bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Perioperative Risk Stratification: A Need for an Improved Assessment in Surgery and Anesthesia—A Pilot Study
Authors: Grigorescu Bianca-Liana , Săplăcan Irina , Petrișor Marius , Bordea Ioana Roxana , Fodor Raluca , Lazăr Alexandra
Published: October 2021

Background and Objectives: Numerous scoring systems have been introduced into modern medicine. None of the scoring systems assessed both anesthetic and surgical risk of the patient, predict the morbidity, mortality, or the need for postoperative intensive care unit admission. The aim of this study was to compare the anesthetic and surgical scores currently used, for a better evaluation of perioperative risks, morbidity, and mortality. Material and Methods: This is a pilot, prospective, observational study. We enrolled 50 patients scheduled for elective surgery. Anesthetic and surgery risk was assessed using American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) scale, Physiological and Operative Severity Score for the enumeration of Mortality and morbidity (P-POSSUM), Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE II), and Surgical APGAR Score (SAS) scores. The real and the estimated length of stay (LOS) were registered. Results: We obtained several statistically significant positive correlations: ASA score–P-POSSUM (p < 0.01, r = 0.465); ASA score–SAS, (p < 0.01, r = −0.446); ASA score–APACHE II, (p < 0.01 r = 0.519); predicted LOS and ASA score (p < 0.01, r = 0.676); predicted LOS and p-POSSUM (p < 0.01, r = 0.433); and predicted LOS and APACHE II (p < 0.01, r = 0.454). A significant negative correlation between predicted LOS, real LOS, ASA class, and SAS (p < 0.05) was observed. We found a statistically significant difference between the predicted and actual LOS (p < 001). Conclusions: Anesthetic, surgical, and severity scores, used together, provide clearer information about mortality, morbidity, and LOS. ASA scale, associated with surgical scores and severity scores, presents a better image of the patient’s progress in the perioperative period. In our study, APACHE II is the best predictor of mortality, followed by P-POSSUM and SAS. P-POSSUM score and ASA scale may be complementary in terms of preoperative physiological factors, providing valuable information for postoperative outcomes.
An Experimental Performance Study of a Catalytic Membrane Reactor for Ethanol Steam Reforming over a Metal Honeycomb Catalyst
Authors: Eremeev Nikita , Krasnov Alexey , Bespalko Yuliya , Bobrova Ludmilla , Smorygo Oleg , Sadykov Vladislav
Published: October 2021

The present study deals with the combination of ethanol steam reforming over a monolithic catalyst and hydrogen separation by membrane in a lab-scale catalytic membrane reactor (CMR). The catalyst was comprised of honeycomb thin-walled Fechralloy substrate loaded with Ni + Ru/Pr0.35Ce0.35Zr0.35O2 active component. The asymmetric supported membrane consisted of a thin Ni-Cu alloy–Nd tungstate nanocomposite dense permselective layer deposited on a hierarchically structured asymmetric support. It has been shown that the monolithic catalyst-assisted CMR is capable of increasing the driving potential for hydrogen permeation through the same membrane as compared with that of the packed bed catalyst by increasing the retentate hydrogen concentration. Important operating parameters responsible for the low carbon deposition rate as well as the amount of hydrogen produced from 1 mol of ethanol, such as the temperature range of 700–900 °C, the water/ethanol molar ratio of 4 in the feed, have been determined. Regarding the choice of the reagent concentration (ethanol and steam in Ar), its magnitude may directly interfere with the effectiveness of the reaction-separation process in the CMR.
Challenges and Outlines of Steelmaking toward the Year 2030 and Beyond—Indian Perspective
Authors: Shanmugam Sethu Prasanth , Nurni Viswanathan N. , Manjini Sambandam , Chandra Sanjay , Holappa Lauri E. K.
Published: October 2021

In FY-20, India’s steel production was 109 MT, and it is the second-largest steel producer on the planet, after China. India’s per capita consumption of steel was around 75 kg, which has risen from 59 kg in FY-14. Despite the increase in consumption, it is much lower than the average global consumption of 230 kg. The per capita consumption of steel is one of the strongest indicators of economic development across the nation. Thus, India has an ambitious plan of increasing steel production to around 250 MT and per capita consumption to around 160 kg by the year 2030. Steel manufacturers in India can be classified based on production routes as (a) oxygen route (BF/BOF route) and (b) electric route (electric arc furnace and induction furnace). One of the major issues for manufacturers of both routes is the availability of raw materials such as iron ore, direct reduced iron (DRI), and scrap. To achieve the level of 250 MT, steel manufacturers have to focus on improving the current process and product scenario as well as on research and development activities. The challenge to stop global warming has forced the global steel industry to strongly cut its CO2 emissions. In the case of India, this target will be extremely difficult by ruling in the production duplication planned by the year 2030. This work focuses on the recent developments of various processes and challenges associated with them. Possibilities and opportunities for improving the current processes such as top gas recycling, increasing pulverized coal injection, and hydrogenation as well as the implementation of new processes such as HIsarna and other CO2-lean iron production technologies are discussed. In addition, the eventual transition to hydrogen ironmaking and “green” electricity in smelting are considered. By fast-acting improvements in current facilities and brave investments in new carbon-lean technologies, the CO2 emissions of the Indian steel industry can peak and turn downward toward carbon-neutral production.
Investigation of Primary Recrystallization and Decarbonization with Different Heating Rates of Intermediate Annealing Using Nb-Containing Grain-Oriented Silicon Steel
Authors: Tian Xin , Kuang Shuang , Li Jie , Guo Jing , Feng Yunli
Published: October 2021

