bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Differential Effect of Three Macrolide Antibiotics on Cardiac Pathology and Electrophysiology in a Myocardial Infarction Rat Model: Influence on Sodium Nav1.5 Channel Expression
Authors: Farag Noha E. , El-Kherbetawy Mohamed K. , Ismail Hussein M. , Abdelrady Ahmed M. , Toraih Eman A. , Abdelbasset Walid Kamal , Lashine Rehab M. , EL-dosoky Mohammed , Abed Sally Yussef , Ibraheem Khalid M. , Fawzy Manal S. , Zaitone Sawsan A.
Published: June 2021

Macrolides were reported to have cardiotoxic effects presented mainly by electrocardiogram (ECG) changes with increased risk in cardiac patients. We aimed to determine the impact of three macrolides, azithromycin, clarithromycin and erythromycin, on cardiac electrophysiology, cardiac enzyme activities, histopathological changes, and sodium voltage-gated alpha subunit 5 (Nav1.5) channel expression. We used eight experimental groups of male albino rats: vehicle, azithromycin (100 mg/kg), clarithromycin (100 mg/kg), erythromycin (100 mg/kg), MI + vehicle, MI + azithromycin (100 mg/kg), MI + clarithromycin (100 mg/kg) and MI + erythromycin (100 mg/kg); each group received chronic oral doses of the vehicle/drugs for seven weeks. ECG abnormalities and elevated serum cardiac enzymes were observed particularly in rats with AMI compared to healthy rats. Microscopic examination revealed elevated pathology scores for rats treated with clarithromycin in both experiments following treatment with erythromycin in healthy rats. Although rats with MI did not show further elevations in fibrosis score on treatment with macrolides, they produced significant fibrosis in healthy rats. Downregulation of cardiac Nav1.5 transcript was observed following macrolides treatment in both groups (healthy rats and rats with MI). In conclusion, the current findings suggested the potential cardiotoxic effects of chronic doses of macrolide antibiotics in rats with MI as manifested by abnormal ECG changes and pathological findings in addition to downregulation of Nav1.5 channels. Furthermore, in the current dose ranges, azithromycin produced the least toxicity compared to clarithromycin and erythromycin.
Cell Death and Transcriptional Responses Induced in Larvae of the Nematode Haemonchus contortus by Toxins/Toxicants with Broad Phylogenetic Efficacy
Authors: Jasmer Douglas P. , Rosa Bruce A. , Mitreva Makedonka
Published: June 2021

Establishing methods to investigate treatments that induce cell death in parasitic nematodes will promote experimental approaches to elucidate mechanisms and to identify prospective anthelmintics capable of inducing this outcome. Here, we extended recent progress on a method to monitor cell death and to identify small molecule inhibitors in Ascaris suum to Haemonchus contortus, a phylogenetically distant parasitic nematode of significance for both human and agricultural animal health. We utilized a diverse group of small molecule inhibitors referred to as nematode intestinal toxins/toxicants (NITs) coupled with motility, cytological and cell death assays to resolve gross effects on motility and individual cells and organ systems of two H. contortus larval stages in culture. Early transcriptional response evaluation identified NIT-responsive genes and pathways. The scope of death among cells in larvae varied among NITs but shared patterns with A. suum, despite the approach having some limitations due to characteristics of H. contortus larvae. Gene response patterns varied among NITs tested and provided information on the cell targets and pathways affected. Experimental NIT assays provide tools capable of inducing cell death in larval stages of parasitic nematodes, and can resolve many individual cells and organ systems in which cell death can be induced.
Fully Automated GMP-Compliant Synthesis of [18F]FE-PE2I
Authors: Bratteby Klas , Denholt Charlotte Lund , Lehel Szabolcs , Petersen Ida Nymann , Madsen Jacob , Erlandsson Maria , Ohlsson Tomas , Herth Matthias Manfred , Gillings Nic
Published: June 2021

In the struggle to understand and accurately diagnose Parkinson′s disease, radiopharmaceuticals and medical imaging techniques have played a major role. By being able to image and quantify the dopamine transporter density, noninvasive diagnostic imaging has become the gold standard. In the shift from the first generation of SPECT tracers, the fluorine-18-labeled tracer [18F]FE-PE2I has emerged as the agent of choice for many physicians. However, implementing suitable synthesis for the production of [18F]FE-PE2I has proved more challenging than expected. Through a thorough analysis of the relevant factors affecting the final radiochemical yield, we were able to implement high-yielding fully automated GMP-compliant synthesis of [18F]FE-PE2I on a Synthera®+ platform. By reaching RCYs up to 62%, it allowed us to isolate 25 GBq of the formulated product, and an optimized formulation resulted in the shelf life of 6 h, satisfying the increased demand for this radiopharmaceutical.
Photodynamic Therapy Combined with Antibiotics or Antifungals against Microorganisms That Cause Skin and Soft Tissue Infections: A Planktonic and Biofilm Approach to Overcome Resistances
Authors: Pérez-Laguna Vanesa , García-Luque Isabel , Ballesta Sofía , Rezusta Antonio , Gilaberte Yolanda
Published: June 2021

