bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Interplay between TRPM7 and MagT1 in Maintaining Endothelial Magnesium Homeostasis
Authors: Castiglioni Sara , Locatelli Laura , Fedele Giorgia , Cazzaniga Alessandra , Malucelli Emil , Iotti Stefano , Maier Jeanette A.
Published: February 2023

The transient receptor potential cation channel subfamily M member 7 (TRPM7) is an ubiquitous channel fused to an α-kinase domain involved in magnesium (Mg) transport, and its level of expression has been proposed as a marker of endothelial function. To broaden our present knowledge about the role of TRPM7 in endothelial cells, we generated stable transfected Human Endothelial Cells derived from the Umbilical Vein (HUVEC). TRPM7-silencing HUVEC maintain the actin fibers’ organization and mitochondrial network. They produce reduced amounts of reactive oxygen species and grow faster than controls. Intracellular Mg concentration does not change in TRPM7-silencing or -expressing HUVEC, while some differences emerged when we analyzed intracellular Mg distribution. While the levels of the plasma membrane Mg transporter Solute Carrier family 41 member 1 (SLC41A1) and the mitochondrial channel Mrs2 remain unchanged, the highly selective Magnesium Transporter 1 (MagT1) is upregulated in TRPM7-silencing HUVEC through transcriptional regulation. We propose that the increased amounts of MagT1 grant the maintenance of intracellular Mg concentrations when TRPM7 is not expressed in endothelial cells.
Design Optimization Method Based on Artificial Intelligence (Hybrid Method) for Repair and Restoration Using Additive Manufacturing Technology
Authors: Habeeb Hiyam Adil , Wahab Dzuraidah Abd , Azman Abdul Hadi , Alkahari Mohd Rizal
Published: February 2023

The concept of repair and restoration using additive manufacturing (AM) is to build new metal layers on a broken part. It is beneficial for complex parts that are no longer available in the market. Optimization methods are used to solve product design problems to produce efficient and highly sustainable products. Design optimization can improve the design of parts to improve the efficiency of the repair and restoration process using additive manufacturing during the end-of-life (EoL) phase. In this paper, the objective is to review the strategies for remanufacturing and restoration of products during or at the EoL phase and facilitate the process using AM. Design optimization for remanufacturing is important to reduce repair and restoration time. This review paper focuses on the main challenges and constraints of AM for repair and restoration. Various AI techniques, including the hybrid method that can be integrated into the design of AM, are analyzed and presented. This paper highlights the research gap and provides recommendations for future research directions. In conclusion, the combination of artificial neural network (ANN) algorithms with genetic algorithms as a hybrid method is a key solution in solving limitations and is the future for repair and restoration using additive manufacturing.
Effect of Liquid Metal Embrittlement Indent Cracks on Zinc Coated 3rd Generation AHSS Mechanical Performance
Authors: Midawi Abdelbaset R. H. , Patel Meet , Shojaee Mohammad , Pearson Kate , Sherepenko Oleksii , Ghassemi-Armaki Hassan , Biro Elliot
Published: February 2023

Third-generation advanced high-strength steels (3G-AHSS) are typically galvanized to prevent corrosion of the outer body structure. However, the zinc coating on the surface, combined with the locally elevated temperatures generated during the resistance spot welding (RSW) process, can provide the prerequisites for liquid metal embrittlement (LME). This work uses two strategies to control LME crack formation: current pulsation and varying the electrode geometry. These two methods were compared to a baseline welding schedule for a 3G-980-GI coated AHSS. The effectiveness of each method was discussed in terms of the overall weld cracking index and local cracking index. The results showed that increasing the current pulses results in a slower energy input into the weld, which can help to reduce LME crack formation. Introducing more pulses (five to seven pulses) reduced LME crack formation while maintaining the same welding time. Regarding the electrode geometry, the results showed an increase in LME cracking index for currents below the expulsion level Imax-10% when the electrode face diameter increased, whereas at the current level Imax-200A, the electrode radius was the most important factor to control LME crack index. For the current level above the expulsion, Imax+10%, a drastic decrease in the LME cracking index was observed when a large electrode surface diameter was used. The electrode radius was not a significant factor in controlling LME. The mechanical properties of selected conditions were examined using the lap shear test and the results showed no significant effect of LME cracks on the shear tensile strength. The location of the failure indicated that most of the cracks are located in the indented area (type A), which does not influence the lap shear strength.
Machine Learning in Automated Monitoring of Metabolic Changes Accompanying the Differentiation of Adipose-Tissue-Derived Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells Employing 1H-1H TOCSY NMR
Authors: Migdadi Lubaba , Sharar Nour , Jafar Hanan , Telfah Ahmad , Hergenröder Roland , Wöhler Christian
Published: February 2023

