bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mechanism of Interlaminar Strengthening and Toughening of Al/CFRP/Al Composite Laminates
Authors: Wang Jian , Qiao Tianqi , Wang Aidong , Li Xiudong , Wang Tao
Published: January 2023

To solve the problem of easy delamination of the interface of Al/CFRP/Al laminate (CFRP, carbon fiber composite; Al, aluminum), a method of constructing high strength and toughness at the interface is proposed. The effects of adding resin and carbon nanotubes at the interface on the shear, flexural strength and impact resistance of Al/CFRP/Al laminates are studied. Experimental results show that gullies and micropores can be formed on the surface of aluminum after pretreatment, and the contact area between aluminum and matrix can be increased. After resin is added to the Al/CFRP interface, the shear strength between layers and the bending strength and impact resistance of laminates are improved. Mixing carbon nanotubes into the added resin will further improve the mechanical properties of laminates. On the basis of strengthening and toughening the Al/CFRP interface, the carbon nanotubes added between the CFRP layers can strengthen and toughen the resin at the interface, which enhances the bending strength and impact resistance of the laminates. When the resin between the layers breaks, the carbon nanotubes will be pulled off and pulled out to resist the damage of the resin, and the carbon nanotubes at the end of the crack can hinder the propagation of the cracks.
Numerical and Experimental Analysis of a Prototypical Thermoelectric Generator Dedicated to Wood-Fired Heating Stove
Authors: Sornek Krzysztof , Papis-Frączek Karolina
Published: January 2023

The typical operating range of domestic heating devices includes only heat generation. However, the availability of combined heat and power generation in microscale devices is currently becoming a more and more interesting option. This paper shows the experimental and numerical analysis of the possibility of developing a micro-cogeneration system equipped with a wood-fired heating stove and a prototype of the thermoelectric generator equipped with low-price thermoelectric modules. In the first step, mathematical modeling made it possible to analyze different configurations of the hot side of the thermoelectric generator (computational fluid dynamics was used). Next, experiments have been conducted on the prototypical test rig. The maximum power obtained during the discussed combustion process was 15.9 We when the flue gas temperature was approximately 623 K. Assuming a case, when such value of generated power occurred during the whole main phase, the energy generated would be at a level of approximately 33.1 Whe, while the heat transferred to the water would be approximately 1 078.0 Whth. In addition to the technical aspects, the economic premises of the proposed solution were analyzed. As was shown, an installation of TEG to the existing stove is economically not viable: the Simply Payback Time will be approximately 28.9–66.1 years depending on the analyzed scenario. On the other hand, the SPBT would be significantly shorter, when the installation of the stove with an integrated thermoelectric generator was considered (approximately 5.4 years). However, it should be noted that the introduction of the power generating system to a heat source can provide fully or partially network-independent operation of the hot water and heating systems.
Novel 7-Chloro-4-aminoquinoline-benzimidazole Hybrids as Inhibitors of Cancer Cells Growth: Synthesis, Antiproliferative Activity, in Silico ADME Predictions, and Docking
Authors: Krstulović Luka , Leventić Marijana , Rastija Vesna , Starčević Kristina , Jirouš Maja , Janić Ivana , Karnaš Maja , Lasić Kornelija , Bajić Miroslav , Glavaš-Obrovac Ljubica
Published: January 2023

In this study, new 7-chloro-4-aminoquinoline-benzimidazole compounds were synthesized and characterized by NMR, MS, and elemental analysis. These novel hybrids differ in the type of linker and in the substituent on the benzimidazole moiety. Their antiproliferative activities were evaluated on one non-tumor (MDCK1) and seven selected tumor (CaCo-2, MCF-7, CCRF-CEM, Hut78, THP-1, and Raji) cell lines by MTT test and flow cytometry analysis. The compounds with different types of linkers and an unsubstituted benzimidazole ring, 5d, 8d, and 12d, showed strong cytotoxic activity (the GI50 ranged from 0.4 to 8 µM) and effectively suppressed the cell cycle progression in the leukemia and lymphoma cells. After 24 h of treatment, compounds 5d and 12d induced the disruption of the mitochondrial membrane potential as well as apoptosis in HuT78 cells. The drug-like properties and bioavailability of the compounds were calculated using the Swiss ADME web tool, and a molecular docking study was performed on tyrosine-protein kinase c-Src (PDB: 3G6H). Compound 12d showed good solubility and permeability and bound to c-Src with an energy of −119.99 kcal/mol, forming hydrogen bonds with Glu310 and Asp404 in the active site and other residues with van der Waals interactions. The results suggest that compound 12d could be a leading compound in the further design of effective antitumor drugs.
Preparation of Carbon Dots@r-GO Nanocomposite with an Enhanced Pseudo-Capacitance
Authors: Liu Qichen , Ge Kangkang , Wu Xiaoyan , Zhu Zhiwei , Zhu Yu , Bi Hong
Published: January 2023

