bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Geochemical Characteristics of the Mineral Assemblages from the Niukutou Pb-Zn Skarn Deposit, East Kunlun Mountains, and Their Metallogenic Implications
Authors: Wang Xinyu , Wang Shulai , Zhang Huiqiong , Wang Yuwang , Zhu Xinyou , Yang Xing
Published: December 2022

The Niukutou Pb-Zn deposit is typical of skarn deposits in the Qimantagh metallogenic belt (QMB) in the East Kunlun Mountains. In this study, based on detailed petrographical observations, electron microprobe analyses (EMPAs), and laser-ablation–inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) analyses, we report the major and trace element compositions of the typical skarn mineral assemblages (garnet, pyroxene, ilvaite, epidote, and chlorite) in this deposit. Three hydrothermal mineralization stages with different mineral assemblages of the prograde metamorphic phase were determined, which were distributed from the inside to the outside of the ore-forming rock mass. Grt1+Px1 (Stage 1), Grt2+Px2 (Stage 2), and Px3 (Stage 3) were distinguished in the Niukutou deposit. Furthermore, the ilvaites in the retrograde metamorphic phase can be divided into three stages, namely Ilv1, Ilv2, and Ilv3. The ore-forming fluid in Stage 1 exhibited high ∑REE, U, and Nd concentrations and δEu, δCe, and LREE/HREE values, which were likely derived from a magmatic–hydrothermal source and formed at high temperatures, high fO2 values, and mildly acidic pH conditions, and probably experienced diffusive metasomatism in a closed system with low water/rock ratios. In Stages 2 and 3, the ore-forming exhibited lower ∑REE, U, and Nd concentrations and δEu, δCe, and LREE/HREE values, with high Mn content that had likely experienced infiltrative metasomatism in an open system with high water/rock ratios. From Ilv1 to Ilv3, the δEu and U contents decreased, whereas the Mn content increased, indicating that the oxygen fugacity of mineralization was in decline. The ore-forming fluid evolution of the Niukutou deposit can be characterized as follows: from Stage 1 to Stage 3, the hydrothermal fluid migrated from the deep plutons to the shallow skarn and marble; the environment altered from the high fO2 and temperature conditions to low fO2 and temperature values, and the pH and Mn contents increased. The fluids contained considerable metal ore-forming materials that were favorable for the enrichment and precipitation of the Fe content. In the retrograde metamorphic phase, with the decrease in oxygen fugacity (from Ilv1 to Ilv3), the temperature and oxygen fugacity of the theore-forming fluid environment decreased, ultimately becoming conducive to the dissolution and precipitation of Pb and Zn elements.
Fractionation Coupled to Molecular Networking: Towards Identification of Anthelmintic Molecules in Terminalia leiocarpa (DC.) Baill
Authors: Tchetan Esaïe , Ortiz Sergio , Olounladé Pascal Abiodoun , Hughes Kristelle , Laurent Patrick , Azando Erick Virgile Bertrand , Hounzangbe-Adote Sylvie Mawule , Gbaguidi Fernand Ahokanou , Quetin-Leclercq Joëlle
Published: December 2022

Terminalia leiocarpa is a medicinal plant widely used in ethnoveterinary medicine to treat digestive parasitosis whose extracts were shown to be active against gastrointestinal nematodes of domestic ruminants. The objective of our study was to identify compounds responsible for this activity. Column fractionation was performed, and the activity of the fractions was assessed in vitro on Haemonchus contortus and Caenorhabditis elegans as well as their cytotoxicity on WI38 fibroblasts. Two fractions were the most active on both nematode models and less cytotoxic. LC-MS/MS analysis and manual dereplication coupled to molecular networking allowed identification of the main compounds: ellagic acid and derivatives, gallic acid, astragalin, rutin, quinic acid, and fructose. Other potentially identified compounds such as shikimic acid, 2,3-(S)-hexahydroxydiphenoyl-D-glucose or an isomer, quercetin-3-O-(6-O-galloyl)-β-D-galactopyranoside or an isomer, and a trihydroxylated triterpenoid bearing a sugar as rosamultin are reported in this plant for the first time. Evaluation of the anthelmintic activity of the available major compounds showed that ellagic and gallic acids were the most effective in inhibiting the viability of C. elegans. Their quantification in fractions 8 and 9 indicated the presence of about 8.6 and 7.1 µg/mg ellagic acid and about 9.6 and 2.0 µg/mg gallic acid respectively. These concentrations are not sufficient to justify the activity observed. Ellagic acid derivatives and other compounds that were found to be positively correlated with the anthelmintic activity of the fractions may have additive or synergistic effects when combined, but other unidentified compounds could also be implicated in the observed activity.
Adsorption of Methylene Blue and Tetracycline by Zeolites Immobilized on a PBAT Electrospun Membrane
Authors: Picón David , Vergara-Rubio Alicia , Estevez-Areco Santiago , Cerveny Silvina , Goyanes Silvia
Published: December 2022