The ability to monitor the dynamics of stem cell differentiation is a major goal for understanding biochemical evolution pathways. Automating the process of metabolic profiling using 2D NMR helps us to understand the various differentiation behaviors of stem cells, and therefore sheds light on the cellular pathways of development, and enhances our understanding of best practices for in vitro differentiation to guide cellular therapies. In this work, the dynamic evolution of adipose-tissue-derived human Mesenchymal stem cells (AT-derived hMSCs) after fourteen days of cultivation, adipocyte and osteocyte differentiation, was inspected based on 1H-1H TOCSY using machine learning. Multi-class classification in addition to the novelty detection of metabolites was established based on a control hMSC sample after four days’ cultivation and we successively detected the changes of metabolites in differentiated MSCs following a set of 1H-1H TOCSY experiments. The classifiers Kernel Null Foley-Sammon Transform and Kernel Density Estimation achieved a total classification error between 0% and 3.6% and false positive and false negative rates of 0%. This approach was successfully able to automatically reveal metabolic changes that accompanied MSC cellular evolution starting from their undifferentiated status to their prolonged cultivation and differentiation into adipocytes and osteocytes using machine learning supporting the research in the field of metabolic pathways of stem cell differentiation.
Life-Threatening Cardiogenic Shock Related to Venlafaxine Poisoning—A Case Report with Metabolomic Approach
Authors: Magny Romain , Mégarbane Bruno , Guillaud Pauline , Chevillard Lucie , Auzeil Nicolas , Thiebot Pauline , Voicu Sebastian , Malissin Isabelle , Deye Nicolas , Labat Laurence , Houzé Pascal
Published: February 2023

Metabolomics in clinical toxicology aim at reliably identifying and semi-quantifying a broad array of endogenous and exogenous metabolites using dedicated analytical methods. Here, we developed a three-step-based workflow to investigate the metabolic impact of the antidepressant drug venlafaxine in a poisoned patient who developed life-threatening cardiac failure managed with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. Both targeted quantitative and untargeted semi-quantitative metabolomic analyses using liquid chromatography hyphenated to high-resolution tandem mass spectrometry were performed to determine the plasma kinetics of venlafaxine, O-desmethyl-venlafaxine, and N-desmethyl-venlafaxine and to identify sixteen different venlafaxine-derived metabolites including one unknown (i.e., venlafaxine conjugated to a hexosyl-radical), respectively. Correlations between the quantitative metabolomic data and annotated endogenous metabolites suggested impaired amino acid and lipid metabolism, Krebs cycle, and kynurenine pathway. This preliminary study represents a first step towards a more extensive application of toxicometabolomics in clinical toxicology and a useful workflow to identify the biomarkers of toxicity.
Artemisia abrotanum and Symphytum officinale Polyphenolic Compounds-Rich Extracts with Potential Application in Diabetes Management
Authors: Neagu Elena , Paun Gabriela , Albu Camelia , Eremia Sandra Ana-Maria Victoria , Radu Gabriel Lucian
Published: February 2023

Lately, there has been increased interest in the development of phytochemical alternatives for the prevention and treatment of type 2 diabetes, the alternatives that are able to reduce or prevent glucose absorption by inhibiting digestive enzymes. In this context, this study aims to analyze the inhibitory α-amylase and α-glucosidase activities of Artemisia abrotanum and Symphytum officinale polyphenolic compound-rich extracts obtained by membrane technologies (micro- and ultrafiltration). Polyphenols and flavones content, HPLC-MS polyphenolic compounds profiling, antioxidant activity, and cytotoxic potential of these herbs were determined. Major phenolic acid compounds were chlorogenic acid, ellagic acid, caffeic acid, and rosmarinic acid. The flavone content was higher in the case of A. abrotanum extracts, and the major compounds were rutin and umbelliferone. The polyphenolic-rich extract of A. abrotanum had the highest quantities of polyphenols, 977.75 µg/mL, and flavones, 552.85 µg/mL, as well as a pronounced α-amylase inhibitory activity (IC50 1881.21 ± 1.8 mg/mL), a value close to acarbose inhibitory activity (IC50 1110.25 ± 8.82 mg/mL) that was used as the control for both enzymes. The α-glucosidase inhibitory activity was higher for both herb extracts, more pronounced for S. officinale polyphenolic-rich extract (IC50 291.56 ± 2.1 mg/mL), a value higher than that of acarbose (IC50 372.35 ± 3.2 mg/mL). These plants show potential as a complementary therapy for type 2 diabetes management.
Exposure to Particulate Matter in the Broiler House Causes Dyslipidemia and Exacerbates It by Damaging Lung Tissue in Broilers
Authors: Shen Dan , Guo Qi , Huang Kai , Mao Weijia , Wang Kai , Zeng Wenjie , Li Yansen , Guo Zhendong , Nagaoka Kentaro , Li Chunmei
Published: February 2023

The high concentration of particulate matter (PM) in broiler houses seriously endangers the biological safety of broilers and causes low growth performance, deserving more attention. This study aimed to investigate the effects of PM collected from a broiler house on the lung and systemic inflammatory responses and liver lipid anabolic process in broilers. Broilers were systemically exposed to fresh air (control) and 4 mg·m−3 and 8 mg·m−3 total suspended particles (TSP). Lung, liver, and serum were sampled after 7 (E7) and 14 (E14) days of PM exposure and 7 days after self-recovery (R 7). Corresponding kits were used to assay the inflammatory cytokines and serum biochemical indicators. The expression levels of genes related to lipid metabolism were detected by real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assay. The results showed a significant decrease in the average daily gain in broilers for 7 days of PM exposure (p < 0.05) and clear lung and liver inflammations in PM groups. In addition, upregulation of lung interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-8 and serum low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and triglyceride (TG) occurred after 7 days of PM exposure (p < 0.05), and upregulation of lung serum tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and cholesterol (CHOL) occurred after 14 days of PM exposure (p < 0.05). A decrease in serum total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-px) levels was found after 14 days of PM exposure (p < 0.05), and the GSH-px level was maintained until 7 days after cessation of exposure (p < 0.05). Seven days after cessation of exposure, the expression levels of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA synthase 2 (Hmgcs2) and fatty acid synthase (Fas) genes significantly increased (p < 0.05) and decreased (p < 0.05), respectively. These results demonstrate that exposure to PM in broiler houses can induce systemic inflammation and dyslipidemia through local pulmonary inflammation and also exert toxic effects on the liver by disturbing the expression of genes involved in the hepatic lipid anabolic process.
Rao-Blackwellized Particle Filter Algorithm Integrated with Neural Network Sensor Model Using Laser Distance Sensor
Authors: Jamaludin Amirul , Mohamad Yatim Norhidayah , Mohd Noh Zarina , Buniyamin Norlida
Published: February 2023

