bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Oxygen Uptake Kinetics and Time Limit at Maximal Aerobic Workload in Tethered Swimming
Authors: Massini Danilo A. , Espada Mário C. , Macedo Anderson G. , Santos Fernando J. , Castro Eliane A. , Ferreira Cátia C. , Robalo Ricardo A. M. , Dias Amândio A. P. , Almeida Tiago A. F. , Pessôa Filho Dalton M.
Published: June 2023

This study aimed to apply an incremental tethered swimming test (ITT) with workloads (WL) based on individual rates of front crawl mean tethered force (Fmean) for the identification of the upper boundary of heavy exercise (by means of respiratory compensation point, RCP), and therefore to describe oxygen uptake kinetics (VO2k) and time limit (tLim) responses to WL corresponding to peak oxygen uptake (WLVO2peak). Sixteen swimmers of both sexes (17.6 ± 3.8 years old, 175.8 ± 9.2 cm, and 68.5 ± 10.6 kg) performed the ITT until exhaustion, attached to a weight-bearing pulley–rope system for the measurements of gas exchange threshold (GET), RCP, and VO2peak. The WL was increased by 5% from 30 to 70% of Fmean at every minute, with Fmean being measured by a load cell attached to the swimmers during an all-out 30 s front crawl bout. The pulmonary gas exchange was sampled breath by breath, and the mathematical description of VO2k used a first-order exponential with time delay (TD) on the average of two rest-to-work transitions at WLVO2peak. The mean VO2peak approached 50.2 ± 6.2 mL·kg−1·min−1 and GET and RCP attained (respectively) 67.4 ± 7.3% and 87.4 ± 3.4% VO2peak. The average tLim was 329.5 ± 63.6 s for both sexes, and all swimmers attained VO2peak (100.4 ± 3.8%) when considering the primary response of VO2 (A1′ = 91.8 ± 6.7%VO2peak) associated with the VO2 slow component (SC) of 10.7 ± 6.7% of end-exercise VO2, with time constants of 24.4 ± 9.8 s for A1′ and 149.3 ± 29.1 s for SC. Negative correlations were observed for tLim to VO2peak, WLVO2peak, GET, RCP, and EEVO2 (r = −0.55, −0.59, −0.58, −0.53, and −0.50). Thus, the VO2k during tethered swimming at WLVO2peak reproduced the physiological responses corresponding to a severe domain. The findings also demonstrated that tLim was inversely related to aerobic conditioning indexes and to the ability to adjust oxidative metabolism to match target VO2 demand during exercise.
MXene-Based Nanocomposites for Piezoelectric and Triboelectric Energy Harvesting Applications
Authors: Pabba Durga Prasad , Satthiyaraju Mani , Ramasdoss Ananthakumar , Sakthivel Pandurengan , Chidhambaram Natarajan , Dhanabalan Shanmugasundar , Abarzúa Carolina Venegas , Morel Mauricio J. , Udayabhaskar Rednam , Mangalaraja Ramalinga Viswanathan , Aepuru Radhamanohar , Kamaraj Sathish-Kumar , Murugesan Praveen Kumar , Thirumurugan Arun
Published: June 2023

Due to its superior advantages in terms of electronegativity, metallic conductivity, mechanical flexibility, customizable surface chemistry, etc., 2D MXenes for nanogenerators have demonstrated significant progress. In order to push scientific design strategies for the practical application of nanogenerators from the viewpoints of the basic aspect and recent advancements, this systematic review covers the most recent developments of MXenes for nanogenerators in its first section. In the second section, the importance of renewable energy and an introduction to nanogenerators, major classifications, and their working principles are discussed. At the end of this section, various materials used for energy harvesting and frequent combos of MXene with other active materials are described in detail together with the essential framework of nanogenerators. In the third, fourth, and fifth sections, the materials used for nanogenerators, MXene synthesis along with its properties, and MXene nanocomposites with polymeric materials are discussed in detail with the recent progress and challenges for their use in nanogenerator applications. In the sixth section, a thorough discussion of the design strategies and internal improvement mechanisms of MXenes and the composite materials for nanogenerators with 3D printing technologies are presented. Finally, we summarize the key points discussed throughout this review and discuss some thoughts on potential approaches for nanocomposite materials based on MXenes that could be used in nanogenerators for better performance.
Fixed-Diamond Abrasive Wire-Saw Cutting Force Modeling Based on Changes in Contact Arc Lengths
Authors: Liang Lie , Li Shujuan , Lan Kehao , Wang Jiabin , Yu Ruijiang
Published: June 2023

Monocrystalline silicon is widely used in the semiconductor market, but its hard and brittle physical properties make processing difficult. Fixed-diamond abrasive wire-saw (FAW) cutting is currently the most commonly used cutting method for hard and brittle materials due to advantages such as narrow cutting seams, low pollution, low cutting force and simple cutting process. During the process of cutting a wafer, the contact between the part and the wire is curved, and the arc length changes during the cutting process. This paper establishes a model of contact arc length by analyzing the cutting system. At the same time, a model of the random distribution of abrasive particles is established to solve the cutting force during the cutting process, using iterative algorithms to calculate cutting forces and chip surface saw marks. The error between the experiment and simulation of the average cutting force in the stable stage is less than 6%, and the errors with respect to the central angle and curvature of the saw arc on the wafer surface are less than 5% between the experiment and simulation. The relationship between the bow angle, contact arc length and cutting parameters is studied using simulations. The results show that the variation trend of the bow angle and contact arc length is consistent, increasing with an increase in the part feed rate and decreasing with an increase in the wire velocity.
Selective Hydrodeoxygenation of Guaiacol to Cyclohexane over Ru-Catalysts Based on MFI Nanosheets
Authors: Tsaplin Dmitry , Sadovnikov Alexey , Ramazanov Dzhamalutdin , Gorbunov Dmitry , Ryleeva Valeriya , Maximov Anton , Wang Kaige , Naranov Evgeny
Published: June 2023