An Nb-containing grain-oriented silicon steel was produced through double-stage cold rolling in order to investigate the effect of the heating rate during intermediate annealing on primary recrystallization and decarburization behavior. The microstructure and texture were observed and analyzed by an optical microscope and an electron backscatter diffraction system. A transmission electron microscope was used to observe the precipitation behavior of inhibitors. The decarburization effect during intermediate annealing was also calculated and discussed. The results show that primary recrystallization takes place after intermediate annealing. As the heating rate increases, the average grain size decreases gradually. The textures of {411}<148> and {111}<112> were found to be the strongest along the thickness direction in all of the annealed specimens and are mainly surrounded by HEGB and HAGB (>45°). A large number of inhibitors with the size of 14~20 nm precipitate are distributed evenly in the matrix. The above results indicate that the higher heating rate during intermediate annealing contributes to both an excellent microstructure and magnetic properties. From the calculation, as the heating rate increases, decarbonization tends to proceed in the insulation stage, and the total amount of carbonization declines.
Phase Composition, Nanohardness and Young’s Modulus in Ti-Fe Alloys after Heat Treatment and High Pressure Torsion
Authors: Gornakova Alena S. , Straumal Boris B. , Mazilkin Andrey A. , Afonikova Natalia S. , Karpov Mikhail I. , Novikova Elena A. , Tyurin Alexander I.
Published: October 2021

Four titanium-iron binary alloys were studied. They were preliminarily annealed in the (α + β) and (α + TiFe) regions of the Ti-Fe phase diagram. The changes in the phase composition, nanohardness, and Young’s modulus of the annealed alloys before and after high pressure torsion (HPT) were investigated. Alloys with high iron content after HPT contain a large fraction of the ω phase. The nanohardness of the material in the middle of the radius of the HPT samples varies in the same range of values between 4.4 and 5.8 GPa, regardless of the preliminary annealing. Young’s modulus is a parameter sensitive to structural and phase changes in the material. After HPT, it increases by a factor of 1.5 after preliminary annealing in the (α + β) region in comparison with that in (α + TiFe) region.
Effect of Temperature on Corrosion Resistance of Layered Double Hydroxides Conversion Coatings on Magnesium Alloys Based on a Closed-Cycle System
Authors: Zhang Xiaochen , Yin Zhijuan , Buhe Bateer , Wang Jiajie , Mao Lin , Liu Bin , Zhou Peng , Zhao Yang , Zhang Tao , Wang Fuhui
Published: October 2021

The effect of temperature on the corrosion resistance of layered double hydroxide (LDH) conversion coatings on AZ91D magnesium alloy, based on a closed-cycle system, was investigated. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and X-ray diffractometry (GAXRD) were used to study the surface morphology, chemical composition, and phase composition of the conversion coating. The corrosion resistance of the LDH conversion coating was determined through electropotentiometric polarisation curve and hydrogen evolution and immersion tests. The results showed that the conversion coating has the highest density and a more uniform, complete, and effective corrosion resistance at 50 °C. The chemical composition of the LDH conversion coating mainly comprises C, O, Mg, and Al, and the main phase is Mg6Al2(OH)16CO3·4H2O.
Experimental SHPB Study of Limestone Damage under Confining Pressures after Exposure to Elevated Temperatures
Authors: Liu Lei , Li Rui , Qin Hao , Sun Wei
Published: October 2021

Studying the dynamic performance of rocks affected by high temperatures is a crucial theoretical foundation of mining engineering design and the construction of deep metallic mineral resources. More importantly, such studies can provide technical support for the green and low-carbon mining of these resources. However, systematic studies on the dynamic mechanical properties of rocks affected by both confining pressure and temperature during the mining of deep metallic mineral resources are lacking. Therefore, systematic research was conducted on the dynamic mechanical properties of limestone under confining pressure after high-temperature treatment, and a corresponding constitutive model was established. In this study, limestones were heated to 200 °C, 400 °C, 600 °C, and 800 °C, and the Split Hopkinson Pressure Bar impact test was conducted with confining pressures of 0.0 MPa, 0.5 MPa, 1.5 MPa, and 2.5 MPa. The test results show that the temperature has a significant effect on the dynamic compressive strength of limestone, and as the temperature rises, the strength tends to first increase and then decrease, reaching the turning point at a temperature of 400 °C. The dynamic compressive strength increases as the confining pressure increases. The constitutive equation of the dynamic damage to limestone under confining pressure after high-temperature treatment is consistent with the test results. Therefore, the established constitutive model can represent the dynamic behavior of limestone, providing a reference for evaluating the dynamic performance of this material, and serving as a theoretical basis for the green and low-carbon mining of deep metallic mineral resources.
A Review on the Fabrication and Reliability of Three-Dimensional Integration Technologies for Microelectronic Packaging: Through-Si-via and Solder Bumping Process
Authors: Cho Do Hoon , Seo Seong Min , Kim Jang Baeg , Rajendran Sri Harini , Jung Jae Pil
Published: October 2021

