bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Persistent Olfactory and Taste Dysfunction after COVID-19
Authors: Buksinska Malgorzata , Skarzynski Piotr Henryk , Raj-Koziak Danuta , Gos Elzbieta , Talarek Malgorzata
Published: February 2024

(1) Background: One of the possible symptoms of COVID-19 is a sudden loss of smell and taste. The main aim of the study was to evaluate the severity of post-COVID-19 olfactory dysfunction (OD). A secondary aim was to assess the relationship between OD and gustatory (taste) dysfunction (GD). Margins: 2.5 cm (1 inch) at top, bottom, right, and left. (2) Methods: The study group consisted of 81 subjects (16 men and 65 women) aged between 12 and 73 years. All of the patients presented to a center for subjective OD associated with COVID-19. They were tested with a Sniffin’ Sticks test (SST) for OD and a Taste Strip test (TS) for GD. (3) Anosmia was present in 18 participants (22%), hyposmia in 52 (64%), and normosmia in 11 (14%). Some 36% of the patients reported imaginary smells (phantosmia), but it did not correlate with olfactory sensitivity. Comparing the different parts of the SST showed that subjects scored lowest on the threshold part of the test. The results of the discrimination and identification parts of the test were better, implying that if the stimulus is intense enough, incorrect discrimination and identification of odors is less frequent. A sweet taste was the easiest to recognize (78% could do so), while the most difficult to recognize was salty (68%). There were weak and statistically non-significant correlations between olfactory and taste dysfunction. (4) Conclusions: The results suggest that post-COVID-19 olfactory dysfunction was more peripheral than central. Testing patients for the severity of post-COVID-19 OD may help clinicians treat the condition. Because there is no fully effective treatment, research on post-COVID-19 OD is needed.
Effects Induced by the Temperature and Chemical Environment on the Fluorescence of Water-Soluble Gold Nanoparticles Functionalized with a Perylene-Derivative Dye
Authors: Lindstaedt Agnieszka , Doroszuk Justyna , Machnikowska Aneta , Dziadosz Alicja , Barski Piotr , Raffa Vittoria , Witt Dariusz
Published: February 2024

We developed a fluorescent molecular probe based on gold nanoparticles functionalized with N,N′-bis(2-(1-piperazino)ethyl)-3,4,9,10-perylenetetracarboxylic acid diimide dihydrochloride, and these probes exhibit potential for applications in microscopic thermometry. The intensity of fluorescence was affected by changes in temperature. Chemical environments, such as different buffers with the same pH, also resulted in different fluorescence intensities. Due to the fluorescence intensity changes exhibited by modified gold nanoparticles, these materials are promising candidates for future technologies involving microscopic temperature measurements.
Load Capacity of Screw Anchor Installed in Concrete Substrate Reinforced with Steel Fibers Depending on Fiber Content
Authors: Konieczny Kazimierz , Dudek Daniel , Kukiełka Alfred
Published: February 2024

Pull-out strength tests conducted on screw anchors in uncracked concrete substrates of the C25/30 class are presented in this article. The destructive force for anchor–concrete fasting was tested, and in the next step, the average pull-out strengths of screw anchors in concrete substrates with and without the addition of steel fiber were determined. Currently, the pull-out strengths of anchors in fiber-reinforced concrete substrates are defined as for unreinforced concrete substrates. Therefore, pull-out tests were performed for screw anchors in fiber-reinforced concrete substrates. Fiber contents of 10, 20, 30, and 50 kg/m3 were used. An increase in the load capacity of screw anchors in a fiber-reinforced concrete substrate was demonstrated in a pull-out test compared to base samples without fibers. The coefficient related to the actual fastening behavior of a screw anchor in the fiber-reinforced concrete substrate was determined. It was assumed that a coefficient of 13.10 should be adopted. This was the lowest value obtained for the load capacity in this study for screw anchors in a fiber-reinforced concrete substrate.
Effect of Steel Fibers on Tensile Properties of Ultra-High-Performance Concrete: A Review
Authors: Du Wanghui , Yu Feng , Qiu Liangsheng , Guo Yixuan , Wang Jialiang , Han Baoguo
Published: February 2024

Ultra-high-performance concrete (UHPC) is an advanced cement-based material with excellent mechanical properties and durability. However, with the improvement of UHPC’s compressive properties, its insufficient tensile properties have gradually attracted attention. This paper reviews the tensile properties of steel fibers in UHPC. The purpose is to summarize the existing research and to provide guidance for future research. The relevant papers were retrieved through three commonly used experimental methods for UHPC tensile properties (the direct tensile test, flexural test, and splitting test), and classified according to the content, length, type, and combination of the steel fibers. The results show that the direct tensile test can better reflect the true tensile strength of UHPC materials. The tensile properties of UHPC are not only related to the content, shape, length, and hybrids of the steel fibers, but also to the composition of the UHPC matrix, the orientation of the fibers, and the geometric dimensions of the specimen. The improvement of the tensile properties of the steel fiber combinations depends on the effectiveness of the synergy between the fibers. Additionally, digital image correlation (DIC) technology is mainly used for crack propagation in UHPC. The analysis of the post-crack phase of UHPC is facilitated. Theoretical models and empirical formulas for tensile properties can further deepen the understanding of UHPC tensile properties and provide suggestions for future research.
Influence of Calcareous Deposits on Hydrogen Embrittlement Susceptibility of Q460 Steel
Authors: Xiong Xilin , Yang Haichun , Chen Tongqian , Zhang Na , Niu Tong
Published: February 2024

