bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Association between Antibiotic Exposure and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in Middle-Aged and Older Adults
Authors: Chu Lei , Su Deqi , Wang Hexing , Aili Dilihumaer , Yimingniyazi Bahegu , Jiang Qingwu , Dai Jianghong
Published: March 2023

Background: Although previous studies have shown an association between clinically used antibiotics and type 2 diabetes, the relationship between antibiotic exposure from food and drinking water and type 2 diabetes in middle-aged and older adults is unclear. ObjectivE: This study was aimed at exploring the relationship between antibiotic exposures from different sources and type 2 diabetes in middle-aged and older people, through urinary antibiotic biomonitoring. MethodS: A total of 525 adults who were 45–75 years of age were recruited from Xinjiang in 2019. The total urinary concentrations of 18 antibiotics in five classes (tetracyclines, fluoroquinolones, macrolides, sulfonamides and chloramphenicol) commonly used in daily life were measured via isotope dilution ultraperformance liquid chromatography coupled with high-resolution quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry. The antibiotics included four human antibiotics, four veterinary antibiotics and ten preferred veterinary antibiotics. The hazard quotient (HQ) of each antibiotic and the hazard index (HI) based on the mode of antibiotic use and effect endpoint classification were also calculated. Type 2 diabetes was defined on the basis of international levels. Results: The overall detection rate of the 18 antibiotics in middle-aged and older adults was 51.0%. The concentration, daily exposure dose, HQ, and HI were relatively high in participants with type 2 diabetes. After model adjustment for covariates, participants with HI > 1 for microbial effects (OR = 3.442, 95%CI: 1.423–8.327), HI > 1 for preferred veterinary antibiotic use (OR = 3.348, 95%CI: 1.386–8.083), HQ > 1 for norfloxacin (OR = 10.511, 96%CI: 1.571–70.344) and HQ > 1 for ciprofloxacin (OR = 6.565, 95%CI: 1.676–25.715) had a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes mellitus. Conclusions: Certain antibiotic exposures, mainly those from sources associated with food and drinking water, generate health risks and are associated with type 2 diabetes in middle-aged and older adults. Because of this study’s cross-sectional design, additional prospective studies and experimental studies are needed to validate these findings.
A Bitter Taste Receptor as a Novel Molecular Target on Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Hung Jessica , Perez Samantha M. , Dasa Siva Sai Krishna , Hall Sarah P. , Heckert Danielle B. , Murphy Brian P. , Crawford Howard C. , Kelly Kimberly A. , Brinton Lindsey T.
Published: March 2023

Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) execute diverse and complex functions in cancer progression. While reprogramming the crosstalk between CAFs and cancer epithelial cells is a promising avenue to evade the adverse effects of stromal depletion, drugs are limited by their suboptimal pharmacokinetics and off-target effects. Thus, there is a need to elucidate CAF-selective cell surface markers that can improve drug delivery and efficacy. Here, functional proteomic pulldown with mass spectrometry was used to identify taste receptor type 2 member 9 (TAS2R9) as a CAF target. TAS2R9 target characterization included binding assays, immunofluorescence, flow cytometry, and database mining. Liposomes conjugated to a TAS2R9-specific peptide were generated, characterized, and compared to naked liposomes in a murine pancreatic xenograft model. Proof-of-concept drug delivery experiments demonstrate that TAS2R9-targeted liposomes bind with high specificity to TAS2R9 recombinant protein and exhibit stromal colocalization in a pancreatic cancer xenograft model. Furthermore, the delivery of a CXCR2 inhibitor by TAS2R9-targeted liposomes significantly reduced cancer cell proliferation and constrained tumor growth through the inhibition of the CXCL-CXCR2 axis. Taken together, TAS2R9 is a novel cell-surface CAF-selective target that can be leveraged to facilitate small-molecule drug delivery to CAFs, paving the way for new stromal therapies.
Virtual Screening of Benzimidazole Derivatives as Potential Triose Phosphate Isomerase Inhibitors with Biological Activity against Leishmania mexicana
Authors: Vázquez-Jiménez Lenci K. , Juárez-Saldivar Alfredo , Chan-Bacab Manuel J. , Delgado-Maldonado Timoteo , González-Morales Luis D. , Palos Isidro , Ortiz-Pérez Eyra , Lara-Ramírez Edgar E. , Ramírez-Moreno Esther , Rivera Gildardo
Published: March 2023

Leishmania mexicana (L. mexicana) is a causal agent of cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL), a “Neglected disease”, for which the search for new drugs is a priority. Benzimidazole is a scaffold used to develop antiparasitic drugs; therefore, it is interesting molecule against L. mexicana. In this work, a ligand-based virtual screening (LBVS) of the ZINC15 database was performed. Subsequently, molecular docking was used to predict the compounds with potential binding at the dimer interface of triosephosphate isomerase (TIM) of L. mexicana (LmTIM). Compounds were selected on binding patterns, cost, and commercial availability for in vitro assays against L. mexicana blood promastigotes. The compounds were analyzed by molecular dynamics simulation on LmTIM and its homologous human TIM. Finally, the physicochemical and pharmacokinetic properties were determined in silico. A total of 175 molecules with docking scores between −10.8 and −9.0 Kcal/mol were obtained. Compound E2 showed the best leishmanicidal activity (IC50 = 4.04 µM) with a value similar to the reference drug pentamidine (IC50 = 2.23 µM). Molecular dynamics analysis predicted low affinity for human TIM. Furthermore, the pharmacokinetic and toxicological properties of the compounds were suitable for developing new leishmanicidal agents.
Phenolic Content, Antioxidant, Antibacterial, Antihyperglycemic, and α-Amylase Inhibitory Activities of Aqueous Extract of Salvia lavandulifolia Vahl
Authors: Remok Firdaous , Saidi Soukaina , Gourich Aman Allah , Zibouh Khalid , Maouloua Mohamed , Makhoukhi Fadwa El , Menyiy Naoual El , Touijer Hanane , Bouhrim Mohamed , Sahpaz Sevser , Salamatullah Ahmad Mohammad , Bourhia Mohammed , Zair Touriya
Published: March 2023