The present review covers combination approaches of antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) plus antibiotics or antifungals to attack bacteria and fungi in vitro (both planktonic and biofilm forms) focused on those microorganisms that cause infections in skin and soft tissues. The combination can prevent failure in the fight against these microorganisms: antimicrobial drugs can increase the susceptibility of microorganisms to aPDT and prevent the possibility of regrowth of those that were not inactivated during the irradiation; meanwhile, aPDT is effective regardless of the resistance pattern of the strain and their use does not contribute to the selection of antimicrobial resistance. Additive or synergistic antimicrobial effects in vitro are evaluated and the best combinations are presented. The use of combined treatment of aPDT with antimicrobials could help overcome the difficulty of fighting high level of resistance microorganisms and, as it is a multi-target approach, it could make the selection of resistant microorganisms more difficult.
Identification of SARS-CoV-2 E Channel Blockers from a Repurposed Drug Library
Authors: Tomar Prabhat Pratap Singh , Krugliak Miriam , Arkin Isaiah T.
Published: June 2021

SARS-CoV-2, the etiological agent of the COVID-19 pandemic, is a member of the Coronaviridae family. It is an enveloped virus with ion channels in its membrane, the most characterized of which is the E protein. Therefore, in an attempt to identify blockers of the E channel, we screened a library of 2839 approved-for-human-use drugs. Our approach yielded eight compounds that exhibited appreciable activity in three bacteria-based channel assays. Considering the fact that the E channel is the most conserved of all SARS-CoV-2 proteins, any inhibitor of its activity may provide an option to curb the viral spread. In addition, inhibitors can also enhance our ability to understand the exact role played by the E protein during the infectivity cycle. Finally, detailed electrophysiological analyses, alongside in vitro and in vivo studies will be needed to establish the exact potential of each of the blockers identified in our study.
Investigating In Vitro and Ex Vivo Properties of Artemether/Lumefantrine Double-Fixed Dose Combination Lipid Matrix Tablets Prepared by Hot Fusion
Authors: Wilkins Christi A. , du Plessis Lissinda H. , Viljoen Joe M.
Published: June 2021

Highly lipophilic antimalarial drugs, artemether and lumefantrine, whilst an effective fixed-dose combination treatment to lower the malarial disease burden, are therapeutically hindered by low aqueous solubility and varied bioavailability. This work investigates the plausibility of directly compressed lipid matrix tablets, their role as lipid-based formulations and their future standing as drug delivery systems. Lipid matrix tablets were manufactured from solid lipid dispersions in various lipid:drug ratios employing hot fusion—the melt mixing of highly lipophilic drugs with polymer(s). Sequential biorelevant dissolution media, multiple mathematical models and ex vivo analysis utilizing porcine tissue samples were employed to assess drug release kinetics and more accurately predict in vitro performance. Directly compressed stearic acid tablets in a 0.5:1 lipid:drug ratio were deemed optimal within investigated parameters. Biorelevant media was of immense value for artemether release analysis, with formulation SA0.5C1 (Stearic Acid:double fixed dose in a 0.5:1 ratio (i.e., Stearic acid 70 mg + Lumefantrine 120 mg + Artemether 20 mg); CombiLac® as filler (q.s.); and 1% w/w magnesium stearate) yielding a higher percentage of artemether release (97.21%) than the commercially available product, Coartem® (86.12%). However, dissolution media lacked the specificity to detect lumefantrine. Nonetheless, stearic acid lipid:drug ratios governed drug release mechanisms. This work demonstrates the successful utilization of lipids as pharmaceutical excipients, particularly in the formulation of lipid matrix tablets to augment the dissolution of highly lipophilic drugs, and could thus potentially improve current malarial treatment regimens.
Effect of Protoberberine-Rich Fraction of Chelidonium majus L. on Endometriosis Regression
Authors: Warowicka Alicja , Qasem Badr , Dera-Szymanowska Anna , Wołuń-Cholewa Maria , Florczak Patryk , Horst Nikodem , Napierała Marta , Szymanowski Krzysztof , Popenda Łukasz , Bartkowiak Grażyna , Florek Ewa , Goździcka-Józefiak Anna , Młynarz Piotr
Published: June 2021

Endometriosis is a gynecological disease defined by the presence of endometrial tissue outside the uterus. To date, the effective treatment of this disease is still based on invasive surgery or laparoscopy. Chelidonium majus L. (Papaveraceae) belongs to medicinal, latex-bearing plants. Extracts from the plant are a rich source of pharmacologically active agents. Protoberberine compounds derived from C. majus possess anticancer and antiproliferative activities. In the present study of a rat model of endometriosis, we investigated the influence of the plant protoberberine-rich fraction (BBR) obtained from the medicinal plant C. majus on the development of endometriosis. To understand of BBR therapeutic potential for endometriosis, metabolomics has been applied to study. BBR was prepared from an ethanolic extract of dry plants C. majus. Rats (n = 16) with confirmed endometriosis were treated with BBR administered orally (1 g/kg) for 14 days. Blood serum samples were collected from all of the animals and metabolites were studied using the NMR method. The metabolomic pattern was compared before and after the protoberberine treatment. The performed analysis showed significant changes in the concentrations of metabolites that are involved in energy homeostasis, including glucose, glutamine, and lactate. Histopathological studies showed no recurrence of endometriosis loci after treatment with BBR. The results of the study found that BBR treatment prevents the recurrence of endometriosis in rats. Moreover, metabolomics profiling can be applied to better understand the mechanisms of action of these protoberberine secondary plant metabolites. Our findings provide new insights into the pharmaceutical activity of natural protoberberine plant compounds.
Insights into the Control of Drug Release from Complex Immediate Release Formulations
Authors: Dong Runqiao , DiNunzio James C. , Regler Brian P. , Wasylaschuk Walter , Socia Adam , Zeitler J. Axel
Published: June 2021

