bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Alcohol Consumption and Mild Cognitive Impairment: A Mendelian Randomization Study from Rural China
Authors: Cui Yi , Si Wei , Zhu Chen , Zhao Qiran
Published: September 2022

Alcohol consumption has been associated with the risk of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) in observational studies. The result is inconsistent and whether the association is causal remains unknown. To examine the causal effect of alcohol consumption on MCI in rural China, this study used a cross-sectional dataset that included 1966 observations collected in rural China, of which 235 observations’ genotyping were collected. All participants accepted the MCI evaluation using Mini-Cog and were asked about the participants’ alcohol consumption behavior. The causal effect of alcohol consumption on MCI was investigated by Mendelian randomization (MR) of genetic variation in the aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2 rs671) gene. The risk of MCI in Chinese rural areas was 43%. Alcohol consumption was causally associated with a higher risk of MCI under MR design. Parameter estimates of drinking or not (b = 0.271, p = 0.007, 95% CI = 0.073 to 0.469), drinking frequency during the past 30 days (b = 0.016, p = 0.003, 95% CI = 0.005 to 0.027), and the weekly ethanol consumption (b = 0.132, p = 0.004, 95% CI = 0.042 to 0.223) were all positive and statistically significant at the 5% level. In conclusion, there was a high risk of MCI in rural China, and alcohol consumption was causally associated with a higher risk of MCI.
Intestinal Epithelial Toll-like Receptor 4 Deficiency Modifies the Response to the Activity-Based Anorexia Model in a Sex-Dependent Manner: A Preliminary Study
Authors: Tirelle Pauline , Salaün Colin , Kauffmann Alexandre , Bôle-Feysot Christine , Guérin Charlène , Huré Marion , Goichon Alexis , Amamou Asma , Breton Jonathan , do Rego Jean-Luc , Déchelotte Pierre , Achamrah Najate , Coëffier Moïse
Published: September 2022

The role of microbiota in eating disorders has recently emerged. Previous data reported that lipopolysaccharides induce anorexia and a decrease of body weight through the activation of toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4). In the activity-based anorexia (ABA) mouse model, an increase of TLR4 expression in intestinal epithelial cells (IEC) has been described. We thus aimed to characterize the role of TLR4 in IEC in the ABA model in male and female mice. For this purpose, Vill-CreERT2-TLR4 LoxP, which are depleted for TLR4 in IEC in response to 4-OH tamoxifen, were submitted (ABA) or not (CT) to the ABA procedure that combined free access to a running wheel and progressive time-limited access to food. We thus compared CT and ABA TLR4IEC−/− mice to CT and ABA TLR4IEC+/+ mice. In response to the ABA model, TLR4IEC+/+ male and female mice exhibited a body weight loss associated to a decrease of lean mass. In TLR4IEC−/− male mice, body weight loss was delayed and less pronounced compared to TLR4IEC+/+ male mice. We did not observe a difference of body weight loss in female mice. The body composition remained unchanged between TLR4IEC−/− and TLR4IEC+/+ mice in both sexes. In both sexes, ABA TLR4IEC+/+ mice exhibited an increase of food-anticipatory activity, as well as an increase of immobility time during the open field test. However, female TLR4IEC−/− mice showed a decrease of the time spent at the centre and an increase of the time spent at the periphery of the open field area, whereas we did not observe differences in the male mice. In conclusion, the invalidation of TLR4 in IEC modified the response to the ABA model in a sex-dependent manner. Further studies should decipher the underlying mechanisms.
Effectiveness of Moorings Constructed from Rope in Reducing Impacts to Seagrass
Authors: Unsworth Richard K. F. , Cullen-Unsworth Leanne C. , Hope James N. , Jones Benjamin L. H. , Lilley Richard J. , Nuuttila Hanna K. , Williams Beth , Esteban Nicole E.
Published: September 2022

Seagrass meadows commonly reside in shallow sheltered coastal environments which are typically safe havens for mooring boats. There is evidence from around the globe that the use of common swinging chain moorings leads to halos of bare sediment in otherwise productive seagrass. These halos reduce animal abundance and diversity and lead to a loss of the carbon stored within sediments. To protect and enhance seagrass ecosystem services, low-cost simple solutions are required that can solve the problems of boating-based disturbance. In the present novel study, we provide evidence that the simple replacement of mooring chains with rope can significantly reduce damage to sensitive benthic habitats such as seagrass. At three locations across a range of environmental conditions, we provide evidence that well-established moorings constructed from rope do not damage seagrass. Overall, there was a significant effect (F1,756 = 299.46, p < 0.001) of the mooring type and distance from the mooring base. This equates to a 44% increase in seagrass cover within areas around a rope mooring relative to a chain one. Most small boat mooring activity happens within the summer months, therefore large heavy-duty winter mooring systems are not required in many situations, opening opportunities for adapted systems that have a reduced environmental impact. The present study suggests that there is a ready-made, low-technology, low-cost solution already in existence for halting the widespread loss of seagrass from small boat mooring damage and allowing recovery and opportunity for restoration.
Monkeypox Knowledge and Confidence in Diagnosis and Management with Evaluation of Emerging Virus Infection Conspiracies among Health Professionals in Kuwait
Authors: Alsanafi Mariam , Al-Mahzoum Kholoud , Sallam Malik
Published: September 2022

