bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of Vape Use on Oral Health: A Review of the Literature
Authors: Iacob Alin M. , Escobedo Martínez Matías F. , Barbeito Castro Enrique , Junquera Olay Sonsoles , Olay García Sonsoles , Junquera Gutiérrez Luis Manuel
Published: February 2024

Background and Objectives: The widespread use of tobacco has evolved with the popularity of vapes, especially among young people, despite the lack of clarity in warnings about their risks. Studies indicate the need for more effective communication about the oral risks of vaping. In addition to systemic, respiratory, and cardiovascular effects, vaping is associated with an increased risk of gingivitis and periodontal disease as well as reduced antioxidant capacity of saliva. The objectives of this narrative review are to summarize the existing information in the literature on the effects of vaping at the oral level and to bring together knowledge about the mechanism of action of vaping in oral tissues. Materials and Methods: In the present study, articles were searched in PubMed, Elsevier Scopus, and Web of Science using the keywords “oral health”, “vaping”, and “vape”. Studies published in the last 6 years that addressed the effects of oral vaping were selected, including comparisons among vape users, smokers, and non-smokers. Repeated articles, prior to 2017 and in languages other than English, were excluded. Two review authors (A.M.I and M.F.E.M) independently selected the papers based on titles and abstracts and conducted a full review of the remaining papers. In cases of disagreement, a third reviewer was used. Results: A total of 113 results were obtained, distributed as 16 from PubMed, 35 from Web of Science, and 62 from Elsevier Scopus. After removing duplicates, 67 articles were filtered by reviewing titles and abstracts, and finally, 22 articles were selected for comprehensive reading. Subsequently, eight of these articles were chosen for qualitative synthesis and are presented in standardized tables. The sample size of all included studies was composed of 31,647 participants, (14,477 male and 17,170 female) with a mean of 35.016 ± 7.57 years of age. Conclusions: This review indicates that the use of vapes is associated with an increased risk of periodontitis and caries. Although users experience more oral problems than non-smokers, these are less severe than those of traditional smokers. The widespread prevalence, especially among young people, highlights the urgency of awareness campaigns to warn of risks and understand potential harm.
Triple Silencing of HSP27, cFLIP, and CLU Genes Promotes the Sensitivity of Doxazosin-Induced Apoptosis in PC-3 Prostate Cancer Cells
Authors: Cho Jeong Man , Sun Sojung , Im Eunji , Yang Hyunwon , Yoo Tag Keun
Published: February 2024

Background: This study investigated how the expression of heat shock protein 27 (HSP27), cellular FLICE-like inhibitory protein (cFLIP), and clusterin (CLU) affects the progression of cancer cells and their susceptibility to doxazosin-induced apoptosis. By silencing each of these genes individually, their effect on prostate cancer cell viability after doxazosin treatment was investigated. Methods: PC-3 prostate cancer cells were cultured and then subjected to gene silencing using siRNA targeting HSP27, cFLIP, and CLU, either individually, in pairs, or all together. Cells were then treated with doxazosin at various concentrations and their viability was assessed by MTT assay. Results: The study found that silencing the CLU gene in PC-3 cells significantly reduced cell viability after treatment with 25 µM doxazosin. In addition, the dual silencing of cFLIP and CLU decreased cell viability at 10 µM doxazosin. Notably, silencing all three genes of HSP27, cFLIP, CLU was most effective and reduced cell viability even at a lower doxazosin concentration of 1 µM. Conclusions: Taken together, these findings suggest that the simultaneous silencing of HSP27, cFLIP, and CLU genes may be a potential strategy to promote apoptosis in prostate cancer cells, which could inform future research on treatments for malignant prostate cancer.
In-Situ Metabolic Profiling of Different Kinds of Rheum palmatum L. by Laser Desorption–Dielectric Barrier Discharge Ionization Mass Spectrometry Imaging
Authors: Xiao Xue , Guan Xiaokang , Xu Zhouyi , Lu Qiao
Published: February 2024

With its high resolving power and sensitivity, mass spectrometry is considered the most informative technique for metabolite qualitation and quantification in the plant sciences. However, the spatial location information, which is crucial for the exploration of plant physiological mechanisms, is lost. Mass spectrometry imaging (MSI) is able to visualize the spatial distribution of a large number of metabolites from the complex sample surface in a single experiment. In this paper, a flexible and low-cost laser desorption–dielectric barrier discharge ionization-MSI (LD-DBDI-MSI) platform was constructed by combining an LD system with an in-line DBDI source, a high-precision sample translation stage, and an ambient mass spectrometer. It can be operated at a spatial resolution of 20 μm in an atmospheric environment and requires minimal sample preparation. This study presents images of in-situ metabolic profiling of two kinds of plants from different origins, a wild and a farmed Rheum palmatum L. From the screen of these two root sections, the wild one presented five more endogenous molecules than the farmed one, which provides information about the differences in metabolomics.
MIGRENE: The Toolbox for Microbial and Individualized GEMs, Reactobiome and Community Network Modelling
Authors: Bidkhori Gholamreza , Shoaie Saeed
Published: February 2024

