bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Travelling-Wave Electrophoresis, Electro-Hydrodynamics, Electro-Rotation, and Symmetry-Breaking of a Polarizable Dimer in Non-Uniform Fields
Authors: Miloh Touvia , Avital Eldad J.
Published: July 2022

A theoretical framework is presented for calculating the polarization, electro-rotation, travelling-wave dielectrophoresis, electro-hydrodynamics and induced-charge electroosmotic flow fields around a freely suspended conducting dimer (two touching spheres) exposed to non-uniform direct current (DC) or alternating current (AC) electric fields. The analysis is based on employing the classical (linearized) Poisson–Nernst–Planck (PNP) formulation under the standard linearized ‘weak-field’ assumption and using the tangent-sphere coordinate system. Explicit expressions are first derived for the axisymmetric AC electric potential governed by the Robin (mixed) boundary condition applied on the dimer surface depending on the resistance–capacitance circuit (RC) forcing frequency. Dimer electro-rotation due to two orthogonal (out-of-phase) uniform AC fields and the corresponding mobility problem of a polarizable dimer exposed to a travelling-wave electric excitation are also analyzed. We present an explicit solution for the non-linear induced-charge electroosmotic (ICEO) flow problem of a free polarized dimer in terms of the corresponding Stokes stream function determined by the Helmholtz–Smoluchowski velocity slip. Next, we demonstrate how the same framework can be used to obtain an exact solution for the electro-hydrodynamic (EHD) problem of a polarizable sphere lying next to a conducting planar electrode. Finally, we present a new solution for the induced-charge mobility of a Janus dimer composed of two fused spherical colloids, one perfectly conducting and one dielectrically coated. So far, most of the available electrokinetic theoretical studies involving polarizable nano/micro shapes dealt with convex configurations (e.g., spheres, spheroids, ellipsoids) and as such the newly obtained electrostatic AC solution for a dimer provides a useful extension for similar concave colloids and engineered particles.
Congenital Syphilis Presenting with Brain Abnormalities at Neuroscan: A Case Report and a Brief Literature Review
Authors: Tonni Gabriele , Grisolia Gianpaolo , Pisello Marlene , Zampriolo Paolo , Fasolato Valeria , Sindico Paola , Araújo Junior Edward , Bonasoni Maria Paola
Published: July 2022

A case of vertical transmission in a 35-year-old pregnant woman, gravida 4, para 2 with an unknown medical history of carrying primary syphilis is described. A routine 3rd trimester scan was performed at 30 + 5 weeks of pregnancy, which revealed fetal growth restriction (FGR) associated with absent fetal movement, a pathologic neuroscan characterized by cortical calcifications and ominous Doppler waveform analysis of the umbilical artery and ductus venosus. Computerized electronic fetal monitoring (EFM) showed a Class III tracing, according to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) guidelines. An emergency C-section was performed and a female newborn weighing 1470 g was delivered. The Apgar scores were 5 and 8 at the first and fifth min, respectively. Besides the prompted obstetrical and neonatal interventions, the neonate died after 7 days. A histologic examination of the placenta revealed a chorioamnionitis at stage 1/2 and grade 2/3. The parenchyma showed diffuse delayed villous maturation, focal infarcts, and intraparenchymal hemorrhages. The decidua presented with chronic deciduitis with plasma cells. The parents declined the autopsy. Congenital syphilis is an emerging worldwide phenomenon and the multidisciplinary management of the mother and the fetus should be mandatory.
Epidemiology and Traits of Mobile Colistin Resistance (mcr) Gene-Bearing Organisms from Horses
Authors: Anyanwu Madubuike Umunna , Jaja Ishmael Festus , Nwobi Obichukwu Chisom , Mgbeahuruike Anthony Christian , Ikpendu Chinaza Nnenna , Okafor Nnenna Audrey , Oguttu James Wabwire
Published: July 2022

Mobile colistin resistance (mcr) genes (mcr-1 to mcr-10) threaten the efficacy of colistin (COL), a polymyxin antibiotic that is used as a last-line agent for the treatment of deadly infections caused by multidrug-resistant and extensively drug-resistant bacteria in humans and animals. COL has been used for more than 60 years for the prophylactic control and treatment of infections in livestock husbandry but not in horses. Polymyxin B is used for the prophylactic control and empirical treatment of infections in horses without conducting sensitivity tests. The lack of sensitivity testing exerts selection pressure for the acquisition of the mcr gene. By horizontal transfer, mcr-1, mcr-5, and mcr-9 have disseminated among horse populations globally and are harbored by Escherichia coli, Klebsiella, Enterobacter, Citrobacter, and Salmonella species. Conjugative plasmids, insertion sequences, and transposons are the backbone of mcr genes in the isolates, which co-express genes conferring multi- to extensive-drug resistance, including genes encoding extended-spectrum β-lactamase, ampicillinase C, fosfomycin, and fluoroquinolone resistance, and virulence genes. The transmission of mcr genes to/among bacterial strains of equine origin is non-clonal. Contact with horses, horse manure, feed/drinking water, farmers, farmers’ clothing/farm equipment, the consumption of contaminated horse meat and its associated products, and the trading of horses, horse meat, and their associated products are routes for the transmission of mcr-gene-bearing bacteria in, to, and from the equine industry.
Bacterial Interactions in the Context of Chronic Wound Biofilm: A Review
Authors: Durand Benjamin A. R. N. , Pouget Cassandra , Magnan Chloé , Molle Virginie , Lavigne Jean-Philippe , Dunyach-Remy Catherine
Published: July 2022

