bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Characterization and Biotechnological Potential of Extracellular Polysaccharides Synthesized by Alteromonas Strains Isolated from French Polynesia Marine Environments
Authors: Concórdio-Reis Patrícia , Alves Vítor D. , Moppert Xavier , Guézennec Jean , Freitas Filomena , Reis Maria A. M.
Published: September 2021

Marine environments comprise almost three quarters of Earth’s surface, representing the largest ecosystem of our planet. The vast ecological and metabolic diversity found in marine microorganisms suggest that these marine resources have a huge potential as sources of novel commercially appealing biomolecules, such as exopolysaccharides (EPS). Six Alteromonas strains from different marine environments in French Polynesia atolls were selected for EPS extraction. All the EPS were heteropolysaccharides composed of different monomers, including neutral monosaccharides (glucose, galactose, and mannose, rhamnose and fucose), and uronic acids (glucuronic acid and galacturonic acid), which accounted for up to 45.5 mol% of the EPS compositions. Non-carbohydrate substituents, such as acetyl (0.5–2.1 wt%), pyruvyl (0.2–4.9 wt%), succinyl (1–1.8 wt%), and sulfate (1.98–3.43 wt%); and few peptides (1.72–6.77 wt%) were also detected. Thermal analysis demonstrated that the EPS had a degradation temperature above 260 °C, and high char yields (32–53%). Studies on EPS functional properties revealed that they produce viscous aqueous solutions with a shear thinning behavior and could form strong gels in two distinct ways: by the addition of Fe2+, or in the presence of Mg2+, Cu2+, or Ca2+ under alkaline conditions. Thus, these EPS could be versatile materials for different applications.
Intracranial Hemorrhage in a Patient with TAFRO Syndrome Treated with Cyclosporine A and Rituximab
Authors: Akagi Yuina , Kato Takashi , Yamashita Yusuke , Hosoi Hiroki , Murata Shogo , Yamamoto Shuto , Warigaya Kenji , Nakao Taisei , Murata Shinichi , Sonoki Takashi , Tamura Shinobu
Published: September 2021

TAFRO syndrome, a rare subtype of idiopathic multicentric Castleman disease, manifests as thrombocytopenia, anasarca, fever, reticulin fibrosis, and organomegaly. Thrombotic microangiopathy, including renal dysfunction, is frequently associated with this syndrome. TAFRO syndrome can be life threatening and show rapid progression, and the diagnosis and management of this disorder remain challenging. A 48-year-old woman was diagnosed with TAFRO syndrome complicated by thrombotic microangiopathy based on the clinical and histopathological findings. After receiving high-dose steroids, her thrombocytopenia and anasarca did not improve. The patient subsequently received a combination of cyclosporine A and rituximab as second-line therapy, which resulted in a significant gradual improvement in the clinical symptoms. Meanwhile, her platelet count increased to more than 40 × 109/L; however, she developed intracranial hemorrhage. Following surgical evacuation, the patient recovered with an achievement of sustained remission. Based on these findings, attention should be paid to life-threatening bleeding associated with local thrombotic microangiopathy even when intensive treatment is administered for TAFRO syndrome.
The Efficacy of Re-Warm-Up Practices during Half-Time: A Systematic Review
Authors: González-Devesa Daniel , Vaquera Alejandro , Suárez-Iglesias David , Ayán-Pérez Carlos
Published: September 2021

Background and Objectives: The passive nature of rest breaks in sport could reduce athletes’ performance and even increase their risk of injury. Re-warm-up activities could help avoid these problems, but there is a lack of research on their efficacy. This systematic review aimed at analyzing the results of those randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that provided information on the effects of re-warm-up strategies. Materials and Methods: Four electronic databases (Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed, and SPORTDiscus) were searched from their inception to January 2021, for RCTs on the effects of re-warm-up activities on sports performance. Interventions had to be implemented just after an exercise period or sports competition. Studies that proposed activities that were difficult to replicate in the sport context or performed in a hot environment were excluded. Data were synthesized following PRISMA guidelines, while the risk of bias was assessed following the recommendations of the Cochrane Collaboration. Results: A total of 14 studies (178 participants) reporting data on acute or short-term effects were analyzed. The main outcomes were grouped into four broad areas: physiological measures, conditional abilities, perceptual skills, and sport efficiency measures. The results obtained indicated that passive rest decreases physiological function in athletes, while re-warm-up activities could help to improve athletes’ conditional abilities and sporting efficiency, despite showing higher fatigue levels in comparison with passive rest. The re-warm-up exercise showed to be more effective than passive rest to improve match activities and passing ability. Conclusions: Performing re-warm-up activities is a valuable strategy to avoid reducing sports performance during prolonged breaks. However, given that the methodological quality of the studies was not high, these relationships need to be further explored in official or simulated competitions.
Epidemiological Surveillance of Eye Disease and People Awareness in the Abruzzo Region, Italy
Authors: Mastropasqua Leonardo , D’Aloisio Rossella , Mastrocola Alessandra , Perna Fabiana , Cerino Luca , Cerbara Loredana , Cruciani Filippo , Toto Lisa
Published: September 2021

