bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Leaching of Gold and Silver from a Complex Sulfide Concentrate in Copper-Tartrate-Thiosulfate Solutions
Authors: Chen Junnan , Xie Feng , Wang Wei , Fu Yan , Wang Jian
Published: July 2022

The leaching behaviors of gold and silver from a complex sulfide concentrate in copper-tartrate-thiosulfate solutions were investigated in this paper. Experimental parameters, including temperature, initial pulp pH, and concentration of copper, tartrate, and thiosulfate, were systematically studied. The copper-tartrate-thiosulfate leaching system exhibits promising performance in dealing with the complex sulfide concentrate. Thiosulfate consumption could be greatly reduced due to the in-situ generation of thiosulfate derived from sulfur or disulfide ions. Increasing the temperature and concentrations of copper, tartrate, and thiosulfate can promote gold leaching. A low tartrate content and a moderate increase in temperature and copper and thiosulfate concentrations can accelerate silver leaching, but a higher temperature or copper content may depress silver extraction. A suitable pulp pH is critical for gold and silver leaching in copper-tartrate-thiosulfate solutions. An extraction of 74.50% Au and 36.33% Ag was obtained with the direct leaching of the concentrate, while the percentages can be significantly increased up to 82.60% and 70.38%, respectively, when leaching the calcine following the oxidative roasting pretreatment. The recycling of leaching solutions demonstrates that a suitable free tartrate content is of great significance in maintaining the stability of the novel system. As an alternative to the traditional cyanide or copper-ammonia-thiosulfate leaching processes, the copper-tartrate-thiosulfate leaching system provides an environmentally friendly, nontoxic, and relatively low-cost method for gold and silver leaching from ores or concentrates.
Metabolome Features of COPD: A Scoping Review
Authors: Godbole Suneeta , Bowler Russell P.
Published: July 2022

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a complex heterogeneous disease state with multiple phenotypic presentations that include chronic bronchitis and emphysema. Although COPD is a lung disease, it has systemic manifestations that are associated with a dysregulated metabolome in extrapulmonary compartments (e.g., blood and urine). In this scoping review of the COPD metabolomics literature, we identified 37 publications with a primary metabolomics investigation of COPD phenotypes in human subjects through Google Scholar, PubMed, and Web of Science databases. These studies consistently identified a dysregulation of the TCA cycle, carnitines, sphingolipids, and branched-chain amino acids. Many of the COPD metabolome pathways are confounded by age and sex. The effects of COPD in young versus old and male versus female need further focused investigations. There are also few studies of the metabolome’s association with COPD progression, and it is unclear whether the markers of disease and disease severity are also important predictors of disease progression.
Accumulation of Secondary Metabolites of Rhodiola semenovii Boriss. In Situ in the Dynamics of Growth and Development
Authors: Terletskaya Nina V. , Korbozova Nazym K. , Grazhdannikov Alexander E. , Seitimova Gulnaz A. , Meduntseva Nataliya D. , Kudrina Nataliya O.
Published: July 2022

Rhodiola semenovii Boriss. (Regel and Herder) might be a promising replacement for the well-known but endangered Rhodiola rosea L. In this research, the metabolic profile of R. semenovii, including drug-active and stress-resistant components, was studied in the context of source–sink interactions in situ in the dynamics of growth and development. Gas chromatography with mass spectrometric detection and liquid chromatography methods were used. The data obtained allow for assumptions to be made about which secondary metabolites determine the level of stress resistance in R. semenovii at different stages of ontogeny in situ. For the first time, an expansion in the content of salidroside in the above-ground organs, with its maximum value during the period of seed maturation, and a significant decrease in its content in the root were revealed in the dynamics of vegetation. These results allow us to recommend collecting the ground component of R. semenovii for pharmaceutical purposes throughout the seed development stage without damaging the root system.
Mathematical Modelling of Material Transfer to High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL) upon Triglyceride Lipolysis by Lipoprotein Lipase: Relevance to Cardioprotective Role of HDL
Authors: Schekatolina Svetlana , Lahovska Viktoriia , Bekshaev Aleksandr , Kontush Sergey , Le Goff Wilfried , Kontush Anatol
Published: July 2022

High-density lipoprotein (HDL) contributes to lipolysis of triglyceride-rich lipoprotein (TGRL) by lipoprotein lipase (LPL) via acquirement of surface lipids, including free cholesterol (FC), released upon lipolysis. According to the reverse remnant-cholesterol transport (RRT) hypothesis recently developed by us, acquirement of FC by HDL is reduced at both low and extremely high HDL concentrations, potentially underlying the U-shaped relationship between HDL-cholesterol and cardiovascular disease. Mechanisms underlying impaired FC transfer however remain indeterminate. We developed a mathematical model of material transfer to HDL upon TGRL lipolysis by LPL. Consistent with experimental observations, mathematical modelling showed that surface components of TGRL, including FC, were accumulated in HDL upon lipolysis. The modelling successfully reproduced major features of cholesterol accumulation in HDL observed experimentally, notably saturation of this process over time and appearance of a maximum as a function of HDL concentration. The calculations suggested that the both phenomena resulted from competitive fluxes of FC through the HDL pool, including primarily those driven by FC concentration gradient between TGRL and HDL on the one hand and mediated by lecithin-cholesterol acyltransferase (LCAT) and cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) on the other hand. These findings provide novel opportunities to revisit our view of HDL in the framework of RRT.
A Novel Interposer Channel Structure with Vertical Tabbed Vias to Reduce Far-End Crosstalk for Next-Generation High-Bandwidth Memory
Authors: Kim Hyunwoong , Lee Seonghi , Song Kyunghwan , Shin Yujun , Park Dongyrul , Park Jongcheol , Cho Jaeyong , Ahn Seungyoung
Published: July 2022

