bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Theoretical and Experimental Models to Evaluate the Possibility of Corrosion Resistant Concrete for Coastal Offshore Structures
Authors: Fedosov Sergey , Bulgakov Boris , Ngo Hung Xuan , Aleksandrova Olga , Solovev Vadim
Published: July 2022

This study built theoretical and practical models to evaluate the corrosion resistance of concrete for coastal offshore structures in Vietnam. A mathematical model was developed in the form of a system of nonlinear partial differential equations characterizing the diffusion “free calcium hydroxide” in a solid of a concrete structure. The model describes the process of non-stationary mass conductivity observed in the “concrete structure—marine environment” system under non-uniform arbitrary initial conditions, as well as combined boundary conditions of the second and third kind, taking into account the nonlinear nature of the coefficients of mass conductivity k and mass transfer β. It was shown that the solution of the boundary value problem of non-stationary mass conductivity allows us to conclude about the duration of the service life of a concrete structure, which will be determined by the processes occurring at the interface: in concrete—mass conductivity, depending on the structural and mechanical characteristics of hydraulic structures, and in the liquid phase—mass transfer, determined by the conditions of interaction at the interface of the indicated phases.
Study of the Effect of Manganese Ion Addition Points on the Separation of Scheelite and Calcite by Sodium Silicate
Authors: Guan Zhenhao , Lu Kuanwei , Zhang Ying , Yang Hu , Li Xiaokang
Published: July 2022

The flotation separation (FS) of both scheelite and calcite minerals with similar physicochemical properties remains challenging, since the Ca active sites exist on their surfaces. The present work investigated the effects of different addition points of MnCl2 on the FS of scheelite and calcite by micro-flotation tests, zeta potential measurements, UV-Vis spectrophotometer measurements, infrared spectrum analysis, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) tests, and the mechanism of separation is elucidated. Interestingly, the recovery of scheelite was 91.33% and that of calcite was 8.49% when MnCl2 was added after sodium silicate. Compared with the addition of MnCl2 before Na2SiO3, the recovery of scheelite was 64.94% and that of calcite was 6.64%. The sequence of adding MnCl2 followed by Na2SiO3 leads to the non-selective adsorption of Mn2+ on the surface of scheelite and calcite firstly, and later, sodium silicate will interact with it to produce hydrophilic silicate. This substantially enhances the hydrophilicity on the surface of both minerals, making separation impossible. In contrast, the addition of MnCl2 after sodium silicate can promote the formation of a metal silicate and enhance the selectivity and inhibition effect on calcite. Meanwhile, under this dosing sequence, the adsorption of Mn2+ on the scheelite surface offered more active sites for sodium oleate, which improved the scheelite surface hydrophobicity. This leads to a great improvement of the FS effect of scheelite and calcite.
Computing Frequency-Dependent Hysteresis Loops and Dynamic Energy Losses in Soft Magnetic Alloys via Artificial Neural Networks
Authors: Quondam Antonio Simone , Fulginei Francesco Riganti , Lozito Gabriele Maria , Faba Antonio , Salvini Alessandro , Bonaiuto Vincenzo , Sargeni Fausto
Published: July 2022

A neural network model to predict the dynamic hysteresis loops and the energy-loss curves (i.e., the energy versus the amplitude of the magnetic induction) of soft ferromagnetic materials at different operating frequencies is proposed herein. Firstly, an innovative Fe-Si magnetic alloy, grade 35H270, is experimentally characterized via an Epstein frame in a wide range of frequencies, from 1 Hz up to 600 Hz. Parts of the dynamic hysteresis loops obtained through the experiments are involved in the training of a feedforward neural network, while the remaining ones are considered to validate the model. The training procedure is accurately designed to, firstly, identify the optimum network architecture (i.e., the number of hidden layers and the number of neurons per layer), and then, to effectively train the network. The model turns out to be capable of reproducing the magnetization processes and predicting the dynamic energy losses of the examined material in the whole range of inductions and frequencies considered. In addition, its computational and memory efficiency make the model a useful tool in the design stage of electrical machines and magnetic components.
Autoimmune Hepatitis—Challenging Diagnosis
Authors: Mroskowiak Aleksandra , Suleja Agata , Stec Maria , Kuczmik Wiktoria , Migacz Maciej , Holecki Michał
Published: July 2022

The incidence of Autoimmune Hepatitis (AIH) increases worldwide. If undiagnosed, it may progress end-stage liver disease. Unfortunately, there is no characteristic clinical presentation of this disease, which makes the illness hard to recognize. A case report illustrates the difficulties of diagnosing the patient during his two hospitalizations and his final treatment with prednisolone which improved the patient’s condition.
Sarcoid Uveitis: An Intriguing Challenger
Authors: Allegri Pia , Olivari Sara , Rissotto Federico , Rissotto Roberta
Published: July 2022

