Composition Analysis Research Articles

Short-chain fatty acids enhance muscle mass and function through the activation of mTOR signalling pathways in sarcopenic mice.

Sarcopenia is a prevalent muscle disorder in old people leading to higher fracture rate, mortality, and other adverse clinical outcomes. Evidence indicates that short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), which are beneficial gut microbial metabolites, were reduced in old people with sarcopenia. This study aimed to determine whether the use of SCFAs as a supplement can be a therapeutic strategy of sarcopenia in a pre-clinical model. Seven-month-old pre-sarcopenic senescent accelerated mouse prone 8 (SAMP8) mice received daily SCFAs cocktail (acetate, butyrate, and propionate) for 3months. Age-matched senescence accelerated mouse resistant 1 (SAMR1) and SAMP8 mice receiving sodium-matched drinking water were control groups. The gut microbiota composition analysis of aged mice with or without sarcopenia was conducted by 16S rDNA sequencing. Gut barrier-related proteins and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) concentration were biomarkers of gut permeability. Colon inflammation levels, circulatory SCFAs concentration, muscle quality, function, and underlying pathways were detected by cell number counting, RT-qPCR, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, measurements of muscle wet weight and grip strength, ex vivo functional test, treadmill endurance test, transcriptomic sequencing, morphological and immunofluorescent staining, as well as western blot. To investigate the role of mTOR signalling pathways in SCFAs treatment, C2C12 myotubes were treated with rapamycin. Aged SAMP8 mice had different microbiota composition, and lower serum butyric acid compared with SAMR1 mice (P<0.05). SCFAs treatment reversed the increment of colon inflammation (2.8-fold lower of il-1β) and gut barrier permeability (1.7-fold lower of LPS) in SAMP8 mice. Increased muscle mass, myofibre cross-sectional area, grip strength, twitch and tetanic force were found in SCFAs-treated mice compared with control SAMP8 mice (P<0.05). Anti-fatigue capacity (1.6-fold) and muscle glycogen (2-fold) also improved after SCFAs treatment (P<0.05). Transcriptomic analysis showed that AMPK, insulin, and mTOR pathways were involved in SCFAs treatment (P<0.05). Regulation of AKT/mTOR/S6K1 and AMPK/PGC1α pathways were found. SCFAs attenuated fat infiltration and improved mitochondria biogenesis of atrophic muscle. In vitro studies indicated that SCFAs inhibited FoxO3a/Atrogin1 and activated mTOR pathways to improve myotube growth (P<0.05), and rapamycin attenuated the effect of SCFAs through the inhibition of mTOR pathways. This study demonstrated that bacterial metabolites SCFAs could attenuate age-related muscle loss and dysfunction, and protein synthesis-related mTOR signalling pathways were involved both in vivo and in vitro.

Recycling of environmental harmful industrial wastes in eco-friendly building materials production suitable for specific applications

Sustainable building materials are one of the main principles to achieve sustainable construction. It refers to the potential of utilizing environmentally harmful industrial wastes to reduce the consumption of raw materials/energy used in producing ordinary Portland cement (OPC). Ground-granulated blast-furnace slag (GGBFS), lead-bearing sludge (LBS), metakaolin (MK) and fly ash (FA) were used in this work to develop eco-green binding materials with several advanced applications. Five specimens were prepared, including a control specimen (100 % GGBFS, S0) and four ternary-blended geopolymers (TBGs; GGBFS/LBS/FA and GGBFS/LBS/MK) with different proportions. The experimental work examined the mix-design's influence of the TBGs on the fresh/hardened characteristics and resistance against elevated-temperature (200–900 °C), high-dose gamma-radiation (1000–3000 kG y) and mico-organisms (Salmonella-typhi, Bacillus-Cereus, Aspergillus-oryzae and Aspergillus-fumigatus). Also, the XRD, TGA/DTG (phase composition analysis) and SEM/EDX (microstructure analysis) were studied. The findings revealed that LBS significantly reduces workability compared to MK and FA. Although the LBS, MK, and FA mixture elongated the setting time, its values are still within acceptable limits. The strength values obtained by TBGs after 28 days ranged from 51.0 to 66.7 MPa, revealing that these wastes are good alternatives to OPC. TBGs proved effective in resisting elevated-temperatures and high-dose gamma-radiation compared to S0 by forming highly-stable zeolitic compounds. The S0 specimen cannot hinder Salmonella typhi's growth; unlike TBGs, the existence of PbO2, Fe2O3, and TiO2 in the matrix inhibits all microorganisms' growth.