Bio-oils derived from the pyrolysis of lignin-based biomass often contain a variety of oxygenated compounds, which can compromise their usefulness as a fuel. To improve the quality of bio-oil, catalytic hydrodeoxygenation (HDO) is a crucial step that removes oxygen from the oil in the form of water. In this study, we showed that MFI nanosheets are excellent supports for Ru-catalysts. We synthesized highly crystalline MFI nanosheets using a simple hydrothermal seeding procedure; the final material was obtained in 56 h of crystallization. We investigated the activity of Ru supported on different materials. Our findings indicated that Ru supported on hierarchical MFI demonstrated excellent activity in HDO of guaiacol. Our results demonstrated that Ru/ZNS-56 achieved nearly 100% selectivity towards cyclohexane under mild conditions (200 °C, 50 bar H2, 1 h).
Investigation of Hydrated Dy(III) and MgSO4 Leaching Agent Ion Adsorption on (001) Surface of Montmorillonite: A Study Using Density Functional Theory
Authors: Huang Lijinhong , Zou Zhiqiang , Liu Shaomin , Liu Lihong , Xiao Wengang , Qian Yantao , Alam Shafiq , Huang Wanfu
Published: June 2023

Kaolinite is one of the principal rare earth element (REE) ion-adsorption clays that hosts a wide range of elements, including Dy(III) as a representative example. Ammonium sulfate is a typical salt used to leach REEs. Due to the carbon dioxide emissions which occur during ammonia production, it is urgently necessary to develop low environmental pollution leaching agents that can replace (NH4)2SO4. MgSO4 is regarded as the most promising eco-friendly leaching agent. Herein, the first-principles plane-wave pseudopotential method based on the density functional theory (DFT) was used to investigate the stable adsorption structures of Dy(III) and its hydrated ions, MgSO4 leaching agent ions and the corresponding hydrated ions on the surface of kaolinite, which revealed the adsorption mechanism of Dy(III), Mg(II), and SO42− on the silico–oxygen plane and the aluminum–hydroxyl plane of kaolinite. Based on the research results of the steric hindrance effect of Dy(III) on the silico–oxygen plane and the aluminum–hydroxyl plane of kaolinite, the adsorption of Dy(H2O)103+ was more stable on the silico–oxygen plane. It was easier to leach out Dy(III) with MgSO4, while SO42− tended to interact with the rare earth ions in an aqueous solution. The results provide theoretical guidance for efficient rare earth extraction and obtaining novel efficient leaching agents.
Tectonic Evolution of the JLJB, North China Craton, Revisited: Constraints from Metamorphism, Geochemistry and Geochronology of the Ji’an Group and Related Granites
Authors: Zhu Erlin , Liang Chenyue , Zheng Changqing , Xu Xuechun , Yang Yan
Published: June 2023

The Jiao-Liao-Ji Belt (JLJB) is the most representative Paleoproterozoic orogenic belt in the North China Craton (NCC). The sedimentation, metamorphism and magmatism of the Ji’an Group and associated granites provide significant insights into the tectonic evolution of the JLJB. In this study, we have synthesized published geochemistry and geochronology data on metasedimentary, metavolcanic and igneous rocks. According to the available data, the protoliths of the metasedimentary rocks are sets of shale, wacke, arkose, quartz sandstone and carbonate, while the protoliths of the metavolcanic rocks are calc-alkaline basalt, basaltic andesite, andesite, dacite and rhyolite. The rock assemblages indicate a transformation of the tectonic environment from a passive margin to an active continental margin following the onset of plate convergence and subduction. The A2-type gneissic granite (Qianzhuogou pluton) is formed in a subsequent back-arc basin extension setting at 2.20–2.14 Ga. The Ji’an Group was finally deposited in an active continental margin during the closure of a back-arc basin at 2.14–2.0 Ga. Then, the sediments were involved in a continent–arc–continent collision between the Longgang and Nangrim blocks at ~1.95 Ga. This process was accompanied by HP granulite-facies metamorphism at ~1.90 Ga. The subsequent exhumation and regional extension resulted in decompression melting during 1.90–1.86 Ga, producing metamorphism with an isothermal decompression clockwise P–T path. The resulting metapelites are characterized by perthite + sillimanite, and mafic granulites are characterized by orthopyroxene + clinopyroxene. The S-type porphyritic granite (Shuangcha pluton) is formed during the crustal anatexis. Meanwhile, extensive anatexis produced significant heating and triggered prograde to peak metamorphism with an anticlockwise P–T path. Cordierite-bearing symplectites around the garnet in the metapelites indicate a superposed isobaric cooling metamorphism. The ages of monazites and anatectic zircons suggest that the post-exhumation cooling occurred at 1.86–1.80 Ga. The Paleoproterozoic magmatism, sedimentation and metamorphism suggest a process of subduction back-arc basin extension and closure, collision and exhumation for the tectonic evolution of the JLJB.
Bifunctional Hot Water Vapor Template-Mediated Synthesis of Nanostructured Polymeric Carbon Nitride for Efficient Hydrogen Evolution
Authors: Long Baihua , He Hongmei , Yu Yang , Cai Wenwen , Gu Quan , Yang Jing , Meng Sugang
Published: June 2023

