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30 pages, 11312 KiB  
Article
Study on the Mechanism and Dose–Effect Relationship of Flavonoids in Different Extracts of Radix Hedysari Against Gastrointestinal Injury Induced by Chemotherapy
by Shasha Zhao, Miaomiao Yang, Zimu Yang, Hai He, Ziyang Wang, Xinyu Zhu, Zhijia Cui and Jing Shao
Pharmaceuticals 2025, 18(7), 1072; https://doi.org/10.3390/ph18071072 - 20 Jul 2025
Viewed by 300
Abstract
Background: Previous studies have shown Radix Hedysari (RH)’s gastroprotective potential, but its active components and mechanisms remain uncharacterized. This study aimed to identify RH’s bioactive fractions, elucidate protection mechanisms, establish flavonoid dose-effect relationships, and determine the pharmacodynamic basis. Methods: Chemical profiling quantified [...] Read more.
Background: Previous studies have shown Radix Hedysari (RH)’s gastroprotective potential, but its active components and mechanisms remain uncharacterized. This study aimed to identify RH’s bioactive fractions, elucidate protection mechanisms, establish flavonoid dose-effect relationships, and determine the pharmacodynamic basis. Methods: Chemical profiling quantified eight flavonoids via HPLC. Network pharmacology screened targets/pathways using TCMSP, GeneCards databases. In vivo validation employed cisplatin–induced injury models in Wistar rats (n = 10/group). Assessments included: behavioral monitoring; organ indices; ELISA (MTL, VIP, IFN–γ, IgG, IL–6, TNF–α etc.); H&E; and Western blot:(SCF, c–Kit, p65). Dose–effect correlations were analyzed by PLS–DA. Results: Content determination indicated that Calycosin–7–glucoside and Ononin were notably enriched on both the n–BuOH part and the EtOAc part. Network pharmacology identified 5 core flavonoids and 8 targets enriched in IL–17/TNF signaling pathways. n–BuOH treatment minimized weight loss vs. MCG, increased spleen/thymus indices. n–BuOH and HPS normalized gastrointestinal, immune, inflammatory biomarkers (p < 0.01 vs. MCG). Histopathology confirmed superior mucosal protection in n–BuOH group vs. MCG. Western blot revealed n–BuOH significantly downregulated SCF, c–kit, and p65 expressions in both gastric and intestinal tissues (p < 0.001 vs. MCG). PLS–DA demonstrated Calycosin–7–glucoside had the strongest dose–effect correlation (VIP > 1) with protective outcomes. Conclusions: The n–BuOH fraction of RH is the primary bioactive component against chemotherapy–induced gastrointestinal injury, with Calycosin–7–glucoside as its key effector. Protection is mediated through SCF/c–Kit/NF–κB pathway inhibition, demonstrating significant dose–dependent efficacy. These findings support RH’s potential as a complementary therapy during chemotherapy. Full article
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21 pages, 4054 KiB  
Article
Benzo[c]cinnolinium Trifluoromethanesulfonate Architectures Induced by Organotin(IV) Complexes
by Hélène Cattey and Laurent Plasseraud
Crystals 2025, 15(7), 655; https://doi.org/10.3390/cryst15070655 - 17 Jul 2025
Viewed by 334
Abstract
Four novel crystalline architectures based on benzo[c]cinnolininium trifluoromethanesulonate salts, [C12H9N2]+[CF3SO3], have been isolated as single-crystals, and their structures have been determined by X-ray diffraction analysis. The formation [...] Read more.
