bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
In Situ Monazite U–Pb Ages in Thin Sections from the Giant Bayan Obo Fe–REE–Nb Deposit, Inner Mongolia: Implications for Formation Sequences
Authors: Tian Pengfei , Yang Xiaoyong , Xiao Yulun , Yuan Wanming , He Zifei
Published: September 2022

The Bayan Obo deposit is the largest REE resource in the world. Although many isotopic dating methods have been applied, ages based on petrography and closure temperatures still lack discussion. In this study, three digital petrographic images were created based on full-scanning microscopy, BSE, and TESCAN integrated mineral analysis (TIMA), providing a more scientific method for analyzing the mineral types, distributions, and content of the Bayan Obo deposit. By combining the full-scan images, monazites were selected in thin sections and dated in situ. The monazite in the body ores sample yields three 207Pb intercept ages of 657 ± 25 Ma (MSWD = 1.06), 763 ± 16 Ma (MSWD = 1.3), and 689 ± 22 Ma (MSWD = 8.1), and the monazite in one section yields maximum and minimum ages of 1393 ± 142 Ma and 429 ± 24 Ma, respectively. Combined with previous studies, the earliest and major stages of carbonatites, REE, and dikes in the Bayan Obo deposit area were dated at ~1.4 Ga and ~1.3 Ga, respectively. Due to the multiple subduction and accretion events related to the Paleo-Asian Ocean and North China Craton, the Bayan Obo deposit is intensely overprinted, with a tectonic-thermal event recorded at ~1.0–0.2 Ga. The multiple or protracted isotopic ~1.4–0.4 Ga ages in the Bayan Obo deposit account for five reasons. First, the separate thermal events and the partial recrystallization of monazite. Second, the diffusion of daughter products from the host mineral over time. Third, differences in the closure temperatures of different minerals and isotopic chronologies. Four, resetting of the closure system due to high temperature and hydrothermal alteration. Five, the minerals and transformed ores that formed in the Paleozoic. The in situ monazite U–Pb ages in thin sections provide insight into formation sequences from the giant Bayan Obo Fe–REE–Nb deposit.
Spices Volatilomic Fingerprinting—A Comprehensive Approach to Explore Its Authentication and Bioactive Properties
Authors: Izcara Sergio , Perestrelo Rosa , Morante-Zarcero Sonia , Sierra Isabel , Câmara José S.
Published: September 2022

Volatile organic metabolites (VOMs) present in different spices can provide distinct analytical biosignatures related to organoleptic properties and health benefits. This study aimed to establish the volatilomic fingerprint of six of the most consumed spices all over the world (saffron (Crocus sativus L.), cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum), cumin (Cuminum cyminum L.), black pepper, (Piper nigrum L.), sweet paprika (Capsicum annuum L.), and curry (a mix of different herbs and spices)). Based on headspace solid phase microextraction (HS-SPME) followed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis, this is a powerful strategy to explore and establish the spice’s volatile pattern and unravel the potential health benefits related to the most important VOMs identified in each spice. This comprehensive knowledge will help in the definition of their authenticity, while simultaneously protecting against potential frauds and adulterations. A total of 162 VOMs were identified. Semi-quantitative assessments revealed that terpenoids and sesquiterpenoids amounted to the major volatile class in the investigated spices, except for cinnamon, where carbonyl compounds are the major group. Most of the studied spices comprised key characteristics of aroma and health bioactive compounds, e.g., dihydrojuneol in saffron, cinnamaldehyde in cinnamon, cuminaldehyde in cumin and curry, and caryophyllene in black pepper. The principal component analysis (PCA) and partial least-squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) successfully discriminated the investigated spices, being α-cubebene, 3-methyl butanal, β-patchoulene and β-selinene, the most important VOMs (highest VIP’s) that contributed to its discrimination. Moreover, some VOMs have a high influence on the spice’s bioactive potential, helping to prevent certain diseases including cancer, inflammatory-related diseases, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases.
An Evaluation of Antimicrobial, Anticancer, Anti-Inflammatory and Antioxidant Activities of Silver Nanoparticles Synthesized from Leaf Extract of Madhuca longifolia Utilizing Quantitative and Qualitative Methods
Authors: Salve Pooja , Vinchurkar Aruna , Raut Rajesh , Chondekar Ramesh , Lakkakula Jaya , Roy Arpita , Hossain Md. Jamal , Alghamdi Saad , Almehmadi Mazen , Abdulaziz Osama , Allahyani Mamdouh , Dablool Anas S. , Sarker Md. Moklesur Rahman , Nur Azlina Mohd Fahami
Published: September 2022

In the current decade, nanoparticles are synthesized using solvents that are environmentally friendly. A number of nanoparticles have been synthesized at room temperature using water as a solvent, such as gold (Au) and silver (Ag) nanoparticles. As part of nanotechnology, nanoparticles are synthesized through biological processes. Biological methods are the preferred method for the synthesis of inorganic nanoparticles (AgNPs) as a result of their simple and non-hazardous nature. Nanoparticles of silver are used in a variety of applications, including catalysts, spectrally selective coatings for solar absorption, optical objectives, pharmaceutical constituents, and chemical and biological sensing. Antimicrobial agents are among the top uses of silver nanoparticles. In the current study, silver nanoparticles were biologically manufactured through Madhuca longifolia, and their antibacterial activity against pathogenic microorganisms, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant activities were assessed. UV-Vis spectroscopy, XRD (X-ray diffraction), transmission electron microscopy, Zeta Potential, and FTIR were used to characterize silver nanoparticles. The current work describes a cheap and environmentally friendly method to synthesize silver nanoparticles from silver nitrate solution by using plant crude extract as a reducing agent.
Enrichment of Quercetin from Winemaking Residual Diatomaceous Earth via a Tailor-Made Imprinted Adsorbent
Authors: Bzainia Amir , Dias Rolando C. S. , Costa Mário Rui P. F. N.
Published: September 2022

