bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fundamentals and Applications of ZnO-Nanowire-Based Piezotronics and Piezo-Phototronics
Authors: Wang Yitong , Xie Wanli , Peng Wenbo , Li Fangpei , He Yongning
Published: December 2022

The piezotronic effect is a coupling effect of semiconductor and piezoelectric properties. The piezoelectric potential is used to adjust the p-n junction barrier width and Schottky barrier height to control carrier transportation. At present, it has been applied in the fields of sensors, human–machine interaction, and active flexible electronic devices. The piezo-phototronic effect is a three-field coupling effect of semiconductor, photoexcitation, and piezoelectric properties. The piezoelectric potential generated by the applied strain in the piezoelectric semiconductor controls the generation, transport, separation, and recombination of carriers at the metal–semiconductor contact or p-n junction interface, thereby improving optoelectronic devices performance, such as photodetectors, solar cells, and light-emitting diodes (LED). Since then, the piezotronics and piezo-phototronic effects have attracted vast research interest due to their ability to remarkably enhance the performance of electronic and optoelectronic devices. Meanwhile, ZnO has become an ideal material for studying the piezotronic and piezo-phototronic effects due to its simple preparation process and better biocompatibility. In this review, first, the preparation methods and structural characteristics of ZnO nanowires (NWs) with different doping types were summarized. Then, the theoretical basis of the piezotronic effect and its application in the fields of sensors, biochemistry, energy harvesting, and logic operations (based on piezoelectric transistors) were reviewed. Next, the piezo-phototronic effect in the performance of photodetectors, solar cells, and LEDs was also summarized and analyzed. In addition, modulation of the piezotronic and piezo-phototronic effects was compared and summarized for different materials, structural designs, performance characteristics, and working mechanisms’ analysis. This comprehensive review provides fundamental theoretical and applied guidance for future research directions in piezotronics and piezo-phototronics for optoelectronic devices and energy harvesting.
A Review of Research Progress in Selective Laser Melting (SLM)
Authors: Gao Bingwei , Zhao Hongjian , Peng Liqing , Sun Zhixin
Published: December 2022

SLM (Selective Laser Melting) is a unique additive manufacturing technology which plays an irreplaceable role in the modern industrial revolution. 3D printers can directly process metal powder quickly to obtain the necessary parts faster. Shortly, it will be possible to manufacture products at unparalleled speeds. Advanced manufacturing technology is used to produce durable and efficient parts with different metals that have good metal structure performance and excellent metal thermal performance, to lead the way for laser powder printing technology. Traditional creative ways are usually limited by time, and cannot respond to customers’ needs fast enough; for some parts with high precision and complexity, conventional manufacturing methods are inadequate. Contrary to this, SLM technology offers some advantages, such as requiring no molds this decreases production time and helps to reduce costs. In addition, SLM technology has strong comprehensive functions, which can reduce assembly time and improve material utilization. Parts with complex structures, such as cavities and three-dimensional grids, can be made without restricting the shape of products. Products or parts can be printed quickly without the use of expensive production equipment. The product quality is better, and the mechanical load performance is comparable to traditional production technologies (such as forging). This paper introduces in detail the process parameters that affect SLM technology and how they affect SLM, commonly used metal materials and non-metallic materials, and summarizes the current research. Finally, the problems faced by SLM are prospected.
CMOS-Compatible Ultralow-Loss Three-Step Silicon Edge Coupler with Substrate Substitution in the Whole Communication Band
Authors: Wang Zhen , Zhang Jin , Zhang Lei , Ruan Xiaoke , Tang Weijie , Chu Tao
Published: December 2022

Edge coupler is a key component of silicon-based optoelectronic chips, which dramatically reduces the coupling loss between fibers and transmission waveguides. Here, we propose an ultralow-loss three-step silicon edge coupler based on a 130 nm CMOS process. By replacing the silicon substrate with a material with a lower refractive index than silicon oxide, the silicon leakage loss and polarization-dependent loss can be significantly improved. This structure avoids the existence of a cantilever, which enhances the mechanical strength of the edge coupler. Coupling with standard single-mode fiber, the simulation results demonstrate that the TE/TM mode has an ultralow loss of 0.63/1.08 dB at 1310 nm and 0.57/1.34 dB at 1550 nm, and the 0.5 dB bandwidth covering the entire communication band is about 400 nm. In the entire communication band, the polarization-dependent loss is less than 0.8 dB. Furthermore, we propose a taper shape design method based on mode analysis, which can be adapted for any taper to improve its compactness. Compared with the parabolic shape, the coupling loss of the edge coupler with a length of 460 μm for the TE mode is improved by 0.3 dB on average, this edge coupler provides a feasible solution for fiber-to-chip coupling and is perfectly suitable for wavelength division multiplexing applications in optical communications.
Role of Graphene Oxide in Inhibiting the Interactions between Nucleoside Diphosphate Kinases -B and -C
Authors: Zaznaev Andrey , Macwan Isaac
Published: December 2022

