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Osteoarthritis (OA) is one of the most common chronic musculoskeletal diseases, which accounts for a large proportion of physical disabilities worldwide. Herein, we fabricated injectable gelatin/poly(L-lactide)-based nanofibrous microspheres (MS) via electrospraying technology, which were further modified with tannic acid (TA) named as TMS or metal phenolic networks (MPNs) consisting of TA and strontium ions (Sr2+) and named as TSMS to enhance their bioactivity for OA therapy. The TA-modified microspheres exhibited stable porous structure and anti-oxidative activity. Notably, TSMS showed a sustained release of TA as compared to TMS, which exhibited a burst release of TA. While all types of microspheres exhibited good cytocompatibility, TSMS displayed good anti-inflammatory properties with higher cell viability and cartilage-related extracellular matrix (ECM) secretion. The TSMS microspheres also showed less apoptosis of chondrocytes in the hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2)-induced inflammatory environment. The TSMS also inhibited the degradation of cartilage along with the considerable repair outcome in the papain-induced OA rabbit model in vivo as well as suppressed the expression level of inflammatory cytokines, such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin-1-beta (IL-1β). Taken together, TSMS may provide a highly desirable therapeutic option for intra-articular treatment of OA. Osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic disease, which is caused by the inflammation of joint. Current treatments for OA achieve pain relief but hardly prevent or slow down the disease progression. Microspheres are at the forefront of drug delivery and tissue engineering applications, which can also be minimal-invasively injected into the joint. Polyphenols and therapeutic ions have been shown to be beneficial for the treatment of diseases related to the joints, including OA. Herein, we prepared gelatin/poly(L-lactide)-based nanofibrous microspheres (MS) via electrospinning incorporated electrospraying technology and functionalized them with the metal phenolic networks (MPNs) consisting of TA and strontium ions (Sr2+), and assessed their potential for OA therapy both in vitro and in vivo. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Entophytic bacteria (EBs) are very diverse and found in virtually all plant species studied. These natural EBs live insides the host plant and can be used to maximize crop and fruit yield by exploiting their potential. In this paper, EBs characterization from various citrus genotypes and their influence on the morphological and physiological functioning of sour orange (Citrus aurantium) seedlings are described. To assess the influence of 10 distinct EBs, three different techniques (injection, soil mix, and spray) were applied for single and mixed inoculation on sour orange (C. aurantium) seedlings. The selected strains were identified as firmicutes (Enterococcus faecalis, Bacillus safensis, Bacillus cereus, Bacillus megaterium, Brevibacillus borstelensis & Staphylococcus haemolyticus), and gamma Proteobacteria (Enterobacter hormachaei, Proteus mirabilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, & Pseudomonas sp.) by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. To investigate the influence of these EBs on host plant morphology, different parameters (morphometric) were recorded after five WOI (weeks of inoculation), including shoot/root length, shoot/root fresh and dry biomass, and biophysical analyses i.e., relative water content (RLWC). Physiological markers such as chlorophyll & carotenoid content, protein content, proline content, phenolics, and flavonoids were also analyzed to determine the influence of endophytes on sour orange seedlings. Five strains such as SM-34, SM-20, SM-36, SM-68, and SM-56 significantly improved the development and physiology of sour orange seedlings. Bacillus cereus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa produced the best outcomes in terms of plant growth. The relative quantification of bacterial inoculums was determined using real-time PCR. A rise in the number of bacterial cells in inoculated treatment suggests that bacterial strains survived and colonized successfully, and also shown their competitiveness with native bacterial community structure. As per the results of inoculation methods, soil mixing, and injection methods were determined to be effective for bacterial inoculation to plants but a variable trend was found for different parameters with test bacterial strains. After testing their impact on field conditions, these strains can be applied as fertilizers as an alternative to conventional chemical fertilizer, although in the context of mixed inoculation of bacterial strains, 5 M and 6 M performed best and enhanced plant growth-promoting activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPAR-γ) serves as a nuclear receptor with a pivotal function in governing diverse facets of metabolic processes. In diabetes, the prime physiological