Carbon materials with pseudocapacitive performance have attracted emerging interest in the energy storage and conversion field. Reduced graphene oxide (r-GO) with superior conductivity and electrochemical stability has been extensively investigated as an efficient capacitive electrode material. In this study, three-dimensional carbon dots (CDs)@r-GO hydrogel electrode was successfully in situ prepared by the one-pot method, where the CDs play a critical role in serving as both reduction agent and electrochemical active sites. With prolonged reaction time, the oxygen content of the CDs@r-GO nanocomposite material could be effectively reduced to ensure better electric conductivity, and the nitrogen content, which provides pseudocapacitance, was gradually increased. The representative two pairs of fast and reversible current peaks appeared in cyclic voltammetry curves, with around three times higher specific capacitance of CDs@r-GO hydrogel electrode (290 F g−1 at the current density of 1 A g−1 in 1 M H2SO4 electrolyte). This simple and mild approach is promising and it is believed it will shed more light on the preparation of high-efficiency and high-performance energy storage materials based on functional reductive CDs.
Pyrolysis Kinetics of Byrsonima crassifolia Stone as Agro-Industrial Waste through Isoconversional Models
Authors: Sanchez-Silva Jonathan M. , Ocampo-Pérez Raúl , Padilla-Ortega Erika , Sangaré Diakaridia , Escobedo-Bretado Miguel A. , Domínguez-Arvizu Jorge L. , Hernández-Majalca Blanca C. , Salinas-Gutiérrez Jesús M. , López-Ortiz Alejandro , Collins-Martínez Virginia
Published: January 2023

This study is aimed at the analysis of the pyrolysis kinetics of Nanche stone BSC (Byrsonima crassifolia) as an agro-industrial waste using non-isothermal thermogravimetric experiments by determination of triplet kinetics; apparent activation energy, pre-exponential factor, and reaction model, as well as thermodynamic parameters to gather the required fundamental information for the design, construction, and operation of a pilot-scale reactor for the pyrolysis this lignocellulosic residue. Results indicate a biomass of low moisture and ash content and a high volatile matter content (≥70%), making BCS a potential candidate for obtaining various bioenergy products. Average apparent activation energies obtained from different methods (KAS, FWO and SK) were consistent in value (~123.8 kJ/mol). The pre-exponential factor from the Kissinger method ranged from 105 to 1014 min−1 for the highest pyrolytic activity stage, indicating a high-temperature reactive system. The thermodynamic parameters revealed a small difference between EA and ∆H (5.2 kJ/mol), which favors the pyrolysis reaction and indicates the feasibility of the energetic process. According to the analysis of the reaction models (master plot method), the pyrolytic degradation was dominated by a decreasing reaction order as a function of the degree of conversion. Moreover, BCS has a relatively high calorific value (14.9 MJ/kg) and a relatively low average apparent activation energy (122.7 kJ/mol) from the Starink method, which makes this biomass very suitable to be exploited for value-added energy production.
Removal of Zinc from Concentrated Galvanic Wastewater by Sodium Trithiocarbonate: Process Optimization and Toxicity Assessment
Authors: Thomas Maciej , Melichová Zuzana , Šuránek Matej , Kuc Joanna , Więckol-Ryk Angelika , Lochyński Paweł
Published: January 2023

In the present research, the removal of zinc from concentrated galvanic wastewater (pH 3.1, conductivity 20.31 mS/cm, salinity, 10.16 g/L, Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) 2900 mg O2/L, Total Organic Carbon (TOC) 985 mg/L, zinc (Zn) 1534 mg/L and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) 70 mg/L) by combination of lime (Ca(OH)2) and sodium trithiocarbonate (Na2CS3) as precipitation agents is studied. Central Composite Design (CCD) and response surface methodology (RSM) were applied for modelling and optimizing the designed wastewater treatment process. Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and the experimental verification of the model confirmed the consistency of the experimental and estimated data calculated from the model (R2 = 0.9173, R2adj. = 0.8622). The use of Ca(OH)2 and Na2CS3 in the optimal condition calculated from the model (pH = 10.75 ± 0.10, V Na2CS3 dose 0.043 mL/L and time = 5 min) resulted in a decrease in the concentration of Zn in treated wastewater by 99.99%. Other physicochemical parameters of wastewater also improved. Simultaneously, the application of Ca(OH)2 and Na2CS3 reduced the inhibition of activated sludge dehydrogenase from total inhibition (for raw wastewater) to −70% (for treated wastewater). Under the same conditions the phytotoxicity tests revealed that the seed germination index for the raw and treated wastewater increased from 10% to 50% and from 90% to 100% for white mustard (Sinapis alba) and garden cress (Lepidium sativum L.), respectively. The parameters of root and shoot growth showed a statistically significant improvement. Treated wastewater (1:10) showed a stimulating effect (shoot growth) compared to the control sample (GI = −116.7 and −57.9 for S. alba and L. sativum L., respectively). Thus, the use of Na2CS3 is a viable option for the treatment of concentrated galvanic wastewater containing zinc.
Facile One-Step Heat Treatment of Cu Foil for Stable Anode-Free Li Metal Batteries
Authors: Chen Jie , Dai Linna , Hu Pei , Li Zhen
Published: January 2023

The anode-free lithium metal battery (AFLMB) is attractive for its ultimate high energy density. However, the poor cycling lifespan caused by the unstable anode interphase and the continuous Li consumption severely limits its practical application. Here, facile one-step heat treatment of the Cu foil current collectors before the cell assembly is proposed to improve the anode interphase during the cycling. After heat treatment of the Cu foil, homogeneous Li deposition is achieved during cycling because of the smoother surface morphology and enhanced lithiophilicity of the heat-treated Cu foil. In addition, Li2O-riched SEI is obtained after the Li deposition due to the generated Cu2O on the heat-treated Cu foil. The stable anode SEI can be successfully established and the Li consumption can be slowed down. Therefore, the cycling stability of the heat-treated Cu foil electrode is greatly improved in the Li|Cu half-cell and the symmetric cell. Moreover, the corresponding LFP|Cu anode-free full cell shows a much-improved capacity retention of 62% after 100 cycles, compared to that of 43% in the cell with the commercial Cu foil. This kind of facile but effective modification of current collectors can be directly applied in the anode-free batteries, which are assembled without Li pre-deposition on the anode.
Thymine-Modified Nanocarrier for Doxorubicin Delivery in Glioblastoma Cells
Authors: Ziganshina Albina Y. , Mansurova Elina E. , Voloshina Alexandra D. , Lyubina Anna P. , Amerhanova Syumbelya K. , Shulaeva Marina M. , Nizameev Irek R. , Kadirov Marsil K. , Bakhtiozina Leysan R. , Semenov Vyacheslav E. , Antipin Igor S.
Published: January 2023