The purpose of our work is to describe the actual knowledge concerning etiopathogenesis, clinical manifestations, diagnostic procedures, complications and therapy of ocular sarcoidosis (OS). The study is based on a recent literature review and on the experience of our tertiary referral center. Data were retrospectively analyzed from the electronic medical records of 235 patients (461 eyes) suffering from a biopsy-proven ocular sarcoidosis. Middle-aged females presenting bilateral ocular involvement are mainly affected; eye involvement at onset is present in one-third of subjects. Uveitis subtype presentation ranges widely among different studies: panuveitis and multiple chorioretinal granulomas, retinal segmental vasculitis, intermediate uveitis and vitreitis, anterior uveitis with granulomatous mutton-fat keratic precipitates, iris nodules, and synechiae are the main ocular features. The most important complications are cataract, glaucoma, cystoid macular edema (CME), and epiretinal membrane. Therapy is based on the disease localization and the severity of systemic or ocular involvement. Local, intravitreal, or systemic steroids are the mainstay of treatment; refractory or partially responsive disease has to be treated with conventional and biologic immunosuppressants. In conclusion, we summarize the current knowledge and assessment of ophthalmological inflammatory manifestations (mainly uveitis) of OS, which permit an early diagnostic assay and a prompt treatment.
Hyperbilirubinemia and Hyponatremia as Predictors of Complicated Appendicitis
Authors: Shuaib Abdullah , Alhamdan Nour , Arian Husain , Sallam Mohamed Alaa , Shuaib Ali
Published: July 2022

Several studies have reported elevated serum bilirubin or reduced serum sodium levels in patients with complicated appendicitis (CA). This study examined the efficacy of hyperbilirubinemia, hyponatremia, and both combined in the preoperative diagnosis of CA. Patients who underwent surgery for acute appendicitis were included in this retrospective review. In total, 247 patients were included in the final analysis. Of these, 36 (14.2%) had early appendicitis, 177 (72.0%) had acute suppurative appendicitis, 32 (13.0%) had necrotizing/gangrenous acute appendicitis, and 2 (0.8%) had other types of appendicitis. The mean total bilirubin (TBIL) level was significantly higher in patients with CA than in those with uncomplicated appendicitis. Conversely, the mean serum sodium level was significantly lower in patients with CA than in those with uncomplicated appendicitis. The levels of TBIL (odds ratio: 1.098, 95% CI: 1.052–1.147) and serum sodium (odds ratio: 0.743, 95% CI: 0.646–0.855) were associated with CA. Hyponatremia combined with hyperbilirubinemia yielded significant discriminatory value for the diagnosis of CA. TBIL and serum sodium levels can be considered as adjuvant parameters in the diagnosis of perforated/necrotizing appendicitis. Although hyperbilirubinemia and hyponatremia together were better able to determine the risk of CA than either marker alone, other markers are required to definitively predict CA. Furthermore, large-scale studies are needed to confirm these findings.
New Hybrid Nanofiltration Membranes with Enhanced Flux and Separation Performances Based on Polyphenylene Ether-Ether-Sulfone/Polyacrylonitrile/SBA-15
Authors: Paun Gabriela , Neagu Elena , Parvulescu Viorica , Anastasescu Mihai , Petrescu Simona , Albu Camelia , Nechifor Gheorghe , Radu Gabriel Lucian
Published: July 2022

This study presents the preparation of hybrid nanofiltration membranes based on poly(1,4-phenylene ether ether sulfone), polyacrylonitrile, poly(vinyl pyrrolidone), and SBA-15 mesoporous silica. Laser treatment of polymeric solutions to enhance the hydrophilicity and performance of membranes was investigated. The membranes’ structure was characterized using scanning electron (SEM) and atomic force (AFM) microscopy and contact angle measurements. The addition of PAN in the casting solution produced significant changes in the membrane structure, from finger-like porous structures to sponge-like porous structures. Increased PAN concentration in the membrane composition enhanced the hydrophilicity of the membrane surface, which also accounted for the improvement in the antifouling capabilities. The permeation of apple pomace extract and the content of polyphenols and flavonoids were used to evaluate the efficacy of the hybrid membranes created. The results showed that the hybrid nanofiltration membranes based on PPEES/PAN/PVP/SBA-15: 15/5/1/1 and 17/3/1/1 exposed to laser for 5 min present a higher rejection coefficient to total polyphenols (78.6 ± 0.7% and 97.8 ± 0.9%, respectively) and flavonoids (28.7 ± 0.2% and 50.3 ± 0.4%, respectively) and are substantially better than a commercial membrane with MWCO 1000 Da or PPEES-PVP-based membrane.
Kenics Static Mixer Combined with Gas Sparging for the Improvement of Cross-Flow Microfiltration: Modeling and Optimization
Authors: Jokić Aleksandar , Lukić Nataša , Pajčin Ivana , Vlajkov Vanja , Dmitrović Selena , Grahovac Jovana
Published: July 2022

The use of membrane filtration as a downstream process for microbial biomass harvesting is hampered due to the low permeate flux values achieved during the microfiltration of fermentation broths. Several hydrodynamic methods for increasing permeate flux by creating turbulent flow patterns inside the membrane module are used to overcome this problem. The main goal of this study was to investigate the combined use of a Kenics static mixer and gas sparging during cross-flow microfiltration of Bacillus velezensis IP22 cultivation broth. Optimization of the microfiltration process was performed by using the response surface methodology. It was found that the combined use of a static mixer and gas sparging leads to a considerable increase in the permeate flux, up to the optimum steady-state permeate flux value of 183.42 L·m−2·h−1 and specific energy consumption of 0.844 kW·h·m−3. The optimum steady-state permeate flux is almost four times higher, whilst, at the same time, the specific energy consumption is almost three times lower compared to the optimum results achieved using gas sparging alone. The combination of Kenics static mixer and gas sparging during cross-flow microfiltration is a promising technique for the enhancement of steady-state permeate flux with simultaneously decreasing specific energy consumption.
Effect of Compactin on the Mycotoxin Production and Expression of Related Biosynthetic and Regulatory Genes in Toxigenic Fusarium culmorum
Authors: Stakheev Alexander A. , Erokhin Denis V. , Meleshchuk Ekaterina A. , Mikityuk Oleg D. , Statsyuk Natalia V.
Published: July 2022

