bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Anti-Aging Potential of Avocado Oil via Its Antioxidant Effects
Authors: Torres-Isidro Olin , González-Montoya Marcela , Vargas-Vargas Manuel Alejandro , Florian-Rodriguez Ulises , García-Berumen Claudia Isabel , Montoya-Pérez Rocío , Saavedra-Molina Alfredo , Calderón-Cortés Elizabeth , Rodríguez-Orozco Alain Raimundo , Cortés-Rojo Christian
Published: February 2025

Aging is a process characterized by tissue degeneration, increased susceptibility to chronic degenerative diseases, infections, and the appearance of neoplasms, which leads to disability and a reduction in the length and quality of life. This phenomenon is the result of the convergence of multiple processes, including mitochondrial dysfunction, fibrosis, inflammation, dysregulation of cell death processes, and immunosenescence. These processes have as their point of convergence an increase in the production of ROS. Avocado oil (Persea americana Mill.) contains a diverse array of bioactive compounds, including oleic acid, phytosterols, chlorophylls, xanthones, xanthines, and carotenoids. These bioactive compounds have the capacity to modulate the excessive production of ROS, thereby reducing the progression of age-related diseases and extending lifespan in experimental models of aging. In addition, several studies have demonstrated the efficacy of avocado oil in mitigating age-related diseases, including hypertension; insulin resistance; diabetes; non-alcoholic liver disease; and degenerative processes such as hearing loss, cognitive decline, neurodegeneration, and impaired wound healing. In light of these findings, it is hypothesized that avocado oil is a promising agent capable of promoting healthspan in later stages of life owing to its direct antioxidant actions and the activation of pathways that enhance endogenous antioxidant levels.
Withania somnifera Ameliorates Doxorubicin-Induced Nephrotoxicity and Potentiates Its Therapeutic Efficacy Targeting SIRT1/Nrf2, Oxidative Stress, Inflammation, and Apoptosis
Authors: Mohmmed Hegab Amany Mohammed , Hassanin Soha Osama , Mekky Reham Hassan , Abuzahrah Samah Sulaiman , Hamza Alaaeldin Ahmed , Talaat Iman M. , Amin Amr
Published: February 2025

Background: Doxorubicin (DOX) is a very powerful chemotherapy drug. However, its severe toxicity and potential for resistance development limit its application. Withania somnifera L. Dunal (WIT) has therapeutic capacities, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anticancer activities. This study investigates the preventative benefits of a standardized WIT extract against DOX-induced renal damage in vivo. We also investigate the synergistic effects of combining WIT and DOX to improve therapeutic efficacy in breast cancer cells (MCF7-ADR). Methods: This study employed an animal model where rats were administered 300 mg/kg/day of WIT orally for a duration of 14 days. Rats received DOX injections at a dose of 5 mg/kg, for a total of 15 mg, on the 6th, 8th, and 10th days. Results: Present results revealed that WIT reduced DOX-induced increase levels of blood urea and creatinine and the activity of kidney injury molecule-1. WIT also reduced renal tissue damage, oxidative stress, and levels of pro-inflammatory markers. WIT alleviated the effects of DOX on nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2, heme oxygenase-1, and sirtuin 1 in the renal tissues. WIT modulated nuclear factor-κB activity and decreased apoptotic indicators. Furthermore, WIT improves DOX’s capacity to kill drug-resistant MCF7-ADR cells by arresting the cell cycle and promoting apoptosis. Chemical analysis of WIT root extract revealed 34 distinct compounds, including alkaloids, withanolides, flavanones, and fatty acids. Conclusions: These constituents synergistically contribute to WIT’s antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic properties. In addition, they confirm its ability to reduce systemic toxicity while improving treatment efficacy.
Access to Substituted Tricyclic Heteroarenes by an Oxidative Cyclization Reaction and Their Antifungal Performance
Authors: Nakiwala Rehema , Dasgupta Noopur , Wilson Rebecca , Lutter Erika I. , Bolliger Jeanne L.
Published: February 2025

Background/Objectives: Fungal pathogens are increasingly developing concerning resistance against the currently available antifungal drugs, which creates a constant demand for new antifungal agents. Methods: Here, we report the synthesis of C3,N4-substituted triazole derivatives containing a N4-(2-((4-methoxybenzyl)thio)phenyl) group. By selectively removing the 4-methoxybenzyl group, we were able to access the free thiol analogs which, under oxidative conditions, undergo a cyclization reaction yielding a C5-substituted benzo[4,5]thiazolo[2,3-c][1,2,4]triazole. We were able to show a broad functional group tolerance for the preparation of the triazole derivatives, as well as the tricyclic heteroarenes prepared thereof. Mechanistic investigations suggest that the oxidative cyclization reaction proceeds via an ionic pathway involving a disulfide intermediate. Isolation of the disulfide intermediate and resubjecting it to the reaction conditions shows that the presence of acid significantly increases its rate of conversion to the corresponding benzo[4,5]thiazolo[2,3-c][1,2,4]triazole. Antifungal testing of both the novel triazoles and the benzo[4,5]thiazolo[2,3-c][1,2,4]triazoles was carried out with Candida albicans (SC5314) and a clinical strain of Trichosporon asahii (OK01). Results: Most of the novel sulfur-containing triazoles and benzo[4,5]thiazolo[2,3-c][1,2,4]triazoles showed activity against Candida albicans (SC5314) and the emerging pathogen Trichosporon asahii (OK01). Conclusions: A series of new sulfur-containing triazoles and benzo[4,5]thiazolo[2,3-c][1,2,4]triazoles were synthesized. Antifungal testing revealed modest activity against Candida albicans (SC5314) and Trichosporon asahii (OK01).
CLEC3A-Derived Antimicrobial Peptides Reduce Staphylococcus aureus Bacterial Counts in an In Vivo Biomaterial-Associated Infection Mouse Model
Authors: Meinberger Denise , Hermes Gabriele , Brachvogel Bent , Sengle Gerhard , Elezagic Dzemal , Roth Annika , Ruthard Johannes , Streichert Thomas , Klatt Andreas R.
Published: February 2025

