bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Numerical Study of Low-Velocity Impact Response of a Fiber Composite Honeycomb Sandwich Structure
Authors: Wen Zhou , Li Ming
Published: August 2023

Engineering applications for honeycomb sandwich structures (HSS) are well recognized. Heterogeneous structures have been created using polyetheretherketone (PEEK) material, glass fiber-reinforced PEEK (GF-PEEK), and carbon fiber-reinforced PEEK (CF-PEEK) to further enhance the load-carrying capacity, stiffness, and impact resistance of HSS. In this study, we investigated the low-velocity impact response of HSS using numerical simulation. Our findings demonstrate that the choice of construction material significantly affects the impact resistance and structural stability of the HSS. We found that using fiber-reinforced PEEK significantly enhances the impact resistance of the overall structure, with GF-PEEK identified as the more appropriate face sheet material for the composite HSS based on a comparative study of load–displacement curves. Analysis of the plastic deformation of the honeycomb core, in combination with the stress and strain distribution of the composite HSS after low-velocity impact, indicates that CF-PEEK face sheets cause more noticeable damage to the core, resulting in evident plastic deformation. Additionally, we discovered that the use of fiber-reinforced materials effectively reduces deflection during low-velocity dynamic impact, particularly when both the face sheet and honeycomb core of the HSS are composed of the same fiber-reinforced PEEK material. These results provide valuable insights into the design and optimization of composite HSS for impact resistance applications.
Laser Melting of Prefabrication AlOOH-Activated Film on the Surface of Nodular Cast Iron and Its Associated Properties
Authors: Zhang Xiaoyu , Yin Xiuyuan , Liu Chen , Liu Changsheng
Published: August 2023

This study aimed to improve the absorption rate of laser energy on the surface of nodular cast iron and further improve its thermal stability and wear resistance. After a 0.3 mm thick AlOOH activation film was pre-sprayed onto the polished surface of the nodular cast iron, a GWLASER 6 kw fiber laser cladding system was used to prepare a mixed dense oxide layer mainly composed of Al2O3, Fe3O4, and SiO2 using the optimal laser melting parameters of 470 W (laser power) and 5.5 mm/s (scanning speed). By comparing and characterizing the prefabricated laser-melted surface, the laser-remelted surface with the same parameters, and the substrate surface, it was found that there was little difference in the structure, composition, and performance between the laser-remelted surface and the substrate surface except for the morphology. The morphology, structure, and performance of the laser-melted surface underwent significant changes, with a stable surface line roughness of 0.9 μm and a 300–400 μm deep heat-affected zone. It could undergo two 1100 °C thermal shock cycles; its average microhardness increased by more than one compared to the remelted and substrate surfaces of 300 HV, with a maximum hardness of 900 HV; and the average friction coefficient and wear quantity decreased to 0.4370 and 0.001 g, respectively. The prefabricated activated film layer greatly improved the thermal stability and wear resistance of the nodular cast iron surface while reducing the laser melting power.
Development, Characterization and High-Temperature Oxidation Behaviour of Hot-Isostatic-Treated Cold-Sprayed Thick Titanium Deposits
Authors: Singh Parminder , Singh Harpreet , Singh Surinder , Calla Eklavya , Grewal Harpreet Singh , Arora Harpreet Singh , Krishnamurthy Anand
Published: August 2023

In this work, thick deposits of pure titanium (Ti), with a thickness of around 15 mm, were additively manufactured using high-pressure cold spraying. Nitrogen was employed as the process gas. Subsequently, the deposits were subjected to hot isostatic pressing (HIP). The HIP-treated Ti deposits were analyzed for their metallurgical and mechanical characteristics with the aim of exploring the viability of using cold spraying for the additive manufacturing of Ti components. Moreover, high-temperature cyclic oxidation testing was also performed on the HIP-treated Ti deposit to understand its stability at high temperatures. SEM/EDS showed a dense structure with marginal porosity for the HIP-treated Ti deposits, without any oxide formation, which was further confirmed via XRD analysis. An average microhardness of 214 HV was measured for the HIP-treated Ti deposits, which is close to that of the commercially available bulk titanium (202 HV). The high-temperature oxidation studies revealed that the cold-sprayed HIP-treated Ti has very good oxidation resistance, which could be attributed to the formation of protective titanium dioxide in its oxide scale.
A Class of Relational Functional Contractions with Applications to Nonlinear Integral Equations
Authors: Ansari Khursheed J. , Sessa Salvatore , Alam Aftab
Published: August 2023

In this article, we investigate some fixed-point results under certain functional contractive mappings in a relation metric space. In the process, we utilize more general contraction condition which must be verified for comparative elements only. Our results enrich, modify, refine, unify and sharpen several existing fixed-point results. We construct some examples in support of our results. To attest to the applicability of our results, we establish the existence and uniqueness of theorems regarding the solutions of certain nonlinear integral equations.
Numerical Investigation for Nonlinear Thermal Radiation in MHD Cu–Water Nanofluid Flow in a Channel with Convective Boundary Conditions
Authors: Yusuf Tunde Abdulkadir , Adeosun Adeshina Taofeeq , Akinsola Victor Olajide , Lebelo Ramoshweu Solomon , Akinremi Oluwadamilare Joseph
Published: August 2023

