bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of Na2O, K2O and B2O3 on Deformability of SiO2-MnO-Al2O3 Inclusion in High-Carbon Steel
Authors: Zhao Jiaqi , Wang Yanping , Wang Min , Ma Han , Bao Yanping , Jiang Haitao , Hou Dong
Published: July 2023

Cord steel is used for making tire frames and wire saws for cutting silicon wafers. The diameter of mainstream cutting wire has been developed to be lower than 100 μm. The size and deformation ability of inclusions are very important to the wire breaking rate of cord steel during the drawing process. In order to improve the deformation ability of the inclusions in cord steel, alkali metal oxide was added into the molten steel to improve the inclusions in the steel so as to obtain good, plastic, low-melting-point inclusions. Mass fractions of 0.3%, 0.5% and 1.0% K2CO3, Na2CO3 and B2O3 were added into cord steel, which were melted in 10 furnaces (including 0% alkali metal oxides, mass fractions of 0.3%/0.5%/1.0% K2CO3, Na2CO3 and B2O3). The morphology and composition of inclusions were observed by SEM-EDS. Factsage phase diagram calculations and experimental results show that, with the increase in Na2CO3 content in cord steel, the aluminum content in the inclusions gradually decreased. When the mass fraction of Na2CO3 was 0.5% per ton, most of the inclusions in the steel fell in the low melting point region (less than 1300 °C). With the increase in K2CO3 content in cord steel, the silicon content in the inclusions decreased gradually. When the mass fraction of K2CO3 was 0.5% per ton, most of the inclusions in the steel fell in the low melting point region. The deformation ability of the inclusions added with 0.5% Na2CO3 in the steel during forging was better than that of the inclusions added with 0.5% K2CO3. After adding B2O3, the inclusions in the steel were SiO2-MnO-Al2O3 inclusions or inclusions with SiO2-MnO-Al2O3 as the core and BN wrapped around. Boron could not be dissolved into the inclusions for plastic modification.
Integrated Analysis of Metabolomics Combined with Network Pharmacology and Molecular Docking Reveals the Effects of Processing on Metabolites of Dendrobium officinale
Authors: Xu Lilan , Zuo Si-Min , Liu Mei , Wang Tao , Li Zizheng , Yun Yong-Huan , Zhang Weimin
Published: July 2023

Dendrobium officinale (D. officinale) is a precious medicinal species of Dendrobium Orchidaceae, and the product obtained by hot processing is called “Fengdou”. At present, the research on the processing quality of D. officinale mainly focuses on the chemical composition indicators such as polysaccharides and flavonoids content. However, the changes in metabolites during D. officinale processing are still unclear. In this study, the process was divided into two stages and three important conditions including fresh stems, semiproducts and “Fengdou” products. To investigate the effect of processing on metabolites of D. officinale in different processing stages, an approach of combining metabolomics with network pharmacology and molecular docking was employed. Through UPLC-MS/MS analysis, a total of 628 metabolites were detected, and 109 of them were identified as differential metabolites (VIP ≥ 1, |log2 (FC)| ≥ 1). Next, the differential metabolites were analyzed using the network pharmacology method, resulting in the selection of 29 differential metabolites as they have a potential pharmacological activity. Combining seven diseases, 14 key metabolites and nine important targets were screened by constructing a metabolite–target–disease network. The results showed that seven metabolites with potential anticoagulant, hypoglycemic and tumor-inhibiting activities increased in relative abundance in the “Fengdou” product. Molecular docking results indicated that seven metabolites may act on five important targets. In general, processing can increase the content of some active metabolites of D. officinale and improve its medicinal quality to a certain extent.
Non-Targeted Metabolomics Combined with Chemometrics by UHPLC–Orbitrap–HRMS and Antioxidant Activity of Atractylodes chinensis (DC.) Koidez. from Eight Origins
Authors: Gao Xueyan , Ma Danyang , Li Kaiyuan , Xing Tianjiao , Liu Xiwu , Peng Lingfeng , Chen Dawei , Hao Zhihui
Published: July 2023

Atractylodes chinensis (DC.) Koidez. (AC) is a type of Atractylodis Rhizoma that is widely used in China to treat diarrhea and arthritis, as well as a nutritional supplement. The objective of this study was to investigate and identify the phytochemicals in the aqueous extract of AC using an ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC)–Orbitrap–HRMS platform based on a non-targeted metabolomic approach. There were 76 compounds in the AC, the majority of which were phenylpropanoids (16) and terpenoids (15). The hierarchical clustering analysis (HCA) and principal component analysis (PCA) results revealed variations across eight AC samples and classified them into four groups. Using Pareto modeling, the orthogonal partial least squares-discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) identified 11 distinct AC compounds. Furthermore, the antioxidant activity of eight AC samples was assessed using ABTS, DPPH, and OH· methods. The AC samples with concentrations ranging from 0 to 25 mg/mL had no toxic effects on A549 cells. They have a strong therapeutic potential against oxidation-related diseases, and further research on AC is warranted.
Saliva as Biomarker for Oral and Chronic Degenerative Non-Communicable Diseases
Authors: Basilicata Michele , Pieri Massimo , Marrone Giulia , Nicolai Eleonora , Di Lauro Manuela , Paolino Vincenza , Tomassetti Flaminia , Vivarini Ilaria , Bollero Patrizio , Bernardini Sergio , Noce Annalisa
Published: July 2023

