Increase In Concentration Research Articles

Insight into the molecular mechanism of anti-breast cancer therapeutic potential of substituted salicylidene-based compounds using cell-based assays and molecular docking studies.

Targeting oxidative stress and inflammatory signaling pathways is an effective cancer prevention and therapy approach. The mechanism of action of synthesized salicylidene-based compounds was investigated in regulating key molecular targets of breast cancer development. Compounds (1), (4), (5), and (7) were found to be more cytotoxic to MCF-7 and 4T1 cells compared to non-cancerous Chang liver cells, while these compounds were cytotoxic to MDA-MB-231 cells, but with poor selectivity. The colony formation assay indicated that bioactive compounds induced significant damage to breast cancer cells, as observed by a reduction in the number of colonies compared to control cells. By inducing a concentration and time-dependent increase of luminescence and fluorescence of phosphatidylserine, and activating the expression of caspases-3, -7, -8, -9 in breast cancer cells, (1) and (7) have shown to induce caspase-dependent apoptosis. The downregulation of NF-kB-p65 and an upregulation of TP53 expression after exposure to bioactive compounds, demonstrated the suppression of two key targets of breast cancer development. Molecular docking studies revealed that selected protein targets strongly interact with bioactive compounds, and the estimated inhibition constants (Ki) of JAK2, STAT3, COX-2, HPV31 E6, EGFR1, TP53, and PARP1 were significantly decreased compared to acetylsalicylic acid. This could be a clear indication that these protein targets are implicated with antiproliferative efficacy, thereby warranting the potential of (1) and (7) to be used as anti-breast cancer drug candidates.

Multiscale simulation of water/oil displacement with dissolved CO[formula omitted]: Implications for geological carbon storage and CO[formula omitted]-enhanced oil recovery

This study combines molecular and pore-scale simulations to enhance our understanding of water, carbon dioxide (CO2), and oil flow in a porous system for high-efficiency geological carbon storage and enhanced oil recovery. We use molecular dynamics simulations to study the variation of interfacial tension (IFT), viscosity, and contact angle across varying system CO2 concentrations. The study reveals that the IFT simulation accuracy in the three-component mixture system relates positively to the volume-to-interfacial area ratio, and IFT decreases with CO2 concentration. Oil–CO2 mixture viscosity decreases and shows an intersection with water viscosity as CO2 concentration increases. The contact angle on the hydrophobic surface of kaolinite first increases and then decreases with CO2 concentration, while the hydrophilic surface contact angle is not sensitive to the CO2 concentration. Visualizing CO2 density distribution reveals its accumulation at fluid-fluid and fluid-solid interfaces and the combined effect results in the highest CO2 density at contact-line regions. Meanwhile, the elevated CO2 density at fluid-fluid interfaces reduces IFT, contributing to the initial contact angle increase, while the CO2 density increase at fluids-solid surface explains the subsequent contact angle decrease. These findings are then upscaled into a core-scale system using lattice Boltzmann simulations. The results are summarized into a phase diagram, which reveals the non-monotonic variations of the initial-residual (I-R) curves across different CO2 concentrations, and the residual saturation overall decreases with CO2 concentration for high initial saturations. These findings underscore the critical roles of system CO2 concentration and rock components, particularly kaolinite clay minerals, in subsurface multiphase seepage confronted in geological carbon storage and CO2-enhanced oil recovery, highlighting the importance of digital rock physical chemistry.

