Search Results (1,117)

As traditional forage crops demand substantial water, exploring alternatives with lower water demands can mitigate the strain on water supplies. This pot study evaluated five annual warm-season forages (forage sorghum (FS) [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench], prussic acid-free forage sorghum (PF) [Sorghum bicolor subsp. Drummondii], sorghum x sudangrass hybrid (SS) [Sorghum bicolor x drummondii], sudangrass (SU) [Sorghum sudanense (Piper) Stapf], and pearl millet (PM) [Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br.]) under two different irrigation treatments (40% and 80% ETo). Morphological (leaf area, leaf count, plant height), biomass yield, nutritional content (nitrogen (N), acid detergent fiber, and in vitro true digestibility (IVTD)), and water use efficiency (WUE) parameters were assessed at 35 and 49 days after planting (DAP). Irrigation effects varied with time, more strongly influencing nutritive value at 35 DAP and morphological traits at 49 DAP. WUE was significantly affected by irrigation at both timepoints. No single forage consistently outperformed across all metrics. PF and SU had the most biomass (p < 0.01), while PM had the greatest N content (p < 0.01). However, PF and SU had the highest WUE for biomass and digestible dry matter (p < 0.01). These findings suggest PF and SU may improve forage system sustainability under limited water availability. Full article

The increasing need for effective sludge management has positioned hydrothermal liquefaction (HTL) as a viable solution, harnessing its capability to transform organic materials into renewable resources under elevated temperature and pressure conditions. This research seeks to assess the performance of HTL in processing high-solid organic sludge by examining the removal efficiencies of chemical oxygen demand (COD), total solids (TS), and suspended solids (SS), together with improvements in biogas potential (BGP) and hydrogen yield. Experimental procedures were carried out within a temperature range of 100–210 °C and pressure levels of 20–80 kg/cm², using a hydrogen-producing microbiome (HMb) and anaerobically digested sludge as inoculants for anaerobic fermentation. Multivariate analysis was applied to investigate the influence of temperature and pressure on COD, TS, and SS removal rates as well as BGP, while a series of batch tests further confirmed the effects of these parameters on fermentation outcomes. Findings revealed that COD, SS, and TS removal efficiencies reached 90.6%, 91.5%, and 87.4%, respectively, under conditions of 100 °C and 60 kg/cm². The maximum biogas potential (BGP) of approximately 500 mL was attained at 180 °C, whereas hydrogen production demonstrated substantial enhancement within the HTL pressure range of 40–60 kg/cm², decreasing beyond this range. Additionally, total dissolved solids (TDS) reached a peak concentration of 389 g/L under conditions of 180 °C and 40 kg/cm², emphasizing HTL’s positive impact on enhancing methane fermentation efficiency. These findings demonstrate that HTL pretreatment, when operated under optimized temperature and pressure conditions, offers a promising approach for enhancing both waste reduction and bioenergy recovery from high-solid organic sludge. Full article

Background: Transcutaneous spinal stimulation (TSS) is a noninvasive stimulation approach to modulate spinal reflex circuit excitability after spinal cord injury (SCI) Posterior root muscle (PRM) reflexes can be used to characterize the change in excitability of spinal reflex circuits after TSS; these responses are likely influenced by stimulus parameters. Methods: We compared PRM reflex responses to 3 TSS conditions: single-site continuous (SS-CONT), single-site burst (SS-BURST), and dual-site continuous (DS-CONT). Stimulation (frequency: 50 Hz, intensity: 80% soleus reflex threshold[RT]) was delivered for 30 min. The cathode was placed over the thoracic spine (T11–T12) and anodes placed paraumbilically; a second cathode over the lumbar spine (L1/2 or L2/3) was used for DS-CONT. PRM reflex responses in the soleus were elicited by paired 1 ms monophasic conditioning–test stimuli at a 50 ms interstimulus interval via the T11–12 cathode and paraumbilical anodes. Soleus PRM reflex indices included RT, response amplitude at 1.2xRT (RA_1.2xRT), slope, area under the input–output curve (AUC). Paired-pulse indices were collected, including paired-pulse depression (PPD) and depression of the area under the curve (AUC_dep). To assess the correlation between biomechanical and electrophysiologic measures of soleus spasticity, the ankle clonus drop test first drop excursion (FDE) was measured. All indices were measured at baseline and immediately post-intervention. Results: In whole-group analyses, PPD and AUC_dep were significantly decreased. Significant decreases in PPD and AUC_dep were identified only after the SS-CONT condition. No significant changes were identified in other PRM reflex indices after any of the 3 TSS conditions. No relationships between baseline FDE and any PRM reflex parameter were identified at baseline. Conclusions: With stimulation intensity of 80% soleus RT, modulation of targeted spinal reflex circuits was observed only in the SS-CONT condition when the response of the conditioning and test stimuli were considered. In addition, stretch-induced spasticity of the soleus may not be consistent with electrophysiologic testing. Full article

