bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Surface Interactions and Nanoconfinement of Methane and Methane plus CO2 Revealed by High-Pressure Magic Angle Spinning NMR Spectroscopy and Molecular Dynamics
Authors: Ok Salim , Gautam Siddharth , Liu Kao-Hsiang , Cole David R.
Published: December 2022

This study explores the fundamental, molecular- to microscopic-level behavior of methane gas confined into nanoporous silica proxies with different pore diameters and surface-to-volume (S/V) ratios. Surfaces and pore walls of nanoporous silica matrices are decorated with hydroxyl (-OH) groups, resembling natural heterogeneity. High-pressure MAS NMR was utilized to characterize the interactions between methane and the engineered nanoporous silica proxies under various temperature and pressure regimes. There was a change in the chemical shift position of confined methane slightly in the mixtures with nanoporous silica up to 393 K, as shown by high-pressure 13C-NMR. The 13C-NMR chemical shift of methane was changed by pressure, explained by the densification of methane inside the nanoporous silica materials. The influence of pore diameter and S/V of the nanoporous silica materials on the behaviors and dynamics of methane were studied. The presence of CO2 in mixtures of silica and methane needs analysis with caution because CO2 in a supercritical state and gaseous CO2 change the original structure of nanoporous silica and change surface area and pore volume. According to simulation, the picosecond scale dynamics of methane confined in larger pores of amorphous silica is faster. In the 4 nm pore, the diffusivity obtained from MD simulations in the pore with a higher S/V ratio is slower due to the trapping of methane molecules in adsorbed layers close to the corrugated pore surface. In contrast, relaxation measured with NMR for smaller pores (higher S/V) exhibits larger T1, indicating slower relaxation.
The Effect of Partitioning Temperature on Residual Austenite and Mechanical Properties of Q&P High Strength Steel during the Continuous Annealing Process
Authors: Liu Lin , Li Hongbin , Xu Haiwei , Dai Xin , Tian Yaqiang , Chen Liansheng
Published: December 2022

Q&P steel has the advantages of high strength and high elongation, but the key to the production of Q&P steel is the control of heat treatment temperatures, such as the annealing temperature and the partitioning temperature. In this work, SEM, TEM, EBSD, and other methods are used to study the effects of different partitioning temperatures on the microstructure and properties of 2.0 Mn low-carbon Q&P steel during the continuous annealing process. The results show that the grain size and quantity of the residual austenite (RA) increase significantly with the increase in the partitioning temperature, and the strength of the machine can reach 27.2 GPa% at the partitioning temperature of 370 °C. Meanwhile, the retention mechanism of the residual austenite at the partitioning stage is also clarified.
Impact of Diet on Gut Microbiota Composition and Microbiota-Associated Functions in Heart Failure: A Systematic Review of In Vivo Animal Studies
Authors: Palombaro Marta , Raoul Pauline , Cintoni Marco , Rinninella Emanuele , Pulcini Gabriele , Aspromonte Nadia , Ianiro Gianluca , Gasbarrini Antonio , Mele Maria Cristina
Published: December 2022

Heart failure (HF) represents a cardiovascular disease with high mortality and morbidity. The latest evidence shows that changes in the composition of the gut microbiota might play a pivotal role in the prevention and management of HF. This systematic review aims at assessing the potential associations between the diet, gut microbiota, and derived metabolites with the outcomes of HF. A systematic literature search was performed up to July 2022 on the PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus databases. The PRISMA guidelines were followed when possible. The risk of bias was assessed with the SYRCLE and ARRIVE tools. A total of nine pre-clinical studies on animal models, with considerable heterogeneity in dietary interventions, were included. High-fiber/prebiotic diets (n = 4) and a diet rich in polyphenols (n = 1) modified the gut microbiota composition and increased microbial metabolites’ activities, linked with an improvement in HF outcomes, such as a reduction in systolic blood pressure, cardiac hypertrophy, and left ventricular thickness. A high-fat diet (n = 2) or a diet rich in choline (n = 2) induced an increase in TMAO and indole derivative production associated with a decrease in cardiac function, systemic endotoxemia, and inflammation and an increase in cardiac fibrosis and cardiac remodeling. Although results are retrieved from animal studies, this systematic review shows the key role of the diet—especially a high-fiber and prebiotic diet—on gut microbial metabolites in improving HF outcomes. Further studies on human cohorts are needed to identify personalized therapeutic dietary interventions to improve cardiometabolic health.
Gingerol, a Natural Antioxidant, Attenuates Hyperglycemia and Downstream Complications
Authors: Alharbi Khalid Saad , Nadeem Muhammad Shahid , Afzal Obaid , Alzarea Sami I. , Altamimi Abdulmalik S. A. , Almalki Waleed Hassan , Mubeen Bismillah , Iftikhar Saima , Shah Luqman , Kazmi Imran
Published: December 2022

