Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Oumeima Boufercha, Ana R. Monforte, Allaoueddine Boudemagh, Antonio C. Ferreira, Paula M. L. Castro, Irina S. Moreira
Summary: This study investigates the biodegradation of the neonicotinoid insecticide Thiamethoxam by Labrys portucalensis F11. The results show that L. portucalensis F11 can degrade TMX under different conditions and remove its toxicity. This finding suggests that L. portucalensis F11 has potential applications in bioremediation strategies.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Inorganic & Nuclear
Zhixiang Zhao, Xingjun Han, Kun Liu, Lixuan Zhao, Qingxiang Liu
Summary: A series of fluorene-bridged bisazolium salts and N-heterocyclic carbene silver(I) complexes have been synthesized and characterized. These compounds exhibit different structures and properties, and can effectively differentiate Cu2+.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
M. K. Wallace, J. M. Winey, Y. M. Gupta
Summary: This study investigates the thermodynamic response of shock-compressed Ag states, specifically the fcc to bcc transformation and melting, using in situ x-ray results. It is observed that sound speeds increase linearly with density compression up to 171 GPa, drop significantly between 171 and 218 GPa, and increase again from 218 to 300 GPa. The Gruneisen parameter analysis shows that the density-Gruneisen parameter product for liquid Ag is constant but differs significantly from solid Ag at ambient conditions.
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Runxiao Zheng, Yan Cheng, Fan Qi, Yunyun Wu, Xiaoqing Han, Jiao Yan, Haiyuan Zhang
Summary: The CCMZ NPs are designed to enhance CDT efficacy by inhibiting HO-1 activity, depleting GSH, and converting hydrogen peroxide into hydroxyl radical to eliminate tumor cells efficiently.
ADVANCED HEALTHCARE MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Chi-Wen Lin, Chia-Yun Ho, Ting-Jun Zhu, Shu-Hui Liu
Summary: By adding biochar-based oxygen-releasing beads, the voltage output and migration of copper ions in sediment microbial fuel cells can be improved, solving the problem of low mass transfer in the sediment, and effectively remediate heavy metal-contaminated sediment.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Min-Kyu Lee, Hyun Lee, Cheonil Park, In-Gu Kang, Jinyoung Kim, Hyoun-Ee Kim, Hyun-Do Jung, Tae-Sik Jang
Summary: In recent years, pure iron has gained attention as a biodegradable orthopedic implant material. However, its slow and uneven degradation in physiological conditions limits its practical applications. In this study, researchers developed a novel approach using nanostructured surface topography and galvanic reaction to achieve uniform and accelerated degradation of pure iron implants. Results showed that this approach effectively enhanced the mechanical properties and biocompatibility of the implants, demonstrating its potential for long-term biosafety and clinical efficacy.
BIOACTIVE MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Vincenzo Amendola, Andrea Guadagnini, Stefano Agnoli, Denis Badocco, Paolo Pastore, Giulio Fracasso, Marco Gerosa, Federica Vurro, Alice Busato, Pasquina Marzola
Summary: Bimetallic nanoparticles, such as the silver-iron nanoparticles coated with polyethylene glycol discussed in this study, exhibit unique properties and excellent performance in terms of relaxivity, stability, and biocompatibility. The one-step, low-cost synthesis method and biodegradation capability of these nanoparticles make them promising for biomedical applications, addressing issues commonly encountered in nanoparticulate contrast agents.
JOURNAL OF COLLOID AND INTERFACE SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Lidia Kristia Alfanti, Chih-Yu Ma, Chi -Wen Lin
Summary: This study reveals that the addition of copper-tolerant bacteria can improve the degradation performance of indigenous bacteria under high copper contamination. Furthermore, the addition of plants and biochar can enhance mass transfer in sediments. The presence of certain microbial communities in biochar can also expedite substrate biodegradation.
JOURNAL OF WATER PROCESS ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Inorganic & Nuclear
A. J. Brock, I. M. Etchells, E. G. Moore, J. K. Clegg
Summary: The synthesis and crystal structures of a series of Ln(iii) complexes incorporating a bis-beta-diketone ligand with a 1,3-substituted phenyl ring were reported. The complexes were found to be seven coordinate in the solid state. The photophysical properties of the complexes in both solution and solid state showed an increase in coordination number in solution.
