bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
4-Benzoyl-2-(4-bromophenyl)-1-(4-methoxyphenyl)-1,2-dihydropyrimidino[4,3-c][1,4]benzoxazine-3,5-dione
Authors: Khramtsova Ekaterina E. , Dmitriev Maksim V. , Maslivets Andrey N.
Published: February 2023

The reaction of 3-benzoylpyrrolo[2,1-c][1,4]benzoxazin-1,2,4-trione with N-(4-bromophenyl)-1-(4-methoxyphenyl)methanimine under thermolytical conditions afforded 4-benzoyl-2-(4-bromophenyl)-1-(4-methoxyphenyl)-1,2-dihydropyrimidino[4,3-c][1,4]benzoxazine-3,5-dione in a good yield. The reaction proceeded via in situ generation of a reactive intermediate, acyl(imidoyl)ketene. The compound was fully characterized.
Effect of Initial Surface Scratches on the Cavitation Erosion Behavior of 316L Stainless Steel Substrates and 316L Stainless Steel Coatings
Authors: Lu Pengfei , Xu Ziqi , Tian Ye , Yang Rui , Hu Kaixin , Li Hua , Yin Yanhong , Chen Xiuyong
Published: February 2023

Rough surfaces have been widely considered as negative factors affecting cavitation erosion resistance. However, this study presented the opposite result. Here, 316L stainless steel substrates and the arc-sprayed 316L stainless steel coatings were subjected to a specific grinding process that introduced scratches on the surfaces. The surface hardness values of these ground specimens were measured to evaluate the influence of the grinding-induced strain hardening. The cavitation erosion performance of the specimens was evaluated. The results showed that rough surfaces with scratches could enhance the cavitation erosion resistance, particularly at the early stage of cavitation erosion. The scratches had a greater effect on the cavitation erosion resistance of the coatings than on the substrates. Moreover, rough surfaces with initial surface scratches could extend the incubation period of the 316L stainless steel substrates due to the inhibition of the plastic deformation. The SEM observation showed that the scratch structure of the coating surface inhibited the growth of cracks and the propagation of cavitation pits. This study could also serve as a reference for investigating the cavitation erosion behaviors of materials with a particular surface feature.
Application of the ps−Version of the Finite Element Method to the Analysis of Laminated Shells
Authors: Yan Cheng Angelo , Vescovini Riccardo
Published: February 2023

The development of accurate and efficient numerical methods is of crucial importance for the analysis and design of composite structures. This is even more true in the presence of variable stiffness (VS) configurations, where intricate load paths can be responsible for complex and localized stress profiles. In this work, we present the ps−version of the finite elements method (ps−FEM), a novel FE approach which can perform global/local analysis through different refinement strategies efficiently and easily. Within this framework, the global behavior is captured through a p−refinement by increasing the polynomial order of the elements. For the local one, a mesh−superposition technique, called s−refinement, is used to improve locally the solution by defining a local/fine mesh overlaid to the global/coarse one. The combination of p− and s−refinements enables us to achieve excellent accuracy−to−cost ratios. This paper aims to present the numerical formulation and the implementation aspects of this novel approach to VS composite shell analysis. Numerical tests are reported to illustrate the potential of the method. The results provide a clear insight of its potential to guarantee fast convergence and easy mesh refinement where needed.
Modification of Cotton and Leather Surfaces Using Cold Atmospheric Pressure Plasma and TiO2-SiO2-Reduced Graphene Oxide Nanopowders
Authors: Cosma Dragoș-Viorel , Tudoran Cristian , Coroș Maria , Socaci Crina , Urda Alexandra , Turza Alexandru , Roșu Marcela-Corina , Barbu-Tudoran Lucian , Stanculescu Ioana
Published: February 2023

Surface modification of textile fabrics and leathers is very versatile and allows the products quality improvement. In this work, cotton and leather substrates were pre-treated with cold atmospheric pressure plasma (CAPP) and further coated with TiO2-SiO2-reduced graphene oxide composites in dispersion form. By using a Taguchi scheme, this research evaluated the effect of three significant parameters, i.e., the pre-treatment with CAPP, organic dispersion coating and TiO2-SiO2-reduced graphene oxide (TS/GR) composites, that may affect the morpho-structural properties and photocatalytic activity of modified cotton and leather surfaces. The characteristics of cotton/leather surfaces were evaluated by morphological, structural, optical and self-cleaning ability using scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM/EDX), X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), attenuated total reflection–Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR) and UV–Vis spectroscopy. The self-cleaning performance of the obtained cotton and leather samples was evaluated by photocatalytic discoloration of berry juice surface stains under UV light irradiation for 12 h. The successfulness of coating formulations was proven by the SEM analysis and UV–Vis spectroscopy. The XRD patterns and ATR-FTIR spectra revealed the cellulose and collagen structures as dominant components of cotton and leather substrates. The CAPP treatment did not damage the cotton and leather structures. The photocatalytic results highlighted the potential of TiO2-SiO2-reduced graphene oxide composites in organic dispersion media, as coating formulations, for further use in the fabrication of innovative self-cleaning photocatalytic cotton and leather products.
Dynamics of Correlated Double-Ionization of Two-Electron Quantum Dots in Laser Fields
Authors: Prior Adam , Nikolopoulos Lampros A. A.
Published: February 2023