Hyperglycemia is seen in approximately 68 percent of patients admitted to a medical intensive care unit (ICU). In many acute circumstances, such as myocardial infarction, brain, injury and stroke, it is an independent predictor of mortality. Hyperglycemia is induced by a mix of genetic, environmental, and immunologic variables in people with type 1 diabetes. These factors cause pancreatic beta cell death and insulin insufficiency. Insulin resistance and irregular insulin production cause hyperglycemia in type 2 diabetes patients. Hyperglycemia activates a number of complicated interconnected metabolic processes. Hyperglycemia is a major contributor to the onset and progression of diabetes’ secondary complications such as neuropathy, nephropathy, retinopathy, cataracts, periodontitis, and bone and joint issues. Studies on the health benefits of ginger and its constituent’s impact on hyperglycemia and related disorders have been conducted and gingerol proved to be a potential pharmaceutically active constituent of ginger (Zingiber officinale) that has been shown to lower blood sugar levels, because it possesses antioxidant properties and it functions as an antioxidant in the complicated biochemical process that causes hyperglycemia to be activated. Gingerol not only helps in treating hyperglycemia but also shows effectivity against diseases related to it, such as cardiopathy, kidney failure, vision impairments, bone and joint problems, and teeth and gum infections. Moreover, fresh ginger has various gingerol analogues, with 6-gingerol being the most abundant. However, it is necessary to investigate the efficacy of its other analogues against hyperglycemia and associated disorders at various concentrations in order to determine the appropriate dose for treating these conditions.
Levilactobacillus brevis MG5311 Alleviates Ethanol-Induced Liver Injury by Suppressing Hepatic Oxidative Stress in C57BL/6 Mice
Authors: Jung Hyunna , You Sohyeon , Choi Soo-Im , Kang Chang-Ho , Kim Gun-Hee
Published: December 2022

Alcoholic liver disease (ALD), caused by excessive alcohol consumption, leads to high mortality. We investigated the hepatoprotective effect of Levilactobacillus brevis MG5311 in C57BL/6 mice with liver injuries induced by chronic ethanol plus binge feeding. L. brevis MG5311 was administered orally at a dose of 1 × 109 CFU/mouse once daily for 32 days. L. brevis MG5311 administration significantly reduced serum ALT, AST, and triglyceride (TG) levels in ethanol-fed mice. L. brevis MG5311 also decreased malondialdehyde levels and increased glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity in liver tissues. In addition, hepatic TG content and histopathological scores were significantly reduced. L. brevis MG5311 increased the protein expression of SIRT1, PPARα, SOD1, CAT, and GPx 1/2 in liver tissue, while inhibiting CYP2E1 and SREBP-1c. These results indicated that L. brevis MG5311 alleviated ethanol-induced liver injury by inhibiting hepatic oxidative stress and promoting lipid metabolism. Therefore, L. brevis MG5311 may be a useful probiotic candidate for ameliorating or preventing ALD.
Single Center Experience Using Monoclonal COVID-19 Antibodies in the Management of Immunocompromised Patients with COVID-19
Authors: Klank David , Claus Bernd , Bergner Raoul , Paschka Peter
Published: December 2022

The medical care of immunocompromised patients with COVID-19 infection causes major hurdles in the management of these patients in clinical practice. However, poor responses to vaccinations in patients with oncological or autoimmune diseases require rapid action and effective care in this fragile patient population. Monoclonal antibodies (mAb) offer an effective therapeutic option with a favorable toxicity profile. We have retrospectively reviewed the first 100 patients treated with mAb in our clinic and assessed the individual vaccine response, side effects of mAb, hospitalization rate and mortality. None of the outpatients treated with mAb had to be hospitalized. In particular, the third SARS-CoV-2 vaccination had a significant effect on the seroconversion (37.5% vs. 77.8% positive patients) in the entire group of patients studied. No side effects of 3°/4° were observed following mAb administration; the mortality in the entire cohort was 7%. Our data and experience show good effectiveness and a favorable tolerability profile of mAb, supporting the feasibility of this therapy in everyday clinical practice. Of note, in immunocompromised patients, both the vaccination status and success need to be recorded in a systematic manner and taken into account in terms of therapeutic intervention using mAb in case of a SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Are Coal-Hosted Gallium-Rich Ores Elastically Detectable: A Rock-Physics Modeling Perspective
Authors: Chen Tongjun , Song Xiong
Published: December 2022

Coal-hosted gallium-rich ores are mainly explored with geochemical analyses, and their elasticities lack research. This paper incorporated core testing, rock-physics modeling, and Monte Carlo simulations to characterize the elastic parameters of gallium-rich cores and discuss whether coal-hosted gallium-rich ores are elastically detectable. The measured cores from No. 6 coal in the Heidaigou mine showed that the gallium contents strongly correlate to the boehmite contents with a 0.96 correlation coefficient. The rock-physics modeling results showed that mineral compositions and contents are critical factors influencing elastic parameters, and elastic parameters in No. 6 coal showed profound heterogeneities as mineral compositions and contents. The preferred parameters for classifying and grouping different mineral-rich cores are the bulk modulus and moduli ratio. Cross-plotting bulk modulus vs. moduli ratio can qualitatively group measured cores and Monte-Carlo simulated realizations into different mineral-rich and saturation states properly. Concerning the factors of boehmite content, porosity, and saturation state, an interpretation template for boehmite-rich coal was proposed and used. As the template interpreted readings close to the measured contents, the built templates can quantitatively interpret boehmite and gallium contents in coal-hosted ores with high precision. In summary, the coal-hosted gallium-rich ores are elastically detectable.
Deep-Blue Triplet–Triplet Annihilation Organic Light-Emitting Diode (CIEy ≈ 0.05) Using Tetraphenylimidazole and Benzonitrile Functionalized Anthracene/Chrysene Emitters
Authors: Malatong Ruttapol , Waengdongbung Wijitra , Nalaoh Phattananawee , Chantanop Nuttapong , Chasing Pongsakorn , Kaiyasuan Chokchai , Arunlimsawat Suangsiri , Sudyoadsuk Taweesak , Promarak Vinich
Published: December 2022

