bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Lupin (Lupinus angustifolius) Protein Hydrolysate Exerts Anxiolytic-Like Effects in Western Diet-Fed ApoE−/− Mice
Authors: Santos-Sánchez Guillermo , Ponce-España Eduardo , López Juan Carlos , Álvarez-Sánchez Nuria , Álvarez-López Ana Isabel , Pedroche Justo , Millán Francisco , Millán-Linares María Carmen , Lardone Patricia Judith , Bejarano Ignacio , Cruz-Chamorro Ivan , Carrillo-Vico Antonio
Published: August 2022

Anxiety is the most prevalent psychiatric disorder worldwide, causing a substantial economic burden due to the associated healthcare costs. Given that commercial anxiolytic treatments may cause important side effects and have medical restrictions for prescription and high costs, the search for new natural and safer treatments is gaining attention. Since lupin protein hydrolysate (LPH) has been shown to be safe and exert anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, key risk factors for the anxiety process and memory impairment, we evaluated in this study the potential effects of LPH on anxiety and spatial memory in a Western diet (WD)-induced anxiety model in ApoE−/− mice. We showed that 20.86% of the 278 identified LPH peptides have biological activity related to anxiolytic/analgesic effects; the principal motifs found were the following: VPL, PGP, YL, and GQ. Moreover, 14 weeks of intragastrical LPH treatment (100 mg/kg) restored the WD-induced anxiety effects, reestablishing the anxiety levels observed in the standard diet (SD)-fed mice since they spent less time in the anxiety zones of the elevated plus maze (EPM). Furthermore, a significant increase in the number of head dips was recorded in LPH-treated mice, which indicates a greater exploration capacity and less fear due to lower levels of anxiety. Interestingly, the LPH group showed similar thigmotaxis, a well-established indicator of animal anxiety and fear, to the SD group, counteracting the WD effect. This is the first study to show that LPH treatment has anxiolytic effects, pointing to LPH as a potential component of future nutritional therapies in patients with anxiety.
Comprehensive Understanding of Aluminosilicate Phosphate Geopolymers: A Critical Review
Authors: Ma Shanliang , Zhang Zengqi , Liu Xiaoming
Published: August 2022

Aluminosilicate phosphate (ASP) geopolymers are a new kind of green cementitious materials synthesized from aluminosilicate precursors and acidic activators (phosphoric acid or phosphate), which have received extensive attention from researchers because of their excellent and unique characteristics. The current investigation indicates that ASP geopolymers have the characteristics of a low-carbon synthesis process, high mechanical properties (e.g., the highest compressive strength can reach 146 MPa), a strong heat resistance (e.g., withstanding a high temperature of 1500 °C), and excellent dielectric properties. These excellent properties make them have broad application prospects in the fields of new building materials, coating materials, insulating materials, and heavy metal curing. Based on the research findings of approximately 85 relevant literatures on ASP geopolymers in past decades, this paper focuses on the latest research progress of ASP geopolymers from the perspectives of synthesis processes, performances, modifications, and application developments. In addition, this study summarizes the key problems existing in the current research of ASP geopolymers and suggests their possible applications in the future, which will help to provide directions for further research activities of relevant researchers.
Comparisons of Dy Utilization Efficiency by DyHx Grain Boundary Addition and Surface Diffusion Methods in Nd-Y-Fe-B Sintered Magnet
Authors: Guo Shuai , Liao Shicong , Fan Xiaodong , Ding Guangfei , Zheng Bo , Chen Renjie , Yan Aru
Published: August 2022

Using the heavy rare earth Dy element to improve coercivity is the most common solution for hindering the reduction in magnetic properties in the Nd–Fe–B magnet, and the effective utilization of Dy has become the focus of research in industrial society. In this work, we investigated the influence of DyHx addition and diffusion methods on the microstructure, magnetic performance, and thermal stability of the Nd–Y–Fe–B magnet with a Y-rich core structure. The coercivity of the DyHx addition magnet increases from 9.45 kOe to 15.51 kOe when adding 1.6 wt.% DyHx, while the DyHx diffusion magnet increases to 15.15 kOe. According to the analysis of the microstructure and elemental distribution, both Dy-rich shells were basically formed due to the diffusion process of Dy atoms. The Dy-rich shell in the DyHx addition magnet was similar with the original core–shell structure in the Nd–Y–Fe–B magnet. However, the distinct dual-shell structure consisting of a thinner Dy-rich shell and a Y-lean shell was constructed in the DyHx diffused magnet, contributing to the superior coercivity increment and Dy utilization efficiency. Furthermore, the remanence of the DyHx diffused magnet is up to 12.90 kG, which is better than that of the DyHx addition magnet (12.59 kG), due to fewer Dy atoms entering the 2:14:1 matrix grain to cause the antiferromagnetic coupling with Fe atoms. Additionally, the thermal stability of the DyHx diffusion magnet is also better than that of the DyHx addition magnet, owing to the elevated coercivity at room temperature, which expands the application range of the Nd–Y–Fe–B magnet to a certain extent.
The Mechanical and Energy Release Performance of THV-Based Reactive Materials
Authors: Guo Mengmeng , Wang Yanxin , Wang Haifu , Xiao Jianguang
Published: August 2022

