bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Milk-Fat-Globule-Membrane-Enriched Dairy Milk Compared with a Soy-Lecithin-Enriched Beverage Did Not Adversely Affect Endotoxemia or Biomarkers of Gut Barrier Function and Cardiometabolic Risk in Adults with Metabolic Syndrome: A Randomized Controlled Crossover Trial
Authors: Pokala Avinash , Quarles William , Ortega-Anaya Joana , Jimenez-Flores Rafael , Cao Sisi , Zeng Min , Hodges Joanna , Bruno Richard
Published: July 2023

Full-fat dairy milk may protect against cardiometabolic disorders, due to the milk fat globule membrane (MFGM), through anti-inflammatory and gut-health-promoting activities. We hypothesized that a MFGM-enriched milk beverage (MEB) would alleviate metabolic endotoxemia in metabolic syndrome (MetS) persons by improving gut barrier function and glucose tolerance. In a randomized crossover trial, MetS persons consumed for two-week period a controlled diet with MEB (2.3 g/d milk phospholipids) or a comparator beverage (COMP) formulated with soy phospholipid and palm/coconut oil. They then provided fasting blood and completed a high-fat/high-carbohydrate test meal challenge for evaluating postprandial metabolism and intestinal permeability. Participants had no adverse effects and achieved high compliance, and there were no between-trial differences in dietary intakes. Compared with COMP, fasting endotoxin, glucose, incretins, and triglyceride were unaffected by MEB. The meal challenge increased postprandial endotoxin, triglyceride, and incretins, but were unaffected by MEB. Insulin sensitivity; fecal calprotectin, myeloperoxidase, and short-chain fatty acids; and small intestinal and colonic permeability were also unaffected by MEB. This short-term study demonstrates that controlled administration of MEB in MetS persons does not affect gut barrier function, glucose tolerance, and other cardiometabolic health biomarkers, which contradicts observational evidence that full-fat milk heightens cardiometabolic risk. Registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03860584).
Amlexanox: Readthrough Induction and Nonsense-Mediated mRNA Decay Inhibition in a Charcot–Marie–Tooth Model of hiPSCs-Derived Neuronal Cells Harboring a Nonsense Mutation in GDAP1 Gene
Authors: Benslimane Nesrine , Miressi Federica , Loret Camille , Richard Laurence , Nizou Angélique , Pyromali Ioanna , Faye Pierre-Antoine , Favreau Frédéric , Lejeune Fabrice , Lia Anne-Sophie
Published: July 2023

Nonsense mutations are involved in multiple peripheral neuropathies. These mutations induce the presence of a premature termination codon (PTC) at the mRNA level. As a result, a dysfunctional or truncated protein is synthesized, or even absent linked to nonsense-mediated mRNA degradation (NMD) system activation. Readthrough molecules or NMD inhibitors could be innovative therapies in these hereditary neuropathies, particularly molecules harboring the dual activity as amlexanox. Charcot–Marie–Tooth (CMT) is the most common inherited pathology of the peripheral nervous system, affecting 1 in 2500 people worldwide. Nonsense mutations in the GDAP1 gene have been associated with a severe form of CMT, prompting us to investigate the effect of readthrough and NMD inhibitor molecules. Although not clearly defined, GDAP1 could be involved in mitochondrial functions, such as mitophagy. We focused on the homozygous c.581C>G (p.Ser194*) mutation inducing CMT2H using patient human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC)-derived neuronal cells. Treatment during 20 h with 100 µM of amlexanox on this cell model stabilized GDAP1 mRNAs carrying UGA-PTC and induced a restoration of the mitochondrial morphology. These results highlight the potential of readthrough molecules associated to NMD inhibitors for the treatment of genetic alterations in CMT, opening the way for future investigations and a potential therapy.
A Novel Acetylation-Immune Subtyping for the Identification of a BET Inhibitor-Sensitive Subgroup in Melanoma
Authors: Wang Liuying , Zhang Liuchao , Li Shuang , Cao Lei , Li Kang , Zhao Weiwei
Published: July 2023

Background: There have been significant advancements in melanoma therapies. BET inhibitors (BETis) show promise in impairing melanoma growth. However, identifying BETi-sensitive melanoma subtypes is challenging. Methods and Results: We analyzed 48 melanoma cell lines and 104 patients and identified two acetylation-immune subtypes (ALISs) in the cell lines and three ALISs in the patients. ALIS I, with high HAT1 and low KAT2A expression, showed a higher sensitivity to the BETi JQ-1 than ALIS II. ALIS III had low HAT1 expression. The TAD2B expression was low in ALIS I and II. KAT2A and HAT1 expressions were negatively correlated with the methylation levels of their CG sites (p = 0.0004 and 0.0003). Immunological gene sets, including B cell metagenes, activated stroma-related genes, fibroblast TGF response signatures (TBRS), and T cell TBRS-related genes, were up-regulated in ALIS I. Furthermore, KAT2A played a key role in regulating BETi sensitivity. Conclusions: The sensitivity of ALIS I to the BETi JQ-1 may be due to the inhibition of BETi resistance pathways and genes by low KAT2A expression and the dysregulation of the immune microenvironment by high HAT1 expression resulting from the absence of immune cells. ALIS I had the worst progression but showed sensitivity to BETi and B-cell-related immunotherapy, despite not responding to BRAF inhibitors.
Design, Synthesis, and Biological Evaluation of Indole-2-carboxamides as Potential Multi-Target Antiproliferative Agents
Authors: Al-Wahaibi Lamya H. , Mohammed Anber F. , Abdelrahman Mostafa H. , Trembleau Laurent , Youssif Bahaa G. M.
Published: July 2023

