Multiple pretreatments can effectively improve the functionality of mesenchymal stem cells

In this editorial,we offer our perspective on the groundbreaking study entitled“Hypoxia and inflammatory factor preconditioning enhances the immunosup-pressive properties of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells”,recently published in World Journal of Stem Cells.Despite over three decades of research on the clinical application of mesenchymal stem cells(MSCs),only a few therapeutic products have made it to clinical use,due to multiple preclinical and clinical challenges yet to be addressed.The study proved the hypoxia and inflammatory factor preconditioning led to higher immunosuppressive effects of MSCs without damaging their biological characteristics,which revealed the combination of inflammatory factors and hypoxic preconditioning offers a promising approach to enhance the function of MSCs.As we delve deeper into the intricacies of pretreat-ment methodologies,we anticipate a transformative shift in the landscape of MSC-based therapies,ultimately contributing to improved patient outcomes and advancing the field as a whole.

Role of tannin pretreatment in flotation separation of magnesite and dolomite

Flotation separation of magnesite and its calcium-containing carbonate minerals is a difficult problem.Recently,new regulat-ors have been proposed for magnesite flotation decalcification,although traditional regulators such as tannin,water glass,sodium carbon-ate,and sodium hexametaphosphate are more widely used in industry.However,they are rarely used as the main regulators in research because they perform poorly in magnesite and dolomite single-mineral flotation tests.Inspired by the limonite presedimentation method and the addition of a regulator to magnesite slurry mixing,we used a tannin pretreatment method for separating magnesite and dolomite.Microflotation experiments confirmed that the tannin pretreatment method selectively and largely reduces the flotation recovery rate of dolomite without affecting the flotation recovery rate of magnesite.Moreover,the contact angles of the tannin-pretreated magnesite and dolomite increased and decreased,respectively,in the presence of NaOl.Zeta potential and Fourier transform infrared analyses showed that the tannin pretreatment method efficiently hinders NaOl adsorption on the dolomite surface but does not affect NaOl adsorption on the magnesite surface.X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and density functional theory calculations confirmed that tannin interacts more strongly with dolomite than with magnesite.

Retinal ischemia-reperfusion injury and pretreatment with Lycium barbarum glycopeptide

AIM:To investigate the antioxidant protective effect of Lycium barbarum glycopeptide(LbGP)pretreatment on retinal ischemia-reperfusion(I/R)injury(RIRI)in rats.METHODS:RIRI was induced in Sprague Dawley rats through anterior chamber perfusion,and pretreatment involved administering LbGP via gavage for 7d.After 24h of reperfusion,serum alanine aminotransferase(ALT),aspartate aminotransferase(AST),and creatinine(CREA)levels,retinal structure,expression of Caspase-3 and Caspase-8,superoxide dismutase(SOD)activity,and malondialdehyde(MDA)in the retina were measured.RESULTS:The pretreatment with LbGP effectively protected the retina and retinal tissue from edema and inflammation in the ganglion cell layer(GCL)and nerve fiber layer(NFL)of rats subjected to RIRI,as shown by light microscopy and optical coherence tomography(OCT).Serum AST was higher in the model group than in the blank group(P=0.042),but no difference was found in ALT,AST,and CREA across the LbGP groups and model group.Caspase-3 expression was higher in the model group than in the blank group(P=0.006),but no difference was found among LbGP groups and the model group.Caspase-8 expression was higher in the model group than in the blank group(P=0.000),and lower in the 400 mg/kg LbGP group than in the model group(P=0.016).SOD activity was lower in the model group than in the blank group(P=0.001),and the decrease was slower in the 400 mg/kg LbGP group than in the model group(P=0.003).MDA content was higher in the model group than in the blank group(P=0.001),and lower in the 400 mg/kg LbGP group than in the model group(P=0.016).The pretreatment with LbGP did not result in any observed liver or renal toxicity in the model.CONCLUSION:LbGP pretreatment exhibits dosedependent anti-inflammatory,and antioxidative effects by reducing Caspase-8 expression,preventing declines of SOD activity,and decreasing MDA content in the RIRI rat model.

