bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Echocardiographic Changes in Saudi Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Almigbal Turky H. , Almunif Dina S. , Aburisheh Khaled H. , Barhoush Mazen M. , Aldhahi Reem A. , Anabi Mohammed J. , Alotaibi Obeed A.
Published: November 2023

Background and Objectives: Cardiovascular disease is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality among the diabetic population. Given the high prevalence of diabetes mellitus (DM) in Saudi Arabia and the high prevalence of heart failure in the diabetic population, this study assesses the echocardiographic changes in Saudi patients with type 2 DM (T2DM) compared with healthy controls. Materials and Methods: In this retrospective case–control study, 80 patients with diabetes (45 males, age: 58.78 ± 10.2 years) were compared with 80 controls (45 males, age: 58.6 ± 10 years) who underwent an echocardiographic study in the King Saud University Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Results: There were no significant differences between the patients with diabetes and controls in terms of aortic root diameter, left atrium diameter, posterior wall, interventricular wall thickness, left ventricular diameters and ejection fraction. However, diastolic dysfunction was statistically significantly higher in the diabetic group than in the control group (p < 0.05). Conclusions: This is the first case–control study in Saudi Arabia that assesses echocardiographic parameters in T2DM patients. DM is an independent risk factor for diastolic dysfunction regardless of its association with hypertension and dyslipidemia.
The Diagnostic Capacity of Physical Examinations in Diagnosing Musculoskeletal Disorders of the Lower Limbs in Children with Down Syndrome
Authors: Machado Barbara , Correia Ronny , Pereira Gabriela , Maemura Ieda , Fonseca Catia , de Arruda Lourenção Pedro
Published: November 2023

Background and Objectives: although musculoskeletal alterations are common in patients with Down syndrome (DS), studies investigating this association are scarce, and proposals for diagnostic standardization are limited. We aimed to evaluate the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders in the lower limbs in a sample of children and adolescents with DS and to investigate the diagnostic capacity of orthopedic clinical examinations performed by orthopedists and pediatricians to diagnose these alterations. Materials and Methods: Twenty-two patients aged between three and ten years with DS were included. Patients and guardians answered a simple questionnaire regarding orthopedic complaints and underwent a systematic orthopedic physical examination, performed twice: once by an orthopedist and again by a pediatrician. Patients underwent a series of radiographs to diagnose anisomelia, hip dysplasia, epiphysiolysis, flatfoot valgus, mechanical axis varus, and mechanical axis valgus. The radiological diagnosis was considered the gold standard, and the diagnostic capacity of the physical examination performed by each physician was determined. Results: The median age was 6.50 years. Only four patients (18.2%) presented with orthopedic complaints. All patients were diagnosed with at least one musculoskeletal disorder. The only musculoskeletal disorder with a good diagnostic capacity was flatfoot valgus. Limited sensitivity values were found for hip dysplasia, mechanical axis varus, and mechanical axis valgus. The agreement between the orthopedic physical examinations performed by the two examiners was weak, poor, or indeterminate for most of the analyzed items. Conclusions: There was a high prevalence of orthopedic alterations in children with DS who did not present with musculoskeletal complaints. The diagnostic capacity of the physical examination was limited. Therefore, all children with DS should undergo a radiological evaluation of the musculoskeletal system and subsequent specialized orthopedic evaluation. Level of Evidence: Level II (Diagnostic Studies).
The Effect of Discrimination on the Daily Life Satisfaction of People with Developmental Disability: Parallel Multiple Mediating Effect of Social Involvement and Self-Esteem
Authors: Choi Jinhyeok , Shin Byeolhae , Choi Bum-Sung
Published: November 2023

Background and Objectives: People with developmental disabilities are exposed to discrimination and it affects their daily life satisfaction. The purpose of this study is to examine the parallel mediating effect of social involvement and self-esteem on the relationship between discrimination and the daily life satisfaction of people with developmental disabilities to improve their daily life satisfaction. Materials and Methods: This study used raw data of participants with intellectual disabilities and autism spectrum disorder from a national panel survey of employment for the disabled second-wave fifth survey. First, correlations among variables were identified to determine whether variables are in a relationship, and then PROCESS Macro was conducted to identify the relationship between discrimination and daily life satisfaction and the parallel mediating effect of social involvement and self-esteem. Results: Discrimination had a significant negative effect on daily life satisfaction and it was found that social involvement and self-esteem have a significant mediating effect that lowers the effect size of discrimination on daily life satisfaction. Specifically, it was found that self-esteem had a more mediating effect than social involvement. Conclusions: To increase the daily life satisfaction of people with developmental disabilities, the potential need to not only decrease discrimination but also increase their social involvement and self-esteem should be considered.
Innovative Approaches to Poultry Processing Wastewater Treatment: The Stainless Steel Ultrafiltration Membrane as a Viable Option
Authors: Dada Saubana Olorunsola , Thamariselvan Chidambaram , Jebur Mahmood , Wickramasinghe Sumith Ranil
Published: November 2023