A small set of indole-based derivatives, IV and Va–I, was designed and synthesized. Compounds Va–i demonstrated promising antiproliferative activity, with GI50 values ranging from 26 nM to 86 nM compared to erlotinib’s 33 nM. The most potent antiproliferative derivatives—Va, Ve, Vf, Vg, and Vh—were tested for EGFR inhibitory activity. Compound Va demonstrated the highest inhibitory activity against EGFR with an IC50 value of 71 ± 06 nM, which is higher than the reference erlotinib (IC50 = 80 ± 05 nM). Compounds Va, Ve, Vf, Vg, and Vh were further tested for BRAFV600E inhibitory activity. The tested compounds inhibited BRAFV600E with IC50 values ranging from 77 nM to 107 nM compared to erlotinib’s IC50 value of 60 nM. The inhibitory activity of compounds Va, Ve, Vf, Vg, and Vh against VEGFR-2 was also determined. Finally, in silico docking experiments attempted to investigate the binding mode of compounds within the active sites of EGFR, BRAFV600E, and VEGFR-2.
Small Molecules Incorporating Privileged Amidine Moiety as Potential Hits Combating Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria
Authors: El-Sayed Selwan M. , Ahmed Samar A. , Gulia Kanika , Lenhard Justin R. , Hassan Ahmed H.E. , Farahat Abdelbasset A.
Published: July 2023

The continuing need for the discovery of potent antibacterial agents against antibiotic-resistant pathogens is the driving force for many researchers to design and develop such agents. Herein, we report the design, synthesis, and biological evaluation of amidine derivatives as new antibacterial agents. Compound 13d was the most active in this study against a wide range of antibiotic-resistant, and susceptible, Gram-positive, and Gram-negative bacterial strains. Time–kill assay experiments indicated that compound 13d was an effective bactericidal compound against the tested organisms at the log-phase of bacterial growth. Docking simulations were performed to assess in silico its mode of action regarding UPPS, KARI, and DNA as potential bacterial targets. Results unveiled the importance of structural features of compound 13d in its biological activity including central thiophene ring equipped with left and right pyrrolo[2,3-b]pyridine and phenyl moieties and two terminal amidines cyclized into 4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazol-2-yl functionalities. Collectively, compound 13d represents a possible hit for future development of potent antibacterial agents.
Smart Sensors and Microtechnologies in the Precision Medicine Approach against Lung Cancer
Authors: Stella Giulia Maria , Lettieri Sara , Piloni Davide , Ferrarotti Ilaria , Perrotta Fabio , Corsico Angelo Guido , Bortolotto Chandra
Published: July 2023

Background and rationale. The therapeutic interventions against lung cancer are currently based on a fully personalized approach to the disease with considerable improvement of patients’ outcome. Alongside continuous scientific progresses and research investments, massive technologic efforts, innovative challenges, and consolidated achievements together with research investments are at the bases of the engineering and manufacturing revolution that allows a significant gain in clinical setting. Aim and methods. The scope of this review is thus to focus, rather than on the biologic traits, on the analysis of the precision sensors and novel generation materials, as semiconductors, which are below the clinical development of personalized diagnosis and treatment. In this perspective, a careful revision and analysis of the state of the art of the literature and experimental knowledge is presented. Results. Novel materials are being used in the development of personalized diagnosis and treatment for lung cancer. Among them, semiconductors are used to analyze volatile cancer compounds and allow early disease diagnosis. Moreover, they can be used to generate MEMS which have found an application in advanced imaging techniques as well as in drug delivery devices. Conclusions. Overall, these issues represent critical issues only partially known and generally underestimated by the clinical community. These novel micro-technology-based biosensing devices, based on the use of molecules at atomic concentrations, are crucial for clinical innovation since they have allowed the recent significant advances in cancer biology deciphering as well as in disease detection and therapy. There is an urgent need to create a stronger dialogue between technologists, basic researchers, and clinicians to address all scientific and manufacturing efforts towards a real improvement in patients’ outcome. Here, great attention is focused on their application against lung cancer, from their exploitations in translational research to their application in diagnosis and treatment development, to ensure early diagnosis and better clinical outcomes.
Drug Delivery Strategies and Nanozyme Technologies to Overcome Limitations for Targeting Oxidative Stress in Osteoarthritis
Authors: Aldrich Jessica Lee , Panicker Arjun , Ovalle Robert , Sharma Blanka
Published: July 2023

