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Emerging and uncommon Candida species have been reported as an increasing cause of invasive Candida infections (ICI). We aim to systematize the global epidemiology associated with emergent uncommon Candida species responsible for invasive infections in adult patients. A systematic review (from 1 January 2001 to 28 February 2023) regarding epidemiological, clinical, and microbiological data associated to invasive Candida infections by uncommon Candida spp. were collected. In total, 1567 publications were identified, and 36 were selected according to inclusion criteria (45 cases). The chosen studies covered: C. auris (n = 21), C. haemulonii (n = 6), C. fermentati (n = 4), C. kefyr (n = 4), C. norvegensis (n = 3), C. nivariensis (n = 3), C. bracarensis (n = 1), C. duobushaemulonii (n = 1), C. blankii (n = 1), and C. khanbhai (n = 1). Over the recent years, there has been an increase in the number of invasive infections caused by uncommon Candida spp. Asia and Europe are the continents with the most reported cases. The challenges in strain identification and antifungal susceptibility interpretation were significant. The absence of clinical breakpoints for the susceptibility profile determination for uncommon Candida spp. makes interpretation and treatment options a clinical challenge. It is crucial that we focus on new and accessible microbiology techniques to make fast and accurate diagnostics and treatments.

A notable shift in understanding the human microbiome’s influence on cardiovascular disease (CVD) is underway, although the causal association remains elusive. A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted to synthesise current knowledge on microbial taxonomy and metabolite variations between healthy controls (HCs) and those with CVD. An extensive search encompassing three databases identified 67 relevant studies (2012–2023) covering CVD pathologies from 4707 reports. Metagenomic and metabolomic data, both qualitative and quantitative, were obtained. Analysis revealed substantial variability in microbial alpha and beta diversities. Moreover, specific changes in bacterial populations were shown, including increased Streptococcus and Proteobacteria and decreased Faecalibacterium in patients with CVD compared with HC. Additionally, elevated trimethylamine N-oxide levels were reported in CVD cases. Biochemical parameter analysis indicated increased fasting glucose and triglycerides and decreased total cholesterol and low- and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels in diseased individuals. This study revealed a significant relationship between certain bacterial species and CVD. Additionally, it has become clear that there are substantial inconsistencies in the methodologies employed and the reporting standards adhered to in various studies. Undoubtedly, standardising research methodologies and developing extensive guidelines for microbiome studies are crucial for advancing the field.

Candida auris, a multidrug-resistant yeast, poses significant challenges in healthcare settings worldwide. Understanding its environmental reservoirs is crucial for effective control strategies. This systematic review aimed to review the literature regarding the natural and environmental reservoirs of C. auris. Following the PRISMA guidelines, published studies until October 2023 were searched in three databases: PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus. Information regarding the origin, sampling procedure, methods for laboratory identification, and antifungal susceptibility was collected and analyzed. Thirty-three studies published between 2016 and 2023 in 15 countries were included and analyzed. C. auris was detected in various environments, including wastewater treatment plants, hospital patient care surfaces, and natural environments such as salt marshes, sand, seawater, estuaries, apples, and dogs. Detection methods varied, with molecular techniques often used alongside culture. Susceptibility profiles revealed resistance patterns. Phylogenetic studies highlight the potential of environmental strains to influence clinical infections. Despite methodological heterogeneity, this review provides valuable information for future research and highlights the need for standardized sampling and detection protocols to mitigate C. auris transmission.

Mutations in the hexose transporter, CgHXT4/6/7, contribute to increased antifungal (azole) resistance in the fungal pathogen, Candida glabrata, potentially by influencing azole accumulation.

