bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effective Preoperative Plasmapheresis Treatment of Severe Hyperthyroidism in a Patient with Giant Toxic Nodular Goiter and Methimazole-Induced Agranulocytosis
Authors: Barwinek Katarzyna , Gąsior-Perczak Danuta , Trepka Sławomir , Szczodry Artur , Kopczyński Janusz , Sitarz-Żelazna Zdzisława , Kowalska Aldona
Published: June 2020

Agranulocytosis is a rare but very serious complication of thyrostatic therapy. In severe hyperthyroidism, the removal of circulating thyroid hormones by plasmapheresis may be an effective therapeutic option. This report describes the therapeutic difficulties and successful preoperative treatment with plasmapheresis in a 63-year-old patient admitted to the Endocrinology Clinic with severe hyperthyroidism, during the course of giant toxic nodular goiter and agranulocytosis, which occurred after 2 weeks of taking methimazole. During hospitalization, methimazole treatment was discontinued and therapy with steroids, a beta blocker, propylthiouracil, Lugol’s solution, lithium carbonate, and antibiotics were initiated. Granulocyte colony growth stimulating factor was also used to resolve agranulocytosis. Due to the failure to achieve euthyreosis using this approach, we decided to conduct thyroid surgery, as a life-saving action, after preparation of the patient by plasmapheresis. Two plasmapheresis procedures were performed, resulting in a decrease in the concentration of free thyroid hormones. Total thyroidectomy was performed and there were no complications during surgery. We conclude that plasmapheresis may be considered as an effective alternative treatment option for the preparation of patients with hyperthyroidism for surgery, when the clinical situations prevent the use of conventional treatments for hyperthyroidism and when immediate life-saving surgery is necessary.
Proper MgO/Al2O3 Ratio in Blast-Furnace Slag: Analysis of Proper MgO/Al2O3 Ratio Based on Observed Data
Authors: Shen Fengman , Hu Xinguang , Zheng Haiyan , Jiang Xin , Gao Qiangjian , Han Hongsong , Long Fang
Published: June 2020

With the gradual depletion of high-quality iron-ore resources, ironmaking blast furnaces have gradually shifted to using high-content Al2O3 iron ore. Under this condition, the addition of MgO in the slag is adopted to alleviate operation problems caused by the high content of Al2O3. However, the proper value of the MgO/Al2O3 ratio for blast-furnace slag systems (Al2O3 = 8–25%) is not systematically studied. In this paper, we discuss the proper MgO/Al2O3 ratio on the basis of blast-furnace slag systems under different Al2O3 contents. On the basis of thermodynamics and phase-diagram analysis, it could be concluded that: (1) the MgO/Al2O3 ratio is not limited when Al2O3 in slag is less than 14%, (2) the MgO/Al2O3 ratio is required to be in the range of 0.40–0.50 when Al2O3 in the slag is 15–17%, and (3) the MgO/Al2O3 ratio should be 0.45–0.55 when Al2O3 in the slag is larger than 18%. The proper MgO/Al2O3 ratio value has been established in various industries, and it has achieved significant economic and social benefits.
On Temperature Dependence of Microstructure, Deformation Mechanisms and Tensile Properties in Austenitic Cr-Mn Steel with Ultrahigh Interstitial Content C + N = 1.9 Mass.%
Authors: Astafurova Elena , Astafurov Sergey , Maier Galina , Tumbusova Irina , Melnikov Eugene , Moskvina Valentina , Panchenko Marina , Reunova Kseniya , Galchenko Nina
Published: June 2020

The microstructure, deformation mechanisms, tensile properties and fracture micromechanisms of ultrahigh-interstitial austenitic Fe-22Cr-26Mn-1.3V-0.7C-1.2N (mass.%) steel were investigated in wide temperature interval. After conventional homogenization and solid-solution treatment, the steel possesses complex hardening which includes grain boundary, solid-solution and dispersion strengthening. In the temperature interval of −60 to +60 °C, steel demonstrates striking temperature dependence of a yield strength which could be enhanced by the increase in solid-solution treatment temperature. The variation in test temperature does not change the dominating deformation mechanism of the steel, dislocation slip and insufficiently influences tensile elongation and fracture micromechanisms. The insignificant increase in the fraction of brittle cleavage-like component on the fracture surfaces of the specimens in low-temperature deformation regime is promoted by increase in planarity of dislocation arrangement and the gaining activity of mechanical twinning. In high-temperature range (200–300 °C) of deformation, a negative strain-rate dependence, serrations on the stress-strain diagrams and improved strain-hardening associated with a dynamic strain aging phenomenon have been observed.
Stress Corrosion and Corrosion Fatigue of Biodegradable Mg-Zn-Nd-Y-Zr Alloy in In-Vitro Conditions
Authors: Elkaiam Lilach , Hakimi Orly , Aghion Eli
Published: June 2020

Mg alloys are attractive as a structural material for biodegradable implants due to their mechanical properties, biocompatibility and degradation capability in physiological environments. However, their accelerated corrosion degradation, coupled with their inherent sensitivity to stress corrosion, can cause premature failure and consequently loss of mechanical integrity. This study aims to evaluate the potential of a Mg-5% Zn alloy with up to 3% Nd as an implant material in terms of stress corrosion performance in in vitro conditions. Stress corrosion behavior was evaluated under static loading conditions using slow strain rate testing (SSRT) analysis and under low cycle corrosion fatigue (LCCF). Both the SSRT analysis and LCCF testing were carried out in a simulated physiological environment in the form of a phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) solution. The obtained results indicate that the addition of up to 3% Nd to Mg-5% Zn alloy did not have any substantial influence on the stress corrosion susceptibility, beyond the inherent different mechanical properties of the tested alloys. This was attributed to the limited effect of the Nd on the passivation layer and due to the fact that the secondary phases produced by the Nd additions—W-phase (Mg3(Nd,Y)2Zn3) and T-phase (Mg4(Nd,Y)Zn2)—did not create any substantial micro-galvanic effect.
Texture Evolution of a Rolled Aluminum Sheet in Multi-Pass Conventional Spinning
Authors: Gondo Shiori , Arai Hirohiko , Kajino Satoshi , Nakano Shizuka
Published: June 2020

