bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Coordinated Transcriptional Waves Define the Inflammatory Response of Primary Microglial Culture
Authors: Zohar Keren , Lezmi Elyad , Reichert Fanny , Eliyahu Tsiona , Rotshenker Shlomo , Weinstock Marta , Linial Michal
Published: June 2023

The primary role of microglia is to maintain homeostasis by effectively responding to various disturbances. Activation of transcriptional programs determines the microglia’s response to external stimuli. In this study, we stimulated murine neonatal microglial cells with benzoyl ATP (bzATP) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS), and monitored their ability to release pro-inflammatory cytokines. When cells are exposed to bzATP, a purinergic receptor agonist, a short-lived wave of transcriptional changes, occurs. However, only combining bzATP and LPS led to a sustainable and robust response. The transcriptional profile is dominated by induced cytokines (e.g., IL-1α and IL-1β), chemokines, and their membrane receptors. Several abundant long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are induced by bzATP/LPS, including Ptgs2os2, Bc1, and Morrbid, that function in inflammation and cytokine production. Analyzing the observed changes through TNF (Tumor necrosis factor) and NF-κB (nuclear factor kappa light chain enhancer of activated B cells) pathways confirmed that neonatal glial cells exhibit a distinctive expression program in which inflammatory-related genes are upregulated by orders of magnitude. The observed capacity of the microglial culture to activate a robust inflammatory response is useful for studying neurons under stress, brain injury, and aging. We propose the use of a primary neonatal microglia culture as a responsive in vitro model for testing drugs that may interact with inflammatory signaling and the lncRNA regulatory network.
Efficacy of Green Synthesized Nanoparticles in Photodynamic Therapy: A Therapeutic Approach
Authors: Zahra Mehak , Chota Alexander , Abrahamse Heidi , George Blassan P.
Published: June 2023

Cancer is a complex and diverse disease characterized by the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in the body. It poses a significant global public health challenge and remains a leading cause of death. The rise in cancer cases and deaths is a significant worry, emphasizing the immediate need for increased awareness, prevention, and treatment measures. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) has emerged as a potential treatment for various types of cancer, including skin, lung, bladder, and oesophageal cancer. A key advantage of PDT is its ability to selectively target cancer cells while sparing normal cells. This is achieved by preferentially accumulating photosensitizing agents (PS) in cancer cells and precisely directing light activation to the tumour site. Consequently, PDT reduces the risk of harming surrounding healthy cells, which is a common drawback of conventional therapies such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy. The use of medicinal plants for therapeutic purposes has a long history dating back thousands of years and continues to be an integral part of healthcare in many cultures worldwide. Plant extracts and phytochemicals have demonstrated the ability to enhance the effectiveness of PDT by increasing the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and promoting apoptosis (cell death) in cancer cells. This natural approach capitalizes on the eco-friendly nature of plant-based photoactive compounds, offering valuable insights for future research. Nanotechnology has also played a pivotal role in medical advancements, particularly in the development of targeted drug delivery systems. Therefore, this review explores the potential of utilizing photosensitizing phytochemicals derived from medicinal plants as a viable source for PDT in the treatment of cancer. The integration of green photodynamic therapy with plant-based compounds holds promise for novel treatment alternatives for various chronic illnesses. By harnessing the scientific potential of plant-based compounds for PDT, we can pave the way for innovative and sustainable treatment strategies.
The Impact of Hydroxychloroquine on Primary Feto-Placental Endothelial Cells from Healthy and Early-Onset Preeclamptic Placentas
Authors: Gajić Maja , Schröder-Heurich Bianca , Horvat Mercnik Monika , Cervar-Zivkovic Mila , Wadsack Christian , von Versen-Höynck Frauke , Mayer-Pickel Karoline
Published: June 2023

Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ), an anti-malarial drug, is suggested as a promising candidate for the treatment of pregnancy-related disorders associated with endothelial activation, among which there is preeclampsia (PE). Arterial feto-placental endothelial cells (fpECAs) were isolated from control (CTR) and early-onset preeclamptic (EO-PE) placentas. The aim of this study was to test potential protective effects of HCQ in an in vitro model of endothelial activation as well as in cells isolated from EO-PE placentas. To mimic PE conditions, CTR fpECAs were exposed to a pro-inflammatory environment consisting of tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-1β (furtherly referred as MIX) with or without varying concentrations of HCQ (1 µg/mL and 10 µg/mL). Their effect on wound healing and endothelial barrier integrity was analyzed. Variations in the expression of IL-8 and leukocyte adhesion molecules (LAM) on both mRNA and protein levels were determined between CTR and PE fpECAs in the presence or absence of HCQ. MIX decreased wound healing and stability of the endothelial barrier, but HCQ did not affect it. Significant differences between CTR and EO-PE fpECAs were observed in IL-8 mRNA, protein secretion, and vascular cell adhesion protein 1 (VCAM-1) mRNA expression levels. After challenging CTR fpECAs with MIX, upregulation of both mRNA and protein levels was observed in all molecules. Combined treatment of HCQ and MIX slightly lowered VCAM-1 total protein amount. In CTR fpECAs, treatment with low concentrations of HCQ alone (1 µg/mL) reduced basal levels of IL-8 and VCAM-1 mRNA and secretion of IL-8, while in EO-PE fpECAs, a higher (10µg/mL) HCQ concentration slightly reduced the gene expression of IL-8. Conclusion: These results provide additional support for the safety of HCQ, as it did not adversely affect endothelial functionality in control fpECAs at the tested concentration. Furthermore, the observed limited effects on IL-8 secretion in EO-PE fpECAs warrant further investigation, highlighting the need for clinical trials to assess the potential therapeutic effects of HCQ in preeclampsia. Conducting clinical trials would offer a more comprehensive understanding of HCQ’s efficacy and safety, allowing us to explore its potential benefits and limitations in a real-world clinical setting.
Inhibitory Investigations of Acyl-CoA Derivatives against Human Lipoxygenase Isozymes
Authors: Tran Michelle , Yang Kevin , Glukhova Alisa , Holinstat Michael , Holman Theodore
Published: June 2023

