bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Anti-Inflammatory and Antioxidant Properties of Malapterurus electricus Skin Fish Methanolic Extract in Arthritic Rats: Therapeutic and Protective Effects
Authors: Elmaidomy Abeer H. , Mohamed Esraa M. , Aly Hanan F. , Younis Eman A. , Shams Shams Gamal Eldin , Altemani Faisal H. , Alzubaidi Mubarak A. , Almaghrabi Mohammed , Harbi Adnan Al , Alsenani Faisal , Sayed Ahmed M. , Abdelmohsen Usama Ramadan
Published: October 2022

The protective and therapeutic anti-inflammatory and antioxidant potency of Malapterurus electricus (F. Malapteruridae) skin fish methanolic extract (FE) (300 mg/kg.b.wt/day for 7 days, orally) was tested in monosodium urate(MSU)-induced arthritic Wistar albino male rats’ joints. Serum uric acid, TNF-α, IL-1β, NF-𝜅B, MDA, GSH, catalase, SOD, and glutathione reductase levels were all measured. According to the findings, FE significantly reduced uric acid levels and ankle swelling in both protective and therapeutic groups. Furthermore, it has anti-inflammatory effects by downregulating inflammatory cytokines, primarily through decreased oxidative stress and increased antioxidant status. All the aforementioned lesions were significantly improved in protected and treated rats with FE, according to histopathological findings. iNOS immunostaining revealed that protected and treated arthritic rats with FE had weak positive immune-reactive cells. Phytochemical analysis revealed that FE was high in fatty and amino acids. The most abundant compounds were vaccenic (24.52%), 9-octadecenoic (11.66%), palmitic (34.66%), stearic acids (14.63%), glycine (0.813 mg/100 mg), and alanine (1.645 mg/100 mg). Extensive molecular modelling and dynamics simulation experiments revealed that compound 4 has the potential to target and inhibit COX isoforms with a higher affinity for COX-2. As a result, we contend that FE could be a promising protective and therapeutic option for arthritis, aiding in the prevention and progression of this chronic inflammatory disease.
Integrated Analgesic Care in the Current Human Monkeypox Outbreak: Perspectives on an Integrated and Holistic Approach Combining Old Allies with Innovative Technologies
Authors: Hans Guy Henri , Wildemeersch Davina , Meeus Ine
Published: October 2022

Monkeypox (MPX) is a zoonotic infection caused by an orthopoxvirus that is endemic to Central and Western Africa. The MPX virus is a part of the same family of viruses as the variola virus, which causes smallpox. Since May 2022, there has been a global increase in the incidence of MPX infections in multiple countries where the illness is not usually prevalent. A growing number of publications have emphasized on the need for increased awareness among all health professionals for the rapid recognition and diagnosis of this disease and for proper public health measures. However, atypical presentations and occurrence of uncommon symptoms receive less than the desired attention. More specifically, MPX infection related nociceptive symptoms are currently underexposed. Nevertheless, reports from the current outbreak have revealed that (severe) pain is one of the major causes for distress and even hospitalization in these patients. As for all serious pain conditions, an integrated, multidisciplinary, and holistic approach is indicated. This approach should be multimodal and include non-pharmacological therapies alongside pharmacological approaches. Health care professionals should be aware of available alternatives when first choice analgesic therapies fail. Protocols for identification of pain type and prolonged monitoring of clinical status should be implemented to improve patient well-being during acute infection, but also prevent chronic nociceptive syndromes.
Cytomegalovirus Pneumonia in a Patient with X-Linked Agammaglobulinemia: A Case Report
Authors: Wong Yao-Xian , Shyur Shyh-Dar
Published: October 2022

X-linked agammaglobulinemia (XLA) is a hereditary immune disorder that predisposes patients to frequent and severe bacterial infections caused by encapsulated bacteria (such as Streptococcus pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus, and Haemophilus influenzae). Otitis media, sinusitis, and pneumonia are common complications of XLA that require prompt diagnosis and treatment. Cytomegaloviruses (CMV) cause widespread and severe infections in immunocompromised individuals, affecting the respiratory tract, and consequently, leading to pneumonia, which is associated with a high mortality rate. However, CMV-induced pneumonia is rarely reported in patients with XLA. This case study details a 37-year-old male patient with XLA presenting with fever, productive cough, and dyspnea. The patient was diagnosed with CMV pneumonia and recovered after treatment. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first reported case of CMV pneumonia in a patient with XLA in Taiwan. This case study emphasizes that CMV pneumonia in patients with XLA is a treatable condition if diagnosed promptly, and that a shorter duration of treatment with the antiviral agent, in combination with immunoglobulin replacement therapy, can resolve symptoms.
Management of Lung Cancer Presenting with Solitary Bone Metastasis
Authors: Nistor Claudiu-Eduard , Ciuche Adrian , Cucu Anca Pati , Nitipir Cornelia , Slavu Cristina , Serban Bogdan , Cursaru Adrian , Cretu Bogdan , Cirstoiu Catalin
Published: October 2022

Lung neoplasm is the main cause of cancer-related mortality, and bone metastasis is among the most common secondary tumors. The vast majority of patients also present with multiple bone metastases, which makes systemic and adjuvant pain therapy preferable to surgery. The optimal approach for a resectable non-small-cell lung tumor that also presents a unique, resectable bone metastasis is not fully established. The number of papers addressing this subject is small, and most are case reports; nevertheless, survival rates seem to increase with radical surgery. The sequencing of local versus systemic treatment should always be discussed within the multidisciplinary team that will choose the best approach for each patient. As targeted systemic therapies become more accessible, radical surgery, together with existing reconstructive methods, will lead to an increase in life expectancy and a better quality of life.
Hypertensive Crisis-Related Hospitalizations and Subsequent Major Adverse Cardiac Events in Young Adults with Cannabis Use Disorder: A Nationwide Analysis
Authors: Desai Rupak , Jain Akhil , Sultan Waleed , Gandhi Zainab , Raju Athul Raj , Varughese Vivek Joseph , Jnaneswaran Geethu , Agarwal Charu , Rizvi Bisharah , Mansuri Zeeshan , Gupta Puneet , Kumar Gautam , Sachdeva Rajesh
Published: October 2022

