Oxide Loading Research Articles

Waterproof and Breathable Graphene‐Based Electronic Fabric for Wearable Sensors

AbstractElectronic skin (E‐skin) is widely used in bionic prosthesis, soft robotics, and wearable electronic devices. Waterproof and breathable membranes that provide a high level of protection and comfort are promising core materials for meeting the pressing demand for E‐skin. However, creating such materials exhibiting waterproofness, breathability, and ease of fabrication has proven to be a great challenge. In this paper, waterproof, breathable Modal‐based knitted fabric E‐skin is proposed by using a simple, low‐cost three‐step process including the graphene oxide (GO) loading, GO‐reducing, and polydimethylsiloxane loading. The prepared E‐skin is insensitive to common liquids in daily life including water, tea, milk, and coffee, showing superior waterproof capability. The breathability is also tested with a water vapor transmission rate of ≈13.6 mg cm−2 h−1. Besides, this E‐skin can achieve reliable human motion monitoring. The authors believe this E‐skin can provide a reliable principle for further design and development of waterproof and breathable electronic skin.

Facile In–Situ Construction of Granular–Polyhedral Ag2O–Ag2CO3/Lamellar Bi2O2CO3–Bi2MoO6 Spherical Heterojunction with Enhanced Photocatalytic Activity Towards Pollutants

Bi2MoO6 hollow spheres as precursors, NaOH as etchant, and atmospheric CO2 as carbon source, a granular–polyhedral Ag2O–Ag2CO3/lamellar Bi2O2CO3–Bi2MoO6 spherical heterojunction material with full–spectrum photocatalytic properties was gained through a one step in–situ precipitation approach. Granular Ag2O, polyhedral Ag2CO3, and lamellar Bi2O2CO3 were deposited in–situ on the interior and exterior surfaces of Bi2MoO6 hollow spheres to form nanospheres with a diameter of about 2.8 μm. Using methylene blue (MB) as a model molecule, the effect of NaOH concentration and silver oxide loading on the catalyst activity were investigated to screen out the best catalyst. The results showed that the degradation rate of Ag2O–Ag2CO3/Bi2O2CO3–Bi2MoO6-1/2–0.1 M was 3.45 and 2.71 times greater than those of Ag2O–Ag2CO3 and Bi2O2CO3–Bi2MoO6-0.1 M, respectively. Meanwhile, the visible light photocatalytic performance of Ag2O–Ag2CO3/Bi2O2CO3–Bi2MoO6 toward MB and antibiotics (tetracycline hydrochloride (TC), chlorotetracycline hydrochloride (CTC)) were also examined. Results confirm that the heterogeneous materials displayed the boosted photocatalytic activity for MB, TC, and CTC. The boosted activity of the composite Ag2O–Ag2CO3/Bi2O2CO3–Bi2MoO6 is attributed to enhance light utilization, increase surface active sites, and formation of effective heterojunction between Ag2O–Ag2CO3 and Bi2O2CO3–Bi2MoO6. Capture experiments have shown the major active species in the photocatalytic degradation system. On the base of capture experiments and photoelectrochemical experiments, plausible photocatalytic mechanism has been postulated.

The effects of graphene oxide load on the optical, structural and electrical properties of ternary nanocomposites (Polyvinyl alcohol/copper/graphene oxide) for electronic and photovoltaic application

Polyvinyl alcohol/copper/graphene oxide (PVA/Cu/GO) ternary nanocomposites films on fluorine doped tin oxide (FTO) substrate were synthesized via electrochemical deposition technique. The structural, morphological and compositional properties of the films were investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), while the Optical absorption and conductivity measurements were studied by using ultraviolet–visible (UV–vis) spectrophotometry and four-point probe techniques respectively. The XRD results revealed that the GO was dispersed uniformly in the composites. The results also revealed that the presence of GO enhanced the crystallinity of the nanocomposite films with visible characteristic peaks corresponding to indexed miller indices. Clusters of spherical shaped particles were visible in the SEM micrograph while the EDX confirmed the presences of carbon, copper, and oxygen as the major constituents of the deposited films. UV–visible analysis revealed a decrease in band gap values from 3.89 to 2.51 eV with increasing GO loading. Good absorbance in the UV region was observed at within the range of 350 to 400 nm. The nanocomposite films were found to show an increase in conductivity at low GO content as ascertained by Four-point probe analysis. The obtained results herein shows that the PVA/Cu/GO nanocomposites posses attractive physiochemical properties suitable for photovoltaic and organic electronic applications.

