BRAND: a platform for closed-loop experiments with deep network models.

Objective.Artificial neural networks (ANNs) are state-of-the-art tools for modeling and decoding neural activity, but deploying them in closed-loop experiments with tight timing constraints is challenging due to their limited support in existing real-time frameworks. Researchers need a platform that fully supports high-level languages for running ANNs (e.g. Python and Julia) while maintaining support for languages that are critical for low-latency data acquisition and processing (e.g. C and C++).Approach.To address these needs, we introduce the Backend for Realtime Asynchronous Neural Decoding (BRAND). BRAND comprises Linux processes, termednodes, which communicate with each other in agraphvia streams of data. Its asynchronous design allows for acquisition, control, and analysis to be executed in parallel on streams of data that may operate at different timescales. BRAND uses Redis, an in-memory database, to send data between nodes, which enables fast inter-process communication and supports 54 different programming languages. Thus, developers can easily deploy existing ANN models in BRAND with minimal implementation changes.Main results.In our tests, BRAND achieved <600 microsecond latency between processes when sending large quantities of data (1024 channels of 30 kHz neural data in 1 ms chunks). BRAND runs a brain-computer interface with a recurrent neural network (RNN) decoder with less than 8 ms of latency from neural data input to decoder prediction. In a real-world demonstration of the system, participant T11 in the BrainGate2 clinical trial (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT00912041) performed a standard cursor control task, in which 30 kHz signal processing, RNN decoding, task control, and graphics were all executed in BRAND. This system also supports real-time inference with complex latent variable models like Latent Factor Analysis via Dynamical Systems.Significance.By providing a framework that is fast, modular, and language-agnostic, BRAND lowers the barriers to integrating the latest tools in neuroscience and machine learning into closed-loop experiments.

BRAND: A platform for closed-loop experiments with deep network models.

Artificial neural networks (ANNs) are state-of-the-art tools for modeling and decoding neural activity, but deploying them in closed-loop experiments with tight timing constraints is challenging due to their limited support in existing real-time frameworks. Researchers need a platform that fully supports high-level languages for running ANNs (e.g., Python and Julia) while maintaining support for languages that are critical for low-latency data acquisition and processing (e.g., C and C++). To address these needs, we introduce the Backend for Realtime Asynchronous Neural Decoding (BRAND). BRAND comprises Linux processes, termed nodes , which communicate with each other in a graph via streams of data. Its asynchronous design allows for acquisition, control, and analysis to be executed in parallel on streams of data that may operate at different timescales. BRAND uses Redis to send data between nodes, which enables fast inter-process communication and supports 54 different programming languages. Thus, developers can easily deploy existing ANN models in BRAND with minimal implementation changes. In our tests, BRAND achieved <600 microsecond latency between processes when sending large quantities of data (1024 channels of 30 kHz neural data in 1-millisecond chunks). BRAND runs a brain-computer interface with a recurrent neural network (RNN) decoder with less than 8 milliseconds of latency from neural data input to decoder prediction. In a real-world demonstration of the system, participant T11 in the BrainGate2 clinical trial performed a standard cursor control task, in which 30 kHz signal processing, RNN decoding, task control, and graphics were all executed in BRAND. This system also supports real-time inference with complex latent variable models like Latent Factor Analysis via Dynamical Systems. By providing a framework that is fast, modular, and language-agnostic, BRAND lowers the barriers to integrating the latest tools in neuroscience and machine learning into closed-loop experiments.

Experimental and theoretical studies for corrosion of molybdenum electrode using streptomycin drug in phosphoric acid medium.

Corrosion inhibition of molybdenum electrode in H3PO4 acid medium of different concentrations (3.0 to 13 M) has been investigated utilizing different electrochemical techniques. It was observed that the most corrosive concentration is 3.0 M orthophosphoric acid concentration. The effect of adding Cl- to 3.0 M orthophosphoric acid in the concentration range of 0.1 to 1.0 M was also studied. This study showed that the most corrosive medium is 3.0 M containing 1.0 M chloride ion with the greatest rate of hydrogen production. In 3.0 M H3PO4 acid with 1.0 M of NaCl, the tested electrode's corrosion and hydrogen production may be successfully suppressed by adding Streptomycin of 10 mM concentration leading to high inhibition efficiency. The outcomes of the studies were confirmed by scanning electron microscopic examination. Additionally, a computational chemistry approach was used to investigate how streptomycin adsorbs and inhibits corrosion at the interface of metal surfaces, and the outcomes of the computational studies are in excellent accord with the experimental findings.

