bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Metabolic Profiling of Rheumatoid Arthritis Neutrophils Reveals Altered Energy Metabolism That Is Not Affected by JAK Inhibition
Authors: Chokesuwattanaskul Susama , Fresneda Alarcon Michele , Mangalakumaran Sangeetha , Grosman Rudi , Cross Andrew L. , Chapman Elinor A. , Mason David , Moots Robert J. , Phelan Marie M. , Wright Helen L.
Published: July 2022

Neutrophils play a key role in the pathophysiology of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) where release of ROS and proteases directly causes damage to joints and tissues. Neutrophil function can be modulated by Janus Kinase (JAK) inhibitor drugs, including tofacitinib and baricitinib, which are clinically effective treatments for RA. However, clinical trials have reported increased infection rates and transient neutropenia during therapy. The subtle differences in the mode of action, efficacy and safety of JAK inhibitors have been the primary research topic of many clinical trials and systematic reviews, to provide a more precise and targeted treatment to patients. The aim of this study was to determine both the differences in the metabolome of neutrophils from healthy controls and people with RA, and the effect of different JAK inhibitors on the metabolome of healthy and RA neutrophils. Isolated neutrophils from healthy controls (HC) (n = 6) and people with RA (n = 7) were incubated with baricitinib, tofacitinib or a pan-JAK inhibitor (all 200 ng/mL) for 2 h. Metabolites were extracted, and 1H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) was applied to study the metabolic changes. Multivariate analyses and machine learning models showed a divergent metabolic pattern in RA neutrophils compared to HC at 0 h (F1 score = 86.7%) driven by energy metabolites (ATP, ADP, GTP and glucose). No difference was observed in the neutrophil metabolome when treated with JAK inhibitors. However, JAK inhibitors significantly inhibited ROS production and baricitinib decreased NET production (p < 0.05). Bacterial killing was not impaired by JAK inhibitors, indicating that the effect of JAK inhibitors on neutrophils can inhibit joint damage in RA without impairing host defence. This study highlights altered energy metabolism in RA neutrophils which may explain the cause of their dysregulation in inflammatory disease.
Succinate as a New Actor in Pluripotency and Early Development?
Authors: Detraux Damien , Renard Patricia
Published: July 2022

Pluripotent cells have been stabilized from pre- and post-implantation blastocysts, representing respectively naïve and primed stages of embryonic stem cells (ESCs) with distinct epigenetic, metabolic and transcriptomic features. Beside these two well characterized pluripotent stages, several intermediate states have been reported, as well as a small subpopulation of cells that have reacquired features of the 2C-embryo (2C-like cells) in naïve mouse ESC culture. Altogether, these represent a continuum of distinct pluripotency stages, characterized by metabolic transitions, for which we propose a new role for a long-known metabolite: succinate. Mostly seen as the metabolite of the TCA, succinate is also at the crossroad of several mitochondrial biochemical pathways. Its role also extends far beyond the mitochondrion, as it can be secreted, modify proteins by lysine succinylation and inhibit the activity of alpha-ketoglutarate-dependent dioxygenases, such as prolyl hydroxylase (PHDs) or histone and DNA demethylases. When released in the extracellular compartment, succinate can trigger several key transduction pathways after binding to SUCNR1, a G-Protein Coupled Receptor. In this review, we highlight the different intra- and extracellular roles that succinate might play in the fields of early pluripotency and embryo development.
Multi-Tissue Time-Domain NMR Metabolomics Investigation of Time-Restricted Feeding in Male and Female Nile Grass Rats
Authors: Johnson Hayden , Yates Thomas , Leedom Gary , Ramanathan Chidambaram , Puppa Melissa , van der Merwe Marie , Tipirneni-Sajja Aaryani
Published: July 2022

Metabolic disease resulting from overnutrition is prevalent and rapidly increasing in incidence in modern society. Time restricted feeding (TRF) dietary regimens have recently shown promise in attenuating some of the negative metabolic effects associated with chronic nutrient stress. The purpose of this study is to utilize a multi-tissue metabolomics approach using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy to investigate TRF and sex-specific effects of high-fat diet in a diurnal Nile grass rat model. Animals followed a six-week dietary protocol on one of four diets: chow ad libitum, high-fat ad libitum (HF-AD), high-fat early TRF (HF-AM), or high-fat late TRF (HF-PM), and their liver, heart, and white adipose tissues were harvested at the end of the study and were analyzed by NMR. Time-domain complete reduction to amplitude–frequency table (CRAFT) was used to semi-automate and systematically quantify metabolites in liver, heart, and adipose tissues while minimizing operator bias. Metabolite profiling and statistical analysis revealed lipid remodeling in all three tissues and ectopic accumulation of cardiac and hepatic lipids for HF-AD feeding compared to a standard chow diet. Animals on TRF high-fat diet had lower lipid levels in the heart and liver compared to the ad libitum group; however, no significant differences were noted for adipose tissue. Regardless of diet, females exhibited greater amounts of hepatic lipids compared to males, while no consistent differences were shown in adipose and heart. In conclusion, this study demonstrates the feasibility of performing systematic and time-efficient multi-tissue NMR metabolomics to elucidate metabolites involved in the crosstalk between different metabolic tissues and provides a more holistic approach to better understand the etiology of metabolic disease and the effects of TRF on metabolic profiles.
Electrical Impedance Tomography Based on Grey Wolf Optimized Radial Basis Function Neural Network
Authors: Wang Guanghua , Feng Di , Tang Wenlai
Published: July 2022

