scholarly journals Proving Nanoscale Chiral Interactions of Cyclodextrins and Propranolol Enantiomers by Means of SERS Measurements Performed on a Solid Plasmonic Substrate

Pharmaceutics ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (10) ◽  
pp. 1594
Author(s):  
Gabriela Fabiola Știufiuc ◽  
Valentin Toma ◽  
Anca Onaciu ◽  
Vasile Chiș ◽  
Constantin Mihai Lucaciu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Interaction Strength ◽  
Chiral Discrimination ◽  
Intermolecular Complexes ◽  
Starting Point ◽  
Surface Enhanced Raman ◽  
Nanoscale Interactions ◽  
New Type ◽  
Vibrational Bands ◽  
Good Starting Point ◽  
Working Principle

Chiral separation is an important issue for the pharmaceutical industry. Over the years, several separation methods have been developed, mainly based on chromatography. Their working principle is based on the formation of transient diastereoisomers, but the very subtle nanoscale interactions responsible for separation are not always understood. Recently, Raman and surface-enhanced Raman (SERS) spectroscopy have provided promising results in this field. Here we present Raman/SERS experimental data that provide useful information concerning the nanoscale interactions between propranolol enantiomers and α, β, and γ cyclodextrins. Raman spectroscopy was used to prove the formation of host–guest intermolecular complexes having different geometries of interaction. The occurrence of new vibrational bands and a change in the intensities of others are direct proofs of complexes’ formation. These observations were confirmed by DFT calculations. By performing SERS measurements on a new type of plasmonic substrate, we were able to prove the intermolecular interactions responsible for PRNL discrimination. It turned out that the interaction strength between the substrate and the intermolecular complexes is of paramount importance for SERS-based chiral discrimination. This approach could represent a very good starting point for the evaluation of molecular interactions manifesting between other pharmaceutical compounds and different classes of chiral selectors.

scholarly journals Gold nanoparticles as a substrate in bio-analytical near-infrared surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy

The Analyst ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 140 (9) ◽  
pp. 3090-3097 ◽  
Author(s):  
Holly J. Butler ◽  
Simon W. Fogarty ◽  
Jemma G. Kerns ◽  
Pierre L. Martin-Hirsch ◽  
Nigel J. Fullwood ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gold Nanoparticles ◽  
Raman Spectroscopy ◽  
Biological Samples ◽  
Near Infrared ◽  
Surface Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy ◽  
Starting Point ◽  
Surface Enhanced ◽  
Surface Enhanced Raman ◽  
Good Starting Point

“Large” nanoparticles potentially are a good starting point in order to derive informative NIR/IR SERS analysis of biological samples.

scholarly journals Discovery and Optimization of Selective Inhibitors of Meprin α (Part I)

2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (3) ◽  
pp. 203 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shurong Hou ◽  
Juan Diez ◽  
Chao Wang ◽  
Christoph Becker-Pauly ◽  
Gregg B. Fields ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Inhibitory Activity ◽  
De Novo ◽  
Selective Inhibitors ◽  
Preclinical Development ◽  
Starting Point ◽  
Good Starting Point ◽  
Parallel Screening ◽  
Low Cytotoxicity

Meprin α and β are zinc-dependent proteinases implicated in multiple diseases including cancers, fibrosis, and Alzheimer’s. However, until recently, only a few inhibitors of either meprin were reported and no inhibitors are in preclinical development. Moreover, inhibitors of other metzincins developed in previous years are not effective in inhibiting meprins suggesting the need for de novo discovery effort. To address the paucity of tractable meprin inhibitors we developed ultrahigh-throughput assays and conducted parallel screening of >650,000 compounds against each meprin. As a result of this effort, we identified five selective meprin α hits belonging to three different chemotypes (triazole-hydroxyacetamides, sulfonamide-hydroxypropanamides, and phenoxy-hydroxyacetamides). These hits demonstrated a nanomolar to micromolar inhibitory activity against meprin α with low cytotoxicity and >30-fold selectivity against meprin β and other related metzincincs. These selective inhibitors of meprin α provide a good starting point for further optimization.

scholarly journals Advances on the Implementation of Circular Economy Techniques in Rural Areas in Colombia under a Sustainable Development Framework

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (7) ◽  
pp. 3816
Author(s):  
Javier Rodrigo-Ilarri ◽  
Camilo-A. Vargas-Terranova ◽  
María-Elena Rodrigo-Clavero ◽  
Paula-A. Bustos-Castro
Keyword(s):  
Sustainable Development ◽  
Waste Management ◽  
Circular Economy ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Development Framework ◽  
Starting Point ◽  
Management Plans ◽  
Good Starting Point ◽  
Depressed Regions ◽  
First Time

