bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Patterns and Characteristics of Midface Fractures in North-Eastern Romania
Authors: Roșu Andrei-Mihail , Severin Florentina , Roșu Oana Cristina , Cobzeanu Bogdan Mihail , Gherasimescu Stefan , Sava Florin Petrică , Palade Dragoș Octavian , Drochioi Cristian Ilie , Costan Victor Vlad , Cobzeanu Mihail Dan
Published: March 2023

Midface fractures are common injuries that are the result of interpersonal violence, traffic accidents, falls, work-related accidents, sports-related accidents, or animal aggression. In the northeastern part of Romania, these injuries are a significant health concern that, if left untreated, may lead to functional and esthetic sequelae. Background and Objectives: This study aims to update the statistical data available to help promote a different lifestyle, with awareness campaigns to prevent aggression, accidents, and domestic violence. Materials and Methods: This research was conducted over five years and included 651 patients of both sexes, with ages between 3 and 95 years, that addressed our center for midface fracture treatment. Results: The authors of this study found that men are more predisposed to fractures of the middle third of the face, with anterior laterofacial fractures being the most common type of fracture. Interpersonal violence was the most incriminated etiology for all midface fractures. Conclusions: The present study regarding midfacial fractures shows similar results compared to the medical literature. These findings could help promote a different lifestyle, with awareness campaigns to prevent aggression, accidents, and domestic violence.
Cholesterol in Class C GPCRs: Role, Relevance, and Localization
Authors: Isu Ugochi H. , Badiee Shadi A , Khodadadi Ehsaneh , Moradi Mahmoud
Published: March 2023

G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs), one of the largest superfamilies of cell-surface receptors, are heptahelical integral membrane proteins that play critical roles in virtually every organ system. G-protein-coupled receptors operate in membranes rich in cholesterol, with an imbalance in cholesterol level within the vicinity of GPCR transmembrane domains affecting the structure and/or function of many GPCRs, a phenomenon that has been linked to several diseases. These effects of cholesterol could result in indirect changes by altering the mechanical properties of the lipid environment or direct changes by binding to specific sites on the protein. There are a number of studies and reviews on how cholesterol modulates class A GPCRs; however, this area of study is yet to be explored for class C GPCRs, which are characterized by a large extracellular region and often form constitutive dimers. This review highlights specific sites of interaction, functions, and structural dynamics involved in the cholesterol recognition of the class C GPCRs. We summarize recent data from some typical family members to explain the effects of membrane cholesterol on the structural features and functions of class C GPCRs and speculate on their corresponding therapeutic potential.
Fabrication of Photo-Responsive Mesh Membrane with Surface-Engineered Wettability for Oil–Water Separation and Photocatalytic Degradation of Organic Pollutants
Authors: Baig Umair , Dastageer Mohamed
Published: March 2023

A photo-responsive TiO2-coated stainless-steel mesh membrane (TiO2@SSM), possessing unique surface wettability, was fabricated. This TiO2@SSM membrane is found to be capable of separating oil and water from oily water and has the potential to carry out photocatalytic self-cleaning and/or the degradation of organic pollutants present in water. The fabrication of TiO2@SSM is quite simple: titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles were spray-coated onto stainless steel microporous mesh (SSM) substrates and annealed at the temperature of 500 °C. The fabricated TiO2@SSM membrane was structurally and morphologically characterized by XRD, FE-SEM, EDX, and elemental mapping. The contact angle measurements using a goniometer showed that the fabricated TiO2@SSM membrane surface is superhydrophilic and superoleophilic in air and superoleophobic under water. This is a favorable wetting condition for the water passing oil–water separation membrane, and this water passing property of the membrane eased the common problem of the fast clogging of the membrane by oil. An oil–water separation efficiency of about 99% was achieved, when the TiO2@SSM membrane was used as the separating medium in the gravity-driven oil–water separation system, unlike the uncoated stainless steel mesh membrane, which allowed both oil and water to pass together. This confirmed that the oil–water separating functionality of the membrane is attributed to TiO2 coating on the stainless steel mesh. The photocatalytic degradation property of the TiO2@SSM membrane is an added advantage, where the membrane can be potentially used for self-cleaning of the membrane’s surface and/or for water purification.
Effects of Compression and Porosity Gradients on Two-Phase Behavior in Gas Diffusion Layer of Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells
Authors: Wang Hao , Yang Guogang , Shen Qiuwan , Li Shian , Su Fengmin , Jiang Ziheng , Liao Jiadong , Zhang Guoling , Sun Juncai
Published: March 2023

Water management within the gas diffusion layer (GDL) plays an important role in the performance of the proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) and its reliability. The compression of the gas diffusion layer during fabrication and assembly has a significant impact on the mass transport, and the porosity gradient design of the gas diffusion layer is an essential way to improve water management. In this paper, the two-dimensional lattice Boltzmann method (LBM) is applied to investigate the two-phase behavior in gas diffusion layers with different porosity gradients under compression. Compression results in an increase in flow resistance below the ribs, prompting the appearance of the flow path of liquid water below the channel, and liquid water breaks through to the channel more quickly. GDLs with linear, multilayer, and inverted V-shaped porosity distributions with an overall porosity of 0.78 are generated to evaluate the effect of porosity gradients on the liquid water transport. The liquid water saturation values within the linear and multilayer GDLs are significantly reduced compared to that of the GDL with uniform porosity, but the liquid water within the inverted V-shaped GDL accumulates in the middle region and is more likely to cause flooding.
Effect of Yttrium Doping on Glass-Forming Ability, Thermal Stability, and Corrosion Resistance of Zr50.7Cu28Ni9Al12.3 Bulk Metallic Glass
Authors: Zhou Yuzhao , Zhao Ling , Qu Yuwei , Hu Liwei , Qi Li , Qu Fengsheng , He Shixiong , Liu Xue
Published: March 2023

