Long-term Storage Research Articles

Deciphering genetic diversity in conserved cattle bulls to achieve sustainable development goals

The primary objective of Sustainable Development Goal target 2.5 established by the United Nations is to ensure the preservation of genetic diversity in domesticated animals. The ICAR-National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources in India has been actively engaged in the conservation of cattle and buffalo bull semen for long-term storage. This present study aimed to assess the genetic diversity present in the conserved cattle bull semen, which would aid in determining the most suitable strategy for future conservation management. A total of 192 bull semen belonging to 19 cattle breeds were selected to evaluate genetic diversity using 17 pairs of FAO recommended microsatellite primers. Total 267 alleles were detected across all the samples which indicates substantial amount of allelic variation is being maintained in conserved bulls. Further, all cattle bulls semen conserved showed higher observed heterozygosity than expected heterozygosity which indicates excess genetic diversity in all the populations. The FST, F IT and FIS value across the loci and population is 0.146 ± 0.009, 0.054 ± 0.038, and − 0.105 ± 0.035, respectively, which suggests lack of inbreeding in conserved cattle bull semen. This study has established genetic diversity in conserved cattle semen samples to achieve sustainable development goals. In addition, it provides compelling evidence that the current approach for conserving cattle bull semen is heading in the correct direction.

Overcoming thermostability challenges in mRNA–lipid nanoparticle systems with piperidine-based ionizable lipids

Lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) have emerged as promising platforms for efficient in vivo mRNA delivery owing to advancements in ionizable lipids. However, maintaining the thermostability of mRNA/LNP systems remains challenging. While the importance of only a small amount of lipid impurities on mRNA inactivation is clear, a fundamental solution has not yet been proposed. In this study, we investigate an approach to limit the generation of aldehyde impurities that react with mRNA nucleosides through the chemical engineering of lipids. We demonstrated that piperidine-based lipids improve the long-term storage stability of mRNA/LNPs at refrigeration temperature as a liquid formulation. High-performance liquid chromatography analysis and additional lipid synthesis revealed that amine moieties of ionizable lipids play a vital role in limiting reactive aldehyde generation, mRNA–lipid adduct formation, and loss of mRNA function during mRNA/LNP storage. These findings highlight the importance of lipid design and help enhance the shelf-life of mRNA/LNP systems.

The impact of preanalytical variables on the analysis of cell-free DNA from blood and urine samples

Cell-free DNA (cfDNA), a burgeoning class of molecular biomarkers, has been extensively studied across a variety of biomedical fields. As a key component of liquid biopsy, cfDNA testing is gaining prominence in disease detection and management due to the convenience of sample collection and the abundant wealth of genetic information it provides. However, the broader clinical application of cfDNA is currently impeded by a lack of standardization in the preanalytical procedures for cfDNA analysis. A number of fundamental challenges, including the selection of appropriate preanalytical procedures, prevention of short cfDNA fragment loss, and the validation of various cfDNA measurement methods, remain unaddressed. These existing hurdles lead to difficulties in comparing results and ensuring repeatability, thereby undermining the reliability of cfDNA analysis in clinical settings. This review discusses the crucial preanalytical factors that influence cfDNA analysis outcomes, including sample collection, transportation, temporary storage, processing, extraction, quality control, and long-term storage. The review provides clarification on achievable consensus and offers an analysis of the current issues with the goal of standardizing preanalytical procedures for cfDNA analysis.

A Review on Physical Hydrogen Storage: Insights into Influencing Parameters, Energy Consumption, Global Outlook and Bibliographic Analysis.

