bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Peptide−Calcium Chelate from Antler (Cervus elaphus) Bone Enhances Calcium Absorption in Intestinal Caco-2 Cells and D-gal-Induced Aging Mouse Model
Authors: Wang Zhaoguo , Zhai Xiaorui , Fang Jiayuan , Wu Hongyan , Cheng Yunyun , Gao Yuan , Chen Xi , Zheng Shuo , Liu Songcai , Hao Linlin
Published: September 2022

Antler bone calcium (AB−Ca) and bioactive peptides (ABPs) were extracted from antler bones (Cervus elaphus) to maximize their value. In this study, 0.14 g calcium was obtained from 1 g antler bone. The peptide−calcium chelate rate was 53.68 ± 1.80%, and the Gly, Pro, and Glu in ABPs were identified to donate most to the increased calcium affinity through the mass spectrometry. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy showed that calcium predominantly interacted with amino nitrogen atoms and carboxyl oxygen atoms, thereby generating a peptide–calcium chelate. The peptide−calcium chelates were characterized using scanning electron microscopy. A Caco-2 cell monolayer model showed that ABPs significantly increased calcium transport. Furthermore, the D-gal-induced aging mouse model indicated that the ABPs + AB−Ca group showed higher Ca and PINP levels, lower P, ALP, and CTX-1content in serum, and considerably higher tibia index and tibia calcium content. Results showed that ABPs + AB-Ca increased bone formation and inhibited bone resorption, thereby providing calcium supplements for ameliorating senile osteoporosis (SOP).
Pterostilbene Fails to Rescue Insulin Secretion and Sensitivity in Multiple Murine Models of Diabetes
Authors: Damgaard Mads V. , Jepsen Sara L. , Ashcroft Stephen P. , Holst Jens J. , Treebak Jonas T.
Published: September 2022

Diabetes incidence is rising globally at an accelerating rate causing issues at both the individual and societal levels. However, partly inspired by Ayurvedic medicine, a naturally occurring compound called pterostilbene has been demonstrated to protect against diabetes symptoms, though mainly in rats. The purpose of this study was to investigate the putative protective effect of pterostilbene on the two main aspects of diabetes, namely insulin resistance and decreased insulin secretion, in mice. To accomplish this, we employed diet-induced obese as well as streptozotocin-induced diabetic C57BL/6NTac mice for fasting glucose homeostasis assessment, tolerance tests and pancreas perfusions. In addition, we used the polygenic model of diabetes TALLYHO/JngJ to assess for prevention of β-cell burnout. We found that the diet-induced obese C57BL/6NTac mice were insulin resistant, but that pterostilbene had no impact on this or on overall glucose regulation. We further found that the reported protective effect of pterostilbene against streptozotocin-induced diabetes was absent in C57BL/6NTac mice, despite a promising pilot experiment. Lastly, we observed that pterostilbene does not prevent or delay onset of β-cell burnout in TALLYHO/JngJ mice. In conjunction with the literature, our findings suggest variations in the response to pterostilbene between species or between strains of species.
Influences of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Obesity and Weight-Related Behaviors among Chinese Children: A Multi-Center Longitudinal Study
Authors: He Yirong , Luo Biru , Zhao Li , Liao Shujuan
Published: September 2022

COVID-19-related lockdown measures have been affecting children’s weight status and weight-related behaviors, which are often associated with an increase in childhood obesity. However, large-scale longitudinal studies are lacking. Our study aimed to analyze changes in obesity and weight-related behaviors in Chinese children before and during the COVID-19 pandemic and provide references for addressing the high prevalence of childhood obesity. A prospective multi-center longitudinal survey was conducted among Chinese children (n = 5963), collecting data on weight status, COVID-19-related measures, and lifestyle behaviors. Changes were assessed using t-tests and χ2 tests for paired samples, or the Wilcoxon signed-rank test, according to the type and distribution of data. The Generalized Estimating Equations model was used to explore influential factors of obesity. The prevalence of overweight and obesity increased from 9.2% and 8.6% before the pandemic to 10.5% and 10.6% during the pandemic (p < 0.001), respectively. Daily physical activity, sleep duration, and sugar-sweetened beverage consumption decreased while screen time increased. The results of the generalized estimating equations showed that ethnic minority, older age, less daily physical activity, reduced sleep duration, and longer screen time were positively associated with obesity. There is an intensifying trend of obesity in children in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, to which altered weight-related behaviors might have contributed largely. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, especially in social crises, should be highlighted to ease the burden of childhood obesity.
The Utility of Oral Vitamin B1 and Mecobalamin to Improve Corneal Nerves in Dry Eye Disease: An In Vivo Confocal Microscopy Study
Authors: Ren Xiaotong , Chou Yilin , Wang Yuexin , Jing Dalan , Chen Yanyan , Li Xuemin
Published: September 2022