Chronic wounds, defined by their resistance to care after four weeks, are a major concern, affecting millions of patients every year. They can be divided into three types of lesions: diabetic foot ulcers (DFU), pressure ulcers (PU), and venous/arterial ulcers. Once established, the classical treatment for chronic wounds includes tissue debridement at regular intervals to decrease biofilm mass constituted by microorganisms physiologically colonizing the wound. This particular niche hosts a dynamic bacterial population constituting the bed of interaction between the various microorganisms. The temporal reshuffle of biofilm relies on an organized architecture. Microbial community turnover is mainly associated with debridement (allowing transitioning from one major representant to another), but also with microbial competition and/or collaboration within wounds. This complex network of species and interactions has the potential, through diversity in antagonist and/or synergistic crosstalk, to accelerate, delay, or worsen wound healing. Understanding these interactions between microorganisms encountered in this clinical situation is essential to improve the management of chronic wounds.
Metal Homeostasis in Pathogenic Streptococci
Authors: Akbari Madeline S. , Doran Kelly S. , Burcham Lindsey R.
Published: July 2022

Streptococcus spp. are an important genus of Gram-positive bacteria, many of which are opportunistic pathogens that are capable of causing invasive disease in a wide range of populations. Metals, especially transition metal ions, are an essential nutrient for all organisms. Therefore, to survive across dynamic host environments, Streptococci have evolved complex systems to withstand metal stress and maintain metal homeostasis, especially during colonization and infection. There are many different types of transport systems that are used by bacteria to import or export metals that can be highly specific or promiscuous. Focusing on the most well studied transition metals of zinc, manganese, iron, nickel, and copper, this review aims to summarize the current knowledge of metal homeostasis in pathogenic Streptococci, and their role in virulence.
First Report of Two Jaculus Rodents as Potential Reservoir Hosts of Leishmania Parasites in Tunisia
Authors: Ghawar Wissem , Chaouch Melek , Ben Salah Afif , Snoussi Mohamed Ali , Salem Sadok , Kharroubi Ghassen , Chouchen Said , Bouaoun Amor , Laouini Dhafer , Bettaieb Jihene , Ben Abderrazak Souha
Published: July 2022

This study shows, for the first time, natural Leishmania infection among Jaculus spp. in an endemic region of Tataouine, South Tunisia. To better characterize the transmission cycles in this complex focus of mixed transmission, Leishmania detection and species identification were performed by direct examination, internal transcribed spacer-1 (ITS1)-PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP), and sequencing of Jaculus (J.) jaculus (Linnaeus, 1758) and J. hirtipes (Lichtenstein, 1823) rodent species, which are frequently encountered in this area. Leishmania parasites were observed in 19 (41.3%) smears, while DNA parasites were detected in 28 (60.9%) Jaculus spp. spleens; among them, 12 (54.5%) were from 22 J. jaculus individuals and 16 (66.7%) were from 24 J. hirtipes individuals. Leishmania parasites were confirmed as Leishmania (L.) killicki (syn. L. tropica) in two J. hirtipes individuals (4.3%) and L. major (n = 24; 52.2%) in 10 J. jaculus and 14 J. hirtipes individuals. This finding represents the first evidence of natural infection with Leishmania parasites in rodents belonging to the Jaculus genus, providing the rationale to consider them as potential reservoir hosts of Old World Leishmania parasites in Tunisia and North Africa.
Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of Novel Allobetulon/Allobetulin–Nucleoside Conjugates as AntitumorAgents
Authors: Wang Yanli , Huang Xiaowan , Zhang Xiao , Wang Jingchen , Li Keyan , Liu Guotao , Lu Kexin , Zhang Xiang , Xie Chengping , Zheng Teresa , Cheng Yung-Yi , Wang Qiang
Published: July 2022

Allobetulin is structurally similar tobetulinic acid, inducing the apoptosis of cancer cells with low toxicity. However, both of them exhibited weak antiproliferation against several tumor cell lines. Therefore, the new series of allobetulon/allobetulin–nucleoside conjugates 9a–10i were designed and synthesized for potency improvement. Compounds 9b, 9e, 10a, and 10d showed promising antiproliferative activity toward six tested cell lines, compared to zidovudine, cisplatin, and oxaliplatin based on their antitumor activity results. Among them, compound 10d exhibited much more potent antiproliferative activity against SMMC-7721, HepG2, MNK-45, SW620, and A549 human cancer cell lines than cisplatin and oxaliplatin. In the preliminary study for the mechanism of action, compound 10d induced cell apoptosis and autophagy in SMMC cells, resulting in antiproliferation and G0/G1 cell cycle arrest by regulating protein expression levels of Bax, Bcl-2, and LC3. Consequently, the nucleoside-conjugated allobetulin (10d) evidenced that nucleoside substitution was a viable strategy to improve allobetulin/allobetulon’s antitumor activity based on our present study.
Triphenylamine, Carbazole or Tetraphenylethylene-Functionalized Benzothiadiazole Derivatives: Aggregation-Induced Emission (AIE), Solvatochromic and Different Mechanoresponsive Fluorescence Characteristics
Authors: Yang Yue , Deng Diandian , Deng Xiaowen , Chen Zhao , Pu Shouzhi
Published: July 2022

