In relativity, the Newtonian concepts of velocity and acceleration are observer-dependent quantities that vary with the chosen frame of reference. It is well established that in the comoving frame, cosmic expansion is currently accelerating; however, in the rest frame, this expansion is actually decelerating. In this paper, we explore the implications of this distinction. The traditional measure of cosmic acceleration, denoted by q, is derived from the comoving frame and describes the acceleration of the scale factor a for a 3D space-like homogeneous sphere. We introduce a new parameter q_E representing the acceleration experienced between observers within the light cone. By comparing q_E to the traditional q using observational data from Type Ia supernovae (SN) and the radial clustering of galaxies and quasars (BAO)—including the latest results from DESI2024—our analysis demonstrates that q_E aligns more closely with these data. The core argument of the paper is that Λ—regardless of its origin—creates an event horizon that divides the manifold into two causally disconnected regions analogous to conditions inside a black hole’s interior, thereby allowing for a rest-frame perspective q_E in which cosmic expansion appears to be decelerating and the horizon acts like a friction term. Such a horizon suggests that the universe cannot maintain homogeneity outside. The observed cosmological constant Λ can then be interpreted not as a driver of new dark energy or a modification of gravity but as a boundary term exerting an attractive force, akin to a rubber band, resisting further expansion and preventing event horizon crossings. This interpretation calls for a reconsideration of current cosmological models and the assumptions underlying them.

The repeated application of herbicides has led to the development of herbicide resistance. Models are useful for identifying key processes and understanding the evolution of resistance. This study developed a spatially explicit model at a landscape scale to examine the dynamics of Lolium rigidum populations in dryland cereal crops and the evolution of herbicide resistance under var-ious management strategies. Resistance evolved rapidly under repeated herbicide use, driven by weed fecundity and herbicide efficacy. Although fitness costs associated with resistant plants re-duced resistance evolution, they did not affect the speed of spread. The most effective strategies to slow resistance involved diversifying cropping sequences (e.g., crop rotation) and the herbicide applications (e.g., rotating different herbicide modes of action). Pollen flow was the main disper-sal vector, with seed dispersal also contributing significantly. Strategies limiting seed dispersal effectively decreased resistance spread. However, the use of a seed-catching device at harvest could unintentionally enrich resistance in the area. It would be beneficial to optimise the move-ment of harvesters between fields. The model presented here is a useful tool that may assist in the exploration of novel management strategies within the context of site-specific weed management at the landscape scale, as well as in the advancement of our understanding of resistance dynamics.

The search for natural product-based biopesticides from endophytic fungi is an effective tool to find new solutions. In this study, we studied a pre-selected fungal endophyte, isolate YCC4, from the paleoendemism Persea indica, along with compounds present in the extract and the identification of the insect antifeedant and nematicidal ones. The endophyte YCC4 was identified as Phyllosticta capitalensis by molecular analysis. The insect antifeedant activity was tested by choice bioassays against Spodoptera littoralis, Myzus persicae and Rhopalosiphum padi and the in vitro and in vivo mortality was tested against the root-knot nematode Meloiydogyne javanica. Since the extract resulted an effective insect antifeedant, a strong nematicidal and lacked phytotoxicity on tomato plants, a comprehensive phytochemical study was carried out. The chemical study resulted in the identification of two new metabolites, metguignardic acid (4) and (-)-epi-guignardone I (14), along the known dioxolanones guignardic acid (1), ethyl guignardate (3), guignardianones A (5), C (2), D (7) and E (6), phenguignardic acid methyl ester (8), and the meroterpenes guignardone A (9) and B (10) and guignarenone C (12), (-)-guignardone I (13) and the phyllomeroterpenoid B (15). Among these compounds, 1 and 4 were effective antifeedants against both insect species, while 2 was only active on the aphid M. persicae. The nematicidal compounds were 4, 7 and 8. This is the first report on the insect antifeedant or nematicidal effects of these dioxolanone-type compounds. Since the insect antifeedant and nematicidal activity of the P. capitalensis extract depends on the presence of dioxolanone components, future fermentation optimizations are needed to promote the biosynthesis of these compounds instead of the meroterpenes.

Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Alzheimer's disease are two diseases with a high incidence today that share similar pathophysiological mechanisms suggesting a potential causal relationship between them. In fact, Alzheimer-associated Mellitus Diabetes is also known as Type 3 Diabetes Mellitus and constitutes a diabetes intricately linked to Alzheimer's disease. Central to this association is insulin resistance, a key factor leading to decreased insulin sensitivity, hyperglycemia, and impaired glucose uptake. Because of this, the brain is altered resulting in energy deficits and neuronal damage associated with neurodegenerative disorder characteristic of Alzheimer's disease. Both diseases exhibit common biochemical and physiological characteristics such as inflammation, mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress, and the formation of advanced glycation end products. Understanding the complex pathophysiology of Type 3 Mellitus Diabetes and identifying common features shared with Diabetes and Alzheimer's disease are essential steps towards potential therapeutic interventions targeting the insulin resistance pathway. The authors of this review on the relationships between type 2 diabetes and Alzheimer's disease have developed two works. In the first (Relationships between Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Alzheimer's Disease. I. Common pathogenic mechanisms), authors explore the shared (physiological, genetics and molecular) pathological changes occurring in Type 2 Mellitus Diabetes and Alzheimer's disease as well as pathways such as AMPK, PPARγ, cAMP, and PI3K/Akt as potential targets for managing Type 3 Diabetes Mellitus. By exploring these intricate mechanisms, the goal is to uncover their interdependencies and facilitate the discovery of innovative pharmacological and nutritional (epigenetics) strategies. In the second paper (Relationships between Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Alzheimer's Disease. II Potential therapies) we describe possible nutritional intervention, particularly dietary patterns and phytochemicals that can enhance the effects of pharmaceutical drugs designed against pathological mechanisms involved in the complex dual disease Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Alzheimer's disease (or in Type 3 Diabetes Mellitus as other authors consider).

There is currently much interest in avoiding precious metals in Catalysis. The devel-opment of nickel catalysts to replace palladium in the Mizoroki-Heck reaction is a relevant case in this line of research since both elements share many chemical features. This contri-bution focuses on -Phenyl elimination in alkylnickel complexes. This is the microscopic reverse of olefin insertion (or carbometallation), a fundamental step of the Heck cycle that is usually considered irreversible and selectivity-determining. However, the potential reversibil-ity of carbometallation is generally concealed by the facile beta-hydrogen elimination that follows. Where -hydrogen elimination is hindered, beta-aryl elimination may ensue. We have previously shown that cationic 2-methyl-2-phenylpropyl (neophyl) palladium com-plexes supported by bidentate ligands experience -Ph elimination, which can be seen as an example of olefin de-insertion. In this contribution, we report that -phenyl elimination can also occur in their nickel analogs, in which case fast hydrolyses of the resulting phenyl product can follow the reaction. We investigated the mechanism of these processes and compared their feasibility for nickel and palladium catalysts using DFT calculations. These results are relevant information for the design of nickel-based catalysts for the Heck reac-tion.

The presence of organic dyes in aqueous environments is of extreme hazardousness against life due to the toxicity of these compounds. Thus, its removal from these various aquatic media is of the utmost importance and several technologies are constantly proven to match this goal. Among these technologies, various types of degradation and adsorption are the most widely used, and of the various types of materials used within these technologies, nanomaterials are constantly developed and investigated, probably due to the various properties that these nanomaterials presented. This work reviewed recent developments (2023 year) about the use of these nanomaterials on the treatment of solutions contaminated with these toxic organic dyes.

Though nowadays germanium do not reach the range of popularity than other metals, i.e. rare earth elements, its utility in target industries makes of it also a strategic metal. Though germanium can be find in a series of raw materials, the principal source for its recovery is from secondary wastes of the zinc industry, and also, the recycle of germanium-bearing waste materials is becoming of interest. In this recovery, Hydrometallurgy is performing a key role to the successful achievement of this goal. The present work reviews the most recent applications (2023 and 2024 years) of hydrometallurgical operations on the recovery of germanium from different solid and liquid sources.

Amidst increasing awareness of diet-health relationships, plant-derived bioactive peptides are recognized for their dual nutritional and health benefits. This study investigates bioactive peptides released after Alcalase hydrolysis of protein from chachafruto (Erythrina edulis), a nutrient-rich South American leguminous plant, focusing on their behavior during simulated gastrointestinal digestion. Evaluating their ability to scavenge radicals, mitigate oxidative stress, and influence immune response biomarkers, the study underscores the importance of understanding peptide interactions in digestion. Methods included previous enzymatic hydrolysis with Alcalase to obtain peptides, and results show significant radical scavenging and oxidative stress protection by chachafruto peptides. These findings highlight the potential of chachafruto bioactive peptides in functional foods and nutraceuticals, supporting human health through dietary interventions.

The boosted interest in the use of rare earth elements (REEs) in modern technologies had also increase the necessity of their recovery from various sources, including raw materials and wastes. Though Hydrometallurgy plays a key role in these recovery processes, some drawbacks (apparent or not) of these processes, had led to the development of a more environmental friendship subclass named Solvometallurgy, in which non-aqueous solvents substituted to the aqueous media of the hydrometallurgical processing. The non-aqueous solvents chosen for these usages are, besides ionic liquids (ILs), the so-named Deep Eutectic Solvents (DEEs). The utilization of DEEs included the leaching of REEs from the different sources containing them, and also in the separation-purification steps necessary for the yielding of these elements, normally as oxides or salts, in the most purified form. This work reviewed the most recent literature (2023 year) about the utilization of deep eutectic solvents in the recovery of REEs from various sources, and in the coupling of these two (DESs and REEs) to derived compounds to be used in other fields.

Different drought indices are used to quantify its characteristics. This research applied many approaches to assessing the uncertain SPI and SPEI and the most capturing index of drought. Machine learning algorithms are used to predict drought; TBATS and ARIMA models run diverse input sources including observations, CSIC, and CMIP6-ssp126 datasets. The longest drought duration was 14 months. Drought severity and average intensity were found -24.64 and -1.76, -23.80 and -1.83, -23.57 and -1.96, -23.44 and -2.0 where the corresponding drought categories were SPI 12 -Sweileh, SPI 9 Sweileh, SPI 12 Wadi Dhullail, SPI 12 Amman-Airport. The dominant drought incident occurred between Oct 2020 and Dec 2021. CMIP6 can capture the drought occurrence and severity by measuring SPI but did not capture the severity magnitude same as from observations (-2.87 by observation and -1.77 by CMIP6). Using observed SPI and historical CMIP6, ARIMA was the most accurate than TBATS. Regarding SPEI forecast, ARIMA was the most accurate model to forecast drought index using the observed historical SPEI and CSIC over all stations. The performance metrics ME, RMSE, MAE, and MASE implied significantly promising forecasting models; -0.0046, 0.278, 0.179, & 0.193 respectively for ARIMA and -0.0181, 0.538, 0.416, & 0.466 respectively for TBATS. Hybrid modelling is suggested for more consistency and robustness of forecasting approaches.

ATP is an essential molecule in many biocatalytic processes. The industrial implementation of these processes is hampered by the fact that they require stoichiometric quantities of this expen-sive co-factor. To avoid this problem, recycling systems are needed. This study characterizes a putative polyphosphate kinase enzyme from Burkholderia cenocepacia that can regenerate ATP from AMP. Sequence analysis shows that BcPPK2-III exhibits the characteristic structural motifs of known PPK2 enzymes, including conserved motifs Walker A and B, and the subclass-specific res-idue E137. Molecular docking simulations showed ADP had the highest binding affinity (-7.340 kcal/mol), followed by AMP (-7.284 kcal/mol), with ATP having the lowest affinity (-6.464 kcal/mol). The enzyme was overexpressed in E. coli. Protein expression and purification were monitored by SDS-PAGE and quantified by densitometric analysis. Enzymatic activity assays re-vealed that BcPPK2-III converts 70% ATP with a TTN of 334,000 after 24 hours and remains sta-ble over a pH range of 6-9 and temperatures up to 70°C. BcPPK2-III shows significant potential for industrial ATP regeneration and offers high conversion rates and stability. The enzyme's high conversion rate and stability make BcPPK2-III a promising candidate for the improvement of bio-catalytic processes that rely on ATP at industrial level.

Faba bean is an important legume crop wordwide, grown both for food and feed. As for many legume crops, postemergence weed control is difficult. The aim of this work was to assess potential of intercropping on weed management by assessing the effect of mixing faba bean with different crops (wheat, barley, and pea) on weeds in the South of Spain. Four field trials were conducted over four consecutive seasons, and results found that addition alternate intercropping of faba bean and barley achieved high levels of weed control, both for coverage and biomass (92.7% and 76.6%, respectively). Intercropping with wheat did not reduce weed coverage but did decrease weed biomass by 46.1% as compared to faba bean monocrop. Intercropping with pea did not provide significant reductions for weed coverage neither for weed biomass. The diversity of the weed community was not altered by the different crop combinations tested. Additional experiments under controlled conditions were carried out to determine a possible role of barley allelopathy in weed suppression. A strong allelopathic effect entailing a reduction in the number of plants and biomass was detected for four weeds: Sinapis arvensis, Polypogon monspeliensis, Matricaria camomilla, and Medicago trucatula. It can be concluded that intercropping faba bean with barley is an excellent strategy for weed control in the Southern Spain.

Non-conventional resonances, both acoustic and photonic, are found in metallic particles with a toroidal nanopropeller geometry that is generated by sweeping a three-lobed 2D-shape along a spiral with twisting angle, α. For both optical and acoustic cases, the spectral location of resonances experiences a red-shift as a function of α. We demonstrate that the optical case can be understood as a natural evolution of resonances as the spiral length of the toroidal nanopropeller increases with α, implying a huge helicity dependent absorption cross section. In the case of acoustic response, two red-shifting breathing modes are identified. Additionally, even a small α allows the appearance of new low-frequency resonances, whose spectral dispersion depends on a competition between length of the generative spiral and the pitch of the toroidal nanopropeller.

