Fragile X syndrome (FXS), the most common monogenic cause of inherited intellectual disability and autism spectrum disorder, is caused by a full mutation (>200 CGG repeats) in the Fragile X Messenger Ribonucleoprotein 1 (FMR1) gene. Individuals with FXS experience a wide range of challenges related to social interaction (SI). Animal models, such as Drosophila melanogaster model for FXS where the only ortholog of human FMR1 (dFMR1) is mutated, have played a crucial role in understanding of FXS. The aim of this study was to investigate SI in the dFMR1B55 mutants using the novel Drosophila Shallow Chamber and a Python data processing pipeline based on social network analysis (SNA). In comparison with wild-type flies (w1118), SNA analysis in dFMR1B55 mutants revealed hypoactivity, fewer connections in their networks, a lower ability to efficiently transmit information, fewer alternative pathways for information transmission, a higher variability in the number of interactions they achieved, and tended to stay near the boundaries of the testing chamber. These observed alterations indicate the presence of characteristic strain-dependent social networks in dFMR1B55 flies, commonly referred to as the group phenotype. Finally, a combination of novel research tools is a valuable method for SI research in fruit flies.

Drosophila melanogaster serves as a important research model both for genetic investigations and for the study of metal toxicity, facilitating the elucidation of physiological mechanisms comparable to those of human organisms. In our research, we evaluated the toxicity effect resulting from exposure to various concentrations of lead and copper on the prolificity rates throughout the life cycle (egg-adult) of four genotypes of Drosophila melanogaster: wild-type (control), white, brown, and white-vestigial. During our study, the prolificity rates were examined across three repetitions under the impact of exposure to concentrations of 0.50, 1.00, 2.00, and 4.00 mM of copper (CuSO₄) and lead (Pb(C₂H₃O₂₎₂). Prolificity rates throughout the life cycle exhibited variations as a direct consequence of genetic factors, the concentration of exposure, and the specific type of metal, either copper or lead. The mutant white-vestigial genotype revealed an IC₅₀ concentration for prolificity inhibition at lower doses of 2.00 mM for copper and 4.00 mM for lead, in contrast to the control genotype (wild-type), which exhibited an inhibition concentration rate >IC₅₀ of 4.00 mM only in the case of copper. Our results concluded that the (i) dose influences the prolificity rate in a directly proportional manner, (ii) comparative analyses between copper and lead revealed that copper displayed toxicity across all genotypes within the concentration range of 0.50 mM to 2.00 mM. In contrast, lead exhibited toxicity within the concentration range of 1.00 mM to 4.00 mM, highlighting a (iii) more acute toxicity characteristic in the case of copper. Thus, the results of this research reflect the importance of using Drosophila melanogaster as a genetic model in the comparative study of the interaction between genetic factors and the toxicity of metals, offering significant insights into monitoring their impact and defining the maximum permissible doses on organisms.

The transcriptional coactivators YAP (Yes-associated protein) and TAZ (transcriptional coactivator with PDZ-binding motif) are the main downstream effectors of the evolutionary conserved Hippo signaling pathway. YAP/TAZ is implicated in the transcriptional regulation of target genes that are involved in a wide range of key biological processes affecting tissue homeostasis and play dual roles in the aging process depending on cellular and tissue context. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether pharmacological inhibitors of Yap/Taz may increase the lifespan of Drosophila melanogaster. qRT-PCR was performed to measure the changes in the expression level of Yki (Yorkie, the Drosophila homolog of YAP/TAZ) target genes. We have revealed a lifespan increasing effect of YAP/TAZ inhibitors that was mostly associated with decreased expression level of wg and E2f1 genes. However further analysis is required to understand how YAP/TAZ pathway is linked with aging.

Maximum likelihood estimation (MLE) is a popular method for parameter estimation in both applied probability and statistics but MLE cannot solve the problem of incomplete data or hidden data because it is impossible to maximize likelihood function from hidden data. Expectation maximum (EM) algorithm is a powerful mathematical tool for solving this problem if there is a relationship between hidden data and observed data. Such hinting relationship is specified by a mapping from hidden data to observed data or by a joint probability between hidden data and observed data. In other words, the relationship helps us know hidden data by surveying observed data. The essential ideology of EM is to maximize the expectation of likelihood function over observed data based on the hinting relationship instead of maximizing directly the likelihood function of hidden data. Pioneers in EM algorithm proved its convergence. As a result, EM algorithm produces parameter estimators as well as MLE does. This tutorial aims to provide explanations of EM algorithm in order to help researchers comprehend it. Moreover some improvements of EM algorithm are also proposed in the tutorial such as combination of EM and third-order convergence Newton-Raphson process, combination of EM and gradient descent method, and combination of EM and particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm.

Fruits, vegetables, and spices are natural sources of bioactive phytochemicals such as polyphenols, carotenoids, flavonoids, curcuminoids, terpenoids, and capsaicinoids, possessing multiple health benefits and relatively low toxicity. These compounds found in the diet play a central role in organism development and fitness. Given the complexity of the whole-body response to dietary changes, invertebrate model organisms can serve as valuable tools to examine the interplay between genes, signaling pathways, and metabolism. Drosophila melanogaster, an invertebrate model with its extensively studied genome, has more than 70% gene homology to humans and has been used as a model system in biological studies for a long time. The notable advantages of Drosophila as a model system, such as their low maintenance cost, high reproductive rate, short generation time and lifespan, and the high similarity of metabolic pathways between Drosophila and mammals, have encouraged the use of Drosophila in the context of screening and evaluating the impact of phytochemicals present in the diet. In this chapter, we summarize and review the benefits of Drosophila as a model system for use in the study of phytochemical ingestion and describe the previously reported effects of phytochemical consumption in Drosophila.

The brain of Drosophila melanogaster is comprised of some 100,00 neurons, 127 and 80 of which are dopaminergic and serotonergic, respectively. Their activity regulates behavioral functions equivalent to those in mammals, e.g. motor activity, reward and aversion, memory formation, feeding, sexual appetite etc. Mammalian dopaminergic and serotonergic neurons are known to be heterogeneous. They differ in their projections and in their gene expression profile. A sophisticated genetic tool box is available, which allows for targeting virtually any gene with amazing precision in Drosophila melanogaster. Similarly, Drosophila genes can be replaced by their human orthologs including disease-associated alleles. Finally, genetic manipulation can be restricted to single fly neurons. This has allowed for addressing the role of individual neurons in circuits, which determine attraction and aversion, sleep and arousal, odor preference etc. Flies harboring mutated human orthologs provide models, which can be interrogated to understand the effect of the mutant protein on cell fate and neuronal connectivity. These models are also useful for proof-of-concept studies to examine the corrective action of therapeutic strategies. Finally, experiments in Drosophila can be readily scaled up to an extent, which allows for drug screening with reasonably high throughput.

The model organism Drosophila melanogaster has become a focal system for investigations of rapidly evolving genital morphology as well as the development and functions of insect reproductive structures. To follow up on a previous paper outlining unifying terminology for the structures of the male terminalia in this species, we offer here a detailed description of the female terminalia of D. melanogaster. Informative diagrams and micrographs are presented to provide a comprehensive overview of the external and internal reproductive structures of females. We propose a collection of terms and definitions to standardize the terminology associated with the female terminalia in D. melanogaster and we provide a correspondence table with the terms previously used. Unifying terminology for both males and females in this species will help to facilitate communication between various disciplines, as well as aid in synthesizing research across publications within a discipline that has historically focused principally on male features. Our efforts to refine and standardize the terminology should expand the utility of this important model system for addressing questions related to the development and evolution of animal genitalia, and morphology in general.

Animal terminalia represent some of the most diverse and rapidly evolving structures in the animal kingdom, and for this reason have been a mainstay in the taxonomic description of species. The terminalia of Drosophila melanogaster, with its wide range of experimental tools, have recently become the focus of increased interest in the fields of development, evolution, and behavior. However, studies from different disciplines have often used discrepant terminologies for the same anatomical structures. Consequently, the terminology of genital parts has become a barrier to integrating results from different fields, rendering it difficult to determine what parts are being referenced. We formed a consortium of researchers studying the genitalia of D. melanogaster to help establish a set of naming conventions. Here, we present a detailed visual anatomy of male genital parts, including a list of synonymous terms, and suggest practices to avoid confusion when referring to anatomical parts in future studies. The goal of this effort is to facilitate interdisciplinary communication and help newcomers orient themselves within the exciting field of Drosophila genitalia.

In most Eukaryotes, ubiquitin either exists as free monoubiquitin or as a molecule that is covalently linked to other proteins. These two forms cycle between each other and due to the concerted antagonistic activity of ubiquitylating and deubiquitylating enzymes, an intracellular ubiquitin equilibrium is maintained that is essential for normal biological function. However, measuring the level and ratio of these forms of ubiquitin has been difficult and time consuming. In this paper, we have adapted a simple immunoblotting technique to monitor ubiquitin content and equilibrium dynamics in different developmental stages and tissues of Drosophila. Our data show that the level of total ubiquitin is distinct in different developmental stages, lowest at the larval-pupal transition and in three days old adult males, and highest in first instar larvae. Interestingly, the ratio of free mono-ubiquitin remains within 30-50% range of the total throughout larval development, but peaks to 70-80% at the larval-pupal and the pupal-adult transitions. It stays within the 70-80% range in adults. In developmentally and physiologically active tissues, the ratio of free ubiquitin is similarly high, most likely reflecting a high demand for ubiquitin availability. We also used this method to demonstrate the disruption of the finely tuned ubiquitin equilibrium by the abolition of proteasome function or the housekeeping deubiquitylase, Usp5. Our data support the notion that the ubiquitin equilibrium is regulated by tissue- and developmental stage-specific mechanisms.

Chronobiotics is a group of drugs utilized to modify circadian rhythms targeting clock-associated molecular mechanisms. The circadian clock is known as a controller of numerous processes standing behind aging. Hypothesis: KL001 and KS15 targeting CRY, affect lifespan, locomotor activity and circadian rhythm of Drosophila melanogaster. We observed a slight (2%, p<0.001) geroprotective effect on median lifespan (5 µM solution of KL001 in 0.1% DMSO) and a 14% increase in maximum lifespan in the same group. KS15 10 µM solution extended males’ median lifespan by 8% (p <0.05). The statistically significant positive effects of KL001 and KS15 on lifespan were not observed in female flies. KL001 5 µM solution improved locomotor activity in young male imagos (p<0.05) and elevated morning activity peak in aged imagos and modified robustness of circadian rhythms, leaving the period intact. KS15 10 µM solution decreased the locomotor activity in constant darkness and minimized the number of rhythmic flies. KL001 5 µM solution improved by 9% the mean starvation resistance in male flies (p<0.01), while median resistance was elevated by 50% (p<0.0001). This phenomenon may suggest the presence of the mechanism associated with improvement of fat body glucose depos’ utilization in starvation conditions which is activated by dCRY binding KL001.

This study developed Makgeolli (Korean traditional alcoholic beverage) by adding raw 20% Codium fragile (Cf), a green seaweed, to a mixed base consisting of rice and oats (1:1 ratio) (COM) and analyzed its quality characteristics and antioxidant activity. The rice based Makgeolli supplemented with raw 20% Cf was designated as control (CRM). The physicochemical (pH, acidity), microbiological (yeast, lactic acid bacteria), antioxidant (DPPH, ABTS), and sensory properties (7-henodonic scale) of CRM and COM were investigated during 7 days of fermentation. The pH/acidity levels of CRM and COM reached 3.66/0.68 and 3.69/0.95 after 7 days of fermentation, respectively. Compared to CRM, COM had lower alcohol and sugar contents (P < 0.05) (CRM: 14.5%/9.8 Brix, COM: 11.2%/7.4 Brix). However, COM contained more yeast and lactic acid bacteria (P < 0.05) (CRM: 1.30/4.28 log, COM: 6.04/6.09 log) compared to CRM. The antioxidant activity of DPPH/ABTS (P < 0.05) in COM was approximately 1.5 times that of CRM (CRM: 40.00/51.57%, COM: 56.76/70.91%). In addition, COM had an excellent sensory preference score (P < 0.05) due to its overall fresh flavor and savory taste (CRM: 4.93, COM: 6.06). Therefore, COM was shown to be Makgeolli with enhanced antioxidant function, with yeast and lactic acid bacteria, and improved flavor, suggesting the possibility of commercializing this Makgeolli.

A key goal of modern neuroscience involves understanding how connections in the brain form and function. Such a knowledge is essential to better inform how defects in the exquisitely complex steps of nervous system growth underlie neuropsychiatric and neurodevelopmental disorders. In the last 40 years, studies of the nervous system in the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster enabled the discovery of a wealth of molecular and genetic mechanisms that drive the development of these synaptic connections – specialized cell-to-cell connections that are the essential substrate for information flow and processing in the nervous system. The major driver of knowledge focused on studies at the neuromuscular junction due to its ease of examination. Analogous studies in the central nervous system lagged behind due to a lack of genetic accessibility of specific central neuron classes, appropriate synaptic labels compatible with cell-type specific access, and high resolution, quantitative imaging strategies. However, understanding how synapses in central circuits form remains a prerequisite to understanding brain development. In the last decade, a host of new tools and techniques made possible the extension of genetic studies of synapse organization into central circuits and greatly enhanced our understanding of central synapse formation, organization, and maturation. In this review, we consider the current state-of-the-field, focusing on two major elements. We first discuss the tools, technologies, and strategies developed to visualize and quantify synapses in vivo in genetically identifiable neurons of the Drosophila CNS. Second, we explore in depth how these tools enabled a clearer understanding of synaptic development and organization in different circuits of the fly brain and discovered novel molecular mechanisms that underlie synapse formation. These studies establish multiple brain regions in the fly as powerful in vivo genetic models that offer novel insights into synaptogenic regulators and mechanisms of neural development.