With the continuous miniaturization of electronic devices and the upcoming new technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT), fifth-generation cellular networks (5G), etc., the electronics industry is achieving high-speed, high-performance, and high-density electronic packaging. Three-dimensional (3D) Si-chip stacking using through-Si-via (TSV) and solder bumping processes are the key interconnection technologies that satisfy the former requirements and receive the most attention from the electronic industries. This review mainly includes two directions to get a precise understanding, such as the TSV filling and solder bumping, and explores their reliability aspects. TSV filling addresses the DRIE (deep reactive ion etching) process, including the coating of functional layers on the TSV wall such as an insulating layer, adhesion layer, and seed layer, and TSV filling with molten solder. Solder bumping processes such as electroplating, solder ball bumping, paste printing, and solder injection on a Cu pillar are discussed. In the reliability part for TSV and solder bumping, the fabrication defects, internal stresses, intermetallic compounds, and shear strength are reviewed. These studies aimed to achieve a robust 3D integration technology effectively for future high-density electronics packaging.
In Situ Sputtering Silver Induction Electrode for Stable and Stretchable Triboelectric Nanogenerators
Authors: Yao Jinyuan , Zhang Qi , Zhang Haodong , Li Mengqiu , Lu Xichi , Xiao Yu , Yao Rujiao , Wang Xuhong
Published: October 2021

Triboelectric nanogenerators (TENG) can convert mechanical energy into electricity and exhibit unique advantages in the field of low-frequency and discrete energy harvesting. However, the interfacial state and stability between the triboelectric layer and electrode layer influence the output and applications of TENG. Herein, an in situ sputtering Ag process for fabricating induction electrodes is proposed to match with TENG. The sputtering Ag process is optimized by a variety of parameters, such as sputtering power, single-cycle time, number of cycles, cycle interval, and vacuum degree. In addition, the chemical state of Ag as a function of air placement is investigated, showing the sputtered Ag has excellent conductivity and stability. Moreover, four kinds of polymers are selected for fabricating TENGs based on the sputtered Ag induction electrodes, i.e., nylon 66, polyimide (PI), fluorinated ethylene propylene (FEP), and polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), which shows great applicability. Considering the demand of flexible power suppliers, the sputtered Ag is integrated with a PDMS substrate, and shows good adhesion, flexibility, and ductility after severe deformation of the PDMS. Finally, the developed induction electrode processing technology is used in flexible TENG and shows great prospects in self-powered electronics for practical applications.
Novel RNA Extraction Method for Dual RNA-seq Analysis of Pathogen and Host in the Early Stages of Yersinia pestis Pulmonary Infection
Authors: Israeli Ofir , Cohen-Gihon Inbar , Aftalion Moshe , Gur David , Vagima Yaron , Zauberman Ayelet , Levy Yinon , Zvi Anat , Chitlaru Theodor , Mamroud Emanuelle , Tidhar Avital
Published: October 2021

Pneumonic plague, caused by Yersinia pestis, is a rapidly progressing lethal infection. The various phases of pneumonic plague are yet to be fully understood. A well-established way to address the pathology of infectious diseases in general, and pneumonic plague in particular, is to conduct concomitant transcriptomic analysis of the bacteria and the host. The analysis of dual RNA by RNA sequencing technology is challenging, due the difficulties of extracting bacterial RNA, which is overwhelmingly outnumbered by the host RNA, especially at the critical early time points post-infection (prior to 48 h). Here, we describe a novel technique that employed the infusion of an RNA preserving reagent (RNAlater) into the lungs of the animals, through the trachea, under deep anesthesia. This method enabled the isolation of stable dual mRNA from the lungs of mice infected with Y. pestis, as early as 24 h post-infection. The RNA was used for transcriptomic analysis, which provided a comprehensive gene expression profile of both the host and the pathogen.
Identification of Potential Citrate Metabolism Pathways in Carnobacterium maltaromaticum
Authors: Li Heng , Ramia Nancy E. , Borges Frédéric , Revol-Junelles Anne-Marie , Vogensen Finn Kvist , Leisner Jørgen J.
Published: October 2021

In the present study, we describe the identification of potential citrate metabolism pathways for the lactic acid bacterium (LAB) Carnobacterium maltaromaticum. A phenotypic assay indicated that four of six C. maltaromaticum strains showed weak (Cm 6-1 and ATCC 35586) or even delayed (Cm 3-1 and Cm 5-1) citrate utilization activity. The remaining two strains, Cm 4-1 and Cm 1-2 gave negative results. Additional analysis showed no or very limited utilization of citrate in media containing 1% glucose and 22 or 30 mM citrate and inoculated with Cm 6-1 or ATCC 35586. Two potential pathways of citrate metabolism were identified by bioinformatics analyses in C. maltaromaticum including either oxaloacetate (pathway 1) or tricarboxylic compounds such as isocitrate and α-ketoglutarate (pathway 2) as intermediates. Genes encoding pathway 1 were present in two out of six strains while pathway 2 included genes present in all six strains. The two potential citrate metabolism pathways in C. maltaromaticum may potentially affect the sensory profiles of milk and soft cheeses subjected to growth with this species.
Catalysis of Chlorovirus Production by the Foraging of Bursaria truncatella on Paramecia bursaria Containing Endosymbiotic Algae
Authors: Al-Ameeli Zeina T. , Al-Sammak Maitham A. , DeLong John P. , Dunigan David D. , Van Etten James L.
Published: October 2021