As the 2022 human monkeypox (HMPX) multi-country outbreak is spreading, the response of healthcare workers (HCWs) is central to mitigation efforts. The current study aimed to evaluate HMPX knowledge and confidence in diagnosis and management among HCWs in Kuwait. We used a self-administered questionnaire distributed in July–August 2022 through a snowball sampling approach. The survey items evaluated HMPX knowledge, confidence in diagnosis and management of the disease, and the belief in conspiracies regarding emerging virus infections (EVIs). The sample size was 896 HCWs: nurses (n = 485, 54.1%), pharmacists (n = 154, 17.2%), physicians (n = 108, 12.1%), medical technicians/allied health professionals (MT/AHP, n = 96, 10.7%), and dentists (n = 53, 5.9%). An overall low level of HMPX knowledge was noticed for items assessing virus transmission and non-cutaneous symptoms of the disease, with higher knowledge among physicians. Approximately one-fifth of the study sample agreed with the false notion that HMPX is exclusive to male homosexuals (n = 183, 20.4%), which was associated with lower knowledge with higher frequency among MT/AHP compared to nurses, physicians, and pharmacists. Confidence levels were low: confidence in diagnosis based on diagnostic tests (n = 449, 50.1%), confidence in the ability to manage the HMPX (n = 426, 47.5%), and confidence in the ability to diagnose HMPX clinically (n = 289, 32.3%). Higher confidence levels were found among nurses and participants with postgraduate degrees. Higher embrace of conspiracy beliefs regarding EVIs was noticed among participants with lower knowledge, and among those who agreed or were neutral/had no opinion regarding the false idea of HMPX exclusive occurrence among male homosexuals, while lower levels of belief in conspiracies were noticed among physicians, dentists, and pharmacists compared to MT/AHP. Variable levels of HMPX knowledge were observed in this study per item, with low level of knowledge regarding virus transmission. Differences in knowledge and confidence levels in diagnosis and management of HMPX should be considered in education and training aiming to prepare for outbreak response. The relatively high prevalence of embracing conspiratorial beliefs regarding EVIs is worrisome and needs proper interventions. The attitude towards male homosexuals’ role in monkeypox spread should be evaluated in future studies considering the possibility of stigma and discrimination in this most-at-risk group.
Evaluation of Novel Inhibitors of Tryptophan Dioxygenases for Enzyme and Species Selectivity Using Engineered Tumour Cell Lines Expressing Either Murine or Human IDO1 or TDO2
Authors: Tijono Sofian M , Palmer Brian D. , Tomek Petr , Flanagan Jack U. , Henare Kimiora , Gamage Swarna , Braun Lukas , Ching Lai-Ming
Published: September 2022

Indoleamine 2, 3-dioxygenase 1 (IDO1) is commonly expressed by cancers as a mechanism for evading the immune system. Preclinical and clinical studies have indicated the potential of combining IDO1 inhibitors with immune therapies for the treatment of cancer, strengthening an interest in the discovery of novel dioxygenase inhibitors for reversing tumour-mediated immune suppression. To facilitate the discovery, development and investigation of novel small molecule inhibitors of IDO1 and its hepatic isozyme tryptophan dioxygenase (TDO2), murine tumour cells were engineered to selectively express either murine or human IDO1 and TDO2 for use as tools to dissect both the species specificity and isoenzyme selectivity of newly discovered inhibitors. Lewis lung carcinoma (LLTC) lines were engineered to express either murine or human IDO1 for use to test species selectivity of the novel inhibitors; in addition, GL261 glioma lines were engineered to express either human IDO1 or human TDO2 and used to test the isoenzyme selectivity of individual inhibitors in cell-based assays. The 20 most potent inhibitors against recombinant human IDO1 enzyme, discovered from a commissioned screening of 40,000 compounds in the Australian WEHI compound library, returned comparable IC50 values against murine or human IDO1 in cell-based assays using the LLTC-mIDO1 and LLTC-hIDO1 line, respectively. To test the in vivo activity of the hits, transfected lines were inoculated into syngeneic C57Bl/6 mice. Individual LLTC-hIDO1 tumours showed variable expression of human IDO1 in contrast to GL261-hIDO1 tumours which were homogenous in their IDO1 expression and were subsequently used for in vivo studies. W-0019482, the most potent IDO1 inhibitor identified from cell-based assays, reduced plasma and intratumoural ratios of kynurenine to tryptophan (K:T) and delayed the growth of subcutaneous GL261-hIDO1 tumours in mice. Synthetic modification of W-0019482 generated analogues with dual IDO1/TDO2 inhibitory activity, as well as inhibitors that were selective for either TDO2 or IDO1. These results demonstrate the versatility of W-0019482 as a lead in generating all three subclasses of tryptophan dioxygenase inhibitors which can be applied for investigating the individual roles and interactions between IDO1 and TDO2 in driving cancer-mediated immune suppression.
The Role of Pharmaceutical Compounding in Promoting Medication Adherence
Authors: Carvalho Maria , Almeida Isabel
Published: September 2022