Background/Objectives: Biomaterials are an essential part of healthcare for both diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. Although some biomaterials possess antimicrobial properties, introducing biomaterial into the body may lead to infections due to bacterial adhesion on their surfaces and still poses a major clinical problem. Peptides derived from the human cartilage-specific C-type lectin domain family 3 member A (CLEC3A) show a potent antimicrobial effect. In addition, coating titanium, a commonly used prosthetic material, with the CLEC3A-derived AMPs HT-47 and WRK-30 greatly reduces the number of adherent bacteria in vitro. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of CLEC3A-derived peptides HT-47 and WRK-30 in reducing bacterial adhesion and mitigating infection in vivo in a murine biomaterial-associated infection model. Methods: To do so, an in vivo mouse infection model was used, where titanium plates—either uncoated or coated with chimeric CLEC3A-derived peptides TiBP-HT-47 and TiBP-WRK-30—were implanted subcutaneously into mice. This was followed by the introduction of Staphylococcus aureus bacterial cultures to induce a biomaterial-associated infection. After 24 h, the titanium plates, surrounding tissue, and mice blood samples were investigated. Results: CLEC3A-coated titanium plates lead to a significantly lower bacterial count than uncoated ones. Additionally, they prevent the infection from spreading to the surrounding tissue. Moreover, mice with CLEC3A-coated implants display lower IL-6 serum levels and therefore decreased systemic inflammation. Conclusions: In conclusion, in this biomaterial-associated infection mouse-model, CLEC3A-derived peptides show in vivo antimicrobial activity by reducing bacterial burden on biomaterial and wound tissue and decreasing systemic inflammation, making them promising candidates for clinical applications.
An Insight to Nanoliposomes as Smart Radiopharmaceutical Delivery Tools for Imaging Atherosclerotic Plaques: Positron Emission Tomography Applications
Authors: Sebatana Reabetswe , Kudzai Kahwenga D. , Magura Allan , Mdlophane Amanda , Zeevaart Jan Rijn , Sathekge Mike , Kahts Maryke , Mdanda Sipho , Witika Bwalya Angel
Published: February 2025

Atherosclerosis is a chronic progressive disease which is known to cause acute cardiovascular events as well as cerebrovascular events with high mortality. Unlike many other diseases, atherosclerosis is often diagnosed only after an acute or fatal event. At present, the clinical problems of atherosclerosis mainly involve the difficulty in confirming the plaques or identifying the stability of the plaques in the early phase. In recent years, the development of nanotechnology has come with various advantages including non-invasive imaging enhancement, which can be studied for the imaging of atherosclerosis. For targeted imaging and atherosclerosis treatment, nanoliposomes provide enhanced stability, drug administration, extended circulation, and less toxicity. This review discusses the current advances in the development of tailored liposomal nano-radiopharmaceutical-based techniques and their applications to atherosclerotic plaque diagnosis. This review further highlights liposomal nano-radiopharmaceutical localisation and biodistribution—key processes in the pathophysiology of atherosclerosis. Finally, this review discusses the direction and future of liposomal nano-radiopharmaceuticals as a potential clinical tool for the assessment and diagnosis of atherosclerotic plaque.
Tailored Intranasal Albumin Caged Selegiline-α Synuclein siRNA Liposome with Improved Efficiency in Parkinson’s Model
Authors: Katamesh Ahmed A. , Abdel-Bar Hend Mohamed , Break Mohammed Khaled Bin , Hassoun Shimaa M. , Subaiea Gehad Mohammed , Radwan Amr , Abo El-Enin Hadel A.
Published: February 2025