Candida parapsilosis is an emergent opportunistic yeast among hospital settings that affects mainly neonates and immunocompromised patients. Its most remarkable virulence traits are the ability to adhere to prosthetic materials, as well as the formation of biofilm on abiotic surfaces. The Ndt80 transcription factor was identified as one of the regulators of biofilm formation by C. parapsilosis; however, its function in this process was not yet clarified. By knocking out NDT80 (CPAR2-213640) gene, or even just one single copy of the gene, we observed substantial alterations of virulence attributes, including morphogenetic changes, adhesion and biofilm growth profiles. Both ndt80Δ and ndt80ΔΔ mutants changed colony and cell morphologies from smooth, yeast-shaped to crepe and pseudohyphal elongated forms, exhibiting promoted adherence to polystyrene microspheres and notably, forming a higher amount of biofilm compared to wild-type strain. Interestingly, we identified transcription factors Ume6, Cph2, Cwh41, Ace2, Bcr1, protein kinase Mkc1 and adhesin Als7 to be under Ndt80 negative regulation, partially explaining the phenotypes displayed by the ndt80ΔΔ mutant. Furthermore, ndt80ΔΔ pseudohyphae adhered more rapidly and were more resistant to murine macrophage attack, becoming deleterious to such cells after phagocytosis. Unexpectedly, our findings provide the first evidence for a direct role of Ndt80 as a repressor of C. parapsilosis virulence attributes. This finding shows that C. parapsilosis Ndt80 functionally diverges from its homolog in the close related fungal pathogen C. albicans.

Gestational diabetes, affecting about 10% of pregnancies, is characterized by impaired glucose regulation and can lead to complications for health of pregnant women and their offspring. The microbiota, the resident microbes within the body, have been linked to the development of several metabolic conditions. This systematic review with meta-analysis aims to summarize the evidence on the differences in microbiota composition in pregnant women with gestational diabetes and their offspring compared to healthy pregnancies. A thorough search was conducted in the PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases, and data from 21 studies were analyzed utilizing 41 meta-analyses. In the gut microbiota, Bifidobacterium and Alistipes were found to be more abundant in healthy pregnancies, while Roseburia appears to be more abundant in gestational diabetes. The heterogeneity among study findings regarding the microbiota in the meconium is considerable. The placental microbiota exhibited almost no heterogeneity, with an increased abundance of Firmicutes in the gestational diabetes group and a higher abundance of Proteobacteria in the control. The role of the microbiota in gestational diabetes is reinforced by these findings, which additionally point to the potential of microbiome-targeted therapies. To completely comprehend the interactions between gestational diabetes and the microbiome, standardizing methodologies and further research is necessary.

Introduction: Accumulation of epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) is associated with coronary artery disease (CAD) and increased risk of coronary events in asymptomatic subjects and low-risk patients, suggesting that EAT promotes atherosclerosis in its early stage. Recent studies have shown that the presence of CAD affects the properties of adjacent EAT, leading to dynamic changes in the molecular players involved in the interplay between EAT and the coronary arteries over the history of the disease. The role of EAT in late-stage CAD has not been investigated. Objectives: In a comparative analysis with mediastinal and subcutaneous adipose tissue, we aim to investigate whether the volume of EAT assessed by computed tomography and its proteome assessed by SWATH-MS mass spectrometry are associated with late stages of CAD in an elderly cohort of severe aortic stenosis patients. Methods: The EPICHEART study (NCT03280433) is a prospective study enrolling patients with severe degenerative aortic stenosis referred for elective aortic valve replacement, whose protocol includes preoperative clinical, nutritional, echocardiographic, cardiac computed tomography and invasive coronary angiographic assessments. During cardiac surgery, samples of EAT and mediastinal and subcutaneous thoracic adipose tissue are collected for proteomics analysis by SWATH-MS. In addition, pericardial fluid and peripheral and coronary sinus blood samples are collected to identify circulating and local adipose tissue-derived biomarkers of CAD. Conclusion: We designed a translational study to explore the association of EAT quantity and quality with advanced CAD. We expect to identify new biochemical factors and biomarkers in the crosstalk between EAT and the coronary arteries that are involved in the pathogenesis of late coronary atherosclerosis, especially coronary calcification, which might be translated into new therapeutic targets and imaging tools by biomedical engineering. Resumo: Introdução: Acumulação de tecido adiposo epicárdico (TAE) tem sido associado a doença coronária aterosclerótica (DC) e aumento do risco de eventos coronários em indivíduos assintomáticos e doentes de baixo risco, sugerindo que o TAE pode promover fases precoces da DC. Estudo recentes mostraram que a presença de DC afeta as características do TAE adjacente levando a modificações dinâmicas nos mediadores envolvidos na comunicação entre o TAE e as artérias coronárias ao longo da história da DC. O papel doTAE nas fases avançadas da aterosclerose coronária não foi investigado. Objetivos: Através de análise comparativa com o tecido adiposo mediastínico e subcutâneo, pretendemos investigar se o volume do TAE, avaliado por tomografia computadorizada (TC), e o seu proteoma, avaliado por espectrometria de massa técnica de SWATH, estão associados a estadios avançados da DC numa coorte de estenose aórtica grave. Métodos: O estudo EPICHEART (NCT03280433) é um estudo prospetivo que inclui doentes com estenose aórtica grave referenciados para substituição eletiva da válvula aórtica, cujo protocolo envolve avaliação pré-operatória clínica, nutricional, ecocardiográfica, por TC e angiografia coronária invasiva. Durante a cirurgia cardíaca, colhemos amostras de tecido adiposo epicárdico, mediastínico e subcutâneo para análise do seu proteoma por espectrometria de massa técnica de SWATH. Adicionalmente, colhemos líquido pericárdico, sangue venoso periférico e do seio coronário para investigar mediadores de DC derivados do TAE na circulação sistémica e local. Conclusão: Desenhámos um estudo de translação para explorar a associação da quantidade e qualidade do TAE com a DC tardia. Esperamos identificar mediadores da comunicação recíproca entre o TAE e as artérias coronárias que estão envolvidos na patogénese das fases avançadas da DC, especialmente, calcificação coronária, os quais podem servir como novos alvos terapêuticos e soluções de engenharia biomédica para visualização da DC.