Cathodic protection is widely used to protect structural steel from corrosion in marine environments. However, an inappropriate cathodic potential may lead to hydrogen embrittlement (HE). Therefore, this study investigates the relationship between cathodic protection potential, structure and composition of calcareous deposits, and hydrogen embrittlement susceptibility of Q460 steel. The slow strain rate test results and fracture analysis reveal that Q460 steel had the smallest HE susceptibility when covered with the calcareous deposits formed under −1.1 VSCE. The deposits have a relatively thin calcium-rich inner layer and a condensed magnesium-rich outer layer, which can significantly inhibit hydrogen entry. A sustained deposition reaction during slow strain rate testing (SSRT) in artificial seawater can also decrease the HE susceptibility of Q460 steel.
Allocating Benefits Due to Shared Resources Using Shapley Value and Nucleolus in Dynamic Network Data Envelopment Analysis
Authors: Torres Lívia , Ramos Francisco S.
Published: February 2024

Shared resources are common among supply chain partners and also occur in multiple linked stages of an internal network. The sharing of these resources impacts the organization’s profits. This study is focused on the potential benefits of resource sharing on a three-stage network system and on the profit improvement allocation. Previous treatments concentrate on defining optimal proportions to allocate resources and disregard the impacts of allocations to promote cooperation and are limited to static evaluations. Data Envelopment Analysis performs the decision-making units (DMUs) efficiency measurement. Methodological advances have resulted in models that analyze their internal structure and temporal impacts on efficiency. We propose an integrated cooperative game and dynamic network DEA that considers known quantities of resources used in each stage and the time effects to optimize the system’s profit. Each DMU stage is a player, and we investigate performance before and after resource sharing. Using Shapley value and Nucleolus, it is possible to allocate the benefits obtained based on the marginal contributions of each stage, providing incentives to motivate and maintain cooperation. A numerical example is used to illustrate the method. The results confirm the identification of inefficient DMUs and that sharing resources allows for profit increase for all of them.
Bifurcation of Limit Cycles from a Focus-Parabolic-Type Critical Point in Piecewise Smooth Cubic Systems
Authors: Luo Fei , Li Yundong , Xiang Yi
Published: February 2024

In this paper, we investigate the maximum number of small-amplitude limit cycles bifurcated from a planar piecewise smooth focus-parabolic type cubic system that has one switching line given by the x-axis. By applying the generalized polar coordinates to the parabolic subsystem and computing the Lyapunov constants, we obtain 11 weak center conditions and 9 weak focus conditions at (0,0). Under these conditions, we prove that a planar piecewise smooth cubic system with a focus-parabolic-type critical point can bifurcate at least nine limit cycles. So far, our result is a new lower bound of the cyclicity of the piecewise smooth focus-parabolic type cubic system.
Emission Reduction Decisions in Blockchain-Enabled Low-Carbon Supply Chains under Different Power Structures
Authors: Jiang Manman , Qin Liping , Zuo Wenjin , Hu Qiang
Published: February 2024

With the global climate problem becoming increasingly severe, governments have adopted policies to encourage enterprises to invest in low-carbon technologies. However, the opacity of the carbon emission reduction process leads to incomplete consumer trust in low-carbon products as well as higher supply chain transaction costs. Based on this, this paper constructs Stackelberg game models with and without blockchain under different power structures and compares the impact of these models on low-carbon emission reduction decisions. The results show that: (1) blockchain does not necessarily improve enterprise profits and can only help enterprises maintain optimal profits within a certain range when the carbon emission cost is low; (2) when consumers’ environmental awareness is high, the blockchain can incentivize manufacturers to enhance carbon emission reduction, and it has an obvious promotional effect on retailers’ profits; and (3) the profit gap between enterprises in the supply chain is larger under different power structures, and the implementation of blockchain can coordinate profit distribution and narrow the gap between enterprises. Compared with the manufacturer-dominated model, the emission reduction in products is maximized under the retailer-dominated model. Our study provides theoretical support for the government to regulate greenhouse gas emissions as well as for the optimization of enterprises’ decision-making supported by blockchain.
Blizzard: A Distributed Consensus Protocol for Mobile Devices
Authors: Kiamari Mehrdad , Krishnamachari  Bhaskar , Yun Seokgu
Published: February 2024

We present Blizzard, a Byzantine fault tolerant (BFT) distributed ledger protocol that is aimed at making mobile devices first-class citizens in the consensus process. Blizzard introduces a novel two-tier architecture by having the mobile nodes communicate through online brokers, and includes a decentralized matching scheme to ensure each node connects to a certain number of random brokers. Through mathematical analysis, we derive a guaranteed safety region (i.e., the set of ratios of malicious nodes and malicious brokers for which the safety is assured) for the Blizzard protocol. Liveness is shown as well. We analyze the performance of Blizzard in terms of its throughput, latency, and message complexity. Through experiments based on a software implementation, we show that Blizzard is capable of throughput on the order of several thousand transactions per second per shard and sub-second confirmation latency.
Evaluation of the Impact of Letrozole in Combination with the GnRH Antagonist Ovarian Stimulation Protocol in Patients Expected to Have a Poor Ovarian Response (POSEIDON Groups 3 and 4)
Authors: Varlı Bulut , Şükür Yavuz Emre , Özdemir Eda Üreyen , Özmen Batuhan , Sönmezer Murat , Berker Bülent , Atabekoğlu Cem , Aytaç Ruşen
Published: February 2024