The kinetics of water transport into tablets, and how it can be controlled by the formulation as well as the tablet microstructure, are of central importance in order to design and control the dissolution and drug release process, especially for immediate release tablets. This research employed terahertz pulsed imaging to measure the process of water penetrating through tablets using a flow cell. Tablets were prepared over a range of porosity between 10% to 20%. The formulations consist of two drugs (MK-8408: ruzasvir as a spray dried intermediate, and MK-3682: uprifosbuvir as a crystalline drug substance) and NaCl (0% to 20%) at varying levels of concentrations as well as other excipients. A power-law model is found to fit the liquid penetration exceptionally well (average R2>0.995). For each formulation, the rate of water penetration, extent of swelling and the USP dissolution rate were compared. A factorial analysis then revealed that the tablet porosity was the dominating factor for both liquid penetration and dissolution. NaCl more significantly influenced liquid penetration due to osmotic driving force as well as gelling suppression, but there appears to be little difference when NaCl loading in the formulation increases from 5% to 10%. The level of spray dried intermediate was observed to further limit the release of API in dissolution.
Selective Couplers Based on Multiplexed Volume Holographic Gratings for Waveguide Displays
Authors: Shishova Maria , Zherdev Alexander , Odinokov Sergey , Venediktov Vladimir , Lushnikov Dmitrii , Kim Yohan
Published: June 2021

Diffraction waveguides are widely used in augmented reality devices as information display systems for the introduction of data into the human visual field in order to supplement information about the world around us. This paper formulates the principles of radiation conversion in diffraction waveguides made of photo-thermo-refractive glass on the basis of multiplexed volume holographic gratings, and the advantages and disadvantages of high spectral-angular selectivity are analyzed. In the optical scheme, each of the superimposed volume holographic gratings in the diffraction waveguide forms a corresponding part of the composite angular field of view of the augmented reality device. A proposed mathematical model based on angular multiplexing made it possible to synthesize the diffraction optical element for a new type of diffraction waveguide made from photo-thermo-refractive glass and to create a prototype with an angular resolution of at least 3.0 ± 0.5′, with a brightness change in the image of less than 20% and with a composite angular field of view of 32°.
Nonlinear Absorption and Ultrafast Dynamics of Ag Nanoparticle
Authors: Jiang Jijuan , Wang Jun , Wu Tong , Gao Yachen
Published: June 2021

Resonant nonlinear optical absorption of silver nanoparticles was studied experimentally via open aperture Z-scan using 130 fs, 400 nm laser pulses. Experimental results show that, at low laser intensity, silver nanoparticles can exhibit saturated absorption. While at high laser intensity, it shows reverse saturated absorption. The saturable absorption is explained in terms of ground state plasmon bleaching, while the reverse saturable absorption is believed to be from two-photon absorption. Saturable optical intensity and two-photon absorption coefficient were obtained to be 1.3×1010 W/m2 and 3.3×10−10 m/W, respectively. The energy relaxation process of Ag nanoparticles after laser excitation was studied via pump-probe technique at 400 nm. Experimental results demonstrated that energy relaxation included electron-phonon coupling process with time constant τ1=(713±50) fs, and phonon-phonon coupling process with time constant τ2=(25.2±3) ps, respectively.
Hypusination, a Metabolic Posttranslational Modification of eIF5A in Plants during Development and Environmental Stress Responses
Authors: Pálfi Péter , Bakacsy László , Kovács Henrietta , Szepesi Ágnes
Published: June 2021

Hypusination is a unique posttranslational modification of eIF5A, a eukaryotic translation factor. Hypusine is a rare amino acid synthesized in this process and is mediated by two enzymes, deoxyhypusine synthase (DHS) and deoxyhypusine hydroxylase (DOHH). Despite the essential participation of this conserved eIF5A protein in plant development and stress responses, our knowledge of its proper function is limited. In this review, we demonstrate the main findings regarding how eIF5A and hypusination could contribute to plant-specific responses in growth and stress-related processes. Our aim is to briefly discuss the plant-specific details of hypusination and decipher those signal pathways which can be effectively modified by this process. The diverse functions of eIF5A isoforms are also discussed in this review.
Antimicrobial Activity and Chemical Composition of Essential Oils against Pathogenic Microorganisms of Freshwater Fish
Authors: Klūga Alīna , Terentjeva Margarita , Vukovic Nenad L. , Kačániová Miroslava
Published: June 2021

Antimicrobials are widely applied in aquaculture for treatment of infectious diseases in fish. The increased antimicrobial resistance of fish pathogens to conventional antimicrobial treatment highlights the need for research on the antibacterial properties of natural products—in this case, essential oils (EOs). The aim of the present study was to detect the antimicrobial activity of the essential oils on pathogenic microorganisms found in freshwater fish. Freshwater fish isolates of Aerococcus spp., Aeromonas spp., Enterococcus spp., Escherichia spp., Pseudomonas spp., Shewanella spp., Yersinia spp., and Vagococcus spp. were tested for antimicrobial resistance and antimicrobial activity against 14 commercially available essential oils. Antimicrobial resistance was identified in Pseudomonas spp. isolates against cefepime and ciprofloxacin; while all Aeromonas, Enterococcus, and Yersinia isolates were fully susceptible. All tested EOs revealed antimicrobial activity against the tested freshwater fish isolates at different extents. Cinnamomum camphora exhibited strong antimicrobial activity against Aeromonas spp. (3.12 μL/mL), Enterococcus spp. (0.78–1.56 μL/mL), and Pseudomonas spp. with the MIC method. EOs of Gaultheria procumbens and Litsea cubeba showed strong antibacterial activity against Yersinia spp. and Vacococcus spp. (6.25 μL/mL). The study shows the antimicrobial activity of EOs against the most relevant freshwater fish pathogens and indicates the application opportunities in aquaculture.
Identification and Functional Characterization of Genes Encoding Phenylacetaldehyde Reductases That Catalyze the Last Step in the Biosynthesis of Hydroxytyrosol in Olive
Authors: Sánchez Rosario , Bahamonde Cristina , Sanz Carlos , Pérez Ana G.
Published: June 2021