The Transient Receptor Potential Ankyrin 1 (TRPA1) cation channels function as broadly-tuned sensors of noxious chemicals in many species. Recent studies identified four functional TRPA1 isoforms in Drosophila melanogaster (dTRPA1(A) to (D)), but their responses to non-electrophilic chemicals are yet to be fully characterized. Methods: We determined the behavioral responses of adult flies to the mammalian TRPA1 non-electrophilic activators citronellal and menthol, and characterized the effects of these compounds on all four dTRPA1 channel isoforms using intracellular Ca2+ imaging and whole-cell patch-clamp recordings. Results: Wild type flies avoided citronellal and menthol in an olfactory test and this behavior was reduced in dTrpA1 mutant flies. Both compounds activate all dTRPA1 isoforms in the heterologous expression system HEK293T, with the following sensitivity series: dTRPA1(C) = dTRPA1(D) &gt; dTRPA1(A) ≫ dTRPA1(B) for citronellal and dTRPA1(A) &gt; dTRPA1(D) &gt; dTRPA1(C) &gt; dTRPA1(B) for menthol. Conclusions: dTrpA1 was required for the normal avoidance of Drosophila melanogaster towards citronellal and menthol. All dTRPA1 isoforms are activated by both compounds, but the dTRPA1(B) is consistently the least sensitive. We discuss how these findings may guide further studies on the physiological roles and the structural bases of chemical sensitivity of TRPA1 channels.

The recently defined and yet rather new topic of Healthy aging is gathering more attention on the global stage. With world’s population getting older - it is rapidly becoming very important to develop and maintain functional abilities in older age and develop mechanisms to protect senior population from chronic diseases. One of the most effective components, as well as, one may call - process involved in, and strongly associated with aging is recently discovered and Nobel prize awarded - nitric oxide as a signaling molecule, which followed by later discoveries showed to have a positive metabolic, immune and anti-inflammatory effects. One of the most debated topics of the last decade in the scientific community is nitrates, one of the pathways involved in nitric oxide production. Thus, the objective of this study was to evaluate effect of different potassium nitrate concentrate supplementation on Drosophila melanogaster longevity. 0,5-3% potassium nitrate medium was analyzed on the life span and motor function in different groups consisting of 100 females fruit flies each. In this assay, female fly species supplemented with potassium nitrate diet showed life span increase by 18.6% and 5.1% with 1% and 2% KNO3- respectively with a positive impact on locomotor function. In conclusion, we found that low concentration of potassium nitrate medium increased lifespan and locomotor function in Drosophila melanogaster.

ATP-dependent chromatin remodeling complexes are involved in nucleosomes sliding, eviction and/or histone variants incorporation into chromatin to facilitate several cellular and biological processes, including DNA transcription, replication and repair. The DOM/TIP60 chromatin remodeling complex of Drosophila melanogaster contains 18 subunits, including the DOMINO (DOM), an ATPase that catalyzes the ex-change of the canonical H2A with its variant (H2A.V); and TIP60, a lysine-acetyltransferase that acetylates H4, H2A and H2A.V histones. In the last decade, different experimental evidence showed that ATP-dependent chromatin remodeling factors, in addition to their role in chromatin organization, have a functional relevance in cell division. In particular, emerging studies suggested direct roles of ATP-dependent chromatin remodeling complex subunits in controlling mitosis and cytokinesis in both humans and D. melanogaster. However, little is known about their possible involvement during meiosis Meiotic chromosomes non-disjunction led to aneuploid offspring, which are often inviable/poorly viable or sterile due to gene dosage imbalance. Therefore, studying the role of DOM/TIP60 complex in D. melanogaster meiosis can provide new insights on our understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying cell division control in gametogenesis.

Ageing is a major risk factor for many of the most prevalent diseases, including neurodegenerative disease, cancer and heart disease. As the global population continues to age, behavioural interventions that can promote healthy ageing will improve quality of life and relieve the socio-economic burden that comes with an aged society. Exercise is recognised as an effective intervention against many diseases of ageing, but we don’t know the stage in an individual’s lifetime in which exercise is most effective at promoting healthy ageing and whether it has a direct effect on lifespan. We exercised w1118 Drosophila melanogaster, interrogating effects of sex and group size, at different stages of their lifetime and recorded their lifespan. Climbing scores at 30 days were measured to record differences in fitness in response to exercise. We also assessed the mitochondrial proteome of w1118 Drosophila that had been exercised for one week, alongside mitochondrial respiration measured using High-Resolution Respirometry, to determine changes in mitochondrial physiology in response to exercise. We found that age-targeted exercise interventions improve lifespan in male and female Drosophila, and grouped males exercised in late life had improved climbing scores, when compared with those exercised throughout their entire lifespan. The proteins of the electron transport chain were significantly upregulated in expression after one week of exercise, and complex II linked respiration was significantly increased in exercised -Drosophila. Taken together our study provides a basis to test specific proteins and complex II of the respiratory chain as important effectors of exercise induced healthy ageing.

Small RNAs are essential for the coordination of many cellular processes, including the regulation of gene expression patterns, the prevention of genomic instability, and the suppression of mutagenic transposon activity. These processes determine aging, longevity, and sensitivity of cells and an organism to stress factors (particularly, ionizing radiation). The biogenesis and activity of small RNAs are provided by proteins of the Argonaute family. These proteins participate in the processing of small RNA precursors and the formation of an RNA-induced silencing complex. However, the role of Argonaute proteins in the regulation of lifespan and radioresistance remains poorly explored. We studied the effect of knockdown of Argonaute genes (AGO1, AGO2, AGO3, piwi) in various tissues on the Drosophila melanogaster lifespan and survival after the γ-irradiation at a dose of 700 Gy. In most cases, these parameters were reduced or did not change significantly in flies with tissue-specific RNA interference. Surprisingly, piwi knockdown in both the fat body and the nervous system caused a lifespan increase. But changes in radioresistance depended on the tissue in which the gene was knocked out. In addition, analysis of changes in retrotransposon levels and expression of stress response genes allowed us to determine associated molecular mechanisms.

Kininogens are multidomain glycoproteins found in the blood of most vertebrates. They are important in the blood coagulation cascade pathways - in intrinsic pathway activation leading to thrombin generation partially independently from tissue factor dependent extrinsic pathway, connecting blood coagulation with the kallikrein-kinin system. Nothing is known about the shape on atomic level therefore the endeavor to obtain the good-quality spatial structure of kininogens is important for a better understanding of their role in disease and treatment. Application of cryo-EM is important for solving the spatial structure of kininogens, drawing new frontiers in understanding the function and opening new pathways for drug development.

Background: The bacterium Capnocytophaga spp. is a part of the oral microbiome of dogs, which has zoonotic potential. This study aimed to assess factors that influence the prevalence of Capnocytophaga cynodegmi and Capnocytophaga canimorsus in Wrocaw’s dog population. Methods: Molecular detection (PCR) involved 105 swabs, examining parameters such as oral cavity condition, underlying health issues, recent antibiotics, age, medications, material collection, and dog chews. Results: The study highlighted significant associations between the presence of Capnocytophaga cynodegmi and oral cavity condition, material collection method, and use of dog’s chews. Conclusions: Correlations obtained in this study between the oral health of Wroclaw's dog population and the presence of Capnocytophaga cynodegmi suggest its significance in the oral microbiome of dogs. Limitations, including the small sample size, highlight the need for more research to comprehensively understand additional factors that affect the prevalence of Capnocytophaga spp. in dogs

Species of the genus Drosophila have served as favorite models in speciation studies; however, genetic factors of interspecific reproductive incompatibility are underinvestigated. Here we performed the analysis of hybrid female sterility by crossing Drosophila melanogaster females and Drosophila simulans males. Using transcriptomic data analysis, molecular, cellular, and genetic approaches, we analyzed differential gene expression, transposable element (TE) activity, piRNA biogenesis, and functional defects of oogenesis in hybrids. Premature germline stem cell loss was the most prominent defect of oogenesis in hybrid ovaries. Due to the differential expression of genes encoding piRNA pathway components, rhino and deadlock, the functional RDCmel complex in hybrid ovaries was not assembled. However, the activity of the RDCsim complex was maintained in hybrids, independent of the genomic origin of piRNA clusters. Despite the identification of a cohort of overexpressed TEs in hybrid ovaries, we found no evidence that their activity can be considered the main cause of hybrid sterility. We revealed a complicated pattern of Vasa protein expression in the hybrid germline, including partial AT-chX piRNA targeting of the vasasim allele and a significant zygotic delay in vasamel expression. We arrived at the conclusion that the hybrid sterility phenotype was caused by intricate multi-locus differences between the species.

Due to similarities in genetics, cellular response, and behavior, Drosophila is used as a model organism in addiction research. A well described behavioral response examined in flies is the induced increase in locomotor activity after a single dose of volatilized cocaine (vCOC) and volatilized methamphetamine (vMETH) known as sensitivity, and the escalation of the locomotor response after the repeated dose, known as the locomotor sensitization. However, knowledge about how vCOC and vMETH affect different neurotransmitter systems over time is scarce. We used LC-MS/MS to systematically examine changes in the concentration of neurotransmitters, metabolites and non-metabolized COC and METH in the whole head homogenates of male flies one to seven hours after single and double vCOC or vMETH administrations. vMETH leads to complex changes in the levels of examined substances over time, while vCOC strongly and briefly increases concentrations of dopamine, tyramine and octopamine followed by a delayed degradation into N-acetyl dopamine and N-acetyl tyramine. The first exposure to psychostimulants leads to significant and dynamic changes in the concentrations relative to the second administration when they are more stable over several hours. Further investigations are needed to understand neurochemical and molecular changes post-psychostimulant administration.

The predatory mirids Macrolophus pygmaeus Ramber and Nesidiocoris tenuis Reuter (Heteroptera: Miridae) are used for the biological control of Tuta absoluta Meyrick (Lep.: Gelechiidae) and other pests in tomato greenhouses. The functional response of 1 (young) and 10 (old) days old adult females and males of M. pygmaeus and N. tenuis on eggs of T. absoluta, was determined on tomato at two temperatures (20° and 25°C) and LD 16:8 and found to be Type II. M. pygmaeus females exhibited higher predation efficiency, than males at both tested temperatures. Young M. pygmaeus females had a higher efficiency than old ones, whereas males had a low efficiency irrespective of age. The predation efficiency of N. tenuis was high (but lower than M. pygmaeus) in both young females and males, although old females had a higher efficiency than the respective males. Our results show that the two predatory species have different functional response characteristics to their prey depending mainly on sex and age which may affect their role as biological control agents.

Gelatin industry residues are increasingly used as fertilizer and soil conditioner. However, correct residue dosage is critical for grass development and minimizing environmental impacts. This randomized block design study determined adequate dosage of Mixed Gelatin Sludge (MGS) for Marandu grass production in wet/dry seasons in Brazil. Five MGS levels (0%–200% of required nitrogen) were compared to mineral fertilizer. Agronomic/productivity characteristics, bromatological composition, macro/micro-nutrient composition of leaves, and soil chemical attributes were evaluated. Agronomic/productivity characteristics were influenced by MGS dose in both dry/rainy seasons, except for leaf blade pseudostem ratio and percentage of leaves/pseudostem. Bromatological composition was influenced by MGS doses in dry/rainy seasons except for dry/mineral material quantities. Marandu leaf tissue chemical composition was significantly influenced by MGS dose, except for potassium, boron, and iron. Chemical composition of four soil layers between 0–50 cm influenced GMS dose, except for pH, organic matter, magnesium, copper, manganese, and zinc. GMS dose for Marandu production should be 200% of nitrogen (N) requirement. GMS application increased productivity/quality of Marandu grass. Macronutrients (N, phosphorus) and micronutrients (Ca, Mg, S, Cu, and Zn) increased in Marandu grass and in the soil (Ca, S, and Na). Increased sodium (Na) level was not limiting.

DNA damage response (DDR) pathways in keto-enol genotoxicity have not been characterized, and few studies have reported genotoxic effects in non-target organisms. The present study shows that concentrations of 11.2, 22.4, 37.3 mg/L of Movento® 240SC and 12.3, 24.6, 41.1 mg/L of Envidor® 240SC for 72 h oral exposure induced DSBs by significantly increasing the percentage of γH2AV expression in regions 2b and 3 from the germarium of wildtype females of Drosophila melanogaster Oregon R, compared to the control group (0.0 mg/L of insecticides), by confocal immunofluorescence microscopy. The comparison between both insecticides’ revels that only the Envidor® 240SC induces concentration-dependent DNA damage, as well as structural changes in the germarium. We determined that the DDR induced by Movento® 240SC depends on the activation of the ATMtefu, Chk1grp and Chk2lok kinases by significantly increasing the percentage of expression of γH2AX in regions 2b and 3 of the germarium, and that ATRmei-29D and p53dp53 kinases only respond at the highest concentration of 37.3 mg/L of Movento® 240SC. With the Envidor® 240SC insecticide, we determined that the DDR depends on the activation of the ATRmei-29D/Chk1grp and ATMtefu/Chk2lok kinases, and p53dp53 by significantly increasing the percentage of expression of γH2AX in the germarium.

Green spaces localized in cities create favourable environmental conditions for Ixodes ricinus, the most widespread and important vector of tick-borne pathogens in Central Europe. In this study, we described the prevalence of Borrelia burgdorferi s.l. and Babesia species found in mono- and double infections among I. ricinus ticks occurring in urban areas of the city of Poznań, west-central Poland. Two tick groups were examined: (i) a group of 1,029 host-seeking ticks (460 nymphs, 289 females, and 280 males and (ii) a group of 1,268 engorged female ticks removed from 1,115 tick-infested animals, dogs and cats. The overall prevalence of B. burgdorferi s.l. found in host-seeking ticks was almost two-fold higher in comparison to ticks derived from pets (8.7 vs. 4.7%, respectively, χ2 test, P = 0.001). Borrelia afzelii and B. garinii were the most prevalent species both in ticks from vegetation (3.7% and 3.7%, respectively) and from pets (3.7% and 0.6%, respectively). Babesia infections were slightly more common in feeding ticks compared to those from vegetation (6.0 vs. 4.7%, respectively), however, the difference was not significant. Three Babesia species including Ba. microti, Ba. venatorum and Ba. canis were identified. Babesia canis and Ba. microti were the most prevalent in host-seeking (2.6% and 1.4%, respectively) and feeding ticks (2.8% and 2.2%, respectively), whereas Ba. venatorum was the rarest piroplasm. All Ba microti obtained sequences (n=42) were identical to Ba. microti genotype "Jena/Germany" that is considered as pathogenic to humans. Furthermore, the sequences of Ba. venatorum (n=17) were identical with those isolated from patients in Italy, Austria and Poland. Altogether, out of 121 Babesia-positive ticks, 19.8% were simultaneously infected with B. burgdorferi s.l. spirochetes. We found similar prevalences of co-infections in host-seeking (1.1%) as well as in feeding ticks (1.0%). In the first group, Ba. canis prevailed in coinfections (73%), mostly with B. afzelii and B. garinii, in the second group, Babesia microti dominated with B. afzelii (92.7%). This is the first finding documenting the co-occurrence of both pathogens in ticks from companion animals. The detection of Ba. microti and Ba. venatorum sequences identical to strains pathogenic to humans as well as predominance of LB spirochetes, B. afzelii and B. garinii in I. ricinus from vegetation and animals indicates that there is a potential risk of acquiring human babesiosis and/or Lyme borreliosis in urban areas of the city of Poznań. Although, the overall risk of encountering a Ba. microti and B. burgdorferi s.l. co-infected tick was low (1.0%), the potential for more severe clinical symptoms and complications deserves notice. A relatively high infection rates of Ba. canis in dog-derived ticks (3.2%) and in host-seeking ticks (2.6%), suggests that I. ricinus could potentially be involved in the circulation of this piroplasm in areas, where the competent vector, Dermacentor reticulatus is absent or rare.