In this paper, we propose and analyze a novel interposer channel structure with vertical tabbed vias to achieve high-speed signaling and low-power consumption in high-bandwidth memory (HBM). An analytical model of the self- and mutual capacitance of the proposed interposer channel is suggested and verified based on a 3D electromagnetic (EM) simulation. We thoroughly analyzed the electrical characteristics of the novel interposer channel considering various design parameters, such as the height and pitch of the vertical tabbed via and the gap of the vertical channel. Based on the frequency-dependent lumped circuit resistance, inductance, and capacitance, we analyzed the channel characteristics of the proposed interposer channel. In terms of impedance, insertion loss, and far-end crosstalk, we analyzed how much the proposed interposer channel improved the signal integrity characteristics compared to a conventional structure consisting of micro-strip and strip lines together. Compared to the conventional worst case, which is the strip line, the eye-width, the eye-height, and eye-jitter of the proposed interposer channel were improved by 17.6%, 29%, and 9.56%, respectively, at 8 Gbps. The proposed interposer channel can reduce dynamic power consumption by about 28% compared with the conventional interposer channel by minimizing the self-capacitance of the off-chip channel.
Hybrid Serving of DOE and RNN-Based Methods to Optimize and Simulate a Copper Flotation Circuit
Authors: Gholami Alireza , Movahedifar Meysam , Khoshdast Hamid , Hassanzadeh Ahmad
Published: July 2022

Prediction of metallurgical responses during the flotation process is extremely vital to increase the process efficiency using a proper modeling approach. In this study, two new variants of the recurrent neural network (RNN) method were used to predict the copper ore flotation indices, i.e., grade and recovery within different operating conditions. The model input parameters including pulp pH and solid content as well as frother and collector dosages were first analysed and then optimized using a two-step factorial approach. The statistical analysis showed a reliable correlation between operating parameters and copper grade and recovery with coefficients of 99.86% and 94.50%, respectively. The main effect plots indicated that pulp pH and solid content positively affect copper grade while increasing the frother and collector dosages negatively influenced the quality of the final concentrate. Despite the same effect from pulp pH, reverse effects from other variables were observed for copper recovery. Process optimization revealed that maximum copper recovery of 44.39% with a grade of 11.48% could be achieved under the optimal condition as pulp pH of 10, solid content of 20%, and frother and collector concentrations of 25 g/t and 9.9 g/t, respectively. Then, the predictive efficiency of long short-term memory (LSTM) and gated recurrent unit (GRU) networks with proper structure were evaluated using mean square error (MSE), root mean square error (RMSE), mean absolute percentage error (MAPE), and correlation coefficient (R2). The simulation results showed that the LSTM network with higher R2 of 0.963 and 0.934 for copper grade and recovery, respectively, was more effective than the GRU algorithm with the corresponding values of 0.956 and 0.919, respectively. The results show that the LSTM model could be useful in predicting the copper flotation behaviour in response to changes in the operating parameters.
Removal of Fluoride from Phosphogypsum Leaching Solution with Phosphate Tailing Based Layered Double Hydroxides: Kinetics and Equilibrium Isotherms
Authors: Liu Yanming , Zhang Han , Xiao Dunquan , Wu Hanjun , Zhang Zhenyue , Xu Lulu , Cheng Qingrong , Zhou Hong , Yu Junxia , Pan Zhiquan , Wang Dongsheng
Published: July 2022

In this work, ternary and quaternary layered double oxides (PTB-LDO3 and PTB-LDO4) based on phosphate tailings were synthesized by the coprecipitation method. The as-prepared samples were characterized and applied to remove fluorine ions from a phosphogypsum leaching solution. The results indicated that both the precursor of PTB-LDO3 and PTB-LDO4 showed a layered structure with characteristic diffraction peaks of hydrotalcite. Compared with PTB-LDO4, PTB-LDO3 exhibited better adsorption performance at pH 5–6 and a dosage of 0.04 mg L−1. The adsorption kinetics results revealed that the adsorption of fluorine by PTB-LDO3 and PTB-LDO4 reached the adsorption equilibrium in about 3 h, and followed the pseudo-second-order model. The adsorption data could be fitted better with the Langmuir isotherm with the maximum adsorption amounts of 26.03 mg g−1 and 15.66 mg g−1 for PTB-LDO3 and PTB-LDO4, respectively. The adsorption of fluorine by PTB-LDO3 and PTB-LDO4 were both spontaneous and exothermic, and exhibited excellent reusability and stability. This study provides a possibility for the combined treatment of phosphorus chemical solid waste (phosphorus tailings) and phosphorus chemical wastewater (phosphogypsum leaching liquid).
Antibacterial Activity and Components of the Methanol-Phase Extract from Rhizomes of Pharmacophagous Plant Alpinia officinarum Hance
Authors: Fu Junfeng , Wang Yaping , Sun Meng , Xu Yingwei , Chen Lanming
Published: July 2022