Metallic glasses (MGs) possess excellent corrosion resistance due to their amorphous nature. Zr-Cu-Ni-Al is one of the most investigated metallic glass (MG) systems due to its excellent corrosion resistance, relatively low cost, and nontoxic qualities. Yet the application of the Zr-Cu-Ni-Al MGs is still limited by its glass forming ability (GFA). It has been found that the doping of yttrium can purify the Zr-Cu-Ni-Al melt and increase GFA. However, research on the yttrium doping’s corrosion resistance is still lacking. In the present work, (Zr50.7Cu28Ni9Al12.3)100−xYx (x = 0 (Y0), 1 (Y1), 2 (Y2), 3 (Y3)) alloys were prepared, and the effects of the yttrium doping on the thermodynamic parameters, crystallization activation energy, and corrosion resistance were studied. It was found that the doping of yttrium can improve the GFA and the crystallization-activation energy of the Zr50.7Cu28Ni9Al12.3 MG. The largest GFA is obtained when the yttrium-doping content reaches 2 at.%. The parameter γ is found to be most suitable for the GFA evaluation of the (Zr50.7Cu28Ni9Al12.3)100−xYx alloy system. Y2 alloy exhibits the best corrosion resistance among the Y0–Y3 alloys according to the potentiodynamic polarization results. The simultaneous increase of the GFA, thermal stability, and corrosion resistance was achieved in the Zr50.7Cu28Ni9Al12.3 MG by proper yttrium doping.
Twinning in Hexagonal Close-Packed Materials: The Role of Phase Transformation
Authors: Zahiri Amir Hassan , Ombogo Jamie , Lotfpour Mehrab , Cao Lei
Published: March 2023

Twinning is a major mechanism of plastic deformation in hexagonal close-packed (hcp) structures. However, a mechanistic understanding of twin nucleation and growth has yet to be established. This paper reviews the recent progress in the understanding of twinning in hcp materials—particularly the newly discovered phase transformation-mediated twinning mechanisms—in terms of crystallographical analysis, theoretical mechanics calculations, and numerical simulations. Moreover, the relationship between phase transformation-mediated twinning mechanisms and twinning dislocations are presented, forming a unified understanding of deformation twinning. Finally, this paper also reviews the recent studies on transformation twins that are formed in hcp martensite microstructures after various phase transformations, highlighting the critical role of the mechanical loading in engineering a transformation twin microstructure.
Literature Review on Thermomechanical Modelling and Analysis of Residual Stress Effects in Wire Arc Additive Manufacturing
Authors: Gurmesa Fakada Dabalo , Lemu Hirpa Gelgele
Published: March 2023

The wire arc additive manufacturing (WAAM) process is a 3D metal-printing technique that builds components by depositing beads of molten metal wire pool in a layer-by-layer style. Even though manufactured parts commonly suffer from defects, the search to minimize defects in the product is a continuing process, for instance, using modeling techniques. In areas where thermal energy is involved, thermomechanical modeling is one of the methods used to determine the input thermal load and its effect on the products. In the WAAM fabrication process, the thermal load is the most significant cause of residual stress due to the extension and shrinkage of the molten pool. This review article explores the thermomechanical effect and stress existing in WAAM-fabricated parts due to the thermal cycles and other parameters in the process. It focuses on thermomechanical modeling and analysis of residual stress, which has interdependence with the thermal cycle, mechanical response, and residual stress in the process during printing. This review also explores some methods for measuring and minimizing the residual stress during and after the printing process. Residual stress and distortion associated with many input and process parameters that are in complement to thermal cycles in the process are discussed. This review study concludes that the thermal dependency of material characterization and process integration for WAAM to produce structurally sound and defect-free parts remain central issues for future research.
Uncertainty Analysis of Ultimate Strength for Spherical Shells Subjected to External Pressure
Authors: Zhan Ming , Ding Chao , Zhang Jian , Zheng Lingtong , Wang Lihui
Published: March 2023

To evaluate the stochastic characteristics of ultimate strength for spherical shells subjected to external pressure, uncertainty analysis is conducted in this study. Experimental measurements and result analysis of dimensions, as well as ultimate strength, are performed. The basic theories of the surrogate model and probability-box method for ultimate strength are introduced briefly. Uncertainty analysis of ultimate strength is completed utilizing double-nested random sampling based on the established Gaussian process model with high precision, and the results are compared with the experimental findings. The results show that the experimental empirical cumulative distribution function is contained in the probability-box obtained while considering the influence of welding, and the absolute errors of the mean value, as well as those of the standard deviation, are much smaller. The study verified that the influence of welding cannot be ignored, and the prediction of ultimate strength, considering uncertainties, can eliminate the occasionalities of simulations and experimental tests.
Saliva Metabolomic Profile in Dental Medicine Research: A Narrative Review
Authors: Tzimas Konstantinos , Pappa Eftychia
Published: March 2023