Understanding microbial metabolism is crucial for evaluating shifts in human host–microbiome interactions during periods of health and disease. However, the primary hurdle in the realm of constraint-based modeling and genome-scale metabolic models (GEMs) pertaining to host–microbiome interactions lays in the efficient utilization of metagenomic data for constructing GEMs that encompass unexplored and uncharacterized genomes. Challenges persist in effectively employing metagenomic data to address individualized microbial metabolisms to investigate host–microbiome interactions. To tackle this issue, we have created a computational framework designed for personalized microbiome metabolisms. This framework takes into account factors such as microbiome composition, metagenomic species profiles and microbial gene catalogues. Subsequently, it generates GEMs at the microbial level and individualized microbiome metabolisms, including reaction richness, reaction abundance, reactobiome, individualized reaction set enrichment (iRSE), and community models. Using the toolbox, our findings revealed a significant reduction in both reaction richness and GEM richness in individuals with liver cirrhosis. The study highlighted a potential link between the gut microbiota and liver cirrhosis, i.e., increased level of LPS, ammonia production and tyrosine metabolism on liver cirrhosis, emphasizing the importance of microbiome-related factors in liver health.
Integrative Analysis of Cytokine and Lipidomics Datasets Following Mild Traumatic Brain Injury in Rats
Authors: Pulliam Alexis N. , Pybus Alyssa F. , Gaul David A. , Moore Samuel G. , Wood Levi B. , Fernández Facundo M. , LaPlaca Michelle C.
Published: February 2024

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a significant source of disability in the United States and around the world and may lead to long-lasting cognitive deficits and a decreased quality of life for patients across injury severities. Following the primary injury phase, TBI is characterized by complex secondary cascades that involve altered homeostasis and metabolism, faulty signaling, neuroinflammation, and lipid dysfunction. The objectives of the present study were to (1) assess potential correlations between lipidome and cytokine changes after closed-head mild TBI (mTBI), and (2) examine the reproducibility of our acute lipidomic profiles following TBI. Cortices from 54 Sprague Dawley male and female rats were analyzed by ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (LC-MS) in both positive and negative ionization modes and multiplex cytokine analysis after single (smTBI) or repetitive (rmTBI) closed-head impacts, or sham conditions. Tissue age was a variable, given that two cohorts (n = 26 and n = 28) were initially run a year-and-a-half apart, creating inter-batch variations. We annotated the lipidome datasets using an in-house data dictionary based on exact masses of precursor and fragment ions and removed features with statistically significant differences between sham control batches. Our results indicate that lipids with high-fold change between injury groups moderately correlate with the cytokines eotaxin, IP-10, and TNF-α. Additionally, we show a significant decrease in the pro-inflammatory markers IL-1β and IP-10, TNF-α, and RANTES in the rmTBI samples relative to the sham control. We discuss the major challenges in correlating high dimensional lipidomic data with functional cytokine profiles and the implications for understanding the biological significance of two related but disparate analysis modes in the study of TBI, an inherently heterogeneous neurological disorder.
Cooling Performance Prediction of Particle-Based Radiative Cooling Film Considering Particle Size Distribution
Authors: Lim Jaehyun , Jung Junbo , Rho Jinsung , Kim Joong Bae
Published: February 2024

Here, we present a novel protocol concept for quantifying the cooling performance of particle-based radiative cooling (PBRC). PBRC, known for its high flexibility and scalability, emerges as a promising method for practical applications. The cooling power, one of the cooling performance indexes, is the typical quantitative performance index, representing its cooling capability at the surface. One of the primary obstacles to predicting cooling power is the difficulty of simulating the non-uniform size and shape of micro-nanoparticles in the PBRC film. The present work aims to develop an accurate protocol for predicting the cooling power of PBRC film using image processing and regression analysis techniques. Specifically, the protocol considers the particle size distribution through circle object detection on SEM images and determines the probability density function based on a chi-square test. To validate the proposed protocol, a PBRC structure with PDMS/Al2O3 micro-nanoparticles is fabricated, and the proposed protocol precisely predicts the measured cooling power with a 7.8% error. Through this validation, the proposed protocol proves its potential and reliability for the design of PBRC.
Gold Nanoparticle-Modified Carbon-Fiber Microelectrodes for the Electrochemical Detection of Cd2+ via Fast-Scan Cyclic Voltammetry
Authors: Manring Noel , Strini Miriam , Koifman Gene , Smeltz Jessica L. , Pathirathna Pavithra
Published: February 2024