Four novel crystalline architectures based on benzo[c]cinnolininium trifluoromethanesulonate salts, [C12H9N2]+[CF3SO3], have been isolated as single-crystals, and their structures have been determined by X-ray diffraction analysis. The formation of the new salts results from reactions involving the dimeric hydroxo di-n-butylstannane trifluoromethanesulfonato complex [n-Bu2Sn(OH)(H2O)(CF3SO3)]2 (1) and benzo[c]cinnoline (C12H8N2, BCC). Organic salts I, II, III, and IV were crystallized through slow evaporation at room temperature from a mixture of toluene/dichloromethane. The cystallographic structures of I, II, and IV exhibit the presence of monoprotonated benzo[c]cinnolinium cations in interactions with a free benzo[c]cinnoline molecule through N–H···N hydrogen bonding, while for salt III, the monoprotonated cation directly interacts with the CF3SO3 anion via an N–H···O interaction. For all four salts, aromatic π-π interactions involving rings of various components (free benzo[c]cinnoline molecule, benzo[c]cinnolinium cation, toluene molecule), combined with weak C–H···O and C–H···F interactions implying the trifluoromethanesulfonate anion, promote the solid-state self-assembly of supramolecular stacks. In parallel to the formation of benzo[c]cinnolinium based-salts, organotin(IV) 1 was converted into a distannoxane compound, 2{[n-Bu2(μ-OH)SnOSn(μ-η2-O3SCF3)n-Bu2]2[n-Bu2(η1-O3SCF3)SnOSn(μ-OH)n-Bu2]2} (3), which was also isolated as a single crystal and whose crystallographic structure was previously established by us. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Macromolecular Crystals)
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23 pages, 4572 KiB  
Article
Mechanisms of Zooplankton Community Assembly and Their Associations with Environmental Drivers in Arid-Region Reservoirs of Northwest China
by Xuelian Qiu, Fangze Zi, Long Yun, Qiang Huo, Liting Yang, Yong Song and Shengao Chen
Biology 2025, 14(6), 732; https://doi.org/10.3390/biology14060732 - 19 Jun 2025
Viewed by 432
Abstract
This study investigates the mechanisms of zooplankton community assembly and their relationship to environmental factors in high-latitude arid regions. We conducted seasonal sampling at four reservoirs in the upper Tarim River Basin from 2023 to 2024: Shangyou Reservoir (SY), Shengli Reservoir (SL), Duolang [...] Read more.
This study investigates the mechanisms of zooplankton community assembly and their relationship to environmental factors in high-latitude arid regions. We conducted seasonal sampling at four reservoirs in the upper Tarim River Basin from 2023 to 2024: Shangyou Reservoir (SY), Shengli Reservoir (SL), Duolang Reservoir (DL) and Xinjingzi Reservoir (XJZ). The zooplankton community was categorized into five functional groups based on the predominant species, with small crustacean filter feeders (SCF) in all reservoirs except XJZ, where a seasonal shift between rotifer collectors (RC) in the wet season and SCF in the dry season was observed. Pearson correlation and canonical correspondence analysis (CCA) revealed that interspecific competition, pH, conductivity (COND), and salinity (SALIN) were the main determinants of zooplankton community composition. Significant correlations (p < 0.05) were detected among functional groups RC (rotifers carnivora), RF (rotifers filter feeders), SCF (small copepods and claocera filter feeders), and MCC (middle copepods and claocera carnivora). Environmental factors showed significant spatial heterogeneity, while zooplankton biomass was positively correlated with pH and COND. Cluster similarity analyses indicated complex interactions between 29 zooplankton species, with RF identified as an important positive predictor for larger groups. The network of co-occurrences showed predominantly positive relationships, emphasizing the mutual facilitation between the species. Our results suggest that interspecific interactions have stronger effects on community structuring than environmental factors, with mutual facilitation emerging as an important survival strategy. This study provides important insights into the dynamics of zooplankton communities in dry reservoirs and establishes a framework for understanding ecological patterns and assembly mechanisms under drought conditions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Wetland Ecosystems (2nd Edition))
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13 pages, 1629 KiB  
Article
Follicle-Stimulating Hormone and Testosterone Play a Role in the Regulation of Sertoli Cell Functions Following Germ Cell Depletion In Vitro
by Alaa Sawaied, Bat-El Levy, Eden Arazi, Eitan Lunenfeld, Qinghua Shi and Mahmoud Huleihel
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(6), 2702; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26062702 - 17 Mar 2025
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1249
Abstract
Spermatogenesis is a process of self-renewal of spermatogonial stem cells and their proliferation and differentiation to generate mature sperm. This process involves interactions between testicular somatic (mainly Sertoli cells) and spermatogonial cells at their different stages of development. The functionality of Sertoli cells [...] Read more.