Present worldwide difficulties in healthcare and the environment have motivated the investigation and research of novel materials in an effort to find novel techniques to address the current chal-lenges and requirements. In particular, the use of nanomaterials has demonstrated a significant promise in the fight against bacterial infections and the problem of antibiotic resistance. Metal na-noparticles and carbon-based nanomaterials in particular have been highlighted for their excep-tional abilities to inhibit many types of bacteria and pathogens. In order for these materials to be as effective as possible, synthetic techniques are crucial. Therefore, in this review article, we high-light some recent developments in the design and synthesis of various nanomaterials, including metal nanoparticles (e.g., Ag, Zn, or Cu), metal hybrid nanomaterials, and the synthesis of mul-ti-metallic hybrid nanostructured materials. Following that, examples of these materials’ applica-tions in antimicrobial performance targeted at eradicating multi-drug resistant bacteria, material protection such as microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC), or additives in construction ma-terials have been described.

During the last years there has been a high interest in the development of new purely-organic single-component conductors. Very recently, we have reported a new neutral radical conductor based on the perchlorotriphenylmethyl (PTM) radical moiety linked to a monopyrrolo-tetrathiafulvalene (MPTTF) unit by a -conjugated bridge (1). Interestingly, this system behaves as a semiconductor with high conductivity and small energy gap under high pressure. With the aim of developing a new material with improved conducting properties, we have designed and synthesized the radical dyad 2 which was functionalized with an ethylenedithio (EDT) group in order to improve the intermolecular interactions of the TTF subunits. The physical properties of the new radical dyad 2 were studied in detail in solution to further analyze its electronic structure as well as its potential use as radical conductor in the solid state.

Sirtuins (SIRTs) are a family of evolutionarily conserved enzymes, and the aim of this study was to disclose/re-annotate uncertain paralogs in gilthead sea bream, expanding from seven to ten the repertoire of Sirts in this Perciform fish. Such gene expansion revealed up to three copies of sirt3 (sirt3.1a/sirt3.1b/sirt3.2) and two of sirt5 (sirt5a/sirt5b). Phylogenetic and synteny attempts disclosed the duplication of SIRT3/Sirt3 branch as a process shaped by the 2R whole genome duplication (WGD) at the early vertebrate evolution, with still vestiges in all living fish, and some Sarcopterygii. In gilthead sea bream and other Percomorphaceae, this duplication was accompanied by short segmental duplications of sirt3.1 (clustered to the mammalian SIRT3 ortholog), making a conserved tandem-duplicated synteny block (psmd13-sirt3.1a/b-drd4-cdhr5-ctsd). Conversely, the expansion of the Sirt5 branch was shaped by the 3R WGD as a specific event of the teleost fish lineage. Intriguingly, gene expression profiling across tissues and developmental stages highlighted a conserved high expression of sirt3.1 and sirt5a in skeletal muscle, while the duplicated sirt3.2 and sirt5b displayed an overall muscle suppression of transcriptional activity, and an enhanced expression on immune-relevant tissues and gills, respectively. Altogether offers new insights about the function, regulation, and timing of Sirt expansion.

Thermal analysis is widely employed for the characterization of nanomaterials. It encompasses a variety of techniques that allow the evaluation of the physicochemical properties of a material by monitoring its response under controlled temperature. In the case of carbon nanomaterials, such as carbon nanotubes and graphene derivatives, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) is particularly useful to determine the quality and stability of the sample, presence of impurities and the degree of functionalization or doping after post-synthesis treatments. Furthermore, TGA is widely used to evaluate the thermal stability against oxidation by air, which can be for instance enhanced by the purification of the material and by nitrogen doping, finding application in areas where a retarded combustion of the material is required. Herein, we have evaluated key parameters that play a role in the data obtained from TGA. Within this study we show that the thermogravimetric curve of carbon nanomaterials is greatly influenced by these parameters. This is important in terms of data recording and their analysis, since a poor control of the conditions of measurement might lead to false conclusions. We highlight this by analyzing different samples of graphene and carbon nanotubes where both thermal stability and sample purity assessment are found to be dependent on the employed TGA parameters. Finally, a set of TGA parameters are recommended for the analysis of carbon nanomaterials to obtain reliable data.¡

This study explores the impact on the stability of drying and encapsulation of a camu camu extract (CCX) using the non-thermal, high-throughput electrospraying assisted by pressurized gas (EAPG) technique. The dried and encapsulated products by the EAPG processing techniques were compared in terms of total soluble phenolic compounds, antioxidant activity, and storage stability. Whey protein concentrate (WPC) and zein (ZN) were selected as the protective excipients for encapsulation. Dried and encapsulated products were obtained in the form of microparticles, which were smaller and more spherical in the case of the encapsulates. No significant differences were observed in the total polyphenolic content (TSP), and only relatively small differences in the antioxidant capacity were measured among samples. The generated products were subjected to various storage conditions to assess their stability and the preservation of the TSP and the antioxidant properties, i.e. 0% relative humidity (RH) and 4°C; 0% RH and 21°C; 23% RH and 21°C; 56% RH and 21°C; and UV light exposure. The results indicated that ZN encapsulation notably enhanced the retention of total soluble polyphenols and antioxidant activity compared to WPC and dried CCX, especially in the ratio 2:1 (encapsulating polymer: dried CCX). This study demonstrates the potential of protein-based encapsulation, particularly using ZN, for stabilizing bioactive compounds against degradation mechanisms induced by humidity, temperature, or ultraviolet radiation exposure.

Helicobacter pylori infection affects over 50% of the world population and leads to chronic inflammation and gastric disorders, being the main pathogen correlated to gastric cancer development. The increasing on antibiotic resistance levels is a major global concern and alternative treatments are needed. Soybean peptides and other compounds might be an alternative in the treatment to avoid, eradicate and/or control symptoms of H. pylori infection. This study aimed to characterize a lunasin-enriched soybean extract (LSE) by proteomics tools and to evaluate its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties against H. pylori infection. By LC-MS/MS analysis, 124 proteins were identified, with the 2S albumin (lunasin and large chain subunits) being the fourth most abundant protein (8.9%). Lunasin consisted of 44 amino acid residues and an intramolecular disulfide bond. LSE at a low dose (0.0625 mg/mL) reduced ROS production in both H. pylori-infected and non-infected AGS gastric cells. This led to a significant reduction of 6.71% in the levels of pro-inflammatory interleukin (IL)-8. LSE also showed antibacterial activity against H. pylori which can be attributed to other soybean proteins and phenolic compounds. Our findings suggest that LSE might be a promising alternative in the management of H. pylori infection and associated symptoms.

The use of Physical Unclonable Functions (PUFs) linked to the manufacturing process of the electronic devices supporting applications that exchange critical data over the Internet has made these elements essential to guarantee the authenticity of said devices, as well as the confidentiality and integrity of the information they process or transmit. This paper describes the development of a configurable PUF/TRNG module based on Ring Oscillators (ROs) that takes full advantage of the structure of modern programmable devices offered by Xilinx 7 Series families. In this work, the increase in hardware efficiency of the proposed architecture is used with a double objective. On the one hand, perform an exhaustive statistical characterization of the results derived from the exploitation of RO configurability. On the other hand, undertake the development of a new version of the module that requires a smaller amount of resources while considerably increasing the number of output bits compared to other proposals previously reported in the literature. The design as a highly parameterized Intellectual Property (IP) module connectable through a standard interface to a soft- or hard-core general-purpose processor greatly facilitates its integration into embedded solutions, while accelerating the validation and characterization of this element on the same electronic device that implements it. The studies carried out reveal adequate values of reliability, uniqueness and unpredictability when the module acts as a PUF, as well as acceptable levels of randomness and entropy when it acts as a True Random Number Generator (TRNG). They also illustrate the ability to obfuscate and recover identifiers or cryptographic keys of up to 4 096 bits using an implementation of the PUF/TRNG module that requires only a 4×4 CLB array to accommodate the RO bank.

Mutations in the lipoyltransferase 1 (LIPT1) gene are rare inborn errors of metabolism leading to a fatal condition characterized by lipoylation defects of the 2-ketoacid dehydrogenase complexes causing early-onset seizures, psychomotor retardation, abnormal muscle tone, severe lactic aci-dosis and increased urine lactate, ketoglutarate, and 2-oxoacids levels. In this article, we characterized the disease pathophysiology using fibroblasts and induced neurons derived from a patient bearing a compound heterozygous mutation in LIPT1. Western blot analysis revealed reduced expression of LIPT1 and absent expression of lipoylated pyruvate dehydrogenase E2 (PDH E2) and alpha-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase E2 (α-KGDH E2) subunits. Accordingly, activities of PDH and α-KGDH were markedly reduced, associated with cell bioenergetics failure, iron accumulation and lipid peroxidation. In addition, using a pharmacological screening, we identified a cocktail of antioxidants and mitochondrial boosting agents consisting of pantothenate, nicotinamide, vitamin E, thiamine, biotin, and alpha-lipoic acid, which is capable of rescuing LIPT1 patho-physiology, increasing LIPT1 expression and lipoylation of mitochondrial proteins, improving cell bioenergetics, and eliminating iron overload and lipid peroxidation. Furthermore, our data suggest that the beneficial effect of the treatment is mainly mediated by SIRT3 activation. In conclusion, we have identified a promising therapeutic approach for correcting LIPT1 mutations.

Keywords: Biomass pyrolysis, Chemical Looping Combustion, Life Cycle Assessment, Environmental Impacts, Carbon Footprint.

The study aimed to evaluate the nutritional value of watermelon plant silage (WPS) and to assess the effect of replacing alfalfa hay (AH) with WPS in a diet formulated for dairy goats. The study used four goats as donors of rumen microbiota to analyze in vitro fermentation parameters. The chemical composition analysis revealed that WPS and AH had similar protein content (21.1 vs. 18.9 g CP/100 g DM), but WPS had lower contents of organic matter (77.4 vs. 89.6 g/100 g DM), NDF (36.3 vs. 49.4 g/100 g DM), ADF (26.4 vs. 34.6 g/100 g DM), LAD (6.40 vs. 8.01 g/100 g DM), and amino acids (716 vs. 874 g AA/kg N) compared to AH. Conversely, WPS had higher fat content (3.09 vs. 1.29 g CF/100 g DM) and different macro- and micromineral content values than AH. In a first in vitro experiment, WPS and AH were incubated independently to compare their fermentation behaviour, indicating that the metabolizable energy (ME) tended to be higher for WPS compared to the AH diet (6.67 vs. 5.72 MJ/kg DM; p = 0.058). WPS fermentation produced lower concentrations of total VFA than AH (66.6 vs. 115 mM; p = 0.011), lower proportions of propionate and valerate (p ≤ 0.022), and higher proportions of isobutyrate (p = 0.001), without altering gas production (GP) kinetics as degradation rate and its potential release. In a second in vitro trial, a formulated goat diet (consisting of commercial concentrate and AH in a 1:1 ratio) was used as a control to assay the impact of AH replacing by WPS at 25% and 50% respectively. Trends were observed in several parameters, such as a linear increase in GP rate (p = 0.088), organic matter digestibility (p = 0.067), and CH4 concentration in the gas produced (p = 0.094) as AH was replaced by WPS. The study concluded that WPS could serve as a viable fodder to replace AH in conventional dairy goat diets while simultaneously reducing agricultural waste and serving as a regenerative model for implementing the circular economy strategy in the affected sectors.

This review deals with the adaptive mechanisms that plants can implement to cope with the challenge of salt stress. Plants tolerant to NaCl implement a series of adaptations to acclimate to salinity, including morphological, physiological and biochemical changes. These changes include increases in the root/canopy ratio and in the chlorophyll content in addition to changes in the leaf anatomy that ultimately lead to preventing leaf ion toxicity, thus maintaining the water status in order to limit water loss and protect the photosynthesis process. Furthermore, we deal with the effect of salt stress on photosynthesis and chlorophyll fluorescence and some of the mechanisms thought to protect the photosynthetic machinery, including the xanthophyll cycle, photorespiration pathway and water-water cycle. Finally, we also provide an updated discussion on salt-induced oxidative stress at the subcellular level and its effect on the antioxidant machinery in both salt-tolerant and salt-sensitive plants. The aim is to extend our understanding of how salinity may affect the physiological characteristics of plants.

Candidate vaccines against African swine fever virus (ASFV) based on naturally attenuated or genetically modified viruses have the potential to generate protective immune responses, although there is no consensus on what defines a protective immune response against ASFV. Studies, espe-cially in sensible host species, focused on unravelling protective mechanisms will contribute to the development of safer and more effective vaccines. The present study provides a detailed analysis of phenotypic and functional data on cellular responses induced by intradermal immunization and subsequent boosting of domestic pigs with the naturally attenuated field strain Lv17/WB/Rie1, as well as the mechanisms underlying protection against intramuscular challenge with the virulent genotype II Armenia/07 strain. The transient mild to moderate increase of IL-8 and IL-10 in serum observed after immunization might be directly correlated with survival. Protection was also associated with a robust ASFV-specific polyfunctional memory T cell response, where CD4CD8 and CD8 T cells were identified as the main cellular sources of virus-specific IFNγ and TNFα. In parallel to cytokine response, these T-cell subsets also showed specific cytotoxic activity as evidenced by the increased expression of the CD107a degranulation marker. Along with virus-specific multifunctional CD4CD8 and CD8 T responses, the increased levels of antigen experienced cytotoxic CD4 T cells observed after challenge in immunized pigs might also contribute to control virulent infection by killing mechanisms targeting infected antigen-presenting cells. Future studies should elucidate whether the memory T-cell responses evidenced in the present study persist and provide long-term protection against further ASFV infections.