Lipid metabolism is a complex process crucial for energy production resulting in high levels of acyl-coenzyme A (acyl-CoA) molecules in the cell. Acyl-CoAs have also been implicated in inflammation, which could be possibly linked to lipoxygenase (LOX) biochemistry by the observation that an acyl-CoA was bound to human platelet 12-lipoxygenase via cryo-EM. Given that LOX isozymes play a pivotal role in inflammation, a more thorough investigation of the inhibitory effects of acyl-CoAs on lipoxygenase isozymes was judged to be warranted. Subsequently, it was determined that C18 acyl-CoA derivatives were the most potent against h12-LOX, human reticulocyte 15-LOX-1 (h15-LOX-1), and human endothelial 15-LOX-2 (h15-LOX-2), while C16 acyl-CoAs were more potent against human 5-LOX. Specifically, oleoyl-CoA (18:1) was most potent against h12-LOX (IC50 = 32 μM) and h15-LOX-2 (IC50 = 0.62 μM), stearoyl-CoA against h15-LOX-1 (IC50 = 4.2 μM), and palmitoleoyl-CoA against h5-LOX (IC50 = 2.0 μM). The inhibition of h15-LOX-2 by oleoyl-CoA was further determined to be allosteric inhibition with a Ki of 82 +/− 70 nM, an α of 3.2 +/− 1, a β of 0.30 +/− 0.07, and a β/α = 0.09. Interestingly, linoleoyl-CoA (18:2) was a weak inhibitor against h5-LOX, h12-LOX, and h15-LOX-1 but a rapid substrate for h15-LOX-1, with comparable kinetic rates to free linoleic acid (kcat = 7.5 +/− 0.4 s−1, kcat/KM = 0.62 +/− 0.1 µM−1s−1). Additionally, it was determined that methylated fatty acids were not substrates but rather weak inhibitors. These findings imply a greater role for acyl-CoAs in the regulation of LOX activity in the cell, either through inhibition of novel oxylipin species or as a novel source of oxylipin-CoAs.
Incomplete Recovery from the Radiocontrast-Induced Dysregulated Cell Cycle, Adhesion, and Fibrogenesis in Renal Tubular Cells after Radiocontrast (Iohexol) Removal
Authors: Chen Hsing-Yu , Wu Yi-Hong , Wei Cheng-Yu , Liao Zhi-Yao , Wu Hsiao-Ting , Chen Yung-Chang , Pang Jong-Hwei S.
Published: June 2023

Contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) is one of the most common causes of acute kidney injury (AKI). However, management is still limited, and the cellular response to radiocontrast removal for CIN remains unclear. This study aimed to explore the latent effects of iohexol in cultured renal tubular cells with or without the removal of iohexol by medium replacement. HK2 renal tubular cells were subcultured 24 h before use in CIN experiments. Three treatment groups were established: the control, a radiocontrast (iohexol)-only group at 75 mg I/mL (I-75), and iohexol exposure for 24 h with culture medium replacement (I-75/M). Cell cycle arrest, fibrogenic mediator assays, cell viability, cell function, and cell-cycle-related protein expression were compared between groups. Iohexol induced numerous changes in HK2 renal tubular cells, such as enlarged cell shape, cell cycle arrest, increased apoptosis, and polyploidy. Iohexol inhibited the expression of cyclins, CDKs, ZO-1, and E-cadherin but conversely enhanced the expression of p21 and fibrosis-related genes, including TGF-β1, CTGF, collagen I, collagen III, and HIF-1α within 60 hr after the exposure. Except for the recovery from cell cycle arrest and cell cycle gene expression, notably, the removal of iohexol by medium replacement could not fully recover the renal tubular cells from the formation of polyploid cells, the adhesion or spreading, or the expression of fibrosis-related genes. The present study demonstrates, for the first time, that iohexol exerts latent cytotoxic effects on cultured renal tubular cells after its removal, suggesting that these irreversible cell changes may cause the insufficiency of radiocontrast reduction in CIN, which is worth investigating further.
Beneficial Effects of Astragalus membranaceus (Fisch.) Bunge Extract in Controlling Inflammatory Response and Preventing Asthma Features
Authors: D’Avino Danilo , Cerqua Ida , Ullah Hammad , Spinelli Michele , Di Matteo Rita , Granato Elisabetta , Capasso Raffaele , Maruccio Lucianna , Ialenti Armando , Daglia Maria , Roviezzo Fiorentina , Rossi Antonietta
Published: June 2023

