We report an important observation that the surface conductivity of antibody layer immobilized on polylysine-coated glass substrate decreases upon the formation of complex with their specific antigens. This change in ...We report an important observation that the surface conductivity of antibody layer immobilized on polylysine-coated glass substrate decreases upon the formation of complex with their specific antigens. This change in conductivity has been observed for both monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies. The conductance of monoclonal mouse 1gG immobilized on polylysine-coated glass substrate changed from 1.02×10^-8 Ω^-1 to 1.41×10^-11 Ω^-1 at 10 V when complex is formed due to the specific biomolecular interactions with rabbit anti-mouse 1gG F（ab′）2. Similar behavior was observed when the same set up was tested in two clinical assays： （1） anti-Leishmania antigen polyclonal antibodies taken from Kala Azar positive patient serum interacting with Leishmania promastigote antigen, and （2） anti-p21 polyclonal antibodies interacting with p21 antigen. The proposed concept can represent a new immunodiagnostic technique and may have wide ranging applications in biosensors and nanobiotechnology too.展开更多
Obese individuals who subsequently sustain a traumatic brain injury(TBI)exhibit worsened outcomes including longer periods of rehabilitation(Eagle et al.,2023).In obese individuals,prolonged symptomology is associated...Obese individuals who subsequently sustain a traumatic brain injury(TBI)exhibit worsened outcomes including longer periods of rehabilitation(Eagle et al.,2023).In obese individuals,prolonged symptomology is associated with increased levels of circulato ry pro-inflammatory marke rs up to 1 year postTBI(Eagle et al.,2023).展开更多
Aging,mitochondria,and neurodegenerative diseases:Aging is often viewed as the buildup of changes that lead to the gradual transformations associated with getting older,along with a rising likelihood of disease and mo...Aging,mitochondria,and neurodegenerative diseases:Aging is often viewed as the buildup of changes that lead to the gradual transformations associated with getting older,along with a rising likelihood of disease and mortality.Although organis m-wide deterioration is observed during aging,organs with high metabolic demand,such as the brain,are more vulnerable.展开更多
To enhance the electrochemical performance of lithium-ion battery anodes with higher silicon content,it is essential to engineer their microstructure for better lithium-ion transport and mitigated volume change as wel...To enhance the electrochemical performance of lithium-ion battery anodes with higher silicon content,it is essential to engineer their microstructure for better lithium-ion transport and mitigated volume change as well.Herein,we suggest an effective approach to control the micropore structure of silicon oxide(SiO_(x))/artificial graphite(AG)composite electrodes using a perforated current collector.The electrode features a unique pore structure,where alternating high-porosity domains and low-porosity domains markedly reduce overall electrode resistance,leading to a 20%improvement in rate capability at a 5C-rate discharge condition.Using microstructure-resolved modeling and simulations,we demonstrate that the patterned micropore structure enhances lithium-ion transport,mitigating the electrolyte concentration gradient of lithium-ion.Additionally,perforating current collector with a chemical etching process increases the number of hydrogen bonding sites and enlarges the interface with the SiO_(x)/AG composite electrode,significantly improving adhesion strength.This,in turn,suppresses mechanical degradation and leads to a 50%higher capacity retention.Thus,regularly arranged micropore structure enabled by the perforated current collector successfully improves both rate capability and cycle life in SiO_(x)/AG composite electrodes,providing valuable insights into electrode engineering.展开更多
The development of cancer cell resistance to conventional treatments continues to be a major obstacle in the successful treatment of tumors of many types.The discovery of a highly efficient direct and indirect free ra...The development of cancer cell resistance to conventional treatments continues to be a major obstacle in the successful treatment of tumors of many types.The discovery of a highly efficient direct and indirect free radical scavenger,melatonin,in the mitochondrial matrix may be a factor in determining both the occurrence of cancer cell drug insensitivity as well as radioresistance.This relates to two of the known hallmarks of cancer,i.e.,exaggerated free radical generation in the mitochondria and the development ofWarburg type metabolism(glycolysis).The hypothesis elaborated in this report assumes that the high oxidative environment in the mitochondria contributes to a depression of local melatonin levels because of its overuse in neutralizing the massive amount of free radial produced.Moreover,Warburg typemetabolism and chemoresistance are functionally linked and supplementalmelatonin has been shown to reverse glycolysis and convert glucose processing to the type that occurs in normal cells.Since thismetabolic type is a key factor in determining chemoresistance,melatonin would predictably also negate cancer drug insensitivity.The possible mechanisms by which melatonin may interfere either directly or indirectly with drug resistance are summarized in the current review.展开更多
For environmental applications,it is crucial to rationally design and synthesize photocatalysts with positive exciton splitting and interfacial charge transfer.Here,a novel Agbridged dual Z-scheme Ag/g-C_(3)N_(4)/CoNi...For environmental applications,it is crucial to rationally design and synthesize photocatalysts with positive exciton splitting and interfacial charge transfer.Here,a novel Agbridged dual Z-scheme Ag/g-C_(3)N_(4)/CoNi-LDH plasmonic heterojunction was successfully synthesized using a simple method,with the goal of overcoming the common drawbacks of traditional photocatalysts such as weak photoresponsivity,rapid combination of photogenerated carriers,and unstable structure.These materials were characterized by XRD,FT-IR,SEM,TEM UV-Vis/DRS,and XPS to verify the structure and stability of the heterostructure.The pristine LDH,g-C_(3)N_(4),and Ag/g-C_(3)N_(4)/CoNi-LDH composite were investigated as photocatalysts for water remediation,an environmentally motivated process.Specifically,the photocatalytic degradation of tetracycline was studied as a model reaction.The performance of the supports and composite catalyst were determined by evaluating both the degradation and adsorption phenomenon.The influence of several experimental parameters such as catalyst loading,pH,and tetracycline concentrationwere evaluated.The current study provides important data for water treatment and similar environmental protection applications.展开更多