Background and Objectives: Vision impairments and related blindness are major public health problems. The prevalence of eye disease and barriers to optimal care markedly vary among different geographic areas. In the Abruzzo region (central Italy), an epidemiological surveillance on the state of ocular health in the population aged over 50 years was performed in 2019. Materials and Methods: Participants were sampled to be representative of the region’s inhabitants. Data were collected through a telephone interview and an eye examination. Prevalence of cataract, glaucoma, retinopathy, and maculopathy was assessed. The Cohen’s kappa (k) was used to measure the agreement between the presence of eye disease and awareness of the disease by the participants. Results: Overall, 983 people with a mean age of 66.0 ± 9.5 years were included in the study. The prevalence of cataracts, glaucoma, maculopathy, and retinopathy was 52.6%, 5.3%, 5.6%, and 29.1%, respectively. Among the total of the affected people, those aware of their condition were 21.8% (k = 0.12, slight agreement) for cataract, 65.4% (k = 0.78, substantial agreement) for glaucoma, 7.1% (k = 0.10, slight agreement) for maculopathy, and 0% for retinopathy (k = −0.004, agreement lower than that expected by chance). Refractive defects were corrected in the vast majority of participants. Conclusion: In the Abruzzo region, about two thirds of citizens aged 50 years or over suffer from cataract, glaucoma, retinopathy, or maculopathy, which are recognized as leading causes of blindness. Many people with eye disease do not know they have it. These data can be used by clinicians and policymakers to undertake clinical, political, and social actions.
Self-Assessment of Mobility of People over 65 Years of Age
Authors: Martin Pascal , Keppler Alexander Martin , Alberton Paolo , Neuerburg Carl , Drey Michael , Böcker Wolfgang , Kammerlander Christian , Saller Maximilian Michael
Published: September 2021

Background and Objectives: Nowadays, various clinical scoring systems are used in the medical care of the elderly to assess the quality of mobility. However, people often tend to under- or overestimate themselves in many aspects. Since this can have serious consequences in their treatment and care, the aim of this study was to identify differences in the self and external assessment of mobility of persons over 65 years of age. Materials and Methods: 222 participants over 65 years of age and one external, closely-related relative or professional caregiver were interviewed by a unique study assistant using a standardized questionnaire. Participants were divided into people living in nursing homes and independent people living at home, where either the caregivers or the relatives provided the external assessment of mobility, respectively. The questionnaire included demographics, cognitive abilities (Mini Mental Status Test); fall risk (Hendrich 2 Fall Risk Model); as well as the Parker Mobility Score, Barthel Index, and EQ-5D-5L to measure mobility, activities of daily life and quality of life. In each case, the participant and the external person were asked for their assessment to the participants’ mobility situation. Statistical significance of the difference between self and external assessment was calculated with a Wilcoxon rank-sum test and assumed with a p-value of ≤ 0.05. Results: Self-assessment indicated a significantly higher value, when compared to an external assessment for the Parker Mobility Score for females in nursing homes (p ≤ 0.01), as well as for the Barthel Index for females (p ≤ 0.01) and males (p ≤ 0.01) in nursing homes. The EQ-5D-5L received a significantly higher self-assessment value for females (p ≤ 0.01) and males (p ≤ 0.01) living at home and females (p ≤ 0.01) and males (p ≤ 0.05) in nursing homes. Conclusions: Persons over 65 years of age tend to overestimate their level of mobility, quality of life and activities of daily life. Especially for people living in nursing homes, these scoring systems should be treated with caution due to the differences between the verbal statements. It is important to properly assess the mobility situation of elderly patients to ensure correct medical treatment and prevention of falls.
Investigation of the Possibility of Tailoring the Chemical Com-Position of the NiTi Alloy by Selective Laser Melting
Authors: Borisov Evgenii , Starikov Kirill , Popovich Anatoly , Tihonovskaya Tatiana
Published: September 2021

In this work a study of the selective laser melting process of two NiTi alloys of equiatomic, and rich Ni composition were conducted. A study of the influence of the technological parameters on the alloy density was carried out. Values of technological parameters were obtained to ensure production of samples with the lowest number of defects. When using process parameters with the same energy density but different values of the constituent technological parameters, the amount of nickel carried away by evaporation changed insignificantly. An increase in the energy density led to an increase in the amount of nickel carried away, causing final samples with lower Ni content. When using multiple laser processing in the low-energy parameter set, it was possible to achieve a decrease in the nickel content in the alloy, similar to that with single high-energy processing. DSC studies showed a significant increase in transformation temperatures upon repeated laser processing due to the higher evaporation of nickel. The use of double laser treatment gave a decrease in the final density of the sample compared to a single treatment, but its value is still higher than when using a single treatment with a higher energy density.
Corrosion Behavior of AlFeCrCoNiZrx High-Entropy Alloys in 0.5 M Sulfuric Acid Solution
Authors: Yao Yuhong , Jin Yaohua , Gao Wei , Liang Xiaoyu , Chen Jian , Zhu Shidong
Published: September 2021

