bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Differential impact of acidic and alkaline conditions on hydrothermal pretreatment, fermentation and anaerobic digestion of sludge
Authors: Kakar Farokh Laqa , Liss Steven N. , Elbeshbishy Elsayed 
Published: November 2022

Abstract
Anaerobic digestion and fermentation processes in wastewater sludge treatment are limited by several factors, including the slow breakdown of complex organic matter and solubilization of solids. In this study, thermochemical pretreatment of thickened waste activated sludge using high temperature (&gt;170 °C) was investigated to understand the impact of the pretreatment on the volatile fatty acids (VFA) production and its fractions during the fermentation process. Furthermore, the influence the thermochemical pretreatment on sludge disintegration and methane recovery was investigated. A range of acidic and alkaline conditions over the pH range of 4.5–10 was examined. Sludge (pH adjusted) was exposed to hydrothermal pretreatment (HTP) at a temperature of 170 °C for 30 min. Pretreated samples were then subjected to batch fermentation and methane potential tests which revealed that acidic and alkaline conditions resulted in increased sludge solubilization during HTP. Acidic conditions were associated with a higher VFA production yield of up to 185 mg chemical oxygen demand/g total chemical oxygen demand. Alkaline conditions led to a higher methane production yield where the maximum yield (276 mL CH4/g total chemical oxygen demandadded) was found to occur at pH 10. Therefore, alkaline sludge used for fermentation has shown technical and economic feasibility for sludge carbon recovery.
Efficient degradation of organic pollutants using peroxydisulfate activated by magnetic carbon nanotube
Authors: Shi Yawei , Zhang Yi , Song Guobin , Tong Liya , Sun Ya , Ding Guanghui 
Published: November 2022

Abstract
The magnetic composite of Fe3O4 and carbon nanotube (MCNT) was fabricated in a facile one-pot solvothermal method and employed to activate peroxydisulfate (PDS) for degradation of Rhodamine B (RhB) and other pollutants. The effects of operational factors including MCNT dosage and PDS dosage were studied, and high removal efficiencies of 84.2–99.5% were achieved for these pollutants with 0.3 g/L MCNT and 4 mM PDS. The effects of environmental factors including initial pH, inorganic cations, inorganic anions, humic acid and water matrix were also studied. Reusability test showed that the removal efficiency declined in four consecutive runs, which was attributed to the adsorbed oxidation products on the catalyst surface. Based on quenching experiments, solvent exchange (H2O to D2O), inductively coupled plasma and open circuit potential tests, it was concluded that radicals of ·OH/SO4·− and the non-radical electron-transfer pathway were involved in the MCNT/PDS system, and the contributions of O2·−, 1O2, high-valent iron-oxo species and homogenous activation were insignificant. Moreover, the orbital-weighted Fukui functions of RhB were calculated by density functional theory, and its plausible degradation pathway was proposed based on the calculation results. Finally, toxicity evaluation of the degradation products was performed in the quantitative structure-activity relationship approach.
Experimental study of sediment wash-off process over urban road and its dependence on particle size distribution
Authors: Xiao Yang , Luan Bin , Zhang Taotao , Liang Dongfang , Zhang Chi 
Published: November 2022

Abstract
Sediment originating from the urban road runoff is a main contributor to water pollution in urban areas. The size of the road sediment varies significantly, but its influence on sediment wash-off process has not been well investigated. In this study, sediments with different particle size distributions have been used in rainfall-runoff experiments over idealized urban road surface. The results show that, under the same experimental conditions, the capacity factor CF increases with the decrease of the median particle diameter D50, which is the dominant influencing factor on CF. The wash-off coefficient k is affected by both D50 and the grading of sediment. During the wash-off process, D50 of the sediment collected at the outlet increases with time. Such a grain coarsening phenomenon is particularly apparent when the road is originally covered with very fine sediments. Furthermore, the presence of coarse grains slows down the transport of fine sediment whose size is smaller than 14 μm. This shielding effect significantly affects the sediment wash-off process in the early stage of a rainfall event, while later on the interaction between particles of different sizes becomes unimportant. This study advances the understanding of sediment wash-off mechanism on urban road surface.
Isolation and Characterization of the rpoA Gene of Mycobacterium Tuberculosis
Authors: Healy Judith M. , Lesoon Andrea , Bodorova Jana , Lam Kelvin , Wobbe C. Richard 
Published: November 2022

