Oxide Content Research Articles

Freeze–Thaw Performance Trends of Short-Term Cured Cement-Stabilized Aggregate Quarry By-Product Materials

Recent research studies conducted at the Illinois Center for Transportation focused on sustainable applications of quarry-by-products (QB) as pavement foundation materials and demonstrated the superior durability performance of dolomitic aggregate materials exposed to long-term cementitious reaction and repeated freezing and thawing. This study investigated the influence of QB chemical composition on the strength of cement-stabilized samples exposed to freeze–thaw cycles. Dolomitic QB materials from different quarries in Illinois and with different magnesium oxide (MgO) content, and a control limestone sample were chemically characterized by X-ray fluorescence and X-ray diffraction techniques. The QB materials were then stabilized with 3% cement and subjected to a 7-day curing period, followed by freeze–thaw conditioning. Unconfined compressive strength and resonant frequency tests were conducted to examine how the percentage of MgO and dolomitic minerals could alter the strength/stiffness with freeze–thaw cycles. Optical microscopy analysis was also performed to observe the extent of microstructure damage with freezing and thawing. Over the course of the applied freeze–thaw cycles, no notable minerology effect on strength or stiffness characteristics was observed for the short-term curing. Instead, performance was predominantly governed by physical properties, such as the particle size distribution, which played a more significant role after short-term curing. Well-graded QB materials with optimum packing, following Talbot’s equation with a 0.45 exponent, consistently exhibited the highest strength after any freeze–thaw cycle. The next phase of research, focusing on long-term curing, is expected to provide more insights into the chemical and mineralogical effects of QB materials on durability performance.

Changes in coal waste DOM chemodiversity and Fe/Al oxides during weathering drive the fraction conversion of heavy metals

The long-term accumulation of coal waste on the surface during natural weathering leads to the inevitable migration of heavy metals contained in the coal waste, which increases the likelihood of environmental contamination and health risks. Dissolved organic matter (DOM) and Fe/Al oxides play crucial roles in the transformation and bioavailability of heavy metals. Thus, we analyzed the Fe/Al oxide content and DOM molecular composition in coal waste with different degrees of weathering and explored the influence of DOM chemical diversity and Fe/Al oxides on the potential mobility of heavy metals. Results showed that weathering-driven decrease in Fe oxides (Fed, FeO, and Fep decreased from 82.4, 37.5, and 3.6 mg∙L−1 to 41.3, 24.7, and 2.3 mg∙L−1, respectively) led to decreases in the reducible fractions of V and Cr. The potential environmental risks of more toxic metals of Cd and As, also increased as a result of the residual fractions decreased to 32.6 % and 41.3 %, respectively. Weathering caused an increase in oxygen-to‑carbon ratio, double-bond equivalent, modified aromaticity index, nominal oxidation state of carbon, and molecular diversity and a decrease in (m/z)w and (H/C)w, suggesting that the DOM of highly weathered coal waste possessed high unsaturation, aromatic structures, hydrophilicity, and strong oxidative characteristics. Additionally, although VMF and CrMF showed significant negative correlations with O/C ratio, polyphenolic, carbohydrates, and condensed aromatics, pH remained a key environmental factor determining the potential environmental risks of V and Cr by changing the residual fractions. The mobilities of Cd and As were significantly negatively correlated with those of Fe/Al oxides, particularly Fed, FeO, Fep, and Alp. Our findings contribute to the understanding of the impact of weathering on the geochemical cycling of different coal waste components, providing priority options for environmental risk prevention and control in coal mining areas.