Chloroviruses are large viruses that replicate in chlorella-like green algae and normally exist as mutualistic endosymbionts (referred to as zoochlorellae) in protists such as Paramecium bursaria. Chlorovirus populations rise and fall in indigenous waters through time; however, the factors involved in these virus fluctuations are still under investigation. Chloroviruses attach to the surface of P. bursaria but cannot infect their zoochlorellae hosts because the viruses cannot reach the zoochlorellae as long as they are in the symbiotic phase. Predators of P. bursaria, such as copepods and didinia, can bring chloroviruses into contact with zoochlorellae by disrupting the paramecia, which results in an increase in virus titers in microcosm experiments. Here, we report that another predator of P. bursaria, Bursaria truncatella, can also increase chlorovirus titers. After two days of foraging on P. bursaria, B. truncatella increased infectious chlorovirus abundance about 20 times above the controls. Shorter term foraging (3 h) resulted in a small increase of chlorovirus titers over the controls and more foraging generated more chloroviruses. Considering that B. truncatella does not release viable zoochlorellae either during foraging or through fecal pellets, where zoochlorellae could be infected by chlorovirus, we suggest a third pathway of predator virus catalysis. By engulfing the entire protist and digesting it slowly, virus replication can occur within the predator and some of the virus is passed out through a waste vacuole. These results provide additional support for the hypothesis that predators of P. bursaria are important drivers of chlorovirus population sizes and dynamics.
Longevity of Plant Pathogens in Dry Agricultural Seeds during 30 Years of Storage
Authors: Brodal Guro , Asdal Åsmund
Published: October 2021

Plant diseases may survive and be spread by infected seeds. In this study we monitored the longevity of 14 seed-borne pathogens in 9 crop species commonly grown in the Nordic countries, in addition to a sample of sclerotia of Sclerotinia sclerotiorum. The data from the first 30 years of a 100-year seed storage experiment located in a natural −3.5 °C environment (permafrost) in Svalbard, Norway, are presented. To date, the pathogens, tested by traditional seed health testing methods (freezing blotter, agar plates, growing on tests), have survived. Linear regression analyses showed that the seed infection percentages of Drechslera dictyoides in meadow fescue, Drechslera phlei in timothy, and Septoria nodorum in wheat were significantly reduced compared to the percentages at the start of the experiment (from 63% to 34%, from 70% to 65%, and from 15% to 1%, respectively), and that Phoma betae in beet had increased significantly (from 43% to 56%). No trends in the infection percentage were observed over the years in Drechslera spp. in barley (fluctuating between 30% and 64%) or in Alternaria brassicicola in cabbage (fluctuating between 82% and 99%), nor in pathogens with low seed infection percentages at the start of the experiment. A major part of the stored sclerotia was viable after 30 years. To avoid the spread of seed-borne diseases, it is recommended that gene banks implement routines that avoid the use of infected seeds.
Immobilization of Polyethyleneimine (PEI) on Flat Surfaces and Nanoparticles Affects Its Ability to Disrupt Bacterial Membranes
Authors: Andoy Nesha May Octavio , Patel Meera , Lui Ching Lam Jane , Sullan Ruby May Arana
Published: October 2021

Interactions between a widely used polycationic polymer, polyethyleneimine (PEI), and a Gram-negative bacteria, E. coli, are investigated using atomic force microscopy (AFM) quantitative imaging. The effect of PEI, a known membrane permeabilizer, is characterized by probing both the structure and elasticity of the bacterial cell envelope. At low concentrations, PEI induced nanoscale membrane perturbations all over the bacterial surface. Despite these structural changes, no change in cellular mechanics (Young’s modulus) was detected and the growth of E. coli is barely affected. However, at high PEI concentrations, dramatic changes in both structure and cell mechanics are observed. When immobilized on a flat surface, the ability of PEI to alter the membrane structure and reduce bacterial elasticity is diminished. We further probe this immobilization-induced effect by covalently attaching the polymer to the surface of polydopamine nanoparticles (PDNP). The nanoparticle-immobilized PEI (PDNP-PEI), though not able to induce major structural changes on the outer membrane of E. coli (in contrast to the flat surface), was able to bind to and reduce the Young’s modulus of the bacteria. Taken together, our data demonstrate that the state of polycationic polymers, whether bound or free—which greatly dictates their overall configuration—plays a major role on how they interact with and disrupt bacterial membranes.
The Potential Role of S-and Fe-Cycling Bacteria on the Formation of Fe-Bearing Mineral (Pyrite and Vivianite) in Alluvial Sediments from the Upper Chicamocha River Basin, Colombia
Authors: Quevedo Claudia Patricia , Jiménez-Millán Juan , Cifuentes Gabriel Ricardo , Gálvez Antonio , Castellanos-Rozo José , Jiménez-Espinosa Rosario
Published: October 2021