Salvia lavandulifolia Vahl essential oil is becoming more popular as a cognitive enhancer and treatment for memory loss. It is high in natural antioxidants and has spasmolytic, antiseptic, analgesic, sedative, and anti-inflammatory properties. Its aqueous extract has hypoglycemic activity and is used to treat diabetic hyperglycemia, but few studies have focused on it. The objective of this work is to evaluate the various biological and pharmacological powers of Salvia lavandulifolia Vahl leaf aqueous extract. Quality control of the plant material was first carried out. Followed by a phytochemical study on the aqueous extract of S. lavandulifolia leaves, namely phytochemical screening and determination of total polyphenols, flavonoids, and condensed tannins contents. Then, the biological activities were undertaken, in particular the antioxidant activity (total antioxidant activity and trapping of the DPPH° radical) and the antimicrobial activity. The chemical composition of this extract was also determined by HPLC-MS-ESI. Finally, the inhibitory effect of the α-amylase enzyme as well as the antihyperglycaemic effect was evaluated in vivo in normal rats overloaded with starch or D-glucose. The aqueous extract obtained by use of the decoction of leaves of S. lavandulifolia contains 246.51 ± 1.69 mg EQ of gallic acid/g DE, 23.80 ± 0.12 mg EQ quercetin/g DE, and 2.46 ± 0.08 mg EQ catechin /g DE. Its total antioxidant capacity is around 527.03 ± 5.95 mg EQ of ascorbic acid/g DE. At a concentration of 5.81 ± 0.23 µg/mL, our extract was able to inhibit 50% of DPPH° radicals. Moreover, it showed bactericidal effect against Proteus mirabilis, fungicidal against Aspergillus niger, Candida albicans, Candida tropicalis, and Saccharomyces cerevisiae, and fungistatic against Candida krusei. A marked antihyperglycemic activity (AUC = 54.84 ± 4.88 g/L/h), as well as a significant inhibitory effect of α-amylase in vitro (IC50 = 0.99 ± 0.00 mg/mL) and in vivo (AUC = 51.94 ± 1.29 g/L/h), is recorded in our extract. Furthermore, its chemical composition reveals the presence of 37.03% rosmarinic acid, 7.84% quercetin rhamnose, 5.57% diosmetin-rutinoside, 5.51% catechin dimer, and 4.57% gallocatechin as major compounds. The antihyperglycemic and α-amylase inhibitory activities, associated with the antioxidant properties of S. lavandulifolia, justify its use in the treatment of diabetes in traditional medicine and highlight its potential introduction into antidiabetic drugs.
CD73-Positive Cell Spheroid Transplantation Attenuates Colonic Atrophy
Authors: Hisamatsu Daisuke , Itakura Natsumi , Mabuchi Yo , Ozaki Rion , Suto Eriko Grace , Naraoka Yuna , Ikeda Akari , Ito Lisa , Akazawa Chihiro
Published: March 2023

The incidence of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) is increasing worldwide. Mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs) have immunomodulatory functions and are a promising source for cell transplantation therapy for IBD. However, owing to their heterogeneous nature, their therapeutic efficacy in colitis is controversial and depends on the delivery route and form of transplanted cells. Cluster of differentiation (CD) 73 is widely expressed in MSCs and used to obtain a homogeneous MSC population. Herein, we determined the optimal method for MSC transplantation using CD73+ cells in a colitis model. mRNA sequencing analysis showed that CD73+ cells exhibited a downregulation of inflammatory gene expression and an upregulation of extracellular matrix-related gene expression. Furthermore, three-dimensional CD73+ cell spheroids showed enhanced engraftment at the injured site through the enteral route, facilitated extracellular matrix remodeling, and downregulated inflammatory gene expression in fibroblasts, leading to the attenuation of colonic atrophy. Therefore, the interaction between intestinal fibroblasts and exogenous MSCs via tissue remodeling is one mechanism that can be exploited for colitis prevention. Our results highlight that the transplantation of homogeneous cell populations with well-characterized properties is beneficial for IBD treatment.
Multimodal Radiobioconjugates of Magnetic Nanoparticles Labeled with 44Sc and 47Sc for Theranostic Application
Authors: Ünak Perihan , Yasakçı Volkan , Tutun Elif , Karatay K. Buşra , Walczak Rafał , Wawrowicz Kamil , Żelechowska-Matysiak Kinga , Majkowska-Pilip Agnieszka , Bilewicz Aleksander
Published: March 2023