Spermatogenesis is a process of self-renewal of spermatogonial stem cells and their proliferation and differentiation to generate mature sperm. This process involves interactions between testicular somatic (mainly Sertoli cells) and spermatogonial cells at their different stages of development. The functionality of Sertoli cells is regulated by hormones and testicular autocrine/paracrine factors. In this study, we investigated the effects of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and testosterone addition on Sertoli cell cultures that undergo hypotonic shock, with a primary focus on Sertoli cell activity. Cells were enzymatically isolated from testicular seminiferous tubules of 7-day-old mice. These cells were cultured in vitro for 3 days. Thereafter, some cultures were treated with hypotonic shock to remove germ cells. After overnight, fresh media without (control; CT) or with FSH, testosterone (Tes), or FSH+T were added to the hypotonic shock-treated or untreated (CT) cultures for 24 h. The morphology of the cultures and the presence of Sertoli cells and germ cells were examined. The expression of growth factors (CSF-1, LIF, SCF, GDNF) or other specific Sertoli cell factors [transferrin, inhibin b, androgen receptor (AR), androgen binding protein (ABP), FSH receptor (FSHR)] was examined by qPCR. Our immunofluorescence staining showed depletion/major reduction in VASA-positive germ cells in Sertoli cell cultures following hypotonic shock (HYP) treatment compared to untreated cultures (WO). Furthermore, the expression of the examined growth factors and other factors was significantly increased in HYP cultures compared to WO (in the CT). However, the addition of hormones significantly decreased the expression levels of the growth factors in HYP cultures compared to WO cultures under the same treatment. In addition, the expression of all other examined Sertoli cell factors significantly changed following HYP treatment compared to WO and following treatment with FSH and or T. However, the expression levels of some factors remained normal following the treatment of Sertoli cell cultures with one or both hormones (transferrin, Fsh-r, Abp, Ar). Thus, our results demonstrate the crucial role of germ cells in the functionality of Sertoli cells and the possible role of FSH and T in maintaining, at least partially, the normal activity of Sertoli cells following germ cell depletion in vitro by hypotonic shock treatment. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Molecular Endocrinology and Metabolism)
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15 pages, 1909 KiB  
Article
Inhibitory Effect of Lactiplantibacillus plantarun HFY11 on Compound Diphenoxylate-Induced Constipation in Mice
by Fang Tan and Chang-Suk Kong
Biomolecules 2025, 15(3), 358; https://doi.org/10.3390/biom15030358 - 1 Mar 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 762
Abstract
Lactiplantibacillus plantarun HFY11 (LP-HFY11) is a newly discovered microbial strain. This study was the first to investigate the preventive effect of LP-HFY11 on compound diphenoxylate induced constipation in mice by measuring intestinal contents, serum, and small intestinal tissue indexes. In mice suffering from [...] Read more.
Lactiplantibacillus plantarun HFY11 (LP-HFY11) is a newly discovered microbial strain. This study was the first to investigate the preventive effect of LP-HFY11 on compound diphenoxylate induced constipation in mice by measuring intestinal contents, serum, and small intestinal tissue indexes. In mice suffering from constipation, LP-HFY11 could prevent the reduction in fecal weight, particle count, and water content. The constipated mice that ingested a high LP-HFY11 dose (LP-HFY11H) expelled the first black stool faster than the model group and the drug lactulose-treated group, but they were slower than the normal group. Furthermore, the small intestine in the LP-HFY11H group had a greater propulsion rate of activated charcoal than that in the model and lactulose groups, but the propulsion rate was still lower than that in the normal group. According to hematoxylin–eosin (H&E) staining, LP-HFY11H was more effective than lactulose at reducing intestinal villi breaking and constipation-induced harm to the small intestine. Simultaneously, compared with the model group, the LP-HFY11H group had markedly increased serum levels of motilin (MTL), endothelin-1 (ET-1), vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP), and acetylcholinesterase (AchE). Transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) expression was only higher than in the normal group, but the mRNA expression of c-Kit, stem cell factor (SCF), and glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) was all higher in the small intestine in the LP-HFY11H group than in the model and lactulose groups, according to the results of quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) experiments. Analysis of microbial mRNA in the small intestinal contents of the constipated mice further validated the capacity of LP-HFY11 to decrease the abundance of Firmicutes and increase the abundance of Bacteroidetes, Bifidobacteria, and Lactobacillus. This revealed that LP-HFY11, which produced better results than the drug lactulose, can control the gut microbiota of constipated mice and successfully cure constipation. LP-HFY11 has the potential to be used as a probiotic in the treatment of constipation. It has good application prospects in the food industry and biopharma. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Natural and Bio-derived Molecules)
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13 pages, 13078 KiB  
Article
Investigation of the Foaming Morphology of Polypropylene Molded via Microcellular Injection Assisted by Water Vapor and Gas Counter Pressure
by Shia-Chung Chen, Chao-Yuan Gan, Yan-Jun Liu and Ching-Te Feng
Polymers 2025, 17(5), 611; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym17050611 - 25 Feb 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 887
Abstract
The microcellular injection molding (MuCell®) process, which uses supercritical fluid (SCF) as a foaming agent, is considered an important green molding solution to reduce product weight, molding energy, and cycle time and to improve the foam quality. However, maximizing the foaming [...] Read more.
