Changes In Composition Research Articles

Self-formation of compositionally complex surface oxides on high entropy alloys observed by accelerated atom probe tomography: a route to sustainable catalysts.

Sustainable catalysts rely on abundant elements which are prone to oxidation. A route to non-noble electrocatalysts is opened by directing the formation of unavoidable surface oxides towards creating a few atomic layers of an active and stable electrocatalyst, which is in direct contact with its metallic, conducting support. This is enabled by combining possibilities of compositionally complex solid solutions with accelerated atomic-scale surface characterization. Surface composition changes from the as-synthesized state to states after exposure to the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) are investigated using a Cantor-alloy-catalyst-coated tip array for atom probe tomography (APT): The film on top of the tip forms a nanoreactor which enables acquisition of intrinsic properties. The as-deposited film has an around 3 nm thick native oxide; short and prolonged OER exposures result in an oxygen-influenced surface layer with lower oxidation depth and altered metal composition. This shows that as-synthesized complex compositions can be used to obtain active and stable surface oxides under electrochemical load, while their surface evolution is observed by accelerated APT.

Human cytomegalovirus in breast milk is associated with milk composition and the infant gut microbiome and growth

Human cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a highly prevalent herpesvirus that is often transmitted to the neonate via breast milk. Postnatal CMV transmission can have negative health consequences for preterm and immunocompromised infants, but any effects on healthy term infants are thought to be benign. Furthermore, the impact of CMV on the composition of the hundreds of bioactive factors in human milk has not been tested. Here, we utilize a cohort of exclusively breastfeeding full-term mother-infant pairs to test for differences in the milk transcriptome and metabolome associated with CMV, and the impact of CMV in breast milk on the infant gut microbiome and infant growth. We find upregulation of the indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) tryptophan-to-kynurenine metabolic pathway in CMV+ milk samples, and that CMV+ milk is associated with decreased Bifidobacterium in the infant gut. Our data indicate two opposing CMV-associated effects on infant growth; with kynurenine positively correlated, and CMV viral load negatively correlated, with infant weight-for-length at 1 month of age. These results suggest CMV transmission, CMV-related changes in milk composition, or both may be modulators of full-term infant development.

Melatonin extends shelf life in postharvest okra via delaying fruit softening and reducing weight loss.

Melatonin, a hormone present in animals and some plants, has garnered attention for its potential in preserving harvested produce. Softening due to changes in cell wall composition and wilting caused by weight loss are the major reasons for the loss of commercial value in postharvest okra. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of melatonin on the softening and weight loss of postharvest okra. The results revealed that the application of melatonin had a significant influence on the maintenance of fruit firmness by inhibiting the breakdown and dissolution of cell wall polysaccharides by suppressing the expression of specific genes responsible for cell wall degradation in okra. Conversely, melatonin treatment positively influenced the expression of genes involved in the synthesis of cell wall components. Furthermore, the treatment exhibited notable benefits in reducing weight loss in okra, which was accomplished by promoting the closure of stomata - the tiny pores on the surface of the fruit. Melatonin could serve as a novel approach to reduce water loss, delay fruit softening and extend the shelf life of okra. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Effects of extreme climate events and child mortality on total fertility rate in Bangladesh

