bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Flexible Three-Dimensional Force Tactile Sensor Based on Velostat Piezoresistive Films
Authors: Zhang Yuanxiang , Zeng Jiantao , Wang Yong , Jiang Guoquan
Published: March 2024

The development of a high-performance, low-cost, and simply fabricated flexible three-dimensional (3D) force sensor is essential for the future development of electronic skins suitable for the detection of normal and shear forces for several human motions. In this study, a sandwich-structured flexible 3D force tactile sensor based on a polyethylene-carbon composite material (velostat) is presented. The sensor has a large measuring range, namely, 0–12 N in the direction of the normal force and 0–2.6 N in the direction of the shear force. For normal forces, the sensitivity is 0.775 N−1 at 0–1 N, 0.107 N−1 between 1 and 3 N, and 0.003 N−1 at 3 N and above. For shear forces, the measured sensitivity is 0.122 and 0.12 N−1 in x- and y-directions, respectively. Additionally, the sensor exhibits good repeatability and stability after 2500 cycles of loading and releasing. The response and recovery times of the sensor are as fast as 40 and 80 ms, respectively. Furthermore, we prepared a glove-like sensor array. When grasping the object using the tactile glove, the information about the force applied to the sensing unit can be transmitted through a wireless system in real-time and displayed on a personal computer (PC). The prepared flexible 3D force sensor shows broad application prospects in the field of smart wearable devices.
Impact of Organic Carbons Addition on the Enrichment Culture of Nitrifying Biofloc from Aquaculture Water: Process, Efficiency, and Microbial Community
Authors: Wu Jiaqi , Xu Wujie , Xu Yu , Su Haochang , Hu Xiaojuan , Cao Yucheng , Zhang Jianshe , Wen Guoliang
Published: March 2024

In this study, we developed a rapid and effective method for enriching the culture of nitrifying bioflocs (NBF) from aquacultural brackish water. The self-designed mixotrophic mediums with a single or mixed addition of sodium acetate, sodium citrate, and sucrose were used to investigate the enrichment process and nitrification efficiency of NBF in small-scale reactors. The results showed that NBF with an MLVSSs from 1170.4 mg L−1 to 2588.0 mg L−1 were successfully enriched in a period of less than 16 days. The citrate group performed the fastest enrichment time of 10 days, while the sucrose group had the highest biomass of 2588.0 ± 384.7 mg L−1. In situ testing showed that the highest nitrification efficiency was achieved in the citrate group, with an ammonia oxidation rate of 1.45 ± 0.34 mg N L−1 h−1, a net nitrification rate of 2.02 ± 0.20 mg N L−1 h−1, and a specific nitrification rate of 0.72 ± 0.14 mg N g−1 h−1. Metagenomic sequencing revealed that Nitrosomonas (0.0~1.0%) and Nitrobacter (10.1~26.5%) were dominant genera for AOB and NOB, respectively, both of which had the highest relative abundances in the citrate group. Linear regression analysis further demonstrated significantly positive linear relations between nitrification efficiencies and nitrifying bacterial genera and gene abundance in NBF. The results of this study provide an efficient enrichment culture method of NBF for the operation of biofloc technology aquaculture systems, which will further promote its wide application in modern intensive aquaculture.
Elimination of Pathogen Biofilms via Postbiotics from Lactic Acid Bacteria: A Promising Method in Food and Biomedicine
Authors: Che Jiahao , Shi Jingjing , Fang Chenguang , Zeng Xiaoqun , Wu Zhen , Du Qiwei , Tu Maolin , Pan Daodong
Published: March 2024

Pathogenic biofilms provide a naturally favorable barrier for microbial growth and are closely related to the virulence of pathogens. Postbiotics from lactic acid bacteria (LAB) are secondary metabolites and cellular components obtained by inactivation of fermentation broth; they have a certain inhibitory effect on all stages of pathogen biofilms. Postbiotics from LAB have drawn attention because of their high stability, safety dose parameters, and long storage period, which give them a broad application prospect in the fields of food and medicine. The mechanisms of eliminating pathogen biofilms via postbiotics from LAB mainly affect the surface adhesion, self-aggregation, virulence, and QS of pathogens influencing interspecific and intraspecific communication. However, there are some factors (preparation process and lack of target) which can limit the antibiofilm impact of postbiotics. Therefore, by using a delivery carrier and optimizing process parameters, the effect of interfering factors can be eliminated. This review summarizes the concept and characteristics of postbiotics from LAB, focusing on their preparation technology and antibiofilm effect, and the applications and limitations of postbiotics in food processing and clinical treatment are also discussed.
Pseudomonas aeruginosa Bloodstream Infections Presenting with Septic Shock in Neutropenic Cancer Patients: Impact of Empirical Antibiotic Therapy
Authors: Royo-Cebrecos Cristina , Laporte-Amargós Júlia , Peña Marta , Ruiz-Camps Isabel , Garcia-Vidal Carolina , Abdala Edson , Oltolini Chiara , Akova Murat , Montejo Miguel , Mikulska Malgorzata , Martín-Dávila Pilar , Herrera Fabián , Gasch Oriol , Drgona Lubos , Morales Hugo Manuel Paz , Brunel Anne-Sophie , García Estefanía , Isler Burcu , Kern Winfried V. , Palacios-Baena Zaira R. , de la Calle Guillermo Maestr , Montero Maria Milagro , Kanj Souha S. , Sipahi Oguz R. , Calik Sebnem , Márquez-Gómez Ignacio , Marin Jorge I. , Gomes Marisa Z. R. , Hemmatii Philipp , Araos Rafael , Peghin Maddalena , Del Pozo Jose L. , Yáñez Lucrecia , Tilley Robert , Manzur Adriana , Novo Andrés , Carratalà Jordi , Gudiol Carlota
Published: March 2024