This study was performed to synthesize multimodal radiopharmaceutical designed for the diagnosis and treatment of prostate cancer. To achieve this goal, superparamagnetic iron oxide (SPIO) nanoparticles were used as a platform for targeting molecule (PSMA-617) and for complexation of two scandium radionuclides, 44Sc for PET imaging and 47Sc for radionuclide therapy. TEM and XPS images showed that the Fe3O4 NPs have a uniform cubic shape and a size from 38 to 50 nm. The Fe3O4 core are surrounded by SiO2 and an organic layer. The saturation magnetization of the SPION core was 60 emu/g. However, coating the SPIONs with silica and polyglycerol reduces the magnetization significantly. The obtained bioconjugates were labeled with 44Sc and 47Sc, with a yield higher than 97%. The radiobioconjugate exhibited high affinity and cytotoxicity toward the human prostate cancer LNCaP (PSMA+) cell line, much higher than for PC-3 (PSMA-) cells. High cytotoxicity of the radiobioconjugate was confirmed by radiotoxicity studies on LNCaP 3D spheroids. In addition, the magnetic properties of the radiobioconjugate should allow for its use in guide drug delivery driven by magnetic field gradient.
Kinin B1 and B2 Receptors Contribute to Cisplatin-Induced Painful Peripheral Neuropathy in Male Mice
Authors: Becker Gabriela , Fialho Maria Fernanda Pessano , Brusco Indiara , Oliveira Sara Marchesan
Published: March 2023

Cisplatin is the preferential chemotherapeutic drug for highly prevalent solid tumours. However, its clinical efficacy is frequently limited due to neurotoxic effects such as peripheral neuropathy. Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy is a dose-dependent adverse condition that negatively impacts quality of life, and it may determine dosage limitations or even cancer treatment cessation. Thus, it is urgently necessary to identify pathophysiological mechanisms underlying these painful symptoms. As kinins and their B1 and B2 receptors contribute to the development of chronic painful conditions, including those induced by chemotherapy, the contribution of these receptors to cisplatin-induced peripheral neuropathy was evaluated via pharmacological antagonism and genetic manipulation in male Swiss mice. Cisplatin causes painful symptoms and impaired working and spatial memory. Kinin B1 (DALBK) and B2 (Icatibant) receptor antagonists attenuated some painful parameters. Local administration of kinin B1 and B2 receptor agonists (in sub-nociceptive doses) intensified the cisplatin-induced mechanical nociception attenuated by DALBK and Icatibant, respectively. In addition, antisense oligonucleotides to kinin B1 and B2 receptors reduced cisplatin-induced mechanical allodynia. Thus, kinin B1 and B2 receptors appear to be potential targets for the treatment of cisplatin-induced painful symptoms and may improve patients’ adherence to treatment and their quality of life.
Beyond Consent: On Setting and Sharing Sexual Ends
Authors: Pascoe Jordan
Published: March 2023

This paper formulates a response to standard accounts of Kantian sexual morality, by first clarifying why sex should be understood as a case of using a person as a thing, rather than merely as a means. The author argues that Kant’s remedy to this problem is not sexual consent, but a model of setting and sharing sexual ends. Kant’s account of sexual morality, read in this way, is a critical framework for contemporary moves to think beyond consent, and to grapple with concerns about sexual violation and “bad sex” that have gained uptake in the wake of the MeToo movement. The author defends an account of sex as a process of setting and sharing sexual ends in a Kantian key, which provides us with resources for thinking about the robust ongoing project of making our sexual selves in nonideal conditions, as well as for identifying the wrongs of both “bad” sex and sexual harassment. In doing so, they offer a critical middle ground between contemporary accounts of sexual morality that center questions of individual agency or autonomy, and those that foreground the intersubjective nature of sex.
The Post-Shock Nonequilibrium Relaxation in a Hypersonic Plasma Flow Involving Reflection off a Thermal Discontinuity
Authors: Markhotok Anna
Published: March 2023

The evolution in the post-shock nonequilibrium relaxation in a hypersonic plasma flow was investigated during a shock’s reflection off a thermal discontinuity. It was found that within a transitional period, the relaxation zone parameters past both the reflected and transmitted waves evolve differently compared to that in the incident wave. In a numerical example for the non-dissociating N2 gas heated to 5000 K/10,000 K across the interface and M = 3.5, the relaxation time determined for the transmitted wave is up to 50% shorter and the relaxation depth for both waves is significantly reduced, thus resulting in a weakened wave structure. The results of the extension into larger values of heating strength and the shock Mach numbers are discussed. The findings can be useful in the areas of research involving strong shocks interacting with optical discharges or other heated media on the scale where the shock structure becomes important.
Adjusting Surface Models of Cellular Structures for Making Physical Models Using FDM Technology
Authors: Vodilka Adrián , Koroľ Martin , Kočiško Marek , Zajac Jozef
Published: March 2023

