bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Study on the Activity Model of PbO-ZnO-FeO-Fe2O3-SiO2-CaO Six-Component High-Lead Slag System
Authors: Song Jinbo , Xi Wenlong , Niu Liping
Published: April 2023

In this paper, the thermodynamic properties of the PbO-ZnO-FeO-Fe2O3-SiO2-CaO six-component slag system were studied by using the molecular-ion coexistence theory, and the influence of slag composition changes on the activity of each structural unit was analyzed. The results show that the calculated value of the activity model is in good agreement with the measured value of the experiment, and the activity of each structural unit is greatly affected by the composition of the slag, but less affected by the temperature. High temperature is conducive to the decomposition of lead silicate and the formation of calcium-containing compounds, but the activity of ZnO will decrease. When the mass fraction of PbO increases, the main reaction is to combine with PbO·SiO2 to form 2PbO·SiO2. Increasing the mass fraction of ZnO and CaO is beneficial to the decomposition of lead silicate and an increase in PbO activity. When the iron-silicon ratio increases, it will promote the decomposition of lead silicate and the formation of ZnO·Fe2O3, so the activity of PbO will increase and the activity of ZnO will decrease. When the calcium-silicon ratio is low, the binary combination product of CaO and SiO2 is mainly CaO·SiO2, and when the calcium-silicon ratio rises above 0.5, the activities of 2CaO·SiO2 and 3CaO·2SiO2 will increase rapidly.
Online Prediction of Deformation Resistance for Strip Tandem Cold Rolling Based on Data-Driven
Authors: Zhao Jianwei , Li Jingdong , Qie Haotang , Shao Jian , Wang Xiaochen , Yang Quan
Published: April 2023

An online model is proposed for predicting deformation resistance in the strip tandem cold rolling by combining the back propagation neural network optimized by the mind evolutionary algorithm (MEA-BP) and the deformation resistance analytical model. The real-time collection of hot and cold rolling process data is achieved by constructing a “hot and cold rolling” cross-process data platform. Based on this, a dataset including historical production data of hot and cold rolling is established to train and test the model. The application result of the proposed model shows that the deformation resistance prediction error can be reduced from ±12% to ±5% compared with the traditional analytical model, which demonstrates the model established in this work can effectively improve the prediction accuracy of the deformation resistance in the strip tandem cold rolling.
A Method for Preparing AgNWs with Accelerated Seed–Wire Conversion Time
Authors: Tang Xianjie , Gan Guoyou , Yu Xianglei , Li Junpeng
Published: April 2023

A synthetic method was developed to produce silver nanowires. The method utilized TBAC (tetrabutylammonium chloride) instead of conventional metal halides as crystal seed additives to obtain purer silver nanowires. Our synthesis strategy relies on accelerating the rate of seed–wire conversion. The method allows for the control of the nanowire aspect ratio by tuning the ratio of Ag+ ions to polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) monomer units and the molar mass of TBAC. The observed synthesis improvements meet the basic requirements of current industrial manufacturing.
Fatty Liver Disease in Patients with Prediabetes and Overweight or Obesity
Authors: Arias-Fernández María , Fresneda Sergio , Abbate Manuela , Torres-Carballo Marina , Huguet-Torres Aina , Sánchez-Rodríguez Cristian , Bennasar-Veny Miquel , Yañez Aina M. , Busquets-Cortés Carla
Published: April 2023

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a global health problem associated with liver morbimortality, obesity, and type 2 diabetes mellitus. This study aimed to analyze the prevalence of NAFLD (defined as a fatty liver index [FLI] ≥ 60) and its association with other cardiovascular risk (CVR) factors in patients with prediabetes and overweight/obesity. The present cross-sectional analysis uses baseline data from an ongoing randomized clinical trial. Sociodemographic and anthropometric characteristics, CVR (assessed by the REGICOR-Framingham risk equation), metabolic syndrome (MetS), and FLI-defined NAFLD (cut-off value of ≥60) were assessed. The prevalence of FLI-defined NAFLD was 78% overall. Men exhibited a worse cardiometabolic profile as compared to women, specifically, with higher values of systolic blood pressure (137.02 ± 13.48 vs. 131.22 ± 14.77 mmHg), diastolic blood pressure (85.33 ± 9.27 vs. 82.3 ± 9.12 mmHg), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) (27.23 ± 12.15 vs. 21.23 ± 10.05 IU/L), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) (34.03 ± 23.31 vs. 21.73 ± 10.80 IU/L), and higher CVR (5.58 ± 3.16 vs. 3.60 ± 1.68). FLI-defined NAFLD was associated with elevated AST, ALT, and the presence of MetS (73.7%) and CVR for the whole sample. People with prediabetes present a high burden of comorbidities related to CVR, despite clinical follow-up, and it is recommended to actively begin working with them to reduce their risks.
On the Fate of Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane (Avobenzone) in Coral Tissue and Its Effect on Coral Metabolome
Authors: Clergeaud Fanny , Giraudo Maeva , Rodrigues Alice M. S. , Thorel Evane , Lebaron Philippe , Stien Didier
Published: April 2023