role of PPAR-γ is to enhance insulin sensitivity and regulate glucose metabolism. Although PPAR-γ agonists such as Thiazolidinediones are effective in addressing diabetes complications, it is vital to be mindful that they are associated with substantial side effects that could potentially give rise to health challenges. The recent surge in the discovery of selective modulators of PPAR-γ inspired us to formulate an integrated computational strategy by leveraging the promising capabilities of both machine learning and in silico drug design approaches. In pursuit of our objectives, the initial stage of our work involved constructing an advanced machine learning classification model, which was trained utilizing chemical information and physicochemical descriptors obtained from known PPAR-γ modulators. The subsequent application of machine learning-based virtual screening, using a library of 31,750 compounds, allowed us to identify 68 compounds having suitable characteristics for further investigation. A total of four compounds were identified and the most favorable configurations were complemented with docking scores ranging from −8.0 to −9.1 kcal/mol. Additionally, the compounds engaged in hydrogen bond interactions with essential conserved residues including His323, Leu330, Phe363, His449 and Tyr473 that describe the ligand binding site. The stability indices investigated herein for instance root-mean-square fluctuations in the backbone atoms indicated higher mobility in the region of orthosteric site in the presence of agonist with the deviation peaks in the range of 0.07–0.69 nm, signifying moderate conformational changes. The deviations at global level revealed that the average values lie in the range of 0.25–0.32 nm. In conclusion, our identified hits particularly, CHEMBL-3185642 and CHEMBL-3554847 presented outstanding results and highlighted the stable conformation within the orthosteric site of PPAR-γ to positively modulate the activity. [Display omitted] • PPAR-γ modulators enhance insulin sensitivity, crucial in diabetes management. • Machine learning aids in identifying 4 potential PPAR-γ modulators • Compound reveals promising interactions with key PPAR-γ residues. • Stability analysis indicates moderate conformational changes in orthosteric sites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ligament injuries are common in sports and other rigorous activities. It is a great challenge to achieve ligament regeneration after an injury due the avascular structure and low self-renewal capability. Herein, we developed vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-binding aligned electrospun poly(caprolactone)/gelatin (PCL/Gel) scaffolds by incorporating prominin-1-binding peptide (BP) sequence and exploited them for patellar ligament regeneration. The adsorption of BP onto scaffolds was discerned by various techniques, such as Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and confocal laser scanning microscope. The accumulation of VEGF onto scaffolds correlated with the concentration of the peptide in vitro. BP-anchored PCL/Gel scaffolds (BP@PCL/Gel) promoted the tubular formation of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and wound healing in vitro. Besides, BP containing scaffolds exhibited higher content of CD31+ cells than that of the control scaffolds at 1 week after implantation in vivo. Moreover, BP containing scaffolds improved biomechanical properties and facilitated the regeneration of matured collagen in patellar ligament 4 weeks after implantation in mice. Overall, this strategy of peptide-mediated orchestration of VEGF provides an enticing platform for the ligament regeneration, which may also have broad implications for tissue repair applications. Ligament injuries are central to sports and other rigorous activities. Given to the avascular nature and poor self-healing capability of injured ligament tissues, it is a burgeoning challenge to fabricate tissue-engineered scaffolds for ligament reconstruction. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is pivotal to the neo-vessel formation. However, the high molecular weight of VEGF as well as its short half-life in vitro and in vivo limits its therapeutic potential. To circumvent these limitations, herein, we functionalized aligned electrospun polycaprolactone/gelatin (PCL/Gel)-based scaffolds with VEGF-binding peptide (BP) and assessed their biocompatibility and performance in vitro and in vivo. BP-modified scaffolds accumulated VEGF, improved tube formation of HUVECs, and induced wound healing in vitro , which may have broad implications for regenerative medicine and tissue engineering. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Experimental study on medium voltage cable insulation under increasing electrical stress. • Development of an effective algorithm for detection of PD pulses in a PRPD pattern. • Analysis of measured PD data and correlation of PD characteristics. • Trending attributes of PD characteristics with increasing electrical stress. • Implementation of regression models to map trending behavior of PD characteristics. Insulation degradation in power components is a looming issue that can have a significant impact on the reliability of power system if not attended timely. Partial discharge (PD) diagnostics is a key technique used for the condition monitoring and health assessment of insulation. Inception of PD is a primary indicator which shows degradation and decreased local dielectric strength of the insulation. PD magnitude can increase with time and level of stress, which may result in failure of insulation. This article investigates the behavior of PD characteristics in a medium voltage (MV) cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE) cable sample, containing a defect at the cable termination, under elevated electrical stresses. PD behavior is studied by investigating the key PD characteristics, such as partial discharge inception voltage (PDIV) , phase of occurrence (ɸ) , mean amplitude (V mean) , pulse repetition rate (PRR) , and phase span (ɸ span). These quantities are extracted from a phase-resolved partial discharge (PRPD) pattern using a pulse detection algorithm. Later, these characteristics are analyzed in correlation with the electrical stress. Various regression models are implemented and compared to find the best fit model that represents trending attributes of major PD characteristics. The presented study can be used as an effective process to analyze the measured PD data for evaluation of the insulation condition in the power components. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Non-destructive methods have been widely recognized for evaluating fruit quality traits of many horticultural crops and food processing industry. Destructive (analytical) test, and non-destructive evaluation of the quality traits were investigated and compared for 'Red Rose' tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) fruit grown under protected environment. Fresh tomato fruit at five distinctive maturity stages namely; breaker (BK), turning (TG), pink (PK), light-red (LR), and red (RD) were labeled and scanned using the handheld near infra-red (NIR) enhanced spectrometer at a wavelength range of 285–1200 nm. The labeled tomato samples were then measured analytically for flesh firmness, lycopene, β-carotene, total phenolic content (TPC) and total flavonoids content (TFC). The results revealed that quality traits could be estimated using NIR spectroscopy with a relatively high coefficient of determination (R2): 0.834 for total phenolic content, 0.864 for lycopene, 0.790 for total flavonoid content, 0.708 for β-carotene; and 0.679 for flesh firmness. The accumulation of Lyco and β-Car rapidly increased in tomatoes harvested between the TG and the LR maturity stages. Harvesting tomatoes at BK maturity stage resulted in significantly higher flesh firmness than harvesting at the later maturity stages. Tomato fruits had the lowest TPC and TFC contents at the earliest maturity stage (BK), while they had intermediate TPC and TFC levels at LR and RD maturity stages. NIR spectroscopic measurements of fruit firmness and lipophilic antioxidants in tomato fruit at various maturity stages were partially in accordance with those estimated by destructive (analytical) methods. Based on these findings, we recommend using non-destructive NIR spectroscopy as an effective tool for predicting tomato fruit quality during harvest stage and postharvest processing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of synthetic antioxidants has been associated with serious concerns for human and environmental health. During ripening stages, tomato fruit is exposed to different abiotic stresses which not only influence its nutritional, mechanical, and functional properties at harvest, but also affect the quality and shelf life of the fruit during storage. This study investigated the pattern of changes in dietary antioxidants during various ripening stages of tomato fruit (cv. Red Rose) and their impact on storage behavior of the fruit during cold storage. Tomato fruits were harvested at mature green, breaker, turning, pink, light-red and red stages of maturity. Then, they were analysed for flesh firmness, soluble solids content, titratable acidity, total sugars, pH, dry matter content, lipophilic (lycopene, β-carotene, and total carotenoids), and hydrophilic (ascorbic acid, phenolic and flavonoids) antioxidants. Additional fruits were harvested at each maturity stage and divided into three equal lots, then were subjected to low-temperature (10 ± 1 °C) storage with 80 ± 5% RH, for 7, 14, and 21 days. Flesh firmness, and the levels of dietary antioxidants were analysed following the subsequent storage periods. The results revealed that the peak of hydrophilic antioxidants such as ascorbic acid, phenolic compounds, and flavonoids was between the 'pink' and the 'light-red' stages of fruit maturity. Whereas tomatoes harvested at the 'red' stage of maturity had the highest levels of lycopene and β-carotene. Both the stage of fruit maturity at harvest and duration of cold storage influenced flesh firmness, organoleptic and