In the planning stage of the fabrication process of physical models of cellular structures, a surface model of the structure needs to be adjusted to acquire the requisite properties, but errors emerge frequently at this stage. The main objective of this research was to repair or reduce the impact of deficiencies and errors before the fabrication of physical models. For this purpose, it was necessary to design models of cellular structures with different accuracy settings in PTC Creo and then compare them after the tessellation process using GOM Inspect. Subsequently, it was necessary to locate the errors occurring in the process of preparing models of cellular structures and propose an appropriate method of their repair. It was found that the Medium Accuracy setting is adequate for the fabrication of physical models of cellular structures. Subsequently, it was found that within regions where mesh models merged, duplicate surfaces emerged, and the entire model could be considered as manifesting non-manifold geometry. The manufacturability check showed that in the regions with duplicate surfaces inside the model, the toolpath creation strategy changed, causing local anisotropy within 40% of the fabricated model. A non-manifold mesh was repaired in the proposed manner of correction. A method of smoothing the model’s surface was proposed, reducing the polygon mesh density and the file size. The findings and proposed methods of designing cellular models, error repair and smoothing methods of the models can be used to fabricate higher-quality physical models of cellular structures.
Study on the Influence of Microinjection Molding Processing Parameters on Replication Quality of Polylactic Acid Microneedle Array Product
Authors: Yu Wenqian , Gu Junfeng , Li Zheng , Ruan Shilun , Chen Biaosong , Shen Changyu , Lee Ly James , Wang Xinyu
Published: March 2023

Biodegradable microneedles with a drug delivery channel have enormous potential for consumers, including use in chronic disease, vaccines, and beauty applications, due to being painless and scarless. This study designed a microinjection mold to fabricate a biodegradable polylactic acid (PLA) in-plane microneedle array product. In order to ensure that the microcavities could be well filled before production, the influences of the processing parameters on the filling fraction were investigated. The results indicated that the PLA microneedle can be filled under fast filling, higher melt temperature, higher mold temperature, and higher packing pressure, although the dimensions of the microcavities were much smaller than the base portion. We also observed that the side microcavities filled better than the central ones under certain processing parameters. However, this does not mean that the side microcavities filled better than the central ones. The central microcavity was filled when the side microcavities were not, under certain conditions in this study. The final filling fraction was determined by the combination of all parameters, according to the analysis of a 16 orthogonal latin hypercube sampling analysis. This analysis also showed the distribution in any two-parameter space as to whether the product was filled entirely or not. Finally, the microneedle array product was fabricated according to the investigation in this study.
Structure of Starch–Sepiolite Bio-Nanocomposites: Effect of Processing and Matrix–Filler Interactions
Authors: Bugnotti Daniele , Dalle Vacche Sara , Esposito Leandro Hernan , Callone Emanuela , Orsini Sara Fernanda , Ceccato Riccardo , D’Arienzo Massimiliano , Bongiovanni Roberta , Dirè Sandra , Vitale Alessandra
Published: March 2023

Sepiolite clay is a natural filler particularly suitable to be used with polysaccharide matrices (e.g., in starch-based bio-nanocomposites), increasing their attractiveness for a wide range of applications, such as packaging. Herein, the effect of the processing (i.e., starch gelatinization, addition of glycerol as plasticizer, casting to obtain films) and of the sepiolite filler amount on the microstructure of starch-based nanocomposites was investigated by SS-NMR (solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance), XRD (X-ray diffraction) and FTIR (Fourier-transform infrared) spectroscopy. Morphology, transparency and thermal stability were then assessed by SEM (scanning electron microscope), TGA (thermogravimetric analysis) and UV–visible spectroscopy. It was demonstrated that the processing method allowed to disrupt the rigid lattice structure of semicrystalline starch and thus obtain amorphous flexible films, with high transparency and good thermal resistance. Moreover, the microstructure of the bio-nanocomposites was found to intrinsically depend on complex interactions among sepiolite, glycerol and starch chains, which are also supposed to affect the final properties of the starch–sepiolite composite materials.
Synthesis of Ruthenium-Promoted ZnO/SBA-15 Composites for Enhanced Photocatalytic Degradation of Methylene Blue Dye
Authors: Matei Dănuţa , Katsina Abubakar Usman , Mihai Sonia , Cursaru Diana Luciana , Şomoghi Raluca , Nistor Cristina Lavinia
Published: March 2023

Synthetic organic pigments like xanthene and azo dyes from the direct discharge of textile effluents are considered colossal global issues and attract the concern of scholars. Photocatalysis continues to be a very valuable pollution control method for industrial wastewater. Incorporations of metal oxide catalysts such as zinc oxide (ZnO) on mesoporous Santa Barbara Armophous-15 (SBA-15) support to improve catalyst thermo-mechanical stability have been comprehensively reported. However, charge separation efficiency and light absorption of ZnO/SBA-15 continue to be limiting its photocatalytic activity. Herein, we report a successful preparation of Ruthenium-induced ZnO/SBA-15 composite via conventional incipient wetness impregnation technique with the aim of boosting the photocatalytic activity of the incorporated ZnO. Physicochemical properties of the SBA-15 support, ZnO/SBA-15, and Ru-ZnO/SBA-15 composites were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), N2 physisorption isotherms at 77 K, Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray (EDS), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The characterization outcomes exhibited that ZnO and ruthenium species have been successfully embedded into SBA-15 support, andtheSBA-15 support maintains its structured hexagonal mesoscopic ordering in both ZnO/SBA-15 and Ru-ZnO/SBA-15 composites. The photocatalytic activity of the composite was assessed through photo-assisted mineralization of aqueous MB solution, and the process was optimized for initial dye concentration and catalyst dosage. 50 mg catalyst exhibited significant degradation efficiency of 97.96% after 120 min, surpassing the efficiencies of 77% and 81% displayed by 10 and 30 mg of the as-synthesized catalyst. The photodegradation rate was found to decrease with an increase in the initial dye concentration. The superior photocatalytic activity of Ru-ZnO/SBA-15 over the binary ZnO/SBA-15 may be attributed to the slower recombination rate of photogenerated charges on the ZnO surface with the addition of ruthenium.
Thermal and Electrical Properties of Additively Manufactured Polymer–Boron Nitride Composite
Authors: Bondareva Julia V. , Chernodoubov Daniil A. , Dubinin Oleg N. , Tikhonov Andrey A. , Simonov Alexey P. , Suetin Nikolay V. , Tarkhov Mikhail A. , Popov Zakhar I. , Kvashnin Dmitry G. , Evlashin Stanislav A. , Safonov Alexander A.
Published: March 2023