Zearalenone (ZEN) and deoxynivalenol (DON) are mycotoxins produced by various species of Fusarium fungi. They contaminate agricultural products and negatively influence human and animal health, thus representing a serious problem of the agricultural industry. Earlier we showed that compactin, a secondary metabolite of Penicillium citrinum, is able to completely suppress the aflatoxin B1 biosynthesis by Aspergillus flavus. Using the F. culmorum strain FC-19 able to produce DON and ZEN, we demonstrated that compactin also significantly suppressed both DON (99.3%) and ZEN (100%) biosynthesis. The possible mechanisms of this suppression were elucidated by qPCR-based analysis of expression levels of 48 biosynthetic and regulatory genes. Expression of eight of 13 TRI genes, including TRI4, TRI5, and TRI101, was completely suppressed. A significant down-regulation was revealed for the TRI10, TRI9, and TRI14 genes. TRI15 was the only up-regulated gene from the TRI cluster. In the case of the ZEN cluster, almost complete suppression was observed for PKS4, PKS13, and ZEB1 genes, and the balance between two ZEB2 isoforms was altered. Among regulatory genes, an increased expression of GPA1 and GPA2 genes encoding α- and β-subunits of a G-protein was shown, whereas eight genes were down-regulated. The obtained results suggest that the main pathway for a compactin-related inhibition of the DON and ZEN biosynthesis affects the transcription of genes involved in the G-protein-cAMP-PKA signaling pathway. The revealed gene expression data may provide a better understanding of genetic mechanisms underlying mycotoxin production and its regulation.
Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Fly Ash-Based Geopolymer Cementitious Composites
Authors: Yu Guanglong , Jia Yanmin
Published: July 2022

In this paper, the microstructure, mechanical properties, and preparation of geopolymer were investigated. The effects of the proportion of slag and fly ash, the modulus of water glass, and the water–binder ratio on the microstructure, mechanical properties, and preparation of geopolymer were analyzed. The research content of this paper is as follows: Taking the 7-day and 28-day compressive strength and flexural strength of the geopolymer specimens as the evaluation criteria, considering the proportion of slag and fly ash, the modulus of water glass, and the water–binder ratio, the three factors and five levels are respectively considered for a total of 25 sets of orthogonal experiments. Through the range analysis and variance analysis, the influence of each factor on the mechanical properties was analyzed, and the best mix ratio was obtained. Using scanning electron microscope and X-ray diffraction analysis and other testing methods, the mechanical properties, microstructure, and phase composition of geopolymers under the influence of various factors were studied and analyzed.
Integrated Collaborative Control of “Shielding-Filling-Grouting” of 1 km Deep Large-Section Roadways: A Case Study
Authors: Zhang Wei , Zhang Yandong , Zhu Yanchao , Tang Jiajia , Cheng Longtao , Suo Zhiliang
Published: July 2022

Effective control of deformation failure of surrounding rock in deep roadway has become an important prerequisite for the safe and efficient development of deep coal resources. In this study, the field measurement of the study area’s in-situ stress was carried out for the specific engineering geological conditions of the KCM −967 m level west-wing main track roadway. The west-wing main track roadway’s full-section deformation failure features were summarized and analyzed, and the main roadway’s surrounding rock nonlinear deformation failure mechanism was revealed from the perspective of elastoplastic mechanics. Based on that, a set of highly targeted integrated collaborative control technology of “shielding-filling-grouting” system was proposed. The industrial field test revealed that, after the above integrated collaborative control scheme was adopted, there was no strong deformation failure on the surface of the main roadway surrounding rock and deep rock mass, which played the role of active and passive support collaborative control, reduced the subsequent repeated repair and maintenance workload of the roadway, and satisfied the needs of long-term safe and efficient production of the mine. The results obtained provide a reference for the control of surrounding rock of deep and large-section roadways in other mining areas.
Mid-Infrared Optoelectronic Devices Based on Two-Dimensional Materials beyond Graphene: Status and Trends
Authors: Cao Rui , Fan Sidi , Yin Peng , Ma Chunyang , Zeng Yonghong , Wang Huide , Khan Karim , Wageh Swelm , Al-Ghamd Ahmed A. , Tareen Ayesha Khan , Al-Sehemi Abdullah G. , Shi Zhe , Xiao Jing , Zhang Han
Published: July 2022

Since atomically thin two-dimensional (2D) graphene was successfully synthesized in 2004, it has garnered considerable interest due to its advanced properties. However, the weak optical absorption and zero bandgap strictly limit its further development in optoelectronic applications. In this regard, other 2D materials, including black phosphorus (BP), transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDCs), 2D Te nanoflakes, and so forth, possess advantage properties, such as tunable bandgap, high carrier mobility, ultra-broadband optical absorption, and response, enable 2D materials to hold great potential for next-generation optoelectronic devices, in particular, mid-infrared (MIR) band, which has attracted much attention due to its intensive applications, such as target acquisition, remote sensing, optical communication, and night vision. Motivated by this, this article will focus on the recent progress of semiconducting 2D materials in MIR optoelectronic devices that present a suitable category of 2D materials for light emission devices, modulators, and photodetectors in the MIR band. The challenges encountered and prospects are summarized at the end. We believe that milestone investigations of 2D materials beyond graphene-based MIR optoelectronic devices will emerge soon, and their positive contribution to the nano device commercialization is highly expected.
Fabrication of Nano Iron Oxide–Modified Biochar from Co-Hydrothermal Carbonization of Microalgae and Fe(II) Salt for Efficient Removal of Rhodamine B
Authors: Peng Ziling , Fan Zeyu , Chen Xia , Zhou Xian , Gao Zhuo Fan , Deng Shanshan , Wan Sha , Lv Xingdong , Shi Yan , Han Wei
Published: July 2022

