bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of oral probiotics administration on the expression of transforming growth factor β and the proinflammatory cytokines interleukin 6, interleukin 17, and tumor necrosis factor α in skin wounds in rats
Authors: Tagliari Eliane , Campos Letícia Fuganti , Casagrande Thais Andrade Costa , Fuchs Taise , de Noronha Lúcia , Campos Antonio Carlos L. 
Published: June 2021

AbstractBackgroundCytokines and growth factors play key roles during the tissue repair process. We aim to evaluate the effect of perioperative oral of probiotics, on the healing process in skin wound in rats, by histological aspects, and by the expression of TGF‐β, and the pro‐inflammatory cytokines IL6, IL7, and TNF‐α.Methods72 adult male Wistar rats were split into two groups control (n = 36) and probiotic group (n = 36). Each group was subdivided into three subgroups with 12 animals each according to euthanasia day: 3rd, 7th, and 10th postoperative(PO) day.ResultsWound contraction was faster with the use of probiotics (p = .013). Also fibrosis was significantly higher in the Probiotic group in the 7th PO day (p = .028). In the probiotic group, there was a reduction of TNF‐α at 3th PO day (p = .023); and a reduction of IL6 in 7th PO day (p = .030). There was also a reduction of the expression of IL‐17 in 3rd PO day (p = .039) and 7rd PO day (P = .024). In contrast, TGF‐β was lower in the 10th PO day (p = .031) in the probiotic group as compared to controls, indicating that the increase of the fibrosis caused negative feedback with the TGF‐β.ConclusionProbiotics are associated with a shorter inflammatory phase by attenuating the expression of cytokines IL‐6 and TNF‐α and accelerating the reduction of IL‐17 and TGF‐β, leading to faster and improved cutaneous healing in rats.
Salt resistance of interspecific crosses of domesticated and wild rice species
Authors: Wairich Andriele , Wember Louisa Sophie , Gassama Lamin J , Wu Lin‐Bo , Murugaiyan Varunseelan , Ricachenevsky Felipe Klein , Margis‐Pinheiro Marcia , Frei Michael 
Published: June 2021

AbstractBackgroundSalt stress negatively affects rice growth and yield in many parts of the world. Cultivated rice (Oryza sativa L.) is very sensitive to salt stress. Breeding attempts to develop salinity‐adapted rice varieties have been hampered by the quantitative nature of adaptation and limited genetic variability in cultivated rice.AimsWe aimed to explore the potential of wild rice species for improving adaptation to salinity. We screened two populations of introgression lines (ILs) derived from crosses between O. sativa (cv. Curinga) × O. meridionalis (CM population) and between O. sativa (cv. Curinga) × O. rufipogon (CR population) to identify quantitative trait loci (QTLs) and associated resistance mechanisms to salt stress.MethodsWe used previously developed ILs and screened them for adaptation to salt stress. In addition, we performed physiological, biochemical, and mineral analysis with the most resistant ILs identified for each population.ResultsThree and 19 QTLs for different vegetation indices were identified for the CM and CR population, respectively. We identified two ILs with superior resistance to salinity. These ILs showed enhanced vegetation indexes and maintained relatively high gas exchange under salt stress. In addition, these ILs showed less damage to cell membranes and reduced formation of H2O2, when compared with the recurrent parent, O. sativa.ConclusionOur study demonstrated that rice wild relatives are promising sources of salinity resistance. Introgressions of O. meridionalis and O. rufipogon into the O. sativa genome can confer increased resistance to salinity excess.
Effect of paddy cultivation on the surface electrochemical properties of different‐sized particles of a Gleysol
Authors: Hong Zhineng , Bish David L. , Chang E , Yu Yuanchun , Dong Ying , Zhao Wenrui , Shi Renyong , Jiang Jun , Xu Renkou 
Published: June 2021

