bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Clostridium butyricum Could Improve B-Vitamin Production in the Rumen and Growth Performance of Heat-Stressed Goats
Authors: Cai Liyuan , Hartanto Rudy , Xu Qingbiao , Zhang Ji , Qi Desheng
Published: August 2022

Heat stress can adversely affect the rumen environment and the growth performance of goats. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of Saccharomyces cerevisiae (SC), Clostridium butyricum (CB), and their mixture on B-vitamin production in the rumen and the growth performance of heat-stressed goats. Firstly, twelve Macheng × Boer crossed goats (24.21 ± 2.05 kg, control) were modeled to become heat-stressed goats (HS1). Then, the B-vitamin concentrations in the rumen and the parameters of growth performance were measured in goats. The results showed that heat stress could cause significantly decreased vitamin B1, B2, B6, B12, and niacin concentrations (p < 0.05). It also could cause a significantly reduced dry matter (DM) intake (DMI) and average daily gain (ADG) (p < 0.05). However, the digestibilities of DM, neutral detergent fiber (NDF), and acid detergent fiber (ADF) were significantly increased (p < 0.05) in HS1 compared to controls. Then, these twelve heat-stressed goats were divided equally into four groups: control group (HS2, no probiotic supplemented), SC group (0.30% SC supplemented to the basal diet), CB group (0.05% CB supplemented to the basal diet), and mix group (0.30% SC and 0.05% CB supplemented to the basal diet). They were used in a 4 × 4 Latin square experimental design. The results showed that the concentrations of vitamins B1, B2, and niacin in the rumen and the DMI, ADG, and the digestibility of DM, NDF, and ADF were significantly increased (p < 0.05) with SC, CB, and their mixture supplementation (p < 0.05). These results suggest that dietary supplementation with SC and CB could improve B-vitamin production in the rumen and the growth performance of heat-stressed goats.
Metabolomics Profiling of Vitamin D Status in Relation to Dyslipidemia
Authors: Mousa Hanaa , Elrayess Mohamed A. , Diboun Ilhame , Jackson Simon K. , Zughaier Susu M.
Published: August 2022

Vitamin D deficiency is a global disorder associated with several chronic illnesses including dyslipidemia and metabolic syndrome. The impact of this association with both dyslipidemia and vitamin D deficiency on metabolomics profile is not yet fully understood. This study analyses the metabolomics and lipidomic signatures in relation to vitamin D status and dyslipidemia. Metabolomics data were collected from Qatar Biobank database and categorized into four groups based on vitamin D and dyslipidemia status. Metabolomics multivariate analysis was performed using the orthogonal partial least square discriminate analysis (OPLS-DA) whilst linear models were used to assess the per-metabolite association with each of the four dyslipidemia/vitamin D combination groups. Our results indicate a high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency among the younger age group, while dyslipidemia was more prominent in the older group. A significant alteration of metabolomics profile was observed among the dyslipidemic and vitamin D deficient individuals in comparison with control groups. These modifications reflected changes in some key pathways including ceramides, diacylglycerols, hemosylceramides, lysophospholipids, phosphatidylcholines, phosphatidylethanol amines, and sphingomyelins. Vitamin D deficiency and dyslipidemia have a deep impact on sphingomyelins profile. The modifications were noted at the level of ceramides and are likely to propagate through downstream pathways.
Diagnosis Methods for COVID-19: A Systematic Review
Authors: Maia Renata , Carvalho Violeta , Faria Bernardo , Miranda Inês , Catarino Susana , Teixeira Senhorinha , Lima Rui , Minas Graça , Ribeiro João
Published: August 2022

At the end of 2019, the coronavirus appeared and spread extremely rapidly, causing millions of infections and deaths worldwide, and becoming a global pandemic. For this reason, it became urgent and essential to find adequate tests for an accurate and fast diagnosis of this disease. In the present study, a systematic review was performed in order to provide an overview of the COVID-19 diagnosis methods and tests already available, as well as their evolution in recent months. For this purpose, the Science Direct, PubMed, and Scopus databases were used to collect the data and three authors independently screened the references, extracted the main information, and assessed the quality of the included studies. After the analysis of the collected data, 34 studies reporting new methods to diagnose COVID-19 were selected. Although RT-PCR is the gold-standard method for COVID-19 diagnosis, it cannot fulfill all the requirements of this pandemic, being limited by the need for highly specialized equipment and personnel to perform the assays, as well as the long time to get the test results. To fulfill the limitations of this method, other alternatives, including biological and imaging analysis methods, also became commonly reported. The comparison of the different diagnosis tests allowed to understand the importance and potential of combining different techniques, not only to improve diagnosis but also for a further understanding of the virus, the disease, and their implications in humans.
Research on Temperature Compensation of Multi-Channel Pressure Scanner Based on an Improved Cuckoo Search Optimizing a BP Neural Network
Authors: Wang Huan , Zeng Qinghua , Zhang Zongyu , Wang Hongfu
Published: August 2022