This study clarified the evolution of texture in the thickness direction of the cylindrical cup which was spun from a rolled aluminum sheet in 13 passes, using electron backscatter diffraction pattern analysis. The study also obtained the relationship between the strain and layer structure, characterized by the textures. The spun workpiece had three layers in the thickness direction. The layer structure was composed of four types of textures: the Cu texture, “texture-I”, which rotated 20° around <111> from the Cu texture; “texture-II”, which rotated 5° around its <110> from the Cu texture; and “texture-III”, which rotated 10° around its <001> from texture-I. When a blank disk had the sandwich-type layer structure Cu-I-Cu in its thickness direction, the structure changed to the Cu-II-II and Cu-III-III layer structures for the negative and positive thickness directional strains, respectively. A complex-type structure was found in the transition from Cu-I-Cu to Cu-II-II and Cu-III-III.
Microfabrication of X-ray Optics by Metal Assisted Chemical Etching: A Review
Authors: Romano Lucia , Stampanoni Marco
Published: June 2020

High-aspect-ratio silicon micro- and nanostructures are technologically relevant in several applications, such as microelectronics, microelectromechanical systems, sensors, thermoelectric materials, battery anodes, solar cells, photonic devices, and X-ray optics. Microfabrication is usually achieved by dry-etch with reactive ions and KOH based wet-etch, metal assisted chemical etching (MacEtch) is emerging as a new etching technique that allows huge aspect ratio for feature size in the nanoscale. To date, a specialized review of MacEtch that considers both the fundamentals and X-ray optics applications is missing in the literature. This review aims to provide a comprehensive summary including: (i) fundamental mechanism; (ii) basics and roles to perform uniform etching in direction perpendicular to the <100> Si substrate; (iii) several examples of X-ray optics fabricated by MacEtch such as line gratings, circular gratings array, Fresnel zone plates, and other X-ray lenses; (iv) materials and methods for a full fabrication of absorbing gratings and the application in X-ray grating based interferometry; and (v) future perspectives of X-ray optics fabrication. The review provides researchers and engineers with an extensive and updated understanding of the principles and applications of MacEtch as a new technology for X-ray optics fabrication.
Analytical Modelling and Optimization of a Piezoelectric Cantilever Energy Harvester with In-Span Attachment
Authors: Homayouni-Amlashi Abbas , Mohand-Ousaid Abdenbi , Rakotondrabe Micky
Published: June 2020

In this paper, the location of masses and of a piezoelectric patch for energy harvesting reported onto a vibrating cantilever beam is studied and optimized. To this aim, a genetic algorithm is adapted and utilized to optimize the voltage amplitude generated by the piezoelectric patches by choosing attachment mass, attachment mass moment of inertia, attachment location, piezoelectric patch location and force location on the beam as parameters. While an analytical approach is proposed to evaluate the voltage amplitude, a multi-layer perceptron neural network is trained by the derived characteristic matrix to obtain an approximate function for natural frequencies based on the attachment parameters. The trained network is then used in the core of genetic algorithm to find the best optimization variables for any excitation frequency. Numerical simulation by COMSOL Multiphysics finite element software validates the calculated voltage by analytical approach. The optimization method successfully matches the natural frequency of the beam with the excitation frequency which therefore maximizes the output energy. On the other hand, the superiority of the optimized design over the conventional configuration in harvesting the energy at high frequency excitation is also approved.
BTV-14 Infection in Sheep Elicits Viraemia with Mild Clinical Symptoms
Authors: Flannery John , Frost Lorraine , Fay Petra , Hicks Hayley , Henstock Mark , Smreczak Marcin , Orłowska Anna , Rajko-Nenow Paulina , Darpel Karin , Batten Carrie
Published: June 2020

In 2011, Bluetongue virus serotype 14 (BTV-14) was detected in Russia during routine surveillance, and was subsequently found in a number of European countries. The strain had high sequence similarity to a BTV-14 vaccine strain. We aimed to determine the risk of this BTV-14 strain causing disease in a UK sheep breed. Four Poll Dorset sheep were infected with a Polish isolate of BTV-14 and infection kinetics were monitored over 28 days. BTV RNA was detected in EDTA blood by 4 days post-infection (dpi) and remained detectable at 28 days post-infection (dpi). Peak viraemia occurred at 6 and 7 dpi with Ct values ranging between 24.6 and 27.3 in all infected animals. BTV antibodies were detected by 10 dpi using a commercial ELISA and neutralising antibodies were detected from 10 dpi. BTV was isolated between 6 and 12 dpi. All infected sheep developed mild clinical signs such as reddening of conjunctiva and mucosal membranes, with one sheep demonstrating more overt clinical signs. Two uninoculated control animals remained clinically healthy and did not have detectable BTV RNA or antibodies. The overall mild clinical symptoms caused by this BTV-14 in this highly susceptible sheep breed were in accordance with the asymptomatic infections observed in the affected countries.
Diversity of Pectobacteriaceae Species in Potato Growing Regions in Northern Morocco
Authors: Oulghazi Saïd , Moumni Mohieddine , Khayi Slimane , Robic Kévin , Sarfraz Sohaib , Lopez-Roques Céline , Vandecasteele Céline , Faure Denis
Published: June 2020

