bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Differential Enhancement of Fat-Soluble Vitamin Absorption and Bioefficacy via Micellization in Combination with Selected Plant Extracts In Vitro
Authors: Steinbauer Stefanie , Wallner Melanie , Karl Lisa-Marie , Gramatte Theresa , Essl Katja , Iken Marcus , Weghuber Julian , Blank-Landeshammer Bernhard , Röhrl Clemens
Published: January 2025

Background/Objectives: Individuals with special metabolic demands are at risk of deficiencies in fat-soluble vitamins, which can be counteracted via supplementation. Here, we tested the ability of micellization alone or in combination with selected natural plant extracts to increase the intestinal absorption and bioefficacy of fat-soluble vitamins. Methods: Micellated and nonmicellated vitamins D3 (cholecalciferol), D2 (ergocalciferol), E (alpha tocopheryl acetate), and K2 (menaquionone-7) were tested in intestinal Caco-2 or buccal TR146 cells in combination with curcuma (Curcuma longa), black pepper (Piper nigrum), or ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe) plant extracts. The vitamin uptake was quantified via HPLC-MS, and bioefficacy was assessed via gene expression analyses or the Griess assay for nitric oxide generation. Results: Micellization increased the uptake of vitamin D into buccal and intestinal cells, with vitamin D3 being more efficient than vitamin D2 in increasing the expression of genes involved in calcium transport. The micellization of vitamin E acetate increased its uptake and conversion into biologically active free vitamin E in intestinal cells only. The vitamin K2 uptake into buccal and intestinal cells was increased via micellization. Plant extracts increased the uptake of select micellated vitamins, with no plant extract being effective in combination with all vitamins. The curcuma extract increased the uptake of vitamins D2/D3 but not their bioefficacy. Black pepper and ginger extracts increased the uptake of vitamin E acetate into intestinal cells but failed to increase its conversion into free vitamin E. The ginger extract augmented the uptake of vitamin K2 and increased NO generation additively. Conclusions: Our data substantiate the positive effects of micellization on fat-soluble vitamin absorption and bioefficacy in vitro. While the application of plant extracts in addition to micellization to further increase bioefficacy is an interesting approach, further studies are warranted to understand vitamin-specific interactions and translation into increased bioefficacy.
Rare Decays in CMS
Authors: Fedi Giacomo
Published: January 2025

The CMS experiment at the LHC has advanced precision measurements of rare B-meson and charm decays, offering insights into phenomena beyond the Standard Model (SM). This paper highlights key results from Run 2 and Run 3 data, including the branching fraction and lifetime of Bs→μ+μ−, angular analyses of B0→K*0μ+μ−, the first observation of J/ψ→μ+μ−μ+μ−, and stringent limits on D0→μ+μ−. These findings provide tests of SM predictions while probing subtle hints of new physics.
p97 Inhibitors Possessing Antiviral Activity Against SARS-CoV-2 and Low Cytotoxicity
Authors: Ding Rui , Edwards Tiffany C. , Goswami Prithwish , Wilson Daniel J. , Dreis Christine D. , Ye Yihong , Geraghty Robert J. , Chen Liqiang
Published: January 2025

Background: p97 (also known as valosin-containing protein, VCP) is a member of the AAA+ ATPase family and is intimately associated with protein quality control and homeostasis regulation. Therefore, pharmaceutical inhibition of p97 has been actively pursued as an anticancer strategy. Recently, p97 has emerged as an important pro-viral host factor and p97 inhibitors are being evaluated as potential antiviral agents. Methods: We designed and synthesized novel p97 inhibitors based on the rearrangement of the central fused ring of our previously reported p97 inhibitors. These compounds were tested for inhibition of p97, cytotoxicity, and antiviral activity against SARS-CoV-2. Molecular docking was also performed on selected inhibitors to shed light on their binding modes. Results: Among these new p97 inhibitors, two compounds possess enhanced anti-p97 activity over their parent compounds. More significantly, these two inhibitors exhibit strong antiviral activity against SARS-CoV-2 at doses with no significant cytotoxicity. Molecular docking reveals no major change of the binding mode relative to that of their parent compounds, further supporting our design strategy. Conclusions: These compounds are structurally novel p97 inhibitors that display low toxicity and possess promising antiviral activity against SARS-CoV-2 and potentially other viruses. Further structural exploration is therefore justified and improved analogs will serve as useful tools for studying p97 as a promising host antiviral target.
Critical Appraisal of Pharmaceutical Therapy in Diabetic Cardiomyopathy—Challenges and Prospectives
Authors: Khattab Elina , Kyriakou Michaelia , Leonidou Elena , Sokratous Stefanos , Mouzarou Angeliki , Myrianthefs Michael M. , Kadoglou Nikolaos P. E.
Published: January 2025

