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We proposed a direct in situ synthesis method for iron oxide nanoparticles (NPs) along with catalytic erformance upgrading of heavy crude oil (HCO). Our method compares the upgrading of a HCO where other iron oxide nanoparticles were synthesized by a traditional thermal decomposition method of organometallic compounds in the presence of stabilizing agents and solvents of high boiling points. Furthermore, the in situ nanoparticles were extensively characterized by XRD, Mossbauer spectroscopy and TEM microscopy which confirmed the presence of magnetite and akaganeite phases, with an average diameter of 20−43 nm. Nanoparticles by thermal decomposition method were investigated by XRD, UHR-FE-SEM and HRTEM and showed the formation of magnetite nanoparticles with an average diameter of 6.7 ± 1.4 nm. Subsequently, the nanoparticles were evaluated in a batch reactor using HCO from the Golden Lane of Mexico at 44.1 bar (initial H2 pressure) and 380 °C, for 1 h at 500 rpm. It was observed that, even under hydrogen limited conditions, there are better physicochemical properties in terms of viscosity, API gravity and heavy fractions decrease, for example, the residue conversion was about 20 % and the kinetic model was adjusted to a five lump model. The formation of the iron sulfide phase (FeS) was detected during the analysis of the spent catalyst.

In the first results from an ongoing global cancer screening data repository, screening program organization was better overall in Europe compared to other continents; however, there were substantial gaps in implementation across both high- and low-resource settings. The CanScreen5 project is a global cancer screening data repository that aims to report the status and performance of breast, cervical and colorectal cancer screening programs using a harmonized set of criteria and indicators. Data collected mainly from the Ministry of Health in each country underwent quality validation and ultimately became publicly available through a Web-based portal. Until September 2022, 84 participating countries reported data for breast (n = 57), cervical (n = 75) or colorectal (n = 51) cancer screening programs in the repository. Substantial heterogeneity was observed regarding program organization and performance. Reported screening coverage ranged from 1.7% (Bangladesh) to 85.5% (England, United Kingdom) for breast cancer, from 2.1% (Cote d'Ivoire) to 86.3% (Sweden) for cervical cancer, and from 0.6% (Hungary) to 64.5% (the Netherlands) for colorectal cancer screening programs. Large variability was observed regarding compliance to further assessment of screening programs and detection rates reported for precancers and cancers. A concern is lack of data to estimate performance indicators across the screening continuum. This underscores the need for programs to incorporate quality assurance protocols supported by robust information systems. Program organization requires improvement in resource-limited settings, where screening is likely to be resource-stratified and tailored to country-specific situations.

Sweet potato, commonly planted in Southeast Asia and South America with abundant rainfall, often suffers from waterlogging. The aerenchyma formation in roots is an effective way for plants to facilitate gas exchange. In the present study, tolerant and sensitive varieties, respectively, designated NC1 and C211, were evaluated under water oxygen content at 2.0 mg·L-1 (hypoxia treatment) and 8.0 mg·L-1 (control). The results showed that NC1 variety has a relatively higher root growth rate under low oxygen condition. In NC1 plants, aerenchyma was observed in the mid-section of the main adventitious root and spread to the proximal and distal ends, forming a complete channel in the cortex. However, in C211 plants, the aerenchyma occurred relatively later and could not turn into a whole channel. Ethylene synthesis-related (ACS1, ACS4, ACS5, etc.) and signal transduction-related (ETR1, ERS1, EIN2, etc.) genes were upregulated in the NC1 plants and led to changes in the reactive oxygen species-related genes (RBOHA, SOD, CAT, etc.) and enzyme activities. It was found that programmed cell death was induced by H2 O2 accumulation. A regulatory model of lysigenous aerenchyma formation in the root of sweet potato was constructed. Our study enriches the understanding of the mechanisms of the aerenchyma formation in plants.

The complement system plays a key role in opsonization and immune clearance of engineered nanoparticles. Understanding the efficiency, inter-subject, and inter-strain differences of complement opsonization in preclinical species can help with translational nanomedicine development and improve our ability to model complement response in humans. Dextran-coated superparamagnetic iron oxide (SPIO) nanoparticles and a wide range of non-magnetic iron oxide nanoparticle formulations are widely used in magnetic resonance imaging and as clinically approved iron supplements. Previously we found that opsonization of SPIO nanoworms (NW) with the third complement protein (C3) proceeds mostly via the alternative pathway in humans, and via the lectin pathway in mice. Here, we studied the pathway and efficiency of opsonization of 106 nm SPIO NW with C3 in different preclinical species and commonly used laboratory strains. In sera of healthy human donors (n = 6), C3 opsonization proceeded exclusively through the alternative pathway. On the other hand, the C3 opsonization in dogs (6 breeds), rats (4 strains) and mice (5 strains) sera was either partially or completely dependent on the complement Ca2+-sensitive pathways (lectin and/or classical). Specifically, C3 opsonization in sera of Long Evans rat strain, and mouse strains widely used in nanomedicine research (BALB/c, C57BL/6 J, and A/J) was only through the Ca2+-dependent pathways. Dogs and humans had the highest between-subject variability in C3 opsonization levels, while rat and mouse sera showed the lowest between-strain variability. Furthermore, using a panel of SPIO nanoparticles of different sizes and dextran coatings, we found that the level of C3 opsonization (C3 molecules per milligram Fe) in human sera was lower than in animal sera. At the same time, there was a strong predictive value of complement opsonization in dog and rat sera; nanoparticles with higher C3 deposition in animals showed higher deposition in humans, and vice versa. Notably, the opsonization decreased with decreasing size in all sera. The studies highlight the importance of the consideration of species and strains for predicting human complement responses (opsonization) towards nanomedicines.

In this work, the performance of a reversible electrochemical cell using three different electrodes (Ti/Ru0.5Ir0.5O2, Ti/Ru0.3Ti0.7O2, and Ti/Ru0.3Ti0.6O2Pt0.1) is evaluated and compared for the oxidation of chlorides and reduction of chlorine. Results indicate that this technology is successful and that its efficiency depends significantly on the composition of the electrode in charge of the chlorine electrochemistry. Operating at 0.5 V allows us to obtain near 7 mA cm−2 and power efficiencies around 120 Wh mmol−1 hydrogen supplied. In electrolytic mode, efficiencies around 4 mol Cl2 mWh−1 can be obtained. The best performance is shown by the Ti/Ru0.3Ti0.6O2Pt0.1 electrode resulting from its roughest morphology and the presence of Pt. In shifting from electrolyzer to fuel cell mode, the current produced is rapidly stabilized for Ti/Ru0.3Ti0.6O2Pt0.1 and Ti/Ru0.5Ir0.5O2 electrodes. However, the electrode Ti/Ru0.5Ir0.5O2 showed a progressive change, which suggests a change in its composition that negatively affects the system., En este trabajo se evalúa y compara el desempeño de una celda electroquímica reversible utilizando tres electrodos diferentes (Ti/Ru 0.5 Ir 0.5 O 2 , Ti/Ru 0.3 Ti 0.7 O 2 , y Ti/Ru 0.3 Ti 0.6 O 2 Pt 0.1 ). para la oxidación de cloruros y reducción de cloro. Los resultados indican que esta tecnología es exitosa y que su eficiencia depende significativamente de la composición del electrodo a cargo de la electroquímica del cloro . Operando a 0,5 V nos permite obtener cerca de 7 mA cm −2y eficiencias energéticas de alrededor de 120 Wh mmol- 1 de hidrógeno suministrado. En modo electrolítico se pueden obtener eficiencias en torno a 4 mol Cl 2 mWh− 1 . El electrodo Ti/Ru 0.3 Ti 0.6 O 2 Pt 0.1 presenta el mejor comportamiento debido a su morfología más rugosa ya la presencia de Pt. Al pasar del modo electrolizador al modo de pila de combustible, la corriente producida se estabiliza rápidamente para los electrodos Ti/Ru 0,3 Ti 0,6 O 2 Pt 0,1 y Ti/Ru 0,5 Ir 0,5 O 2 . Sin embargo, el electrodo Ti/Ru0.5 Ir 0.5 O 2 mostró un cambio progresivo, lo que sugiere un cambio en su composición que afecta negativamente al sistema.