Saliva is a very complex fluid and it is essential to maintain several physiological processes and functions, including oral health, taste, digestion and immunological defenses. Saliva composition and the oral microbiome can be influenced by several factors, like diet and smoking habits, and their alteration can represent an important access point for pathogens and, thus, for systemic illness onset. In this review, we explore the potentiality of saliva as a new tool for the early detection of some pathological conditions, such as oral diseases, chronic degenerative non-communicable diseases, among these chronic kidney disease (CKD). We also examined the possible correlation between oral and systemic diseases and oral and gut microbiota dysbiosis. In particular, we deeply analyzed the relationship between oral diseases and CKD. In this context, some salivary parameters can represent a new device to detect either oral or systemic pathologies. Moreover, the positive modulation of oral and gut microbiota induced by prebiotics, postbiotics, or symbiotics could represent a new possible adjuvant therapy in the clinical management of oral diseases and CKD.
Thermal Performance Optimization of Integrated Microchannel Cooling Plate for IGBT Power Module
Authors: Xu Hanyang , Huang Jiabo , Tian Wenchao , Li Zhao
Published: July 2023

In high-integration electronic components, the insulated-gate bipolar transistor (IGBT) power module has a high working temperature, which requires reasonable thermal analysis and a cooling process to improve the reliability of the IGBT module. This paper presents an investigation into the heat dissipation of the integrated microchannel cooling plate in the silicon carbide IGBT power module and reports the impact of the BL series micropump on the efficiency of the cooling plate. The IGBT power module was first simplified as an equivalent-mass block with a mass of 62.64 g, a volume of 15.27 cm3, a density of 4.10 g/cm3, and a specific heat capacity of 512.53 J/(kg·K), through an equivalent method. Then, the thermal performance of the microchannel cooling plate with a main channel and a secondary channel was analyzed and the design of experiment (DOE) method was used to provide three factors and three levels of orthogonal simulation experiments. The three factors included microchannel width, number of secondary inlets, and inlet diameter. The results show that the microchannel cooling plate significantly reduces the temperature of IGBT chips and, as the microchannel width, number of secondary inlets, and inlet diameter increase, the junction temperature of chips gradually decreases. The optimal structure of the cooling plate is a microchannel width of 0.58 mm, 13 secondary inlets, and an inlet diameter of 3.8 mm, and the chip-junction temperature of this structure is decreased from 677 °C to 77.7 °C. In addition, the BL series micropump was connected to the inlet of the cooling plate and the thermal performance of the microchannel cooling plate with a micropump was analyzed. The micropump increases the frictional resistance of fluid flow, resulting in an increase in chip-junction temperature to 110 °C. This work demonstrates the impact of micropumps on the heat dissipation of cooling plates and provides a foundation for the design of cooling plates for IGBT power modules.
Geochemistry as a Clue for Paleoweathering and Provenance of Southern Apennines Shales (Italy): A Review
Authors: Buccione Roberto , Rizzo Giovanna , Mongelli Giovanni
Published: July 2023

The southern Apennines (Italy) chain is a fold-and-thrust belt mainly derived from the deformation of the African–Apulian passive margin where shallow-water, basinal, and shelf-margin facies successions, including fine-grained sediments, occur. Here, we provide a review of the geochemistry of Meso–Cenozoic shales from the Lagonegro basin to elucidate provenance and paleoweathering. The different suites of these shales are dominated by 2:1 clay minerals and are Fe shales and shales. An R-mode factor analysis suggests Ti, Al, and LREE (F1) and K2O-MgO (F2) covariance, likely related to the illite → smectite → kaolinite evolution during weathering. HREE and Y are distributed by phosphate minerals, suggesting LREE/HREE fractionation. The CIA paleoweathering proxy rules out non-steady-state weathering conditions and indicates that the source area was affected by moderate to intense weathering. The paleoprecipitation values derived from the CIA-K and CALMAG indices show median values in the 1214–1610 mm/y range. The Eu/Eu*, Sm/Nd, and Ti/Al provenance ratios point toward a UCC-like source excluding any mafic supply and suggest that the Lagonegro basin was connected, through a southern area, with the African cratonic area. However, the Eu/Eu* median value of the southern Apennine shales is quite similar to the value of the Archean shales, possibly indicating a less differentiated component. This is consistent, in many samples, with the value of the (Gd/Yb)ch ratio, suggesting that the shales likely incorporated ancient sediments derived from African Archean terranes through a cannibalistic process.
Simmons–Smith Cyclopropanation: A Multifaceted Synthetic Protocol toward the Synthesis of Natural Products and Drugs: A Review
Authors: Munir Ramsha , Zahoor Ameer Fawad , Javed Sadia , Parveen Bushra , Mansha Asim , Irfan Ahmad , Khan Samreen Gul , Irfan Ali , Kotwica-Mojzych Katarzyna , Mojzych Mariusz
Published: July 2023