Understanding mechanisms of ageing remains a complex challenge for biogerontologists, but recent adaptations of evolutionary ageing theories offer a compelling lens in which to view both age-related molecular and physiological deterioration. Ageing is commonly associated with a progressive loss of biochemical processes and degeneration of molecular material, however, the mechanisms of diminishing function are not simply a result of aberrant expression of these pathways. Natural selection pressures are at their highest in youthful periods to select genes advantageous to maximising reproductive capacity. After sexual maturation, selective pressure diminishes, subjecting individuals to maladaptive pleiotropic gene function once beneficial for developmental growth, but pathogenic later in life. Due to this selective ‘shadowing’ in ageing, mechanisms to counter hyperfunctional genes are unlikely to evolve within a given species. These genetic ‘run-on’ programmes are not dysfunctional per se and, in fact, remain highly robust. Thus, interventions capable of optimising gene function during the ageing process represent as attractive therapeutic modalities. Caenorhabditis elegans offers a unique model to explore high-throughput screening of interventions to combat hyperfunctional pathways involved in ageing. However, the majority of research to date employ whole-life vs late-life pathway manipulation of developmental/growth-related systems to claim ageing attenuation, despite significant impairments in early-life fitness and discordance with healthspan. Here, we discuss data supporting hyperfunctional changes at a global molecular and functional level in C. elegans, and how classical lifespan-extension mutants alter these dynamics. We later discuss the relevance of such mutant models for exploring mechanisms of ageing, highlighting that post-reproductive gene manipulation represents a far more translatable approach for C. elegans research not routed within pleiotropic constraints. More so, lifespan has become a routine readout for quantifying ‘ageing’, however, we make the argument that a compression of gerospan vs lifespan extension is a more meaningful goal for anti-ageing regimes with current knowledge. Similarly, mechanisms governing lifespan are distinct from those regulating health, and slowing senescent pathology accumulation appears more applicable for the abstraction to human ageing.

This study focuses on examining various approaches for Tensor Decompositions (TDs) and their potential applications in satellite imaging (SI) and deep learning (DL). The research highlights how these decompositions can contribute to the advancement of SI and DL, providing valuable insights for future utilization of TDs in research. It explores how these techniques contribute to the advancement of SI and DL methods, providing insights into their potential applications and suggesting future research directions. The study aims to enhance the use of TDs techniques to further advance research efforts in these fields. More importantly, the current investigation offers a thorough analysis of the potential advantages and reasons for employing TDs techniques in different domains, including satellite imaging and deep learning. The aim is to enhance research outcomes by utilizing TDs. The review also identifies unresolved issues and proposes future directions for further investigation in this field. Fundamentally, these proposed open problems will open new grounds to the research community to articulate, innovate, and provide more real-life applications to improve the current state of the art by delving into a wider vision for a higher-level performance of both satellite imaging (SI) and deep learning (DL). Looking at the bigger scenario, this also suggests that TDs could be potentially employed to revolutionize existing machine learning technologies as well as the current space AI industry.

Paratuberculosis, or Johne's disease, caused by Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP), is a chronic granulomatous enteritis affecting both domestic and wild ruminants. The agent was also found in wild mammals such as wild boar (Sus scrofa), however, the role of wild mammals in the epidemiology of MAP is unclear. During the research period, 941 free-ranging wild boar (S. scrofa) legally hunted in two locations in the Centre-eastern region of Portugal were examined. Ninety-seven wild boar exhibited one or more gross lesions and were tested for the presence of Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis using acid-fast staining, mycobacterial culture, poly-merase chain reaction (PCR), and histopathological examination. Forty-five animals (46.4%, 95% CI: 36.5-56.3%) were identified as infected, as indicated by positive results in culture and/or PCR. The findings revealed that the most significant risk factor was being a juvenile compared to year-lings and adults (OR = 10.2, 95% CI: 2.2-48.0). Based on our results, 37.9% (n = 11) of the infected animals were considered suitable for human consumption. Our findings offer novel insights into mycobacterial infections in wild boar populations in Portugal and suggest that wild boar could be a source of human infection if zoonotic potential is considered.

Ethanolic extracts of propolis collected from Apis mellifera hives have been shown to reduce Nosema ceranae infection in honey bee workers. This study aimed to determine the propolis concentration that optimizes the control of N. ceranae infection in honey bee workers. Newly emerged worker bees were individually fed 2 μL of 50% sucrose solution (w/v) containing 105 N. ceranae spores per bee, and treated with 0%, 25%, 50%, and 75% ethanolic extracted propolis in 50% sucrose solution (v/v). The treated bees were maintained in cages at 34 ± 2˚C and 55 ± 5% RH throughout the study. The number of dead bees was counted and removed from the cages daily for 30 days to generate survival curves. The number of N. ceranae spores per bee (infectivity) was quantified using a hemocytometer, and the number of infected bees per hundred bees (infection rate) was determined. The survival rates of N. ceranae infected bees fed 25%, 50%, and 75% propolis (NP1, NP2, NP3, respectively) were significantly higher than those of infected bees not fed propolis (NO). Furthermore, the infectivity and infection rates of NP2 and NP3 groups were significantly lower than those of the NO group. The infectivity and infection rates of the NP1 group were not different than those of the NO group. Our data suggest that 50% and 75% propolis extracts are appropriate concentrations for treating N. ceranae infection in honey bees. Ethanolic extracted propolis can be an alternative treatment for N. ceranae infection in Western honey bees.

High-throughput research on bimetallic nanoparticles brought a vast overview of their characteristics and catalytic activities.¹ However, traditional bimetallic nano-allloy quantification methods serving catalyst preparations are not suitable for the fast and robust data output of high-throughput experiments. Hence, this work designed and validated a more fast, more neat, and reliable quantitative analysis using X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy for bimetallic nanoparticles synthesized by high-throughput setups. The results demonstrated this method to be accurate with high precision. Furthermore, the agreement to qualitative results from an energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometer equiped on a scanning electron microscope provided an option to quantify a bimetallic nano-alloy by just analyzing one of the two composing elements. Thus, this method is proved to be highly compatible with high-throughput experiments.

Investigation of oomycete diversity in rice paddies of Fars Province in Iran led to the identification of two new Pythium sensu lato (s.l.) species as Globisporangium izadpanahii sp. nov. and Pythium banihashemianum sp. nov. The identification was based on morphological and physiological features as well as the phylogenetic analysis of nuclear (ITS and βtub) and mitochondrial (cox1 and cox2) loci using Bayesian inference and Maximum Likelihood. A major characteristic of G. izadpanahii was the production of globose hyphal swellings; this species did not produce vesicles and zoospores. The present paper describes formally these two new species and defines their phylogenetic relationships with other congeneric species. According to multiple gene genealogy analysis, G. izadpanahii grouped with other species of Globisporangium in the former clade G of Pythium s.l. and was closely related to both G. nagaii and the recently described G. coniferarum. The second species, designated P. banihashemianum, grouped with other species of Pythium sensu stricto in the former clade B of Pythium s.l. and according to the phylogenetic analysis shared an ancestor with P. plurisporium. In pathogenicity tests on rice seedlings, P. banihashemianum isolates were highly pathogenic causing severe root and crown rot, while G. izadpanahii isolates were not pathogenic.

Between a vineyard and the foliage wall of an adjacent forest, 25 traps containing different Drosophila attractants were applied on three occasions in autumn after the grape harvest. The attractant liquid was Pinot Blanc grape juice to which pure Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast had been added to initiate fermentation. The five test variants differed in only one characteristic, namely the fermentation time, which was changed in two-day steps. Nine species of the genus Drosophila were captured, but only two were abundant enough to allow statistical analysis of variant differences in capture frequencies. Both species, D. suzukii and D. simulans, can affect the quality of the berries and ultimately the wine even before the harvest and are therefore considered pests. The studies showed that fermenting grape juice is significantly more attractive to both species than unfermented grape juice and that the attractiveness of the attractant liquid is maximised for D. simulans males with a fermentation time of seven to eight days.Parallel to this experiment, an analysis of the aroma spectrum of the fermenting grape juice was carried out with a temporal resolution of one day for the first twenty days. This made it possible to identify the aroma substances that had the highest concentrations in the time frame in which the attractant was particularly attractive and whose attractant effect should therefore be investigated further.

An extensive thermodynamic study of N-methylformamide (CAS RN: 123-39-7) and N,N-dimethylformamide (CAS RN: 68-12-2), is presented in this work. The liquid heat capacities of N-methylformamide were measured by Tian–Calvet calorimetry in the temperature interval (250 – 300) K. The vapor pressures for N-methylformamide and N,N-dimethylformamide were measured using static method in the temperature range 238 K to 308 K. The ideal-gas thermo-dynamic properties were calculated using a combination of the density functional theory (DFT) and statistical thermodynamics. A consistent thermodynamic description was developed using the method of simultaneous correlation, where the experimental and selected titerature data for vapor pressures, vaporization enthalpies, and liquid phase heat capacities and calculated ide-al-gas heat capacities are treated together to ensure overall thermodynamic consistency of the results. Resulting vapor pressure equation is valid from the triple point to the normal boiling point temperature.

Understanding the genotype x environment (GE) interaction for traget trait is valuable for growers, agronomists, breeders and the seed industry. The objective of this study was to see and explore the genotype x environment interaction for grain yield of wheat to better guide genotype selection and breeding. The genotype main effect and GE interaction effect (GGE) biplots resolved the following three genotypes: 85 (ETW17-377), 82 (ETW17-374) and 13 (ETW17-281) for being the best yielding and stable. The Kulumsa site planted on 4^th of July 2017 (environment 7=E7) and the DebreZeit site on 20^th of July 2017 (E3) were the most effective environments in distinguishing the test genotypes and are thus suitable environments for future evaluation and selection with specific adaptation. Melkasa site planted on 4^th July (E9) was a representative environment where genotypes can be evaluated for wide adpaptation. The genetic covariate biplot indicated that thousand kernel weight (TKW) and plant height (PH) had significant positive associations with grain yield implying the possible concurrent indirect selection of both traits for exploiting GE interaction for grain yield of wheat.

Rhodotorula mucilaginosa fungaemia is rare and highly resistance to antifungal therapy. We herein report a case involving a 31-year-old male admitted after a high-velocity road traffic accident. He sustained a grade IV liver injury with right hepatic vein thrombosis, necessitated an urgent laparotomy. Post-operatively, repeated imaging of the abdomen revealed presence of biloma. Percutaneous subdiaphragmatic drainage was done but appeared ineffective, prompting second surgery for a urgent hemi-hepatectomy. Patient then was nursed in the intensive care unit (ICU) however during his stay in the ICU he became more sepsis evident by worsening ventilatory support and rise in septic parameters from the biochemistry parameters. Despite on intravenous piperacillin-tazobactam and fluconazole, his septic parameters did not improve and a full septic workup was done and was found to be positive for Rhodotorula mucilaginosa from the blood cultures. After discussion with the infectious disease physicians and clinical microbiologist, it was decided to initiate a course of intravenous meropenem and amphotericin B based on minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values, considering the patient's extended ICU stay and catheter use. Eventually, successful weaning off mechanical ventilation was discharge from ICU care. This case underscores the necessity of individualized approaches, combining timely imaging, appropriate drainage techniques, and tailored treatments to optimize outcomes for such intricate post-traumatic complications.

Cucurbitacin phytonematicides consistently suppress population densities of plant nematodes, but have no effect against bacteria, fungi and insects. This study investigates the mechanism through which cucurbitacin phytonematicides consistently exert nematicidal properties on nematodes. Post 72-h exposure of second-stage juveniles (J2) of Meloidogyne enterolobii to geometric concentration of Nemafric-BL phytonematicide, J2 total proteins were measured using TruspecCHNS Macro. Total proteins versus phytonematicide exhibited a negative quadratic relation (R² = 0.97), with the minimum total proteins achieved at x = 4.9% phytonematicide. Beyond the minimum, total proteins increased gradually, depicting the existence of both isoprenylation (breakdown) and farnesylation (biosynthesis) of total proteins. In conclusion, cucurbitacins and nematode cuticles are both chemically structured, which provides the mechanism through which the test chemicals consistently decrease population densities of plant nematodes.

Visceral leishmaniasis is a disease caused by protozoa of the species Leishmania (Leishmania) infantum (syn=Leishmania chagasi) and Leishmania (Leishmania) donovani, which are transmitted by hematophagous in-sects of the genera Lutzomyia and Phlebotomus. The domestic dog (Canis familiaris) is considered the main ur-ban reservoir of the parasite due to the high parasite load on its skin, serving as a source of infection for sand-fly vectors and, consequently, perpetuating the disease in the urban environment. Some factors are consid-ered important in the perpetuation and spread of canine visceral leishmaniasis (CVL) in urban areas, such as stray dogs with their errant behavior and houses that have backyards with trees, shade, and organic materi-als, creating an attractive environment for sandfly vectors. CVL is found in approximately 50 countries with the number of infected dogs reaching millions and, due to the difficulty of controlling and diagnosing the disease, the number of infected animals could be even greater. In the four continents endemic for CVL there are reports of disease expansion in endemic countries such as Brazil, Italy, Morocco, and Tunisia, as well as in areas where CVL is not endemic, for example, Uruguay. Socio-environmental factors, such as migration, drought, deforestation, and global warming, have been pointed out as one of the reasons for expansion to ar-eas where it had been absent. Thus, the objective of this review is to address (i) the distribution of CVL in endemic areas (ii) the role of the dog in the visceral leishmaniasis epidemiology and the factors that influence dog infection and spread of the disease, and (iii) the challenges faced in the control of CVL.