Home-Based HIFT Altered Quality of Life and Health Related Fitness Parameters in Women

The effects of high intensity functional training (HIFT) on health related components of fitness and quality of life were studied in the gym environment, but there has not been any study on examining the effects of HIFT by using bodyweight exercises at home environment on health related components of fitness and quality of life in women. The goal of this research is to examine the effects of home-based bodyweight HIFT on health related components of physical fitness and quality of life in women. Twenty-one recreationally active female participants (age 26.3 ± 3.7 years) were included in the study. After completing the pretest, participants applied HIFT at home with bodyweight exercises three times a week for a duration of eight weeks. Cardiovascular endurance, muscular strength, muscular endurance, flexibility, body composition and quality of life assessments were carried out in both pretest and posttest applications. Significant differences were observed between the pretest and posttest results of cardiovascular endurance (p=0.042), muscular strength (p&amp;lt;0.001), muscular endurance (p&amp;lt;0.001) and flexibility (p=0.001) parameters. No significant difference was observed between the pretest and posttest results of body composition analysis. Significant improvement (p=0.045) was found on the quality of life scale. Home-based bodyweight HIFT altered quality of life in recreationally active women and enhanced health related components of fitness, which could prevent the increase of health-related risk factors caused by inactivity.

Gut Microbiota Composition Positively Correlates with Sports Performance in Competitive Non-Professional Female and Male Runners

There is still a pressing need for further investigation to bridge the gap in understanding the differences in gut microbiota composition between female runners and their male counterparts. We aimed to determine the gut microbiota composition in competitive non-professional female and male runners and to correlate the gut bacteria to performance. Our study included 40 subjects, of which 22 were runners (13 males and 9 females) and 18 control subjects (9 males and 9 females, representing the general population who perform light physical activity with a weekly running volume of ≤5 km per week). Fecal specimens were collected and analyzed for taxonomic profiling to compare species’ relative abundances between males and females based on the results of 16SrRNA analysis. Bacterial alpha and beta diversity were assessed to determine the differences in microbial composition between runners and controls, and between sexes. Each participant underwent a maximal oxygen consumption test and a time-to-exhaustion test at 85% of the measured VO2max. Blood lactate was collected every 5 min during the tests. Bacterial alpha diversity showed a significant difference (p = 0.04) between runners and controls. Taxonomic analysis of gut microbiota composition showed a lower Enterobacteriaceae abundance and a higher Methanosphaera abundance in runners compared with the control group. Ten different bacteria (Methanosphaera, Mitsuokella, Prevotellaceae, Megamonas, Rothia, Oscillospira, Bacteroides, Odoribacter, Blautia massiliensis, Butyricicoccus_pullicaecorum) were positively correlated with exercise (VO2max, lactate blood levels, time to exhaustion, and weekly training volume). We found no significant differences in the gut microbiota composition between male and female runners. Gut microbiota composition positively correlates with sports performance in competitive non-professional female and male runners, and female runners show similar gut microbiome diversity to male runners.

Evolution in the Understanding of the Etiology of Staghorn Renal Lithiasis

Staghorn lithiasis, characterized by renal calculi that extensively occupy the renal collecting system, poses significant medical challenges due to high morbidity and mortality rates. Traditionally attributed primarily to recurrent urinary tract infections caused by urease-producing bacteria, recent studies indicate a shift toward an increased prevalence of metabolic stones. This change may be linked to rising obesity and metabolic syndrome rates. Historical perspectives emphasized struvite stones, associated with infections, but emerging data reveal a notable proportion of calcium phosphate and mixed stones, suggesting a complex interplay between metabolic factors and infection. Analysis of stone composition in patients has shown that metabolic abnormalities are common, emphasizing the need for comprehensive evaluations beyond infectious risk. Understanding this evolving etiology is crucial for guiding treatment and improving patient outcomes.