Background/Objectives: Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a progressive neuro-degenerative disorder characterized by α-synuclein aggregation, which promotes neuronal death and accelerates neurodegeneration. Small interfering RNA (siRNA) can reduce α-synuclein levels, but its therapeutic potential is limited by poor stability and delivery challenges. Similarly, Selegiline (Sel), a monoamine oxidase-B (MAO-B) inhibitor, has low bioavailability, restricting its effectiveness. This study aims to develop an intranasal (IN) albumin-coated liposomal system (C-LipSel-siSNCA2) for the co-delivery of Sel and α-synuclein-targeting siRNA (siSNCA2) to enhance brain targeting and therapeutic efficacy. Methods: Liposomes were prepared using the ethanol injection method and optimized via D-optimal design for size, charge, and encapsulation efficiency (EE%). The optimized formulation was coated with human serum albumin (HSA) and characterized for stability, cellular uptake, and gene silencing. In vivo pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics were assessed in a rotenone-induced PD rat model to evaluate the motor function, biochemical markers, and brain-targeting efficiency. Results: Optimized liposomes had a particle size of 113.5 ± 6.8 nm, zeta potential of 6.2 ± 0.8 mV, and high EE% (Sel: 92.35%; siRNA: 78.66%). Albumin coating increased size to 136.5 ± 10.3 nm and shifted zeta potential to −13.5 ± 1.4 mV, enhancing stability and targeting. IN administration achieved a 3-fold increase in brain area under the concentration-time curve (AUC) versus intravenous delivery. In PD rats, C-LipSel-siSNCA2 improved motor and non-motor functions, restored dopamine levels, enhanced catalase activity, and reduced MAO-B levels, mitigating dopamine degradation and α-synuclein aggregation. Conclusions: This non-invasive, dual-action nanoplatform offers a targeted therapy for PD, combining siRNA gene silencing and MAO-B inhibition, with the potential for clinical translation in neurodegenerative diseases.
Recent Advances in Glutathione Depletion-Enhanced Porphyrin-Based nMOFs for Photodynamic Therapy
Authors: Gong Bin , Zhang Qiuyun , Chen Jiayi , Qu Yijie , Luo Xuanxuan , Wang Weiqi , Zheng Xiaohua
Published: February 2025

Photodynamic therapy has established itself as a clinical treatment for certain superficial cancers by converting oxygen into cytotoxic singlet oxygen to eradicate cancer cells. Porphyrin-based nanoscale metal–organic frameworks have emerged as promising photosensitive platforms due to their ability to prevent the hydrophobic aggregation quenching of porphyrin molecules and enhance accumulation at the tumor site, thereby becoming a focal point in photodynamic materials research. However, the elevated levels of glutathione and other reductive substances within cancer cells can alleviate the oxidative stress induced by singlet oxygen from the photodynamic therapy process, thus protecting intracellular biomolecular structures from damage. Consequently, it is crucial to design functionalized nanoplatforms that integrate glutathione depletion with porphyrin-based metal–organic frameworks to significantly boost photodynamic therapy efficacy. Moreover, the excess glutathione within cells can disrupt the structure of porphyrin-based metal–organic frameworks, which not only increases the capacity of porphyrin molecules to generate singlet oxygen upon light exposure but also aids in the recovery of their fluorescence imaging capabilities. Additionally, this specificity minimizes the photosensitizing harm of porphyrin-based metal–organic frameworks to other normal tissues. This review compiles recent advancements in developing porphyrin-based metal–organic frameworks for enhanced phototherapy through glutathione depletion. It aims to promote the further application of porphyrin-based metal–organic frameworks in phototherapy and provide valuable insights for preclinical applications. By highlighting strategies that improve therapeutic outcomes while maintaining safety profiles, this summary seeks to advance the development of more effective and targeted cancer treatments.
Biosystematic, Essential Oil, and Biological Activity Studies on Medicinal Plant Moluccella L. (Lamiaceae) Species from Turkey
Authors: Sancar Pelin Yilmaz
Published: February 2025

This study aims to determine the biosystematic (morphological, anatomical, palynological) characteristics of Moluccella (M. laevis and M. spinosa) species growing in Turkey, the components of their essential oil (EOs), and some of their biological activities (antimicrobial and radical scavenging capacity). In the biosystematic studies, morphological, anatomical, and palynological analyses were performed. The stem, leaf, flower, and seed characteristics of the plants, along with various ecological properties, were examined and the necessary measurements were taken and presented. In the anatomical studies, the root, stem, leaf, and petioles of the species were photographed under a light microscope to determine their anatomical features. Additionally, light microscope and scanning electron microscope studies were conducted to reveal the surface properties of pollen and seeds. The chemical composition of the EOs of the plant samples was analyzed by GC-MS (Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry). The main components of the EOs of the examined species are α-thujene, β-pinene, β-caryophyllene, and 2-pentadecanone. Significant differences have been found in the EO component profiles of Moluccella laevis and Moluccella spinosa. While a total of 33 components were found in M. laevis, 59 components were detected in M. spinosa. The EO yield was higher in M. spinosa compared to M. laevis. The antimicrobial activity was tested using both disc diffusion and the MIC (minimum inhibitory concentration) methods. The results showed that the methanolic extracts prepared from the aerial parts of the plant samples exhibited varying levels of antimicrobial and antifungal activity against the tested microorganisms. The antioxidant capacity of the methanolic extract was measured by DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) radical scavenging capacity. The DPPH radical scavenging capacity increased with the increasing concentrations of both plant extracts. Antimicrobial capacity was higher in M. spinosa, while radical scavenging capacity was higher in M. laevis. As a result of the obtained data, although the studied species share similar features, they exhibit significant differences in terms of morphological, anatomical, and palynological characteristics. The antimicrobial and radical scavenging capacities of the plants were noteworthy. The data obtained from this study, which are being presented for the first time in the literature, provide a valuable resource for researchers working on this genus.
Morphological and Phytochemical Characterization of Old Ligurian Basil Accessions: Recovery of Old Biodiversity for Future Exploitation
Authors: Betuzzi Federica , Campioli Denise , Malaspina Paola , Rapallo Fabio , Bottino Giovanni , Scrigna Gloria , Minuto Giovanni , Cornara Laura
Published: February 2025