Dye adsorption by magnetic modified biochar has now received growing interest due to its excellent adsorption performance and facile separation for recycling. In this study, nano iron oxide–modified biochar was fabricated via the successive hydrothermal-pyrolyzing method using Chlorella vulgaris (Cv) and FeSO4·7H2O as raw materials, and its adsorption on Rhodamine B (RhB) in aqueous solution was studied. Multiple techniques such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET), vibrating sample magnetometry (VSM) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) were employed to comprehensively characterize the structure, morphology and physicochemical properties of the adsorbent. The as-synthesized nano iron oxide–modified biochar (CBC-Fe(II)) exhibited a large surface area (527.6 m2/g) and high magnetic saturation value (13.7 emu/g) to facilitate magnetic separation. Compared with CBC and CBC-Fe(III), CBC-Fe(II) exhibited superior adsorption ability towards RhB in aqueous solution, with a maximum adsorption capacity of 286.4 mg/g. The adsorption process of RhB onto CBC-Fe(II) was well described by the pseudo-second-order kinetic model and Langmuir isotherm model, indicating monolayer chemisorption behaviors for the adsorption system. Facile preparation, great adsorption performance and magnetic recovery properties endow CBC-Fe(II) to be a promising adsorbent for dye removal.
Heat Transfer Analysis of Nanofluid Flow in a Rotating System with Magnetic Field Using an Intelligent Strength Stochastic-Driven Approach
Authors: Nonlaopon Kamsing , Khan Naveed Ahmad , Sulaiman Muhammad , Alshammari Fahad Sameer , Laouini Ghaylen
Published: July 2022

This paper investigates the heat transfer of two-phase nanofluid flow between horizontal plates in a rotating system with a magnetic field and external forces. The basic continuity and momentum equations are considered to formulate the governing mathematical model of the problem. Furthermore, certain similarity transformations are used to reduce a governing system of non-linear partial differential equations (PDEs) into a non-linear system of ordinary differential equations. Moreover, an efficient stochastic technique based on feed-forward neural networks (FFNNs) with a back-propagated Levenberg–Marquardt (BLM) algorithm is developed to examine the effect of variations in various parameters on velocity, gravitational acceleration, temperature, and concentration profiles of the nanofluid. To validate the accuracy, efficiency, and computational complexity of the FFNN–BLM algorithm, different performance functions are defined based on mean absolute deviations (MAD), error in Nash–Sutcliffe efficiency (ENSE), and Theil’s inequality coefficient (TIC). The approximate solutions achieved by the proposed technique are validated by comparing with the least square method (LSM), machine learning algorithms such as NARX-LM, and numerical solutions by the Runge–Kutta–Fehlberg method (RKFM). The results demonstrate that the mean percentage error in our solutions and values of ENSE, TIC, and MAD is almost zero, showing the design algorithm’s robustness and correctness.
Far-Field and Non-Intrusive Optical Mapping of Nanoscale Structures
Authors: Guan Guorong , Zhang Aiqin , Xie Xiangsheng , Meng Yan , Zhang Weihua , Zhou Jianying , Liang Haowen
Published: July 2022

Far-field high-density optics storage and readout involve the interaction of a sub-100 nm beam profile laser to store and retrieve data with nanostructure media. Hence, understanding the light–matter interaction responding in the far-field in such a small scale is essential for effective optical information processing. We present a theoretical analysis and an experimental study for far-field and non-intrusive optical mapping of nanostructures. By a comprehensive analytical derivation for interaction between the modulated light and the target in a confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) configuration, it is found that the CLSM probes the local density of states (LDOSs) in the far field rather than the sample geometric morphology. With a radially polarized (RP) light for illumination, the far-field mapping of LDOS at the optical resolution down to 74 nm is obtained. In addition, it is experimentally verified that the target morphology is mapped only when the far-field mapping of LDOS coincides with the geometric morphology, while light may be blocked from entering the nanostructures medium with weak or missing LDOS, hence invalidating high-density optical information storage and retrieval. In this scenario, nanosphere gaps as small as 33 nm are clearly observed. We further discuss the characterization for far-field and non-intrusive interaction with nanostructures of different geometric morphology and compare them with those obtainable with the projection of near-field LDOS and scanning electronic microscopic results.
Heterojunctions of rGO/Metal Oxide Nanocomposites as Promising Gas-Sensing Materials—A Review
Authors: Norizan Mohd Nurazzi , Abdullah Norli , Halim Norhana Abdul , Demon Siti Zulaikha Ngah , Mohamad Imran Syakir
Published: July 2022

