Search Results (163)

Particulate-reinforced polymer composites (PRPCs) are susceptible to cracking under tensile loading, severely limiting their service life. Here, we propose a pressure-gradient-driven infiltration method that rapidly repairs narrow (<10 μm) cracks in a highly filled PRPC (95 wt.% BaSO₄/5 wt.% fluororubber). Microstructural evidence confirms that the adhesive completely fills the tortuous crack and forms a continuous adhesive–matrix interface capable of supporting load transfer. Semi-circular bend (SCB) testing demonstrates a substantially higher peak load and increased apparent structural stiffness after repair under the present semi-circular bend configuration, indicating apparent mechanical enhancement beyond simple load-bearing recovery. Digital image correlation (DIC) and fracture morphology show that repair suppresses notch-tip strain localization, reduces the strain concentration factor, shifts the failure-controlling zone away from the original notch tip, and deflects the crack propagation path. Phase-field simulations further show that the post-repair load-bearing capacity is governed by the adhesive–matrix interfacial strength; once this strength approaches or exceeds the tensile strength of the intact PRPC (~8.3 MPa), the repaired crack path is stabilized, enabling peak-load enhancement while suppressing damage localization along the original crack path and shifting failure to adjacent weaker regions. Overall, this work establishes a promising crack repair approach for highly filled PRPCs, while the underlying interface-controlled mechanism provides guidance for adhesive selection and repair design. Full article

The Al-bearing scorodite from the Hemerdon Ball Mine (HBM) was studied using electron microscopy and microprobe analysis, single-crystal X-ray diffraction, infrared, and Raman spectroscopy. The crystal chemistry formula of Al-bearing scorodite is expressed as Fe³⁺_0.87Al³⁺_0.16(As_0.97O₄)·H₂O. The calculated d-spacings and unit-cell parameters of Al-bearing scorodite are slightly affected by the substitution of Al for Fe in the octahedral sites. The Al-bearing scorodite HBM crystalizes in the Pbca space group with the following unit-cell lattice parameters: a = 8.92882(14) Å; b = 10.02217(14) Å; c = 10.30525(15) Å; V(Å) = 922.18(2) and Z = 8. The lattice structure becomes slightly distorted by the formation of the Fe,Al-OH octahedron, which leads to a compression of the newly formed octahedron along the a* ^ b* direction and an expansion of the Fe-OH octahedron along the c* direction. The incorporation of Al³⁺ has a strong effect on the tilting angle of the Fe,Al-OH octahedron in the b* ^ c* crystallographic direction. The refined structure suggests that Al³⁺ occupies the octahedral sites alongside Fe³⁺, leading to a distortion of the Fe,Al-OH octahedron. Infrared and Raman spectroscopy exhibit a doublet at 820 and 800 cm⁻¹, and at 810 and 800 cm⁻¹ ascribed to the Fe,Al-O-OAsO₃ group. The 799–800 cm⁻¹ Raman region is assigned to the Fe–O–As group (at 798 and 803 cm⁻¹), whereas the 810–814 cm⁻¹ region is ascribed to a band resulting from the AsO₄³⁻ [υ₁ (A₁) symmetric stretching vibrational modes], indicative of the Fe,Al–OH–As group in both Al-bearing scorodite and mansfieldite. Full article