A multi-channel pressure scanner is an essential tool for measuring and acquiring various pressure parameters in aerospace applications. It is important to note, however, that the pressure sensor of each of these channels will drift significantly with the increase in the temperature range of the pressure measurement, and the output voltage of each of these channels will show nonlinear characteristics, which will constrain the improvements in the accuracy of the measurement. In the regression fitting process, it is difficult to fit nonlinear data with the traditional least-squares method, which leaves pressure measurement accuracy unsatisfactory. A temperature compensation method based on an improved cuckoo search optimizing a BP neural network for a multi-channel pressure scanner is proposed in this paper to improve pressure measurement accuracy in a wide temperature range. Using the chaotic simplex algorithm, we first improved the cuckoo search algorithm, then optimized the connection weights and thresholds of the BP neural network, and finally constructed an experimental calibration system to investigate the temperature compensation of the multi-channel pressure scanning valves in the −40 °C to 60 °C temperature range. The compensation test results show that the algorithm has a better compensation effect and is more suitable for the temperature compensation of multi-channel pressure scanners than the traditional least-squares method and the standard RBF and BP neural networks. The maximum full-scale error of all 32 channels is 0.02% FS (full-scale error) and below, which realizes its high-accuracy multi-point pressure measurement in a wide temperature range.
Rubbing-Assisted Approach for Fabricating Oriented Nanobiomaterials
Authors: Chai Yadong , Zhou Yanni , Tagaya Motohiro
Published: August 2022

The highly-oriented structures in biological tissues play an important role in determining the functions of the tissues. In order to artificially fabricate oriented nanostructures similar to biological tissues, it is necessary to understand the oriented mechanism and invent the techniques for controlling the oriented structure of nanobiomaterials. In this review, the oriented structures in biological tissues were reviewed and the techniques for producing highly-oriented nanobiomaterials by imitating the oriented organic/inorganic nanocomposite mechanism of the biological tissues were summarized. In particular, we introduce a fabrication technology for the highly-oriented structure of nanobiomaterials on the surface of a rubbed polyimide film that has physicochemical anisotropy in order to further form the highly-oriented organic/inorganic nanocomposite structures based on interface interaction. This is an effective technology to fabricate one-directional nanobiomaterials by a biomimetic process, indicating the potential for wide application in the biomedical field.
Effect of the Deposition Time on the Structural, 3D Vertical Growth, and Electrical Conductivity Properties of Electrodeposited Anatase–Rutile Nanostructured Thin Films
Authors: do Amaral Amâncio Moisés , Romaguera-Barcelay Yonny , Matos Robert Saraiva , Pires Marcelo Amanajás , Gandarilla Ariamna María Dip , do Nascimento Marcus Valério Botelho , Nobre Francisco Xavier , Ţălu Ştefan , da Fonseca Filho Henrique Duarte , Brito Walter Ricardo
Published: August 2022

TiO2 time-dependent electrodeposited thin films were synthesized using an electrophoretic apparatus. The XRD analysis revealed that the films could exhibit a crystalline structure composed of ~81% anatase and ~6% rutile after 10 s of deposition, with crystallite size of 15 nm. AFM 3D maps showed that the surfaces obtained between 2 and 10 s of deposition exhibit strong topographical irregularities with long-range and short-range correlations being observed in different surface regions, a trend also observed by the Minkowski functionals. The height-based ISO, as well as specific surface microtexture parameters, showed an overall decrease from 2 to 10 s of deposition, showing a subtle decrease in the vertical growth of the films. The surfaces were also mapped to have low spatial dominant frequencies, which is associated with the similar roughness profile of the films, despite the overall difference in vertical growth observed. The electrical conductivity measurements showed that despite the decrease in topographical roughness, the films acquired a thickness capable of making them increasingly insulating from 2 to 10 s of deposition. Thus, our results prove that the deposition time used during the electrophoretic experiment consistently affects the films’ structure, morphology, and electrical conductivity.
Prevalence of Intestinal Parasites in HIV/AIDS-Infected Patients Attending Clinics in Selected Areas of the Eastern Cape
Authors: Ifeoma Anozie , Apalata Teke , Aviwe Boyisi , Oladimeji Olanrewaju , Abaver Dominic T.
Published: August 2022

Introduction: Intestinal parasites in HIV and AIDS patients increase the risk of gastroenteritis, adding to the complexity of the virus. According to the literature, their interactions are one of the factors leading to HIV replication and progression of AIDS in Africa. Chronic immunosuppression caused by HIV infection makes people vulnerable to parasitic infections, and this is associated with a CD4+ cell count of less than 100. The study describes the prevalence of intestinal parasites in patients attending HIV/AIDS clinics in certain areas of the Eastern Cape. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 600 patients from HIV/AIDS clinics in the Eastern Cape. Tambo Municipality and Amatole Municipality were the municipalities covered. These included the Ngangalizwe Community Clinic, Tsolo Gateway Clinic, Idutywa Health Centre, and Nqamakwe Health Centre. The stools of 600 participants were examined using direct wet saline/iodine embedding, formal ether concentration technique, and modified Ziehl–Neelsen methods. Results: The mean age of the study participants was 28.2 years. They were predominantly female (79.9%), mostly single (63.6%), and lived in rural (65.2%) and urban areas (34.8%). The prevalence of intestinal parasites was determined to be 30% (180/600) after screening 600 stool samples. The most frequently detected parasites were Ascaris lumbricoides (55.9%), Balantidium coli (15.1%), Entamoeba coli (11.3%), Diphyllobothrium latum (4.3%), Taenia species (3.8%), Schistosoma mansoni (1.6%), and Cryptosporidium spp. (1.6%). Males were affected more frequently (39.2%) than females (27.9%). The difference was statistically significant (p = 0.017). Among the identified intestinal parasites, A. lumbricoides, B. coli, and Taenia spp. were found at all four sites. Conclusion: This study has shed light on the high burden of intestinal parasites in HIV/AIDS patients in the Eastern Cape. Medication adherence, deworming, and sanitary hygiene practices are needed to enhance the control of infection in the affected communities and hence contribute to the control of the HIV pandemic.
Bacterial Prevalence in Skin, Urine, Diarrheal Stool, and Respiratory Samples from Dogs
Authors: Moon Dong-Chan , Choi Ji-Hyun , Boby Naila , Kang Hee-Young , Kim Su-Jeong , Song Hyun-Ju , Park Ho-Sung , Gil Min-Chan , Yoon Soon-Seek , Lim Suk-Kyung
Published: August 2022