Astragalus membranaceus (Fisch.) Bunge root is used as herbal medicine for its immunomodulating activities in Chinese medicine. Recently, beneficial properties of A. membranaceus on allergic diseases have been proposed. Here we investigated the role of a commercial extract of A. membranaceus, standardized to 16% polysaccharides, in regulating the immune-inflammatory response in vitro and in vivo and its therapeutic application in asthma. A. membranaceus extract inhibited prostaglandin E2 and leukotriene C4 production in stimulated J774 and peritoneal macrophages, respectively. The extract also reduced interlukin-1β, tumor necrosis factor-α, and nitrite production, affecting inducible nitric oxide synthase expression. In vivo experiments confirmed the anti-inflammatory properties of A. membranaceus, as evident by a reduction in zymosan-induced peritoneal cellular infiltration and pro-inflammatory mediator production. The efficacy of A. membranaceus extract in modulating the immune response was confirmed in a model of allergic airway inflammation. Extracts improve lung function by inhibiting airway hyperresponsiveness, airway remodeling, and fibrosis. Its anti-asthmatic effects were further sustained by inhibition of the sensitization process, as indicated by a reduction of ovalbumin-induced IgE levels and the mounting of a Th2 immune response. In conclusion, our data demonstrate the anti-inflammatory properties of the commercial extract of A. membranaceus and its beneficial effects on asthma feature development.
Novel Molecular Mechanisms Underlying Tumorigenesis and Innovative Therapeutic Approaches for Cancer-Fighting
Authors: Pecoraro Annalisa , Russo Giulia , Russo Annapina
Published: June 2023

Remarkable advances have been made in cancer therapy; however, the high degree of cellular heterogeneity observed during cancer progression is the major driver in the development of resistant phenotypes upon treatment administration [...]
Anti-β2-glycoprotein I/HLA-DR Antibody and Adverse Obstetric Outcomes
Authors: Tanimura Kenji , Saito Shigeru , Tsuda Sayaka , Ono Yosuke , Ota Hajime , Wada Shinichiro , Deguchi Masashi , Nakatsuka Mikiya , Nagamatsu Takeshi , Fujii Tomoyuki , Kobashi Gen , Arase Hisashi , Yamada Hideto
Published: June 2023

Anti-β2-glycoprotein I/HLA-DR (anti-β2GPI/HLA-DR) antibody has been reported to be associated with antiphospholipid syndrome and recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL). We conducted a prospective multicenter cross-sectional study aimed at evaluating whether the anti-β2GPI/HLA-DR antibody is associated with adverse obstetric outcomes and RPL. From 2019 to 2021, serum anti-β2GPI/HLA-DR antibody levels (normal, <73.3 U) were measured in 462 women with RPL, 124 with fetal growth restriction (FGR), 138 with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP), 71 with preterm delivery before 34 gestational weeks (preterm delivery (PD) ≤ 34 GWs), and 488 control women who experienced normal delivery, by flow cytometry analysis. The adjusted odds ratios (aORs) of anti-β2GPI/HLA-DR antibody positivity for adverse obstetric outcomes and RPL were evaluated on the basis of comparisons between the control and each patient group, using multivariable logistic regression analysis. The following were the positivity rates for the anti-β2GPI/HLA-DR antibody in the patient and control groups: RPL, 16.9%; FGR, 15.3%; HDP, 17.4%; PD ≤ 34 GWs, 11.3%; and the control, 5.5%. It was demonstrated that anti-β2GPI/HLA-DR antibody positivity was a significant risk factor for RPL (aOR, 3.3 [95% confidence interval {CI} 1.9–5.6], p < 0.001), FGR (2.7 [1.3–5.3], p < 0.01), and HDP (2.7 [1.4–5.3], p < 0.01) although not for PD ≤ 34 GWs. For the first time, our study demonstrated that the anti-β2GPI/HLA-DR antibody is involved in the pathophysiology underlying FGR and HDP, as well as RPL.
Efficient Clustering of Visible Light Communications in VANET
Authors: Chen Yu-Yen , Wang Pi-Chung
Published: June 2023

The deployment of vehicular ad hoc network (VANET) is crucial to the development of autonomous vehicles. Radio frequency (RF) technology has been employed to transmit messages between vehicles and infrastructure in VANET. However, the limited RF bands may cause interference when vehicles transmit messages in a high-density environment. Moreover, when numerous vehicles transmit messages to the infrastructure at the same time, the simultaneous transmissions may cause channel congestion. While the issue of signal interference can be solved by the techniques of Visible Light Communication (VLC), vehicle clustering can be employed to improve the transmission performance of vehicles. VLC is an emerging technology with the advantage of immunity to electromagnetic interference. The technique of vehicle clustering categorizes vehicles into different sets, where each set has a leader for intra-cluster messaging. In this work, we present a clustering algorithm for VANET based on VLC. Our algorithm estimates the positions of vehicles based on their current movements. Then, it selects cluster heads based on the number of neighboring vehicles and generates clusters. We evaluate the performance of our scheme for both urban and highway scenarios. The simulation results show that the proposed algorithm can minimize the number of clusters and improve the transmission data rate for vehicles.
Investigative and Usability Findings of the Move-D Orthotic Brace Prototype for Upper Extremity Tremors in Pediatric Patients: An Unblinded, Experimental Study
Authors: Taraman Sharief , Moss Amy , Le Hieu , Sayrs Lois , Li Tianyi
Published: June 2023