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a multifaceted disorder with a pandemic spread and a remarkable burden of cardiovascular mortality and morbidity. Diabetic cardiomyopathy (DBCM) has been increasingly recognized as the development of cardiac dysfunction, which is accompanied by heart failure (HF) symptoms in the absence of obvious reasons like ischemic heart disease, hypertension, or valvulopathies. Several pathophysiological mechanisms have been proposed, including metabolic disorders (e.g., glycation products), oxidative stress, low-grade inflammation, mitochondrial dysfunction, etc., which should guide the development of new therapeutic strategies. Up to now, HF treatment has not differed between patients with and without diabetes, which limits the expected benefits despite the high cardiovascular risk in the former group. However, DBCM patients may require different management, which prioritize anti-diabetic medications or testing other novel therapies. This review aims to appraise the challenges and prospectives of the individualized pharmaceutical therapy for DBCM.
Biotechnological Phytocomplex of Zanthoxylum piperitum (L.) DC. Enhances Collagen Biosynthesis In Vitro and Improves Skin Elasticity In Vivo
Authors: Rigillo Giovanna , Pressi Giovanna , Bertaiola Oriana , Guarnerio Chiara , Merlin Matilde , Zambonin Roberto , Pandolfo Stefano , Golosio Angela , Masin Francesca , Tascedda Fabio , Biagi Marco , Baini Giulia
Published: January 2025

Background: Zanthoxylum piperitum (L.) DC., commonly known as Japanese pepper, is a deciduous shrub native to East Asia. Its berries are widely used as a spice, known for imparting a distinctive, tingly numbing sensation. Biologically, Z. piperitum has antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties, and it is studied for its potential benefits in pain relief and digestive health. This study proposed a novel biotechnological Z. piperitum phytocomplex (ZPP) obtained by plant cell culture for skin health, specifically targeting collagen synthesis, extracellular matrix stability, and resilience against cellular stress. Given the bioactivity of Z. piperitum, we aimed to analyze its efficacy as a sustainable alternative for skin-supportive applications in cosmetics and supplements. Methods: ZPP was produced through stable plant cell cultures, yielding a lignan-rich (3.02% w/w) phytocomplex. Human fibroblasts (HFFs) were treated with varying ZPP concentrations to assess cellular viability, collagen metabolism, and ECM-related enzyme activities, both under normal and cell stress conditions. The in vivo assessment was performed by measuring biophysical skin parameters such as hydration, elasticity, and roughness in female volunteers for a period of six weeks. Results: In vitro, ZPP exhibited non-cytotoxicity at all concentrations tested. Under hyperosmotic stress, ZPP reduced cellular damage, suggesting enhanced resilience. ZPP upregulated lysyl oxidase (LOX) protein levels, critical for collagen cross-linking and ECM stability, with protective effects observed under oxidative/inflammatory conditions. Additionally, ZPP selectively inhibited collagenase, attenuating collagen breakdown, though antioxidant activity was modest. In vivo evaluation highlighted improved skin hydration, elasticity, and roughness. Conclusions: ZPP shows promise as a biotechnological agent for skin health, particularly in supporting collagen integrity, ECM stabilization, and cellular resilience under stress. While further studies are needed to explore its full efficacy, especially for aging and environmentally stressed skin, these findings highlight ZPP’s potential as a new ingredient for cosmetic formulations aimed at skin care and the treatment of alterations caused by aging or environmental conditions.
Optimising Asthma Self-Management: Preliminary Validation of an Arabic Version of the Inhaler Technique Questionnaire
Authors: Al-Juhaishi Malath , Lim Chiao Xin , Stupans Ieva , Shahin Wejdan , Thrimawithana Thilini R. , Chan Vincent
Published: January 2025

Background: Correct inhaler technique is vital for managing respiratory conditions like asthma. Patients from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds are at higher risk of sub-optimal adherence and errors in inhaler technique. This study aimed to validate an Arabic version of the inhaler technique questionnaire for self-assessment of the metered-dose inhaler (MDI) technique by assessing agreement between observed and self-reported techniques among Arabic-speaking individuals with asthma in Australia. Methods: Observational assessments of 30 participants using an MDI, followed by completion of the translated inhaler technique questionnaire by the same participants. The questionnaire comprised nine questions pertaining to the inhaler technique. The level of agreement between the observed and self-reported technique for each of the nine MDI technique steps was subsequently determined using intraclass correlation. Results: The majority of participants were women, aged 25–44 years (70%). An overall Kappa score of 0.768 indicated good agreement between observed and self-reported datasets, with stepwise agreement ranging from 52.4–100%. Steps involving taking a big breath before inhaler use (step 2) and exhaling slowly (step 8) were the least well correlated. Conclusions: The preliminary validated MDI inhaler technique questionnaire may be used as a self-assessment tool by Arabic speakers, aiding healthcare professionals, and empowering individuals living with asthma to self-manage their condition.
Defensive Mechanisms of Mikania micrantha Likely Enhance Its Invasiveness as One of the World’s Worst Alien Species
Authors: Clements David R. , Kato-Noguchi Hisashi
Published: January 2025

