bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
BET Bromodomain Degradation Disrupts Function but Not 3D Formation of RNA Pol2 Clusters
Authors: Chin Diana H. , Osman Issra , Porch Jadon , Kim Hyunmin , Buck Kristen K. , Rodriguez Javier , Carapia Bianca , Yan Deborah , Moura Stela B. , Sperry Jantzen , Nakashima Jonathan , Altman Kasey , Altman Delsee , Gryder Berkley E.
Published: January 2023

Fusion-positive rhabdomyosarcoma (FP-RMS) is driven by a translocation that creates the chimeric transcription factor PAX3-FOXO1 (P3F), which assembles de novo super enhancers to drive high levels of transcription of other core regulatory transcription factors (CRTFs). P3F recruits co-regulatory factors to super enhancers such as BRD4, which recognizes acetylated lysines via BET bromodomains. In this study, we demonstrate that inhibition or degradation of BRD4 leads to global decreases in transcription, and selective downregulation of CRTFs. We also show that the BRD4 degrader ARV-771 halts transcription while preserving RNA Polymerase II (Pol2) loops between super enhancers and their target genes, and causes the removal of Pol2 only past the transcriptional end site of CRTF genes, suggesting a novel effect of BRD4 on Pol2 looping. We finally test the most potent molecule, inhibitor BMS-986158, in an orthotopic PDX mouse model of FP-RMS with additional high-risk mutations, and find that it is well tolerated in vivo and leads to an average decrease in tumor size. This effort represents a partnership with an FP-RMS patient and family advocates to make preclinical data rapidly accessible to the family, and to generate data to inform future patients who develop this disease.
ACW-02 an Acridine Triazolidine Derivative Presents Antileishmanial Activity Mediated by DNA Interaction and Immunomodulation
Authors: Albino Sonaly Lima , da Silva Moura Willian Charles , Reis Malu Maria Lucas dos , Sousa Gleyton Leonel Silva , da Silva Pablo Rayff , de Oliveira Mayara Gabriele Carvalho , Borges Tatiana Karla dos Santos , Albuquerque Lucas Fraga Friaça , de Almeida Sinara Mônica Vitalino , de Lima Maria do Carmo Alves , Kuckelhaus Selma Aparecida Souza , Nascimento Igor José dos Santos , Junior Francisco Jaime Bezerra Mendonca , da Silva Teresinha Gonçalves , de Moura Ricardo Olímpio
Published: January 2023

The present study proposed the synthesis of a novel acridine derivative not yet described in the literature, chemical characterization by NMR, MS, and IR, followed by investigations of its antileishmanial potential. In vitro assays were performed to assess its antileishmanial activity against L. amazonensis strains and cytotoxicity against macrophages through MTT assay and annexin V-FITC/PI, and the ability to perform an immunomodulatory action using CBA. To investigate possible molecular targets, its interaction with DNA in vitro and in silico targets were evaluated. As results, the compound showed good antileishmanial activity, with IC50 of 6.57 (amastigotes) and 94.97 (promastigotes) µg mL−1, associated with non-cytotoxicity to macrophages (CC50 > 256.00 µg mL−1). When assessed by flow cytometry, 99.8% of macrophages remained viable. The compound induced an antileishmanial effect in infected macrophages and altered TNF-α, IL-10 and IL-6 expression, suggesting a slight immunomodulatory activity. DNA assay showed an interaction with the minor grooves due to the hyperchromic effect of 47.53% and Kb 1.17 × 106 M−1, and was sustained by docking studies. Molecular dynamics simulations and MM-PBSA calculations propose cysteine protease B as a possible target. Therefore, this study demonstrates that the new compound is a promising molecule and contributes as a model for future works.
Role and Mechanisms of Phytochemicals in Hair Growth and Health
Authors: Kesika Periyanaina , Sivamaruthi Bhagavathi Sundaram , Thangaleela Subramanian , Bharathi Muruganantham , Chaiyasut Chaiyavat
Published: January 2023

Hair health is associated with personal distress and psychological well-being. Even though hair loss (alopecia) does not affect humans’ biological health, it affects an individual’s social well-being. So, treatment for hair problems and improving hair health are obligatory. Several pharmacological and cosmeceutical treatment procedures are available to manage hair loss and promote growth. Several factors associated with hair health include genetics, disease or disorder, drugs, lifestyle, chemical exposure, and unhealthy habits such as smoking, diet, and stress. Synthetic and chemical formulations have side effects, so people are moving towards natural compounds-based remedies for their hair problems. The history of using phytochemicals for hair health has been documented anciently. However, scientific studies on hair loss have accelerated in recent decades. The current review summarizes the type of alopecia, the factor affecting hair health, alopecia treatments, phytochemicals’ role in managing hair loss, and the mechanisms of hair growth-stimulating properties of phytochemicals. The literature survey suggested that phytochemicals are potent candidates for developing treatment procedures for different hair problems. Further detailed studies are needed to bring the scientific evidence to market.
Biologically Potent Benzimidazole-Based-Substituted Benzaldehyde Derivatives as Potent Inhibitors for Alzheimer’s Disease along with Molecular Docking Study
Authors: Adalat Bushra , Rahim Fazal , Rehman Wajid , Ali Zarshad , Rasheed Liaqat , Khan Yousaf , Farghaly Thoraya A. , Shams Sulaiman , Taha Muhammad , Wadood Abdul , Shah Syed A. A. , Abdellatif Magda H.
Published: January 2023