Apocynin reduces cytotoxic effects of monosodium glutamate in the brain: A spectroscopic, oxidative load, and machine learning study

Herein, we examined the modulatory effects ofApocynum (APO) on Monosodium Glutamate (MSG)-induced oxidative damage on the brain tissue of rats after long-term consumption of blood serum components by biochemical assays, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy(FTIR), and machine learning methods. Sprague-Dawley male rats were randomly divided into the Control, Control + APO, MSG, and MSG + APO groups (n = 8 per group). All administrations were made by oral gavage saline, MSG, or APO and they were repeated for 28 days of the experiments. Brain tissue and blood serum samples were collected and analyzed for measurement levels ofmalondialdehyde (MDA),glutathione (GSH),myeloperoxidase (MPO), superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, and Spectroscopic analysis. After 29 days, the results were evaluated using machine learning (ML). The levels of MDA and MPO showed changes in the MSG and MSG + APO groups, respectively. Changes in the proteins and lipids were observed in the FTIR spectra of the MSG groups. Additionally, APO in these animals improved the FTIR spectra to be similar to those in the Control group. The accuracy of the FTIR results calculated by ML was 100%. The findings of this study demonstrate that Apocynin treatment protectsagainst MSG-induced oxidative damage by inhibitingreactive oxygen speciesand upregulatingantioxidant capacity, indicating its potential in alleviatingthe toxic effects of MSG.

Serum α-Klotho Protein Can Be an Independent Predictive Marker of Oxidative Stress (OS) and Declining Glomerular Function Rate in Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) Patients.

IntroductionChronic kidney disease (CKD) has been recognized as a global health problem. Progression of CKD to advanced stages is associated with a significant increase in the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). An antiaging protein, α-Klotho, is found expressed in the distal convoluted tubules of the kidney where, predominantly, it works to increase calcium absorption and potassium excretion in distal tubule via N-linked glycans. The association of serum α-Klotho with oxidative stress, inflammation, and fibrosis, as seen in CKD, highlights its importance for studying disease prognosis with declining glomerular function rate (GFR).Material and methodsThis was a case-control study consisting of 90 subjects. Fifty diagnosed cases of CKD attending the department of nephrology, SCB Medical College, Cuttack, Odisha, were included, and 40 age and sex-matched healthy volunteers were taken as control. Serum α-Klotho levels were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits. Oxidative stress by estimating the total oxidant load by ferrous oxidation-xylenol orange version 2 (FOX2) method and the total antioxidant capacity of serum by the ferric reducing ability of plasma (FRAP) method. Estimation of the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was done using the Cockcroft and Gault equation.ResultsSerum α-Klotho (ng/ml) was found to be 2.59±0.98 in cases as compared to 0.24±0.09 in controls (p< 0.01). The serum total oxidant load (ng/ml) was 1.96±1.01 and 0.05±0.02 in cases and controls, respectively. Serum total antioxidant capacity (µM) was measured as 281.80±78.0 in cases and 862.82±51.86 in controls. (p< 0.01). Serum Klotho has a negative correlation with eGFR in CKD patients (r = -0.065; p = 0.648).ConclusionThe serum α-Klotho level was significantly higher in CKD patients than in healthy volunteers. Both serum α-Klotho and oxidative stress were negatively correlated with eGFR in CKD patients. Serum α-Klotho can be a suitable biomarker in CKD patients with declining GFR.

Effects of salinity stress on antioxidant status and inflammatory responses in females of a "Near Threatened" economically important fish species Notopterus chitala: a mechanistic approach.