The development of mechanochromic fluorophors with high-brightness, solid-state fluorescence is very significant and challenging. Herein, highly solid-state emissive triphenylamine, carbazole and tetraphenylethylene-functionalized benzothiadiazole derivatives were developed. These compounds showed remarkable aggregation-induced emission and solvatochromic fluorescence characteristics. Furthermore, these fluorogenic compounds also displayed different mechanically triggering fluorescence responses.
Effective Removal of Methylene Blue from Simulated Wastewater Using ZnO-Chitosan Nanocomposites: Optimization, Kinetics, and Isotherm Studies
Authors: Zango Zakariyya Uba , Dennis John Ojur , Aljameel A. I. , Usman Fahad , Ali Mohammed Khalil Mohammed , Abdulkadir Bashir Abubakar , Algessair Saja , Aldaghri Osamah A. , Ibnaouf Khalid Hassan
Published: July 2022

Successful synthesis of ZnO-chitosan nanocomposites was conducted for the removal of methylene blue from an aqueous medium. Remarkable performance of the nanocomposites was demonstrated for the effective uptake of the dye, thereby achieving 83.77, 93.78 and 97.93 mg g−1 for the chitosan, 5 wt.% ZnO-Chitosan and 10 wt.% ZnO-Chitosan, respectively. The corresponding adsorption efficiency was 88.77, 93.78 and 97.95 for the chitosan, 5 wt.% ZnO-Chitosan and 10 wt.% ZnO-Chitosan, respectively. Upon regeneration, good reusability of the nanocomposites was manifested for the continuous removal of the dye up to six consecutive cycles. The adsorption process was kinetically described by a pseudo-first order model, while the isotherms were best fitted by the Langmuir model.
NMR Assignments of Six Asymmetrical N-Nitrosamine Isomers Determined in an Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient by DFT Calculations
Authors: Guan Hao-Yue , Feng Yu-Fei , Sun Bai-Hao , Niu Jian-Zhao , Zhang Qing-Sheng
Published: July 2022

N-nitrosamines, which are well-known pro-mutagens, are found in drugs, pickled food and tobacco. Therefore, controlling their concentrations is very important. When an HPLC, GC or NMR analysis is conducted to investigate certain asymmetrical N-nitrosamines, two sets of signals attributed to the asymmetric N-nitrosamine isomers are usually observed. However, few reports on the NMR assignment of asymmetrical N-nitrosamine isomers have been published. In this study, we investigated the NMR assignments of the Z/E isomers of six asymmetrical N-nitrosamines by means of density functional theory (DFT) calculations. The configuration of the major isomer of asymmetrical N-nitrosamine 3 was the Z-configuration. The configuration of the major isomers of asymmetrical N-nitrosamines 4–7 was the E-configuration. Then, we determined the Z/E ratios of these asymmetrical N-nitrosamines by means of variable temperature (VT) and room temperature (RT) 1H-NMR experiments. The ratios of the Z/E isomer 3 quickly increased beyond 100% in the VT 1H NMR experiments. The ratios of Z/E isomers 4–7 were increased in the range of 10–60% in the VT 1H NMR experiments. The results of this study indicate that identifying the isomers of asymmetrical N-nitrosamine is necessary to control the quality of N-nitrosamines for active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs).
Development of Fenofibrate/Randomly Methylated β-Cyclodextrin-Loaded Eudragit® RL 100 Nanoparticles for Ocular Delivery
Authors: Khin Soe Yadanar , Soe Hay Man Saung Hnin , Chansriniyom Chaisak , Pornputtapong Natapol , Asasutjarit Rathapon , Loftsson Thorsteinn , Jansook Phatsawee
Published: July 2022

Fenofibrate (FE) has been shown to markedly reduce the progression of diabetic retinopathy and age-related macular degeneration in clinical trials and animal models. Owing to the limited aqueous solubility of FE, it may hamper ocular bioavailability and result in low efficiency to treat such diseases. To enhance the solubility of FE, water-soluble FE/cyclodextrin (CD) complex formation was determined by a phase-solubility technique. Randomly methylated-β-CD (RMβCD) exhibited the best solubility and the highest complexation efficiency (CE) for FE. Additionally, water-soluble polymers (i.e., hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose and polyvinyl alcohol [PVA]) enhanced the solubility of FE/RMβCD complexes. Solid- and solution-state characterizations were performed to elucidate and confirm the formation of inclusion FE/RMβCD complex. FE-loaded Eudragit® nanoparticle (EuNP) dispersions and suspensions were developed. The physicochemical properties (i.e., pH, osmolality, viscosity, particle size, size distribution, and zeta potential) were within acceptable ranges. Moreover, in vitro mucoadhesion, in vitro release, and in vitro permeation studies revealed that the FE-loaded EuNP eye drop suspensions had excellent mucoadhesive properties and sustained FE release. The hemolytic activity, hen’s egg test on chorioallantoic membrane assay, and in vitro cytotoxicity test showed that the FE formulations had low hemolytic activity, were cytocompatible, and were moderately irritable to the eyes. In conclusion, PVA-stabilized FE/RMβCD-loaded EuNP eye drop suspensions were successfully developed, warranting further in vivo testing.
Halogenated Flavonoid Derivatives Display Antiangiogenic Activity
Authors: Khater Mai , Watson Kimberly A. , Boateng Samuel Y. , Greco Francesca , Osborn Helen M. I.
Published: July 2022

