bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
sFLT1, PlGF, the sFLT1/PlGF Ratio and Their Association with Pre-Eclampsia in Twin Pregnancies—A Review of the Literature
Authors: Sapantzoglou Ioakeim , Rouvali Angeliki , Koutras Antonios , Chatziioannou Maria Ioanna , Prokopakis Ioannis , Fasoulakis Zacharias , Zachariou Eleftherios , Douligeris Athanasios , Mortaki Anastasia , Perros Paraskevas , Ntounis Thomas , Pergialiotis Vasilios , Domali Ekaterini , Athanasiou Stavros , Daskalakis George , Rodolakis Alexandros , Panagopoulos Periklis , Pappa Kalliopi I.
Published: June 2023

Twin pregnancies demonstrate a 2–3-fold higher chance of developing PE compared to singletons, and recent evidence has demonstrated that the sFLT1/PIGF ratio is strongly associated with PE, adverse pregnancy outcomes, as well as imminent deliveries due to PE complications. The primary objective of this systematic review was to summarise the available data on the levels of sFLT1, PlGF and their ratios in twin pregnancies and to investigate their association with the development of PE, adverse pregnancy outcomes and the timing of the delivery. A systematic search of Ovid Embase, Web of Science, Science Direct, PubMed, Ovid Medline, Google Scholar and CINAHL was carried out. sFLT1 levels and the sFLT1/PIGF ratio appeared higher in twins compared to singleton pregnancies, especially in the third trimester, while PlGF levels appeared higher up until the third trimester, with their values showing no difference or being even lower than in singletons thereafter. The sFLT1/PIGF ratio has been reported to be an independent marker of adverse outcomes related to pre-eclampsia and is associated with the mean time until delivery in an inverse manner. Further research is required in order to establish the optimal sFLT1/PIGF cut-off values and to stratify the risk of adverse outcomes in twin pregnancies.
Lithium Production and Recovery Methods: Overview of Lithium Losses
Authors: Marcinov Vladimír , Klimko Jakub , Takáčová Zita , Pirošková Jana , Miškufová Andrea , Sommerfeld Marcus , Dertmann Christian , Friedrich Bernd , Oráč Dušan
Published: June 2023

The objective of this study is to describe primary lithium production and to summarize the methods for combined mechanical and hydrometallurgical recycling of lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). This study also aims to draw attention to the problem of lithium losses, which occur in individual recycling steps. The first step of hydrometallurgical treatment is leaching, which is an effective method capable of transferring over 99% of the present metals to the leach solutions. Extraction of metals after leaching can be conducted using various methods, with precipitation being the most commonly used. The precipitation of other metals can result in the co-precipitation of lithium, causing total lithium losses up to 30%. To prevent such losses, solvent extraction methods are used to selectively remove elements, such as Co, Ni, Al, and Mn. Solvent extraction (SX) is highly effective, reducing the losses to 3% per extraction stage and reducing overall lithium losses to 15%. After the refining, lithium is precipitated as lithium carbonate. High lithium carbonate solubility (1.5 g/L) and high liquid to solid leaching ratios require costly and avoidable operations to be implemented in order to enhance lithium concentration. Therefore, it is suggested that more studies should focus on multistage leaching with lower L/S ratios.
Effect of Heat Treatment on Corrosion and Mechanical Properties of M789 Alloy Fabricated Using DED
Authors: Han Seung-Chang , Chaudry Umer Masood , Cenalmor Sandra Bernardo , Yeon Si Mo , Yoon Jongcheon , Lee Hyub , Kim Kyeongtae , Jun Tea-Sung
Published: June 2023

The directed energy deposition (DED) process offers potential advantages, such as a large building space, limited dilutions, narrow heat-affected zones (HAZ) and potentially improved surface properties. Moreover, heat treatments have been reported to significantly improve the properties of the as-built sample by modifying the microstructure. In this study, the influences of various combinations of heating and cryogenic treatments on the mechanical performance and corrosion resistance of DED M789 steel have been critically investigated. The microstructure and hardness were examined to discuss the characteristics of the M789 parts in the as-printed and heat-treated states. The corrosion rate was determined from the weight loss monitoring based on the seawater immersion condition. The microstructural results revealed the distortion of martensite lattice and the formation of nano-carbide precipitates after the cryogenic treatment. Moreover, the microhardness of the cryogenically treated M789 steel was found to be significantly higher which was attributed to the precipitate strengthening and elimination of retained austenite, resulting from the increased volume fraction of carbides due to cryogenic treatment. The corrosion characteristics were also modified by the heating/cryogenic treatments, and the substrate-to-deposit ratio of the corrosion sample also substantially affected the overall corrosion rate.
Influence of Heat Input on the Microstructure and Impact Toughness in Weld Metal by High-Efficiency Submerged Arc Welding
Authors: Li Jinjian , Hu Bing , Zhao Liyang , Li Fangmin , He Jiangli , Wang Qingfeng , Liu Riping
Published: June 2023