A polymer of tetrafluoroethylene, hexafluoropropylene, and vinylidene fluoride- (THV) based reactive materials (RMs) was designed to improve their density and energy release efficiency. The mechanical performances, fracture mechanisms, thermal behavior, energy release behavior, and reaction energy of four types of RMs (26.5% Al/73.5% PTFE, 5.29% Al/80% W/14.71% PTFE, 62% Hf/38% THV, 88% Hf/12% THV) were systematically researched by conducting compressive tests, scanning electron microscope (SEM), differential scanning calorimeter, thermogravimetric (DSC/TG) tests and ballistic experiments. The results show that the THV-based RMs have a unique strain softening effect, whereas the PTFE-based RMs have a remarkable strain strengthening effect, which is mainly caused by the different glass transition temperatures. Thermal analysis indicates that the THV-based RMs have more than one exothermic peak because of the complex component in THV. The energy release behavior of RMs is closely related to their mechanical properties, which could dominate the fragmentation behavior of materials. The introduction of tungsten (W) particles to PTFE RMs could not only enhance the density but also elevate the reaction threshold of RMs, whereas the reaction threshold of THV-based RMs is decreased when increasing Hf particles content. As such, under current conditions, the THV-based RMs (88% Hf/12% THV) with a high density of 7.83 g/cm3 are adapted to release a lot of energy in thin, confined spaces.
Conductivity Prediction Method of Carbon Nanotube Resin Composites Considering the Quantum Tunnelling Effect
Authors: Wang Yanfeng , Yang Yongsen , Ouyang Huixuan , Zhao Xiaohua
Published: August 2022

Understanding and predicting the conductivity of carbon nanotube resin composites are essential for structural health detection and monitoring applications. Due to the complexity in the composition of carbon nanotube resin composites, it is of practical significance to develop a method for predicting the conductivity with a view to design and making of the composite. In this paper, the influence of carbon nanotube tunnelling on the conductivity was investigated thoroughly, where the tunnelling conductivity effect is considered as an independent conductive phase. Then, the effective medium model and the Hashin–Shtrikman (H–S) boundary model are used to predict the conductivity of carbon nanotube resin composites. The results presented in this paper show that the developed method can reduce the prediction range of the H–S boundary model and improve the prediction accuracy of the lower bound of the H–S boundary model. The results also show that the tunnelling has little effect on conductivity prediction based on the effective medium model. Based on the results, the effects of nanotube conductivity, the aspect ratio and the barrier height on the prediction of the effective conductivity are discussed to provide a guidance for the design and making of the composites.
Targeted Isolation of Antibiotic Brominated Alkaloids from the Marine Sponge Pseudoceratina durissima Using Virtual Screening and Molecular Networking
Authors: Lever James , Kreuder Florian , Henry Jason , Hung Andrew , Allard Pierre-Marie , Brkljača Robert , Rix Colin , Taki Aya , Gasser Robin , Kaslin Jan , Wlodkowic Donald , Wolfender Jean-Luc , Urban Sylvia
Published: August 2022

Many targeted natural product isolation approaches rely on the use of pre-existing bioactivity information to inform the strategy used for the isolation of new bioactive compounds. Bioactivity information can be available either in the form of prior assay data or via Structure Activity Relationship (SAR) information which can indicate a potential chemotype that exhibits a desired bioactivity. The work described herein utilizes a unique method of targeted isolation using structure-based virtual screening to identify potential antibacterial compounds active against MRSA within the marine sponge order Verongiida. This is coupled with molecular networking-guided, targeted isolation to provide a novel drug discovery procedure. A total of 12 previously reported bromotyrosine-derived alkaloids were isolated from the marine sponge species Pseudoceratina durissima, and the compound, (+)-aeroplysinin-1 (1) displayed activity against the MRSA pathogen (MIC: <32 µg/mL). The compounds (1–3, 6 and 9) were assessed for their central nervous system (CNS) interaction and behavioral toxicity to zebrafish (Danio rerio) larvae, whereby several of the compounds were shown to induce significant hyperactivity. Anthelmintic activity against the parasitic nematode Haemonchus contorutus was also evaluated (2–4, 6–8).
Synthesis and Strong Solvatochromism of Push-Pull Thienylthiazole Boron Complexes
Authors: Wildervanck Martijn J. , Hecht Reinhard , Nowak-Król Agnieszka
Published: August 2022

The solvatochromic behavior of two donor-π bridge-acceptor (D-π-A) compounds based on the 2-(3-boryl-2-thienyl)thiazole π-linker and indandione acceptor moiety are investigated. DFT/TD-DFT calculations were performed in combination with steady-state absorption and emission measurements, along with electrochemical studies, to elucidate the effect of two different strongly electron-donating hydrazonyl units on the solvatochromic and fluorescence behavior of these compounds. The Lippert–Mataga equation was used to estimate the change in dipole moments (Δµ) between ground and excited states based on the measured spectroscopic properties in solvents of varying polarity with the data being supported by theoretical studies. The two asymmetrical D-π-A molecules feature strong solvatochromic shifts in fluorescence of up to ~4300 cm−1 and a concomitant change of the emission color from yellow to red. These changes were accompanied by an increase in Stokes shift to reach values as large as ~5700–5800 cm−1. Quantum yields of ca. 0.75 could be observed for the N,N-dimethylhydrazonyl derivative in nonpolar solvents, which gradually decreased along with increasing solvent polarity, as opposed to the consistently reduced values obtained for the N,N-diphenylhydrazonyl derivative of up to ca. 0.20 in nonpolar solvents. These two push–pull molecules are contrasted with a structurally similar acceptor-π bridge-acceptor (A-π-A) compound.
Uranium Determination in Waters, Wine and Honey by Solid Phase Extraction with New Ion Imprinted Polymer
Authors: Georgiev Valentin , Dakova Ivanka , Karadjova Irina
Published: August 2022