Since the 19th century, the cultivation of Ocimum basilicum L. has increasingly been established in Liguria, with the in situ reproduction of seeds. Over the years, Ligurian basil accessions were crossed with allochthonous genomes to obtain disease-resistant plants. To preserve the original genetic resource, nine old Ligurian accessions (CV1–9) were recovered. As part of the PSR 2014–2022 Mis. 10.2 of Liguria Region, this work aimed to characterize these CVs by morphological and phytochemical analyses to safeguard their biodiversity. Commercial O. basilicum Genovese Superbo grown in Liguria (SL) was added for comparison. The micro-morphological investigation showed significantly different trichome densities among the samples. CV4 showed the highest densities of both peltate and capitate trichomes, while CV9 and CV1 had the lowest peltate and capitate densities, respectively. In addition, to perform the germplasm characterization, seed morphometric data and germinability were evaluated. Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) analysis was carried out on CV1–9, SL, and Superbo plants grown in Piedmont (SP), to test the influence of territory on basil aromatic profiles. The results showed that the old accessions and SL were rich in linalool, eugenol, and bergamotene. Only CV1 slightly differed, with higher levels of methyl eugenol, eucalyptol, and camphor. On the contrary, SP had very high levels of methyl eugenol and camphor. These data represent valuable insights for preserving Ligurian old basil accessions and maintaining the production of Genovese Basil PDO (Protected Designation of Origin) in the future.
Integrated Metabolomic and Transcriptomic Analyses Reveal the Potential Molecular Mechanism Underlying Callus Browning in Paeonia ostii
Authors: Wen Xiaohui , Xu Wenting , Zhang Lili , Shi Xiaohua , Zhou Jianghua , Liu Huichun , Zhu Kaiyuan
Published: February 2025

Callus browning is a significant problem that hinders plant tissue regeneration in Paeonia ostii “Fengdan” by causing cell death and inhibiting growth. However, the molecular mechanism underlying callus browning in P. ostii remains unclear. In this study, we investigated the metabolites and potential regulatory genes involved in callus browning of P. ostii using metabolomic and transcriptomic analyses. We found a significant accumulation of phenolic compounds in the browned callus, represented by flavonoid compounds. Notably, the accumulations of luteotin and disomentin were higher in browning calli compared to non-browning calli. Transcriptomic analysis identified that candidate genes associated with flavonoid biosynthesis, including flavonoid 3-hydroxylase (PoF3H) and flavone synthase II (PoFNSII), were highly expressed in the browned callus of P. ostii “Fengdan”. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) further highlighted that polyphenol oxidase (PoPPO) which encoded polyphenol oxidase, together with flavonoid biosynthesis-related genes such as flavanone 3-hydroxylase (PoF3H) and flavonone Synthase II (PoFNSII), as well as cellular totipotency-related genes wuschel-related homeobox 4 (PoWOX4), were involved in callus browning. Based on these findings, we proposed the molecular mechanism by which flavonoid accumulation, polyphenol oxidation, and cellular totipotency pathways contribute to callus browning in P. ostii. Our study provides new insights into the molecular mechanism underlying callus browning and offers the foundations to facilitate the establishment of an efficient plant tissue regeneration system in P. ostii.
Phytochemistry and Anti-Inflammatory and Antioxidant Activities of Cinnamomum osmophloeum and Its Bioactive Constituents: A Review
Authors: Damasceno Renan Oliveira Silva , Pinheiro João Lucas Silva , Silva Lorena Duarte da , Rodrigues Lucas Henrique Marques , Emídio Jeremias Justo , Lima Tamires Cardoso , Sousa Damião Pergentino de
Published: February 2025

Cinnamomum osmophloeum, commonly known as indigenous cinnamon, is a tree species native to Taiwan’s hardwood forests. It has been extensively investigated for its chemical composition and bioactivities. Several reports have shown that C. osmophloeum leaves are rich in aromatic oils, which are grouped into various chemotypes based on their major constituents. Components of the volatile oils included phenylpropanoids, monoterpenoids, sesquiterpenoids, phenols, coumarins, and other miscellaneous compounds. In addition, other secondary metabolites previously identified in this species included flavonol glycosides, phenolic acids, lignans, proanthocyanidins, and cyclopropanoids. C. osmophloeum is widely recognized for its medicinal and industrial applications, particularly its essential oils. In general, essential oils exhibit remarkable anti-inflammatory and antioxidant actions, enabling them to modulate key inflammatory mediators and neutralize free radicals. This review explored the phytochemical composition of the essential oils and extracts from C. osmophloeum as well as therapeutic potential of this species, focusing on the action mechanisms and clinical potential. We hope that this review will contribute to a better understanding of the biological effects of this plant and its potential applications in the management of conditions associated with inflammation and oxidative stress.
False Seedbed and Stale Seedbed Against Important Broadleaf Weeds: A Case Study and a Step Closer to Agroecology
Authors: Kanatas Panagiotis , Gazoulis Ioannis , Petraki Dimitra , Kokkini Metaxia , Antonopoulos Nikolaos , Travlos Ilias
Published: February 2025

