bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Response of Soil Organic Carbon Stock to Bryophyte Removal Is Regulated by Forest Types in Southwest China
Authors: Chen Deyun , Cai Mutian , Li Debao , Yang Shiming , Wu Jianping
Published: December 2022

Bryophytes play an important role in biogeochemical cycles and functions in forest ecosystems. Global climate changes have led to the population decline of bryophytes; however, the effects of bryophyte loss on the soil organic carbon stock and microbial dynamic remain poorly understood. Here, bryophytes were artificially removed to simulate the loss of bryophytes in two forests in Southwest China, i.e., evergreen broad-leaved forest and temperate coniferous forest. Soil physicochemical properties, microorganisms, and soil organic carbon stocks were analyzed and factors regulating soil organic carbon stocks were explored. Results showed that bryophyte removal significantly decreased soil organic carbon in the coniferous forest but had a negligible effect on the evergreen broad-leaved forest. Bryophyte removal had an insignificant effect on soil properties and microbial PLFAs except that soil nitrogen significantly increased in the 0–10 cm layer in the evergreen broad-leaved forest, while soil temperature and bulk density increased in the coniferous forest in the 0–10 and 10–20 soil layers, respectively. Soil organic carbon stocks increased by 14.06% in the evergreen forest and decreased by 14.39% in the coniferous forest. In the evergreen forest, most soil properties and microorganisms contributed to the change of soil organic carbon stocks, however, only soil organic carbon and depth had significant effects in the coniferous forest. Our findings suggest that soil physiochemical properties and microorganisms regulated the different responses of soil organic carbon stocks after bryophyte removal in the two forests. More research is needed to better understand the effects of understory plants on soil organic carbon stocks in various forest ecosystems.
Transcriptional Specificity Analysis of Testis and Epididymis Tissues in Donkey
Authors: Yu Mubin , Zhang Xiaoyuan , Yan Jiamao , Guo Jianhua , Zhang Fali , Zhu Kexin , Liu Shuqin , Sun Yujiang , Shen Wei , Wang Junjie
Published: December 2022

Donkeys, with high economic value for meat, skin and milk production, are important livestock. However, the current insights into reproduction of donkeys are far from enough. To obtain a deeper understanding, the differential expression analysis and weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) of transcriptomic data of testicular and epididymis tissues in donkeys were performed. In the result, there were 4313 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in the two tissues, including 2047 enriched in testicular tissue and 2266 in epididymis tissue. WGCNA identified 1081 hub genes associated with testis development and 6110 genes with epididymal development. Next, the tissue-specific genes were identified with the above two methods, and the gene ontology (GO) analysis revealed that the epididymal-specific genes were associated with gonad development. On the other hand, the testis-specific genes were involved in the formation of sperm flagella, meiosis period, ciliary assembly, ciliary movement, etc. In addition, we found that eca-Mir-711 and eca-Mir-143 likely participated in regulating the development of epididymal tissue. Meanwhile, eca-Mir-429, eca-Mir-761, eca-Mir-200a, eca-Mir-191 and eca-Mir-200b potentially played an important role in regulating the development of testicular tissue. In short, these results will contribute to functional studies of the male reproductive trait in donkeys.
A Compositional Heterogeneity Analysis of Mitochondrial Phylogenomics in Chalcidoidea Involving Two Newly Sequenced Mitogenomes of Eupelminae (Hymenoptera: Chalcidoidea)
Authors: Jiang Jingtao , Wu Tong , Deng Jun , Peng Lingfei
Published: December 2022

As next-generation sequencing technology becomes more mature and the cost of sequencing continues to fall, researchers are increasingly using mitochondrial genomes to explore phylogenetic relationships among different groups. In this study, we sequenced and analyzed the complete mitochondrial genomes of Eupelmus anpingensis and Merostenus sp. We predicted the secondary-structure tRNA genes of these two species and found that 21 of the 22 tRNA genes in Merostenus sp. exhibited typical clover-leaf structures, with trnS1 being the lone exception. In E. anpingensis, we found that, in addition to trnS1, the secondary structure of trnE was also incomplete, with only DHU arms and anticodon loop remaining. In addition, we found that compositional heterogeneity and variable rates of evolution are prevalent in Chalcidoidea. Under the homogeneity model, a Eupelmidae + Encyrtidae sister group relationship was proposed. Different datasets based on the heterogeneity model produced different tree topologies, but all tree topologies contained Chalcididae and Trichogrammatidae in the basal position of the tree. This is the first study to consider the phylogenetic relationships of Chalcidoidea by comparing a heterogeneity model with a homogeneity model.
Muriel Rukeyser’s “Campaign” and the Spectacular Documentary Poetics of the Whistle Stop Tour
Authors: Smith Michael Anthony
Published: December 2022

This article examines how documentary poetics—particularly as employed by Muriel Rukeyser—use a montage of images to form a visual landscape. This visual landscape is wielded effectively by politicians during the Whistle Stop Tour electioneering. In Rukeyser’s “Campaign”, one section in her long-form poetic biography of Wendell Willkie, entitled One Life, she describes the journey of the 1940 Republican presidential candidate as he campaigns from the observation car of a train. The visual landscape created by the Whistle Stop Tour and described through documentary poetics contains Willkie, his audience, and the train itself. It is a unified spectacle, one that contains the rider, the reader, and the onlooker. Rukeyser’s documentary poetry and sensory-rich verse delimit the observation car as the mechanism through which this spectacle forms. The documentary poetics genre is one aptly suited for the description of the landscape through this railcar—a high velocity railspace that relays information by montage, which is to say, through a filmic collage of information assembled into a readable layout of the perceived world.
Patients’ Perspectives of Factors That Influence Pharmacogenetic Testing Uptake: Enhancing Patient Counseling and Results Dissemination
Authors: Bagautdinova Diliara , Lteif Christelle , Eddy Elizabeth , Terrell Joshua , Fisher Carla L. , Duarte Julio D.
Published: December 2022