Herein, new deep-blue triplet-triplet annihilation (TTA) molecules, namely 4-(10-(4-(1,4,5-triphenyl-1H-imidazol-2-yl)phenyl)anthracen-9-yl)benzonitrile (TPIAnCN) and 4-(12-(4-(1,4,5-triphenyl-1H-imidazol-2-yl)phenyl)chrysen-6-yl)benzonitrile (TPIChCN), are designed, synthesized, and investigated as emitters for organic light-emitting diodes (OLED). TPIAnCN and TPIChCN are composed of polyaromatic hydrocarbons of anthracene (An) and chrysene (Ch) as the cores functionalized with tetraphenylimidazole (TPI) and benzonitrile (CN) moieties, respectively. The experimental and theoretical results verify their excellent thermal properties, photophysical properties, as well as electrochemical properties. Particularly, their emissions are in the deep blue region, with TTA emissions being observed in their thin films. By utilization of these molecules as emitters, deep blue TTA OLEDs with CIE coordinates of (0.15, 0.05), high external quantum efficiency of 6.84%, and high exciton utilization efficiency (ηs) of 48% were fabricated. This result manifests the potential use of chrysene as an alternate building block to formulate new TTA molecules for accomplishing high-performance TTA OLEDs.
Daidzein Protects Caco-2 Cells against Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Intestinal Epithelial Barrier Injury by Suppressing PI3K/AKT and P38 Pathways
Authors: Zhang Baoping , Wei Xiaohan , Ding Mengze , Luo Zhenye , Tan Xiaomei , Zheng Zezhong
Published: December 2022

The intestinal epithelium provides an important barrier against bacterial endotoxin translocation, which can regulate the absorption of water and ions. The disruption of epithelial barrier function can result in water transport and tight junction damage, or further cause diarrhea. Therefore, reducing intestinal epithelial barrier injury plays an important role in diarrhea. Inflammatory response is an important cause of intestinal barrier defects. Daidzein improving the barrier integrity has been reported, but the effect on tight junction proteins and aquaporins is not well-described yet, and the underlying mechanism remains indistinct in the human intestinal epithelium. This study aimed to investigate the effects and mechanisms of daidzein on intestinal epithelial barrier injury induced by LPS, and a barrier injury model induced by LPS was established with human colorectal epithelial adenocarcinoma cell line Caco-2 cells. We found that daidzein protected the integrity of Caco-2 cell monolayers, reversed LPS-induced downregulation of ZO-1, occludin, claudin-1, and AQP3 expression, maintained intercellular junction of ZO-1, and suppressed NF-κB and the expression of inflammatory factors (TNF-α, IL-6). Furthermore, we found that daidzein suppressed the phosphorylation of the PI3K/AKT and P38 pathway-related proteins and the level of the related genes, and the PI3K/AKT and P38 pathway inhibitors increased ZO-1, occludin, claudin-1, and AQP3 expression. The study showed that daidzein could resist LPS-induced intestinal epithelial barrier injury, and the mechanism is related to suppressing the PI3K/AKT and P38 pathways. Therefore, daidzein could be a candidate as a dietary supplementation or drug to prevent or cure diarrhea.
Copper(II) Complexes of 5–Fluoro–Salicylaldehyde: Synthesis, Characterization, Antioxidant Properties, Interaction with DNA and Serum Albumins
Authors: Papadopoulos Zisis , Doulopoulou Efstratia , Zianna Ariadni , Hatzidimitriou Antonios G. , Psomas George
Published: December 2022

The synthesis, characterization and biological profile (antioxidant capacity, interaction with calf-thymus DNA and serum albumins) of five neutral copper(II) complexes of 5–fluoro–salicylaldehyde in the absence or presence of the N,N’–donor co–ligands 2,2′–bipyridylamine, 2,9–dimethyl–1,10–phenanthroline, 1,10–phenanthroline and 2,2′–bipyridine are presented herein. The compounds were characterized by physicochemical and spectroscopic techniques. The crystal structures of four complexes were determined by single-crystal X-ray crystallography. The ability of the complexes to scavenge 1,1–diphenyl–picrylhydrazyl and 2,2′–azinobis(3–ethylbenzothiazoline–6–sulfonic acid) radicals and to reduce H2O2 was investigated in order to evaluate their antioxidant activity. The interaction of the compounds with calf-thymus DNA possibly takes place via intercalation as suggested by UV–vis spectroscopy and DNA–viscosity titration studies and via competitive studies with ethidium bromide. The affinity of the complexes with bovine and human serum albumins was examined by fluorescence emission spectroscopy revealing the tight and reversible binding of the complexes with the albumins.
Pharmacological Effects and Clinical Prospects of Cepharanthine
Authors: Liang Di , Li Qi , Du Lina , Dou Guifang
Published: December 2022

Cepharanthine is an active ingredient separated and extracted from Stephania cepharantha Hayata, a Menispermaceae plant. As a bisbenzylisoquinoline alkaloid, cepharanthine has various pharmacological properties, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, antitumoral, and antiviral effects. Following the emergence of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), cepharanthine has been found to have excellent anti-COVID-19 activity. In this review, the important physicochemical properties and pharmacological effects of cepharanthine, particularly the antiviral effect, are systematically described. Additionally, the molecular mechanisms and novel dosage formulations for the efficient, safe, and convenient delivery of cepharanthine are summarized.
Optimization of High Temperature-Resistant Modified Starch Polyamine Anti-Collapse Water-Based Drilling Fluid System for Deep Shale Reservoir
Authors: Kong Xiangwei , Chen Mingzhong , Zhang Chaoju , Liu Zuocai , Jin Yanxin , Wang Xue , Liu Minggang , Li Song
Published: December 2022

