bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Optimization, Purification and Characterization of Lipase by Pseudomonas aeruginosa Isolated from Palm Oil Processing Cottage Industries in Ekiti State, Nigeria
Authors: Ibiyemi M. F. , Julius O. O. , Oluwatobi F. B. , Arotupin D. J. 
Published: March 2022

Introduction: The importance of palm oil in the country is due to the versatility of applications of their by-products, such as cooking oil, margarines, soaps, detergents, cosmetics, lubricants, biofuels and electric power, among many others.
Aims: This study investigates the optimization, purification and characterization of lipase produced by Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolated from palm oil processing cottage industries.
Methodology: Effluent samples were taken from a depth of 10 – 15 cm in six different locations within Ekiti State, Nigeria. Bacteria species isolated from the effluents and identified using standard microbiological techniques and molecular characterization. The physiochemical characterizations of the isolates were carried out and the process parameters (nitrogen, carbon, temperature and pH) were optimized. Partial purification of crude extract from P. aeruginosa was carried out by ammonium sulphate precipitation and dialysis.
Results: The pH of the inoculum ranged from 6.23 to 6.01 oil and grease contents ranged from 149.6 to 114.2 mg/l while the biochemical oxygen demand ranging from 42760 to 33800 mg/L. The chemical oxygen demand ranged from 1.9 to 1.8 mg/L. Pseudomonas aeruginosa exhibited considerable enzyme activity ranging from 75.33 to 22.44 µmol/min/mL. High lipase activity of 2.68 µmol/min from P. aeruginosa was recorded from a medium supplemented with palm oil, while the medium supplemented with goya oil had least lipase activity 2.31 µmol/min. The lipase activity increased with increase in incubation temperature at 50°C with relative activity of 99.9 % before it declined to 15 % at 80°C.
Conclusion: The lipase produced from the P. aeruginosa exhibited high lypolytic activities. It can therefore, be a biodegradable agent for industrial applications especially in the waste treatment especially of waste rich in oil and fats. Thus, lipase may act as a biodegradable agent for industrial applications.
Amino Acids Content of Different Plants from South Sinai as Affected by Different Habitat Conditions
Authors: Kamel Ahmed Mandouh , El-Absy Karima Mohamed 
Published: March 2022

The objectives of this work were to determine the amino acids contents of ecophysiologically different plants on a seasonal basis and the relationship among amino acids and soil properties. The plant species investigated were Zilla spinosa and Peganum harmala in the spring and autumn seasons during Wadi El-Arbaeen (WAR) and Wadi Ghrandal (WGH). The values of pH and electric conductivity (EC) of soil solutions at the up, mid and down streams were higher in WGH than in WAR, while unlike of mineral analysis i.e., S-, Cl-, Ca2+, Mg2+, Na+ and K+. Amino acids content in the two studied species were different in the spring and autumn seasons under the two locations. According to the rank method, the amino acids (proline, aspartic acid, glutamic acid, leucine, isoleucine and alanine) concentrations of the autumn season were greater than those of the spring season in Z. spinosa under WAR, and in P. harmala in WAR and WGH., while the spring season were higher than autumn season in Z. spinosa under WGH. While the amino acids histidine, cysteine and methionine were the least. Based on PCA, the amino acids can be classified into four groups. The amino acids i.e. aspartic acid, cysteine, methionine, phenylalanine, tryptophan and proline were positively correlated with pH, K+, Na+, S-, Ca2+, Cl-, EC and Mg2+ in the spring and autumn seasons in WAR. On the other hand, the amino acids aspartic acid, methionine and isoleucine with pH, K+, Na+, water content (WC) and EC, as well as the amino acid tryptophan with S-, Cl- and Ca2+ showed positive correlation in the spring and autumn seasons in WGH. It seemed that the Z. spinosa and P. harmala were adapted with drought conditions in WAR and WGH.
Temporal Survey of Heavy Metal Loads in Surface Water, Sediments and Shrimps from Iko River Estuary, Eastern Obolo L.G.A, Nigeria
Authors: Udoinyang E. P. , Anne G. , Ekpo N. D. , Akpan I. I. , Iwekumo A. , Okon A. O. 
Published: March 2022