Metabolomic research tends to increase in popularity over the years, leading to the identification of new biomarkers related to specific health disorders. Saliva is one of the most newly introduced and systematically developed biofluids in the human body that can serve as an informative substance in the metabolomic profiling armamentarium. This review aims to analyze the current knowledge regarding the human salivary metabolome, its alterations due to physiological, environmental and external factors, as well as the limitations and drawbacks presented in the most recent research conducted, focusing on pre—analytical and analytical workflows. Furthermore, the use of the saliva metabolomic profile as a promising biomarker for several oral pathologies, such as oral cancer and periodontitis will be investigated.
Capsicum baccatum Red Pepper Prevents Cardiometabolic Risk in Rats Fed with an Ultra-Processed Diet
Authors: Zimmer Aline Rigon , Leonardi Bianca Franco , Zimmer Eduardo Rigon , Muller Alexandre Pastoris , Gosmann Grace , Valmor Cruz Portela Luis
Published: March 2023

Metabolic syndrome is a serious health condition reaching epidemic proportions worldwide and is closely linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular problems. The lack of appropriate treatment paves the way for developing new therapeutic agents as a high priority in the current research. In this study, we evaluated the protective effects of Capsicum baccatum red pepper on metabolic syndrome scenarios induced by an ultra-processed diet in rats. After four months, the ultra-processed diet increased central obesity, triglycerides, total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol plasma levels, and impaired glucose tolerance. The oral administration of C. baccatum concomitantly with the ultra-processed diet avoided the accumulation of adipose tissue in the visceral region, reduced the total cholesterol and LDL fraction, and improved glucose homeostasis, factors commonly associated with metabolic syndrome. The data presented herein reveal an important preventive action of C. baccatum in developing metabolic disorders among animals fed a hypercaloric diet, significantly reducing their cardiometabolic risk. Allied with the absence of toxic effects after chronic use, our study suggests C. baccatum red pepper as a secure and enriched source of bioactive compounds promising to protect against pathological processes associated with metabolic syndrome.
Surface Cleanliness Maintenance with Laminar Flow Based on the Characteristics of Laser-Induced Sputtering Particles in High-Power Laser Systems
Authors: Peng Ge , Gao Qiang , Dong Zhe , Liang Lingxi , Chen Jiaxuan , Zhu Chengyu , Zhang Peng , Lu Lihua
Published: March 2023

In high-power laser systems, the primary cause of contamination of optical components and degradation of spatial cleanliness is laser-induced sputtering of particles. To mitigate this problem, laminar flow is frequently utilized to control the direction and transport of these particles. This study characterizes the properties of laser-induced sputtering particles, including their flying trend, diameter range, and velocity distribution at varying time intervals. A time-resolved imaging method was employed to damage the rear surface of fused silica using a 355 nm Nd: YAG pump laser. The efficacy of laminar flow in controlling these particles was then assessed, with a particular focus on the influence of laminar flow direction, laminar flow velocity, particle flight height, and particle diameter. Our results indicate that the optimal laminar flow velocity for preventing particle invasion is highly dependent on the maximum particle attenuation distance (or safety distance), which can vary by up to two orders of magnitude. Furthermore, a laminar flow velocity of 0.5 m/s can effectively prevent particle sedimentation. Future research will aim to optimize laminar flow systems based on these findings to achieve high surface cleanliness in high-power laser systems with minimal energy consumption.
Study on ESD Protection Circuit by TCAD Simulation and TLP Experiment
Authors: Li Fuxing , Chai Changchun , Liu Yuqian , Song Yanxing , Wang Lei , Yang Yintang
Published: March 2023

The anti-ESD characteristic of the electronic system is paid more and more attention. Moreover, the on-chip electrostatic discharge (ESD) is necessary for integrated circuits to prevent ESD failures. In this paper, the mixed TCAD model of the ESD protection circuit is built and simulated, and the negative transmission line pulse (TLP) injection damage experiment is carried out on the CD4069UBC chip. The circuit model consists of three-dimensional shallow trench isolation (STI) diode TCAD models and a three-dimensional multi-gate Complementary Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor (CMOS) inverter TCAD model. Moreover, the TCAD modeling is based on a 0.25 μm technology node. Through the transient simulation of the electrothermal coupling, the electrical signal of the input and output nodes of the circuit and the distribution of the electrothermal parameters in the device are obtained. Moreover, by analyzing the simulation results, the physical phenomena and the mechanisms of interference and damage mechanism during TLP injection are explained. The location and type of diode damage in the TLP injection simulation results of the circuit model are consistent with the TLP experiment damage results. The proposed ESD protection circuit model and analysis method are beneficial to ESD robustness prediction and ESD soft damage analysis of IC.
Multi-Depth Computer-Generated Hologram Based on Stochastic Gradient Descent Algorithm with Weighted Complex Loss Function and Masked Diffraction
Authors: Quan Jiale , Yan Binbin , Sang Xinzhu , Zhong Chongli , Li Hui , Qin Xiujuan , Xiao Rui , Sun Zhi , Dong Yu , Zhang Huming
Published: March 2023

