bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Parthenolide Phytosomes Attenuated Gentamicin-Induced Nephrotoxicity in Rats via Activation of Sirt-1, Nrf2, OH-1, and NQO1 Axis
Authors: Albalawi Rawan S. , Binmahfouz Lenah S. , Hareeri Rawan H. , Shaik Rasheed A. , Bagher Amina M.
Published: March 2023

Nephrotoxicity is a serious complication that limits the clinical use of gentamicin (GEN). Parthenolide (PTL) is a sesquiterpene lactone derived from feverfew with various therapeutic benefits. However, PTL possesses low oral bioavailability. This study aimed to evaluate the therapeutic protective effects of PTL-phytosomes against GEN-induced nephrotoxicity in rats. The PTL was prepared as phytosomes to improve the pharmacological properties with a particle size of 407.4 nm, and surface morphology showed oval particles with multiple edges. Rats were divided into six groups: control, nano-formulation plain vehicle, PTL-phytosomes (10 mg/kg), GEN (100 mg/kg), GEN + PTL-phytosomes (5 mg/kg), and GEN + PTL-phytosomes (10 mg/kg). The administration of PTL-phytosomes alleviated GEN-induced impairment in kidney functions and histopathological damage, and decreased kidney injury molecule-1 (KIM-1). The anti-oxidative effect of PTL-phytosomes was demonstrated by the reduced malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration and increased superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities. Furthermore, PTL-phytosomes treatment significantly enhanced sirtuin 1 (Sirt-1), nuclear factor erythroid-2-related factor-2 (Nrf2), NAD(P)H quinone dehydrogenase 1 (NQO1), and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1). Additionally, PTL-phytosomes treatment exhibited anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic properties in the kidney tissue. These findings suggest that PTL-phytosomes attenuate renal dysfunction and structural damage by reducing oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis in the kidney.
A Facile Method to Fabricate Al2O3-SiO2 Aerogels with Low Shrinkage up to 1200 °C
Authors: Tian Yulin , Wang Xiaodong , Wu Yu , Zhang Xiaoxue , Li Chun , Wang Yijun , Shen Jun
Published: March 2023

Monolithic Al2O3-SiO2 composite aerogels were synthesized by using inexpensive aluminum chloride hexahydrate (AlCl3·6H2O) and tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS). By adjusting the molar ratio of Al and Si, the best ratio of high-temperature resistance was found. The resultant aerogels (Al:Si = 9:1) exhibit high thermal performance, which can be identified by the low linear shrinkage of 5% and high specific surface area (SSA) of 283 m2/g at 1200 °C. Alumina in these aerogels mainly exists in the boehmite phase and gradually transforms into the θ-Al2O3 phase in the process of heating to 1200 °C. No α-Al2O3 is detected in the heating process. These Al2O3-SiO2 composite aerogels are derived from a simple, low-priced and safe method. With their high thermal performance, these aerogels will have a wide application in high-temperature field.
MSF Enhances Human Antimicrobial Peptide β-Defensin (HBD2 and HBD3) Expression and Attenuates Inflammation via the NF-κB and p38 Signaling Pathways
Authors: Nguyen Anh-Thu , Kim Minho , Kim Ye-Eun , Kim Hangeun , Lee Sanghyun , Lee Yunji , Kim Ki-Young
Published: March 2023

Both defensin and inflammation are part of the human innate immune system that responds rapidly to pathogens. The combination of defensins with pro- or anti-inflammatory effects can be a potential research direction for the treatment of infection by pathogens. This study aimed to identify whether MSF (Miracle Synergy material made using Filipendula glaberrima), a probiotic lysate of Filipendula glaberrima extracts fermented with Lactiplantibacillus plantarum K8, activates the expression of human β-defensin (HBD2 and HBD3) to protect the host against pathogens and inhibit inflammation caused by S. aureus, in vitro with Western blot analysis, qRT-PCR and in vivo studies with a mouse model were used to evaluate the effects of MSF. The MSF treatment induced HBD2 and HBD3 expression via the p38 and NF-κB pathways. Furthermore, MSF treatment significantly reduced the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-8), also through p38 and NF-κB in S. aureus-induced inflammatory condition. MSF treatment remarkably reduced erythema in mice ears caused by the injection of S. aureus, while K8 lysate treatment did not initiate a strong recovery. Taken together, MSF induced the expression of HBD2 and HDB3 and activated anti-inflammatory activity more than the probiotic lysates of L. plantarum K8. These findings show that MSF is a potential defensin inducer and anti-inflammatory agent.
NRF2 Activation by Nitrogen Heterocycles: A Review
Authors: Egbujor Melford C. , Tucci Paolo , Onyeije Ugomma C. , Emeruwa Chigbundu N. , Saso Luciano
Published: March 2023

Several nitrogen heterocyclic analogues have been applied to clinical practice, and about 75% of drugs approved by the FDA contain at least a heterocyclic moiety. Thus, nitrogen heterocycles are beneficial scaffolds that occupy a central position in the development of new drugs. The fact that certain nitrogen heterocyclic compounds significantly activate the NRF2/ARE signaling pathway and upregulate the expression of NRF2-dependent genes, especially HO-1 and NQO1, underscores the need to study the roles and pharmacological effects of N-based heterocyclic moieties in NRF2 activation. Furthermore, nitrogen heterocycles exhibit significant antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. NRF2-activating molecules have been of tremendous research interest in recent times due to their therapeutic roles in neuroinflammation and oxidative stress-mediated diseases. A comprehensive review of the NRF2-inducing activities of N-based heterocycles and their derivatives will broaden their therapeutic prospects in a wide range of diseases. Thus, the present review, as the first of its kind, provides an overview of the roles and effects of nitrogen heterocyclic moieties in the activation of the NRF2 signaling pathway underpinning their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory actions in several diseases, their pharmacological properties and structural–activity relationship are also discussed with the aim of making new discoveries that will stimulate innovative research in this area.
Glycoprotein In Vitro N-Glycan Processing Using Enzymes Expressed in E. coli
Authors: Zhang Libo , Li Yanhong , Li Riyao , Yang Xiaohong , Zheng Zimin , Fu Jingxin , Yu Hai , Chen Xi
Published: March 2023