PrPSc,a misfolded,aggregation-prone isoform of the cellular prion protein(PrPC),is the infectious prion agent responsible for fatal neurodegenerative diseases of humans and other mammals.PrPSccan adopt different patho...PrPSc,a misfolded,aggregation-prone isoform of the cellular prion protein(PrPC),is the infectious prion agent responsible for fatal neurodegenerative diseases of humans and other mammals.PrPSccan adopt different pathogenic conformations(prion strains),which can be resistant to potential drugs,or acquire drug resistance,posing challenges for the development of effective therapies.Since PrPCis the obligate precursor of any prion strain and serves as the mediator of prion neurotoxicity,it represents an attractive therapeutic target fo r prion diseases.In this minireview,we briefly outline the approaches to target PrPCand discuss our recent identification of Zn(Ⅱ)-Bn PyP,a PrPC-targeting porphyrin with an unprecedented bimodal mechanism of action.We argue that in-depth understanding of the molecular mechanism by which Zn(Ⅱ)-Bn PyP targets PrPCmay lead toward the development of a new class of dual mechanism anti-prion compounds.展开更多
Recently,hollow carbon nanospheres(HCSs)have garnered significant attention as potential Li metal hosts owing to their unique large voids and ease of fabrication.However,similar to other nanoscale hosts,their practica...Recently,hollow carbon nanospheres(HCSs)have garnered significant attention as potential Li metal hosts owing to their unique large voids and ease of fabrication.However,similar to other nanoscale hosts,their practical performance is limited by inhomogeneous agglomeration,increased binder requirements,and high tortuosity within the electrode.To overcome these problems and high tortuosity within the electrode,this study introduces a pomegranate-like carbon microcluster composed of primary HCSs(P-CMs)as a novel Li metal host.This unique nanostructure can be easily prepared using the spray-drying technique,enabling its mass production.Comprehensive analyses with various tools demonstrate that compared with HCS hosts,the P-CM host requires a smaller amount of binder to fabricate a sufficiently robust and even surface electrode.Furthermore,owing to reduced tortuosity,the well-designed P-CM electrode can provide continuous and shortened pathways for electron/ion transport,accelerating the Li-ion transfer kinetics and prohibiting preferential Li plating at the upper region of the electrode.Due to these characteristics,Li metal can be effectively encapsulated in the large inner voids of the primary HCSs constituting the P-CM,thereby enhancing the electrochemical performance of P-CM hosts in Li metal batteries.Specifically,the Coulombic efficiency of the P-CM host can be maintained at 97%over 100 cycles,with a high Li deposition areal capacity of 3 mAh·cm^(-2)and long cycle life(1000 h,1 mA·cm^(-2),and 1.0 mAh·cm^(-2)).Furthermore,a full cell incorporating a LiFePO4 cathode exhibits excellent cycle life.展开更多
Ammonia is the cornerstone of modern agriculture,providing a critical nitrogen source for global food production and serving as a key raw material for numerous industrial chemicals.Electrocatalytic nitrate reduction,a...Ammonia is the cornerstone of modern agriculture,providing a critical nitrogen source for global food production and serving as a key raw material for numerous industrial chemicals.Electrocatalytic nitrate reduction,as an environmentally friendly method for synthesizing ammonia,not only mitigates the reliance on current ammonia synthesis processes fed by traditional fossil fuels but also effectively reduces nitrate pollution resulting from agricultural and industrial activities.This review explores the fundamental principles of electrocata lytic nitrate reduction,focusing on the key steps of electron transfer and ammonia formation.Additionally,it summarizes the critical factors influencing the performance and selectivity of the reaction,including the properties of the electrolyte,operating voltage,electrode materials,and design of the electrolytic cell.Further discussion of recent advances in electrocatalysts,including pure metal catalysts,metal oxide catalysts,non-metallic catalysts,and composite catalysts,highlights their significant roles in enhancing both the efficiency and selectivity of electrocata lytic nitrate to ammonia(NRA)reactions.Critical challenges for the industrial NRA trials and further outlooks are outlined to propel this strategy toward real-world applications.Overall,the review provides an in-depth overview and comprehensive understanding of electrocata lytic NRA technology,thereby promoting further advancements and innovations in this domain.展开更多
K–Se batteries have been identified as promising energy storage systems owing to their high energy density and cost-effectiveness.However,challenges such as substantial volume changes and low Se utilization require f...K–Se batteries have been identified as promising energy storage systems owing to their high energy density and cost-effectiveness.However,challenges such as substantial volume changes and low Se utilization require further investigation.In this study,novel N-doped multichannel carbon nanofibers(h-NMCNFs)with hierarchical porous structures were successfully synthesized as efficient cathode hosts for K–Se batteries through the carbonization of two electrospun immiscible polymer nanofibers and subsequent chemical activation.Mesopores originated from the decomposition of the polymer embedded in the carbon nanofibers,and micropores were introduced via KOH activation.During the activation step,hierarchical porous carbon nanofibers with enhanced pore volumes were formed because of the micropores in the carbon nanofibers.Owing to the mesopores that enabled easy access to the electrolyte and the high utilization of chain-like Se within the micropores,the Se-loaded hierarchical porous carbon nanofibers(60 wt%Se)exhibited a high discharge capacity and excellent rate performance.The discharge capacity of the nanofibers at the 1,000th cycle was 210.8 mA.h.g^(-1)at a current density of 0.5C.The capacity retention after the initial activation was 64%.In addition,a discharge capacity of 165 mA.h.g^(-1)was obtained at an extremely high current density of 3.0C.展开更多
Over the last two decades,the dogma that cell fate is immutable has been increasingly challenged,with important implications for regenerative medicine.The brea kth rough discovery that induced pluripotent stem cells c...Over the last two decades,the dogma that cell fate is immutable has been increasingly challenged,with important implications for regenerative medicine.The brea kth rough discovery that induced pluripotent stem cells could be generated from adult mouse fibroblasts is powerful proof that cell fate can be changed.An exciting extension of the discovery of cell fate impermanence is the direct cellular reprogram ming hypothesis-that terminally differentiated cells can be reprogrammed into other adult cell fates without first passing through a stem cell state.展开更多
