bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nutritional Potential of Pulp Powders of Safou (Dacryodes edulis var Edulis): Effects of Cooking Treatments
Authors: Kadji Romuald Léonce , Emmanuelle Sika Andrée , Pierre Etché Etché , Dabonné Soumaïla
Published: February 2022

Aims: The objective of this study is to determine the physicochemical characteristics, functional properties, antioxidant and anti-nutrient activities of pulp powders of Safou (Dacryodes edulis var edulis) according to cooking methods in order to promote their consumption for food security.

Study Design: Biochemical and technological studies.

Place and Duration of Study: Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Bioprocessing, Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.

Methodology: Three different Safou powders were prepared (PSS, PSV and PSEB). PSS (Safou pulp was not cooked before drying); PSV (Safou pulp was steamed before drying) and PSEB (Safou pulp was cooked in hot water before drying). The determination of the physicochemical characteristics concerned rates of dry matter, ashes, proteins, lipids, carbohydrates and energy value. The determination of the functional properties concerned water and oil capacity, water solubility index, bulk density, porosity, wettability, foaming capacity, hydrophilic-lipophilic ratio, swelling, solubility, foam stability and dispersibility. The determination of antioxidant and anti-nutrient activities concerned total polyphenols, tannins, DPPH, iron reducing power, total oxalates and phytates.

Results: Uncooked Safou pulp powders (PSS) are good sources of protein, ash, lipid and polyphenols. Cooking improved carbohydrate and energy values and the functional properties and lowered the anti-nutritional factors of Safou pulp powders.

Conclusion: The different cooking methods applied to the Safou pulp had an influence on the contents of nutrients. The powder of Safou cooked in boiling water (PSEB) showed the best functional properties and lowered the anti-nutrient factors. It could be recommended for the enrichment of local infant flours.
Technological Quality of Dual-purpose Wheat Stored
Authors: Rodolfo Giselle Regina , De Souza Clovis Arruda
Published: February 2022

Defoliation may interfere in the sink-source relationship and influence the technological quality of wheat flour. This study aimed to confirm the effects of plant cutting heights and number of cuttings on the technological wheat flour quality of BRS Umbu and BRS Tarumã cultivars after six months of storage. A completely randomized design was used and treatments consisted of a combination of cutting heights (20 and 30 cm) and number of cuttings (no cutting, 1, 2 and 3 cuttings), resulting in the following treatments: 20/1, 20/2, 20/3 30/1, 30/2, 30/3 and controls with no cuttings. Grain moisture, crude protein, hectoliter weight, gluten strength, falling number and wet gluten were determined. It was observed the behavior for both cultivars and number of cuts was similar, and it was found that the defoliation height of 30 cm resulted in greater decreases in PH and W values of 2.5 and 25.5% respectively. The results indicate that defoliation does not lead to the evolution of the stored wheat evaluated technological properties and with storage, properties such as W and WG of both cultivars showed a reduction.
Effect of Inoculum Levels on Disease Development and Survival Potential of Sclerotinia sclerotiorum Sclerotia
Authors: Khan Irfan , Rawal Pokhar , Singh Roop , Jatwa Tarun kumar , Kumar Suresh
Published: February 2022

Sclerotinia stem rot is constantly appearing from moderate to severe form in major mustard growing tracts. Most of life S. sclerotiorum passes in form of sclerotia in the soil. Present study was carried out in order to determine effect of inoculum level on disease development and survival of S. sclerotiorum. Different inoculum levels were prepared from culture of S. sclerotiorum and 10 sclerotia/ pot were buried at various depths ranging from 1 to 20 cm for 60 days. The maximum disease incidence (93.67%) was observed with 10 per cent inoculum level; however disease incidence was least (6.34%) in 1 per cent inoculum level. Disease incidence increased with increasing in inoculum levels. In case of plant mortality, maximum plant mortality (43.00%) was recorded at 10 per cent inoculum level followed by 32.67 and 29.34 per cent @ 9 and 8 per cent, respectively. No plant mortality was noticed at 1 and 2 per cent inoculum level. Maximum amount of sclerotia germination (83.33%) was observed at 1 cm soil depth followed by 75.65, 73.34, 70.34 per cent germination @ 2, 3 and 4 cm depth of soil, respectively. It was observed that sclerotial germination decreased in tune with increase in soil depth. Lowest sclerotial germination (10%) was observed in 20 cm vertical soil depth. Findings of this study can be harnessed in varietal screening and formulation of disease management modules.
Numerical Analysis of an Unsaturated Capillary Barrier Cover System
Authors: Hagh Shenas Mohammad Ali , Sharafi Hassan
Published: February 2022

Inclined multi-layered barriers can be used to protect underlying waste storage facilities. The intended barriers can be used to confine the infiltration through implementation of the capillary barrier effect. In this study, the effect of rainfall, evaporation, and transpiration on the hydraulic properties of inclined covers was assessed by performing a series of simulations using HYDRUS-2D numerical models. The material of the intended layers included clay loam soil as a seepage control layer, sandy soil as a moisture retention layer, and gravel as a capillary break layer. Based on the key results of numerical analyses, Lateral diversion in the interface between the seepage control layer and moisture retention layer occurred as a result of the significant slope of said layers and the low permeability of the moisture retention layer. At the reduced degree of saturation, water did not move easily from the seepage control layer to the moisture retention layer as well as from the moisture retention layer to the capillary break layer due to the low hydraulic conductivity. The negative pressure head in the seepage control layer had minimal effect on the water content in the moisture retention layer. Hence, the performance of this protective earthen cover can, then, be guaranteed due to the current climatological conditions.
Review on Chitosan Intake and Enhancement in Fecal Excretion of Endocrine Disruptors
Authors: Ponnusamy Bhuvaneswari , Rekha U. Vidhya , Rajagopal Ponnulakshmi , Sekar Durairaj , Jayaraman Selvaraj
Published: February 2022