The efficiency of electronic microchip-based devices increases with advancements in technology, while their size decreases. This miniaturization leads to significant overheating of various electronic components, such as power transistors, processors, and power diodes, leading to a reduction in their lifespan and reliability. To address this issue, researchers are exploring the use of materials that offer efficient heat dissipation. One promising material is a polymer–boron nitride composite. This paper focuses on 3D printing using digital light processing of a model of a composite radiator with different boron nitride fillings. The measured absolute values of the thermal conductivity of such a composite in the temperature range of 3–300 K strongly depend on the concentration of boron nitride. Filling the photopolymer with boron nitride leads to a change in the behavior of the volt–current curves, which may be associated with the occurrence of percolation currents during the deposition of boron nitride. The ab initio calculations show the behavior and spatial orientation of BN flakes under the influence of an external electric field at the atomic level. These results demonstrate the potential use of photopolymer-based composite materials filled with boron nitride, which are manufactured using additive techniques, in modern electronics.
Physicochemical Characterization and Antioxidant Properties of Chitosan and Sodium Alginate Based Films Incorporated with Ficus Extract
Authors: Bhatia Saurabh , Al-Harrasi Ahmed , Shah Yasir Abbas , Jawad Muhammad , Al-Azri Mohammed Said , Ullah Sana , Anwer Md Khalid , Aldawsari Mohammed F. , Koca Esra , Aydemir Levent Yurdaer
Published: March 2023

Aqueous extract of fruit obtained from Ficus racemosa enriched with phenolic components was used for the first time to fabricate chitosan (CS) and sodium alginate (SA)-based edible films. The edible films supplemented with Ficus fruit aqueous extract (FFE) were characterized physiochemically (using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), Texture analyser (TA), Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and colourimeter) and biologically (using antioxidant assays). CS–SA–FFA films showed high thermal stability and high antioxidant properties. The addition of FFA into CS–SA film decreased transparency, crystallinity, tensile strength (TS), and water vapour permeability (WVP) but ameliorate moisture content (MC), elongation at break (EAB) and film thickness. The overall increase in thermal stability and antioxidant property of CS–SA–FFA films demonstrated that FFA could be alternatively used as a potent natural plant-based extract for the development of food packaging material with improved physicochemical and antioxidant properties.
Energy Consumption Modeling of 3D-Printed Carbon-Fiber-Reinforced Polymer Parts
Authors: Tiwari Akash Shashikant , Yang Sheng
Published: March 2023

Three-dimensionally printed carbon-fiber-reinforced polymer (3DP-CFRP) has become an important contributor to commercialized additive manufacturing. Due to carbon fiber infills, the 3DP-CFRP parts can enjoy highly intricate geometry, enhanced part robustness, heat resistance, and mechanical properties. With the rapid growth of 3DP-CFRP parts in the aerospace, automobile, and consumer product sectors, evaluating and reducing their environmental impacts has become an urgent yet unexplored issue. To develop a quantitative measure of the environmental performance of 3DP-CFRP parts, this paper investigates the energy consumption behavior of a dual-nozzle fused deposition modeling (FDM) additive manufacturing process which includes melting and deposition of the CFRP filament. An energy consumption model for the melting stage is first defined using the heating model for non-crystalline polymers. Then, the energy consumption model for the deposition stage is established through the design of experiments approach and regression by investigating six influential parameters comprising the layer height, infill density, number of shells, travel speed of gantry, and speed of extruders 1 and 2. Finally, the energy consumption models are combined and experimentally tested with two different CFRP parts. The results show that the developed energy consumption model demonstrated over 94% accuracy in predicting the energy consumption behavior of 3DP-CFRP parts. The developed model could potentially be used to find a more sustainable CFRP design and process planning solution.
Effect of Sulfonated Inorganic Additives Incorporated Hybrid Composite Polymer Membranes on Enhancing the Performance of Microbial Fuel Cells
Authors: Palanisamy Gowthami , Thangarasu Sadhasivam , Oh Tae Hwan
Published: March 2023

Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) provide considerable benefits in the energy and environmental sectors for producing bioenergy during bioremediation. Recently, new hybrid composite membranes with inorganic additives have been considered for MFC application to replace the high cost of commercial membranes and improve the performances of cost-effective polymers, such as MFC membranes. The homogeneous impregnation of inorganic additives in the polymer matrix effectively enhances the physicochemical, thermal, and mechanical stabilities and prevents the crossover of substrate and oxygen through polymer membranes. However, the typical incorporation of inorganic additives in the membrane decreases the proton conductivity and ion exchange capacity. In this critical review, we systematically explained the impact of sulfonated inorganic additives (such as (sulfonated) sSiO2, sTiO2, sFe3O4, and s-graphene oxide) on different kinds of hybrid polymers (such as PFSA, PVDF, SPEEK, SPAEK, SSEBS, and PBI) membrane for MFC applications. The membrane mechanism and interaction between the polymers and sulfonated inorganic additives are explained. The impact of sulfonated inorganic additives on polymer membranes is highlighted based on the physicochemical, mechanical, and MFC performances. The core understandings in this review can provide vital direction for future development.
Polymer-Based Conductive Nanocomposites for the Development of Bioanodes Using Membrane-Bound Enzyme Systems of Bacteria Gluconobacter oxydans in Biofuel Cells
Authors: Fedina Veronika , Lavrova Daria , Dyachkova Tatyana , Pasko Anastasia , Zvonarev Anton , Panfilov Victor , Ponamoreva Olga , Alferov Sergey
Published: March 2023