Antiangiogenic agents attenuate tumours’ growth and metastases and are therefore beneficial as an adjuvant or standalone cancer regimen. Drugs with dual antiproliferative and antiangiogenic activities can achieve anticancer efficacy and overcome acquired resistance. In this study, synthetic flavones (5a,b) with reported anticancer activity, and derivatives (4b and 6a), exhibited significant inhibition of endothelial cell tube formation (40–55%, 12 h) at 1 µM, which is comparable to sunitinib (50% inhibition at 1 µM, 48 h). Flavones (4b, 5a,b and 6a) also showed 25–37% reduction in HUVECs migration at 10 µM. In a Western blotting assay, 5a and 5b subdued VEGFR2 phosphorylation by 37% and 57%, respectively, suggesting that VEGFR2 may be their main antiangiogenic target. 5b displayed the best docking fit with VEGFR2 in an in silico study, followed by 5a, emphasizing the importance of the 7-hydroxyl group accompanied by a 4−C=S for activity. Conversely, derivatives with a 4-carbonyl moiety fitted poorly into the target’s binding pocket, suggesting that their antiangiogenic activity depends on a different target. This study provides valuable insight into the Structure Activity Relationships (SAR) and modes of action of halogenated flavones with VEGFR2 and highlights their therapeutic potential as antiangiogenic/anticancer lead compounds.
Lipoprotein Subclasses Independently Contribute to Subclinical Variance of Microvascular and Macrovascular Health
Authors: Streese Lukas , Habisch Hansjörg , Deiseroth Arne , Carrard Justin , Infanger Denis , Schmidt-Trucksäss Arno , Madl Tobias , Hanssen Henner
Published: July 2022

Lipoproteins are important cardiovascular (CV) risk biomarkers. This study aimed to investigate the associations of lipoprotein subclasses with micro- and macrovascular biomarkers to better understand how these subclasses relate to atherosclerotic CV diseases. One hundred and fifty-eight serum samples from the EXAMIN AGE study, consisting of healthy individuals and CV risk patients, were analysed with nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy to quantify lipoprotein subclasses. Microvascular health was quantified by measuring retinal arteriolar and venular diameters. Macrovascular health was quantified by measuring carotid-to-femoral pulse wave velocity (PWV). Nineteen lipoprotein subclasses showed statistically significant associations with retinal vessel diameters and nine with PWV. These lipoprotein subclasses together explained up to 26% of variation (R2 = 0.26, F(29,121) = 2.80, p < 0.001) in micro- and 12% (R2 = 0.12, F(29,124) = 1.70, p = 0.025) of variation in macrovascular health. High-density (HDL-C) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) as well as triglycerides together explained up to 13% (R2 = 0.13, F(3143) = 8.42, p < 0.001) of micro- and 8% (R2 = 0.08, F(3145) = 5.46, p = 0.001) of macrovascular variation. Lipoprotein subclasses seem to reflect micro- and macrovascular end organ damage more precisely as compared to only measuring HDL-C, LDL-C and triglycerides. Further studies are needed to analyse how the additional quantification of lipoprotein subclasses can improve CV risk stratification and CV disease prediction.
An Intramolecular Hydroaminomethylation-Based Approach to Pyrrolizidine Alkaloids under Microwave-Assisted Heating
Authors: Petricci Elena , Zurzolo Simone , Matassini Camilla , Maramai Samuele , Cardona Francesca , Goti Andrea , Taddei Maurizio
Published: July 2022

A general method for the synthesis of pyrrolizidine derivatives using an intramolecular hydroaminomethylation protocol (HAM) under microwave (MW) dielectric heating is reported. Starting from a 3,4-bis(benzyloxy)-2-[(benzyloxy)methyl]-5-vinylpyrrolidine, MW-assisted intramolecular HAM in the presence of gaseous H2 and CO gave the natural alkaloid hyacinthacine A2 protected as benzyl ether. The same approach gave a lentiginosine analogue starting from the corresponding vinyl N-hydroxypyrrolidine. The nature of the reaction products and the yields were strongly influenced by the relative stereochemistry of the starting pyrrolidines, as well as by the catalyst/ligand employed. The use of ethanol as a solvent provides environmentally friendly conditions, while the ligand/catalyst system can be recovered by separating the alkaloid product with an SCX column and recycling the ethanolic solution. HAM worked up to three times with the recycled catalyst solution without any significant impact on yield.
Elecampane (Inula helenium) Root Extract and Its Major Sesquiterpene Lactone, Alantolactone, Inhibit Adipogenesis of 3T3-L1 Preadipocytes
Authors: Jung Yeon-Seop , Jeong Yun-Jeong , Kim Joung-Hee , Jeon Chang-Hwan , Lee Syng-Ook
Published: July 2022

Recent studies have shown that Nur77 and AMPKα play an important role in regulating adipogenesis and isoalantolactone (ISO) dual-targeting AMPKα and Nur77 inhibits adipogenesis. In this study, we hypothesized that Inula helenium (elecampane) root extract (IHE), which contains two sesquiterpene lactones, alantolactone (ALA) and ISO, as major compounds, might inhibit adipogenesis. Here, we found that ALA and IHE simultaneously target AMPKα and Nur77 and inhibited adipogenic differentiation of 3T3-L1 cells, accompanied by the decreased expression of adipocyte markers. Further mechanistic studies demonstrated that IHE shares similar mechanisms of action with ISO that reduce mitotic clonal expansion during the early phase of adipogenic differentiation and decrease expression of cell cycle regulators. These results suggest that IHE inhibits adipogenesis, in part, through co-regulation of AMPKα and Nur77, and has potential as a therapeutic option for obesity and related metabolic dysfunction.
Body Composition and “Catch-Up” Fat Growth in Healthy Small for Gestational Age Preterm Infants and Neurodevelopmental Outcomes
Authors: Lach Laura E. , Chetta Katherine E. , Ruddy-Humphries Amy L. , Ebeling Myla D. , Gregoski Mathew J. , Katikaneni Lakshmi D.
Published: July 2022