Chitin is most abundantly found non-digestible carbohydrate similar to cellulose. It has gained a lot of interest in last few years due to its wide range of applications. They are used as an alternative, dietary supplement. Chitin on deacetylation forms chitosan, an active component of chitin. The degree of deacetylation and molecular weight are the factors that elucidate varying degree of biological property of chitosan.  The ability of chitosan in fat and lipid excretion has obtained keen eye among various researchers. This property of chitosan is made use in enhancing the elimination of various harmful environmental lipophilic xenobiotics. Endocrine disruptors are a group of environmental pollutants causing various hazardous effects in living system. They are highly lipophilic, persistent and can accumulate in various tissues. Thus correlating the ability of chitosan to increase excretion of fats and lipophilic xenobiotics showed a promising positive outcome.
Screening of novel fungal Carbohydrate Esterase family 1 enzymes identifies three novel dual feruloyl/acetyl xylan esterases
Authors: Dilokpimol Adiphol , Verkerk Bart , Li Xinxin , Bellemare Annie , Lavallee Mathieu , Frommhagen Matthias , Underlin Emilie Nørmølle , Kabel Mirjam A. , Powlowski Justin , Tsang Adrian , de Vries Ronald P.
Published: February 2022

Feruloyl esterases (FAEs) and acetyl xylan esterases (AXEs) are important enzymes for plant biomass degradation and are both present in Carbohydrate Esterase family 1 (CE1) of the Carbohydrate‐Active enZymes database. In this study, ten novel fungal CE1 enzymes from different subfamilies were heterologously produced and screened for their activity towards model and complex plant biomass substrates. CE1_1 enzymes possess AXE activity, while CE1_5 enzymes showed FAE activity. Two enzymes from CE1_2 and one from CE1_5 possess dual feruloyl/acetyl xylan esterase (FXE) activity, showing expansion of substrate specificity. The new FXEs from CE1 can efficiently release both feruloyl and acetyl residues from feruloylated xylan, making them particularly interesting novel components of industrial enzyme cocktails for plant biomass degradation.
Pre‐clinical and clinical evaluation of the HYPERSCINT plastic scintillation dosimetry research platform for in vivo dosimetry during radiotherapy
Authors: Schoepper Imke , Dieterich Sonja , Trestrail Earl Alonzo , Kent Michael Sean
Published: February 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this work is to evaluate the Hyperscint‐RP100 scintillation dosimetry research platform (Hyperscint‐RP100, Medscint Inc., Quebec, QC, Canada) designed for clinical quality assurance (QA) for use in in vivo dosimetry measurements.

Methods

The pre‐clinical evaluation of the scintillator was performed using a Varian TrueBeam linear accelerator. Dependency on field size, depth, dose, dose rate, and temperature were evaluated in a water tank and compared to calibration data from commissioning and annual QA. Angularity was evaluated with a 3D printed phantom. The clinical evaluation was first performed in two cadaver dogs, and then in three companion animal dogs receiving radiation therapy for nasal tumors. A treatment planning CT scan was performed for cadavers and clinical patients. Prior to treatment, the probe was inserted into the radiation field. Radiation was then delivered and measured with the scintillator. For cadavers, the treatment was repeated after making an intentional shift in patient position to simulate a treatment error.

Results

In the preclinical measurements the dose differed from annual measurements as follows: field size −0.77 to 0.43%, depth dose −0.36 to 1.14%, dose −0.54 to 2.93%, dose rate 0.3 to 3.6%, and angularity −1.18 to 0.01%. Temperature dependency required a correction factor of 0.11%/°C. In the two cadavers, the dose differed by −1.17 to 0.91%. The device correctly detected the treatment error when the heads were intentionally laterally shifted. In three canine clinical patients treated in multiple fractions, the detected dose ranged from 98.33 to 103.15%.

Conclusion

Results of this new device are promising although more work is necessary to fully validate it for clinical dosimetry.
Easy‐to‐Implement Ultra‐Thin, Wide‐Band, and Multi‐Functional Polarization Converter for K and Ka Band Applications
Authors: Coskun Aykut , Hasar Ugur Cem , Ozmen Ahmet , Ertugrul Mehmet
Published: February 2022

This article presents an ultrathin, broadband, and multipurpose polarization converter design utilizing an anisotropic metasurface for K and Ka band. The proposed polarization converter, which has a single layer F4B as a substrate material with hexagonal‐shaped metallic solid structure along with hexagonal ring with diagonal splits on its front surface and a background (a completely metallic surface) on its back, works as not only a circular polarization converter but also a linear polarization to circular polarization (LP to CP) converter. Its polarization conversion rate (PCR) is more than 90% in the frequency range from 17.87 to 43.15 GHz, covering all of the K and Ka bands with a relative bandwidth of 83% under normal incidence case. For incidence angles up to 40°, PCR is observed to be greater than 75% in almost all of the K and Ka bands (except for the frequency range between 24.72 and 27.11 GHz). Furthermore, the proposed design has LP to CP in two different frequency bands, 16.23–16.74 GHz and 48.6–48.8 GHz. The proposed polarization converter, as advantages, is low cost, ultra thin, broadband, and facile, which can be useful in linear cross polarization conversion in K and Ka band applications.
The Transient Response of Organic Electrochemical Transistors
Authors: Paudel Pushpa R. , Skowrons Michael , Dahal Drona , Radha Krishnan Raj Kishen , Lüssem Björn
Published: February 2022

