Reverse Reaction Research Articles

Stable structure and oxygen-rich vacancy assist NH4V4O10 to become a high-performance aqueous zinc-ion battery cathode material

Ammonium vanadate (NH4V4O10) is an emerging cathode material for aqueous zinc-ion batteries (AZIBs), gaining recognition for V element multivalent and budget. However, Zn2+ exhibit robust coulombic bonds with the lattice structure, poor ion transport and cycling stability, and narrow layer spacing limit its further application. In this study, we prepared an efficient cathode designed for AZIBs by inserting ascorbic acid (AA) into the interlayer of NH4V4O10 (AANVO). The insertion of AA increases the distance between layers and enhances the stability of the material's structure, provided a large interlayer channel for the diffusion of Zn2+ and successfully partially replaced NH4+ in NH4V4O10, alleviating the irreversible deamination reaction. Furthermore, the doping of AA reduces the crystallinity of NVO, increases the oxygen vacancies, and accelerates the ion and charge transfer kinetics, resulting in excellent electrochemical properties. The findings reveal that AANVO exhibits a remarkable charge capacity of 638 mAh g-1 at 0.1Ag-1, and it maintains 86.6% of this capacity after 1000 cycles when subjected to 10Ag-1.

Activating reversible multi-electron reaction of Na3(VO)2(PO4)2F cathode via Fe/F dual-doping for high-energy and stable sodium storage

Activating reversible multi-electron reaction of Na3(VO)2(PO4)2F cathode via Fe/F dual-doping for high-energy and stable sodium storage

Visible light enhanced thermocatalytic reverse water gas shift reaction via localized surface plasmon resonance of copper nanoparticles

Visible light enhanced thermocatalytic reverse water gas shift reaction via localized surface plasmon resonance of copper nanoparticles

Effects of pain in lumbosacral stenosis and lifestyle-related factors on brain-derived neurotrophic factor expression profiles.

This study investigated the role of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in patients with degenerative lumbar stenosis, focusing on its expression and correlation with pain intensity. The study examined 96 patients with lumbar stenosis and 85 control participants. BDNF levels in the yellow ligamentum flavum were measured using reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR), enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and western blot analysis. The results showed significantly higher BDNF expression at both messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA; fold change = +1.35 ± 0.23; p < 0.05) and protein levels in patients (28.98 ± 6.40 pg/mg) compared to controls (4.56 ± 1.98 pg/mg; p < 0.05). Furthermore, BDNF levels correlated positively with pain intensity reported by patients, with higher expression observed in those experiencing more severe pain. The study also explored the influence of lifestyle factors, such as smoking and alcohol consumption, and related diseases, such as diabetes, on BDNF expression. Smoking, alcohol use, and diabetes were associated with significantly elevated BDNF levels (p < 0.05). These findings suggest that BDNF could serve as a biomarker for pain severity in degenerative lumbar stenosis at the protein level, although this was not consistently observed at the mRNA level; this highlights the potential for BDNF-targeted therapies in managing pain. Future research should involve larger longitudinal studies to validate these findings and explore therapeutic interventions. This study underscores the importance of considering molecular and lifestyle factors in the treatment of degenerative lumbar stenosis, aiming to improve patient outcomes through comprehensive, targeted approaches.

LncRNA uc003pxg.1 Interacts With miR-339-5p Promote Vascular Endothelial Cell Proliferation, Migration and Angiogenesis.

This study aimed to investigate the roles of lncRNA uc003pxg.1 and miR-339-5p in regulating the occurrence and development of coronary heart disease. First, the expression levels of uc003pxg.1 and miR-339-5p were verified in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of clinical samples. Then, the target gene was identified using high-throughput sequencing combined with bioinformatics. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were transfected with si-uc003pxg.1, miR-339-5p mimic and miR-339-5p inhibitor, and the expression of related genes was detected by reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction and western blotting. EdU, CCK-8, Cell scratch and Transwell assays were used to analyze the effects of uc003pxg.1 and miR-339-5p on cell proliferation and migration. The expression of uc003pxg.1 and miR-339-5p was negatively correlated in clinical samples and HUVECs. The si-uc003pxg.1 and miR-339-5p mimic decreased the proliferation and migration of HUVECs and decreased the expression of transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 and α-smooth muscle actin (SMA). The protein expression levels of TGF-β1, α-SMA, CD31, collagen I, collagen III and endoglin were decreased, and angiogenesis was weakened. The miR-339-5p inhibitor had the opposite effect. Our study revealed that upregulation of uc003pxg.1 and downregulation of miR-339-5p in vitro promote cell proliferation, cell migration and angiogenesis and upregulate the expression of TGF-β1, α-SMA, CD31, collagen I, collagen III and endoglin, which may lead to the development of vascular atherosclerosis.