Online LC-Orbitrap MS method for the rapid molecular characterization of dissolved organic matter.

High-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS) combined with electrospray ionization (ESI) has been the most useful technique for molecular characterization of dissolved organic matter (DOM) derived from diverse sources. However, the comprehensive detection of DOM composition was hindered by ionization suppression observed in ESI sources. HRMS coupled with liquid chromatography (LC) is a potential tool for comprehensive molecular characterization of DOM. The Suwannee River fulvic acids (SRFAs) and two DOM samples from seawater and refinery wastewater extracted by solid phase extraction (SPE) were analyzed by LC-Orbitrap MS coupled with ESI. The mobile phases, solvent composition, and gradient in the LC-Orbitrap MS analysis were optimized. The number of detected molecular formulae of SRFAs by online LC-Orbitrap MS was significantly increased by approximately 40% compared to direct injection. These additional detected compounds are mainly protein and lignin-like compounds, with a low O/C ratio and high H/C ratio. For the SRFAs, the relative standard deviations (%) of reproducibility are 5.51, 2.33, 7.97, and 1.80 for average O/C, H/C, double bond equivalent, and modified aromaticity index, respectively. This study proposed a simple and rapid method based on LC-Orbitrap MS for an in-depth analysis of the molecular composition of DOM, achieving a remarkable analysis time of only 5 min per sample. The rapid method provides a dependable and efficient approach for the molecular characterization of DOM, thereby advancing our comprehension and investigation of DOM across diverse ecosystems.

Biochemical and cytological studies of Typha domingensis used for bioethanol production

AbstractTypha domingensis (cattails) is an emergent invasive aquatic macrophyte; it belongs to Typhaceae family inhabiting multiple Egyptian water bodies like rivers, lakes, and wetlands. Due to the scarcity of food, the depletion of fossil fuels, population growth, and increased industrial development, sustainable renewable bioenergy production has gained a lot of attention lately. Typha is an excellent lignocellulosic biomass for biofuel production because it does not compete with food but rather endangers aquatic life and prevents water from flowing through drainage channels and canals, which rises evapotranspiration. Although it is beneficial in phytoremediation, its removal is a necessity due to previous reasons. Chemical pretreatment has been widely used to degrade complex chains of lignocellulosic materials. Enzymatic hydrolysis is used to enhance fermentable sugars production from cellulose. Fermentation process has been conducted by yeast for centuries. Saccharomyces cerevisiae tolerance to ethanol can be increased by mutation; it is induced either chemically, physically, or biologically. Geneticists frequently utilize gamma radiation, one of the physical mutagenesis mechanisms, to change the DNA of microorganisms. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) is concerned with examination and analysis of microstructure morphology and chemical composition. Changes in internal organelles of Saccharomyces cerevisiae after mutation has been tracked using transmission electron microscope (TEM) in order to distinguish between native and mutant yeast and to examine their ultrastructural changes.

Performance analysis of biodegradable composite using polyvinyl alcohol and pomegranate peel powder for sustainable dry packaging applications

This study focuses on the fabrication of a biodegradable dry packaging material for fruits, vegetables, and flowers, with an emphasis on affordability for street vendors. Approximately 55% of waste originates from packaging materials. To address this issue, a biodegradable Polyvinyl alcohol/Pomegranate peel powder (PVA/PPP) composite film was fabricated. The PVA, a water-soluble synthetic biodegradable polymer, served as the matrix, while PPP, an agro-waste product, was used as the filler. The PVA/PPP films were characterized through optical microscopy, FTIR, XRD, TGA, DSC, moisture absorption analysis, water vapour transmission rate (WVTR), water vapour permeability (WVP), and oxygen permeability testing. The inclusion of PPP enhanced the film’s properties via increasing moisture absorption by 85%, reducing PVA crystallinity index from 33.2 to 17.5%, percentage crystallinity reduced from 73.90 to 0.57%, lowering WVTR from 0.063 to 0.042 g/h.m2, low oxygen permeability and improving thermal stability up to 423 °C. Additionally, the pH of PPP (4.5) contributed to microbial resistance. The fabricated PVA/PPP films were fully biodegradable and produced via green synthesis without any hazardous chemicals. The use of PPP as a filler not only improved film performance but also reduced environmental hazard, demonstrating the material’s suitability for sustainable packaging applications.