A fast response of organic electrochemical transistors (OECTs) to electrical or chemical changes is essential for a widespread acceptance of this technology. However, finding design rules for fast switching OECTs is complicated by the fact that current transient device models are highly simplified and rely on a 1D approximation of the device that neglects details of the ion and hole concentration inside the transistor channel. To improve the understanding of transient processes limiting the speed of OECTs, a 2D drift‐diffusion model is presented and experimentally validated. It is shown that switching is strongly influenced by lateral ion currents that are neglected in previous models. A consistent treatment of these currents leads to a dependency of the time constants on the applied drain potential and a complex dependency of the response time constants on the detailed device geometry. In addition to an improved understanding of the transient response of OECTs, the results discussed here highlight the challenges in properly characterizing switching time constants of OECTs, and reinforce the necessity to ensure that switching is measured between two steady‐state conditions, and not between transient states.
Mechanically Resistant Poly(N‐vinylcaprolactam) Microgels with Sacrificial Supramolecular Catechin Hydrogen Bonds
Authors: Izak‐Nau Emilia , Braun Susanne , Pich Andrij , Göstl Robert
Published: February 2022

Microgels (μgels) swiftly undergo structural and functional degradation when they are exposed to shear forces, which potentially limit their applicability in, e.g., biomedicine and engineering. Here, poly(N‐vinylcaprolactam) μgels that resist mechanical disruption through supramolecular hydrogen bonds provided by (+)‐catechin hydrate (+C) are synthesized. When +C is added to the microgel structure, an increased resistance against shear force exerted by ultrasonication is observed compared to μgels crosslinked by covalent bonds. While covalently crosslinked μgels degrade already after a few seconds, it is found that μgels having both supramolecular interchain interactions and covalent crosslinks show the highest mechanical durability. By the incorporation of optical force probes, it is found that the covalent bonds of the μgels are not stressed beyond their scission threshold and mechanical energy is dissipated by the force‐induced reversible dissociation of the sacrificial +C bonds for at least 20 min of ultrasonication. Additionally, +C renders the μgels pH‐sensitive and introduces multiresponsivity. The μgels are extensively characterized using Fourier‐transform infrared, Raman and quantitative nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering, and cryogenic transmission electron microscopy. These results may serve as blueprint for the preparation of many mechanically durable μgels.
Tough, Instant, and Repeatable Adhesion of Self‐Healable Elastomers to Diverse Soft and Hard Surfaces
Authors: Li Ke , Zan Xingjie , Tang Chen , Liu Zhuangzhuang , Fan Jianghuan , Qin Gang , Yang Jia , Cui Wei , Zhu Lin , Chen Qiang
Published: February 2022

Repeatability and high adhesion toughness are usually contradictory for common polymer adhesives. Repeatability requires temporary interactions between the adhesive and the substrate, while high adhesion toughness is usually achieved by permanent bonding. Integrating these two features into one adhesive system is still a daunting challenge. Here, the development of a series of viscoelastic elastomers composed of a soft and hard segment is reported, which exhibit tough, instant, yet repeatable adhesion to a variety of soft and hard surfaces. Such a combination of mutually exclusive properties is attributed to the synergy of high mobility of polymer chains and massive viscoelastic dissipation of the elastomers around the interface. By optimizing the relaxation time and mechanical dissipation, the resulting adhesives can achieve a tough yet repeatable adhesion toughness above 2000 J m−2, superior to the best‐in‐class commercial adhesives. Numerous acrylate monomers are proven applicable to the preparation of such adhesives, validating the universality of the fabrication method. The application of these elastomers as adhesive and protective layers in soft electronics by virtue of their universal and tough adhesion to various soft and hard substrates is also demonstrated.
Stoichiometric Dissolution of Defective CsPbI2Br Surfaces for Inorganic Solar Cells with 17.5% Efficiency
Authors: Liu Xinyi , Lian Huijun , Zhou Ziren , Zou Can , Xie Jin , Zhang Fan , Yuan Haiyang , Yang Shuang , Hou Yu , Yang Hua Gui
Published: February 2022

The existence of a defective area composed of nanocrystals and amorphous phases on a perovskite film inevitably causes nonradiative charge recombination and structural degradation in perovskite photovoltaics. In this study, a stoichiometric etching strategy for the top surface of a defective cesium lead halide perovskite is developed by using ionic liquids. The dissolution of the original defective area substantially exposes the underlying perovskite, which is a high‐quality surface with retained stoichiometry and lattice continuity. The ionic liquid molecules are adsorbed on the perovskite surface via Coulombic interactions and passivate the undercoordinated surface lead centers. Such a structural modulation considerably reduces the trap density of the perovskite devices and enables a record power conversion efficiency of 17.51% and an open‐circuit voltage of 1.37 V of the CsPbI2Br cell with a perovskite bandgap of 1.88 eV. This work provides a novel technical route to improve the efficiency and environmental resilience of perovskite‐based optoelectronic devices.
Synthesis of Enantiopure Sulfoxides by Concurrent Photocatalytic Oxidation and Biocatalytic Reduction
Authors: Bierbaumer Sarah , Schmermund Luca , List Alexander , Winkler Christoph K. , Glueck Silvia M. , Kroutil Wolfgang
Published: February 2022