Mikania micrantha Kunth is native to tropical America and has invaded tropical and subtropical Asia and numerous Pacific Islands. It forms dense thickets and reduces native species diversity and populations in its introduced range. This invasive vine also seriously impacts many agricultural crops and is listed as one of the world’s 100 worst invasive alien species. Its life history characteristics, such as the production of large numbers of wind-dispersed seeds, vegetative reproduction, rapid growth, and genetic diversity all contribute to its invasiveness. In this review, we focus on how mechanisms to defend against its natural enemies boost the invasiveness of M. micrantha. It possesses potent defenses against natural enemies such as pathogenic fungi, herbivorous insects, and parasitic nematodes, and exhibits allelopathic potential against plant competitors. These defensive abilities, in concert with its formidable life history characteristics, contribute to the invasiveness of M. micrantha, potentially leading to further naturalization. Several other reviews have summarized the biology and management of the species, but ours is the first review to focus on how the defensive mechanisms of M. micrantha likely enhance its invasiveness. Relatively little is known about the array of defensive capabilities of M. micrantha; therefore, there is considerable scope for further research on its chemical defenses.
Comprehensive GC-MS Characterization and Histochemical Assessment of Various Parts of Three Colchicum Species from Bulgarian Flora
Authors: Dincheva Ivayla , Badjakov Ilian , Georgiev Vasil , Semerdjieva Ivanka , Vrancheva Radka , Ivanov Ivan , Pavlov Atanas
Published: January 2025

This study presents a comprehensive phyto- and histochemical analysis of three Colchicum species: Colchicum autumnale L., the Balkan endemic Colchicum bivonae Guss., and the Bulgarian endemic Colchicum diampolis Delip. et Česchm. Using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), 66 metabolites were identified, encompassing free amino, organic, phenolic, and fatty acids, sugars, and alkaloids, which were distributed among various plant parts. Organ-specific metabolic patterns revealed that corms and seeds are particularly rich in alkaloids, supporting their roles in chemical defense and survival during dormancy. Conversely, flowers, leaves, and capsules were enriched with energy-related and phenolic compounds, playing critical roles in reproduction and stress tolerance. Histochemical investigations localized alkaloids predominantly in the endosperm of seeds, parenchyma of corms, and vascular bundles of flowers. Notably, the endemic C. bivonae and C. diampolis displayed unique chemical profiles. Moderate acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activity (AChE) was observed across various plant organs. Statistical analyses demonstrated significant interspecies and organ-specific chemical differentiation, with certain metabolites serving as key markers. These findings enhance our understanding of the chemical composition, organ specialization, and potential as a source of new biomolecules in these Colchicum species. They underscore the ecological and pharmacological importance of endemic taxa and provide a framework for future research into their sustainable utilization and potential bioactivities.
Carotenoids in Potato Tubers: A Bright Yellow Future Ahead
Authors: Sturaro Monica
Published: January 2025

Carotenoids, the bright yellow, orange, and red pigments of many fruits and vegetables, are essential components of the human diet as bioactive compounds not synthesized in animals. As a staple crop potato has the potential to deliver substantial amounts of these nutraceuticals despite their lower concentration in tubers compared to edible organs of other plant species. Even small gains in tuber carotenoid levels could have a significant impact on the nutritional value of potatoes. This review will focus on the current status and future perspectives of carotenoid biofortification in potato with conventional breeding and biotechnological approaches. The high biodiversity of tuber carotenoid levels and composition is presented, with an emphasis on the under-exploited native germplasm that represents a wide reservoir of useful genetic variants to breed carotenoid-rich varieties. The following section describes the structural genes involved in carotenoid metabolism and storage known to have a major impact on carotenoid accumulation in potato, together with the strategies that harnessed their expression changes to increase tuber carotenoid content. Finally, the little information available on the regulation of carotenoid metabolism and the desirable future advances in potato carotenoid biofortification are discussed.
Correlation Analysis of Twig and Leaf Characteristics and Leaf Thermal Dissipation of Hippophae rhamnoides in the Riparian Zone of the Taohe River in Gansu Province, China
Authors: Li Qun , Ma Min , Tang Yurui , Zhao Tingting , Zhao Chengzhang , Li Bo
Published: January 2025

Aims: The functional traits of twigs and leaves are closely related to the ability of plants to cope with heterogeneous environments. The analysis of the characteristics of twigs and leaves and leaf thermal dissipation in riparian plants is of great significance for exploring the light energy allocation and ecological adaptation strategies of plant leaves in heterogeneous habitats. However, there are few studies on the correlation between the twig–leaf characteristics of riparian plants and their heat dissipation in light heterogeneous environments. Methods: In this study, the riparian plant Hippophae rhamnoides in Taohe National Wetland Park was the research object. According to the differences in the canopy light environment of the H. rhamnoides population, three habitat gradients were set: I, the full sight zone; II, the moderate shade zone; and III, the canopy cover zone. We studied the relationship between the twig–leaf characteristics of H. rhamnoides and leaf thermal dissipation in a heterogeneous light environment. Important Findings: The results are as follows: from the full sight zone to the canopy cover zone, the population characteristics and the twig, leaf, and photosynthetic fluorescence physiological characteristics of H. rhamnoides demonstrated significant changes (p < 0.05). In the full sight zone, H. rhamnoides tended to have thick leaves with a smaller SLA on short and thick twigs, and the light energy absorbed by the leaves accounted for a higher proportion of thermal dissipation. In the moderate shade zone, H. rhamnoides tended to grow many thin leaves with high SLA on long and thick twigs, and the proportion of light energy absorbed by the leaves for heat dissipation was lower than that in the full sight zone. In the canopy cover zone, H. rhamnoides tended to grow a few large and thick leaves with a low SLA on slender and long twigs, and the proportion of light energy absorbed by the leaves for heat dissipation was the lowest. There was a significant correlation between the twig–leaf and leaf heat dissipation of H. rhamnoides in the three habitats (p < 0.05). The co-variation of plant branches and leaves and the timely adjustment of thermal dissipation in photoheterogeneous habitats reflect the phenotypic plasticity mechanism and self-protection strategy of riparian plants in adapting to heterogeneous environments.
Quercus cerris Leaf Functional Traits to Assess Urban Forest Health Status for Expeditious Analysis in a Mediterranean European Context
Authors: Quaranta Luca , Di Marzio Piera , Fortini Paola
Published: January 2025