Oxidative stress is an important, but elusive, therapeutic target for osteoarthritis (OA). Antioxidant strategies that target oxidative stress through the elimination of reactive oxygen species (ROS) have been widely evaluated for OA but are limited by the physiological characteristics of the joint. Current hallmarks in antioxidant treatment strategies include poor bioavailability, poor stability, and poor retention in the joint. For example, oral intake of exogenous antioxidants has limited access to the joint space, and intra-articular injections require frequent dosing to provide therapeutic effects. Advancements in ROS-scavenging nanomaterials, also known as nanozymes, leverage bioactive material properties to improve delivery and retention. Material properties of nanozymes can be tuned to overcome physiological barriers in the knee. However, the clinical application of these nanozymes is still limited, and studies to understand their utility in treating OA are still in their infancy. The objective of this review is to evaluate current antioxidant treatment strategies and the development of nanozymes as a potential alternative to conventional small molecules and enzymes.
Novel Lipophilic Hydroxamates Based on Spirocarbocyclic Hydantoin Scaffolds with Potent Antiviral and Trypanocidal Activity
Authors: Pardali Vasiliki , Giannakopoulou Erofili , Mpekoulis George , Tsopela Vassilina , Panos Georgios , Taylor Martin C. , Kelly John M. , Vassilaki Niki , Zoidis Grigoris
Published: July 2023

Flaviviridae infections, such as those caused by hepatitis C (HCV) and dengue viruses (DENVs), represent global health risks. Infected people are in danger of developing chronic liver failure or hemorrhagic fever, both of which can be fatal if not treated. The tropical parasites Trypanosoma brucei and Trypanosoma cruzi cause enormous socioeconomic burdens in Sub-Saharan Africa and Latin America. Anti-HCV chemotherapy has severe adverse effects and is expensive, whereas dengue has no clinically authorized treatment. Antiparasitic medicines are often toxic and difficult to administer, and treatment failures are widely reported. There is an urgent need for new chemotherapies. Based on our previous research, we have undertaken structural modification of lead compound V with the goal of producing derivatives with both antiviral and trypanocidal activity. The novel spirocarbocyclic-substituted hydantoin analogs were designed, synthesized, and tested for antiviral activity against three HCV genotypes (1b, 3a, 4a), DENV, yellow fever virus (YFV), and two trypanosome species (T. brucei, T. cruzi). The optimization was successful and led to compounds with significant antiviral and trypanocidal activity and exceptional selectivity. Several modifications were made to further investigate the structure–activity relationships (SARs) and confirm the critical role of lipophilicity and conformational degrees of freedom.
From the Discovery of Targets to Delivery Systems: How to Decipher and Improve the Metallodrugs’ Actions at a Molecular Level
Authors: Iacobucci Ilaria , La Manna Sara , Cipollone Irene , Monaco Vittoria , Canè Luisa , Cozzolino Flora
Published: July 2023

Metals are indispensable for the life of all organisms, and their dysregulation leads to various disorders due to the disruption of their homeostasis. Nowadays, various transition metals are used in pharmaceutical products as diagnostic and therapeutic agents because their electronic structure allows them to adjust the properties of molecules differently from organic molecules. Therefore, interest in the study of metal–drug complexes from different aspects has been aroused, and numerous approaches have been developed to characterize, activate, deliver, and clarify molecular mechanisms. The integration of these different approaches, ranging from chemoproteomics to nanoparticle systems and various activation strategies, enables the understanding of the cellular responses to metal drugs, which may form the basis for the development of new drugs and/or the modification of currently used drugs. The purpose of this review is to briefly summarize the recent advances in this field by describing the technological platforms and their potential applications for identifying protein targets for discovering the mechanisms of action of metallodrugs and improving their efficiency during delivery.
Metal-Based Nanoparticles for Cancer Metalloimmunotherapy
Authors: Suliman Ivan Hardianto , Kim Kidong , Chen Weihsuan , Kim Yubin , Moon Jeong-Hyun , Son Sejin , Nam Jutaek
Published: July 2023

Although the promise of cancer immunotherapy has been partially fulfilled with the unprecedented clinical success of several immunotherapeutic interventions, some issues, such as limited response rate and immunotoxicity, still remain. Metalloimmunotherapy offers a new form of cancer immunotherapy that utilizes the inherent immunomodulatory features of metal ions to enhance anticancer immune responses. Their versatile functionalities for a multitude of direct and indirect anticancer activities together with their inherent biocompatibility suggest that metal ions can help overcome the current issues associated with cancer immunotherapy. However, metal ions exhibit poor drug-like properties due to their intrinsic physicochemical profiles that impede in vivo pharmacological performance, thus necessitating an effective pharmaceutical formulation strategy to improve their in vivo behavior. Metal-based nanoparticles provide a promising platform technology for reshaping metal ions into more drug-like formulations with nano-enabled engineering approaches. This review provides a general overview of cancer immunotherapy, the immune system and how it works against cancer cells, and the role of metal ions in the host response and immune modulation, as well as the impact of metal ions on the process via the regulation of immune cells. The preclinical studies that have demonstrated the potential of metal-based nanoparticles for cancer metalloimmunotherapy are presented for the representative nanoparticles constructed with manganese, zinc, iron, copper, calcium, and sodium ions. Lastly, the perspectives and future directions of metal-based nanoparticles are discussed, particularly with respect to their clinical applications.
Preparation and Evaluation of Auxiliary Permeable Microneedle Patch Composed of Polyvinyl Alcohol and Eudragit NM30D Aqueous Dispersion
Authors: Xing Mengzhen , Ma Yuning , Wei Xiaocen , Chen Chen , Peng Xueli , Ma Yuxia , Liang Bingwen , Gao Yunhua , Wu Jibiao
Published: July 2023