Technological advancements in millet dehulling and polishing process: An insight into pretreatment methods, machineries and impact on nutritional quality

Millets are widely recognized for their nutritional significance;however, the methods employed for their processing are currently lacking. This article primarily focuses on the advanced technologies and progressions in millet dehulling and polishing. These technologies operate based on the fundamental principles of compression-shearing, abrasion-friction, and centrifugal-impact forces. Processing of millets can be challenging because of the physical characteristics and tight attachment of hull and bran to the endosperm. However, several dehullers have been designed to solve this problem for different kinds of millets. In addition, the nutritional and anti-nutritional characteristics undergo alterations due to both dehulling and polishing processes. These alterations are thoroughly examined and discussed in this article. Specifically, anti-nutrients such as tannins and phytate are predominantly found in the outer pericarp of the grain and experience a reduction after undergoing dehulling and polishing. The nutritional properties are also subjected to a reduction;however, this reduction can be mitigated by subjecting the grains to certain pretreatments before dehulling and polishing. These treatments serve to enhance dehulling efficiency and nutrient digestibility while simultaneously reducing the presence of anti-nutrients. Novel thermal and non-thermal methodologies such as microwave, hydrothermal, high-pressure processing, and ohmic heating can be employed for processing millets, thereby diminishing the loss of nutrients. Additional research can be carried out to investigate their impact on the dehulling and polishing of millets.

Thermal pretreatment of willow branches impacts yield and pore development of activated carbon in subsequent activation with ZnCl_(2) via modifying cellulose structure

Development of pore structures of activated carbon(AC)from activation of biomass with ZnCl_(2) relies on content and structure of cellulose/hemicellulose in the feedstock.Thermal pretreatment of biomass could induce dehydration and/or aromatization to change the structure of cellulose/hemicellulose.This might interfere with evolution of structures of AC,which was investigated herein via thermal pretreatment of willow branch(WB)from 200 to 360℃and the subsequent activation with ZnCl_(2) at 550℃.The results showed that thermal pretreatment at 360℃(WB-360)could lead to substantial pyrolysis to form biochar,with a yield of 31.9%,accompanying with nearly complete destruction of cellulose crystals and remarkably enhanced aromatic degree.However,cellulose residual in WB-360 could still be activated to form AC-360 with specific surface area of 1837.9 m~2·g^(-1),which was lower than that in AC from activation of untreated WB(AC-blank,2077.8 m~2·g^(-1)).Nonetheless,the AC-200 from activation of WB-200 had more developed pores(2113.9 m~2·g^(-1))and superior capability for adsorption of phenol,due to increased permeability of ZnCl_(2) to the largely intact cellulose structure in WB-200.The thermal pretreatment did increase diameters of micropores of AC but reduced the overall yield of AC(26.8%for AC-blank versus 18.0%for AC-360),resulting from accelerated cracking but reduced intensity of condensation.In-situ infrared characterization of the activation showed that ZnCl_(2) mainly catalyzed dehydration,dehydrogenation,condensation,and aromatization but not cracking,suppressing the formation of derivatives of cellulose and lignin in bio-oil.The thermal pretreatment formed phenolic-OH and C=O with higher chemical innerness,which changed the reaction network in activation,shifting morphology of fibrous structures in AC-blank to“melting surface”in AC-200 or AC-280.

Research Progress of QuEChERS Pretreatment Technique in the Detection of Multiple Pesticide Residues

The QuEChERS extraction technique is a pretreatment technique that has been rapidly applied in recent years and is widely used in the field of pesticide residues with many advantages. This technique is based on solid phase extraction (SPE), which uses the interaction between adsorbent and impurities in the matrix to achieve the purpose of purification. The method has easier operation and better purification effect than SPE. In this paper, the research progress of the QuEChERS technique in pesticide residue detection in different fields in recent years and its future development were reviewed, hoping to provide reference for further development and utilization of the QuEChERS technique in pesticide residue detection in the future.

Effects of Ultrasound/Dilute H_2 SO_4 Pretreatment on Cellulase Activity of Corn Straw Liquid Fermentation

[ Objective] The aim was to study pretreatment of ultrasound enhancing dilute H2SO4 on cellulase activity of corn straw liquid fermentation and explore the pretretment＇ s optimal conditions. [ Method ] By using orthogonal test, the pretretment of ultrasound enhancing dilute H2SO4 on corn straw was studied, then straw was fermented as the sole carbon source. Finally, the cellulase activity in extracellular fermentation broth was determined. [Result] The results showed that cellulase activity in extracellular broth was greatest under the conditions of acid bath time 3 h, acid concentration 3.5%, ultrasonic power 150 W, and ultrasonic time 5 h. They were FPA 15.82 U/ml, Cx 39.9 U/ml, 13-Giu 55.94 U/ml respectively. [ Conclusion] Under the above conditions, extracellular cellulase production has a high stability.