Background and Objectives: The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of adjuvant letrozole administration during ovarian stimulation using the gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) antagonist protocol on treatment outcomes in women categorized into POSEIDON groups 3 and 4. Materials and Methods: This retrospective cohort study analyzed data from patients classified into POSEIDON groups 3 and 4 who underwent fresh embryo transfer subsequent to intracytoplasmic sperm injection following a GnRH antagonist stimulation protocol between January 2017 and December 2021. Patients were divided into two groups: the GnRH-LZ group, who received letrozole at a dosage of 5 mg/day for five consecutive days, and the GnRH-ant group, who did not receive adjuvant letrozole. The primary outcome measure of the study was a comparative analysis of live birth rates between the two groups. Results: A total of 449 patients were deemed suitable for final analysis and were allocated into two groups: 281 patients in the GnRH-ant group and 168 patients in the GnRH-LZ group. Live birth rates were found to be comparable in both groups (11% vs. 9%, p = 0.497). Letrozole administration significantly reduced the total amount of gonadotropins required (2606.2 ± 1284.5 vs. 3097.8 ± 1073.3, p < 0.001), the duration of ovarian stimulation (11.2 ± 3.9 vs. 10.2 ± 3, p = 0.005), and the serum peak estradiol concentration (901.4 ± 599.6 vs. 463.8 ± 312.3, p < 0.001). Conclusions: Adjuvant letrozole administration did not demonstrate a significant impact on live birth rates among women categorized into POSEIDON groups 3 and 4. However, this approach may offer potential cost reductions by diminishing the necessity for exogenous gonadotropins and shortening the duration of ovarian stimulation.
The Early Hematological Profile and Its Variations: A Useful Tool in the Prediction of Intraventricular Hemorrhage in Extremely Preterm Infants
Authors: Cucerea Manuela , Moscalu Mihaela , Simon Marta , Ognean Maria Livia , Mitranovici Melinda-Ildiko , Chiorean Diana Maria , Marian Raluca
Published: February 2024

Background and Objectives: The purpose of this study to investigate if the early variations in the hematological profile could be a useful tool in the prediction and evaluation of intraventricular hemorrhage. Materials and Methods: It is a retrospective study conducted between 1 January 2017 and 31 December 2022, in a tertiary academic center. In-born infants ≤ 28 weeks of gestation (n = 134) were enrolled. The study group of infants with all grades of IVH was further divided into mild IVH subgroups (grades 1 and 2) and severe IVH subgroups (grades 3 and 4); the control group included infants without IVH. Results: The prevalence of IVH was 35.8% (n = 48 of 134 infants—study group). We identified significantly lower median values of HGB (p = 0.0312) and HCT (p = 0.0172) in all grades of the IVH group at birth as compared with control, followed by a significantly higher drop in MCV (p = 0.0146) and MCH (p = 0.0002) in the fourth day of life. Conclusions: Extremely preterm infants with IVH may have lower HTC and HGB values at birth, together with a decrease in MCH and MCHC and increase in MPV. The predictive model based on logistic regression analysis could predict the probability of the occurrence of IVH according to their values.
Preoperative Albumin-to-Alkaline Phosphatase Ratio as an Independent Predictor of Lymph Node Involvement in Penile Cancer
Authors: Tufano Antonio , Napolitano Luigi , Barone Biagio , Pezone Gabriele , Alvino Pierluigi , Cilio Simone , Buonerba Carlo , Canciello Giuseppina , Passaro Francesco , Perdonà Sisto
Published: February 2024

Background and Objectives: To investigate the role of preoperative albumin-to-alkaline phosphatase ratio (AAPR) in predicting pathologic node-positive (pN+) disease in penile cancer (PC) patients undergoing inguinal lymph node dissection (ILND). Materials and Methods: Clinical data of patients with squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) PC + ILND at a single high-volume institution between 2016 and 2021 were collected and retrospectively analyzed. An AAPR was obtained from preoperative blood analyses performed within 30 days from their scheduled surgery. A ROC curve analysis was used to assess AAPR cutoff, in addition to the Youden Index. Logistic regression analysis was utilized for an odds ratio (OR), 95% confidence interval (CI) calculations, and an estimate of pN+ disease. A p value < 0.05 was considered to be as statistically significant. Results: Overall, 42 PC patients were included in the study, with a mean age of 63.6 ± 12.9 years. The AAPR cut-off point value was determined to be 0.53. The ROC curve analysis reported an AUC of 0.698. On multivariable logistic regression analysis lymphovascular invasion (OR = 5.38; 95% CI: 1.47–9.93, p = 0.022), clinical node-positive disease (OR = 13.68; 95% CI: 4.37–43.90, p < 0.009), and albumin-to-alkaline phosphatase ratio ≤ 0.53 (OR = 3.61; 95% CI: 1.23–12.71, p = 0.032) were predictors of pN+ involvement. Conclusions: Preoperative AAPR may be a potentially valuable prognostic marker of pN+ disease in patients who underwent surgery for PC.
Effect of Surface Roughness on the Corrosion of HP-13Cr Stainless Steel in the Dynamic Aggressive Oilfield Environment
Authors: Wang Jidong , Xue Hao , Zhao Yang , Zhang Tao , Wang Fuhui
Published: February 2024