Our purpose is to demonstrate the changes in cornea nerve parameters and symptoms and signs in dry eye disease (DED) patients after oral vitamin B1 and mecobalamin treatment. In this randomized double-blind controlled trial, DED patients were randomly assigned to either the treatment group (oral vitamin B1 and mecobalamin, artificial tears) or the control group (artificial tears). Corneal nerve parameters via in vivo confocal microscopy (IVCM), DED symptoms, and signs were assessed at baseline and 1 and 3 months post-treatment. In total, 398 eyes from 199 patients were included. In the treatment group, there were significant improvements in corneal nerve length, width, and neuromas, the sign of conjunctival congestion score (CCS), symptoms of dryness, pain, photophobia, blurred vision, total symptom score, and OSDI (OSDI) at 1/3 months post-treatment (all p < 0.05). Patients who received vitamin B1 and mecobalamin showed greater improvement in CCS, dryness scores at 1 month (p < 0.05), corneal fluorescein staining (CFS) (p = 0.012), photophobia (p = 0.032), total symptom scores (p = 0.041), and OSDI (p = 0.029) at 3 months. Greater continuous improvement in CFS (p = 0.045), dryness (p = 0.033), blurred vision (p = 0.031) and total symptom scores (p = 0.023) was demonstrated at 3 months than at 1 month post-treatment in the treatment group. We found that oral vitamin B1 and mecobalamin can improve corneal nerve length, width, reflectivity and the number of neuromas in IVCM, thereby repairing epithelial cells and alleviating some ocular symptoms. Thus, vitamin B1 and mecobalamin are potential treatment options for patients with DED.
The Prevalence of Risk and Protective Factors for Noncommunicable Diseases (NCDs) among Brazilian Adults with Pre-Obesity and Obesity
Authors: Caldeira Thaís C. M. , Soares Marcela M. , de Sousa Taciana M. , Veiga Izabella P. A. , da Silva Luiza E. S. , Claro Rafael M.
Published: September 2022

The present study aimed to identify the prevalence of risk and protective factors for noncommunicable disease (NCDs) among Brazilian adults with pre-obesity and obesity and compare it to that of non-overweight adults in the country. Data from the National Health Survey (NHS) 2013 (n = 40,942) and 2019 (n = 87,678) were used. Nutritional status was described for 2013 and 2019 according to sociodemographic characteristics, health conditions, and risk and protective factors for NCDs. Poisson regression models were used to analyze the crude and adjusted prevalence of risk and protective factors for NCDs with nutritional status in both years. Adults with pre-obesity and obesity were more likely to perform risk factors related to sedentary behavior (prolonged screen time) and less leisure-time physical activity (among adults with obesity) and active commuting (among adults with pre-obesity and obesity) and alcohol abuse. However, among adults with pre-obesity and obesity, a lower prevalence was observed in relation to the regular consumption of sweets and smoking. The identified risk and protective factors had a similar prevalence between 2013 and 2019. Brazilian adults with pre-obesity and obesity presented worrisome scenarios regarding risk and protective factor for NCDs.
Embelin and Its Derivatives: Design, Synthesis, and Potential Delivery Systems for Cancer Therapy
Authors: Danquah Michael
Published: September 2022

Embelin is a naturally occurring benzoquinone that inhibits the growth of cancer cells, making it a potent anticancer drug. However, the low water solubility of embelin restricts its clinical applicability. This review provides a concise summary and in-depth analysis of the published literature on the design and synthesis of embelin derivatives possessing increased aqueous solubility and superior therapeutic efficacy. In addition, the potential of drug delivery systems to improve the anticancer capabilities of embelin and its derivatives is discussed.
In Silico Pharmacokinetic Profiling of the Identified Bioactive Metabolites of Pergularia tomentosa L. Latex Extract and In Vitro Cytotoxic Activity via the Induction of Caspase-Dependent Apoptosis with S-Phase Arrest
Authors: Abouzied Amr S. , Abd-Rabo Marwa M. , Huwaimel Bader , Almahmoud Suliman A. , Almarshdi Afnan Abdulkareem , Alharbi Fai Mutaz , Alenzi Sulafa Salem , Albsher Bayan Naef , Alafnan Ahmed
Published: September 2022

The in vitro cytotoxic efficacy of plant latex from Pergularia tomentosa L. was studied using five human cancer cell lines: HeLa cells (cervical carcinoma cells), A-549 (lung carcinoma), Panc-1 (pancreatic carcinoma cells), MDA-MB-231 (metastatic mammary adenocarcinoma), and MRC-5 (lung fibroblast cell line) cells. The phytonutrient content of plant latex was identified using the liquid chromatography/mass spectra-quadrupole time of flight (LC/MS-QTOF) technique. In silico studies of polyphenols were carried out to clarify the potential mode of action of the plant latex’s constituents. The treatment of different tumor cell lines with different concentrations of plant latex revealed a potent efficacy on the human lung carcinoma cell line (A-549) (IC50 = 3.89 µg/mL) compared with that with vinblastine as a positive control (IC50 = 7.12 µg/mL). The effect of the potent concentration of plant latex on the A-549 cell line induced cell arrest, upregulated the expression of pre-apoptotic markers, and downregulated the expression of antiapoptotic markers. Seven identified polyphenols were selected for the in silico study. A docking assessment using the epidermal growth factor receptor kinase (EGFRk) and eltronib as a positive control showed a higher affinity for the enzyme receptor of the selected polyphenols, except for methyl orsellinate and ginkgotoxin. The ADMET assessment demonstrated the inhibitory effect of the polyphenols on CYP450, except for ouabagenin and xanthyletine. The selected polyphenols obey Lipinski’s drug-likeness with no significant toxicity effect. In conclusion, the plant latex of P. tomentosa L. showed cytotoxic activity on the A-549 cell line, and the selected polyphenols showed a promising prodrug agent with a low profile of toxicity in the study.
Electrospun Sulfonatocalix[4]arene Loaded Blended Nanofibers: Process Optimization and In Vitro Studies
Authors: Abdul Khodir Wan Khartini Wan , Abd Hamid Shafida , Yusof Mohd Reusmaazran , Cruz-Maya Iriczalli , Guarino Vincenzo
Published: September 2022

