bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Indentation Size Effect of Composite A356 + 6%FA Subjected to ECAP
Authors: Muslić Merima , Orešković Luka , Rede Vera , Maksimović Vesna
Published: May 2022

In this study, metal matrix-based composite (MMC) was subjected to Equal Chanel Angular Pressing (ECAP) in several passes to determine the influence of deformation on the hardness of the samples. Composite based on A356 aluminum alloy and reinforced with Fly Ash (FA) particles was obtained by the compo casting method. The microstructural analyses and microhardness measurements were performed on the cast and pressed samples. Vickers hardness measurement of composite samples was performed with different indentation load sizes: HV0.02, HV0.05, HV0.1 and HV0.2. Results showed that hardness increases after each ECAP pass. The lowest hardness value of 42 (HV0.02) as well as the lowest arithmetical mean value of 46 (HV0.2) was measured at the cast composite. The greatest composite hardness of 107 (HV0.1) and the highest arithmetical mean value of 94 (HV0.1) was measured at the three-time pressed sample. The mathematical model named Meyer’s law was used for data analysis. In the cast sample, a decrease in hardness was detected with increasing indentation load, termed Indentation Size Effect (ISE), was confirmed with Meyers index n = 1.9112 < 2. Pressed samples showed opposite behavior—an increase in hardness with increasing indentation load—where Meyers index n > 2 indicated Reverse Indentation Size Effect (RISE). For all samples, a high coefficient of determination R2 > 0.99 confirmed that Meyer’s law described this phenomenon well.
Design and Development of a 2 × 2 Array Piezoelectric–Electromagnetic Hybrid Energy Harvester
Authors: Han Bing , Zhang Shubin , Liu Jianbin , Jiang Yanfeng
Published: May 2022

Energy harvesting technology is regarded as a feasible solution for the continuous power supply of microelectronic devices. Efforts have been made to improve the output power of all kinds of energy harvesting devices. This paper reports a 2 × 2 array piezoelectric–electromagnetic hybrid energy harvester that achieves high power output through the combination of piezoelectric and electromagnetic conversion. The harvester included four piezoelectric–electromagnetic hybrid modules, each of which consisted of a piezoelectric sheet, a permanent magnet and a wound coil. The permanent magnet, also serving as the mass block of the cantilever beam when subjected to external stimulus, contributed to a large displacement of the vibration and generated high output power. At an acceleration of 1 g and a resonance frequency of 70.4 Hz, the measured maximum output power of the hybrid energy harvester was 66.08 mW, of which the piezoelectric and electromagnetic portions were 56.96 and 9.12 mW, respectively. Furthermore, in a charging experiment, a capacitor of 23.5 mF was charged to 11.5 V within 20 s, which demonstrates a practical application of the hybrid energy harvester for microelectronic devices.
Oligotrophic Bacterial Community Structure Associated with Muscovite Mineral Is Rich in Proteobacterial Microbiomes Revealed through Next-Generation Sequencing
Authors: Pindi Charan Theja , Gundala Prasada Babu , Paruchuri Lakshmi Subhadra , Kolapratap Jyothirmayee , Chennupati Vidyasagar , Chinthala Paramageetham
Published: May 2022

The microbial life indigenous to mineral deposits are generally regarded as extremophiles as they are tolerant to extreme conditions. The microorganisms that thrive in such environments survive by modifying their metabolic pathway or mechanisms. The microbiome associated with ore deposits remain poorly studied. The present study is the first attempt to explore the taxonomic composition of the bacterial community associated with the muscovite ore deposit from Southern India by using high throughput Illumina sequencing employing the V3 and V4 region of the16S rDNA and bioinformatics channel. A total of 20 bacterial phyla with 55 classes, 96 orders, 192 families, 382 genera and 462 species were recovered in the study. The alpha diversity index suggests that muscovite ore deposits harbored highly variable bacterial communities. Among the bacterial communities, Proteobacteria (33%), Actinobacteria (29.9%), Firmicutes (25.4%), Bacteroidetes (5.5%) and Chloroflexi (2.7%) were the dominate phyla. A total of 156 abundant species and 306 rare species were observed and is an indication of the presence of novel species. This study helps to understand the survival strategy of oligotrophs, which are an important aspect of microbial ecology.
Effects of Matrix Composition and Temperature on Viability and Metabolic Activity of Microencapsulated Marine Bacteria
Authors: Pope Emily , Haltli Bradley , Kerr Russell G. , Ahmadi Ali
Published: May 2022

To enhance the discovery of novel natural products, various innovations have been developed to aid in the cultivation of previously unculturable microbial species. One approach involving the microencapsulation of bacteria has been gaining popularity as a new cultivation technique, with promising applications. Previous studies demonstrated the success of bacterial encapsulation; however, they highlighted that a key limitation of encapsulating bacteria within agarose is the high temperature required for encapsulation. Encapsulation of bacteria within agarose typically requires a temperature high enough to maintain the flow of agarose through microfluidic devices without premature gelation. Given the sensitivity of many bacterial taxa to temperature, the effect of various agarose-based encapsulating matrices on marine bacterial viability was assessed to further develop this approach to bacterial culture. It was determined that lowering the temperature of encapsulation via the use of low-gelling-temperature agarose, as well as the addition of nutrients to the matrix, significantly improved the viability of representative marine sediment bacteria in terms of abundance and metabolic activity. Based on these findings, the use of low-gelling-temperature agarose with supplemental nutrients is recommended for the encapsulation of marine bacteria obtained from temperate habitats.
Kingella kingae Virulence Factors and Insights into Pathogenicity
Authors: Porsch Eric A.
Published: May 2022