The rhizomes of Alpinia officinarum Hance (known as the smaller galangal) have been used as a traditional medicine for over 1000 years. Nevertheless, little research is available on the bacteriostatic activity of the herb rhizomes. In this study, we employed, for the first time, a chloroform and methanol extraction method to investigate the antibacterial activity and components of the rhizomes of A. officinarum Hance. The results showed that the growth of five species of pathogenic bacteria was significantly inhibited by the galangal methanol-phase extract (GMPE) (p < 0.05). The GMPE treatment changed the bacterial cell surface hydrophobicity, membrane fluidity and/or permeability. Comparative transcriptomic analyses revealed approximately eleven and ten significantly altered metabolic pathways in representative Gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus and Gram-negative Enterobacter sakazakii pathogens, respectively (p < 0.05), demonstrating different antibacterial action modes. The GMPE was separated further using a preparative high-performance liquid chromatography (Prep-HPLC) technique, and approximately 46 and 45 different compounds in two major component fractions (Fractions 1 and 4, respectively) were identified using ultra-HPLC combined with mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS) techniques. o-Methoxy cinnamaldehyde (40.12%) and p-octopamine (62.64%) were the most abundant compounds in Fractions 1 and 4, respectively. The results of this study provide data for developing natural products from galangal rhizomes against common pathogenic bacteria.
Spectroscopic and Molecular Docking Studies of Cu(II), Ni(II), Co(II), and Mn(II) Complexes with Anticonvulsant Therapeutic Agent Gabapentin
Authors: Refat Moamen S. , Gaber Ahmed , Althobaiti Yusuf S. , Alyami Hussain , Alsanie Walaa F. , Shakya Sonam , Adam Abdel Majid A. , Kobeasy Mohamed I. , Asla Kareem A.
Published: July 2022

New Cu(II), Ni(II), Co(II), and Mn(II) complexes of the gabapentin (Gpn) bidentate drug ligand were synthesized and studied using elemental analyses, melting temperatures, molar conductivity, UV–Vis, magnetic measurements, FTIR, and surface morphology (scanning (SEM) and transmission (TEM) electron microscopes).The gabapentin ligand was shown to form monobasic metal:ligand (1:1) stoichiometry complexes with the metal ions Cu(II), Ni(II), Co(II), and Mn(II). Molar conductance measurements in dimethyl-sulfoxide solvent with a concentration of 10−3 M correlated to a non-electrolytic character for all of the produced complexes. A deformed octahedral environment was proposed for all metal complexes. Through the nitrogen atom of the –NH2 group and the oxygen atom of the carboxylate group, the Gpn drug chelated as a bidentate ligand toward the Mn2+, Co2+, Ni2+, and Cu2+ metal ions. This coordination behavior was validated by spectroscopic, magnetic, and electronic spectra using the formulas of the [M(Gpn)(H2O)3(Cl)]·nH2O complexes (where n = 2–6).Transmission electron microscopy was used to examine the nanostructure of the produced gabapentin complexes. Molecular docking was utilized to investigate the comparative interaction between the Gpn drug and its four metal [Cu(II), Ni(II), Co(II), and Mn(II)] complexes as ligands using serotonin (6BQH) and dopamine (6CM4) receptors. AutoDock Vina results were further refined through molecular dynamics simulation, and molecular processes for receptor–ligand interactions were also studied. The B3LYP level of theory and LanL2DZ basis set was used for DFT (density functional theory) studies. The optimized geometries, along with the MEP map and HOMO → LUMO of the metal complexes, were studied.
Dinuclear gold(I) Complexes with Bidentate NHC Ligands as Precursors for Alkynyl Complexes via Mechanochemistry
Authors: Stoppa Valentina , Battistel Edoardo , Baron Marco , Sgarbossa Paolo , Biffis Andrea , Bottaro Gregorio , Armelao Lidia , Tubaro Cristina
Published: July 2022

The use of alkynyl gold(I) complexes covers different research fields, such as bioinorganic chemistry, catalysis, and material science, considering the luminescent properties of the complexes. Regarding this last application, we report here the synthesis of three novel dinuclear gold(I) complexes of the general formula [(diNHC)(Au-C≡CPh)2]: two Au-C≡CPh units are connected by a bridging di(N-heterocyclic carbene) ligand, which should favor the establishment of semi-supported aurophilic interactions. The complexes can be easily synthesized through mechanochemistry upon reacting the pristine dibromido complexes [(diNHC)(AuBr)2] with phenylacetylene and KOH. Interestingly, we were also able to isolate the monosubstituted complex [(diNHC)(Au-C≡CPh)(AuBr)]. The gold(I) species were fully characterized by multinuclear NMR spectroscopy and mass spectrometry. The emission properties were also evaluated, and the salient data are comparable to those of analogous compounds reported in the literature.
Spider Silk-Improved Quartz-Enhanced Conductance Spectroscopy for Medical Mask Humidity Sensing
Authors: Lin Leqing , Zhong Yu , Lin Haoyang , Wang Chenglong , Yang Zhifei , Wu Qian , Zhang Di , Zhu Wenguo , Zhong Yongchun , Pan Yuwei , Yu Jianhui , Zheng Huadan
Published: July 2022

