Displaying publications 41 - 60 of 342 in total

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  1. Fabrication of a honeycomb-like bimetallic SERS substrate for the detection of triphenyltin chloride
    Jiang S, Chang L, Luo J, Zhang J, Liu X, Lee CY, et al.
    Analyst, 2021 Oct 11;146(20):6170-6177.
    PMID: 34522939 DOI: 10.1039/d1an01359a
    Triphenyltin chloride (TPhT) is an organotin compound that causes intensive toxicological risk to the environment and humans. A detection method with high sensitivity and stability is therefore desired to better detect TPhT. In this study, a novel SERS substrate was prepared by sputtering an ultra-thin Au layer on a honeycomb-like silver nanoarray fabricated via the nanosphere lithography method. The ultra-thin Au layer was formed by sputtering the intermittent Au nanoparticles on the silver nanoarray, resulting in bimetallic coupling with dramatically increased hotspots and extremely high SERS enhancement with an analytical enhancement factor (AEF) of 6.08 × 109 using Rhodamine 6G (R6G) as the probe molecule. Based on density functional theory (DFT) simulations, the Raman characteristic peaks of TPhT at 999 cm-1 and 655 cm-1 were selected for TPhT detection. The AEF of the SERS substrate HC5-AgAu was calculated to be 3.38 × 106 with the detection concentration of TPhT down to 10-10 M. The as-prepared honeycomb-like silver-gold bimetallic SERS substrate demonstrated great stability and sensitivity for TPhT detection, which might also be applied in monitoring many other environmental pollutants.
  2. Flotation separation of poly (ethylene terephthalate and vinyl chloride) mixtures based on clean corona modification: Optimization using response surface methodology
    Zhao Y, Han F, Guo L, Zhang J, Zhang H, Abdelaziz IIM, et al.
    Waste Manag, 2021 Dec;136:184-194.
    PMID: 34689097 DOI: 10.1016/j.wasman.2021.10.018
    Postconsumer polyethylene terephthalate (PET) has potential applications in many areas of manufacturing, but contamination by hazardous polyvinyl chloride (PVC) in common waste streams can reduce its recyclable value. Separating collected PET-PVC mixtures before recycling remains very challenging because of the similar physicochemical properties of PET and PVC. Herein, we describe a novel flotation process with corona modification pretreatment to facilitate the separation of PET-PVC mixtures. Through water contact angle, surface free energy, X-ray photoelectron and FT-IR characterization, we found that polar hydroxyl groups can be more easily introduced on the PVC surface than on the PET surface induced by corona modification. This selective wetting can suppress the floatability of PVC, leading to the separation of PET as floating product. A reliable mechanism including two different hydrogen-abstraction pathways was established. Response surface methodology consisting of Plackett-Burman and Box-Behnken designs was adopted for optimization of the combined process, and control parameters were solved based on high-quality prediction models, with fitting from significant variables and interactions. For physical or chemical circulation strategies with PET purity prioritization, the validated purity of the product reached 96.05% at a 626 W corona power, 5.42 m/min passing speed, 24.78 mg/L frother concentration and 286 L/h air flow rate. For the energy recuperation strategy with PET recovery prioritization, the factual recovery reached 98.08% under a 601 W corona power, 6.04 m/min passing speed, 27.55 mg/L frother concentration and 184 L/h air flow rate. The current work provides technological insights into the cleaner disposal of waste plastics.
  3. Enhancement of photodynamic bactericidal activity of curcumin against Pseudomonas Aeruginosa using polymyxin B
    Zhou F, Lin S, Zhang J, Kong Z, Tan BK, Hamzah SS, et al.
    Photodiagnosis Photodyn Ther, 2021 Dec 08;37:102677.
    PMID: 34890782 DOI: 10.1016/j.pdpdt.2021.102677
    BACKGROUND: Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) is an emerging opportunistic pathogen, which can cause bacterial skin diseases such as green nail syndrome, interdigital infections and folliculitis. Curcumin-mediated antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) has been demonstrated as a promising therapeutic option for the treatment of skin infection though its inactivation of gram-negative bacteria such as P. aeruginosa.

    MATERIALS AND METHODS: In the present study, we examined the adjuvant effect of polymyxin B on the antibacterial activity of curcumin-mediated aPDT against P. aeruginosa. P. aeruginosa was treated with curcumin in the presence of 0.1-0.5 mg/L polymyxin B and irradiated by blue LED light (10 J/cm2). Bacterial cultures treated with curcumin alone served as controls. Colony forming units (CFU) were counted and the viability of P. aeruginosa was calculated after aPDT treatment. The possible underlying mechanisms for the enhanced killing effects were also explored.

    RESULTS: The killing effects of curcumin-mediated aPDT against P. aeruginosa was significantly enhanced by polymyxin B (over 2-log reductions). Moreover, it was also observed that addition of polymyxin B in the curcumin-mediated aPDT led to the apparent bacterial membrane damage with increased leakage of cytoplasmic contents and extensive DNA and protein degradation.