Background and Objectives: With the growing recreational cannabis use and recent reports linking it to hypertension, we sought to determine the risk of hypertensive crisis (HC) hospitalizations and major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCE) in young adults with cannabis use disorder (CUD+). Material and Methods: Young adult hospitalizations (18–44 years) with HC and CUD+ were identified from National Inpatient Sample (October 2015–December 2017). Primary outcomes included prevalence and odds of HC with CUD. Co-primary (in-hospital MACCE) and secondary outcomes (resource utilization) were compared between propensity-matched CUD+ and CUD- cohorts in HC admissions. Results: Young CUD+ had higher prevalence of HC (0.7%, n = 4675) than CUD- (0.5%, n = 92,755), with higher odds when adjusted for patient/hospital-characteristics, comorbidities, alcohol and tobacco use disorder, cocaine and stimulant use (aOR 1.15, 95%CI:1.06–1.24, p = 0.001). CUD+ had significantly increased adjusted odds of HC (for sociodemographic, hospital-level characteristics, comorbidities, tobacco use disorder, and alcohol abuse) (aOR 1.17, 95%CI:1.01–1.36, p = 0.034) among young with benign hypertension, but failed to reach significance when additionally adjusted for cocaine/stimulant use (aOR 1.12, p = 0.154). Propensity-matched CUD+ cohort (n = 4440, median age 36 years, 64.2% male, 64.4% blacks) showed higher rates of substance abuse, depression, psychosis, previous myocardial infarction, valvular heart disease, chronic pulmonary disease, pulmonary circulation disease, and liver disease. CUD+ had higher odds of all-cause mortality (aOR 5.74, 95%CI:2.55–12.91, p < 0.001), arrhythmia (aOR 1.73, 95%CI:1.38–2.17, p < 0.001) and stroke (aOR 1.46, 95%CI:1.02–2.10, p = 0.040). CUD+ cohort had fewer routine discharges with comparable in-hospital stay and cost. Conclusions: Young CUD+ cohort had higher rate and odds of HC admissions than CUD-, with prevalent disparities and higher subsequent risk of all-cause mortality, arrhythmia and stroke.
Effect of 9% Hydrofluoric Acid Gel Hot-Etching Surface Treatment on Shear Bond Strength of Resin Cements to Zirconia Ceramics
Authors: Kim So-Hyun , Cho Sung-Chan , Lee Myung-Hyun , Kim Hyo-Jung , Oh Nam-Sik
Published: October 2022

Background and Objectives: There is no consensus regarding the surface treatment method for achieving optimal bonding strength between zirconia and resin cements. We evaluated the effect of hot-etching with 9% hydrofluoric acid (HF) gel using the Zirconia Etchant Cloud System on zirconia surfaces and the consequent shear bond strength (SBS) of different resin cements to such surface-treated zirconia ceramics. Materials and Methods: Forty-five zirconia specimens were randomly assigned to surface-treatment groups (n = 15/group): no treatment (control, CT); sandblasting with 110-μm Al2O3 at an air pressure of 1 bar for 10 s (SB); hot-etching with 9% HF gel (HE). Post-treatment, specimens were examined using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and surface roughness (SR) analysis. After treatment, self-adhesive resin cements (Maxcem Elite, MAZIC Cem, RelyX U200, 3M ESPE: Maplewood, MN, USA) were bonded to zirconia specimens, which were stored in distilled water at 37 °C for 24 h. All specimens were then subjected to SBS testing, using a universal testing machine, until failure. Data were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance and Tukey’s post hoc test (α = 0.05). Results: In the SEM images, roughness was greater in SB than in HE specimens. Ra and Rt values were highest in SB, followed by HE, and CT specimens. HE specimens showed significantly higher SBS values than CT or SB specimens (p < 0.05). MAZIC Cem cement, with 10-methacryloyloxydcyl dihydrogen phosphate yielded the highest SBS values. Conclusions: Hot-etching with 9% HF gel in a safe shell formed uniformly small, defined holes on the zirconia surface and achieved significantly higher SBS values than sandblasting (p < 0.05). Zirconia prostheses can be bonded micromechanically with resin cement, without the deterioration of properties due to t-m transformation, using chemical acid etching with the Zirconia Etchant Cloud System.
Relationship between Facial Color Changes and Psychological Problems Associated with Lower Back Pain
Authors: Tanishima Shinji , Kotani Yasunori , Takeda Chikako , Mihara Tokumitsu , Ogawa Shinya , Matsubara Akira , Goto Takashi , Hirayama Takahiro , Hashizume Hideki , Arai Junichiro , Mukunoki Daichi , Nagashima Hideki
Published: October 2022