Twenty-one analogs were synthesized based on benzimidazole, incorporating a substituted benzaldehyde moiety (1–21). These were then screened for their acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase inhibition profiles. All the derivatives except 13, 14, and 20 showed various inhibitory potentials, ranging from IC50 values of 0.050 ± 0.001 µM to 25.30 ± 0.40 µM against acetylcholinesterase, and 0.080 ± 0.001 µM to 25.80 ± 0.40 µM against butyrylcholinesterase, when compared with the standard drug donepezil (0.016 ± 0.12 µM and 0.30 ± 0.010 µM, against acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase, respectively). Compound 3 in both cases was found to be the most potent compound due to the presence of chloro groups at the 3 and 4 positions of the phenyl ring. A structure-activity relationship study was performed for all the analogs except 13, 14, and 20, further, molecular dynamics simulations were performed for the top two compounds as well as the reference compound in a complex with acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase. The molecular dynamics simulation analysis revealed that compound 3 formed the most stable complex with both acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase, followed by compound 10. As compared to the standard inhibitor donepezil both compounds revealed greater stabilities and higher binding affinities for both acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase.
Acoustically-Activated Liposomal Nanocarriers to Mitigate the Side Effects of Conventional Chemotherapy with a Focus on Emulsion-Liposomes
Authors: Zafar Mah Noor , Abuwatfa Waad H. , Husseini Ghaleb A.
Published: January 2023

To improve currently available cancer treatments, nanomaterials are employed as smart drug delivery vehicles that can be engineered to locally target cancer cells and respond to stimuli. Nanocarriers can entrap chemotherapeutic drugs and deliver them to the diseased site, reducing the side effects associated with the systemic administration of conventional anticancer drugs. Upon accumulation in the tumor cells, the nanocarriers need to be potentiated to release their therapeutic cargo. Stimulation can be through endogenous or exogenous modalities, such as temperature, electromagnetic irradiation, ultrasound (US), pH, or enzymes. This review discusses the acoustic stimulation of different sonosensitive liposomal formulations. Emulsion liposomes, or eLiposomes, are liposomes encapsulating phase-changing nanoemulsion droplets, which promote acoustic droplet vaporization (ADV) upon sonication. This gives eLiposomes the advantage of delivering the encapsulated drug at low intensities and short exposure times relative to liposomes. Other formulations integrating microbubbles and nanobubbles are also discussed.
Development of Janus Particles as Potential Drug Delivery Systems for Diabetes Treatment and Antimicrobial Applications
Authors: Tan Kei Xian , Danquah Michael K. , Jeevanandam Jaison , Barhoum Ahmed
Published: January 2023

Janus particles have emerged as a novel and smart material that could improve pharmaceutical formulation, drug delivery, and theranostics. Janus particles have two distinct compartments that differ in functionality, physicochemical properties, and morphological characteristics, among other conventional particles. Recently, Janus particles have attracted considerable attention as effective particulate drug delivery systems as they can accommodate two opposing pharmaceutical agents that can be engineered at the molecular level to achieve better target affinity, lower drug dosage to achieve a therapeutic effect, and controlled drug release with improved pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics. This article discusses the development of Janus particles for tailored and improved delivery of pharmaceutical agents for diabetes treatment and antimicrobial applications. It provides an account of advances in the synthesis of Janus particles from various materials using different approaches. It appraises Janus particles as a promising particulate system with the potential to improve conventional delivery systems, providing a better loading capacity and targeting specificity whilst promoting multi-drugs loading and single-dose-drug administration.
An Efficient Peptidomics Screening for Exogenous Substrates and Inhibitory Peptides of the Dipeptidase ACE from Milk Hydrolysate
Authors: Huang Ju-Hsuan , Nong Nhung Thi Phuong , Hsu Jue-Liang
Published: January 2023

The dipeptidase angiotensin-I-converting enzyme (ACE) pre-incubation, liquid chromatography- mass spectrometry (LC-MS), and stable-isotope labeling were integrated for an efficient screening of ACE’s exogenous substrates from milk hydrolysate. Using this approach, 31 substrates were readily identified from 478 identified peptides and their activities were confirmed using synthetic peptides. Their reactivity is highly correlated with the decreased isotope ratio observed in LC-MS. Among these substrates, the most frequently observed residue at the P1′ position was Leu/Ser. It also revealed that ACE would not cleave the peptide when P1′ is Pro, P2′ is Asp/Glu, or P1 position is Ile. Interestingly, the sequential two-stage hydrolysis was also found. Moreover, their protective effects against ACE-mediated hydrolysis of angiotensin I (Ang-I) were also examined. The result indicated that AYFYPELFR and HLPLPLLQSW can significantly retard the hydrolysis of Ang-I and act as substrate-type inhibitors.
Encapsulation of SAAP-148 in Octenyl Succinic Anhydride-Modified Hyaluronic Acid Nanogels for Treatment of Skin Wound Infections
Authors: van Gent Miriam E. , van Baaren Tom , Kłodzińska Sylvia N. , Ali Muhanad , Dolezal Natasja , van Doodewaerd Bjorn R. , Bos Erik , de Waal Amy M. , Koning Roman I. , Drijfhout Jan Wouter , Nielsen Hanne Mørck , Nibbering Peter H.
Published: January 2023