The emergence of bacterial infections in companion animals is a growing concern as humans can also be infected through the transmission of pathogenic bacteria. Because there have been few studies conducted on companion animals, the extent and significance of prevalence in veterinary practices remain unknown. This is the first nationwide surveillance report aimed at elucidating the prevalence pattern and associated infections of isolated bacteria from dogs in Korea. Bacterial isolates were collected from seven different laboratories participating in the Korean Veterinary Antimicrobial Resistance Monitoring System from 2018 to 2019. The samples were obtained from the diarrheal stool, skin/ear, urine, and respiratory samples of veterinary hospital-visited dogs. Isolation and identification of bacterial species was carried out using a bacterial culture approach and then confirmed with matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF) and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Out of 3135 isolates in dogs, 1085, 1761, 171, and 118 were extracted from diarrheal stool, skin/ear, urine, and respiratory samples, respectively. The overall prevalence of bacteria was higher among two age groups (1–5 and 6–10 years) with a 66.5 percent prevalence. This study showed that Escherichia coli was the most prevalent species among isolated bacterial species of diarrheal and urine origin, whereas Staphylococcus pseudintermedius was the most prevalent among skin and respiratory sample isolates. The data on the prevalence of bacteria for each dog specimen could provide basic information to estimate the extent of bacterial infection and antimicrobial resistance development and to guide veterinarians in therapeutic decisions in clinical practices throughout Korea.
Dynamics of Starter and Non-Starter Lactic Acid Bacteria Populations in Long-Ripened Cheddar Cheese Using Propidium Monoazide (PMA) Treatment
Authors: Barzideh Zoha , Siddiqi Myra , Mohamed Hassan Mahmoud , LaPointe Gisèle
Published: August 2022

The microbial community of industrially produced Canadian Cheddar cheese was examined from curd to ripened cheese at 30–32 months using a combination of viable plate counts of SLAB (GM17) and NSLAB (MRSv), qPCR and 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing. Cell treatment with propidium monoazide excluded DNA of permeable cells from amplification. The proportion of permeable cells of both Lactococcus spp. and Lacticaseibacillus spp. was highest at 3–6 months. While most remaining Lacticaseibacillus spp. cells were intact during later ripening stages, a consistent population of permeable Lactococcus spp. cells was maintained over the 32-month period. While Lactococcus sequence variants were significant biomarkers for viable cheese curd communities at 0–1 m, Lacticaseibacillus was identified as a distinctive biomarker for cheeses from 7 to 20 months. From 24 to 32 months, Lacticaseibacillus was replaced in significance by four genera (Pediococcus and Latilactobacillus at 24 m and at 30–32 m, Secundilactobacillus and Paucilactobacillus). These results underscore the importance of monitoring potential defects in cheeses aged over 24 months, which could be diagnosed early through microbial DNA profiling to minimize potential waste of product. Future perspectives include correlating volatile flavor compounds with microbial community composition as well as the investigation of intra-species diversity.
Bioactives and Extracellular Enzymes Obtained from Fermented Macrofungi Cultivated in Cotton and Jatropha Seed Cakes
Authors: Cunha Joice Raísa Barbosa , Wischral Daiana , Pelaez Ruben Darío Romero , de Jesus Maria Aparecida , Sales-Campos Ceci , Campanha Raquel Bombarda , Mendes Thais Demarchi , Mendonça Simone , Dias Eustáquio Souza , de Siqueira Félix Gonçalves
Published: August 2022

This work focused on obtaining fermented oil cake (cotton or Jatropha) via macrofungi growth with potential characteristics for animal feed formulations, such as the presence of extracellular enzymes, bioactive (ergosterol and antioxidants), and detoxification of antinutritional compounds. The concentration of phorbol esters was reduced by four macrofungi in Jatropha seed cake (JSC) to non-toxic levels. At least two macrofungi efficiently degraded free gossypol in cottonseed cake (CSC). Fermentation with Coriolopsis sp. INPA1646 and Tyromyces sp. INPA1696 resulted in increased ergosterol concentrations, antioxidant activity reduction, and high activity of laccases and proteases. Bromatological analysis indicated high crude protein concentrations, with partial solubilization by fungal proteases. Fermented products from Coriolopsis sp. and Tyromyces sp. in JSC or CSC can be considered important biological inputs for monogastric and polygastric animal feed.
The Association between Gut Microbiome Diversity and Composition and Heat Tolerance in Cattle
Authors: Zhang Xiaohui , Cui Ke , Wen Xiaobo , Li Lianbin , Yu Xiangchun , Li Boling , Lin Haichao , He Hongxuan , Wang Fengyang
Published: August 2022