Electrical impedance tomography (EIT) is a non-invasive, radiation-free imaging technique with a lot of promise in clinical monitoring. However, since EIT image reconstruction is a non-linear, pathological, and ill-posed issue, the quality of the reconstructed images needs constant improvement. To increase image reconstruction accuracy, a grey wolf optimized radial basis function neural network (GWO-RBFNN) is proposed in this paper. The grey wolf algorithm is used to optimize the weights in the radial base neural network, determine the mapping between the weights and the initial position of the grey wolf, and calculate the optimal position of the grey wolf to find the optimal solution for the weights, thus improving the image resolution of EIT imaging. COMSOL and MATLAB were used to numerically simulate the EIT system with 16 electrodes, producing 1700 simulation samples. The standard Landweber, RBFNN, and GWO-RBFNN approaches were used to train the sets separately. The obtained image correlation coefficient (ICC) of the test set after training with GWO-RBFNN is 0.9551. After adding 30, 40, and 50 dB of Gaussian white noise to the test set, the attained ICCs with GWO-RBFNN are 0.8966, 0.9197, and 0.9319, respectively. The findings reveal that the proposed GWO-RBFNN approach outperforms the existing methods when it comes to image reconstruction.
A Review on Additive Manufacturing of Functional Gradient Piezoceramic
Authors: Sotov Anton , Kantyukov Artem , Popovich Anatoliy , Sufiiarov Vadim
Published: July 2022

Functionally graded piezoceramics are a new generation of engineering materials whose final properties are determined by a chemical composition gradient (volume distribution), material microstructure, or design characteristics. This review analyzes possible ways to create a functionally graded piezoceramic material (gradient chemical composition, gradient porosity—controlled and disordered porosity) by additive manufacturing methods, to control such materials’ functional characteristics. An analysis of the creation of gradient piezoceramics using binder jetting technology is presented in more detail. The review shows that today, the creation of functional gradient piezoceramics by additive manufacturing is a poorly-studied but promising research area, due to the rapid development of the additive manufacturing market and their unique features in shaping parts.
Effects of Laser Machining Aluminum Alloy in Different Media
Authors: Li Xiang , Huang Shan , Tang Jianping , Mu Weihao , Xu Xin , Chen Xuehui
Published: July 2022

To study the effects of aluminum alloys processed by a laser in air and water and at different water velocities, corresponding experiments were conducted and the impacting effects of different water velocities on the surface of the workpiece were simulated, respectively. The results show that when laser processing aluminum alloy materials in air, there is more slag and a recondensation layer on both sides of the groove, the heat-affected zone is larger and the surface processing quality is poor. When laser processing aluminum alloy materials in water, the processing quality is improved. With the increase in water velocity, the impacting and cooling effect is enhanced, the groove depth and groove width show a trend of first increasing and then decreasing, the slag and recondensation layer on both sides of the groove are reduced, the heat-affected zone is reduced and the processing quality of the groove is improved. When the water velocity reaches 30 m/s, a better groove can be obtained. Laser processing aluminum alloy materials in water can obtain better processing quality than laser processing in air.
Cashew Gum: A Review of Brazilian Patents and Pharmaceutical Applications with a Special Focus on Nanoparticles
Authors: Amaral Ricardo G. , de Andrade Lucas R. Melo , Andrade Luciana N. , Loureiro Kahynna C. , Souto Eliana B. , Severino Patrícia
Published: July 2022

Natural polysaccharides are structures composed of highly diversified biological macromolecules whose properties have been exploited by a diversity of industries. Until 2018, the polysaccharides market raised more than US $ 12 billion worldwide, while an annual growth forecast of 4.8% is expected by 2026. The food industry is largely responsible for the consumption of this plant-source material, produced by microbiological fermentation. Among the used polysaccharides, gums are hydrocolloids obtained from a variety of sources and in different forms, being composed of salts of calcium, potassium, magnesium and sugar monomers. Their non-toxicity, hydrophilicity, viscosity, biodegradability, biocompatibility and sustainable production are among their main advantages. Although Brazil is amongst the largest producers of cashew gum, reaching 50 tons per year, the polysaccharide is not being used to its full potential, in particular, with regard to its uses in pharmaceuticals. Cashew gum (CG), obtained from Anacardium occidentale L., caught the attention of the industry only in 1970; in 1990, its production started to grow. Within the Brazilian academy, the groups from the Federal University of Ceará and Piauí are devoting the most efforts to the study of cashew gum, with a total of 31 articles already published. The number of patents in the country for innovations containing cashew tree gum has reached 14, including the technological process for the purification of cashew tree gum, comparison of physical and chemical methods for physicochemical characterizations, and optimum purification methodology. This scenario opens a range of opportunities for the use of cashew gum, mainly in the development of new pharmaceutical products, with a special interest in nanoparticles.
Metagenomic Characterization of Resistance Genes in Deception Island and Their Association with Mobile Genetic Elements
Authors: Santos Andrés , Burgos Felipe , Martinez-Urtaza Jaime , Barrientos Leticia
Published: July 2022

Antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) are undergoing a remarkably rapid geographic expansion in various ecosystems, including pristine environments such as Antarctica. The study of ARGs and environmental resistance genes (ERGs) mechanisms could provide a better understanding of their origin, evolution, and dissemination in these pristine environments. Here, we describe the diversity of ARGs and ERGs and the importance of mobile genetic elements as a possible mechanism for the dissemination of resistance genes in Antarctica. We analyzed five soil metagenomes from Deception Island in Antarctica. Results showed that detected ARGs are associated with mechanisms such as antibiotic efflux, antibiotic inactivation, and target alteration. On the other hand, resistance to metals, surfactants, and aromatic hydrocarbons were the dominant ERGs. The taxonomy of ARGs showed that Pseudomonas, Psychrobacter, and Staphylococcus could be key taxa for studying antibiotic resistance and environmental resistance to stress in Deception Island. In addition, results showed that ARGs are mainly associated with phage-type mobile elements suggesting a potential role in their dissemination and prevalence. Finally, these results provide valuable information regarding the ARGs and ERGs in Deception Island including the potential contribution of mobile genetic elements to the spread of ARGs and ERGs in one of the least studied Antarctic ecosystems to date.
How a PCR Sequencing Strategy Can Bring New Data to Improve the Diagnosis of Ethionamide Resistance
Authors: Maitre Thomas , Morel Florence , Brossier Florence , Sougakoff Wladimir , Jaffre Jéremy , Cheng Sokleaph , Veziris Nicolas , Aubry Alexandra ,   on behalf of the NRC-MyRMA
Published: July 2022

Ethionamide (ETH) is a second-line antituberculosis drug. ETH resistance (ETH-R) is mainly related to the mutations of the monooxygenase-activating ETH (EthA), the ETH target (InhA), and the inhA promoter. Nonetheless, diagnosing ETH-R is still challenging. We assessed the strategy used for detecting ETH-R at the French National Reference Center for Mycobacteria in 497 MDR-TB isolates received from 2008 to 2016. The genotypic ETH’s resistance detection was performed by sequencing ethA, ethR, the ethA-ethR intergenic region, and the inhA promoter in the 497 multidrug-resistant isolates, whereas the phenotypic ETH susceptibility testing (PST) was performed using the reference proportion method. Mutations were found in up to 76% of the 387 resistant isolates and in up to 28% of the 110 susceptible isolates. Our results do not support the role of ethR mutations in ETH resistance. Altogether, the positive predictive value of our genotypic strategy to diagnose ETH-R was improved when only considering the variants included in the WHO catalogue and in other databases, such as TB-Profiler. Therefore, our work will help to update the list of mutations that could be graded as being associated with resistance to improve ETH-R diagnosis.
Advances in Periodontal Pathogens
Authors: Sufaru Irina-Georgeta , Martu Maria-Alexandra , Solomon Sorina Mihaela
Published: July 2022

Even though periodontitis is considered an infectious disease, there are a number of factors that distinguish it from other infectious diseases: it is not the result of infection with an individual pathogen, but rather the consequence of a modified microbial community interaction with the host organism [...]
Genome-Wide Study of Drug Resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Its Intra-Host Evolution during Treatment
Authors: Lagutkin Denis , Panova Anna , Vinokurov Anatoly , Gracheva Alexandra , Samoilova Anastasia , Vasilyeva Irina
Published: July 2022

The emergence of drug resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) strains has become a global public health problem, while, at the same time, there has been development of new antimicrobial agents. The main goals of this study were to determine new variants associated with drug resistance in MTB and to observe which polymorphisms emerge in MTB genomes after anti-tuberculosis treatment. We performed whole-genome sequencing of 152 MTB isolates including 70 isolates as 32 series of pre- and post-treatment MTB. Based on genotypes and phenotypic drug susceptibility, we conducted phylogenetic convergence-based genome-wide association study (GWAS) with streptomycin-, isoniazid-, rifampicin-, ethambutol-, fluoroquinolones-, and aminoglycosides-resistant MTB against susceptible ones. GWAS revealed statistically significant associations of SNPs within Rv2820c, cyp123 and indels in Rv1269c, Rv1907c, Rv1883c, Rv2407, Rv3785 genes with resistant MTB phenotypes. Comparisons of serial isolates showed that treatment induced different patterns of intra-host evolution. We found indels within Rv1435c and ppsA that were not lineage-specific. In addition, Beijing-specific polymorphisms within Rv0036c, Rv0678, Rv3433c, and dop genes were detected in post-treatment isolates. The appearance of Rv3785 frameshift insertion in 2 post-treatment strains compared to pre-treatment was also observed. We propose that the insertion within Rv3785, which was a GWAS hit, might affect cell wall biosynthesis and probably mediates a compensatory mechanism in response to treatment. These results may shed light on the mechanisms of MTB adaptation to chemotherapy and drug resistance formation.
Achromobacter Species: An Emerging Cause of Community-Onset Bloodstream Infections
Authors: Isler Burcu , Paterson David L. , Harris Patrick N. A. , Ling Weiping , Edwards Felicity , Rickard Claire M. , Kidd Timothy J. , Gassiep Ian , Laupland Kevin B.
Published: July 2022