Pharmaceutical compounding is an important component of pharmacy practice despite its low prevalence. Several therapeutic needs can be met by a compounded medicine such as dosing adjusted for pediatric patients, special drug combinations, medicines for patients allergic to a given excipient, and medicines for orphan drugs not provided by the pharmaceutical industry. Examples of such applications are provided in this review. Adherence to medication is a critical public health issue as nonadherence to pharmacotherapy has been associated with adverse outcomes and higher costs of patient care. Adherence to therapy represents a key factor in the reduction in morbidity and mortality and optimization of the use of financial resources. The role of pharmaceutical compounding in promoting medication adherence is underexploited. The customization might represent a positive reinforcement of the initiation of the treatment, while implementation and persistence might also be favored in a pharmacy setting. However, studies addressing the influence of compounding in adherence promotion are lacking in the literature. The results of such studies could support health policies including proper regulatory framework, pharmacist training, and information to health care practitioners.
Hybrid Molecules as Potential Drugs for the Treatment of HIV: Design and Applications
Authors: Liman Wissal , Ait Lahcen Nouhaila , Oubahmane Mehdi , Hdoufane Ismail , Cherqaoui Driss , Daoud Rachid , El Allali Achraf
Published: September 2022

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection is a major problem for humanity because HIV is constantly changing and developing resistance to current drugs. This necessitates the development of new anti-HIV drugs that take new approaches to combat an ever-evolving virus. One of the promising alternatives to combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) is the molecular hybrid strategy, in which two or more pharmacophore units of bioactive scaffolds are combined into a single molecular structure. These hybrid structures have the potential to have higher efficacy and lower toxicity than their parent molecules. Given the potential advantages of the hybrid molecular approach, the development and synthesis of these compounds are of great importance in anti-HIV drug discovery. This review focuses on the recent development of hybrid compounds targeting integrase (IN), reverse transcriptase (RT), and protease (PR) proteins and provides a brief description of their chemical structures, structure–activity relationship, and binding mode.
Identification of Biomarkers That Modulate Osteogenic Differentiation in Mesenchymal Stem Cells Related to Inflammation and Immunity: A Bioinformatics-Based Comprehensive Study
Authors: Feng Ziyi , Su Xin , Wang Ting , Guo Shu
Published: September 2022

Background: Inducing mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) osteogenesis may be beneficial in a number of clinical applications. The aim of this study is to identify key novel biomarkers of this process and to analyze the possible regulatory effects on inflammation and immunity. Results: Seven datasets (GSE159137, GSE159138, GSE114117, GSE88865, GSE153829, GSE63754, GSE73087) were obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus database and were assigned to either the training or the validation dataset. The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) logistic regression model was applied to the training data to select biomarkers of osteogenesis, which were then confirmed using the validation dataset. FK506 binding protein 5 (FKBP5), insulin-like growth factor binding protein (IGFBP2), prostaglandin E receptor 2 (PTGER2), SAM domain and HD domain-containing protein 1 (SAMHD1), and transmembrane tetratricopeptide 1 (TMTC1) were highlighted as potential biomarkers. In addition, the differential expressions of immunity and inflammation-related genes were examined and their correlations with the five identified biomarkers were analyzed. The results from performing RT-qPCR and Western blots confirmed that the levels of each of these biomarkers were all significantly increased following osteogenic differentiation of MSCs. Conclusions: Our results identify five biomarkers related to MSCs osteogenesis and allow us to identify their potential roles in immunoregulation and inflammation. Each biomarker was verified by in vitro experiments.
Medicinal Plants from Latin America with Wound Healing Activity: Ethnomedicine, Phytochemistry, Preclinical and Clinical Studies—A Review
Authors: Salazar-Gómez Anuar , Alonso-Castro Angel Josabad
Published: September 2022

Latin America is a multicultural region with ancient traditional medicine. There is extensive knowledge of the use of medicinal plants for wound healing in this region. Nevertheless, many of these medicinal plants lack pharmacological, toxicological, and chemical studies. This review focuses on the ethnomedicinal, phytochemical, and pharmacological (preclinical and clinical) studies of medicinal plants with wound healing activity, from Latin America. An electronic database search was conducted by consulting scientific articles and books. A total of 305 plant species with wound healing activity were recorded, based on traditional medicine. Most medicinal plants used in wound healing in Latin America are topically administered; their methods of preparation are mainly by water infusion from aerial parts. Only thirty-five percent of medicinal plants used in traditional medicine for wound healing have been experimentally validated for their pharmacological effects, and the wound healing activity of five medicinal plants has been studied in clinical trials. In all, 25 compounds (mostly terpenes and flavonoids) have been isolated from medicinal plants with wound healing activity; therefore, extensive work is necessary for a multidisciplinary approach to evaluate the wound healing effects of medicinal plants in Latin America. The mechanism of action of medicinal plants, their toxicological actions on the skin, and their bioactive compounds, have yet to be investigated. This review on the ethnomedicinal, phytochemical, and pharmacological studies, of medicinal plants from Latin America with wound healing activity, offers promising data for further studies, as well as providing new insights into their possible role in wound care.
Advances in Chitosan-Based CRISPR/Cas9 Delivery Systems
Authors: Caprifico Anna E. , Foot Peter J. S. , Polycarpou Elena , Calabrese Gianpiero
Published: September 2022

Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat (CRISPR) and the associated Cas endonuclease (Cas9) is a cutting-edge genome-editing technology that specifically targets DNA sequences by using short RNA molecules, helping the endonuclease Cas9 in the repairing of genes responsible for genetic diseases. However, the main issue regarding the application of this technique is the development of an efficient CRISPR/Cas9 delivery system. The consensus relies on the use of non-viral delivery systems represented by nanoparticles (NPs). Chitosan is a safe biopolymer widely used in the generation of NPs for several biomedical applications, especially gene delivery. Indeed, it shows several advantages in the context of gene delivery systems, for instance, the presence of positively charged amino groups on its backbone can establish electrostatic interactions with the negatively charged nucleic acid forming stable nanocomplexes. However, its main limitations include poor solubility in physiological pH and limited buffering ability, which can be overcome by functionalising its chemical structure. This review offers a critical analysis of the different approaches for the generation of chitosan-based CRISPR/Cas9 delivery systems and suggestions for future developments.
High-Order Modes Suppression in All-Glass Large-Mode Area Rare-Earth Doped Optical Fibers with Modified Cladding
Authors: Aleshkina Svetlana S. , Khudyakov Maxim M. , Kashaykina Tatiana A. , Yashkov Mikhail V. , Salganskii Mikhail Yu. , Velmiskin Vladimir V. , Bubnov Mikhail M. , Likhachev Mikhail E.
Published: September 2022

In the present work we have developed and realized a high core-to-cladding diameters ratio active optical fibers operated in a single-mode regime due to specially designed structure containing boron-doped and fluorine-doped rods. The beam quality at the output of the realized fibers was studied by three independent methods: near field investigation, M2 technique and S2 technique. According to the obtained results, the developed approach allows efficient suppression high-order-modes (first of all—LP11 mode) in the core and achieves a diffraction-limited beam at the output of the appropriately bent fiber (suppression of unwanted modes was better than 30 dB). Additionally, it is shown that application of such approach allows for increased bent-resistance of the fundamental mode and realizes polarization-sensitive amplification.
Cytotoxic Activities and the Allantoinase Inhibitory Effect of the Leaf Extract of the Carnivorous Pitcher Plant Nepenthes miranda
Authors: Lin En-Shyh , Huang Cheng-Yang
Published: September 2022

Nepenthes are carnivorous pitcher plants that have several ethnobotanical uses, such as curing stomachache and fever. Here, we prepared different extracts from the stem, leaf, and pitcher of Nepenthes miranda to further investigate their pharmacological potential. The leaf extract of N. miranda obtained by 100% acetone (N. miranda-leaf-acetone) was used in this study to analyze the cytotoxic activities, antioxidation capacity, antibacterial activity, and allantoinase (ALLase) inhibitory effect of this plant. The cytotoxic effects of N. miranda-leaf-acetone on the survival, apoptosis, and migration of the cancer cell lines PC-9 pulmonary adenocarcinoma, B16F10 melanoma, and 4T1 mammary carcinoma cells were demonstrated. Based on collective data, the cytotoxic activities of N. miranda-leaf-acetone followed the order: B16F10 > 4T1 > PC-9 cells. In addition, the cytotoxic activities of N. miranda-leaf-acetone were synergistically enhanced when co-acting with the clinical anticancer drug 5-fluorouracil. N. miranda-leaf-acetone could also inhibit the activity of ALLase, a key enzyme in the catabolism pathway for purine degradation. Through gas chromatography–mass spectrometry, the 16 most abundant ingredients in N. miranda-leaf-acetone were identified. The top six compounds in N. miranda-leaf-acetone, namely, plumbagin, lupenone, palmitic acid, stigmast-5-en-3-ol, neophytadiene, and citraconic anhydride, were docked to ALLase, and their docking scores were compared. The docking results suggested plumbagin and stigmast-5-en-3-ol as potential inhibitors of ALLase. Overall, these results may indicate the pharmacological potential of N. miranda for further medical applications.
Identification and Characterization of Novel Sources of Resistance to Rust Caused by Uromyces pisi in Pisum spp.
Authors: Osuna-Caballero Salvador , Rispail Nicolas , Barilli Eleonora , Rubiales Diego
Published: September 2022

Pea rust is a major disease worldwide caused by Uromyces pisi in temperate climates. Only moderate levels of partial resistance against U. pisi have been identified so far in pea, urging for enlarging the levels of resistance available for breeding. Herein, we describe the responses to U. pisi of 320 Pisum spp. accessions, including cultivated pea and wild relatives, both under field and controlled conditions. Large variations for U. pisi infection response for most traits were observed between pea accessions under both field and controlled conditions, allowing the detection of genotypes with partial resistance. Simultaneous multi-trait indexes were applied to the datasets allowing the identification of partial resistance, particularly in accessions JI224, BGE004710, JI198, JI199, CGN10205, and CGN10206. Macroscopic observations were complemented with histological observations on the nine most resistant accessions and compared with three intermediates and three susceptible ones. This study confirmed that the reduced infection of resistant accessions was associated with smaller rust colonies due to a reduction in the number of haustoria and hyphal tips per colony. Additionally, a late acting hypersensitive response was identified for the first time in a pea accession (PI273209). These findings demonstrate that screening pea collections continues to be a necessary method in the search for complete resistance against U. pisi. In addition, the large phenotypic diversity contained in the studied collection will be useful for further association analysis and breeding perspectives.
Effects of Commercial Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Inoculants on Plant Productivity and Intra-Radical Colonization in Native Grassland: Unintentional De-Coupling of a Symbiosis?
Authors: Duell Eric B. , Cobb Adam B. , Wilson Gail W. T.
Published: September 2022