Wheat production can be reduced due to competition from weeds, with farmers relying almost exclusively on chemical solutions. However, there are alternative farming practices available. Therefore, in a field trial in Greece, we assessed the efficacy of false and stale seedbed against important broadleaf weed species and their impact on grain yield parameters. Our study determined that false seedbed resulted in a decrease in the density and biomass of broadleaf weed species like catchweed bedstraw (Galium aparine L.) up to 75% and 69% compared with the untreated control (normal seedbed preparation), respectively. The efficacy of false seedbed was higher when combined with post-emergence chemical control. Stale seedbed also resulted in adequate weed control, with a biomass reduction of up to 81%, and grain yield increased by 30% compared with the normal seedbed preparation without any herbicide use. Our results highlight the differences in the response between the weed species and also emphasize the potential of adding an alternative farming practice (like false and stale seedbed) as part of an integrated farming strategy for a sustainable and agroecological crop and weed management. In order to validate the trends observed in this case study, further field-to-field or year-to-year replication is required.
Obtaining and Characterization of Biodegradable Polymer Blends Based on Polyvinyl Alcohol, Starch, and Chitosan
Authors: Irmukhametova Galiya , Al Azzam Khaldun M. , Mun Grigoriy A. , Bekbayeva Lyazzat , Dinara Zhetpisbay , Yermukhambetova Bayana B. , Nechipurenko Sergey V. , Efremov Sergey A. , Negim El-Sayed , Samy Moshera
Published: February 2025

Although chitosan (CS) is used in many industries because of its low cost, biodegradability, nontoxic, antibacterial, and antioxidant qualities, it lacks sufficient mechanical and barrier properties. Biodegradable polymers based on CS, polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), and starch (S) were prepared at various ratios (1/3/6 and 1/5/4) via a blending polymerization process in the presence of water as the solvent and glacial acetic acid as the catalyst. The obtained biodegradable polymers were characterized via FTIR, TGA, SEM, and mechanical tests. The biodegradable polymers were mixed with rice straw and carbon black to study the effects of rice straw and carbon black on the physicomechanical properties of the biodegradable polymer films, including viscosity, tensile strength, elongation, and contact angle. The incorporation of rice straw and carbon black into a polymer blend significantly enhanced the physical and mechanical properties while also boosting their biodegradability by 36% and 15%, respectively, due to their biological activity. Notably, the CS/PVA/S blend with a ratio of 1/5/4, combined with rice straw, emerged as the standout performer. It exhibited superior mechanical strength and the shortest degradation time, outperforming the CS/PVA/S blended with a ratio of 1/3/6 mixed with carbon black. According to these findings, the biodegradable polymers became more soluble as the temperature increased from 30 to 45 °C.
Fabrication of Cellulose Derivatives-Based Highly Porous Floating Tablets for Gastroretentive Drug Delivery via Sugar Templating Method
Authors: Panraksa Pattaraporn , Chaiwarit Tanpong , Chanabodeechalermrung Baramee , Worajittiphon Patnarin , Jantrawut Pensak
Published: February 2025

This work presents an innovative application of the sugar templating method to fabricate highly porous floating tablets based on cellulose derivatives for gastroretentive drug delivery systems (GRDDS). Ethyl cellulose (EC) and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) were utilized to develop formulations that optimize porosity, buoyancy, and drug release. Among the tested formulations, E10H5/CPM, consisting of 10% w/w EC and 5% w/w HPMC loaded with chlorpheniramine maleate (CPM), exhibited the most favorable properties, including high porosity (94.4%), uniform pore distribution, immediate buoyancy, and over 24 h of floating time. E10H5/CPM tablets demonstrated superior drug release performance compared to an EC-only formulation (E10/CPM), attributed to the presence of HPMC, which facilitated improved hydration and diffusion. The in vitro release study showed that E10H5/CPM achieved a cumulative release of 79.01% over 72 h, following a Fickian diffusion mechanism. However, a limitation was noted in drug loading, with E10H5/CPM incorporating 6.40 mg of CPM, compared to 8.72 mg in E10/CPM. Future work should focus on enhancing drug load and further optimizing polymer composition to improve the release profile. Overall, this study underscores the potential of sugar templating in developing cost-effective, scalable floating tablet formulations for improved gastric retention and localized drug delivery.
Molecular Dynamics Simulation of Phase Behavior of Fluid in Confined Nanopores
Authors: Gao Jiahao , Zhang Ke , Lyu Weifeng , Zhang Yu , Wang Mingyuan , Cheng Yaoze , Li Ao , Chen Xv
Published: February 2025

The reservoir proportion with deep and low permeability, where oil and gas exist widely in nanopores, has been discovered increasingly in China. Affected by the nano-confinement effect, the phase behavior of fluid in nanopores varies with nanopore size rather than being constant. In this paper, the density, viscosity, and saturation pressure of pure and mixed fluids in nanopores are studied by molecular dynamics (MD) simulation combined with statistical physics. The feasibility of using the MD method to investigate fluid behavior in nanopores was verified with laboratory data. It was found that the fluids’ phase behavior parameters in nanopores are lower than those in the bulk phase due to the confinement effect. The boundary of confinement effect (BCE) is defined as a size range of nanopores that separates the pore scale into the confinement scale and bulk scale. Each fluid has a specific BCE influenced by the molecular size of fluid. The phase behavior of crude oil in shale and tight oil reservoirs is most affected by the molecular adsorption and interaction energy between the fluid molecule and pore wall. Clarifying a specific BCE in shale reservoirs can significantly enhance the understanding of reservoirs and guide reservoir development strategies.
Development of Functional Jelly Gums Using Blueberry Concentrate and Honey: Physicochemical and Sensory Analysis
Authors: Al-Jaloudi Rawan , Al-Refaie Doa’a , Shahein Mohammad , Hamad Hani J. , Al-Dabbas Maher M. , Shehadeh Nisreen , AlBtoosh Jomanah , Al-Nawasrah Bha’a Aldin , Alkhderat Razan , Ababneh Suha Khayri
Published: February 2025

