bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Biomass Combustion Modeling Using OpenFOAM: Development of a Simple Computational Model and Study of the Combustion Performance of Lippia origanoides Bagasse
Authors: García Sánchez Gabriel Fernando , Chacón Velasco Jorge Luis , Fuentes Díaz David Alfredo , Rueda-Ordóñez Yesid Javier , Patiño David , Rico Juan Jesús , Martínez Morales Jairo René
Published: March 2023

Combustion is the most commonly used technology to produce energy from biomass; nevertheless, there are still thermal efficiency problems in current biomass combustion furnaces and a lack of knowledge about the properties of residual biomasses that could be used as fuels. Aiming to contribute to knowledge of the potential of residual biomass for energy generation, this work reports on the implementation of a 2D computational model to study the combustion performance of several solid biomass fuels, and its application in the analysis of Lippia origanoides bagasse combustion. The model uses an Eulerian–Lagrangian approach; in the continuous phase, governing equations are solved, and in the dispersed phase, particles are tracked and the mass, momentum, species and energy transfer between the phases are calculated. The model was validated against experimental data from a combustor fueled by three biomasses: wood pellets, olive stone and almond shell. The results show deviations of less than 13%, with few exceptions, which indicates a good degree of agreement with experimental measurements compared with those reported by other studies on the subject. Furthermore, it was found that the stems of Lippia origanoides bagasse show similar performance to that of other biomass used as solid fuel, while the leaves present lower performance.
Study on Hyperspectral Monitoring Model of Total Flavonoids and Total Phenols in Tartary Buckwheat Grains
Authors: Yang Chenbo , Song Lifang , Wei Kunxi , Gao Chunrui , Wang Danli , Feng Meichen , Zhang Meijun , Wang Chao , Xiao Lujie , Yang Wude , Song Xiaoyan
Published: March 2023

Tartary buckwheat is a common functional food. Its grains are rich in flavonoids and phenols. The rapid measurement of flavonoids and phenols in buckwheat grains is of great significance in promoting the development of the buckwheat industry. This study, based on multiple scattering correction (MSC), standardized normal variate (SNV), reciprocal logarithm (Lg), first-order derivative (FD), second-order derivative (SD), and fractional-order derivative (FOD) preprocessing spectra, constructed hyperspectral monitoring models of total flavonoids content and total phenols content in tartary buckwheat grains. The results showed that SNV, Lg, FD, SD, and FOD preprocessing had different effects on the original spectral reflectance and that FOD can also reflect the change process from the original spectrum to the integer-order derivative spectrum. Compared with the original spectrum, MSC, SNV, Lg, FD, and SD transformation spectra can improve the correlation between spectral data and total flavonoids and total phenols in varying degrees, while the correlation between FOD spectra of different orders and total flavonoids and total phenols in grains was different. The monitoring models of total flavonoids and total phenols in grains based on MSC, SNV, Lg, FD, and SD transformation spectra achieved the best accuracy under SD and FD transformation, respectively. Therefore, this study further constructed monitoring models of total flavonoids and total phenols content in grains based on the FOD spectrum and achieved the best accuracy under 1.6 and 0.6 order derivative preprocessing, respectively. The R2c, RMSEc, R2v, RMSEv, and RPD were 0.8731, 0.1332, 0.8384, 0.1448, and 2.4475 for the total flavonoids model, and 0.8296, 0.2025, 0.6535, 0.1740, and 1.6713 for the total phenols model. The model can realize the rapid measurement of total flavonoids content and total phenols content in tartary buckwheat grains, respectively.
A Compendium of AR Splice Variants in Metastatic Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer
Authors: Isebia Khrystany T. , Lolkema Martijn P. , Jenster Guido , de Wit Ronald , Martens John W. M. , van Riet Job
Published: March 2023

Treatment-induced AR alterations, including AR alternative splice variants (AR-Vs), have been extensively linked to harboring roles in primary and acquired resistance to conventional and next-generation hormonal therapies in prostate cancer and therefore have gained momentum. Our aim was to uniformly determine recurrent AR-Vs in metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) using whole transcriptome sequencing in order to assess which AR-Vs might hold potential diagnostic or prognostic relevance in future research. This study reports that in addition to the promising AR-V7 as a biomarker, AR45 and AR-V3 were also seen as recurrent AR-Vs and that the presence of any AR-V could be associated with higher AR expression. With future research, these AR-Vs may therefore harbor similar or complementary roles to AR-V7 as predictive and prognostic biomarkers in mCRPC or as proxies for abundant AR expression.
Evodiamine Exhibits Anti-Bladder Cancer Activity by Suppression of Glutathione Peroxidase 4 and Induction of Ferroptosis
Authors: Hu Che-Yuan , Wu Hung-Tsung , Shan Yan-Shen , Wang Chung-Teng , Shieh Gia-Shing , Wu Chao-Liang , Ou Horng-Yih
Published: March 2023