AbstractBackgroundLimited information is available on the changes in surface electrochemical properties of different‐sized particles of an Anthrosol, compared with the corresponding parental upland soil.AimsOur overarching goal was to clarify the contribution of different‐sized particles to the soil surface charge. The specific objectives of this work were to examine the differences in the surface charge properties between the Anthrosol and its upland parental Gleysol and to reveal the properties of the different‐sized fractions separated from the Anthrosol, compared with those of the upland Gleysol.Materials and methodsThe properties (e.g., negative surface charge, zeta potential, and particle sedimentation) of different‐sized fractions of nanoparticle (NP), coarse colloid, silt, and sand fractions separated from an upland Gleysol and its derived Anthrosol were compared.ResultsNPs in both the Anthrosol and the Gleysol carried more negative charge than did the coarse colloids, with cation exchange capacities (CEC) being 186.5% and 58.8% greater, respectively. On the other hand, the presence of more positively charged Fe/Al (hydr)oxides compensated for the negative charge, resulted in a zeta potential of the NPs similar to that of the coarse colloids. More secondary minerals were observed in the coarse colloids of the Anthrosol than in the same fraction of the Gleysol, resulting in more negative charge on the surface of the Anthrosol coarse colloids. The coarse colloid fraction of the Anthrosol, therefore, had a greater CEC, despite representing a smaller mass fraction than in the Gleysol. Overall, the CEC of the Anthrosol was 21% lower than that of the parent Gleysol, which was consistent with the findings of the surface charge, using the cesium (Cs+)‐adsorption method. The sedimentation observations demonstrated that the suspension stability of the NPs was higher than that of the coarse colloids, and that they tended to disperse particularly under high pH conditions.ConclusionsAlthough the surface charge potential of the Anthrosol was lower than that of the upland Gleysol, the accumulation of organic matter and formation of secondary phyllosilicates resulted in maintenance of the nutrient‐ and pollutant‐binding capacity and agricultural productivity of the Anthrosol.
Ultrasound‐assisted extraction of oil from hempseed (Cannabis sativaL.): Part 1
Authors: Esposito Marilena , Piazza Laura 
Published: June 2021

AbstractBACKGROUNDUltrasound‐assisted extraction of the intermediate product from the mechanical expression of hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) seed oil was investigated to improve the overall expression yield without compromising oil quality. Complementary ultrasound technology was used as an out‐of‐line treatment carried out at 20 kHz frequency and optimized with respect to amplitude (80 and 152 μm), sonication time (2, 10, 20 min) and to the hemp paste properties, in particular its particle size and hydration, which drive the compressibility of the press cake.RESULTSUnder the conditions evaluated, the optimal ultrasound treatment was found to be the one applied on the hydrated press cake for 2 min at 152 μm, which resulted in an oil yield of 13.4%, with an increase in extraction efficiency equal to 73% with respect to the control (untreated press cake). Sonication had a positive effect on the press cake texture and on the extracted oil antioxidant activity. Soaked samples treated for 2 min at 152 μm yielded the lowest hardness. Oil recovered from soaked samples treated at 80 μm and 152 μm ultrasound for 2 min had the highest antioxidant capacity.CONCLUSIONSThe technological results gathered in the present investigation are preliminary to the design and engineering of scaled‐up equipment that combines the mechanical screw expression and the in‐line ultrasound unit. © 2021 The Authors. Journal of The Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Reciprocal subsidies between temporary ponds and riparian forests
Authors: Fritz Kelley A. , Whiles Matt R. 
Published: June 2021

AbstractAquatic habitats are closely linked to surrounding terrestrial systems via reciprocal subsidies. Much of the research on aquatic–terrestrial subsidies has focused on streams and lakes, while subsidies across aquatic–terrestrial boundaries of other systems, like temporary ponds, have received less attention. To address the lack of information regarding cross‐habitat subsidies of temporary ponds, we quantified leaf litter inputs, amphibian egg inputs, terrestrial insect inputs, and amphibian metamorph and aquatic insect emergence for eight temporary ponds. We compared the relative magnitude of cross‐habitat biotic subsidies of temporary ponds to identify potentially important yet overlooked subsidies. Terrestrial insect inputs to ponds were the second largest subsidy (mean 15.3 g m−2 yr−1), exceeding combined emergence of amphibians and aquatic insects (mean 4.0 g m−2 yr−1), yet these high‐quality subsidies are generally unaccounted for in similar studies. Across the wetland complex, total amphibian emergence (8929.3 g yr−1) was nearly four times higher than total aquatic insect emergence (2491.9 g yr−1). Aquatic insect emergence was similar to that of lakes and streams while amphibian emergence was generally higher. Although larger ponds produced greater total fluxes to terrestrial habitats, smaller ponds were often more productive per unit area. Therefore, a mosaic of small ponds may produce greater or equivalent subsidies to terrestrial food webs than a single large pond. Given continued threats to temporary ponds and their connections to surrounding forests, management and restoration of these systems, as well as future studies, should take holistic approaches that account for the many aquatic–terrestrial linkages, and factors that influence them.
Subsurface dynamics of buoyant microplastics subject to algal biofouling
Authors: Kreczak Hannah , Willmott Andrew J. , Baggaley Andrew W. 
Published: June 2021