Patient preferences for pharmacogenetic (PGx) counseling, testing and results dissemination are not well-established, especially in medically underserved Black and Latino populations. The aim of this study was to capture the preferences of Black and Latino patients who received PGx testing to ascertain: (1) factors enhancing their willingness to do testing and (2) preferences for the dissemination of results. Using the constant comparative method, we thematically analyzed interviews with 13 patients from medically underserved populations who had undergone PGx testing. The findings describe participants wanting better medication options, receiving a clear explanation about the testing, valuing or having an interest in science or medicine and having misconceptions about testing results as factors affecting one’s willingness to undergo PGx testing. Additionally, patients confirmed preferring receiving results of PGx testing in a sharable format and described the significance of discussing results in a clinical appointment. The findings provide insight into what Black and Latino patients may prefer in terms of clinical implementation of PGx testing. These results can be utilized for tailoring future implementation of PGx testing and informing best pre- and post-test patient counseling and education practices.
Evaluation of Arc Signals, Microstructure and Mechanical Properties in Ultrasonic-Frequency Pulse Underwater Wet Welding Process with Q345 Steel
Authors: Liu Shixiong , Ji Hao , Zhao Wei , Hu Chengyu , Wang Jibo , Li Hongliang , Wang Jianfeng , Lei Yucheng
Published: December 2022

The ultrasonic-frequency pulse underwater wet welding (UFP-UWW) process was achieved through a constant-voltage-mode power source connecting an ultrasonic-frequency pulse power source in parallel. The arc voltage and welding current waveforms, sound signal variations, microstructural characteristics and mechanical properties at different parameters were investigated. The results showed that the ultrasonic-frequency pulse voltage and current of the UFP-UWW process displayed a periodic high-frequency oscillation on the based values of the conventional UWW process. The arc stability of the UFP-UWW process improved owing to the fact that the proportions of the unstable arc burning region could be reduced to 1.56% after the introduction of the ultrasonic-frequency pulse current. No significant changes in weld width and penetration were observed while the weld dilution rate increased to 54.2% for the combination of 40 V–30 kHz, compared with the results of the conventional UWW process. The flux-cored arc (FCA) welding arc in the air had the same frequency response to the ultrasonic excitation signal, which verified the existence of the ultrasonic-frequency vibration induced by the periodic high-frequency electromagnetic forces. The application of the ultrasonic-frequency pulse produced finer columnar grains in the welds with an average length of 315 μm, although the amount of pro-eutectoid ferrite and acicular ferrite varied little. The mechanical properties of the welded joints were also noticeably enhanced with the application of different ultrasonic excitation frequencies. The optimum tensile strength and impact toughness of the welded joint were improved by 6.7% and 21.7% when the applied ultrasonic excitation voltage was 40 V for a pulsed frequency of 30 kHz. These results facilitate the application of ultrasonic arc welding technology in the marine field.
Effect of Cu Additions on the Evolution of Eta-prime Precipitates in Aged AA 7075 Al–Zn–Mg–Cu Alloys
Authors: Hsiao Ting-Jung , Chiu Po-Han , Tai Cheng-Lin , Tsao Tzu-Ching , Tseng Chien-Yu , Lin Yi-Xian , Chen Hsueh-Ren , Chung Tsai-Fu , Chen Chih-Yuan , Wang Shing-Hoa , Yang Jer-Ren
Published: December 2022

In the present study, after solid solution treatment, four different artificial aging treatments (100, 120, 140 and 160 °C) were performed on Al-5.98Zn-2.86Mg-1.61Cu (wt.%) alloy, denoted as 7075-LCu, and Al-5.91Zn-2.83Mg-1.98Cu (wt.%) alloy, denoted as 7075-HCu. Peak aging conditions were determined for each aging temperature at various hold time intervals of up to 24 h. It was found that both alloys possessed the optimal strengths after artificial aging at 120 °C for 24 h. Under this condition, the ultimate tensile strengths (UTSs) were 618 MPa (7075-LCu) and 623 MPa (7075-HCu), respectively. Moreover, a method was used to calculate the average sizes and number density of the major strengthening precipitates, η′, under peak aging conditions in these two alloys from transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images and electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS). The above results indicated that for the 7075-LCu and 7075-HCu samples with the optimal UTS strengths, the former possessed an average thickness of 2.15 nm, and a number density of 3.27 × 1017 cm−3; the latter, 2.04 nm and 3.52 × 1017 cm−3.
Electrochemical Properties of Metallic Coatings
Authors: Cao Fengting , Gao Guangyao , Feng Yameng , Getachew Belay Abakuma , Wang Tiegang
Published: December 2022