Chronic wound infections colonized by bacteria are becoming more difficult to treat with current antibiotics due to the development of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) as well as biofilm and persister cell formation. Synthetic antibacterial and antibiofilm peptide (SAAP)-148 is an excellent alternative for treatment of such infections but suffers from limitations related to its cationic peptidic nature and thus instability and possible cytotoxicity, resulting in a narrow therapeutic window. Here, we evaluated SAAP-148 encapsulation in nanogels composed of octenyl succinic anhydride (OSA)-modified hyaluronic acid (HA) to circumvent these limitations. SAAP-148 was efficiently (>98%) encapsulated with high drug loading (23%), resulting in monodispersed anionic OSA-HA nanogels with sizes ranging 204–253 nm. Nanogel lyophilization in presence of polyvinyl alcohol maintained their sizes and morphology. SAAP-148 was sustainedly released from lyophilized nanogels (37–41% in 72 h) upon reconstitution. Lyophilized SAAP-148-loaded nanogels showed similar antimicrobial activity as SAAP-148 against planktonic and biofilm-residing AMR Staphylococcus aureus and Acinetobacter baumannii. Importantly, formulated SAAP-148 showed reduced cytotoxicity against human erythrocytes, primary human skin fibroblasts and human keratinocytes. Additionally, lyophilized SAAP-148-loaded nanogels eradicated AMR S. aureus and A. baumannii colonizing a 3D human epidermal model, without inducing any cytotoxicity in contrast to SAAP-148. These findings indicate that OSA-HA nanogels increase SAAP-148′s therapeutic potential for treatment of skin wound infections.
Gold Nanoparticles Induced Size Dependent Cytotoxicity on Human Alveolar Adenocarcinoma Cells by Inhibiting the Ubiquitin Proteasome System
Authors: Ibrahim Bashiru , Akere Taiwo Hassan , Chakraborty Swaroop , Valsami-Jones Eugenia , Ali-Boucetta Hanene
Published: January 2023

Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) are widely used in biomedicine due to their remarkable therapeutic applications. However, little is known about their cytotoxic effects on the ubiquitin proteasome system (UPS). Herein, the cytotoxicity of different sizes of AuNPs (5, 10, and 80 nm) on the UPS was investigated with a particular focus on deubiquitinating enzymes (DUBs) such as ubiquitin-specific proteases (USP) and ubiquitin carboxyl-terminal hydrolases (UCHL-1) in human alveolar epithelial adenocarcinoma (A549). It was found that all sizes of AuNPs reduced the percentage of viable A549 cells and increased lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release, measured using the MTT and LDH assays, respectively. Furthermore, the 5 nm AuNPs were found to exhibit greater cytotoxicity than the 10 and 80 nm AuNPs. In addition, apoptosis and necrosis were activated through reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation due to AuNPs exposure. The internalisation of AuNPs in A549 cells increased with increasing particle size (80 > 10 > 5 nm). Interestingly, the expression of USP7, USP8, USP10, and UCHL-1 was significantly (p < 0.001) downregulated upon treatment with 5–30 µg/mL of all the AuNPs sizes compared to control cells. Moreover, the inhibition of these proteins triggered mitochondrial-related apoptosis through the upregulation of poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP), caspase-3, and caspase-9. Collectively, these results indicate that AuNPs suppress the proliferation of A549 cells and can potentially be used as novel inhibitors of the proteasome.
On the Physical Stability of Leucine-Containing Spray-Dried Powders for Respiratory Drug Delivery
Authors: Ordoubadi Mani , Shepard Kimberly B. , Wang Hui , Wang Zheng , Pluntze Amanda M. , Churchman Joseph P. , Vehring Reinhard
Published: January 2023

Carrier-free spray-dried dispersions for pulmonary delivery, for which the demand is growing, frequently require the incorporation of dispersibility-enhancing excipients into the formulations to improve the efficacy of the dosage form. One of the most promising of such excipients, L-leucine, is expected to be approved for inhalation soon and has been studied exhaustively. However, during stability, small fibers protruding from the particles of leucine-containing powders have occasionally been observed. To clarify the origin of these fibers and assess their potential influence on the performance of the powders, three different classes of spray-dried leucine-containing formulation systems were studied over an 8-month accelerated stability program. These systems consisted of a large molecule biologic (bevacizumab) in conjunction with a glass former (trehalose), an amorphous small-molecular mass active (moxidectin), and a crystallizing active (mannitol). It was determined that the appearance of the fibers was due to the presence of small quantities of leucine in higher energy states, either because these were amorphous or present as a less stable crystalline polymorph. It was further shown that the growth of these leucine fibers caused no significant physicochemical instability in the powders. Nor, more importantly, did it decrease their aerosol performance in a dry powder inhaler or reduce the concentration of their active pharmaceutical ingredients.
Influence of Age and Sex on the Pharmacokinetics of Midazolam and the Depth of Sedation in Pediatric Patients Undergoing Minor Surgeries
Authors: Flores-Pérez Carmen , Flores-Pérez Janett , Moreno-Rocha Luis Alfonso , Chávez-Pacheco Juan Luis , Noguez-Méndez Norma Angélica , Ramírez-Mendiola Blanca , Sánchez-Maza Yolopsi , Sarmiento-Argüello Lina
Published: January 2023