Water often presents significant challenges in catalysts by deactivating active sites,poisoning the reaction,and even degrading composite structure.These challenges are amplified when the water participates as a react...Water often presents significant challenges in catalysts by deactivating active sites,poisoning the reaction,and even degrading composite structure.These challenges are amplified when the water participates as a reactant and is fed as a liquid phase,such as trickle bed-type reactors in a hydrogen-water isotope exchange(HIE)reaction.The key balance in such multiphase reactions is the precise control of catalyst design to repel bulk liquid water while diffusing water vapor.Herein,a platinum-incorporated metal-organic framework(MIL-101)based bifunctional hydrophobic catalyst functionalized with long alkyl chains(C_(12),dodecylamine)and further manufactured with poly(vinylidene fluoride),Pt@MIL-101-12/PVDF,has been developed which can show dramatically improved catalytic activity under multi-phase reactions involving hydrogen gas and liquid water.Pt@MIL-101-12/PVDF demonstrates enhanced macroscopic water-blocking properties,with a notable reduction of over 65%in water adsorption capacity and newly introduced liquid water repellency.while exhibiting a negligible increase in mass transfer resistance,i.e.,bifunctional hydrophobicity.Excellent catalytic activity,evaluated via HIE reaction,and its durability underscore the impact of bifunctional hydrophobicity.In situ DRIFTS analysis elucidates water adsorption/desorption dynamics within the catalyst composite,highlighting reinforced water diffusion at the microscopic level,affirming the catalyst's bifunctionality in different length scales.With demonstrated radiation resistance,Pt@MIL-101-12/PVDF emerges as a promising candidate for isotope exchange reactions.展开更多
Objective:To assess the effects of turmeric extract and its compounds on oxidative stress,inflammation,and apoptosis in acetaminophen-induced liver injury.Methods:HepG2 cells were administered with acetaminophen(40 mM...Objective:To assess the effects of turmeric extract and its compounds on oxidative stress,inflammation,and apoptosis in acetaminophen-induced liver injury.Methods:HepG2 cells were administered with acetaminophen(40 mM)to induce hepatotoxicity,followed by treatment with turmeric extract and its isolated compounds including curcumin,demethoxycurcumin,bis-demethoxycurcumin and ar-turmerone at 5,25,and 125μg/mL.IL-1β,IL-6,and IL-10 levels were quantified with ELISA kits.Further,qRT-PCR was used to analyze the mRNA expression of JNK,Casp-9,and Casp-3.Meanwhile,the levels of nitric oxide and lactate dehydrogenase were analyzed using colorimetric assay.Results:Acetaminophen administration caused an increase in the levels of lactate dehydrogenase,nitric oxide,IL-1β,IL-6,and the mRNA expression of JNK,Casp-9,and Casp-3 in HepG2 cells while reducing IL-10 levels.Treatment with turmeric extract,curcumin,demethoxycurcumin,bis-demethoxycurcumin,and ar-turmerone lowered IL-1β,IL-6,nitric oxide,and lactate dehydrogenase levels,downregulated the mRNA expression of JNK,Casp-9,and Casp-3,and increased IL-10 levels.Conclusions:Turmeric extract and its compounds have significant hepatoprotective activity and could be further explored for the treatment of liver damage.展开更多
The CH_(4) is a greenhouse gas with a global warming potential(GWP)21 times greater than CO_(2).The catalytic decomposition of CH_(4)(CDM)is a climate-friendly,CO_(2)-free process that produces only green H_(2) and ca...The CH_(4) is a greenhouse gas with a global warming potential(GWP)21 times greater than CO_(2).The catalytic decomposition of CH_(4)(CDM)is a climate-friendly,CO_(2)-free process that produces only green H_(2) and carbon nanomaterials such as carbon nanotubes.The CDM to green H_(2) over PM(1wt%)-Ni(20wt%)/MCM-41(PM=Pd,Pt,and Rh)catalysts was investigated using a packed-bed flow reactor(PBFR)under atmospheric pressure.The catalysts were characterized through XPS and XRD.XRD analysis revealed that NiPd crystallites were formed owing to appropriate interactions between Ni^(2+)and Pd^(2+).XPS analysis revealed that adding of 1 wt% of Pd to Ni(20wt%)/MCM-41 increased the Ni2p atomic percentage of Pd(1wt%)-Ni(20wt%)/MCM-41 from 2.77% to 4.27%,and decreased that of O1s the from 68.59% to 66.92%.The core electron levels,such as Ni2p,O1s,and Si2p in fresh Pd(1)-Ni(20)/MCM had a slight chemical shift toward lower energy compared to those of Ni(20wt%)/MCM-41.The H_(2) yield on the Pd(1 wt%)-Ni(20wt%)/MCM-41 is much higher than that of PM(1wt%)-Ni(20wt%)/MCM-41(PM=Pt,Rh)and Ni(20wt%)/MCM-41 even after 1.2×10^(4) s of CDM,while that of Ni(20wt%)/MCM-41 decreased rapidly.The H_(2) yield of Pd(1wt%)-Ni(20wt%)/MCM-41 in CDM was enhanced owing to the increased Ni2p distribution and the enhanced reduction degree caused by H_(2) spillover via appropriate metal-carrier interaction(AMCI)between Pd,Ni,and MCM-41.The CDM is an environmentally friendly process that produces COx-free and economical green H_(2) by using a catalyst of 1 wt%Pd onto Ni(20wt%)/MCM-41.展开更多
Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer worldwide, accounting for 6.8% of new cancer cases and 8.1% of cancer-related deaths. About 85% of these deaths occurred in low- and middle-income countries. The aim of...Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer worldwide, accounting for 6.8% of new cancer cases and 8.1% of cancer-related deaths. About 85% of these deaths occurred in low- and middle-income countries. The aim of this study was to assess the frequency and distribution of the human papillomavirus (HPV) genotypes in women showing cytological abnormalities of the cervix at the Sourô SANOU University Hospital (CHUSS) in Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso. This is a descriptive study of women recruited at the CHUSS. The cervico-uterine smear examination was carried out at the CHUSS Anatomy and Pathology Department for cervical cancer screening. The data were collected from women with atypical cells on their cervico-uterine smear. Cervicovaginal samples were taken from consenting women and HPV genotyping was performed using the HPV Direct FLOW CHIP kit at CERBA. We obtained approval from the ethics committee. The data were analyzed using the SPSS 26 software. The results of the study showed that 67.79% of the participants were aged between 50 and 65, a group that is particularly vulnerable to persistent infection with high-risk oncogenic HPV genotypes. Of the women screened, 40.7% were HPV positive and 29.2% had multiple infections. The most common genotypes were HPV 35, followed by HPV 18, 52, 58 and 66. These data highlight the need for increased surveillance and targeted prevention strategies among this female population.展开更多