The detection of emerging contaminants in bodies of water has steadily increased in recent years, becoming a severe problem threatening human and ecosystem health. Developing new materials with adsorption properties to remove these pollutants represents an important step toward a potential solution. In this paper, a polybutylene adipate terephthalate (PBAT) nanofibrous membrane incorporating clinoptilolite zeolite was developed and its excellent performance in removing tetracycline (TC) and methylene blue (MB) from water was demonstrated. The composite membrane was prepared in two steps: firstly, a homogeneous dispersion of clinoptilolite (1 wt% respect to polymer) in a PBAT solution (12.6 wt%) was electrospun; secondly, the electrospun membrane was subjected to an acid treatment that improved its wettability through the protonation of the surface silanol groups of clinoptilolite. The resulting membrane was hydrophilic and showed higher adsorption for TC (800 mg/g) and MB (100 mg/g), using a low dose (90 mg/L) powdered zeolite. The maximum removal capacity was obtained at neutral pH, being the cation exchange reaction the main adsorption mechanism. Pseudo-second-order kinetics and Henry’s law agree well with the proposed chemisorption and the high affinity of TC and MB for the adsorbent. The material can be reused after the removal process without generating additional contamination, although losing some effectivity.
Ring-Modified Histidine-Containing Cationic Short Peptides Exhibit Anticryptococcal Activity by Cellular Disruption
Authors: Sharma Komal , Aaghaz Shams , Maurya Indresh Kumar , Singh Shreya , Rudramurthy Shivaprakash M. , Kumar Vinod , Tikoo Kulbhushan , Jain Rahul
Published: December 2022

Delineation of clinical complications secondary to fungal infections, such as cryptococcal meningitis, and the concurrent emergence of multidrug resistance in large population subsets necessitates the need for the development of new classes of antifungals. Herein, we report a series of ring-modified histidine-containing short cationic peptides exhibiting anticryptococcal activity via membrane lysis. The N-1 position of histidine was benzylated, followed by iodination at the C-5 position via electrophilic iodination, and the dipeptides were obtained after coupling with tryptophan. In vitro analysis revealed that peptides Trp-His[1-(3,5-di-tert-butylbenzyl)-5-iodo]-OMe (10d, IC50 = 2.20 μg/mL; MIC = 4.01 μg/mL) and Trp-His[1-(2-iodophenyl)-5-iodo)]-OMe (10o, IC50 = 2.52 μg/mL; MIC = 4.59 μg/mL) exhibit promising antifungal activities against C. neoformans. When administered in combination with standard drug amphotericin B (Amp B), a significant synergism was observed, with 4- to 16-fold increase in the potencies of both peptides and Amp B. Electron microscopy analysis with SEM and TEM showed that the dipeptides primarily act via membrane disruption, leading to pore formation and causing cell lysis. After entering the cells, the peptides interact with the intracellular components as demonstrated by confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM).
Recent Development on Determination of Low-Level 90Sr in Environmental and Biological Samples: A Review
Authors: Zhou Zhen , Ren Hong , Zhou Lei , Wang Peng , Lou Xiaoming , Zou Hua , Cao Yiyao
Published: December 2022

In the context of the rapid development of the world’s nuclear power industry, it is vital to establish reliable and efficient radioanalytical methods to support sound environment and food radioactivity monitoring programs and a cost-effective waste management strategy. As one of the most import fission products generated during human nuclear activities, 90Sr has been widely determined based on different analytical techniques for routine radioactivity monitoring, emergency preparedness and radioactive waste management. Herein, we summarize and critically review analytical methods developed over the last few decades for the determination of 90Sr in environmental and biological samples. Approaches applied in different steps of the analysis including sample preparation, chemical separation and detection are systematically discussed. The recent development of modern materials for 90Sr concentration and advanced instruments for rapid 90Sr measurement are also addressed.
Possibility of New Active Substrates (ASs) to Be Used to Prevent the Migration of Heavy Metals to the Soil and Water Environments
Authors: Witt Katarzyna , Studziński Waldemar , Bożejewicz Daria
Published: December 2022

This paper aims to propose an alternative to the known permeable reactive barriers (PRBs). PRB is one of the methods, which is a reactive barrier placed below the ground, to clean up contaminated groundwater. New polymer active substrates (ASs) were used to prevent soil contamination by toxic heavy metals. The active substrates consisted of a mixture of poly(vinyl chloride), Aliquat 336, and bis(2-ethylhexyl)adipate, which was applied to the skeleton material (fiberglass or textile). Aliquat 336 was used as a binding agent for metal ions (Cr(VI), Ni(II), Cu(II), Zn(II), Cd(II), and Pb(II)). In contrast with the PRBs, the ASs (from AS-1 to AS-5) were obtained in a simple way using the pouring method. The obtained ASs could be recycled and reused. The active substrates were used for the binding of various metal ions from aqueous solutions and the examined soil. It was found that the active substrate AS-1 decreased the concentrations of nickel, cadmium, and lead by more than 50% and that of chromium by more than 90% in the aqueous solution. High sorption efficiency for chromium and zinc metals (81% and 66%) with the use of AS-2 was also found, owing to which the migration of metals from soil to water can be limited. In the soil environment, active substrate AS-5 with the addition of a plasticizer showed the greatest effectiveness. This solution resulted in a reduction in each tested metal ion of at least 50%, and reductions in cadmium, lead, and copper of over 70%.
Antibacterial Thiopeptide GE2270-Congeners from Nonomuraea jiangxiensis
Authors: Ching Kuan-Chieh , Chin Elaine J. , Wibowo Mario , Tan Zann Y. , Yang Lay-Kien , Seow Deborah C. , Leong Chung-Yan , Ng Veronica W. , Ng Siew-Bee , Kanagasundaram Yoganathan
Published: December 2022

