bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Microbial Recycling of Polylactic Acid Food Packaging Waste into Carboxylates via Hydrolysis and Mixed-Culture Fermentation
Authors: Strik David P. B. T. B. , Heusschen Brian
Published: August 2023

To establish a circular economy, waste streams should be used as a resource to produce valuable products. Biodegradable plastic waste represents a potential feedstock to be microbially recycled via a carboxylate platform. Bioplastics such as polylactic acid food packaging waste (PLA-FPW) are theoretically suitable feedstocks for producing carboxylates. Once feasible, carboxylates such as acetate, n-butyrate, or n-caproate can be used for various applications like lubricants or building blocks for making new bioplastics. In this study, pieces of industrial compostable PLA-FPW material (at 30 or 60 g/L) were added to a watery medium with microbial growth nutrients. This broth was exposed to 70 °C for a pretreatment process to support the hydrolysis of PLA into lactic acid at a maximum rate of 3.0 g/L×d. After 21 days, the broths of the hydrolysis experiments were centrifugated and a part of the supernatant was extracted and prepared for anaerobic fermentation. The mixed microbial culture, originating from a food waste fermentation bioprocess, successfully fermented the hydrolyzed PLA into a spectrum of new C2-C6 multi-carbon carboxylates. n-butyrate was the major product for all fermentations and, on average, 6.5 g/L n-butyrate was obtained from 60 g/L PLA-FPW materials. The wide array of products were likely due to various microbial processes, including lactate conversion into acetate and propionate, as well as lactate-based chain elongation to produce medium-chain carboxylates. The fermentation process did not require pH control. Overall, we showed a proof-of-concept in using real bioplastic waste as feedstock to produce valuable C2-C6 carboxylates via microbial recycling.
The Immunogenicity and Safety of Mycobacterium tuberculosis-mosR-Based Double Deletion Strain in Mice
Authors: Hildebrand Rachel E. , Hansen Chungyi , Kingstad-Bakke Brock , Wu Chia-Wei , Suresh Marulasiddappa , Talaat Adel
Published: August 2023

Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M. tuberculosis) remains a significant global health threat, accounting for ~1.7 million deaths annually. The efficacy of the current vaccine, M. bovis BCG, ranges from 0 to 80% in children and does not prevent adulthood tuberculosis. We explored the immune profile and safety of a live-attenuated M. tuberculosis construct with double deletions of the mosR and echA7 genes, where previously, single mutations were protective against an M. tuberculosis aerosol challenge. Over 32 weeks post-vaccination (WPV), immunized mice with M. tuberculosisΔmosRΔechA7 (double mutant) were sacrificed to evaluate the vaccine persistence, histopathology, and immune responses. Interestingly, despite similar tissue colonization between the vaccine double mutant and wild-type M. tuberculosis, the vaccine construct showed a greater reaction to the ESAT-6, TB.10, and Ag85B antigens with peptide stimulation. Additionally, there was a greater number of antigen-specific CD4 T cells in the vaccine group, accompanied by significant polyfunctional T-cell responses not observed in the other groups. Histologically, mild but widely distributed inflammatory responses were recorded in the livers and lungs of the immunized animals at early timepoints, which turned into organized inflammatory foci via 32WPV, a pathology not observed in BCG-immunized mice. A lower double-mutant dose resulted in significantly less tissue colonization and less tissue inflammation. Overall, the double-mutant vaccine elicited robust immune responses dominated by antigen-specific CD4 T cells, but also triggered tissue damage and vaccine persistence. The findings highlight key features associated with the immunogenicity and safety of the examined vaccine construct that can benefit the future evaluation of other live vaccines.
Gut Microbiota and Respiratory Infections: Insights from Mendelian Randomization
Authors: Huang Shengyu , Li Jiaqi , Zhu Zhihao , Liu Xiaobin , Shen Tuo , Wang Yusong , Ma Qimin , Wang Xin , Yang Guangping , Guo Guanghua , Zhu Feng
Published: August 2023

The role of the gut microbiota in modulating the risk of respiratory infections has garnered increasing attention. However, conventional clinical trials have faced challenges in establishing the precise relationship between the two. In this study, we conducted a Mendelian randomization analysis with single nucleotide polymorphisms employed as instrumental variables to assess the causal links between the gut microbiota and respiratory infections. Two categories of bacteria, family Lactobacillaceae and genus Family XIII AD3011, were causally associated with the occurrence of upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs). Four categories of gut microbiota existed that were causally associated with lower respiratory tract infections (LRTIs), with order Bacillales and genus Paraprevotella showing a positive association and genus Alistipes and genus Ruminococcaceae UCG009 showing a negative association. The metabolites and metabolic pathways only played a role in the development of LRTIs, with the metabolite deoxycholine acting negatively and menaquinol 8 biosynthesis acting positively. The identification of specific bacterial populations, metabolites, and pathways may provide new clues for mechanism research concerning therapeutic interventions for respiratory infections. Future research should focus on elucidating the potential mechanisms regulating the gut microbiota and developing effective strategies to reduce the incidence of respiratory infections. These findings have the potential to significantly improve global respiratory health.
The Probiotic Bacillus subtilis MB40 Improves Immunity in a Porcine Model of Listeriosis
Authors: Garvey Sean M. , Emami Nima K. , Guice Justin L. , Sriranganathan Nammalwar , Penet Christopher , Rhoads Robert P. , Spears Jessica L. , Dalloul Rami A. , El-Kadi Samer W.
Published: August 2023