Nucleoside diphosphate kinase (NDPK) enzyme in the sarcolemma membrane is crucial for the synthesis of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) to maintain the calcium ion balance. Typically, NDPK-B residue His118, in the presence of NPDK-C, phosphorylates the stimulatory guanosine diphosphate, GDP(s). During a heart failure, an increased quantity of NDPK-B also phosphorylates the inhibitory GDP(i), thereby inhibiting the cAMP synthesis. In this work, the interactions between NDPK-B and NDPK-C are quantified in the presence and absence of graphene oxide (GO) using molecular dynamics through stability analysis involving hydrogen bonds, center of mass (COM), RMSD, salt bridges, non-bonding energy analysis and interfacial water molecules. It is found that the adsorption of NDPK-B on GO triggers a conformational change in NDPK-B and its reduced interactions with NDPK-C, confirmed through a reduced COM distance between NDPK-B and GO (from 40 Å to 30 Å) and an increased COM distance between NDPK-B and NDPK-C (from 50 Å to 60 Å). This is also supported by fewer salt bridges between NDPK-B and NDPK-C, and an increased number of hydrogen bonds of the interfacial water molecules between NDPK-B and GO. This finding suggests that GO can suppress the interactions among NDPK-B/C complex required for phosphorylation of GDP(i).
A Pathogenic Role for FcγRI in the Immune Response against Chlamydial Respiratory Infection
Authors: Zeng Jiajia , Yang Shuaini , Sun Ruoyuan , Tuo Yuqing , Tan Lu , Zhang Hong , Zhang Yongci , Che Xuchun , Lu Tingsha , Zhang Xuejun , Bai Hong
Published: December 2022

FcγRI is an important cell surface receptor reported to be involved in multiple immune responses, although it has not yet been extensively studied in intracellular bacterial infections. Here, using a mouse model of C. muridarum respiratory infection, we were able to determine how FcγRI regulates the host resistance against chlamydial invasion. According to our findings, the chlamydial loads and pulmonary pathology were both reduced in FcγRI deficient (Fcgr1−/−) animals. Being infected, monocytes, macrophages, neutrophils, DCs, CD4+/CD8+ T cells, and effector Th1 subsets displayed increased FcγRI expression patterns. Altered infiltration of these cells in the lungs of Fcgr1−/− mice further demonstrated the regulation of FcγRI in the immune system and identified Th1 cells and macrophages as its target cell populations. As expected, we observed that the Th1 response was augmented in Fcgr1−/− mice, while the pro-inflammatory M1 macrophage polarization was constrained. These findings might indicate FcγRI as a potential regulator for host immunity and inflammatory response during chlamydial infection.
High Virulence and Multidrug Resistance of Escherichia coli Isolated in Periodontal Disease
Authors: Hernández-Jaimes Tania , Monroy-Pérez Eric , Garzón Javier , Morales-Espinosa Rosario , Navarro-Ocaña Armando , García-Cortés Luis Rey , Nolasco-Alonso Nancy , Gaytán-Núñez Fátima Korina , Moreno-Noguez Moisés , Vaca-Paniagua Felipe , Rojas-Jiménez Ernesto Arturo , Paniagua-Contreras Gloria Luz
Published: December 2022

Periodontal disease is caused by different gram-negative anaerobic bacteria; however, Escherichia coli has also been isolated from periodontitis and its role in periodontitis is less known. This study aimed to determine the variability in virulence genotype, antibiotic resistance phenotype, biofilm formation, phylogroups, and serotypes in different emerging periodontal strains of Escherichia coli, isolated from patients with periodontal disease and healthy controls. E. coli, virulence genes, and phylogroups, were identified by PCR, antibiotic susceptibility by the Kirby-Bauer method, biofilm formation was quantified using polystyrene microtiter plates, and serotypes were determined by serotyping. Although E. coli was not detected in the controls (n = 70), it was isolated in 14.7% (100/678) of the patients. Most of the strains (n = 81/100) were multidrug-resistance. The most frequent adhesion genes among the strains were fimH and iha, toxin genes were usp and hlyA, iron-acquisition genes were fyuA and irp2, and protectin genes were ompT, and KpsMT. Phylogroup B2 and serotype O25:H4 were the most predominant among the strains. These findings suggest that E. coli may be involved in periodontal disease due to its high virulence, multidrug-resistance, and a wide distribution of phylogroups and serotypes.
Effect of pH and Carbon Source on Phosphate Solubilization by Bacterial Strains in Pikovskaya Medium
Authors: Sanchez-Gonzalez Ma. Esther , Mora-Herrera Martha E. , Wong-Villarreal Arnoldo , De La Portilla-López Nadia , Sanchez-Paz Laura , Lugo Jorge , Vaca-Paulín Rocio , Del Aguila Pedro , Yañez-Ocampo Gustavo
Published: December 2022