The concurrent operation of chemical and biocatalytic reactions in one pot is still a challenging task, and, in particular for chemical photocatalysts, examples besides simple cofactor recycling systems are rare. However, especially due to the complementary chemistry that the two fields of catalysis promote, their combination in one pot has the potential to unlock intriguing, unprecedented overall reactivities. Herein we demonstrate a concurrent biocatalytic reduction and photocatalytic oxidation process. Specifically, the enantioselective biocatalytic sulfoxide reduction using (S)‐selective methionine sulfoxide reductases was coupled to an unselective light‐dependent sulfoxidation. Protochlorophyllide was established as a new green photocatalyst for the sulfoxidation. Overall, a cyclic deracemization process to produce nonracemic sulfoxides was achieved and the target compounds were obtained with excellent conversions (up to 91 %) and superb optical purity (>99 % ee).
Enhancement of natural dyeing properties and UV resistance of silk fibers modified by phenylboronic acid/hydroxypropyl‐β‐cyclodextrin functionalized Fe3O4 particle
Authors: He Xuemei , Wu Chao , Meng Chaowei , Sun Long , Mao Haiyan , Cai Lu
Published: February 2022

Silk fabrics with improved UV protection and natural dyeability were prepared by in‐situ deposition method, using 4‐carboxylphenylboronic acid (4‐CPBA) functionalized 2‐hydroxypropyl‐β‐cyclodextrin (HP‐β‐CD) covered magnetic Fe3O4 particles. The as‐prepared silk fabrics were characterized by FT‐IR, XRD, XPS, TG‐DSC, and SEM techniques. The ultraviolet resistance and dyeing properties with grape seed proanthocyanidin extract (GSPE) for silk fabrics under different dyeing conditions was discussed in detail. The results showed that the phenylboronic acid functionalized HP‐β‐CD covered Fe3O4 particle was deposited on the surface of silk fiber, enhancing the adsorption and fixation of GSPE, even in weak alkaline dyebath. PBA/HP‐β‐CD/Fe3O4 modified silk fiber surface exhibited the higher color strength (K/S) and UV protection factor (UPF) than those of untreated silk fabrics under different dyeing conditions due to specific recognition and adsorption of cis‐diol‐containing GSPE dyes. Moreover, modified silk fabric possessed good color fastness after 20 times of washing circles. This study is expected to provide a promising approach to achieve functional protection and dyeing of silk fabrics.
A Comprehensive Understanding of Interlayer Engineering in Layered Manganese and Vanadium Cathodes for Aqueous Zn‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Sun Qiangchao , Cheng Hongwei , Nie Wei , Lu Xionggang , Zhao Hongbin
Published: February 2022

Rechargeable aqueous zinc‐ion batteries (AZIBs) hold a budding technology for large‐scale stationary energy storage devices due to their inherent safety, cost‐effectiveness, eco‐friendliness, and acceptable electrochemical performance. However, developing a cathode material with fast kinetics and durable structural stability for Zn2+ intercalation is still an arduous challenge. Compared with other cathode materials, layered manganese/vanadium (Mn/V) oxides that feature merits of adjustable interlayer spacing and considerable specific capacity have attracted much interest in AZIBs. However, the intrinsic sluggish reaction kinetics, inferior electrical conductivity, and notorious dissolution of active materials still obstruct the realization of their full potentials. Interlayer engineering of pre‐intercalation is regarded as an effective solution to overcome these problems. In this review, we start from the crystal structure and reaction mechanism of layered Mn/V oxide cathodes to critical issues and recent progress in interlayer engineering. Finally, some future perspectives are outlined for the development of high‐performance AZIBs.
Gold nanourchin enhances detection of Alzheimer's disease biomarker “miRNA‐137” on dual electrode sensing surface
Authors: Pan Gaofeng , Ji Jinming , Li Shanshan , Wu Aimei
Published: February 2022

Diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a complex task, and at present, neuroimaging such as magnetic resonance imaging and positron emission tomography is commonly used for the diagnosis of AD. This research work developed a new biosensing method with gold nanomaterial to identify AD biomarker of miRNA‐137. Gold nanourchin (GNU) was attached on the interdigitated electrode through the silane linker and COOH‐ended capture oligonucleotide was immobilized on the GNU surface. This surface helps to quantify the target sequence of miRNA‐137 and the detection limit reached to 0.01 pM on the linear range of 0.01–100 pM. With 3δ calculation on the linearity, the determination coefficient was noticed asy = 1.2867x − 2.2697;R2 = 0.9059. The control performances did not show a significant response, indicating the specific identification of target.
Assessing the predictive capabilities of design heuristics and coarse‐grain simulation toward understanding and optimizing site‐specific covalent immobilization of β‐lactamase
Authors: Soltani Mehran , Hunt John Porter , Smith Addison K. , Zhao Emily Long , Knotts Thomas A. , Bundy Bradley C.
Published: February 2022