Regulating bulk polymeric carbon nitride (PCN) into nanostructured PCN has long been proven effective in enhancing its photocatalytic activity. However, simplifying the synthesis of nanostructured PCN remains a considerable challenge and has drawn widespread attention. This work reported the one-step green and sustainable synthesis of nanostructured PCN in the direct thermal polymerization of the guanidine thiocyanate precursor via the judicious introduction of hot water vapor’s dual function as gas-bubble templates along with a green etching reagent. By optimizing the temperature of the water vapor and polymerization reaction time, the as-prepared nanostructured PCN exhibited a highly boosted visible-light-driven photocatalytic hydrogen evolution activity. The highest H2 evolution rate achieved was 4.81mmol∙g−1∙h−1, which is over four times larger than that of the bulk PCN (1.19 mmol∙g−1∙h−1) prepared only by thermal polymerization of the guanidine thiocyanate precursor without the assistance of bifunctional hot water vapor. The enhanced photocatalytic activity might be attributed to the enlarged BET specific surface area, increased active site quantity, and highly accelerated photo-excited charge-carrier transfer and separation. Moreover, the sustainability of this environmentally friendly hot water vapor dual-function mediated method was also shown to be versatile in preparing other nanostructured PCN photocatalysts derived from other precursors such as dicyandiamide and melamine. This work is expected to provide a novel pathway for exploring the rational design of nanostructured PCN for highly efficient solar energy conversion.
Effectiveness of E-Beam Radiation against Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Brettanomyces bruxellensis, and Wild Yeast and Their Influence on Wine Quality
Authors: Błaszak Magdalena , Jakubowska Barbara , Lachowicz-Wiśniewska Sabina , Migdał Wojciech , Gryczka Urszula , Ochmian Ireneusz
Published: June 2023

The simplest way to eliminate microorganisms in the must/wine is through sulfuration, as it allows the introduction of pure yeast varieties into the must, which guarantees a high-quality wine. However, sulfur is an allergen, and an increasing number of people are developing allergies to it. Therefore, alternative methods for microbiological stabilization of must and wine are being sought. Consequently, the aim of the experiment was to evaluate the effectiveness of ionizing radiation in eliminating microorganisms in must. The sensitivity of wine yeasts, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, S. cerevisiae var. bayanus, Brettanomyces bruxellensis, and wild yeasts to ionizing radiation was com-pared. The effects of these yeasts on wine chemistry and quality were also determined. Ionizing radiation eliminates yeast in wine. A dose of 2.5 kGy reduced the amount of yeast by more than 90% without reducing the quality of the wine. However, higher doses of radiation worsened the organoleptic properties of the wine. The breed of yeast used has a very strong influence on the quality of the wine. It is justifiable to use commercial yeast breeds to obtain standard-quality wine. The use of special strains, e.g., B. bruxellensis, is also justified when aiming to obtain a unique product during vinification. This wine was reminiscent of wine produced with wild yeast.. The wine fermented with wild yeast had a very poor chemical composition, which negatively affected its taste and aroma. The high content of 2-methylbutanol and 3-methylbutanol caused the wine to have a nail polish remover smell.
Artefact Profiling: Panomics Approaches for Understanding the Materiality of Written Artefacts
Authors: Creydt Marina , Fischer Markus
Published: June 2023

This review explains the strategies behind genomics, proteomics, metabolomics, metallomics and isotopolomics approaches and their applicability to written artefacts. The respective sub-chapters give an insight into the analytical procedure and the conclusions drawn from such analyses. A distinction is made between information that can be obtained from the materials used in the respective manuscript and meta-information that cannot be obtained from the manuscript itself, but from residues of organisms such as bacteria or the authors and readers. In addition, various sampling techniques are discussed in particular, which pose a special challenge in manuscripts. The focus is on high-resolution, non-targeted strategies that can be used to extract the maximum amount of information about ancient objects. The combination of the various omics disciplines (panomics) especially offers potential added value in terms of the best possible interpretations of the data received. The information obtained can be used to understand the production of ancient artefacts, to gain impressions of former living conditions, to prove their authenticity, to assess whether there is a toxic hazard in handling the manuscripts, and to be able to determine appropriate measures for their conservation and restoration.
Integrated Transcriptomic and Metabolomic Analyses Reveal the Effects of Grafting on Special Metabolites of Acanthopanax senticosus Leaves
Authors: Wang Qi , Deng Kedan , Ai Jun , Wang Yingping , Wang Yougui , Ren Yueying , Zhang Nanqi
Published: June 2023