The development of high-efficiency multi-wire submerged arc welding technology in bridge engineering has been limited due to the high mechanical performance standards required. In this paper, weld metal was obtained by welding at three different high heat inputs with the laboratory-developed high-efficiency submerged arc welding wire for bridges. The effect of changing different high heat inputs on the microstructure and impact toughness of high efficiency submerged arc weld metal was systematically investigated by cutting and Charpy V-notch impact tests at −40 °C, using optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive electron spectroscopy, electron backscatter diffraction, and transmission electron microscopy to characterize and analyze. With the increase in heat input from 50 kJ/cm to 100 kJ/cm, the impact absorption energy decreased significantly from 130 J to 38 J. The number of inclusions in the weld metal significantly decreased and the size increased, which led to a significant decrease in the number of inclusions that effectively promote acicular ferrite nucleation, further leading to a decrease in the proportion of acicular ferrite in the weld metal. At the same time, the microstructure of the weld metal was significantly coarsened, the percentage of high-angle grain boundaries was decreased, and the size of martensite/austenite constituents was significantly increased monotonically. The crack initiation energy was reduced by the coarsened martensite/austenite constituents and inclusions, which produced larger local stress concentrations, and the crack propagation was easier due to the coarsened microstructure and lower critical stress for crack instability propagation. The martensite/austenite constituents and inclusions in large sizes worked together to cause premature cleavage fracture of the impact specimen, which significantly deteriorated the impact toughness. The heat input should not exceed 75 kJ/cm for high-efficiency submerged arc welding wires for bridges.
Study of Heat Transfer Strategy of Metal Heating/Conduction Plates for Energy Efficiency of Large-Sized Automotive Glass Molding Process
Authors: Chen Yanyan , Zhang Shengfei , Hu Shunchang , Zhao Yangjing , Zhang Guojun , Cao Yang , Ming Wuyi
Published: June 2023

In recent years, as an important functional material, glass has been widely used in architecture, electronics, optics, and other fields. As an emerging glass processing technology, the glass molding process (GMP) has received widespread attention and research in recent years. In this paper, we study the modeling and analysis of different heat transfer strategies for the energy efficiency of large-sized automotive instrument glass. The heat transfer model of the metal heating plate–conducting plate mold is established, the thermal energy efficiency in the forming process of large automobile glass is analyzed, and the energy efficiency of the mold in the heating stage is compared. The energy consumption per piece generated by the GMP heating device is reduced from 4865.2 to 4668.5 kJ, a reduction of 4.04%. By optimizing the heat flow density, the energy consumption per piece generated by the GMP heating device was reduced from 4865.2 to 4625.5 kJ, a reduction of 4.92%, meeting the sustainable manufacturing requirements.
All-Inorganic CsPbBr3 Perovskite Nanocrystals Synthesized with Olive Oil and Oleylamine at Room Temperature
Authors: Welyab Getachew , Abebe Mulualem , Mani Dhakshnamoorthy , Thankappan Aparna , Thomas Sabu , Aga Fekadu Gochole , Kim Jung Yong
Published: June 2023

Room temperature (RT) synthesis of the ternary cesium lead bromide CsPbBr3 quantum dots with oleic acid and oleylamine ligands was developed by Zeng and coworkers in 2016. In their works, the supersaturated recrystallization (SR) was adopted as a processing method without requiring inert gas and high-temperature injection. However, the oleic acid ligand for haloplumbate is known to be relatively unstable. Hence, in this work, we employed the eco-friendly olive oil to replace the oleic acid portion for the SR process at RT. Resultantly, we found that the cube-shaped nanocrystal has a size of ~40–42 nm and an optical bandgap of ~2.3 eV independent of the surface ligands, but the photoluminescence lifetime (τav) and crystal packing are dependent on the ligand species, e.g., τav = 3.228 ns (olive oil and oleylamine; here less ordered) vs. 1.167 ns (oleic acid and oleylamine). Importantly, we explain the SR mechanism from the viewpoint of the classical LaMer model combined with the solvent engineering technique in details.
Investigation of Physico-Chemical Stability and Aerodynamic Properties of Novel “Nano-in-Micro” Structured Dry Powder Inhaler System
Authors: Party Petra , Ambrus Rita
Published: June 2023

Pulmonary drug transport has numerous benefits. Large surface areas for absorption and limited drug degradation of the gastrointestinal system are provided through the respiratory tract. The administration is painless and easy for the patient. Due to their better stability when compared to liquid formulations, powders have gained popularity among pulmonary formulations. In the pharmaceutical sector, quality assurance and product stability have drawn a lot of attention. Due to this, it was decided to perform a long-term stability study on a previously developed, nanosized dry powder inhaler (DPI) formulation that contained meloxicam. Wet milling was implemented to reduce the particle size, and nano spray-drying was used to produce the extra-fine inhalable particles. The particle diameter was determined using dynamic light scattering and laser diffraction. Scanning electron microscopy was utilized to describe the morphology. X-ray powder diffraction and differential scanning calorimetry were applied to determine the crystallinity. In an artificial lung medium, the in vitro dissolution was studied. The Andersen Cascade Impactor was used to investigate the in vitro aerodynamic characteristics. The stability test results demonstrated that the DPI formulation maintained its essential qualities after 6 and 12 months of storage. Consequently, the product might be promising for further studies and development.
Implementation of Field-Programmable Gate Array Platform for Object Classification Tasks Using Spike-Based Backpropagated Deep Convolutional Spiking Neural Networks
Authors: Kakani Vijay , Li Xingyou , Cui Xuenan , Kim Heetak , Kim Byung-Soo , Kim Hakil
Published: June 2023