Thiopeptides are macrocyclic natural products with potent bioactivity. Nine new natural thiopeptides (1–9) were obtained from a Nonomuraea jiangxiensis isolated from a terrestrial soil sample collected in Singapore. Even though some of these compounds were previously synthesized or isolated from engineered strains, herein we report the unprecedented isolation of these thiopeptides from a native Nonomuraea jiangxiensis. A comparison with the literature and a detailed analysis of the NMR and HRMS of compounds 1–9 was conducted to assign their chemical structures. The structures of all new compounds were highly related to the thiopeptide antibiotics GE2270, with variations in the substituents on the thiazole and amino acid moieties. Thiopeptides 1–9 exhibited a potent antimicrobial activity against the Gram-positive bacteria, Staphylococcus aureus with MIC90 values ranging from 2 µM to 11 µM. In addition, all compounds were investigated for their cytotoxicity against the human cancer cell line A549, none of the compounds were cytotoxic.
Investigation of the Protection of the C4 Hydroxyl Group in Macrobicyclic Kdo Donors
Authors: Hamajima Shogo , Komura Naoko , Tanaka Hide-Nori , Imamura Akihiro , Ishida Hideharu , Ichiyanagi Tsuyoshi , Ando Hiromune
Published: December 2022

Chemical synthesis of 3-deoxy-d-manno-2-octulosonic acid (Kdo)-containing glycans, such as bacterial lipopolysaccharides (LPSs) and capsular polysaccharides (CPSs), is in high demand for the development of vaccines against pathogenic bacteria. We have recently achieved the complete α-stereoselective glycosidation of Kdo using a macrobicyclic donor tethered at the C1 and C5 positions. In this study, to expand the scope of Kdo glycosidation, we sought to protect the 4-OH group, thereby shortening the reaction time and ensuring the conversion of the glycosyl acceptor via its selective removal. The protection of the 4-OH group influenced the reactivity of the Kdo donor, and the triisopropylsilyl (TIPS) group acted as a selectively removable booster. The 4-O-TIPS donor allowed the synthesis of the α(2,4)-linked dimeric Kdo sequence, which is widely found in bacterial LPSs.
Correction: Tabrez et al. Targeting Glutaminase by Natural Compounds: Structure-Based Virtual Screening and Molecular Dynamics Simulation Approach to Suppress Cancer Progression. Molecules 2022, 27, 5042
Authors: Tabrez Shams , Zughaibi Torki A. , Hoque Mehboob , Suhail Mohd , Khan Mohammad Imran , Khan Azhar U.
Published: December 2022

Due to miscommunication, in the original publication there is a discrepancy in the project number and funding institution, located in Funding Information and Acknowledgement [...]
New Insights into the Relationship between Gut Microbiota and Radiotherapy for Cancer
Authors: Li Zhipeng , Ke Xiyang , Zuo Dan , Wang Zhicheng , Fang Fang , Li Bo
Published: December 2022

Cancer is the second most common cause of death among humans in the world, and the threat that it presents to human health is becoming more and more serious. The mechanisms of cancer development have not yet been fully elucidated, and new therapies are changing with each passing day. Evidence from the literature has validated the finding that the composition and modification of gut microbiota play an important role in the development of many different types of cancer. The results also demonstrate that there is a bidirectional interaction between the gut microbiota and radiotherapy treatments for cancer. In a nutshell, the modifications of the gut microbiota caused by radiotherapy have an effect on tumor radiosensitivity and, as a result, affect the efficacy of radiotherapy and show a certain radiation toxicity, which leads to numerous side effects. What is of new research significance is that the “gut-organ axis” formed by the gut microbiota may be one of the most interesting potential mechanisms, although the relevant research is still very limited. In this review, we combine new insights into the relationship between the gut microbiota, cancer, and radiotherapy. Based on our current comprehensive understanding of this relationship, we give an overview of the new cancer treatments based on the gut microbiota.
The Role of Standardized Phase Angle in the Assessment of Nutritional Status and Clinical Outcomes in Cancer Patients: A Systematic Review of the Literature
Authors: Jiang Nan , Zhang Jiaxin , Cheng Siming , Liang Bing
Published: December 2022

Compared with the phase angle (PA), the predictive ability of the standardized phase angle (SPA) in assessing nutritional status and clinical outcomes in cancer patients remains uncertain. This review aimed to assess (1) the relationship between SPA and nutritional status and clinical outcomes (including complications and survival) in cancer patients; (2) the predictive ability of SPA alone and in comparison with the predictive ability of PA; and (3) the cut-off value of SPA in cancer patients. Studies that addressed the relationship of SPA use to nutritional status, complications, and survival in cancer patients were searched and identified from six electronic databases (PubMed, Medline, CINAHL, Embase, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library). The included studies were considered to meet the following criteria: English studies with original data that reflected the effects of SPA on nutritional status and clinical outcomes (including complications and survival) and reported a cut-off value of SPA in cancer patients aged ≥18. Thirteen studies that included a total of 2787 participants were evaluated. Five studies assessed the relationship between SPA and nutritional status, and four of them reported a positive relationship between SPA and nutritional status in cancer patients, even considering SPA as a predictor. Twelve studies assessed the relationship between SPA and clinical outcomes in cancer patients. Two-thirds of the studies that evaluated complications reported the predictive ability of SPA; 30% of survival studies reported a positive relationship, 40% reported SPA as a predictor, and 30% reported no relationship. The standard cut-off value for SPA has not yet been determined. Data from the selected studies suggest that SPA might be a predictor of nutritional status. Further studies are needed to determine the value of SPA in predicting nutritional status and clinical outcomes in cancer patients.
Probiotic Bifidobacterium longum BB68S Improves Cognitive Functions in Healthy Older Adults: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial
Authors: Shi Shaoqi , Zhang Qi , Sang Yue , Ge Shaoyang , Wang Qi , Wang Ran , He Jingjing
Published: December 2022