The metallic coating is an outstanding corrosion-protection option with extensive applications, especially in high-temperature environments. Considering the close relationship between anti-corrosion ability and constitutions, it is necessary to acquire the electrochemical properties of metallic coatings for optimizing their corrosion resistance, and further provide guidance for coating design based on the protection mechanism. Thus, this Special Issue aims at collecting research articles focusing on the electrochemical properties of various metallic coatings, especially on the application of new electrochemical techniques for analyzing the corrosion protection process and mechanism of these coatings. Both experimental and theoretical types of research are welcome for the contribution.
Mathematical Simulation of Iron Ore Fines Sintering Process with Solid Fuel Segregation Distribution and Corresponding Heat Pattern Study
Authors: Gao Qiangjian , Bao Lei , Zhu Pengxuan , Jiang Xin , Zheng Haiyan , Shen Fengman
Published: December 2022

The fuel segregation distribution sintering process, with a high fuel dosage in upper layer and a low fuel dosage in bottom layer of the sintering bed, was studied to handle uneven heat distribution problems in the conventional iron ore sintering process. A mathematical simulation method was adopted to contrastively study the fuel segregation distribution sintering process and the conventional iron ore sintering process. The accuracy of the model was verified through the sintering experiments. In addition, different heights of the upper and bottom sintering beds were discussed to assess the fuel segregation distribution sintering technology. In contrast to the conventional iron ore sintering process, the temperature evolution in the sintering bed using the fuel segregation distribution sintering technology tended to be more reasonable and the heat accumulation in the upper bed increased, which meant that the melt quantity index increased from 2178 to 2387 K·min−1, and cooling rate decreased from 360 to 199 K·min−1. The drawbacks of the conventional iron ore sintering process, such as the heat shortage in upper bed and excess heat in lower bed, were therefore improved, which was also proven to promote the sinter quality.
Fabrication, Acoustic Characterization and Phase Reference-Based Calibration Method for a Single-Sided Multi-Channel Ultrasonic Actuator
Authors: Cao Hiep Xuan , Jung Daewon , Lee Han-Sol , Nguyen Van Du , Choi Eunpyo , Kim Chang-Sei , Park Jong-Oh , Kang Byungjeon
Published: December 2022

The ultrasonic actuator can be used in medical applications because it is label-free, biocompatible, and has a demonstrated history of safe operation. Therefore, there is an increasing interest in using an ultrasonic actuator in the non-contact manipulation of micromachines in various materials and sizes for therapeutic applications. This research aims to design, fabricate, and characterize a single-sided transducer array with 56 channels operating at 500 kHz, which provide benefits in the penetration of tissue. The fabricated transducer is calibrated using a phase reference calibration method to reduce position misalignment and phase discrepancies caused by acoustic interaction. The acoustic fields generated by the transducer array are measured in a 300 mm × 300 mm × 300 mm container filled with de-ionized water. A hydrophone is used to measure the far field in each transducer array element, and the 3D holographic pattern is analyzed based on the scanned acoustic pressure fields. Next, the phase reference calibration is applied to each transducer in the ultrasonic actuator. As a result, the homogeneity of the acoustic pressure fields surrounding the foci area is improved, and the maximum pressure is also increased in the twin trap. Finally, we demonstrate the capability to trap and manipulate micromachines with acoustic power by generating a twin trap using both optical camera and ultrasound imaging systems in a water medium. This work not only provides a comprehensive study on acoustic actuators but also inspires the next generation to use acoustics in medical applications.
On-Chip Reconfigurable Focusing through Low-Loss Phase Change Materials Based Metasurfaces
Authors: Nisar Muhammad , Iqbal Shahid , Zhou Linjie
Published: December 2022

Metasurfaces are useful subwavelength structures that can be engineered to achieve useful functionality. While most metasurfaces are passive devices, Phase Change Materials can be utilized to make active metasurfaces that can have numerous applications. One such application is on-chip beam steering which is of vital utility for numerous applications that can potentially lead to analog computations and non-Von Neumann computational architectures. This paper presents through numerical simulations, a novel metasurface that can realize beam steering through active phase switching of in-planted arrays of phase change material, Sb2S3. For the purpose of numerical demonstration of the principle, beam focusing has been realized, on-chip, through active switching of the Sb2S3 unit cell between the amorphous and crystalline phases. The presented architecture can realize on-chip transformation optics, mathematical operations, and information processing, thus opening the gates for future technologies.
Concepts and Key Technologies of Microelectromechanical Systems Resonators
Authors: Feng Tianren , Yuan Quan , Yu Duli , Wu Bo , Wang Hui
Published: December 2022

In this paper, the basic concepts of the equivalent model, vibration modes, and conduction mechanisms of MEMS resonators are described. By reviewing the existing representative results, the performance parameters and key technologies, such as quality factor, frequency accuracy, and temperature stability of MEMS resonators, are summarized. Finally, the development status, existing challenges and future trend of MEMS resonators are summarized. As a typical research field of vibration engineering, MEMS resonators have shown great potential to replace quartz resonators in timing, frequency, and resonant sensor applications. However, because of the limitations of practical applications, there are still many aspects of the MEMS resonators that could be improved. This paper aims to provide scientific and technical support for the improvement of MEMS resonators in timing, frequency, and resonant sensor applications.
Decomposition and Properties of the Traveltime Sensitivity Kernels in Transversely Isotropic Elastic Media
Authors: Zhang Houzhu , Liang Hong , Liu Hongwei , Zhao Yang
Published: December 2022