Hydroxytyrosol derivatives are the most important phenolic components in virgin olive oil due to their well-demonstrated biological activities. In this regard, two phenyl acetaldehyde reductase genes, OePAR1.1 and OePAR1.2, involved in hydroxytyrosol synthesis, have been identified from an olive transcriptome. Both genes were synthesized and expressed in Escherichia coli, and their encoded proteins were purified. The recombinant enzymes display high substrate specificity for 2,4-dihydroxyphenylacetaldehyde (3,4-DHPAA) to form hydroxytyrosol. The reaction catalyzed by OePAR constitutes the second, and last, biochemical step in the formation of hydroxytyrosol from the amino acid L-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (L-DOPA) in olive. OePAR1.1 and OePAR1.2 enzymes exhibit high thermal stability, similar pH optima (pH 6.5), and high affinity for 3,4-DHPAA (apparent Km 0.6 and 0.8 µmol min−1 mg−1, respectively). However, OePAR1.2 exhibited higher specific activity and higher expression levels in all the olive cultivars under study. The expression analyses indicate that both OePAR1.1 and OePAR1.2 genes are temporally regulated in a cultivar-dependent manner. The information provided here could be of interest for olive breeding programs searching for new olive genotypes with the capacity to produce oils with higher levels of hydroxytyrosol derivatives.
ISSR-Based Genetic Diversity Assessment of Genus Jasminum L. (Oleaceae) from Pakistan
Authors: Akhtar Naeem , Hafiz Ishfaq Ahmad , Hayat Muhammad Qasim , Potter Daniel , Abbasi Nadeem Akhtar , Habib Umer , Hussain Adil , Hafeez Hina , Bashir Muhammad Ajmal , Malik Saad Imran
Published: June 2021

The genus Jasminum L., of the family Oleaceae, includes many species occurring in the wild, or cultivated worldwide. A preliminary investigation based on inter-simple sequence repeats (ISSR) was performed to assess the genetic diversity among 28 accessions, representing nine species of Jasminum from various regions, representing a range of altitudes in Pakistan. A total of 21 ISSR primers were used, which produced 570 amplified bands of different sizes, with a mean polymorphic band percentage of 98.26%. The maximum resolving power, polymorphism information content, and index values of the ISSR markers recorded for primers 6, 16, and 19 were 0.40, 12.32, and 24.21, respectively. Based on the data of the ISSR markers, the resulting UPGMA dendrogram with the Jaccard coefficient divided the 28 accessions into two main clades. At the species level, the highest values for Shannon’s information index, polymorphism percentage, effective allele number, Nei’s genetic variations, and genetic unbiased diversity were found in Jasminum sambac L. and J. humile L., while the lowest were observed in J. mesnyi Hance and J. nitidum Skan. Based on Nei’s unbiased genetic identity pairwise population matrix, the maximum identity (0.804) was observed between J. elongatum Willd and J. multiflorum (Burm. f.) Andrews, and the lowest (0.566) between J. nitidum Skan. and J. azoricum L. Molecular variance analysis displayed a genetic variation of 79% among the nine populations. The study was aimed to established genetic diversity in Jasminum species using ISSR markers. With the help of this technique, we were able to establish immense intra- and interspecific diversity across the Jasminum species.
Impact of Poly (Styrene–Acrylic Acid) Latex Nanoparticles on Colorectal and Cervical Cancer Cells
Authors: Alomari Munther , Almahasheer Arwa , Jermy Balasamy Rabindran , Al-Dossary Amal A. , Bahmdan Hiba , Ravinayagam Vijaya , Ababneh Deena , Tarhini Mohamad , Elaissari Abdelhamid
Published: June 2021

Polymer nanoparticles are a promising approach for cancer treatment and detection, due to their biocompatibility, biodegradability, targeting capabilities, capacity for drug loading and long blood circulation time. This study aims to evaluate the impact of poly (styrene–acrylic acid) latex particles on colorectal and cervical cancer cells for anti-tumor efficiency. Latex particles were synthesized by a surfactant-free radical emulsion polymerization process and the obtained polymer particles were characterized in terms of size, size distribution, morphology using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and electrokinetic property (i.e., zeta potential). Human colorectal and cervical cancer, and normal cell lines, were then treated with different concentrations of poly (styrene–acrylic acid) latex particles. The cell morphology changes were pointed out using an optical microscope and the nanoparticles’ (NPs) cell cytotoxicity was evaluated using MTT assay. The obtained results showed that poly (styrene–acrylic acid) latex particles are effective against colorectal and cervical cancer cells if treated with an appropriate particle concentration for 48 h. In addition, it showed that normal cells are the least affected by this treatment. This indicates that these NPs are safe as a drug delivery carrier when used at a low concentration.
Synthesis and Characterization of Hyperbranched and Organosilicone Modified Waterborne Polyurethane Acrylates Photosensitive Resin
Authors: Wang Na , Wang Xinhui , Lang Jinyan , Hu Zhenhua , Zhang Heng
Published: June 2021