Brain tumor glioblastoma is one of the worst types of cancer. The blood–brain barrier prevents drugs from reaching brain cells and shields glioblastoma from treatment. The creation of nanocarriers to improve drug delivery and internalization effectiveness may be the solution to this issue. In this paper, we report on a new nanocarrier that was developed to deliver the anticancer drug doxorubicin to glioblastoma cells. The nanocarrier was obtained by nanoemulsion polymerization of diallyl disulfide with 1-allylthymine. Diallyl disulfide is a redox-sensitive molecule involved in redox cell activities, and thymine is a uracil derivative and one of the well-known bioactive compounds that can enhance the pharmacological activity of doxorubicin. Doxorubicin was successfully introduced into the nanocarrier with a load capacity of about 4.6%. Biological studies showed that the doxorubicin nanocarrier composition is far more cytotoxic to glioblastoma cells (T98G) than it is to cancer cells (M-HeLa) and healthy cells (Chang liver). The nanocarrier improves the penetration of doxorubicin into T98G cells and accelerates the cells’ demise, as is evident from flow cytometry and fluorescence microscopy data. The obtained nanocarrier, in our opinion, is a promising candidate for further research in glioblastoma therapy.
In Vitro and In Silico Biological Studies of 4-Phenyl-2-quinolone (4-PQ) Derivatives as Anticancer Agents
Authors: Chen Yi-Fong , Lawal Bashir , Huang Li-Jiau , Kuo Sheng-Chu , Sumitra Maryam Rachmawati , Mokgautsi Ntlotlang , Lin Hung-Yun , Huang Hsu-Shan
Published: January 2023

Our previous study found that 2-phenyl-4-quinolone (2-PQ) derivatives are antimitotic agents, and we adopted the drug design concept of scaffold hopping to replace the 2-aromatic ring of 2-PQs with a 4-aromatic ring, representing 4-phenyl-2-quinolones (4-PQs). The 4-PQ compounds, whose structural backbones also mimic analogs of podophyllotoxin (PPT), maybe a new class of anticancer drugs with simplified PPT structures. In addition, 4-PQs are a new generation of anticancer lead compounds as apoptosis stimulators. On the other hand, previous studies showed that 4-arylcoumarin derivatives with 5-, 6-, and 7-methoxy substitutions displayed remarkable anticancer activities. Therefore, we further synthesized a series of 5-, 6-, and 7-methoxy-substituted 4-PQ derivatives (19–32) by Knorr quinoline cyclization, and examined their anticancer effectiveness. Among these 4-PQs, compound 22 demonstrated excellent antiproliferative activities against the COLO205 cell line (50% inhibitory concentration (IC50) = 0.32 μM) and H460 cell line (IC50 = 0.89 μM). Furthermore, we utilized molecular docking studies to explain the possible anticancer mechanisms of these 4-PQs by the docking mode in the colchicine-binding pocket of the tubulin receptor. Consequently, we selected the candidate compounds 19, 20, 21, 22, 25, 27, and 28 to predict their absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity (ADMET) profiles. Pharmacokinetics (PKs) indicated that these 4-PQs displayed good drug-likeness and bioavailability, and had no cardiotoxic side effects or carcinogenicity, but we detected risks of drug–drug interactions and AMES toxicity (mutagenic). However, structural modifications of these 4-PQs could improve their PK properties and reduce their side effects, and their promising anticancer activities attracted our attention for further studies.
Comparative Study of Planar Octahedron Molecular Structure via Eccentric Invariants
Authors: Chu Zheng-Qing , Ali Haidar , Ali Didar Abdulkhaleq , Nadeem Muhammad , Kirmani Syed Ajaz K. , Ali Parvez
Published: January 2023

A branch of graph theory that makes use of a molecular graph is called chemical graph theory. Chemical graph theory is used to depict a chemical molecule. A graph is connected if there is an edge between every pair of vertices. A topological index is a numerical value related to the chemical structure that claims to show a relationship between chemical structure and various physicochemical attributes, chemical reactivity, or, you could say, biological activity. In this article, we examined the topological properties of a planar octahedron network of m dimensions and computed the total eccentricity, average eccentricity, Zagreb eccentricity, geometric arithmetic eccentricity, and atom bond connectivity eccentricity indices, which are used to determine the distance between the vertices of a planar octahedron network.
Xanthomicrol Activity in Cancer HeLa Cells: Comparison with Other Natural Methoxylated Flavones
Authors: Nieddu Mariella , Pollastro Federica , Caria Paola , Salamone Stefano , Rosa Antonella
Published: January 2023