This large, multicenter, retrospective cohort study including onco-hematological neutropenic patients with Pseudomonas aeruginosa bloodstream infection (PABSI) found that among 1213 episodes, 411 (33%) presented with septic shock. The presence of solid tumors (33.3% vs. 20.2%, p < 0.001), a high-risk Multinational Association for Supportive Care in Cancer (MASCC) index score (92.6% vs. 57.4%; p < 0.001), pneumonia (38% vs. 19.2% p < 0.001), and infection due to multidrug-resistant P. aeruginosa (MDRPA) (33.8% vs. 21.1%, p < 0.001) were statistically significantly higher in patients with septic shock compared to those without. Patients with septic shock were more likely to receive inadequate empirical antibiotic therapy (IEAT) (21.7% vs. 16.2%, p = 0.020) and to present poorer outcomes, including a need for ICU admission (74% vs. 10.5%; p < 0.001), mechanical ventilation (49.1% vs. 5.6%; p < 0.001), and higher 7-day and 30-day case fatality rates (58.2% vs. 12%, p < 0.001, and 74% vs. 23.1%, p < 0.001, respectively). Risk factors for 30-day case fatality rate in patients with septic shock were orotracheal intubation, IEAT, infection due to MDRPA, and persistent PABSI. Therapy with granulocyte colony-stimulating factor and BSI from the urinary tract were associated with improved survival. Carbapenems were the most frequent IEAT in patients with septic shock, and the use of empirical combination therapy showed a tendency towards improved survival. Our findings emphasize the need for tailored management strategies in this high-risk population.
The Vertical Metabolic Activity and Community Structure of Prokaryotes along Different Water Depths in the Kermadec and Diamantina Trenches
Authors: Liu Hao , Jing Hongmei
Published: March 2024

Prokaryotes play a key role in particulate organic matter’s decomposition and remineralization processes in the vertical scale of seawater, and prokaryotes contribute to more than 70% of the estimated remineralization. However, little is known about the microbial community and metabolic activity of the vertical distribution in the trenches. The composition and distribution of prokaryotes in the water columns and benthic boundary layers of the Kermadec Trench and the Diamantina Trench were investigated using high-throughput sequencing and quantitative PCR, together with the Biolog EcoplateTM microplates culture to analyze the microbial metabolic activity. Microbial communities in both trenches were dominated by Nitrososphaera and Halobacteria in archaea, and by Alphaproteobacteria and Gammaproteobacteria in bacteria, and the microbial community structure was significantly different between the water column and the benthic boundary layer. At the surface water, amino acids and polymers were used preferentially; at the benthic boundary layers, amino acids and amines were used preferentially. Cooperative relationships among different microbial groups and their carbon utilization capabilities could help to make better use of various carbon sources along the water depths, reflected by the predominantly positive relationships based on the co-occurrence network analysis. In addition, the distinct microbial metabolic activity detected at 800 m, which was the lower boundary of the twilight zone, had the lowest salinity and might have had higher proportions of refractory carbon sources than the shallower water depths and benthic boundary layers. This study reflected the initial preference of the carbon source by the natural microbes in the vertical scale of different trenches and should be complemented with stable isotopic tracing experiments in future studies to enhance the understanding of the complex carbon utilization pathways along the vertical scale by prokaryotes among different trenches.
Microbiological Diversity and Associated Enzymatic Activities in Honey and Pollen from Stingless Bees from Northern Argentina
Authors: Salomón Virginia María , Hero Johan Sebastian , Morales Andrés Hernán , Pisa José Horacio , Maldonado Luis María , Vera Nancy , Madrid Rossana Elena , Romero Cintia Mariana
Published: March 2024

Honey and pollen from Tetragonisca fiebrigi and Scaptotrigona jujuyensis, stingless bees from northern Argentina, presented a particular microbiological profile and associated enzymatic activities. The cultured bacteria were mostly Bacillus spp. (44%) and Escherichia spp. (31%). The phylogenetic analysis showed a taxonomic distribution according to the type of bee that was similar in both species. Microbial enzymatic activities were studied using hierarchical clustering. Bacillus spp. was the main bacterium responsible for enzyme production. Isolates with xylanolytic activity mostly presented cellulolytic activity and, in fewer cases, lipolytic activity. Amylolytic activity was associated with proteolytic activity. None of the isolated strains produced multiple hydrolytic enzymes in substantial amounts, and bacteria were classified according to their primary hydrolytic activity. These findings add to the limited knowledge of microbiological diversity in honey and pollen from stingless bees and also provide a physiological perspective of this community to assess its biotechnological potential in the food industry.
The Potential of Co-Evolution and Interactions of Gut Bacteria–Phages in Bamboo-Eating Pandas: Insights from Dietary Preference-Based Metagenomic Analysis
Authors: Zhang Mingyue , Zhou Yanan , Cui Xinyuan , Zhu Lifeng
Published: March 2024