Influence of aluminum and vanadium oxides on copper borate glass: A physical/radiological study

Due to the radiation released by commonly used isotopes, many nuclear, medical, and industrial facilities require proper radiation shielding. In this work, distinct copper borate glasses intercalated with varied aluminum and vanadium oxide (Al2O3 and V2O5) content have been synthesized and used against radiation (gamma rays and fast/thermal neutrons). The different percents were as follows: [60% B2O3 + 35% CuO + (5-x)% Al2O3 + xV2O5], where x = 0, 1, and 2.5 wt.%, which was coded as BCu(5-x)Al:xV. The synthesized glass samples were characterized using Fourier transforms, infrared, and X-Raydiffraction analysis. Experimentally, the radiation shielding possessions of the samples were established using an HPGe detector at the gamma energy lines 0.356 MeV, 0.661 MeV, 1.173 MeV, and 1.332 MeV. Also, the prepared glasses were investigated theoretically using the Monte Carlo code (MCNP5) at photon energies of 0.015–15 MeV. Also, the fast and thermal neutron macroscopic effective removal cross-sections were calculated using MRCsC and JANIS-4.1 software, respectively. The prepared sample BCu2.5Al:2.5V, which has a vanadium and aluminum content of 2.5%, has the highest linear attenuation coefficient as well as the highest removal cross-section for fast, and thermal neutrons.

Study on the Hydrochemical Characteristics and Evolution Law of Taiyuan Formation Limestone Water under the Influence of Grouting with Fly Ash Cement: A Case Study in Gubei Coal Mine of Huainan, China

The hydrogeological conditions of Huainan Coalfield are complex. The Taiyuan formation limestone water (Taihui water) in this area is a direct threat to the water source of the 1# coal mining floor. In order to prevent and control water disasters, Gubei Coal Mine adopted ground high-pressure grouting with fly ash cement to block the hydraulic connection between the Taiyuan formation limestone aquifer and the Ordovician limestone aquifer. However, the injected slurry will destroy the original hydrochemical balance of Taihui water and change its hydrochemical characteristics. Taking the influence area of the 2# karst collapse column in the Beiyi 1# coal mining area of Gubei Coal Mine as an example, a total of 25 Taihui water samples were collected. The hydrochemical characteristics and evolution law of Taihui water before and after grouting are studied via the multivariate statistical method. The research methods include constant index statistics, Piper diagram, correlation analysis, ion combination ratio, and saturation index analysis. The results show that after grouting, the concentrations of Na+ + K+, Ca2+, Mg2+, and Cl− in Taihui water decrease, while the concentrations of SO42− and HCO3− increase. The average values of PH and TDS become larger. The hydrochemical types of Taihui water are more concentrated, mainly HCO3-Na and Cl-Na. The correlations between conventional indicators decrease. According to the analysis of ion combination ratio, dissolution, cation exchange, and pyrite oxidation mainly occur in Taihui water, and these effects are enhanced after grouting. The saturation index results show that after grouting, the saturation index of dolomite, calcite, and gypsum is significantly reduced, and the saturation index of rock salt is slightly increased. The conclusion of this study is that the hydrochemical characteristics of Taihui water are greatly affected by fly ash cement. Moreover, because fly ash cement contains a lower calcium oxide content than ordinary Portland cement, the effect of fly ash cement on the ion concentration of Taihui water and the resulting hydrogeochemical effect are significantly different. Therefore, in the treatment of mine water disasters, the hydrogeochemical evolution law affected by fly ash cement grouting should be identified.

Influence of coating microstructure on the corrosion behavior of Inconel 625 coatings fabricated by different thermal spraying processes

Inconel 625 coatings with dense microstructures (porosity <2 %) were fabricated on AISI 304L stainless steel substrates by flame spraying (F), twin-wire arc spraying (A), plasma spraying (P), and high-velocity oxygen fuel spraying (H). The quantity of oxide within the coating layers followed the descending order of F > A > P > H, with Cr2O3 identified as the predominant oxide in the Inconel 625 coating layers. The corrosion resistance of the Inconel 625 coating specimens decreased in the order of H > A > P > F. The outstanding corrosion resistance of the Inconel 625 coating prepared by high-velocity oxygen fuel spraying was attributed to the compact coating layer with a very low oxide content. It is suggested that the localized galvanic corrosion around the oxide/matrix interface may deteriorate the corrosion resistance of the coating layer, which is the primary factor contributing to the low corrosion resistance of the F specimen. Although the P specimen exhibited a lower oxide content than the A specimen, it demonstrated inferior corrosion resistance. This phenomenon can be attributed to the significant formation of microcracks within the P specimen, creating penetration tunnels for the corrosive solution and consequently reducing its corrosion resistance.