Using an ab initio, time-dependent calculational method, we study the non-linear dynamics of a two-electron quantum dot in the presence of ultrashort Thz laser pulses. The analysis of the contribution of the various partial waves to two-electron joint radial and energy distribution patterns revealed strongly correlated electron ejection channels. In the double-ionization process, regardless of the photon energy, the two-electron wave packets are born and remain concentrated until the pulse’s peak; at later times, and depending on the photon energy of the field, distinctly different patterns emerge. Our calculations also showed the gradual transition of the radial and energy patterns from a single-peak to a doubly peaked structure, associated with the direct and the sequential double-ionization mechanisms, respectively.
Assessment of Intra-Oral Repair Systems for Veneered Zirconia and Zirconia Only
Authors: Ordueri Tugçe Merve , Ateş Mehmet Muzaffer , Özcan Mutlu
Published: February 2023

The aim of this study was to compare bond strength resin composites to porcelain laminate veneers in the indirect repair method to composite resins used in the direct repair method for cases of porcelain veneer fracture of zirconia-based fixed dental prostheses. In the study, the groups were formed with different percentages of areas to be repaired to mimic porcelain fractures in the mouth. The experimental group of veneered zirconia were as follows: Group A = 100% Zr surface; Group B = 70% Zr, 30% porcelain surface; Group C = 50% Zr, 50% porcelain surface; Group D = 30% Zr, 70% porcelain surface; Group E = 100% porcelain surface. The repairs of the specimens were made using composite resin systems in half of the groups and using porcelain laminate veneers in the other half. Specimens were embedded in acrylic blocks before surface treatments and repairs were applied. After surface conditioning, laminate veneers were applied to the first half of the groups, and composite repair systems were applied to the second half of the groups. After all specimens were aged by thermal cycling, their bond strength values were measured using a Universal Testing Machine, and the obtained data were recorded. The specimens were examined with a stereomicroscope and classified according to failure types (adhesive/cohesive/mixed). Bond strength values were evaluated based on independent-samples t-test statistics. According to the comparisons among the groups, the bond strength of the indirect repairs made with the laminate material was higher than the bond strength of the repairs made with the composite. There was a statistically significant difference in favor of the indirect repair groups among all groups except for Group C. The highest bond strength was found in Group A in the indirect repair method, while the lowest bond was found in the direct repair method in Group E. Adhesive failure was mostly seen in the groups that were repaired with the composite.
In Vitro Bioelectrochemical Properties of Second-Generation Oxide Nanotubes on Ti–13Zr–13Nb Biomedical Alloy
Authors: Stróż Agnieszka , Luxbacher Thomas , Dudek Karolina , Chmiela Bartosz , Osak Patrycja , Łosiewicz Bożena
Published: February 2023

Surface charge and in vitro corrosion resistance are some of the key parameters characterizing biomaterials in the interaction of the implant with the biological environment. Hence, this work investigates the in vitro bioelectrochemical behavior of newly developed oxide nanotubes (ONTs) layers of second-generation (2G) on a Ti–13Zr–13Nb alloy. The 2G ONTs were produced by anodization in 1 M (NH4)2SO4 solution with 2 wt.% of NH4F. The physical and chemical properties of the obtained bamboo-inspired 2G ONTs were characterized using scanning electron microscopy with field emission and energy dispersive spectroscopy. Zeta potential measurements for the examined materials were carried out using an electrokinetic analyzer in aqueous electrolytes of potassium chloride, phosphate-buffered saline and artificial blood. It was found that the electrolyte type and the ionic strength affect the bioelectrochemical properties of 2G ONTs layers. Open circuit potential and anodic polarization curve results proved the influence of anodizing on the improvement of in vitro corrosion resistance of the Ti–13Zr–13Nb alloy in PBS solution. The anodizing conditions used can be proposed for the production of long-term implants, which are not susceptible to pitting corrosion up to 9.4 V.
Efficiency of Diclofenac Removal Using Activated Sludge in a Dynamic System (SBR Reactor) with Variable Parameters of pH, Concentration, and Sludge Oxygenation
Authors: Zając-Woźnialis Anna , Kruszelnicka Izabela , Zembrzuska Joanna , Ginter-Kramarczyk Dobrochna , Ochowiak Marek , Krupińska Andżelika
Published: February 2023

Recently, traditional wastewater treatment systems have not been adapted to remove micropollutants, including pharmaceutical substances, which, even at low concentrations, cause adverse changes in aquatic and terrestrial living organisms. The problem of drug residues in the environment has been noticed; however, no universal legal regulations have been established for concentrations of these compounds in treated wastewater. Hence, the aim of the article was to determine the possibility of increasing the efficiency of diclofenac removal from activated sludge using the designed SBR reactor. This study included six cycles, working continuously, where each of them was characterized by changing conditions of pH, oxygenation, and composition of the synthetic medium. In each cycle, three concentrations of diclofenac were analyzed: 1 mg/L, 5 mg/L, 10 mg/L for the hydraulic retention time (HRT) of 4 d and the sludge retention time (SRT) of 12 d. The highest removal efficiency was achieved in the first test cycle for pH of natural sediment at the level of 6.7–7.0 (>97%), and in the third test cycle at pH stabilized at 6.5 (>87%). The reduced content of easily assimilable carbon from synthetic medium indicated a removal of >50%, which suggests that carbon in the structure of diclofenac restrained microorganisms to the rapid assimilation of this element. Under half-aerobic conditions, the drug removal effect for a concentration of 10 mg/L was slightly above 60%.
A Normalized Terzaghi Model and Time-Step FEA for Predicting the Adsorption of a Cylindrical Object in Subsea Salvage
Authors: Nan Yibo , Yun Feihong , Yao Shaoming , Liu Ming , Wang Liquan
Published: February 2023