Background and Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine whether a non-contact sensor that detects complexion changes can be used to assess the psychological state of patients with chronic lower back pain (LBP). Materials and Methods: Twenty-six patients with LBP (LBP group; mean age = 68.0 ± 13.9 years) and 18 control subjects without LBP (control group; mean age = 60.8 ± 16.1 years) were included in the study. All the subjects in the two groups wore headphones when asked LBP-related and LBP-unrelated questions. During questioning, the facial image of the subjects was captured using a video camera, and the complexion of the subjects was converted into red, green, and blue (RGB) values. RGB correlation coefficients (RGBCCs; range: 0–1) represent the difference in complexion between LBP-related and LBP-unrelated questions. A high RGBCC indicates that the brain is more activated by LBP-related questions than by LBP-unrelated questions. We also noted the scores of subjects on the Numerical Rating Scale (NRS), Japanese Orthopedic Association Back Pain Evaluation Questionnaire (JOABPEQ), Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS), and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Results: There were no significant differences in RGBCC between the control and LBP groups (0.64 versus 0.56, p = 0.08). In the LBP group, no correlation was observed between RGBCC and each examination item of NRS, JOABPEQ, and HADS. In contrast, a correlation was observed between RGBCC and the rumination subscale of PCS in the LBP group (Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient = 0.40, p = 0.04). Conclusions: The complexion of patients with catastrophic thinking changes when the patients are asked LBP-related questions.
Thermally Rearranged Mixed Matrix Membranes from Copoly(o-hydroxyamide)s and Copoly(o-hydroxyamide-amide)s with a Porous Polymer Network as a Filler—A Comparison of Their Gas Separation Performances
Authors: Soto Cenit , Comesaña-Gandara Bibiana , Marcos Ángel , Cuadrado Purificación , Palacio Laura , Lozano Ángel E. , Álvarez Cristina , Prádanos Pedro , Hernandez Antonio
Published: October 2022

Copoly(o-hydroxyamide)s (HPA) and copoly(o-hydroxyamide-amide)s (PAA) have been synthesized to be used as continuous phases in mixed matrix membranes (MMMs). These polymeric matrices were blended with different loads (15 and 30 wt.%) of a relatively highly microporous porous polymer network (PPN). SEM images of the manufactured MMMs exhibited good compatibility between the two phases for all the membranes studied, and their mechanical properties have been shown to be good enough even after thermal treatment. The WAX results show that the addition of PPN as a filler up to 30% does not substantially change the intersegmental distance and the polymer packing. It seems that, for all the membranes studied, the free volume that determines gas transport is in the high end of the possible range. This means that gas flow occurs mainly between the microvoids in the polymer matrix around the filler. In general, both HPA- and PAA-based MMMs exhibited a notable improvement in gas permeability, due to the presence of PPN, for all gases tested, with an almost constant selectivity. In summary, although the thermal stability of the PAA is limited by the thermal stability of the polyamide side chain, their mechanical properties were better. The permeability was higher for the PAA membranes before their thermal rearrangement, and these values increased after the addition of moderate amounts of PPN.
Application and Visualization of Fluorescent-Tagged Antiscalants in Electrodialysis Processing of Aqueous Solutions Prone to Gypsum Scale Deposition
Authors: Gil Violetta , Oshchepkov Maxim , Ryabova Anastasia , Trukhina Maria , Porozhnyy Mikhail , Tkachenko Sergey , Pismenskaya Natalia , Popov Konstantin
Published: October 2022

Membrane scaling is a serious problem in electrodialysis. A widely used technique for controlling scale deposition in water treatment technologies is the application of antiscalants (AS). The present study reports on gypsum scale inhibition in electrodialysis cell by the two novel ASs: fluorescent-tagged bisphosphonate 1-hydroxy-7-(6-methoxy-1,3-dioxo-1Hbenzo[de]isoquinolin-2(3H)-yl)heptane-1,1-diyl-bis(phosphonic acid), HEDP-F and fluorescein-tagged polyacrylate, PAA-F2 (molecular mass 4000 Da) monitored by chronopotentiometry and fluorescent microscopy. It was found that cation-exchange membrane MK-40 scaling is sufficiently reduced by both ASs, used in 10−6 mol·dm−3 concentrations. PAA-F2 at these concentrations was found to be more efficient than HEDP-F. At the same time, PAA-F2 reveals gypsum crystals’ habit modification, while HEDP-F does not noticeably affect the crystal form of the deposit. The strong auto-luminescence of MK-40 hampers visualization of both PAA-F2 and HEDP-F on the membrane surface. Nevertheless, PAA-F2 is proved to localize partly on the surface of gypsum crystals as a molecular adsorption layer, and to change their crystal habit. Crystal surface coverage by PAA-F2 appears to be nonuniform. Alternatively, HEDP-F localizes on the surface of a deposit tentatively in the form of [Ca-HEDP-F]. The proposed mechanisms of action are formulated and discussed. The application of antiscalants in electrodialysis for membrane scaling mitigation is demonstrated to be very promising.
Effects of the Water Matrix on the Degradation of Micropollutants by a Photocatalytic Ceramic Membrane
Authors: Heredia Deba Shuyana A. , Wols Bas A. , Yntema Doekle R. , Lammertink Rob G. H.
Published: October 2022

The consumption of pharmaceuticals has increased the presence of micropollutants (MPs) in the environment. The removal and degradation of pharmaceutical mixtures in different water matrices are thus of significant importance. The photocatalytic degradation of four micropollutants—diclofenac (DCF), iopamidol (INN), methylene blue (MB), and metoprolol (MTP)—have been analyzed in this study by using a photocatalytic ceramic membrane. We experimentally analyzed the degradation rate by using several water matrices by changing the feed composition of micropollutants in the mixture (from mg· L−1 to μg·L−1), adding different concentrations of inorganic compounds (NaHCO3 and NaCl), and by using tap water. A maximum degradation of 97% for DCF and MTP, and 85% for INN was observed in a micropollutants (MPs) mixture in tap water at environmentally relevant feed concentrations [1–6 μg·L−1]o; and 86% for MB in an MPs mixture [1–3 mg·L−1]o with 100 mg·L−1 of NaCl. This work provides further insights into the applicability of photocatalytic membranes and illustrates the importance of the water matrix to the photocatalytic degradation of micropollutants.
Effect of Cladding Current on Microstructure and Wear Resistance of High-Entropy Powder-Cored Wire Coating
Authors: Shan Xinghai , Cong Mengqi , Lei Weining
Published: October 2022