Protein N-glycosylation is a common post-translational modification that plays significant roles on the structure, property, and function of glycoproteins. Due to N-glycan heterogeneity of naturally occurring glycoproteins, the functions of specific N-glycans on a particular glycoprotein are not always clear. Glycoprotein in vitro N-glycan engineering using purified recombinant enzymes is an attractive strategy to produce glycoproteins with homogeneous N-glycoforms to elucidate the specific functions of N-glycans and develop better glycoprotein therapeutics. Toward this goal, we have successfully expressed in E. coli glycoside hydrolases and glycosyltransferases from bacterial and human origins and developed a robust enzymatic platform for in vitro processing glycoprotein N-glycans from high-mannose-type to α2–6- or α2–3-disialylated biantennary complex type. The recombinant enzymes are highly efficient in step-wise or one-pot reactions. The platform can find broad applications in N-glycan engineering of therapeutic glycoproteins.
Utilizing Estra-1,3,5,16-Tetraene Scaffold: Design and Synthesis of Nitric Oxide Donors as Chemotherapeutic Resistance Combating Agents in Liver Cancer
Authors: Abou-Salim Mahrous A. , Shaaban Mohamed A. , Abd El Hameid Mohammed K. , Alanazi Mohammed M. , Halaweish Fathi , Elshaier Yaseen A. M. M.
Published: March 2023

A new series of nitric oxide-releasing estra-1,3,5,16-tetraene analogs (NO-∆-16-CIEAs) was designed and synthesized as dual inhibitors for EGFR and MRP2 based on our previous findings on estra-1,3,5-triene analog NO-CIEA 17 against both HepG2 and HepG2-R cell lines. Among the target compounds, 14a (R-isomer) and 14b (S-isomer) displayed potent anti-proliferative activity against both HepG2 and HepG2-R cell lines in comparison to the reference drug erlotinib. Remarkably, compound 14a resulted in a prominent reduction in EGFR phosphorylation at a concentration of 1.20 µM with slight activity on the phosphorylation of MEK1/2 and ERK1/2. It also inhibits MRP2 expression in a dose-dependent manner with 24% inhibition and arrested the cells in the S phase of the cell cycle. Interestingly, compound 14a (estratetraene core) exhibited a twofold increase in anti-proliferative activity against both HepG2 and HepG2-R in comparison with the lead estratriene analog, demonstrating the significance of the designed ∆-16 unsaturation. The results shed a light on compound 14a and support further investigations to combat multidrug resistance in chemotherapy of hepatocellular carcinoma patients.
Chemical and Thermal Characteristics of Ion-Exchanged Lignosulfonate
Authors: Wibowo Eko Setio , Park Byung-Dae
Published: March 2023

Lignosulfonate features sulfonate groups, which makes it soluble in water and hence, suitable for a wide range of applications. However, its characterization is challenging because of its limited solubility in organic solvents. Thus, this study investigated the chemical and thermal characteristics of ion-exchanged sodium lignosulfonate (Na-LS) and compared it with those of industrial kraft lignin derived from softwood and hardwood. The results demonstrated that the ion exchange successfully converted Na-LS to lignosulfonic acid (H-LS), as proven by the Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and elemental analysis. H-LS has a greater apparent molecular weight than those of Na-LS and softwood and hardwood kraft lignin (SKL and HKL). According to 31P nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) analysis, H-LS has less phenolic OH than SKL and HKL, indicating that it has more polymeric chains. Furthermore, H-LS has substantially more native side chains, such as β-O-4 units, than SKL and HKL. Thermal analysis revealed that H-LS has a greater glass temperature (Tg) than SKL and HKL, although Na-LS has a lower Tg than SKL and HKL. In addition, H-LS degraded faster than Na-LS did because the acid condition accelerated degradation reaction.
Click Triazole as a Linker for Pretargeting Strategies: Synthesis, Docking Investigations, Fluorescence Diagnosis, and Antibacterial Action Studies
Authors: Liu Qian , Zhao Mingxia , Song Cairong , Sun Jiankang , Tao Jiali , Sun Bin , Jiang Junbing
Published: March 2023

In this study, three compounds A1, A2, and A3 and fluorescent probes T1, T2, T3, and T4 were designed and synthesized. 1H NMR, 13C NMR, and MS characterization and elemental analysis were used to confirm A1–A3 and T1–T4. A1–A3 and T1–T4 formed diagnostic molecules by “click” reactions. A1–A3 and T1–T4 did not significantly increase cell death at concentrations of 80 μmol/L. Preliminary screening of the compounds for antibacterial activity revealed that A2 has better antibacterial activity against Agrobacterium tumefaciens. The synthesized compounds and fluorescent probes can be targeted and combined in the physiological condition to form diagnostic molecules for fluorescence detection of Agrobacterium tumefaciens. The binding sites of A1–A3 were deduced theoretically using the AutoDock Vina software docking tool. Further study of the mechanism of the antibacterial action of these compounds is likely to identify new agents against resistant bacterial strains.
Chemical Constituents of the Mushroom Dictyophora indusiata and Their Anti-Inflammatory Activities
Authors: Zhang Yingfang , Xun Hang , Gao Quan , Qi Feifei , Sun Jia , Tang Feng
Published: March 2023