Monitoring environmental hazards and pollution control is vital for the detection of harmful toxic gases from industrial activities and natural processes in the environment, such as nitrogen dioxide (NO2), ammonia (NH3), hydrogen (H2), hydrogen sulfide (H2S), carbon dioxide (CO2), and sulfur dioxide (SO2). This is to ensure the preservation of public health and promote workplace safety. Graphene and its derivatives, especially reduced graphene oxide (rGO), have been designated as ideal materials in gas-sensing devices as their electronic properties highly influence the potential to adsorb specified toxic gas molecules. Despite its exceptional sensitivity at low gas concentrations, the sensor selectivity of pristine graphene is relatively weak, which limits its utility in many practical gas sensor applications. In view of this, the hybridization technique through heterojunction configurations of rGO with metal oxides has been explored, which showed promising improvement and a synergistic effect on the gas-sensing capacity, particularly at room temperature sensitivity and selectivity, even at low concentrations of the target gas. The unique features of graphene as a preferential gas sensor material are first highlighted, followed by a brief discussion on the basic working mechanism, fabrication, and performance of hybridized rGO/metal oxide-based gas sensors for various toxic gases, including NO2, NH3, H2, H2S, CO2, and SO2. The challenges and prospects of the graphene/metal oxide-based based gas sensors are presented at the end of the review.
Facile Synthesis of Monodispersed Titanium Nitride Quantum Dots for Harmonic Mode-Locking Generation in an Ultrafast Fiber Laser
Authors: Yang Ya-Tao , Wu Han-Wei , Zou Yuan , Fang Xue-Yang , Li Shuang , Song Yu-Feng , Wang Zhen-Hong , Zhang Bin
Published: July 2022

As a member of the transition metal nitride material family, titanium nitride (TiN) quantum dots (QDs) have attracted great attention in optical and electronic fields because of their excellent optoelectronic properties and favorable stability. Herein, TiN QDs were synthesized and served as a saturable absorber (SA) for an ultrafast fiber laser. Due to the strong nonlinear optical absorption characteristics with a modulation depth of ~33%, the typical fundamental mode-locked pulses and harmonics mode-locked pulses can be easily obtained in an ultrafast erbium-doped fiber laser with a TiN-QD SA. In addition, at the maximum pump power, harmonic mode-locked pulses with a repetition rate of ~1 GHz (164th order) and a pulse duration of ~1.45 ps are achieved. As far as we know, the repetition rate is the highest in the ultrafast fiber laser using TiN QDs as an SA. Thus, these experimental results indicate that TiN QDs can be considered a promising material, showing more potential in the category of ultrafast laser and nonlinear optics.
Cu Nanoparticles Modified Step-Scheme Cu2O/WO3 Heterojunction Nanoflakes for Visible-Light-Driven Conversion of CO2 to CH4
Authors: Shi Weina , Wang Ji-Chao , Chen Aimin , Xu Xin , Wang Shuai , Li Renlong , Zhang Wanqing , Hou Yuxia
Published: July 2022

In this study, Cu and Cu2O hybrid nanoparticles were synthesized onto the WO3 nanoflake film using a one-step electrodeposition method. The critical advance is the use of a heterojunction consisting of WO3 flakes and Cu2O as an innovative stack design, thereby achieving excellent performance for CO2 photoreduction with water vapor under visible light irradiation. Notably, with the modified Cu nanoparticles, the selectivity of CH4 increased from nearly 0% to 96.7%, while that of CO fell down from 94.5% to 0%. The yields of CH4, H2 and O2 reached 2.43, 0.32 and 3.45 mmol/gcat after 24 h of visible light irradiation, respectively. The boosted photocatalytic performance primarily originated from effective charge-transfer in the heterojunction and acceleration of electron-proton transfer in the presence of Cu nanoparticles. The S-scheme charge transfer mode was further proposed by the in situ-XPS measurement. In this regard, the heterojunction construction showed great significance in the design of efficient catalysts for CO2 photoreduction application.
Synthesis and Characterization of Tetracycline Loaded Methionine-Coated NiFe2O4 Nanoparticles for Anticancer and Antibacterial Applications
Authors: Yeganeh Faten Eshrati , Yeganeh Amir Eshrati , Far Bahareh Farasati , Mansouri Afsoun , Sibuh Belay Zeleke , Krishnan Saravanan , Pandit Soumya , Alsanie Walaa F. , Thakur Vijay Kumar , Gupta Piyush Kumar
Published: July 2022

In the present study, nickel ferrite (NiFe2O4)-based smart magnetic nanoparticles were fabricated and coated with methionine. Physiochemical characterization of the obtained Met-NiFe2O4 nanoparticles revealed the presence of methionine coating over the nanoparticle surface. Drug release study indicated that Tet-Met-NiFe2O4 nanoparticles possess pH-responsive controlled drug release behavior for tetracycline (Tet). The drug loading content for Tet was found to be 0.27 mg/L of nanoparticles. In vitro cytotoxicity test showed that the Met-NiFe2O4 nanoparticles is biocompatible. Moreover, this magnetic nanostructured material shown strong anticancer property as these nanomaterials significantly reduced the viability of A375 cells when compared to free Tet solution. In addition, Tet-Met-NiFe2O4 nanoparticles also showed strong antibacterial activity against different bacterial pathogens.
Tribological Properties and Lubrication Mechanism of Nickel Nanoparticles as an Additive in Lithium Grease
Authors: Wang Jiabei , Zhang Hong , Hu Wenjing , Li Jiusheng
Published: July 2022