Probiotics could improve cognitive functions in patients with neurological disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease, but the effects on cognitive function in healthy older adults without cognitive impairment need further study. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of Bifidobacterium longum BB68S (BB68S) on cognitive functions among healthy older adults without cognitive impairment. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was conducted with 60 healthy older adults without cognitive impairment who were divided into probiotic or placebo groups and required to consume either a sachet of probiotic (BB68S, 5 × 1010 CFU/sachet) or placebo once daily for 8 weeks. The Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) was used as an inclusion screening tool to screen elderly participants with healthy cognitive function in our study, and the Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status (RBANS) was used to assess cognitive function in subjects before and after intervention as an assessment tool. BB68S significantly improved subjects’ cognitive functions (total RBANS score increased by 18.89 points after intervention, p < 0.0001), especially immediate memory, visuospatial/constructional, attention, and delayed memory domains. BB68S intervention increased the relative abundances of beneficial bacteria Lachnospira, Bifidobacterium, Dorea, and Cellulosilyticum, while decreasing those of bacteria related to cognition impairment, such as Collinsella, Parabacteroides, Tyzzerella, Bilophila, unclassified_c_Negativicutes, Epulopiscium, Porphyromonas, and Granulicatella. In conclusion, BB68S could improve cognitive functions in healthy elderly adults without cognitive impairment, along with having beneficial regulatory effects on their gut microbiota. This study supports probiotics as a strategy to promote healthy aging and advances cognitive aging research.
Neurodevelopmental Outcomes in Preterm Infants Receiving a Multicomponent vs. a Soybean-Based Lipid Emulsion: 24 Month Follow-Up of a Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Gallini Francesca , Pelosi Maria Sofia , De Rose Domenico Umberto , Coppola Maria , Costa Simonetta , Romeo Domenico Marco , Cocca Carmen , Maggio Luca , Cota Francesco , Piersanti Alessandra , Ricci Daniela , Vento Giovanni
Published: December 2022

Background: Few studies in the literature have analyzed the long-term neurodevelopmental outcomes of the administration of a multicomponent versus a soybean-based lipid emulsion (LE) in preterm infants receiving parenteral nutrition (PN). A recent randomized controlled trial conducted in our unit provided evidence of better growth in head circumference during the hospital stay in those who received a multicomponent LE. Methods: This is a 24 month follow-up study of preterm infants, previously enrolled in a randomized trial, who received a multicomponent LE (SMOFlipid®) or a standard soybean-based one (Intralipid®). We evaluated neurodevelopmental outcomes at 24 months of corrected age (CA) in the two groups. Results: Ninety-three children were followed up to the age of 24 months CA. Due to the peculiar time frame of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, neurodevelopmental outcomes were evaluated only in 77 children: 37 in the SMOFlipid® group and 40 in the Intralipid® group. No differences in major disability rates or in Griffith’s evaluation were found between the two groups. Conclusions: In our population study, the administration of a multicomponent LE containing fish oil, compared to a soybean-based LE, had no significant effects on neurodevelopmental outcomes in preterm infants at 24 months CA.
Reply to Leong et al. Comment on “Hosseini et al. Effects of Vitamin D Supplementation on COVID-19 Related Outcomes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Nutrients 2022, 14, 2134”
Authors: Hosseini Banafshe , El Abd Asmae , Ducharme Francine M.
Published: December 2022

We thank Drs. Leong et al. for their comments [...]
A Deep Batch Normalized Convolution Approach for Improving COVID-19 Detection from Chest X-ray Images
Authors: Al-Shourbaji Ibrahim , Kachare Pramod H. , Abualigah Laith , Abdelhag Mohammed E. , Elnaim Bushra , Anter Ahmed M. , Gandomi Amir H.
Published: December 2022

Pre-trained machine learning models have recently been widely used to detect COVID-19 automatically from X-ray images. Although these models can selectively retrain their layers for the desired task, the output remains biased due to the massive number of pre-trained weights and parameters. This paper proposes a novel batch normalized convolutional neural network (BNCNN) model to identify COVID-19 cases from chest X-ray images in binary and multi-class frameworks with a dual aim to extract salient features that improve model performance over pre-trained image analysis networks while reducing computational complexity. The BNCNN model has three phases: Data pre-processing to normalize and resize X-ray images, Feature extraction to generate feature maps, and Classification to predict labels based on the feature maps. Feature extraction uses four repetitions of a block comprising a convolution layer to learn suitable kernel weights for the features map, a batch normalization layer to solve the internal covariance shift of feature maps, and a max-pooling layer to find the highest-level patterns by increasing the convolution span. The classifier section uses two repetitions of a block comprising a dense layer to learn complex feature maps, a batch normalization layer to standardize internal feature maps, and a dropout layer to avoid overfitting while aiding the model generalization. Comparative analysis shows that when applied to an open-access dataset, the proposed BNCNN model performs better than four other comparative pre-trained models for three-way and two-way class datasets. Moreover, the BNCNN requires fewer parameters than the pre-trained models, suggesting better deployment suitability on low-resource devices.
Dehydroeburicoic Acid, a Dual Inhibitor against Oxidative Stress in Alcoholic Liver Disease
Authors: Cheng Shasha , Kuang Yi , Li Guodong , Wu Jia , Ko Chung-Nga , Wang Wanhe , Ma Dik-Lung , Ye Min , Leung Chung-Hang
Published: December 2022