The emergence of Kingella kingae as an important etiology of pediatric osteoarticular infections over the past three decades has led to significant research efforts focused on understanding the pathogenicity of this fastidious Gram-negative bacterium. This work has uncovered multiple virulence factors that likely play key roles in the ability of the organism to colonize the upper respiratory tract, breach the epithelial barrier, and disseminate to distal sites of infection. Herein the current body of knowledge about K. kingae virulence factors is reviewed in the context of K. kingae disease pathogenesis. The work summarized here has identified multiple targets for therapeutic intervention as well as potential vaccine antigens.
Eugenia uniflora L. Silver and Gold Nanoparticle Synthesis, Characterization, and Evaluation of the Photoreduction Process in Antimicrobial Activities
Authors: Franzolin Marcia Regina , Courrol Daniella dos Santos , de Souza Barreto Susana , Courrol Lilia Coronato
Published: May 2022

Eugenia uniflora linnaeus, known as Brazilian cherry, is widely distributed in Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, and Paraguay. E. uniflora L. extracts contain phenolic compounds, such as flavonoids, tannins, triterpenes, and sesquiterpenes. The antimicrobial action of essential oils has been attributed to their compositions of bioactive compounds, such as sesquiterpenes. In this paper, the fruit extract of E. uniflora was used to synthesize silver and gold nanoparticles. The nanoparticles were characterized by UV–Vis, transmission electron microscopy, elemental analysis, FTIR, and Zeta potential measurement. The silver and gold nanoparticles prepared with fruit extracts presented sizes of ~32 nm and 11 nm (diameter), respectively, and Zeta potentials of −22 mV and −14 mV. The antimicrobial tests were performed with Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria and Candida albicans. The growth inhibition of EuAgNPs prepared with and without photoreduction showed the important functional groups in the antimicrobial activity.
Maternal Gut Microbiome Decelerates Fetal Endochondral Bone Formation by Inducing Inflammatory Reaction
Authors: Uchida-Fukuhara Yoko , Hattori Takako , Fu Shanqi , Kondo Sei , Kuwahara Miho , Fukuhara Daiki , Islam Md Monirul , Kataoka Kota , Ekuni Daisuke , Kubota Satoshi , Morita Manabu , Iikegame Mika , Okamura Hirohiko
Published: May 2022

To investigate the effect of the maternal gut microbiome on fetal endochondral bone formation, fetuses at embryonic day 18 were obtained from germ-free (GF) and specific-pathogen-free (SPF) pregnant mothers. Skeletal preparation of the fetuses’ whole bodies did not show significant morphological alterations; however, micro-CT analysis of the tibiae showed a lower bone volume fraction in the SPF tibia. Primary cultured chondrocytes from fetal SPF rib cages showed a lower cell proliferation and lower accumulation of the extracellular matrix. RNA-sequencing analysis showed the induction of inflammation-associated genes such as the interleukin (IL) 17 receptor, IL 6, and immune-response genes in SPF chondrocytes. These data indicate that the maternal gut microbiome in SPF mice affects fetal embryonic endochondral ossification, possibly by changing the expression of genes related to inflammation and the immune response in fetal cartilage. The gut microbiome may modify endochondral ossification in the fetal chondrocytes passing through the placenta.
Evaluation of a Novel Chromogenic Medium for the Detection of Pseudomonas aeruginosa in Respiratory Samples from Patients with Cystic Fibrosis
Authors: Truong Thang V. , Twist Alexander , Zaytsev Andrey , Marrs Emma C. L. , Perry Audrey , Turnbull Graeme , Orenga Sylvain , Stanforth Stephen P. , Perry John D.
Published: May 2022

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a dominant cause of respiratory infection in individuals with cystic fibrosis (CF), leading to significant morbidity and mortality. Detection of P. aeruginosa is conducted by culture of respiratory samples but this process may occasionally be compromised due to overgrowth by other bacteria and fungi. We aimed to evaluate a novel chromogenic medium, Pseudomonas aeruginosa chromogenic agar (PACA), for culture of P. aeruginosa from respiratory samples, from patients with CF. A total of 198 respiratory samples were cultured onto PACA and three other media: CHROMID® P. aeruginosa, CHROMagar™ Pseudomonas and MacConkey agar. P. aeruginosa was recovered from 66 samples (33%), using a combination of all media. After 72 h incubation, the sensitivity of the four chromogenic media was as follows: 91% for PACA and CHROMagar™ Pseudomonas, 85% for CHROMID® P. aeruginosa and 83% for MacConkey agar. For the three chromogenic media, the positive predictive value after 72 h was as follows: 95% for PACA, 56% for CHROMagar™ Pseudomonas and 86% for CHROMID® P. aeruginosa. PACA proved to be a highly effective culture medium for the isolation and specific detection of P. aeruginosa from respiratory samples.
Changes in Lake Sturgeon Gut Microbiomes Relative to Founding Origin and in Response to Chemotherapeutant Treatments
Authors: Abdul Razak Shairah , Bauman John M. , Marsh Terence L. , Scribner Kim T.
Published: May 2022