The transition of the global energy market towards an environment-friendly, sustainable society requires a profound transformation from fossil fuel to zero carbon emission fuel. To cope with this goal production of renewable energy is accelerating worldwide. Hydrogen is a clean energy carrier, due to its clean combustion and abundance. Nonetheless, its storage is a critical challenge to its success. Hydrogen must be stored long after being produced and transported to a storage site. Physical hydrogen storage (PHS)is vital among hydrogen storage modes, and its shortcoming needs to overcome for its successful and economic benefits. This review intends to discuss the techniques and applications of physical hydrogen storage in the state of compressed gas, liquefied hydrogen gas, and cold/cryo compressed gas concerning their working principle, chemical and physical properties, influencing factors for physical hydrogen storage, and transportation, economics, and global outlook. In addition, insights of several probable PHSsystems are highlighted. The outcomes of this review envisioned that the PHS still necessitates technological advancements despite having remarkable success. The limitation opens the door to further research, which would be helpful for efficient and long-term physical hydrogen storage.

Features of using Tropicana 1 on potatoes in the forest steppe of Western Siberia

The results of experimental studies on the effectiveness of using the medicine Tropikanka 1 during the growing season of potatoes of the Vega (early) variety are presented. Arid conditions were observed during the experiments, especially in May and June. Tropikanka 1 was used during the potato growing season by spraying plants at the beginning of budding and mass flowering in concentrations of 0.005, 0.01, and 0.02% with a working fluid flow rate of 300 l/ha. Spraying with water was used as a control. The research aims to develop ways to use environmentally friendly organic fertilizer to stimulate the growth and development of potatoes and increase their yield with good quality and product safety. It was shown that on gray forest heavy loamy soil of the forest-steppe of the Ob region under conditions of acute moisture deficiency in May, June, and early July 2023, the use of Tropikanka 1 during the potato growing season accelerated the rate of progression of the phenological phases of potatoes by two days compared to the control (water). The maximum leaf area was formed during the use of the drug Tropikanka 1, especially at a concentration of 0.01% - 1.4 times higher than the control. Against the background of spraying potato plants during the growing season with Tropikanka 1, the yield of tubers increased by 1.3 times. The total yield in the variants with spraying plants with Tropikanka 1 at a concentration of 0.01%for the early variety Vega was 27.1 t/ha, 21% higher than the control. An increase in marketable yield of up to 30% was noted when using liquid fertilizer based on dilution of poultry manure treated with nitric acid. An increase in the quality of potato tubers was established with an increase in dry matter content by 0.3%, starch by 0.4%, and vitamin C by 0.6% mg/kg. The concentration of nitrates was below the MPC. It was noted that using liquid fertilizer Tropikanka 1 did not reduce the safety indicators of the early potato variety Vega tubers during long-term storage.

The association of protein-bound methionine sulfoxide with proteomic basis for aging in beech seeds

BackgroundEuropean beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) trees produce seeds irregularly; therefore, it is necessary to store beech seeds for forestation. Despite the acquisition of desiccation tolerance during development, beech seeds are classified as intermediate because they lose viability during long-term storage faster than typical orthodox seeds. In this study, beech seeds stored for short (3 years) or long (20 years) periods under optimal conditions and displaying 92 and 30% germination capacity, respectively, were compared.ResultsAged seeds displayed increased membrane damage, manifested as electrolyte leakage and lipid peroxidation levels. Analyses have been based on embryonic axes, which contained higher levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and higher levels of protein-bound methionine sulfoxide (MetO) in aged seeds. Using label-free quantitative proteomics, 3,949 proteins were identified, of which 2,442 were reliably quantified pointing to 24 more abundant proteins and 35 less abundant proteins in beech seeds under long-term storage conditions. Functional analyses based on gene ontology annotations revealed that nucleic acid binding activity (molecular function), ribosome organization or biogenesis and transmembrane transport (cellular processes), translational proteins (protein class) and membranous anatomical entities (cellular compartment) were affected in aged seeds. To verify whether MetO, the oxidative posttranslational modification of proteins that can be reversed via the action of methionine sulfoxide reductase (Msr) enzymes, is involved in the aging of beech seeds, we identified and quantified 226 MetO-containing proteins, among which 9 and 19 exhibited significantly up- and downregulated MetO levels, respectively, in beech seeds under long-term storage conditions. Several Msr isoforms were identified and recognized as MsrA1-like, MsrA4, MsrB5 and MsrB5-like in beech seeds. Only MsrA1-like displayed decreased abundance in aged seeds.ConclusionsWe demonstrated that the loss of membrane integrity reflected in the elevated abundance of membrane proteins had a higher impact on seed aging progress than the MetO/Msr system. Proteome analyses enabled us to propose protein Sec61 and glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase as potential longevity modulators in beech seeds.