Imperatorin’s Effect on Myocardial Infarction Based on Network Pharmacology and Molecular Docking

Purpose: Myocardial infarction (MI), a severe cardiovascular disease, is the result of insufficient blood supply to the myocardium. Despite the improvements of conventional therapies, new approaches are needed to improve the outcome post‐MI. Imperatorin is a natural compound with multiple pharmacological properties and potential cardioprotective effects. Therefore, this work investigated imperatorin’s therapeutic effects and its mechanism of action in an MI mouse model.Methods: Network pharmacology, molecular docking, and experimental validation were performed for exploring the pharmacokinetic properties, therapeutic effects, and molecular targets of imperatorin in MI. Permanent ligation of the left anterior descending artery was performed in male C57BL/6 mice to induce MI before treatment with imperatorin once per day for 1 week. Echocardiography, heart histology, RNA sequencing, and quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR) as well as western blotting were carried out for evaluating cardiac function and structure, as well as gene and protein expression.Results: Imperatorin significantly improved cardiac function, preserved cardiac structure, attenuated cardiac remodeling and fibrosis, and reduced cardiomyocyte apoptosis in MI mice. Eight differentially expressed genes overlapping with key target genes were found, two upregulated and six downregulated. A key target in signaling pathways associated with imperatorin effect in MI was angiotensin‐converting enzyme (ACE). Imperatorin inhibited ACE–angiotensin II (Ang II)–angiotensin II Type 1 receptor (AT1R) axis in MI mice.Conclusion: Imperatorin attenuated MI by inhibiting the ACE–Ang II–AT1R axis. Thus, imperatorin might be considered a potential therapeutic agent to cure MI.

Chemical reactions with the Casson nanofluid flow by the bioconvective behavior of microorganisms over a spinning disc.

This study examines the behavior of the Casson nanofluid bioconvection flow around a spinning disc under various influences, including gyrotactic microorganisms, multiple slips, and thermal radiation. Notably, it accounts for the reversible nature of the flow and incorporates the esterification process. The aim of this study is to investigate the influence of reversible chemical reactions on the flow behavior of a Casson nanofluid in the presence of bioconvective microorganisms over a spinning disc. Specifically, the study seeks to understand how the non-Newtonian rheology of Casson fluids, enhanced by nanoparticles, affects heat and mass transfer and how bioconvection driven by motile microorganisms impacts the reaction kinetics and fluid dynamics. The significance of studying chemical reactions in Casson nanofluid flow with bioconvective microorganisms over a spinning disc lies in its broad applicability to fields such as chemical engineering, biomedical engineering, environmental science, and nanotechnology. Using the right variables to change the nonlinear partial differential equations (PDEs) that govern the problem into a system of ordinary differential equations (ODEs) is a key step toward finding numerical solutions. Using numerical methods such as the bvp4c approach, the study explores the solutions to these intricate equations. Key focus areas include assessing the impacts of different parameters on the thermal field, nanoparticle concentration, and microbiological field. Graphical representations provide information on the velocity, temperature, concentration, and microorganism profiles, elucidating the underlying physical effects. Furthermore, the study evaluates the wall shear stress, the local Nusselt number, the local Sherwood number, and the local motile density number, providing graphical explanations to elucidate these phenomena. Notably, it highlights the distinction in the rate of the motile density number between reversible and irreversible flows concerning Brownian motion and Peclet number. The findings of the theoretical simulations have significant implications for biotechnology and thermal engineering, offering dynamic insights into practical applications within these fields.

The influence of size, metal loading and oxygen vacancies on the catalytic performance of Au/CeO2−x in the sunlight-powered reverse water gas shift reaction

This study reports the conversion of CO2 and H2 to CO and H2O at low temperature and low pressure (up to 203 °C, p = 3.5 bar) using plasmonic Au/CeO2−x photocatalysts, with mildly concentrated sunlight as the sole energy source (up to 9 kW m−2).