MOF-Derived Cobalt@Mesoporous Carbon as Electrocatalysts for Oxygen Evolution Reaction: Impact of Organic Linker.

Water electrolysis has attracted scientists' attention as a green route for energy generation. However, the sluggish kinetics of oxygen evolution reaction (OER) remarkably increases the reaction overpotential. In this work, we developed Co-based nanomaterials as cost-effective, highly efficient catalysts for OER. In this regard, different Co-based metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) were synthesized using different organic linkers. After annealing under inert atmosphere, the corresponding Co-embedded mesoporous carbon (Co/MC) materials were produced. Among them, Co/MC synthesized using 2-methyl imidazole (Co/NMC-2MeIM) expressed the highest surface area (412 m2/g) compared to its counterparts. Furthermore, it expressed a higher degree of defects as depicted by Raman spectra. Co/NMC-2MeIM exhibited the best catalytic performance toward OER in alkaline medium. It afforded an overpotential of 292 mV at a current density of 10 mA cm-2 and a Tafel slope of 99.2 mV dec-1. The superior electrocatalytic performance of Co/NMC-2MeIM is attributed to its high content of Co3+ on the surface, high surface area, and enhanced electrical conductivity induced by nitrogen doping. Furthermore, its high content of pyridinic-N and high degree of defects remarkably enhance the charge transfer between the adsorbed oxygen species and the active sites. These results may pave the avenue toward further investigation of metal/carbon materials in a wide range of electrocatalytic applications.

Green Biosynthesis of Silver Nanoparticles Using Malva parviflora Extract for Improving a New Nutrition Formula of a Hydroponic System.

There are increasing needs for developing nontoxic, low-cost, high-yield, and eco-friendly procedures for manufacturing nanoparticles. Nanobiotechnology can be used in food security for improving crop production; nanoparticles could enhance the growth and yield of different crop plants; therefore, this work aimed to improve a new nutrition formula of a hydroponic system using green biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles and Malva parviflora aqueous extract. Results shown that AFM image of AgNP surface morphology provides good indicator for biosynthesizing AgNPs. UV-vis spectroscopy showed the presence of silver elements that proved the reduction of silver ion to an element in the presence of plant extract functional groups which act as a reduction reaction capping agent. AgNPs formation from 1 mM of AgNo3 and Malva parviflora filtrate can easily be characterized through visual observations by the change in the color of the reaction mixture from green to yellowish-brown. SEM showed that most of the Ag nanoparticles were spherical in shape, well dispersed, and were either arranged in clusters of particles with each other, or as small particles, and have been identified in a size range of 12-63 nm. The EDX characterization exhibited that the highest proportion of the element composition was for silver weighting (34.11%) in nanoparticle. Other elements such as aluminum (12.28%), carbon (8.62%), hafnium (18.12%), nitrogen (9.34%), sodium (10.01%), and oxygen (7.52%) may arise from Malva parviflora extract. Also, peroxidase and catalase enzyme activity, cabbage crop seedlings, fresh and dry weights, and proline and carbohydrate concentrations were significantly increased with the increase of biosynthesized AgNP concentrations but up to limit.

Microwave-Assisted Solvothermal Synthesis of Mo-Doped TiO2 with Exceptional Textural Properties and Superior Adsorption Kinetics.