During drilling in deep shale gas reservoirs, drilling fluid losses, hole wall collapses, and additional problems occur frequently due to the development of natural fractures in the shale formation, resulting in a high number of engineering accidents such as drilling fluid leaks, sticking, mud packings, and buried drilling tools. Moreover, the horizontal section of horizontal well is long (about 1500 m), and the problems of friction, rock carrying, and reservoir pollution are extremely prominent. The performance of drilling fluids directly affects drilling efficiency, the rate of engineering accidents, and the reservoir protection effect. In order to overcome the problems of high filtration in deep shale formations, collapse of borehole walls, sticking of pipes, mud inclusions, etc., optimization studies of water-based drilling fluid systems have been conducted with the primary purpose of controlling the rheology and water loss of drilling fluid. The experimental evaluation of the adsorption characteristics of “KCl + polyamine” anti-collapse inhibitor on the surface of clay particles and its influence on the morphology of bentonite was carried out, and the mechanism of inhibiting clay mineral hydration expansion was discussed. The idea of controlling the rheology and water loss of drilling fluid with high temperature resistant modified starch and strengthening the inhibition performance of drilling fluid with “KCl + polyamine” was put forward, and a high temperature-resistant modified starch polyamine anti-sloughing drilling fluid system with stable performance and strong plugging and strong inhibition was optimized. The temperature resistance of the optimized water-based drilling fluid system can reach 180 °C. Applied to on-site drilling of deep shale gas horizontal wells, it effectively reduces the rate of complex accidents such as sticking, mud bagging, and reaming that occur when resistance is encountered during shale formation drilling. The time for a single well to trip when encountering resistance decreases from 2–3 d in the early stages to 3–10 h. The re-use rate of the second spudded slurry is 100 percent, significantly reducing the rate of complex drilling accidents and saving drilling costs. It firmly supports the optimal and rapid construction of deep shale gas horizontal wells.
Comparative Metabolomic and Transcriptomic Analyses of Phytochemicals in Two Elite Sweet Potato Cultivars for Table Use
Authors: Zhao Lingxiao , Zhao Donglan , Xiao Shizhuo , Zhang An , Deng Yitong , Dai Xibin , Zhou Zhilin , Ji Zhixian , Cao Qinghe
Published: December 2022

To elucidate nutritional components in sweet potato cultivars for table use and to compare the phytochemicals of cultivars from different countries, ‘Kokei No. 14′ and ‘Xinxiang’ were selected. The physiological parameters and metabolites were determined using the colorimetric method and widely targeted metabolomics, respectively. Transcriptomic analysis was performed to explain the mechanism that resulted in phytochemical differences. ‘Xinxiang’ showed higher flavonoid and carotenoid contents. Metabolomics showed five upregulated flavonoids. Two essential amino acids (EAAs) and one conditionally essential amino acid (CEAA) were upregulated, whereas four EAAs and two CEAAs were downregulated. Unlike lipids, in which only one of thirty-nine was upregulated, nine of twenty-seven differentially accumulated phenolic acids were upregulated. Three of the eleven different alkaloids were upregulated. Similarly, eight organic acids were downregulated, with two upregulated. In addition, three of the seventeen different saccharides and alcohols were upregulated. In ‘other metabolites,’ unlike vitamin C, 6′-O-Glucosylaucubin and pantetheine were downregulated. The differentially accumulated metabolites were enriched to pathways of the biosynthesis of secondary metabolites, ABC transporters, and tyrosine metabolism, whereas the differentially expressed genes were mainly concentrated in the metabolic pathway, secondary metabolite biosynthesis, and transmembrane transport functions. These results will optimize the sweet potato market structure and enable a healthier diet for East Asian residents.
MALDI-TOF Mass Spectrometry for the Diagnosis of Citrus Canker Caused by Xanthomonas citri subsp. citri
Authors: Niculau Edenilson dos Santos , Ferreira Douglas , Rodrigues-Filho Edson , Behlau Franklin , Magnani Rodrigo Facchini , Toffano Leonardo , Prieto Evandro Luis , Fernandes João Batista , Silva Maria Fátima das Graças Fernandes da
Published: December 2022

Citrus canker, caused by the bacterium Xanthomonas citri subsp. citri (Xcc), is a disease that causes serious problems to the global citrus industry. Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization Time-of-Flight (MALDI-TOF) Mass Spectrometry (MS) has been used in human medicine to diagnose various diseases caused by both fungi and bacteria. In agriculture, this technique has potential for the diagnosis of diseases due to the low cost of large-scale analysis and quickness. This study showed that MALDI-TOF MS combined with chemometric analysis was effective for differentiating the macromolecule profile of orange leaves with canker lesions, healthy leaves, and leaves with phytotoxicity symptoms, proving that this technique may be used for the rapid diagnosis of citrus canker.
Egg White-Mediated Fabrication of Mg/Al-LDH-Hard Biochar Composite for Phosphate Adsorption
Authors: Ma Xiaolong , Li Shuqi , Ren He , Zhang Yin , Ma Zichuan
Published: December 2022

Phosphorus is one of the main causes of water eutrophication. Hard biochar is considered a promising phosphate adsorbent, but its application is limited by its textural properties and low adsorption capacity. Here, an adhesion approach in a mixed suspension containing egg white is proposed for preparing the hybrid material of Mg/Al-layered double hydroxide (LDH) and almond shell biochar (ASB), named L-AE or L-A (with or without egg white). Several techniques, including XRD, SEM/EDS, FTIR and N2 adsorption/desorption, were used to characterize the structure and adsorption behavior of the modified adsorbents. The filament-like material contained nitrogen elements at a noticed level, indicating that egg white was the crosslinker that mediated the formation of the L-AE hybrid material. The L-AE had a higher phosphate adsorption rate with a higher equilibrium adsorption capacity than the L-A. The saturation phosphate adsorption capacity of L-AE was nearly three times higher than that of L-A. Furthermore, the number of surface groups and the density of the positively charged surface sites follow the ASB < L-A < L-AE order, which is consistent with their phosphate adsorption performance. The study may offer an efficient approach to improving hard biochar’s adsorption performance in wastewater treatment.
N,N′-Di-Boc-2H-Isoindole-2-carboxamidine—First Guanidine-Substituted Isoindole
Authors: Štrbac Petar , Briš Anamarija , Margetić Davor
Published: December 2022