Nanomaterials exhibit intriguing tribological performance and have received particular attention in the lubrication field. However, little research has been found that surveyed the application of nanometer Ni in lithium grease. In this study, nanometer Ni with an average size of 100 nm was synthesized by the direct reduction method and dispersed in lithium grease. The feasibility of nanometer Ni as a grease additive in different lubrication scenarios was evaluated by a four-ball friction tester and a TE77 reciprocating friction tester. The lubrication mechanism was analyzed based on the evaluated physical properties of lithium grease and the characterization of the wear surface. The tribology test results showed the tribological properties of lithium grease were enhanced after introducing nanometer Ni. When the dosage was 0.2 wt%, the friction-reducing and anti-wear properties of point-to-point contact increased by 34.8% and 35.2%, respectively, while those of the point-to-flat contact increased by 28.8% and 38.7%, respectively. Our work not only provides theoretical guidance and practical reference for the utilization of nanometer Ni in grease, but also explains several possible lubrication mechanisms of nanomaterials in grease.
Nicotinamide Riboside and Dihydronicotinic Acid Riboside Synergistically Increase Intracellular NAD+ by Generating Dihydronicotinamide Riboside
Authors: Ciarlo Eleonora , Joffraud Magali , Hayat Faisal , Giner Maria Pilar , Giroud-Gerbetant Judith , Sanchez-Garcia Jose Luis , Rumpler Marie , Moco Sofia , Migaud Marie E. , Cantó Carles
Published: July 2022

Through evolution, eukaryote organisms have developed the ability to use different molecules as independent precursors to generate nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+), an essential molecule for life. However, whether these different precursors act in an additive or complementary manner is not truly well understood. Here, we have evaluated how combinations of different NAD+ precursors influence intracellular NAD+ levels. We identified dihydronicotinic acid riboside (NARH) as a new NAD+ precursor in hepatic cells. Second, we demonstrate how NARH, but not any other NAD+ precursor, can act synergistically with nicotinamide riboside (NR) to increase NAD+ levels in cultured cells and in mice. Finally, we demonstrate that the large increase in NAD+ prompted by the combination of these two precursors is due to their chemical interaction and conversion to dihydronicotinamide riboside (NRH). Altogether, this work demonstrates for the first time that NARH can act as a NAD+ precursor in mammalian cells and how different NAD+ precursors can interact and influence each other when co-administered.
SNAP and Cardiometabolic Risk in Youth
Authors: Alfaro-Hudak Katelin M. , Schulkind Lisa , Racine Elizabeth F. , Zillante Arthur
Published: July 2022

Increasing numbers of children and adolescents have unhealthy cardiometabolic risk factors and show signs of developing metabolic syndrome (MetS). Low-income populations tend to have higher levels of risk factors associated with MetS. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) has the potential to reduce poverty and food insecurity, but little is known about how the program affects MetS. We examine the relationship between SNAP and the cardiometabolic risk factors in children and adolescents using regression discontinuity to control for unobserved differences between participants and nonparticipants. We find that SNAP-eligible youth who experience food insecurity have significantly healthier outcomes compared to food-insecure youth just over the income-eligibility threshold. Our findings suggest that SNAP may be most beneficial to the most disadvantaged households. Policy makers should consider the broad range of potential health benefits of SNAP.
An Ecological Validity Model for the Prevention of Obesity: Non-Nutritive Sweetener Consumption in Rats and the Effects of Switching from Sugar-Sweetened to Diet Beverages
Authors: Morahan Heidi , Rooney Kieron
Published: July 2022

Reducing consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) has been encouraged due to its strong association with obesity. In parallel, consumption of “diet” or non-nutritive sweetened (NNS) beverages has significantly increased. This has led to burgeoning numbers of animal studies investigating metabolic consequences of NNS beverage consumption. However, most animal study designs do not reflect the way humans consume NNS drinks, thus reducing translational capacity. The present experiment aimed to find an ecologically valid model of NNS consumption and evidence of metabolic recovery following a switch from sucrose to NNS in female and male Sprague Dawley rats. The main behavioural outcome was consumption of commercially available NNS beverages during preference and acceptance testing, with changes to consumption following chronic sucrose consumption as a secondary outcome. The main metabolic outcome was retroperitoneal fat pad mass at culling, with body weight gain and fasting blood glucose levels (FBGLs) as secondary outcomes. In a two-phase experiment, behavioural tests were performed before and after 4 weeks of ad libitum access to 10% w/v sucrose. During Phase 2, the rats were given ad libitum access to assigned commercial NNS drinks for a further 4 weeks, with controls provided access to water only. FBGLs were measured at the end of Phases 1 and 2. Female and male rats accepted commercially available NNS beverages, although the volumes consumed varied considerably. Following the switch from sucrose to NNS (containing no sucrose), no group difference was observed in retroperitoneal fat mass, body weight change or FBGLs, suggesting both sexes exhibited limited metabolic recovery. These findings demonstrate that an ecologically valid model for NNS consumption can be developed for some commercially available NNS beverages to further enhance translational capacity.
Comment on Mitteregger et al. A Variant Carbapenem Inactivation Method (CIM) for Acinetobacter baumannii Group with Shortened Time-to-Result: rCIM-A. Pathogens 2022, 11, 482
Authors: Muntean Andrei-Alexandru , Muntean Madalina-Maria , Oueslati Saoussen , Bonnin Remy , Naas Thierry , Popa Mircea Ioan
Published: July 2022

We have read the article published by Mitteregger et al. [...]
Identification of Glaesserella parasuis and Differentiation of Its 15 Serovars Using High-Resolution Melting Assays
Authors: Scherrer Simone , Rademacher Fenja , Stephan Roger , Peterhans Sophie
Published: July 2022