Aims: This work aimed at providing pieces of information on the trend and levels of heavy metals in shrimp, surface water and sediment from Iko river estuary, Eastern Obolo, South-South Nigeria.
Study Design: The study area was demarcated into three stations for sampling. The sampling stations were subjectively categorized.
Place and Duration of Study: The study which was carried out in Iko river estuary, Eastern Obolo, South-South Nigeria lasted for 12 months.
Methodology: Samples were collected once a month for 12 months in a consecutive manner and analyzed using standard methods.
Results: When compared to water and shrimps, sediments contained the highest concentration of heavy metals during the study period. Contrarily, water had the highest concentration (1.50 Mg/L) of Cd, compared to 0.85 Mg/Kg in sediment and 0.27 Mg/Kg in shrimps. Levels of Lead (Pb) in the study samples followed a similar trend like that of Cd. Zinc also followed a contrary pattern with shrimps having the highest concentration (65.35 Mg/L). Of all the metals studied, iron (Fe) was found to be the most abundant heavy metal in Iko River Estuary. Although levels of Fe were generally high in all the samples studied, concentration in sediment (113.99 Mg/Kg) far outweighed the concentrations in shrimps (227.11 Mg/Kg) and in water (184.35 Mg/L). These levels of heavy metals determined in the water, sediment and shrimps showed variations during the wet and dry seasons.
Conclusion: The values were higher than the recommended limits. It can therefore be concluded that Iko River Estuary was always laden with heavy metals notwithstanding the season of the year. Accumulation of these metals in shrimps also indicates that sea foods from this river may not be suitable for consumption.
The Non-Carbon Kaolinite; Part Substituent of Cement in Concrete
Authors: Harichandan Barun , Mishra Siba Prasad , Kumar Deepak , Sahu Deepak Kumar , Mishra Saswat 
Published: March 2022

Concrete extravagantly used as an anthropogenic building material, unabated in urban development. Globally the cement sector emits about 8% of CO2 (Carbon Dioxide), generated at a ratio of 1MT of CO2 per1MT of cement clinker sintering. Environmental concerns for its degradation through cement. To restrict cement production, natural clay materials and industrial refuges are in to substitute cement part or whole. The present-day hunt is the usage of Metakaolin (MK), a copiously accessible clay in India, as a substituent for cement. The physical, chemical, and mechanical properties of the metakaolin concrete investigated using XRF spectrometer, Scanning Electron Microscopy and universal testing machine following laboratory procedures. The efficiency of MK-concrete at different percentage mixes (0-30%) of ordinary Portland cement replacement at water-cement ratio 0.48 for all the mixes observed. The results suggested that concrete strength reduced significantly during the initial hydration period, particularly at high MK content. The application of up to 15% MK beyond 28 days curing triggers initial setting, time, rises in concrete strength, and increases durability and is also not affected by alkali-silica gel reaction, chloride and sulphate attack. Depending on the age of curing and the MK-concrete durability increases. This work shall reduce the carbon burden of present atmosphere if 15% blended MK cement concrete used.
Incidence of Angular Cheilitis among Patients Visiting Private Dental Hospital in Chennai: An Institutional Study
Authors: Jaisankar Anu Iswarya , Ramani Pratibha 
Published: March 2022

Introduction: Angular cheilitis is defined as the localised inflammation of the lip commissure. The angles of the mouth are more prone to inflammation as they serve as the points of interface between the squamous epithelium and oral mucosa. It is a multifactorial disease and occurs due to varied etiology. It can be due to microbial infections, poor dentures, or can be due to smoking and pan chewing habits, Nutritional deficiency or Generalised Immunosuppression. Most of the lesions respond well to the topical antifungal medications and steroids.
Aim: The current study aims to assess the Incidence of Angular cheilitis among patients visiting the Out patient department of a private dental hospital setting
Materials and Methodology: The study was performed in the Out patient department of saveetha dental college, under a university setting. The study was a retrospective study and the data required were procured by reviewing patient records dating between June 2019 and March 2021 and the sample size was n =125. The data thus collected were sorted and tabulated in the excel sheet. The sorted data were then entered in the IBM SPSS software and descriptive analysis was performed. The results were interpreted in the form of pictorial graphs.
Results: n = 125 patient records who had been diagnosed with Angular cheilitis had been retrieved. Our results show that the majority of them i.e 52% of the people were Females and 48% of them were Males.Our results also show that the people of age group 41 to 50 were the most affected with 31.20% and people with 20 to 30 years of age group were the least affected with 12.80%.
Conclusion: Within the limitations of the study, it can be concluded that Angular cheilitis has got a predominant Female predilection and more commonly affects people of 41 to 50 years of age.
There is also a positive correlation between the Gender of the population and smoking and pan chewing habits; and Gender of the population and Iron deficiency anemia induced Angular cheilitis.
Inconsistent interactions between the seductive details effect and ego depletion in multimedia learning
Authors: Wang Zhe , Schroeder Noah L. 
Published: March 2022