Synthesis of N,N′-Di-Boc-2H-isoindole-2-carboxamidine, the first representative of isoindoles containing guanidine functionality, was carried out. The cycloaddition reactivity of this new Diels–Alder heterodiene was studied and the title compound was employed as a cycloaddition delivery reagent for guanidine functionality. Higher reactivity was found in comparison with the corresponding pyrrole derivative. Substitution with fluorine or guanidine functionality does not change the reactivities of isoindoles, and these findings are in good accord with computational results.
Anodic TiO2 Nanotube Layers for Wastewater and Air Treatments: Assessment of Performance Using Sulfamethoxazole Degradation and N2O Reduction
Authors: Sihor Marcel , Gowrisankaran Sridhar , Martaus Alexandr , Motola Martin , Mailhot Gilles , Brigante Marcello , Monfort Olivier
Published: December 2022

The preparation of anodic TiO2 nanotube layers has been performed using electrochemical anodization of Ti foil for 4 h at different voltages (from 0 V to 80 V). In addition, a TiO2 thin layer has been also prepared using the sol–gel method. All the photocatalysts have been characterized by XRD, SEM, and DRS to investigate the crystalline phase composition, the surface morphology, and the optical properties, respectively. The performance of the photocatalyst has been assessed in versatile photocatalytic reactions including the reduction of N2O gas and the oxidation of aqueous sulfamethoxazole. Due to their high specific surface area and excellent charge carriers transport, anodic TiO2 nanotube layers have exhibited the highest N2O conversion rate (up to 10% after 22 h) and the highest degradation extent of sulfamethoxazole (about 65% after 4 h) under UVA light. The degradation mechanism of sulfamethoxazole has been investigated by analyzing its transformation products by LC-MS and the predominant role of hydroxyl radicals has been confirmed. Finally, the efficiency of the anodic TiO2 nanotube layer has been tested in real wastewater reaching up to 45% of sulfamethoxazole degradation after 4 h.
A Green Blue LED-Driven Two-Liquid-Phase One-Pot Procedure for the Synthesis of Estrogen-Related Quinol Prodrugs
Authors: De Marchi Elisa , Botta Lorenzo , Bizzarri Bruno Mattia , Saladino Raffaele
Published: December 2022

Quinol derivatives of estrogens are effective pro-drugs in steroid replacement therapy. Here, we report that these compounds can be synthesized in one-pot conditions and high yield by blue LED-driven photo-oxygenation of parent estrogens. The oxidation was performed in buffer and eco-certified 2-methyltetrahydrofuran as the two-liquid-phase reaction solvent, and in the presence of meso-tetraphenyl porphyrin as the photosensitizer. Two steroidal prodrugs 10β, 17β-dihydroxyestra-1,4-dien-3-one (DHED) and 10β-Hydroxyestra-1,4-diene-3,17-dione (HEDD) were obtained with high yield and selectivity.
Synchronous Extraction, Antioxidant Activity Evaluation, and Composition Analysis of Carbohydrates and Polyphenols Present in Artichoke Bud
Authors: Lin Xiao , Lu Xian-Kun , Zhu Kai-Hao , Jiang Xin-Yang , Chen Jiong-Chao , Yan Pei-Zheng , Zhao Dong-Sheng
Published: December 2022

This study investigated the optimization of ultrasonic-assisted aqueous two-phase synchronous extraction of carbohydrates and polyphenols present in artichoke bud, evaluated their antioxidant activities in vitro, and analyzed the composition of carbohydrates and polyphenols by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The powder mass, ultrasonic time, ammonium sulfate concentration, and alcohol–water ratio were considered the influencing factors based on the single-factor experiment results, and a dual-response surface model was designed to optimize the synchronous extraction process to extract carbohydrates and polyphenols. The antioxidant activity was evaluated by measuring the scavenging capacity of ABTS+· and DPPH· and the reducing capacity of Fe3+. The optimal process conditions in this study were as follows: the powder mass of 1.4 g, ammonium sulfate concentration of 0.34 g/mL, alcohol–water ratio of 0.4, and ultrasonic time of 43 min. The polyphenol content in artichoke bud was 5.32 ± 0.13 mg/g, and the polysaccharide content was 74.78 ± 0.11 mg/g. An experiment on in vitro antioxidant activity showed that both carbohydrates and polyphenols had strong antioxidant activities, and the antioxidant activity of polyphenols was stronger than that of carbohydrates. The HPLC analysis revealed that the carbohydrates in artichoke bud were mannose, rhamnose, glucuronic acid, galacturonic acid, glucose, galactose, and arabinose, and the molar ratio was 10.77:25.22:2.37:15.74:125.39:48.62:34.70. The polyphenols comprised chlorogenic acid, 4-dicaffeoylquinic acid, caffeic acid, 1,3-dicaffeoylqunic acid, isochlorogenic acid B, isochlorogenic acid A, cynarin, and isochlorogenic acid C, and the contents were 0.503, 0.029, 0.022, 0.017, 0.008, 0.162, 1.621, 0.030 mg/g, respectively. This study also showed that the carbohydrates and polyphenols in artichoke bud could be important natural antioxidants, and the composition analysis of HPLC provided directions for their future research. Carbohydrates and polyphenols in artichoke buds can be separated and enriched using the optimized process technology, and it is an effective means of extracting ingredients from plants.
Microwave Heating of the Catalyst Bed as a Way of Energy-Saving Oxidative Dehydrogenation of Ethane on a Mo-V-Te-Nb-Ox Catalyst
Authors: Kucherov Alexei , Davshan Nikolai , Finashina Elena , Kustov Leonid
Published: December 2022