In this paper, we propose a method to generate multi-depth phase-only holograms using stochastic gradient descent (SGD) algorithm with weighted complex loss function and masked multi-layer diffraction. The 3D scene can be represented by a combination of layers in different depths. In the wave propagation procedure of multiple layers in different depths, the complex amplitude of layers in different depths will gradually diffuse and produce occlusion at another layer. To solve this occlusion problem, a mask is used in the process of layers diffracting. Whether it is forward wave propagation or backward wave propagation of layers, the mask can reduce the occlusion problem between different layers. Otherwise, weighted complex loss function is implemented in the gradient descent optimization process, which analyzes the real part, the imaginary part, and the amplitude part of the focus region between the reconstructed images of the hologram and the target images. The weight parameter is used to adjust the ratio of the amplitude loss of the focus region in the whole loss function. The weight amplitude loss part in weighted complex loss function can decrease the interference of the focus region from the defocus region. The simulations and experiments have validated the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Photodetection Enhancement via Graphene Oxide Deposition on Poly 3-Methyl Aniline
Authors: Elsayed Asmaa M. , Alkallas Fatemah H. , Ben Gouider Trabelsi Amira , AlFaify Salem , Shkir Mohd , Alrebdi Tahani A. , Almugren Kholoud S. , Kusmatsev Feodor V. , Rabia Mohamed
Published: March 2023

A graphene oxide (GO)/poly 3-methyl aniline (P3MA) photodetector has been developed for light detection in a broad optical region: UV, Vis, and IR. The 3-methyl aniline was initially synthesized via radical polymerization using an acid medium, i.e., K2S2O8 oxidant. Consequently, the GO/P3MA composite was obtained through the adsorption of GO into the surface of P3MA. The chemical structure and optical properties of the prepared materials have been illustrated via XRD, FTIR, SEM, and TEM analysis. The absorbance measurements demonstrate good optical properties in the UV, Vis, and near-IR regions, although a decrease in the bandgap from 2.4 to 1.6 eV after the composite formation was located. The current density (Jph) varies between 0.29 and 0.68 mA·cm−2 (at 2.0 V) under dark and light, respectively. The photodetector has been tested using on/off chopped light at a low potential, in which the produced Jph values decrease from 0.14 to 0.04 µA·cm−2, respectively. The GO/P3MA photodetector exhibits excellent R (and D) values of 4 and 2.7 mA·W−1 (0.90 × 109 and 0.60 × 109 Jones) in the UV (340 nm) and IR (730 nm) regions, respectively. The R and D values obtained here make the prepared photodetector a promising candidate for future light detection instruments.
An On-Chip Bandpass Filter Using Complementary Slit-Ring-Resonator-Loaded Spoof Surface Plasmon Polaritons with a Flexible Notch-Band
Authors: Cao Xin , Wang Chenyi , Li Weiping , Cai Qiangming
Published: March 2023

In this paper, an on-chip bandpass filter with enhanced notch-band is proposed based on the artificial spoof surface plasmon polariton (SSPP) structure around 60 GHz. The shapes of the tabs are modified to incorporate complementary slit-ring resonators (CSRRs) between tabs. The passband is produced by the first higher mode of the SSPP structure. By adding CSRRs, two notch frequencies have been produced in the passband. The advantage of the proposed structure is that these two transmission zeros are almost independent of each other and they do not have much impact on the frequency of the passband. Based on the measured results, the proposed filter has an insertion loss of 2.6 dB with the bandwidth of 14.3 GHz. The return loss is better than 12 dB. The notch-band has a bandwidth of 3.3 GHz with a suppression level over 20 dB. The proposed filter can be applied in the shared millimeter waveband of 5G communication systems.
Alterations of Vaginal Microbiota and Chlamydia trachomatis as Crucial Co-Causative Factors in Cervical Cancer Genesis Procured by HPV
Authors: Gargiulo Isacco Ciro , Balzanelli Mario G. , Garzone Stefania , Lorusso Mara , Inchingolo Francesco , Nguyen Kieu C. D. , Santacroce Luigi , Mosca Adriana , Del Prete Raffaele
Published: March 2023

Chlamydia trachomatis and human papillomavirus (HPV) are the most common pathogens found in sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and both are known to increase the risk of cervical cancer (CC) and infertility. HPV is extremely common worldwide, and scientists use it to distinguish between low-risk and high-risk genotypes. In addition, HPV transmission can occur via simple contact in the genital area. From 50 to 80% of sexually active individuals become infected with both C. trachomatis and HPV viruses during their lifetime, and up to 50% become infected with an HPV oncogenic genotype. The natural history of this coinfection is strongly conditioned by the balance between the host microbiome and immune condition and the infecting agent. Though the infection often regresses, it tends to persist throughout adult life asymptomatically and silently. The partnership between HPV and C. trachomatis is basically due to their similarities: common transmission routes, reciprocal advantages, and the same risk factors. C. trachomatis is a Gram-negative bacteria, similar to HPV, and an intracellular bacterium, which shows a unique biphasic development that helps the latter continue its steady progression into the host throughout the entire life. Indeed, depending on the individual’s immune condition, the C. trachomatis infection tends to migrate toward the upper genital tract and spread to the uterus, and the fallopian tubes open up a pathway to HPV invasion. In addition, most HPV and C. trachomatis infections related to the female genital tract are facilitated by the decay of the first line of defense in the vaginal environment, which is constituted by a healthy vaginal microbiome that is characterized by a net equilibrium of all its components. Thus, the aim of this paper was to highlight the complexity and fragility of the vaginal microenvironment and accentuate the fundamental role of all elements and systems involved, including the Lactobacillus strains (Lactobacillus gasseri, Lactobacillus jensenii, Lactobacillus crispatus) and the immune–endocrine system, in preserving it from oncogenic mutation. Therefore, age, diet, and genetic predisposition together with an unspecific, persistent low-grade inflammatory state were found to be implicated in a high frequency and severity grade of disease, potentially resulting in pre-cancerous and cancerous cervical lesions.
Editorial for the Special Issue “Antimicrobial Resistance and Genetic Elements in Bacteria”
Authors: Scrascia Maria , Calia Carla , Pazzani Carlo
Published: March 2023