In the present study, acute stress responses of adult female Notopterus chitala were scrutinized by antioxidant status and inflammation reaction in the gill and liver at five different salinity exposures (0, 3, 6, 9, 12 ppt). Oxidative defense was assessed by determining superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione S-transferase, and glutathione reductase activities, while malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione, and xanthine oxidase levels were determined as indicators of oxidative load. Pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, IL-10, and TNFα) and caspase 1 levels were also analyzed. Expression levels of transcription factors (NRF2 and NF-κB) and molecular chaperons (HSF, HSP70, and HSP90) were estimated to evaluate their relative contribution to overcome salinity stress. MDA showed a significant (P < 0.05) increase (gill, + 25.35-90.14%; liver, + 23.88-80.59%) with salinity; SOD (+ 13.72-45.09%) and CAT (+ 12.73-33.96%) exhibited a sharp increase until 9 ppt, followed by a decrease at the highest salinity (12 ppt) (gill, - 3.92%; liver, - 2.18%). Levels of cytokines were observed to increase (+ 52.8-127.42%) in a parallel pattern with increased salinity. HSP70 and HSP90 expressions were higher in gill tissues than those in liver tissues. NRF2 played pivotal role in reducing salinity-induced oxidative load in both the liver and gills. Serum cortisol and carbonic anhydrase were measured and noted to be significantly (P < 0.05) upregulated in salinity stressed groups. Gill Na+-K+-ATPase activity decreased significantly (P < 0.05) in fish exposed to 6, 9, and 12 ppt compared to control. Present study suggests that a hyperosmotic environment induces acute oxidative stress and inflammation, which in turn causes cellular death and impairs tissue functions in freshwater fish species such as Notopterus chitala.

Single and Repeated Supplementation of SOD Differently Improve Antioxidant Capacity Against Exercise Challenges

ObjectivesOxidative stress, commonly exposed in our daily life, produces free radicals. Excessively produced free radicals damage body components and eventually promote degenerative diseases. It has been reported that the reinforcement of superoxide dismutase (SOD), the first barrier of the antioxidant system, protects our body from oxidative stress by enhancing the subsequent redox cycle. The use of SOD, an enzymatic antioxidant rather than a simple antioxidant, is still insufficient to evaluate its safety and efficacy. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to evaluate the long-term consumption safety for enzymatic antioxidants and the effect of SOD supplementation on exercise-induced oxidative stress. MethodsThis study was designed as a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled in 80 healthy adults. The subjects consumed SOD (250 IU/capsule) daily for 8 weeks and induced oxidative stress via acute aerobic exercise at the beginning and end of the experimental period. The exercise challenge was performed on a treadmill for 30 minutes at an intensity of 60% of each subject’s maximal oxygen consumption (VO2 max). Blood and urine samples have collected a total of three times, after overnight fasting, immediately after exercise, and after a 30-minute rest, which was used to evaluate the safety of long-term enzymatic antioxidant supplementation, as well as functional indicators of antioxidant systems and oxidative stress. ResultsEndogenous antioxidant defense systems, oxidative damage, and even antioxidant balance indicators were compared by considering the interaction between the group and status over time. A single intake of SOD significantly reduced the level of oxidative damage and inflammation indicators (P < 0.05) as it sequentially activated antioxidant enzymes (P < 0.10). Furthermore, long-term intake of SOD showed a stabilized defense response against the same oxidative stress load and improved balance between antioxidant enzymes immediately after exercise (P < 0.05) without any side effects. ConclusionsThese findings suggest that single and repeated supplementation of SOD may differently improve the antioxidant defense system without side effects. Funding SourcesThis work was supported by the BK21 Fostering Outstanding Universities for Research funded by the Ministry of Education (Korea) and the National Research Foundation of Korea.

Green synthesis of cyclohexanone to adipic acid over Fe–W oxides incorporated mesoporous carbon support

We have prepared iron and tungsten oxides incorporated mesoporous carbon (MC) catalysts using a simple hydrothermal methodology with different carbon sources, and the catalytic performance was investigated for cyclohexanone oxidation. An adequate amount of metal oxide loading has displayed a key role in the selective catalyst for adipic acid (AA) synthesis. The MC catalyst has shown its prime activity under the influence of redox properties of W5+/W6+ and Fe2+/Fe3+ as promoters. The 10%Fe 90%W-MC fructose as a carbon source catalyst has provided its best selectivity of 87% for AA at 120 °C.

Li4(OH)3Br/MgO shape stabilized composite as novel high temperature thermal energy storage material