Funding: We acknowledge funding from the Physics of Quantum Materials department and the research group “Physics of Unconventional Metals and Superconductors (PUMAS)” of the Max Planck Society. C.G. and E.H. acknowledge support from the German Science Foundation (DFG) through grant GE 602/4-1 Fermi-NESt. P.M.R.B. was supported by the Marsden Fund Council from Government funding, managed by Royal Society Te Apārangi. R.K. is supported by the DFG through project. no. KU 3287/1-1. D.F.A. was supported by the US Department of Energy, Office of Basic Energy Sciences, Division of Materials Sciences and Engineering, under award DE-SC0021971. Materials with multiple superconducting phases are rare. Here, we report the discovery of two-phase unconventional superconductivity in CeRh2As2 Using thermodynamic probes, we establish that the superconducting critical field of its high-field phase is as high as 14 tesla, even though the transition temperature is only 0.26 kelvin. Furthermore, a transition between two different superconducting phases is observed in a c axis magnetic field. Local inversion-symmetry breaking at the cerium sites enables Rashba spin-orbit coupling alternating between the cerium sublayers. The staggered Rashba coupling introduces a layer degree of freedom to which the field-induced transition and high critical field seen in experiment are likely related. Postprint Postprint

Integrase strand-transfer inhibitors (INSTI) are the latest class of antiretrovirals registered in Mexico. They include raltegravir (RAL), elvitegravir/cobicistat (EVG/c), dolutegravir (DTG) and bictegravir (BIC). Along with international guidelines, Mexico adopted the use of INSTI about two years ago as initial antiretroviral therapy (ART). This is partially due to the increase in the pre-treatment resistance to non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTI), mainly efavirenz (EFV). Furthermore, INSTI depict greater efficacy, safety and less drug-drug interactions than NNRTI and protease inhibitors (PI). DTG is a second generation INSTI with a high barrier to resistance. It is recommended in international and national guidelines in a wide variety of clinical scenarios for persons living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) (PLWHIV), including treatment-naïve, first-line NNRTI treatment failure, simplification switch in suppressed patients, pregnancy, women with childbearing potential, adolescents and children over 6 years of age. DTG is mostly metabolized by the liver UDP-glucuronosyltransferase, and exhibits low drug-drug interactions overall; on the other hand, it has an extremely low renal elimination, therefore may be used in PLWHIV with advanced kidney disease without dose modification. Tuberculosis is a common coinfection in Mexico that requires rifampin-based anti-tuberculosis therapy, which requires increasing DTG to double dosing (50 mg BID). In Mexico, DTG-based regimens are likely to be cost-effective in many scenarios, given its acquisition costs and the particularities of the HIV population and associated clinical conditions, including a relatively high proportion of the following: i) new HIV diagnoses presenting at acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) stage; ii) high rate of tuberculosis coinfection; iii) frequent first-line NNRTI treatment failures; and iv) relatively high proportion of infected children and adolescents.

In the last decade, considerable landings of pelagic Sargassum (a kind of brown algae) have been recorded in several Atlantic countries, affecting coastal ecosystems and producing important losses to the region’s economy. Massive landings of Sargasso could become an annual event on different grades from now on. Here we present a potential solution for rapidly managing the Sargasso avoiding the production of the characteristic fetid odor and reduces pollution. By direct combustion the Sargasso can provide 12.94 MJ/kg (11.6% moisture), minimizing considerably the volume of the brown algae, along with the production of a small amount of syngas (23%) when the Sargasso is heated in a reducing atmosphere. Invariably, between 14–18% of ash will be produced by burning the biomass. Then, we propose the valorization of the residual ash (mainly composed by CaO) by carbon dioxide mineralization to produce calcium carbonate. This would allow us to reutilize a material considered a pollutant; where 440 g of CO2 per kg of highly pure floated calcium carbonate would be consumed. This will lead to a reduction of CO2 emissions and residual ash ending in landfills.

This paper describes an investigation into the accumulation and distribution of Cu and Pb in Helichrysum splendidum, to assess the potential use of the plant in the phytoremediation of Cu- and Pb-contaminated soils. Plants of the same age were exposed to soils artificially contaminated with 10, 50, 100, 500 and 1000 mg/L Cu(II) and Pb(II). Although plant growth was not affected by the presence of Cu, high concentrations of Pb (> 500 mg/L) stunted the plants. Chlorophyll production was slightly reduced when plants were exposed to high concentrations of Cu (> 500 mg/L), whereas all the plants growing in Pb-contaminated soils indicated low levels of chlorophyll. Significant amounts of Cu and Pb were accumulated in the roots, with corresponding bioconcentration factors of > 1. Translocation of Cu to the shoots was restricted for plants growing in > 500 mg/L Cu-treated soils, whereas Pb was translocated to the shoots for all treatments, with translocation factors > 1. The Cu and Pb tolerance mechanism was ascribed to chelation and free radical scavenging, through the production of phenolic compounds. Helichrysum splendidum is able to adapt to and ameliorate soils contaminated with low to high levels of Cu(II) and Pb(II) and has potential for application in phytoextraction and phytostabilization of contaminated soils.