Cattle are raised around the world and are frequently exposed to heat stress, whether in tropical countries or in regions with temperate climates. It is universally acknowledged that compared to those in temperate areas, the cattle breeds developed in tropical and subtropical areas have better heat tolerance. However, the underlying mechanism of heat tolerance has not been fully studied, especially from the perspective of intestinal microbiomics. The present study collected fecal samples of cattle from four representative climatic regions of China, namely, the mesotemperate (HLJ), warm temperate (SD), subtropical (HK), and tropical (SS) regions. Then, the feces were analyzed using high-throughput 16S rRNA sequencing. The results showed that with increasing climatic temperature from HLJ to SS, the abundance of Firmicutes increased, accompanied by an increasing Firmicutes to Bacteroidota ratio. Proteobacteria showed a trend of reduction from HLJ to SS. Patescibacteria, Chloroflexi, and Actinobacteriota were particularly highest in SS for adapting to the tropical environment. The microbial phenotype in the tropics was characterized by an increase in Gram-positive bacteria and a decrease in Gram-negative bacteria, aerobic bacteria, and the forming of_biofilms. Consistently, the functional abundances of organismal systems and metabolism were decreased to reduce the material and energy demands in a hot environment. Genetic information processing and information storage and processing may be how gut flora deals with hot conditions. The present study revealed the differences in the structure and function of gut microbes of cattle from mesotemperate to tropical climates and provided an important reference for future research on the mechanism of heat tolerance regulated by the gut microbiota and a potential microbiota-based target to alleviate heat stress.
Plasmids Carrying Antimicrobial Resistance Genes in Gram-Negative Bacteria
Authors: Fursova Nadezhda K. , Kislichkina Angelina A. , Khokhlova Olga E.
Published: August 2022

Gram-negative bacteria are prevalent pathogens associated with hospital-acquired infections (HAI) that are a major challenge for patient safety, especially in intensive care units [...]
Antifungal Activity and Plant Growth-Promoting Properties of Bacillus mojovensis B1302 against Rhizoctonia Cerealis
Authors: Yi Yanjie , Luan Pengyu , Wang Kang , Li Guiling , Yin Yanan , Yang Yanhui , Zhang Qingyao , Liu Yang
Published: August 2022

Rhizoctonia cerealis is a worldwide soil-borne pathogenic fungus that significantly infects wheat and causes sharp eyespot in China. However, the biocontrol strains used for the control of Rhizoctonia cerealis are insufficient. In the present study, antagonistic strain B1302 from the rhizosphere of wheat were isolated and identified as Bacillus mojovensis based on their morphological, physiological, and biochemical characteristics, and their 16S rDNA sequence. Culture filtrate of strain B1302 had a broad antifungal spectrum. In order to improve the antifungal activity of B1302, response surface methodology (RSM) was used to optimize the culture conditions. The final medium composition and culture conditions were 13.2 g/L of wheat bran, 14.1 g/L of soybean meal, 224 r/min of rotation speed, 7.50 of initial pH, and 1.5 × 108 CFU/mL of inoculation amount at 35 °C for a culture duration of 72 h. B. mojavensis B1302 inhibited the hyphae growth of R.cerealis and produced hydrolytic enzymes (protease, chitinase, and glucanase), IAA, and had N-fixing potentiality and P-solubilisation capacity. It can also promote wheat seedling growth in potted plants. The disease incidence and index of wheat seedlings were consistent with the effect of commercial pesticides under treatment with culture filtrate. The biocontrol efficacy of culture filtrate was significant—up to 65.25%. An animal toxicological safety analysis suggested that culture filtrate was safe for use and could be developed into an effective microbial fungicide to control wheat sharp eyespot.
Two-Stage Orogenic Cycle of the Eastern Paleo-Asian Ocean from Early Palaeozoic to Early Triassic: Constraints from Magmatic Rocks of the Southeastern Central Asian Orogenic Belt
Authors: Sun Jinlei , Qian Ye , Li Jinyu , Shen Yanjie , Zhao Lixiang , Sun Fegnyue
Published: August 2022

The evolution of the eastern Paleo-Asian Ocean (PAO) has controlled the formation of the southeastern Central Asian Orogenic Belt (CAOB). However, the evolution history and final closure time of the eastern PAO still remain controversial, which greatly restricts understanding of the formation process of the CAOB. To address these issues, we provide detailed zircon chronology and Hf isotope and geochemical data of Paleozoic to Triassic magmatic rocks in the southeastern CAOB. We have identified four periods of magmatism as evidenced by: Early Silurian quartz diorites (434.7 Ma), Early Devonian monzogranites (394.2 Ma), Middle Permian granites (260.2–264.5 Ma) and Late Permian-Early Triassic syenogranite (250.8–253.6 Ma). These rocks have features of low MgO and mantle-compatible elements, are enriched in Th, U, K, Pb, Sr, Zr and Hf and depleted in Nb, Ta, La, Ce, P, and Ti. The quartz diorites belong to the medium-K calc-alkaline series with εHf(t) values of −0.76 to 2.21, indicating that they may be derived from partial melting of mafic lower crust with minor contribution of mantle magma. The monzogranites and syenogranite have high Zr + Nb + Ce + Y (260–390; 261–461 ppm, respectively), total alkali contents (9.98–10.80; 8.46–9.29 wt.%, respectively), and high zircon saturation temperature (807–840; 810–885 °C). They can be classified as A-type granites. Monzogranites have εHf(t) values (between −1.20 and +3.34); hence, we believe that they were derived from the crust modified by mantle-derived fluids or melts. Syenogranite have high εHf(t) values (5.49–11.36), and we suggest that they were derived from the juvenile lower crust that originated from the depleted mantle. The granites have high Sr/Y ratios (118–257), low Y (1.42–2.82 ppm), and Yb (0.31–0.41 ppm), consistent with the features of adakite. Considering the εHf(t) isotopic values (2.99–8.50), we suggest that they originated from thickened juvenile lower crust. Combining the results from our own and previous studies, we propose a new evolution model of the eastern PAO from Paleozoic to Triassic. It can be divided into two stages: (1) Late Cambrian to Early Devonian; (2) Early Permian to Triassic. The first stage is the evolution of the Bainaimiao ocean (secondary ocean basin of the PAO), which closed in the Late Silurian and led to the Bainaimiao arc accretion to the North China Cratons. The second stage is the final closure of the eastern PAO during the Late Permian (~254 Ma).
Texture and Trace Element Geochemistry of Quartz: A Review
Authors: Shah Sajjad Ahmad , Shao Yongjun , Zhang Yu , Zhao Hongtao , Zhao Lianjie
Published: August 2022