In the past decade, electrospun nanofibers made of biodegradable polymers have been used for different biomedical applications due to their flexible features in terms of surface area to volume ratio, pores, and fiber size, as well as their highly tunable surface properties. Recently, interest is growing in the use of supramolecular structures in combination with electrospun nanofibers for the fabrication of bioactive platforms with improved in vitro responses, to be used for innovative therapeutic treatments. Herein, sulfonatocalix[4]arene (SCX4) was synthesized from p-tert-butyl-calix[4]arene and embedded in electrospun nanofibers made of polycaprolactone (PCL) and gelatin (GEL). The supramolecular structure of SCX4 and its efficient entrapment into electrospun fibers was confirmed by NMR spectroscopy and FTIR analysis, respectively. SEM analysis supported via image analysis enabled the investigation of the fiber morphology at the sub-micrometric scale, showing a drastic reduction in fiber diameters in the presence of SCX4: 267 ± 14 nm (without SCX) to 115 ± 5 nm (3% SCX4). Moreover, it was demonstrated that SCX4 significantly contributes to the hydrophilic properties of the fiber surface, as was confirmed by the reduction in contact angles from 54 ± 1.4° to 31 ± 5.5° as the SCX4 amount increased, while no effects on thermal stability were recognized, as was confirmed by TGA analyses. In vitro tests also confirmed that SCX4 is not cytotoxic, but plays a supporting role in L929 interactions, as was validated by the cell viability of PGC15% after 7 days, with respect to the control. These preliminary but promising data suggest their use for the fabrication of innovative platforms able to bind SCX4 to bioactive compounds and molecules for different therapeutic applications, from molecular recognition to controlled drug delivery.
Characterization of Novel Bacteriophage vB_KpnP_ZX1 and Its Depolymerases with Therapeutic Potential for K57 Klebsiella pneumoniae Infection
Authors: Li Ping , Ma Wenjie , Shen Jiayin , Zhou Xin
Published: September 2022

A novel temperate phage vB_KpnP_ZX1 was isolated from hospital sewage samples using the clinically derived K57-type Klebsiella pneumoniae as a host. Phage vB_KpnP_ZX1, encoding three lysogen genes, the repressor, anti-repressor, and integrase, is the fourth phage of the genus Uetakevirus, family Podoviridae, ever discovered. Phage vB_KpnP_ZX1 did not show ideal bactericidal effect on K. pneumoniae 111-2, but TEM showed that the depolymerase Dep_ZX1 encoded on the short tail fiber protein has efficient capsule degradation activity. In vitro antibacterial results show that purified recombinant Dep_ZX1 can significantly prevent the formation of biofilm, degrade the formed biofilm, and improve the sensitivity of the bacteria in the biofilm to the antibiotics kanamycin, gentamicin, and streptomycin. Furthermore, the results of animal experiments show that 50 µg Dep_ZX1 can protect all K. pneumoniae 111-2-infected mice from death, whereas the control mice infected with the same dose of K. pneumoniae 111-2 all died. The degradation activity of Dep_ZX1 on capsular polysaccharide makes the bacteria weaken their resistance to immune cells, such as complement-mediated serum killing and phagocytosis, which are the key factors for its therapeutic action. In conclusion, Dep_ZX1 is a promising anti-virulence agent for the K57-type K. pneumoniae infection or biofilm diseases.
Structure of Lacticaseicin 30 and Its Engineered Variants Revealed an Interplay between the N-Terminal and C-Terminal Regions in the Activity against Gram-Negative Bacteria
Authors: Madi-Moussa Désiré , Deracinois Barbara , Teiar Radja , Li Yanyan , Mihasan Marius , Flahaut Christophe , Rebuffat Sylvie , Coucheney Françoise , Drider Djamel
Published: September 2022

Lacticaseicin 30 is one of the five bacteriocins produced by the Gram-positive Lacticaseibacillus paracasei CNCM I-5369. This 111 amino acid bacteriocin is noteworthy for being active against Gram-negative bacilli including Escherichia coli strains resistant to colistin. Prediction of the lacticaseicin 30 structure using the Alphafold2 pipeline revealed a largely helical structure including five helix segments, which was confirmed by circular dichroism. To identify the structural requirements of the lacticaseicin 30 activity directed against Gram-negative bacilli, a series of variants, either shortened or containing point mutations, was heterologously produced in Escherichia coli and assayed for their antibacterial activity against a panel of target strains including Gram-negative bacteria and the Gram-positive Listeria innocua. Lacticaseicin 30 variants comprising either the N-terminal region (amino acids 1 to 39) or the central and C-terminal regions (amino acids 40 to 111) were prepared. Furthermore, mutations were introduced by site-directed mutagenesis to obtain ten bacteriocin variants E6G, T7P, E32G, T33P, T52P, D57G, A74P, Y78S, Y93S and A97P. Compared to lacticaseicin 30, the anti-Gram-negative activity of the N-terminal peptide and variants E32G, T33P and D57G remained almost unchanged, while that of the C-terminal peptide and variants E6G, T7P, T52P, A74P, Y78S, Y93S and A97P was significantly altered. Finally, the N-terminal region was further shortened to keep only the first 20 amino acid part that was predicted to include the first helix. The anti-Gram-negative activity of this truncated peptide was completely abolished. Overall, this study shows that activity of lacticaseicin 30, one of the rare Gram-positive bacteriocins inhibiting Gram-negative bacteria, requires at least two helices in the N-terminal region and that the C-terminal region carries amino acids playing a role in modulation of the activity. Taken together, these data will help to design forthcoming variants of lacticaseicin 30 as promising therapeutic agents to treat infections caused by Gram-negative bacilli.
Development of an Add-On Device Using 3D Printing for the Enhancement of Drug Administration Efficiency of Dry Powder Inhalers (Accuhaler)
Authors: Suwanpitak Kittipat , Lim Lee-Yong , Singh Inderbir , Sriamornsak Pornsak , Thepsonthi Thanongsak , Huanbutta Kampanart , Sangnim Tanikan
Published: September 2022