This paper investigates the performance of deep convolutional spiking neural networks (DCSNNs) trained using spike-based backpropagation techniques. Specifically, the study examined temporal spike sequence learning via backpropagation (TSSL-BP) and surrogate gradient descent via backpropagation (SGD-BP) as effective techniques for training DCSNNs on the field programmable gate array (FPGA) platform for object classification tasks. The primary objective of this experimental study was twofold: (i) to determine the most effective backpropagation technique, TSSL-BP or SGD-BP, for deeper spiking neural networks (SNNs) with convolution filters across various datasets; and (ii) to assess the feasibility of deploying DCSNNs trained using backpropagation techniques on low-power FPGA for inference, considering potential configuration adjustments and power requirements. The aforementioned objectives will assist in informing researchers and companies in this field regarding the limitations and unique perspectives of deploying DCSNNs on low-power FPGA devices. The study contributions have three main aspects: (i) the design of a low-power FPGA board featuring a deployable DCSNN chip suitable for object classification tasks; (ii) the inference of TSSL-BP and SGD-BP models with novel network architectures on the FPGA board for object classification tasks; and (iii) a comparative evaluation of the selected spike-based backpropagation techniques and the object classification performance of DCSNNs across multiple metrics using both public (MNIST, CIFAR10, KITTI) and private (INHA_ADAS, INHA_KLP) datasets.
A Review on Micro-LED Display Integrating Metasurface Structures
Authors: Liu Zhaoyong , Ren Kailin , Dai Gaoyu , Zhang Jianhua
Published: June 2023

Micro-LED display technology has been considered a promising candidate for near-eye display applications owing to its superior performance, such as having high brightness, high resolution, and high contrast. However, the realization of polarized and high-efficiency light extraction from Micro-LED arrays is still a significant problem to be addressed. Recently, by exploiting the capability of metasurfaces in wavefront modulation, researchers have achieved many excellent results by integrating metasurface structures with Micro-LEDs, including improving the light extraction efficiency, controlling the emission angle to achieve directional emission, and obtaining polarized Micro-LEDs. In this paper, recent progressions on Micro-LEDs integrated with metasurface structures are reviewed in the above three aspects, and the similar applications of metasurface structures in organic LEDs, quantum dot LEDs, and perovskite LEDs are also summarized.
Fabrication and Investigation of Graphite-Flake-Composite-Based Non-Invasive Flex Multi-Functional Force, Acceleration, and Thermal Sensor
Authors: Fatima Noshin , Karimov Khasan S. , Jamaludin Farah Adilah , Ahmad Zubair
Published: June 2023

This work examines the physics of a non-invasive multi-functional elastic thin-film graphite flake–isoprene sulfone composite sensor. The strain design and electrical characterization of the stretching force, acceleration, and temperature were performed. The rub-in technique was used to fabricate graphite flakes and isoprene sulfone into sensors, which were then analyzed for their morphology using methods such as SEM, AFM, X-ray diffraction, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy to examine the device’s surface and structure. Sensor impedance was measured from DC to 200 kHz at up to 20 gf, 20 m/s2, and 26–60 °C. Sensor resistance and impedance to stretching force and acceleration at DC and 200 Hz rose 2.4- and 2.6-fold and 2.01- and 2.06-fold, respectively. Temperature-measuring devices demonstrated 2.65- and 2.8-fold decreases in resistance and impedance at DC and 200 kHz, respectively. First, altering the graphite flake composite particle spacing may modify electronic parameters in the suggested multi-functional sensors under stress and acceleration. Second, the temperature impacts particle and isoprene sulfone properties. Due to their fabrication using an inexpensive deposition technique, these devices are environmentally friendly, are simple to build, and may be used in university research in international poverty-line nations. In scientific laboratories, such devices can be used to teach students how various materials respond to varying environmental circumstances. They may also monitor individuals undergoing physiotherapy and vibrating surfaces in a controlled setting to prevent public health risks.
Research on Laser-Induced Damage Post-Restoration Morphology of Fused Silica and Optimization of Patterned CO2 Laser Repair Strategy
Authors: Shen Xiao , Song Ci , Shi Feng , Tian Ye , Tie Guipeng , Qiao Shuo , Peng Xing , Zhang Wanli , Hou Zhanqiang
Published: June 2023

Fused silica has become the preferred optical material in the field of inertial confinement fusion (ICF) due to its excellent performance; however, these costly optical elements are vulnerable, and their manufacture is time-consuming. Therefore, the restoration of laser-induced damage for these optical elements is of great value. To restrain the post-restoration raised rim problem in the CO2 laser repair process to improve the restoration quality, the separate influences of key parameters of laser power, irradiation duration, and laser beam diameter on post-restoration pit morphology are compared in combined simulation and experimental studies. An optimized, patterned CO2 laser strategy is proposed and verified; the results indicate that, with the strategy, the rim height decreases from 2.6 μm to 1.52 μm, and maximal photo thermal absorption is decreased from 784.2 PPM to 209.43 PPM.
Comparative Assessment of Antimicrobial Efficacy of Seven Surface Disinfectants against Eight Bacterial Strains in Saudi Arabia: An In Vitro Study
Authors: Jalal Naif A. , Al-Atyyani Rozan A. , Al-Said Hamdi M. , Ashgar Sami S. , Faidah Hani , Johargy Ayman K. , Momenah Aiman M. , Barhameen Abeer A. , Hariri Sumyya H. , Bantun Farkad , Qashqari Fadi S. , Khidir Elshiekh B. , Althagafi Mohammed H.
Published: June 2023