Abstract:
The M. tuberculosis rpoA gene, encoding the a subunit of RNA polymerase, was isolated by a polymerase chain reaction-based strategy using primers directed against regions of a that are highly conserved among Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. The amplified DNA was utilized as a hybridization probe to recover the entire rpoA gene from a cosmid library of genomic DNA from virulent M. tuberculosis strain H37Rv. Nucleotide sequencing indicated that the 1044 bp M. tuberculosis rpoA open reading frame (ORF) encodes a protein of 347 amino acids which shows significant structural similarity to the a subunits of diverse bacterial species. Recombinant M. tuberculosis a subunit was overproduced in soluble form in E. coli as a hexahistidine-tagged fusion protein and purified to homogeneity by affinity chromatography.
Immobilised and Non-Immobilised Ligand Interaction Studies of Monoclonal Antibody
BC-1 and ED B Containing Fibronectin Fragment
Authors: Hussain Rohanah , Siligardil Giuliano , George Andrew JT , Verma Rakesh 
Published: November 2022

Abstract:
The interaction of antibody BC-1 with ED-B containing fibronectin fragment was successfully monitored by a non-immobilised ligand interaction assay by CD spectroscopy (NILIA-CD) and.by an immobilised ligand assay using IAsys resonant mirror biosensor. NILIA-CD not only could be used to determine equilibrium constant of the interaction but also indicated changes in both backbone and aromatic side-chain regions upon binding. The biosensor, however, provides the association/dissociation kinetics of the interacting systems. Both techniques are complementary to each other in enabling maximum extraction of ligand/host interaction information.
Synthesis, Biological Activity and Molecular Modelling of the 53-54 Ketomethylene
Analogue ofHEL(52-61)	.	.
Authors: Ettouati Laurent , Casimir Joseph Richard , Raynaud Isabelle , Trescol-Biemont Marie-Claude , Carrupt Pierre-Alain , Gerlier Denis , Rabourdin-Combe Chantal , Testa Bernard , Paris Joelle 
Published: November 2022

Abstract:
The synthesis of the 53-54 ketomethylene isostere of HEL(52-61), an antigenic decapeptide, was realised by convergent Fmoc solid-phase peptide synthesis. In . addition to the target peptide, an unexpected hydroxysuccinyl by-product was recovered. The two ketomethylene epimers did not exhibit any stimulating or competitive activity. Molecular modelling studies of the analogues-MHC-II 1-Ak complex.suggested a departure from the canonical polyproline II conformation which could account for the absence of binding to 1- Ak molecule.
Carboxyl-terminal sequencing: new c-terminal peptidyl-thiohydantoins formation conditions
Authors: Machado Olga L.T. , Ribeiro Patricia D , Borges Ronaldo S.M. , Costa Paulo R.R. , Alves Elias W. 
Published: November 2022

Abstract:
The present study explores conditions to activate the carboxyl group before the coupling of C-terrninus-AA with TMS-ITC. N-tert-butoxy-carbonyl amino acids (Boc-AAs) and Leucine Enkephalin were used as models and isobutyl chloroformate was used as a C-terminal activator. The reaction coupling activated AA with TMS­ ITC was temperature dependent. We also·report here a new, efficient, economical and ecological technique to separate the mixture of amino acids thiohydantoins (TH-AA).
Compression refolding of cytochrome C
Authors: Nitta Katsutoshi , Dewa Masashi , Tayauchi Masato , Sakurai Masao 
Published: November 2022

Abstract:
Perturbation of thermal unfolding of cytochrome c with compression was investigated to obtain volumetric quantities of the unfolding. At pH 2.9-3.2 and around 40-60°C, cytochrome c does not unfold but refold when compressed. This. phenomenon contradicts to our present understanding that a protein unfolds if high pressure is applied. The volume change is strongly dependent on temperature and decreases with decreasing temperature. This change of volume changes its sign around 40°C and is negative at room temperature.
Soluble expression and one-step purification of recombinant bacillus anthracis protective antigen
Authors: Blanke Steven R. , Willhite David C. 
Published: November 2022