A new type of waterborne polyurethane acrylate was synthesized for use as a UV curing coating. The N,N-dihydroxy methyl ethyl-3-Methyl aminopropanoate monomer was first prepared via adding reactions of methyl acrylate and diethanol amine with methyl alcohol as the solvent. Then, the hyperbranched prepolymer was obtained by addition of trimethylolpropane with toluenesulfonic acid as catalyst and N,N-dimethyl formamide as solvent. The resulting hyperbranched and organosilicone modified waterborne polyurethane acrylates was synthesized through the mixed reaction of prepolymer and Hydroxy silicone oil, polyethylene glycol-1000, toluene diisocynate, dimethylolpropionic acid, 1,2-propylene glycol, hydroxyethyl acrylate, and triethylamine with dibutyltin dilaurate as the catalyst. The molecular structures were characterized by FT-IR and 1H NMR spectroscopy and GPC analysis and the thermal stability was studied by using TGA. Moreover, the influence of contemodnt of hydroxyl silicone oil, dimethylolpropionic acid, polyethylene glycol-1000, and prepolymer to various of properties such as glossiness, hardness, adhesive force, abrasion resistance, water absorption, elongation at break and tensile strength of films were analyzed. The temperature and catalyst dosage impact on percent conversion of isocyanate group (–NCO) were also studied. It was proven that the best dosage of hydroxyl silicone oil and dimethylolpropionic acid were 4.6%, the dosage of polyethylene glycol-1000 was 50%, and the amount of hyperbranched prepolymer was 0.5%, which could make the film achieve the optimum properties. The percent conversion of isocyanate group (–NCO) was maximum when reacting two hours at 80 °C with 0.2% catalyst.
Fracture Behavior of Short Fiber-Reinforced Direct Restorations in Large MOD Cavities
Authors: Fráter Márk , Sáry Tekla , Vincze-Bandi Eszter , Volom András , Braunitzer Gábor , Szabó P. Balázs , Garoushi Sufyan , Forster András
Published: June 2021

The aim of this research was to study the impact of using a short fiber-reinforced composite (SFRC) core on the fatigue performance and fracture behavior of direct large posterior composite restorations. Moreover, the influence of the consistency (flowable or packable) of occlusal composite coverage was assessed. A total of 100 intact molars were collected and randomly distributed into five groups (n = 20). Deep mesio-occlusal-distal (MOD) cavities were prepared in all groups. After adhesive treatment and rebuilding the missing interproximal walls with conventional composite, the specimens in four experimental groups were restored by an SFRC core (everX Flow), which was applied and cured either in bulk or in oblique layers (each 2 mm thick). Packable (G-aenial Posterior) or flowable (G-aenial Injectable) conventional composites were used as a final occlusal layer. The control group was restored with only packable conventional composite. Fatigue survival was measured for all specimens using a cyclic loading machine until a fracture occurred or a total of 25,000 cycles was achieved. Kaplan–Meyer survival analyses were conducted, followed by pairwise log-rank post hoc comparisons. The static load-bearing capacity of surviving teeth was tested using a universal testing machine. Fracture patterns were evaluated visually. There was no statistically significant (p > 0.05) difference in terms of survival between the tested groups. All groups for which flowable SFRC was used showed statistically significantly higher load-bearing capacities compared to the control group (p < 0.05). There were no significant differences regarding fracture resistance among the fiber-reinforced study groups. Regarding the fracture pattern during the survival analysis, all specimens that received SFRC showed a dominantly restorable type of fracture, while the control specimens presented a dominantly non-restorable type. The use of flowable SFRC as a reinforcing core for large MOD direct restorations showed promising achievements regarding fracture behavior.
Electrospun Fibers of Polybutylene Succinate/Graphene Oxide Composite for Syringe-Push Protein Absorption Membrane
Authors: Sathirapongsasuti Nuankanya , Panaksri Anuchan , Boonyagul Sani , Chutipongtanate Somchai , Tanadchangsaeng Nuttapol
Published: June 2021

The adsorption of proteins on membranes has been used for simple, low-cost, and minimal sample handling of large volume, low protein abundance liquid samples. Syringe-push membrane absorption (SPMA) is an innovative way to process bio-fluid samples by combining a medical syringe and protein-absorbable membrane, which makes SPMA a simple, rapid protein and proteomic analysis method. However, the membrane used for SPMA is only limited to commercially available protein-absorbable membrane options. To raise the method’s efficiency, higher protein binding capacity with a lower back pressure membrane is needed. In this research, we fabricated electrospun polybutylene succinate (PBS) membrane and compared it to electrospun polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF). Rolling electrospinning (RE) and non-rolling electrospinning (NRE) were employed to synthesize polymer fibers, resulting in the different characteristics of mechanical and morphological properties. Adding graphene oxide (GO) composite does not affect their mechanical properties; however, electrospun PBS membrane can be applied as a filter membrane and has a higher pore area than electrospun PVDF membrane. Albumin solution filtration was performed using all the electrospun filter membranes by the SPMA technique to measure the protein capture efficiency and staining of the protein on the membranes, and these membranes were compared to the commercial filter membranes—PVDF, nitrocellulose, and Whatman no. 1. A combination of rolling electrospinning with graphene oxide composite and PBS resulted in two times more captured protein when compared to commercial membrane filtration and more than sixfold protein binding than non-composite polymer. The protein staining results further confirmed the enhancement of the protein binding property, showing more intense stained color in compositing polymer with GO.
Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) of Particleboard: Investigation of the Environmental Parameters
Authors: Mohd Azman Muhammad Aiman Hakim , Ahmad Sobri Sharizal , Norizan Mohd Natashah , Ahmad Mohd Nazri , Wan Ismail Wan Omar Ali Saifuddin , Hambali Kamarul Ariffin , Hairi Mohd Hendra , Hermawan Andi , Mohamed Mazlan , Teo Pao Ter , Taharin Mohammad Radzif , Mat Noor Noorsidi Aizuddin
Published: June 2021