Assembly of phyllosphere bacterial community with PsnWRKY70 in poplar

Plant microbiome plays an important role in growth and development, biotic and abiotic stresses, and genotype is one of the key factors in shaping the microbiome. In this study, the effect of PsnWRKY70 on the synthetic bacterial community of poplar was investigated. To explore the assembly mechanism of poplar phyllosphere bacteria. we used 39 strains of bacteria isolated from the phyllosphere of poplar to construct a synthetic bacterial community. The leaves of aseptic poplar tissue culture seedlings were inoculated with synthetic bacterial community, and the bacterial communities of poplar leaves inoculated with synthetic bacterial community for 0 d, 5 d, 10 d and 15d were sequenced for 16 s. Bacterial community composition, PCoA, and Lefse analyses were performed. The results showed that the bacterial community in the phyllosphere of poplar tended to be in a stable equilibrium state after inoculation with the synthetic bacterial community. The results of β diversity analysis showed that there were significant differences in the bacterial community structure of OE, RE and WT leaves at 5d and 10 d after inoculation with Syncom. It is mainly composed of Methylobacteriaceae, Enterbacteriaceae, Agrobacterium, Rhizobium, Pseudoxanthomonas and Stenotrophomonas. The results of differential bacterial analysis showed that Paracoccus, Arthrobacter and Rhodococcus had higher relative abundance and stability in OE line. PsnWRKY70 gene plays an important role in recruiting Paracoccus, Arthrobacter and Rhodococcus strains in poplar leaves.

Metabolic interplay between Proteus mirabilis and Enterococcus faecalis facilitates polymicrobial biofilm formation and invasive disease.

Biofilms play an important role in the development and pathogenesis of catheter-associated urinary tract infection (CAUTI). Proteus mirabilis and Enterococcus faecalis are common CAUTI pathogens that persistently co-colonize the catheterized urinary tract and form biofilms with increased biomass and antibiotic resistance. In this study, we uncover the metabolic interplay that drives biofilm enhancement and examine the contribution to CAUTI severity. Through compositional and proteomic biofilm analyses, we determined that the increase in biofilm biomass stems from an increase in the protein fraction of the polymicrobial biofilm. We further observed an enrichment in proteins associated with ornithine and arginine metabolism in polymicrobial biofilms compared with single-species biofilms. We show that arginine/ornithine antiport by E. faecalis promotes arginine biosynthesis and metabolism in P. mirabilis, ultimately driving the increase in polymicrobial biofilm protein content without affecting viability of either species. We further show that disrupting E. faecalis ornithine antiport alters the metabolic profile of polymicrobial biofilms and prevents enhancement, and this defect was complemented by supplementation with exogenous ornithine. In a murine model of CAUTI, ornithine antiport did not contribute to E. faecalis colonization but was required for the increased incidence of urinary stone formation and bacteremia that occurs during polymicrobial CAUTI with P. mirabilis. Thus, disrupting metabolic interplay between common co-colonizing species may represent a viable strategy for reducing risk of bacteremia.IMPORTANCEChronic infections often involve the formation of antibiotic-resistant biofilm communities that include multiple different microbes, which pose a challenge for effective treatment. In the catheterized urinary tract, potential pathogens persistently co-colonize for long periods of time and the interactions between them can lead to more severe disease outcomes. In this study, we identified the metabolite L-ornithine as a key mediator of disease-enhancing interactions between two common and challenging pathogens, Enterococcus faecalis and Proteus mirabilis. Disrupting ornithine-mediated interactions may therefore represent a strategy to prevent polymicrobial biofilm formation and decrease risk of severe disease.