Antibiotics, drugs, and chemicals (collectively referred to as chemotherapeutants) are widely embraced in fish aquaculture as important tools to control or prevent disease outbreaks. Potential negative effects include changes in microbial community composition and diversity during early life stages, which can reverse the beneficial roles of gut microbiota for the maintenance of host physiological processes and homeostatic regulation. We characterized the gut microbial community composition and diversity of an ecologically and economically important fish species, the lake sturgeon (Acipenser fulvescens), during the early larval period in response to weekly treatments using chemotherapeutants commonly used in aquaculture (chloramine-T, hydrogen peroxide, and NaCl2 followed by hydrogen peroxide) relative to untreated controls. The effects of founding microbial community origin (wild stream vs. hatchery water) were also evaluated. Gut communities were quantified using massively parallel next generation sequencing based on the V4 region of the 16S rRNA gene. Members of the phylum Firmicutes (principally unclassified Clostridiales and Clostridium_sensu_stricto) and Proteobacteria were the dominant taxa in all gut samples regardless of treatment. The egg incubation environment (origin) and its interaction with chemotherapeutant treatment were significantly associated with indices of microbial taxonomic diversity. We observed large variation in the beta diversity of lake sturgeon gut microbiota between larvae from eggs incubated in hatchery and wild (stream) origins based on nonmetric dimensional scaling (NMDS). Permutational ANOVA indicated the effects of chemotherapeutic treatments on gut microbial community composition were dependent on the initial source of the founding microbial community. Influences of microbiota colonization during early ontogenetic stages and the resilience of gut microbiota to topical chemotherapeutic treatments are discussed.
GIS-Based Subsurface Analysis and 3D Geological Modeling as a Tool for Combined Conventional Mining and In-Situ Coal Conversion: The Case of Kardia Lignite Mine, Western Greece
Authors: Krassakis Pavlos , Pyrgaki Konstantina , Gemeni Vasiliki , Roumpos Christos , Louloudis Georgios , Koukouzas Nikolaos
Published: May 2022

The development of three-dimensional geological models has proven to be critical for conceptualizing complex subsurface environments. This is crucial for mining areas due to their various hazards and unstable conditions. Furthermore, three-dimensional (3D) models can be the initial step for the development of numerical models in order to support critical decisions and sustainable mining planning. This paper illustrates the results and the development phases of a 3D geological model within the boundaries of the Kardia lignite deposit in western Macedonia, Greece. It also highlights the usefulness of a Geographic Information System (GIS) methodology in the subsurface geological and hydrogeological analysis regarding the Underground Coal Gasification (UCG) methodology. In addition, the work focuses on the integrated geospatial framework that was developed to support the Coal-to-Liquids Supply Chain (CLSC) integration in unfavorable geological settings. A 3D subsurface geological model of the study area was developed to identify a suitable area for in situ coal conversion and UCG considering criteria related to specific coal thickness and depth. In this context, the suggested integrated geomodelling workflow can positively contribute to the implementation of conventional and innovative mining, saving time and reducing the cost to improve the quality of information needed to support decisions related to UCG implementation.
The Chemical Constituents of Diaphragma Juglandis Fructus and Their Inhibitory Effect on α-Glucosidase Activity
Authors: Tan Jinyan , Cheng Yangang , Wang Shihui , Li Jianli , Ren Haiqin , Qiao Yuanbiao , Li Qingshan , Wang Yingli
Published: May 2022

In our current investigation, 37 constituents (1–37), including 11 megastigmanes (1–11), 17 flavonoids (12–28) and 9 phenylpropanoids (29–37), were isolated from a 70%-EtOH extract of Diaphragma juglandis Fructus. Among them, compounds 1–3, 12 and 29 were new compounds and their structures were elucidated on the basis of physicochemical evidence and meticulous spectroscopic analysis (NMR, HRESIMS and CD). Compounds 13, 16, 21 and 28 showed moderate inhibitory effect on α-glycosidase inhibitory activities, with IC50 values being in the range of 29.47–54.82 µM and stronger than the positive control (acarbose, 60.01 ± 4.82 µM).
Analytical Characterization of the Intercalation of Neutral Molecules into Saponite
Authors: Toson Valentina , Antonioli Diego , Boccaleri Enrico , Milanesio Marco , Gianotti Valentina , Conterosito Eleonora
Published: May 2022

Organo-modified layered materials characterization poses challenges due to their complexity and how other aspects such as contamination, preparation methods and degree of intercalation influence the properties of these materials. Consequently, a deep understanding of their interlayer organization is of utmost importance to optimize their applications. These materials can in fact improve the stability of photoactive molecules through intercalation, avoiding the quenching of their emission at the solid state, to facilitate their use in sensors or other devices. Two synthetic methods for the preparation of saponites with a cationic surfactant (CTABr) and a neutral chromophore (Fluorene) were tested and the obtained products were initially characterized with several complementary techniques (XRPD, SEM, TGA, IR, UV-Vis, Fluorescence and Raman spectroscopy), but a clear understanding of the organization of the guest molecules in the material could not be obtained by these techniques alone. This information was obtained only by thermogravimetry coupled with gas chromatography and mass spectroscopy (TGA-GC-MS) which allowed identifying the species present in the sample and the kind of interaction with the host by distinguishing between intercalated and adsorbed on the surface.
ZnO/γ-Fe2O3/Bentonite: An Efficient Solar-Light Active Magnetic Photocatalyst for the Degradation of Pharmaceutical Active Compounds
Authors: Kamali Mohammadreza , Xue Yongtao , Khalaj Mohammadreza , Laats Bodhi , Teunckens Ruben , Verbist Matthias , Costa Maria Elisabete V. , Capela Isabel , Appels Lise , Dewil Raf
Published: May 2022