Dickeya and Pectobacterium pathogens are causative agents of several diseases that affect many crops worldwide. This work investigated the species diversity of these pathogens in Morocco, where Dickeya pathogens have only been isolated from potato fields recently. To this end, samplings were conducted in three major potato growing areas over a three-year period (2015–2017). Pathogens were characterized by sequence determination of both the gapA gene marker and genomes using Illumina and Oxford Nanopore technologies. We isolated 119 pathogens belonging to P. versatile (19%), P. carotovorum (3%), P. polaris (5%), P. brasiliense (56%) and D. dianthicola (17%). Their taxonomic assignation was confirmed by draft genome analyses of 10 representative strains of the collected species. D. dianthicola were isolated from a unique area where a wide species diversity of pectinolytic pathogens was observed. In tuber rotting assays, D. dianthicola isolates were more aggressive than Pectobacterium isolates. The complete genome sequence of D. dianthicola LAR.16.03.LID was obtained and compared with other D. dianthicola genomes from public databases. Overall, this study highlighted the ecological context from which some Dickeya and Pectobacterium species emerged in Morocco, and reported the first complete genome of a D. dianthicola strain isolated in Morocco that will be suitable for further epidemiological studies.
Genomic Characterisation of a Multiple Drug Resistant IncHI2 ST4 Plasmid in Escherichia coli ST744 in Australia
Authors: Zingali Tiziana , Chapman Toni A. , Webster John , Roy Chowdhury Piklu , Djordjevic Steven P.
Published: June 2020

Antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) including those from the blaCTX-M family and mcr-1 that encode resistance to extended spectrum β–lactams and colistin, respectively, have been linked with IncHI2 plasmids isolated from swine production facilities globally but not in IncHI2 plasmids from Australia. Here we describe the first complete sequence of a multiple drug resistance Australian IncHI2-ST4 plasmid, pTZ41_1P, from a commensal E. coli from a healthy piglet. pTZ41_1P carries genes conferring resistance to heavy-metals (copper, silver, tellurium and arsenic), β-lactams, aminoglycosides and sulphonamides. The ARGs reside within a complex resistance locus (CRL) that shows considerable sequence identity to a CRL in pSDE_SvHI2, an IncHI2:ST3 plasmid from an enterotoxigenic E. coli with serotype O157:H19 of porcine origin that caused substantial losses to swine production operations in Australia in 2007. pTZ41_1P is closely related to IncHI2 plasmids found in E. coli and Salmonella enterica from porcine, avian and human sources in Europe and China but it does not carry genes encoding resistance to clinically-important antibiotics. We identified regions of IncHI2 plasmids that contribute to the genetic plasticity of this group of plasmids and highlight how they may readily acquire new resistance gene cargo. Genomic surveillance should be improved to monitor IncHI2 plasmids.
The Colonisation of Calves in Czech Large-Scale Dairy Farms by Clonally-Related Clostridioides difficile of the Sequence Type 11 Represented by Ribotypes 033 and 126
Authors: Masarikova Martina , Simkova Ivana , Plesko Martin , Eretova Veronika , Krutova Marcela , Cizek Alois
Published: June 2020

To investigate a possible Clostridioides difficile reservoir in the Czech Republic, we performed a study in 297 calves from 29 large-scale dairy farms. After enrichment, faecal samples were inoculated onto selective agar for C. difficile. From the 297 samples, 44 C. difficile isolates were cultured (prevalence of 14.8%, 10 farms). The Holstein breed and use of digestate were associated with C. difficile colonisation (p ˂ 0.05). C. difficile isolates belonged to the ribotype/sequence type: RT033/ST11 (n = 37), RT126/ST11 (n = 6) and RT046/ST35 (n = 1). A multiple-locus variable-number tandem-repeat analysis revealed four clonal complexes of RT033 isolates and one clonal complex of RT126 isolates. All isolates were sensitive to amoxicillin, metronidazole and vancomycin. Forty isolates were resistant to ciprofloxacin, twenty-one to clindamycin, seven to erythromycin, seven to tetracycline and six to moxifloxacin. Moxifloxacin resistant isolates revealed an amino-acid substitution Thr82Ile in the GyrA. In conclusion, the calves of Holstein breed from farms using digestate as a product of bio-gas plants are more likely to be colonised by clonally-related C. difficile of ST 11 represented by ribotypes 033 and 126. The identified resistance to moxifloxacin with a Thr82Ile substitution in the GyrA highlights the need for further monitoring by the “One health approach”.
Revisiting the Taxonomic Synonyms and Populations of Saccharomyces cerevisiae—Phylogeny, Phenotypes, Ecology and Domestication
Authors: Pontes Ana , Hutzler Mathias , Brito Patrícia H. , Sampaio José Paulo
Published: June 2020