Commonly, simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM) algorithm is developed using high-end sensors. Alternatively, some researchers use low-end sensors due to the lower cost of the robot. However, the low-end sensor produces noisy sensor measurements that can affect the SLAM algorithm, which is prone to error. Therefore, in this paper, a SLAM algorithm, which is a Rao-Blackwellized particle filter (RBPF) integrated with artificial neural networks (ANN) sensor model, is introduced to improve the measurement accuracy of a low-end laser distance sensor (LDS) and subsequently improve the performance of SLAM. The RBPF integrated with the ANN sensor model is experimented with by using the Turtlebot3 mobile robot in simulation and real-world experiments. The experiment is validated by comparing the occupancy grid maps estimated by RBPF integrated with the ANN sensor model and RBPF without ANN. Both the results in simulation and real-world experiments show that the SLAM performance of RBPF integrated with the ANN sensor model is better than the RBPF without ANN. In the real-world experiment results, the performance of the occupied cells integrated with the ANN sensor model is increased by 107.59%. In conclusion, the SLAM algorithm integrated with the ANN sensor model is able to improve the accuracy of the map estimate for mobile robots using low-end LDS sensors.
Development of an Optoelectronic Integrated Sensor for a MEMS Mirror-Based Active Structured Light System
Authors: Cheng Xiang , Xu Shun , Liu Yan , Cao Yingchao , Xie Huikai , Ye Jinhui
Published: February 2023

Micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS) scanning micromirrors are playing an increasingly important role in active structured light systems. However, the initial phase error of the structured light generated by a scanning micromirror seriously affects the accuracy of the corresponding system. This paper reports an optoelectronic integrated sensor with high irradiance responsivity and high linearity that can be used to correct the phase error of the micromirror. The optoelectronic integrated sensor consists of a large-area photodetector (PD) and a receiving circuit, including a post amplifier, an operational amplifier, a bandgap reference, and a reference current circuit. The optoelectronic sensor chip is fabricated in a 180 nm CMOS process. Experimental results show that with a 5 V power supply, the optoelectronic sensor has an irradiance responsivity of 100 mV/(μW/cm2) and a −3 dB bandwidth of 2 kHz. The minimal detectable light power is about 19.4 nW, which satisfies the requirements of many active structured light systems. Through testing, the application of the chip effectively reduces the phase error of the micromirror to 2.5%.
Viscoelastic Particle Encapsulation Using a Hyaluronic Acid Solution in a T-Junction Microfluidic Device
Authors: Jeyasountharan Anoshanth , Del Giudice Francesco
Published: February 2023

The encapsulation of particles and cells in droplets is highly relevant in biomedical engineering as well as in material science. So far, however, the majority of the studies in this area have focused on the encapsulation of particles or cells suspended in Newtonian liquids. We here studied the particle encapsulation phenomenon in a T-junction microfluidic device, using a non-Newtonian viscoelastic hyaluronic acid solution in phosphate buffer saline as suspending liquid for the particles. We first studied the non-Newtonian droplet formation mechanism, finding that the data for the normalised droplet length scaled as the Newtonian ones. We then performed viscoelastic encapsulation experiments, where we exploited the fact that particles self-assembled in equally-spaced structures before approaching the encapsulation area, to then identify some experimental conditions for which the single encapsulation efficiency was larger than the stochastic limit predicted by the Poisson statistics.
Facile Production Method of PbS Nanoparticles via Mechanical Milling of Galena Ore
Authors: Al-Saqarat Bety S. , Al-Mobydeen Ahmed , AL-Masri Ahmed N. , Esaifan Muayad , Hamadneh Imad , Moosa Iessa Sabbe , AlShamaileh Ehab
Published: February 2023

In this research, some physical properties such as the density, specific heat capacity, and micro-hardness of galena ore lumps purchased from the public market were determined. The microscopic study, using the scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), confirmed that the as-received galena ore was mostly lead sulfide (PbS). The XRD pattern of the galena powder also elucidated that all the peaks were assigned to PbS. In addition, the as-received galena was roughly crushed, and fine-milled using a high-vibration milling machine with tungsten carbide rings. Nanoscale particles of about 90 nm were produced in a very short milling time of around 15 min. The obtained nanoscale powder was well investigated in the SEM at low and high magnifications to assess the exact range of particle size. Meanwhile, the SEM was employed to investigate the microstructure of sintered samples, where a part of the milled galena powder was compacted and sintered at 700 °C for 2 h. Again, the result of this investigation proved the formation of PbS with even smaller grain size compared with the grain size of the starting galena ore. A high relative sinter density of approximately 97% for galena powder was achieved by sintering under vacuum.
Demonstration of a Fizeau Directly-Imaging Sparse-Aperture Telescope with Pointing and Tracking Capabilities
Authors: Yuan Liangzhu , Shi Jianliang , Huang Yongmei , Li Jinying , Wen Piao , Ma Haotong , Li Yang , Xia Huayang , Tu Qiong , Ma Rongqi
Published: February 2023