AbstractMultimedia learning often consists of a sequence of tasks, and research suggests that the sequence itself may influence learning outcomes. This study examines one theory related to task sequencing, known as ego depletion, and its interaction with a well‐established instructional design effect, the seductive details effect. To investigate the potential impact of ego depletion, a state of depleted self‐control strength, on learning with seductive details, which are interesting but irrelevant elements of the instruction, we conducted a randomized controlled experiment in which both ego depletion and seductive details were manipulated as two between‐subjects independent variables. Although manipulation checks confirmed the efficacy of the interventions, we found mixed results in learning outcome measures, particularly in the investigation of an interaction between the seductive details effect and ego depletion. Specifically, we found an amplified seductive details effect on transfer but not retention for depleted participants. These results suggest that ego depletion may not always occur to an extent that significantly influences learning in learner‐paced learning environments.
Diffusion‐induced anisotropic cancer invasion: A novel experimental method based on tumor spheroids
Authors: Ferraro Rosalia , Ascione Flora , Dogra Prashant , Cristini Vittorio , Guido Stefano , Caserta Sergio 
Published: March 2022

AbstractTumor invasion is strongly influenced by microenvironment and, among other parameters, chemical stimuli play an important role. An innovative methodology for the quantitative investigation of chemotaxis in vitro by live imaging of morphology of cell spheroids, in 3D collagen gel, is presented here. The assay was performed by using a chemotactic chamber to impose a controlled gradients of nutrients (glucose) on spheroids, mimicking the chemotactic stimuli naturally occurring in the proximity of blood vessels. Different tumoral cell lines (PANC‐1 and HT‐1080) are compared to non‐tumoral ones (NIH/3T3). Morphology response is observed by means a Time‐lapse workstation equipped with an incubating system and quantified by image analysis techniques. Description of invasion phenomena was based on an engineering approach, based on transport phenomena concepts. As expected, NIH/3T3 spheroids are characterized by a limited tendency of cells to invade the surrounding tissue, unlike PANC‐1 and HT‐1080 that show relatively stronger response to gradients.
Systematic analysis of olfactory protein–protein interactions network of fruitfly, Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: Yang Shuang , Zhang WenJun 
Published: March 2022

AbstractOlfaction is one of the physiological traits of insect behavior. Insects have evolved a sophisticated olfactory system and use a combined coding strategy to process general odor. Drosophila melanogaster is a powerful model to reveal the molecular and cellular mechanisms of odor detection. Identifying new olfactory targets through complex interactions will contribute to a better understanding of the functions, interactions, and signaling pathways of olfactory proteins. However, the mechanism of D. melanogaster olfaction is still unclear, and more olfactory proteins are required to be discovered. In this study, we tried to explore essential proteins in the olfactory system of D. melanogaster and conduct protein–protein interactions (PPIs) analysis. We constructed the PPIs network of the olfactory system of D. melanogaster, consisting of 863 proteins and 18,959 interactions. Various methods were used to perform functional enrichment analysis, topological analysis and cluster analysis. Our results confirmed that Class B scavenger receptors (SR‐Bs), glutathione S‐transferases (GSTs), and UDP‐glycosyltransferases (UGTs) play an essential role in olfaction of D. melanogaster. The proteins obtained in this study can be used for subsequent functional identification in D. melanogaster olfactory.
Postweaning positive modulation of α5GABAA receptors improves autism‐like features in prenatal valproate rat model in a sex‐specific manner
Authors: Santrač Anja , Bijelić Dunja , Stevanović Vladimir , Banićević Marija , Aranđelović Jovana , Batinić Bojan , Sharmin Dishary , Cook James M. , Savić Miroslav M. 
Published: March 2022