Alcoholic liver disease (ALD) is a complicated disease which can lead to hepatocellular carcinoma; however, there is a lack of satisfactory therapeutics. Dehydroeburicoic acid (DEA) (1), a triterpenoid isolated from Antrodia cinnamomea, has been reported to act against ALD, but its mechanisms of action are still not clear. In this study, we report for the first time the use of DEA (1) as a dual inhibitor of the Keap1–Nrf2 protein–protein interaction (PPI) and GSK3β in an in vitro ALD cell model. DEA (1) engages Keap1 to disrupt the Keap1–Nrf2 PPI and inhibits GSK3β to restore Nrf2 activity in a Keap1-independent fashion. DEA (1) promotes Nrf2 nuclear translocation to activate downstream antioxidant genes. Importantly, DEA (1) restores the mitochondrial dysfunction induced by ethanol and generates antioxidant activity in the ALD cell model with minimal toxicity. We anticipate that DEA (1) could be a potential scaffold for the further development of clinical agents for treating ALD.
Preclinical Studies and Drug Combination of Low-Cost Molecules for Chagas Disease
Authors: Aguilera Elena , Sánchez Carina , Cruces María Eugenia , Dávila Belén , Minini Lucía , Mosquillo Florencia , Pérez-Díaz Leticia , Serna Elva , Torres Susana , Schini Alicia , Sanabria Luis , Vera de Bilbao Ninfa I. , Yaluff Gloria , Zolessi Flavio R. , Ceilas Luis Fabian , Cerecetto Hugo , Alvarez Guzmán
Published: December 2022

Chagas disease is caused by the protozoan Trypanosoma cruzi (T. cruzi). It remains the major parasitic disease in Latin America and is spreading worldwide, affecting over 10 million people. Hundreds of new compounds with trypanosomicidal action have been identified from different sources such as synthetic or natural molecules, but they have been deficient in several stages of drug development (toxicology, scaling-up, and pharmacokinetics). Previously, we described a series of compounds with simple structures, low cost, and environmentally friendly production with potent trypanosomicidal activity in vitro and in vivo. These molecules are from three different families: thiazolidenehydrazines, diarylideneketones, and steroids. From this collection, we explored their capacity to inhibit the triosephosphate isomerase and cruzipain of T. cruzi. Then, the mechanism of action was explored using NMR metabolomics and computational molecular dynamics. Moreover, the mechanism of death was studied by flow cytometry. Consequently, five compounds, 314, 793, 1018, 1019, and 1260, were pre-clinically studied and their pharmacologic profiles indicated low unspecific toxicity. Interestingly, synergetic effects of diarylideneketones 793 plus 1018 and 793 plus 1019 were evidenced in vitro and in vivo. In vivo, the combination of compounds 793 plus 1018 induced a reduction of more than 90% of the peak of parasitemia in the acute murine model of Chagas disease.
Non-spherical Polymeric Nanocarriers for Therapeutics: The Effect of Shape on Biological Systems and Drug Delivery Properties
Authors: Lagarrigue Prescillia , Moncalvo Filippo , Cellesi Francesco
Published: December 2022

This review aims to highlight the importance of particle shape in the design of polymeric nanocarriers for drug delivery systems, along with their size, surface chemistry, density, and rigidity. Current manufacturing methods used to obtain non-spherical polymeric nanocarriers such as filomicelles or nanoworms, nanorods and nanodisks, are firstly described. Then, their interactions with biological barriers are presented, including how shape affects nanoparticle clearance, their biodistribution and targeting. Finally, their drug delivery properties and their therapeutic efficacy, both in vitro and in vivo, are discussed and compared with the characteristics of their spherical counterparts.
Molecular Analysis of Genetic Diversity and Structure of the Lablab (Lablab purpureus (L.) Sweet) Gene Pool Reveals Two Independent Routes of Domestication
Authors: Kongjaimun Alisa , Takahashi Yu , Yoshioka Yosuke , Tomooka Norihiko , Mongkol Rachsawan , Somta Prakit
Published: December 2022

In this study, genetic diversity and structure of 474 cultivated and 19 wild lablab (Lablab purpureus) accessions. were determined using 15 nuclear and 6 chloroplast SSR markers. The overall gene diversity was relatively low (0.3441). Gene diversity in the wild accessions (0.6059) was about two-folds greater than that in the cultivated accessions. In the wild accessions, gene diversity was greatest in the southern Africa, followed by East Africa. In the cultivated accessions, gene diversity was highest in the eastern Africa. The results suggested that South Africa is the center of origin and East Africa is the center of domestication of lablab. Different cluster analyses showed that 2-seeded-pod cultivated accessions (ssp. uncinatus) were clustered with wild accessions and that 4–(6)-seeded-pod cultivated accessions (ssp. purpureus and bengalensis) were intermingled. UPGMA tree suggested that ssp. purpureus and bengalensis were domesticated from 4-seeded-pod wild accessions of southern Africa. Haplotype network analysis based on nuclear SSRs revealed two domestication routes; the ssp. uncinatus is domesticated from 2-seeded-pod wild lablab (wild spp. uncinatus) from East Africa (Ethiopia), while the ssp. purpureus and bengalensis are domesticated from 4-seeded-pod wild lablab from Central Africa (Rwanda). These results are useful for understanding domestication and revising classification of lablab.
Algal Ocelloids and Plant Ocelli
Authors: Yamashita Felipe , Baluška František
Published: December 2022