Poor transdermal permeability limits the possibility of most drug delivery through the skin. Auxiliary permeable microneedles (AP-MNs) with a three-dimensional network structure can effectively break the skin stratum corneum barrier and assist in the transdermal delivery of active ingredients. Herein, we propose a simple method for preparing AP-MNs using polyvinyl alcohol and Eudragit NM30D for the first time. To optimize the formulation of microneedles, the characteristics of swelling properties, skin insertion, solution viscosity, and needle integrity were systematically examined. Additionally, the morphology, mechanical strength, formation mechanism, skin permeability, swelling performance, biocompatibility, and in vitro transdermal drug delivery of AP-MNs were evaluated. The results indicated that the microneedles exhibited excellent mechanical-strength and hydrogel-forming properties after swelling. Further, it proved that a continuous and unblockable network channel was created based on physical entanglement and encapsulation of two materials. The 24 h cumulative permeation of acidic and alkaline model drugs, azelaic acid and matrine, were 51.73 ± 2.61% and 54.02 ± 2.85%, respectively, significantly enhancing the transdermal permeability of the two drugs. In summary, the novel auxiliary permeable microneedles prepared through a simple blending route of two materials was a promising and valuable way to improve drug permeation efficiency.
Curcumin–Triterpene Type Hybrid as Effective Sonosensitizers for Sonodynamic Therapy in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Sowa-Kasprzak Katarzyna , Józkowiak Małgorzata , Olender Dorota , Pawełczyk Anna , Piotrowska-Kempisty Hanna , Zaprutko Lucjusz
Published: July 2023

Sonodynamic therapy (SDT) is a non-invasive therapeutic modality in cancer treatment that combines low-intensity ultrasound (US) and sonosensitizers. Tumor cells are destroyed through the synergistic effects of ultrasound and a chemical sonosensitizer. This study focused on the synthesis and in vitro evaluation of the sonodynamic effect of natural curcumin, triterpene oleanolic acid, and their semi-synthetic derivatives on tongue cancer SCC-25 and hypopharyngeal FaDu cell lines. The combination of the tested compounds with sonication showed a synergistic increase in cytotoxicity. In the group of oleanolic acid derivatives, oleanoyl hydrogen succinate (6) showed the strongest cytotoxic effect both in the SCC-25 and FaDu cell lines. Comparing curcumin (4) and its pyrazole derivative (5), curcumin showed a better cytotoxic effect on SCC-25 cells, while curcumin pyrazole was more potent on FaDu cells. The highest sonotherapeutic activity, compared to its individual components, was demonstrated by a structural linker mode hybrid containing both curcumin pyrazole-oleanoyl hydrogen succinate units within one complex molecule (7). This study can be beneficial in the context of new perspectives in the search for effective sonosensitizers among derivatives of natural organic compounds.
Analysis and Experiment of Laser Energy Distribution of Laser Wireless Power Transmission Based on a Powersphere Receiver
Authors: He Tiefeng , Zheng Guoliang , Wu Qingyang , Huang Haixuan , Wan Lili , Xu Keyan , Shi Tianyu , Lv Zhijian
Published: July 2023

Laser wireless power transmission (WPT) is one of the most important technologies in the field of long-range power transfer. This technique uses a laser as a transmission medium instead of conventional physical or electrical connections to perform WPT. It has the characteristics of long transmission distance and flexible operation. The existing laser wireless power transmission system uses photovoltaic cells as a receiver, which convert light into electricity. Due to the contradiction between the Gaussian distribution of laser and the uniform illumination requirements of photovoltaic cells, the laser wireless power transmission technology has problems such as low transmission efficiency and small output power. Therefore, understanding the energy distribution changes in the laser during transmission, especially the energy change after the laser is transmitted to each key device, and analyzing the influencing factors of the energy distribution state, are of great significance in improving the transmission efficiency and reducing the energy loss in the system. This article utilizes the optical software Lighttools as a tool to establish a laser wireless power transmission model based on a powersphere. This model is used to study the energy distribution changes in the laser as it passes through various components, and to analyze the corresponding influencing factors. To further validate the simulation results, an experimental platform was constructed using a semiconductor laser, beam expander, Fresnel lens, and powersphere as components. A beam quality analyzer was used to measure and analyze the laser energy distribution of each component except for the powersphere. The output voltage and current values of various regions of the powersphere were measured using a multimeter. The energy distribution of the powersphere was reflected based on the linear relationship between photo-generated current, voltage, and light intensity. The experimental results obtained were in good agreement with the simulation results. Simulations and experiments have shown that using a beam expander can reduce divergence angle and energy loss, while employing large-aperture focusing lens can enhance energy collection and output power, providing a basis for improving the efficiency of laser wireless power transfer.
Photoactive Properties of Transport Sol-Gel Layers Based on Strontium Titanate for Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Semchenko Alina V. , Ayvazyan Gagik Y. , Malyutina-Bronskaya Viktoriya V. , Khakhomov Sergei A. , Kovalenko Dmitry L. , Boiko Andrei A. , Sidski Vitali V. , Nestsiaronak Anton V. , Mayevsky Alexander A. , Danilchenko Konstantin D. , Zhigulin Dmitry V. , Pilipenko Vladimir A. , Subasri R. , Gaponenko Nikolai V.
Published: July 2023