Probiotics for humans and direct-fed microbials for livestock are increasingly popular dietary ingredients for supporting immunity. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of dietary supplementation of Bacillus subtilis MB40 (MB40) on immunity in piglets challenged with the foodborne pathogen Listeria monocytogenes (LM). Three-week-old piglets (n = 32) were randomly assigned to four groups: (1) basal diet, (2) basal diet with LM challenge, (3) MB40-supplemented diet, and (4) MB40-supplemented diet with LM challenge. Experimental diets were provided throughout a 14-day (d) period. On d8, piglets in groups 2 and 4 were intraperitoneally inoculated with LM at 108 CFU/mL per piglet. Blood samples were collected at d1, d8, and d15 for biochemical and immune response profiling. Animals were euthanized and necropsied at d15 for liver and spleen bacterial counts and intestinal morphological analysis. At d15, LM challenge was associated with increased spleen weight (p = 0.017), greater circulating populations of neutrophils (p = 0.001) and monocytes (p = 0.008), and reduced ileal villus height to crypt depth ratio (p = 0.009), compared to non-challenged controls. MB40 supplementation reduced LM bacterial counts in the liver and spleen by 67% (p < 0.001) and 49% (p < 0.001), respectively, following the LM challenge, compared to the basal diet. MB40 supplementation was also associated with decreased circulating concentrations of monocytes (p = 0.007). Altogether, these data suggest that MB40 supplementation is a safe and well-tolerated approach to enhance immunity during systemic Listeria infection.
Physiological and Transcriptomic Analyses of Escherichia coli Serotype O157:H7 in Response to Rhamnolipid Treatment
Authors: Yang Shuo , Ma Lan , Xu Xiaoqing , Peng Qing , Zhong Huiying , Gong Yuxin , Shi Linbo , He Mengxin , Shi Bo , Qiao Yu
Published: August 2023

Rhamnolipid (RL) can inhibit biofilm formation of Escherichia coli O157:H7, but the associated mechanism remains unknown. We here conducted comparative physiological and transcriptomic analyses of cultures treated with RL and untreated cultures to elucidate a potential mechanism by which RL may inhibit biofilm formation in E. coli O157:H7. Anti-biofilm assays showed that over 70% of the E. coli O157:H7 biofilm formation capacity was inhibited by treatment with 0.25–1 mg/mL of RL. Cellular-level physiological analysis revealed that a high concentration of RL significantly reduced outer membrane hydrophobicity. E. coli cell membrane integrity and permeability were also significantly affected by RL due to an increase in the release of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) from the cell membrane. Furthermore, transcriptomic profiling showed 2601 differentially expressed genes (1344 up-regulated and 1257 down-regulated) in cells treated with RL compared to untreated cells. Functional enrichment analysis indicated that RL treatment up-regulated biosynthetic genes responsible for LPS synthesis, outer membrane protein synthesis, and flagellar assembly, and down-regulated genes required for poly-N-acetyl-glucosamine biosynthesis and genes present in the locus of enterocyte effacement pathogenicity island. In summary, RL treatment inhibited E. coli O157:H7 biofilm formation by modifying key outer membrane surface properties and expression levels of adhesion genes.
Ultrafine Particle Flotation in a Concept Flotation Cell Combining Turbulent Mixing Zone and Deep Froth Fractionation with a Special Focus on the Property Vector of Particles
Authors: Sygusch Johanna , Stefenelli Nora , Rudolph Martin
Published: August 2023

Froth flotation faces increasing challenges in separating particles as those become finer and more complex, thus reducing the efficiency of the separation process. A lab flotation apparatus has been designed combining the advantages of agitator-type froth flotation for high turbulences and column flotation with a deep froth zone for a fractionating effect, also enabling a study on the effect of different particle property vectors. A model system of ultrafine (<10 µm) particles was used for flotation to study how the separation process is influenced by the ultrafine property vectors of shape and wettability. To evaluate the new apparatus, flotation tests were carried out in a benchmark mechanical flotation cell under comparable conditions. Higher wettabilities result in higher recoveries, but the results show that optimum levels of hydrophobicity vary for different particle shapes. Different behaviours are observed for differently shaped particles, depending on their wettability state. The entrainment of unwanted gangue is reduced with increasing froth depth. While higher recoveries are obtained for the benchmark cell, the newly developed apparatus produces concentrates with higher grades. Our findings contribute to ultrafine flotation techniques and especially our understanding of the complex effect of particle shape in combination with the other property vectors.
Pore Structure Characteristics and Main Control Factors of Sandstone in the Jurassic Zhiluo Formation in the Northern Ordos Basin
Authors: Liu Xiaofeng , Guo Xiaodan , Hong Zenglin , Xue Xuping , Li Shifeng
Published: August 2023