Residual diatomaceous earth (RDE) from winemaking activities is a rich and currently underexploited source of phenolic compounds which ought to be recycled from the perspective of circular bioeconomy. In this work, we demonstrate the feasibility of molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) for the enrichment of quercetin, a flavonoid at a fairly high content in residual diatomaceous earth. These MIPs were synthesized through free radical polymerization. FTIR confirmed the integration of the functional monomers into the polymeric chains. Batch adsorption experiments were used to assess the retention and selectivity of those MIPs towards quercetin. Commercial resins were compared with the synthesized materials using the same procedures. These adsorption experiments allowed the selection of the best performing MIP for the valorization of RDE extract. This treatment consisted of saturating the selected MIP with the extract and then desorbing the retained compounds using solvents of selected compositions. The desorbed fractions were analyzed using liquid chromatography, and the results demonstrated an increase in quercetin’s fractional area from 5% in the RDE extract to more than 40% in some fractions, which is roughly an eightfold enrichment of quercetin. Moreover, other flavonoids of close chemical structure to quercetin have been rather retained and enriched by the MIP.
An Eco-Friendly Quaternary Ammonium Salt as a Corrosion Inhibitor for Carbon Steel in 5 M HCl Solution: Theoretical and Experimental Investigation
Authors: Jalab Rem , Saad Mohammed A. , Sliem Mostafa H. , Abdullah Aboubakr M. , Hussein Ibnelwaleed A.
Published: September 2022

The corrosion of industrial material is a costly problem associated with global economic losses reaching trillions of US dollars in the repair of failures. Injecting corrosion inhibitors is the most practically promising method for decelerating corrosion reactions and protecting surfaces. Recent investigations have focused on surfactants as corrosion inhibitors due to their amphiphilic nature, low cost, and simple chemical preparation procedures. This study aims to investigate the performance of an environment-friendly Quaternium-22 (Q-22) surfactant which is widely used in cosmetics for C-steel corrosion inhibition in a 5 M HCl medium. Weight loss experiments were performed at different concentrations and immersion times, presenting a maximum efficiency at 2.22 mmol·L−1. The influence of Q-22 on the corrosion behavior of C-steel was elucidated using non-destructive electrochemical measurements. The overall results revealed that adding varied concentrations of Q-22 significantly decreases the corrosion rate of C-steel. The results revealed the physisorption nature of Q-22 onto the C-steel surface, with adsorption following the Freundlich isotherm (∆Hads= −16.40 kJ·mol−1). The relative inhibition performance of Q-22 was also evaluated by SEM and AFM analyses. Lastly, quantum chemical calculations based on density functional theory (DFT) demonstrated that Q-22 has promising molecular features concerning the anticorrosive mechanism.
Isolation, Structural Characterization, and Biological Activity of the Two Acidic Polysaccharides from the Fruits of the Elaeagnus angustifolia Linnaeus
Authors: Huojiaaihemaiti Haibaier , Mutaillifu Paiheerding , Omer Adil , Nuerxiati Rehebati , Duan Xiaomei , Xin Xuelei , Yili Abulimiti
Published: September 2022

Elaeagnus angustifolia Linnaeus is a medicinal plant and its fruit has pharmacological activity such as antiinflammatory, antiedema, antinociceptive, and muscle relaxant functions, etc. Two acidic homogeneous polysaccharides (EAP-H-a1 and EAP-H-a2) were isolated from the fruits of Elaeagnus angustifolia L. through DEAE-52 and Sephadex G-75 column chromatography, and the physicochemical, structural properties, and biological activities of the polysaccharides were investigated. Both EAP-H-a1 and EAP-H-a2 were composed of Rha, Ara, Xyl, Glc, and Gal with the molar ratios of 13.7:20.5:23.3:8.8:33.4 and 24.8:19.7:8.2:8.4:38.6, respectively, and with the molecular weights of 705.796 kDa and 439.852 kDa, respectively. The results obtained from Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) confirmed the polysaccharide nature of the isolated substances. Congo red assay confirmed the existence of a triple-helix structure. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis revealed that EAP-H-a1 and EAP-H-a2 had irregular fibrous, filament-like surfaces; and both had crystalline and amorphous structures. Bioactivity analysis showed that the crude polysaccharide, EAP-H-a1, and EAP-H-a2 had clear DPPH and ABTS free radical scavenging activity, and could promote the secretion of NO and the phagocytic activities of RAW 264.7 and THP cells, which showed clear antioxidant and immuno-regulatory activity. These results indicated that Elaeagnus angustifolia L fruit acidic polysaccharides may have potential value in the pharmaceutical and functional food industries.
Detection and Quantification of Alprazolam Added to Long Drinks by Near Infrared Spectroscopy and Chemometrics
Authors: Scappaticci Claudia , Spera Stella , Biancolillo Alessandra , Marini Federico
Published: September 2022