Tremors affect pediatric and adult populations, with roughly 3% of people worldwide experiencing essential tremors. Treatments include medication, deep brain stimulation, occupational/physical therapy, or adaptive equipment. This unblinded experimental pre-test–post-test study was performed (April–September 2021) at Children’s Health of Orange County, evaluating the effectiveness of Move-D, a novel orthotic brace, on pediatric tremors. Ten participants (14–19 years old) experiencing upper extremity tremors (5 essential, 2 dystonic, 1 coarse, 1 postural, and 1 unspecified) were enrolled. Participants completed a usability survey and performance was measured utilizing the Bruininks–Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency, second edition, with and without the brace, using one-sided t-tests of mean differences. Move-D improved age-equivalent scores for fine motor precision by 20.5 months and upper limb coordination by 15.1 months. Manual coordination percentile rankings increased by 2.9%. Manual dexterity performance was unaffected. The usability survey revealed that 7/10 participants agreed or strongly agreed that they could move their arm freely while wearing the brace, the brace reduced their tremors, and they felt comfortable wearing the brace at home. Through standardized testing and findings from the usability survey, Move-D showed an improvement of functional abilities in a pediatric population with tremors.
Motion Vector Extrapolation for Video Object Detection
Authors: True Julian , Khan Naimul
Published: June 2023

Despite the continued successes of computationally efficient deep neural network architectures for video object detection, performance continually arrives at the great trilemma of speed versus accuracy versus computational resources (pick two). Current attempts to exploit temporal information in video data to overcome this trilemma are bottlenecked by the state of the art in object detection models. This work presents motion vector extrapolation (MOVEX), a technique which performs video object detection through the use of off-the-shelf object detectors alongside existing optical flow-based motion estimation techniques in parallel. This work demonstrates that this approach significantly reduces the baseline latency of any given object detector without sacrificing accuracy performance. Further latency reductions up to 24 times lower than the original latency can be achieved with minimal accuracy loss. MOVEX enables low-latency video object detection on common CPU-based systems, thus allowing for high-performance video object detection beyond the domain of GPU computing.
Ambiguity in Solving Imaging Inverse Problems with Deep-Learning-Based Operators
Authors: Evangelista Davide , Morotti Elena , Piccolomini Elena Loli , Nagy James
Published: June 2023

In recent years, large convolutional neural networks have been widely used as tools for image deblurring, because of their ability in restoring images very precisely. It is well known that image deblurring is mathematically modeled as an ill-posed inverse problem and its solution is difficult to approximate when noise affects the data. Really, one limitation of neural networks for deblurring is their sensitivity to noise and other perturbations, which can lead to instability and produce poor reconstructions. In addition, networks do not necessarily take into account the numerical formulation of the underlying imaging problem when trained end-to-end. In this paper, we propose some strategies to improve stability without losing too much accuracy to deblur images with deep-learning-based methods. First, we suggest a very small neural architecture, which reduces the execution time for training, satisfying a green AI need, and does not extremely amplify noise in the computed image. Second, we introduce a unified framework where a pre-processing step balances the lack of stability of the following neural-network-based step. Two different pre-processors are presented. The former implements a strong parameter-free denoiser, and the latter is a variational-model-based regularized formulation of the latent imaging problem. This framework is also formally characterized by mathematical analysis. Numerical experiments are performed to verify the accuracy and stability of the proposed approaches for image deblurring when unknown or not-quantified noise is present; the results confirm that they improve the network stability with respect to noise. In particular, the model-based framework represents the most reliable trade-off between visual precision and robustness.
Improvement of DOPA-Melanin Production by Aspergillus nidulans Using Eco-Friendly and Inexpensive Substrates
Authors: Campanhol Beatriz Silva , Ribeiro Beatriz Dias , Casellato Fernando , Medina Kelly Johana Dussán , Sponchiado Sandra Regina Pombeiro
Published: June 2023

Fungal pigments, including melanin, are recognized as promising materials for biomedical, environmental, and technological applications. In previous studies, we have demonstrated that the DOPA-melanin produced by the MEL1 mutant of Aspergillus nidulans exhibits antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial activities without any cytotoxic or mutagenic effects, suggesting its potential use in pharmaceuticals. In order to increase the yield of this pigment and reduce the costs of its large-scale production, the present study aimed to evaluate agro-industrial by-products, sugarcane molasses, vinasse, and corn steep liquor as inexpensive substrates for fungal growth using experimental design methodology. According to the results obtained, the optimal composition of the culture medium was 0.81% (v/v) vinasse and 1.62% (w/v) glucose, which promoted a greater production of melanin (225.39 ± 4.52 mg g−1 of biomass), representing a 2.25-fold increase compared with the condition before optimization (100.32 mg.g−1 of biomass). Considering the amount of biomass obtained in the optimized condition, it was possible to obtain a total melanin production of 1 g L−1. Therefore, this formulation of a less complex and low-cost culture medium composition makes the large-scale process economically viable for future biotechnological applications of melanin produced by A. nidulans.
Improved Flotation Separation of Scheelite from Calcite by Sulfomethylated Kraft Lignin
Authors: Qian Hang , Bao Jinpan , Shen Chuxiong , Wu Dan , Wang Jianshe , Hao Haiqing , Zhang Yongsheng
Published: June 2023