Carbon dioxide (CO2) and Methane (CH4) are considered the most crucial climate forcing greenhouse gases due to their significant impacts on climate systems. The present study is aimed at analyzing the long-term (2004–2016) concentration patterns of CO2 and CH4 over Malawi located in Southeast Africa using the observations from Atmospheric Infrared Sounding (AIRS). The study found an annual increase concentration of CO2 and CH4, with a rate of 7.08% and 1.66%, respectively; whereas, the respective concentration levels of CO2 and CH4 in 2016 were noted as >400 ppm and >750 ppb, which is comparable to that reported by IPCC (2014) over the globe. The monthly and seasonal analyses revealed that high patterns are associated with biomass burning season, changes in vegetation cover, and long-range transport. The two trace gases were seasonally correlated with carbon-containing compounds produced from incomplete combustion and biomass burning. The trace gases and pollutants are emitted from the burning of crop residues during the harvesting season, besides, open burning of forests and vehicular emissions. The present study also detected a seasonal increase in CO2 and CH4 concentrations during JJA and SON seasons. The temperature (T °C) exhibited profound correlation with CO2 (r = 0.75, p

Electrochemical capacitors (ECs) have emerged as reliable and fast-charging electrochemical energy storage devices that offer high power densities. Their use is still limited, nevertheless, by thei...

The determination of the first and second derivatives in the UV spectra of crude oil and asphaltene solutions allows the identification of signals attributed to compounds in the crude oil that cannot be seen in the normal spectrum. This processing of the crude oil UV-Vis spectrum to determine first and second derivatives allowed the identification of five maxima. The maxima observed in the first derivative spectrum can be related to different types of compounds in crude oil: ~230 nm for benzene compounds, 259 nm for naphthalene compounds and their derivatives, 295 nm for pure phenanthrene, 328 nm for aromatic chromophores with three or four aromatic rings, and 401 nm for the Soret electronic absorption band of vanadyl porphyrins. The shape of the spectra was analyzed to predict the presence of colloids or particles in the solutions.

MgH2 with a theoretical capacity of 2036 mAh/g has been studied using LiBH4 as solid electrolyte with remarkable results. However, LiBH4 conductivity is reduced drastically from ~10−3 to ~10−8 Scm−1 when operating at temperatures below ~117 °C, due to the crystal structural transition. This change in the conductivity limits the range of operating temperatures of the battery. In order to have all-solid-state lithium ion batteries operating at room temperature, some alternatives were explored in this work. In this study, different batteries compositions were tested for operating temperatures from 30 °C to 120 °C, using LiBH4, 3LiBH4·LiI and 80Li2S–20P2S5 to find a workable configuration for all-solid-state lithium-ion battery with MgH2 as the active material for the working electrode. The cell MgH2/3LiBH4·LiI/Acetylene Black carbon | 80Li2S–20P2S5 | Li, shown the best performance with an initial capacity of 1570 mAh/g operating at 30 °C.

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) have been associated with a wide variety of human diseases and disorders. The ability of these molecules can incapacitate antioxidant activity leading to an imbalance between oxidants and anti-oxidants, with the latter being more pronounced. ROS are no strangers to immune cell relationships and function and consequently the development of autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. The collateral damage of excessive ROS (collectively called Oxidative stress) to the cells or tissue due to nucleic acid damage and oxidation of macromolecules such as proteins and lipids is linked to the manifestation, malfunction and translation to the disease state of cells. Contrary to this view, recent studies have shown that ROS have protective roles in certain autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. Despite significant advances in our understanding of inflammatory and autoimmune diseases, therapeutics for these diseases still need further development and identification of new targets for improved therapeutic effect. ROS molecules and inflammation modulators appear before disease development making them great therapeutic targets with the potential to inhibit disease manifestation.

Background Environmental enteropathy (EE) refers to villus blunting, reduced absorption, and microbial translocation in children and adults in tropical or deprived residential areas. In previous work we observed an effect of micronutrients on villus height (VH). Objective We aimed to determine, in a randomized controlled trial, if amino acid (AA) or multiple micronutrient (MM) supplementation can improve intestinal structure or barrier dysfunction in Zambian adults with EE. Methods AA (tryptophan, leucine, and glutamine) and/or MM supplements were given for 16 wk in a 2 × 2 factorial comparison against placebo. Primary outcomes were changes in VH, in vivo small intestinal barrier dysfunction assessed by confocal laser endomicroscopy (CLE), and mechanistic (or mammalian) target of rapamycin complex 1 (MTORC1) nutrient responsiveness in lamina propria CD4+ lymphocytes. Results Over 16 wk AA, but not MM, supplementation increased VH by 16% (34.5 μm) compared with placebo (P = 0.04). Fluorescein leak, measured by CLE, improved only in those allocated to both AA and MM supplementation. No effect was seen on MTORC1 activation, but posttreatment MTORC1 and VH were correlated (ρ = 0.51; P = 0.001), and change in MTORC1 was correlated with change in VH in the placebo group (ρ = 0.63; P = 0.03). In secondary analyses no effect was observed on biomarkers of microbial translocation. Metabolomic analyses suggest alterations in a number of microbial- and host-derived metabolites including the leucine metabolite β-hydroxy-β-methylbutyrate, which was increased by AA supplementation and correlated with VH. Conclusions In this phase 2 trial, AA supplementation protected against a decline in VH over the supplementation period, and improved barrier function when combined with micronutrients. Leucine and MTORC1 metabolism may be involved in the mechanism of effect. This trial was registered at www.pactr.org as PACTR201505001104412

This paper describes the synthesis and catalytic activity of carbon-supported Pd/C, PdNi/C, and PdNiRh/C catalysts with core–shell morphologies towards the oxidation of ethanol in alkaline media. The catalysts are synthesised by a chemical reduction method using sodium borohydride as the reducing agent. Electrochemical characterisations show that the addition of Ni and Rh enhances remarkably the electrocatalytic activity of the materials due to the bifunctional and electronic effects in PdNi/C and PdNiRh/C catalysts, and the synergetic effect of the bifunctional and core–shell morphology on the Ni@Pd/C and Ni@PdRh/C catalysts. Electrochemical impedance spectra reveal lower values of charge transfer resistance for Pd60Ni20Rh20/C and Ni20@Pd60Rh20/C. Chronoamperometric tests also reveal the Ni20@Pd60Rh20/C catalyst displays current densities 9.3 times higher than the Pd/C catalyst. The superior catalytic performance of the trimetallic core–shell Ni20@Pd60Rh20/C catalyst can result from the synergy between the metals and the presence of core–shell morphology.

Intercropping research interest is increasing globally due to its contribution to agriculture sustainability, crop productivity, and soil quality. To better understand the advantageous effect of in...

PurposeExemestane, a steroidal aromatase inhibitor, is an important therapeutic option in the treatment of post-menopausal hormone receptor positive breast cancer. Adverse effects include hot flashes and bone loss, but rarely is hepatotoxicity reported. We report a case of exemestane induced cholestatic liver injury following exemestane initiation.Case reportA now 77-year-old Caucasian female with primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC), and metastatic hormone receptor positive breast cancer originally diagnosed in 2000 who developed symptoms of pruritus, diarrhea, grade 2 transaminitis, and grade 1 hyperbilirubinemia three weeks after exemestane initiation. Management and outcome: Due to the patient’s signs and symptoms, exemestane was discontinued and the patient was continued on cholestyramine until resolution of her laboratory abnormalities. Approximately a week after discontinuation, the patient was started and maintained on anastrozole without recurrence of her symptoms.DiscussionHepatotoxicity with aromatase inhibitors have rarely been reported in clinical trials and to date, instances of exemestane induced hepatotoxicity has only been reported in two case reports. The patient’s history of primary biliary cirrhosis may be an important risk factor for the development of hepatotoxicity from exemestane.