Surface pretreatment of Mg alloys prior to Al electroplating in TMPAC-AlCl_3 ionic liquids

It is difficult to directly electroplate Al on Mg alloys. The effects of pretreatment parameters on the corrosion resistance of films obtained on AZ31 Mg alloy surface were studied by using potentiodynamic polarization curves, to produce a compact interfacial layer as zinc-immersion deposition. After the substrate was pretreated under optimized conditions, aluminum was electrodeposited on AZ31 from TMPAC-AlCl3 room temperature ionic liquids. The depositions were characterized by scanning electron microscope equipped with energy dispersion X-ray. The results show that the traditional pretreatment of Mg alloys was successfully used for the Al-electroplating process from TMPAC-AlCl3 ionic liquids. The entire procedure includes alkaline cleaning, chemical pickling, surface activation （400 mL/L HF acid, 10 min）, zinc-immersion （20 min） and anhydrous treatment. A relatively compact zinc-immersion film was prepared on the substrate surface. A silvery-colored satin aluminum deposition was obtained on AZ31 from TMPAC-AlCl3 using direct current plating.

Effects of Different Pretreatment Methods on Determination of Microelements in Feed

[ Objective] To study the effects of different pretreatment methods on determination of microelement in feed and thus find the best pre treatment method for each microetement, t Method] The samples （concentrated feeding stuff and fodder） were pretreated through throe methods, that is, dry incineration method, HNOs HCIO, wetdecomposition method and microwave digestion method. Then the content of seven kinds of mi croelement （AI, Ca, Cu, Fe, Mn, Se and Zn） was determined by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometer （ICPAES）. I Result] These three methods were all suitable for the determination of Cu, Mn and Zn in concentrated feeding stuff and the determination of Cu and Ca in fodder. The content of Cu and Ca was higher in fodder detected by HNO3 HCIO, wetdecomposition method. The microwave digestion method was suitable for the determination of AI and Ca in concentrated feeding stuff and the determination of AI, Fe, Mn and Zn in fodder. The dry incinera tion method was fit for the determination of Fe in concentrated feeding stuff. [ Condusionl The content of different microelements should be deter mined after the feed is treated with different Ioretreatment methods.

Research status of carbonaceous matter in carbonaceous gold ores and bio-oxidation pretreatment

Carbonaceous gold mines are important refractory gold ores. The previous results demonstrate that the carbonaceous matter is mainly composed of elemental carbon, organic acid and hydrocarbons. The dissolved aurocyanide complex is robbed by adsorption of carbonaceous matter, which is similar to activated carbon in cyanide leaching of gold. The pretreatment methods of carbonaceous gold ores were introduced, including high temperature roasting, bio-oxidation, chemical oxidation, competitive adsorption, barrier inhibition and microwave roasting. Recently, bio-oxidation was developed rapidly due to its advantages such as mild conditions, simple processes, low energy consumption and friendly environment. The known microorganisms related with bio-oxidation pretreatment mainly are chemolithotroph bacteria such as Thiobacillus ferrooxidans, Thiobacillus thiooxidans and Leptospirillum ferrooxidans. The researches on decomposing and passivating carbonaceous matter were commenced by Phanerochaete chrysosporium, Pseudomonadaceae and Streptomyces setonii. Finally, the main problems were analyzed and the application prospect of this technique was looked forward.

Dechromization and dealumination kinetics in process of Na_2CO_3-roasting pretreatment of laterite ores

A novel process was proposed for the activation pretreatment of limonitic laterite ores by Na2CO3 roasting. Dechromization and dealumination kinetics of the laterite ores and the effect of particle size, Na2CO3-ore mass ratio, and roasting temperature on Cr and Al extraction were studied. Experimental results indicate that the extraction rates of Cr and Al are up to 99%and 82%, respectively, under the optimal particle size of 44–74μm, Na2CO3-to-ore mass ratio of 0.6：1, and temperature of 1000 ℃. Dechromization within the range of 600–800 oC is controlled by the diffusion through the product layer with an apparent activation energy of 3.9 kJ/mol, and that it is controlled by the chemical reaction at the surface within the range of 900–1100 ℃ with an apparent activation energy of 54.3 kJ/mol. Besides, the Avrami diffusion controlled model with on apparent activation energy of 16.4 kJ/mol is most applicable for dealumination. Furthermore, 96.8%Ni and 95.6%Co could be extracted from the alkali-roasting residues in the subsequent pressure acid leaching process.