The microcellular injection molding (MuCell®) process, which uses supercritical fluid (SCF) as a foaming agent, is considered an important green molding solution to reduce product weight, molding energy, and cycle time and to improve the foam quality. However, maximizing the foaming density while keeping size uniformity in the foaming cell requires further attention. In this study, H2O and the SCF N2 were employed as cofoaming agents in the MuCell® process of polypropylene (PP). Owing to the different critical points of N2 and H2O, bubble nucleation was expected to occur in interactive ways. Various process parameters were investigated, including the SCF N2 content, the moisture content adsorbed within the resin under targeted PP weight reductions of 30% and 40%, the melt and mold temperature conditions, and the gas counter pressure. The resulting foaming morphology was examined to evaluate the foam quality in terms of the foaming density and bubble size distribution. The bubble coalescence, particularly in the skin layer, was examined, and the associated gas permeability flow rate was measured. The results indicated that H2O-assisted foaming led to bubble coalescence and allowed for gas penetration in the direction of the part thickness direction, resulting in an overall increase in foaming density, particularly in the skin layer. Under high SCF N2 and H2O contents, the solid skin layer disappeared, regulating the gas permeability from one surface side to the other. Under the optimized process parameters, the gas permeability flow rate in the filter-like foaming PP material reached 300–450 mL/min. The application of gas counter pressure also helped increase the foam density and bubble coalescence, enhancing the gas permeability in the PP material to about 500 mL/min. These results demonstrate the potential application of microcellular injection molding using water as a cofoaming agent in moisture-release devices. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Functional Polymer Foams)
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12 pages, 4456 KiB  
Article
A Detailed Study of a Resonant-Assisted Segmented Cladding Fiber for Large Mode Area Applications
by Minmin Xue, Hao Qin, Suwen Li, Yuqi Hao and Libo Yuan
Photonics 2025, 12(1), 84; https://doi.org/10.3390/photonics12010084 - 17 Jan 2025
Viewed by 707
Abstract
In this work, we have proposed and optimized a large mode area segmented cladding fiber (SCF) with an unconventional low-index segment cladding. The low-refractive-index cladding proposed in this paper consists of three parts. There three geometric parameters chosen as design variables were the [...] Read more.
In this work, we have proposed and optimized a large mode area segmented cladding fiber (SCF) with an unconventional low-index segment cladding. The low-refractive-index cladding proposed in this paper consists of three parts. There three geometric parameters chosen as design variables were the length and width of the first part and the leg length of the isosceles trapezoid in the second part. To investigate the properties of the proposed SCF, numerical modeling based on the finite element method (FEM) was performed. A high leakage loss ratio (>9000) between the high-order modes (HOMs) and the fundamental mode was achieved at a wavelength of 1310 nm, which is significantly higher than that of conventional SCFs. Additionally, the mode area of the proposed fiber reaches 890 µm2 at a core radius of 20 µm. The bending effects on the SCF were also studied. When the bending radius is greater than 0.3 m, the mode area greater than 880 µm2 and remains stable, and the leakage loss of the least high-order mode (LP11h) exceeds 30 dB/m. The new fiber design demonstrates significant potential for high-power fiber lasers Full article
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21 pages, 9370 KiB  
Article
Thymoquinone Pectin Beads Produced via Electrospray: Enhancing Oral Targeted Delivery for Colorectal Cancer Therapy
by Mulham Alfatama, Hazem Choukaife, Okba Al Rahal and Nur Zahirah Mohamad Zin
Pharmaceutics 2024, 16(11), 1460; https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics16111460 - 15 Nov 2024
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1445
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Thymoquinone (TQ) exhibits diverse biological activities, but its poor solubility and bioavailability limit its cancer efficacy, requiring innovative solutions. This study explores the development of an oral delivery system targeting colon cancer based on TQ pectin beads (TQ-PBs) produced through an [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Thymoquinone (TQ) exhibits diverse biological activities, but its poor solubility and bioavailability limit its cancer efficacy, requiring innovative solutions. This study explores the development of an oral delivery system targeting colon cancer based on TQ pectin beads (TQ-PBs) produced through an adjustable electrospray technique. This study hypothesised that adjusting bead