The Jurassic Yan’an Formation in the Ordos Basin is one of the main coal seams mined in the basin, and the enrichment of water bodies in the upper part of this coal seam is closely related to the sand bodies in the Zhiluo Formation. This study is based on the use of core observations in the northern part of the Ordos Basin for studying the pore characteristics of the permeable sand layer of the Zhiluo Formation in the study area through testing methods such as ordinary thin sections, cast thin sections, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), mercury intrusions, and physical property analysis. The results indicate that the primary pores of the Zhiluo Formation sandstone in the study area include primary intergranular pores, residual intergranular pores, and interstitial micropores. The secondary pores are mainly intergranular pores, feldspar dissolution pores, and rock debris dissolution pores. The throat-type pores are mainly variable fault contractions, sheets, curved sheets, and bundle-shaped throats. The pore structures of the Zhiluo Formation sandstone in the research area are complex, and the permeability is influenced by the throat characteristics. The main controlling factors of the pore structure characteristics of the Zhiluo Formation sandstone in the study area are sedimentation and diagenesis. Compaction and cementation are the main factors that destroy the sandstone pore structure, while later dissolution plays a certain role in the improvement of the pores. Section 1 of the Zhiluo Formation is greatly affected by diagenesis, and section 2 is greatly affected by sedimentation.
Three Iodoargentate-Based Hybrids Decorated by Metal Complexes: Structures, Optical/Photoelectric Properties and Theoretical Studies
Authors: Liu Minghui , Ren Xiaochen , Wen Weiyang , Li Baohan , Li Jiaqi , Li Jun , Zhang Bo
Published: August 2023

So far, the development of new iodoargentate-based hybrids, especially those compounds with metal complex cations, and the understanding of their structure–activity relationships have been of vital importance but full of challenges. Herein, using the in-situ-generated metal complex cations as structural directing agents, three new iodoargentate-based hybrids, namely, [Co(phen)3]Ag2PbI6 (phen = 1,10-phenanthroline; 1), [Ni(5,5-dmpy)3]Ag7I9·CH3CN (5,5-dmpy = 5,5-dimethyl-2,2-bipyridine; 2) and [Co(5,5-dmpy)3]Ag5I8 (3), have been solvothermally prepared and then structurally characterized. Compound 1 represents one new heterometallic Ag–Pb–I compound characteristic of the chain-like [Ag2PbI6]n2n− anions. Compound 2 features the straight one-dimensional (1D) [Ag7I9]n2n− anionic moieties, while compound 3 contains infrequent two types of curved [Ag5I8]n3n− anions. Optical properties reveal that the title compounds exhibit interesting semiconductor behaviors with the band gaps of 1.59–2.78 eV, which endow them with good photoelectric switching performances under the alternate light irradiations. We also present their Hirshfeld surface analyses, and the theoretical studies (band structures, density of states (DOS) and partial density of states (PDOS)).
A New Exopolysaccharide from a Wood-Decaying Fungus Spongipellis borealis for a Wide Range of Biotechnological Applications
Authors: Fornal Michał , Osińska-Jaroszuk Monika , Jaszek Magdalena , Stefaniuk Dawid , Wiater Adrian , Komaniecka Iwona , Matuszewski Łukasz , Matuszewska Anna
Published: August 2023

Fungi are a unique natural resource rich in polysaccharides, proteins, and other components. Polysaccharides are considered one of the most important bioactive components in fungi. Increasing numbers of studies have confirmed that fungal polysaccharides have various biological activities. Given these facts, the main aim of this investigation was to carry out isolation, identification, and structural characterisation of a new polysaccharide (EPS) derived from laboratory-cultured vegetative mycelium of a new Spongipellis borealis strain isolated from the environment. The examination of monosaccharides in the EPS demonstrated that the isolated biopolymer was composed mainly of glucose, galactose, and mannose monomers. The analysis of the methylation of the studied polymer indicated that it contained mainly terminal, →3)-linked, →4)-linked, and →2,4)-linked hexoses. The effect of fungal polysaccharides on S. borealis proteolytic enzymes (pepsin, trypsin, and pycnoporopepsin) and laccase activity was determined for the first time. Incubation of the enzyme preparation and EPS showed an influence of EPS on the stability of these enzymes, compared to the control values (without EPS).
Creative Use of OpenAI in Education: Case Studies from Game Development
Authors: French Fiona , Levi David , Maczo Csaba , Simonaityte Aiste , Triantafyllidis Stefanos , Varda Gergo
Published: August 2023

Educators and students have shown significant interest in the potential for generative artificial intelligence (AI) technologies to support student learning outcomes, for example, by offering personalized experiences, 24 h conversational assistance, text editing and help with problem-solving. We review contemporary perspectives on the value of AI as a tool in an educational context and describe our recent research with undergraduate students, discussing why and how we integrated OpenAI tools ChatGPT and Dall-E into the curriculum during the 2022–2023 academic year. A small cohort of games programming students in the School of Computing and Digital Media at London Metropolitan University was given a research and development assignment that explicitly required them to engage with OpenAI. They were tasked with evaluating OpenAI tools in the context of game development, demonstrating a working solution and reporting on their findings. We present five case studies that showcase some of the outputs from the students and we discuss their work. This mode of assessment was both productive and popular, mapping to students’ interests and helping to refine their skills in programming, problem-solving, critical reflection and exploratory design.
Artificial SiNz:H Synapse Crossbar Arrays with Gradual Conductive Pathway for High-Accuracy Neuromorphic Computing
Authors: Chen Tong , Ma Zhongyuan , Hu Hongsheng , Yang Yang , Zhou Chengfeng , Shen Furao , Xu Haitao , Xu Jun , Xu Ling , Li Wei , Chen Kunji
Published: August 2023