For applications related to the photocatalytic degradation of environmental contaminants, engineered nanomaterials (ENMs) must demonstrate not only a high photocatalytic potential, but also a low tendency to agglomeration, along with the ability to be easily collected after use. In this manuscript, a two-step process was implemented for the synthesis of ZnO, ZnO/Bentonite and the magnetic ZnO/γ-Fe2O3/Bentonite nanocomposite. The synthesized materials were characterized using various techniques, and their performance in the degradation of pharmaceutical active compounds (PhACs), including ciprofloxacin (CIP), sulfamethoxazole (SMX), and carbamazepine (CBZ) was evaluated under various operating conditions, namely the type and dosage of the applied materials, pH, concentration of pollutants, and their appearance form in the medium (i.e., as a single pollutant or as a mixture of PhACs). Among the materials studied, ZnO/Bentonite presented the best performance and resulted in the removal of ~95% of CIP (5 mg/L) in 30 min, at room temperature, near-neutral pH (6.5), ZnO/Bentonite dosage of 0.5 g/L, and under solar light irradiation. The composite also showed a high degree of efficiency for the simultaneous removal of CIP (~98%, 5 mg/L) and SMX (~97%, 5 mg/L) within 30 min, while a low degradation of ~5% was observed for CBZ (5 mg/L) in a mixture of the three PhACs. Furthermore, mechanistic studies using different types of scavengers revealed the formation of active oxidative species responsible for the degradation of CIP in the photocatalytic system studied with the contribution of h+ (67%), OH (18%), and ·O2− (10%), and in which holes (h+) were found to be the dominant oxidative species.
Comparative Metabolomic Analysis of Four Fabaceae and Relationship to In Vitro Nematicidal Activity against Xiphinema index
Authors: Negrel Lise , Baltenweck Raymonde , Demangeat Gerard , Le Bohec-Dorner Françoise , Rustenholz Camille , Velt Amandine , Gertz Claude , Bieler Eva , Dürrenberger Markus , Gombault Pascale , Hugueney Philippe , Lemaire Olivier
Published: May 2022

The grapevine fanleaf virus (GFLV), responsible for fanleaf degeneration, is spread in vineyards by the soil nematode Xiphinema index. Nematicide molecules were used to limit the spread of the disease until they were banned due to negative environmental impacts. Therefore, there is a growing interest in alternative methods, including plant-derived products with antagonistic effects to X. index. In this work, we evaluated the nematicidal potential of the aerial parts and roots of four Fabaceae: sainfoin (Onobrychis viciifolia), birdsfoot trefoil (Lotus corniculatus), sweet clover (Melilotus albus), and red clover (Trifolium pratense), as well as that of sainfoin-based commercial pellets. For all tested plants, either aerial or root parts, or both of them, exhibited a nematicidal effect on X. index in vitro, pellets being as effective as freshly harvested plants. Comparative metabolomic analyses did not reveal molecules or molecule families specifically associated with antagonistic properties toward X. index, suggesting that the nematicidal effect is the result of a combination of different molecules rather than associated with a single compound. Finally, scanning electron microscope observations did not reveal the visible impact of O. viciifolia extract on X. index cuticle, suggesting that alteration of the cuticle may not be the primary cause of their nematicidal effect.
Biotransformation of Liquiritigenin into Characteristic Metabolites by the Gut Microbiota
Authors: Keranmu Adili , Pan Li-Bin , Fu Jie , Han Pei , Yu Hang , Zhang Zheng-Wei , Xu Hui , Yang Xin-Yu , Hu Jia-Chun , Zhang Hao-Jian , Bu Meng-Meng , Jiang Jian-Dong , Xing Nian-Zeng , Wang Yan
Published: May 2022

The bioavailability of flavonoids is generally low after oral administration. The metabolic transformation of flavonoids by the gut microbiota may be one of the main reasons for this, although these metabolites have potential pharmacological activities. Liquiritigenin is an important dihydroflavonoid compound found in Glycyrrhiza uralensis that has a wide range of pharmacological properties, such as antitumor, antiulcer, anti-inflammatory, and anti-AIDS effects, but its mechanism of action remains unclear. This study explored the metabolites of liquiritigenin by examining gut microbiota metabolism and hepatic metabolism in vitro. Using LC-MS/MS and LC/MSn-IT-TOF techniques, three possible metabolites of liquiritigenin metabolized by the gut microbiota were identified: phloretic acid (M3), resorcinol (M4), and M5. M5 is speculated to be davidigenin, which has antitumor activity. By comparing these two metabolic pathways of liquiritigenin (the gut microbiota and liver microsomes), this study revealed that there are three main metabolites of liquiritigenin generated by intestinal bacteria, which provides a theoretical basis for the study of pharmacologically active substances in vivo.
The Chemical Scaffold of Theranostic Radiopharmaceuticals: Radionuclide, Bifunctional Chelator, and Pharmacokinetics Modifying Linker
Authors: Holik Holis Abdul , Ibrahim Faisal Maulana , Elaine Angela Alysia , Putra Bernap Dwi , Achmad Arifudin , Kartamihardja Achmad Hussein Sundawa
Published: May 2022