Vision is essential for most organisms, and it is highly variable across kingdoms and domains of life. The most known and understood form is animal and human vision based on eyes. Besides the wide diversity of animal eyes, some animals such as cuttlefish and cephalopods enjoy so-called dermal or skin vision. The most simple and ancient organ of vision is the cell itself and this rudimentary vision evolved in cyanobacteria. More complex are so-called ocelloids of dinoflagellates which are composed of endocellular organelles, acting as lens- and cornea/retina-like components. Although plants have almost never been included into the recent discussions on organismal vision, their plant-specific ocelli had already been proposed by Gottlieb Haberlandt already in 1905. Here, we discuss plant ocelli and their roles in plant-specific vision, both in the shoots and roots of plants. In contrast to leaf epidermis ocelli, which are distributed throughout leaf surface, the root apex ocelli are located at the root apex transition zone and serve the light-guided root navigation. We propose that the plant ocelli evolved from the algal ocelloids, are part of complex plant sensory systems and guide cognition-based plant behavior.
Choosing the Right Path for the Successful Storage of Seeds
Authors: Trusiak Magdalena , Plitta-Michalak Beata Patrycja , Michalak Marcin
Published: December 2022

Seeds are the most commonly used source of storage material to preserve the genetic diversity of plants. However, prior to the deposition of seeds in gene banks, several questions need to be addressed. Here, we illustrate the scheme that can be used to ensure that the most optimal conditions are identified to enable the long-term storage of seeds. The main questions that need to be answered pertain to the production of viable seeds by plants, the availability of proper protocols for dormancy alleviation and germination, seed tolerance to desiccation and cold storage at −20 °C. Finally, it is very important to fully understand the capability or lack thereof for seeds or their explants to tolerate cryogenic conditions. The proper storage regimes for orthodox, intermediate and recalcitrant seeds are discussed.
Study on the Effectiveness of Two Biopolymer Coagulants on Turbidity and Chemical Oxygen Demand Removal in Urban Wastewater
Authors: Aguilera Flores Miguel Mauricio , Valdivia Cabral Gloria Itzel , Medellín Castillo Nahum Andrés , Ávila Vázquez Verónica , Sánchez Mata Omar , García Torres Jésica
Published: December 2022

The present study investigated the effectiveness of two biopolymer coagulants on turbidity and chemical oxygen demand removal in urban wastewater. The biopolymers were produced from vegetal biomass using the mucilage extracted from Opuntia robusta cladodes, and Uncaria tomentosa leaves. Opuntia robusta is an abundant species in Mexico, which is not edible. Uncaria tomentosa is an exotic invasive species in Mexico and other countries, which negatively affects the ecosystems where it is introduced. A combined experimental design of mixture–process was selected to evaluate the effectiveness of both biopolymer coagulants regarding aluminum sulfate (conventional chemical coagulant). Results showed turbidity and chemical oxygen demand removal efficiencies of 42.3% and 69.6% for Opuntia robusta and 17.2% and 39.4% for Uncaria tomentosa biopolymer coagulant, respectively, at a dose of 200 mg/L. Furthermore, optimum conditions from the experimental design to reach the maximum turbidity and chemical oxygen demand removal were obtained at an Opuntia robusta biopolymer coagulant concentration of 10 mg/L, showing removal efficiencies of 68.7 ± 1.7% and 86.1 ± 1.4%, respectively. These results support using Opuntia robusta as an alternative biopolymer coagulant in urban wastewater treatment.
Periodic Self-Assembly of Poly(ethyleneimine)–poly(4-styrenesulfonate) Complex Coacervate Membranes
Authors: Kukhtenko Ekaterina V. , Lavrentev Filipp V. , Shilovskikh Vladimir V. , Zyrianova Polina I. , Koltsov Semyon I. , Ivanov Artemii S. , Novikov Alexander S. , Muravev Anton A. , Nikolaev Konstantin G. , Andreeva Daria V. , Skorb Ekaterina V.
Published: December 2022

Coacervation is a self-assembly strategy based on the complexation of polyelectrolytes, which is utilized in biomedicine and agriculture, as well as automotive and textile industries. In this paper, we developed a new approach to the on-demand periodic formation of polyelectrolyte complexes through a Liesegang-type hierarchical organization. Adjustment of reaction conditions allows us to assemble materials with a tunable spatiotemporal geometry and establish materials’ production cycles with a regulated periodicity. The proposed methodology allows the membrane to self-assemble when striving to reach balance and self-heal after exposure to external stimuli, such as potential difference and high pH. Using chronopotentiometry, K+ ion permeability behavior of the PEI–PSS coacervate membranes was demonstrated. The periodically self-assembled polyelectrolyte nanomembranes could further be integrated into novel energy storage devices and intelligent biocompatible membranes for bionics, soft nanorobotics, biosensing, and biocomputing.
Factors Influencing the Low-Temperature Properties of Styrene-Butadiene-Styrene Modified Asphalt Based on Orthogonal Tests
Authors: Chen Suhua , Jin Enwei , Xu Gang , Zhuo Shangzhi , Chen Xianhua
Published: December 2022