In pursuit of sustainability, we explored replacing conventional dissolved air floatation (DAF) in poultry processing wastewater (PPW) treatment with a precisely tuned 0.02 µm stainless-steel ultrafiltration (SSUF) membrane. SSUF is a robust, homogenously porous membrane with strong chemical resistance, ease of cleaning, and exceptional resistance to organic fouling. Unlike polymeric membranes, it can be regenerated multiple times, making it a cost-effective choice due to its compatibility with harsh chemical cleaning. The PPW used for the study was untreated wastewater from all processing units and post-initial screening. Our study revealed the SSUF membrane’s exceptional efficiency at eliminating contaminants. It achieved an impressive removal rate of up to 99.9% for total suspended solids (TSS), oil, grease, E. coli, and coliform. Additionally, it displayed a notable reduction in chemical oxygen demand (COD), biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), and total Kjeldahl nitrogen (TKN), up to 90%, 76%, and 76%, respectively. Our investigation further emphasized the SSUF membrane’s ability in pathogen removal, affirming its capacity to effectively eradicate up to 99.99% of E. coli and coliform. The measured critical flux of the membrane was 48 Lm−2h−1 at 38 kPa pressure and 1.90 m/s cross-flow velocity. In summary, our study highlights the considerable potential of the SSUF membrane. Its robust performance treating PPW offers a promising avenue for reducing its environmental impact and advocating for sustainable wastewater management practices.
Investigation of Long-Term Corrosion of CoCrMoW Alloys under Simulated Physiological Conditions
Authors: Preda Loredana , Leau Sorina Alexandra , Donath Cristina , Neacsu Elena Ionela , Maxim Monica Elisabeta , Sătulu Veronica , Paraschiv Alexandru , Marcu Maria
Published: November 2023

The corrosion resistance of two cast CoCr-based alloys with different amounts of chromium and with different alloying elements in the bulk composition of the alloy was assessed. In this study, we investigated the corrosion behavior of Co21Cr8Mo7W and Co29Cr7W by open-circuit potential (OCP), potentiodynamic polarization (PP) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) in 0.1 M phosphate buffer solution (PBS) at 37 °C with long immersion times. After 1000 h of immersion, the corrosion current density (icor), estimated from anodic polarization tests, was lower for the Co21Cr8Mo7W (i.e., 49 nA cm−2) alloy compared to the Co29Cr7W alloy (180 nA cm−2). As regards the corrosion potential (Ecor), a greater value was observed for Co21Cr8Mo7W (i.e., −59 mV vs. Ag/AgCl) compared to Co29Cr7W (i.e., −114 mV vs. Ag/AgCl). Microstructure analysis before and after immersion revealed the formation of a more compact passive film on the Co21Cr8Mo7W alloy, suggesting superior corrosion resistance compared to Co29Cr7W. These findings suggest better corrosion resistance for the film formed on the alloy containing lower amounts of Cr and two alloying elements, Mo and W. These results are promising in terms of medical applications because they open the door to new strategies for obtaining alloys with lower chromium content and with more protective anti-corrosion properties.
Specific Features of the Land-Sea Contrast of Cloud Liquid Water Path in Northern Europe as Obtained from the Observations by the SEVIRI Instrument: Artefacts or Reality?
Authors: Kostsov Vladimir S. , Ionov Dmitry V.
Published: November 2023

Liquid water path (LWP) is one of the most important cloud parameters and is crucial for global and regional climate modelling, weather forecasting, and modelling of the hydrological cycle and interactions between different components of the climate system: the atmosphere, the hydrosphere, and the land surface. Space-borne observations by the SEVIRI instrument have already provided evidence of the systematic difference between the cloud LWP values derived over the land surface in Northern Europe and those derived over the Baltic Sea and major lakes during both cold and warm seasons. In the present study, the analysis of this LWP land-sea contrast for the period 2011–2017 reveals specific temporal and spatial variations, which, in some cases, seem to be artefacts rather than of natural origin. The geographical objects of investigation are water bodies and water areas located in Northern Europe that differ in size and other geophysical characteristics: the Gulf of Finland and the Gulf of Riga in the Baltic Sea and large and small lakes in the neighbouring region. The analysis of intra-seasonal features has detected anomalous conditions in the Gulf of Riga and the Gulf of Finland, which show up as very low values of the LWP land-sea contrast in August with respect to the values in June and July every year within the considered time period. This anomaly is likely an artefact caused by the LWP retrieval algorithm since the transition from large LWP contrast to very low contrast occurs sharply, synchronically, and at a certain date every year at different places in the Baltic Sea.
An Improved Model of Single-Event Transients Based on Effective Space Charge for Metal–Oxide–Semiconductor Field-Effect Transistor
Authors: Zhang Yutao , Lu Hongliang , Liu Chen , Zhang Yuming , Yao Ruxue , Liu Xingming
Published: November 2023