AbstractAutism spectrum disorder (ASD), as a common neurodevelopmental disorder that encompasses impairments in social communication and interaction, as well as repetitive and restrictive behavior, still awaits an effective treatment strategy. The involvement of GABAergic neurotransmission, and especially a deficit of GABAA receptors that contain the α5 subunits, were implicated in pathogenesis of ASD. Therefore, we tested MP‐III‐022, a positive allosteric modulator (PAM) selective for α5GABAA receptors, in Wistar rats prenatally exposed to valproic acid, as an animal model useful for studying ASD. Postweaning rats of both sexes were treated for 7 days with vehicle or MP‐III‐022 at two doses pharmacokinetically determined as selective, and thereafter tested in a behavioral battery (social interaction test, elevated plus maze, spontaneous locomotor activity, and standard and reverse Morris water maze). Additional rats were used for establishing a primary neuronal culture and performing calcium imaging, and determination of hippocampal mRNA levels of GABRA5, NKCC1, and KCC2. MP‐III‐022 prevented impairments in many parameters connected with social, repetitive and restrictive behavioral domains. The lower and higher dose was more effective in males and females, respectively. Intriguingly, MP‐III‐022 elicited certain changes in control animals similar to those manifested in valproate animals themselves. Behavioral results were mirrored in GABA switch and spontaneous neuronal activity, assessed with calcium imaging, and also in expression changes of three genes analyzed. Our data support a role of α5GABAA receptors in pathophysiology of ASD, and suggest a potential application of selective PAMs in its treatment, that needs to be researched in a sex‐specific manner.Lay SummaryIn rats prenatally exposed to valproate as a model of autism, a modulator of α5GABAA receptors ameliorated social, repetitive and restrictive impairments, and, intriguingly, elicited certain autism‐like changes in control rats. Behavioral results were mirrored in GABA switch and spontaneous neuronal activity, and partly in gene expression changes. This shows a role of α5GABAA receptors in pathophysiology of ASD, and a potential application of their selective modulators in its treatment.
Heavy bio‐oils as bio‐binders for rice husk densification: Parameter optimization, binding mechanisms and subsequent pyrolysis and combustion performances
Authors: Li Hui , Yan Shanshan , Song Bing , Hall Peter , Karnowo Karnowo , Gao Wenran , Zhang Hong , Hu Xun , Zhang Shu 
Published: March 2022

AbstractDensification is widely considered as a means to improve the bulk energy density and transportation efficiency of biomass, while the durability and fuel quality of densified biomass often need to be further improved by the addition of binders. In this study, the heavy fractions of bio‐oils from slow pyrolysis (HBO‐SP) and hydrothermal treatment (HBO‐HT) of rice husk (RH) are used as bio‐binders for RH densification. Optimal parameters are determined based on Taguchi methods. They are: densification temperature 130 °C, densification pressure 200 MPa, bio‐binder content 8%, particle size 0.4–0.6 mm, and using HBO‐HT as the binder. The obtained pellets showed a high drop resistance of 99.8% and the binding mechanism is governed by solid bridges between particles. Heavy bio‐oils are deformed and re‐solidified and function as a binder for RH densification. The RH/HBO‐HT pellets showed lower activation energy for pyrolysis as well as lower ignition temperature (292.81 °C compared with 298.34 °C for RH pellets). The higher heating value of pellets was increased from 14.99 to 16.29 MJ kg−1 with 8 wt% HBO‐HT. The co‐densification of heavy bio‐oils and RH provides an approach for producing more qualified solid biofuels from agriculture wastes. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
Proposal of a regulatory framework for bioenergy implementation in a unified agricultural code for Ecuador
Authors: Ponce Sebastian , Mena‐Campoverde Carola , Proaño Juan Sebastián , Álvarez‐Barreto José Francisco , Aguirre Francis , Quintana Diana Torres , Sanchez Prieto Juan S. , Streitwieser Daniela Almeida 
Published: March 2022

