bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bioprospecting and Molecular Identification of Used Transformer Oil-Degrading Bacteria for Bioplastics Production
Authors: Idris Shehu , Abdul Rahim Rashidah , Abdullah Amirul Al-Ashraf
Published: March 2022

One of the major impediments to the commercialization of biodegradable plastic is the high cost of substrate. Consequently, there is a continuous search for effective microorganisms and cheaper carbon substrates to reduce the high production cost. In this study, waste transformer oil-degrading bacteria were isolated from soil, wastewater, and sediment samples, using a mineral salt medium (MSM) supplemented with 1% waste transformer oil as the sole carbon source. The isolates were screened for polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) production using Nile red staining and fluorescence microscopy. PHA granules accumulation was confirmed using transmission electron microscopy. Oil degradation analysis was accomplished using solvent extraction and gravimetric methods whereas, the bacteria were identified using 16S DNA sequence homology. A total of 62 transformer oil-degrading bacteria were isolated, out of which 16 (26%) showed positive results for Nile red fluorescence microscopy. The identified organisms belong to four different taxonomic genera of Acinetobacter, Bacillus, Proteus, and Serratia. The percentage of oil degradation observed among the different isolates ranged between 19.58% and 57.51%. Analysis of the PHA extracted from the selected isolate revealed the presence of medium chain length polyhydroxyalkanoates (mcl-PHA). The findings of this work have further highlighted the diversity of the bacteria capable of utilizing waste streams such as waste transformer oil. Consequently, the isolates can be explored as agents of converting waste transformer oil into bioplastics.
Physiological Aspects of Absorption, Translocation, and Accumulation of Heavy Metals in Silphium perfoliatum L. Plants Grown in a Mining-Contaminated Soil
Authors: Nescu Vlad , Ciulca Sorin , Sumalan Renata Maria , Berbecea Adina , Velicevici Giancarla , Negrea Petru , Gaspar Sorin , Sumalan Radu Liviu
Published: March 2022

Soil pollution by heavy metals as a result of mining activities is increasingly taking place. Once accumulated in soil, the heavy metals can then be dispersed, with serious effects on the environment and human health. It is therefore necessary to minimize, or even remove, all heavy metals from polluted areas, and one of the environmentally friendly and sustainable methods to do so is phytoremediation. A greenhouse pots experiment was conducted to evaluate the phytoremediation capacity of Silphium perfoliatum L. plants, in the vegetative growth stages, on a soil polluted with Cu, Zn, Cr and Pb, taken from a former mining area compared to an unpolluted soil (Us). The initial heavy metal content of polluted soil (Ps) was 208.3 mg kg−1 Cu; 312.5 mg kg−1 Zn; 186.5 mg kg−1 Cr and 195.2 mg kg−1 Pb. This shows that for Cu and Pb, soil concentrations exceed the intervention threshold, and for Zn and Cr, they are above the alert threshold. The removal efficiency, bioaccumulation factor, translocation factor, metal uptake and contamination factor index of Cu, Zn, Cr and Pb by S. perfoliatum L. were quantified to determine the bioremediation success. The data show that plants grown in Ps accumulated a significantly higher amount of Cu by 189% and Zn by 37.95% compared to Us. The Cr and Pb content of the plants recorded a progressive and significant increase from one developmental stage to another, being more intense between three and five leaves.
Editorial for Special Issue “Elemental Concentration and Pollution in Soil, Water, and Sediment”
Authors: Romero-Freire Ana , Qiu Hao
Published: March 2022

Certain elements are essential to the growth and health of living organisms with specific biochemical functions in their metabolic processes [...]
Integrated Artificial Neural Network and Discrete Event Simulation Framework for Regional Development of Refractory Gold Systems
Authors: Wilson Ryan , Mercier Patrick H. J. , Navarra Alessandro
Published: March 2022

Mining trends in the gold sector indicate a growing imbalance in global supply and demand chains, especially in light of accelerated efforts towards industrial electrification and automation. As such, it is important that research and development continue to focus on processing options for more complex and refractory ores. Unlike conventional (i.e., free-milling) ore feeds, refractory gold is not amenable to standard cyanidation, and requires additional pretreatment prior to leaching and recovery. With recent technological advancements, such as sensor-based ore sorting, there is opportunity to advance the development of smaller untapped refractory resources with marginal economics, particularly those in proximity to processing infrastructure within major gold districts. However, it will be critical that the necessary tools are developed to capture the potential system-wide effects caused by varied ore feeds and improve related decision-making processes earlier in the value chain. Discrete event simulation (DES) is a powerful computational technique that can be used to monitor the interactions between important processes and parameters in response to random natural variations; the approach is thus suitable for the modelling of complex mining systems that deal with significant geological uncertainty. This work implements an integrated artificial neural network (ANN) and DES framework for the regional coordination of conventional and preconcentrated refractory gold ores to be processed at a centralized plant. Sample calculations are presented that are based on a generated dataset reflective of sediment-hosted refractory gold systems.
Assessment of Antimicrobial Properties of Phenolic Acid Extracts from Grain Infected with Fungi from the Genus Fusarium
Authors: Przybylska-Balcerek Anna , Szablewski Tomasz , Cegielska-Radziejewska Renata , Góral Tomasz , Kurasiak-Popowska Danuta , Stuper-Szablewska Kinga
Published: March 2022