Bacteria and phages are two of the most abundant biological entities in the gut microbiome, and diet and host phylogeny are two of the most critical factors influencing the gut microbiome. A stable gut bacterial community plays a pivotal role in the host’s physiological development and immune health. A phage is a virus that directly infects bacteria, and phages’ close associations and interactions with bacteria are essential for maintaining the stability of the gut bacterial community and the entire microbial ecosystem. Here, we utilized 99 published metagenomic datasets from 38 mammalian species to investigate the relationship (diversity and composition) and potential interactions between gut bacterial and phage communities and the impact of diet and phylogeny on these communities. Our results highlight the co-evolutionary potential of bacterial–phage interactions within the mammalian gut. We observed a higher alpha diversity in gut bacteria than in phages and identified positive correlations between bacterial and phage compositions. Furthermore, our study revealed the significant influence of diet and phylogeny on mammalian gut bacterial and phage communities. We discovered that the impact of dietary factors on these communities was more pronounced than that of phylogenetic factors at the order level. In contrast, phylogenetic characteristics had a more substantial influence at the family level. The similar omnivorous dietary preference and closer phylogenetic relationship (family Ursidae) may contribute to the similarity of gut bacterial and phage communities between captive giant panda populations (GPCD and GPYA) and omnivorous animals (OC; including Sun bear, brown bear, and Asian black bear). This study employed co-occurrence microbial network analysis to reveal the potential interaction patterns between bacteria and phages. Compared to other mammalian groups (carnivores, herbivores, and omnivores), the gut bacterial and phage communities of bamboo-eating species (giant pandas and red pandas) exhibited a higher level of interaction. Additionally, keystone species and modular analysis showed the potential role of phages in driving and maintaining the interaction patterns between bacteria and phages in captive giant pandas. In sum, gaining a comprehensive understanding of the interaction between the gut microbiota and phages in mammals is of great significance, which is of great value in promoting healthy and sustainable mammals and may provide valuable insights into the conservation of wildlife populations, especially endangered animal species.
Evaluation of Cellular Responses by Chlamydomonas reinhardtii in Media Containing Dairy-Processing Residues Derived from Cheese as Nutrients by Analyzing Cell Growth Activity and Comprehensive Gene Transcription Levels
Authors: Nakanishi Akihito , Yomogita Misaki , Horimoto Tomohito
Published: March 2024

Utilities of whey powder (WP) and whey protein concentrate 34% powder (WPC34) prepared as dairy-processing residues were evaluated using a green alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii. Analysis of C. reinhardtii growth showed that the strain used WP and WPC34 as nitrogen sources. Its specific growth rate and maximum cell density in WP-containing medium were higher than those in WPC34-containing medium; growth with WPC34 was improved by adding KCl or K2HPO4, which content was decreased as a result of WPC34’s preparation from WP. Although the lipid contents in media containing dairy-processing residues were 2.72 ± 0.31 wt% and 2.62 ± 0.20 wt% with no significant difference, the composition ratio of fatty acid C14 with WPC34 was higher than that with WP and the composition ratio of the sum of fatty acid-C16 and -C18 with WPC34 tended to be lower than that with WP. Additionally, analyses of gene transcription showed that the transcription level of acetyl-CoA carboxylase biotin carboxyl carrier protein in WPC34-containing medium was lower than that in WP-containing medium, possibly affecting the ratios of the chain lengths of fatty acids. The transcription of genes involved in glycolysis and the TCA cycle was outstandingly lower in algae grown in WPC34-containing medium when compared to those cultivated in the presence of WP, resulting in differences in energy production for cell proliferation.
Mineralogical Characteristics and Genesis of Trapiche-like Sapphire in Changle, Eastern North China Craton
Authors: Sun Yumeng , Zhang Liang , Yang Liqiang , Li Dapeng , Zhang Yan , Li Zengsheng , Chen Guodong , Sun Xiujin , Wang Haoshuai , Wang Yiqi
Published: March 2024

“Trapiche-like” texture is distinct from “trapiche” texture as typically observed in emeralds, amethysts, and aquamarines. It is also occasionally encountered in sapphires from Changle, eastern North China Craton. The advent of the trapiche-like texture has enhanced the ornamental value of sapphire, although its origin is still unclear. In this study, techniques, such as Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, ultraviolet–visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, electron probe microanalysis (EPMA), and laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS), have been applied to test the spectroscopic data of the cores, arms, and blue sectors of trapiche-like sapphires from Changle and explore the mineralogical characteristics of different domains. The main component of the core, arms, and blue sectors of trapiche-like sapphire is corundum (Al2O3), with trace elements including Fe, Ti, Mg, Cr, V, Ga, etc. From arms to cores to sectors, trace elements show a trend of increasing and then decreasing. Nb and Ta elements are more enriched in the arms than in the sectors, indicating the existence of rutile. With changes in physicochemical conditions during magma evolution, rutile melted, and related voids were filled with glassy inclusions, which formed the arms of trapiche-like sapphires. Field observations of primary deposits, as well as petrological and geochemical analyses, reveal that the trapiche-like sapphire of Changle belongs to magmatic sapphire.
Fracture Density Prediction of Basement Metamorphic Rocks Using Gene Expression Programming
Authors: Hasan Muhammad Luqman , Tóth Tivadar M.
Published: March 2024