This study discusses the properties and decompositions of the traveltime sensitivity kernels in elastic isotopic and transversely isotropic media. Analytical solutions in homogeneous isotropic elastic media are derived and help better understand their properties. One key component is the kernel phase function which determines the frequency components of the sensitivity kernels, the geometrical setting of the Fresnel zones, and the resolving ability for velocity inversion. For the purpose of exploration seismology, the sensitivity kernels for finite-frequency traveltime inversion in transversely isotropic elastic media are expressed in terms of Thomsen’s anisotropic parameters. The sensitivity kernels in anisotropic media can be decomposed into the summation of the isotropic terms constructed by the elastic properties in the symmetry direction and the correction terms due to the presence of anisotropy. Sensitivity kernels computed from different types of acquisitions contain information for different parameters. We compare the kernels computed using finite-difference with those by dynamic ray tracing. We conclude that the full wave numerical method is able to provide high-resolution kernels, which form the basis for 3D finite-frequency traveltime inversion for velocity and anisotropic parameters.
The Aroma Composition of Koryciński Cheese Ripened in Different Temperatures
Authors: Kliks Jarosław , Białobrzycka Zuzanna , Krzyszkowska Martyna , Korycka-Korwek Justyna , Ciepliński Mateusz , Kasprzak Mariusz
Published: December 2022

As a regional product, Koryciński cheese is one of the most important cheeses in the Podlasie region of Poland. In this study, the influence of technological processes, such as ripening, on shaping the organoleptic characteristics of cheese was determined. Korycin-type cheeses are produced from cow’s milk according to traditional technology. The ripening process lasted 466 h at 5 °C, 10 °C, and 15 °C. The aging temperature had a decisive influence on the number of esters and organic acids formed, which were analyzed by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC/MS). The organoleptic properties of the cheeses were also related to the ripening temperature.
Reliable and Rapid Detection and Quantification of Enrofloxacin Using a Ratiometric SERS Aptasensor
Authors: Wang Panxue , Wang Li , Li Cen , Li Xiang , Li Guoliang
Published: December 2022

Reliable detection and quantification of antibiotic residues in food using surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy remain challenging, since the intensities of SERS signals are vulnerable to matrix and experimental factors. In this work, a ratiometric SERS aptasensor using 6-Carboxyl-X-Rhodamine (ROX)-labeled aptamers and 4-mercaptobenzonitrile (4-MBN)-functionalized gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) as SERS probes was established for the reliable and rapid detection and quantification of enrofloxacin. In the presence of enrofloxacin, the conformational transform of aptamers took place, and the distance between ROX and Au NP increased, which resulted in a decrease in the SERS signal intensity of ROX. Meanwhile, the intensity of the SERS signal of 4-MBN was used as an internal standard. Reliable determination of enrofloxacin was realized using the ratio of the SERS signal intensities of ROX to 4-MBN. Under optimal conditions, the developed ratiometric SERS aptasensor provided a wide linear range from 5 nM to 1 µM, with a correlation coefficient (R2) of 0.98 and a limit of detection (LOD) of 0.12 nM (0.043 ppb). In addition, the developed ratiometric SERS aptasensor was successfully applied for the determination of enrofloxacin in fish and chicken meat, with recovery values of 93.6–112.0%. Therefore, the established ratiometric SERS aptasensor is sensitive, reliable, time-efficient, and has the potential to be applied in the on-site detection of enrofloxacin in complex matrices.
W-SBA-15 as an Effective Catalyst for the Epoxidation of 1,5,9-Cyclododecatriene
Authors: Kujbida Marcin , Wróblewska Agnieszka , Lewandowski Grzegorz , Miądlicki Piotr , Michalkiewicz Beata
Published: December 2022

The results of a study on the epoxidation of 1,5,9-cyclododecatriene (CDT) on a W-SBA-15 catalyst using the batch and half-periodic methods are presented. During this study, the activity of the W-SBA-15 catalyst was compared to that of the Ti-SBA-15 catalyst, and the W-SBA-15 catalyst was found to be about 20 times more active than the Ti-SBA-15 catalyst. The highest CDT conversion so far, amounting to 86 mol%, was obtained after carrying out the 4 h epoxidation process. Conducting the studied process using the semi-batch method did not result in the significant improvement in value functions describing this process (CDT conversion and selectivity of CDT transformation to ECDD), but the fastest H2O2 dosing rate (246 µL/h) allowed us to obtain 9 mol% higher CDT conversion in comparison to the batch method.
A Review of the Influence of Various Extraction Techniques and the Biological Effects of the Xanthones from Mangosteen (Garcinia mangostana L.) Pericarps
Authors: Yuvanatemiya Vasin , Srean Pao , Klangbud Wiyada Kwanhian , Venkatachalam Karthikeyan , Wongsa Jittimon , Parametthanuwat Thanya , Charoenphun Narin
Published: December 2022

Xanthones are significant bioactive compounds and secondary metabolites in mangosteen pericarps. A xanthone is a phenolic compound and versatile scaffold that consists of a tricyclic xanthene-9-one structure. A xanthone may exist in glycosides, aglycones, monomers or polymers. It is well known that xanthones possess a multitude of beneficial properties, including antioxidant activity, anti-inflammatory activity, and antimicrobial properties. Additionally, xanthones can be used as raw material and/or an ingredient in many food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic applications. Although xanthones can be used in various therapeutic and functional applications, their properties and stability are determined by their extraction procedures. Extracting high-quality xanthones from mangosteen with effective therapeutic effects could be challenging if the extraction method is insufficient. Although several extraction processes are in use today, their efficiency has not yet been rigorously evaluated. Therefore, selecting an appropriate extraction procedure is imperative to recover substantial yields of xanthones with enhanced functionality from mangosteens. Hence, the present review will assist in establishing a precise scenario for finding the most appropriate extraction method for xanthones from mangosteen pericarp by critically analyzing various conventional and unconventional extraction methods and their ability to preserve the stability and biological effects of xanthones.
Recent Advances in Natural Polyphenol Research
Authors: Dini Irene , Grumetto Lucia
Published: December 2022