Effect of lanthanum, ce- rium, praseodymium on corrosion-electrochemical behavior of aluminum conductor alloy AlTi0.1 in NaCl electrolyte

The article presents the results of studying the effect of lanthanum, cerium and praseodymium additives (0–1.0 wt.%) as structure modifiers on the anodic behavior of the aluminum conductive alloy AlTi0.1 in the NaCl electrolyte medium. The studies were carried out using the potentiostatic method with a potential scan rate of 2 mV/s. It was found that over time, the free corrosion potential of the alloys shifts to the positive side and acquires a positive value with an increase in the modifier concentration (lanthanum, cerium, praseodymium) in the aluminum conductive alloy. The addition of lanthanum to the aluminum conductive alloy AlTi0.1 by 12–23%, cerium by 20–30% and praseodymium by 25–35% increases its corrosion resistance. An increase in the corrosion rate of the alloys with an increase in the NaCl concentration in the solution, regardless of their composition, was noted. An increase in the concentration of chloride ion in the NaCl electrolyte leads to a decrease in the potentials of free corrosion, repassivation and pitting of alloys.

Enhancing accuracy and reproducibility in asphalt VOCs qualitative and quantitative analysis: Insights from laboratory studies on emission characteristics

Asphalt pavement will emit Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) during life cycle, posing environmental and health risks. Precise understanding of the emission characteristics of asphalt VOCs will facilitate the formulation of targeted measures for reducing emissions. Simulating the emission characteristics of VOCs from asphalt under laboratory conditions is an effective method for predicting asphalt VOCs pollution and implementing effective control measures. In this study, a quality control method for qualitative and quantitative detection of asphalt VOCs in laboratory settings was established based on sample storage time, asphalt sources, and temperature sensor positions. Furthermore, the study investigated the influence of mixing speed and sampling pump speed during asphalt VOCs generation on the emission characteristics. The results demonstrate that the quality control methods exhibit excellent reproducibility and reliability, making them valuable for future research and emission control strategies. Furthermore, the total concentration of asphalt VOCs increases with higher mixing speeds, but stabilizes when the mixing speed reaches 750–1250 r/min. As mixing speed increases, the proportion of alkane groups significantly decreases, while the proportion of aldehydes markedly increases, with the overall proportion remaining relatively stable. Decreasing sampling pump speed leads to a gradual increase in asphalt VOCs concentration. At lower pump speeds, a nonlinear increase in concentration occurs due to VOCs enrichment effects. Asphalt VOCs concentrations exhibit a proportional increase with sampling pump speeds exceeding 1000 ml/min. Finally, based on the results of the three-level analysis of "total concentration-group-substance" and taking into account the energy consumption, it is recommended that the mixing speed be set at 1000 r/min and the sampling pump speed be set at 1000 ml/min for the generation and collection of asphalt-related VOCs. This study can provide a reliable method for generating and collecting asphalt-related VOCs and offer critical insights for optimizing VOCs emission reduction strategies.

The Anti-Candidal Activity of Salvia verticillata subsp. verticillata Against Several Candida Species

The examination of Salvia verticillata extract encompassed an exploration of its anti-Candida properties, phytochemical composition, antioxidant activity, and the quantification of total tannins. The use of ethanol as a solvent yielded the highest extraction efficiency at 26.1%. The plant exhibited a substantial tannin content of 6.5 mg/kg, signifying a noteworthy concentration. The inhibitory zones against Candida tropicalis reached a minimum diameter of 17.6 mm, while Candida guilliermondii displayed the most significant inhibition with a zone diameter of 21.8 mm. The minor inhibitory concentration (MIC) findings for all Candida species ranged from 6.25 to 12.5 g/ml. In the case of Candida guilliermondii, the synthetic antifungal activity FLU/25 demonstrated a maximal inhibition zone measuring 39.30 mm. Additionally, the maximum antioxidant activity, recorded at 0.3 ml, reached a value of 98.65. Phytochemical screening unveiled elevated concentrations of phenols and flavonoids, with malic acid (1901.1 g/g), hesperidin (302.4 g/g), and rosmarinic acid (30619.93 g/g) all experiencing an increase in concentration. These findings provide a comprehensive understanding of the diverse bioactive components and properties associated with Salvia verticillata extract.