The implications of nonlinear thermal radiation on a Cu–water nanofluid flow with varying viscosity characteristics and convective boundary conditions are investigated numerically in this article. The nonlinear model takes the combined effects of Joule dissipation and Ohmic heating into consideration. The Spectral Local Linearization Method (SLLM) is used to address the nonlinear governing model. The numerical investigation’s findings were conducted and compared with the existing study. In Cu–water nanofluid flows with variable viscosity and convective boundary conditions, nonlinear thermal radiation plays an important role, as this work insightfully demonstrates. Pertinent results for velocity, temperature, skin friction, and heat transfer rate are displayed graphically and discussed quantitatively with respect to various parameters embedded in the model. The results revealed that the Cu–water thermal distribution lessens as the nanoparticle volume fraction upsurges. The outcomes of this study have potential applications in industrial systems such as power plants, cooling systems, and climate control systems.
The Financial Sustainability of Retail Food SMEs Based on Financial Equilibrium and Financial Performance
Authors: Herman Emilia , Zsido Kinga-Emese
Published: August 2023

The aim of this study was to investigate the financial sustainability of retail food SMEs for the 2016–2021 period, in Romania, from the perspective of financial equilibrium and performance. A multivariate analysis was used, including a correlation analysis, a principal component analysis (PCA), and a cluster analysis. The empirical results show a positive link between the financial performance and financial equilibrium indicators. We employed the PCA in order to build a composite financial index using financial equilibrium indicators (ratios of liquidity, solvency, collection, and payment period) and financial performance indicators (Return on Assets and Return on Equity). The results show that financial equilibrium and performance are the two main dimensions which the financial sustainability index (FSI) was constructed on. Taking into account the dimensions of financial sustainability, the analyzed SMEs were clustered in four homogeneous clusters. The research findings clearly demonstrated that the retail food SMEs with a good/acceptable financial sustainability also have a good/acceptable financial balance and performance situation. Furthermore, a significant part of the analyzed SMEs faces difficulties regarding financial sustainability, being characterized by the lowest values of FSI, determined by both an uncertain situation in terms of liquidity, leading to a financial disequilibrium, and a negative financial performance. Therefore, this research emphasizes some specific measures that need to be taken to boost financial sustainability of these businesses in the retail food sector.
A Study on the Laney p′ Control Chart with Parameters Estimated from Phase I Data: Performance Evaluation and Applications
Authors: Chen Pei-Wen , Cheng Chuen-Sheng , Wang Ching-Wen
Published: August 2023

The Laney p′ control chart is a new type of attribute control chart that can be applied in situations where the process exhibits either overdispersion or underdispersion. While it has gained acceptance in the industry, there is still limited knowledge about its effectiveness in detecting process variation. It is well known that before applying a control chart, understanding its performance is crucial, especially when the parameters of the control chart need to be estimated from historical data. In this study, we used simulations to investigate the ability of the Laney p′ control chart to detect process variations when the parameters are estimated. We designed appropriate experiments to assess the impact of overdispersion on the average run length (ARL) performance. In this study, we assumed that the overdispersion comes from the variation in the mean fraction nonconforming of each sample. The mean value varies according to a uniform distribution. This study evaluated the performance of the Laney p′ control chart using the average of the ARL (AARL) and the standard deviation of the ARL (SDARL). Additionally, real-world data were utilized to illustrate the practical applications of the Laney p′ control chart in the PCB and IC substrate industries. The research findings can serve as valuable guidance for practical implementation.
A New Instrumental-Type Estimator for Quantile Regression Models
Authors: Tao Li , Tai Lingnan , Qian Manling , Tian Maozai
Published: August 2023

This paper proposes a new instrumental-type estimator of quantile regression models for panel data with fixed effects. The estimator is built upon the minimum distance, which is defined as the weighted average of the conventional individual instrumental variable quantile regression slope estimators. The weights assigned to each estimator are determined by the inverses of their corresponding individual variance–covariance matrices. The implementation of the estimation has many advantages in terms of computational efforts and simplifies the asymptotic distribution. Furthermore, the paper shows consistency and asymptotic normality for sequential and simultaneous asymptotics. Additionally, it presents an empirical application that investigates the income elasticity of health expenditures.
The Optimal Consumption, Investment and Life Insurance for Wage Earners under Inside Information and Inflation
Authors: Jiao Rui , Liu Wei , Hu Yijun
Published: August 2023

This paper studies the dynamically optimal consumption, investment and life-insurance strategies for a wage earners under inside information and inflation. Assume that the wage earner can invest in a risk-free asset, a risky asset and an inflation-indexed bond and that the wage earner can obtain some additional information on the risky asset from the financial market. By maximizing the expected utility of the wage earner’s consumption, inheritance and terminal wealth, we obtain the dynamically optimal consumption, investment and life-insurance strategies for the wage earner. The method of this paper is mainly based on (dynamical) stochastic control theory and the technique of enlargement of filtrations. Moreover, sensitivity analysis is carried out, which reveals that a wage earner with inside information tends to increase his/her consumption and investment, while reducing his/her purchase of life insurance.
Spectral Salt-and-Pepper Patch Masking for Self-Supervised Speech Representation Learning
Authors: Kim June-Woo , Chung Hoon , Jung Ho-Young
Published: August 2023