As an edible and medicinal fungus, Dictyophora indusiata is well-known for its morphological elegance, distinctive taste, high nutritional value, and therapeutic properties. In this study, eighteen compounds (1–18) were isolated and identified from the ethanolic extract of D. indusiata; four (1–4) were previously undescribed. Their molecular structures and absolute configurations were determined via a comprehensive analysis of spectroscopic data (1D/2D NMR, HRESIMS, ECD, and XRD). Seven isolated compounds were examined for their anti-inflammatory activities using an in vitro model of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-simulated BV-2 microglial cells. Compound 3 displayed the strongest inhibitory effect on tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) expression, with an IC50 value of 11.9 μM. Compound 16 exhibited the highest inhibitory activity on interleukin-6 (IL-6) production, with an IC50 value of 13.53 μM. Compound 17 showed the most potent anti-inflammatory capacity by inhibiting the LPS-induced generation of nitric oxide (NO) (IC50: 10.86 μM) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) (IC50: 23.9 μM) and by significantly suppressing induced nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and phosphorylated nuclear factor-kappa B inhibitor-α (p-IκB-α) expression at concentrations of 5 μM and 20 μM, respectively (p < 0.01). The modes of interactions between the isolated compounds and the target inflammation-related proteins were investigated in a preliminary molecular docking study. These results provided insight into the chemodiversity and potential anti-inflammatory activities of metabolites with small molecular weights in the mushroom D. indusiata.
Donor-π-Acceptor-Type Fluorinated Tolane Containing a Semifluoroalkoxy Chain as a Condensed-Phase Luminophore
Authors: Yamada Shigeyuki , Yoshida Keigo , Kataoka Mitsuki , Hara Mitsuo , Konno Tsutomu
Published: March 2023

Photoluminescent liquid-crystalline (PLLC) molecules, which can easily tune the PL behavior through the crystal (Cry)–LC phase transition, have attracted significant attention. Previously, we have demonstrated that the incorporation of a semifluoroalkoxy chain into π-conjugated mesogen is a promising approach for developing PLLC molecules with PL and SmA LC characteristics. We focused on the LC and PL characteristics of the molecules induced by the semifluoroalkoxy chain and fluorinated tolanes in the condensed phase. In this study, we developed cyano- or ethoxycarbonyl-terminated donor-π-acceptor-type fluorinated tolanes containing a semifluoroalkoxy flexible chain. The cyano-terminated fluorinated tolanes exhibited intense light-blue photoluminescence in the crystalline phase and did not exhibit any LC phase. In contrast, blue photoluminescence in the ethoxycarbonyl-terminated analogs was slightly weak; however, they exhibited Cry–SmA phase transition during the heating and cooling processes. The PL intensity of the ethoxycarbonyl-terminated fluorinated tolanes significantly decreased in the SmA phase; however, their PL colors changed during the Cry–SmA phase transition. This indicates that the developed tolanes are promising temperature-dependent PL materials, such as PL thermosensors or PL thermometers.
Copper-Catalyzed Asymmetric Dearomative [3+2] Cycloaddition of Nitroheteroarenes with Azomethines
Authors: Chen Yan , Zhao Jian-Qiang , Zhang Yan-Ping , Zhou Ming-Qiang , Zhang Xiao-Mei , Yuan Wei-Cheng
Published: March 2023

Catalytic asymmetric dearomative [3+2] cycloaddition of α-imino γ-lactones with either 3-nitroindoles or 2-nitrobenzofurans by using a chiral copper complex as the catalyst was developed. A wide range of structurally diverse polyheterocyclic compounds containing spirocyclic-fused butyrolactone-pyrrolidine-indoline and butyrolactone–pyrrolidine–dihydrobenzofuran skeletons could be smoothly obtained with excellent results (>99:1 dr and 98% ee). The potential synthetic applications of this methodology were also demonstrated by the scale-up experiment and by the diverse transformations of one product. This method is characterized by high asymmetric induction, wide functional group tolerance and scalability, and attractive product diversification.
Rheology as a Tool for Fine-Tuning the Properties of Printable Bioinspired Gels
Authors: Bercea Maria
Published: March 2023

Over the last decade, efforts have been oriented toward the development of suitable gels for 3D printing, with controlled morphology and shear-thinning behavior in well-defined conditions. As a multidisciplinary approach to the fabrication of complex biomaterials, 3D bioprinting combines cells and biocompatible materials, which are subsequently printed in specific shapes to generate 3D structures for regenerative medicine or tissue engineering. A major interest is devoted to the printing of biomimetic materials with structural fidelity after their fabrication. Among some requirements imposed for bioinks, such as biocompatibility, nontoxicity, and the possibility to be sterilized, the nondamaging processability represents a critical issue for the stability and functioning of the 3D constructs. The major challenges in the field of printable gels are to mimic at different length scales the structures existing in nature and to reproduce the functions of the biological systems. Thus, a careful investigation of the rheological characteristics allows a fine-tuning of the material properties that are manufactured for targeted applications. The fluid-like or solid-like behavior of materials in conditions similar to those encountered in additive manufacturing can be monitored through the viscoelastic parameters determined in different shear conditions. The network strength, shear-thinning, yield point, and thixotropy govern bioprintability. An assessment of these rheological features provides significant insights for the design and characterization of printable gels. This review focuses on the rheological properties of printable bioinspired gels as a survey of cutting-edge research toward developing printed materials for additive manufacturing.
Theoretical Study of Si/C Equally Mixed Dodecahedrane Analogues
Authors: Uchiyama Tamotsu , Nakamura Taiji , Hiyama Miyabi , Kudo Takako
Published: March 2023