An analytical method for uranium determination in waters, wine and honey was developed based on solid phase extraction (SPE) with new ion imprinted polymer. The sorbent was synthesized using 4-(2-Pyridylazo)resorcinol (PAR) as a ligand via dispersion polymerization and characterized by SEM for morphology and shape of polymer particles and nitrogen adsorption–desorption studies for their surface area and total pore volume. The kinetic experiments performed showed that the rate limiting step is the complexation between U(VI) ions and chelating ligand PAR incorporated in the polymer matrix. Investigations by Freundlich and Langmuir adsorption isotherm models showed that sorption process occurs as a surface monolayer on homogeneous sites. The high extraction efficiency of synthesized sorbent toward U(VI) allows its application for SPE determination of U(VI) in wine and honey without preliminary sample digestion using ICP-OES as measurement method. The recoveries achieved varied: (i) between 88 to 95% for surface and ground waters, (ii) between 90–96% for 5% aqueous solution of honey, (iii) between 86–93% for different types of wine. The validity and versatility of proposed analytical methods were confirmed by parallel measurement of U in water samples using Alpha spectrometry and U analysis in wine and honey after sample digestion and ICP-MS measurement. The analytical procedure proposed for U determination in surface waters is characterized with low limits of detection/quantification and good reproducibility ensuring its application for routine control in national monitoring of surface waters. The application of proposed method for honey and wine samples analysis provides data for U content in traditional Bulgarian products.
Effect of Iron Complex Source on MWWTP Effluent Treatment by Solar Photo-Fenton: Micropollutant Degradation, Toxicity Removal and Operating Costs
Authors: Marson Eduardo O. , Ricardo Ivo A. , Paniagua Cleiseano E. S. , Malta Serena M. , Ueira-Vieira Carlos , Starling Maria Clara V. M. , Sánchez Pérez José Antonio , Trovó Alam G.
Published: August 2022

Benzophenone-3, fipronil and propylparaben are micropollutants that are potential threats to ecosystems and have been detected in aquatic environments. However, studies involving the investigation of new technologies aiming at their elimination from these matrices, such as advanced oxidation processes, remain scarce. In this study, different iron complexes (FeCit, FeEDTA, FeEDDS and FeNTA) were evaluated for the degradation of a mixture of these micropollutants (100 µg L−1 each) spiked in municipal wastewater treatment plant (MWWTP) effluent at pH 6.9 by solar photo-Fenton. Operational parameters (iron and H2O2 concentration and Fe/L molar ratio) were optimized for each complex. Degradation efficiencies improved significantly by increasing the concentration of iron complexes (1:1 Fe/L) from 12.5 to 100 µmol L−1 for FeEDDS, FeEDTA and FeNTA. The maximum degradation reached with FeCit for all iron concentrations was limited to 30%. Different Fe/L molar ratios were required to maximize the degradation efficiency for each ligand: 1:1 for FeNTA and FeEDTA, 1:3 for FeEDDS and 1:5 for FeCit. Considering the best Fe/L molar ratios, higher degradation rates were reached using 5.9 mmol L−1 H2O2 for FeNTA and FeEDTA compared to 1.5 and 2.9 mmol L−1 H2O2 for FeEDDS and FeCit, respectively. Acute toxicity to Canton S. strain D. melanogaster flies reduced significantly after treatment for all iron complexes, indicating the formation of low-toxicity by-products. FeNTA was considered the best iron complex source in terms of the kinetic constant (0.10 > 0.063 > 0.051 > 0.036 min−1 for FeCit, FeNTA, FeEDTA and FeEDDS, respectively), organic carbon input and cost-benefit (USD 327 m−3 > USD 20 m−3 > USD 16 m−3 > USD 13 m−3 for FeEDDS, FeCit, FeEDTA and FeNTA, respectively) when compared to the other tested complexes.
Marine Bacterial Dextranases: Fundamentals and Applications
Authors: Barzkar Noora , Babich Olga , Das Rakesh , Sukhikh Stanislav , Tamadoni Jahromi Saeid , Sohail Muhammad
Published: August 2022