AlCoCrFeNiZrx (x = 0, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, and 0.5) high-entropy alloys (HEAs) were prepared by a non-consumable vacuum arc melting technology, and the microstructure and corrosion behavior were investigated by XRD, SEM, immersion tests, and electrochemical measurements. The results indicate that galvanic corrosion of the AlCoCrFeNiZrx alloys occurred in 0.5 M H2SO4 solution, and only 0.1 mol of the added Zr could greatly improve the corrosion resistance of the alloys. The corrosion properties of the AlCoCrFeNiZrx HEAs had similar change tendencies with the increase in the Zr content in the immersion tests, potentiodynamic polarization measurements, and electrochemical impedance analysis, that is, the corrosion resistance of the AlCoCrFeNiZrx alloys in a 0.5 M H2SO4 solution first increased and then decreased with the increase in the Zr content. The Zr0.1 alloys were found to have the best selective corrosion and general corrosion resistance with the smallest corrosion rate, whereas the Zr0.3 alloys presented the worst selective corrosion and general corrosion resistance with the highest corrosion rate from both the immersion tests and the potentiodynamic polarization measurements.
Experimental Investigation of Material Properties in FSW Dissimilar Aluminum-Steel Lap Joints
Authors: Mortello Michelangelo , Pedemonte Matteo , Contuzzi Nicola , Casalino Giuseppe
Published: September 2021

The friction stir lap welding of AA5083 H111 aluminum alloy and S355J2 grade DH36 structural steel was investigated. A polycrystalline cubic boron nitride with tungsten and rhenium additives tool was used. According to visual inspection, radiographic examination, and tensile test, it was observed that the best results were obtained for rotation speeds of about 700–800 rpm, with a feed speed ranging between 1.3 and 1.9 mm/s. From the fatigue tests, it is possible to state that there was a preferential propagation of cracks in the part of the aluminum alloy base material. Furthermore, a different response to fatigue stress for samples extracted from the same weld at different positions was observed, which introduces an overall variability in weld behavior along the welding direction. The specimens obtained in the second part of the weld endured a larger number of cycles before reaching failure, which can be related to progressively varying thermal conditions, dissipation behavior, and better metal coupling as the tool travels along the welding line.
Preparation of Battery-Grade Lithium Carbonate with Lithium-Containing Desorption Solution
Authors: Xu Zheng-Guo , Sun Shu-Ying
Published: September 2021

In this study, a process for preparing battery-grade lithium carbonate with lithium-rich solution obtained from the low lithium leaching solution of fly ash by adsorption method was proposed. A carbonization-decomposition process was carried out to remove impurities such as iron and aluminum. First, primary Li2CO3 was treated by CO2 to get the more soluble bicarbonates. The decomposition of LiHCO3 produced insoluble Li2CO3 at 90 °C And Li2CO3 was smashed by air stream pulverization. The final precipitation yielded a high purity (99.6%) and homogeneous Li2CO3. Some factors affecting production efficiency were investigated. The results showed that a liquid-solid ratio of 25:1, a carbonization temperature of 25 °C, an air velocity of 2 L/min, and a stirring speed of 400 rpm; a decomposition temperature of 90 °C and a stirring speed of 400 rpm, a molar ratio of EDTA to Ca 2:1; an air pressure of 0.3 MPa and hot water washing precipitate (L/S mass ratio 2:1) promoted ions removal.
Glutathione Metabolism in Plants under Stress: Beyond Reactive Oxygen Species Detoxification
Authors: Dorion Sonia , Ouellet Jasmine C. , Rivoal Jean
Published: September 2021

Glutathione is an essential metabolite for plant life best known for its role in the control of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Glutathione is also involved in the detoxification of methylglyoxal (MG) which, much like ROS, is produced at low levels by aerobic metabolism under normal conditions. While several physiological processes depend on ROS and MG, a variety of stresses can dramatically increase their concentration leading to potentially deleterious effects. In this review, we examine the structure and the stress regulation of the pathways involved in glutathione synthesis and degradation. We provide a synthesis of the current knowledge on the glutathione-dependent glyoxalase pathway responsible for MG detoxification. We present recent developments on the organization of the glyoxalase pathway in which alternative splicing generate a number of isoforms targeted to various subcellular compartments. Stress regulation of enzymes involved in MG detoxification occurs at multiple levels. A growing number of studies show that oxidative stress promotes the covalent modification of proteins by glutathione. This post-translational modification is called S-glutathionylation. It affects the function of several target proteins and is relevant to stress adaptation. We address this regulatory function in an analysis of the enzymes and pathways targeted by S-glutathionylation.
Metabolomics Signature of Plasma Renin Activity and Linkage with Blood Pressure Response to Beta Blockers and Thiazide Diuretics in Hypertensive European American Patients
Authors: Mehanna Mai , McDonough Caitrin W. , Smith Steven M. , Gong Yan , Gums John G. , Chapman Arlene B. , Johnson Julie A. , McIntyre Lauren , Cooper-DeHoff Rhonda M.
Published: September 2021

Plasma renin activity (PRA) is a predictive biomarker of blood pressure (BP) response to antihypertensives in European–American hypertensive patients. We aimed to identify the metabolic signatures of baseline PRA and the linkages with BP response to β-blockers and thiazides. Using data from the Pharmacogenomic Evaluation of Antihypertensive Responses-2 (PEAR-2) trial, multivariable linear regression adjusting for age, sex and baseline systolic-BP (SBP) was performed on European–American individuals treated with metoprolol (n = 198) and chlorthalidone (n = 181), to test associations between 856 metabolites and baseline PRA. Metabolites with a false discovery rate (FDR) < 0.05 or p < 0.01 were tested for replication in 463 European–American individuals treated with atenolol or hydrochlorothiazide. Replicated metabolites were then tested for validation based on the directionality of association with BP response. Sixty-three metabolites were associated with baseline PRA, of which nine, including six lipids, were replicated. Of those replicated, two metabolites associated with higher baseline PRA were validated: caprate was associated with greater metoprolol SBP response (β = −1.7 ± 0.6, p = 0.006) and sphingosine-1-phosphate was associated with reduced hydrochlorothiazide SBP response (β = 7.6 ± 2.8, p = 0.007). These metabolites are clustered with metabolites involved in sphingolipid, phospholipid, and purine metabolic pathways. The identified metabolic signatures provide insights into the mechanisms underlying BP response.
Poly (Ethylene Glycol) Methyl Ether Methacrylate-Based Hydrogel and Cerium(IV) Oxide Nanoparticles as Ophthalmic Lens Material
Authors: Lee Min-Jae , Park Seon-Young , Sung A-Young
Published: September 2021

