Excessive Amounts Research Articles

Innovative Use of Spirogyra sp. Biomass for the Sustainable Adsorption of Aflatoxin B1 and Ochratoxin A in Aqueous Solutions.

This research investigates the efficacy of Spirogyra sp. biomass as an effective adsorbent for the removal of AFB1 and OTA from aqueous solutions. Several factors, including contact time, adsorbent dosage, pH level, and initial mycotoxin concentration, were analyzed to evaluate their impact on adsorption efficacy. The optimal contact time for equilibrium was determined at 60 min, during which the TPA obtained a 91% reduction in AFB1 and 68% removal of OTA. Although increasing the adsorbent dosage improved effectiveness, excessive quantities led to particle aggregation, hence diminishing adsorption performance. The optimal dosage of 5.0 mg/mL optimized the efficacy and use of resources. Adsorption was more efficacious at acidic to neutral pH levels (5-6), enhancing the accessibility of functional groups on the biomass. Kinetic analysis indicated that adsorption process followed a pseudo second-order model, whereas isotherm studies demonstrated a heterogeneous adsorption mechanism, with the Freundlich model providing the optimal fit. The TPB exhibited enhanced adsorption capacities for both mycotoxins, offering a viable solution for mitigating mycotoxin contamination in food and feed. These findings illustrate the significance of biomass treatment techniques in improving mycotoxin removal efficacy and suggest the potential of algal biomass in food safety applications.

AYURVEDIC LIFESTYLE RECOMMENDATIONS FOR LIVING IN HIGH POLLU-TION AREAS - A REVIEW

Air pollution refers to the presence of harmful or excessive quantities of substances in the air that can be detrimental to human health, the environment, and the climate. These substances, often called pollutants, can originate from natural and human-made sources. Air pollution is a significant risk to public health, particularly in municipal and industrialised regions. This article explores Ayurvedic lifestyle recommendations to diminish the adverse effects of air pollution on health. Ayurved is an ancient system of natural healing. It can offer a holistic approach to strengthening the body's defence system and promoting overall well-being in polluted environments. Key recommendations include dietary modifications, herbal Rasayanas, breathing exercises, and daily routines that enhance the body's natural detoxification processes. By integrating Ayurvedic practices with modern preventive measures, individuals can better protect themselves from the harmful impacts of air pollution and improve their quality of life.

A synoptic review of deficit irrigation methods: sustainable water-saving strategies in vegetable cultivation

ABSTRACT It is elusive and highly challenging to sustain the productivity of vegetable commodities under limited available natural resources and anticipated future climatic scenarios. Amongst available natural resources, water remains the most limiting factor. Present vegetable cultivation practices involve the utilization of excessive quantities of water, thereby leading to the wastage of precious water resources. Therefore, sustainable management of irrigation water is crucial for future vegetable cultivation, as most vegetable crops are vulnerable to water scarcity at different growth stages, which can result in yield and post-harvest quality losses. Adoption of deficit irrigation (DI) is one of the sustainable irrigation water management approaches. DI is a sustainable water-saving approach, as irrigation water is applied in limited or lower quantities than the actual evapotranspiration-based crop water requirement. Strategic application of water at the right time and quantity with the right technique can greatly improve water use efficiency and water productivity. It could also enhance the post-harvest quality with marginal yield loss. Yield losses whatsoever could be compensated by expanding agricultural areas in water-scarce zones by adopting the DI strategy. This review discusses the concept and types of DI and examines its implications for the morpho-physiology and productivity of commercially important vegetable crops.