In this work, we have investigated the photocurrent and spectral sensitivity of the silicon/SrTiO3:xNb/perovskite structures. The sol–gel method carried out the deposition of undoped SrTiO3 layers as well as niobium-doped (SrTiO3:Nb) layers at atomic concentrations of 3 and 6% Nb. The perovskite layer, CH3NH3PbI3−xClx, has been deposited by the vacuum co-evaporation technique. The layers have been characterized by scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction measurements. The volt–ampere characteristics and spectral sensitivity of the fabricated samples have been measured under illumination with selective wavelengths of 405, 450, 520, 660, 780, 808, 905, 980, and 1064 nm of laser diodes. We have shown that for different configurations of applied voltage between silicon, SrTiO3:xNb, and CH3NH3PbI3−xClx, the structures are photosensitive ones with a variation of photocurrent from microamperes to milliamperes depending on Nb concentration in SrTiO3, and the highest photocurrent and spectral sensitivity values are observed when a SrTiO3:Nb layer with 3 at.% of Nb is used. A possible application of the proposed structure with a SrTiO3:Nb layer for perovskite solar cells and photodetectors is being discussed.
Enhanced Yb:YAG Active Mirrors for High Power Laser Amplifiers
Authors: Petrov Vladimir A. , Kuptsov Gleb V. , Kuptsova Alyona O. , Atuchin Victor V. , Stroganova Elena V. , Petrov Victor V.
Published: July 2023

The work is aimed at the investigation of the influence of nonlinear active ions concentration profiles in Yb:YAG laser elements on temperature distribution and wavefront distortions during amplification using sub-kilowatt level diode pumping. A mathematical model is presented for the theoretical study of the amplification process in crystals with cubic crystal system. A detailed comparison of Yb:YAG active elements with the same thickness and absorbed pumping power, but with various concentration profiles of Yb3+, ions is carried out. It is shown that the use of active elements with an increasing dopant concentration in the pump beam direction allows one to optimize the temperature profile inside the active element and, thus, reduce the thermal-induced wavefront distortions of the amplified radiation. Modeling is carried out for the experimentally grown crystal with linear concentration gradient profile. It is shown that the linear doping profile with a gradient of 0.65 at.%/mm allows increasing the small-signal gain up to 10% and decreasing the thermal-induced wavefront distortions by ~15%.
High-Order Harmonics Generation in Selenium-Containing Plasmas
Authors: Ganeev Rashid A.
Published: July 2023

The studies of the high-order harmonics generated in Se-containing plasmas are reported. The ablation of selenium in a vacuum allowed for the formation of a plasma demonstrating high-order harmonics generation and resonance enhancement of the harmonic at the shortest wavelength reported so far (λ ≈ 22.9 nm, Eph ≈ 54.14 eV). This harmonic corresponds to the 35th order of the 800-nm-class lasers. The influence of the presence of selenium in the molecular state (ZnSe and HgSe) on the suppression of the resonance effect during harmonics generation in plasma is studied. The enhanced 35th harmonic was analyzed by different methods of plasma formation using nanosecond, picosecond, and femtosecond pulses. The enhancement factor of the resonance-enhanced harmonic was measured to be 32× compared with the neighboring lower-order harmonics in the case of the picosecond-pulses-induced Se plasma. The role of the strong ionic transition of Se in the region of 22.7 nm in the observation of the resonance-induced enhancement of a single harmonic is discussed.
Arabidopsis Protein Phosphatase PIA1 Impairs Plant Drought Tolerance by Serving as a Common Negative Regulator in ABA Signaling Pathway
Authors: Huang Yan , Yang Rongqian , Luo Huiling , Yuan Yuan , Diao Zhihong , Li Junhao , Gong Shihe , Yu Guozhi , Yao Huipeng , Zhang Huaiyu , Cai Yi
Published: July 2023

Reversible phosphorylation of proteins is a ubiquitous regulatory mechanism in vivo that can respond to external changes, and plays an extremely important role in cell signal transduction. Protein phosphatase 2C is the largest protein phosphatase family in higher plants. Recently, it has been found that some clade A members can negatively regulate ABA signaling pathways. However, the functions of several subgroups of Arabidopsis PP2C other than clade A have not been reported, and whether other members of the PP2C family also participate in the regulation of ABA signaling pathways remains to be studied. In this study, based on the previous screening and identification work of PP2C involved in the ABA pathway, the clade F member PIA1 encoding a gene of the PP2C family, which was down-regulated after ABA treatment during the screening, was selected as the target. Overexpression of PIA1 significantly down-regulated the expression of ABA marker gene RD29A in Arabidopsis protoplasts, and ABA-responsive elements have been found in the cis-regulatory elements of PIA1 by promoter analysis. When compared to Col-0, transgenic plants overexpressing PIA1 were less sensitive to ABA, whereas pia1 showed the opposite trait in seed germination, root growth, and stomatal opening experiments. Under drought stress, SOD, POD, CAT, and APX activities of PIA1 overexpression lines were lower than Col-0 and pia1, while the content of H2O2 was higher, leading to its lowest survival rate in test plants, which were consistent with the significant inhibition of the expression of ABA-dependent stress-responsive genes RD29B, ABI5, ABF3, and ABF4 in the PIA1 transgenic background after ABA treatment. Using yeast two-hybrid and luciferase complementation assays, PIA1 was found to interact with multiple ABA key signaling elements, including 2 RCARs and 6 SnRK2s. Our results indicate that PIA1 may reduce plant drought tolerance by functioning as a common negative regulator involved in ABA signaling pathway.
Proline Enhances Resistance and Recovery of Oilseed Rape after a Simulated Prolonged Drought
Authors: Jurkonienė Sigita , Mockevičiūtė Rima , Gavelienė Virgilija , Šveikauskas Vaidevutis , Zareyan Mariam , Jankovska-Bortkevič Elžbieta , Jankauskienė Jurga , Žalnierius Tautvydas , Kozeko Liudmyla
Published: July 2023