There has been a surge in industries built on the production of arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungal-based inoculants in the past few decades. This is not surprising, given the positive effects of AM fungi on plant growth and nutritional status. However, there is growing concern regarding the quality and efficacy of commercial inoculants. To assess the potential benefits and negative consequences of commercial AM fungal inoculants in grasslands, we conducted a controlled growth chamber study assessing the productivity and AM fungal root colonization of nine grassland plant species grown in grassland soil with or without one of six commercial AM fungal products. Our research showed no evidence of benefit; commercial inoculants never increased native plant biomass, although several inoculants decreased the growth of native species and increased the growth of invasive plant species. In addition, two commercial products contained excessive levels of phosphorus or nitrogen and consistently reduced AM fungal root colonization, indicating an unintentional de-coupling of the symbiosis. As there is little knowledge of the ecological consequences of inoculation with commercial AM fungal products, it is critical for restoration practitioners, scientists, and native plant growers to assess the presence of local AM fungal communities before investing in unnecessary, or possibly detrimental, AM fungal products.
Hydrogen Peroxide Mediates Premature Senescence Caused by Darkness and Inorganic Nitrogen Starvation in Physcomitrium patens
Authors: Roni Md. Shyduzzaman , Sakil Md. Arif , Aktar Most Mohoshena , Takatsuka Chihiro , Mukae Kyosuke , Inoue-Aono Yuko , Moriyasu Yuji
Published: September 2022

Leaf senescence accompanied by yellowing and Rubisco degradation occurs prematurely in response to various stresses. However, signaling pathways between stress perception and senescence responses are not understood fully, although previous studies suggest the involvement of reactive oxygen species (ROS). While investigating the physiological functions of autophagy in Physcomitrium patens using wild-type (WT) and autophagy-deficient atg5 strains, we found that Physcomitrium colonies senesce prematurely under dark or nitrogen-deficient conditions, with atg5 senescing earlier than WT. In the present study, we measured cellular H2O2, and examined whether H2O2 mediates premature senescence in Physcomitrium colonies. Methyl viologen, an ROS generator, increased cellular H2O2 levels and caused senescence-like symptoms. H2O2 levels were also elevated to the same plateau levels in WT and atg5 under dark or nitrogen-deficient conditions. The ROS scavenger N-acetylcysteine and the ROS source inhibitor carbonyl cyanide m-chlorophenylhydrazone inhibited the increase in H2O2 levels as well as senescence. Upon transfer to a nitrogen-deficient medium, H2O2 levels increased earlier in atg5 than in WT by ~18 h, whereas atg5 yellowed earlier by >2 days. We conclude that the increased H2O2 levels under dark or nitrogen-deficient conditions mediate premature senescence in Physcomitrium but do not explain the different senescence responses of WT and atg5 cells.
Location and Identification on Chromosome 3B of Bread Wheat of Genes Affecting Chiasma Number
Authors: Darrier Benoit , Colas Isabelle , Rimbert Hélène , Choulet Frédéric , Bazile Jeanne , Sortais Aurélien , Jenczewski Eric , Sourdille Pierre
Published: September 2022

Understanding meiotic crossover (CO) variation in crops like bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is necessary as COs are essential to create new, original and powerful combinations of genes for traits of agronomical interest. We cytogenetically characterized a set of wheat aneuploid lines missing part or all of chromosome 3B to identify the most influential regions for chiasma formation located on this chromosome. We showed that deletion of the short arm did not change the total number of chiasmata genome-wide, whereas this latter was reduced by ~35% while deleting the long arm. Contrary to what was hypothesized in a previous study, deletion of the long arm does not disturb the initiation of the synaptonemal complex (SC) in early meiotic stages. However, progression of the SC is abnormal, and we never observed its completion when the long arm is deleted. By studying six different deletion lines (missing different parts of the long arm), we revealed that at least two genes located in both the proximal (C-3BL2-0.22) and distal (3BL7-0.63-1.00) deletion bins are involved in the control of chiasmata, each deletion reducing the number of chiasmata by ~15%. We combined sequence analyses of deletion bins with RNA-Seq data derived from meiotic tissues and identified a set of genes for which at least the homoeologous copy on chromosome 3B is expressed and which are involved in DNA processing. Among these genes, eight (CAP-E1/E2, DUO1, MLH1, MPK4, MUS81, RTEL1, SYN4, ZIP4) are known to be involved in the recombination pathway.
Heavy Metal Ions Trigger a Fluorescent Quenching in DNA–Organic Semiconductor Hybrid Assemblies
Authors: Li Xianyang , Feng Yuhui , Yi Tao , Piao Yan , Park Dong Hyuk , Cui Longzhen , Cui Chunzhi
Published: September 2022