Neurotoxic heavy metals, such as Cd2+, pose a significant global health concern due to their increased environmental contamination and subsequent detrimental health hazards they pose to human beings. These metal ions can breach the blood-brain barrierblood–brain barrier, leading to severe and often irreversible damage to the central nervous system and other vital organs. Therefore, developing a highly sensitive, robust, and rapid in vivo detection method for these hazardous heavy metal ions is of the utmost importance for early detection, thus initiating timely therapeutics. Detecting ultra-low levels of toxic metal ions in vivo and obtaining accurate speciation information remains a challenge with conventional analytical techniques. In this study, we fabricated a novel carbon carbon-fiber microelectrode (CFM)-based sensor that can detect Cd2+ ions using fast-scan cyclic voltammetry by electrodepositing gold nanoparticles (AuNP). We optimized electrochemical parameters that generate a unique cyclic voltammogram (CV) of Cd2+ at a temporal resolution of 100 ms with our novel sensor. All our experiments were performed in tris buffer that mimics the artificial cerebellum fluid. We established a calibration curve resulting in a limit of detection (LOD) of 0.01 µM with a corresponding sensitivity of 418.02 nA/ µM. The sensor’s selectivity was evaluated in the presence of other metal ions, and it was noteworthy to observe that the sensor retained its ability to produce the distinctive Cd2+ CV, even when the concentration of other metal ions was 200 times higher than that of Cd2+. We also found that our sensor could detect free Cd2+ ions in the presence of complexing agents. Furthermore, we analyzed the solution chemistry of each of those Cd2+–ligand solutions using a geochemical model, PHREEQC. The concentrations of free Cd2+ ions determined through our electrochemical data align well with geochemical modeling data, thus validating the response of our novel sensor. Furthermore, we reassessed our sensor’s LOD in tris buffer based on the concentration of free Cd2+ ions determined through PHREEQC analysis, revealing an LOD of 0.00132 µM. We also demonstrated the capability of our sensor to detect Cd2+ ions in artificial urine samples, showcasing its potential for application in actual biological samples. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first AuNP-modified, CFM-based Cd2+ sensor capable of detecting ultra-low concentrations of free Cd2+ ions in different complex matrices, including artificial urine at a temporal resolution of 100 ms, making it an excellent analytical tool for future real-time, in vivo detection, particularly in the brain.
Design and Simulation of an Ultra-Low-Power Hydrogen Sulfide Gas Sensor with a Cantilever Structure
Authors: Tian Xin , Tao Jifang , Xu Maosen , Lin Yuzhe , Zhao Jia
Published: February 2024

Metal oxide gas sensors usually require a few tens of milliwatts of power consumption to operate at high temperature, which limits their application in mobile and portable devices. Here, we proposed a cantilever structure to build an ultra-low power gas sensor for hydrogen sulfide gas detection. By employing a nano-film size effect to reduce the thermal conductivity of the material, and self-heated corrugation configuration, the power consumption of the gas sensor is significantly reduced. Through numerical analysis and finite element simulation, two different gas sensors were designed and the power consumption and stress distribution were analyzed and optimized. Under the operating temperature of 200 °C, only 0.27 mW power is consumed, the stress value is less than 250 MPa and the displacement is a few hundred of nanometers. The results serve as a guide and reference for ultra-low power MEMS device designs.
Antimycobacterial Drugs as a Novel Strategy to Inhibit Pseudomonas aeruginosa Virulence Factors and Combat Antibiotic Resistance: A Molecular Simulation Study
Authors: Anwer Razique
Published: February 2024

Antimicrobial resistance poses a severe threat, particularly in developing countries where the ready availability of drugs and increased consumption lead to improper antibiotic usage, thereby causing a surge in resistance levels compared to developed areas. Despite the past success of antibiotics, their effectiveness diminishes with regular use, posing a significant threat to medical efficacy. Pseudomonas aeruginosa, an opportunistic pathogen, triggers various infection-related issues, occurring on occasions including chronic wounds, burn injuries, respiratory problems in cystic fibrosis, and corneal infections. Targeting the quorum sensing (QS) of P. aeruginosa emerges as a strategic approach to combat infections caused by this bacterium. The objective of this study was to check the effect of antimycobacterial drugs against the potential QS targets in P. aeruginosa and identify lead candidates. The antimycobacterial drugs were first examined for the toxicological and pharmacokinetic profile. By virtual screening through molecular docking, delamanid and pretomanid stood out as major candidates. The binding energies of delamanid and pretomanid with LasR were determined to be −8.3 and −10.9 kcal/mol, respectively. The detailed analysis of the complexes of lead compounds were examined through molecular dynamics simulations. The molecular simulations data validated a sustained interaction of lead drugs with target proteins (PqsR, LasI, and LasA) in a physiological environment. The negligible changes in the secondary structure of proteins in presence of hit antimycobacterial drugs further strengthened the stability of the complexes. These findings highlight the potential repurposing of delamanid and pretomanid, specifically in targeting P. aeruginosa quorum-sensing mechanisms.
The Impact of pH Modulation on the Rhizosphere Bacteriome of Maize and Bean
Authors: Moura Rodrigo Reis , Monteiro Douglas Alfradique , Fonseca Eduardo da Silva , Balieiro Fabiano de Carvalho , Cesário Fernando , Rachid Caio Tavora Coelho da Costa
Published: February 2024

In soils, pH stands as the main factor modulating bacterial communities’ composition. However, most studies address its effects in bulk soils in natural systems, with few focusing on its effects in the rhizosphere of plants. Predicting pH effects in the rhizosphere is an important step towards successful microbiome manipulation, aiming to increase crop production. Here, we modulated an acidic soil’s pH to four different ranges (4.7, 5.2, 7.5 and 8.2), while correcting for fertility differences among ranges, thus isolating pH effects from other physicochemical characteristics. Then, two crops with distinct metabolisms (maize and bean) were cultivated in a greenhouse experiment and the effects of pH and cover crops on the rhizosphere bacteriome after 90 days explored through 16S rRNA gene sequencing, aiming to characterize pH effects on the rhizosphere of two different plants across this gradient. Alpha diversity indexes (OTU richness and Shannon index) were statistically different with pH but not crop species, with an interaction among factors. For beta diversity, both pH and crop species were significant modulators of community composition, without an interaction, but pH effects were 2.5 times bigger than those of plant species. Additionally, strong and significant positive correlations were observed between pH and Bacteroidetes and Deltaproteobacteria, while Actinobacteria, Planctomycetes and Acidobacteria were negatively correlated with pH. Regarding OTUs, 27 and 46 were correlated with pH in maize and bean’s rhizosphere, respectively, while 11 were shared between them. Altogether, these results provide valuable information on the isolated effect of pH in the rhizosphere of important crop plants, aiding future microbiome manipulation studies.
Genetic and Phenotypic Characterization of Bacillus velezensis Strain BV379 for Human Probiotic Applications
Authors: Brutscher Laura M. , Gebrechristos Sebhat , Garvey Sean M. , Spears Jessica L.
Published: February 2024