The goal of this study was to develop an add-on device for dry powder inhalers (Accuhaler) via 3D printing to improve drug administration efficiency in patients with limited inspiratory capacity, including young children, the elderly, and those with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. With salmeterol xinafoate and fluticasone propionate as model active pharmaceutical ingredients (API), the emitted API doses were used to assess the effectiveness of the add-on device. The APIs were quantified by an HPLC assay validated for specificity, range, linearity, accuracy, and precision. The motor power of the add-on device could be regulated to moderate fan speed and the air flow in the assembled device. When 50–100% of the fan motor power of the add-on device was used, the emitted dose from the attached dry powder inhaler (DPI) was increased. A computational fluid dynamics application was used to simulate the air and particle flow in the DPI with the add-on device in order to elucidate the operating mechanism. The use of the add-on device combined with a sufficient inhalation flow rate resulted in a larger pressure drop and airflow velocity at the blister pocket. As these characteristics are associated with powder fluidization, entrainment, and particle re-suspension, this innovative add-on device might be utilized to enhance the DPI emitted drug dose for patients with low inspiratory rates and to facilitate the provision of adequate drug doses to achieve the treatment outcomes.
Topological Distribution of Wound Stiffness Modulates Wound-Induced Hair Follicle Neogenesis
Authors: Harn Hans I-Chen , Chiu Po-Yuan , Lin Chein-Hong , Chen Hung-Yang , Lai Yung-Chih , Yang Fu-Shiuan , Wu Chia-Ching , Tang Ming-Jer , Chuong Cheng-Ming , Hughes Michael W.
Published: September 2022

In the large full-thickness mouse skin regeneration model, wound-induced hair neogenesis (WIHN) occurs in the wound center. This implies a spatial regulation of hair regeneration. The role of mechanotransduction during tissue regeneration is poorly understood. Here, we created wounds with equal area but different shapes to understand if perturbing mechanical forces change the area and quantity of de novo hair regeneration. Atomic force microscopy of wound stiffness demonstrated a stiffness gradient across the wound with the wound center softer than the margin. Reducing mechanotransduction signals using FAK or myosin II inhibitors significantly increased WIHN and, conversely, enhancing these signals with an actin stabilizer reduced WIHN. Here, α-SMA was downregulated in FAK inhibitor-treated wounds and lowered wound stiffness. Wound center epithelial cells exhibited a spherical morphology relative to wound margin cells. Differential gene expression analysis of FAK inhibitor-treated wound RNAseq data showed that cytoskeleton-, integrin-, and matrix-associated genes were downregulated, while hair follicular neogenesis, cell proliferation, and cell signaling genes were upregulated. Immunohistochemistry staining showed that FAK inhibition increased pSTAT3 nuclear staining in the regenerative wound center, implying enhanced signaling for hair follicular neogenesis. These findings suggest that controlling wound stiffness modulates tissue regeneration encompassing epithelial competence, tissue patterning, and regeneration during wound healing.
Preclinical Safety Evaluation of Intraperitoneally Administered Cu-Conjugated Anti-EGFR Antibody NCAB001 for the Early Diagnosis of Pancreatic Cancer Using PET
Authors: Matsumoto Hiroki , Igarashi Chika , Tachibana Tomoko , Hihara Fukiko , Shinada Mitsuhiro , Waki Atsuo , Yoshida Sei , Naito Kenichiro , Kurihara Hiroaki , Ueno Makoto , Ito Kimiteru , Higashi Tatsuya , Yoshii Yukie
Published: September 2022

Detecting tumor lesions <1 cm in size using current imaging methods remains a clinical challenge, especially in pancreatic cancer. Previously, we developed a method to identify pancreatic tumor lesions ≥3 mm using positron emission tomography (PET) with an intraperitoneally administered 64Cu-labeled anti-epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) antibody (64Cu-NCAB001 ipPET). Here, we conducted an extended single-dose toxicity study of 64Cu-NCAB001 ipPET in mice based on approach 1 of the current ICH M3 [R2] guideline, as our new drug formulation contains 45 μg of the antibody. We used NCAB001 labeled with stable copper isotope instead of 64Cu. The total content of size variants was approximately 6.0% throughout the study. The relative binding potency of Cu-NCAB001 to recombinant human EGFR was comparable to that of cetuximab. The general and neurological toxicities of Cu-NCAB001 ipPET at 62.5 or 625 μg/kg were assessed in mice. The no-observed-adverse-effect level of Cu-NCAB001 was 625 μg/kg, a dose approximately 1000-fold higher at the μg/kg level than the dose of 64Cu-NCAB001 in our formulation (45 µg). The size variants did not affect the safety of the formulation. Therefore, clinical studies on the efficacy of 64Cu-NCAB001 ipPET for early detection of pancreatic cancer using PET imaging can be safely conducted.
Polymer Foam Concrete FC500 Material Behavior and Its Interaction in a Composite Structure with Standard Cement Concrete Using Small Scale Tests
Authors: Papán Daniel , Ďugel Daniel , Papánová Zuzana , Ščotka Martin
Published: September 2022