S- and Fe-cycling bacteria can decisively affect the crystallization of Fe-bearing minerals in sediments from fluvial environments. We have studied the relationships between the Fe-bearing mineral assemblage and the bacterial community composition in the sediments rich in organic matter from the upper Chicamocha river basin (Colombia). Rapid flowing sections of the river contain sediments that have a high redox potential, are poor in organic matter and are enriched in kaolinite and quartz. On the other hand, the mineral assemblage of the sediments deposited in the La Playa dam with a high content in organic matter is enriched in Fe-bearing minerals: (a) vivianite and pyrite in the permanently flooded sediments of the dam and (b) pyrite and goethite in the periodically emerged sediments. The bacterial community composition of these sediments reveals anthropic organic matter pollution processes and biodegradation associated with eutrophication. Moreover, periodically emerged sediments in the La Playa dam contain bacterial groups adapted to the alternation of dry and wet periods under oxic or anoxic conditions. Cell-shaped aggregates with a pyritic composition suggest that sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB) communities were involved in the precipitation of Fe-sulfides. The precipitation of vivianite in the flooded sediments was favored by a greater availability of Fe(II), which promoted the iron-reducing bacteria (IRB) enrichment of the sediments. The presence of sulfur-oxidizing bacteria (SOB) in the flooded sediments and the activity of iron-oxidizing bacteria (IOB) in the periodically emerged sediments favored both pyrite crystallization under a high sulfide availability and the oxidation of microbially precipitated monosulfides. Moreover, IOB enhanced goethite formation in the periodically emerged sediments.
Thermal Expansion and Polymorphism of Slawsonite SrAl2Si2O8
Authors: Gorelova Liudmila , Vereshchagin Oleg , Kasatkin Anatoly
Published: October 2021

Slawsonite’s (SrAl2Si2O8) structure evolutions depending on temperature (27–1000 °C) have been studied by in situ single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The SrO7 polyhedron expands regularly with the temperature increase. Silicon and aluminum cations are ordered in tetrahedral sites of the studied slawsonite; no significant changes in their distribution as temperature increases were observed. Slawsonite demonstrates a relatively high volume thermal expansion (αV = 23 × 10−6 °C−1) with high anisotropy, typical for framework feldspar-related minerals and synthetic compounds. It was found that, contrary to previously published data, the crystal structure of slawsonite is stable in the studied temperature range and no phase transitions occur up to 1000 °C. The role of Ca and Ba substitution for Sr and Al/Si ordering on polymorphism of natural MAl2Si2O8 (M = Ca, Sr, Ba) is herein discussed.
Biomineralization in Polychaete Annelids: A Review
Authors: Vinn Olev
Published: October 2021

Polychaete annelids are a very important group of calcifiers in the modern oceans. They can produce calcite, aragonite, and amorphous phosphates. Serpulids possess very diverse tube ultra-structures, several unique to them. Serpulid tubes are composed of aragonite or calcite or a mixture of both polymorphs. The serpulid tubes with complex oriented microstructures, such as lamello fibrillar, are exclusively calcitic, whereas tubes with prismatic structures can be composed either of calcite or aragonite. In serpulids, the calcareous opercula also have complex microstructures. Evolutionarily, calcitic serpulid taxa belong to one clade and the aragonitic taxa belong to another clade. Modern ocean acidification affects serpulid biomineralization. Serpulids are capable of biomineralization in extreme environments, such as the deepest part (hadal zone) of the ocean. The tubes of calcareous sabellids are aragonitic and have two layers, the inner irregular spherulitic prismatic layer and the outer spherulitic layer. The tube wall of cirratulids is composed of aragonitic lamellae with a spherulitic prismatic structure. In some other polychaetes, biominerals are formed in different parts of the animal body, such as chaetae or body shields, or occur within the body as granule-shaped or rod-shaped inclusions.
Choline Chloride-Based DES as Solvents/Catalysts/Chemical Donors in Pharmaceutical Synthesis
Authors: Amoroso Rosa , Hollmann Frank , Maccallini Cristina
Published: October 2021

DES are mixtures of two or more compounds, able to form liquids upon mixing, with lower freezing points when compared to the individual constituents (eutectic mixtures). This attitude is due to the specific hydrogen-bond interactions network between the components of the mixture. A notable characteristic of DES is the possibility to develop tailor-made mixtures by changing the components ratios or a limited water dilution, for special applications, making them attractive for pharmaceutical purposes. In this review, we focused our attention on application of ChCl-based DES in the synthesis of pharmaceutical compounds. In this context, these eutectic mixtures can be used as solvents, solvents/catalysts, or as chemical donors and we explored some representative examples in recent literature of such applications.
Metabolomics and Physiological Insights into the Ability of Exogenously Applied Chlorogenic Acid and Hesperidin to Modulate Salt Stress in Lettuce Distinctively
Authors: Zhang Leilei , Miras-Moreno Begoña , Yildiztugay Evren , Ozfidan-Konakci Ceyda , Arikan Busra , Elbasan Fevzi , Ak Gunes , Rouphael Youssef , Zengin Gokhan , Lucini Luigi
Published: October 2021

Recent studies in the agronomic field indicate that the exogenous application of polyphenols can provide tolerance against various stresses in plants. However, the molecular processes underlying stress mitigation remain unclear, and little is known about the impact of exogenously applied phenolics, especially in combination with salinity. In this work, the impacts of exogenously applied chlorogenic acid (CA), hesperidin (HES), and their combination (HES + CA) have been investigated in lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) through untargeted metabolomics to evaluate mitigation effects against salinity. Growth parameters, physiological measurements, leaf relative water content, and osmotic potential as well as gas exchange parameters were also measured. As expected, salinity produced a significant decline in the physiological and biochemical parameters of lettuce. However, the treatments with exogenous phenolics, particularly HES and HES + CA, allowed lettuce to cope with salt stress condition. Interestingly, the treatments triggered a broad metabolic reprogramming that involved secondary metabolism and small molecules such as electron carriers, enzyme cofactors, and vitamins. Under salinity conditions, CA and HES + CA distinctively elicited secondary metabolism, nitrogen-containing compounds, osmoprotectants, and polyamines.
Effect of the Gintonin-Enriched Fraction on Glucagon-Like-Protein-1 Release
Authors: Lee Rami , Choi Sun-Hye , Cho Han-Sung , Hwang Hongik , Rhim Hyewhon , Kim Hyoung-Chun , Hwang Sung-Hee , Nah Seung-Yeol
Published: October 2021