Recent advanced systems in the speech recognition domain use large Transformer neural networks that have been pretrained on massive speech data. General methods in the deep learning area have been frequently shared across various domains, and the Transformer model can also be used effectively across speech and image. In this paper, we introduce a novel masking method for self-supervised speech representation learning with salt-and-pepper (S&P) mask which is commonly used in computer vision. The proposed scheme includes consecutive quadrilateral-shaped S&P patches randomly contaminating the input speech spectrum. Furthermore, we modify the standard S&P mask to make it appropriate for the speech domain. In order to validate the effect of the proposed spectral S&P patch masking for the self-supervised representation learning approach, we conduct the pretraining and downstream experiments with two languages, English and Korean. To this end, we pretrain the speech representation model using each dataset and evaluate the pretrained models for feature extraction and fine-tuning performance on varying downstream tasks, respectively. The experimental outcomes clearly illustrate that the proposed spectral S&P patch masking is effective for various downstream tasks when combined with the conventional masking methods.
New Sorbicillinoids from the Mangrove Endophytic Fungus Trichoderma reesei SCNU-F0042
Authors: Li Jialin , Chen Tao , Yu Jianchen , Jia Hao , Chen Chen , Long Yuhua
Published: August 2023

Three new dimeric sorbicillinoids (1–3) and one new 3,4,6-trisubstituted α-pyrone (5), along with seven analogues (4 and 6–11), were isolated from the mangrove endophytic fungus Trichoderma reesei SCNU-F0042 under the guidance of molecular networking approach. Their chemical structures were established by 1D and 2D NMR HR-ESI-MS and ECD analysis. In a bioassay, compound 2 exhibited moderate SARS-CoV-2 inhibitory activity with an EC50 value of 29.0 μM.
Effects of Dietary Supplementation with Mulberry Leaf Powder on the Growth Performance, Lipid Metabolism Parameters, Immunity Indicators, and Gut Microbiota of Dogs
Authors: Yu Aiying , Tang Cuiming , Wang Sutian , Wang Yuan , Chen Lian , Li Zhiyi , Luo Guoqing , Zhong Jianwu , Fang Zhengfeng , Wang Zhenjiang , Lin Sen
Published: August 2023

Overfeeding and a lack of exercise are increasingly causing obesity in dogs, which has become a big problem threatening the health of dogs. Therefore, it is necessary to investigate how dietary regulations can help to improve dogs’ body conditions and minimize obesity. This study was carried out to investigate the effects of dietary mulberry leaf powder (MLP) supplementation on the growth performance, lipid metabolism parameters, and gut microbiota of Chinese indigenous dogs. Fifteen Chinese indigenous dogs (6.34 ± 0.56 kg) were randomly assigned to three treatment groups and received either the control diet (CON), high-fat diet (HF), or high-fat diet containing 6% Mulberry leaf powder (MLP) for four weeks. The CON group received a basal diet, the HF group received a basal diet supplemented with 10% lard, and the MLP group received a basal diet supplemented with 10% lard and 6% MLP. The trial lasted for four weeks. The growth performance, lipid metabolism parameters, immune globulins, cytokines, and fecal microbiota were measured. Results showed that there was no significant difference in growth performance. The MLP group appeared to have decreased (p < 0.05) the serum level of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and apoliprotein-A1(APO-A1) in serum. The MLP group appeared to have higher (p < 0.05) serum immune globulin A (IgA) levels. UPGMA results showed that the MLP group was closer to the CON group than to the HF group. LEfSe analysis showed that dietary supplementation with MLP contributed to an alteration in the genus Alloprevotella, Sarcina, and species belonging to the Bacteroides and Lactobacillus genus. Overall, the dietary supplementation of 6% MLP can improve lipid metabolism conditions and immunity in high-fat-diet-fed dogs, and can alter the gut microbial composition of dogs.
A Simulation of Thermal Management Using a Diamond Substrate with Nanostructures
Authors: Liu Tingting , Zheng Kaiwen , Tao Tao , Hu Wenxiao , Chen Kai , Zhi Ting , Ye Yucong , Xie Zili , Yan Yu , Liu Bin , Zhang Rong
Published: August 2023

In recent years, the rapid progress in the field of GaN-based power devices has led to a smaller chip size and increased power usage. However, this has given rise to increasing heat aggregation, which affects the reliability and stability of these devices. To address this issue, diamond substrates with nanostructures were designed and investigated in this paper. The simulation results confirmed the enhanced performance of the device with diamond nanostructures, and the fabrication of a diamond substrate with nanostructures is demonstrated herein. The diamond substrate with square nanopillars 2000 nm in height exhibited optimal heat dissipation performance. Nanostructures can effectively decrease heat accumulation, resulting in a reduction in temperature from 121 °C to 114 °C. Overall, the simulation and experimental results in this work may provide guidelines and help in the development of the advanced thermal management of GaN devices using diamond micro/nanostructured substrates.
Design of a Low-Frequency Dielectrophoresis-Based Arc Microfluidic Chip for Multigroup Cell Sorting
Authors: Nan Xueli , Zhang Jiale , Wang Xin , Kang Tongtong , Cao Xinxin , Hao Jinjin , Jia Qikun , Qin Bolin , Mei Shixuan , Xu Zhikuan
Published: August 2023

Dielectrophoresis technology is applied to microfluidic chips to achieve microscopic control of cells. Currently, microfluidic chips based on dielectrophoresis have certain limitations in terms of cell sorting species, in order to explore a microfluidic chip with excellent performance and high versatility. In this paper, we designed a microfluidic chip that can be used for continuous cell sorting, with the structural design of a curved channel and curved double side electrodes. CM factors were calculated for eight human healthy blood cells and cancerous cells using the software MyDEP, the simulation of various blood cells sorting and the simulation of the joule heat effect of the microfluidic chip were completed using the software COMSOL Multiphysics. The effect of voltage and inlet flow velocity on the simulation results was discussed using the control variables method. We found feasible parameters from simulation results under different voltages and inlet flow velocities, and the feasibility of the design was verified from multiple perspectives by measuring cell movement trajectories, cell recovery rate and separation purity. This paper provides a universal method for cell, particle and even protein sorting.
A Novel Robust Screening Assay Identifies Pseudomonas Strains as Reliable Antagonists of the Root-Knot Nematode Meloidogyne incognita
Authors: Stucky Tobias , Hochstrasser Miro , Meyer Silvan , Segessemann Tina , Ruthes Andrea Caroline , Ahrens Christian H. , Pelludat Cosima , Dahlin Paul
Published: August 2023