AbstractMathematical modeling offers an avenue to predict distributions of microplastics in the ocean. With this goal in mind this study presents a simple analytic model describing the deterministic dynamics of long‐time vertical motion of buoyant microplastics that have succumbed to biofouling in a quiescent ocean. The model couples equations governing vertical particle position and algal population dynamics and is formulated in a nondimensional frame work to determine the minimum number of system parameters. We present results which give a comprehensive understanding of the system's key dynamics when varying four parameters. Previous studies have shown that biofouling causes microplastic particles to oscillate below the ocean's surface; however, for the first time we are able to identify the fundamental processes that govern the microplastic trajectories. The model demonstrates that plastic particle properties are the biggest factor in determining the period and characteristics of the oscillation profile, while the algal population dynamics determine the maximum depth reached. As the fouled particles cross the pycnocline their long‐term behavior is to become trapped within a subsurface layer, bounded by the depth of the euphotic zone and the seasonal pycnocline. The smallest particles are extremely sensitive to algal cell attachment and growth suggesting they are always submerged at depths surrounding the base of the euphotic zone or could become trapped in large algal colonies. In general, the results suggest that a higher concentration of biofouled microplastic is expected to be found subsurface, trapped close to the euphotic zone depth rather than at the ocean's surface.
On‐Chip Integrated Waveguide Amplifiers on Erbium‐Doped Thin‐Film Lithium Niobate on Insulator
Authors: Zhou Junxia , Liang Youting , Liu Zhaoxiang , Chu Wei , Zhang Haisu , Yin Difeng , Fang Zhiwei , Wu Rongbo , Zhang Jianhao , Chen Wei , Wang Zhe , Zhou Yuan , Wang Min , Cheng Ya 
Published: June 2021

AbstractOn‐chip light amplification with integrated optical waveguide fabricated on erbium‐doped thin‐film lithium niobate on insulator (TFLNOI) is demonstrated using the photolithography‐assisted chemomechanical etching (PLACE) technique. A maximum internal net gain of 18 dB in the small‐signal‐gain regime is measured at the peak emission wavelength of 1530 nm for a waveguide length of 3.6 cm, indicating a differential gain per unit length of 5 dB cm−1. This work paves the way to the monolithic integration of diverse active and passive photonic components on the TFLNOI platform.
A Covalently Crosslinked Ink for Multimaterials Drop‐on‐Demand 3D Bioprinting of 3D Cell Cultures
Authors: Utama Robert H. , Tan Vincent T. G. , Tjandra Kristel C. , Sexton Andrew , Nguyen Duyen H. T. , O'Mahony Aidan P. , Du Eric Y. , Tian Peilin , Ribeiro Julio C. C. , Kavallaris Maria , Gooding J. Justin 
Published: June 2021

AbstractIn vitro 3D cell models have been accepted to better recapitulate aspects of in vivo organ environment than 2D cell culture. Currently, the production of these complex in vitro 3D cell models with multiple cell types and microenvironments remains challenging and prone to human error. Here, a versatile ink comprising a 4‐arm poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG)‐based polymer with distal maleimide derivatives as the main ink component and a bis‐thiol species as the activator that crosslinks the polymer to form the hydrogel in less than a second is reported. The rapid gelation makes the polymer system compatible with 3D bioprinting. The ink is combined with a novel drop‐on‐demand 3D bioprinting platform, designed specifically for producing 3D cell cultures, consisting of eight independently addressable nozzles and high‐throughput printing logic for creating complex 3D cell culture models. The combination of multiple nozzles and fast printing logic enables the rapid preparation of many complex 3D cell cultures comprising multiple hydrogel environments in one structure in a standard 96‐well plate format. The platform's compatibility for biological applications is validated using pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma cancer (PDAC) and human dermal fibroblast cells with their phenotypic responses controlled by tuning the hydrogel microenvironment.
Microgels Based on Carboxymethylpullulan Grafted with Ferulic Acid Obtained by Enzymatic Crosslinking in Emulsion for Drug Delivery Systems
Authors: Dulong Virginie , Morel Morgane , Labat Béatrice , Picton Luc , Le Cerf Didier 
Published: June 2021

