Chelators to assist the high dispersion of Ni_(2)P particles over mesoporous silica nanospheres for hydrogenating reaction

NizP supported catalysts exhibit high catalytic activities in hydrogenation reaction,of which the particle sizes of Ni_(2)P active phases are the key influential factor.This research focus on the effect of chelators on the size of Ni_(2)P particles over wrinkle silica nanoparticles(WSNs)by introducing chelating agents EDTA and NTA during impregnation process.The characterization results show that chelators modified cata-lysts possess smaller size of Ni_(2)P particles than the unmodified Ni_(2)P catalysts.Among all the synthesized catalysts,the EDTA modified Ni_(2)PE(1.5)/WSNs catalyst possesses smallest average particle size of Ni_(2)P,only 2.6 nm.Moreover,the Ni_(2)P catalysts with the assistance of EDTA exhibits better catalytic activity than that of NTA under high reaction temperature,which can be ascribed to the strong bonding between EDTA and Ni.And the EDTA modified Ni_(2)PE(1.5)/WSNs catalyst shows highest hydrogenation ability,almost reaching 100%decalin selectivity.

Natural Iron Chelators: An Orthomolecular Approach to Treat Iron Overload and Its Related Diseases

Despite its various vital roles in the different body’s metabolisms,iron may have a hazardous impact on health when it exceeds its normal values.Iron overload is triggered by many genetic and behavioral factors.Furthermore,excessive iron levels have also been observed in many pathologies such as Alzheimer’s,Parkinson’s,cardiovascular and some cancerous diseases.This paper describes a set of natural iron chelators as an effective and a safe orthomolecular approach in chelating iron.Orthomolecular medicine is based on providing patients with nutritional supplementation at high doses to treat and prevent diseases.This paper describes the properties of a set of flavonoids and phenolic acids such as curcumin and ferulic acid that can be administered as supplements to patients suffering from iron overload since they are classified as strong chelators.Those natural iron chelators’supplements are mainly extracted from fruits,vegetables,and plants.As chelators,they are able to bind effectively to iron,inhibit the production of reactive oxygen species,and reduce the levels of oxidative stress.They can also play an effective therapeutic role in the treatment of neurodegenerative,cardiovascular,diabetic,and cancerous diseases thanks to their iron chelation,antioxidant,and anti-inflammatory properties.

Remediation of Heavy Metal (Cd, Cr, Cu, Co, and Ni) Ions from Kaolinite Clay Using Molecular Micelles Chelators and D-Optimum Experimental Design

This study investigated the potential utility of poly (sodium N-undecanoyl-L-leucyl-valinate) (poly-L-SULV), poly (sodium N-undecanoyl-L-leucyl-alanate) (poly-L-SULA), and poly (sodium N-undecanoyl-glycinate) (poly-SUG) molecular micelles (MMs) as chelators for heavy metal (Cd, Cr, Cu, Co, and Ni) ion remediation of kaolinite clay using D-optimum experimental design. D-optimum experimental design was employed to simultaneously investigate the influence of design variables such as the buffer pH, chelator concentration, and centrifuge speed to evaluate the optimum conditions and to reduce the time and cost of metal ion remediation. The partition coefficients of the metal ion concentrations between the kaolinite clay and chelator equilibrium were also evaluated. In addition, the influence of metal ion concentrations on the remediation capability of the chelators was evaluated by conducting remediation studies at four different (10 ppm, 40 ppm, 60 ppm, and 80 ppm) metal ion concentrations. In general, the results of the remediation efficiency and partition coefficients obtained in this study are highly metal ion dependent and also dependent upon the chelator used for the remediation. Specifically, the remediation efficiency of the molecular micelles was found to be comparable to or better than the corresponding remediation efficiency obtained when SDS or EDTA was used for the remediation. However, at optimum conditions, poly-SULV and poly-L-SULA molecular micelle chelators demonstrated superior remediation efficiencies for Cr, with remediation efficiency of 99.9 ± 8.7% and 99.1 ± 0.7%, respectively.