Whether age and sex influence the depth of sedation and the pharmacokinetics of midazolam is currently unknown. The influence of age and sex was investigated in 117 children (2 to 17 years) who required intravenous sedation for minor surgery (0.05 mg/kg). Plasma concentrations and sedation effects were simultaneously measured. The measured concentrations were analyzed using a two-compartment model with first-order elimination. Among the age ranges, significant differences were found (p < 0.05) between the volume of distribution (Vd) of the first compartment (V1) and that of the second (V2). With respect to sex, differences in V2 were found between age groups. At the administered dose, in patients younger than 6 years, a profound sedative effect (40–60 BIS) was observed for up to 120 min, while in older children, the effect lasted only half as long. The differences found in the Vd and bispectral index (BIS) in patients younger than 6 years compared to older patients may be due to immature CYP3A activity and body fat content; furthermore, the Vd varies with age due to changes in body composition and protein binding. Patients younger than 6 years require intravenous (IV) doses <0.05 mg/kg of midazolam for deep sedation. Dosage adjustments according to age group are suggested.
Metformin-NSAIDs Molecular Salts: A Path towards Enhanced Oral Bioavailability and Stability
Authors: Acebedo-Martínez Francisco Javier , Domínguez-Martín Alicia , Alarcón-Payer Carolina , Garcés-Bastida Carolina , Verdugo-Escamilla Cristóbal , Gómez-Morales Jaime , Choquesillo-Lazarte Duane
Published: January 2023

According to the World Health Organization, more than 422 million people worldwide have diabetes. The most common oral treatment for type 2 diabetes is the drug metformin (MTF), which is usually formulated as a hydrochloride to achieve higher water solubility. However, this drug is also highly hygroscopic, thus showing stability problems. Another kind of worldwide prescribed drug is the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). These latter, on the contrary, show a low solubility profile; therefore, they must be administered at high doses, which increases the probability of secondary effects. In this work, novel drug-drug pharmaceutical solids combining MTF-NSAIDs have been synthesized in solution or by mechanochemical methods. The aim of this concomitant treatment is to improve the physicochemical properties of the parent active pharmaceutical ingredients. After a careful solid-state characterization along with solubility and stability studies, it can be concluded that the new molecular salt formulations enhance not only the stability of MTF but also the solubility of NSAIDs, thus giving promising results regarding the development of these novel pharmaceutical multicomponent solids.
Low-Intensity Pulsed Ultrasound-Mediated Blood-Brain Barrier Opening Increases Anti-Programmed Death-Ligand 1 Delivery and Efficacy in Gl261 Mouse Model
Authors: Ahmed Mohammed H. , Hernández-Verdin Isaias , Quissac Emie , Lemaire Nolwenn , Guerin Coralie , Guyonnet Lea , Zahr Noël , Mouton Laura , Santin Mathieu , Petiet Alexandra , Schmitt Charlotte , Bouchoux Guillaume , Canney Michael , Sanson Marc , Verreault Maïté , Carpentier Alexandre , Idbaih Ahmed
Published: January 2023

Therapeutic antibodies targeting immune checkpoints have shown limited efficacy in clinical trials in glioblastoma (GBM) patients. Ultrasound-mediated blood–brain barrier opening (UMBO) using low-intensity pulsed ultrasound improved drug delivery to the brain. We explored the safety and the efficacy of UMBO plus immune checkpoint inhibitors in preclinical models of GBM. A blood–brain barrier (BBB) opening was performed using a 1 MHz preclinical ultrasound system in combination with 10 µL/g microbubbles. Brain penetration of immune checkpoint inhibitors was determined, and immune cell populations were evaluated using flow cytometry. The impact of repeated treatments on survival was determined. In syngeneic GL261-bearing immunocompetent mice, we showed that UMBO safely and repeatedly opened the BBB. BBB opening was confirmed visually and microscopically using Evans blue dye and magnetic resonance imaging. UMBO plus anti-PDL-1 was associated with a significant improvement of overall survival compared to anti-PD-L1 alone. Using mass spectroscopy, we showed that the penetration of therapeutic antibodies can be increased when delivered intravenously compared to non-sonicated brains. Furthermore, we observed an enhancement of activated microglia percentage when combined with anti-PD-L1. Here, we report that the combination of UMBO and anti-PD-L1 dramatically increases GL261-bearing mice’s survival compared to their counterparts treated with anti-PD-L1 alone. Our study highlights the BBB as a limitation to overcome in order to increase the efficacy of anti-PD-L1 in GBM and supports clinical trials combining UMBO and in GBM patients.
Optimizing Dacarbazine Therapy: Design of a Laser-Triggered Delivery System Based on β-Cyclodextrin and Plasmonic Gold Nanoparticles
Authors: Quintana-Contardo Sebastián , Donoso-González Orlando , Lang Erika , Guerrero Ariel R. , Noyong Michael , Simon Ulrich , Kogan Marcelo J. , Yutronic Nicolás , Sierpe Rodrigo
Published: January 2023

Dacarbazine (DB) is an antineoplastic drug extensively used in cancer therapy. However, present limitations on its performance are related to its low solubility, instability, and non-specificity. To overcome these drawbacks, DB was included in β-cyclodextrin (βCD), which increased its aqueous solubility and stability. This new βCD@DB complex has been associated with plasmonic gold nanoparticles (AuNPs), and polyethylene glycol (PEG) has been added in the process to increase the colloidal stability and biocompatibility. Different techniques revealed that DB allows for a dynamic inclusion into βCD, with an association constant of 80 M−1 and a degree of solubilization of 0.023, where βCD showed a loading capacity of 16%. The partial exposure of the NH2 group in the included DB allows its interaction with AuNPs, with a loading efficiency of 99%. The PEG-AuNPs-βCD@DB nanosystem exhibits an optical plasmonic absorption at 525 nm, a surface charge of −29 mV, and an average size of 12 nm. Finally, laser irradiation assays showed that DB can be released from this platform in a controlled manner over time, reaching a concentration of 56 μg/mL (43% of the initially loaded amount), which, added to the previous data, validates its potential for drug delivery applications. Therefore, the novel nanosystem based on βCD, AuNPs, and PEG is a promising candidate as a new nanocarrier for DB.
Asymptotic Capacity Maximization for MISO Visible Light Communication Systems with a Liquid Crystal RIS-Based Receiver
Authors: Wu Qi , Zhang Jian , Zhang Yanyu , Xin Gang , Guo Dongqin
Published: January 2023