Monitoring underground hydrogen storage migration and distribution using time-lapse acoustic waveform inversion

The ongoing global energy shift from fossil fuels to renewable sources highlights the importance of underground hydrogen storage (UHS) as a sustainable mechanism to counterbalance the seasonal inconsistencies of renewable energy. Comparable to geological CO2 sequestration, UHS necessitates precise subsurface imaging and a thorough understanding of hydrogen behavior within geological formations, including its location and migration patterns. Since direct subsurface measurement is unattainable, there is a pronounced need for robust subsurface characterization and monitoring techniques. This research focuses on UHS feasibility in enduring storage scenarios, employing seismic monitoring strategies adapted from CO2 storage practices. Specifically, we integrate Continuous Active Source Seismic Monitoring (CASSM) and Time-Lapse Full Waveform Inversion (TLFWI) to scrutinize UHS. The study employs synthetic crosshole surveys that initially model the coexistence of hydrogen and water within fractured reservoirs, aiming to pinpoint hydrogen-related velocity alterations in acoustic waveforms. Subsequently, we utilize a time-lapse synthetic model of hydrogen injection to emulate CASSM observations. Utilizing TLFWI in conjunction with White's model, we successfully process the CASSM data to discern and quantify temporal variations in velocity and saturation, which effectively maps the spatial and temporal distribution of mobile hydrogen. The results affirm the capabilities of TLFWI and CASSM as proficient monitoring systems for UHS. This study aspires to offer a dependable methodology for the administration of large-scale and long-term geological hydrogen storage.

Analyzing Hydrogen Flow Behavior Based on Deep Learning Sensor Selection Optimization Framework

Abstract With tremendous potential to lower the carbon footprint of power generation and as an alternative energy carrier for many applications, hydrogen has emerged as a key potential energy carrier. Understanding of geological conditions and the injection and production changes over time for hydrogen storage are paramount, requiring in situ reservoir sensing options. Determining the flow behavior is of critical importance in order to estimate hydrogen volumes within the reservoir. A novel AI-driven methodology for hydrogen flow behavior and volume estimation was demonstrated. For determining the S1 through S3 predicted hydrogen storage quantities, the framework is linked to an uncertainty estimate framework. The Pohokura field in New Zealand served as the basis for the framework's evaluation, and it performed acceptably in terms of identifying the hydrogen flow behaviors and quantities inside the subsurface reservoir. The framework is a significant first step in assessing the amount of hydrogen that can be stored in subterranean reservoirs for long-term hydrogen storage.

A new strategy to improve the quality of frozen chicken wings: High voltage electrostatic field combined with phosphorus-free water retaining agent

Freezing is a commonly used method for long-term storage of chicken wing products, of which disadvantages are mainly the product damage caused in the process. The aim of this study was to improve the freezing quality of chicken wings with a combination of phosphorus-free water retaining agent (WRA) and high-voltage electrostatic field (HVEF). The effect of WRA acting at different HVEF intensities (0, 1, 3, and 5 kV/cm) on the quality attributes of frozen chicken wings was investigated in 0, 7, 14, 21, 28 and 35 days of frozen storage. The results showed that WRA had functional properties of significantly improving the water holding capacity (WHC), color and texture properties, and fat stability of frozen chicken wing samples. The application of HVEF on this basis helped to promote the absorption of WRA and inhibit oxidative deterioration of chicken wing samples during frozen storage. Meanwhile, the combination of HVEF at 3 kV/cm was more prominent in terms of improvement in WHC, moisture content, color, protein secondary structure and microstructure integrity. This advantage had been consistently maintained with the extension of storage time. Overall, WRA combined with HVEF of 3 kV/cm can be used as an effective strategy to improve the freezing quality of chicken wing samples and has the potential to maintain the frozen chicken wing samples quality for a long time.