In search of a more effective process of ethane oxidative hydrogenation, different operation modes (thermal and microwave heating) are compared. The catalyst Mo1-V0.3-Te0.13-Nb0.11-Ox was prepared by hydrothermal synthesis and characterized by a set of physicochemical methods (XRD, N2 adsorption, SEM, EDX). The direct microwave heating of the catalyst layer is proposed as an alternative way of energy-saving ethane-to-ethylene oxidation by a Mo-V-Te-Nb-Ox system. A substantial decrease in the reactor temperature upon the microwave-assisted process is accompanied by extremely high catalyst selectivity, which remains at a very high level of 98+%.
Tunable Antireflection Properties with Self-Assembled Nanopillar and Nanohole Structure
Authors: Sun Tangyou , Shui Furong , Ning Taohua , Guo Wenjing , Zhou Zhiping , Chen Zanhui , Qian Cheng , Li Qian
Published: December 2022

Nanostructure engineering has proven to be one of the most effective strategies to improve the efficiency of photoelectric devices. Herein, we numerically investigate and experimentally demonstrate a self-assembled silicon-based nanopillars and nanoholes structures, to improve the light absorption of photoelectric devices by an antireflection enhancement. The nanopillars and nanoholes structures are fabricated by the air–liquid interface self-assembly method based on polystyrene (PS) nanospheres. Additionally, the tunable antireflective properties with the different operation wavelength and nanostructures parameters have been discussed based on the Finite-Difference Time-Domain (FDTD) method. The experimental result shows that the self-assembled silicon-based nanopillars and nanoholes structures can achieve the lowest reflectivity of 1.42% (nanopillars) and 5.83% (nanoholes) in the wavelength range of 250–800 nm, which reduced 95.97% and 84.83%, respectively, compared with the plane silicon. The operation mechanism of the tunable antireflective property of self-assembled nanopillars and nanoholes structures is also analyzed in the simulation. Our study suggests that the self-assembled nanopillars and nanoholes structures are potentially attractive as improving efficiency of photoelectric devices.
Lighting-Induced Changes in Central and Peripheral Retinal Thickness and Shape after Short-Term Reading Tasks in Electronic Devices
Authors: Orduna-Hospital Elvira , Ávila Francisco J. , Fernández-Espinosa Guisela , Sanchez-Cano Ana
Published: December 2022

Background: To assess retinal and optical changes associated with near vision reading for different lighting conditions in electronic screens. Methods: Twenty-four young healthy subjects participated in the study; an iPad and an Ebook were chosen as stimuli for 5 min of reading task with different lighting conditions. Central and peripheral retinal thicknesses in the macular ETDRS areas by optical coherence tomography were analyzed. Results: Significant differences were found between basal retinal thickness and retinal thickness after reading with iPad and high illumination, in the N6 (p = 0.021) and I6 (p = 0.049) areas, and low illumination (S3: p = 0.008, N3: p = 0.018, I3: p = 0.021, N6: p = 0.018 and I6: p = 0.020), being thinner after reading. The same trend was observed after reading with an Ebook and high lighting in the N3 (p = 0.037) and N6 (p = 0.028). For low lighting conditions, only retinal thinning was observed. After reading, retinal shape analysis revealed significant changes from computed basal eccentricity for high lighting conditions only. At the periphery, those differences in eccentricity values were statistically significant for both lighting conditions. Conclusions: Young people can recover visual quality after 5 min of reading tasks at different lighting levels on electronic devices, while peripheral retinal expansion remains altered, especially at low lighting levels.
Effect of Induced Mechanical Leaf Damage on the Yield and Content of Bioactive Molecules in Leaves and Seeds of Tepary Beans (Phaseolus acutifolius)
Authors: Cervantes-Jiménez Ricardo , Martínez Marisol Martínez , Mercado-Luna Adán , Chávez-Servín Jorge Luis , Ruiz Bárbara Cabello , Vargas-Madriz Ángel Félix , Roldán-Padrón Octavio , Cabañas Mónica Eugenia Figueroa , Ferriz-Martínez Roberto Augusto , García-Gasca Teresa
Published: December 2022

Growing interest has recently been shown in Tepary beans (Phaseolus acutifolius) because they contain lectins and protease inhibitors that have been shown to have a specific cytotoxic effect on human cancer cells. Bean lectins offer protection against biotic and abiotic stress factors, so it is possible that mechanical foliar damage may increase lectin production. This study evaluates the effect of mechanical stress (foliar damage) on lectin and protease inhibitor content in Tepary beans. Seed yield was also analyzed, and phenolic content and antioxidant capacity (DPPH and TEAC) were determined in the leaves. An experimental design with random blocks of three treatments (T1: control group, T2: 50% mechanical foliar damage and T3: 80% mechanical foliar damage) was carried out. Mechanical foliar damage increased the amount of lectin binding units (LBUs) fivefold (from 1280 to 6542 LBUs in T3) but did not affect units of enzymatic activity (UEA) against trypsin (from 60.8 to 51 UEA in T3). Results show that controlled mechanical foliar damage could be used to induce overexpression of lectins in the seeds of Tepary beans. Mechanical foliar damage reduced seed production (−14.6%: from 1890 g to 1615 g in T3) and did not significantly increase phenolic compound levels in leaves.
Climate and Land-Cover Change Impacts and Extinction Risk Assessment of Rare and Threatened Endemic Taxa of Chelmos-Vouraikos National Park (Peloponnese, Greece)
Authors: Kougioumoutzis Konstantinos , Trigas Panayiotis , Tsakiri Maria , Kokkoris Ioannis P. , Koumoutsou Eleni , Dimopoulos Panayotis , Tzanoudakis Dimitris , Iatrou Gregoris , Panitsa Maria
Published: December 2022

