Microscopy Results Research Articles

Structure-activity relationship, adsorption, and fenton-like catalytic oxidation capacity of iron-oxide nano-confined materials

In this study, iron-oxide was loaded into polystyrene macroporous microspheres containing sulfonate groups to prepare an environmental purification material with adsorption and Fenton-like oxidizing abilities. Iron-oxide is prone to inactivation due to reunion in the process of preparation and application, and this modification aimed to mitigate this problem. Subsequently, based on the microscopic characterization results and the effect on the treatment of methylene blue (MB) simulated wastewater, the structure-activity relationship of two key (OH− concentrations in precipitation solution and iron ion compositions in the impregnation solution) factors with the adsorption and catalytic oxidation ability of the iron-oxide nano-confined materials were explored. The results indicated that the samples both exhibited adsorption and catalytic oxidation capabilities. The removal efficiency of MB simulated wastewater can reached 95.3% after adsorption for 9 h, reaching 99.98% after catalytic oxidation for 6 h. In addition, the removal efficiency of the MB simulated wastewater exceeded 95% after 6 cycles. The concentration of OH− in precipitation solution could affect the volume of iron crystals on the carrier which affected the pore size of the sample and the adsorption capacity. It also influenced whether iron ions could be stably loaded inside the carrier, determining the conducting homogeneous or heterogeneous Fenton-like reactions and the stability of the samples. The composition of iron ions in the impregnating solution regulated the volume of the crystals and adsorption sites, which influenced the adsorption ability of the samples. In addition, the presence of Fe2+ could promote the progress of Fenton-like reactions. The identification results of the ROSs showed that •OH was the main free radical. The quenching experiment results showed that the contribution rate of •OH toward MB degradation reached 99.81%. In addition, the possible degradation pathways of MB were analyzed.

Effect of magnetic field treatment on the softening of green chilies (Capsicum annuum L.) during storage

In this study, effects of magnetic field treatment on the softening of green chilies during storage (0–30 d at 10 °C) were investigated, and the cell wall polysaccharide content, modifying enzyme activities, water distribution, and cell wall structure were determined. After 30 d of storage, the weight loss of the green chilies in conventional refrigeration (CR) group reached 35.40 %, whereas it was 20.96 % and 29.85 % in the static (SMF; 4 mT) and alternating magnetic field (AMF; 4 mT, 1 Hz) groups, respectively. Furthermore, magnetic field treatment maintained low levels of water-soluble pectin (WSP) and high levels of chelate-soluble pectin (CSP) and sodium carbonate-soluble pectin (NSP) in the green chilies. The degree of methylation (DE) values of WSP and NSP in the pre-treated samples were 0.37 and 0.18, respectively. Conversely, at the end of storage, the DE values of WSP and NSP in the CR, SMF, and AMF groups decreased to 0.12 and 0.05, 0.25 and 0.11, and 0.18 and 0.07, respectively, suggesting that magnetic field treatment had a negative influence on the demethylation of pectin. Magnetic field treatment also decreased the activities of pectin methyl esterase, polygalacturonase, and β-galactosidase in the green chilies, maintaining them at a low level. The magnetic field treatment resulted in a higher free water content in green chilies compared to the CR, exceeding the CR group’s content by 1.79 % and reaching 88.18 % at the terminal storage. Scanning electron microscopy results revealed that magnetic field treatment maintained the structural integrity of the cell wall in the green chilies. The results of this study confirmed the applicability of magnetic field treatment in maintaining the firmness and reducing the weight loss of the green chilies, thus prolonging their shelf life.