Synergistic cryoprotective effect of deaeration and polysorbate 80 on IgG denaturation during thin-film freeze-drying

Polysorbate 80 (PS80) is employed as a cryoprotectant in biotherapeutic formulations to preserve biologics from denaturation during the freezing process. However, excessive quantities of PS80 can lead to stickiness in dry powder, thereby reducing production yields and altering the physical and aerodynamic characteristics of the powder. Additionally, degradation byproducts of PS80 pose a risk of destabilizing proteins in therapeutic formulations. Our study reveals the synergistic cryoprotective effect of combining deaeration with PS80. PS80 plays a protective role by competitively binding to ice/water and air/water interfaces, as well as binding directly to IgG molecules. Deaeration increases the cryoprotective effect of PS80 by reducing the surface area of air microbubbles, thereby reducing the required amount of PS80 for surface coverage and limiting available adsorption sites for IgG molecules, which allows the decrease in the necessary concentration of PS80 required to minimize IgG denaturation during the thin-film freeze-drying (TFFD) process. Even at a low concentration of 0.0025 % w/v, PS80 prevents the aggregation of IgG during the freezing step of TFFD but does not eliminate IgG denaturation during the drying step. PS80 concentrations ranging from 0.0025 % to 0.0400 % w/v exhibit no impact on the specific surface area (SSA) and aerodynamic properties (i.e., fine particle fraction (FPF), mass median aerodynamic diameter (MMAD)) of IgG dry powders. These IgG TFFD powders exhibit a fine particle fraction exceeding 70 % and a median mass aerodynamic diameter of approximately 2.3–2.5 μm, with an SSA of around 20 m2/g.

Electroconvulsive Therapy for Psychogenic Polydipsia and Hyponatremia in Chronic Schizophrenia: A Case Report and Literature Review.

Compulsive drinking of excessive quantities of water, called psychogenic polydipsia (PP), is a challenging complication of chronic psychotic disorders, which can lead to hyponatremia and downstream morbidity or mortality. Treatments include behavioral modifications such as free water restriction, medications to modify free water excretion, and psychotropic medications to target psychotic symptoms. However, in many cases, these options remain ineffective and/or intolerable, necessitating chronic institutionalization with poor patient quality of life. Here we report the use of an acute course of 8 sessions of bilateral electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) in a 57-year-old man with chronic schizophrenia, PP, and moderate hyponatremia refractory to standard treatments in an inpatient psychiatric setting. Serum sodium normalized and remained stable during and immediately following his ECT course, despite chronic hyponatremia with high variability for months prior to ECT initiation. A literature review found remarkably few reported cases of ECT for PP in chronic schizophrenia, a surprising result given the use of this modality for patients with psychotic illness in many countries. Our findings support future investigation into the clinical utility and mechanism of ECT for PP in this patient population.

РОЛЬ МИКРОБИОТЫ КИШЕЧНИКА И ОТДЕЛЬНЫХ ПРОДУКТОВ ИХ МЕТАБОЛИЗМА В РАЗВИТИИ ОЖИРЕНИЯ У ДЕТЕЙ

Abstract. Introduction. Obesity is one of the major problems in pediatrics worldwide. In recent years, the role of the gut microbiota in the development of various pathological conditions, including childhood obesity and its complications, has been increasingly discussed. We have presented the data characterizing changes in the gut microbiota in overweight patients and discussed their potential role in the development of this disease. Aim. To consider the key points of forming the intestinal microbiota in the neonatal period and the relationship of this process with the development of obesity in the subsequent years of the child’s life, the peculiarities of the microbiological landscape in obese patients, and the functional role of individual metabolites in its formation. Materials and Methods. A review of the scientific literature in the biomedical publication databases, such as PubMed, Medline, eLibrary, Google Scholar, and the Cochrane Library. Results and Discussion. Gut microbiota interact symbiotically with the human body, influencing metabolic activity and physiological characteristics. The microbiota formed at an early age are the basis of general health, but unfavorable influences on the processes of formation of the infant’s intestinal microbiota, such as non-physiological birth, artificial feeding, treatment with antibacterial drugs, can lead to the formation of pathological conditions. Metabolic processes in obese patients are particularly affected by qualitative changes in the intestinal microbiota and impaired synthesis of short-chain fatty acids. Excessive quantities of short-chain fatty acids produced by specific members of the gut microbiota represent an additional energy source and could lead to an energy imbalance, contributing to the development of obesity. Conclusions. Individual members of the gut microbiota can also be considered as predictors of obesity complications. Essential short-chain fatty acids are only a small part of the wide range of metabolites produced by gut bacteria, which also exert their influence on the metabolic and immune homeostasis of the human body.