Dextran, a renewable hydrophilic polysaccharide, is nontoxic, highly stable but intrinsically biodegradable. The α-1, 6 glycosidic bonds in dextran are attacked by dextranase (E.C. 3.2.1.11) which is an inducible enzyme. Dextranase finds many applications such as, in sugar industry, in the production of human plasma substitutes, and for the treatment and prevention of dental plaque. Currently, dextranases are obtained from terrestrial fungi which have longer duration for production but not very tolerant to environmental conditions and have safety concerns. Marine bacteria have been proposed as an alternative source of these enzymes and can provide prospects to overcome these issues. Indeed, marine bacterial dextranases are reportedly more effective and suitable for dental caries prevention and treatment. Here, we focused on properties of dextran, properties of dextran—hydrolyzing enzymes, particularly from marine sources and the biochemical features of these enzymes. Lastly the potential use of these marine bacterial dextranase to remove dental plaque has been discussed. The review covers dextranase-producing bacteria isolated from shrimp, fish, algae, sea slit, and sea water, as well as from macro- and micro fungi and other microorganisms. It is common knowledge that dextranase is used in the sugar industry; produced as a result of hydrolysis by dextranase and have prebiotic properties which influence the consistency and texture of food products. In medicine, dextranases are used to make blood substitutes. In addition, dextranase is used to produce low molecular weight dextran and cytotoxic dextran. Furthermore, dextranase is used to enhance antibiotic activity in endocarditis. It has been established that dextranase from marine bacteria is the most preferable for removing plaque, as it has a high enzymatic activity. This study lays the groundwork for the future design and development of different oral care products, based on enzymes derived from marine bacteria.
Construction of Benzenesulfonamide Derivatives via Copper and Visible Light-induced Azides and S(O)2–H Coupling
Authors: Liang Zhipeng , Wu Ya-Nan , Wang Yang
Published: August 2022

We here have developed an S(O)2–N coupling between phenylsulfinic acid derivatives and aryl azides by dual copper and visible light catalysis. In this efficient and mild pathway, the reaction produces sulfonamide compounds under redox-neutral condition, which is mechanistically different from the nitrogen nucleophilic substitution reactions. Significantly, this transformation intends to utilize the property of visible light-induced azides to generate triplet nitrene and followed coupling with sulfonyl radicals in situ to achieve structurally diverse benzenesulfinamides in good yields.
Scoping Review: Evaluation of Moringa oleifera (Lam.) for Potential Wound Healing in In Vivo Studies
Authors: Mohammad Shafie Nurmaziah , Raja Shahriman Shah Raja Nazatul Izni , Krishnan Puspawathy , Abdul Haleem Noorashikin , Tan Terence Yew Chin
Published: August 2022

Wound healing is a natural process to restore damaged tissues due to loss of tissue integrity. Moringa oleifera (locally known as merunggai in Malaysia) has been traditionally used in various ailments, including for wound management. To evaluate the wound healing properties in M. oleifera, publications were searched and selected following the guidelines of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement with predetermined inclusion criteria. The databases searched for primary studies include PubMed, Google Scholar, Science Direct, LILACS, ClinicalTrials.gov, and CENTRAL. In total, 18 in vivo studies were included, which involved the leaves, while the remaining 5 studies involved other plant parts tested on excision, incision, dead space, abrasion, and burn-induced wound models. All studies reported significant wound healing abilities. Most studies used different topical formulations of aqueous leaves extract. The accumulation of collagen content and underlying wound healing mechanism through antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory activities may be contributed by its bioactive phytochemical content, which has the potential to accelerate the wound contraction, increase the rate of epithelialization, and protect tissues against oxidative damage. In conclusion, M. oleifera showed wound healing potential but further studies are warranted to determine the main bioactive phytocompounds and safety.
Preparation of Polyphenylene Ring Derivative Dyes with Wide Wave Absorption Properties and Their Performance Study
Authors: Zhao Yuzhen , Liu Xinhua , Li Qing , Guo Zhun , He Zemin , Zhang Huimin , Ma Cheng , Gao Jianjing , Zhao Yang , Wang Dong
Published: August 2022

Some conjugated benzene ring molecules were prepared using the Sonogashira reaction, and the molecules were post-functionally modified using click chemistry. The optical and electrical band gaps were measured using UV-VIS absorption spectroscopy and the three-electrode method, and the results of both were verified against each other to prove the accuracy of the characterization. In addition, the optical performances of the material were studied by z-scan; almost all materials exhibited good nonlinear optical properties and interconversion between saturable and anti-saturable absorption due to the invocation of click reagents.
Pomegranate Wastes Are Rich in Bioactive Compounds with Potential Benefit on Human Health
Authors: Marra Federica , Petrovicova Beatrix , Canino Francesco , Maffia Angela , Mallamaci Carmelo , Muscolo Adele
Published: August 2022

Pomegranate use is increasing worldwide, as it is considered a tasteful healthy food. It is mainly used as fruit, juice, and jam. The pomegranate peel represents about 40–50% of the total fruit weight and contains numerous and diverse bioactive substances. The aim of this research was to analyze the pomegranate peel chemical composition of Wonderful cultivated in Southern Italy and treated with an innovative physic dry concentration procedure in comparison with the peel composition of freeze-dried Wonderful cultivated in Southern Italy, freeze-dried Wonderful cultivated in South Africa, and freeze-dried pomegranate cultivated in India. The specific aim was to verify how much the growth area, cultivar type, and dry procedure influenced the chemical composition of the peels in terms of valuable bioactive compounds. Spectrophotometric and HPLC identification methods were used to detect antioxidants, antioxidant activities, and phenolic and flavonoid components. Results evidenced that in pomegranate peels of Wonderful cultivated in Calabria and dried with the innovative process, total phenolic substances, total flavonoids, vitamin C, vitamin E, and antioxidant activities were the highest. Great amounts of single phenolic acids and flavonoids were found in Calabrian Wonderful peels dried with the innovative process. Overall, it emerged that a great amount of bioactive and diverse compounds found in Calabrian Wonderful pomegranate peel comes from the niche pedoclimatic conditions, and the physic drying innovative methodology turned out to be an advantageous procedure to concentrate and conserve biocompounds.
Synthesis of a Magnetic Carnation-like Hydroxyapatite/Basic Calcium Carbonate Nanocomposite and Its Adsorption Behaviors for Lead Ions in Water
Authors: Guo Haifeng , Hu Siru , Wang Zongli , Li Yutong , Guo Xinshuang , He Ziling , Wang Wenbin , Feng Jun , Yang Kangyun , Zheng Hong
Published: August 2022