Background: Case reports and small series indicate that Achromobacter species bloodstream infection (BSI) is most commonly a complication of hospitalization among patients with chronic lung disease. The aim of the present study was to determine the incidence, risk factors, and outcomes of Achromobacter sp. BSI in an Australian population. Methods: Retrospective, laboratory-based surveillance was conducted in Queensland, Australia (population ≈ 5 million) during 2000–2019. Clinical and outcome data were obtained by linkage to state hospital admissions and vital statistics databases. BSI diagnosed within the community or within the first two calendar days of stay in hospital were classified as community-onset. Community-onset BSIs were grouped into community-associated and healthcare-associated. Results: During more than 86 million person-years of surveillance, 210 incidents of Achromobacter sp. BSI occurred among 195 individuals for an overall age-and sex-standardized annual incidence of 2.6 per million residents. Older individuals and males were at highest risk (2.9 vs. 2.0 per million, IRR for males 1.5; 95% CI, 1.1–1.9; p = 0.008). Most (153; 73%) cases were of community-onset of which 100 (48%) and 53 (25%) were healthcare- and community-associated, respectively. An increasing proportion of community-onset cases were observed during twenty years of surveillance. Underlying medical illnesses were common with median (interquartile range) Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) scores of 3 (1–5). CCI scores of 0, 1, 2, and 3+ were observed in 37 (18%), 27 (13%), 40 (19%), and 105 (50%) of cases, respectively. All but one of the cases were admitted to hospital for a median (interquartile range) length of stay of 12 (5–34) days. All-cause case–fatality rates in hospital by day 30 and by day 90 were 30 (14%), 28 (13%), and 42 (20%), respectively. The 90-day case–fatality rate increased with increasing comorbidity and was 3% (1/37), 11% (3/27), 25% (10/40), and 27% (28/105) among those with Charlson Comorbidity Indices of 0, 1, 2, and 3+, respectively (p = 0.004). Conclusions: Although comorbidity is an important determinant of risk, most Achromobacter sp. BSI are of community-onset and one-fifth of cases occur in patients without significant underlying chronic co-morbidities. This study highlights the value of population-based methodologies to define the epidemiology of an infectious disease.
Viral Vector Vaccine Development and Application during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Deng Shaofeng , Liang Hui , Chen Pin , Li Yuwan , Li Zhaoyao , Fan Shuangqi , Wu Keke , Li Xiaowen , Chen Wenxian , Qin Yuwei , Yi Lin , Chen Jinding
Published: July 2022

With the accumulation of mutations in SARS-CoV-2 and the continuous emergence of new variants, the importance of developing safer and effective vaccines has become more prominent in combating the COVID-19 pandemic. Both traditional and genetically engineered vaccines have contributed to the prevention and control of the pandemic. However, in recent years, the trend of vaccination research has gradually transitioned from traditional to genetically engineered vaccines, with the development of viral vector vaccines attracting increasing attention. Viral vector vaccines have several unique advantages compared to other vaccine platforms. The spread of Omicron has also made the development of intranasal viral vector vaccines more urgent, as the infection site of Omicron is more prominent in the upper respiratory tract. Therefore, the present review focuses on the development of viral vector vaccines and their application during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Study on Acoustic Emission and Coda Wave Characteristics of Layered Cemented Tailings Backfill under Uniaxial Compression
Authors: Huang Chongjie , He Wen , Lu Bokai , Wang Manman , Li Shenhai , Xiao Changbo
Published: July 2022

The paper analyzes the effects of filling times and filling interval time on the acoustic emission characteristics and coda wave characteristics of layered cemented tailings backfill under uniaxial compression and, to a certain extent, enriches the study of layered cemented tailings backfill in this field. The work aims to monitor the early warning of layered cemented tailings backfill with different layering factors during deformation and damage by the changing law of acoustic emission and ultrasonic signals. By conducting uniaxial compression tests, acoustic emission, and ultrasonic tests of layered cemented tailings backfill, the acoustic emission parameters and their fractal characteristics of layered cemented tailings backfill with different layering factors during uniaxial compression were calculated. Meanwhile, the variation law of the coda wave velocity variation rate of layered cemented tailings backfill during uniaxial loading was analyzed using coda wave interferometry. The test results show the feasibility of using acoustic emission and ultrasonic means to monitor and warn about the deformation damage of layered cemented tailings backfill.
Complementary Role of GlcNAc6ST2 and GlcNAc6ST3 in Synthesis of CL40-Reactive Sialylated and Sulfated Glycans in the Mouse Pleural Mesothelium
Authors: Takeda-Uchimura Yoshiko , Ikezaki Midori , Akama Tomoya O. , Nishioka Kaho , Ihara Yoshito , Allain Fabrice , Nishitsuji Kazuchika , Uchimura Kenji
Published: July 2022

Sialyl 6-sulfo Lewis X (6-sulfo sLeX) and its derivative sialyl 6-sulfo N-acetyllactosamine (LacNAc) are sialylated and sulfated glycans of sialomucins found in the high endothelial venules (HEVs) of secondary lymphoid organs. A component of 6-sulfo sLeX present in the core 1-extended O-linked glycans detected by the MECA-79 antibody was previously shown to exist in the lymphoid aggregate vasculature and bronchial mucosa of allergic and asthmatic lungs. The components of 6-sulfo sLeX in pulmonary tissues under physiological conditions remain to be analyzed. The CL40 antibody recognizes 6-sulfo sLeX and sialyl 6-sulfo LacNAc in O-linked and N-linked glycans, with absolute requirements for both GlcNAc-6-sulfation and sialylation. Immunostaining of normal mouse lungs with CL40 was performed and analyzed. The contribution of GlcNAc-6-O-sulfotransferases (GlcNAc6STs) to the synthesis of the CL40 epitope in the lungs was also elucidated. Here, we show that the expression of the CL40 epitope was specifically detected in the mesothelin-positive mesothelium of the pulmonary pleura. Moreover, GlcNAc6ST2 (encoded by Chst4) and GlcNAc6ST3 (encoded by Chst5), but not GlcNAc6ST1 (encoded by Chst2) or GlcNAc6ST4 (encoded by Chst7), are required for the synthesis of CL40-positive glycans in the lung mesothelium. Furthermore, neither GlcNAc6ST2 nor GlcNAc6ST3 is sufficient for in vivo expression of the CL40 epitope in the lung mesothelium, as demonstrated by GlcNAc6ST1/3/4 triple-knock-out and GlcNAc6ST1/2/4 triple-knock-out mice. These results indicate that CL40-positive sialylated and sulfated glycans are abundant in the pleural mesothelium and are synthesized complementarily by GlcNAc6ST2 and GlcNAc6ST3, under physiological conditions in mice.
Analytical Methods for Nanomaterial Determination in Biological Matrices
Authors: Vladitsi Magdalini , Nikolaou Charalampia , Kalogiouri Natasa P. , Samanidou Victoria F.
Published: July 2022