The development of biofuel cells (BFCs) currently has high potential since these devices can be used as alternative energy sources. This work studies promising materials for biomaterial immobilization in bioelectrochemical devices based on a comparative analysis of the energy characteristics (generated potential, internal resistance, power) of biofuel cells. Bioanodes are formed by the immobilization of membrane-bound enzyme systems of Gluconobacter oxydans VKM V-1280 bacteria containing pyrroloquinolinquinone-dependent dehydrogenases into hydrogels of polymer-based composites with carbon nanotubes. Natural and synthetic polymers are used as matrices, and multi-walled carbon nanotubes oxidized in hydrogen peroxide vapor (MWCNTox) are used as fillers. The intensity ratio of two characteristic peaks associated with the presence of atoms C in the sp3 and sp2 hybridization for the pristine and oxidized materials is 0.933 and 0.766, respectively. This proves a reduced degree of MWCNTox defectiveness compared to the pristine nanotubes. MWCNTox in the bioanode composites significantly improve the energy characteristics of the BFCs. Chitosan hydrogel in composition with MWCNTox is the most promising material for biocatalyst immobilization for the development of bioelectrochemical systems. The maximum power density was 1.39 × 10−5 W/mm2, which is 2 times higher than the power of BFCs based on other polymer nanocomposites.
Fabrication of Novel Omeprazole-Based Chitosan Coated Nanoemulgel Formulation for Potential Anti-Microbia; In Vitro and Ex Vivo Characterizations
Authors: Ullah Irshad , Alhodaib Aiyeshah , Naz Iffat , Ahmad Waqar , Ullah Hidayat , Amin Adnan , Nawaz Asif
Published: March 2023

Infectious diseases remain inevitable factors for high mortality and morbidity rate in the modern world to date. Repurposing is a novel approach to drug development has become an intriguing research topic in the literature. Omeprazole is one of the top ten proton pump inhibitors prescribed in the USA. The literature suggests that no reports based on omeprazole anti-microbial actions have been discovered to date. This study entails the potential of omeprazole to treat skin and soft tissue infections based on the literature’s evident anti-microbial effects. To get a skin-friendly formulation, a chitosan-coated omeprazole-loaded nanoemulgel formulation was fabricated using olive oil, carbopol 940, Tween 80, Span 80, and triethanolamine by high-speed homogenization technique. The optimized formulation was physicochemically characterized for zeta potential, size distribution, pH, drug content, entrapment efficiency, viscosity, spreadability, extrudability, in-vitro drug release, ex-vivo permeation analysis, and minimum inhibitory concentration determination. The FTIR analysis indicated that there was no incompatibility between the drug and formulation excipients. The optimized formulation exhibited particle size, PDI, zeta potential, drug content, and entrapment efficiency of 369.7 ± 8.77 nm, 0.316, −15.3 ± 6.7 mV, 90.92 ± 1.37% and 78.23 ± 3.76%, respectively. In-vitro release and ex-vivo permeation data of optimized formulation showed 82.16% and 72.21 ± 1.71 μg/cm2, respectively. The results of minimum inhibitory concentration (1.25 mg/mL) against selected bacterial strains were satisfactory, suggesting a successful treatment approach for the topical application of omeprazole to treat microbial infections. Furthermore, chitosan coating synergistically increases the antibacterial activity of the drug.
Facile Synthesis of Reduced-Graphene-Oxide-Modified Ammonium Polyphosphate to Enhance the Flame Retardancy, Smoke Release Suppression, and Mechanical Properties of Epoxy Resin
Authors: Wang Feiyue , Liao Jiahao , Long Miaotian , Yan Long , Cai Mengtao
Published: March 2023

A unique hybridized intumescent flame retardant named reduced-graphene-oxide-modified ammonium polyphosphate (RGO-APP) was successfully synthesized via the simple hydrothermal method and reduced process. Then, the obtained RGO-APP was applied in epoxy resin (EP) for flame retardancy reinforcement. The addition of RGO-APP results in a significant reduction in heat release and smoke production from the EP, which is attributed to EP/RGO-APP producing a more compact and intumescent char against the heat transfer and combustible decomposition, thus enhancing the fire safety of EP, as confirmed by char residue analysis. Especially, the EP containing 15 wt% RGO-APP acquires a limiting oxygen index (LOI) value of 35.8% and shows a 83.6% reduction in peak heat release rate and a 74.3% reduction in peak smoke production rate compared with those of pure EP. The tensile test exhibits that the presence of RGO-APP favors the enhancement in tensile strength and elastic modulus of EP due to the good compatibility between flame retardant and epoxy matrix, as supported by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and scanning electron microscope (SEM) analyses. This work provides a new strategy for the modification of APP, thus facilitating a promising application in polymeric materials.
Recent Advances in Degradation of Polymer Plastics by Insects Inhabiting Microorganisms
Authors: An Rongrong , Liu Chengguo , Wang Jun , Jia Puyou
Published: March 2023