Problems related with biological contamination of plant origin raw materials have a considerable effect on prevention systems at each stage of food production. Concerning the antimicrobial action of phenolic acids, studies were undertaken to investigate antibacterial properties against bacterial strains of Escherichia coli (EC), Pseudomonas fluorescence (PF), Micrococcus luteus (ML) and Proteus mirabilis (PM), as well as antifungal properties targeting microscopic fungi Fusarium spp., extracts of phenolic compounds coming from inoculated grain from various genotypes of cereals. This study evaluated the antimicrobial action of phenolic acids extracts obtained from both naturally infested and inoculated with microorganisms. For this purpose a total of 24 cereal cultivars were selected, including 9 winter and 15 spring cultivars. The analyses showed a bactericidal effect in the case of 4 extracts against Micrococcus luteus (ML), 14 extracts against Pseudomonas fluorescence (PF), 17 extracts against Escherichia coli (EC) as well as 16 extracts against Proteus mirabilis (PM). It was found that 3 out of the 24 extracts showed no antibacterial activity. In turn, fungicidal action was observed in the case of 17 extracts against Fusarium culmorum (FC) (NIV), 16 extracts against FC (3AcDON), 12 extracts against Fusarium graminearum (FG) (3AcDON), while 12 other extracts showed antifungal action against FG (NIV) and 19 extracts against Fusarium langsethiae (FL). Based on the conducted analyses it was found that grain of small-grained cereals exposed to fungal infection is a source of bioactive compounds exhibiting antimicrobial properties. It was observed that the qualitative and quantitative profiles of polyphenols vary depending on the cereal cultivar. This extracts may be used to develop an antimicrobial preparation applicable in organic farming.
Immunomodulatory Properties of Polysaccharide-Rich Young Green Barley (Hordeum vulgare) Extract and Its Structural Characterization
Authors: Lemieszek Marta Kinga , Komaniecka Iwona , Chojnacki Michał , Choma Adam , Rzeski Wojciech
Published: March 2022

Young green barley (YGB) water extract has revealed a beneficial impact on natural killer (NK) cells’ ability to recognize and eliminate human colon cancer cells, without any side effects for normal colon epithelial cells. The direct anticancer effect of the tested compounds has been also shown. The mixture of oligosaccharides found in this extract was characterized by chemical analyses and via FT-IR spectroscopy and MALDI-TOF MS techniques. The YGB preparation contained 26.9% of proteins and 64.2% of sugars, mostly glucose (54.7%) and fructose (42.7%), with a small amount of mannose (2.6%) and galactose (less than 0.5%). Mass spectrometry analysis of YGB has shown that fructose oligomers contained from 3 to 19 sugar units. The number of fructans was estimated to be about 10.2% of the dry weight basis of YGB. The presented results suggest the beneficial effect of the consumption of preparations based on young barley on the human body, in the field of colon cancer prevention.
Ionic Liquid-Assisted Fabrication of Bioactive Heterogeneous Magnetic Nanocatalyst with Antioxidant and Antibacterial Activities for the Synthesis of Polyhydroquinoline Derivatives
Authors: Mirani Nezhad Shefa , Nazarzadeh Zare Ehsan , Davarpanah Azimeh , Pourmousavi Seied Ali , Ashrafizadeh Milad , Kumar Alan Prem
Published: March 2022

Antibacterial materials have obtained much attention in recent years due to the presence of hazardous agents causing oxidative stress and observation of pathogens. However, materials with antioxidant and antibacterial activities can cause toxicity due to their low biocompatibility and safety profile, urging scientists to follow new ways in the synthesis of such materials. Ionic liquids have been employed as a green and environmentally solvent for the fabrication of electrically conductive polymers. In the present study, an antibacterial poly(p-phenylenediamine)@Fe3O4 (PpPDA@Fe3O4) nanocomposite was fabricated using [HPy][HSO4] ionic liquid. The chemical preparation of PpPDA@Fe3O4 nanocomposite was initiated through the oxidative polymerization of p-phenylenediamine by ammonium persulfate in the presence of [HPy][HSO4]. The PpPDA@Fe3O4 nanocomposite exhibited antibacterial properties against Gram-negative (Escherichia coli) and Gram-positive (Bacillus subtilis) bacteria. The PpPDA@Fe3O4 nanocomposite was employed as a heterogeneous nanocatalysis for one-pot synthesis of polyhydroquinoline derivatives using aromatic aldehyde, dimedone, benzyl acetoacetate, and ammonium acetate. Polyhydroquinoline derivatives were synthesized in significant yields (90–97%) without a difficult work-up procedure in short reaction times. Additionally, PpPDA@Fe3O4 nanocatalyst was recycled for at least five consecutive catalytic runs with a minor decrease in the catalytic activity. In this case, 11 derivatives of polyhydroquinoline showed in vitro antioxidant activity between 70–98%.
Identification of Pharmacophoric Fragments of DYRK1A Inhibitors Using Machine Learning Classification Models
Authors: Bi Mengzhou , Guan Zhen , Fan Tengjiao , Zhang Na , Wang Jianhua , Sun Guohui , Zhao Lijiao , Zhong Rugang
Published: March 2022