In the present work, a fast, relatively cheap, and green analytical strategy to identify and quantify the fraudulent (or voluntary) addition of a drug (alprazolam, the API of Xanax®) to an alcoholic drink of large consumption, namely gin and tonic, was developed using coupling near-infrared spectroscopy (NIR) and chemometrics. The approach used was both qualitative and quantitative as models were built that would allow for highlighting the presence of alprazolam with high accuracy, and to quantify its concentration with, in many cases, an acceptable error. Classification models built using partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) allowed for identifying whether a drink was spiked or not with the drug, with a prediction accuracy in the validation phase often higher than 90%. On the other hand, calibration models established through the use of partial least squares (PLS) regression allowed for quantifying the drug added with errors of the order of 2–5 mg/L.
Inhibitory Effect of GRAS Essential Oils and Plant Extracts on the Growth of Aspergillus westerdijkiae and Aspergillus carbonarius Strains
Authors: Rodrigues Mariana Paiva , de Oliveira Águida Aparecida , Biscoto Gabriela Lago , Pinto Priscila Natália , Dias Raul Roque de Souza , Salvato Lauranne Alves , Keller Luiz Antonio Moura , Cavaglieri Lilia Reneé , Rosa Carlos Alberto da Rocha , Keller Kelly Moura
Published: September 2022

The effect of essential oils (obtained using hydrodistillation) and plant extracts (ethanolic, aqueous, and hexanic extractions) of 10 different plants cultivated in Brazil were tested using the diffusion agar method, with the objective of evaluating the inhibitory effect of the oils and extracts on the mycelial growth of Aspergillus westerdijkiae NRRL 3174 and A. carbonarius RC 2054 (UNRC). Of the 40 essential oils and plant extracts analyzed, oregano essential oil and plant extract, rosemary essential oil, and the clove ethanolic extract were the best choice to obtain the growth parameters (radial growth rates (mm day−1) and lag phase (h)) due the good results presented and the volume of oil/extract obtained. Comparing all the essential oils and plant extracts that were tested for growth parameters, the best results were obtained for the clove ethanolic extract for both strains assayed. These results demonstrated an outstanding potential use of some of these products in prevention of fungal contamination in food. However, further studies need to be conducted to determine the ability of these oils and extracts to inhibit or reduce ochratoxin A production.
Room Temperature Nanographene Production via CO2 Electrochemical Reduction on the Electrodeposited Bi on Sn Substrate
Authors: Pinthong Piriya , Phupaichitkun Sarita , Watmanee Suthasinee , Nganglumpoon Rungkiat , Tungasmita Duangamol N. , Tungasmita Sukkaneste , Boonyongmaneerat Yuttanant , Promphet Nadtinan , Rodthongkum Nadnudda , Panpranot Joongjai
Published: September 2022

Electrochemical reduction of carbon dioxide (CO2RR) to crystalline solid carbon at room temperature is challenging, but it is a providential CO2 utilization route due to its indefinite storage and potential applications of its products in many advanced technologies. Here, room-temperature synthesis of polycrystalline nanographene was achieved by CO2RR over the electrodeposited Bi on Sn substrate prepared with various bismuth concentrations (0.01 M, 0.05 M, and 0.1 M). The solid carbon products were solely produced on all the prepared electrodes at the applied potential −1.1 V vs. Ag/AgCl and were characterized as polycrystalline nanographene with an average domain size of ca. 3–4 nm. The morphology of the electrodeposited Bi/Sn electrocatalysts did not have much effect on the final structure of the solid carbon products formed but rather affected the CO2 electroreduction activity. The optimized negative potential for the formation of nanographene products on the 0.05Bi/Sn was ca. −1.5 V vs. Ag/AgCl. Increasing the negative value of the applied potential accelerated the agglomeration of the highly reactive nascent Bi clusters in situ formed under the reaction conditions, which, as a consequence, resulted in a slight deviation of the product selectivity toward gaseous CO and H2 evolution reaction. The Bi–graphene composites produced by this method show high potential as an additive for working electrode modification in electrochemical sensor-related applications.
A Novel Electrochemical Sensing Strategy Based on Poly (3, 4-ethylenedioxythiophene): Polystyrene Sulfonate, AuNPs, and Ag+ for Highly Sensitive Detection of Alkaline Phosphatase
Authors: Lei Jiangshan , Kang Jian , Liu Jifa , Wang Guannan
Published: September 2022

Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) is a crucial marker for the clinical analysis and detection of many diseases. In this study, an accurate signal amplification strategy was proposed for the sensing and quantification of alkaline phosphatase using poly (3, 4-ethylenedioxythiophene):polystyrene sulfonate (PEDOT:PSS), gold nanoparticles (AuNPs), and Ag+. Signal amplification was achieved by the modification of PEDOT:PSS and AuNPs on glassy carbon electrodes. Atomic force microscopy was performed to characterize the morphology of the modified nanomaterials. To detect ALP, 1-naphthyl phosphate (1-NP) was used as the substrate, and alkaline phosphatase catalyzed 1-NP into 1-naphthol (1-N), which resulted in the reduction of Ag+ to Ag0 on the surface of the modified electrode (AuNPs/PEDOT:PSS/GCE). The deposition of Ag drastically enhanced the detection signal. Differential pulse voltammograms of 1-N, which is the enzymatic product from the ALP reaction with 1-NP, were recorded. In the linear range of 0.1–120 U L−1, a quantitative analysis of alkaline phosphatase was achieved, with high sensitivity and a low detection limit of 0.03 U L−1. Stable, selective, and reproducible electrochemical sensors were designed. Moreover, the proposed electrochemical sensor exhibited a prominent sensing performance in the spiked diluted human serum. Thus, the sensor can be used in numerous applications in alkaline phosphatase or other analyte detection.
Cinchona officinalis Phytochemicals-Loaded Iron Oxide Nanoparticles Induce Cytotoxicity and Stimulate Apoptosis in MCF-7 Human Breast Cancer Cells
Authors: Al-Harbi Laila Naif , Al-Shammari Ghedier M. , Subash-Babu Pandurangan , Mohammed Mohammed A. , Alkreadees Roaa Ahmed , Yagoub Abu ElGasim Ahmed
Published: September 2022