Nanomaterials are materials in which at least one of the three dimensions ranges from 1 to 100 nm, according to the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). Nanomaterials can be categorized according to various parameters, such as their source, their shape, and their origin. Their increasing use in industrial settings, everyday items, electronic devices, etc. poses an environmental and biological risk that needs to be assessed and appropriately addressed. The development of reliable analytical methods for both characterization and quantification of nanomaterials in various matrices is essential. This review summarized the recent trends in analytical methodologies for the characterization and determination of nanoparticles in biological matrices.
Effect of CNT Content on Microstructure and Properties of CNTs/Refined-AZ61 Magnesium Matrix Composites
Authors: Ding Yunpeng , Shi Zhiai , Li Zhiyuan , Jiao Sijia , Hu Jinbiao , Wang Xulei , Zhang Yizhuang , Wang Hanying , Guo Xiaoqin
Published: July 2022

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) reinforced magnesium matrix composites have great application potential in the transportation industry, but the low absolute strength is the main obstacle to its application. In this paper, copper-coated CNTs and AZ61 powder were used as raw materials to prepare CNTs/refined-AZ61 composites with good interfacial bonding, uniformly dispersed CNTs and fine grains by the process of ball milling refinement of AZ61 powder, ball milling dispersion and hot-pressing sintering. When the volume fraction of CNTs is less than or equal to 1 vol.%, CNTs can be uniformly dispersed and the yield strength and compressive strength of composites increase with higher CNT content. When the volume fraction of CNTs is 1 vol.%, the compressive strength and yield strength of composites reach 439 MPa and 361 MPa, respectively, which are 14% and 9% higher than those of matrix composites with nearly the same value of fracture strain. When the volume fraction of CNTs is greater than 1 vol.%, with the increase in CNT content, CNT clustering becomes more and more serious, resulting in a decrease in the strength and fracture strain of composites.
Flame Retardant Nano-Structured Fillers from Huntite/Hydromagnesite Minerals
Authors: Andrikopoulos Konstantinos S. , Bounos Giannis , Lainioti Georgia Ch. , Ioannides Theophilos , Kallitsis Joannis K. , Voyiatzis George A.
Published: July 2022

In the current study, we propose a simple hydrothermal pathway to synthesize nano-structured Mg(OH)2 after application of thermal decomposition followed by hydration of commercial minerals based on hydromagnesite and huntite. The synthesis of nano-materials is performed without the use of any catalyst. The effect of decomposition temperature on the hydrothermal synthesis of Mg(OH)2 is extensively studied. It is shown that the morphology of resulting structures consists typically of particles ~200 nm in diameter and ~10 nm in thickness. Study of the structure at the molecular level designates the composition and supports the nano-sized characteristics of the produced materials. The associated thermal properties combined with the corresponding optical properties suggest that the material may be used as a flame retardant filler with enhanced transparency. In this concept, the flame retardancy of composite coatings containing the produced nano-sized Mg(OH)2 was examined in terms of limiting oxygen index (LOI), i.e., the minimum concentration of oxygen that just supports flaming combustion.
In Situ Transformation of Electrospun Nanofibers into Nanofiber-Reinforced Hydrogels
Authors: Martin Alma , Nyman Jenny Natalie , Reinholdt Rikke , Cai Jun , Schaedel Anna-Lena , van der Plas Mariena J. A. , Malmsten Martin , Rades Thomas , Heinz Andrea
Published: July 2022

Nanofiber-reinforced hydrogels have recently gained attention in biomedical engineering. Such three-dimensional scaffolds show the mechanical strength and toughness of fibers while benefiting from the cooling and absorbing properties of hydrogels as well as a large pore size, potentially aiding cell migration. While many of such systems are prepared by complicated processes where fibers are produced separately to later be embedded in a hydrogel, we here provide proof of concept for a one-step solution. In more detail, we produced core-shell nanofibers from the natural proteins zein and gelatin by coaxial electrospinning. Upon hydration, the nanofibers were capable of directly transforming into a nanofiber-reinforced hydrogel, where the nanofibrous structure was retained by the zein core, while the gelatin-based shell turned into a hydrogel matrix. Our nanofiber-hydrogel composite showed swelling to ~800% of its original volume and water uptake of up to ~2500% in weight. The physical integrity of the nanofiber-reinforced hydrogel was found to be significantly improved in comparison to a hydrogel system without nanofibers. Additionally, tetracycline hydrochloride was incorporated into the fibers as an antimicrobial agent, and antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli was confirmed.
Nanosponges for Drug Delivery and Cancer Therapy: Recent Advances
Authors: Iravani Siavash , Varma Rajender S.
Published: July 2022