Floods, storms, and temperature extremes are examples of extreme weather events that have a substantial influence on a country's demographic dynamics, including migration, fertility, and mortality. Changes in population size, composition, and distribution may result from these occurrences. This study, which spans the years 1966 to 2018, looks at how Bangladesh's total fertility rate (TFR) is affected by extreme weather events and child mortality, including neonatal, infant, male infant, and under-five mortality. We use data from secondary publicly accessible sources, such as the World Bank and The Emergency Events Database (EM-DAT), and we investigate the correlations using the autoregressive integrated moving average model (ARIMA), complemented by bivariate and multivariable analyses.Our findings from the univariate analysis are noteworthy. Total extreme climate events (β=-0.345, 95% CI: -0.510, -0.180), as well as individual extreme climate events, such as extreme temperatures (β=-1.176, 95% CI: -1.88, -0.47), floods (β=-0.644, 95% CI: -1.0729, -0.216), and storms (β=-0.351, 95% CI: -0.63159, -0.07154), exhibited negative associations with the TFR. Additionally, factors such as contraceptive prevalence rate (CPR) (β=-0.085, 95% CI: -0.09072, -0.07954) and gross national income (GNI) per capita (β=-0.003, 95% CI: -0.0041123, -0.0024234) were negatively correlated with the TFR. Conversely, various categories of child mortality, namely, infants (β=0.041, 95% CI: 0.040474, 0.042748), males (β=0.038, 95% CI:0.037719, 0.039891), and under-five (β=0.026, 95% CI:0.025684, 0.026979) – are positively associated with TFR. Controlling for two pivotal confounding factors, time and GNI per capita, yielded consistent results in the multivariate analysis. These findings provide insight on the dual impact of extreme weather events, which can reduce TFR while also raising it through infant mortality. This phenomena may be due to the increased vulnerability of younger children in climate-event-prone areas, prompting parents to seek extra children as both a replacement for lost offspring and an insurance mechanism against future child loss.

Hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis suppression is common among women during US Army Basic Combat Training

ObjectiveLess than half of servicewomen report loss of menses during initial military training. However, self-reported menstrual status may not accurately reflect hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian (HPO) axis suppression and may underestimate reproductive health...

Long‐term changes in taxonomic and functional composition of European marine fish communities

Evidence of large‐scale biodiversity degradation in marine ecosystems has been reported worldwide, yet most research has focused on few species of interest or on limited spatiotemporal scales. Here we assessed the spatial and temporal changes in the taxonomic and functional composition of fish communities in European seas over the last 25 years (1994–2019). We then explored how these community changes were linked to environmental gradients and fishing pressure. We show that the spatial variation in fish species composition is more than two times higher than the temporal variation, with a marked spatial continuum in taxonomic composition and a more homogenous pattern in functional composition. The regions warming the fastest are experiencing an increasing dominance and total abundance of r‐strategy fish species (lower age of maturity). Conversely, regions warming more slowly show an increasing dominance and total abundance of K‐strategy species (high trophic level and late reproduction). Among the considered environmental variables, sea surface temperature, surface salinity and chlorophyll‐a most consistently influenced communities' spatial patterns, while bottom temperature and oxygen had the most consistent influence on temporal patterns. Changes in communities' functional composition were more closely related to environmental conditions than taxonomic changes. Our study demonstrates the importance of integrating community‐level species traits across multi‐decadal scales and across a large region to better capture and understand ecosystem‐wide responses and provides a different lens on community dynamics that could be used to support sustainable fisheries management.

Modeling solid-state reaction processes: application for the archaeometric study of potteries from Venus Fisica Temple in Pompeii (Italy)

AbstractThis research employs the voltammetry of immobilized microparticles (VIMP) methodology to analyze a collection of ceramic samples from the temple of Venus Fisica in the archaeological site of Pompeii. The primary objective is to discern their origins and manufacturing processes by the solid-state analysis of the electroactive properties of iron minerals, particularly hematite, extensively investigated for its electrochemical and catalytic characteristics. In our study, we propose a model to elucidate the electrochemical processes involved, building upon prior logistic and nucleation formulations. In this model, we consider the possibility of two superimposed pathways. This approach provides a nuanced understanding of composition changes and mineral crystallinity, factors that can induce significant variations in the voltammetric signal. Consequently, it becomes an effective means to discriminate between different provenances and manufacturing techniques of different potteries. The outcomes of this research contribute valuable insights into the intricate realm of ancient ceramic materials, casting light on their origins and production processes within the historical context of Pompeii.

Cellular senescence impairs tendon extracellular matrix remodeling in response to mechanical unloading.