(S)-Atenolol ((S)-2-(4-(2-Hydroxy-3-(isopropylamino)propoxy)phenyl)acetamide) has been synthesized in >99% ee with use of Candida antarctica lipase B from Syncozymes (Shanghai, China), in a kinetic resolution of the corresponding racemic chlorohydrin. Deprotonation of the starting phenol building block was base catalyzed. The enantiopurity of the chlorohydrin building block remained unchanged upon subsequent amination. All four steps in the synthesis protocol have been optimized compared to previously reported methods, which makes this new protocol more sustainable and in accordance with green chemistry principles compared to previously reported protocols.

Oncogenic mutations in the small GTPase Ras contributes to ~30% of human cancers. However, tissue growth induced by oncogenic Ras is restrained by induction of cellular senescence and additional mutations are required to induce tumor progression. Therefore, it is paramount to identify cooperating cancer genes. Recently, the tensin family of focal adhesion proteins, TNS1-4, have emerged as regulators of carcinogenesis, yet their role in cancer appears somewhat controversial. Around 90% of human cancers are of epithelial origin. We have used the Drosophila wing imaginal disc epithelium as model system to gain insight into the roles of two orthologs of human TNS2 and 4, blistery (by) and PVRAP, in epithelial cancer progression. We have generated null mutations in PVRAP and found that, as it is the case for by and mammalian tensins, PVRAP mutants are viable. We have also found that elimination of either PVRAP or by potentiates RasV12-mediated wing disc hyperplasia. Furthermore, our results have unravelled a mechanism by which tensins may limit Ras oncogenic capacity, the regulation of cell shape and growth. These results demonstrate that Drosophila tensins behave as suppressors of Ras-driven tissue hyperplasia, suggesting that the roles of tensins as modulators of cancer progression might be evolutionary conserved.

Background: The resurgence of syphilis, primarily in MSM populations, has necessitated novel prophylactic strategies, such as the use of doxycycline post-exposure prophylaxis (doxy-PEP). However, the potential for increased doxycycline use to select for tetracycline resistance represents significant challenges in managing this sexually transmitted infection. This study aims to identify chromosomal mutations associated with tetracycline resistance in Spirochaetales to inform treatment strategies and surveillance measures.Methods: Whole genome sequences (WGS) from the Spirochaetales order, including 4,355 genomes, were analyzed for the presence of mutations in 16S rRNA and non-synonymous mutations in the rpsC and rpsJ genes. The study utilized WGS from GenBank® and sequence data from the PubMLST Treponema pallidum isolate collection. Genetic resistance to tetracycline was detected using a combination of BLASTN searches and gene-gene analysis. Results: A transition mutation TGA to TGG at positions 965-967 in the 16S rRNA gene was detected in 5.6% of Treponema spp. and 3.97% of Spirochaeta spp. genomes. The rpsJ gene exhibited a V57G amino acid substitution across a significant subset of Treponema spp. Notably, the V57K mutation was common in Spirochaeta spp. The rpsC gene had the H178Q mutation and was found to be present in the Spirochaetales bacterium.Conclusion: The identification of mutations associated with tetracycline resistance in Spirochaetales provides a foundation for the development of rapid molecular diagnostics and guides the clinical selection of antibiotics for syphilis treatment. This study underscores the complexity of antibiotic resistance mechanisms and the critical importance of surveillance in the era of antibiotic prophylaxis for STI management.

Different bacterial species have dramatically different generation times, from 20-30 minutes in Escherichia coli to about two weeks in Mycobacterium leprae. The translation machinery in a cell needs to synthesize all proteins for a new cell in each generation. The three subprocesses of translation, i.e., initiation, elongation, and termination, are expected to be under stronger selection pressure to optimize in short-generation bacteria (SGB) such as Vibrio natriegens than in the long-generation Mycobacterium leprae. The initiation efficiency depends on the start codon decoded by the initiation tRNA, the optimal Shine-Dalgarno (SD) decoded by the anti-SD (aSD) sequence on small subunit rRNA, and the secondary structure that may embed the initiation signals and prevent them from being decoded. The elongation efficiency depends on the tRNA pool and codon usage. The termination efficiency in bacteria depends mainly on the nature of the stop codon and the nucleotide immediately downstream of the stop codon. By contrasting SGB with long-generation bacteria (LGB), we predict that 1) SGB to have more ribosome RNA operons to produce ribosomes, and more tRNA genes for carrying amino acid to ribosomes, 2) SGB to have a higher percentage of genes using AUG as start codon and UAA as stop codon than LGB, 3) SGB to exhibit better codon and anticodon adaptation than LGB, and 4) SGB to have weaker secondary structure near translation initiation signals than LGB. These differences between SGB and LGB should be more pronounced in highly expressed genes than lowly expressed genes. We present empirical evidence in support of these predictions.

Dirofilaria immitis and D. repens are the two most widespread and important species of mosquito-borne nematodes, posing a significant threat to veterinary health, particularly affecting canines and felines. While D. immitis causes cardiopulmonary dirofilariasis, D. repens causes subcutaneous infections in dogs and other carnivores. Despite extensive knowledge about the aforementioned parasites, little is known about their natural vectors in Serbia. Thus, the aim of this study was to: i) further map out Dirofilaria sp. hotspots in the Vojvodina Province, ii) detect positive mosquito species which can provide insights in how the nematodes spread and adapt to the environmental conditions, and iii) analyze the blood fed mosquitoes females of species found infected to identify the potential source of parasite infection. A total of 2,902 female mosquitoes were collected across 73 locations during 2021 and 2022. Molecular biology methods, based on conventional PCR, were used to analyze non-blood fed (2,521 specimens) and blood fed (381 specimens) mosquito females, in order to detect filarial nematode presence and identify blood meal sources respectively. When the parasite genome was detected, the amplicon (COI gene, 650 bp fragment) was sent for Sanger sequencing, further confirming the presence of nematodes and species assignation. D. immitis was detected in three Culex pipiens mosquitoes collected in XXXX (location and date), while Setaria tundra was detected in Aedes vexans and Aedes caspius. This work adds two new locations where D. immitis occurs in Vojvodina, and is the first report of S. tundra on the territory of Serbia. Blood meal analysis provided insights into the preferences of mosquitoes that were positive for Dirofilaria sp. and S. tundra.

Pathogenicity of many bacteria including Bacillus cereus and Staphylococcus aureus depends on pore-forming toxins (PFTs), which cause lysis of host cells by forming pores in membranes of eukaryotic cells. Bioinformatic analysis revealed in over 600 PFTs a region homologous to the Lys171-Gly250 sequence in hemolysin II (HlyII) from B. cereus, which we designated as “homologous peptide”. Three β-barrel PFTs were used for a detailed comparative analysis. Two of them –HlyII and cytotoxin K2 (CytK2), – are synthesized in Bacillus cereus sensu lato; the third – S. aureus α-toxin (Hla) – is the most investigated representative of the family. Protein modeling showed certain amino acids of homologous peptide to be located on the surface of the monomeric forms of these β-barrel PFTs. We obtained monoclonal antibodies against both a cloned homologous peptide and a 14-membered synthetic peptide DSFNTFYGNQLFMK as part of homologous peptide. The HlyII, CytK2 and Hla regions recognized by the obtained antibodies, as well as an antibody capable of suppressing the hemolytic activity of CytK2, were identified in the course of the work. Antibodies capable of recognizing PFTs of various origins can be useful tools for both identification and suppression of the cytolytic activity of PFTs.

There is no doubt that seagrass beds constitute one of the most productive ecosystems in shallow coastal waters. Despite this, picoplankton in seagrass ecosystems has received relatively little attention. The purpose of this study was to compare picoplankton growth and mortality rates between seagrass and unvegetated habitats using chamber incubations. We tested two main hypotheses: (i) incubation with seagrass would result in higher bacterial growth rates due to increased DOM release from seagrass photosynthesis, and (ii) Synechococcus spp. would be lower in the presence of seagrass due to competition for inorganic nutrients. Our results showed bacterial growth rates of 2.31 and 2.44 d–1 without and with seagrass, respectively. In seagrass chambers, bacterial growth was higher than that in non-seagrass chambers, suggesting that organic carbon coming from the seagrass community may support bacterial production. Furthermore, we observed a negative Synechococcus spp. growth rate (-0.9 d–1) in the seagrass treatment, likely reflecting nutrient competition with the seagrass. Small-scale chambers proved to be a useful tool for studying the factors controlling spatial and temporal patterns of picoplankton across different habitats. Furthermore, future studies should examine picoplankton growth over a wider range of spatial scales in seagrass beds and adjacent unvegetated sediment.

The fungus Xylaria sp. Z184, harvested from the leaves of Fallopia convolvulus (L.) Á. Löve, has been isolated for the first time. Chemical investigation of the methanol extract of this strain’s culture broth led to the discovery of three new pyranone derivatives fallopiaxylaresters A-C (1–3) and a new bisabolane-type sesquiterpenoid named fallopiaxylarol A (4), along with the first complete set of spectroscopic data for the previously-reported pestalotiopyrone M (5). Known pyranone derivatives (6–11), sesquiterpenoids (12–14), isocoumarin derivatives (15–17), and an aromatic allenic ether (18) were co-isolated. Their structures were elucidated by the interpretation of HRESIMS, 1D, 2D NMR spectroscopy and quantum chemical computation method. The antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and α-glucosidase inhibitory activities of selected compounds and crude extract were evaluated in vitro. The extract inhibited nitric oxide (NO) production induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in murine RAW264.7 macrophage cells, with an inhibition rate of 77.28 ± 0.82% at a concentration of 50 μg/mL. The compounds 5, 7 and 8 displayed weak antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus areus subsp. aureus at a concentration of 100 μM.

Our environment has been impacted by man-made pollutants mainly industries make substantial use of synthetic dyes which exhibit cytotoxicity and have significant environmental consequences. Effective photocatalyst-based approaches for degrading synthetic dyes into less toxic chemical are of great interest. Synthesizing NPs using biological approaches, particularly plant-based approaches offer advantages, decreasing the risk of NPs losing biocompatibility during synthesis, cost-effectiveness, and eco-friendliness. In this study, we employed a green synthesis method to produce manganese oxide nanoparticles (MnO NPs) utilizing leaf extract from the Lathyrus Aphaca plant. The synthesized MnOx NPs were characterized through various techniques; X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and UV–visible spectroscopy. XRD analysis showed distinct peaks, indicated the presence crystallographic planes within the MnO₂ nanoparticles, thus confirming their crystalline structure. SEM study highlighted closely packed configurations with average size of approximately ≥ 50-70 nm, with well-defined boundaries. EDX analysis showed the presence of elemental manganese (Mn) in the samples, with peaks corresponding to Mn detected at lower energy levels, predominantly represented by MnO. FTIR, showed the presence of the O-O stretching mode at a frequency of 719 cm^-1, the presence of MnO₆ oxides of manganese, and peak at 548 cm^-1 corresponded to the Mn-O stretching mode. Furthermore, the green-synthesized manganese oxide nanoparticles exhibited promising photocatalytic and adsorption capabilities against Methylene Blue (MB) dye, leading to approximately 93.21% degradation of MB when treated with the green-synthesized MnO nanoparticles derived from plant extract. This highlights the efficacy and potential of these nanoparticles in environmental remediation applications, particularly in the degradation of methylene blue contaminants.

Lactic acid production from lactose by Lactiplantibacillus plantarum AC 11S was studied. The influence of initial substrate concentration was investigated, and optimal pH and temperature were determined. An unstructured mathematical model was developed comprising equations for bacterial growth, substrate consumption, and product formation. The model was solved with different terms for specific growth rates considering substrate and/or product inhibition. The best bacterial growth and lactic acid production were achieved at pH = 6.5 and 30 oC. Production of lactic acid was mainly growth-associated and at substrate concentration over 15 g/L a considerable product inhibition was observed. The parameters of different models were determined and compared. While the modified Gompertz equation gave the best fit for biomass growth, a variant of the logistic equation including a term for product inhibition described in the best way the entire set of equations comprising bacterial growth, substrate consumption, and product formation at different initial substrate concentrations.

The mechanisms underlying the establishment of asymmetric structures during development remain elusive. The wing of Drosophila is asymmetric along the Anterior-Posterior (AP) axis, despite that its growth signals that drive its growth are presumably symmetric. Here, we investigated the contribution of cell recruitment, a process that drives wing fate differentiation in Drosophila, to the asymmetric shape and pattern of the adult wing. Genetic impairment of cell recruitment results in a significant reduction in adult wing asymmetry, primarily affecting the region between longitudinal vein 5 and the wing margin (L5-M). Morphometric analysis reveals that the lack of cell recruitment results in a more symmetric wing with respect to the AP, suggesting a contribution of cell recruitment to the establishment of asymmetry in the adult wing. A close examination of the expression of the wing selector gene vestigial (vg) in wing disc does not support this hypothesis. However, the circularity of the Vg pattern significantly increase in recruitment-impaired wing disc, suggesting that while the decrease of the L5-M region in the adult wing may not be attributed to cell recruitment, it could contribute to the overall asymmetry of the adult wing. We conclude that cell recruitment, a widespread mechanism that participates in growth and patterning of several developing systems, could drive, at least partially, the asymmetric shape of the Drosophila wing.

The photosystem I (PSI) of the green alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii associates with 10 light-harvesting proteins (LHCI) to form the PSI-LHCI complex. Binding of LHCII to PSI may also occur and is controlled by a process called state transitions. Hereby, two LHCII trimers bind to the PSAL, PSAH and PSAO side of PSI to produce the PSI-LHCI-LHCII complex. In this work, we took advantage of chemical crosslinking of proteins in conjunction with mass spectrometry to identify protein-protein interactions between the light-harvesting proteins of PSI and PSII. We detected binding of LHCBM proteins to the LHCA1-PSAG side of PSI and identified protein-protein interactions of LHCSR3 with LHCA5 and LHCA3. Our data indicate that the binding of LHCII to PSI is more versatile as anticipated and reveal that LHCSR3 likely regulates excitation energy transfer to the PSI core via LHCA5/LHCA3.

