bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Anti-Inflammatory and Antibacterial Effects and Mode of Action of Greek Arbutus, Chestnut, and Fir Honey in Mouse Models of Inflammation and Sepsis
Authors: Stavropoulou Elisavet , Ieronymaki Eleftheria , Dimitroulia Evangelia , Constantinidis Theodoros C. , Vrioni Georgia , Tsatsanis Christos , Tsakris Athanasios
Published: November 2022

Background: Honey has been shown to possess anti-inflammatory and bactericidal properties that may be useful for the prevention and treatment of infections as well as of acute and chronic inflammatory diseases. The antimicrobial potency of honey could be attributed to its physicochemical characteristics combined with the presence of certain compounds, such as hydrogen peroxide and polyphenols. Honey’s bacteriostatic or bactericidal capacity varies depending on its composition and the bacterial type of each infection. Nevertheless, not all honey samples possess anti-inflammatory or antibacterial properties and their mechanism of action has not been clearly elucidated. Objectives: We therefore investigated the anti-inflammatory properties of three different honey samples that derived from different geographical areas of Greece and different botanical origins, namely, arbutus, chestnut, and fir; they were compared to manuka honey, previously known for its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial activity. Materials and Methods: To test the anti-inflammatory activity of the different samples, we utilized the in vivo model of LPS-driven inflammation, which induces septic shock without the presence of pathogens. To evaluate the antibacterial action of the same honey preparations, we utilized the cecal-slurry-induced peritonitis model in mice. Since acute inflammation and sepsis reduce the biotransformation capacity of the liver, the expression of key enzymes in the process was also measured. Results: The administration of all Greek honey samples to LPS-stimulated mice revealed a potent anti-inflammatory activity by suppressing the TNFα serum levels and the expression of TNFα and iNOS in the liver at levels comparable to those of the manuka honey, but they had no effect on IL-6 or IL-1β. It was shown that the LPS-induced suppression of CYP1A1 in the liver was reversed by Epirus and Crete fir honey, while, correspondingly, the suppression of CYP2B10 in the liver was reversed by Evros chestnut and Epirus fir honey. The effect of the same honey samples in polymicrobial peritonitis in mice was also evaluated. Even though no effect was observed on the disease severity or peritoneal bacterial load, the bacterial load in the liver was reduced in mice treated with Evros chestnut, Epiros fir, and Crete fir, while the bacterial load in the lungs was reduced in Epirus arbutus, Crete fir, and manuka honey-treated mice. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that these specific Greek honey samples possess distinct anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, as evidenced by the reduced production of pro-inflammatory mediators and the impaired translocation of bacteria to tissues in septic mice. Their mode of action was comparable or more potent to those of manuka honey.
Isolation and Characterization of Thermophilic Bacteria from Hot Springs in Republic of Korea
Authors: Lee Yong-Jik , Ganbat Dariimaa , Oh DoKyung , Kim HyeWon , Jeong Ga Eul , Cha In-Tae , Kim Seong-Bo , Nam Gaewon , Jung You-Jung , Lee Sang-Jae
Published: November 2022

Thermophiles that produce extracellular hydrolases are of great importance due to their applications in various industries. Thermophilic enzymes are of interest for industrial applications due to their compatibility with industrial processes, and the availability of the organisms is essential to develop their full potential. In this study, a culture-dependent approach was used to identify thermophilic bacteria from five hot springs in Republic of Korea. Characterization, taxonomic identification, and extracellular hydrolase (amylase, lipase, and protease) activity of 29 thermophilic bacterial isolates from the Neungam carbonate, Mungang sulfur, Deokgu, Baegam, and Dongnae hot springs were investigated. Identification based on the full-length 16S rRNA gene sequence revealed that strains belonged to the phylum Bacillota and were classified as Aeribacillus, Bacillus, Caldibacillus, Geobacillus, and Thermoactinomyces genera. It was found that 22 isolates could produce at least one extracellular enzyme. Geobacillus, representing 41.4% of the isolates, was the most abundant. The highest amount of proteolytic and lipolytic enzymes was secreted by strains of the genus Geobacillus, whereas Caldibacillus species produced the highest amount of amylolytic enzyme. The Geobacillus species producing hydrolytic extracellular enzymes appeared to be the most promising.
Extraction of Copper from Chalcopyrite Using Alkaline Glycine–Ammonia Solutions
Authors: Deng Zixian , Oraby Elsayed , Li Huan , Eksteen Jacques
Published: November 2022

Chalcopyrite is well known as being refractory to conventional leaching approaches at atmospheric pressure. The current study investigated a hybrid approach using aqueous ammonia as a pH modifier for glycine-based lixiviant systems to leach copper from chalcopyrite while maintaining surface refreshment using ceramic media at room temperature. The glycine–ammonia system exhibited significantly better copper extraction than the traditional glycine–NaOH system. A copper extraction of 91.5% was achieved after 72 h of leaching by using 0.71 M ammonia, at a Gly:Cu molar ratio of 4:1, by using a solid content of 1%, with a ceramic media: solid ratio of 3:5 and at ambient temperature. Adding ceramic beads during leaching led to a breakup of particles and a refreshment of particles’ surfaces that significantly improved the copper extraction. At a solid content of 10%, oxygen is essential for leaching; a copper extraction of 95.4% was achieved with oxygen injection, while only 33.4% copper extraction was obtained without introducing oxygen. A kinetic analysis indicates that the leaching rate is limited by combined liquid film diffusion and diffusion through the product layer. A conceptual flowsheet is proposed, where chalcopyrite concentrate can be extracted by a leaching–grinding process and copper can be recovered by a solvent extraction–electrowinning circuit.
Global Trend for Waste Lithium-Ion Battery Recycling from 1984 to 2021: A Bibliometric Analysis
Authors: Guo Yaoguang , Liu Yujing , Guan Jie , Chen Qianqian , Sun Xiaohu , Liu Nuo , Zhang Li , Zhang Xiaojiao , Lou Xiaoyi , Li Yingshun
Published: November 2022