The effects of surface roughness on the corrosion mechanism of HP-13Cr stainless steel in the dynamic aggressive oilfield environment were investigated through surface analysis, weight-loss measurements, and computational fluid dynamics simulations. The results showed that the surface roughness mainly changed the fluid state at the metal/solution interface. With the increase in the surface roughness, the vortex was more likely to form at the trough of the waves. The vortex could result in the deposition process and inhomogeneity in the thickness of the oxide film. The pitting corrosion occurred more easily. Furthermore, the temperature and CO2 pressure obviously facilitated the corrosion rate.
Microstructural Evolution in a 0.09% Niobium Low Carbon Steel during Controlled Hot Deformation
Authors: Martínez E. Pineda , Palmiere E. J.
Published: February 2024

A series of plane strain compression tests were carried out in order to simulate the thermomechanical controlled processing of a 0.09wt% Nb low carbon steel, in a scheme of multipass finish rolling at 950 °C with interpass times of 10 s. It was observed that after the first two finishing passes a remarkable grain refinement can be achieved, since the recrystallisation was fully suppressed and abundant ultrafine ferrite was transformed dynamically during the deformation. The addition of a third finishing pass however, led to partial recrystallisation. A deep characterisation of the dynamic ferrite was carried out by diverse methods conducting to relevant findings that contribute to a better elucidation of the dynamic transformation. The results obtained indicated that the dynamic formation of a colony of Widmanstätten ferrite plates during deformation, initiates with the formation of a pair of self-accommodating plates followed by face-to-face sympathetic nucleation of new plates at one of the faces of the pairs of plates already formed. Furthermore, the crystal orientation within the dynamic ferrite phase was analysed with EBSD, it was observed that during the coalescence of plates, prior to the full polygonisation of grains, the ferrite adopts a transitory morphology which possesses particular crystallographic characteristics.
Effects of Passivation with Cu and W on the Corrosion Properties of Super Duplex Stainless Steel PRE 42
Authors: Kim Dohyung , Kim Seongjun , Park Jinyong , Kim Doo-In , Shin Byung-Hyun , Yoon Jang-Hee
Published: February 2024

Carbon steel is subjected to several pretreatments to enable its use in highly corrosive environments, such as marine structures. However, its surface treatment is problematic owing to various processes, and these problems can be solved by replacing it with super duplex stainless steel (SDSS), which exhibits remarkable strength and corrosion resistance owing to its austenite and ferrite phases. EN 1.4410 and EN 1.4501 are the most extensively used SDSS grades in marine structures, as they exhibit exceptional strength and corrosion resistance in seawater. This study subjected EN 1.4410 and EN 1.4501 samples to specific heat treatment after casting and observed their structural alterations through field emission scanning electron microscopy. Their passivation states, with or without the Cu and W layers, were determined by examining their corrosion properties through open-circuit potential measurements, electrostatic polarisation tests, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), and critical pitting temperature (CPT) analysis. The inclusion of Cu significantly improved the uniform corrosion resistance within the passivation layers, whereas the addition of W enhanced the pitting resistance (Epit, CPT). Additionally, the EIS analysis confirmed a double-layer structure in the passivation layer of EN 1.4501. Moreover, Cu did not act as a strengthening element of the passivation layer, whereas W significantly reinforced it.
Plant-Derived Senotherapeutics for the Prevention and Treatment of Intervertebral Disc Degeneration and Aging
Authors: Mavrogonatou Eleni , Kletsas Dimitris
Published: February 2024

Chronic low back pain, a major cause of disability with a great global socioeconomic impact, has been inextricably associated with intervertebral disc degeneration. On the other hand, an enhanced number of senescent cells has been identified in aged and degenerated intervertebral discs and their senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) has been connected with qualitative/quantitative alterations in the extracellular matrix and ultimately with the disturbance of tissue homeostasis. Given that selective elimination of senescent cells (by the so-called senolytics) or amendment of their secretome towards a less catabolic/inflammatory phenotype (by molecules known as senomorphics) has been reported to alleviate symptoms of several age-associated diseases and to improve tissue quality during aging, here we will review the emerging role of senolytic and senomorphic agents derived from plants and natural products against intervertebral disc degeneration. The mode of action of these senotherapeutics, as well as the challenges in their practical application, will also be explicitly discussed in an attempt to direct their more targeted and effective use in exclusive or combinatorial therapeutic schemes for the prevention and/or treatment of disc degenerative disorders.
Review of the AlGaN/GaN High-Electron-Mobility Transistor-Based Biosensors: Structure, Mechanisms, and Applications
Authors: Li Chenbi , Chen Xinghuan , Wang Zeheng
Published: February 2024

Due to its excellent material performance, the AlGaN/GaN high-electron-mobility transistor (HEMT) provides a wide platform for biosensing. The high density and mobility of two-dimensional electron gas (2DEG) at the AlGaN/GaN interface induced by the polarization effect and the short distance between the 2DEG channel and the surface can improve the sensitivity of the biosensors. The high thermal and chemical stability can also benefit HEMT-based biosensors’ operation under, for example, high temperatures and chemically harsh environments. This makes creating biosensors with excellent sensitivity, selectivity, reliability, and repeatability achievable using commercialized semiconductor materials. To synthesize the recent developments and advantages in this research field, we review the various AlGaN/GaN HEMT-based biosensors’ structures, operations mechanisms, and applications. This review will help new researchers to learn the basic information about the topic and aid in the development of next-generation of AlGaN/GaN HEMT-based biosensors.
Lithium Extraction from Lithium-Bearing Clay Minerals by Calcination-Leaching Method
Authors: Liu Jie , Xu Rui , Sun Wei , Wang Li , Zhang Ye
Published: February 2024