This study presents an integrated process for the recovery and purification of lithium hydroxide (LiOH) from lithium sulfate (Li₂SO₄) solution obtained by sulfuric acid leaching of spent crucibles used for producing the cathodes of LIBs. The recovered leachate contains considerable concentrations of metallic impurities, including Na, K, Mg, Ca, Al, and Ni, which hinder the direct production of high-purity LiOH. To overcome this limitation, a pretreatment step combining cation- and anion-exchange resins was introduced to control impurity levels and condition the solution prior to conversion. Under the optimized ion-exchange condition of 10 g cation-exchange resin and 50 g anion-exchange resin, the solution pH was adjusted to 6–7, resulting in effective impurity removal through combined ion-exchange and solution-conditioning effects. More than 90% of Al was removed, while Mg, Ca, Na, K, and Ni were removed by approximately 70–75%. After purification, LiOH was produced through a double-displacement conversion reaction using Ba(OH)₂. The results showed that the reaction temperature and the [OH]:[Li] molar ratio were the key parameters governing the sulfate-removal-based apparent conversion efficiency and filtrate-based LiOH purity. Excess OH⁻ promoted the formation of dissolved and complexed species, thereby lowering the purity of the LiOH-containing filtrate. In contrast, the optimum condition was identified at 70 °C and an [OH]:[Li] molar ratio of 1:1, under which SO₄²⁻ was effectively removed as solid BaSO₄. Under these conditions, the sulfate-removal-based apparent conversion efficiency reached 91.91%, and the filtrate-based LiOH purity was 98.84%. X-ray diffraction analysis confirmed the coexistence of LiOH·H₂O and LiOH phases in the final recovered product, whereas the precipitate was identified as single-phase BaSO₄, indicating effective sulfate removal. Overall, this study demonstrates the feasibility of producing high-purity LiOH from sulfation-derived Li₂SO₄ leachate through a sequential process consisting of impurity removal, conversion, and drying. The findings provide fundamental process data for the design of lithium recovery and purification routes using spent cathode crucibles as secondary lithium resources. Full article

Aim: We aimed to provide a structured ex vivo protocol for cardiopulmonary micro-CT that combines gelatin–barium sulfate (gelatin–BaSO₄) contrast medium with agar embedding in neonatal canine cardiopulmonary specimens. Materials and Methods: Heart–lung specimens from 23 puppies that died shortly after birth were collected, stored at −20 °C, and then slowly thawed prior to imaging. Before perfusion, body mass and heart–lung complex mass were recorded. Body mass ranged from 140 to 951 g, and heart–lung complex mass ranged from 1.2 to 51.2 g. The cranial and caudal venae cavae, the brachiocephalic trunk, and the left subclavian artery were ligated. A catheter was introduced into the thoracic aorta. Contrast was prepared by dissolving porcine gelatin in hot water and mixing with a commercial BaSO₄ suspension. The mixture was maintained at a warm temperature to remain free-flowing and was delivered at low pressure until uniform opacification of the coronary and pulmonary arteries was observed. After in situ gelation, the organs were embedded in warm agar and sealed to limit motion and dehydration. Scans were performed on a benchtop system (120 kV, ~83 µA, ~1200 projections, ~2 s exposures; voxel ~40 µm). Reconstruction was performed in XMReconstructor, with post-processing in Falcon and RadiAnt. The reconstructed micro-CT datasets were reviewed anatomically by a medical cardiologist and a veterinary cardiologist, whereas vascular filling was evaluated semi-quantitatively by three observers with expertise in veterinary anatomy and cardiology. Results: In all specimens examined, the main coronary artery course was assessable. Conclusions: The gelatin–BaSO₄ contrast medium combined with agar immobilization provides a simple, lead-free, and affordable approach for structured cardiopulmonary micro-CT in very small post-mortem specimens. In the examined specimens, the workflow provided visually consistent low-pressure vascular opacification without gross evidence of vessel rupture or motion-related acquisition failure under the conditions of this study. Practical mitigations included temperature/viscosity control, avoidance of phosphate buffers, container sealing, and minimization of particle aggregation, bubbles, and dehydration. The protocol may complement conventional autopsy in very small post-mortem specimens in similar ex vivo research settings. Full article