Quartz is one of the most abundant minerals. Used in a variety of materials, it preserves geological history and reflects alteration conditions. Data were collected (>2400 data points) from more than 40 ore deposits to understand its internal texture and geochemistry. Cathodoluminescence imaging is a technique for examining the internal texture of quartz that may reveal information about the crystal’s origin and evolution. The dominant trace elements in quartz lattice are Al, P, Li, Ti, Ge, K, and Na. These, combined with internal texture, can distinguish quartz from different origins and can differentiate between different types of ore deposits, as each type of ore deposit has its own unique CL characteristics. Therefore, Al did not correlate with cathodoluminescence (CL) in epithermal Au-Sb-Hg, Carlin-type Au, epithermal Ag, or shale-hosted Zn deposits. Epithermal base metal and porphyry-Cu-type deposits were intermediate, and Mississippi-Valley-type, epithermal Au-Ag, and porphyry Cu-Mo deposits were characterized for Al correlation with CL. Furthermore, Gigerwald, Rohdenhaus, and Westland deposits had Li/Al ratios less than one, suggesting that H (as hydroxyl substituting for oxygen) completed the charge. However, trace elements (i.e., Ge, Sb, Ti, and Al), sector zoning, and resorption surfaces were vital parameters to differentiate between magmatic and hydrothermal quartz. Additionally, titanium and aluminum were the most important trace elements. Their values could be used to differentiate between different quartz types. Among them, hydrothermal and pegmatitic quartz were characterized by lower temperatures and Ti concentrations. Rhyolitic quartz was characterized by the lowest Al, the highest temperatures, and lower Al/Ti ratios. Aluminum, Li, and H were most important in hydrothermal and metamorphic quartz, but magmatic quartz was generally enriched with Ti.
Involvement of Evaporite Layers in the Formation of Iron Oxide-Apatite Ore Deposits: Examples from the Luohe Deposit in China and the El Laco Deposit in Chile
Authors: Guo Dongwei , Li Yanhe , Duan Chao , Fan Changfu
Published: August 2022

Iron oxide-apatite (IOA) deposits are important sources of iron. The role of evaporite layers in the formation of IOA ore deposits remains controversial. The Luohe deposit in eastern China and the El Laco deposit in Chile are representative IOA deposits. In this study, the S isotope characteristics of these two deposits are revisited. The formation of the Luohe ore deposit is closely related to marine evaporite layers in the Middle Triassic Dongma’anshan Formation. At Luohe, most of the sulfides and sulfates have high δ34SV-CDT values (concentrated from 6‰ to 10‰ and 16‰ to 20‰, respectively). The δ34SV-CDT values of sulfates are similar to those of marine evaporite layers (28–30‰) in the Dongma’anshan Formation. Estimates show that 46–82% of sulfur in the Luohe deposit is derived from marine evaporite layers. Unlike the Luohe deposit, the El Laco ore deposit formed in close relation to terrestrial evaporite layers from the Cretaceous-Tertiary Salta Group. At El Laco, the sulfides and sulfates have lower δ34SV-CDT values of −2.3‰ to −0.9‰ and 6.8‰ to 10.5‰, respectively. The δ34SV-CDT values of sulfates from the El Laco deposit are similar to those of sulfates from terrestrial evaporite layers (9.5‰) in the Salta Group. Estimates reveal that more than 70% of sulfur comes from terrestrial evaporite layers. These results indicate that evaporite layers have been involved in IOA ore-forming systems of both hydrothermal and magmatic deposits. Evaporite layers are proposed to have played key roles in the ore-forming processes of the Luohe and the Laco deposits and in other IOA deposits elsewhere.
Sedimentary Responses of Late Triassic Soft-Sedimentary Deformation to Paleoearthquake Events in the Southwestern North China Plate
Authors: Yu Wei , Liang Qingshao , Tian Jingchun , Han Yonglin , Wang Feng , Zhao Ming
Published: August 2022

