Preparation Time Research Articles

Learning Strategies in Increasing the Interest in Memorizing Al- Qur'an Hafidzpreneur Students at Tazkia Institute Bogor

Tazkia Institute has been implementing the tahfidz program since 2017 until now. This program applies various learning strategies for memorizing the Qur'an to achieve the goals of the tahfidz program. The study aims to find out how learning strategies in increasing the interest in memorizing hafidzpreneur students are applied at Tazkia Bogor Institute. The method used by the author is with a qualitative descriptive approach. Data collected through observation, interviews, and documentation. This research is motivated by several factors so that student interest in memorizing the Qur'an decreases. Therefore, it is necessary to have a strategy for coaches in increasing students' interest in memorizing in order to complete the tahfidz and academic programs within four years. The results of this study indicate that the learning strategy in increasing interest in memorizing the Qur'an consists of: First, the planning stage in the form of curriculum preparation or tahfidz learning time system, Qur'an Camp activities, and memorization certification models. Second: the implementation of learning consists of initial activities opened with greetings and prayers to start tahfidz classes to core activities with memorization deposits to musyrifah until closing activities. Third: factors that influence students' interest in memorizing, fourth: efforts made by ustadz ustadzah by taking several approaches such as personal approach, general approach, and sharing sessions with students in order to encourage enthusiasm in memorizing.

Dried fish-filled rice ball: A new ready-to-eat product, consumer preferences and nutritional aspects

Due to time constraints, demands for ready-to-eat products are skyrocketing. A traditional Bangladeshi meal such as rice and fish is often found troublesome to be eaten in workplaces while taking excessive preparation time. With this in mind, a nutritious value-added product, namely, rice ball filled with mixed dried small indigenous species (SIS) fish powder was developed in the laboratory. Eight separate compositions of the product were prepared by combining two types of cooked rice, and mixed dried fish stuffing consisting of Amblypharyngodon mola, Puntius sophore and Corica soborna. Four categories of panelists scored the prepared products on the basis of the attributes and overall likings. Statistical tests proved the ball prepared from non-gruelled rice and oven dried fish powder (RB6) to be the preferred one while the products varied in odor, mouthfeel, taste and texture. The study revealed that plain rice now contained more protein (4.73 ± 0.20 % to 7.82 ± 0.15 %) and lipid (1.44 ± 0.20 % to 3.73 ± 0.07 %) due to the addition of dry fish powder. Taking the quality and microbial parameters as well as the trace element level into consideration, the developed product showed negligible quality compromisation while pH was nearly neutral. The present study suggests that dried fish-filled rice ball could be a viable commercial product with high nutritional and quality attributes.

Zeolite-templated carbons process with recycled materials and characterisation for energy storage applications

Quantity and quality are the two most important challenges for applying zeolite-templated carbons (ZTCs) into the industry. To provide more information on the mass production in the large-scale facility, depreciation of the quasi-crystal graphite carbon, utilisation of recycled acetylene and zeolite, and online quick quality control for the production of ZTCs, three types of reactors were applied under similar experimental conditions to investigate the ZTC production rate and the generation of the quasi-crystal graphite carbon on the uppermost layer of ZTC. The best specific surface area and carbon yield efficiency from the generation of ZTC were obtained using a fluidised-bed reactor (FBR). The occurrence of the quasi-crystal graphite carbon also disappeared using a FBR. The fluidised-bed-particle kinetic model was also established to demonstrate the feasibility of accomplishing the yield of 0.5 kg per day in the pilot-scale FBR experiments. The utilisation of recycled acetylene could reach 85% and the recovered rate of zeolite was around 60%. An on-site standard operating procedure (SOP) for QA/QC was also proposed for ZTC preparation and characterisation, which prominently shortened the production time for the laboratory preparation of ZTC and achieved superior hydrogen storage and electrochemical capacity.