Preparation of chitosan-based macromolecular antioxidant with high-efficiency free radical scavenging ability to improve the antioxidative properties of styrene-butadiene rubber/silica composites

To address the disadvantages of traditional rubber antioxidants with low molecular weight such as easy migration, poor extraction resistance, low thermal stability and antioxidant efficiency, in this work, we first prepared an antioxidant containing primary and secondary antioxidant groups (MC-MPA) through thiol-ene click reaction between N-(4-aminophenyl)maleimide (MC) and 3-mercaptopropionic acid (MPA). Then, we synthesized a chitosan-based macromolecular antioxidant with long-chain alkene, aromatic secondary amine, and thioether groups (COS-UC-MC-MPA) by sequentially grafting functional compounds 10-undecanonyl chloride (UC) and antioxidant MC-MPA onto natural macromolecular polymer chitosan (COS). The free radical scavenging ability of COS-UC-MC-MPA was assessed by using 2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), and the results demonstrated that COS-OC-MC-MPA has high scavenging rate of 76.5 % for DPPH free radicals after 1 min of contact with DPPH dimethyl sulfoxide solution, showing excellent free radical scavenging ability. In addition, the results of accelerated thermo-oxidative aging test, thermogravimetric (TG) test, kinetic analysis of thermal-oxidative degradation, extraction resistance test, and volatilization resistance test indicated that COS-UC-MC-MPA with superior migration resistance and volatilization resistance could effectively enhance the antioxidative properties, thermal stability and thermal-oxidative stability of rubber composites. Moreover, the results of rubber processibility analysis (RPA) test and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) implied that the addition of COS-UC-MC-MPA is also conductive to improving the dispersibility of silica in rubber matrix. This study supplies a new perspective for the preparation of environmentally friendly and highly efficient macromolecular antioxidants for rubber composites.

Effect of different precooling methods on the physicochemical changes, water migration and myofibrillar protein characteristics of pufferfish (Takifugu obscurus) during cold storage

SummaryThe objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of slurry ice (SI) in physicochemical changes, water migration, myofibrillar protein characterisation, and extended shelf life during cold storage of pufferfish (Takifugu obscurus). SI provided faster cooling rate, better structural stability of muscle tissue, and a significant reduction in total viable count (TVC). In addition, the use of SI treatment resulted in a considerable reduction in total volatile basic nitrogen (TVB‐N) and pH. The results of the texture profile analysis (TPA) demonstrated that SI had a significant inhibitory effect on the reduction of hardness, springiness, resilience, and chewiness. In addition, SI treatment better maintained a well‐structured myofibrillar protein stabilising the tertiary structure. Low‐field nuclear magnetic resonance (LF‐NMR) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed that SI treatment could retard the water migration. Furthermore, the results of confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) indicated that SI treatment of pufferfish effectively slowed down the degradation of their myofibrillar protein fraction throughout the cold storage.

Investigation of Persistent Photoconductivity of Gallium Nitride Semiconductor and Differentiation of Primary Neural Stem Cells.

A gallium nitride (GaN) semiconductor is one of the most promising materials integrated into biomedical devices to play the roles of connecting, monitoring, and manipulating the activity of biological components, due to its excellent photoelectric properties, chemical stability, and biocompatibility. In this work, it was found that the photogenerated free charge carriers of the GaN substrate, as an exogenous stimulus, served to promote neural stem cells (NSCs) to differentiate into neurons. This was observed through the systematic investigation of the effect of the persistent photoconductivity (PPC) of GaN on the differentiation of primary NSCs from the embryonic rat cerebral cortex. NSCs were directly cultured on the GaN surface with and without ultraviolet (UV) irradiation, with a control sample consisting of tissue culture polystyrene (TCPS) in the presence of fetal bovine serum (FBS) medium. Through optical microscopy, the morphology showed a greater number of neurons with the branching structures of axons and dendrites on GaN with UV irradiation. The immunocytochemical results demonstrated that GaN with UV irradiation could promote the NSCs to differentiate into neurons. Western blot analysis showed that GaN with UV irradiation significantly upregulated the expression of two neuron-related markers, βIII-tubulin (Tuj-1) and microtubule-associated protein 2 (MAP-2), suggesting that neurite formation and the proliferation of NSCs during differentiation were enhanced by GaN with UV irradiation. Finally, the results of the Kelvin probe force microscope (KPFM) experiments showed that the NSCs cultured on GaN with UV irradiation displayed about 50 mV higher potential than those cultured on GaN without irradiation. The increase in cell membrane potential may have been due to the larger number of photogenerated free charges on the GaN surface with UV irradiation. These results could benefit topical research and the application of GaN as a biomedical material integrated into neural interface systems or other bioelectronic devices.

