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Salmonella Enteritidis is one of the major pathogens causing food poisoning worldwide. The persistent nature of this pathogen causes significant food safety and sanitization challenges. As an alternative and efficient approach, the present study investigated the effect of DNase I and eugenol to control S. Enteritidis biofilm formation on stainless steel (SS), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), and smoked duck surfaces. Individual DNase I and eugenol treatments showed biofilm reductions of >1 and 1.9 log CFU/Cm2 on SS surfaces within 2 h, respectively. However, the combined DNase I and eugenol treatment resulted in 4.4 log biofilm reduction of S. Enteritidis wild cocktail on PET and SS surfaces, respectively, within 30 min, which was significantly higher than the individual treatments (p < 0.05). Biofilm reductions on PET and smoked duck surfaces were visually confirmed with field emission scanning electron microscopy. The quality of the smoked duck remained unaffected after subsequent treatments. In addition, 100 μg/mL of DNase and 0.36% of eugenol significantly (p < 0.05) suppressed the quorum sensing (luxS) and stress response regulation (rpoS) genes. Hence, the study suggests that co-treatment with DNase I and eugenol could be a promising approach to control S. Enteritidis biofilms and minimize related health risks from the duck processing plant. • The combination treatment of DNase I and eugenol showed 4.4 log of Salmonella Enteritidis biofilm reduction. • Both DNase I and eugenol suppressed luxS and rpoS gene expression. • No sensory attributional changes in the treated smoked duck were detected. • This combination could be a promising strategy to combat Salmonella -related contaminations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Differentiation of multiple system atrophy with predominant parkinsonism (MSA-P) and Parkinson's disease (PD) is important, but an effective tool for differentiation has not been identified. We investigated the efficacy of the composite autonomic symptom scale 31 (COMPASS 31) questionnaire as a tool for evaluating autonomic function in parkinsonism patients. In this study, we enrolled drug-naïve patients with MSA-P and PD, and administered the COMPASS-31 and an objective autonomic dysfunction test (AFT). Demographic and clinical data, including parkinsonism and autonomic dysfunction, were compared between the two groups. Additionally, we determined the optimal COMPASS 31 cut-off score to differentiate MSA-P from PD for use as a screening tool. In this study, 27 MSA-P patients and 41 PD patients were recruited. The total COMPASS 31 score was well correlated with the objective AFT results. When we compared the COMPASS 31 score between the two groups, MSA-P patients showed higher total scores and sub-scores in the orthostatic intolerance, gastrointestinal, and bladder domains compared with PD patients. Similarly, MSA-P patients had more abnormalities in expiration to inspiration ratio, Valsalva ratio and pressure recovery time than PD patients in objective AFT. With 13.25 as the cut-off score for diagnosis of MSA-P, the total COMPASS-31 score demonstrated high sensitivity (92.6%) and moderate specificity (51.2%) with an area under the curve of 0.765. Based on our results, the COMPASS 31 is an effective tool for evaluation of autonomic function in patients with parkinsonism. The COMPASS-31 could be used as a sensitive and convenient screening tool, especially for the differentiation between MSA-P and PD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract In this work, we have studied the atomic layer deposition (ALD) of ZrO 2 under various O 3 dosing conditions and systematically investigated the interfacial properties of ZrO 2 /TiN during ALD fabrication using the CpZr(N(CH 3) 2) 3 and O 3 reactant combination. In a typical ZrO 2 ALD process, the oxidation condition fundamentally determines the interface oxidation and bulk film properties. High oxidation power is required to enhance the crystallinity of the ZrO 2 film with low defect densities but inevitably causes the growth of the interfacial oxide, which reduces the dielectric constant of the resulting film. In the current study, we propose a modulated ALD process with controlled O 3 dosing to realize the high performance of a metal-insulator-metal (MIM) capacitor device. The initial ALD cycles proceeded with low O 3 dosing to suppress the oxidation of the TiN substrate, and the subsequent bulk film was grown with high O 3 dosing to improve the crystallinity of the ZrO 2. As a result, we achieved a high dielectric constant ZrO 2 material with a reduced defect density and a minimum interface capacitance equivalent thickness (CET) of the TiN/ZrO 2 /TiN MIM capacitor under modulated oxidation conditions. This work provides a useful method to control the interface and bulk properties of dielectric layers at the atomic level. Highlights • Atomic layer deposition of ZrO 2 is performed with varied O 3 dosing. • The interfacial layer of high-k ZrO 2 /TiN is studied. • Modulated ALD reduces interface layer and enhances electrical properties. • This study presents a useful strategy for metal/insulator interface optimization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The interface between a dielectric