Musculoskeletal injuries, including tendinopathies, present a significant clinical burden for aging populations. While the biological drivers of age-related declines in tendon function are poorly understood, it is well accepted that dysregulation of extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling plays a role in chronic tendon degeneration. Senescent cells, which have been associated with multiple degenerative pathologies in musculoskeletal tissues, secrete a highly pro-inflammatory senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) that has potential to promote ECM breakdown. However, the role of senescent cells in the dysregulation of tendon ECM homeostasis is largely unknown. To assess this directly, we developed an invitro model of induced cellular senescence in murine tendon explants. This novel technique enables us to study the isolated interactions of senescent cells and their native ECM without interference from age-related systemic changes. We document multiple biomarkers of cellular senescence in induced tendon explants including cell cycle arrest, apoptosis resistance, and sustained inflammatory responses. We then utilize this invitro senescence model to compare the ECM remodeling response of young, naturally aged, and induced-senescent tendons to an altered mechanical stimulus. We found that both senescence and aging independently led to alterations in ECM-related gene expression, reductions in protein synthesis, and tissue compositional changes. Furthermore, MMP activity was sustained, thus shifting the remodeling balance of aged and induced-senescent tissues towards degradation over production. Together, this demonstrates that cellular senescence plays a role in the altered mechano-response of aged tendons and likely contributes to poor clinical outcomes in aging populations.

Testosterone in prevention and treatment of type 2 diabetes in men: Focus on recent randomized controlled trials.

In epidemiological studies, lowered serum testosterone concentrations are common in men with obesity, prediabetes, and established type 2 diabetes (T2D). In men with prediabetes, lowered serum testosterone also predicts a future risk of T2D in men. Administration of testosterone consistently reduces fat mass and increases skeletal muscle mass-body compositional changes expected to be metabolically favorable. In men with established T2D, the effects of testosterone treatment on glycemic measures are inconsistent. Irrespective of baseline serum testosterone concentration in men with prediabetes or newly diagnosed early-onset T2D, testosterone treatment prescribed in conjunction with a lifestyle program has been reported to reduce the risk of T2D by 40% after 2 years, suggesting that either a lifestyle program is required to facilitate the glycemic benefit of testosterone treatment and/or that testosterone treatment has more favorable effects on glycemia in men early in the evolution or onset of the disease. The durability of the benefit and longer-term safety of testosterone treatment have not been established. Therefore, more studies are required before testosterone treatment can be recommended for the prevention and/or treatment of men with or at elevated risk of T2D who do not have hypogonadism due to an established disease of the hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular axis.

Oxidizing Role of Cu Cocatalysts in Unassisted Photocatalytic CO2 Reduction Using p-GaN/Al2O3/Au/Cu Heterostructures.

Photocatalytic CO2 reduction to CO under unassisted (unbiased) conditions was recently demonstrated using heterostructure catalysts that combine p-type GaN with plasmonic Au nanoparticles and Cu nanoparticles as cocatalysts (p-GaN/Al2O3/Au/Cu). Here, we investigate the mechanistic role of Cu in p-GaN/Al2O3/Au/Cu under unassisted photocatalytic operating conditions using Cu K-edge X-ray absorption spectroscopy and first-principles calculations. Upon exposure to gas-phase CO2 and H2O vapor reaction conditions, the composition of the Cu nanoparticles is identified as a mixture of CuI and CuII oxide, hydroxide, and carbonate compounds without metallic Cu. These composition changes, indicating oxidative conditions, are rationalized by bulk Pourbaix thermodynamics. Under photocatalytic operating conditions with visible light excitation of the plasmonic Au nanoparticles, further oxidation of CuI to CuII is observed, indicating light-driven hole transfer from Au-to-Cu. This observation is supported by the calculated band alignments of the oxidized Cu compositions with plasmonic Au particles, where light-driven hole transfer from Au-to-Cu is found to be thermodynamically favored. These findings demonstrate that under unassisted (unbiased) gas-phase reaction conditions, Cu is found in carbonate-rich oxidized compositions rather than metallic Cu. These species then act as the active cocatalyst and play an oxidative rather than a reductive role in catalysis when coupled with plasmonic Au particles for light absorption, possibly opening an additional channel for water oxidation in this system.