Background: In recent years, Burkina Faso has faced increasing insecurity and terrorist attacks. The police, gendarmerie, and justice services are very often in demand to carry out criminal investigations, which are s...Background: In recent years, Burkina Faso has faced increasing insecurity and terrorist attacks. The police, gendarmerie, and justice services are very often in demand to carry out criminal investigations, which are slowed down or incomplete due to the absence of DNA analysis on biological samples from crime scenes and on apprehended suspects. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the contribution of DNA analysis to the resolution of criminal cases in Burkina Faso. Methodology: This study was carried out from June 2019 to July 2020. Three (03) crimes were investigated, and DNA analysis was performed on biological samples from the crime scene, suspects, and victims using the AmpFlSTR® identifiler® Direct kit on the ABI 3130 Genetic Analyzer. Results: In the explosion case, the alleles found in the victim were the same as those identified in the blood trace from the crime scene. In the armed robbery case, there was a perfect match between the DNA profile of the blood trail and that of suspect 2 for all 15 STRs analyzed. In the murder case, the DNA profile of the murdered man’s son and the DNA profile of the biological trace were identical. Conclusion: The DNA analyses carried out in criminal cases have identified the perpetrators of the crimes. Their guilt or innocence will be confirmed by the investigators during the interrogations and hearings.展开更多
Background: Social determinants of health (SDOH) significantly influence diseases with environmental components, like vector-borne parasitic diseases. This study aims to examine how these factors influence vector-born...Background: Social determinants of health (SDOH) significantly influence diseases with environmental components, like vector-borne parasitic diseases. This study aims to examine how these factors influence vector-borne parasitic diseases (VBPDs) transmission in Chad and provide recommendations for policy improvements. Methods: The study adopts the WHO Conceptual Framework of SDOH to compare two regions in Southern Chad: Kouh-Est, which has an ongoing vector control program, and Grand-Sido, which lacks such a program. The study includes both nomadic and sedentary populations to provide a comprehensive understanding of the SDOH influencing VBPDs. Households were randomly selected. Data on sociodemographic characteristics, literacy, knowledge of VBPDs and protective measures, and access to education and health facilities were collected. Results: A total of 202 households from 17 villages, including 820 participants, were surveyed. Agriculture, livestock, and fishing were the main occupations, involving 84.1% of participants. Literacy was low, with 36.7% non-educated, 47.7% completing primary school, 14.5% secondary school, and only 0.3% reaching tertiary education. Most villages lacked schools beyond the primary level, and nomadic populations were significantly less educated than sedentary ones (p Conclusion: Educational deficiencies, lack of protective measures against vectors, inadequate healthcare resources, and lifestyle conditions aggravated by poor road infrastructure, limited transportation, and economic constraints contribute to worsened VBPDs outcomes in these rural populations. Addressing these systemic issues in the surveyed communities is essential for improving health equity and VBPDs outcomes in these regions specifically and in similar populations settings more broadly.展开更多
Introduction: Human pegivirus (HPgV), initially identified as hepatitis G virus in the 1990s, predominantly causes acute hepatitis and may persist particularly in individuals with compromised immune systems or those c...Introduction: Human pegivirus (HPgV), initially identified as hepatitis G virus in the 1990s, predominantly causes acute hepatitis and may persist particularly in individuals with compromised immune systems or those co-infected with HIV, HBV, or HCV. Despite its potential public health implications, particularly in transfusion contexts, comprehensive epidemiological data on HPgV in Burkina Faso remains scarce. Objectives: This study aimed to determine 1) the prevalence of human pegivirus infection among blood donors at the Regional Blood Transfusion Centre (Koudougou, Burkina Faso), and 2) the rates of co-infection between human pegivirus with HIV, HBV, HCV and Treponema pallidum. Material and Methods: Between 9 and 27 August 2022, 100 blood samples were collected and analyzed at the Regional Blood Transfusion Centre. Screening for HIV, HBV, HCV, and Treponema pallidum was conducted using the Cobas e 601 system (Roche Diagnostics). A 100 μL volume of each donor’s plasma was utilized for viral RNA extraction with the DNA/RNA Prep Kit (Sacace Biotechnologies) following the manufacturer’s instructions. HPgV RNA detection was conducted using the HGV Real-TM amplification kit (Sacace Biotechnologies). Results: The study was comprised of 100 blood donors, identifying HPgV RNA in 14 individuals (14% prevalence), with one noted co-infection with HBV. None of the participants were HIV positive. The prevalence rates for HBV and HCV were each found to be 5%, and syphilis also presented a prevalence of 5%. Conclusion: Our findings indicate a significant prevalence of HPgV among blood donors in Burkina Faso, underscoring the need for heightened surveillance and preventive measures in blood transfusion services and the broader population to enhance transfusion safety and public health.展开更多
文摘We report an important observation that the surface conductivity of antibody layer immobilized on polylysine-coated glass substrate decreases upon the formation of complex with their specific antigens. This change in conductivity has been observed for both monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies. The conductance of monoclonal mouse 1gG immobilized on polylysine-coated glass substrate changed from 1.02×10^-8 Ω^-1 to 1.41×10^-11 Ω^-1 at 10 V when complex is formed due to the specific biomolecular interactions with rabbit anti-mouse 1gG F（ab′）2. Similar behavior was observed when the same set up was tested in two clinical assays： （1） anti-Leishmania antigen polyclonal antibodies taken from Kala Azar positive patient serum interacting with Leishmania promastigote antigen, and （2） anti-p21 polyclonal antibodies interacting with p21 antigen. The proposed concept can represent a new immunodiagnostic technique and may have wide ranging applications in biosensors and nanobiotechnology too.