functional properties of 'Red Rose' tomato fruit. In conclusion, the results of the current investigation have practical implications in formulating foods with improved functional properties at processing industries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • VEGF-binding peptide "BP" and OEO were loaded into PLGA/Gelatin fibers. • OEO improved anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative, and anti-bacterial properties. • The BP containing fibers effectively accelerated angiogenesis. • BP and OEO co-loaded fibers showed rapid repair of infected wounds. • Combined delivery of BP and OEO also suppress bacterial growth in vivo. Skin regeneration is hindered by poor vascularization, bacterial infection, prolonged inflammation, and oxidative wound microenvironment, which necessitate the fabrication of alternative wound dressings with anti-adhesion, anti-infection, and angiogenic functions. Prominin-1-derived peptide (PR1P, herein named as BP) may sequester vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) by interacting with VEGF receptors and promote wound healing. Oregano essential oil (OEO, herein named as O), is a natural plant extract mainly containing carvacrol and thymol, which manifests low cytotoxicity and cost-effectiveness as well as anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and anti-oxidative properties. Herein, we fabricated anti-adhesion, anti-infection, and angiogenic wound dressings by simultaneously exploiting BP and O in electrospun poly(L-lactide-co-glycolide)/gelatin (PG)-based fibrous dressings. Different types of in vitro assays manifested anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative, anti-bacterial, and angiogenic characteristics of dressings. The PG@BPO dressings further enabled good wound healing 14 days post-implantation alongside anti-adhesion, and anti-infection properties. The tensile strength of the repaired skin was almost similar to the normal skin (repaired skin, 1.70 MPa and normal skin, 1.78 MPa). These multifunctional dressings may hold great promise for skin repair and related disciplines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract This study is focused on the investigation of the main sustainability drivers that may improve production performances for Asian firms. The main objective of the paper is to unfold the potential tangible and intangible sustainability resources that can act as strategic assets in improving production performances, with the Resource-Based View as the main framework used in the study. As a further investigation, the research explores how these resources may vary under the contingency perspective by considering two different stages of implementation of Quality Management Systems within the respondents. These issues are examined through a wide survey of textile firms in India and Pakistan, using Structural Equation Modelling as the main tool of investigation. Some of the main outcomes show that Environmental Management and Safety Management result in the strategic use of resources to improve production performances. It emerges from the contingency analysis that increasing importance is given to intangible assets by those firms that are at an advanced stage of implementation of their Quality Management System. Highlights • We realize an extensive survey on the core resources that may impact on production performances for Asian firms. • A contingency analysis is made through Structural Equation Modeling, with Quality Management System as discriminant factor. • Environmental Management, Safety Management and Sustainability Awareness have a key role within a QMS. • Firms at different stages of implementing a QMS do not share the same core resources. • Social Issues and Sustainability Awareness are core resources for firms with an advanced stage of QMS implementation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphical abstract Abstract The objective of this study was to develop and characterize a novel intravaginal membrane platform for pH-triggered release of nanoparticles (NPs), which is essential for efficient intravaginal delivery of certain effective but acid-labile therapeutic agents for sexually transmitted infections, such as small interfering RNA (siRNA). A pH-responsive polyurethane (PU) was electrospun into a porous nanofibrous membrane. The diameters of the fibers, as well as the thickness and pore sizes of the membrane under dry and wet conditions (pH 4.5 and 7.0), were determined from scanning electron microscopy (SEM) micrographs. pH-dependent zeta-potential (ζ) of the membrane was evaluated using a SurPASS electrokinetic analyzer. Visiblex™ color-dyed polystyrene NPs (PSNs, 200 nm, COOH) and CCR5 siRNA-encapsulated solid lipid NPs (SLNs) were used for in vitro NP release studies in a vaginal fluid simulant (VFS) at pH 4.5 (normal physiological vaginal pH) and 7.0 (vaginal pH neutralization by semen). During 24 h of incubation in VFS, close-to-zero PSNs (2 ± 1%) and 28 ± 4% SLNs were released through the PU membrane at pH 4.5, whereas the release of PSNs and SLNs significantly increased