Forty-four bacterial strains isolated from greenhouse soil and beetroots were tested for their antagonistic activity against the plant-parasitic root-knot nematode (RKN) Meloidogyne incognita, which causes significant yield losses in a number of important crops worldwide. Through a novel combination of in vitro and on planta screening assays, Pseudomonas spp. 105 and 108 were identified as the most promising bacterial isolates. Both strains were evaluated for their potential to control different RKN population densities and as root protectants against nematode infestation. Regardless of the application method, both strains significantly reduced root galling caused by M. incognita. These two strains were subjected to whole genome sequencing and de novo genome assembly as a basis for phylogenetic and future functional characterization. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that both Pseudomonas strains cluster within the Pseudomonas fluorescens clade among previously characterized RKN antagonists and Pseudomonas-based biocontrol agents of plant diseases.
Chryseobacterium herbae Isolated from the Rhizospheric Soil of Pyrola calliantha H. Andres in Segrila Mountain on the Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Zhang Li , Wang Yan , Kong Delong , Ma Qingyun , Li Yan , Xing Zhen , Ruan Zhiyong
Published: August 2023

A non-motile, Gram-staining-negative, orange-pigmented bacterium called herbae pc1-10T was discovered in Tibet in the soil around Pyrola calliantha H. Andres’ roots. The isolate thrived in the temperature range of 10–30 °C (optimal, 25 °C), pH range of 5.0–9.0 (optimum, pH = 6.0), and the NaCl concentration range of 0–1.8% (optimal, 0%). The DNA G+C content of the novel strain was 37.94 mol%. It showed the function of dissolving organophosphorus, acquiring iron from the environment by siderophore and producing indole acetic acid. Moreover, the genome of strain herbae pc1-10T harbors two antibiotic resistance genes (IND-4 and AdeF) encoding a β-lactamase, and the membrane fusion protein of the multidrug efflux complex AdeFGH; antibiotic-resistance-related proteins were detected using the Shotgun proteomics technology. The OrthoANIu values between strains Chryseobacterium herbae pc1-10T; Chryseobacterium oleae CT348T; Chryseobacterium kwangjuense KJ1R5T; and Chryseobacterium vrystaatense R-23566T were 90.94%, 82.96%, and 85.19%, respectively. The in silico DDH values between strains herbae pc1-10T; C. oleae CT348T; C. kwangjuense KJ1R5T; and C. vrystaatense R-23566T were 41.7%, 26.6%, and 29.7%, respectively. Chryseobacterium oleae, Chryseobacterium vrystaatense, and Chryseobacterium kwangjuense, which had 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity scores of 97.80%, 97.52%, and 96.75%, respectively, were its closest phylogenetic relatives. Chryseobacterium herbae sp. nov. is proposed as the designation for the strain herbae pc1-10T (=GDMCC 1.3255 = JCM 35711), which represented a type species based on genotypic and morphological characteristics. This study provides deep knowledge of a Chryseobacterium herbae characteristic description and urges the need for further genomic studies on microorganisms living in alpine ecosystems, especially around medicinal plants.
Current Insights into the Use of Probiotics and Fatty Acids in Alleviating Depression
Authors: Gao Han , He Chengwei , Xin Shuzi , Hua Rongxuan , Du Yixuan , Wang Boya , Gong Fengrong , Yu Xinyi , Pan Luming , Gao Lei , Xu Jingdong
Published: August 2023

(1) Background: Depression is the most prevalent psychiatric symptom present among individuals of all ages and backgrounds, impacting an estimated 300 million people globally. Therefore, it demands a significant amount of attention when it comes to managing depression. A growing amount of data reveal that probiotics and fatty acids could be beneficial to depression. However, the opposing position maintains that they have no influence on depression. A network meta-analyses of existing datasets aid in the estimation of comparative efficacy as well as in achieving an understanding of the relative merits of different therapies. The purpose of this study was to investigate the current evidence for probiotic or fatty acid depression therapy and to establish a practical alternative for depression patients using a meta-analysis and metagenomic data from a Wistar–Kyoto (WKY) depressed rat model. (2) Methods: Probiotic data were obtained from seven randomized controlled trial studies (n = 394), and fatty acid data were obtained from 24 randomized controlled trial studies (n = 1876). Meanwhile, a metagenomics analysis of data on animal gut flora was also applied to validate the preceding evidence. (3) Results: The fatty acid studies were separated into three sections based on the duration of probiotic delivery: ≤8 weeks, 9–12 weeks, and >12 weeks. The results were as follows: for ≤8 weeks, MD = −1.65 (95% CI: −2.96–−0.15), p = 0.01; for 9–12 weeks, MD = −2.22 (95% CI: −3.03–−1.22), p < 0.001; for >12 weeks, MD = −1.23 (95% CI: −2.85–0.39), p = 0.14. Regarding the probiotics, the meta-analysis revealed MD = −2.19 (95% CI: −3.38–−2.43), p < 0.001. The research presented herein illustrates that probiotics and fatty acids may successfully lower depression scores. Additionally, the probiotics were drastically reduced in the WKY rats. (4) Conclusions: According to the data, a depression intervention utilizing probiotics outperformed the control, implying that the use of probiotics and fatty acids may be a successful strategy for depression treatment.
Oxymatrine Alleviates Collagen-Induced Arthritis in Mice by Regulating the Immune Balance of T Cells
Authors: Cao Gan , Li Jing , Mao Zhuhan , Zhang Yanli
Published: August 2023