Simmons–Smith cyclopropanation is a widely used reaction in organic synthesis for stereospecific conversion of alkenes into cyclopropane. The utility of this reaction can be realized by the fact that the cyclopropane motif is a privileged synthetic intermediate and a core structural unit of many biologically active natural compounds such as terpenoids, alkaloids, nucleosides, amino acids, fatty acids, polyketides and drugs. The modified form of Simmons–Smith cyclopropanation involves the employment of Et2Zn and CH2I2 (Furukawa reagent) toward the total synthesis of a variety of structurally complex natural products that possess broad range of biological activities including anticancer, antimicrobial and antiviral activities. This review aims to provide an intriguing glimpse of the Furukawa-modified Simmons–Smith cyclopropanation, within the year range of 2005 to 2022.
Plectranthus Species with Anti-Inflammatory and Analgesic Potential: A Systematic Review on Ethnobotanical and Pharmacological Findings
Authors: Barbosa Maysa de Oliveira , Wilairatana Polrat , Leite Giovana Mendes de Lacerda , Delmondes Gyllyandeson de Araújo , Silva Lucas Yure Santos da , Júnior Silvio Caetano Alves , Dantas Lindaiane Bezerra Rodrigues , Bezerra Daniel Souza , Beltrão Izabel Cristina Santiago Lemos de , Dias Diógenes de Queiroz , Ribeiro-Filho Jaime , Felipe Cícero Francisco Bezerra , Coutinho Henrique Douglas Melo , Menezes Irwin Rose Alencar de , Kerntopf Mendonça Marta Regina
Published: July 2023

The use of medicinal plants to treat inflammatory conditions and painful processes has attracted the attention of scientists and health professionals due to the evidence that natural products can promote significant therapeutic benefits associated with fewer adverse effects compared to conventional anti-inflammatory drugs. The genus Plectranthus is composed of various plants with pharmacological potential, which are used to treat various diseases in traditional communities worldwide. The present study systematically reviewed Plectranthus species with anti-inflammatory and analgesic potential. To this end, a systematic review was conducted following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) protocol. The search was conducted on the following databases: PubMed, ScienceDirect, SciVerse Scopus, and Web of Science. Different combinations of search terms were used to ensure more excellent article coverage. After the selection, a total of 45 articles were included in this review. This study identified twelve Plectranthus species indicated for the treatment of different inflammatory conditions, such as wounds, fever, bronchitis, abscess, asthma, hepatitis, labyrinthitis, tonsillitis, and uterine inflammation. The indications for pain conditions included headache, sore throat, heartburn, menstrual cramp, colic, toothache, stomachache, migraine, chest pain, abdominal pain, local pain, labor pain, and recurring pain. Among the listed species, ten plants were found to be used according to traditional knowledge, although only four of them have been experimentally studied. When assessing the methodological quality of preclinical in vivo assays, most items presented a risk of bias. The SR results revealed the existence of different Plectranthus species used to treat inflammation and pain. The results of this systematic review indicate that Plectranthus species have the potential to be used in the treatment of diseases with an inflammatory component, as well as in the management of pain. However, given the risk of biases, the experimental analysis of these species through preclinical testing is crucial for their safe and effective use.
Determination of Active Ingredients, Mineral Composition and Antioxidant Properties of Hydroalcoholic Macerates of Vinca minor L. Plant from the Dobrogea Area
Authors: Neculai Ana-Maria , Stanciu Gabriela , Mititelu Magdalena
Published: July 2023

In recent decades, new alternative therapies using drugs containing active ingredients of natural origin have been a hot topic for medical research. Based on the confirmed therapeutic potential of the Vinca minor plant, considered in the specialized literature to be of pharmaceutical interest, the purpose of this study is to determine the chemical and mineral composition of the Vinca minor plant grown in the Dobrogea area, with a view to its use in the formulation of dermal preparations. For this purpose, plant materials were collected from the mentioned area and hydroalcoholic macerates of different concentrations were obtained: 40%, 70% and 96% from leaves (F40, F70, F96) and stems (T40, T70, T96) of Vinca minor plant to determine the optimal extraction solvent. The hydroalcoholic macerates were analyzed via the HPLC method for the identification and quantification of the main bioactive compounds, and two methods were used to evaluate their antioxidant properties: the DPPH radical scavenging test and the photochemiluminescence method. HPLC analysis showed the presence of four indole alkaloids: vincamine, 1,2-dehydroaspidospermidine, vincaminoreine and eburnamonine. Vincamine was the alkaloid found in the highest concentration in Vinca leaves (2.459 ± 0.035 mg/100 g d.w.). The antioxidant activity of Vinca minor hydroalcoholic macerates showed values between 737.626–1123.500 mg GAE/100 g d.w (DPPH test) and 77.439–187.817 mg TE/100 g d.w (photochemiluminescence method). The concentrations of toxic metals Cd, Cu, Ni, Pb in dried leaves and stems of Vinca minor, determined by AAS, were below detection limits.
Characterization Variation of the Differential Coloring Substances in Rapeseed Petals with Different Colors Using UPLC-HESI-MS/MS
Authors: Zeng Haitao , Zheng Tao , Li Ying , Chen Qiao , Xue Yan , Tang Qi , Xu Hao , Chen Mengjiao
Published: July 2023

Rapeseed’s (Brassica napus L.) colorful petals have important ornamental values. However, the mechanisms of regulating petals coloration in rapeseed are still unknown. In our study, we investigated the key differential coloring substances in nine rapeseed cultivars with different petal colors, and 543 metabolites were detected and characterized through UPLC-HESI-MS/MS. Among them, the kinds and contents of flavonols, flavones, and anthocyanidins were the main contributors to petals’ coloration. Tamarixetin-, quercetin-, butin-, naringenin- and luteolin-derivates were the main pigment bases in white and yellow petals. Peonidin-3,5-O-diglucoside, peonidin-3-O-(6″-O-caffeoyl)glucoside, and quercetin-derivatives were the main coloring substances in pink petals. Acylated cyanidin derivatives might lead to a series of different purple petal colors. Glycosylated anthocyanins were responsible for the coloration of rapeseed red petals, and peonidin-3-O-glucoside and kaempferol-derivatives were mainly detected from the red petals. These results provide comprehensive insights into the difference in flavonoid metabolites in rapeseed petals with different colors and supply theoretical supports for the breeding of novel colorful rapeseed cultivars.
Potential Application of the Plant-Derived Essential Oils for Atherosclerosis Treatment: Molecular Mechanisms and Therapeutic Potential
Authors: Dabravolski Siarhei A. , Sukhorukov Vasily N. , Melnichenko Alexandra A. , Khotina Victoria A. , Orekhov Alexander N.
Published: July 2023