Biochemical characterization, stability, and kinetics of three substrates of the recombinant TMPRSS2 serine protease domain

Transmembrane serine protease 2 (TMPRSS2) is a membrane-bound protease belonging to the type II transmembrane serine protease (TTSP) family. It is a multidomain protein, including a serine protease domain responsible for its self-activation. The protein has been implicated as an oncogenic transcription factor and for its ability to cleave (prime) the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein. In order to characterize the TMPRSS2 biochemical properties, we expressed the serine protease domain (rTMPRSS2_SP) in Komagataella phaffii using the pPICZαA vector and purified it using immobilized metal affinity (Ni Sepharose™ excel) and size exclusion (Superdex 75) chromatography. We explored operational fluorescence resonance energy transfer FRET peptides as substrates. We chose the peptide Abz-QARK-(Dnp)-NH2 (Abz = ortho-aminobenzoic acid, the fluorescence donor, and Dnp = 2,4-dinitrophenyl, the quencher group) as a substrate to find the optimal conditions for maximum enzymatic activity. We found that metallic ions such as Ca2+ and Na+ increased enzymatic activity, but ionic surfactants and reducing agents decreased catalytic capacity. Finally, we determined the rTMPRSS2_SP stability for long-term storage. Altogether, our results represent the first comprehensive characterization of TMPRSS2’s biochemical properties, providing valuable insights into its serine protease domain.

Long-term storage for reanalysis purposes: A stability study of extracts from post-explosion/burning residues of fuel-oxidizer explosive mixtures

Post-explosion residue analysis is vital in forensic chemistry, providing valuable insights into incidents involving explosives. One significant challenge in this field is preserving samples for long-term storage for reanalysis. Presently, many laboratories conducting post-explosion analyses worldwide do not retain samples for reanalysis purposes, since the extraction process for sample preparation often necessitates the complete consumption of the scarce material. Even in cases where a portion of the material remains, such as a swab, it is difficult to ensure its representativeness and select a specific portion for preservation. One possible solution to overcome this challenge is to consider preserving the extracts used in the analyses for potential reanalysis. However, the stability characteristics of these extracts are currently unknown. The results presented in this article provide valuable insights into the feasibility of long-term storage for samples containing target analytes in extracts from post-explosion/burning residues of frequently encountered fuel-oxidizer explosive mixtures, such as flash powder, explosive emulsion, and black powder. These results shed light on the potential viability of preserving such extracts for future reanalysis, offering promising prospects for enhancing forensic investigations in this field. Based on the current findings, it has been demonstrated that the aqueous extracts can be effectively preserved as long-term storage samples for a minimum of 24 months, encompassing all the studied explosives. Only cyanate ion showed significant degradation among the 27 compounds studied. Additionally, the organic extract, specifically in the case of emulsion explosive, can be maintained for at least 12 months.

Nagynyomású hidrogénatmoszférás kemence gyártása szénacélok elridegedésének vizsgálatához