Spider silk is one of the hottest biomaterials researched currently, due to its excellent mechanical properties. This work reports a novel humidity sensing platform based on a spider silk-modified quartz tuning fork (SSM-QTF). Since spider silk is a kind of natural moisture-sensitive material, it does not demand additional sensitization. Quartz-enhanced conductance spectroscopy (QECS) was combined with the SSM-QTF to access humidity sensing sensitively. The results indicate that the resonance frequency of the SSM-QTF decreased monotonously with the ambient humidity. The detection sensitivity of the proposed SSM-QTF sensor was 12.7 ppm at 1 min. The SSM-QTF sensor showed good linearity of ~0.99. Using this sensor, we successfully measured the humidity of disposable medical masks for different periods of wearing time. The results showed that even a 20 min wearing time can lead to a >70% humidity in the mask enclosed space. It is suggested that a disposable medical mask should be changed <2 h.
Repurposing the Antiplatelet Agent Ticlopidine to Counteract the Acute Phase of ER Stress Condition: An Opportunity for Fighting Coronavirus Infections and Cancer
Authors: Tesei Anna , Cortesi Michela , Bedeschi Martina , Marino Noemi , Rossino Giacomo , Listro Roberta , Rossi Daniela , Linciano Pasquale , Collina Simona
Published: July 2022

Different pathological conditions, including viral infections and cancer, can have a massive impact on the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), causing severe damage to the cell and exacerbating the disease. In particular, coronavirus infections, including SARS coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), responsible for COVID-19, cause ER stress as a consequence of the enormous amounts of viral glycoproteins synthesized, the perturbation of ER homeostasis and the modification of ER membranes. Therefore, ER has a central role in the viral life cycle, thus representing one of the Achilles’ heels on which to focus therapeutic intervention. On the other hand, prolonged ER stress has been demonstrated to promote many pro-tumoral attributes in cancer cells, having a key role in tumor growth, metastasis and response to therapies. In this report, adopting a repurposing approach of approved drugs, we identified the antiplatelet agent ticlopidine as an interferent of the unfolded protein response (UPR) via sigma receptors (SRs) modulation. The promising results obtained suggest the potential use of ticlopidine to counteract ER stress induced by viral infections, such as COVID-19, and cancer.
Interfacial Composition of Surfactant Aggregates in the Presence of Fragrance: A Chemical Trapping Study
Authors: Gong Jiani , Yao Kaixin , Sun Qihan , Sun Yujia , Sun Lijie , Liu Changyao , Xu Bo , Tan Jiajing , Zhao Li , Xu Baocai
Published: July 2022

In recent years, there has been increasing interest in daily-use chemical products providing a pleasant scent. The added fragrance molecules may induce microstructural transitions of surfactant aggregates, which further affect the physical and chemical properties of the products. Here, the effects of four types of aromatic alcohols (cinnamyl alcohol, phenyl ethanol, phenyl methanol and anisyl alcohol) on cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB)/KBr aggregates were studied. The combined results from rheology, dynamic light scattering, and transmission electron microscopy measurements showed that cinnamyl alcohol induced significant micellar growth, while increases in micellar growth were less obvious for the other aromatic alcohols. The changes in the interfacial molarities of water, aromatic alcohol, and bromide ions during such transitions were studied using the chemical trapping method. Transitions resulting from added cinnamyl alcohol were accompanied by significant declines in interfacial water and bromide ion molarities, and a rise in interfacial alcohol molarity. The marked decrease in interfacial water molarity was not observed in previous studies of the octanol induced formation of wormlike micelles and vesicles, indicating that a different mechanism was presented in the current system. Nuclear magnetic resonance investigation showed that π–π stacking between cinnamyl alcohols, but not cation–π interactions between alcohols and CTAB headgroups, facilitated the tight packing of alcohol molecules in CTAB aggregates and the repulsion of water from the interfacial region. The current study may provide a theoretical basis for the morphological regulation of surfactant aggregates in the presence of additives.
Green Synthesis and Characterization of Silver Nanoparticles of Psidium guajava Leaf Extract and Evaluation for Its Antidiabetic Activity
Authors: Nagaraja Sreeharsha , Ahmed Syed Sagheer , D. R. Bharathi , Goudanavar Prakash , M. Rupesh Kumar , Fattepur Santosh , Meravanige Girish , Shariff Arshia , Shiroorkar Predeepkumar Narayanappa , Habeebuddin Mohammed , Telsang Mallikarjun
Published: July 2022

Diabetes mellitus (DM) and its complications are a severe public health concern due to the high incidence, morbidity, and mortality rates. The present study aims to synthesize and characterize silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using the aqueous leaf extract of Psidium guajava (PGE) for investigating its antidiabetic activity. Psidium guajava silver nanoparticles (PGAg NPs) were prepared and characterized by various parameters. The in vivo study was conducted using PGE and PGAg NPs in Streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats to assess their antidiabetic properties. STZ of 55 mg/kg was injected to induce diabetes. The PGE, PGAg NPs at a dose of 200 and 400 mg/kg and standard drug Metformin (100 mg/kg) were administered daily to diabetic rats for 21 days through the oral route. Blood glucose level, body weight changes, lipid profiles, and histopathology of the rats’ liver and pancreas were examined. In the diabetic rats, PGE and PGAg NPs produced a drastic decrease in the blood glucose level, preventing subsequent weight loss and ameliorating lipid profile parameters. The histopathological findings revealed the improvements in pancreas and liver cells due to the repercussion of PGE and PGAg NPs. A compelling effect was observed in all doses of PGE and PGAg NPs; however, PGAg NPs exhibited a more promising result. Thus, from the results, it is concluded that the synthesized PGAg NPs has potent antidiabetic activity due to its enhanced surface area and smaller particle size of nanoparticles.
1946 and the Early History of Hydrosilylation
Authors: Lewis Kenrick M. , Couderc Sabine
Published: July 2022