Particleboard is not entirely a wood replacement but a particular material with its properties, making it more effective at different times than heavy or solid wood. The world’s biggest concern is environmental problems with formaldehyde as a particulate board binder that can lead to human carcinogenic agents. A cradle-to-gate life cycle assessment (LCA) of particleboard production was performed using openLCA software. The impact assessment was carried out according to the software’s features. This preliminary investigation aims to analyze the chemical composition of particleboard and identify its environmental impact. The Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) system was used to track the functional group of aliphatic hydrocarbons, inorganic phosphates, and main aliphatic alcohols found in particleboards made in Malaysia. Based on the FTIR results, aliphatic groups were found in numerous aggravates that the spectroscopic infrared was likely to experience. The most important vibrational modes were C–H, at approximately 3000 cm−1, and –CH deformations around 1460 cm−1 and 1380 cm−1. Eight effect groups demonstrated that 100% of the input and all analyses produced the same relative outcome. The life cycle of a product is determined by pollution of the air, water, and soil. Thus, particleboard has a minimal impact on the environment, except for global warming.
In Vitro Interaction of Doxorubicin-Loaded Silk Sericin Nanocarriers with MCF-7 Breast Cancer Cells Leads to DNA Damage
Authors: Radu Ionuț-Cristian , Zaharia Cătălin , Hudiță Ariana , Tanasă Eugenia , Ginghină Octav , Marin Minodora , Gălățeanu Bianca , Costache Marieta
Published: June 2021

In this paper, Bombyx mori silk sericin nanocarriers with a very low size range were obtained by nanoprecipitation. Sericin nanoparticles were loaded with doxorubicin, and they were considered a promising tool for breast cancer therapy. The chemistry, structure, morphology, and size distribution of nanocarriers were investigated by Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy (FTIR–ATR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and dynamic light scattering (DLS). Morphological investigation and DLS showed the formation of sericin nanoparticles in the 25–40 nm range. FTIR chemical characterization showed specific interactions of protein–doxorubicin–enzymes with a high influence on the drug delivery process and release behavior. The biological investigation via breast cancer cell line revealed a high activity of nanocarriers in cancer cells by inducing significant DNA damage.
N-Doped Mesoporous Carbon Prepared from a Polybenzoxazine Precursor for High Performance Supercapacitors
Authors: Thirukumaran Periyasamy , Atchudan Raji , Shakila Parveen Asrafali , Santhamoorthy Madhappan , Ramkumar Vanaraj , Kim Seong-Cheol
Published: June 2021

Supercapacitors store energy either by ion adsorption or fast surface redox reactions. The capacitance produced by the former is known as electrochemical double layer capacitance and the latter is known as pseudo-capacitance. Carbon materials are found to be attractive materials for energy storage, due to their various micro-structures and wide source of availability. Polybenzoxazine (Pbz) is used as a source to produce carbon materials, due to the fact that the obtained carbon will be rich in N and O species for enhanced performance. Moreover, the carbon materials were produced via template-free method. In general, activation temperature plays a main role in altering the porosity of the carbon materials. The main purpose of this study is to find the suitable activation temperature necessary to produce porous carbons with enhanced performance. Considering these points, Pbz is used as a precursor to produce nitrogen-doped porous carbons (NRPCs) without using any template. Three different activation temperatures, namely 700, 800 and 900 °C, are chosen to prepare activated porous carbons; NRPC-700, NRPC-800 and NRPC-900. Hierarchical micro-/ meso-/macropores were developed in the porous carbons with respect to different activation temperatures. PBz source is used to produce carbons containing heteroatoms and an activation process is used to produce carbons with desirable pore structures. The surface morphology, pore structure and binding of heteroatoms to the carbon surface were analyzed in detail. NRPCs produced in this way can be used as supercapacitors. Further, electrodes were developed using these NRPCs and their electrochemical performance including capacitance, specific capacitance, galvanic charge/discharge, impedance, rate capability are analyzed. The obtained results showed that the activation temperature of 900 °C, is suitable to produce NRPC with a specific capacitance of 245 F g−1 at a current density of 0.5 A g−1, that are attributed to high surface area, suitable pore structure and presence of heteroatoms.
Effect of Ultrasonic Vibration on Structural and Physical Properties of Resin-Based Dental Composites
Authors: Khan Abdul Samad
Published: June 2021