Pathological BBB Crossing Melanin-Like Nanoparticles as Metal-Ion Chelators and Neuroinflammation Regulators against Alzheimer’s Disease

Inflammatory responses,manifested in excessive oxidative stress and microglia overactivation,together with metal ion-triggered amyloid-beta(Aβ)deposition,are critical hallmarks of Alzheimer’s disease(AD).The intricate pathogenesis causes severe impairment of neurons,which,in turn,exacerbates Aβaggregation and facilitates AD progression.Herein,multifunctional melanin-like metal ion chelators and neuroinflammation regulators(named PDA@K)were constructed for targeted treatment of AD.In this platform,intrinsically bioactive material polydopamine nanoparticles(PDA)with potent metal ion chelating and ROS scavenging effects were decorated with the KLVFF peptide,endowing the system with the capacity of enhanced pathological blood–brain barrier(BBB)crossing and lesion site accumulation via Aβhitchhiking.In vitro and in vivo experiment revealed that PDA@K had high affinity toward Aβand were able to hitch a ride on Aβto achieve increased pathological BBB crossing.The engineered PDA@K effectively mitigated Aβaggregate and alleviated neuroinflammation.

Role of copper chelating agents: between old applications and new perspectives in neuroscience

The role of copper element has been an increasingly relevant topic in recent years in the fields of human and animal health, for both the study of new drugs and innovative food and feed supplements. This metal plays an important role in the central nervous system, where it is associated with glutamatergic signaling, and it is widely involved in inflammatory processes. Thus, diseases involving copper(Ⅱ) dyshomeostasis often have neurological symptoms, as exemplified by Alzheimer's and other diseases(such as Parkinson's and Wilson's diseases). Moreover, imbalanced copper ion concentrations have also been associated with diabetes and certain types of cancer, including glioma. In this paper, we propose a comprehensive overview of recent results that show the importance of these metal ions in several pathologies, mainly Alzheimer's disease, through the lens of the development and use of copper chelators as research compounds and potential therapeutics if included in multi-target hybrid drugs. Seeing how copper homeostasis is important for the well-being of animals as well as humans, we shortly describe the state of the art regarding the effects of copper and its chelators in agriculture, livestock rearing, and aquaculture, as ingredients for the formulation of feed supplements as well as to prevent the effects of pollution on animal productions.

Characteristics of patients with Wilson disease in the United States: An insurance claims database study

BACKGROUND Wilson disease(WD)is a progressive,potentially fatal degenerative disease affecting the liver and central nervous system.Given its low prevalence,collecting data on large cohorts of patients with WD is challenging.Comprehensive insur-ance claims databases provide powerful tools to collect retrospective data on large numbers of patients with rare diseases.AIM To describe patients with WD in the United States,their treatment and clinical outcome,using a large insurance claims database.METHODS This retrospective,longitudinal study was performed in the Clarivate Real-World Data Product database.All patients with≥2 claims associated with an Interna-tional Classification of Diseases 10(ICD-10)diagnostic code for WD(E83.01)between 2016 and 2021 were included and followed until death or study end.Patients were divided into two groups by whether or not they were documented to have received a specific treatment for WD.Clinical manifestations,hospital-isations,liver transplantation and death were documented.RESULTS Overall,5376 patients with an ICD-10 diagnostic code for WD were identified.The mean age at inclusion was 41.2 years and 52.0%were men.A specific WD treatment was documented for 885 patients(15.1%),although the number of patients taking zinc salts may be underestimated due to over the counter purchase.At inclusion,the mean age of patients with a documented treatment was 36.6±17.8 years vs 42.2±19.6 years in those without a documented treatment.During follow-up,273 patients(5.1%)died.Compared with the American general population,the standardised mortality ratio was 2.19.The proportion of patients with a documented WD-specific treatment who died during follow-up was 4.0%and the mean age at death 52.7 years.CONCLUSION Patients treated for WD in the United States had an excess early mortality compared with the American population.These findings indicate that there is a significant unmet need for effective treatment for WD in the United States.

Therapeutic Effect of Rhodopseudomonas palustris-Bioconverted Extract of Lycium barbarum on Rats with Lead Exposure

Lead is a ubiquitous pollutant and Pb pollution is a global public health problem.Lead has been reported to induce multiple adverse effects,including reproductive toxicity,neurotoxicity,carcinogenicity,nephrotoxicity,immunotoxicity,and hypertension[1].The traditional medical treatment available for Pb poisoning is chelation,which can save lives in individuals with very high blood Pb levels.The commonly used chelating agents include CaNa2EDTA and meso-2,3-dimercaptosuccinic acid.However,chelation therapy has strong short-term effects on the overall long-term management of Pb exposure.