Calcium-enriched compounds have great potential in the treatment of heavy-metal contaminated wastewater. Preparing stable basic calcium carbonate (BCC), which is a calcium-enriched compound, and applying it in practice is a great challenge. This work investigated the formation process of hierarchical hydroxyapatite (HAP)/BCC nanocomposites and their adsorption behaviors regarding lead ions (Pb2+). The morphology of the HAP/BCC nanocomposite was controlled by the addition of monododecyl phosphate (MDP). The carnation-like HAP/BCC nanocomposite was achieved with the addition of 30 g of MDP. The carnation-like HAP/BCC nanocomposite had a high Pb2+ adsorption capacity of 860 mg g−1. The pseudo-second-order and Freundlich model simulation results indicated that the adsorptions of Pb2+ on the nanocomposites belonged to the chemisorption and multilayer adsorption processes. The main effective adsorption components for the nanocomposites were calcium-enriched HAP and BCC. Through the Ca2+ ions exchanging with Pb2+, the HAP and BCC phases were converted to hydroxyl-pyromorphite (Pb-HAP) and hydrocerussite (Pb3(CO3)2(OH)2), respectively. The carnation-like HAP/BCC nanocomposite has great potential in the treatment of heavy metal ions. This facile method provides a new method for preparing a stable HAP/BCC nanocomposite and applying it in practice.
Synthesis and Micromechanistic Studies of Sensitized Bentonite for Methyl Orange and Rhodamine-B Adsorption from Wastewater: Experimental and DFT-Based Analysis
Authors: Mutahir Sadaf , Irfan Tayyaba , Nadeem Nimra , Humayun Muhammad , Khan Muhammad Asim , Refat Moamen S. , Wang Chundong , Sheikh Tahir Ali
Published: August 2022

This work reports the formation of a novel adsorbent, prepared by activating bentonite with cinnamic acid, which is highly efficient to remove dyes from wastewater. The adsorption efficiency of the cinnamic acid activated bentonite was compared with unmodified bentonite by removing methyl orange and rhodamine-B from polluted water. The characterization was performed through X-ray diffraction (XRD) Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results indicated that acidic pH and low temperature were more suitable for the selected dyes adsorption. The analysis of the data was done by the Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms; the Freundlich isotherm showed more suitability for the equilibrium data. The data were further analyzed by pseudo-first and pseudo-second-order models to study adsorption kinetics. The results showed that methyl orange and rhodamine-B adsorption obeyed pseudo-order kinetics. The results obtained from this research suggested that acid activation of bentonite with cinnamic acid increased the surface area of the clay and hence enhanced its adsorption efficiency. The maximum adsorption efficiency for the removal of methyl orange and rhodamine-B was up to 99.3 mg g−1 and 44.7 mg g−1, respectively, at 25 °C. This research provides an economical modification technique of bentonite, which makes it cost-effective and a good adsorbent for wastewater treatment.
Effects of Allyl Isothiocyanate on Oxidative and Inflammatory Stress in Type 2 Diabetic Rats
Authors: Okulicz Monika , Hertig Iwona , Król Ewelina , Szkudelski Tomasz
Published: August 2022

Oxidative stress and inflammation play a crucial role in the pathogenesis and progression of diabetes. Currently, there is a growing need to exploit plant-derived bioactive compounds to support conventional therapies. The purpose of this study was to explore allyl isothiocyanate (AITC) potency in reducing oxidative and inflammatory stress along with its profitable modulation trace element status in pathological conditions such as diabetes. Two weeks of oral AITC treatments (2.5, 5, and 25 mg/kg body weight per day) were evaluated in Wistar rats with diabetes induced by a high-fat diet and streptozotocin. The study included AITC influence on antioxidant factors (SOD, CAT, GST, Nrf2), stress and inflammatory markers (cortisol, CRP, IL-1β, IL-6, TNFα, NF-κB), lipid peroxidation indices (TBARS, -SH groups), and trace element status (Fe, Zn, and Cu) in the detoxification and lymphoid organs. Independently of dose, AITC increased cortisol levels in rat blood serum and decreased total thiol groups (T-SH) and protein-bound thiol groups (PB-SH) collaterally with raised thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) in diabetic rat liver. The inflammation and oxidative effects were enhanced by an AITC dose increase. The highest dose of AITC, 25 mg/kg b.w., strongly affected the inflammation process by increasing IL-6, IL-1β, and TNFα in the blood serum, and it upregulated Nrf2 transcription factor with increased SOD, GPx, and GST activities in the liver. AITC showed an equivocal effect on profitable modulation of disturbances in mineral homeostasis in the liver, kidney, and spleen. Our findings revealed that two-week AITC treatment exacerbated oxidative and inflammation status in diabetic rats.
Rosmarinic Acid Attenuates Rotenone-Induced Neurotoxicity in SH-SY5Y Parkinson’s Disease Cell Model through Abl Inhibition
Authors: Han Xiao , Han Bing , Zhao Yue , Li Gang , Wang Tian , He Jie , Du Wenxiao , Cao Xiaolin , Gan Jing , Wang Zhenhua , Zheng Wei
Published: August 2022