This study was carried out to evaluate the effect of exogenous proline on the growth, biochemical responses, and plant recovery of drought-stressed oilseed rape plants after renewed irrigation. The experiment was conducted under controlled laboratory conditions. After 21 days of cultivation, 3–4 leaf stage seedlings were sprayed with proline (1 mM), then subjected to prolonged drought stress for 8 days to achieve a severe water deficit, next, irrigation was resumed and recovery was assessed after 4 days. The results show that exogenous application of proline reduced the drought-induced growth inhibition of seedlings while maintaining relative water content (RWC) and growth parameters closer to those of irrigated plants. Proline had a positive effect on chlorophyll accumulation and membrane permeability while decreasing ethylene, H2O2, and MDA levels. Moreover, after 4 days of recovery, the H2O2 content of the proline-treated plants was significantly lower (2-fold) and the MDA content was close to that of continuously irrigated plants. Thus, all these biochemical reactions influenced plant survival: after drought + proline treatment, the number of surviving plants was two times higher than that of drought-treated plants. The findings show that exogenous proline has antioxidant, osmotic, and growth-promoting properties that improve the drought tolerance of winter oilseed rape plants and is, therefore, beneficial for drought adaptation in oilseed rape.
Catalase Gene Family in Durum Wheat: Genome-Wide Analysis and Expression Profiling in Response to Multiple Abiotic Stress Conditions
Authors: Ghorbel Mouna , Zribi Ikram , Besbes Malek , Bouali Nouha , Brini Faiçal
Published: July 2023

Catalase (CAT) is an antioxidant enzyme expressed by the CAT gene family and exists in almost all aerobic organisms. In fact, the CAT enzyme modulates the hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) contents in cells by translating this toxic compound into water (H2O) and O2− to reduce reactive oxygen species (ROS) contents in cells. ROS are produced as a result of biotic and abiotic environmental stressors. To avoid ROS toxicity, plants are armed with different enzymatic and non-enzymatic systems to decompose ROS. Among the enzymatic system, CAT proteins are well studied. CAT not only controls growth and development in plants but is also involved in plant defense against different stresses. So far, the CAT gene family has not been reported in durum wheat (Triticum turgidum ssp. durum L.). Therefore, a genome-wide comprehensive analysis was conducted to classify the CAT genes in the durum wheat genome. Here, six TdCAT genes were identified. Based on phylogenetics, the TdCAT genes belong to three groups (Groups I–III) which is explainable by their comparable structural characteristics. Using bio-informatic analysis, we found that the secondary and tertiary structures were conserved among plants and present similar structures among durum wheat CATs. Two conserved domains (pfam00199 and pfam06628) are also present in all identified proteins, which have different subcellular localizations: peroxisome and mitochondrion. By analyzing their promoters, different cis-elements were identified, such as hormone-correlated response and stress-related responsive elements. Finally, we studied the expression pattern of two catalase genes belonging to two different sub-classes under different abiotic stresses. Expression profiling revealed that TdCAT2 and TdCAT3 presented a constitutive expression pattern. Moreover, both genes are induced in response to salt, mannitol, cold, heat and ABA. Thus, we speculate that those genes are activated by different stresses, such as oxygen deficiency, light, cold, abscisic acid and methyl jasmonate. Further, this study will help in understanding the behavior of CAT genes during environmental stress in durum wheat and in Triticeae species in general.
Flavonoids: Overview of Biosynthesis, Biological Activity, and Current Extraction Techniques
Authors: Liga Sergio , Paul Cristina , Péter Francisc
Published: July 2023

Recently, increased attention has been paid to natural sources as raw materials for the development of new added-value products. Flavonoids are a large family of polyphenols which include several classes based on their basic structure: flavanones, flavones, isoflavones, flavonols, flavanols, and anthocyanins. They have a multitude of biological properties, such as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antiviral, antimicrobial, anticancer, cardioprotective, and neuroprotective effects. Current trends of research and development on flavonoids relate to identification, extraction, isolation, physico-chemical characterization, and their applications to health benefits. This review presents an up-to-date survey of the most recent developments in the natural flavonoid classes, the biological activity of representative flavonoids, current extraction techniques, and perspectives.
Characterization of Two AGAMOUS-like Genes and Their Promoters from the Cymbidium faberi (Orchidaceae)
Authors: Li Jiayi , Wang Ling , Chen Xiangjian , Zeng Lingtian , Su Yalan , Liu Zhixiong
Published: July 2023