Bacterial spore-forming Bacillaceae species, including Bacillus subtilis and Heyndrickxia coagulans, are increasingly utilized for probiotic dietary supplementation. Bacillus velezensis is a Bacillus species that is frequently used as a direct-fed microbial in animal feed but less so as a probiotic for humans. The objective of this study was to characterize the suitability of the Bacillus velezensis strain BV379 for probiotic applications by (1) in silico screening for both adverse genetic elements and putatively beneficial traits, (2) in vitro evaluation of interactions with human intestinal epithelial cells, and (3) in vitro characterization of BV379 spore viability at various temperatures, pH, and in the presence of bile salt. In silico screening of the BV379 genome revealed few genes encoding Bacillaceae-associated toxins, virulence factors, and enzymes involved in the production of toxins. While BV379 encodes five antimicrobial resistance genes, minimum inhibitory concentration assays determined that BV379 is susceptible to all eight clinically relevant antibiotics tested. Preliminary cell culture experiments showed that BV379 lysates did not adversely impact human intestinal epithelial cell viability and monolayer permeability. It was also determined that BV379 spores can easily tolerate the harsh pH, bile salt, and microaerobic conditions typical of the GI tract. Altogether, the results presented herein support the safety and potential of Bacillus velezensis strain BV379 for use as an oral probiotic.
Electron Probe Micro-Analyzer Studies and Raman Spectroscopic Characterization of Plagioclase in Basaltic Rocks from the Asal–Ghoubbet Area, Republic of Djibouti
Authors: Iltireh Awaleh Djama , Kadioğlu Yusuf Kağan
Published: February 2024

The Asal–Ghoubbet Rift area comprises basaltic rocks with similar compositions that were formed by volcanic eruptions. To gain insight into the magmatic processes of these volcanic formations, we investigated the mineral chemistry of plagioclase macrocrysts and microcrysts found in the basaltic rocks by using an electron probe micro-analyzer (EPMA). These basaltic rocks contain olivine, pyroxene, euhedral plagioclase macrocrysts, and euhedral to subhedral plagioclase microcrysts. These plagioclase macrocrysts reach up to 4 cm in length in the form of giant crystals as plagioclase ultraphyric basalts (PUBs). They have a mineral composition varying from bytownite to labradorite with anorthite content ranging from An53 to An86. Also, the microcrysts of all these volcanic rocks are characterized by labradorite and andesine compositions with An22–80. According to the calculated plagioclase thermobarometry, the crystallization temperature of the plagioclase macrocrysts and microcrysts is 1082 to 1216 °C and 1072 to 1203 °C, respectively, and the pressure is 3.92 to 14.51 kbar for the macrocrysts and 2.99 to 14.84 kbar for the microcrysts. Based on these thermobarometry results for the plagioclases, we conclude that the volcanic formations located in the Asal–Ghoubbet area would have come from different eruptions from a single magmatic chamber.
Microwave Treatment of Minerals and Ores: Heating Behaviors, Applications, and Future Directions
Authors: Chen Jin , Li Xinpei , Gao Lei , Guo Shenghui , He Fei
Published: February 2024

The application of microwave technology in mineral metallurgy is a transformative approach to ore processing that offers new ideas about the current progressive depletion of resources and the environmental impact of mineral processing. This review delves into the principles, applications, and future directions of microwave treatment in mineral and ore processing. Microwave technology, characterized by its unique advantages such as rapid and uniform heating, selective heating, and energy efficiency, stands in contrast to traditional heating methods. It directly interacts with materials at the molecular level, enabling volumetric heating. The review encompasses a wide range of applications, including ore pre-treatment, drying, mineral processing, hydrometallurgy, smelting, and reduction. It highlights the role of microwave treatment in enhancing metal recovery, reducing energy consumption, and improving processing speeds. Future research directions are identified, focusing on enhanced equipment design, process optimization, integration with conventional methods, and technological innovations. The comprehensive overview assists researchers, engineers, and decision-makers in understanding the potential of microwave technology in mineral metallurgy, emphasizing its contribution to innovation and sustainability in the sector.
Functionalized 2,3′-Bipyrroles and Pyrrolo[1,2-c]imidazoles from Acylethynylpyrroles and Tosylmethylisocyanide
Authors: Gotsko Maxim D. , Saliy Ivan V. , Ushakov Igor A. , Sobenina Lyubov N. , Trofimov Boris A.
Published: February 2024