To examine the growth and body composition of small for gestational age (SGA) and appropriate for gestational age (AGA) very low birth weight infants (VLBW) and their outpatient neurodevelopmental outcomes. From 2006–2012, VLBW infants (n = 57 of 92) admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) had serial air displacement plethysmography (ADP) scans and were followed as outpatients. Serial developmental testing (CAT/CLAMS, Peabody Gross Motor Scales) and anthropometrics were obtained from n = 37 infants (29 AGA and 8 SGA) and analyzed via repeated measures analyses of variances. The percentage of body fat, percentage of lean mass, and weight gain were statistically significant between SGA and AGA groups at the first ADP assessment. There was no difference between the two groups in outpatient neurodevelopmental testing. Weight gain as “catch-up” body fat accrual occurs by 67 weeks of PMA. This catch-up growth is associated with normal SGA preterm neurodevelopment as compared to AGA preterm infants.
Potential Role of Biocontrol Agents for Sustainable Management of Fungal Pathogens Causing Canker and Fruit Rot of Pistachio in Italy
Authors: Gusella Giorgio , Vitale Alessandro , Polizzi Giancarlo
Published: July 2022

Pistachio (Pistacia vera) is an important Mediterranean crop. In Italy, pistachio is cultivated in the southern regions, of which Sicily is the main production area. Recently, the phytopathological situation of this crop has started to be updated, and new diseases have been discovered, studied, and reported. Botryosphaeriaceae spp. and Leptosillia pistaciae are major canker/rot pathogens, and Cytospora pistaciae and Eutypa lata have been reported as minor canker pathogens. In this paper, we evaluated different biological control agents, belonging to Trichoderma asperellum, T. atroviride and T. harzianum, as well as some Bacillus amyloliquefaciens strains, against above-mentioned pathogens. Results of dual culture assays showed that all the biological products, both fungi and bacteria, were able to inhibit the mycelial growth of the pathogens in vitro. Experiments using detached twigs showed no effect of biocontrol agents in reducing infections, except for Neofusicoccum hellenicum treated with T. harzianum T22 and Leptosillia pistaciae treated with B. amyloliquefaciens D747. Results of detached fruit experiments showed an efficacy ranging from 32.5 to 66.9% of all the biological products in reducing the lesions caused by N. mediterraneum. This study provides basic information for future research on biological control of pistachio diseases and future prospects for search of more effective biological control agents for canker diseases than those studied here.
Matrix Metalloproteinase 2 as a Pharmacological Target in Heart Failure
Authors: Gonçalves Pricila Rodrigues , Nascimento Lisandra Duarte , Gerlach Raquel Fernanda , Rodrigues Keuri Eleutério , Prado Alejandro Ferraz
Published: July 2022

Heart failure (HF) is an acute or chronic clinical syndrome that results in a decrease in cardiac output and an increase in intracardiac pressure at rest or upon exertion. The pathophysiology of HF is heterogeneous and results from an initial harmful event in the heart that promotes neurohormonal changes such as autonomic dysfunction and activation of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, endothelial dysfunction, and inflammation. Cardiac remodeling occurs, which is associated with degradation and disorganized synthesis of extracellular matrix (ECM) components that are controlled by ECM metalloproteinases (MMPs). MMP-2 is part of this group of proteases, which are classified as gelatinases and are constituents of the heart. MMP-2 is considered a biomarker of patients with HF with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) or preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). The role of MMP-2 in the development of cardiac injury and dysfunction has clearly been demonstrated in animal models of cardiac ischemia, transgenic models that overexpress MMP-2, and knockout models for this protease. New research to minimize cardiac structural and functional alterations using non-selective and selective inhibitors for MMP-2 demonstrates that this protease could be used as a possible pharmacological target in the treatment of HF.
Detection of a Spinning Object at Different Beam Sizes Based on the Optical Rotational Doppler Effect
Authors: Qiu Song , Tang Ruoyu , Zhu Xiangyang , Liu Tong , Ren Yuan
Published: July 2022

The rotational Doppler effect (RDE), as a counterpart of the conventional well-known linear Doppler effect in the rotating frame, has attracted increasing attention in recent years for rotating object detection. However, the effect of the beam size on the RDE is still an open question. In this article, we investigated the influence of the size of the probe light; i.e., the size of the ring-shaped orbital angular momentum (OAM)-carrying optical vortex (OV), on the RDE. Both the light coaxial and noncoaxial incident conditions were considered in our work. We analyzed the mechanism of the influence on the RDE under the light coaxial, lateral misalignment, and oblique incidence conditions based on the small-scatterer model. A proof-of-concept experiment was performed to verify the theoretical predictions. It was shown that both the signal-to-noise ratio and the frequency spectrum width were related to the OV size. The larger the beam size, the stronger the RDE signal observed in the practical detection. Especially in the lateral misalignment condition, the large OV size effectively reduced the signal spreading and enhanced the signal strength. These findings may be useful for practical application of the optical RDE in remote sensing and metrology.
A Hybrid Approach to Tea Crop Yield Prediction Using Simulation Models and Machine Learning
Authors: Batool Dania , Shahbaz Muhammad , Shahzad Asif Hafiz , Shaukat Kamran , Alam Talha Mahboob , Hameed Ibrahim A. , Ramzan Zeeshan , Waheed Abdul , Aljuaid Hanan , Luo Suhuai
Published: July 2022