文摘Obese individuals who subsequently sustain a traumatic brain injury(TBI)exhibit worsened outcomes including longer periods of rehabilitation(Eagle et al.,2023).In obese individuals,prolonged symptomology is associated with increased levels of circulato ry pro-inflammatory marke rs up to 1 year postTBI(Eagle et al.,2023).
文摘Aging,mitochondria,and neurodegenerative diseases:Aging is often viewed as the buildup of changes that lead to the gradual transformations associated with getting older,along with a rising likelihood of disease and mortality.Although organis m-wide deterioration is observed during aging,organs with high metabolic demand,such as the brain,are more vulnerable.
基金supported by the National Research Foundation of Korea(NRF)grant funded by the Korean government(MSIT)(No.NRF-2021M3H4A1A02048529)the Ministry of Trade,Industry and Energy(MOTIE)of the Korean government under grant No.RS-2022-00155854support from the DGIST Supercomputing and Big Data Center.
文摘To enhance the electrochemical performance of lithium-ion battery anodes with higher silicon content,it is essential to engineer their microstructure for better lithium-ion transport and mitigated volume change as well.Herein,we suggest an effective approach to control the micropore structure of silicon oxide(SiO_(x))/artificial graphite(AG)composite electrodes using a perforated current collector.The electrode features a unique pore structure,where alternating high-porosity domains and low-porosity domains markedly reduce overall electrode resistance,leading to a 20%improvement in rate capability at a 5C-rate discharge condition.Using microstructure-resolved modeling and simulations,we demonstrate that the patterned micropore structure enhances lithium-ion transport,mitigating the electrolyte concentration gradient of lithium-ion.Additionally,perforating current collector with a chemical etching process increases the number of hydrogen bonding sites and enlarges the interface with the SiO_(x)/AG composite electrode,significantly improving adhesion strength.This,in turn,suppresses mechanical degradation and leads to a 50%higher capacity retention.Thus,regularly arranged micropore structure enabled by the perforated current collector successfully improves both rate capability and cycle life in SiO_(x)/AG composite electrodes,providing valuable insights into electrode engineering.
文摘The development of cancer cell resistance to conventional treatments continues to be a major obstacle in the successful treatment of tumors of many types.The discovery of a highly efficient direct and indirect free radical scavenger,melatonin,in the mitochondrial matrix may be a factor in determining both the occurrence of cancer cell drug insensitivity as well as radioresistance.This relates to two of the known hallmarks of cancer,i.e.,exaggerated free radical generation in the mitochondria and the development ofWarburg type metabolism(glycolysis).The hypothesis elaborated in this report assumes that the high oxidative environment in the mitochondria contributes to a depression of local melatonin levels because of its overuse in neutralizing the massive amount of free radial produced.Moreover,Warburg typemetabolism and chemoresistance are functionally linked and supplementalmelatonin has been shown to reverse glycolysis and convert glucose processing to the type that occurs in normal cells.Since thismetabolic type is a key factor in determining chemoresistance,melatonin would predictably also negate cancer drug insensitivity.The possible mechanisms by which melatonin may interfere either directly or indirectly with drug resistance are summarized in the current review.
文摘For environmental applications,it is crucial to rationally design and synthesize photocatalysts with positive exciton splitting and interfacial charge transfer.Here,a novel Agbridged dual Z-scheme Ag/g-C_(3)N_(4)/CoNi-LDH plasmonic heterojunction was successfully synthesized using a simple method,with the goal of overcoming the common drawbacks of traditional photocatalysts such as weak photoresponsivity,rapid combination of photogenerated carriers,and unstable structure.These materials were characterized by XRD,FT-IR,SEM,TEM UV-Vis/DRS,and XPS to verify the structure and stability of the heterostructure.The pristine LDH,g-C_(3)N_(4),and Ag/g-C_(3)N_(4)/CoNi-LDH composite were investigated as photocatalysts for water remediation,an environmentally motivated process.Specifically,the photocatalytic degradation of tetracycline was studied as a model reaction.The performance of the supports and composite catalyst were determined by evaluating both the degradation and adsorption phenomenon.The influence of several experimental parameters such as catalyst loading,pH,and tetracycline concentrationwere evaluated.The current study provides important data for water treatment and similar environmental protection applications.
