest growth factor volume fraction among all the drug release systems. For the single-layer microsphere system, growth factor concentration can be significantly improved by increasing the microsphere quantities and decreasing the diameter and adjacent distance of microspheres. Bulk hydrogel systems hold the lowest growth factor release performance, and the growth factor concentration monotonically increased with the increase of film thickness in the hydrogel film system. Owing to the easy fabrication of hydrogel film and the even distribution of growth factors, the hydrogel film system can be regarded as a strong candidate in drug-eluting NGCs. The use of computational simulations can be regarded as a guideline for the design and application of drug release systems, as well as a promising tool for further nerve tissue engineering study.
Enhanced Amplification of Attosecond Pulses in a Hydrogen-like Plasma-Based X-ray Laser Modulated by an Infrared Field at the Second Harmonic of Fundamental Frequency
Authors: Khairulin Ilias R. , Antonov Vladimir A. , Ryabikin Mikhail Yu. , Kocharovskaya Olga
Published: January 2022

In a recent work (Antonov et al., Physical Review Letters 123, 243903 (2019)), it was shown that it is possible to amplify a train of attosecond pulses, which are produced from the radiation of high harmonics of the infrared field of the fundamental frequency, in the active medium of a plasma-based X-ray laser modulated by a replica of the infrared field of the same frequency. In this paper, we show that much higher amplification can be achieved using the second harmonic of the fundamental frequency for modulating of a hydrogen-like active medium. The physical reason for such enhanced amplification is the possibility to use all (even and odd) sidebands induced in the gain spectrum in the case of the modulating field of the doubled fundamental frequency, while only one set of sidebands (either even or odd) could participate in amplification in the case of the modulating field of the fundamental frequency due to the fact that the spectral components of the high-harmonic field are separated by twice the fundamental frequency. Using the plasma of hydrogen-like C5+ ions with an inverted transition wavelength of 3.38 nm in the water window as an example, it is shown that the use of a modulating field at a doubled fundamental frequency makes it possible to increase the intensity of amplified attosecond pulses by an order of magnitude in comparison with the previously studied case of a fundamental frequency modulating field.
Control of Surface Plasmon Resonance in Silver Nanocubes by CEP-Locked Laser Pulse
Authors: Liu Ju , Li Zhiyuan
Published: January 2022

Localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) of metal nanoparticles has attracted increasing attention in surface-enhanced Raman scattering, chemical and biological sensing applications. In this article, we calculate the optical extinction spectra of a silver nanocube driven by an ultrashort carrier envelope phase (CEP)-locked laser pulse. Five LSPR modes are clearly excited in the optical spectra. We analyze the physical origin of each mode from the charge distribution on different parts of the cubic particle and the dipole and quadrupole excitation features at the LSPR peaks. The charge distribution follows a simple rule that when the charge concentrates from the face to the corners of the cubic particle, the resonant wavelength red-shifts. Then we modulate the LSPR spectra by changing CEP. The results show that CEP has selective plasmon mode excitation functionality and can act as a novel modulation role on LSPR modes. Our work suggests a novel means to regulate LSPR modes and the corresponding optical properties of metal nanoparticles via various freedoms of controlled optical field, which can be useful for optimized applications in chemical and biological sensors, single molecule detection, and so on.
Formation and Investigation of Mechanical, Thermal, Optical and Wetting Properties of Melt-Spun Multifilament Poly(lactic acid) Yarns with Added Rosins
Authors: Bolskis Evaldas , Adomavičiūtė Erika , Griškonis Egidijus
Published: January 2022