Plastic pollution endangers all natural ecosystems and living creatures on earth. Excessive reliance on plastic products and excessive production of plastic packaging are extremely dangerous for humans because plastic waste has polluted almost the entire world, whether it is in the sea or on the land. This review introduces the examination of pollution brought by non-degradable plastics, the classification and application of degradable materials, and the current situation and strategy to address plastic pollution and plastic degradation by insects, which mainly include Galleria mellonella, Zophobas atratus, Tenebrio molitor, and other insects. The efficiency of plastic degradation by insects, biodegradation mechanism of plastic waste, and the structure and composition of degradable products are reviewed. The development direction of degradable plastics in the future and plastic degradation by insects are prospected. This review provides effective ways to solve plastic pollution.
High-Content Aloe vera Based Hydrogels: Physicochemical and Pharmaceutical Properties
Authors: Chelu Mariana , Popa Monica , Ozon Emma Adriana , Pandele Cusu Jeanina , Anastasescu Mihai , Surdu Vasile Adrian , Calderon Moreno Jose , Musuc Adina Magdalena
Published: March 2023

The present research focuses on the physicochemical and pharmacotechnical properties of new hydrogels obtained using allantoin, xanthan gum, salicylic acid and different concentrations of Aloe vera (5, 10, 20% w/v in solution; 38, 56, 71 wt% in dry gels). The thermal behavior of Aloe vera composite hydrogels was studied using DSC and TG/DTG analyses. The chemical structure was investigated using different characterization methods (XRD, FTIR and Raman spectroscopies) and the morphology of the hydrogels was studied SEM and AFM microscopy. Pharmacotechnical evaluation on tensile strength and elongation, moisture content, swelling and spreadability was also completed. Physical evaluation confirmed that the appearance of the prepared Aloe vera based hydrogels was homogeneous and the color varied from pale beige to deep opaque beige with increasing Aloe vera concentration. All other evaluation parameters, e.g., pH, viscosity, spreadability and consistency were found to be adequate in all hydrogel formulations. SEM and AFM images show that the structure of the hydrogels condensed into homogeneous polymeric solids with the addition of Aloe vera, in accordance with the decrease in peak intensities observed via XRD analysis. These results suggest interactions between the hydrogel matrix and Aloe vera as observed via FTIR and TG/DTG and DSC analyses. Considering that Aloe vera content higher than 10% (w/v) did not stimulate further interactions, this formulation (FA-10) can be used for further biomedical applications.
Synthesis of Alginate Nanoparticles Using Hydrolyzed and Enzyme-Digested Alginate Using the Ionic Gelation and Water-in-Oil Emulsion Method
Authors: Van Bavel Nicolas , Lewrenz Anna-Marie , Issler Travis , Pang Liping , Anikovskiy Max , Prenner Elmar J.
Published: March 2023

Alginate nanoparticles (AlgNPs) are attracting increasing interest for a range of applications because of their good biocompatibility and their ability to be functionalized. Alginate is an easily accessible biopolymer which is readily gelled by the addition of cations such as calcium, facilitating a cost-effective and efficient production of nanoparticles. In this study, AlgNPs based on acid hydrolyzed and enzyme-digested alginate were synthesized by using ionic gelation and water-in-oil emulsification, with the goal to optimize key parameters to produce small uniform (<200 nm) AlgNPs. By the ionic gelation method, such AlgNPs were obtained when sample concentrations were 0.095 mg/mL for alginate and CaCl2 in the range of 0.03–0.10 mg/mL. Alginate and CaCl2 concentrations > 0.10 mg/mL resulted in sizes > 200 nm with relatively high dispersity. Sonication in lieu of magnetic stirring proved to further reduce size and increase homogeneity of the nanoparticles. In the water-in-oil emulsification method, nanoparticle growth was confined to inverse micelles in an oil phase, resulting in lower dispersity. Both the ionic gelation and water-in-oil emulsification methods were suitable for producing small uniform AlgNPs that can be further functionalized as required for various applications.
Solvent-Evaporation-Induced Synthesis of Graphene Oxide/Peptide Nanofiber (GO/PNF) Hybrid Membranes Doped with Silver Nanoparticles for Antibacterial Application
Authors: He Peng , Yang Minghao , Lei Yu , Guo Lei , Wang Yan , Wei Gang
Published: March 2023

Designing functional membranes through the collaboration of multi-dimensional nanomaterials is of particular interest in environmental and biomedical applications. Herein, we propose a facile and green synthetic strategy by collaborating with graphene oxide (GO), peptides, and silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) to synthesize functional hybrid membranes with favourable antibacterial effects. GO nanosheets are functionalized with self-assembled peptide nanofibers (PNFs) to form GO/PNFs nanohybrids, in which the PNFs not only improve the biocompatibility and dispersity of GO, but also provide more active sites for growing and anchoring AgNPs. As a result, multifunctional GO/PNFs/AgNP hybrid membranes with adjustable thickness and AgNP density are prepared via the solvent evaporation technique. The structural morphology of the as-prepared membranes is characterized using scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and their properties are analyzed by spectral methods. The hybrid membranes are then subjected to antibacterial experiments and their excellent antibacterial performances are demonstrated.
Brightness Temperature and Wet Tropospheric Correction of HY-2C Calibration Microwave Radiometer Using Model-Derived Wet Troposphere Path Delay from ECMWF
Authors: Zheng Xiaomeng , Zhang Dehai , Zhao Jin , Jiang Maofei
Published: March 2023