thin film and a metal electrode is studied to improve reliability as well as electrical properties of the metal–insulator–metal (MIM) capacitor in dynamic random‐access memory (DRAM) devices. The interfacial layers between a dielectric thin film and a metal electrode play important functional roles such as increasing the electrical barrier or preventing oxygen defects in high‐k dielectrics. By introducing an electrical barrier layer or a sacrificial layer at the metal–dielectric interface for engineering the electronic band, lattice, or dipole, various effects could be confirmed such as the conduction band offset (CBO), bandgap or mismatch modulation for controlling the dielectric loss depending on the AC frequency or leakage current of MIM capacitors. Upon the insertion of Al2O3 as an electrical barrier layer, CBO increased because of the band engineering. Further, upon the insertion of TiO2 as a sacrificial layer at the interface, CBO increased because of the dipole formation at the interface, attributed to the difference in electronegativity. Thus, a robust MIM capacitor for DRAM that maintains a low leakage current and has improved reliability which is realized using the proper combination of interfacial layers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ZrO2 deposition using the plasma‐enhanced atomic layer deposition (PEALD) process with a cyclopentadienyl tris(dimethylamino) zirconium (CpZr(NMe2)3) precursor is investigated. The effect of deposition temperature and plasma power on ZrO2 thin films' bonding and electrical properties is studied. CpZr(NMe2)3 is used for the deposition at 100 W and 200–400 °C and at 50–1000 W at 300 °C. When generating O2 plasma, Ar gas and O2 gas are used together to generate more radicals. It is found that CpZr(NMe2)3's PEALD process window is 200–300 °C and the film's crystallinity is strongly influenced by deposition temperature and plasma power. In both process conditions, only the tetragonal phase changes. As a result, the ZrO2 film deposited at 50 W and 300 °C has the highest dielectric constant. This is due to the higher O radical ratio that corresponds to lower plasma power. A high O radical ratio causes a chemical reaction rather than an ion bombardment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: To elucidate different patterns of progression of mid-brain atrophy in patients with Richardson's syndrome (RS), progressive supranuclear palsy-parkinsonism (PSP-P), and Parkinson's disease (PD) using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-based visual rating indexes. Methods: We recruited 12 patients with PSP-RS, 12 with PSP-P, and 23 with PD for whom MRIs had been followed up for at least 2 years (mean ± SD, 4.9 ± 1.6 years) after the initial MRI. MRI-based visual rating indexes were used to estimate midbrain atrophy, including the ratio of the pontine to midbrain tegmental areas (P/M ratio) on a midsagittal image, the length between the interpeduncular fossa and the center of the cerebral aqueduct at the midmammillary-body level (MTEGM) on axial images, and the morning glory sign. Results: Initially, there were no differences in MRI-based visual rating indexes between PSP-P and PD, while PSP-RS showed a higher P/M ratio and lower MTEGM compared with PSP-P and PD. In PD, the P/M ratio and MTEGM remained stable with disease progression. However, the extent of changes between initial and follow-up indexes was similarly greater for both PSP-RS and PSP-P than for PD. Finally, PSP-P showed a higher P/M ratio and lower MTEGM compared with PD in the follow-up, while PSP-RS still exhibited the most profound changes. Conclusions: Midbrain atrophy progresses differentially in patients with PSP-RS, PSP-P, and PD. Longitudinal measurements of midbrain atrophy using MRI-based visual rating indexes can help distinguish patients with PSP-P from those with PSP-RS and PD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The composite autonomic symptom scale-31 (COMPASS-31) is a self-rated questionnaire that evaluates diverse autonomic symptoms. In the present study, we developed the Korean version of the COMPASS-31 (K-COMPASS-31) with appropriate translation, and verified its reliability and internal and external validity in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD). Methods: The original COMPASS-31 was translated independently into Korean by two bilingual neurologists. Test-retest reliability was evaluated at a 2-week interval. We investigated the correlations between the K-COMPASS-31, the scale for outcomes in PD-autonomic (SCOPA-AUT), and the results of an autonomic function test (AFT), respectively. Results: A total of 90 patients with PD (47 females; mean age, 63.4 ± 10.8 years) were enrolled. The K-COMPASS-31 showed excellent test-retest reliability (intra-class correlation coefficient = 0.874, p < 0.001) and internal validity (Cronbach's α-coefficient = 0.878). The COMPASS-31 was positively correlated with SCOPA-AUT (r = 0.609, p < 0.001) and the results of the AFT. Conclusions: In conclusion, the K-COMPASS-31 showed excellent reliability and validity for the assessment of autonomic symptoms in PD patients. The K-COMPASS-31 is an easy-to-repeat and widely used tool for investigating autonomic dysfunction in various neurologic disorders and enables comparison of autonomic dysfunction among