Styrene-butadiene-styrene (SBS) is widely used in asphalt modification to obtain superior high-temperature performance. Nevertheless, studies on the low-temperature properties of SBS-modified asphalt are not satisfactory. Orthogonal tests are valid in analysing the results. In this paper, the main factors (SBS content, sulfur content, and the addition of rubber processing oil) for improving the low-temperature performance of SBS-modified asphalt were analyzed base on the orthogonal tests. Firstly, the frequency sweep test, bending beam rheometer (BBR) test, and force-ductility test were conducted to evaluate the low-temperature properties of SBS-modified asphalt. Investigation of low-temperature parameters obtained through these tests was conducted base on the orthogonal analysis method. The G-R parameter was abandoned in the analysis of the orthogonal method for the result that the increase of SBS content was negative to the low-temperature properties by the Glover-Rowe (G-R) parameter, which were contrary to the results of BBR and force-ductility tests. Moreover, the other parameters (ΔTc and toughness) sorted according to the orthogonal analysis method indicated the effect on low-temperature performance of the SBS-modified asphalt as SBS content > rubber processing oil > sulfur. As shown above that both SBS and rubber processing oil play a critical role in improving the low-temperature properties of SBS-modified asphalt, for SBS could resist the generation and subsequent propagation of cracks while the rubber processing oil could supplement the maltene loss.
Controllable Fabrication and Oil–Water Separation Properties of Polyethylene Terephthaloyl-Ethylenediamine-IPN-poly(N-Isopropylacrylamide) Microcapsules
Authors: Liu Meng , Zhao Dan , Lv Hui , Liang Yunjing , Yang Yannan , Hong Zongguo , Liu Jingxue , Dai Kang , Xiao Xincai
Published: December 2022

In this paper, we report a microcapsule embedded PNIPAN in P (TPC-EDA) shell and it can be regarded as an interpenetrating polymer network (IPN) structure, which can accelerate the penetration of oily substances at a certain temperature, and the microcapsules are highly monodisperse and dimensionally reproducible. The proposed microcapsules were fabricated in a three-step process. The first step was the optimization of the conditions for preparing oil in water emulsions by microfluidic device. In the second step, monodisperse polyethylene terephthaloyl-ethylenediamine (P(TPC-EDA)) microcapsules were prepared by interfacial polymerization. In the third step, the final microcapsules with poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM)-based interpenetrating polymer network (IPN) structure in P(TPC-EDA) shells were finished by free radical polymerization. We conducted careful data analysis on the size of the emulsion prepared by microfluidic technology and used a very intuitive functional relationship to show the production characteristics of microfluidics, which is rarely seen in other literatures. The results show that when the IPN-structured system swelled for 6 h, the adsorption capacity of kerosene was the largest, which was promising for water–oil separation or extraction and separation of hydrophobic drugs. Because we used microfluidic technology, the products obtained have good monodispersity and are expected to be produced in large quantities in industry.
Influence of the Machining Process on the Thrust Force and Mechanical Characteristics for the Direct Drive System
Authors: Yang Xiaojun , Li Junying , Xuan Jianlin , Zhao Wanhua
Published: December 2022

This paper investigates the effects of the machining process on the thrust force and mechanical characteristics for the direct drive feed system driven by the flat permanent magnet synchronous linear motor (PMSLM) in machine tools considering the electromechanical couplings. Firstly, the cutting force in the machining process is researched. Then, the analytical model of the direct drive feed system is established and analyzed. The electromechanical couplings between the mechanical system and servo system in the direct drive feed system are studied. Furthermore, the influences of the cutting force on different couplings are analyzed, and the thrust force characteristic is analytically represented. Finally, the validity of the theoretical analysis is verified by the experiments, and the effects of the machining process on the dynamic precision of the feed system are discussed. The results show that the electromechanical couplings in the direct drive system will aggravate the effects of the machining process on the thrust force and mechanical characteristics of the feed system. A large number of new paired thrust harmonics will be produced. The influence of the machining process on the mechanical system will be extended from the discrete frequency point caused by the cutting force to the approximate frequency band caused by the thrust force, affecting the dynamic precision of the feed system and the cutting stability of the machine tool.
Current Challenges in the Sustainable Valorisation of Agri-Food Wastes: A Review
Authors: Berenguer Cristina V. , Andrade Carolina , Pereira Jorge A. M. , Perestrelo Rosa , Câmara José S.
Published: December 2022