diameter through the electrospray technique enables precise control over water absorption and erosion rates, thereby achieving a controlled release profile for encapsulated TQ, which enhances targeted delivery to the colon. Methods: TQ-PBs were synthesised and optimised using an electrospray technique based on the ionic gelation method. The prepared beads were characterised based on particle size, sphericity, encapsulation efficiency (EE), water uptake, erosion, surface morphology, molecular interactions, and texture. The cumulative TQ release studies, an accelerated stability test, and cytotoxicity evaluation against the colon cancer HT-29 cell line were also assessed. Results: The optimised TQ-PB formulation demonstrated an average bead size of 2.05 ± 0.14 mm, a sphericity of 0.96 ± 0.05, and an EE of 90.32 ± 1.04%. The water uptake was 287.55 ± 10.14% in simulated gastric fluid (SGF), 462.15 ± 12.73% in simulated intestinal fluid (SIF), and 772.41 ± 13.03% in simulated colonic fluid (SCF), with an erosion rate of 45.23 ± 5.22%. TQ release was minimal in SGF (8.13 ± 1.94% after 2 h), controlled in SIF (29.35 ± 3.65% after 4 h), and accelerated in SCF (94.43 ± 2.4% after 3 h). Stability studies over one month showed a size reduction of 17.50% and a 6.59% decrease in TQ content. Cytotoxicity assessments revealed significant anticancer activity of TQ-PB, with an IC50 of 80.59 ± 2.2 μg/mL. Conclusions: These findings underscore the potential of TQ-PB as an effective oral drug delivery system for targeted colorectal cancer therapy. Full article
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36 pages, 5671 KiB  
Article
Supplementation of Seaweed Extracts to the Diet Reduces Symptoms of Alzheimer’s Disease in the APPswePS1ΔE9 Mouse Model
by Nikita Martens, Na Zhan, Sammie C. Yam, Frank P. J. Leijten, Marcella Palumbo, Martien Caspers, Assia Tiane, Silvia Friedrichs, Yanlin Li, Leonie van Vark-van der Zee, Gardi Voortman, Francesca Zimetti, Dick Jaarsma, Lars Verschuren, Johan W. Jonker, Folkert Kuipers, Dieter Lütjohann, Tim Vanmierlo and Monique T. Mulder
Nutrients 2024, 16(11), 1614; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16111614 - 25 May 2024
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2850
Abstract
We previously demonstrated that diet supplementation with seaweed Sargassum fusiforme (S. fusiforme) prevented AD-related pathology in a mouse model of Alzheimer’s Disease (AD). Here, we tested a lipid extract of seaweed Himanthalia elongata (H. elongata) and a supercritical fluid [...] Read more.
We previously demonstrated that diet supplementation with seaweed Sargassum fusiforme (S. fusiforme) prevented AD-related pathology in a mouse model of Alzheimer’s Disease (AD). Here, we tested a lipid extract of seaweed Himanthalia elongata (H. elongata) and a supercritical fluid (SCF) extract of S. fusiforme that is free of excess inorganic arsenic. Diet supplementation with H. elongata extract prevented cognitive deterioration in APPswePS1ΔE9 mice. Similar trends were observed for the S. fusiforme SCF extract. The cerebral amyloid-β plaque load remained unaffected. However, IHC analysis revealed that both extracts lowered glial markers in the brains of APPswePS1ΔE9 mice. While cerebellar cholesterol concentrations remained unaffected, both extracts increased desmosterol, an endogenous LXR agonist with anti-inflammatory properties. Both extracts increased cholesterol efflux, and particularly, H. elongata extract decreased the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines in LPS-stimulated THP-1-derived macrophages. Additionally, our findings suggest a reduction of AD-associated phosphorylated tau and promotion of early oligodendrocyte differentiation by H. elongata. RNA sequencing on the hippocampus of one-week-treated APPswePS1ΔE9 mice revealed effects of H. elongata on, amongst others, acetylcholine and synaptogenesis signaling pathways. In conclusion, extracts of H. elongata and S. fusiforme show potential to reduce AD-related pathology in APPswePS1ΔE9 mice. Increasing desmosterol concentrations may contribute to these effects by dampening neuroinflammation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dietary Factors and Interventions for Neurodegenerative Diseases)
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18 pages, 2388 KiB  
Article
Evaluation of Arabica Coffee Fermentation Using Machine Learning
by Renata A. R. Rocha, Marcelo A. D. da Cruz, Lívia C. F. Silva, Gisele X. R. Costa, Laurence R. Amaral, Pedro L. L. Bertarini, Matheus S. Gomes and Líbia D. Santos
Foods 2024, 13(3), 454; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods13030454 - 1 Feb 2024
Cited by 13 | Viewed by 5242
Abstract
This study explores the variances in the organic, chemical, and sensory attributes of fermented coffee beans, specifically examining how post-harvest processes influence cup quality. Coffee fruits from the Catuaí IAC-144 variety were processed using both natural coffee (NC) and pulped coffee (PC) methods. [...] Read more.