Protozoan intestinal invasions in military personnel of the Northern region of Ukraine

Objective — to study the prevalence and spectrum of intestinal parasitic infestations (IPI) agents in groups of military personnel of the Northern region of Ukraine, which differed according to the criteria of having symptoms of gastrointestinal disorders and passing the serving in a combat zone. Materials and methods. From February to November 2023, the study covered 302 servicemen during inpatient medical care at the Military Medical Clinical Center of the Northern Region of Ukraine. Detection and identification of intestinal parasites in samples of feces (SF) was carried out by classical methods of microscopy using the enrichment procedure (formalin‑ethyl acetate sedimentation) and the preparation (from each enriched sediment) of four smears: two thick wet with 50% aqueous solution of glycerol and D’ Anthony iodine solution; two thin, fixed, permanently stained with Whitley’s modified trichrome (mWT) or Heidenhain’s iron hematoxylin (HIH) and the modified Ziehl‑Neelsen acid method (mZN). Smear microscopy results were evaluated according to the criteria of the US Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute. Results. It was established that the level of prevalence of IPI among the examined servicemen reached 10.6% with variation in the value of this indicator in different groups of soldiers from 2.2% to 12.6%. A specific share of protozoan monoinvasions in soldiers reached 65.6%, and mixed invasions (with two parasites at the same time) — 34.4%. Soldiers with symptoms of gastrointestinal diseases had significantly higher rates of IPI than did asymptomatic. In addition, the infestation rates among soldiers were higher in the cold season (October‑February) with a seasonality index of 1.9. All cases of IPI in servicemen (n=32) were caused by protozoan parasites (n=39), in the etiological spectrum of which the vast majority (84.6%) were pathogenic species (Blastocystis sp., Dientamoeba fragilis, Giardia lamblia), and a smaller proportion (15.4%) were commensal species (Chilomastix mesnili, Iodamoeba butschliі). Among pathogenic protozoa (n=33), Blastocystis sp. (51.5%) and D. fragilis had the highest proportion (42.4%), G. lamblia (6.1%) had significantly less one. Conclusions. Optimizing the management tactics of military medicine to reduce the negative impact of IPI on the health and combat capacity of servicemen requires knowledge about the prevalence and spectrum of pathogens of invasions among specific groups of soldiers. A necessary condition for increasing the efficiency of microscopic detection/identification of protozoan parasites (primarily D. fragilis) in the SF is the production of permanently stained (mWT or HIH) smears. Microscopic examination of such smears at high resolution (100ґ objective, oil immersion) provides an increased incidence of detection/identification of Blastocystis sp. by 47.1% and D. fragilis by 100%.

Pseudomonas Stutzeri may alter the environmental fate of polystyrene nanoplastics by trapping them with increasing extracellular polymers

Pseudomonas Stutzeri (P. stutzeri) is a denitrifying bacterium that is essential in biological nitrogen removal. To study the interaction between P. stutzeri and polystyrene nanoplastics (PS-NPs), the effects of PS-NPs posed on P. stutzeri were evaluated in terms of bacterial growth, physiology, denitrification function and extracellular polymers (EPS) secretion. Results of confocal laser scanning microscopy (LCSM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and flow cytometry confirmed that PS-NPs were trapped by P. stutzeri. Exposure to PS-NPs inhibited bacterial growth and expression of denitrification-related genes, but unaffected the denitrifying enzyme activities. The enhanced secretion of EPS caused PS-NPs and bacterial aggregation. And the enzyme activity of SOD in P. stutzeri was increased while that of CAT was decreased. The results of flow cytometry showed that high concentrations of PS-NPs increased the complexity of P. stutzeri cells. These results reveal that P. stutzeri may be affected after trapping PS-NPs and alter their environmental fate as well. SynopsisThis study contributes to the understanding of the possible effect of P. stutzeri on the distribution of PS-NPs and illustrates the potential impact of PS-NPs on P. stutzeri.

A simple color absorption analysis of colorimetric loop-mediated isothermal amplification for detection of Raillietina spp. in clinical samples using a 3D-printed tube holder coupled with a smartphone camera and notebook screen.