In the Mediterranean basin, urban forests are widely recognized as essential landscape components, playing a key role in nature-based solutions by enhancing environmental quality and providing a range of ecosystem services. The selection of woody plant species for afforestation and reforestation should prioritize native species that align with the biogeographical and ecological characteristics of the planting sites. Among these, Quercus cerris L. (Turkey oak) is considered a promising candidate for urban reforestation. However, its fitness within urban forest environments remains poorly understood. This study aimed to identify suitable leaf functional traits for assessing the response of Q. cerris in urban forests and to analyze the main climatic variables influencing its performance in urban contexts. We also proposed practical, rapid monitoring tools to compare urban and natural forests across different seasons. The results demonstrated that Q. cerris experiences significant water stress in urban forests due to the combined effects of drought and high temperatures. To find the tools to mitigate this stress, the differences between leaf traits such as specific leaf area, thickness, and the contents of chlorophyll, anthocyanins, and flavonols in urban and natural forests were analyzed. Our findings underscore the high adaptability of Q. cerris to varied climatic and environmental conditions. This study provides a practical method for rapidly assessing the responses of tree species to climate change. In the future, this approach will be tested on other native species that are characteristic of Mediterranean forest ecosystems to help with choosing afforestation and reforestation strategies.
Phenolic Compounds and Pharmacological Potential of Lavandula angustifolia Extracts for the Treatment of Neurodegenerative Diseases
Authors: Mykhailenko Olha , Hurina Viktoriia , Herbina Nataliia , Maslii Yuliia , Ivanauskas Liudas , Vladymyrova Inna , Lytkin Dmytro , Gudžinskas Zigmantas , Severina Hanna , Ruban Olena , Georgiyants Victoriya
Published: January 2025

The search for neuroprotective compounds in lavender is driven by its traditional use for brain health, with antioxidant activity serving as a key mechanism in reducing oxidative stress and supporting cognitive function. Lavender’s potential to protect neurons is based on its calming, anti-stress properties, which increase the brain’s resistance to neurodegeneration. Although lavender is not a traditional medicinal plant in Ukraine, it is increasingly recognised for its medicinal properties and is widely cultivated in the country. Lavender use in Ukraine is influenced by both global herbal practices and local medical traditions. The aim of this study was to optimise the preparation of lavender herb extracts, perform chemical profiling and evaluate their antioxidant and neuroprotective activities. The study focused on Lavandula angustifolia cultivated in Lviv, Ukraine. Modern analytical methods were used, including HPLC, spectrophotometry, molecular docking, lyophilisation and pharmacological testing. The selection of the optimal conditions for obtaining lavender herb extracts was determined on the basis of the results of the total yield of phenolic compounds in each extract, where it was found that the raw material–solvent ratio (1:10) in water and 50% ethanol gave the highest yield of substances; the preferred extraction time was 20 min, and the temperature was 60–70 °C, especially for water extraction. Further HPLC analysis identified marker compounds including rosmarinic acid (28.31 mg/g), chlorogenic acid (1.64 mg/g) and luteolin (0.23 mg/g) in the lyophilised ethanol extract, which were previously recognised as neuroprotective markers by molecular docking. The water extract showed higher antioxidant (total 50.85 mg/g) and neuroprotective activity, probably due to synergistic interactions among the components. Behavioural tests further demonstrated the neuroprotective potential of lavender herb. These results demonstrate the potential neuroprotective activity of lavender herb and open new possibilities for its use in the treatment of various neurodegenerative diseases.
MaxEnt-Based Predictions of Suitable Potential Distribution of Leymus secalinus Under Current and Future Climate Change
Authors: Zhao Shimeng , Zhang Zongxian , Gao Changyu , Dong Yiding , Jing Zeyao , Du Lixia , Hou Xiangyang
Published: January 2025