基金supported by Telethon Italy award GGP15225(to RC and GM)Italian Ministry of Health award RF-2016-02362950(to RC and CZ)+1 种基金the CJD Foundation USA(to RC)the Associazione Italiana Encefalopatie da Prioni(AIEnP)(to RC).
文摘PrPSc,a misfolded,aggregation-prone isoform of the cellular prion protein(PrPC),is the infectious prion agent responsible for fatal neurodegenerative diseases of humans and other mammals.PrPSccan adopt different pathogenic conformations(prion strains),which can be resistant to potential drugs,or acquire drug resistance,posing challenges for the development of effective therapies.Since PrPCis the obligate precursor of any prion strain and serves as the mediator of prion neurotoxicity,it represents an attractive therapeutic target fo r prion diseases.In this minireview,we briefly outline the approaches to target PrPCand discuss our recent identification of Zn(Ⅱ)-Bn PyP,a PrPC-targeting porphyrin with an unprecedented bimodal mechanism of action.We argue that in-depth understanding of the molecular mechanism by which Zn(Ⅱ)-Bn PyP targets PrPCmay lead toward the development of a new class of dual mechanism anti-prion compounds.
基金supported by the National Research Foundation of Korea(NRF)grant funded by the Korean government(MSIT)(No.2020R1C1C1003375)。
文摘Recently,hollow carbon nanospheres(HCSs)have garnered significant attention as potential Li metal hosts owing to their unique large voids and ease of fabrication.However,similar to other nanoscale hosts,their practical performance is limited by inhomogeneous agglomeration,increased binder requirements,and high tortuosity within the electrode.To overcome these problems and high tortuosity within the electrode,this study introduces a pomegranate-like carbon microcluster composed of primary HCSs(P-CMs)as a novel Li metal host.This unique nanostructure can be easily prepared using the spray-drying technique,enabling its mass production.Comprehensive analyses with various tools demonstrate that compared with HCS hosts,the P-CM host requires a smaller amount of binder to fabricate a sufficiently robust and even surface electrode.Furthermore,owing to reduced tortuosity,the well-designed P-CM electrode can provide continuous and shortened pathways for electron/ion transport,accelerating the Li-ion transfer kinetics and prohibiting preferential Li plating at the upper region of the electrode.Due to these characteristics,Li metal can be effectively encapsulated in the large inner voids of the primary HCSs constituting the P-CM,thereby enhancing the electrochemical performance of P-CM hosts in Li metal batteries.Specifically,the Coulombic efficiency of the P-CM host can be maintained at 97%over 100 cycles,with a high Li deposition areal capacity of 3 mAh·cm^(-2)and long cycle life(1000 h,1 mA·cm^(-2),and 1.0 mAh·cm^(-2)).Furthermore,a full cell incorporating a LiFePO4 cathode exhibits excellent cycle life.
基金supported by the National Key Research and Development Program of China(2023YFE0120900)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(52377160)+2 种基金the National Natural Science Foundation of China National Young Talents Project(GYKP010)Shaanxi Provincial Natural Science Program(2023-JCYB-425)Xi’an Jiaotong University Young Top Talents Program。
文摘Ammonia is the cornerstone of modern agriculture,providing a critical nitrogen source for global food production and serving as a key raw material for numerous industrial chemicals.Electrocatalytic nitrate reduction,as an environmentally friendly method for synthesizing ammonia,not only mitigates the reliance on current ammonia synthesis processes fed by traditional fossil fuels but also effectively reduces nitrate pollution resulting from agricultural and industrial activities.This review explores the fundamental principles of electrocata lytic nitrate reduction,focusing on the key steps of electron transfer and ammonia formation.Additionally,it summarizes the critical factors influencing the performance and selectivity of the reaction,including the properties of the electrolyte,operating voltage,electrode materials,and design of the electrolytic cell.Further discussion of recent advances in electrocatalysts,including pure metal catalysts,metal oxide catalysts,non-metallic catalysts,and composite catalysts,highlights their significant roles in enhancing both the efficiency and selectivity of electrocata lytic nitrate to ammonia(NRA)reactions.Critical challenges for the industrial NRA trials and further outlooks are outlined to propel this strategy toward real-world applications.Overall,the review provides an in-depth overview and comprehensive understanding of electrocata lytic NRA technology,thereby promoting further advancements and innovations in this domain.
基金financially supported by the Materials/Parts Technology Development Program(No.RS-202400456324)funded by the Ministry of Trade,Industry&Energy(MOTIE,Korea)by the National Research Foundation(NRF)of Korea grant(No.RS-2024-00454367)funded by the Ministry of Science and ICT(MSIT,Korea)。
文摘K–Se batteries have been identified as promising energy storage systems owing to their high energy density and cost-effectiveness.However,challenges such as substantial volume changes and low Se utilization require further investigation.In this study,novel N-doped multichannel carbon nanofibers(h-NMCNFs)with hierarchical porous structures were successfully synthesized as efficient cathode hosts for K–Se batteries through the carbonization of two electrospun immiscible polymer nanofibers and subsequent chemical activation.Mesopores originated from the decomposition of the polymer embedded in the carbon nanofibers,and micropores were introduced via KOH activation.During the activation step,hierarchical porous carbon nanofibers with enhanced pore volumes were formed because of the micropores in the carbon nanofibers.Owing to the mesopores that enabled easy access to the electrolyte and the high utilization of chain-like Se within the micropores,the Se-loaded hierarchical porous carbon nanofibers(60 wt%Se)exhibited a high discharge capacity and excellent rate performance.The discharge capacity of the nanofibers at the 1,000th cycle was 210.8 mA.h.g^(-1)at a current density of 0.5C.The capacity retention after the initial activation was 64%.In addition,a discharge capacity of 165 mA.h.g^(-1)was obtained at an extremely high current density of 3.0C.