Addressing Pedagogical Challenges Faced by English Lecturers at Halabja University, Kurdistan: A Qualitative Study

This study addresses the challenges faced by English lecturers at the College of Basic Education at Halabja University, Kurdistan, aiming to contribute insights that can inform improved regulations and enhance English Language Teaching (ELT) at the university. The data collected via semi-structured interviews was subjected to thematic analysis, and five English lecturers participated. The results of this study focus on the obstacles encountered by English instructors, exploring themes such as student motivation, language competence, class size, time constraints, and inadequate facilities. The study underscores the need for targeted interventions to address these challenges and improve the overall quality of ELT. Based on the findings, specific recommendations include implementing motivational strategies in the classroom, providing additional language support resources for students, reducing class sizes where possible, allowing more preparation time for lecturers, and upgrading classroom facilities and teaching materials. The findings highlight English lecturers' intricate issues, emphasize the necessity for institutional and governmental support to facilitate a more conducive teaching and learning environment, and reveal significant challenges, including students' lack of motivation, linguistic proficiency issues, difficulties managing large classes, time constraints, and insufficient teaching resources

Сравнение длины тормозных путей грузового поезда с однотрубным и двухтрубным питанием тормозной системы

Objective: to perform a comparative analysis of the length of the braking distance of a freight train with a single-pipe and two-pipe brake system supply. Based on the laboratory studies carried out, to identify the effect of the speed and amount of filling of brake cylinders on the calculated braking distance of freight rolling stock when using brake systems with two-pipe and single-pipe supply of a spare tank. These studies are aimed at improving the technical speed and safety of freight trains, as well as improving the efficiency of the braking system during cyclic braking, in order to reduce its depletion. Methods: analysis of the filling rate of the brake cylinders, in order to determine the time of preparation of the brakes for action, depending on the method of organizing the power supply of the brake system; comparison of the length of the preparatory and actual braking distance according to the method of speed intervals proposed in the Rules of traction calculations. It was also assumed that the train was braking to a complete stop on a straight horizontal section of the track, with air leaks from the brake cylinders throughout the train. Results: it was revealed that a two-pipe braking system allows to develop a significantly greater braking effect than a singlepipe braking system with a similar technical condition of the pneumatic train system. As a result, with the new method of powering the reserve tank, there is a significant reduction in the time required to prepare the brakes for action, as well as a reduction in the length of the full braking distance. Practical significance: it has been proven that the use of a new braking system will improve the efficiency of the braking system, which leads to a reduction in braking distance. This, in turn, will improve the safety and speed of trains along the sections, as well as increase the average weight of trains.

Comparative Analysis of Single-Cell RNA Sequencing Methods with and without Sample Multiplexing.

Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) has emerged as a powerful technique for investigating biological heterogeneity at the single-cell level in human systems and model organisms. Recent advances in scRNA-seq have enabled the pooling of cells from multiple samples into single libraries, thereby increasing sample throughput while reducing technical batch effects, library preparation time, and the overall cost. However, a comparative analysis of scRNA-seq methods with and without sample multiplexing is lacking. In this study, we benchmarked methods from two representative platforms: Parse Biosciences (Parse; with sample multiplexing) and 10x Genomics (10x; without sample multiplexing). By using peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) obtained from two healthy individuals, we demonstrate that demultiplexed scRNA-seq data obtained from Parse showed similar cell type frequencies compared to 10x data where samples were not multiplexed. Despite relatively lower cell capture affecting library preparation, Parse can detect rare cell types (e.g., plasmablasts and dendritic cells) which is likely due to its relatively higher sensitivity in gene detection. Moreover, a comparative analysis of transcript quantification between the two platforms revealed platform-specific distributions of gene length and GC content. These results offer guidance for researchers in designing high-throughput scRNA-seq studies.

A practical guide for the preparation of C1-labeled α-amino acids using aldehyde catalysis with isotopically labeled CO2.