To gain insight into the effect of Si/C arrangement on the molecular framework of strained polyhedral compounds, dodecahedrane analogues containing equal numbers of carbon and silicon (Si/C equally mixed dodecahedrane analogues) were investigated using the ab initio molecular orbital method. There are 1648 isomers for which the Si/C arrangement on the molecular framework is different. Based on the geometry optimization of all the isomers as well as the carbon and silicon analogues, the characteristics of the structure, relative energy, and strain energy of the Si/C equally mixed compounds are presented. Then, important factors controlling the relative energy, such as strain energy, are proposed through regression analysis. Also discussed is the correlation between the relative energy and the indices of Si/C dispersion, such as the number of skeletal C–Si single bonds and condensed five-membered rings constituting the polyhedral structure.
Composition and Antioxidative and Antibacterial Activities of the Essential Oil from Farfugium japonicum
Authors: Wei Qiang , Zhang Yi-Han
Published: March 2023

The composition of volatile oils of the leaf and stem of Farfugium japonicum (L.) Kitamura were prepared by supercritical fluid extraction (SFE)-CO2. A total 47 and 40 compounds were identified by GC/MS analysis, respectively, and only 13 compounds coexisted. The main constituent types in the leaf oil included alcohols (34.1%), hydrocarbons (24.1%), terpenoids (16.2%), benzenes (7.5%), and fatty acids (4.9%). In the stem oil, the constituent types chiefly included benzenes (18.8%), ketones (13.9%), terpenoids (17.0%), fatty acids (8.8%), phenolics (8.7%), steroids (8.6%), hydrocarbons (8.0%), and esters (5.7%). The predominant volatile compounds in the stem were 2-(1-cyclopent-1-enyl-1-methylethyl) cyclopentanone (11.7%), 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8-octahydro- 9,10-dimethyl-anthracene (8.4%), 5-heptylresorcinol (6.5%), and α-sitosterol (5.2%). Those in the leaf mainly included (E)-3-hexen-1-ol (13.7%) and (Z)-3-hexen-1-ol (14.0%). This demonstrated a significant difference in the composition of both oils. Further study showed that stem oils demonstrated the highest DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-2-pinylhydrazyl) and ·OH free radical scavenging capacities at IC50 values of 9.22 and 0.90 mg/mL, respectively. In addition, they demonstrated the strongest antibacterial capacity against the Gram-positive bacteria methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA) and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) at a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 0.16 mg/mL. This could be due to the SFE-CO2 extraction and the high accumulation of benzenes, terpenoids, and phenolics in the stem. In particular, the monoterpenes presented in terpenoids could play a special role in these findings.
Virgin Olive Oil By-Product Valorization: An Insight into the Phenolic Composition of Olive Seed Extracts from Three Cultivars as Sources of Bioactive Molecules
Authors: Cecchi Lorenzo , Ghizzani Giulia , Bellumori Maria , Lammi Carmen , Zanoni Bruno , Mulinacci Nadia
Published: March 2023

Olives are very rich in phenolic compounds with important health-promoting properties. The profile and content of phenols in olive pulp and virgin olive oil are strongly influenced by the fruit ripening degree, but little is known concerning the evolution of phenolic compounds in the seed. In this work, the phenolic composition of seed from Tuscan cultivars (Frantoio, Moraiolo, Leccino) was studied over maturation. Starting from each seed sample, a phenolic extract was prepared and analyzed by HPLC-DAD-MS. Nüzhenide and nüzhenide 11-methyl oleoside were by far the most abundant phenolic compounds; their content reached up to 46 g/kg in dry seeds, although this diminished in the final stage of fruit maturation. At the same time, the phenolic composition of the pulp was also characterized over the course of maturation, showing that oleuropein was by far the most abundant compound, with concentrations comparable to those of nüzhenide and nüzhenide 11-methyl oleoside in the seeds. Overall, the total amount of phenols in seed dry extracts was significant, reaching approx. 100 g/kg. The chemically characterized dry phenolic extracts from seeds could be used for future biological assays aimed at evaluating the potential bioactivities of these phytocomplexes.
Hydrophobic Nanoporous Silver with ZIF Encapsulation for Nitrogen Reduction Electrocatalysis
Authors: Qi Yating , Zhao Shulin , Pang Yue , Yang Yijie
Published: March 2023

Electrochemical nitrogen reduction reaction (ENRR) offers a sustainable alternative to the environmentally hazardous Haber–Bosch process for producing ammonia. However, it suffers from an unsatisfactory performance due to its limited active sites and competitive hydrogen evolution reaction. Herein, we design a hydrophobic oleylamine-modified zeolitic imidazolate framework-coated nanoporous silver composite structure (NPS@O-ZIF). The composite achieves a high ammonia yield of (41.3 ± 0.9) μg·h−1·cm−2 and great Faradaic efficiency of (31.7 ± 1.2)%, overcoming the performances of NPS@ZIF and traditional silver nanoparticles@O-ZIF. Our strategy affords more active sites and accessible channels for reactant species due to the porous structure of NPS cores and restrains the evolution of hydrogen by introducing the hydrophobic molecule coated on the ZIF surfaces. Hence, the design of the hydrophobic core–shell composite catalyst provides a valuably practical strategy for ENRR as well as other water-sensitive reactions.
Bifacial Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells Utilizing Visible and NIR Dyes: Implications of Dye Adsorption Behaviour
Authors: Shaban Suraya , Vats Ajendra K. , Pandey Shyam S.
Published: March 2023