Throughout human history, bacterial infections have been an omnipresent threat, which have, on occasion, resulted in devastating pandemics affecting humanity [...]
The Corrosion Effect of Fly Ash from Biomass Combustion on Andalusite Refractory Materials
Authors: Vlček Jozef , Ovčačíková Hana , Velička Marek , Topinková Michaela , Burda Jiří , Matějková Petra
Published: March 2023

The main problem affecting the life of refractory linings in furnaces is alkaline corrosion formed during biomass combustion, especially in systems with SiO2–Al2O3. This corrosion effect is very intensive compared to using conventional technologies designed for burning traditional fuels. This study focuses on the development of a new type of andalusite refractory material with a higher corrosion resistance to K2CO3 and fly ash after biomass combustion. The original andalusite refractory material is labeled A60PT0, with an oxide content of 60 wt.% Al2O3 and 37 wt.% SiO2, a compressive strength parameter of 64 MPa, and an apparent porosity of 15%. In the experiment, four mixtures (labeled A60PT1–A60PT4) were modified primarily using the raw materials and granulometry. The fly ash was characterized by an X-ray diffraction analysis with the following phases: quartz, calcite, microcline, leucite, portlandite, and hematite. According to the X-ray fluorescence analysis, the samples contained the following oxides: 47 wt.% CaO, 12 wt.% K2O, 4.6 wt.% SiO2, 3.5 wt.% MgO, and some minority oxides such as P2O5, MgO, MnO, and Fe2O3 between 2 and 5 %. The tendency for slagging/fouling of the ash was determined with the help of the indexes B/A, TA, Kt, and Fu. The final material was a shaped andalusite refractory material labeled A60PT4 with a content of 65 wt.% Al2O3 and 36 wt.% SiO2. The properties of the andalusite material were a compressive strength of 106.9 MPa, an apparent porosity of 13%, and the recommended temperature of use up to 1300 °C. For corrosion testing, a static crucible test was performed according to the norm ČSN CEN/TS 15418 and the company’s internal regulation. The exposure time of the samples was 2 h and 5 h at temperatures of 1100 °C and 1400 °C for K2CO3 and ash, respectively. For the evaluation of tested samples, an X-ray powder differential analysis, an X-ray fluorescence analysis, scanning electron microscopy, and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy were used.
Improvement of Carbon Dioxide Sequestration of Anorthite through Bacterial: Release of Calcium and Destruction of Crystal Structure
Authors: Chang Chengbing , Zhang Lei , Guo Jianying , Wen Quanbao , Liu Shengyu
Published: March 2023

Carbon dioxide sequestration by minerals containing calcium or magnesium is a safe and stable approach to reduce the concentration of CO2 in the atmosphere. In this work, the bioleaching method was applied to pretreat the anorthite, aiming to improve the carbonation conversion rate of anorthite with low energy consumption, low cost, and no pollution. A bacteria named Herbaspirillum huttiense W-01 was found and selected as the strain. The effects of the bacterial strain on the Ca2+ leaching behavior of anorthite and the corresponding carbonation conversion rate were investigated. Then, the strengthening mechanism of the bacteria was clarified from the Ca2+ leaching rate and the crystal structure of anorthite. The bioleaching results showed that after 9 days of treatment, the pH value of the fermentation solution decreased to 6.01 from 7.20, and the concentration of Ca2+ was 8.1 mmol/L with a 4.65% leaching rate, which was about twice that of sterile medium. During the pretreatment period of one to 9 days, the carbonation conversion rate of different systems (A1: anorthite and bacteria, B1: anorthite and medium, C1: anorthite and distilled water, D1: anorthite and bacteria, cleaning step to remove the medium components) increased with time. After 9 days, the carbonation conversion rate of system D1 reached 18.74%, which was 3.46% higher than that of system C1, suggesting a better carbon sequestration effect of anorthite after the bioleaching pretreatment. In addition, a bioleaching residue with weakened thermal stability and decreased crystallinity was formed after the microbial pretreatment. Furthermore, it can be seen that the surface of the bioleaching residue was rough and showed obvious corrosion at the edges, and the specific surface area increased from 0.5187 m2/g to 0.9883 m2/g. It is precisely because of the changes in the crystal structure of anorthite caused by bioleaching, especially in mineralogy and morphology, that the carbonation activity of anorthite was enhanced. This research may provide a reference for the enhancement of carbon dioxide mineralization by basic or ultrabasic rocks through microbial methods.
Development of a Rapid LC-MS/MS Method for Simultaneous Quantification of Donepezil and Tadalafil in Rat Plasma: Its Application in a Pharmacokinetic Interaction Study after Oral Administration in Rats
Authors: Yoon Jiyoung , Choi Doowon , Shim Wang-Seob , Choi Sanghee , Choi Yeo Jin , Paik Soo-Heui , Lee Kyung-Tae
Published: March 2023