Combined with reconfigurable intelligent surfaces (RISs), visible light communications (VLCs) can increase the communication performance to a great degree. However, the research into RIS-aided VLC systems has mainly focused on mirror array-based RISs deployed on the wall while neglecting liquid crystal (LC)-based RISs in VLC receivers. With the development of advanced materials, the LC RIS has been gradually attracting attention from researchers. Inspired by the current research into the LC RIS, the applications of the LC RIS in multiple-input single-output (MISO) VLC systems are investigated in this paper. We formulate an optimization problem with asymptotic capacity maximization as the objective function and the refractive index of the LC RIS as the independent variable. As for this nonconvex optimization problem, we propose the particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm to determine the configuration of parameters for the LC RIS. The simulation results indicate that the employment of the LC RIS in VLC receivers can raise the communication performance of the MISO-VLC systems; meanwhile, the proposed algorithm is an effective way to deal with the optimization problems for LC RIS-based MISO-VLC systems when compared with the exhaustive search method and a baseline scheme. The LC RIS is also expected to solve the dead zone problem in traditional VLC systems.
Quantum State Tomography in Nonequilibrium Environments
Authors: Chen Haonan , Han Tao , Chen Mingli , Ren Jing , Cai Xiangji , Meng Xiangjia , Peng Yonggang
Published: January 2023

We generalize an approach to studying the quantum state tomography (QST) of open systems in terms of the dynamical map in Kraus representation within the framework of dynamic generation of informationally complete positive operator-valued measures. As applications, we use the generalized approach to theoretically study the QST of qubit systems in the presence of nonequilibrium environments which exhibit nonstationary and non-Markovian random telegraph noise statistical properties. We derive the time-dependent measurement operators for the quantum state reconstruction of the single qubit and two-qubit systems in terms of the polarization operator basis. It is shown that the behavior of the time-dependent measurement operators is closely associated with the dynamical map of the qubit systems.
Narrow-Linewidth Tunable Fiber Laser Based on Laser-Induced Graphene Heated Fiber Bragg Grating with Low Voltage
Authors: Gu Baoshan , Yang Feng , Shen Li , Zhou Shouhuan , Wang Shutong , Wang Sha
Published: January 2023

In this paper, we demonstrate a narrow-linewidth tunable fiber laser based on laser-induced graphene (LIG) paper-heated fiber Bragg grating (FBG) with low voltage. A linewidth of less than 600 Hz is achieved by the combination of a piece of unpumped Er-doped fiber and an FBG. Changing the temperature of the FBG will result in the central transmission spectrum shifting, and hence the laser wavelength tuning. LIG-heated (LIG-H) fabrication on polyimide (PI) paper by CO2 laser is used to offer temperature control of the FBG. By adjusting the voltage of the LIG-H from 0 to 5 V, the temperature of the LIG-H can be changed from room temperature up to 220 °C, while the central wavelength of the output laser can be continuously adjusted from 1549.5 nm to 1552 nm with a full range of 2.5 nm. The proposed technique by electric control of LIG-H can provide a low-cost and compact wavelength tunable laser design.
Design of the Polarization-Independent Wavelength Multiplexing Holographic Metasurface
Authors: Zhao Tianyu , Wu Yihui , Xing Yi , Wang Yue , Wu Jie , Zhou Wenchao
Published: January 2023

Metasurface regulates the polarization, phase, amplitude, frequency, and other characteristics of electromagnetic waves through the subwavelength microstructure. By using its polarization characteristics, it can realize the functions of optical rotation and vector beam generation. It is the most widely used method of regulation. However, parallel optical manipulation, imaging, and communication usually require polarization-insensitive focused (or vortex) arrays of beams, so polarization-independent wavelength multiplexing optical systems need to be considered. In this paper, the genetic algorithm combined with the computer-generated hologram (CGH) is used to control the transmission phase of the structure itself, and on the basis of wavelength multiplexing, the corresponding array of focused or vortex beams without the polarization selection property is realized. The simulation software results show that the method has a huge application prospect in optical communication and optical manipulation.
High-Speed and High-Power Ge-on-Si Photodetector with Bilateral Mode-Evolution-Based Coupler
Authors: Li Daimo , Yang Yan , Li Bin , Tang Bo , Zhang Peng , Ou Xiangpeng , Sun Fujun , Li Zhihua
Published: January 2023

We propose a germanium-on-silicon photodetector with a bilateral mode-evolution-based coupler. Based on the double-sided mode-evolution, the light illuminates the whole Ge absorption region uniformly, which alleviates the space-charge effects and decreases the saturation effects. The simulated results show 53% more photocurrent generation and more than 19 times the opto-electrical bandwidth than conventional butt-coupled photodetectors under high-power illumination. In addition, an equivalent circuit model is presented to investigate the limiting factors of bandwidth. A genetic algorithm is used to extract the parameter values of components in an equivalent circuit by fitting the simulated two-port S22 parameter. The results show significant improvement in high-power and high-speed performance compared with conventional butt-coupled detectors.
Enhancing the Self-Healing Ability of a Partially Coherent Airy Beam via Fourier Processing: Numerical Investigation
Authors: Zhao Yuefeng , Wang Yinghe , Chen Qian , Ma Pujuan , Cai Yangjian , Liang Chunhao
Published: January 2023