Many methods have been developed to detect and predict the fracture properties of fractured rocks. The standard data sources for fracture evaluations are image logs and core samples. However, many wells do not have these data, especially for old wells. Furthermore, operating both methods can be costly, and, sometimes, the data gathered are of bad quality. Therefore, previous research attempted to evaluate fractures indirectly using the widely available conventional well-logs. Sedimentary rocks are widespread and have been studied in the literature. However, fractured reservoirs, like igneous and metamorphic rock bodies, may also be vital since they provide fluid migration pathways and can store some hydrocarbons. Hence, two fractured metamorphic rock bodies are studied in this study to evaluate any difference in fracture responses on well-log properties. Also, a quick and reliable prediction method is studied to predict fracture density (FD) in the case of the unavailability of image logs and core samples. Gene expression programming (GEP) was chosen for this study to predict FD, and ten conventional well-log data were used as input variables. The model produced by GEP was good, with R2 values at least above 0.84 for all studied wells, and the model was then applied to wells without image logs. Both selected metamorphic rocks showed similar results in which the significant parameters to predict FD were the spectral gamma ray, resistivity, and porosity logs. This study also proposed a validation method to ensure that the FD value predictions were consistent using discriminant function analysis. In conclusion, the GEP method is reliable and could be used for FD predictions for basement metamorphic rocks.
Stabilization of Mn4+ in Synthetic Slags and Identification of Important Slag Forming Phases
Authors: Schnickmann Alena , De Abreu Danilo Alencar , Fabrichnaya Olga , Schirmer Thomas
Published: March 2024

The expected shortage of Li due to the strong increase in electromobility is an important issue for the recovery of Li from spent Li-ion batteries. One approach is pyrometallurgical processing, during which ignoble elements such as Li, Al and Mn enter the slag system. The engineered artificial mineral (EnAM) strategy aims to efficiently recover critical elements. This study focuses on stabilizing Li-manganates in a synthetic slag and investigates the relationship between Mn4+ and Mg and Al in relation to phase formation. Therefore, three synthetic slags (Li, Mg, Al, Si, Ca, Mn, O) were synthesized. In addition to LiMn3+O2, Li2Mn4+O3 was also stabilized. Both phases crystallized in a Ca-silicate-rich matrix. In the structures of Li2MnO3 and LiMnO2, Li and Mn can substitute each other in certain proportions. As long as a mix of Mn2+ and Mn3+ is present in the slag, spinels form through the addition of Mg and/or Al.
Geochemical and Mineralogical Characteristics of Triassic Dolomites from Upper Silesia, Poland
Authors: Stanienda-Pilecki Katarzyna J. , Jendruś Rafał
Published: March 2024

A detailed description of carbonate minerals of Triassic dolomites with different magnesium contents is presented in this article. Tests were carried out to determine geochemical and mineralogical characteristics. The following carbonate phases were identified: low-Mg calcite, high-Mg calcite, proto-dolomite, ordered dolomite, and huntite. The methods used were microscopic description, X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray fluorescence (XRF), and electron probe microanalysis (EMPA). Samples were collected from the Tarnowice Formation, which is the lower part of the profile of Upper Muschelkalk. On the basis of the obtained results, the chemical formulae of carbonate phases were calculated. The results indicate that Mg in low-Mg calcite ranges from 0.6 to 1.2% and in high-Mg calcite from 7.47 to 10.41%. In protodolomite, it ranges from 10.96 to 11.78%. In ordered dolomite, the Mg content is 13.18% on a stoichiometric basis. Due to the reduced Mg content in the identified huntite (in the range of 13.62% to 17.76), this carbonate phase is considered de-huntite.
Understanding Antidiabetic Potential of Oligosaccharides from Red Alga Dulse Devaleraea inkyuleei Xylan by Investigating α-Amylase and α-Glucosidase Inhibition
Authors: Mune Mune Martin Alain , Hatanaka Tadashi , Kishimura Hideki , Kumagai Yuya
Published: March 2024

In this study, the α-glucosidase (maltase-glucoamylase: MGAM) and α-amylase inhibitory properties elicited by xylooligosaccharides (XOSs) prepared from dulse xylan were analysed as a potential mechanism to control postprandial hyperglycaemia for type-2 diabetes prevention and treatment. Xylan was purified from red alga dulse powder and used for enzymatic hydrolysis using Sucrase X to produce XOSs. Fractionation of XOSs produced xylobiose (X2), β-(1→3)-xylosyl xylobiose (DX3), xylotriose (X3), β-(1→3)-xylosyl-xylotriose (DX4), and a dulse XOS mixture with n ≥ 4 xylose units (DXM). The different fractions exhibited moderate MGAM (IC50 = 11.41–23.44 mg/mL) and α-amylase (IC50 = 18.07–53.04 mg/mL) inhibitory activity, which was lower than that of acarbose. Kinetics studies revealed that XOSs bound to the active site of carbohydrate digestive enzymes, limiting access to the substrate by competitive inhibition. A molecular docking analysis of XOSs with MGAM and α-amylase clearly showed moderate strength of interactions, both hydrogen bonds and non-bonded contacts, at the active site of the enzymes. Overall, XOSs from dulse could prevent postprandial hyperglycaemia as functional food by a usual and continuous consumption.
[18F]-Radiolabelled Nanoplatforms: A Critical Review of Their Intrinsic Characteristics, Radiolabelling Methods, and Purification Techniques
Authors: Deleuziere Maëlle , Benoist Éric , Quelven Isabelle , Gras Emmanuel , Amiens Catherine
Published: March 2024