In this study, binary and ternary mixed metal oxide anodes of Ti/RuO2–Sb2O4 and Ti/RuO2–Sb2O4–TiO2 were prepared using two different heating methods: conventional furnace and alternative CO2 laser heating. The produced anodes were physically and electrochemically characterized by using different techniques. The main difference found in the laser-made anodes was their more compact morphology, without the common deep cracks found in anodes made by typical thermal decomposition, which showed an important correlation with the prolonged accelerated service life. The correlation between the physicochemical properties of the anodes with their performance towards the 4-nitrophenol oxidations is discussed. The results demonstrated that the ternary anode (Ti/RuO2–Sb2O4–TiO2) is very promising, presenting a kinetic 5.7 times faster than the respective binary anode and the highest removal efficiency when compared with conventionally made anodes. Also, the lowest energy consumption per unit of mass of contaminant removed is seen for the laser-made Ti/RuO2–Sb2O4–TiO2 anode, which evidences the excellent cost–benefit of this anode material. Finally, some by-products were identified, and a degradation route is proposed.

In the production of cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.), nitrogen fertilization is one of the most costly crop practices, but important to reach high yields. However, high nitrogen (N) content in plants does not always translate into a high fibre production. One way of assessing the efficiency of the N fertilizer is through the enzymatic activity of the nitrate reductase (NR). This is a key enzyme in N assimilation, whose activity is regulated by a number of endogenous and exogenous factors that determine yield. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of N fertilization on yield, fibre quality, biomass, and NR enzymatic activity in vivo in the cotton variety Fiber Max 989. The evaluated application rates were 0, 50, 100, and 150 kg/ha of N, using urea as a source (46% N) in a randomized block design with three replicates. At harvest, the maximum yield of seed cotton and the greatest accumulation of total foliar biomass through time was reached after applying 150 kg N/ha. The different N-application rates did not affect the components of cotton-fibre quality. The activity of endogenous NR was greater on plants where 150 kg N/ha were applied. The highest cotton yield and N contents were obtained on these plants. Therefore, the NR activity in vivo could be used as a bioindicator of the N nutritional level in cotton.

Complement is one of the critical branches of innate immunity that determines the recognition of engineered nanoparticles by immune cells. Antibody-targeted iron oxide nanoparticles are a popular platform for magnetic separations, in vitro diagnostics, and molecular imaging. We used 60 nm cross-linked iron oxide nanoworms (CLIO NWs) modified with antibodies against Her2/neu and EpCAM, which are common markers of blood-borne cancer cells, to understand the role of complement in the selectivity of targeting of tumor cells in whole blood. CLIO NWs showed highly efficient targeting and magnetic isolation of tumor cells spiked in lepirudin-anticoagulated blood, but specificity was low due to high uptake by neutrophils, monocytes, and lymphocytes. Complement C3 opsonization in plasma was predominantly via the alternative pathway regardless of the presence of antibody, PEG, or fluorescent tag, but was higher for antibody-conjugated CLIO NWs. Addition of various soluble inhibitors of complement convertase (compstatin, soluble CD35, and soluble CD55) to whole human blood blocked up to 99% of the uptake of targeted CLIO NWs by leukocytes, which resulted in a more selective magnetic isolation of tumor cells. Using well-characterized nanomaterials, we demonstrate here that complement therapeutics can be used to improve targeting selectivity.

In this work, anodic electrocatalyst (20%wt of metal loading) as PtCo nanoparticles (atomic ratio of 48:52) on micro/nano-structured pyrolytic carbon (MNC) was synthesized by sequential impregnation method and chemical reduction route using citric acid and Ar-H2 static atmosphere. MNC sample was synthesized via nanocasting process with anhydrous pyrolysis at 800 °C using SBA-15 as hard template and refined sugar as carbon source. SBA-15 was prepared via sol gel using pluronic P-123 as surfactant and tetraethoxysilane as silica precursor. The prepared materials were characterized by means of N2 physisorption, X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and high resolution transmission electron microscopy. The performance of PtCo/MNC for methanol oxidation reaction (MOR) was measured by cyclic voltammetry, chronoamperometry. The electrochemical characterization techniques revealed that the mass activity of PtCo/MNC and the commercial electrocatalyst Pt/C (20%wt of Pt loading) at 20 cycles were 481 and 372 mA/mgPt respectively as well as the resistance to the accumulation intermediate carbonaceous species (methoxy, aldehyde, formaldehyde and carbon monoxide) denoted by the ratio If/Ib for these catalysts were 1.30 and 0.76 respectively. PtCo/MNC exhibit better electrocatalytic performance, electrochemical stability and best resistance to carbonaceous intermediates species in the electro-oxidation of methanol.

Background Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a systemic disease clinically defined by the degeneration of dopaminergic neurons in the brain. While alterations in the gut microbiome composition have been reported in PD, their functional consequences remain unclear. Herein, we addressed this question by an analysis of stool samples from the Luxembourg Parkinson’s Study (n = 147 typical PD cases, n = 162 controls). Results All individuals underwent detailed clinical assessment, including neurological examinations and neuropsychological tests followed by self-reporting questionnaires. Stool samples from these individuals were first analysed by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Second, we predicted the potential secretion for 129 microbial metabolites through personalised metabolic modelling using the microbiome data and genome-scale metabolic reconstructions of human gut microbes. Our key results include the following. Eight genera and seven species changed significantly in their relative abundances between PD patients and healthy controls. PD-associated microbial patterns statistically depended on sex, age, BMI, and constipation. Particularly, the relative abundances of Bilophila and Paraprevotella were significantly associated with the Hoehn and Yahr staging after controlling for the disease duration. Furthermore, personalised metabolic modelling of the gut microbiomes revealed PD-associated metabolic patterns in the predicted secretion potential of nine microbial metabolites in PD, including increased methionine and cysteinylglycine. The predicted microbial pantothenic acid production potential was linked to the presence of specific non-motor symptoms. Conclusion Our results suggest that PD-associated alterations of the gut microbiome can translate into substantial functional differences affecting host metabolism and disease phenotype.

Recycled aluminum alloys corrosion system was studied for hydrogen production in 1.4 M HCl solution at low temperature, 333 K. Molybdate ions were used as corrosion promoter. Commercial Na2MoO4·2H2O was tested, varying its concentration (0–0.036 M) in order to analyze the promoter effect in H2 production. Moreover, Na2MoO4·2H2O particles were synthesized via sonochemical method and by ultrasonic method. Later, synthesized promoters were tested in order to analyze the effect of their physicochemical properties in H2 production. Gas composition produced during the reaction was analyzed by gas chromatography. Results showed that reaction rate was notorious affected by molybdate ions concentration. The highest hydrogen volume and the greatest reaction rate obtained was with the use of 1050 aluminum foil alloy with very low promotor concentration (0.004 M), becoming, therefore, a low-cost process for high purity hydrogen production.