Cadmium Sulfide nanoparticle (CdS-LA hybrid nanoparticles) was synthesized here by a green approach using the precursor cadmium acetate and sodium sulphide along with the extract of a plant Lathyrus aphaca L. containing the phytochemicals which were responsible for surface modification of nanoparticles. The nanoparticle was used to evaluate their inhibition potential against species of bacteria and fungi. The nanoparticles were characterized by XRD which demonstrates the hexagonal crystal structure. SEM confirms the homogenous surface appearance of the CdS-LA hybrid crystalline structure. EDX analysis confirms surface modification of nanoparticles by phytochemicals. FTIR confirmed the Cd-S linkage laterally with the related functional groups and the presence of metabolites on the surface of nanoparticles. The UV-visible spectroscopy confirmed the peak at the characteristic wavelength range but a slight shift occurred in the peak of the CdS nanoparticles due to the presence of the phytochemicals. This study particularly provides an environment-friendly strategy to synthesize the CdS nanoparticles capped by Lathyrus Aphaca L. extract that are biologically active due to the mediation of the plant extract. CdS-LA hybrid nanoparticles have shown inhibition potential against various species of bacteria and fungi and realize the biological importance of the green synthesis of nanoparticles especially mediated with the plant extract.

This study was performed to evaluate the efficacy of nicotinic acid against Streptococcus pneumoniae biofilm. The experimental results indicate that S. pneumoniae forms biofilms, particularly at the liquid-air interface, as evidenced by the pellicle assay. Nicotinic acid demonstrated significant inhibition of S. pneumoniae biofilm formation at 6 h and 18 h, with higher concentrations leading to lower biofilm biomass, suggesting a concentration-dependent response. However, minimal biofilm inhibition was observed at 12 h. Treatment with nicotinic acid induced FTIR spectral changes in protein biomolecules of S. pneumoniae biofilm at 6 h and 18 h, evidenced by alterations in spectral peaks at 750 cm-1, 906 cm-1, 1540 cm-1, 1548 cm-1, and 1644 cm-1. Notably, no FTIR spectral changes were detected in 12 h S. pneumoniae biofilm following exposure to nicotinic acid. These findings suggest that nicotinic acid inhibits biofilm formation in a time and concentration-dependent manner, possibly by altering the structure of protein biomolecules within the biofilm.

The occurrence and ability of Salmonella typhimurium to withstand the effects of various antibiotics has been extensively recorded. This highlights the necessity for alternative methods to combat Salmonella infections. The current investigation aimed to ascertain the impact of benzoic acid on the extent of surface coverage and biomass of S. typhimurium biofilm after 48 and 72 hours. The findings indicated that all the different doses of benzoic acid (ranging from 3.125% to 50%) resulted in a decrease in the extent of biofilm surface coverage. Benzoic acid exhibited a substantial inhibitory effect on the biofilm biomass at all concentrations. Higher concentrations of benzoic acid led to a decrease in biofilm biomass, suggesting a concentration-dependent response. This finding implies that benzoic acid is effective in managing Salmonella infections.

Despite saltmarshes being considered as nature-based solutions (NbS) towards climate change mitigation, India’s saltmarsh ecosystems are least studied. This study quantifies the seasonal variation in carbon stocks mono-specific saltmarsh species (Porteresia coarctata) and its potential to play an important role in India’s climate change mitigation plans. Seasonal (pre-and post-monsoon) sampling of P. coarctata surface water, biomass and 30 cm sediment core was collected across four locations on the east coast of India to quantify sediment dry bulk density (DBD), organic matter (OM%), organic carbon (Corg%), Corg stocks of sediment and biomass, total carbon (C%) and nitrogen (N%) and stable isotopes of δ13C and δ15N. In general, the sediment DBD, OM and Corg of P. coarctata meadows was higher in post-monsoon and was influenced by salinity and pH changes. Isotope (δ¹³C) modelling of various sediment C sources suggested, particulate organic matter (POM) contribution was highest (0.04-0.79%) followed by P. coarctata (0.01–052%) and other macrophytes across our study locations. The seasonal variation of δ¹³C showed increased contribution of marine derived particulate and dissolved organic matter into P. coarctata meadows in post-monsoon season. Heavier δ¹⁵N values were observed in post-monsoon season suggesting anthropogenic input, that was utilized by P. coarctata to increase its above and below-ground biomass and shoot density. The combined ecosystem (30 cm sediment + biomass) Corg stocks of P. coarctata was 1.7-fold higher in post-monsoon (4021.20± 917 Mg C) compared to pre-monsoon (2297.36 ±647 Mg C) season among the four locations with a sediment Corg contribution >70%. Based on the International Panel for Climate Change Tier II assessment the P. coarctata meadows (443 ha) can help in avoiding the pre and post-monsoon emissions of 8431.34 and 14757.84 Mg CO₂ respectively. The combined price of the total CO₂ equivalent stored in P. coarctata meadows in pre- and post-monsoon is US$ 14.50 and US$ 25.38 million respectively. Further studies quantifying the NbS potential of P. coarctata mono-specific and mixed meadows of India’s coast is needed along with integration of saltmarsh ecosystems into India’s National Action Plan on Climate Change.

Anorectal malformations (ARMs) represent a wide spectrum of congenital anomalies of the anus and rectum, of which more than half are syndromic. Their etiology is highly heterogeneous and still poorly understood. We report a 4-year-old girl who initially presented with an isolated ARM, and subsequently developed a global developmental delay as part of an ARID1B-related Coffin-Siris syndrome (CSS). The co-occurrence of ARMs and CSS in an individual is unexpected since both diseases are very rare. A review of the literature enabled us to identify 12 individuals with both CSS and ARMs. Among these 12 individuals, 9 had a variant in ARID1A, 2 in ARID1B, and 1 in SMARCA4. This more frequent than expected association between CSS and ARM indicates that some ARMs are likely a rare consequence of CSS, especially for ARID1A-related CSS.

Currently, obesity is a critical global public health burden. Numerous studies have demonstrated the regulation of the pathogenesis of obesity and metabolic abnormalities by the gut microbiota and microbial factors; however, their involvement in the various degrees of obesity is not yet understood well. Previously, obesity has been shown to be associated with decreased levels of vitamin B12. Considering exclusive microbial production of vitamin B12, we hypothesised that a decrease in cobalamin levels in obese individuals may be at least partially caused by its depleted production in the intestinal tract by the commensal microbiota. In the present study, our aim was to estimate the abundance of enzymes and metabolic pathways for vitamin B12 synthesis in the gut microbiota of mouse models of alimentary and genetically determined obesity, to evaluate the contribution of the obesogenic microbiome to vitamin B12 synthesis in the gut. We have defined a significantly lower representation of enzymes and metabolic pathways for vitamin B12 biosynthesis in obese mice compared to non-obese mice, wherein enzyme depletion was more pronounced in lepr(-/-) (db/db) mice, which developed severe obesity. The representation of enzymes involved in cobalamin synthesis is strongly correlated with representation of several microbes in high-fat diet fed mice, whereas there were almost no correlations in db/db mice. Therefore, the degree of obesity and the composition of the correspondent microbiota are the main contributors to the representation of genes and pathways for cobalamin biosynthesis in the mouse gut.

Morphological and phylogenetic (45S nrDNA+RPB1 gene) analyses of three glomoid spore-producing arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi revealed the presence of two new species be-longing to the genus Glomus in the family Glomeraceae. In the field, Glomus highlandensis sp. nov. was found in a saltmarsh of the Scottish Highlands and in maritime sand dunes of the Baltic Sea in Poland, both saline environments, while G. mongioie sp. nov. originates from the Italian Alps. Phylogenetic placement analysis using environmental sequences indicated that G. highlandensis could have likely worldwide distribution while G. mongioie seems to be a rare species in the world. The molecular and phylogenetic analysis provided important insights about the presence of ribosomal variants in Glomus, with potential negative implication in phylogeny and species recognition.

An entomopathogenic nematode, Oscheius tipulae, was isolated from a soil sample. The identification of this species was supported by morphological and molecular markers. The nematode isolate exhibited pathogenicity against different target insects including lepidopteran, coleopteran, and dipteran insects. The virulence of this nematode was similar to that of a well-known entomopathogenic nematode, Steinernema carpocapsae, against the same insect targets. A comparative metagenomics analysis of these two nematode species predicted the existence of a combined total of 272 bacterial species in their intestines, of which 51 bacterial species were shared between the two nematode species. In particular, the common gut bacteria included several entomopathogenic bacteria including Xenorhabdus nematophila, which is known as a symbiotic bacterium to S. carpocapsae. The nematode virulence of O. tipulae to insects was enhanced by an addition of dexamethasone but suppressed by an addition of arachidonic acid, suggesting that the immune defenses of the target insects against the nematode infection is mediated by eicosanoids, which would be manipulated by the symbiotic bacteria of the nematode. Unlike S. carpocapsae, O. tipulae showed high virulence against dipteran insects including fruit flies, onion flies, and mosquitoes. O. tipulae showed particularly high control efficacies against the onion maggot, Delia platura, infesting the Welsh onion in the rhizosphere in both pot and field assays.

Naturally fermented dairy products are an important component of the human diet. They are a valuable source of nutrients as well as vitamins and minerals. Their importance as a source of probiotic bacterial strains should not be overlooked. A number of studies highlights the positive effects of species of the Lactobacillacea on the intestinal microbiota, the overall homeostasis of the body, as well as a complementary treatment for some diseases. However, data on the effects on intestinal epithelial cells of postmetabolites released by bacteria are incomplete. This is likely due to the fact that these effects are species and strain specific. In the present study, we investigated the effects of postmetabolites produced by a pre-selected candidate probiotic strain Limosilactobacillus fermentum on HT-29 intestinal epithelial cells. Our data showed a pronounced proliferative effect, evaluated by flow cytometry, quantification of cell population, and determination of mitotic index. This was accompanied by stabilization of the cell monolayer, measured by increase of TEER (trans epithelial electric resistance) and reorganization of actin filaments. The data obtained are a clear indication of the positive effects, that the products secreted by L. fermentum strain 53 have on the intestinal epithelial cells.

Since 2015, the invasive alga Rugulopteryx okamurae has triggered the most serious marine macrophyte invasion in Europe. The removal of its huge coastal biomass generates health problems, strong odors, impact on tourism and high clean-up costs. As a circular economy strategy we propose composting with native terrestrial isopods that has not been previously tested. Therefore, specimens of Porcellio laevis were captured in urban parks and kept for 5 years in terrariums with adequate humidity and temperature control. A sample of 150 adult specimens was divided into six batches of 25 animals. Three batches were fed with organic household waste (control) and three with a 50% diet of waste and algae (treatment). P. laevis consumed up to 1.5 times their weight per day on the algae diet with little or no weight loss, but there was high mortality in both mancas and adults. However, the results are promising and we propose to encourage research with isopods because of their great voracity, high prolificacy and rusticity for the recycling of invasive algae. It should be explored in further work what percentage of R.okamurae avoids mortality by the diterpenes of the algae.

Legionella pneumophila can cause a large panel of symptoms beside the classic pneumonia presentation. We present here a case of fatal nosocomial cellulitis in an immunocompromised patient followed, a year later, by a second case of legionnaires’ disease in the same ward. While the first one was easily assumed as nosocomial based on the date of symptoms onset, the other case needed to rely on clear typing results to be either assigned as nosocomial and related to the same environmental source as the first one, or community acquired. To untangle this specific question, we applied Core-genome MultiLocus Typing (MLST), whole-genome Single Nucleotide Polymorphism and whole-genome MLST methods to a collection of 36 Belgian and 41 international sequence-type 1 (ST1) isolates using both thresholds recommended in the literature and tailored threshold based on local epidemiological data. Based on the thresholds applied to cluster isolates together, the three methods gave different results and no firm conclusion about the nosocomial setting of the second case could been drawn. Our data highlight that despite promising results in the study of outbreaks and for large scale epidemiological investigations, NGS typing methods applied to ST1 outbreak investigation still need standardization regarding both wet-lab protocols and bioinformatics. A deeper evaluation of L. pneumophila evolutionary clock is also required to increase our understanding of genomic differences between isolates sampled during a clinical infection and in environment.

To understand how the thinning strategies impacts on wood quality and quantity for different purposes is of interest, considering that the management of plantations is carried out with parameters that have yet to be validated for different growth conditions. This work evaluated contrasting thinning regimes applied early at two moments of the crop cycle. With an initial population of 840 trees.ha-1, two thinning with populations ranging from 700 to 400, and from 400 to 100 trees.ha-1 were applied at 1.5 and 7.3 years, respectively. Growth analyses were carried out from the ages of 1.5 to 20.8 years considering: total height, diameter at breast height, individual volume, total and commercial volume per hectare, mean annual increase and current annual increase. At final age, contrasting populations of 100, 250 and 400 trees.ha-1 were sampled to assess wood density, and mechanical properties (bending and compression on small scale clear samples). The values of individual growth and wood properties are related to a Stand Density Index to understand the effect of competition on those values. The results allow us to identify the thinning schemes that record the most significant individual and per-hectare growth (both in thinning and clear felling) and the optimal harvest time under specific growth conditions. We assessed the proportions of commercial logs for sawmill and pulp uses, providing valuable inputs for a subsequent economic analysis of thinning regimes seeking for the most convenient combination of wood products. Wood's physical and mechanical properties assessed were barely affected by contrasting levels of competition between trees, therefore the decision of the silvicultural system to implement will depend on production and economic criteria.

Efficient heat management and control in optical devices, facilitated by advanced thermo-optic materials, is critical for many applications such as photovoltaics, thermal emitters, mode-locked lasers, and optical switches. Here, we investigate the thermo-optic properties of 2D graphene oxide (GO) films by precisely integrating them onto microring resonators (MRRs) with control over the film thicknesses and lengths. We characterize the refractive index, extinction coefficient, thermo-optic coefficient, and thermal conductivity of for the GO films with different layer numbers and degrees of reduction, including reversible reduction and enhanced optical bistability induced by photo-thermal effects. Experimental results show that the thermo-optic properties of 2D GO films vary widely with the degree of reduction, with significant polarization anisotropy, enabling efficient polarization sensitive devices. The versatile thermo-optic response of 2D GO substantially expands the scope of functionalities and devices that can be engineered, making it promising for a diverse range of thermo-optic applications.