Bifacial dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) were fabricated utilizing dye cocktails of two dyes, Z-907 and SQ-140, which have complementary light absorption and photon harvesting in the visible and near-infrared wavelength regions, for panchromatic photon harvesting. The investigation of the rate of dye adsorption and the binding strengths of the dyes on mesoporous TiO2 corroborated the finding that the Z-907 dye showed a rate of dye adsorption that was about >15 times slower and a binding that was about 3 times stronger on mesoporous TiO2 as compared to SQ-140. Utilizing the dye cocktails Z-907 and SQ-140 from ethanol, the formation of the dye bilayer, which was significantly influenced by the ratio of dyes and adsorption time, was demonstrated. It was demonstrated that the dyes of Z-907 and SQ-140 prepared in 1:9 or 9:1 molar ratios favoured the dye bilayer formation by subtly controlling the adsorption time. In contrast, the 1:1 ratio counterpart was prone to form mixed dye adsorption; the best performance of the BF-DSSCs was shown when a dye cocktail of Z-907 and SQ-140 in a molar 9:1 ratio was used to prepare a photoanode for 1 h of dye adsorption. The BF-DSSCs thus exhibited PCEs of 4.23% and 3.48% upon the front and rear side light illuminations, a cumulated PCE of 7.71%, and a very good BBF of 83%.
Structure Elucidation of Two Intriguing Neo-Debromoaplysiatoxin Derivatives from Marine Cyanobacterium Lyngbya sp. Showing Strong Inhibition of Kv1.5 Potassium Channel and Differential Cytotoxicity
Authors: Chen Zijun , Chen Na , Fu Peng , Wang Weiping , Bian Shilin , Zhang Huihui , Shen Sicheng , Han Bingnan
Published: March 2023

Two aplysiatoxin derivatives, neo-debromoaplysiatoxin I (1) and neo-debromoaplysiatoxin J (2), were isolated from marine cyanobacterium Lyngbya sp. collected from the South China Sea. Their structures including absolute configurations were assigned by spectroscopic analysis, in combination with GIAO NMR shift calculation and DP4+ analysis. Structures of neo-debromoaplysiatoxin I and neo-debromoaplysiatoxin J contained a decahydro-5H-pyrano [2,3,4-de] chromen-5-one 6/6/6 ring skeleton and an intriguing peroxide bridge group, respectively, which are unprecedented structure scaffold and motif in aplysiatoxins. Two compounds displayed comparable inhibitory activities against Kv1.5 K+ channel with IC50 values of 2.59 ± 0.37 μM (1) and 1.64 ± 0.15 μM (2); however, they presented differential cytotoxic effects. It is worth noting that neo-debromoaplysiatoxin J, containing a peroxide bridge, showed remarkable cytotoxicity against four cancer cell lines including SW480, SGC7901, LoVo and PC-9 compared to the human normal cell line.
New Process Combining Fe-Based Chemical Looping and Biomass Pyrolysis for Cogeneration of Hydrogen, Biochar, Bio-Oil and Electricity with In-Suit CO2 Separation
Authors: Zhou Xing , Jin Huilong , Li Na , Ma Xiaolong , Ma Zichuan , Lu Pei , Yao Xiaomeng , Chen Shenna
Published: March 2023

Fe-based chemical looping gasification is a clean biomass technology, which has the advantage of reducing CO2 emissions and the potential of self-sustaining operation without supplemental heating. A novel process combining Fe-based chemical looping and biomass pyrolysis was proposed and simulated using Aspen Plus. The biomass was first subjected to pyrolysis to coproduce biochar, bio-oil and pyrolysis gas; the pyrolysis gas was subjected to an Fe looping process to obtain high-purity hydrogen and carbon dioxide. The influences of the pyrolysis reactor operating temperature and fuel reactor operation temperature, and the steam reactor and air reactor on the process performance are researched. The results showed that, under the operating condition of the established process, 23.07 kg/h of bio-oil, 24.18 kg/h of biochar, 3.35 kg/h of hydrogen and a net electricity of 3 kW can be generated from 100 kg/h of rice straw, and the outlet CO2 concentration of the fuel reactor was as high as 80%. Moreover, the whole exergy efficiency and total exergy loss of the proposed process was 58.98% and 221 kW, respectively. Additionally, compared to biomass direct chemical looping hydrogen generation technology, the new process in this paper, using biomass pyrolysis gas as a reactant in the chemical looping hydrogen generation process, can enhance the efficiency of hydrogen generation.
Graphene-Related Nanomaterials for Biomedical Applications
Authors: Lazăr Andreea-Isabela , Aghasoleimani Kimia , Semertsidou Anna , Vyas Jahnavi , Roșca Alin-Lucian , Ficai Denisa , Ficai Anton
Published: March 2023

This paper builds on the context and recent progress on the control, reproducibility, and limitations of using graphene and graphene-related materials (GRMs) in biomedical applications. The review describes the human hazard assessment of GRMs in in vitro and in vivo studies, highlights the composition–structure–activity relationships that cause toxicity for these substances, and identifies the key parameters that determine the activation of their biological effects. GRMs are designed to offer the advantage of facilitating unique biomedical applications that impact different techniques in medicine, especially in neuroscience. Due to the increasing utilization of GRMs, there is a need to comprehensively assess the potential impact of these materials on human health. Various outcomes associated with GRMs, including biocompatibility, biodegradability, beneficial effects on cell proliferation, differentiation rates, apoptosis, necrosis, autophagy, oxidative stress, physical destruction, DNA damage, and inflammatory responses, have led to an increasing interest in these regenerative nanostructured materials. Considering the existence of graphene-related nanomaterials with different physicochemical properties, the materials are expected to exhibit unique modes of interactions with biomolecules, cells, and tissues depending on their size, chemical composition, and hydrophil-to-hydrophobe ratio. Understanding such interactions is crucial from two perspectives, namely, from the perspectives of their toxicity and biological uses. The main aim of this study is to assess and tune the diverse properties that must be considered when planning biomedical applications. These properties include flexibility, transparency, surface chemistry (hydrophil–hydrophobe ratio), thermoelectrical conductibility, loading and release capacity, and biocompatibility.
Numerical Simulation of Integrated Generation and Shaping of Airy and Bessel Vortex Beams Based on All-Dielectric Metasurface
Authors: Guo Kuangling , Liu Yue , Wei Zhongchao , Liu Hongzhan
Published: March 2023