Saccharomyces cerevisiae—the most emblematic and industrially relevant yeast—has a long list of taxonomical synonyms. Formerly considered as distinct species, some of the synonyms represent variants with important industrial implications, like Saccharomyces boulardii or Saccharomyces diastaticus, but with an unclear status, especially among the fermentation industry, the biotechnology community and biologists not informed on taxonomic matters. Here, we use genomics to investigate a group of 45 reference strains (type strains) of former Saccharomyces species that are currently regarded as conspecific with S. cerevisiae. We show that these variants are distributed across the phylogenetic spectrum of domesticated lineages of S. cerevisiae, with emphasis on the most relevant technological groups, but absent in wild lineages. We analyzed the phylogeny of a representative and well-balanced dataset of S. cerevisiae genomes that deepened our current ecological and biogeographic assessment of wild populations and allowed the distinction, among wild populations, of those associated with low- or high-sugar natural environments. Some wild lineages from China were merged with wild lineages from other regions in Asia and in the New World, thus giving more resolution to the current model of expansion from Asia to the rest of the world. We reassessed several key domestication markers among the different domesticated populations. In some cases, we could trace their origin to wild reservoirs, while in other cases gene inactivation associated with domestication was also found in wild populations, thus suggesting that natural adaptation to sugar-rich environments predated domestication.
Precipitation of Mn Oxides in Quaternary Microbially Induced Sedimentary Structures (MISS), Cape Vani Paleo-Hydrothermal Vent Field, Milos, Greece
Authors: Kilias Stephanos P. , Ivarsson Magnus , Chi Fru Ernest Chi , Rattray Jayne E. , Gustafsson Håkan , Naden Jonathan , Detsi Kleopatra
Published: June 2020

Understanding microbial mediation in sediment-hosted Mn deposition has gained importance in low-temperature ore genesis research. Here we report Mn oxide ores dominated by todorokite, vernadite, hollandite, and manjiroite, which cement Quaternary microbially induced sedimentary structures (MISS) developed along bedding planes of shallow-marine to tidal-flat volcaniclastic sandstones/sandy tuffs, Cape Vani paleo-hydrothermal vent field, Milos, Greece. This work aims to decipher the link between biological Mn oxide formation, low-T hydrothermalism, and, growth and preservation of Mn-bearing MISS (MnMISS). Geobiological processes, identified by microtexture petrography, scanning and transmission electron microscopy, lipid biomarkers, bulk- and lipid-specific δ13Corganic composition, and field data, and, low-temperature hydrothermal venting of aqueous Mn2+ in sunlit shallow waters, cooperatively enabled microbially-mediated Mn (II) oxidation and biomineralization. The MnMISS biomarker content and δ13Corg signatures strongly resemble those of modern Mn-rich hydrothermal sediments, Milos coast. Biogenic and syngenetic Mn oxide precipitation established by electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy and petrography, combined with hydrothermal fluid flow-induced pre-burial curing/diagenesis, may account for today’s crystalline Mn oxide resource. Our data suggests that MISS are not unique to cyanobacteria mats. Furthermore, microbial mats inhabited by aerobic methanotrophs may have contributed significantly to the formation of the MnMISS, thus widening the spectrum of environments responsible for marine Mn biometallogenesis.
Sulfuric Acid Leaching of Altered Ilmenite Using Thermal, Mechanical and Chemical Activation
Authors: Dubenko Anastasiia V. , Nikolenko Mykola V. , Kostyniuk Andrii , Likozar Blaž
Published: June 2020

The kinetics of the sulfuric acid leaching of altered ilmenite, mechanisms, and process intensification methods were studied. The effect of changing the chemical composition during grinding was determined. The content of ilmenite and pseudorutile decreased from 5.3% to 3.1% and from 90.2% to 63.1%, respectively. Rutile increased from 4.5% to 28.7%, while a pseudobrookite new phase appeared in the amount of 5.1% after 2 h of grinding. It was found that the modification of raw material by sulfuric acid led to the increase of the decomposition rate, and at the same time, decreased when the ore was utilized due to an increase of insoluble TiO2 content. Isothermal conditions were evaluated with H2SO4 concentration varying from 50 to 96%. The data obtained were described with the approximation of the contracting sphere model. It was shown for the first time that H2SO4 > 85 wt% causes a sharp constant decrease of titanium. Correlating these phenomena allows for the consideration of H2SO4·H2O as reagents, rather than H2SO4 molecules. It was experimentally proven that at a temperature above 190 °C, the Ti leaching degree dropped, which is explained by the formation of polymerized TiOSO4. Finally, it was shown that adding NaF reduced the activation energy to 45 kJ/mol.
Copper Nanowires as Highly Efficient and Recyclable Catalyst for Rapid Hydrogen Generation from Hydrolysis of Sodium Borohydride
Authors: Hashimi Aina Shasha , Nohan Muhammad Amirul Nazhif Mohd , Chin Siew Xian , Khiew Poi Sim , Zakaria Sarani , Chia Chin Hua
Published: June 2020

Hydrogen (H2) is a clean energy carrier which can help to solve environmental issues with the depletion of fossil fuels. Sodium borohydride (NaBH4) is a promising candidate material for solid state hydrogen storage due to its huge hydrogen storage capacity and nontoxicity. However, the hydrolysis of NaBH4 usually requires expensive noble metal catalysts for a high H2 generation rate (HGR). Here, we synthesized high-aspect ratio copper nanowires (CuNWs) using a hydrothermal method and used them as the catalyst for the hydrolysis of NaBH4 to produce H2. The catalytic H2 generation demonstrated that 0.1 ng of CuNWs could achieve the highest volume of H2 gas in 240 min. The as-prepared CuNWs exhibited remarkable catalytic performance: the HGR of this study (2.7 × 1010 mL min−1 g−1) is ~3.27 × 107 times higher than a previous study on a Cu-based catalyst. Furthermore, a low activation energy (Ea) of 42.48 kJ mol−1 was calculated. Next, the retreated CuNWs showed an outstanding and stable performance for five consecutive cycles. Moreover, consistent catalytic activity was observed when the same CuNWs strip was used for four consecutive weeks. Based on the results obtained, we have shown that CuNWs can be a plausible candidate for the replacement of a costly catalyst for H2 generation.
Resistive Switching Property of Organic–Inorganic Tri-Cation Lead Iodide Perovskite Memory Device
Authors: Hsiao Yuan-Wen , Wang Shi-Yu , Huang Cheng-Liang , Leu Ching-Chich , Shih Chuan-Feng
Published: June 2020