Formulation and Sensory Evaluation of Symbiotic Kulfi with Lactobacillus lactis, Banana (Musa paradisiaca) Powder and Flaxseed (Linum usitatissimum) Powder as a Functional Ingredients

Kulfi was one of the old frozen dessert earlier which was popular in rural area, nowadays that scope increased in both rural and urban area. Many probiotic dairy products are present in market but probiotic ice cream extending their space widely, some alterations were made to slight increase the viability of probiotic microorganisms that provide wide health benefits to consumers and peoples were more sensitive lactose intolerance by breakdown of complex sugars into simpler form. In this study made to production of symbiotic kulfi by incorporation of probiotic culture lactobacillus lactis (0.05g/100g), Banana powder (musa paradisiaca) (8g, 16g. 24g), and Flax seed (Linum usitatissimum) powder as a prebiotic source (2g, 4g, 6g). Banana powder and flax seed powder, not only act as prebiotic source along with provides good texture and taste with increased color and appearance of the kulfi samples. The effect of banana powder and flax seed powder reveals the survivability of probiotic microorganisms, variation in nutritional composition and sensory property. Viability of probiotic microorganisms was slight decreased by increasing in days of storage at freeze condition. In comparison of C1, P1, P2, P3 the acidity was decreased (0.22, 0.20, 0.16), Total soluble solid (50.1, 57.1, 62.5) and total carbohydrate increased. The increase in prebiotic concentration, saturated fat (5.30, 4.80, 4.30), total fat and sodium concentration was decreased. By comparing all kulfi samples, P1 sample got the highest score in both sensory attributes and nutritional analysis.

Microstructural Evaluation and Linkage to the Engineering Properties of Metal-Ion-Contaminated Clay.

The rapid progress of urbanization and industrialization has led to the accumulation of large amounts of metal ions in the environment. These metal ions are adsorbed onto the negatively charged surfaces of clay particles, altering the total surface charge, double-layer thickness, and chemical bonds between the particles, which in turn affects the interactions between them. This causes changes in the microstructure, such as particle rearrangement and pore morphology adjustments, ultimately altering the mechanical behavior of the soil and reducing its stability. This study explores the effects of four common metal ions, including monovalent alkali metal ions (Na+, K+) and divalent heavy metal ions (Pb2+, Zn2+), with a focus on how ion valence and concentration impact the soil's microstructure and mechanical properties. Microstructural tests show that metal ion incorporation reduces particle size, increases clay content, and transforms the structure from layered to honeycomb-like. Small pores decrease while large pores dominate, reducing the specific surface area and pore volume, while the average pore size increases. Although cation exchange capacity decreases, cation adsorption density per unit surface area increases. Monovalent ions primarily disperse the soil structure, while divalent ions induce coagulation. Macro-mechanical tests reveal that metal ion contamination reduces porosity under loading, with compressibility rises as the ion concentration increases. Soils contaminated with alkali metal ions shows higher compression coefficients at all loads, while heavy metal ions cause higher compression under lower loads. Shear strength, the internal friction angle, and cohesion in metal-ion-contaminated clay decrease compared to uncontaminated field-state clay, with greater declines at higher ion concentrations. The Micropore Morphology Index and hydro-pore structural parameter effectively characterize both micro- and macrostructural properties, establishing a quantitative relationship between HPSP and the engineering properties of metal-ion-contaminated clay.

Significant annual variations of firework-impacted aerosols in Northeast China: Implications for rethinking the firework bans