Low-grade and high-reserve scheelite, which is associated with calcite, has similar surface properties that cause difficulty in separation. In this study, sulfomethylated kraft lignin (SMKL) was used as a novel eco-friendly inhibitor for the flotation separation of scheelite and calcite. The flotation test results showed that 60 mg/L SMKL had a significant influence on depressing calcite flotation, while it had a slight effect on scheelite flotation. Furthermore, it enhanced the WO3 grade of the concentrate in the artificial mixed ore to 62.02% with a recovery rate of 80.37%. The contact angle and zeta potential showed that SMKL could effectively decrease the surface floatability of calcite and caused the negative shift of minerals’ surface potential. XPS and DFT calculations revealed that the sulfonic acid group of SMKL had an electron-donating ability and was easily adsorbed on the positively charged surface of calcite, which hindered the adsorption of sodium oleate on calcite. SMKL could separate calcium-bearing minerals with a high efficiency and selectivity, providing a new method for industrial production.
A Novel Approach for Analyzing the Effects of Almen Intensity on the Residual Stress and Hardness of Shot-Peened (TiB + TiC)/Ti–6Al–4V Composite: Deep Learning
Authors: Maleki Erfan , Unal Okan , Seyedi Sahebari Seyed Mahmoud , Reza Kashyzadeh Kazem
Published: June 2023

In the present study, the experimental data of a shot-peened (TiB + TiC)/Ti–6Al–4V composite with two volume fractions of 5 and 8% for TiB + TiC reinforcements were used to develop a neural network based on the deep learning technique. In this regard, the distributions of hardness and residual stresses through the depth of the materials as the properties affected by shot peening (SP) treatment were modeled via the deep neural network. The values of the TiB + TiC content, Almen intensity, and depth from the surface were considered as the inputs, and the corresponding measured values of the residual stresses and hardness were regarded as the outputs. In addition, the surface coverage parameter was assumed to be constant in all samples, and only changes in the Almen intensity were considered as the SP process parameter. Using the presented deep neural network (DNN) model, the distributions of hardness and residual stress from the top surface to the core material were continuously evaluated for different combinations of input parameters, including the Almen intensity of the SP process and the volume fractions of the composite reinforcements.
Polymeric Coatings for Magnesium Alloys for Biodegradable Implant Application: A Review
Authors: Keerthiga G. , Prasad M. J. N. V. , Vijayshankar Dandapani , Singh Raman R. K.
Published: June 2023

Magnesium (Mg) alloys are a very attractive material of construction for biodegradable temporary implants. However, Mg alloys suffer unacceptably rapid corrosion rates in aqueous environments, including physiological fluid, that may cause premature mechanical failure of the implant. This necessitates a biodegradable surface barrier coating that should delay the corrosion of the implant until the fractured/damaged bone has healed. This review takes a brief account of the merits and demerits of various existing coating methodologies for the mitigation of Mg alloy corrosion. Since among the different coating approaches investigated, no single coating recipe seems to address the degradation control and functionality entirely, this review argues the need for polymer-based and biodegradable composite coatings.
Corrosion Resistance Enhancement of CoCrFeMnNi High-Entropy Alloy with WC Particle Reinforcements via Laser Melting Deposition
Authors: Peng Zhen , Fan Zize , Abdullah Muhammad Raies , Ren Congcong , Li Jinfeng , Gong Pan
Published: June 2023

In the present work, a WC particle-reinforced CoCrFeMnNi high-entropy alloy (HEA) was fabricated by laser melting deposition (LMDed). The LMDed CoCrFeMnNi high-entropy alloy (CoCrFeMnNi) composite is primarily comprised of a face-centered cubic (FCC) crystal structure. However, in the case of CoCrFeMnNi with 2.5 wt.% WC, it exhibits a combination of an FCC matrix and a ceramic phase known as M23C6. The corrosion behavior of CoCrFeMnNi and CoCrFeMnNi with 2.5 wt.% WC particle in 0.5 M H2SO4 was comparatively investigated. Compared with CoCrFeMnNi, the passive film formed on the CoCrFeMnNi with 2.5 wt.% WC had a more stable and stronger protective property. The corrosion current density of the CoCrFeMnNi with 2.5 wt.% WC dropped by 149.1% compared to that of the CoCrFeMnNi, indicating that the CoCrFeMnNi with 2.5 wt.% WC had better corrosion resistance than that of the CoCrFeMnNi.
Low Temperature Nitriding of Metal Alloys for Surface Mechanical Performance
Authors: Drouet Michel , Le Bourhis Eric
Published: June 2023

Metallic alloys are, by essence, ductile and stiff and can support loads without sudden rupture. This ductility becomes a disadvantage when applications require wear resistance. In this case, the hardening of the surface is required while retaining a core performance. Here, nitriding at low temperatures has proven to be beneficial and has potential. In fact, any phase transitions or unwanted compound precipitations that occur at higher temperatures have to be avoided as they would have a deleterious effect on the chemical homogeneity and mechanical properties. The present contribution summarizes the achievements made with such treatments on metallic alloys. We considered the most popular treatments, namely plasma, implantation, and gas nitridings.
Photoluminescent and Scintillating Performance of Eu3+-Doped Boroaluminosilicate Glass Scintillators
Authors: Gong Yujia , Li Lianjie , Chen Junyu , Guo Hai
Published: June 2023