Dual-specific tyrosine phosphorylation regulated kinase 1 (DYRK1A) has been regarded as a potential therapeutic target of neurodegenerative diseases, and considerable progress has been made in the discovery of DYRK1A inhibitors. Identification of pharmacophoric fragments provides valuable information for structure- and fragment-based design of potent and selective DYRK1A inhibitors. In this study, seven machine learning methods along with five molecular fingerprints were employed to develop qualitative classification models of DYRK1A inhibitors, which were evaluated by cross-validation, test set, and external validation set with four performance indicators of predictive classification accuracy (CA), the area under receiver operating characteristic (AUC), Matthews correlation coefficient (MCC), and balanced accuracy (BA). The PubChem fingerprint-support vector machine model (CA = 0.909, AUC = 0.933, MCC = 0.717, BA = 0.855) and PubChem fingerprint along with the artificial neural model (CA = 0.862, AUC = 0.911, MCC = 0.705, BA = 0.870) were considered as the optimal modes for training set and test set, respectively. A hybrid data balancing method SMOTETL, a combination of synthetic minority over-sampling technique (SMOTE) and Tomek link (TL) algorithms, was applied to explore the impact of balanced learning on the performance of models. Based on the frequency analysis and information gain, pharmacophoric fragments related to DYRK1A inhibition were also identified. All the results will provide theoretical supports and clues for the screening and design of novel DYRK1A inhibitors.
Influence of Gamma Irradiation on Different Phytochemical Constituents of Dried Rose Hip (Rosa canina L.) Fruits
Authors: Ognyanov Manol , Denev Petko , Teneva Desislava , Georgiev Yordan , Taneva Sabina , Totseva Iskra , Kamenova-Nacheva Mariana , Nikolova Yana , Momchilova Svetlana
Published: March 2022

Gamma irradiation is efficiently applied to many foods, but nevertheless there is a distinct lack of information about the changes of macro- and micronutrients (e.g., carbohydrates, lipids, organic acids, and phenolics) in dried rose hip (RH) fruits. Therefore, in this study, for the first time, the effect of gamma irradiation (10 and 25 kGy) on RH constituents is investigated. Different analytical techniques (GC-FID, HPLC-UV, HPSEC-RID, IR-FT, and SEM) are employed to examine this effect. The irradiation treatment (10 kGy) increased the glucose content by 30% and released cellobiose from RH fruits, thus revealing cellulose destruction. The extractability of total uronic acids increased from 51% (control) to 70.5% (25 kGy-irradiated), resulting in a higher pectin yield (10.8% < 12.8% < 13.4%) and molecular heterogeneity. Moreover, de-esterification was not a major effect of the irradiation-induced degradation of pectin. The sample exposure to the highest dose did not change the content of total carotenoids, β-carotene, and (un)saturated fatty acids, but it affected the tocopherols levels. Gamma rays had a negligible effect on the phenolic constituents and did not affect ORAC and HORAC antioxidant activity. In conclusion, it can be compromised that the exposition of dried RH is safe and can be successfully applied to decontaminate fruits without affecting their nutritional value and biological activity.
Computational Modeling of O-Linked Glycan Biosynthesis in CHO Cells
Authors: Kouka Thukaa , Akase Sachiko , Sogabe Isami , Jin Chunsheng , Karlsson Niclas G. , Aoki-Kinoshita Kiyoko F.
Published: March 2022

Glycan biosynthesis simulation research has progressed remarkably since 1997, when the first mathematical model for N-glycan biosynthesis was proposed. An O-glycan model has also been developed to predict O-glycan biosynthesis pathways in both forward and reverse directions. In this work, we started with a set of O-glycan profiles of CHO cells transiently transfected with various combinations of glycosyltransferases. The aim was to develop a model that encapsulated all the enzymes in the CHO transfected cell lines. Due to computational power restrictions, we were forced to focus on a smaller set of glycan profiles, where we were able to propose an optimized set of kinetics parameters for each enzyme in the model. Using this optimized model we showed that the abundance of more processed glycans could be simulated compared to observed abundance, while predicting the abundance of glycans earlier in the pathway was less accurate. The data generated show that for the accurate prediction of O-linked glycosylation, additional factors need to be incorporated into the model to better reflect the experimental conditions.
In Situ XANES Studies on Extracted Copper from Scrap Cu/ITO Thin Film in an Ionic Liquid Containing Iodine/Iodide
Authors: Huang Hsin-Liang , Wei Yu Jhe
Published: March 2022

Copper is coated on indium-tin-oxide (ITO) thin film to improve its electrical resistivity. In order to recycle the scrap Cu/ITO thin film, an ionic liquid (1-butyl-3-methyl imidazolium hexafluorophosphate ([C4mim][PF6])) containing iodine/iodide (IL-I) was used to extract copper at 303, 343, 413, 374, and 543 K. The extraction efficiency of copper from the scrap Cu/ITO thin film was >99% with IL-I. Using XRD, crystal In2O3 was found on the regenerated ITO thin film which had a resistivity similar to that of unused ITO thin film. Using X-ray absorption near edge structural (XANES) spectroscopy, at least two paths for the extraction of copper from the Cu/ITO thin film into IL-I were identified. Path I: Copper is stripped from the scrap Cu/ITO thin film and then interacts with I3− in the IL-I to form nano CuI. The nano CuI further interacts with I−. Path II: Copper interacts with I3− on the surface of the Cu/ITO thin film to form nano CuI. The nano CuI is further stripped into the IL-I to interact with I−. During extraction, the nanoparticle size could be increased in the IL-I by conglomeration due to fewer coordinating anions and decrease in the viscosity of IL-I at high temperatures. Furthermore, nanoparticle growth was affected by [PF6]− of the IL-I determined via 31P NMR.
The (Bio)Chemistry of Non-Transferrin-Bound Iron
Authors: Silva André M. N. , Rangel Maria
Published: March 2022