Fireworks are banned in many Chinese cities but never eliminated, reflecting strong public demand on this traditional activity for festival celebrations. On the other hand, the assessment of firework contributions to air pollution remains vague, raising concerns on the necessity of the mandatory bans. Here we investigated the characteristics of firework episodes in a megacity in Northeast China, based on field campaigns conducted in four successive winters during 2018–2022. Although prohibited, the firework influences remained evident during the Chinese New Year periods, as suggested by the enhancements of water-soluble potassium (K+). In addition, significant annual variations were identified for the firework episodes, with the following features observed. First, the firework-induced enrichment ratios of K+ and chloride exhibited increasing trends across years, climbing from 4.4 to 8.6 and from 1.7 to 2.9, respectively. Second, the enrichment ratio of sulfate dropped from 2.8 to 1.6, indicating that the firework contributions to sulfate decreased but remained considerable. Third, fireworks turned into an unimportant source for organic carbon and nitrate in the most recent winter of 2021–2022, with enrichment ratios of ∼1 for both species. Fourth, the firework-driven increases in fine particle concentration were as high as ∼100% for the two winters during 2019–2021, whereas the increase dropped sharply to ∼30% for 2021–2022. These variations were in line with the promotion of environmentally friendly fireworks. Our results indicated that the air pollution caused by fireworks could be reduced substantially by advanced manufacturing technologies and thus it is time to rethink the firework bans.

Sausage Preservation Using Films Composed of Chitosan and a Pickering Emulsion of Essential Oils Stabilized with Waste-Jujube-Kernel-Derived Cellulose Nanocrystals.

The purpose of this study was to prepare Pickering emulsions stabilized by waste jujube kernel cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) using composite essential oils (EOs) (i.e., cinnamon essential oil [CIN] combined with clove essential oil [CL]). The Pickering emulsions were blended with chitosan (CS) to generate a composite film (CS/CNC/EOs Pickering emulsions). We evaluated the mechanical properties, barrier properties, and microstructures of CS/CNC/EOs bio-based packaging films containing different concentrations of EOs. In addition, the fresh-keeping effects of the composite membranes on beef sausages were evaluated over a 12-day storage period. Notably, the EOs exhibited good compatibility with CS. With the increase in the EOs concentration, the droplet size increased, the composite films became thicker, the elongation at break decreased, the tensile strength increased, and the water vapor permeability decreased. When the composite films were used for preserving beef sausages, the antioxidant and antibacterial activity of the membranes improved as the concentration of EOs increased, effectively prolonging the shelf life of the sausages. Composite membranes with an EOs concentration of 2% exerted the best fresh-keeping effects. Overall, owing to their antioxidant and antimicrobial properties, the bio-based composite films prepared using CS/CNC/EOs Pickering emulsions demonstrated immense potential for application in the packaging of meat products.

Structural and physicochemical properties of plant-based meat analogues from transglutaminase-modified soybean protein

Plant-based meat analogues (PBMA) have been developed for decades. The resemblance in PBMA to meat, in terms of physical properties and sensory attributes, is important for consumers. This study aims to investigate the effects of transglutaminase (TG) concentration (1, 3, 5% (w/w)) on modified textured vegetable soybean protein (TVP). The changes in TVP protein molecular weight, microstructure, texture profile, sensory quality and nutritional value of PBMA were investigated. The first set of analyses examined the impact of TG concentration on TVP structure and the results showed that the TVP protein band from SDS-PAGE were changed to a larger band at 36-40 kDa as compared to the control indicating the formation of a cross-linked protein. The modified TVP was used as a raw ingredient for PBMA development. The appearance and microstructure of PBMA from the TG-modified TVP showed that the uncooked PBMA with TG-modified TVP were not different from those of the control. With regard to the texture profile of PBMA, an increase in TG concentration resulted in an increase in hardness. A sensory evaluation revealed that the PBMA with 1%TG provided the highest overall acceptance score. Hence, the PBMA with 1%TG was selected for a nutritional analysis comparing steak to meat. The carbohydrate and fat content of PBMA with 1%TG were higher than those of meat while the protein content of PBMA with 1%TG consisted of a maximum of 70% meat. This research could lead to alternative plant-based foods in the food industry.