Asimple method has been developedfor semi-quantitative analysis of the colorimetric output of loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) using a 3D-printed tube holder with a smartphone and notebook for the detection of Raillietina, which is the cause of Raillietiniasis affecting free-range chicken farming. In this method, a light is directedfrom a notebook screen to the LAMP products in the tube holder and the color absorption of the LAMP products is measured by using the appropriate smartphone application. It was found that the malachite green dye-coupled LAMP (MaG-LAMP) assay showed the highest sensitivity and specificity for detecting Raillietina without any cross-reaction with other related parasites and hosts. The limit of detection was 10fg/μL of DNA. A total of 60 fecal samples were infectively confirmed by microscopic examination and the results of microscopy compared with those of MaG-LAMP and triplex PCR assays. Microscopy and MaG-LAMP based on the color absorption demonstrated high agreement in Raillietina detection with kappa = 1. Rapid, simple, cost-effective, and easy interpretation of colorimetric LAMP assays and their high sensitivity make them superior to PCR and morphological investigation, demonstrating the feasibility of this assay in point-of-care screening to support farm management and solve chicken health problems. Our study presentsis an alternative diagnostic method using semi-quantitative analysis of colorimetric LAMP based on the differing solution color absorptions between positive and negative reactions for infectious disease diagnosis.

The interface electric field accelerated charge transfer kinetics of 1D/0D TiO2/Bi2Sn2O7 Z-scheme heterojunction with close contact interface significantly improves photothermal catalytic N2 reduction

The slow kinetics of charge transfer and weak redox ability hindered the practical application of photocatalytic N2 reduction. Therefore, in this article, Bi2Sn2O7 nanoparticles were grown in situ on the surface of TiO2 nanorods using a solvothermal method to form a 1D/0D TiO2/Bi2Sn2O7 (TBSO-15) Z-scheme heterojunction with a tight contact interface. The results of density functional theory calculations (DFT) and Kelvin probe force microscopy (KPFM) indicated that the difference in Fermi levels led to spontaneous rearrangement of charges at the heterojunction interface and the formation of a strong interfacial electric field (IEF). IEF provided a powerful driving force for the spatial separation of photogenerated charges, accelerating charge transfer dynamics. Secondly, the Z-scheme migration pathway of photo-generated charges between TiO2 and Bi2Sn2O7 enhanced the redox ability of TBSO-15 and formed a spatially separated redox center. In addition, molecular dynamics simulations (MD) showed that the photothermal effect significantly promoted the dynamic diffusion of N2 and H2O, accelerating the chemical reaction kinetics. Therefore, the synergistic effect of the two significantly improved the performance of Photothermal catalytic N2 reduction (PTC-NRR). After simulating solar irradiation for 2 h, the PTC-NRR performance of TBSO-15 achieved 327.25 μmoL·g−1 in pure water, which was 19.7 times that of TiO2 and 4.2 times that of Bi2Sn2O7, respectively. This study provides a reference for the synergistic effect of charge space transfer dynamics and photothermal effect to promote PTC-NRR.

High and fine resolution of bloom dynamics using HPLC analysis in a semi-enclosed harbour

Chemotaxonomic analysis, a functionally efficient method, was performed every week over a year in the semi-enclosed Jangmok Bay to determine the composition of major phytoplankton assemblages, including small phytoplankton. Multiple blooms occurred through a year: two in summer and one in fall. The high abundance of diatoms in summer resulted in an intensive bloom of cryptophytes with a one-week time lag, followed by a dinoflagellate bloom in the fall. Additional microscopic analysis revealed an ecological succession of major phytoplankton species: a bloom of fast-growing Pseudo-nizschia sp. in summer was replaced by a bloom of Cryptomonas sp. one week after the diatom bloom, and then further succeeded to an Akashiwo sanguinea bloom in fall. The dominance of relatively small-sized Cryptomonas sp. led to a mismatch between the microscopic and chemotaxonomic results during the second bloom, indicating size dependence. In contrast, for the Akashiwo bloom, the microscope analysis was significantly underestimated by the chemotaxonomic analysis. Additionally, the ecological traits inherited by bloom-forming species play a role in their bloom dynamics. This study highlighted that the frequent sampling with the rapid HPLC analysis is effective for accurately understanding spatiotemporal variations of blooms, and can be an invaluable strategy for early warning and understanding bloom patterns in changing coastal ecosystems.