Isotopically carbon-labeled α-amino acids are valuable synthetic targets that are increasingly needed in pharmacology and medical imaging. Existing preparations rely on early stage introduction of the isotopic label, which leads to prohibitive synthetic costs and time-intensive preparations. Here we describe a protocol for the preparation of C1-labeled α-amino acids using simple aldehyde catalysts in conjunction with [*C]CO2 (* = 14, 13, 11). This late-stage labeling strategy is enabled by the one-pot carboxylate exchange of unprotected α-amino acids with [*C]CO2. The protocol consists of three separate procedures, describing the syntheses of (±)-[1-13C]phenylalanine, (±)-[1-11C]phenylalanine and (±)-[1-14C]phenylalanine from unlabeled phenylalanine. Although the delivery of [*C]CO2 is operationally distinct for each experiment, each procedure relies on the same fundamental chemistry and can be executed by heating the reaction components at 50-90 °C under basic conditions in dimethylsulfoxide. Performed on scales of up to 0.5 mmol, this methodology is amenable to C1-labeling of many proteinogenic α-amino acids and nonnatural derivatives, which is a breakthrough from existing methods. The synthesis of (±)-[1-13C]phenylalanine requires ~2 d, with product typically obtained in a 60-80% isolated yield (n = 3, μ = 71, σ = 8.3) with an isotopic incorporation of 70-88% (n = 18, μ = 72, σ = 9.0). Starting from the preformed imino acid (~3 h preparation time), rapid synthesis of (±)-[1-11C]phenylalanine can be completed in ~1 h with an isolated radiochemical yield of 13%. Finally, (±)-[1-14C]phenylalanine can be accessed in ~2 d with a 51% isolated yield and 11% radiochemical yield.

Nutritional aspects of prehabilitation in adults with cirrhosis awaiting liver transplant.

Malnutrition, sarcopenia (low muscle mass), and physical frailty have gained increasing recognition in candidates for liver transplant (LT) as these conditions can impact postoperative functional capacity. Multidimensional prehabilitation programs have been proposed as a safe intervention in adults awaiting LT but the nutritional pillar of prehabilitation has been understudied. This review summarizes the nutritional recommendations for prehabilitation for individuals with cirrhosis awaiting LT. Three major aspects of nutritional prehabilitation are discussed: (1) Assess: Evaluate nutritional status and assess for malnutrition, sarcopenia, and frailty to guide the nutritional prehabilitation intervention intensity, increasing across universal, targeted, and specialist levels; (2) Intervene: Prescribe a nutritional prehabilitation intervention to meet established nutrition guidelines in cirrhosis with a targeted focus on improving nutritional status and muscle health; (3) Reassess: Follow-up based on the required intensity of nutritional care with as needed intervention adjustment. Topics covered in the review include nutritional care levels for prehabilitation, energy prescriptions across body mass index strata, detailed considerations around protein intake (amount, distribution, and quality), carbohydrate and fat intake, other nutritional considerations, and the potential role of dietary supplements and nutraceuticals. Future research is warranted to more accurately evaluate energy needs, evaluate emerging dietary supplementation strategies, and establish the role of nutraceuticals alongside food-based interventions. While the general principles of nutritional prehabilitation are ready for immediate application, future large-scale randomized controlled trials in this space will help to quantify the benefit that can be gained by transitioning the LT approach from passive "transplant waitlist time" to active "transplant preparation time."

Is intramedullary nailing of femoral diaphyseal fractures in the lateral decubitus position as safe and effective as on a traction table?

ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to compare the radiological and clinical results of femoral diaphyseal fractures operated in the lateral decubitus position with those operated in the supine position on a traction table and to detail the perioperative surgical technique. Patients and methodsBetween October 2018 and January 2022, in this prospective, randomized, and single-blind comparative study, 75 patients diagnosed with adult femoral diaphyseal fractures to whom intramedullary nails were applied were operated in the lateral decubitus position without a traction table (Group 1, 37 patients) and in the supine position with a traction table (Group 2, 38 patients). Preoperative age, gender, fracture mechanism, fracture type, and surgical waiting times were determined. Perioperative anesthesia type, surgery preparation time, surgical time, number of fluoroscopy doses, amount of bleeding, and type of reduction were evaluated, and detailed observational descriptions of the surgical techniques were made. In the postoperative period, radiological evaluations were made with x-ray radiography and orthoroentgenogram, while in the clinical evaluation, hip–knee joint range of motion and rotational evaluation were made with the Craigs test. Follow-up periods were determined and complications noted. ResultsThe average age was 32 in Group 1 and 28 in Group 2, the female/male ratio was 1:36 in Group 1 and 5:33 in Group 2, and the follow-up period was 18.2 months Group 1 and 21.7 months in Group 2. No significant difference was detected between the groups in terms of age, gender, fracture mechanism, fracture type, anesthesia type, surgical waiting time, and follow-up period (p > 0.05). Compared to Group 2, the shorter preparation time, surgical time, and number of fluoroscopy doses in Group 1 were found to be statistically significant (p < 0.05). The differences in the amount of bleeding and need for open reduction were not statistically significant between the groups (p > 0.05), and no statistical difference was found in joint range of motion and rotational evaluation in clinical evaluation in both groups (p > 0.05). There was no significant difference in terms of complications between groups. ConclusionsWe found the lateral decubitus method without a traction table to be a safe and effective alternative to the supine method with a traction table in terms of the radiological and clinical results and that it also has the advantages of shortening the surgical time, reducing radiation exposure. Level of evidenceLevel 1 prospective, randomized, single-blind controlled study

Optimizing diagnosis and treatment of infants with congenital heart disease and pneumonia: A 15 years’ experience

Pneumonia is the most frequent infectious intercurrent pathology in children with Congenital heart disease. It is the reason for forced postponement of life-saving cardiac surgery. Our fifteen years’ experience of children with congenital heart disease and pneumonia during the preoperative period, allows not only to predict the course of pneumonia in infants with CHD but also to provide an optimal algorithm for diagnosis and therapy to reduce the time of convalescences and preoperative preparation.

Determination of Trace Levels of Fenbendazole in Milk, Yogurt and Curd Using Surface Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (SERS)

A simple, rapid and sensitive surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) method is described for the determination of fenbendazole (FBZ) residues in milk and fermented dairy products using yogurt and curd as examples. An extraction method was used to purify the samples from interfering components of the matrix. 5-Nitrothiabendazole, which has similar physicochemical properties, was used as an internal standard. The detection limits for milk were 1.8 nM, 8.8 nM for yogurt, and 13.5 nM for curd. Using partial least squares (PLS), a calibration model was built for the determination of fenbendazole from 100 to 1000 nM. The root-mean square error of calibration (RMSEC) and the root-mean square error of prediction (RMSEP) were 39.4 and 46.5 nM, respectively. The recovery rate was from 97% to 120% and the relative standard deviation was less than 5.0%. The difference between this technique from the widely used liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC–MS) method is in the reduction in time for preliminary sample preparation and significantly lower costs for reagents and consumables. The article examines the influence of order when mixing reagents in a SERS experiment, which is an important tool for optimizing the sensitivity and reproducibility of the method. It was shown for the first time that when various alkaline earth metal chlorides were used for agglomeration of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), a change in the ratio of peak intensities of the two analytes in the solution was observed. This phenomenon may be used to increase the selectivity of SERS analysis of multicomponent samples.

Comparing silver and gold nanoislands’ surface plasmon resonance for bisacodyl and its metabolite quantification in human plasma