In recent years, the demand for natural and synthetic zeolites has surged due to their distinctive properties and myriad industrial applications. This research aims to synthesise crystalline zeolites by co-recycling two industrial wastes: salt slag (SS) and rice husk ash (RHA). Salt slag, a problem-atic by-product of secondary aluminium smelting, is classified as hazardous waste due to its reac-tive and leachable nature, though it is rich in aluminium. Conversely, RHA, an abundant and cost-effective by-product of the agro-food sector, boasts a high silicon content. These wastes were utilised as aluminium and silicon sources for synthesising various zeolites. The study examined the effects of temperature, ageing time, and sodium concentration on the formation of different zeolite phases and their crystallinity. Results indicated that increased Na+ concentration favoured SOD zeolite formation, whereas LTA-type zeolite formation was promoted at higher temperatures and extended ageing times. The formation range of the different zeolites was defined and supported by a crystallographic, microstructural, and morphological analysis. Additionally, the thermal be-haviour of the zeolites was investigated. This work underscores the potential to transform indus-trial waste, including hazardous materials like salt slag, into sustainable, high-value materials, fostering efficient waste co-recycling and promoting clean, sustainable industrial production through cross-sectoral industrial symbiosis.

Wounding and exogenous auxin are needed to induce adventitious roots in Chestnut microshoots. However, the specific inductive role of wounding has not been characterized in this species. In the present work two main goals were established: First, we prompted to optimize exogenous auxin treatments to improve overall health status of the shoots at the end of the rooting cycle. Second, we developed a time-series transcriptomic analysis to compare gene expression in response to wounding alone and wounding plus auxin, focusing in the early events within the first days after treatments. Results suggest that the expression of many genes involved in the rooting process is under direct or indirect control of both stimuli. However, specific levels of expression of relevant genes are only attained when both treatments are applied simultaneously, leading to the successful development of roots. In this sense, we have identified four transcription factors upregulated by auxin (CsLBD16, CsERF113, Cs22D, CsIAA6), with some of them being also induced by wounding. The highest expression levels of these genes occurred when wounding and auxin treatments were applied simultaneously, correlating with the rooting response of the shoots. Results in this work clarify the genetic nature of the wounding response in chestnut, its relation to adventitious rooting and might be helpful in the development of more specific protocols for the vegetative propagation of this species.

Buttonweed (Cotula coronopifolia) is native to South Africa but invasive in wetlands in Europe, North America, and Australasia, where it excludes native plants. Despite being dry-fruited, field studies suggest migratory waterbirds can disperse its seeds via gut passage (endozoochory), aiding its expansion. To explore the potential for endozoochory in different regions and habitats, we collected seeds from six populations in Spain, Sweden, and the UK. Germination was tested under different salinity levels (0, 5, 10, 15 g/L) and simulated gut passage treatments: scarification, acidification, or both. No germination occurred at 15 g/L. Higher salinity reduced and delayed germination, but full gut passage treatment increased germinability and accelerated germination. Scarification or acid treatment alone resulted in intermediate germination patterns. There were significant salinity x population and gut passage x population interactions on germinability. The acceleration effect of gut passage on germination was stronger at 5-10 g/L than at 0 g/L. This study highlights how migratory birds can facilitate the spread of alien plants introduced by humans. Non-classical endozoochory by waterbirds is an understudied mechanism for the long-distance dispersal of dry-fruited alien plants. Further research on C. coronopifolia, including population genetics, is necessary to understand dispersal mechanisms and facilitate management strategies.

: Sputtering of silicon in a Helium magnetron discharge (MS) has been reported as a bottom-up procedure to obtain He-charged silicon films (i.e. He nanobubbles encapsulated in a silicon matrix). The incorporation of heavier noble gases is demonstrated in this work with a synergistic effect producing increased Ne and Ar incorporations when using He-Ne and He-Ar gas mixtures in the MS process. Microstructural and chemical characterizations are reported by ion beam analysis (IBA) and scanning and transmission electron microscopies (SEM and TEM). In addition to gas incorporation, helium promotes the formation of larger nanobubbles. For the case of Ne high resolution X-ray photoelectron and absorption spectroscopies (XPS and XAS) are reported with remarkable dependence of the Ne 1s photoemission and the Ne K-edge absorption on the nanobubbles size and composition. The gas (He, Ne, Ar) charged thin films are proposed as “solid” targets for the characterization of spectroscopic properties of noble gases in a confined state without the need for cryogenics or high-pressure anvils devices. Also their use as targets for nuclear reaction studies is foreseen.

: Carcinoma-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are highly accumulated in the tumor surrounding stroma of primary epithelial ovarian cancer (OC). CAFs exert important functions for the vascularization, growth and progression of ovarian tumor cells. However, no attention has been shown to their origin so far. It has been mainly assumed that CAFs in primary OC arise from the activation of resident fibroblasts. Here, we compare CAFs with ovarian location to CAFs found in peritoneal implants from patients with advanced OC. Our findings show that CAFs from primary tumors and peritoneal metastases share the expression of mesothelial-related markers. Therefore, as in peritoneal carcinomatosis, CAFs in primary ovarian carcinomas could be originated via a mesothelia-to-mesenchymal transition (MMT) process. The detection of mesothelial-derived CAFs in tumors confined to the ovary and associated biomarkers could be the key to early detection of peritoneal spread in affected patients.

Laser-plasma interactions of ultra-short laser pulses with solid targets can generate highly intense pulses of protons and ions with energies of several MeV. The spectra of these particles are spread over a wide range following a Maxwellian distribution. We report on the design and testing of a magnetic chicane for the selection of protons within a limited energy window. It consists in two successive, anti-parallel dipole fields generated by cost-effective, permanent C-magnets with customized configuration and longitudinal positions. The chicane has been implemented into the target vessel of a petawatt laser facility under constraints on the direction of the incoming laser beam and guidance of the outgoing particles through a vacuum port. The separation of protons and carbon ions within distinct energy intervals has been demonstrated and compared to a ray tracing code.

In the present study, a multilayer high barrier thin blown film based on a polybutylene adipate terephthalate (PBAT) blend with polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA), and composed of four layers, including a cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) barrier layer and an electrospun poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV) hot-tack layer, was characterized in terms of surface roughness, surface tension, migration, mechanical and peel performance, barrier properties and disintegration rate. The results showed a material with a smooth surface. The overall migration test showed that the material was suitable for its use as a food contact layer. The addition of the CNC interlayer had a significant effect on the mechanical properties of the system, drastically reducing the elongation at break and, thus, the flexibility of the material. However, the material retained its elastic modulus and tensile strength. The CNC coating had a negative impact on the peeling strength, weakening the inherently strong interlayer adhesivity of the electrospun PHBV fibers. The multilayer had a good barrier to water vapor, and especially to oxygen, with its permeance reduced by up to a 90 % when the CNC layer was present. Finally, the monolayer blend film disintegrated in a period of less than 55 days in a laboratory-scale composting experiment, while the multilayer system disintegrated in 60 days. Overall, the multilayer system formed a fully compostable structure with great potential for use in food packaging applications.

The ascidian fauna of the Bahamas remains grossly understudied. Here, we examined specimens of the genus Clavelina collected from four Bahamian islands using morphological observations and genetic barcoding. Only 3 species of Clavelina have been previously reported in the Caribbean: C. picta, C. oblonga, and C. puertosecensis. Here, we report C. picta (Verrill, 1900) and three new species in the Bahamas: C. rochae; C. pawliki; and C. erwinorum. C. picta and C. pawliki were found in the northernmost island surveyed, while C. rochae and C. erwinorum were particularly prevalent on the southeastern Bahamian islands. A complete review of genetic barcoding data and morphological characters of accepted Clavelina species was performed. The unique combination of in vivo coloration, morphological characteristics, haplotypes, and species distribution all supported the establishment of three new species, significantly adding to the diversity of the genus Clavelina in the Caribbean.

We develop an action principle for producing a single fluid, two-constituent system with dissipation in general relativity. The two constituents in the model are particles and entropy. The particle flux creation rate is taken to be zero, while the entropy creation rate is non-zero. Building on previous work, it is demonstrated that a new term (the proper time derivative of the matter space ``metric'') is required in the Lagrangian in order to produce terms typically associated with bulk and shear viscosity. Equations of motion, entropy creation rate, and energy-momentum-stress tensor are derived. Using an Onsager approach of identifying thermodynamic ``forces'' and ``fluxes'' a model is produced which delivers the same entropy creation rate as the standard, relativistic Navier-Stokes equations. This result is then contrasted with a model generated in the spirit of the action principle, which takes as its starting point a specific Lagrangian and then produces the equations of motion, entropy creation rate, and energy-momentum-stress tensor. Unlike the equations derived from Onsager reasoning, where the analogs of the bulk and shear viscosity coefficients are prescribed ``externally'', we find that the form of the coefficients in the second example are a direct result of the specified Lagrangian. Furthermore, the coefficients are shown to satisfy evolution equations along the fluid worldline; also a product of the specific Lagrangian.

Silicon Photomultipliers find applications across various fields. One potential Silicon Photomultiplier application domain is neutrino telescopes, where they may enhance the angular resolution. However, the elevated dark count rate associated with Silicon Photomultipliers represents a significant challenge to their widespread utilization. To address this issue, it is proposed to use Silicon Photomultipliers and Photomultiplier Tubes together. The Photomultiplier Tubes signals would serve as a trigger to mitigate the dark count rate, thereby preventing undue saturation of the available bandwidth. This paper presents an investigation into a fast and resource-efficient method for filtering Silicon Photomultiplier dark count rate. A low-resource and fast coincident filter has been developed, which removes the Silicon Photomultiplier dark count rate by using as trigger the Photomultiplier Tube input signals. The architecture of the coincidence filter, together with the first results obtained, which validate the effectiveness of this method are presented.

The removal of chromium(VI) from acidic (HCl) medium through non-dispersive extraction with strip dispersion (NDXSD) was investigated using a microporous PVDF membrane support in a permeation cell. The ionic liquid Cyphos IL102 (phosphonium salt) in Solvesso 100 was used as organic phase. In NDXSD the stripping phase (NaOH) is dispersed in the organic phase in the cell side with an impeller stirrer adequate to form a strip dispersion. This pseudo-emulsion phase (organic + strip solutions) provides a constant supply of the Cyphos IL102/Solvesso 100 to the membrane phase. Various hydrodynamic and chemical parameters, such as variation in the feed and pseudo-emulsion stirring speeds, HCl and Cr(VI) concentrations in the feed phase, and carrier concentration, were investigated. From the experimental data, several mass transfer coefficients were estimated, as well as it was investigated the performance of the present system against other ionic liquids and the presence of base metals in the feed phase.

Marine microalgae are a rich reservoir of natural compounds, including bioactives. Nonetheless, these organisms remain fairly unexplored despite their potential biotechnological applications. Culture collections with diverse taxonomic groups and lifestyles are a good source to unlock this potential and discover new molecules for multiple applications such as the treatment of human pathologies or the production of aquaculture species. In the present work extracts from 33 strains (including 20 dinoflagellates, 4 diatoms and 9 strains from other 7 algal classes), cultivated under identical conditions were examined for antiviral, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer activities. Among these, antiviral and anti-inflammatory activities were detected in a few strains while antibacterial tests showed positive results in most assays. In turn, most trials did not show any anti-cancer activity. Wide differences were observed between species within the same class, in particular dinoflagellates which were better represented in this study. These preliminary findings pave the way for in-depth characterization of extracts with highest signals in each test, identification of compounds responsible of the biological activities found, and a further screening of the CCVIEO culture collection.

Among cephalopod discards, ink has revealed several beneficial properties regarding human health, environmental preservation and food preservation. In this study, different concentrations of an aqueous extract of cuttlefish (Sepia spp.) ink (CI) were added, respectively, to the packing medium employed during golden seabream (Sparus aurata) canning. Quality parameters of the resulting canned fish were determined and compared to the counterpart control and raw samples. As a result, an important effect of the CI concentration added to the packing medium was proved. The presence in the packing medium of a relatively low CI concentration led to lower (p<0.05) lipid oxidation development (fluorescent compound formation), lower (p<0.05) changes of colour parameters (L* and a* values) and lower (p<0.05) trimethylamine values in canned fish. Additionally, the two lowest CI concentrations tested led to higher average values of C22:6ω3 and ω3/ω6 ratios. Remarkably, higher average values of free fatty acids, polyene index and C20:5ω3 were detected in all kinds of CI-treated fish when compared to control canned samples. In agreement with environmental sustainability and circular economy requirements, the study provides a first approach to a novel and beneficial use of the present marine discard for the quality enhancement of canned fish.

In this article, we first present and discuss eighteenth-century descriptions of minerals that contributed decisively to the development of crystallography. Remarkably, these old crystallographic descriptions included morphologies with symmetries incompatible with an internal periodic order of atoms, which, however, have been recognised to be characteristics of quasicrystals. Moreover, we also review a number of studies of minerals with aperiodic crystal structures, including recently reported natural quasicrystals of extra-terrestrial origin. Finally, we discuss the current investigations addressing the search for new quasicrystalline minerals in nature.