    DISCUSSION: The photodynamic action of curcumin against P. aeruginosa could be significantly enhanced by the FDA-approved drug polymyxin B. Our results highlight the potential of introducing polymyxin B to enhance the effects of aPDT treatment against gram-negative skin infections, in particular, P. aeruginosa.

  4. Fulltext Thermally Treated Berberine-Loaded SA/PVA/PEO Electrospun Microfiber Membranes for Antibacterial Wound Dressings
    Zhang J, Li Y, Wu H, Wang C, Salleh KM, Li H, et al.
    Polymers (Basel), 2022 Oct 22;14(21).
    PMID: 36365467 DOI: 10.3390/polym14214473
    This study aimed to develop a safe and advanced antibacterial material of electrospun microfiber membranes (MFMs) for wound dressings. Combinations of several materials were investigated; thermal treatment and electrospinning techniques were used to form the best quality of MFMs to suit its end applications. By comparing the fiber morphology, diameter changes, and fracture strength, the suitable ratio of raw materials and thermal treatment were obtained before and after adding Trition X-100 as a surfactant for MFMs of sodium alginate/polyvinyl alcohol/polyethylene oxide (SA/PVA/PEO). The electrospinning solution was mixed with berberine as an antibacterial substance; meanwhile, calcium chloride (CaCl2) was used as the crosslinking agent. The antibacterial properties, water dissolution resistance, water content, and fracture strength were thoroughly investigated. The results showed that the antibacterial rates of MFMs with different mass fractions of berberine (0, 3, and 5 wt.%) to Escherichia coli (E. coli) were 14.7, 92.9, and 97.2%, respectively. The moisture content and fracture strength of MFMs containing 5 wt.% berberine were 72.0% and 7.8 MPa, respectively. In addition, the produced MFMs embodied great water dissolution resistance. Berberine-loaded SA/PVA/PEO MFMs could potentially serve as an antibacterial wound dressing substrate with low cost and small side effects.
  5. Two-dimensional ZnS@N-doped carbon nanoplates for complete lithium ion batteries
    Jiang H, Zhang J, Zeng Y, Chen Y, Guo H, Li L, et al.
    Nanotechnology, 2021 Nov 18;33(6).
    PMID: 34724657 DOI: 10.1088/1361-6528/ac3540
    Metal sulfides are promising anode materials for lithium ion batteries because of the high specific capacities and better electrochemical kinetics comparing to their oxide counterparts. In this paper, novel monocrystalline wurtzite ZnS@N-doped carbon (ZnS@N-C) nanoplates, whose morphology and phase are different from the common ZnS particles with cubic phase, are successfully synthesized. The ZnS@N-C nanoplates exhibit long cycle life with a high reversible specific capacity of 536.8 mAh · g-1after 500 cycles at a current density of 500 mA · g-1, which is superior to the pure ZnS nanoplates, illustrating the obvious effect of the N-doped carbon coating for mitigating volume change of the ZnS nanoplates and enhancing the electronic conductivity during charge/discharge processes. Furthermore, it is revealed that the ZnS single crystals with wurtzite phase in the ZnS@N-C nanoplates are transformed to the polycrystalline cubic phase ZnS after charge/discharge processes. In particular, the ZnS@N-C nanoplates are combined with the commercial LiNi0.6Co0.2Mn0.2O2cathode to fabricate a new type of LiNi0.6Co0.2Mn0.2O2/ZnS@N-C complete battery, which exhibits good cycling durability up to 120 cycles at a charge/discharge rate of 1 C after the prelithiation treatment on the ZnS@N-C anode, highlighting the potential of the ZnS@N-C nanoplates anode material applied in lithium ion battery.
  6. Electrodeposited binder-free NiCo2O4@Carbon nanofiber as high performance anode for lithium ion batteries
    Zhang J, Chu R, Chen Y, Jiang H, Zhang Y, Huang NM, et al.
    Nanotechnology, 2018 Jan 19.
    PMID: 29350621 DOI: 10.1088/1361-6528/aaa94c
    Binder-free nickle cobaltite on carbon nanofiber (NiCo2O4@CNF) anode for lithium ion batteries was prepared via a two-step procedure of electrospinning and electrodeposition. The CNF was obtained by annealing the electrospun poly-acrylonitrile (PAN) in the nitrogen (N2). The NiCo2O4 nanostructures were then grown on the CNF by electrodeposition, followed by annealing in the air. Experimental results showed vertically aligned NiCo2O4 nanosheets were uniformly grown on the surface of CNF, forming an interconnected network. The NiCo2O4@CNF possessed considerable lithium storage capacity and cycling stability. It exhibited a high reversible capacity of 778 mAhg-1 after 300 cycles at a current density of 0.25 C (1 C = 890 mAg-1) with an average capacity loss rate of 0.05% per cycle. The NiCo2O4@CNF had considerable rate capacities, delivering a capacity of 350 mAhg-1 at a current density of 2.0 C. The outstanding electrochemical performance could be mainly attributed to these following reasons. (1) The nanoscale structure of NiCo2O4 could not only shorten the diffusion path of lithium ions and electrons but also increase the specific surface area, providing more active sites for electrochemical reactions. (2) The CNF with considerable mechanical strength and electrical conductivity could function as anchor the NiCo2O4 nanostructure and ensure an efficient electron transfer. (3) The porous structure resulted in high specific surface area and effective buffer the volume changes during the repeated charge-discharge processes. Compared with the conventional hydrothermal method, the electrodeposition could significantly simplify the preparation of NiCo2O4, with shorter preparation period and lower energy consumption. This work provided an alternative strategy to obtain high performance anode for the lithium ion batteries.