This study aimed to investigate the influence of ultrasonic heat before photo-polymerization on the structural and physical properties of dental composites. Commercially available bulk-fill, nano-hybrid, micro-hybrid, and flowable composites were used. The samples were divided into three groups i.e., (i) without ultrasonic activation, (ii) ultrasonic activation at 15 Hz for 30 s, and (iii) ultrasonic activation at 15 Hz for 60 s. The degree of conversion percentage (DC%) and structural changes were evaluated with Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The presence of voids in restored tooth cavities were investigated with micro-computed tomography. The statistical analysis was performed using a one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) post hoc Tukey’s test. The DC% was significantly increased with ultrasonic application in all groups except for flowable composites, whereby flowable composite showed a significant increase with 30 s ultrasonic activation only. The highest DC% was observed in 60 s ultrasonically activated nano-hybrid and micro-hybrid composites. The voids were reduced linearly with ultrasonic application in flowable and bulk-fill composites; however, non-linear behavior was observed with micro-hybrid and nano-hybrid composites, whereby the difference was significant within the groups. The frequency and time of the ultrasonic application is an important factor to consider and can be used to preheat composites before clinical application.
Efficacy and Safety of Modified Huang-Lian-Jie-Du Decoction Cream on Cancer Patients with Skin Side Effects Caused by EGFR Inhibition
Authors: Lee Ming-Yang , Lin Mei-Yi , Chang Yu-Ju , Tseng Yu-Ting , Huang I-An , Huang Wan-Ting , Liu Yi-Wen
Published: June 2021

(1) Background: The epidermal growth factor inhibitors (EGFRIs)/tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) are effective for cancer target therapy, but acneiform rashes or so-called inflammatory papulopustular exanthemas are common (50% to 90%). The conventional therapy for EGFRIs/TKIs-induced skin toxicity is steroids and antibacterial drugs, but it is still ineffective for some patients, and EGFRIs/TKIs dose reduction/interruption may be needed. In this study, a modified Chinese herbal medicine, Huang-Lian-Jie-Du decoction cream with Yin-Cold (YC) medicine characteristic, was investigated for the effect on patients suffering EGFRIs/TKIs-induced skin toxicity. (2) Methods: The modified Huang-Lian-Jie-Du (mHLJD) decoction cream was made from 10 herbal medicines, including 4 major medicines (Huanglian, Huangqin, Huangbo, and Zhizi) in traditional HLJD decoction. Patients with EGFRIs/TKIs-induced skin toxicity were enrolled. Patients were excluded if they also used other cream for skin toxicity. Skin conditions were monitored by follow up every 2 weeks. The patients’ characteristics, the skin toxicities, treatment response, and adverse events were recorded and analyzed until skin problems resolved or the study ended. (3) Results: The mHLJD decoction cream and its sub-packages were stored at 4 °C before use. Thirty-four patients who had grade 1–3 skin toxicities after receiving EGFRIs/TKIs were enrolled. Seven patients withdrew or were excluded. Finally, data from 27 patients were analyzed. The mean grade of rash acneiform was significantly decreased from 2.19 (ranged 1 to 3) to 0.88 (ranged 0 to 2) after mHLJD decoction cream treatment for 4 weeks and to 0.55 (ranged 0 to 2) after mHLJD decoction cream treatment for 8 weeks. Additionally, the mean grade of dry skin was also significantly decreased from 1.57 (ranged 1 to 2) to 0.71 (ranged 0 to 1) after mHLJD decoction cream treatment for 4 weeks. The changes of skin toxicity were significant, with no obvious adverse events. (4) Conclusions: In summary, the mHLJD decoction cream provides benefits for alleviation of EGFRIs/TKIs-induced skin rash acneiform and dry skin. Additionally, no obvious side effects were found in patients using mHLJD decoction cream.
Properties of Bacterial Cellulose Produced Using White and Red Grape Bagasse as a Nutrient Source
Authors: Ogrizek Linda , Lamovšek Janja , Čuš Franc , Leskovšek Mirjam , Gorjanc Marija
Published: June 2021

The purpose of the study is to investigate the possibility of using wine industry wastes, such as red and white grape bagasse, to produce bacterial cellulose (BC) instead of using a costly commercial medium. BC was produced using grape bagasse as a carbon source replacement and the sole nutrient in the medium. The BC films were evaluated for their productivity and water-holding capacity. The BC films were also investigated for their morphology using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), their viscoelastic properties using dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA), and their chemical composition using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Although the use of grape bagasse as the sole nutrient was successful in the preparation of BC, the BC films had inferior viscoelastic properties to other produced BC films. White grape bagasse proved to be an excellent carbon substitute as the production of BC and its water-holding capacity were five times higher and the produced BC films were up to 72% more flexible than the bacterial cellulose produced using standard HS medium.
Magnetic Dipole and Thermal Radiation Impacts on Stagnation Point Flow of Micropolar Based Nanofluids over a Vertically Stretching Sheet: Finite Element Approach
Authors: Khan Shahid Ali , Ali Bagh , Eze Chiak , Lau Kwun Ting , Ali Liaqat , Chen Jingtan , Zhao Jiyun
Published: June 2021