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by systemic immunity and autoimmune disorders. We have previously found that oxymatrine (OMT), a natural alkaloid, can alleviate rheumatoid arthritis without knowing whether OMT can alleviate rheumatoid arthritis through gut microbiota. In this study, we found that OMT can alleviate collagen-induced arthritis in mice and reconstruct the immune balance of Th1/Th2, Treg/Th17, and Tfr/Tfh cells. Colon transcriptome gene enrichment analysis indicated that oxymatrine may alleviate collagen induced arthritis in mice through immune system process pathway. Furthermore, OMT significantly altered the gut microbiota variety, changed the composition of microbial colonies, and reshaped the gut microbiota of collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) mice, which may participate in the regulation of the balance of Th1/Th2, Treg/Th17, and Tfr/Tfh cells to alleviate collagen-induced arthritis in mice.
Carbon Materials Prepared from Invading Pelagic Sargassum for Supercapacitors’ Electrodes
Authors: Roche Sandra , Yacou Christelle , Jean Marius Corine , Ranguin Ronald , Francoeur Marckens , Taberna Pierre-Louis , Passe-Coutrin Nady , Gaspard Sarra
Published: August 2023

Since 2011, substantial amounts of pelagic Sargassum algae have washed up along the Caribbean beaches and the Gulf of Mexico, leading to negative impacts on the economy and the environment of those areas. Hence, it is now crucial to develop strategies to mitigate this problem while valorizing such invasive biomass. This work deals with the successful exploitation of this pelagic Sargassum seaweed for the fabrication of carbon materials that can be used as electrodes for supercapacitors. Pelagic Sargassum precursors were simply pyrolyzed at temperatures varying from 600 to 900 °C. The resultant carbonaceous materials were then extensively characterized using different techniques, such as nitrogen adsorption for textural characterization, as well as X-ray photoelectron (XPS), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopies (FT-IR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), to understand their structures and functionalities. The electrochemical properties of the carbon materials were also tested for their performance as supercapacitors using cyclic voltammetry (CV), the galvanostatic method and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy analyses (EIS). We managed to have a large specific surface, i.e., 1664 m2 g−1 for biochar prepared at 800 °C (CS800). Eventually, CS800 turned out to exhibit the highest capacitance (96 F g−1) over the four samples, along with the highest specific surface (1664 m2 g−1), with specific resistance of about 0.07 Ω g −1.
Effect of Sichuan Pepper (Zanthoxylum genus) Addition on Flavor Profile in Fermented Ciba Chili (Capsicum genus) Using GC-IMS Combined with E-Nose and E-Tongue
Authors: Wu Baozhu , Zhu Chenglin , Deng Jing , Dong Ping , Xiong Yiling , Wu Huachang
Published: August 2023

This study examined the flavor profiles of fermented Ciba chili, comparing samples with Sichuan pepper (HJ) to those without Sichuan pepper (CK), using three analytical techniques: E-tongue, E-nose, and gas chromatography–ion mobility spectrometry (GC-IMS). The results obtained from the E-tongue and E-nose exhibited a clear difference in taste and flavor between CK and HJ. In detail, CK mainly exhibited a sour flavor profile, whereas HJ displayed an intricate and rich flavor. The HS-GC-IMS results identified a total of 60 compounds in the samples, with terpenes, alcohols, and esters being the primary volatile flavor compounds. Additionally, Zanthoxylum was found to significantly enhance the concentration of these compounds in fermented Ciba chili. Through robust principal component analysis (rPCA), 17 distinct flavor compounds were selected. Correlation analysis revealed that most terpenes exhibited positive correlations with LY2/LG, LY2/gCT1, LY2/Gct, LY2/G, LY2/Gh, and terpenes were found in higher concentrations in HJ. This study contributes a theoretical basis and provides data support for optimizing the fermentation process and elucidating the underlying mechanism of characteristic aroma formation in Ciba chili after fermentation.
Potassium and Cesium Fluorinated β-Diketonates: Effect of a Cation and Terminal Substituent on Structural and Thermal Properties
Authors: Kochelakov Danil V. , Vikulova Evgeniia S. , Kuratieva Natalia V. , Korolkov Ilya V.
Published: August 2023

As potential precursors for the synthesis of fluoroperovskites, a family of heavy alkali metal (MI = K, Cs) fluorinated β-diketonates were prepared and characterized by elemental analysis, IR, and powder-XRD. The crystal structures of the new six complexes, MI(β-dikF)(H2O)X, X = 0 or 1, were also determined. The structural diversity of this poorly explored class of complexes was discussed, including the preferred types of cation polyhedra and the ligand coordination modes, and the thermal properties of the metal β-diketonates were studied by TG–DTA in an inert (He) atmosphere. The data obtained allowed us to reveal the effect of the metal cation and the terminal substituent on the structural and thermal features of this family of complexes.
Peculiarities of the Variation of Biologically Active Compounds in Fruit of Vaccinium oxycoccos L. Growing in the Čepkeliai State Strict Nature Reserve
Authors: Šedbarė Rima , Grigaitė Onutė , Janulis Valdimaras
Published: August 2023