This paper investigated the effect of tungsten arc melting current on the microstructure and wear resistance of coatings prepared from high-entropy powder-cored wire, FeCrMnCuNiSi1. A powder-cored wire of high-entropy composition was drawn by powder-cored wire-forming equipment, and a FeCrMnCuNiSi1 high-entropy alloy coating was designed on the base material 40Cr by the tungsten arc fusion technique. The influence law and mechanism of melting current on the wear resistance of the coatings were obtained through analyzing the microstructure, physical phase, and wear resistance of the coatings prepared by different melting currents. At a melting current of 200A, the FeCrMnCuNiSi1 coating exhibits fine equiaxed grains and a single BCC phase; the highest and average microhardness of the coating reach 790.36 HV and 689.73 HV, respectively, whose average microhardness is twice that of the base material. The wear rate of the coating is 2245.86 μm3/(N∙μm), which is only 8% of the base material and has excellent wear resistance. The FeCrMnCuNiSi1 high-entropy alloy coating prepared by ordinary powder-cored wire-forming equipment and the tungsten arc cladding method has excellent performance and low cost, which can provide an essential basis for the development, preparation, and application of high-entropy alloy coatings.
Separation and Recovery of Cu from Industrial Dust via a Solvometallurgical Process
Authors: Sun Pan-Pan , Kim Tae-Young , Seo Hyeon , Cho Sung-Yong
Published: October 2022

In this study, a solvometallurgical process for the recovery of Cu from industrial dust by leaching with a lixiviant comprising hydrochloric acid (HCl) and ethylene glycol followed by extraction with trioctylphosphine oxide (TOPO) was developed. Copper, Ni, Mg, and Al contained in the dust were efficiently dissolved by using HCl in ethylene glycol, leaving most of the Ag in the residue. The parameters (concentration of the lixivant, reaction temperature, pulp density) that affect leaching efficiency were extensively investigated and optimized. TOPO was used to selectively extract Cu over other metal ions (Ni, Mg, Al, and Ag) from the obtained leachate. The Cu extraction mechanism was investigated by using the slope method, and 0.1 mol/L sulfuric acid was used to strip Cu from the Cu-loaded TOPO. McCabe–Thiele plots for Cu extraction and stripping were constructed to determine the number of counter-current stages along with the volumetric flow ratio of the two phases. Counter-current Cu extraction and stripping simulation tests were carried out to confirm its feasibility. Finally, a flow diagram of the proposed process for separation and recovery of Cu from industrial dust is provided.
Effect of Rare Earth and Ca Micro-Alloying on the Microstructure and Anisotropy of AZ31 Magnesium Alloy Sheets
Authors: Li Yongbing , Liu Boyu , Wang Jian , Sun Yan , Li Hongxiang
Published: October 2022

AZ31 magnesium alloy sheets can be applied as 3C electronic product shells. However, AZ31 sheets exhibit obvious anisotropy, which limits their industrial application range. The composition modification of AZ31 is a good choice to improve the anisotropy of the sheets, but the effect of the multi-element micro-alloying on the microstructure and anisotropy of AZ31 alloy sheets is still less investigated. For this aim, the plasticity and anisotropy of AZ31 sheets after adding Ca and rare earth elements such as Y and Gd were investigated in this paper. It is found that, different from the alloying role of single Ca or Ca and Y, the composite addition of 0.2Ca and 0.2Gd can obviously enhance the anisotropy of AZ31 alloy sheets. As a result, the elongation of AZ31 in the rolling direction (RD) direction, 45° direction, and transverse direction (TD) direction is increased from 12.5% to 22%, from 5% to 18.5%, and from 1.5% to 8.5%, respectively. This can be explained as follows: the Al8Mn4Gd phase formed by the addition of Gd consumes a lot of Mn, thus avoiding the formation of brittle phases Al8Mn5 and leading to the improved mechanical properties of the alloy sheets. This study will offer a good solution for enhancing the formability of AZ31 sheets under the condition of not significantly increasing the production costs.
Optimization of Residual Stress Field and Improvement of Fatigue Properties of Thin-Walled Pipes by Filling Laser Shock Peening
Authors: Yu Kun , Wang Lingfeng , Zhao Tianxiao , Shu Song , Zhou Liucheng
Published: October 2022

In the present work, a filling and laser shock peening (LSP) method is put forward and applied to a thin-walled pipe. Specimens were experimentally and numerically investigated to identify the residual stress field and fatigue properties of a pipe with and without LSP treatment. The numerical simulation indicated that the residual compressive stress first increased and subsequently dropped as the laser power density increased, and the extent of influence of the stretching wave, reflected from the lower surface on the unloaded area, increased with the spot diameter, causing surface tensile stress in the unloaded area. By filling the pipe with the guided-wave material, the residual stress field of the pipe that was treated with LSP was optimized, and the influence of the stress wave reflection on the residual stress field was effectively decreased. The surface residual stress of the filled guided wave material was −326 MPa, improving it by 57.6% compared with the pipe not filled with guided wave materials. The fatigue life of the pipe with the filled waveguide material that was treated by LSP was extended by 48.9%, compared with the untreated pipe.
Simultaneous Determination of Methylated Nucleosides by HILIC–MS/MS Revealed Their Alterations in Urine from Breast Cancer Patients
Authors: Fang Zhihao , Hu Yiqiu , Hong Xiujuan , Zhang Xiaoxiao , Pan Tao , Pan Chi , Zheng Shu , Guo Cheng
Published: October 2022