In this study, a glass/indium tin oxide (ITO)/formamidinium-methylammonium-cesium (FA-MA-Cs) tri-cation lead iodide perovskite/poly(methyl methacrylate (PMMA)/Al memory device with a controlled composition of (FA0.75MA0.25)1-xCsxPbI3 (x = 0–0.1) is demonstrated to exhibit bipolar resistive switching behavior. The tri-cation organic–inorganic metal halide perovskite film was prepared by a one-step solution process in which the amount of Cs was varied to modify the property of FA0.75MA0.25PbI3. It was found that the microstructure and defect properties of films are highly dependent on the contents of FA, MA, and Cs in the perovskite. The results found that 5% CsI doping is the optimized condition for improving the quality of FA0.75MA0.25PbI3, forming a high quality tri-cation perovskite film with a smooth, uniform, stable and robust crystalline grain structure. The resistive switching on/off ratio of the (FA0.75MA0.25)0.95Cs0.05PbI3 device is greater than 103 owing to the improved thin-film quality. Moreover, for the 5% CsI doped FA0.75MA0.25PbI3 films, the endurance and the stability of retention are better than the non-doped film. The improved microstructure and memory properties are attributed to the balance stress of FA/MA/Cs with different ionic size. It suggests the potential to achieve a desired resistive memory property of tri-cationic perovskite by carefully adjusting the cation ratios.
Intelligent Identification of MoS2 Nanostructures with Hyperspectral Imaging by 3D-CNN
Authors: Li Kai-Chun , Lu Ming-Yen , Nguyen Hong Thai , Feng Shih-Wei , Artemkina Sofya B. , Fedorov Vladimir E. , Wang Hsiang-Chen
Published: June 2020

Increasing attention has been paid to two-dimensional (2D) materials because of their superior performance and wafer-level synthesis methods. However, the large-area characterization, precision, intelligent automation, and high-efficiency detection of nanostructures for 2D materials have not yet reached an industrial level. Therefore, we use big data analysis and deep learning methods to develop a set of visible-light hyperspectral imaging technologies successfully for the automatic identification of few-layers MoS2. For the classification algorithm, we propose deep neural network, one-dimensional (1D) convolutional neural network, and three-dimensional (3D) convolutional neural network (3D-CNN) models to explore the correlation between the accuracy of model recognition and the optical characteristics of few-layers MoS2. The experimental results show that the 3D-CNN has better generalization capability than other classification models, and this model is applicable to the feature input of the spatial and spectral domains. Such a difference consists in previous versions of the present study without specific substrate, and images of different dynamic ranges on a section of the sample may be administered via the automatic shutter aperture. Therefore, adjusting the imaging quality under the same color contrast conditions is unnecessary, and the process of the conventional image is not used to achieve the maximum field of view recognition range of ~1.92 mm2. The image resolution can reach ~100 nm and the detection time is 3 min per one image.
Gas Sensing Performance and Mechanism of CuO(p)-WO3(n) Composites to H2S Gas
Authors: Peng Fang , Sun Yan , Yu Weiwei , Lu Yue , Hao Jiaming , Cong Rui , Shi Jichao , Ge Meiying , Dai Ning
Published: June 2020

In this work, the compositional optimization in copper oxide/tungsten trioxide (CuO/WO3) composites was systematically studied for hydrogen sulfide (H2S) sensing. The response of CuO/WO3 composites changes from p-type to n-type as the CuO content decreases. Furthermore, the p-type response weakens while the n-type response strengthens as the Cu/W molar ratio decreases from 1:0 to 1:10. The optimal Cu/W molar ratio is 1:10, at which the sensor presents the ultrahigh n-type response of 1.19 × 105 to 20 ppm H2S gas at 40 °C. Once the temperature rises from 40 °C to 250 °C, the CuO/WO3 (1:1) sensor presents the p-n response transformation, and the CuO/WO3 (1:1.5) sensor changes from no response to n-type response, because the increased temperature facilitates the Cu-S bonds break and weakens the p-type CuO contribution to the total response, such that the CuS bond decomposition by a thermal effect was verified by a Raman analysis. In addition, with a decrease in CuO content, the CuO is transformed from partly to completely converting to CuS, causing the resistance of CuO to decrease from increasing and, hence, a weakening mode of p-CuO and n-WO3 to the total response turns to a synergistic mode to it.
Influence of Polysaccharides’ Molecular Structure on the Antibacterial Activity and Cytotoxicity of Green Synthesized Composites Based on Silver Nanoparticles and Carboxymethyl-Cellulose
Authors: Martínez-Rodríguez María de los Ángeles , Madla-Cruz Elizabeth , Urrutia-Baca Victor H. , de la Garza-Ramos Myriam A. , González-González Virgilio A. , Garza-Navarro Marco A.
Published: June 2020