The functional hydrogel lens containing 2-hydroxyethylmethacrylate (HEMA) was manufactured by thermal polymerization. The physical properties of the produced hydrogel lens were measured and analyzed. In this study, HEMA, ethylene glycol dimethacrylate (EGDMA), and azobisisobutyronitrile (AIBN) were used for thermal copolymerization. Additionally, poly (ethylene glycol) methyl ether methacrylate (PEGMEMA), 3-(Triethoxysilyl) propyl isocyanate (TEPI), and cerium(Ⅳ) oxide nanoparticles were used as additives to make a functional hydrogel lens. The mixture was heated at 100 °C for 90 min to produce the hydrogel ophthalmic lens by the cast mold method. The resulting physical properties showed that the water content and refractive index of the sample were in the ranges of 38.06~42.11% and 1.426~1.436, respectively. The addition of cerium oxide nanoparticles lowered the contact angle and allowed the hydrogel lens to block UV light. The tensile strength was also improved by 52.13% through cerium oxide nanoparticles, and up to 123.4% by using TEPI. Based on the results of this study, the produced ophthalmic lens is suitable for durable, UV-blocking high-performance lenses.
Impacts of Crystal Quality on Carrier Recombination and Spin Dynamics in (110)-Oriented GaAs/AlGaAs Multiple Quantum Wells at Room Temperature
Authors: Iba Satoshi , Okamoto Ryogo , Obu Koki , Obata Yuma , Ohno Yuzo
Published: September 2021

We have systematically investigated the structural properties, carrier lifetimes, namely, photoluminescence (PL) lifetimes (τPL), and electron spin relaxation times (τs) in (110) GaAs/AlGaAs multiple quantum wells (MQWs) by using time-resolved PL measurements. The MQWs were grown by molecular beam epitaxy within a wide range of the growth temperature Tg (430–600 °C) and a high V/III flux ratio using As2. At 530 °C < Tg < 580 °C, we found that the quality of the heterointerfaces is significantly improved, resulting in τPL~40 ns at RT, one order of magnitude longer than those reported so far. Long τs (~6 ns) is also observed at RT.
Micro-Prism Patterned Remote Phosphor Film for Enhanced Luminous Efficiency and Color Uniformity of Phosphor-Converted Light-Emitting Diodes
Authors: Yu Jiadong , Yu Shudong , Fu Ting , Tang Yong
Published: September 2021

In this work, we propose micro-prism patterned remote phosphor (RP) films to enhance both luminous efficiency and color uniformity (CU) of remote phosphor-converted light-emitting diodes (rpc-LEDs) simultaneously. On the incident surface of the RP film, one micro-prism film is used to extract backward light by double reflection. On the exit surface, the other micro-prism film is adopted to retain blue light inside the RP film, thus enhancing the phosphor excitation. Experimental results show that double prism-patterned RP (DP-RP) film configuration shows a luminous flux of 55.16 lm, which is 45.1% higher than that of RP film configuration at 300 mA. As regards the CU, the DP-RP film configuration reduces the angular CIE-x and CIE-y standard variations by 68% and 69.32%, respectively, compared with the pristine device. Moreover, the DP-RP film configuration shows excellent color stability under varying driving currents. Since micro-prism films can be easily fabricated by a roll-to-roll process, the micro-prism patterned RP film can be an alternative to a conventional RP layer to enable the practical application of rpc-LEDs.
Cutting Performance of Randomly Distributed Active Abrasive Grains in Gear Honing Process
Authors: Gao Yang , Wang Fuwei , Liang Yuan , Han Jiang , Su Jie , Tong Yu , Liu Lin
Published: September 2021

In power gear honing, the random distribution of abrasive grains on the tooth surface of the honing wheel is the main factor that influences the machining performance of high-quality hardened gears. In order to investigate the micro-edge cutting performance of the active abrasive grains on the workpiece gear, the real honing process is simplified into a micro-edge cutting model with random distribution of active abrasive grains in the cells of the meshing area by obtaining the random distribution states such as the position, orientation and quantity of the honing wheel teeth. The results show that although the active abrasive grains are distributed at different locations, they all experience three types of material removal—slip rubbing, plowing and cutting—allowing the gear honing process to have the combined machining characteristics of grinding, lapping and polishing. The active abrasive grains in first contact produce high honing force, high material removal efficiency and poor surface roughness on the machined workpiece, while the latter ones have the opposite effects. The dislocation angle affects the chip shape and chip discharging direction, and the highest honing force and material removal efficiency is achieved with a dislocation angle of 135°. The higher the number of active abrasive grains in a given contact area, the higher the material removal efficiency.
Design of a Single-Material Complex Structure Anthropomorphic Robotic Hand
Authors: Tian Li , Zheng Jianmin , Magnenat Thalmann Nadia , Li Hanhui , Wang Qifa , Tao Jialin , Cai Yiyu
Published: September 2021