An efficient method for the synthesis of pharmaceutically prospective but still rare functionalized 2,3′-bipyrroles (in up to 80% yield) by the cycloaddition of easily available acylethynylpyrroles with tosylmethylisocyanide (TosMIC) has been developed. The reaction proceeds under reflux (1 h) in the KOH/THF system. In the t-BuONa/THF system, TosMIC acts in two directions: along with 2,3′-bipyrroles, the unexpected formation of pyrrolo[1,2-c]imidazoles is also observed (products ratio~1:1).
Synthesis and Dynamic Behavior of Ce(IV) Double-Decker Complexes of Sterically Hindered Phthalocyanines
Authors: Subramaniam Jeevithra Dewi , Nishino Toshio , Yasuhara Kazuma , Rapenne Gwénaël
Published: February 2024

Phthalocyanines and their double-decker complexes are interesting in designing rotative molecular machines, which are crucial for the development of molecular motors and gears. This study explores the design and synthesis of three bulky phthalocyanine ligands functionalized at the α-positions with phenothiazine or carbazole fragments, aiming to investigate dynamic rotational motions in these sterically hindered molecular complexes. Homoleptic and heteroleptic double-decker complexes were synthesized through the complexation of these ligands with Ce(IV). Notably, CeIV(Pc2)2 and CeIV(Pc3)2, both homoleptic complexes, exhibited blocked rotational motions even at high temperatures. The heteroleptic CeIV(Pc)(Pc3) complex, designed to lower symmetry, demonstrated switchable rotation along the pseudo-C4 symmetry axis upon heating the solution. Variable-temperature 1H-NMR studies revealed distinct dynamic behaviors in these complexes. This study provides insights into the rotational dynamics of sterically hindered double-decker complexes, paving the way for their use in the field of rotative molecular machines.
Comment on Naef, R.; Acree, W.E., Jr. Calculation of the Three Partition Coefficients logPow, logKoa and logKaw of Organic Molecules at Standard Conditions at Once by Means of a Generally Applicable Group Additivity Method. Preprints 2023, 2023120275
Authors: Meier Robert J.
Published: February 2024

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The Influence of Arabinoxylans on the Properties of Wheat Bread Baked Using the Postponed Baking Method
Authors: Bieniek Angelika , Buksa Krzysztof
Published: February 2024

Bread is a basic element of the human diet. To counteract the process of its going stale, semi-finished bakery products are subjected to cooling or freezing. This process is called postponed baking. The aim of this work was to investigate the effect of the molar mass of rye arabinoxylans (AXs) on the properties of wheat breads baked using the postponed baking method. Breads were produced using the postponed baking method from wheat flour without and with 1 or 2% share of rye AXs clearly differing in molar masses—non-modified or modified AXs by means of partial hydrolysis and cross-linking. The molar mass of non-modified AXs was 413,800 g/mol, that of AXs after partial hydrolysis was 192,320 g/mol, and that of AXs after cross-linking was 535,630 g/mol. The findings showed that the addition of all AX preparations significantly increased the water absorption of the baking mixture, and the increase was proportional to the molar mass of AXs used as well as the share of AX preparation. Moreover, for the first time, it was shown that 1% share of partly hydrolyzed AXs, of a low molar mass, in the baking mixture had the highest effect on increasing the volume of bread and reducing the hardness of the bread crumb of bread baked using postponed baking method. It was also shown that the AXs had a low and inconclusive effect on the baking loss and moisture content of the bread crumb.
Activation Mechanism of Ammonium Fluoride in Facile Synthesis of Hydrated Silica Derived from Ferronickel Slag-Leaching Residue
Authors: Duan Xuqin , Zhang Yu , Li Dong , Liu Tong , Jiang Yanjun
Published: February 2024

A novel process for the synthesis of hydrated silica derived from ferronickel slag (FNS)-leaching residue was proposed in this study. The products of the purification of hydrated silica with 99.68% grade and 95.11% recovery can be obtained through ammonium fluoride (NH4F) roasting, followed by the process of water leaching, ammonia precipitating, and acid cleaning under the optimized conditions. The effects of NH4F mass ratio, roasting temperature, and roasting time on the water-leaching efficiency were investigated in detail. The thermodynamic and X-ray diffraction analyses indicated that the amorphous silica in FNS-leaching residue was converted to water-soluble fluoride salts ((NH4)2SiF6) during the roasting process, which are also supported by the scanning electron microscopy and thermogravimetry analyses. The Si–O bonds in amorphous silica could be effectively broken through the ammonium fluoride activation during a low-temperature roasting process. This work provides a meaningful reference for further studies on the facile synthesis of hydrated silica with similar mineral compositions.
A Versatile Approach for the Synthesis of Antimicrobial Polymer Brushes on Natural Rubber/Graphene Oxide Composite Films via Surface-Initiated Atom-Transfer Radical Polymerization
Authors: Zhu Wenya , Li Bangsen , Liu Jinrui , Sun Shishu , Zhang Yan , Zhang Dashuai , Li Chen , Sun Tianyi , Qin Huaide , Shi Jianjun , Shi Zaifeng
Published: February 2024