AbstractBioenergy production is a new and promising industry in Ecuador. However, a confusing variety of laws, which are spread among different regulating institutions, regulate the agricultural sector. Such dispersion makes it difficult for farmers and businesses to understand applicable rights, duties, regulations and agricultural policies. Moreover, this rather young industry lacks important experience. In the first section of this work, the existing Ecuadorian legislation on bioenergy is presented and analyzed. Then, a brief, thorough analysis and comparison are carried out for experiences not only in developed countries, but also with similar cultural frameworks and comparable climatic conditions. The results are summarized as specific recommendations that have been handed to the National Agricultural Chamber of Ecuador from academia for the proposal of a Unified Agricultural Code established in the Ecuadorian legal hierarchy as an Organic Law. © 2022 The Authors. Biofuels, Bioproducts and Biorefining published by Society of Industrial Chemistry and John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
A multiauxotrophic CHO cell line for the rapid isolation of producers of diverse or high levels of recombinant proteins
Authors: Zhang Qinghao , Jiang Bo , Nelson Luke , Huhn Steven , Du Zhimei , Chasin Lawrence A. 
Published: March 2022

AbstractChinese Hamster Ovary (CHO) cells are widely used for the high‐level production of recombinant proteins. We created a multiauxotrophic mutant of CHO‐K1 cells, CHO8A, that is deficient in eight enzymatic steps in the purine/pyrimidine biosynthetic pathways. Prototrophy was restored by transfections with complementary DNA‐based genes for the eight missing activities. CHO8A cells permit: (1) selection of transfectant clones that have incorporated genes for eight or more different polypeptides, suitable for engineering complex proteins, or pathways; and (2) the single‐step selection of high producers of a particular protein. The latter is achieved by simultaneous use of eight vectors, each bearing one of the eight rescue genes and a cargo protein gene. Screening as few as 10 surviving colonies yielded high producers secreting mAbs at 84 picograms per cell per day or more. CHO8A was isolated by CRISPR‐Cas9 knockout of 10 genes in the pathways to pyrimidines (Dhodh, Umps, Ctps1, Ctps2, and Tyms) and purines (Paics, Atic, Impdh1, Impdh2, and Gmps).
Nanomaterials‐based sensors for the detection of COVID‐19: A review
Authors: Naikoo Gowhar A. , Arshad Fareeha , Hassan Israr U. , Awan Tasbiha , Salim Hiba , Pedram Mona Z. , Ahmed Waqar , Patel Vaishwik , Karakoti Ajay S. , Vinu Ajayan 
Published: March 2022

AbstractWith the threat of increasing SARS‐CoV‐2 cases looming in front of us and no effective and safest vaccine available to curb this pandemic disease due to its sprouting variants, many countries have undergone a lockdown 2.0 or planning a lockdown 3.0. This has upstretched an unprecedented demand to develop rapid, sensitive, and highly selective diagnostic devices that can quickly detect coronavirus (COVID‐19). Traditional techniques like polymerase chain reaction have proven to be time‐inefficient, expensive, labor intensive, and impracticable in remote settings. This shifts the attention to alternative biosensing devices that can be successfully used to sense the COVID‐19 infection and curb the spread of coronavirus cases. Among these, nanomaterial‐based biosensors hold immense potential for rapid coronavirus detection because of their noninvasive and susceptible, as well as selective properties that have the potential to give real‐time results at an economical cost. These diagnostic devices can be used for mass COVID‐19 detection to understand the rapid progression of the infection and give better‐suited therapies. This review provides an overview of existing and potential nanomaterial‐based biosensors that can be used for rapid SARS‐CoV‐2 diagnostics. Novel biosensors employing different detection mechanisms are also highlighted in different sections of this review. Practical tools and techniques required to develop such biosensors to make them reliable and portable have also been discussed in the article. Finally, the review is concluded by presenting the current challenges and future perspectives of nanomaterial‐based biosensors in SARS‐CoV‐2 diagnostics.