This study was carried out to analyze the accumulation patterns of anthocyanins, proanthocyanidins, flavonols, chlorogenic acid, and triterpene compounds in fruit samples of Vaccinium oxycoccos L. berries growing in the Čepkeliai State Strict Nature Reserve in Lithuania. Studies were carried out on the phytochemical composition of cranberry fruit samples during the period of 2020–2022. Anthocyanins, flavonols, chlorogenic acid and triterpene compounds were identified and quantified using UPLC-DAD methods, and proanthocyanins were determined using spectrophotometric methods. The content of identified compounds varied, as reflected in the total amounts of anthocyanins (710.3 ± 40 µg/g to 6993.8 ± 119 µg/g), proanthocyanidins (378.4 ± 10 µg EE/g to 3557. 3 ± 75 µg EE/g), flavonols (479.6 ± 9 µg/g to 7291.2 ± 226 µg/g), chlorogenic acid (68.0 ± 1 µg/g to 3858.2 ± 119 µg/g), and triterpenoids (3780.8 ± 98 µg/g to 7226.9 ± 224 µg/g). Cranberry fruit samples harvested from open oligotrophic wetland habitats contained higher levels of anthocyanins, anthocyanidins, flavonol glycosides, and proanthocyanidins. The highest levels of triterpene compounds were found in the cranberry fruits harvested in the spring of the following year after the snowmelt. The use of principal component analysis showed that cranberry plant material harvested in October and November had higher levels of bioactive compounds.
Isolation and Identification of β-Glucosidases-Producing Non-Saccharomyces Yeast Strains and Its Influence on the Aroma of Fermented Mango Juice
Authors: Miao Yuemei , Zhong Qiuping
Published: August 2023

The cultivation and enrichment of different soils in a vineyard yielded 95 yeast species. Among them, seven strains capable of producing β-glucosidases were identified using the aescin colorimetric method. One non-Saccharomyces yeast strain was isolated from a plate containing lysine and identified using internal transcription (ITS) as Candida cf. sorbosivorans (C. cf. sorbosivorans), which was named Candida cf. sorbosivorans X1. Additionally, the enzymatic characteristics of the β-glucosidases produced by this strain were investigated. The β-glucosidases generated by C. cf. sorbosivorans X1 displayed high enzymatic activity and enzyme-activity retention in a pH range of 3.0 to 5.4 and at temperatures of 30 °C to 35 °C. Using non-targeted metabolomics methods, we investigated the alterations in metabolites during the fermentation of mango juice. The strain C. cf. sorbosivorans X1 demonstrated activity against phenols and terpenes. In the fermented mango juice (X1FMJ), we identified 41 differential metabolites. These included 14 esters, 4 hydrocarbons, 3 aldehydes, 5 ketones, 4 terpenoids, 4 alcohols, 1 aromatic hydrocarbon, 2 amines, 1 acid, and 3 heterocyclic compounds. The metabolic pathways of these differential metabolites were analyzed, revealing four key pathways: tyrosine metabolism, phenylpropanoid biosynthesis, monoterpene biosynthesis, and α-linolenic acid metabolism, which promoted the formation of aroma compounds in the fermented mango juice.
Curcumin–Sodium Alginate and Curcumin–Chitosan Conjugates as Drug Delivery Systems: An Interesting Rheological Behaviour
Authors: Cirillo Giuseppe , Curcio Manuela , Oliviero Rossi Cesare , De Filpo Giovanni , Baratta Mariafrancesca , De Luca Michele , Iemma Francesca , Nicoletta Fiore
Published: August 2023

The conjugation of polyphenols is a valuable strategy with which to confer tailored properties to polymeric materials of biomedical interest. Within this investigation, we aim to explore the possibility to use this synthetic approach to increase the viscosity of conjugates, thus allowing the release of a loaded therapeutic to be better controlled over time than in neat polyphenols. Curcumin (CUR) was conjugated to sodium alginate (CA) and chitosan (CS) with functionalisation degrees of 9.2 (SA-CUR) and 15.4 (CS-CUR) mg g−1. Calorimetric analyses showed higher degrees of chain rigidity upon conjugation, with a shift of the degradation peaks to higher temperatures (from 239 to 245 °C and from 296 to 303 °C for SA-CUR and CS-CUR, respectively). Rheological analyses were used to prove the enhanced interconnection between the polymer chains in the conjugates, confirmed by the weak gel parameters, A and z. Moreover, the typical non-Newtonian behaviour of the high-molecular-weight polysaccharides was recorded, together with an enhancement of the activation energy, Ea, in CS-CUR vs. CS (opposite behaviour recorded for SA-CUR vs. SA). The evaluation of the delivery performance (of Doxorubicin as a model drug) showed sustained release profiles, opening opportunities for the development of controlled delivery systems.
Monitoring Pharmaceuticals and Personal Care Products in Drinking Water Samples by the LC-MS/MS Method to Estimate Their Potential Health Risk
Authors: Molnarova Lucia , Halesova Tatana , Vaclavikova Marta , Bosakova Zuzana
Published: August 2023