Effects of humic acid application on bacterial diversity under maize cultivation

AbstractThe fundamental ecosystem processes in soil are regulated by microbial communities, and community diversity is implicated by soil environmental conditions. Humic acid (HA) improves soil quality and fertility, stimulating the microbial environment, but the detailed effects remain poorly understood. We investigated the effects of HA rates on soil bacterial diversity, particularly on species richness and community composition in the rhizosphere of corn (Zea mays). Inorganic fertilizer (T2), HA 0.5% (T3), HA 1.0% (T4), HA 1.5% (T5), and HA 2.0% (T6) were applied in soil. Initial soil (O1) and control after harvesting (T1) were included. A total of 3601 operational taxonomic units were captured from the overall sample, and analysis of 16S ribosomal ribonucleic acid amplicon sequencing data indicated that HA did not notably impact species richness. Intriguingly, HA induced changes in bacterial community composition, along with the relative prevalence of specific taxa. Certain associations between soil chemical properties and abundance distribution have been uncovered. Notably, exchangeable Mg2+, Ca2+, and available phosphorus were strongly related to the relative abundance of bacterial phyla. Furthermore, HA potentially shaped the specific bacterial taxa, as the application of HA at different rates had distinct effects on the member of bacterial abundance of each taxon. These findings enhance our understanding of communities potentially being increased or shifted by HA rate addition in short‐term corn cultivation.

Long-Term Monitoring of Macroinvertebrate Community Assemblages and Species Composition on the Coast of Dokdo, East Sea of Korea

Dokdo Island’s diverse marine ecosystem requires long-term monitoring to understand the effects of rapid environmental changes, such as global warming, on macrobenthos species and communities. Current studies are often short-term and limited, highlighting the need for extended research to predict future changes to ecosystems. This study analyzed the environmental variables influencing macrobenthos through long-term monitoring. In total, 511 species (spp./23.4 m2) were identified with an abundance of 1709.9 individuals/m2 and a diversity of 2.9. Since 2020, there has been a decline in both the number of species and diversity, attributed to changes in sediment composition, particularly an increase in gravel and sand. The dominant species include the crustacean Abludomelita denticulata (17.6%), the polychaete Haplosyllis spongiphila (6.8%), the bivalve Glycymeris munda (5.6%), the polychaete Opisthodonta uraga (5.3%), and the bivalve Limatula japonica (3.8%). The macrobenthos community differs each year, as the dominant species G. munda has decreased in abundance since 2022 and L. japonica since 2021. Depth and gravel sediment strongly correlated with community variation. Site-specific analysis also showed significant differences, with depth, bottom temperature, and sediment composition as the influencing factors. These species thrive in cold water but their abundance declines with an increase in temperature. Continuous long-term monitoring is essential to understand and protect the Dokdo ecosystem amid rapid environmental changes. Long-term monitoring studies have revealed more species than have short-term studies, showing annual and site-specific environmental changes, including sediment erosion and bottom temperature increases. These changes have affected macrobenthos diversity, abundance, and community composition, necessitating ongoing research to determine the persistence of these trends and to protect the ecosystem.

Dynamics of the Humus State of Southern Chernozem with Prolonged Use of Mineral Fertilizers in the Conditions of the Steppe Volga Region

The results of monitoring the dynamics of humus and total nitrogen of the southern chernozem in a long-term stationary experiment with the use of mineral fertilizers are presented. In the first 3 rotations of the grain-to-crop rotation, intensive mineralization of humus was noted in all variants of the experiment. In the conditions of grainsteam crop rotation, this process slowed down, and in the variant with the use of minimum doses of nitrogenphosphorus fertilizers in the 6th rotation, the accumulation of humic substances was revealed. The maximum decrease in humus content at the end of 8 rotations of crop rotation (more than 48 years) was observed in variants with the introduction of medium and high doses of nitrogenphosphorus fertilizers. The use of a minimum dose of fertilizers best compensated for the loss of humus of the southern chernozem during prolonged agricultural use. In comparison with the initial data, negative changes in the qualitative composition of humus were noted in the experiment, expressed in a decrease in the proportion of humic acids. At the end of the 8th rotation, the total nitrogen content in the soil decreased in all variants of the experiment.