AbstractCarboxymethylpullulan (CMP) grafted with ferulic acid (FA) is crosslinked with laccase by the reverse water‐in‐oil emulsion technique (with sunflower oil) to obtain microgels with size from 40 to 200 µm. It is demonstrated that laccase activity and dispersion time have an impact on microgels’ size. Fluorescence spectroscopy of different probes (e.g., pyrene, Nile red, and curcumin) shows the nonpolar characteristics of hydrophobic microdomains formed by the FA moieties and its dimers forming the crosslinking nodes. Encapsulation and release of curcumin or lidocaine used as drug models are studied in different buffers. Curcumin is well encapsulated but retained in microgels, while lidocaine is released at 65–70% in 2 h and 30 min in buffer simulating the gastrointestinal tract and at 75–85% in 1 h in acetate buffer pH 5.6 or phosphate‐buffered saline (PBS) pH 6.9.
Encapsulation of Drug‐Loaded Graphene Oxide‐Based Nanocarrier into Electrospun Pullulan Nanofibers for Potential Local Chemotherapy of Breast Cancer
Authors: Asgari Shadi , Pourjavadi Ali , Setayeshmehr Mohsen , Boisen Anja , Ajalloueian Fatemeh 
Published: June 2021

AbstractWith the high rate of mortality associated with breast cancer among women, breast cancer treatment has attracted great deal of attention globally. To reduce the exposure of body organs to high cytotoxicity of the common chemotherapeutic drugs, local co‐delivery of selected chemotherapeutics has emerged as a solution. In this work, an electrospun composite including a co‐drug‐loaded graphene oxide‐based nanocarrier is fabricated for local anticancer applications. To increase dispersion and cellular uptake of graphene oxide (GO), first, the hydroxyl groups at the edges of GO are grafted by poly (epichlorohydrin) (PCH) to form GO‐PCH. Then, the hydroxyl end groups of PCH are grafted (g) with hyperbranched polyglycerol (HPG) leading to formation of oxygen‐rich nanocarrier (GO‐PCH‐g‐HPG). Paclitaxel (PTX) and curcumin (Cur) are loaded into the GO‐PCH‐g‐HPG nanocarrier, and are encapsulated into pullulan nanofibers using electrospinning. SEM, FTIR, and UV–Vis characterizations confirmed the presence and distribution of the nanocarrier inside the nanofibers. The drugs showed a sustained release (93 h) from the nanocarrier‐loaded nanofibers in the neutral pH (7.4). According to MTT assay and optical microscopy, a synergistic cytotoxicity effect of PTX and Cur is observed. The nanocarrier‐encapsulated nanofiber system represents a novel tunable drug delivery system for local chemotherapeutic applications.
Super Chirality Promotion of Helical Poly(Phenyl Isocyanide)s by Grafting onto Ethyl Cellulose
Authors: Shen Xiaofei , Huang Hailong , Qian Hao , Tang Longxiang , Zhang Yan , Xu Min , Wang Huiqing , Wang Zhongkai 
Published: June 2021

AbstractChiral property of cellulose can be transferred to final materials, here artificial helical polymer, right‐handed helical poly(phenyl isocyanide) (PPI) is grafted onto ethyl cellulose (EC) with expecting to enhance the chiral effect of PPI. EC‐2,3‐g‐PPIn copolymers are prepared via “click” chemistry of copper‐catalyzed alkyne‐azide cycloaddition, and confirmed by high‐resolution 1H and 13C NMR, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and gel permeation chromatography (GPC). The resulting EC‐2,3‐g‐PPIn copolymer takes a right‐handed helical structure with super circular dichroism intensity which is 302% higher than that of PPI, which indicates that EC backbone promotes the right‐handed chirality of PPIn. Furthermore, EC‐2,3‐g‐PPIn exhibits good chiral recognition ability of the D/L‐Ala‐DNSP fluorescent probe, and induces a uniquely visible blue shift for L‐Ala‐DNSP. Therefore, a novel facile strategy is provided to highly improve chiral property and chiral recognition ability of artificial helical polymers by grafting onto EC.
Nonlinear Optical Stability of Polyphenylsulfone (PPSU)‐Containing Anthraquinones with High Transmittance
Authors: Cui Zengduo , Ding Jiale , Zhu Xuanbo , Li Bolong , Zhang Haibo , Zhang Yunhe , Jiang Zhenhua 
Published: June 2021