Acanthopanax senticosus (A. senticosus) is a member of Acanthopanax Miq. and is used in traditional Chinese medicine, and it has been found that grafting technology can be used to alter plant metabolite composition and transcriptome characteristics. In this study, shoots of A. senticosus were grafted onto the rootstocks of the vigorous Acanthopanax sessiliflorus (A. sessiliflorus) to improve its varietal characteristics. In order to investigate the changes in metabolites and transcriptional patterns in grafted A. senticosus leaves (GSCL), fresh leaves were collected from 2-year-old grafted A. senticosus scions, while self-rooted seedling A. senticosus leaves (SCL) were used as controls to analyse the transcriptome and metabolome. Metabolic profiles and gene expression patterns were further identified and correlated in special metabolite target pathways. The content of chlorogenic acid and triterpenoids in the GSCL was higher than in the control, while the quercetin content was lower. All these metabolic changes were associated with changes in the expression pattern of transcripts. Our results revealed the transcriptome and metabolome characteristics of GSCL. This may help to improve leaf quality in A. senticosus cultivation, suggesting that it is feasible to improve the medicinal quality of GSCL through asexual propagation, but the long-term effects need further investigation. In conclusion, this dataset provides a useful resource for future studies on the effects of grafting on medicinal plants.
Antiviral Evaluation of New Synthetic Bioconjugates Based on GA-Hecate: A New Class of Antivirals Targeting Different Steps of Zika Virus Replication
Authors: da Silva Sanches Paulo Ricardo , Velazquez Ricardo , Batista Mariana Nogueira , Carneiro Bruno Moreira , Bittar Cintia , De Lorenzo Giuditta , Rahal Paula , Patel Arvind H. , Cilli Eduardo Maffud
Published: June 2023

Re-emerging arboviruses represent a serious health problem due to their rapid vector-mediated spread, mainly in urban tropical areas. The 2013–2015 Zika virus (ZIKV) outbreak in South and Central America has been associated with cases of microcephaly in newborns and Guillain–Barret syndrome. We previously showed that the conjugate gallic acid—Hecate (GA-FALALKALKKALKKLKKALKKAL-CONH2)—is an efficient inhibitor of the hepatitis C virus. Here, we show that the Hecate peptide is degraded in human blood serum into three major metabolites. These metabolites conjugated with gallic acid were synthesized and their effect on ZIKV replication in cultured cells was evaluated. The GA-metabolite 5 (GA-FALALKALKKALKKL-COOH) was the most efficient in inhibiting two ZIKV strains of African and Asian lineage at the stage of both virus entry (virucidal and protective) and replication (post-entry). We also demonstrate that GA-metabolite 5 does not affect cell growth after 7 days of continuous treatment. Thus, this study identifies a new synthetic antiviral compound targeting different steps of ZIKV replication in vitro and with the potential for broad reactivity against other flaviviruses. Our work highlights a promising strategy for the development of new antivirals based on peptide metabolism and bioconjugation.
Structure and Optical Anisotropy of Spider Scales and Silk: The Use of Chromaticity and Azimuth Colors to Optically Characterize Complex Biological Structures
Authors: Linklater Denver , Vailionis Arturas , Ryu Meguya , Kamegaki Shuji , Morikawa Junko , Mu Haoran , Smith Daniel , Maasoumi Pegah , Ford Rohan , Katkus Tomas , Blamires Sean , Kondo Toshiaki , Nishijima Yoshiaki , Moraru Daniel , Shribak Michael , O’Connor Andrea , Ivanova Elena P. , Ng Soon Hock , Masuda Hideki , Juodkazis Saulius
Published: June 2023

Herein, we give an overview of several less explored structural and optical characterization techniques useful for biomaterials. New insights into the structure of natural fibers such as spider silk can be gained with minimal sample preparation. Electromagnetic radiation (EMR) over a broad range of wavelengths (from X-ray to THz) provides information of the structure of the material at correspondingly different length scales (nm-to-mm). When the sample features, such as the alignment of certain fibers, cannot be characterized optically, polarization analysis of the optical images can provide further information on feature alignment. The 3D complexity of biological samples necessitates that there be feature measurements and characterization over a large range of length scales. We discuss the issue of characterizing complex shapes by analysis of the link between the color and structure of spider scales and silk. For example, it is shown that the green-blue color of a spider scale is dominated by the chitin slab’s Fabry–Pérot-type reflectivity rather than the surface nanostructure. The use of a chromaticity plot simplifies complex spectra and enables quantification of the apparent colors. All the experimental data presented herein are used to support the discussion on the structure–color link in the characterization of materials.
ZnO/Graphene Oxide on Halloysite Nanotubes as a Superabsorbent Nanocomposite Photocatalyst for the Degradation of Organic Dyes
Authors: Park Jongik , Lee Hyungwook , Lee Keonku , Noh Sieun , Jin Soyeong , Jae Jungho , Jeong Youngdo , Noh Jaegeun
Published: June 2023

Using renewable photocatalysts for pollutant degradation represents a promising approach to addressing environmental water challenges by harnessing solar energy without additional energy consumption. However, for the practical use of photocatalysts, it is necessary to improve catalyst efficiency, considering cost and biocompatibility. In this study, we developed a new superabsorbent photocatalyst for the degradation of organic dyes in water. Our photocatalyst comprises halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) with a large outer diameter and Si-O and Al-O groups on the outer and inner surfaces, respectively; graphene oxide (GO) possessing numerous sp2 bonds and light-conductive properties; and ZnO, which can degrade organic molecules via a photon source. By exploiting the superabsorbent properties of GOs for organic dyes and stabilizing ZnO nanoparticles on HNTs to inhibit aggregation, our photocatalysts demonstrated significantly improved degradability compared to ZnO nanoparticles alone and combinations of ZnO with HNTs or GO. The structural characteristics of the nanocomposites were characterized using SEM, EDX, Raman spectroscopy, and XRD. Their enhanced photocatalytic activity was demonstrated by the degradation of rhodamine b in water, showing 95% photodegradation under UV illumination for 60 min, while the ZnO nanoparticles showed only 56% dye degradation under the same condition. Additionally, the degradation rate was enhanced by four times. Furthermore, the catalysts maintained their initial activity with no significant loss after four uses, showing their potential for practical implementation in the mass purification of wastewater.
The Role of Polymer Chain Stiffness and Guest Nanoparticle Loading in Improving the Glass Transition Temperature of Polymer Nanocomposites
Authors: Khan Raja Azhar Ashraaf , Luo Mengbo , Alsaad Ahmad M. , Qattan Issam A. , Abedrabbo Sufian , Hua Daoyang , Zulfqar Afsheen
Published: June 2023