With the massive use of lithium-ion batteries in electric vehicles and energy storage, the environmental and resource problems faced by used lithium-ion batteries are becoming more and more prominent. In order to better resource utilization and environmental protection, this paper employs bibliometric and data analysis methods to explore publications related to waste lithium-ion battery recycling from 1984 to 2021. The Web of Science core set from the SCIE online database was used for this article. These findings demonstrate a considerable increase trend in the number of publications published in the subject of recycling used lithium-ion batteries, with a natural-sciences-centric focus. Argonne National Lab, Chinese Academy of Sciences, and China Academic and Scientific Research Center are the top three institutions in terms of quantity of papers published. The affiliated journals corresponding to these three institutions also have high impact factors, which are 106.47, 44.85, and 58.69, respectively. In comparison to comparable institutes in other nations, the American Argonne National Laboratory supports 223 research articles in this area. China and the US make up the majority of the research’s funding. The two key aspects of current lithium-ion battery recycling research are material structure research and environmentally friendly recycling. Nevertheless, high-capacity lithium-ion batteries, waste lithium-ion integrated structures, and gentle recycling of spent lithium-ion batteries will be the major aspects of study in the future. It is hoped that the above analysis can bring new ideas and methods to the field of waste lithium-ion battery recycling and provide a basis for the subsequent research and application of waste lithium-ion battery recycling.
The Correlation between Macroscopic Image and Object Properties with Bubble Size in Flotation
Authors: Vinnett Luis , Cornejo Iván , Yianatos Juan , Acuña Claudio , Urriola Benjamín , Guajardo Camila , Esteban Alex
Published: November 2022

This paper studies the correlation between different macroscopic features of image regions and object properties with the Sauter diameter (D32) of bubble size in flotation. Bubbles were sampled from the collection zone of a two-dimensional flotation cell using a McGill Bubble Size Analyzer, and photographed bubbles were processed using image analysis. The Sauter mean diameters were obtained under different experimental conditions using a semiautomated methodology, in which non-identifiable bubbles were manually characterized to estimate the bubble size distribution. For the same processed images, different image properties from their binary representation were studied in terms of their correlation with D32. The median and variability of the shadow percentage, aspect ratio, power spectral density, perimeter, equivalent diameters, solidity, and circularity, among other image or object properties, were studied. These properties were then related to the measured D32 values, from which four predictors were chosen to obtain a multivariable model that adequately described the Sauter diameter. After removing abnormal gas dispersion conditions, the multivariable linear model was able to represent D32 values (99 datasets) for superficial gas rates in the range of 0.4–2.5 cm/s, for four types of frothers and surfactant concentrations ranging from 0 to 32 ppm. The model was tested with 72 independent datasets, showing the generalizability of the results. Thus, the approach proved to be applicable at the laboratory scale for D32 = 1.3–6.7 mm.
Improving the Behaviour of Green Concrete Geopolymers Using Different HEMP Preservation Conditions (Fresh and Wet)
Authors: Sáez-Pérez Mª Paz , Durán-Suárez Jorge Alberto , Castro-Gomes Joao
Published: November 2022

This paper evaluates a type of geopolymer concrete that uses hemp fibres as a natural aggregate due to the various advantages offered by these woody materials. These advantages include ease of cultivation and processing and their use in the essential structure of concretes used for green construction purposes. The sampling study was prepared using an environmentally friendly inorganic binder, based on geopolymerization reactions (Si-Na). The improvement in the hemp aggregate using two different preservation methods (fresh and wet) was assessed. The type of conservation enables anaerobic reactions to take place in the structure of the hemp, in such a way as to modify the proportions of the organic compounds contained in the hemp and the morphology of the fibres. It also encourages the proliferation of cellulose nanofibrils (CNC), which enhance the mechanical results, improving plasticity and thixotropy. The hempcrete studied in this paper could be a good alternative material for sustainable, environmentally friendly construction, as much less CO2 is emitted during the production process in comparison with conventional concrete. Using wet-preserved hemp means that less water must be added to the mix during preparation of the concrete. This also helps reduce production costs, and by extension, the cost of the final product.
Aridification in the Asian Interior Recorded by Mineral Assemblages in Tarim Basin since the Late Miocene and Its Link to Global Cooling
Authors: Yang Maojie , Chang Hong , Qin Xiuling , Burr George S. , Liu Weiguo
Published: November 2022