This paper proposes a normalized Terzaghi model modified based on finite element analysis to predict the adsorption force of a cylindrical object for salvage from the seabed. The maximum relative error is less than 5% compared with finite element analysis. Furthermore, the time-step finite element method is adopted to analyze the effects of the lifting force and bury depth. With increased lifting force, the critical displacement is reduced slightly, soil separation on the bottom of the object occurs earlier, and the velocity increases more quickly at the same burial depth. In addition, the soil displacement on the bottom stops increasing earlier, and the off-mud process is completed earlier. With increased burial depth, soil separation takes considerably longer, velocity increases more slowly, the maximum soil displacement is increased, and the off-mud process takes longer to complete.
An Analysis of the New Reliability Model Based on Bathtub-Shaped Failure Rate Distribution with Application to Failure Data
Authors: Sindhu Tabassum Naz , Anwar Sadia , Hassan Marwa K. H. , Lone Showkat Ahmad , Abushal Tahani A. , Shafiq Anum
Published: February 2023

The reliability of software has a tremendous influence on the reliability of systems. Software dependability models are frequently utilized to statistically analyze the reliability of software. Numerous reliability models are based on the nonhomogeneous Poisson method (NHPP). In this respect, in the current study, a novel NHPP model established on the basis of the new power function distribution is suggested. The mathematical formulas for its reliability measurements were found and are visually illustrated. The parameters of the suggested model are assessed utilizing the weighted nonlinear least-squares, maximum-likelihood, and nonlinear least-squares estimation techniques. The model is subsequently verified using a variety of reliability datasets. Four separate criteria were used to assess and compare the estimating techniques. Additionally, the effectiveness of the novel model is assessed and evaluated with two foundation models both objectively and subjectively. The implementation results reveal that our novel model performed well in the failure data that we examined.
Causal Discovery of Stochastic Dynamical Systems: A Markov Chain Approach
Authors: Stippinger Marcell , Bencze Attila , Zlatniczki Ádám , Somogyvári Zoltán , Telcs András
Published: February 2023

Our proposed method for exploring the causal discovery of stochastic dynamic systems is designed to overcome the limitations of existing methods in detecting hidden and common drivers. The method is based on a simple principle and is presented in a nonparametric structural vector autoregressive modeling framework.
MFO-SFR: An Enhanced Moth-Flame Optimization Algorithm Using an Effective Stagnation Finding and Replacing Strategy
Authors: Nadimi-Shahraki Mohammad H. , Zamani Hoda , Fatahi Ali , Mirjalili Seyedali
Published: February 2023

Moth-flame optimization (MFO) is a prominent problem solver with a simple structure that is widely used to solve different optimization problems. However, MFO and its variants inherently suffer from poor population diversity, leading to premature convergence to local optima and losses in the quality of its solutions. To overcome these limitations, an enhanced moth-flame optimization algorithm named MFO-SFR was developed to solve global optimization problems. The MFO-SFR algorithm introduces an effective stagnation finding and replacing (SFR) strategy to effectively maintain population diversity throughout the optimization process. The SFR strategy can find stagnant solutions using a distance-based technique and replaces them with a selected solution from the archive constructed from the previous solutions. The effectiveness of the proposed MFO-SFR algorithm was extensively assessed in 30 and 50 dimensions using the CEC 2018 benchmark functions, which simulated unimodal, multimodal, hybrid, and composition problems. Then, the obtained results were compared with two sets of competitors. In the first comparative set, the MFO algorithm and its well-known variants, specifically LMFO, WCMFO, CMFO, ODSFMFO, SMFO, and WMFO, were considered. Five state-of-the-art metaheuristic algorithms, including PSO, KH, GWO, CSA, and HOA, were considered in the second comparative set. The results were then statistically analyzed through the Friedman test. Ultimately, the capacity of the proposed algorithm to solve mechanical engineering problems was evaluated with two problems from the latest CEC 2020 test-suite. The experimental results and statistical analysis confirmed that the proposed MFO-SFR algorithm was superior to the MFO variants and state-of-the-art metaheuristic algorithms for solving complex global optimization problems, with 91.38% effectiveness.
Integrating Replenishment Policy and Maintenance Services in a Stochastic Inventory System with Bilateral Movements
Authors: Barron Yonit
Published: February 2023

We study an inventory control problem with two storage facilities: a primary warehouse (PW) of limited capacity M, and a subsidiary one (SW) of sufficiently large capacity. Two types of customers are considered: individual customers arriving at (positive and negative) linear rates governed by a Markov chain, and retailers arriving according to a Markov arrival process and bringing a (positive and negative) random number of items. The PW is managed according to a triple-parameter band policy (M,S,s),0≤s<S≤M, under a lost sales assumption. Under this policy, as soon as the stock level at the PW falls below s, a refilling to S is performed by a distributor after a random lead-time. However, if the stock exceeds level S when the distributor arrives, no refilling is carried out, and only maintenance services are performed. Items that exceed level M are transferred to the SW at a negligible amount of time for those used in related products. Our cost structure includes a fixed order cost, a variable cost for each item supplied by the distributor, a cost for the additional maintenance, a salvage payment for each transferred item from the PW to the SW, and a loss cost for each unsatisfied item due to demands. We seek to determine the optimal thresholds that minimize the expected overall cost under the discounted criterion. Applying first-passage time results, we present a simple set of equations that provide managers with a useful and an efficient tool to derive the optimal thresholds. Sensitivity analysis and fruitful conclusions along with future scope of research directions are provided.
Darboux Transformation and Soliton Solution of the Nonlocal Generalized Sasa–Satsuma Equation
Authors: Sun Hong-Qian , Zhu Zuo-Nong
Published: February 2023