Inhibition of Norovirus GII.4 binding to HBGAs by Sargassum fusiforme polysaccharide.

Norovirus (NoV) is the main pathogen that causes acute gastroenteritis and brings a heavy socio-economic burden worldwide. In this study, five polysaccharide fractions, labeled pSFP-1-5, were isolated and purified from Sargassum fusiforme (S. fusiforme). In vitro experiments demonstrated that pSFP-5 significantly prevented the binding of type A, B and H histo-blood group antigens (HBGAs) to NoV GII.4 virus-like particles (NoV GII.4 VLPs). In addition, in vivo experiments revealed that pSFP-5 was effective in reducing the accumulation of NoV in oysters, indicating that pSFP-5 could reduce the risk of NoV infection from oyster consumption. The results of transmission electron microscopy showed that the appearance of NoV GII.4 VLPs changed after pSFP-5 treatment, indicating that pSFP-5 may achieve antiviral ability by altering the morphological structure of the viral particles so that they could not bind to HBGAs. The results of the present study indicate that pSFP-5 may be an effective anti-NoV substance and can be used as a potential anti-NoV drug component.

Evaluation of mycobacterial microscopy and culture results from clinical samples: A five-year analysis.

Ehrlich-Ziehl-Neelsen (EZN) staining and culture methods are often used to diagnose tuberculosis. This study aimed to determine the acidfast bacteria (AFS) positivity rates in various clinical samples sent to our laboratory over five years and the growth and resistance rates in two different (solid and liquid) cultures and compare them with the data from Türkiye and the world. A total of 62.456 clinic samples were accepted in the microbiology laboratory between 2019 and 2024. The mycobacterial culture was performed by searching for acid-resistant bacilli microscopically and parallel inoculation media [solid Löwenstein-Jensen (L-J) and MGIT 960 liquid]. Those growing in the MGIT 960 system were identified using BD MGIT TBC Identification test kits that detect the MPT64 antigen. AFS and MPT64 antigenpositive samples were identified as Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTBC) while AFS-positive samples and MPT64 antigen-negative results were classified as non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM). Drug susceptibility testing was performed with the BACTEC MGIT 960 SIRE kit. Susceptibility to NTM samples was not performed. Out of a total of 120.829 samples, 95.101 were lung samples and 25.728 were extrapulmonary samples. AFS positivity was detected in 2961 (2.4%) samples. MTBC grew in 6854 (5.6%) samples, and NTM grew in 1506 (1.24%) samples. Contamination was detected in 7171 (5.9%) media. Two thousand one hundred and sixty-nine susceptibility tests were performed. Considering antibiotic resistance rates, isoniazid resistance was detected in 154 (7%), rifampicin resistance in 140 (6.4%), ethambutol resistance in 18 (0.8%), and streptomycin resistance in 120 (0.5%) samples. All four-drug resistance was observed in 91 (4.1%) samples. AFP positivity and resistance rates for rifampicin have decreased significantly, while there have been no significant changes in NTM rates over the years. When our data was determined, the sensitivity of microscopy was low. It is understood that mycobacterial culture and microscopy must be evaluated together to exclude tuberculosis infection. The high mycobacterial culture positivity rate, which is 5.6%, is due to the high number of follow-up patients and new referrals. It is seen that the change in sensitivity rates is due to the period of the COVID-19 epidemic, and it is similar to World Health Organization (WHO) data.