The intensive use of sunscreen products has raised concerns regarding their environmental toxicity and the adverse impacts of ultraviolet (UV) filters on ecologically important coral communities. Prior metabolomic analyses on symbiotic coral Pocillopora damicornis exposed to the UV filter butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane (BM, avobenzone) revealed unidentified ions in the holobiont metabolome. In the present study, follow-up differential metabolomic analyses in BM-exposed P. damicornis detected 57 ions with significantly different relative concentrations in exposed corals. The results showed an accumulation of 17 BM derivatives produced through BM reduction and esterification. The major derivative identified C16:0-dihydroBM, which was synthesized and used as a standard to quantify BM derivatives in coral extracts. The results indicated that relative amounts of BM derivatives made up to 95% of the total BM (w/w) absorbed in coral tissue after 7 days of exposure. Among the remaining metabolites annotated, seven compounds significantly affected by BM exposure could be attributed to the coral dinoflagellate symbiont, indicating that BM exposure might impair the photosynthetic capacity of the holobiont. The present results suggest that the potential role of BM in coral bleaching in anthropogenic areas should be investigated and that BM derivatives should be considered in future assessments on the fate and effects of BM in the environment.
How Central Carbon Metabolites of Mexican Mint (Plectranthus amboinicus) Plants Are Impacted under Different Watering Regimes
Authors: Abbey Lord , Ofoe Raphael , Wang Zijing , Chada Sparsha
Published: April 2023

Plants are sessile, and their ability to reprogram their metabolism to adapt to fluctuations in soil water level is crucial but not clearly understood. A study was performed to determine alterations in intermediate metabolites involved in central carbon metabolism (CCM) following exposure of Mexican mint (Plectranthus amboinicus) to varying watering regimes. The water treatments were regular watering (RW), drought (DR), flooding (FL), and resumption of regular watering after flooding (DHFL) or after drought (RH). Leaf cluster formation and leaf greening were swift following the resumption of regular watering. A total of 68 key metabolites from the CCM routes were found to be significantly (p < 0.01) impacted by water stress. Calvin cycle metabolites in FL plants, glycolytic metabolites in DR plants, total tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle metabolites in DR and DHFL plants, and nucleotide biosynthetic molecules in FL and RH plants were significantly (p < 0.05) increased. Pentose phosphate pathway (PPP) metabolites were equally high in all the plants except DR plants. Total Calvin cycle metabolites had a significantly (p < 0.001) strong positive association with TCA cycle (r = 0.81) and PPP (r = 0.75) metabolites. Total PPP metabolites had a moderately positive association with total TCA cycle metabolites (r = 0.68; p < 0.01) and a negative correlation with total glycolytic metabolites (r = −0.70; p < 0.005). In conclusion, the metabolic alterations of Mexican mint plants under different watering regimes were revealed. Future studies will use transcriptomic and proteomic approaches to identify genes and proteins that regulate the CCM route.
Potential Use of Thalidomide in Glioblastoma Treatment: An Updated Brief Overview
Authors: Eatmann Ahmed Ismail , Hamouda Esraa , Hamouda Heba , Farouk Hossam Khaled , Jobran Afnan W. M. , Omar Abdallah A. , Madeeh Alyaa Khaled , Al-dardery Nada Mostafa , Elnoamany Salma , Abd-Elnasser Eman Gamal , Koraiem Abdullah Muhammed , Ahmed Alhassan Ali , Abouzid Mohamed , Karaźniewicz-Łada Marta
Published: April 2023

Glioblastoma is the most common malignant primary brain tumor in adults. Thalidomide is a vascular endothelial growth factor inhibitor that demonstrates antiangiogenic activity, and may provide additive or synergistic anti-tumor effects when co-administered with other antiangiogenic medications. This study is a comprehensive review that highlights the potential benefits of using thalidomide, in combination with other medications, to treat glioblastoma and its associated inflammatory conditions. Additionally, the review examines the mechanism of action of thalidomide in different types of tumors, which may be beneficial in treating glioblastoma. To our knowledge, a similar study has not been conducted. We found that thalidomide, when used in combination with other medications, has been shown to produce better outcomes in several conditions or symptoms, such as myelodysplastic syndromes, multiple myeloma, Crohn’s disease, colorectal cancer, renal failure carcinoma, breast cancer, glioblastoma, and hepatocellular carcinoma. However, challenges may persist for newly diagnosed or previously treated patients, with moderate side effects being reported, particularly with the various mechanisms of action observed for thalidomide. Therefore, thalidomide, used alone, may not receive significant attention for use in treating glioblastoma in the future. Conducting further research by replicating current studies that show improved outcomes when thalidomide is combined with other medications, using larger sample sizes, different demographic groups and ethnicities, and implementing enhanced therapeutic protocol management, may benefit these patients. A meta-analysis of the combinations of thalidomide with other medications in treating glioblastoma is also needed to investigate its potential benefits further.
Multi-Focal Laser Direct Writing through Spatial Light Modulation Guided by Scalable Vector Graphics
Authors: Duan Linhan , Zhu Yueqiang , Bai Haoxin , Zhang Chen , Wang Kaige , Bai Jintao , Zhao Wei
Published: April 2023

Multi-focal laser direct writing (LDW) based on phase-only spatial light modulation (SLM) can realize flexible and parallel nanofabrication with high-throughput potential. In this investigation, a novel approach of combining two-photon absorption, SLM, and vector path-guided by scalable vector graphics (SVGs), termed SVG-guided SLM LDW, was developed and preliminarily tested for fast, flexible, and parallel nanofabrication. Three laser focuses were independently controlled with different paths, which were optimized according to the SVG to improve fabrication and promote time efficiency. The minimum structure width could be as low as 81 nm. Accompanied by a translation stage, a carp structure of 18.10 μm × 24.56 μm was fabricated. This method shows the possibility of developing LDW techniques toward fully electrical systems, and provides a potential way to efficiently engrave complex structures on nanoscales.
Volatile Metabolites from Brevundimonas diminuta and Nematicidal Esters Inhibit Meloidogyne javanica
Authors: Sun Yongxiang , Ran Yuan , Yang Hanbo , Mo Minghe , Li Guohong
Published: April 2023