Evodiamine (EVO) exhibits anti-cancer activity through the inhibition of cell proliferation; however, little is known about its underlying mechanism. To determine whether ferroptosis is involved in the therapeutic effects of EVO, we investigated critical factors, such as lipid peroxidation levels and glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) expression, under EVO treatment. Our results showed that EVO inhibited the cell proliferation of poorly differentiated, high-grade bladder cancer TCCSUP cells in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Lipid peroxides were detected by fluorescence microscopy after cancer cell exposure to EVO. GPX4, which catalyzes the conversion of lipid peroxides to prevent cells from undergoing ferroptosis, was decreased dose-dependently by EVO treatment. Given the features of iron dependency and lipid-peroxidation-driven death in ferroptosis, the iron chelator deferoxamine (DFO) was used to suppress EVO-induced ferroptosis. The lipid peroxide level significantly decreased when cells were treated with DFO prior to EVO treatment. DFO also attenuated EVO-induced cell death. Co-treatment with a pan-caspase inhibitor or necroptosis inhibitor with EVO did not alleviate cancer cell death. These results indicate that EVO induces ferroptosis rather than apoptosis or necroptosis. Furthermore, EVO suppressed the migratory ability, decreased the expression of mesenchymal markers, and increased epithelial marker expression, determined by a transwell migration assay and Western blotting. The TCCSUP bladder tumor xenograft tumor model confirmed the effects of EVO on the inhibition of tumor growth and EMT. In conclusion, EVO is a novel inducer for activating the ferroptosis of bladder cancer cells and may be a potential therapeutic agent for bladder cancer.
Evaluation of Short-Season Soybean Genotypes for Resistance and Partial Resistance to Phytophthora sojae
Authors: He Shengfu , Wang Xiran , Sun Xiaohui , Zhao Yuxin , Chen Simei , Zhao Ming , Wu Junjiang , Chen Xiaoyu , Zhang Chuanzhong , Fang Xin , Sun Yan , Song Bo , Liu Shanshan , Liu Yaguang , Xu Pengfei , Zhang Shuzhen
Published: March 2023

Phytophthora root and stem rot caused by Phytophthora sojae Kaufmann and Gerdemann is a soil-borne disease severely affecting soybean production worldwide. Losses caused by P. sojae can be controlled by both major genes and quantitative trait locus. Here, we tested 112 short-season soybean cultivars from Northeast China for resistance to P. sojae. A total of 58 germplasms were resistant to 7–11 P. sojae strains. Among these, Mengdou 28 and Kejiao 10-262 may harbor either Rps3a or multiple Rps genes conferring resistance to P. sojae. The remaining 110 germplasms produced 91 reaction types and may contain new resistance genes or gene combinations. Partial resistance evaluation using the inoculum layer method revealed that 34 soybean germplasms had high partial resistance, with a mean disease index lower than 30. Combining the results of resistance and partial resistance analyses, we identified 35 excellent germplasm resources as potential elite materials for resistance and tolerance in future breeding programs. In addition, we compared the radicle inoculation method with the inoculum layer method to screen for partial resistance to P. sojae. Our results demonstrate that the radicle inoculation method could potentially replace the inoculum layer method to identify partial resistance against P. sojae, and further verification with larger samples is required in the future.
Fabrication and Characterization of Functional Biobased Membranes from Postconsumer Cotton Fabrics and Palm Waste for the Removal of Dyes
Authors: Khan Mohd Jahir , Karim Zoheb , Charnnok Boonya , Poonsawat Thiprada , Posoknistakul Pattaraporn , Laosiripojana Navadol , Wu Kevin C.-W. , Sakdaronnarong Chularat
Published: March 2023

Textile industries currently face vast challenges for the active removal of colored wastewater. Indeed, sustainable, recyclable, and green approaches are still lacking to achieve this aim. Thus, the present study explored the utilization of highly functional, green, recyclable, fully bio-based, and cost-effective composite membranes from post-consumer cotton fabrics and palm waste for wastewater treatment purposes. Highly functional cellulose nanofibers (CNF) were produced from waste cotton fabrics and filter paper using an acid hydrolysis technique. The yield of nanofibers extracted from waste cotton fabrics and filter paper was 76.74 and 54.50%, respectively. The physical, chemical, and structural properties of nanofibers were studied using various advanced analytical techniques. The properties of isolated nanofibers were almost similar and comparable to those of commercial nanofibers. The surface charge densities were −94.0, −80.7, and −90.6 mV for the nanofibers of palm waste, cotton fibers, and filter paper, respectively. After membrane fabrication using vacuum and hot-pressing techniques, the characteristics of the membrane were analyzed. The results showed that the average pore size of the palm-waste membrane was 1.185 nm, while it was 1.875 nm for membrane from waste cotton fibers and filter paper. Congo red and methylene blue dyes were used as model solutions to understand the behavior of available functional groups and the surface ζ-potential of the membrane frameworks’ interaction. The membrane made from palm waste had the highest dye removal efficiency, and it was 23% for Congo red and 44% for methylene blue. This study provides insights into the challenges associated with the use of postconsumer textile and agricultural waste, which can be potentially used in high-performance liquid filtration devices for a more sustainable society.
Identification of Mir-182-3p/FLI-1 Axis as a Key Signaling in Immune Response in Cervical Cancer: A Comprehensive Bioinformatic Analysis
Authors: Salmerón-Bárcenas Eric Genaro , Mendoza-Catalan Miguel Angel , Ramírez-Bautista Ángela Uray , Lozano-Santos Rafael Acxel , Torres-Rojas Francisco Israel , Ávila-López Pedro Antonio , Zacapala-Gómez Ana Elvira
Published: March 2023