In healthy individuals, virtually all blood plasma iron is bound by transferrin. However, in several diseases and clinical conditions, hazardous non-transferrin-bound iron (NTBI) species occur. NTBI represents a potentially toxic iron form, being a direct cause of oxidative stress in the circulating compartment and tissue iron loading. The accumulation of these species can cause cellular damage in several organs, namely, the liver, spleen, and heart. Despite its pathophysiological relevance, the chemical nature of NTBI remains elusive. This has precluded its use as a clinical biochemical marker and the development of targeted therapies. Herein, we make a critical assessment of the current knowledge of NTBI speciation. The currently accepted hypotheses suggest that NTBI is mostly iron bound to citric acid and iron bound to serum albumin, but the chemistry of this system remains fuzzy. We explore the complex chemistry of iron complexation by citric acid and its implications towards NTBI reactivity. Further, the ability of albumin to bind iron is revised and the role of protein post-translational modifications on iron binding is discussed. The characterization of the NTBI species structure may be the starting point for the development of a standardized analytical assay, the better understanding of these species’ reactivity or the identification of NTBI uptake mechanisms by different cell types, and finally, to the development of new therapies.
Influence of Electronic Modulation of Phenanthroline-Derived Ligands on Separation of Lanthanides and Actinides
Authors: Li Ming-Ming , Liu Xiao-Juan , Yang Qi , Liu Yue-Kun , Nie Jiang , Yang Shu-Ming , Yang Ya-Ya , Lou Fu-Yan , Xiao Song-Tao , Ouyang Ying-Gen , Ye Guo-An
Published: March 2022

The solvent extraction, complexing ability, and basicity of tetradentate N-donor 2,9-bis(5,5,8,8-tetramethyl-5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-1,2,4-benzotriazin-3-yl)-1,10-phenanthroline (CyMe4-BT- Phen) and its derivatives functionalized by Br, hydroxyphenyl, nitryl were discussed and compared. It was demonstrated that four BTPhen ligands are able to selectively extract Am(lll) over Eu(lll). It was notable that the distribution ratio of 5-nitryl-CyMe4-BTPhen for Eu(lll) was suppressed under 0.02, which was much lower compared to DEu(lll) = 1 by CyMe4-BTPhen. The analysis of the effect of the substituent on the affinity to lanthanides was conducted by UV/vis and fluorescence spectroscopic titration. The stability constants of various ligands with Eu(lll) were obtained by fitting titration curve. Additionally, the basicity of various ligands was determined to be 3.1 ± 0.1, 2.3 ± 0.2, 0.9 ± 0.2, 0.5 ± 0.1 by NMR in the media of CD3OD with the addition of DClO4. The basicity of ligands follows the order of L1 > L2 > L3 > L4, indicating the tendency of protonation decreases with the electron-withdrawing ability increase.
Asparagopsis Genus: What We Really Know About Its Biological Activities and Chemical Composition
Authors: Ponte José M. S. , Seca Ana M. L. , Barreto Maria Carmo
Published: March 2022

Although the genus Asparagopsis includes only two taxonomically accepted species, the published literature is unanimous about the invasive nature of this genus in different regions of the globe, and about the availability of large amounts of biomass for which it is important to find a commercial application. This review shows that extracts from Asparagospsis species have already been evaluated for antioxidant, antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, antifouling, cytotoxic, antimethanogenic and enzyme-inhibitory activity. However, the tables presented herein show, with few exceptions, that the activity level displayed is generally low when compared with positive controls. Studies involving pure compounds being identified in Asparagopsis species are rare. The chemical compositions of most of the evaluated extracts are unknown. At best, the families of the compounds present are suggested. This review also shows that the volatile halogenated compounds, fatty acids and sterols that are biosynthesized by the Asparagopsis species are relatively well known. Many other non-volatile metabolites (halogen compounds, flavonoids, other phenolic compounds) seem to be produced by these species, but their chemical structures and properties haven’been investigated. This shows how much remains to be investigated regarding the secondary-metabolite composition of these species, suggesting further studies following more targeted methodologies.
Computational Screening of Phenylamino-Phenoxy-Quinoline Derivatives against the Main Protease of SARS-CoV-2 Using Molecular Docking and the ONIOM Method
Authors: Patnin Suwicha , Makarasen Arthit , Vijitphan Pongsit , Baicharoen Apisara , Chaivisuthangkura Apinya , Kuno Mayuso , Techasakul Supanna
Published: March 2022

In the search for new anti-HIV-1 agents, two forms of phenylamino-phenoxy-quinoline derivatives have been synthesized, namely, 2-phenylamino-4-phenoxy-quinoline and 6-phenylamino-4-phenoxy-quinoline. In this study, the binding interactions of phenylamino-phenoxy-quinoline derivatives and six commercially available drugs (hydroxychloroquine, ritonavir, remdesivir, S-217622, N3, and PF-07321332) with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) main protease (Mpro) were investigated using molecular docking and the ONIOM method. The molecular docking showed the hydrogen bonding and hydrophobic interactions of all the compounds in the pocket of SARS-CoV-2 main protease (Mpro), which plays an important role for the division and proliferation of the virus into the cell. The binding free energy values between the ligands and Mpro ranged from −7.06 to −10.61 kcal/mol. The molecular docking and ONIOM results suggested that 4-(2′,6′-dimethyl-4′-cyanophenoxy)-2-(4″-cyanophenyl)-aminoquinoline and 4-(4′-cyanophenoxy)-2-(4″-cyanophenyl)-aminoquinoline have low binding energy values and appropriate molecular properties; moreover, both compounds could bind to Mpro via hydrogen bonding and Pi-Pi stacking interactions with amino acid residues, namely, HIS41, GLU166, and GLN192. These amino acids are related to the proteolytic cleavage process of the catalytic triad mechanisms. Therefore, this study provides important information for further studies on synthetic quinoline derivatives as antiviral candidates in the treatment of SARS-CoV-2.
Magnetic Field Effects Induced in Electrical Devices Based on Cotton Fiber Composites, Carbonyl Iron Microparticles and Barium Titanate Nanoparticles
Authors: Pascu Gabriel , Bunoiu Octavian Madalin , Bica Ioan
Published: March 2022