The production of functional candies has garnered significant attention due to the growing consumer demand for healthier confectionery options. This study investigates the production of functional jelly gum by replacing table sugar and glucose syrup with honey and blueberry concentrate. Various formulations were developed and tested for phenolic and flavonoid content, antioxidant activity, textural properties, and consumer acceptance. Results showed that the addition of functional ingredients increased the phenolic and flavonoid content compared to the control. The modified jelly gums exhibited strong antioxidant activities, as evidenced by the DPPH assay, with significant differences (p < 0.05) from the control. The DPPH radical scavenging activity correlated strongly with phenolic content (R2 = 0.88) and flavonoid content (R2 = 0.89). Reducing power ranged from 32.31% to 78.45%, with the T5 sample (containing 30 g honey and 60 g blueberry concentrate) showing the highest activity. The reducing power of all treatments correlated significantly with flavonoid content (R2 = 0.75) and phenolic content (R2 = 0.83). Sensory analysis revealed that the T4 sample (containing 30 g of honey and 30 g of blueberry concentrate) was the most favorably received by consumers. These findings highlight the potential of using natural ingredients to develop healthier confectionery products that meet consumer demand for confectionery that is both nutritious and appealing.
Electrogenic Bacteria Enhance the Structure and Performance of Nitrite-Reducing Electroactive Biofilms
Authors: Lin Zhufan , He Xinyuan , Li Huahua , Lu Yi , Cheng Shaoan
Published: February 2025

The reverse polarity biocathode culture (RPBC) is a technology for the rapid preparation of biocathodes, which quickly enrich electroactive bacteria (EAB) in the microbial fuel cell (MFC) anode and then transform the electrode function from bioanode to biocathode by reversing bioelectrode polarity. However, the mechanism of RPBC is still unclear, and methods to regulate performance and ensure the long-term stability of cultured biocathodes have not been established. This study investigated the correlation between electrogenic bacteria and the target reducing EAB, from two aspects: energy supply and the formation of a composite biofilm. The results showed that electrogenic bacteria provided energy for the reducing EAB through interspecies electron transfer. This process could be regulated by changing the electrode potential and substrate concentration to obtain an optimized biocathode. In addition, the RPBC forms a composite biofilm of electrogenic bacteria and reducing EAB, which significantly improves the enrichment efficiency and the amount of reducing EAB (compared with a direct biocathode culture, respectively, shortening the enrichment time by 80%, increasing the electroactivity by 12.4 times, and increasing the nitrate degradation rate by 4.85 times). This study provides insights into regulating the performance and maintaining the long-term stability of RPBC-cultured biocathodes.
A Study of the Mixing Process Under Vertical Vibration with Different Initial Structures
Authors: Gao Yuqi , Ruan Bancheng , Ma Ning , Liu Hongxing , Zhang Pengchao , Xie Zhongyuan
Published: February 2025

Resonance Acoustic Mixing (RAM) is an efficient mixing technique and holds significant application value in many fields, especially in the mixing of high-viscosity materials. Due to the one-time loading feature, different material structures formed during the feeding process may cause undesired irregularities in the mixing process, which is not conducive to maintaining the mixing consistency between different batches. However, in the analysis of multi-component mixtures, previous studies have often overlooked the impact of the initial material structure. This study delved into the mixing mechanism of RAM in viscous solid–liquid mixtures. By constructing a numerical model based on the Mixture model, simulations of gas–solid–liquid multiphase flows under different initial structures were conducted, and the reliability of the model was verified through experiments. The research results indicate that the mixing processes with different initial structures share similar temporal characteristics of being intense at first and then moderating, but their development trends vary. The mixing time of the structure with the solid on the upper part is shortened by about 10% compared with that of the structure with the solid on the lower part. The double-interface structure exhibits a significantly higher mixing efficiency than the single-interface structure, with the mixing time reduced by up to 41%. This study offers a theoretical basis for optimizing the parameters of resonant acoustic mixing and holds significant reference value for the refined operation of resonant acoustic mixing in the future.
Effect of Pilot-Scale Decanter Centrifuge Processing Parameters on the Quality of Fish Meal Produced from Smoked Salmon Processing By-Products
Authors: Neagle Connor , Chouljenko Alexander , Bolton Greg , Mirtalebi Sanazsadat , Frinsko Michael O. , Hall Steven G. , Reading Benjamin J. , Joseph Michael
Published: February 2025