Faecal microbial diversity in a cattle herd infected by Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis: a possible effect of production status

Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP) causes Johne’s disease, or paratuberculosis (PTB) in ruminants, besides having zoonotic potential. It possibly changes the gut microbiome, but no conclusive data are available yet. This study aimed at investigating the influence of MAP on the faecal microbiome of cattle naturally infected with PTB. In a follow up period of 10 months, PTB status was investigated in a herd of dairy cattle with history of clinical cases. Each animal was tested for MAP infection using serum and milk ELISA for MAP anti-bodies and IS900 real-time PCR and recombinase polymerase amplification assays for MAP DNA in the faeces and milk monthly for 4 successive months, then a last one after 6 months. The faecal samples were subjected to 16S rDNA metagenomic analysis using Oxford Nanopore Sequencing Technology. The microbial content was compared between animal groups based on MAP positivity rate and production status. All animals were MAP positive by one or more tests, but two animals were consistently negative for MAP DNA in the faeces. In all animals, the phyla firmicutes and bacteroidetes were highly enriched with a small contribution of proteobacteria, and increased abundance of the families Oscillospiraceae, Planococcaceae, and Streptococcacaceae was noted. Animals with high MAP positivity rate showed comparable faecal microbial content, although MAP faecal positivity had no significant effect (p > 0.05) on the microbiome. Generally, richness and evenness indices decreased with increasing positivity rate. A significantly different microbial content was found between dry cows and heifers (p < 0.05). Particularly, Oscillospiraceae and Rikenellaceae were enriched in heifers, while Planococcaceae and Streptococcaceae were overrepresented in dry cows. Furthermore, abundance of 72 genera was significantly different between these two groups (p < 0.05). Changes in faecal microbiome composition were notably associated with increasing MAP shedding in the faeces. The present findings suggest a combined influence of the production status and MAP on the cattle faecal microbiome. This possibly correlates with the fate of the infection, the concern in disease control, again remains for further investigations.

Deciphering the fate of granulation tissue in the human inflammatory alveolar microenvironment using single-cell RNA sequencing

Objective: To investigate the cellular composition and heterogeneity of granulation tissue in human alveolar sockets and construct single-cell transcriptomic maps to elucidate the potential outcomes of natural resolution in the inflammatory microenvironment. Methods: Granulation tissues from 12 alveolar sockets undergoing tooth extraction due to periodontitis and scheduled for delayed site preservation or autologous tooth transplantation were collected in the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, School of stomatology Fourth Military Medical University from September 2022 to August 2023. This study used HE staining and single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) to observe the cellular composition and morphological changes of different types of granulation tissues. This approach enabled us to identify cellular sequence variations in the inflammatory dental alveolar granulation tissue within specific microenvironments, construct single-cell atlases for different types of human dental alveolar granulation tissues, and explore the spatiotemporal patterns of cell type distribution and key gene changes during the resolution process of inflammatory granulation tissue. Results: HE staining revealed extensive infiltration of inflammatory cells in the dental alveolar inflammatory granulation tissue. After allowing the inflammatory granulation tissue to naturally resolve for three weeks, its histological morphology was essentially consistent with that of reparative granulation tissue. ScRNA-seq captured a total of 20 448 cells from granulation tissues, and the gene expression quantification analysis revealed total gene counts of 33 835 for inflammatory granulation tissue, 36 058 for naturally resolved granulation tissue, and 34 719 for reparative granulation tissue. At the single-cell level, granulation tissue was annotated into ten cell subgroups, including vascular endothelial cells, mesenchymal stem cells, and fibroblasts. Differences were observed in the proportion of cell compositions between inflammatory and naturally resolved granulation tissues. Pseudo-temporal analysis illustrated two main outcomes in tissue resolution and healing, involving immune responses and angiogenesis. Among these, genes associated with inflammation regulation and immune response, such as Igbp5, Zfp36, and Hspa1b, as well as genes involved in extracellular matrix secretion and the formation of vessels and fibers such as Timp3, Postn, and Rgs5, showed significant differences in expression between the two types of granulation tissues. Conclusions: Inflammatory granulation tissue exhibits heterogeneity in cell composition, gene expression, and biological functions compared to naturally resolved granulation tissue. When the inflammatory granulation tissue in the alveolar socket is left undisturbed to undergo natural resolution, it displays a cellular composition similar to that of reparative granulation tissue at both the histological and single-cell levels. Moreover, it modulates the inflammatory response and the healing process through immune reactions and tissue remodeling.