Suppressing P2-O2 phase transition by activating highly reversible anionic redox reaction in P2 layered oxide cathode

Suppressing P2-O2 phase transition by activating highly reversible anionic redox reaction in P2 layered oxide cathode

Repurposing E-Waste Cathodes as Catalysts for CO2 Reduction via Reverse Water-Gas Shift Reaction

Reverse water-gas shift (RWGS) reaction offers a promising pathway for utilising green H2 to reduce CO2 into CO, a valuable precursor for e-fuel production. Conventional catalyst synthesis methods, however, often...

Cannabidiol Alleviates Intestinal Fibrosis in Mice with Ulcerative Colitis by Regulating Transforming Growth Factor Signaling Pathway.

The aim of this study is to investigate the protective effect of Cannabidiol (CBD) on DSS-induced colitis in C57BL/6 mice and its related pathways. A mouse model of ulcerative colitis (US) was induced by DSS. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), quantitative reverse transcription polymerase-chain reaction (qRT-PCR), Western blot (WB) and immunofluorescence (IF) were used to identify the key factors involved in inflammatory response, oxidative stress and intestinal fibrosis. In addition, we transfected si-RNA into CCD-18Co cells. The research suggests that CBD significantly improves intestinal inflammation by up-regulating the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) expression, inhibiting the classical Nuclear Factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κb) pathway, and inhibiting the release of IL-6 (Interleukin), IL-1β, Tumor Necrosis Factor-α (TNF-α) and other factors. At the same time, CBD plays an antioxidant role by regulating Nrf2/ HO-1 (Heme Oxygenase-1) pathway and activating HO-1 activity. On the other hand, CBD may regulate Transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β)/SMADs signaling pathway by inhibiting the expression of TGF-β1, thereby inhibiting the expression of α-SMA, Collagen1, TIMP1 and other factors, thus playing an anti-fibrotic role. Notably, when Nrf2 is inhibited or lacking, CBD loses the above protective effect against DSS-induced colon injury. CBD affects the classical NF-κb pathway, Nrf2/ Heme Oxygenase-1 (HO-1) pathway, and Transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β)/SMAD pathway by regulating Nrf2, thereby reducing colonic inflammation and oxidative stress and improving the progression of colonic fibrosis.

Research progress on mechanism and catalysts for reverse water-gas shift reaction

Research progress on mechanism and catalysts for reverse water-gas shift reaction

Molecular Diagnosis of Phlebovirus riftense Infection Using an L-Segment-Based Real-Time RT-PCR Method.

Rift Valley fever (RVF) is one of the main vector-borne zoonotic diseases that affects a wide range of ruminants and humans in Africa and the Arabian Peninsula.Several techniques involving cell culture and molecular biology methods have been developed to diagnose RVF infection. Success partly relies on sending samples to a national or reference laboratory in good conditions and having the capacity to perform the appropriate diagnostic test in the matrix of interest during the period of viremia where high loads of viral particles are present. Conventional and duplex/multiplex real-time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assays are currently the most rapid and sensitive molecular tests for the detection and quantification of Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV) during outbreaks. The one-step real-time duplex RT-PCR technique that is detailed in this chapter is based on the L segment of RVFV. Results must be carefully validated and interpreted, taking into account the results of both positive and negative controls.

Thermoformed, thermostable, waterproof and mechanically robust cellulose-based bioplastics enabled by dynamically reversible thia-Michael reaction.

Cellulose is a renewable biodegradable polymer derived from abundant natural resources. Substituting petroleum-based polymers with cellulose-based bioplastics is an effective way to alleviate environmental issues like resource depletion and white pollution. However, challenges such as poor thermostability, difficulty in thermoforming and water sensitivity seriously hinder the fabrication and use of cellulose-based bioplastics. Herein, a thermoformed, thermostable, waterproof and mechanically robust cellulose-based bioplastic (H-HEC) is fabricated by introducing thia-Michael-based reversible crosslinked structure into hydroxyethyl cellulose. This is the first instance of integrating thia-Michael-based crosslinked structure into cellulose derivatives. The resulting H-HEC can be thermoformed and remolded without adding any plasticizers. Besides, the obtained H-HEC exhibit excellent overall properties, such as a high thermal decomposition temperature of 366°C, a high water contact angle of 108°, a high transmittance of 90% and good mechanical properties. Additionally, H-HEC combines impressive transparency with effective UV-shielding properties. We envision that this work provides a novel method to prepare thermoformable cellulose-based bioplastics with good water resistance, thermostability, transparency and mechanical properties. The combined thermoformability and superior overall performances will promote the practical application of cellulose-based bioplastics and contribute to the replacement of petroleum-based polymer by cellulose-based bioplastics.