We present a computational microscopy analysis (targeted molecular dynamics simulations) of the structure and performance of conductive metal organic framework (MOF) electrodes in supercapacitors with room temperature ionic liquids. The molecular modeling predicts the characteristic shapes of the potential dependence of electrode capacitance, relying on the structure of MOF electrodes and particularly how ions transport and reside in MOFs under polarization. Transmission line model was adopted to characterize the charging dynamics process and build up a bridge to evaluate the capacitive performance of practical supercapacitor devices at macroscale from the simulation-obtained data at nanoscale. Such nanoscale-to-macroscale analysis demonstrates the potential of MOF supercapacitors for achieving unprecedentedly high volumetric energy and power densities. The investigation gives molecular insights into the preferred structures of MOF for achieving these results, which could provide a blueprint for future experimental characterization of these new systems., Comment: 19 pages, 6 figures

A novel process to obtain H2 from flat plate aluminum corrosion in aqueous acid solutions is described. A modified traditional shrinking core model has been developed to analyze kinetics behavior by including the effect of growing and textural changes of hydroxide layer during reaction. Modified model is fitted to experimental data. Initial diffusion coefficient, magnitude of the change in its value and the ratio of volume of the produced shell to volume of consumed core during reaction were determined by parameters obtained from fitting the proposed model to experimental data.

Context Evidence has shown that essential nutrients are highly correlated with the occurrence of esophageal cancer (EC). However, findings from observational studies on the associations between dietary carbohydrate, salt consumption, and the risk of EC remain controversial. Objective The aim of this study was to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis to confirm the associations of dietary carbohydrate and salt consumption with EC risk. Data Source Various electronic databases (PubMed, MEDLINE, Embase, Google Scholar, Cochrane Library, Chinese Electronic Periodical Services, and China Knowledge Resource Integrated) were searched up until January 31, 2019. Data Extraction Data related to patient characteristics and study characteristics were extracted by 2 independent reviewers. The risk ratio reported as relative risk (RR) or odds ratio (OR) was extracted, and random-effects models were performed to estimate the summary risk ratio. Results In total, 26 studies were included in this analysis, of which 12 studies, including 11 case-control studies and 1 cohort study, examined dietary carbohydrates, and 18 studies, including 16 case-control studies and 2 cohort studies, examined dietary salt. The pooled OR showed that dietary carbohydrate intake was inversely related to EC risk (OR = 0.62; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.50–0.77), but positive correlations between dietary salt intake and the risk of EC were supported by the recruited case-control studies (OR = 1.97; 95% CI, 1.50–2.61) and cohort studies (RR = 1.04; 95% CI, 1.00–1.08). Conclusions Salt is an essential nutrient for body functions and biochemical processes. Providing health education and management regarding proper use of salt in daily foods and labeling the amount of sodium in manufactured products to reduce the risk of developing EC should be more appropriately performed in the general population.

Heavy crude oil enhanced into a lighter oil by hydrocracking process with nickel nanoparticles (Ni NPs) as catalysts. Ni NPs were synthesized by colloidal method (chemical reduction of metal salts). The reduction of nickel nitrate hexahydrate ((Ni(NO3)2·6H2O) was done using sodium borohydride (NaBH4) as a reducing agent in presence of polyvinylpyrrolidone which worked as a protective and stabilizing agent; ethanol was used as a solvent. The properties of the nanoparticles were investigated by FT-IR, TEM, XRD, and HRTEM. These techniques confirmed the formation of Ni NPs with an average size of 10 nm and a tetragonal structure. The experiments were carried out in a batch reactor at 45 Kgf cm−2 (initial H2 pressure), 380 °C, stirring speed of 500 rpm and reaction time of 1 h. In all cases, the increase in the concentration of Ni nanoparticles improved the physical and chemical properties of heavy crude oil, even in limited hydrogen conditions; these properties were measured in terms of viscosity, SARA analysis, sulfur and nitrogen removal, and chromatographic analysis of gaseous products. The asphaltenes conversion was of 26.31% and moderate sulfur removal was achieved, these results are promising for EOR application.

NiIIcyclam-modified nanoparticulate TiO2-coated ITO electrodes (ITO/TiO2//NiIIcyclam) were prepared by electropolymerization of NiIIcyclam monomers to TiO2-coated ITO electrodes (ITO/TiO2) to improve electrocatalytic urea CO(NH2)2 oxidation in alkaline aqueous solutions. A high value adding secondary effect was the collection of electrons at Pt cathodes, to simultaneously generate H2 from water reduction. NiIIcyclam-modified ITO electrodes (ITO//NiIIcyclam) were also prepared by electropolymerization of NiIIcyclam monomers to bare ITO electrodes (ITO) for comparison purposes. In the presence of the TiO2 nanoparticles, the urea mineralization on NiIIcyclam coatings was doubled (23.95% – organic carbon removal at 120 min of electrolysis) compared to those without TiO2 nanoparticles (13.02% – organic carbon removal at 120 min of electrolysis).In agreement, the faradaic efficiency for H2 generation at the Pt cathode, electrically connected to an anode having TiO2 nanoparticles (0.99 at 120 min of electrolysis), was also twice as effective than that observed when the same Pt cathode was electrically connected to an anode without TiO2 nanoparticles (0.46 at 120 min of electrolysis). The experimental results indicated that the poisoning of NiII centers (which is caused by an excessive production of CO intermediates during the urea oxidation on both NiIIcyclam-modified anodes) was strongly inhibited in the presence of the nanoparticulate TiO2|NiIIcyclam junction.A final comparison between our results and those reported in selected publications revealed that the NiIIcyclam-modified nanoparticulate TiO2-coated ITO anodes here developed, constitutes a promising electrocatalytic system for performing direct urea mineralization at a relative short electrolysis time. Furthermore, the combination of the following phenomena: (a) effective charge separation on the semiconducting ITO|nanoparticulate TiO2 junctions, (b) remarkable capabilities of the nanoporous TiO2 films for tuning the load of OH− anions demanded by the urea oxidation and, (c) outstanding capabilities of the TiO2 nanoparticles for capturing CO intermediates (at Ti3+ donor sites), successfully promoted the enhancement of the electron external transport to Pt cathodes, and consequently improved the faradaic efficiency associated to the cathodic generation of H2. Keywords: NiIIcyclam electrodeposition, Nanoparticulate TiO2 electrodes, Urea mineralization, CO intermediates inhibition, H2 electrogeneration

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is one of the most aggressive astrocytic tumors; it is resistant to most chemotherapeutic agents currently available and is associated with a poor patient survival. Thus, the development of new anticancer compounds is urgently required. Herein, we studied the molecular mechanisms of cell death induced by the experimental drugs resveratrol and MG132 or the antineoplastic drugs cisplatin and etoposide on a human GBM cell line (D54) and on primary cultured mouse astrocytes (PCMAs). Caspases, Bcl-2, inhibitors of apoptosis proteins (IAP) family members, and p53 were identified as potential molecular targets for these drugs. All drugs had a cytotoxic effect on D54 cells and PCMAs, with a similar inhibitory concentration (IC50) after 24 h. However, MG132 and cisplatin were more effective to induce apoptosis and autophagy than resveratrol and etoposide. Cell death by apoptosis involved the activation of caspases-3/7, -8, and -9, increased lysosomal permeability, LC3 lipidation, poly-(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP)-1 fragmentation, and a differential expression of genes related with apoptosis and autophagy like Mcl-1, Survivin, Noxa, LC3, and Beclin. In addition, apoptosis activation was partially dependent on p53 activation. Since experimental and antineoplastic drugs yielded similar results, further work is required to justify their use in clinical protocols.