The methoxylated flavone xanthomicrol represents an uncommon active phenolic compound identified in herbs/plants with a long application in traditional medicine. It was isolated from a sample of Achillea erba-rotta subsp. moschata (musk yar-row) flowering tops. Xanthomicrol promising biological properties include antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and anticancer activities. This study mainly focused on the evaluation of the xanthomicrol impact on lipid metabolism in cancer HeLa cells, together with the investigation of the treatment-induced changes in cell growth, morphology, and apoptosis. At the dose range of 5–100 μM, xanthomicrol (24 h of incubation) significantly reduced viability and modulated lipid profile in cancer Hela cells. It induced marked changes in the phospholipid/cholesterol ratio, significant decreases in the levels of oleic and palmitic acids, and a marked increase of stearic acid, involving an inhibitory effect on de novo lipogenesis and desaturation in cancer cells. Moreover, marked cell morphological alterations, signs of apoptosis, and cell cycle arrest at the G2/M phase were observed in cancer treated cells. The bioactivity profile of xanthomicrol was compared to that of the anticancer methoxylated flavones eupatilin and artemetin, and structure–activity relationships were underlined.
Selective Determination of Glutathione Using a Highly Emissive Fluorescent Probe Based on a Pyrrolidine-Fused Chlorin
Authors: Moscoso Francisco G. , Queirós Carla , González Paula , Lopes-Costa Tânia , Silva Ana M. G. , Pedrosa Jose M.
Published: January 2023

We report the use of a carboxylated pyrrolidine-fused chlorin (TCPC) as a fluorescent probe for the determination of glutathione (GSH) in 7.4 pH phosphate buffer. TCPC is a very stable, highly emissive molecule that has been easily obtained from meso-tetrakis(4-methoxycarbonylphenyl) porphyrin (TCPP) through a 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition approach. First, we describe the coordination of TCPC with Hg(II) ions and the corresponding spectral changes, mainly characterized by a strong quenching of the chlorin emission band. Then, the TCPC-Hg2+ complex exhibits a significant fluorescence turn-on in the presence of low concentrations of the target analyte GSH. The efficacy of the sensing molecule was tested by using different TCPC:Hg2+ concentration ratios (1:2, 1:5 and 1:10) that gave rise to sigmoidal response curves in all cases with modulating detection limits, being the lowest 40 nM. The experiments were carried out under physiological conditions and the selectivity of the system was demonstrated against a number of potential interferents, including cysteine. Furthermore, the TCPC macrocycle did not showed a significant fluorescent quenching in the presence of other metal ions.
Electrochemical and Spectroscopic (FTIR) Evidence of Conducting Polymer-Cu Ions Interaction
Authors: Salinas Gerardo , Frontana-Uribe Bernardo A.
Published: January 2023

In this work, we provide electrochemical and spectroscopic evidence of the conducting polymer-heavy metal ion interaction by comparing the electrochemical and spectroscopic behavior (FTIR) of two different conducting polymer-modified electrodes based on 3,4-alkoxythiophenes: 3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene (EDOT) and ortho-xylen-3,4-dioxythiophene (XDOT) during the potentiodynamic stripping of copper. By analyzing the electrochemical and spectroscopic results, it is possible to propose two different copper dissolution processes during the electrochemical stripping process, which depend on the conducting polymer used. With PEDOT matrix, stripping occurs in a two-step pathway, observed as two anodic peaks, involving the formation of the Cu+-PEDOT complex and the subsequent oxidation step of the Cu+ complex to release Cu2+ ions. On the other side, the experiments carried out let us propose the formation of a poorly stable Cu2+-PXDOT complex or a superficial mechanism for the Cu2+ release, characterized by a single stripping signal for this process. Thus, the incorporation of Cu ions into the matrix and the stripping release are intimately related to the chemical structure of the polymer used.
Structural Analysis, Multi-Conformation Virtual Screening and Molecular Simulation to Identify Potential Inhibitors Targeting pS273R Proteases of African Swine Fever Virus
Authors: Lu Gen , Ou Kang , Zhang Yihan , Zhang Huan , Feng Shouhua , Yang Zuofeng , Sun Guo , Liu Jinling , Wei Shu , Pan Shude , Chen Zeliang
Published: January 2023

The African Swine Fever virus (ASFV) causes an infectious viral disease in pigs of all ages. The development of antiviral drugs primarily aimed at inhibition of proteases required for the proteolysis of viral polyproteins. In this study, the conformation of the pS273R protease in physiological states were investigated, virtually screened the multi-protein conformation of pS273R target proteins, combined various molecular docking scoring functions, and identified five potential drugs from the Food and Drug Administration drug library that may inhibit pS273R. Subsequent validation of the dynamic interactions of pS273R with the five putative inhibitors was achieved using molecular dynamics simulations and binding free energy calculations using the molecular mechanics/Poison-Boltzmann (Generalized Born) (MM/PB(GB)SA) surface area. These findings demonstrate that the arm domain and Thr159-Lys167 loop region of pS273R are significantly more flexible compared to the core structural domain, and the Thr159-Lys167 loop region can serve as a “gatekeeper” in the substrate channel. Leucovorin, Carboprost, Protirelin, Flavin Mononucleotide, and Lovastatin Acid all have Gibbs binding free energies with pS273R that were less than −20 Kcal/mol according to the MM/PBSA analyses. In contrast to pS273R in the free energy landscape, the inhibitor and drug complexes of pS273R showed distinct structural group distributions. These five drugs may be used as potential inhibitors of pS273R and may serve as future drug candidates for treating ASFV.
Delivery of Catechins from Green Tea Waste in Single- and Double-Layer Liposomes via Their Incorporation into a Functional Green Kiwifruit Juice
Authors: Athirojthanakij Weerawich , Rashidinejad Ali
Published: January 2023