Inspired by its highly efficient capability to deal with big data, the brain-like computational system has attracted a great amount of attention for its ability to outperform the von Neumann computation paradigm. As the core of the neuromorphic computing chip, an artificial synapse based on the memristor, with a high accuracy in processing images, is highly desired. We report, for the first time, that artificial synapse arrays with a high accuracy in image recognition can be obtained through the fabrication of a SiNz:H memristor with a gradient Si/N ratio. The training accuracy of SiNz:H synapse arrays for image learning can reach 93.65%. The temperature-dependent I–V characteristic reveals that the gradual Si dangling bond pathway makes the main contribution towards improving the linearity of the tunable conductance. The thinner diameter and fixed disconnection point in the gradual pathway are of benefit in enhancing the accuracy of visual identification. The artificial SiNz:H synapse arrays display stable and uniform biological functions, such as the short-term biosynaptic functions, including spike-duration-dependent plasticity, spike-number-dependent plasticity, and paired-pulse facilitation, as well as the long-term ones, such as long-term potentiation, long-term depression, and spike-time-dependent plasticity. The highly efficient visual learning capability of the artificial SiNz:H synapse with a gradual conductive pathway for neuromorphic systems hold great application potential in the age of artificial intelligence (AI).
Carbon-Supported High-Loading Sub-4 nm PtCo Alloy Electrocatalysts for Superior Oxygen Reduction Reaction
Authors: Xiang Linlin , Hu Yunqin , Zhao Yanyan , Cao Sufeng , Kuai Long
Published: August 2023

Increasing the loading density of nanoparticles on carbon support is essential for making Pt-alloy/C catalysts practical in H2-air fuel cells. The challenge lies in increasing the loading while suppressing the sintering of Pt-alloy nanoparticles. This work presents a 40% Pt-weighted sub-4 nm PtCo/C alloy catalyst via a simple incipient wetness impregnation method. By carefully optimizing the synthetic conditions such as Pt/Co ratios, calcination temperature, and time, the size of supported PtCo alloy nanoparticles is successfully controlled below 4 nm, and a high electrochemical surface area of 93.8 m2/g is achieved, which is 3.4 times that of commercial PtCo/C-TKK catalysts. Demonstrated by electrochemical oxygen reduction reactions, PtCo/C alloy catalysts present an enhanced mass activity of 0.465 A/mg at 0.9 V vs. RHE, which is 2.0 times that of the PtCo/C-TKK catalyst. Therefore, the developed PtCo/C alloy catalyst has the potential to be a highly practical catalyst for H2–air fuel cells.
Au- or Ag-Decorated ZnO-Rod/rGO Nanocomposite with Enhanced Room-Temperature NO2-Sensing Performance
Authors: Huang Ke , Lu Junfeng , Li Donglin , Chen Xianjia , Jin Dingfeng , Jin Hongxiao
Published: August 2023

To improve the gas sensitivity of reduced oxide graphene (rGO)-based NO2 room-temperature sensors, different contents (0–3 wt%) of rGO, ZnO rods, and noble metal nanoparticles (Au or Ag NPs) were synthesized to construct ternary hybrids that combine the advantages of each component. The prepared ZnO rods had a diameter of around 200 nm and a length of about 2 μm. Au or Ag NPs with diameters of 20–30 nm were loaded on the ZnO-rod/rGO hybrid. It was found that rGO simply connects the monodispersed ZnO rods and does not change the morphology of ZnO rods. In addition, the rod-like ZnO prevents rGO stacking and makes nanocomposite-based ZnO/rGO achieve a porous structure, which facilitates the diffusion of gas molecules. The sensors’ gas-sensing properties for NO2 were evaluated. The results reveal that Ag@ZnO rods-2% rGO and Au@ZnO rods-2% rGO perform better in low concentrations of NO2 gas, with greater response and shorter recovery time at the ambient temperature. The response and recovery times with 15 ppm NO2 were 132 s, 139 s and 108 s, 120 s, and the sensitivity values were 2.26 and 2.87, respectively. The synergistic impact of ZnO and Au (Ag) doping was proposed to explain the improved gas sensing. The p-n junction formed on the ZnO and rGO interface and the catalytic effects of Au (Ag) NPs are the main reasons for the enhanced sensitivity of Au (Ag)@ZnO rods-2% rGO.
Improvement of the Stability and Optical Properties of CsPbBr3 QDs
Authors: Wang Jiaming , Zou Li , Yang Meili , Cheng Jiajie , Jiang Yufan , Huang Guangdong , Dong Jingjing
Published: August 2023

All-inorganic perovskite quantum dots (CsPbX3 QDs) (X = Cl, Br, I) have the advantages of adjustable emission position, narrow emission spectrum, high fluorescence quantum efficiency (PLQY), easy preparation, and elevated defect tolerance; therefore, they are widely used in optoelectronic devices, such as solar cells, light-emitting diodes, and lasers. However, their stability still constrains their development due to their intrinsic crystal structure, ionic exchange of surface ligands, and exceptional sensitivity to environmental factors, such as light, water, oxygen, and heat. Therefore, in this paper, we investigate the stability improvement of CsPbX3 QDs and apply fabricated high-efficiency, stable perovskite QDs to solar cells to improve the performance of the cells further. In this paper, we focus on CsPbBr3 QDs with intrinsic extreme stability and optimize CsPbBr3 QDs using strategies, such as Mn+ doping, ligand regulation, and polymer encapsulation, which can improve optical properties while ensuring their stability. The test results show that the above five methods can improve the strength and luminescence performance of QDs, with the best stability achieved when PMMA encapsulates QDs with a ratio of PMMA = 2:1 and PLQY increases from 60.2% to 90.1%.
Acculturation as a Determinant of Obesity and Related Lifestyle Behaviors in a Multi-Ethnic Asian Population
Authors: Park Su Hyun , Lee Yu Qi , Müller-Riemenschneider Falk , Dickens Borame Sue Lee , van Dam Rob M.
Published: August 2023