This work consists in the process of preparing magnetic active composite materials based on cotton fibers, iron carbonyl microparticles and barium titanate nanoparticles, and the electrical devices manufactured with them. For different compositions of the aforementioned ingredients, three such composites are manufactured and compacted at constant pressure between two electrodes. In the absence and in the presence of a magnetic field, using an RLC bridge, magnetocapacitive, magnetoresistive and magnetopiezoelectric effects are highlighted in the custom fabricated devices. It is shown that these effects are significantly influenced by the composition of the materials. Based on the model elaborated in this paper, the mechanisms that contribute to the observed effects are described and the theoretical predictions are shown to agree with the experimental data. The obtained results can be used in the assembly of hybrid magnetic active composites, which are low cost, ecological and have other useful physical characteristics for applications.
Electromechanical Nanogenerators for Cell Modulation
Authors: Liu Zhirong , Wang Zhuo , Li Linlin
Published: March 2022

Bioelectricity is an indispensable part of organisms and plays a vital role in cell modulation and tissue/organ development. The development of convenient and bio-safe electrical stimulation equipment to simulate endogenous bioelectricity for cell function modulation is of great significance for its clinical transformation. In this review, we introduce the advantages of an electromechanical nanogenerator (EMNG) as a source of electrical stimulation in the biomedical field and systematically overview recent advances in EMNGs for cell modulation, mainly including cell adhesion, migration, proliferation and differentiation. Finally, we emphasize the significance of self-powered and biomimetic electrostimulation in cell modulation and discuss its challenges and future prospects in both basic research and clinical translation.
Smart Textile Triboelectric Nanogenerators: Prospective Strategies for Improving Electricity Output Performance
Authors: Dong Kai , Peng Xiao , Cheng Renwei , Wang Zhong Lin
Published: March 2022

By seamlessly integrating the wearing comfortability of textiles with the biomechanical energy harvesting function of a triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG), an emerging and advanced intelligent textile, i.e., smart textile TENG, is developed with remarkable abilities of autonomous power supply and self-powered sensing, which has great development prospects in the next-generation human-oriented wearable electronics. However, due to inadequate interface contact, insufficient electrification of materials, unavoidable air breakdown effect, output capacitance feature, and special textile structure, there are still several bottlenecks in the road towards the practical application of textile TENGs, including low output, high impedance, low integration, poor working durability, and so on. In this review, on the basis of mastering the existing theory of electricity generation mechanism of TENGs, some prospective strategies for improving the mechanical-to-electrical conversion performance of textile TENGs are systematically summarized and comprehensively discussed, including surface/interface physical treatments, atomic-scale chemical modification, structural optimization design, work environmental control, and integrated energy management. The advantages and disadvantages of each approach in output enhancement are further compared at the end of this review. It is hoped that this review can not only provide useful guidance for the research of textile TENGs to select optimization methods but also accelerate their large-scale practical process.
5G Network Slice Isolation
Authors: Wong Stan , Han Bin , Schotten Hans D.
Published: March 2022

This article reveals an adequate comprehension of basic defense, security challenges, and attack vectors in deploying multi-network slicing. Network slicing is a revolutionary concept of providing mobile network on-demand and expanding mobile networking business and services to a new era. The new business paradigm and service opportunities are encouraging vertical industries to join and develop their own mobile network capabilities for enhanced performances that are coherent with their applications. However, a number of security concerns are also raised in this new era. In this article, we focus on the deployment of multi-network slicing with multi-tenancy. We identify the security concerns and discuss the defense approaches such as network slice isolation and insulation in a multi-layer network slicing security model. Furthermore, we identify the importance to appropriately select the network slice isolation points and propose a generic framework to optimize the isolation policy regarding the implementation cost while guaranteeing the security and performance requirements.
Comment on Sobczyk, M.K.; Gaunt, T.R. The Effect of Circulating Zinc, Selenium, Copper and Vitamin K1 on COVID-19 Outcomes: A Mendelian Randomization Study. Nutrients 2022, 14, 233
Authors: Janssen Rob , Vermeer Cees , Walk Jona , Linneberg Allan
Published: March 2022

Sobczyk and Gaunt genetically predicted circulating zinc, selenium, copper, and vitamin K1 levels—instead of directly measuring nutrients in blood—and hypothesized that these levels would associate with SARS-CoV-2 infection and COVID-19 severity [...]
Soy Formula Is Not Estrogenic and Does Not Result in Reproductive Toxicity in Male Piglets: Results from a Controlled Feeding Study
Authors: Ronis Martin J. J. , Gomez-Acevedo Horacio , Shankar Kartik , Hennings Leah , Sharma Neha , Blackburn Michael L. , Miousse Isabelle , Dawson Harry , Chen Celine , Mercer Kelly E. , Badger Thomas M.
Published: March 2022