Centrifugal pumps are widely employed in the oil refinery industry due to their efficiency and effectiveness in fluid transfer applications. The reliability of pumps plays a pivotal role in ensuring uninterrupted plant productivity and safe operations. Analysis of failure history data shows that bearings have been identified as critical components in oil refinery pump groups. However, traditional reliability estimation theories may not apply when data is limited or subject to right censoring. This paper addresses the complexity of estimating the Weibull distribution parameters using the maximum-likelihood method under the abovementioned conditions. The likelihood equation lacks an explicit analytical solution, necessitating the use of numerical methods for resolution. The proposed approach presented in this article leverages the Expectation-Maximization (EM) algorithm for estimating the Weibull distribution parameters. This method provides more accurate estimates of failure rates and probabilities by accounting for limited and censored data. The findings are demonstrated through a case study, showcasing the practical application of the proposed approach.

Due to bacterial contamination, natural medicinal preservatives may be an alternative to enhance the quality of milk. Besides, thorough biocompatibility testing is deemed essential before integrating natural extracts into food products. To address this matter, our research focused on evaluating the antimicrobial potential of Plectranthus amboinicus, Flueggea leucopyrus, Cymbopogon citratus, and Bacopa monnieri against prevalent foodborne pathogens, including Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Salmonella spp, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa and investigating the efficacy of plant extracts as natural preservatives along with biocompatibility and toxicity assessments. The methanolic extracts of plant materials were used for measuring antimicrobial activity using the agar well diffusion method, Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) and Minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) assays. The preservative activity was tested by isolating pathogenic organisms in a sterilized milk medium and toxicity and biocompatibility was assessed using zebrafish embryo and brine shrimp lethality assays. At a concentration of 400 mg/ml, all plant extracts demonstrated notable activity against bacterial strains. B. monnieri at 400 mg/ml exhibited particularly significant effects on S. aureus (30.3 mm ± 0.6), surpassing the positive control, gentamicin (28.3 mm ± 0.6), while also displaying pronounced activity against E. coli. F. leucopyrus, at the same concentration, showed antimicrobial activity comparable to the positive control against both S. aureus (28.0 mm ± 1.0) and E. coli (27.0 mm ± 1.0). However, as there’s weak-mild toxicity in these herbs, prior to consumption, careful consideration of their toxicity and biocompatibility is imperative for ensuring their safe use.

Human fungal pathogen Candida albicans causes oral infectious diseases such as oral thrush in immunocompromised patients with hyposalivation, diabetes mellitus, prolonged use of anti-biotics or immunosuppressive medicines and poor oral hygiene. An anti-fungal medication classified as a BCS class II drug, Clotrimazole has high permeability and low solubility in water. It is commercially available as lozenges, which do not uniformly distribute the drug within saliva for local therapy. This results in higher dose frequency and lower patient compliance. Therefore, in this study we proposed a niosomal based subgingival film formulation of clotrimazole for enhancing drug efficacy by improving drug solubilization capacity and improving patient compliance by prolonging the release of drug at the targeted site and reducing the dose frequency to show effective anti-fungal activity. The prepared niosomal film showed good entrapment efficiency and anti-fungal activity. Niosomal film showed better release pattern than drug loaded film.

Individuals with BPD grapple with unstable relationships, marked by extreme emotional swings and interpersonal conflicts. Emotional instability, a distorted self-image, and impulsivity further complicate matters, often leading to self-harm and suicide attempts as desperate coping mechanisms. Genetics and adverse childhood experiences contribute to BPD's development, shaping brain function and emotional regulation. Diagnosis involves meticulous assessments, paving the way for personalized treatments like dialectical behavior therapy and, in severe cases, hospitalization. Early intervention, professional support, and societal understanding are pivotal for positive outcomes, and challenging mental health stigma.

Lignocellulosic biomass has garnered attention as an abundant and sustainable alternative energy source that can facilitate reliable and environmentally friendly energy generation. Energy security improves, and environmental impacts diminish when bioethanol, a biofuel produced via lignocellulose-based processes, is utilized. The lignocellulosic biomass of Thysanolaena latifolia has considerable potential as a bioethanol feedstock due to its high carbohydrate content (62.4 ± 0.7%). In this study, feedstock derived from T. latifolia was pretreated with various concentrations of H3PO4 to determine the ideal conditions for enzymatic hydrolysis to convert the feedstock to fermentable sugar. The findings revealed that hydrolysis efficiency and glucose recovery yields were substantially improved compared to those of the untreated sample. Pretreated samples were enzymatically digested to produce a liquid hydrolysate. This hydrolysate was fermented without detoxification using Saccharomyces cerevisiae TISTR 5339 to produce ethanol. The results indicated that T. latifolia biomass hydrolysate is a promising long-term carbon source for ethanol production from cellulosic biomass. Furthermore, the morphological and crystallographic characteristics of the treated T. latifolia biomass were influenced by H3PO4 concentration, as indicated by the SEM images, X-ray diffractogram patterns, and crystallinity index values. Therefore, utilizing T. latifolia feedstock to produce bioethanol can enhance bioenergy sustainability.

Taeniid infections pose a significant threat to both animal and public health, as certain tapeworms within this group can also infect humans, potentially leading to severe health conditions. Therefore, this calls for preventive and control measures, such as regular deworming of dogs. While the efficacy of deworming has been established in developed countries, there is a paucity of reported deworming practices in rural areas of developing countries, such as Tanzania. This study aims to understand determinants for helminth treatment-seeking behavior towards control of cestodial taeniid infections in rural settings in northern Tanzania. A cross-sectional study was undertaken in agropastoral and pastoral areas of northern Tanzania. Comprehensive data from household surveys in selected sub-villages were collected to ascertain dog ownership, dog deworming practices, and the availability of dewormers. Analytical methods were employed to discern how various determinants influenced deworming practices among dog owners in these communities. Awareness of dewormers specifically formulated for dogs emerged as a pivotal factor affecting dog deworming practices. Dog owners who were informed about appropriate dog dewormers were nearly two times more likely to engage in deworming compared to those with limited knowledge (OR = 1.78, 95% CI 1.77 - 4.18, p < 0.001). A majority 32(51.6%, 95% CI: 38.7-64.3) acknowledged accessing dewormers for livestock within their wards. Praziquantel a potent dewormer on cestodes was least known to most dog owners 2(13%, 95% CI: 2.3-41.6). Praziquantel, a potent and common dewormer effective against cestodial taeniid infections, remains relatively unknown in rural areas of northern Tanzania. Therefore, more awareness on appropriate deworming agents against taeniids in dogs should be raised in rural dog-keeping communities.

BackgroundThe use of antimicrobials to treat food animals may result in antimicrobial residues in foodstuffs of animal origin. The European Medicines Association (EMA) and World Health Organization (WHO) define safe antimicrobial concentrations in food based on acceptable daily intakes (ADIs). It is unknown if ADI doses of antimicrobials in food could influence the antimicrobial susceptibility of human-associated bacteria. ObjectivesThis aim of this study was to evaluate if the consumption of ADI doses of erythromycin could select for erythromycin resistance in a Galleria mellonella model of Streptococcus pneumoniae infection. Methods A chronic model of S. pneumoniae infection in G. mellonella larvae was used for the experiment. Inoculation of larvae with S. pneumoniae was followed by injections of EMA (0.0875 μg/ml) and WHO (0.012 μg/ml) ADI doses of erythromycin proceeded by isolation of S. pneumoniae colonies on selective agar plates. Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of resistant colonies were measured, and whole genome sequencing (WGS) was performed followed by variant calling to determine the genetic modifications.   Results Exposure to single doses of both EMA and WHO ADI doses of erythromycin resulted in the emergence of erythromycin resistance in S. pneumoniae. Emergent resistance to erythromycin was associated with a mutation in rplA. Conclusion In our in vivo model, even single dose of erythromycin that are classified as acceptable by the WHO and EMA induced significant increases in erythromycin MICs in S. pneumoniae. These results suggest the need to include the induction of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) as a significant criterion for determining ADIs.

The application potential of cellulosic materials in natural composites and other fields needs to be explored to develop innovative, sustainable, lightweight, functional biomass materials that are also environmentally friendly. This study investigated Typha augostifolia (Typha sp.) as a potential new raw material for extracting cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) for application in wastewater treatment composites. Alkaline treatments and bleaching were used to remove cellulose from the stem fibers. The CNCs were then isolated from the recovered cellulose using acid hydrolysis. The study showed a few distinct functional groups (O-H, -C-H, =C-H and C-O, and C-O-C) in the Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectra. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) revealed the smooth surface of CPC and CNCs that resulted from removing lignin and hemicellulose from powdered Typha augostifolia. Based on the crystalline index, the powdered Typha augostifolia, CPC, and CNCs were 42.86%, 66.94% and 77.41%. The loss of the amorphous section of the Typha sp. fiber resulted in a decrease in particle size. It may be inferred from the features of a Typha sp. CNC that CNCs may be employed as reinforcement in composites for wastewater treatment.

Corrugated board is a composite material characterized by strong orthotropy in both the elastic and plastic phases. Additionally, due to its layered structure, which consists of alternately arranged flat and wavy layers of paper, its mechanics becomes complicated. Therefore, a precisely selected set of laboratory tests is needed to correctly identify all the necessary material parameters of cardboard. The work attempts to define a full set of laboratory tests in order to determine material parameters describing the linear-elastic, orthotropic behavior of cardboard and the basic parameters defining popular plasticity criteria, such as the asymmetric orthotropic Hoffman criterion. For this purpose, sensitivity analysis and numerical models of several selected basic laboratory tests were used. Since the aim of the work is to choose appropriate laboratory tests necessary to correctly determine the material parameters of corrugated board (not its individual layers), the numerical models do not contain detailed cardboard geometry, but only its homogenized representation in the form of the flat shell models. All numerical models are based on the nonlinear finite element method and constitutive modelling in the form of UMAT subroutines implemented in the ABAQUS software. Based on the analyses, appropriate measurements and laboratory tests were indicated that are most sensitive to the material parameters sought.

Melioidosis is an endemic infectious disease caused by Burkholderia pseudomallei bacteria, which contaminates soil and water. To better understand the environmental changes that have contributed to melioidosis outbreaks, this study used spatiotemporal analyses to clarify the distribution pattern of melioidosis and the relationship between melioidosis morbidity rate and local environmental indicators (land surface temperature, normalised difference vegetation index, normalised difference water index) and rainfall. A retrospective study was conducted from January 2013 to December 2022, covering data from 219 sub-districts, with each exhibiting varying morbidity rate of melioidosis on a monthly basis. Spatial autocorrelation was determined using local Moran’s I, and the relationship between melioidosis morbidity rate and the environmental indicators was evaluated using geographically weighted Poisson regression. The results revealed clustered spatiotemporal patterns of melioidosis morbidity rate across sub-districts, with hotspots predominantly observed in the northern region. Furthermore, we observed a range of coefficients for the environmental indicators, varying from negative to positive, which provided insights into their relative contributions to melioidosis in each local area and month. These findings highlight the presence of spatial heterogeneity driven by environmental indicators and underscore the importance of public health offices implementing targeted monitoring and surveillance strategies for melioidosis in different locations.

Zinc nanoparticles (ZnNPs) open new opportunities for biomedical applications as a strategy against microbes and dye removal in an efficient way. The composite ZnNPs using Rhododendron arboreum (R. arboreum) stem bark were synthesized and characterized for UV-visible spectroscopy (UV-vis), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The synthesized nanoparticles showed zones of inhibition of 23±0.09, 18±0.1 and 16±0.05 mm, against the Klebsiella pneumoniae (K. pneumoniae), Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and Escherichia coli (E. coli strains. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) values against K. pneumoniae, S. aureus, and E. coli were found to be 34±0.21 and 72.71±0.47, 47±0.11 and 94.86±0.84 and 94±0.18 and 185.43±0.16 µg/mL, respectively. The biosynthesized ZnNPs resulted in significant eradication of the outer and inner membranes of the bacterial cells. Likewise, the synthesized ZnNPs showed time-dependent photocatalytic degradation activity and revealed 65% methyl orange dye degradation with an irradiation period of 6 hours. The findings of this study suggest the suitability of the novel R. arboreum stem bark-based ZnNPs as an effective ameliorant against bactericidal activities and photocatalysts for the removal of hazardous water contaminants.

Egg-laying is one of the key aspects of female reproductive behavior in insects. Egg-laying has been studied since the dawn of Drosophila melanogaster as a model organism. The female’s internal state, hormones, and external factors, such as nutrition, light, and social environment, affect egg-laying output. However, only recently, neurobiological features of egg-laying behavior have been studied in detail. Fruitless and doublesex, two key players in the sex determination pathway, have become focal points in identifying neurons of reproductive significance in both central and peripheral nervous systems. The reproductive tract and external terminalia house sensory neurons that carry the sensory information of egg maturation, mating and egg-laying. These se include the presence of male accessory gland products and mechanical stimuli. The abdominal neuromere houses neurons that receive information from the reproductive tract, including sex peptide abdominal ganglion neurons (SAGs), and send their information to the brain. In the brain, neuronal groups like aDNs and pC1clusters modulate egg-laying decision-making, and other neurons like oviINs and oviDNs are necessary for egg-laying itself. Lastly, motor neurons involved in egg-laying, which are mostly octopaminergic, reside in the abdominal neuromere and orchestrate the muscle movements required for laying the egg. Egg-laying neuronal control is important in various evolutionary processes like cryptic female choice, and using different Drosophila species can provide intriguing avenues for the future of the field.

Abstract: The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has reemphasized the urgent need for broad-spectrum antiviral therapies. We developed a computational workflow using scRNA-Seq data to assess cellular metabolism during viral infection. With this workflow we predicted the capacity of cells to sustain SARS-CoV-2 virion production in patients and found a tissue-wide induction of metabolic pathways that support viral replication. Expanding our analysis to influenza A and dengue viruses, we identified metabolic targets and inhibitors for potential broad-45 spectrum antiviral treatment. These targets were highly enriched for known interaction partners of all analyzed viruses. Indeed, phenformin, an NADH:ubiquinone oxidoreductase inhibitor, suppressed SARS-CoV-2 and dengue virus replication. Atpenin A5, blocking succinate dehydrogenase, inhibited SARS-CoV-2, dengue virus, respiratory syncytial virus, and influenza A with high selectivity indices. In vivo, phenformin showed antiviral activity against SARS-CoV-2 in a Syrian hamster model. Our work establishes host metabolism as druggable for broad-spectrum antiviral strategies, providing invaluable tools for pandemic preparedness.