This study explores the variances in the organic, chemical, and sensory attributes of fermented coffee beans, specifically examining how post-harvest processes influence cup quality. Coffee fruits from the Catuaí IAC-144 variety were processed using both natural coffee (NC) and pulped coffee (PC) methods. The fruits were then subjected to self-induced anaerobic fermentation (SIAF) using one of the following fermentation methods: solid-state fermentation (SSF) or submerged fermentation (SMF). Within these methods, either spontaneous fermentation (SPF) or starter culture fermentation (SCF) was applied. Each method was conducted over periods of 24, 48, and 72 h. For this purpose, two-hundred-liter bioreactors were used, along with two control treatments. Numerous parameters were monitored throughout the fermentation process. A comprehensive chemical profiling and sensory analysis, adhering to the guidelines of the Specialty Coffee Association, were conducted to evaluate the influence of these fermentation processes on the flavor, aroma, and body characteristics of the coffee beverage across multiple dimensions. Data analysis and predictive modeling were performed using machine learning techniques. This study found that NC exhibited a higher production of acids (citric, malic, succinic, and lactic) compared to PC, resulting in distinct chemical and sensory profiles. The decision tree showed that fructose and malic and succinic acids were identified as the main factors enhancing sensory notes during cupping. SMF promoted higher concentrations of lactic acid, while SSF led to increased ethanol content. Consequently, the SIAF process enhances the sensory quality of coffee, adding value to the product by generating diverse sensory profiles. Full article
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13 pages, 12060 KiB  
Article
Study on the Fluorination Process of Sc2O3 by NH4HF2
by Zhi Li, Chengwei Zhan, Huan Yu, Xitao Wang, Shouqiu Tang, Jixue Zhou and Jianhua Wu
Materials 2023, 16(17), 5984; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16175984 - 31 Aug 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1585
Abstract
Research on rare-earth fluorides is of urgent and critical importance for the preparation and emerging applications of high-purity alloys. The fluorination of Sc2O3 by NH4HF2 to fabricate ScF3 is investigated. The effects of the fluorination temperature, [...] Read more.
Research on rare-earth fluorides is of urgent and critical importance for the preparation and emerging applications of high-purity alloys. The fluorination of Sc2O3 by NH4HF2 to fabricate ScF3 is investigated. The effects of the fluorination temperature, time and mass ratio of reactant on the fluorination rate and fluoride are discussed in this work. The fluorination reaction was first confirmed using thermodynamic calculation. The thermal and mass stability of the fluorination process were analyzed by thermogravimetric and differential scanning calorimetric (TG-DSC). The as-obtained products at different fluorination temperatures were characterized by Powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM). The results indicated that the fluorination began at room temperature (RT) with the formation of (NH4)3ScF6. With the increase of temperature, the reaction proceeded sequentially through the formation of NH4ScF4, (NH4)2Sc3F11, and finally ScF3. The fluorination rate increased with the increase of fluorination temperature and holding time. ScF3 with a purity of 99.997 wt.% could be obtained by fluorination at 400 °C for 2 h. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Preparation and Applications of Metal and Alloy Powders)
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15 pages, 7231 KiB  
Article
Sensitivity Consequences of Ethylene in Determining the Vase Life of Eremurus spectabilis and E. persicus
by Somaye Sayed Mahmoudian, Nematollah Etemadi, Rahim Amirikhah and Shadab Panahi
Horticulturae 2023, 9(9), 978; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae9090978 - 30 Aug 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1590
Abstract
Foxtail lily (Eremurus), as a medicinal-ornamental geophyte, has recently emerged in the cut flower market as a novel, commercially significant specialty cut flower (SCF). However, there is limited information about the sensitivity to ethylene of foxtail lily species for managing the [...] Read more.