A wide range of nano-objects is found in many applications of our everyday life. Recognition of their peculiar properties and ease of functionalization has prompted their engineering into multifunctional platforms that are supposed to afford efficient tools for the development of biomedical applications. However, bridging the gap between bench to bedside cannot be expected without a good knowledge of their behaviour in vivo, which can be obtained through non-invasive imaging techniques, such as positron emission tomography (PET). Their radiolabelling with [18F]-fluorine, a technique already well established and widely used routinely for PET imaging, with [18F]-FDG for example, and in preclinical investigation using [18F]-radiolabelled biological macromolecules, has, therefore, been developed. In this context, this review highlights the various nano-objects studied so far, the reasons behind their radiolabelling, and main in vitro and/or in vivo results obtained thereof. Then, the methods developed to introduce the radioelement are presented. Detailed indications on the chemical steps involved are provided, and the stability of the radiolabelling is discussed. Emphasis is then made on the techniques used to purify and analyse the radiolabelled nano-objects, a point that is rarely discussed despite its technical relevance and importance for accurate imaging. The pros and cons of the different methods developed are finally discussed from which future work can develop.
Characterization of Flavor Profile of Sauced Pork from Different Regions of China Based on E-Nose, E-Tongue and Gas Chromatography–Ion Mobility Spectroscopy
Authors: Yuan Haibin , Wu Huachang , Qiao Mingfeng , Tang Wanting , Dong Ping , Deng Jing
Published: March 2024

This study aimed to investigate the volatile flavor compounds and tastes of six kinds of sauced pork from the southwest and eastern coastal areas of China using gas chromatography–ion mobility spectroscopy (GC-IMS) combined with an electronic nose (E-nose) and electronic tongue (E-tongue). The results showed that the combined use of the E-nose and E-tongue could effectively identify different kinds of sauced pork. A total of 52 volatile flavor compounds were identified, with aldehydes being the main flavor compounds in sauced pork. The relative odor activity value (ROAV) showed that seven key volatile compounds, including 2-methylbutanal, 2-ethyl-3, 5-dimethylpyrazine, 3-octanone, ethyl 3-methylbutanoate, dimethyl disulfide, 2,3-butanedione, and heptane, contributed the most to the flavor of sauced pork (ROAV ≥1). Multivariate data analysis showed that 13 volatile compounds with the variable importance in projection (VIP) values > 1 could be used as flavor markers to distinguish six kinds of sauced pork. Pearson correlation analysis revealed a significant link between the E-nose sensor and alcohols, aldehydes, terpenes, esters, and hetero-cycle compounds. The results of the current study provide insights into the volatile flavor compounds and tastes of sauced pork. Additionally, intelligent sensory technologies can be a promising tool for discriminating different types of sauced pork.
Calculation of DC Stark Resonances for the Ammonia Molecule
Authors: Pirkola Patrik , Horbatsch Marko
Published: March 2024

A model potential previously developed for the ammonia molecule is treated in a single-center partial-wave approximation in analogy with a self-consistent field method developed by Moccia. The latter was used in a number of collision studies. The model potential is used to calculate DC Stark resonance parameters, i.e., resonance positions and shifts using the exterior complex scaling method for the radial coordinate. Three molecular valence orbitals are investigated for fields along the three Cartesian coordinates, i.e., along the molecular axis and in two perpendicular directions. The work extends previous work on the planar-geometry water molecule for which non-monotonic shifts were observed. We find such non-monotonic shifts for fields along the molecular axis. For perpendicular fields, we report the splitting of the 1e orbitals into a fast- and a slow-ionizing orbital.
Analgesic Peptides: From Natural Diversity to Rational Design
Authors: Gach-Janczak Katarzyna , Biernat Monika , Kuczer Mariola , Adamska-Bartłomiejczyk Anna , Kluczyk Alicja
Published: March 2024

Pain affects one-third of the global population and is a significant public health issue. The use of opioid drugs, which are the strongest painkillers, is associated with several side effects, such as tolerance, addiction, overdose, and even death. An increasing demand for novel, safer analgesic agents is a driving force for exploring natural sources of bioactive peptides with antinociceptive activity. Since the G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) play a crucial role in pain modulation, the discovery of new peptide ligands for GPCRs is a significant challenge for novel drug development. The aim of this review is to present peptides of human and animal origin with antinociceptive potential and to show the possibilities of their modification, as well as the design of novel structures. The study presents the current knowledge on structure-activity relationship in the design of peptide-based biomimetic compounds, the modification strategies directed at increasing the antinociceptive activity, and improvement of metabolic stability and pharmacodynamic profile. The procedures employed in prolonged drug delivery of emerging compounds are also discussed. The work summarizes the conditions leading to the development of potential morphine replacements.
Aerobic Oxidative Desulfurization by Supported Polyoxometalate Ionic Liquid Hybrid Materials via Facile Ball Milling
Authors: Wang Qian , Huang Tianqi , Tong Shuang , Wang Chao , Li Hongping , Zhang Ming
Published: March 2024

With the increasingly strict limitations on emission standards of vehicles, deep desulfurization in fuel is indispensable for social development worldwide. In this study, a series of hybrid materials based on SiO2-supported polyoxometalate ionic liquid were successfully prepared via a facile ball milling method and employed as catalysts in the aerobic oxidative desulfurization process. The composition and structure of prepared samples were studied by various techniques, including FT-IR, UV-vis DRS, wide-angle XRD, BET, XPS, and SEM images. The experimental results indicated that the synthesized polyoxometalate ionic liquids were successfully loaded on SiO2 with a highly uniform dispersion. The prepared catalyst (C16PMoV/10SiO2) exhibited good desulfurization activity on different sulfur compounds. Moreover, the oxidation product and active species in the ODS process were respectively investigated via GC-MS and ESR analysis, indicating that the catalyst can activate oxygen to superoxide radicals during the reaction to convert DBT to its corresponding sulfone in the fuel.
A Mini Review on Borate Photocatalysts for Water Decomposition: Synthesis, Structure, and Further Challenges
Authors: Sun Xiaorui , Yang Jia
Published: March 2024