Integrating multiple independent functions into a single optical component is one of the most important topics in research on photoelectric systems. In this paper, we propose a multifunctional all-dielectric metasurface that can achieve a variety of non-diffractive beams depending on the polarization state of the incident light. Using the anisotropic TiO2 rectangular column as the unit structure, the three functions of generating polygonal Bessel vortex beams under left-handed circularly polarized incidence, Airy vortex beams under right-handed circularly polarized incidence and polygonal Airy vortex-like beams under linearly polarized incidence are realized. In addition, the number of polygonal beam sides and the position of focal plane can be adjusted. The device could facilitate further developments in scaling complex integrated optical systems and fabricating efficient multifunctional components.
Rationalizing the Dependence of Poly (Vinylidene Difluoride) (PVDF) Rheological Performance on the Nano-Silica
Authors: Cui Yi , Sui Yang , Wei Peng , Lv Yinan , Cong Chuanbo , Meng Xiaoyu , Ye Hai-Mu , Zhou Qiong
Published: March 2023

Research on the rheological performance and mechanism of polymer nanocomposites (PNCs), mainly focuses on non-polar polymer matrices, but rarely on strongly polar ones. To fill this gap, this paper explores the influence of nanofillers on the rheological properties of poly (vinylidene difluoride) (PVDF). The effects of particle diameter and content on the microstructure, rheology, crystallization, and mechanical properties of PVDF/SiO2 were analyzed, by TEM, DLS, DMA, and DSC. The results show that nanoparticles can greatly reduce the entanglement degree and viscosity of PVDF (up to 76%), without affecting the hydrogen bonds of the matrix, which can be explained by selective adsorption theory. Moreover, uniformly dispersed nanoparticles can promote the crystallization and mechanical properties of PVDF. In summary, the viscosity regulation mechanism of nanoparticles for non-polar polymers, is also applicable to PVDF, with strong polarity, which is of great value for exploring the rheological behavior of PNCs and guiding the process of polymers.
Unraveling Structure–Performance Relationships in Porphyrin-Sensitized TiO2 Photocatalysts
Authors: Vaz Belén , Pérez-Lorenzo Moisés
Published: March 2023

Over the years, porphyrins have arisen as exceptional photosensitizers given their ability to act as chlorophyll-mimicking dyes, thus, transferring energy from the light-collecting areas to the reaction centers, as it happens in natural photosynthesis. For this reason, porphyrin-sensitized TiO2-based nanocomposites have been widely exploited in the field of photovoltaics and photocatalysis in order to overcome the well-known limitations of these semiconductors. However, even though both areas of application share some common working principles, the development of solar cells has led the way in what is referred to the continuous improvement of these architectures, particularly regarding the molecular design of these photosynthetic pigments. Yet, those innovations have not been efficiently translated to the field of dye-sensitized photocatalysis. This review aims at filling this gap by performing an in-depth exploration of the most recent advances in the understanding of the role played by the different structural motifs of porphyrins as sensitizers in light-driven TiO2-mediated catalysis. With this goal in mind, the chemical transformations, as well as the reaction conditions under which these dyes must operate, are taken in consideration. The conclusions drawn from this comprehensive analysis offer valuable hints for the implementation of novel porphyrin–TiO2 composites, which may pave the way toward the fabrication of more efficient photocatalysts.
Two-Dimensional Metal-Organic Framework Incorporated Highly Polar PVDF for Dielectric Energy Storage and Mechanical Energy Harvesting
Authors: Sasmal Abhishek , Senthilnathan Jaganathan , Arockiarajan Arunachalakasi , Yoshimura Masahiro
Published: March 2023

Here, we introduce a 2D metal-organic framework (MOF) into the poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) matrix, which has been comparatively less explored in this field. Highly 2D Ni-MOF has been synthesized in this regard via hydrothermal route and has been incorporated into PVDF matrix via solvent casting technique with ultralow filler (0.5 wt%) loading. The polar phase percentage of 0.5 wt% Ni-MOF loaded PVDF film (NPVDF) has been found to be increased to ~85% from a value of ~55% for neat PVDF. The ultralow filler loading has inhibited the easy breakdown path along with increased dielectric permittivity and hence has enhanced the energy storage performance. On the other hand, significantly enriched polarity and Young’s Modulus has helped in improving its mechanical energy harvesting performance, thereby enhancing the human motion interactive sensing activities. The piezoelectric and piezo-tribo hybrid devices made up of NPVDF film have shown improved output power density of ~3.26 and 31 μW/cm2 compared to those of the piezoelectric and piezo-tribo hybrid devices comprising of neat PVDF (output power density ~0.6 and 17 μW/cm2, respectively). The developed composite can thus be considered an excellent candidate for multifunctional applications.
Effects of Gold Nanoparticles Functionalized with Cornus mas L. Fruit Extract on the Aorta Wall in Rats with a High-Fat Diet and Experimental-Induced Diabetes Mellitus—An Imaging Study
Authors: Moldovan Remus , Mitrea Daniela-Rodica , Florea Adrian , David Luminiţa , Mureşan Laura Elena , Chiş Irina Camelia , Suciu Şoimița Mihaela , Moldovan Bianca Elena , Lenghel Manuela , Chiriac Liviu Bogdan , Ielciu Irina , Hanganu Daniela , Bab Timea , Clichici Simona
Published: March 2023