Understanding climate change during the relatively warm Pliocene, as compared to the present, offers significant potential for understanding future global consequences of rising atmospheric CO2. Sensitivity differences among various climate proxies lead to divergent interpretations of the driving mechanisms of inland aridification. Minerals as a paleoclimatic indicator with high water-sensitivity can provide effective support for reconstructing climate evolution and clearly understanding driving mechanisms in extremely arid regions. Here we present results of mineral analyses from lacustrine–fluvial Neogene sediments in the eastern Tarim Basin. Evaporite minerals are composed principally of calcite, dolomite, and gypsum, with minor amounts of ankerite and celestite. Clay minerals are dominated by illite and chlorite. We find that evaporite minerals and illite reflect regional climate change through time, and specifically determine the following: (1) climate in the Tarim Basin during the late Miocene was relatively humid, with alternating dry and wet periods from 6.86~5.58 Ma; (2) immediately following that interval, aridification increased rapidly, with reduced regional precipitation that accelerated the shrinkage of the lake; (3) from 4.4 Ma to 3.62 Ma, regional precipitation increased slightly but afterwards, aridification resumed: the climate there has been extremely dry since about 2.7 Ma. Our results show that the climate in the Tarim Basin has followed a global cooling trend since the late Miocene, and suggest that the effect of uplift in the Tibetan Plateau is a secondary influence.
Applying Machine Learning and Automatic Speech Recognition for Intelligent Evaluation of Coal Failure Probability under Uniaxial Compression
Authors: Wang Honglei , Li Zhenlei , Song Dazhao , He Xueqiu , Khan Majid
Published: November 2022

Acoustic emission (AE) monitoring is an effective tool to quantify the dynamic damage that may cause heavy casualties and huge property losses in rock engineering. Instead of traditional failure evaluation methods, in this paper, the coal failure mechanism is evaluated in a complicated geological environment under uniaxial compression tests by employing machine learning (ML) and automatic speech recognition (ASR). Taking advantage of the ASR technology, the Mel-frequency cepstrum coefficients (MFCC) were extracted as sample features, while ML was used to paradigm the artificial intelligent evaluation of the failure probability of coal (AIEFPC). Additionally, the five-fold cross-validation method was used to assess the AIEFPC predictive effect incorporating cumulative hits number, cumulative ring count, and amplitude as sample features. The influence of category weight on the prediction effect of AIEFPC on a different category of sample sets has been discussed and analyzed. The results show that AIEFPC has the potential to use the MFCC of the 40 ms AE segment at any time to predict the dangerous state of the coal sample with a prediction accuracy of >85%. The probability value of the hazardous samples is computed through AIEFPC that further helped in evaluating the reliability of the prediction results. It is inferred from the obtained results that a larger category weight value of the hazardous samples can improve the prediction accuracy of AIEFPC than the safe sample. This research provides a new way of effectively predicting the coal failure probability before the damage and failure that can be applied to worldwide case-studies.
Achillea moschata Wulfen: From Ethnobotany to Phytochemistry, Morphology, and Biological Activity
Authors: Bottoni Martina , Baron Giovanna , Gado Francesca , Milani Fabrizia , Santagostini Laura , Colombo Lorenzo , Colombo Paola Sira , Caporali Elisabetta , Spada Alberto , Biagi Marco , Giuliani Claudia , Bruschi Piero , Aldini Giancarlo , Fico Gelsomina
Published: November 2022

A multidisciplinary investigation on Achillea moschata Wulfen (Asteraceae) is outlined herein. This work, part of the European Interreg Italy–Switzerland B-ICE project, originated from an ethnobotanical survey performed in Chiesa in Valmalenco (Sondrio, Lombardy, Northern Italy) in 2019–2021 which highlighted this species’ relevance of use in folk medicine to treat gastrointestinal diseases. In addition, this contribution included analyses of the: (a) phytochemical profile of the aqueous and methanolic extracts of the dried flower heads using LC-MS/MS; (b) morpho-anatomy and histochemistry of the vegetative and reproductive organs through Light, Fluorescence, and Scanning Electron Microscopy; (c) biological activity of the aqueous extract concerning the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential through cell-based in vitro models. A total of 31 compounds (5 phenolic acids, 13 flavonols, and 13 flavones) were detected, 28 of which included in both extracts. Covering and secreting trichomes were observed: the biseriate 10-celled glandular trichomes prevailing on the inflorescences represented the main sites of synthesis of the polyphenols and flavonoids detected in the extracts, along with volatile terpenoids. Finally, significant antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of the aqueous extract were documented, even at very low concentrations; for the first time, the in vitro tests allowed us to formulate hypotheses about the mechanism of action. This work brings an element of novelty due to the faithful reproduction of the traditional aqueous preparation and the combination of phytochemical and micromorphological research approaches.
Role of Alginate Composition on Copper Ion Uptake in the Presence of Histidine or Beta-Amyloid
Authors: Mahl Cynthia Regina Albrecht , Bataglioli Rogério Aparecido , Calais Guilherme Bedeschi , Taketa Thiago Bezerra , Beppu Marisa Masumi
Published: November 2022