Revealing the microbial composition changes and relationship with Fusarium caused by rot disease in the Crocus sativus L.

PurposeRot disease caused by Fusarium poses a formidable threat to the growth of saffron (Crocus sativus L.), resulting in substantial damage to both yield and quality. It is paramount to delve into the root causes of rot disease in saffron to optimize both yield and quality. Existing preventive and treatment modalities have exerted deleterious effects on corms and the natural environment. Consequently, the quest for efficacious and eco-friendly methods such as biological control agents has become an urgent imperative.MethodsThe disparate distribution of microbial communities between rhizospheric microorganisms and saffron serves as the foundational exploration for uncovering the underlying causes of rot disease. Samples from various saffron organs and rhizosphere soil were gathered, and the sequencing data from the microbial communities were interpreted using 16S rRNA and ITS gene sequencing methods. This facilitated an in-depth examination of the composition and changes of microorganisms in both healthy and diseased saffron plants.ResultsThe findings indicated rot disease reduced the abundance and diversity of microorganisms in saffron, and the fungal co-occurrence networks were less stable and their communities were more sensitive to rot disease than the bacterial community. Fusarium was the predominant genus in diseased samples, accounting for 99.19% and 89.77% of the communities in diseased leaves and corms. With corms and leaves displaying heightened susceptibility to infection compared to other plant organs. Some of the beneficial bacterial taxa enriched in the diseased plants were also identified in networks, they showed an antagonistic relationship with Fusarium, suggesting a potential for these bacteria to be used in biologically based control strategies against rot disease. These insights could prove invaluable for the development of biocontrol agents aimed at combating this plant ailment.ConclusionThese findings significantly advance our understanding of saffron-microbiome interactions and could provide fundamental and important data for improving saffron yield and quality in the process of sustainable development.

Cutibacterium acnes biofilm formation is influenced by bone microenvironment, implant surfaces and bacterial internalization

BackgroundThe bacterial persistence, responsible for therapeutic failures, can arise from the biofilm formation, which possesses a high tolerance to antibiotics. This threat often occurs when a bone and joint infection is diagnosed after a prosthesis implantation. Understanding the biofilm mechanism is pivotal to enhance prosthesis joint infection (PJI) treatment and prevention. However, little is known on the characteristics of Cutibacterium acnes biofilm formation, whereas this species is frequently involved in prosthesis infections.MethodsIn this study, we compared the biofilm formation of C. acnes PJI-related strains and non-PJI-related strains on plastic support and textured titanium alloy by (i) counting adherent and viable bacteria, (ii) confocal scanning electronic microscopy observations after biofilm matrix labeling and (iii) RT-qPCR experiments.ResultsWe highlighted material- and strain-dependent modifications of C. acnes biofilm. Non-PJI-related strains formed aggregates on both types of support but with different matrix compositions. While the proportion of polysaccharides signal was higher on plastic, the proportions of polysaccharides and proteins signals were more similar on titanium. The changes in biofilm composition for PJI-related strains was less noticeable. For all tested strains, biofilm formation-related genes were more expressed in biofilm formed on plastic that one formed on titanium. Moreover, the impact of C. acnes internalization in osteoblasts prior to biofilm development was also investigated. After internalization, one of the non-PJI-related strains biofilm characteristics were affected: (i) a lower quantity of adhered bacteria (80.3-fold decrease), (ii) an increase of polysaccharides signal in biofilm and (iii) an activation of biofilm gene expressions on textured titanium disk.ConclusionTaken together, these results evidenced the versatility of C. acnes biofilm, depending on the support used, the bone environment and the strain.