Abstract:
We have greatly simplified production of the Bacillus anthracis protective antigen (PA), the immunoprotective antigen of the anthrax vaccine. By varying induction conditions, we have expressed stable, soluble PA in E. coli, affinity-tagged to facilitate rapid, single-step purification. Recombinant PA exhibited identical properties to B. anthracis PA. Our approach is an attractive strategy for generating purified vaccine antigens that are difficult to express recombinantly.
Effect of alcohol on aggregation of human neuronal tau protein
Authors: Be Rong-Qiao , Luo Jian-Ying , Li Wei 
Published: November 2022

Abstract:
Effects of alcohol and heparin on aggregation of the recombinant tau have been studied. Alcohol at low concentrations induces tau polymerization distinguishably at room temperature and 37°C. The effect of heparin on tau's aggregation was cooperative with that of alcohol if both heparin and alcohol were added to tau solutions. It appears that the polymerization of tau might be correlated to the disorder of neuronal transportation of alcoholism.
In vitro effects of a novel tetrapeptide in human neutrophils and in a rat model of osteoarthritis
Authors: Devadas Satish , Ramesh C.V. , Puvanakrishnan R. 
Published: November 2022

Abstract:
PEP1261, a derivative ofLys-Arg-Asp-Ser (KRDS) exhibits an inverse dose response in that it exhibits antioxidant properties at low concentrations and oxidant characteristics at higher concentrations. This study shows that when PEPl261 is tested on neutrophils, it exhibits marked inhibition on myeloperoxidase activity and also decreases the levels ofH2O2 and superoxide. This indicates therapeutic application for PEP126l in osteoarthritis.
α-Fetoprotein structure depends on the protein purification procedure: further evidence on the structure forming role of the ligands
Authors: Tomashevski Andrey Yu , Narizhneva Natalya V. , Melnik Tatyana N. , Uversky Vladimir N. 
Published: November 2022

Abstract:
α.-Fetoprotein samples isolated from human cord serum by metal affinity chromatography and immunoaffi.nity method were compared by circular dichroism, fluorescence spectroscopy and scanning microcalorimetry. The isolation procedures were quite distinguished by their influence on native protein structure (and, consequently, by the effectiveness of natural ligand release from a protein molecule). As a result, structural properties and conformational stability of a.-fetoprotein in the samples were found to be rather different.
Multiple attack of action of a-galactosidase from trichoderma reese
Authors: Shabalin Konstantin A. , Eneyskaya Elena V. , Kulminskaya Anna A. , Savel'ev Andrew N. , Neustroev Kirill N. 
Published: November 2022

Abstract:
The presence of multiple attack of action of a-galactosidase from Trichoderma reesei was demonstrated in hydrolysis of p-nitrophenyl-6-0-a-galactopyranosyl-0-galactopyranoside using NMR, GLC-MS and absorption spectra in the visible region. The degree of multiplicity of attack in this reaction appeared to be 2.1 and depended on pH. Studying some other glycosidases revealed the absence of the multiplicity in the hydrolysis of p­ nitrophenyl oligosaccharides.
Anti-ischemic Effect of Monoterpene Citronellol on Experimental Stroke
Models Mediated by Pro-inflammatory Cytokines
Authors: Liu Xiao , Zhu Chunji , Yin Yong 
Published: November 2022

Background:
Phytomedicines are proven to treat various chronic diseases as these compounds
are cost-effective with few or no side effects. Elucidating the ameliorative effect of phytomedicine
on cerebral ischemia may be a potent alternative therapy. Citronellol, a monoterpene alcohol,
is one such phyto compound present in the essential oils of Cymbopogon nardus and Pelargonium
geraniums and has immense pharmacological properties such as antihyperalgesic, anticonvulsant
and antinociceptive.

Objective:
In the present work, the anti-ischemic effect of citronellol in both cellular and animal
models of stroke was analyzed.