Gold and silver nanoparticles have witnessed increased scientific interest due to their colourful colloidal solutions and exceptional applications. Comparing the localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) of gold and silver nanoparticles is crucial for understanding and optimizing their optical properties. This comparison informs the design of highly sensitive plasmonic sensors, aids in selecting the most suitable nanoparticles for applications like surface-enhanced infrared spectroscopy (SEIRA) and biomedical imaging, and guides the choice between gold and silver nanoparticles based on their catalytic and photothermal properties. Ultimately, the study of LSPR facilitates the tailored use of these nanoparticles in diverse scientific and technological applications. Two SEIRA methods combined with partial least squares regression (PLSR) chemometric tools were developed. This development is based on the synthesis of homogeneous, high-dense deposited metal nanoparticle islands over the surface of glass substrates to be used as lab-on-chip SEIRA sensors for the determination of bisacodyl (BIS) and its active metabolite in plasma. SEM micrographs revealed the formation of metallic islands of colloidal citrate-capped gold and silver nanoparticles of average sizes of 29.7 and 15 nm, respectively. BIS and its active metabolite were placed on the nanoparticles’ coated substrates to be directly measured, then PLSR chemometric modelling was used for the quantitative determinations. Plasmonic citrate-capped gold nanoparticle substrates showed better performance than those prepared using citrate-capped silver nanoparticles in terms of preparation time, enhancement factor, PLSR model prediction, and quantitative results. This study offers a way to determine BIS and its active metabolite in the concentration range 15–240 ng/mL in human plasma using inexpensive disposable glass-coated substrates that can be prepared in 1 h to get results in seconds with good recovery between 98.77 and 100.64%. The sensors provided fast, simple, selective, molecular-specific and inexpensive procedures to determine molecules in their pure form and biological fluid.

Photocurable extracellular matrix sealant for cessation of venous hemorrhage.

Hemorrhage is the second leading cause of death in patients under 46 years of age in the United States. Cessation of hemorrhage prevents hemorrhagic shock and tissue hypoxia. Controlling the bleed via direct pressure or tourniquet is often the first line of defense, but long-term care requires staples, hemostatic agents, or sealants that seal the vessel and restore blood flow. Here, we compare a new photocurable extracellular matrix sealant (pcECM) with low, medium, and high crosslink density formulations to a commercially available fibrin-based sealant, TISSEEL®. pcECM has potential uses in surgical and remote settings due to room temperature storage conditions and fast preparation time. Here, we determine if pcECM sealant can stop venous hemorrhage in a murine model, adhere to the wound site in vivo throughout the wound-healing process, and has the mechanical properties necessary for stopping hemorrhage. Adjusting pcECM crosslinking density significantly affected viscosity, swelling, burst strength, tensile strength, and elasticity of the sealant. 3-Dimensional ultrasound volume segmentations showed pcECM degrades to 17 ± 8% of its initial implant volume by day 28. Initially, local hemodynamic changes were observed, but returned close to baseline levels by day 28. Acute inflammation was observed near the puncture site in pcECM implanted mice, and we observed inflammatory markers at the 14-day explant for both sealants. pcECM and fibrin sealant successfully sealed the vessel in all cases, and consistently degraded over 14-28 days. pcECM is a durable sealant with tunable mechanical properties and possible uses in hemorrhage control and other surgical procedures.

Physical and Chemical Characterization of Lignin-Based Carbon as Acidic Catalyst

Lignin, one of the interesting carbon sources which underutilized, gives great interest in transforming into value-added material, specifically as a solid acid catalyst. In this study, lignin undergoes heat treatment at temperatures 400–600 °C for 1 and 2 h, followed by sulfonation on a 1:10 (carbon-to-acid, g/mL) ratio in a reflux setup at 150 °C for 15 h to produce lignin carbon acid catalysts. The characterization of the catalysts was performed by the elemental analyzer, N2 adsorption-desorption, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), and acid density calculation. The effects of lignin carbon preparations on the catalyst's physiochemical properties as well as the effectiveness of sulfonation were evaluated. The selected catalyst was tested in levulinic acid esterification at selected fixed conditions; 1:10 molar ratio of levulinic acid-to-ethanol, 10 wt.% of catalyst loading, for 3 h of reaction at 80 °C and 200 rpm in a batch reaction system. At higher heat treatment temperatures and time of carbon preparation, the surface area of the catalysts was recorded to increase resulting in the acid density reduction. For the catalytic activity, 62.36 mol% (Batch 1) and 61.64 mol% (Batch 2) of ethyl levulinate yield were obtained over LCS-400-1 with a good acid density of 0.0223 mmol/m2 and a surface area of 43.28 m2/g. The results of this study show that the conditions for carbon preparation significantly influence the catalyst's physical and chemical characteristics.