Therapeutic radiopharmaceuticals have been researched extensively in the last decade as a result of the growing research interest in personalized medicine to improve diagnostic accuracy and intensify intensive therapy while limiting side effects. Radiometal-based drugs are of substantial interest because of their greater versatility for clinical translation compared to non-metal radionuclides. This paper comprehensively discusses various components commonly used as chemical scaffolds to build radiopharmaceutical agents, i.e., radionuclides, pharmacokinetic-modifying linkers, and chelators, whose characteristics are explained and can be used as a guide for the researcher.
A Web-Based Platform for Traditional Craft Documentation
Authors: Partarakis Nikos , Doulgeraki Voula , Karuzaki Effie , Galanakis George , Zabulis Xenophon , Meghini Carlo , Bartalesi Valentina , Metilli Daniele
Published: May 2022

A web-based authoring platform for the representation of traditional crafts is proposed. This platform is rooted in a systematic method for craft representation, the adoption, knowledge, and representation standards of the cultural heritage (CH) domain, and the integration of outcomes from advanced digitization techniques. In this paper, we present the implementation of this method by an online, collaborative documentation platform where digital assets are curated into digitally preservable craft representations. The approach is demonstrated through the representation of three traditional crafts as use cases, and the lessons learned from this endeavor are presented.
Effects of Intense Laser Field on Electronic and Optical Properties of Harmonic and Variable Degree Anharmonic Oscillators
Authors: Yücel Melike Behiye , Kasapoglu Esin , Duque Carlos A.
Published: May 2022

In this paper, we calculated the electronic and optical properties of the harmonic oscillator and single and double anharmonic oscillators, including higher-order anharmonic terms such as the quartic and sextic under the non-resonant intense laser field. Calculations are made within the effective mass and parabolic band approximations. We have used the diagonalization method by choosing a wave function based on the trigonometric orthonormal functions to find eigenvalues and eigenfunctions of the electron confined within the harmonic and anharmonic oscillator potentials under the non-resonant intense laser field. A two-level approach in the density matrix expansion is used to calculate the linear and third-order nonlinear optical absorption coefficients. Our results show that the electronic and optical properties of the structures we focus on can be adjusted to obtain a suitable response to specific studies or aims by changing the structural parameters such as width, depth, coupling between the wells, and applied field intensity.
Ni-Doped Ordered Nanoporous Carbon Prepared from Chestnut Wood Tannins for the Removal and Photocatalytic Degradation of Methylene Blue
Authors: Bello Ruby , Rodríguez-Aguado Elena , Smith Victoria A. , Grachev Dmitry , Castellón Enrique Rodríguez , Bashkova Svetlana
Published: May 2022

In this work, Ni-doped ordered nanoporous carbon was prepared by a simple and green one-pot solvent evaporation induced self-assembly process, where chestnut wood tannins were used as a precursor, Pluronic® F-127 as a soft template, and Ni2+ as a crosslinking agent and catalytic component. The prepared carbon exhibited a 2D hexagonally ordered nanorod array mesoporous structure with an average pore diameter of ~5 nm. Nickel was found to be present on the surface of nanoporous carbon in the form of nickel oxide, nickel hydroxide, and metallic nickel. Nickel nanoparticles, with an average size of 13.1 nm, were well dispersed on the carbon surface. The synthesized carbon was then tested for the removal of methylene blue under different conditions. It was found that the amount of methylene blue removed increased with increasing pH and concentration of carbon but decreased with increasing concentration of methylene blue. Furthermore, photocatalytic tests carried out under visible light illumination showed that purple light had the greatest effect on the methylene blue adsorption/degradation, with the maximum percent degradation achieved at ~4 h illumination time, and that the percent degradation at lower concentrations of methylene blue was much higher than that at higher concentrations. The adsorption/degradation process exhibited pseudo second-order kinetics and strong initial adsorption, and the prepared carbon showed high magnetic properties and good recyclability.
Ultra-Sensitive Photo-Induced Hydrogen Gas Sensor Based on Two-Dimensional CeO2-Pd-PDA/rGO Heterojunction Nanocomposite
Authors: Hashtroudi Hanie , Yu Aimin , Juodkazis Saulius , Shafiei Mahnaz
Published: May 2022

A two-dimensional (2D) CeO2-Pd-PDA/rGO heterojunction nanocomposite has been synthesised via an environmentally friendly, energy efficient, and facile wet chemical procedure and examined for hydrogen (H2) gas sensing application for the first time. The H2 gas sensing performance of the developed conductometric sensor has been extensively investigated under different operational conditions, including working temperature up to 200 °C, UV illumination, H2 concentrations from 50–6000 ppm, and relative humidity up to 30% RH. The developed ceria-based nanocomposite sensor was functional at a relatively low working temperature (100 °C), and its sensing properties were improved under UV illumination (365 nm). The sensor’s response towards 6000 ppm H2 was drastically enhanced in a humid environment (15% RH), from 172% to 416%. Under optimised conditions, this highly sensitive and selective H2 sensor enabled the detection of H2 molecules down to 50 ppm experimentally. The sensing enhancement mechanisms of the developed sensor were explained in detail. The available 4f electrons and oxygen vacancies on the ceria surface make it a promising material for H2 sensing applications. Moreover, based on the material characterisation results, highly reactive oxidant species on the sensor surface formed the electron–hole pairs, facilitated oxygen mobility, and enhanced the H2 sensing performance.
Associations between Breastfeeding Duration and Obesity Phenotypes and the Offsetting Effect of a Healthy Lifestyle
Authors: Dang Jiajia , Chen Ting , Ma Ning , Liu Yunfei , Zhong Panliang , Shi Di , Dong Yanhui , Zou Zhiyong , Ma Yinghua , Song Yi , Ma Jun
Published: May 2022