This paper aims to seek soliton solutions for the nonlocal generalized Sasa–Satsuma (gSS) equation by constructing the Darboux transformation (DT). We obtain soliton solutions for the nonlocal gSS equation, including double-periodic wave, breather-like, KM-breather solution, dark-soliton, W-shaped soliton, M-shaped soliton, W-shaped periodic wave, M-shaped periodic wave, double-peak dark-breather, double-peak bright-breather, and M-shaped double-peak breather solutions. Furthermore, interaction of these solitons, as well as their dynamical properties and asymptotic analysis, are analyzed. It will be shown that soliton solutions of the nonlocal gSS equation can be reduced into those of the nonlocal Sasa–Satsuma equation. However, several of these properties for the nonlocal Sasa–Satsuma equation are not found in the literature.
Fucoidan from Fucus vesiculosus: Evaluation of the Impact of the Sulphate Content on Nanoparticle Production and Cell Toxicity
Authors: Flórez-Fernández Noelia , Pontes Jorge F. , Guerreiro Filipa , Afonso Inês T. , Lollo Giovanna , Torres Maria Dolores , Domínguez Herminia , Costa Ana M. Rosa da , Grenha Ana
Published: February 2023

The composition of seaweeds is complex, with vitamins, phenolic compounds, minerals, and polysaccharides being some of the factions comprising their structure. The main polysaccharide in brown seaweeds is fucoidan, and several biological activities have been associated with its structure. Chitosan is another marine biopolymer that is very popular in the biomedical field, owing to its suitable features for formulating drug delivery systems and, particularly, particulate systems. In this work, the ability of fucoidan to produce nanoparticles was evaluated, testing different amounts of a polymer and using chitosan as a counterion. Nanoparticles of 200–300 nm were obtained when fucoidan prevailed in the formulation, which also resulted in negatively charged nanoparticles. Adjusting the pH of the reaction media to 4 did not affect the physicochemical characteristics of the nanoparticles. The IC50 of fucoidan was determined, in both HCT−116 and A549 cells, to be around 160 µg/mL, whereas it raised to 675–100 µg/mL when nanoparticles (fucoidan/chitosan = 2/1, w/w) were tested. These marine materials (fucoidan and chitosan) provided features suitable to formulate polymeric nanoparticles to use in biomedical applications.
A Scoping Review of the Recent Clinical Practice Regarding the Evaluation of Bone Mineral Density in Children and Adolescents with Neuromuscular Diseases
Authors: Antoniou Georgia , Masouros Panagiotis , Papadopoulos Dimitrios V. , Soultanis Konstantinos C. , Krallis Panagiotis , Babis George , Nikolaou Vasileios S.
Published: February 2023

Introduction: Neuromuscular Diseases (NMD) are associated with decreased bone strength due to altered muscle–bone interaction. However, the evaluation of bone quality remains a certain challenge in these patients. The purpose of this scoping review is to investigate the recent literature regarding the assessment of Bone Mineral Density (BMD) in this population. Methods: An electronic search of the PubMed and Scopus database was performed considering studies published in the English literature after 2007 that evaluated BMD in pediatric and adolescent patients with NMD. We excluded studies that evaluated patients > 20 years, studies not involving humans, and studies investigating bone mineral density in various pediatric conditions, but without specific data on NMD. Results: Overall, 19 studies were included that evaluated BMD in 1983 patients with NMD. Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy was the most widely studied disease (n = 11 studies). Dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) was the most common diagnostic modality for BMD evaluation, while the most frequent site for BMD measurement was the lumbar spine (89.4%, n = 17 studies), followed by total body BMD (68.4%, n = 13 studies). Low BMD in children with NMD was demonstrated in all studies, especially after loss of ambulation. Moreover, a positive correlation between lower BMD and older age was shown. Conclusions: BMD evaluation in NMD remains a clinical challenge, as indicated by the high heterogeneity regarding the optimal site and technique for the evaluation of bone quality in these patients. Although DXA is currently the diagnostic modality of choice, a consensus regarding the optimal site for BMD measurement, and the adjustment method for its obtained measurements for parameters such as age and height is needed.
Parameter Optimization for Hydrogen-Induced Fluidized Bed Reduction of Magnetite Iron Ore Fines
Authors: Zheng Heng , Schenk Johannes , Daghagheleh Oday , Taferner Bernd
Published: February 2023