In this paper, a single-event transient model based on the effective space charge for MOSFETs is proposed. The physical process of deposited and moving charges is analyzed in detail. The influence of deposited charges on the electric field in the depletion region is investigated. The electric field decreases in a short time period due to the neutralization of the space charge. After that, the electric field increases first and then decreases when the deposited charge is moved out. The movement of the deposited charge in the body mainly occurs through ambipolar diffusion because of its high-density electrons and holes. The derivation of the variation in electric field in the depletion region is modeled in the physical process according to the analysis. In combination with the ambipolar diffusion model of excessive charge in the body, a physics-based model is built to describe the current pulse in the drain terminal. The proposed model takes into account the influence of multiple factors, like linear-energy transfer (LET), drain bias, and the doping concentration of the well. The model results are validated with the simulation results from TCAD. Through calculation, the root-mean-square error (RMSE) between the simulation and model is less than 3.7 × 10−4, which means that the model matches well with the TCAD results. Moreover, a CMOS inverter is simulated using TCAD and SPICE to validate the applicability of the proposed model in a circuit-level simulation. The proposed model captures the variation in net voltage in the inverter. The simulation result obviously shows the current plateau effect, while the relative error of the pulse width is 23.5%, much better than that in the classic model. In comparison with the classic model, the proposed model provides an RMSE of 7.59 × 10−5 for the output current curve and an RMSE of 0.158 for the output voltage curve, which are significantly better than those of the classic model. In the meantime, the proposed model does not produce extra simulation time compared with the classic double exponential model. So, the model has potential for application to flow estimation of the soft error rate (SER) at the circuit level to improve the accuracy of the results.
High Electromechanical Coupling Coefficient of Longitudinally Excited Shear Wave Resonator Based on Optimized Bragg Structure
Authors: Zhang Zhiheng , Xuan Weipeng , Jiang Hong , Xie Weilun , Li Zhaoling , Dong Shurong , Jin Hao , Luo Jikui
Published: November 2023

In this work, a longitudinally excited shear-wave resonator (YBAR) based on single-crystalline lithium tantalate (LiTaO3, LT) thin film is proposed. The YBAR has a 200 nm X-cut thin film and molybdenum electrode. A high effective electromechanical coupling coefficient (k2eff) of up to 19% for the suspension-type structure was obtained. Furthermore, a Bragg reflector (SiO2/Pt) with optimized layer thickness ratio was employed to improve the performance of the YBAR. Compared to the acoustic wave resonators with the conventional quarter-wave (λ/4) Bragg reflector, the proposed YBAR with an optimized Bragg reflector can reflect both the longitudinal and shear waves efficiently, and resonators with spurious-free response and high quality (Q) value were achieved. This work provides a potential solution to enabling high coupling micro-acoustic resonators with high Q factor in the 5G/6G communication system.
Material Extrusion Filament Width and Height Prediction via Design of Experiment and Machine Learning
Authors: Shi Xiaoquan , Sun Yazhou , Tian Haiying , Abhilash Puthanveettil Madathil , Luo Xichun , Liu Haitao
Published: November 2023

The dimensions of material extrusion 3D printing filaments play a pivotal role in determining processing resolution and efficiency and are influenced by processing parameters. This study focuses on four key process parameters, namely, nozzle diameter, nondimensional nozzle height, extrusion pressure, and printing speed. The design of experiment was carried out to determine the impact of various factors and interaction effects on filament width and height through variance analysis. Five machine learning models (support vector regression, backpropagation neural network, decision tree, random forest, and K-nearest neighbor) were built to predict the geometric dimension of filaments. The models exhibited good predictive performance. The coefficients of determination of the backpropagation neural network model for predicting line width and line height were 0.9025 and 0.9604, respectively. The effect of various process parameters on the geometric morphology based on the established prediction model was also studied. The order of influence on line width and height, ranked from highest to lowest, was as follows: nozzle diameter, printing speed, extrusion pressure, and nondimensional nozzle height. Different nondimensional nozzle height settings may cause the extruded material to be stretched or squeezed. The material being in a stretched state leads to a thin filament, and the regularity of processing parameters on the geometric size is not strong. Meanwhile, the nozzle diameter exhibits a significant impact on dimensions when the material is in a squeezing state. Thus, this study can be used to predict the size of printing filament structures, guide the selection of printing parameters, and determine the size of 3D printing layers.
Exploring Microphone Technologies for Digital Auscultation Devices
Authors: Zauli Matteo , Peppi Lorenzo Mistral , Di Bonaventura Luca , Arcobelli Valerio Antonio , Spadotto Alberto , Diemberger Igor , Coppola Valerio , Mellone Sabato , De Marchi Luca
Published: November 2023

The aim of this work is to present a preliminary study for the design of a digital auscultation system, i.e., a novel wearable device for patient chest auscultation and a digital stethoscope. The development and testing of the electronic stethoscope prototype is reported with an emphasis on the description and selection of sound transduction systems and analog electronic processing. The focus on various microphone technologies, such as micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMSs), electret condensers, and piezoelectronic diaphragms, intends to emphasize the most suitable transducer for auscultation. In addition, we report on the design and development of a digital acquisition system for the human body for sound recording by using a modular device approach in order to fit the chosen analog and digital mics. Tests were performed on a designed phantom setup, and a qualitative comparison between the sounds recorded with the newly developed acquisition device and those recorded with two commercial digital stethoscopes is reported.
Thermal Conductivity and Temperature Dependency of Magnetorheological Fluids and Application Systems—A Chronological Review
Authors: Choi Seung-Bok
Published: November 2023