Fish waste (FW) serves as an underutilized resource in agriculture, especially among small-scale processors. The trimmings and skins generated during the manufacturing of smoked salmon often end up in landfills due to insufficient quantities and logistical challenges to promote upcycling. An additional consideration is the high fat and mineral content in the smoked Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) used for this study. We tested the feasibility of technology that small-scale processors can adapt to upcycle smoked salmon by-products into fish meal (FM) and fish oil (FO). A two-phase decanter centrifuge was optimized by manipulating acceleration, differential speed, flow rate, weir disc diameter, sample temperature, and the number of decanter runs. FW, processed through the decanter three times, produced FM with the least fat content compared to other trials. The optimized FM contained 74.09% protein, 8.56% fat, 15.41% ash, and 0.20% salt. FO production involved running a 9:1 water-to-by-product dilution through a three-phase clarifier centrifuge, followed by batch centrifugation and storage. Proximate, amino acid, and fatty acid profiles of the produced FM and FO aligned with industry standards. This study highlights a potentially sustainable solution for small-scale processors to transform FW into high-quality FM and FO, reducing waste and supporting sustainable resource recovery.
The Application of Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy and Chemometrics in Identifying Signatures for Sheep’s Milk Authentication
Authors: Duliński Robert , Gancarz Marek , Shakhovska Nataliya , Byczyński Łukasz
Published: February 2025

This study explores the application of Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy combined with chemometric and machine learning techniques for authenticating sheep’s milk and distinguishing it from cow’s milk. The demand for accurate authentication methods is driven by the high production costs of sheep’s milk and the prevalent issue of adulteration with cow’s milk, which can have economic, health, and ethical implications. Our research utilizes exploratory analysis, regression, and classification tasks on spectral data to identify characteristic spectral signatures and physicochemical parameters for sheep’s milk. Key methods included the application of decision trees, random forests, and k-nearest neighbors (KNN), with the random forest model showing the highest predictive accuracy (R2 of 0.9801). Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and analysis of variance (ANOVA) revealed significant spectral and compositional differences, particularly in fat content and wavelengths responsible for amide I and II bands (1454 nm and 1550 nm) correlated with the conformational characteristics of the proteins, with sheep’s milk exhibiting higher values than cow’s milk. These findings indicate the potential of FTIR spectroscopy as a reliable tool for milk authentication. Currently, digitalization within the milk production chain is limited, particularly in the case of regional dairy products. The introduction of integrated photonics, machine learning, and, in the future, telemetry systems would enable dairy farmers to optimize their operations and ensure the origin and quality of the milk supplied to milk producers.
When Eating Healthy Becomes Unhealthy: A Cross-Cultural Comparison of the Indirect Effect of Perfectionism on Orthorexia Nervosa Through Obsessive–Compulsive Symptoms
Authors: Cobzeanu Alexandra , Roman Ioana-Cătălina , Roca Iulia Cristina
Published: February 2025

Orthorexia nervosa (ON) is a pathological obsession with eating only healthy and biologically pure food. The primary aim of this study was to explore the relationships between ON, perfectionism, and obsessive–compulsive symptoms in two cultural contexts, i.e., Romania and Germany. Our sample included 600 participants aged 18 to 73 (M = 29.04, SD = 10.30, 79.2% females), i.e., 310 from Romania and 290 from Germany. We tested a moderated mediation model, exploring the mediating effect of obsessive–compulsive symptoms on the link between socially prescribed and self-oriented perfectionism and ON symptoms and the moderating effect of culture (i.e., Western and non-Western) while controlling for age, sex, education, and monthly income. Socially prescribed perfectionism and self-oriented perfectionism were positively related to obsessive–compulsive and ON. Both socially prescribed and self-oriented perfectionism predicted ON through obsessive–compulsive symptoms, but only in the case of German participants. The present study’s results suggest a better understanding of orthorexic behaviors in a cross-cultural context, which might significantly contribute to developing tailored strategies for preventive educational programs and nutritional interventions across different nations.
Transition from Inflation to Dark Energy in Superfluid Vacuum Theory
Authors: Zloshchastiev Konstantin G.
Published: February 2025

The laminar constant-velocity superflow of a physical vacuum modelled by logarithmic quantum Bose liquid is considered. We demonstrate that this three-dimensional non-relativistic quantum flow generates a four-dimensional relativistic quinton system, which comprises the dilaton and quintom (a combination of the quintessence and tachyonic phantom fields); all three fields are thus shown to be projections of the dynamical evolution of superfluid vacuum density and its fluctuations onto the measuring apparatus of a relativistic observer. The unified model describes the transition from the inflationary period in the early universe to the contemporary accelerating expansion of the universe, commonly referred to as the “dark energy” period. The quintessence and tachyonic scalar components of the derived model turn out to be non-minimally coupled, which is a hitherto unexplored generalization of cosmological phantom models.
Intensity Enhancement and Q-Range Extension in Pinhole SANS Instruments with Neutron Focusing Lenses
Authors: Radulescu Aurel
Published: February 2025