Anaerobic recovery of vivianite from waste-activated sludge through combined sludge pre-fermentation and agroforestry biomass-based biochar

The recovery of vivianite through the anaerobic digestion of waste-activated sludge has attracted considerable attention due to its operational simplicity and the high economic value of vivianite. This study concentrated on the recovery of vivianite from anaerobic fermentation systems through a strategy combining sludge pre-fermentation with the waste agricultural and forestry biomass-derived biochar (ZBC). In-depth analyses of the structure and functionality of ZBC were conducted using techniques such as Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and Raman spectroscopy. The sediment produced after the experiment and the changes in microbial community composition were characterized. The results indicated that pre-fermentation promoted phosphorus release, enhancing the synthesis of vivianite while selectively enriching respiratory and fermentative Fe (III)-reducing microorganisms. When FeOOH was used as the Fe (III) source, ZBC, through its dual action of redox functional groups and graphitization structure, increased the Fe2+ production by 243.6 % in the system dominated by respiratory Fe (III)-reducing bacteria. The optimal dosage of ZBC for the simultaneous recovery of vivianite resources and methane energy was 2.5 g/L. The combined application of pre-fermentation and ZBC provides a novel approach for the efficient recycling of vivianite and offers new insights into the reuse of agroforestry waste biomass resources.

Assessing one-shade composite resin color stability in response to everyday drinks

ObjectiveThe aim of our study was to measure the color changes in one-shade composite resins when exposed to common drinks, such as tea, cola and coffee.Materials/MethodsIn our study, Omnichroma, Vitrra APS Unique, GC A’chord and Charisma Diamond One composite resins were used. Composite resins were placed in stainless steel molds with depths of 2 mm and diameters of 5 mm. Ten specimens were immersed in tea, 10 specimens were immersed in coffee, 10 specimens were immersed in cola and 10 specimens were immersed in distilled water in an incubator at 37 °C for 14 days. Color measurements were performed at the beginning of the study and after 24 h and 14 days. Color values ​​were measured using a CIE L*a*b* system with a spectrophotometer device. Color and translucency changes were calculated and data analyzed using one-way ANOVA, two-way ANOVA, and post-hoc Tukey test (p < 0.05).ResultsThe greatest color changes occurred in the tea and coffee groups; the smallest color change occurred in the control group. After 14 days, the greatest color change was observed in the Charisma + Coffee group; the smallest color change was observed in the Omnichroma + Water group. The transparency and contrast ratios changed in all groups, and the smallest change occurred in the Omnichroma control group.ConclusionSignificant differences were found in the composite color changes after immersion in beverages. The color variations significantly differed depending on the beverage in which the specimens were immersed. The initial contrast ratio was markedly different from the examined materials.Clinical significanceThe study emphasizes the significance of common beverages on the color stability of one-shade composite resins, underlining the need of appropriate material selection for long-term aesthetic effects in one-shade composite resin restorations.

Integration of photo/magnetic responsive composite phase change materials with polyurethane sponge for sustainable and efficient cleanup of crude oil spills

The efficient remediation of viscous oil spills is still a global challenge in practice due to the poor fluidity caused by their high viscosity. The adsorbents with in situ heating characteristics are regard as potential candidate for rapid and efficient crude oil spills cleanup. Although solar-assisted heating is the cleanest and most energy-efficient way, the great variation of sunlight intensity with the season and location is an obstacle to its practical application. To promote oil adsorption and enhance energy utilization efficiency, we constructed a novel adsorbent with simultaneous photo/magnetic-thermal response, and importantly phase change materials (PCMs) as thermal energy storage unit were introduced into the adsorbents. The Co/CNTs with high graphitization as efficient sunlight absorbers can significantly improve the photothermal conversion capacity of the adsorbent, resulting in rapid oil adsorption under solar illumination. Besides, benefiting from the superior magnetic response of Co particles encapsulated in the carbon skeleton, the adsorbent also enables efficient oil adsorption under alternating magnetic field. Most importantly, thanks to the cross-connected network structure of CNTs derived from the carbonization of ZIF-67, the PEG was well anchored in the Co/CNTs particles, which allows the adsorbent to store thermal energy and release heat for sustained cleanup of the oil spills when the energy input is insufficient. The adsorbent integrates with superior photo/magnetic-thermal conversion and thermal storage functions provides an innovative solution for efficient and energy-saving remediation of crude oil spills and breaks new grounds of PCMs applications.