Demulsification efficiency of the leave extract from African blackwood (Delbergia melanoxylon)

The demulsification efficiency of the leave extract from African Blackwood (Delbergia Melanoxylon) was determined using the bottle test method. Methanol, n-heptane and distilled water were used as extraction solvents respectively to extract the active ingredients of the leave. A 200 ml crude oil emulsion obtained from Niger Delta area Nigeria was introduced into six (6) calibrated 500 ml Teflon-stoppered bottles respectively, the leave extract in the solvent was introduced into each of the bottles as a demulsifier at concentrations of 50, 100, 150, 200 and 250 ppm with the sixth bottle left as control (without demulsifier). All the bottles were immersed in a water bath of 60 0C after mixing properly with a mechanical laboratory mixer and left for an hour. After an initial 5 minutes, the percentage of water separated in each bottle was recorded after 10 minutes. Bottle test was also carried out using a synthetic demulsifier (DXO77) on the same crude oil. Results obtained shows that the leave extract using methanol had the highest demulsification efficiency separating 50.5 % water from the crude after 60 minutes with a demulsifier concentration of 250 ppm. A 250 ppm of the synthetic demulsifier (DXO77) separated 51.0% of water from the crude after 60 minutes. The leave extract using n-heptane and distilled water separated 40.5 % and 32.5% water from the crude after 60 minutes at demulsifier concentrations of 250 ppm respectively. There is a consistency in the percentage of water from the crude within the last 15 minutes indicating that the separated water in the crude has reached its threshold, further increase in the demulsifier concentration at this point could lead to emulsification. The demulsification efficiency of plant extracts such as African Blackwood (Delbergia Melanoxylon) are influenced by the characteristics of the extraction solvent such as solvating power and extraction capacity.

High-performance ratiometric magnetic electrochemical sensor for acetamiprid detection using Ag@PDA@Fe3O4 nanocomposites

Acetamiprid (AAP) is a renowned neonicotinoid insecticide for swift insect control that is prone to residue in agricultural products and threatens human health. Magnetic electrochemical sensor (MES) was developed for high-precision detection of AAP based on silver nanoparticle (AgNPs) and polydopamine (PDA) modified Fe3O4 nanocomposites (Ag@PDA@Fe3O4). The electrochemical signals generated by AAP hydrolysis and AgNPs oxidation are respectively used as two special signal sources. An increase in AAP concentration led to a proportional increase in the signal from AAP hydrolysis at +0.9 V (IAAP), while the signal from AgNPs oxidation at +0.27 V (IAg) correspondingly decreased. The output signal ΔIAAP/ΔIAg (R2=0.9890) demonstrates a superior linear relationship compared to ΔIAAP (R2=0.9790) or ΔIAg (R2=0.9740) alone. MES demonstrated a broad linear detection range from 0.01 to 2.00 mg L−1 and an impressive limit of detection (LOD, 3S/M) at 3.6 µg L−1. The incorporation of magnetic glassy carbon electrodes (MGCE) significantly mitigates the detachment of nanomaterials. MES has excellent stability and selectivity, and can successfully detect AAP in actual cowpea samples. This study provides pivotal insights into the design of nanomaterial-based ratiometric electrochemical sensors for the sensitive and selective detection of AAP.

Band Gap Engineering and Frequency Dispersive Dielectric Properties of Rare Earth (Sm3+) Modified Ba0.8Sr0.2TiO3 Ceramics for Potential Use as an Optoelectronic Materials

Lead free perovskite materials have the capability to be used in various multifunctional applications. In this regard, dielectric and light absorption properties of Sm modified Ba0.8-xSmxSr0.2TiO3 have been explored. The dielectric constant has been estimated to be 2788 for Ba0.77Sm0.03Sr0.2TiO3. The optical band gap of all prepared samples has been evaluated by employing Tauc plot method and observed that the band gap varies 3.13-2.97 eV with the increase in Sm concentration. In brief, the present study reports the physical properties of Ba0.8-xSmxSr0.2TiO3 ceramics which open window for possible use of it as lead-free optoelectronic material.