The development of novel photocatalysts, both visible and UV-responsive, for water decomposition reactions is of great importance. Here we focused on the application of the borates as photocatalysts in water decomposition reactions, including water splitting reaction, hydrogen evolution half-reaction, and oxygen evolution half-reaction. In addition, the rates of photocatalytic hydrogen evolution and oxygen evolution by these borate photocatalysts in different water decomposition reactions were summarized. Further, the review summarized the synthetic chemistry and structural features of existing borate photocatalysts for water decomposition reactions. Synthetic chemistry mainly includes high-temperature solid-state method, sol-gel method, precipitation method, hydrothermal method, boric acid flux method, and high-pressure method. Next, we summarized the crystal structures of the borate photocatalysts, with a particular focus on the form of the B-O unit and metal-oxygen polyhedral in the borates, and used this to classify borate photocatalysts, which are rarely mentioned in the current photocatalysis literature. Finally, we analyzed the relationship between the structural features of the borate photocatalysts and photocatalytic performance to discuss the further challenges faced by the borate photocatalysts for water decomposition reactions.
The Development of Innovated Complex Process for Treatment of Old Flotation Tailings of Copper-Zinc Sulfide Ore
Authors: Valiyev Khussain , Bugubaeva Aliya , Nechaeva Aleksandra , Artykova Alena , Melamud Vitaliy , Stom Devard , Boduen Anna , Bulaev Aleksandr
Published: March 2024

The possibility of selective Cu and Zn leaching from the sample of old pyrite tailings, which is one of the most widespread types of solid waste forming during non-ferrous metal production, using sulfuric acid solutions and water was studied. It was shown that water leaching provided selective extraction of Cu and Zn and comparatively low iron ion extraction. At the same time, acid leaching provided the obtainment of pregnant solutions with high ferric ion concentration, which can be used for oxidative leaching of substandard copper concentrates. Water and acid leaching also provided increased Au recovery by cyanidation. The results suggest that acid leaching can be an effective approach for processing old flotation tailings, which allows the extraction of base metals from these wastes and treating flotation tailings for subsequent cyanidation. Effective flotation treatment methods should also provide environmental load reduction, which is caused by the long-term storage of metal-bearing wastes.
Predicting Organometallic Intermediates in the Surface-Assisted Ullmann Coupling of Chrysene Isomers
Authors: Lisiecki Jakub , Szabelski Paweł
Published: March 2024

On-surface polymerization of functional organic molecules has been recently recognized as a promising route to persistent low-dimensional structures with tailorable properties. In this contribution, using the coarse-grained Monte Carlo simulation method, we study the initial stage of the Ullmann coupling of doubly halogenated chrysene isomers adsorbed on a catalytically active (111) crystalline surface. To that end, we focus on the formation of labile metal-organic precursor structures preceding the covalent bonding of chrysene monomers. Four monomeric chrysene units with differently distributed halogen substituents were probed in the simulations, and the resulting precursor structures were compared and quantified. Moreover, the effect of (pro)chirality of chrysene tectons on the structure formation was elucidated by running separate simulations in enantiopure and racemic systems. The calculations showed that suitable manipulation of the halogen substitution pattern allows for the creation of diverse precursor architectures, ranging from straight and winded chains to cyclic oligomers with enantiopure, racemic, and nonracemic composition. The obtained findings can be helpful in developing synthetic strategies for covalent polymers with predefined architecture and functionality.
Biological Valorization of Lignin-Derived Aromatics in Hydrolysate to Protocatechuic Acid by Engineered Pseudomonas putida KT2440
Authors: Jin Xinzhu , Li Xiaoxia , Zou Lihua , Zheng Zhaojuan , Ouyang Jia
Published: March 2024

Alongside fermentable sugars, weak acids, and furan derivatives, lignocellulosic hydrolysates contain non-negligible amounts of lignin-derived aromatic compounds. The biological funnel of lignin offers a new strategy for the “natural” production of protocatechuic acid (PCA). Herein, Pseudomonas putida KT2440 was engineered to produce PCA from lignin-derived monomers in hydrolysates by knocking out protocatechuate 3,4-dioxygenase and overexpressing vanillate-O-demethylase endogenously, while acetic acid was used for cell growth. The sugar catabolism was further blocked to prevent the loss of fermentable sugar. Using the engineered strain, a total of 253.88 mg/L of PCA was obtained with a yield of 70.85% from corncob hydrolysate 1. The highest titer of 433.72 mg/L of PCA was achieved using corncob hydrolysate 2 without any additional nutrients. This study highlights the potential ability of engineered strains to address the challenges of PCA production from lignocellulosic hydrolysate, providing novel insights into the utilization of hydrolysates.
1,2,3-Triazole Hybrids Containing Isatins and Phenolic Moieties: Regioselective Synthesis and Molecular Docking Studies
Authors: Maiuolo Loredana , Tallarida Matteo Antonio , Meduri Angelo , Fiorani Giulia , Jiritano Antonio , De Nino Antonio , Algieri Vincenzo , Costanzo Paola
Published: March 2024

The synthesis of hybrid molecules is one of the current strategies of drug discovery for the development of new lead compounds. The 1,2,3-triazole moiety represents an important building block in Medicinal Chemistry, extensively present in recent years. In this paper, we presented the design and the synthesis of new 1,2,3-triazole hybrids, containing both an isatine and a phenolic core. Firstly, the non-commercial azide and the alkyne synthons were prepared by different isatines and phenolic acids, respectively. Then, the highly regioselective synthesis of 1,4-disubstituted triazoles was obtained in excellent yields by a click chemistry approach, catalyzed by Cu(I). Finally, a molecular docking study was performed on the hybrid library, finding four different therapeutic targets. Among them, the most promising results were obtained on 5-lipoxygenase, an enzyme involved in the inflammatory processes.
Identification Markers Responsible for Differentially Processed Polygonatum cyrtonema Hua by Ultra-Performance Liquid Chromatography with Quadruple-Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Nie Ruihua , Wu Cuihong , Zhang Xuan , Deng Pei
Published: March 2024