Rosmarinic acid (RA) is a natural polyphenolic compound with antioxidative property. With the present study, we aimed to evaluate the neuroprotective role of RA on Parkinson’s disease using rotenone induced SH-SY5Y cell model of Parkinson’s disease, the underlying mechanism of action of RA was also investigated. Cell viability, cell morphology, apoptosis, signaling protein phosphorylation and expression, cellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, ATP content, and mitochondrial membrane potential were tested in SH-SY5Y cells. RA showed a neuroprotective effect in a rotenone-induced SH-SY5Y cell model of Parkinson’s disease with dose-dependent manner, it reduced cell apoptosis and restored normal cell morphology. RA not only decreased levels of α-synuclein and Tau phosphorylation but also elevated the contents of AMPK phosphorylation, Akt phosphorylation, and PGC-1α. RA restored the reduced mitochondrial membrane potential and ATP content as well as inhibited rotenone-induced ROS overproduction. Further findings demonstrated that the neuroprotective role of RA was partially due to the inhibition of Abl tyrosine kinase. RA treatment suppressed the hyperphosphorylation of Abl Y412 and CrkII Y221 induced by rotenone. Nilotinib, a specific inhibitor of Abl, elicited a similar neuroprotective effect as that of RA. The present study indicates that RA has a property of neuroprotection against rotenone, and the neuroprotective effect is partially attributed to the inhibition of Abl.
Reliable Quantification of Ultratrace Selenium in Food, Beverages, and Water Samples by Cloud Point Extraction and Spectrometric Analysis
Authors: Hagarová Ingrid , Nemček Lucia
Published: August 2022

Selenium is a trace element essential for the proper functioning of human body. Since it can only be obtained through our diet, knowing its concentrations in different food products is of particular importance. The measurement of selenium content in complex food matrices has traditionally been a challenge due to the very low concentrations involved. Some of the difficulties may arise from the abundance of various compounds, which are additionally present in examined material at different concentration levels. The solution to this problem is the efficient separation/preconcentration of selenium from the analyzed matrix, followed by its reliable quantification. This review offers an insight into cloud point extraction, a separation technique that is often used in conjunction with spectrometric analysis. The method allows for collecting information on selenium levels in waters of different complexity (drinking water, river and lake waters), beverages (wine, juices), and a broad range of food (cereals, legumes, fresh fruits and vegetables, tea, mushrooms, nuts, etc.).
A Randomized Controlled Trial of Fasting and Lifestyle Modification in Patients with Metabolic Syndrome: Effects on Patient-Reported Outcomes
Authors: Jeitler Michael , Lauche Romy , Hohmann Christoph , Choi Kyung-Eun (Anna) , Schneider Nadia , Steckhan Nico , Rathjens Florian , Anheyer Dennis , Paul Anna , von Scheidt Christel , Ostermann Thomas , Schneider Elisabeth , Koppold-Liebscher Daniela , Kessler Christian S. , Dobos Gustav , Michalsen Andreas , Cramer Holger
Published: August 2022

Lifestyle interventions can have a positive impact on quality of life and psychological parameters in patients with metabolic syndrome (MetS). In this randomized controlled trial, 145 participants with MetS (62.8% women; 59.7 ± 9.3 years) were randomized to (1) 5-day fasting followed by 10 weeks of lifestyle modification (F + LM; modified DASH diet, exercise, mindfulness; n = 73) or (2) 10 weeks of lifestyle modification only (LM; n = 72). Outcomes were assessed at weeks 0, 1, 12, and 24, and included quality of life (Short-Form 36 Health Survey Questionnaire, SF-36), anxiety/depression (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, HADS), stress (Cohen Perceived Stress Scale, CPSS), mood (Profile of Mood States, POMS), self-efficacy (General Self-Efficacy Scale, GSE), mindfulness (Mindfulness Attention Awareness Scale, MAAS), and self-compassion (Self-Compassion Scale, SCS). At week 1, POMS depression and fatigue scores were significantly lower in F + LM compared to LM. At week 12, most self-report outcomes improved in both groups—only POMS vigor was significantly higher in F + LM than in LM. Most of the beneficial effects within the groups persisted at week 24. Fasting can induce mood-modulating effects in the short term. LM induced several positive effects on quality of life and psychological parameters in patients with MetS.
Editorial for the Special Issue: “Integrated Applications of Geo-Information in Environmental Monitoring”
Authors: Wu Weicheng , Liu Yalan
Published: August 2022

Geo-information technology has been playing an increasingly important role in environmental monitoring in recent decades. With the continuous improvement in the spatial resolution of remote sensing images, the diversification of sensors and the development of processing packages, applications of a variety of geo-information, in particular, multi-resolution remote sensing and geographical data, have become momentous in environmental research, including land cover change detection and modeling, land degradation assessment, geohazard mapping and disaster damage assessment, mining and restoration monitoring, etc. In addition, machine learning algorithms such as Random Forests (RF) and Convolutional Neural Networks (CNN) have improved and deepened the applications of geo-information technology in environmental monitoring and assessment. The purpose of this Special Issue is to provide a platform for communication of high-quality research in the world in the domain of comprehensive application of geo-information technology. It contains 10 high-level scientific papers on the following topics such as desertification monitoring, governance of mining areas, identification of marine dynamic targets, extraction of buildings, and so on.
Irradiation-Induced Synthesis of Ag/ZnO Nanostructures as Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering Sensors for Sensitive Detection of the Pesticide Acetamiprid
Authors: Chen Po-Tuan , Lu Yu-Chun , Tangsuwanjinda Sripansuang , Chung Ren-Jei , Sakthivel Rajalakshmi , Cheng Hsin-Ming
Published: August 2022