Lithium is a significant energy metal. This study focuses on the extraction of lithium from lithium-bearing clay minerals utilizing calcination combined with oxalic acid leaching. The relevant important parameters, leaching kinetics analysis, and the lithium extraction mechanism were deeply investigated. The results demonstrate that a high lithium recovery of 91.35% could be achieved under the optimal conditions of calcination temperature of 600 °C, calcination time of 60 min, leaching temperature of 80 °C, leaching time of 180 min, oxalic acid concentration of 1.2 M, and liquid-to-solid ratio of 8:1. According to the shrinkage core model, the leaching kinetics of lithium using oxalic acid followed a chemical reaction-controlled process. XRD, TG, and SEM analysis showed that the kaolinite, boehmite, and diaspore phases in raw ore transformed into corundum, quartz, and muscovite phase in calcination products when the calcination temperature was higher than 600 °C. Moreover, the expansion of the interlayer spacing of minerals during the calcination process could promote the lithium release. During the leaching process, lithium present in the layered silicates was efficiently recovered through ion exchange with the dissociated H+ from oxalic acid. This study could provide a promising guide for lithium extraction from lithium-bearing clay minerals.
Peraluminous Rare Metal Granites in Iberia: Geochemical, Mineralogical, Geothermobarometric, and Petrogenetic Constraints
Authors: López-Moro Francisco Javier , Díez-Montes Alejandro , Timón-Sánchez Susana María , Llorens-González Teresa , Sánchez-García Teresa
Published: February 2024

The intensive variables, geochemical, mineralogical, and petrogenetic constraints of the Iberian peraluminous rare metal granites (RMGs), many of them unknown, are presented. The mineral chemistry of ore and gangue minerals, whole rock analyses, geothermobarometry, melt water and phosphorus contents, mass balance, and Rayleigh modeling were performed to achieve these objectives. These procedures allow us to distinguish two main contrasting granitic types: Nb-Ta-rich and Nb-Ta-poor granites. The former have lower crystallization temperatures, higher water contents, and lower emplacement pressures than Nb-Ta-poor granites. Nb-Ta-rich granites also have higher fluoride contents, strong fractionation into geochemical twins, higher Na contents, and different evolutionary trends. At the deposit scale, the fractional crystallization of micas properly explains the variation in the Ta/Nb ratio in both Nb-Ta-poor and Nb-Ta-rich RMGs, although in higher-grade granites, the variation is not as clear due to the action of fluids. Fluid phase separation processes especially occurred in the Nb-Ta rich granites, thus transporting halogens and metals that increased the grades in the top and sometimes in the core of granites. Gas-driven filter pressing processes facilitated the migration of fluid and melt near solidus melt in Nb-Ta-rich granites. The geochemical signature of the Iberian rare metal granites mainly follows the trends of two-mica granites and P-rich cordierite granites, but also of granodiorites.
Effect of Carboxyl Group Position on Assembly Behavior and Structure of Hydrocarbon Oil–Carboxylic Acid Compound Collector on Low-Rank Coal Surface: Sum-Frequency Vibration Spectroscopy and Coarse-Grained Molecular Dynamics Simulation Study
Authors: Liu Zechen , Dong Xianshu , Liao Yinfei , Fan Yuping , Cao Yijun
Published: February 2024

In this work, the assembly behavior and structure of a compound collector with different carboxyl group positions at the low-rank coal (LRC)–water interface were investigated through coarse-grained molecular dynamics simulation (CGMD) combined with sum-frequency vibration spectroscopy (SFG). The choice of compound collector was dodecane +decanoic acid (D-DA) and dodecane +2-butyl octanoic acid (D-BA). CGMD results showed that the carboxyl group at the carbon chain’s middle can better control the assembly process between carboxylic acid and D molecules. SFG research found that the carboxyl group at the carbon chain’s termination had a greater impact on the displacement of the methyl/methylene symmetric stretching vibration peak, while the carboxyl group at the carbon chain’s middle had a greater impact on the displacement of the methyl/methylene asymmetric stretching vibration peak. The spatial angle calculation results revealed that the methyl group’s orientation angle in the D-BA molecule was smaller and the carboxyl group’s orientation angle in the BA molecule was bigger, indicating that D-BA spread more flatly on the LRC surface than D-DA. This meant that the assembled structure had a larger effective adsorption area on the LRC surface. The flotation studies also verified that the assembly behavior and structure of D-BA with the carboxyl group at the carbon chain’s middle at the LRC–water interface were more conducive to the improvement of flotation efficiency. The study of interface assembly behavior and structure by CGMD combined with SFG is crucial for the creation of effective compound collectors.
Establishing an ANO1-Based Cell Model for High-Throughput Screening Targeting TRPV4 Regulators
Authors: Zheng Kai , Hu Jiang , Hu Cheng , Liu Xueying , Wang Yanyan , Han Haojian , Xing Wenzhu , Yang Liu , Zhang Junran , Hong Qiyuan , Hao Feng , Li Wenliang
Published: February 2024