Globally, about one million tonnes of tea products, which contain high concentrations of catechins and their derivatives, are wasted annually. Therefore, green tea waste catechins (GTWCs) are worth extracting, processing, protection, and delivery to the human body. In this study, GTWCs were extracted using a green method and then encapsulated in both single- (SLLs) and double-layer liposomes (DLLs). The encapsulated extracts were subsequently incorporated into a fresh green kiwifruit juice. SLLs and DLLs containing GTWCs had a size of about 180 and 430 nm with a zeta potential of −35 and +25 mV, respectively. Electron microscopy illustrated the separation of the SLLs and fibre in kiwifruit juice and attraction of the DLLs to this fibre. Liposomal GTWCs were effectively maintained in the kiwifruit juice during the 28 days of storage (4 °C), demonstrating the effectiveness of this delivery system for high-value bioactives (i.e., catechins) from such a by-product (i.e., green tea waste).
Methods over Materials: The Need for Sport-Specific Equations to Accurately Predict Fat Mass Using Bioimpedance Analysis or Anthropometry
Authors: Campa Francesco , Matias Catarina N. , Moro Tatiana , Cerullo Giuseppe , Casolo Andrea , Teixeira Filipe J. , Paoli Antonio
Published: January 2023

Bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) and anthropometry are considered alternatives to well-established reference techniques for assessing body composition. In team sports, the percentage of fat mass (FM%) is one of the most informative parameters, and a wide range of predictive equations allow for its estimation through both BIA and anthropometry. Although it is not clear which of these two techniques is more accurate for estimating FM%, the choice of the predictive equation could be a determining factor. The present study aimed to examine the validity of BIA and anthropometry in estimating FM% with different predictive equations, using dual X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) as a reference, in a group of futsal players. A total of 67 high-level male futsal players (age 23.7 ± 5.4 years) underwent BIA, anthropometric measurements, and DXA scanning. Four generalized, four athletic, and two sport-specific predictive equations were used for estimating FM% from raw bioelectric and anthropometric parameters. DXA-derived FM% was used as a reference. BIA-based generalized equations overestimated FM% (ranging from 1.13 to 2.69%, p < 0.05), whereas anthropometry-based generalized equations underestimated FM% in the futsal players (ranging from −1.72 to −2.04%, p < 0.05). Compared to DXA, no mean bias (p > 0.05) was observed using the athletic and sport-specific equations. Sport-specific equations allowed for more accurate and precise FM% estimations than did athletic predictive equations, with no trend (ranging from r = −0.217 to 0.235, p > 0.05). Regardless of the instrument, the choice of the equation determines the validity in FM% prediction. In conclusion, BIA and anthropometry can be used interchangeably, allowing for valid FM% estimations, provided that athletic and sport-specific equations are applied.
Is the Tradeoff between Folic Acid or/and Multivitamin Supplementation against Birth Defects in Early Pregnancy Reconsidered? Evidence Based on a Chinese Birth Cohort Study
Authors: Su Jian , Gao Shen , Yan Ruohua , Liu Ruixia , Su Shaofei , Nie Xiaolu , Liu Xiaohang , Zhang Enjie , Xie Shuanghua , Liu Jianhui , Zhang Yue , Yue Wentao , Yin Chenghong , Peng Xiaoxia
Published: January 2023

Background: Several studies have reported conflicting results on the association between maternal exposure to folic acid (FA) and/or multivitamin (MV) supplements and the risk of birth defects (BDs), especially for different subtypes of BDs. The present study aimed to identify the association between maternal exposure to FA or/and MV and BDs in offspring. Methods: In the Chinese Birth Cohort Study initiated from 20 November 2017, 120,652 pregnant women completed follow-up until 20 August 2021. The participants were classified into four groups: without exposure to FA and MV, exposure to only FA, exposure to only MV, and exposure to FA and MV. Birth defects were coded by the International Classification of Diseases (ICD)-10. In order to explore the structural relationship between maternal FA or MV supplements and BDs, directed acyclic graphs were drawn. Then, an inverse probability treatment weighting was utilized to reduce the systematic differences in the baseline characteristics among the different groups. Lastly, a two-level mixed-effect log binomial regression analysis was used to estimate the relative risk (RR) value of the different subtypes of BDs under different exposures to FA and/or MV. Results: Compared with the maternal group without exposure to FA and MV, the RR values of nervous system defects, face, ear, and neck defects, limb defects, and CHDs in the maternal group with only FA supplementation were less than 1.0, but they were not statistically significant. The RR values of genitourinary defects, abnormal chromosomes, and oral clefts were more than 1.0, and they were also not statistically significant. However, the risk of genitourinary defects (RR: 3.22, 95% CI: 1.42–7.29) and chromosomal abnormalities (RR: 2.57, 95% CI: 1.16–5.73) in the maternal group with only MV supplementation increased more than those in the maternal group without exposure to FA and MV. In addition, the RR values of all subtypes of BDs in the maternal group with exposure to FA and MV were closer to 1.0 than those in maternal group with exposure to only MV, but they were not statistically significant. Conclusions: It was indicated that the simultaneous supplementation of FA and MV in early pregnancy may have an interaction for the prevention of BDs and may have inconsistent effects for different subtypes of BDs. At the same time, excessive FA supplementation in pregnant women may increase the risk of BDs in their offspring. Although the mechanism is not clear, this evidence reminded us that more trade-offs are necessary for formulating strategies for the prevention of BDs with FA and/or MV supplementation in early pregnancy.
Lipidized PrRP Analog Exhibits Strong Anti-Obesity and Antidiabetic Properties in Old WKY Rats with Obesity and Glucose Intolerance
Authors: Mráziková Lucia , Hojná Silvie , Vaculová Petra , Strnad Štěpán , Vrkoslav Vladimír , Pelantová Helena , Kuzma Marek , Železná Blanka , Kuneš Jaroslav , Maletínská Lenka
Published: January 2023