  7. Mosquito coil emissions and health implications
    Liu W, Zhang J, Hashim JH, Jalaludin J, Hashim Z, Goldstein BD
    Environ Health Perspect, 2003 Sep;111(12):1454-60.
    PMID: 12948883
    Burning mosquito coils indoors generates smoke that can control mosquitoes effectively. This practice is currently used in numerous households in Asia, Africa, and South America. However, the smoke may contain pollutants of health concern. We conducted the present study to characterize the emissions from four common brands of mosquito coils from China and two common brands from Malaysia. We used mass balance equations to determine emission rates of fine particles (particulate matter < 2.5 microm in diameter; PM(2.5)), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), aldehydes, and ketones. Having applied these measured emission rates to predict indoor concentrations under realistic room conditions, we found that pollutant concentrations resulting from burning mosquito coils could substantially exceed health-based air quality standards or guidelines. Under the same combustion conditions, the tested Malaysian mosquito coils generated more measured pollutants than did the tested Chinese mosquito coils. We also identified a large suite of volatile organic compounds, including carcinogens and suspected carcinogens, in the coil smoke. In a set of experiments conducted in a room, we examined the size distribution of particulate matter contained in the coil smoke and found that the particles were ultrafine and fine. The findings from the present study suggest that exposure to the smoke of mosquito coils similar to the tested ones can pose significant acute and chronic health risks. For example, burning one mosquito coil would release the same amount of PM(2.5) mass as burning 75-137 cigarettes. The emission of formaldehyde from burning one coil can be as high as that released from burning 51 cigarettes.
  8. Removing methylene blue from water: A study of sorption effectiveness onto nanoparticles-doped activated carbon
    Obayomi KS, Lau SY, Zahir A, Meunier L, Zhang J, Dada AO, et al.
    Chemosphere, 2023 Feb;313:137533.
    PMID: 36528163 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.137533
    In this present study, silver (Ag) and titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles were successfully deposited on coconut shell-derived activated carbon (CSAC), to synthesize a novel nanocomposite (CSAC@AgNPs@TiO2NPs) for the adsorption of Methylene Blue (MB) dye from aqueous solution. The fabricated CSAC@AgNPs@TiO2NPs nanocomposite was analyzed by Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM) equipped with Energy Dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) detector, X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscope (XPS), and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET). The successful deposition of AgNPs and TiO2NPs on CSAC surface was revealed by the TEM/EDX, SEM, and XPS analysis. The mesopore structure of CSAC@AgNPs@TiO2NPs has a BET surface area of 301 m2/g. The batch adsorption studies were conducted and the influence of different parameters, i.e., adsorbent dose, adsorption time, initial dye concentration, pH and temperature were investigated. The nonlinear isotherm and kinetic modelling demonstrated that adsorption data were best fitted by Sips isotherm and pseudo-second-order models, respectively. The maximum adsorption capacity of MB onto CSAC@AgNPs@TiO2NPs by the Sips model was 184 mg/g. Thermodynamic results revealed that the adsorption was endothermic, spontaneous and physical in nature. CSAC@AgNPs@TiO2NPs revealed that MB absorption by CSAC@AgNPs@TiO2NPs was spontaneous and endothermic. The uptake capacity of MB was influenced significantly by the presence of competing ions including, NO3-, HCO3, Ca2+, and Na+. Repeated tests indicated that the CSAC@AgNPs@TiO2NPs can be regenerated and reused six times before being discarded. The primary separation mechanism between MB dye and CSAC@AgNPs@TiO2NPs was the electrostatic interaction. Thus, CSAC@AgNPs@TiO2NPs was an outstanding material, which displayed good applicability in real water with ≥ 97% removal of MB dye.
  9. Surface-active site modulation of the S-scheme heterojunction toward exceptional photocatalytic performance
    Wang J, Wang Z, Zhang J, Chai SP, Dai K, Low J
    Nanoscale, 2022 Dec 15;14(48):18087-18093.