The present study aimed to synthesize iron oxide nanoparticles loaded with quinine and alkaloids-rich Cinchona officinalis (Peruvian bark) stem bark extract, and further evaluate their cytotoxic effect and apoptosis mechanisms in MCF-7 breast cancer cells. Nanoparticles were prepared by biological reduction of iron oxide with Cinchona officinalis extract, using the green synthesis method. The nanoparticles were characterized by XRD, FT-IR, and UV-vis spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). In vitro cytotoxicity analyses of Cinchona officinalis extract, ferrous oxide, and Cinchona officinalis extract-loaded iron oxide nanoparticles (CO-NPs) were carried out using the MTT test for 24 h and 48 h. We found that CO-NPs reduced the MCF-7 cell viability with IC50 values of 16.2 and 9 µg/mL in 24 h and 48 h, respectively. In addition, CO-NPs were tested with normal hMSCs to determine their toxicity, and we did not find noticeable cytotoxicity. Confocal fluorescent microscopy revealed that CO-NPs efficiently increased the nuclear condensation and chromatin damage in propidium iodide staining; meanwhile, there was decreased mitochondrial membrane potential in CO-NPs-treated MCF-7 cells. In addition, AO-EB staining confirmed the late apoptotic and apoptotic morphology of cancer cells. Further gene expression analysis confirmed that the upregulation of tumor suppressors, Cdkn1A, Prb, and p53 was significantly increased, and inflammatory traits such as TNF-α and Nf-κb were increased in cancer cells treated with CO-NPs. Apoptotic stimulators such as Bax and caspase-3 expression were highly significantly increased, while mdm-2 and Bcl-2 were significantly decreased. Overall, the enhanced cytotoxic potential of the Cinchona officianlis stem bark extract loaded CO-NPs versus free Cinchona officianlis extract might be due to the functional stabilization of bioactive compounds, such as alkaloids, quinine, flavonoids, phenolics, etc., into the iron oxide, providing bioavailability and internalization of cinchona metabolites intracellularly.
Ion Drift and Polarization in Thin SiO2 and HfO2 Layers Inserted in Silicon on Sapphire
Authors: Popov Vladimir P. , Antonov Valentin A. , Miakonkikh Andrey V. , Rudenko Konstantin V.
Published: September 2022

To reduce the built-in positive charge value at the silicon-on-sapphire (SOS) phase border obtained by bonding and a hydrogen transfer, thermal silicon oxide (SiO2) layers with a thickness of 50–310 nm and HfO2 layers with a thickness of 20 nm were inserted between silicon and sapphire by plasma-enhanced atomic layer deposition (PEALD). After high-temperature annealing at 1100 °C, these layers led to a hysteresis in the drain current–gate voltage curves and a field-induced switching of threshold voltage in the SOS pseudo-MOSFET. For the inserted SiO2 with a thickness of 310 nm, the transfer transistor characteristics measured in the temperature ranging from 25 to 300 °C demonstrated a triple increase in the hysteresis window with the increasing temperature. It was associated with the ion drift and the formation of electric dipoles at the silicon dioxide boundaries. A much slower increase in the window with temperature for the inserted HfO2 layer was explained by the dominant ferroelectric polarization switching in the inserted HfO2 layer. Thus, the experiments allowed for a separation of the effects of mobile ions and ferroelectric polarization on the observed transfer characteristics of hysteresis in structures of Si/HfO2/sapphire and Si/SiO2/sapphire.
A New Approach to Modeling Ultrashort Channel Ballistic Nanowire GAA MOSFETs
Authors: Cheng He , Yang Zhijia , Zhang Chao , Xie Chuang , Liu Tiefeng , Wang Jian , Zhang Zhipeng
Published: September 2022

We propose a numerical compact model for describing the drain current in ballistic mode by using an expression to represent the transmission coefficients for all operating regions. This model is based on our previous study of an analytic compact model for the subthreshold region in which the DIBL and source-to-drain tunneling effects were both taken into account. This paper introduces an approach to establishing the smoothing function for expressing the critical parameters in the model’s overall operating regions. The resulting compact model was tested in a TCAD NEGF simulation, demonstrating good consistency.
Structural, Optical, and Arsenic Removal Properties of Sol–Gel Synthesized Fe-Doped TiO2 Nanoparticles
Authors: Gamarra Francisco , Medina Jesús , Lanchipa Wilson , Tamayo Rocío , Sacari Elisban
Published: September 2022

Pure and Fe-doped TiO2 nanoparticles were synthesized by the sol–gel method. The samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, BET, UV-vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy. The results show a dependence between the crystallite size and the amount of dopant, which decreases from 13.02 to 12.81 nm. The same behavior was observed in the optical properties, where the band gap decreased from 3.2 to 2.86 eV. The arsenic (V) adsorption was tested in aqueous solution containing 5 mg/L of arsenic and 0.5 g/L of adsorbent at pH 7 and in dark conditions. The results indicate that the TiO2-B sample shows a higher arsenic removal, reaching 88% arsenic removal from the water at pH 7. Thus, it is also shown that the best performance occurs at pH 5, where it reaches an arsenic removal of 94%. Ion competition studies show that arsenic removal capacity is slightly affected by chloride, carbonate, nitrate, and sulfate ions. According to the results, the synthesized samples are a promising material for treating arsenic-contaminated water.
Long-Time Persisting Superhydrophilicity on Sapphire Surface via Femtosecond Laser Processing with the Varnish of TiO2
Authors: Yan Dandan , Yu Zhi , Zou Tingting , Lin Yucai , Kong Wenchi , Yang Jianjun
Published: September 2022