Limited attention has been given to the role of cultural orientation towards different ethnic groups in multi-ethnic settings without a dominant host culture. We evaluated whether acculturation levels, reflecting cultural orientation towards other ethnic groups, were associated with obesity and related lifestyle behaviors in a cosmopolitan Asian population. We conducted the current study based on data from the Singapore Multi-Ethnic Cohort (N = 10,622) consisting of ethnic Chinese, Malays, and Indians aged 21 to 75 years. Multivariable linear and logistic regression analyses were used to examine associations between the acculturation level (z-score), obesity, and related lifestyle behaviors, including dietary habits and physical activity. A higher acculturation level was directly associated with a higher prevalence of obesity among Chinese, whereas an inverse association was found for ethnic Indians, and no significant association in Malays. In ethnic Malays, greater acculturation was significantly associated with higher dietary quality and less sedentary time. Furthermore, a high acculturation level was significantly associated with higher sugar-sweetened beverage consumption and more leisure-time PA in all ethnic groups. Our findings suggest that greater cultural orientation towards other ethnic groups was associated with convergence in obesity levels. More research is required to understand how acculturation affects obesity-related lifestyle factors in multi-ethnic settings.
One Season in Professional Cycling Is Enough to Negatively Affect Bone Health
Authors: Martínez-Noguera Francisco Javier , Alcaraz Pedro E. , Ortolano-Ríos Raquel , Marín-Pagán Cristian
Published: August 2023

Cycling is a very popular sport worldwide, and several studies have already indicated that cycling at various levels has a negative impact on bone health. This is of concern to both performance and health managers of many cycling teams at different levels because of its economic and social impact. Based on the scientific literature, we hypothesize that a single season at the professional level can negatively affect bone health status. The aim of this study was to assess how professional cycling affects bone health markers after one season. Densitometry was used to measure the bone mineral density (BMD), bone mineral content (BMC), bone area (BA), fat mass (FM), fat-free mass (FFM), T-score and Z-score in professional cyclists after one season. After one season at the professional level, cyclists’ BMD decreased significantly in the legs, trunk, ribs and pelvis (p ≤ 0.05). BMC decreased in the arms and spine (p ≤ 0.05). BA decreased significantly in the arms and spine (p ≤ 0.05). In addition, a significant decrease in Z-score (p ≤ 0.05) and a decreasing trend in T-score and total BMD (p = 0.06) were observed. One season of professional cycling is enough to negatively affect bone health status.
Granulomatous Secondary Syphilis: A Case Report with a Brief Overview of the Diagnostic Role of Immunohistochemistry
Authors: Ambrogio Francesca , Cazzato Gerardo , Foti Caterina , Grandolfo Mauro , Mennuni Gisella Biagina , Vena Gino Antonio , Cassano Nicoletta , Lettini Teresa , Castronovi Cosimo , Ingordo Vito , Romita Paolo , Filotico Raffaele
Published: August 2023

The diagnosis of syphilis can be challenging for dermatologists and dermatopathologists. In particular, secondary syphilis can have different clinical and histopathological presentations. A granulomatous tissue response is an unusual finding in secondary syphilis. We report the case of a 77-year-old man who presented with a 4-week history of non-pruritic generalised macules, papules, nodules and plaques. Histopathologically, there was a dense perivascular and periadnexal lympho-histiocytic dermal infiltrate with non-palisading and non-caseifying epithelioid granulomas and abundant plasma cells. The diagnosis of syphilis was confirmed by serology and immunohistochemical detection of Treponema pallidum in the biopsy specimen. A brief overview of the diagnostic role of immunohistochemistry is also provided, with particular emphasis on reported cases of granulomatous secondary syphilis.
Optimization and Validation of Reverse Transcription Recombinase-Aided Amplification (RT-RAA) for Sorghum Mosaic Virus Detection in Sugarcane
Authors: Wang Fenglin , Liang Qinmin , Lv Rongman , Ahmad Shakeel , Bano Mishal , Weng Guangzhen , Wen Ronghui
Published: August 2023

Sorghum mosaic virus (SrMV) causes sugarcane mosaic disease and has significant adverse economic impacts on the cultivation of sugarcane. This study aimed to develop a rapid isotherm nucleic acid amplification method for detecting SrMV. Specific primers were designed to target the conserved region of the P3 gene of SrMV. The reverse transcription recombinase-aided amplification (RT-RAA) method was developed by screening primers and optimizing reaction conditions. Comparative analyses with RT-PCR demonstrated that the RT-RAA method exhibited superior specificity, sensitivity, and reliability for SrMV detection. Notably, using a standard plasmid diluted 10-fold continuously as a template, the sensitivity of RT-RAA was 100-fold higher than that of RT-PCR. Moreover, the RT-RAA reaction displayed flexibility in a temperature range of 24–49 °C, eliminating the need for expensive and complex temperature control equipment. Thus, this method could be utilized at ambient or even human body temperature. Within a short duration of 10 min at 39 °C, the target sequence of SrMV could be effectively amplified. Specificity analysis revealed no cross-reactivity between SrMV and other common sugarcane viruses detected via the RT-RAA. With its high sensitivity, rapid reaction time, and minimal equipment requirements, this method presents a promising diagnostic tool for the reliable and expedited detection of SrMV. Furthermore, it indicates broad applicability for successfully detecting other sugarcane viruses.
The Program for the Control of Visceral Leishmaniasis in Brazil: The Effect of the Systematic Euthanasia of Seropositive Dogs as a Single Control Action in Porteirinha, a Brazilian City with an Intense Transmission of Visceral Leishmaniasis
Authors: França-Silva João Carlos , Giunchetti Rodolfo Cordeiro , Mariano Reysla Maria da Silveira , Machado-Coelho George Luiz Lins , Teixeira Luciana de Almeida Silva , Barata Ricardo Andrade , Michalsky Érika Monteiro , Rocha Marília Fonseca , Fortes-Dias Consuelo Latorre , Dias Edelberto Santos
Published: August 2023