The anomalous interaction between metal ions and the peptide beta-amyloid is one of the hallmarks of Alzheimer’s disease. Metal-binding biopolymers, including polysaccharides, can elucidate the fundamental aspects of metal ions’ interactions with biological tissue and their interplay in Alzheimer’s disease. This work focuses on the role of the alginate composition on Cu(II) adsorption in the presence of histidine or β-amyloid, the peptide associated with the progression of Alzheimer’s disease. Alginate samples with different mannuronic/guluronic (M/G) ratios led to similar Cu(II) adsorption capacities, following the Langmuir isotherm and the pseudo-second-order adsorption kinetic models. Although the presence of histidine produced up to a 20% reduction in the copper adsorption capacity in guluronic-rich alginate samples (M/G~0.61), they presented stable bidentate chelation of the metallic ion. Chemical analyses (FTIR and XPS) demonstrated the role of hydroxyl and carboxyl groups in copper ion chelation, whereas both crystallinity and morphology analyses indicated the prevalence of histidine interaction with guluronic-rich alginate. Similar results were observed for Cu(II) adsorption in alginate beads in the presence of beta-amyloid and histidine, suggesting that the alginate/histidine system is a simple yet representative model to probe the application of biopolymers to metal ion uptake in the presence of biological competitors.
Protective Effects of Protopanaxatriol Saponins on Ulcerative Colitis in Mouse Based on UPLC-Q/TOF-MS Serum and Colon Metabolomics
Authors: Wu Fulin , Lai Sihan , Feng Hao , Liu Juntong , Fu Dongxing , Wang Caixia , Wang Cuizhu , Liu Jinping , Li Zhuo , Li Pingya
Published: November 2022

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic, nonspecific inflammation of the bowel that mainly affects the mucosa and submucosa of the rectum and colon. Ginsenosides are the main active ingredients in ginseng and show many therapeutic effects in anti-inflammatory diseases, cancer, and nervous system regulation. Protopanaxatriol saponin (PTS) is an important part of saponins, and there is no research on its pharmacological effects on colitis. In this study, a model of ulcerative colitis in mice was induced by having mice freely drink 3.5% dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) solution, and UPLC-Q-TOF-MS-based metabolomics methods were applied to explore the therapeutic effect and protective mechanism of PTS for treating UC. The results showed that PTS could significantly prevent colon shortening and pathological damage and alleviate abnormal changes in UC mouse physiological and biochemical parameters. Moreover, PTS intervention regulated proinflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1 in serum, and MPO and NO in colon. Interestingly, PTS could significantly inhibit UC mouse metabolic dysfunction by reversing abnormal changes in 29 metabolites and regulating eleven metabolic pathways. PTS has potential application in the treatment of UC and could alleviate UC in mice by affecting riboflavin metabolism, arachidonic acid metabolism, glycerophospholipid metabolism, retinol metabolism, and steroid hormone biosynthesis and by regulating pentose and glucuronate conversion, linoleic acid metabolism, phenylalanine metabolism, ether lipid metabolism, sphingolipid metabolism, and tyrosine metabolism, which points at a direction for further research and for the development of PTS as a novel natural agent.
The Origin of Stereoselectivity in the Hydrogenation of Oximes Catalyzed by Iridium Complexes: A DFT Mechanistic Study
Authors: Ali Qaim , Chen Yongyong , Zhang Ruixue , Li Zhewei , Tang Yanhui , Pu Min , Lei Ming
Published: November 2022

Herein the reaction mechanism and the origin of stereoselectivity of asymmetric hydrogenation of oximes to hydroxylamines catalyzed by the cyclometalated iridium (III) complexes with chiral substituted single cyclopentadienyl ligands (Ir catalysts A1 and B1) under acidic condition were unveiled using DFT calculations. The catalytic cycle for this reaction consists of the dihydrogen activation step and the hydride transfer step. The calculated results indicate that the hydride transfer step is the chirality-determining step and the involvement of methanesulfonate anion (MsO−) in this reaction is of importance in the asymmetric hydrogenation of oximes catalyzed by A1 and B1. The calculated energy barriers for the hydride transfer steps without an MsO− anion are higher than those with an MsO− anion. The differences in Gibbs free energies between TSA5−1fR/TSA5−1fS and TSB5−1fR/TSB5−1fS are 13.8/13.2 (ΔΔG‡ = 0.6 kcal/mol) and 7.5/5.6 (ΔΔG‡ = 1.9 kcal/mol) kcal/mol for the hydride transfer step of substrate protonated oximes with E configuration (E−2a−H+) with MsO− anion to chiral hydroxylamines product R−3a/S−3a catalyzed by A1 and B1, respectively. According to the Curtin–Hammet principle, the major products are hydroxylamines S−3a for the reaction catalyzed by A1 and B1, which agrees well with the experimental results. This is due to the non-covalent interactions among the protonated substrate, MsO− anion and catalytic species. The hydrogen bond could not only stabilize the catalytic species, but also change the preference of stereoselectivity of this reaction.
A Polyoxometalate-Encapsulated Metal–Organic Framework Nanoplatform for Synergistic Photothermal–Chemotherapy and Anti-Inflammation of Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Wang Diqing , Wang Yuqi , Zhang Xinyu , Lv Qian , Ma Guiqi , Gao Yuan , Liu Shuangqing , Wang Chenyu , Li Changzhong , Sun Xiao , Wan Jipeng
Published: November 2022

Photothermal therapy (PTT), as a noninvasive and local treatment, has emerged as a promising anti-tumor strategy with minimal damage to normal tissue under spatiotemporally controllable irradiation. However, the necrosis of cancer cells during PTT will induce an inflammatory reaction, which may motivate tumor regeneration and resistance to therapy. In this study, polyoxometalates and a chloroquine diphosphate (CQ) co-loaded metal–organic framework nanoplatform with hyaluronic acid coating was constructed for efficient ovarian cancer therapy and anti-inflammation. Our results demonstrated that this nanoplatform not only displayed considerable photothermal therapeutic capacity under 808 nm near-infrared laser, but also had an impressive anti-inflammatory capacity by scavenging reactive oxygen species in the tumor microenvironment. CQ with pH dependence was used for the deacidification of lysosomes and the inhibition of autophagy, cutting off a self-protection pathway induced by cell necrosis–autophagy, and achieving the synergistic treatment of tumors. Therefore, we combined the excellent properties of these materials to synthesize a nanoplatform and explored its therapeutic effects in various aspects. This work provides a promising novel prospect for PTT/anti-inflammation/anti-autophagy combinations for efficient ovarian cancer treatment through the fine tuning of material design.
Surface Oxidation of Cu2O Nanoparticles by Adsorbed Ammonia
Authors: Lee Siwoo , Jang Ji Won , Ryu Young Bok
Published: November 2022