Assigned to their outstanding physicochemical properties, TiO2-based materials have been studied in various applications. Herein, TiO2 doped with different Mo contents (Mo-TiO2) was synthesized via a microwave-assisted solvothermal approach. This was achieved using titanium (IV) butoxide and molybdenum (III) chloride as a precursor and dodecylamine as a surface directing agent. The uniform effective heating delivered by microwave heating reduced the reaction time to less than 30 min, representing several orders of magnitude lower than conventional heating methods. The average particle size ranged between 9.7 and 27.5 nm and it decreased with increasing the Mo content. Furthermore, Mo-TiO2 revealed mesoporous architectures with a high surface area ranging between 170 and 260 m2 g-1, which is superior compared to previously reported Mo-doped TiO2. The performance of Mo-TiO2 was evaluated towards the adsorption of Rhodamine B (RhB). In contrast to TiO2, which revealed negligible adsorption for RhB, Mo-doped samples depicted rapid adsorption for RhB, with a rate that increased with the increase in Mo content. Additionally, Mo-TiO2 expressed enhanced adsorption kinetics for RhB compared to state-of-the-art adsorbents. The introduced synthesis procedure holds a grand promise for the versatile synthesis of metal-doped TiO2 nanostructures with outstanding physicochemical properties.

Solution combustion synthesis of Ni-based hybrid metal oxides for oxygen evolution reaction in alkaline medium.

Oxygen evolution reaction (OER) has arisen as an outstanding technology for energy generation, conversion, and storage. Herein, we investigated the synthesis of nickel-based hybrid metal oxides (Ni x M1-x O y ) and their catalytic performance towards OER. Ni x M1-x O y catalysts were synthesized by solution combustion synthesis (SCS) using the metal nitrates as oxidizer and glycine as fuel. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) micrographs display a porous morphology for the hybrid binary Ni x M1-x O y , the common feature of combusted materials. X-ray diffraction (XRD) of Ni x M1-x O y depicted well-defined diffraction peaks, which confirms the crystalline nature of synthesized catalysts. The particle size of as-synthesized materials ranges between 20 and 30 nm with a mesoporous nature as revealed by N2-physisorption. The electrocatalytic performance of the as-prepared materials was evaluated towards OER in alkaline medium. Among them, Ni x Co1-x O y showed the best catalytic performance. For instance, it exhibited the lowest overpotential at a current density of 10 mA cm-2 (404 mV), onset potential (1.605 V), and Tafel slope (52.7 mV dec-1). The enhanced electrocatalytic performance of Ni x Co1-x O y was attributed to the synergism between cobalt and nickel and the alteration of the electronic structure of nickel. Also, Ni x Co1-x O y afforded the highest Ni3+/Ni2+ when compared to other electrocatalysts. This leads to higher oxidation states of Ni species, which promote and improve the electrocatalytic activity.

Developing the sensing features of copper electrodes as an environmental friendly detection tool for chemical oxygen demand.

The chemical oxygen demand (COD) of water bodies is an essential indicator of organic contaminants. The majority of current testing methods have the drawbacks of requiring multiple processes, being time-consuming, and requiring the use of harmful and hazardous reagents. In this work, a low-cost copper wire (Cu-wire) electrode was designed and fabricated to be used as a sensing electrode for the detection of chemical oxygen demand in water. The sensing features were developed by electrodeposition of copper nanoparticles (nano-Cu) that were prepared by fast-scan cyclic voltammetry (FSCV) deposition at the optimum preparation conditions. For improving the adherence and stability of the deposited nano-Cu thin layer, the Cu-wire electrode was scratched to increase the surface roughness. The surface morphology of the prepared nano-Cu/Cu-wire electrode was investigated by scanning electron microscope (SEM). Energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometer (EDX) was used for elemental analysis characterization. The non-modified and the nano-copper modified electrode were utilized and optimized for electrochemical assay of COD using glycine as a standard in 0.075 M NaOH as an electrolyte solution. The calibration curves (COD, mg L-1 vs. I, mA) were plotted from linear sweep voltammetry (LSV) and chronoamperometry (I-t) curves for a wide range of COD under the optimized conditions. It shows that the electroanalytical features of the proposed nano-Cu-based COD sensor exhibit a linear range from 2 to 595 mg L-1 and a lower limit of detection (LOD) of 2.6 mg L-1 (S/N = 3). The established electrochemical method demonstrated a high tolerance level to Cl- ions where 1.0 M Cl- exhibited a negligible influence. The sensor was employed for detecting the COD in diverse real water samples and the attained results were validated using the standard dichromate method. The obtained results could open the window toward using simple and cost effective tools in order to monitor the water quality.