Összefoglalás. A hidrogén tárolása iránti igény egyre növekszik, melynek oka az, hogy a hidrogén mint alternatív energiahordozó jelentős szerepet játszik a szén-dioxidkibocsátás-csökkentési törekvésekben. Azonban, az elridegedési folyamatok körében a hidrogén által előidézett károsodások jelentik a legkomolyabb problémát az acélokra nézve. Kutatómunkánk során egy nagynyomású hidrogénatmoszférás hőkezelésre alkalmas autoklávot terveztünk, majd gyártottunk. Az autoklávban P355 NH minőségű alapanyagból kimunkált szabványos Charpy-féle ütőpróbatesteket hőkezeltünk 150 °C-on, 40 bar túlnyomáson, 200 órán keresztül, tiszta hidrogén atmoszférában. A vizsgálatok eredményei alapján megállapítottuk, hogy a jelentős mértékű elridegedés a hidrogénezési folyamat után sem történt. Summary. The demand for hydrogen storage is growing. The primary reason for this is that hydrogen as an alternative energy carrier is playing a significant role in carbon reduction efforts as a fuel for road and maritime transport. In addition, hydrogen can be seen as a long-term flexible energy storage option. Hydrogen as an energy carrier is expected to play a significant role in residential and industrial use in the future. A first step in this development is the mixing of hydrogen with natural gas in small quantities. Increasing the share of hydrogen would not only reduce CO2 emissions, but would also facilitate the development of different hydrogen production methods and thus reduce production costs. The upper safety limit for hydrogen blending with natural gas is set by the national specification of the natural gas supply, possible material quality restrictions and the tolerance of the most sensitive equipment in the network. For this reason, the maximum allowable hydrogen content in natural gas is generally limited to 2,5%. However, among the embrittlement processes, hydrogen-induced damage is the most serious problem for both non-alloy and low-alloy steels. Atomic hydrogen diffuses in steel at high rates. The diffusion rate is orders of magnitude higher than that of other elements; this is due to the small atomic diameter of hydrogen. To investigate the degradation of different carbon steels in a high-pressure hydrogen atmosphere, a hydrogenation furnace was designed and fabricated at the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at BME. The hydrogenation furnace is the main part of a complex mechanical engineering system, for the operation of which the mechanical, heating, electrical supply, control and gas handling components are indispensable. The entire design process of the furnace was led by József Blücher, Professor Emeritus at BME, with the help of the engineers and technicians working on the project. Standard Charpy impact test specimens were machined from P355 NH grade material to test the embrittlement of carbon steels. The hydrogenation temperature was 150 °C, the internal overpressure in the chamber was 40 bar, the hydrogenation time was 200 hours and the atmosphere was hydrogen gas of purity 5.0. The impact test was carried out at -20, 0 and +20 °C. Based on the results of the tests, it can be concluded that there was no significant degree of degradation both before hydrogenation and after prolonged exposure to hydrogen. It can be concluded that the tube material used as a sample is suitable for operation in a hydrogen medium. Based on the analysis of the burst areas and impact values of the impact test specimens, it was concluded that hydrogen did not cause any observable damage to the test material.

A Pilot Study on the Assessment of the Knowledge, Practice, and Challenges of Pharmaceutical Inventory Management among Community Pharmacists

Pharmacies and related supplies must always be available at the required location, in the requisite amount, and with the necessary quality for health facilities to offer comprehensive care. Efficient inventory management improves pharmaceutical product profitability by reducing procurement costs and preventing long-term storage, while poor inventory management hinders essential drug availability. The current study aims to assess the knowledge, practice, and challenges in applying inventory management methods. A mixed-method study design with sampling techniques of purposive and snowball methods was used. A semi-structured questionnaire was implemented for quantitative data and an open-ended question was employed to explore more information as qualitative data. The collected qualitative data were transcribed and identified as five major themes knowledge about inventory management, challenges faced by pharmacists in managing inventory, purchasing methods, stocking, and expiry, and the purpose of inventory control management. Most pharmacists employ the inventory management method based on their experience and the customer needs. Among the basic inventory management tools like ABC, VED, FSN, or XYZ, the use of VED and FSN methods for purchasing and stocking is high. It is noted that they lack professional training but gained more knowledge and skills through the experience. When they were asked about the inventory control methods, about 70% of them were not aware, and of those who said yes 20 % were able to answer at least 1 method and 10 % were not able to correctly mention the name. To conclude the pharmacist should start considering the modern methods along with the current methods for effective marginal profit and competitive management of the pharmacies.