The hypothesis that Group A beta-haemolytic Streptococcus (GAS) triggers an autoimmune cascade targeting basal ganglia dopaminergic circuits—producing obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD), tic disorders, or chorea depending on the receptor subtype involved—is biologically compelling and supported by emerging molecular evidence. Yet PANDAS has remained a diagnostic conundrum since its original description in 1998, with ongoing uncertainty surrounding diagnostic criteria, the interpretation of streptococcal serology, and the distinction from primary neurodevelopmental disorders. This study aimed to review the diagnostic challenges of PANDAS, with focus on streptococcal serology interpretation, advances in dopamine receptor autoantibody biology, the genetic epidemiology of primary tic disorders, and the differential diagnosis of acute neuropsychiatric presentations in children. A structured narrative review was conducted using PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library for publications from 1998 to early 2025 addressing PANDAS, PANS, streptococcal antibodies, childhood movement disorders, autoimmune encephalitis, and the genetics of tic disorders. No currently available biomarker—including ASO, anti-DNase B, anti-basal-ganglia antibodies, or the Cunningham Panel—has demonstrated adequate individual-level diagnostic accuracy for PANDAS. Emerging molecular evidence identifies anti-D1R autoantibodies, acting via G protein-and beta-arrestin-mediated signalling, as candidate biomarkers for PANDAS/PANS neuropsychiatric phenotypes, and anti-D2R autoantibodies for Sydenham chorea movement phenotypes; independent replication in unselected populations is required. Primary tic disorders carry heritability estimates of 50–80% and first-degree familial risk ratios of approximately 18-fold in large population-based cohorts. Prospective blinded studies have not demonstrated a consistent population-level association between GAS infections and tic or OCD exacerbations: PANDAS and PANS remain diagnoses of exclusion. The high background prevalence of both GAS exposure and primary neurodevelopmental disorders in overlapping paediatric age ranges creates conditions for incidental temporal co-occurrence. In the absence of validated molecular biomarkers, diagnostic imprecision carries direct clinical consequences: children may be exposed to treatments with significant risk profiles—including IVIG, plasma exchange, and prolonged antibiotic prophylaxis—while evidence-based therapies are delayed. A stepwise diagnostic approach incorporating the full differential diagnosis is both an epistemological and a patient safety imperative. Full article

The integrating sphere with sample inside (ISSI) method is useful for absorption spectroscopy of scattering samples, but the measured absorbance ($A_{\mathit{meas}}$) becomes nonlinear with dye concentration (c) because the sample is placed inside the sphere. This study modeled the $A_{\mathit{meas}}-c$ relationship for ISSI using a cylindrical cell (CC) and a Brewster cell (BC) with simple analytical expressions based on the fraction of light not passing through the sample and the effective weights of light passing through it multiple times. Four aqueous dye solutions—Trypan Blue, Brilliant Blue FCF, Tartrazine, and New Coccine—were used as non-scattering samples. For CC, a single-pass model reproduced the measured relationship well for all dyes, and linearity was maintained in the low-absorbance region (up to approximately half of the saturation absorbance, $A_{\max }/2\approx 0.67$ Abs). For BC, the same low-absorbance region (up to approximately $A_{\max }/2\approx 1.21$ Abs) also exhibited practical linearity, but the full relationship including saturation required a multiple-pass model. Model selection based on adjusted RMSE and AICc identified the 3-pass model as the minimum sufficient model for BC. The saturation absorbance $A_{\mathit{max}}$ was on average 1.81 times higher for BC than for CC (corresponding to an approximately 12-fold expansion in linear intensity ratio), and the upper concentration limit of the linear approximation was on average 1.85 times higher. These results demonstrate that BC extends the measurable concentration range while preserving practical low-absorbance linearity. In addition, the wavelength dependence of $A_{\mathit{max}}$ observed at short wavelengths is attributed primarily to the reduced reflectance of the BaSO₄ integrating-sphere wall rather than to the refractive-index dispersion of the quartz cell. Full article