Third molar impaction in the Jazan Region: Evaluation of the prevalence and clinical presentation.

OBJECTIVE: To provide information on the prevalence and clinical features of impacted third molar teeth in the South-Western region of Saudi Arabia. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, 1200 panoramic radiographs (50% males and 50% females) were retrieved from the electronic clinical records of patients at the College of Dentistry, Jazan University from December 2014 to December 2016, and impacted third molars were evaluated. Data on clinical and radiographic presentation were analyzed. RESULTS: Overall, there were 291 (24.3%) patients with impacted third molars among 1200 radiographs. The distribution of impacted third molars according to the number of impacted teeth was as follows: one impaction in 121 (41.6%); two impactions in 90 (30.9%); three impactions in 42 (14.4%); and four impactions in 38 (13.1%) patients. There was a high prevalence of all impaction types among females (54.5%). Maxillary vertical angulation was most common (50%) followed by mandibular mesioangular angulation (48.3%). The depth of impaction in maxillary teeth was higher than in mandibular teeth. Pain was uncommon (4.5% of patients). DISCUSSION: Clinically, vertical impaction in the maxilla was present in 50% of patients because of limited posterior space, and mesioangular angulation in the mandible was present in 48% of patients because of inadequate space between the ramus and the second molar. These findings are similar to other reports. Vertical impaction of the maxillary wisdom tooth is mostly related to the discrepancy between the mesiodistal size of the tooth crown and the limited retromolar space. CONCLUSION: Noiseless presentation of an impacted third molar requires raising the population's awareness about the need for diagnosis and treatment of the problem to avoid any further complications. The study can be to guide surgical procedures. This study documented the prevalence, pattern, and clinical features of impacted third molars in South Western region of Saudi Arabia.

Solution combustion synthesis of Ni/La2O3 for dry reforming of methane: tuning the basicity via alkali and alkaline earth metal oxide promoters.

The production of syngas via dry reforming of methane (DRM) has drawn tremendous research interest, ascribed to its remarkable economic and environmental impacts. Herein, we report the synthesis of K, Na, Cs, Li, and Mg-promoted Ni/La2O3 using solution combustion synthesis (SCS). The properties of the catalysts were determined by N2 physisorption experiments, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectrometry (XPS), and H2-TPR (temperature programmed reduction). In addition, their catalytic performance towards DRM was evaluated at 700 °C. The results demonstrated that all catalysts exhibited porous structures with high specific surface area, in particular, Mg-promoted Ni/La2O3 (Mg-Ni-La2O3) which depicted the highest surface area and highest pore volume (54.2 m2 g-1, 0.36 cm3 g-1). Furthermore, Mg-Ni-La2O3 exhibited outstanding catalytic performance in terms of activity and chemical stability compared to its counterparts. For instance, at a gas hourly space velocity (GHSV) of 30 000 mL g-1 h-1, it afforded 83.2% methane conversion and 90.8% CO2 conversion at 700 °C with no detectable carbon deposition over an operating period of 100 h. The superb DRM catalytic performance of Mg-Ni-La2O3 was attributed to the high specific surface area/porosity, strong metal-support interaction (MSI), and enhanced basicity, in particular the strong basic sites compared to other promoted catalysts. These factors remarkably enhance the catalytic performance and foster resistance to coke deposition.

Iron-Doped Sodium Vanadium Oxyflurophosphate Cathodes for Sodium-Ion Batteries-Electrochemical Characterization and In Situ Measurements of Heat Generation.