Hydrogen-based direct reduced iron (HyDRI) produced by fluidized bed has great potential for achieving the target of net-zero carbon in steelmaking. However, when magnetite ores were used as feedstock, several process parameters showed influences on its fluidization and reduction behaviors. To confirm the dominant influencing factors and its optimum process condition, the orthogonal experimental method was conducted in the present study. The result shows that the primary and secondary influencing factors are oxidation temperature, oxidation content, MgO addition amount, and gas velocity. The optimum condition is that the magnetite iron ore is deeply oxidized at 800 °C, mixed with 1.5 wt.% of MgO powder, and reduced in the fluidized bed at a gas velocity of 0.45 m/s.
The Effects of Pregnancy on Amino Acid Levels and Nitrogen Disposition
Authors: Enthoven Luke F. , Shi Yuanyuan , Fay Emily E. , Moreni Sue , Mao Jennie , Honeyman Emma M. , Smith Chase K. , Whittington Dale , Brockerhoff Susan E. , Isoherranen Nina , Totah Rheem A. , Hebert Mary F.
Published: February 2023

Limited data are available on the effects of pregnancy on the maternal metabolome. Therefore, the objective of this study was to use metabolomics analysis to determine pathways impacted by pregnancy followed by targeted confirmatory analysis to provide more powerful conclusions about metabolic alterations during pregnancy. Forty-seven pregnant women, 18–50 years of age were included in this study, with each subject serving as their own control. Plasma samples were collected between 25 and 28 weeks gestation and again ≥3 months postpartum for metabolomics analysis utilizing an HILIC/UHPLC/MS/MS assay with confirmatory targeted specific concentration analysis for 10 of the significantly altered amino acids utilizing an LC/MS assay. Principle component analysis (PCA) on metabolomics data clearly separated pregnant and postpartum groups and identified outliers in a preliminary assessment. Of the 980 metabolites recorded, 706 were determined to be significantly different between pregnancy and postpartum. Pathway analysis revealed three significantly impacted pathways, arginine biosynthesis (p = 2 × 10−5 and FDR = 1 × 10−3), valine, leucine, and isoleucine metabolism (p = 2 × 10−5 and FDR = 2 × 10−3), and xanthine metabolism (p = 4 × 10−5 and FDR = 4 × 10−3). Of these we focused analysis on arginine biosynthesis and branched-chain amino acid (BCAA) metabolism due to their clinical importance and interconnected roles in amino acid metabolism. In the confirmational analysis, 7 of 10 metabolites were confirmed as significant and all 10 confirmed the direction of change of concentrations observed in the metabolomics analysis. The data support an alteration in urea nitrogen disposition and amino acid metabolism during pregnancy. These changes could also impact endogenous nitric oxide production and contribute to diseases of pregnancy. This study provides evidence for changes in both the ammonia-urea nitrogen and the BCAA metabolism taking place during pregnancy.
Metagenomic Analysis of Anaerobic Microbial Communities Degrading Short-Chain Fatty Acids as Sole Carbon Sources
Authors: Becker Daniela , Popp Denny , Bonk Fabian , Kleinsteuber Sabine , Harms Hauke , Centler Florian
Published: February 2023

Analyzing microbial communities using metagenomes is a powerful approach to understand compositional structures and functional connections in anaerobic digestion (AD) microbiomes. Whereas short-read sequencing approaches based on the Illumina platform result in highly fragmented metagenomes, long-read sequencing leads to more contiguous assemblies. To evaluate the performance of a hybrid approach of these two sequencing approaches we compared the metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs) resulting from five AD microbiome samples. The samples were taken from reactors fed with short-chain fatty acids at different feeding regimes (continuous and discontinuous) and organic loading rates (OLR). Methanothrix showed a high relative abundance at all feeding regimes but was strongly reduced in abundance at higher OLR, when Methanosarcina took over. The bacterial community composition differed strongly between reactors of different feeding regimes and OLRs. However, the functional potential was similar regardless of feeding regime and OLR. The hybrid sequencing approach using Nanopore long-reads and Illumina MiSeq reads improved assembly statistics, including an increase of the N50 value (on average from 32 to 1740 kbp) and an increased length of the longest contig (on average from 94 to 1898 kbp). The hybrid approach also led to a higher share of high-quality MAGs and generated five potentially circular genomes while none were generated using MiSeq-based contigs only. Finally, 27 hybrid MAGs were reconstructed of which 18 represent potentially new species—15 of them bacterial species. During pathway analysis, selected MAGs revealed similar gene patterns of butyrate degradation and might represent new butyrate-degrading bacteria. The demonstrated advantages of adding long reads to metagenomic analyses make the hybrid approach the preferable option when dealing with complex microbiomes.
Nisin E Is a Novel Nisin Variant Produced by Multiple Streptococcus equinus Strains
Authors: Sugrue Ivan , Hill Daragh , O’Connor Paula M. , Day Li , Stanton Catherine , Hill Colin , Ross R. Paul
Published: February 2023