Grassland degradation is a serious ecological issue in the farming–pastoral ecotone of northern China. Utilizing native grasses for the restoration of degraded grasslands is an effective technological approach. Leymus secalinus is a superior indigenous grass species for grassland ecological restoration in northern China. Therefore, the excavation of potential distribution areas of L. secalinus and important ecological factors affecting its distribution is crucial for grassland conservation and restoration of degraded grasslands. Based on 357 data points collected on the natural distribution of L. secalinus, this study employs the jackknife method and Pearson correlation analysis to screen out 23 variables affecting its spatial distribution. The MaxEnt model was used herein to predict the current suitable distribution area of L. secalinus and the suitable distribution of L. secalinus under different SSP scenarios (SSP1-26, SSP2-45, and SSP5-85) for future climate. The results showed the following: (1) Mean diurnal temperature range, annual mean temperature, precipitation of the wettest quarter, and elevation are the major factors impacting the distribution of L. secalinus. (2) Under the current climatic conditions, L. secalinus is mainly distributed in the farming–pastoral ecotone of northern China; in addition, certain suitable areas also exist in parts of Xinjiang, Tibet, Sichuan, Heilongjiang, and Jilin. (3) Under future climate change scenarios, the suitable areas for L. secalinus are generally the same as at present, with slight changes in area under different scenarios, with the largest expansion of 97,222 km2 of suitable area in 2021–2040 under the SSP1-26 scenario and the largest shrinkage of potential suitable area in 2061–2080 under the SSP2-45 scenario, with 87,983 km2. Notably, the northern boundary of the middle- and high-suitability areas is reduced, while the northeastern boundary and some areas of Heilongjiang and Jilin are expanded. The results of this study revealed the suitable climatic conditions and potential distribution range of L. secalinus, which can provide a reference for the conservation, introduction, and cultivation of L. secalinus in new ecological zones, avoiding the blind introduction of inappropriate habitats, and is also crucial for sustaining the economic benefits associated with L. secalinus ecological services.
Global Transcriptomic Analysis of Inbred Lines Reveal Candidate Genes for Response to Maize Lethal Necrosis
Authors: Murithi Ann , Panangipalli Gayathri , Wen Zhengyu , Olsen Michael S. , Lübberstedt Thomas , Dhugga Kanwarpal S. , Jung Mark
Published: January 2025

Maize lethal necrosis (MLN) is a significant threat to food security in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), with limited commercial inbred lines displaying tolerance. This study analyzed the transcriptomes of four commercially used maize inbred lines and a non-adapted inbred line, all with varying response levels to MLN. RNA-Seq revealed differentially expressed genes in response to infection by maize chlorotic mottle virus (MCMV) and sugarcane mosaic virus (SCMV), the causative agents of MLN. Key findings included the identification of components of the plant innate immune system, such as differentially regulated R genes (mainly LRRs), and activation/deactivation of virus resistance pathways, including RNA interference (RNAi) via Argonaute (AGO), Dicer-like proteins, and the ubiquitin–proteasome system (UPS) via RING/U-box and ubiquitin ligases. Genes associated with redox signaling, WRKY transcription factors, and cell modification were also differentially expressed. Additionally, the expression of translation initiation and elongation factors, eIF4E and eIF4G, correlated with the presence of MLN viruses. These findings provide valuable insights into the molecular mechanisms of MLN resistance and highlight potential gene candidates for engineering or selecting MLN-resistant maize germplasm for SSA.
Melatonin Enhances Maize Germination, Growth, and Salt Tolerance by Regulating Reactive Oxygen Species Accumulation and Antioxidant Systems
Authors: Li Wei-Qing , Li Jia-Yu , Bi Shao-Jie , Jin Jia-Yue , Fan Zhong-Ling , Shang Zi-Lin , Zhang Yi-Fei , Wang Yan-Jie
Published: January 2025

Melatonin (MT) is a crucial hormone that controls and positively regulates plant growth under abiotic stress, but the biochemical and physiological processes of the combination of melatonin seed initiation and exogenous spray treatments and their effects on maize germination and seedling salt tolerance are not well understood. Consequently, in this research, we utilized the maize cultivars Zhengdan 958 (ZD958) and Demeiya 1 (DMY1), which are extensively marketed in northeastern China’s high-latitude cold regions, to reveal the modulating effects of melatonin on maize salinity tolerance by determining the impacts of varying concentrations of melatonin on maize seedling growth characteristics, osmoregulation, antioxidant systems, and gene expression. The findings revealed that salt stress (100 mM NaCl) significantly inhibited maize seed germination and seedling development, which resulted in significant increases in the H2O2 and O2− content and decreases in the antioxidant enzyme activity and photosynthetic pigment content in maize seedlings. However, exogenous melatonin considerably reduced the development inhibition caused by salt stress in maize seedlings. Moreover, exogenous melatonin alleviated NaCl-induced membrane damage and oxidative stress, and reduced Na+ content and excessively large quantities of reactive oxygen species (ROS). In addition, exogenous melatonin increased antioxidant enzyme activity and the expression of the antioxidant enzyme genes ZmSOD4, ZmCAT2, and ZmAPX2. This study demonstrates the potential role of combined melatonin seed initiation and foliar spray treatments in mitigating the detrimental effects of salt stress on maize growth, giving a theoretical foundation to future research on the possible advantages of exogenous regulating chemicals in attaining sustainable production in salt-alkaline soils.
Cellulose-Based Aerogels for Environmentally Sustainable Applications: A Review of the Production, Modification, and Sorption of Environmental Contaminants
Authors: Stark Fernanda Wickboldt , Thue Pascal Silas , Missio André Luiz , Machado Fernando Machado , Delucis Rafael de Avila , Andreazza Robson
Published: January 2025