Environmental conditions in hospitals facilitate the growth and spread of pathogenic bacteria on surfaces such as floors, bed rails, air ventilation units, and mobile elements. These pathogens may be eliminated with proper disinfecting processes, including the use of appropriate surface disinfectants. In this study, we aimed to evaluate of the antibacterial effects of seven surface disinfectants (HAMAYA, DAC, AJAX, Jif, Mr. MUSCLE, CLOROX, and BACTIL) against eight bacterial strains Klebsiella pneumoniae, Enterobacter aerogenes, Acinetobacter baumannii, Serratia marcescens, Escherichia coli, vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecalis-ATCC 51299, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus-ATCC 43300, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa-ATCC 1544, using two methods. The first was to determine the effective contact time of disinfectant against the tested bacterial strains, and the second was an assessment of the disinfection efficacy of each disinfectant on six types of contaminated surfaces with on a mixture of the eight tested bacterial strains. The results showed the efficacy of the disinfectants against the tested strains depending on the effective contact time. BACTIL disinfectant showed an efficacy of 100% against all tested strains at the end of the first minute of contact time. HAMAYA, DAC, Jif, Mr. MUSCLE, and CLOROX showed 100% efficiency at the end of the fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh, and fourteenth minutes, respectively, while AJAX disinfectant required nineteen minutes of contact time to show 100% efficacy against all tested strains.
Characterisation of Mid-Gestation Amniotic Fluid Cytokine and Bacterial DNA Profiles in Relation to Pregnancy Outcome in a Small Australian Cohort
Authors: Stinson Lisa F. , Berman Yey , Li Shaofu , Keelan Jeffrey A. , Dickinson Jan E. , Doherty Dorota A. , Newnham John P. , Payne Matthew S.
Published: June 2023

A well-established association exists between intrauterine bacteria and preterm birth. This study aimed to explore this further through documenting bacterial and cytokine profiles in Australian mid-gestation amniotic fluid samples from preterm and term births. Samples were collected during amniocenteses. DNA was extracted and the full-length 16S rRNA gene was amplified and sequenced. Levels of the cytokines IL-1β, IL-6, IL-10, TNF-α and MCP-1 were determined using the Milliplex MAGPIX system. Bacterial DNA profiles were low in diversity and richness, with no significant differences observed between term and preterm samples. No differences in the relative abundance of individual OTUs between samples were identified. IL-1β and TNF-α levels were significantly higher in samples containing reads mapping to Sphingomonas sp.; however, this result should be interpreted with caution as similar reads were also identified in extraction controls. IL-6 levels were significantly increased in samples with reads that mapped to Pelomonas sp., whilst TNF-α levels were elevated in fluid samples from pregnancies that subsequently delivered preterm. Bacterial DNA unlikely to have originated from extraction controls was identified in 20/31 (64.5%) mid-gestation amniotic fluid samples. Bacterial DNA profiles, however, were not predictive of preterm birth, and although cytokine levels were elevated in the presence of certain genera, the biological relevance of this remains unknown.
Investigating the Effects of Alltech Crop Science (ACS) Products on Plant Defence against Root-Knot Nematode Infestation
Authors: Pulavarty Anusha , Singh Ankit , Young Kira , Horgan Karina , Kakouli-Duarte Thomais
Published: June 2023

Two formulations of Alltech Crop Science products (ACS), a proprietary blend of fermentation products and plant extracts with micronutrients (ACS5075), and a microbial based product (ACS3048), were tested to understand (1) their impact on the tomato plant immune response and (2) whether they are priming a resistance response in plants against root knot nematodes (RKN). Research findings reported previously indicate that tomato plants pre-treated with ACS5075 and ACS3048 were found less sensitive to Meloidogyne javanica infection. In the current study, the expression of six defence-related genes (PR-1, PR-3, PR-5T, ACO, CAT and JERF 3), relative to a housekeeping gene, were monitored via RT-PCR. Results suggest that the treatment with ACS5075 enhanced ACO and PR-1 gene expression levels, both post- treatment and post-infection with M. javanica. Reduced M. javanica infestation that was reported in the previous study could be attributed to the increased expression of these genes in the ACS5075-treated plants. Tomato plants treated with ACS3048, but without RKN infection, also demonstrated higher levels of ACO and PR-1 gene expression. Subsequently, 2D-gel electrophoresis was performed to study the differential protein expression in leaf tissues of treated tomato plants in an effort to elucidate a possible mechanism of action for these products. Protein spot 1 was identified as ‘disease resistance protein RPP13-like’, protein spot 2 as ‘phosphatidylinositol 4-phosphate 5-kinase 2’, spot 3 as ‘protein SABRE like’ and protein spot 4 as ‘uncharacterized protein’. Overall research findings indicate that the ACS products could be used as plant immunity-boosting agents, as they play a significant role in the expression of certain genes and proteins associated with plant defence.
Antibodies against Borrelia burgdorferi Sensu Lato in Clinically Healthy and Sick Horses: First Report from the Czech Republic
Authors: Kašpárková Nikola , Bártová Eva , Žákovská Alena , Budíková Marie , Sedlák Kamil
Published: June 2023