Influence of pretreatment process on structure, morphology and electrochemical properties of Li[Ni_(1/3)Co_(1/3)Mn_(1/3)]O_2 cathode material

The layered Li[Ni1/3Mn1/3Co1/3]O2 was separately synthesized by pretreatment process of ball mill method and solution phase route, using [Ni1/3Co1/3Mn1/3]3O4 and lithium hydroxide as raw materials. The physical and electrochemical behaviors of Li[Ni1/3Mn1/3Co1/3]O2 were characterized by X-ray diffraction （XRD）, scanning electron microscopy （SEM）, field emission scanning electron microscopy （FESEM） and electrochemical charge/discharge cycling tests. The results show that the difference in pretreatment process results in the difference in compound Li[Ni1/3Co1/3Mn1/3]O2 structure, morphology and the electrochemical characteristics. The Li[Ni1/3Mn1/3Co1/3]O2 prepared by solution phase route maintains the uniform spherical morphology of the [Ni1/3Co1/3Mn1/3]3O4, and it exhibits a higher capacity retention and better rate capability than that prepared by ball mill method. The initial discharge capacity of this sample reaches 178 mA-h/g and the capacity retention after 50 cycles is 98.7% at a current density of 20 mA/g. Moreover, it delivers high discharge capacity of 135 mA-h/g at a current density of 1 000 mA/g.

Effects of Chemical Pretreatment on Enzymatic Saccharification and Fermentation of Forages

[ Objective] To study the effect of pretreatment with chemical substances on enzymatic saccharification of affalfa （ Medic, ago sativa L. ）, sorghum hybrid sudan grass [ Sorghum bicolor （ L. ） Moench x Sorghum sudanese （Piper） Stapf], erect milkvetch （Astraga/us adsurgens Pall. ） and pearl millet （ Pennisetum americanum （ L. ） Leeke）. [ Method ] The forages were pretreated with sulfuric acid at different concentration, and then the content of cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin were detected and compared with that before pretreatment. The concentration of glucose and ethanol after different fermentation time was also determined. [ Result] After pretreatment, the content of cellulose increased, while that of hemicel- lulose and lignin decreased. After treatment with 1.0% （W/V） sulfuric acid, the four kinds of forages all had the highest concentration of ethanol in the citric acid-sodium citrate buffer system （pH 4.8）. Dudng fermentation process, the concentration of glucose and ethanol first increased and then declined, peaking respectively at 24 h and 48 h post fermentation. [Condusion] Pretreatment promotes the enzymatic saccharification and fermen- tation of alfalfa, sorehum hvbrid sudan orass. Dead millet, and erect milkvetch, and their enerov performance decreases in order.

Homogenization pretreatment and electroless Ni-P plating on AZ91D magnesium alloy

Electroless nickel plating on AZ91D substrate with a new and eco-friendly pretreatment process based on tuning an electrochemical homogeneous surface was investigated. The morphology, deposition process, chemical composition and microstructure of Ni-P coating were studied. It is indicated that β phases are selectively removed, producing a microstructural homogeneous surface and the subsequent uniform and compact Zn immersion layer. A defect-free and well adhesive Ni-P coating can be successfully obtained due to its uniform nucleation and growth based on such pretreatment. Potentiodynamic polarization and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy （EIS） tests reveal that Ni-P coating could significantly improve the corrosion resistance of AZ91D substrate.

Application of deep eutectic solvents in biomass pretreatment and conversion

Biomass is renewable, abundant, cheap, biocompatible, and biodegradable materials and has been used to produce chemicals, materials,energy, and fuels. However, most of the biomass, especially most of the biomass polymers are not soluble in common solvents, which hinders their pretreatment and conversion. Deep eutectic solvents(DESs) are environmental-friendly, cheap, and highly tunable, with high solubility,which renders them potential applications in biomass pretreatment and conversion. They could be used as solvents or catalysts and so on. This paper intends to review the application of DESs for the pretreatment of biomass and conversion of biomass to value-added products. We focus on the following topics related to biomass and DESs:(1) DESs for the pretreatment of biomass;(2) DESs for the dissolution and separation of biomass or extraction of chemicals from biomass;(3) DESs for biomass conversion;(4) Drawbacks, and recyclability of DESs for pretreatment and conversion of biomass.

Improving the sulfidation-flotation of fine cuprite by hydrophobic flocculation pretreatment

Hydrophobic flocculation pretreatment was performed to assess its effect on the recovery of fine cuprite in sulfidation-flotation. The results of the micro-flotation experiment showed that cuprite recovery is related to the particle size, and that an excessive content of fine particles(<18 μm) impacted the recovery of coarse particles. When hydrophobic flocculation pretreatment was used, the recovery of fine cuprite in sulfidation-flotation increased from 60.3% to 86.3% under optimum conditions(pH 9.5; sodium oleate concentration, 2 × 10^(-4) mol×L^(-1); stirring time, 6 min; stirring speed, 1600 r×min^(-1)). The laser particle size analysis and optical microscopy results indicate that hydrophobic flocculation pretreatment effectively reduces the content of fine cuprite, and augments the apparent particle size in the pulp. We performed the Derjaguin–Landau–Verwey–Overbeek(DLVO) theory and extended DLVO theory calculations to further support the interpretation of the results.