Environmental pollution, stemming from the disposal of contaminants, poses severe threats to ecosystems and human health. The emergence of a new class of pollutants, termed emerging contaminants (ECs), in soil, water, and air has raised global concerns, aligning with the UN 2030 Agenda’s Sustainable Development Goals. Aerogels, three-dimensional structures with high porosity and low density, offer promise in addressing this issue. Cellulose-based aerogels, derived from abundant, renewable, and biodegradable sources, particularly stand out for their potential in adsorption applications. However, challenges arise in water and wastewater treatment due to cellulose aerogel’s inherent hydrophilicity. To overcome this limitation, incorporating new components and employing modification processes becomes essential. This article explores the production phases and diverse modifications of cellulose aerogels, aiming to enhance their adsorption capabilities for various environmental contaminants. By addressing hydrophilicity issues and developing stable composites, cellulose aerogels can contribute significantly to efficient and sustainable solutions in the quest for cleaner ecosystems and improved human health.
Prediction Model for Flake Line Defects in Metallic Injection Molding: Considering Skin-Core Velocity and Alignment
Authors: Choi Seungkwon , Park Donghwi , Lee Seungcheol , Song Minho , Kim Naksoo
Published: January 2025

Metallic injection molding combines aluminum flake metallic pigments with polymers to directly produce components with metallic luster, improving production efficiency and reducing environmental impact. However, flake line defects that occur in regions where ribs or flow paths intersect remain a significant challenge. This study proposes a velocity model that considers the flow characteristics between the surface and core layers and an alignment model that incorporates the orientation of aluminum flakes to predict appearance defects. Through this approach, the mechanisms of appearance defect formation were systematized, and the appearance defects caused by flow velocity differences between the surface and core layers, flake alignment uniformity, and reflection angles were visualized. Both prediction models demonstrated a 50% prediction accuracy, successfully identifying two out of four observed defects. This research addresses the limitations of previous prediction methods, which only considered the surface layer, by introducing a novel approach that accounts for the core layer. It is expected to contribute to reducing defects and improving quality in industries requiring high-quality metallic appearances.
Exploring the Effect of Annealing on PLA/Carbon Nanotube Nanocomposites: In Search of Efficient PLA/MWCNT Nanocomposites for Electromagnetic Shielding
Authors: da Silva Flávio Urbano , Luna Carlos Bruno Barreto , da Silva Fabiano Santana , Barreto José Vinícius Melo , Schmitz Debora Pereira , Soares Bluma Guenther , Wellen Renate Maria Ramos , Araújo Edcleide Maria
Published: January 2025

In this research, poly(lactic acid) (PLA) nanocomposites with multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) were produced by extrusion, injection, and compression molding, focusing on electromagnetic shielding. Various amounts of carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were tested in PLA matrix, specifically ranging from 1 to 4 parts per hundred resin (phr). The resulting nanocomposites were analyzed before and after undergoing annealing heat treatment. It was observed that as the MWCNT content increased, the melt flow index of PLA decreased. This reduction indicates that the nanotubes were effectively accommodated into the PLA chain. The PLA/MWCNT (2 phr) formulation presented the greatest balance of properties, with potential for electromagnetic shielding application. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) demonstrated that incorporating 2 phr of carbon nanotubes in PLA promoted good distribution, favoring high electrical conductivity and electromagnetic shielding between 20–22 dB (8.2–18 GHz), corresponding to approximately 99% attenuation. Furthermore, its properties, such as elastic modulus (3156 MPa), tensile strength (65.1 MPa), hardness (77.8 Shore D), and heat deflection temperature (55.3 °C), increased compared to pure PLA. After annealing, the PLA/MWCNT (2 phr) nanocomposite underwent a molecular reordering, resulting in an increased crystalline fraction, as confirmed by X-ray diffraction (XRD). However, the electrical conductivity maintained the same order of magnitude, while the electromagnetic shielding varied from 19.7 to 20 dB. The results indicate that these nanocomposites are promising for electromagnetic shielding applications and can be manufactured in the molten state.
Nanoparticle-Doped Antibacterial and Antifungal Coatings
Authors: Thapliyal Devyani , Verros George D. , Arya Raj Kumar
Published: January 2025