At present, the majority of sparse-aperture telescopes (SATs) are unable to observe moving targets. In this paper, we describe the construction of and present the results obtained using a Fizeau directly-imaging sparse-aperture telescope (FDISAT) that permits pointing and the tracking of moving targets. The telescope comprises three sub-apertures, each of which is equipped with a Risley prism system that permits a maximum tracking range of 5° and has independent boresight adjustment capability. On targets in various positions, experiments with pointing and tracking are conducted. The maximum root-mean-square error (RMSE) of pointing in the sub-apertures was found to be 8.22 arcsec. When considering a target moving at 0.01°/s for approximately 320 s, the maximum RMSE of tracking in the sub-apertures was found to be 4.23 arcsec. The images obtained from the focal plane detector exhibit clear interference fringes while tracking. The experimental results demonstrate that the system can effectively track moving targets, providing a method for SAT observation of moving targets.
The Influence of Physical Mixing and Impregnation on the Physicochemical Properties of Pine Wood Activated Carbon Produced by One-Step ZnCl2 Activation
Authors: Phiri Josphat , Ahadian Hamidreza , Sandberg Maria , Granström Karin , Maloney Thad
Published: February 2023

In this study, two different sample preparation methods to synthesize activated carbon from pine wood were compared. The pine wood activated carbon was prepared by mixing ZnCl2 by physical mixing, i.e., “dry mixing” and impregnation, i.e., “wet mixing” before high temperature carbonization. The influence of these methods on the physicochemical properties of activated carbons was examined. The activated carbon was analyzed using nitrogen sorption (surface area, pore volume and pore size distribution), XPS, density, Raman spectroscopy, and electrochemistry. Physical mixing led to a slightly higher density carbon (1.83 g/cm3) than wet impregnation (1.78 g/cm3). Raman spectroscopy analysis also showed that impregnation led to activated carbon with a much higher degree of defects than physical mixing, i.e., ID/IG = 0.86 and 0.89, respectively. The wet impregnated samples also had better overall textural properties. For example, for samples activated with 1:1 ratio, the total pore volume was 0.664 vs. 0.637 cm3/g and the surface area was 1191 vs. 1263 m2/g for dry and wet mixed samples, respectively. In the electrochemical application, specifically in supercapacitors, impregnated samples showed a much better capacitance at low current densities, i.e., 247 vs. 146 F/g at the current density of 0.1 A/g. However, the physically mixed samples were more stable after 5000 cycles: 97.8% versus 94.4% capacitance retention for the wet impregnated samples.
Photoacoustic Flow Cytometry Using Functionalized Microspheres for Selective Detection of Bacteria
Authors: Edgar Robert H. , Samson Anie-Pier , Kocsis Tori , Viator John A.
Published: February 2023

Photoacoustic flow cytometry is a method to detect rare analytes in fluids. We developed photoacoustic flow cytometry to detect pathological cells in body fluids, such as circulating tumor cells or bacteria in blood. In order to induce specific optical absorption in bacteria, we use modified bacteriophage that precisely target bacterial species or subspecies for rapid identification. In order to reduce detection variability and to halt the lytic lifescycle that results in lysis of the bacteria, we attached dyed latex microspheres to the tail fibers of bacteriophage that retained the bacterial recognition binding sites. We tested these microsphere complexes using Salmonella enterica (Salmonella) and Escherichia coli (E. coli) bacteria and found robust and specific detection of targeted bacteria. In our work we used LT2, a strain of Salmonella, against K12, a strain of E. coli. Using Det7, a bacteriophage that binds to LT2 and not to K12, we detected an average of 109.3±9.0 of LT2 versus 2.0±1.7 of K12 using red microspheres and 86.7±13.2 of LT2 versus 0.3±0.6 of K12 using blue microspheres. These results confirmed our ability to selectively detect bacterial species using photoacoustic flow cytometry.
Improving the High-Temperature Gate Bias Instabilities by a Low Thermal Budget Gate-First Process in p-GaN Gate HEMTs
Authors: Langpoklakpam Catherine , Liu An-Chen , You Neng-Jie , Kao Ming-Hsuan , Huang Wen-Hsien , Shen Chang-Hong , Tzou Jerry , Kuo Hao-Chung , Shieh Jia-Min
Published: February 2023

In this study, we report a low ohmic contact resistance process on a 650 V E-mode p-GaN gate HEMT structure. An amorphous silicon (a-Si) assisted layer was inserted in between the ohmic contact and GaN. The fabricated device exhibits a lower contact resistance of about 0.6 Ω-mm after annealing at 550 °C. In addition, the threshold voltage shifting of the device was reduced from −0.85 V to −0.74 V after applying a high gate bias stress at 150 °C for 10−2 s. The measured time to failure (TTF) of the device shows that a low thermal budget process can improve the device’s reliability. A 100-fold improvement in HTGB TTF was clearly demonstrated. The study shows a viable method for CMOS-compatible GaN power device fabrication.
Microwave Dual-Crack Sensor with a High Q-Factor Using the TE20 Resonance of a Complementary Split-Ring Resonator on a Substrate-Integrated Waveguide
Authors: Kim Yelim , Park Eiyong , Salim Ahmed , Kim Junghyeon , Lim Sungjoon
Published: February 2023