    PMID: 36448604 DOI: 10.1039/d2nr05341a
    Heterojunction photocatalysts have shown their immense capability in enhancing photogenerated charge carrier separation. Yet, the intrinsic scarcity of active sites in semiconductor components of heterojunction photocatalysts limits their potential for photocatalysis being used in practical applications. Herein, we employ a non-noble metal cocatalyst (i.e., NiS) for modulating a S-scheme heterojunction photocatalyst consisting of Cd3(C3N3S3)2 (CdCNS) and CdS. It is revealed that the formation of the CdCNS/CdS S-scheme heterojunction can enable optimal photogenerated charge carrier utilization efficiency and optimized redox capability. More importantly, the meticulous loading of NiS can play multiple roles in enhancing the photocatalytic performance of the CdCNS/CdS photocatalyst, including endowing it with abundant surface-active sites and acting as a photogenerated electron acceptor. As a result, the optimized NiS-loaded CdCNS/CdS attains an excellent hydrogen production rate of 38.17 mmol g-1 h-1, to reach a quantum efficiency of 29.02% at 420 nm. The results reported in this work provide an interesting insight into the important roles of surface-active site modulation in optimizing photocatalytic performances.
  10. Anthropogenic climate change exacerbates the risk of successive flood-heat extremes: Multi-model global projections based on the Inter-Sectoral Impact Model Intercomparison Project
    Zhou J, Wu C, Yeh PJ, Ju J, Zhong L, Wang S, et al.
    Sci Total Environ, 2023 Sep 01;889:164274.
    PMID: 37209749 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.164274
    The successive flood-heat extreme (SFHE) event, which threatens the securities of human health, economy, and building environment, has attracted extensive research attention recently. However, the potential changes in SFHE characteristics and the global population exposure to SFHE under anthropogenic warming remain unclear. Here, we present a global-scale evaluation of the projected changes and uncertainties in SFHE characteristics (frequency, intensity, duration, land exposure) and population exposure under the Representative Concentration Pathway (RCP) 2.6 and 6.0 scenarios, based on the multi-model ensembles (five global water models forced by four global climate models) within the Inter-Sectoral Impact Model Intercomparison Project 2b framework. The results reveal that, relative to the 1970-1999 baseline period, the SFHE frequency is projected to increase nearly globally by the end of this century, especially in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau (>20 events/30-year) and the tropical regions (e.g., northern South America, central Africa, and southeastern Asia, >15 events/30-year). The projected higher SFHE frequency is generally accompanied by a larger model uncertainty. By the end of this century, the SFHE land exposure is expected to increase by 12 % (20 %) under RCP2.6 (RCP6.0), and the intervals between flood and heatwave in SFHE tend to decrease by up to 3 days under both RCPs, implying the more intermittent SFHE occurrence under future warming. The SFHE events will lead to the higher population exposure in the Indian Peninsula and central Africa (<10 million person-days) and eastern Asia (<5 million person-days) due to the higher population density and the longer SFHE duration. Partial correlation analysis indicates that the contribution of flood to the SFHE frequency is greater than that of heatwave for most global regions, but the SFHE frequency is dominated by the heatwave in northern North America and northern Asia.
  11. Fulltext Novel Concepts for Graphene-Based Nanomaterials Synthesis for Phenol Removal from Palm Oil Mill Effluent (POME)
    Obayomi KS, Lau SY, Danquah MK, Zhang J, Chiong T, Takeo M, et al.
    Materials (Basel), 2023 Jun 14;16(12).
    PMID: 37374562 DOI: 10.3390/ma16124379
    In recent years, the global population has increased significantly, resulting in elevated levels of pollution in waterways. Organic pollutants are a major source of water pollution in various parts of the world, with phenolic compounds being the most common hazardous pollutant. These compounds are released from industrial effluents, such as palm oil milling effluent (POME), and cause several environmental issues. Adsorption is known to be an efficient method for mitigating water contaminants, with the ability to eliminate phenolic contaminants even at low concentrations. Carbon-based materials have been reported to be effective composite adsorbents for phenol removal due to their excellent surface features and impressive sorption capability. However, the development of novel sorbents with higher specific sorption capabilities and faster contaminant removal rates is necessary. Graphene possesses exceptionally attractive chemical, thermal, mechanical, and optical properties, including higher chemical stability, thermal conductivity, current density, optical transmittance, and surface area. The unique features of graphene and its derivatives have gained significant attention in the application of sorbents for water decontamination. Recently, the emergence of graphene-based adsorbents with large surface areas and active surfaces has been proposed as a potential alternative to conventional sorbents. The aim of this article is to discuss novel synthesis approaches for producing graphene-based nanomaterials for the adsorptive uptake of organic pollutants from water, with a special focus on phenols associated with POME. Furthermore, this article explores adsorptive properties, experimental parameters for nanomaterial synthesis, isotherms and kinetic models, mechanisms of nanomaterial formation, and the ability of graphene-based materials as adsorbents of specific contaminants.
  12. Fulltext The reciprocal relationships between meaning in life and smartphone addiction among Chinese college students: evidence from a three-wave cross-lagged panel model
    Zhao H, Song T, Rafik-Galea S, Dong J, Fitriana M, Ji Y, et al.