Soy infant formula which is fed to over half a million infants per year contains isoflavones such as genistein, which have been shown to be estrogenic at high concentrations. The developing testis is sensitive to estrogens, raising concern that the use of soy formulas may result in male reproductive toxicity. In the current study, male White-Dutch Landrace piglets received either sow milk (Sow), or were provided milk formula (Milk), soy formula (Soy), milk formula supplemented with 17-beta-estradiol (2 mg/kg/d) (M + E2) or supplemented with genistein (84 mg/L of diet; (M + G) from postnatal day 2 until day 21. E2 treatment reduced testis weight (p < 0.05) as percentage of body weight, significantly suppressed serum androgen concentrations, increased tubule area, Germ cell and Sertoli cell numbers (p < 0.05) relative to those of Sow or Milk groups. Soy formula had no such effects relative to Sow or Milk groups. mRNAseq revealed 103 differentially expressed genes in the M + E2 group compared to the Milk group related to endocrine/metabolic disorders. However, little overlap was observed between the other treatment groups. These data suggest soy formula is not estrogenic in the male neonatal piglet and that soy formula does not significantly alter male reproductive development.
Relationship between Child Care Exhaustion and Breastfeeding Type at Two and Six Months in a Cohort of 1210 Japanese Mothers
Authors: Suzuki Tomoya , Nojiri Keisuke , Higurashi Satoshi , Tsujimori Yuta , Toba Yasuhiro , Nomura Kyoko
Published: March 2022

This study investigated whether parenting stress is associated with breastfeeding type (exclusive or partial). Between 2014 and 2019, we recruited 1210 healthy mothers (mean age, 31.2 years; 65%, multiparity) from 73 obstetric institutions across all prefectures of Japan. Among these, 1120 mothers at two months and 1035 mothers at six months were investigated for parenting stress and breastfeeding type: exclusive versus otherwise (partial). Parenting stress was measured by a validated Japanese scale consisting of childcare exhaustion, worry about child’s development, and no partner support. Exclusive breastfeeding prevalence was 75% at two and 78% at six months. The total scores for childcare exhaustion and worry about child development were statistically higher in the partial breastfeeding group than in the exclusive breastfeeding group at two months but not at six months. A logistic regression model demonstrated that childcare exhaustion was significantly associated with an increased risk of having partial breastfeeding at two months after adjusting for the maternal Body Mass Index, parity, and baby’s current weight. However, the association was no longer significant at six months. The present study suggests that intervention for parenting stress at two months postpartum may promote prolonged exclusive breastfeeding.
Denture–Mucosa Pressure Distribution and Pressure–Pain Threshold in In Vivo, In Vitro and In Silico Studies: A Literature Review
Authors: Paras Alessandra , Ma Sunyoung , Waddell John Neil , Choi Joanne Jung Eun
Published: March 2022

Aims. The purpose of this systematic review was to evaluate studies that assessed denture–mucosa pressure distribution and pressure–pain threshold and their methodology, used to measure such pressure distributions, mainly in complete and implant overdentures. Materials and methods. An electronic search of the relevant full-text peer-reviewed literature on denture–mucosa pressure distribution was done. Searches were performed independently by two researchers by using the OVID Medline, PubMed and Web of Science databases from 1 January 1946 to 31 December 2021 using the following MeSH terms; (denture OR complete dentures OR implant supported dentures) AND (mucosa OR mucous membrane) AND (pressure OR hydrostatic pressure). Only those publications in the English language were included. Furthermore, a manual search of the citations of the included studies was done to ensure a thorough search was conducted. Results. A full text review resulted in a total of eighteen studies. Of these, seven evaluated various intraoral pressures, two investigated the pressure–pain threshold in edentulous oral mucosa, five measured intraoral pressure through finite element analysis/FEA studies, two demonstrated pressure transducer and pressure measuring systems, and two investigated the comparison between implant-overdentures and complete dentures. Conclusions. To date, there is no study that assesses the pressure distribution on oral mucosa to provide a standardised and validated baseline pressure range which can be used to improve the designs and materials used for fabricating complete dentures. The relationship between pressure on the oral mucosa and the pain threshold of denture-wearing patients still remains poorly understood. There is yet no baseline data which can be universally applied for future studies; to correlate the oral mucosa pressure and pain threshold of edentulous patients encourages further research, especially comparing mucosa pressure under different denture designs for both complete and implant overdentures.
Evaluation of Antibacterial and Antiviral Drug Effectiveness in COVID-19 Therapy: A Data-Driven Retrospective Approach
Authors: Yulia Rika , Ikasanti Putri Ayu Irma , Herawati Fauna , Hartono Ruddy , Hanum Puri Safitri , Lestiono  , Ramdani Dewi , Jaelani Abdul Kadir , Kantono Kevin , Wijono Heru
Published: March 2022

The clinical manifestations associated with COVID-19 disease is mainly due to a dysregulated host response related to the overexpression of inflammatory markers. Until recently, only remdesivir had gained FDA approval for COVID-19 hospitalized patients and there are currently no evidence-based therapeutic options or options for prevention of complications that have been established. Some medical treatments such as antivirals, antibacterials, antithrombotics, antipyretics, corticosteroids, interleukin inhibitors, monoclonal antibodies, convalescent plasma, immunostimulants, and vitamin supplements have been utilized. However, there are limited data to support their effectiveness. Hence, this study was attempted to identify and evaluate the effectiveness of antibacterials and antivirals used for COVID-19 using a retrospective cross-sectional approach based on the medical records of adult patients in four hospitals. The number of antibacterials was calculated in defined daily dose (DDD) per 100 bed-days unit. Both mixed-logit regression and analysis of covariance were used to determine the effectiveness of the aforementioned agents in relation to COVID-19 outcome and patients’ length of stay. The model was weighed accordingly and covariates (e.g., age) were considered in the model. Heart disease was found to be the most common pre-existing condition of COVID-19 hospitalized patients in this study. Azithromycin, an antibacterial in the Watch category list, was used extensively (33–65 DDD per 100 bed-days). Oseltamivir, an antiviral approved by the FDA for influenza was the most prescribed antiviral. In addition, favipiravir was found to be a significant factor in improving patients’ COVID-19 outcomes and decreasing their length of stay. This study strongly suggests that COVID-19 patients’ received polypharmacy for their treatment. However, most of the drugs used did not reach statistical significance in improving the patients’ condition or decreasing the length of stay. Further studies to support drug use are needed.
Development and Biological Evaluation of the First Highly Potent and Specific Benzamide-Based Radiotracer [18F]BA3 for Imaging of Histone Deacetylases 1 and 2 in Brain
Authors: Clauß Oliver , Schäker-Hübner Linda , Wenzel Barbara , Toussaint Magali , Deuther-Conrad Winnie , Gündel Daniel , Teodoro Rodrigo , Dukić-Stefanović Sladjana , Ludwig Friedrich-Alexander , Kopka Klaus , Brust Peter , Hansen Finn K. , Scheunemann Matthias
Published: March 2022