One method for adding enhancing properties to textile materials is the insertion of natural ingredients into the textile products during the manufacturing or finishing process. The aim of this research is to investigate the formation of biodegradable melt-spun multifilament Poly(lactic acid) (PLA) yarns with different contents (i.e., 5%, 10%, and 15%) of natural material–rosin, also known as colophony. In this study, multifilament yarns were successfully formed from PLA and a natural substance–pine rosin by melt-spinning them at two different draw ratios (i.e., 1.75 and 2.75). The results indicated that a 1.75 draw ratio caused the formation of PLA and PLA/rosin yarns that were brittle. The presence of rosin (i.e., 5% and 10%) in multifilament yarns decreased the mechanical properties of the PLA/rosin melt-spun multifilament yarns’ tenacity (cN/tex), breaking tenacity (cN/tex), and tensile strain (%) and elongation at break (%) and increased absorbance in the entire UV region spectra. In addition, the melting point and degree of crystallinity decreased and there was an increase in the wetting angle compared with pure PLA multifilament. The investigation of melt-spun yarns with Raman spectroscopy proved the presence of rosin in PLA melt-spun yarns.
Physical, Mechanical, and Morphological Performances of Arrowroot (Maranta arundinacea) Fiber Reinforced Arrowroot Starch Biopolymer Composites
Authors: Tarique J. , Zainudin E. , Sapuan S. , Ilyas R. , Khalina A.
Published: January 2022

This research is driven by stringent environmental legislation requiring the consumption and use of environmentally friendly materials. In this context, this paper is concerned with the development and characterization of thermoplastic arrowroot starch (TPAS) based biocomposite films by incorporating arrowroot fiber (AF) (0–10%) into a glycerol plasticized matrix by using the solution casting method. Developed TPAS/AF composite films were investigated, such as physical, morphological (FESEM), tensile, and tear strength characteristics. The tensile and tear strengths of TPAS/AF composites were increased significantly from 4.77 to 15.22 MPa and 0.87 to 1.28 MPa, respectively, as compared to the control TPAS films, which were 2.42 MPa and 0.83 MPa, respectively, while elongation was significantly decreased from 25.57 to 6.21% compared to control TPAS film, which was 46.62%. The findings revealed that after the fiber was reinforced, the mechanical properties were enhanced, and the optimum filler content was 10%. Regardless of fiber loadings, the results of water absorption testing revealed that the composite films immersed in seawater and rainwater absorbed more water than distilled water. Overall, the results of this research focus on providing information on biopolymer composite film and revealing the great potential it has for the food packaging industry.
Cross-Linked Gelatine by Modified Dextran as a Potential Bioink Prepared by a Simple and Non-Toxic Process
Authors: Musilová Lenka , Achbergerová Eva , Vítková Lenka , Kolařík Roman , Martínková Martina , Minařík Antonín , Mráček Aleš , Humpolíček Petr , Pecha Jiří
Published: January 2022

Essential features of well-designed materials intended for 3D bioprinting via microextrusion are the appropriate rheological behavior and cell-friendly environment. Despite the rapid development, few materials are utilizable as bioinks. The aim of our work was to design a novel cytocompatible material facilitating extrusion-based 3D printing while maintaining a relatively simple and straightforward preparation process without the need for harsh chemicals or radiation. Specifically, hydrogels were prepared from gelatines coming from three sources—bovine, rabbit, and chicken—cross-linked by dextran polyaldehyde. The influence of dextran concentration on the properties of hydrogels was studied. Rheological measurements not only confirmed the strong shear-thinning behavior of prepared inks but were also used for capturing cross-linking reaction kinetics and demonstrated quick achievement of gelation point (in most cases < 3 min). Their viscoelastic properties allowed satisfactory extrusion, forming a self-supported multi-layered uniformly porous structure. All gelatin-based hydrogels were non-cytototoxic. Homogeneous cells distribution within the printed scaffold was confirmed by fluorescence confocal microscopy. In addition, no disruption of cells structure was observed. The results demonstrate the great potential of the presented hydrogels for applications related to 3D bioprinting.
Questioning the Secularization Theleology: Zalmoxianism and the Re-Enchantment of the World
Authors: Palaga Cristine
Published: January 2022