The Calibration Microwave Radiometer (CMR) is a three-band radiometer deployed on the HY-2C satellite in a near-Earth orbit, and since it launched, there are few studies presented on the performance of CMR to date. Therefore, this paper focuses on providing an assessment of HY-2C CMR brightness temperature and wet troposphere correction (WTC). CMR works at 18.7 GHz, 23.8 GHz and 37 GHz in a nadir-viewing direction, aligned with the HY-2C radar altimeter. The wet troposphere path delay of the radar altimeter signal caused by water vapour and cloud liquid water content can be monitored and corrected by CMR. In this paper, guided by the concept of antenna pattern correction algorithm and a purely statistical method, we directly establish the function between the CMR antenna temperature and the model-derived WTC calculated by the European Centre from Medium-Range Weather Forecasting (ECMWF) Reanalysis data, which can obtain the brightness temperature and the WTC of CMR simultaneously. Firstly, the algorithm principle of CMR to establish the function between the antenna temperature and the model-derived WTC is introduced, and then the brightness temperature of CMR is evaluated using reference brightness temperatures of the Advanced Microwave Radiometer 2 (AMR-2) on Jason-3 satellite at crossover points. Furthermore, the performance of the CMR WTC is validated in three ways: (1) directly comparing with the colocated WTC measured by Jason-3 AMR-2, (2) directly comparing with model-derived WTC from ECMWF, which allows a rapid check at a global scale, (3) comparing the standard deviation of the Sea Surface Height (SSH) difference at crossover points using different WTC retrieval methods. The linear fit with Jason-3 brightness temperature and WTC in all non-precipitation conditions demonstrated a good agreement with Jason-3. In addition, the WTC of CMR has an obvious decrease in the standard deviation of the SSH difference compared with model-derived WTC, indicating the CMR can significantly improve the accuracy of the HY-2C SSH measurements. All the assessments indicate that the CMR performances are satisfying the expectations and fulfilling the mission requirements.
Characteristics of Glaciers Surging in the Western Pamirs
Authors: Wang Zhenfeng , Jiang Zongli , Wu Kunpeng , Liu Shiyin , Zhang Yong , Wang Xin , Zhang Zhen , Wei Junfeng
Published: March 2023

The regional surge patterns and control mechanisms for glaciers in the western Pamirs are unclear. Using remote sensing, more surge-type glaciers have been discovered in the western Pamirs. This provides an opportunity to obtain the integral characteristics of glacier surging. Using Sentinel-1A, TSX/TDX and Landsat remote sensing data, the changes in surface velocity, surface elevation and surface features of five glaciers that have recently surged in the western Pamirs are obtained. The results show that (1) all glacier surges initiate gradually for several years and most form a surge front in the upper region of the glacier. (2) For most glaciers, the active phase of the surge is more than 2 years, except for one that is within several months. (3) The peak velocity mostly occurs in summer and autumn, and the maximum velocity is less than 8 m d−1. (4) There is sharp deceleration, such as the hydrologic controlled surge at the end of the surge. However, the surface flow of the transverse profiles shows no features of base sliding. Based on the comparison of surge patterns with other regions in High Mountain Asia, we conclude that the surging glaciers in the western Pamirs are triggered by thermal mechanisms under the control of sub-hydrological modulation.
The Dynamic Simulation and Potential Hazards Analysis of the Yigong Landslide in Tibet, China
Authors: Gao Haoyuan , Gao Yang , Li Bin , Yin Yueping , Yang Chengsheng , Wan Jiawei , Zhang Tiantian
Published: March 2023

High-altitude and long-runout landslides, commonly forming chains of secondary disasters, frequently occur in the Yigong Zangbo Basin, which has a complex geologic background. Identifying the potential hazards posed by disaster chains plays a vital role in assessing geohazards. Analysis of the potential hazards related to a landslide that occurred on 9 April 2000, in Tibet, China, known as the Yigong landslide, is studied using remote sensing technology and numerical simulations. Due to the warming of the climate, more extreme dry–wet cycles, and frequent earthquakes, the Yigong landslide area became extremely fragile and more sensitive to perturbations. Based on multiphase optical remote sensing and InSAR (Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar) technology, risk monitoring and identification of the Yigong landslide was conducted. The results show that there are two displacement deformation areas. These areas have a maximum displacement deformation rate of 60 mm/year and a maximum accumulative displacement of 160 mm and are likely to reoccur. Additionally, the risks of deformation areas collapsing and blocking the river, which would likely form a disaster chain, were analyzed by prediction simulation based on the numerical back-analysis associated with the 2000 Yigong landslide. The results show that if only one displacement deformation area collapses, the maximum accumulation height would reach 76 m; if the displacement deformation areas both collapse, the maximum accumulation height would reach 106 m. Both conditions would set off disaster chains resulting in river blockages and subsequent flood disasters. Therefore, this work demonstrates that prediction analysis based on remote sensing technology and numerical simulations are effective methods for identifying potential geohazards.