In comparison with single crystal scintillators, glass scintillators are more promising materials for their benefits of easy preparation, low cost, controllable size, and large-scale manufacture. The emission of Eu3+ ion at 612 nm matches well with the photoelectric detector, making it suitable for the activator in glass scintillators. Therefore, the research on Eu3+ doped glass scintillators attract our attention. The photoluminescent and scintillating properties of Eu3+-activated boroaluminosilicate glass scintillators prepared by the conventional melt-quenching method were investigated in this work. The glass samples present good internal quantum yield. Under X-ray radiation, the optimal sample reveals high X-ray excited luminesce (XEL), and its integrated intensity of XEL is 22.7% of that of commercial crystal scintillator Bi4Ge3O12. Furthermore, the optimal specimen possesses a spatial resolution of 14 lp/mm in X-ray imaging. These results suggest that Eu3+-doped boroaluminosilicate glass is expected to be applied in X-ray imaging.
Highly Active Nickel (II) Oxide-Supported Cerium Oxide Catalysts for Valorization of Glycerol into Oxygenated Fuel Additives
Authors: Appaturi Jimmy Nelson , Maireles-Torres Pedro , Alomar Taghrid S. , AlMasoud Najla , El-Bahy Zeinhom M. , Ling Tau Chuan , Ng Eng-Poh
Published: June 2023

Acetylation of glycerol to yield monoacetin (MAT), diacetin (DAT), and triacetin (TAT) over NiO-supported CeO2 (xNiO/CeO2) catalysts is reported. The catalysts were synthesized utilizing a sol-gel technique, whereby different quantities of NiO (x = 9, 27, and 45 wt%) were supported onto the CeO2 substrate, and hexadecyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTABr) served as a porogen. The utilization of EDX elemental mapping analysis confirmed the existence of evenly distributed Ni2+ ion and octahedral NiO nanoparticles on the CeO2 surface through the DRS UV-Vis spectroscopy. The most active catalyst is 27NiO/CeO2 based on TAT selectivity in the glycerol acetylation with ethanoic acid, attaining 97.6% glycerol conversion with 70.5% selectivity to TAT at 170 °C with a 1:10 glycerol/ethanoic acid molar ratio for 30 min using a non-microwave instant heating reactor. The 27NiO/CeO2 is reusable without significant decline in catalytic performance after ten consecutive reaction cycles, indicating high structure stability with accessible active acidity.
Numerical Analysis, Optimization, and Multi-Criteria Design of Vacuum Insulated Glass Composite Panels
Authors: Kowalczyk Izabela , Kozanecki Damian , Krasoń Sylwia , Rabenda Martyna , Domagalski Łukasz , Wirowski Artur
Published: June 2023

The subject of this study is Vacuum Insulated Glass (VIG) panels, which consist of two glass panes with an evacuated space and evenly distributed micro-support pillars between them. The deflection of panes towards the centre of the structure caused by atmospheric pressure is a mechanical problem that occurs in this type of structure. The aim of this study was to extend previous research on the optimal arrangement of support pillars in terms of eigenfrequencies and dynamics to include aesthetic aspects. Using Abaqus/CAE v2017 software, a large number of numerical models were created and subjected to a comprehensive multi-criteria analysis. Fractal analysis was employed to automatically assess the aesthetics of the proposed solutions. The study presents theoretical solutions that could be implemented in industrial production. The presented study shows that it is possible to effectively extend the criteria for optimizing the arrangement of pillars with new design criteria. Most studies focus on pillar placement, amount, or shape in terms of panes thermal or mechanical properties. Due to the increasing number of VIG panels applications in places exposed to external vibrations, other design criteria for VIG panels are also required and are provided by the following study.
Prospects of Using Machine Learning and Diamond Nanosensing for High Sensitivity SARS-CoV-2 Diagnosis
Authors: Qureshi Shahzad Ahmad , Aman Haroon , Schirhagl Romana
Published: June 2023

The worldwide death toll claimed by Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus Disease 2019 (SARS-CoV), including its prevailed variants, is 6,812,785 (worldometer.com accessed on 14 March 2023). Rapid, reliable, cost-effective, and accurate diagnostic procedures are required to manage pandemics. In this regard, we bring attention to quantum spin magnetic resonance detection using fluorescent nanodiamonds for biosensing, ensuring the benefits of artificial intelligence-based biosensor design on an individual patient level for disease prediction and data interpretation. We compile the relevant literature regarding fluorescent nanodiamonds-based SARS-CoV-2 detection along with a short description of viral proliferation and incubation in the cells. We also propose a potentially effective strategy for artificial intelligence-enhanced SARS-CoV-2 biosensing. A concise overview of the implementation of artificial intelligence algorithms with diamond magnetic nanosensing is included, covering this roadmap’s benefits, challenges, and prospects. Some mutations are alpha, beta, gamma, delta, and Omicron with possible symptoms, viz. runny nose, fever, sore throat, diarrhea, and difficulty breathing accompanied by severe body pain. The recommended strategy would deliver reliable and improved diagnostics against possible threats due to SARS-CoV mutations, including possible pathogens in the future.
Evaluating the Efficiency of Financial Assets as Hedges against Bitcoin Risk during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Wei Li , Lee Ming-Chih , Cheng Wan-Hsiu , Tang Chia-Hsien , You Jing-Wun
Published: June 2023

In the turbulent landscape of financial markets, Bitcoin has emerged as a significant focus for investors due to its highly volatile returns. However, the risks and uncertainties associated with it necessitate effective hedging strategies. This paper explores the potential of various financial assets, including interest rates, stock markets, commodities, and exchange rates, as dynamic hedges against Bitcoin’s risk. Utilizing a DCC-GARCH model, we construct a dynamic hedging model to analyze the viability of these financial assets as hedges. The data is categorized into pre-pandemic and pandemic periods to assess any change in hedging performance due to the outbreak of COVID-19. Our empirical findings suggest that the dynamic DCC-GARCH model outperforms the static OLS model in this context. During the pandemic period, a diverse set of financial assets demonstrated enhanced efficiency in hedging Bitcoin risk compared to the pre-pandemic phase. Among the hedging commodities, stock market indices, the US dollar index, and commodity futures displayed superior performance.
Role of Photosynthesis Processes in the Dynamics of the Plant Community
Authors: Abakumov Alexander , Pak Svetlana
Published: June 2023