Giant plagioclase in the Steens Basalt, southeast Oregon, USA: Tracking the balance of differentiation processes in continental flood basalt evolution

Giant plagioclase basalts (GPBs), flows that contain abundant and conspicuous plagioclase crystals ≥1 cm in length, exist at many continental flood basalt provinces, and their presence can provide a window into the crustal differentiation processes and storage conditions that produced the magmas prior to eruption. GPB flows occur in the Steens Basalt of southeast Oregon, USA, one of the earliest members of the Columbia River Flood Basalt Group, but their origin in this province has not been studied in detail. We conducted quantitative textural analysis utilizing crystal size distributions (CSDs) at the outcrop and thin section scale, as well as in situ plagioclase trace element and isotopic compositional analysis, in order to elucidate the processes responsible for generating two end-member textural types of GPB found in the Steens Basalt: daisy stone glomerocryst clusters composed of radiating plagioclase laths and single isolated plagioclase. CSD patterns suggest a changing balance of multiple differentiation processes affected the magmas that created each GPB textural type. In the daisy stone plagioclase, crystals rarely exhibit resorption textures, trace element abundances are comparatively low with minimal variability, and Sr isotopes are commonly in equilibrium with groundmass. In the single isolated plagioclase, resorption textures are common, trace element abundances are generally higher and display within crystal variation, and Sr isotopes are typically not in equilibrium with groundmass. These distinctive characteristics require separate mechanisms to generate each end-member GPB texture. Daisy stone GPBs form by growth of large crystals following mafic recharge events that completely resorb entrained cumulate plagioclase. A large amount of plagioclase may then grow with minimal cooling following recharge due to saturation in plagioclase components. In contrast, single isolated GPBs are the result of partial resorption of both entrained and resident plagioclase following less voluminous and less primitive recharge events; regrowth then occurs on the partially resorbed cores when cooling resumes. Both GPB types are formed by thermal cycling, but each texture reflects the differentiation processes that were prevalent during different eruptive stages of the Steens Basalt, as the balance between recharge, crystal fractionation, and assimilation varied in time.

Can silica application enhance vine performance and quality?

Consumer awareness of environmental sustainability and concern for food safety and quality is driving increased demand for organic and biodynamic (BD) produce. This is coupled with a more physically and economically challenging environment pushing producers to explore more sustainable management techniques. Biodynamic viticulture has both environmental and marketing benefits as drivers and involves the application of a series of nine preparations to soil and plants. Biodynamic preparation 501 is silica-based and has minimum yearly use requirements for certified growers. There are conflicting reports of silicon-based foliar sprays eliciting favourable plant reactions about improvements in quality, yield, and resistance against pests and diseases. Here, vine growth, yield components, berry and wine composition analyses, and sensory evaluations were conducted in two seasons to compare the effects of biodynamic and commercial silica treatments against a water control on Semillon and Cabernet-Sauvignon (Vitis vinifera L.) vines. In both seasons differences in yield and vine growth were observed. Generally, yield was greater with the application of biodynamic silica and potassium silicate. Basic berry compositional attributes pH, TA, TSS, and total anthocyanins and phenolics showed little to no differences. Sensory descriptive analysis of berries and wine indicated significant differences in attributes related to skin and seed tannins, implying that these analyses may better detect subtle yet important variations in the vineyard. The results of this study suggest a direct correlation between silicon and polyphenols, potentially influencing sensory mouthfeel characteristics through changes in skin thickness and/or structure. This study indicates that applying silica can positively impact vine performance and quality.

Identifying failure factors due to corrosion erosion on pressured steam pipe elbow in geothermal power plant

This paper presents the findings of a corrosion erosion failure analysis of elbow pipe materials used to flow high-pressure water from underground. The failed elbow pipe material was above the wellhead forming a straight line in the longitudinal direction with a pipe length of 6200 feet below the ground surface. The working fluid in the elbow pipe was 25 % steam and 75 % water, flowing in the elbow pipe with a media flow rate of 180 tons per hour, a pressure of 22 bar, and a temperature of 220 °C. Elbow tubes were made of low carbon steel with Standard ASTM A234 having an outer diameter of 304.8 mm and a wall thickness of 9.271 mm. Macroscopic testing, chemical composition analysis, metallographic testing, hardness testing, X-ray diffraction testing, SEM, and EDS are a few of the test types conducted. The study's findings showed that the elbow tubes experienced a thinning process on the inner wall of the outer curvature side with a rough and wavy surface texture or appearance. This type of failure is known as erosion-corrosion. The level of erosion-corrosion failure that occurs is greatly influenced by the pH of the fluid being flowed reaching 2.67–2.91, this is due to the very high Cl- of 1290 ppm, so the higher the rate of erosion-corrosion that occurs. These materials are the most popular and widely used in the oil and gas sector. However, this pipe has weaknesses because it is susceptible to erosion-corrosion Therefore, it is very important to choose the right material, namely, a material that is resistant to erosion-corrosion