Ginseng-derived gintonin reportedly contains functional lysophosphatidic acids (LPAs) as LPA receptor ligands. The effect of the gintonin-enriched fraction (GEF) on in vitro and in vivo glucagon-like protein-1 (GLP-1) secretion, which is known to stimulate insulin secretion, via LPA receptor(s) remains unclear. Accordingly, we examined the effects of GEF on GLP-1 secretion using human enteroendocrine NCI-H716 cells. The expression of several of LPA receptor subtypes in NCI-H716 cells using qPCR and Western blotting was examined. LPA receptor subtype expression was in the following order: LPA6 > LPA2 > LPA4 > LPA5 > LPA1 (qPCR), and LPA6 > LPA4 > LPA2 > LPA1 > LPA3 > LPA5 (Western blotting). GEF-stimulated GLP-1 secretion occurred in a dose- and time-dependent manner, which was suppressed by cAMP-Rp, a cAMP antagonist, but not by U73122, a phospholipase C inhibitor. Furthermore, silencing the human LPA6 receptor attenuated GEF-mediated GLP-1 secretion. In mice, low-dose GEF (50 mg/kg, peroral) increased serum GLP-1 levels; this effect was not blocked by Ki16425 co-treatment. Our findings indicate that GEF-induced GLP-1 secretion could be achieved via LPA6 receptor activation through the cAMP pathway. Hence, GEF-induced GLP secretion via LPA6 receptor regulation might be responsible for its beneficial effects on human endocrine physiology.
Stabilization Techniques of Essential Oils by Incorporation into Biodegradable Polymeric Materials for Food Packaging
Authors: Stoleru Elena , Brebu Mihai
Published: October 2021

Human health, food spoilage, and plastic waste, which are three great topical concerns, intersect in the field of food packaging. This has created a trend to replace synthetic food preservatives with natural ones, to produce bio-functional food packaging, and to shift towards biodegradable polymeric materials. Among the natural bioactive agents, essential oils are gaining more and more attention in food packaging applications due to their various benefits and fewer side-effects. However, their volatility, hydrophobicity, and strong odor and taste limit the direct use in food-related applications. Fixation into polymeric matrices represents a suitable strategy to promote the benefits and reduce the drawbacks. Emulsification and electrospinning are largely used techniques for protection and stabilization of essential oils. These methods offer various advantages in active food packaging, such as controlled release, ensuring long-term performance, decreased amounts of active agents that gain enhanced functionality through increased available surface area in contact with food, and versatility in packaging design. This review focuses on creating correlations between the use of essential oils as natural additives, stabilization methods, and biodegradable polymeric matrices or substrates in developing bioactive food packaging materials. Documentation was performed via the Scopus, ScienceDirect, and PubMed databases, selecting the publications after the year 2018. Particular attention was given to the publications that tested materials on food/food pathogens to evaluate their performances in retarding spoilage. Research gaps were also identified on the topic, materials being tested mainly at short time after preparation without considering the long-term storage that usually occurs in actual practice between production and use, and insufficient research related to upscaling.
Research Progress of NMR in Natural Product Quantification
Authors: Wang Zhi-Fan , You Yu-Lin , Li Fei-Fei , Kong Wen-Ru , Wang Shu-Qi
Published: October 2021

In the fields of medicine and health, traditional high-performance liquid chromatography or UV-visible spectrophotometry is generally used for substance quantification. However, over time, nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR) has gradually become more mature. Nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy has certain advantages in the quantitative analysis of substances, such as being nondestructive, having a high flux and short analysis time. Nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy has been included in the pharmacopoeiae of various countries. In this paper, the principle of nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and the recent progress in the quantitative study of natural products by NMR are reviewed, and its application in the quantitative study of natural products is proposed. At the same time, the problems of using NMR alone to quantify natural products are summarized and corresponding suggestions are put forward.
d-Allulose Ameliorates Skeletal Muscle Insulin Resistance in High-Fat Diet-Fed Rats
Authors: Gou Yang , Liu Bingyang , Cheng Mengyao , Yamada Takako , Iida Tetsuo , Wang Sixian , Banno Ryoichi , Koike Teruhiko
Published: October 2021