Background: Porteirinha is endemic for visceral leishmaniasis (VL), with intense disease transmission of the disease. We evaluated the impact of canine euthanasia as a single control measure on the incidence of VL in humans and canines. Methods: A prospective observational cohort study was carried out over four years (1998–2002) in 8 of the 12 neighborhoods of the city. The dynamics of canine visceral leishmaniasis (CVL) transmission were evaluated for 2 years, before beginning the screening–culling intervention. The comparative morbidity index (CMI) was used to stratify areas with the greatest risk of CVL, and the spatial distribution of human and canine VL cases was compared using univariate and bivariate K-functions. Results: Human cases conglomerated in three neighborhoods. Spatial clusters were detected for CVL in 1998, 2000, and 2001, but not in 1999, when greater spatial dispersion occurred. The screening and culling intervention reduced the number of human VL cases and decreased the incidence of CVL, mainly in neighborhoods with a high CMI. Conclusions: The systematic euthanasia of seropositive dogs was shown to be an effective control action of the Program for Control of Visceral Leishmaniasis (PCLV) in Brazil. The fundamental role of domestic dogs in the epidemiological chain of VL was reaffirmed.
LA67 Liposome-Loaded Thermo-Sensitive Hydrogel with Active Targeting for Efficient Treatment of Keloid via Peritumoral Injection
Authors: Wan Hongshuang , Wang Shuangqing , Li Chuying , Zeng Bowen , Wu Hao , Liu Chao , Chen Liqing , Jin Mingji , Huang Wei , Zang Yingda , Zhang Dongming , Gao Zhonggao , Jin Zhehu
Published: August 2023

A keloid is a benign tumor manifested as abnormal fibroplasia on the surface of the skin. Curing keloids has become a major clinical challenge, and searching for new treatments and medications has become critical. In this study, we developed a LA67 liposome-loaded thermo-sensitive hydrogel (LA67-RL-Gel) with active targeting for treating keloids via peritumoral injection and explored the anti-keloid mechanism. Firstly, Arg-Gly-Asp (RGD) peptide-modified liposomes (LA67-RL) loaded with LA67 were prepared with a particle size of 105.9 nm and a Zeta potential of −27.4 mV, and an encapsulation efficiency of 89.6 ± 3.7%. We then constructed a thermo-sensitive hydrogel loaded with LA67-RL by poloxamer 407 and 188. The formulation was optimized through the Box–Behnken design, where the impact of the proportion of the ingredients on the quality of the hydrogel was evaluated entirely. The optimal formulation was 20.7% P407 and 2.1% P188, and the gelation time at 37 °C was 9.5 s. LA67-RL-Gel slowly released 92.2 ± 0.8% of LA67 at pH 6.5 PBS for 72 h. LA67-RL-Gel increased adhesion with KF cells; increased uptake; promoted KF cells apoptosis; inhibited cell proliferation; reduced α-SMA content; decreased collagen I, collagen III, and fibronectin deposition; inhibited angiogenesis; and modulated the keloid microenvironment, ultimately exerting anti-keloid effects. In summary, this simple, low-cost, and highly effective anti-keloid liposome hydrogel provides a novel approach for treating keloids and deserves further development.
Phase Shifting Approaches and Multi-Channel Interferograms Position Registration for Simultaneous Phase-Shifting Interferometry: A Review
Authors: Bai Fuzhong , Lang Jiwei , Gao Xiaojuan , Zhang Yang , Cai Jiahai , Wang Jianxin
Published: August 2023

Simultaneous phase-shifting interferometry (SPSI) can simultaneously obtain multiple phase-shifted interferograms and can realize the dynamic wavefront measurement with the use of a phase-shifting algorithm. From the respect of a beam-splitting technique and phase shift achievement of the phase-shifting units, research progress on spatial phase shifting approaches for SPSI systems are classified and summarized, and the key problem affecting SPSI technology is discussed. To ensure the measurement accuracy, it is necessary to perform accurate position registration for multi-channel phase-shifted interferograms before the implementation of a phase-shifting algorithm, and so, the methods of position registration for multi-channel interferograms are also reviewed. This review is expected to prompt research on related fields of phase-shifting interferometry.
In-Situ Temporal Characterization of Chirped Ultra-Broadband Laser Pulses Exciting a Dual-Light Emitter Er3+-Doped Perovskite
Authors: Pérez-Benito Óscar , Weigand Rosa
Published: August 2023

We take advantage of the dual emission properties of up-conversion fluorescence (UCF) and second harmonic generation (SHG) in Er3+-doped perovskite Na0.95Er0.05Nb0.9Ti0.1O3 to fully temporally characterize the ultrashort laser pulse that excites Er3+-ion fluorescence. The chirped pulses from a broadband Ti:Sa oscillator are temporally characterized using the dispersion scan (d-scan) technique by using the SHG signal in the host perovskite at the same point where UCF is being produced by the same pulse. The pulse durations obtained range from ~45 fs to ~8 fs and positive and negative spectral phases are unambiguously identified. The temporal characterization is compared using a standard non-linear crystal and perfect agreement is obtained. These results show that it is possible to temporally characterize in-situ ultrashort laser pulses while they are inducing a UCF process, as long as the host generates second-harmonic signal.
Detailed Metabolic Characterization of Flowers and Hips of Rosa gallica L. Grown in Open Nature
Authors: Kunc Nina , Hudina Metka , Mikulič-Petkovšek Maja , Bavcon Jože , Ravnjak Blanka , Osterc Gregor
Published: August 2023