    Front Public Health, 2023;11:1202741.
    PMID: 37521981 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1202741
    BACKGROUND: Previous cross-sectional studies have shown that meaning in life (MIL) is closely associated with college students' smartphone addiction (SA), but the causal relationship between MIL and college students' SA is uncertain. Therefore, conducting a longitudinal study to explore their relationship is very necessary. Furthermore, some studies have implied possible gender differences in the relationship between MIL and SA and the relationship between SA and MIL. Therefore, it is necessary to further examine whether there are gender differences in the above relationships.

    METHODS: The present study constructed a three-wave cross-lag panel model to explore the relationships between MIL and college students' SA. Three waves of data were collected from 705 college students (male: 338; female: 367) in China for three consecutive years, and the interval of data collection was 1 year. These college students completed the same online questionnaire regarding MIL and SA.

    RESULTS: (1) The MIL of male college students was significantly stronger than that of female college students at time 1, time 2, and time 3, (2) Female college students' SA at time 1, time 2, and time 3 was more serious than that of male college students, (3) There were reciprocal relationships between MIL and college students' SA, (4) The influence of MIL on female college students' SA was significantly stronger than that of male college students, and (5) The influence of SA on female college students' MIL was significantly stronger than that of male college students.

    CONCLUSION: This study showed reciprocal relationships between MIL and SA among male college students and female college students. The findings further deepen our understanding of the relationship between MIL and SA and provide a gender perspective for preventing or intervening with college students' SA.

  13. Classification and Control Factors of Reservoir Types in Hybrid Sedimentary Rocks: A Case Study on Lucaogou Formation in the Jimusaer Sag, Junggar Basin
    An C, Xue H, Dong Z, Xiao D, Xue J, Yan J, et al.
    ACS Omega, 2023 Aug 15;8(32):29346-29358.
    PMID: 37599934 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.3c02431
    Hybrid sedimentary rocks (HSR) represent a significant reservoir type in fine-grained sediments. However, the classification and understanding of HSR reservoirs, including their storage mechanisms and identification of optimal "sweet spots," have been limited due to the lack of clarity regarding the multiple sources of components and their mixing processes. This study focuses on the Lucaogou formation of Jimusaer Sag and aims to highlight the reservoir classification principles, controlling factors, and evolutionary patterns associated with the components of HSR, beginning with examining the microscopic pore structure. The analysis of the microscopic pore structure characteristics reveals the presence of five distinct reservoir types within the HSR. The quality of these reservoirs is governed by various factors, including the composition and support mode of particles, diagenesis, provenance, and sedimentary microfacies. In regions near a provenance with strong hydrodynamic conditions, the HSR predominantly exhibits type I and type II reservoirs, characterized by numerous coarse-grained components and a granular-support mode. As the distance from the provenance increases, transitioning into medium hydrodynamic conditions, the HSR shifts to an interbedded-support mode, primarily developing type III reservoirs. In areas far from the provenance with weak hydrodynamic conditions, HSR reservoir types primarily consist of type IV and type V. Additionally, diagenetic effects such as compaction and calcite cementation further deteriorate intergranular and dissolution pores, consequently diminishing reservoir quality. Notably, during the mixing deposition processes of sand and dolomite, the developmental mode of HSR shifts from type I to type II and type III. Likewise, in the mixing deposition of mud and sand, the HSR transitions from type II to type III and type IV. Similarly, the mixing deposition of dolomite and mud leads to a change in the developmental mode of HSR from type III to type IV and type V. Moreover, this study effectively predicts the occurrence of "sweet spots" using reservoir classification, which reveals their continuous distribution. These findings provide a geological foundation for evaluating "sweet spots" and testing the oil production in HSR reservoirs.
  14. Selective adsorption of organic dyes from aqueous environment using fermented maize extract-enhanced graphene oxide-durian shell derived activated carbon composite
    Obayomi KS, Yon Lau S, Danquah MK, Zhang J, Chiong T, Meunier L, et al.
    Chemosphere, 2023 Oct;339:139742.