The acquiring of superhydrophilic surfaces attracts the strong interest in self-cleaning, anti-fogging and anti-icing fields based on the unique features. However, the persistent time of superhydrophilic surfaces is still facing a big challenge because of easily adsorbing hydrophobic groups. Here, we propose a strategy to achieve a superhydrophilicity persisting for an unprecedently long time on sapphire surfaces, by compounding the femtosecond laser-induced hierarchical structures and the subsequent varnish of TiO2. The superhydrophilic effect (with a contact angle of CA = 0°) created by our method can be well prolonged to at least 180 days, even for its storage in air without additional illumination of UV lights. Based on comprehensive investigations, we attribute the underlying mechanisms to the coordination of laser-induced metal ions on the material surface via TiO2 doping, which not only prevents the adsorption of the nonpolar hydrocarbon groups, but also modulates the photo-response properties of TiO2. In addition, further experiments demonstrate the excellent anti-fogging properties of our prepared samples. This investigation provides a new perspective for further enhancing the durability of superhydrophilicity surfaces.
Influence of Stress on Electronic and Optical Properties of Rocksalt and Wurtzite MgO–ZnO Nanocomposites with Varying Concentrations of Magnesium and Zinc
Authors: Lin Yin-Pai , Piskunov Sergei , Trinkler Laima , Chou Mitch Ming-Chi , Chang Liuwen
Published: September 2022

The structural, electronic and optical properties of stressed MgO–ZnO nanocomposite alloys with concentrations of Zn and Mg varying from 0.125 to 0.875 were studied using ab initio simulations. Two crystal structures are considered for the initial MgO–ZnO alloys: the rocksalt Mg1−xZnxO and wurtzite Zn1−xMgxO phases. For rocksalt Mg1−xZnxO, the optimized structures are stable at pressures below 10 GPa. The larger the Mg concentration and pressure, the wider the Eg of the rocksalt phase. In contrast, the optimal geometries of wurtzite Zn1−xMgxO reveal a diversity of possibilities, including rocksalt, wurtzite and mixed phases. These effects lead to the fact that the optical properties of wurtzite Zn1−xMgxO not only demonstrate the properties of the wurtzite phase but also indicate the optical features of the rocksalt phase. In addition, mixed phases of Zn1−xMgxO simultaneously provide the characteristics of both wurtzite and rocksalt phases with the same structures in different dielectric matrices.
Adsorption Behavior of Toxic Carbon Dichalcogenides (CX2; X = O, S, or Se) on β12 Borophene and Pristine Graphene Sheets: A DFT Study
Authors: Ibrahim Mahmoud A. A. , Mahmoud Amna H. M. , Mekhemer Gamal A. H. , Shawky Ahmed M. , Soliman Mahmoud E. S. , Moussa Nayra A. M.
Published: September 2022

The adsorption of toxic carbon dichalcogenides (CX2; X = O, S, or Se) on β12 borophene (β12) and pristine graphene (GN) sheets was comparatively investigated. Vertical and parallel configurations of CX2⋯β12/GN complexes were studied herein via density functional theory (DFT) calculations. Energetic quantities confirmed that the adsorption process in the case of the parallel configuration was more desirable than that in the vertical analog and showed values up to −10.96 kcal/mol. The strength of the CX2⋯β12/GN complexes decreased in the order CSe2 > CS2 > CO2, indicating that β12 and GN sheets showed significant selectivity for the CSe2 molecule with superb potentiality for β12 sheets. Bader charge transfer analysis revealed that the CO2⋯β12/GN complexes in the parallel configuration had the maximum negative charge transfer values, up to −0.0304 e, outlining the electron-donating character of CO2. The CS2 and CSe2 molecules frequently exhibited dual behavior as electron donors in the vertical configuration and acceptors in the parallel one. Band structure results addressed some differences observed for the electronic structures of the pure β12 and GN sheets after the adsorption process, especially in the parallel configuration compared with the vertical one. According to the results of the density of states, new peaks were observed after adsorbing CX2 molecules on the studied 2D sheets. These results form a fundamental basis for future studies pertaining to applications of β12 and GN sheets for detecting toxic carbon dichalcogenides.
A Novel Nanocomposite of Zn(II)-Protoporphyrin-Chitosan-Multi Walled Carbon Nanotubes and the Application to Caffeic Acid Sensing
Authors: Han Bingkai , Wen Xin , Wang Jinneng , Sun Yingrui
Published: September 2022

Caffeic acid is an antioxidant that has been widely been related to the health benefits of people in recent years. In this paper, the amino side chains of chitosan (CS) were modified with protoporphyrin IX by amide cross-linking, and then Zn ions were chelated. The properties of metalloporphyrin-preparing functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and Zn ions chelated by protoporphyrin IX composites were used as sensitive-selective electrochemical biosensors for the determination of caffeic acid. The morphology and structure of nanocomposite Zn–PPIX–CS–MWCNTs were observed by X-ray spectroscopy mapping (EDX mapping), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The electrochemical behaviors of Zn–PPIX–CS–MWCNT-modified glassy carbon (GC) electrodes were evaluated by cyclic voltammetry (CV) and differential pulse voltammetry (DPV). The results show that the modified electrode had good electrocatalytic activity towards caffeic acid with a wide linear range of 0.0008–1.6 mM, an excellent sensitivity of 886.90 µAmM−1cm−1, and a detection limit of 0.022 µM. In addition, the caffeic acid sensor had excellent reproducibility, stability, and selectivity to various interfering substances. Therefore, the modified electrode prepared by this experiment can also be applied to electrochemical sensors of other substances.
Sex-Specific Associations between Serum Ferritin and Osteosarcopenic Obesity in Adults Aged over 50 Years
Authors: Chung Sung-Joon , Lim Han Sol , Lee Mi-Yeon , Lee Yong-Taek , Yoon Kyung Jae , Park Chul-Hyun
Published: September 2022