In this paper we report on the influence of polysaccharides’ molecular structure on the antibacterial activity and cytotoxicity of composites based on silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) immobilized into carboxymethyl-cellulose (CMC). These composites were green synthesized from the reduction of silver ions into aqueous solutions of the polysaccharide, using CMC with different degree of substitution (DS) and molecular weight (Mw). The composites were characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), as well as infrared (ATR-FTIR), ultraviolet (UV-Vis), Raman, and X-ray photo-electron (XPS) spectroscopic techniques. The antibacterial activity was evaluated with minimum inhibitory concentration against Enterococcus faecalis. The cytotoxicity of composites was assessed against human gingival fibroblast. Experimental evidence suggests that particle size distribution and morphology of AgNPs change according to the quantity of silver precursor added to the reaction, as well as the DS and Mw of CMC used for composites preparation. This is related to the dispersion of silver precursor into aqueous solutions of the polysaccharide and the formation of Ag-O coordination bonds among AgNPs and COO− moieties of CMC. Moreover, these coordination bonds modify the ability of nanoparticles to produce and release Ag+ into aqueous dispersion, adjusting their antibacterial activity and the induction of cytotoxicity into the tested biological environments.
Probing the Nanostructure of Neutron-Irradiated Diamond Using Raman Spectroscopy
Authors: Khomich Andrey A. , Khmelnitsky Roman A. , Khomich Alexander V.
Published: June 2020

Disordering of crystal lattice induced by irradiation with fast neutrons and other high-energy particles is used for the deep modification of electrical and optical properties of diamonds via significant nanoscale restructuring and defects engineering. Raman spectroscopy was employed to investigate the nature of radiation damage below the critical graphitization level created when chemical vapor deposition and natural diamonds are irradiated by fast neutrons with fluencies from 1 × 1018 to 3 × 1020 cm−2 and annealed at the 100–1700 °C range. The significant changes in the diamond Raman spectra versus the neutron-irradiated conditions are associated with the formation of intrinsic irradiation-induced defects that do not completely destroy the crystalline feature but decrease the phonon coherence length as the neutron dose increases. It was shown that the Raman spectrum of radiation-damaged diamonds is determined by the phonon confinement effect and that the boson peak is present in the Raman spectra up to annealing at 800–1000 °C. Three groups of defect-induced bands (first group = 260, 495, and 730 cm−1; second group = 230, 500, 530, 685, and 760 cm–1; and third group = 335, 1390, 1415, and 1740 cm−1) were observed in Raman spectra of fast-neutron-irradiated diamonds.
Flexible Screen Printed Aptasensor for Rapid Detection of Furaneol: A Comparison of CNTs and AgNPs Effect on Aptasensor Performance
Authors: Douaki Ali , Demelash Abera Biresaw , Cantarella Giuseppe , Shkodra Bajramshahe , Mushtaq Asma , Ibba Pietro , Inam AKM Sarwar , Petti Luisa , Lugli Paolo
Published: June 2020

Furaneol is a widely used flavoring agent, which can be naturally found in different products, such as strawberries or thermally processed foods. This is why it is extremely important to detect furaneol in the food industry using ultra-sensitive, stable, and selective sensors. In this context, electrochemical biosensors are particularly attractive as they provide a cheap and reliable alternative measurement device. Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have been extensively investigated as suitable materials to effectively increase the sensitivity of the biosensors. However, a comparison of the performance of biosensors employing CNTs and AgNPs is still missing. Herein, the effect of CNTs and AgNPs on the biosensor performance has been thoughtfully analyzed. Therefore, disposable flexible and screen printed electrochemical aptasensor modified with CNTs (CNT-ME), or AgNPs (AgNP-ME) have been developed. Under optimized conditions, CNT-MEs showed better performance compared to AgNP-ME, yielding a linear range of detection over a dynamic concentration range of 1 fM–35 μM and 2 pM–200 nM, respectively, as well as high selectivity towards furaneol. Finally, our aptasensor was tested in a real sample (strawberry) and validated with high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), showing that it could find an application in the food industry.
Differential Effects of Dietary Patterns on Advanced Glycation end Products: A Randomized Crossover Study
Authors: Kim Yoona , Keogh Jennifer B. , Deo Permal , Clifton Peter M.
Published: June 2020

Dietary advanced glycation end products (AGEs) are believed to contribute to pathogenesis of diabetes and cardiovascular disease. The objective of this study was to determine if a diet high in red and processed meat and refined grains (HMD) would elevate plasma concentrations of protein-bound AGEs compared with an energy-matched diet high in whole grain, dairy, nuts and legumes (HWD). We conducted a randomized crossover trial with two 4-week weight-stable dietary interventions in 51 participants without type 2 diabetes (15 men and 36 women aged 35.1 ± 15.6 y; body mass index (BMI), 27.7 ± 6.9 kg/m2). Plasma concentrations of protein-bound Nε-(carboxymethyl) lysine (CML), Nε-(1-carboxyethyl) lysine (CEL) and Nδ-(5-hydro-5-methyl-4-imidazolon-2-yl)-ornithine (MG-H1) were measured by liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). The HMD significantly increased plasma concentrations (nmol/mL) of CEL (1.367, 0.78 vs. 1.096, 0.65; p < 0.01; n = 48) compared with the HWD. No differences in CML and MG-H1 between HMD and HWD were observed. HMD increased plasma CEL concentrations compared with HWD in individuals without type 2 diabetes.
The Impact of the Food Labeling and Other Factors on Consumer Preferences Using Discrete Choice Modeling—The Example of Traditional Pork Sausage
Authors: Czine Péter , Török Áron , Pető Károly , Horváth Péter , Balogh Péter
Published: June 2020