An analysis for magnetic dipole with stagnation point flow of micropolar nanofluids is modeled for numerical computation subject to thermophoresis, multi buoyancy, injection/suction, and thermal radiation. The partial derivative is involved in physical consideration, which is transformed to format of ordinary differential form with the aid of similarity functions. The variational finite element procedure is harnessed and coded in Matlab script to obtain the numerical solution of the coupled non-linear ordinary differential problem. The fluid temperature, velocity, tiny particles concentration, and vector of micromotion are studied for two case of buoyancy (assisting 0<λ, and opposing 0>λ) through finite-element scheme. The velocity shows decline against the rising of ferromagnetic interaction parameter (β) (assisting 0<λ and opposing 0>λ), while the inverse behaviour is noted in micro rotation profile. Growing the thermo-phoresis and microrotation parameters receded the rate of heat transfer remarkable, and micromotion and fluid velocity enhance directly against buoyancy ratio. Additionally, the rate of couple stress increased against rising of thermal buoyancy (λ) and boundary concentration (m) in assisting case, but opposing case shows inverse behavior. The finite element scheme convergency was tested by changing the mesh size, and also test the validity with available literature.
On the Personhood of Sacred Objects: Agency, Materiality and Popular Devotion in the Roman Catholic Philippines
Authors: Bautista Julius
Published: June 2021

This paper is an analysis of the Santo Niño de Cebu, a statue of the child Jesus that is the object of widespread popular devotion among Roman Catholics in the Philippines. The central hypothesis is that a continuing challenge of Roman Catholicism in the Philippines, at least from the perspective of the institutional Church, lies not in the extra liturgical performance of its rituals, but rather in the popular belief that sacred objects possess agency and personhood. The discussion of this theme unfolds over three analytical movements. The focus of the initial section is on the historical context in which the Santo Niño became established as the preeminent religious and cultural icon of the Philippines, going as far back as the sixteenth century. The discussion shifts to the topic of the agency of material objects, as cultivated in the performance of three embodied rituals conducted by thousands of Santo Niño devotees. A third analytical movement is the examination of how popular belief in the Santo Niño’s agency intersects with the institutional reforms of the Second Vatican Council, particularly as locally contextualized and enacted in the Second Plenary Council of the Philippines (PCP II) in 1991.
Comparing Methods for Segmenting Supra-Glacial Lakes and Surface Features in the Mount Everest Region of the Himalayas Using Chinese GaoFen-3 SAR Images
Authors: Chen Fang
Published: June 2021

Glaciers and numerous glacial lakes that are produced by glacier melting are key indicators of climate change. Often overlooked, supra-glacial lakes develop in the melting area in the low-lying part of a glacier and appear to be highly variable in their size, shape, and location. The lifespan of these lakes is thought to be quite transient, since the lakes may be completely filled by water and burst out within several weeks. Changes in supra-glacial lake outlines and other surface features such as supra-glacial rivers and crevasses on the glaciers are useful indicators for the direct monitoring of glacier changes. Synthetic aperture radar (SAR) is not affected by weather and climate, and is an effective tool for study of glaciated areas. The development of the Chinese GaoFen-3 (GF-3) SAR, which has high spatial and temporal resolution and high-precision observation performance, has made it possible to obtain dynamic information about glaciers in more detail. In this paper, the classical Canny operator, the variational B-spline level-set method, and U-Net-based deep-learning model were applied and compared to extract glacial lake outlines and other surface features using different modes and Chinese GF-3 SAR imagery in the Mount Everest Region of the Himalayas. Particularly, the U-Net-based deep-learning method, which was independent of auxiliary data and had a high degree of automation, was used for the first time in this context. The experimental results showed that the U-Net-based deep-learning model worked best in the segmentation of supra-glacial lakes in terms of accuracy (Precision = 98.45% and Recall = 95.82%) and segmentation efficiency, and was good at detecting small, elongated, and ice-covered supra-glacial lakes. We also found that it was useful for accurately identifying the location of supra-glacial streams and ice crevasses on glaciers, and quantifying their width. Finally, based on the time series of the mapping results, the spatial characteristics and temporal evolution of these features over the glaciers were comprehensively analyzed. Overall, this study presents a novel approach to improve the detection accuracy of glacier elements that could be leveraged for dynamic monitoring in future research.
Atmospheric Light Estimation Based Remote Sensing Image Dehazing
Authors: Zhu Zhiqin , Luo Yaqin , Wei Hongyan , Li Yong , Qi Guanqiu , Mazur Neal , Li Yuanyuan , Li Penglong
Published: June 2021

Remote sensing images are widely used in object detection and tracking, military security, and other computer vision tasks. However, remote sensing images are often degraded by suspended aerosol in the air, especially under poor weather conditions, such as fog, haze, and mist. The quality of remote sensing images directly affect the normal operations of computer vision systems. As such, haze removal is a crucial and indispensable pre-processing step in remote sensing image processing. Additionally, most of the existing image dehazing methods are not applicable to all scenes, so the corresponding dehazed images may have varying degrees of color distortion. This paper proposes a novel atmospheric light estimation based dehazing algorithm to obtain high visual-quality remote sensing images. First, a differentiable function is used to train the parameters of a linear scene depth model for the scene depth map generation of remote sensing images. Second, the atmospheric light of each hazy remote sensing image is estimated by the corresponding scene depth map. Then, the corresponding transmission map is estimated on the basis of the estimated atmospheric light by a haze-lines model. Finally, according to the estimated atmospheric light and transmission map, an atmospheric scattering model is applied to remove haze from remote sensing images. The colors of the images dehazed by the proposed method are in line with the perception of human eyes in different scenes. A dataset with 100 remote sensing images from hazy scenes was built for testing. The performance of the proposed image dehazing method is confirmed by theoretical analysis and comparative experiments.