Background: d-Allulose is a rare sugar with antiobesity and antidiabetic activities. However, its direct effect on insulin sensitivity and the underlying mechanism involved are unknown. Objective: This study aimed to investigate the effect of d-allulose on high-fat diet (HFD)-induced insulin resistance using the hyperinsulinemic–euglycemic (HE)-clamp method and intramuscular signaling analysis. Methods: Wistar rats were randomly divided into three dietary groups: chow diet, HFD with 5% cellulose (HFC), and HFD with 5% d-allulose (HFA). After four weeks of feeding, the insulin tolerance test (ITT), intraperitoneal glucose tolerance test (IPGTT), and HE-clamp study were performed. The levels of plasma leptin, adiponectin, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α were measured using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. We analyzed the levels of cell signaling pathway components in the skeletal muscle using Western blotting. Results: d-allulose alleviated the increase in HFD-induced body weight and visceral fat and reduced the area under the curve as per ITT and IPGTT. d-Allulose increased the glucose infusion rate in the two-step HE-clamp test. Consistently, the insulin-induced phosphorylation of serine 307 in the insulin receptor substrate-1 and Akt and expression of glucose transporter 4 (Glut-4) in the muscle were higher in the HFA group than HFC group. Furthermore, d-allulose decreased plasma TNF-α concentration and insulin-induced phosphorylation of stress-activated protein kinase/Jun N-terminal kinase in the muscle and inhibited adiponectin secretion in HFD-fed rats. Conclusions: d-allulose improved HFD-induced insulin resistance in Wistar rats. The reduction of the proinflammatory cytokine production, amelioration of adiponectin secretion, and increase in insulin signaling and Glut-4 expression in the muscle contributed to this effect.
Diaryl Sulfide Derivatives as Potential Iron Corrosion Inhibitors: A Computational Study
Authors: El-Hendawy Morad M. , Kamel Asmaa M. , Mohamed Mahmoud M. A. , Boukherroub Rabah , Ryl Jacek , Amin Mohammed A.
Published: October 2021

The present work aimed to assess six diaryl sulfide derivatives as potential corrosion inhibitors. These derivatives were compared with dapsone (4,4′-diaminodiphenyl sulfone), a common leprosy antibiotic that has been shown to resist the corrosion of mild steel in acidic media with a corrosion efficiency exceeding 90%. Since all the studied compounds possess a common molecular backbone (diphenyl sulfide), dapsone was taken as the reference compound to evaluate the efficiency of the remainder. In this respect, two structural factors were examined, namely, (i) the effect of replacement of the S-atom of diaryl sulfide by SO or SO2 group, (ii) the effect of the introduction of an electron-withdrawing or an electron-donating group in the aryl moiety. Two computational chemical approaches were used to achieve the objectives: the density functional theory (DFT) and the Monto Carlo (MC) simulation. First, B3LYP/6-311+G(d,p) model chemistry was employed to calculate quantum chemical descriptors of the studied molecules and their geometric and electronic structures. Additionally, the mode of adsorption of the tested molecules was investigated using MC simulation. In general, the adsorption process was favorable for molecules with a lower dipole moment. Based on the adsorption energy results, five diaryl sulfide derivatives are expected to act as better corrosion inhibitors than dapsone.
Cannabinoids and Neurogenesis: The Promised Solution for Neurodegeneration?
Authors: Valeri Andrea , Mazzon Emanuela
Published: October 2021

The concept of neurons as irreplaceable cells does not hold true today. Experiments and evidence of neurogenesis, also, in the adult brain give hope that some compounds or drugs can enhance this process, helping to reverse the outcomes of diseases or traumas that once were thought to be everlasting. Cannabinoids, both from natural and artificial origins, already proved to have several beneficial effects (e.g., anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidants and analgesic action), but also capacity to increase neuronal population, by replacing the cells that were lost and/or regenerate a damaged nerve cell. Neurogenesis is a process which is not highly represented in literature as neuroprotection, though it is as important as prevention of nervous system damage, because it can represent a possible solution when neuronal death is already present, such as in neurodegenerative diseases. The aim of this review is to resume the experimental evidence of phyto- and synthetic cannabinoids effects on neurogenesis, both in vitro and in vivo, in order to elucidate if they possess also neurogenetic and neurorepairing properties.
Intramolecular Hydrogen Bonding 2021
Authors: Jabłoński Mirosław
Published: October 2021

Undoubtedly, hydrogen bonds occupy a leading place in the rich world of intermolecular interactions [...]
Discovery of a Kojibiose Hydrolase by Analysis of Specificity-Determining Correlated Positions in Glycoside Hydrolase Family 65
Authors: De Beul Emma , Jongbloet Alana , Franceus Jorick , Desmet Tom
Published: October 2021

The Glycoside Hydrolase Family 65 (GH65) is an enzyme family of inverting α-glucoside phosphorylases and hydrolases that currently contains 10 characterized enzyme specificities. However, its sequence diversity has never been studied in detail. Here, an in-silico analysis of correlated mutations was performed, revealing specificity-determining positions that facilitate annotation of the family’s phylogenetic tree. By searching these positions for amino acid motifs that do not match those found in previously characterized enzymes from GH65, several clades that may harbor new functions could be identified. Three enzymes from across these regions were expressed in E. coli and their substrate profile was mapped. One of those enzymes, originating from the bacterium Mucilaginibacter mallensis, was found to hydrolyze kojibiose and α-1,2-oligoglucans with high specificity. We propose kojibiose glucohydrolase as the systematic name and kojibiose hydrolase or kojibiase as the short name for this new enzyme. This work illustrates a convenient strategy for mapping the natural diversity of enzyme families and smartly mining the ever-growing number of available sequences in the quest for novel specificities.
Prospects for More Efficient Multi-Photon Absorption Photosensitizers Exhibiting Both Reactive Oxygen Species Generation and Luminescence
Authors: Robbins Emma , Leroy-Lhez Stéphanie , Villandier Nicolas , Samoć Marek , Matczyszyn Katarzyna
Published: October 2021