Dendroctonus-bark beetles are natural agents contributing to vital processes in coniferous forests, such as regeneration, succession, and material recycling, as they colonize and kill damaged, stressed, or old pine trees. These beetles spend most of their life cycle under stem and roots bark where they breed, develop, and feed on phloem. This tissue is rich in essential nutrients and complex molecules such as starch, cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin, which apparently are not available for these beetles. We evaluated the digestive capacity of Dendroctonusrhizophagus to hydrolyze starch. Our aim was to identify &alpha, amylases and characterize them both molecularly and biochemically. The findings showed that D. rhizophagus has an &alpha, amylase gene (AmyDr) with a single isoform, and ORF of 1452 bp encoding a 483-amino acid protein (53.15 kDa) with a predicted signal peptide of 16 amino acids. AmyDr has a mutation in the chlorine-binding site, present in other phytophagous insects and in a marine bacterium. Docking analysis showed that AmyDr presents a higher binding affinity to amylopectin compared to amylose, and an affinity binding equally stable to calcium, chlorine, and nitrate ions. AmyDr native protein showed amylolytic activity in the head-pronotum and gut, and its recombinant protein, a polypeptide of ~53 kDa, showed conformational stability, and its activity is maintained both in the presence and absence of chlorine and nitrate ions. The AmyDr gene showed a differential expression significantly higher in the gut than the head-pronotum, indicating that starch hydrolysis occurs mainly in the midgut. An overview of the AmyDr gene expression suggests that the amylolytic activity is regulated through the developmental stages of this bark beetle and associated with starch availability in the host tree.

Intercalation is a promising ion-sorption mechanism for enhancing the energy density of electrochemical capacitors (ECs) because it offers enhanced access to the electrochemical surface area. It requires a rapid transport of ions in and out of a host material, and it must occur without phase transformations. Materials that fulfil these requirements are rare; those that do intercalate almost exclusively cations. Herein, we show that Ni3 (benzenehexathiol) (Ni3 BHT), a non-porous two-dimensional (2D) layered coordination polymer (CP), intercalates both cations and anions with a variety of charges. Whereas cation intercalation is pseudocapacitive, anions intercalate in a purely capacitive fashion. The excellent EC performance of Ni3 BHT provides a general basis for investigating similar dual-ion intercalation mechanisms in the large family of non-porous 2D CPs.

During the progression of osteoarthritis (OA), degradation of the extracellular matrix alters the biomechanical properties of cartilage, especially the compressive modulus. The mechanosensitive ion channel transient receptor potential vanilloid 4 (TRPV4) is required for chondrocyte mechanotransduction However, how OA-mediated cartilage degradation influences TRPV4 signaling remains unknown. To determine if ATDC5 cells alter TRPV4-mediated calcium signaling and cell phenotype in response to softer substrates, we created PEGDA-RGDS hydrogels with Young’s moduli that simulated healthy (~350 kPa), OA (~175 kPa) and severe OA (~35 kPa) tissue. We found that softer substrates reduced the influx of calcium through TRPV4 when challenging chondrocytes with hypotonic swelling (HTS). Chondrocyte apoptosis also increased on the OA and severe OA gels due to elevated basal [Ca2+]i, which is attenuated with pharmacological agonism of TRPV4. Pharmacological agonism of TRPV4 rescued the expression of aggrecan and TRPV4 in chondrocytes cultured on OA gels and enhanced the type II collagen (col2) expression in cells on the normal and OA gels. These data suggest that the biomechanical properties of degraded cartilage alter TRPV4-mediated mechanotransduction in chondrocytes. Given that TRPV4 reduced apoptosis and improved the chondrogenic capacity of cells, TRPV4 stimulation could provide a potential therapeutic target in patients with early to moderate OA.

Given its biocompatibility, rheological, and physiological properties, hyaluronic acid (HA) has become a biomaterial of increasing interest with multiple applications in medicine and cosmetics. In recent decades, microbial fermentations have become an important source for the industrial production of HA. However, due to its final applications, microbial HA must undergo critical and long purification processes to ensure clinical and cosmetic grade purity. Aqueous two-phase systems (ATPS) have proven to be an efficient technique for the primary recovery of high-value biomolecules. Nevertheless, their implementation in HA downstream processing has been practically unexplored. In this work, polyethylene glycol (PEG)–citrate ATPS were used for the first time for the primary recovery of HA produced with an engineered strain of Streptococcus equi subsp. zooepidemicus. The effects of PEG molecular weight (MW), tie-line length (TLL), volume ratio (VR), and sample load on HA recovery and purity were studied with a clarified fermentation broth as feed material. HA was recovered in the salt-rich bottom phase, and its recovery increased when a PEG MW of 8000 g mol−1 was used. Lower VR values (0.38) favoured HA recovery, whereas purity was enhanced by a high VR (3.50). Meanwhile, sample load had a negative impact on both recovery and purity. The ATPS with the best performance was PEG 8000 g mol−1, TLL 43% (w/w), and VR 3.50, showing 79.4% HA recovery and 74.5% purity. This study demonstrated for the first time the potential of PEG–citrate ATPS as an effective primary recovery strategy for the downstream process of microbial HA.

Background: Of the 2 million children living with HIV globally, 90% live in sub-Saharan Africa. Despite antiretroviral therapy, longstanding HIV infection is associated with several chronic complications in children including growth failure, particularly stunting and delayed puberty. Vitamin D deficiency, which is highly prevalent among children living with HIV in sub-Saharan Africa, has further adverse impact on bone health. This trial aims to establish whether supplementation with vitamin D 3 and calcium carbonate improves musculoskeletal health among peripubertal children living with HIV. Methods/design: We will conduct an individually randomised, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial of weekly high-dose vitamin D 3 (20000iu) plus daily calcium carbonate (500mg) supplementation for 48 weeks. 840 children living with HIV aged 11-19 years taking ART for ≥6 months will be enrolled and followed up for 96 weeks. The primary outcome is total body less-head bone mineral content for lean mass adjusted for height (TBLH-BMC LBM ) Z-score at 48 weeks, measured by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA). Secondary outcomes are DEXA-measured Lumbar Spine Bone Mineral Apparent Density Z-score, number of respiratory infections, lean muscle mass and grip-strength at 48 and 96 weeks, and TBLH-BMC LBM Z-scores at 96 weeks. Sub studies will investigate the effect of the intervention on vitamin D 3 pathway metabolites and markers of bone turnover, intestinal microbiota, and innate and acquired immune function. Discussion: This is the largest trial to date of vitamin D supplementation in children living with HIV. Intervening to address deficits in bone accrual through childhood is critical for optimising adolescent and early adult bone health, and prevention of later adult osteoporotic fractures. Trial results will draw attention to the need to screen for and treat long-term comorbidities in children living with HIV in resource-limited settings.Trial registration: Pan African Clinical Trials Registry ID: PACTR20200989766029. Date ofregistration: 3 September 2020. URL of trial registry record: https://pactr.samrc.ac.za