Tectonic events caused by paleoearthquakes are reflected in sediments. Outcrops and cores from the Chang-7 Member of the Late Triassic Yanchang Formation, Ordos Basin in Northern China, yield a wide variety of soft-sediment deformation structures (SSDSs), many of which are laterally extensive for more than 150 km. They include various types of folds, soft-sediment liquefaction flow deformation (liquefied sand dyke, liquefied breccia), gravity-driven deformation (load structures, ball-and-pillow structures), hydroplastic deformation (loop bedding, convolute deformation), and brittle deformation (intrastratal and stair-step faults, cracks). In most cases, deformation resulted in hybrid brittle-ductile structures exhibiting lateral variation in deformation style. These occur in delta front to semideep-to-deep lake sands and mudstones (shales). The seismites recognized in outcrops and cores indicate earthquakes with magnitudes (Ms) between 6 and 8, which are interpreted as a response to orogenic events related to the collision of the South China Block (SCB) and North China Block (NCB) during the Late Triassic period. Systematic study of the spatial and temporal distribution of these seismites improves the understanding of the tectonic context and evolutionary history of sedimentary basements. This study can provide a new perspective on the evolution of tectonic activities in the basin.
Syn-Tectonic Dolomite U-Pb Geochronology Constraining Intracontinental Deformation: A Case Study from the Gelouang Gold Deposit in the Qinling Orogen, China
Authors: Gao Yi-Xue , Jiang Gui-Peng , Qu Yi , Zhang Rong-Qing , Tang Yan-Wen , Zhu Rui , Yao Si-Jia
Published: August 2022

Determining absolute ages of orogenic faults is critical to understanding the deformation process in the upper crust, but obtaining age remains a problem due to the lack of readily available techniques. Carbonates occur as veins in faults in a range of geological settings, and thus it is a suitable mineral for U-Pb geochronology. Here, we apply the new approach of U-Pb dating on syn-tectonic dolomite veins from the Gelouang gold deposit in the western Qinling Orogen to unravel the absolute timing of the fault formation shedding new light on the regional upper crustal deformation archive. In situ LA-ICP-MS U-Pb dating of dolomite yielding a successful age of 115–112 Ma demonstrates that the dolomite precipitated coeval with tectonic events ascribed to the post-orogenic deformation phase in the Qinling Orogen. This event is possibly correlated with broader intracontinental processes and might be an inevitable response to the extensional deformation of the Qinling Orogen. The presented LA-ICP-MS dolomite U-Pb age successfully represents the age of a specific structure that encompasses the intracontinental process in the Qinling Orogen. Moreover, it demonstrates the utility of the method to decipher a response to complex deformation histories on a regional scale.
Formation of Late Paleoproterozoic Gaositai Hornblendite in Northern North China Craton: Evidence from Zircon U-Pb Isotopes and Amphibole Trace Elements
Authors: Zhu Taichang , Wang Zhiwei , Wang Zhihui , Sun Yuxin , Liu Zhenyu , Xu Yin , Yu Jingwen , Wei Hao , Geng Xiaolei
Published: August 2022

Paleoproterozoic tectonic evolution of the northern North China Craton has been a hot research topic. We firstly identified a 1.85 Ga hornblendite from the Gaositai mafic–ultramafic complex, in northern Hebei. Systematic studies of petrology, zircon U-Pb geochronology, and in situ mineral major and trace elements of hornblendite are the key to revealing the petrogenesis of the Paleoproterozoic ultramafic rock and the tectonic evolution of northern North China Craton. LA-ICP-MS zircon U-Pb dating suggests the Gaositai hornblendite formed at 1851 ± 44 Ma. The late Paleoproterozoic ultramafic rocks, together with coeval post-collisional granites, formed a bimodal igneous assemblage. Both hornblende and its equilibrium melt compositions show strongly fractionated HREE patterns, relative enrichments in LREEs and LILEs, and depletions in HREEs and HFSEs. The phlogopite-bearing hornblendite magma could have originated from a hydrous garnet-facies mantle source metasomatized by slab-derived silicate melt. Furthermore, the variations of major and trace elements in hornblende from core to rim also reveal the mineral fractional crystallization and magma recharge. Zircon trace elements, melt composition equilibrium with hornblendes, and the bimodal igneous assemblage suggest that the generation of the Gaositai Paleoproterozoic hornblendite was likely the product of post-collisional extension related to the collision between eastern and western North China blocks.
Selective Ozone-Assisted Acid Leaching of Copper from Copper Smelter Slag by Using Isopropanol as a Solvent
Authors: Nadirov Rashid , Karamyrzayev Galymzhan
Published: August 2022

Copper content in copper smelter slag exceeds that in copper ores, which has attracted increasing interest to recover copper from this by-product of pyrometallurgical copper production. The isopropanol-sulfuric acid-ozone system has been tested under different conditions to extract this metal from copper smelter slag containing chalcopyrite as a copper mineral. Isopropanol as a solvent played a key role in increasing the copper recovery to 87% after 5 h of leaching, while the use of an aqueous solution of sulfuric acid allowed only 13% of copper to be recovered. Iron extraction under these conditions was only 10%. The role of ozone was spectroscopically proven to oxidize ferrous ions to form ferric ions, which are effective oxidizers of chalcopyrite. The presence of copper in solution in the form of cuprous (Cu+) ions was proven electrochemically. The increased copper extraction in the solution was caused by the stabilization of cuprous ions by isopropanol. The limiting stage of the process was the chemical reaction on the chalcopyrite surface with the activation energy of 73.4 kJ mol−1.
Machine Learning Technique for Recognition of Flotation Froth Images in a Nonstable Flotation Process
Authors: Galas Jacek , Litwin Dariusz
Published: August 2022