Brevundimonas diminuta is broadly distributed in terrestrial and aquatic environments and has various biological activities. In this study, we found that B. diminuta exhibited nematicidal activity against the plant root-knot nematode, Meloidogyne javanica. A total of 42 volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from B. diminuta were identified using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The nematicidal activity of the 10 main VOCs was tested against M. javanica. Butyl butanoate (4 µL) caused the mortality of 80.13% of M. javanica after 4 h. The nematicidal activity of an additional 38 butyl-butyrate-like volatile esters was also investigated. Of these, seven had strong nematicidal activity against M. javanica, five of which showed egg-hatching inhibitory activity. This study is the first to report that butyl butanoate, ethyl 2-methylbutanoate, ethyl 4-methylpentanoate, ethyl pent-4-enoate, and methyl undecanoate have nematicidal activity against M. javanica. The results indicated that B. diminuta could serve as a candidate microorganism for the biocontrol of plant root-knot nematodes, showing that volatile esters have great potential as nematicides.
The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Influenza Transmission in Poland
Authors: Łuniewska Katarzyna , Szymański Karol , Kondratiuk Katarzyna , Hallmann Ewelina , Brydak Lidia Bernadeta
Published: April 2023

Background: The aim of this study was to determine whether the occurrence of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic affected the incidence of influenza in Poland and the efficiency of the SENTINEL influenza surveillance system. Methods: The analysis was based on virologic data from the 2018/2019–2021/2022 epidemic seasons. The data in question were obtained from the SENTINEL influenza surveillance system, which is utilized in Poland. Results: In the 2020/2021 epidemic season, only one positive case was confirmed. In the epidemic season of 2021/2022, the number of positive cases increased. There was a delay in the peak of the season, since the start of pandemic, which was observed in the 14th week of 2022. Previously, it was recorded in the 5–10th week, depending on the season. Before the pandemic, the number of positive samples in relation to the tested ones oscillated between 41–49.4%. After the pandemic, it was 0.3% and below 20%, respectively, for season 2020/2021 and season 2021/2022. Conclusions: The COVID-19 pandemic caused a decline in many other infectious diseases, including influenza, as a result of the numerous lockdowns and from people shifting to remote work. Other safety measures, such as obligatory protective masks and the use of disinfectants, had a significant impact on reducing the number of cases.
Maternal Psychosocial Stress Is Associated with Reduced Diversity in the Early Infant Gut Microbiome
Authors: Dutton Christopher L. , Maisha Felicien Masanga , Quinn Edward B. , Morales Katherine Liceth , Moore Julie M. , Mulligan Connie J.
Published: April 2023

The developing infant gut microbiome is highly sensitive to environmental exposures, enabling its evolution into an organ that supports the immune system, confers protection from infection, and facilitates optimal gut and central nervous system function. In this study, we focus on the impact of maternal psychosocial stress on the infant gut microbiome. Forty-seven mother–infant dyads were recruited at the HEAL Africa Hospital in Goma, Democratic Republic of Congo. Extensive medical, demographic, and psychosocial stress data were collected at birth, and infant stool samples were collected at six weeks, three months, and six months. A composite maternal psychosocial stress score was created, based on eight questionnaires to capture a diverse range of stress exposures. Full-length 16S rRNA gene sequences were generated. Infants of mothers with high composite stress scores showed lower levels of gut microbiome beta diversity at six weeks and three months, as well as higher levels of alpha diversity at six months compared to infants of low stress mothers. Longitudinal analyses showed that infants of high stress mothers had lower levels of health-promoting Lactobacillus gasseri and Bifidobacterium pseudocatenulatum at six weeks compared to infants of low stress mothers, but the differences largely disappeared by three to six months. Previous research has shown that L. gasseri can be used as a probiotic to reduce inflammation, stress, and fatigue, as well as to improve mental state, while B. pseudocatenulatum is important in modulating the gut–brain axis in early development and in preventing mood disorders. Our finding of reduced levels of these health-promoting bacteria in infants of high stress mothers suggests that the infant gut microbiome may help mediate the effect of maternal stress on infant health and development.
Eukaryotic Community Structure and Interspecific Interactions in a Stratified Acidic Pit Lake Water in Anhui Province
Authors: Pan Xin , Yue Zhengbo , She Zhixiang , He Xiao , Wang Shaoping , Chuai Xin , Wang Jin
Published: April 2023

The stratified acidic pit lake formed by the confluence of acid mine drainage has a unique ecological niche and is a model system for extreme microbial studies. Eukaryotes are a component of the AMD community, with the main members including microalgae, fungi, and a small number of protozoa. In this study, we analyzed the structural traits and interactions of eukaryotes (primarily fungi and microalgae) in acidic pit lakes subjected to environmental gradients. Based on the findings, microalgae and fungi were found to dominate different water layers. Specifically, Chlorophyta showed dominance in the well-lit aerobic surface layer, whereas Basidiomycota was more abundant in the dark anoxic lower layer. Co-occurrence network analysis showed that reciprocal relationships between fungi and microalgae were prevalent in extremely acidic environments. Highly connected taxa within this network were Chlamydomonadaceae, Sporidiobolaceae, Filobasidiaceae, and unclassified Eukaryotes. Redundancy analysis (RDA) and random forest models revealed that Chlorophyta and Basidiomycota responded strongly to environmental gradients. Further analysis indicated that eukaryotic community structure was mainly determined by nutrient and metal concentrations. This study investigates the potential symbiosis between fungi and microalgae in the acidic pit lake, providing valuable insights for future eukaryotic biodiversity studies on AMD remediation.
Petrogenesis and Tectonic Evolution of Kab Amiri Ophiolites and Island-Arc Assemblages, Central Eastern Desert, Egypt: Petrological and Geochemical Constraints
Authors: Taalab Sherif A. , Abdel-Rahman Ahmed M. , El-Awny Hamada , Awad Hamdy A. , Zakaly Hesham M. H. , Fahmy Wael , Ene Antoaneta
Published: April 2023