Biological activities of Hypericum spectabile extract optimized using artificial neural network combined with genetic algorithm application

Optimizing extraction conditions can help maximize the efficiency and yield of the extraction process while minimizing negative impacts on the environment and human health. For the purpose of the current study, an artificial neural network (ANN) combined with a genetic algorithm (GA) was utilized for that the extraction conditions of Hypericum spectabile were optimized. In this particular investigation, the main objective was to get the highest possible levels of total antioxidant status (TAS) for the extracts that were obtained. In addition to this, conditions of the extract that exhibited the maximum activity have been determined and the biological activity of the extract that was obtained under these conditions was analyzed. TAS values were obtained from extracts obtained using extraction temperatures of 30–60 °C, extraction times of 4–10 h, and extract concentrations of 0.25-2 mg/mL. The best model selected from the established ANN models had a mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) value of 0.643%, a mean squared error (MSE) value of 0.004, and a correlation coefficient (R) value of 0.996, respectively. The genetic algorithm proposed optimal extraction conditions of an extraction temperature of 59.391 °C, an extraction time of 8.841 h, and an extraction concentration of 1.951 mg/mL. It was concluded that the integration of ANN-GA can successfully be used to optimize extraction parameters of Hypericum spectabile. The total antioxidant value of the extract obtained under optimum conditions was determined as 9.306 ± 0.080 mmol/L, total oxidant value as 13.065 ± 0.112 µmol/L, oxidative stress index as 0.140 ± 0.001. Total phenolic content (TPC) was 109.34 ± 1.29 mg/g, total flavonoid content (TFC) was measured as 148.34 ± 1.48 mg/g. Anti-AChE value was determined as 30.68 ± 0.77 µg/mL, anti-BChE value was determined as 41.30 ± 0.48 µg/mL. It was also observed that the extract exhibited strong antiproliferative activities depending on the increase in concentration. As a result of LC-MS/MS analysis of the extract produced under optimum conditions in terms of phenolic content. The presence of fumaric, gallic, protocatechuic, 4-hydroxybenzoic, caffeic, 2-hydoxycinamic acids, quercetin and kaempferol was detected. As a result, it was determined that the H. spectabile extract produced under optimum conditions had significant effects in terms of biological activity.

Experimental study on the effect of discharge parameters of high-frequency nSDBD on the multi-point ignition characteristics of NH3/air mixture

Multi-point ignition by high-frequency nanosecond surface dielectric barrier discharge (nSDBD) offers the potential to enhance the combustion speed of NH3/air mixtures. This paper investigates the ignition process of high-frequency nSDBD in NH3/air mixture. Firstly, the morphology of the discharge channels is studied, and it is found that before the formation of a clear flame kernel, with the increase of the pulse number, the discharge filament length increases first and then stabilized, while the discharge filament number decreases from about 20 to around 12. Secondly, the influence of the mixed gas state on discharge characteristics is studied, and it is observed that as the gas pressure increases, the single pulse energy decreases and the discharge filament length decreases, but the deposition energy per unit length did not change significantly. The increase in NH3 concentration leads to a slight decrease in discharge energy and length. Finally, the effect of the flame kernel on discharge morphology is studied, and it is found that when the flame kernel is small, the discharge filament trees change from dispersed to coincident, and the discharge energy is concentrated. When the flame kernel is large, the discharge filament trees mostly transform into overlapping types, and the number decreases.

Influence of SHMP Concentration on Rutile Flotation in BHA System: Guiding the Separation of Rutile and Hornblende.

Sodium hexametaphosphate (SHMP) is a common depressant used in rutile flotation, especially for silicate gangue minerals such as amphibole. However, the experiment found that in the benzyl hydroxamic acid (BHA) system, SHMP of small concentrations affected the flotation recovery of rutile. In this work, the influence mechanism of SHMP concentration on the flotation of rutile in the BHA system was studied by flotation test, adsorption capacity determination, ζ potential determination, infrared spectrum analysis, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis. The test results show that in the BHA system, SHMP chemically adsorbs on the rutile surface, hindering the effect of BHA on the rutile surface, and hydrolyzes in the pulp to form hydrophilic colloids. When the concentration of BHA is 40 mg/L and that of SHMP is 6 mg/L, the effect of SHMP is the most obvious. However, with the increase of SHMP concentration to 8-10 mg/L, its effect on the recovery of rutile became very weak. When the concentration of SHMP is lower than 6 mg/L, the SHMP anion-metaphosphate ion (SHMP-) interacts with the hydrophilic colloidal particles on the surface of rutile, which affects the combination of BHA and the active sites on the surface of rutile, thus affecting the recovery of rutile. When the concentration of SHMP continues to increase, the SHMP- adsorbed on the rutile surface is removed from the rutile surface due to the charge repulsion and the competitive adsorption of BHA.