Starch Enzyme Modification Optimization for the Texture Correction of a Low-Fat Fermented Milk Product

A fermented milk product with low or zero fat content is in demand among consumers. In this regard, an urgent task for manufacturers is to preserve or imitate the rheological and textural parameters of a full-fat product that affect the organoleptic evaluation and the overall attractiveness of a low-fat product for the buyer. The authors studied an impact of tapioca starch treated with the industrial amylolytic enzyme preparation Alfalad BN® as a texture corrector in the low-fat thermostatic product technology. The methods included determination of moisture retention, syneresis, dynamic viscosity, and texture profile analysis. A man developed the optimization model for the starch enzyme modification for correcting the texture of a low-fat fermented milk product based on a symbiotic starter culture. Using mathematical modeling (RSM response surface methodology), the researchers found the optimal range of enzyme preparation concentration values (0.20–0.25 U/g) and time (25–35 min) for starch modification to apply in the fermented milk drink technology further. Developed experimental fermented milk product has the best textural and rheological indicators in comparison with the control – a low-fat product using traditional technology: syneresis of the product with starch is lower by 21.56 %, viscosity is higher by 27.09 %, adhesion is higher by 7.49 %, stickiness is lower by 6.15 %, CWS is higher by 4.61 %; other parameters are at the level similar to the control. The described changes lead to an increase in the consistency and density of the low-fat fermented milk product improving the consumer perception of its taste.

Abstract 322: Ultraplex genome and exome sequencing of rare single cells

Abstract Single-cell genome analysis enables researchers to gain novel insights into tumor heterogeneity. Conducting single-cell genomic analysis using next-generation sequencing (NGS) methods has traditionally been challenging since the amount of genomic DNA present in a single cell is limited. PCR-based amplification methods normally have high error rates, low coverage uniformity, and extensive allelic drop-outs making interpretation of SNVs and CNVs challenging.Here we introduce a new whole-genome amplification method which utilizes an optimized isothermal DNA amplification reaction with a Hi-fidelity, error correcting polymerase and downstream library preparation protocol to allow pooling of amplified DNA. The key DNA amplification steps use multiple displacement amplification (MDA) technology to amplify gDNA directly from single cells, nuclei or previously isolated genomic DNA. During the MDA reaction, sample-barcodes are incorporated into the newly synthetized DNA, allowing the amplified DNA to be pooled and processed in to one ultraplex library. This method saves library preparation time, reduces DNA library costs and limits plastic consumable usage.Our current workflow allows 24 samples to be multiplexed in one library and 24 libraries to be produced for a total of 576 samples per sequencing flow cell. This method can be used to investigate chromosomal instability with low pass sequencing or SNV and CNV analysis following whole genome, exome-capture workflows. Citation Format: Ioanna Andreou, Samuel Rulli, Katja Heitz, Silke Huebner, Christin Meerschiff, Eric Lader. Ultraplex genome and exome sequencing of rare single cells [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2024; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2024 Apr 5-10; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(6_Suppl):Abstract nr 322.

Age-related decline in cognitive flexibility and inadequate preparation: evidence from task-state network analysis.

Behavioral evidence showed decreased cognitive flexibility in older adults. However, task-based network mechanisms of cognitive flexibility in aging (CFA) remain unclear. Here, we provided the first task-state network evidence that CFA was associated with inadequate preparation for switching trials by revealing age-related changes in functional integration. We examined functional integration in a letter-number switch task that distinguished between the cue and target stages. Both young and older adults showed decreased functional integration from the cue stage to the target stage, indicating that control-related processes were executed as the task progressed. However, compared to young adults, older adults showed less cue-to-target reduction in functional integration, which was primarily driven by higher network integration in the target stage. Moreover, less cue-to-target reductions were correlated with age-related decreases in task performance in the switch task. To sum up, compared to young adults, older adults pre-executed less control-related processes in the cue stage and more control-related processes in the target stage. Therefore, the decline in cognitive flexibility in older adults was associated with inadequate preparation for the impending demands of cognitive switching. This study offered novel insights into network mechanisms underlying CFA. Furthermore, we highlighted that training the function of brain networks, in conjunction with providing more preparation time for older adults, may be beneficial to their cognitive flexibility.