This study aimed to establish a simple and sensitive analytical method to simultaneously quantify donepezil (DPZ) and tadalafil (TAD) in rat plasma using lansoprazole (LPZ) as an internal standard (IS) by using liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry. The fragmentation pattern of DPZ, TAD, and IS was elucidated using multiple reaction monitoring in electrospray ionization positive ion mode for the quantification of precursor to production at m/z 380.1 → 91.2 for DPZ, m/z 390.2 → 268.1 for TAD, and m/z 370.3 → 252.0 for LPZ. The extracted DPZ and TAD from plasma using acetonitrile-induced protein precipitation was separated using Kinetex C18 (100 × 2.1 mm, 2.6 µm) column with a gradient mobile phase system consisting of 2 mM ammonium acetate and 0.1% formic acid in acetonitrile at a flow rate of 0.25 mL/min for 4 min. The selectivity, lower limit of quantification, linearity, precision, accuracy, stability, recovery, and matrix effect of this developed method was validated according to the guidelines of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety of Korea. The established method achieved acceptance criteria in all validation parameters, ensuring reliability, reproducibility, and accuracy, and was successfully implemented in a pharmacokinetic study on the co-administration of DPZ and TAD orally in rats.
Development of an HPLC-PDA Method for the Determination of Capsanthin, Zeaxanthin, Lutein, β-Cryptoxanthin and β-Carotene Simultaneously in Chili Peppers and Products
Authors: Xu Jiayue , Lin Jialu , Peng Sijia , Zhao Haoda , Wang Yongtao , Rao Lei , Liao Xiaojun , Zhao Liang
Published: March 2023

For the better standardization and widespread application of the determination method of carotenoids in both chili peppers and their products, this work reports for the first time the simultaneous determination of five main carotenoids, including capsanthin, zeaxanthin, lutein, β-cryptoxanthin and β-carotene in chili peppers and their products, with optimized extraction and the high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method. All parameters in the methodological evaluation were found to be in good stability, recovery and accuracy compliance with the reference values; the R coefficients for the calibration curves were more than 0.998; and the LODs and LOQs varied from 0.020 to 0.063 and from 0.067 to 0.209 mg/L, respectively. The characterization of five carotenoids in chili peppers and their products passed all the required validation criteria. The method was applied in the determination of carotenoids in nine fresh chili peppers and seven chili pepper products.
Engineered Graphene Quantum Dots as a Magnetic Resonance Signal Amplifier for Biomedical Imaging
Authors: Li Zhongtao , Qi Guiqiang , Shi Guangyue , Zhang Meng , Hu Haifeng , Hao Liguo
Published: March 2023

The application of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) nano-contrast agents (nano-CAs) has increasingly attracted scholarly interest owing to their size, surface chemistry, and stability. Herein, a novel T1 nano-CA (Gd(DTPA)−GQDs) was successfully prepared through the functionalization of graphene quantum dots with poly(ethylene glycol) bis(amine) and their subsequent incorporation into Gd-DTPA. Remarkably, the resultant as-prepared nano-CA displayed an exceptionally high longitudinal proton relaxivity (r1) of 10.90 mM−1 s−1 (R2 = 0.998), which was significantly higher than that of commercial Gd-DTPA (4.18 mM−1 s−1, R2 = 0.996). The cytotoxicity studies indicated that the Gd(DTPA)−GQDs were not cytotoxic by themselves. The results of the hemolysis assay and the in vivo safety evaluation demonstrate the outstanding biocompatibility of Gd(DTPA)−GQDs. The in vivo MRI study provides evidence that Gd(DTPA)−GQDs exhibit exceptional performance as T1-CAs. This research constitutes a viable approach for the development of multiple potential nano-CAs with high-performance MR imaging capabilities.
Sulphur vs NH Group: Effects on the CO2 Electroreduction Capability of Phenylenediamine-Cp Cobalt Complexes
Authors: Melis Nicola , Mocci Francesca , Vacca Annalisa , Pilia Luca
Published: March 2023

The cobalt complex (I) with cyclopentadienyl and 2-aminothiophenolate ligands was investigated as a homogeneous catalyst for electrochemical CO2 reduction. By comparing its behavior with an analogous complex with the phenylenediamine (II), the effect of sulfur atom as a substituent has been evaluated. As a result, a positive shift of the reduction potential and the reversibility of the corresponding redox process have been observed, also suggesting a higher stability of the compound with sulfur. Under anhydrous conditions, complex I showed a higher current enhancement in the presence of CO2 (9.41) in comparison with II (4.12). Moreover, the presence of only one -NH group in I explained the difference in the observed increases on the catalytic activity toward CO2 due to the presence of water, with current enhancements of 22.73 and 24.40 for I and II, respectively. DFT calculations confirmed the effect of sulfur on the lowering of the energy of the frontier orbitals of I, highlighted by electrochemical measurements. Furthermore, the condensed Fukui function f − values agreed very well with the current enhancement observed in the absence of water.
The Effect of the Plant Stabilisation Method on the Composition and Antioxidant Properties of Elderflower (Sambucus nigra L.) Extract
Authors: Tabaszewska Małgorzata , Sikora Elżbieta
Published: March 2023