Phosphate-solubilizing bacteria (PSB) transform precipitated inorganic phosphorus into soluble orthophosphates. This study evaluated the efficiency of tricalcium and iron phosphate solubilization in Pikovskaya medium using five bacterial strains (A1, A2, A3, A5, and A6) cultured in acidic and alkaline pH levels. The bacterial strain that proved to be more efficient for P solubilization and was tolerant to pH variations was selected for assessing bacterial growth and P solubilization with glucose and sucrose in the culture medium. The bacterial strains were identified through 16S rRNA gene sequencing as Pseudomonas libanensis A1, Pseudomonas libanensis (A2), Bacillus pumilus (A3), Pseudomonas libanensis (A5), and Bacillus siamensis (A6). These five bacterial strains grew, tolerated pH changes, and solubilized inorganic phosphorus. The bacterial strain A3 solubilized FePO4 (4 mg L−1) and Ca3(PO4)2 (50 mg L−1). P solubilization was assayed with glucose and sucrose as carbon sources for A3 (Bacillus pumilus MN100586). After four culture days, Ca3(PO4)2 was solubilized, reaching 246 mg L−1 with sucrose in culture media. Using glucose as a carbon source, FePO4 was solubilized and reached 282 mg L−1 in six culture days. Our findings were: Pseudomonas libanensis, and Bacillus siamensis, as new bacteria, can be reported as P solubilizers with tolerance to acidic or alkaline pH levels. The bacterial strain B. pumilus grew using two sources of inorganic phosphorus and carbon, and it tolerated pH changes. For that reason, it is an ideal candidate for inorganic phosphorus solubilization and future production as a biofertilizer.
Three-Dimensional Lithospheric Electrical Structure beneath the Handan-Xingtai District, North China: Implications for Tectonic Control of Skarn-Iron Mineralization
Authors: Zheng Han , Yin Yaotian , Jin Sheng , Wei Wenbo , Xu Liuyang , Qi Ping , Wang Hongye , Wang Qingyu
Published: December 2022

In this study, we determined the lithospheric electrical structure beneath the Handan-Xingtai district and its adjacent regions using magnetotelluric sounding data. To the west of the Handan-Xingtai district, the crust and upper mantle beneath the Taihang Mountains are mainly characterized by high resistivity (>1000 Ωm, which we interpreted to be the relic cratonic lithosphere. In contrast, the lithosphere beneath the North China Plain to the east shows high-conductivity features (<100 Ωm) overall, which may indicate that it has suffered significant modifications. Additionally, other geological and geophysical studies suggested that this district was located in a significant boundary zone where the lithospheric thickness, temperature and geochemistry properties sharply changed. Combined with our resistivity model, we attributed this to the different degrees of lithospheric modification. Specifically, since the late Mesozoic, the subduction, roll-back and dehydration of the Pacific slab caused an unsteady asthenospheric flow and upwelling; therefore, the deep-derived melts and fluids concentrated within the uppermost mantle had even underplated or intruded into the crust, while this process had a negligible effect on the Taihang Mountains. Small-scale mantle convection and upwelling are likely to occur in this kind of transfer zone of lithospherice properties, leading to mantle-derived melts and fluids transporting upwardly near the surface, which was confirmed by the significantly enhanced conductivity beneath the ore district in our resistivity model. During this process, Fe derived from mantle-source magma or relic Precambrian metamorphic basement beneath the Taihang Mountains was extracted and emplaced along with the Yanshanian magmatism.
The Effect of Silicon-Containing Minerals on Coal Evolution at High-Temperature Pre-Graphitization Stage
Authors: Shao Yan , Wang Shaoqing , Li Xueqi
Published: December 2022

Coal is a carrier of carbon enrichment, so it has the potential for the preparation of coal-based carbon materials. In this paper, LT anthracite and TSG bituminous coal were selected, and the corresponding graphitized samples were prepared from high-temperature treatment. The effects of silicon-containing minerals on coal evolution during the high-temperature pre-graphitization stage were investigated by XRD, Raman spectroscopy, and SEM. The results showed that with increasing temperature, the silicon-containing samples showed smaller d002 and ID1/IG, and higher Lc, while La presented a slight increase. It was found by SEM that the micromorphology of all samples was mainly massive structures. Meanwhile, irregular polyhedral structures also were observed in silicon-containing samples at 1300 °C, which were related to the formation and deposition of SiC. The carbothermal reactions of silicon-containing minerals continued to generate SiC and precipitate with increasing temperature, resulting in the gradual transformation of the needle-like structures into polyhedral structures. However, SiC was completely decomposed at 2800 °C. These changes indicated that during the pre-graphitization stage, silicon-containing minerals form SiC to advance the reduction of the interlayer spacing and the increase of longitudinal layer stacking height, thereby enhancing structural ordering and graphitization degree, while it had less effect on the lateral size. This will help to further understand the role of silicon-containing minerals in the coal pre-graphitization stage and also provide useful information about synthetic coal-based graphite.
Recycling of Coal Fly Ash in Building Materials: A Review
Authors: Lu Xuhang , Liu Bo , Zhang Qian , Wen Quan , Wang Shuying , Xiao Kui , Zhang Shengen
Published: December 2022

Coal fly ash (CFA) is a type of solid waste produced in the process of coal combustion, which is rich in silicon oxide, aluminum oxide and a small number of heavy metals and radioactive elements. Therefore, CFA is considered a secondary resource with high recovery value. Currently, CFA is mainly reused in the fields of building materials, mine backfilling, soil conditioners and fertilizers, among which the production of building materials is one of the most important ways to realize large-scale utilization of CFA. This paper introduces the physical and chemical properties, classification and environmental impact of CFA and summarizes the utilization status of CFA in building materials such as cement, concrete, ceramics and geopolymers, as well as the management policy of CFA. In addition, the existing problems in the utilization of CFA as a building material are analyzed, and their development prospects are discussed.
Permeability and Disintegration Characteristics of Composite Improved Phyllite Soil by Red Clay and Cement
Authors: Zhao Xiushao , Zhao Linhao , Yang Qijing , Wang Ziyao , Cheng An , Mo Linli , Yan Jianwei
Published: December 2022