Nisin A, the prototypical lantibiotic, is an antimicrobial peptide currently utilised as a food preservative, with potential for therapeutic applications. Here, we describe nisin E, a novel nisin variant produced by two Streptococcus equinus strains, APC4007 and APC4008, isolated from sheep milk. Shotgun whole genome sequencing and analysis revealed biosynthetic gene clusters similar to nisin U, with a unique rearrangement of the core peptide encoding gene within the cluster. The 3100.8 Da peptide by MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry, is 75% identical to nisin A, with 10 differences, including 2 deletions: Ser29 and Ile30, and 8 substitutions: Ile4Lys, Gly18Thr, Asn20Pro, Met21Ile, His27Gly, Val32Phe, Ser33Gly, and Lys34Asn. Nisin E producing strains inhibited species of Lactobacillus, Bacillus, and Clostridiodes and were immune to nisin U. Sequence alignment identified putative promoter sequences across the nisin producer genera, allowing for the prediction of genes in Streptococcus to be potentially regulated by nisin. S. equinus pangenome BLAST analyses detected 6 nisin E operons across 44 publicly available genomes. An additional 20 genomes contained a subset of nisin E transport/immunity and regulatory genes (nseFEGRK), without adjacent peptide production genes. These genes suggest that nisin E response mechanisms, distinct from the canonical nisin immunity and resistance operons, are widespread across the S. equinus species. The discovery of this new nisin variant and its immunity determinants in S. equinus suggests a central role for nisin in the competitive nature of the species.
A Tale of Two Seasons: Distinct Seasonal Viral Communities in a Thermokarst Lake
Authors: Langlois Valérie , Girard Catherine , Vincent Warwick F. , Culley Alexander I.
Published: February 2023

Thermokarst lakes are important features of subarctic landscapes and are a substantial source of greenhouse gases, although the extent of gas produced varies seasonally. Microbial communities are responsible for the production of methane and CO2 but the “top down” forces that influence microbial dynamics (i.e., grazers and viruses) and how they vary temporally within these lakes are still poorly understood. The aim of this study was to examine viral diversity over time to elucidate the seasonal structure of the viral communities in thermokarst lakes. We produced virus-enriched metagenomes from a subarctic peatland thermokarst lake in the summer and winter over three years. The vast majority of vOTUs assigned to viral families belonged to Caudovirales (Caudoviricetes), notably the morphological groups myovirus, siphovirus and podovirus. We identified two distinct communities: a dynamic, seasonal community in the oxygenated surface layer during the summer and a stable community found in the anoxic water layer at the bottom of the lake in summer and throughout much of the water column in winter. Comparison with other permafrost and northern lake metagenomes highlighted the distinct composition of viral communities in this permafrost thaw lake ecosystem.
Size-Fractionated Weathering of Olivine, Its CO2-Sequestration Rate, and Ecotoxicological Risk Assessment of Nickel Release
Authors: Vink Jos P. M. , Knops Pol
Published: February 2023

Olivine, one of the most abundant silicates on earth, thermodynamically captures CO2 in relevant amounts during its dissolution. Upscaling the use of this mineral as a replacement for sand or gravel may contribute to reduce concentrations of greenhouse gasses in the atmosphere. However, the reliable quantification of weathering rates and prognoses for effects of various environmental conditions on weathering are lacking. This currently inhibits the monitoring, reporting and verification of CO2 capture and hampers the exploitation of the carbon dioxide removal economy. A mineral dissolution model was developed, and olivine weathering rates were directly coupled to particle sizes of the ground mineral. A particle size-dependent calculation approach, based on the shrinking core model, showed faster weathering rates as compared to a single-size, monodisperse approach. This provided a better underpinning of the prediction of the overall weathering and, consequently, the sequestration rate of CO2. Weathering of olivine releases nickel, which is incorporated in the mineral. The dissolution model was coupled to advanced biotic ligand models (BLM) for nickel in order to assess potential chronic ecotoxicological risks upon release in the environment. Predicted no-effect concentrations for nickel showed that both the release of Mg and the increase of pH following olivine weathering significantly lowers nickel ecotoxicity.
Highly Dispersed Pt-Incorporated Mesoporous Fe2O3 for Low-Level Sensing of Formaldehyde Gas
Authors: Jeon Seung , Oh Kyung , Choi Youngbo , Park Ji , Park Hyung
Published: February 2023

Highly dispersed Pt-incorporated mesoporous Fe2O3 (Pt/m-Fe2O3) of 4 μm size is prepared through a simple hydrothermal reaction and thermal decomposition procedures. Furthermore, the formaldehyde gas-sensing properties of Pt/m-Fe2O3 are investigated. Compared with our previous mesoporous Fe2O3-based gas sensors, a gas sensor based on 0.2% Pt/m-Fe2O3 shows improved gas response by over 90% in detecting low-level formaldehyde gas at 50 ppb concentration, an enhanced selectivity of formaldehyde gas, and a lower degradation of sensing performance in high-humidity environments. Additionally, the gas sensor exhibits similar properties as the previous sensor, such as operating temperature (275 °C) and long-term stability. The enhancement in formaldehyde gas-sensing performance is attributed to the attractive catalytic chemical sensitization of highly dispersed Pt nanoparticles in the mesoporous Fe2O3 microcube architecture.
Peptide-Protected Gold Nanoclusters Efficiently Ameliorate Acute Contact Dermatitis and Psoriasis via Repressing the TNF-α/NF-κB/IL-17A Axis in Keratinocytes
Authors: Liu Yu , Meng Cong , Li Yanggege , Xia Dongfang , Lu Cao , Lai Jing , Zhang Yulu , Cao Kai , Gao Xueyun , Yuan Qing
Published: February 2023