The Kab Amiri area in the Central Eastern Desert (CED) of Egypt comprises ophiolitic rocks, island arc metasediments, and granitic rocks. This study deals with the petrography and geochemistry of the ophiolitic and island arc rocks to understand their petrogenesis and geodynamic evolution of the CED ophiolitic belt. The Kab Amiri ophiolite is dismembered, comprising serpentinites and metabasalt (spilite). Serpentinites have low contents of Al2O3 (1.14 wt%) and CaO (0.65 wt%), suggesting they are depleted peridotite protoliths (e.g., depleted harzburgites to dunites). The high L.O.I. value (13.7 wt%) of serpentinite rocks indicates intense hydration and serpentinization during alteration processes. Petrographic and geochemical studies suggest that serpentinites were likely formed after depleted peridotites in a supra-subduction zone (SSZ) setting (e.g., a fore-arc setting). Spilitic basalt shows a tholeiitic affinity of the depleted mantle source. The arc-related metasediments are represented mainly by schists and slate. Many samples of metasediments are relatively low in alumina (Al2O3 < 15%), suggesting a low clay content and formation in an island arc setting. In contrast, protoliths of island-arc metabasalts and meta-andesites crystallized from calc-alkaline magmas in the immature oceanic arcs.
Different Quartz Varieties Characterized by Proximal Sensing and Their Relation to Soil Attributes
Authors: Silva Sérgio Henrique Godinho , Ribeiro Diego , Dijair Thaís Santos Branco , Silva Fernanda Magno , Teixeira Anita Fernanda dos Santos , Andrade Renata , Mancini Marcelo , Guilherme Luiz Roberto Guimarães , Curi Nilton
Published: April 2023

Quartz is one of the most common minerals in soils, mostly present in sand and silt fractions. Although quartz is basically formed of SiO2, other elements can be easily detected and assessed nowadays using a portable X-ray fluorescence (pXRF) spectrometer. Our study aims to evaluate the chemical composition of different quartz varieties, identifying their main elements, and relating them to soil attributes. Six quartz varieties (hyaline, amethyst, milky, rose, smoky, and ferriferous) were analyzed via pXRF and 13 oxides/trace elements were identified and used for quartz discrimination (Al2O3, CaO, P2O5, SiO2, Cl, Cr, Fe, K2O, Mn, Rb, S, Ti, and V). Hyaline quartz was characterized by the highest SiO2 and the lowest contents of other elements. Al2O3 was the second-highest compound present in all varieties of quartz, reaching 21,547 mg kg−1 in the smoky variety. S, P2O5, Cl, SiO2, and K2O were the main components determined by Random Forest algorithm for discriminating quartz varieties. Some elements detected may serve as a reserve of nutrients to plants to be released in soils along weathering, depending on quartz particle size, soil texture, leaching, and associated attributes. pXRF enhanced the information on chemical characterization of quartz varieties, without the generation of chemical pollutants.
Comparison of the Late Miocene Sediments and Early Quaternary Red Paleosols in the Penghu Islands, Taiwan and Zhangpu, Fujian
Authors: Luo Xuhui , Wang Weimin , Du Liwang , Ou Chachi , Wang Mingkuang
Published: April 2023

This study aims to compare the clay mineralogy and whole-soil major chemistry of elements in late Miocene soil sediments and early Quaternary red paleosols in the Penghu Islands, (Pescadores), Taiwan, and Zhangpu Volcanic Park, Fujian. There were the late Miocene Chu Wan (CWI and CWII), Shiao Men Yu (SMY) and two intergrade red soils, Chu Wan (CW(irs)) and Shiao Men Yu (SMY(irs)), with three distinctive zones of different dominating kaolins in the profiles of the Penghu Islands. A Tong Wei (TW) paleosol of early Quaternary basaltic eruptions in the Penghu Islands was collected. The Anzei (AZ), Si Yu (HY) and Chianmei (CM) paleosols were sampled from the Penghu Islands and Yulinshi (YLS) paleosols near the Zhangpu Volcanic Park for this study. The CW and SMY paleosols erupted in the late Miocene, and the other paleosols erupted on the Penghu Islands. These paleosols were fractionated into clay fractions and subjected to soil physical and chemical analyses. Kaolin minerals were dominant in the CW(irs) and SMY(irs) paleosols. The top layer (layer one) in the CW(irs) was 7 Å-halloysite, and order/disordered kaolinites were present in layers two and three. The CW(irs) and SMY(irs) hexagonal-like, platy kaolinites (0.1–0.2 µm in diameter), spheroidal and hollow 7 Å-halloysite (layer 1) was determined with transmission electron microscopic (TEM) investigations. The early Quaternary red soil of TW consisted of kaolinite, illite, vermiculite and smectite clay assemblages. Late Miocene paleosols were classified as fine, kaolinite, hyperthermic and Typic Rhodic Paleudults, and the early Quaternary red paleosols were classified as fine, mixed, hyperthermic and Typic Rodistalf, respectively. Late Miocene paleosols contained more clays, lower SiO2/Al2O3 and higher chemical index of weathering (CIW) than early Quaternary paleosols. The kaolin, illite, smectite and vermiculite mineralogy, physical and chemical properties of paleosols and landscapes in the Zhangpu YLS, Fujian, were similar to those of late Miocene sediments and early Quaternary red paleosols in the Penghu Islands.
Timing of Transition from Proto- to Paleo-Tethys: Evidence from the Early Devonian Bimodal Volcanics in the North Qaidam Tectonic Belt, Northern Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Wang Mao , Pei Xianzhi , Li Ruibao , Pei Lei , Li Zuochen , Liu Chengjun , Xu Lili , Lin Hao
Published: April 2023