miRNAs modulate gene expression and play critical functions as oncomiRs or tumor suppressors. The miR-182-3p is important in chemoresistance and cancer progression in breast, lung, osteosarcoma, and ovarian cancer. However, the role of miR-182-3p in cervical cancer (CC) has not been elucidated. Aim: To analyze the role of miR-182-3p in CC through a comprehensive bioinformatic analysis. Methods: Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) databases were used for the expression analysis. The mRNA targets of miR-182-3p were identified using miRDB, TargetScanHuman, and miRPathDB. The prediction of island CpG was performed using the MethPrimer program. The transcription factor binding sites in the FLI-1 promoter were identified using ConSite+, Alibaba2, and ALGGEN-PROMO. The protein–protein interaction (PPI) analysis was performed in STRING 11.5. Results: miR-182-3p was significantly overexpressed in CC patients and has potential as a diagnostic. We identified 330 targets of miR-182-3p including FLI-1, which downregulates its expression in CC. Additionally, the aberrant methylation of the FLI-1 promoter and Ap2a transcription factor could be involved in downregulating FLI1 expression. Finally, we found that FLI-1 is a possible key gene in the immune response in CC. Conclusions: The miR-182-3p/FLI-1 axis plays a critical role in immune response in CC.
Cholesterol Is a Regulator of CAV1 Localization and Cell Migration in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Chan Nyein Nyein , Yamazaki Manabu , Maruyama Satoshi , Abé Tatsuya , Haga Kenta , Kawaharada Masami , Izumi Kenji , Kobayashi Tadaharu , Tanuma Jun-ichi
Published: March 2023

Cholesterol plays an important role in cancer progression, as it is utilized in membrane biogenesis and cell signaling. Cholesterol-lowering drugs have exhibited tumor-suppressive effects in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), suggesting that cholesterol is also essential in OSCC pathogenesis. However, the direct effects of cholesterol on OSCC cells remain unclear. Here, we investigated the role of cholesterol in OSCC with respect to caveolin-1 (CAV1), a cholesterol-binding protein involved in intracellular cholesterol transport. Cholesterol levels in OSCC cell lines were depleted using methyl-β-cyclodextrin and increased using the methyl-β-cyclodextrin-cholesterol complex. Functional analysis was performed using timelapse imaging, and CAV1 expression in cholesterol-manipulated cells was investigated using immunofluorescence and immunoblotting assays. CAV1 immunohistochemistry was performed on surgical OSCC samples. We observed that cholesterol addition induced polarized cell morphology, along with CAV1 localization at the trailing edge, and promoted cell migration. Moreover, CAV1 was upregulated in the lipid rafts and formed aggregates in the plasma membrane in cholesterol-added cells. High membranous CAV1 expression in tissue specimens was associated with OSCC recurrence. Therefore, cholesterol promotes the migration of OSCC cells by regulating cell polarity and CAV1 localization to the lipid raft. Furthermore, membranous CAV1 expression is a potential prognostic marker for OSCC patients.
Metal-Organic Framework-Based Materials in Aqueous Zinc-Ion Batteries
Authors: Wu Fuhai , Wu Buke , Mu Yongbiao , Zhou Binbin , Zhang Guobin , Zeng Lin
Published: March 2023

Aqueous zinc-ion batteries (AZIBs) are promising for large-scale energy storage systems due to their high safety, large capacity, cost-effectiveness, and environmental friendliness. However, their commercialization is currently hindered by several challenging issues, including cathode degradation and zinc dendrite growth. Recently, metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) and their derivatives have gained significant attention and are widely used in AZIBs due to their highly porous structures, large specific surface area, and ability to design frameworks for Zn2+ shuttle. Based on preceding contributions, this review aims to generalize two design principles for MOF-based materials in AZIBs: cathode preparation and anode protection. For cathode preparation, we mainly introduce novel MOF-based electrode materials such as pure MOFs, porous carbon materials, metal oxides, and their compounds, focusing on the analysis of the specific capacity of AZIBs. For anode protection, we systematically analyze MOF-based materials used as 3D Zn architecture, solid electrolyte interfaces, novel separators, and solid-state electrolytes, highlighting the improvement in the cyclic stability of Zn anodes. Finally, we propose the future development of MOF-based materials in AZIBs. Our work can give some clues for raising the practical application level of aqueous ZIBs.
Downregulation of BUD31 Promotes Prostate Cancer Cell Proliferation and Migration via Activation of p-AKT and Vimentin In Vitro
Authors: Choudhry Muhammad , Gamallat Yaser , Khosh Kish Ealia , Seyedi Sima , Gotto Geoffrey , Ghosh Sunita , Bismar Tarek A.
Published: March 2023

Among men, prostate cancer (PCa) is the second most frequently diagnosed cancer subtype and has demonstrated a high degree of prevalence globally. BUD31, also known as Functional Spliceosome-Associated Protein 17, is a protein that works at the level of the spliceosome; it is functionally implicated in pre-mRNA splicing as well as processing, while also acting as a transcriptional regulator of androgen receptor (AR) target genes. Clinically, the expression of BUD31 and its functions in the development and progression of PCa is yet to be elucidated. The BUD31 expression was assessed using IHC in a tissue microarray (TMA) constructed from a cohort of 284 patient samples. In addition, we analyzed the prostate adenocarcinoma (TCGAPRAD-) database. Finally, we used PCa cell lines to knockdown BUD31 to study the underlying mechanisms in vitro.Assesment of BUD31 protein expression revealed lower expression in incidental and advanced PCa, and significantly lower expression was observed in patients diagnosed with castrate-resistant prostate cancer. Additionally, bioinformatic analysis and GSEA revealed that BUD31 increased processes related to cancer cell migration and proliferation. In vitro results made evident that BUD31 knockdown in PC3 cells led to an increase in the G2 cell population, indicating a more active and proliferative state. Additionally, an investigation of metastatic processes revealed that knockdown of BUD31 significantly enhanced the ability of PC3 cells to migrate and invade. Our in vitro results showed BUD31 knockdown promotes cell proliferation and migration of prostate cancer cells via activation of p-AKT and vimentin. These results support the clinical data, where low expression of BUD31 was correlated to more advanced stages of PCa.
Deletion of Transglutaminase 2 from Mouse Astrocytes Significantly Improves Their Ability to Promote Neurite Outgrowth on an Inhibitory Matrix
Authors: Emerson Jacen , Delgado Thomas , Girardi Peter , Johnson Gail V. W.
Published: March 2023