In the field of robotic hand design, soft body and anthropomorphic design are two trends with a promising future. Designing soft body anthropomorphic robotic hands with human-like grasping ability, but with a simple and reliable structure, is a challenge that still has not been not fully solved. In this paper, we present an anatomically correct robotic hand 3D model that aims to realize the human hand’s functionality using a single type of 3D-printable material. Our robotic hand 3D model is combined with bones, ligaments, tendons, pulley systems, and tissue. We also describe the fabrication method to rapidly produce our robotic hand in 3D printing, wherein all parts are made by elastic 50 A (shore durometer) resin. In the experimental section, we show that our robotic hand has a similar motion range to a human hand with substantial grasping strength and compare it with the latest other designs of anthropomorphic robotic hands. Our new design greatly reduces the fabrication cost and assembly time. Compared with other robotic hand designs, we think our robotic hand may induce a new approach to the design and production of robotic hands as well as other related mechanical structures.
Large-Scale Lever-Based Triboelectric Nanogenerator for Sensing Lateral Vibration and Wrist or Finger Bending for Controlling Shooting Game
Authors: Kim Inkyum , Ahn Tae Young , Kim Daewon
Published: September 2021

With advances in internet of things technology and fossil fuel depletion, energy harvesting has emerged rapidly as a means of supplying small electronics with electricity. As a method of enhancing the electrical output of the triboelectric nanogenerator, specialized for harvesting mechanical energy, structural modification to amplify the input force is receiving attention due to the limited input energy level. In this research, a lever structure was employed for delivering the amplified input force to a triboelectric nanogenerator. With structural optimization of a 2.5 cm : 5 cm distance ratio of the first and second parts using two lever structures, the highest electrical outputs were achieved: a VOC of 51.03 V, current density of 3.34 mA m−2, and power density of 73.5 mW m−2 at 12 MΩ in the second part. As applications of this triboelectric generator, a vertical vibration sensor and a wearable reloading trigger in a gun shooting game were demonstrated. The possibility for a wearable finger bending sensor with low-level input was checked using a minimized device. Enhanced low-detection limit with amplified input force from the structural advantage of this lever-based triboelectric nanogenerator device can expand its applicability to the mechanical trigger for wearable electronics.
A Pectin-Rich, Baobab Fruit Pulp Powder Exerts Prebiotic Potential on the Human Gut Microbiome In Vitro
Authors: Foltz Martin , Zahradnik Alicia Christin , Van den Abbeele Pieter , Ghyselinck Jonas , Marzorati Massimo
Published: September 2021

Increasing insight into the impact of the gut microbiota on human health has sustained the development of novel prebiotic ingredients. This exploratory study evaluated the prebiotic potential of baobab fruit pulp powder, which consists of pectic polysaccharides with unique composition as compared to other dietary sources, given that it is rich in low methoxylated homogalacturonan (HG). After applying dialysis procedures to remove simple sugars from the product (simulating their absorption along the upper gastrointestinal tract), 48 h fecal batch incubations were performed. Baobab fruit pulp powder boosted colonic acidification across three simulated human adult donors due to the significant stimulation of health-related metabolites acetate (+18.4 mM at 48 h), propionate (+5.5 mM at 48 h), and to a lesser extent butyrate (0.9 mM at 48 h). Further, there was a trend of increased lactate levels (+2.7 mM at 6h) and reduced branched chain fatty acid (bCFA) levels (−0.4 mM at 48 h). While Bacteroidetes levels increased for all donors, donor-dependent increases in Bifidobacteria, Lactobacilli, and Firmicutes were observed, stressing the potential interindividual differences in microbial composition modulation upon Baobab fruit pulp powder treatment. Overall, Baobab fruit pulp powder fermentation displayed features of selective utilization by host microorganisms and, thus, has promising prebiotic potential (also in comparison with the ‘gold standard’ prebiotic inulin). Further research will be required to better characterize this prebiotic potential, accounting for the interindividual differences, while aiming to unravel the potential resulting health benefits.
Pathogen Biocontrol Using Plant Growth-Promoting Bacteria (PGPR): Role of Bacterial Diversity
Authors: Wang Hao , Liu Runjin , You Ming Pei , Barbetti Martin J. , Chen Yinglong
Published: September 2021

A vast microbial community inhabits in the rhizosphere, among which, specialized bacteria known as Plant Growth-Promoting Rhizobacteria (PGPR) confer benefits to host plants including growth promotion and disease suppression. PGPR taxa vary in the ways whereby they curtail the negative effects of invading plant pathogens. However, a cumulative or synergistic effect does not always ensue when a bacterial consortium is used. In this review, we reassess the disease-suppressive mechanisms of PGPR and present explanations and illustrations for functional diversity and/or stability among PGPR taxa regarding these mechanisms. We also provide evidence of benefits when PGPR mixtures, rather than individuals, are used for protecting crops from various diseases, and underscore the critical determinant factors for successful use of PGPR mixtures. Then, we evaluate the challenges of and limitations to achieving the desired outcomes from strain/species-rich bacterial assemblages, particularly in relation to their role for plant disease management. In addition, towards locating additive or synergistic outcomes, we highlight why and how the benefits conferred need to be categorized and quantified when different strains/species of PGPR are used in combinations. Finally, we highlight the critical approaches needed for developing PGPR mixtures with improved efficacy and stability as biocontrols for utilization in agricultural fields.
The Species-Level Composition of the Fecal Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus Genera in Indonesian Children Differs from That of Their Mothers
Authors: Ding Mengfan , Yang Bo , Khine Wei Wei Thwe , Lee Yuan-Kun , Rahayu Endang Sutriswati , Ross R. Paul , Stanton Catherine , Zhao Jianxin , Zhang Hao , Chen Wei
Published: September 2021