Reusable and inductively regenerable magnetic activated carbon for removal of organic micropollutants from secondary wastewater effluents

This work introduces a new sustainable alternative of powdered activated carbon (PAC) - magnetically harvestable and reusable after regeneration via inductive heating - for the adsorptive removal of organic micropollutants (OMP) from secondary wastewater effluents. For this purpose, two commercial PACs - lignite “L” (1187 m2/g) and coconut “C”-based (1524 m2/g) - were modified with magnetic iron oxide following two different synthesis approaches: infiltration (“infiltr”) and surface deposition (“depos”) route. The resulting magnetic powdered activated carbons (mPAC) and their precursor PACs were fully characterized before application. The iron oxide content of the modified “L” and “C” samples was ∼30 % and ∼20 %, respectively. Iron oxide gives the PAC beneficial magnetic properties for easy magnetic separation and simultaneously acts as an inductively heatable agent for the carbon regeneration. The infiltrated samples displayed better inductive heating performance and regeneration than their deposited counterparts. Tests with real wastewater showed fast adsorption kinetics of the organic load following the pseudo-second-order kinetic model. Adsorption isotherms were compliant with the Freundlich isotherm model. Sample “L-infiltr” had the best overall adsorption performance throughout 5 reuse cycles when intermediately inductively regenerated (<3 % drop in organics removal per cycle with intermediate regeneration vs. ∼10 % drop per cycle without regeneration). The treated supernatant was additionally tested for 31 representative organic micropollutants and their transformation products (pharmaceuticals, personal care products, industrial chemicals, etc.), where 26 OMPs had consistently high removal (>85 %) throughout 5 cycles with intermediate regeneration and for 28 OMPs the total adsorption efficiency dropped by <5 % after 5 cycles.

Performance of Fly-Ash- and Cement-Bound Granular Mixtures with Dispersed Fiber Reinforcement—A Case Study

This paper investigates the effects of incorporating dispersed fibrous reinforcement in hydraulically bound granular 0/16-mm mixtures. The evaluated fibrous reinforcement comprised a mixture of polypropylene and alkali-resistant glass fibers in a 1:2 weight ratio. The fibrous reinforcement was added to the mixtures in amounts of 0.05% and 0.10% by weight. The prepared mixtures utilized 1% of CEM II/B-V 32.5 R Portland cement together with 3.5%, 7%, and 14% of fly ash, characterized by a high content of reactive calcium oxide. It was found that the fibrous additives had only a small effect on the maximum dry densities and virtually none on the optimum moisture contents of the mixtures. The use of the fiber mix significantly improved the compressive strength of the reinforced samples resulting after 42 days of curing, with a performance comparable to a reference mixture bound with 8% of Portland cement. The addition of fibrous reinforcement increased the indirect tensile strength of the mixtures by up to 300%, resulting in a performance similar to that of a reference mixture with 5% of Portland cement. It was found that the use of this particular fibrous reinforcement significantly improved the performance of predominantly fly-ash-bound granular mixtures, allowing the reduction in cement content used in this type of material.

Enhancing Latex Compounds and Vulcanized Rubber Properties with Silver Nanoparticles

The production process of latex products requires the preparation of latex compounds by mixing latex with chemicals in a dispersion state. This experiment investigated the influence of added zinc oxide and silver nanoparticles on the properties of latex compounds and vulcanized rubber. It was found that increasing the amount of zinc oxide in the rubber compound resulted in a rise in the viscosity of the latex over the storage period. Increasing the zinc oxide content also led to a higher degree of crosslink noticed by a faster chloroform number determination of the vulcanization level and the opposite effect on the swell value of the rubber film with reduced swelling. The amount of 2.0 phr of ZnO as an activator gave the highest value of the tensile strength. The increasing amount of silver nanoparticles caused a decrease in the viscosity and exhibited a slower chloroform number with a decrease in the swelling of the rubber film. The amount of silver nanoparticles in the study period (0.0010-0.0022 phr) had little effect on mechanical properties but a significant effect on antibacterial activity. The 0.0010 phr of silver nanoparticles showed sufficient potential in inhibiting Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli.