Ready-to-use therapeutic food (RUTF) with adequate quality protein is used to treat children with oedematous and non-oedematous severe acute malnutrition (SAM). The plasma amino acid (AA) profile reflects the protein nutritional status; hence, its assessment during SAM treatment is useful in evaluating AA delivery from RUTFs. The objective was to evaluate the plasma AAs during the treatment of oedematous and non-oedematous SAM in community-based management of acute malnutrition (CMAM) using amino acid-enriched plant-based RUTFs with 10% milk (MSMS-RUTF) or without milk (FSMS-RUTF) compared to peanut milk RUTF (PM-RUTF). Plasma AA was measured in a non-blinded, 3-arm, parallel-group, simple randomized controlled trial conducted in Malawi. The RUTFs used for SAM were FSMS-RUTF, MSMS-RUTF or PM-RUTF. A non-inferiority hypothesis was tested to compare plasma AA levels from patients treated with FSMS-RUTF or MSMS-RUTF with those from patients treated with PM-RUTF at discharge. For both types of SAM, FSMS-RUTF and MSMS-RUTF treatments were non-inferior to the PM-RUTF treatment in restoration of the EAA and cystine except that for FSMS-RUTF, methionine and tryptophan partially satisfied the non-inferiority criteria in the oedematous group. Amino-acid-enriched milk-free plant-source-protein RUTF has the potential to restore all the EAA, but it is possible that enrichment with amino acids may require more methionine and tryptophan for oedematous children., SCOPUS: ar.j, info:eu-repo/semantics/published

Electrochemical energy storage is considered a remarkable way of bridging the gap between demand and supply due to intermittent renewable energy production. Recently developed metal hydride (M-H)-based negative electrodes have been proven the potential candidate for lithium-ion batteries including the merits of high theoretical capacity, relatively small volume expansion, and suitable working potential with very low polarization. In the present work, Titanium iron (TiFe)- hydride is implemented as an anode material in an all-solid-state lithium-ion battery. Lithium borohydride is taken as a solid electrolyte and Li foil is placed as a counter electrode. The electrochemical properties are investigated using galvanostatic charge/discharge profiling whereas the mechanism of lithiation delithiation is investigated in detail through X-ray Diffraction (XRD).

Many people in the world lack safe basic drinking water sources and rely on untreated water source. Packaged water can be considered as an alternative to other water sources if measures are put in place to ensure its safety for consumption. This study aimed to assess the bacteriological and chemical quality of packaged water produced in Lusaka, Zambia and associated quality control measures. A cross-sectional study was conducted in May 2019 where 18 brands of packaged water were analyzed for total and feacal coliforms as well as concentrations of Lead, Chromium and Cadmium. The study found that 33.5% of the packaged water produced in Lusaka did not comply with the standard for drinking water on bacteriological quality. We also found that the concentrations for Lead were less than 0.01mg/l in all the 17 samples, thus compliant to WHO/ZABS standards. Concentrations of Chromium were between 0.002mg/l and 0.62mg/l and compliance to the standard was 11.8%. Concentrations for Cadmium were as low as 0.009mg/l and as high as 0.2mg/l as such, non-compliant. Most brands of the packaged water did not conform to the bacteriological standards for drinking water and none of the brands conformed to the chemical quality.

The present study synthesized mixed metal oxide (MMO) anodes composed of (SnO2)93Sb5M2(M=Ce,Ta,Bi,Gd) through thermal decomposition calcinated at 500, 550, and 600 °C. The anodes were characterized...

Background and Aims Wine made from the Campbell Early grape cultivar has less flavour than wine made from European grape cultivars. The aim of this study was to investigate the individual fermentation characteristics of several non‐Saccharomyces yeasts for improving the aroma of Campbell Early wine. Methods and Results Nine species of non‐Saccharomyces yeasts were used as wine starters in single or co‐fermentation with Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Several fermentation characteristics and physiological properties were investigated. Volatile higher alcohol and ester compounds were also analysed by GC/MS and by principal component analysis. Single‐fermented wines showed different fermentation kinetics, whereas co‐fermented wines showed similar, but slightly different, fermentation kinetics depending on their ethanol tolerance. Principal component analysis indicated that the composition of both volatile higher alcohols and esters was distinguishable between single and co‐fermented wines, but volatile esters in co‐fermented wines were more widely distributed compared to that in single fermented wines. Conclusions The fermentation kinetics of each strain was different. Volatile esters were more affected by co‐fermentation than volatile higher alcohols, which were produced during the early phase of fermentation. Moreover, interactions among the various volatile aromatic compounds affected the final wine aroma. Significance of the Study These findings could provide valuable information to researchers and winemakers on the enhancement of wine aroma using non‐Saccharomyces yeasts.

A series of Pt/Ni-SiO₂/C catalysts with different mass proportions of Ni-SiO₂/C (0:100, 30:70, 50:50, 70:30 and 100:0) were prepared and studied towards ethanol electrochemical oxidation in acid medium. The support silica particles were initially synthesized via sol-gel and then modified with NiCl2. The Ni deposited on the silica surface plays a role promoting nucleation sites for the reduction of platinum. Pt was further chemically reduced onto Ni-SiO₂ using formic acid and loaded onto carbon Vulcan XC-72 R. The Pt/Ni-SiO₂/C catalysts were characterized by X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, temperature-programmed reduction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy and inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectroscopy. The physical characterizations reveal the formation of oxide-metal composite and strong interaction between Pt and the Ni-SiO₂ composite. The Pt/Ni-SiO₂/C catalyst with meso/macroporous structure exhibits higher electrocatalytic activity towards ethanol oxidation and better stability, after 48 h of electrolysis, than a commercial Pt/C catalyst. These improved features could be due to presence of Ni-SiO₂ composite that promotes corrosion resistance of the support and prevents the aggregation of Pt nanoparticles and their detachment from the support. The low poisoning of the Pt/Ni-SiO₂/C catalyst is probably due to the enhanced oxygen content on the composite surface. The high electrocatalytic activity and enhanced electrochemical stability of the Pt/Ni-SiO₂/C catalyst make it promising for further fuel cell applications.