Essential oils (EOs) are complex secondary metabolites identified in many plant species. Plant-derived EOs have been widely used in traditional medicine for centuries for their health-beneficial effects. Some EOs and their active ingredients have been reported to improve the cardiovascular system, in particular to provide an anti-atherosclerotic effect. The objective of this review is to highlight the recent research investigating the anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative and lipid-lowering properties of plant-derived EOs and discuss their mechanisms of action. Also, recent clinical trials exploring anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative activities of EOs are discussed. Future research on EOs has the potential to identify new bioactive compounds and invent new effective agents for treatment of atherosclerosis and related diseases such as diabetes, metabolic syndrome and obesity.
Chemical and Sensory Properties of Waffles Supplemented with Almond Skins
Authors: Oliveira Ivo , Marinho Beatriz , Szymanowska Urszula , Karas Monika , Vilela Alice
Published: July 2023

Almonds are one of the most produced nuts worldwide and numerous studies have shown that they have nutritional and medicinal characteristics, which gives them the possibility of being applied in various products. However, several by-products are generated during their production, which have characteristics of interest but remain underutilised, namely, the almond skins. This work aimed to study samples of waffles supplemented with almond skins. The waffles were evaluated for their total polyphenol content, antioxidant capacity, total flavonoids, ortho-diphenols, soluble sugars, starch, texture, and colour. They were also sensorially evaluated using a panel of tasters specialised in this type of evaluation and a quantitative descriptive analysis test (QDA) sensory test. The results showed that the waffles with the highest levels of phenolic compounds as well as the highest antioxidant activity (by the ABTS, DPPH, and FRAP methods) were the waffles supplemented with 10% almond skin. The total phenol contents obtained for the prepared extracts varied between 0.127 mg GAE/g and 0.415 mg GAE/g, the flavonoid contents ranged from 0.067 mg CAE/g to 0.339 mg CAE/g and the ortho-diphenol contents varied between 0.163 mg ACE /g and 0.303 mg ACE/g. Regarding the quantification of soluble sugars, the values were presented in percentage of fresh weight, and ranged from 30.148 to 38.054%; regarding the quantification of starch, the percentages varied from 14.488 to 21.982%. Sensorially, we verified that the samples were statistically different in terms of the descriptors “colour”, “roasted aroma”, and “dissolubility”, with a higher score in these descriptors for the waffles with 10% of almond skin. This process of obtaining waffles, which can be industrialised, is interesting from both a nutritional point of view and for the possibility of creating new, differentiated, and innovative products.
Machine Learning Approaches for Predicting Fatty Acid Classes in Popular US Snacks Using NHANES Data
Authors: Tachie Christabel Y. E. , Obiri-Ananey Daniel , Tawiah Nii Adjetey , Attoh-Okine Nii , Aryee Alberta N. A.
Published: July 2023

In the US, people frequently snack between meals, consuming calorie-dense foods including baked goods (cakes), sweets, and desserts (ice cream) high in lipids, salt, and sugar. Monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA) and polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) are reasonably healthy; however, excessive consumption of food high in saturated fatty acid (SFA) has been related to an elevated risk of cardiovascular diseases. The National Health and Nutrition Survey (NHANES) uses a 24 h recall to collect information on people’s food habits in the US. The complexity of the NHANES data necessitates using machine learning (ML) methods, a branch of data science that uses algorithms to collect large, unstructured, and structured data sets and identify correlations between the data variables. This study focused on determining the ability of ML regression models including artificial neural networks (ANNs), decision trees (DTs), k-nearest neighbors (KNNs), and support vector machines (SVMs) to assess the variability in total fat content concerning the classes (SFA, MUFA, and PUFA) of US-consumed snacks between 2017 and 2018. KNNs and DTs predicted SFA, MUFA, and PUFA with mean squared error (MSE) of 0.707, 0.489, 0.612, and 1.172, 0.846, 0.738, respectively. SVMs failed to predict the fatty acids accurately; however, ANNs performed satisfactorily. Using ensemble methods, DTs (10.635, 5.120, 7.075) showed higher error values for MSE than linear regression (LiR) (9.086, 3.698, 5.820) for SFA, MUFA, and PUFA prediction, respectively. R2 score ranged between −0.541 to 0.983 and 0.390 to 0.751 for models one and two, respectively. Extreme gradient boost (XGR), Light gradient boost (LightGBM), and random forest (RF) performed better than LiR, with RF having the lowest score for MSE in predicting all the fatty acid classes.
Antioxidant Activity of Leaf Extracts from Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni Exerts Attenuating Effect on Diseased Experimental Rats: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Papaefthimiou Maria , Kontou Panagiota I. , Bagos Pantelis G. , Braliou Georgia G.
Published: July 2023