Our research aimed to investigate the primary and secondary metabolites of rosehips and petals of R. gallica in comparison with R. subcanina. R. gallica was chosen because it is still unexplored in terms of various bioactive substances and is strongly present in Slovenia. Given that roses are generally very variable and unstudied, our research will contribute to greater transparency and knowledge of the bioactive composition of rosehips and petals. We found a strong positive correlation between the total content of phenolics and ascorbic acid, between the total content of organic acids and the total content of carotenoids, and between the total content of sugars and the total content of organic acids. Hips of R. gallica contained higher amounts of sugars, ascorbic acid, and carotenoids than R. subcanina. Based on the composition of phenolic compounds in the petals, it is possible to distinguish between the two species. Among all the phenolic compounds in the petals, both genotypes are richest in gallotannins, followed by flavonols. Among anthocyanins, cyanidin-3-glucoside was determined, the content of which was also higher in R. gallica. It can be concluded that the studied hips had an extremely low sugar content and, consequently, an extremely high organic acid content. The content of carotenoids in hips was in the lower range of the average content compared to data from the literature. By optimizing the harvesting time, we could obtain a higher content of carotenoids, which could potentially be used for industrial purposes. However, we found that the analyzed petals were a rich source of phenolic compounds, which benefit the human body and could be potentially used in the food and cosmetic industries.
The Legacy of Plant Invasion: Impacts on Soil Nitrification and Management Implications
Authors: Afzal Muhammad Rahil , Naz Misbah , Ashraf Waqas , Du Daolin
Published: August 2023

Plant invasions can have long-lasting impacts on soil nitrification, which plays a critical role in nutrient cycling and plant growth. This review examines the legacy effects of plant invasion on soil nitrification, focusing on the underlying mechanisms, context dependence, and implications for management. We synthesize literature on the positive, negative and neutral legacy effects of plant invasion on soil nitrification, highlighting the complexity of these effects and the need for further research to fully understand them. Positive legacy effects include increased soil microbial biomass or activity, potentially enhancing nutrient availability for plants. However, negative legacy effects, like reduced nitrifier abundance, can result in decreased soil nitrification rates and nutrient availability. In some cases, changes to nitrification during active invasion appear transitory after the removal of invasive plants, indicating neutral short-term legacies. We discuss the context dependence of legacy effects considering factors, including location, specific invasive plant species, and other environmental conditions. Furthermore, we discuss the implications of these legacy effects for management and restoration strategies, such as the removal or control of invasive plants, and potential approaches for restoring ecosystems with legacy effects on soil nitrification. Finally, we highlight future research directions, including further investigation into the mechanisms and context dependence of legacy effects, and the role of plant–microbe interactions. Overall, this review provides insights into the legacy effects of plant invasion on soil nitrification and their implications for ecosystems.
Effect of Hydrogen Peroxide Application on Salt Stress Mitigation in Bell Pepper (Capsicum annuum L.)
Authors: Aragão Jéssica , Lima Geovani Soares de , Lima Vera Lúcia Antunes de , Silva André Alisson Rodrigues da , Capitulino Jessica Dayanne , Caetano Edmilson Júnio Medeiros , Silva Francisco de Assis da , Soares Lauriane Almeida dos Anjos , Fernandes Pedro Dantas , Farias Maria Sallydelândia Sobral de , Gheyi Hans Raj , Borborema Lucyelly Dâmela Araújo , Arruda Thiago Filipe de Lima , Santos Larissa Fernanda Souza
Published: August 2023

The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of the foliar application of hydrogen peroxide on the attenuation of salt stress on the growth, photochemical efficiency, production and water use efficiency of ‘All Big’ bell pepper plants. The experiment was conducted under greenhouse conditions in Campina Grande, PB, Brazil. Treatments were distributed in a randomized block design, in a 5 × 5 factorial scheme, corresponding to five levels of electrical conductivity of irrigation water (0.8, 1.2, 2.0, 2.6 and 3.2 dS m−1) and five concentrations of hydrogen peroxide (0, 15, 30, 45 and 60 μM), with three replicates. Foliar application of hydrogen peroxide at concentration of 15 μM attenuated the deleterious effects of salt stress on photochemical efficiency, biomass accumulation and production components of bell pepper plants irrigated using water with an electrical conductivity of up to 3.2 dS m−1. Foliar spraying of hydrogen peroxide at a concentration of 60 μM intensified the effects of salt stress. The ‘All Big’ bell pepper was classified as moderately sensitive to salt stress, with an irrigation water salinity threshold of 1.43 dS m−1 and a unit decrease of 8.25% above this salinity level.
Higher Virulence of Diplodia seriata Isolates on Vines of cv. Cabernet Sauvignon Associated with 10-Year-Old Wood Compared to Young Tissue
Authors: Larach Alejandra , Vega-Celedón Paulina , Salgado Eduardo , Salinas Aldo , Riquelme Natalia , Castillo-Novales Diyanira , Sanhueza Paulina , Seeger Michael , Besoain Ximena
Published: August 2023