The leaves and stems of Bauhinia guianensis Aubl. are used in traditional Amazonian phytotherapy for the treatment of pain and inflammation. This study investigates the anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive effects of hydroethanolic extracts from B. guianensis Aubl. leaves and stems (HELBg and HESBg, respectively) in vivo models of inflammation and hyperalgesia. Danio rerio experimental animals were submitted to the acute inflammation test, induced by intraperitoneal (ip.) administration of carrageenan 20 μg/animal (abdominal edema); the groups were previously treated orally with saline solution 2 μL/animal (SS), dimethyl sulfoxide 2 μL/animal (DMSO), indomethacin 10 mg/kg, HELBg 100 mg/kg and HESBg 100 mg/kg, n = 12 per experimental group to evaluate the inhibition of edema and alteration histopathology of the liver, intestine and kidney of these animals. The antinociceptive effect was observed from the body curvature index and the behavioral responses of Danio rerio, after an experimental protocol for the induction of hyperalgesia, by ip. administration of 10 μL/animal of 2.5% acetic acid; the animals were orally treated orally with saline solution 2 μL/animal (SS), dimethyl sulfoxide 2 μL/animal (DMSO), morphine 2.5 mg/kg, HELBg 100 mg/kg and HESBg 100 mg/kg, and n = 5 per experimental group. In carrageenan-induced edema, the group treated with HESBg inhibited edema formation over the 3 h of the experiment. Maximum edema was inhibited by 54% (p < 0.05) when compared to the control group. Both HELBg and HESBg prevented body curvature index changes (t_(df=3,8) = 6.96 and t_(df=3,8) = 6.61, respectively, both p < 0.0001). In the behavioral parameters sensitive to antinociceptive pharmacological modulation, due to the abdominal constriction induced by acetic acid, the administration of HELBg and HESBg resulted in an improvement in swimming activity, with the following results: increase in distance covered (F_(df=3,16) = 6.50 and F_(df=3,16) = 7.72, respectively, both p < 0.0001), decrease in freezing time (F_(df=3,16) = 2.04 and F_(df=3,16) = 1.28, respectively, both p < 0.0059), increase in the number of ascents to the upper area of the tank (F_(df=3,16) = 33.02 and F_(df=3,16) = 35.62, respectively, both p < 0.0009) and decreased time spent in that area (F_(df=3,16) = 101.19 and F_(df=3,16) = 103.59, respectively, both p < 0.0038). It is reasonable to suppose that both extracts modulated the variations induced by carrageenan and acetic acid through the inhibition of prostaglandin biosynthesis, thereby decreasing the release of inflammatory mediators, the sensitization of peripheral nociceptors, and, consequently, the perception of pain. These results suggest that HELBg and HESBg have anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive activities, likely of peripheral origin and associated with the inhibition of prostaglandin biosynthesis. Full article

Antibiotic resistance is one of the major threats to public health in the twenty-first century. In this line of work, plants represent a priceless source of antimicrobial compounds since they house chemically different metabolites with a wide range of therapeutic applications. This study reports the bioactivity-guided fractionation, characterization, and evaluation of the efficacy of antimicrobial compounds from leaf acetone extracts of the traditional medicinal plant Terminalia catappa against bacterial clinical isolates and dermatophytes. The acetone extract of T. catappa was subjected to column chromatography for the separation and purification of the phytocompounds. The fractions were analyzed using a thin-layer chromatography–bioautography assay to detect the antimicrobial potency of the eluted compounds. The efficacy of the antimicrobial compounds was evaluated by the minimum inhibitory concentration, minimum bactericidal concentration, and minimum fungicidal concentration. Spectral characterization and structure elucidation of the compound were also achieved. The leaf acetone extract, when subjected to gradient elution by column chromatography, resulted in eight fractions. The fraction Fr-2 was subjected to thin-layer chromatographic elution, which resulted in the elution of phytocompound with Rf value of 0.50 and the phytocompound exhibited antimicrobial activity in the TLC–bioautography assay, and it was isolated in pure form and confirmed as Apigenin 7-O-ß-D-glucopyranoside. The compound exhibited significant inhibition of the clinical isolate Staphylococcus aureus and Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus 1503 at 9.5 µg/mL. Dermatophytes, viz., Microsporum gypseum and Microsporum canis, were inhibited at 312 µg/mL. The present study successfully achieved the bioactivity-guided isolation and characterization of the flavone compound Apigenin 7-O-ß-D-glucopyranoside from T. catappa. Furthermore, the plant T. catappa represents a promising candidate for the exploration of antimicrobial compounds that could serve as potential plant-derived lead molecules for antimicrobial agents. Full article