Polyphenols are secondary metabolites produced by plants, which contribute to the plant’s defense against abiotic stress conditions (e.g., UV radiation and precipitation), the aggression of herbivores, and plant pathogens. Epidemiological studies suggest that long-term consumption of plant polyphenols protects against cardiovascular disease, cancer, osteoporosis, diabetes, and neurodegenerative diseases. Their structural diversity has fascinated and confronted analytical chemists on how to carry out unambiguous identification, exhaustive recovery from plants and organic waste, and define their nutritional and biological potential. The food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical industries employ polyphenols from fruits and vegetables to produce additives, additional foods, and supplements. In some cases, nanocarriers have been used to protect polyphenols during food processing, to solve the issues related to low water solubility, to transport them to the site of action, and improve their bioavailability. This review summarizes the structure-bioactivity relationships, processing parameters that impact polyphenol stability and bioavailability, the research progress in nanocarrier delivery, and the most innovative methodologies for the exhaustive recovery of polyphenols from plant and agri-waste materials.
Hierarchical Ultrathin Layered GO-ZnO@CeO2 Nanohybrids for Highly Efficient Methylene Blue Dye Degradation
Authors: Karpuraranjith Marimuthu , Chen Yuanfu , Manigandan Ramadoss , Srinivas Katam , Rajaboopathi Sivamoorthy
Published: December 2022

Highly efficient interfacial contact between components in nanohybrids is a key to achieving great photocatalytic activity in photocatalysts and degradation of organic model pollutants under visible light irradiation. Herein, we report the synthesis of nano-assembly of graphene oxide, zinc oxide and cerium oxide (GO-ZnO@CeO2) nanohybrids constructed by the hydrothermal method and subsequently annealed at 300 °C for 4 h. The unique graphene oxide sheets, which are anchored with semiconducting materials (ZnO and CeO2 nanoparticles), act with a significant role in realizing sufficient interfacial contact in the new GO-ZnO@CeO2 nanohybrids. Consequently, the nano-assembled structure of GO-ZnO@CeO2 exhibits a greater level (96.66%) of MB dye degradation activity than GO-ZnO nanostructures and CeO2 nanoparticles on their own. This is due to the thin layers of GO-ZnO@CeO2 nanohybrids with interfacial contact, suitable band-gap matching and high surface area, preferred for the improvement of photocatalytic performance. Furthermore, this work offers a facile building and cost-effective construction strategy to synthesize the GO-ZnO@CeO2 nanocatalyst for photocatalytic degradation of organic pollutants with long-term stability and higher efficiency.
Allicin Alleviates Diabetes Mellitus by Inhibiting the Formation of Advanced Glycation End Products
Authors: Li Linzehao , Song Qinghe , Zhang Xiandang , Yan Yan , Wang Xiaolei
Published: December 2022

Advanced glycation end products (AGEs) cause damage to pancreatic β-cells and trigger oxidative stress and inflammation, which promotes the development and progression of diabetes and its complications. Therefore, it is important to inhibit the formation of AGEs as part of the treatment of diabetes. Allicin is a natural antimicrobial agent with abundant pharmacological activities, and recent studies have reported its therapeutic effects in diabetes; however, the mechanism of these therapeutic effects is still unclear. Thus, the purpose of this study was to further investigate the association between allicin treatment of diabetes and AGEs. First, we established a streptozocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rat model and treated the rats with allicin for six weeks. We measured glycolipid metabolism, AGE levels, receptor of advanced glycation end products (RAGE) levels, oxidative stress, and other related indicators. The results showed that allicin improved blood glucose and body weight, reduced lipid accumulation, and inhibited AGE formation in rats. Treatment with allicin also inhibited RAGEs and thereby prevented AGE activity, which, in turn, alleviated oxidative stress and promoted insulin secretion. To further verify the effect of allicin on AGEs, we also performed in vitro nonenzymatic glycation simulation experiments. These results showed that allicin inhibited the production of AGEs by suppressing the production of AGEs intermediates. Thus, our research suggests that allicin may alleviate diabetes by inhibiting the formation of AGEs and reducing RAGE levels to relieve oxidative stress and promote insulin secretion.
Synthesis and Preclinical Evaluation of Small-Molecule Prostate-Specific Membrane Antigen-Targeted Abiraterone Conjugate
Authors: Machulkin Aleksei E. , Nimenko Ekaterina A. , Zyk Nikolay U. , Uspenskaia Anastasiia A. , Smirnova Galina B. , Khan Irina I. , Pokrovsky Vadim S. , Vaneev Alexander N. , Timoshenko Roman V. , Mamed-Nabizade Vugara V. , Zavertkina Maria V. , Erofeev Alexander , Gorelkin Petr , Majouga Alexander G. , Zyk Nikolay V. , Khazanova Elena S. , Beloglazkina Elena K.
Published: December 2022