Sodium-ion batteries (NaIBs) are increasingly being envisioned for grid-scale energy-storage systems because of cost advantages. However, implementation of this vision has been challenged by the low-energy densities delivered by most NaIB cathodes. Toward addressing this challenge, the authors report the synthesis and characterization of a new iron-doped Na3Fe0.3V1.7O(PO4)2F2 cathode using a novel facile hydrothermal route. The synthesized material was characterized using scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and Mössbauer spectroscopy techniques. The obtained discharge capacity in the half-cell configuration lies from 119 to 125 to 130 mA h/g at C/10 while tested using three different electrolyte formulations, dimethyl carbonate-ethylene carbonate (EC)-propylene carbonate (PC), diethyl carbonate-EC, and EC-PC, respectively. The synthesized cathodes were also evaluated in full-cell configurations, which delivered an initial discharge capacity of 80 mA h/g with NaTi2(PO4)3MWCNT as the anode. Ionic diffusivity and interfacial charge transfer kinetics were also evaluated as a function of temperature and sodium concentration, which revealed that electrochemical rate performances in this material were limited by charge-transfer kinetics. To understand the heat generation mechanism of the Na/Na3Fe0.3V1.7O(PO4)2F2 half-cell during charge and discharge processes, an electrochemical isothermal calorimetry measurement was carried out at different current rates for two different temperatures (25 and 45 °C). The results showed that the amount of heat generated was strongly affected by the operating charge/discharge state, C-rate, and temperature. Overall, this work provides a new synthesis route for the development of iron-doped Na3Fe0.3V1.7O(PO4)2F2-based high-performance sodium cathode materials aimed at providing a viable pathway for the development and deployment of large-scale energy-storage based on sodium battery systems.

Therapeutic implications of immunohistochemical expression pattern of the cancer stem cell marker (nestin) in basal and squamous cell carcinomas.

Cancer stem cells (CSC) are populations of cells responsible for tumor initiation, progression and therapeutic resistance in many cancers. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the expression pattern and clinical significance of the stem cell marker nestin, in Squaous cell carcinoma (SCC) and basal cell carcinoma (BCC). The samples (23 cases of BCC and 22 cases of SCC) were immunohistochemically examined for the expression of nestin and its correlation with the corresponding clinical and pathological parameters. Nestin was expressed in four out of the 23 cases of BCC (17.4%) and was expressed in 10 out of the 22 cases of SCC (45.5%). Nestin expression between the two tumors was statistically significant (P = .042). Although a direct relationship was found between the tumor grade and nestin expression, the results were statistically insignificant (P = .495). The results of this study suggest that BCC and SCC may share some cellular origin but with different biologic behavior. The relation of nestin expression to the grade of SCC, although statistically insignificant, may suggest its role in predicting the biologic behavior of this tumor.

Electrochemical studies of a high voltage Na4Co3(PO4)2P2O7-MWCNT composite through a selected stable electrolyte.

Cathode materials that operate at high voltages are required to realize the commercialization of high-energy-density sodium-ion batteries. In this study, we prepared different composites of sodium cobalt mixed-phosphate with multiwalled carbon nanotubes (Na4Co3(PO4)2P2O7-MWCNTs) by the sol-gel synthesis technique. The crystal structure and microstructure were characterized by using PXRD, TGA, Raman spectroscopy, SEM and TEM. The electrochemical properties of the Na4Co3(PO4)2P2O7-20 wt% MWCNT composite were explored using two different electrolytes. The composite electrode exhibited excellent cyclability and rate capabilities with the electrolyte composed of 1 M sodium hexafluorophosphate in ethylene carbonate:dimethyl carbonate (EC:DMC). The composite electrode delivered stable discharge capacities of 80 mA h g-1 and 78 mA h g-1 at room and elevated (55 °C) temperatures, respectively. The average discharge voltage was around 4.45 V versus Na+/Na, which corresponded to the Co2+/3+ redox couple. The feasibility of the Na4Co3(PO4)2P2O7 cathode for sodium-ion batteries has been confirmed in real time using a full cell configuration vs. NaTi2(PO4)3-20 wt% MWCNT, and it delivers an initial discharge capacity of 78 mA h g-1 at 0.2C rate.

Risk assessment of human exposure to lead and cadmium in maize grains cultivated in soils irrigated either with low-quality water or freshwater.