(1) The occurrence and accumulation of pharmaceuticals and personal care products in the environment are recognized scientific concerns. Many of these compounds are disposed of in an unchanged or metabolized form through sewage systems and wastewater treatment plants (WWTP). WWTP processes do not completely eliminate all active substances or their metabolites. Therefore, they systematically leach into the water system and are increasingly contaminating ground, surface, and drinking water, representing a health risk largely ignored by legislative bodies. Especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, a significantly larger amount of medicines and protective products were consumed. It is therefore likely that contamination of water sources has increased, and in the case of groundwater with a delayed effect. As a result, it is necessary to develop an accurate, rapid, and easily available method applicable to routine screening analyses of potable water to monitor and estimate their potential health risk. (2) A multi-residue UHPLC-MS/MS analytical method designed for the identification of 52 pharmaceutical products was developed and used to monitor their presence in drinking water. (3) The optimized method achieved good validation parameters, with recovery of 70–120% of most analytes and repeatability achieving results within 20%. In real samples of drinking water, at least one analyte above the limit of determination was detected in each of the 15 tap water and groundwater samples analyzed. (4) These findings highlight the need for legislation to address pharmaceutical contamination in the environment.
Phytochemistry and Biological Activities of Murraya Species
Authors: Yohanes Ricky , Harneti Desi , Supratman Unang , Fajriah Sofa , Rudiana Tarso
Published: August 2023

Murraya is a plant genus within the Rutaceae family comprising over 17 species, which are widely distributed in Asia, Australia, and the Pacific Islands. Furthermore, these species have been used in traditional medicine to treat fever, pain, and dysentery. Several reports have also extensively studied the leaves, seeds, stembark, and bark of Murraya from 1965 to 2023 to explore their natural product composition. Various phytochemical studies have revealed the isolation of 413 compounds recorded, comprising coumarins, terpenoids, flavonoids, and aromatics, as well as alkaloids, which constitute the largest proportion (46.9%). These isolated compounds have long been known to exhibit different bioactivities, such as cytotoxic and anti-inflammatory properties. Cytotoxic activity has been observed against HCT 116, HeLa, HepG2, and other cell lines. Previous studies have also reported the presence of antifungal, hepatoprotective, antihyperlipidemic, antidiarrheal, and antioxidant effects. Therefore, this review provides a comprehensive overview of Murraya species, highlighting their phytochemistry, biological activities, and potential as a source of active natural compounds.
The Structural Characterisation and DFT-Aided Interpretation of Vibrational Spectra for Cyclo(l-Cys-d-Cys) Cyclic Dipeptide in a Solid State
Authors: Witkowski Marcin , Trzybiński Damian , Pawlędzio Sylwia , Woźniak Krzysztof , Dzwolak Wojciech , Królikowska Agata
Published: August 2023

Cyclic dipeptides with two intramolecular peptide bonds forming a six-membered 2,5-diketopiperazine ring are gaining significant attention due to their biological and chemical properties. Small changes in the local geometry of such molecules (from cis to trans) can lead to significant structural differences. This work presents the results of a study of cyclo(l-Cys-d-Cys), a dipeptide comprising two cysteine molecules in opposite chiral configurations, with the functional groups situated at both sides of the diketopiperazine ring. X-ray diffraction (XRD) experiment revealed that the molecule crystallises in the P-1 space group, which includes the centre of inversion. The IR and Raman vibrational spectra of the molecule were acquired and interpreted in terms of the potential energy distribution (PED) according to the results of density functional theory (DFT) calculations. The DFT-assisted analysis of energy frameworks for the hydrogen bond network within molecular crystals was performed to support the interpretation of X-ray structural data. The optimisation of the computational model based on three-molecule geometry sections from the crystallographic structure, selected to appropriately reflect the intermolecular interactions responsible for the formation of 1D molecular tapes in cyclo(l-Cys-d-Cys) crystal, allowed for better correspondence between theoretical and experimental vibrational spectra. This work can be considered the first complete structural characterisation of cyclo(l-Cys-d-Cys), complemented via vibrational spectroscopy results with full band assignment aided with the use of the DFT method.
Therapeutic Applications of Essential Oils from Native and Cultivated Ecuadorian Plants: Cutaneous Candidiasis and Dermal Anti-Inflammatory Activity
Authors: Sosa Lilian , Espinoza Lupe Carolina , Valarezo Eduardo , Bozal Núria , Calpena Ana , Fábrega María-José , Baldomà Laura , Rincón María , Mallandrich Mireia
Published: August 2023

Essential oils are a complex mixture of aromatic substances whose pharmacological actions, including antimicrobial, antioxidant, anticancer, and anti-inflammatory activities, have been widely reported. This study aimed to evaluate the anti-Candida and dermal anti-inflammatory activity of essential oils from native and cultivated Ecuadorian plants. Essential oils from Bursera graveolens, Dacryodes peruviana, Mespilodaphne quixos, and Melaleuca armillaris were isolated by hydrodistillation and were characterized physically and chemically. Its tolerance was analyzed by in vitro and in vivo studies. The antifungal activity was studied against Candida albicans, Candida glabrata, and Candida parapsilosis, whereas the anti-inflammatory effect was evaluated by a mouse ear edema model. The main compounds were limonene, α-phellandrene, (E)-methyl cinnamate, and 1,8-cineole, respectively. All essential oils showed high tolerability for skin application, antifungal activity against the three Candida strains, and anti-inflammatory efficacy by decreasing edema and overexpression of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Dacryodes peruviana essential oil showed the highest antifungal activity. On the other hand, Dacryodes peruviana and Melaleuca armillaris showed the greatest anti-inflammatory potential, decreasing edema by 53.3% and 65.25%, respectively, and inhibiting the overexpression of TNF-α, IL-8, IL-17A, and IL-23. The results suggest that these essential oils could be used as alternative therapies in the treatment of both cutaneous candidiasis and dermal inflammation.
Tectorigenin: A Review of Its Sources, Pharmacology, Toxicity, and Pharmacokinetics
Authors: Rong Juan , Fu Fei , Han Chenxia , Wu Yaling , Xia Qing , Du Dan
Published: August 2023