Candida parapsilosis is the second most common Candida species isolated in Asia, Southern Europe, and Latin America and is often involved in invasive infections that seriously impact human health. This pathogen is part of the psilosis complex, which also includes Candida orthopsilosis and Candida metapsilosis. C. parapsilosis infections are particularly prevalent among neonates with low birth weights, individuals who are immunocompromised, and patients who require prolonged use of a central venous catheter or other indwelling devices, whose surfaces C. parapsilosis exhibits an enhanced capacity to adhere to and form biofilms. Despite this well-acknowledged prevalence, the biology of C. parapsilosis has not been as extensively explored as that of Candida albicans. In this paper, we describe the molecular mechanistic pathways of virulence in C. parapsilosis and show how they differ from those of C. albicans. We also describe the mode of action of antifungal drugs used for the treatment of Candida infections, namely, polyenes, echinocandins, and azoles, as well as the resistance mechanisms developed by C. parapsilosis to overcome them. Finally, we stress the importance of the ongoing search for species-specific features that may aid the development of effective control strategies and thus reduce the burden on patients and healthcare costs.

The role of epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) in the pathophysiology of coronary artery disease (CAD) remains unclear. The present systematic review aimed at compiling dysregulated proteins/genes from different studies to dissect the potential role of EAT in CAD pathophysiology. Exhaustive literature research was performed using the keywords “epicardial adipose tissue and coronary artery disease”, to highlight a group of proteins that were consistently regulated among all studies. Reactome, a pathway analysis database, was used to clarify the function of the selected proteins and their intertwined association. SignalP/SecretomeP was used to clarify the endocrine function of the selected proteins. Overall, 1886 proteins/genes were identified from 44 eligible studies. The proteins were separated according to the control used in each study (EAT non-CAD or subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) CAD) and by their regulation (up- or downregulated). Using a Venn diagram, we selected the proteins that were upregulated and downregulated (identified as 27 and 19, respectively) in EAT CAD for both comparisons. The analysis of these proteins revealed the main pathways altered in the EAT and how they could communicate with the heart, potentially contributing to CAD development. In summary, in this study, the identified dysregulated proteins highlight the importance of inflammatory processes to modulate the local environment and the progression of CAD, by cellular and metabolic adaptations of epicardial fat that facilitate the formation and progression of atherogenesis of coronaries.

The aim of the present work is synthesis of ferroelectric nanomaterials, in the K2O-Nb2O5-SiO2 system via solgel method and studying the processes of formation and structure of the synthesized ferroelectric nanomaterials. The structure of synthesized materials has been studied by means of the following methods: EDS, XRD, FT-IR, SEM and AFM. The results obtained showed that the structure of the investigated compositions does not depend on the niobium content and all the samples keep their amorphous nature at room temperature. The surface structure shows random distribution of different kinds of aggregates with dimensions about 200–500 nm. The presence of a hybrid nanostructure with well-defi ned nanounits having special geometry is clearly observed.