基金supported by Canada First Research Excellence Fund,Medicine by Design(to CMM)。
文摘Over the last two decades,the dogma that cell fate is immutable has been increasingly challenged,with important implications for regenerative medicine.The brea kth rough discovery that induced pluripotent stem cells could be generated from adult mouse fibroblasts is powerful proof that cell fate can be changed.An exciting extension of the discovery of cell fate impermanence is the direct cellular reprogram ming hypothesis-that terminally differentiated cells can be reprogrammed into other adult cell fates without first passing through a stem cell state.
基金supported by grants from the National Research Foundation of Korea(NRF)under grant No.RS-2022-00155422 and No.2021R1C1C102014。
文摘Water often presents significant challenges in catalysts by deactivating active sites,poisoning the reaction,and even degrading composite structure.These challenges are amplified when the water participates as a reactant and is fed as a liquid phase,such as trickle bed-type reactors in a hydrogen-water isotope exchange(HIE)reaction.The key balance in such multiphase reactions is the precise control of catalyst design to repel bulk liquid water while diffusing water vapor.Herein,a platinum-incorporated metal-organic framework(MIL-101)based bifunctional hydrophobic catalyst functionalized with long alkyl chains(C_(12),dodecylamine)and further manufactured with poly(vinylidene fluoride),Pt@MIL-101-12/PVDF,has been developed which can show dramatically improved catalytic activity under multi-phase reactions involving hydrogen gas and liquid water.Pt@MIL-101-12/PVDF demonstrates enhanced macroscopic water-blocking properties,with a notable reduction of over 65%in water adsorption capacity and newly introduced liquid water repellency.while exhibiting a negligible increase in mass transfer resistance,i.e.,bifunctional hydrophobicity.Excellent catalytic activity,evaluated via HIE reaction,and its durability underscore the impact of bifunctional hydrophobicity.In situ DRIFTS analysis elucidates water adsorption/desorption dynamics within the catalyst composite,highlighting reinforced water diffusion at the microscopic level,affirming the catalyst's bifunctionality in different length scales.With demonstrated radiation resistance,Pt@MIL-101-12/PVDF emerges as a promising candidate for isotope exchange reactions.
基金funded by Maranatha Christian University,Bandung,Indonesia for Productive Lecturer Research under grant number:011/SK/ADD/UKM/IV/2024.
文摘Objective:To assess the effects of turmeric extract and its compounds on oxidative stress,inflammation,and apoptosis in acetaminophen-induced liver injury.Methods:HepG2 cells were administered with acetaminophen(40 mM)to induce hepatotoxicity,followed by treatment with turmeric extract and its isolated compounds including curcumin,demethoxycurcumin,bis-demethoxycurcumin and ar-turmerone at 5,25,and 125μg/mL.IL-1β,IL-6,and IL-10 levels were quantified with ELISA kits.Further,qRT-PCR was used to analyze the mRNA expression of JNK,Casp-9,and Casp-3.Meanwhile,the levels of nitric oxide and lactate dehydrogenase were analyzed using colorimetric assay.Results:Acetaminophen administration caused an increase in the levels of lactate dehydrogenase,nitric oxide,IL-1β,IL-6,and the mRNA expression of JNK,Casp-9,and Casp-3 in HepG2 cells while reducing IL-10 levels.Treatment with turmeric extract,curcumin,demethoxycurcumin,bis-demethoxycurcumin,and ar-turmerone lowered IL-1β,IL-6,nitric oxide,and lactate dehydrogenase levels,downregulated the mRNA expression of JNK,Casp-9,and Casp-3,and increased IL-10 levels.Conclusions:Turmeric extract and its compounds have significant hepatoprotective activity and could be further explored for the treatment of liver damage.
文摘The CH_(4) is a greenhouse gas with a global warming potential(GWP)21 times greater than CO_(2).The catalytic decomposition of CH_(4)(CDM)is a climate-friendly,CO_(2)-free process that produces only green H_(2) and carbon nanomaterials such as carbon nanotubes.The CDM to green H_(2) over PM(1wt%)-Ni(20wt%)/MCM-41(PM=Pd,Pt,and Rh)catalysts was investigated using a packed-bed flow reactor(PBFR)under atmospheric pressure.The catalysts were characterized through XPS and XRD.XRD analysis revealed that NiPd crystallites were formed owing to appropriate interactions between Ni^(2+)and Pd^(2+).XPS analysis revealed that adding of 1 wt% of Pd to Ni(20wt%)/MCM-41 increased the Ni2p atomic percentage of Pd(1wt%)-Ni(20wt%)/MCM-41 from 2.77% to 4.27%,and decreased that of O1s the from 68.59% to 66.92%.The core electron levels,such as Ni2p,O1s,and Si2p in fresh Pd(1)-Ni(20)/MCM had a slight chemical shift toward lower energy compared to those of Ni(20wt%)/MCM-41.The H_(2) yield on the Pd(1 wt%)-Ni(20wt%)/MCM-41 is much higher than that of PM(1wt%)-Ni(20wt%)/MCM-41(PM=Pt,Rh)and Ni(20wt%)/MCM-41 even after 1.2×10^(4) s of CDM,while that of Ni(20wt%)/MCM-41 decreased rapidly.The H_(2) yield of Pd(1wt%)-Ni(20wt%)/MCM-41 in CDM was enhanced owing to the increased Ni2p distribution and the enhanced reduction degree caused by H_(2) spillover via appropriate metal-carrier interaction(AMCI)between Pd,Ni,and MCM-41.The CDM is an environmentally friendly process that produces COx-free and economical green H_(2) by using a catalyst of 1 wt%Pd onto Ni(20wt%)/MCM-41.