In the upcoming years, the world will face societal challenges arising, in particular, from the impact of climate change and the inefficient use of natural resources, in addition to an exponential growth of the world population, which according to the United Nations (UN) estimations will be 9.8 billion in 2050. This increasing trend requires optimized management of natural resources with the use of value-added waste and a significant reduction in food loss and food waste. Moreover, the recent pandemic situation, COVID-19, has contributed indisputably. Along with the agri-food supply chain, several amounts of waste or by-products are generated. In most cases, these biomass wastes cause serious environmental concerns and high costs to enterprises. The valorisation of the agri-food loss and food industry wastes emerged as a useful strategy to produce certain value-added compounds with several potential applications, namely in the food, health, pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and environmental fields. Therefore, in this review, some of the crucial sustainable challenges with impacts on the valorisation of agri-food loss/wastes and by-products are discussed and identified, in addition to several opportunities, trends and innovations. Potential applications and usages of the most important compounds found in food loss/waste will be highlighted, with a focus on the food industry, pharmaceutical industry, and the environment.
A Novel Design towards Reducing Leakage Loss for Variable Geometry Turbines
Authors: Zhou Kai , Zheng Xinqian
Published: December 2022

To accommodate the next generation of adaptive/variable cycle engines and gas turbine power, the variable geometry turbine (VTG) is widely acknowledged as a most essential component. VGT consists of an adjustable vane to address the combined goals of high dry thrust and low specific fuel consumption (SFC) at subsonic cruises for aero-engines. This concept allows an engine to operate at a constant bypass ratio over a wide range of pressure ratios. To avoid scraping during rotation for guide vanes, a typical gap is deliberately left, which leads to significant leakage loss. In this research work, a novel spherical convex plat with a pivot shaft is proposed, which can be obtained by additive manufacturing. The plat is sophisticatedly designed according to the aggressive tip/hub pressure gradient. This design naturally generates a blockage for the gas from the pressure side towards the suction side. As a result, the most aggressive pressure gradient is removed, and maximum leakage flow is eliminated. The overall leakage loss is reduced. This simple rotating structure design can improve the efficiency by 0.4–3.0% within the wide range considered. Based on the understanding of the loss mechanism, a radially restacked vane is designed and another extra 0.2% improvement is achieved. This universal design philosophy is also verified on different loading blade profiles, i.e., front-, middle- and aft-loaded turbine vane. The improved aerodynamic performance is achieved with this novel idea.
Path Planning of Mobile Robots Based on an Improved Particle Swarm Optimization Algorithm
Authors: Yuan Qingni , Sun Ruitong , Du Xiaoying
Published: December 2022

Aiming at disadvantages of particle swarm optimization in the path planning of mobile robots, such as low convergence accuracy and easy maturity, this paper proposes an improved particle swarm optimization algorithm based on differential evolution. First, the concept of corporate governance is introduced, adding adaptive adjustment weights and acceleration coefficients to improve the traditional particle swarm optimization and increase the algorithm convergence speed. Then, in order to improve the performance of the differential evolution algorithm, the size of the mutation is controlled by adding adaptive parameters. Moreover, a “high-intensity training” mode is developed to use the improved differential evolution algorithm to intensively train the global optimal position of the particle swarm optimization, which can improve the search precision of the algorithm. Finally, the mathematical model for robot path planning is devised as a two-objective optimization with two indices, i.e., the path length and the degree of danger to optimize the path planning. The proposed algorithm is applied to different experiments for path planning simulation tests. The results demonstrate the feasibility and effectiveness of it in solving a mobile robot path-planning problem.
Is Conscience Best Understood as a Particular Form of Consciousness? Theological and Ethical Reflections Inspired by the Phenomenology of Maurice Merleau-Ponty
Authors: McKeever Martin
Published: December 2022

Since its emergence after the Council of Trent, moral theology as a discipline has had an intimate but problematical relationship with philosophy. It is not rare, even today, to hear or read moral theologians expounding their views with no explicit acknowledgement of the importance of the philosophical terms and theories they use in the formulation of their positions. All this would seem to be particularly the case with a term that has gradually become quite central to moral theological discourse: conscience. The purpose of this article is to suggest that phenomenology, as a relatively new and profoundly revolutionary branch of philosophy, has become an indispensable resource for moral theological reflection on conscience. In particular it will be argued that the thought of Maurice Merleau-Ponty (1908–1961) constitutes a profound -unintentional- critique of traditional conceptions of conscience and simply cannot be ignored (as it normally is!) in contemporary discussions of this theme. What follows, then, divides into four sections: the first on a traditional vision of conscience; the second on consciousness in the thought of Merleau-Ponty; the third on conscience as a form of consciousness; and the fourth on the potential contribution of this line of thought to ethics and fundamental moral theology.
Theosis and Martyria—The Spiritual Process of Deification and Its Implication for the Mission of the Church
Authors: Sonea Cristian Sebastian
Published: December 2022

This article analyses the role of the spiritual path of theosis in the mission of the Eastern Orthodox church. It evaluates the main directions in which the church could have a fundamental role in the world, such as peace, human dignity or the ecological crises, and does so through the lens of the deification process. The spiritual exercise of deification contributes to a fundamental change in the way that we act, think, and understand reality and this plays an essential part in missionary work as understood by the Eastern Orthodox church. Because of this approach, the theological term martyria/witness is considered more suitable than the term mission, in order to describe the process of transformation of the human persons and, through those who engage on the path of deification, the transformation of the entire creation. The article presents two different perspectives: one offered by two official, programmatic documents of the church (“The Mission of the Orthodox Church in Today’s World” and “For the Life of the World. Social Ethos Document of the Ecumenical Patriarchate”), and addressed to communities, and another one represented by the writings from the Philokalia, which are apparently dedicated to individuals and their personal spiritual journey. In the view presented here, the two perspectives are not different, but in fact complementary.