The infant gut microbiota plays a critical role in early life growth and derives mainly from maternal gut and breast milk. This study aimed to analyze the differences in the gut microbiota, namely Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus communities at species level among breast milk as well as maternal and infant feces at different time points after delivery. Fifty-one mother–infant pairs from Indonesia were recruited, and the breast milk and maternal and infant feces were collected and analyzed by high throughput sequencing (16S rRNA, Bifidobacterium groEL and Lactobacillus groEL genes). PCoA results showed bacterial composition was different among breast milk and maternal and infant feces within the first two years. The abundance of Bifidobacterium and Bacteroides were significantly higher in infant feces compared to their maternal feces from birth to two years of age, and maternal breast milk within six months after birth (p < 0.05), whereas the abundance of Blautia, Prevotella, and Faecalibacterium was higher in maternal feces compared to that in breast milk within six months and infant feces within one year after birth, respectively (p < 0.05). The relative abundances of Bacteroides and Lactobacillus was higher and lower in infant feces compared to that in maternal feces only between one and two years of age, respectively (p < 0.05). For Bifidobacterium community at species level, B. adolescentis, B. ruminantium, B. longum subsp. infantis, B. bifidum, and B. pseudolongum were identified in all samples. However, the profile of Bifidobacterium was different between maternal and infant feces at different ages. The relative abundances of B. adolescentis and B. ruminantium were higher in maternal feces compared to those in infant feces from birth to one year of age (p < 0.05), while the relative abundances of B. longum subsp. infantis and B. bifidum were higher in infant feces compared to those in maternal feces beyond three months, and the relative abundance of B. pseudolongum was only higher in infant feces between three and six months (p < 0.05). For Lactobacillus community, L. paragasseri showed higher relative abundance in infant feces when the infant was younger than one year of age (p < 0.05). This study showed bacterial composition at the genus level and Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus communities at the species level were stage specific in maternal breast milk as well as and maternal and infant feces.
Effects of Mixing Volatile Fatty Acids as Carbon Sources on Rhodospirillum rubrum Carbon Metabolism and Redox Balance Mechanisms
Authors: Cabecas Segura Paloma , De Meur Quentin , Tanghe Audrey , Onderwater Rob , Dewasme Laurent , Wattiez Ruddy , Leroy Baptiste
Published: September 2021

Rhodospirillum rubrum has a versatile metabolism, and as such can assimilate a broad range of carbon sources, including volatile fatty acids. These carbon sources are gaining increasing interest for biotechnological processes, since they reduce the production costs for numerous value-added compounds and contribute to the development of a more circular economy. Usually, studies characterizing carbon metabolism are performed by supplying a single carbon source; however, in both environmental and engineered conditions, cells would rather grow on mixtures of volatile fatty acids (VFAs) generated via anaerobic fermentation. In this study, we show that the use of a mixture of VFAs as carbon source appears to have a synergy effect on growth phenotype. In addition, while propionate and butyrate assimilation in Rs. rubrum is known to require an excess of bicarbonate in the culture medium, mixing them reduces the requirement for bicarbonate supplementation. The fixation of CO2 is one of the main electron sinks in purple bacteria; therefore, this observation suggests an adaptation of both metabolic pathways used for the assimilation of these VFAs and redox homeostasis mechanism. Based on proteomic data, modification of the propionate assimilation pathway seems to occur with a switch from a methylmalonyl-CoA intermediate to the methylcitrate cycle. Moreover, it seems that the presence of a mixture of VFAs switches electron sinking from CO2 fixation to H2 and isoleucine production.
Geographical Relationships between Long-Tailed Goral (Naemorhedus caudatus) Populations Based on Gut Microbiome Analysis
Authors: Park Chang Eon , Cho Bum-Joon , Kim Min-Ji , Park Hee Cheon , Shin Jae-Ho
Published: September 2021

The long-tailed goral (Naemorhedus caudatus) is an endangered species found in the mountains of eastern and northern Asia. Its populations have declined for various reasons, and this species has been designated as legally protected in South Korea. Although various ecological studies have been conducted on long-tailed gorals, none have investigated the gut microbiome until now. In the present study, we compared the diversity and composition of the gut microbiome of seven populations of Korean long-tailed gorals. By analyzing the gut microbiome composition for each regional population, it was found that four phyla—Firmicutes, Actinobacteriota, Bacteroidota, and Proteobacteria—were the most dominant in all regions on average. The alpha diversity of the gut microbiome of the goral population in the northern regions was high, while that in the southern regions was low. Through the analysis of beta diversity, the seven long-tailed goral populations have been divided into three groups: the Seoraksan population, the Samcheock population, and the Wangpicheon population. It was possible to confirm the regional migration of the animals using the gut microbiome based on the site-relational network analysis. It was found that the most stable population of long-tailed gorals in Korea was the Seoraksan population, and the closely related groups were the Samcheok and Wangpicheon populations, respectively. Wangpicheon appeared to be a major point of dispersal in the migration route of Korean long-tailed gorals.
Origin of Critical Metals in Fe–Ni Laterites from the Balkan Peninsula: Opportunities and Environmental Risk
Authors: Economou-Eliopoulos Maria , Laskou Magdalena , Eliopoulos Demetrios , Megremi Ifigeneia , Kalatha Sofia , Eliopoulos George
Published: September 2021