Many studies on magnetorheological fluid (MRF) have been carried out over the last three decades, highlighting several salient advantages, such as a fast phase change, easy control of the yield stress, and so forth. In particular, several review articles of MRF technology have been reported over the last two decades, summarizing the development of MRFs and their applications. As specific examples, review articles have been published that include the optimization of the particles and carrier liquid to achieve minimum off-state viscosity and maximum yield stress at on-state, the formulation of many constitutive models including the Casson model and the Herschel–Bulkley (H–B) model, sedimentation enhancement using additives and nanosized particles, many types of dampers for automotive suspension and civil structures, medical and rehabilitation devices, MRF polishing technology, the methods of magnetic circuit design, and the synthesis of various controllers. More recently, the effect of the temperature and thermal conductivity on the properties of MRFs and application systems are actively being investigated by several works. However, there is no review article on this issue so far, despite the fact that the thermal problem is one of the most crucial factors to be seriously considered for the development of advanced MRFs and commercial products of application systems. In this work, studies on the thermal conductivity and temperature in MRFs themselves and their temperature-dependent application systems are reviewed, respectively, and principal results are summarized, emphasizing the following: how to reduce the temperature effect on the field-dependent properties of MRFs and how to design an application system that minimizes the thermal effect. It is noted here that the review summary is organized in a chronological format using tables.
Enhancing the Photovoltaic Performance of Cd(1−x)ZnxS Thin Films Using Seed Assistance and EDTA Treatment
Authors: Kumarage Gayan W. C. , Wijesundera Ruwan P. , Comini Elisabetta , Dassanayake Buddhika S.
Published: November 2023

This research article provides a comprehensive investigation into the optoelectronic characteristics of three distinct types of cadmium sulfide (CdS) thin films, namely: (a) conventionally prepared CdS thin films using chemical bath deposition (CBD-CdS), (b) CdS thin films produced via chemical bath deposition with the inclusion of zinc (CBD-Cd(1−x)ZnxS, x = 0.3), and (c) CdS thin films synthesized using a seed-assisted approach, treated with ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), and incorporating zinc (ED/CBD + EDTA-Cd(1−x)ZnxS). The investigation reveals that the crystallite size of these thin films decreases upon the addition of EDTA to the reaction solution, leading to an increase in the inter-planar spacing and dislocation density. Furthermore, a blue shift in the transmittance edge of the ED/CBD + EDTA-Cd(1−x)ZnxS samples compared to CBD-CdS implies modifications in the band gaps of the deposited films. The incorporation of Zn2+ into the reaction solution results in an increased band gap value of up to 2.42 eV. This suggests that Cd(1−x)ZnxS thin films permit more efficient photon transmission compared to conventional CdS. Among the three types of films studied, ED/CBD + EDTA-Cd(1−x)ZnxS exhibits the highest optical band gap of 2.50 eV. This increase in the optical band gap is attributed to the smaller crystallite size and the splitting of the tail levels from the band structure. Additionally, the increment in the optical band gap leads to reduced light absorption at longer wavelengths, thereby enhancing the electrical properties. Notably, ED/CBD + EDTA-Cd(1−x)ZnxS thin films demonstrate improved photovoltaic performance in a photoelectrochemical (PEC) cell, characterized by enhanced open-circuit voltage (363 mV, VOC), short-circuit current (35.35 μA, ISC), and flat-band voltage (−692 mV, Vfb). These improvements are attributed to the better adhesion of CdS to the fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO) substrate and improved inter-particle connectivity.
Unraveling Intestinal Microbial Shifts in ESRD and Kidney Transplantation: Implications for Disease-Related Dysbiosis
Authors: Yan Pengpeng , Luo Sulin , Guo Luying , Wang Xingxia , Ren Xue , Lv Junhao , Chen Ying , Lin Xinyu , Chen Jianghua , Wang Rending
Published: November 2023

The composition of the gut microbiome is profoundly influenced by the accumulation of toxins in end-stage renal disease (ESRD) and specific medical treatments during kidney transplantation (KT). However, variations in results may arise due to factors such as genetics, dietary habits, and the strategy of anti-rejection therapy. Therefore, we conducted a 16S rRNA sequencing study to characterize intestinal microbiomes by using 75 fecal specimens obtained from 25 paired Chinese living donors (LDs) of kidneys and recipients before and after KT. Surprisingly, similar enterotypes were observed between healthy LDs and ESRD recipients. Nonetheless, following KT, the fecal communities of recipients exhibited distinct clustering, which was primarily characterized by Escherichia–Shigella and Streptococcus at the genus level, along with a reduction in the diversity of microbiota. To further explore the characteristics of gut microorganisms in early rejection episodes, two recipients with biopsy-proven borderline changes during follow-up were enrolled in a preliminary sub-cohort study. Our findings reveal a comparable construction of gut microbiota between ESRD patients and their healthy relatives while also highlighting the significant impact of KT on gut microbial composition.
The Microevolution of Antifungal Drug Resistance in Pathogenic Fungi
Authors: Boyce Kylie J.
Published: November 2023

The mortality rates of invasive fungal infections remain high because of the limited number of antifungal drugs available and antifungal drug resistance, which can rapidly evolve during treatment. Mutations in key resistance genes such as ERG11 were postulated to be the predominant cause of antifungal drug resistance in the clinic. However, recent advances in whole genome sequencing have revealed that there are multiple mechanisms leading to the microevolution of resistance. In many fungal species, resistance can emerge through ERG11-independent mechanisms and through the accumulation of mutations in many genes to generate a polygenic resistance phenotype. In addition, genome sequencing has revealed that full or partial aneuploidy commonly occurs in clinical or microevolved in vitro isolates to confer antifungal resistance. This review will provide an overview of the mutations known to be selected during the adaptive microevolution of antifungal drug resistance and focus on how recent advances in genome sequencing technology have enhanced our understanding of this process.
Exploration of Natural Aggregates for a Sustainable Construction Industry in Western Colombia
Authors: Maya Mario , Parra José Luis , Calvo Benjamín
Published: November 2023