Li4(OH)3Br/Porous-MgO shape stabilized composites were developed in this study as novel high temperature thermal energy storage materials. Li4(OH)3Br, as storage material, owns a large reaction enthalpy (247 J/g) at 288 °C and excellent thermal cycling stability over 600 cycles. Solid MgO nanopowder was selected in a previous study among several metal oxides as the most promising shape stabilizer for Li4(OH)3Br salt satisfying the criteria of wettability, thermochemical compatibility, structural stability and cycling stability. However, this material ensures the structural stability of the composite at a minimum oxide loading of 50 wt%. This relatively high oxide loading will drastically decrease the overall storage capacity of the composite, which is not practical for TES applications. In order to reduce the MgO loading, new mesoporous MgO particles were tested as supporting materials. The idea is to benefit from the mesoporosity in improving the antileakage efficiency of the composite. To do so, three different porous MgO samples were synthesized and tested. Namely, i) Porous MgO (PMgO) synthesized by combustion using Magnesium nitrate, giving a BET surface area of 40 m2/g and a pore volume of 0.217 cm3/g. ii) MgO synthesized by calcination of basic magnesium carbonate (MgO-BMC), giving a high BET surface area of 129 m2/g and a pore volume of 0.294 cm3/g. iii) nanocrystalline MgO (MgO-BM64h) obtained by ball-milling process of commercial MgO micropowder, giving a BET surface area of about 55 m2/g and pore volume of 0.088 cm3/g. The three porous MgO materials exhibit various pore structures. The composites were synthesized following a simple fabrication method by cold compression, mixing and sintering. The results were promising for PMgO based composites where appreciable thermal and structural stability were achieved as 30 wt% oxide loading, whereas MgO-BMC and MgO-BM64h showed poor cycling stability at the same loading. SEM-EDS analyses of PMgO based composite showed an improvement of the homogeneity of the composite structure over 50 melting/solidification cycles. Moreover, the overall thermal conductivity of the composite was enhanced by 33% over pure salt.

Effect of electrochemical oxidation and drug loading on the antibacterial properties and cell biocompatibility of titanium substrates

A combination of {text{ TiO}}_{2} nanotube array (TON) and controlled drug release system is employed to provide enhanced surface properties of titanium implants. Electrochemical anodization process is used to generate TON for introducing, vancomycin, an effective antibacterial drug against Staphylococcusaureus. TON loaded vancomycin is then coated with a number of layers of 10% gelatin using spin coating technique. The gelatin film is reinforced with graphene oxide (GO) nanoparticles to improve the surface bioactivity. The surface of the samples is characterized by field emission electron microscopy (FESEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), and contact angle measurement. The results illustrate that the TON was constructed and vancomycin molecules are successfully loaded. The drug release study shows that the amount of released vancomycin is controlled by the thickness of gelatin layers. With an increase in gelatin film layers from 3 to 7, the release of vancomycin in the burst release phase decreased from 58 to 31%, and sustained release extended from 10 to 17 days. The addition of GO nanoparticles seems to reduce drug release in from 31 to 22% (burst release phase) and prolonged drug release (from 17 to 19 days). MTT assay indicates that samples show no cytotoxicity, and combination of GO nanoparticles with gelatin coating could highly promote MG63 cell proliferation. Soaking the samples in SBF solution after 3 and 7 days demonstrates that hydroxy apatite crystals were deposited on the TON surface with GO-gelatin coating more than surface of TON with gelatin. Moreover, based on the results of disc diffusion assay, both samples (loaded with Vancomycin and coated with gelatin and gelatin-GO) with the inhibition zones equaled to 20 mm show effective antibacterial properties against S. aureus. The evidence demonstrates that titania nanotube loaded with vancomycin and coated with gelatin-GO has a great potential for general applicability to the orthopedic implant field.

CrOx/SiO2 mesoporous catalysts prepared using beta-cyclodextrin as a template and their catalytic properties in propane oxidative dehydrogenation in the presence of carbon dioxide

This work is aimed at the preparation and investigation of CrOx/SiO2 catalysts of oxidative propane dehydrogenation in the presence of carbon dioxide. The mesoporous silicas used as carriers were prepared via a sol-gel method using a beta-cyclodextrin and urea mixture as a template. The amounts of water added during Si(OEt)4 hydrolysis and chromium oxide loading were varied. The obtained catalysts were characterised via nitrogen low-temperature adsorption-desorption, XRD, SAXS, SEM with EDX, TEM, XPS, UV–Vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy and the catalytic tests.The obtained mesoporous silicas have monomodal narrow pore size distributions with the maxima at 7, 9, 10 nm increasing when the amounts of water used during the synthesis increase, and large surface areas of 680, 460, 410 m2g-1, respectively. All the samples do not contain micropores. Chromium oxidation states +6 and + 3 were found according to XPS and UV–Vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy data. The catalytic tests revealed that there is a correlation between the catalytic activity and synthesis conditions. The catalytic activity in the reaction of oxidative propane dehydrogenation in the presence of CO2 decreases in the series with a pore diameter of 9 > 10 > 7 nm. The most active and selective sample showed the selectivity to propylene up to 80% while the conversion was 20%.