Preservation and reactivation strategies for quorum quenching media to combat membrane biofouling

Microbial quorum quenching (QQ), which addresses biofouling resistant to physical and chemical methods, presents a compelling solution. Enhancements in sustainability are imperative to ensure its long-term stability. This study explores QQ media preservation for extended use. Three media types were tested over 150 days: fresh BH4 cells, preserved/reactivated BH4 cells, and BH4 cell extracts. Initial QQ activities ranged in the appropriate levels from 1.08 to 1.24 h−1. Preservation in 50 mM Tris-HCl at 4 °C showed that media with whole cells retained approximately 60 % activity after 60 days, unlike cell extract media, which lost all activity. However, the dehydration and reactivation of BH4 cell media fully recovered the initial QQ activity while maintaining it for 150 days. In MBR tests, reactivated QQ media performed as effectively as those prepared with freshly cultured BH4 cells, delaying membrane fouling by 2-fold. Revitalizing QQ media in combination with chlorine-based chemically enhanced backwashing (CEB) further delayed fouling by 2.5 times compared to CEB alone. Reactivated QQ media retained robust activity even after prolonged MBR use. This study showcases the effectiveness of dehydration and reactivation techniques for preserving QQ media, ensuring its reliable long-term storage and utilization. However, further enhancements are necessary to optimize cell viability.

Silica Surface Coating of Blue Light-Emitting CsPbBr3 Nanoplatelets for Improved Stability in Polar Solvents and Long-Term Storage

Silica Surface Coating of Blue Light-Emitting CsPbBr₃ Nanoplatelets for Improved Stability in Polar Solvents and Long-Term Storage

Analysis of terrestrial water storage variations in South Korea using GRACE satellite and GLDAS data in Google Earth Engine

With the requirement of a macroscopic approach to understanding the relationship between water resources and hydrological phenomena, such as severe droughts under climate change, this study investigates South Korea’s long-term terrestrial water storage (TWS) using GRACE satellite data. A detailed analysis of water balance in TWS, based on the GLDAS model outputs in Google Earth Engine, reveals the following results: (1) TWS anomaly shows an averaged decrease of -33.5 mm yr−1 from 2003 to 2016. (2) Spatial shifts in TWS anomaly (-1.176 to -0.424 cm) unveil regional water storage dynamics, indicating negative temporal slope changes per grid cell (-0.393 to -0.225). (3) Contributions of precipitation to TWS are not always straightforward, due to runoff inefficiencies affecting water storage and groundwater. (4) Accessible water, integrating surface water and groundwater linked only to the shallow layer’s soil moisture, constrains deep groundwater accounting, emphasizing the need for local groundwater surveys in further research.

Understanding post-irradiation creep behavior of M5Framatome zirconium alloy

After in reactor use, the nuclear fuel assembly of pressurized water reactors is stored in water and is eventually transported, in a dry cask, to a long-term storage facility or to a reprocessing plant. During transportation in dry environment the fuel rod temperature and internal pressure both increase. This leads to simultaneous creep deformation and annealing of the cladding tubes made of M5Framatome11M5 and M5Framatome are trademarks or registered trademarks of Framatome or its affiliates, in the USA or other countries. zirconium alloy. This study shows that post-irradiation creep, or heat treatment, leads to the recovery of the radiation induced hardening and also to the recovery of the uniform elongation because of <a>-loop annealing. On the other hand, it is shown that cladding tubes made of M5Framatome alloy exhibit low post-irradiation creep rates, especially at low applied stress. This strain rate is significantly lower than for the unirradiated material and similar to the as-irradiated material, despite the significant <a> loop annealing. The low creep rates are mainly attributed to the Nb-rich nano-precipitates that act as dispersed strengthening particles. These nano-precipitates appear under irradiation and are stable at temperatures up to 450 °C explaining their strengthening effect even after significant annealing.

PSI-5 Evaluation of EhV (surrogate for African swine fever virus) inactivation in corn- and soybean-based feed ingredients and diets at various times and temperatures during storage