Microwave sensors have attracted interest as non-destructive metal crack detection (MCD) devices due to their low cost, simple fabrication, potential miniaturization, noncontact nature, and capability for remote detection. However, the development of multi-crack sensors of a suitable size and quality factor (Q-factor) remains a challenge. In the present study, we propose a multi-MCD sensor that combines a higher-mode substrate-integrated waveguide (SIW) and complementary split-ring resonators (CSRRs). In order to increase the Q-factor, the device is miniaturized; the MCD is facilitated; and two independent CSRRs are loaded onto the SIW, where the electromagnetic field is concentrated. The concentrated electromagnetic field of the SIW improves the Q-factor of the CSRRs, and each CSRR creates its own resonance and produces a miniaturizing effect by activating the sensor below the cut-off frequency of the SIW. The proposed multi-MCD sensor is numerically and experimentally demonstrated for cracks with different widths and depths. The fabricated sensor with a TE20-mode SIW and CSRRs is able to efficiently detect two sub-millimeter metal cracks simultaneously with a high Q-factor of 281.
Dynamics of Hepatitis B Virus Covalently Closed Circular DNA: A Mini-Review
Authors: Hu Jie-Li , Huang Ai-Long
Published: February 2023

Eradication of cccDNA is an ideal goal of chronic hepatitis B (CHB) therapy. Understanding the changes in the cccDNA pool during therapy provides a basis for developing CHB treatment strategies. On the other hand, the shift in the balance of the cccDNA pool following therapies allowed researchers to investigate the dynamics of cccDNA. Central to the description of cccDNA dynamics is a parameter called cccDNA half-life. CccDNA half-life is not an intrinsic property of cccDNA molecules, but a description of an observed phenomenon characterized by cccDNA pool decline. Since cccDNA has to be in the nuclei of host cells to function, the half-life of cccDNA is determined by the state and destiny of the host cells. The major factors that drive cccDNA decay include noncytopathic effects and hepatocyte turnover (death and division). In some cases, the determining factor is not the half-life of cccDNA itself, but rather the half-life of the hepatocyte. The main purpose of this review is to analyze the major factors affecting cccDNA half-life and determine the areas requiring further study. In addition, the discrepancy in cccDNA half-life between short-term and long-term nucleot(s)ide analog (NUC) therapy was reported. Hypotheses were proposed to explain the multi-phasic decline of cccDNA during NUC therapy, and a framework based on cccDNA dynamics was suggested for the consideration of various anti-HBV strategies.
Effects of Cysticercus cellulosae Excretory–Secretory Antigens on the TGF-β Signaling Pathway and Th17 Cell Differentiation in Piglets, a Proteomic Analysis
Authors: He Wei , Mu Qianqian , Li Lizhu , Sun Xiaoqing , Fan Xianmin , Yang Fengjiao , Liu Meichen , Zhou Biying
Published: February 2023

Excretory–secretory antigens (ESAs) of Cysticercus cellulosae can directly regulate the proliferation and differentiation of host T regulatory (Treg) cells, thus inhibiting host immune responses. However, previous studies have only focused on this phenomenon, and the molecular mechanisms behind the ways in which C. cellulosae ESAs regulate the differentiation of host Treg/Th17 cells have not been reported. We collected CD3+ T cells stimulated by C. cellulosae ESAs through magnetic bead sorting and used label-free quantification (LFQ) proteomics techniques to analyze the signaling pathways of C. cellulosae ESAs regulating Treg/Th17 cell differentiation. Through gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA), we found that C. cellulosae ESAs could upregulate the TGF-β signaling pathway and downregulate Th17 cell differentiation in piglet T cells. Interestingly, we also found that the IL-2/STAT5 signaling pathway also affects the downregulation of Th17 cell differentiation. C. cellulosae ESAs activate the TGF-β signaling pathway and the IL-2/STAT5 signaling pathway in host T cells to further regulate the differentiation of Treg/Th17 cells in order to evade host immune attack. This study lays the foundation for the subsequent verification of these pathways, and further clarifies the molecular mechanism of C. cellulosae-mediated immune evasion.
In Vitro Anti-Candida albicans Mode of Action of Enterococcus mundtii and Enterococcus faecium
Authors: Todorov Svetoslav Dimitrov , Weeks Richard , Popov Igor , Franco Bernadette Dora Gombossy de Melo , Chikindas Michael Leonidas
Published: February 2023

Candida albicans is an important vaginosis causative agent, affecting several women worldwide each year. This study reports on two strains of lactic acid bacteria (Enterococcus mundtii CRL35 and Enterococcus faecium ST88Ch) expressing bacteriocin-like inhibitor substances (BLIS) active against C. albicans 1281. Both strains were γ-hemolytic and not affected by numerous antibiotics, contraceptives, and commercial drugs, suggesting safety for human use. The recorded antimicrobial activity of semi-purified BLIS was 25,600 AU/mL for E. mundtii CRL35 and 800 AU/mL for E. faecium ST88Ch. Treatment of BLIS with 1 mg/mL proteinase K resulted in complete loss of antimicrobial activity against Listeria monocytogenes ATCC 15313 and partial loss of activity against C. albicans 1281. The killing effect of the semi-purified BLIS on cell suspensions of C. albicans 1281 after 9 h of contact was dose-dependent: for E. mundtii CRL35, 400 AU/mL to 25,600 AU/mL caused 63.61% to 79.35% lysis, while for E. faecium ST88Ch, 200 AU/mL to 800 AU/mL caused 29.32% to 31.25% cell lysis. The effects of temperature, pH, and presence of the contraceptive Nordette-28 on the adsorption levels of the BLIS to C. albicans 1281 were also evaluated. Nordette-28 (10% or 20%) promoted increased adsorption of both studied BLIS to the cells of C. albicans 1281 at pH 5.0, while a minor effect was observed at pH 3.0. Different levels of aggregation between C. albicans 1281 and E. mundtii CRL35 or E. faecium ST88Ch were recorded, and optimal adsorption levels were recorded at 37 °C. Appropriate BLIS-producing strains can effectively contribute to the equilibrium of vaginal microbial status quo and reduce negative consequences from the development of C. albicans infections.
Dysregulation of Stress-Induced Translational Control by Porphyromonas gingivalis in Host Cells
Authors: Knowles Alex A. , Campbell Susan G. , Cross Neil A. , Stafford Prachi
Published: February 2023