RNA methylation plays a vital role in the pathogenesis of a variety of diseases including cancer, and aberrant levels of modified nucleosides in RNA were revealed to be related to cancer. Urine is a favored source for biomarker discovery due to the non-invasion to patients. Herein, we developed a sensitive hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (HILIC–MS/MS) method combined with stable isotope dilution for accurate quantification of methylated nucleosides in human urine. With this method, we successfully quantified ten methylated nucleosides in urine samples collected from healthy controls and breast cancer patients. We found N6-methyladenosine (m6A), 2′-O-methyladenosine (Am), N1-methyladenosine (m1A), N6,2′-O-dimethyladenosine (m6Am), N1-methylguanosine (m1G), 2′-O-methylguanosine (Gm), 5-methylcytidine (m5C) and 2′-O-methylcytidine (Cm) were all decreased in early-stage breast cancer patients, and a nomogram prediction model was constructed. Locally advanced breast cancer patients exhibited elevated levels of urinary 2′-O-methylated nucleosides in comparison to early-stage breast cancer patients. Together, we developed a robust method for the simultaneous determination of methylated nucleosides in human urine, and the results revealed an association between the contents of urinary methylated nucleosides and the occurrence of breast cancer, which may stimulate future studies about the regulatory roles of these methylated nucleosides in the initiation and progression of breast cancer.
Germanium-Tin (GeSn) Metal-Semiconductor-Metal (MSM) Near-Infrared Photodetectors
Authors: Chuang Ricky Wenkuei , Huang Yu-Hsin , Tsai Tsung-Han
Published: October 2022

Narrow-bandgap germanium–tin (GeSn) is employed to fabricate metal–semiconductor–metal (MSM) near-infrared photodetectors with low-dark currents and high responsivity. To reduce the dark current, the SiO2 layer is inserted in between the metal and semiconductor to increase the barrier height, albeit at the expense of photocurrent reduction. To couple more incident light into the absorption layer to enhance the responsivity, the distributed Bragg reflectors (DBRs) are deposited at the bottom of the GeSn substrate while placing the anti-reflection layer on the surface of the absorption layer. With the interdigital electrode spacing and width, both set at 5 µm and with 1 V bias applied, it is found the responsivities of the generic MSM control sample detector, the MSM with DBR, and the MSM with AR layer are 0.644 A/W, 0.716 A/W, and 1.30 A/W, respectively. The corresponding specific detectivities are 8.77 × 1010, 1.11 × 1011, and 1.77 × 1011 cm·Hz1/2/W, respectively. The measurement data show that these designs effectively enhance the photocurrent and responsivity. At 1 V bias voltage, normalized responsivity evinces that the photodetection range has been extended from 1550 nm to over 2000 nm, covering the entire telecommunication band. Incorporating GeSn as a sensing layer offers one of the new alternative avenues for IR photodetection.
TCAD-Based Investigation of a 650 V 4H-SiC Trench MOSFET with a Hetero-Junction Body Diode
Authors: Wang Ruoyu , Guo Jingwei , Liu Chang , Wu Hao , Huang Zhiyong , Hu Shengdong
Published: October 2022

In this paper, a 650 V 4H-SiC trench Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor Field-Effect Transistor (MOSFET) with a hetero-junction diode (HJD) and double current spreading layers (CSLs) is proposed and studied based on Sentaurus TCAD simulation. The HJD suppresses the turn-on of the parasitic body diode and improves the performance in the third quadrant. CSLs with different doping concentrations help to lower the on-state resistance as well as the gate-drain capacitance. As a result, the on-state resistance is decreased by 47.82% while the breakdown voltage remains the same and the turn-on and turn-off losses of the proposed structure are reduced by 83.39% and 68.18% respectively, compared to the conventional structure.
Molecular Recognition and Quantification of HER-3, HER-4 and HRG-α in Whole Blood and Tissue Samples Using Stochastic Sensors
Authors: Stefan-van Staden Raluca-Ioana , Gheorghe Damaris-Cristina
Published: October 2022

Human epidermal growth factor receptor-3, human epidermal growth factor-receptor-4, and heregulin-α are some of the biomarkers related to gastric cancer currently being used for early detection, personalized treatment, and evaluation of the efficiency of the treatment. Two stochastic sensors based on graphene decorated with TiO2 and/or Au modified with maltodextrin were proposed for the screening of two types of whole blood and tissue samples for the simultaneous recognition and analysis of the three biomarkers. The sensitivity of the two sensors showed high values, whereas the limits of determination were of fg mL−1 magnitude order. Thus, the proposed screening method can perform the quantitative analysis of both of the biomarkers of interest in whole blood and tissue samples, with recoveries higher than 96.00% and relative standard deviations lower than 1.00%.
Recent Advances In Silicon Carbide Chemical Mechanical Polishing Technologies
Authors: Hsieh Chi-Hsiang , Chang Che-Yuan , Hsiao Yi-Kai , Chen Chao-Chang A. , Tu Chang-Ching , Kuo Hao-Chung
Published: October 2022