Copper-based nanoparticles have been intensively studied owing to their superior antibacterial activity. In this study, cuprous oxide (Cu2O) nanoparticles were synthesized using two different methods. In particular, two methods for synthesizing copper oxide from NaOH, namely, with and without the addition of NH3, were used to adjust the morphology of the nanoparticles. The nanoparticles from the NH3 and NaOH samples possessed an octahedral morphology. The crystal structure of the samples was confirmed by X-ray diffraction. The size distribution of the NH3 sample was narrower than that of the NaOH sample. Furthermore, the average size of the NH3 sample was smaller than that of the NaOH sample. Unexpectedly, the antibacterial activity of the NH3 sample was found to be lower than that of the NaOH sample. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy revealed that the adsorbed NH3 caused the surface oxidation of Cu2O nanoparticles with azide (N3) formation on surface.
Controlled Morphological Bending of 3D-FEBID Structures via Electron Beam Curing
Authors: Weitzer Anna , Winkler Robert , Kuhness David , Kothleitner Gerald , Plank Harald
Published: November 2022

Focused electron beam induced deposition (FEBID) is one of the few additive, direct-write manufacturing techniques capable of depositing complex 3D nanostructures. In this work, we explore post-growth electron beam curing (EBC) of such platinum-based FEBID deposits, where free-standing, sheet-like elements were deformed in a targeted manner by local irradiation without precursor gas present. This process diminishes the volumes of exposed regions and alters nano-grain sizes, which was comprehensively characterized by SEM, TEM and AFM and complemented by Monte Carlo simulations. For obtaining controlled and reproducible conditions for smooth, stable morphological bending, a wide range of parameters were varied, which will here be presented as a first step towards using local EBC as a tool to realize even more complex nano-architectures, beyond current 3D-FEBID capabilities, such as overhanging structures. We thereby open up a new prospect for future applications in research and development that could even be further developed towards functional imprinting.
PLA-ZnO/TiO2 Nanocomposite Obtained by Ultrasound-Assisted Melt-Extrusion for Adsorption of Methylene Blue
Authors: Andrade-Guel Marlene , Cabello-Alvarado Christian J. , Cadenas-Pliego Gregorio , Ávila-Orta Carlos Alberto
Published: November 2022

Access to fresh water is an increasing concern worldwide. The contamination of this vital liquid is largely caused by discharges of pollutants into rivers and seas from different types of industries. Waste dyes from different industries have been classified as harmful to health. In this study, polymeric nanomaterials based on polylactic acid (PLA) and nanoparticles of titanium dioxide (TiO2) and zinc oxide (ZnO) modified by ultrasound-assisted extrusion were obtained. These materials were evaluated by FTIR, DRX, TGA, DSC, SEM and methylene blue adsorption. From the results of the physicochemical characterizations, it was possible to observe the presence of TiO2 and ZnO nanoparticles dispersed in the polymeric matrix, increasing the crystallinity and thermal stability of the polymer. In addition, a good dispersion of the nanoparticles could be seen by means of SEM, due to the extrusion assisted by ultrasound. The methylene blue dye adsorption tests revealed that the best result was 98% dye adsorption in a time of 13 min for the 1.5% PZT sample. Additionally, this material could be used for 3 adsorption cycles without affecting its adsorbent properties.
Amphiphilic Silver Nanoparticles for Inkjet-Printable Conductive Inks
Authors: Ivanišević Irena , Kovačić Marin , Zubak Marko , Ressler Antonia , Krivačić Sara , Katančić Zvonimir , Gudan Pavlović Iva , Kassal Petar
Published: November 2022

The large-scale manufacturing of flexible electronics is nowadays based on inkjet printing technology using specially formulated conductive inks, but achieving adequate wetting of different surfaces remains a challenge. In this work, the development of a silver nanoparticle-based functional ink for printing on flexible paper and plastic substrates is demonstrated. Amphiphilic silver nanoparticles with narrow particle size distribution and good dispersibility were prepared via a two-step wet chemical synthesis procedure. First, silver nanoparticles capped with poly(acrylic acid) were prepared, followed by an amidation reaction with 3-morpholynopropylamine (MPA) to increase their lipophilicity. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations were performed to study the interactions between the particles and the dispersion medium in detail. The amphiphilic nanoparticles were dispersed in solvents of different polarity and their physicochemical and rheological properties were determined. A stable ink containing 10 wt% amphiphilic silver nanoparticles was formulated and inkjet-printed on different surfaces, followed by intense pulsed light (IPL) sintering. Low sheet resistances of 3.85 Ω sq–1, 0.57 Ω sq–1 and 19.7 Ω sq–1 were obtained for the paper, coated poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) and uncoated polyimide (PI) flexible substrates, respectively. Application of the nanoparticle ink for printed electronics was demonstrated via a simple flexible LED circuit.
Atomic-Level Sn Doping Effect in Ga2O3 Films Using Plasma-Enhanced Atomic Layer Deposition
Authors: Shen Yi , Ma Hong-Ping , Gu Lin , Zhang Jie , Huang Wei , Zhu Jing-Tao , Zhang Qing-Chun
Published: November 2022