Porphyromonas gingivalis contributes to the chronic oral disease periodontitis, triggering the activation of host inflammatory responses, inducing cellular stresses such as oxidation. During stress, host cells can activate the Integrated Stress Response (ISR), a pathway which determines cellular fate, by either downregulating protein synthesis and initiating a stress–response gene expression program, or by initiating programmed cell death. Recent studies have implicated the ISR within both host antimicrobial defenses and the pathomechanism of certain microbes. In this study, using a combination of immunofluorescence confocal microscopy and immunoblotting, the molecular mechanisms by which P. gingivalis infection alters translation attenuation during oxidative stress-induced activation of the ISR in oral epithelial cells were investigated. P. gingivalis infection alone did not result in ISR activation. In contrast, infection coupled with stress caused differential stress granule formation and composition. Infection heightened stress-induced translational repression independently of core ISR mediators. Heightened translational repression during stress was observed with both P. gingivalis–conditioned media and outer membrane vesicles, implicating a secretory factor in this exacerbated translational repression. The effects of gingipain inhibitors and gingipain-deficient P. gingivalis mutants confirmed these pathogen-specific proteases as the effector of exacerbated translational repression. Gingipains are known to degrade the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) and the findings of this study implicate the gingipain-mTOR axis as the effector of host translational dysregulation during stress.
Genomic Analysis of Haloarchaea from Diverse Environments, including Permian Halite, Reveals Diversity of Ultraviolet Radiation Survival and DNA Photolyase Gene Variants
Authors: Nag Sagorika , DasSarma Priya , Crowley David J. , Hamawi Rafael , Tepper Samantha , Anton Brian P. , Guzmán Daniel , DasSarma Shiladitya
Published: February 2023

Ultraviolet (UV) radiation responses of extremophilic and archaeal microorganisms are of interest from evolutionary, physiological, and astrobiological perspectives. Previous studies determined that the halophilic archaeon, Halobacterium sp. NRC-1, which survives in multiple extremes, is highly tolerant of UV radiation. Here, Halobacterium sp. NRC-1 UV tolerance was compared to taxonomically diverse Haloarchaea isolated from high-elevation salt flats, surface warm and cold hypersaline lakes, and subsurface Permian halite deposits. Haloterrigena/Natrinema spp. from subsurface halite deposits were the least tolerant after exposure to photoreactivating light. This finding was attributed to deviation of amino acid residues in key positions in the DNA photolyase enzyme or to the complete absence of the photolyase gene. Several Halobacterium, Halorubrum and Salarchaeum species from surface environments exposed to high solar irradiance were found to be the most UV tolerant, and Halorubrum lacusprofundi from lake sediment was of intermediate character. These results indicate that high UV tolerance is not a uniform character trait of Haloarchaea and is likely reflective of UV exposure experienced in their environment. This is the first report correlating natural UV tolerance to photolyase gene functionality among Haloarchaea and provides insights into their survival in ancient halite deposits and potentially on the surface of Mars.
Impact of Environmental Stresses on the Antibacterial Activity of Graphene Oxide (GO) Nanoparticles against P. putida Biofilms
Authors: Fallatah Hussam , Overton Tim , Ali-Boucetta Hanene , Gkatzionis Konstantinos
Published: February 2023

As the production of graphene-based nanomaterials such as GO is increasing, it is expected that a large amount of GO waste will be generated. The environment (i.e., soil and aquatic systems) will be amongst the final repositories of these wastes which means important natural microbial communities in such environments will be at risk of GO exposure. However, little is known about how these communities respond to environmental stresses in synergy with the presence of GO. In this study, the effect of three different stress conditions: temperature (5, 25 and 40 °C); pH (5 to 9) and osmotic stress (51, 219 and 320 mM NaCl) in addition to GO treatment was investigated on the viability and physiology of biofilms and planktonic cells of soil bacterium P. putida. It was found that planktonic cells were more resistant to GO alone compared to biofilms. However, the cells were sensitive to GO when exposed to pH or osmotic stresses. Temperature was not found to influence the survival of biofilm with or without exposure to GO. However, low pH caused a reduction in colony-forming units (CFU) at pHs 5 and 6 for the pre-treated samples, while biofilms at pH 7–9 did not show any decrease. Interestingly, the post-treatment of planktonic cells or biofilms with GO showed a significant reduction in CFU at all pH ranges. The effect of higher osmotic stress in combination with GO resulted in a significant reduction in biofilms. These results show that the effect of stresses naturally occurring in the environment can be affected and changed when in combination with GO and can potentially affect the balance of natural biofilms.
Bacterial Pigments and Their Multifaceted Roles in Contemporary Biotechnology and Pharmacological Applications
Authors: Agarwal Himani , Bajpai Sneh , Mishra Arti , Kohli Isha , Varma Ajit , Fouillaud Mireille , Dufossé Laurent , Joshi Naveen Chandra
Published: February 2023