Detecting pesticides using techniques that involve simple fabrication methods and conducting the detection at very low levels are challenging. Herein, we report the detection of acetamiprid at the quadrillionth level using surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS). The SERS chip comprises Ag nanoparticles deposited on a tetrapod structure of ZnO coated onto indium tin oxide glass (denoted as Ag@ZnO-ITO). Controlled Ag decoration of ZnO occurs via irradiation-induced synthesis. The morphology of the surface plays a significant role in achieving an enhanced SERS performance for acetamiprid detection. 4,4′-Dipyridyl (DPY) is used to investigate synthesis conditions for the chip, leading to an optimal irradiation time of 60 min. Furthermore, the enhancement factor for acetamiprid on Ag@ZnO-ITO is higher than 107. These results demonstrate that SERS sensors have the potential for practical use in acetamiprid detection.
Mapping Local Climate Zones in the Urban Environment: The Optimal Combination of Data Source and Classifier
Authors: Cui Siying , Wang Xuhong , Yang Xia , Hu Lifa , Jiang Ziqi , Feng Zihao
Published: August 2022

The novel concept of local climate zones (LCZs) provides a consistent classification framework for studies of the urban thermal environment. However, the development of urban climate science is severely hampered by the lack of high-resolution data to map LCZs. Using Gaofen-6 and Sentinel-1/2 as data sources, this study designed four schemes using convolutional neural network (CNN) and random forest (RF) classifiers, respectively, to demonstrate the potential of high-resolution images in LCZ mapping and evaluate the optimal combination of different data sources and classifiers. The results showed that the combination of GF-6 and CNN (S3) was considered the best LCZ classification scheme for urban areas, with OA and kappa coefficients of 85.9% and 0.842, respectively. The accuracy of urban building categories is above 80%, and the F1 score for each category is the highest, except for LCZ1 and LCZ5, where there is a small amount of confusion. The Sentinel-1/2-based RF classifier (S2) was second only to S3 and superior to the combination of GF-6 and random forest (S1), with OA and kappa coefficients of 64.4% and 0.612, respectively. The Sentinel-1/2 and CNN (S4) combination has the worst classification result, with an OA of only 39.9%. The LCZ classification map based on S3 shows that the urban building categories in Xi’an are mainly distributed within the second ring, while heavy industrial buildings have started to appear in the third ring. The urban periphery is mainly vegetated and bare land. In conclusion, CNN has the best application effect in the LCZ mapping task of high-resolution remote sensing images. In contrast, the random forest algorithm has better robustness in the band-abundant Sentinel data.
A Review on Rail Defect Detection Systems Based on Wireless Sensors
Authors: Zhao Yuliang , Liu Zhiqiang , Yi Dong , Yu Xiaodong , Sha Xiaopeng , Li Lianjiang , Sun Hui , Zhan Zhikun , Li Wen Jung
Published: August 2022

Small defects on the rails develop fast under the continuous load of passing trains, and this may lead to train derailment and other disasters. In recent years, many types of wireless sensor systems have been developed for rail defect detection. However, there has been a lack of comprehensive reviews on the working principles, functions, and trade-offs of these wireless sensor systems. Therefore, we provide in this paper a systematic review of recent studies on wireless sensor-based rail defect detection systems from three different perspectives: sensing principles, wireless networks, and power supply. We analyzed and compared six sensing methods to discuss their detection accuracy, detectable types of defects, and their detection efficiency. For wireless networks, we analyzed and compared their application scenarios, the advantages and disadvantages of different network topologies, and the capabilities of different transmission media. From the perspective of power supply, we analyzed and compared different power supply modules in terms of installation and energy harvesting methods, and the amount of energy they can supply. Finally, we offered three suggestions that may inspire the future development of wireless sensor-based rail defect detection systems.
Microfluidic Microwave Sensor Loaded with Star-Slotted Patch for Edible Oil Quality Inspection
Authors: Han Xueyun , Zhou Yingping , Li Xiaosong , Ma Zhongjun , Qiao Lei , Fu Chenghao , Peng Peidong
Published: August 2022

In this paper, we present a new microfluidic microwave sensor loaded with a star-slotted patch for detecting the quality of edible oil. The relative dielectric permittivity and the quality of edible oil will change after being heated at a high temperature. Therefore, the quality of edible oil can be detected by measuring the relative dielectric permittivity of edible oil. The sensor is used to determine the edible oil with different dielectric permittivity by measuring the resonance frequency offset of the input reflection coefficient, which operates at 2.68 GHz. This sensor is designed based on a resonant approach to provide the best sensing accuracy and is implemented using a substrate integrated waveguide structure combined with a pentagonal slot antenna operating at 2.3~2.9 GHz. It can detect greasy liquids with the real part of the complex permittivity ranging from two to three.
Study on Accuracy Improvement of Slope Failure Region Detection Using Mask R-CNN with Augmentation Method
Authors: Kubo Shiori , Yamane Tatsuro , Chun Pang-jo
Published: August 2022