In this work, the atomic level doping of Sn into Ga2O3 films was successfully deposited by using a plasma-enhanced atomic layer deposition method. Here, we systematically studied the changes in the chemical state, microstructure evolution, optical properties, energy band alignment, and electrical properties for various configurations of the Sn-doped Ga2O3 films. The results indicated that all the films have high transparency with an average transmittance of above 90% over ultraviolet and visible light wavelengths. X-ray reflectivity and spectroscopic ellipsometry measurement indicated that the Sn doping level affects the density, refractive index, and extinction coefficient. In particular, the chemical microstructure and energy band structure for the Sn-doped Ga2O3 films were analyzed and discussed in detail. With an increase in the Sn content, the ratio of Sn–O bonding increases, but by contrast, the proportion of the oxygen vacancies decreases. The reduction in the oxygen vacancy content leads to an increase in the valence band maximum, but the energy bandgap decreases from 4.73 to 4.31 eV. Moreover, with the increase in Sn content, the breakdown mode transformed the hard breakdown into the soft breakdown. The C-V characteristics proved that the Sn-doped Ga2O3 films have large permittivity. These studies offer a foundation and a systematical analysis for assisting the design and application of Ga2O3 film-based transparent devices.
Physical Activity Habits of Latvian Nursing Students: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Veseta Una , Lagzdiņa Rudīte , Rumaka Maija , Reide Lāsma , Arnis Voldemārs , Kampara Māra , Vīnberga Indra , Upeniece Irēna , Zolovs Maksims
Published: November 2022

It is important to integrate knowledge about the need for physical activities (PA) in the prevention and care of human health in nursing study programs so that nurses can promote PA among their patients. This study aims to evaluate the PA habits of Latvian nursing students. Participants were students of three universities in Latvia who were enrolled in a four-year bachelor study program, “Nursing”, with a total of 341 after the data cleaning (population size n = 1554). The questionnaire contained questions about sociodemographic variables derived from the survey of the Centre for Disease Prevention and Control of Latvia “Health Behaviour among Latvian Adult Population”, habits of PA, and International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form. The data were collected between September and November 2021. Both descriptive and inferential statistics (difference between groups, correlation, and association tests) were calculated to analyse the data. Of the study population, 39% did not reach the minimum WHO-recommended PA. Increased PA level in the later study years is related to more frequent engagement in work and fewer table activities in the curriculum study process, but the higher intensity and total PA could be related to the specifics of nurse and nurse assistant work, which could be especially intense due to the overloaded health care system during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Using Colour as a Marker for Coral ‘Health’: A Study on Hyperspectral Reflectance and Fluorescence Imaging of Thermally Induced Coral Bleaching
Authors: Teague Jonathan , Willans Jack , Megson-Smith David A. , Day John C. C. , Allen Michael J. , Scott Thomas B.
Published: November 2022

Rising oceanic temperatures create more frequent coral bleaching events worldwide and as such there exists a need for rapid, non-destructive survey techniques to gather greater and higher definition information than that offered by traditional spectral based monitoring systems. Here, we examine thermally induced laboratory bleaching of Montipora capricornis and Montipora confusa samples, utilising hyperspectral data to gain an understanding of coral bleaching from a spectral standpoint. The data revealed several characteristic spectral peaks that can be used to make health determinations. The fluorescence peaks are attributed to fluorescent proteins (FPs) and Chlorophyll-a fluorescence. The reflectance peaks can be attributed to Chlorophyll absorption and accessory pigments such as Peridinin and Diadinoxanthin. Each characteristic spectral peak or ‘marker’ allows for observation of each aspect of coral health and hence, simultaneous monitoring of these markers using hyperspectral imaging techniques provides an opportunity to better understand the processes occurring during bleaching and the rates at which they occur relative to one another.
Design of a Highly Sensitive Detector Using a Ternary Photonic Crystal (PC) Based on Titanium Nitride Sandwiched between Si and SiO2 for the Creatinine Concentration Detection in the Blood Serum
Authors: Daher Malek G. , Trabelsi Youssef , Panda Abinash , Gevorgyan Ashot H. , Abohassan Khedr M. , Smirani Lassaad K. , Altahan Baraa Riyadh , Rashed Ahmed Nabih Zaki
Published: November 2022

It is very important to design a rapid and sensitive device for the creatinine concentration detection due to it being one of the most considerable benchmarks for efficient kidney working. Here, a novel biophotonic sensor using one-dimensional ternary PC based on Si/TiN/SiO2 layers is proposed for the creatinine concentration detection in a blood serum sample. A central cavity layer is inserted between two equal periodic numbers. The blood sample can be infiltrated in the cavity layer with various creatinine concentrations. Based on the technique of transfer matrix, the transmittance spectra properties are investigated. The influences of variation of the incidence angle for both TE and TM polarizations and the cavity layer thickness are carefully investigated to attain the best sensitivity of the biophotonic detector. A high sensitivity of 938.02 nm/RIU is realized for the suggested detector, which is comparable to most recent works published in this area. Moreover, the proposed sensor has an inexpensive cost, real-time detection, and simple structure, which is helpful to the industrial design using low-cost product nanofabrication techniques. Based on above-mentioned outcomes, our biosensor candidate is a suitable and effective device for the detection of creatinine concentration, and it can use for any biological sample.
A Highly Effective African Swine Fever Virus Vaccine Elicits a Memory T Cell Response in Vaccinated Swine
Authors: Attreed Sarah E. , Silva Christina , Abbott Sophia , Ramirez-Medina Elizabeth , Espinoza Nallely , Borca Manuel V. , Gladue Douglas P. , Diaz-San Segundo Fayna
Published: November 2022