Aquaporin-4 (AQP4) expression is associated with development of congenital hydrocephalus due to its structural role in the ependymal membrane. Gene expression analysis of periaqueductal tissue in AQP4-knockout (KO) mice at 11 days of age (P11) showed modification in ependymal cell adhesion and ciliary protein expression that could alter cerebrospinal fluid homeostasis. A microglial subpopulation of CD11c+ cells were overexpressed in the periaqueductal tissue of mice that did not develop hydrocephalus, suggesting a possible protective effect. Here, we verified the location of this CD11c+ expression in the corpus callosum (CC) and cerebellum of AQP4-KO mice and analysed its time course. Immunofluorescence labelling of the CD11c protein in the CC and cerebellum of WT and KO animals at P3, P5, P7 and P11 confirmed an expanded presence of these cells in both tissues of the KO animal; CD11c+ cells appeared at P3 and reached a peak at P11, whereas in the WT animal they appeared at P5, reached their peak at P7 and were undetectable by P11. The gene expression analysis in the CC samples at P11 confirmed the presence of CD11c+ microglial cells in this tissue. Among the more than 4000 overexpressed genes, Spp1 stood out with the highest differential gene expression (600), with other genes such as Gpnmb, Itgax, Cd68 and Atp6v0d2 also identified as overexpressed. Therefore, CD11c+ cells appear to be necessary for normal corpus callosum development during postnatal life, and absence of AQP4 prolonged its expression in this tissue.

The effect of land use on sandy soils of southern Botswana was carried out by comparing the composition and properties of soil organic matter. Virgin and disturbed soils were sampled from savanna ecosystems (Central District and Kweneng District). The biodegradability of organic matter was evaluated by incubation in the laboratory. Humic fractions were quantified and humic acids were analyzed by visible and infrared spectroscopy. The results indicate that continued disturbance, whether due to grazing or subsistence farming, has resulted in small significant changes in the concentration of available nutrients and organic matter in the soil. Nevertheless, substantial changes could be established in soil C/N ratio, humic acid/fulvic acid ratio and in the biodegradability of soil organic matter and the structural characteristics of humic acids. The increased aromaticity of humic acid (visible and IR spectroscopies) following disturbance, suggests increased biogeochemical activity and/or the impact of abiotic processes (such as periodic fires) selectively removing aliphatic constituents. The overall results indicate a low potential soil fertility, the sustainable preservation of which depending more on features related to quality than to the total amount of the soil organic matter, which shows considerable aromatization parallel to its degree of association with the mineral fraction.

Lindernia dubia (L.) Pennell is a species with invasive behavior outside of its native range of distribution (North America), linked mainly to aquatic habitats. This annual species has been acknowledged as a weed in rice paddies in Europe and Asia. Due to the impacts of this invasive plant, some authors have even listed this species as a global invader. The present work focused on spontaneous plant species occurring in cattail seedlings grown in central Spain for the establishment of constructed wetlands. Weed inventory revealed the presence of L. dubia as a dominant spontaneous species in this crop environment. A suite of mesocosm experiments were designed to study the distribution of L.dubia versus the distribution of the other dominant plant species, and to determine traits associated with its weedy potential. Results showed that L.dubia presents competitive attributes such as morphological variability, early flowering, long seeding time, short growth cycle, small and light seeds and high seed production and germination rate (25 ⁰C), meaning a high reproductive capacity in a cycle of about three months, in non-limiting conditions for plant growth. Data from this work provide a basis for understanding the weedy potential of L.dubia, and for management decisions of a potentially invasive species, little investigated in Europe

The electronic structure of 7/9-AGNR superlattices with up to eight unit cells has been studied by means of state of the art Density Functional Theory (DFT) and also by two model Hamiltonians, the first one including only local interactions (Hubbard model, Hu) while the second one is extended to allow long-range Coulomb interactions (Pariser, Parr and Pople model, PPP). Both are solved within mean field approximation. At this approximation level, our calculations show that 7/9 interfaces are better described by spin non-polarized solutions than by spin-polarized wavefunctions. Consequently, both Hu and PPP Hamiltonians lead to electronic structures characterized by a gap at the Fermi level that diminishes as the size of the system increases. DFT results show similar trends although a detailed analysis of the density of states around the Fermi level shows quantitative differences with both Hu and PPP models. Before improving model Hamiltonians, we interpret the electronic structure obtained by DFT in terms of bands of topological states: topological states localized at the system edges and extended bulk topological states which interact between them due to the long-range Coulomb terms of Hamiltonian. After careful analysis of the interaction among topological sates, we find that the discrepancy between ab initio and model Hamiltonians can be resolved considering a screened long-range interaction that is implemented adding an exponential cutoff to the interaction term of PPP model. In this way, an adjusted cutoff distance λ = 2 allows a good recovery of DFT results. In view of this, we conclude that the correct description of the density of states around the Fermi level (Dirac point) needs the inclusion of long-range interactions well beyond Hubbard model but not completely unscreened as is the case for the PPP model.

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a common sleep disorder that is associated with a wide variety of health conditions, including cardiovascular, cerebrovascular, metabolic, neoplastic, and neurocognitive manifestations. OSA as a chronic condition is mainly characterized by repeated upper airway obstructions during sleep that cause episodes of intermittent hypoxia (IH), resulting in tissue hypoxia-reoxygenation cycles. Decreased arterial oxygen pressure (PaO₂) and hemoglobin saturation (SatO₂) stimulate reflex responses to overcome the obstruction. The prevalence of OSA is significant worldwide, and an underrated problem when focusing on women during pregnancy. The physiological changes associated with pregnancy, especially during its latest stages, are related with a higher prevalence of OSA events in pregnant mothers, and associated with an increased risk of hypertension, pre-eclampsia and diabetes, among other deleterious consequences. Furthermore, OSA during pregnancy can interfere with normal fetal development and is associated with growth retardation, preterm birth, or low term weight. Carotid body overstimulation and hypoxia-reoxygenation episodes contribute to cardiovascular disease and oxidative stress, which can harm both mother and fetus and have long-lasting effects that can reach into adulthood. Because IH is the hallmark of OSA, this review examines the literature available about the impact of gestational intermittent hypoxia (GIH) on the respiratory system at maternal, fetal, and offspring levels. Offering the latest scientific data about OSA during pregnancy, we may help to tackle this condition with lifestyle changes and therapeutic approaches, that could influence the mothers, but also impact adult health problems, mostly unknown, inherited from these hypoxic episodes in the uterus.

The Two Photon Absorption - Transient Current Technique (TPA-TCT) is a device characterisation technique that enables three-dimensional spatial resolution. Laser light in the quadratic absorption regime is employed to generate excess charge carriers only in a small volume around the focal spot. The drift of the excess charge carriers is studied to obtain information about the device under test. Neutron, proton, and gamma irradiated p-type pad silicon detectors up to equivalent fluences of about 7e15 neq/cm2 and a dose of 186 Mrad are investigated to study irradiation induce effects on the TPA-TCT. Neutron and proton irradiation lead to additional linear absorption, which does not occur in gamma irradiated detectors. The additional absorption is related to cluster damage and the absorption scales according to the non-ionising energy loss. The influence of irradiation on the two photon absorption coefficient is investigated, as well as potential laser beam depletion by the irradiation induced linear absorption. Further, the electric field in neutron and proton irradiated pad detectors at an equivalent fluence of about 7e15 neq/cm2 is investigated, where the space charge of the proton irradiated devices appears inverted compared to the neutron irradiated device.

Cutaneous T-cell lymphomas (CTCLs) are a heterogeneous group of T-cell lymphomas characterised by high relapse rates and no curative treatments unless the allogeneic stem cell transplantation. The main complication in the management of this kind of malignancy is the variability that characterises the genetic and clinical features among the CTCL subtypes. JAK/STAT, MAPK/ERK, PI3K/Akt, and NF-kB are those signalling pathways that are found altered in CTCL and that are responsible for promoting both T-cell malignancy and the pro-tumorigenic microenvironment. Thus, targeting key players of these pathways can be an advantageous therapeutic option for CTCL. In this review, we aim to summarise the different approaches that precisely inhibit the kinases of each cited signalling. JAK inhibitors seem to be the most promising kinase inhibitors for CTCL. However, adverse events have been reported especially in patients with immunosuppression or an underlying autoimmune disease. More studies are needed, especially clinical trials, to investigate the benefits of these drugs for the treatment of cutaneous T-cell lymphomas.

The recent availability of commercial platforms for behavioral analysis in zebrafish larvae based on video-tracking technologies has exponentially increased the number of studies analyzing different behaviors in this model organism to assess neurotoxicity. Among the most commonly used assays in zebrafish larvae are basal locomotor activity (BLA) and visual motor response (VMR). However, the effect of different intrinsic and extrinsic factors that can significantly alter the outcome of these assays is still not well understood. In this work we have analyzed in 143 larvae the influence of age (5-8 days post-fertilization), time of day (8:00, 10:00, 12:00, 14:00; 16:00, 18:00, and 20:00 h), and experiment (three experiments performed at different days) on BLA and VMR results (4,004 analyses for each behavior). Results from both behaviors were adjusted to a Random-Effects linear regression model using generalized least squares (GLS), including in the model the effect of the three variables, the second-way interactions between them and the three-way interaction. The results presented in this manuscript show a specific effect of all three intrinsic factors and their interactions on both behaviors, supporting the view that the most stable time period for performing these behavioral assays is from 10:00 am to 04:00 pm, with some differences depending on age of the larva and the behavioral test.

Hazelnut, pistachio and cashew are tree nuts with health benefits but also with allergenic properties being prevalent food allergens in Europe. The allergic characteristics of these tree nuts after processing combining heat, pressure and enzymatic digestion were analyzed through in vitro (Western blot and ELISA) and in vivo test (Prick-Prick). In the analyzed population, the patients sensitized to Cor a 8 (nsLTP) were predominant over those sensitized against hazelnut seed storage proteins (Sprot, Cor a 9 and 14), which displayed higher IgE reactivity. The protease E5 effectively hydrolyzed proteins from hazelnut and pistachio, while E7 was efficient for cashew protein hydrolysis. When combined with pressured heating (autoclave and Controlled Instantaneous Depressurization (DIC)), these proteases notably reduced the allergenic reactivity. The combination of DIC treatment before enzymatic digestion resulted in the most effective methodology to drastically reduce or indeed eliminate the allergenic capacity of tree nuts.

The binding activity of various trastuzumab biosimilars versus the branded trastuzumab towards the glycosylated extracellular domain of the HER2 target in the presence of pertuzumab was in-vestigated. We employed size exclusion chromatography with tetra-detection methodology to simultaneously determine absolute molecular weight, concentration, molecular size, and intrinsic viscosity. All trastuzumab molecules in solution exhibit analogous behavior in their binary action towards HER2 regardless of the order of addition of trastuzumab/pertuzumab. This analogous behavior of all trastuzumab molecules, including biosimilars, highlights the robustness and con-sistency of their binding activity towards HER2. Furthermore, the addition of HER2 to a mixture of trastuzumab and pertuzumab leads to increased formation of high-order HER2 complexes, up to concentrations of one order of magnitude higher than in the case of sequential addition. The observed increase suggests a potential synergistic effect between these antibodies, which could enhance their therapeutic efficacy in HER2-positive cancers. These findings underscore the im-portance of understanding the complex interplay between therapeutic antibodies and their target antigens, providing valuable insights for the development of more effective treatment strategies.

Biodiversity monitoring is a seminal key for understanding the delivery of ecosystem functions and services. Mediterranean forests and woodlands harbor the vast majority of regional vascular plant diversity, and hence, they are a good surrogate for detecting changes in biodiversity linked to global change. In this work, we present a database resulting from the study of vascular plant diversity in multi-scale plots of 0.1 ha, measured around the first decade of this century and located in Mediterranean forest environments. Diversity profiles are calculated from Hill numbers (0, 1 and 2) for local (α) and regional (ϒ) diversity, as well as multiplicative calculation of differential diversity (β). Main Mediterranean forests sampled had a medium coverage of 51 % and stand dominant height of 10.6 m being monospecific in two thirds of the cases. Local diversity reaches its highest values ​​(around 78 species per 0.1 ha) in Holm oak dehesas, with values ​​below 50 species for the set of the most productive forest stands dominated by species of the genus Pinus. As regards the contribution to regional diversity, it is the broadleaf formations that contribute the most, with stone pine forests and dehesas in an intermediate position, and pine forests contributing the lowest in species richness terms.

Phenolic compounds represent a group of secondary metabolites that serve essential functions in plants. Beyond their positive impact on plant, these phenolic metabolites, often referred to as polyphenols, possess a range of biological properties that can promote skin health. Scientific research indicates that using phenolics derived from plants topically can be advantageous, but the activity and stability highly depend on storage of the source material and the extract method. These compounds have the ability to relieve symptoms and hinder the progression of different skin diseases. Because they come from natural sources and have minimal toxicity, phenolic compounds show potential in addressing the causes and effects of skin aging, skin diseases, and various types of skin damage, such as wounds and burns. Hence, this review provides an extensive information of the particular crops from which by-product phenolic compounds can be sourced, but pointing the need investigation according to a proper storage plant material and the choice of the best extracting method, along with an examination of their specific functions and the mechanisms by which they act to protect skin.

Multiple sequence alignments and phylogenetic trees are rich in biological information and are fundamental to research in biology. PhyKIT is a tool for processing and analyzing the information content of multiple sequence alignments and phylogenetic trees. Here, we describe how to use PhyKIT for diverse analyses, including (i) constructing a phylogenomic supermatrix, (ii) detecting errors in orthology inference, (iii) quantifying biases in phylogenomic data sets, (iv) identifying radiation events or lack of resolution using gene support frequencies, and (v) conducting evolution-based screens to facilitate gene function prediction. Several PhyKIT functions that streamline multiple sequence alignment and phylogenetic processing—such as renaming FASTA entries or tree tips—are also discussed. These protocols demonstrate how simple command-line operations in the unified framework of PhyKIT facilitate diverse phylogenomic data analysis and processing, from supermatrix construction and diagnosis to gene function prediction.