Diabetes mellitus and high-fat diets trigger the mechanisms that alter the walls of blood vessels. Gold nanoparticles, as new pharmaceutical drug delivery systems, may be used in the treatment of different diseases. In our study, the aorta was investigated via imaging after the oral administration of gold nanoparticles functionalized with bioactive compounds derived from Cornus mas fruit extract (AuNPsCM) in rats with a high-fat diet and diabetes mellitus. Sprague Dawley female rats that received a high-fat diet (HFD) for 8 months were injected with streptozotocin to develop diabetes mellitus (DM). The rats were randomly allocated into five groups and were treated, for one additional month with HFD, with carboxymethylcellulose (CMC), insulin, pioglitazone, AuNPsCM solution or with Cornus mas L. extract solution. The aorta imaging investigation consisted of echography, magnetic resonance imaging and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Compared to the rats that received only CMC, the oral administration of AuNPsCM produced significant increases in aorta volume and significant decreases in blood flow velocity, with ultrastructural disorganization of the aorta wall. The oral administration of AuNPsCM altered the aorta wall with effects on the blood flow.
Nanoelectromechanical Temperature Sensor Based on Piezoresistive Properties of Suspended Graphene Film
Authors: Han Shuqi , Zhou Siyuan , Mei Linyu , Guo Miaoli , Zhang Huiyi , Li Qiannan , Zhang Shuai , Niu Yaokai , Zhuang Yan , Geng Wenping , Bi Kaixi , Chou Xiujian
Published: March 2023

The substrate impurities scattering will lead to unstable temperature-sensitive behavior and poor linearity in graphene temperature sensors. And this can be weakened by suspending the graphene structure. Herein, we report a graphene temperature sensing structure, with suspended graphene membranes fabricated on the cavity and non-cavity SiO2/Si substrate, using monolayer, few-layer, and multilayer graphene. The results show that the sensor provides direct electrical readout from temperature to resistance transduction by the nano piezoresistive effect in graphene. And the cavity structure can weaken the substrate impurity scattering and thermal resistance effect, which results in better sensitivity and wide-range temperature sensing. In addition, monolayer graphene is almost no temperature sensitivity. And the few-layer graphene temperature sensitivity, lower than that of the multilayer graphene cavity structure (3.50%/°C), is 1.07%/°C. This work demonstrates that piezoresistive in suspended graphene membranes can effectively enhance the sensitivity and widen the temperature sensor range in NEMS temperature sensors.
Biological Response Evaluation of Human Fetal Osteoblast Cells and Bacterial Cells on Fractal Silver Dendrites for Bone Tissue Engineering
Authors: Franco Domenico , Leonardi Antonio Alessio , Rizzo Maria Giovanna , Palermo Nicoletta , Irrera Alessia , Calabrese Giovanna , Conoci Sabrina
Published: March 2023

Prosthetic joint replacement is the most widely used surgical approach to repair large bone defects, although it is often associated with prosthetic joint infection (PJI), caused by biofilm formation. To solve the PJI problem, various approaches have been proposed, including the coating of implantable devices with nanomaterials that exhibit antibacterial activity. Among these, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are the most used for biomedical applications, even though their use has been limited by their cytotoxicity. Therefore, several studies have been performed to evaluate the most appropriate AgNPs concentration, size, and shape to avoid cytotoxic effects. Great attention has been focused on Ag nanodendrites, due to their interesting chemical, optical, and biological properties. In this study, we evaluated the biological response of human fetal osteoblastic cells (hFOB) and P. aeruginosa and S. aureus bacteria on fractal silver dendrite substrates produced by silicon-based technology (Si_Ag). In vitro results indicated that hFOB cells cultured for 72 h on the Si_Ag surface display a good cytocompatibility. Investigations using both Gram-positive (S. aureus) and Gram-negative (P. aeruginosa) bacterial strains incubated on Si_Ag for 24 h show a significant decrease in pathogen viability, more evident for P. aeruginosa than for S. aureus. These findings taken together suggest that fractal silver dendrite could represent an eligible nanomaterial for the coating of implantable medical devices.
Hydrophilic Surface Modification of Amorphous Hydrogenated Carbon Nanocomposite Films via Atmospheric Oxygen Plasma Treatment
Authors: Lazauskas Algirdas , Andrulevičius Mindaugas , Abakevičienė Brigita , Jucius Dalius , Grigaliūnas Viktoras , Guobienė Asta , Meškinis Šarūnas
Published: March 2023

Herein we investigated hydrophilic surface modification of SiOx containing amorphous hydrogenated carbon nanocomposite films (DLC:SiOx) via the use of atmospheric oxygen plasma treatment. The modified films exhibited effective hydrophilic properties with complete surface wetting. More detailed water droplet contact angle (CA) measurements revealed that oxygen plasma treated DLC:SiOx films maintained good wetting properties with CA of up to 28 ± 1° after 20 days of aging in ambient air at room temperature. This treatment process also increased surface root mean square roughness from 0.27 nm to 1.26 nm. Analysis of the surface chemical states suggested that the hydrophilic behavior of DLC:SiOx treated with oxygen plasma is attributed to surface enrichment with C–O–C, SiO2, and Si–Si chemical bonds as well as significant removal of hydrophobic Si–CHx functional groups. The latter functional groups are prone to restoration and are mainly responsible for the increase in CA with aging. Possible applications of the modified DLC:SiOx nanocomposite films could include biocompatible coatings for biomedical applications, antifogging coatings for optical components, and protective coatings to prevent against corrosion and wear.
High Fructose Causes More Prominent Liver Steatohepatitis with Leaky Gut Similar to High Glucose Administration in Mice and Attenuation by Lactiplantibacillus plantarum dfa1
Authors: Ondee Thunnicha , Pongpirul Krit , Udompornpitak Kanyarat , Sukkummee Warumphon , Lertmongkolaksorn Thanapat , Senaprom Sayamon , Leelahavanichkul Asada
Published: March 2023