The recovery of tin from high-barium copper anode slime by Kaldor furnace smelting remains challenging because barium sulfate hinders the conversion of tin (Sn) from SnO₂ into acid-soluble phases. In this study, the smelting behavior of high-barium copper anode slime in a Kaldor furnace was simulated under optimal smelting conditions: SnO₂ was effectively converted into BaSnO₃, while SiO₂ was transformed into Na₂Ba₆Si₄O₁₅, achieving a high Sn conversion efficiency of 92.18%. Phase and microstructure analyses indicated that the preferential reaction of SiO₂ with Na₂CO₃ and BaSO₄ governs the early-stage phase reconstruction, whereas the subsequent reaction between SnO₂ and BaCO₃ promotes the formation of BaSnO₃. Kinetic analysis showed that the Sn conversion process was well described by the Avrami–Erofeev model, with an apparent activation energy of 43.75 kJ/mol and an Avrami index of 1.13, suggesting mixed control by diffusion and chemical reaction. Thermodynamic analysis further confirmed that stannates and silicates are the dominant equilibrium phases under the optimized conditions. This work provides a promising route for the efficient recovery of tin from high-barium, tin-bearing smelting slag. Full article

Background/Objectives: Rebamipide is a gastroprotective agent with poor aqueous solubility and rapid gastrointestinal clearance, leading to reduced therapeutic efficiency. This study aimed to enhance the solubility, mucoadhesion, and sustained oral delivery of Rebamipide through the development of a deep eutectic mixture (DEM)-based bioadhesive controlled-release granule formulation. Methods: In silico hydrogen-bonding interactions between Rebamipide, malonic acid, and urea were analyzed using CCDC tools. A thermodynamically stable DEM (1:3:1) was prepared and incorporated into bioadhesive granules using chitosan and HPMC. Physicochemical characterization was conducted using FTIR, DSC, TGA, and PXRD. Solubility, in vitro dissolution, ex vivo mucoadhesion (sheep gastric mucosa), and in vivo gastric retention (BaSO₄-loaded granules in rats) were evaluated. Results: The optimized DEM significantly enhanced Rebamipide solubility (10.08 mg/mL vs. 0.045 mg/mL). Solid-state analyses confirmed hydrogen-bond formation and reduced crystallinity. DEM granules exhibited sustained drug release over 24 h (99.7 ± 0.8%) with improved dissolution efficiency compared to the marketed tablet (Mucosta®, 100 mg; T₅₀%: 5.03 h vs. 0.82 h). Kinetic modeling indicated non-Fickian anomalous transport (n = 0.47). The bioadhesive force of DEM granules (0.29 ± 0.02 N) was significantly higher than that of the pure drug and physical mixture. In vivo radiographic studies confirmed prolonged gastric retention. Conclusions: The DEM-based bioadhesive granule system effectively improves solubility, dissolution rate, mucoadhesion, and gastric retention of Rebamipide. This approach represents a promising platform for once-daily gastroretentive oral delivery, pending further pharmacokinetic evaluation. Full article

Botrytis cinerea, the causative agent of gray mold, is a major fungal pathogen affecting a wide range of economically important crops. To identify sustainable alternatives to chemical fungicides, this study characterized the biocontrol potential of two bacterial strains, Serratia quinivorans NFX21 and Pseudomonas thivervalensis NFX104, through genomic analysis and functional assays targeting key stages of fungal growth and plant infection. The NFX21 and NFX104 strains significantly inhibited B. cinerea mycelial growth (~35%) and strongly suppressed conidial germination with performances comparable to the reference biocontrol strain Bacillus amyloliquefaciens QST 713. In tomato detached-leaf and whole-plant pot assays, application of NFX21 and NFX104 significantly reduced gray mold incidence and lesion severity relative to nontreated infected plants (53–64%, detached leaves; 12–13%, whole-plant assays), achieving disease control levels similar to those obtained with the commercial biofungicide Serenade ASO^®. Whole-genome sequencing allowed the taxonomic assignment of the NFX strains and revealed a rich repertoire of biosynthetic gene clusters and antifungal determinants. The NFX21 genome contained genes associated with N-acyl-homoserine lactone-mediated quorum-sensing and production of lipopeptides, siderophores, and extracellular lytic enzymes. The NFX104 genome harbored clusters involved in the biosynthesis of multiple siderophores, 2,4-diacetylphloroglucinol and hydrogen cyanide. Moreover, both the NFX21 and NFX104 genomes contained additional low-homology clusters that potentially encode for novel unexplored metabolites. Collectively, these results support the translational potential of NFX21 and NFX104 as biocontrol candidates for sustainable, integrated management of gray mold caused by B. cinerea. Full article