Three events occurred in the second half of 1946 in three adjoining US States (NJ, NY, and PA) which marked the birth of Hydrosilylation Technology. They occurred before the landmark 1957 JACS paper and the 1958 issued US patent by Speier et al. and before Chalk and Harrod named the reaction. First, on 27 June 1946, Mackenzie et al., of Montclair Research Corp., applied for a patent to prepare addition compounds of hydridosilanes and unsaturated organic compounds. Then, on 9 October 1946, Wagner and Strother of Union Carbide Corp. applied for a patent on a process to produce organic compounds of silicon with Si–C bonds by reacting a hydridosilane and an alkene or alkyne in the presence of a catalyst metal of the platinum group. Finally, Sommer et al., submitted a paper on peroxide-catalyzed hydrosilylation to JACS on 17 December 1946. It was published in January 1947. The landmark patent interference § and priority § case law associated with the Mackenzie et al. and Wagner et al., applications is well known to patent attorneys. This presentation will retrace the origins of hydrosilylation and report events (1946–1960) in the history of the reaction that are most probably unknown to most authors and presenters of hydrosilylation investigations. George Wagner’s contribution to the birth of this technology is also highlighted.
Effects of Impregnated Amidophosphonate Ligand Concentration on the Uranium Extraction Behavior of Mesoporous Silica
Authors: Dressler Aline , Leydier Antoine , Grandjean Agnès
Published: July 2022

A series of solid-phase uranium extractants were prepared by post-synthesis impregnation of a mesoporous silica support previously functionalized with octyl chains by direct silanization. Five materials were synthesized with 0, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4 and 0.5 mmol of the amidophosphonate ligand DEHCEBP per gram of functionalized solid, and the effect of the ligand concentration on the uranium extraction efficiency and selectivity of the materials was investigated. Nitrogen adsorption–desorption data show that with increasing ligand loadings, the specific surface area and average pore volume decrease as the amidophosphonate ligand fills first the micropores and then the mesopores of the support. Acidic uranium solutions with a high sulfate content were used to replicate the conditions in ore treatment leaching solutions. Considering the extraction kinetics, the equilibration time was found to increase with the ligand concentration, which can be explained by the clogging of micropores and the multilayer arrangement of the DEHCEBP molecules in the materials with their highest ligand contents. The fact that the equilibrium ligand/uranium ratio is about 2 mol/mol regardless of the ligand concentration in the material suggests that all the ligand molecules remain accessible for extraction. The maximum uranium extraction capacities ranged from 30 mg∙g−1 at 0.2 mmol∙g−1 DEHCEBP to 54 mg∙g−1 in the material with 0.5 mmol∙g−1 DEHCEBP. These materials could therefore potentially be used as solid-phase uranium extractants in acidic solutions with high sulfate concentrations.
Efficient Recovery of Rare Earth Elements and Zinc from Spent Ni–Metal Hydride Batteries: Statistical Studies
Authors: Weshahy Ahmed R. , Gouda Ayman A. , Atia Bahig M. , Sakr Ahmed K. , Al-Otaibi Jamelah S. , Almuqrin Aljawhara , Hanfi Mohamed Y. , Sayyed M. I. , El Sheikh Ragaa , Radwan Hend A. , Hassen Fatma S. , Gado Mohamed A.
Published: July 2022

Considering how important rare earth elements (REEs) are for many different industries, it is important to separate them from other elements. An extractant that binds to REEs inexpensively and selectively even in the presence of interfering ions can be used to develop a useful separation method. This work was designed to recover REEs from spent nickel–metal hydride batteries using ammonium sulfate. The chemical composition of the Ni–MH batteries was examined. The operating leaching conditions of REE extraction from black powder were experimentally optimized. The optimal conditions for the dissolution of approximately 99.98% of REEs and almost all zinc were attained through use of a 300 g/L (NH4)2SO4 concentration after 180 min of leaching time and a 1:3 solid/liquid phase ratio at 120 °C. The kinetic data fit the chemical control model. The separation of total REEs and zinc was conducted under traditional conditions to produce both metal values in marketable forms. The work then shifted to separate cerium as an individual REE through acid baking with HCl, thus leaving pure cerium behind.
A Decade of Progress on MAO-Treated Tantalum Surfaces: Advances and Contributions for Biomedical Applications
Authors: Fialho Luísa , Alves Cristiana , Carvalho Sandra
Published: July 2022

Micro-structured coatings with functional properties have been investigated due to a wide range of applications. It is known that micro-structures can play an important role in surface interactions determining the materials’ performance. Amongst the other materials, there has been an increasing interest in tantalum oxide (Ta2O5). This attention is mainly due to its variety of properties: biocompatibility and bioactivity; high dielectric constant; good thermal and chemical stability; excellent corrosion and mechanical resistance. Moreover, there is a wide range of applications in which the properties can be fitted. Furthermore, according to the final application, these properties can be enhanced or tailored through surface micro-structures manipulation. Due to this purpose, over the past decade, Ta surface modification by micro-arc oxidation (MAO) has been investigated mostly for biomedical applications. Therefore, this review focuses on Ta surface functionalization using the MAO technique. A clear understanding of the micro-discharge phenomena and the formation mechanism of a Ta2O5 anodic coating by MAO is supplied. The Ta2O5 coating morphology, topography, chemistry, and structure are explored, establishing their correlation with the MAO parameters. Additionally, an understanding of Ta2O5’s biological, mechanical, and electrochemical properties is provided and reviewed.
Degradation of 4-Tert-Butylphenol in Water Using Mono-Doped (M1: Mo, W) and Co-Doped (M2-M1: Cu, Co, Zn) Titania Catalysts
Authors: Mergenbayeva Saule , Kumarov Alisher , Atabaev Timur Sh. , Hapeshi Evroula , Vakros John , Mantzavinos Dionissios , Poulopoulos Stavros G.
Published: July 2022