The rhizome of Polygonatum cyrtonema Hua has been used as a traditional Chinese medicine for over 2000 years. The fresh Chinese herb possesses micro toxicity and is thus traditionally alternately steamed and basked nine times to alleviate the toxicity and enhance the pharmaceutical efficacy. Different processing cycles usually result in variable therapeutic effects in the processed Polygonatum cyrtonema Hua (P-PCH). However, it can be hard to tell these various P-PCHs apart at present. To identify the P-PCHs that had undergone repeated steaming one to nine times, the chemical constituents were profiled based on Ultra-Performance Liquid Chromatography with Quadruple-Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry, and the Principal Component Analysis and Cluster Analysis methods were adopted to discriminate different cycles of P-PCH. A total of 44 characteristic markers were identified, which allowed the P-PCHs to be discriminated exactly.
Behaviors and Mechanisms of Adsorption of MB and Cr(VI) by Geopolymer Microspheres under Single and Binary Systems
Authors: Fang Yi , Yang Lang , Rao Feng , Zhang Kaiming , Qin Zhuolin , Song Zhenguo , Na Zhihui
Published: March 2024

Geopolymers show great potential in complex wastewater treatment to improve water quality. In this work, general geopolymers, porous geopolymers and geopolymer microspheres were prepared by the suspension curing method using three solid waste products, coal gangue, fly ash and blast furnace slag. The microstructure, morphology and surface functional groups of the geopolymers were studied by SEM, XRD, XRF, MIP, FTIR and XPS. It was found that the geopolymers possess good adsorption capacities for both organic and inorganic pollutants. With methylene blue and potassium dichromate as the representative pollutants, in order to obtain the best removal rate, the effects of the adsorbent type, dosage of adsorbent, concentration of methylene blue and potassium dichromate and pH on the adsorption process were studied in detail. The results showed that the adsorption efficiency of the geopolymers for methylene blue and potassium dichromate was in the order of general geopolymers < porous geopolymers < geopolymer microspheres, and the removal rates were up to 94.56% and 79.46%, respectively. Additionally, the competitive adsorption of methylene blue and potassium dichromate in a binary system was also studied. The mechanism study showed that the adsorption of methylene blue was mainly through pore diffusion, hydrogen bond formation and electrostatic adsorption, and the adsorption of potassium dichromate was mainly through pore diffusion and redox reaction. These findings demonstrate the potential of geopolymer microspheres in adsorbing organic and inorganic pollutants, and, through five cycles of experiments, it is demonstrated that MGP exhibits excellent recyclability.
Medium-Sized Ring Expansion Strategies: Enhancing Small-Molecule Library Development
Authors: Lee Hwiyeong , Kim Jonghoon , Koh Minseob
Published: March 2024

The construction of a small molecule library that includes compounds with medium-sized rings is increasingly essential in drug discovery. These compounds are essential for identifying novel therapeutic agents capable of targeting “undruggable” targets through high-throughput and high-content screening, given their structural complexity and diversity. However, synthesizing medium-sized rings presents notable challenges, particularly with direct cyclization methods, due to issues such as transannular strain and reduced degrees of freedom. This review presents an overview of current strategies in synthesizing medium-sized rings, emphasizing innovative approaches like ring-expansion reactions. It highlights the challenges of synthesis and the potential of these compounds to diversify the chemical space for drug discovery, underscoring the importance of medium-sized rings in developing new bioactive compounds.
Redox-Responsive Gold Nanoparticles Coated with Hyaluronic Acid and Folic Acid for Application in Targeting Anticancer Therapy
Authors: Munderere Raissa , Gulfam Muhammad , Ali Israr , Kim Seon-Hwa , Vu Trung Thang , Park Sang-Hyug , Lim Kwon Taek
Published: March 2024

Methotrexate (MTX) has poor water solubility and low bioavailability, and cancer cells can become resistant to it, which limits its safe delivery to tumor sites and reduces its clinical efficacy. Herein, we developed novel redox-responsive hybrid nanoparticles (NPs) from hyaluronic acid (HA) and 3-mercaptopropionic acid (MPA)-coated gold NPs (gold@MPA NPs), which were further conjugated with folic acid (FA). The design of FA-HA-ss-gold NPs aimed at enhancing cellular uptake specifically in cancer cells using an active FA/HA dual targeting strategy for enhanced tumor eradication. MTX was successfully encapsulated into FA-HA-ss-gold NPs, with drug encapsulation efficiency (EE) as high as >98.7%. The physicochemical properties of the NPs were investigated in terms of size, surface charges, wavelength reflectance, and chemical bonds. MTX was released in a sustained manner in glutathione (GSH). The cellular uptake experiments showed effective uptake of FA-HA-ss-gold over HA-ss-gold NPs in the deep tumor. Moreover, the release studies provided strong evidence that FA-HA-ss-gold NPs serve as GSH-responsive carriers. In vitro, anti-tumor activity tests showed that FA-HA-ss-gold/MTX NPs exhibited significantly higher cytotoxic activity against both human cervical cancer (HeLa) cells and breast cancer (BT-20) cells compared to gold only and HA-ss-gold/MTX NPs while being safe for human embryonic kidney (HEK-293) cells. Therefore, this present study suggests that FA-HA-ss-gold NPs are promising active targeting hybrid nanocarriers that are stable, controllable, biocompatible, biodegradable, and with enhanced cancer cell targetability for the safe delivery of hydrophobic anticancer drugs.
Evaluation of Antioxidant Activity and Treatment of Eczema by Berberine Hydrochloride-Loaded Liposomes-in-Gel
Authors: Shen Si , Qu Xiaobo , Liu Yinyin , Wang Mengmeng , Zhou Haifeng , Xia Hongmei
Published: March 2024