In recent years, screen pipe scaling and blockage have occurred in dozens of wells in the Fuling Shale Gas Field, seriously affecting the normal production of gas wells. Investigations show that similar problems exist in the Weirong Shale Gas Field of Sinopec Southwest Branch, and the Changning and Weiyuan Shale Gas Fields of PetroChina. Although well production has been restored through pipe inspection operations, key issues specific to shale gas wells remain unresolved, including the scaling mechanism under gas–liquid two-phase flow regimes unique to horizontal shale gas wells, the scale deposition law at screen pipes caused by complex flow direction changes, and the targeted prevention technologies for high-hardness BaSO₄ scale in high-salinity produced water. By jointly conducting research on the scaling mechanism and prevention technology of shale gas wellbores with Southwest Petroleum University, the Fuling Shale Gas Field has identified the reasons why the amount of BaSO₄ scaling increases with the decrease in pressure and temperature, while it increases with the increase in gas–water ratio. It has clarified the influencing characteristics of factors such as pressure, temperature, gas–water ratio and pipe wall roughness. The amount of scaling on the tubing wall of shale gas wells in this area is very small, and blockage mainly occurs at and near the screen pipe. Due to the complex flow direction change in gas and water in the screen pipe, the precipitated tiny scale particles separate, settle and accumulate, forming variable-diameter steps that continue to grow. Two agents have been developed: the LPPAS scale inhibitor and the barium-strontium-sulfate-chelating plug-removing agent, with a scale inhibition rate as high as over 90% and a scale dissolution rate over 70%, respectively, laying a foundation for the efficient and stable production of shale gas wells. Full article

Fluorite (CaF₂) and barite (BaSO₄) commonly occur together in the same deposits. Due to their similar surface chemical properties, their flotation separation is often challenging. In flotation pulps, dissolved metal ions can further interfere with separation and exert a pronounced influence on the flotation behavior of these minerals. This study investigated the effects of metal ions frequently encountered in industrial pulps (Fe³⁺, Al³⁺, Mg²⁺, Ca²⁺, and Zn²⁺) on the floatability of fluorite and barite in a sodium oleate (NaOL) collector system. The aims were to clarify how metal ions affect flotation behavior and to evaluate the feasibility of enhancing fluorite–barite separation via metal-ion regulation. Flotation results showed that, in the NaOL system, the largest floatability difference between fluorite and barite occurred at pH 10. Al³⁺ exhibited the strongest depression on barite while only weakly affecting fluorite flotation. Fe³⁺ and Mg²⁺ caused slight depression of barite, whereas Ca²⁺ and high concentrations of Zn²⁺ (>20 mg/L) promoted barite flotation. Overall, these metal ions had little influence on fluorite flotation. Adsorption measurements indicated that Al³⁺ reduced NaOL adsorption by more than 40% and decreased the contact angle from 35.6° to 23.1°, resulting in a sharp loss of surface hydrophobicity. ICP adsorption tests revealed that Al³⁺ showed the highest uptake on barite surfaces. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations further confirmed that surface SO₄²⁻ groups on barite form strong chemisorption with hydrolyzed Al species (adsorption energy: −436.19 kJ/mol), whereas only weak physisorption occurs on hydroxylated fluorite surfaces (adsorption energy: −43.73 kJ/mol). This study provides insights into the flotation separation of non-metallic minerals dominated by polar ionic bonding and offers practical guidance for efficient fluorite–barite separation under complex ionic environments. Full article