Antimicrobial polymeric coatings rely not only on their surface functionalities but also on nanoparticles (NPs). Antimicrobial coatings gain their properties from the addition of NPs into a polymeric matrix. NPs that have been used include metal-based NPs, metal oxide NPs, carbon-based nanomaterials, and organic NPs. Copper NPs and silver NPs exhibit antibacterial and antifungal properties. So, when present in coatings, they will release metal ions with the combined effect of having bacteriostatic/bactericidal properties, preventing the growth of pathogens on surfaces covered by these nano-enhanced films. In addition, metal oxide NPs such as titanium dioxide NPs (TiO2 NPs) and zinc oxide NPs (ZnONPs) are used as NPs in antimicrobial polymeric coatings. Under UV irradiation, these NPs show photocatalytic properties that lead to the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) when exposed to UV radiation. After various forms of nano-carbon materials were successfully developed over the past decade, they and their derivatives from graphite/nanotubes, and composite sheets have been receiving more attention because they share an extremely large surface area, excellent mechanical strength, etc. These NPs not only show the ability to cause oxidative stress but also have the ability to release antimicrobial chemicals under control, resulting in long-lasting antibacterial action. The effectiveness and life spans of the antifouling performance of a variety of polymeric materials have been improved by adding nano-sized particles to those coatings.
Antimicrobial Activity of UV-Activated and Cysteamine-Grafted Polymer Foils Against Bacteria and Algae
Authors: Neubertová Viktorie , Silovská Tereza , Švorčík Václav , Kolská Zdeňka
Published: January 2025

Surface modification of various polymer foils was achieved by UV activation and chemical grafting with cysteamine to improve surface properties and antimicrobial efficacy. UVC activation at 254 nm led to changes in surface wettability and charge density, which allowed the introduction of amino and thiol functional groups by cysteamine grafting. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) confirmed increased nitrogen and sulfur content on the modified surfaces. SEM analysis revealed that UV activation and cysteamine grafting resulted in distinct surface roughness and texturing, which are expected to enhance microbial interactions. Antimicrobial tests showed increased resistance to algal growth (inhibition test) and bacterial colonization (drop plate method), with significant improvement observed for polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polyetheretherketone (PEEK) foils. The important factors influencing the efficacy included UV exposure time and cysteamine concentration, with longer exposure and higher concentrations leading to bacterial reduction of up to 45.7% for Escherichia coli and 55.6% for Staphylococcus epidermidis. These findings highlight the potential of combining UV activation and cysteamine grafting as an effective method for developing polymeric materials with enhanced antimicrobial function, offering applications in industries such as healthcare and packaging.
Lightweight Transmission Line Outbreak Target Obstacle Detection Incorporating ACmix
Authors: Hao Junbo , Yan Guangying , Wang Lidong , Pei Honglan , Xiao Xu , Zhang Baifu
Published: January 2025

To address challenges such as the frequent misdetection of targets, missed detections of multiple targets, high computational demands, and poor real-time detection performance in the video surveillance of external breakage obstacles on transmission lines, we propose a lightweight target detection algorithm incorporating the ACmix mechanism. First, the ShuffleNetv2 backbone network is used to reduce the model parameters and improve the detection speed. Next, the ACmix attention mechanism is integrated into the Neck layer to suppress irrelevant information, mitigate the impact of complex backgrounds on feature extraction, and enhance the network’s ability to detect small external breakage targets. Additionally, we introduce the PC-ELAN module to replace the ELAN-W module, reducing redundant feature extraction in the Neck network, lowering the model parameters, and boosting the detection efficiency. Finally, we adopt the SIoU loss function for bounding box regression, which enhances the model stability and convergence speed due to its smoothing characteristics. The experimental results show that the proposed algorithm achieves an mAP of 92.7%, which is 3% higher than the baseline network. The number of model parameters and the computational complexity are reduced by 32.3% and 44.9%, respectively, while the detection speed is improved by 3.5%. These results demonstrate that the proposed method significantly enhances the detection performance.
Research on Numerical Simulation and Interpretation Method of Water Injection Well Temperature Field Based on DTS
Authors: Shi Shengzhe , Liu Junfeng , Li Ming , Sun Chao , Lei Tong
Published: January 2025

Traditional water injection profile monitoring primarily relies on methods such as isotope tracers and oxygen activation. Conventional resistive temperature instruments, which are drag-measured, are highly sensitive to production interference and can only capture the transient temperature response of the wellbore at a single depth. As a result, the temperature data obtained from well temperature logging has certain limitations. Using DTS (Distributed Temperature Sensing) for pre-and post-well opening and shut-in water injection profile testing, along with quantitative analysis of water absorption, addresses the limitations of traditional well temperature logging, which typically offers only qualitative insights. However, the interpretation of DTS data still requires further refinement to improve its alignment with actual conditions. In this study, COMSOL software 6.1 was used to simulate the temperature distribution within the downhole temperature field, both spatially and temporally. The Sobol method was employed to analyze the influence of fluid flow rate and rock thermal conductivity on the temperature field. The results indicated that the fluid flow rate in the wellbore has a more significant impact and is the primary controlling factor of the downhole temperature field. Based on actual field conditions and the forward simulation results, the differential evolution algorithm was applied to invert and interpret the water injection profile. The inversion results showed minimal error, confirming the feasibility of this approach. It is helpful to interpret the well temperature profile measured by the distributed fiber optic temperature sensor, which is helpful to improve the ability of well temperature logging to identify the output profile, which has important academic value and practical significance for the development of water injection wells.
In Vitro Removal of Cd and Pb Through the Bacterial Strain Burkholderia zhejiangensis CEIB S4-3: Efficiency and Cellular Mechanisms Implicated in the Process
Authors: Hernández-Guerrero Alondra Abigail , Castrejón-Godínez María Luisa , Mussali-Galante Patricia , Tovar-Sánchez Efraín , Rodríguez Alexis
Published: January 2025