Background: Additional metabolic indicators ought to be combined as outcome variables when exploring the impact of breastfeeding on obesity risk. Given the role of a healthy lifestyle in reducing obesity, we aimed to assess the effect of breastfeeding duration on different obesity phenotypes according to metabolic status in children and adolescents, and to explore the offsetting effect of healthy lifestyle factors on the associations between breastfeeding duration and obesity phenotypes. Methods: A total of 8208 eligible children and adolescents aged 7–18 years were recruited from a Chinese national cross-sectional study conducted in 2013. Anthropometric indicators were measured in the survey sites, metabolic indicators were tested from fasting blood samples, and breastfeeding duration and sociodemographic factors were collected by questionnaires. According to anthropometric and metabolic indicators, obesity phenotypes were divided into metabolic healthy normal weight (MHNW), metabolic unhealthy normal weight (MUNW), metabolic healthy obesity (MHO), and metabolic unhealthy obesity (MUO). Four common obesity risk factors (dietary consumption, physical activity, screen time, and sleep duration) were used to construct a healthy lifestyle score. Scores on the lifestyle index ranged from 0 to 4 and were further divided into unfavorable lifestyles (zero or one healthy lifestyle factor), intermediate lifestyles (two healthy lifestyle factors), and favorable lifestyle (three or four healthy lifestyle factors). Multinomial logistic regression was used to estimate the odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (95% CI) for the associations between breastfeeding duration and obesity phenotypes. Furthermore, the interaction terms of breastfeeding duration and each healthy lifestyle category were tested to explore the offsetting effect of lifestyle factors. Results: The prevalence of obesity among Chinese children and adolescents aged 7–18 years was 11.0%. Among the children and adolescents with obesity, the prevalence of MHO and MUO was 41.0% and 59.0%, respectively. Compared to the children and adolescents who were breastfed for 6–11 months, prolonged breastfeeding (≥12 months) increased the risks of MUNW (OR = 1.35, 95% CI: 1.19–1.52), MHO (OR = 1.61, 95% CI: 1.27–2.05), and MUO (OR = 1.46, 95% CI: 1.20–1.76). When stratified by healthy lifestyle category, there was a typical dose–response relationship between duration of breastfeeding over 12 months and MUNW, MHO, and MUO, with an increased risk of a favorable lifestyle moved to an unfavorable lifestyle. Conclusions: Prolonged breastfeeding (≥12 months) may be associated with increased risks of MUNW, MHO, and MUO, and the benefits of breastfeeding among children and adolescents may begin to wane around the age of 12 months. The increased risks may be largely offset by a favorable lifestyle.
Bariatric Surgery Induced Changes in Blood Cholesterol Are Modulated by Vitamin D Status
Authors: Reczkowicz Joanna , Mika Adriana , Antosiewicz Jędrzej , Kortas Jakub , Proczko-Stepaniak Monika , Śledziński Tomasz , Kowalski Konrad , Kaska Łukasz
Published: May 2022

The effect of metabolically active bariatric surgery treatment on lipid metabolism is inconclusive. The authors of this study presume that initial vitamin D status may play a regulating role in influencing the beneficial post-effects of bariatric surgery, especially the lipid profile. The biochemical data obtained from 24 patients who had undergone laparoscopic one-anastomosis gastric bypass (OAGB) at baseline, 3 months before the surgery, at the time of surgery, and 6 months later, demonstrate that vitamin D status influenced the postoperative lipid profile. The baseline established the partition line which divided patients into two groups according to the stated calcidiol initial concentration level of 32 ng/mL. The data shows that OAGB induces a decrease in TG and hsCRP while increasing HDL. Conversely, in patients whose 25(OH)D3 was below 32 ng/mL TC significantly increased while those above this concentration remained in the normal physiological range. The changes induced by OAGB in TG, glucose, and hsCRP were similar in both groups. Unexpectedly, the surgery did not affect vitamin D metabolites. In conclusion, the results of the study suggest that a higher concentration of serum 25(OH)D3 may enhance the protective effects of OAGB.
The Impact of Chronic Kidney Disease on Nutritional Status and Its Possible Relation with Oral Diseases
Authors: Costacurta Micaela , Basilicata Michele , Marrone Giulia , Di Lauro Manuela , Campolattano Vincenzo , Bollero Patrizio , Docimo Raffaella , Di Daniele Nicola , Noce Annalisa
Published: May 2022

Several studies have demonstrated a strong relation between periodontal diseases and chronic kidney disease (CKD). The main mechanisms at the base of this link are malnutrition, vitamin dysregulation, especially of B-group vitamins and of C and D vitamins, oxidative stress, metabolic acidosis and low-grade inflammation. In particular, in hemodialysis (HD) adult patients, an impairment of nutritional status has been observed, induced not only by the HD procedures themselves, but also due to numerous CKD-related comorbidities. The alteration of nutritional assessment induces systemic manifestations that have repercussions on oral health, like oral microbiota dysbiosis, slow healing of wounds related to hypovitaminosis C, and an alteration of the supporting bone structures of the oral cavity related to metabolic acidosis and vitamin D deficiency. Low-grade inflammation has been observed to characterize periodontal diseases locally and, in a systemic manner, CKD contributes to the amplification of the pathological process, bidirectionally. Therefore, CKD and oral disease patients should be managed by a multidisciplinary professional team that can evaluate the possible co-presence of these two pathological conditions, that negatively influence each other, and set up therapeutic strategies to treat them. Once these patients have been identified, they should be included in a follow-up program, characterized by periodic checks in order to manage these pathological conditions.
Significantly Reduced Retinol Binding Protein 4 (RBP4) Levels in Critically Ill COVID-19 Patients
Authors: Vollenberg Richard , Tepasse Phil-Robin , Fobker Manfred , Hüsing-Kabar Anna
Published: May 2022