Starting off by categorizing the specific means through which modernity manifests itself in the field of religion and utilizing an ethnography-based methodological strategy, the following paper documents the emergence of Zalmoxianism, a contemporary replica of the religion of the Dacians, which are considered the ancestors of Romanians; they used to inhabit areas around the Carpathians and the Lower Danube before the Roman Conquest (106 A.D.). While subscribing to the theoretical precepts meant to surpass the sociological prejudice according to which modernity exhausts a religiously transcendent view on the world, this paper closely analyzes the conceptual deconstruction of secularization as a total phenomenon while sat the same time isolating the social actor as a non-secularized segment.
Application of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles and Image Processing Techniques in Monitoring Underwater Coastal Protection Measures
Authors: Śledziowski Jakub , Terefenko Paweł , Giza Andrzej , Forczmański Paweł , Łysko Andrzej , Maćków Witold , Stępień Grzegorz , Tomczak Arkadiusz , Kurylczyk Apoloniusz
Published: January 2022

A prerequisite for solving issues associated with surf zone variability, which affect human activity in coastal zones, is an accurate estimation of the effects of coastal protection methods. Therefore, performing frequent monitoring activities, especially when applying new nature-friendly coastal defense methods, is a major challenge. In this manuscript, we propose a pipeline for performing low-cost monitoring using RGB images, accessed by an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) and a four-level analysis architecture of an underwater object detection methodology. First, several color-based pre-processing activities were applied. Second, contrast-limited adaptive histogram equalization and the Hough transform methodology were used to automatically detect the underwater, circle-shaped elements of a hybrid coastal defense construction. An alternative pipeline was used to detect holes in the circle-shaped elements with an adaptive thresholding method; this pipeline was subsequently applied to the normalized images. Finally, the concatenation of the results from both the methods and the validation processes were performed. The results indicate that our automated monitoring tool works for RGB images captured by a low-cost consumer UAV. The experimental results showed that our pipeline achieved an average error of four pixels in the test set.
Feature-Based Approach to Change Detection of Small Objects from High-Resolution Satellite Images
Authors: Seo Junghoon , Park Wonkyu , Kim Taejung
Published: January 2022

This paper proposes a new approach to small-object change detection from high-resolution satellite images. We propose using feature points that can be quickly extracted from satellite images as a suitable unit of change for small objects and to reduce false alarms. We can perform feature-based change detection by extracting features from previous and recent images and by estimating change based on change magnitude of the features. We estimate the magnitude by calculating pixel-based change magnitude, and counting the ratio of changed pixels around the extracted features. We apply feature matching and determine matched features as unchanged ones. The remaining feature points are judged as changed or unchanged based on their change magnitude. We tested our approach with three Kompsat-3A image sets with a ground sampling distance of 50 cm. We showed that our approach outperformed the pixel-based approach by producing a higher precision of 88.7% and an accuracy of 86.1% at a fixed false alarm rate of 10%. Our approach is unique in the sense that the feature-based approach applying computer vision methods is newly proposed for change detection. We showed that our feature-based approach was less noisy than pixel-based approaches. We also showed that our approach could compensate for the disadvantages of supervised object-based approaches by successfully reducing the number of change candidates. Our approach, however, could not handle featureless objects, and may increase the number of undetected objects. Future studies will handle this issue by devising more intelligent schemes for merging pixel-based and feature-based change detection results.
Tracking of Land Reclamation Activities Using Landsat Observations—An Example in Shanghai and Hangzhou Bay
Authors: Shi Yuming , Huang Chengquan , Shi Shuo , Gong Jianya
Published: January 2022

At present, reclamation—changing ocean areas into inland land cover type for human usage—is one of the major methods for expanding land area around the world to alleviate the problem of land shortage. Thus, reclamation activities play an important role in land area extension. In recent years, reclamation projects have been active in eastern China. However, research on how to determine the initiation of reclamation activity remains very limited. Thus, a method of tracking reclamation activities was proposed in this study to analyze the coastline change due to human activities in Shanghai Lingang New City and Hangzhou Bay area. First, the reclamation area was extracted and separated into sea filling and sea enclosing. Next, the “SEDIMENT” signal track method and the “Eight-Neighborhood” morphological method were used to track dissimilar reclamation types. The historical reclamation activities (including start time and end time) over the recent 30 years were also tracked and obtained. Experimental results indicated that the time tracker accuracy of reclamation activity can reach 83.8%. Thus, this study can provide a reference for tracking coastline change.