Mono-doped (Mo-TiO2 and W-TiO2) and co-doped TiO2 (Co-Mo-TiO2, Co-W-TiO2, Cu-Mo-TiO2, Cu-W-TiO2, Zn-Mo-TiO2, and Zn-W-TiO2) catalysts were synthesized by simple impregnation methods and tested for the photocatalytic degradation of 4-tert-butylphenol in water under UV (365 nm) light irradiation. The catalysts were characterized with various analytical methods. X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman, Diffuse reflectance (DR) spectroscopies, Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and Energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) were applied to investigate the structure, optical properties, morphology, and elemental composition of the prepared catalysts. The XRD patterns revealed the presence of peaks corresponding to the WO3 in W-TiO2, Co-W-TiO2, Cu-W-TiO2, and Zn-W-TiO2. The co-doping of Cu and Mo to the TiO2 lattice was evidenced by the shift of XRD planes towards higher 2θ values, confirming the lattice distortion. Elemental mapping images confirmed the successful impregnation and uniform distribution of metal particles on the TiO2 surface. Compared to undoped TiO2, Mo-TiO2 and W-TiO2 exhibited a lower energy gap. Further incorporation of Mo-TiO2 with Co or Cu introduced slight changes in energy gap and light absorption characteristics, particularly visible light absorption. In addition, photoluminescence (PL) showed that Cu-Mo-TiO2 has a weaker PL intensity than undoped TiO2. Thus, Cu-Mo-TiO2 showed better catalytic activity than pure TiO2, achieving complete degradation of 4-tert-butylphenol under UV light irradiation after 60 min. The application of Cu-Mo-TiO2 under solar light conditions was also tested, and 70% of 4-tert-butylphenol degradation was achieved within 150 min.
Comparison of Perceived Weight Discrimination between Polish and German Patients Underwent Bariatric Surgery or Endoscopic Method versus Conservative Treatment for Morbid Obesity: An International Multicenter Study
Authors: Hoffmann Karolina , Paczkowska Anna , Bryl Wiesław , Marzec Kinga , Raakow Jonas , Pross Matthias , Berghaus Rafael , Nowakowska Elżbieta , Kus Krzysztof , Michalak Michał
Published: July 2022

Objectives: The aim of this study was to compare the level of discrimination among patients with obesity living in Poland and Germany. Methods: This was a retrospective cross-sectional international multicenter survey study including 564 adult participants treated for morbid obesity at selected healthcare facilities in Germany (210 patients) and in Poland (354 patients). Discrimination was evaluated using a custom-made questionnaire based on the related literature. Results: The level of obesity discrimination did not differ between German and Polish patients (p = 0.4282). The presence of obesity was reported to be associated to a large or a very large extent with the feeling of social exclusion and discrimination by 46.63% of German participants and 42.09% of Polish ones (p = 0.2934). The mean level of discrimination related to the lack of employment was higher in patients who underwent bariatric surgery or endoscopic method than in those who underwent conservative treatment (for Germany: 2.85 ± 1.31 (median, 3) vs. 2.08 ± 1.31 (median, 1), p = 0.002; for Poland: 2.43 ± 1.15 (median, 2) vs. 1.93 ± 1.15 (median, 1), p = 0.005). The level of discrimination was associated with sex, age, the degree of obesity, and treatment-related weight loss (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Our findings confirm that obesity significantly affects the social and economic well-being of patients. There is a great need to reduce weight stigma and to take measures to alleviate the socioeconomic and psychological burden of obesity.
Application of Mediterranean Diet in Cardiovascular Diseases and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: Motivations and Challenges
Authors: AlAufi Najwa Salim , Chan Yoke Mun , Waly Mostafa I. , Chin Yit Siew , Mohd Yusof Barakatun-Nisak , Ahmad Norliza
Published: July 2022

Objective: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of disability and death in many countries. Together with CVD, Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) accounts for more than 80% of all premature non-communicable disease deaths. The protective effect of the Mediterranean diet (MedDiet) on CVD and its risk factors, including T2DM, has been a constant topic of interest. Notwithstanding, despite the large body of evidence, scientists are concerned about the challenges and difficulties of the application of MedDiet. This review aims to explore the motivations and challenges for using MedDiet in patients with CVD and T2DM. Design: An electronic search was conducted for articles about MedDiet published in PubMed, ScienceDirect, Scopus, and Web of Science up to December 2021, particularly on CVD and T2DM patients. From a total of 1536 studies, the final eligible set of 108 studies was selected. Study selection involved three iterations of filtering. Results: Motivation to apply MedDiet was driven by the importance of studying the entire food pattern rather than just one nutrient, the health benefits, and the distinct characteristics of MedDiet. Challenges of the application of MedDiet include lacking universal definition and scoring of MedDiet. Influences of nutritional transition that promote shifting of traditional diets to Westernized diets further complicate the adherence of MedDiet. The challenges also cover the research aspects, including ambiguous and inconsistent findings, the inexistence of positive results, limited evidence, and generalization in previous studies. The review revealed that most of the studies recommended that future studies are needed in terms of health benefits, describing the potential benefits of MedDiet, identifying the barriers, and mainly discussing the effect of MedDiet in different populations. Conclusions: In general, there is consistent and strong evidence that MedDiet is associated inversely with CVD risk factors and directly with glycemic control. MedDiet is the subject of active and diverse research despite the existing challenges. This review informs the health benefits conferred by this centuries-old dietary pattern and highlights MedDiet could possibly be revolutionary, practical, and non-invasive approach for the prevention and treatment CVD and T2DM.
Nutrition and Gut–Brain Pathways Impacting the Onset of Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Terenzi Damiano , Muth Anne-Katrin , Park Soyoung Q.
Published: July 2022