The Taguchi experimental design method is an elegant and efficient way of deriving optimum conditions for processes from the minimum number of experiments. We correlated various relevant synthesis parameters in the precipitation synthesis of single-phase pure hydroxyapatite (Ca 10 (PO 4 ) 6 (OH) 2 , HAp) nanoparticles, via a rapid wet precipitation method, without any aging time. Taguchi planning was used for a systematic study of the combined effects of five different parameters: pH, synthesis temperature, synthesis time, drying temperature and calcination temperature. Using T\aguchi methods, we were able to evaluate the effects of four variations (levels) in each of these five parameters, with just 16 experiments (an L 16 (1024) orthogonal array). We assessed the impact of these parameters on four distinct properties, namely crystallite size, surface area, Ca/P atomic ratio and mol% of HAp. Calcination temperature exerted the greatest impact on hydroxyapatite morphology, corresponding to crystallite size and specific surface area, for which the role of other processing parameters was not significant. On the contrary, the Ca:P ratio was affected mainly by pH. These findings were confirmed by microstructural, structural and spectroscopic characterisation. FTIR spectra, revealing the conditions to retain a pure or prevailing hydroxyapatite phase, and also to indicate favourable conditions for A-type substitutions of carbonate for hydroxide groups, or B-type substitution for phosphate groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work the application of hybrid materials, containing TEOS as source of SiO2 and k-carrageenan in different percentage, synthesized by the sol-gel method at room temperature was studied. They were used as matrices for entrapment of whole Bacillus sp. UG-5B cells, producers of thermostable nitrilase. The effect of the surface area and size and quantity of pores in the synthesized materials on the enzyme activity was evaluated. The process of biodegradation of different concentrations of toxic, potentially carcinogenic and mutagenic substrates by the obtained biocatalysts was investigated. The enzyme reaction takes place by the nitrilase pathway, catalysing nitrile hydrolysis directly to the corresponding carboxylic acid, forming ammonia. At batch experiments the influence of the substrate concentration of different nitriles was tested and 20 mM concentration was found most suitable. A two-step biodegradation process in a laboratory-scale column bioreactor of o-, m- and p-tolunitrile as a mixture was followed. After operation of the system for nine hours for the mixture of substrates at a flow rate of 45 mL h and at 60°C, the overall conversion realized was above 90%, showing a good efficiency of the investigated process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Sr2−x Ca x Bi4Ti5O18(x =0, 0.05) powders synthesized by solid state route were uniaxially pressed and sintered at 1225°C for 2h. The obtained dense ceramics exhibited crystallographic anisotropy with a dominant c axis parallel to the uniaxial pressing direction which was quantified in terms of the Lotgering factor. Microstructure anisotropy of both compositions (x =0, 0.05) consisted of plate like grains exhibiting their larger surfaces mostly perpendicular to the uniaxial pressing direction. Dielectric and ferroelectric properties of Sr2−x Ca x Bi4Ti5O18 ceramics were measured under an electric field (E) applied parallel and perpendicularly to uniaxial pressing direction. The obtained dielectric ɛ R(T) and polarization (P–E) curves depended strongly on E direction thus denoting a significant effect from microstructure and crystallographic texture. Sr2−x Ca x Bi4Ti5O18 properties were also significantly affected by Ca content (x): Curie temperature increased from 280°C (x =0) to 310°C (x =0.05) while ɛ R and remnant polarization decreased for x =0.05. The present results are discussed within the framework of the processing and crystal structure–properties relationships of Aurivillius oxides ceramics. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This work investigates the influence of the precursor trimethylsilil isocyanate on the sol-gel synthesis of hybrid materials. The obtained Si-O-C-N network is additionally modified by titanium and zirconium alcoxypropoxides in the range of 10 to 30 wt.%. The structure of the obtained hybrid materials before and after pyrolysis up to 1100°C was investigated by methods of XRD, FTIR and 29Si MAS NMR. We established that the hybrid structure was stable up to 600°C based on IR study. The structural transformation of the hybrid materials into oxycarbonitrogen system started at 800°C. The network of the hybrids modified by titanium remained stable and amorphous up to the final temperature of the pyrolysis (1100°C) compared to the gels modified by more than 10 wt.% Zr. It was confirmed by XRD analysis that the last mentioned are nanocomposite materials, built from carbooxynitrogen vitreous matrix and ZrO2-nanocrystals (tetragonal). The NMR method verified the presence of heterometallic bonds (SiO-Ti and Si-O-Zr) and Q4, ZrQ3 or TiQ3, NSiO3 and D structural units in the gels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Examines the effects of lead zirconate titanate seeds on the Pt[sub x]Pb formation during pyrolysis of lead zirconate titanate thin films. Formation of metastable intermetallic phase; Variation of thickness and stoichiometry; Assessment of the crystalline texture.