The dynamics of the main photosynthetic structures are studied by mathematical modeling methods in this work. Chlorophyll portion variability in phytoplankton and formation of energy-intensive substances in the process of photosynthesis underlie the models. These cellular components are considered in terms of their participation in the growth of specific biomass. Computational experiments are conducted to simulate various degrees of environmental friendliness. The corresponding functions are built in accordance with seasonal fluctuations throughout the year in the Far East region of Russia. The stability of model solutions in long-term dynamics is also investigated. The models are tested for biological adequacy, and their effectiveness is compared. For the model selected as a result of the comparison, the optimal control problem was formulated and solved. This way reduces the space of the initial components of the model system. The main conclusion is that a step-by-step description of photosynthetic transformations gives a result close to the experimental description of phytoplankton production dynamics.
Protective and Therapeutic Effects of Lactic Acid Bacteria against Aflatoxin B1 Toxicity to Rat Organs
Authors: Ashi Hayat , Almalki Meshal H. K. , Hamed Enas A. , Ramadan Wafaa S. , Alahmadi Tahani F. H. , Alami Outour Tariq , Arafa Sara H. , Alshareef Atheer K. , Alsulami Fatimah S. , Alharbi Areej F. , Al-Harbi Manahil S. , Alqurashi Ebtehal H. , Aashi Shirin , Alzahrani Youssef A. , Elbanna Khaled , Abulreesh Hussein H.
Published: June 2023

Background: Aflatoxin (AF), a metabolite of Aspergillus flavus, is injurious to vital body organs. The bacterial defense against such mycotoxins has attracted significant attention. Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) are known to ameliorate AF toxicity. Methods: Thirty adult male rats were divided into six groups (five each) to perform the experiments. The control (Co) group was fed a basal diet and water. Each of the following periods lasted 21 days: the milk (MK) group orally received milk (500 µL); LAB suspension (500 µL) containing 107 cfu/mL was orally provided to the LAB group; AF (0.5 mg/kg) was orally given to the AF group; and a combination of AF and LAB was administered to the AF + LAB group. The AF/LAB group was initially given AF for 21 days, followed by LAB for the same period. Finally, the rats were dissected to retrieve blood and tissue samples for hematological, biochemical, and histological studies. Results: The results revealed a significant decrease in RBCs, lymphocytes, total proteins, eosinophil count, albumin, and uric acid, whereas the levels of WBCs, monocytes, neutrophils, creatinine, urea, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, alanine aminotransferase, lactate dehydrogenase, and creatinine kinase significantly increased in the AF group in comparison to the control group. The histological examination of the AF group revealed necrosis and apoptosis of the kidney’s glomeruli and renal tubules, nuclei vacuolization and apoptosis of hepatocytes, congestion of the liver’s dilated portal vein, lymphoid depletion in the white pulp, localized hemorrhages, hemosiderin pigment deposition in the spleen, and vacuolization of seminiferous tubules with a complete loss of testis spermatogenic cells. Meanwhile, protective and therapeutic LAB administration in AF-treated rats improved the hematological, biochemical, and histological changes. Conclusions: The study revealed LAB-based amelioration to AFB1-induced disruptions of the kidney, liver, spleen, and testis by inhibiting tissue damage. The therapeutic effects of LAB were comparatively more pronounced than the protective effects.
Correction: Łubkowska et al. Analysis of Industrial Bacillus Species as Potential Probiotics for Dietary Supplements. Microorganisms 2023, 11, 488
Authors: Łubkowska Beata , Jeżewska-Frąckowiak Joanna , Sroczyński Michał , Dzitkowska-Zabielska Magdalena , Bojarczuk Aleksandra , Skowron Piotr M. , Cięszczyk Paweł
Published: June 2023

There was an error in the original publication [...]
Bacillus subtilis PM5 from Camel Milk Boosts Chicken Immunity and Abrogates Salmonella entertitidis Infections
Authors: Khalifa Ashraf , Ibrahim Hairul-Islam Mohamed , Sheikh Abdullah
Published: June 2023