Astrocytes are the primary support cells of the central nervous system (CNS) that help maintain the energetic requirements and homeostatic environment of neurons. CNS injury causes astrocytes to take on reactive phenotypes with an altered overall function that can range from supportive to harmful for recovering neurons. The characterization of reactive astrocyte populations is a rapidly developing field, and the underlying factors and signaling pathways governing which type of reactive phenotype that astrocytes take on are poorly understood. Our previous studies suggest that transglutaminase 2 (TG2) has an important role in determining the astrocytic response to injury. Selectively deleting TG2 from astrocytes improves functional outcomes after CNS injury and causes widespread changes in gene regulation, which is associated with its nuclear localization. To begin to understand how TG2 impacts astrocytic function, we used a neuron-astrocyte co-culture paradigm to compare the effects of TG2−/− and wild-type (WT) mouse astrocytes on neurite outgrowth and synapse formation. Neurons were grown on a control substrate or an injury-simulating matrix comprised of inhibitory chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans (CSPGs). Compared to WT astrocytes, TG2−/− astrocytes supported neurite outgrowth to a significantly greater extent only on the CSPG matrix, while synapse formation assays showed mixed results depending on the pre- and post-synaptic markers analyzed. We hypothesize that TG2 regulates the supportive functions of astrocytes in injury conditions by modulating gene expression through interactions with transcription factors and transcription complexes. Based on the results of a previous yeast two-hybrid screen for TG2 interactors, we further investigated the interaction of TG2 with Zbtb7a, a ubiquitously expressed transcription factor. Co-immunoprecipitation and colocalization analyses confirmed the interaction of TG2 and Zbtb7a in the nucleus of astrocytes. Overexpression or knockdown of Zbtb7a levels in WT and TG2−/− astrocytes revealed that Zbtb7a robustly influenced astrocytic morphology and the ability of astrocytes to support neuronal outgrowth, which was significantly modulated by the presence of TG2. These findings support our hypothesis that astrocytic TG2 acts as a transcriptional regulator to influence astrocytic function, with greater influence under injury conditions that increase its expression, and Zbtb7a likely contributes to the overall effects observed with astrocytic TG2 deletion.
Membrane Dynamics Regulated by Cytoskeleton in Plant Immunity
Authors: Lu Yuqing , Zhang Yuan , Lian Na , Li Xiaojuan
Published: March 2023

The plasma membrane (PM), which is composed of a lipid layer implanted with proteins, has diverse functions in plant responses to environmental triggers. The heterogenous dynamics of lipids and proteins in the plasma membrane play important roles in regulating cellular activities with an intricate pathway that orchestrates reception, signal transduction and appropriate response in the plant immune system. In the process of the plasma membrane participating in defense responses, the cytoskeletal elements have important functions in a variety of ways, including regulation of protein and lipid dynamics as well as vesicle trafficking. In this review, we summarized how the plasma membrane contributed to plant immunity and focused on the dynamic process of cytoskeleton regulation of endocytosis and exocytosis and propose future research directions.
Cryoballoon-Induced Circumferential Pulmonary Vein Fibrosis, Assessed by Late Gadolinium-Enhancement Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging, and Its Correlation with Clinical Atrial Fibrillation Recurrence
Authors: Rav Acha Moshe , Tovia-Brodie Oholi , Michowitz Yoav , Bayya Feras , Shaheen Fauzi F. , Abuhatzera Shalom , Medina Aharon , Glikson Michael , Wolak Arik
Published: March 2023

Background: Prior studies evaluating post-atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation pulmonary vein (PV) ostial gaps via magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) have shown circumferential PV fibrosis in a minority of patients, and their correlation with AF recurrence was weak. These studies were mostly based on radio-frequency AF ablations. Aim: We aimed to assess cryoballoon ablation-induced PV fibrosis via MRI and its correlation with AF recurrence. Methods and Results: This was a prospective study of consecutive patients with symptomatic AF who underwent pre- and post-ablation MRI to assess baseline and ablation-induced fibrosis, respectively. Post-ablation PV gaps were assessed by new semi-quantitative visual analysis assisted by computerized ADAS analysis. AF recurrence monitored via multiple ECGs and event monitoring at 6 and 12 months post ablation. Nineteen patients with 80 PVs were included, age 56 ± 11, with paroxysmal and persistent AF in 17/19 and 2/19 patients, respectively. Baseline MRI showed minimal LA fibrosis. All patients underwent successful cryoballoon PV electrical isolation. Post-ablation MRI revealed circumferential PV fibrosis among 63/80 (78.8%) PVs and partial fibrosis with major gaps among 17/80 (21.2%) PVs. AF recurred within one year in 5/9 (55.5%) patients with partial PV fibrosis, while no AF recurred among the 10 patients in whom all PVs had circumferential fibrosis (p < 0.01). Similarly, there were significantly more PVs without circumferential fibrosis (due to major gaps) among patients with AF recurrence as compared with patients without AF recurrence (42.9% vs. 13.5%; p < 0.01). Conclusion: Cryoballoon AF ablation results in circumferential PV fibrosis in the majority of PVs, as assessed by a new clinically relevant MRI-LGE analysis. Significant correlation was found between major PV gaps on post-ablation MRI and AF recurrence, suggesting that MRI might have the ability to predict AF recurrence.
Phosphorylation of Calpastatin Negatively Regulates the Activity of Calpain
Authors: Bai Yuqiang , Hou Chengli , Huang Caiyan , Fang Fei , Dong Yu , Li Xin , Zhang Dequan
Published: March 2023