Metallic implants and devices are widely used in the orthopedic and orthodontic clinical areas. However, several problems regarding their adhesion with the living tissues and inflammatory responses due to the release of metallic ions to the medium have been reported. The modification of the metallic surfaces and the use of biocompatible protective coatings are two approaches to solve such issues. In this study, in order to improve the adhesion properties and to increase the corrosion resistance of metallic Ti substrates we have obtained a hybrid structure based on TiO2 nanotubular arrays and PDMS-TEOS films. TiO2 nanotubes have been prepared with two different diameters by means of electrochemical anodization. PDMS-TEOS films have been prepared by the sol–gel method. The morphological and the elemental analysis of the structures have been investigated by scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and polarization curves have been performed during immersion of the samples in Kokubo’s simulated body fluid (SBF) at 37 °C to study the effect of structure layers and tube diameter on the protective properties. The obtained results show that the modification of the surface structure of TiO2 and the application of PDMS-TEOS film is a promising strategy for the development of implant materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The preparation of PDMS–TEOS–CaO hybrid materials by sol–gel techniques has been widely described in previous works. Calcium nitrate is the most common source of calcium used in these preparations. However, to remove possible toxic nitrate by-products a thermal treatment is necessary at temperatures above 500°C, which leads to the degradation of the polymeric components of the hybrids. Strontium has already shown some promising results in the therapeutic area, being used in cases of osteoporosis and low bone density. In this study a new potential bioactive hybrid material was prepared, by sol–gel techniques, using calcium acetate as a novel calcium source. Also, for the first time, incorporation of strontium in a PDMS–TEOS hybrid system was evaluated. Samples were characterized before and after immersion in Kokubo''s Simulated Body Fluid (SBF) by SEM, EDS, ICP and FT-IR spectroscopy. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Aims: This study aimed to evaluate the association of GDF-15 and NT-pro-BNP in two different biological matrices with AF in severe aortic stenosis patients undergoing aortic valve replacement surgery (AVR), its association with atrial matrix remodeling, as well as with 30-day postoperative outcomes. Main Methods: One hundred and twenty-six patients between 2009 and 2019 with severe aortic stenosis undergoing AVR surgery in a tertiary hospital were assessed. Key Findings: pericardial fluid GDF-15 and pericardial fluid and serum NT-pro-BNP were increased in AF patients with aortic stenosis. COL1A1 and COL3A1 gene expression increased when pericardial fluid NT-pro-BNP values were higher. TIMP4 was positively correlated with pericardial fluid GDF-15. Significance: GDF-15 and NT-pro-BNP in the pericardial fluid are biomarkers of atrial fibrillation in aortic stenosis and correlate with atrial matrix remodeling. AKI is predicted by both serum and pericardial fluid GDF-15.

For years, antifungal drug resistance in Candida species has been associated to the expression of ATP-Binding Cassette (ABC) multidrug transporters. More recently, a few drug efflux pumps from the Drug:H+ Antiporter (DHA) family have also been shown to play a role in this process, although to date only the C. albicans Mdr1 transporter has been demonstrated to be relevant in the clinical acquisition of antifungal drug resistance. This work provides evidence to suggest the involvement of the C. glabrata DHA transporters CgAqr1, CgQdr2, CgTpo1_1 and CgTpo3 in the clinical acquisition of clotrimazole drug resistance. A screening for azole drug resistance in 138 Candida glabrata clinical isolates, from patients attending two major Hospitals in Portugal, was performed. Based on this screening, ten clotrimazole susceptible and ten clotrimazole resistant isolates were selected for further analysis. The transcript levels of CgAQR1, CgQDR2, CgTPO1_1 and CgTPO3 were found to be significantly up-regulated in resistant isolates when compared to the susceptible ones, with a level of correlation that was found to be similar to that of CgCDR2, an ABC gene known to be involved in the clinical acquisition of resistance. As a proof-of-concept experiment, the CgTPO3 gene was deleted in an azole resistant C. glabrata isolate, exhibiting high levels of expression of this gene. The deletion of CgTPO3 in this isolate was found to lead to decreased resistance to clotrimazole and fluconazole, and increased accumulation of azole drugs, thus suggesting the involvement of this transporter in the manifestation of azole resistance.