The SARS-CoV-2 virus is the causative agent of the COVID-19 pandemic. The disease causes respiratory failure in some individuals accompanied by marked hyperinflammation. Vitamin A (syn. retinol) can exist in the body in the storage form as retinyl ester, or in the transcriptionally active form as retinoic acid. The main function of retinol binding protein 4 (RBP4), synthesized in the liver, is to transport hydrophobic vitamin A to various tissues. Vitamin A has an important role in the innate and acquired immune system. In particular, it is involved in the repair of lung tissue after infections. In viral respiratory diseases such as influenza pneumonia, vitamin A supplementation has been shown to reduce mortality in animal models. In critically ill COVID-19 patients, a significant decrease in plasma vitamin A levels and an association with increased mortality have been observed. However, there is no evidence on RBP4 in relation to COVID-19. This prospective, multicenter, observational, cross-sectional study examined RBP4 (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) and vitamin A plasma levels (high-performance liquid chromatography) in COVID-19 patients, including 59 hospitalized patients. Of these, 19 developed critical illness (ARDS/ECMO), 20 developed severe illness (oxygenation disorder), and 20 developed moderate illness (no oxygenation disorder). Twenty age-matched convalescent patients following SARS-CoV-2 infection, were used as a control group. Reduced RBP4 plasma levels significantly correlated with impaired liver function and elevated inflammatory markers (CRP, lymphocytopenia). RBP4 levels were decreased in hospitalized patients with critical illness compared to nonpatients (p < 0.01). In comparison, significantly lower vitamin A levels were detected in hospitalized patients regardless of disease severity. Overall, we conclude that RBP4 plasma levels are significantly reduced in critically ill COVID-19 patients during acute inflammation, and vitamin A levels are significantly reduced in patients with moderate/severe/critical illness during the acute phase of illness.
Simplifying Schistosome Surveillance: Using Molecular Cercariometry to Detect and Quantify Cercariae in Water
Authors: McPhail Brooke A. , Froelich Kelsey , Reimink Ronald L. , Hanington Patrick C.
Published: May 2022

Avian schistosomes are considered a public health nuisance due to their ability to cause swimmer’s itch when accidentally encountering humans rather than their intended avian hosts. Researchers have been monitoring their presence and abundance through snail collections and cercariometry. Cercariometry methods have evolved over the last several decades to detect individual schistosome species from a single water sample, simplifying the monitoring of these parasites. This methodological evolution coincides with the development of the field of environmental DNA (eDNA) where genetic material is extracted from environmental samples, rather than individual organisms. While there are some limitations with using molecular cercariometry, notably the cost and its inability to differentiate between life cycle stages, it substantially reduces the labor required to study trematode populations. It also can be used in complement with snail collections to understand the composition of avian schistosomes in an environment.
Tissue Adhesive, Self-Healing, Biocompatible, Hemostasis, and Antibacterial Properties of Fungal-Derived Carboxymethyl Chitosan-Polydopamine Hydrogels
Authors: Rao Kummara Madhusudana , Narayanan Kannan Badri , Uthappa Uluvangada Thammaiah , Park Pil-Hoon , Choi Inho , Han Sung Soo
Published: May 2022

In this work, fungal mushroom-derived carboxymethyl chitosan-polydopamine hydrogels (FCMCS-PDA) with multifunctionality (tissue adhesive, hemostasis, self-healing, and antibacterial properties) were developed for wound dressing applications. The hydrogel is obtained through dynamic Schiff base cross-linking and hydrogen bonds between FCMCS-PDA and covalently cross-linked polyacrylamide (PAM) networks. The FCMCS-PDA-PAM hydrogels have a good swelling ratio, biodegradable properties, excellent mechanical properties, and a highly interconnected porous structure with PDA microfibrils. Interestingly, the PDA microfibrils were formed along with FCMCS fibers in the hydrogel networks, which has a high impact on the biological performance of hydrogels. The maximum adhesion strength of the hydrogel to porcine skin was achieved at about 29.6 ± 2.9 kPa. The hydrogel had good self-healing and recoverable properties. The PDA-containing hydrogels show good antibacterial properties on Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) bacteria. Moreover, the adhesive hydrogels depicted good viability and attachment of skin fibroblasts and keratinocyte cells. Importantly, FCMCS and PDA combined resulted in fast blood coagulation within 60 s. Hence, the adhesive hydrogel with multifunctionality has excellent potential as a wound dressing material for infected wounds.
Ultracompact Deep Neural Network for Ultrafast Optical Property Extraction in Spatial Frequency Domain Imaging (SFDI)
Authors: Song Bowen , Jia Wenchao , Zhao Yanyu , Huang Hongshi , Fan Yubo
Published: May 2022