This paper focuses on the investigation of the material properties of FC500 foam concrete. Innovation is very important for the solution of cast-in-place concrete forms in practice today. Part of its innovative construction application is the possibility of using foam concrete in a composite structure and the use of its mechanical properties in the load-bearing parts of civil engineering structures. The method of detecting the mechanical properties of foam concrete by using non-standard cantilever test is also innovative. Here, an advanced approach of modelling specimens using powerful computational systems based on the finite element method is used. This modern material is researched especially for its use in transportation structures. For its application, it is necessary to define its resistance to mechanical loads. The main content of the research consists of correlations between experimental measurements and analytical and numerical results. This is the principle of quasi-linear identification of the non-linear behavior of polymeric cementitious porous material during tests on specimens. The focus of the research is an extensive experiment: measurements of the deformation of the specimens until failure. The following methods were chosen to investigate the material properties: small cantilever test, standard tensile test and compression test. The cantilever test was performed for the individual components of the FC500 composite and cement concrete, but also as a compact composite. Numerical simulation models were developed to correlate the individual results in order to validate the uniaxial test results. The conclusions of the research led to the definition of standardized stress–strain diagrams of the FC500 material for compression and especially tension. This is a definition of the behavior of this polymer composite, usable for the development of numerical models of full-scale structures. The results of the research will be applied in the development of national standards for the use of advanced materials in transportation structures (cycle paths, parking lots, traffic playgrounds, lightly trafficked forest roads and trails, etc.).
Application of Nano-Inspired Scaffolds-Based Biopolymer Hydrogel for Bone and Periodontal Tissue Regeneration
Authors: Alkhursani Sheikha A. , Ghobashy Mohamed Mohamady , Al-Gahtany Samera Ali , Meganid Abeer S. , Abd El-Halim Shady M. , Ahmad Zubair , Khan Farhat S. , Atia Gamal Abdel Nasser , Cavalu Simona
Published: September 2022

This review’s objectives are to provide an overview of the various kinds of biopolymer hydrogels that are currently used for bone tissue and periodontal tissue regeneration, to list the advantages and disadvantages of using them, to assess how well they might be used for nanoscale fabrication and biofunctionalization, and to describe their production processes and processes for functionalization with active biomolecules. They are applied in conjunction with other materials (such as microparticles (MPs) and nanoparticles (NPs)) and other novel techniques to replicate physiological bone generation more faithfully. Enhancing the biocompatibility of hydrogels created from blends of natural and synthetic biopolymers can result in the creation of the best scaffold match to the extracellular matrix (ECM) for bone and periodontal tissue regeneration. Additionally, adding various nanoparticles can increase the scaffold hydrogel stability and provide a number of biological effects. In this review, the research study of polysaccharide hydrogel as a scaffold will be critical in creating valuable materials for effective bone tissue regeneration, with a future impact predicted in repairing bone defects.
Effect of Water-Resistant Properties of Kraft Paper (KP) Using Sulfur Hexafluoride (SF6) Plasma Coating
Authors: Rachtanapun Pornchai , Boonyawan Dheerawan , Auras Rafael A. , Kasi Gopinath
Published: September 2022

Sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) plasma at different pressures, powers, and times was used to treat Kraft paper (KP) to enhance its water resistance. The KP was treated with SF6 plasma from 20–300 mTorr of pressure at powers from 25–75 Watts and treatment times from 1–30 min at 13.56 MHz. The prepared papers were characterized by contact angle measurement and water absorption. The selected optimum condition for the plasma-treated KP was 200 mTorr at 50 Watts for 5 min. Advancement with the change in treatment times (3, 5, and 7 min) on the physical and mechanical properties, water resistance, and morphology of KP with SF6 plasma at 200 mTorr and 50 Watts was evaluated. The changes in the chemical compositions of the plasma-treated papers were analyzed with an XPS analysis. The treatment times of 0, 3, 5, and 7 min revealed fluorine/carbon (F/C) atomic concentration percentages at 0.00/72.70, 40.48/40.97, 40.18/37.95, and 45.72/39.48, respectively. The XPS spectra showed three newly raised peaks at 289.7~289.8, 291.5~291.7, and 293.4~293.6 eV in the 3, 5, and 7 min plasma-treated KPs belonging to the CF, CF2, and CF3 moieties. The 5 min plasma-treated paper promoted a better interaction between the SF6 plasma and the paper yielded by the F atoms. As the treatment time for the treated KPs increased, the contact angle, water absorption time, and Cobb test values increased. However, the thickness and tensile strength did not show remarkable changes. The SEM images revealed that, as the treatment time increased, the surface roughness of the plasma-treated KPs also increased, leading to improved water resistance properties. Overall, the SF6 plasma treatment modified the surface at the nano-layer range, creating super-hydrophobicity surfaces.
Chitosan–Gelatin Films: Plasticizers/Nanofillers Affect Chain Interactions and Material Properties in Different Ways
Authors: Duan Qingfei , Chen Ying , Yu Long , Xie Fengwei
Published: September 2022