The degree of acetylation of lysine residues on histones influences the accessibility of DNA and, furthermore, the gene expression. Histone deacetylases (HDACs) are overexpressed in various tumour diseases, resulting in the interest in HDAC inhibitors for cancer therapy. The aim of this work is the development of a novel 18F-labelled HDAC1/2-specific inhibitor with a benzamide-based zinc-binding group to visualize these enzymes in brain tumours by positron emission tomography (PET). BA3, exhibiting high inhibitory potency for HDAC1 (IC50 = 4.8 nM) and HDAC2 (IC50 = 39.9 nM), and specificity towards HDAC3 and HDAC6 (specificity ratios >230 and >2080, respectively), was selected for radiofluorination. The two-step one-pot radiosynthesis of [18F]BA3 was performed in a TRACERlab FX2 N radiosynthesizer by a nucleophilic aliphatic substitution reaction. The automated radiosynthesis of [18F]BA3 resulted in a radiochemical yield of 1%, a radiochemical purity of >96% and a molar activity between 21 and 51 GBq/µmol (n = 5, EOS). For the characterization of BA3, in vitro and in vivo experiments were carried out. The results of these pharmacological and pharmacokinetic studies indicate a suitable inhibitory potency of BA3, whereas the applicability for non-invasive imaging of HDAC1/2 by PET requires further optimization of the properties of this compound.
Press-Coated Aceclofenac Tablets for Pulsatile Drug Delivery: Formulation and In Vitro Evaluations
Authors: Rashid Rizwana , Zaman Muhammad , Ahmad Mahmood , Khan Mahtab Ahmad , Butt Muhammad Hammad , Salawi Ahmad , Almoshari Yosif , Alshamrani Meshal , Sarfraz Rai Muhammad
Published: March 2022

The symptoms of some diseases show circadian rhythms, such as the morning stiffness associated with pain at the time of awakening in rheumatoid arthritis. Therapy for such diseases doesn’t require immediate release or sustained release of medicament. In such therapies, pulsatile drug release is more suitable with a programmed drug release. The purpose of this research was to formulate press-coated aceclofenac tablets for pulsatile drug delivery with a distinct delay time of no drug release and release of the drug when it is more likely desired (i.e., after 5 to 6 h). Immediate release core tablets having aceclofenac were formulated. Three formulations, F1, F2, and F3, were prepared with variable concentrations of sodium croscarmellose. Pre- and post-compression tests were performed on the core tablets. The selection criteria included the lowest disintegration time as a requirement of pulsatile drug delivery with an immediate release core and a delayed release coat. The disintegration times of F1, F2, and F3 were 120 s, 60 s, and 15 s, respectively. Therefore, the F3 formulation was selected as the core tablet formulation because it had the shortest disintegration time (15 s). The core tablets were press-coated using different polymers, such as HPMC K100M, Eudragit L100, HEC, and HPMC E5. The polymers were used in the coatings to hinder the release of the core for the desired time. 36 formulations of polymer were prepared: A1 to A10 had HPMC K100M and Avicel PH102; formulations B1 to B6 had HPMC K100M, Eudragit L100, and Avicel PH102; formulations C1 to C7 had HPMC K100M and hydroxyethyl cellulose; formulations D1 to D7 had HPMC K100M and HPMC E5; and formulations E1 to E6 had changed the coating weight of the formulation used for D6 (having HPMC K100M and HPMC E5 in the ratio of 12.5% to 87.5%). Evaluations of the press-coated tablets were carried out through thickness, hardness, weight variation, friability, and in vitro dissolution tests. These parameters concluded that the formulation of E6, having HPMC K100M and HPMC E5 in the ratio of 12.5% to 87.5% at 600 mg weight, was the most optimum formulation as it showed 3.5% drug release after 4 h, 21.4% drug release after 5 h, and 99.27% drug release after 6 h.
mRNA Lipoplexes with Cationic and Ionizable α-Amino-lipophosphonates: Membrane Fusion, Transfection, mRNA Translation and Conformation
Authors: Akhter Sohail , Berchel Mathieu , Jaffrès Paul-Alain , Midoux Patrick , Pichon Chantal
Published: March 2022