Prostate cancer is the second most common type of cancer among men. The main method of its treatment is androgen deprivation therapy, which has a wide range of side effects. One of the solutions to this challenge is the targeted delivery of drugs to prostate cancer cells. In this study, we performed the synthesis of a novel small-molecule PSMA-targeted conjugate based on abiraterone. Cytotoxicity, the induction of intracellular reactive oxygen species, and P450-cytochrome species inhibition were investigated for this conjugate PSMA-abiraterone. The conjugate demonstrated a preferential effect on prostate tumor cells, remaining inactive at up to 100 µM in human fibroblast cells. In addition, it revealed preferential efficacy, specifically on PSMA-expressing lines with a 65% tumor growth inhibition level on 22Rv1 (PSMA+) xenografts after 14-fold oral administration of PSMA-Abi at a single dose of 500 mg/kg (7.0 g/kg total dose) was observed. This compound showed significantly reduced acute toxicity with comparable efficacy compared to AbiAc.
New Aspects of the Reaction of Thioacetamide and N-Substituted Maleimides
Authors: Aseeva Yulia V. , Stolpovskaya Nadezhda V. , Vandyshev Dmitriy Y. , Sulimov Vladimir B. , Prezent Mikhail A. , Minyaev Mikhail E. , Shikhaliev Khidmet S.
Published: December 2022

N-Arylmaleimides are universal substrates for the synthesis of various heterocyclic compounds with a wide spectrum of biological activity. However, their reactions with thioacetamides have not been comprehensively studied. We studied the reactions of thioacetamide with N-arylmaleimides under various conditions. We established for the first time that three types of products: epithiopyrrolo[3,4-c]pyridines, pyrrolo[3,4-c]pyridines and 3,3′-thiobis(1-arylpyrrolidine-2,5-diones) can be obtained in different conditions. In all cases, two maleimide molecules are involved in the reaction. 3,3′-Thiobis(1-arylpyrrolidine-2,5-diones) are the major products when the reaction is conducted at boiling in acetic acid. When thioacetamide and N-arylmaleimide are kept in dioxane at 50 °C, epithiopyrrolo[3,4-c]pyridines can be isolated, which, when heated in dioxane, in acetic acid or in methanol in the presence of catalytic amounts of sodium methoxide, are converted into pyrrolo[3,4-c]pyridines by eliminating hydrogen sulfide. The reaction of thioacetamide and N-arylmaleimide in dioxane at boiling temperature with the portioned addition of N-arylmaleimide leads predominantly to the formation of pyrrolo[3,4-c]pyridines. The reaction of thioacetamide with N-alkylmaleimides under all the above conditions leads predominantly to the formation of the corresponding sulfides. The structure of the compounds obtained was characterized by a set of spectral analysis methods and X-ray diffraction (XRD) data.
Development of Novel Isatin-Tethered Quinolines as Anti-Tubercular Agents against Multi and Extensively Drug-Resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Authors: Abdelrahman Mohamed A. , Almahli Hadia , Al-Warhi Tarfah , Majrashi Taghreed A. , Abdel-Aziz Marwa M. , Eldehna Wagdy M. , Said Mohamed A.
Published: December 2022

We describe the design and synthesis of two isatin-tethered quinolines series (Q6a–h and Q8a–h), in connection with our research interest in developing novel isatin-bearing anti-tubercular candidates. In a previous study, a series of small molecules bearing a quinoline-3-carbohydrazone moiety was developed as anti-tubercular agents, and compound IV disclosed the highest potency with MIC value equal to 6.24 µg/mL. In the current work, we adopted the bioisosteric replacement approach to replace the 3,4,5-trimethoxy-benzylidene moiety in the lead compound IV with the isatin motif, a privileged scaffold in the TB drug discovery, to furnish the first series of target molecules Q6a–h. Thereafter, the isatin motif was N-substituted with either a methyl or benzyl group to furnish the second series Q8a–h. All of the designed quinoilne-isatin conjugates Q6a–h and Q8a–h were synthesized and then biologically assessed for anti-tubercular actions towards drug-susceptible, MDR, and XDR strains. Superiorly, the N-benzyl-bearing compound Q8b possessed the best activities against the examined M. tuberculosis strains with MICs equal 0.06, 0.24, and 1.95 µg/mL, respectively.
Removing Lead from Contaminated Sediment Using Indium-Based Perovskite Precursor
Authors: Tian Chen , Liang Zhenye , Cheng Liwei , Feng Shanglei , Li Yiwen , Yang Yingguo , Li Lina
Published: December 2022

Heavy metal pollution in river and lake sediments seriously damages river ecological safety and indirectly affects human health. The existing research mainly focuses on how to adsorb pollutants and repair sediment, and how the reuse of these pollutants may be a new technology to control sediment pollutants. The rapid development of perovskite solar cells in recent years has attracted a lot of attention, among which lead (Pb) halide perovskites have very excellent photoelectric performance. In this study, we propose a novel idea of introducing indium (In)-based perovskite to replace Pb (II) ions dispersed in river and lake sediment. Three sediment samples from a river in Shanghai Peace Park were collected to analyze the distribution of heavy metal Pb. We mixed the digestion solution of sediment with the prepared CH3NH3(MA)InICl2 solution and found that indium (In) in perovskite precursor solution would be gradually replaced by Pb in sediments. An in situ synchrotron radiation XRD experiment was performed to reveal the reaction mechanism of solutions and provide a good research platform for the comprehensive reuse of sediment in the future. This study provides a new method of remediation of heavy metal pollution in river and lake sediments.
A Cavity-Tailored Metal-Organic Tetrahedral Nanocage and Gas Adsorption Property
Authors: Jin Xin , Jiang Hui , Chen Yi , Han Xin , Sun Ken , Shi Linlin , Hao Xin-Qi , Song Mao-Ping
Published: December 2022