For the first time in the scientific literature, this research shows an analysis of the implementation of circular economy techniques under sustainable development framework in six municipalities with a depressed economy in Colombia. The analysis is based on solid waste data production at a local scale, the valuation of the waste for subsequent recycling, and the identification and quantification of the variables associated with the treatment and final disposal of waste, in accordance with the Colombian regulatory framework. Waste generation data are obtained considering three different scenarios, in which a comparison between the simulated values and those established in the management plans are compared. Important differences have been identified between the waste management programs of each municipality, specifically regarding the components of waste collection, transportation and disposal, participation of environmental reclaimers, and potential use of materials. These differences are fundamentally associated with the different administrative processes considered for each individual municipality. This research is a good starting point for the development of waste management models based on circular economy techniques, through the subsequent implementation of an office tool in depressed regions such as those studied.

scholarly journals Properties of Extruded Snacks Prepared from Corn and Carrot Powder with Ascorbic Acid Addition

Processes ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (8) ◽  
pp. 1367
Author(s):  
Valentina Obradović ◽  
Jurislav Babić ◽  
Verica Dragović-Uzelac ◽  
Antun Jozinović ◽  
Đurđica Ačkar ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Ascorbic Acid ◽  
Temperature Regime ◽  
External Source ◽  
Single Screw Extruder ◽  
Functional Value ◽  
Temperature Regimes ◽  
Starting Point ◽  
Extruded Snacks ◽  
New Type ◽  
Corn Snacks

The objective of this research was to investigate the potentiality of carrot powder (CP) utilization at levels 4, 6, or 8% as ingredient of corn snacks and evaluation of the extrusion influence on functionally important ingredients such as carotenoids (color), polyphenols, fiber, fat, and antioxidant activity. The influence of ascorbic acid (AA) as an external source at levels 0.5 and 1% on this particular extrusion was also investigated. A single-screw extruder at two temperature regimes (135/170/170 °C (E1) and 100/150/150 °C (E2)) carried out extrusion. The E1 temperature regime acted favorably on total polyphenol content and crude fiber, but fat preferred the E2 regime. Extrusion, especially the E1 temperature regime, increased the extractability of carotenoids. Ascorbic acid degraded during extrusion, but it still provided protection to carotenoids and color attributes of extrudates. Snacks with increased nutritional and functional value due to carrot powder addition were successfully produced, which is a starting point for production of a new type of extruded snacks.

CAD AND CAE TECHNOLOGIES OF A NOVEL PLANE SIX-BAR SWAYING MACHINE

2008 ◽  
Vol 07 (01) ◽  
pp. 65-67
Author(s):  
CHANGPING ZOU ◽  
LI DU ◽  
XIANDE HUANG
Keyword(s):  
High Pressure ◽  
Kinetic Analysis ◽  
Rotational Speed ◽  
Preliminary Analysis ◽  
Unit Weight ◽  
The Novel ◽  
Parameterized Modeling ◽  
New Type ◽  
Working Principle ◽  
Key Dimensions

A new type of six-bar swaying machine was put forward, which is an ingenious combination of plane multi-bar mechanism and high pressure oil cylinder. Preliminary analysis shows that this machine has many advantages, such as the torque produced by its unit weight, its small size, its light deadweight, etc. Thus it can be applied to situations that need swaying mechanism with low rotational speed and great torque. Firstly, the mechanism composition and working principle of the swaying machine were introduced. Secondly, parameterized modeling of the mechanism was carried out by utilizing software ADAMS. Then kinematic analysis and kinetic analysis were completed by using ADAMS. Finally, key dimensions were adjusted according to kinetic analysis. These tasks are believed to be beneficial to the development of the novel transmission.

Industry-Sponsored Medical Education — In the Quest for Professional Integrity and Legal Certainty

2007 ◽  
Vol 14 (4) ◽  
pp. 313-319
Author(s):  
Benedikt Buchner
Keyword(s):  
Medical Education ◽  
Self Regulation ◽  
State Regulation ◽  
General Question ◽  
Legal Certainty ◽  
European Directive ◽  
Starting Point ◽  
Good Starting Point ◽  
Advertising Law ◽  
The Right

AbstractIndustry-sponsored medical education is a much disputed issue. So far, there has been no regulatory framework which provides clear and definite rules as to whether and under what circumstances the sponsorship of medical education is acceptable. State regulation does not exist, or confines itself to a very general principle. Professional regulation, even though applied frequently, is rather vague and indefinite, raising the general question as to whether self-regulation is the right approach at all. Certainly, self-regulation by industry cannot and should not replace other regulatory approaches. Ultimately, advertising law in general and the European Directive 2001/83/EC specifically, might be a good starting point in providing legal certainty and ensuring the independence of medical education. Swiss advertising law illustrates how the principles of the European Directive could be implemented clearly and unambiguously.

scholarly journals Multiple Myeloma Inhibitory Activity of Plant Natural Products

Cancers ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (11) ◽  
pp. 2678
Author(s):  
Karin Jöhrer ◽  
Serhat Sezai Ҫiҫek
Keyword(s):  
Multiple Myeloma ◽  
Natural Products ◽  
Myeloma Cell ◽  
Myeloma Cell Line ◽  
Antiproliferative Effects ◽  
Plant Natural Products ◽  
Starting Point ◽  
Human Myeloma Cell Line ◽  
Group A ◽  
Good Starting Point