The bearing capacity of the phyllite soil subgrade can be greatly improved by red clay, but the water stability of the modified soil is still poor. Hence, the blended soil has been found to be unsuitable for the construction of high-speed railways. This paper proposes an innovative scheme, by adding appropriate amounts of cement and red clay concurrently, to improve phyllite soil, which achieves a higher bearing capacity of the subgrade immediately after compaction, while also solving the problem of insufficient water stability. Laboratory tests of the permeability and disintegration characteristics of phyllite soils improved by cement, red clay, and both were carried out. The test results show that the permeability coefficient and maximum disintegration rate of soil can be improved effectively by using both red clay and cement. It was found that the optimal combination scheme is to add 3% cement and 40% red clay to phyllite soil by mass. Under the optimal scheme, the permeability coefficient, maximum disintegration rate, and disintegration rate of the improved soil decreased by 90.02%, 90.30%, and 99.02%, respectively, compared with the phyllite soil. The microscopic study shows that the mechanism of red clay blending with phyllite is that the finer particles of red clay infill the pores among the phyllite particles, thus reducing its permeability coefficient. The mechanism of adding cement to the blending soil mainly results from the production of hard-setting new materials and the formation of a cementation network among the soil particles, which not only increases the shear strength of the soil, but also reduces the permeability coefficient and the maximum disintegration ratio of the soil. This work makes full use of the complementary characteristics of red clay and phyllite soil and the advantages of hard-setting new materials, which will provide a new idea for soil improvement of the phyllite soil in the future.
IndShaker: A Knowledge-Based Approach to Enhance Multi-Perspective System Dynamics Analysis
Authors: Pileggi Salvatore Flavio
Published: December 2022

Decision making as a result of system dynamics analysis requires, in practice, a straightforward and systematic modeling capability as well as a high-level of customization and flexibility to adapt to situations and environments that may vary very much from each other. While in general terms a completely generic approach could be not as effective as ad hoc solutions, the proper application of modern technology may facilitate agile strategies as a result of a smart combination of qualitative and quantitative aspects. In order to address such complexity, we propose a knowledge-based approach that integrates the systematic computation of heterogeneous criteria with open semantics. The holistic understanding of the framework is described by a reference architecture and the proof-of-concept prototype developed can support high-level system analysis, as well as being suitable within a number of applications contexts—i.e., as a research/educational tool, communication framework, gamification and participatory modeling. Additionally, the knowledge-based philosophy, developed upon Semantic Web technology, increases the capability in terms of holistic knowledge building and re-use via interoperability. Last but not least, the framework is designed to constantly evolve in the next future, for instance by incorporating more advanced AI-powered features.
Polymerization-Enhanced Photophysical Performances of AIEgens for Chemo/Bio-Sensing and Therapy
Authors: Huang Shanshan , Shan Guogang , Qin Chao , Liu Shunjie
Published: December 2022

AIE polymers have been extensively researched in the fields of OLEDs, sensing, and cancer treatment since its first report in 2003, which have achieved numerous breakthroughs during the years. In comparison with small molecules, it can simultaneously combine the unique advantages of AIE materials and the polymer itself, to further enhance their corresponding photophysical performances. In this review, we enumerate and discuss the common construction strategies of AIE-active polymers and summarize the progress of research on polymerization enhancing luminescence, photosensitization, and room-temperature phosphorescence (RTP) with their related applications in chemo/bio-sensing and therapy. To conclude, we also discuss current challenges and prospects of the field for future development.
Electrically Polarized Withaferin A and Alginate-Incorporated Biphasic Calcium Phosphate Microspheres Exhibit Osteogenicity and Antibacterial Activity In Vitro
Authors: Priyadarshini Itishree , Swain Subhasmita , Koduru Janardhan Reddy , Rautray Tapash Ranjan
Published: December 2022

Biphasic calcium phosphate microspheres were synthesized by the water on oil emulsion method and, subsequently, withaferin A was incorporated in the microspheres to evaluate their efficacy in biomedical applications. These withaferin A and alginate-incorporated biphasic calcium phosphate (BCP-WFA-ALG) microspheres were then negatively polarized, and the formation of biphasic calcium phosphates was validated by X-ray diffraction study. Although the TSDC measurement of the BCP-WFA-ALG microspheres showed the highest current density of 5.37 nA/cm2, the contact angle of the specimen was found to be lower than the control BCP microspheres in all the media. The water uptake into BCP-WFA-ALG microspheres was significantly higher than in the pure BCP microspheres. MTT assay results showed that there was a significant enhancement in cell proliferation rate with the BCP-WFA-ALG composite microspheres. The osteogenic differentiation of MG 63 cells on BCP-WFA-ALG microspheres exhibited an increased expression of osteogenic marker genes in the case of the BCP-WFA-ALG composite microspheres.
Investigation on Hydrazonobenzenesulfonamides as Human Carbonic Anhydrase I, II, IX and XII Inhibitors
Authors: Moi Davide , Vittorio Serena , Angeli Andrea , Balboni Gianfranco , Supuran Claudiu T. , Onnis Valentina
Published: December 2022