African Swine Fever Virus (ASFV) is the causative agent of a highly contagious and lethal vector-borne disease in suids. Recently, a live attenuated virus strain, developed using the currently circulating, virulent Georgia strain (ASFV-G) with a single gene deletion (ASFV-G-ΔI177L), resulted in an effective vaccine. Nevertheless, protective immune response mechanisms induced by this candidate are poorly understood. In this study, Yorkshire crossbred swine intramuscularly vaccinated with 106 50% hemadsorption dose (HAD50) of ASFV-G-ΔI177L or a vehicle control were challenged at 28 days post-inoculation (dpi) with 102 HAD50 of ASFV-G. Analysis of purified peripheral blood mononuclear cells following inoculation and challenge revealed that CD4+, CD8+ and CD4+CD8+ central memory T cells (CD44+CD25−CD27−CD62L+CCR7+, Tcm) decreased significantly by 28 dpi in ASFV-G-ΔI177L-vaccinated swine compared to baseline and time-matched controls. Conversely, CD4+, CD8+ and CD4+CD8+ effector memory T cells (CD44+CD25−CD27−CD62−CCR7−, Tem) increased significantly among ASFV-G-ΔI177L-vaccined swine by 28 dpi compared to baseline and time-matched controls. Additionally, the percentage of natural killer (NK), CD4+ and CD4+CD8+ Tem and CD8+ Tcm and Tem positive for IFNγ increased significantly following inoculation, surpassing that of controls by 28 dpi or earlier. These results suggest that NK and memory T cells play a role in protective immunity and suggest that studying these cell populations may be a surrogate immunity marker in ASF vaccination.
Pathotype Characterization of Plasmodiophora brassicae, the Cause of Clubroot in Central Europe and Sweden (2016–2020)
Authors: Zamani-Noor Nazanin , Wallenhammar Ann-Charlotte , Kaczmarek Joanna , Patar Usha Rani , Zouhar Miloslav , Manasova Marie , Jędryczka Małgorzata
Published: November 2022

Clubroot, caused by Plasmodiophora brassicae, is a crucial oilseed rape disease worldwide. Information on the virulence of P. brassicae populations is essential to apply disease control with proper clubroot-resistant cultivars. In 2016–2020, 84 isolates of P. brassicae were collected in the Czech Republic (CZ), Germany (DE), Poland (PL), and Sweden (SW). Pathotypes were designated using 17 Brassica hosts, including the European Clubroot Differentials (ECD), Somé set, and clubroot-resistant oilseed rape cv. Mendel. According to the ECD set, virulence analyses differentiated the isolates into 42 pathotypes. The most common pathotypes were 16/31/31 (in DE, PL, and SW) and 16/06/12 (in CZ, DE, and PL). Six pathotypes were found according to the Somé set, including 1–4 pathotypes per country. P1 was most prevalent in DE, PL, and SW, while P3 was abundant in CZ, DE, and PL. The current study provides clear evidence for a shift towards increased virulence in P. brassicae populations compared to previous studies. Several isolates overcame the resistance of cv. Mendel and of Brassica rapa genotypes ECD 01 to ECD 04. Considering all investigated samples, significant negative correlations were found between clubroot incidence and the frequency of oilseed rape in crop rotation, as for clubroot incidence and soil pH.
Serotyping and Antimicrobial Susceptibility Profiling of Glaesserella parasuis Isolated from Diseased Swine in Brazil
Authors: Silva Givago Faria Ribeiro , Moreno Luisa Zanolli , Matajira Carlos Emílio Cabrera , Silva Ana Paula Santos , Araújo Kawany Miyazaki , Gomes Vasco Túlio Moura , Barbosa Mikaela Renata Funada , Sato Maria Inês Zanolli , Moreno Andrea Micke
Published: November 2022

Glaesserella parasuis is one of the major pathogens in swine intensive production systems. To date, 15 serovars have been described, and the prevalence of these serotypes in different geographical regions has been identified by several methods. G. parasuis outbreaks could be controlled with vaccination if it were not for serovar diversity and limited cross-serovar protection; consequently, antibiotic therapy continues to be necessary for infection control. Here, we present the isolation, identification, serotyping, and antibiotic susceptibility profiling of G. parasuis from diseased swine in Brazil. A total of 105 G. parasuis strains, originating from nine different Brazilian states, were evaluated, and serotypes 4 and 5 were found to be the most prevalent (27.6% and 24.8% respectively). Aminoglycosides, florfenicol, tiamulin, and β-lactams were tested, and they presented lower resistant rates against G. parasuis strains. The highest resistance rates were observed against tylosin (97.1%), sulfadimethoxine (89.5%), danofloxacin (80%), trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (62.5%), enrofloxacin (54.3%), and clindamycin (50.5%). Multidrug resistance was detected in 89.5% of tested strains, and a total of sixty resistance profiles were identified. The cluster analysis of resistance patterns showed no correlation with the isolation year or G. parasuis serotype.
Characterization of a New Temperate Escherichia coli Phage vB_EcoP_ZX5 and Its Regulatory Protein
Authors: Li Ping , Yong Shanghai , Zhou Xin , Shen Jiayin
Published: November 2022