Biological removal of nitrogenous waste compounds in the biofloc aquaculture system: a review

Abstract Aquaculture has experienced significant global expansion and is considered one of the fastest-growing sectors in food production. However, there exist additional challenges that restrict the capacity to achieve maximum efficiency in aquaculture systems, such as issues over water quality and shortages of appropriate live feeds. Intensive aquaculture systems involve the use of protein-rich prepared feed for feeding the cultured animals. This may give rise to the discharge of nitrogenous compounds into the water, which can pose a risk to the environment when present in excessive quantities beyond the acceptable levels. In recent years, an innovative method called biofloc technology (BFT) has become a practical solution to this issue. Undoubtedly, BFT offers a groundbreaking method for nutrient disposal that eradicates the requirement for excessive water use or equipment maintenance. Three primary types of microorganisms are crucial in alleviating the adverse impacts of nitrogen compounds in this technique. Photoautotrophs participate in the processes of removal and absorption, whereas chemoautotrophs promote nitrification and conversion. Heterotrophs contribute to the absorption process. Biofloc predominantly consists of heterotrophic bacteria, alongside algae, protozoa, rotifers, and nematodes. While there have been reviews carried out on multiple aspects of biofloc technology, there exists a lack of literature that tackles this particular field of research progress. This article discusses every aspect and techniques of biological management used for removing nitrogenous waste compounds in biofloc aquaculture systems.

Bovine serum albumin uptake and polypeptide disaggregation studies of hypoglycemic ruthenium(II) uracil Schiff-base complexes

Our prior studies have illustrated that the uracil ruthenium(II) diimino complex, [Ru(H3ucp)Cl(PPh3)] (1) (H4ucp = 2,6-bis-((6-amino-1,3-dimethyluracilimino)methylene)pyridine) displayed high hypoglycemic effects in diet-induced diabetic rats. To rationalize the anti-diabetic effects of 1, three new derivatives have been prepared, cis-[Ru(bpy)2(urdp)]Cl2 (2) (urdp = 2,6-bis-((uracilimino)methylene)pyridine), trans-[RuCl2(PPh3)(urdp)] (3), and cis-[Ru(bpy)2(H4ucp)](PF6)2 (4). Various physicochemical techniques were utilized to characterize the structures of the novel ruthenium compounds. Prior to biomolecular interactions or in vitro studies, the stabilities of 1–4 were monitored in anhydrous DMSO, aqueous phosphate buffer containing 2% DMSO, and dichloromethane (DCM) via UV–Vis spectrophotometry. Time-dependent stability studies showed ligand exchange between DMSO nucleophiles and chloride co-ligands of 1 and 3, which was suppressed in the presence of an excess amount of chloride ions. In addition, the metal complexes 1 and 3 are stable in both DCM and an aqueous phosphate buffer containing 2% DMSO. In the case of compounds 2 and 4 with no chloride co-ligands within their coordination spheres, high stability in aqueous phosphate buffer containing 2% DMSO was observed. Fluorescence emission titrations of the individual ruthenium compounds with bovine serum albumin (BSA) showed that the metal compounds interact non-discriminately within the protein's hydrophobic cavities as moderate to strong binders. The metal complexes were capable of disintegrating mature amylin amyloid fibrils. In vivo glucose metabolism studies in liver (Chang) cell lines confirmed enhanced glucose metabolism as evidenced by the increased glucose utilization and glycogen synthesis in liver cell lines in the presence of complexes 2–4.