to 60 ± 6% and 59 ± 8% at pH 7.0, respectively. The pH-responsive release of NPs hinged on the electrostatic interaction between the pH-responsive membrane and the anionic NPs, and the change in pH-responsive morphology of the membrane. In vitro biocompatibility studies of the membrane showed no significant cytotoxicity to VK2/E6E7 human epithelial cells and Sup-T1 human T-cells and no significant changes in the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, IL-8, and IL-1β). Overall, the porous pH-responsive PU membrane demonstrated its potential in serving as a "window" membrane in reservoir-type intravaginal rings (IVRs) for pH-responsive intravaginal release of NPs. Statement of Significance Stimuli-responsive intravaginal nanoparticle release is achieved for the first time through a new electrospun pH-responsive polyurethane (PU) semi-permeable membrane, which can serve as a "window" membrane in the reservoir-type IVR for the prevention of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) transmission. Almost no release of nanoparticles was observed at normal pH in the female genital tract (in vaginal fluid simulant [VFS], at pH 4.5); however, a continuous release of NPs was observed at elevated pH in the female genital tract (in VFS, at pH 7.0). This pH-responsive intravaginal release can reduce side effect and drug resistance by avoiding unnecessary exposure. The PU semi-permeable membrane demonstrated potential use as biomaterials for "smart" intravaginal nanoparticle release and has great potential to protect women from HIV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Overconsumption of antibiotics is an immediate cause for the emergence of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and antibiotic resistant bacteria (ARB), though its environmental impact remains inadequately clarified. There is an urgent need to dissect the complex links underpinning the dynamic co-evolution of ARB and their resistome and mobilome in hospital sewage. Metagenomic and bioinformatic methods were employed to analyze the microbial community, resistome and mobilome in hospital sewage, in relation to data on clinical antibiotic use collected from a tertiary-care hospital. In this study, resistome (1,568 antibiotic resistance genes, ARGs, corresponding to 29 antibiotic types/subtypes) and mobilome (247 types of mobile genetic elements, MGEs) were identified. Networks connecting co-occurring ARGs with MGEs encompass 176 nodes and 578 edges, in which over 19 types of ARGs had significant correlations with MGEs. Prescribed dosage and time-dependent antibiotic consumption were associated with the abundance and distributions of ARGs, and conjugative transfer of ARGs via MGEs. Variation partitioning analyses show that effects of conjugative transfer were most likely the main contributors to transient propagation and persistence of AMR. We have presented the first evidence supporting idea that use of clinical antibiotics is a potent driving force for the development of co-evolving resistome and mobilome, which in turn supports the growth and evolution of ARB in hospital sewage. The use of clinical antibiotics calls for greater attention in antibiotic stewardship and management. [Display omitted] • Clinical use of antibiotics had lasting effects on ARGs and MGEs distribution in hospital sewage. • 4,452 bacterial species, 1,568 ARGs, 247 MGEs were form complex networks in hospital sewage. • Effects of conjugative transfer were the main contributors to propagation of AMR by VPA analyses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Stem cells are a promising solution for the treatment of a variety of diseases. However, the limited survival and engraftment of transplanted cells due to a hostile ischemic environment is a bottleneck for effective utilization and commercialization. Within this environment, the majority of transplanted cells undergo apoptosis prior to participating in lineage differentiation and cellular integration. Therefore, in order to maximize the clinical utility of stem/progenitor cells, strategies must be employed to increase their adhesion, retention, and engraftment in vivo . Here, we reviewed key strategies that are being adopted to enhance the survival, retention, and engraftment of transplanted stem cells through the manipulation of both the stem cells and the surrounding environment. We describe how preconditioning of cells or cell manipulations strategies can enhance stem cell survival and engraftment after transplantation. We also discuss how biomaterials can enhance the function of stem cells for effective tissue regeneration. Biomaterials can incorporate or mimic extracellular function (ECM) function and enhance survival or differentiation of transplanted cells in vivo . Biomaterials can also promote angiogenesis, enhance engraftment and differentiation, and accelerate electromechanical integration of transplanted stem cells. Insight gained from this review may direct the development of future investigations and clinical trials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article