The significance of DNA is no longer limited to its role as a biological information carrier; as a natural polymer, it also become in the field of materials. Single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) molecules with specific sequences can form a G-quadruplex or hairpin-shaped conformation with specific heavy metal ions through coordination bonds. In this study, ssDNA molecules of the four sequences were prepared into hybrid assemblies with one of the famous display materials, the tris-(8-hydroxyquinoline)aluminum (Alq3) semiconductor. Based on these hybrid assemblies, heavy metal ions, namely Pb2+, Hg2+, Cd2+ and As3+, were detected individually at the ppb level. Apart from this, in practical application, many samples containing heavy metal ions are digested with acid. By introducing MES buffer solution, the influence of acidity on the fluorescent signal of Alq3 was excluded. This strategy showed promising results in the practical application of detecting heavy metal ions in shrub branches and leaves.
Epoxy Compositions with Reduced Flammability Based on DER-354 Resin and a Curing Agent Containing Aminophosphazenes Synthesized in Bulk Isophoronediamine
Authors: Orlov Alexey , Konstantinova Anastasia , Korotkov Roman , Yudaev Pavel , Mezhuev Yaroslav , Terekhov Ivan , Gurevich Leonid , Chistyakov Evgeniy
Published: September 2022

A method for the synthesis of an amine-containing epoxy resin curing agent by dissolving hexakis-[(4-formyl)phenoxy]cyclotriphosphazene in an excess of isophoronediamine was developed. The curing agent was characterized via NMR and IR spectroscopy and MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry, and its rheological characteristics were studied. Compositions based on DER-354 epoxy resin and the synthesized curing agent with different amounts of phosphazene content were obtained. The rheological characteristics of these compositions were studied, followed by their curing. An improvement in several thermal (DSC), mechanical (compression, tension, and adhesion), and physicochemical (water absorption and water solubility) characteristics, as well as the fire resistance of the obtained materials modified with phosphazene, was observed, compared with unmodified samples. In particular, there was an improvement in adhesive characteristics and fire resistance. Thus, compositions based on a curing agent containing a 30% modifier were shown to fulfill the V-1 fire resistance category. The developed compositions can be processed by contact molding, winding, and resin transfer molding (RTM), and the resulting material is suitable for use in aircraft, automotive products, design applications, and home repairs.
Advanced Carbon-Based Polymeric Nanocomposites for Forensic Analysis
Authors: Díez-Pascual Ana M. , Cruz Daniel Lechuga , Redondo Alba Lomas
Published: September 2022

Nanotechnology is a powerful tool and fast-growing research area in many novel arenas, ranging from biomedicine to engineering and energy storage. Nanotechnology has great potential to make a significant positive contribution in forensic science, which deals with the identification and investigation of crimes, finding relationships between pieces of evidence and perpetrators. Nano-forensics is related to the development of nanosensors for crime investigations and inspection of terrorist activity by analyzing the presence of illicit drugs, explosives, toxic gases, biological agents, and so forth. In this regard, carbon nanomaterials have huge potential for next-generation nanosensors due to their outstanding properties, including strength combined with flexibility, large specific surface area, high electrical conductivity, and little noise. Moreover, their combination with polymers can provide nanocomposites with novel and enhanced performance owed to synergy between the composite components. This review concisely recapitulates up-to-date advances in the development of polymer composites incorporating carbon-based nanomaterials for forensic science. The properties of the different carbon nanomaterials, several methods used to analyze functional polymeric nanocomposites, and their applications in forensic investigation are discussed. Furthermore, present challenges and forthcoming outlooks on the design of new polymer/carbon nanomaterial composites for crime prevention are highlighted.
A Thermo-Mechanically Robust Compliant Electrode Based on Surface Modification of Twisted and Coiled Nylon-6 Fiber for Artificial Muscle with Highly Durable Contractile Stroke
Authors: Yun Sungryul , Mun Seongcheol , Park Seung Koo , Hwang Inwook , Choi Meejeong
Published: September 2022

In this paper, we propose a novel and facile methodology to chemically construct a thin and highly compliant metallic electrode onto a twisted and coiled nylon-6 fiber (TCN) with a three-dimensional structure via surface modification of the TCN eliciting gold-sulfur (Au-S) interaction for enabling durable electro-thermally-induced actuation performance of a TCN actuator (TCNA). The surface of the TCN exposed to UV/Ozone plasma was modified to (3-mercaptopropyl)trimethoxysilane (MPTMS) molecules with thiol groups through a hydrolysis-condensation reaction. Thanks to the surface modification inducing strong interaction between gold and sulfur as a formation of covalent bonds, the Au electrode on the MPTMS-TCN exhibited excellent mechanical robustness against adhesion test, simultaneously could allow overall surface of the TCN to be evenly heated without any significant physical damages during repetitive electro-thermal heating tests. Unlike the TCNAs with physically coated metallic electrode, the TCNA with the Au electrode established on the MPTMS-TCN could produce a large and repeatable contractile strain over 12% as lifting a load of 100 g even during 2000 cyclic actuations. Demonstration of the durable electrode for the TCNA can lead to technical advances in artificial muscles for human-assistive devices as well as soft robots those requires long-term stability in operation.
Squeezing Mechanical Analysis and Model Establishment of the Viscoelastic Rubber-Strip-Feeding Process of the Cold-Feed Rubber Extruder
Authors: Liu Yanchang , Pan Yiren , Hu Xuehua , Yu Fang
Published: September 2022