Polysaccharide structure evaluation of Ganoderma lucidum from different regions in China based on an innovative extraction strategy

The polysaccharides and triterpenes are important functional components of Ganoderma lucidum, but traditional preparation process of G. lucidum functional components can only realize the preparation of single functional component, which has poor targeting and low efficiency. In this study, the existence state of the functional components of G. lucidum was revealed. Then, the single step extraction process for functional components was established, and the precise structure evaluation of polysaccharide and triterpenes was conducted based on the process. The results showed that preparation time required for this strategy is only one-sixth of the traditional one, and 50 % of raw materials can be saved. Structural analysis of the functional components revealed that triterpenes were mainly Ganoderic acid and Lucidenic acid, and the polysaccharide structure was mainly 1,3-glucan and 1,3,6-glucan. The establishment of single step extraction strategy and the evaluation of the fine structure of functional components improved the efficiency of preparation and result determination, and provided an important basis for the development and utilization of green and low-carbon G. lucidum and even edible fungi resources and human nutritional dietary improvement strategies.

Enhancement of interfacial performance of carbon fiber reinforced polypropylene composites by dual action of polyetherimide nanoparticles and coatings

In order to enhance the interfacial bonding between carbon fibers (CFs) and polypropylene (PP) resin, a multiscale modification system of composite interfacial physical embedding-chemical bonding was established by the dual action of polyetherimide (PEI) nanoparticles and coatings prepared on the surface of CFs. Hemispherical PEI nanoparticles were prepared by evaporation-induced treatment to improve the mechanical interlocking ability of the composite interface. Based on PEI nanoparticles, coatings with different concentrations were introduced on the CF surface to exert chemical bonds and enhance compatibility with the PP resin. The surface properties of CFs, including chemical composition, morphology, wettability, and interfacial adhesion were systematically investigated. Compared with unmodified CFs, modified CFs showed increased surface roughness, enhanced surface activity, and improved surface wettability. Due to the dual action of PEI nanoparticles and coatings, the tensile strength and interlaminar shear strength (ILSS) of the composite were both enhanced. Specifically, the ILSS of PCF-0.10/PP composite increased by 119.35%, indicating that the dual modification significantly improved the mechanical reinforcement and interfacial adhesion of the composite. On this basis, the interfacial strengthening mechanism in the composite was proposed, and an effective and feasible method was proposed to improve the interfacial performance of composites. The method has the limitation of a long preparation time, but it is simple, easy, and cost-effective, which provides a promising prospect for the application of composites.

An unlabeled electrochemical sensor for the simultaneous detection of homocysteine and uric acid based on molecularly imprinted recognition for prediction of cardiovascular disease risk

An unlabeled molecular imprinted electrochemical sensor was developed for simultaneous detection of homocysteine and uric acid, based on gold nanoparticles and molecularly imprinted polymer composites modified glass carbon electrode. Gold nanoparticles stably enhanced the electron transfer and improved the sensitivity by acting as a base for enhancing signal for molecularly imprinted polymers. Specific molecular imprinting cavities based on electropolymerization with dopamine were formed to specifically and simultaneously identify homocysteine and uric acid. Combining the good sensitivity of electrochemistry and the excellent selectivity of molecularly imprinted polymer, the difference in peak current position was used to achieve simultaneous detection of homocysteine and uric acid. For this reason, the developed sensor showed the wide detection range of 5.00 × 10−3-1.00 × 103 μmol/L for homocysteine and 5.00 × 10−1-5.00 × 103 μmol/L for uric acid, with the LOD of 5.64 × 10−5 μmol/L and 0.128 μmol/L (S/N = 3). The developed sensor with easy preparation, great selectivity and short detection time could be used in simultaneous detection of homocysteine and uric acid in serum.