Synthetic dyes and colourants have been the mainstay of the pigment industry for decades. Researchers are eager to find a more environment friendly and non-toxic substitute because these synthetic dyes have a negative impact on the environment and people’s health. Microbial pigments might be an alternative to synthetic pigments. Microbial pigments are categorized as secondary metabolites and are mainly produced due to impaired metabolism under stressful conditions. These pigments have vibrant shades and possess nutritional and therapeutic properties compared to synthetic pigment. Microbial pigments are now widely used within the pharmaceuticals, food, paints, and textile industries. The pharmaceutical industries currently use bacterial pigments as a medicine alternative for cancer and many other bacterial infections. Their growing popularity is a result of their low cost, biodegradable, non-carcinogenic, and environmentally beneficial attributes. This audit article has made an effort to take an in-depth look into the existing uses of bacterial pigments in the food and pharmaceutical industries and project their potential future applications.
Detection of Oxacillin/Cefoxitin Resistance in Staphylococcus aureus Present in Recurrent Tonsillitis
Authors: Messias Aline Cristine Magalhães Costa , Gama Aline Rodrigues , de Almeida Prado Letícia Suriano , da Silva Paulo Alex Neves , Galvão Filho Arlindo Rodrigues , Coelho Clarimar José , Avelino Melissa Ameloti Gomes , Vieira José Daniel Gonçalves , Carneiro Lilian Carla
Published: February 2023

Background: Recurrent tonsillitis is one of the most common diseases in childhood, caused many times by ß-lactam-resistant S. aureus. The objective of this study was to investigate an alternative method to identify resistance to oxacillin/cefoxitin in S. aureus from hospitalized children with recurrent tonsillitis. Methods: The samples of S. aureus came from patients with recurrent tonsillitis and were used in 16S rRNA sequencing and an antibiogram test for identification and verifying resistance, after which HSI methodology were applied for separation of S. aureus resistances. Results: The S. aureus isolated showed sensitivity to oxacillin/cefoxitin and the diagnostic images show a visual description of the resistance different groups formed, that may be related to sensitivity and resistance to oxacillin/cefoxitin, characterizing the MRSA S. aureus. Conclusions: Samples that showed phenotypic resistance to oxacillin/cefoxitin were clearly separated from samples that did not show this resistance. A PLS-DA model predicted the presence of resistance to oxacillin/cefoxitin in S. aureus samples and it was possible to observe the pixels classified as MRSA. The HSI was able to successfully discriminate samples in replicas that were sensitive and resistant, based on the calibration model it received.
New Lactones Produced by Streptomyces sp. SN5431 and Their Antifungal Activity against Bipolaris maydis
Authors: Wang Yinan , Yang Di , Yu Zhiguo
Published: February 2023

Bipolaris maydis causes southern corn leaf blight and inflicts huge losses on maize production. In order to search for new natural products from insect gut bacteria to control plant fungal disease, 86 actinomycetes were isolated from more than 50 insect guts, in which crude extract of strain SN5431 showed significant inhibition of the mycelial growth of B. maydis. The strain was identified and named as Streptomyces sp. SN5431. Six compounds were obtained from the crude extract of strain SN5431, which includes five new γ-butyrolactones named as tiuslactone A–E (1–5), and one new long chain ester named as tiusester (6). Their structures were determined using NMR and HRESIMS data and then combined with the spectroscopic data of known similar compounds. Tiuslactone B (2) showed powerful antifungal activity against B. maydis. These results indicated metabolites of insect gut bacteria have the potential to be the leading compounds for the control of corn leaf blight.
Geochemical Characteristics of Primary Halos and Prospecting Significance of the Qulong Porphyry Copper–Molybdenum Deposit in Tibet
Authors: Sun Weitao , Zheng Youye , Wang Wei , Feng Xin , Zhu Xiaosong , Zhang Zhongyue , Hou Hongxing , Ge Liangsheng , Lv Hanqin
Published: February 2023

The Qulong porphyry copper deposit in Tibet is located in the Tethis–Himalaya metallogenic domain, one of the three major porphyry metallogenic domains in the world. At present, the mining area is mainly used for surface mining. The depth revealed by the drilling project is less than 2 km. The potential for deep resources is unknown. Based on an analysis of the geochemical characteristics of the primary halos around the No. 16 prospecting line, deep extension is discussed in this paper. Studies show that the metallogenic elements are Cu and Mo; the near-ore halo elements are Co, Au, Ag, and W; the supra-ore halo elements are Pb, Zn, Mn, and As; and the sub-ore halo elements are Sn and Bi. According to Gregorian’s zoning index and the barycenter method, the primary halo zoning of the No. 16 exploration line from shallow to deep is Mn–P–Pb–Ni–Zn–V–As–Hg–Co–Au–Cu–W–Ag–Mo–Sb–Sr–Cd–Sn–Ti–Bi. This sequence has a distinct “reverse” zoning feature, indicating that there may be a blind ore body deep in the mine. The geochemical parameter evaluation index based on the element content contrast coefficient suggests that there may be a hidden ore body in the deep. The relative hydrothermal mineralization in the center position of the section may be located deep below the north side of borehole ZK1601-1 in the middle of the section. The ore body erosion parameter model shows that the bottom of the drilling engineering control is the middle tail of the ore body, and there is a certain amount of extension in the deep part. The ideal superimposed model of the primary halo reflects the ore body trend of the 16th line section. The ore body is inclined to the north as a whole; the ore fluid flows from the deep to the southern side of the north side, and the deep part of the northern side of the ore body has a downward trend.
The Effect of Microwave Pre-treatment on the Magnetic Properties of Enargite and Tennantite and Their Separation from Chalcopyrite
Authors: Elmahdy Ahmed M. , Miki Hajime , Sasaki Keiko , Farahat Mohsen
Published: February 2023