Biopolymers, which are biodegradable and inherently functional, have high potential for specialized applications (e.g., disposable and transient systems and biomedical treatment). For this, it is important to create composite materials with precisely defined chain interactions and tailored properties. This work shows that for a chitosan–gelatin material, both glycerol and isosorbide are effective plasticizers, but isosorbide could additionally disrupt the polyelectrolyte complexation (PEC) between the two biopolymers, which greatly impacts the glass transition temperature (Tg), mechanical properties, and water absorption. While glycerol-plasticized samples without nanofiller or with graphene oxide (GO) showed minimal water uptake, the addition of isosorbide and/or montmorillonite (MMT) made the materials hydrolytically unstable, likely due to disrupted PEC. However, these samples showed an opposite trend in surface hydrophilicity, which means surface chemistry is controlled differently from chain structure. This work highlights different mechanisms that control the different properties of dual-biopolymer systems and provides an updated definition of biopolymer plasticization, and thus could provide important knowledge for the future design of biopolymer composite materials with tailored surface hydrophilicity, overall hygroscopicity, and mechanical properties that meet specific application needs.
Development and Processing of New Composite Materials Based on High-Performance Semicrystalline Polyimide for Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF) and Their Biocompatibility
Authors: Polyakov Igor , Vaganov Gleb , Didenko Andrey , Ivan’kova Elena , Popova Elena , Nashchekina Yuliya , Elokhovskiy Vladimir , Svetlichnyi Valentin , Yudin Vladimir
Published: September 2022

Samples of composite materials based on high-performance semicrystalline polyimide R-BAPB (based on the dianhydride R: 1,3-bis-(3′,4,-dicarboxyphenoxy)benzene and diamine BAPB: 4,4′-bis-(4″-aminophenoxy)diphenyl)) filled with carbon nanofibers and micron-sized discrete carbon fibers were obtained by FFF printing for the first time. The viscosity of melts of the composites based on R-BAPB, thermal, mechanical characteristics of the obtained composite samples, their internal structure, and biocompatibility were studied. Simultaneously with FFF printing, samples were obtained by injection molding. The optimal concentrations of carbon fillers in polyimide R-BAPB for their further use in FFF printing were determined. The effect of the incorporation of carbon fillers on the porosity of the printed samples was investigated. It was shown that the incorporation of carbon nanofibers reduces the porosity of the printed samples, which leads to an increase in deformation at break. Modification of polyimide with discrete carbon fibers increases the strength and Young’s modulus sufficiently but decreases the deformation at break. The cytotoxicity analysis showed that the obtained composite materials are bioinert.
Hybrid-Based Wound Dressings: Combination of Synthetic and Biopolymers
Authors: Aderibigbe Blessing Atim
Published: September 2022

Most commercialized wound dressings are polymer-based. Synthetic and natural polymers have been utilized widely for the development of wound dressings. However, the use of natural polymers is limited by their poor mechanical properties, resulting in their combination with synthetic polymers and other materials to enhance their mechanical properties. Natural polymers are mostly affordable, biocompatible, and biodegradable with promising antimicrobial activity. They have been further tailored into unique hybrid wound dressings when combined with synthetic polymers and selected biomaterials. Some important features required in an ideal wound dressing include the capability to prevent bacteria invasion, reduce odor, absorb exudates, be comfortable, facilitate easy application and removal as well as frequent changing, prevent further skin tear and irritation when applied or removed, and provide a moist environment and soothing effect, be permeable to gases, etc. The efficacy of polymers in the design of wound dressings cannot be overemphasized. This review article reports the efficacy of wound dressings prepared from a combination of synthetic and natural polymers.
Mechanical Properties, Critical Length, and Interfacial Strength of Seven-Islands-Sedge Fibers (Cyperus malaccensis) for Possible Epoxy Matrix Reinforcement
Authors: Neuba Lucas , Junio Raí , Souza Andressa , Ribeiro Matheus , da Silveira Pedro , da Silva Thuane , Pereira Artur , Monteiro Sergio
Published: September 2022

The growing concern about the limitation of non-renewable resources has brought a focus on the development of environmentally sustainable and biodegradable composite materials. In this context, a trend in the development of natural fibers used as a reinforcement in composites is ever-increasing. In this work, for the first-time, fibers extracted from the seven-islands-sedge plant (Cyperus malaccensis) have been characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) to calculate the crystallinity index and the microfibrillar angle (MFA). Also, an evaluation of the ultimate tensile strength by diameter intervals has been investigated and statistically analyzed by both the Weibull method and the analysis of variance (ANOVA). Moreover, the maximum deformation and tensile modulus have been found from the data acquired. Pullout tests have been conducted to investigate the critical length and interfacial strength when sedge fibers, are incorporated into epoxy resin matrix. Microstructure analysis by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was performed to observe the mechanism responsible for causing rupture of the fiber as well as the effective fiber interfacial adhesion to the epoxy matrix.
Recent Advances in the Copolymerization of Ethylene with Polar Comonomers by Nickel Catalysts
Authors: Zhang Randi , Gao Rong , Gou Qingqiang , Lai Jingjing , Li Xinyang
Published: September 2022