presents a Lyapunov function based neural network tracking (LNT) strategy for single-input, single-output (SISO) discrete-time nonlinear dynamic systems. The proposed LNT architecture is composed of two feedforward neural networks operating as controller and estimator. A Lyapunov function based back propagation learning algorithm is used for online adjustment of the controller and estimator parameters. The controller and estimator error convergence and closed-loop system stability analysis is performed by Lyapunov stability theory. Moreover, two simulation examples and one real-time experiment are investigated as case studies. The achieved results successfully validate the controller performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), used primarily for aerial surveying, can monitor control information and carry out stalking tasks connected to the Internet of Things (IoT) using advanced wireless technology. It's limited to short distances where the delicate aerial communication system can share a spectrum with terrestrial systems. Moreover, severe privacy and security concerns are due to the unlicensed broadcasting and wireless UAV transmission networks. Therefore, this paper focus on developing a blockchain-based spectrum trading and sharing system that addresses security concerns and maintains user privacy. Mobile network operators can exchange spectrum without relying on a third party using a Distributed Blockchain Consortium System (DBCS). As a result, data is well-protected from plaintext, stalker, and ciphertext attacks, making it easier to track, manage, and control services. Experimental; results showed that the proposed DBCS outperformed other conventional systems in terms of security and performance. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The presence of manufactured nano-objects (MNOs) in various consumer or their (future large-scale) use as nanoagrochemical have increased with the rapid development of nanotechnology and therefore, concerns associated with its possible ecotoxicological effects are also arising. MNOs are releasing along the product life cycle, consequently accumulating in soils and other environmental matrices, and potentially leading to adverse effects on soil biota and their associated processes. Earthworms, of the group of Oligochaetes, are an ecologically significant group of organisms and play an important role in soil remediation, as well as acting as a potential vector for trophic transfer of MNOs through the food chain. This review presents a comprehensive and critical overview of toxic effects of MNOs on earthworms in soil system. We reviewed pathways of MNOs in agriculture soil environment with its expected production, release, and bioaccumulation. Furthermore, we thoroughly examined scientific literature from last ten years and critically evaluated the potential ecotoxicity of 16 different metal oxide or carbon-based MNO types. Various adverse effects on the different earthworm life stages have been reported, including reduction in growth rate, changes in biochemical and molecular markers, reproduction and survival rate. Importantly, this literature review reveals the scarcity of long-term toxicological data needed to actually characterize MNOs risks, as well as an understanding of mechanisms causing toxicity to earthworm species. This review sheds light on this knowledge gap as investigating bio-nano interplay in soil environment improves our major understanding for safer applications of MNOs in the agriculture environment. [Display omitted] • The first-time review on the ecotoxic effects of manufacture nano objects (MNOs) on earthworms. • Studies spanning 2010–2020 reveal that MNOs induce mixed effects on earthworms. • Long-term toxicological data needed to actually characterize MNOs risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we propose a new adaptive internal model control scheme based on adaptive finite impulse response filters. This scheme provides the same design procedure for both minimum and nonminimum phase plants. The plants under consideration may contain time delay. The tracking objective is accomplished for both invertible and noninvertible stable plants. The internal model of the plant and its inverse are estimated by recursive least-squares and least-mean- squares algorithms, respectively. The closed loop is designed such that the system from the reference input to the plant output can be approximately represented by a pure delay. The effect of the process zeros on the output is compensated by using adaptive finite impulse response filters. This avoids the cancellation of noncancellable zeros of the plant and forces the plant output to track the reference input with a delay. The stability of the closed loop for both minimum and nonminimum phase systems is guaranteed. Computer simulation and laboratory scale experimental results are included in the paper to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Organic fertilizers have become a vector for the transport of microplastics (MPs), which pose human health concerns through the food