Foxtail lily (Eremurus), as a medicinal-ornamental geophyte, has recently emerged in the cut flower market as a novel, commercially significant specialty cut flower (SCF). However, there is limited information about the sensitivity to ethylene of foxtail lily species for managing the ethylene-mediated senescence to prolong the vase life and maintain the ornamental quality of this flower. The purpose of the current study was to compare the ethylene production rates and patterns, as well as the responses to exogenous ethylene and ethylene inhibitors, between two species, E. spectabilis and E. persicus, to better understand the role of ethylene in Eremurus inflorescence senescence. The results revealed that exogenous ethylene (10 μL L−1), as a pulsing or continuous method, dramatically accelerated petal wilting in E. spectabilis and petal abscission in E. persicus. Furthermore, the rate and patterns of endogenous ethylene production varied significantly among the two investigated species. Interestingly, E. persicus exhibited a higher rate of ethylene production than E. spectabilis on the first day after harvesting, but the reverse was true at the end of the vase life (Day 4 of the vase period). The results revealed that the treatments with ethylene inhibitors considerably improved the water relations and vase longevity of both foxtail lily species. The vase life of E. spectabilis was dramatically enhanced by silver thiosulfate complex (STS) treatment (0.2 mM pulse for 24 h) from 5 d (control) to 7 d. Furthermore, 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) at 0.5 and 1.0 μL L−1 markedly improved water uptake, relative fresh weight, and water balance and extended the vase life of cut inflorescences by ~2 d in E. spectabilis and E. persicus, compared with those of control cut inflorescences, respectively. This research revealed that ethylene is involved in controlling the senescence of foxtail lily flowers, and two tested species exhibited distinct forms of ethylene sensitivity, including abscission type in E. persicus and wilting-type in E. spectabilis. Collectively, these findings suggest that ethylene is involved in the senescence of cut foxtail lily inflorescence and that ethylene inhibitors can prolong vase life. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Floriculture, Nursery and Landscape, and Turf)
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17 pages, 2785 KiB  
Article
Synergistic Protective Effect of Fermented Schizandrae Fructus Pomace and Hoveniae Semen cum Fructus Extracts Mixture in the Ethanol-Induced Hepatotoxicity
by Kyung-Hwan Jegal, Hye-Rim Park, Beom-Rak Choi, Jae-Kwang Kim and Sae-Kwang Ku
Antioxidants 2023, 12(8), 1602; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox12081602 - 11 Aug 2023
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2489
Abstract
Schizandrae Fructus (SF), fruits of Schisandra chinensis (Turcz.) Baill. and Hoveniae Semen cum Fructus (HSCF), the dried peduncle of Hovenia dulcis Thunb., have long been used for alcohol detoxification in the traditional medicine of Korea and China. In the current study, we aimed [...] Read more.
Schizandrae Fructus (SF), fruits of Schisandra chinensis (Turcz.) Baill. and Hoveniae Semen cum Fructus (HSCF), the dried peduncle of Hovenia dulcis Thunb., have long been used for alcohol detoxification in the traditional medicine of Korea and China. In the current study, we aimed to evaluate the potential synergistic hepatoprotective effect of a combination mixture (MSH) comprising fermented SF pomace (fSFP) and HSCF hot water extracts at a 1:1 (w:w) ratio against ethanol-induced liver toxicity. Subacute ethanol-mediated hepatotoxicity was induced by the oral administration of ethanol (5 g/kg) in C57BL/6J mice once daily for 14 consecutive days. One hour after each ethanol administration, MSH (50, 100, and 200 mg/kg) was also orally administered daily. MSH administration significantly reduced the serum activities of alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, and γ-glutamyl transpeptidase. Histological observation indicated that MSH administration synergistically and significantly decreased the fatty changed region of hepatic parenchyma and the formation of lipid droplet in hepatocytes. Moreover, MSH significantly attenuated the hepatic triglyceride accumulation through reducing lipogenesis genes expression and increasing fatty acid oxidation genes expression. In addition, MSH significantly inhibited protein nitrosylation and lipid peroxidation by lowering cytochrome P450 2E1 enzyme activity and restoring the glutathione level, superoxide dismutase and catalase activity in liver. Furthermore, MSH synergistically decreased the mRNA level of tumor necrosis factor-α in the hepatic tissue. These findings indicate that MSH has potential for preventing alcoholic liver disease through inhibiting hepatic steatosis, oxidative stress, and inflammation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Alcohol-Induced Oxidative Stress in Health and Disease)
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19 pages, 19512 KiB  
Article
A Mixture of Fermented Schizandrae Fructus Pomace and Hoveniae Semen cum Fructus Extracts Synergistically Protects against Oxidative Stress-Mediated Liver Injury
by Jang-Soo Kim, Kyung-Hwan Jegal, Hye-Rim Park, Beom-Rak Choi, Jae-Kwang Kim and Sae-Kwang Ku
Antioxidants 2023, 12(8), 1556; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox12081556 - 3 Aug 2023
Viewed by 1968
Abstract
Schizandrae Fructus (SF) and Hoveniae Semen cum Fructus (HSCF) have long been used as medicinal herbs for treating various diseases in Asian traditional medicine. In the current study, we investigated the protective effect of fermented SF pomace and HSCF extract 1:1 (w [...] Read more.