Botryosphaeria dieback (BD) occurs in young and old plants. In the field, the prevalence and severity of the disease increase proportionally with the age of vineyards. Among the pathogens that cause BD, Diplodia seriata is the most prevalent species in Chile and other countries with a Mediterranean climate. To date, no information is available on the susceptibility of adult wood to infection by this pathogen since most of the pathogenicity tests have been carried out on 1- or 2-year-old shoots or detached canes. Therefore, a pathogenicity test was carried out on plants under field conditions, with inoculations in 1-year-old shoots and 2- and 10-year-old wood in grapevine cv. Cabernet Sauvignon. A pathogenicity test was carried out with two isolates of D. seriata. The results for the plants show that D. seriata was significantly more aggressive on the 10-year-old than on the one- or two-year-old tissue, where the lesions were 4.3 and 2.3 cm on average, respectively. These results were compared with the lesions obtained from two-year-old canes after the isolates were activated in grape berries. Also, the Chilean isolates of D. seriata were compared phylogenetically with those from other countries, and no major differences were found between them. Our results are consistent with the damage observed in the field, contributing to the knowledge of the epidemiology of this disease in Mediterranean climates. In the future, the effect observed in cv. Cabernet Sauvignon with D. seriata on virulence at different tissue ages should be tested for other BD-causing agents and wine varieties.
Cellulose Nanocrystal Embedded Composite Foam and Its Carbonization for Energy Application
Authors: Ahn So Yeon , Yu Chengbin , Song Young Seok
Published: August 2023

In this study, we fabricated a cellulose nanocrystal (CNC)-embedded aerogel-like chitosan foam and carbonized the 3D foam for electrical energy harvesting. The nanocrystal-supported cellulose foam can demonstrate a high surface area and porosity, homogeneous size ranging from various microscales, and a high quality of absorbing external additives. In order to prepare CNC, microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) was chemically treated with sulfuric acid. The CNC incorporates into chitosan, enhancing mechanical properties, crystallization, and generation of the aerogel-like porous structure. The weight percentage of the CNC was 2 wt% in the chitosan composite. The CNC/chitosan foam is produced using the freeze-drying method, and the CNC-embedded CNC/chitosan foam has been carbonized. We found that the degree of crystallization of carbon structure increased, including the CNCs. Both CNC and chitosan are degradable materials when CNC includes chitosan, which can form a high surface area with some typical surface-related morphology. The electrical cyclic voltammetric result shows that the vertical composite specimen had superior electrochemical properties compared to the horizontal composite specimen. In addition, the BET measurement indicated that the CNC/chitosan foam possessed a high porosity, especially mesopores with layer structures. At the same time, the carbonized CNC led to a significant increase in the portion of micropore.
The Efficient Extraction Method of Collagen from Deteriorated Leather Artifacts
Authors: Li Li , Zhang Meng
Published: August 2023

Collagen is the most crucial component of leather artifacts and analyzing collagen can provide vital information for studying and conserving such artifacts. However, collagen in leather artifacts often faces challenges such as degradation, denaturation, and contamination, which make it difficult to achieve an ideal protein extract using traditional extraction methods. This study aimed to find an efficient collagen extraction strategy for aging leather by comparing and improving commonly used methods. The results of comparing different extraction methods indicated that a NaOH solution was highly effective in extracting collagen from aged leather. To determine the optimal conditions for collagen extraction from the NaOH solution, we conducted orthogonal experiments. The results revealed that a NaOH concentration of 0.05 mol/L, a dissolution temperature of 80 °C, and a dissolution time of 12 h were the most favorable conditions. To validate the effectiveness of this method, we performed SDS-PAGE and biological mass spectrometry tests on collagen extracts from leather samples with varying degrees of aging. All collagen extracts exhibited distinct bands in the gel, and the molecular weight of collagen in each sample exceeded 20 kDa. Furthermore, even with a reduced sample mass of 1 mg (micro-destructive sampling), biological mass spectrometry identified 124 peptides in the protein extract. Notably, four of these peptides were unique to cattle hide collagen and were not present in the collagen of pig, sheep, horse, deer, or human skins. These experimental findings confirm the efficacy of the NaOH solution for extracting collagen from aging leather, suggesting that it can serve as a significant method for collagen identification and analysis in leather artifacts.
Preparation of a New Adsorbent Material from Agro-Industrial Waste and Comparison with Commercial Adsorbent for Emerging Contaminant Removal
Authors: Cusioli Luís Fernando , Mantovani Daniel , Bergamasco Rosângela , Tusset Angelo Marcelo , Lenzi Giane Gonçalves
Published: August 2023

An adsorbent was developed from agro-industrial residues derived from the seed husks of Moringa oleifera Lam., in which the hydrochar process was used as it is a sustainable, low-cost and easy-to-operate process. In comparison, a commercial adsorbent, activated charcoal from babaçu coconut, was used. Both materials were characterized using SEM, FTIR, zeta potential and BET, showing their morphologies, chemical compositions and textural analyses that proved the adsorption capacity of each material. A cost study was also carried out regarding the production of the materials. For both materials, an equilibrium study was carried out using the following contaminants: metformin, diuron, methylene blue and lead. We aimed to study the use of agro-industrial waste as a new adsorbent material, which was shown to have an average removal for all the contaminants tested of around 84.56–99.13%. The new adsorbent developed had many interactions with the studied contaminants, allowing its use on a large scale since its production cost was low. The main objective of this study was thus to compare a commercial activated charcoal with a biosorbent from agro-industrial waste, prepared by the hydrochar method.