Stevia (Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni) is an aromatic plant known for its high sweetening power ascribed to its glycosides. Stevia also contains several bioactive compounds showing antioxidant, antiproliferative, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory activities. Since inflammation and oxidative stress play critical roles in the pathogenesis of many diseases, stevia emerges as a promising natural product that could support human health. In this study we set out to investigate the way stevia affects oxidative stress markers (e.g., SOD, CAT, GPx, GSH, MDA) in diseased rats administered stevia leaf extracts or glycosides. To this end, we performed an inclusive literature search, following PRISMA guidelines, and recruited multivariate meta-analysis and meta-regression to synthesize all available data on experimental animal models encountering (a) healthy, (b) diseased, and (c) stevia-treated diseased rats. From the 184 articles initially retrieved, 24 satisfied the eligibility criteria, containing 104 studies. Our results demonstrate that regardless of the assay employed, stevia leaf extracts restored all oxidative stress markers to a higher extent compared to pure glycosides. Meta-regression analysis revealed that results from SOD, CAT, GSH, and TAC assays are not statistically significantly different (p = 0.184) and can be combined in meta-analysis. Organic extracts from stevia leaves showed more robust antioxidant properties compared to aqueous or hydroalcoholic ones. The restoration of oxidative markers ranged from 65% to 85% and was exhibited in all tested tissues. Rats with diabetes mellitus were found to have the highest restorative response to stevia leaf extract administration. Our results suggest that stevia leaf extract can act protectively against various diseases through its antioxidant properties. However, which of each of the multitude of stevia compounds contribute to this effect, and to what extent, awaits further investigation.
Cafeteria Diet-Induced Obesity Worsens Experimental CKD
Authors: Laget Jonas , Cortijo Irene , Boukhaled Juliana H. , Muyor Karen , Duranton Flore , Jover Bernard , Raynaud Fabrice , Lajoix Anne-Dominique , Argilés Àngel , Gayrard Nathalie
Published: July 2023

Obesity is a significant risk factor for chronic kidney disease (CKD). This study aimed to evaluate the impact of obesity on the development of kidney fibrosis in a model of cafeteria diet rats undergoing 5/6th nephrectomy (SNx). Collagen 1, 3, and 4 expression, adipocyte size, macrophage number, and the expression of 30 adipokines were determined. Collagen 1 expression in kidney tissue was increased in Standard-SNx and Cafeteria-SNx (7.1 ± 0.6% and 8.9 ± 0.9 tissue area, respectively). Renal expression of collagen 3 and 4 was significantly increased (p < 0.05) in Cafeteria-SNx (8.6 ± 1.5 and 10.9 ± 1.9% tissue area, respectively) compared to Cafeteria (5.2 ± 0.5 and 6.3 ± 0.6% tissue area, respectively). Adipocyte size in eWAT was significantly increased by the cafeteria diet. In Cafeteria-SNx, we observed a significant increase in macrophage number in the kidney (p = 0.01) and a consistent tendency in eWAT. The adipokine level was higher in the Cafeteria groups. Interleukin 11, dipeptidyl peptidase 4, and serpin 1 were increased in Cafeteria-SNx. In the kidney, collagen 3 and 4 expressions and the number of macrophages were increased in Cafeteria-SNx, suggesting an exacerbation by preexisting obesity of CKD-induced renal inflammation and fibrosis. IL11, DPP4, and serpin 1 can act directly on fibrosis and participate in the observed worsening CKD.
Temporal Cavity Soliton Interaction in Passively Mode-Locked Semiconductor Lasers
Authors: Vladimirov Andrei G.
Published: July 2023

Weak interactions of temporal cavity solitons resulting from gain saturation and recovery in a delay differential model of a long cavity semiconductor laser were studied numerically and analytically using an asymptotic approach. This paper shows that in addition to the usual soliton repulsion leading to a harmonic mode-locking regime, soliton attraction is also possible in a laser with a nonzero linewidth enhancement factor. It is shown numerically that this attraction can lead either to pulse merging or to pulse bound-state formation.
The Importance of the One Health Concept in Combating Zoonoses
Authors: Horefti Elina
Published: July 2023

One Health fundamentally acknowledges that human health is linked to animal health and the environment. One of the pillars One Health is built on is zoonoses. Through the years, zoonotic infections have caused numerous outbreaks and pandemics, as well as millions of fatalities, with the COVID-19 pandemic being the latest one. Apart from the consequences to public health, zoonoses also affect society and the economy. Since its establishment, One Health has contributed significantly to the protection of humans, animals, and the environment, through preparedness, surveillance, and mitigation of such public dangers.
Scanning Electron Microscopy and First Molecular Data of Two Species of Lamproglena (Copepoda: Lernaeidae) from Labeo victorianus (Cyprinidae) and Clarias gariepinus (Clariidae) in Kenya
Authors: Rindoria Nehemiah M. , Gichana Zipporah , Morara George N. , van Wyk Coret , Smit Willem J. , Smit Nico J. , Luus-Powell Wilmien J.
Published: July 2023