Tea (Camellia sinensis L.) is one of the most highly consumed beverages globally after water. Several countries import large quantities of tea from other countries to meet domestic needs. Therefore, accurate and timely prediction of tea yield is critical. The previous studies used statistical, deep learning, and machine learning techniques for tea yield prediction, but crop simulation models have not yet been used. However, the calibration of a simulation model for tea yield prediction and the comparison of these approaches is needed regarding the different data types. This research study aims to provide a comparative study of the methods for tea yield prediction using the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations AquaCrop simulation model and machine learning techniques. We employed weather, soil, crop, and agro-management data from 2016 to 2019 acquired from tea fields of the National Tea and High-Value Crop Research Institute (NTHRI), Pakistan, to calibrate the AquaCrop simulation model and to train regression algorithms. We achieved a mean absolute error (MAE) of 0.45 t/ha, a mean squared error (MSE) of 0.23 t/ha, and a root mean square error (RMSE) of 0.48 t/ha in the calibration of the AquaCrop model and, out of the ten regression models, we achieved the lowest MAE of 0.093 t/ha, MSE of 0.015 t/ha, and RMSE of 0.120 t/ha using 10-fold cross-validation and MAE of 0.123 t/ha, MSE of 0.024 t/ha, and RMSE of 0.154 t/ha using the XGBoost regressor with train test split. We concluded that the machine learning regression algorithm performed better in yield prediction using fewer data than the simulation model. This study provides a technique to improve tea yield prediction by combining different data sources using a crop simulation model and machine learning algorithms.
Occurrence of Bensulfuron-Methyl Resistance and Target-Site Resistance Mechanisms in Ammannia auriculata Biotypes from Paddy Fields
Authors: Liu Longwei , Wan Peng , Li Yang , Duan Zhiwen , Peng Cheng , Yuan Shuzhong , Deng Wei
Published: July 2022

Ammanniaauriculata is a troublesome broadleaf weed, widely distributed in the paddy fields of southern China. In this study, 10 biotypes of A. auriculata were sampled from Yangzhou City, China, where the paddy fields were seriously infested with A. auriculata, and their resistance levels to acetolactate synthase (ALS) inhibitor bensulfuron-methyl were determined. The whole-plant response assays showed that nine A. auriculata biotypes were highly resistant (from 16.4- to 183.1-fold) to bensulfuron-methyl in comparison with a susceptible YZ-S biotype, and only one YZ-6 biotype was susceptible. ALS gene sequencing revealed that three ALS gene copies existed in A. auriculata, and four different amino acid substitutions (Pro197-Leu, -Ala, -Ser, and -His) at site 197 in the AaALS1 or 2 genes were found in eight resistant biotypes. In addition, no amino acid mutations in three ALS genes were found in the YZ-3 biotype. These results suggested that target-site mutations or non-target-site resistance mechanisms were involved in tested resistant A. auriculata biotypes. Finally, a cleaved amplified polymorphic sequence (CAPS) marker was identified to rapidly detect the Pro197 mutations in A. auriculata.
Genome-Wide Identification of R2R3-MYB Transcription Factor and Expression Analysis under Abiotic Stress in Rice
Authors: Kang Lihua , Teng Yangyang , Cen Qiwen , Fang Yunxia , Tian Quanxiang , Zhang Xiaoqin , Wang Hua , Zhang Xian , Xue Dawei
Published: July 2022

The myeloblastosis (MYB) family comprises a large group of transcription factors (TFs) that has a variety of functions. Among them, the R2R3-MYB type of proteins are the largest group in plants, which are involved in controlling various biological processes such as plant growth and development, physiological metabolism, defense, and responses to abiotic and biotic stresses. In this study, bioinformatics was adopted to conduct genome-wide identification of the R2R3-MYB TFs in rice. We identified 190 MYB TFs (99 R2R3-MYBs), which are unevenly distributed on the 12 chromosomes of rice. Based on the phylogenetic clustering and protein sequence characteristics, OsMYBs were classified into five subgroups, and 59.6% of the Os2R_MYB genes contained two introns. Analysis of cis-acting elements in the 2000 bp upstream region of Os2R_MYB genes showed that all Os2R_MYB genes contained plant hormones-related or stress-responsive elements since 91.9%, 79.8%, 79.8%, and 58.6% of Os2R_MYB genes contain ABRE, TGACG, CGTCA, and MBS motifs, respectively. Protein–protein network analysis showed that the Os2R_MYBs were involved in metabolic process, biosynthetic process, and tissue development. In addition, some genes showed a tissue-specific or developmental-stage-specific expression pattern. Moreover, the transcription levels of 20 Os2R_MYB genes under polyethylene glycol (PEG) and cadmium chloride (CdCl2) stress inducers were dissected by qRT-PCR. The results indicated genes with an altered expression upon PEG or CdCl2 stress induction. These results potentially supply a basis for further research on the role that Os2R_MYB genes play in plant development and stress responses.
Factors Affecting the Analytical Performance of Magnetic Molecularly Imprinted Polymers
Authors: Zamruddin Nur Masyithah , Herman Herman , Rijai Laode , Hasanah Aliya Nur
Published: July 2022