Geochemical background and geopedological interactions of selenium in soils from Piauí state, Northeastern Brazil

ABSTRACT Although Selenium (Se) plays a role as a micronutrient for humans through vegetable consumption, it is also recognized as toxic when present in excessive quantities. Therefore, quantifying Se contents in soils can prevent diseases influenced by crop Se deficiency or excess. We aimed to measure background contents, establish quality reference values (QRV) for Se in soils from two Brazilian biomes (Cerrado and Caatinga), and assess how geopedological factors affect Se content and spatial variability. Two hundred and eight composite topsoil samples were analyzed for Se content, covering an area of about 251,578 km². Sampling sites were under the minimal anthropogenic influence to represent Se background contents. Selenium contents were determined by hydride generation atomic absorption spectroscopy (HGAAS), ranging from 0.002 to 4.78 mg kg -1 . Most soils had contents below the world average of 0.44 mg kg -1 but still above the soil content that causes human Se deficiency (0.125 mg kg -1 ). Soils from Cerrado and Caatinga biomes showed similar average contents of Se, 0.41 and 0.47 mg kg -1 , respectively. Organic carbon content and soil particle size (clay fraction) were the main factors governing Se content in the soils. Our results contribute to understanding the Se content and spatial distribution in tropical soils and the factors governing them. They also provide a tool for agriculture and environmental decision-makers to plan public policies regarding the management of Se levels in these and similar tropical soils in the world.

Abstract 737: Arrays of 3D ECM-embedded fibroblast clusters for characterization of ECM remodeling by primary cancer associated fibroblasts and for evaluation of drugs attenuating fibrotic ECM remodeling

Abstract Chronic fibrosis can lead to organ failure and is also associated with cancer, where the tumor is interpreted as a chronic wound, and the fibrotic tumor environment drives disease progression. Fibrosis occurs in an inflammatory environment where macrophages are activated, and fibroblasts transdifferentiate into myofibroblasts. Activated macrophages stimulate the myofibroblasts to produce excessive amounts of collagen-rich ECM. Changes in proteolytic activity and high contractile forces that myofibroblasts apply onto their tissue environment, further lead to extensive remodeling of the healthy tissue matrix into a scar matrix. Similar activity is displayed by cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) in tumors. Intervening with the excessive ECM remodeling by activated fibroblasts represents a candidate therapeutic strategy to normalize the architecture of fibrotic and malignant tissues. We developed a screening platform using an assay based on automated image guided injection of clusters of fibroblasts in wells of multi-well plates preloaded with a collagen-rich ECM network. The identical x-y-z position, spacing, and size of the ECM-embedded fibroblast clusters in each well facilitates automated real time confocal microscopy and quantitative image analysis algorithms. We use this setup for automated quantitative analysis of ECM remodeling activity of CAFs obtained from early-stage colorectal cancer patients. We find that CAFs from these early-stage lesions display increased ECM remodeling capacity as compared to patient matched normal fibroblasts. We then use the same setup to screen a series of compounds for their ability to attenuate ECM remodeling triggered by TGFb-activated primary human fibroblasts. We detect known and novel pathways, and we identify small molecule inhibitors with a promising efficacy versus toxicity profile. Lastly, we detect a previously unknown concentration-dependent side effect of ALK5 inhibitors that leads to the identification of a novel profibrotic pathway and indicates that caution is warranted for the clinical application of ALK5 inhibitors. Citation Format: Erik H. J. Danen. Arrays of 3D ECM-embedded fibroblast clusters for characterization of ECM remodeling by primary cancer associated fibroblasts and for evaluation of drugs attenuating fibrotic ECM remodeling [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2024; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2024 Apr 5-10; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(6_Suppl):Abstract nr 737.

An electrochemical tool for food additive: A nanoengineered sustainable approach on the preparation of t-LaVO4 rods decorated on g-carbon nitride nanocomposite for determination of theobromine