Maize is the third important cereal crop after wheat and rice, especially in Egyptian villages. It is used in baking as a substitution component in wheat products and a main component in snacks for children. The target of this study was to estimate the risk assessment of lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) in maize grains cultivated in the agricultural soil irrigated by the contaminated water in comparison with that irrigated by freshwater. Lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) levels in irrigation water, soils and maize grains collected from different sites in Egypt were determined using ICP-OES. The studied samples were collected from 5 agricultural sites irrigated with freshwater (Nile River water and groundwater) as well as 4 agricultural sites irrigated with low-quality water (contaminated by sewage and industrial wastewater). Results exhibited that the levels of Pb and Cd in soil and maize grains were significantly affected by their levels in irrigation water; where, the levels of Pb and Cd in soil and maize grains irrigated by low-quality water possessed the multiple concentrations in comparison with those irrigated by freshwater. Specific water sources such as Kafr-Dokhmais and Al-Nasiria sites, Kafr El-Sheikh governorate had the highest levels of metals in the samples of irrigation water, soil and maize grains (p < 0.05). Metals levels in water and soil samples were within the permissible limits except Cd in low-quality water samples. Levels of Pb in maize grains irrigated by low-quality water were above the permissible limits (0.20 mg kg-1), while Cd levels were within the permissible limits (0.1 mg kg-1) except Al-Nasiria samples. Levels of Pb and Cd in maize grains irrigated by low-quality water were 19-30 folds those of maize grains irrigated by freshwater. The risk assessment of Pb and Cd levels in maize grains was estimated by daily intake of metals (DIM) and health risk index (HRI). All determined HRI was <1 indicating a non potential health risk for both adults and children.

Natural clay-supported palladium catalysts for methane oxidation reaction: effect of alloying.

The catalytic combustion of methane (CCM) has been extensively studied owing to the wide use of methane in motor vehicles and power generation turbines. However, the absence of polarizability and the high C-H bond strength are considered to be the main drawbacks that limit its oxidation by traditional catalytic converters. Palladium-based catalysts are recognized as the benchmark catalysts for methane oxidation, especially under oxidizing conditions, and their activity is dependent on different parameters such as size, dispersion, and the nature of the support. Additionally, metal oxides are the most common supports used for CCM; however, they can become saturated with water, especially during steady-state operation at low temperatures, owing to their hydrophilic nature. This causes saturation of the active sites with OH species, which poisons the active centers of the catalyst, prevents activation of methane molecules, and induces catalyst sintering. Herein, we reported the synthesis of a binary palladium nanoalloy on a halloysite nanotube support (PdM@Hal). This one-pot synthesis procedure was performed via ultrasound-enhanced reduction of metal precursors in aqueous solution containing dispersed halloysite nanotubes, using NaBH4 as reducing agent. Transmission electron microscopy revealed that the synthesized PdM@Hal catalysts preserved the morphology of the pristine support after synthesis and calcination, with good dispersion of the catalyst on the surface of the support. Promoted metal-support interactions revealed enhanced catalytic performance, following the order PdNi > PdCo > Pd > PdCu, with activation energies of 68-94 kJ mol-1.

Evidence of natural infections with Trypanosoma, Anaplasma and Babesia spp. in military livestock from Tunisia.

Livestock constitute habitual hosts and carriers for several infectious pathogens which may represent a serious public health concern affecting the readiness of military forces and lead to wide economic losses. The present report aimed to investigate the prevalence of some haemopathogens infecting military livestock, particularly, dromedaries, sheep and horses using Giemsa-stained blood smears. A total of 300 animals (100 from each species) were selected, clinically examined and sampled. Trypanosoma spp. (22.0%), Anaplasma spp. (17.0%) and Babesia spp. (1.0%) were identified in camels' blood. Six dromedaries were found to be co-infected by Trypanosoma and Anaplasma organisms (6.0%). Camels of female gender, infested by ticks and showing clinical signs were statistically more infected by Trypanosoma spp., compared to those of male gender, free of ticks and apparently healthy (P= 0.027, 0.000 and 0.004, respectively). Babesia spp. infection (1.0%) was identified, for the first time in Tunisia, in one adult female camel that presented abortion and anemia. Anaplasma spp. was the only haemopathogen identified in examined sheep (6.0%) and horses (17.0%). Horses infested by Hippobosca equina flies and sheep infested by Rhipicephalus turanicus ticks were more infected by Anaplasma spp. than other non-infested animals (P=0.046 and 0.042, respectively). Hyalomma dromedarii, H. impeltatum and H. excavatum were the most prevalent diagnosed ticks removed from camels with an intensity of infestation of 1.2 ticks per animal. However, in sheep, only R. turanicus was identified. H. equina and Tabanus spp. were the potential hematophagous flies found in dromedaries and horses herds. This useful data must be taken into consideration during animal treatment and vectors' control programs in Tunisian military farms which help to limit the diffusion of vector-borne diseases, keep our livestock healthy and reduce economic losses.