Nanosponges with three-dimensional (3D) porous structures, narrow size distribution, and high entrapment efficiency are widely engineered for cancer therapy and drug delivery purposes. They protect the molecular agents from degradation and help to improve the solubility of lipophilic therapeutic agents/drugs with targeted delivery options in addition to being magnetized to attain suitable magnetic features. Nanosponge-based delivery systems have been applied for cancer therapy with high specificity, biocompatibility, degradability, and prolonged release behavior. In this context, the drug loading within nanosponges is influenced by the crystallization degree. Notably, 3D printing technologies can be applied for the development of novel nanosponge-based systems for biomedical applications. The impacts of polymers, cross-linkers, type of drugs, temperature, loading and mechanism of drug release, fabrication methods, and substitution degree ought to be analytically evaluated. Eco-friendly techniques for the manufacturing of nanosponges still need to be uncovered in addition to the existing methods, such as solvent techniques, ultrasound-assisted preparation, melting strategies, and emulsion solvent diffusion methods. Herein, the recent advancements associated with the drug delivery and cancer therapy potential of nanosponges (chiefly, cyclodextrin-based, DNAzyme, and ethylcellulose nanosponges) are deliberated, focusing on the important challenges and future perspectives.
Sputtered Ultrathin TiO2 as Electron Transport Layer in Silicon Heterojunction Solar Cell Technology
Authors: Fernández Susana , Torres Ignacio , Gandía José Javier
Published: July 2022

This work presents the implementation of ultrathin TiO2 films, deposited at room temperature by radio-frequency magnetron sputtering, as electron-selective contacts in silicon heterojunction solar cells. The effect of the working pressure on the properties of the TiO2 layers and its subsequent impact on the main parameters of the device are studied. The material characterization revealed an amorphous structure regardless of the working pressure; a rougher surface; and a blue shift in bandgap in the TiO2 layer deposited at the highest-pressure value of 0.89 Pa. When incorporated as part of the passivated full-area electron contact in silicon heterojunction solar cell, the chemical passivation provided by the intrinsic a-Si:H rapidly deteriorates upon the sputtering of the ultra-thin TiO2 films, although a short anneal is shown to restore much of the passivation lost. The deposition pressure and film thicknesses proved to be critical for the efficiency of the devices. The film thicknesses below 2 nm are necessary to reach open-circuit values above 660 mV, regardless of the deposition pressure. More so, the fill-factor showed a strong dependence on deposition pressure, with the best values obtained for the highest deposition pressure, which we correlated to the porosity of the films. Overall, these results show the potential to fabricate silicon solar cells with a simple implementation of electron-selective TiO2 contact deposited by magnetron sputtering. These results show the potential to fabricate silicon solar cells with a simple implementation of electron-selective TiO2 contact.
Preparation of g-C3N4/TNTs/CNTs Photocatalytic Composite Powder and Its Enhancement of Antifouling Performance of Polydimethylsiloxane Coatings
Authors: Xiong Gang , Zhang Zhanping , Qi Yuhong
Published: July 2022

Semiconductor photocatalytic materials have shown potential in the field of antifouling due to their good antibacterial properties, stability, and nontoxic properties. It is an effective way to use them to improve the static antifouling performance of silicone antifouling coatings. g-C3N4/TNTs/CNTs (CNTC) photocatalytic composite powders were prepared and introduced into polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) coatings to enhance their antifouling performance. Firstly, g-C3N4/TNTs with heterostructure were thermally polymerized by urea and TiO2 nanotubes (TNTs), and then g-C3N4/TNTs and multi-walled carbon nanotubes (CNTs) were composited to obtain CNTC. Finally, CNTC was added into PDMS to prepare g-C3N4/TNTs/CNTs/PDMS (CNTC/P) composite antifouling coating. The results showed that CNTC successfully recombined and formed a heterostructure, and the recombination rate of photogenerated carriers decreased after recombination. The addition of CNTC to PDMS increased the hydrophobicity and roughness while reducing the surface energy (SE) of the coatings. CNTC could effectively improve the anti-attachment performance of PDMS coatings to bacteria and benthic diatom. The bacterial attachment rate (AB) and benthic diatom attachment rate (AD) of CNTC/P-20 were, respectively, 13.1% and 63.1%; they are much lower than that of the coating without photocatalytic composite powder. This coating design provides a new idea for developing new “efficient” and “green” photocatalytic composite antifouling coatings.
Synthesis and Comparative Studies of Glucose Oxidase Immobilized on Fe3O4 Magnetic Nanoparticles Using Different Coupling Agents
Authors: Rusu Alina , Chiriac Aurica , Nita Loredana , Balan Vera , Serban Alexandru , Croitoriu Alexandra
Published: July 2022

Squaric acid (SA) is a compound with potential to crosslink biomacromolecules. Although SA has become over the last years a well-known crosslinking agent as a result of its good biocompatibility, glutaraldehyde (GA), a compound with proven cytotoxicity is still one of the most used crosslinkers to develop nanomaterials. In this regard, the novelty of the present study consists in determining whether it may be possible to substitute GA with a new bifunctional and biocompatible compound, such as SA, in the process of enzyme immobilization on the surface of magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs). Thus, a direct comparison between SA- and GA-functionalized magnetic nanoparticles was realized in terms of physico-chemical properties and ability to immobilize catalytic enzymes. The optimal conditions of the synthesis of the two types of GOx-immobilized MNPs were described, thus emphasizing the difference between the two reagents. Scanning Electron Microscopy and Dynamic Light Scattering were used for size, shape and colloidal stability characterization of the pristine MNPs and of those coupled with GOx. Binding of GOx to MNPs by using GA or SA was confirmed by FT-IR spectroscopy. The stability of the immobilized and free enzyme was investigated by measuring the enzymatic activity. The study confirmed that the resulting activity of the immobilized enzyme and the optimization of enzyme immobilization depended on the type of reagent used and duration of the process. The catalytic performance of immobilized enzyme was tested, revealing that the long-term colloidal stability of SA-functionalized MNPs was superior to those prepared with GA. In conclusion, the SA-functionalized bioconjugates have a better potential as compared to the GA-modified nanosystems to be regarded as catalytic nanodevices for biomedical purposes such as biosensors.
In Cellulo and In Vivo Comparison of Cholesterol, Beta-Sitosterol and Dioleylphosphatidylethanolamine for Lipid Nanoparticle Formulation of mRNA
Authors: Medjmedj Ayoub , Ngalle-Loth Albert , Clemençon Rudy , Hamacek Josef , Pichon Chantal , Perche Federico
Published: July 2022