The dimethylxanthine alkaloid of theobromine (TB) naturally occurs in plants and their products. Derivatives of methylxanthine can potentially induce detrimental impacts on human health if ingested in excessive quantities or by individuals who are particularly susceptible to their effects. Therefore, a differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) method utilizing an electrode modified with a nanocomposite was proposed as an analytical approach for determining TB. Herein, the rare earth metal vanadate (REVO4) has recently played a key role in its use as an electrocatalyst in electrochemical sensors. REVO4's electronic characteristics enable electrochemical, optical, or impedance-based signal transduction and sensitive analyte detection. Due to these characteristics, REVO4 boosts sensing target analyte signals, enhancing sensor system sensitivity. In this paper, we constructed a sensor with nanostructured g-C3N4 entrapped LaVO4 nanomaterial successfully combined to make a nanocomposite to detect food analyte. Various voltammetric and spectroscopic techniques characterized the successfully prepared material LaVO4@g-C3N4 and its electrochemical behaviors. The electrochemical detection of TB, differential pulse voltammetric response was obtained in the wide linear range of 0.001–365 μM, the limit of detection (LOD) is 8 nM and the sensitivity of 4.03 μA μM−1 cm−2. The sensing platform of the electrochemical sensor successfully detected the extract of food samples such as water and chocolate milk samples and exhibited good recovery values of ±98.6–99.0%. The constructed sensor provides a robust means for monitoring alkaloids in complex matrices and a promising opportunity to develop sensitive and selective electrode materials with good reusability.

Wetting property of Fe‐S melt in solid core: Implication for the core crystallization process in planetesimals

AbstractIn differentiated planetesimals, the liquid core starts to crystallize during secular cooling, followed by the separation of liquid–solid phases in the core. The wetting property between liquid and solid iron alloys determines whether the core melts are trapped in the solid core or they can separate from the solid core during core crystallization. In this study, we performed high‐pressure experiments under the conditions of the interior of small bodies (0.5–3.0 GPa) to study the wetting property (dihedral angle) between solid Fe and liquid Fe‐S as a function of pressure and duration. The measured dihedral angles are approximately constant after 2 h and decrease with increasing pressure. The dihedral angles range from 30° to 48°, which are below the percolation threshold of 60° at 0.5–3.0 GPa. The oxygen content in the melt decreases with increasing pressure and there are strong positive correlations between the S + O or O content and the dihedral angle. Therefore, the change in the dihedral angle is likely controlled by the O content of the Fe‐S melt, and the dihedral angle tends to decrease with decreasing O content in the Fe‐S melt. Consequently, the Fe‐S melt can form interconnected networks in the solid core. In the obtained range of the dihedral angle, a certain amount of the Fe‐S melt can stably coexist with solid Fe, which would correspond to the “trapped melt” in iron meteorites. Excess amounts of the melt would migrate from the solid core over a long period of core crystallization in planetesimals.

Phase Equilibrium Study of Rare Earth Oxide–Fluoride Salt System: A Review

The applications of rare earth metals and alloys are becoming increasingly widespread and there is a strong market demand. Currently, most of the production enterprises adopt the fluoride–oxide system for electrolytic preparation of rare earth metals and alloys. The solubility of rare earth oxides in molten salt directly affects the selection of operational parameters in the electrolysis process. When the added amount of RE2O3 is less than its solubility, it leads to a decreased electrolytic efficiency. Conversely, an excessive amount of oxide is prone to settle at the bottom of the electrolytic cell, impeding smooth production. The RE2O3 solubility in the fluoride salt can be represented by the phase equilibrium of the RE2O3-REF3-LiF system. The isothermal lines in the primary phase field of rare earth oxide represent the solubility of the oxide in the fluoride salt at the corresponding temperature. This paper outlines the research methods and experimental results on the phase equilibria of the RE2O3-REF3-LiF system. The characteristics and existing problems in the current phase equilibrium study are analyzed. The solubility data of RE2O3 are expressed in the forms of ternary and pseudo-binary phase diagrams of the RE2O3-REF3-LiF system, providing theoretical guidance for the establishment of an accurate and reliable rare earth electrolysis system database and the optimization of electrolytic processes.

Tuning Catalytic Activity of Palladium in Direct C−H Arylation of Biologically Active Xanthines using Silver Additive.