Members of the genus Armillaria are widespread forest pathogens against which effective protection has not yet been developed. Due to their longevity and the creation of large-scale cloning of Armillaria individuals, the use of mycoviruses as biocontrol agents (BCAs) against these pathogens could be an effective alternative. This work describes the screening of double-stranded RNA banding patterns as a first approach for potential virus discovery and the use of stranded total RNA-seq for viral detection and characterization in Armillaria spp. collected in the Czech Republic. A total of five single-stranded RNA viruses were detected in Armillaria ostoyae and A. cepistipes, including the first virus of the family Tymoviridae found infecting a member the genus Armillaria and four viruses belonging to the recently described virus group "ambiviruses" with circular ambisense genome organization. Both hammerhead (HHRz) and hairpin (HpRz) ribozymes were detected in all the ambiviricot sequences. Armillaria viruses were compared by phylogenetic analysis and confirmed their specific host by direct RT-PCR, which showed the occurrence of interspecies transmission.

Abstract: Conventional antibiotic and multidrug treatments become less and less effective and a discovery of new effective and safe antibacterial agents got a global priority. The returning to the natural antibacterial product is relatively new current trend. Terrestrial biota is a rich source of biologically active substances whose antibacterial potential was not fully utilized. Aim of this review is to present the current state-of-the art of terrestrial biota-derived antibacterial agents and inspired by nature treatments. It is a summary of the most important sources and new identified or modified antibacterial agents and treatments during the last 5 years. It focuses on the significance of plants- animals- and bacteria-derived biologically active agents as powerful alternatives to antibiotics as well as on the advantages of utilizing natural antibacterial molecules alone or in combinations with antibiotics. The main conclusion is that the terrestrial biota derived antibacterial products and substances open variety of new ways to modern improved therapeutic strategies. New terrestrial sources of known antibacterial agents and new antibacterial agents from terrestrial biota were discovered during the last 5 years, which are under investigation together with some long ago known but now surviving their renaissance for the development of new medical treatments. Use of natural antibacterial peptides as well as combinational therapy by commercial antibiotics and natural products outlines as the most promising for treating of bacterial infections. In vivo testing and clinical trials are necessary to reach clinical application.

(1) Background: Grapes and their associated by-products (as grape pomace, GP) stand out for their polyphenol content, which makes them a source of bioactive compounds with antioxidant capacity. The aim of this research was to determine if the inclusion of 50 g/kg of GP in the diet of hens could enrich egg with antioxidants and to study its effect on internal and external egg quality parameters. (2) Methods: A trial was conducted with two genetic lines of hens, which were fed either a control diet or a diet containing 50 g/kg of GP. Performance, internal and external egg quality, and egg yolk content of vitamins E and A, and gallic acid were determined; (3) Results: In eggs laid by hens fed GP diet, Haugh units and yolk colour score were enhanced, and eggshell became thinner, but without affecting the breaking strength. No dietary effect was observed on vitamin contents in yolk. Higher gallic acid content was observed in yolk of eggs laid by hens fed the GP diet, suggesting that some dietary phenolic compounds could be transferred to the eggs. Hen genetics influenced egg weight, albumen Haugh units, shell thickness and α- and γ-tocopherol concentration in yolks; (4) Conclusions: Dietary inclusion of GP improved the internal quality of eggs, enriching yolks with a phenolic compound, but reduced shell thickness.

The acoustic startle response (ASR) is an explosive motor response leaded by a sudden and intense acoustic stimulus. ASR has several clinically relevant forms of plasticity, including habituation and sensorimotor gating. Although ASR and its plasticity have been intensively studied in different animal models, including zebrafish (Danio rerio) larvae, information in adult zebrafish is still very scarce. In this manuscript we present Zebra_K, a new automated high-content kinematic analysis platform for assessing ASR, its habituation and prepulse inhibition (PPI), a quantitative measure of sensorimotor gating, in adult zebrafish. The analysis of the kinematic parameters in 1,875 ASR in adult zebrafish has shown a single response wave consistent with the short-latency C-bend described in zebrafish larvae. Moreover, protocols have been designed and validated in Zebra_K for the analysis of sensitivity, habituation and PPI of this response. Then, this platform has been used to determine the effect of pharmacological and physiological modulators of ASR plasticity. As described in other animal models, the NMDA-receptor antagonist ketamine increased the responsiveness to the acoustic stimuli, decreasing habituation and leading to complete abolition of PPI. Moreover, the effect of the gender on zebrafish ASR plasticity has been analyzed for the first time. Females exhibited higher responsiveness and a lower habituation and PPI than males, a result consistent with the gender effect described in other animal models and in humans. These results enhance the interest of using adult zebrafish to assess the potential effect of chemicals or genetic manipulations on ASR plasticity.

Solifenacin (SFC) is a potent muscarinic antagonist that effectively reduces bladder muscle contraction, thereby alleviating symptoms such as frequency of micturition and urgency. Oxidation of SFC leads to the formation of impurities like Impurity K. Effective analysis and control of this impurity is crucial for ensuring compliance with regulatory standards and safeguarding patient health. To address these challenges, we propose a novel one-step synthesis of Impurity K from SFC. Impurity K was synthesized using cerium ammonium (IV) nitrate (CAN) in water/acetonitrile as the solvent. Additionally, we describe a new HPLC-MS method for the detection of Impurity K in solifenacin succinate tablets.

Nicotiana benthamiana plants infected with a potato virus Y isolate (PVYO) under ambient conditions of 25 °C and ~405 parts-per-million (ppm) ambient CO2 display symptoms of chlorosis, leaf curling, and stunting. However, under elevated temperature and CO2 levels (30 °C, 970 ppm), systemic viral titers decrease several-fold, and plants appear asymptomatic. Under the latter conditions we have studied how infection, drought, or both combined affect infection, drought-driven loss of leaf turgor, plant water content, stomatal conductance, metabolome, and hormone (ABA, SA, and JA) levels. We found that drought did not affect viral titers. As expected, drought decreased plant water content and stomatal conductance. Under drought conditions, infection did not alter significantly final water content or loss of leaf turgor progression, but it increased the levels of some sugars and other osmo-protectants. Infection and drought altered the levels of many components of the metabolome. Some components altered by infection were not altered by drought, but most of those altered by drought were also altered by infection. Drought increased the levels of ABA, infection increased the levels of ABA, SA, and JA, and altered their relative balance. The effects of drought and of infection on hormone levels were cumulative when combined. Thus, under ambient conditions that turn a severe infection into an asymptomatic one both, plant physiology parameters and the interplay with drought are affected.

Dairy products are an important source of protein and other nutrients in the Mediterranean diet. In these countries the most common source of milk for producing dairies are cow, goat, sheep and buffalo. Andalusia is traditionally the largest producer of goat milk in Spain. Kefir is a fermented product made from bacteria and yeasts which has health benefits beyond its nutritional properties. There is a lack of knowledge about the molecular mechanisms and metabolites that bring about these benefits. In this work, the combination of analytical techniques (GC-FID, UHPLC-MS-QToF, GC-QqQ-MS, and GC-ToF-MS) resulted in the detection of 105 metabolites in kefir produced with goat milk from two different thermal treatments (raw and pasteurized) fermented at four times (12, 24, 36, and 48 h, using 0 h as control). Of these, 27 metabolites differed between kefir produced with raw and pasteurized milk. These changes could be possibly caused by the effect of pasteurization on the microbial population in the starting milk. Some interesting molecules were identified, as shikimic acid, dehydroabietic acid, GABA and tyramine that could be related to antibacterial properties, enhance of immune system and arterial pressure. Moreover, a viability assay of the NIRS technique was performed to evaluate its use on monitoring the fermentation and classification of samples, which had resulted in a 90 % of correct classified samples according to their fermentation time. This study represents the most comprehensive metabolomic analysis of goat milk kefir so far, revealing the intricate changes in metabolites during fermentation and the impact of milk treatment.

The escape and establishment of Iberian wild goats, Capra pyrenaica, from an enclosure in the 1990s marked the beginning of the recovery of the species in the Pyrenees. This population has occupied part of the Prepyrenees and has contacted another population reintroduced in France since 2014. It coexists with other wild ungulates, including the feral and domestic goats Capra hircus that has been living free since the 1960s. Today it’s the largest Iberian wild goat Pyrenean population. Between 2006 and 2022 we monitored the population and its expansion based on vantage points, itineraries and testimonies. The results indicate: (i) a population, of uncertain genetic origin, in numerical (15% average annual growth) and areal expansion, with the capacity to connect with other populations; (ii) an estimate of at least 500 individuals; (iii) in the process of expansion in contact with Iberian wild goats from France; (iv) sympatry with feral and domestic goat population in its main nucleus whose estimate exceeds 2000 specimens and (v) hybridization with feral and domestic goats. In 2022 sustainable hunt started with a hunting quota of 20 individuals. Genetic characterization and the establishment of an international coordinated monitoring are two of the current priorities.

Layered Ti3C2Tx MXene has been successfully intercalated and exfoliated with the simultaneous generation of a 3D silica network by treating its cationic surfactant intercalation compound (MXene-CTAB) with an alkoxysilane (TMOS) resulting in a MXene-silica nanoarchitecture that exhibits porosity along with the intrinsic properties of MXene (e.g., photothermal response). The ability of these new materials to produce thermal activation reactions of compounds previously adsorbed on MXene-SiO2 is shown here. For this purpose, the pinacol rearrangement reaction has been selected as a first model example, testing the effectiveness of NIR laser-assisted photothermal irradiation in these processes. This work shows that Ti3C2Tx – based nanoarchitectures open new avenues for applications that rely on the combined properties inherent to their integrated nanocomponents that could be extended to the broader MXene family.

Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) is a widely cultivated horticultural crop. It is a member of the Solanaceae family and is reknowned for its high concentration of essential nutrients, including vitamins, minerals, and bioactive compounds with antioxidant properties. The Mediterranean countries, including Italy, Spain, and Greece, have a diverse range of tomato landraces. Assessing the nutritional and bioactive composition of different tomato varieties and their ripening stages is crucial to determine their suitability for the market. Thus, this research was aimed to examine the effect of ripening on the nutritional composition (including carotenoids and polyphenols content) and the antioxidant activities of fruits from three specific tomato varieties grown in Spain: Josefina and Karelya, which are cherry-like tomatoes, and Muchamiel, a type of salad tomato. In addition to evaluating their characteristics and composition (including carotenoids and polyphenols content), and assessing the antioxidant activities of these varieties at three different stages of ripening were quantified. As expected, the findings revealed that as the tomatoes matured, their antioxidant capacity increased alongside higher levels of carotenoids and polyphenols. Interestingly, the cherry-like tomatoes showed greater antioxidant activity than the salad tomatoes. This investigation emphasizes the role of fruit ripening in enhancing carotenoid levels, which contribute to the antioxidant activity of three varieties of tomatoes.

Background/Objectives Immune effector cell-associated hematotoxicity (ICAHT) is a frequent adverse event after chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cell therapy. Grade ≥3 thrombocytopenia occurs in around one third of patients, many of whom become platelet transfusion-dependent. Without pharmacological support, platelet recovery may last for months. Eltrombopag is a thrombopoietin receptor agonist (TPO-RA) able to accelerate megakaryopoiesis, which has been used successfully in patients with bone marrow failure and immune thrombocytopenia (ITP.) Its role to manage thrombocytopenia, and other cytopenias, in CAR-T cell-treated patients has been scarcely addressed in the real-world setting. Our aim was to report the Feasibility of this approach and the outcome of patients included in the GETH-TC registry. Methods This is a retrospective, multicenter, observational study. Patients who developed platelet transfusion-dependence subsequently to CAR-T cell treatment were recruited in 10 Spanish hospitals and followed-up for at least 30 days after the first dose of eltrombopag was administered. Results Thirty-eight patients were enroled and followed-up for a median (interquartile range [IQR]) of 175 (99, 489) days since CAR-T cell infusion. At eltrombopag start, 18 patients had thrombocytopenia and another severe cytopenia, while 8 patients had severe pancytopenia. After 32 (14, 38) days on eltrombopag, 29 (76.3%) patients recovered platelet transfusion independence. The number of platelet units used correlated with the time needed to restore platelet counts to levels ³20x10⁹/L (Rho = 0.639, p <0.001). Non-responders to eltrombopag required more platelet units (58 [29, 69] vs. 12 [6, 26] in responders, p = 0.002). Nineteen out of 23 (82.6%) patients recovered from severe neutropenia after 22 (11, 31) days on eltrombopag. Twenty-nine out of 35 (82.9%) patients recovered red blood cell (RBC) transfusion independence after 29 (17, 44) days. Seven patients recovered all cell lineages while on treatment. No thromboembolic events were reported. Only 2 transient toxicities (cholestasis, hyperbilirubinemia) were reported during eltrombopag treatment, none of which compelled permanent drug withdrawal. Conclusions Eltrombopag can be safely used to manage thrombocytopenia and accelerate transfusion independence in CAR-T cell-treated patients.

Mycoviruses are highly genetically diverse, can significantly change their fungal host’s phenotype, yet, they are generally under-described in genotypic and biological studies. We propose Botrytis cinerea as a model mycovirus system in which to develop a deeper understanding of mycovirus epidemiology including diversity, impact, and the associated cellular biology of the host and virus interaction. Over 100 mycoviruses have been described in this fungal host. B. cinerea is an ideal model fungus for mycovirology as it has highly tractable characteristics – it is easy to culture, has a worldwide distribution, infects a wide range of host plants, can be transformed and gene-edited, and has an existing depth of biological resources including annotated genomes, transcriptomes, and isolates with gene knockouts. Focus on a model system for mycoviruses will enable the research community to address deep research questions that cannot be answered in a non-systematic manner. Since B. cinerea is a major plant pathogen, new insights may have immediate utility as well as creating new knowledge that complements and extends the knowledge of mycovirus interactions in other fungi, alone or with their respective plant hosts. In this review we set out some of the critical steps required to develop B. cinerea as a model mycovirus system and how this may be used in the future.