A small series of hydrazonobenzenesulfonamides was designed, synthesized and studied for their human carbonic anhydrase (hCA) inhibitory activity. The synthesized compounds were evaluated against hCA I, II, IX and XII isoforms using acetazolamide (AAZ) as the standard inhibitor. Various hydrazonosulfonamide derivatives showed inhibitory activity at low nanomolar levels with selectivity against the cytosolic hCA II isoform, as well as the transmembrane, tumor-associated enzymes hCA IX and XII. The most potent and selective hydrazones 8, 9, 10, 11, 19 and 24 were docked into isoforms I, II, IX and XII to better understand their activity and selectivity for the different CA isoforms.
New Structures, Spectrometric Quantification, and Inhibitory Properties of Cardenolides from Asclepias curassavica Seeds
Authors: Rubiano-Buitrago Paola , Pradhan Shrikant , Paetz Christian , Rowland Hannah M.
Published: December 2022

Cardiac glycosides are a large class of secondary metabolites found in plants. In the genus Asclepias, cardenolides in milkweed plants have an established role in plant–herbivore and predator–prey interactions, based on their ability to inhibit the membrane-bound Na+/K+-ATPase enzyme. Milkweed seeds are eaten by specialist lygaeid bugs, which are the most cardenolide-tolerant insects known. These insects likely impose natural selection for the repeated derivatisation of cardenolides. A first step in investigating this hypothesis is to conduct a phytochemical profiling of the cardenolides in the seeds. Here, we report the concentrations of 10 purified cardenolides from the seeds of Asclepias curassavica. We report the structures of new compounds: 3-O-β-allopyranosyl coroglaucigenin (1), 3-[4′-O-β-glucopyranosyl-β-allopyranosyl] coroglaucigenin (2), 3′-O-β-glucopyranosyl-15-β-hydroxycalotropin (3), and 3-O-β-glucopyranosyl-12-β-hydroxyl coroglaucigenin (4), as well as six previously reported cardenolides (5–10). We test the in vitro inhibition of these compounds on the sensitive porcine Na+/K+-ATPase. The least inhibitory compound was also the most abundant in the seeds—4′-O-β-glucopyranosyl frugoside (5). Gofruside (9) was the most inhibitory. We found no direct correlation between the number of glycosides/sugar moieties in a cardenolide and its inhibitory effect. Our results enhance the literature on cardenolide diversity and concentration among tissues eaten by insects and provide an opportunity to uncover potential evolutionary relationships between tissue-specific defense expression and insect adaptations in plant–herbivore interactions.
Cannabis Bioactive Compound-Based Formulations: New Perspectives for the Management of Orofacial Pain
Authors: Crescente Giuseppina , Minervini Giuseppe , Spagnuolo Carmela , Moccia Stefania
Published: December 2022

The management of orofacial pain to alleviate the quality of life of affected patients is becoming increasingly challenging for scientific research and healthcare professionals. From this perspective, in addition to conventional therapies, new alternatives are being sought, increasingly looking at the use of both natural and synthetic products. Cannabis sativa L. represents an interesting source of bioactive compounds, including non-psychoactive cannabinoids, flavonoids, and terpenes, many of which are effective in improving pain intensity. Here, we aim to analyze the possible mechanisms of action of the bioactive natural and synthetic hemp-derived compounds responsible for the modulatory effects on pain-related pathways. The ability of these compounds to act on multiple mechanisms through a synergistic effect, reducing both the release of inflammatory mediators and regulating the response of the endocannabinoid system, makes them interesting agents for alternative formulations to be used in orofacial pain.
Anti-Inflammatory Effect of Dimethyl Fumarate Associates with the Inhibition of Thioredoxin Reductase 1 in RAW 264.7 Cells
Authors: Yang Rui , Sun Shibo , Guo Yining , Meng Yao , Liu Haowen , Shi Meiyun , Guan Shui , Xu Jianqiang
Published: December 2022

Macrophages secrete a variety of pro-inflammatory cytokines in response to pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) and damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) but abnormal release of cytokines unfortunately promotes cytokine storms. Dimethyl fumarate (DMF), an FDA-approved drug for multiple sclerosis (MS) treatment, has been found as an effective therapeutic agent for resolution. In this study, the anti-inflammatory effect of DMF was found to correlate to selenoprotein thioredoxin reductase 1 (TXNRD1). DMF irreversibly modified the Sec498 residue and C-terminal catalytic cysteine residues of TXNRD1 in a time- and dose-dependent manner. In LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells, cellular TXNRD activity was increased through up-regulation of the protein level and DMF inhibited TXNRD activity and the nitric oxide (NO) production of RAW 264.7 cells. Meanwhile, the inhibition of TXNRD1 by DMF would contribute to the redox regulation of inflammation and promote the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2) activation. Notably, inhibition of cellular TXNRD1 by auranofin or TRi-1 showed anti-inflammatory effect in RAW 264.7 cells. This finding demonstrated that targeting TXNRD1 is a potential mechanism of using immunometabolites for dousing inflammation in response to pathogens and highlights the potential of TXNRD1 inhibitors in immune regulation.
Multifaceted Excited State Dynamics of Coumarin Dyes Anchored on Al2O3 Film
Authors: Lee Hyun Seok , Na Yun Jeong , Kim Chul Hoon , Shin Jae Yoon
Published: December 2022