The new alluaudite-group mineral manganobadalovite (IMA 2020-035), ideally NaNaMn(MgFe³⁺)(AsO₄)₃, was found in the Arsenatnaya fumarole, the Second scoria cone of the Northern Breakthrough of the Great Tolbachik Fissure Eruption 1975–1976, Tolbachik volcano, Kamchatka peninsula, Far-Eastern Region, Russia. Manganobadalovite is a fumarolic mineral, and its aggregates are found overgrowing basalt scoria or exhalative hematite crystal crusts. Associated minerals are badalovite, hematite, cassiterite, sanidine, glauberite and metathénardite. Manganobadalovite occurs as prismatic to equant crystals up to 0.8 mm long typically combined in open-work clusters; it also forms grains that are irregular in shape and cavernous granular crusts up to 0.5 cm. The mineral is transparent, with vitreous luster, and its color varies from red to yellow. Manganobadalovite is brittle and has a noticeable cleavage in one direction and uneven fracture. The calculated density is 4.108 g cm⁻³. Manganobadalovite is optically biaxial (+), α = 1.790 (7), β = 1.800 (7), γ = 1.815 (8) and 2V_meas = 80 (5)°. Chemical composition (wt.%, electron-microprobe): Na₂O 8.75, K₂O 0.17, MgO 5.32, CaO 3.68, MnO 10.09, CuO 0.42, Al₂O₃ 0.18, Fe₂O₃ 13.90, V₂O₅ 0.42, As₂O₅ 56.75, total 99.68. The empirical formula calculated based on 12 O apfu is Na_1.69K_0.02Ca_0.39Mn_0.85Mg_0.79Cu_0.03Fe³⁺_1.04Al_0.02(As_2.96V_0.03)_∑2.99O₁₂. The crystal structure was solved using single-crystal XRD data, R = 2.30%. Manganobadalovite is monoclinic, C2/c, a = 12.1848(5), b = 12.8924(4), c = 6.6970(3) Å, β = 113.113(5)°, V = 967.60(7) ų and Z = 4. The strongest reflections of the powder XRD pattern are [d,Å(I)(hkl)]: 6.43(30)020, 3.589(32)(−131, 310), 3.215(38)(040, −112), 3.079(23)(221, 002), 2.941(32)(−312, −222, −331), 2.852(15)(041), 2.788(100)(330, 400, 240, 022), 2.649(22)(−402, 112), 2.626(25)(−132). Manganobadalovite is named as an analogue of badalovite NaNaMg(MgFe³⁺)(AsO₄)₃ with Mn²⁺ prevailing in the M(1) site. Full article

This study aims to investigate the influencing factors and mechanisms of barium sulfate (BaSO₄) scaling under low-permeability reservoir conditions, providing a scientific basis for water quality selection during water injection. The effects of key scaling ions and flow conditions on scaling behavior were examined through integrated experimental core flooding tests and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. Experiments were conducted using synthetic cores simulating the ultra-low permeability Chang-8 Reservoir of the Jiyuan Oilfield, analyzing the impact of ion concentrations (Ba²⁺, SO₄²⁻, Na⁺, Ca²⁺, HCO₃⁻), flow velocity, and injection pressure. MD simulations were performed based on an interfacial SiO₂(010)–BaSO₄ solution model constructed in Materials Studio to elucidate the micro-mechanisms. Results indicate that increasing concentrations of Ba²⁺ and SO₄²⁻ significantly promote scaling. High Ca²⁺ concentration (>8000 mg/L) inhibits BaSO₄ deposition via competitive adsorption. High Na⁺ concentration (>70,000 mg/L) reduces Ba²⁺ activity due to ionic strength effects. When HCO₃⁻ concentration exceeds 600 mg/L, CaCO₃ coprecipitation occurs, reducing effective SO₄²⁻ concentration and thus inhibiting BaSO₄ scaling. Increased flow velocity enhances scaling, whereas elevated injection pressure suppresses deposition. MD simulations reveal that increased ion concentrations decrease the mean square displacement (MSD) of Ba²⁺ and SO₄²⁻, weakening diffusion and enhancing scaling tendency. Elevated temperature promotes ion diffusion and inhibits scaling, while pressure shows negligible effect on ion diffusion at the molecular scale. This study provides theoretical insights for scaling prevention in low-permeability sandstone reservoirs. Full article