Almost all of the beams under propagation are believed to suffer severe distortion when the source coherence deteriorates, due to the optical diffraction. This implies that low-coherence beams have poor self-healing ability, but were found to be robust against the turbulence, distortion, scattering, etc. In this letter, we first prove numerically that partially coherent Airy beams (PCABs), generated via Fourier processing, have better self-healing ability than that of conventional fully coherent Airy beams. Moreover, as the source coherence deteriorates and the propagation distance increases, the self-healing ability is found to increase. We believe that such PCABs may find Airy beam-related applications in adverse environments, such as particle trapping in biological tissues.
Disadvantaged Economic Conditions and Stricter Border Rules Shape Afghan Refugees’ Ethnobotany: Insights from Kohat District, NW Pakistan
Authors: Shah Adnan Ali , Badshah Lal , Khalid Noor , Shah Muhammad Ali , Manduzai Ajmal Khan , Faiz Abdullah , De Chiara Matteo , Mattalia Giulia , Sõukand Renata , Pieroni Andrea
Published: January 2023

The study of migrants’ ethnobotany can help to address the diverse socio-ecological factors affecting temporal and spatial changes in local ecological knowledge (LEK). Through semi-structured and in-depth conversations with ninety interviewees among local Pathans and Afghan refugees in Kohat District, NW Pakistan, one hundred and forty-five wild plant and mushroom folk taxa were recorded. The plants quoted by Afghan refugees living inside and outside the camps tend to converge, while the Afghan data showed significant differences with those collected by local Pakistani Pathans. Interviewees mentioned two main driving factors potentially eroding folk plant knowledge: (a) recent stricter border policies have made it more difficult for refugees to visit their home regions in Afghanistan and therefore to also procure plants in their native country; (b) their disadvantaged economic conditions have forced them to engage more and more in urban activities in the host country, leaving little time for farming and foraging practices. Stakeholders should foster the exposure that refugee communities have to their plant resources, try to increase their socio-economic status, and facilitate both their settling outside the camps and their transnational movement for enhancing their use of wild plants, ultimately leading to improvements in their food security and health status.
Neem Oil to Reduce Zeatin Use and Optimize the Rooting Phase in Olea europaea L. Micropropagation
Authors: Regni Luca , Facchin Simona Lucia , da Silva Daniel Fernandes , De Cesaris Michele , Famiani Franco , Proietti Primo , Micheli Maurizio
Published: January 2023

Micropropagation is an in vitro propagation technique, established in the nursery field sector for numerous species, which offers several advantages compared to traditional agamic propagation techniques. In the case of the olive tree, however, despite the advances made through research, it is still little used, due to the recalcitrance to in vitro proliferation and/or rooting of many olive cultivars and the high cost of zeatin, the only cytokinin that makes it possible to achieve a satisfactory proliferation rate in this species. In this context, numerous attempts have been made to identify alternative cytokinin compounds able to improve the proliferation rate of olive tree explants and thus reduce the unitary production cost. In particular, there is a growing interest in the use of natural substances (called in some cases “complex mixtures”), which, when added to the in vitro cultivation substrates, seem to be able to improve proliferation rates. In the present study, neem oil was added to the propagation substrates (partially/totally replacing zeatin) and in the rooting phase for the olive cultivar Moraiolo. In particular, in the proliferation phase, the effect of neem oil (0.1 mL L−1) in substrates containing different zeatin concentrations (0, 1, 2, and 4 mg L−1) was evaluated. For the rooting phase, agarized substrate and soil were used with shoots derived from a standard proliferation substrate (4 mg L−1 zeatin) and from the substrate that gave the best results in the proliferation phase (2 mg L−1 zeatin and 0.1 mL L−1 neem oil). In the proliferation phase, the addition of neem oil in the substrates with low zeatin concentration (1 and 2 mg L−1) induced an increase in the number of adventitious shoots and shoots length. On the contrary, the addition of neem oil in the rooting substrates did not positively influence the rooting phase, but positive results especially in terms of root number and length were observed in explants derived from a neem oil-enriched proliferation substrate compared to the control substrate. Therefore, the present study demonstrated for the first time the positive role of neem oil in the proliferation of olive in vitro with low zeatin concentrations.
Vein Network and Climatic Factors Predict the Leaf Economic Spectrum of Desert Plants in Xinjiang, China
Authors: Du Yi , Zhang Yulin , Guo Zichun , Zhang Zhihao , Zeng Fanjiang
Published: January 2023

The leaf economic spectrum (LES) has been repeatedly verified with regional and global datasets. However, the LES of desert plants and its drivers has not been fully explored at the species level. In this study, we sampled three desert perennial plant species (Alhagi sparsifolia, Karelinia caspia, and Apocynum venetum) at three different geographical areas of distribution in Xinjiang, China, and measured 10 leaf economic traits to determine their strategy of resource utilization. The scores of the first axis from the principal component analysis of 10 leaf economic traits as a continuous variable define the LES. This study showed that the LES did exist in desert plants in this region. The leaf economic spectrum shifted from a more conservative strategy to a more acquisitive strategy with increasing contents of soil potassium (K) and the ratio of K to phosphorus. Except for the vein density of A. venetum, which quadratically correlated with LES, the vein density, distance between veins, and vein loopiness significantly positively correlated with the LES (p < 0.05), indicating a covariation and tradeoff relationship. The annual mean temperature was significantly negatively correlated with LES, while the annual mean precipitation (MAP) and the aridity index (AI), which was calculated by the ratio of MAP to potential evapotranspiration, significantly positively correlated with the LES. Of these, vein loopiness and AI were more effective at predicting the change in LES from anatomical and climatic perspectives owing to their high regression coefficients (R2). The findings of this study will substantially improve the understanding of the strategies of desert plants to utilize resources and predict the structure and function of ecosystems.
Macrophytes in Inland Waters: From Knowledge to Management
Authors: Troia Angelo
Published: January 2023