During the last few years, separation techniques using molecular imprinting polymers (MIPs) have been developed, making certain improvements using magnetic properties. Compared to MIP, Magnetic molecularly imprinted polymers (MMIPs) have high selectivity in sample pre-treatment and allow for fast and easy isolation of the target analyte. Its magnetic properties and good extraction performance depend on the MMIP synthesis step, which consists of 4 steps, namely magnetite manufacture, magnetic coating using modified components, polymerization and template desorption. This review discusses the factors that will affect the performance of MMIP as a selective sorbent at each stage. MMIP, using Fe3O4 as a magnetite core, showed strong superparamagnetism; it was prepared using the co-precipitation method using FeCl3·6H2O and FeCl2·H2O to obtain high magnetic properties, using NH4OH solution added for higher crystallinity. In magnetite synthesis, the use of a higher temperature and reaction time will result in a larger nanoparticle size and high magnetization saturation, while a higher pH value will result in a smaller particle size. In the modification step, the use of high amounts of oleic acid results in smaller nanoparticles; furthermore, determining the correct molar ratio between FeCl3 and the shielding agent will also result in smaller particles. The next factor is that the proper ratio of functional monomer, cross-linker and solvent will improve printing efficiency. Thus, it will produce MMIP with high selectivity in sample pre-treatment.
Effect of High-Pressure Processing on the Packaging Properties of Biopolymer-Based Films: A Review
Authors: Hoque Monjurul , McDonagh Ciara , Tiwari Brijesh K. , Kerry Joseph P. , Pathania Shivani
Published: July 2022

Suitable packaging material in combination with high-pressure processing (HPP) can retain nutritional and organoleptic qualities besides extending the product’s shelf life of food products. However, the selection of appropriate packaging materials suitable for HPP is tremendously important because harsh environments like high pressure and high temperature during the processing can result in deviation in the visual and functional properties of the packaging materials. Traditionally, fossil-based plastic packaging is preferred for the HPP of food products, but these materials are of serious concern to the environment. Therefore, bio-based packaging systems are proposed to be a promising alternative to fossil-based plastic packaging. Some studies have scrutinized the impact of HPP on the functional properties of biopolymer-based packaging materials. This review summarizes the HPP application on biopolymer-based film-forming solutions and pre-formed biopolymer-based films. The impact of HPP on the key packaging properties such as structural, mechanical, thermal, and barrier properties in addition to the migration of additives from the packaging material into food products were systemically analyzed. HPP can be applied either to the film-forming solution or preformed packages. Structural, mechanical, hydrophobic, barrier, and thermal characteristics of the films are enhanced when the film-forming solution is exposed to HPP overcoming the shortcomings of the native biopolymers-based film. Also, biopolymer-based packaging mostly PLA based when exposed to HPP at low temperature showed no significant deviation in packaging properties indicating the suitability of their applications. HPP may induce the migration of packaging additives and thus should be thoroughly studied. Overall, HPP can be one way to enhance the properties of biopolymer-based films and can also be used for packaging food materials intended for HPP.
Simultaneous Removal of SO2 and NO by O3 Oxidation Combined with Seawater as Absorbent
Authors: Wang Yuanqing , Zhang Guichen , Su Juan
Published: July 2022

Aiming at NOx (NO 90%, NO2 10%) and SO2 in simulated vessel emissions, denitration and desulfurization were studied through ozone oxidation combined with seawater as absorbent. Specifically, the different influencing factors of denitration and desulfurization were analyzed. The results indicated that the oxidation efficiency of NO can reach over 90% when the molar ratio of O3/NO is 1.2. Ozone oxidation and seawater washing in the same unit can decrease the temperature of ozone oxidation of NO, avoid high temperature ozone decomposition, and enhance the oxidation efficiency of NO. When NO inlet initial concentration is lower than 800 ppm, the NOx removal efficiency can be improved by increasing NO inlet concentration, and when NO inlet initial concentration is greater than 800 ppm, increasing the concentration of NO would decrease the NOx removal efficiency. Increasing the inlet concentration of SO2 has minor effect on desulfurization, but slightly reduces the absorption efficiency of NOx due to the competition of SO2 and NOx in the absorption solution. Besides, final products (NO2−, NO3−, SO32−, and SO42−) were analyzed by the ion chromatography.
An Improved Aquila Optimizer Based on Search Control Factor and Mutations
Authors: Gao Bo , Shi Yuan , Xu Fengqiu , Xu Xianze
Published: July 2022

The Aquila Optimizer (AO) algorithm is a meta-heuristic algorithm with excellent performance, although it may be insufficient or tend to fall into local optima as as the complexity of real-world optimization problems increases. To overcome the shortcomings of AO, we propose an improved Aquila Optimizer algorithm (IAO) which improves the original AO algorithm via three strategies. First, in order to improve the optimization process, we introduce a search control factor (SCF) in which the absolute value decreasing as the iteration progresses, improving the hunting strategies of AO. Second, the random opposition-based learning (ROBL) strategy is added to enhance the algorithm’s exploitation ability. Finally, the Gaussian mutation (GM) strategy is applied to improve the exploration phase. To evaluate the optimization performance, the IAO was estimated on 23 benchmark and CEC2019 test functions. Finally, four real-world engineering problems were used. From the experimental results in comparison with AO and well-known algorithms, the superiority of our proposed IAO is validated.
Numerical Simulation on Hydraulic Fracture Height Growth across Layered Elastic–Plastic Shale Oil Reservoirs
Authors: Zeng Hao , Jin Yan , Wang Daobing , Yu Bo , Zhang Wei
Published: July 2022