The impact of polymer chain stiffness characterized by the bending modulus (kθ) on the glass transition temperature (Tg) of pure polymer systems, as well as polymer nanocomposites (PNCs), is investigated using molecular dynamics simulations. At small kθ values, the pure polymer system and respective PNCs are in an amorphous state, whereas at large kθ values, both systems are in a semicrystalline state with a glass transition at low temperature. For the pure polymer system, Tg initially increases with kθ and does not change obviously at large kθ. However, the Tg of PNCs shows interesting behaviors with the increasing volume fraction of nanoparticles (fNP) at different kθ values. Tg tends to increase with fNP at small kθ, whereas it becomes suppressed at large kθ.
Photothermal and Catalytic Performance of Multifunctional Cu-Fe Bimetallic Prussian Blue Nanocubes with the Assistance of Near-Infrared Radiation
Authors: Qi Bairui , Xu Qiang , Cao Yunxuan , Xiao Zhu
Published: June 2023

Copper and iron are the basic metal elements that have attracted much attention in industry. Prussian blue (PB) is a significant class of metal–organic frameworks (MOFs); however, the lack of such linkages between the structure and properties, as well as properties differences, limits their potential applications. In this paper, the Cu-based Prussian blue nanocubes with and without Fe doping were synthesized. With the increasing reaction time, the morphology of the Cu-based Prussian blue nanocubes without Fe doping (PB:Cu NCs) changes from cuboidal to circular, and finally grows back to cuboidal. However, Cu-based Prussian blue nanocubes with Fe doping (PB: CuFe NCs) grow directly from the cube and eventually collapse. The nanocubes show a notable red shift with the tunable spectra from 400 nm to 700 nm. Compared with PB: Cu NCs, the PB: CuFe NCs have higher temperature rise under 808 nm irradiation and better photothermal efficacy. The catalytic efficiency of PB: CuFe NCs changes with the pH and reaches its maximum value of 1.021 mM with a pH of 5.5. The enhanced catalytic reaction by the near-infrared radiation plasmonic photothermal effect is also confirmed. This work highlights the potential of the developed PB: Cu and PB: CuFe NCs for photothermal-enhanced co-catalysis nanomaterials.
Hard Magnetic Properties and the Features of Nanostructure of High-Temperature Sm-Co-Fe-Cu-Zr Magnet with Abnormal Temperature Dependence of Coercivity
Authors: Golovnia O. A. , Popov A. G. , Mushnikov N. V. , Protasov A. V. , Pradeep K. G. , Ogurtsov A. V. , Taranov D. V. , Tishin A. M.
Published: June 2023

This paper presents methods and approaches that can be used for production of Sm-Co-Fe-Cu-Zr permanent magnets with working temperatures of up to 550 °C. It is shown that the content of Sm, Cu, and Fe significantly affects the coercivity (Hc) value at high operating temperatures. A decrease in the content of Fe, which replaces Co, and an increase in the content of Sm in Sm-Co-Fe-Cu-Zr alloys lead to a decrease in Hc value at room temperature, but significantly increase Hc at temperatures of about 500 °C. Increasing the Cu concentration enhances the Hc values at all operating temperatures. From analysis of the dependence of temperature coefficients of the coercivity on the concentrations of various constituent elements in this alloy, the optimum chemical composition that qualifies for high-temperature permanent magnet (HTPM) application were determined. 3D atom probe tomography analysis shows that the nanostructure of the HTPM is characterized by the formation of Sm2(Co,Fe)17 (2:17) cells relatively smaller in size along with the slightly thickened Sm(Co,Cu)5 (1:5) boundary phase compared to those of the high-energy permanent magnet compositions. An inhomogeneous distribution of Cu was also noticed in the 1:5 phase. At the boundary between 1:5 and 2:17 phases, an interface with lowered anisotropy constants has developed, which could be the reason for the observed high coercivity values.
Beyond Seasoning—The Role of Herbs and Spices in Rheumatic Diseases
Authors: Charneca Sofia , Hernando Ana , Costa-Reis Patrícia , Guerreiro Catarina Sousa
Published: June 2023

Although we have witnessed remarkable progress in understanding the biological mechanisms that lead to the development of rheumatic diseases (RDs), remission is still not achieved in a substantial proportion of patients with the available pharmacological treatment. As a consequence, patients are increasingly looking for complementary adjuvant therapies, including dietary interventions. Herbs and spices have a long historical use, across various cultures worldwide, for both culinary and medicinal purposes. The interest in herbs and spices, beyond their seasoning properties, has dramatically grown in many immune-mediated diseases, including in RDs. Increasing evidence highlights their richness in bioactive molecules, such as sulfur-containing compounds, tannins, alkaloids, phenolic diterpenes, and vitamins, as well as their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antitumorigenic, and anticarcinogenic properties. Cinnamon, garlic, ginger, turmeric, and saffron are the most popular spices used in RDs and will be explored throughout this manuscript. With this paper, we intend to provide an updated review of the mechanisms whereby herbs and spices may be of interest in RDs, including through gut microbiota modulation, as well as summarize human studies investigating their effects in Rheumatoid Arthritis, Osteoarthritis, and Fibromyalgia.
Sexual Function and Depressive Symptoms in Young Women with Euthyroid Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis Receiving Vitamin D, Selenomethionine and Myo-Inositol: A Pilot Study
Authors: Krysiak Robert , Kowalcze Karolina , Szkróbka Witold , Okopień Bogusław
Published: June 2023