Lyme disease, caused by some strains of bacterial spirochetes Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato (Bbsl), affects humans but also domestic animals including horses. The primary pathogens in horses in Europe are B. afzelii, B. garinii and B. burgdorferi sensu stricto. To our knowledge, there are no data available on the seropositivity of B. burgdorferi s.l. in horses from the Czech Republic. In this country, horses are mainly used for sport, breeding, and recreational riding in areas where vectors of B. burgdorferi s.l. are present, which is why they are frequently at risk of infection. The aim of the study was to detect anti-borrelia IgM and IgG antibodies in clinically healthy and sick horses from the Czech Republic and to evaluate the risk factors of infection. In total, sera of 262 horses (247 clinically healthy horses and 15 horses hospitalized due to symptoms of encephalitis/meningoencephalitis) were examined by an indirect sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Positivity of B. burgdorferi was 27% (66/247) in clinically healthy horses (21% IgM, 7% IgG and 3% IgM + IgG antibodies) and 20% (3/15) in horses with clinical signs (20% IgM, 7% IgG and 7% IgM + IgG). In the clinically healthy horses, positivity statistically differed (p ≤ 0.05) only in Pony and Warmblood breeds, being the most affected at 32% and 30%, respectively, while other characteristics (sex, age, usage and localities) had no effect on positivity. This is the first survey of antibodies to B. burgdorferi s.l. in Czech horses showing that horses are exposed to ticks infected with B. burgdorferi s.l. This should be taken into account when making differential diagnoses in patients with non-specific symptoms to start with adequate therapy.
Lactobacillus Probiotic Strains Differ in Their Ability to Adhere to Human Lung Epithelial Cells and to Prevent Adhesion of Clinical Isolates of Pseudomonas aeruginosa from Cystic Fibrosis Lung
Authors: Batoni Giovanna , Kaya Esingül , Catelli Elisa , Quinti Sabrina , Botti Matteo , De Carli Alessandro , Bianchi Marta , Maisetta Giuseppantonio , Esin Semih
Published: June 2023

The field of probiotic applications is rapidly expanding, including their use for the control of respiratory tract infections. Nevertheless, probiotics ability to colonize the lung environment and to compete with pulmonary pathogens is still a poorly investigated research area. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the adhesion ability of a number of commercial probiotic strains to the human lung epithelial cell line A549. Furthermore, we assessed probiotic ability to prevent host cell adhesion of one of the major lung pathogens in cystic fibrosis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and to reduce the pathogen-induced inflammatory response of human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) in terms of cytokine release. Lactobacillus acidophilus displayed the highest adhesion ability to A549 cells evaluated as percent of adhered bacteria compared to the inoculum. In agreement with such an observation, L. acidophilus was the most efficient in preventing adhesion to A549 cells of a P. aeruginosa isolate from CF sputum. Three-color fluorescence labeling of A549 cells, P. aeruginosa, and L. acidophilus, and confocal microcopy image analyses revealed a likely exclusion effect played by both live and UV-killed L. acidophilus towards P. aeruginosa. Such results were confirmed by CFU count. When co-cultured with PBMCs, both live and UV-killed L. acidophilus reduced the amount of IL-1β and IL-6 in culture supernatants in a statistically significant manner. Overall, the results obtained point to L. acidophilus as an interesting candidate for further studies for a potential aerogenous administration to control P. aeruginosa infections.
Continued Organic Fertigation after Basal Manure Application Does Not Impact Soil Fungal Communities, Tomato Yield or Soil Fertility
Authors: Marín-Guirao Jose Ignacio , García-García María del Carmen , Martín-Expósito Emilio , de Cara-García Miguel
Published: June 2023

There is currently a limited understanding of the complex response of fungal microbiota diversity to organic fertigation. In this work, a 2-year field trial with organic tomato crops in a soil previously amended with fresh sheep manure was conducted. Two hypotheses were compared: (i) fertigation with organic liquid fertilizers versus (ii) irrigation with water. At the end of both years, soils were analyzed for physical–chemical parameters and mycobiome variables. Plate culture and DNA metabarcoding methods were performed in order to obtain a detailed understanding of soil fungal communities. Fertigation did not increase any of the physical–chemical parameters. Concerning soil fungal communities, differences were only found regarding the identification of biomarkers. The class Leotiomycetes and the family Myxotrichaceae were identified as biomarkers in the soil fungal community analyzed by means of DNA metabarcoding of the “fertigation” treatment at the end of Year 1. The Mortierella genus was detected as a biomarker in the “water” treatment, and Mucor was identified in the “fertigation” treatment in the cultivable soil fungi at the end of Year 2. In both years, tomato yield and fruit quality did not consistently differ between treatments, despite the high cost of the fertilizers added through fertigation.
Gut Microbiota and Critical Metabolites: Potential Target in Preventing Gestational Diabetes Mellitus?
Authors: Hu Runan , Liu Zhuo , Geng Yuli , Huang Yanjing , Li Fan , Dong Haoxu , Ma Wenwen , Song Kunkun , Zhang Mingmin , Song Yufan
Published: June 2023

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is an intractable issue that negatively impacts the quality of pregnancy. The incidence of GDM is on the rise, becoming a major health burden for both mothers and children. However, the specific etiology and pathophysiology of GDM remain unknown. Recently, the importance of gut microbiota and related metabolic molecules has gained prominence. Studies have indicated that women with GDM have significantly distinct gut microbiota and gut metabolites than healthy pregnant women. Given that the metabolic pathways of gut flora and related metabolites have a substantial impact on inflammation, insulin signaling, glucose, and lipid metabolism, and so on, gut microbiota or its metabolites, such as short-chain fatty acids, may play a significant role in both pathogenesis and progression of GDM. Whereas the role of intestinal flora during pregnancy is still in its infancy, this review aims to summarize the effects and mechanisms of gut microbiota and related metabolic molecules involved in GDM, thus providing potential intervention targets.
Preliminary Assessment into the Prevalence and Distribution of Microplastics in North and South Pacific Island Beaches
Authors: Bleszynski Monika , Clark Edward
Published: June 2023