As the global energy sector is expected to experience a gradual shift towards renewable energy sources, access to special metals in known resources is of growing concern within the EU and at a worldwide scale. This is a review on the Fe–Ni ± Co-laterite deposits in the Balkan Peninsula, which are characterized by multistage weathering/redeposition and intense tectonic activities. The ICP-MS analyses of those laterites indicated that they are major natural sources of Ni and Co, with ore grading from 0.21 to 3.5 wt% Ni and 0.03 to 0.31 wt% Co, as well as a significant Sc content (average 55 mg/kg). The SEM-EDS analyses revealed that fine Fe-, Ni-, Co-, and Mn-(hydr)oxides are dominant host minerals and that the enrichment in these elements is probably controlled by the post-formation evolution of initial ore redeposition. The paucity of rare earth element (REE) within the typical Fe–Ni laterite ore and the preferential occurrence of Co (up to 0.31 wt%), REE content (up to 6000 mg/kg ΣREE), and REE-minerals along with Ni, Co, and Mn (asbolane and silicates) towards the lowermost part of the Lokris (C. Greece) laterite ore suggest that their deposition is controlled by epigenetic processes. The platinum-group element (PGE) content in those Fe–Ni laterites, reaching up to 88 μg/kg Pt and 26 μg/kg Pd (up to 186 μg/kg Pd in one sample), which is higher than those in the majority of chromite deposits associated with ophiolites, may indicate important weathering and PGE supergene accumulation. Therefore, the mineralogical and geochemical features of Fe–Ni laterites from the Balkan Peninsula provide evidence for potential sources of certain critical metals and insights to suitable processing and metallurgical methods. In addition, the contamination of soil by heavy metals and irrigation groundwater by toxic Cr(VI), coupled with relatively high Cr(VI) concentrations in water leachates for laterite samples, altered ultramafic rocks and soils neighboring the mining areas and point to a potential human health risk and call for integrated water–soil–plant investigations in the basins surrounding laterite mines.
Rapid Atmospheric Leaching of Chalcopyrite Using a Novel Reagent of Trichloroisocyanuric Acid
Authors: Chen Guobao , Sun Jiarui , Yang Hongying , Ma Pengcheng , Gao Shixiong
Published: September 2021

With the decrease in high-grade chalcopyrite resources, the copper extraction from low-grade chalcopyrite has attracted more and more attention. However, the kinetic rates of chalcopyrite leaching with traditional oxidants are usually very slow due to the formation of the passivation layer. In this study, a novel reagent of chlorinated oxidant, trichloroisocyanuric acid (TCCA), was used to leach chalcopyrite for the first time. The experimental results showed that when the initial oxidant concentration for TCCA was 0.054 mol·L−1, the leaching temperature was kept at 55 °C, and the pH of the pulp was controlled at 1, the oxidation efficiency of Cu can reach above 90% in less than 30 min. Various analyses of chalcopyrite mineral ore and its oxidized residues, such as chemical composition analysis, X-ray diffraction analysis, scanning electron microscopy analysis and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, were conducted, respectively. No obvious passivation layer was found on the chalcopyrite surface, though the sulfur product can also be generated during the leaching. Reaction kinetic analysis results showed that the different influence of surface reaction and diffusion process on the dissolution of chalcopyrite is little due to the fast leaching speed. After calculation, the activation energy of the whole leaching reaction is 9.06 kJ·mol−1, much lower than that in other reports. The mechanism was also proposed that TCCA was hydrolyzed in the solution to form hypochlorous acid, which is the strong oxidant, and cyanuric acid, which prevents the formation of a passivation layer. The processing in this study is expected to be applied as a novel method for atmospheric leaching of chalcopyrite.
Dislocation Creep of Olivine and Amphibole in Amphibole Peridotites from Åheim, Norway
Authors: Jung Sejin , Yamamoto Takafumi , Ando Jun-ichi , Jung Haemyeong
Published: September 2021

Amphibole peridotite samples from Åheim, Norway, were analyzed to understand the deformation mechanism and microstructural evolution of olivine and amphibole through the Scandian Orogeny and subsequent exhumation process. Three Åheim amphibole peridotite samples were selected for detailed microstructural analysis. The Åheim amphibole peridotites exhibit porphyroclastic texture, abundant subgrain boundaries in olivine, and the evidence of localized shear deformation in the tremolite-rich layer. Two different types of olivine lattice preferred orientations (LPOs) were observed: B- and A-type LPOs. Electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) mapping and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) observations revealed that most subgrain boundaries in olivine consist of dislocations with a (001)[100] slip system. The subgrain boundaries in olivine may have resulted from the deformation of olivine with moderate water content. In addition, TEM observations using a thickness-fringe method showed that the free dislocations of olivine with the (010)[100] slip system were dominant in the peridotites. Our data suggest that the subgrain boundaries and free dislocations in olivine represent a product of later-stage deformation associated with the exhumation process. EBSD mapping of the tremolite-rich layer revealed intracrystalline plasticity in amphibole, which can be interpreted as the activation of the (100)[001] slip system.
Adulteration of Essential Oils: A Multitask Issue for Quality Control. Three Case Studies: Lavandula angustifolia Mill., Citrus limon (L.) Osbeck and Melaleuca alternifolia (Maiden & Betche) Cheel
Authors: Capetti Francesca , Marengo Arianna , Cagliero Cecilia , Liberto Erica , Bicchi Carlo , Rubiolo Patrizia , Sgorbini Barbara
Published: September 2021