Heavy metals are among the most toxic environmental pollutants. They are a group of chemical elements broadly distributed in different environments. Anthropogenic activities such as agriculture, livestock farming, and mining release large amounts of waste that contain toxic heavy metals into the environment. Bacteria are organisms that present a wide diversity of cellular mechanisms that can be used to develop efficient, low-cost, easy-to-implement, and sustainable processes to remediate sites contaminated with heavy metals. In this study, the capacity of the strain Burkholderia zhejiangensis CEIB S4-3 to remove Cd, Pb, and the mixture of both metals was evaluated through in vitro experiments. B. zhejiangensis CEIB S4-3 can eliminate on average 90% of Cd+2 and 91% of Pb+2 present in the study system (50 mg/L), while in the presence of the mixture of both heavy metals, the bacterial strain, the removal of Cd and Pb was 59 and 75%, respectively. The main cellular mechanism for removing Cd was extracellular biosorption, while, in the case of Pb, it was intracellular bioaccumulation. Heavy metals from the mixture of Cd and Pb were removed through extracellular absorption. In addition, the analysis of the genome of the bacterial strain revealed the presence of genes related to resistance to heavy metals, such as genes implicated in sensing and transcriptional response to heavy metals exposure and heavy metals efflux systems as the most important. The data obtained in this work can be the basis for developing new systems to remove Cd and Pb using B. zhejiangensis CEIB S4-3.
SharkNet Networks Applications in Smart Manufacturing Using IoT and Machine Learning
Authors: Xie Yanzhang , Liu Wenyi , Yang Qingping , Sun Xizhi , Zhang Yizhou
Published: January 2025

With the advancement of Industry 4.0, 3D printing has become a critical technology in smart manufacturing; however, challenges remain in the integrated management, quality control, and remote monitoring of multiple 3D printers. This study proposes an intelligent cloud monitoring system based on the SharkNet dynamic network, IoT, and artificial neural networks (ANNs). The system utilizes a SharkNet dynamic network to integrate low-cost sensors for environmental monitoring to enable low-latency data transmission and deploys ANN models on the cloud for print quality prediction and process parameter optimization. Next, we experimentally validated the system using the Taguchi design and ANN-based analysis, focusing on optimizing printing process parameters and improving surface quality. The main results show that the designed system has a communication delay of 40–50 ms and 99.8% transmission reliability under moderate load, and the system reduces the surface roughness prediction error to less than 17.2%. In addition, the ANN model outperforms conventional methods in capturing the nonlinear relationships of the variables, and the system can be based on the model to improve print quality and productivity by enabling real-time parameter adjustments. The system retains a high degree of scalability in terms of real-time monitoring and parallel or complex control of multiple devices, which demonstrates its potential for applications in smart manufacturing.
Optimal Control of the Green Low-Carbon Base Station System Based on the Concept of Energy Router
Authors: Shao Guangyi , Liu Tong , Wang Yanjia , Wang Zongping , Wang Yuhui , Wang Qi
Published: January 2025

This paper establishes an energy router system for green and low-carbon base stations, a −48 V DC bus multi-source parallel system including photovoltaic, wind turbine, grid power, and energy storage batteries, and studies the control strategy managing system energy distribution. Firstly, from the perspective of system physical layer design, we combine multiple power circuits to complete the design of the system’s modular power conversion circuits and linearize the power electronic converters for modeling and analyze their stability. Different control strategies are proposed for different power converters to ensure the stable operation of the system. Secondly, from the perspective of overall energy optimal control, we construct system operating states and control algorithms based on the switching strategy of the energy router between different operating states of the system and use a heuristic algorithm based on rolling optimization to achieve the optimal control of the system at the physical level. Finally, we use Simulink to simulate and verify the state switching of the multi-source system, analyze control results according to the actual typical working conditions, and conduct experiments on the overall system. Simulations demonstrate that the system can achieve smooth transitions among various modes. The results of actual experiments show that the established multi-source system can save 60.28% of energy utilization costs annually, and the bus voltage control strategy can be effectively implemented while maintaining an appropriate voltage deviation.
Towards Ginzburg–Landau Bogomolny Approach and a Perturbative Description of Superconducting Structures
Authors: Stȩpień Łukasz T. , Pomorski Krzysztof
Published: January 2025

The Bogomolny approach to the Ginzburg–Landau equations in the context of strong and semi-strong necessary conditions is formulated for various superconducting structures in a quasi-one-dimensional description, considering both flat and curved geometries. This formulation is justified by a perturbative approach to the Ginzburg–Landau theory applied to a superconducting structure that is polarized by an electric charge moving across two neighboring quantum dots. The situation considered involves an interface between a Josephson junction and a semiconductor quantum dot system in a one-dimensional setting.