A parasitological study carried out in May 2022 and March 2023 in the Nyando River of Lake Victoria Basin, Kenya, disclosed two parasitic lernaeid copepods: Lamproglena cleopatra Humes, 1957, from the gills of a cyprinid, the Ningu Labeo victorianus Boulenger, 1901, endemic to the Lake Victoria drainage system, and Lamproglena clariae Fryer, 1957, from a clariid, the North African catfish Clarias gariepinus (Burchell, 1822). The copepods were studied and supplementary taxonomic information was presented using scanning electron micrographs and genetic data. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) provided information on the morphology of L. cleopatra’s antennae, oral region, thoracic legs (2–5), and furcal rami not previously reported. Analyses of the partial fragments of 18S and 28S rDNA and cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (cox1) of the two parasites showed them to be distinct from all other Lamproglena taxa retrieved from GenBank. This study presents new taxonomic information on morphology using SEM and provides the first ribosomal (18S and 28S rDNA) and mitochondrial (mtDNA) data for these two parasite species. The cox1 data provided are the first for all 38 nominal species of Lamproglena. Notably, the study also provides a new host record for L. cleopatra and extends the geographical information of this species to Kenya.
Stem Cell Bioengineering with Bioportides: Inhibition of Planarian Head Regeneration with Peptide Mimetics of Eyes Absent Proteins
Authors: Jones Sarah , Matos Bárbara , Dennison Sarah , Fardilha Margarida , Howl John
Published: July 2023

Djeya1 (RKLAFRYRRIKELYNSYR) is a very effective cell penetrating peptide (CPP) that mimics the α5 helix of the highly conserved Eya domain (ED) of eyes absent (Eya) proteins. The objective of this study was to bioengineer analogues of Djeya1 that, following effective translocation into planarian tissues, would reduce the ability of neoblasts (totipotent stem cells) and their progeny to regenerate the anterior pole in decapitated S. mediterranea. As a strategy to increase the propensity for helix formation, molecular bioengineering of Djeya1 was achieved by the mono-substitution of the helicogenic aminoisobutyric acid (Aib) at three species-variable sites: 10, 13, and 16. CD analyses indicated that Djeya1 is highly helical, and that Aib-substitution had subtle influences upon the secondary structures of bioengineered analogues. Aib-substituted Djeya1 analogues are highly efficient CPPs, devoid of influence upon cell viability or proliferation. All three peptides increase the migration of PC-3 cells, a prostate cancer line that expresses high concentrations of Eya. Two peptides, [Aib13]Djeya1 and [Aib16]Djeya1, are bioportides which delay planarian head regeneration. As neoblasts are the only cell population capable of division in planaria, these data indicate that bioportide technologies could be utilised to directly manipulate other stem cells in situ, thus negating any requirement for genetic manipulation.
Effects of Adding Chitosan on Drug Entrapment Efficiency and Release Duration for Paclitaxel-Loaded Hydroxyapatite—Gelatin Composite Microspheres
Authors: Wu Meng-Ying , Kao I-Fang , Fu Chien-Yao , Yen Shiow-Kang
Published: July 2023

Hydroxyapatite—gelatin microspheres with cone-like pores were synthesized via the wet-chemical method using ammonium dihydrogen phosphate ((NH4)H2PO4) and calcium nitrate (Ca(NO3)2·4H2O) as a source of calcium and phosphate ions with the addition of gelatin, which proved to be more osteoconductive than commercial products, such as fibrin glue and Osteoset® Bone Graft Substitute. Following the method of the previous study for loading paclitaxel (PTX), a drug entrapment efficiency of around 58% was achieved, which is much lower than that of the doxorubicin (DOX)-loaded one. Since PTX is hydrophobic while DOX is hydrophilic, the order of chitosan processing and addition of the solvent were tuned in this study, finally leading to an increase in drug entrapment efficiency of 94%. Additionally, the release duration of PTX exceeded six months. The MTT assay indicated that the effect of drug release on the suppression of cancer cells reached more than 40% after one week, thereby showcasing PTX’s capacity to carry out its medicinal functions without being affected by the loading procedures.
Controlling Microparticle Morphology in Melt-Jet Printing of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients through Surface Phenomena
Authors: Bornstein Shachar , Uziel Almog , Lewitus Dan Y.
Published: July 2023

Achieving homogeneity and reproducibility in the size, shape, and morphology of active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) particles is crucial for their successful manufacturing and performance. Herein, we describe a new method for API particle engineering using melt-jet printing technology as an alternative to the current solvent-based particle engineering methods. Paracetamol, a widely used API, was melted and jetted as droplets onto various surfaces to solidify and form microparticles. The influence of different surfaces (glass, aluminum, polytetrafluoroethylene, and polyethylene) on particle shape was investigated, revealing a correlation between substrate properties (heat conduction, surface energy, and roughness) and particle sphericity. Higher thermal conductivity, surface roughness, and decreased surface energy contributed to larger contact angles and increased sphericity, reaching a near-perfect micro-spherical shape on an aluminum substrate. The integrity and polymorphic form of the printed particles were confirmed through differential scanning calorimetry and X-ray diffraction. Additionally, high-performance liquid chromatography analysis revealed minimal degradation products. The applicability of the printing process to other APIs was demonstrated by printing carbamazepine and indomethacin on aluminum surfaces, resulting in spherical microparticles. This study emphasizes the potential of melt-jet printing as a promising approach for the precise engineering of pharmaceutical particles, enabling effective control over their physiochemical properties.
Classical Limit, Quantum Border and Energy
Authors: Kowalski Andres Mauricio , Plastino Angelo , Gonzalez Gaspar
Published: July 2023