A simple strategy was adopted for the preparation of an antimicrobial natural rubber/graphene oxide (NR/GO) composite film modified through the use of zwitterionic polymer brushes. An NR/GO composite film with antibacterial properties was prepared using a water-based solution-casting method. The composited GO was dispersed uniformly in the NR matrix and compensated for mechanical loss in the process of modification. Based on the high bromination activity of α–H in the structure of cis-polyisoprene, the composite films were brominated on the surface through the use of N-bromosuccinimide (NBS) under the irradiation of a 40 W tungsten lamp. Polymerization was carried out on the brominated films using sulfobetaine methacrylate (SBMA) as a monomer via surface-initiated atom transfer radical polymerization (SI-ATRP). The NR/GO composite films modified using polymer brushes (PSBMAs) exhibited 99.99% antimicrobial activity for resistance to Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. A novel polymer modification strategy for NR composite materials was established effectively, and the enhanced antimicrobial properties expand the application prospects in the medical field.
Bioactive Potential of Carrot-Based Products Enriched with Lactobacillus plantarum
Authors: Boev Monica , Stănescu Cristina , Turturică Mihaela , Cotârleţ Mihaela , Batîr-Marin Denisa , Maftei Nicoleta , Chiţescu Carmen , Grigore-Gurgu Leontina , Barbu Vasilica , Enachi Elena , Lisă Elena Lăcrămioara
Published: February 2024

The primary goal of this study was to generate different kinds of functional products based on carrots that were supplemented with lactic acid bacteria. The fact that carrots (Daucus carota sp.) rank among the most popular vegetables in our country led to the convergence of the research aim. Their abundance of bioactive compounds, primarily polyphenols, flavonoids, and carotenoids, offers numerous health benefits. Among the obtained products, the freeze-dried carrot powder (FDCP) variation presented the highest concentrations of total carotenoids (TCs) and β-carotene (BC) of 26.977 ± 0.13 mg/g DW and 22.075 ± 0.14 mg/g DW, respectively. The amount of total carotenoids and β-carotene significantly increased with the addition of the selected lactic acid bacteria (LAB) for most of the samples. In addition, a slight increase in the antioxidant activity compared with the control sample for the FDCP variant, with the highest value of 91.74%, was observed in these functional food products. The content of polyphenolic compounds varied from 0.044 to 0.091 mg/g DW, while the content of total flavonoids varied from 0.03 to 0.66 mg/g DW. The processing method had an impact on the population of L. plantarum that survived, as indicated by the viability of bacterial cells in all the analyzed products. The chromatographic analysis through UHPLC-MS/MS further confirmed the abundance of the bioactive compounds and their corresponding derivatives by revealing 19 different compounds. The digestibility study indicated that carotenoid compounds from carrots followed a rather controlled release. The carrot-based products enriched with Lactobacillus plantarum can be considered newly functional developed products based on their high content of biologically active compounds with beneficial effects upon the human body. Furthermore, these types of products could represent innovative products for every related industry such as the food, pharmaceutical, and cosmeceutical industries, thus converging a new strategy to improve the health of consumers or patients.
Heterogeneous Brønsted Catalysis in the Solvent-Free and Multigram-Scale Synthesis of Polyalcohol Acrylates: The Case Study of Trimethylolpropane Triacrylate
Authors: Melchiorre Massimo , Cucciolito Maria E. , Esposito Roberto , Silvestro Simone , Ruffo Francesco
Published: February 2024

This article presents a thorough investigation into the synthesis of trimethylolpropane triacrylate (TMPTA) via the esterification reaction of trimethylolpropane (TMP) with acrylic acid using Amberlite™ 120 IR (H+), Amberlyst® 15, and Dowex™ 50WX8 resins as heterogeneous catalysts. Preliminary comparative tests explored the impact of air flow on water removal during the reaction and different acid-to-alcohol molar ratios (3:1, 6:1, or 9:1 mol:mol). The findings revealed that introducing air significantly enhances TMPTA yield and -OH group conversion, particularly at a 6:1 acid-to-alcohol molar ratio. Based on cost considerations, Amberlite™ 120 IR (H+) was selected as the preferred catalyst for further optimization. This included evaluating the effect of catalyst loading (10%, 5.0%, and 2.5% w/wtot) and assessing the impact of a pre-drying process on resin efficiency. The study concluded that optimal conditions did not necessitate drying, requiring 120 °C, a catalyst loading of 10% w/wtot, a 4 h reaction time, an acid:alcohol ratio of 6:1 mol:mol, the presence of MEHQ (0.1% mol/molAA), and air bubbling at 6 ± 1 Nl/h. Catalyst recycling was effectively implemented with a slight reduction in catalytic activity over consecutive runs. Furthermore, the study explored a scaled-up system with a mechanical stirrer, demonstrating the potential for multi-hundred grams scale-up. Considerations for optimizing the air flow stripping system are also highlighted. In summary, this study provides valuable insights into designing and optimizing the esterification process for TMPTA synthesis, laying the foundation for potential industrial applications.
Broad Spectral Response FeOOH/BiO2−x Photocatalyst with Efficient Charge Transfer for Enhanced Photo-Fenton Synergistic Catalytic Activity
Authors: Wu Pengfei , Qin Yufei , Gao Mengyuan , Zheng Rui , Zhang Yixin , Li Xinli , Liu Zhaolong , Zhang Yingkun , Cao Zhen , Liu Qingling
Published: February 2024