Lipid Nanoparticles (LNPs) are a leading class of mRNA delivery systems. LNPs are made of an ionizable lipid, a polyethyleneglycol (PEG)-lipid conjugate and helper lipids. The success of LNPs is due to proprietary ionizable lipids and appropriate helper lipids. Using a benchmark lipid (D-Lin-MC3) we compared the ability of three helper lipids to transfect dendritic cells in cellulo and in vivo. Studies revealed that the choice of helper lipid does not influence the transfection efficiency of immortalized cells but, LNPs prepared with DOPE (dioleylphosphatidylethanolamine) and β-sitosterol were more efficient for mRNA transfection in murine dendritic cells than LNPs containing DSPC (distearoylphosphatidylcholine). This higher potency of DOPE and β-sitosterol LNPs for mRNA expression was also evident in vivo but only at low mRNA doses. Overall, these data provide valuable insight for the design of novel mRNA LNP vaccines.
Getting Greener with the Synthesis of Nanoparticles and Nanomaterials
Authors: Wojcieszak Robert , Ghazzal Mohamed Nawfal
Published: July 2022

The nanoscale level is bridging the gap between molecular level and crystal-based solid-state structures [...]
Design of Waveguide Polarization Convertor Based on Asymmetric 1D Photonic Crystals
Authors: Hsiao Fu-Li , Ni Chia-Ying , Tsai Ying-Pin , Chiang Ting-Wei , Yang Yen-Tung , Fan Cheng-Jui , Chang Hsuan-Ming , Chen Chien-Chung , Lee Hsin-Feng , Lin Bor-Shyh , Chan Kai-Chun , Chen Chii-Chang
Published: July 2022

Photonic crystals possess metastructures with a unique dispersion relation. An integrated optical circuit plays a crucial role in quantum computing, for which miniaturized optical components can be designed according to the characteristics of photonic crystals. Because the stable light transmission mode for a square waveguide is transverse electric or transverse magnetic polarization, we designed a half-waveplate element with a photonic crystal that can rotate the polarization direction of the light incident on a waveguide by 90°. Using the dispersion relation of photonic crystals, the polarization rotation length and the optical axis’s angle of deviation from the electric field in the eigenmode can be effectively calculated. Polarization rotators designed on the basis of photonic crystal structures can effectively reduce the insertion loss of components and exhibit favorable polarization rotation performance.
Highly Dispersion Cu2O QDs Decorated Bi2WO6 S-Scheme Heterojunction for Enhanced Photocatalytic Water Oxidation
Authors: Tang Diyong , Xu Desheng , Luo Zhipeng , Ke Jun , Zhou Yuan , Li Lizhong , Sun Jie
Published: July 2022

Developing suitable photocatalysts for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) is still a challenging issue for efficient water splitting due to the high requirements to create a significant impact on water splitting reaction kinetics. Herein, n-type Bi2WO6 with flower-like hierarchical structure and p-type Cu2O quantum dots (QDs) are coupled together to construct an efficient S-scheme heterojunction, which could enhance the migration efficiency of photogenerated charge carriers. The electrochemical properties are investigated to explore the transportation features and donor density of charge carriers in the S-scheme heterojunction system. Meanwhile, the as-prepared S-scheme heterojunction presents improved photocatalytic activity towards water oxidation in comparison with the sole Bi2WO6 and Cu2O QDs systems under simulated solar light irradiation. Moreover, the initial O2 evolution rate of the Cu2O QDs/Bi2WO6 heterojunction system is 2.3 and 9.7 fold that of sole Bi2WO6 and Cu2O QDs systems, respectively.
Role of Magnetic Nanoparticles Size and Concentration on Structural Changes and Corresponding Magneto-Optical Behavior of Nematic Liquid Crystals
Authors: Bury Peter , Veveričík Marek , Černobila František , Tomašovičová Natália , Zakuťanská Katarína , Kopčanský Peter , Timko Milan , Jarošová Markéta
Published: July 2022

The effect of magnetic nanoparticles size and concentration on nematic liquid crystal (NLC) behavior in a magnetic field was investigated. The magneto-optical investigation using measurements of the light transmission through the liquid crystal was used to study the structural changes induced by an applied weak magnetic field. Magnetic nanoparticles Fe3O4 of spherical shape with different size and volume concentration were added to NLC 4-cyano-40 -hexylbiphenyl (6CB) during its isotropic phase. In contrast to undoped liquid crystals, the distinctive different light transmission responses induced by a magnetic field in studied NLC samples were observed suggesting both structural changes and the orientational coupling between magnetic moments of nanoparticles and the director of the NLC. Experimental measurements were conducted, including investigation under linearly increasing and/or jumped magnetic field, respectively, as well as the investigation of time influence on structural changes to study their stability and switching time. The analysis of observed light transmission characteristics confirmed the role of concentration and size of magnetic nanoparticles on the resultant behavior of investigated NLC compounds. The obtained results showed the lowering of the threshold magnetic field with an increase in the volume concentration of nanoparticles and on the important role of nanoparticles size on stability and switching properties. Obtained results are discussed within the context of previous ones.
Ag3PO4-Deposited TiO2@Ti3C2 Petals for Highly Efficient Photodecomposition of Various Organic Dyes under Solar Light
Authors: Nguyen Ngoc Tuyet Anh , Kim Hansang
Published: July 2022