Evidence of natural infections with Trypanosoma, Anaplasma and Babesia spp. in military livestock from Tunisia

@#Livestock constitute habitual hosts and carriers for several infectious pathogens which may represent a serious public health concern affecting the readiness of military forces and lead to wide economic losses. The present report aimed to investigate the prevalence of some haemopathogens infecting military livestock, particularly, dromedaries, sheep and horses using Giemsa-stained blood smears. A total of 300 animals (100 from each species) were selected, clinically examined and sampled. Trypanosoma spp. (22.0%), Anaplasma spp. (17.0%) and Babesia spp. (1.0%) were identified in camels’ blood. Six dromedaries were found to be co-infected by Trypanosoma and Anaplasma organisms (6.0%). Camels of female gender, infested by ticks and showing clinical signs were statistically more infected by Trypanosoma spp., compared to those of male gender, free of ticks and apparently healthy (P= 0.027, 0.000 and 0.004, respectively). Babesia spp. infection (1.0%) was identified, for the first time in Tunisia, in one adult female camel that presented abortion and anemia. Anaplasma spp. was the only haemopathogen identified in examined sheep (6.0%) and horses (17.0%). Horses infested by Hippobosca equina flies and sheep infested by Rhipicephalus turanicus ticks were more infected by Anaplasma spp. than other non-infested animals (P=0.046 and 0.042, respectively). Hyalomma dromedarii, H. impeltatum and H. excavatum were the most prevalent diagnosed ticks removed from camels with an intensity of infestation of 1.2 ticks per animal. However, in sheep, only R. turanicus was identified. H. equina and Tabanus spp. were the potential hematophagous flies found in dromedaries and horses herds. This useful data must be taken into consideration during animal treatment and vectors’ control programs in Tunisian military farms which help to limit the diffusion of vector-borne diseases, keep our livestock healthy and reduce economic losses.

Enhanced photocatalytic performance of WON@porous TiO2 nanofibers towards sunlight-assisted degradation of organic contaminants.

In the last few decades, TiO2 has been widely used in different types of photocatalytic applications. However, the relatively large optical band gap (∼3.2 eV), low charge carrier mobility and consequently its low quantum efficiency limit its photocatalytic activity. Herein, we construct a novel nanostructured heterojunction of WON/TiO2 nanofibers (NFs) by integration of TiO2 nanofibers synthesized by electrospinning of a polymer solution containing a titanium(iv) butoxide precursor with WON nanoparticles fabricated via annealing of a WO3 precursor in dry ammonia at 700 °C. The synthesized photocatalysts were characterized using different spectroscopic techniques. Their photocatalytic performance towards the degradation of methyl orange, methylene blue, and phenol as model contaminants was investigated and the charge transfer process was elucidated and compared to that of a TiO2/WO3 heterojunction.

Rational one-step synthesis of porous PtPdRu nanodendrites for ethanol oxidation reaction with a superior tolerance for CO-poisoning.

Precise fabrication of porous ternary Pt-based nanodendrites is very important for electrochemical energy conversion owing to high surface area and great molecular accessibility of these nanodendrites. Herein, PtPdRu porous nanodendrites (PNDs) were prepared via a facile one-step ultrasonic irradiation approach at room temperature. Intriguingly, the ultrasonic irradiation drove the formation of PtPdRu PNDs with spatially interconnected porous structures, whereas magnetic stirring produced PtPdRu nanoflowers (NFs) with less porosity. The formation mechanism was ascribed to the acoustic cavitation effect and fast-reduction kinetics under sonication. The as-made PtPdRu PNDs displayed a superior catalytic performance towards ethanol oxidation reaction with a high tolerance for CO-poisoning as compared to PtPdRu NFs, PtPd NDs, and commercial Pt/C catalyst.