Tetra-benzimidazoles flanking divinyl-phenothiazine: AIEgens as aza-Michael acceptors in concentration-tuned responses to biogenic amine vapors.

Tetra-benzimidazole rotors flanking a divinyl-phenothiazine stator are realized as red AIEgens and newly identified as efficient aza-Michael acceptors for the identification of biogenic amine vapors. Weakly red-emissive solids display a blue-shifted turn-on emission by rapid aza-Michael addition and simultaneous reverse Knoevenagel reactions. Concentration variation imposes better crystallinity and facilitates radiative decay, offering distinct emissions.

M2-like macrophage-derived exosomes inhibit osteoclastogenesis via releasing miR-1227-5p.

Macrophages play a pivotal role in regulating inflammatory response in periodontitis, a condition characterized by excessive osteoclast differentiation. This study aimed to investigate whether exosomes derived from M2 macrophages regulate osteoclast differentiation and to identify the underlying molecular mechanisms. Exosomes were isolated from M2 macrophages and used to treat osteoclasts. Osteoclastogenesis was assessed using tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase staining and reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). The molecular mechanism was evaluated using microarray analysis, RT-qPCR, dual-luciferase reporter analysis, and RNA pull-down assay. The results showed that exosomes from M2 macrophages inhibited receptor activator of nuclear factor κ-B ligand (RANKL)-induced osteoclast differentiation. Additionally, miR-1227-5p expression in osteoclasts was increased after treatment with exosomes, and inhibition of miR-1227-5p counteracted the suppressive effects of exosomes on osteoclastogenesis. Moreover, OSCAR is a target of miR-1227-5p. In conclusion, exosomal miR-1227-5p suppresses osteoclast differentiation, potentially via targeting OSCAR. These findings provide new insights into the pathogenesis of periodontitis.

FOXL2 Knockdown Inhibits the Progression of Endometriosis.

Endometriosis (EM) is known as a common estrogen-dependent chronic inflammatory disease. Elevated levels of Forkhead box L2 (FOXL2) have been observed in uterine diseases, including EM. However, the molecular mechanism of FOXL2 in EM needs to be further illustrated. This study aimed to investigate the regulatory role of FOXL2 in EM rats and isolated ectopic endometrial stromal cells (EC-ESCs). FOXL2 knockdown were designed to evaluate the effects of FOXL2 in EM model rats and EC-ESCs. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was used to evaluate the pathological morphology of ectopic endometrium. Reverse transcriptase quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) analysis and immunohistochemistry (IHC) were applied to detect the expression of FOXL2, EM-related genes, and epithelial to mesenchymal transition-related proteins. The proliferation, migration, invasion, and apoptosis of EC-ESCs were determined by 5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine (EDU) assay, Transwell assay, and flow cytometry. The FOXL2 level was remarkably higher in the ectopic endometrial tissue than that in the normal endometrial tissue. Knockdown of FOXL2 notably improved the pathological morphology of EM in rats, and decreased expression levels of ER-α, ER-ß, and Cyp19a. Additionally, down-regulation of FOXL2 suppressed cells proliferation, migration and invasion, and stimulated more apoptotic cells in EC-ESCs. Besides, FOXL2-small interfering RNA (FOXL2-siRNA) treatment resulted in enhanced cleaved-Caspase3 protein expression and cleaved-Caspase3/Caspase3 ratio in EC-ESCs. FOXL2 participates in the occurrence and development of EM through promoting epithelial-mesenchymal transition procession and enhancing the migration and invasion of EC-ESCs, suggesting that FOXL2 may be a new therapeutic target for the EM therapy.

Investigation of the Catalytic Properties of Aluminum Oxide (Al2O3) and Pyrite (FeS2) Using Thermodynamic and Kinetic Parameters.