In this work, to promote the separation of photogenerated carriers, prevent the catalyst from photo-corrosion, and improve the photo-Fenton synergistic degradation of organic pollutants, the coating structure of FeOOH/BiO2−x rich in oxygen vacancies was successfully synthesized by a facile and environmentally friendly two-step process of hydrothermal and chemical deposition. Through a series of degradation activity tests of synthesized materials under different conditions, it was found that FeOOH/BiO2−x demonstrated outstanding organic pollutant degradation activity under visible and near-infrared light when hydrogen peroxide was added. After 90 min of reaction under photo-Fenton conditions, the degradation rate of Methylene Blue by FeOOH/BiO2−x was 87.4%, significantly higher than the degradation efficiency under photocatalysis (60.3%) and Fenton (49.0%) conditions. The apparent rate constants of FeOOH/BiO2−x under photo-Fenton conditions were 2.33 times and 3.32 times higher than photocatalysis and Fenton catalysis, respectively. The amorphous FeOOH was tightly coated on the layered BiO2−x, which significantly increased the specific surface area and the number of active sites of the composites, and facilitated the improvement of the separation efficiency of the photogenerated carriers and the prevention of photo-corrosion of BiO2−x. The analysis of the mechanism of photo-Fenton synergistic degradation clarified that ·OH, h+, and ·O2− are the main active substances involved in the degradation of pollutants. The optimal degradation conditions were the addition of the FeOOH/BiO2−x composite catalyst loaded with 20% Fe at a concentration of 0.5 g/L, the addition of hydrogen peroxide at a concentration of 8 mM, and an initial pH of 4. This outstanding catalytic system offers a fresh approach to the creation and processing of iron-based photo-Fenton catalysts by quickly and efficiently degrading various organic contaminants.
Conjugated Polymer-Based Hydrogel Film for a Fast and Sensitive Detection of Fe(Ⅲ) in Vegetables
Authors: Ding Xingli , Sheng Li , Zhang Ge , Ji Min , Li Yu
Published: February 2024

Fluorescent film sensors are ideal for the real-time outdoor detection of heavy metal ions of Fe3+, but they are limited because of their low sensitivity and long response time due to their special structure. In this work, we constructed a fluorescent hydrogel for the specific detection of Fe3+, utilizing poly(9-fluorenecarboxylic acid) (PFCA) as the sensing moiety and sodium alginate (SA) as the cross-linking substrate, which exhibited a rapid and selective recognition of Fe3+ among a panel of 16 anions and 21 cations. It can sense Fe3+ at 0.1 nM immediately owing to the porous network structure of the PFCA-SA film that provided enhanced ion transport channels and active sites, and the “molecular line effect” of polymer PFCA. Moreover, we successfully applied this platform to detect Fe3+ in four different vegetable samples. This work provides an innovative and effective strategy for fabricating green and sustainable fluorescent sensors.
Investigating the Potential of Ghee Precursor-Derived Carbon Nano Onions for Enhancing Interfacial Bonding in Thermoplastic Composites
Authors: Periasamy Kailashbalan , Darouie Maryam , Das Raj , Khatibi Akbar A.
Published: February 2024

In this study, we employed a straightforward flame synthesis process to produce carbon soot containing carbon nano onions (CNOs) using easily accessible ghee oil as a precursor. The ghee oil, with a molecular composition rich in more than 50 carbon atoms, served as an effective source for generating CNOs. The synthesized CNO particles underwent comprehensive characterization through high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analyses, providing a detailed account of their physicochemical properties. In addition, we explored the direct deposition of CNOs on carbon fiber (CF) surfaces for 5 and 10 min via a soot deposition process. The resulting freeze–fracture images obtained from scanning electron microscope (SEM) offered insights into the morphology of the CNO-deposited CF. Our study aims to shed light on the potential applications of CNOs, focusing on their characterization and the possible benefits they may offer in diverse fields, including but not limited to enhancing interfacial bonding in thermoplastic composites.
Synthesis and Anti-Inflammatory Activity of Ferulic Acid-Sesquiterpene Lactone Hybrids
Authors: Duan Xiyan , Liu Ning , Lv Ke , Wang Junqi , Li Mingyue , Zhang Yanwei , Huo Xiaoguang , Bao Shiqi , Shen Zhuo , Zhang Xuemei
Published: February 2024

Acute lung injury (ALI) is a respiratory failure disease associated with high mortality rates in patients. The primary pathological damage is attributed to the excessive release of pro-inflammatory mediators in pulmonary tissue. However, specific therapy for ALI has not been developed. In this study, a series of novel ferulic acid-parthenolide (FA-PTL) and ferulic acid-micheliolide (FA-MCL) hybrid derivatives were designed, synthesized, and evaluated for their anti-inflammatory activities in vitro. Compounds 2, 4, and 6 showed pronounced anti-inflammatory activity against LPS-induced expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines in vitro. Importantly, compound 6 displayed good water solubility, and treatment of mice with compound 6 (10 mg/kg) significantly prevented weight loss and ameliorated inflammatory cell infiltration and edema in lung tissue, as well as improving the alveolar structure. These results suggest that compound 6 (((1aR,7aS,8R,10aS,10bS,E)-8-((dimethylamino)methyl)-1a-methyl-9-oxo-1a,2,3,6,7,7a,8,9,10a,10b-decahydrooxireno[2′,3′:9,10]cyclodeca[1,2-b]furan-5-yl)methyl (E)-3-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)acrylate 2-hydroxypropane-1,2,3-tricarboxylate) might be considered as a lead compound for further evaluation as a potential anti-ALI agent.
Evaluation of the Antimicrobial Activity of Geraniol and Selected Geraniol Transformation Products against Gram-Positive Bacteria
Authors: Fajdek-Bieda Anna , Pawlińska Joanna , Wróblewska Agnieszka , Łuś Agnieszka
Published: February 2024