Porous organometallic nanomaterials are a new class of materials based on a three-dimensional structure. They have excellent applications in different fields, but their applications in gas storage and separation have not been fully developed. CO2 adsorption storage and hydrocarbon separation has been a challenging industrial problem. Several typical molecular adsorbents have been used to study the separation, but the problems of long-term stability, high selectivity and synthetic complexity of these adsorbents remain to be solved. Here, we have designed and synthesized tetrahedral metal supramolecular nanocage with custom cavities based on the unique rigid structure of triptycene derivatives. Using the unique discrete porous structure of tetrahedral metal nanocages, the gas adsorption and separation performance of the metal supramolecular nanocage was investigated. By analyzing the adsorption and desorption isotherms and the multi-component competitive adsorption curves, we noticed that the tetrahedral supramolecular nanocages had good CO2 storage capacity and good separation capacity for C2H2/CO2 and C2H2/N2. All these indicate that porous organic metal nanomaterials are expected to be a new energy saving separation material.
Triboelectric and Piezoelectric Nanogenerators for Self-Powered Healthcare Monitoring Devices: Operating Principles, Challenges, and Perspectives
Authors: Delgado-Alvarado Enrique , Martínez-Castillo Jaime , Zamora-Peredo Luis , Gonzalez-Calderon Jose Amir , López-Esparza Ricardo , Ashraf Muhammad Waseem , Tayyaba Shahzadi , Herrera-May Agustín L.
Published: December 2022

The internet of medical things (IoMT) is used for the acquisition, processing, transmission, and storage of medical data of patients. The medical information of each patient can be monitored by hospitals, family members, or medical centers, providing real-time data on the health condition of patients. However, the IoMT requires monitoring healthcare devices with features such as being lightweight, having a long lifetime, wearability, flexibility, safe behavior, and a stable electrical performance. For the continuous monitoring of the medical signals of patients, these devices need energy sources with a long lifetime and stable response. For this challenge, conventional batteries have disadvantages due to their limited-service time, considerable weight, and toxic materials. A replacement alternative to conventional batteries can be achieved for piezoelectric and triboelectric nanogenerators. These nanogenerators can convert green energy from various environmental sources (e.g., biomechanical energy, wind, and mechanical vibrations) into electrical energy. Generally, these nanogenerators have simple transduction mechanisms, uncomplicated manufacturing processes, are lightweight, have a long lifetime, and provide high output electrical performance. Thus, the piezoelectric and triboelectric nanogenerators could power future medical devices that monitor and process vital signs of patients. Herein, we review the working principle, materials, fabrication processes, and signal processing components of piezoelectric and triboelectric nanogenerators with potential medical applications. In addition, we discuss the main components and output electrical performance of various nanogenerators applied to the medical sector. Finally, the challenges and perspectives of the design, materials and fabrication process, signal processing, and reliability of nanogenerators are included.
Nanomaterials Based on Honey and Propolis for Wound Healing—A Mini-Review
Authors: Jaldin-Crespo Limberg , Silva Nataly , Martínez Jessica
Published: December 2022

Wound healing is a public health concern worldwide, particularly in chronic wounds due to delayed healing and susceptibility to bacterial infection. Nanomaterials are widely used in wound healing treatments due to their unique properties associated with their size and very large surface-area-to-volume ratio compared to the same material in bulk. The properties of nanomaterials can be expanded and improved upon with the addition of honey and propolis, due to the presence of bioactive molecules such as polyphenols, flavonoids, peptides, and enzymes. These bionanomaterials can act at different stages of wound healing and through different mechanisms, including anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant, collagen synthesis stimulation, cell proliferation, and angiogenic effects. Biomaterials, at the nanoscale, show new alternatives for wound therapy, allowing for targeted and continuous delivery of beekeeping products at the injection site, thus avoiding possible systemic adverse effects. Here, we summarize the most recent therapies for wound healing based on bionanomaterials assisted by honey and propolis, with a focus on in vitro and in vivo studies. We highlight the type, composition (honey, propolis, and polymeric scaffolds), biological, physicochemical/mechanical properties, potential applications and patents related of the last eight years. Furthermore, we discuss the challenges, advantages, disadvantages and stability of different bionanomaterials related to their clinical translation and insight into the investigation and development of new treatments for wound healing.
Oxygen Vacancy-Mediated Activates Oxygen to Produce Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) on Ce-Modified Activated Clay for Degradation of Organic Compounds without Hydrogen Peroxide in Strong Acid
Authors: Wu Tianming , Cui Jing , Wang Changjiang , Zhang Gong , Li Limin , Qu Yue , Niu Yusheng
Published: December 2022