The sources of aggregates for construction materials in the area surrounding Medellín, Western Colombia, are experiencing a significant decrease due to the depletion of their resources and reserves and the policies of land use in territorial planning. The objective of this study is to identify and assess the potential sources of aggregates for the construction industry in Medellín. A lithological characterization is made in the field and laboratory tests are performed to determine the physical and chemical behaviour of the rocks in the lithostratigraphic units. The study allowed us to define the properties and quality of rocks and to map sand and gravel in unconsolidated deposits in the weathering zone of granitic rocks and in stratified rocks. The results allowed us to define the preliminary physical and chemical quality of these rocks and assess their potential as raw material for use in the construction industry. This work constitutes a tool for civil and mining authorities in making decisions on land-use policies and the proper use of resources in the face of the growth and demand requirements of these materials.
Vesicles and Reservoirs of Basic Lava Flows in the Laoheishan and Huoshaoshan Volcanoes, NE China
Authors: Lu Guochao , Tang Huafeng , Wang Qingbin , Yang Liying , Hu Jingsong , Wu Haichao , Bai Jiawei , Tian Zhiwen
Published: November 2023

As an important part of the lava flow reservoir, vesicles affect reservoir performance to some extent. To explore the distribution, origins and importance of vesicles in different facies belts of basic lava flows. In this study, we selected representative field outcrops and samples from different facies belts of the Laoheishan and Huoshaoshan lava flows in the Wudalianchi volcanics, Heilongjiang Province, identified and examined vesicles, measured their porosity and permeability, and analyzed their surface porosity. Three facies belts of vesicle shape, size, quantity, arrangement, origin, and connectivity between vesicles and fractures were identified. The results showed that the vesicles in the crater–near-crater belt were ellipsoidal and spherical, with many vesicles. The vesicles in the proximal belt were dominated by many ellipsoids with a uniform distribution. The vesicles in the distal belt were dominated by spherical and ellipsoidal vesicles, with a few tubular vesicles and a small number of vesicles. The findings suggest that the crater-near-crater belt and proximal belt have the best reservoir performance, whereas the distal belt has the worst.
Mapping Leachate Pathways in Aging Mining Tailings Pond Using Electrical Resistivity Tomography
Authors: Ali Mosaad Ali Hussein , Mewafy Farag M. , Qian Wei , Alshehri Fahad , Almadani Sattam , Aldawsri Mofleh , Aloufi Majed , Saleem Hussein A.
Published: November 2023

Mining activities often leave behind a legacy of environmental challenges, with aging tailings ponds representing a significant concern due to their potential for leachate formation and subsequent contaminant release. Thus, this study employs Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT) to investigate the intricate pathways of leachate within an aging mining tailings pond, addressing the pressing environmental and human health concerns associated with potential contaminant release. Ten 2D ERT profiles were acquired at the El Mochito mine waste site, covering an area of approximately half a square kilometer. These profiles, ranging in length from 104 to 363 m, provided insights into subsurface conditions down to a maximum depth of 60 m. The subsurface mapping of the ERT data showed three different geoelectric layers. The uppermost layer, with a thickness of approximately 2.5 m and resistivity values ranging from 60 to 100 Ohm.m, was identified as a dry tailing/soil zone. Beneath it, the second layer exhibited moderately resistive values (30–60 Ohm.m) with varying thicknesses of 10–20 m, signifying a percolation/leaching zone (semi-saturated zone). The third layer, characterized by substantially low resistivity (1–30 Ohm.m), indicated saturation and the presence of conductive materials, strongly suggesting active leaching. Based on these findings, this study recommends further investigation through geochemical analysis of subsurface samples and more advanced geophysical imaging techniques to validate the distribution of anomalous zones and delineate remediation pathways. This study lays the foundation for future comprehensive research that will integrate geophysical surveys with geochemical analysis and establish 4D modeling techniques to monitor pollutant penetration over time, with a particular focus on mine waste tailings mapping. Plus, this study contributes valuable insights into the characterization of leachate pathways within mining tailings ponds, offering a foundation for informed environmental management and remediation strategies.
Diagenetic Evolution of Upper Cretaceous Kawagarh Carbonates from Attock Hazara Fold and Thrust Belt, Pakistan
Authors: Rehman Saif Ur , Munawar Muhammad Jawad , Shah Mumtaz Muhammad , Ahsan Naveed , Kashif Muhammad , Janjuhah Hammad Tariq , Lianou Vasiliki , Kontakiotis George
Published: November 2023