Sunflower is one of the oil crops and its planting areas was listed behind Soybean, peanut and rapeseeds in China. It will encounter different kind of diseases during planting, thus limited the seeds yield. Fusarium species are the major threat to different crops nowadays, it is very important to identify the species caused diseases on different hosts, so that the potential control measures may be explored. In Inner mongolia, Sunflower Disk Rot (SDR) was found in different sunflower planting field, the average infection ratio around 8.50%, typically in some verieties, its infection ratio reach to 11.67%. The diseased receptacle were collected from different locations and Koch’s postulate was conducted. The results showed that Fusarium verticillioides was the main causal agent caused SDR. Fungicide toxicity tests shown that Fludioxonil and Flutolanil were screened out from six fungicides for controlling F. verticillioides, with EC50 values of 0.05 µg/mL (R = 0.9825) and 0.96 µg/mL (R = 0.9964) , respectively. This is the first report of SDR caused by F. verticillioides, and it will alert sunflower reseachers to include SDR in the disease list, so as to control sunflower diseases with integrated management strategy successfully.

The medicinal plant Abrus precatorius L. was traditionally used in Siddha and Ayurvedic systems of medicine in India. The Indian centre of origin holds vast variability for its seed color. The objective of this study was to assess the total monomeric anthocyanin, flavonol, antioxidative potential, protein content and ash content among the accessions. A total of 99 accessions conserved in the Indian National Genebank were used in this study. The method used for the estimation of total monomeric anthocyanin, flavonol, antioxidative potential, protein content and ash content was pH differential method, Oomah method, Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Potential, Dumas method and gravimetric method respectively. The completely black colored accession was recorded with highest total monomeric anthocyanin (51.95 mg / 100 g of cyanidin 3-glucoside equivalent) and flavonol content (66.41 mg/g of quercetin equivalent). Red + black colored accessions have recorded the maximum value with respect to antioxidants (14.18 mg/g of gallic acid equivalent). Highest amount of protein content was found in a completely white colored accession (20.67%) and maximum ash content was recorded in red + black seed colored accession (4.01%). The promising accessions identified can be used by pharmaceutical companies in drug development and in curing degenerative diseases.

Probiotics are microorganisms infused in products for health benefits including acceleration of nutrient digestion, however, it is also important to ensure the safety prior to incorporation. Here, we present evidence of the ability of two probiotic isolates,Lacticaseibacillus paracasei BCRC-16100 and Lacticaseibacillus paracasei ZFM54, in the (1) enhancement of carbohydrate digestion, (2) tolerance to stress, and (3) antibiotic resistance. Approaches include whole genome sequence (WGS) analysis and bioactivity assays. WGS revealed genes suggesting the ability of the two isolates to promote carbohydrate digestion, tolerance to stress and antibiotic resistance. Carbohydrate digestive ability was confirmed through a biochemical assay where the two isolates cause glucose release from starch. The two isolates also showed versatility in a range of temperature and alcohol concentration. For antibiotic resistance particularly on vancomycin, there are three mechanisms namely transporter control, transcriptional regulation, and efflux pump. Furthermore, promoter and transposable element analysis showed that some of the active antibiotic resistant (AbR) genes can be laterally transferred. Altogether, we show the potential of two probiotic isolates to be incorporated in products for improved carbohydrate digestion and the need to address the removal of active and mobile antibiotic resistance genes that may compromise safety.

Sorghum grain processing can improve the nutritional content by promoting dietary properties that contribute to food security and economic development. The quality, nutritional content, and processing properties of sorghum bicolor grain can greatly affected by the inbred line races and variance in pericarp colour.The current study assessed the influence of the Husking Fraction Time Units (HFTU) process, which employed set time units per second (S), on the variation in the nutritional profile of fifty-one inbred line sorghum varieties based on distinct pericarp colours. When the assessment of the nutritional profile was involved: dry matter, total protein besides, namely mineral (P, K, S, Ca, Mg, Na, Fe, Zn, and Mn). The variety groups showed a significance value of (P < 0.05), indicating the study hypothesis's truth.The results demonstrated substantial impacts implied by the Husking Fraction Time Unit (HFTU) technique. This occurrence was noted when the dry matter percentage was increased in the husked products, specifically the endosperm (grits) and bran. The protein percentage redistributed by 19.2% compared to the whole grain and bran content. In comparison, the ratio of N/S was 14:1 in the S. bicolor and 12:1 in the kafirin in the bran part. Moreover, a strong correlation was observed among the examined minerals of S.bicolor and kafirin, such as the correlation between Ca: P, K: Na, and Fe: Zn attributed 80 (S) time unit, with correlation coefficients of R = 0.784 and R = 0.586, R= 517, R= 0.884, R= 0.745, and R = 0.893, respectively. At the same time, the 80 (S) time unit showed a significant effect on the colour property profile.The study results could benefit breeders and nutrition specialists in developing genotypes and processing sorghum grains, promoting research, and aiding several industrial sectors owing to the grain's adaptability and nutritional properties.

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.

Culex quinquefasciatus is an important target for vector control because of its ability to transmit pathogens that cause disease. Most populations are resistant to pyrethroids and often to organophosphates, the two most common classes of active ingredients used by public health agencies. A knockdown resistance (kdr) mutation, resulting in a change from a leucine to phenylalanine in the voltage gated sodium channel, is one mechanism contributing to the pyrethroid resistant phenotype. Enzymatic resistance has also been shown to play a very important role. Recent studies have shown strong resistance in populations even when kdr is relatively low which indicates factors other than kdr may be larger contributors to resistance. In this study, we examined on a statewide scale (over 70 populations), the strength of the correlation between resistance in the CDC bottle bioassay and the kdr genotypes and allele frequencies. Spearman correlation analysis showed only moderate (-0.51) and weak (-0.29) correlation between the kdr genotype and permethrin and deltamethrin respectively. The frequency of the kdr allele was an even weaker correlate. These results indicate, in contrast to Aedes aegypti, assessing kdr in populations of Culex quinquefasciatus is not a good surrogate for phenotypic resistance testing.

We tested the hypothesis that obesity influences the pharmacodynamics of volatile general anesthetics (VGAs) by comparing effects of anesthetic exposure on mortality from traumatic brain injury (TBI) in lean and obese Drosophila melanogaster. We induced TBI with a High-Impact Trauma device. Starvation-selection over multiple generations resulted in an obese phenotype (SS flies). Fed flies served as lean controls (FC flies). Adult (1-7 day old) SS and FC flies were exposed to equianesthetic doses of isoflurane or sevoflurane either before or after TBI. The principal outcome was percent mortality 24 hours after injury, expressed as the Mortality Index at 24 hours (MI24). TBI resulted in lower MI24 in FC than in SS flies (21 (2.35) and 57.8 (2.14), respectively n= 12, p=0.0001). Preexposure to isoflurane or sevoflurane preconditioned FC flies to TBI reducing the risk of death to 0.53 [0.25 to 1.13] and 0.82 [0.43 to 1.58], respectively, but had no preconditioning effect in SS flies. Postexposure to isoflurane or sevoflurane increased the risk of death in SS flies. Only postexposure to isoflurane increased the risk in FC flies (1.39 [0.81 to 2.38]). Thus, obesity affects the pharmacodynamics of VGAs, thwarting the preconditioning effect of isoflurane and sevoflurane in TBI.

Candida (C.) infections represent a serious health risk for people affected by inflammatory bowel disease. An important fungal virulence factor is the capacity to form biofilms on the colonized surface of the host. This research study aimed to determine the effect of C. tropicalis and C. albicans co-infection on dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced colitis in mice. Colitis severity was evaluated using histology and colonoscopy. Mice were mono-inoculated with C. albicans, C. tropicalis or co-challenged with both species. Mice were administered 3% DSS to induce acute colitis. Biofilm activity was assessed using (2-methoxy-4-nitro-5-sulfophenyl)-5-[(phenylamino)carbonyl] 2H-tetrazoliumhydroxide (XTT) assay. Abundance of C. albicans in the colon tissues was assessed by immunohistochemistry. Co-challenged mice showed decreased colitis severity compared to mono-inoculated mice. The XTT assay demonstrated a marked decrease of C. albicans biofilm production in a C. albicans culture incubated with C. tropicalis supernatant. Immunohistochemical staining showed that C. albicans was more abundant in the mucosa of C. albicans mono-inoculated mice compared to the co-inoculated group. These data indicate an antagonistic microbial interaction between the two Candida species, where C. tropicalis may produce molecules capable of limiting the ability of C. albicans to adhere to the host intestinal surface leading to a reduction in biofilm formation.

This study investigated the inhibitory effect of Siegesbeckia orientalis ethanolic extract (SOE) on growth and metastasis of hepatic tumors in C57BL/6JNarl mice, which is the model of tumor-igenesis induced by subcutaneous injection of Hepa1-6 murine hepatoma cells on the back of mice. Feeding 25 mg SOE/kg BW daily for 14 days effectively reduced the hepatoma weight in tu-mor-bearing mice by 59.7%. SOE intervention reduced the expression of anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 gene in tumor tissue by 48.5% and down-regulated the antioxidant system, by reducing the gene ex-pression of catalase (48.0%), glutathione peroxidase (46.3%), and superoxide dismutase (32.0%). In addition, SOE intervention increased the production of ROS by 21.4%, and the gene expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 by 135.3%, 179.3% and 91.7%, respectively, indicating that SOE intervention promoted the acute inflammatory response. Results of H&E staining analysis showed that SOE had the ability to inhibit angiogenesis in tumor tissue. Fur-thermore, SOE treatment inhibited the expression of migration-related genes, such as MMP-2, MMP-7, MMP-9 and β-catenin, and the inhibition rates were 24.8%, 27.4%, 10.4% and 21.9%, respectively. These results imply that SOE had the ability to suppress tumor metastasis. On the other hand, SOE intervention decreased the serum contents of inflammatory cytokines, such as TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6 by 27.4%, 30.4%, and 30.7%, respectively, indicating that SOE intervention has an anti-inflammatory effect on normal tissues of mice. Since SOE intervention had no signif-icant effect on liver and kidney weights, and no mice died throughout the experiment, it shows that it is safe to feed SOE under this experimental condition. Based on the above results, SOE has a great potential to be used in the treatment of hepatoma.

Berberis vulgaris (L.) has remarkable ethnopharmacological properties and is widely used in traditional medicine. The present study investigates B. vulgaris stem bark (Berberidis cortex) by extraction with 50% ethanol. The main secondary metabolites were quantified, resulting in a polyphenols content of 17.6780 ± 3.9320 mg Eq Tannic acid / 100 g extract, phenolic acids amount of 3.3886 ± 0.3481 mg Eq Chlorogenic acid / 100 g extract and 78.95 µg/g berberine. The dried hydro-ethanolic extract (BVE) was thoroughly analyzed using Ultra-High Performance Liquid Chromatography coupled with High-Resolution Mass Spectrometry (UHPLC–HRMS/MS) and HPLC and 40 bioactive phenolic constituents were identified. Then, the antioxidant potential of BVE was evaluated using three methods; our results could explain the protective effects of Berberidis cortex EC50FRAP = 0.1398 mg/mL, IC50ABTS = 0.0442 mg/mL, IC50DPPH = 0.2610 mg/mL compared to ascorbic acid (IC50 = 0.0165 mg/mL). Next, the acute toxicity and teratogenicity of BVE and Berberine - Berberine sulfate hydrate (BS) - investigated on Daphnia sp reported significant BS toxicity after 24 h; BVE revealed considerable toxicity after 48 hours and induced embryonic developmental delays. Finally, the anticancer effects of BVE and BS were evaluated on different tumor cell lines after 24 and 48 hours of treatments. The MTS assay evidenced a dose- and time-dependent antiproliferative activity, higher on BS than BVE. The strongest diminution of tumor cell viability was recorded on breast (MDA-MB-231), colon (LoVo) cancer, and OSCC (PE/CA-PJ49) cell lines after 48 h of exposure (IC50 &lt; 100 µg/mL). However, no cytotoxicity was reported on normal epithelial cells (HUVEC) and hepatocellular carcinoma (HT-29) cell lines. Extensive data analysis supports our results, showing a significant correlation between the BVE's concentration, phenolic compounds content, antioxidant activity, exposure time, and the viability rate of various normal cells and cancer cell lines.

Several bio-actors are involved in the occurrence of leishmaniasis, which is made too complex for prevention and control options. Currently, all forms of leishmaniasis are being treated with chemical drugs, which have limitations and adverse effects on patients. Searching the bioactive molecules from plant sources allows the development of a novel drug. The essential oil and solvent extract of the roots of E. kebericho showed antileishmanial activity. But looking for biological activities of the isolated active ingredient from tubers of E. kebericho was scant. Thus, the isolation of the leishmanicidal compound from the roots of E. kebericho through a bioassay-guided technique was an aim of this work. Dehydrocostus lactone showed doubled potent than the standard drug miltefosine on leishmanicidal activities against L. major and L. tropica. Besides, the broad-spectrum biological activities of dehydrocostus lactone could be a potential drug candidate for co-infected patients caused by an association of leishmania and another pathogen.

Cervical cancer is caused by a persistent and high-grade infection, caused by the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV), which, when entering cervical cells, alters their physiology and generates serious lesions. HPV 18 - is among those most involved in carcinogenesis in this region, but there are still no drug treatments that cause cure or total remission of lesions caused by HPV. Knowing that L-Asparaginase is an amidohydrolase, which plays a significant role in the pharmaceutical industry, particularly in the treatment of specific cancers, due to its antitumor properties, some studies have demonstrated its cytotoxic effect against cervical cancer cells. However, the commercial version of this enzyme has side effects, such as hypersensitivity, allergic reactions and silent inactivation due to the formation of antibodies. To mitigate these adverse effects, several alternatives have been explored, including the use of L-asparaginase from other microbiological sources, which is the case with the use of the fungus Aspergillus niger, a high producer of L-asparaginase. The study investigated the influence of the type of fermentation, precipitant, purification, characterization and in vitro cytotoxicity of L-asparaginase. The results revealed that semisolid fermentation produced higher enzymatic activity and protein concentration of A. niger. The characterized enzyme showed excellent stability at pH 9.0, temperature of 50ºC, resistance to surfactants and metallic ions, and an increase in enzymatic activity was also noted with the organic solvent ethanol. Furthermore, it exhibited low cytotoxicity in GM and RAW cells, and significant cytotoxicity in HeLa cells. These findings indicate that L-asparaginase derived from Aspergillus niger may be a promising alternative for pharmaceutical production. Its attributes, including stability, activity and low toxicity in healthy cells, suggest that this modified enzyme could overcome challenges associated with antitumor therapy.