Strength and microstructure of geopolymer recycled brick aggregate concrete after high temperatures

Geopolymer recycled brick aggregate concrete (GRBC), as a new environmentally friendly material, exhibits excellent mechanical performance at ambient temperature, but its properties after exposure to high temperatures are not clear. In this paper, the strength and microstructure of GRBC after high temperatures were investigated and compared with ordinary recycled brick aggregate Portland cement concrete (ORBC) through compressive strength, splitting tensile strength, and microscopic tests. The main parameters varied in the strength tests were temperature (20 °C, 200 °C, 400 °C, 600 °C, and 800 °C) and recycled brick aggregate (RBA) replacement ratio (0 %, 25 %, 50 %, 75 %, and 100 %). The results indicated that the strength of GRBC decreased less than that of ORBC after high temperatures. The compressive strength retention rate of GRBC after exposure to 800 °C was 0.359−0.456, and the tensile strength retention rate was 0.415−0.442. The strength of GRBC with 50 % RBA replacement ratio was about 0.70 that of the case without RBAs. The microscopic test results showed that the structure of GRBC was denser than that of ORBC, and the interfacial transition zone (ITZ) between matrix and RBAs was less affected by the temperature. The first weak zone after high temperatures was RBA itself for GRBC, but ITZ between matrix and RBAs for ORBC. The X-ray diffraction analysis indicated that the phase composition of GRBC and ORBC after high temperatures was basically similar to that at ambient temperature. The strength of GRBC was mainly provided by the N-A-S-H and C-A-S-H gels, while the strength of ORBC was mainly relied on the C-S-H gel.

Monolayer-scale AlN/GaN digital alloys grown by plasma-assisted molecular beam epitaxy

The efficiency of usual AlGaN based deep ultraviolet light-emitting devices is still quite low. The difficulties are basically originated from the fundamental material properties of AlGaN. This work has adopted monolayer-scale (AlN)m/(GaN)n ordered digital alloys (DAs) as alternatives to AlGaN random alloys, m and n are the numbers of monolayers. X-ray diffraction scans have demonstrated clear satellite peaks, verifying good periodicity of AlN/GaN DAs grown by molecular beam epitaxy (MBE), and transmission electron microscopy results have revealed atomically sharp and smooth interfaces and quite precise m:n values agreeing well with designs. The electron densities of Si-doped (AlN)m/(GaN)n DAs with high equivalent Al compositions are significantly higher than those of conventional AlGaN:Si random alloys grown in the same MBE system. Si dopant ionization energies in DAs are only 2–5 meV, much lower than that for usual random alloys. The red shift of the light emission for DAs with thinner AlN barriers has suggested strong coupling between the GaN wells and thus formation of a miniband in a vertical direction. The results have demonstrated the potential of the (AlN)m/(GaN)n DAs as electronically functional alternatives for various device applications.

Preparation and characterization of pickering emulsions stabilized by zein/quercetin/quaternary ammonium chitosan composite nanoparticles with antibacterial effect

The role of nanoparticles in the stabilizing interface is very important in the preparation of stable Pickering emulsions. In this study, ternary composite nanoparticles (ZQ-HC) were synthesized by complexing zein-quercetin covalent complex (ZQ) with quaternary ammonium chitosan (HTCC) and subsequently stabilized Pickering emulsions (ZQ-HC) with antibacterial activity. Results revealed that HTCC covers the surface of ZQ nanoparticles successfully, which designates an effective improvement in the surface wettability of ZQ effectively. Among them, ZQ-HC2:1 possesses the closest three-phase contact angle of 90° and the highest emulsification activity and emulsion stability. The results of ultra-high resolution microscopy showed that ZQ-HC nanoparticles were adsorbed at the oil-water interface to prevent droplet aggregation and improved the pH, ionic strength, and storage stability of the prepared Pickering emulsions. ZQ-HC nanoparticles construct an antioxidant barrier at the oil-water interface, improving the lipid oxidation stability of the emulsion. The ZQ-HC2:1 stabilized Pickering emulsion exhibits the most superior stability and strongest antibacterial activity against other emulsions. The ZQ-HC stabilized Pickering emulsions prepared in this study exhibit potential for use as carriers of bioactive ingredients in food applications.