Chelmos-Vouraikos National Park is a floristic diversity and endemism hotspot in Greece and one of the main areas where Greek endemic taxa, preliminary assessed as critically endangered and threatened under the IUCN Criteria A and B, are mainly concentrated. The climate and land-cover change impacts on rare and endemic species distributions is more prominent in regional biodiversity hotspots. The main aims of the current study were: (a) to investigate how climate and land-cover change may alter the distribution of four single mountain endemics and three very rare Peloponnesian endemic taxa of the National Park via a species distribution modelling approach, and (b) to estimate the current and future extinction risk of the aforementioned taxa based on the IUCN Criteria A and B, in order to investigate the need for designing an effective plant micro-reserve network and to support decision making on spatial planning efforts and conservation research for a sustainable, integrated management. Most of the taxa analyzed are expected to continue to be considered as critically endangered based on both Criteria A and B under all land-cover/land-use scenarios, GCM/RCP and time-period combinations, while two, namely Alchemilla aroanica and Silene conglomeratica, are projected to become extinct in most future climate change scenarios. When land-cover/land-use data were included in the analyses, these negative effects were less pronounced. However, Silene conglomeratica, the rarest mountain endemic found in the study area, is still expected to face substantial range decline. Our results highlight the urgent need for the establishment of micro-reserves for these taxa.
Allelopathic Effects of Amomum villosum Lour. Volatiles from Different Organs on Selected Plant Species and Soil Microbiota
Authors: Zuo Xiang , Wang Yanqian , Zhao Hongyou , Li Guang , Wang Yanfang , Li Ge , Zhang Lixia , Gao Weiwei
Published: December 2022

Amomum villosum Lour. is a perennial herb of the Zingiberaceae family, which is widely distributed in Xishuangbanna, Yunnan Province in Southwest China. Large amounts of volatile components contained in this plant enter the surrounding atmosphere and soil through volatilization, foliar leaching, root exudation, and residue decomposition. However, the ecological role of these compounds is currently unclear. The aim of this study was to compare the differences in the composition of volatile oils from stems, leaves, and young fruits of A. villosum, identify chemicals that had allelopathic effects, and explore the effects of the oil on the diversity and composition of soil microbiomes. Volatile oils were obtained by steam distillation and characterized by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry, and then were tested for allelopathic activity using seedlings of Lactuca sativa L. and Lolium perenne L. as test species. The results showed that the oils from stems and leaves were rich in monoterpene hydrocarbons, unlike the oxygenated monoterpenes which dominated oils from young fruits. Leaves > stems > young fruits: this was the order of the allelopathic effects of volatile oils from various A. villosum organs. Among the four main chemical components in the oils, only α-pinene, which is abundant in leaves, had a stronger allelopathic action than the crude oils, implying that it might be a potential allelochemical. Experiments on soil microorganisms indicated that 3.0 mg/mL oil had the greatest effect on the structure of the soil fungal community. It can be concluded that A. villosum is capable of releasing allelochemicals which affect the growth of other plant species and the diversity and community structure of soil microorganisms.
The Influence of Cryogrinding on Essential Oil, Phenolic Compounds and Pigments Extraction from Myrtle (Myrtus communis L.) Leaves
Authors: Cvitković Daniela , Lisica Patricija , Zorić Zoran , Pedisić Sandra , Repajić Maja , Dragović-Uzelac Verica , Balbino Sandra
Published: December 2022

The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of cryogrinding pretreatment on the recovery of essential oil, phenolics and pigments from myrtle leaves. The duration of cryogrinding (3, 6 and 9 min) in combination with the duration of hydrodistillation (30, 60 and 90 min) for the isolation of essential oils and the duration of hydroethanolic extraction (5, 10 and 15 min) for the isolation of phenols and pigments were studied as independent factors in a full factorial design. The major volatile components detected in myrtle leaf essential oil were myrtenyl acetate, 1,8-cineole, α-pinene and linalool. The most abundant phenols detected were myricetin derivatives (myricetin 3-O-galactoside and myricetin 3-O-rhamnoside), galloylquinic acid, myricetin and digalloylquinic acid, while the major pigments were chlorophyll b, pheophytin a and lutein. A 3 min cryogrinding pretreatment significantly increased the yield and concentrations of essential oil volatile compounds and reduced the distillation time to 30 min. A 9 min cryogrinding pretreatment and 15 min extraction resulted in at least 40% higher concentrations of phenolic compounds and pigments in the extracts when compared to the untreated control. According to the results obtained, cryogrinding can significantly increase the yield of myrtle EO and extracts and also modulate their composition.
Transcriptome Analysis Reveals the Involvement of Alternative Splicing in the Nitrogen Starvation Response of Chlamydomonas reinhardtii
Authors: Yang Xingcai , Li Xiangyu , Zhao Jialin , Xie Mingshi , Li Xinyi , Jia Bin , Huang Ying
Published: December 2022