Transient receptor potential vanilloid 4 (TRPV4) is a widely expressed cation channel that plays an important role in many physiological and pathological processes. However, most TRPV4 drugs carry a risk of side effects. Moreover, existing screening methods are not suitable for the high-throughput screening (HTS) of drugs. In this study, a cell model and HTS method for targeting TRPV4 channel drugs were established based on a calcium-activated chloride channel protein 1 Anoctamin 1 (ANO1) and a double mutant (YFP-H148Q/I152L) of the yellow fluorescent protein (YFP). Patch-clamp experiments and fluorescence quenching kinetic experiments were used to verify that the model could sensitively detect changes in intracellular Ca2+ concentration. The functionality of the TRPV4 cell model was examined through temperature variations and different concentrations of TRPV4 modulators, and the performance of the model in HTS was also evaluated. The model was able to sensitively detect changes in the intracellular Ca2+ concentration and also excelled at screening TRPV4 drugs, and the model was more suitable for HTS. We successfully constructed a drug cell screening model targeting the TRPV4 channel, which provides a tool to study the pathophysiological functions of TRPV4 in vitro.
Chickpea Sprouts as a Potential Dietary Support in Different Prostate Disorders—A Preliminary In Vitro Study
Authors: Galanty Agnieszka , Prochownik Ewelina , Grudzińska Marta , Paśko Paweł
Published: February 2024

Background: Prostate cancer (PC) and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) are common health problems in the aging male population. Due to the unexplored and unconfirmed impact of food containing isoflavones, like sprouts, on the development of the management of BPH and prostate cancer, we decided to extend the knowledge in this area. Results: We have demonstrated for the first time that chickpea sprouts may play an important role in the chemoprevention of prostate disorders. However, attention should be paid to the isoflavone content in the sprouts, as in our study, chickpea sprouts with a moderate concentration of the compounds, harvested in natural light conditions (CA10L) and blue LED light (CA7B), showed the best scores in terms of their potential towards prostate disorders. Methods: Chickpea seeds were grown in LED chambers. The methanol extracts from sprouts were quantitatively defined using the HPLC system. Experiments such as the determination of PSA, 5-α-reductase, and dihydrotestosterone were performed on PNT2 and LNCaP cells. For anti-inflammatory assays (determination of NO, IL-6, and TNF-alpha release), murine RAW264.7 macrophages were used. Conclusions: The role of legume products as a diet element should be deeply evaluated for the development of future dietary recommendations for prostate cancer and BPH prevention.
Effects of Rhizopus-arrhizus-31-Assisted Pretreatment on the Extraction and Bioactivity of Total Flavonoids from Hibiscus manihot L.
Authors: Ju Xiurong , Chen Tao , Ding Yutao , Yu Dan , Zhang Jingyu , Zhang Ruyuan , Zhang Yang , Wang Xinyu , Xu Tao , Li Jiayou
Published: February 2024

The Hibiscus manihot L. (HML) Medic, an edible hibiscus of the Malvaceae family, is abundant with flavonoids. The study investigated how Rhizopus-arrhizus-31-assisted pretreatment affects the extraction and bioactivity of flavonoids from HML. The fiber structure of the fermented flavonoid sample (RFF) appears looser, more porous, and more disordered than the unfermented flavonoid sample (RUF). RFF demonstrates milder conditions and yields higher extraction rates. According to the Box–Behnken response surface optimization experiment, the optimal conditions for RFF include a material–liquid ratio of 1:41 g/mL, a 2 h extraction time, a 57% ethanol concentration, and an extraction temperature of 800 °C, resulting in a 3.69% extraction yield, which is 39.25% higher than that of RUF. Additionally, RFF exhibits greater activity than RUF in the radical-scavenging system. The IC50 values for DPPH, OH, and ABTS radicals are 83.43 μg/mL and 82.62 μg/mL, 208.38 μg/mL and 175.99 μg/mL, and 108.59 μg/mL and 75.39 μg/mL for RUF and RFF, respectively. UPLC-QTOF-MS analysis of the active components in the HML flavonoid sample revealed significant differences in the chromatograms of RUF and RFF, indicating that biofermentation led to substantial changes in composition and content from HML.
Phytochemicals, Health-Promoting Effects, and Enzyme Inhibition Traits of Phlomis stewartii Extracts
Authors: Rasheed Mamoon Ur , Naqvi Syed Ali Raza , Al-Asmari Fahad , Rahim Muhammad Abdul , Ramadan Mohamed Fawzy
Published: February 2024

Phlomis stewartii is a wild, perennial woody plant used for diverse therapeutic targets. The present work evaluated the influence of independent variables such as extraction time, solvent concentration, and speed in the range of (100 mL, 150 mL, and 200 mL), (2 h, 5 h, and 8 h), and (100 rpm, 150 rpm, and 200 rpm), respectively, on extraction yields, phytochemical components, total phenolic contents (TPC), and total flavonoid contents (TFC) of P. stewartii extract. In the present work, response surface methodology (RSM) was applied to optimize the extraction yield. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was performed to detect the bioactive constituents of the extracts. The potent extracts were analyzed to study α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibitory activities. Under the optimized conditions of solvent concentration (200 mL), extraction time (8 h), and speed (150 rpm), the whole plant methanol extract (WPME) showed a maximum extraction yield of 13.5%, while the leaves methanol extract (LME) showed a maximum TPC of 19.5 ± 44 mg of gallic acid equivalent (GAE) per gram of extract and a maximum TFC of 4.78 ± 0.34 mg of quercetin equivalent (QE) per gram of extract. HPLC analysis showed the presence of p-coumaric, gallic acid, quercetin, salicylic acid, sinapic acid, and vanillic acid. LME showed the highest α-amylase inhibitory activity (IC50 = 46.86 ± 0.21 µg/mL) and α-glucosidase inhibitory activity (IC50 value of 45.81 ± 0.17 µg/mL). Therefore, in conclusion, LME could be considered to fix the α-amylase and α-glucosidase-mediated disorders in the human body to develop herbal phytomedicine.
Unravelling the Flotation Performance of 1-Hydroxy-2-naphthyl hydroxamic Acid and Styrene Phosphonic Acid Collectors on Monazite Using Experiments and DFT Calculations
Authors: Wang Weiwei , Li Zhengyao , Zhu Weiyao , Hou Shaochun , Guo Chunlei
Published: February 2024