Glaesserella parasuis is the etiological agent of Glässer’s disease, which is associated with polyserositis and arthritis and has a significant impact on the economy of the pig production industry. For the optimal surveillance of this pathogen, as well as for the investigation of G. parasuis-associated diseases, it is crucial to identify G. parasuis at the serovar level. In this work, we designed and developed new high-resolution melting (HRM) approaches, namely, the species-specific GPS-HRM1 and two serovar-specific HRM assays (GPS-HRM2 and GPS-HRM3), and evaluated the sensitivity and specificity of the assays. The HRM assays demonstrated good sensitivity, with 12.5 fg–1.25 pg of input DNA for GPS-HRM1 and 125 fg–12.5 pg for GPS-HRM2 and GPS-HRM3, as well as a specificity of 100% for the identification of all recognized 15 G. parasuis serovars. Eighteen clinical isolates obtained between 2014 and 2022 in Switzerland were tested by applying the developed HRM assays, which revealed a heterogeneous distribution of serovars 2, 7, 4, 13, 1, and 14. The combination with virulence marker vtaA (virulence-associated trimeric autotransporters) allows for the prediction of potentially virulent strains. The assays are simple to execute and enable a reliable low-cost approach, thereby refining currently available diagnostic tools.
The Influence of Oncogenic Viruses in Renal Carcinogenesis: Pros and Cons
Authors: Manole Bianca , Damian Costin , Giusca Simona-Eliza , Caruntu Irina Draga , Porumb-Andrese Elena , Lunca Catalina , Dorneanu Olivia Simona , Iancu Luminita Smaranda , Ursu Ramona Gabriela
Published: July 2022

Viral infections are major contributors to the global cancer burden. Recent advances have revealed that known oncogenic viruses promote carcinogenesis through shared host cell targets and pathways. The aim of this review is to point out the connection between several oncogenic viruses from the Polyomaviridae, Herpesviridae and Flaviviridae families and renal carcinogenesis, highlighting their involvement in the carcinogenic mechanism. We performed a systematic search of the PubMed and EMBASE databases, which was carried out for all the published studies on RCC in the last 10 years, using the following search algorithm: renal cell carcinoma (RCC) and urothelial carcinoma, and oncogenic viruses (BKPyV, EBV, HCV, HPV and Kaposi Sarcoma Virus), RCC and biomarkers, immunohistochemistry (IHC). Our analysis included studies that were published in English from the 1st of January 2012 to the 1st of May 2022 and that described and analyzed the assays used for the detection of oncogenic viruses in RCC and urothelial carcinoma. The virus most frequently associated with RCC was BKPyV. This review of the literature will help to understand the pathogenic mechanism of the main type of renal malignancy and whether the viral etiology can be confirmed, at a minimum, as a co-factor. In consequence, these data can contribute to the development of new therapeutic strategies. A virus-induced tumor could be efficiently prevented by vaccination or treatment with oncolytic viral therapy and/or by targeted therapy.
Full Genome Characterization of Respiratory Syncytial Virus Causing a Fatal Infection in an Immunocompromised Patient in Tunisia
Authors: Curini Valentina , Marcacci Maurilia , Abid Salma , Ouederni Monia , ElMoussi Awatef , Charaa Latifa , Achour Wafa , Ouhichi Ramzi , Maazaoui Latifa , Di Pasquale Adriano , ElGhord Hakim , Gzara Ahlem , Ripani Alessandro , Di Giallonardo Francesca , Cammà Cesare , Lorusso Alessio , Boubaker Ilhem Boutiba-Ben
Published: July 2022

Human orthopneumovirus (HRSV) is a virus belonging to the Pneumovirus genus that causes lower respiratory tract infections (LRTI) in infants worldwide. In Tunisia, thousands of infants hospitalized for LRTI are found to be positive for HRSV but no whole genome sequences of HRSV strains circulating in this country are available thus far. In this study, five nasal swab samples collected at different time points from a three-month-old female baby with severe immunodeficiency that was hospitalized for acute bronchiolitis were investigated by next generation sequencing. The Tunisian sequences from this study originated from samples collected in 2021, belong to the ON1 genotype of HRSV-A, and are clustered with European sequences from 2019 and not from 2020 or 2021. This is most likely related to local region-specific transmission of different HRSV-A variants due to the COVID-19 related travel restrictions. Overall, this is the first report describing the whole genome sequence of HRSV from Tunisia. However, more sequence data is needed to better understand the genetic diversity and transmission dynamic of HRSV.
Screening for Schistosoma spp. and Leishmania spp. DNA in Serum of Ghanaian Patients with Acquired Immunodeficiency
Authors: Weinreich Franziska , Weinreich Felix , Hahn Andreas , Hagen Ralf Matthias , Rohde Holger , Sarfo Fred Stephen , Feldt Torsten , Dompreh Albert , Asibey Shadrack Osei , Boateng Richard , Frickmann Hagen , Eberhardt Kirsten Alexandra
Published: July 2022

