TY - JOUR A1 - Akimbekov, Nuraly S. A1 - Digel, Ilya A1 - Abdieva, Gulzhamal A1 - Ualieva, Perizat A1 - Tastambek, Kuanysh T1 - Lignite biosolubilization and bioconversion by Bacillus sp.: the collation of analytical data JF - Biofuels N2 - The vast metabolic potential of microbes in brown coal (lignite) processing and utilization can greatly contribute to innovative approaches to sustainable production of high-value products from coal. In this study, the multi-faceted and complex coal biosolubilization process by Bacillus sp. RKB 7 isolate from the Kazakhstan coal-mining soil is reported, and the derived products are characterized. Lignite solubilization tests performed for surface and suspension cultures testify to the formation of numerous soluble lignite-derived substances. Almost 24% of crude lignite (5% w/v) was solubilized within 14 days under slightly alkaline conditions (pH 8.2). FTIR analysis revealed various functional groups in the obtained biosolubilization products. Analyses of the lignite-derived humic products by UV-Vis and fluorescence spectrometry as well as elemental analysis yielded compatible results indicating the emerging products had a lower molecular weight and degree of aromaticity. Furthermore, XRD and SEM analyses were used to evaluate the biosolubilization processes from mineralogical and microscopic points of view. The findings not only contribute to a deeper understanding of microbe–mineral interactions in coal environments, but also contribute to knowledge of coal biosolubilization and bioconversion with regard to sustainable production of humic substances. The detailed and comprehensive analyses demonstrate the huge biotechnological potential of Bacillus sp. for agricultural productivity and environmental health. KW - humic acid KW - Bacillus sp KW - lignite KW - Biosolubilization Y1 - 2021 SN - 1759-7277 VL - 12 IS - 3 SP - 247 EP - 258 PB - Taylor & Francis CY - London ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Akimbekov, Nuraly S. A1 - Digel, Ilya A1 - Tastambek, Kuanysh T. A1 - Sherelkhan, Dinara K. A1 - Jussupova, Dariya B. A1 - Altynbay, Nazym P. T1 - Low-rank coal as a source of humic substances for soil amendment and fertility management JF - Agriculture N2 - Humic substances (HS), as important environmental components, are essential to soil health and agricultural sustainability. The usage of low-rank coal (LRC) for energy generation has declined considerably due to the growing popularity of renewable energy sources and gas. However, their potential as soil amendment aimed to maintain soil quality and productivity deserves more recognition. LRC, a highly heterogeneous material in nature, contains large quantities of HS and may effectively help to restore the physicochemical, biological, and ecological functionality of soil. Multiple emerging studies support the view that LRC and its derivatives can positively impact the soil microclimate, nutrient status, and organic matter turnover. Moreover, the phytotoxic effects of some pollutants can be reduced by subsequent LRC application. Broad geographical availability, relatively low cost, and good technical applicability of LRC offer the advantage of easy fulfilling soil amendment and conditioner requirements worldwide. This review analyzes and emphasizes the potential of LRC and its numerous forms/combinations for soil amelioration and crop production. A great benefit would be a systematic investment strategy implicating safe utilization and long-term application of LRC for sustainable agricultural production. KW - soil remediation KW - crop yield KW - soil health KW - soil amendment KW - low-rank coal Y1 - 2021 U6 - https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture11121261 SN - 2077-0472 N1 - This article belongs to the Special Issue "From Waste to Fertilizer in Sustainable Agriculture" VL - 11 IS - 12 PB - MDPI CY - Basel ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Albanna, Walid A1 - Conzen, Catharina A1 - Weiss, Miriam A1 - Seyfried, Katharina A1 - Kotliar, Konstantin A1 - Schmidt, Tobias Philip A1 - Kuerten, David A1 - Hescheler, Jürgen A1 - Bruecken, Anne A1 - Schmidt-Trucksäss, Arno A1 - Neumaier, Felix A1 - Wiesmann, Martin A1 - Clusmann, Hans A1 - Schubert, Gerrit Alexander T1 - Non-invasive assessment of neurovascular coupling after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage: a prospective observational trial using retinal vessel analysis JF - Frontiers in Neurology N2 - Delayed cerebral ischemia (DCI) is a common complication after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) and can lead to infarction and poor clinical outcome. The underlying mechanisms are still incompletely understood, but animal models indicate that vasoactive metabolites and inflammatory cytokines produced within the subarachnoid space may progressively impair and partially invert neurovascular coupling (NVC) in the brain. Because cerebral and retinal microvasculature are governed by comparable regulatory mechanisms and may be connected by perivascular pathways, retinal vascular changes are increasingly recognized as a potential surrogate for altered NVC in the brain. Here, we used non-invasive retinal vessel analysis (RVA) to assess microvascular function in aSAH patients at different times after the ictus. Y1 - 2021 U6 - https://doi.org/10.3389/fneur.2021.690183 SN - 1664-2295 VL - 12 IS - 12 SP - 1 EP - 15 ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Alexyuk, Madina A1 - Bogoyavlenskiy, Andrey A1 - Alexyuk, Pavel A1 - Moldakhanov, Yergali A1 - Berezin, Vladimir A1 - Digel, Ilya T1 - Epipelagic microbiome of the Small Aral Sea: Metagenomic structure and ecological diversity JF - MicrobiologyOpen N2 - Microbial diversity studies regarding the aquatic communities that experienced or are experiencing environmental problems are essential for the comprehension of the remediation dynamics. In this pilot study, we present data on the phylogenetic and ecological structure of microorganisms from epipelagic water samples collected in the Small Aral Sea (SAS). The raw data were generated by massive parallel sequencing using the shotgun approach. As expected, most of the identified DNA sequences belonged to Terrabacteria and Actinobacteria (40% and 37% of the total reads, respectively). The occurrence of Deinococcus-Thermus, Armatimonadetes, Chloroflexi in the epipelagic SAS waters was less anticipated. Surprising was also the detection of sequences, which are characteristic for strict anaerobes—Ignavibacteria, hydrogen-oxidizing bacteria, and archaeal methanogenic species. We suppose that the observed very broad range of phylogenetic and ecological features displayed by the SAS reads demonstrates a more intensive mixing of water masses originating from diverse ecological niches of the Aral-Syr Darya River basin than presumed before. KW - ecological structure KW - metagenomics KW - microbial diversity KW - shotgun sequencing KW - Small Aral Sea Y1 - 2021 U6 - https://doi.org/10.1002/mbo3.1142 SN - 2045-8827 N1 - Corresponding author: Ilya Digel VL - 10 IS - 1 SP - 1 EP - 10 PB - Wiley CY - Weinheim ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Brockhaus, Moritz K. A1 - Behbahani, Mehdi A1 - Muris, Farina A1 - Jansen, Sebastian V. A1 - Schmitz- Rode, Thomas A1 - Steinseifer, Ulrich A1 - Clauser, Johanna C. T1 - In vitro thrombogenicity testing of pulsatile mechanical circulatory support systems: Design and proof-of-concept JF - Artificial Organs N2 - Thrombogenic complications are a main issue in mechanical circulatory support (MCS). There is no validated in vitro method available to quantitatively assess the thrombogenic performance of pulsatile MCS devices under realistic hemodynamic conditions. The aim of this study is to propose a method to evaluate the thrombogenic potential of new designs without the use of complex in-vivo trials. This study presents a novel in vitro method for reproducible thrombogenicity testing of pulsatile MCS systems using low molecular weight heparinized porcine blood. Blood parameters are continuously measured with full blood thromboelastometry (ROTEM; EXTEM, FIBTEM and a custom-made analysis HEPNATEM). Thrombus formation is optically observed after four hours of testing. The results of three experiments are presented