The co-facially stacked dyes on semiconductor films serve as an alternative model to elucidate the photo-driven exciton dynamics occurring in a molecular assembly. In this study, we report the unique emission properties of coumarin dye adsorbed on the surface of the semiconductor film, measured by ultrafast time-resolved fluorescence. When a rigid coumarin derivative, 7-hydroxycoumarin-3-carboxylic acid (OHCCA), is anchored on the Al2O3 film, the dye manifests dual emissions from the two lowest excited states. Various anchoring modes of a carboxylic acid group on the Al2O3 surface are invoked to account for the unusual emission process. Additionally, we identified characteristic transition dipole interactions in the well-stacked dye aggregates, which leads to discernible excitonic splitting in the electronic transitions. Femtosecond time-resolved fluorescence reveals that the excimer formation in the aggregate occurs with the time constant of 550 fs. Picosecond time-resolved emission spectra confirm the subsequent structural relaxations of the nascent excimer. The enhanced transition dipole via the electronic coupling between OHCCA and metal oxide can be responsible for the dual emission and the ultrafast excimer formation.
Cannabidiol as Self-Assembly Inducer for Anticancer Drug-Based Nanoparticles
Authors: Colombo Eleonora , Coppini Davide Andrea , Polito Laura , Ciriello Umberto , Paladino Giuseppe , Hyeraci Mariafrancesca , Di Paolo Maria Luisa , Nordio Giulia , Dalla Via Lisa , Passarella Daniele
Published: December 2022

Cannabidiol (CBD) is a biologically active compound present in the plants of the Cannabis family, used as anticonvulsant, anti-inflammatory, anti-anxiety, and more recently, anticancer drug. In this work, its use as a new self-assembly inducer in the formation of nanoparticles is validated. The target conjugates are characterized by the presence of different anticancer drugs (namely N-desacetyl thiocolchicine, podophyllotoxin, and paclitaxel) connected to CBD through a linker able to improve drug release. These nanoparticles are formed via solvent displacement method, resulting in monodisperse and stable structures having hydrodynamic diameters ranging from 160 to 400 nm. Their biological activity is evaluated on three human tumor cell lines (MSTO-211H, HT-29, and HepG2), obtaining GI50 values in the low micromolar range. Further biological assays were carried out on MSTO-211H cells for the most effective NP 8B, confirming the involvement of paclitaxel in cytotoxicity and cell death mechanism
The Modification of Substrate in the Soilless Cultivation of Raspberries (Rubus Idaeus L.) as a Factor Stimulating the Biosynthesis of Selected Bioactive Compounds in Fruits
Authors: Balawejder Maciej , Matłok Natalia , Piechowiak Tomasz , Szostek Małgorzata , Kapusta Ireneusz , Niemiec Marcin , Komorowska Monika , Wróbel Marek , Mudryk Krzysztof , Szeląg-Sikora Anna , Neuberger Pavel , Kuboń Maciej
Published: December 2022

Raspberry fruits are a valuable source of bioactive compounds. The study used the modification of the substrate (coconut fibre), consisting of the use of various organic and mineral additives, in the soilless cultivation of raspberries. The additives influenced the biosynthesis of bioactive compounds in the raspberry fruits by modifying the sorption properties and the abundance of the substrate. The influence of the additives on the content of polyphenols was determined as well as their profile (UPLC-MS), antioxidant potential (ABTS), vitamin C content, and the activity of selected enzymes that are markers of stress and resistance to abiotic factors. In the study, a significant effect of these additives was observed on the biosynthesis of polyphenols in raspberry fruit. The highest increase in the content of these compounds in relation to the control sample (substrate—100% coconut fibre), namely 37.7%, was recorded in the case of fruit produced on coconut substrate enriched with sheep wool. These fruits were also characterised by a significantly different profile of these compounds. These changes were caused by readily available ammonium nitrogen and free amino acids in the decomposition of proteins contained in the sheep wool. This was confirmed by the recorded content of chlorophyll SPAD in the plant leaves and the activity of selected enzymes, which proves a low level of stress and good condition of the plants.
Factors Impacting Invader-Mediated Recognition of Double-Stranded DNA
Authors: Shepard Caroline P. , Emehiser Raymond G. , Karmakar Saswata , Hrdlicka Patrick J.
Published: December 2022

The development of chemically modified oligonucleotides enabling robust, sequence-unrestricted recognition of complementary chromosomal DNA regions has been an aspirational goal for scientists for many decades. While several groove-binding or strand-invading probes have been developed towards this end, most enable recognition of DNA only under limited conditions (e.g., homopurine or short mixed-sequence targets, low ionic strength, fully modified probe strands). Invader probes, i.e., DNA duplexes modified with +1 interstrand zippers of intercalator-functionalized nucleotides, are predisposed to recognize DNA targets due to their labile nature and high affinity towards complementary DNA. Here, we set out to gain further insight into the design parameters that impact the thermal denaturation properties and binding affinities of Invader probes. Towards this end, ten Invader probes were designed, and their biophysical properties and binding to model DNA hairpins and chromosomal DNA targets were studied. A Spearman’s rank-order correlation analysis of various parameters was then performed. Densely modified Invader probes were found to result in efficient recognition of chromosomal DNA targets with excellent binding specificity in the context of denaturing or non-denaturing fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) experiments. The insight gained from the initial phase of this study informed subsequent probe optimization, which yielded constructs displaying improved recognition of chromosomal DNA targets. The findings from this study will facilitate the design of efficient Invader probes for applications in the life sciences.
The Synthesis, Characterization and Anti-Tumor Activity of a Cu-MOF Based on Flavone-6,2′-dicarboxylic Acid
Authors: Zhang Jie , Jiang Tingting , Song Xinyu , Li Qing , Liu Yang , Wang Yanhua , Chi Xiaoyan , Sun Jie , Zhang Liangliang
Published: December 2022