Yam (Rhizoma Dioscoreae) polysaccharide affects growth performance, immunity, and intestinal microbial community in Bulatmai barbel (LucioBarbus capito)

Polysaccharides from yam (Rhizoma Dioscoreae) can be used as immunopotentiators in aquaculture; however, the protective mechanism of adding them to feed for Bulatmai barbel (LucioBarbus capito) remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the effects of adding yam polysaccharide (YP) to feed for 8 weeks on the growth performance, antioxidant capacity, gene expression, and intestinal flora of the Bulatmai barbel. The experimental groups were fed a diet including 0.1 %, 0.2 %, 0.4 %, and 0.8 % YP, whereas the diet of the control group contained no added YP, with three replicates per group. The results showed that the addition of YP significantly increased the weight gain rate and specific growth rate of the Bulatmai barbel, which were significantly higher than those of the control group (P < 0.05). The growth effect of the 0.4 % YP (279.77 ± 17.43 g) experimental group was significantly better than that of the other experimental groups, and the feed coefficient (49.35 ± 4.67 g) was significantly lower than that of the control group (P < 0.05). The addition of YP significantly improved immune activity and antioxidant capacity of the liver; HSP70 expression decreased and AKP and SOD expression levels significantly increased in the 0.40 % YP group (P < 0.05). In addition, the relative abundance of intestinal bacteria increased for Fusobacteriota and Firmicutes but decreased in Proteobacteria in the experimental groups compared with the control group. At the genus level, Cetobacterium was the dominant bacterium. With an increase in YP concentration, the relative abundance of Cetobacterium increased, whereas that of Pseudomonas and Phreatobacter decreased. In conclusion, dietary supplementation with 0.4 % YP significantly improved growth performance, antioxidant capacity, and gene expression; and regulated intestinal microbial diversity and floral structure in the Bulatmai barbel.

The annual trend of suicide rates from 2010 to 2021 in patients with cannabis use disorder – a national registry study

Abstract Purpose The temporal trend of suicide in patients with cannabis use disorder (CUD) is important to investigate, considering the recent increases in THC concentration in cannabis products. This study describes the annual suicide rates in patients with CUD from 2010 to 2021. To investigate if any change in suicide rate was specific to CUD, we compared these suicide rates with corresponding data for patients with alcohol use disorders (AUD) and other substance use disorders (SUDs). Method The study used a time series design. We used a national registry linkage between the Norwegian Cause of Death Registry and the Norwegian Patient Registry from 2010 to 2021, including patients with CUD (ICD-10 code F12), AUD (F10), or other SUDs (F11; F13-F16; F18-F19) who died by suicide, supplemented with the total number of patients treated with specific disorders to estimate the suicide rates. The trend was analyzed by comparing the annual suicide rate to 2010 and using Poisson regression, adjusting for gender, age, and mental disorders. Results We found increased annual incidence rate ratios for patients with CUD in 2018 (IRR = 2.14 (95% CI 1.14–3.99)) and onwards and an increasing time trend over the study period (IRR = 1.08 (1.05–1.12)). No increases in trends were found for AUD or other SUDs. The time trend for CUD was attenuated when adjusting for depressive or anxiety disorders (aIRR = 1.00 (0.92–1.08)) or other SUDs (aIRR = 0.96 (0.87–1.06)). Conclusions Increasing suicide rates were found in patients with CUD. Comorbid anxiety and depression or other SUDs, but not other mental disorders, could partly explain these results.