Elderflower extracts are known to be a source of valuable substances that show a wide spectrum of biological activity, including antibacterial and antiviral properties, which demonstrate a degree of effectiveness against SARS CoV-2. In this work, the influence of fresh inflorescence stabilisation methods (freezing, air drying, and lyophilisation) and extraction parameters on the composition and antioxidant properties of the extracts were studied. Wild elderflower plants growing in the Małopolska Region of Poland were studied. Antioxidant activities were evaluated by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl free radical-scavenging ability and ferric-reducing antioxidant power assays. The total phenolic content was determined using the Folin-Ciocalteu method and the phytochemical profile of the extracts was analysed using HPLC. The obtained results showed that the best method for the stabilisation of elderflower was lyophilisation, and the determined optimal maceration parameters were 60% methanol as a solvent and a process time of 1–2 days.
The Chemopreventive Effects of Chlorogenic Acids, Phenolic Compounds in Coffee, against Inflammation, Cancer, and Neurological Diseases
Authors: Murai Toshiyuki , Matsuda Satoru
Published: March 2023

Coffee is one of the most widely consumed beverages, which has several effects on the human body. In particular, current evidence suggests that coffee consumption is associated with a reduced risk of inflammation, various types of cancers, and certain neurodegenerative diseases. Among the various constituents of coffee, phenolic phytochemicals, more specifically chlorogenic acids, are the most abundant, and there have been many attempts to utilize coffee chlorogenic acid for cancer prevention and therapy. Due to its beneficial biological effect on the human body, coffee is regarded as a functional food. In this review article, we summarize the recent advances and knowledge on the association of phytochemicals contained in coffee as nutraceuticals, with a particular focus on phenolic compounds, their intake, and nutritional biomarkers, with the reduction of disease risk, including inflammation, cancer, and neurological diseases.
In Silico Exploration of Microtubule Agent Griseofulvin and Its Derivatives Interactions with Different Human β-Tubulin Isotypes
Authors: Aris Parisa , Mohamadzadeh Masoud , Kruglikov Alibek , Askari Rad Mahbubeh , Xia Xuhua
Published: March 2023

Tubulin isotypes are known to regulate microtubule stability and dynamics, as well as to play a role in the development of resistance to microtubule-targeted cancer drugs. Griseofulvin is known to disrupt cell microtubule dynamics and cause cell death in cancer cells through binding to tubulin protein at the taxol site. However, the detailed binding mode involved molecular interactions, and binding affinities with different human β-tubulin isotypes are not well understood. Here, the binding affinities of human β-tubulin isotypes with griseofulvin and its derivatives were investigated using molecular docking, molecular dynamics simulation, and binding energy calculations. Multiple sequence analysis shows that the amino acid sequences are different in the griseofulvin binding pocket of βI isotypes. However, no differences were observed at the griseofulvin binding pocket of other β-tubulin isotypes. Our molecular docking results show the favorable interaction and significant affinity of griseofulvin and its derivatives toward human β-tubulin isotypes. Further, molecular dynamics simulation results show the structural stability of most β-tubulin isotypes upon binding to the G1 derivative. Taxol is an effective drug in breast cancer, but resistance to it is known. Modern anticancer treatments use a combination of multiple drugs to alleviate the problem of cancer cells resistance to chemotherapy. Our study provides a significant understanding of the involved molecular interactions of griseofulvin and its derivatives with β-tubulin isotypes, which may help to design potent griseofulvin analogues for specific tubulin isotypes in multidrug-resistance cancer cells in future.
Conformational and Supramolecular Aspects in Chirality of Flexible Camphor-Containing Schiff Base as an Inducer of Helical Liquid Crystals
Authors: Burmistrov Vladimir , Batrakova Alena , Aleksandriiskii Viktor , Novikov Igor , Belov Konstantin , Khodov Ilya , Koifman Oskar
Published: March 2023

The experimental and theoretical study of influence of the conformational state and association on the chirality of the stereochemically nonrigid biologically active bis-camphorolidenpropylenediamine (CPDA) and its ability to induce the helical mesophase of alkoxycyanobiphenyls liquid–crystalline binary mixture was carried out. On the basis of quantum-chemical simulation of the CPDA structure, four relatively stable conformers were detected. A comparison of the calculated and experimental electronic circular dichroism (ECD) and 1H, 13C, 15N NMR spectra, as well as specific optical rotation and dipole moments, allowed to establish the most probable trans-gauche conformational state (tg) of dicamphorodiimine and CPDA dimer with a predominantly mutually parallel arrangement of molecular dipoles. The induction of helical phases in LC mixtures based on cyanobiphenyls and bis-camphorolidenpropylenediamine was studied by polarization microscopy. The clearance temperatures and the helix pitch of the mesophases were measured. The helical twisting power (HTP) was calculated. The decrease in HTP with increasing dopant concentration was shown to be connected with the CPDA association process in the LC phase. The effect of camphor-containing chiral dopants of various structures on nematic LCs was compared. The values of the permittivity and birefringence components of the CPDA solutions in CB-2 were measured experimentally. A strong effect of this dopant on the anisotropic physical properties of the induced chiral nematic was established. A significant decrease in the dielectric anisotropy was associated with the 3D compensation of the LC dipoles during the formation of the helix.
Rhodococcus Strains from the Specialized Collection of Alkanotrophs for Biodegradation of Aromatic Compounds
Authors: Krivoruchko Anastasiia , Kuyukina Maria , Peshkur Tatyana , Cunningham Colin J. , Ivshina Irina
Published: March 2023