The use of two-photon absorption (TPA) for such applications as microscopy, imaging, and photodynamic therapy (PDT) offers several advantages over the usual one-photon excitation. This creates a need for photosensitizers that exhibit both strong two-photon absorption and the highly efficient generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), as well as, ideally, bright luminescence. This review focuses on different strategies utilized to improve the TPA properties of various multi-photon absorbing species that have the required photophysical properties. Along with well-known families of photosensitizers, including porphyrins, we also describe other promising organic and organometallic structures and more complex systems involving organic and inorganic nanoparticles. We concentrate on the published studies that provide two-photon absorption cross-section values and the singlet oxygen (or other ROS) and luminescence quantum yields, which are crucial for potential use within PDT and diagnostics. We hope that this review will aid in the design and modification of novel TPA photosensitizers, which can help in exploiting the features of nonlinear absorption processes.
Validation of a Fast and Simple HPLC-UV Method for the Quantification of Adenosine Phosphates in Human Bronchial Epithelial Cells
Authors: Juarez-Facio Ana Teresa , Martin de Lagarde Violaine , Monteil Christelle , Vaugeois Jean-Marie , Corbiere Cécile , Rogez-Florent Tiphaine
Published: October 2021

A new HPLC method for the simultaneous quantitative analysis of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), adenosine diphosphate (ADP), and adenosine monophosphate (AMP) was developed and validated. ATP, ADP, and AMP were extracted from human bronchial epithelial cells with a rapid extraction procedure and separated with a C18 column (3 × 150 mm, 2.7 µm) using isocratic elution with a mobile phase consisting of 50 mM of potassium hydrogen phosphate (pH 6.80). The absorbance was monitored at 254 nm. The calibration curves were linear in 0.2 to 10 µM, selective, precise, and accurate. This method allowed us to quantify the nucleotides from two cell models: differentiated NHBE primary cells grown at the air–liquid interface (ALI) and BEAS-2B cell line. Our study highlighted the development of a sensitive, simple, and green analytical method that is faster and less expensive than other existing methods to measure ATP, ADP, and AMP and can be carried out on 2D and 3D cell models.
Positive Magnetoresistance and Chiral Anomaly in Exfoliated Type-II Weyl Semimetal Td-WTe2
Authors: Adhikari Rajdeep , Adhikari Soma , Faina Bogdan , Terschanski Marc , Bork Sophie , Leimhofer Claudia , Cinchetti Mirko , Bonanni Alberta
Published: October 2021

Layered van der Waals semimetallic Td-WTe2, exhibiting intriguing properties which include non-saturating extreme positive magnetoresistance (MR) and tunable chiral anomaly, has emerged as a model topological type-II Weyl semimetal system. Here, ∼45 nm thick mechanically exfoliated flakes of Td-WTe2 are studied via atomic force microscopy, Raman spectroscopy, low-T/high-μ0H magnetotransport measurements and optical reflectivity. The contribution of anisotropy of the Fermi liquid state to the origin of the large positive transverse MR⊥ and the signature of chiral anomaly of the type-II Weyl Fermions are reported. The samples are found to be stable in air and no oxidation or degradation of the electronic properties is observed. A transverse MR⊥∼1200 % and an average carrier mobility of 5000 cm2V−1s−1 at T=5K for an applied perpendicular field μ0H⊥=7T are established. The system follows a Fermi liquid model for T≤50K and the anisotropy of the Fermi surface is concluded to be at the origin of the observed positive MR. Optical reflectivity measurements confirm the anisotropy of the electronic behaviour. The relative orientation of the crystal axes and of the applied electric and magnetic fields is proven to determine the observed chiral anomaly in the in-plane magnetotransport. The observed chiral anomaly in the WTe2 flakes is found to persist up to T=120K, a temperature at least four times higher than the ones reported to date.
Highly Sensitive and Stable Copper-Based SERS Chips Prepared by a Chemical Reduction Method
Authors: Dai Pei , Li Haochen , Huang Xianzhi , Wang Nan , Zhu Lihua
Published: October 2021

Cu chips are cheaper than Ag and Au chips for practical SERS applications. However, copper substrates generally have weak SERS enhancement effects and poor stability. In the present work, Cu-based SERS chips with high sensitivity and stability were developed by a chemical reduction method. In the preparation process, Cu NPs were densely deposited onto fabric supports. The as-prepared Cu-coated fabric was hydrophobic with fairly good SERS performance. The Cu-coated fabric was able to be used as a SERS chip to detect crystal violet, and it exhibited an enhancement factor of 2.0 × 106 and gave a limit of detection (LOD) as low as 10–8 M. The hydrophobicity of the Cu membrane on the fabric is favorable to cleaning background interference signals and promoting the stability of Cu NPs to environment oxidation. However, this Cu SERS chip was still poor in its long-term stability. The SERS intensity on the chip was decreased to 18% of the original one after it was stored in air for 60 days. A simple introduction of Ag onto the clean Cu surface was achieved by a replacement reaction to further enhance the SERS performances of the Cu chips. The Ag-modified Cu chips showed an increase of the enhancement factor to 7.6 × 106 due to the plasmonic coupling between Cu and Ag in nanoscale, and decreased the LOD of CV to 10–11 M by three orders of magnitude. Owing to the additional protection of Ag shell, the SERS intensity of the Cu-Ag chip after a two-month storing maintained 80% of the original intensity. The Cu-Ag SERS chips were also applied to detect other organics, and showing wide linearity range and low LOD values for the quantitative detection.