DALTON TRANSACTIONS
(2021)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Kangjie Li, Anlin Xu, Donghong Wu, Siyan Zhao, Tong Meng, Yongjun Zhang
Summary: This study for the first time demonstrated that manganese-oxidizing bacteria Pseudomonas sp. F2 can effectively degrade OFL in water environments, with the degradation relying on biogenic manganese oxides and Mn(III) intermediates. Additionally, the decreased degradation when microbial activity was inactivated highlights the importance of bioactivity in the degradation process.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Engineering, Environmental
Jing Ji, Qing Zhu, Xinru Yang, Cuiping Wang
Summary: Large amounts of sulfonamide antibiotics (SAs) accumulate in the environment and cause adverse effects on the ecological environment due to their difficult degradation. Biodegradation is a widely used method for antibiotic pollution treatment. The interaction between iron minerals and microorganisms, as well as the involvement of dissolved organic matter (DOM), play important roles in the biodegradation of SAs. The electron transfer among iron minerals, DOM, SAs, and microorganisms is crucial for the degradation process.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Mariana Derzsi, Kamil Tokar, Przemyslaw Piekarz, Wojciech Grochala
Summary: Using density functional theory, this study reveals the mechanism of electron localization in silver fluoride and its interaction with phonon modes. The results show that silver fluoride becomes metallic and exhibits charge ordering instability at reduced temperature and electron correlations. This study provides important insights into the interplay between lattice, charge, and spin degrees of freedom in metal fluorides.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Beata Tarnacka, Anna Jopowicz, Maria Maslinska
Summary: Copper, manganese, and iron are essential elements for appropriate brain development and function, but their imbalance can lead to various neurological conditions. This review focuses on neurological disorders associated with excess copper, iron, and manganese, and discusses the diagnosis and potential treatment of these disorders.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Steve Lien-Chung Hsu, Yen-Ting Chen, Meng-Liang Chen, In-Gann Chen
Summary: Silver precursor and nanoparticles were synthesized to prepare a low sintering temperature nano-silver paste, optimizing the amount added and sintering temperature for best performance. Thermal compression at 250 degrees C with 10 MPa pressure for 30 minutes provided proper conditions for copper-to-copper bonding with resistivity of (3.50 +/- 0.02) x 10^(-7) ohm.m and shear strength of 57.48 MPa.
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Julia Nowak-Jary, Beata Machnicka
Summary: Magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles have broad potential applications in medical and biological sciences. They can be used in targeted drug delivery, internal radiotherapy, magnetic resonance imaging, hyperthermia, and radiolabelling. The appropriate design of nanoparticles allows them to be delivered to desired tissues and organs, with an external magnetic field increasing their biodistribution. Factors such as size, shape, surface charge, coating molecules, and route of administration affect their biodistribution. Modern techniques can determine nanoparticle accumulation sites and concentration in isolated tissues or the body in vivo.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF NANOMEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Computer Science, Interdisciplinary Applications
Chien H. Thai, A. J. M. Ferreira, H. Nguyen-Xuan, Lieu B. Nguyen, P. Phung-Van
Summary: This paper proposes a nonlocal strain gradient meshfree plate approach for the bending and free vibration analyses of laminated composite and sandwich nanoplates. The deflection and natural frequency of the plates are significantly influenced by the nonlocal and strain gradient parameters. The results show that both models coincide when the nonlocal and strain gradient parameters are taken as zero.
ENGINEERING WITH COMPUTERS
(2023)
Article
Mechanics
Hulun Guo, Xu Ouyang, Krzysztof Kamil Zur, Xintao Wu, Tianzhi Yang, Antonio J. M. Ferreira
Summary: This study comprehensively investigates the large-amplitude free vibration behaviors of rotating pre-twisted functionally graded nanocomposite multilayered blade reinforced with graphene platelets in a thermal environment. Nonlinear vibration characteristics are obtained by numerical simulation, and the effects of blade parameters on vibration frequency are analyzed.
COMPOSITE STRUCTURES
(2022)
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Daniel Matos, Pedro Adragao, Cristiano Pisani, Vinicius Hatanaka, Pedro Freitas, Francisco Costa, Muhiedinne Chokr, Carina Hardy, Antonio Miguel Ferreira, Pedro Carmo, Sissy Laura, Francisco Morgado, Diogo Cavaco, Miguel Mendes, Mauricio Scanavacca
Summary: The study compared the efficacy and safety of combined (C-ABL) and non-combined (NC-ABL) endo-epicardial ventricular tachycardia (VT) ablation. The results showed that a combined or sequential ablation strategy was associated with lower VT recurrence and lower all-cause death in patients with ischemic heart disease and non-ischemic cardiomyopathy undergoing repeated procedures. Both approaches seemed equally safe.
JOURNAL OF INTERVENTIONAL CARDIAC ELECTROPHYSIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Bruna Fernandes Antunes, Antonio Gilberto Ferreira, Andre Capaldo Amaral, Antonio Jose Felix Carvalho, Alessandro Gandini, Eliane Trovatti
Summary: The click Diels-Alder cycloaddition is a highly efficient reaction for biomaterials coupling and synthesis, which can be performed without catalysts, generate no side products, and take place under mild conditions in an aqueous medium. The grafting of furan ring to chemically oxidized starch and its crosslinking via the Diels-Alder reaction, mimicking body conditions, shows promise for cell encapsulation and delivery. The biocompatibility of the crosslinked starch was assessed through cytotoxicity tests, indicating its potential applications in the field.
POLYMER INTERNATIONAL
(2022)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Samantha C. Fairbairn, Ana Rita Monforte, Jeanne Brand, Antonio C. Silva Ferreira, Florian F. Bauer
Summary: This study explores the impact of yeast metabolic activity on producing wine-like aroma and finds that the de novo synthesis of aromatic compounds by yeast largely contributes to the sensory recognition of a product as wine. Furthermore, grape-derived volatile compounds are not necessary for creating a wine-like sensation.