The transition from the Proto- to the Paleo-Tethys is still a controversial issue. This study reports a new petrology, zircon U–Pb geochronology, and whole-rock geochemistry of volcanic rocks from the Maoniushan Formation in the Nankeke area, northern Qaidam (NQ) of the Tibetan Plateau, to provide new evidence for the transition from the Proto- to the Paleo-Tethys oceans. The volcanic suite consists mainly of rhyolitic crystal lithic tuff lavas and minor basalts. Zircon U–Pb data indicate that the bimodal volcanic rocks were formed during the Early Devonian (ca. 410–409 Ma). Geochemically, the basalts have low contents of SiO2 (48.92 wt.%–51.19 wt.%) and relatively high contents of MgO (8.94 wt.%–9.99 wt.%), TiO2 (1.05 wt.%–1.29 wt.%), K2O (2.35 wt.%–4.17 wt.%), and K2O/Na2O ratios (1.04–2.56), showing the characteristics of calc-alkaline basalts. Their rare earth element (REE) patterns and trace element spider diagrams are characterized by enrichments in LREEs (LREE/HREE = 18.31–21.34) and large ion lithophile elements (LILEs; Rb, Th, and K) and depletion in high-field-strength elements (HFSEs; Nb, Ta, P, and Ti), with slight negative Eu anomalies (Eu/Eu* = 0.82–0.86), which are similar to Etendeka continental flood basalts (CFB). These features suggest that the basalts were most likely derived from low degree (1%–5%) partial melting of the asthenospheric mantle, contaminated by small volumes of continental crust. In contrast, the felsic volcanics have high SiO2 (68.41 wt.%–77.12 wt.%), variable Al2O3 (9.56 wt.%–12.62 wt.%), low MgO, and A/CNK ratios mostly between 1.08 and 1.15, defining their peraluminous and medium-K calc-alkaline signatures. Their trace element signatures show enrichments of LREEs and LILEs (e.g., Rb, Th, U, K, and Pb), depletion of HFSEs (e.g., Nb, Ti, Ta, and P), and negative Eu anomalies (Eu/Eu* = 0.22–0.66). These features suggest that the felsic volcanics were derived from partial melting of the middle crust, without interaction with mantle melts. Considering all the previous data and geochemical features, the Maoniushan Formation volcanic rocks in NQ formed in a post-collisional extensional setting associated with asthenospheric mantle upwelling and delamination in the Early Devonian. Together with the regional data, this study proposed that the Proto-Tethys Ocean had closed and evolved to the continental subduction/collision orogeny stage during the Middle to Late Ordovician, evolved to the post-collisional extensional stage in the Early Devonian, and finally formed the Zongwulong Ocean (branches of the Paleo-Tethys Ocean) in the Late Carboniferous, forming the tectonic framework of the Paleo-Tethys Archipelagic Ocean in the northern margin of the Tibetan Plateau.
Silver Nanoparticle/Carbon Nanotube Hybrid Nanocomposites: One-Step Green Synthesis, Properties, and Applications
Authors: Natsuki Jun , Natsuki Toshiaki
Published: April 2023

Hybrid nanocomposites of silver nanoparticles and multiwalled carbon nanotubes (AgNPs/MWCNTs) were successfully synthesized by a green one-step method without using any organic solvent. The synthesis and attachment of AgNPs onto the surface of MWCNTs were performed simultaneously by chemical reduction. In addition to their synthesis, the sintering of AgNPs/MWCNTs can be carried out at room temperature. The proposed fabrication process is rapid, cost efficient, and ecofriendly compared with multistep conventional approaches. The prepared AgNPs/MWCNTs were characterized using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The transmittance and electrical properties of the transparent conductive films (TCF_Ag/CNT) fabricated using the prepared AgNPs/MWCNTs were characterized. The results showed that the TCF_Ag/CNT film has excellent properties, such as high flexible strength, good high transparency, and high conductivity, and could therefore be an effective substitute for conventional indium tin oxide (ITO) films with poor flexibility.
A Review of the Preparation, Characterization, and Applications of Chitosan Nanoparticles in Nanomedicine
Authors: Jha Rejeena , Mayanovic Robert A.
Published: April 2023