Methods:
Citronellol-pretreated SH-SY5Y cells were subjected to oxygen-glucose deprivation and
reperfusion. The cells were assessed for cell viability and LDH quantification. Inflammatory cytokines
were estimated in the cell lysate of citronellol pretreated OGD-R induced cells. Healthy
young SD rats were pretreated with citronellol and induced with MCAO-R. The control group was
comprised of sham-operated rats treated with saline. Group II was comprised of MCAO/R-induced
untreated rats. Groups III and IV rats were previously treated with 10 mg/kg and 20 mg/kg citronellol,
respectively, for 7 consecutive days and induced with MCAO/R. Brain edema was analyzed
by quantifying the water content and the percentage of infarct was assessed using the TTC
staining technique. Acetylcholinesterase activity and neurological scoring were performed to assess
the neuroprotective activity of citronellol. Lipid peroxidation and antioxidant levels were
quantified to evaluate the antioxidant activity of citronellol. The anti-inflammatory activity of citronellol
was assessed by quantifying proinflammatory cytokines using commercially available
ELISA kits.

Results:
Citronellol treatment significantly ameliorated neuronal damage in both cellular and animal
stroke models. Prior treatment of citronellol significantly decreased the inflammatory cytokines
and increased the antioxidants. Citronellol treatment effectively protected the rats from
MCAO/R-induced brain edema.

Conclusion:
Our results confirm that citronellol is an effective anti-ischemic drug with antioxidant
and anti-inflammatory properties.
Investigation of the Effects of Opioids on Microglial Nitrite and Nitric
Oxide Synthase (iNOS) Production and Phagocytosis during Inflammation
Authors: Zhou Yi , Lu Xihua , Zhang Yunfei , Li Changsheng , Bai Yu , Zhang Zhen 
Published: November 2022

Aim:
This study aimed to investigate how opioids affect phagocytosis and microglial nitrite and nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) production during inflammation.

Background:
Opioids are a group of chemicals that are naturally found in the opium poppy plant and exert a variety of effects on the brain, including pain alleviation in some cases. They are commonly used in surgery and perioperative analgesia. However, research on the impact of opioids on microglial inflammatory factor production and phagocytosis is limited.

Objective:
This study was designed to investigate the effects of opioids on inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) activity and nitric oxide (NO) generation. Moreover, the influence of opioids on the engulfment of C8-B4 microglial cells after stimulation with LPS was also examined.

Methods:
C8-B4 mouse microglial cells were exposed to various concentrations of opioids after stimulation with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and interferon-γ (IFN-γ). Nitrite production was assayed. The iNOS and Cox-2 were determined by Western blotting, and fluorescent immunostaining was performed to assess the percentage of microglia that engulfed fluorescent microspheres in total microglia cultivating with opioids after being activated by LPS.

Results:
After LPS and IFN-γ stimulation, microglia produced lower amounts of nitric oxide (NO) production with buprenorphine, salvinorin A, and naloxone (P<0.05). When combined with naloxone, no significant differences were found than buprenorphine. It was observed that buprenorphine and salvinorin A could suppress iNOS expression activated by LPS and IFN-γ. Phagocytosis was greatly increased after LPS stimulation, and a significant increase was observed after adding salvinorin A.

Conclusion:
Buprenorphine and salvinorin A were found to reduce NO production and iNOS induction in microglial cells activated by LPS and IFN-γ. Salvinorin A promoted the phagocytosis of microglia cells treated by LPS.
Interlaboratory Co-validation of a UPLC-ToF MS MAM Method for
Truncations of a Fc Fusion Protein
Authors: Wang Lan , Wu Gang , Yu Chuanfei , Tong Qinghe , Wang Wenbo , Huang Xi , Li Hao 
Published: November 2022

Background:
Peptide-Fc fusion proteins are inherently heterogeneous and complex molecules.
Protein post-translational modifications (PTMs) or truncation can arise during manufacturing
or product storage. Some of these product attributes could potentially impact the efficacy or safety of
the bio-molecule and are thus classified as critical quality attributes (CQAs). These CQAs should be
controlled in order to ensure manufacturing and quality consistency.

Methods:
A subunit UPLC-ToF MS based MAM method was developed for identity test and quantitatively
monitored two critical quality attributes (CQAs) resulting from two truncations of that fusion
protein (fragment 1 and 2). Three independent laboratories are involved in the method validation
according to ICH Q2(R1), ICH Q6B, FDA and NMPA guidance.