In the process of rubber extrusion, the feed structure directly affects the extrusion quality, extrusion uniformity, screw lateral force, and feed power consumption. Until now, the feed structure was mainly based on empirical designs, and there was no theoretical model for the optimal design of a feed structure. This paper focused on the squeezing mechanical analysis and model establishment of the feeding process in which viscoelastic rubber strips are passed through feed-wedge clearance in cold-feed extruders. The screw flight rotation squeezing process was simplified into a disc rotation squeezing process; the instantaneous squeezing velocity h˙(t) in the disc rotation squeezing model was derived according to feed wedge clearance geometry and the disc rotating speed. By transforming rotation squeezing into differential slab squeezing, mathematical expressions of the velocity distribution, pressure distribution, total squeezing force, and power consumption in the feeding process were derived in a rectangular coordinate system under isothermal and quasi-steady assumptions and certain boundary conditions by using balance equations and a Newtonian viscous constitutive relation. Theoretical calculations and experimental values showed the same trend. Through comparison, it was found that the power consumption (P3) caused by sliding friction is about 200–900 W according to theoretical calculations, while the experimental test results show it to be about 300–700 W. Additionally, the difference between theoretical pressure value and the experimental pressure value can be controlled within 5–15%. This could reflect the main factors that affect the feeding process, so could be used for analyses of actual feeding problems, and to contribute to rough quantitative descriptions of the feeding process, finite element simulation, and the optimization of the feeding structure.
The Fabrication of Alginate–Carboxymethyl Cellulose-Based Composites and Drug Release Profiles
Authors: Morozkina Svetlana , Strekalovskaya Ulyana , Vanina Anna , Snetkov Petr , Krasichkov Alexander , Polyakova Victoriya , Uspenskaya Mayya
Published: September 2022

Recently, hydrogels based on natural water-soluble polysaccharides have attracted more and more attention due to their favorable characteristics. The high water-holding capacity, lack of toxicity, and biodegradability of such hydrogels make it possible to develop new materials on their basis for biotechnological, biomedical, pharmacological, and medical purposes. Sodium alginate is a non-toxic natural polysaccharide found in marine algae. It is capable of forming solid gels under the action of polyvalent cations that cross-link polysaccharide chains. Alginate-based products are popular in many industries, including food processing, pharmaceutical, and biomedical applications. Cellulose is the most abundant, renewable, and natural polymer on Earth, and it is used for various industrial and biomedical applications. Carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) is useful in pharmaceutical, food, and non-food industries such as tablets, ice cream, drinks, toothpaste, and detergents. In this review, various methods for the preparation of the compositions based on sodium alginate and CMC using different crosslinking agents have been collected for the first time. Additionally, the drug release profile from such polymer matrixes was analyzed.
Optimization of Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles Conjugated with Lepechinia meyenii (Salvia) Using Plackett-Burman Design and Response Surface Methodology—Preliminary Antibacterial Activity
Authors: Laime-Oviedo Luis Alberto , Soncco-Ccahui Amanda Allison , Peralta-Alarcon Gladis , Arenas-Chávez Carlos Alberto , Pineda-Tapia Jose Luis , Díaz-Rosado José Carlos , Alvarez-Risco Aldo , Del-Aguila-Arcentales Shyla , Davies Neal M. , Yáñez Jaime A. , Vera-Gonzales Corina
Published: September 2022

In the present investigation, an ethanolic fraction (EF) of Lepechinia meyenii (salvia) was prepared and fractionated by gradient column chromatography, and the main secondary metabolites present in the EF were identified by HPLC-MS. Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were synthesized and conjugated with the EF of Lepechinia meyenii (salvia). The AgNPs synthesis was optimized using Plackett-Burman design and response surface methodology (RSM), considering the following independent variables: stirring speed, synthesis pH, synthesis time, synthesis temperature and EF volume. The AgNPs synthesized under the optimized conditions were characterized by UV visible spectroscopy (UV-VIS), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR), Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) and Scanning Transmission Electron Microscopy (STEM). The antibacterial activity of the AgNPs against Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC® 25923) was evaluated. The following flavonoids were identified: rosmarinic acid, diosmin and hesperetin-7-O-rutinoside. The optimized conditions for the synthesis of nanoparticles were pH 9.45, temperature 49.8 °C, volume of ethanolic fraction 152.6 µL and a reaction time of 213.2 min. The obtained AgNPs exhibited an average size of 43.71 nm and a resonance plasmon of 410–420 nm. Using FT-IR spectroscopy, the disappearance of the peaks between 626.50 and 1379.54 cm−1 was evident with the AgNPs, which would indicate the participation of these functional groups in the synthesis and protection of the nanoparticles. A hydrodynamic size of 47.6 nm was obtained by DLS, while a size of 40–60 nm was determined by STEM. The synthesized AgNPs conjugated with the EF showed a higher antibacterial activity than the EF alone. These results demonstrate that the AgNPs synthesized under optimized conditions conjugated with the EF of the Lepechinia meyenii (salvia) presented an increased antibacterial activity.
Study on High Temperature Pyrolysis Light Cycle Oil to Acetylene and Carbon Black
Authors: Li Zekun , Yuan Qimin , Tang Jinlian , Zhang Xiaoqiao , Huang Shaobin , Gong Jianhong
Published: September 2022

The reaction performance of producing acetylene by light cycle oil (LCO) high temperature pyrolysis was investigated with a self-made electromagnetic induction heating device. The results showed that the reaction temperature and residence time were the main factors restricting the production of acetylene during LCO high temperature cracking. When the reaction temperature was 1800 °C and the residence time was 8.24 ms, the yield of acetylene reached 7.90%. At the same time, the comparative study of different raw materials shows that Yangzhou heavy cycle oil (YZHCO) with a higher content of chain alkanes, cycloalkanes, and tetrahydro-naphthalene aromatics was beneficial to the formation of acetylene, and the highest yield of acetylene reached to 12.7%. The preliminary characterization of byproduct carbon black showed it had a good structure and could be used for lithium electron conductive agent.
A Conceptual Framework to Analyse Illicit Financial Flows (IFFs)
Authors: Netshisaulu Ndiimafhi Norah , Van der Poll Huibrecht Margaretha , Van der Poll John Andrew
Published: September 2022