High-sugar diet-induced prediabetes and obesity are a global current problem that can be the result of glucose or fructose. However, a head-to-head comparison between both sugars on health impact is still lacking, and Lactiplantibacillus plantarum dfa1 has never been tested, and has recently been isolated from healthy volunteers. The mice were administered with the high glucose or fructose preparation in standard mouse chaw with or without L. plantarum dfa1 gavage, on alternate days, and in vitro experiments were performed using enterocyte cell lines (Caco2) and hepatocytes (HepG2). After 12 weeks of experiments, both glucose and fructose induced a similar severity of obesity (weight gain, lipid profiles, and fat deposition at several sites) and prediabetes condition (fasting glucose, insulin, oral glucose tolerance test, and Homeostatic Model Assessment for Insulin Resistance (HOMA score)). However, fructose administration induced more severe liver damage (serum alanine transaminase, liver weight, histology score, fat components, and oxidative stress) than the glucose group, while glucose caused more prominent intestinal permeability damage (FITC-dextran assay) and serum cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-10) compared to the fructose group. Interestingly, all of these parameters were attenuated by L. plantarum dfa1 administration. Because there was a subtle change in the analysis of the fecal microbiome of mice with glucose or fructose administration compared to control mice, the probiotics altered only some microbiome parameters (Chao1 and Lactobacilli abundance). For in vitro experiments, glucose induced more damage to high-dose lipopolysaccharide (LPS) (1 µg/mL) to enterocytes (Caco2 cell) than fructose, as indicated by transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER), supernatant cytokines (TNF-α and IL-8), and glycolysis capacity (by extracellular flux analysis). Meanwhile, both glucose and fructose similarly facilitated LPS injury in hepatocytes (HepG2 cell) as evaluated by supernatant cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-10) and extracellular flux analysis. In conclusion, glucose possibly induced a more severe intestinal injury (perhaps due to LPS-glucose synergy) and fructose caused a more prominent liver injury (possibly due to liver fructose metabolism), despite a similar effect on obesity and prediabetes. Prevention of obesity and prediabetes with probiotics was encouraged.
Fucosylated Human Milk Oligosaccharides during the First 12 Postnatal Weeks Are Associated with Better Executive Functions in Toddlers
Authors: Willemsen Yvonne , Beijers Roseriet , Gu Fangjie , Vasquez Alejandro Arias , Schols Henk Arie , de Weerth Carolina
Published: March 2023

Human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) are one of the most abundant solid components in a mother’s milk. Animal studies have confirmed a link between early life exposure to HMOs and better cognitive outcomes in the offspring. Human studies on HMOs and associations with later child cognition are scarce. In this preregistered longitudinal study, we investigated whether human milk 2′-fucosyllactose, 3′-sialyllactose, 6′-sialyllactose, grouped fucosylated HMOs, and grouped sialylated HMOs, assessed during the first twelve postnatal weeks, are associated with better child executive functions at age three years. At infant age two, six, and twelve weeks, a sample of human milk was collected by mothers who were exclusively (n = 45) or partially breastfeeding (n = 18). HMO composition was analysed by use of porous graphitized carbon-ultra high-performance liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry. Executive functions were assessed at age three years with two executive function questionnaires independently filled in by mothers and their partners, and four behavioural tasks. Multiple regression analyses were performed in R. Results indicated that concentrations of 2′-fucosyllactose and grouped fucosylated HMOs were associated with better executive functions, while concentrations of grouped sialylated HMOs were associated with worse executive functions at age three years. Future studies on HMOs that sample frequently during the first months of life and experimental HMO administration studies in exclusively formula-fed infants can further reveal associations with child cognitive development and uncover potential causality and sensitive periods.
Energy Guidance Using Indirect Calorimetry for Intestinal Failure Patients with Home Parenteral Nutrition: The Right Bag Right at the Start
Authors: Rosseel Zenzi , Cortoos Pieter-Jan , De Waele Elisabeth
Published: March 2023

Intestinal failure is defined as the inability to absorb the minimum of macro and micronutrients, minerals and vitamins due to a reduction in gut function. In a subpopulation of patients with a dysfunctional gastrointestinal system, treatment with total or supplemental parenteral nutrition is required. The golden standard for the determination of energy expenditure is indirect calorimetry. This method enables an individualized nutritional treatment based on measurements instead of equations or body weight calculations. The possible use and advantages of this technology in a home PN setting need critical evaluation. For this narrative review, a bibliographic search is performed in PubMed and Web of Science using the following terms: ‘indirect calorimetry’, ‘home parenteral nutrition’, ‘intestinal failure’, ‘parenteral nutrition’, ‘resting energy expenditure’, ‘energy expenditure’ and ‘science implementation’. The use of IC is widely embedded in the hospital setting but more research is necessary to investigate the role of IC in a home setting and especially in IF patients. It is important that scientific output is generated in order to improve patients’ outcome and develop nutritional care paths.