The atomic-level structure and electronic properties of monazite were investigated using a first-principles method based on density functional theory (DFT). First, the geometric structure of monazite was optimized, followed by calculations of its Mulliken population, electron density, and density of states, which were subsequently analyzed. The findings of this analysis suggest that monazite is highly susceptible to cleavage along the {100} plane during crushing and grinding. When SPA was utilized as the collector, the recovery rate of monazite was higher than that when LF-P8 was used. The zeta potential and adsorption energy results indicated that the zeta potential after SPA adsorption tended towards negativity, and the adsorption energy was smaller, indicating that SPA exhibited stronger adsorption performance. LF-P8 was stably adsorbed on the monazite (100) surface via mononuclear double coordination. SPA was stably adsorbed on the surface of monazite (100) via binuclear double coordination. The results of this study provide valuable insights into the adsorption of monazite by commonly used flotation collectors. These findings are of substantial importance for future endeavors in designing flotation collectors capable of achieving selective monazite flotation.
The Physical Mechanism of Linear and Nonlinear Optical Properties of Nanographene-Induced Chiral Inversion
Authors: Yang Zhiyuan , Gai Xinwen , Zou Yi , Jiang Yongjian
Published: February 2024

Based on density functional theory (DFT) and wave function analysis, the ultraviolet and visible spectrophotometry (UV-Vis) spectra and Raman spectra of 1-meso and 1-rac obtained by the chiral separation of chiral nanographenes are theoretically investigated. The electron excitation properties of 1-meso and 1-rac are studied by means of transition density matrix (TDM) and charge density difference (CDD) diagrams. The intermolecular interaction is discussed based on an independent gradient model based on Hirshfeld partition (IGMH). The interaction of 1-meso and 1-rac with the external environment is studied using the electrostatic potential (ESP), and the electron delocalization degree of 1-meso and 1-rac is studied based on the magnetically induced current under the external magnetic field. Through the chiral separation of 1-rac, two enantiomers, 1-(P, P) and 1-(M, M), were obtained. The electrical–magnetic interaction of the molecule is revealed by analyzing the electron circular dichroism (ECD) spectra of 1-meso, 1-(P, P) and 1-(M, M), the transition electric dipole moment (TEDM) and the transition magnetic dipole moment (TMDM). It is found that 1-(P, P) and 1-(M, M) have opposite chiral properties due to the inversion of the structure.
Effective Removal of Different Heavy Metals Ion (Cu, Pb, and Cd) from Aqueous Solutions by Various Molecular Weight and Salt Types of Poly-γ-Glutamic Acid
Authors: Tsai Sheng-Yen , Chang Chao-Kai , Wei Pei-Yu , Huang Shi-Ying , Gavahian Mohsen , Santoso Shella Permatasari , Hsieh Chang-Wei
Published: February 2024

In light of industrial developments, water pollution by heavy metals as hazardous chemicals has garnered attention. Addressing the urgent need for efficient heavy metal removal from aqueous environments, this study delves into using poly-γ-glutamic acid (γ-PGA) for the bioflocculation of heavy metals. Utilizing γ-PGA variants from Bacillus subtilis with different molecular weights and salt forms (Na-bonded and Ca-bonded), the research evaluates their adsorption capacities for copper (Cu), lead (Pb), and cadmium (Cd) ions. It was found that Na-bonded γ-PGA with a high molecular weight showed the highest heavy metal adsorption (92.2–98.3%), particularly at a 0.5% concentration which exhibited the highest adsorption efficiency. Additionally, the study investigated the interaction of γ-PGA in mixed heavy metal environments, and it was discovered that Na-γ-PGA-HM at a 0.5% concentration showed a superior adsorption efficiency for Pb ions (85.4%), highlighting its selectivity as a potential effective biosorbent for wastewater treatment. This research not only enlightens the understanding of γ-PGA’s role in heavy metal remediation but also underscores its potential as a biodegradable and non-toxic alternative for environmental cleanup. The findings pave the way for further exploration into the mechanisms and kinetics of γ-PGA’s adsorption properties.
Treatment of Coking Wastewater Using Hydrodynamic Cavitation Coupled with Fenton Oxidation Process
Authors: Deng Dongmei , Huang Ting , Li Qing , Huang Yongchun , Sun Yufei , Liang Jieliang , Li Jintian
Published: February 2024