An emerging body of literature suggests that long-term gut inflammation may be a silent driver of Parkinson’s disease (PD) pathogenesis. Importantly, specific nutritive patterns might improve gut health for PD risk reduction. Here, we review the current literature on the nutritive patterns and inflammatory markers as a predictor for early detection of PD. This knowledge might be used to foster the detection of early nutritive patterns and preclinical biomarkers to potentially alter PD development and progression.
Anti-Obesity Effects of Traditional and Commercial Kochujang in Overweight and Obese Adults: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Han A Lum , Jeong Su-Ji , Ryu Myeong-Seon , Yang Hee-Jong , Jeong Do-Youn , Park Do-Sim , Lee Hee Kyung
Published: July 2022

Kochujang shows anti-obesity effects in cell and animal models. Kochujang is traditionally prepared via slow fermentation or commercially using Aspergillus oryzae. We analyze the anti-obesity effects of two types of Kochujang in overweight and obese adults. The analyses included the following groups: traditional Kochujang containing either a high-dose (HTK; n = 19), or a low-dose of beneficial microbes (LTK; n = 18), and commercial Kochujang (CK; n = 17). Waist circumference decreased significantly in the HTK and CK groups. Total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and triglyceride levels decreased in the HTK and LTK groups. Visceral fat is significantly reduced in the HTK group. The population of beneficial microorganisms in stool samples increased in all groups. Consumption of Kochujang reduces visceral fat content and improves the lipid profile, which can be enhanced by enrichment with beneficial microbes. These results suggest that Kochujang has the potential for application in obesity prevention.
Retinoic Acid Signaling Is Compromised in DSS-Induced Dysbiosis
Authors: Li Yongchun , Sheng Lili , Jena Prasant Kumar , Gilbert Miranda Claire , Wan Yu-Jui Yvonne , Mao Hua
Published: July 2022

Obesity and malnutrition both cause dysbiosis and dampen retinoic acid (RA) signaling pathways, which play pivotal roles in biological processes. The current study evaluates a hypothesis that colitis-associated dysbiosis also has systemic negative impacts on RA signaling. Thus, we studied the effects of inflammation, under a vitamin A-sufficient condition, on RA signaling using mouse colitis models induced by dextran sulfate sodium. That data showed that intestinal inflammation resulted in reduced RA signaling in the liver, brain, gut, and adipose tissues measured by analyzing the expression of genes encoding for the synthesis, oxidation, transport, and receptor of RA. The expression of RA-regulated gut homing molecules including α4β7 integrin, and CCR9, along with MADCAM1 were all reduced in colitis mice revealing compromised immunity due to reduced RA signaling. The data also showed that the development of colitis was accompanied by dysbiosis featured with reduced Lactobacillaceae and Verrucomicrobiaceae but an expansion of Erysipelotrichaceae and others. Colitis resulted in reduced butyrate-producing bacteria and increased methane-generating bacteria. Additionally, dysbiosis was associated with induced Il-1β, Ifn-γ, and Tnf-α mRNA but reduced Il-22, Il-17f, and Rorγt transcripts in the colon. Together, intestinal inflammation inhibits RA signaling in multiple organs. RA is essential in regulating various biological processes, it is critical to detect RA signaling reduction in tissues even when vitamin A deficiency is absent. Moreover, probiotics can potentially prevent dysbiosis and reverse compromised RA signaling, having systemic health benefits.
Establishing Minimal Conditions Sufficient for the Development of Titan-like Cells in Cryptococcus neoformans/gattii Species Complex
Authors: Dyląg Mariusz , Colón-Reyes Rodney , Loperena-Álvarez Yaliz , Kozubowski Lukasz
Published: July 2022