The new mineral polyarsite, ideally Na₇CaMgCu₂(AsO₄)₄F₂Cl, was discovered in high-temperature incrustations of the active Arsenatnaya fumarole at the Second scoria cone of the Northern Breakthrough of the Great Tolbachik Fissure Eruption, Tolbachik volcano, Kamchatka, Russia. It is associated with aegirine, sanidine, ferrisanidine, hematite, halite, sylvite, cassiterite, evseevite, axelite, badalovite, johillerite, arsmirandite, aphthitalite, tridymite, potassic-magnesio-fluoro-arfvedsonite and litidionite. Polyarsite forms short-prismatic, equant or tabular crystals up to 0.15 mm across, their clusters up to 0.3 mm in size or crusts up to 0.5 mm across and up to 0.03 mm thick. Polyarsite is transparent, sky-blue to light blue, with vitreous lustre. It is brittle, no cleavage is observed and the fracture is uneven. D_calc. = 3.592 g cm⁻³. Polyarsite is optically biaxial (+), α = 1.624 (4), β = 1.645 (4), γ = 1.682 (4) (589 nm), 2V_meas. = 70 (10)°. The empirical chemical formula calculated based on 19 O+F+Cl apfu is Na_7.04Ca_1.00Mg_0.92Cu_2.06Fe³⁺_0.06(As_3.96S_0.05)_Σ4.01O_16.28F_1.66Cl_1.06. Polyarsite is monoclinic, space group I2/m, a = 8.4323(4), b = 10.0974(4), c = 10.7099(6) Å, β = 90.822(4)°, V = 911.79(8) ų and Z = 2. The crystal structure was determined based on SCXRD data, R = 0.0391. Polyarsite demonstrates a novel structure type. The structure is based on the (1 0 1) heteropolyhedral layers formed by Cu₂O₈Cl dimers built by CuO₄Cl tetragonal pyramids sharing common Cl vertex, AsO₄ tetrahedra and MgO₄F₂ octahedra. Adjacent layers are linked via CaO₈ cubes to form a pseudo-framework which hosts octahedrally coordinated Na cations. Polyarsite was named based on the Greek words πολύς, poly, “many” and due to belonging to arsenates: this arsenate contains many chemical components ordered between different positions in crystal structure. Full article

The ratio of the nucleated cell counts (ΔTNC) provided by the Sysmex XT-2000iV DIFF and BASO channels has been proven to be useful in differentiating effusions in cats; in particular, a ΔTNC > 2.5 was found to have high accuracy for effusive FIP. The objective of this study was to compare the ΔTNC obtained with the Sysmex XT-2000iV and Sysmex XN-1000V on different types of effusions. Fresh effusions from cats were evaluated with both analyzers. WBC-BASO, WBC-DIFF, and ΔTNC-XT from the Sysmex XT-2000iV and TNC-WNR, TNC-WDF, and ΔTNC-XN from the Sysmex XN-1000V were recorded and compared. Forty-five feline effusions were collected. The results were not significantly different for all parameters evaluated. The Passing and Bablok regression analysis for ΔTNC-XT and ΔTNC-XN revealed a slope of 1.612 (95% CI 1.030 to 2.316) and an intercept of −0.744 (95% CI −1.591 to −0.120); the Bland–Altman difference plot showed a positive bias of 4.382 (p = 0.02). Despite the finding of a positive proportional and constant bias between ΔTNC-XT and ΔTNC-XN, evident especially at high ΔTNC values, samples were classified accordingly between the two analyzers when ΔTNC-XT cut-offs were used, allowing the same accuracy for the identification of suspected and compatible FIP samples. Full article