Predators are dependent on the capture of prey to meet their energetic and nutritive requirements, imposing a regime of predation risk. Consequently, prey experience both consumptive and non-consumptive effects. Non-consumptive effects may manifest through altered growth and ontogenetic trajectories of prey species, a dynamic modulated by olfactory or other sensory cues from predators. Bactrocera dorsalis Hendel represents a great invasive threat to global horticulture. While earlier research has primarily centered on the consumptive interactions between B. dorsalis and its natural enemies, the potential consequences of non-consumptive interactions on the development of B. dorsalis have been overlooked. In this study, we investigated the impact of predation risk effects, induced by both visual exposure to the predatory mantis Hierodula patellifera Serville and its associated odor, on the life history traits of B. dorsalis. Female B. dorsalis demonstrated reduced development time in the presence of isolated H. patellifera or H. patellifera odor, yet evidenced significantly increased fecundity. Conversely, males displayed no significant change in development time. Additionally, neither female nor male body weight at death was significantly influenced by predation risk from isolated predators or predator odor. These results indicated adaptive developmental strategies of B. dorsalis when faced with risks from predators and highlight the important role of predator odor, which has the potential to lay the groundwork for improving biological control efforts and innovative approaches within pest control.

Abstract Octreotide is the first synthetic peptide hormone, consisted of eight amino acids, that mimics the activity of somatostatin, a natural hormone in the body. During the past decades, advanced instrumentation and crystallographic software established X-ray Powder Diffraction (XRPD) as a valuable tool for extracting structural information of biological macromolecules. The latter was demonstrated by the successful structural determination of octreotide at a remarkably high d-spacing resolution (1.87 Å) (PDB code: 6vc1). This study focuses on the response of octreotide to different humidity levels and temperatures, with a particular focus on the stability of the polycrystalline sample. XRPD measurements were accomplished employing an Anton Paar MHC-trans humidity-temperature chamber installed within a laboratory X’Pert Pro diffractometer (Malvern Panalytical). The chamber is employed to control and maintain precise humidity and temperature levels of samples during XRPD data collection. Pawley analysis of the collected data sets revealed that the octreotide polycrystalline sample is remarkably stable and no structural transitions were observed. The compound retains its orthorhombic symmetry (space group: P212121, a = 18.57744(4) Å, b = 30.17338(6) Å, c = 39.70590(9) Å, d~ 2.35 Å). However, a characteristic structural evolution in terms of lattice parameters and volume of the unit-cell is reported mainly upon controlled relative humidity variation. In addition, an improvement of signal-to-noise ratio in the XRPD data under a cycle of dehydration/rehydration is reported. These results underline the importance of considering the impact of environmental factors, as humidity and temperature, in the context of structure-based drug design, thereby contributing to the development of more effective and stable pharmaceutical products.

A dataset collected from Central-South Finland is used to investigate the mortality of boreal trees. The mortality rate is found to be the order of three times that predicted by earlier Nordic mortality models, being in the upper range of international literature observations. Small subpopulations of any tree species tend to die out. Mortality of downy birch increases with stand basal area, as well as with stand age. Mortality of Norway spruce and silver birch increases after 100 years, while that of Scots pine is invariant to age. As the relative loss rate of basal area is insensitive to stand basal area, the mortality of trees does not strongly regulate thinning practices.

This paper discusses how mathematical models are used to predict environmental conditions. While these models are successful for larger scale phenomena, it becomes more complex for local weather or wave processes. Several approaches have been proposed to address this problem, including neural networks and statistical and mathematical models. The novelty in this approach is the use of statistical manifolds, which provide a more accurate way to estimate distances and cost functions. This work focuses on advancements in differential and information geometry for creating different types of models that can be used for environmental simulation and forecasting. These fields are vital for many institutes and centres worldwide, as they help solve challenges in areas such as meteorology, renewable energy, and aviation safety. Some potential IG applications to advance energy were given. Closing remarks with new open problems combined with the next research phase are provided.

Saliva, as a diagnostic medium, offers a promising alternative to blood by virtue of its non-invasive collection, which enhances patient compliance, especially in paediatric and geriatric populations. In this study, we assessed the utility of saliva as a non-invasive medium for measuring V. cholerae-specific serum antibodies in naturally infected individuals. We tested paired serum and saliva samples obtained from a total of 63 cholera patients enrolled in a cohort study. Vibriocidal antibodies assay (IgM/IgG) as markers for accurate determination was used to determine cholera specific antibody levels. Using receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve, we found that the best cut-off that maximizes (sensitivity + specificity) is 10 titers. At this saliva titer, the sensitivity is 76.9% (95%CI: 60.9%, 87.7%) and specificity is 80.0% (95%CI: 56.6%, 92.5%). Using Spearman’s correlation coefficient, we also found evidence of a positive correlation between Vibrio Cholerae saliva and serum antibodies (rho=0.66, p&lt;0.001). In conclusion, saliva-based diagnostic cholera tests has high diagnostic accuracy, and would be advantageous, cheaper, and quicker for early diagnosis of severe cholera outcomes.

The study assessed the trapping efficacy of locally-modified 1) Gravid Aedes Trap(GAT) lined with insecticide-treated net (ITN) as a killing agent, 2) Autocidal Gravid Ovitrap(AGO) with sticky board in the semi-field system (SFS) and field setting. Fully-balanced Latin square experiments were conducted to compare GAT lined with ITN vs AGO, both with either yeast or grass infusion. Biogents-Sentinel (BGS) with BG-Lure and no CO2 was used as standard trap for Aedes mosquitoes. In the SFS, GAT outperformed AGO in collecting both nulliparous (65% vs 49%,OR=2.22,[95%CI:1.89-2.60],p

Abstract: Human endogenous retroviruses (HERV) are remnants of ancient retroviral infections that, over millions of years, became integrated into the human genome. While normally inactive, environmental stimuli such as infections have contributed to the transcriptional reactivation of HERV promoting pathological conditions including the devel-opment of autoimmunity, neurodegenerative disease and cancer. What infections then trigger HERV activation? Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (MAP) is a pluripotent driver of human disease. Aside from granu-lomatous diseases Crohn’s, sarcoidosis and Blau syndrome, MAP is associated with autoimmune disease: type one diabetes (T1D), multiple sclerosis (MS), rheumatoid arthritis and autoimmune thyroiditis. MAP is also associated with Parkinson’s disease. Autoimmune diabetes, multiple sclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis are the diseases with the strongest MAP/HERV association. There are several other diseases associated with HERV activation including diseases whose epidemiology and/or pathology would prompt speculation for a causal role of MAP. These include non-solar uveal melanoma, colon cancer, glioblastoma and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). This article further points to MAP infection as a contributor to autoimmunity, neurodegenerative disease and cancer via unsilencing of HERV. We examine the link between the ever-increasing number of MAP- associated diseases, the MAP/HERV intersection with these diverse medical conditions and propose treatment opportunities based upon this association.

The fate of critically sick patients with infections in intensive care units (ICUs) is significantly influenced by antimicrobial resistance, which has become a serious concern in developing nations. This observational study was conducted at the IBN Sina Specialised Hospital in Dhaka, Bangladesh, over a 12-month period from January 2021 to December 2021, in order to track the pattern of antibiotic resistance among the patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU). Aspiration pneumonia (29%) and diabetes mellitus (24%), among 200 patients, were the most common main diagnoses. 65 samples (or 26%) of the 250 samples had 85 bacteria identified from them. Urine (14.12%) and tracheal aspirate (64.71%) were the most frequently found sites of infection. In the sample from the tracheal aspirate, Pseudomonas spp. (30.59%), Escherichia coli (24.71%), Acinetobacter spp. (20%), and Klebsiella spp. (14.12) were the most frequently isolated microorganisms. The following antibiotics were shown to have the highest overall patterns of resistance: levofloxacin (68.24), amikacin (64.71), meropenem (49.41), ceftazidime (75.29), ciprofloxacin (78.82), and gentamicin (82.35). The most effective antibiotic against Klebsiella species was meropenem (64.61%), while Acinetobacter species were mostly susceptible to cotrimoxazole (64.67%) and piperacillin + tazobactam (60.50%). Most susceptible to netilmicin (70.48%) and meropenem (49.32%) were Escherichia coli, while Pseudomonas spp. were mostly responsive to colistin (55.14%) and netilmicin (52.25%). Antibiotic resistance is common among intensive care unit (ICU) patients, and most isolated microbes have resistance to traditional medicines.

The AREB/ABF (ABA response element binding) proteins in plants are vital for plant stress responses, but the understanding of AREB/ABFs in orchid species, an important traditional medicinal and ornamental plants, is limited. Here, twelve AREB/ABF genes were identified within three orchids’ complete genome and classified into three groups (groups I, II, and III) via a phylogenetic analysis, which was further supported by the analysis of their conserved motifs and gene structures. The cis-elements analysis showed that hormone response elements followed by light and stress responses were widely rich in AREB/ABFs. A prediction analysis of orchid ABRE/ABF-mediated regulatory network was further constructed through cis-regulatory elements (CREs) analysis of their promoter regions and revealed that several transcriptional factor (TF) gene family were abundant as the potential regulators for orchid AREB/ABFs. Expression profile analysis based on public transcriptomic data showed that most AREB/ABF genes have distinct tissue-specific expression patterns in orchid plants. Additionally, DcaABI5 as the homolog of ABA INSENSITIVE 5 (ABI5) from Arabidopsis was selected for further analysis. The results showed that Arabidopsis transgenic overexpressing DcaABI5 could rescue the ABA insensitive phenotype in the mutant abi5. Collectively, these findings will provide valuable information on AREB/ABF genes in orchids.

Inflorescence architecture underpins sexual reproduction in wild Musa species and productivity in edible banana cultivars. To establish the functional aspects of inflorescence architecture we identified its three main components and tested their response to environment and internal plant resources in two clone-sets. Five genotypes of edible plantains (Musa AAB) grew for four generations along an elevation gradient (1100 m to 2200 m, 16°C to 24°C) straddling the equator in the humid highlands of East Africa. Measurements of hands per bunch (Hb), fruit per hand (Fh) and peduncle length were made. Peduncle length is determined by the activity of the apical inflorescence meristem and fruit per hand from lateral cushion meristems. However, hands per bunch is determined by a change in flower type. This independence of mechanisms was reflected in their variable responses to site temperature, genet development and genotype. Cooler temperatures reduced the number of fruit-forming flowers in an inflorescence, but not as much as expected, and changed the balance away from female towards male flowers. The genet changed the allocation of resources between Hb and Fh, independently of the effect of site temperature. In banana breeding schemes, manipulating inflorescence components independently raises options for producing genotypes better suited to markets, environments and cultural practices.

Celtis sinensis is an adaptable species that is widely grown in southern China. In June 2022, a leaf blotch disease of C. sinensis was observed in Nanjing, Jiangsu, China. Based on morphological characterization, three isolates were identified as Alternaria species. Phylogenetic analysis of combined ITS, GAPDH, TEF1-α, RPB2 and Alt a 1 sequences identified the three isolates we obtained as Alternaria alternata and Alternaria koreana. Koch’s postulates were fulfilled in the greenhouse, and the pathogenicity of A. alternata and A. koreana was determined by leaf inoculation tests on C. sinensis seedlings. The symptoms of indoor inoculation were consistent with those in the field. A. alternata and A. koreana can grow at 15-35 °C, with an optimal growth temperature of 25 °C. The results of fungicide sensitivity experiments indicated that A. alternata and A. koreana were the most sensitive to prochloraz, which may be a useful strategy for the future prevention and control management of A. alternata and A. koreana. This study provides the first step for further research on A. alternata and A. koreana as pathogens of C. sinensis and provides a theoretical basis for future control strategies.

Boswellia trees are the source of frankincense, which can be found throughout the Middle East and parts of Africa and Asia. Boswellia serrata extract has been shown to have anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, and anti-microbial effects. Periodontitis is an oral chronic inflammatory disease that affects nearly half of the US population. We investigated the antimicrobial effects of B. serrata extract on two oral pathogens associated with periodontitis. Using the minimum inhibitory concentration and crystal violet staining methods, we demonstrated that Porphyromonas gingivalis growth and biofilm formation were impaired by treatment with B. serrata extracts. However, there were no significant effects on Fusobacterium nucleatum growth and biofilm formation. Using colony-forming units quantification and microscopy techniques, we also showed that concentrations of B. serrata that were not toxic for host cells decreased intracellular P. gingivalis infection in human gingival epithelial cells. Our results show antimicrobial activity of a natural product extracted from Boswellia trees (B. serrata) against periodontopathogens. Thus, B. serrata has the therapeutic potential for preventing and/or treating periodontal diseases. Future studies will identify molecular components of B. serrata extracts responsible for the beneficial effects.

In the Ebro Delta, the abundance of burrowing bivalves has dramatically decreased, with the blue crab, Callinectes sapidus, being blamed by shellfish collectors. Trends from 2010 evidence a decrease in the capture of clams (Ruditapes spp.) before 2016 (start of blue crab fisheries), although further decline of both clam and cockle (Cerastoderma glaucum) occurred in 2018. In contrast, captures of razor clam (Ensis siliqua) have increased by 3.6-fold since 2016. Predation risk for these taxa with contrasting burrowing capacities (1.7 ± 0.3cm, 0.4 ± 0.2cm, and 26.3 ± 0.1cm, respectively), was assessed using predation preference (N= 5 tanks; 5 individuals of each species) and no-choice experiments (N= 5 tanks; 15 individuals) in the absence and in the presence of sand. Results showed that in the absence of sand, the razor clam, was fully preyed in 24h, clams in 96h, and cockles reached 60% after 144h. Conversely, when sand was present, only 4% of razor clams were predated, while clams and cockles reached 60-100% in 120-144h. No-choice results featured similar patterns depending on substrate availability. Overall, clams and cockles appear to be greatly vulnerable to blue crab predation, whereas the razor clam may escape thanks to its deeper burrowing capacity.