The less-expensive and earth-abundant nickel catalyst is highly promising in the copolymerization of ethylene with polar monomers and has thus attracted increasing attention in both industry and academia. Herein, we have summarized the recent advancements made in the state-of-the-art nickel catalysts with different types of ligands for ethylene copolymerization and how these modifications influence the catalyst performance, as well as new polymerization modulation strategies. With regard to α-diimine, salicylaldimine/ketoiminato, phosphino-phenolate, phosphine-sulfonate, bisphospnine monoxide, N-heterocyclic carbene and other unclassified chelates, the properties of each catalyst and fine modulation of key copolymerization parameters (activity, molecular weight, comonomer incorporation rate, etc.) are revealed in detail. Despite significant achievements, many opportunities and possibilities are yet to be fully addressed, and a brief outlook on the future development and long-standing challenges is provided.
Novel Method for Failure Modes Detection in UV-Cured Clear Coated Polymer for Automotive Interior Mechatronic Devices
Authors: Braga Ion Cristian , Udroiu Razvan , Nedelcu Anisor
Published: September 2022

Plastic parts used in automotive interior are difficult to coat, due to their low surface energies as well as their sensitivity to temperature and solvents, rendering the development of coating systems for such substrates challenging. Automotive customer requirements are explicit and clear, mainly focused on functional and surface defects. A new failure modes detection methodology of UV clear coated polymers for automotive interior, obtained by a multi-step manufacturing process, is proposed. The polymer complex parts analyzed in this paper are manufactured in various steps as follows: two components plastic injection molding, primer coating, laser engraving, and UV-cured clear coating. The failure modes detection methodology of the parts within each process step is investigated using different tests and analyses as follows: surface tension test, painting adhesion test, optical 3D measuring, energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX), and microscopy. A design of the experiments (DoE) based on the Taguchi technique with the aim to detect the influence of the main factors that lead to surface defects was performed. The proposed methodology is validated by a case study. The results showed that the mold temperature and the laser engraving current have a significant influence on the surface defect occurrence. Additionally, a possible contamination of the molding tool can generate the defects. A solution to reduce the occurrence of the failures was proposed, reducing the defect rate from 50% to 0.9%.
Fibrous Structures from Starch and Gluten
Authors: Bühler Jan M. , van der Goot Atze Jan , Bruins Marieke E.
Published: September 2022

Starch is added to meat analogues for binding and water holding. In this study, we investigate whether starch can have an additional role as a structuring agent. Therefore, different types of starch were combined with wheat gluten at various amounts and sheared in a High Temperature Shear Cell to determine how starch influences the structuring behavior of gluten–starch blends. The starches were chosen based on their diverse amylose contents, leading to different technological properties. Remarkable differences were found between the starches investigated. The addition of Amioca starch (containing 1% amylose) had a strong negative influence on the ability of gluten to form fibers. Maize starch (25% amylose) and Hylon VII (68% amylose) formed fibrous materials up to high starch additions. The pre-gelatinizing of maize starch further increased the ability of gluten–starch mixtures to form fibrous structures. The influence of the different types of starch on the hardness, deformability, and stiffness of the sheared samples was also assessed, revealing a spectrum of achievable properties through the addition of starch. Most remarkable was the formation of a material with anisotropy in Young’s modules. This anisotropy is also found in chicken meat, but not in protein-based fibrous materials. Furthermore, it was observed that the pre-gelatinization of starch facilitated fiber formation. A similar effect of pre-gelatinizing the starch was found when using faba bean meal with added wheat gluten, where fibrous structures could even be formed in a recipe that previously failed to produce such structures without pre-treatment.
Religion and Spirituality as Relevant Dimensions in Psychiatric Patients—From Research to Practice
Authors: Pfeifer Samuel
Published: September 2022

Background: Associations between psychiatric syndromes and religion/spirituality (R/S) are confounded by a diversity of descriptive instruments, the interpretation of statistical correlations, and the highly individual experience of illness. Method: This presentation focuses on three major syndromes in psychiatric patients: (a) delusions with religious content, (b) depressive conditions, and (c) anxiety disorders. Results: The content of delusions is marked by cultural factors, including religious concepts. There is empirical evidence that R/S may have a supportive role in patients with schizophrenia. Affective disorders show a more varied pattern of causality—a better outcome in about 60%, but in 10%, there seems to be a higher incidence in patients with a conservative, guilt-oriented, religious background. In anxiety disorders, a meta-analysis could not find a correlation between R/S and clinical syndromes. However, research into the emerging field of “spiritual struggles” has shown an interaction between subjective anxieties and religious conflicts, strongly influenced by the level of neuroticism beyond religious factors. Conclusions: The correlation of R/S and dysfunctional psychological experience may be summarized in three concepts (culture, conflict, and coping), modulated by the neurobiological basis of psychiatric disorders.
Taiwanese Nuns and Education Issues in Contemporary Taiwan
Authors: Li Yu-Chen
Published: September 2022