Deep eutectic solvents have emerged as a greener alternative and have attracted so much interest in the last two decades. This paper present alternative synthesis method to classical heating-stirring. The ultrasound method is one of the most promising syntheses DESs in terms of yield and energy. So, ultrasound synthesis method was studied to obtain hydrophobic (Aliquat 336: L-Menthol 3:7; Li-docaine: decanoic acid 1:2) and hydrophilic DESs based on Choline chloride and urea, ethylene glycol and oxalic acid. The physical characterization of DESs by comparison of FTIR spectra no show difference between DESs obtained by heating-stirring and ultrasound synthesis methods. The RMN spectra of the DESs obtained by heating-stirring revealed the DESs formation. Density and viscosity properties of DESs were evaluated. The density values are similar for both synthesis methods. However, lower viscosity values are obtained to the hydrophilic DESs prepared by ul-trasound methods.

Proteins play a pivotal role in supporting athletes by promoting muscle hypertrophy and minimizing protein catabolism during exercise. They stimulate muscle protein synthesis, aiding in the repair of exercise-induced muscle damage and serving as an energy source, particularly for post-exercise glycogen replenishment. In individuals with phenylketonuria (PKU), for whom protein intake is limited to essential phenylalanine (Phe), supplementation with Phe-free amino acids or glycomacropeptides is necessary. Tailored for macronutrient and micronutrient content, these protein substitutes fulfill most protein requirements, but lack Phe, unlike dietary sources of protein. Protein requirements for athletes with PKU exceed general recommendations due to limited availability in supplements and potential catabolism mitigation. Various factors influence tolerated dietary Phe in PKU, including protein substitute quantity, distribution, pharmacological treatment, age, growth rate, pregnancy, catabolic states, and physical activity. While general protein requirements for PKU surpass those of the general population, adherence to supplement regimens is crucial for athletes and patients with PKU. Strategically timed protein substitutes enhance muscle protein synthesis, body composition, and sports performance within safety limits. Individualized intake is essential for optimal outcomes, as proteins have a multifaceted role in optimizing athletic performance and addressing challenges in PKU.

Understanding complex biological processes of cells in culture, particularly those related to metabolism, can be biased by culture conditions, since the choice of energy substrate impacts all main metabolic pathways. When glucose is replaced by galactose cells decrease their glycolytic flux, working as an in vitro model of limited nutrient availability. However, the effect of these changes on related physiological processes such as REDOX control is not well documented, particularly in endothelial cells where mitochondrial oxidation is considered to be low. We evaluated the differences in mitochondrial dynamics and function in endothelial cells exposed to galactose or glucose culture medium. We observed that cells maintained in galactose-containing medium show higher mitochondrial oxidative capacity, more fused mitochondrial network, and higher intercellular coupling. These factors are documented to impact the cellular response to oxidative stress. Therefore, we analyzed the levels of two main REDOX regulators and found that Bovine Aortic Endothelial Cells (BAEC) in galactose media had higher levels of FOXO3 and lower levels of Nrf2 than those with glucose in the media. Thus, culture of endothelial cells in galactose containing medium may provide a more suitable condition to study in vitro mitochondrial related processes than glucose media, and deeply influence REDOX signaling in these cells.

Experimental evidence suggests that chronic intermittent hypoxia (CIH), a major hallmark of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), boosts carotid body (CB) responsiveness, thereby causing in-creased sympathetic activity, arterial and pulmonary hypertension, and cardiovascular disease. An enhanced circulatory chemoreflex, oxidative stress, and NO signaling appear to play im-portant roles in these responses to CIH in rodents. Since the guinea pig has a hypofunctional CB (i.e., it is a natural CB knockout), in this study we used it as a model to investigate the CB de-pendence of the effects of CIH on pulmonary vascular responses, including those mediated by NO, by comparing them with those previously described in the rat. We have analyzed pulmonary artery pressure (PAP), the hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction (HPV) response, endothelial function both in vivo and in vitro, and vascular remodeling (intima-media thickness, collagen fiber content, and vessel lumen area). We demonstrate that 30 days of exposure of guinea pigs to CIH (FiO2, 5% for 40 s, 30 cycles/h) induces pulmonary artery remodeling but does not alter en-dothelial function or the contractile response to phenylephrine in these arteries. In contrast, CIH exposure increased the systemic arterial pressure, and enhanced the contractile response to phenylephrine while decreasing endothelium-dependent vasorelaxation to carbachol in the aorta, without causing its remodeling. We conclude that since all of these effects are independent of CB sensitization, there must be other oxygen sensors, beyond the CB, with the capacity to alter the autonomic control of the heart and vascular function and structure in CIH.

Ethical considerations regarding our treatment of animals have gained strength, leading to legislation and a societal focus across various disciplines. This is a subject of study within curricula related to agri-food sciences. The aim was to determine the perceptions of agronomy university students concerning animal welfare in livestock production systems. A survey was conducted to encompass various aspects, from participants' sociodemographic attributes to their attitudes and behaviors regarding animal welfare and the consumption of animal products. Statistical analysis, performed using R software, delved into the associations between participants' characteristics and their perspectives on the ethical, bioethical, and legal dimensions of animal welfare. Associations between demographic factors and ethical viewpoints among students were identified. Gender differences emerged in animal treatment perceptions, while rural and urban environments impacted perspectives on various animals. Bioethical considerations revealed distinctive disparities based on gender and education in concerns for animal welfare, value perceptions, evaluations of animal behaviors, and opinions on animal research. It is crucial to distinguish between animal welfare and ethical considerations arising from coexisting with sentient beings capable of experiencing suffering. Ethical theories provide a lens through which we perceive our obligations toward animals. The responsibility to ensure animal welfare is firmly rooted in recognizing that animals, like humans, experience pain and physical suffering. Consequently, actions causing unjustified suffering or mistreatment, particularly for entertainment purposes, are considered morally unacceptable.

Traditional asexual propagation of hops limits its phytosanitary quality and the concomitant plant availability. This scenario worsens with the global climate change. In this study we develop protocols for in vitro propagation of Humulus lupulus var. mapuche. Two explant types were evaluated: shoot tips, from field material collected in Río Negro province (Argentina), and nodal segments, from vitroplants. Different growth regulator, such as 6-Benzylaminopurine, gibberellic acid, indole-3-butyric acid and indole-3-acetic acid, was used to induce desired morphogenic responses. Additionally, the impact of abscisic acid application on acclimatization was assessed, and resulted in robust growth and reduced plant stress symptoms during ex vitro adaptation. Also, the study develops a protocol for synthetic seeds production, with storage at 4°C to enhance conservation and plant material transport, ensuring a constant supply of female plants. This comprehensive approach addresses current producer demands and emerging climate challenges. The findings highlight the fundamental role of in vitro multiplication of hops in improving plant material availability and quality, with significant implications for the brewing industry and related sectors.

Pulmonary arteriovenous malformations (PAVMs) are vascular anomalies resulting in abnormal connection between pulmonary arteries and veins. In 80% of cases, PAVMs are present from birth, but clinical manifestations are rarely seen in childhood. These congenital malformations are typically associated with Hereditary Hemorrhagic Telangiectasia (HHT), a rare disease that affects 1 in 5,000/8,000 individuals. HHT disease is frequently caused by mutations in genes involved in the TGF-β pathway. However, approximately 15% of patients do not have a genetic diagnosis and, among the genetically diagnosed, more than 33% do not meet the Curaçao Criteria. This makes clinical diagnosis even more challenging in the pediatric age group. Here, we introduce an 8 years old patient bearing a severe phenotype of multiple diffuse PAVMs caused by an unknown mutation which ended in lung transplantation. Phenotypically, the case of study follows a molecular pattern HHT-like. Therefore, molecular biology and cellular functional analysis has been performed in primary endothelial cells (ECs) isolated from the explanted lung. The findings revealed a loss of functionality in lung endothelial tissue and a stimulation of endothelial to mesenchymal transition. Understanding the molecular basis of this transition could potentially offer new therapeutic strategies to delay lung transplantation in severe cases.

West Nile virus (WNV) is a re-emerging flavivirus, primarily circulating among avian hosts and mosquito vectors, causing periodic outbreaks in humans and horses, often leading to neuroinvasive disease and mortality. Spain has reported several outbreaks, most notably in 2020 with seventy-seven human cases and eight fatalities. WNV has been serologically detected in horses in the Community of Madrid, but to our knowledge, it has never been reported from wild birds in this region. To estimate the seroprevalence of WNV in wild birds and horses in the Community of Madrid, 159 wild birds at a wildlife rescue center and 25 privately owned equines were sampled. Serum from thirteen birds (8.2%) and one equine (4.0%) tested positive with a WNV competitive ELISA designed for WNV antibodies detection, but sensitive to cross-reacting antibodies to other flaviviruses. VNT confirmed WNV antibodies in four bird samples (2.5%), and antibodies to undetermined flavivirus in four additional samples. One equine sample (4.0%) tested positive for WNV, although this horse previously resided in a WN-endemic area. ELISA positive birds included both migratory and resident species, juveniles and adults. Two seropositive juvenile birds suggest local flavivirus transmission within the Community of Madrid, while WNV seropositive adult birds may have been infected outside Madrid. The potential circulation of flaviviruses, including WNV, in birds in Madrid Community raises concerns, although further surveillance in mosquitos, wild birds and horses in Madrid is necessary to establish the extent of transmission, and the principal species involved.

Keywords: xylose reductase; cashew apple bagasse; bioprocesses; fluid dynamics; xylitol.

Quantifying different stocking rates effects in three study areas placed at Mediterranean forest (Cuenca, Spain) was conducted by applying a multiparametric soil quality index, SQI, developed in undisturbed forest soils (> 40 years). The main objective is to advance in the development and application of multiparametric indexes which allow for soil condition assessment. For it, is analyse the effectiveness of a multiparametric soil quality index (SQI) as an indicator livestock impacts on the soil in mediterranean forests. Control areas without stocking rates were compared in forest stands with different age (Thicket forest stand, < 30 years; High polewood forest stand, 30-60 years; Old growth forest stand, > 60 years); with various intensity grazing areas (permanent livestock passage: inactive sheepfold for 2-3 years, and active sheepfold; intermittent livestock passage: bare soil, pine stand, scrubland). The multiparametric soil quality index (SQI) applied sensitive to changes in forest ecosystems depending of different stocking rates. However, for even more preci-sion to assess cattle alteration, multiparameter index recalibrated, creating a new one; Soil Status Index by Livestock (SSIL). Correlation between quality ranges obtained with both indexes in dif-ferent study areas suggest that SSIL can be considered a livestock impact reference indicator in Mediterranean forest soils.

Leishmaniasis in wild canids is a vector-borne disease caused in Europe by the protozoan parasite Leishmania infantum. To date, there is limited information on clinical signs and laboratory abnormalities in wolves due to leishmaniasis. The current clinical case report described a female Iberian wolf (Canis lupus signatus) housed in semi-captivity conditions at the Centro del Lobo Ibérico “Félix Rodríguez de la Fuente”, in Robledo de Sanabria, Zamora (Spain) with an interdigital ulcerous wound at the right forepaw, hyper-gammaglobulinemia, and abnormal liver blood parameters. Definitive serodiagnosis of leishmaniasis was established using antileishmanial serum antibodies and PCR analysis of different biological samples. A gold standard anti-L. infantum treatment protocol consisting in intramuscular meglumine antimoniate and oral allopurinol combination was installed. However, the presence of pain at the site of injection due to meglumine antimoniate administration forced its substitution by oral miltefosine. A progressive reduction of the levels of anti-L. infantum serum antibodies and the concentrations of gamma-globulin fraction was detected after antileishmanial treatment as well as a decline of liver GPT. To our knowledge, this is the first case of leishmaniasis diagnosed in a wolf housed in semi-captivity conditions treated and successfully cured.

Styryl dyes are generally poor fluorescent molecules inherited from their flexible molecular structures. However, their emissive properties can be boosted by restricting their molecular motions. A tight confinement into inorganic molecular sieves is a good strategy to yield highly fluorescent hybrid systems. In this work, two Mg-aluminophosphate zeotypes (AEL framework, a one-dimensional channeled structure with elliptical pores of 6.5 Å x 4.0 Å; and CHA framework, composed by large cavities of 6.7 Å x 10.0 Å connected by 8-ring narrower windows) were selected for the encapsulation of 4-DASPI dye (trans-4-[4-(Dimethylamino)styryl]-1-methylpyridinium iodide). The synthesis and photophysical properties of 4-DASPI styryl dye occluded within these two types of confinements, AEL and CHA, are optimized and analyzed. The resultant hybrid systems display significantly improved photophysical features compared to 4-DASPI in solution. Molecular simulations reveal a tighter confinement of 4-DASPI in the elliptical channels of AEL, whilst a particular orientation is found within the CHA framework, where one 4-DASPI molecule spans along two adjacent cavities. In the latter scenario, each aromatic ring is positioned on these adjacent cavities and the polymethine chain resides within the 8-ring window, being this confinement slightly less tight than for AEL.