The study of the interaction between temperate phages and bacteria is vital to understand their role in the development of human diseases. In this study, a novel temperate Escherichia coli phage, vB_EcoP_ZX5, with a genome size of 39,565 bp, was isolated from human fecal samples. It has a short tail and belongs to the genus Uetakevirus and the family Podoviridae. Phage vB_EcoP_ZX5 encodes three lysogeny-related proteins (ORF12, ORF21, and ORF4) and can be integrated into the 3′-end of guaA of its host E. coli YO1 for stable transmission to offspring bacteria. Phage vB_EcoP_ZX5 in lysogenized E. coli YO1+ was induced spontaneously, with a free phage titer of 107 PFU/mL. The integration of vB_EcoP_ZX5 had no significant effect on growth, biofilm, environmental stress response, antibiotic sensitivity, adherence to HeLa cells, and virulence of E. coli YO1. The ORF4 anti-repressor, ORF12 integrase, and ORF21 repressors that affect the lytic–lysogenic cycle of vB_EcoP_ZX5 were verified by protein overexpression. We could tell from changes of the number of total phages and the transcription level of phage genes that repressor protein is the key determinant of lytic-to-lysogenic conversion, and anti-repressor protein promotes the conversion from lysogenic cycle to lytic cycle.
Development of Ag-ZnO/AgO Nanocomposites Effectives for Leishmania braziliensis Treatment
Authors: Barbosa Rafaela Miranda , Obata Malu Mateus Santos , Neto José Rodrigues do Carmo , Guerra Rhanoica Oliveira , Borges Anna Victória Bernardes e , Trevisan Rafael Obata , Ruiz Letícia Cirelli , Bernardi Júlia de Moura , Oliveira-Scussel Ana Carolina de Morais , Vaz Tanaka Sarah Cristina Sato , de Vito Fernanda Bernadelli , Helmo Fernanda Rodrigues , de Assunção Thaís Soares Farnesi , Machado Juliana Reis , de Oliveira Carlo José Freire , Júnior Virmondes Rodrigues , Silva Anielle Christine Almeida , da Silva Marcos Vinicius
Published: November 2022

Tegumentary leishmaniasis (TL) is caused by parasites of the genus Leishmania. Leishmania braziliensis (L.b) is one of the most clinically relevant pathogens that affects the skin and mucosa, causing single or multiple disfiguring and life-threatening injuries. Even so, the few treatment options for patients have significant toxicity, high dropout rates, high cost, and the emergence of resistant strains, which implies the need for studies to promote new and better treatments to combat the disease. Zinc oxide nanocrystals are microbicidal and immunomodulatory agents. Here, we develop new Ag-ZnO/xAgO nanocomposites (NCPs) with three different percentages of silver oxide (AgO) nanocrystals (x = 49%, 65%, and 68%) that could act as an option for tegumentary leishmaniasis treatment. Our findings showed that 65% and 68% of AgO inhibit the extra and intracellular replication of L.b. and present a high selectivity index. Ag-ZnO/65%AgO NCPs modulate activation, expression of surface receptors, and cytokine production by human peripheral blood mononuclear cells toward a proinflammatory phenotype. These results point to new Ag-ZnO/AgO nanocomposites as a promising option for L. braziliensis treatment.
Impact of Cytochrome Induction or Inhibition on the Plasma and Brain Kinetics of [11C]metoclopramide, a PET Probe for P-Glycoprotein Function at the Blood-Brain Barrier
Authors: Breuil Louise , Ziani Nora , Leterrier Sarah , Hugon Gaëlle , Caillé Fabien , Bouilleret Viviane , Truillet Charles , Goislard Maud , El Biali Myriam , Bauer Martin , Langer Oliver , Goutal Sébastien , Tournier Nicolas
Published: November 2022

[11C]metoclopramide PET imaging provides a sensitive and translational tool to explore P-glycoprotein (P-gp) function at the blood-brain barrier (BBB). Patients with neurological diseases are often treated with cytochrome (CYP) modulators which may impact the plasma and brain kinetics of [11C]metoclopramide. The impact of the CYP inducer carbamazepine or the CYP inhibitor ritonavir on the brain and plasma kinetics of [11C]metoclopramide was investigated in rats. Data obtained in a control group were compared with groups that were either orally pretreated with carbamazepine (45 mg/kg twice a day for 7 days before PET) or ritonavir (20 mg/kg, 3 h before PET) (n = 4 per condition). Kinetic modelling was performed to estimate the brain penetration (VT) of [11C]metoclopramide. CYP induction or inhibition had negligible impact on the plasma kinetics and metabolism of [11C]metoclopramide. Moreover, carbamazepine neither impacted the brain kinetics nor VT of [11C]metoclopramide (p > 0.05). However, ritonavir significantly increased VT (p < 0.001), apparently behaving as an inhibitor of P-gp at the BBB. Our data suggest that treatment with potent CYP inducers such as carbamazepine does not bias the estimation of P-gp function at the BBB with [11C]metoclopramide PET. This supports further use of [11C]metoclopramide for studies in animals and patients treated with CYP inducers.