Tenderness is an important characteristic of meat quality. Calpastatin and calpain play important roles in meat tenderization. However, it is not clear how phosphorylation affects the regulation of calpastatin on μ-calpain and, consequently, meat tenderness. Calpastatin with high and low phosphorylation levels were obtained in vitro corresponding to the treatments by protein kinase A (PKA) and alkaline phosphatase. Then, calpain was incubated with calpastatin with different phosphorylation levels, and the effect of calpastatin on calpain activity under different phosphorylation levels was analyzed. The results showed that PKA promoted the phosphorylation of calpastatin, and a high phosphorylation level was maintained during incubation. The degradation rate of μ-calpain in AP group was higher than that in the other groups, meaning there was lower inhibition of calpastatin on calpain activity. The degradation of calpastatin was lower and its structure was more stable after phosphorylation. One more serine 133 site of calpastatin was identified in PKA group compared with the other groups. Phosphorylation at serine 133 of calpastatin enhanced its inhibition on calpain activity by maintaining its structural stability, thus inhibiting the tenderization of meat.
Heterologous Display of Chlamydia trachomatis PmpD Passenger at the Surface of Salmonella OMVs
Authors: Huynh Dung T. , Jong Wouter S. P. , Oudejans Manon A. H. , Berg van Saparoea H. Bart van den , Luirink Joen , Ulsen Peter van
Published: March 2023

Chlamydia trachomatis is the bacterial pathogen that causes most cases of sexually transmitted diseases annually. To combat the global spread of asymptomatic infection, development of effective (mucosal) vaccines that offer both systemic and local immune responses is considered a high priority. In this study, we explored the expression of C. trachomatis full-length (FL) PmpD, as well as truncated PmpD passenger constructs fused to a “display” autotransporter (AT) hemoglobin protease (HbpD) and studied their inclusion into outer membrane vesicles (OMVs) of Escherichia coli and Salmonella Typhimurium. OMVs are considered safe vaccine vectors well-suited for mucosal delivery. By using E. coli AT HbpD-fusions of chimeric constructs we improved surface display and successfully generated Salmonella OMVs decorated with a secreted and immunogenic PmpD passenger fragment (aa68-629) to 13% of the total protein content. Next, we investigated whether a similar chimeric surface display strategy could be applied to other AT antigens, i.e., secreted fragments of Prn (aa35-350) of Bordetella pertussis and VacA (aa65-377) of Helicobacter pylori. The data provided information on the complexity of heterologous expression of AT antigens at the OMV surface and suggested that optimal expression strategies should be developed on an antigen-to-antigen basis.
Design Optimization of Chute Structure Based on E-SVR Surrogate Model
Authors: Li Xiaoke , Jiang Qianlong , Long Yu , Chen Zhenzhong , Zhao Wenbo , Ming Wuyi , Cao Yang , Ma Jun
Published: March 2023

To reduce the wear and damage of the chute caused by long-term impact of coke, a structure parameter optimization model was established in this paper, which takes the minimum impact force as the objective and the coke-conveying speed as the constraint. Furthermore, the ensemble of support vector regression (E-SVR) with different kernel functions was developed to replace the implicit relationship between the conveying speed, the impact force, and the structure parameters. Using the numerical examples, the effectiveness of the E-SVR model was verified. Finally, the optimal chute structure parameters were obtained by using the E-SVR model. After optimization, the maximum impact force was reduced by 17.07% and the maximum conveying speed was reduced by 6.59%, which still falls within the specified range. Therefore, the feasibility of the optimization results and the effectiveness of the E-SVR surrogate model were verified.
Fatigue Life Assessment of Metals under Multiaxial Asynchronous Loading by Means of the Refined Equivalent Deformation Criterion
Authors: Scorza Daniela
Published: March 2023

As is well-known, non-proportional fatigue loading, such as asynchronous one, can have significant detrimental effects on the fatigue behavior of metallic materials by reducing the fatigue strength/fatigue limit and by leading to a fatigue damage accumulation increased with respect to that under proportional loading. In the present paper, the novel refined equivalent deformation (RED) criterion is applied for the first time to estimate the fatigue lifetime of materials, sensitive to non-proportionality, subjected to asynchronous loading under low-cycle fatigue regime. The present criterion is complete since it considers: (i) the strain path orientation, (ii) the degree of non-proportionality, and (iii) the changing of material cyclic properties under non-proportional loading. To evaluate its accuracy, this criterion is applied to examine two different metals (a 304 stainless steel and a 355 structural steel) whose experimental data under multiaxial asynchronous loading are available in the literature. More precisely, the parameters of the criterion are firstly determined by using experimental strain paths, and then the computed refined equivalent deformation amplitude is used to represent the experimental data with a satisfactory accuracy. Finally, a comparison with the results obtained through two other criteria available in the literature is performed, highlighting the good prediction of the present RED criterion.
Influence of Precipitation Hardening on the Mechanical Properties of Co-Cr-Mo and Co-Cr-W-Mo Dental Alloys
Authors: Sedlaček Marko , Zupančič Katja , Šetina Batič Barbara , Kosec Borut , Zorc Matija , Nagode Aleš
Published: March 2023