Thyroid autoimmunity is associated with an increased risk of sexual dysfunction. The aim of this study was to compare sexual functioning and depressive symptoms in women with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis receiving different treatments. The study included euthyroid women with autoimmune thyroiditis, untreated or receiving vitamin D, selenomethionine, or myo-inositol. Apart from measuring antibody titers and hormone levels, all participants completed questionnaires evaluating female sexual function (FSFI) and depressive symptoms (BDI-II). In untreated women, the overall FSFI scores and domain scores for desire, arousal, lubrication, and sexual satisfaction were lower than in women receiving vitamin D, selenomethionine, and myo-inositol. In the vitamin D-treated women, the total FSFI scores and scores for desire and arousal were higher than in women receiving the remaining micronutrients. The BDI-II score was lowest in the vitamin D-treated women and highest in the untreated patients with thyroiditis. Vitamin D-treated women were also characterized by lower antibody titers and higher testosterone levels than the women receiving the remaining micronutrients. There were no differences in sexual functioning and depressive symptoms between the selenomethionine- and myo-inositol-treated women. The study results suggest that although all antibody-lowering treatments are associated with better sexual functioning and well-being in young women with euthyroid autoimmune thyroiditis, the greatest benefits are observed in patients receiving vitamin D.
Culinary Medicine eConsults Pair Nutrition and Medicine: A Feasibility Pilot
Authors: Albin Jaclyn L. , Siler Milette , Kitzman Heather
Published: June 2023

The global impact of diet-sensitive disease demands innovative nutrition education for health professionals and widespread, reimbursable clinical models to apply nutrition to practice. Interprofessional collaboration across disciplines and the optimization of emerging telemedicine consultation strategies, including electronic consultation (eConsult), merge to deliver vital innovation in the delivery of nutrition-based clinical care. Aligning with an existing eConsult infrastructure in the institutional electronic health record (EHR), a physician–dietitian team developed a novel Culinary Medicine eConsult. During a pilot phase, the service was introduced to primary care clinicians, and a response algorithm for eConsults was created. During the 12-month pilot phase, the Culinary Medicine team completed 25 eConsults from 11 unique primary care clinicians with a 76% (19/25) insurance reimbursement rate. Topics varied from dietary strategies for preventing and managing common metabolic diseases to specific dietary influences on microbiome health and disease flares. Requesting clinicians reported time saved in their clinic encounters and high patient satisfaction with expert nutrition guidance. EConsults in Culinary Medicine promote the integration of interprofessional nutrition care into existing clinical structures and empower enhanced access to the vital domain of dietary health. EConsults deliver timely answers to clinical questions and create opportunities for further innovation in care delivery as communities, health systems, and payors seek solutions to the growing burden of diet-sensitive diseases.
Knowledge Gaps and Current Evidence Regarding Breastfeeding Issues in Mothers with Chronic Diseases
Authors: Sokou Rozeta , Parastatidou Stavroula , Iliodromiti Zoi , Lampropoulou Katerina , Vrachnis Dionysios , Boutsikou Theodora , Konstantinidi Aikaterini , Iacovidou Nicoletta
Published: June 2023

The prevalence of chronic maternal disease is rising in the last decades in the developed world. Recent evidence indicated that the incidence of chronic maternal disease ranges from 10 to 30% of pregnancies worldwide. Several epidemiological studies in mothers with chronic diseases have mainly focused on the risk for adverse obstetric outcomes. Evidence from these studies supports a correlation between maternal chronic conditions and adverse perinatal outcomes, including increased risk for preeclampsia, cesarean section, preterm birth, and admission in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). However, there is a knowledge gap pertaining to the management of these women during lactation. This review aimed at summarizing the available research literature regarding breastfeeding in mothers with chronic diseases. Adjusted and evidence-based support may be required to promote breastfeeding in women with chronic diseases; however, our comprehension of breastfeeding in this subpopulation is still unclear. The literature related to breastfeeding extends in various scientific areas and multidisciplinary effort is necessary to compile an overview of current evidence and knowledge regarding breastfeeding issues in mothers with chronic diseases.
TRIM16 Overexpression in HEK293T Cells Results in Cell Line-Specific Antiviral Activity
Authors: Nigos Lance R. , Scott Nichollas E. , Brooks Andrew G. , Ait-Goughoulte Malika , Londrigan Sarah L. , Reading Patrick. C. , Farrukee Rubaiyea
Published: June 2023