Calcium-chelating peptides from rabbit bone collagen:characterization,identification and mechanism elucidation

This study aimed to characterize and identify calcium-chelating peptides from rabbit bone collagen and explore the underlying chelating mechanism.Collagen peptides and calcium were extracted from rabbit bone by instant ejection steam explosion(ICSE)combined with enzymatic hydrolysis,followed by chelation reaction to prepare rabbit bone peptide-calcium chelate(RBCP-Ca).The chelating sites were further analyzed by liquid chromatography-tandem mass(LC-MS/MS)spectrometry while the chelating mechanism and binding modes were investigated.The structural characterization revealed that RBCP successfully chelated with calcium ions.Furthermore,LC-MS/MS analysis indicated that the binding sites included both acidic amino acids(Asp and Glu)and basic amino acids(Lys and Arg),Interestingly,three binding modes,namely Inter-Linking,Loop-Linking and Mono-Linking were for the first time found,while Inter-Linking mode accounted for the highest proportion(75.1%),suggesting that chelation of calcium ions frequently occurred between two peptides.Overall,this study provides a theoretical basis for the elucidation of chelation mechanism of calcium-chelating peptides.

The chemical characteristics of different sodium iron ethylenediaminetetraacetate sources and their relative bioavailabilities for broilers fed with a conventional corn‑soybean meal diet

Background Our previous studies demonstrated that divalent organic iron(Fe)proteinate sources with higher complexation or chelation strengths as expressed by the greater quotient of formation(Qf)values displayed higher Fe bioavailabilities for broilers.Sodium iron ethylenediaminetetraacetate(NaFeEDTA)is a trivalent organic Fe source with the strongest chelating ligand EDTA.However,the bioavailability of Fe when administered as NaFeEDTA in broilers and other agricultural animals remains untested.Herein,the chemical characteristics of 12 NaFeEDTA products were determined.Of these,one feed grade NaFeEDTA(Qf=2.07×10^(8)),one food grade NaFeEDTA(Qf=3.31×10^(8)),and one Fe proteinate with an extremely strong chelation strength(Fe-Prot ES,Qf value=8,590)were selected.Their bioavailabilities relative to Fe sulfate(FeSO_(4)·7H_(2)O)for broilers fed with a conventional corn-soybean meal diet were evaluated during d 1 to 21 by investigating the effects of the above Fe sources and added Fe levels on the growth performance,hematological indices,Fe contents,activities and gene expressions of Fe-containing enzymes in various tissues of broilers.Results NaFeEDTA sources varied greatly in their chemical characteristics.Plasma Fe concentration(PI),transferrin saturation(TS),liver Fe content,succinate dehydrogenase(SDH)activities in liver,heart,and kidney,catalase(CAT)activity in liver,and SDH mRNA expressions in liver and kidney increased linearly(P<0.05)with increasing levels of Fe supplementation.However,differences among Fe sources were detected(P<0.05)only for PI,liver Fe content,CAT activity in liver,SDH activities in heart and kidney,and SDH mRNA expressions in liver and kidney.Based on slope ratios from multiple linear regressions of the above indices on daily dietary analyzed Fe intake,the average bioavailabilities of Fe-Prot ES,feed grade NaFeEDTA,and food grade NaFeEDTA relative to the inorganic FeSO_(4)·7H_(2)O(100%)for broilers were 139%,155%,and 166%,respectively.Conclusions The bioavailabilities of organic Fe sources relative to FeSO_(4)·7H_(2)O were closely related to their Qf values,and NaFeEDTA sources with higher Qf values showed higher Fe bioavailabilities for broilers fed with a conventional corn-soybean meal diet.