Antioxidant Effect of Thioredoxin and Vitamin D3 in Peritoneal Dialysis Patients.

Background Among the chronic diseases, chronic kidney failure is one of diseases that have the most difficulty in coping with oxidative stress due to the deterioration of the antioxidant system balance in the body. Beyond being a vitamin, 1α,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol (vitamin D3) is a molecule that positively or negatively affects many enzymes which are in protein structures. Thioredoxin (TRX), which has an important role in the antioxidant system, is one of these proteins. By conducting this study, we wanted to emphasize the role of vitamin D3 in reducing the oxidative stress load on patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis (PD) via serum TRX level measurement. Methods In this study, we evaluated the medical treatments of 69 PD patients who were followed up routinely. The patients were divided into 2 groups according to whether they used vitamin D3 or not. 49 of our patients were using vitamin D3. While requesting routine laboratory tests, we reserved a separate serum sample to measure serum TRX levels by double-antibody sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for all patients. Results Only one parameter has a significant statistical relationship with serum TRX level and the treatment protocol. The serum TRX level was significantly higher (211,62 U/l ± 314,46) in the group receiving vitamin D3 compared to the group which is not using Vitamin D3 (101,63 U/l ± 215,03) (p < 0,006). Conclusion This study highlights the importance of appropriate dose of vitamin D3 replacement especially in PD patients who are under intense oxidative stress compared to healthy individuals.

Effect of Micro-Structural Dispersity of SiMo Ductile Iron on High Temperature Performance during Static Oxidation

High silicon and molybdenum (SiMo) ductile iron is commonly used for car exhaust systems, and its micro-structural dispersity depends on intrinsic parameters, which include alloy composition and inoculation efficiency, as well as extrinsic factors, such as casting wall thickness and molding material, which define cooling rate during solidification. Micro-structural dispersity is referred to as the degree of heterogeneity of sizes of structural constituencies within the microstructure. A variation in the micro-structural dispersity could impact the high temperature performance of SiMo ductile iron during static oxidation and transient thermo-mechanical loading conditions. In this study, static high temperature tests were performed on SiMo ductile iron solidified in a casting with varying wall thicknesses from 5 mm to 100 mm. The faster solidified specimens (taken from near chilled casting surfaces) had extremely high micro-structural dispersity as compared to the thicker section samples. After thermal exposure, each of the samples were characterized using 2D sections and 3D µCT images, and the results indicated an order of magnitude difference in graphite phase dispersity. The surface degradation was quantified after static oxidation experiments were implemented at temperature intervals between 650 °C and 800 °C. Non-destructive µCT 3D analysis and SEM/EDS were performed on cross sections and used to quantify the scale topology and structure. Carbon analysis was used to decouple the scale formation and decarburization phenomena that occurred within the samples. These methods enabled the quantification of the oxidation of the SiMo cast iron with different micro-structural dispersity levels after being exposed to high temperature static oxidation. Additionally, the complex material behavior during oxidation-assisted transient thermo-mechanical loading will be presented in a separate article.

A combination of N-acetyl cysteine and propolis attenuates oxidative-inflammatory parameters during COPD exacerbation.

The aim of this study was to determine any differences in oxidative stress and inflammation parameters in COPD patients treated with either N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) alone or with NAC in combination with propolis (NACP). Forty COPD patients in the exacerbation phase were enrolled into the study and were treated with either NAC (NAC group; n=20) or NACP (NACP group; n=20) twice daily for one month. Redox status was determined by measuring superoxide anion (O2.-), advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP), total oxidative status (TOS), prooxidative-antioxidant balance (PAB), malondialdehyde (MDA), ischemia modified albumin (IMA) and several other antioxidant markers: superoxide dismutase (SOD), paraoxonase 1 (PON1), total sulfhydryl groups (SHG) and total antioxidant status (TAS). Interleukins 6, 8 and 17 were measured as markers of inflammatory status. Both groups had similar socio-demographic and clinical characteristics. After treatment significantly higher SHG [0.446 (0.395-0.516) vs. 0.292 (0.270-0.325), p<0.001] and significantly lower TOS - 50.6 [49.7-53.4 vs. 73.2 (50.9-84.6), p<0.05] - and IMA [0.650 (0.629-0.682) vs. 0.709 (0.667-0.756), p<0.05] - were found in the NACP group compared to the NAC group. Factorial analysis indicated a larger oxidative stress-inflammatory load in the NAC group after treatment. From an oxidative stress and inflammatory status perspective, treatment with NACP was more successful than with NAC. The inclusion of propolis into therapy for COPD patients, especially those in the exacerbation phase, could prove beneficial.