The paper is focused on the analysis of the relation between the stability of the flotation process and the efficiency of Machine Learning (ML) algorithms based on the flotation froth images. An ML process should enable researchers to construct Artificial Intelligence (AI) algorithms for flotation process control. The image of the flotation froth includes information characterizing the flotation process. The information can be extracted with the aid of the Image Recognition (IR) algorithms based on the ML. This enables construction of a flotation process control system in the mineral processing plant, which is based on the recognition of images of the flotation froth. The IR algorithms do not provide stable image recognition results and are not efficient in the situation where the parameters of the flotation process are highly unstable. The classification results were equal to 75.11% and 69.62% for a stable and unstable process, respectively. The experimental data collected at the Polish Pb/Zn mineral processing plant provided better insight to the relationships between the flotation process parameters and ML efficiency. These relationships were analyzed, and guidelines for the construction of the ML process for flotation process control have been formulated.
Petrography and Lithofacies of the Siwalik Group in the Core of Hazara-Kashmir Syntaxis: Implications for Middle Stage Himalayan Orogeny and Paleoclimatic Conditions
Authors: Zaheer Muhammad , Khan Muhammad Rustam , Mughal Muhammad Saleem , Janjuhah Hammad Tariq , Makri Panayota , Kontakiotis George
Published: August 2022

The present field and petrographic investigations of the Tortonian to Gelasian Siwalik Group in the core of the Hazara-Kashmir Syntaxis have been carried out to comprehend the middle stage Himalayan orogeny that resulted from the collision of Indian and Asian plates. The Chinji, Nagri, Dhok Pathan, and Soan Formations of the Siwalik Group were deposited by river meandering flood plains, braided rivers, and alluvial fan systems, respectively. The Siwalik Group is classified into seven major facies and many minor facies based on sedimentological properties. According to the petrographic analysis, the Siwalik Group sandstone is classified as litharenite and feldspathic litharenite petrofacies. The sandstone of the Siwalik Group is texturally mature, but compositionally it is immature. The data shown on the tectonic discrimination diagrams point to a recycled orogen provenance field for the Siwalik sandstone. In addition to quartz and feldspar, the sandstone includes clasts of volcanic, metamorphic, and sedimentary rock types. The igneous and metamorphic rock clasts were derived from the Lesser and Higher Himalayas. The sedimentary lithic fragments, on the other hand, are derived from both the earlier molasse and pre-molasse rocks. The presence of lithic fragments of the earlier molasse sandstone in the Siwalik sandstone indicates that the Siwalik Group sandstones were deposited during the Middle Stage of the Himalayan orogeny. The paleoclimatic conditions were semi-arid to semi-humid during the Siwalik Group’s deposition. The presence of clay minerals in the shale reveals the intense chemical weathering processes that occurred during their deposition on the flood plains of the river meandering system.
Secondary Electrons in Gold Nanoparticle Clusters and Their Role in Therapeutic Ratio: The Outcome of a Monte Carlo Simulation Study
Authors: Akhdar Hanan , Alanazi Reem , Alanazi Nadyah , Alodhayb Abdullah
Published: August 2022

Gold nanoparticles (GNPs) are used in proton therapy radio-sensitizers to help increase the dose of radiation to targeted tumors by the emission of secondary electrons. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the link between secondary electron yields produced from a nanoshell of GNPs and dose absorption according to the distance from the center of the nanoparticles by using a Monte Carlo model. Microscopic evaluation was performed by modeling the interactions of secondary electrons in a phase-space file (PSF), where the number of emitted electrons was calculated within a spherical GNP of 15 nm along with the absorbed dose near it. Then, the Geant4-DNA physics list was used to facilitate the tracking of low-energy electrons down to an energy below 50 eV in water. The results show a remarkable change in the number of secondary electrons, which can be compared at concentrations less than and greater than 5 mg/mL, with increased secondary electron production exhibited around NPs within a distance of 10–100 nm from the surface of all nanospheres. It was found that there was a steep dose enhancement drop-off up to a factor of dose enhancement factor (DFE) ≤ 1 within a short distance of 100 nm from the surface of the GNPs, which revealed that the dose enhancement existed locally at nanometer distances from the GNPs. Overall, our results indicate that the physical interactions of protons with GNP clusters should not be considered as being directly responsible for the radio-sensitization effect, but should be regarded as playing a major role in NP properties and concentrations, which has a subsequent impact on local dose enhancement.
The Bile Acid Membrane Receptor TGR5 in Cancer: Friend or Foe?
Authors: Qi Youchao , Duan Guozhen , Wei Dengbang , Zhao Chengzhou , Ma Yonggui
Published: August 2022

The G-protein-coupled bile acid receptor, Gpbar1 or TGR5, is characterized as a membrane receptor specifically activated by bile acids. A series of evidence shows that TGR5 induces protein kinase B (AKT), nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB), extracellular regulated protein kinases (ERK1/2), signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP), Ras homolog family member A (RhoA), exchange protein activated by cAMP (Epac), and transient receptor potential ankyrin subtype 1 protein (TRPA1) signaling pathways, thereby regulating proliferation, inflammation, adhesion, migration, insulin release, muscle relaxation, and cancer development. TGR5 is widely distributed in the brain, lung, heart, liver, spleen, pancreas, kidney, stomach, jejunum, ileum, colon, brown adipose tissue (BAT), white adipose tissue (WAT), and skeletal muscle. Several recent studies have demonstrated that TGR5 exerts inconsistent effects in different cancer cells upon activating via TGR5 agonists, such as INT-777, ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA), and taurolithocholic acid (TLCA). In this review, we discuss both the ‘friend’ and ‘foe’ features of TGR5 by summarizing its tumor-suppressing and oncogenic functions and mechanisms.
Overview of Research into mTOR Inhibitors
Authors: Mao Beibei , Zhang Qi , Ma Li , Zhao Dong-Sheng , Zhao Pan , Yan Peizheng
Published: August 2022

The mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) is a serine/threonine kinase that belongs to the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)-related kinase (PIKK) family. The kinase exists in the forms of two complexes, mTORC1 and mTORC2, and it participates in cell growth, proliferation, metabolism, and survival. The kinase activity is closely related to the occurrence and development of multiple human diseases. Inhibitors of mTOR block critical pathways to produce antiviral, anti-inflammatory, antiproliferative and other effects, and they have been applied to research in cancer, inflammation, central nervous system diseases and viral infections. Existing mTOR inhibitors are commonly divided into mTOR allosteric inhibitors, ATP-competitive inhibitors and dual binding site inhibitors, according to their sites of action. In addition, there exist several dual-target mTOR inhibitors that target PI3K, histone deacetylases (HDAC) or ataxia telangiectasia mutated and Rad-3 related (ATR) kinases. This review focuses on the structure of mTOR protein and related signaling pathways as well as the structure and characteristics of various mTOR inhibitors. Non-rapalog allosteric inhibitors will open new directions for the development of new therapeutics specifically targeting mTORC1. The applications of ATP-competitive inhibitors in central nervous system diseases, viral infections and inflammation have laid the foundation for expanding the indications of mTOR inhibitors. Both dual-binding site inhibitors and dual-target inhibitors are beneficial in overcoming mTOR inhibitor resistance.
Magnetic CuFe2O4 Nanoparticles with Pseudocapacitive Properties for Electrical Energy Storage
Authors: Liang Wenyu , Yang Wenjuan , Sakib Sadman , Zhitomirsky Igor
Published: August 2022

This investigation is motivated by increasing interest in the development of magnetically ordered pseudocapacitors (MOPC), which exhibit interesting magnetocapacitive effects. Here, advanced pseudocapacitive properties of magnetic CuFe2O4 nanoparticles in negative potential range are reported, suggesting that CuFe2O4 is a promising MOPC and advanced negative electrode material for supercapacitors. A high capacitance of 2.76 F cm−2 is achieved at a low electrode resistance in a relatively large potential window of 0.8 V. The cyclic voltammograms and galvanostatic charge–discharge data show nearly ideal pseudocapacitive behavior. Good electrochemical performance is achieved at a high active mass loading due to the use of chelating molecules of ammonium salt of purpuric acid (ASPA) as a co-dispersant for CuFe2O4 nanoparticles and conductive multiwalled carbon nanotube (MCNT) additives. The adsorption of ASPA on different materials is linked to structural features of ASPA, which allows for different interaction and adsorption mechanisms. The combination of advanced magnetic and pseudocapacitive properties in a negative potential range in a single MOPC material provides a platform for various effects related to the influence of pseudocapacitive/magnetic properties on magnetic/pseudocapacitive behavior.
Cystic Fibrosis and Oxidative Stress: The Role of CFTR
Authors: Moliteo Evelina , Sciacca Monica , Palmeri Antonino , Papale Maria , Manti Sara , Parisi Giuseppe Fabio , Leonardi Salvatore
Published: August 2022

There is substantial evidence in the literature that patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) have higher oxidative stress than patients with other diseases or healthy subjects. This results in an increase in reactive oxygen species (ROS) and in a deficit of antioxidant molecules and plays a fundamental role in the progression of chronic lung damage. Although it is known that recurrent infection–inflammation cycles in CF patients generate a highly oxidative environment, numerous clinical and preclinical studies suggest that the airways of a patient with CF present an inherently abnormal proinflammatory milieu due to elevated oxidative stress and abnormal lipid metabolism even before they become infected. This could be directly related to cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) deficiency, which appears to produce a redox imbalance in epithelial cells and extracellular fluids. This review aims to summarize the main mechanism by which CFTR deficiency is intrinsically responsible for the proinflammatory environment that characterizes the lung of a patient with CF.
Electrochemical Characteristics of Shewanella loihica PV-4 on Reticulated Vitreous Carbon (RVC) with Different Potentials Applied
Authors: Wang Shixin , Zhang Xiaoming , Marsili Enrico
Published: August 2022

The current output of an anodic bioelectrochemical system (BES) depends upon the extracellular electron transfer (EET) rate from electricigens to the electrodes. Thus, investigation of EET mechanisms between electricigens and solid electrodes is essential. Here, reticulated vitreous carbon (RVC) electrodes are used to increase the surface available for biofilm formation of the known electricigen Shewanella loihica PV-4, which is limited in conventional flat electrodes. S. loihica PV-4 utilizes flavin-mediated EET at potential lower than the outer membrane cytochromes (OMC), while at higher potential, both direct electron transfer (DET) and mediated electron transfer (MET) contribute to the current output. Results show that high electrode potential favors cell attachment on RVC, which enhances the current output. DET is the prevailing mechanism in early biofilm, while the contribution of MET to current output increased as the biofilm matured. Electrochemical analysis under starvation shows that the mediators could be confined in the biofilm. The morphology of biofilm shows bacteria distributed on the top layer of honeycomb structures, preferentially on the flat areas. This study provides insights into the EET pathways of S. loihica PV-4 on porous RVC electrodes at different biofilm ages and different set potential, which is important for the design of real-world BES.