Pretreatment of Rice Straw by Hydrogen Peroxide for Enhanced Methane Yield

A pretreatment process for hydrogen peroxide （H2O2） was optimized to enhance the biodegradation performance of rice straw and increase biogas yield. A determination experiment was conducted under predicted optimal conditions. Optimization was implemented using response surface methodology. The effects of biodegradation and the interactive effects of pretreatment time （PT）, H2O2 concentration （HC）, and substrate to inoculum ratio （S/I） on methane yield were investigated. The lignin, cellulose, and hemicellulose of rice straw were significantly degraded with increasing HC. The optimal conditions for the use of pretreated rice straw in anaerobic digestion were a 6.18-d PT, 2.68% HC （w/w total solid）, and 1.08 S/I; these conditions result in a methane yield of 288 mL g-1 volatile solids （VS）. A determination coefficient of 95.2% was obtained, indicating that the model used to predict the anabolic digestion process has a favorable fit with the experimental parameters. The determination experiment resulted in a methane yield of 290 mL g-1 VS, 88.0% higher than that of untreated rice straw. Thus, H2O2 pretreatment of rice straw can be used to improve methane yields during biogas production.

Intensification of pretreatment and pressure leaching of copper anode slime by microwave radiation

The application of microwave irradiation for pretreatment of copper anode slime with high nickel content prior to pressure sulfuric acid leaching has been proposed.The microwave-assisted pretreatment is a rapid and efficient process.Through the technology of microwave assisted pretreatment-pressure leaching of copper anode slime,copper,tellurium,selenium and nickel are almost completely recovered.Under optimal conditions,the leaching efficiencies of copper,tellurium,selenium and nickel are 97.12%,95.97%,95.37% and 93.90%,respectively.The effect of microwave radiation on the temperature of copper anode slime and leaching solution is investigated.It is suggested that the enhancement on the recoveries of copper,tellurium and selenium can be attributed to the temperature gradient which is caused by shallow microwave penetration depth and super heating occurring at the solid–liquid interface.The kinetic study shows that the pressure leaching of copper anode slime,with and without microwave assisted pretreatment,are both controlled by chemical reactions on the surfaces of particles.It is found that the activation energy calculated for microwave-assisted pretreatment-pressure leaching(49.47 kJ/mol) is lower than that for pressure leaching which is without microwave assisted pretreatment(60.57 kJ/mol).

Lowering ash slagging and fouling tendency of high-alkali coal by hydrothermal pretreatment

High-alkali species in coal are notorious for causing ash slagging and fouling incidents.In this paper,four high-alkali coals were individually subject to hydrothermal pretreatment(HTP),within a batch-type autoclave at 300 -C for 1 h,and the treated coals were analyzed,along with the oxygen-containing functional groups determined by Fourier transform infrared spectrometer(FT-IR).Then the alkali species and other components in the coal ash were quantified by X-ray fluorescence(XRF)for evaluating the ash slagging and fouling tendency.Apart from this,FactSage was adopted to simulate the occurrence and transformation of alkali species during coal thermal conversion ending at various temperatures.The findings indicate that the treated coals are superior to the parent ones in terms of certain remarkable changes via HTP.The moisture,oxygen and sulfur of the hydrothermally treated coals decline obviously,while the calorific value rises sharply.HTP could reduce the alkali species to less than 2%(%,by weight,equivalent to Na2O in dry ash),with a maximum removal ratio of 88.9%,lowering the ash slagging and fouling tendency.The proposed mechanism of HTP was that the alkali species in coal matrix became released due to the breakage of the coal functional groups and micropores during HTP.

Microvessel changes in the gerbil hippocampus after cerebral ischemia and reperfusion by Buyang Huanwu decoction pretreatment

Buyang Huanwu decoction （BYHWD） is a classic recipe for the prevention and treatment of ischemic cerebrovascular disease. Gerbils were pretreated with BYHWD, and then subjected to cerebral ischemia and reperfusion. Microvascular changes were determined with laser Doppler monitoring, tannic acid-ferric chloride mordant, and electron microscopy. Results showed that BYHWD pretreatment could enhance the function of hippocampal microvessels, prevent injury, and increase microvasular density and microvasular area density. Thus, these results suggest that BYHWD pretreatment could prevent microvascular occlusion, enhance the capacity of microvascular reperfusion, increase cerebral blood flow, and inhibit neuronal damage, and may be an effective therapy against brain ischemic injury.