Glyphosate as a direct or indirect activator of pro-inflammatory signaling and cognitive impairment

Glyphosate-based herbicides are widely used around the world, making it likely that most humans have significant exposure. Because of habitual exposure, there are concerns about toxicity including neurotoxicity that could result in neurological, psychiatric, or cognitive impairment. We recently found that a single injection of glyphosate inhibits long-term potentiation, a cellular model of learning and memory, in rat hippocampal slices dissected 1 day after injection, indicating that glyphosate-based herbicides can alter cognitive function. Glyphosate-based herbicides could adversely affect cognitive function either indirectly and/or directly. Indirectly, glyphosate could affect gut microbiota, and if dysbiosis results in endotoxemia(leaky gut), infiltrated bacterial by-products such as lipopolysaccharides could activate pro-inflammatory cascades. Glyphosate can also directly trigger pro-inflammatory cascades. Indeed, we observed that acute glyphosate exposure inhibits long-term potentiation in rat hippocampal slices. Interestingly, direct inhibition of long-term potentiation by glyphosate appears to be similar to that of lipopolysaccharides. There are several possible measures to control dysbiosis and neuroinflammation caused by glyphosate. Dietary intake of polyphenols, such as quercetin, which overcome the inhibitory effect of glyphosate on long-term potentiation, could be one effective strategy. The aim of this narrative review is to discuss possible mechanisms underlying neurotoxicity following glyphosate exposure as a means to identify potential treatments.

Polarizable Additive with Intermediate Chelation Strength for Stable Aqueous Zinc‑Ion Batteries

Aqueous zinc-ion batteries are promising due to inherent safety,low cost,low toxicity,and high volumetric capacity.However,issues of dendrites and side reactions between zinc metal anode and the electrolyte need to be solved for extended storage and cycle life.Here,we proposed that an electrolyte additive with an intermediate chelation strength of zinc ion—strong enough to exclude water molecules from the zinc metal-electrolyte interface and not too strong to cause a significant energy barrier for zinc ion dissociation—can benefit the electrochemical stability by suppressing hydrogen evolution reaction,overpotential growth,and den-drite formation.Penta-sodium diethylene-triaminepentaacetic acid salt was selected for such a purpose.It has a suitable chelating ability in aqueous solutions to adjust solvation sheath and can be readily polarized under electrical loading conditions to further improve the passivation.Zn||Zn symmetric cells can be stably operated over 3500 h at 1 mA cm^(-2).Zn||NH4V4O10 full cells with the additive show great cycling stability with 84.6%capacity retention after 500 cycles at 1 A g^(-1).Since the additive not only reduces H2 evolution and corrosion but also modifies Zn2+diffusion and deposition,highlyreversible Zn electrodes can be achieved as verified by the experimental results.Our work offers a practical approach to the logical design of reliable electrolytes for high-performance aqueous batteries.

Flavonoid extracts from chrysanthemum with appropriate anthocyanins turn blue when exposed to iron ions

Although some species that accumulate only cyanidin(Cy)in nature can produce blue flowers through iron ions,there has been no evidence of blue chrysanthemums being generated in this manner.This study revealed that flavonoid extracts from the ray florets of the chrysanthemum cultivar‘Wandai Fengguang’turned blue when exposed to Fe^(3+).Samples that could turn blue were labeled as CB(Cy-determined blue flowers),while samples that did not turn blue were labeled as CN(Cy-determined non-blue flowers).After a series of experiments,a stable screening system was established using flavonoid extracts containing NaAc buffer at pH 5.5 and a total anthocyanin concentration(TAC)of 30 μmol·L^(-1),and the addition of Fe^(3+)from 0 to 0.25 μmol·L^(-1)allowed for the selection of five CB samples from 39 chrysanthemum cultivars.All five CB samples exhibited flower color phenotypes that belonged to Cluster-I with redness(a*)values ranging from 29.03 to 45.99,yellowness(b*)values from-11.31 to 3.77,and brightness(L*)values from 29.07 to 45.99.Additionally,the ratio of TAC to total luteolin concentration(TLC)was found to be a critical factor for distinguishing between CB and CN samples.To realize the desired blue hue in the flavonoid extracts with the participation of Fe^(3+),a TAC to TLC ratio of 2.25 and above is required.Moreover,the protoplasts and ray florets of CB samples that turned blue with the involvement of Fe^(2+)showed great potential for cultivating blue chrysanthemums through ferric-anthocyanin chelate.Overall,this study reveals that blue flowers can be cultivated through the increase in the iron ion concentration,combined with the accumulation of Cy.

