Fluid-rock interaction induces various physicochemical processes in the subsurface, which are implicitly the function of reaction rate. Lab-based in-situ experiments to analyze such processes often require substantial resources and time. Recent advances in open-source computational fluid dynamics (CFD) have enabled the direct reactive flow simulation on CT images, replicating intricate and long dynamic processes at the expense of a few hours' computation. This study attempts to elucidate the effects of reaction rate (R) on carbonate dissolution dynamics driven by CO2-fluid-rock interaction in realistic conditions. A real carbonate rock is used first to perform digital rock analysis (DRA), including pore-network modeling (PNM) to visually as well as statistically reveal 3D petrographic and petrophysical properties, followed by pore-scale reactive transport modeling (RTM) using micro-continuum volume-of-solid (VoS) approach employing Darcy-Brinkman-Stokes (DBS) solver in OpenFOAM. Results reveal that the pore space evolutions showcasing different dissolution regimes are a function of R. The dissolution pattern evolves from uniform to compact-type with increasing R. The post-RTM DRA further reveals novel insights into R's control on the evolution of reservoir properties (porosity, pore size, connectivity, permeability, and tortuosity). Interestingly, unlike the dissolution pattern, the R could not impart any distinct relation with any reservoir property evolution except a simple direct relation with porosity and pore size. Such findings highlight the critical role of pore-scale dynamics in controlling continuum-scale behavior, with direct implications for optimizing CO2 sequestration and reservoir stimulation strategies.
Fossil fuel reserves depletion necessitates the generation of sustainable energy through hydrogen from water splitting, with efforts focusing on optimizing bifunctional electrocatalysts for improved efficiency. In this study the Fe-doped (1%, 5%, 10%) CoCu2Se4 mesoporous nanosheet array on a Ni foam substrate with varying concentrations using a hydrothermal synthesis. Fe doping in CoCu2Se4 lattice results in structural distortions and electronic modifications. The study discloses the insights of Fe+3 doping in CoCu2Se4 lattice sites lead to electronic modulation, improve conduction and catalytic mechanisms. Fe+3 higher electronegativity facilitates electron redistribution, modulating the band structure and reducing charge recombination losses. The study found that the optimized 5% Fe-doped CoCu2Se4 electrode demonstrated exceptional OER performance with a 216 mV of low overpotential along with a minimal 69.65 mV dec-1 Tafel slope. Additionally, remarkable HER activity having a minimal overpotential of 122 mV along with low Tafel slope up to 89 mV dec-1 was succeeded. Assembled device demonstrated exceptional stability for 40 h, indicating its potential for sustainable water splitting applications. Hence, for sustainable hydrogen production via water splitting, the Fe-doped CoCu2Se4 metals are a promising candidate.
Abstract Since ancient times, humans have consumed legumes due to their high nutritional value and health-promoting properties. Dietary legumes contain bioactive compounds called polyphenols, which provide health benefits through antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-carcinogenic, antidiabetic, antimicrobial, cardioprotective, cancer prevention and management, neuroprotective effects, and modulation of gut microbial ecology. These activities, in turn, are influenced by the bioavailability and bioaccessibility of legume polyphenols, which are essential. The bioaccessibility and bioavailability of legume-derived polyphenols are measured by a complex interaction of their intrinsic properties, processing methods, nutrient interactions, gut microbial activity, and host-specific factors. However, both conventional and advanced processing significantly alter the bioaccessibility of legume polyphenols. Techniques like heat treatment, soaking, pressure cooking, germination, and fermentation can break down cellular structures, hydrolyze conjugates, and increase the free phenolic content, thereby improving their potential absorption in the small intestine. Accurately evaluating the bioaccessibility and bioavailability of legume polyphenols requires an integrated approach using in vitro, in vivo, and advanced analytical techniques. This study aims to thoroughly investigate the bioavailability and bioaccessibility of legume-derived polyphenols, focusing on their health effects, metabolism, impact of processing methods, influencing factors, analytical assessment approaches, and strategies to enhance their bioaccessibility and bioavailability. However, most mechanistic evidence for legume polyphenols is derived from in vitro and animal studies, while human health effects are primarily mediated by circulating conjugated and microbiota-derived metabolites formed at physiologically achievable dietary intakes. Graphical Abstract Dietary legumes contain bioactive compounds called polyphenols, which provide health benefits through antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-carcinogenic, antidiabetic, antimicrobial, cardioprotective, cancer prevention and management, neuroprotective effects, and modulation of gut microbial ecology. These activities, in turn, are influenced by the bioavailability and bioaccessibility of legume polyphenols, which are indispensable.
Parkinson's disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder traditionally characterized by dopaminergic neuronal loss in the substantia nigra and the accumulation of misfolded α-synuclein (α-syn) aggregates. While genetic susceptibility and environmental exposures are well-recognized contributors to PD, growing evidence indicates that disease initiation and progression may also involve peripheral mechanisms originating in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Early non-motor symptoms such as constipation, along with the presence of α-syn pathology in the enteric nervous system, have led to increasing interest in the gut-brain axis as a critical modulator of PD pathogenesis. Recent literatures reveal that gut microbiota dysbiosis can influence neurodegeneration through immune activation, intestinal barrier dysfunction, and altered production of microbial metabolites, including short-chain fatty acids, bile acids, lipopolysaccharides, and tryptophan-derived compounds. However, the precise molecular mechanisms by which these microbial factors modulate α-syn aggregation, propagation, and clearance remain incompletely understood. In this article, we review current clinical and experimental literature linking gut microbiota alterations to α-syn pathology, with particular emphasis on inflammatory signaling, microbial metabolites, and impaired proteostatic pathways that promote α-syn misfolding. We further integrate emerging concepts of "body-first" and "brain-first" PD subtypes and discuss proposed routes of α-syn transmission from the enteric to the central nervous system, including vagal, hematogenous, and immune-mediated pathways. By highlighting underexplored mechanistic connections between gut dysbiosis and α-syn biology, this review underscores the potential of microbiome-targeted strategies for early diagnosis and disease modification. A deeper understanding of gut-brain communication may ultimately enable personalized therapeutic approaches and reshape current paradigms of PD pathogenesis.
The replacement of diseased joints with artificial implants can significantly enhance physical and mental health of an individual, particularly in case of osteoarthritis and osteoporosis. Knee and hip replacements are two most frequently performed surgeries and life expectancy of such implants remains the main cause of concern. One of the most important influencing factors for implant failure is wear of the mating parts. Therefore, current study is primarily concerned with implant wear caused by friction between mating load bearing surfaces and presents an updated and comprehensive review on potential of abrasive-assisted advanced finishing processes (AFPs) to achieve precision and improved surface finish of implants. The paper also identifies the key research challenges and opportunities for future research. It can be summarized that the friction between mating surfaces is greatly affected by surface roughness which can be reduced by employing AFPs, thereby increasing the functionality and life expectancy of medical implants.