Schizandrae Fructus (SF) and Hoveniae Semen cum Fructus (HSCF) have long been used as medicinal herbs for treating various diseases in Asian traditional medicine. In the current study, we investigated the protective effect of fermented SF pomace and HSCF extract 1:1 (w:w) combination mixture (MSH) against carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced acute liver injury mice. After MSH (50–200 mg/kg) oral administration for 7 consecutive days, animals were injected intraperitoneally with CCl4 (0.5 mL/kg). Histopathological observation revealed that administration of MSH synergistically decreased the degeneration of hepatocytes and the infiltration of inflammatory cells induced by CCl4. Moreover, MSH administration reduced the activities of alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, and γ-glutamyl transpeptidase in serum, and mitigated apoptotic cell death in hepatic parenchyma. In addition, MSH alleviated CCl4-mediated lipid peroxidation by restoring endogenous antioxidants capacities including glutathione contents, superoxide dismutase, and catalase activities. In vitro assessments using tert-butyl hydroperoxide-induced oxidative stress in HepG2 cells revealed that MSH protects hepatocytes by lowering ROS generation and lipid peroxidation via upregulating the transcriptional activity of nuclear factor erythroid-2-related factor 2 and the expression of antioxidant genes. Furthermore, MSH synergistically attenuated the expression of proinflammatory cytokines in CCl4-injured liver and lipopolysaccharide-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. Taken together, these findings suggest that MSH has the potential to prevent acute liver damage by effectively suppressing oxidative stress and inflammation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antioxidants in the Protection of Liver Injuries)
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17 pages, 3937 KiB  
Article
The Combined Metabolically Oriented Effect of Fucoidan from the Brown Alga Saccharina cichorioides and Its Carboxymethylated Derivative with 2-Deoxy-D-Glucose on Human Melanoma Cells
by Olesya S. Malyarenko, Roza V. Usoltseva, Artem S. Silchenko, Anastasiya O. Zueva and Svetlana P. Ermakova
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2023, 24(15), 12050; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms241512050 - 27 Jul 2023
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1974
Abstract
Melanoma is the most aggressive and treatment-resistant form of skin cancer. It is phenotypically characterized by aerobic glycolysis that provides higher proliferative rates and resistance to cell death. The glycolysis regulation in melanoma cells by means of effective metabolic modifiers represents a promising [...] Read more.
Melanoma is the most aggressive and treatment-resistant form of skin cancer. It is phenotypically characterized by aerobic glycolysis that provides higher proliferative rates and resistance to cell death. The glycolysis regulation in melanoma cells by means of effective metabolic modifiers represents a promising therapeutic opportunity. This work aimed to assess the metabolically oriented effect and mechanism of action of fucoidan from the brown alga Saccharina cichorioides (ScF) and its carboxymethylated derivative (ScFCM) in combination with 2-deoxy-D-glucose (2-DG) on the proliferation and colony formation of human melanoma cell lines SK-MEL-28, SK-MEL-5, and RPMI-7951. The metabolic profile of melanoma cells was determined by the glucose uptake and Lactate-GloTM assays. The effect of 2-DG, ScF, ScFCM, and their combination on the proliferation, colony formation, and activity of glycolytic enzymes was assessed by the MTS, soft agar, and Western blot methods, respectively. When applied separately, 2-DG (IC50 at 72 h = 8.7 mM), ScF (IC50 at 72 h > 800 µg/mL), and ScFCM (IC50 at 72 h = 573.9 μg/mL) inhibited the proliferation and colony formation of SK-MEL-28 cells to varying degrees. ScF or ScFCM enhanced the inhibiting effect of 2-DG at low, non-toxic concentrations via the downregulation of Glut 1, Hexokinase II, PKM2, LDHA, and pyruvate dehydrogenase activities. The obtained results emphasize the potential of the use of 2-DG in combination with algal fucoidan or its derivative as metabolic modifiers for inhibition of melanoma SK-MEL-28 cell proliferation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Research into Using Natural-Product-Related Medicines for Cancer)
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