A recent hydrocarbons discovery in 2021 in the Kawagarh Formation has brought attention to the significance of sedimentology and specifically diagenesis for understanding and characterizing the reservoir properties. The diagenetic history and multiscale processes that contributed to diagenesis were vaguely known. This study aimed to reconstruct various diagenetic phases, paragenetic sequences, and the interrelationship of these phases in the Kawagarh Formation. The diagenetic processes were identified and characterized through an integrated methodology utilizing the outcrop, petrographic, and geochemical analyses. Early calcite cementation was found to occur in the early stages of marine burial diagenesis involving pore fluid originating from the dissolution of aragonite in interlayer marl/mudstone beds and reprecipitating as microspar in adjacent limestone beds. The absence of mechanical compaction in wackstone and mudstone facies and the presence of late compaction in lithified packstones clearly imply that early calcite cementation occurred prior to compaction. Dolomitization with stylolites coupled with significant negative oxygen (δ18O) isotope values implies a fault-related hydrothermal dolomitization model. Uplift introduced the fractures and low Mg fresh fluids to the system which caused calcitisation in shallow burial settings. The depleted δ13C and negative δ18O values indicate the mixing of surface-derived waters with hot burial fluids during the calcitization. This study offers valuable insights into several aspects related to the formation and the basin itself, including burial depths, fluid influx, and geochemical gradients. It also sheds light on the evolution of reservoir properties such as porosity and permeability in dolomitization fronts. Such insights can be used to gain a deeper understanding about the burial history, basin evaluation, and reservoir characterization for hydrocarbon exploration.
1,1,1,3,3,3-Hexafluoro-2-Propanol-Promoted Friedel–Crafts Reaction: Metal-Free Synthesis of C3-Difluoromethyl Carbinol-Containing Imidazo[1,2-a]pyridines at Room Temperature
Authors: Gao Juanjuan , Liu Zhaowen , Guo Xiaohua , Wu Longhui , Chen Zhixi , Yang Kai
Published: November 2023

A facile and efficient method has been developed for the synthesis of C3-difluoromethyl carbinol-containing imidazo[1,2-a]pyridines at room temperature via the HFIP-promoted Friedel–Crafts reaction of difluoroacetaldehyde ethyl hemiacetal and imidazo[1,2-a]pyridines. This strategy could be applied to the direct C(sp2)-H hydroxydifluoromethylation of imidazo[1,2-a]pyridines and afford a series of novel difluoromethylated carbinols in good to satisfactory yields with 29 examples. Furthermore, gram-scale and synthetic transformation experiments have also been achieved, demonstrating its potential applicable value in organic synthesis. This green protocol has several advantages, including being transition metal- and oxidant-free, being carried out at room temperature, having high efficiency, and having a wide substrate scope.
New Steroidal Selenides as Proapoptotic Factors
Authors: Jastrzebska Izabella , Wawrusiewicz-Kurylonek Natalia , Grześ Paweł A. , Ratkiewicz Artur , Grabowska Ewa , Czerniecka Magdalena , Czyżewska Urszula , Tylicki Adam
Published: November 2023

Cytostatic and pro-apoptotic effects of selenium steroid derivatives against HeLa cells were determined. The highest cytostatic activity was shown by derivative 4 (GI50 25.0 µM, almost complete growth inhibition after three days of culture, and over 97% of apoptotic and dead cells at 200 µM). The results of our study (cell number measurements, apoptosis profile, relative expression of apoptosis-related APAF1, BID, and mevalonate pathway-involved HMGCR, SQLE, CYP51A1, and PDHB genes, and computational chemistry data) support the hypothesis that tested selenosteroids induce the extrinsic pathway of apoptosis by affecting the cell membrane as cholesterol antimetabolites. An additional mechanism of action is possible through a direct action of derivative 4 to inhibit PDHB expression in a way similar to steroid hormones.
Exploring the Release of Elastin Peptides Generated from Enzymatic Hydrolysis of Bovine Elastin via Peptide Mapping
Authors: Zhang Jianan , Liu Yang , Jiang Liwen , Zhao Tiantian , Su Guowan , Zhao Mouming
Published: November 2023

To enhance the understanding of enzymatic hydrolysis and to accelerate the discovery of key bioactive peptides within enzymatic products, this research focused on elastin as the substrate and investigated the variations in peptide profiles and the production of key bioactive peptides (those exceeding 5% of the total) and their impacts on the biological activity of the hydrolysates. Through the application of advanced analytical techniques, such as stop-flow two-dimensional liquid chromatography and ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry, the research tracks the release and profiles of peptides within elastin hydrolysates (EHs). Despite uniform peptide compositions, significant disparities in peptide concentrations were detected across the hydrolysates, hinting at varying levels of bioactive efficacy. A comprehensive identification process pinpointed 403 peptides within the EHs, with 18 peptides surpassing 5% in theoretical maximum content, signaling their crucial role in the hydrolysate’s bioactivity. Of particular interest, certain peptides containing sequences of alanine, valine, and glycine were released in higher quantities, suggesting Alcalase® 2.4L’s preference for these residues. The analysis not only confirms the peptides’ dose-responsive elastase inhibitory potential but also underscores the nuanced interplay between peptide content, biological function, and their collective synergy. The study sets the stage for future research aimed at refining enzymatic treatments to fully exploit the bioactive properties of elastin.
Ruthenium(II)-Arene Curcuminoid Complexes as Photosensitizer Agents for Antineoplastic and Antimicrobial Photodynamic Therapy: In Vitro and In Vivo Insights
Authors: Marras Emanuela , Balacchi Camilla J. , Orlandi Viviana , Caruso Enrico , Brivio Maurizio F. , Bolognese Fabrizio , Mastore Maristella , Malacarne Miryam C. , Rossi Miriam , Caruso Francesco , Vivona Veronica , Ferrario Nicole , Gariboldi Marzia B.
Published: November 2023