Immune-mediated skin diseases have a high prevalence and seriously affect patients’ quality of life. Gold compounds have been considered promising therapeutic agents in dermatology, but the high incidence of adverse reactions have limited their clinical application. There is a great need to develop more effective and less toxic gold-based drugs. Gold nanoclusters fabricated by using peptides (pep-AuNCs) have appeared as potential biomedical nanomaterials because of their excellent biocompatibility, ease of fabrication and unique physicochemical properties. Glutathione (GSH) is an endogenous tripeptide and has been used for lightening the skin color. Therefore, we fabricated a well-defined gold nanocluster with GSH as an example to explore the immunomodulatory effect of AuNCs on a TNF-α-treated human keratinocyte cell line (HaCaT) in vitro, the 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA)-induced irritant contact dermatitis (ICD) model and the oxazolone (OXA)-induced psoriatic model in vivo. The results indicated that topically applied AuNCs successfully attenuated the severity of ICD and psoriasis-like lesions. In vitro and in vivo, AuNCs effectively inhibited the abnormal activation of the NF-κB pathway and the consequent overexpression of proinflammatory cytokines in keratinocytes. In particular, the transactivation of IL-17A, the most important cytokine in psoriasis pathology, was effectively inhibited by AuNCs treatment. In addition, AuNCs did not show any obvious cytotoxicity in HaCaT cells at doses even up to 100 µM and did not induce any irritation in the healthy skin and major organs, which indicated their favorable biosafety. These results indicate that biocompatible pep-AuNCs might be a promising gold-based nanomedicine for the treatment of inflammatory skin diseases.
Modified Bacteriophage for Tumor Detection and Targeted Therapy
Authors: Shen Yuanzhao , Wang Jingyu , Li Yuting , Yang Chih-Tsung , Zhou Xin
Published: February 2023

Malignant tumor is one of the leading causes of death in human beings. In recent years, bacteriophages (phages), a natural bacterial virus, have been genetically engineered for use as a probe for the detection of antigens that are highly expressed in tumor cells and as an anti-tumor reagent. Furthermore, phages can also be chemically modified and assembled with a variety of nanoparticles to form a new organic/inorganic composite, thus extending the application of phages in biological detection and tumor therapeutic. This review summarizes the studies on genetically engineered and chemically modified phages in the diagnosis and targeting therapy of tumors in recent years. We discuss the advantages and limitations of modified phages in practical applications and propose suitable application scenarios based on these modified phages.
Lactobacillus plantarum-Derived Postbiotics Ameliorate Acute Alcohol-Induced Liver Injury by Protecting Cells from Oxidative Damage, Improving Lipid Metabolism, and Regulating Intestinal Microbiota
Authors: Ye Wei , Chen Zengqiang , He Zhuoqi , Gong Haochen , Zhang Jin , Sun Jiaju , Yuan Shanshan , Deng Junjie , Liu Yanlong , Zeng Aibing
Published: February 2023

Here, the aim was to evaluate the protective effect of Lactobacillus plantarum-derived postbiotics, i.e., LP-cs, on acute alcoholic liver injury (ALI). After preincubation with LP-cs, HL7702 human hepatocytes were treated with alcohol, and then the cell survival rate was measured. C57BL/6 male mice were presupplemented with or without LP-cs and LP-cs-loaded calcium alginate hydrogel (LP-cs-Gel) for 3 weeks and given 50% alcohol gavage to establish the mouse model of ALI, LP-cs presupplementation, and LP-cs-Gel presupplementation. The histomorphology of the liver and intestines; the levels of serum AST, ALT, lipid, and SOD activity; liver transcriptomics; and the metagenome of intestinal microbiota were detected in all mouse models. In vitro, LP-cs significantly increased the survival rate of alcohol-treated cells. In vivo, presupplementation with LP-cs and LP-cs-Gel restored the levels of serum AST, ALT, and SOD activity, as well as TC and TG, after acute alcohol intake. In the LP-cs-presupplemented mice, the genes involved in fatty acid metabolic processes were upregulated and the genes involved in steroid biosynthesis were downregulated significantly as compared with the ALI mice. LP-cs significantly increased the abundance of intestinal microbiota, especially Akkermansia muciniphila. In conclusion, LP-cs ameliorates ALI by protecting hepatocytes against oxidative damage, thereby, improving lipid metabolism and regulating the intestinal microbiota. The effect of LP-cs-Gel is similar to that of LP-cs.
Improving Pregnant Women’s Iodine Intake Estimates and Its Prevalence of Inadequacy through the Use of Salt and Seasoning Covariates
Authors: Silva Débora L. F. , Crispim Sandra P. , Almeida Claudia C. B. , Schrubbe Vanessa , Azevedo Francilene M. , de Faria Franciane R. , Pizato Nathalia , Pereira Renata J. , Macedo Mariana de S. , Franceschini Sylvia do C. C.
Published: February 2023

(1) Measuring usual iodine intake is a complex task due to the food consumption variability and its natural concentration in food. Therefore, the use of covariates to adjust statistical methods to estimate usual intake could improve the estimates obtained through dietary surveys. This study aims to evaluate the influence of salt and seasoning usage covariates on the estimates of usual iodine intake and the prevalence of its inadequacy. (2) A cross-sectional study was conducted with Brazilian pregnant women’s food consumption data obtained with 24-h recall (n = 2247). The usual iodine intake was adjusted for intraindividual variability, supplement use, temporal effects, data collection methods, and sociodemographic characteristics with the tool UCD/NCI SIMPLE in the SAS software. Then, salt and seasoning usage covariates were used to adjust the distribution. The harmonized intake reference values for populations were used to assess intake adequacy. (3) The adjustments for salt and seasoning usage yielded a higher mean of usual iodine intakes. The only exception was the adjustment for the “habit of adding salt to meals after preparing/cooking”, which produced a lower mean of usual intake and increased the prevalence of insufficient intake. (4) Salt and seasoning usage covariates affect the estimates evaluated. However, more studies are necessary to evaluate the influence observed.
Beneficial Effect of Increased Tryptophan Intake on Its Metabolism and Mental State of the Elderly
Authors: Chojnacki Cezary , Gąsiorowska Anita , Popławski Tomasz , Konrad Paulina , Chojnacki Marcin , Fila Michal , Blasiak Janusz
Published: February 2023