Host cell restriction factors are intracellular proteins that can inhibit virus replication. Characterisation of novel host cell restriction factors can provide potential targets for host-directed therapies. In this study, we aimed to assess a member of the Tripartite-motif family protein (TRIM) family, TRIM16, as a putative host cell restriction factor. To this end, we utilized constitutive or doxycycline-inducible systems to overexpress TRIM16 in HEK293T epithelial cells and then tested for its ability to inhibit growth by a range of RNA and DNA viruses. In HEK293T cells, overexpression of TRIM16 resulted in potent inhibition of multiple viruses, however, when TRIM16 was overexpressed in other epithelial cell lines (A549, Hela, or Hep2), virus inhibition was not observed. When investigating the antiviral activity of endogenous TRIM16, we report that siRNA-mediated knockdown of TRIM16 in A549 cells also modulated the mRNA expression of other TRIM proteins, complicating the interpretation of results using this method. Therefore, we used CRISPR/Cas9 editing to knockout TRIM16 in A549 cells and demonstrate that endogenous TRIM16 did not mediate antiviral activity against the viruses tested. Thus, while initial overexpression in HEK293T cells suggested that TRIM16 was a host cell restriction factor, alternative approaches did not validate these findings. These studies highlight the importance of multiple complementary experimental approaches, including overexpression analysis in multiple cell lines and investigation of the endogenous protein, when defining host cell restriction factors with novel antiviral activity.
Evaluation of the Effect of Plectranthus amboinicus L. Leaf Extracts on the Bacterial Antioxidant System and Cell Membrane Integrity of Pseudomonas aeruginosa PA01 and Staphylococcus aureus NCTC8325
Authors: Sawant Sheeba , Baldwin Timothy C. , Metryka Oliwia , Rahman Ayesha
Published: June 2023

Plectranthus amboinicus (Indian borage) has been extensively studied for its medicinal properties, which can be exploited to develop new antimicrobial therapeutics. The current study investigated the effect of Plectranthus amboinicus leaf extracts on the catalase activity, reactive oxygen species, lipid peroxidation, cytoplasmic membrane permeability, and efflux pump activity in S. aureus NCTC8325 and P. aeruginosa PA01. As the enzyme catalase protects bacteria against oxidative stress, disruption of its activity creates an imbalance in reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, which subsequently oxidizes lipid chains, leading to lipid peroxidation. In addition, bacterial cell membranes are a potential target for new antibacterial agents, as efflux pump systems play a crucial role in antimicrobial resistance. Upon exposure of the microorganisms to Indian borage leaf extracts, the observed catalase activity decreased by 60% and 20% in P. aeruginosa and S. aureus, respectively. The generation of ROS can cause oxidation reactions to occur within the polyunsaturated fatty acids of the lipid membranes and induce lipid peroxidation. To investigate these phenomena, the increase in ROS activity in P. aeruginosa and S. aureus was studied using H2DCFDA, which is oxidized to 2′,7′-dichlorofluorescein (DCF) by ROS. Furthermore, the concentration of lipid peroxidation product (malondialdehyde) was assessed using the Thiobarbituric acid assay and was shown to increase by 42.4% and 42.5% in P. aeruginosa and S. aureus, respectively. The effect of the extracts on the cell membrane permeability was monitored using diSC3-5 dye and it was observed that the cell membrane permeability of P. aeruginosa increased by 58% and of S. aureus by 83%. The effect on efflux pump activity was investigated using Rhodamine-6-uptake assay, which displayed a decrease in efflux activity of 25.5% in P. aeruginosa and 24.2% in S. aureus after treatment with the extracts. This combination of different methods to study various bacterial virulence factors provides a more robust, mechanistic understanding of the effect of P. amboinicus extracts on P. aeruginosa and S. aureus. This study thus represents the first report of the assessment of the effect of Indian borage leaf extracts on bacterial antioxidant systems and bacterial cell membranes, and can facilitate the future development of bacterial resistance modifying agents derived from P. amboinicus.
A VEGFB-Based Peptidomimetic Inhibits VEGFR2-Mediated PI3K/Akt/mTOR and PLCγ/ERK Signaling and Elicits Apoptotic, Antiangiogenic, and Antitumor Activities
Authors: Namjoo Mohadeseh , Ghafouri Hossein , Assareh Elham , Aref Amir Reza , Mostafavi Ebrahim , Hamrahi Mohsen Ali , Balalaie Saeed , Broussy Sylvain , Asghari S. Mohsen
Published: June 2023

Vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2) mediates VEGFA signaling mainly through the PI3K/AKT/mTOR and PLCγ/ERK1/2 pathways. Here we unveil a peptidomimetic (VGB3) based on the interaction between VEGFB and VEGFR1 that unexpectedly binds and neutralizes VEGFR2. Investigation of the cyclic and linear structures of VGB3 (named C-VGB3 and L-VGB3, respectively) using receptor binding and cell proliferation assays, molecular docking, and evaluation of antiangiogenic and antitumor activities in the 4T1 mouse mammary carcinoma tumor (MCT) model showed that loop formation is essential for peptide functionality. C-VGB3 inhibited proliferation and tubulogenesis of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs), accounting for the abrogation of VEGFR2, p-VEGFR2 and, subsequently, PI3K/AKT/mTOR and PLCγ/ERK1/2 pathways. In 4T1 MCT cells, C-VGB3 inhibited cell proliferation, VEGFR2 expression and phosphorylation, the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway, FAK/Paxillin, and the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition cascade. The apoptotic effects of C-VGB3 on HUVE and 4T1 MCT cells were inferred from annexin-PI and TUNEL staining and activation of P53, caspase-3, caspase-7, and PARP1, which mechanistically occurred through the intrinsic pathway mediated by Bcl2 family members, cytochrome c, Apaf-1 and caspase-9, and extrinsic pathway via death receptors and caspase-8. These data indicate that binding regions shared by VEGF family members may be important in developing novel pan-VEGFR inhibitors that are highly relevant in the pathogenesis of angiogenesis-related diseases.
Dipropyleneglycol Dimethylether, New Green Solvent for Solid-Phase Peptide Synthesis: Further Challenges to Improve Sustainability in the Development of Therapeutic Peptides
Authors: Vivenzio Giovanni , Scala Maria Carmina , Marino Pasquale , Manfra Michele , Campiglia Pietro , Sala Marina
Published: June 2023