We analyze the (dynamical) classic limit of a special semiclassical system. We describe the interaction of a quantum system with a classical one. This limit has been well studied before as a function of a constant of motion linked to the Heisenberg principle. In this paper, we investigate the existence of the mentioned limit, but with reference to the total energy of the system. Additionally, we find an attractive result regarding the border of the transition.
Photosynthetic Efficiency of Marchantia polymorpha L. in Response to Copper, Iron, and Zinc
Authors: Sorce Carlo , Bellini Erika , Bacchi Florinda , Sanità di Toppi Luigi
Published: July 2023

Metal micronutrients are essential for plant nutrition, but their toxicity threshold is low. In-depth studies on the response of light-dependent reactions of photosynthesis to metal micronutrients are needed, and the analysis of chlorophyll a fluorescence transients is a suitable technique. The liverwort Marchantia polymorpha L., a model organism also used in biomonitoring, allowed us to accurately study the effects of metal micronutrients in vivo, particularly the early responses. Gametophytes were treated with copper (Cu), iron (Fe) or zinc (Zn) for up to 120 h. Copper showed the strongest effects, negatively affecting almost the entire light phase of photosynthesis. Iron was detrimental to the flux of energy around photosystem II (PSII), while the acceptor side of PSI was unaltered. The impact of Fe was milder than that of Cu and in both cases the structures of the photosynthetic apparatus that resisted the treatments were still able to operate efficiently. The susceptibility of M. polymorpha to Zn was low: although the metal affected a large part of the electron transport chain, its effects were modest and short-lived. Our results may provide a contribution towards achieving a more comprehensive understanding of response mechanisms to metals and their evolution in plants, and may be useful for supporting the development of biomonitoring techniques.
Influence of Intensive and Super-Intensive Olive Grove Management on Soil Quality—Nutrients Content and Enzyme Activities
Authors: Reyes-Martín Marino Pedro , Fernández-Ondoño Emilia , Ortiz-Bernad Irene , Abreu Maria Manuela
Published: July 2023

Agricultural soil quality is an issue that has been widely debated in the literature in recent decades. Three olive grove areas (one in Lisbon and the others in Santarém, Portugal) with different management techniques (intensive and super-intensive) were selected. Nutrient concentrations and enzyme activities of soils were determined, as well as the C and N of litter and pruning waste (mulch) to estimate the influence of management techniques on the quality of olive grove soils and to assess the extent to which they are affected by organic covers and different cultivation intensities. Organic C and total N concentrations in soils of the intensive olive grove in Lisbon were the highest when compared with those in the intensive and super-intensive olive groves soils of Santarém. The concentrations of Ca, Mg, Na, and K were the main differences between the Lisbon olive groves and the other two from Santarém. Phosphatase, cellulase, and urease activities were related to the Na, extractable K, extractable P, Zn, Mn, organic C, and total N soil concentrations. Soil management and agricultural practices are determining factors for these enzymatic activities of Santarém olive groves, although climate conditions and soil properties play an important role in the soil enzymatic activities.
A Modified Constitutive Model for Isotropic Hyperelastic Polymeric Materials and Its Parameter Identification
Authors: Wang Wei , Liu Yang , Xie Zongwu
Published: July 2023

Given the importance of hyperelastic constitutive models in the design of engineering components, researchers have been developing the improved and new constitutive models in search of a more accurate and even universal performance. Here, a modified hyperelastic constitutive model based on the Yeoh model is proposed to improve its prediction performance for multiaxial deformation of hyperelastic polymeric materials while retaining the advantages of the original Yeoh model. The modified constitutive model has one more correction term than the original model. The specific form of the correction term is a composite function based on a power function represented by the principal stretches, which is derived from the corresponding residual strain energy when the Yeoh model predicts the equibiaxial mode of deformation. In addition, a parameter identification method based on the cyclic genetic-pattern search algorithm is introduced to accurately obtain the parameters of the constitutive model. By applying the modified model to the experimental datasets of various rubber or rubber-like materials (including natural unfilled or filled rubber, silicone rubber, extremely soft hydrogel and human brain cortex tissue), it is confirmed that the modified model not only possesses a significantly improved ability to predict multiaxial deformation, but also has a wider range of material applicability. Meanwhile, the advantages of the modified model over most existing models in the literatures are also demonstrated. For example, when characterizing human brain tissue, which is difficult for most existing models in the literature, the modified model has comparable predictive accuracy with the third-order Ogden model, while maintaining convexity in the corresponding deformation domain. Moreover, the effective prediction ability of the modified model for untested equi-biaxial deformation of different materials has also been confirmed using only the data of uniaxial tension and pure shear from various datasets. The effective prediction for the untested equibiaxial deformation makes it more suitable for the practice situation where the equibiaxial deformation of certain polymeric materials is unavailable. Finally, compared with other parameter identification methods, the introduced parameter identification method significantly improves the predicted accuracy of the constitutive models; meanwhile, the uniform convergence of introduced parameter identification method is also better.
Study on Design and Preparation of Conductive Polyvinylidene Fluoride Fibrous Membrane with High Conductivity via Electrostatic Spinning
Authors: Zhao Xinhua , Zhao Qian , Chang Yanjiao , Guo Mingzhuo , Wu Siyang , Wang Hanqi , Hou Yihao , Zhang Luyu , Liu Chang , Wu Han , Liang Yunhong , Ren Luquan
Published: July 2023