Chitosan is a fibrous compound derived from chitin, which is the second most abundant natural polysaccharide and is produced by crustaceans, including crabs, shrimps, and lobsters. Chitosan has all of the important medicinal properties, including biocompatibility, biodegradability, and hydrophilicity, and it is relatively nontoxic and cationic in nature. Chitosan nanoparticles are particularly useful due to their small size, providing a large surface-to-volume ratio, and physicochemical properties that may differ from that of their bulk counterparts; thus, chitosan nanoparticles (CNPs) are widely used in biomedical applications and, particularly, as contrast agents for medical imaging and as vehicles for drug and gene delivery into tumors. Because CNPs are formed from a natural biopolymer, they can readily be functionalized with drugs, RNA, DNA, and other molecules to target a desired result in vivo. Furthermore, chitosan is approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration as being Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS). This paper reviews the structural characteristics and various synthesis methods used to produce chitosan nanoparticles and nanostructures, such as ionic gelation, microemulsion, polyelectrolyte complexing, emulsification solvent diffusion, and the reverse micellar method. Various characterization techniques and analyses are also discussed. In addition, we review drug delivery applications of chitosan nanoparticles, including for ocular, oral, pulmonary, nasal, and vaginal methodologies, and applications in cancer therapy and tissue engineering.
Synthesis of Ni-Doped Tremolite Fibers to Help Clarify the Aetiology of the Cytotoxic Outcome of Asbestos
Authors: Bloise Andrea , Giorno Eugenia , Miriello Domenico , Godbert Nicolas
Published: April 2023

Asbestos fibers act as complex crystal-chemical reservoirs susceptible of releasing potentially toxic elements (such as ions impurities) into the lung cellular environment during permanency and dissolution. To comprehend the exact pathological mechanisms that are triggered upon inhalation of asbestos fibers, in vitro studies on possible interactions between the mineral and the biological system have been carried out mostly by using natural asbestos. However, this latter comprises intrinsic impurities such as Fe2+/Fe3+ and Ni2+ ions, and other eventual traces of metallic pathogens. Furthermore, often, natural asbestos is characterized by the co-presence of several mineral phases, fiber dimensions of which are randomly distributed in width and in length. For these reasons, it is albeit challenging to precisely identify toxicity factors and to define the accurate role of each factor in the overall pathogenesis of asbestos. In this regard, the availability of synthetic asbestos fibers with accurate chemical composition and specific dimensions for in vitro screening tests would represent the perfect tool to correlate asbestos toxicity to its chemico-physical features. Herein, to palliate such drawbacks of natural asbestos, well-defined Ni-doped tremolite fibers were chemically synthesized in order to offer biologists adequate samples for testing the specific role of Ni2+ in asbestos toxicity. The experimental conditions (temperature, pressure, reaction time and water amount) were optimized to produce batches of asbestos fibers of the tremolite phase, with uniformly distributed shape and dimensions and a controlled content of Ni2+ metal ions.
Facile Synthesis of Heterogeneous Indium Nanoparticles for Formate Production via CO2 Electroreduction
Authors: Pérez-Sequera Ana Cristina , Diaz-Perez Manuel Antonio , Lara Angulo Mayra Anabel , Holgado Juan P. , Serrano-Ruiz Juan Carlos
Published: April 2023

In this study, a simple and scalable method to obtain heterogeneous indium nanoparticles and carbon-supported indium nanoparticles under mild conditions is described. Physicochemical characterization by X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron microscopy (XPS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) revealed heterogeneous morphologies for the In nanoparticles in all cases. Apart from In0, XPS revealed the presence of oxidized In species on the carbon-supported samples, whereas these species were not observed for the unsupported samples. The best-in-class catalyst (In50/C50) exhibited a high formate Faradaic efficiency (FE) near the unit (above 97%) at −1.6 V vs. Ag/AgCl, achieving a stable current density around −10 mA·cmgeo−2, in a common H-cell. While In0 sites are the main active sites for the reaction, the presence of oxidized In species could play a role in the improved performance of the supported samples.
Ultralight Ceramic Fiber Aerogel for High-Temperature Thermal Superinsulation
Authors: Liu Fengqi , He Chenbo , Jiang Yonggang , Feng Junzong , Li Liangjun , Tang Guihua , Feng Jian
Published: April 2023

Emerging fiber aerogels with excellent mechanical properties are considered as promising thermal insulation materials. However, their applications in extreme environments are hindered by unsatisfactory high-temperature thermal insulation properties resulting from severely increased radiative heat transfer. Here, numerical simulations are innovatively employed for structural design of fiber aerogels, demonstrating that adding SiC opacifiers to directionally arranged ZrO2 fiber aerogels (SZFAs) can substantially reduce high-temperature thermal conductivity. As expected, SZFAs obtained by directional freeze-drying technique demonstrate far superior high-temperature thermal insulation performance over existing ZrO2-based fiber aerogels, with a thermal conductivity of only 0.0663 W·m−1·K−1 at 1000 °C. Furthermore, SZFAs also exhibit excellent comprehensive properties, including ultralow density (6.24–37.25 mg·cm−3), superior elasticity (500 compression cycles at 60% strain) and outstanding heat resistance (up to 1200 °C). The birth of SZFAs provides theoretical guidance and simple construction methods for the fabrication of fiber aerogels with excellent high-temperature thermal insulation properties used for extreme conditions.
Recent Advances on Electrospun Nanofibers for Periodontal Regeneration
Authors: Santos Mafalda S. , Carvalho Marta S. , Silva João C.
Published: April 2023