AbstractWe describe an efficient and versatile method for the direct C−H arylation of xanthines with aryl halides using Pd/P(o‐tolyl)3 as catalyst and Ag2O as an additive. Silver salts have been frequently used as an additive in the Pd‐catalyzed C−H bond activation reactions albeit in excessive amounts (2 to 4 eq.). Herein, we use of a stoichiometric amount (0.1 to 1 eq.) of Ag2O to obtain the optimum yields of C‐8 arylated products. This method exhibits broad substrate scope and enables synthesis of a wide range of xanthine derivatives by variation of aryl component at the C‐8 position. A key advantage of silver additive is that it reduces the catalyst loading and time required for the completion of reactions. Although kinetic experiments show that the inclusion of silver salt accelerates the rate of reaction, catalytic role of silver salt could not be conceived since the C−H bond cleavage is not a rate determining step. Silver salt presumably act as a terminal oxidant in the catalytic cycle and assist the regeneration of Pd catalyst. Moreover, preliminary assessment of biological activities of xanthines demonstrates that the C‐8 arylated xanthines derivatives efficiently inhibit the α‐Synuclein fibrillation, a key factor behind Parkinson's disease.

Liver fibrosis pathologies and potentials of RNA based therapeutics modalities.

Liver fibrosis (LF) occurs when the liver tissue responds to injury or inflammation by producing excessive amounts of scar tissue, known as the extracellular matrix. This buildup stiffens the liver tissue, hinders blood flow, and ultimately impairs liver function. Various factors can trigger this process, including bloodborne pathogens, genetic predisposition, alcohol abuse, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. While some existing small-molecule therapies offer limited benefits, there is a pressing need for more effective treatments that can truly cure LF. RNA therapeutics have emerged as a promising approach, as they can potentially downregulate cytokine levels in cells responsible for liver fibrosis. Researchers are actively exploring various RNA-based therapeutics, such as mRNA, siRNA, miRNA, lncRNA, and oligonucleotides, to assess their efficacy in animal models. Furthermore, targeted drug delivery systems hold immense potential in this field. By utilizing lipid nanoparticles, exosomes, nanocomplexes, micelles, and polymeric nanoparticles, researchers aim to deliver therapeutic agents directly to specific biomarkers or cytokines within the fibrotic liver, increasing their effectiveness and reducing side effects. In conclusion, this review highlights the complex nature of liver fibrosis, its underlying causes, and the promising potential of RNA-based therapeutics and targeted delivery systems. Continued research in these areas could lead to the development of more effective and personalized treatment options for LF patients.

Will Nigella sativa oil protect parotid glands of rats against cranium gamma irradiation? Histological and immunohistochemical evaluation

BackgroundRadiation plays an essential role in treating malignancies. Radiation exposure of salivary glands often results in permanent loss of their functions; therefore, their protection against radiation is crucial. Nigella sativa oil (NSO) is a useful antioxidant against free radicals. The purpose of this study was to investigate the radio-protective effect of NSO on oxidative injury of parotid glands of gamma-irradiated rats. Methods: Twenty-eight male albino rats were divided into four groups (n = 7): Group 1: Neither NSO nor radiation, Group 2: Rats received NSO 400 mg/kg, Group 3: Rats received 15 Gy cranium gamma irradiation & Group 4: Rats received gamma irradiation and NSO. Rats were sacrificed two weeks after the last NSO dose. Histological sections of parotid glands were stained with H&E, Masson’s trichrome and anti-TGF-β antibodies. Area percentage of Masson’s trichrome and TGF-β expression was morphometrically examined. Results: Parotid glands of control and NSO groups revealed normal morphology. Gamma-irradiated glands showed loss of normal acinar architecture and slight acinar shrinkage. NSO treatment of gamma-irradiated glands preserved acinar outline and architecture. Masson’s trichrome stained samples revealed trace amounts of collagen fibers in control and NSO groups, and excessive amounts of collagen fibers in gamma-irradiated group, in addition to few collagen fibers for gamma-irradiated glands treated with NSO. Additionally, control and NSO groups showed negative TGF-β expression. Gamma-irradiated group showed high TGF-β expression, while NSO treated gamma-irradiated group showed moderate TGF-β expression. Conclusions: Gamma-irradiation adversely affected parotid glands, and in contrast, NSO seemed to positively counteract this adverse effect.