The treatment of acid wastewater to remove organic matter in acid wastewater and recycle valuable resources has great significance. However, the classical advanced oxidation process (AOPs), such as the Fenton reaction, encountered a bottleneck under the conditions of strong acid. Herein, making use of the oxidation properties of CeAY (CeO2@acid clay), we built an AOPs reaction system without H2O2 under a strong acid condition that can realize the transformation of organic matter in industrial wastewater. The X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) proved that the CeAY based on Ce3+ as an active center has abundant oxygen vacancies, which can catalyze O2 to produce reactive oxygen species (ROS). Based on the electron spin-resonance spectroscopy spectrum and radical trapping experiments, the production of •O2– and •OH can be determined, which are the essential factors of the degradation of organic compounds. In the system of pH = 1.0, when 1 mg CeAY is added to 10 mL of wastewater, the degradation efficiency of an aniline solution with a 5 mg/L effluent concentration is 100%, and that of a benzoic acid solution with a 100 mg/L effluent concentration is 50% after 10 min of reaction. This work may provide novel insights into the removal of organic pollutants in a strong acid water matrix.
Micromagnetic Design of Skyrmionic Materials and Chiral Magnetic Configurations in Patterned Nanostructures for Neuromorphic and Qubit Applications
Authors: One Roxana-Alina , Mican Sever , Cimpoeșu Angela-Georgiana , Joldos Marius , Tetean Romulus , Tiușan Coriolan Viorel
Published: December 2022

Our study addresses the problematics of magnetic skyrmions, nanometer-size vortex-like swirling topological defects, broadly studied today for applications in classic, neuromorphic and quantum information technologies. We tackle some challenging issues of material properties versus skyrmion stability and manipulation within a multiple-scale modeling framework, involving complementary ab-initio and micromagnetic frameworks. Ab-initio calculations provide insight into the anatomy of the magnetic anisotropy, the Dzyaloshinskii–Moriya asymmetric exchange interaction (DMI) and their response to a gating electric field. Various multi-layered heterostructures were specially designed to provide electric field tunable perpendicular magnetization and sizeable DMI, which are required for skyrmion occurrence. Landau–Lifshitz–Gilbert micromagnetic calculations in nanometric disks allowed the extraction of material parameter phase diagrams in which magnetic textures were classified according to their topological charge. We identified suitable ranges of magnetic anisotropy, DMI and saturation magnetization for stabilizing skyrmionic ground states or writing/manipulating them using either a spin-transfer torque of a perpendicular current or the electric field. From analyzing the different contributions to the total magnetic free energy, we point out some critical properties influencing the skyrmions’ stability. Finally, we discuss some experimental issues related to the choice of materials or the design of novel magnetic materials compatible with skyrmionic applications.
Effective Antibacterial/Photocatalytic Activity of ZnO Nanomaterials Synthesized under Low Temperature and Alkaline Conditions
Authors: Kim Sujeong , Park Hyerim , Pandey Sadanand , Jeong Daewon , Lee Chul-Tae , Do Jeong Yeon , Park Sun-Min , Kang Misook
Published: December 2022

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the surface properties of ZnO nanomaterials based on their ability to photodegrade methyl blue dye (MB) and to show their antibacterial properties against different types of Gram-positive bacteria (Bacillus manliponensis, Micrococcus luteus, Staphylococcus aureus) and Gram-negative bacteria (Escherichia coli). In this study, ZnO nanomaterials were synthesized rapidly and easily in the presence of 1–4 M NaOH at a low temperature of 40 °C within 4 h. It was found that the ZnO nanomaterials obtained from the 1.0 M (ZnO–1M) and 2.0 M (ZnO–2M) aqueous solutions of NaOH had spherical and needle-shaped forms, respectively. As the concentration of NaOH increased, needle thickness increased and the particles became rod-like. Although the ZnO nanomaterial shapes were different, the bandgap size remained almost unchanged. However, as the NaOH concentration increased, the energy position of the conduction band shifted upward. Photo current curves and photoluminescence intensities suggested that the recombination between photoexcited electrons and holes was low in the ZnO–4M materials prepared in 4.0 M NaOH solution; however, charge transfer was easy. ∙O2− radicals were generated more than ∙OH radicals in ZnO–4M particles, showing stronger antibacterial activity against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria and stronger decomposition ability on MB dye. The results of this study suggest that on the ZnO nanomaterial surface, ∙O2− radicals generated are more critical for antibacterial activity than particle shape.
Engineering Alginate-Based Dry Powder Microparticles to a Size Suitable for the Direct Pulmonary Delivery of Antibiotics
Authors: Arauzo Beatriz , González-Garcinuño Álvaro , Tabernero Antonio , Calzada-Funes Javier , Lobera María Pilar , del Valle Eva M. Martín , Santamaria Jesus
Published: December 2022

The inhaled route is regarded as one of the most promising strategies as a treatment against pulmonary infections. However, the delivery of drugs in a dry powder form remains challenging. In this work, we have used alginate to form microparticles containing an antibiotic model (colistin sulfate). The alginate microparticles were generated by atomization technique, and they were characterized by antimicrobial in vitro studies against Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Optimization of different parameters allowed us to obtain microparticles as a dry powder with a mean size (Feret diameter) of 4.45 ± 1.40 µm and drug loading of 8.5 ± 1.50%. The process developed was able to concentrate most of the colistin deposits on the surface of the microparticles, which could be observed by SEM and a Dual-Beam microscope. This produces a fast in vitro release of the drug, with a 100% release achieved in 4 h. Physicochemical characterization using the FTIR, EDX and PXRD techniques revealed information about the change that occurs from the amorphous to a crystalline form of colistin. Finally, the cytotoxicity of microparticles was tested using lung cell lines (A549 and Calu-3). Results of the study showed that alginate microparticles were able to inhibit bacterial growth while displaying non-toxicity toward lung cells.