Iron-modified biochar inhibiting Cd uptake in rice by Cd co-deposition with Fe oxides in the rice rhizosphere.

Fe-enriched biochar has proven to be effective in reducing Cd uptake in rice plants by enhancing iron plaque formation. However, the effect of Fe on biochar, especially the biochar with high S content, for Cd immobilization in rice rhizosphere was not fully understood. To obtain eco-friendly Fe-loaded biochar at a low cost, garlic straw, bean straw, and rape straw were chosen as the feedstocks for Fe-enhanced biochar production by co-pyrolysis with Fe2O3. The resulting biochars and Fe-loaded biochars were GBC, BBC, BRE, GBC-Fe, BBC-Fe, and BRE-Fe, respectively. XRD and FTIR analyses showed that Fe was successfully loaded onto the biochar. The pristine and Fe-containing biochars were applied at rates of 0% (BC0) and 0.1% in pot experiments. Results suggested that BBC-Fe caused the highest reduction in Cd content of rice grain, and the reductions were 67.9% and 31.4%, compared with BC0 and BBC, respectively. Compared to BBC, BBC-Fe effectively reduced Cd uptake in rice roots by 47.5%. The exchangeable and acid-soluble fraction of Cd (F1-Cd) in soil with BBC-Fe treatment was 37.6% and 63.7% lower than that of BC0 and BBC, respectively. Compared to BC0, soil pH was increased by 0.53 units with BBC-Fe treatment. BBC-Fe significantly increased Fe oxides (free Fe oxides, amorphous Fe oxides, and complex Fe oxides) content in the soil as well. DGT study demonstrated that BBC-Fe could enhance the mobility of sulfate in the rhizosphere, which might be beneficial for Cd fixation in the rhizosphere. Moreover, BBC-Fe increased the relative abundance of Bacteroidota, Firmicutes, and Clostridia, which might be beneficial for Cd immobilization in the rhizosphere. This work highlights the synergistic effect of loaded Fe and biochar on Cd immobilization by enhancing Cd deposited with Fe oxides.

Binary NiCu oxide nanoparticles onto graphite as promoting nanocatalysts for ethanol electro‐oxidation process

A facile and reduced cost fabrication protocol was followed to have a series of nickel oxide nanospecies onto graphite support with introducing varied copper oxide wt.% values (NiCuO/T). The co‐precipitation of metallic hydroxide particles onto carbonaceous surfaces and their subsequent burning at 400°C were sufficient to prepare mixed transition metal oxides. Suitable analysis tools were exploited to fully characterize the obtained nanopowders using scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, X‐ray diffraction spectroscopy, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and energy dispersive X‐ray analysis. Outstanding performances of the formed nanocatalysts for catalyzing ethanol electro‐oxidation reaction were measured especially in presence of 15 wt.% copper oxide content. The onset potential (Eonset) value of alcohol oxidation process was negatively shifted at dispersed NiO nanoparticles onto graphite after doping with copper oxide nanospecies. This promoted activity of prepared nanomaterials could be explained by their increased active sites when binary metallic oxides were incorporated. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy studies demonstrated much lowered resistances in alkaline solution containing ethanol molecules to ascertain the enhanced behavior of NiCuO/T nanocatalysts. Moreover, their good stability attitude encouraged the application of doped nanomaterials with copper oxide for fuel cells application.

Aloe vera gel relieves cadmium triggered hepatic injury via antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic routes.