each with two parallel loops. The area of thrombus formation inside the MCS device was reproducible. The implantation of a filter inside the loop catches embolizing thrombi without a measurable increase of platelet activation, allowing conclusions of the place of origin of thrombi inside the device. EXTEM and FIBTEM parameters such as clotting velocity (α) and maximum clot firmness (MCF) show a total decrease by around 6% with a characteristic kink after 180 minutes. HEPNATEM α and MCF rise within the first 180 minutes indicate a continuously increasing activation level of coagulation. After 180 minutes, the consumption of clotting factors prevails, resulting in a decrease of α and MCF. With the designed mock loop and the presented protocol we are able to identify thrombogenic hot spots inside a pulsatile pump and characterize their thrombogenic potential. Y1 - 2021 U6 - https://doi.org/10.1111/aor.14046 SN - 1525-1594 VL - 45 IS - 12 SP - 1513 EP - 1521 PB - Wiley CY - Weinheim ER - TY - JOUR A1 - German, Laura A1 - Mikucki, Jill A. A1 - Welch, Susan A. A1 - Welch, Kathleen A. A1 - Lutton, Anthony A1 - Dachwald, Bernd A1 - Kowalski, Julia A1 - Heinen, Dirk A1 - Feldmann, Marco A1 - Francke, Gero A1 - Espe, Clemens A1 - Lyons, W. Berry T1 - Validation of sampling antarctic subglacial hypersaline waters with an electrothermal ice melting probe (IceMole) for environmental analytical geochemistry JF - International Journal of Environmental Analytical Chemistry N2 - Geochemical characterisation of hypersaline waters is difficult as high concentrations of salts hinder the analysis of constituents at low concentrations, such as trace metals, and the collection of samples for trace metal analysis in natural waters can be easily contaminated. This is particularly the case if samples are collected by non-conventional techniques such as those required for aquatic subglacial environments. In this paper we present the first analysis of a subglacial brine from Taylor Valley, (~ 78°S), Antarctica for the trace metals: Ba, Co, Mo, Rb, Sr, V, and U. Samples were collected englacially using an electrothermal melting probe called the IceMole. This probe uses differential heating of a copper head as well as the probe’s sidewalls and an ice screw at the melting head to move through glacier ice. Detailed blanks, meltwater, and subglacial brine samples were collected to evaluate the impact of the IceMole and the borehole pump, the melting and collection process, filtration, and storage on the geochemistry of the samples collected by this device. Comparisons between melt water profiles through the glacier ice and blank analysis, with published studies on ice geochemistry, suggest the potential for minor contributions of some species Rb, As, Co, Mn, Ni, NH4+, and NO2−+NO3− from the IceMole. The ability to conduct detailed chemical analyses of subglacial fluids collected with melting probes is critical for the future exploration of the hundreds of deep subglacial lakes in Antarctica. Y1 - 2021 U6 - https://doi.org/10.1080/03067319.2019.1704750 SN - 0306-7319 VL - 101 IS - 15 SP - 2654 EP - 2667 PB - Taylor & Francis CY - London ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Hackl, Michael A1 - Buess, Eduard A1 - Kammerlohr, Sandra A1 - Nacov, Julia A1 - Staat, Manfred A1 - Leschinger, Tim A1 - Müller, Lars P. A1 - Wegmann, Kilian T1 - A "comma sign"-directed subscapularis repair in anterosuperior rotator cuff tears yields biomechanical advantages in a cadaveric model JF - The american journal of sports medicine N2 - Background: Additional stabilization of the “comma sign” in anterosuperior rotator cuff repair has been proposed to provide biomechanical benefits regarding stability of the repair. Purpose: This in vitro investigation aimed to investigate the influence of a comma sign–directed reconstruction technique for anterosuperior rotator cuff tears on the primary stability of the subscapularis tendon repair. Study Design: Controlled laboratory study. Methods: A total of 18 fresh-frozen cadaveric shoulders were used in this study. Anterosuperior rotator cuff tears (complete full-thickness tear of the