Two-dimensional Ti3C2 MXenes can be used to fabricate hierarchical TiO2 nanostructures that are potential photocatalysts. In this study, the photodecomposition of organic dyes under solar light was investigated using flower-like TiO2@Ti3C2, deposited using narrow bandgap Ag3PO4. The surface morphology, crystalline structure, surface states, and optical bandgap properties were determined using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), nitrogen adsorption analysis, and UV-Vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (UV-DRS). Overall, Ag3PO4-deposited TiO2@Ti3C2, referred to as Ag3PO4/TiO2@Ti3C2, demonstrated the best photocatalytic performance among the as-prepared samples, including TiO2@Ti3C2, pristine Ag3PO4, and Ag3PO4/TiO2 P25. Organic dyes, such as rhodamine B (RhB), methylene blue (MB), crystal violet (CV), and methylene orange (MO), were efficiently degraded by Ag3PO4/TiO2@Ti3C2. The significant enhancement of photocatalysis by solar light irradiation was attributed to the efficient deposition of Ag3PO4 nanoparticles on flower-like TiO2@Ti3C2 with the efficient separation of photogenerated e-/h+ pairs, high surface area, and extended visible-light absorption. Additionally, the small size of Ag3PO4 deposition (ca. 4–10 nm diameter) reduces the distance between the core and the surface of the composite, which inhibits the recombination of photogenerated charge carriers. Free radical trapping tests were performed, and a photocatalytic mechanism was proposed to explain the synergistic photocatalysis of Ag3PO4/TiO2@Ti3C2 under solar light.
Tailoring the Hybrid Magnetron Sputtering Process (HiPIMS and dcMS) to Manufacture Ceramic Multilayers: Powering Conditions, Target Materials, and Base Layers
Authors: de Castilho Bruno César Noronha Marques , de Sousa Mazuco Felipe , Rodrigues Alisson Mendes , Avila Pedro Renato Tavares , Apolinario Raira Chefer , Daum Philipp , da Costa Fabiana Pereira , Menezes Romualdo Rodrigues , de Araújo Neves Gelmires , Greiner Christian , Pinto Haroldo Cavalcanti
Published: July 2022

The mechanical and wear behavior of CrN/CrAlN multilayers were improved by tailoring the experimental conditions of a hybrid magnetron sputtering process based on a high-power impulse (HiPIMS) and two direct current magnetron sputtering (dcMS) power supplies. To this end, the influence of the base layer and of the combination of Cr and CrAl targets, which were switched to the dcMS and HiPIMS power supplies in different configurations, were investigated with respect to the growth of ceramic CrN/CrAlN multilayers onto commercial gas-nitrided diesel piston rings. The microstructure, grain morphology, and mechanical properties were evaluated by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and instrumented nanoindentation. Bench wear tests simulating the operation of a combustion engine were conducted against a gray cast iron cylinder liner under reciprocating conditions using 0W20 oil as a lubricating agent enriched with Al2O3 particles. The results revealed a significant increase in hardness, resistance to plastic strain, and wear resistance when two CrAl targets were switched to a HiPIMS and a dcMS power supply, and a Cr target was powered by another dcMS power supply. The compressive coating stresses were slightly reduced due to the soft Cr base layer that enabled stress relief within the multilayer. The proposed concept of hybrid magnetron sputtering outperformed the commercial PVD coatings of CrN for diesel piston rings manufactured by cathodic arc evaporation.
Association of Dietary Pattern with Cardiovascular Risk Factors among Postmenopausal Women in Taiwan: A Cross-Sectional Study from 2001 to 2015
Authors: Aliné Sabrina , Hsu Chien-Yeh , Lee Hsiu-An , Paramastri Rathi , Chao Jane C.-J.
Published: July 2022

Unhealthy diet and inappropriate lifestyle contribute to an imbalance in cardiometabolic profiles among postmenopausal women. This research aimed to analyze the association between dietary pattern and changes in cardiovascular risk factors among postmenopausal Taiwanese women using binary logistic regression. This cross-sectional study involved 5689 postmenopausal Taiwanese women aged 45 years and above, and the data were obtained from Mei Jau Health Management Institution database between 2001 and 2015. The cardiovascular risk dietary pattern characterized by high intakes of processed food, rice/flour products, organ meat, and sauce was derived by reduced rank regression. Participants in the highest quartile of the cardiovascular risk dietary pattern were more likely to have high levels of systolic blood pressure (OR = 1.29, 95% CI 1.08–1.53), diastolic blood pressure (OR = 1.28, 95% CI 1.01–1.62), atherogenic index of plasma (OR = 1.26, 95% CI 1.06–1.49), triglycerides (OR = 1.38, 95% CI 1.17–1.62), and fasting blood glucose (Q3: OR = 1.45, 95% CI 1.07–1.97). However, this dietary pattern was not correlated with total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and C-reactive protein. Therefore, adherence to the cardiovascular risk dietary pattern increases the risk of having higher levels of blood pressure, triglycerides, fasting blood glucose in postmenopausal Taiwanese women.