Crystal chemical investigations on TiU8S17 and U36Lu21S93I3 - ordered and disordered multinary uranium sulfides

The crystal chemistry of uranium sulfides is characterized by a large diversity in composition, crystal structures, oxidation states and physical properties. This holds also for TiU8S17 and U36Lu21S93I3, of which large single crystals up to several mm in length were grown by chemical vapor transport using iodine as a transport agent. TiU8S17 crystallizes with the monoclinic CrU8S17 structure type (C2/m, a = 13.3477(2) Å, b = 8.4927(2) Å, c = 10.4836(2) Å, β = 101.207(2)°) featuring distorted octahedra [TiS6] and bicapped trigonal prisms [US8]. Interatomic distances and X-ray photoelectron spectra indicate tetravalent uranium. Disordered U36Lu21S93I3 represents a new structure type (R3¯m, 13.3841(2) Å, 20.6447(2) Å) with an average crystal structure exhibiting square antiprisms [LuS8], bi- and tricapped trigonal prisms [US8] and [US9] and distorted octahedra [IU6]. Lutetium and sulfur atoms are disordered similar to Ce53Fe12S90X3, La53Fe12S90X3 (X = Cl, Br, I) and La52Fe12S90. This might be caused by positional shifts of iodine atoms away from the center of the polyhedron, thus avoiding unusually long U–I distances and severely disrupting the order of neighboring lutetium and sulfur atoms. The results of chemical analyses (ICP-MS, EDX), electron microscopy (TEM) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy support the composition and crystal structure of U36Lu21S93I3 and indicate mixed valency of uranium and charge balance according to the crystal chemical formula (U+III)18(U+IV)18(Lu+III)21(S-II)93(I–I)3.

Study on the thermo-mechanical properties of adaptive thermal control anchoring materials in high-geothermal tunnels

The heat conduction of the rock in high-geothermal tunnels can damage the grout during the initial hardening process, which directly affects the effectiveness of the anchoring support of the surrounding rock. This paper proposed the incorporation of phase change materials in grout to provide the new modified grouting material with the ability to control temperature by exploiting the phase change absorption and exothermic properties of the material. The changes in thermomechanical parameters of anchoring grout containing microencapsulated phase change material (m-PCM) under high geothermal environment were investigated. The influences of m-PCM content on the temperature control effect and mechanical properties of modified grout under different high geothermal environments were explored through macro-mechanical, micro-structural, and thermo-physical property tests on the specimens. The results indicated that m-PCM can effectively control the early hydration temperature of the grout in a high temperature environment, which can slow down the rate of change of the hydration temperature and reduce the peak temperature. The temperature control performance of modified grouts improved as the phase-change content increased, but the mechanical properties showed a significant decline after the initial increase. The results of the scanning electron microscope (SEM) analysis indicated that the high curing temperature had a negative impact on the internal structural integrity of the grout. The addition of a small amount of m-PCM reduced the fractal dimension and irregularity of the pore space in the grouting material, ultimately improving the strength of the grout body. The addition of a certain amount of m-PCM could significantly reduce the thermal conductivity of the grout, with the thermal conductivity of the specimens decreasing as the temperature increased. These study results provided valuable experimental data and theoretical support for the design of cement-based grouting materials in high-geothermal tunnels.

Effect of boron oxide on the structure and properties of Li2O‐Al2O3‐SiO2 transparent glass‐ceramics

AbstractTransparent lithium aluminum silicon glass‐ceramics are prepared via heat treatment and the effect of boron oxide (B2O3) content on the structure and properties of Li2O‐Al2O3‐SiO2 glass‐ceramics is investigated. The X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy results reveal that the parent glass containing B2O3 exhibits a higher concentration of bridging oxygen (BO). With an increase in B2O3 content, the relative amount of BO changes from 76.64% to 79.86% and then to 79.52%. Simultaneously, the second crystallization peak temperature TP2 of the samples increases from 715°C to 720°C and then to 724°C by differential scanning calorimeter analysis. The X‐ray diffractometer and scanning electron microscope results indicate that the addition of B2O3 facilitates grain growth, while an increase in B2O3 substitution for Al2O3 hinders the precipitation of LiAlSi4O10 but promotes quartz formation. The glass containing 2 wt% B2O3 with the heat treatment of 560°C/ 4 h+ 680°C/2 h shows a Vickers Hardness value of approximately 7.75 GPa, and a transmittance at 550 nm reaching ∼85%.