Prolactin-releasing peptide (PrRP) is an anorexigenic neuropeptide that has potential for the treatment of obesity and its complications. Recently, we designed a palmitoylated PrRP31 analog (palm11-PrRP31) that is more stable than the natural peptide and able to act centrally after peripheral administration. This analog acted as an anti-obesity and glucose-lowering agent, attenuating lipogenesis in rats and mice with high-fat (HF) diet-induced obesity. In Wistar Kyoto (WKY) rats fed a HF diet for 52 weeks, we explored glucose intolerance, but also prediabetes, liver steatosis and insulin resistance-related changes, as well as neuroinflammation in the brain. A potential beneficial effect of 6 weeks of treatment with palm11-PrRP31 and liraglutide as comparator was investigated. Liver lipid profiles, as well as urinary and plasma metabolomic profiles, were measured by lipidomics and metabolomics, respectively. Old obese WKY rats showed robust glucose intolerance that was attenuated by palm11-PrRP31, but not by liraglutide treatment. On the contrary, liraglutide had a beneficial effect on insulin resistance parameters. Despite obesity and prediabetes, WKY rats did not develop steatosis owing to HF diet feeding, even though liver lipogenesis was enhanced. Plasma triglycerides and cholesterol were not increased by HFD feeding, which points to unincreased lipid transport from the liver. The liver lipid profile was significantly altered by a HF diet that remained unaffected by palm11-PrRP31 or liraglutide treatment. The HF-diet-fed WKY rats revealed astrogliosis in the brain cortex and hippocampus, which was attenuated by treatment. In conclusion, this study suggested multiple beneficial anti-obesity-related effects of palm11-PrRP31 and liraglutide in both the periphery and brain.
Cellular Zinc Deficiency Impairs Heme Biosynthesis in Developing Erythroid Progenitors
Authors: Kim Juyoung , Lee Jaekwon , Ryu Moon-Suhn
Published: January 2023

Anemia is the most prevalent nutrition-related disorder worldwide. Zinc is an essential trace element for various biological processes in the body, and zinc deficiency has been associated with anemia in humans. However, the molecular mechanisms by which zinc availability alters red blood cell development remain uncertain. The present study identifies the essentiality of zinc during erythroid development, particularly for normal heme biosynthesis. G1E-ER4 mouse cells were used as an in vitro model of terminal erythroid differentiation, which featured elevated cellular zinc content by development. Restriction of zinc import compromised the rate of heme and α-globin production and, thus, the hemoglobinization of the erythroid progenitors. Heme is synthesized by the incorporation of iron into protoporphyrin. The lower heme production under zinc restriction was not due to changes in iron but was attributable to less porphyrin synthesis. The requirement of adequate zinc for erythroid heme metabolism was confirmed in another erythropoietic cell model, MEL-DS19. Additionally, we found that a conventional marker of iron deficiency anemia, the ZnPP-to-heme ratio, responded to zinc restriction differently from iron deficiency. Collectively, our findings define zinc as an essential nutrient integral to erythroid heme biosynthesis and, thus, a potential therapeutic target for treating anemia and other erythrocyte-related disorders.
Feeding of Hermetia illucens Larvae Meal Attenuates Hepatic Lipid Synthesis and Fatty Liver Development in Obese Zucker Rats
Authors: Marschall Magdalena J. M. , Grundmann Sarah M. , Gessner Denise K. , Wen Gaiping , Most Erika , Eder Klaus , Ringseis Robert
Published: January 2023

The present study tested the hypothesis that dietary insect meal from Hermetia illucens (HI) larvae attenuates the development of liver steatosis and hyperlipidemia in the obese Zucker rat. To test the hypothesis, a 4-week trial with male, obese Zucker rats (n = 30) and male, lean Zucker rats (n = 10) was performed. The obese rats were assigned to three obese groups (group O-C, group O-HI25, group O-HI50) of 10 rats each. The lean rats served as a lean control group (L-C). Group L-C and group O-C were fed a control diet with 20% casein as protein source, whereas 25% and 50% of the protein from casein was replaced with protein from HI larvae meal in the diets of group O-HI25 and O-HI50, respectively. The staining of liver sections with Oil red O revealed an excessive lipid accumulation in the liver of group O-C compared to group L-C, whereas liver lipid accumulation in group O-HI25 and O-HI50 was markedly reduced compared to group O-C. Hepatic concentrations of triglycerides, cholesterol, C14:0, C16:0, C16:1, C18:0, C18:1, the sum of total fatty acids and hepatic mRNA levels of several genes associated with lipid synthesis and plasma concentration of cholesterol were markedly higher in group O-C than in group L-C, but lower in group O-HI50 than in group O-C (p < 0.05). In conclusion, partial replacement of casein by HI larvae meal attenuates liver steatosis and dyslipidemia in obese Zucker rats. This suggests that HI larvae meal serves as a functional food protecting from obesity-induced metabolic disorders.
Continuous versus Intermittent Enteral Feeding in Critically Ill Children: A Systematic Review
Authors: Theodoridis Xenophon , Chrysoula Lydia , Evripidou Kleo , Kalaitzopoulou Ioustini , Chourdakis Michail
Published: January 2023