    PMID: 37562502 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.139742
    A secure aquatic environment is essential for both aquatic and terrestrial life. However, rising populations and the industrial revolution have had a significant impact on the quality of the water environment. Despite the implementation of strong and adapted environmental policies for water treatment worldwide, the issue of organic dyes in wastewater remains challenging. Thus, this study aimed to develop an efficient, cost-effective, and sustainable material to treat methylene blue (MB) in an aqueous environment. In this research, maize extract solution (MES) was utilized as a green cross-linker to induce precipitation, conjugation, and enhance the adsorption performance of graphene oxide (GO) cross-linked with durian shell activated carbon (DSAC), resulting in the formation of a GO@DSAC composite. The composite was investigated for its adsorptive performance toward MB in aqueous media. The physicochemical characterization demonstrated that the cross-linking method significantly influenced the porous structure and surface chemistry of GO@DSAC. BET analysis revealed that the GO@DSAC exhibited dominant mesopores with a surface area of 803.67 m2/g. EDX and XPS measurements confirmed the successful cross-linking of GO with DSAC. The adsorption experiments were well described by the Harkin-Jura model and they followed pseudo-second order kinetics. The maximum adsorption capacity reached 666.67 mg/g at 318 K. Thermodynamic evaluation indicated a spontaneous, feasible, and endothermic in nature. Regenerability and reusability investigations demonstrated that the GO@DSAC composite could be reused for up to 10 desorption-adsorption cycles with a removal efficiency of 81.78%. The selective adsorptive performance of GO@DSAC was examined in a binary system containing Rhodamine B (RhB) and methylene orange (MO). The results showed a separation efficiency (α) of 98.89% for MB/MO and 93.66% for MB/RhB mixtures, underscoring outstanding separation capabilities of the GO@DSAC composite. Overall, the GO@DSAC composite displayed promising potential for the effective removal of cationic dyes from wastewater.
  15. First Report of Colletotrichum siamense Causing Anthracnose on Syzygium grijsii in China
    Du C, Yang D, Jiang S, Zhang J, Gao H, Ye Y, et al.
    Plant Dis, 2023 Nov 03.
    PMID: 37923973 DOI: 10.1094/PDIS-09-23-1841-PDN
    Syzygium grijsii is an evergreen shrub belonging to the family Myrtaceae, and widely cultivated in southern China as an ornamental medicinal plant. In May 2022, anthracnose symptoms were observed on leaves of S. grijsii planted in a nursery (N22°55'46″, E108°22'11″) in Nanning, Guangxi Province, China. More than 30% of leaves were infected. Initially, irregular brown spots (1 to 2 mm in diameter) formed on the leaves, with a slight depression in the center, then expanded into large, dark-brown lesions. In severe infections, lesions coalesced and covered the entire leaf, causing wilt and fall off the plant. To identify the pathogen, 30 diseased leaves were collected from five plants. Leaf tissues (5 × 5 mm) were cut from the infected margins, surface sterilized (75% ethanol 10 s, 2% NaClO 5 min, rinsed three times with sterile water), then placed on potato dextrose agar (PDA), and incubated at 28℃ in darkness. After 5 days, 16 fungal isolates with similar morphology were obtained from 30 plated tissues. Colonies on PDA were abundant with grayish-white fluffy mycelia, and yellowish-white on the back. Conidia were one-celled, hyaline, smooth-walled, cylindrical with narrowing at the center, blunt at the ends, and ranged from 11.35 to 22.14 × 4.88 to 7.67 μm (n=100). Morphological characteristics of the isolates were similar to the descriptions of Colletotrichum sp. (Prihastuti et al. 2009). Five representative isolates (Cs34, Cs31, Cs32, Cs33 and Cs35), which were preserved in the Guangxi Key Laboratory of Biology for Crop Diseases and Insect Pests, were selected for molecular identification. The ITS (Nos. OQ618199, OR539576 to OR539579), TUB2 (Nos. OQ630972, OR545076 to OR545079), ACT (Nos. OQ685919, OR545060 to OR545063), CHS-1 (Nos. OQ685917, OR545068 to OR545071), GAPDH (Nos. OQ685916, OR545072 to OR545075), and CAL (Nos. OQ685918, OR545064 to OR545067) sequences showed >99% identity to those of Colletotrichum siamense ex-type culture ICPM 18578 (Nos. JX010171, JX009924, JX009714 and JX009518) and strain C1315.2 (Nos. JX009865 and JX010404) in GenBank. Multigene phylogenetic analyses (ITS, TUB, ACT, CHS-1, GAPDH, and CAL) using the Maximum likelihood method indicated that the 5 isolates were clustered with C. siamense. To perform pathogenicity tests, three one-year-old healthy S. grijsii plants were inoculated with conidial suspension (1 × 106 conidia/ml) of isolate Cs34 by brushing gently with a soft paintbrush, each plant was inoculated with 3 leaves. The same number of plants were inoculated with sterile water as control, and pathogenicity tests were performed three times. All plants were kept in an artificial climatic box at 28℃, with a 90% humidity and a 12 h light/dark cycle. Similar symptoms to those of the field were observed on all inoculated leaves after 5 days, whereas controls remained symptomless. Reisolated fungi from the diseased leaves were confirmed to be C. siamense by morphology and molecular characterization, confirming Koch's postulates. C. siamense has been reported causing anthracnose on Crinum asiaticum (Khoo et al. 2022) in Malaysia, and Erythrina crista-galli in China (Li et al. 2021). To our knowledge, this is the first report of C. siamense causing anthracnose on S. grijsii in China. The results of pathogen identification provide crucial information for control strategies of the disease.
  16. First report of branch dieback caused by Neoscytalidium dimidiatum on Styphnolobium japonicum (L.) Schott in China
    Luo Z, Liu P, Qi H, Chen X, Zhang J, Sun C, et al.