The effect of microwave pre-treatment on the magnetic properties of tennantite and enargite was investigated. Magnetic susceptibility, XRD, and XPS characterization of tennantite and enargite before and after treatment were conducted to explore the changes in their magnetic properties. Moreover, magnetic separation of chalcopyrite binary mixtures with enargite and tennantite was performed. The results showed insignificant effects on the magnetic susceptibility of the two minerals after microwave pre-treatment. Magnetic separation results showed arsenic rejection by 84.2%, and 76.3% in the case of enargite and tennantite binary mixtures with chalcopyrite; respectively.
Late Cretaceous (Santonian to Campanian) Palynological Records and Paleoclimatic Significance from Borehole ZKY2-1, Songliao Basin
Authors: Zhou Zihan , Xi Dangpeng , Sun Lixin , Zhao Jing , Yang Wanshu , Ye Yunqi , Meng Xinyu , Wan Xiaoqiao
Published: February 2023

The global temperature gradually decreased from the Cretaceous Santonian to Campanian, while angiosperms evolved rapidly and gradually became dominant. The Songliao Basin, NE China, contains abundant fossil palynomorphs from the Santonian to Campanian age. A thorough investigation of fossil palynomorphs in borehole ZKY2-1 of the SW Songliao Basin was performed, reconstructing the vegetation and paleoclimate transition from the Santonian–earliest Campanian (lower Nenjiang Formation) to the late Campanian (Sifangtai Formation). Eighty form-genera from borehole ZKY2-1 have been identified. Three palynomorph assemblages were identified: the Schizaeoisporites–Cyathidites–Inaperturopollenites assemblage, Schizaeoisporites–Classopollis–Retitricolporites assemblage, and Schizaeoisporites–Aquilapollenites–Tricolporopollenits assemblage, from bottom to top. Based on palynological analysis from ZKY2-1 and other boreholes in the Songliao Basin, angiosperm pollen proportion in the Sifangtai Formation is significantly higher than in the lower Nenjiang Formation, indicating rapid angiosperm spread from late Santonian to Campanian. Palynological records indicate relatively humid climate during this period; the content of cool palynological types increased from the lower Nenjiang Formation to the Sifangtai Formation, suggesting a transition from warm to cool climate during the late Santonian–earliest Campanian to the late Campanian. The new palynological evidence from the Songliao Basin reveals a global cooling on land and sea during the late Santonian–Campanian period. This climate change may further promote angiosperm spread during the Late Cretaceous period.
Mineralogical Evidence for Hydrothermal Uranium Mineralization: Discovery and Genesis of the Uranyl Carbonate Minerals in the BLS U Deposit, SW Songliao Basin, Northeast China
Authors: Ding Bo , Liu Hongxu , Xu Deru , Qiu Linfei , Liu Weihong
Published: February 2023

Diabase intrusions have been widely found in sandstone-type U deposits of the southwestern Songliao Basin, indicating diabase-related hydrothermal fluids might play an important role in this type of U mineralization. The first discovery of U-bearing carbonate minerals in the BLS U deposit provides an opportunity for understanding hydrothermal U mineralization and its relationship to diabase intrusions. U-bearing carbonate minerals occurred as thin shells generally ringing ankerite and then surrounded by colloidal pyrite through examination of scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive spectroscopy. They can be interpreted as uranyl carbonate minerals, with the empirical formula of Ca2.7Fe0.9Mg0.4 (UO2) (CO3)5•9.6H2O, based on infrared absorption spectroscopy and electron microprobe. The formation of uranyl carbonate minerals is most likely related to the CO2-rich hydrothermal fluids from diabase intrusions according to its occurrence state, but the key factors are that the Ca-UO2-CO3 ternary complexes should have been produced in ore-forming hydrothermal fluids and adsorption of ankerite on ternary complexes. Thereby, a potential diabase-related hydrothermal U mineralization model for sandstone-type U deposits can be proposed. The ore-forming fluids that originated from diabase-related hydrothermal are formed through continuously extracting the adsorbed U6+ and dissolving the early U minerals. Then, U in the ore-forming hydrothermal fluids was migrated and transported probably either as uranyl carbonate ions or as Ca-UO2-CO3 ternary complexes. The former is easy to precipitate in the form of pitchblende dispersed in the fossil wood cells, ringing pyrite, and occurring along the edge of adsorbents at the site of reducing capacity change, while the latter will extremely inhibit the reduction of U6+, eventually leading to the precipitation of uranyl carbonate minerals ringing ankerite by adsorption. The above research results can provide mineralogical evidence for hydrothermal U mineralization in sandstone-type U deposits of the Songliao Basin.