Sex-Specific Association of Low Muscle Mass with Depression Status in Asymptomatic Adults: A Population-Based Study

Background: The objective of this study was to examine the correlation between low muscle mass (LMM) and depression, with a specific focus on identifying the sex-specific relationship between LMM and depression in a large sample. Methods: This population-based cross-sectional study involved 292,922 community-dwelling adults from 2012 to 2019. Measurements were taken using the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression (CESD) scale and body composition analyses. Depression was defined as a CESD score ≥ 16, and severe depression as a CESD score ≥ 22. LMM was defined as an appendicular muscle mass/height2 below 7.0 kg/m2 in men and below 5.4 kg/m2 in women. Sex-based multivariable logistic regression analyzed the LMM–depression association, adjusting for confounders, with depression status and severe depression status as dependent variables. Results: Both men and women in the LMM group had an increased odds of depression (men, adjusted odds ratio = 1.13 [95% confidence interval = 1.03–1.12]; women, 1.07 [1.03–1.23]) and severe depression (men, 1.20 [1.05–1.36]; women, 1.10 [1.04–1.15]) compared to those in the control group. Men showed a stronger association between LMM and the presence of depression (p for interaction = 0.025) and the presence of severe depression (p for interaction = 0.025) compared to women. Conclusions: Decreased muscle mass was independently associated with increased chances of depression and severe depression in both sexes, with a significantly stronger association in men compared to women. This highlights the potential significance of LMM as a predictor of depression, particularly in men.

Spectroscopic, quantum chemical and molecular docking studies of N-((anthracen-9-yl) methylene-2-methyl benzenamine): a potent probe to lipid bilayer systems

ABSTRACT A new synthesized Schiff base, N-((anthracen-9-yl) methylene-2-methyl benzenamine) (AMMB), was prepared from o-toluidine and 9-anthracenecarboxaldehyde. The structure of the compound was confirmed by single crystal X-ray diffraction and characterized through various analytical tools such as high resolution mass, 1H and 13C NMR, infrared, UV-vis and elemental composition analysis. The molecular geometries of AMMB were optimized by means of DFT/B3LYP/6311-G++ (d,p) basis set. The optimized geometric parameters of the compound were concordant with the single crystal structure. The optimized structure was utilized in comparison of experimental FT-IR with calculated frequency calculation. TD-DFT analysis was performed to compute the electronic absorption of the compound. SCF-GIAO was employed to compute 1H and 13C NMR, which was consistent with the experimental results. Additionally, NLO, NBO, MEP and global reactivity parameters were also computed using the same level of theory. Hirshfield surface analysis, fingerprint plot and energy frameworks were presented to explore the intermolecular interactions within the crystal. Molecular docking study was carried out to predict the probable binding site of AMMB into lipid bilayers such as DMPC, DPPC, POPC, DLPE, DOPC and POPE. The molecular docking analysis of AMMB showed complex formation with binding affinity energy ranging from −9.3 to −3.4 kcal/mol.

Sedimentary characteristics and evolution of the Upper Permian Wujiaping Formation in the eastern Yangtze Block

The Upper Permian Wujiaping (WJP) Formation in the Yangtze Block (Southern China) has great potential for shale gas exploration. However, the sedimentary characteristics and environmental evolution of the WJP Formation are poorly understood. Based on 260 hand specimen samples obtained from 18 sections and 1 borehole in the eastern Yangtze Block, petrographic observations reveal that the WJP Formation is composed of 11 rock types. Combined with analyses of geochemical compositions, the sedimentary facies belts of the WJP Formation are divided into shoreland, shallow-water shelf, deep-water shelf shoal, restricted platform, and open platform. Bauxite was developed in the shoreland at the bottom of the WJP Formation, which is attributed to the Dongwu movement. The formation of paleo-uplift exerted a significant effect on paleogeomorphology and led to a major change in the sedimentary model from the underlying stratum to the WJP Formation. During the lower WJP Formation sedimentary period, gradual transgression occurred in the eastern Yangtze Block, and the lithology was mainly composed of clastic rocks. Shoreland, shallow-water shelf, and deep-water shelf were developed northeastward in turn. In the period of the upper WJP Formation, due to durative transgression, the area of the shoreland reduced southwestward. The lithology converted from clastic rocks into carbonates, and the restricted platform and open platform were developed northeastward. A few patched shoals formed in the restricted platform.