In our study, we examined whether product characteristics indicated by food labels matter in purchasing decisions for sausage made from traditional Hungarian mangalica pork; and how much consumers are willing to pay for them. On the other hand, we also tried to measure whether any changes in consumers’ preferences occurred in recent years. Two product characteristics (label of origin and different mangalica meat content) and two other factors (place of purchase and price) are examined in a discrete choice experiment based on stated preference data. According to our expectations, government-funded consumer campaigns in recent years have had an impact on consumers purchase of this traditional product, and they pay more attention to food labels, which can also be influenced by sociodemographic characteristics. Our results have been compared to a previous choice-model based research, investigating consumers’ attitude towards similar mangalica pork products. Three different types of models (multinomial logit, random parameter logit, and latent class) are employed, from which two types of models account for the heterogeneity in preferences. Based on the results, it can be concluded that the advertisements promoting traditional meat consumption had only a partial effect on consumer attitudes. Consumers clearly prefer the label of origin indicating meat from registered animals and purchasing on the farmers’ market, but according to the indication of the different mangalica meat content in the product, we have already reached conflicting results. Three consumer segments were identified: “price sensitive, loyal to label, label neutral” based on latent class model estimates.
Thyroid-Gut-Axis: How Does the Microbiota Influence Thyroid Function?
Authors: Knezevic Jovana , Starchl Christina , Tmava Berisha Adelina , Amrein Karin
Published: June 2020

A healthy gut microbiota not only has beneficial effects on the activity of the immune system, but also on thyroid function. Thyroid and intestinal diseases prevalently coexist—Hashimoto’s thyroiditis (HT) and Graves’ disease (GD) are the most common autoimmune thyroid diseases (AITD) and often co-occur with Celiac Disease (CD) and Non-celiac wheat sensitivity (NCWS). This can be explained by the damaged intestinal barrier and the following increase of intestinal permeability, allowing antigens to pass more easily and activate the immune system or cross-react with extraintestinal tissues, respectively. Dysbiosis has not only been found in AITDs, but has also been reported in thyroid carcinoma, in which an increased number of carcinogenic and inflammatory bacterial strains were observed. Additionally, the composition of the gut microbiota has an influence on the availability of essential micronutrients for the thyroid gland. Iodine, iron, and copper are crucial for thyroid hormone synthesis, selenium and zinc are needed for converting T4 to T3, and vitamin D assists in regulating the immune response. Those micronutrients are often found to be deficient in AITDs, resulting in malfunctioning of the thyroid. Bariatric surgery can lead to an inadequate absorption of these nutrients and further implicates changes in thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) and T3 levels. Supplementation of probiotics showed beneficial effects on thyroid hormones and thyroid function in general. A literature research was performed to examine the interplay between gut microbiota and thyroid disorders that should be considered when treating patients suffering from thyroid diseases. Multifactorial therapeutic and preventive management strategies could be established and more specifically adjusted to patients, depending on their gut bacteria composition. Future well-powered human studies are warranted to evaluate the impact of alterations in gut microbiota on thyroid function and diseases.
Serum Mac-2 Binding Protein Levels Associate with Metabolic Parameters and Predict Liver Fibrosis Progression in Subjects with Fatty Liver Disease: A 7-Year Longitudinal Study
Authors: Kamada Yoshihiro , Morishita Koichi , Koseki Masahiro , Nishida Mayu , Asuka Tatsuya , Naito Yukiko , Yamada Makoto , Takamatsu Shinji , Sakata Yasushi , Takehara Tetsuo , Miyoshi Eiji
Published: June 2020

Background: Mac-2 binding protein (M2BP) is a highly glycosylated secreted glycoprotein that is involved in immune defense and regulation. Our cross-sectional studies indicated that serum M2BP was a useful liver fibrosis biomarker for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). In this study, we conducted a 7-year longitudinal study to investigate the significance of serum M2BP levels (baseline and at 7-year follow-up) and their relationships with other metabolic parameters of fatty liver disease. Methods: We enrolled 715 study subjects (521 male and 194 female) during health examinations. Study subjects received blood sampling tests and abdominal ultrasound tests at baseline and follow-up. Results: Univariate analyses demonstrated that serum M2BP levels were significantly correlated with various parameters related to metabolic risk (body mass index (BMI), systolic blood pressure, triglyceride, high density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol) and metabolic syndrome diseases (obesity, hypertension, dyslipidemia, diabetes mellitus, fatty liver (FL)). Multiple logistic regression analyses demonstrated that BMI and FL were independent determinants for serum M2BP levels. Baseline serum M2BP levels were significant independent determinants for changes in platelet count, Fibrosis-4 (FIB4) index, and NAFLD fibrosis score. Higher serum M2BP levels (>1.80 μg/mL) strongly correlated with changes in the FIB4-index. Conclusions: The results of this study suggest that changes in serum M2BP levels reflect changes in specific metabolic disease-related parameters, and baseline serum M2BP levels could predict changes in liver fibrosis.
Maternal Microbiota, Cortisol Concentration, and Post-Partum Weight Recovery Are Dependent on Mode of Delivery
Authors: Selma-Royo Marta , García-Mantrana Izaskun , Calatayud Marta , Parra-Llorca Anna , Martínez-Costa Cecilia , Collado María Carmen
Published: June 2020

The importance of the maternal microbiota in terms of the initial bacterial seeding has previously been highlighted; however, little is currently known about the perinatal factors that could affect it. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of various delivery-related factors on the intestinal microbiome at delivery time and on post-partum weight retention. Data were collected from mothers (n = 167) during the first four months post-partum. A subset of 100 mothers were selected for the determination of the salivary cortisol concentration and microbiome composition at birth by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. The maternal microbiota was classified into two distinct clusters with significant differences in microbial composition and diversity. Maternal microbiota was also significantly influenced by the mode of delivery. Moreover, the salivary cortisol concentration was associated with some maternal microbiota genera and it was significantly higher in the vaginal delivery group (p = 0.003). The vaginal delivery group exhibited lower post-partum weight retention than the C-section (CS) mothers at four months post-partum (p < 0.001). These results support the hypothesis that the mode of delivery as well as the codominant hormonal changes could influence the maternal microbiota and possibly impact maternal weight recovery during the post-partum period.
Risk of Adverse Outcomes in Females Taking Oral Creatine Monohydrate: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: de Guingand Deborah L. , Palmer Kirsten R. , Snow Rodney J. , Davies-Tuck Miranda L. , Ellery Stacey J.
Published: June 2020