chain. This study aimed to quantify and characterize MPs in eight different compost samples of various raw materials and their subsequent translocation to lettuce (Lacuta sativa) grown on contaminated composts. The results revealed that the MP abundance ranged from 3810 to 16530 MP/kg. Municipal solid waste compost (MSWC) had highest abundance (16082 ± 632 MP/kg), followed by leaf compost (LC) and organic compost (OC) (6299 ± 1011 and 3680 ± 419 MP/kg, respectively). MPs of <100 μm in size were most dominant in MSWC and LC. Fragments and fibers were the prevalent shape types, with white/transparent colored MPs being more abundant. Polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP) and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) were the dominant polymers. MPs accumulation in the lettuce leaves was greatest in the lettuce plants grown on MSWC, followed by those grown on LC and OC, indicating that MSWC grown lettuce is not suitable for human consumption. The decrease in the growth (leaf length, number of leaves, leaf fresh and weights) and physiological (membrane stability index, relative water contents) parameters of lettuce was in line with the trend of MP accumulations. Hence, it is highly important to regulate the plastic contents in compost because it is a threat to ecosystems and human health. [Display omitted] • Microplastics abundance in three compost types (organic, leaf, MSW) was analyzed. • Size <100 μm microplastics dominated in MSW compost and leaf compost. • Microplastics of shape (fragment, fiber), color (white), polymer (PP) dominated. • Lettuce leaves accumulated microplastics depending on their abundance in composts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cardiovascular injuries cause huge morbidity and mortality worldwide. Arterial reconstructions are generally performed either by using native grafts or synthetic grafts, both of which are limited by several complications. Synthetic biodegradable polymers offer a promising platform, which may also be modified to foster in situ tissue regeneration through the recruitment of host cells. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) promotes endothelialization and neovascularization in vascular grafts, however, an overdose of VEGF may induce tumor-like vasculature, which requires alternative strategies. The objective of this study was to exploit prominin-1-derived VEGF-binding peptide (BP) to improve neovascularization and endothelialization, while stromal cell-derived factor 1-alpha (SDF-1α) peptide to encourage endogenous stem/progenitor cells mobilization and complement BP-mediated vascular remodeling. The BP and SDF-1α peptides were covalently conjugated with low molecular weight poly (ε-caprolactone) (LPCL) to afford LPCL-BP and LPCL-SDF-1α, respectively. Chemical analysis revealed successful modification of LPCL with peptides, which also displayed good cytocompatibility in vitro once blended along with high molecular weight PCL (HPCL). The bioactived vascular grafts were fabricated by blending LPCL-BP, LPCL-SDF-1α or dual peptide-polymer conjugates with HPCL. The in vivo tests of vascular grafts through rat abdominal aorta implantation model revealed that, compared with HPCL grafts, the dual peptides modified grafts exhibited superior patency and tissue regeneration at 4-week post-implantation, including stem cell recruitment, rapid endothelialization and functional SMC layer formation. Taken together, these results may have implications for the in situ regeneration of artificial blood vessels through the orchestration of host's responses and endogenous cell recruitment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explored the relationship among income, carbon emissions, energy consumption, and trade openness for Morocco from 1971 to 2011. The Johansen cointegration technique confirmed the long run relationship among the variables. The energy consumption deteriorated the environment quality and found to be true for both short run and long run. Foreign trade is beneficial for environment quality as foreign trade openness has negative impact on carbon emissions. This study did not confirm the environmental Kuznets curve hypothesis in long run. Furthermore, there is a strong one way causation from income to carbon emissions. Thus, Morocco can improve environment quality by reducing the carbon emissions and it will not disturb economic pace of the economy. Therefore, energy and trade policies should be made growth oriented. In the same way energy production and consumption has to be made environmental friendly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • PLCL/Silk Fibroin 3D electrospun scaffolds were fabricated by in situ gas foaming. • Gas foaming increased the porosity and pore size of scaffolds. • 3D Scaffolds with high porosity promoted cell infiltration and proliferation. • 3D scaffolds revealed higher potential for neovascularization. • 3D scaffolds promoted macrophages polarization toward M2-like phenotype. Electrospun nanofibers emulate extracellular matrix (ECM) morphology and architecture; however, small pore size and tightly-packed fibers impede their translation in tissue engineering. Here we exploited in situ gas foaming to afford three-dimensional (3D) poly(L-lactide-co-ε-caprolactone)/silk fibroin (PLCL/SF) scaffolds, which exhibited nanotopographic cues and a multilayered structure. The addition of SF improved the hydrophilicity and biocompatibility of 3D PLCL scaffolds. Three-dimensional scaffolds exhibited larger pore size (38.75 ± 9.78 μm2) and high porosity (87.1% ± 1.5%) than that of their 2D counterparts. 