A novel two-dimensional copper(II) framework (LDU-1), formulated as {[Cu2(L)2·2NMP}n (H2L = flavone-6,2′-dicarboxylic acid, NMP = N-Methyl pyrrolidone), has been constructed under solvothermal conditions and characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction, infrared spectroscopy (IR), thermogravimetric analysis and powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD). In the crystal structure, the Cu(II) shows hex-coordinated with the classical Cu paddle-wheel coordination geometry, and the flavonoid ligand coordinates with the Cu(II) ion in a bidentate bridging mode. Of particular interest of LDU-1 is the presence of anti-tumor activity against three human cancer cell lines including lung adenocarcinoma(A549), Michigan cancer foundation-7 (MCF-7), erythroleukemia (K562) and murine melanoma B16F10, indicating synergistic enhancement effects between metal ions and organic linkers. A cell cycle assay indicates that LDU-1 induces cells to arrest at S phase obviously at a lower concentration.
The Cytotoxic and Inhibitory Effects of Plant Derivatives on Candida albicans Biofilms: A Scoping Review
Authors: Loaiza-Oliva Manuela , Arias-Durango Laura , Martínez-Pabón María Cecilia
Published: December 2022

Candida albicans infections are related to biofilm formation. The increase in antifungal resistance and their adverse effects have led to the search for therapeutic options as plant derivatives. This scoping review aims to identify the current status of in vitro research on the cytotoxicity and inhibitory effects of plant derivatives on C. albicans biofilms. In this study, PRISMA items were followed. After recognition of the inclusion criteria, full texts were read and disagreements were resolved with a third party. A risk of bias assessment was performed, and information was summarized using Microsoft Office Excel. Thirty-nine papers fulfilling the selection criteria were included. The risk of bias analysis identified most of the studies as low risk. Studies evaluated plant derivatives such as extracts, essential oils, terpenes, alkaloids, flavonoids and polyphenols. Some studies evaluated the inhibition of C. albicans biofilm formation, inhibition on preformed biofilms or both. The derivatives at concentrations greater than or equal to those that have an inhibitory effect on C. albicans biofilms, without showing cytotoxicity, include magnoflorin, ellagic acid, myricetin and eucarobustol from Eucalyptus robusta and, as the works in which these derivatives were studied are of good quality, it is desirable to carry out study in other experimental phases, with methodologies that generate comparable information.
Functionalization of Graphene Derivatives with Conducting Polymers and Their Applications in Uric Acid Detection
Authors: Văduva Mirela , Baibarac Mihaela , Cramariuc Oana
Published: December 2022

In this article, we review recent progress concerning the development of sensorial platforms based on graphene derivatives and conducting polymers (CPs), alternatively deposited or co-deposited on the working electrode (usually a glassy carbon electrode; GCE) using a simple potentiostatic method (often cyclic voltammetry; CV), possibly followed by the deposition of metallic nanoparticles (NPs) on the electrode surface (ES). These materials have been successfully used to detect an extended range of biomolecules of clinical interest, such as uric acid (UA), dopamine (DA), ascorbic acid (AA), adenine, guanine, and others. The most common method is electrochemical synthesis. In the composites, which are often combined with metallic NPs, the interaction between the graphene derivatives—including graphene oxide (GO), reduced graphene oxide (RGO), or graphene quantum dots (GQDs)—and the CPs is usually governed by non-covalent functionalization through π–π interactions, hydrogen bonds, and van der Waals (VW) forces. The functionalization of GO, RGO, or GQDs with CPs has been shown to speed up electron transfer during the oxidation process, thus improving the electrochemical response of the resulting sensor. The oxidation mechanism behind the electrochemical response of the sensor seems to involve a partial charge transfer (CT) from the analytes to graphene derivatives, due to the overlapping of π orbitals.
A Chemometric Investigation on the Functional Potential in High Power Ultrasound (HPU) Processed Strawberry Juice Made from Fruits Harvested at two Stages of Ripeness
Authors: Bebek Markovinović Anica , Putnik Predrag , Bičanić Paula , Brdar Dora , Duralija Boris , Pavlić Branimir , Milošević Sanja , Rocchetti Gabriele , Lucini Luigi , Bursać Kovačević Danijela
Published: December 2022

This work aimed to investigate the influence of high-power ultrasound (HPU) technology on the stability of bioactive compounds in strawberry juices obtained from fruits with different stages of ripeness (75% vs. 100%) and stored at 4 °C for 7 days. HPU parameters were amplitude (25, 50, 75, and 100%), pulses (50 vs. 100%) and treatment time (5 vs. 10 min). Amplitude and pulse had a significant effect (p ≤ 0.05) on all bioactive compounds except flavonols and hydroxycinnamic acids. The treatment duration of 5 min vs. 10 min had a significant positive impact on the content of anthocyanins, flavonols and condensed tannins, while the opposite was observed for total phenols, whereas no statistically significant effect was observed for hydroxycinnamic acids. The temperature changes during HPU treatment correlated positively with almost all HPU treatment parameters (amplitude, pulse, energy, power, frequency). Optimal parameters of HPU were obtained for temperature changes, where the highest content of a particular group of bioactive compounds was obtained. Results showed that by combining fruits with a certain ripeness and optimal HPU treatment, it would be possible to produce juices with highly preserved bioactive compounds, while HPU technology has prospects for application in functional food products.
Controlling Pepper Mild Mottle Virus (PMMoV) Infection in Pepper Seedlings by Use of Chemically Synthetic Silver Nanoparticles
Authors: Elbeshehy Esam K. F. , Hassan Wael M. , Baeshen Areej A.
Published: December 2022