    Plant Dis, 2023 Nov 30.
    PMID: 38035784 DOI: 10.1094/PDIS-03-23-0580-PDN
    Styphnolobium japonicum (L.) Schott (family Fabaceae Juss.) also called pagoda tree, is widely planted in northern China in landscape plantings, for erosion control and forestry. In recent years, symptoms of branch dieback were observed on S. japonicum in the southern part of Xinjiang province, China. From 2019 to 2022, in total ca. 1000 ha area was surveyed in Korla (41.68°N, 86.06°E), Bohu (41.95°N, 86.53°E) and Alaer (41.15°N, 80.29°E). Typical symptoms were observed in 70% of the surveyed branches. To identify the cause, we collected 50 symptomatic branches. Symptoms were initially observed on green current-year twigs, which turned grayish white in color. In the later stages of disease development, a large number of nacked black conidia formed under epidermis of perennial branches, causing visible black protrusions (pycnidia) on branch surface. The disease occurred throughout the entire growing season of S. japonicum. Symptoms also occurred on the inflorescence, fruit, and twigs. In some cases, infection resulted in tree mortality. Isolations were made from the margin between healthy and diseased tissues. Small pieces were excised, surface disinfested (75% ethanol 30 s, 1% NaClO solution 5 mins), cut into pieces (5 to 10 mm2), and incubated on PDA medium at 28℃ for 3 days. A total of 16 isolates (GH01-GH16) with similar colony morphology were obtained. The colonies were initially white, gradually turning to olive-green on the surface and black on the underside after 7 days. Microscopically, the conidia were aseptate, 1-septate, two-septate, and muriform, 2.6-4.5 × 2.9-27.6 μm (n=50). Pycnidia ranged in size from 120.2 to 135.5 × 112.4 to 118.6 µm (n=20). Those morphological characters matched the descriptions of Neoscytalidium dimidiatum (previously N. novaehollandiae) (Alizadeh et al. 2022; Pavlic et al. 2008). For molecular identification, genomic DNA of GH01-GH16 were extracted from fresh mycelia. The internal transcribed spacer (ITS), large subunit ribosomal RNA gene (LSU), and translation elongation factor 1-alpha (EF1-α) gene were amplified using the primer sets ITS1/ITS4 (White 1990), LRoR/LR5 (Vilgalys and Hester 1990) and EF1-728F/EF1-986R (Carbone and Kohn 1999). The sequences were deposited in GenBank (accession No. OP379832, OQ096643-OQ096657 for ITS, OP389048, OQ127403-OQ127417 for LSU, and OQ136617, OQ586044-OQ586058 for EF1-α). The ITS sequence had 100% identity (505/505 bp) to MT362600. Similarly, the LSU and EF1-α sequences were found to be identical to MW883823 (100%, 821/821 bp) and KX464763(99%, 256/258 bp), respectively. Pathogenicity was tested on one-year-old healthy S. japonicum seedlings. Spores of representative isolate GH01 were produced on PDA by incubating for 7-days at 28℃. Conidia were washed with sterile water. Five trees were inoculated with 1 × 106 conidia/ml conidial suspensions and five trees were sprayed with sterile water. All trees were covered with plastic bags for 24 h and kept at 25°C in a greenhouse. Signs and symptoms were similar to those observed in field collections one month after inoculation, while no symptoms occurred on the controls. The original fungus was successfully reisolated from the inoculated trees and was identified as N. dimidiatum following the methods described above. N. dimidiatum has been reported in many Asian country such as Malaysia, India, Turkey, and Iran(Akgül et al. 2019; Alizadeh et al. 2022; Khoo et al. 2023; Salunkhe et al. 2023). To our knowledge, this is the first report of N. dimidiatum associated with branch dieback of S. japonicum in China. Our findings have expanded the host range of N. dimidiatum in China and provides a theoretical basis for the diagnosis and treatment of the disease.
  17. Fulltext Psychometric properties of the Chinese version of Sport Anxiety Scale-2
    Zhang J, Zhang Z, Peng S, Veloo A, Bailey RP, Tan WH
    Front Psychol, 2023;14:1260253.
    PMID: 38023018 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1260253
    INTRODUCTION: The Sport Anxiety Scale-2 (SAS-2) is a validated measure of sports trait anxiety, with promising psychometric properties. However, its cross-cultural applicability in Chinese samples remains unexplored. Thus, the primary objectives of this study were twofold: to translate the SAS-2 into Chinese and assess the psychometric properties of the Chinese version.

    METHODS: In Study 1, we initiated the translation of the SAS-2 into Chinese. This assessment involved bilingual Chinese students proficient in both English and Chinese. Additionally, we conducted a cross-linguistic measurement invariance analysis. In Study 2, we delved into the psychometric properties of the Chinese SAS-2 using a sample of Chinese student athletes. This examination encompassed an evaluation of its factor structure, convergent and discriminant validity, and measurement invariance across genders.