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is an anticancer/antibacterial strategy in which photosensitizers (PSs), light, and molecular oxygen generate reactive oxygen species and induce cell death. PDT presents greater selectivity towards tumor cells than conventional chemotherapy; however, PSs have limitations that have prompted the search for new molecules featuring more favorable chemical–physical characteristics. Curcumin and its derivatives have been used in PDT. However, low water solubility, rapid metabolism, interference with other drugs, and low stability limit curcumin use. Chemical modifications have been proposed to improve curcumin activity, and metal-based PSs, especially ruthenium(II) complexes, have attracted considerable attention. This study aimed to characterize six Ru(II)-arene curcuminoids for anticancer and/or antibacterial PDT. The hydrophilicity, photodegradation rates, and singlet oxygen generation of the compounds were evaluated. The photodynamic effects on human colorectal cancer cell lines were also assessed, along with the ability of the compounds to induce ROS production, apoptotic, necrotic, and/or autophagic cell death. Overall, our encouraging results indicate that the Ru(II)-arene curcuminoid derivatives are worthy of further investigation and could represent an interesting option for cancer PDT. Additionally, the lack of significant in vivo toxicity on the larvae of Galleria mellonella is an important finding. Finally, the photoantimicrobial activity of HCurc I against Gram-positive bacteria is indeed promising.
Phenylboronic Acid and Amino Bifunctional Modified Adsorbent for Quickly Separating Phenolic Acids from Crude Extract of Clerodendranthus spicatus and Evaluation of Their Antioxidant and Hypoglycemic Activities
Authors: Cheng Mengqi , Song Qianyi , Zhang Xiaoyu , Zheng Pingyi , Zhao Ran , Li Youxin , Chen Haixia
Published: November 2023

A novel phenylboronic acid and amino bifunctional modified silica gel (SiO2-NH2-FPBA) was prepared, which was 30–80 μm, had a pore size of 8.69 nm, a specific surface area of 206.89 m2/g, was stable at low temperature, and contained 0.4793 mmol/g of the phenylboronic acid group and 1.6377 mmol/g of the amino group. It was used to develop a rapid separation method for phenolic acids. The results showed that it could adsorb 93.64 mg/g caffeic acid, 89.35 mg/g protocatechuic acid and 79.66 mg/g gallic acid. The adsorption process was consistent with the pseudo-second-order model (R2 > 0.99), and fitted the Langmuir isotherm model well (R2 > 0.99). CH3COOH could effectively desorb phenolic acids (>90%) and did not destroy their structures. When SiO2-NH2-FPBA was added to crude extract of Clerodendranthus spicatus, 93.24% of the phenolic acids could be captured, and twenty-two kinds of phenolic acids were identified by Q Exactive HF LC-MS. Furthermore, the isolated phenolic acids from Clerodendranthus spicatus possessed great DPPH, ABTS, and hydroxyl radicals scavenging activities and ferric reducing power. They also demonstrated effective inhibition of α-amylase and α-glucosidase activities (IC50 = 110.63 ± 3.67 μg/mL and 64.76 ± 0.30 μg/mL, respectively). The findings indicate that SiO2-NH2-FPBA has significant potential in practical applications of separating active constituents from natural resources.
Study of the Anti-Inflammatory Mechanism of β-Carotene Based on Network Pharmacology
Authors: Wu Shilin , Chen Ran , Chen Jingyun , Yang Ning , Li Kun , Zhang Zhen , Zhang Rongqing
Published: November 2023

β-carotene is known to have pharmacological effects such as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-tumor properties. However, its main mechanism and related signaling pathways in the treatment of inflammation are still unclear. In this study, component target prediction was performed by using literature retrieval and the SwissTargetPrediction database. Disease targets were collected from various databases, including DisGeNET, OMIM, Drug Bank, and GeneCards. A protein–protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed, and enrichment analysis of gene ontology and biological pathways was carried out for important targets. The analysis showed that there were 191 unique targets of β-carotene after removing repeat sites. A total of 2067 targets from the three databases were integrated, 58 duplicate targets were removed, and 2009 potential disease action targets were obtained. Biological function enrichment analysis revealed 284 biological process (BP) entries, 31 cellular component (CC) entries, 55 molecular function (MF) entries, and 84 cellular pathways. The biological processes were mostly associated with various pathways and their regulation, whereas the cell components were mainly membrane components. The main molecular functions included RNA polymerase II transcription factor activity, DNA binding specific to the ligand activation sequence, DNA binding, steroid binding sequence-specific DNA binding, enzyme binding, and steroid hormone receptors. The pathways involved in the process included the TNF signaling pathway, sphingomyelin signaling pathway, and some disease pathways. Lastly, the anti-inflammatory signaling pathway of β-carotene was systematically analyzed using network pharmacology, while the molecular mechanism of β-carotene was further explored by molecular docking. In this study, the anti-inflammatory mechanism of β-carotene was preliminarily explored and predicted by bioinformatics methods, and further experiments will be designed to verify and confirm the predicted results, in order to finally reveal the anti-inflammatory mechanism of β-carotene.
Exploring Hydrogen Sources in Catalytic Transfer Hydrogenation: A Review of Unsaturated Compound Reduction
Authors: Taleb Batoul , Jahjah Rabih , Cornu David , Bechelany Mikhael , Al Ajami Mohamad , Kataya Ghenwa , Hijazi Akram , El-Dakdouki Mohammad H.
Published: November 2023