The elderly often suffer from sleep disorders and depression, which contribute to mood disorders. In our previous work, we showed that elderly individuals with mood disorders had a lower intake of TRP and recommended a TRP-based dietary intervention to improve the mental state of such individuals. In this work, we assessed the impact of a TRP-rich diet on the mental state of, and TRP metabolism in, elderly individuals with mood disorders. Forty elderly individuals with depression and sleep disorders and an equal number of elderly subjects without mood disorders were enrolled in this study. TRP intake was evaluated with the nutrition calculator. Patients with mood disorders had a lower TRP intake than their normal counterparts and received a TRP-rich diet with TRP content of 25 mg per kilogram of the body per day for 12 weeks. The mental state was assessed before and after this dietary intervention with the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D) and the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI). At those times, urinary levels of TRP and its metabolites 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA), L-kynurenine (KYN), kynurenic acid (KYNA), and quinolinic acid (QA) were determined by liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry and related to creatinine level. After TRP-based dietary intervention, the score of ISI and HAM-D decreased by more than half. A correlation analysis reveals that TRP, 5-HIAA, and KYNA might have anti-depressive action, while KYN and QA—pro-depressive. The levels of TRP, 5-HIAA, and KYNA in urine of mood disorder patients increased, while the levels of KYN and QA decreased. In conclusion, dietary consumption of adequate amount of tryptophan has a beneficial effect on mental health of the elderly with mood disorders and improves metabolism of this amino acid. Therefore, a TRP-enriched diet may be considered as a component of the treatment of elderly individuals with mood disorders.
An Assessment of Serum Selenium Concentration in Women with Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Kluza Marek , Paszek Sylwia , Kluza Katarzyna , Januszek Sławomir , Potocka Natalia , Skrzypa Marzena , Zuchowska Alina , Wróbel Andrzej , Baszuk Piotr , Marciniak Wojciech , Misiek Marcin , Lubiński Jan , Gronwald Jacek , Zawlik Izabela , Kluz Tomasz
Published: February 2023

Background: Available studies on the effect of serum selenium levels on the risk of malignancies show some conflicting results. In this study, we investigated the correlation between serum selenium levels and ovarian cancer occurrence. Methods: 314 women (157 diseased patients and 157 healthy ones) matched in terms of age and BMI were included in the study. The measurements of selenium in the collected blood samples were performed using an ICP mass spectrometer. Univariable and multivariable analyzes were performed to determine the relationship between the factors under the study and the occurrence of ovarian cancer. Results: The mean concentration of selenium was lower among diseased ones than among controls (53.31 μg/L vs. 78.99 μg/L). A decrease in selenium concentration was noticed with the advancement of ovarian cancer. In univariable and multivariable analyzes, a clear relationship between low selenium concentration and the occurrence of ovarian cancer was found (35.3 (95% CI: 11.2–111; p < 0.001) and 45.8 (95% CI: 12.8–164; p < 0.001)). Conclusion: The studied patients with ovarian cancer are characterized by statistically significant lower serum selenium levels than patients from the control group. Among the study group, a decrease in selenium concentration was observed with an increase in the FIGO stage. The determination of the role of selenium as a prophylactic factor in ovarian cancer requires further prospective studies.
Post Hoc Analysis of a Randomized Controlled Trial on Fasting and Plant-Based Diet in Rheumatoid Arthritis (NutriFast): Nutritional Supply and Impact on Dietary Behavior
Authors: Hartmann Anika M. , D’Urso Marina , Dell’Oro Melanie , Koppold Daniela A. , Steckhan Nico , Michalsen Andreas , Kandil Farid I. , Kessler Christian S.
Published: February 2023

This study aimed at comparing the nutrient supply and dietary behaviors during a plant-based diet (PBD) combined with time-restricted eating (TRE) to standard dietary recommendations in rheumatoid arthritis patients. In this open-label, randomized, controlled clinical trial, patients were assigned to either a 7-day fast followed by an 11-week PBD including TRE (A) or a 12-week anti-inflammatory diet following official German guidelines (German Nutrition Society, DGE) (B). Dietary habits were assessed by 3-day food records at weeks -1, 4 and 9 and food frequency questionnaires. 41 out of 53 participants were included in a post-hoc per protocol analysis. Both groups had similar energy, carbohydrate, sugar, fiber and protein intake at week 4. Group A consumed significantly less total saturated fat than group B (15.9 ± 7.7 vs. 23.2 ± 10.3 g/day; p = 0.02). Regarding micronutrients, group B consumed more vitamin A, B12, D, riboflavin and calcium (each p ≤ 0.02). Zinc and calcium were below recommended intakes in both groups. Cluster analysis did not show clear group allocation after three months. Hence, dietary counselling for a PBD combined with TRE compared to a standard anti-inflammatory diet does not seem to lead to two different dietary clusters, i.e., actual different dietary behaviors as expected. Larger confirmatory studies are warranted to further define dietary recommendations for RA.