Chitin-glucan improves important pathophysiological features of irritable bowel syndrome

BACKGROUND Irritable bowel syndrome(IBS)is one of the most frequent and debilitating conditions leading to gastroenterological referrals.However,recommended treatments remain limited,yielding only limited therapeutic gains.Chitin-glucan(CG)is a novel dietary prebiotic classically used in humans at a dosage of 1.5-3.0 g/d and is considered a safe food ingredient by the European Food Safety Authority.To provide an alternative approach to managing patients with IBS,we performed preclinical molecular,cellular,and animal studies to evaluate the role of chitin-glucan in the main pathophysiological mechanisms involved in IBS.AIM To evaluate the roles of CG in visceral analgesia,intestinal inflammation,barrier function,and to develop computational molecular models.METHODS Visceral pain was recorded through colorectal distension(CRD)in a model of long-lasting colon hypersensitivity induced by an intra-rectal administration of TNBS[15 milligrams(mg)/kilogram(kg)]in 33 Sprague-Dawley rats.Intracolonic pressure was regularly assessed during the 9 wk-experiment(weeks 0,3,5,and 7)in animals receiving CG(n=14)at a human equivalent dose(HED)of 1.5 g/d or 3.0 g/d and compared to negative control(tap water,n=11)and positive control(phloroglucinol at 1.5 g/d HED,n=8)groups.The anti-inflammatory effect of CG was evaluated using clinical and histological scores in 30 C57bl6 male mice with colitis induced by dextran sodium sulfate(DSS)administered in their drinking water during 14 d.HT-29 cells under basal conditions and after stimulation with lipopolysaccharide(LPS)were treated with CG to evaluate changes in pathways related to analgesia μ-opioid receptor(MOR),cannabinoid receptor 2(CB2),peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha,inflammation[interleukin(IL)-10,IL-1b,and IL-8]and barrier function[mucin 2-5AC,claudin-2,zonula occludens(ZO)-1,ZO-2]using the real-time PCR method.Molecular modelling of CG,LPS,lipoteichoic acid(LTA),and phospholipomannan(PLM)was developed,and the ability of CG to chelate microbial pathogenic lipids was evaluated by docking and molecular dynamics simulations.Data were expressed as the mean±SEM.RESULTS Daily CG orally-administered to rats or mice was well tolerated without including diarrhea,visceral hypersensitivity,or inflammation,as evaluated at histological and molecular levels.In a model of CRD,CG at a dosage of 3 g/d HED significantly decreased visceral pain perception by 14%after 2 wk of administration(P<0.01)and reduced inflammation intensity by 50%,resulting in complete regeneration of the colonic mucosa in mice with DSS-induced colitis.To better reproduce the characteristics of visceral pain in patients with IBS,we then measured the therapeutic impact of CG in rats with TNBS-induced inflammation to long-lasting visceral hypersensitivity.CG at a dosage of 1.5 g/d HED decreased visceral pain perception by 20%five weeks after colitis induction(P<0.01).When the CG dosage was increased to 3.0 g/d HED,this analgesic effect surpassed that of the spasmolytic agent phloroglucinol,manifesting more rapidly within 3 wk and leading to a 50%inhibition of pain perception(P<0.0001).The underlying molecular mechanisms contributing to these analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects of CG involved,at least in part,a significant induction of MOR,CB2 receptor,and IL-10,as well as a significant decrease in pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1b and IL-8.CG also significantly upregulated barrier-related genes including muc5AC,claudin-2,and ZO-2.Molecular modelling of CG revealed a new property of the molecule as a chelator of microbial pathogenic lipids,sequestering gram-negative LPS and gram-positive LTA bacterial toxins,as well as PLM in fungi at the lowesr energy conformations.CONCLUSION CG decreased visceral perception and intestinal inflammation through master gene regulation and direct binding of microbial products,suggesting that CG may constitute a new therapeutic strategy for patients with IBS or IBSlike symptoms.