Cationic liposomes are attractive carriers for mRNA delivery. Here, mRNA lipoplexes (LX) were prepared with the cationic lipids α-aminolipophosphonate (3b) or imidazolium lipophosphoramidate (2) associated with various α-aminolipophosphonates co-lipids comprising protonable groups (imidazole or pyridine) and DOPE. Physicochemical parameters of liposomes and their membrane fusion activity were measured. LXs comprising either 3b- or 2- allowed transfection of ~25% and 40% of dendritic cells with low cytotoxicity, respectively; the efficiency increased up to 80% when 2 was combined with the imidazole-based co-lipid 1. The transfections were high with 3b/1, 3b/DOPE, 2/1 and 2/DOPE LXs. We observed that the transfection level was not well correlated with the acid-mediated membrane fusion activity of liposomes supposed to destabilize endosomes. The mRNA release from LXs and its translation capacity after release were studied for the most efficient LXs. The results showed that the more mRNA was condensed, the poorer the translation efficiency after release was. In contrast to DNA, circular dichroism performed on mRNA complexed with 2/DOPE revealed the presence of denatured mRNA in LXs explaining this lack of translation efficiency. This is an important parameter that should be stressed for the preparation of mRNA LXs with a conserved mRNA translation activity.
Hybrid Nanobeads for Oral Indomethacin Delivery
Authors: Bonetti Flávia Monique Rocha , de Paula Eneida , Fonseca Belchiolina Beatriz , da Silva Gabriela Ribeiro , da Silva Leandro Santana Soares , de Moura Ludmilla David , Breitkreitz Márcia Cristina , Rodrigues da Silva Gustavo Henrique , de Morais Ribeiro Lígia Nunes
Published: March 2022

The oral administration of the anti-inflammatory indomethacin (INDO) causes severe gastrointestinal side effects, which are intensified in chronic inflammatory conditions when a continuous treatment is mandatory. The development of hybrid delivery systems associates the benefits of different (nano) carriers in a single system, designed to improve the efficacy and/or minimize the toxicity of drugs. This work describes the preparation of hybrid nanobeads composed of nanostructured lipid carriers (NLC) loading INDO (2%; w/v) and chitosan, coated by xanthan. NLC formulations were monitored in a long-term stability study (25 °C). After one year, they showed suitable physicochemical properties (size < 250 nm, polydispersity < 0.2, zeta potential of −30 mV and spherical morphology) and an INDO encapsulation efficiency of 99%. The hybrid (lipid-biopolymers) nanobeads exhibited excellent compatibility between the biomaterials, as revealed by structural and thermodynamic properties, monodisperse size distribution, desirable in vitro water uptake and prolonged in vitro INDO release (26 h). The in vivo safety of hybrid nanobeads was confirmed by the chicken embryo (CE) toxicity test, considering the embryos viability, weights of CE and annexes and changes in the biochemical markers. The results point out a safe gastro-resistant pharmaceutical form for further efficacy assays.
Development, Statistical Optimization and Characterization of Fluvastatin Loaded Solid Lipid Nanoparticles: A 32 Factorial Design Approach
Authors: Asif Afzal , Desu Prasanna , Alavala Rajasekhar , Rao Gudhanti , Sreeharsha Nagaraja , Meravanige Girish
Published: March 2022

The purpose of the present research work was to design, optimize, and evaluate fluvastatin-loaded solid lipid nanoparticles (FLV-SLNPs) using 32 factorial design for enhancing the bioavailability. Fluvastatin has several disadvantages, including the low solubility and substantial first-pass metabolism resulting in a low (30%) bioavailability and a short elimination half-life. FLV-SLNPs were prepared using the nano-emulsion technique. For the optimization of the FLV-SLNPs, a total of nine formulations were prepared by varying two independent factors at three levels, using full factorial design. In this design, lipid (A) and surfactant (B) concentrations were chosen as independent factors, whereas entrapment efficiency (Y1) and in-vitro drug release (Y2) were selected as the dependent variables. Additionally, the prepared SLNPs were characterized for X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy, and differential scanning calorimetry. These studies revealed that there were no interactions between the drug and the selected excipients and the selected formulation components are compatible with the drug. Pharmacokinetic studies in rats confirmed significant improvement in AUC and MRT of SLNPs in comparison with the pure drug indicating the enhanced bioavailability of SLNPs. This study provides a proof-of-concept for the fact that SLNPs can be effectively developed via experimental factorial design, which requires relatively minimal experimentation.
Synthesis and Evaluation of the Antifungal and Toxicological Activity of Nitrofuran Derivatives
Authors: Vaso Carolina Orlando , Pandolfi Fabiana , Bila Níura Madalena , De Vita Daniela , Bortolami Martina , Mendes-Giannini Maria José Soares , Tudino Valeria , Costi Roberta , Costa-Orlandi Caroline Barcelos , Fusco-Almeida Ana Marisa , Scipione Luigi
Published: March 2022

Fungal diseases affect more than 1 billion people worldwide. The constant global changes, the advent of new pandemics, and chronic diseases favor the diffusion of fungal pathogens such as Candida, Cryptococcus, Aspergillus, Trichophyton, Histoplasma capsulatum, and Paracoccidioides brasiliensis. In this work, a series of nitrofuran derivatives were synthesized and tested against different fungal species; most of them showed inhibitory activity, fungicide, and fungistatic profile. The minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC90) values for the most potent compounds range from 0.48 µg/mL against H. capsulatum (compound 11) and P. brasiliensis (compounds 3 and 9) to 0.98 µg/mL against Trichophyton rubrum and T. mentagrophytes (compounds 8, 9, 12, 13 and 8, 12, 13, respectively), and 3.9 µg/mL against Candida and Cryptococcus neoformans strains (compounds 1 and 5, respectively). In addition, all compounds showed low toxicity when tested in vitro on lung cell lines (A549 and MRC-5) and in vivo in Caenorhabditis elegans larvae. Many of them showed high selectivity index values. Thus, these studied nitrofuran derivatives proved to be potent against different fungal species, characterized by low toxicity and high selectivity; for these reasons, they may become promising compounds for the treatment of mycoses.