Made available in DSpace on 2019-10-04T12:37:56Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2019-08-15 Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq) FAPITEC Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES) Carbon-supported Pd, Au@Pd core-shell and Au1-xPdx-alloyed nanoparticles were prepared by a chemical reduction method and characterized by different experimental techniques, including X-ray powder diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, scanning-transmission electron microscopy using bright-field and high-angle annular dark field detectors and X-ray energy dispersive spectroscopy. The catalytic mass activity toward ethanol oxidation was assessed by cyclic voltammetry and chronoamperometry at room temperature. The measurements showed that the addition of Au enhances remarkably the electrocatalytic activity of the material, due to the bifunctional effect of Au1-xPd/C alloys, and the synergetic effect on Au@Pd/C, resulting in a dissolution resistance of core-shell catalysts at potentials of 1.5 V versus reversible hydrogen electrode. In situ Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy measurements showed that the mechanism for ethanol oxidation depends on the electrocatalyst structure and morphology. Acetate was identified as the main product of ethanol electro-oxidation on the studied electrocatalysts. However, the presence of a core-shell structure on Au@Pd/C resulted in enhanced ethanol oxidation selectivity toward CO2. The improvement of activity is attributed to the interaction between Pd shell and Au core. Inst Technol & Res, Lab Electrochem & Nanotechnol, BR-49032490 Aracaju, SE, Brazil Univ Tiradentes, Proc Engn Postgrad Program, BR-49032490 Aracaju, SE, Brazil Univ Fed Sergipe, Dept Phys, Campus Itabaiana,Ave Marechal Rondon, BR-49032490 Aracaju, SE, Brazil Univ Estadual Paulista, Dept Phys Chem, Inst Chem, Campus Araraquara,Ave Araraquara Jau, Araraquara, SP, Brazil Univ Fed ABC, Ctr Engn Modeling & Appl Social Sci, Ave Estados 5001, Santo Andre, SP, Brazil Univ Estadual Paulista, Dept Phys Chem, Inst Chem, Campus Araraquara,Ave Araraquara Jau, Araraquara, SP, Brazil CNPq: 303630/2012-4 CNPq: 474261/2013-1 CNPq: 407274/2013-8 CNPq: 402243/2012-9 CNPq: 400443/2013-9 CNPq: 310282/2013-6 CAPES: 001

A series of novel 2-substituted 4-hydrazone functionalized pyrido[2,3-d]pyrimidine (8a–f and 9a–e) and 1,2,4-triazole fused pyrido[2,3-d]pyrimidine derivatives (10a–f and 11a–e) were prepared starting from ethyl 2-amino-6-(trifluoromethyl)nicotinate 3 via acylation, cyclization, chlorination, hydrazine reaction, hydrazone formation followed by intramolecular cyclization. All the final products were screened against various Candida strains for determining the antifungal activity, minimum fungicidal concentration and inhibition of ergosterol biosynthesis. Among the screened, compounds 8c, 8f, 9c, 10f, 11d and 11e were identified as promising antifungal agents. From a mechanistic perspective, the concomitant treatment of 10f, 11d and 11e on different Candida strains showed inhibition of ergosterol biosynthesis, which also revealed the possible antifungal action of these compounds on the ergosterol biosynthetic pathway. The binding mode of active compounds by docking studies showed that they fit well into the active site cavity of target protein. Further, the SAR and molecular docking studies data presumed that the presence of fluoro, trifluoromethyl, bromo and nitro groups on phenyl and furyl rings in pyrido[2,3-d]pyrimidine were found to be crucial to promote antifungal activity. All the strains for Miconazole a control drug showed MIC values equal to 3.9 μg/mL. Lipinski’s parameters of all compounds are within the acceptable range defined for human use thereby indicating their potential as drug-like molecules.

Direct methanol fuel cells are promising electrochemical energy conversion devices. But, more efficient and stable and less expensive catalysts are still required. Here, we successfully synthesized Pt/C and Pt0.5–Ir0.5/C, Pt0.6–Ir0.4/C, Pt0.7–Ir0.3/C, and Pt0.8–Ir0.2/C nanowires by the chemical reduction of the metallic precursors by formic acid and tested them towards methanol electro-oxidation in acidic media. Neither surfactants nor templates were used during the syntheses. The nanowires catalysts were compared with a commercial state-of-art catalyst aiming the observation of the properties improvements derived from both alloying Pt with Ir and morphology change from nanoparticles to nanowires. Well-defined and slightly agglomerated over the carbon nanowires (diameters and lengths of approximately 5 and 20 nm, respectively) were obtained, the fact that is ascribed to the 40 wt% metal loading. In addition, accelerated degradation tests showed that Pt0.6–Ir0.4/C, Pt0.7–Ir0.3/C and Pt0.8–Ir0.2/C catalysts are more stable than commercial Pt/C. All synthesized nanowires catalysts were more active towards methanol electro-oxidation than the commercial Pt/C. The Pt0.5–Ir0.5/C sample shows Pt mass activities 7 times that of commercial Pt/C. However, the Pt0.8–Ir0.2/C catalyst presented the best specific activity (6 times that of commercial Pt/C), have the highest currents in the derivative voltammetry and the oxidation potential shifts negatively 100 mV in comparison with the commercial Pt/C catalyst. Hence, the nanowires developed in this study are indicated as potential promising catalysts and can be applied successfully as direct methanol fuel cell anodes.

Background & Aims Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection causes chronic liver disease. Antivirals have been developed and cure infection. However, resistance can emerge and salvage therapies with alternative modes of action could be useful. Several licensed drugs have emerged as HCV entry inhibitors and are thus candidates for drug repurposing. We aimed to dissect their mode of action, identify improved derivatives and determine their viral targets. Methods HCV entry inhibition was tested for a panel of structurally related compounds, using chimeric viruses representing diverse genotypes, in addition to viruses containing previously determined resistance mutations. Chemical modeling and synthesis identified improved derivatives, while generation of susceptible and non-susceptible chimeric viruses pinpointed E1 determinants of compound sensitivity. Results Molecules of the diphenylpiperazine, diphenylpiperidine, phenothiazine, thioxanthene, and cycloheptenepiperidine chemotypes inhibit HCV infection by interfering with membrane fusion. These molecules and a novel p-methoxy-flunarizine derivative with improved efficacy preferentially inhibit genotype 2 viral strains. Viral residues within a central hydrophobic region of E1 (residues 290–312) control susceptibility. At the same time, viral features in this region also govern pH-dependence of viral membrane fusion. Conclusions Small molecules from different chemotypes related to flunarizine preferentially inhibit HCV genotype 2 membrane fusion. A hydrophobic region proximal to the putative fusion loop controls sensitivity to these drugs and the pH range of membrane fusion. An algorithm considering viral features in this region predicts viral sensitivity to membrane fusion inhibitors. Resistance to flunarizine correlates with more relaxed pH requirements for fusion. Lay summary This study describes diverse compounds that act as HCV membrane fusion inhibitors. It defines viral properties that determine sensitivity to these molecules and thus provides information to identify patients that may benefit from treatment with membrane fusion inhibitors.