Shale oil reservoirs are characterized by having various types of vertical sublayers, a large contrast in rock mechanical properties, well-developed bedding, and high clay content, which are likely to cause rock elastic–plastic deformation. In numerical simulations of hydraulic fracture (HF) propagation in the shale oil reservoirs, the effects of rock elastic–plastic deformation and complex bedding structure on the layer-crossing behavior of HF are not considered. To understand the mechanism of HF height growth in shale oil reservoirs, we used the cohesive zone method to establish an elastic–plastic finite element model of HF propagation by considering the effects of shell limestone interlayers, the Mohr–Coulomb yield criterion for shear–plastic failure, the cross-mechanical interaction between bedding and shale oil reservoir, and the complex situations such as the HF height across high-electrical resistivity bedding and high-conductivity fractures. The effects of internal friction angle, cohesion, layer stress contrast, fracture toughness, bedding bond strength, injection rate, elastic modulus, and bedding shear strength on HF height growth in shale oil reservoirs are studied, and the characteristics of HF width profile, injection pressure, failure mode, and maximum HF width are compared. Compared with the layer stress contrast, cohesion, internal friction angle, and fracture toughness, the injection rate, elastic modulus, and bedding shear strength and bond strength have a larger effect on the vertical HF width. Increment of the injection rate, decrease of the elastic modulus, and increment of the bedding shear strength and bond strength are favorable for HF height growth in the shale oil reservoir. As rock cohesion and internal friction angle increase, the HF width decreases. At the initial stage of fracturing fluid injection, the maximum HF height and injection pressure fluctuate. Lower cohesion and internal friction angle promote rock shear failure in HF height growth. Our study provides guidance for the stimulation of fracture crossing layers in the shale oil reservoirs.
Comparative Insights into the Antimicrobial, Antioxidant, and Nutritional Potential of the Solanum nigrum Complex
Authors: Mohyuddin Ayesha , Kurniawan Tonni Agustiono , Khan Zaheer-ud-din , Nadeem Sohail , Javed Mohsin , Dera Ayed A. , Iqbal Shahid , Awwad Nasser S. , Ibrahium Hala A. , Abourehab Mohammed A. S. , Rabea Sameh , Elkaeed Eslam B. , Asghar Muhammad Nadeem , Saeed Shagufta
Published: July 2022

Solanum nigrum is a traditional medicinal plant renowned as a cure for many diseases due to the presence of bioactive compounds. The Solanum nigrum complex refers to a group of more than 30 closely related but morphologically distinct taxa. Five indigenous taxa of this complex were investigated for their medicinal potential by using methanolic extracts. The efficacy of each plant was different for each of the seven bacteria studied. On comparing the MIC values, S. americanum was found to be most potent against Bacillus licheniformis (34 µg/mL), S. chenopodioides against Escherichia coli (78 µg/mL), S. nigrum against Bacillus licheniformis (49 µg/mL) and Escherichia coli (49 µg/mL), S. retroflexum against Escherichia coli (30 µg/mL), and S. villosum against Proteus mirabilis (45 µg/mL). The extracts were also subjected to six antioxidant assays. Moderate scavenging activity was observed by all plants in the DPPH free radical assay, but S. chenopodioides was the most effective. The total phenolic contents of the five plants were comparable, but the gallic acid equivalents of S. americanum and S. nigrum were the highest (26.58 mg/100 g GAE). The highest Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity was observed for S. retroflexum, with the ABTS assay giving a TEAC value of 33.88 mM/100 g of dry weight. Metal-chelating activity against Fe2+ was observed to be highest for S. chenopodioides (70.37%). The FRAP value of S. nigrum was the highest (8.5 mM FeSO4·7H2O) among all taxa. The lipid peroxidation trend was very similar for all five samples. The results suggest the specified medicinal use of different members of the Solanum nigrum complex, which will also have significant nutritional value.
Modal Analysis on MVG Controlled Supersonic Flow at Different Mach Numbers
Authors: Yang Yong , Yan Yonghua , Chen Caixia , Wu Qingquan , Kwembe Tor A. , Wu Ryan
Published: July 2022

Modal analysis on micro-vortex generator (MVG)-controlled supersonic flow at different Mach numbers is performed in this paper. The purpose of this investigation is to clarify the different properties of streamwise and ring-like vortical modes, and the effects of different Mach numbers on these modes, to further understand the vortical structures as they travel from MVG down to the shock wave/boundary-layer interaction (SWBLI) region. To this end, a high order and high resolution large eddy simulation (LES) was carried out, which identified the vortical structures behind the MVG and in the shock wave/boundary-layer interaction (SWBLI) region in the supersonic ramp flow with flow speeds of three different Mach numbers 1.5, 2.0, and 2.5. The proper orthogonal decomposition (POD) then was adopted to investigate the modes of the fluctuation flow field. It emerged that the streamwise and ring-like vortical modes were disparate in energy distribution, structural order, frequency and amplitude. Furthermore, it showed that as the Mach number increased, the energy of the streamwise modes increased while the opposite was true for ring-like modes; and the streamwise modal structures were altered more significantly than the ring-like modes, and the frequency of each mode scarcely varied. It was also found that the streamwise vortices absorbed energy from the ring-like vortices while they traveled from the MVG down to the SWBLI region, but the dominant frequency of each mode rarely changed during this process.