Fundamental Experiment and Numerical Simulation of Ne/Xe Plasma Magnetohydrodynamic Electrical Power Generation

We conducted experiments in a shock-tube facility to test magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) electrical power generation with Xe-seeded Ne plasma. The performance and plasma behavior of the experimental generator were examined using time-dependent r-θ two-dimensional numerical simulations. In the experiment, an enthalpy extraction ratio of about 5.0% was obtained using a disk-shaped MHD generator with radio frequency pre-ionization. The numerical simulations show that the enthalpy extraction ratio is improved by adding small amounts of Xe to Ne, but also that adding excessive amounts of Xe deteriorates the generator performance. When an appropriate inlet electron temperature is assumed in the simulations, 5900–6450 K (inlet ionization degree of 0.25×10−4–0.72×10−4) for a seed fraction (mole % of Xe) of 0.1%, 6050–6280 K (1.08×10−4–1.70×10−4) for a seed fraction of 1.0%, and 5750–5950 K (1.27×10−4–1.97×10−4) for a seed fraction of 5.0%, the plasma structure almost becomes similar to the nonuniform plasma structure observed in the experiment, as too does the enthalpy extraction ratio. The simulations suggest that achieving an inlet ionization degree above 5–6×10−4 when using Ne/Xe with a seed fraction of 0.1–1.0% as the working gas should enable an enthalpy extraction ratio above 20%, which is expected to surpass that for pure Ar.

Achieving Nickel-Catalyzed Reductive C(sp2)-B Coupling of Bromoboranes via Reversing the Activation Sequence.

Transition metal-catalyzed reductive cross-couplings to build C-C/Si bonds have been developed, but the reductive cross-coupling to create the C(sp2)-B bond has not been explored. Herein, we describe a nickel-catalyzed reductive cross-coupling between aryl halides and bromoboranes to construct a C(sp2)-B bond. This protocol offers a convenient approach for the synthesis of a wide range of aryl boronate esters, using readily available starting materials. Mechanistic studies indicate that the key to the success of the reaction is the activation of the B-Br bond of bromoboranes with a Lewis base such as 2-MeO-py. The activation ensures that bromoboranes will react with the active nickel(I) catalyst prior to aryl halides, which is different from the sequence of the general nickel-catalyzed reductive C(sp2)-C/Si cross-coupling, where the oxidative addition of an aryl halide proceeds first. Notably, this approach minimizes the production of undesired homocoupling byproduct without the requirement of excessive quantities of either substrate.

The Role of Glutathione in the Management of Cell-Mediated Immune Responses in Individuals with HIV.

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a major cause of death worldwide. Without appropriate antiretroviral therapy, the infection can develop into acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). AIDS leads to the dysregulation of cell-mediated immunity resulting in increased susceptibility to opportunistic infections and excessive amounts of inflammatory cytokines. HIV-positive individuals also demonstrate diminished glutathione (GSH) levels which allows for increased viral replication and increased pro-inflammatory cytokine release, further contributing to the high rates of mortality seen in patients with HIV. Adequate GSH supplementation has reduced inflammation and slowed the decline of CD4+ T cell counts in HIV-positive individuals. We aim to review the current literature regarding the role of GSH in cell-mediated immune responses in individuals with HIV- and AIDS-defining illnesses.

Coal Mine Drainage as a Source of Drinking and Industrial Water—The Upper Silesian Coal Basin, Poland

Water is one of the most important resources found on Earth, essential for all forms of life. Both the quantity and quality of water resources are crucial for the health of the population and for economic sectors, making water a factor in determining a society’s standard of living. Mine water serves as an appealing source of both drinking and technological water. Regardless of the exploitation method, it must be pumped to the surface and, usually, treated to meet environmental standards. In most cases, it is discharged to rivers. In this article, we present a model of the use of mine water from three pumping stations of decommissioned coal mines in the Upper Silesian Coal Basin—Jan Kanty, Saturn, and Boże Dary. Water from these pumping stations is characterized by good qualitative and quantitative parameters. The results of the physico-chemical composition analyses carried out in the years 2012–2022 did not reveal any excessive amounts of toxic components or treatment difficulties. Given the long operational lifespan of these pumping stations and their existing water extraction infrastructure, they emerge as promising sources of both potable and industrial water supply, demanding minimal treatment efforts.