Chemical mechanical polishing (CMP) is a well-known technology that can produce surfaces with outstanding global planarization without subsurface damage. A good CMP process for Silicon Carbide (SiC) requires a balanced interaction between SiC surface oxidation and the oxide layer removal. The oxidants in the CMP slurry control the surface oxidation efficiency, while the polishing mechanical force comes from the abrasive particles in the CMP slurry and the pad asperity, which is attributed to the unique pad structure and diamond conditioning. To date, to obtain a high-quality as-CMP SiC wafer, the material removal rate (MRR) of SiC is only a few micrometers per hour, which leads to significantly high operation costs. In comparison, conventional Si CMP has the MRR of a few micrometers per minute. To increase the MRR, improving the oxidation efficiency of SiC is essential. The higher oxidation efficiency enables the higher mechanical forces, leading to a higher MRR with better surface quality. However, the disparity on the Si-face and C-face surfaces of 4H- or 6H-SiC wafers greatly increases the CMP design complexity. On the other hand, integrating hybrid energies into the CMP system has proven to be an effective approach to enhance oxidation efficiency. In this review paper, the SiC wafering steps and their purposes are discussed. A comparison among the three configurations of SiC CMP currently used in the industry is made. Moreover, recent advances in CMP and hybrid CMP technologies, such as Tribo-CMP, electro-CMP (ECMP), Fenton-ECMP, ultrasonic-ECMP, photocatalytic CMP (PCMP), sulfate-PCMP, gas-PCMP and Fenton-PCMP are reviewed, with emphasis on their oxidation behaviors and polishing performance. Finally, we raise the importance of post-CMP cleaning and make a summary of the various SiC CMP technologies discussed in this work.
Research on the Multi-Element Synthetic Aperture Focusing Technique in Breast Ultrasound Imaging, Based on the Ring Array
Authors: Wu Yang , Zhang Wendong , Shao Xingling , Yang Yuhua , Zhang Tian , Lei Miao , Wang Zhihao , Gao Bizhen , Hu Shumin
Published: October 2022

As a widely clinical detection method, ultrasonography (US) has been applied to the diagnosis of breast cancer. In this paper, the multi-element synthetic aperture focusing (M-SAF) is applied to the ring array of breast ultrasonography (US) imaging, which addresses the problem of low imaging quality due to the single active element for each emission and the reception in the synthetic aperture focusing. In order to determine the optimal sub-aperture size, the formula is derived for calculating the internal sound pressure of the ring array with a 200 mm diameter, and the sound pressure distribution is analyzed. The ring array with 1024 elements (1024 ring array) is established in COMSOL Multiphysics 5.6, and the optimal sub-aperture size is 16 elements, according to the sound field beam simulation and the directivity research. Based on the existing experimental conditions, the ring array with 256 elements (256 ring array) is simulated and verified by experiments. The simulation has a spatial resolution evaluation in the k-Wave toolbox, and the experiment uses nylon rope and breast model imaging. The results show that if the sub-aperture size has four elements, the imaging quality is the highest. Specifically, the spatial resolution is the best, and the sound pressure amplitude and signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) are maintained at a high level in the reconstructed image. The optimal sub-aperture theory is verified by the two kinds of ring arrays, which also provide a theoretical basis for the application of the multi-element synthetic aperture focusing technology (M-SAF) in ring arrays.
Escherichia coli Isolated from Vegans, Vegetarians and Omnivores: Antibiotic Resistance, Virulence Factors, Pathogenicity Islands and Phylogenetic Classification
Authors: Tizura Ariane Tiemy , Material Soncini João Gabriel , Koga Vanessa Lumi , Takayama Kobayashi Renata Katsuko , Tano Zuleica Naomi , Vespero Eliana Carolina
Published: October 2022

Pathogenic strains of Escherichia coli have acquired virulence factors, which confer an increased ability to cause a broad spectrum of enteric diseases and extraintestinal infections. The aim of this study was to analyze the antimicrobial resistance profile of and the presence of virulence-associated genes (VAGs) in E. coli fecal isolates from omnivores, vegetarians and vegans. A control group of 60 isolates from omnivores, as well as a study group with 41 isolates from vegetarians and 17 from vegans, were analyzed. Isolates from both groups showed a high rate of resistance to ampicillin, amoxicillin-clavulanic acid and nalidixic acid, and some of them were positive for the ESBL test (12% of isolates from vegetarians/vegans and 5% of isolates from omnivores). The most predominant VAGs detected in isolates from omnivores were fimH (70%), iutA (32%), fyuA (32%) and traT (32%), while among isolates from vegetarians or vegans, the most predominant were traT (62%), kpsMT k1 (28%) and iutA (22%). Most isolates from omnivores (55%) were positive for PAI I536, while most of those from vegetarians/vegans (59%) were positive for PAI IV536. Phylogenetic group A, composed of commensal non-pathogenic isolates that survive in the intestinal tract, was the most prevalent in both control and study groups. Some VAGs were found in only one of the groups, such as the pathogenicity island PAI III536, found in 12% of the isolates from omnivores, while the kpsMT III gene (15%) was detected only among isolates from vegetarians/vegans. Interestingly, this gene codes for a polysaccharide capsule found mainly in E. coli isolates causing intestinal infections, including EPEC, ETEC and EHEC. Finally, our results show that there were no advantages in vegetarian or vegan diets compared to the omnivorous diet, as in both groups we detected isolates harboring VAGs and displaying resistance to antibiotics, especially those most commonly used to treat urinary tract infections.
Genetic Diversity and Geographical Distribution of the Red Tide Species Coscinodiscus granii Revealed Using a High-Resolution Molecular Marker
Authors: Huang Hailong , Xu Qing , Song Huiyin , Chen Nansheng
Published: October 2022