Administration of enteral nutrition (EN) in critically ill pediatric patients admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) constitutes a major challenge due to the increased risk of complications, as well as the lack of well-trained healthcare professionals. EN is usually delivered via cyclic, continuous, or intermittent feeding; however, a number of potential barriers have been reported in the literature regarding different feeding regimens. The purpose of this review was to assess the effectiveness of continuous and intermittent bolus feeding on critically ill children. A systematic search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) and a clinical trial registry up to September 2022, including randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published in the English language. Four studies met the inclusion criteria with a total population of 288 patients admitted to the PICU. Three studies were rated with a high risk of bias and one with some concerns. There was high heterogeneity between the studies in regard to the reporting of outcomes. Three studies measured the total time needed to reach prescribed caloric intake with conflicting results, while two studies evaluated the length of stay (LOS) in PICU with no difference between the two arms. One study assessed the time weaning from mechanical ventilation, favoring the bolus group. No data were provided for gastric residual volume (GRV), anthropometric measurements, and biochemical markers. Additional randomized trials with better methodology are needed to assess the efficacy of the two enteral feeding regimens in critically ill PICU patients.
Nutrition and Calcitonin Gene Related Peptide (CGRP) in Migraine
Authors: Fila Michal , Chojnacki Jan , Sobczuk Piotr , Chojnacki Cezary , Blasiak Janusz
Published: January 2023

Targeting calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) and its receptor by antibodies and antagonists was a breakthrough in migraine prevention and treatment. However, not all migraine patients respond to CGRP-based therapy and a fraction of those who respond complain of aliments mainly in the gastrointestinal tract. In addition, CGRP and migraine are associated with obesity and metabolic diseases, including diabetes. Therefore, CGRP may play an important role in the functioning of the gut-brain-microflora axis. CGRP secretion may be modulated by dietary compounds associated with the disruption of calcium signaling and upregulation of mitogen-activated kinase phosphatases 1 and 3. CGRP may display anorexigenic properties through induction of anorexigenic neuropeptides, such as cholecystokinin and/or inhibit orexigenic neuropeptides, such as neuropeptide Y and melanin-concentrating hormone CH, resulting in the suppression of food intake, functionally coupled to the activation of the hypothalamic 3′,5′-cyclic adenosine monophosphate. The anorexigenic action of CGRP observed in animal studies may reflect its general potential to control appetite/satiety or general food intake. Therefore, dietary nutrients may modulate CGRP, and CGRP may modulate their intake. Therefore, anti-CGRP therapy should consider this mutual dependence to increase the efficacy of the therapy and reduce its unwanted side effects. This narrative review presents information on molecular aspects of the interaction between dietary nutrients and CGRP and their reported and prospective use to improve anti-CGRP therapy in migraine.
Designing Bioinspired Composite Structures via Genetic Algorithm and Conditional Variational Autoencoder
Authors: Chiu Yi-Hung , Liao Ya-Hsuan , Juang Jia-Yang
Published: January 2023

Designing composite materials with tailored stiffness and toughness is challenging due to the massive number of possible material and geometry combinations. Although various studies have applied machine learning techniques and optimization methods to tackle this problem, we still lack a complete understanding of the material effects at different positions and a systematic experimental procedure to validate the results. Here we study a two-dimensional (2D) binary composite system with an edge crack and grid-like structure using a Genetic Algorithm (GA) and Conditional Variational Autoencoder (CVAE), which can design a composite with desired stiffness and toughness. The fitness of each design is evaluated using the negative mean square error of their predicted stiffness and toughness and the target values. We use finite element simulations to generate a machine-learning dataset and perform tensile tests on 3D-printed specimens to validate our results. We show that adding soft material behind the crack tip, instead of ahead of the tip, tremendously increases the overall toughness of the composite. We also show that while GA generates composite designs with slightly better accuracy (both methods perform well, with errors below 20%), CVAE takes considerably less time (~1/7500) to generate designs. Our findings may provide insights into the effect of adding soft material at different locations of a composite system and may also provide guidelines for conducting experiments and Explainable Artificial Intelligence (XAI) to validate the results.
The Chemotherapeutic Efficacy of Hyaluronic Acid Coated Polymeric Nanoparticles against Breast Cancer Metastasis in Female NCr-Nu/Nu Nude Mice
Authors: Almoustafa Hassan A. , Alshawsh Mohammed Abdullah , Al-Suede Fouad Saleih R. , Alshehade Salah Abdulrazak , Abdul Majid Amin Malik Shah , Chik Zamri
Published: January 2023

Polyethylene glycol (PEG) coated Poly lactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA) nanoparticles (NPs) for cancer treatment are biocompatible, nonimmunogenic and accumulate in tumour sites due to the enhanced permeability and retention (EPR). Doxorubicin (DOX) is a potent but cardiotoxic anticancer agent. Hyaluronic acid (HA) occurs naturally in the extra-cellar matrix and binds to CD44 receptors which are overexpressed in cancer metastasis, proven to be characteristic of cancer stem cells and responsible for multidrug resistance. In this study, an athymic mice model of breast cancer metastasis was developed using red fluorescent protein (RFP)-labelled triple negative cancer cells. The animals were divided into four treatment groups (Control, HA-PEG-PLGA nanoparticles, PEG-PLGA nanoparticles, and Free DOX). The tumour size growth was assessed until day 25 when animals were sacrificed. Mice treated with HA-PEG-PLGA NPs inhibited tumour growth. The tumour growth at day 25 (118% ± 13.0) was significantly (p < 0.05) less than PEG-PLGA NPs (376% ± 590 and control (826% ± 970). Fluorescent microscopy revealed that HA-PEG-PLGA NPs had significantly (p < 0.05) less metastasis in liver, spleen, colon, and lungs as compared to control and to Free DOX groups. The efficacy of HA-PEG-PLGA NPs was proven in vivo. Further pharmacokinetic and toxicity studies are required for this formulation to be ready for clinical research.
Rational Design and Characterization of Materials for Optimized Additive Manufacturing by Digital Light Processing
Authors: Chaudhary Rajat , Akbari Raziyeh , Antonini Carlo
Published: January 2023