The novel conductive polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) fibrous membrane with high conductivity and sensitivity was successfully prepared via electrostatic spinning and efficient silver reduction technology. Based on the selective dissolution of porogen of polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), the porous PVDF fibrous membrane with excellent adsorbability and mechanical strength was obtained, providing a structure base for the preparation of conductive PVDF fibrous membrane with silver nanoparticles (AgNPs-PVDF). The Ag+ in the AgNO3 mixed solution with PVP was absorbed and maintained in the inner parts and surface of the porous structure. After the reducing action of ascorbic acid-mixed solution with PVP, silver nanoparticles were obtained tightly in an original porous PVDF fibrous membrane, realizing the maximum conductivity of 2500 S/m. With combined excellent conductivity and mechanical strength, the AgNPs-PVDF fibrous membrane effectively and sensitively detected strain signals of throat vocalization, elbow, wrist, finger, and knee (gauge factor of 23). The electrospun conductive AgNPs-PVDF combined the characteristics of low resistance, high mechanical strength, and soft breathability, which provided a new and effective preparation method of conductive fibers for practical application in wearable devices.
Lignins as Promising Renewable Biopolymers and Bioactive Compounds for High-Performance Materials
Authors: Vasile Cornelia , Baican Mihaela
Published: July 2023

The recycling of biomass into high-value-added materials requires important developments in research and technology to create a sustainable circular economy. Lignin, as a component of biomass, is a multipurpose aromatic polymer with a significant potential to be used as a renewable bioresource in many fields in which it acts both as promising biopolymer and bioactive compound. This comprehensive review gives brief insights into the recent research and technological trends on the potential of lignin development and utilization. It is divided into ten main sections, starting with an outlook on its diversity; main properties and possibilities to be used as a raw material for fuels, aromatic chemicals, plastics, or thermoset substitutes; and new developments in the use of lignin as a bioactive compound and in nanoparticles, hydrogels, 3D-printing-based lignin biomaterials, new sustainable biomaterials, and energy production and storage. In each section are presented recent developments in the preparation of lignin-based biomaterials, especially the green approaches to obtaining nanoparticles, hydrogels, and multifunctional materials as blends and bio(nano)composites; most suitable lignin type for each category of the envisaged products; main properties of the obtained lignin-based materials, etc. Different application categories of lignin within various sectors, which could provide completely sustainable energy conversion, such as in agriculture and environment protection, food packaging, biomedicine, and cosmetics, are also described. The medical and therapeutic potential of lignin-derived materials is evidenced in applications such as antimicrobial, antiviral, and antitumor agents; carriers for drug delivery systems with controlled/targeting drug release; tissue engineering and wound healing; and coatings, natural sunscreen, and surfactants. Lignin is mainly used for fuel, and, recently, studies highlighted more sustainable bioenergy production technologies, such as the supercapacitor electrode, photocatalysts, and photovoltaics.
Advanced Particle Size Analysis in High-Solid-Content Polymer Dispersions Using Photon Density Wave Spectroscopy
Authors: Schlappa Stephanie , Bressel Lena , Reich Oliver , Münzberg Marvin
Published: July 2023

High-solid-content polystyrene and polyvinyl acetate dispersions of polymer particles with a 50 nm to 500 nm mean particle diameter and 12–55% (w/w) solid content have been produced via emulsion polymerization and characterized regarding their optical and physical properties. Both systems have been analyzed with common particle-size-measuring techniques like dynamic light scattering (DLS) and static light scattering (SLS) and compared to inline particle size distribution (PSD) measurements via photon density wave (PDW) spectroscopy in undiluted samples. It is shown that particle size measurements of undiluted polystyrene dispersions are in good agreement between analysis methods. However, for polyvinyl acetate particles, size determination is challenging due to bound water in the produced polymer. For the first time, water-swelling factors were determined via an iterative approach of PDW spectroscopy error (Χ2) minimization. It is shown that water-swollen particles can be analyzed in high-solid-content solutions and their physical properties can be assumed to determine the refractive index, density, and volume fraction in dispersion. It was found that assumed water swelling improved the reduced scattering coefficient fit by PDW spectroscopy by up to ten times and particle size determination was refined and enabled. Particle size analysis of the water-swollen particles agreed well with offline-based state-of-the-art techniques.
Efficient Biorenewable Membranes in Lithium-Oxygen Batteries
Authors: Amici Julia , Banaudi Giorgio , Longo Mattia , Gandolfo Matteo , Zanon Michael , Francia Carlotta , Bodoardo Silvia , Sangermano Marco
Published: July 2023

Lithium-oxygen batteries, with their very high energy density (3500 Wh kg−1), could represent a real breakthrough in the envisioned strategies towards more efficient energy storage solutions for a less and less carbonated energy mix. However, the problems associated with this technology are numerous. A first one is linked to the high reactivity of the lithium metal anode, while a second one is linked to the highly oxidative environment created by the cell’s O2 saturation. Keeping in mind the necessity for greener materials in future energy storage solutions, in this work an innovative lithium protective membrane is prepared based on chitosan, a polysaccharide obtained from the deacetylation reaction of chitin. Chitosan was methacrylated through a simple, one-step reaction in water and then cross-linked by UV-induced radical polymerization. The obtained membranes were successively activated in liquid electrolyte and used as a lithium protection layer. The cells prepared with protected lithium were able to reach a higher full discharge capacity, and the chitosan’s ability to slow down degradation processes was verified by post-mortem analyses. Moreover, in long cycling conditions, the protected lithium cell performed more than 40 cycles at 0.1 mA cm−2, at a fixed capacity of 0.5 mAh cm−2, retaining 100% coulombic efficiency, which is more than twice the lifespan of the bare lithium cell.