Urinary tract infection (UTI) is a common complication after kidney transplantation, often associated to graft loss and increased healthcare costs. Kidney transplant patients (KTPs) are particularly susceptible to infection by Enterobacteriaceae-producing extended-spectrum β-lactamases (ESBLs). A retrospective case-control study was conducted to identify independent risk factors for ESBL-producing Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae in non-hospitalized KTPs with UTI. Forty-nine patients suffering from UTI by ESBL-producing bacteria (ESBL-P) as case group and the same number of patients with UTI by ESBL negative (ESBL-N) as control-group were compared. Clinical data, renal function parameters during UTI episodes, UTI recurrence and relapsing rate, as well as risk factors for recurrence, molecular characterization of isolates and the respective antimicrobial susceptibility profile were evaluated. Diabetes mellitus (p

Two PDMS-SiO 2 -TiO 2 -CaO porous hybrid materials were prepared using the same base composition, precursors, and solvents, but following two different sol-gel procedures, based on the authors' previous works where for the first time, in this hybrid system, calcium acetate was used as calcium source. The two different procedures resulted in monolithic materials with different structures, microstructures, and surface wettability. Even though both are highly hydrophobic (contact angles of 127.2° and 150.6°), and present different filling regimes due to different surface topographies, they have demonstrated to be cytocompatible when tested with human osteoblastic cells, against the accepted idea that high-hydrophobic surfaces are not suitable to cell adhesion and proliferation. At the nanoscale, the existence of hydrophilic silica domains containing calcium, where water molecules are physisorbed, is assumed to support this capability, as discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The present paper deals with the influence of the main silica precursors and the type and quantity of organic components (HEMA, PEO and chitin) on the structure of hybrid materials and their applicability for microbial cell immobilization. The sol–gel synthesis and structure formation of gels have been investigated by means of XRD, FT-IR, BET, SEM and AFM techniques. The type of precursors is of paramount importance for the formation of strong chemical bonds between inorganic and organic components of synthesized materials. AFM demonstrated the existence of hybrid nanostructure with well-defined nanounits and their aggregates. Whole thermophilic bacterial cells producing nitrilase and characterized by cyanocompound degradation activity, have been immobilized by: entrapment within the sol–gel network, adsorption and chemical binding on the surface. The synthesized hybrid nanobiomaterials could be successfully used as matrices for immobilization of living prokaryotic cells and find application in biodegradation processes of toxic environmental pollutants. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

We report the first ever robocast (additive manufacturing/3D printing) sintered ceria scaffolds, and explore their use for the production of renewable fuels via solar thermochemical fuel production (STFP, water and carbon dioxide splitting using concentrated solar energy). CeO 2 catalyst scaffolds were fabricated as 50 mm diameter discs (struts and voids ∼500 μm), sintered at 1450 °C, with specific surface area of 1.58 m 2 g -1 . These scaffolds have hierarchical porosity, consisting of the macroporous scaffold structure combined with nanoscale porosity within the ceria struts, with mesopores <75 Å and an average pore size of ∼4 nm, and microporosity <2 nm with a microporous surface area of 0.29 m 2 g -1 . The ceria grains were ≤500 nm in diameter after sintering. STFP testing was carried out via thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) with reduction between 1050-1400 °C under argon, and oxidation at 1050 °C with 50% CO 2 , gave rapid CO production during oxidation, with high peak CO production rates (0.436 μmol g -1 s -1 , 0.586 ml g -1 min -1 ), for total CO yield of 78 μmol g -1 (1.747 ml g -1 ). 90% CO was obtained after just 10 min of oxidation, comparing well to reticulated ceria foams, this CO production rate being an order of magnitude greater than that for ceria powders when tested at similar temperatures.