Additive manufacturing technologies are developed and utilized to manufacture complex, lightweight, functional, and non-functional components with optimized material consumption. Among them, vat polymerization-based digital light processing (DLP) exploits the polymerization of photocurable resins in the layer-by-layer production of three-dimensional objects. With the rapid growth of the technology in the last few years, DLP requires a rational design framework for printing process optimization based on the specific material and printer characteristics. In this work, we investigate the curing of pure photopolymers, as well as ceramic and metal suspensions, to characterize the material properties relevant to the printing process, such as penetration depth and critical energy. Based on the theoretical framework offered by the Beer–Lambert law for absorption and on experimental results, we define a printing space that can be used to rationally design new materials and optimize the printing process using digital light processing. The proposed methodology enables printing optimization for any material and printer combination, based on simple preliminary material characterization tests to define the printing space. Also, this methodology can be generalized and applied to other vat polymerization technologies.
Synthesis and Characterization of Random Block Hydroxyl-Terminated Polyfluoroether-Based Polyurethane Elastomers with Fluorine-Containing Side Chains
Authors: Zhou Yanqiu , Chen Junjie , Zhang Limin , Huang Hui , Peng Rufang , Jin Bo
Published: January 2023

Polype ntafluoropropane glycidyl ether (PPFEE), a new random block hydroxyl-terminated polyfluoroether, was synthesized successfully by cationic ring-opening polymerization of 2-(2,2,3,3,3-pentafluoropropoxymethyl) oxirane, and its molecular structure was confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometry, and gel permeation chromatography. The PPFEE-based polyurethane elastomers featuring fluorine in their side chains were prepared using PPFEE as soft segments, polyisocyanate polyaryl polymethylene isocyanate as hard segments, and dibutyltin dilaurate as catalysts under different curing conditions. The microphase separation, mechanical performance, and thermal behavior of the elastomers were investigated by differential scanning calorimetry, uniaxial tensile test, and thermal gravimetric analysis, respectively. Based on the results, the percentage of hard segments dissolved into the soft segments of elastomers was opposite to the change in breaking strength. The PPFEE-based polyurethane elastomer cured with 20 wt% PAPI at the curing temperature of 50 °C displayed the maximum tensile elongation of 2.26 MPa with an elongation at break of nearly 150%. The increased contents of PAPI can effectively strengthen the tensile strength, and the maximum tensile elongation was 3.04 MPa with an elongation at break of nearly 90% when the content of PAPI was 26 wt%. In addition, the PPFEE-based polyurethane elastomers exhibited excellent resistance to thermal decomposition and a sharp weight loss temperature at around 371 °C. All the results demonstrated that the PPFEE may be a potential polymeric binder as one of the ingredients applied to future propellant formulations.
Influence of Curvature Feature on Laser Heating during Tape Placement Process for Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polyether Ether Ketone Composite
Authors: Liu Hongquan , Li Yong , Huan Dajun , Wang Wuqiang , Li Yanrui , Li Lisha
Published: January 2023

The curvature feature makes the irradiance and absorptivity change, resulting in an uneven power density distribution, which affects the quality of composite parts. In this study, a theoretical model-based Super-Gaussian profile beam in the laser irradiation area was established to obtain the heat flux distribution on the curved surface. The effect of curvature on the surface scattering reflection, temperature distribution, and surface morphology were investigated and verified the validity of the theoretical model. Furthermore, the influence of the laser intensity distribution, laser inclination and curvature radius on the power density distribution and distribution uniformity were studied. Research indicated that the power density increases as the distance from the origin increase resulting from the variation of the irradiance and absorptance along the circumference. The flatter the intensity distribution of the laser beam in the height direction, the less uniform the power density distribution. Accordingly, the typical Gaussian profile beam significantly ameliorates the power density distribution. This research provides a novel understanding of using heat sources during laser heating thermoplastic tape placement.
Catalytic Pyrolysis of Polystyrene Waste in Hydrocarbon Medium
Authors: Dement’ev Konstantin I. , Bedenko Stanislav P. , Minina Yulia D. , Mukusheva Aniya A. , Alekseeva Olga A. , Palankoev Timur A.
Published: January 2023

The fast catalytic pyrolysis of polystyrene in the hydrocarbon medium (light and heavy cycle oil) over zeolite catalysts at 450–550 °C was investigated. The influence of reaction conditions (medium, temperature, vapor residence time, polystyrene concentration) on polymer conversion and product distribution was studied. It was found that the polymer conversion is close to 100%, while ethylbenzene, benzene, and toluene are the main products of its transformation. The maximum yield of ethylbenzene (80%) was achieved at 550 °C, vapor residence time 1–2 s, polystyrene concentration 10%, and heavy cycle oil as the medium. The influence of zeolite topology on product distribution was explored. The possible mechanism of polystyrene pyrolysis was proposed.