Arabidopsis AGAMOUS (AG) play roles in determining stamens’ and carpels’ identities, floral meristem determinacy, and repression of the A-function. Gynostemium fused by stamens and carpels is a characteristic reproductive structure in orchid flowers, which shows a considerable difference from the reproductive organs of eudicots and other monocot species. The molecular basis of orchid gynostemium development remains largely unknown. Here, we report the identification and functional characterization of two AG-like genes, CyfaAG1 and CyfaAG2, and their promoters from C. faberi. Both CyfaAG1 and CyfaAG2 are highly expressed in the anther cap, gynostemium, and ovary. Ectopic expression of CyfaAG1 and CyfaAG2 promotes early flowering of wild-type Arabidopsis. Moreover, ectopic expression of CyfaAG1 completely rescues floral defects in the Arabidopsis ag-1 mutant, while ectopic expression of CyfaAG2 only completes filament and carpel development. Our findings suggest that CyfaAG1 acts as an evolutionarily conserved C-function gene in determining reproductive organ identity and mediating floral meristem determinacy. CyfaAG2 redundantly mediates the C-function in floral meristem determinacy and gynostemium development. Our results provided more details to understand how the C-class function has been partitioned in orchids, and the roles of two AG orthologs in regulating gynostemium development in C. faberi.
Effect of Addition of Cross-Linked Starch on the Properties of Degraded PBAT Poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) Films
Authors: Grimaut Denise Agostina , da Silva Jania Betania Alves , Lemos Paulo Vitor França , Correia Paulo Romano Cruz , Santana Jamille Santos , Pessôa Luiggi Cavalcanti , Estevez-Areco Santiago , Famá Lucía Mercedes , Goyanes Silvia Nair , Marcelino Henrique Rodrigues , de Jesus Assis Denilson , de Souza Carolina Oliveira
Published: July 2023

This work aimed to evaluate the properties of butylene adipate-co-terephthalate (PBAT) degraded after 1800 days of storage (DPBAT) by preparing blends (films) with crosslinked starch (Cm) through extrusion and thermocompression. Different ratios of DPBAT:Cm (70:30, 60:40, and 50:50 m/m) were prepared. The incorporation of Cm into DPBAT significantly changed the properties of the films by making them stiffer (increasing Young’s modulus by up to 50%) and increasing the thermal resistance of DPBAT. The presence of crosslinked starch in the films made them less hydrophobic (with decreased contact angle and increased moisture content), but these parameters did not vary linearly with changes in the content of crosslinked starch in the blend (DPBAT:Cm). The microscopic images show an inhomogeneous distribution of Cm granules in the DPBAT matrix. Thus, the films prepared with PBAT show a significant decrease in their mechanical parameters and heat resistance after long-term storage. However, the preparation of blends of degraded DPBAT with crosslinked starch promoted changes in the properties of the films prepared by thermocompression, which could be useful for disposable packaging.
β-Nucleated Polypropylene: Preparation, Nucleating Efficiency, Composite, and Future Prospects
Authors: Wu Bo , Zheng Xian , Xu Wenjie , Ren Yanwei , Leng Haiqiang , Liang Linzhi , Zheng De , Chen Jun , Jiang Huanfeng
Published: July 2023

The β-crystals of polypropylene have a metastable crystal form. The formation of β-crystals can improve the toughness and heat resistance of a material. The introduction of a β-nucleating agent, over many other methods, is undoubtedly the most reliable method through which to obtain β-PP. Furthermore, in this study, certain newly developed β-nucleating agents and their compounds in recent years are listed in detail, including the less-mentioned polymer β-nucleating agents and their nucleation characteristics. In addition, the various influencing factors of β-nucleation efficiency, including the polymer matrix and processing conditions, are analyzed in detail and the corresponding improvement measures are summarized. Finally, the composites and synergistic toughening effects are discussed, and three potential future research directions are speculated upon based on previous research.
Starch-Based Polymer Materials as Advanced Adsorbents for Sustainable Water Treatment: Current Status, Challenges, and Future Perspectives
Authors: Khoo Pui San , Ilyas R. A. , Uda M. N. A. , Hassan Shukur Abu , Nordin A. H. , Norfarhana A. S. , Ab Hamid N. H. , Rani M. S. A. , Abral Hairul , Norrrahim M. N. F. , Knight V. F. , Lee Chuan Li , Rafiqah S. Ayu
Published: July 2023

Over the past three decades, chemical and biological water contamination has become a major concern, particularly in the industrialized world. Heavy metals, aromatic compounds, and dyes are among the harmful substances that contribute to water pollution, which jeopardies the human health. For this reason, it is of the utmost importance to locate methods for the cleanup of wastewater that are not genuinely effective. Owing to its non-toxicity, biodegradability, and biocompatibility, starch is a naturally occurring polysaccharide that scientists are looking into as a possible environmentally friendly material for sustainable water remediation. Starch could exhibit significant adsorption capabilities towards pollutants with the substitution of amide, amino, carboxyl, and other functional groups for hydroxyl groups. Starch derivatives may effectively remove contaminants such as oil, organic solvents, pesticides, heavy metals, dyes, and pharmaceutical pollutants by employing adsorption techniques at a rate greater than 90%. The maximal adsorption capacities of starch-based adsorbents for oil and organic solvents, pesticides, heavy metal ions, dyes, and pharmaceuticals are 13,000, 66, 2000, 25,000, and 782 mg/g, respectively. Although starch-based adsorbents have demonstrated a promising future for environmental wastewater treatment, additional research is required to optimize the technique before the starch-based adsorbent can be used in large-scale in situ wastewater treatment.
Difference in Step-Wise Production Rules of SP Binary Flooding for Conglomerate Reservoirs with Different Lithologies
Authors: Lv Jianrong , Liao Guangzhi , Ma Chunmiao , Du Meng , Wang Xiaoguang , Tan Fengqi
Published: July 2023