This article develops a conceptual framework, based on a comprehensive literature review, to address illicit financial flows (IFFs), characterised by the illegal move of monies or capital across country borders. IFFs compromise transparency through complex transactions and incur harmful effects for both developing and developed economies. Financial opacity creates a conducive environment for IFFs to flourish, as a challenge to good financial practices. Following an interpretive philosophy, an inductive research approach, qualitative methodological choice, cross-sectional time horizon all through data collection through review of scholarly literature, and framework were developed to analyse the said IFFs. Our framework encourages good corporate governance and provides insights, as well as the identification of possible characteristics of IFFs perpetuated in the financial statements of entities, which would discourage entities to engage in IFFs. Specifically, practitioners should be able to identify characteristics of IFFs and use the framework to address these. Within the finance dimension, it is important to study the specific mechanisms regarding how IFFs may damage an entity’s reputation, as well as their going concern. In future work, we shall enhance the framework through interviews with auditors, followed by a validation of the enhanced framework through a focus group. The utility of the final framework can be tested through case studies in the industry to analyse IFFs.
A Backstepping Approach to Nonlinear Model Predictive Horizon for Optimal Trajectory Planning
Authors: Al Younes Younes , Barczyk Martin
Published: September 2022

This paper presents a novel trajectory planning approach for nonlinear dynamical systems; a multi-rotor drone, built on an optimization-based framework proposed by the authors named the Nonlinear Model Predictive Horizon. In the present work, this method is integrated with a Backstepping Control technique. The goal is to remove the non-convexity of the optimization problem in order to provide real-time computation of reference trajectories for the vehicle which respects its dynamics while avoiding sensed static and dynamic obstacles in the environment. Our method is applied to two models of multi-rotor drones to demonstrate its flexibility. Several simulation and hardware flight experiments are presented to validate the proposed design and demonstrate its performance improvement over earlier work.
Assessment of Satellite-Based Precipitation Products for Estimating and Mapping Rainfall Erosivity in a Subtropical Basin, China
Authors: Li Xianghu , Ye Xuchun , Xu Chengyu
Published: September 2022

Rainfall erosivity is an important indicator for quantitatively representing the erosive power of rainfall. This study expanded three satellite-based precipitation products (SPPs) for estimating and mapping rainfall erosivity in a subtropical basin in China and evaluated their performance at different rainfall erosivity intensities, seasons, and spaces. The results showed that the rainfall erosivity data from GPM-IMERG had the smallest errors compared to the estimates from rain gauge data on monthly and seasonal scales, while data from PERSIANN-CDR and TRMM 3B42 significantly underestimated and slightly overestimated rainfall erosivity, respectively. The three SPPs generally presented different strengths and weaknesses in different seasons. TRMM 3B42 performed best in summer, with small biases, but its performance was less satisfactory in winter. The precision of estimates from GPM-IMERG was higher than that from TRMM 3B42; the biases, especially in winter, were significantly reduced. For different intensities, PERSIANN-CDR overestimated light rainfall erosivity but underestimated heavy rainfall erosivity. In terms of space, TRMM 3B42 and GPM-IMERG correctly presented the spatial pattern of rainfall erosivity. However, PERSIANN-CDR tended to be less skillful in describing its spatial maps. Outcomes of the study provide an insight into the suitability of the SPPs for estimating and mapping rainfall erosivity and suggest possible directions for further improving these products.
UAV-Based Multi-Sensor Data Fusion for Urban Land Cover Mapping Using a Deep Convolutional Neural Network
Authors: Elamin Ahmed , El-Rabbany Ahmed
Published: September 2022

Accurate and up-to-date land cover classification information is essential for many applications, such as land-use change detection, global environmental change, and forest management, among others. Unoccupied aerial systems (UASs) provide the advantage of flexible and rapid data acquisition at low cost compared to conventional platforms, such as satellite and airborne systems. UASs are often equipped with high spatial resolution cameras and/or light detection and ranging (LiDAR). However, the high spatial resolution imagery has a high information content, which makes land cover classification quite challenging. Recently, deep convolutional neural networks (DCNNs) have been effectively applied to remote sensing applications, which overcome the drawback of traditional techniques. In this research, a low-cost UAV-based multi-sensor data fusion model was developed for land cover classification based on a DCNN. For the purpose of this research, two datasets were collected at two different urban locations using two different UASs. A DCNN model, based on U-net with Resnet101 as a backbone, was used to train and test the fused image/LiDAR data. The maximum likelihood and support vector machine techniques were used as a reference for classifier comparison. It was shown that the proposed DCNN approach improved the overall accuracy of land cover classification for the first dataset by 15% compared to the reference classifiers. In addition, the overall accuracy of land cover classification improved by 7%, and the precision, recall, and F-measure improved by 18% when the fused image/LiDAR data were used compared to the images only. The trained DCNN model was also tested on the second dataset, and the obtained results were largely similar to those of the first dataset.