A literature search on plant natural products with antimyeloma activity until the end of 2020 resulted in 92 compounds with effects on at least one human myeloma cell line. Compounds were divided in different compound classes and both their structure–activity-relationships as well as eventual correlations with the pathways described for Multiple Myeloma were discussed. Each of the major compound classes in this review (alkaloids, phenolics, terpenes) revealed interesting candidates, such as dioncophyllines, a group of naphtylisoquinoline alkaloids, which showed pronounced and selective induction of apoptosis when substituted in position 7 of the isoquinoline moiety. Interestingly, out of the phenolic compound class, two of the most noteworthy constituents belong to the relatively small subclass of xanthones, rendering this group a good starting point for possible further drug development. The class of terpenoids also provides noteworthy constituents, such as the highly oxygenated diterpenoid oridonin, which exhibited antiproliferative effects equal to those of bortezomib on RPMI8226 cells. Moreover, triterpenoids containing a lactone ring and/or quinone-like substructures, e.g., bruceantin, whitaferin A, withanolide F, celastrol, and pristimerin, displayed remarkable activity, with the latter two compounds acting as inhibitors of both NF-κB and proteasome chymotrypsin-like activity.

COVID-19, Business, and Human Rights

2021 ◽  
Vol 23 (5) ◽  
pp. 433-449
Author(s):  
Surya Deva
Keyword(s):  
Human Rights ◽  
Full Range ◽  
International Human Rights Law ◽  
Human Rights Law ◽  
International Human Rights ◽  
Economic Problems ◽  
Business And Human Rights ◽  
Starting Point ◽  
Good Starting Point ◽  
International Human

Abstract COVID-19 has affected the full range of human rights, though some rights holders have experienced a disproportionate impact. This has triggered debate about the respective obligations and responsibilities of states and business enterprises under international human rights law. Against this backdrop, this article examines critically whether the “protect, respect and remedy” framework operationalised by the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights is “fit for the purpose” to deal with the COVID-19 crisis. I argue that while the UNGPs’ framework provides a good starting point, it is inadequate to bring transformative changes to overcome deep-rooted socio-economic problems exposed by this pandemic. Realising human rights fully would not only require harnessing the potential of states’ tripartite obligations, but also move beyond limiting the responsibility of businesses to respect human rights.

Water Depollution Control : A Gateway to Reaction Monitoring and Analytical Chemistry

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Martin Tiano ◽  
Max Roose
Keyword(s):  
Analytical Chemistry ◽  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
Environmental Chemistry ◽  
Organic Pollutant ◽  
Internal Standard ◽  
Experimental Session ◽  
Reaction Monitoring ◽  
Starting Point ◽  
Good Starting Point ◽  
Magnetite Particles

<div>We present here an experimental session for undergraduate students, based on the reaction monitoring of the degradation of an organic pollutant (para-nitrophenol) by a Fenton-like reaction, catalysed by magnetite particles. <br></div><div>During the session, students realized a follow-up of the reaction by Gas Chromatography with an internal standard, and by UV-Visible spectrophotometry. <br></div>This session was a good starting point to numerous discussions about analytical chemistry, environmental chemistry.

What Neuroscience Can Tell about Intuitive Processes in the Context of Perceptual Discovery

2006 ◽  
Vol 18 (12) ◽  
pp. 2077-2087 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kirsten G. Volz ◽  
D. Yves von Cramon
Keyword(s):  
Initial Guess ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Starting Point ◽  
Sensory Modalities ◽  
Direct Contrast ◽  
Good Starting Point ◽  
Lateral Portion ◽  
Definition Of ◽  
Conscious Attention ◽  
Potential Content

According to the Oxford English Dictionary, intuition is “the ability to understand or know something immediately, without conscious reasoning.” Most people would agree that intuitive responses appear as ideas or feelings that subsequently guide our thoughts and behaviors. It is proposed that people continuously, without conscious attention, recognize patterns in the stream of sensations that impinge upon them. What exactly is being recognized is not clear yet, but we assume that people detect potential content based on only a few aspects of the input (i.e., the gist). The result is a vague perception of coherence which is not explicitly describable but instead embodied in a “gut feeling” or an initial guess, which subsequently biases thought and inquiry. To approach the nature of intuitive processes, we used functional magnetic resonance imaging when participants were working at a modified version of the Waterloo Gestalt Closure Task. Starting from our conceptualization that intuition involves an informed judgment in the context of discovery, we expected activation within the median orbito-frontal cortex (OFC), as this area receives input from all sensory modalities and has been shown to be crucially involved in emotionally driven decisions. Results from a direct contrast between intuitive and nonintuitive judgments, as well as from a parametric analysis, revealed the median OFC, the lateral portion of the amygdala, anterior insula, and ventral occipito-temporal regions to be activated. Based on these findings, we suggest our definition of intuition to be promising and a good starting point for future research on intuitive processes.

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