For industrial applications, covalent immobilization of enzymes provides minimum leakage, recoverability, reusability, and high stability. Yet, the suitability of a given site on the enzyme for immobilization remains a trial‐and‐error procedure. Here, we investigate the reliability of design heuristics and a coarse‐grain molecular simulation in predicting the optimum sites for covalent immobilization of TEM‐1 β‐lactamase. We utilizedEscherichia coli‐lysate‐based cell‐free protein synthesis (CFPS) to produce variants containing a site‐specific incorporated unnatural amino acid with a unique moiety to facilitate site directed covalent immobilization. To constrain the number of potential immobilization sites, we investigated the predictive capability of several design heuristics. The suitability of immobilization sites was determined by analyzing expression yields, specific activity, immobilization efficiency, and stability of variants. These experimental findings are compared with coarse‐grain simulation of TEM‐1 domain stability and thermal stability and analyzed for a priori predictive capabilities. This work demonstrates that the design heuristics successfully identify a subset of locations for experimental validation. Specifically, the nucleotide following amber stop codon and domain stability correlate well with the expression yield and specific activity of the variants, respectively. Our approach highlights the advantages of combining coarse‐grain simulation and high‐throughput experimentation using CFPS to identify optimal enzyme immobilization sites.
Attachment and the therapeutic bond in a community mental health clinic: A pilot study
Authors: Bar‐El Juan , Gil Tsvi E.
Published: February 2022

This study explored attachment theory and related concepts as related to mental health treatment. While attachment has traditionally been conceived as a robust element of one's personality, its relationship to therapeutic relations has not been fully explored. In this study, we attempted to assess the relations between general attachment style, the specific attachment one creates with one's therapist and the therapeutic bond. The study took place in a public mental health clinic, in which several mental health workers provide treatment for patients with a wide array of diagnoses. Attachment to the therapists was generally higher (more secure) than personal habitual attachment style. No significant relations were found with therapeutic bonding. Avoidantly attached patients seem to weaken their habitual (avoidant) attachment in the therapeutic relationship more than anxiously attached patients do. Avoidant patients seem to be less avoidant when working with psychodynamic psychotherapists, while Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) therapists seem to be more suitable for anxious patients. These findings may bear far‐reaching implications concerning the nature of the therapeutic process, which may alter the patient's habitual attachment style. In other words, mental health treatment may affect the patients' modes of attachment. However, generalisability of the study is limited, mainly due to a small number of subjects and therapists, location of a single clinic, a single language of the questionnaires and limitations of the measurement tools.
Preliminary Studies on the Effect of Simulated Digestion on the Antioxidant Activity of Monoterpenes
Authors: Wojtunik‐Kulesza Karolina , Kasprzak‐Drozd Kamila
Published: February 2022

One of several possible ways of predicting substance bioactivity under in vivo conditions is through simulated studies based on conditions comparable to those within the organism. Having regards to pH and digestive enzymes, such an approach is through simulated digestion. Simulated studies allow gaining an understanding of physiological conditions and a prediction of compound behavior. The presented studies are based on simulated digestion (SD) to which selected monoterpenes (γ‐terpinene,α‐terpinene,α‐phellandrene, carvone, menthone, isopulegol,α‐pinene,β‐pinene, terpinene‐4‐ol, linalool, eucalyptol,p‐cymene, citral, citronellal) have been subjected. The procedure included changes pH (2.0 and 8.5) and digestive enzymes (pepsine in gastric stage and pancreatin in duodenal stage) to better understand what goes on within the gastro‐intestinal tract. The changes were observed for gastric and duodenal stages, as well as for two phases: oil and water. Obtained results revealed both positive and negative influence of gastrointestinal conditions on monoterpenes antioxidant activity. However, positive impact prevailed (γ‐terpinene, citral, eucalyptol, isopulegol,α‐pinene). The differentiation in activity can be explained by solubility in oil/water phases and the biotransformation of studied compounds.
Inhibiting Erastin‐Induced Ferroptotic Cell Death by Purine‐Based Chelators
Authors: Joshi Saurabh , Agarwal Saloni , Panjla Apurva , Valiyaveettil Suresh , Ganesh Subramaniam , Verma Sandeep
Published: February 2022

Ferroptosis is a cell death event caused by increased lipid peroxidation leading to iron‐dependent oxidative stress and is associated with a wide variety of diseases. In recent years, ferroptosis inhibition has emerged as a novel strategy to target different pathologies. Here, we report the synthesis of two purine derivatives, 1 and 2, for iron chelation strategy and evaluate their potency to inhibit erastin‐induced ferroptosis. Both compounds showed efficient iron chelation in solution as well as in cellular environment. The crystal structure of the purine derivatives with iron demonstrated a 2 : 1 (ligand to metal center) stoichiometry for iron and purine derivative complexation. The synthesized compounds also decrease the reactive oxygen species concentration in cell cultures. Compound 2 showed better potency towards the prevention of ferroptotic cell death as compared to commercially available iron chelator in the erastin‐induced ferroptosis cell culture model. Such purine analogues are potential functional scaffolds for the development of target molecules for ferroptosis inhibition.
Chemical Synthesis of the Fluorescent, Cyclic Dinucleotides cthGAMP
Authors: Veth Simon , Fuchs Adrian , Özdemir Dilara , Dialer Clemens , Drexler David Jan , Knechtel Fabian , Witte Gregor , Hopfner Karl‐Peter , Carell Thomas , Ploetz Evelyn
Published: February 2022