Co-Cr alloys have good mechanical properties such as high hardness, excellent magnetic properties and good corrosion resistance. For this reason, they are most commonly used as dental and orthopaedic implants. Generally, cast Co-Cr-Mo alloys and forged Co-Ni-Cr-Mo alloys are used for the production of implants. In this study, we investigated two dental alloys, namely, Co-Cr-Mo and Co-Cr-W-Mo alloys. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of heat treatment on the development of the microstructure and to evaluate its influence on the alloys’ mechanical and tribological properties. The samples were first solution-annealed at 1200 °C in an argon atmosphere for 2 h, then quenched in water and subsequently aged at 900 °C in an argon atmosphere for 1, 3 and 12 h. A microstructural analysis was performed using SEM, with EDS for microchemical analysis and EBSD for phase identification. In addition, the Vickers hardness and wear resistance of the two alloys were analysed before and after heat treatment. The Co-Cr-Mo alloy showed better wear resistance and also a generally higher hardness than the Co-Cr-W-Mo alloy. Both alloys showed signs of abrasive and adhesive wear, with carbide particles detaching from the Co-Cr-W-Mo alloy due to the lower hardness of the matrix. The Co-Cr-Mo alloy showed the best abrasion resistance after the longest aging time (12 h), while the Co-Cr-W-Mo alloy showed the best as-cast abrasion resistance. With ageing, the wear resistance of both alloys increased.
In Vitro Antiglycation and Methylglyoxal Trapping Effect of Peppermint Leaf (Mentha × piperita L.) and Its Polyphenols
Authors: Fecka Izabela , Bednarska Katarzyna , Kowalczyk Adam
Published: March 2023

The most significant reactive α-dicarbonyl RCS involved in the pathomechanism of glycation and related diseases is methylglyoxal (MGO). Hyperglycemia promotes the generation of MGO and leads to the formation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs). Therefore, MGO trapping and glycation inhibition appear to be important therapeutic targets in prediabetes, diabetes, and in the early prevention of hyperglycemic complications. Peppermint leaf is commonly used as herbal tea, rich in polyphenols. Eriocitrin, its predominant component, in a double-blind, randomized controlled study reversed the prediabetic condition in patients. However, the antiglycation activity of this plant material and its polyphenols has not been characterized to date. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the ability of a peppermint leaf dry extract and its polyphenols to inhibit non-enzymatic protein glycation in a model with bovine serum albumin (BSA) and MGO as a glycation agent. Peppermint polyphenols were also evaluated for their potential to trap MGO in vitro, and the resulting adducts were analyzed by UHPLC-ESI-MS. To relate chemical composition to glycation inhibitory activity, the obtained peppermint extract was subjected to qualitative and quantitative analysis. The capability of peppermint leaf polyphenols to inhibit glycation (27.3–77.2%) and form adducts with MGO was confirmed. In the case of flavone aglycones, mono- and di-adducts with MGO were observed, while eriodictyol and eriocitrin effectively produced only mono-adducts. Rosmarinic acid and luteolin-7-O-glycosides did not reveal this action. IC50 of the peppermint leaf dry extract was calculated at 2 mg/mL, equivalent to a concentration of 1.8 μM/mL of polyphenols, including ~1.4 μM/mL of flavonoids and ~0.4 μM/mL of phenolic acids. The contribution of the four major components to the anti-AGE activity of the extract was estimated at 86%, including eriocitrin 35.4%, rosmarinic acid 25.6%, luteolin-7-O-rutinoside 16.9%, luteolin-7-O-β-glucuronoside 8.1%, and others 14%. The effect of peppermint dry extract and polyphenols in inhibiting MGO-induced glycation in vitro was comparable to that of metformin used as a positive control.
Phytochemical Screening and Antioxidant Activity of Selected Estonian Galium Species
Authors: Laanet Pille-Riin , Saar-Reismaa Piret , Jõul Piia , Bragina Olga , Vaher Merike
Published: March 2023

The aim of the present study was to examine three different Galium species from the native population of Estonia, Galium verum, Galium aparine, and Galium mollugo, to characterise their non-volatile and volatile phytochemical composition and antioxidant activity. The main groups of bioactive compounds in the plants were quantified by colorimetric tests, showing high concentrations of polyphenols (up to 27.2 ± 1.5 mg GAE/g), flavonoids (up to 7.3 ± 0.5 mg QE/g) and iridoids (up to 40.8 ± 2.9 mg AE/g). The species were compared using HPLC-DAD-MS/MS, revealing some key differences in the phytochemical makeup of the extracts. The most abundant compound in the extracts of Galium verum blossoms and herb was found to be asperuloside, in Galium aparine herb, asperulosidic acid, and in Galium mollugo herb, chlorogenic acid. Additionally, the composition of volatile compounds was analysed by SPME-GC-MS. The degree of variability between the samples was high, but three volatiles, hexanal, anethole, and β-caryophyllene, were quantified (≥1%) in all analysed samples. The antioxidative activity of all extracts was evaluated using the ORACFL method, demonstrating that the Galium species from Estonia all exhibit strong antioxidant capacity (up to 9.3 ± 1.2 mg TE/g). Out of the extracts studied, Galium verum blossoms contained the highest amounts of bioactives and had the strongest antioxidant capacity.
Anion-Induced Structural Diversity and Optical Chromism in a Series of Cyano-Bridged Heterometallic 3d-4f Coordination Polymers
Authors: Artizzu Flavia , Pilia Luca , Serpe Angela , Mara Dimitrije , Casula Maria Francesca , Marchiò Luciano , Deplano Paola
Published: March 2023