The purpose of this study is to clarify the difference in oil production rules of conglomerate reservoirs with different pore structures during surfactant–polymer (SP) binary flooding and to ensure the efficient development of conglomerate reservoirs. In this paper, the full-diameter natural cores from the conglomerate reservoir of the Triassic Kexia Formation in the seventh middle block of the Karamay Oilfield (Xinjiang, China) are selected as the research objects. Two schemes of single constant viscosity (SCV) and echelon viscosity reducing (EVR) are designed to displace oil from three main oil-bearing lithologies, namely fine conglomerate, glutenite, and sandstone. Through comprehensive analysis of parameters, such as oil recovery rate, water content, and injection pressure difference, the influence of lithology on the enhanced oil recovery (EOR) of the EVR scheme is determined, which in turn reveals the differences in the step-wise oil production rules of the three lithologies. The experimental results show that for the three lithological reservoirs, the oil displacement effect of the EVR scheme is better than that of the SCV scheme, and the differences in recovery rates between the two schemes are 9.91% for the fine conglomerate, 6.77% for glutenite, and 6.69% for sandstone. By reducing the molecular weight and viscosity of the SP binary system, the SCV scheme achieves the reconstruction of the pressure field and the redistribution of seepage paths of chemical micelles with different sizes, thus, achieving the step-wise production of crude oil in different scale pore throats and enhancing the overall recovery of the reservoir. The sedimentary environment and diagenesis of the three types of lithologies differ greatly, resulting in diverse microscopic pore structures and differential seepage paths and displace rules of SP binary solutions, ultimately leading to large differences in the enhanced oil recoveries of different lithologies. The fine conglomerate reservoir has the strongest anisotropy, the worst pore throat connectivity, and the lowest water flooding recovery rate. Since the fine conglomerate reservoir has the strongest anisotropy, the worst pore throats connectivity, and the lowest water flooding recovery, the EVR scheme shows a good “water control and oil enhancement” development feature and the best step-wise oil production effect. The oil recovery rate of the two schemes for fine conglomerate shows a difference of 10.14%, followed by 6.36% for glutenite and 5.10% for sandstone. In addition, the EOR of fine conglomerate maintains a high upward trend throughout the chemical flooding, indicating that the swept volume of small pore throats gradually expands and the producing degree of the remaining oil in it gradually increases. Therefore, the fine conglomerate is the most suitable lithology for the SCV scheme among the three lithologies of the conglomerate reservoirs.
Polydopamine-Coated Polycaprolactone Electrospun Nanofiber Membrane Loaded with Thrombin for Wound Hemostasis
Authors: Cui Dapeng , Li Ming , Zhang Peng , Rao Feng , Huang Wei , Wang Chuanlin , Guo Wei , Wang Tianbing
Published: July 2023

Hemorrhagic shock is the primary cause of death in patients with severe trauma, and the development of rapid and efficient hemostatic methods is of great significance in saving the lives of trauma patients. In this study, a polycaprolactone (PCL) nanofiber membrane was prepared by electrospinning. A PCL–PDA loading system was developed by modifying the surface of polydopamine (PDA), using inspiration from mussel adhesion protein, and the efficient and stable loading of thrombin (TB) was realized to ensure the bioactivity of TB. The new thrombin loading system overcomes the disadvantages of harsh storage conditions, poor strength, and ease of falling off, and it can use thrombin to start a rapid coagulation cascade reaction, which has the characteristics of fast hemostasis, good biocompatibility, high safety, and a wide range of hemostasis. The physicochemical properties and biocompatibility of the PCL–PDA–TB membrane were verified by scanning electron microscopy, the cell proliferation test, the cell adhesion test, and the extract cytotoxicity test. Red blood cell adhesion, platelet adhesion, dynamic coagulation time, and animal models all verified the coagulation effect of the PCL–PDA–TB membrane. Therefore, the PCL–PDA–TB membrane has great potential in wound hemostasis applications, and should be widely used in various traumatic hemostatic scenarios.
Influence of the Polymeric Matrix on the Optical and Electrical Properties of Copper Porphine-Based Semiconductor Hybrid Films
Authors: Sánchez Vergara Maria Elena , Hernández Méndez Joaquín André , González Verdugo Daniela , Giammattei Funes Isabella María , Lozada Flores Octavio
Published: July 2023

In this study, we assessed the electrical and optical behavior of semiconductor hybrid films fabricated from octaethyl-21H,23H-porphine copper (CuP), embedded in polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA), and polystyrene (PS). The hybrid films were characterized structurally and morphologically using infrared spectroscopy (IR), atomic force microscopy (AFM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Subsequently, the PMMA:CuP and PS:CuP hybrid films were evaluated optically by UV–vis spectroscopy, as well as electrically, with the four-point collinear method. Hybrid films present a homogeneous and low roughness morphology. In addition, the PS matrix allows the crystallization of the porphin, while PMMA promotes the amorphous structure in CuP. The polymeric matrix also affects the optical behavior of the films, since the smallest optical gap (2.16 eV) and onset gap (1.89 eV), and the highest transparency are obtained in the film with a PMMA matrix. Finally, the electrical behavior in hybrid films is also affected by the matrix: the largest amount of current carried is approximately 0.01 A for the PS:CuP film, and 0.0015 A for the PMMA:CuP film. Thanks to the above properties, hybrid films are promising candidates for use in optoelectronic devices.