Aloe vera (AV) gel extracted from fresh AV leaves was chosen in this study to evaluate its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiapoptotic activities against cadmium (Cd) -induced liver injury. Forty Wistar male adult rats were equally divided into four groups. Group I (standard control) ingested with 2.5 ml/kg b.w. of physiological saline. Group II (Cd-intoxicated) received 3 mg/kg b.w./day of CdCl2 dissolved in saline. Group III (AV) received 200 mg/kg b.w./day of AV gel dissolved in saline. Group IV (Cd+AV) ingested with 200 mg/kg b.w./day of AV gel solution along with 3 mg/kg b.w. CdCl2. All groups were ingested orally by gavage for 3 consecutive weeks. Paraoxonase-1 (PON-1) and HSP70 were measured in serum. The deposited Cd level, nitric oxide content, lipid peroxidation, collagen-1 (COL-1), and metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) levels were all determined in liver tissue homogenates. Gene expression of NF-κB and IL-6, Bax, and Bcl2, as well as immunohistochemistry analysis of activated caspase-3, was performed. Results showed that ingestion of AV gel greatly relieved all oxidative stress due to Cd exposure, modulated the NF-κB, IL-6, Bax, and Bcl2 expression levels, and improved the apoptotic state. In conclusion, AV gel confirmed its potential ameliorating effect against liver injury induced due to Cd exposure.

Triassic Thermal Pulse of TARIM Mantle Plume: Evidence from Geochronology, Geochemistry, and Nd Isotopes of the Mafic Dikes from the Halaqi Area, Xinjiang, China

Owing to the paucity of research on synchronous mafic rocks in the Tarim Basin, the late Paleozoic–early Mesozoic tectonic development of this region is not well defined. The Halaqi region is situated on Tarim’s northwest edge, and numerous mafic dikes can be found cross-cutting the Permian strata. The whole-rock geochemistry, zircon U–Pb age, and Sr–Nd isotopic signature of these mafic rocks have never been reported before, and this contribution can offer geochronological and petrogenetic investigations that provide fresh insight into the geodynamic development of the area. Major oxide contents in the Halaqi mafic rocks vary, including SiO2 (45.74–50.31 wt.%), Al2O3 (13.28–14.8 wt.%), FeOT (16.48–19.19 wt.%), MgO (7.58–10.32 wt.%), CaO (7.19–12.39 wt.%), Na2O (2.97–4.50 wt.%), K2O (0.24–0.63 wt.%), TiO2 (1.11–1.29 wt.%), MnO (0.14–0.16 wt.%), and P2O5 (0.13–0.17 wt.%). The mafic rocks are enriched in high-field-strength elements (e.g., Zr and Hf) and large-ion lithophile elements (e.g., Sr, Th, and U) but depleted in Nb, Ta, and P. The total REEs in the rocks are lower (ΣREE = 72.80–86.85 ppm), and HREEs are somewhat depleted in comparison to LREEs, with positive Eu anomalies (Eu/Eu* = 1.05–1.17) but weak negative Ce anomalies (Ce/Ce* = 0.91–0.93). Zircon U–Pb ages of 201–247 Ma were obtained from a total of 18 magmatic zircon grains found in the mafic rocks that were studied. These results point to a middle-to-late Triassic emplacement. The mafic dikes exhibit somewhat enriched Nd isotopic compositions (εNd(t) = –1.6~–0.2) and an older Nd model age (TDM = 1.24–1.37 Ga). The Halaqi middle–late Triassic mafic dikes are thought to have originated from the same tectonic background as the Permian Tarim Large Igneous Province, along with similar geochemical and isotopic compositions. This suggests that they are all products of the interaction between asthenospheric and lithospheric mantles in an intraplate extensional environment. Research indicates that the Triassic mafic magmatism in northwest Tarim could be the product of the continuous thermal pulse of the Tarim mantle plume and be a part of the Tarim LIP.

Cobalt Oxide on Boron-Doped Graphitic Carbon Nitride as Bifunctional Photocatalysts for CO2 Reduction and Hydrogen Evolution.