Comparative Study of the Efficacy of Metal Removal from Contaminated Aqueous Solutions by Solid Bidentate Ligands&Liquid Plant Materials

Heavy metal contaminated water sources pose serious health risks for humans,animals,and plants.Exposure to and ingestion of heavy metals have been associated to liver,kidney,and brain function.Objective:The aim of this research is to comparatively examine the metal removal efficacy of three solid bidentate chemicals and four plant materials.Study Design&Methods:Standard solutions of zinc(II)and lead(II)ions with concentrations of 1,000 ppm were respectively treated with OA(Oxalic Acid),dibasic bidentate ligands(sodium hydrogen phosphate and sodium carbonate).Then,the solutions were placed on a shaker for 15 h,centrifuged,and the supernatant was analyzed using ICP-AES(Inductively Coupled Plasma-Atomic Emission Spectrometry).Results:All the solid bidentate adsorbents were very effective in removing zinc and lead(>90%).However,more lead than zinc was removed across all adsorbents except for lemon where equal percent of zinc and lead(49%)were removed.OA and Na2HPO4 removed about equal amount of lead(>99%).The plant materials(SP(Spinach),bell pepper and GBP(Green Bell Pepper)),respectively and preferentially removed more lead(98.9%,98.3%,81.5%)than zinc(91.7%,46%,46%).Conclusion:Although plant materials have gained attraction for the remediation of heavy metal,however,some bidentate chemical ligands such as OA,sodium carbonate and sodium hydrogen phosphates are even more effective in removing these metals from contaminated water.Furthermore,heavier metals are preferentially removed than lighter metals.

Multiple effects of polydopamine nanoparticles on Cu^(2+)-mediated Alzheimer's β-amyloid aggregation

Deposition of β-amyloid protein(Aβ) is the main hallmark of Alzheimer's disease(AD), and it has been well recognized that Cu^(2+)-mediated Aβ aggregation plays a crucial role in AD pathological processes.Cu^(2+)binding to Aβ can promote the production of reactive oxygen species(ROS) through Fenton-like reactions and produce more toxic Aβ-Cu^(2+)species under Cu^(2+)stimulation. Thus, the development of nanomaterials that can inhibit Cu^(2+)-mediated Aβ aggregation and degrade Aβ-Cu^(2+)complexes is considered an effective strategy for the prevention and treatment of AD. In this study, polydopamine nanoparticles(PDA NPs) were prepared and the results reveal that PDA NPs potently inhibit Cu^(2+)-mediated Aβaggregation and effectively reduce the formation of Aβ-Cu^(2+)complexes. In vitro experiments show that PDA NPs efficiently eliminate ROS generation catalyzed by Cu^(2+)or Aβ-Cu^(2+)complexes, thus rescuing cultured cells by reducing intracellular ROS levels. More importantly, PDA NPs can depolymerize Aβ-Cu^(2+)complexes, and the degradation of Aβ-Cu^(2+)complexes is promoted by near-infrared light irradiation due to their high photothermal conversion ability. In vivo studies reveal that PDA NPs significantly reduce the deposition of Aβ plaques in the presence of Cu^(2+)and extend the lifespan of AD nematodes from 11 to 14 d. Thus, the PDA NPs developed herein are multifunctional against Cu^(2+)-mediated Aβ aggregation for the potential prevention and treatment of AD.

Nacre-inspired Zirconia/Carbon Nanocomposites with High Strength and Toughness

Inspired by structures of natural shells,zirconia-carbon nanocomposites were obtained by using natural chitin from shrimp shells as templates via the sol-gel route in this study.Chitin was dispersed in the water and chelated with the zirconia precursors by amidogen.After a heat treatment for carbonization,nacre-like structures of carbon-zirconia nanocomposites were successfully synthesized.Due to the toughening mechanism of tetragonal zirconia,the mechanical properties of carbon-zirconia composites are further improved.The as-received zirconia/carbon nanocomposite with best mechanical property has a hardness of 5.88GPa and an elastic modulus of 80.6 GPa,which is even stronger than natural shells.This work might facilitate a versatile platform for developing green nanocomposites with reasonably good mechanical properties.