Both geraniol and the products of its transformation, thanks to their beneficial properties, find a variety of applications in cosmetics. Due to their antioxidant and moisturizing properties, these compounds can be added to skin care products such as face creams, lotions, oils, and masks. In addition, these compounds show some antibacterial and antifungal properties, making them suitable for application in skin care products to help fight against bacteria or fungi. This study determined the antimicrobial activity of geraniol and the compounds which were formed during its transformation in relation to selected Gram-positive bacteria, and the preliminary assessment was made whether these compounds can act as ingredients of preparations with potential antimicrobial activity in the treatment of various human diseases (for example diseases of the skin, digestive system, or urinary tract). In addition, this work presents studies on the microbiological purity of cream samples obtained with different contents of geraniol and its transformation products (contents of the tested compounds: 0.5%, 1.5%, 2.5%, 4%, 8%, and 12%). Antibacterial activity tests were performed using the disc diffusion method against Gram-positive cocci, including the reference strains Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 29213 and Enterococcus faecalis ATCC 29212, and against the clinical strains Staphylococcus aureus MRSA, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Enterococcus faecalis VRE VanB, Enterococcus faecium VRE VanA, and Enterococcus faecium VRE VanB. The most active ingredient against bacteria of the Staphylococcus genus was citral, followed by linalool and then geraniol. During our tests, in the case of bacteria of the Enterococcus genus, citral also showed the highest activity, but linalool, ocimenes, and geraniol showed a slightly lower activity. Moreover, this study examined the microbiological purity of cream samples obtained with various contents of geraniol and its transformation products. In the tests of the microbiological purity of cream samples, no growth of aerobic bacteria and fungi was found, which proves the lack of microbiological contamination of the obtained cosmetic preparations. On this basis, it was assessed that these compounds have preservative properties in the prepared creams. The addition of the analyzed compounds also had influence on the durability of the creams and had no effect on the change in their consistency, did not negatively affect the separation of phases during storage, and even had a positive effect on organoleptic sensations by enriching the smell of the tested samples.
Preparation, Microstructure and Thermal Properties of Aligned Mesophase Pitch-Based Carbon Fiber Interface Materials by an Electrostatic Flocking Method
Authors: Li Baoliu , Qin Yudan , Gao Fang , Zhu Chenyu , Shan Changchun , Guo Jianguang , Dong Zhijun , Li Xuanke
Published: February 2024

The mesophase pitch-based carbon fiber interface material (TIM) with a vertical array was prepared by using mesophase pitch-based short-cut fibers (MPCFs) and 3016 epoxy resin as raw materials and carbon nanotubes (CNTs) as additives through electrostatic flocking and resin pouring molding process. The microstructure and thermal properties of the interface were analyzed by using a scanning electron microscope (SEM), laser thermal conductivity and thermal infrared imaging methods. The results indicate that the plate spacing and fusing voltage have a significant impact on the orientation of the arrays formed by mesophase pitch-based carbon fibers. While the orientation of the carbon fiber array has a minimal impact on the shore hardness of TIM, it does have a direct influence on its thermal conductivity. At a flocking voltage of 20 kV and plate spacing of 12 cm, the interface material exhibited an optimal thermal conductivity of 24.47 W/(m·K), shore hardness of 42 A and carbon fiber filling rate of 6.30 wt%. By incorporating 2% carbon nanotubes (CNTs) into the epoxy matrix, the interface material achieves a thermal conductivity of 28.97 W/(m·K) at a flocking voltage of 30 kV and plate spacing of 10 cm. This represents a 52.1% increase in thermal conductivity compared to the material without TIM. The material achieves temperature uniformity within 10 s at the same heat source temperatures, which indicates a good application prospect in IC packaging and electronic heat dissipation.
Functionalized ZnO-Based Nanocomposites for Diverse Biological Applications: Current Trends and Future Perspectives
Authors: Vagena Ioanna-Aglaia , Gatou Maria-Anna , Theocharous Giorgos , Pantelis Pavlos , Gazouli Maria , Pippa Natassa , Gorgoulis Vassilis G. , Pavlatou Evangelia A. , Lagopati Nefeli
Published: February 2024

The wide array of structures and characteristics found in ZnO-based nanostructures offers them a versatile range of uses. Over the past decade, significant attention has been drawn to the possible applications of these materials in the biomedical field, owing to their distinctive electronic, optical, catalytic, and antimicrobial attributes, alongside their exceptional biocompatibility and surface chemistry. With environmental degradation and an aging population contributing to escalating healthcare needs and costs, particularly in developing nations, there’s a growing demand for more effective and affordable biomedical devices with innovative functionalities. This review delves into particular essential facets of different synthetic approaches (chemical and green) that contribute to the production of effective multifunctional nano-ZnO particles for biomedical applications. Outlining the conjugation of ZnO nanoparticles highlights the enhancement of biomedical capacity while lowering toxicity. Additionally, recent progress in the study of ZnO-based nano-biomaterials tailored for biomedical purposes is explored, including biosensing, bioimaging, tissue regeneration, drug delivery, as well as vaccines and immunotherapy. The final section focuses on nano-ZnO particles’ toxicity mechanism with special emphasis to their neurotoxic potential, as well as the primary toxicity pathways, providing an overall review of the up-to-date development and future perspectives of nano-ZnO particles in the biomedicine field.