We investigated the sex-specific association between ferritin and adverse body composition in adults aged over 50 years in a population-based cohort. A total of 25,546 participants (16,912 women; 8634 men) were stratified into three groups by the tertiles of ferritin. The number of adverse body compositions was categorized as 0 (without osteopenia/osteoporosis, low muscle mass, or obesity), 1 (having one of the components), 2 (two), and 3 (all three; osteosarcopenic obesity). As ferritin tertile increased, the prevalence of one, two, or three simultaneous adverse body compositions increased, significant only in women (p < 0.0001), not in men (p = 0.125). Among women, the prevalence of osteosarcopenic obesity gradually increased from 1.7% in the lowest, to 2.2% in the middle, and 2.5% in the highest tertile. Using multivariate-adjusted analysis, women in the higher tertile had an increased likelihood of having multiple adverse body compositions compared with those in the lowest tertile. Women in the highest tertile had a 1.52 times increased risk of osteosarcopenic obesity than those in the lowest tertile. A high ferritin level was associated with an increased risk of having multiple adverse body compositions, especially for osteosarcopenic obesity in women aged >50 years, suggesting its potential use for detecting osteosarcopenic obesity.
Long-Term Results at 10 Years of Pouch Resizing for Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass Failure
Authors: Drai Céline , Chierici Andrea , Schiavo Luigi , Mazahreh Tagleb S. , Schneck Anne-Sophie , Iannelli Antonio
Published: September 2022

Background: Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) is currently one of the most performed bariatric procedures and it is associated with rapid weight loss. However, weight loss failure and weight regain after RYGB occurs in approximately 30% and 3–5% of patients, respectively, and represent a serious issue. RYGB pouch resizing is a surgical option that may be offered to selected patients with RYGB failure. The aim of this study is to assess long-term results of pouch resizing for RYGB failure. Materials and Methods: From February 2009 to November 2011, 20 consecutive patients underwent gastric pouch resizing for RYGB failure in our tertiary bariatric center. The primary outcome was the rate of failure (%EWL < 50% with at least one metabolic comorbidity) after at least 10 years from pouch resizing. Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) was also assessed. Results: Twenty patients (18 women (90%)) were included and seventeen (85%) joined the study. The failure rate of pouch resizing was 47%. Mean %EWL and mean BMI were 47%, and 35.1 kg/m2, respectively. Some of the persistent co-morbidities further improved or resolved after pouch resizing. Seven patients (41%) presented GERD requiring daily PPI with a significantly lower GERD-HQRL questionnaire score after pouch resizing (p < 0.001). Conclusion: Pouch resizing after RYGB results in a failure rate of 47% at the 10-year follow-up while the resolution of comorbidities is maintained over time despite a significant weight regain.
Glycation-Driven Inflammation: COVID-19 Severity in Pregnant Women and Perinatal Outcomes
Authors: Di Martino Daniela , Cappelletti Mattia , Tondo Marta , Basello Katia , Garbin Camilla , Speciani Attilio , Ferrazzi Enrico
Published: September 2022

The link between being pregnant and overweight or obese and the infectivity and virulence of the SARS CoV-2 virus is likely to be caused by SARS-CoV-2 spike protein glycosylation, which may work as a glycan shield. Methylglyoxal (MGO), an important advanced glycation end-product (AGE), and glycated albumin (GA) are the results of poor subclinical glucose metabolism and are indices of oxidative stress. Forty-one consecutive cases of SARS-CoV-2-positive pregnant patients comprising 25% pre-pregnancy overweight women and 25% obese women were recruited. The aim of our study was to compare the blood levels of MGO and GA in pregnant women with asymptomatic and symptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection with pregnant women without SARS-CoV-2 infection with low risk and uneventful pregnancies and to evaluate the relative perinatal outcomes. The MGO and GA values of the SARS-CoV-2 cases were statistically significantly higher than those of the negative control subjects. In addition, the SARS-CoV-2-positive pregnant patients who suffered of moderate to severe COVID-19 syndrome had higher values of GA than those infected and presenting with mild symptoms or those with asymptomatic infection. Premature delivery and infants of a small size for their gestational age were overrepresented in this cohort, even in mild-asymptomatic patients for whom delivery was not indicated by the COVID-19 syndrome. Moreover, ethnic minorities were overrepresented among the severe cases. The AGE–RAGE oxidative stress axis on the placenta and multiple organs caused by MGO and GA levels, associated with the biological mechanisms of the glycation of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein, could help to explain the infectivity and virulence of this virus in pregnant patients affected by being overweight or obese or having gestational diabetes, and the increased risk of premature delivery and/or low newborn weight.
Insights into Modifiable Risk Factors of Infertility: A Mendelian Randomization Study
Authors: Xu Wentao , You Yueyuan , Yu Tianqi , Li Jing
Published: September 2022