Influence of Cathode Modification by Chitosan and Fe^(3+)on the Electrochemical Performance of Marine Sediment Microbial Fuel Cell

The electrochemical performances of cathode play a key role in the marine sediment microbial fuel cells(MSMFCs)as a long lasting power source to drive instruments,especially when the dissolved oxygen concentration is very low in seawater.A CTS-Fe^(3+)modified cathode is prepared here by grafting chitosan(CTS)on a carbon fiber surface and then chelating Fe^(3+)through the coordination process.The electrochemical performance in seawater and the output power of the assembled MSMFCs are both studied.The results show that the exchange current densities of CTS and the CTS-Fe^(3+)group are 5.5 and 6.2 times higher than that of the blank group,respectively.The potential of the CTS-Fe^(3+)modified cathode increases by 138 mV.The output power of the fuel cell(613.0 mW m^(-2))assembled with CTS-Fe^(3+)is 54 times larger than that of the blank group(11.4 mW m^(-2))and the current output corresponding with the maximum power output also increases by 56 times.Due to the valence conversion between Fe^(3+)and Fe^(2+)on the modified cathode,the kinetic activity of the dissolved oxygen reduction is accelerated and the depolarization capability of the cathode is enhanced,resulting higher cell power.On the basis of this study,the new cathode materials will be encouraged to design with the complex of iron ion in natural seawater as the catalysis for oxygen reduction to improve the cell power in deep sea.

Investigation of the effect of diethylene triamine pentaacetic acid chelating agent as an enhanced oil recovery fluid on wettability alteration of sandstone rocks

This study used the diethylene triamine pentaacetic acid(DTPA)-seawater(SW)system to modify the sandstone rock wettability and enhance oil recovery.The investigation involved conducting wettability measurement,Zeta potential measurement,and spontaneous imbibition experiment.The introduction of 5%DTPA-sW solution resulted in a significant decrease in the rock-oil contact angle from 143°to 23,along with a reduction in the Zeta potential from-2.29 mV to-13.06 mV,thereby altering the rock surface charge and shifting its wettability from an oil-wet state to a strongly water-wet state.The presence or absence of potential determining ions(Ca^(2+),Mg^(2+),SO_(4)^(2-))in the solution did not impact the effectiveness of DTPA in changing the rock wettability.However,by tripling the concentration of these ions in the solution,the performance of 5%DTPA-SW solution in changing wettability was impaired.Additionally,spontaneous imbibition tests demonstrated that the 5%DTPA-SW solution led to an increase in oil recovery up to 39.6%.Thus,the optimum mass fraction of DTPA for changing sandstone wettability was determined to be5%.

Supportive therapies for prevention of hepatocellular carcinoma recurrence and preservation of liver function

Hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC) is one of the deadliest cancers in the world and is associated with a high risk of recurrence. The development of a wide range of new therapies is therefore essential. In this study, from the perspective of supportive therapy for the prevention of HCC recurrence and preservation of liver function in HCC patients, we surveyed a variety of different therapeutic agents. We show that branched chain amino acids(BCAA) supplementation and late evening snack with BCAA, strategies that address issues of protein-energy malnutrition, are important for liver cirrhotic patients with HCC. For chemoprevention of HCC recurrence, we show that viral control after radical treatment is important. We also reviewed the therapeutic potential of antiviral drugs, sorafenib, peretinoin, iron chelators. Sorafenib is a kinase inhibitor and a standard therapy in the treatment of advanced HCC. Peretinoin is a vitamin A-like molecule that targets the retinoid nuclear receptor to induce apoptosis and inhibit tumor growth in HCC cells. Iron chelators, such as deferoxamine and deferasirox, act to prevent cancer cell growth. These chelators may have potential as combination therapies in conjunction with peretinoin. Finally, we review the potential inhibitory effect of bone marrow cells on hepatocarcinogenesis.

Advances in the study of Alzheimer's disease

Alzheimer＇ s disease （AD） is the most common cause of dementia, and the only treatment currently available for the disease is acetylcholinesterase inhibitors. Recent progress in understanding the molecular and cellular pathophysiology of Alzheimer＇s disease has suggested possible pharmacological interventions, including acetylcholineseterase inhibitors; secretase inhibitors; cholesterol lowering drugs; metal chelators and amyloid immunization. The objective of this paper is to review the main drugs possibly used for AD and their future therapeutic effects.