Tectorigenin is a well-known natural flavonoid aglycone and an active component that exists in numerous plants. Growing evidence suggests that tectorigenin has multiple pharmacological effects, such as anticancer, antidiabetic, hepatoprotective, anti-inflammatory, antioxidative, antimicrobial, cardioprotective, and neuroprotective. These pharmacological properties provide the basis for the treatment of many kinds of illnesses, including several types of cancer, diabetes, hepatic fibrosis, osteoarthritis, Alzheimer’s disease, etc. The purpose of this paper is to provide a comprehensive summary and review of the sources, extraction and synthesis, pharmacological effects, toxicity, pharmacokinetics, and delivery strategy aspects of tectorigenin. Tectorigenin may exert certain cytotoxicity, which is related to the administration time and concentration. Pharmacokinetic studies have demonstrated that the main metabolic pathways in rats for tectorigenin are glucuronidation, sulfation, demethylation and methoxylation, but that it exhibits poor bioavailability. From our perspective, further research on tectorigenin should cover: exploring the pharmacological targets and mechanisms of action; finding an appropriate concentration to balance pharmacological effects and toxicity; attempting diversified delivery strategies to improve the bioavailability; and structural modification to obtain tectorigenin derivatives with higher pharmacological activity.
Supplementation of Dihomo-γ-Linolenic Acid for Pollen-Induced Allergic Symptoms in Healthy Subjects: A Randomized, Double-Blinded, Placebo-Controlled Trial
Authors: Yokoi Kaori , Yanagimoto Kenichi , Hayamizu Kohsuke
Published: August 2023

Dihomo-γ-linolenic acid (DGLA) is an n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acid that has been shown to have anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic effects in mice and cell study. To date, however, no human intervention study has examined the effects of DGLA. Therefore, we investigated the effects of DGLA on pollen-induced allergic symptoms in healthy adults. We performed a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group study comprising healthy Japanese men and women. Each subject received four 250 mg capsules providing 314 mg DGLA/day (DGLA group, n = 18) or olive oil (placebo group, n = 15) for 15 weeks. The primary outcomes, classification of the severity of allergic rhinitis symptoms (CSARS), and the Japanese Rhino-conjunctivitis Quality of Life Questionnaire (JRQLQ) served as symptom scores during the pollen season. In the DGLA group, the cedar pollen associated symptoms of sneezing and a blocked nose in the CSARS were significantly lower than those in the placebo group (p < 0.05, p < 0.01, respectively). Significant trends were observed the symptoms of runny nose in the CSARS and total symptom score (TSS) in the JRQLQ for cedar pollen (p < 0.1). To our knowledge, this is the first study to report the effects of DGLA in humans, and the results suggest that DGLA is effective in reducing allergic symptoms caused by pollen.
Clinical Approach in the Management of Paediatric Patients with Familial Hypercholesterolemia: A National Survey Conducted by the LIPIGEN Paediatric Group
Authors: Pederiva Cristina , Gazzotti Marta , Arca Marcello , Averna Maurizio , Banderali Giuseppe , Biasucci Giacomo , Brambilla Marta , Buonuomo Paola , Calabrò Paolo , Cipollone Francesco , Citroni Nadia , D’Addato Sergio , Del Ben Maria , Genovesi Simonetta , Guardamagna Ornella , Iannuzzo Gabriella , Iughetti Lorenzo , Mandraffino Giuseppe , Maroni Lorenzo , Mombelli Giuliana , Muntoni Sandro , Nascimbeni Fabio , Passaro Angelina , Pellegatta Fabio , Pirro Matteo , Pisciotta Livia , Pujia Roberta , Sarzani Riccardo , Scicali Roberto , Suppressa Patrizia , Zambon Sabina , Zenti Maria , Calandra Sebastiano , Catapano Alberico , Tarugi Patrizia , Galimberti Federica , Casula Manuela , Capra Maria
Published: August 2023

Detection and treatment of patients with familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) starting from childhood is fundamental to reduce morbidity and mortality. The activity of National realities such as the LIPIGEN (LIpid transPort disorders Italian GEnetic Network) Paediatric Group, founded in 2018, is a milestone in this context. The aim of this exploratory survey, conducted in October 2021 among Italian lipid clinics included in the LIPIGEN Paediatric Group, was to investigate the current clinical approach in the management and treatment of paediatric patients with suspected FH. A digital questionnaire composed of 20 questions investigating nutritional treatment and nutraceutical and pharmacological therapy for children and adolescents with FH was proposed to the principal investigators of 30 LIPIGEN centres. Twenty-four centres responded to the section referring to children aged < 10 years and 30 to that referring to adolescents. Overall, 66.7% of children and 73.3% of adolescents were given lipid-lowering nutritional treatment as the first intervention level for at least 3–4 months (29.2% and 23.3%) or 6–12 months (58.3% and 53.3%). Nutraceuticals were considered in 41.7% (regarding children) and 50.0% (regarding adolescents) of the centres as a supplementary approach to diet. Lipid-lowering drug therapy initiation was mainly recommended (91.7% and 80.0%). In 83.3% of children and 96.7% of adolescents, statins were the most frequently prescribed drug. We highlighted several differences in the treatment of paediatric patients with suspected FH among Italian centres; however, the overall approach is in line with the European Atherosclerosis Society (EAS) recommendations for FH children and adolescents. We consider this survey as a starting point to reinforce collaboration between LIPIGEN centres and to elaborate in the near future a consensus document on the management of paediatric patients with suspected FH so as to improve and uniform detection, management, and treatment of these patients in our country.