Objective: Observational studies have linked lifestyle, diet, obesity, and biochemical measures with infertility. Whether this association is causal is unclear. We sought to identify the causal relationship between modifiable risk factors with infertility. Methods: Using single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) as a genetic instrument variable, we carried out a two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis to estimate the causal effects for 22 modifiable risk factors on female infertility (6481 cases; 75,450 participants) and male infertility (680 cases; 73,479 participants). Results: The results of the study showed that BMI (OR: 1.24, 95% CI (1.09, 1.40)), body fat percentage (OR: 1.73, 95% CI (1.13, 2.64)), and alcohol consumption (OR: 6.57,95% CI (1.2, 36.14)) are associated with a higher risk of male infertility, and total fatty acids (OR: 1.16, 95% CI (1.03, 1.30), omega-6 fatty acids (OR: 1.14, 95% CI (1.00, 1.27)), and monounsaturated fatty acids (OR: 1.14, 95% CI (1.03, 1.28) are associated with a higher risk of infertility in women. We observed that higher education (OR: 0.77, 95% CI (0.64, 0.92)) was a protective factor for female infertility. Conclusions: BMI, body fat percentage, and alcohol consumption are risk factors for male infertility; total fatty acids, omega-6 fatty acids, and monounsaturated fatty acids are risk factors for female infertility, and education is a protective factor for female infertility.
The Potential Benefits and Controversies of Probiotics Use in Patients at Different Stages of Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Tian Na , Li Lu , Ng Jack Kit-Chung , Li Philip Kam-Tao
Published: September 2022

The therapeutic modulation of the gut microbiome has been suggested to be one of the tools in the integrated management of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in recent years. Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium genera are the two most commonly used probiotics strains. Most of the probiotics used in studies are mixed formulation. There is no consensus on the dose and duration of the probiotic administration for CKD patients Increasing evidence indicates that patients with early stage (1–2) CKD have an altered quantitative and qualitative microbiota profile. However, there was a dearth of prospective controlled studies on the use of probiotics in the early stage of the CKD population. The association between gut microbiota disturbance and advanced CKD was reported. Most randomized controlled trials on probiotic treatment used in CKD stage 3–5ND patients reported positive results. The metabolites of abnormal gut microbiota are directly involved in the pathogenetic mechanisms of cardiovascular disease and inflammation. We summarized 13 studies performed in the dialysis population, including 10 in hemodialysis (HD) patients and 3 in peritoneal dialysis (PD). Some controversial results were concluded on the decreasing plasma concentration of uremic toxin, symptoms, inflammation, and cardiovascular risk. Only three randomized controlled trials on PD were reported to show the potential beneficial effects of probiotics on inflammation, uremic toxins and gastrointestinal symptoms. There is still no standard in the dosage and duration of the use of probiotics in CKD patients. Overall, the probiotic administration may have potential benefit in improving symptoms and quality of life, reducing inflammation, and delaying the progression of kidney failure. Further research studies using a larger sample size with longer follow-up durations and a greater focus on clinical outcomes—including survival—are warranted to elucidate the significant clinical impact of the use of probiotics in CKD patients.
Rectal Cancer Presenting with Absceding Infection Due to Fusobacterium nucleatum
Authors: Zundler Sebastian , Mardin Christian , Bertz Simone , Vitali Francesco , Strauß Richard , Fürst Julia , Neurath Markus F. , Strobel Deike
Published: September 2022

Intestinal microbiota such as Fusobacterium nucleatum play an important role in the pathogenesis of colorectal cancer. Here, we describe the case of a 47-year-old patient presenting with endophthalmitis and a liver abscess due to Fusobacterium nucleatum that prompted the diagnosis of colorectal cancer as the most likely source of infection. This case highlights that colorectal cancer needs to be considered in patients with systemic infection with Fusobacterium nucleatum and colonoscopy should be performed.
Amoxicillin-Resistant Streptococci Carriage in the Mouths of Children: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Araújo Júnior Ayrton G. , Costa Marina L. V. A. , Silva Felipe R. P. , Arcanjo Daniel D. R. , Moura Lúcia F. A. D. , Oliveira Felipe A. A. , Soares Maria J. S. , Quelemes Patrick V.
Published: September 2022

Streptococcal bacteremia that occurs during invasive dental procedures can lead to infective endocarditis (IE) in children with certain heart diseases. Prior to such procedures, antibiotic prophylaxis (AP) with amoxicillin (AMPC) is recommended. However, the detection of amoxicillin-resistant strains (AMPC-RS) in the mouths of children with heart diseases raises the concern that they would be uncovered by the action of standard AP. This work carried out a systematic review and meta-analysis regarding AMPC-RS carriage in the mouths of children. We consulted databases covering studies between the years 2000 and 2021, following the PRISMA declaration. A meta-analysis was carried out to assess the prevalence of children carrying AMPC-RS in the mouths. The antimicrobial tests were carried out by microdilution (46.2% of articles), disk diffusion (38.3%), and the E-test (15.4%). Streptococcus mitis and S. sanguinis were bacteria with the most found resistance phenotype, with MIC reaching values of 128 µg/mL. Of the 13 selected articles, only 6 presented results that made it possible to calculate the prevalence of children carrying AMPC-RS in their mouths, ranging from 5.5% to 86.3%. Most of the studies were classified as high quality, and the collected data demonstrate the presence of streptococcal strains with different levels of resistance in the collected samples, such as the dental plaque. The meta-analysis pointed to evidence of AMPC-RS being carried, with a prevalence of 21.3% (I² = 0%, p = 0.705). There is an important prevalence of AMPC-RS carriage in the mouths of children. Specific attention should be directed to AP in those susceptible to IE.
The Effect of Mass Testing, Treatment and Tracking on the Prevalence of Febrile Illness in Children under 15 in Ghana
Authors: Ahorlu Collins Stephen , Ndong Ignatius Cheng , Okyere Daniel , Mensah Benedicta A. , Chu Chuo Ennestine , Enos Juliana Y. , Abuaku Benjamin
Published: September 2022