Bioactive peptides are sequences of amino acids, cut from the parent protein with en-zymes or high pressure processing that can impart a tertiary health benefit to the con-sumer that goes beyond basic human nutrition. This study explores mesopelagic fish in-cluding Maurolicus muelleri and Benthosema glaciale as sources of peptides with an-ti-inflammatory, heart health beneficial, antioxidant and other bioactivities. Bioactive peptides were generated post-catch using different enzymatic hydrolysis processes ap-plied to mesopelagic species caught from experimental cruises targeting these fish. Maurolicus muelleri and Benthosema glaciale were the dominant species processed. Bi-oactive hydrolysates included a Maurolicus muelleri Alcalase hydrolysate and a Maurolicus muelleri autolysis. Hundreds of peptide sequences were identified using mass spectrome-try from active hydrolysates. In silico analysis was used to rank identified peptide se-quences in terms of overall bioactivity using Peptide Ranker, anti-inflammatory activity using PrepAIP, ability to impart Umami flavours with Umami-MRNN and dipeptidyl peptidase IV inhibitory potential using AntiDMPpred . Thirty peptides were selected fol-lowing in silico analysis. Several of the selected peptides had sequence homology with peptides derived from other fish proteins including Atlantic salmon (peptide QCPLHR-PWAL) and thin-lipped mullet (peptide FDAFLPM). Seven peptides predicted to have an-ti-inflammatory, anti-type 2 diabetes or Umami potential using in silico strategies were chemically synthesized and their anti-inflammatory activities confirmed using in vitro bioassays with COX-1 and COX-2 enzymes. The peptide QCPLHRPWAL inhibited COX-1 and COX-2 by 82.90% (+/-0.54) and 53.84% respectively and had a selectivity index greater than 10. This peptide warrant further research as a novel anti-inflammatory/pain relief peptide. Other bioactivities associated with DPP-IV inhibition and Umami flavours de-velopment are discussed. Identified peptides offer potential for use in functional foods or topical agents to prevent pain and inflammation associated with diseases like psoriasis, arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease, however further research in vivo is required.

Oral bone defects occur as a result of trauma, cancer, infections, periodontal diseases, and caries. Autogenic and allogenic grafts are the gold standard used to treat and regenerate damaged or defective bone segments. However, these materials do not possess the antimicrobial properties necessary to inhibit the invasion of the numerous deleterious pathogens present in the oral microbiota. In the present study poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL), nano-hydroxyapatite (nHAp), and a commercial extract of Humulus lupulus L. (hops) were electrospun into polymeric matrices to assess their po-tential for drug delivery and bone regeneration. The fabricated matrices were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), tensile analysis, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), FT-IR assay, and in vitro hydrolytic degradation. The antimi-crobial properties were evaluated against the oral pathogens Streptococcus mutans, Porphyromonas gingivalis, and Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans. The cytocompatibility was proved by the MTT assay. SEM analysis proved the nanostructured matrices have suitable fiber size. The present research provides new information about the interaction of natural compounds with ceramic and polymeric biomaterials. The hop extract and other natural or synthetic medicinal agents can be effectively loaded into PCL fibers and has the potential to be used in biomedical applications.

Background: Early diagnosis of postoperative complications is an urgent task, allowing timely prescribing of appropriate therapy and reducing the cost of patient treatment. Prognostic models based on various data could help in the early diagnosis of postoperative complications after cardiac surgery. Objectives: The purpose of the study was to determine whether an integrated approach based on clinical data along with metabolites and biomarkers had greater predictive value than the models built on less data. Methods: The study included patients (n=62) admitted for planned cardiac surgery (coronary artery bypass grafting with cardiopulmonary bypass), who were retrospectively divided into two groups depending on the presence (n=26) or absence (n=36) of postoperative complications of all types. Clinical and laboratory data on the first day after surgery were analyzed. Additionally, patients' blood samples were collected before and on the first day after surgery to determine biomarkers (interleukin-6, procalcitonin, NT-proBNP, high-sensitivity troponin T) and metabolites (8 aromatic and 2 dicarboxylic acids were detected using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry). Results: Patients before surgery, compared with healthy donors, differed in the concentration of metabolites (p &lt; 0.05), and had concentrations of a number of biomarkers exceeding the corresponding reference values. Multivariate PLS-DA models, predicting the presence or absence of postoperative complications, were built using clinical data (ROC-AUC=0.71), concentrations of metabolites and biomarkers (ROC-AUC=0.60), and the entire data set (ROC-AUC=0.75). For comparison we built univariate models using the EuroScore2 (ROC-AUC=0.59) and SOFA (ROC-AUC=0.76) scales; concentrations of lactate (ROC-AUC=0.71), the dynamic changes of 4-hydroxyphenyllactic acid (ROC-AUC=0.69), and the sum of three sepsis-associated metabolites (ROC-AUC=0.70). The proposed complex model using entire data set was comparable to the SOFA scale, which confirms the expediency of searching for new predictive models based on a variety of factors.

Milk serves as a crucial source of natural bioactive compounds essential for human nutrition and health. The gastrointestinal digestion of milk proteins releases various biologically active peptides that positively impact human health and enhance physiological performance. With the growing production of cheese, Greek yogurt, and other dairy products, the volume of unutilized acid whey is significantly increasing. Acid whey, containing almost all whey proteins and approximately one-quarter of casein, presents a valuable raw material for generating peptides with potential health benefits. These peptides exhibit properties such as antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, anticarcinogenic, antihypertensive, antithrombotic, opioid, mineral-binding, and growth-stimulating activities, contributing to improved human immunity and the treatment of chronic diseases. Enzymatic hydrolysis of milk proteins has been developed as a method to produce these peptides, facilitating their use in food fortification. To incorporate whey into functional beverages, it undergoes fermentation by lactic acid bacteria with proteolytic activity. To specifically enrich these beverages with peptides exhibiting targeted bioactivities, it is essential to select lactic acid bacteria strains possessing the requisite protease profiles. Additionally, the sensory properties of the final product can be enhanced using starter cultures with diverse metabolic capabilities, even in the absence of added flavoring agents. Given the imperative to develop waste-free technologies and enhance the profitability of the dairy industry, there is a growing need to efficiently utilize and transform acid whey into a broad spectrum of valuable products and food additives. This approach is justified not only by the nutritional benefits of the bioactive components in whey but also by the commercial potential of safe and health-enhancing products.

Systemic AL amyloidosis is a challenging disease for which many patients are considered frail in daily clinical practice. However, no study has so far addressed frailty and its impact on the outcome of these patients. We built a simple score to predict mortality based on three frailty-associated variables: age, ECOG performance status (&lt;2 vs. 2) and NT-proBNP (&lt;8500 vs. 8500 ng/L). Four-hundred and sixteen consecutive newly diagnosed patients diagnosed at ten sites from the Spanish Myeloma Group were eligible for the study. The score was developed in a derivation cohort from a referral center, and it was externally validated in a multicenter cohort. On multivariate analysis the three variables were independent predictors of survival. The score was able to discriminate four groups of patients in terms of overall survival and early mortality in both cohorts. Comorbidity was also analyzed with the Charlson comorbidity index, but it did not reach statistical significance in the model. A nomogram was created to easily estimate the mortality risk of each patient at each time point. This score is a simple, robust, and efficient approach to dynamically assess frailty-dependent mortality both at diagnosis and throughout the follow-up. The optimal treatment for frail AL amyloidosis patients remains to be determined but we suggest that the estimation of frailty-associated risk could complement current staging systems, adding value in clinical decision-making in this complex scenario.

The paper focuses on the application of a multilevel, integrative and territorial approach to the protection of cultural heritage through planning instruments in Serbia. It points out the problems of the sectoral approach and discusses international recommendations that can be integrated into the planning methodology. The case study is the area of Djerdap National Park, which has an already established international and national importance. The research suggests that the cultural heritage in the area, with the exception of the Roman limes, is still recognized at the level of individual localities. The study emphasizes the importance of aligning all levels of governance to safeguard the whole spatial entity rather than focusing solely on its particular areas. The interna-tional and national importance of the planning area contributes to the strengthening of awareness of heritage and its institutional protection. However, the vitality of the area, which is key to its sustainable development, comes from the local level. Planning documents contribute to the inte-gration of local values and local communities into development programs and projects.

The impact of interaction SS with MJO on rainfall along Java Island to East Nusa Tenggara has been studied using daily rainfall observation data from 2140 weather observation stations, which are also equipped with GSMaP, OLR, and ERA5 data. There were 61 SS events found, 17 during active MJO and 44 in inactive MJO. Rainfall increases more in the western study area when the active MJO and more in the eastern study area when the inactive MJO is due to SS. SS reduces rainfall in the Jakarta region, regardless of the activity or inactivity of the MJO. SS causes extreme rainfall to only occur in a small part of certain areas, so it tends to significantly reduce the possibility of extreme rainfall. In the southern part of the IMC, SS predominates over MJO in supporting increased water vapor transport. Large-scale synoptic circulations like the monsoon, SS, and MJO can interact with local land-sea wind circulation to produce spatiotemporal variability in rainfall on Java Island. Rainfall mostly increases in the afternoon and decreases in the morning when SS occurs, whether there is MJO or not. Convective instability analysis indicates that SS increases precipitation, most likely by lowering CIN and raising VIMFC.

In order to shorten the detection time and improve the average precision on embedded devices, A lightweight and high accuracy model is proposed for passion fruit in complex environments (backlight, occlusion, overlap, sunny, cloudy, rainy). Firstly, replacing the backbone network of YOLOv5 with a lightweight GhostNet model reduces the number of parameters and computation while improving detection speed. Secondly, a new feature branch is added to the GhostNet network, and the feature fusion layer in the neck network is reconstructed to effectively combine the lower-level and higher-level features, which not only improves the accuracy of the model but also maintains its lightweight. Finally, the knowledge distillation methods are used to transfer the knowledge from the more capable teacher model to the less capable student model, which significantly improving the detection accuracy. The improved model is denoted as G-YOLO-NK. The average accuracy of the G-YOLO-NK network is 96.00%, which is 1.00% higher than the original YOLOv5s model. Furthermore, the improved model size is 7.14MB, reduced to half of the original model, and the real-time detection frame rate is 11.25 FPS on the Jetson Nano. Compared to the state-of-the-art model, the proposed model outperforms them in terms of average precision and detection performance. The present work provides an effective model for real-time detection of passion fruits in complex orchard scenes, which can provide valuable technical support for the development of orchard picking robots and greatly improve the intelligence level of orchards.

The Simultaneous Localization And Mapping (SLAM) scanner is an easy and portable Light Detection And Ranging (LiDAR) data acquisition device. Its main output is a 3D point cloud covering the scanned scene. Regarding the importance of accuracy in the survey domain, this paper aims to assess the accuracy of two SLAM scanners: the NavVis VLX and the BLK2GO Scanner. This assessment is conducted for both outdoor and indoor environments. In this context, two types of reference data are used: the Total Station (TS) and the static scanner Z+F Imager 5016. To carry out the assessment, four comparisons are tested: cloud to cloud, cloud to mesh, mesh to mesh, and edge detection board assessment. However, the results of the assessments confirm that the accuracy of indoor SLAM scanner measurements (5 mm) is greater than that of outdoor ones (between 10 mm and 60 mm). Moreover, the comparison of cloud to cloud provides the best accuracy regarding direct accuracy measurement without manipulations. Finally, based on the high accuracy, scanning speed, flexibility, and the accuracy differences between tested cases, it is confirmed that SLAM scanners are effective tools for data acquisition.

Agroindustrial by-products constitute an alternative source of feed livestock, and their use contributes to the sustainability of livestock systems and the circular bioeconomy. The effects of replacing cereal (0%, 40% and 80%) with dehydrated orange pulp (DOP) in the diet of goats on the antioxidant and fatty acid (FA) contents of cheeses were evaluated. For a more suitable understanding of the role of coagulant enzymes in establishing the properties of the cheese, the effect of milk-clotting with animal and vegetable rennet was also analysed. The rennet did not substantially affect the FA or the antioxidant compounds, and the use of DOP did not affect the FA contents. However, the α-tocopherol levels, total phenolic compounds (TPC), and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) in cheeses increased as the percentage of DOP replacing cereals increased. Moreover, the high correlation obtained between the TAC and the TPC (r = 0.73) and α-tocopherol (r = 0.62) contents indicated the important role played by these compounds in improving the antioxidant capacity of the cheese. In conclusion, DOP is a suitable alternative to cereals in the diet of goats and improves the antioxidant status of the cheese produced.

In recent years, electroencephalogram (EEG) emotion recognition has emerged as a research hotspot in the field of artificial intelligence (AI). Despite advancements in EEG-based emotion recognition, room for enhancing performance persists due to EEG signal redundancy and limitations in feature extraction, leading to inefficient models and emotional information loss. To fully utilize EEG's emotional information and improve recognition accuracy while reducing computational costs, this paper proposes a Convolutional-Recurrent Hybrid Network with a dual-stream adaptive approach and an attention mechanism (CSA-SA-CRTNN). Firstly, the model utilizes a CSAM module to assign corresponding weights to EEG channels. Then, an adaptive dual-stream convolutional-recurrent network (SA-CRNN and MHSA-CRNN) is applied to extract local spatial-temporal features. After that, the extracted local features are concatenated and fed into a temporal convolutional network with a multi-head self-attention mechanism (MHSA-TCN) to capture global information. Finally, the extracted EEG information is used for emotion classification. We conducted binary and ternary classification experiments on the DEAP dataset, achieving 99.26% and 99.15% accuracy for arousal and valence in binary classification, and 97.69% and 98.05% in ternary classification, surpassing relevant algorithms. Additionally, the model's efficiency is significantly higher than other models, achieving better accuracy with lower resource consumption.

Glycosidic linkage analysis was conducted on the unfractionated polysaccharides in the alcohol-insoluble residues (AIRs) prepared from six red seaweeds (Gracilariopsis sp., Prionitis sp., Mastocarpus papillatus, Callophyllis sp., Mazzaella splendens, and Palmaria palmata) using GC-MS/FID analysis of partially methylated alditol acetates (PMAAs). The cell walls of P. palmata primarily contained mixed-linkage xylans and small amounts of sulfated galactans and cellulose. In contrast, the unfractionated polysaccharides of the other five species were rich in galactans displaying diverse 3,6-anhydro-galactose and galactose linkages with varied sulfation patterns. Different levels of cellulose were also observed. This glycosidic linkage method offers advantages for cellulose analysis over traditional monosaccharide analysis that is known for underrepresenting glucose in crystalline cellulose. Relative linkage compositions calculated from GC-MS and GC-FID measurements showed that anhydro sugar linkages generated more response in the latter detection method. This improved linkage workflow presents a useful tool for studying polysaccharide structural variations across red seaweed species. Furthermore, for the first time, relative linkage compositions from GC-MS and GC-FID measurements, along with normalized FID and total ion current (TIC) chromatograms without peak assignments, were analyzed using principal component analysis (PCA) as a proof-of-concept demonstration of the technique's potential to differentiate various red seaweed species.