The kinetics of anthracene hydrogenation was studied using the method of equilibrium kinetic analysis. To determine the diffusion-kinetic characteristics, anthracene hydrogenation was performed at different temperatures (648 K, 673 K, 698 K), at a hydrogen pressure of 3 MPa in the presence of a mixture of pyrite (FeS2) and aluminum oxide (Al2O3) taken at a ratio of 1:1. Chromatographic analysis of anthracene hydrogenation products showed the presence of 9,10-dihydroanthracene (DHA), 1,2,3,4-tetrahydroanthracene (THA), methylnaphthalene (MN), naphthalene (H) and other unidentified compounds. In order to preserve the material balance, a total hydrogenation reaction of anthracene, up to 9,10-dihydroanthracene, was proposed as characterized by the highest rate in the presence of pyrite-based catalysts and aluminum oxide. Calculations of the degrees of rotation of anthracene, reaction constants, and Gibbs energy have shown that with increasing temperature, the reaction becomes more thermodynamically advantageous. Based on the obtained data, Arrhenius dependences were constructed, which made it possible to calculate the activation energies of direct (39.4 kJ/mol) and reverse (13.04 kJ/mol) reactions. Thus, based on the calculations performed, it was found that the process of anthracene hydrogenation in the presence of a mixture of pyrite and aluminum oxide proceeds mainly in the diffusion region.

Silver functionalized chitosan composite hydrogel with sustained silver release and enhanced antibacterial properties promotes healing of infected wounds

Bacterial infections during wound healing often cause inflammation, which delays the healing process. Therefore, innovative wound dressings are urgently needed to inhibit bacterial infections and promote healing. This study proposes an Ag-functionalized chitosan hydrogel dressing, formed via a Schiff-base reaction between alkynyl Ag substituted chitosan (Ag-CS) and octafunctionalized polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane with benzaldehyde-terminated polyethylene glycol (POSS-PEG-CHO), to address the issue of bacterial infection in wounds. The hydrogel demonstrated excellent injectability and self-healing properties. AgNPs and alkynyl Ag, produced by the reducing effect of chitosan and the reversible reaction of alkynyl Ag, delay the release of Ag+. Furthermore, the hydrogel exhibits a broad-spectrum antibacterial effect and effectively inhibits bacterial biofilm formation. The release of Ag+ lasts for 7 days, ensuring sustainable antibacterial properties. In a mouse infected wound model, the composite hydrogel significantly accelerated wound healing. By the eighth day, the wound healing rate reached 99 %, whereas the control group achieved only 91 %. Histological and immunofluorescence staining results indicated that hydrogel-treated wounds had faster re-epithelialization, collagen deposition, and angiogenesis, with reduced inflammation. In conclusion, the Ag-functionalized chitosan hydrogel, with sustained Ag release and enhanced antibacterial properties, shows great potential as a wound dressing for promoting the healing of infected wounds.

Unveiling the potential of dual-extrinsic/intrinsic self-healing lignin-based coatings for anticorrosion applications

The development of self-healing ecofriendly coatings for anticorrosion applications provides stronger protection than passive coatings and mitigates the environmental pollution resulting from petroleum-derived coatings. Due to its intrinsic anticorrosion characteristics, lignin is a viable precursor for the formulation of self-healing anticorrosion coatings. However, the structural rigidity of lignin and the lack of self-healing functionalities in pristine lignin-based coatings hinder the comprehensive application of lignin in this field. Accordingly, we introduced Diels-Alder (DA)-based self-healing functions in the lignin-based coatings and meanwhile, the coatings were chemically conjugated with corrosion inhibitors to further improve the anticorrosion performance. A thin layer (16 μm) of the coating increased the Ecorr from −481 mV (for bare steel) to +91 mV and reduced the corrosion rate (CR) >4000 times. The dual self-healing properties of the coating are attributed to the synergistic action of the DA adduct and the conjugated corrosion inhibitor. Practically, in response to the emergence of microcracks in the coating structure, trace amounts of the corrosion inhibitor are released into the microcracks to form a protective layer on the unveiled metal surface. Simultaneously, DA adducts undergo reversible reactions at specific temperatures (80–120 °C) promoting complete restoration of the microcrack.