neurologic disorders. We recommend the K-COMPASS-31 as a valid instrument for use in clinical practice for patients with PD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Flavourzyme inhibits biofilm formation of foodborne pathogens. • Flavourzyme decreases quorum sensing of foodborne pathogens. • Flavourzyme suppresses expression of virulence genes. • Flavourzyme can be considered a preventive agent against foodborne pathogens. Salmonella enterica and Shiga toxin-producing (or verotoxin-producing) Escherichia coli are major foodborne pathogens, posing substantial food safety risks. Due to the negative effects of chemical treatment against foodborne pathogens, the application of enzyme-based techniques is currently receiving great attention. Here, we evaluated the inhibitory properties of Flavourzyme, a commercial peptidase, against these two foodborne pathogens. We noticed 4.0 and 5.5 log inhibition of biofilm formation by S. Typhimurium and E. coli , respectively, while treated with sub-minimum inhibitory concentrations of Flavourzyme for 24 h. For both bacteria, the enzyme exhibited quorum-quenching activity, preventing autoinducer-2 production completely by E. coli. In addition, Flavourzyme significantly suppressed the relative expression levels of biofilm-forming, quorum sensing, and virulence regulatory genes as measured by qRT-PCR. Based on our results, we suggest the use of Flavourzyme as a preventive agent against foodborne pathogens that possibly acts by inhibiting bacterial self-defense mechanisms following disruption of cellular proteins. This finding may shed light on how enzymes can be applied as a novel weapon to control foodborne illnesses to ensure food safety and public health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We assessed long-term cardiac safety and efficacy in patients with human epidermal growth factor receptor 2–positive early breast cancer treated with a trastuzumab biosimilar (SB3) or its reference product, trastuzumab (TRZ), in a phase 3 study. Patients who completed the phase 3 study could be enrolled in this extension study. The outcomes included the incidence of symptomatic congestive heart failure (CHF), asymptomatic significant left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) decrease, incidence of other cardiac events, event-free survival (EFS), and overall survival. In post hoc analysis, the Cox proportional hazards regression model was used to assess factors associated with EFS. A total of 367 patients were enrolled in the study (SB3, n = 186; TRZ, n = 181). The median follow-up duration from the main study enrolment was 40.8 and 40.5 months for SB3 and TRZ, respectively. During the two-year follow-up after adjuvant therapy, incidence of asymptomatic significant LVEF decrease was rare (SB3, n = 1; TRZ, n = 2), with all patients recovering with LVEF ≥ 50%, and no cases of symptomatic CHF or other cardiac events were reported. At 3 years, the EFS was 91.9% with SB3 and 85.2% with TRZ. The number of patients with events was 17 (9.1%) with SB3 and 31 (17.1%) with TRZ [hazard ratio: 0.47, 95% confidence interval: 0.26–0.87]. Antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC) activity and the breast pathologic complete response rate were the factors associated with EFS. Cardiotoxicity was rare in this extension study. EFS was higher with SB3 versus TRZ, with post hoc analysis suggesting that a downward drift in ADCC activity was a contributing factor. NCT02771795 (EudraCT 2015-005663-17). • Cardiotoxicity was rare and similar between SB3 (a trastuzumab biosimilar) and Herceptin® (trastuzumab [TRZ]) up to 3 years. • Three-year event-free survival (EFS) was significantly higher in SB3 compared with TRZ. • In some TRZ lots, a downward drift in antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity–related quality attributes was observed. • Post hoc analyses suggest a downward drift in TRZ could have affected EFS difference. • Three-year EFS and overall survival were comparable between SB3 and non-drifted TRZ. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

DRAMs, electronic band structures, high-k, MIM capacitors Keywords: DRAMs; electronic band structures; high-k; MIM capacitors EN DRAMs electronic band structures high-k MIM capacitors 1 1 1 10/30/23 20231024 NES 231024 B Metal-Dielectric Interfaces b In article 2200412, HanJin Lim and co-workers show the atomic-level control of interface in order to improve capacitor reliability of DRAM that consists of 1T and 1C as a memory device by inserting interfacial layers such as electrical barrier layer and sacrificial protection laye) between metal electrode and high-k dielectric thin film deposited in the high aspect ratio stack-type capacitor structure. Study of Metal-Dielectric Interface for Improving Electrical Properties and Reliability of DRAM Capacitor (Adv. [Extracted from the article]