Microplastic pollution has become an increasing danger to marine wildlife and ecosystems worldwide. The continued increase in the production of plastic products has caused microplastic pollution to become more distributed, especially along shorelines. Therefore, to better assess the pervasiveness of microplastics around the Pacific Islands, in this work, we conducted a preliminary investigation into the pervasiveness of microplastics along eight different North and South Pacific Island beaches located in New Zealand and Hawaii. Microplastic prevalence was investigated as a function of beach location, sand type, and microplastic type. Our analysis found that all eight locations contained some level of microplastics, and sheltered fine-grained sand beaches contained the highest level of microplastics, with the largest particle size distribution. In addition, spectroscopy analysis was conducted to assess the plastic type, which showed that nylon and polypropylene were the most common types of microplastics among the tested samples. The results of this study offer a preliminary insight into the microplastic accumulation among different beaches, indicating that sheltered fine-grained beaches and ecosystems may be more susceptible to microplastic accumulation.
Magmatic–Hydrothermal Transport of Metals at Arc Plutonic Roots: Insights from the Ildeus Mafic–Ultramafic Complex, Stanovoy Suture Zone (Russian Far East)
Authors: Kepezhinskas Pavel , Berdnikov Nikolai , Kepezhinskas Nikita , Krutikova Valeria , Astapov Ivan
Published: June 2023

The Ildeus mafic–ultramafic complex represents plutonic roots of a Triassic magmatic arc tectonically emplaced into the thickened uppermost crust beneath the Mesozoic Stanovoy collided margin. The mafic–ultramafic complex cumulates host Ni-Co-Cu-Pt-Ag-Au sulfide-native metal-alloy mineralization produced through magmatic differentiation of subduction-related primary mafic melt. This melt was sourced in the metal-rich sub-arc mantle wedge hybridized by reduced high-temperature H-S-Cl fluids and slab/sediment-derived siliceous melts carrying significant amounts of Pt, W, Au, Ag, Cu and Zn. Plutonic rocks experienced a pervasive later-stage metasomatic upgrade of the primary sulfide–native metal–alloy assemblage in the presence of oxidized hydrothermal fluid enriched in sulfate and chlorine. The new metasomatic assemblage formed in a shallow epithermal environment in the collided crust includes native gold, Ag-Au, Cu-Ag and Cu-Ag-Au alloys, heazlewoodite, digenite, chalcocite, cassiterite, galena, sphalerite, acanthite, composite Cu-Zn-Pb-Fe sulfides, Sb-As-Se sulfosalts and Pb-Ag tellurides. A two-stage model for magmatic–hydrothermal transport of some siderophile (W, Pt, Au) and chalcophile (Cu, Zn, Ag) metals in subduction–collision environments is proposed.
Rare Earth Elements Geochemistry and 234U/238U, 235U/238U Isotope Ratios of the Kanyakumari Beach Placer Deposits: Occurrence and Provenance
Authors: Natarajan Thennaarassan , Inoue Kazumasa , Sahoo Sarata Kumar
Published: June 2023

Geochemical studies of rare earth elements (REEs) as well as major and trace elements were conducted on the beach placer sands from the Kanyakumari coastal region, a well-known high background natural radiation area (HBNRA). For the first time, uranium isotope ratios (234U/238U and 235U/238U) were determined in the study area to investigate the provenance and leaching of U from the beach sands. Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry was used for the measurement of REEs and trace elements whereas thermal ionization mass spectrometry (TIMS) was used for the measurement of U isotope ratios. ∑REEs were found to be in the range of 778.93 to 15,007. 54 µg/g, whereas ∑Light REEs were in the range of 770.58 to 14,860.80 µg/g and ∑Heavy REEs varied from 8.35 to 146.74 µg/g. The enrichment factor showed the LREEs Th and U were extremely enriched in the Kanyakumari beach placer sands. The 235U/238U isotope ratios were similar to the natural terrestrial ratio value. The 234U/238U activity ratio varied from 0.995 to 1.071, and showed the prevailing secular equilibrium among them. The δ238U results could, to some extent, explain the U fractionation and source.
Several Problems in Low-Temperature Thermal History Modeling
Authors: Ding Ruxin
Published: June 2023

Thermal history modeling based on low-temperature thermochronological data is widely used in the study of geology. Despite its common applications, several problems remain easy to ignore yet should not be overlooked in the execution of such models. This paper describes four key problems of thermal history modeling, namely, (1) is the best-fit thermal history the best? (2) Is the date constraint box a suitable constraint? (3) Does the bimodal distribution of the apatite fission track confined track length absolutely correspond to the cooling reheating model? (4) Is the whole thermal history path credible? Counterexamples are then provided to stress the importance of accounting for these problems in the application of thermal history modeling. Acknowledging the uncertainty and considering the geological constraints are recommended to improve the accuracy of thermal history models. Moreover, thermal historical intervals with high credibility and strong constraint ability are recommended to interpret the selected geological phenomenon.
Optimization of Neferine Purification Based on Response Surface Methodology and Its Anti-Metastasis Mechanism on HepG2 Cells
Authors: Wang Xinzhu , Wei Zhenhuan , Hu Po , Xia Weibo , Liao Zhixin , Assani Israa , Yang Guangming , Pan Yang
Published: June 2023