Periodontitis is an inflammatory infection caused by bacterial plaque accumulation that affects the periodontal tissues. Current treatments lack bioactive signals to induce tissue repair and coordinated regeneration of the periodontium, thus alternative strategies are needed to improve clinical outcomes. Electrospun nanofibers present high porosity and surface area and are able to mimic the natural extracellular matrix, which modulates cell attachment, migration, proliferation, and differentiation. Recently, several electrospun nanofibrous membranes have been fabricated with antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and osteogenic properties, showing promising results for periodontal regeneration. Thus, this review aims to provide an overview of the current state of the art of these nanofibrous scaffolds in periodontal regeneration strategies. First, we describe the periodontal tissues and periodontitis, as well as the currently available treatments. Next, periodontal tissue engineering (TE) strategies, as promising alternatives to the current treatments, are addressed. Electrospinning is briefly explained, the characteristics of electrospun nanofibrous scaffolds are highlighted, and a detailed overview of electrospun nanofibers applied to periodontal TE is provided. Finally, current limitations and possible future developments of electrospun nanofibrous scaffolds for periodontitis treatment are also discussed.
Numerical Analysis of Stable (FAPbI3)0.85(MAPbBr3)0.15-Based Perovskite Solar Cell with TiO2/ZnO Double Electron Layer
Authors: Gan Yongjin , Qiu Guixin , Qin Binyi , Bi Xueguang , Liu Yucheng , Nie Guochao , Ning Weilian , Yang Ruizhao
Published: April 2023

Although perovskite solar cells have achieved excellent photoelectric conversion efficiencies, there are still some shortcomings, such as defects inside and at the interface as well as energy level dislocation, which may lead to non-radiative recombination and reduce stability. Therefore, in this study, a double electron transport layer (ETL) structure of FTO/TiO2/ZnO/(FAPbI3)0.85(MAPbBr3)0.15/Spiro-OMeTAD is investigated and compared with single ETL structures of FTO/TiO2/(FAPbI3)0.85(MAPbBr3)0.15/Spiro-OMeTAD and FTO/ZnO/(FAPbI3)0.85(MAPbBr3)0.15/Spiro-OMeTAD using the SCAPS-1D simulation software, with special attention paid to the defect density in the perovskite active layer, defect density at the interface between the ETL and the perovskite active layer, and temperature. Simulation results reveal that the proposed double ETL structure could effectively reduce the energy level dislocation and inhibit the non-radiative recombination. The increases in the defect density in the perovskite active layer, the defect density at the interface between the ETL and the perovskite active layer, and the temperature all facilitate carrier recombination. Compared with the single ETL structure, the double ETL structure has a higher tolerance for defect density and temperature. The simulation outcomes also confirm the possibility of preparing a stable perovskite solar cell.
Electrocatalytic Oxygen Reduction Reaction of Graphene Oxide and Metal-Free Graphene in an Alkaline Medium
Authors: Nagappan Saravanan , Duraivel Malarkodi , Han SeongHoon , Yusuf Mohammad , Mahadadalkar Manjiri , Park KyeongMun , Dhakshinamoorthy Amarajothi , Prabakar Kandasamy , Park Sungkyun , Ha Chang-Sik , Lee Jae-Myung , Park Kang Hyun
Published: April 2023

Graphene is a well-known two-dimensional material with a large surface area and is used for numerous applications in a variety of fields. Metal-free carbon materials such as graphene-based materials are widely used as an electrocatalyst for oxygen reduction reactions (ORRs). Recently, more attention has been paid to developing metal-free graphenes doped with heteroatoms such as N, S, and P as efficient electrocatalysts for ORR. In contrast, we found our prepared graphene from graphene oxide (GO) by the pyrolysis method under a nitrogen atmosphere at 900 °C has shown better ORR activity in aqueous 0.1 M potassium hydroxide solution electrolyte as compared with the electrocatalytic activity of pristine GO. At first, we prepared various graphene by pyrolysis of 50 mg and 100 mg of GO in one to three alumina boats and pyrolyzed the samples under a N2 atmosphere at 900 °C. The prepared samples are named G50-1B to 3B and G100-1B and G100-2B. The prepared GO and graphenes were also analyzed under various characterization techniques to confirm their morphology and structural integrity. The obtained results suggest that the ORR electrocatalytic activity of graphene may differ based on the pyrolysis conditions. We found that G100-1B (Eonset, E1/2, JL, and n values of 0.843, 0.774, 4.558, and 3.76) and G100-2B (Eonset, E1/2, and JL values of 0.837, 0.737, 4.544, and 3.41) displayed better electrocatalytic ORR activity, as did Pt/C electrode (Eonset, E1/2, and JL values of 0.965, 0.864, 5.222, and 3.71, respectively). These results display the wide use of the prepared graphene for ORR and also can be used for fuel cell and metal–air battery applications.
The Prospective Associations of Egg Consumption with the Risk of Total Cerebrovascular Disease Morbidity among Chinese Adults
Authors: Pan Chi , Sun Xiaohui , Song Jiahui , Yu Canqing , Guo Yu , Wang Shaojie , Gao Ruqin , Ning Feng , Pang Zengchang , Chen Zhengming , Li Liming
Published: April 2023