Novel glass materials-based (PVA/PVP/Al2O3/SiO2) hybrid composite hydrogel membranes for industrial applications: synthesis, characterization, and physical properties

Metal oxides e.g., Al2O3 and SiO2 loaded-hydrogel blended membranes composed of poly(vinyl alcohol)/poly(vinyl pyrrolidone) (PVA/PVP, PVA/PVP/Al2O3, PVA/PVP/SiO2, PVA/PVP/Al2O3/SiO2) were successfully prepared on precleared glass plates by dip coating method. Meanwhile, series of obtained crosslinked hydride composite hydrogel membranes were successfully prepared using solution-casting method. Samples have been characterized for use in microelectronic devices. Results of X-ray diffraction revealed that the structure of doped sample with nanoparticle has a polycrystalline structure (hexagonal and Orthorhombic), while FE-SEM micrographs show grains in nanoscale and homogenous in nature of membranes. Interestingly, optical measurements of composites blended membranes were recorded using UV/Vis spectrometer. The optical parameters such as refractive index and optical energy gap were estimated. Moreover, complex dielectric constants were calculated optically for all composites, the experimental data shows the additive of nanoparticles composites has a direct energy band gap. Where, Eg for PVA/PVP/SiO2, PVA/PVP/Al2O3 and PVA/PVP/Al2O3/SiO2 at 1.82, 2.55, and 1.95 eV), respectively. While the sample PVA/PVP has an indirect band gap Eg of value 2.24 eV. Finally, the frequency dependence of the transport properties was measured, where results showed improvement of dielectric behavior with metal oxides loading. The experimental data of composite blended membranes can be used in optoelectronics devices.

Ethanol dehydration to diethyl ether over ZSM-5 and β-Zeolite supported Ni[sbnd]W catalyst

Diethyl ether is an excellent additive in standard internal combustion engine fuel. The desired reaction product yield is more dependent on the type and strength of acidity of a catalyst for the higher selectivity of diethyl ether or ethylene. In the current work, the chemical process dehydration of alcohol was investigated successfully for forming diethyl ether and alkene over the synthesized tungsten-nickel-loaded catalysts. In present study synthesized different metal-loaded (Ni, W) on different supports (H-ZSM-5, β-Zeolite), and only weak acidic sites catalyst (with and without Ni loaded Zirconium aluminate) and compared all above synthesized catalyst for ethanol dehydration to diethyl ether at 7 h reaction time, 6 wt% catalyst dose, and 230 °C reaction temperature. Characterization using XRD, SEM-EDS, XPS, Raman-spectra, and BET-BJH revealed the appropriate synthesis of the catalyst and uniform Ni and W metal loading, resulting in increased catalytic performance. W-Ni metal oxide loading on H-ZSM-5 shows the most promising results than metal oxide loading on other support catalysts. A 14.61% yield enhanced the desired diethyl ether synthesis due to 1% tungsten metal oxide loading on 5 %Ni-HZSM-5. The XRD, FTIR, and TG-DTA analysis of reused 1 %W-5% Ni-HZSM-5 catalyst provides excellent reusability up to the fifth cycle of use, with a reusability efficiency of more than 96 % even up to the fifth reusability cycle. 1 %W-5 %Ni-HZSM-5 showed the best performance in a batch reactor for maximum diethyl ether synthesis from ethanol dehydration at a given reaction condition.

Promoted ketonization of bagasse pyrolysis gas over red mud-based oxides

Ketonization of bagasse pyrolysis gas was performed over red mud-based oxides. The maximum yield of ketones in the catalytic conversion of bagasse pyrolysis gas over original red mud was 18.66% at 420 °C. To promote the oxidability of red mud and obtain a higher yield of ketones, the effect of metal oxides (CeO2, MnO2, TiO2, CaO, ZrO2) loading and loading amount of CeO2 on red mud on ketonization of bagasse pyrolysis gas were studied. The highest yield of ketones of 27.86% was obtained over red mud-based oxides with 40 wt% CeO2 loading. The oxidability of the catalyst was enhanced greatly by the high loading of CeO2, leading to the peroxidation of acetone as the side reaction. To control the oxidability and cut costs, bimetallic oxides were loaded on red mud. The yield of ketones reached 30.12% over the composite red mud catalyst with the loading of 20 wt% CeO2 and 20 wt% MnO2. The rough coating of MnO2 on the surface of red mud was beneficial to the loading of CeO2, resulting in smaller and more uniform grains. This study provides the efficient utilization of red mud and biomass as solid wastes for high-valued chemicals and fuels.