Liver cancer continues to be a focus of scientific research due to its low five-year survival rate. One of its main core issues is the high metastasis of cells, for which there is no effective treatment. Neferine was originally isolated from Plumula nelumbinis and demonstrated to have a good antitumor effect. In order to extract high-purity Neferine in a more efficient and environmentally friendly manner, response surface methodology (RSM) was used to optimize the isolation and purification procedures in this study. The extract conditions of a 7:3 ratio for the eluent of dichloromethane: methanol, 1:60 for the mass ratio of the extract amount: silica gel, and 3 mL/min of the elution flow rate were shown to be the optimal conditions. These conditions resulted in the highest yield of 6.13 mg per 66.60 mg of starting material, with productivity of 8.76% and purity of 87.04%. Compared with the previous methods, this method can prepare Neferine in large quantities more quickly. We subsequently evaluated the antitumor activity of the purified Neferine against HepG2 hepatic cancer cells. The purified Neferine was found to inhibit the proliferation of HepG2 cells through the CCK-8 assay, with an IC50 of 33.80 μM in 24 h, 29.47 μM in 48 h, 24.35 μM in 72 h and 2.78 μM in 96 h of treatment. Neferine at a concentration of 3 μM could significantly inhibit the migration and invasion abilities of the HepG2 cells in vitro. We also explored the mechanism of action of Neferine via Western blot. We showed that Neferine could reduce RhoA expression by effectively inhibiting the phosphorylation of MYPT1, thereby effectively exerting anti-metastasis activity against HepG2 cells. Thus, we have optimized the isolation procedures for highly pure Neferine by response surface methodology (RSM) in this study, and purified Neferine is shown to play an essential role in the anti-metastasis process of liver cancer cells. The Neferine purification procedure may make a wide contribution to the follow-up development of other anti-metastasis lead compounds.
Editorial: Biofunctional Molecule Exploratory Research on Application in Food and Health
Authors: Yap Wei Hsum , Goh Bey Hing
Published: June 2023

Biofunctional molecules with pharmacological activities are reported in various fields of application, including in the pharmaceutical, cosmetics, nutraceuticals, agriculture, and food industries [...]
Salicylic Acid Release from Syndiotactic Polystyrene Staple Fibers
Authors: Covelli Verdiana , Cozzolino Antonietta , Rizzo Paola , Rodriquez Manuela , Vestuto Vincenzo , Bertamino Alessia , Daniel Christophe , Guerra Gaetano
Published: June 2023

Films and fibers of syndiotactic polystyrene (sPS), being amorphous or exhibiting nanoporous crystalline (NC) or dense crystalline phases, were loaded with salicylic acid (SA), a relevant non-volatile antimicrobial molecule. In the first section of the paper, sPS/SA co-crystalline (CC) δ form is characterized, mainly by wide angle X-ray diffraction (WAXD) patterns and polarized Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra. The formation of sPS/SA δ CC phases allows the preparation of sPS fibers even with a high content of the antibacterial guest, which is also retained after repeated washing procedures at 65 °C. A preparation procedure starting from amorphous fibers is particularly appropriate because involves a direct formation of the CC δ form and a simultaneous axial orientation. The possibility of tuning drug amount and release kinetics, by simply selecting suitable crystalline phases of a commercially available polymer, makes sPS fibers possibly useful for many applications. In particular, fibers with δ CC forms, which retain SA molecules in their crystalline phases, could be useful for antimicrobial textiles and fabrics. Fibers with the dense γ form which easily release SA molecules, because they are only included in their amorphous phases, could be used for promising SA-based preparations for antibacterial purposes in food processing and preservation and public health. Finally, using a cell-based assay system and antibacterial tests, we investigated the cellular activity, toxicity and antimicrobial properties of amorphous, δ CC forms and dense γ form of sPS fibers loaded with different contents of SA.
Study on Extraction, Physicochemical Properties, and Bacterio-Static Activity of Polysaccharides from Phellinus linteus
Authors: Gao Nengbin , Zhang Weijia , Hu Dianjie , Lin Guo , Wang Jingxuan , Xue Feng , Wang Qian , Zhao Hongfei , Dou Xin , Zhang Lihong
Published: June 2023