Background: Studies investigating the relationship between egg consumption and the risk of cerebrovascular disease (CED) have yielded inconsistent results. This study evaluated the association between egg consumption and the risk of CED among Chinese adults. Methods: Data were obtained from China Kadoorie Biobank, Qingdao. A computerised questionnaire was used to collect information regarding egg consumption frequency. CED events were tracked through linkage with the Disease Surveillance Point System and the new national health insurance databases. Cox proportional hazards regression analyses were used to evaluate associations between egg consumption and CED risk controlling for potential confounders. Results: After a median follow-up of 9.2 years, 865 and 1083 CED events among men and women, respectively, were documented. More than 50% of participants consumed eggs daily with an average age of 52.0 (10.4) years at baseline. No association between egg consumption and CED were identified in the whole cohort and women. However, a 28% lower risk of CED was observed in those who consumed eggs at a higher frequency (HR = 0.72, 95% CI: 0.55–0.95) and a significant trend for the association (p for trend = 0.012) in a multivariable model in men. Conclusion: Higher frequency of egg consumption was associated with a lower risk of total CED events among men but not women in Chinese adults. The beneficial effect on women warrants further investigations.
Effects of Juçara (Euterpe edulis Martius) on Health: An Overview of Clinical and Experimental Studies and Call for Action
Authors: Siqueira Ana P. S. , Siqueira Jéssika M. , Lopes Mirella P. , Pimentel Gustavo D.
Published: April 2023

Background and aims: Juçara is a fruit of ecological and nutritional importance. Its fruits represent an option for the sustainable use of the plant due to its vulnerability to extinction. Thus, the aim of this review was to analyze clinical and experimental studies and highlight the literature gaps regarding the effects of supplementation with Juçara on health. Methods: For this scoping review, we consulted the Medline (PubMed), Science Direct, and Scopus databases in March, April, and May 2022. Experimental studies and clinical trials published in the last ten years (2012–2022) were analyzed. Data were synthesized and reported. Results: A total of 27 studies were included, 18 of which were experimental studies. Of these, 33% evaluated inflammatory markers associated with fat accumulation. Most of these studies (83%) used pulp in lyophilized form, and the others (17%) involved juçara extract mixed in water. In addition, 78% of the studies showed positive results with respect to the lipid profile, reduction of oncological lesions, inflammation, microbiota modulation, and improvement in obesity and glycemia-related metabolic complications. Nine clinical trials with results similar to those of experimental trials were found. The majority (56%) were chronic (four to six weeks into the intervention), and 44% were acute. Three offered juçara supplementation in the form of juice, four used freeze-dried pulp, two used fresh pulp, and one used a 9% dilution. The dose was fixed at 5 g, but the dilution ranged from 200 to 450 mL. These trials assessed mainly healthy, physically active, and obese individual adults (19–56 years old), and cardioprotective and anti-inflammatory effects, as well as improvement in the lipid profile and prebiotic potential, were observed. Conclusion: Juçara supplementation showed promising results with respect to its effect on health. However, further studies are needed to clarify these possible effects on health and their mechanisms of action.
Casein Hydrolysate Alleviates Adipose Chronic Inflammation in High Fat-Diet Induced Obese C57BL/6J Mice through MAPK Pathway
Authors: Liu Ling , Yu Songfeng , Bu Tingting , He Guoqing , Li Shanshan , Wu Jianping
Published: April 2023

Obesity-induced adipose chronic inflammation is closely related to the development of insulin resistance and T2DM. Tripeptides l-valyl-l-prolyl-l-proline (VPP) and l-isoleucyl-l-prolyl-L-proline (IPP) derived from bovine casein have been reported to prevent inflammatory changes and mitigate insulin resistance in adipocytes. In this study, we aimed to investigate the influence of casein hydrolysates (CH) containing VPP and IPP on a high fat diet (HFD)-induced obese mice and cytokine TNF-α-induced adipocytes. Our data showed that CH alleviated chronic inflammation both in vivo and in vitro. 4% CH suppressed HFD-induced systemic inflammatory factors, hypertrophic white adipocytes, and macrophage infiltration. More importantly, CH was able to improve adipocyte dysfunction induced by TNF-α by increasing the expression of CCAAT/enhancer binding protein α (C/EBP-α) rather than peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPAR-γ). Furthermore, CH also dose-dependently suppressed mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)-c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) phosphorylation and enhanced the phosphorylation of Erk 1/2, but not nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) p65 phosphorylation, in TNF-α-induced 3T3-L1 cells. These results indicated that CH could ameliorate adipose chronic inflammation through the MAPK pathway. Altogether, our findings suggested that 4% CH supplementation for 6 weeks exerted a protective role in preventing obesity-related inflammation and adipose dysfunction.
Body-Size Misperception among Overweight Children and Adolescents in Greece: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Plotas Panagiotis , Tsekoura Efstathia , Souris Emmanouil , Kantanis Anastasios , Kostopoulou Eirini , Varvarigou Anastasia , Fouzas Sotirios
Published: April 2023

Childhood obesity can affect both physical and mental health. Body-size misperception may lead to a lack of motivation to make healthy changes or to engage in unhealthy weight loss behaviors, increasing the possibility for obese children to become obese adults. To estimate the frequency of body-size misperception among children and adolescents, we conducted a cross-sectional study within another study on eating disorders in youth in Greece (National Institute of Educational Policy, act no. 04/2018). Between January and December 2019, two trained assistants visited 83 primary and secondary schools of the Region of Western Greece and interviewed 3504 children aged 10–16 years (CL 99%) and performed anthropometric measurements. Among the 3504 surveyed children, 1097 were overweight, including 424 obese, and 51 were underweight. The “perceived” BMI was not computed in 875 children (25%), who did not state their weight or height and were classified as non-responders. Weight bias was inversely related to BMI, the obese and overweight non-obese children underestimated their weight, while the underweight children overestimated it. Conversely, height bias was positively related to BMI bias. BMI bias was not related to sex, age, parental education, or place of residence. In conclusion, our study lends robust support to the existing evidence on unrealistic body images among overweight children and adolescents. Prompt recognition of such misperceptions may help in increasing motivation towards healthier eating habits, systematic physical activity, and weight-control interventions.