Effective and economical processes for the advanced treatment of coking wastewater were urgently needed to reduce the persistent organic pollutants of external drainage. In the present work, we investigated the degradation of organic pollutants in coking wastewater through IHC/FO (imping stream hydrodynamic cavitation (IHC) coupled with the Fenton oxidation (FO) process) and IHC alone for their feasibility in the advanced treatment of coking wastewater. To select the optimum parameters, attention was paid to the effects of main operation conditions including inlet fluid pressure, medium temperature, initial pH, reaction time, and initial Fe(II) and initial H2O2 concentrations. The results showed that the effects of conditions that need energy to be maintained (such as initial pH and inlet pressure) on the organic pollutant removal efficiency through IHC/FO were less pronounced than those through IHC alone. Moreover, the application of IHC/FO could remove more organic pollutants from coking wastewater than IHC even at an energy-efficient condition. For example, the highest COD removal efficiency of 12.5% was achieved in the IHC treatment at 0.4 MPa, pH 3, and 60 min for the reaction time. In the case of IHC/FO, the maximum COD removal of 33.2% was obtained at pH 7, 0.1 MPa, 12 mmol/L H2O2, and 3 mmol/L Fe2+ after reacting for 15 min. The ultraviolet and visible spectrophotometry (UV-Vis) absorption spectra and gas chromatography and mass spectrometry (GC–MS) analysis further revealed that the kinds and amounts of pollutants (especially those that had benzenes) remaining in water treated through IHC/FO were much fewer and smaller than in water treated through IHC alone. The better performances of IHC/FO than IHC alone were likely related to the more hydroxyl radicals produced through IHC/FO. Taken together, our findings indicate that IHC/FO has great application potential in the advanced treatment of coking wastewater.
Intervention Efficacy of Slightly Processed Allergen/Meat in Oral Immunotherapy for Seafood Allergy: A Systematic Review, Meta-Analysis, and Meta-Regression Analysis in Mouse Models and Clinical Patients
Authors: Han Xinyu , Wang Xinya , Chen Xiaotong , Liu Hong , Liu Jingwen , Waye Mary Miu Yee , Liu Guangming , Rao Shitao
Published: February 2024

Background: Seafood allergy is a significant global health concern that greatly impacts a patient’s quality of life. The intervention efficacy of oral immunotherapy (OIT), an emerging intervention strategy, for seafood allergy remains controversial. This study aimed to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the efficacy of slightly processed allergen/meat from fish and crustacea in OIT, both in mouse models and clinical patients. Methods: A comprehensive literature search was performed in four mainstream databases and the EBSCOhost database to identify all relevant case–control and cohort studies. The aim was to elucidate the intervention efficacy, encompassing various processing methods and assessing the efficacy of multiple major allergens in OIT. Results: The meta-analysis included five case–control studies on crustacean allergens in mouse models and 11 cohort studies on meat from fish and crustacea in clinical patients for final quantitative assessments. In mouse models, crustacean allergen substantially decreased the anaphylactic score after OIT treatment (mean difference (MD) = −1.30, p < 0.01). Subgroup analyses with low-level heterogeneities provided more reliable results for crab species (MD = −0.63, p < 0.01, I2 = 0), arginine kinase allergen (MD = −0.83, p < 0.01, I2 = 0), and Maillard reaction processing method (MD = −0.65, p < 0.01, I2 = 29%), respectively. In clinical patients, the main meta-analysis showed that the slightly processed meat significantly increased the incidence rate of oral tolerance (OT, incidence rate ratio (IRR) = 2.90, p < 0.01). Subgroup analyses for fish meat (IRR = 2.79, p < 0.01) and a simple cooking treatment (IRR = 2.36, p = 0.01) also demonstrated a substantial increase in the incidence rate of OT. Sensitivity and meta-regression analyses successfully identified specific studies contributing to heterogeneity in mouse models and clinical patients, although these studies did not impact the overall significant pooled effects. Conclusions: This meta-analysis provides preliminary evidence for the high intervention efficacy of slightly processed allergen/meat from fish and crustacea in OIT, both in mouse models and clinical patients. The Maillard reaction and cooking processing methods may emerge as potentially effective approaches to treating allergen/meat in OIT for clinical patients, offering a promising and specific treatment strategy for seafood allergy. However, these findings should be interpreted cautiously, and further supporting evidence is necessary.
Lack of Biological Plausibility and Major Methodological Issues Cast Doubt on the Association between Aspartame and Autism. Comment on Fowler et al. Daily Early-Life Exposures to Diet Soda and Aspartame Are Associated with Autism in Males: A Case-Control Study. Nutrients 2023, 15, 3772
Authors: Ayoub-Charette Sabrina , Khan Tauseef Ahmad , Chiavaroli Laura , Magnuson Bernadene A. , Sievenpiper John L.
Published: February 2024

The case–control study by Fowler et al [...]
Associations between Neck Circumference, Mid-Upper Arm Circumference, Wrist Circumference, and High Blood Pressure among Lithuanian Children and Adolescents: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Stankute Ieva , Dulskiene Virginija , Kuciene Renata
Published: February 2024

(1) Background: High blood pressure (HBP) and obesity are significant and growing public health issues worldwide. Our study aimed to evaluate the associations of neck circumference (NC), mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC), and wrist circumference (WrC) with HBP among Lithuanian children and adolescents aged 7–17 years. (2) Methods: In this cross-sectional study, data on BP and anthropometric measurements were analysed in 3688 children and adolescents aged 7–17 years. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to estimate the associations between anthropometric indices and HBP. (3) Results: Overall, the prevalence rates of elevated BP and hypertension were 13.7% and 12.9%, respectively. After adjustment for age, BMI, and WC, statistically significant elevated aORs were observed for associations between greater NC, MUAC, WrC, and HBP in boys (aORs: 2.13, 2.46, and 2.48, respectively) and in girls (aORs: 2.01, 2.36, and 2.09, respectively). Moreover, per-unit increase in NC, MUAC, and WrC was also associated with greater odds of HBP in boys (aORs: 1.20, 1.21, and 1.37, respectively) and in girls (aORs: 1.10, 1.10, and 1.21, respectively). The analysed anthropometric indices presented higher area under the curve values for predicting HBP in boys than in girls. (4) Conclusions: This study suggests that higher NC, MUAC, and WrC are associated with increased odds of HBP in Lithuanian children and adolescents.