Both Schistosoma spp. (species) and Leishmania spp. are prevalent in Ghana in West Africa. However, little is known about their local occurrence in immunocompromised individuals. In the study presented here, the real-time PCR-(polymerase chain reaction-)based screening for repetitive DNA (deoxyribonucleotide acid) sequences from the genomes of Leishmania (L.) spp. and Schistosoma (S.) spp. was performed in the serum of HIV-(human immunodeficiency virus-)infected Ghanaian patients. In 1083 assessed serum samples from HIV-positive and HIV-negative Ghanian patients, Leishmania spp.-specific DNA was not detected, while the diagnostic accuracy-adjusted prevalence estimation suggested a 3.6% prevalence of the S. mansoni complex and a 0.5% prevalence of the S. haematobium complex. Associations of schistosomiasis with younger age, as well as with the male sex, could be shown but not with an HIV status. Weakly significant signals for the associations of schistosomiasis with an increased viral load, reduced CD4+ (CD = cluster of differentiation) T cell count, and a reduced CD4+/CD8+ ratio could be observed but was inconsistently lost in the case of the stratification on the species complex level. So, it is concluded that factors other than HIV status are more likely to have influenced the occurrence of Schistosoma spp. infections in the assessed Ghanaian patients. Potential associations between HIV infection-associated factors, such as the viral load and the immune status of the patients, for which weak signals were observed in this hypothesis-forming retrospective assessment, should be confirmed by prospective, sufficiently powered investigations.
Stable Episomal Transfectant Leishmania infantum Promastigotes Over-Expressing the DEVH1 RNA Helicase Gene Down-Regulate Parasite Survival Genes
Authors: Alonso Ana , Larraga Jaime , Loayza Francisco Javier , Martínez Enrique , Valladares Basilio , Larraga Vicente , Alcolea Pedro José
Published: July 2022

The compartmentalization of untranslated mRNA molecules in granules occurring in many eukaryotic organisms including trypanosomatids involves the formation of complexes between mRNA molecules and RNA-binding proteins (RBPs). The putative ATP-dependent DEAD/H RNA helicase (DEVH1) from Leishmania infantum (Kinetoplastida: Trypanosomatidae) is one such proteins. The objective of this research is finding differentially expressed genes in a stable episomal transfectant L. infantum promastigote line over-expressing DEVH1 in the stationary phase of growth in axenic culture to get insight into the biological roles of this RNA helicase in the parasite. Interestingly, genes related to parasite survival and virulence factors, such as the hydrophilic surface protein/small hydrophilic endoplasmic reticulum protein (HASP/SHERP) gene cluster, an amastin, and genes related to reactive oxygen species detoxification are down-regulated in DEVH1 transfectant promastigotes.
Patterns of Genetic Diversity among Alphasatellites Infecting Gossypium Species
Authors: Mubin Muhammad , Shabbir Arzoo , Nahid Nazia , Liaqat Iram , Hassan Muhammad , Aljarba Nada H. , Qahtani Ahmed Al , Fauquet Claude M. , Ye Jian , Nawaz-ul-Rehman Muhammad Shah
Published: July 2022

Alphasatellites are small single-stranded circular DNA molecules associated with geminiviruses and nanoviruses. In this study, a meta-analysis of known alphasatellites isolated from the genus Gossypium (cotton) over the last two decades was performed. The phylogenetic and pairwise sequence identity analysis suggested that cotton-infecting begomoviruses were associated with at least 12 different alphasatellites globally. Three out of twelve alphasatellite were associated with cotton leaf curl geminiviruses but were not isolated from cotton plants. The cotton leaf curl Multan alphasatellite, which was initially isolated from cotton, has now been reported in several plant species, including monocot plants such as sugarcane. Our recombination analysis suggested that four alphasatellites, namely cotton leaf curl Lucknow alphasatellites, cotton leaf curl Multan alphasatellites, Ageratum yellow vein Indian alphasatellites and Ageratum enation alphasatellites, evolved through recombination. Additionally, high genetic variability was detected among the cotton-infecting alphasatellites at the genome level. The nucleotide substitution rate for the replication protein of alphasatellites (alpha-Rep) was estimated to be relatively high (~1.56 × 10−3). However, unlike other begomoviruses and satellites, the first codon position of alpha-Rep rapidly changed compared to the second and third codon positions. This study highlights the biodiversity and recombination of alphasatellites associated with the leaf curl diseases of cotton crops.
Synergistic Antitumoral Effect of Epigenetic Inhibitors and Gemcitabine in Pancreatic Cancer Cells
Authors: Maietta Immacolata , Martínez-Pérez Amparo , Álvarez Rosana , De Lera Ángel R. , González-Fernández África , Simón-Vázquez Rosana
Published: July 2022

Epigenetic modifications could drive some of the molecular events implicated in proliferation, drug resistance and metastasis of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Thus, epigenetic enzyme inhibitors could be the key to revert those events and transform PDAC into a drug-sensitive tumor. We performed a systematic study with five different epigenetic enzyme inhibitors (1, UVI5008, MS275, psammaplin A, and BIX01294) targeting either Histone Deacetylase (HDAC) 1 or 1/4, DNA methyltransferase 3a (DNMT3a), Euchromatic histone lysine methyltransferase 2 (EHMT2), or Sirtuin 1 (SIRT1), as well as one drug that restores the p53 function (P53R3), in three different human PDAC cell lines (SKPC-1, MIA PaCa-2, and BxPC-3) using 2D and 3D cell cultures. The synergistic effect of these antitumoral drugs with gemcitabine was tested and the most efficient combinations were characterized by RNA-seq. The inhibition of HDAC1/4 (MS275), HDAC1/4/SIRT1/DNMT3a (UVI5008) or EHMT2 (BIX01294) induced a significant reduction on the cell viability, even in gemcitabine-resistance cells. The combination of UVI5008 or MS275 with gemcitabine induced a synergistic effect at low concentration and the RNA-Seq analysis revealed some synergy candidate genes as potential biomarkers. Reverting aberrant epigenetic modifications in combination with gemcitabine offers an alternative treatment for PDAC patients, with an important reduction of the therapeutic dose.