Editorial Material
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Irina S. Moreira
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Carolina Morais Carrico, Maria Elizabeth Tiritan, Honorina Cidade, Carlos Afonso, Joana Rocha e Silva, Isabel F. Almeida
Summary: The growing concerns over climate crisis and depletion of fossil fuels have led to a surge in sustainability trends. Consumer demand for eco-friendly products has been steadily increasing, driven by the desire for environmental protection and preservation for future generations. Cork, a natural product with centuries of history, is primarily used in the wine industry for cork stoppers. However, this process generates by-products such as cork powder and waste that have potential applications in the cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries. This study aims to explore the potential of cork by-products and compile the available methods for their extraction, isolation, identification, and quantification, providing new opportunities for their utilization.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Ana S. Oliveira, Marta Alves, Frederico Leitao, Marta Tacao, Isabel Henriques, Paula M. L. Castro, Catarina L. Amorim
Summary: This study successfully developed a microalgal-based granular system through the self-granulation process of an autochthonous microbial consortium. The system showed efficient organic carbon removal and partial degradation of the antibiotic florfenicol. The results suggest that microalgal-based granular systems can effectively remediate pollutants in coastal aquaculture wastewater, even in the presence of antibiotics.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Eliana C. Guarda, Eunice Costa, Catia Gil, Catarina L. Amorim, Claudia F. Galinha, Anouk F. Duque, Paula M. L. Castro, Maria A. M. Reis
Summary: Traditional tools for controlling and monitoring biological systems are often offline and time-consuming, leading to ineffective and delayed responses. This study evaluated the feasibility of using two-dimensional fluorescence spectroscopy as a real-time and non-destructive procedure to monitor acidogenic fermentation in a granular sludge reactor. The results showed that fluorescence spectroscopy combined with mathematical analysis could accurately predict fermentation products and soluble protein concentrations in the effluent.
ACS SUSTAINABLE CHEMISTRY & ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Marta Mendes, Irina S. Moreira, Patricia Moreira, Manuela Pintado, Paula M. L. Castro
Summary: A yeast-bioaugmented aerobic granular sludge (AGS) system was developed using a sequencing batch reactor (SBR) inoculated with activated sludge and a dye-decolorizing yeast strain-Yarrowia lipolytica (HOMOGST27AB). The AGS-SBR system effectively removed carbon and nitrogen from synthetic saline wastewater, without being affected by the reactive textile dye addition. Successful bioaugmentation with Y. lipolytica (HOMOGST27AB) was confirmed through sequencing analysis of granule samples throughout the reactor operation. The microbial profile of the AGS core microbiome showed a dynamic composition, with shifts in abundance of different bacterial phyla during different phases of the bioreactor operation.
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Patricia G. Cardoso, Odete Goncalves, Thais Cavalheri, Vania E. Amorim, Weiwei Cao, Diogo A. M. Alexandrino, Zhongjun Jia, Maria F. F. Carvalho, Paulo Vaz-Pires, Rodrigo O. A. Ozorio
Summary: A fish trial was conducted to assess the effects of temperature and dietary lipid level on the body composition, growth performance, and freshness profile of the European seabass. The study showed that fish reared at 24 degrees C had lower lipid levels and higher daily growth index compared to fish reared at 20 degrees C. Sensory and microbiological analysis further revealed better freshness conditions in fish reared at 24 degrees C. However, dietary lipid level did not impact fish freshness. These findings suggest that increasing the temperature to 24 degrees C is beneficial for the growth and freshness profile of this particular species in aquaculture.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Joao Carneiro, Francisco Pascoal, Miguel Semedo, Diogo Pratas, Maria Paola Tomasino, Adriana Rego, Maria de Fatima Carvalho, Ana Paula Mucha, Catarina Magalhaes
Summary: Monitoring wastewater for potential human pathogens is crucial during the COVID-19 pandemic. A bioinformatic workflow was developed to detect pathogenic bacteria and viruses in wastewater samples using metatranscriptomic data, providing faster and more accurate results compared to other workflows.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
S. Santorio, A. Val del Rio, C. L. Amorim, L. Arregui, P. M. L. Castro, A. Mosquera-Corral
Summary: The study evaluated the performance of a Continuous Flow Granular Reactor (CFGR) for treating freshwater RAS stream during two consecutive dry seasons. The configuration with a mechanical stirrer and sieve showed the best results in terms of biomass retention and nitrogen removal, achieving granulation in 55 days with high removal percentages of ammonium and nitrite.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Cyntia Ely, Irina S. Moreira, Joao Paulo Bassin, Daniela P. Mesquita, Joana Costa, Eugenio C. Ferreira, Marcia W. C. Dezotti, Paula M. L. Castro
Summary: An AGS SBR reactor adapted to salinity was used for the treatment of synthetic saline wastewater containing EDCs. The results showed that E2 was completely biodegraded, while the removal efficiency of EE2 and BPA was lower. The activity of phosphate-accumulating organisms was affected by EDCs, but the activity of ammonium- and nitrite-oxidizing bacteria was not significantly affected. The microbial diversity increased after the addition of EDCs.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
(2022)