Background: Malaria remains a serious threat to children under 15 years of age in sub-Sahara Africa. Mass testing, treatment and tracking (MTTT) of malaria has been reported to reduce parasite load significantly. However, the impact of MTTT on the prevalence of febrile illnesses in children under 15 is not yet clear. This study explores the impact of MTTT complemented by prompt home-based management of malaria on febrile illnesses and their treatment in children under 15 years old. Methods: A cohort of 460 children under 15 years were recruited from the Pakro subdistrict in Ghana during a community-wide implementation of a quarterly MTTT intervention. The MTTT implementation involved testing all household members for malaria using RDTs, and positive cases were treated with Artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT). Febrile illnesses among this cohort in the two weeks prior to the prevalence survey at baseline and endline were recorded to constitute date for analysis. Results: The prevalence of febrile illnesses, such chills, convulsion, fever, diarrhoea, headache, vomit, cough/rashes or stomachache, etc., were recorded). Asymptomatic parasitaemia prevalence at baseline was 53.3%, which dropped to 44.1% at evaluation. An overall decrease in the parasitaemia prevalence of 33.0% (OR = 0.67, CI = 0.50, 0.89) was observed at evaluation compared to baseline after adjusting for age, ITN use and temperature. A 67% decrease in severe anaemia cases (Hb < 7) was observed at evaluation. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that implementing MTTT complemented by home-based timely management of malaria does not only reduce febrile illnesses and for that matter malaria prevalence, but could also reduce severe anaemia in children under 15 years old.
Monoamine Neurotransmitters Control Basic Emotions and Affect Major Depressive Disorders
Authors: Jiang Yao , Zou Di , Li Yumeng , Gu Simeng , Dong Jie , Ma Xianjun , Xu Shijun , Wang Fushun , Huang Jason H.
Published: September 2022

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a common and complex mental disorder, that adversely impacts an individual’s quality of life, but its diagnosis and treatment are not accurately executed and a symptom-based approach is utilized in most cases, due to the lack of precise knowledge regarding the pathophysiology. So far, the first-line treatments are still based on monoamine neurotransmitters. Even though there is a lot of progress in this field, the mechanisms seem to get more and more confusing, and the treatment is also getting more and more controversial. In this study, we try to review the broad advances of monoamine neurotransmitters in the field of MDD, and update its effects in many advanced neuroscience studies. We still propose the monoamine hypothesis but paid special attention to their effects on the new pathways for MDD, such as inflammation, oxidative stress, neurotrophins, and neurogenesis, especially in the glial cells, which have recently been found to play an important role in many neurodegenerative disorders, including MDD. In addition, we will extend the monoamine hypothesis to basic emotions; as suggested in our previous reports, the three monoamine neurotransmitters play different roles in emotions: dopamine—joy, norepinephrine—fear (anger), serotonins—disgust (sadness). Above all, this paper tries to give a full picture of the relationship between the MDD and the monoamine neurotransmitters such as DA, NE, and 5-HT, as well as their contributions to the Three Primary Color Model of Basic Emotions (joy, fear, and disgust). This is done by explaining the contribution of the monoamine from many sides for MDD, such the digestive tract, astrocytes, microglial, and others, and very briefly addressing the potential of monoamine neurotransmitters as a therapeutic approach for MDD patients and also the reasons for its limited clinical efficacy, side effects, and delayed onset of action. We hope this review might offer new pharmacological management of MDD.
Anti-Alzheimer and Antioxidant Effects of Nelumbo nucifera L. Alkaloids, Nuciferine and Norcoclaurine in Alloxan-Induced Diabetic Albino Rats
Authors: Khan Shahnaz , Khan Hidayat Ullah , Khan Farman Ali , Shah Afzal , Wadood Abdul , Ahmad Shujaat , Almehmadi Mazen , Alsaiari Ahad Amer , Shah Farid Ullah , Kamran Naveed
Published: September 2022

The present study is aimed to determine the efficacy and dose response of the nuciferine (1), norcoclaurine (2) and crude extract of Nelumbo nucifera in managements of diabetes, Alzheimer disease and related allergies. Experimentally, alloxan (100 mg/kg body weight (b.w.))-induced diabetic rats (200–250 g) were divided into seven groups (n = 6). Group I: normal control, Group II: diabetic control, Group III: standard treated with glibenclamide and Group lV-VII: treated with methanolic crude extracts (100, 200 mg/kg), nuciferine and norcoclaurine (10 mg/kg b.w.) for 15 days. Different tests were performed, including blood glucose, body weights and antioxidant enzyme assays, i.e., superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase test (CAT), lipid peroxidation assay (TBARS), glutathione assay (GSH) and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) assay. Nuciferine and norcoclaurine significantly reduced blood glucose (p < 0.05) and restored body weight in diabetic rats. Moreover, nuciferine and norcoclaurine (10 mg/kg) significantly recovered the antioxidant enzymes (SOD, CAT, GPx and GSH) which decreased during induced diabetes. Significant increase in TBARS was also observed in the diabetic group and nuciferine as well as norcoclaurine (10 mg/kg) inhibited the increase in TBARS in diabetic animals (p < 0.05), as compared to glibenclamide. AChE activity was significantly recovered by nuciferine and norcoclaurine (10 mg/kg) both in the blood and brain of the diabetic group (p < 0.05). Nuciferine and norcoclaurine showed potent inhibitory effects against α-glucosidase and α-amylase with IC50, 19.06 ± 0.03, 15.03 ± 0.09 μM and 24.07 ± 0.05, 18.04 ± 0.021 μM, as confirmed by molecular docking studies. This study concludes that nuciferine and norcoclaurine significantly improve memory and could be considered as an effective phytomedicine for diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and oxidative stress.