supraspinatus and subscapularis tendons) were created, and supraspinatus repair was performed with a standard suture bridge technique. The subscapularis was repaired with either a (1) single-row or (2) comma sign technique. A high-resolution 3D camera system was used to analyze 3-mm and 5-mm gap formation at the subscapularis tendon-bone interface upon incremental cyclic loading. Moreover, the ultimate failure load of the repair was recorded. A Mann-Whitney test was used to assess significant differences between the 2 groups. Results: The comma sign repair withstood significantly more loading cycles than the single-row repair until 3-mm and 5-mm gap formation occurred (P≤ .047). The ultimate failure load did not reveal any significant differences when the 2 techniques were compared (P = .596). Conclusion: The results of this study show that additional stabilization of the comma sign enhanced the primary stability of subscapularis tendon repair in anterosuperior rotator cuff tears. Although this stabilization did not seem to influence the ultimate failure load, it effectively decreased the micromotion at the tendon-bone interface during cyclic loading. Clinical Relevance: The proposed technique for stabilization of the comma sign has shown superior biomechanical properties in comparison with a single-row repair and might thus improve tendon healing. Further clinical research will be necessary to determine its influence on the functional outcome. Y1 - 2021 U6 - https://doi.org/10.1177/03635465211031506 SN - 1552-3365 SN - 0363-5465 VL - 49 IS - 12 SP - 3212 EP - 3217 PB - Sage CY - London ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Hackl, Michael A1 - Nacov, Julia A1 - Kammerlohr, Sandra A1 - Staat, Manfred A1 - Buess, Eduard A1 - Leschinger, Tim A1 - Müller, Lars P. A1 - Wegmann, Kilian T1 - Intratendinous Strain Variations of the Supraspinatus Tendon Depending on Repair Technique: A Biomechanical Analysis Regarding the Cause of Medial Cuff Failure JF - The American Journal of Sports Medicine Y1 - 2021 U6 - https://doi.org/10.1177/03635465211006138 SN - 1552-3365 SN - 0363-5465 VL - 49 IS - 7 SP - 1847 EP - 1853 PB - Sage CY - London ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Heiligers, Jeannette A1 - Schoutetens, Frederic A1 - Dachwald, Bernd T1 - Photon-sail equilibria in the alpha centauri system JF - Journal of Guidance, Control, and Dynamics Y1 - 2021 U6 - https://doi.org/10.2514/1.G005446 SN - 1533-3884 SN - 0731-5090 SN - 0162-3192 VL - 44 IS - 5 SP - 1053 EP - 1061 ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Heinke, Lars N. A1 - Knicker, Axel J. A1 - Albracht, Kirsten T1 - Test-retest reliability of the internal shoulder rotator muscles' stretch reflex in healthy men JF - Journal of Electromyography and Kinesiology N2 - Until now the reproducibility of the short latency stretch reflex of the internal rotator muscles of the glenohumeral joint has not been identified. Twenty-three healthy male participants performed three sets of external shoulder rotation stretches with various pre-activation levels on two different dates of measurement to assess test-retest reliability. All stretches were applied with a dynamometer acceleration of 104°/s2 and a velocity of 150°/s. Electromyographical response was measured via surface EMG. Reflex latencies showed a pre-activation effect (ƞ2 = 0,355). ICC ranged from 0,735 to 0,909 indicating an overall “good” relative reliability. SRD 95% lay between ±7,0 to ±12,3 ms.. The reflex gain showed overall poor test-retest reproducibility. The chosen methodological approach presented a suitable test protocol for shoulder muscles stretch reflex latency evaluation. A proof-of-concept study to validate the presented methodical approach in shoulder involvement including subjects with clinically relevant conditions is recommended. KW - stretch reflex KW - shoulder KW - test-retest reliability KW - intraclass correlation coefficient KW - standard error of measurement Y1 - 2021 U6 - https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jelekin.2021.102611 SN - 1050-6411 VL - 62 IS - Article 102611 PB - Elsevier CY - Amsterdam ER -