Correlation analysis of composition, microstructure, and final properties of porcelain tiles: an experimental study

Abstract This study deals with the intricate relationship between composition, microstructure and the final properties of porcelain tiles namely bulk density, water absorption, thermal expansion coefficient, strength, and Young's modulus. In order to achieve this, a comprehensive set of 16 experimental trials were carried out, involving the preparation of eight distinct formulations characterized by varying Seger values and ratios which were subsequently subjected to sintering at two distinct firing temperatures. The analysis was conducted through a comprehensive correlation matrix, revealing significant relationships between composition, phase content and the final properties. The glassy phase emerges as a key contributor, positively influencing bulk density, reducing water absorption and linear shrinkage, and enhancing Young's modulus. The coefficient of thermal expansion correlates positively with residual quartz and inversely with mullite content, highlighting their impact on this property. Strength is positively correlated with mullite content, while quartz, albite, and anorthite phases exhibit negative correlations due to their intricate influence on the overall microstructure. These findings provide essential insights into the complex interplay between composition, microstructure and properties, contributing to the advancement of materials engineering for tailored porcelain tiles.&amp;#xD;

NF1 expression profiling in IDH-wildtype glioblastoma: genomic associations and survival outcomes

BackgroundNF1 inactivation is associated with sensitivity to MEK inhibitor targeted therapy in low-grade and some high-grade gliomas. NF1 loss may also be a harbinger of exploitable vulnerabilities in IDH-wildtype glioblastoma (GBM). Accurate and consistent detection of NF1 loss, however, is fraught given the large gene size, challenges with complete coverage and variant calling upon sequencing, and mechanisms of mRNA and protein regulation that result in early degradation in the absence of genomic alterations. Here, we seek to perform a composite analysis for NF1 loss accounting for genomic alterations and protein expression via immunohistochemistry. We also characterize the landscape of NF1 alterations in GBM.MethodsWe assembled a single-institution, retrospective cohort of 542 IDH-wildtype GBM with somatic next generation sequencing to investigate the frequency and nature of detected NF1 alterations. We selected 69 GBMs from which to build a tissue microarray (TMA) of 44 NF1-wildtype and 25 NF1-mutant cases. We performed NF1 immunohistochemistry using two different NF1 antibodies (NFC, Sigma-Aldrich; and iNF-07E, iNFixion Bioscience) and correlated results with clinical, genomic, and other immunohistochemical features.ResultsIn our retrospective cohort, we identified 88 IDH-wildtype GBM with NF1 alterations (16%). NF1 alterations were mutually exclusive with EGFR and MDM2 alterations (p-adj < 0.001, 0.05, respectively), but co-occurred with PIK3R1 alterations (Log2(OR) = − 1.6, p-adj = 0.03). Of the 63 scorable sporadic GBMs in the TMA, 14 harbored NF1 inactivating alterations and of those, 12 (86%) demonstrated minimal NF1 immunoreactivity by NFC antibody, compared to 8 (57%) by iNF-07E antibody. Among the 42 scorable NF1-wildtype GBM in the TMA, NF1 immunostaining was minimal in 18 (43%) by NFC antibody compared to 4 (10%) by iNF-07E antibody, potentially reflecting false positives or differential protein regulation. Minimal immunoreactivity by NFC antibody was associated with decreased median overall survival (8.5 vs. 16.4 months, p = 0.011). Cox proportional hazards model correcting for prognostic variables in this subset revealed HR 3.23 (95% CI 1.29–8.06, p = 0.01) associated with decreased NF1 expression by IHC.ConclusionNF1 immunostaining may serve as a sensitive surrogate marker of NF1 genomic inactivation and a valuable extension to next-generation sequencing for defining NF1 status. Minimal NF1 immunoreactivity is a poor prognostic marker, even in IDH-wildtype glioblastoma without apparent NF1 genomic alterations, but the underlying molecular mechanism requires further investigation.