Background: Educating college students about the importance of good sleep habits could lead to the adoption of healthier sleep routines, including sufficient sleep duration and sleep quality. The current pre-post study examines the impact of completing a sleep education program called “Sleep 101” on (1) sleep hygiene practices, (2) sleep quality, and (3) weekday and weekend sleep behaviors among college students. “Sleep 101” is an interactive online course developed to educate college students about the importance of sleep by addressing basic sleep physiology, the impact of sleep on mood, academic and physical performance, the interactions between sleep and various substances, and common sleep disorders. Methods: 338 college students were recruited from a midsized public university in the US and invited to participate in “Sleep 101”, of which 25 participants completed the baseline and post-intervention questionnaire. The Sleep Hygiene Index (SHI) was utilized to evaluate sleep hygiene practices, while standard questions were employed to assess weekday and weekend sleep behaviors and overall sleep quality. Results: Those who completed the study demonstrated a significant increase in weekday sleep duration and were less likely to engage in negative prior bedtime activities. In addition, 40% of those who completed baseline and post-intervention assessments noticed improvements in their sleep quality. Conclusion: These findings suggest that a brief online program is beneficial in improving sleep behaviors among college and could be a scalable approach to addressing current sleep issues and preventing future sleep problems in college students.

The profile of secondary metabolites occurring in apple cuticular layer is not only characteristic for particular apple cultivar, but also dynamically reflects various external factors in growing environment. In this study, the possibility to authenticate apple samples based on analysis of their cuticular layer extracts was investigated. Ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to high resolution tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-HRMS/MS) was employed for obtaining metabolomic fingerprints. In total, 274 authentic apple samples, four cultivars harvested within the seasons 2020 to 2022 in the Czech Republic and Poland were analysed. The generated complex data processed by univariate and multivariate statistical methods enabled to build classification models for discrimination of apple cultivars as well as their geographical origin. The models showed very good performance in differentiation of Czech and Polish samples for three of four cultivars: ‘Gala’, ‘Golden Delicious’ and ‘Idared’, moreover, the validity of the models was verified over harvest seasons. The diagnostic markers, besides metabolites of triterpene biosynthetic pathway, mainly represented wax esters. ‘Jonagold’, which is known to be susceptible to mutations, was the only cultivar for which the unambiguous classification of geographical origin was not possible.

Superior fiber quality is one of the most important objectives in cotton breeding. To detect the genetic basis underlying fiber quality, an F2 population containing 413 plants was constructed by crossing Jifeng 914 and Jifeng 173, both of which have superior fiber quality, with Jifeng 173 being better. Five fiber quality traits were investigated in the F2, F2:3, F2:4, and F2:5 populations. Quantitative trait loci (QTL) mapping was conducted based on a high-density genetic map containing 11,488 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and spanning 4,202.12 cM in length. Transgressive segregation patterns and complex correlations in the five tested traits were observed. A total of 108 QTLs were found, including 27 for fiber length (FL), 16 for fiber strength (FS), 24 for micronaire (MC), 17 for fiber uniformity (FU), and 24 for fiber elongation rate (FE). Chromosome A7 contained 12 QTL, ranking the first. No QTL was found on chromosome D1 and D11. Each QTL contributed 1.98%–21.45% to the phenotypic variation (PV), including 13 major effect QTLs that contributed more than 10% toward PV. Two QTLs could be repeatedly detected in three populations, including qFL-D3-2 in F2, F2:4, and F2:5 with 9.18%–21.45% of PV, qFS-A11-1 in F2:3, F2:4 and F2:5 with 6.05%–10.41% of PV. Another seven stable QTLs could be detected in two populations, including four major effect QTLs: qFL-A12-3, qFS-D10-2, qMC-D6-2, and qMC-D8-1. Fourteen QTL-overlapping regions were found, which might explain the complex correlations among the five phenotypic traits. Four regions on chromosome A11, D3, D6, and D10 covered by both stable and major effect QTLs are promising for further fine mapping. The genomic regions of the two QTLs detected in three populations and the four major effect QTLs contain 810 genes. Gene functional analysis revealed that the annotated genes are mainly involved in protein binding and metabolic pathways. Fifteen candidate genes in the qFL-D3-2 region are highly expressed in fiber or ovules during fiber initiation, elongation, secondary cell wall thickening, or maturation stages. qRT-PCR revealed that Ghir_D03G005440.1 and Ghir_D03G011310.1 may play a role in promoting fiber initiation, Ghir_D03G006470.1 may be beneficial for promoting fiber elongation. This study provides more information for revealing the molecular genetic basis underlying cotton fiber quality.

Currently there are fewer depth models applied to pepper picking detection, while the existing generalized neural networks have problems such as large model parameters, long training time, and low model accuracy.In order to solve the above problems, this paper proposes a Yolo-chili target detection algorithm for chili pepper detection. First, the classical target detection algorithm yolov5 is used as a benchmark model, and an adaptive spatial feature pyramid structure combining the attention mechanism and the idea of multi-scale prediction is introduced to improve the model's detection effect on occluded peppers and small target peppers. Secondly, a three-channel attention mechanism module is introduced to improve the algorithm's long-distance recognition ability and reduce the interference of redundant testers. Finally, the quantized pruning method is used to reduce the model parameters and realize the lightweight processing of the model. Applying the method to the homemade chili pepper dataset, the AP value of chili pepper reaches 93.11%; the accuracy rate is 93.51% and the recall rate is 92.55%.The experimental results show that yolo-chili is able to achieve accurate and real-time pepper detection under complex orchards.

The temporary immersion system bioreactor named GreenTray®[2], [3]presents advantages over the existing ones. Firstly, there is no need to use forceps to move the shoots or plantlets in or out of the recipient, neither the use of scalpel to divide them. Secondly, the basis of the shoot can remain in the GreenTray® and can sprout again in several cycles of growth. These two characteristics reduce the costs in the process of micropropagation. Besides, shoots or plantlets development is enhanced by the aeration of the recipient, thus enriching with CO2 the recipient atmosphere. The chapter describes and provides images and values of interest in (1) the micropropagation process of some commercial Prunus or Pyrus rootstocks; (2) the plantlet growth under autotrophic conditions; and (2) the inoculation of plants with pathogens that reproduce in vitro the symptoms observed in vivo, using the GreenTray® bioreactor.

The aim of this retrospective study was to compare the clinical outcomes of treating isolated surgical neck fractures of the humerus using either the intramedullary nail or the MIROS (Minimally Invasive Reduction and Osteosynthesis System®) system. The study included 42 patients who underwent surgical treatment at the Polyclinic from January 2014 to June 2020. The results indicated that both treatments were effective; however, the MIROS system exhibited a higher complication rate. Intramedullary nailing was more reliable, thus recommended as the primary treatment method. This study underscores the importance of selecting the appropriate fixation technique to minimize complications and enhance patient outcomes.

Aiming at the problems of inaccurate segmentation of long object and information loss of small object in real-time semantic segmentation algorithm, this paper proposes a lightweight multi-branch real-time semantic segmentation network based on BiseNetV2. The new auxiliary branch makes full use of spatial details and context information to cover the long object in the field of view. Meanwhile, in order to ensure the inference speed of the model, the asymmetric convolution is used in each stage of the auxiliary branch to design a structure with low computational complexity. In the multi-branch fusion stage, the alignment and fusion module is designed to provide guidance information for deep and shallow feature mapping, so as to make up for the problem of feature misalignment in the fusion of information at different scales, and thus reduce the loss of small target information. In order to further improve the model’s awareness of key information, a global context module is designed to capture the most important features in the input data. The proposed network uses NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080 Laptop GPU experiment, on the road street view data set Cityscapes and CamVid average occurring simultaneously ratio reached 77.1% and 78.4% respectively, with running speed of 127 frames/s respectively and 112 frames/s. The experimental results show that the proposed algorithm can achieve real-time segmentation and improve the accuracy significantly, showing good semantic segmentation performance

Excess nitrogen in agricultural drainage poses a serious threat to the water quality safety of the Yellow River basin. Utilizing aquatic plants to modify the rhizosphere microbial community structure and facilitate nitrogen transformation is a crucial strategy for mitigating regional water eutrophication. Our results revealed that the denitrification rate (DR), dissimilatory nitrate reduction to ammonium rate (DNRAR) and nitrogen fixation rate (NFR) of rhizosphere sediments exhibited a significant increase in artificially cultivated ditch. Compared with those in natural ditches, the richness of the bacterial community and the relative abundances of Bacteroidota, Verrucomicrobiota, Firmicutes, Anaeromyxobacter and Geobacter, which are involved mainly in the nitrogen cycle, in the rhizosphere sediments of artificially cultivated ditch were significantly greater due to improvements in environmental conditions. In artificially cultivated ditch, the dominant functional genes affecting DRNARs in the rhizosphere sediments of P. australis were nrfC and nrfA, while DRs were driven mainly by norB and napA, which were influenced by the nitrogen and carbon levels; and the dominant functional genes affecting NFRs in the rhizosphere sediments of T. orientalis were nifD, nifK and nifH. Our results provide a scientific basis for the use of aquatic plants for mitigating excess nitrogen levels in agricultural drainage.

Strawberry root rot caused by Neopestalotiopsis clavispora is one of the main diseases of strawberry and significantly impacts the yield and quality of strawberry fruit. There are now no effective control techniques available except for fungicide sprays, which may directly impact consumers. Biological control is becoming an alternative method for the control of plant diseases to replace or decrease the application of traditional synthetic chemical fungicides. Trichoderma is widely used as a biological agent for controlling strawberry root rot. In order to provide resources for screening the highly effective biocontrol fungus for controlling strawberry root rot caused by Neopestalotiopsis clavispora, the biocontrol mechanism,the control effects of Trichoderma asperellum CMT10 against strawberry root rot and growth-promoting effects on strawberry seedlings were investigated by plate culture, microscopy observation and root drenching methods.The results showed that CMT10 had obvious competitive, antibiotic and hyperparasitism effects on Neopestalotiopsis clavispora CMGF3. The CMT10 could quickly occupy nutritional space, and the inhibition rates of CMT10 against CMGF3 in confrontation culture on 7 d was 65.49%. The inhibition rates of volatile metabolite and fermentation metabolite produced by CMT10 against CMGF3 were 79.67% and 69.84%, respectively. The mycelium of strain CMT10 can act as hyperparasites by making contacting, winding and penetrating hyphae of CMGF3. Pot experiment showed that the biocontrol efficacy of CMT10 on strawberry root rot caused by Neopestalotiopsis clavispora was 63.00%. CMT10 had obvious promotion effect on strawberry growth, the plant height, root length, total fresh weight, root fresh weight, stem fresh weight and root dry weight, with the promotion rates were 20.09%, 22.39%, 87.11%, 101.58%, 79.82% and 72.33%, respectively. Overall, this study showed the ability of Trichoderma asperellum CMT10 to control strawberry root rot and their potential to develop as novel biocontrol agents to replace chemical fungicides for eco-friendly, sustainable agriculture.

In this paper we study a class of impulsive delayed neural networks with parameter uncertainties and reaction-diffusion terms. Using the properties of M-matrices and some inequality techniques, some sufficient conditions are derived to guarantee the global exponential stability of the given system. The results obtained are presented by simple algebraic inequalities, which are certainly more concise than previous methods. Finally, the validity and usefulness of our results are illustrated by arithmetic examples.

Pyrops candelaria is one of the common pests of fruit trees, but the research on the pathogenic microorganisms it may carry is very limited. Therefore, it is essential to reveal the pathogenic microbes it carries and their potential hazards. This study found a new virus from the transcriptome of P. candelaria, which was first reported in P. candelaria and named as PyCaV (Pyrops candelaria associated virus). RACE and bioinformatics assay revealed that the full-length of PyCaV is 10855 bp with the polyA tail, containing a single open reading frame (ORF) encoding a polyprotein consisting of 3171 amino acid (aa). The virus has a typical Iflavirus structure, including two rhv domains, a RNA helicase domain (HEL), a 3C cysteine protease domain (Pro), and a RNA-dependent RNA polymerase domain (RdRp). Further phylogenetic analysis revealed that this virus belongs to family Iflaviridae and sequence alignements analysis suggedted PyCaV is new member in unassigned genus of family Iflaviridae. Further in-depth analysis of virus-infection-part showed that PyCaV is distributing in the whole longan lanternfly, including its head, chest, and abdomen, but more PyCaV was identified in the chest. The distribution of PyCaV in different parts of P. candelaria was further explored, which showed that more PyCaV were detected in its piercing-sucking mouthparts and chest viscera. Statistical analysis showed that the PyCaV infection was affected by time and locations.

In the study of relativistic jets one of the key open questions is their interaction with the environment on the microscopic level. Here, we study the initial evolution of both electron–proton (e^- - p⁺) and electron–positron (e^±) relativistic jets containing helical magnetic fields, focusing on their interaction with an ambient plasma. We have performed simulations of "global" jets containing helical magnetic fields in order to examine how helical magnetic fields affect kinetic instabilities such as the Weibel instability, the kinetic Kelvin-Helmholtz instability (kKHI) and the Mushroom instability (MI). In our initial simulation study these kinetic instabilities are suppressed and new types of instabilities can grow. In the e^- - p⁺ jet simulation recollimation-like instability occurs and jet electrons are strongly perturbed. In the e^± jet simulation a recollimation-like instability occurs at early times followed by a kinetic instability and the general structure is similar to a simulation without helical magnetic field. Simulations using much larger systems are required in order to thoroughly follow the evolution of global jets containing helical magnetic fields.