Alternative splicing (AS) is a regulatory mechanism of post-transcriptional regulation that plays an important role in plant response to abiotic stresses. However, corresponding research involving the mechanism of AS in the nitrogen starvation response of C. reinhardtii is rare. This study performed a comprehensive and systematic analysis of AS events in C. reinhardtii at nine time points (0 h, 10 m, 30 m, 1 h, 6 h, 8 h, 24 h, and 48 h) under nitrogen starvation. It used STAR and rMATS tools to identify and quantify the probability of the AS event happening through the transcriptome high-throughput sequencing data. A total of 5806 AS events in 3500 genes were identified, and the retained intron and skipped exon were considered the main AS types. The genes related to the AS event in nitrogen starvation were mainly involved in spliceosome and transporter and enriched in the citrate cycle and fatty acid degradation pathways. These results suggested that AS may play an important role in the nitrogen starvation response in C. reinhardtii, and provided insights into post-transcriptional regulation under nitrogen starvation.
Implant Survival Rate and Prosthetic Complications of OT Equator Retained Maxillary Overdenture: A Cohort Study
Authors: Reda Rodolfo , Zanza Alessio , Di Nardo Dario , Bellanova Valentina , Xhajanka Edit , Testarelli Luca
Published: December 2022

(1) Background: The overdenture is a complete denture, an implant-supported prosthesis, that the patient can remove at home for the usual oral hygiene procedures, thanks to a simple and intuitive anchoring system. Clinically, the execution of this rehabilitation for the lower arch is often favored, but when it is necessary to limit the extension of the palate in the upper arch, it can represent the least invasive and economic solution. The aim of the study is to analyze post-loading implant loss for implant-supported prostheses in the edentulous upper jaw. (2) Methods: This retrospective study was carried out on patients who received a superior overdenture on four implants for rehabilitation. A total of 42 patients were included in this study and initially evaluated clinically and radiographically. The follow-up period for patients after delivery of the upper overdenture is between 48 and 72 months. A total of 168 implants were inserted and monitored in this period. Clinical and radiographic tests were carried out on all 168 implants, with constant re-evaluation. (3) Results: The overall implant survival rate is 92.9%, a value that corresponds to those present in the literature in previously published studies. There were few prosthetic complications, mainly the detachment of anterior prosthetic teeth. (4) Conclusions: Most of these complete prostheses, which as antagonist had another previously made overdenture on four or on two implants, achieved excellent success rates in this study at 72 months.
Application of O3/PMS Advanced Oxidation Technology in the Treatment of Organic Pollutants in Highly Concentrated Organic Wastewater: A Review
Authors: Yan Bojiao , Li Qingpo , Chen Xinglin , Deng Huan , Feng Weihao , Lu Hai
Published: December 2022

The ozone/peroxymonosulfate (O3/PMS) system has attracted widespread attention from researchers owing to its ability to produce hydroxyl radicals (•OH) and sulfate radicals (SO4•−) simultaneously. The existing research has shown that the O3/PMS system significantly degrades refinery trace organic compounds (TrOCs) in highly concentrated organic wastewater. However, there is still a lack of systematic understanding of the O3/PMS system, which has created a significant loophole in its application in the treatment of highly concentrated organic wastewater. Hence, this paper reviewed the specific degradation effect, toxicity change, reaction mechanism, various influencing factors and the cause of oxidation byproducts (OBPs) of various TrOCs when the O3/PMS system is applied to the degradation of highly concentrated organic wastewater. In addition, the effects of different reaction conditions on the O3/PMS system were comprehensively evaluated. Furthermore, given the limited understanding of the O3/PMS system in the degradation of TrOCs and the formation of OBPs, an outlook on potential future research was presented. Finally, this paper comprehensively evaluated the degradation of TrOCs in highly concentrated organic wastewater by the O3/PMS system, filling the gaps in scale research, operation cost, sustainability and overall feasibility.
The Effect of Strength Training on Undetected Shoulder Pathology in Asymptomatic Athletes: An MRI Observational Study
Authors: Noschajew Emil , Azesberger Alexander , Rittenschober Felix , Windischbauer Amadeus , Gruber Michael Stephan , Ortmaier Reinhold
Published: December 2022

Background: Data on the effects of weight training on joint morphology are mostly restricted to muscle gain. However, in many circumstances, it is not stated if there are negative consequences for the joints and their surrounding components. This study was conducted to explore whether long-term excessive resistance training (RT) causes hidden pathological alterations in the shoulder. Methods: A total of eleven asymptomatic sportsmen (22 shoulders) underwent clinical and radiological examination of both shoulder joints. All participants had engaged in bodybuilding for at least four years, at least three times per week, and for at least four hours per week. All participants were examined clinically using the Constant Murley Score (CMS), Simple Shoulder Test (SST), UCLA Activity Test, and a specially designed questionnaire. All participants received a bilateral shoulder MRI. The MRI scans were checked for pathology using a checklist. Results: Maximum scores were observed for the SST and UCLA Activity Test. The CMS was 97.7 points on average (range, 87–100). RT had been conducted for a mean of 10.7 years (range, 4–20), for an average of 8.8 h a week (range, 4–12). MRI examinations revealed two supraspinatus tendinopathies (9.1%), one labral change (4.5%), three humeral tuberosity cysts (13.6%), fourteen acromioclavicular (AC) joint hypertrophies (63.6%), five AC joint osteophytes (22.7%), and ten signs of AC joint inflammation (45.5%). Conclusions: The research results show that strength is associated with MRI-documented AC joint pathology. However, it appears that RT may not negatively affect other anatomical structures of the shoulder.