The huge biodiversity of inland waters and the many different aquatic habitats or ecosystems occurring there are particularly threatened by human impacts. In this Special Issue, ten articles have been collected that show new data on the distribution and ecology of some rare aquatic macrophytes, including both vascular plants and charophytes, but also on the use of these organisms for the monitoring, management, and restoration of wetlands.
Genome-Wide Analysis and Expression of Cyclic Nucleotide–Gated Ion Channel (CNGC) Family Genes under Cold Stress in Mango (Mangifera indica)
Authors: Zhang Yajie , Li Yubo , Yang Jing , Yang Xinli , Chen Shengbei , Xie Zhouli , Zhang Mingjie , Huang Yanlei , Zhang Jinghong , Huang Xing
Published: January 2023

The ‘king of fruits’ mango (Mangifera indica) is widely cultivated in tropical areas and has been threatened by frequent extreme cold weather. Cyclic nucleotide–gated ion channel (CNGC) genes have an important function in the calcium-mediated development and cold response of plants. However, few CNGC-related studies are reported in mango, regardless of the mango cold stress response. In this study, we identified 43 CNGC genes in mango showing tissue-specific expression patterns. Five MiCNGCs display more than 3-fold gene expression induction in the fruit peel and leaf under cold stress. Among these, MiCNGC9 and MiCNGC13 are significantly upregulated below 6 °C, suggesting their candidate functions under cold stress. Furthermore, cell membrane integrity was damaged at 2 °C in the mango leaf, as shown by the content of malondialdehyde (MDA), and eight MiCNGCs are positively correlated with MDA contents. The high correlation between MiCNGCs and MDA implies MiCNGCs might regulate cell membrane integrity by regulating MDA content. Together, these findings provide a valuable guideline for the functional characterization of CNGC genes and will benefit future studies related to cold stress and calcium transport in mango.
Phytoremediation of Potentially Toxic Elements from Contaminated Saline Soils Using Salvadora persica L.: Seasonal Evaluation
Authors: Mujeeb Amtul , Abideen Zainul , Aziz Irfan , Sharif Nadia , Hussain Muhammad Iftikhar , Qureshi Asad Sarwar , Yang Hsi-Hsien
Published: January 2023

Plants in coastal ecosystems are primarily known as natural sinks of trace metals and their importance for phytoremediation is well established. Salvadora persica L., a medicinally important woody crop of marginal coasts, was evaluated for the accumulation of metal pollutants (viz. Fe, Mn, Cu, Pb, Zn, and Cr) from three coastal areas of Karachi on a seasonal basis. Korangi creek, being the most polluted site, had higher heavy metals (HM’s) in soil (Fe up to 17,389, Mn: 268, Zn: 105, Cu: 23, Pb: 64.7 and Cr up to 35.9 mg kg−1) and S. persica accumulated most of the metals with >1 TF (translocation factor), yet none of them exceeded standard permissible ranges except for Pb (up to 3.1 in roots and 3.37 mg kg−1 in leaves with TF = 11.7). Seasonal data suggested that higher salinity in Clifton and Korangi creeks during pre- and post-monsoon summers resulted in lower leaf water (ΨWo) and osmotic potential at full turgor (ΨSo) and bulk elasticity (ε), higher leaf Na+ and Pb but lower extractable concentrations of other toxic metals (Cr, Cu, and Zn) in S. persica. Variation in metal accumulation may be linked to metal speciation via specific transporters and leaf water relation dynamics. Our results suggested that S. persica could be grown on Zn, Cr and Cu polluted soils but not on Pb affected soils as its leaves accumulated higher concentrations than the proposed limits.
Natural Bioactive Substances in Fruits of Aronia melanocarpa (Michx.) Elliott Exposed to Combined Light-Type, Chitosan Oligosaccharide, and Spent Mushroom Residue Treatments
Authors: Duan Yadong , Wei Xin , Zhao Wenbo , Li Jinxia , Yang Guang , Zhou Shuang , Zhou Chunwei , Zhang Lei , Li Pengju , Hou Shuai , Shi Deshan , Liu Cheng , Guo Baitao
Published: January 2023

Greenhouse culture is a practical approach to obtain non-wood forest products from berry fruit at a higher efficacy than resource silviculture in natural understory. In this study, three-year old black chokeberry (Aronia melanocarpa (Michx.) Elliott 1821) seedlings were transplanted to a greenhouse where sunlight was complemented by red- (69.4% red, 30.2% green, 0.4% blue) and blue-color (15.3% red, 64.9% green, 19.8% blue) light-emitting diode (LED) illuminations. Half of the planting soils were amended by spent mushroom residue (SMR) (not amendment as the control) and half the seedlings were sprayed by chitosan oligosaccharide (CO) on leaves. All treatments can increase seedling height, but only blue light reinforces the basal diameter growth. Compared to sunlight, exposure to blue light can promote leaf nitrogen and phosphorus concentrations, superoxide dismutase activity, and fruit proanthocyanidin content. The combination with CO addition will further increase chlorophyl a content, acid phosphatase activity, and total phenolics in fruit. SMR amended can induce the steady state uptake of nutrients but failed to impact fruit quality. Overall, we recommend the combination of blue light LED illumination plus CO addition to culture black chokeberry for the purpose to gain natural bioactive compounds.
Agronomic, Physicochemical, Aromatic and Sensory Characterization of Four Sweet Cherry Accessions of the Campania Region
Authors: Magri Anna , Malorni Livia , Cozzolino Rosaria , Adiletta Giuseppina , Siano Francesco , Picariello Gianluca , Cice Danilo , Capriolo Giuseppe , Nunziata Angelina , Di Matteo Marisa , Petriccione Milena
Published: January 2023