We investigated the roles of different concentrations of chemical synthetic spherical silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) in protecting pepper seedlings of the Mecca region, which were naturally and artificially infected by the pepper mild mottle virus (PMMoV). The virus shows many infection symptoms, including pepper leaf deformation with filiform leaves and severe mosaic symptoms. Our study focused on the antiviral activity of different concentrations of spherical nanoparticles in controlling PMMoV infecting pepper seedlings. PMMoV identification was confirmed via DAS-ELISA using the following antiserum: PMMoV, cucumber mosaic virus (CMV), tobacco mosaic virus (TMV), tomato mosaic virus (ToMV), potato virus Y (PVY), and tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV). The presence of PMMoV was confirmed using electron microscopy and reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). We evaluated the effects of exogenously applied different concentrations of AgNPs on CMV infection rate, infection severity, virus concentration, and the concentrations of photosynthetic pigments chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, carotenoid content, phenolic compounds, and protein components in virus-infected plant cells that were treated with three different concentration of nanoparticles (200, 300, and 400 µg/L) compared to the positive and negative control.
Crystallization-Enhanced Emission and Room-Temperature Phosphorescence of Cyclic Triimidazole-Monohexyl Thiophene Derivatives
Authors: Malpicci Daniele , Forni Alessandra , Cariati Elena , Inoguchi Riku , Marinotto Daniele , Maver Daniele , Turco Federico , Lucenti Elena
Published: December 2022

The development of organic room-temperature phosphorescent (ORTP) materials represents an active field of research due to their significant advantages with respect to their organometallic counterparts. Two cyclic triimidazole (TT) derivatives bearing one and three hexyl-thiophene moieties, TT-HThio and TT-(HThio)3, have been prepared and characterized. Both compounds display enhanced quantum yields in their crystalline form with respect to those in a solution state, revealing crystallization-enhanced emissive (CEE) behavior. Importantly, while single fluorescence is observed in solution, crystalline powders also feature dual ORTP, whose respective molecular and aggregate origins have been disclosed through X-ray diffraction analysis and DFT/TDDFT calculations. The relation between the photophysical properties of TT-HThio and its crystallinity degree has been confirmed by a decrease in photoluminescent quantum yield (Φ) and loss of vibronic resolution when its crystals are ground in a mortar, revealing mechanochromic behavior and confirming CEE features.
Polysaccharides as Green Fuels for the Synthesis of MgO: Characterization and Evaluation of Antimicrobial Activities
Authors: Balaba Nayara , Jaerger Silvia , Horsth Dienifer F. L. , Primo Julia de O. , Correa Jamille de S. , Bittencourt Carla , Zanette Cristina M. , Anaissi Fauze J.
Published: December 2022

The synthesis of structured MgO is reported using feedstock starch (route I), citrus pectin (route II), and Aloe vera (route III) leaf, which are suitable for use as green fuels due to their abundance, low cost, and non-toxicity. The oxides formed showed high porosity and were evaluated as antimicrobial agents. The samples were characterized by energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence (EDXRF), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The crystalline periclase monophase of the MgO was identified for all samples. The SEM analyses show that the sample morphology depends on the organic fuel used during the synthesis. The antibacterial activity of the MgO-St (starch), MgO-CP (citrus pectin), and MgO-Av (Aloe vera) oxides was evaluated against pathogens Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 6538P) and Escherichia coli (ATCC 8739). Antifungal activity was also studied against Candida albicans (ATCC 64548). The studies were carried out using the qualitative agar disk diffusion method and quantitative minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) tests. The MIC of each sample showed the same inhibitory concentration of 400 µg. mL−1 for the studied microorganisms. The formation of inhibition zones and the MIC values in the antimicrobial analysis indicate the effective antimicrobial activity of the samples against the test microorganisms.
A New Tetracyclic Bromopyrrole-Imidazole Derivative through Direct Chemical Diversification of Substances Present in Natural Product Extract from Marine Sponge Petrosia (Strongylophora) sp.
Authors: Sirimangkalakitti Natchanun , Harada Kazuo , Yamada Makito , Arai Masayoshi , Arisawa Mitsuhiro
Published: December 2022

Chemical diversification of substances present in natural product extracts can lead to a number of natural product-like compounds with a better chance of desirable bioactivities. The aim of this work was to discover unprecedented chemical conversion and produce new compounds through a one-step reaction of substances present in the extracts of marine sponges. In this report, a new unnatural tetracyclic bromopyrrole-imidazole derivative, rac-6-OEt-cylindradine A (1), was created from a chemically diversified extract of the sponge Petrosia (Strongylophora) sp. We also confirmed that 1 originated from naturally occurring (-)-cylindradine A (2) via a new reaction pattern. Moreover, (-)-dibromophakellin (3) and 4,5-dibromopyrrole-2-carboxylic acid (4), as well as 2, were reported herein for the first time in this genus. Studies on the possible reaction mechanism and bioactivities were also conducted. The results indicate that the direct chemical diversification of substances present in natural product extracts can be a speedy and useful strategy for the discovery of new compounds.