3D scaffolds also improved the deposition of ECM components and neo-vessel regeneration as well as exhibited more numbers of CD163+/CCR7+ cells after 2 weeks implantation in a subcutaneous model. Collectively, 3D PLCL/SF scaffolds have broad implications for regenerative medicine and tissue engineering applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rare earth elements (REEs) are gaining attention due to rapid rise of modern industries and technological developments in their usage and residual fingerprinting. Cryptic entry of REEs in the natural resources and environment is significant; therefore, life on earth is prone to their nasty effects. Scientific sectors have expressed concerns over the entry of REEs into food chains, which ultimately influences their intake and metabolism in the living organisms. Extensive scientific collections and intensive look in to the latest explorations agglomerated in this document aim to depict the distribution of REEs in soil, sediments, surface waters and groundwater possibly around the globe. Furthermore, it draws attention towards potential risks of intensive industrialization and modern agriculture to the exposure of REEs, and their effects on living organisms. It also draws links of REEs usage and their footprints in natural resources with the major food chains involving plants, animals and humans. Scientific literature preferably spanning over the last five years was obtained online from the MEDLINE and other sources publishing the latest studies on REEs distribution, properties, usage, cycling and intrusion in the environment and food-chains. Distribution of REEs in agricultural soils, sediments, surface and ground water was drawn on the global map, together with transport pathways of REEs and their cycling in the natural resources. Fourteen REEs (Ce, Dy, Er, Eu, Gd, Ho, La, Lu, Nd, Pr, Sm, Tb, Th and Yb) were plighted in this study. Wide range of their concentrations has been detected in agricultural soils (<15.9–249.1 μg g−1) and in groundwater (<3.1–146.2 μg L−1) at various sites worldwide. They have strong tendency to accumulate in the human body, and thus associated with kidney stones. The REEs could also perturb the animal physiology, especially affecting the reproductive development in both terrestrial and aquatic animals. In plants, REEs might affect the germination, root and shoot development and flowering at concentration ranging from 0.4 to 150 mg kg−1. This review article precisely narrates the current status, sources, and potential effects of REEs on plants, animals, humans health. There are also a few examples where REEs have been used to benefit human health. However, still there is scarce information about threshold levels of REEs in the soil, aquatic, and terrestrial resources as well as living entities. Therefore, an aggressive effort is required for global action to generate more data on REEs. This implies we prescribe an urgent need for inter-disciplinary studies about REEs in order to identify their toxic effects on both ecosystems and organisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Relation extraction is a critical step in knowledge recommendation for big data, but long-tailed distribution in real-world relations presents a significant challenge. Most relations fail to gather enough training instances, which forms a long tail in data distribution and leads to poor performance on these relations. Previous studies have made efforts to improve models for long-tailed relations by sharing knowledge from head classes to the long-tail. Despite proven effectiveness on long tail relations, this line of work lacks control over the knowledge transfer process, which can harm performance on head classes. To address this issue, we propose an approach that enhances the label hierarchical dependencies of a classifier through label-to-sentence attention with multi-granular constraints across different levels of relation. Moreover, We introduce an ensemble mechanism that uses a router module to balance performance between head and tail classes, thereby fixing the long-tail problem on relation extraction data set. Our approach achieves excellent performance on long-tail and all relations on the large-scale benchmark data set New York Times, without sacrificing performance on head relations. The experiment results demonstrate that our approach effectively alleviates long-tail problems and boosts performance on long-tail classes in relation extraction without harming the performance on head classes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]