Sweet cherries (Prunus avium L.) are greatly appreciated fruits worldwide due to their taste, color, nutritional value, and beneficial health effects. The characterization of autochthonous germplasm allows to identify genotypes that possess superior characteristics compared to standard cultivars. In this work, four accessions of sweet cherry from the Campania region (Limoncella, Mulegnana Riccia, Mulegnana Nera and Montenero) were investigated for their morpho-physiological, qualitative, aromatic, and sensorial traits in comparison with two standard cultivars (Ferrovia and Lapins). A high variability in the pomological traits resulted among the samples. Montenero showed comparable fruit weight and titratable acidity to Ferrovia and Lapins, respectively. The highest total soluble solid content was detected in Mulegnana Riccia. A considerable variability in the skin and pulp color of the cherries was observed, varying from yellow-red in Limoncella to a dark red color in Montenero. Mulegnana Nera showed the highest content of polyphenols, flavonoids, anthocyanins, and ascorbic acid compared to the standard cultivars. Volatile organic compounds profile analysis identified 34 volatile compounds, 12 of which were observed at different concentrations in all the sweet cherry genotypes while the others were genotype-dependent. Conservation and cultivation of autochthonous accessions with suitable nutritional and morpho-physiologic characteristics promotes our agrobiodiversity knowledge and allows to better plan future breeding programs.
Carboxymethyl Cellulose-Based Polymers as Promising Matrices for Ficin Immobilization
Authors: Sorokin Andrey V. , Goncharova Svetlana S. , Lavlinskaya Maria S. , Holyavka Marina G. , Faizullin Dzhigangir A. , Kondratyev Maxim S. , Kannykin Sergey V. , Zuev Yuriy F. , Artyukhov Valeriy G.
Published: January 2023

The present work is devoted to research on the interaction between carboxymethyl cellulose sodium salt and its derivatives (graft copolymer of carboxymethyl cellulose sodium salt and N,N-dimethyl aminoethyl methacrylate) with cysteine protease (ficin). The interaction was studied by FTIR and by flexible molecular docking, which have shown the conjugates’ formation with both matrices. The proteolytic activity assay performed with azocasein demonstrated that the specific activities of all immobilized ficin samples are higher in comparison with those of the native enzyme. This is due to the modulation of the conformation of ficin globule and of the enzyme active site by weak physical interactions involving catalytically valuable amino acids. The results obtained can extend the practical use of ficin in biomedicine and biotechnology.
Modified Cellulose Proton-Exchange Membranes for Direct Methanol Fuel Cells
Authors: Palanisamy Gowthami , Oh Tae Hwan , Thangarasu Sadhasivam
Published: January 2023

A direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC) is an excellent energy device in which direct conversion of methanol to energy occurs, resulting in a high energy conversion rate. For DMFCs, fluoropolymer copolymers are considered excellent proton-exchange membranes (PEMs). However, the high cost and high methanol permeability of commercial membranes are major obstacles to overcome in achieving higher performance in DMFCs. Novel developments have focused on various reliable materials to decrease costs and enhance DMFC performance. From this perspective, cellulose-based materials have been effectively considered as polymers and additives with multiple concepts to develop PEMs for DMFCs. In this review, we have extensively discussed the advances and utilization of cost-effective cellulose materials (microcrystalline cellulose, nanocrystalline cellulose, cellulose whiskers, cellulose nanofibers, and cellulose acetate) as PEMs for DMFCs. By adding cellulose or cellulose derivatives alone or into the PEM matrix, the performance of DMFCs is attained progressively. To understand the impact of different structures and compositions of cellulose-containing PEMs, they have been classified as functionalized cellulose, grafted cellulose, acid-doped cellulose, cellulose blended with different polymers, and composites with inorganic additives.
Degradation of Bio-Based and Biodegradable Plastic and Its Contribution to Soil Organic Carbon Stock
Authors: Guliyev Vusal , Tanunchai Benjawan , Udovenko Maria , Menyailo Oleg , Glaser Bruno , Purahong Witoon , Buscot François , Blagodatskaya Evgenia
Published: January 2023

Expanding the use of environmentally friendly materials to protect the environment is one of the key factors in maintaining a sustainable ecological balance. Poly(butylene succinate-co-adipate) (PBSA) is considered among the most promising bio-based and biodegradable plastics for the future with a high number of applications in soil and agriculture. Therefore, the decomposition process of PBSA and its consequences for the carbon stored in soil require careful monitoring. For the first time, the stable isotope technique was applied in the current study to partitioning plastic- and soil-originated C in the CO2 released during 80 days of PBSA decomposition in a Haplic Chernozem soil as dependent on nitrogen availability. The decomposition of the plastic was accompanied by the C loss from soil organic matter (SOM) through priming, which in turn was dependent on added N. Nitrogen facilitated PBSA decomposition and reduced the priming effect during the first 6 weeks of the experiment. During the 80 days of plastic decomposition, 30% and 49% of the released CO2 were PBSA-derived, while the amount of SOM-derived CO2 exceeded the corresponding controls by 100.2 and 132.3% in PBSA-amended soil without and with N fertilization, respectively. Finally, only 4.1% and 5.4% of the PBSA added into the soil was mineralized to CO2, in the treatments without and with N amendment, respectively.