In recent years, peptides have gained more success as therapeutic compounds. Nowadays, the preferred method to obtain peptides is solid-phase peptide synthesis (SPPS), which does not respect the principles of green chemistry due to the large number of toxic reagents and solvents used. The aim of this work was to research and study an environmentally sustainable solvent able to replace dimethylformamide (DMF) in fluorenyl methoxycarbonyl (Fmoc) solid-phase peptide synthesis. Herein, we report the use of dipropyleneglycol dimethylether (DMM), a well-known green solvent with low human toxicity following oral, inhalant, and dermal exposure and that is easily biodegradable. Some tests were needed to evaluate its applicability to all the steps of SPPS, such as amino acid solubility, resin swelling, deprotection kinetics, and coupling tests. Once the best green protocol was established, it was applied to the synthesis of different length peptides to study some of the fundamental parameters of green chemistry, such as PMI (process mass intensity) and the recycling of solvent. It was revealed that DMM is a valuable alternative to DMF in all steps of solid-phase peptide synthesis.
Newly Designed Cysteine-Based Self-Assembling Prodrugs for Sepsis Treatment
Authors: Koda Yuta , Nagasaki Yukio
Published: June 2023

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are essential signaling molecules that maintain intracellular redox balance; however, the overproduction of ROS often causes dysfunction in redox homeostasis and induces serious diseases. Antioxidants are crucial candidates for reducing overproduced ROS; however, most antioxidants are less effective than anticipated. Therefore, we designed new polymer-based antioxidants based on the natural amino acid, cysteine (Cys). Amphiphilic block copolymers, composed of a hydrophilic poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) segment and a hydrophobic poly(cysteine) (PCys) segment, were synthesized. In the PCys segment, the free thiol groups in the side chain were protected by thioester moiety. The obtained block copolymers formed self-assembling nanoparticles (NanoCys(Bu)) in water, and the hydrodynamic diameter was 40–160 nm, as determined by dynamic light scattering (DLS) measurements. NanoCys(Bu) was stable from pH 2 to 8 under aqueous conditions, as confirmed by the hydrodynamic diameter of NanoCys(Bu). Finally, NanoCys(Bu) was applied to sepsis treatment to investigate the potential of NanoCys(Bu). NanoCys(Bu) was supplied to BALB/cA mice by free drinking for two days, and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) was intraperitoneally injected into the mice to prepare a sepsis shock model (LPS = 5 mg per kg body weight (BW)). Compared with the Cys and no-treatment groups, NanoCys(Bu) prolonged the half-life by five to six hours. NanoCys(Bu), designed in this study, shows promise as a candidate for enhancing antioxidative efficacy and mitigating the adverse effect of cysteine.
Interacting Colour Strings Approach in Modelling of Rapidity Correlations
Authors: Prokhorova Daria , Andronov Evgeny , Feofilov Grigory
Published: June 2023

In this paper, using the concept of multi-pomeron exchange, we develope a Monte Carlo model of interacting quark–gluon strings acting as particle-emitting sources aimed at describing inelastic proton–proton interactions at high energies. The implemented 3D (three-dimensional) dynamics of colour string formation resulted in their finite length in the rapidity space and in the fluctuating event-by-event spatial density. Thus, this results in string cluster formation because of the fusion mechanism and the appearance of long-range multiplicity and mean transverse momentum (mean-pT) correlations in rapidity. We study, via the pseudorapidity dependence, the sensitivity to the details of the 3D dynamical formation of strings for several observables such as the forward–backward correlation coefficient value, strongly intensive quantity, Σ, and the “almost” strongly intensive observable, the variance, σC2, of the distribution of the asymmetry coefficient, C. The strongly intensive quantity Σ is used in this study to suppress trivial statistical fluctuations in the number of particles emitting similar types of sources and to reveal the intrinsic fluctuations of a single source. We demonstrate the connection between Σ and such often used observables as cumulants, factorial cumulants, and σC2. We stress the importance of the contribution of “short” strings and the event asymmetry of the initial conditions on the long-range correlation measures. We argue that string cluster formation because of the fusion mechanism explains the collective effects seen in multiplicity and transverse momentum–multiplicity, ⟨pT⟩–N, long-range correlation functions.
The Liverwort and Hornwort Flora of Jeju Island, Republic of Korea: A Volcanic Island with a Unique Mixture of Subtropical, Temperate, Boreal, and Arctomontane Taxa
Authors: Choi Seung Se , Bakalin Vadim A. , Bum Hyun Min , Park Seung Jin , Kim Dae Shin , Ahn Ung San , Moon Myung-Ok
Published: June 2023

Jeju Island, due to its position at the southern tip of the Korean Peninsula in Northeast Asia, is a on the unique enclave of the many southern elements in the area and features a mixture of subtropical, temperate, boreal, and arctomontane taxa. Among the arctomontane species recorded in this study was Anthelia juratzkana; among the temperate species was Dactyloradula brunnea, and subtropical species were Cavicularia densa, Pallavicinia subciliata, Wiesnerella denudata, and Megaceros flagellaris. A valuable species as first recorded for the Jeju Island is Cryptocoleopsis imbricata. The distribution patterns of these species suggest that the flora of Jeju Island is a meeting place between boreal and subtropical floras. We recorded 222 taxa belonging to 45 families, 80 genera, 209 species, 9 subspecies, and 4 varieties. Among these, 86 species are reported as new to the flora of Jeju Island. A checklist based on a study of 1697 specimens is also provided.