Diatoms are responsible for approximately 40% of the global primary photosynthetic production and account for up to 20% of global carbon fixation. Coscinodiscus granii is a red tide forming species of the phylum Bacillariophyta that has been detected in a wide range of coastal regions, suggesting the possibility of the existence of high genetic diversity with differential adaptation. Common molecular markers including 18S rDNA, 16S rDNA, ITS, cox1, and rbcL do not provide sufficient resolution for distinguishing intra-species genetic diversity, hindering in-depth research on intra-species genetic diversity and their spatial and temporal dynamics. In this project, we aimed to develop molecular markers with high resolution and specificity for C. granii, attempting to identify different taxa of this species, which will set up a stage for subsequent functional assays. Comparative genomics analysis of the mtDNAs of C. granii strains identified a genomic region with high genomic variations, which was used to guide the development of a molecular marker with high resolution and high specificity. This new molecular marker, which was named cgmt1 (C. granii mitochondrial 1), was 376 bp in size and differentiated C. granii samples collected in coastal regions of China into three different clades. Preliminary analysis of field samples collected in various coastal regions in China revealed that C. granii clades were almost exclusively found in the Bohai Sea and the north Yellow Sea. This newly developed molecular marker cgmt1 could be used for tracking intra-species genetic diversity and biogeographic distribution of C. granii in different ecosystems.
Extracellular c-di-GMP Plays a Role in Biofilm Formation and Dispersion of Campylobacter jejuni
Authors: Elgamoudi Bassam A. , Starr Kirstie S. , Korolik Victoria
Published: October 2022

Cyclic diguanosine monophosphate (c-diGMP) is a ubiquitous second messenger involved in the regulation of many signalling systems in bacteria, including motility and biofilm formation. Recently, it has been reported that c-di-GMP was detected in C. jejuni DRH212; however, the presence and the role of c-di-GMP in other C. jejuni strains are unknown. Here, we investigated extracellular c-di-GMP as an environmental signal that potentially triggers biofilm formation in C. jejuni NCTC 11168 using a crystal violet-based assay, motility-based plate assay, RT-PCR and confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). We found that, in presence of extracellular c-di-GMP, the biofilm formation was significantly reduced (>50%) and biofilm dispersion enhanced (up to 60%) with no effect on growth. In addition, the presence of extracellular c-di-GMP promoted chemotactic motility, inhibited the adherence of C. jejuni NCTC 11168-O to Caco-2 cells and upregulated the expression of Cj1198 (luxS, encoding quarum sensing pathway component, autoinducer-2), as well as chemotaxis genes Cj0284c (cheA) and Cj0448c (tlp6). Unexpectedly, the expression of Cj0643 (cbrR), containing a GGDEF-like domain and recently identified as a potential diguanylate cyclase gene, required for the synthesis of c-di-GMP, was not affected. Our findings suggest that extracellular c-di-GMP could be involved in C. jejuni gene regulation, sensing and biofilm dispersion.
Streptococcus equi subsp. equi in Retropharyngeal Abscess: Case Report and Review of Literature
Authors: Waśniewska-Włodarczyk Anna , Pepaś Renata , Janowicz Renata , Konopka Wiesław
Published: October 2022

Retropharyngeal abscesses (RPAs) represent the group of deep space infections of the neck. Although RPA is a well-known condition, some aspects of it still may be challenging. Localization, symptoms, and etiology may confuse even the most experienced physicians. S. equi subspecies are zoonotic agents and cause multiple diseases in diverse animals. Infections in humans are rare. This report presents an extremely rare case of retropharyngeal abscess in a 12-year-old girl caused by an infection of Streptococcus equi subsp. equi.
Enhanced Hemolytic Activity of Mesophilic Aeromonas salmonicida SRW-OG1 Is Brought about by Elevated Temperatures
Authors: Chen Yunong , Wang Jiajia , Cai Hongyan , Lin Mao , Zhang Youyu , Huang Lixing
Published: October 2022

Aeromonas salmonicida is a well-known cold-water pathogenic bacterium. Previously, we reported the first isolation of pathogenic A. salmonicida from diseased Epinephelus coioides, a kind of warm-water fish, and it was proved to be a putative mesophilic strain with potent pathogenicity to humans. In order to investigate the mechanisms underlying mesophilic growth ability and virulence, the transcriptome of A. salmonicida SRW-OG1 at 18, 28, and 37 °C was analyzed. The transcriptome of A. salmonicida SRW-OG1 at different temperatures showed a clear separation boundary, which might provide valuable information for the temperature adaptation and virulence regulation of A. salmonicida SRW-OG1. Interestingly, aerA and hlyA, the hemolytic genes encoding aerolysin and hemolysin, were found to be significantly up-regulated at 28 and 37 °C. Since aerolysin and hemolysin are the most well-known and -characterized virulence factors of pathogenic Aeromonas strains, the induction of aerA and hlyA was associated with the mesophilic virulence. Further study proved that the extracellular products (ECPs) purchased from A. salmonicida SRW-OG1 cultured at 28 and 37 °C showed elevated hemolytic activity and virulence than those at 18 °C. Moreover, the silence of aerA and hlyA led to significantly decreased hemolysis and virulence. Taken together, our results revealed that the mesophilic virulence of A. salmonicida SRW-OG1 might be due to the enhanced expression of aerA and hlyA induced by elevated temperatures.
Evaluation of the Antifungal Activity of Endophytic and Rhizospheric Bacteria against Grapevine Trunk Pathogens
Authors: Bustamante Marcelo I. , Elfar Karina , Eskalen Akif
Published: October 2022