Coral skeletal proxy records database for the Great Barrier Reef, Australia

Abstract. The Great Barrier Reef (GBR), Australia, has a long history of palaeoenvironmental coral research. However, it can be logistically difficult to find the relevant research and records, which are often unpublished or exist as “grey literature”. This hinders researchers' abilities to efficiently assess the current state of coral core studies on the GBR and thus identify any key knowledge gaps. This study presents the Great Barrier Reef Coral Skeletal Records Database (GBRCD), which compiles 208 records from coral skeletal research conducted since the early 1990s. The database includes records from the Holocene, from ∼8000 years ago, to the present day; records are from the northern, central, and southern GBR from inshore and offshore locations. Massive Porites spp. coral records comprise the majority (92.5 %) of the database, and the remaining records are from Acropora, Isopora, or Cyphastrea spp. The database includes 78 variables, with Sr/Ca, U/Ca, and Ba/Ca being the most frequently measured. Most records measure data over 10 or more years and are at monthly or lower resolution. The GBRCD is machine readable and easily searchable so that users can find records relevant to their research, e.g. by filtering for site name, time period, or coral type. It is publicly available as comma-separated values (CSV) data and metadata files with entries linked by the unique record ID and as Linked Paleo Data (LiPD) files. The GBRCD is publicly available from the NOAA National Center for Environmental Information World Data Service for Paleoclimatology at https://doi.org/10.25921/hqxk-8h74 (Arzey et al., 2024). The intention is to update the GBRCD annually, depending on the availability of relevant new GBR records or submission of legacy records to the GBRCD for archiving. The collection and curation of existing GBR coral research data provide researchers with the ability to analyse common proxies such as Sr/Ca across multiple locations and/or examine regional to reef-scale trends. The database is also suitable for multi-proxy comparisons and combination or composite analyses to determine overarching changes recorded by the proxies. This database represents the first comprehensive compilation of coral records from the GBR. It enables the investigation of multiple environmental factors via various proxy systems for the GBR, northeastern Australia, and potentially the broader Indo-Pacific region.

Synthesis and microencapsulation of acylglycerols rich in omega-3 PUFAs by glycerolysis using lipase immobilized on activated carbon

This work aimed to explore the potential of immobilized lipase (Rhizomucor miehei) on activated carbon to convert the high Free Fatty Acid (FFA) content of squid waste oil into acylglycerols (Mono-diacylglycerols (MDG)) rich in n-3 PUFAs in a solvent-free system. The product was microencapsulated by complex coacervation, and stability studies were investigated. The effect of glycerolysis conditions was evaluated according to enzyme concentration, derivative (immobilized lipase) concentration, substrate molar ratio, and reaction time, with the conversion of Free Fatty Acid as the response variable. The optimal parameters were 15 mg g−1 support, 8 % of derivative (w/v of the reaction mixture), 1:5 of glycerol:oil, and 24 h. The lipid class of squid waste oil in the optimal conditions was Ethyl ester (EE) = 2.63 %, Triacylglycerol (TAG) = 17.91 %, FFA = 8.08 %, and MDG = 71.38 %. The fatty acid composition analysis confirmed that squid waste oil had a high content of omega-3 PUFAs (ω-3 = 42.28 %). The enzyme-treated oil was microencapsulated through complex coacervation to protect the oil against oxidation. Microscope and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) confirmed the microcapsule formation. The microcapsules showed unexpectedly high oxidative stability (OSI = 52.35 h) compared to untreated (OSI = 0.04 h) and lipase-treated oil (OSI = 2.46 h). Therefore, immobilized lipase on activated carbon has the potential to efficiently synthesize acylglycerol without solvents, making it a fast and reusable enzyme technology for creating omega-3-rich functional ingredients. Furthermore, microencapsulation by complex coacervation can stabilize the omega-3 oil structure against oxidation for food and pharmaceutical distribution.