    RESULTS: Our findings in Study 1 indicated no significant differences in item scores between the Chinese SAS-2 and the English version, and measurement invariance across languages. In Study 2, we uncovered that the Chinese SAS-2 and its factors exhibited excellent reliability, with Cronbach's alpha values exceeding 0.80. Confirmatory factor analyses upheld the original three-factor model, demonstrating acceptable model fit indices (CFI = 0.96, TLI = 0.93, RMSEA = 0.08). Furthermore, all three factors of the Chinese SAS-2 displayed significant and positive correlations with athlete burnout and State-Trait anxiety. Additionally, this study elucidated the mediating role of Concentration Disruption (Somatic anxiety and Concentration Disruption) in the relationship between the Trait (State) anxiety, and athlete burnout. Moreover, we identified measurement invariance of the Chinese version of the SAS-2 across genders. Finally, female college athletes exhibited significantly higher scores in somatic anxiety and worry compared to their male counterparts.

    DISCUSSION: In sum, our findings affirm that the Chinese version of the SAS-2 demonstrates robust reliability and correlates effectively with related criteria, thus validating its suitability for use in a Chinese context.

  18. Research Progress on the Antitumor Molecular Mechanism of Ginsenoside Rh2
    Yang L, Chen JJ, Sheng-Xian Teo B, Zhang J, Jiang M
    Am J Chin Med, 2024 Jan 31.
    PMID: 38291582 DOI: 10.1142/S0192415X24500095
    Cancer has evolved into a substantial public health concern as the second-leading cause of mortality globally. Radiotherapy and chemotherapy have been the two most widely used cancer therapies in recent years; however, both have drawbacks. Therefore, the focus has shifted to the creation of herbal medicines, the extraction of active ingredients, replacement therapy, and the adverse effects of these medications. Ginsenoside Rh2, which is extracted from ginseng, has been identified in many cancer cells. The immune system of the body is strengthened by ginsenoside Rh2, which can also cause the proliferation, death, and differentiation of tumor cells through various pathways. For instance, it inhibits the expression of the NF-[Formula: see text]B signaling pathway and induces cell apoptosis, affects the expression levels of mitochondrial apoptosis proteins Bcl-2 and Bax, and cooperates with the PD-1 blockade to reactivate T cells to promote an antitumor immune response. Furthermore, ginsenosides Rh2 has the effect of reversing the toxic effect of chemotherapy drugs on normal cells, reducing myocardial damage, and relieving bone marrow function suppression. For clinical applications, it is mainly used as an adjuvant drug for preoperative neoadjuvant chemotherapy, postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy, and rescue treatment of advanced cancer. This paper summarizes the pharmacological action and mechanism of ginsenosides Rh2 in all kinds of cancer and looks forward to its future development and application.
  19. Recent Advances on Antimicrobial Peptides from Milk: Molecular Properties, Mechanisms, and Applications
    Wang Z, Xu J, Zeng X, Du Q, Lan H, Zhang J, et al.
    J Agric Food Chem, 2024 Jan 10;72(1):80-93.
    PMID: 38152984 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.3c07217
    Traditional antibiotics are facing a tremendous challenge due to increased antimicrobial resistance; hence, there is an urgent need to find novel antibiotic alternatives. Milk protein-derived antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are currently attracting substantial attention considering that they showcase an extensive spectrum of antimicrobial activities, with slower development of antimicrobial resistance and safety of raw materials. This review summarizes the molecular properties, and activity mechanisms and highlights the applications and limitations of AMPs derived from milk proteins comprehensively. Also the analytical technologies, especially bioinformatics methodologies, applied in the process of screening, identification, and mechanism illustration of AMPs were underlined. This review will give some ideas for further research and broadening of the applications of milk protein-derived AMPs in the food field.
  20. Facile preparation of high-performance plywood adhesive from gelatinized corn starch crosslinked with ammonium dihydrogen phosphate
    Jia Y, Luo B, Lee SH, Huang H, Wu Z, Zhou B, et al.
    Int J Biol Macromol, 2024 Jan;256(Pt 2):128548.
    PMID: 38043656 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.128548
    A flame retardant high-performance gelatinized starch (GS)-ammonium dihydrogen phosphate (ADP) wood adhesive, named GS-ADP adhesive was prepared by condensation of GS and ADP under acidic condition. The preparation process of GS-ADP adhesive is very simple by mixing and stirring GS and ADP evenly at room temperature. The results revealed that the GS-ADP adhesive has good storage stability and water resistance, and its wet shear strength is much higher than that of phenolic resin (PF) adhesive. Markedly, the cone calorimeter test results show that G-ADP adhesive has good flame retardancy, and the plywood based on GS-ADP adhesive has good flame retardancy. Meanwhile, it can be seen from dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) that GS-ADP has excellent modulus of elasticity (MOE), high glass transition temperature (Tg) and good thermal stability. The findings suggest that GS-ADP could be a viable substitute for PF resin in structural wood fabrication.
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