Catalytic transfer hydrogenation has emerged as a pivotal chemical process with transformative potential in various industries. This review highlights the significance of catalytic transfer hydrogenation, a reaction that facilitates the transfer of hydrogen from one molecule to another, using a distinct molecule as the hydrogen source in the presence of a catalyst. Unlike conventional direct hydrogenation, catalytic transfer hydrogenation offers numerous advantages, such as enhanced safety, cost-effective hydrogen donors, byproduct recyclability, catalyst accessibility, and the potential for catalytic asymmetric transfer hydrogenation, particularly with chiral ligands. Moreover, the diverse range of hydrogen donor molecules utilized in this reaction have been explored, shedding light on their unique properties and their impact on catalytic systems and the mechanism elucidation of some reactions. Alcohols such as methanol and isopropanol are prominent hydrogen donors, demonstrating remarkable efficacy in various reductions. Formic acid offers irreversible hydrogenation, preventing the occurrence of reverse reactions, and is extensively utilized in chiral compound synthesis. Unconventional donors such as 1,4-cyclohexadiene and glycerol have shown a good efficiency in reducing unsaturated compounds, with glycerol additionally serving as a green solvent in some transformations. The compatibility of these donors with various catalysts, substrates, and reaction conditions were all discussed. Furthermore, this paper outlines future trends which include the utilization of biomass-derived hydrogen donors, the exploration of hydrogen storage materials such as metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), catalyst development for enhanced activity and recyclability, and the utilization of eco-friendly solvents such as glycerol and ionic liquids. Innovative heating methods, diverse base materials, and continued research into catalyst-hydrogen donor interactions are aimed to shape the future of catalytic transfer hydrogenation, enhancing its selectivity and efficiency across various industries and applications.
Chemically Modified Starches as Food Additives
Authors: Gałkowska Dorota , Kapuśniak Kamila , Juszczak Lesław
Published: November 2023

Starch is a renewable and multifunctional polysaccharide biopolymer that is widely used both in the food industry and other areas of the economy. However, due to a number of undesirable properties in technological processes, it is subjected to various modifications. They improve its functional properties and enable the starch to be widely used in various industries. A modified starch is a natural starch that has been treated in a way that changes one or more of its initial physical and/or chemical properties. Chemical modification consists of the introduction of functional groups into starch molecules, which result in specific changes in the physicochemical and functional properties of starch preparations. The bases of chemical modifications of starch are oxidation, esterification or etherification reactions. In terms of functionality, modified preparations include cross-linked and stabilized starches. These starches have the status of allowed food additives, and their use is strictly regulated by relevant laws. Large-scale scientific research is aimed at developing new methods of starch modification, and the use of innovative technological solutions allows for an increasingly wider use of such preparations. This paper characterizes chemically modified starches used as food additives, including the requirements for such preparations and the directions of their practical application. Health-promoting aspects of the use of chemically modified starches concerning resistant starch type RS4, encapsulation of bioactive ingredients, starch fat substitutes, and carriers of microelements are also described. The topic of new trends in the use of chemically modified starches, including the production of biodegradable films, edible coatings, and nanomaterials, is also addressed.
Ultrasonic-Assisted Extraction of Antioxidants from Perilla frutescens Leaves Based on Tailor-Made Deep Eutectic Solvents: Optimization and Antioxidant Activity
Authors: Jiao Pengfei , He Xingmei , Ma Shihua , Wang Shengping , Niu Qiuhong
Published: November 2023

The development of natural antioxidants to replace synthetic compounds is attractive. Perilla frutescens leaves were proven to be rich in antioxidants. The extraction of antioxidants from Perilla leaves via ultrasonic-assisted extraction (UAE) based on choline chloride-based deep eutectic solvents (DESs) was studied. Firstly, several DESs were prepared, and their extraction effects were compared. Secondly, the extraction process was optimized by single-factor experiments and response surface methodology (RSM). Finally, the optimization results were verified and compared with the results of traditional solvent-based UAE. The effects of solvents on the surface cell morphology of Perilla frutescens leaves were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Choline chloride-acetic acid-based DES (ChCl-AcA) extract showed a relatively high ferric-reducing antioxidant activity (FRAP) and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhyldrazyl radical scavenging rate (DPPH). Under the optimal operating conditions (temperature 41 °C, liquid–solid ratio 33:1, ultrasonic time 30 min, water content 25%, ultrasonic power 219 W), the experimental results are as follows: DPPH64.40% and FRAP0.40 mM Fe(II)SE/g DW. The experimental and predicted results were highly consistent with a low error (<3.38%). The values of the DPPH and FRAP were significantly higher than that for the water, ethanol, and butanol-based UAE. SEM analysis confirmed that ChCl-AcA enhanced the destruction of the cell wall, so that more antioxidants were released. This study provides an eco-friendly technology for the efficient extraction of antioxidants from Perilla frutescens leaves. The cytotoxicity and biodegradability of the extract will be further verified in a future work.