The self-assembly reaction of the neutral dicyano-bis(1,10-phenanthroline) iron(II) complex with lanthanide ions (Ln = Eu(III), Gd(III), Er(III)) provided two different classes of heterometallic cyano-bridged 3d-4f architectures depending on the nature of the counteranion, irrespective of the size of the 4f metal ion. Tetranuclear oligomers with a squared Fe2Ln2 core were isolated when using nitrate salts, whereas unusual 1D polymeric chains were obtained when resorting to triflate salts under the same synthetic conditions. It is shown that the different structural motifs have a remarkable impact on the thermal stability and the optical properties of the compounds, which display a notable optical ipsochromism of the parent Fe(II) complex upon coordination with the Ln ion. This effect is significantly more pronounced in the polymeric chain than in the Fe2Ln2 oligomer both in solution and in the solid state. Structural evidence suggests that this behavior is likely related to the geometry of the CN-Ln bridge. On the other hand, more extended π-stacking interactions in the oligomer give rise to a broad charge-transfer absorption (600–1500 nm), making this compound promising as NIR absorber. Density Functional Theory calculations and electrochemical studies demonstrate that the observed negative chromism originates from the stabilization of a mixed metal/cyanide character HOMO with respect to a phenanthroline-centered LUMO.
Essential Oils Distilled from Colombian Aromatic Plants and Their Constituents as Penetration Enhancers for Transdermal Drug Delivery
Authors: Carreño Heider , Stashenko Elena E. , Escobar Patricia
Published: March 2023

The study aimed to determine the enhanced effects of essential oils (EOs) and plant-derived molecules (PDMs) as penetration enhancers (PEs) for transdermal drug delivery (TDD) of caffeine. A 1% w/w solution of eight EOs and seven PDMs was included in the 1% caffeine carbopol hydrogel. Franz diffusion cell experiments were performed using mice with full-thickness skin. At various times over 24 h, 300 μL of the receptor were withdrawn and replaced with fresh medium. Caffeine was analyzed spectrophotometrically at 272 nm. The skin irritation effects of the hydrogels applied once a day for 21 days were investigated in mice. The steady-state flux (JSS) of the caffeine hydrogel was 30 ± 19.6 µg cm−2 h−1. An increase in caffeine JSS was induced by Lippia origanoides > Turnera diffusa > eugenol > carvacrol > limonene, with values of 150 ± 14.1, 130 ± 47.6, 101 ± 21.7, 90 ± 18.4, and 86 ± 21.0 µg cm−2 h−1, respectively. The Kp of caffeine was 2.8 ± 0.26 cm h−1, almost 2–4 times lower than that induced by Lippia origanoides > Turnera diffusa > limonene > eugenol > carvacrol, with Kp values of 11 ± 1.7, 8.8 ± 4.2, 6.8 ± 1.7, 6.3 ± 1.2, and 5.15 ± 1.0 cm h−1, respectively. No irritating effects were observed. Lippia origanoides, Turnera diffusa, eugenol, carvacrol, and limonene improved caffeine’s skin permeation. These compounds may be as effective as the PE in TDD systems.
Study on Wastewater Demulsification Technology of Crude Oil in Xinjiang Oilfield
Authors: Ma Jingui , Ma Liqiang , Gao Yongdi , Qin Yue , Jiao Zhihao , Guo Ruibo , Hou Junwei
Published: March 2023

The Second Oil Production Plant of Xinjiang Oilfield produces a large amount of highly emulsified crude oil, which has a serious impact on the subsequent oil–water separation. At present, the concentration of demulsifier has increased to 2000 mg/L, but the demulsification effect is still poor. In this paper, the source and physical properties of highly emulsified crude oil are investigated firstly. The results show that highly emulsified crude oil is composed of three kinds of liquid: (1) conventional water flooding (WF); (2) chemical flooding (CF); (3) fracturing backflow fluid (FB). Among them, high zeta potential, low density difference, high viscosity, and small emulsion particles are responsible for the difficulty in the demulsification of the WF emulsion, while the high pH value is the reason why the CF emulsion is difficult to demulsify. Therefore, systematic experiments were implemented to investigate the optimal demulsification approach towards the three liquids above. As for the WF emulsion, it was necessary to raise the temperature to 70 °C and the concentration of the demulsifier to 200 mg/L. Moreover, it was only necessary to add 200 mg/L of demulsifier to break the CF emulsion after adjusting the pH value to 7, while no extra treatments were needed to break the FB emulsion. We hope this study can provide a new insight for the treatment of emulsions in the later stage of oilfield development.
Phytocannabinoids: Chromatographic Screening of Cannabinoids and Loading into Lipid Nanoparticles
Authors: Zielińska Aleksandra , da Ana Raquel , Fonseca Joel , Szalata Milena , Wielgus Karolina , Fathi Faezeh , Oliveira M. Beatriz P. P. , Staszewski Rafał , Karczewski Jacek , Souto Eliana B.
Published: March 2023

Solid Lipid Nanoparticles (SLN) and Nanostructured Lipid Carriers (NLC) are receiving increasing interest as an approach to encapsulate natural extracts to increase the physicochemical stability of bioactives. Cannabis extract-derived cannabidiol (CBD) has potent therapeutic properties, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and neuroprotective properties. In this work, physicochemical characterization was carried out after producing Compritol-based nanoparticles (cSLN or cNLC) loaded with CBD. Then, the determination of the encapsulation efficiency (EE), loading capacity (LC), particle size (Z-Ave), polydispersity index (PDI), and zeta potential were performed. Additionally, the viscoelastic profiles and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) patterns were recorded. As a result, CBD-loaded SLN showed a mean particle size of 217.2 ± 6.5 nm, PDI of 0.273 ± 0.023, and EE of about 74%, while CBD-loaded NLC showed Z-Ave of 158.3 ± 6.6 nm, PDI of 0.325 ± 0.016, and EE of about 70%. The rheological analysis showed that the loss modulus for both lipid nanoparticle formulations was higher than the storage modulus over the applied frequency range of 10 Hz, demonstrating that they are more elastic than viscous. The crystallinity profiles of both CBD-cSLN (90.41%) and CBD-cNLC (40.18%) were determined. It may justify the obtained encapsulation parameters while corroborating the liquid-like character demonstrated in the rheological analysis. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) study confirmed the morphology and shape of the developed nanoparticles. The work has proven that the solid nature and morphology of cSLN/cNLC strengthen these particles’ potential to modify the CBD delivery profile for several biomedical applications.
Dioscorea spp.: Bioactive Compounds and Potential for the Treatment of Inflammatory and Metabolic Diseases
Authors: Wang Zhen , Zhao Shengnan , Tao Siyu , Hou Guige , Zhao Fenglan , Tan Shenpeng , Meng Qingguo
Published: March 2023