Opportunistic pathogens of the anamorphic genus Cryptococcus are unique considering their virulence factors that in the context of pathogenesis allowed them to achieve evolutionary success. Morphological transformation into giant (Titan) cells is one of the factors contributing to cryptococcosis. Recently established in vitro protocols demonstrate that 5 or 10% fetal bovine serum (FBS) combined with 5% CO2, 37 °C, and sufficiently low cell density, triggers cellular enlargement (Serum protocols). However, the FBS components that promote this morphological transition remain incompletely characterized. In search of minimal conditions necessary for stimulating the formation of Titan cells, we performed a study where we eliminated serum from the protocol (Serum-free protocol) and instead systematically adjusted the amount of glucose, source of nitrogen (ammonium sulfate), and the pH. We found that exposing cells to PBS with adjusted pH to 7.3, and supplemented with 0.05% glucose, 0.025% ammonium sulfate, 0.004% K2HPO4, 0.0035% MgSO4, in the presence of 5% CO2 at 37 °C triggers Titan-like cell formation to the same degree as the previously established protocol that utilized 10% FBS as the sole nutrient source. Titan-like cells obtained according to this Serum-free protocol were characterized by cell body size over ten microns, a single enlarged vacuole, thick cell wall, extensive polysaccharide capsule, and changes in the level of cell ploidy, all currently known hallmarks of Titan cells found in vivo. Strikingly, we found that in both, Serum and Serum-free protocols, an optimal pH for Titan-like cell development is ~7.3 whereas relatively acidic pH (5.5) prevents this morphological transition and promotes robust proliferation, while alkaline pH (~8.0) has a profound growth inhibitory effect. Our study demonstrates a critical role of pH response to the formation of Titan cells and indicates that conditions that allow restricted proliferation in the presence of 5% CO2 are sufficient for this morphological transition to form enlarged cells in Cryptococcus neoformans and Cryptococcus gattii species complex.
Resurrecting Epstein–Barr Virus
Authors: Paganelli Roberto
Published: July 2022

One of the Editor’s choice articles in 2021 published in Pathogens was an early assessment of the role of Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) reactivation in the pathogenesis of long-term symptoms associated with COVID-19 [...]
Hepatoprotective Role of Carvedilol against Ischemic Hepatitis Associated with Acute Heart Failure via Targeting miRNA-17 and Mitochondrial Dynamics-Related Proteins: An In Vivo and In Silico Study
Authors: Mohamed Doaa I. , Ezzat Samar F. , Elayat Wael M. , El-Kharashi Omnyah A. , El-Kareem Hanaa F. Abd , Nahas Hebatallah H. Abo , Abdel-Wahab Basel A. , Alshawwa Samar Zuhair , Saleh Asmaa , Helmy Yosra A. , Khairy Eman , Saied Essa M.
Published: July 2022

Acute heart failure (AHF) is one of the most common diseases in old age that can lead to mortality. Systemic hypoperfusion is associated with hepatic ischemia–reperfusion injury, which may be irreversible. Ischemic hepatitis due to AHF has been linked to the pathogenesis of liver damage. In the present study, we extensively investigated the role of mitochondrial dynamics-related proteins and their epigenetic regulation in ischemic liver injury following AHF and explored the possible hepatoprotective role of carvedilol. The biochemical analysis revealed that the ischemic liver injury following AHF significantly elevated the activity of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) enzymes, the level of total and direct bilirubin, and the expression of hepatic mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), dynamin-1-like protein (DNM1L), and hepatic miRNA-17. At the same time, it significantly reduced the serum albumin level, the activity of hepatic superoxide dismutase (SOD), and the expression of mitochondrial peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-1α (PGC-1α), and mitofusin 2 (Mtf2). The histological examination of the liver tissue revealed degenerated hepatocytes. Interestingly, administration of carvedilol either prior to or after isoprenaline-induced AHF significantly improved the liver function and reversed the deterioration effect of AHF-induced ischemic hepatitis, as demonstrated by biochemical, immunohistochemical, and histological analysis. Our results indicated that the hepatoprotective effect of carvedilol in ameliorating hepatic ischemic damage could be attributed to its ability to target the mitochondrial dynamics-related proteins (Mtf2, DNM1L and PGC-1α), but also their epigenetic regulator miRNA-17. To further explore the mode of action of carvedilol, we have investigated, in silico, the ability of carvedilol to target dynamin-1-like protein and mitochondrial dynamics protein (MID51). Our results revealed that carvedilol has a high binding affinity (−14.83 kcal/mol) toward the binding pocket of DNM1L protein. In conclusion, our study highlights the hepatoprotective pharmacological application of carvedilol to attenuate ischemic hepatitis associated with AHF.
Fucoidan-Mediated Inhibition of Fibrotic Properties in Oral Submucous Fibrosis via the MEG3/miR-181a/Egr1 Axis
Authors: Fang Chih-Yuan , Chen Szu-Han , Huang Chun-Chung , Liao Yi-Wen , Chao Shih-Chi , Yu Cheng-Chia
Published: July 2022

Oral submucous fibrosis (OSF) is a chronic fibrotic remodeling disease that can progress to oral cancer. However, efficient clinical diagnosis and treatment methods for OSF are still lacking. This study investigated the anti-fibrotic effect of fucoidan on oral fibrosis. To evaluate the fibrotic ability (myofibroblast activities), we performed wound-healing, Transwell migration, and collagen contraction assays by using patient-derived normal and fibrotic buccal submucous fibroblasts (BMFs and fBMFs, respectively). RNA-sequencing and dual-luciferase reporter and RNA immunoprecipitation chip assays were performed to identify the clinical significance and molecular mechanism of non-coding RNAs. Fucoidan suppressed the myofibroblast activities and inhibited the MEG3 in fBMFs. MEG3 was overexpressed in the OSF tissue and was positively associated with myofibroblast markers. Knockdown of MEG3 markedly inhibited myofibroblast activities, which were restored by inhibiting miR-181a and overexpressing Egr1. The results from luciferase reporter and RIP assays confirmed that MEG3 functioned as a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) and could directly target miR-181a, thereby preventing the miR-181a-mediated translational repression of Egr1. This study demonstrated that MEG3 exerts a profibrotic effect on OSF by targeting miR-181a/Egr1. Therefore, the administration of fucoidan may serve as a potential therapeutic strategy for OSF by targeting the overexpression of MEG3.