We proposed an automatic detection method of slope failure regions using a semantic segmentation method called Mask R-CNN based on a deep learning algorithm to improve the efficiency of damage assessment in the event of slope failure disaster. There is limited research on detecting landslides by deep learning, and the lack of training data is an important issue to be resolved, as aerial photographs are not taken with sufficient frequency during a disaster. This study attempts to use CutMix-based augmentation to improve detection accuracy. We also compare the detection results obtained by augmentation of multiple patterns. In the comparison of the not augmented data case, the recall increased by 0.186 in the case using the augmented data with the shape of the slope failure region maintained. When the image data was augmented while maintaining the shape of the slope failure region, the recall score indicated the low oversights in the prediction result is 0.701. This is an increase of 0.186 compared to the case where no augmentation was performed. In addition, the F1 score was 0.740, this also increased by 0.139, and high values were obtained for other indicators. Therefore, the method proposed in this study is greatly useful for grasping slope failure regions because of the detection with high accuracy, as described above.
MEEMD Decomposition–Prediction–Reconstruction Model of Precipitation Time Series
Authors: Wang Yongtao , Liu Jian , Li Rong , Suo Xinyu , Lu Enhui
Published: August 2022

To address the problem of low prediction accuracy of precipitation time series data, an improved overall mean empirical modal decomposition–prediction–reconstruction model (MDPRM) is constructed in this paper. First, the non-stationary precipitation time series are decomposed into multiple decomposition terms by the improved overall mean empirical modal decomposition (MEEMD). Then, a particle swarm optimization support vector machine (PSO-SVM) and convolutional neural network (CNN) and recurrent neural network (RNN) models are used to make predictions according to the characteristics of different decomposition terms. Finally, the prediction results of each decomposition term are superimposed and reconstructed to form the final prediction results. In addition, the application is carried out with the summer precipitation in the Wujiang River basin of Guizhou Province from 1961 to 2018, using the first 38 years of data to train MDPRM and the last 20 years of data to test MDPRM, and comparing with a feedback neural network (BP), a support vector machine (SVM), a particle swarm optimization support vector machine (PSO-SVM), a convolutional neural network (CNN), and a recurrent neural network (RNN), etc. The results show that the mean relative error (MAPE) of the proposed MDPRM is reduced from 0.31 to 0.09, the root mean square error (RMSE) is reduced from 0.56 to 0.30, and the consistency index (α) is significantly improved from 0.33 to 0.86, which has a higher prediction accuracy. Finally, the trained MDPRM predicts the average summer precipitation in the Wujiang River basin from 2019 to 2028 to be 466.42 mm, the minimum precipitation in 2020 to be 440.94 mm, and the maximum precipitation in 2024 to be 497.94 mm. Based on the prediction results, the agricultural drought level is evaluated using the Z index, which indicates that the summer is normal in the 10-year period. The study provides technical support for the effective guidance of regional water resources’ allocation and scheduling and drought mitigation.
Fuzzy Strategy Grey Wolf Optimizer for Complex Multimodal Optimization Problems
Authors: Qin Hua , Meng Tuanxing , Cao Yuyi
Published: August 2022

Traditional grey wolf optimizers (GWOs) have difficulty balancing convergence and diversity when used for multimodal optimization problems (MMOPs), resulting in low-quality solutions and slow convergence. To address these drawbacks of GWOs, a fuzzy strategy grey wolf optimizer (FSGWO) is proposed in this paper. Binary joint normal distribution is used as a fuzzy method to realize the adaptive adjustment of the control parameters of the FSGWO. Next, the fuzzy mutation operator and the fuzzy crossover operator are designed to generate new individuals based on the fuzzy control parameters. Moreover, a noninferior selection strategy is employed to update the grey wolf population, which makes the entire population available for estimating the location of the optimal solution. Finally, the FSGWO is verified on 30 test functions of IEEE CEC2014 and five engineering application problems. Comparing FSGWO with state-of-the-art competitive algorithms, the results show that FSGWO is superior. Specifically, for the 50D test functions of CEC2014, the average calculation accuracy of FSGWO is 33.63%, 46.45%, 62.94%, 64.99%, and 59.82% higher than those of the equilibrium optimizer algorithm, modified particle swarm optimization, original GWO, hybrid particle swarm optimization and GWO, and selective opposition-based GWO, respectively. For the 30D and 50D test functions of CEC2014, the results of the Wilcoxon signed-rank test show that FSGWO is better than the competitive algorithms.
Reducing Energy Consumption and Health Hazards of Electric Liquid Mosquito Repellents through TinyML
Authors: Choi Inyeop , Kim Hyogon
Published: August 2022

Two problems arise when using commercially available electric liquid mosquito repellents. First, prallethrine, the main component of the liquid repellent, can have an adverse effect on the human body with extended exposure. Second, electricity is wasted when no mosquitoes are present. To solve these problems, a TinyML-oriented mosquito sound classification model is developed and integrated with a commercial electric liquid repellent device. Based on a convolutional neural network (CNN), the classification model can control the prallethrine vaporizer to turn on only when there are mosquitoes. As a consequence, the repellent user can avoid inhaling unnecessarily large amounts of the chemical, with the added benefit of dramatically reduced energy consumption by the repellent device.