Soft matter and biological materials are characterized by a complex morphology consisting of multiple structural levels that are either hierarchically organized or coexist over a length scale from a few Å up to the size of µm. For a structural characterization of such morphologies, an extended Q-range must be covered in X-ray and neutron scattering experiments. Neutrons offer the unique advantage of contrast variation and matching by D-labeling, which is of great value for the characterization of hydrocarbon systems, which are essentially the constituents of soft matter and biological materials. The combination of ultra- and small-angle neutron scattering techniques (USANS and SANS) on complementary beamlines has long been used for such experimental investigations. However, the combined use of USANS and SANS methods at the same beamline for simultaneous acquisition of scattering data over a wide Q-range is necessary when working with sensitive or expensive samples that require special preparation or in situ treatment during the structural characterization. For this reason, several pinhole SANS instruments have been equipped with focusing lenses to allow additional measurements at lower Q values, in the USANS range. The use of neutron lenses has the additional advantage of enhancing the intensity on the sample by providing the ability to work with larger samples while maintaining the same resolution as in pinhole mode. The experimental approach for using neutron lenses to enhance the intensity and extend the Q-range to lower values than in pinhole mode is presented using examples from studies on the pinhole SANS diffractometers equipped with focusing lenses.
Prayer When Life’s in the Balance: One Pentecostal’s Perspectives on Luther’s Theology of the Cross
Authors: Courey David J.
Published: February 2025

Hearing the word ‘death’ applied to oneself is a remarkably sobering experience. This is particularly true when the ‘one’ being referred to is a Pentecostal, a theologian, and a friend of Martin Luther. Reading Luther with Pentecostal ears is always a deconstructive process against the accumulated Luther scholarship that champions his view of the objective nature of Word and Sacrament over against the vicissitude of spiritual experience. Nevertheless, two moments in Luther’s life (the recovery of Philip Melanchthon and the death of his daughter Magdalena) open perspectives on the personal appropriation of the theologia crucis in the later Luther. In the process they illuminate the Pentecostal longing for healing, while critiquing some of its popular paradigms. Together they voice this particular ‘one’s’ journey through a bout of cancer.
Robust and Efficient SAR Ship Detection: An Integrated Despecking and Detection Framework
Authors: Chen Yulin , Shen Yanyun , Duan Chi , Wang Zhipan , Mo Zewen , Liang Yingyu , Zhang Qingling
Published: February 2025

Deep-learning-based ship detection methods in Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) imagery are a current research hotspot. However, these methods rely on high-quality images as input, and in practical applications, SAR images are interfered with by speckle noise, leading to a decrease in image quality and thus affecting detection accuracy. To address this problem, we propose a unified framework for ship detection that incorporates a despeckling module into the object detection network. This integration is designed to enhance the detection performance, even with low-quality SAR images that are affected by speckle noise. Secondly, we propose a Multi-Scale Window Swin Transformer module. This module is adept at improving image quality by effectively capturing both global and local features of the SAR images. Additionally, recognizing the challenges associated with the scarcity of labeled data in practical scenarios, we employ an unlabeled distillation learning method to train our despeckling module. This technique avoids the need for extensive manual labeling and making efficient use of unlabeled data. We have tested the robustness of our method using public SAR datasets, including SSDD and HRSID, as well as a newly constructed dataset, the RSSDD. The results demonstrate that our method not only achieves a state-of-the-art performance but also excels in conditions with low signal-to-noise ratios.
DeepDR: A Two-Level Deep Defect Recognition Framework for Meteorological Satellite Images
Authors: Zhao Xiangang , Chang Xiangyu , Fan Cunqun , Lin Manyun , Wei Lan , Ye Yunming
Published: February 2025

Raw meteorological satellite images often suffer from defects such as noise points and lines due to atmospheric interference and instrument errors. Current solutions typically rely on manual visual inspection to identify these defects. However, manual inspection is labor-intensive, lacks uniform standards, and is prone to both false positives and missed detections. To address these challenges, we propose DeepDR, a two-level deep defect recognition framework for meteorological satellite images. DeepDR consists of two modules: a transformer-based noise image classification module for the first level and a noise region segmentation module based on a pseudo-label training strategy for the second level. This framework enables the automatic identification of defective cloud images and the detection of noise points and lines, thereby significantly improving the accuracy of defect recognition. To evaluate the effectiveness of DeepDR, we have collected and released two satellite cloud image datasets from the FengYun-1 satellite, which include noise points and lines. Subsequently, we conducted comprehensive experiments to demonstrate the superior performance of our approach in addressing the satellite cloud image defect recognition problem.
Two-Stage Unsupervised Hyperspectral Band Selection Based on Deep Reinforcement Learning
Authors: Guo Yi , Wang Qianqian , Hu Bingliang , Qian Xueming , Ye Haibo
Published: February 2025

Hyperspectral images are high-dimensional data that capture detailed spectral information across a wide range of wavelengths, enabling the precise identification and analysis of different materials or objects. However, the high dimensionality of the data also introduces information redundancy and increases the computational overhead, making it necessary to perform band selection to retain the most discriminative and informative bands for the target task. Traditional band selection methods, such as ranking-based, searching-based, and clustering-based approaches, often rely on handcrafted features and heuristic rules, which fail to fully exploit the latent information and complex spatial–spectral relationships in hyperspectral images. To address this issue, this paper proposes a two-stage unsupervised band selection method based on deep reinforcement learning. First, we performed noise estimation preprocessing to filter out bands with high noise levels to reduce the interference in the agent’s learning process. Then, the band selection problem was formulated as a Markov Decision Process (MDP), where the agent learned an optimal band selection strategy through interactions with the environment. In the design of the reward function, the Optimal Index Factor (OIF) was introduced as the evaluation metric to encourage the agent to select bands with high information content and low redundancy, and thereby improve the efficiency and quality of the selection process. Experimental results on three hyperspectral datasets demonstrated that the proposed method could effectively improve the performance of the hyperspectral image band selection.