We report the Schottky barrier height (SBH) at metal–insulator interfaces in Pt/ZrO 2 –Al 2 O 3 –ZrO 2 (ZAZ)/TiN dynamic random access memory capacitors by analyzing the photoconductivity yield and internal photoemission (IPE) yield using IPE spectroscopy. The SBH values at the Pt/ZAZ and ZAZ/TiN interfaces in the Pt/ZAZ/TiN stack were found to be 2.77 and 2.18 eV, respectively. The SBH difference between the top electrode/oxide and bottom electrode/oxide interfaces is related to the work function difference between Pt and TiN, and the subgap defect state features (density and energy) of the given dielectric. By combining experimental analysis using IPE at the device level and ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopy and spectroscopic ellipsometry at the film level, a band structure model is proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we report the effect of process conditions on the crystallinity and energy band structure of atomic layer deposition (ALD) ZrO 2 films deposited, using tris(dimethylamino) cyclopentadienyl zirconium as a precursor and ozone as a reactant. ZrO 2 films exhibited systematic changes in phase and energy band gap as a function of the ozone concentration. The crystal phase was transformed from the monoclinic phase to a tetragonal phase in the presence of higher ozone concentrations. In addition, spectroscopic ellipsometry measurements showed that the optical band gap and oxygen vacancy defects decreased with increasing ozone concentration. The valence band maximum also shifted closer to the Fermi energy level with increasing ozone concentration. The change in electronic structure driven by a high concentration of ozone led to reduced leakage current density and a high dielectric constant in the ZrO 2 -based metal-insulator-metal capacitors. These improvements were not observed for depositions performed using conventional ZrO 2 ALD with oxygen and water reactants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Salmonella is the leading cause of zoonotic foodborne illnesses worldwide and a prevalent threat to the poultry industry. For controlling contamination, the use of chemical sanitizers in combination with biological compounds (e.g., enzymes) offers a solution to reduce the chemical residues. The current study investigated the biofilm reduction effects of a food-grade enzyme—ficin—and a common sanitizer—peroxyacetic acid (PAA)—against an emerging pathogen, Salmonella enterica ser. Thompson, on plastic, eggshell, and chicken skin surfaces. Results showed that PAA could kill S. Thompson, but ficin cannot. Maximum biofilm reduction was 3.7 log CFU/cm2 from plastic after individual treatment with PAA. However, sequential treatment of ficin and PAA led to biofilm reductions of 3.2, 5.0, and 6.5 log CFU/cm2 from chicken skin, eggshell, and plastic, respectively. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and microscopic analysis confirmed that ficin increased PAA action, causing biofilm matrix destruction. Moreover, the quality of the food surfaces was only altered by 12.5 U/mL ficin and was not altered by PAA. This combined use of enzyme and sanitizer solved major safety issues and proved promising against S. Thompson-associated contaminations in poultry and poultry processing lines. • Both ficin and PAA was efficient against Salmonella enterica ser. Thompson biofilm. • Antagonistic effect was noted from the combined treatment. • Biofilm elimination on plastic was higher compare to eggshell and chicken skin. • Quality of food surfaces remained fresh until 6.25 U/mL of ficin treatment. • Specific concentration of ficin-PAA could be promising in poultry sector. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: We present here a new and efficient methodology for the β-ketoimine ligand with microwave heating system. The new method showed faster reaction rates, higher yields, and selectivities of the desired compounds in the absence of solvents. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) with probiotic potential have become highly sought-after by global consumers due to their wide applicability. Here, two LAB strains (J.27 and M.21) were isolated from a traditional Korean fermented vegetable (kimchi) and identified via 16S rRNA gene sequence analyses. Afterward, the two LAB isolates were evaluated for their antibiofilm activity against three foodborne pathogens (Vibrio parahaemolyticus , Pseudomonas aeruginosa , and Escherichia coli) on a seafood model (squid) and food-contact surfaces (rubber and high-density polyethylene [HDPE] plastic). This study also evaluated the effect of co-culture with LAB isolates on the relative expression of different virulence- and quorum sensing (QS)-associated genes from the three aforementioned pathogens. Our antimicrobial and genetic analyses revealed that the combined LAB isolates exhibited higher planktonic and biofilm cell inhibition on both biotic and abiotic surfaces after co-culture with the three mentioned foodborne pathogens assessed for 24 h. However, the antimicrobial activities of both LAB isolates were higher on abiotic surfaces (HDPE) than on biotic surfaces (squid). Therefore, the results of our in vitro experiments highlighted the potential applicability of both LAB isolates as "green" bioprotective agents against pathogenic microorganisms in the seafood industry. • Both LAB isolates (J.27 and M.21) exhibited remarkable antibiotic tolerance. • LAB isolates suppressed V. parahaemolyticus , P. aeruginosa , and E. coli growth. • LAB inhibited pathogenic biofilm formation on squid, rubber, and plastic surfaces. • Combining LAB isolates enhanced their antibiofilm activity. • LAB isolates can be used as bioprotective agents in the seafood industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]