Overexpression of HVA1 Enhances Drought and Heat Stress Tolerance in Triticum aestivum Doubled Haploid Plants.

Plant responses to multiple environmental stresses include various signaling pathways that allow plant acclimation and survival. Amongst different stresses, drought and heat stress severely affect growth and productivity of wheat. HVA1, a member of the group 3 LEA protein, has been well known to provide protection against drought stress. However, its mechanism of action and its role in other stresses such as heat remain unexplored. In this study, doubled haploid (DH) wheat plants overexpressing the HVA1 gene were analyzed and found to be both drought-and heat stress-tolerant. The transcriptome analysis revealed the upregulation of transcription factors such as DREB and HsfA6 under drought and heat stress, respectively, which contribute toward the tolerance mechanism. Particularly under heat stress conditions, the transgenic plants had a lower oxidative load and showed enhanced yield. The overexpression lines were found to be ABA-sensitive, therefore suggesting the role of HsfA6 in providing heat tolerance via the ABA-mediated pathway. Thus, apart from its known involvement in drought stress, this study highlights the potential role of HVA1 in the heat stress signaling pathway. This can further facilitate the engineering of multiple stress tolerance in crop plants, such as wheat.

Effect of dragon fruit peel powder on quality and acceptability of fish nuggets stored in a solar cooler (5 ± 1°C).

Fish nuggets were prepared with dragon fruit peel powder (1.0, 1.5 and 2.0% w/w) to evaluate its quality and improvement in shelf-life during 15days storage in a prefabricated solar cooler (5 ± 1°C). Antioxidative and antimicrobial effects of dragon fruit peel powder in fish model system were also evaluated during storage. Results showed that dragon fruit peel is a good source of dietary fibre (59.8%) and phenolic compounds [65.7mg Gallic Acid Equivalent (GAE)/100g of sample] and contained 6.03% protein, 6.14% fat and 4.34% ash. Use of dragon fruit peel powder significantly (p < 0.05) improved the emulsion stability and cooking yield and nuggets with peel powder had lower pH value than control. Fish nuggets with peel powder showed gradual decrease (p < 0.05) in hardness, springiness, cohesiveness, gumminess and chewiness with advancement of storage period. Nuggets with 1.5% dragon fruit peel showed better sensory attributes compared to the others. Dragon fruit peel powder significantly inhibited (p < 0.05) the lipid oxidation and microbial load in fish nuggets during the storage period. So, it can be concluded that dragon fruit peel powder may be used as antioxidant dietary fibre for improved quality and acceptability of fish nuggets in prefabricated solar cooler. 1.5% level of incorporation showed better results in terms of antioxidant activity and better shelf-life of the fish nuggets.

Antioxidant and Antiaging Properties of a Novel Synergistic Nutraceutical Complex: Readouts from an In Cellulo Study and an In Vivo Prospective, Randomized Trial.

Aging is a dynamic procedure that is developed in multiple layers and characterized by distinct hallmarks. The use of biomarkers that target different hallmarks of aging is substantial in predicting adverse outcomes during the aging process, implementing specifically designed antiaging interventions and monitoring responses to these interventions. The present study aimed to develop a novel composition of plant extracts, comprising identified active ingredients that synergistically target different hallmarks of aging in cellulo and in vivo. The selected single extracts and the developed composition were tested through a powerful set of biomarkers that we have previously identified and studied. The composition of selected extracts simultaneously increased cellular lifespan, reduced the cellular oxidative load and enhanced antioxidant defense mechanisms by increasing proteasome activity and content. In addition, the combination prevented telomere attrition and preserved optimum DNA methylation levels. Remarkably, biomarker profiling of healthy volunteers who received the identified combination in the form of a nutritional supplement within the frame of a prospective, randomized, controlled 3-month trial revealed an unprecedented antioxidant capacity in humans. In conclusion, our results support the notion that interventions with specifically designed combinations of natural compounds targeting multiple hallmarks of aging represent an effective way to improve healthspan and well-being.