In this work, the prepared cobalt oxide decorated boron-doped g-C3N4 (CoOx/g-C3N4) heterojunction exhibits remarkable activity in CO2 reduction (CO2RR), resulting in high yields of CH3COOH (∼383 μmol·gcatalyst-1) and CH3OH (∼371 μmol·gcatalyst-1) with 58% selectivity to C2+ under visible light. However, the same system leads to high H2 evolution (HER) by increasing the cobalt oxide content, suggesting that the selectivity and preference for the CO2RR or HER depend on oxide decoration. By comparing HER and CO2RR evolution in the same system, this work provides critical insights into the catalytic mechanism, indicating that the CoOx/g-C3N4 heterojunction formation is necessary to foster high visible light photoactivity.

Visible-light-responsive mesoporous PtO/2D YVO4 composite material for fostered photocatalytic hydrogen generation

Hydrogen (H2) is a significant alternative energy supply due to its outstanding and potentially useful properties, promoting sustainable development. Photocatalytic H2 generation from H2O employing inexhaustible and naturally abundant solar power on semiconducting photocatalysts is a promising and sustainable approach. Yet, particle aggregation/agglomeration, insufficient solar-light absorbance capacity, and quick photo-excited charge carriers’ recombination are the main deficiencies in most current photocatalytic systems. This investigation intends to fabricate mesoporous YVO4 nanosheets through a facile hydrothermal process, employing polyvinyl alcohol polymer as a structural directing agent to prevent agglomeration. Moreover, for the first time, varied tiny contents of platinum oxide (PtO) ranging from 0.3 to 1.2 wt%, were decorated on YVO4, constructing p-n PtO-YVO4 heterojunctions. The fabricated catalysts were characterized via advanced instruments and applied to H2 production using visible light energy. It was found that the physicochemical characteristics of the designed catalysts revealed the influence of loading PtO on the surface, structure, light absorbance features, charge separation, and efficacy. The loading of 0.9 wt% PtO on YVO4 has barely lowered the surface area (SA) from 187 to 176 m2/g. In contrast, the visible wavelength uptake is notably extended owing to the substantial energy bandgap narrowing from 3.40 to 2.11 eV. The visible-light-evolved hydrogen on 0.9 wt% PtO-YVO4 amounted to 34.76 mmol g−1. Moreover, this novel sample demonstrated a 99.88% recycling capacity after five cycles. This efficacious photocatalytic H2 generation is due to extensive light sensitivity and the rapid charge separation and migration between PtO and YVO4 following the p-n heterojunction mechanism.

Enhancing kitchen waste anaerobic digestion by recycled aluminum industry waste: Alkali treatment and potential electron transfer mechanism

Kitchen waste has become a significant environmental concern worldwide. Red mud, an industrial solid waste characterized by its porous structure and high iron oxide content, exhibits potential as a conductive conduit in the direct interspecies electron transfer (DIET) pathway. In this study, red mud pretreatment of kitchen waste was conducted to enhance anaerobic digestion (AD). The effect and mechanism of enhancing kitchen waste AD by red mud pretreatment was studied for the first time. Results indicated that red mud pretreatment could accelerate the hydrolysis of organic compounds and alleviate the acid inhibition. Consequently, the methane production rate was increased from 260.7 mL/g VS to 402.3 mL/g VS, i.e., up to 54.3%. And volatile solids removal efficiency was increased from 53.9% to 73.1%, i.e., up to 35.6%. Furthermore, microbial community analysis revealed the enrichment of electrochemically active bacteria (Synergistaceae), acetogenic bacteria (Syntrophomonadaceae) and methanogens (Methanobacterium and Methanosarcina), which played essential roles in interspecies hydrogen transfer (IHT) and DIET. This study showed that red mud pretreatment has the potential to enhance kitchen waste AD which contributes to carbon mitigation. It also threw the potential new insights to the relative mechanism.