The cGAS‐STING pathway is known for its role in sensing cytosolic DNA introduced by a viral infection, bacterial invasion or tumorigenesis. Free DNA is recognized by the cyclic GMP‐AMP synthase (cGAS) catalyzing the production of 2’,3’‐cyclic guanosine monophosphate‐adenosine monophosphate (2’,3’‐cGAMP) in mammals. This cyclic dinucleotide acts as a second messenger, activating the stimulator of interferon genes (STING) that finally triggers the transcription of interferon genes and inflammatory cytokines. Due to the therapeutic potential of this pathway, both the production and the detection of cGAMP via fluorescent moieties for assay development is of great importance. Here, we introduce the paralleled synthetic access to the intrinsically fluorescent, cyclic dinucleotides 2’3’‐cthGAMP and 3’3’‐cthGAMP based on phosphoramidite and phosphate chemistry, adaptable for large scale synthesis. We examine their binding properties to murine and human STING and confirm biological activity including interferon induction by 2’3’‐cthGAMP in THP‐1 monocytes. Two‐photon imaging revealed successful cellular uptake of 2’3’‐cthGAMP in THP‐1 cells.
Stereoselective Biocatalyzed Reductions of Ginger Active Components Recovered from Industrial Wastes
Authors: Nasti Rita , Bassanini Ivan , Ferrandi Erica Elisa , Linguardo Federica , Bertuletti Susanna , Vanoni Marta , Riva Sergio , Verotta Luisella , Monti Daniela
Published: February 2022

Ginger is among the most widespread and widely consumed traditional medicinal plants around the world. Its beneficial effects, which comprise e. g. anticancer and anti‐inflammatory activities as well as gastrointestinal regulatory effects, are generally attributed to a family of non‐volatile compounds characterized by an arylalkyl long‐chained alcohol, diol, or ketone moiety. In this work, ginger active components have been successfully recovered from industrial waste biomass of fermented ginger. Moreover, their recovery has been combined with the first systematic study of the stereoselective reduction of gingerol‐like compounds by isolated alcohol dehydrogenases (ADHs), obtaining the enantioenrichedsec‐alcohol derivativesviaa sustainable biocatalytic path in up to >99 % conversions and >99 % enantiomeric/diastereomeric excesses.
Techno‐functional and nutritional properties of full‐bran and low‐bran canaryseed flour, and the effect of solvent‐de‐oiling on the proteins of low‐bran flour and isolates
Authors: Perera Suneru P. , Konieczny Dellaney , Ding Ke , Hucl Pierre , L'Hocine Lamia , Nickerson Michael T.
Published: February 2022

Background and Objectives

The differences in functional and nutritional properties of whole and white canaryseed flour obtained by roller milling was investigated in this study. Moreover, the effect of solventde‐oiling on the structural, functional, and nutritional properties of the canaryseed protein present in the white flour and derived protein‐isolates was also studied.

Findings

There was no significant difference between the protein content of whole (21.3%) and white (21.4%) canaryseed flours whereas, oil, ash, total starch, non‐starch carbohydrates, phytic acid, and total phenolic contents showed significant differences between whole and white canaryseed flours. Water and oil holding capacity and emulsifying capacity of whole seed flour were better than that of white flour whereas, emulsion and foaming stability, and foaming capacity were similar. The IVPDCAAS of white flour was 23%, was significantly lower than that of the whole seed flour (31.2%). Ethanol had a higher efficiency for canaryseed oil and phospholipid extraction than hexane. Linolenic acid and phosphatidylcholine were, respectively, the major fatty acid and phospholipid extracted by both ethanol and hexane. None of these solvents caused protein denaturation and showed a positive impact on certain functionalities. Canaryseed protein was found to be thermally stable, with a peak denaturation temperature of 108°C.

Conclusions

Whole canaryseed flour showed better functionality and nutrition than white flour. The white flour, however, was found to be a more favorable starting material for protein fractionation. Solvent de‐oiling did not have a negative impact on canaryseed protein, which exhibited a high thermal stability.

Significance and Novelty

This study provides information on functional and nutritional properties of different value‐added protein products of canaryseed and on the effect of solvent de‐oiling on the protein quality. Such understanding is beneficial for the protein ingredient industry.
Molecular evidence of upper and lower respiratory infection due to Lophomonas in a post‐kidney transplantation patient
Authors: Fakhar Mahdi , Safanavaei Sepideh , Nakhaei Maryam , Esmaeili Samira , Banimostafavi Elham Sadat , Spahbodi Fatemeh , Sharifpour Ali
Published: February 2022

We report a case of lophomoniasis in a kidney post‐transplantation patient. The patient, 46‐year‐old man, had pneumonia, acute sinusitis, and tonsillitis on admission. We recommend that lophomoniasis should be essentially ruled out in all patients suffering from post‐transplantation infection, particularly in those who do not respond to routine antibiotic regimens.
Asymmetric Neutral‐alkaline Microbial Electrolysis Cells for Hydrogen Production
Authors: Dai Ling , Xiang Lijuan , Zhang Mengtian , Wen Zhenhai , Xu Qiuhua , Chen Kai , Zhao Zhifeng , Ci Suqin
Published: February 2022

The development of highly efficient cathodes for hydrogen production that can operate in a suitable pH condition is a daunting challenge in microbial electrolysis cells (MECs). Herein, an asymmetric neutral‐alkaline double‐chamber microbial electrolysis cells (AMECs) by using conventional carbon brush with microorganism attached as neutral anode and the Ru/CNTs electrode as alkaline cathode, respectively, was proposed. To implement this, a hybrid with ruthenium nanoparticles loaded on conductive carbon nanotubes (Ru/CNTs) was prepared by a reduction deposition method, which exhibited comparable electrocatalytic performance to the expensive benchmark Pt/C catalysts for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). Compared to the traditional MECs running in symmetric neutral electrolyte, the as‐developed AMEC displayed a higher current density of 17.13 A m−2 and hydrogen production rate of 0.167 m3 m−2 d−1. The present AMEC provides an energy‐saving and cost‐effective process technology for electrolysis H2 generation.
Object Identification Technologies as Key Enabler for Circular Business Models‡
Authors: Treick Amy , Woidasky Jörg , Lang‐Koetz Claus
Published: February 2022