AbstractIn a previous study, three kinds of polymers are synthesized by the covalent bonding of three anthraquinone chromophores to polyphenylene sulfone. Herein, the nonlinear optical (NLO) properties of solutions and thin films of anthraquinone‐containing polyphenylsulfone, which can function as effective optical limiting materials are discussed in detail. The reasons for the improved NLO properties of the thin films are explained from the perspective of chromophore content, polarization orientation, and energy level transition. In addition, the NLO properties thermal stability and chemical stability of the three polymers are tested. The results show that the three types of polyphenylsulfone materials have excellent optical limiting properties. Further, since the nonlinear optical coefficient decreases by less than 8% after treatment by heat and acid or basic solutions, they exhibit excellent nonlinear optical stability.
A Molecular‐Level Interface Design Enabled High‐Strength and High‐Toughness Carbon Nanotube Buckypaper
Authors: Shen Lulu , Zhao Yushun , Owuor Peter Samora , Wang Chao , Sui Chao , Jia Shuai , Liang Jia , Liu Ling , Lou Jun 
Published: June 2021

AbstractBuckypaper (BP) assembled by carbon nanotubes (CNTs) is considered as a promising macroscopic material with excellent multifunctional properties. However, the poor interfacial stress‐transfer ability between CNTs seriously limits its further applications. This paper proposes a novel approach to simultaneously improve both the tensile strength and the toughness of BPs, where a commercial poly(amido amine) (PAMAM) dendrimer is utilized to serve as an interfacial bridging agent, by realizing effective chemical cross‐linking between CNTs. The result shows that the introduction of PAMAM can increase the tensile strength, Young's modulus, and toughness by 306%, 168%, 1007%, respectively, compared with that of pristine BPs based on weak van der Waals interactions. In addition, molecular dynamics (MD) simulation is employed to reveal the proposed interfacial enhancement. It is found that the elastic deformation, uncoiling, interlocking of PAMAM dendrimers, and chemical bonds between PAMAM dendrimers and CNTs contribute to the improvement of the macroscopic strength and toughness of BPs. More importantly, it is found that the formed amido bonds are very strong, and the breakage of chemical bonds occurs at C─N bonds within PAMAM themselves. This work provides a new route for interfacial structure design and an in‐depth understanding of mechanical properties of BPs.
Ligand Valency Effects on the Alkaline Stability of Metallopolymer Anion‐Exchange Membranes
Authors: Aggarwal Kanika , Bsoul Saja , Li Songlin , Dekel Dario R. , Diesendruck Charles E. 
Published: June 2021

AbstractLong‐term stability is a key requirement for anion‐exchange membranes (AEMs) for alkaline fuel cells and electrolyzers that is yet to be fulfilled. Different cationic chemistries are being exploited to reach such a goal, and metallopolymers present the unique advantage of chemical stability towards strong nucleophiles as compared to organic cations. Yet, the few metallopolymers tested in strongly alkaline conditions or even in fuel cells still degrade. Therefore, fundamental studies can be advantageous in directing future developments towards this goal. Here, a systematic study of the effect of ligand valency is presented, using nickel‐based metallopolymers on polynorbornene backbones, functionalized with multidentate pyridine ligands. Metallopolymers using a single ligand type as well as all the possible mixtures are prepared and their relative stability towards aggressive alkaline conditions compared. Metallopolymer in which nickel ions are hexacoordinated with two tridentate ligands demonstrates superior stability. More importantly, by comparing all the metallopolymers’ stability, the reason behind such relative stability provides design parameters for novel metallopolymer AEMs.