The ability to degrade aromatic hydrocarbons, including (i) benzene, toluene, o-xylene, naphthalene, anthracene, phenanthrene, benzo[a]anthracene, and benzo[a]pyrene; (ii) polar substituted derivatives of benzene, including phenol and aniline; (iii) N-heterocyclic compounds, including pyridine; 2-, 3-, and 4-picolines; 2- and 6-lutidine; 2- and 4-hydroxypyridines; (iv) derivatives of aromatic acids, including coumarin, of 133 Rhodococcus strains from the Regional Specialized Collection of Alkanotrophic Microorganisms was demonstrated. The minimal inhibitory concentrations of these aromatic compounds for Rhodococcus varied in a wide range from 0.2 up to 50.0 mM. o-Xylene and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were the less-toxic and preferred aromatic growth substrates. Rhodococcus bacteria introduced into the PAH-contaminated model soil resulted in a 43% removal of PAHs at an initial concentration 1 g/kg within 213 days, which was three times higher than that in the control soil. As a result of the analysis of biodegradation genes, metabolic pathways for aromatic hydrocarbons, phenol, and nitrogen-containing aromatic compounds in Rhodococcus, proceeding through the formation of catechol as a key metabolite with its following ortho-cleavage or via the hydrogenation of aromatic rings, were verified.
Recombinant Domain of Flagellin Promotes In Vitro a Chemotactic Inflammatory Profile in Human Immune Cells Independently of a Dendritic Cell Phenotype
Authors: González-Stegmaier Roxana , Aguirre Adam , Cárcamo Constanza , Aguila-Torres Patricia , Villarroel-Espíndola Franz
Published: March 2023

Flagellin is the major component of the flagellum in gram-positive and -negative bacteria and is also the ligand for the Toll-like receptor 5 (TLR5). The activation of TLR5 promotes the expression of proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines and the subsequent activation of T cells. This study evaluated a recombinant domain from the amino-terminus D1 domain (rND1) of flagellin from Vibrio anguillarum, a fish pathogen, as an immunomodulator in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and monocyte-derived dendritic cells (MoDCs). We demonstrated that rND1 induced an upregulation of proinflammatory cytokines in PBMCs, characterized at the transcriptional level by an expression peak of 220-fold for IL-1β, 20-fold for IL-8, and 65-fold for TNF-α. In addition, at the protein level, 29 cytokines and chemokines were evaluated in the supernatant and were correlated with a chemotactic signature. MoDCs treated with rND1 showed low levels of co-stimulatory and HLA-DR molecules and kept an immature phenotype with a decreased phagocytosis of dextran. We probed that rND1 from a non-human pathogen promotes modulation in human cells, and it may be considered for further studies in adjuvant therapies based on pathogen-associated patterns (PAMPs).
Effect of Immunomodulating Extract and Some Isolates from Etlingera rubroloba A.D. Poulsen Fruits on Diabetic Patients with Tuberculosis
Authors: Ilyas Y. Muhammad , Sahidin Idin , Jabbar Asriullah , Yodha Agung W. M. , Diantini Ajeng , Pradipta Ivan Surya , Amalia Riezki , Febrianti Raden Maya , Hadisaputri Yuni Elsa , Ghozali Mohammad , Julaeha Euis
Published: March 2023

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a disease easily complicated by tuberculosis (TB) due to impaired function of the innate immune response. The successes of the discovery of immunomodulatory compounds needs to be continued to introduce new insights into the innate immune response. In previous studies, plant compounds of Etlingera rubroloba A.D. Poulsen (E.rubroloba) were demonstrated to have potential as an immunomodulators. This study aims to isolate and identify the structure of the compounds of E.rubroloba fruit that could effectively improve the function of the innate immune response in individuals with DM infected with TB. The isolation and purification of the compounds of the E.rubroloba extract were carried out by radial chromatography (RC) and thin-layer chromatography (TLC). Identification of the isolated compound structures was determined by measuring the proton (1H) and carbon (13C) nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). In vitro testing was performed on the immunomodulating activity of the extracts and isolated compounds on DM model macrophages infected with TB antigens. This study succeeded at isolating and identifying the structures of two isolate compounds, namely Sinaphyl alcohol diacetat (BER-1), and Ergosterol peroxide (BER-6). The two isolates were more effective as immunomodulators than the positive controls were, which differed significantly (* p < 0.05) at the reducing interleukin-12 (IL-12) levels and Toll-like receptor-2 (TLR-2) protein expression and increasing the human leucocyte antigen-DR (HLA-DR) protein expression in DM infected with TB. The isolated compound was discovered in E. rubroloba fruits, which has been reported to have the potential to be developed as an immunomodulatory agent. Follow-up testing to determine the mechanism and effectiveness of these compounds as immunomodulators for DM patients is required so that they are not susceptible to TB infection.