Eco-Friendly Green Approach to the Biosorption of Hazardous Dyes from Aqueous Solution on Ragweed (Ambrosia artemisiifolia) Biomass

The presented research includes the preparation, characterization, and implementation of magnetic biosorbent (Fe3O4/RWB), obtained from ragweed (Ambrosia artemisiifolia) biomass. Fe3O4/RWB was examined for the removal of a hazardous dye, malachite green (MG), from an aqueous solution in a batch system. The effects of the experimental parameters—initial dye concentration (10–300 mg/L), contact time (0–120 min), biosorbent dose (1–5 g/L), initial pH (2–10), ionic strength (0–1 mol/L), and temperature (298–318 K) on dye biosorption—were studied. The results showed that increases in biosorbent dose, contact time, and initial pH led to an increase in biosorption efficiency, while the increase in initial dye concentration, the ionic strength, and temperature had the opposite effect. The biosorption kinetics for MG on Fe3O4/RWB were analyzed with pseudo-first-order, pseudo-second-order, and Elovich kinetic models, while the Langmuir, Freundlich and Temkin isotherm models were used for equilibrium data analysis. It was observed that the MG biosorption followed the pseudo-second-order kinetic model, whereas the Langmuir model was the best fit for the equilibrium biosorption data of MG, with a Qmax of 34.1 mg/g. the desorption of MG from Fe3O4/RWB indicated reusability in five adsorption/desorption cycles, good performance, and potential in practical applications.

Evaluation of Emulsification Techniques to Optimize the Properties of Chalcone Nanoemulsions for Antifungal Applications

Background/Objectives: Nanoemulsions (NEs) possess properties that enhance the solubility, bioavailability and therapeutic efficacy of drugs. Chalcones are compounds known for their antifungal properties. In this study, we evaluated different emulsification techniques to create alginate nanoemulsions containing chalcone (1E,4E)-1,5-bis (4-methoxyphenyl) penta-1,4-dien-3-one (DB4OCH3). Our goal was to develop an antifungal formulation targeting Candida albicans strains. Methods: Ultrasound and ultrasound combined with high-speed homogenization techniques were used to prepare alginate-stabilized nanoemulsions. Particle size, zeta potential and encapsulation efficiency were evaluated. Additionally, in vitro release studies were conducted. Results: The combined emulsification technique produced stable nanoparticles with high encapsulation efficiency and antifungal activity, with a minimum inhibitory concentration of 8.75 μg/mL for the nanoemulsions compared to 312 µg/mL for free DB4OCH3. NEs’ effectiveness can be attributed to their ability to form nanodroplets efficiently, facilitating the solubilization of the chalcone in the oily phase. The particle size varied between 195.70 ± 2.69 and 243.40 ± 4.49 nm, with an increase in chalcone concentration leading to larger particle sizes. The zeta potential showed values from −91.77 ± 5.58 to −76.90 ± 4.44 mV. The UHS-7 sample exhibited an encapsulation efficiency of 92.10% ± 0.77, with a controlled in vitro release of 83% after 34 h. Molecular docking simulations showed that the aromatic nature of DB4OCH3 resulted in the formation of apolar interactions with aromatic residues located in the active site of the TMK, as observed in their respective co-crystallized inhibitors, within an affinity energy range that enables optimum specificity of the ligand for these two pathways. Pharmacokinetic analyses indicated high passive cell permeability and low hepatic clearance, and phase I metabolism reduces its oral bioavailability and metabolic stability, suggesting a promising active ingredient as an oral drug with control of the daily oral dose administered. Conclusions: The combined nanoemulsification technique led to the formation of finely dispersed nanodroplets that favored the solubilization of the chalcone in the oil phase, which led to a better performance in the antifungal properties. DB4OCH3 shows promise as an oral drug with controlled dosing.