Dioscorea spp. belongs to the Dioscoreaceae family, known as “yams”, and contains approximately 600 species with a wide distribution. It is a major food source for millions of people in tropical and subtropical regions. Dioscorea has great medicinal and therapeutic capabilities and is a potential source of bioactive substances for the prevention and treatment of many diseases. In recent years, increasing attention has been paid to the phytochemicals of Dioscorea, such as steroidal saponins, polyphenols, allantoin, and, in particular, polysaccharides and diosgenin. These bioactive compounds possess anti-inflammatory activity and are protective against a variety of inflammatory diseases, such as enteritis, arthritis, dermatitis, acute pancreatitis, and neuroinflammation. In addition, they play an important role in the prevention and treatment of metabolic diseases, including obesity, dyslipidemia, diabetes, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Their mechanisms of action are related to the modulation of a number of key signaling pathways and molecular targets. This review mainly summarizes recent studies on the bioactive compounds of Dioscorea and its treatment of inflammatory and metabolic diseases, and highlights the underlying molecular mechanisms. In conclusion, Dioscorea is a promising source of bioactive components and has the potential to develop novel natural bioactive compounds for the prevention and treatment of inflammatory and metabolic diseases.
Electronic, Optical, Thermoelectric and Elastic Properties of RbxCs1−xPbBr3 Perovskite
Authors: Ouaaka Elmustafa , Aazza Mustapha , Bouymajane Aziz , Cacciola Francesco
Published: March 2023

Inorganic halide perovskites of the type AMX3, where A is an inorganic cation, M is a metal cation, and X is a halide anion, have attracted attention for optoelectronics applications due to their better optical and electronic properties, and stability, under a moist and elevated temperature environment. In this contribution, the electronic, optical, thermoelectric, and elastic properties of cesium lead bromide, CsPbBr3, and Rb-doped CsPbBr3, were evaluated using the density functional theory (DFT). The generalized gradient approximation (GGA) in the scheme of Perdew, Burke, and Ernzerhof (PBE) was employed for the exchange–correlation potential. The calculated value of the lattice parameter is in agreement with the available experimental and theoretical results. According to the electronic property results, as the doping content increases, so does the energy bandgap, which decreases after doping 0.75. These compounds undergo a direct band gap and present an energies gap values of about 1.70 eV (x = 0), 3.76 eV (x = 0.75), and 1.71 eV (x = 1). The optical properties, such as the real and imaginary parts of the dielectric function, the absorption coefficient, optical conductivity, refractive index, and extinction coefficient, were studied. The thermoelectric results show that after raising the temperature to 800 K, the thermal and electrical conductivities of the compound RbxCs1−xPbBr3 increases (x = 0, 0.25, 0.50 and 1). Rb0.75Cs0.25PbBr3 (x = 0.75), which has a large band gap, can work well for applications in the ultraviolet region of the spectrum, such as UV detectors, are potential candidates for solar cells; whereas, CsPbBr3 (x = 0) and RbPbBr3 (x = 1), have a narrow and direct band gap and outstanding absorption power in the visible ultraviolet energy range.
Development and Evaluation of Crocetin-Functionalized Pegylated Magnetite Nanoparticles for Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Ibrahim Sulafa , Baig Badriya , Hisaindee Soleiman , Darwish Hussein , Abdel-Ghany Ashraf , El-Maghraby Hesham , Amin Amr , Greish Yaser
Published: March 2023

Liver cancer remains among the leading causes of cancer-related deaths worldwide. This is due to many reasons, including limitations of available drugs, late diagnosis due to the overlapping symptoms with many other liver diseases, and lack of effective screening modalities. Compared to conventional chemotherapy, targeted drug delivery systems are advantageous in many ways, as they minimize drug resistance and improve therapeutic value for cancer patients. Nanomaterials, in general, and nanoparticles, in particular, possess nm size, which provides a high surface area for a great extent of functionalization to be used for the targeted delivery of cancer drugs. Amongst the different formulations of nanoparticles, magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) have unique chemical and physical characteristics and magnetic behavior, making them preferable candidates as a core for drug delivery systems. To maintain the nanosized structure of MNPs, a polymeric coating is usually applied to maintain the nanoparticles dispersed in the solution. Moreover, the polymeric coating provides a plate form for carrying drug molecules on its surface. In the present study, poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG)-coated MNPs were successfully synthesized, where the optimum concentration of PEG on the surface of the MNPs was investigated. The PEG-coated MNPs were further coated with crocetin at different concentrations. The crocetin-coated pegylated MNPs were evaluated in vitro using a hepatic cell line (HepG2) for up to 72 h. Results showed good release kinetics under acidic and neutral conditions. The optimally prepared drug delivery system showed a high potential for reducing the HepG2 cell proliferation in vitro using an MTT assay. The calculated IC50 for Cro-PEG-MNPs were 0.1019, 0.0903, and 0.0462 mg/mL of 5×, 10× and 20×, respectively.