The Potential of Transforming Growth Factor-Beta1 (TGFβ1) in Fibrotic Tissue of Leiomyoma Specimens

Background: Fibrosis can define as the development of excessive fibrous tissue in an organ or tissue. In the situation of the uterus, leiomyoma or scar tissue may involve fibrosis state. The main feature of fibrosis in myoma is the existence of disordered smooth muscle cells and collagen that can be recognized via histological examinations in addition to extracellular component deposition. Leiomyoma is the most public uterine disorder that is mainly consists of smooth muscle cells, myo-fibroblast, and an obvious content of extracellular matrix. The myofibroblast in myoma lesion produced an elevated content of ECM. This paper displays the fibrotic circumstantial in leiomyoma and the mechanisms related to deposition of ECM components. Methods: this study involved (50) patients of 18-80 years old women diagnosed with benign uterine fibroid. Tumor samples were attained by consent from women undergoing hysterectomy or myomectomy at the Al Karama Teaching Hospitals in Kut, Wasit Province, Iraq between October 2022 to March 2023. samples from normal and fibroid were subjected to routein histological processing and subsequently stained with routein stains for general description, Masson Trichrome stain, Van Gieson's stain to visualize collagen content and histochemical stain (Alcian Blue-Periodic Acid Schiff) to evaluate the profile of mucins secreted via tumor cells.Normal myometrium and myoma tissue expression of TGF β1 growth factor was compared using immunohistochemical staining. Qupath and Image J programs were used to analysis the content of fibrous tissue within normal and myoma tissue. Results: Microscopical results revealed that myoma have a proliferation of overlap fusiform cells organized in bundles alienated by variable amounts of connective tissue fibers, enclosed peripherally by a pseudo capsule. Special stained sections analysis revealed deposition of extracellular martix components specially collagen fibers that vary within each nodular fibroid (intrafascicular, interfascicular) enclosed myocytes that reflect the state of fibrosis that appears as blue – green colors enclosed in Masson's trichrome stain, while in Van Gieson's stain appears as red color. Proliferative tumor cells were revealed via Alcian Blue-PAS stain in dark blue color. results showed distribution of perivascular fibers in myoma as compared with normal adjacent myometrium, which appears in red color in Van Gieson's stain. Immunostaining recorded the significantly higher intensity of TGF-β in the leiomyoma tissue than in the normal myometrium (P < 0.05). The effects of the TGF-β1 inhibitor significantly differed between normal myometrium and leiomyoma tissue, with a greater decrease in cell survival in the leiomyoma tissue (P < 0.05). Conclusion: highly fibrous tissue contents showed within myoma and perivascular than adjacent myometrium, these fibrous tissues were detected via special colours in both Masson Trichrome and Van Gieson's stains. The fibrous tissue within leiomyoma showed higher intensity to TGF than normal myometrium.

Effects of a Novel Magnetic Nanomaterial on Oral Biofilms

Dental caries is one of the most common oral chronic infectious diseases, and novel antibacterial materials must be developed to control plaque and inhibit formation of dental caries. Combining magnetic nanomaterials with antibacterial agents to decrease the formation of bacterial biofilm has been a hot topic in the biomedical field. The present study developed a novel magnetic nanomaterial chemically combined with dimethylaminododecyl methacrylate (DMADDM) and initially investigated its inhibiting effects on biofilms by using traditional caries-related bacteria and saliva flora models. The novel magnetic nanomaterials successfully loaded DMADDM according to thermogravimetric analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, x-ray diffraction, vibrating sample magnetometry, scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy results. Further, the novel nanoparticle Fe3O4@SiO2@DMADDM with concentration of 8 mg/mL could effectively reduce Streptococcus mutans biofilm and decrease the production of lactic acid. The 16S rDNA sequencing revealed that Fe3O4@SiO2@DMADDM could depress the proportion of caries-related bacteria in saliva-derived biofilm, such as Streptococcus, Veillonella, and Neisseria. Therefore, Fe3O4@SiO2@DMADDM is a novel effective antibacterial magnetic nanomaterial and has clinical potential in plaque control and dental caries prevention.