The implementation of Circular Business Models (CBMs) represents a key step for a successful transformation of the global economy towards circularity. The establishment of CBMs is therefore actively promoted and demanded by the European Commission according to the EU Circular Economy Action Plan 2020. To support their implementation, one of the basic building blocks is the application of innovative technologies that enable the analysis and control of material flows deriving the necessity of object identification and corresponding automatic identification (Auto‐ID) technologies. The verification of this statement is the research object of the study presented. Based on the results of two systematic literature reviews, the overall relevance of object identification in CBMs is confirmed. Additionally, the application potentials of certain Auto‐ID technologies are proposed.
Soluble ST2 in the prediction of heart failure and death in patients with atrial fibrillation
Authors: Krittayaphong Rungroj , Pumprueg Satchana , Sairat Poom
Published: February 2022

Background

Biomarkers may be a useful marker for predicting heart failure (HF) or death in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF).

Hypothesis

Soluble ST2 (sST2) may be a good biomarker for the prediction of HF or death in patients with AF.

Methods

This is a prospective study of patients with nonvalvular AF. Clinical outcomes were HF or death. Clinical and laboratory data were compared between those with and without clinical outcomes. Univariate and multivariate analysis was performed to determine whether sST2 is an independent predictor for heart failure or death in patients with nonvalvular AF.

Results

A total of 185 patients (mean age: 68.9 ± 11.0 years) were included, 116 (62.7%) were male. The average sST2 and N‐terminal pro‐brain natriuretic peptide (NT‐proBNP) levels were 31.3 ± 19.7 ng/ml and 2399.5 ± 6853.0 pg/ml, respectively. Best receiver operating characteristic (ROC) cut off of sST2 for predicting HF or death was 30.14 ng/ml. Seventy‐three (39.5%) patients had an sST2 level ≥30.14 ng/ml, and 112 (60.5%) had an sST2 level <30.14 ng/dl. The average follow‐up was 33.1 ± 6.6 months. Twenty‐nine (15.7%) patients died, and 33 (17.8%) developed HF during follow‐up. Multivariate analysis revealed that high sST2 to be an independent risk factor for death or HF with a HR and 95% CI of 2.60 (1.41–4.78). The predictive value of sST2 is better than NT‐proBNP, and it remained significant in AF patients irrespective of history of HF, and NT‐proBNP levels.

Conclusions

sST2 is an independent predictor of death or HF in patients with AF irrespective of history of HF or NT‐proBNP levels.
Assessment of Effects of Investigational TAK‐931, an Oral Cell Division Cycle 7 Kinase Inhibitor on the QTc Intervals in Patients With Advanced Solid Tumors
Authors: Zhou Xiaofei , Diderichsen Paul Matthias , Gupta Neeraj
Published: February 2022

TAK‐931, a novel, selective, small‐molecule inhibitor of cell division cycle 7 has been investigated in multiple clinical trials in patients with advanced solid tumors. An integrated analysis using data from 2 clinical studies assessed effects of TAK‐931 on electrocardiogram QT intervals and heart rate (HR). Pharmacokinetic samples and matched triplicate electrocardiogram data were collected in 48 patients with cancer receiving oral administration of TAK‐931 50 or 80 mg once daily. The relationships between TAK‐931 plasma concentrations and the HR‐corrected QT interval via Fridericia (QTcF) or population (QTcP) and HR were analyzed using linear mixed‐effects models with fixed effects for day and time. At the geometric mean maximum TAK‐931 plasma concentrations after administration of 50 mg, an HR change of 3.40 beats per minute (90%CI, 1.86‐4.80) was predicted. Change in QTcF of −3.41 milliseconds (90%CI, −5.77 to −1.17) and QTcP of −2.02 milliseconds (90%CI, −4.15 to 0.0679) were estimated, indicating there was no effect of TAK‐931 on the QT intervals at a recommended phase 2 dose of 50 mg once daily for 14 days in a 21‐day cycle.
Investigation of the Interface of Y3Fe5O12/Gd3Ga5O12 Structure Obtained by the Liquid Phase Epitaxy
Authors: Syvorotka Ihor I. , Sugak Dmytro , Yakhnevych Uliana , Buryy Oleh , Włodarczyk Damian , Pieniążek Agnieszka , Zhydachevskyy Yaroslav , Levintant‐Zayonts Neonila , Savytskyy Hrygoryy , Bonchyk Oleksandr , Ubizskii Sergij , Suchocki Andrzej
Published: February 2022

The changes in the optical, structural, mechanical properties, and chemical composition of Y3Fe5O12/Gd3Ga5O12 (YIG/GGG) single crystal structures grown by liquid phase epitaxy, particularly at the interface between the film (Y3Fe5O12) and the substrate (Gd3Ga5O12), are studied. Different complementary techniques, including optical microscopy, local spectrophotometry, electron probe microanalysis, micro‐Raman spectroscopy, and nanohardness analysis are used. The main finding of the study is an experimental approach, in which the probe of the measuring device (light beam, electron beam, nanoindenter) is directed to the surface of the studied sample in a direction perpendicular to the direction of structure growth, and the surface is scanned along this direction. It allows to obtain the profiles of changes in refractive properties, nanohardness, optical absorption, chemical composition, and intensity of phonon spectrum bands at the transition from the GGG to YIG. It is established that the lengths of the scanning intervals, at which the changes of various properties of a specimen occur, differ significantly. The obtained results are affected by the size of the probes and by the sensitivities of both the particular measuring method and the particular physical property of the material to changes in the chemical composition and crystalline structure of the sample.
Facile Synthesis and Characterization of CuO–CeO2 Nanostructures for Photocatalytic Applications
Authors: Arfan Muhammad , Hussain Intisar , Ahmad Zahoor , Afzal Andleeb , Shahid Tauseef , Wattoo Abdul Ghafar , Rafi Muhammad , Zeb Aurang , Shahzad Muhammad Imran , Zhenlun Song
Published: February 2022