In this article, I discuss the Buddhist educational profile of nuns in contemporary Taiwan by introducing the development of monastic education for women. Taiwanese women’s mass ordination created a Buddhist renaissance after postwar Taiwan, a national ordination system based on monastic discipline, as well as the revival of monastic education. Both ordination and monastic education are very strong institutional settings for women’s monastic identity. Its findings, firstly, shed light on how the increased opportunities for women’s education in Taiwanese Buddhism have continuously attracted young female university students. Secondly, these so-called scholarly nuns come to Buddhist academies as students and eventually become instructors. These scholarly nuns elevate the standards of their Buddhist academies and use their original academic specializations to expand the educational curriculum of their school. The role of scholarly nuns in contemporary Taiwan exemplifies that Buddhism provides educational resources for women, as educational resources enhance women’s engagement in Buddhism.
The Comparison of Electron Density between CSES In Situ and Ground-Based Observations in China
Authors: Liu Jing , Xu Tong , Ding Zonghua , Zhang Xuemin
Published: September 2022

As the observation accuracy of parameters in the ionosphere cannot be directly checked, the comparison with other observations is the main way to evaluate the data quality of satellite measurements. Through the comparative analysis between the in situ electron density (Ne) observed by the China Seismo-Electromagnetic Satellite (CSES) and Ne at about 500 km altitude detected by Qujing Incoherent Scatter Radar (ISR), it was found that the pattern of CSES Ne is consistent with that of ISR Ne, and the correlation coefficient between the two sets of data is above 0.88 for different groups according to the magnitude. The value of CSES Ne is lower than that of ISR Ne, and the median value of the ratio for the difference between the conjugate data is 84.04%. Based on the comparison in the daytime between CSES Ne and ionosonde observations in China, it was found that the trend of the two datasets is mostly similar, and the correlation coefficient in some locations can reach up to 0.7. The distribution of CSES Ne and correlation coefficients at different latitudes show that the relationship is relatively better around the peak of the equatorial ionization anomaly (EIA). The differences in the value between CSES Ne and ionosonde data also exist, the relative change of which is about 80–95% in the daytime.
Spatiotemporal Variation of Evapotranspiration on Different Land Use/Cover in the Inner Mongolia Reach of the Yellow River Basin
Authors: Zhang Xiaojing , Wang Guoqiang , Xue Baolin , Wang Yuntao , Wang Libo
Published: September 2022

The accurate estimation of global evapotranspiration (ET) is essential to understanding the water cycle and land–atmosphere feedbacks in the Earth system. This study focused on the Inner Mongolia Reach of the Yellow River Basin, a typical arid and semi-arid region. Although there are many remote sensing ET datasets, many of the ET algorithms have not considered the impact of soil moisture, especially in water-limited areas. In this paper, the new PT-JPL model, which incorporates soil moisture into ET simulation, is used to improve the accuracy of ET simulation in water-limited areas. The simulation value is evaluated using two Hobq Desert eddy-covariance towers and the Penman–Monteith–Leuning version 2 (PML-V2) dataset. The new PT-JPL model shows the most significant improvements in water-limited regions; the coefficient of determination can reach 0.826, and the RMSE can reduce to 9.645 W/m2. Soil evaporation is central to the actual ET increase in the study area. Implementing ecological restoration projects reduced the exposed area of land in the study area and reduced the rate of total ET effectively. Furthermore, the most advanced machine learning local interpretation algorithm—the TreeExplainer-based Shapley additive explanation (SHAP) method—was used to identify the driving factors of ET capacity under different land use types. Temperature, NDVI, and root zone soil moisture were the main environmental factors causing ET changes in different plants. Meanwhile, temperature and root zone soil moisture had a noticeable coupling effect, except for grassland. Furthermore, a threshold effect of temperature to ET was found, and the value is 25, 30, and 30 °C in the forest, grassland, and cropland, respectively. This study provides an essential reference for accurately describing the ET characteristics of arid and semi-arid regions to achieve the efficient management of water resources.
Structural Characteristics of Endorheic Rivers in the Tarim Basin
Authors: Wang Yichu , Liu Danlu , Liang Enhang , Ni Jinren
Published: September 2022

Endorheic rivers as landlocked systems with no hydrological connections to marine environments are suffering from water and ecosystem crisis worldwide, yet little is known about their structural characteristics with complex geomorphic and climatic dependence. Based on the river networks identified from 30 m resolution digital elevation models and surface water dynamic information derived from Landsat images, we investigate the hierarchical characteristics of 60 sub-basins in the Tarim Basin, the largest endorheic river basin in China. In the Tarim River basin, endorheic rivers exhibit a self-similarity only in the range of stream-orders 1–4, compared to the range of stream-orders 1–5 observed in exorheic rivers, owning to the limited stream power to maintain the similar aggregation of rivers in the arid regions. Moreover, the Tarim River networks demonstrate lower bifurcation ratio (2.48), length ratio (2.03), fractal dimension (1.38), and drainage density (0.24 km−1) in representative sub-basins, with a significant decay in median values compared with those derived from exohreic rivers at similar scales, suggesting sparser and imperfect developed branching river networks in endorheic basins. Further analysis on the Tarim reveals that endorheic river structure is more related to glacier extent (r = 0.67~0.84), potential evapotranspiration (r = 0.63~0.81), and groundwater type index (r = 0.64~0.73), which is essentially different from the structure of exorheic river represented by the Yellow River largely controlled by surface runoff, precipitation, and vegetation coverage. This study stresses the differences in intrinsic structural characteristics and extrinsic drivers of endorheic and exorheic rivers and highlights the necessity of differentiated strategies for endorheic river management in fragile ecosystems.