文摘Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer worldwide, accounting for 6.8% of new cancer cases and 8.1% of cancer-related deaths. About 85% of these deaths occurred in low- and middle-income countries. The aim of this study was to assess the frequency and distribution of the human papillomavirus (HPV) genotypes in women showing cytological abnormalities of the cervix at the Sourô SANOU University Hospital (CHUSS) in Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso. This is a descriptive study of women recruited at the CHUSS. The cervico-uterine smear examination was carried out at the CHUSS Anatomy and Pathology Department for cervical cancer screening. The data were collected from women with atypical cells on their cervico-uterine smear. Cervicovaginal samples were taken from consenting women and HPV genotyping was performed using the HPV Direct FLOW CHIP kit at CERBA. We obtained approval from the ethics committee. The data were analyzed using the SPSS 26 software. The results of the study showed that 67.79% of the participants were aged between 50 and 65, a group that is particularly vulnerable to persistent infection with high-risk oncogenic HPV genotypes. Of the women screened, 40.7% were HPV positive and 29.2% had multiple infections. The most common genotypes were HPV 35, followed by HPV 18, 52, 58 and 66. These data highlight the need for increased surveillance and targeted prevention strategies among this female population.
文摘Background: In recent years, Burkina Faso has faced increasing insecurity and terrorist attacks. The police, gendarmerie, and justice services are very often in demand to carry out criminal investigations, which are slowed down or incomplete due to the absence of DNA analysis on biological samples from crime scenes and on apprehended suspects. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the contribution of DNA analysis to the resolution of criminal cases in Burkina Faso. Methodology: This study was carried out from June 2019 to July 2020. Three (03) crimes were investigated, and DNA analysis was performed on biological samples from the crime scene, suspects, and victims using the AmpFlSTR® identifiler® Direct kit on the ABI 3130 Genetic Analyzer. Results: In the explosion case, the alleles found in the victim were the same as those identified in the blood trace from the crime scene. In the armed robbery case, there was a perfect match between the DNA profile of the blood trail and that of suspect 2 for all 15 STRs analyzed. In the murder case, the DNA profile of the murdered man’s son and the DNA profile of the biological trace were identical. Conclusion: The DNA analyses carried out in criminal cases have identified the perpetrators of the crimes. Their guilt or innocence will be confirmed by the investigators during the interrogations and hearings.
文摘Background: Social determinants of health (SDOH) significantly influence diseases with environmental components, like vector-borne parasitic diseases. This study aims to examine how these factors influence vector-borne parasitic diseases (VBPDs) transmission in Chad and provide recommendations for policy improvements. Methods: The study adopts the WHO Conceptual Framework of SDOH to compare two regions in Southern Chad: Kouh-Est, which has an ongoing vector control program, and Grand-Sido, which lacks such a program. The study includes both nomadic and sedentary populations to provide a comprehensive understanding of the SDOH influencing VBPDs. Households were randomly selected. Data on sociodemographic characteristics, literacy, knowledge of VBPDs and protective measures, and access to education and health facilities were collected. Results: A total of 202 households from 17 villages, including 820 participants, were surveyed. Agriculture, livestock, and fishing were the main occupations, involving 84.1% of participants. Literacy was low, with 36.7% non-educated, 47.7% completing primary school, 14.5% secondary school, and only 0.3% reaching tertiary education. Most villages lacked schools beyond the primary level, and nomadic populations were significantly less educated than sedentary ones (p Conclusion: Educational deficiencies, lack of protective measures against vectors, inadequate healthcare resources, and lifestyle conditions aggravated by poor road infrastructure, limited transportation, and economic constraints contribute to worsened VBPDs outcomes in these rural populations. Addressing these systemic issues in the surveyed communities is essential for improving health equity and VBPDs outcomes in these regions specifically and in similar populations settings more broadly.
文摘Introduction: Human pegivirus (HPgV), initially identified as hepatitis G virus in the 1990s, predominantly causes acute hepatitis and may persist particularly in individuals with compromised immune systems or those co-infected with HIV, HBV, or HCV. Despite its potential public health implications, particularly in transfusion contexts, comprehensive epidemiological data on HPgV in Burkina Faso remains scarce. Objectives: This study aimed to determine 1) the prevalence of human pegivirus infection among blood donors at the Regional Blood Transfusion Centre (Koudougou, Burkina Faso), and 2) the rates of co-infection between human pegivirus with HIV, HBV, HCV and Treponema pallidum. Material and Methods: Between 9 and 27 August 2022, 100 blood samples were collected and analyzed at the Regional Blood Transfusion Centre. Screening for HIV, HBV, HCV, and Treponema pallidum was conducted using the Cobas e 601 system (Roche Diagnostics). A 100 μL volume of each donor’s plasma was utilized for viral RNA extraction with the DNA/RNA Prep Kit (Sacace Biotechnologies) following the manufacturer’s instructions. HPgV RNA detection was conducted using the HGV Real-TM amplification kit (Sacace Biotechnologies). Results: The study was comprised of 100 blood donors, identifying HPgV RNA in 14 individuals (14% prevalence), with one noted co-infection with HBV. None of the participants were HIV positive. The prevalence rates for HBV and HCV were each found to be 5%, and syphilis also presented a prevalence of 5%. Conclusion: Our findings indicate a significant prevalence of HPgV among blood donors in Burkina Faso, underscoring the need for heightened surveillance and preventive measures in blood transfusion services and the broader population to enhance transfusion safety and public health.