Grapevine trunk diseases (GTDs) are caused by multiple unrelated fungal pathogens, and their management remains difficult worldwide. Biocontrol is an attractive and sustainable strategy given the current need for a cleaner viticulture. In this study, twenty commercial vineyards were sampled across California to isolate endophytic and rhizospheric bacteria from different grapevine cultivars with the presence and absence of GTD symptoms. A collection of 1344 bacterial isolates were challenged in vitro against Neofusicoccum parvum and Diplodia seriata, from which a subset of 172 isolates exerted inhibition levels of mycelial growth over 40%. Bacterial isolates were identified as Bacillus velezensis (n = 154), Pseudomonas spp. (n = 12), Serratia plymuthica (n = 2) and others that were later excluded (n = 4). Representative isolates of B. velezensis, P. chlororaphis, and S. plymuthica were challenged against six other fungal pathogens responsible for GTDs. Mycelial inhibition levels were consistent across bacterial species, being slightly higher against slow-growing fungi than against Botryosphaeriaceae. Moreover, agar-diffusible metabolites of B. velezensis strongly inhibited the growth of N. parvum and Eutypa lata, at 1, 15, and 30% v/v. The agar-diffusible metabolites of P. chlororaphis and S. plymuthica, however, caused lower inhibition levels against both pathogens, but their volatile organic compounds showed antifungal activity against both pathogens. These results suggest that B. velezensis, P. chlororaphis and S. plymuthica constitute potential biocontrol agents (BCAs) against GTDs and their application in field conditions should be further evaluated.
Genomic Insights into the Radiation-Resistant Capability of Sphingomonas qomolangmaensis S5-59T and Sphingomonas glaciei S8-45T, Two Novel Bacteria from the North Slope of Mount Everest
Authors: Liu Yang , Cui Xiaowen , Yang Ruiqi , Zhang Yiyang , Xu Yeteng , Liu Guangxiu , Zhang Binglin , Wang Jinxiu , Wang Xinyue , Zhang Wei , Chen Tuo , Zhang Gaosen
Published: October 2022

Mount Everest provides natural advantages to finding radiation-resistant extremophiles that are functionally mechanistic and possess commercial significance. (1) Background: Two bacterial strains, designated S5-59T and S8-45T, were isolated from moraine samples collected from the north slope of Mount Everest at altitudes of 5700m and 5100m above sea level. (2) Methods: The present study investigated the polyphasic features and genomic characteristics of S5-59T and S8-45T. (3) Results: The major fatty acids and the predominant respiratory menaquinone of S5-59T and S8-45T were summed as feature 3 (comprising C16:1 ω6c and/or C16:1 ω7c) and ubiquinone-10 (Q-10). Phylogenetic analyses based on 16S rRNA sequences and average nucleotide identity values among these two strains and their reference type strains were below the species demarcation thresholds of 98.65% and 95%. Strains S5-59T and S8-45T harbored great radiation resistance. The genomic analyses showed that DNA damage repair genes, such as mutL, mutS, radA, radC, recF, recN, etc., were present in the S5-59T and S8-45T strains. Additionally, strain S5-59T possessed more genes related to DNA protection proteins. The pan-genome analysis and horizontal gene transfers revealed that strains of Sphingomonas had a consistently homologous genetic evolutionary radiation resistance. Moreover, enzymatic antioxidative proteins also served critical roles in converting ROS into harmless molecules that resulted in resistance to radiation. Further, pigments and carotenoids such as zeaxanthin and alkylresorcinols of the non-enzymatic antioxidative system were also predicted to protect them from radiation. (4) Conclusions: Type strains S5-59T (=JCM 35564T =GDMCC 1.3193T) and S8-45T (=JCM 34749T =GDMCC 1.2715T) represent two novel species of the genus Sphingomonas with the proposed name Sphingomonas qomolangmaensis sp. nov. and Sphingomonas glaciei sp. nov. The type strains, S5-59T and S8-45T, were assessed in a deeply genomic study of their radiation-resistant mechanisms and this thus resulted in a further understanding of their greater potential application for the development of anti-radiation protective drugs.
Effect of Sodium Nitrate and Cysteamine on In Vitro Ruminal Fermentation, Amino Acid Metabolism and Microbiota in Buffalo
Authors: Guo Yanxia , Hassan Faiz-ul , Li Mengwei , Xie Huade , Peng Lijuan , Tang Zhenhua , Yang Chengjian
Published: October 2022

Nitrate is used as a methane inhibitor while cysteamine is considered as a growth promoter in ruminants. The present study evaluated the effect of sodium nitrate and cysteamine on methane (CH4) production, rumen fermentation, amino acid (AA) metabolism, and rumen microbiota in a low protein diet. Four treatments containing a 0.5 g of substrate were supplemented with 1 mg/mL sodium nitrate (SN), 100 ppm cysteamine hydrochloride (CS), and a combination of SN 1 mg/mL and CS 100 ppm (CS+SN), and a control (no additive) were applied in a completely randomized design. Each treatment group had five replicates. Two experimental runs using in vitro batch culture technique were performed for two consecutive weeks. Total gas and CH4 production were measured in each fermentation bottle at 3, 6, 9, 12, 24, 48, and 72 h of incubation. The results showed that SN and CS+SN reduced the production of total gas and CH4, increased the rumen pH, acetate, acetate to propionate ratio (A/P), and microbial protein (MCP) contents (p < 0.05), but decreased other volatile fatty acids (VFA) and total VFA (p = 0.001). The CS had no effect on CH4 production and rumen fermentation parameters except for increasing A/P. The CSN increased the populations of total bacteria, fungi, and methanogens but decreased the diversity and richness of rumen microorganisms. In conclusion, CS+SN exhibited a positive effect on rumen fermentation by increasing the number of fiber degrading and hydrogen-utilizing bacteria, with a desirable impact on rumen fermentation while reducing total gas and CH4 production.