With the practice of a successful livestock industry using antibiotics, which has continued for more than five decades, researchers have long been interested in finding alternatives to antibiotics for poultry production. Probiotics can potentially reduce enteric diseases in livestock and enhance their productivity. The aim of this study was to isolate putative probiotics from camel milk and test them against Salmonella infection as well as host immune development. Thirteen different isolates were obtained from six different camel milk samples from dairy farms in Saudi Arabia. Three of the six isolates (PM1, PM2, PM3, PM4, PM5, and PM6) that showed Gram-positive characters reacted negatively to catalase and hemolytic assays. PM1, PM5, and PM6 showed significant nonpolar surface properties (>51% hydrophobic) and potent antimicrobial activities against avian pathogens, namely S. enterica, S. typhi, S. aureus, and E. coli. PM5 exhibited substantial probiotic traits; therefore, further focus was given to it. PM5 was identified as Bacillus subtilis OQ913924 by the 16S rRNA sequencing method and showed similarity matrix > 99%. An in vivo chicken model was used to access the health benefits of probiotics. After salmonella infection, the mucosal immune response was significantly increased (p < 0.01), and none of the challenge protocols caused mortality or clinical symptoms after infection in intestinal contents. S. enterica organ infiltration in the spleen, thymus, and small intestine was significantly reduced in the B. subtilis PM5-fed chickens. The S. enterica load in chicken feces was reduced from CFU 7.2 to 5.2 in oral-fed B. subtilis PM5-fed chickens. Probiotic-fed chickens showed buffered intestinal content and positively regulated the level of butyric acid (p < 0.05), and intestinal interleukin 1 beta (IL1-β), C-reactive protein (CRP), and interferon gamma (IFN-γ) levels were reduced (p < 0.05). In addition, B. subtilis PM5 showed significant binding to peritoneal macrophages cells and inhibited S. enterica surface adhesion, indicating co-aggregation of B. subtilis PM5 in macrophage cells. It could be concluded that supplementation with probiotics can improve the growth performance of broilers and the quality of broiler chickens against enteric pathogens. The introduction of this probiotic into the commercial poultry feed market in the near future may assist in narrowing the gap that now exists between chicken breeding and consumer demand.
Deciphering the Association between Campylobacter Colonization and Microbiota Composition in the Intestine of Commercial Broilers
Authors: Pang Jinji , Looft Torey , Zhang Qijing , Sahin Orhan
Published: June 2023

Campylobacter is a major food safety concern and is transmitted mainly via poultry meat. We previously found that some commercial broiler farms consistently produced Campylobacter-negative flocks while others were consistently Campylobacter-positive for consecutive production cycles although the farms operated under similar management practices. We hypothesized that this difference in Campylobacter colonization might be associated with the gut microbiota composition. To address this, six commercial broiler farms were selected based on their Campylobacter status (three negative and three positive) to evaluate the microbiota differences between each farm category. For each farm on each production cycle (2–3 cycles), 40 ceca collected from five-week-old broilers were processed for microbiota analysis via 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Cecal microbiota species richness, phylogenetic diversity, community structure, and composition of Campylobacter-positive farms were noticeably different from those of Campylobacter-negative farms. Rikenella, Methanocorpusculum, Barnesiella, Parasutterella, and Helicobacter were significantly more abundant among Campylobacter-positive farms. In contrast, Ruminococcaceae, Streptococcus, Escherichia, Eggerthellaceae, Lactobacillus, Monoglobus, and Blausia were more abundant in Campylobacter-negative farms. Eggerthellaceae, Clostridia, Lachnospiraceae, Lactobacillus, Monoglobus, and Parabacteroides were significantly negatively correlated with Campylobacter abundance. These findings suggest that specific members of cecal microbiota may influence Campylobacter colonization in commercial broilers and may be further explored to control Campylobacter in poultry.
Preparation of Volborthite by a Facile Synthetic Chemical Solvent Extraction Method
Authors: Sánchez-Loredo María Guadalupe , Palomares-Sánchez Salvador Antonio , Labrada-Delgado Gladis Judith , Helbig Toni , Chekhonin Paul , Ebert Doreen , Möckel Robert , Owusu Afriyie Jones , Kelly Norman
Published: June 2023

In this work, the extraction of vanadium (V) ions from an alkaline solution using a commercial quaternary ammonium salt and the production of metal vanadates through precipitation stripping were carried out. The crystallization of copper vanadates from the extracts was performed using a solution containing a copper(II) source in concentrated chloride media as a stripping agent. In an attempt to control growth, a stabilizing polymer (polyvinylpyrrolidone, PVP) was added to the stripping solution. The structural characteristics of the crystallized products, mainly copper pyrovanadate (volborthite, Cu3V2O7(OH)2·(H2O)2) nanoflakes and nanoflowers and the experimental parameter influencing the efficiency of the stripping process were studied. From the results, the synthesis of nanostructured vanadates is a simple and versatile method for the fabrication of valuable three-dimensional structures providing abundant active zones for energy and catalytic applications.
Circular Photogalvanic Current in Ni-Doped Cd3As2 Films Epitaxied on GaAs(111)B Substrate
Authors: Liang Gaoming , Zhai Guihao , Ma Jialin , Wang Hailong , Zhao Jianhua , Wu Xiaoguang , Zhang Xinhui
Published: June 2023

Magnetic element doped Cd3As2 Dirac semimetal has attracted great attention for revealing the novel quantum phenomena and infrared opto-electronic applications. In this work, the circular photogalvanic effect (CPGE) was investigated at various temperatures for the Ni-doped Cd3As2 films which were grown on GaAs(111)B substrate by molecular beam epitaxy. The CPGE current generation was found to originate from the structural symmetry breaking induced by the lattice strain and magnetic doping in the Ni-doped Cd3As2 films, similar to that in the undoped ones. However, the CPGE current generated in the Ni-doped Cd3As2 films was approximately two orders of magnitude smaller than that in the undoped one under the same experimental conditions and exhibited a complex temperature variation. While the CPGE current in the undoped film showed a general increase with rising temperature. The greatly reduced CPGE current generation efficiency and its complex variation with temperature in the Ni-doped Cd3As2 films was discussed to result from the efficient capture of photo-generated carriers by the deep-level magnetic impurity bands and enhanced momentum relaxation caused by additional strong impurity scattering when magnetic dopants were introduced.