A simple approach composite hydroxide mediated technique is applied successfully for the preparation of efficient CuO and CuO–CeO2 photocatalysts. The structural, morphological, and optical characteristics of synthesized photocatalysts are probed by X‐ray diffraction (XRD), X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X‐ray (EDX), and UV–vis spectroscopy. The XRD and XPS reveal the successful formation of pure CuO and CuO–CeO2 nanocomposite structures. Spherical, nanorods, nanosheets poly edge type peculiarities are found in SEM images. EDX backs the results of XRD and XPS. Bandgap energy of synthesized photocatalysts is found between 1.49 and 1.36 eV indicating red shift. Compared with pure CuO photocatalysts the CuO–CeO2 composites effectively degrade the MB dye. The efficiency of CuO/CeO2 (90:10) nanocomposite exhibit 99.01% efficiency and follow the pseudo first order kinetic reaction.
COF‐5/CoAl‐LDH Nanocomposite Heterojunction for Enhanced Visible‐Light‐Driven CO2 Reduction
Authors: Ou Siyong , Zhou Min , Chen Wen , Zhang Yuyao , Liu Yueli
Published: February 2022

Photocatalytic conversion of CO2 into value‐added chemical fuels is an attractive route to mitigate global warming and the energy crisis. Reasonable design of optical properties and electronic behavior of the photocatalyst are essential to improve their catalytic activity. Herein, the 1D/2D heterojunction by direct in‐situ synthesis of the covalent organic framework (COF)‐5 colloid on the surface of CoAl layered double hydroxide (LDH) was used as the prospective photocatalyst for CO2 reduction. COF‐5/CoAl‐LDH nanocomposite achieved 265.4 μmol g−1 of CO with 94.6 % selectivity over CH4 evolution in 5 h under visible light irradiation, which was 4.8 and 2.3 times higher than those of COF‐5 colloid and CoAl‐LDH, respectively. The enhanced catalytic activity was derived from the increased visible‐light activity and the construction of type II‐2 heterojunction, which greatly optimized visible light harvesting and accelerated the efficient separation of the photoinduced holes and electrons. This work paves the way for rational design of heterojunction catalysts in photocatalytic CO2 reduction.
Comb decimator design based on symmetric polynomials with roots on the unit circle: Two‐stage multiplierless design and improved magnitude characteristic
Authors: Jovanovic Dolecek Gordana
Published: February 2022

This paper presents a theoretical background for design of comb decimator based on theorem of symmetric polynomials with roots on the unit circle. A simple multiplierless filter, called zero‐separation (ZS) filter, which separates doubled comb zeros, is derived. The separation of doubled comb zeros improves comb aliasing rejection. In order to get more benefits of the ZS filter, a two‐stage structure is considered. The classic comb filters are in both stages of the proposed structure. Additionally, in the second stage, a ZS filter is inserted to improve comb aliasing rejection. The passband droop is compensated by the compensator which works at low rate and is designed using particle swarm optimization (PSO). The method is illustrated with various examples. The comparisons with methods from literature prove the benefits of the proposed work.
Potential for replacing warfarin with a direct oral anticoagulant for endoscopic mucosal resection in the colorectum: A multicenter, open‐label, randomized controlled trial
Authors: Yamada Takuya , Kuwai Toshio , Sasaki Yoshihiro , Sakakibara Yuko , Uraoka Toshio , Kato Motohiko , Watanabe Noriko , Kimura Toshihisa , Kada Akiko , Saito Akiko M. , Harada Naohiko
Published: February 2022

Objectives

This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of apixaban replacement (AR) as an alternative to heparin bridging (HB) in patients taking warfarin and scheduled for endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) in the colorectum.

Methods

This trial was conducted at seven institutes in Japan between May 2016 and May 2018. Enrolled patients had been taking oral warfarin and were diagnosed within 3 months with colorectal polyps for which EMR was indicated. Patients were randomly assigned to receive HB or AR. The primary endpoint was the incidence of postoperative bleeding. Secondary endpoints were the length of hospital stay, therapeutic endoscopy outcomes, and adverse events.

Results

The planned sample size was 160 patients, but due to a decrease in the number of patients taking warfarin, the target number of cases could not be achieved within the case enrollment period, 44 cases were enrolled. They were divided into HB and AR groups. The incidence of postoperative bleeding was 15% (3/20) in HB and 0% in AR (P = 0.199). The total number of postoperative bleeding events was five in HB and none in AR. The length of hospital stay was significantly shorter in AR than in HB (median: 3.0 vs. 13.5 days, p < 0.001). There were no serious adverse events and no cerebral infarction/systemic embolism events.

Conclusion

AR for colorectal EMR may prove safe and has the potential to shorten hospital stay and reduce medical costs, though we were unable to evaluate the primary endpoint due to insufficient sample size.