Spatial frequency domain imaging (SFDI) is a powerful, label-free imaging technique capable of the wide-field quantitative mapping of tissue optical properties and, subsequently, chromophore concentrations. While SFDI hardware acquisition methods have advanced towards video-rate, the inverse problem (i.e., the mapping of acquired diffuse reflectance to optical properties) has remained a bottleneck for real-time data processing and visualization. Deep learning methods are adept at fitting nonlinear patterns, and may be ideal for rapidly solving the SFDI inverse problem. While current deep neural networks (DNN) are growing increasingly larger and more complex (e.g., with millions of parameters or more), our study shows that it can also be beneficial to move in the other direction, i.e., make DNNs that are smaller and simpler. Here, we propose an ultracompact, two-layer, fully connected DNN structure (each layer with four and two neurons, respectively) for ultrafast optical property extractions, which is 30×–600× faster than current methods with a similar or improved accuracy, allowing for an inversion time of 5.5 ms for 696 × 520 pixels. We further demonstrated the proposed inverse model in numerical simulations, and comprehensive phantom characterization, as well as offering in vivo measurements of dynamic physiological processes. We further demonstrated that the computation time could achieve another 200× improvement with a GPU device. This deep learning structure will help to enable fast and accurate real-time SFDI measurements, which are crucial for pre-clinical, clinical, and industrial applications.
Molecular Systematics of Valerianella Mill. (Caprifoliaceae): Challenging the Taxonomic Value of Genetically Controlled Carpological Traits
Authors: Arnelas Itziar , Pérez-Collazos Ernesto , López-Martínez Josefa , Devesa Juan Antonio , Catalán Pilar
Published: May 2022

Valerianella (cornsalad) is a taxonomically complex genus formed by 50–65 annual Holarctic species classified into at least four main sections. Carpological traits (sizes and shapes of achenes and calyx teeth) have been used to characterize its sections and species. However, the potential systematic value of these traits at different taxonomic ranks (from sections to species (and infraspecific taxa)) has not been tested phylogenetically yet. Here, we have assessed the evolutionary systematic value of Valerianella diagnostic carpological traits at different hierarchical ranks and have demonstrated their ability to separate taxa at the sectional level but not at species level for species of several species pairs. A total of 426 individuals (17 species, 4 sections) of Valerianella were analyzed using AFLP and plastid data. Genetic clusters, phylogenetic trees, and haplotype networks support the taxonomic classification of Valerianella at the four studied sectional levels (V. sects. Valerianella, Cornigerae, Coronatae, Platycoelae) but show admixture for ten taxa from five species pairs (V. locusta—V. carinata, V. coronata—V. pumila, V. multidentata—V. discoidea, V. dentata—V. rimosa, V. eriocarpa—V. microcarpa), which are not reciprocally monophyletic. Dating analyses indicate that the Valerianella sections are relatively old (mid-Miocene), while most species diverged in the Pliocene–Pleistocene. A new section Valerianella sect. Stipitae is described to accommodate the highly divergent and taxonomically distinct V. fusiformis type species. Taxonomic treatments that recognize the sectional ranks and that subsume the separate species of each species pair into single species represent a natural classification for Valerianella.
Evaluation of Bacterial Perpetuation Assays and Plant Biomolecules Antimicrobial Activity against Cotton Blight Bacterium Xanthomonas citri subsp. malvacearum; An Alternative Source for Food Production and Protection
Authors: Naqvi Syed Atif Hasan , Iqbal Shehzad , Hafeez-ur-Rehman Hafeez-ur-Rehman , Farooq Umar , Hassan Muhammad Zeeshan , Shahid Muhammad Nadeem , Noor Shah Adnan , Abbas Aqleem , Mubeen Iqra , Farooq Ammara , Ghareeb Rehab Y. , Kalaji Hazem M. , Alrefaei Abdulwahed Fahad , Ahmed Mohamed A. A.
Published: May 2022

Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum) is a global cash crop which has gained importance in earning foreign exchange for each country. Bacterial blight caused by Xanthomonascitri subsp. malvacearum (Xcm) has been a seriousdisease in Pakistan’s cotton belt on multiple occasions. Bacterium was isolated and identified through various biochemical and diagnostic tests wherehypersensitivity reaction, Gram staining, KOH (potassium hydroxide), catalase, starch hydrolysis, lecithinase and Tween 80 hydrolysis tests confirmed bacterium as Gram-negative and plant pathogenic. Xcm perpetuation assays wereevaluated on various cotton varieties under glasshouse conditions in completely randomized design by three different methods, wherein the scratch method proved to be the best upon CIM-496 and showed 83.33% disease incidence as compared with the other two methods, where Bt-3701 responded with 53.33% incidence via the spray gun method, and 50% with the water splash method on CIM-616, as compared with the control. Similarly, for disease severity percentage, Bt-3701 was pragmatic with 47.21% through scratch method, whereas, in the spray gun method, 45.51% disease severity was noted upon Bt-802, and 31.27% was calculated on Cyto-179 through the water splash method. Owing to the unique antibacterial properties of aqueous plant extracts, the poison food technique showed Aloe vera, Mentha piperita, Syzygiumcumini and Azadirachta indica with 17.77, 29.33, 18.33 and 20.22 bacterial colonies counted on nutrient agarmedium petri plate, respectively, as compared with the control. Measurement of the inhibition zone by disk diffusion technique showed Mentha piperita, Syzygiumcumini, Citrus limon, Moringa oleifera and Syzygium aromaticum to present the most promising results by calculating the maximum diameter of the inhibition zone, viz., 8.58, 8.55, 8.52, 8.49 and 8.41 (mm), respectively, at the highest tested concentration (75 ppm, parts per million) compared with the control. It is probable that the decoction’s interaction with the pathogen population on the host plant will need to be considered in future experiments. However, at this moment, more research into the effective management of cotton bacterial blight by plant extracts in terms of concentration determination and development of biopesticides will provide future avenues to avoid environmental pollution.