In this paper, berberine hydrochloride-loaded liposomes-in-gel were designed and developed to investigate their antioxidant properties and therapeutic effects on the eczema model of the mouse. Berberine hydrochloride-liposomes (BBH-L) as the nanoparticles were prepared by the thin-film hydration method and then dispersed BBH-L evenly in the gel matrix to prepare the berberine hydrochloride liposomes-gel (BBH-L-Gel) by the natural swelling method. Their antioxidant capacity was investigated by the free radical scavenging ability on 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and H2O2 and the inhibition of lipid peroxides malondialdehyde (MDA). An eczema model was established, and the efficacy of the eczema treatment was preliminarily evaluated using ear swelling, the spleen index, and pathological sections as indicators. The results indicate that the entrapment efficiency of BBH-L prepared by the thin-film hydration method was 78.56% ± 0.7%, with a particle size of 155.4 ± 9.3 nm. For BBH-L-Gel, the viscosity and pH were 18.16 ± 6.34 m Pas and 7.32 ± 0.08, respectively. The cumulative release in the unit area of the in vitro transdermal study was 85.01 ± 4.53 μg/cm2. BBH-L-Gel had a good scavenging capacity on DPPH and H2O2, and it could effectively inhibit the production of hepatic lipid peroxides MDA in the concentration range of 0.4–2.0 mg/mL. The topical application of BBH-L-Gel could effectively alleviate eczema symptoms and reduce oxidative stress injury in mice. This study demonstrates that BBH-L-Gel has good skin permeability, excellent sustained release, and antioxidant capabilities. They can effectively alleviate the itching, inflammation, and allergic symptoms caused by eczema, providing a new strategy for clinical applications in eczema treatment.
Hemp Seed Oil Inhibits the Adipogenicity of the Differentiation-Induced Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells through Suppressing the Cannabinoid Type 1 (CB1)
Authors: Almousa Albatul S. , Subash-Babu Pandurangan , Alanazi Ibrahim O. , Alshatwi Ali A. , Alkhalaf Huda , Bahattab Eman , Alsiyah Atheer , Alzahrani Mohammad
Published: March 2024

Central and peripheral mechanisms of the endocannabinoid system (ECS) favor energy intake and storage. The ECS, especially cannabidiol (CBD) receptors, controls adipocyte differentiation (hyperplasia) and lipid accumulation (hypertrophy) in adipose tissue. In white adipose tissue, cannabidiol receptor 1 (CB1) stimulation increases lipogenesis and inhibits lipolysis; in brown adipose tissue, it decreases mitochondrial thermogenesis and biogenesis. This study compared the availability of phytocannabinoids [CBD and Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)] and polyunsaturated fatty acids [omega 3 (ω3) and omega 6 (ω6)] in different hemp seed oils (HSO). The study also examined the effect of HSO on adipocyte lipid accumulation by suppressing cannabinoid receptors in adipogenesis-stimulated human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs). Most importantly, Oil-Red-O′ and Nile red tests showed that HSO induced adipogenic hMSC differentiation without differentiation agents. Additionally, HSO-treated cells showed increased peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) mRNA expression compared to controls (hMSC). HSO reduced PPARγ mRNA expression after differentiation media (DM) treatment. After treatment with HSO, DM-hMSCs had significantly lower CB1 mRNA and protein expressions than normal hMSCs. HSO treatment also decreased transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1), fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH), and monoacylglycerol lipase (MGL) mRNAs in hMSC and DM-hMSCs. HSO treatment significantly decreased CB1, CB2, TRPV1, and G-protein-coupled receptor 55 (GPCR55) protein levels in DM-hMSC compared to hMSC in western blot analysis. In this study, HSO initiated adipogenic differentiation in hMSC without DM, but it suppressed CB1 gene and protein expression, potentially decreasing adipocyte lipid accumulation and lipogenic enzymes.
Flavonoids with Anti-Angiogenesis Function in Cancer
Authors: Wei Qiang , Zhang Yi-han
Published: March 2024

The formation of new blood vessels, known as angiogenesis, significantly impacts the development of multiple types of cancer. Consequently, researchers have focused on targeting this process to prevent and treat numerous disorders. However, most existing anti-angiogenic treatments rely on synthetic compounds and humanized monoclonal antibodies, often expensive or toxic, restricting patient access to these therapies. Hence, the pursuit of discovering new, affordable, less toxic, and efficient anti-angiogenic compounds is imperative. Numerous studies propose that natural plant-derived products exhibit these sought-after characteristics. The objective of this review is to delve into the anti-angiogenic properties exhibited by naturally derived flavonoids from plants, along with their underlying molecular mechanisms of action. Additionally, we summarize the structure, classification, and the relationship between flavonoids with their signaling pathways in plants as anti-angiogenic agents, including main HIF-1α/VEGF/VEGFR2/PI3K/AKT, Wnt/β-catenin, JNK1/STAT3, and MAPK/AP-1 pathways. Nonetheless, further research and innovative approaches are required to enhance their bioavailability for clinical application.