We optimized an ultrasound-assisted extraction process of Phellinus linteus mycelium polysaccharides (PLPs) and studied their monosaccharide composition and bacteriostatic properties. Based on a single-factor experiment, a three-factor, three-level Box–Behnken design was used to optimize the ultrasound-assisted extraction process of PLP, using the yield of PLP as the index. The chemical composition and monosaccharide composition of PLP were determined by chemical analysis and HPLC analysis, respectively. Microscopic morphological analysis of the surface of PLP was performed via swept-surface electron microscopy. The bacteriostatic properties of PLP were determined using the spectrophotometric turbidimetric method. The results showed that the best extraction process of PLP with ultrasonic assistance achieved a result of 1:42 g/mL. In this method, the ultrasonic temperature was 60 °C, ultrasonic extraction was performed for 20 min, and the yield of PLP was 12.98%. The monosaccharide composition of PLP mainly contains glucose (Glc), mannose (Man), galactose (Gal), and glucuronic acid (GlcA). The intracellular polysaccharide of Phellinus igniarius Mycelia (PIP) is an irregular spherical accumulation, the surface is rough and not smooth, and the extracellular polysaccharide (PEP) is a crumbly accumulation. PIP has a stronger inhibitory ability for S. aureus and E. coli and a slightly weaker inhibitory effect for B. subtilis; the inhibitory effect of PEP on S. aureus, E. coli, and B. subtilis is slightly inferior to that of PIP.
Current Sample Preparation Methods and Determination Techniques for the Determination of Phthalic Acid Ester Plasticizers in Edible Oils
Authors: Qi Menghui , Li Yanyan , Zhu Zheng , Du Bin , Chen Di
Published: June 2023

In the process of production, processing, transportation, and storage of edible oils, the oils inevitably come into contact with plastic products. As a result, plasticizers migrate into edible oils, are harmful to human health, and can exhibit reproductive toxicity. Therefore, the determination of plasticizers in edible oils is very important, and a series of sample preparation methods and determination techniques have been developed for the determination of plasticizers in edible oils. Phthalic acid ester (PAE) plasticizers are the most widely used among all plasticizers. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the sample preparation methods and detection techniques reported for the determination of PAEs in edible oils since 2010, focusing on sample preparation methods of edible oils combined with various separation-based analytical techniques, such as gas chromatography (GC) and liquid chromatography (LC) with different detectors. Furthermore, the advantages, disadvantages, and limitations of these techniques as well as the prospective future developments are also discussed.
An AIE-Active NIR Fluorescent Probe with Good Water Solubility for the Detection of Aβ1–42 Aggregates in Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Ji Yan-Ming , Hou Min , Zhou Wei , Ning Zhang-Wei , Zhang Yuan , Xing Guo-Wen
Published: June 2023

Alzheimer’s disease (AD), an amyloid-related disease, seriously endangers the health of elderly individuals. According to current research, its main pathogenic factor is the amyloid protein, which is a kind of fibrillar aggregate formed by noncovalent self-assembly of proteins. Based on the characteristics of aggregation-induced emission (AIE), a bislactosyl-decorated tetraphenylethylene (TPE) molecule TMNL (TPE + malononitrile + lactose), bearing two malononitrile substituents, was designed and synthesized in this work. The amphiphilic TMNL could self-assemble into fluorescent organic nanoparticles (FONs) with near-infrared (NIR) fluorescence emission in physiological PBS (phosphate buffered saline), achieving excellent fluorescent enhancement (47-fold) upon its combination with Aβ1–42 fibrils. TMNL was successfully applied to image Aβ1–42 plaques in the brain tissue of AD transgenic mice, and due to the AIE properties of TMNL, no additional rinsing process was necessary. It is believed that the probe reported in this work should be useful for the sensitive detection and accurate localization mapping of Aβ1–42 aggregates related to Alzheimer’s disease.
Role of Polyphenols from the Aqueous Extract of Aloysia citrodora in the Inhibition of Aflatoxin B1 Synthesis in Aspergillus flavus
Authors: Cadenillas Laura F. , Hernandez Christopher , Bailly Sylviane , Billerach Guillaume , Durrieu Vanessa , Bailly Jean-Denis
Published: June 2023

Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is a mycotoxin considered a potent carcinogen for humans that contaminates a wide range of crops. Various strategies have been established to reduce or block the synthesis of AFB1 in food and feed. The use of aqueous extracts derived from plants with high antioxidant activity has been a subject of study in recent years due to their efficacy in inhibiting AFB1. In this study, we assessed the effect of Aloysia citrodora aqueous extract on Aspergillus flavus growth and on AFB1 production. A bio-guided fractionation followed by High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) and Mass spectrometry analysis of the active fraction were applied to identify the candidate molecules responsible for the dose-effect inhibition of AFB1 synthesis. Our results revealed that polyphenols are the molecules implicated in AFB1 inhibition, achieving almost a total inhibition of the toxin production (99%). We identified luteolin-7-diglucuronide as one of the main constituents in A. citrodora extract, and demonstrated that it is able to inhibit, by itself, AFB1 production by 57%. This is the first study demonstrating the anti-Aflatoxin B1 effect of this molecule, while other polyphenols surely intervene in A. citrodora anti-AFB1 activity.
Physical Properties of E143 Food Dye as a New Organic Semiconductor Nanomaterial
Authors: Alyami Mohammed , Alotibi Satam
Published: June 2023

Organic semiconductors (OSCs) have attracted considerable attention for many promising applications, such as organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs), organic field-effect transistors (OFETs), and organic photovoltaics (OPVs). The present work introduced E143 food dye as a new nanostructured organic semiconductor that has several advantages, such as low cost, easy fabrication, biocompatibility, and unique physical properties. The material was characterized using a transmission electron microscope (TEM), Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and optical absorption spectroscopy. The study of X-ray diffraction (XRD) showed that E143 dye has a monoclinic polycrystalline structure. Electrical and dielectric properties were performed by impedance spectroscopy at frequencies (20 Hz–1 MHz) in the temperature range (303–473 K). The values of interband transitions and activation energy recommended the application of E143 dye as a new organic semiconductor material with promising stability, especially in the range of hot climates such as KSA.