CircRNA_SLC8A1 promotes the survival of mycobacterium tuberculosis in macrophages by upregulating expression of autophagy-related protein SQSTM1/p62 to activate the NF-κB pathway

Macrophages act as the first immune defense line of the host against Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb). A previous study showed that circRNA_SLC8A1 was significantly upregulated in Mtb-infected macrophages, but its regulatory mechanism in anti-tuberculosis infection is unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the role of circRNA_SLC8A1 in the anti-tuberculosis activity of macrophages. We showed that circRNA_SLC8A1 was upregulated in tuberculosis patients. Moreover, the binding sites of miR-20b-5p on circRNA_SLC8A1 and Sequestosome 1 (SQSTM1/p62) mRNA were predicted by StarBase and verified by the double luciferase reporter gene assay. Next, we found that miR-20b-5p expression was decreased, while SQSTM1 protein expression was increased in a time- and dose-dependent manner in the human macrophage U937 in response to Mtb infection. Furthermore, circRNA_SLC8A1 overexpression vector (circRNA_SLC8A1) or shRNA (sh-circRNA_SLC8A1) and/or miR-20b-5p mimic or inhibitor and/or SQSTM1 overexpression vector (SQSTM1) or small interfering RNA (si-SQSTM1) or its corresponding control were transfected into Mtb-infected macrophages. Results showed that overexpression of circRNA_SLC8A1 or miR-20b-5p inhibitor promoted the secretion of pro-inflammatory factors IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α, increased Nitric Oxide (NO) content and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) expression, inhibited Reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. Cleaved-caspase-3 protein expression, and cell apoptosis, and promoted Mtb survival. Silencing SQSTM1 inhibited secretion of pro-inflammatory factors and activation of the NF-κB pathway. Overexpression of miR‐20b‐5p blocked the promoting of circ‐SLC8A1 on SQSTM1 protein expression. In summary, circRNA_SLC8A1 sponged miR‐20b‐5p to upregulate SQSTM1/p62 expression and promoted Mtb survival in macrophages through the NF-κB signaling pathway.

Effect of Zirconia and Graphene Nanoparticles Loading on Thermo-Mechanical Performance of Hybrid Polymer Nanocomposite

This study demonstrates the development of a unique hybrid thermoplastic composite using reduced Graphene oxide (rGO) content and Zirconia (ZrO2) nanoparticles into the Ultra-High Molecular Weight Polyethylene (UHMWPE) biomaterials for continuous loading conditions. Specimens with different loadings of rGO (0 to 1.5 wt.%) and ZrO2 (5 to 10 wt.%) were fabricated using liquid phase ultrasonication followed by the hot press moulding method. The samples were analyzed using Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA), Impact (Izod) testing, and Dynamic Mechanical Analysis (DMA). The developed material feasibility was assessed using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Energy Dispersive X-ray (EDX) analyses. The findings revealed that the 1 wt.% rGO/5 wt.% ZrO2/UHMWPE sample improved the storage modulus by 66.15%, and the Impact absorbed energy by 11.33% compared to the pristine UHMWPE. The proposed nanocomposite could be endorsed for artificial joints, prostheses, and other Artificial Bio-Bearing (ABB) applications.

Molecular docking, characterization, ADME/toxicity prediction, and anti-ulcer activity of new quercetin derivatives on indomethacin-induced gastric ulcer in mice

Gastric ulcer (GU) is a serious upper gastrointestinal tract disorder that affects people worldwide. The drugs now available for GU treatment have a high rate of relapses and drug interactions, as well as mild to severe side effects. As a result, new natural therapeutic medications for treating GU with fewer negative side effects are desperately needed. Because of quercetin's (QCT) diverse pharmacological effects and unique structural features, we decided to semi-synthesize new QCT derivatives and test them for antiulcer activity. Docking assays were performed on the synthesized compounds to determine their affinity for TLR-4/MD-2, MyD88/TIR, and NF-κB domains, an important inflammatory pathway involved in GU development and progression. Mice were given oral famotidine (40 mg/kg/day), QCT, QCT pentamethyl (QPM), or QCT pentaacetyl (QPA) (50 mg/kg/day) for 5 days before GU induction by a single intraperitoneal injection of indomethacin (INDO; 18 mg/kg). QPM and QPA have a stronger binding affinity for TLR-4/MD-2, MyD88/TIR and NF-κB domains than QCT. In comparison, they demonstrated the greatest reduction in ulcer score and index, gastric MDA and nitric oxide (NO) contents, MyD88 and NF-κB expressions, and gastric TLR-4 immunostaining. They also enhanced the levels of GSH, CAT, COX-1, and COX-2 in the gastric mucosa, as well as HO-1 and Nrf2 expression, with histological regression in gastric mucosal lesions, with QPA-treated mice demonstrating the best GU healing. QPA is safe against all of the target organs and adverse pathways studied, with good ADME properties. However, further in vitro experiments are necessary to demonstrate the inhibitory effects of QPM and QPA on the protein targets of interest. In addition, preclinical research on its bioavailability and safety is essential before clinical management can be undertaken. Overall, the new QPA derivative could one day serve as the basis for a new class of potential antiulcer drugs.