Abstract African swine fever virus (ASFV) is a member of the nucleocytoplasmic large DNA viruses (NCLDVs) and remains stable in a variety of environments, including animal feed ingredients as shown in previous laboratory experiments and simulations. Emiliania huxleyi virus (EhV) is another member of NCLDV, which has a restricted host range limited to a species of marine algae called Emiliania huxleyi. This algal NCLDV has many similar morphological and physical characteristics to ASFV which makes it a safe and reliable surrogate for studying ASFV survival and inactivation in feed ingredient matrices in-situ under various time and temperature storage conditions. The objective of the present study was to investigate the inactivation of ASFV in various feedstuffs under a wide range of time and temperature conditions during storage using EhV as a surrogate. Corn- and soybean-based feed ingredients including corn, corn fermented protein, distiller dried grains with solubles, extruded soybean meal, high protein distiller’s grains, solvent-extracted soybean meal, soybean hulls, complete feed, and a positive control (no matrix) were inoculated with EhV (1 × 108 viruses/mL). Negative controls were inoculated with medium containing no EhV for each matrix. To assess the effects of different times and temperatures of storage, all samples were stored at temperatures of 4, 24, and 34 °C for 1, 5, 60, and 120 d. For each timepoint and temperature combination, samples were evaluated for virus presence (qPCR) and viability using a previously validated viability qPCR (v-qPCR) method. On average, we observed a 0.2 log reduction in viable viral DNA content over the 120-d period, with a 0.1 log reduction across varying temperatures. No reductions in EhV viability exceeding 1 log were detected for any matrix and the positive control at any time and temperature combination evaluated. No EhV was recovered from the negative control samples. Given that the experimental error was calculated to be within the range of 1 log, we concluded that storing EhV at 4, 24, or 34 °C for up to 120 d did not result in the inactivation of EhV in any of the ingredients, complete feed, or the control with no matrix. These results demonstrate that ASFV-like NCLDVs is extremely resilient and can maintain viability in various feed matrices during long-term storage and suggest that extending storage time alone may not be an effective mitigation practice against African swine fever virus.

The durability of filter cap for OT-Balloon catheter, a novel urethral catheter for intermittent balloon catheterization

Objective:The OT-Balloon Catheter is a novel urethral catheter designed for intermittent balloon catheterization. It has a filter permeable to gases but not liquids, enabling patients to confirm adequate catheterization without the flow of urine. This study examined the characteristics of the filter cap for OT-Balloon Catheter by repeatedly exposing filters to urine samples in 2 different conditions. Methods:Urine samples were collected from 10 patients who required clean intermittent catheterization and visited Okayama University Hospital in 2023. Filters of the cap for OT-Balloon Catheter were exposed to urine samples for 30 times under 2 conditions, as follows: condition A, filters were rinsed with running water after exposure to urine; condition B, filters were never rinsed throughout the experiment. The permeability of the filters during and after the exposure was examined. The filter surface was also analyzed by stereomicroscopy. Results:None of the filters were blocked after treatment in condition A. More than 50% of the filters remained permeable after 20 and 30 exposures even in condition B. Long-term storage did not lead to increased rates of blockage. Microscopic examination found minimal urine stains on the surface of filters under condition B. Conclusion:The filter cap for OT-Balloon Catheter was resistant to blockage and maintained permeability after exposure to urine when adequately rinsed, and also when never rinsed after exposure to most samples. The durable permeability of the filter enables patients to achieve rapid, safe, and easy intermittent balloon catheterization.

Converting Carbon Dioxide into Carbon Nanotubes by Reacting with Ethane.

The urgency to mitigate environmental impacts from anthropogenic CO2 emissions has propelled extensive research efforts on CO2 reduction. The current work reports a novel approach involving transforming CO2 and ethane into carbon nanotubes (CNTs) using earth-abundant metals (Fe, Co, Ni) at 750 °C. This route facilitates long-term carbon storage via generating high-value CNTs and produces valuable syngas with adjustable H2/CO ratios as byproducts. Without CO2, direct pyrolysis of ethane undergoes rapid deactivation. The participation of CO2 not only enhances the durability of the catalyst, but also contributes about 30% of the CNTs production, presenting a viable solution to CO2 challenges. The CNT morphology depends on the catalyst used. Co- and Ni-based catalysts produce CNT with a 20 nm diameter and micrometer length, whereas Fe-based catalysts yield bamboo-like structures. This work represents a pioneering effort in utilizing CO2 and ethane for CNT production with potential environmental and economic benefits.