The quality control of essential oils (EO) principally aims at revealing the presence of adulterations and at quantifying compounds that are limited by law by evaluating EO chemical compositions, usually in terms of the normalised relative abundance of selected markers, for comparison to reference values reported in pharmacopoeias and/or international norms. Common adulterations of EO consist of the addition of cheaper EO or synthetic materials. This adulteration can be detected by calculating the percent normalised areas of selected markers or the enantiomeric composition of chiral components. The dilution of the EO with vegetable oils is another type of adulteration. This adulteration is quite devious, as it modifies neither the qualitative composition of the resulting EO nor the marker’s normalised percentage abundance, which is no longer diagnostic, and an absolute quantitative analysis is required. This study aims at verifying the application of the two above approaches (i.e., normalised relative abundance and absolute quantitation) to detect EO adulterations, with examples involving selected commercial EO (lavender, bergamot and tea tree) adulterated with synthetic components, EO of different origin and lower economical values and heavy vegetable oils. The results show that absolute quantitation is necessary to highlight adulteration with heavy vegetable oils, providing that a reference quantitative profile is available.
Cerium-Promoted Ginsenosides Accumulation by Regulating Endogenous Methyl Jasmonate Biosynthesis in Hairy Roots of Panax ginseng
Authors: Zhang Ru , Tan Shiquan , Zhang Bianling , Hu Pengcheng , Li Ling
Published: September 2021

Among rare earth elements, cerium has the unique ability of regulating the growth of plant cells and the biosynthesis of metabolites at different stages of plant development. The signal pathways of Ce3+-mediated ginsenosides biosynthesis in ginseng hairy roots were investigated. At a low concentration, Ce3+ improved the elongation and biomass of hairy roots. The Ce3+-induced accumulation of ginsenosides showed a high correlation with the reactive oxygen species (ROS), as well as the biosynthesis of endogenous methyl jasmonate (MeJA) and ginsenoside key enzyme genes (PgSS, PgSE and PgDDS). At a Ce3+ concentration of 20 mg L−1, the total ginsenoside content was 1.7-fold, and the total ginsenosides yield was 2.7-fold that of the control. Malondialdehyde (MDA) content and the ROS production rate were significantly higher than those of the control. The activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) was significantly activated within the Ce3+ concentration range of 10 to 30 mg L−1. The activity of catalase (CAT) and peroxidase (POD) strengthened with the increasing concentration of Ce3+ in the range of 20–40 mg L−1. The Ce3+ exposure induced transient production of superoxide anion (O2•−) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). Together with the increase in the intracellular MeJA level and enzyme activity for lipoxygenase (LOX), there was an increase in the gene expression level of MeJA biosynthesis including PgLOX, PgAOS and PgJMT. Our results also revealed that Ce3+ did not directly influence PgSS, PgSE and PgDDS activity. We speculated that Ce3+-induced ROS production could enhance the accumulation of ginsenosides in ginseng hairy roots via the direct stimulation of enzyme genes for MeJA biosynthesis. This study demonstrates a potential approach for understanding and improving ginsenoside biosynthesis that is regulated by Ce3+-mediated signal transduction.
Sunlight-Active BiOI Photocatalyst as an Efficient Adsorbent for the Removal of Organic Dyes and Antibiotics from Aqueous Solutions
Authors: Narenuch Teerapong , Senasu Teeradech , Chankhanittha Tammanoon , Nanan Suwat
Published: September 2021

A bismuth oxyiodide (BiOI) photocatalyst with excellent sunlight-driven performance was synthesized by a solvothermal route without the addition of surfactants or capping agents. The prepared photocatalyst exhibited a tetragonal phase with an energy band gap of 2.15 eV. The efficiency of the photocatalyst was elucidated by monitoring the photodegradation of organic dyes and antibiotics. The BiOI photocatalyst provided a 95% removal of norfloxacin (NOR) antibiotics under visible light illumination. Interestingly, the complete removal of Rhodamine B (RhB) dye was achieved after 80 min of natural sunlight irradiation. The photodegradation reaction followed the first-order reaction. Both photo-generated holes and electrons play vital roles in the photodegradation of the pollutant. The BiOI photocatalyst remains stable and still shows a high efficiency even after the fifth run. This confirms the great cycling ability and high structural stability of the photocatalyst. The prepared BiOI catalyst, with a high surface area of 118 m2 g−1, can act as an excellent adsorbent as well. The synergistic effect based on both adsorption and photocatalysis is a key factor in achieving a very high removal efficiency. The photoactivity under sunlight is higher than that observed under visible light, supporting the practical use of the BiOI photocatalyst for the removal of organic pollutants in wastewater through the utilization of abundant solar energy.