Creatine Monohydrate (CrM) is a dietary supplement routinely used as an ergogenic aid for sport and training, and as a potential therapeutic aid to augment different disease processes. Despite its increased use in recent years, studies reporting potential adverse outcomes of CrM have been mostly derived from male or mixed sex populations. A systematic search was conducted, which included female participants on CrM, where adverse outcomes were reported, with meta-analysis performed where appropriate. Six hundred and fifty-six studies were identified where creatine supplementation was the primary intervention; fifty-eight were female only studies (9%). Twenty-nine studies monitored for adverse outcomes, with 951 participants. There were no deaths or serious adverse outcomes reported. There were no significant differences in total adverse events, (risk ratio (RR) 1.24 (95% CI 0.51, 2.98)), gastrointestinal events, (RR 1.09 (95% CI 0.53, 2.24)), or weight gain, (mean difference (MD) 1.24 kg pre-intervention, (95% CI −0.34, 2.82)) to 1.37 kg post-intervention (95% CI −0.50, 3.23)), in CrM supplemented females, when stratified by dosing regimen and subject to meta-analysis. No statistically significant difference was reported in measures of renal or hepatic function. In conclusion, mortality and serious adverse events are not associated with CrM supplementation in females. Nor does the use of creatine supplementation increase the risk of total adverse outcomes, weight gain or renal and hepatic complications in females. However, all future studies of creatine supplementation in females should consider surveillance and comprehensive reporting of adverse outcomes to better inform participants and health professionals involved in future trials.
Caffeine and Caffeine Metabolites in Relation to Insulin Resistance and Beta Cell Function in U.S. Adults
Authors: Lee Sohyae , Min Jin-young , Min Kyoung-bok
Published: June 2020

The relationship between caffeine and insulin resistance (IR) has been assessed only in terms of caffeine intake, and the association between caffeine and beta cell function (BCF) remains unclear. This study examines the association between urinary caffeine and its metabolites, IR, and BCF in nondiabetic, noninstitutionalized US adults in order to account for the inter-individual differences in caffeine metabolism. Data on urinary caffeine and its metabolites, IR and BCF from adults aged 20 years and older who participated in the 2009–2010 and 2011–2012 National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys were analyzed (n for caffeine = 994). IR and BCF were assessed using homeostatic model assessment (HOMA) and urinary caffeine and its metabolites were measured using high-performance liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-tandem quadrupole mass spectrometry. After adjusting for all covariates, increases in urinary 1,3-DMU, 1,7-DMU, 1,3,7-TMU, theophylline, paraxanthine, caffeine, and AAMU were significantly associated with increased HOMA-IR and HOMA-β (HOMA of insulin resistance and beta cell function). Compared with individuals in the lowest quartile of urinary 1,3-DMU, 1,7-DMU, 1,3,7-TMU, theophylline, paraxanthine, caffeine, and AAMU, the regression coefficients for HOMA-IR and HOMA-β were significantly higher among those in the highest quartile. After stratification by prediabetes status, HOMA-IR and HOMA-β showed significant positive associations with urinary caffeine and its metabolites among subjects with normal fasting plasma glucose levels. Our cross-sectional study showed that caffeine and its metabolites were positively related to IR and BCF.
Isolation of Candidatus Bartonella rousetti and Other Bat-associated Bartonellae from Bats and Their Flies in Zambia
Authors: Qiu Yongjin , Kajihara Masahiro , Nakao Ryo , Mulenga Evans , Harima Hayato , Hang’ombe Bernard Mudenda , Eto Yoshiki , Changula Katendi , Mwizabi Daniel , Sawa Hirofumi , Higashi Hideaki , Mweene Aaron , Takada Ayato , Simuunza Martin , Sugimoto Chihiro
Published: June 2020

Bat-associated bartonellae, including Bartonella mayotimonensis and Candidatus Bartonella rousetti, were recently identified as emerging and potential zoonotic agents, respectively. However, there is no report of bat-associated bartonellae in Zambia. Thus, we aimed to isolate and characterize Bartonella spp. from bats and bat flies captured in Zambia by culturing and PCR. Overall, Bartonella spp. were isolated from six out of 36 bats (16.7%), while Bartonella DNA was detected in nine out of 19 bat flies (47.3%). Subsequent characterization using a sequence of five different genes revealed that three isolates obtained from Egyptian fruit bats (Rousettus aegyptiacus) were Ca. B. rousetti. The isolates obtained from insectivorous bats (Macronycteris vittatus) were divided into two previously unclassified bat-associated bartonellae. A phylogenetic analysis of the six genotypes of Bartonella gltA sequences from nine pathogen-positive bat flies revealed that three genotypes belonged to the same clades as bat-associated bartonellae, including Ca. B. rousetti. The other three genotypes represented arthropod-associated bartonellae, which have previously been isolated only from ectoparasites. We demonstrated that Ca. B. rousetti is maintained between bats (R. aegyptiacus) and bat flies in Zambia. Continuous surveillance of Bartonella spp. in bats and serological surveys in humans in Africa are warranted to evaluate the public health importance of bat-associated bartonellae.