The Benzene-induced Hepatic Cytochrome P450 2E1 Expression and Activity are Reduced by Quercetin Administration in Mice.

Benzene as an environmental and industrial agent induces adverse effects that are mainly metabolism-dependent. Effects of Quercetin (QCN) on Benzene (BNZ)-induced changes in the hepatic Cytochrome P450 2E1 expression and activity were investigated. Thirty-six adult male mice were divided into 6 groups (n = 6) and nominated as control, BNZ (exposed to BNZ: 30 ppm), QCN (received QCN: 50 mg/kg, orally), and the fourth, fifth and sixth groups were exposed to 30 ppm BNZ and received 10, 50 and 100 mg/kg QCN respectively, for 28 days. The microsomal subcellular fraction was isolated from the liver samples and the activity of CYP 2E1 was measured based on the hydroxylation rate of 4-nitrophenol. The hepatic activity of myeloperoxidase also was assessed. Total antioxidant capacity and nitric oxide contents of the liver were determined. Expression changes of CYP 2E1 at the mRNA level were examined by qPCR technique. QCN lowered significantly (p < 0.05) the BNZ-increased hepatic nitric oxide levels and restored the BNZ-reduced antioxidant capacity. The BNZ-elevated activity of myeloperoxidase was declined in QCN-received mice. QCN downregulated the expression and activity of hepatic CYP 2E1 in BNZ-exposed animals. Our results suggest that QCN could be a novel hepatoprotective compound for BNZ-induced hepatotoxicities, which is attributed to its capability in the down-regulation of CYP 2E1 expression and activity.

Analysis of the Mechanical Properties of Cured Sludge by Alkaline Excitation of Phosphogypsum

Engineering slag is a green building material that meets the requirements of contemporary sustainable development, and the solidification technology of residue is particularly important in the practical engineering of resource utilization and environmental protection. In order to reuse the waste soil and industrial waste and reduce the construction cost, the stabilization effect of adding different contents of calcium oxide, blast furnace slag and phosphogypsum to the waste soil of a township road reconstruction project was studied. The unconfined compressive strength test of calcium oxide further clarified the solidification mechanism of residual soil and helped us to obtain the optimal curing ratio. The dry and wet cycle test simulated the influence of temperature and humidity changes on the appearance, quality, strength and water resistance in actual engineering. The experimental results show that the unconfined compressive strength of the sample reaches 1.273 MPa after 7 days of curing when the mixture of 4% calcium oxide (ratio to 100% plain soil) and 16% blast furnace slag (ratio to 100% plain soil) is mixed. When the three materials were mixed, the unconfined compressive strength of 4% calcium oxide (the ratio of 35% phosphogypsum and 65% plain soil) and 16% blast furnace slag (the ratio of 35% phosphogypsum and 65% plain soil) reached 1.670 MPa and 3.107 MPa at 7 and 28 days, respectively. The curing age has a significant promoting effect on the stability of loess. The dry and wet cycle test results conclude that the specimens have good durability and stability. The results of microstructure analysis shows that a large number of ettringite and C-S-H gel were formed in the gelling system, which not only makes the original soil more stable, but also acts as a part of filling pores, and the two work together to support the soil and improve the strength.