Results:
This developed method fully meets the pre-defined analytical target profile (ATP), including
specificity, accuracy, precision, quantitation limit, linearity, range and robustness. Three independent
labs co-validate a UPLC-ToF MS based MAM method for protein drug QC release and stability
testing.

Conclusion:
The experimental design of method validation can be a reference for LC-HRMS-based
subunit MAM methods that have been widely used in the characterization of antibodies, ADCs and
other protein-based biologics. This work paves the way for implementing MAM in QC with more
targeted control of product quality.
Physical Characterization and Safety Evaluation of Folic Acid-conjugated
Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles Loaded with Rhodojaponin III
Authors: Yang Qingyun , Zhao Chuncao , Yang Jian , Zhao Jingyi , Feng Yi , Liu Minchen , Zhang Jiquan 
Published: November 2022

Background:
Rhodojaponin III (RJ-III), a characteristic diterpene of Rhododendron molle G.
Don, has a wide range of pharmacological activities including anti-inflammatory, antihypertensive, and
analgesic effects. However, further research and development have been limited because of its intense
acute toxicity and poor pharmacokinetic profile.

Objective:
In this study, we propose the construction of folic acid–conjugated mesoporous silica nanoparticles
(FA-MSNs) as carriers to deliver RJ-III in an attempt to reduce acute toxicity and improve
biomedical applications by prolonging drug release and targeting delivery.

Methods:
FA-MSNs were synthesized and characterized. RJ-III was then loaded into FA-MSNs (RJIII@
FA-MSNs), and the in vitro drug release profile was assessed. Subsequently, the RJ-III@FAMSNs’
cytotoxicity and targeting efficiency were explored in lipopolysaccharide-activated RAW 264.7
cells, and their acute toxicity was investigated in mice.

Results:
Spherical FA-MSNs were approximately 122 nm in size. Importantly, the RJ-III@FA-MSNs
showed prolonged RJ-III release in vitro. Moreover, in lipopolysaccharide-activated RAW 264.7 cells,
RJ-III@FA-MSNs not only reduced the cytotoxicity of RJ-III (P < 0.01), but also showed a good targeting
effect from the results of cellular uptake. Additionally, the acute toxicity results demonstrated that
RJ-III@FA-MSNs improved the LD50 value of RJ-III in mice by intraperitoneal injection 10-fold.

Conclusion:
This is the first study to use FA-MSNs as carriers of RJ-III to reduce the acute toxicity of
RJ-III. The results confirm the potential for targeted delivery of RJ-III in inflammatory cells to enhance
efficacy, as well as providing data for future investigations on anti-inflammatory activity.
Role of Docking in Anticancer Drug Discovery
Authors: Alavi Asif , Sharma Vikas 
Published: November 2022

Abstract:
The computational method is widely used in the field of drug design as well as discovery. It
aids the drug discovery and design process by making the procedure faster while also ensuring fewer
human errors. Cancer is a condition with the development of abnormal cells expressing features like uncontrolled
growth and cell division. This leads to abnormal tissue enlargement and interrupts the normal
functioning of the tissue. Computational methods, mainly the molecular docking method, have been utilised
extensively in the field of anticancer drug discovery. Docking is a virtual screening method that can
be performed on a large database of compounds. Molecular docking helps in identifying the predominant
binding modes of a ligand with a protein whose three-dimensional structure is known. The docking process
can predict the method of inhibition of the target molecule by the ligand molecule. Utilities of molecular
docking include structure-activity relationship studies, lead identification by virtual screening,
optimization of the identified lead, combinatorial library design and more. This review discusses the process
of docking, its role in anticancer drug discovery, and a comparison of different docking software.
Docking programs are used to make the docking process much more quick, efficient, and with fewer human
errors, as it mostly depends on computational algorithms. A description of some representative studies
in anticancer drug discovery related to selected docking software, Autodock, SwissDock, ICM, GOLD
and Glide, are also mentioned. This paper concludes by emphasizing the importance of docking programs
in the field of drug discovery and how it influences the modern drug discovery processes.