Hopeite (Zn₃(PO₄)₂·4H₂O) coatings, fabricated via zinc phosphate chemical conversion (ZPCC), have attracted considerable interest in biomedical applications owing to their excellent corrosion resistance and biocompatibility. However, the influence of calcium nitrate (CN) on coating properties remains poorly understood. This study systematically investigates the effect of CN concentration on the microstructure and corrosion behavior of ZPCC coatings deposited on stainless steel (SS). The phase composition, surface morphology, and elemental distribution were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive spectroscopy (SEM-EDS). Electrochemical corrosion performance was assessed via potentiodynamic polarization in a 0.9 wt.% NaCl solution. The results indicate that CN concentration critically influences coating morphology, with higher concentrations leading to reduced crystal size and increased coating mass. Notably, the coating prepared with 6 g/L CN exhibited a dense, uniform, and fine-grained microstructure, resulting in superior corrosion resistance. Additionally, the optimized coating demonstrated strong interfacial adhesion, with a shear strength of 10.05 ± 1.2 MPa. Full article

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of various additives on the nutritional value and aerobic stability of safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) silages. Silages were prepared from whole safflower plants harvested 102 days after planting, which were chopped to a particle size of 2.0 ± 0.5 cm and fermented for 120 days in polyvinyl chloride microsilos (6” × 46 cm), evaluating the following treatments: (1) safflower silage (SS) without additives, (2) SS supplemented with Guanacaste tree (Enterolobium cyclocarpum) pod meal, (3) SS supplemented with corn meal, (4) SS supplemented with sorghum meal, (5) SS supplemented with molasses, (6) SS supplemented with homofermentative inoculant, and (7) SS supplemented with fermentative inoculant + molasses. Compared with SS without additives, the addition of all the evaluated additives increased (p < 0.0001) the crude protein content and the relative forage value, while simultaneously decreasing the pH in SS. In contrast, the use of Guanacaste tree pod meal, corn, and sorghum decreased (p < 0.0001) the neutral detergent fiber and acid detergent fiber contents, while simultaneously increasing (p < 0.0001) the in vitro digestibility of dry matter in SS. All the evaluated additives increased (p < 0.05) the aerobic stability of the SS, which broke 42 h after opening the microsilos, whereas the silage without additives broke at 30 h. In conclusion, the use of Guanacaste tree pod meal, corn, and sorghum as additives improves the nutritive value and aerobic stability of safflower silage. Full article

Background and Purpose: Spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is associated with high rates of morbidity and mortality. Early hematoma expansion (HE) is a key driver of poor outcomes, yet readily available non-contrast CT (NCCT) markers remain underused. We assessed four predefined NCCT signs—Blend Sign (BS), Black Hole Sign (BHS), Irregular Shape (IRS), and Satellite Sign (SS)—and a simple composite score (SUM_BBIS, 0–4) for their association with HE and in-hospital mortality. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 404 consecutive adults with primary spontaneous ICH admitted to a tertiary-care center between January 2017 and December 2023. Patients with secondary causes of hemorrhage or without follow-up NCCT were excluded. Each sign was scored dichotomously by blinded readers and summed to form the SUM_BBIS. HE was defined as a >6 mL or >33% volume increase on repeat NCCT within 24–48 h. Outcomes included HE and in-hospital mortality; secondary analyses explored relationships with baseline hematoma volume, location, intraventricular extension (IVH), and comorbidities. Results: Among 404 patients, Irregular Shape was most frequent (62.1%), followed by Satellite Sign (34.9%), Black Hole Sign (31.1%), and Blend Sign (15.3%). Hematoma expansion occurred in 22.0% (89/404). Expansion was more common when ≥1 sign was present, with the Black Hole Sign showing the strongest association (56.2% vs. 23.8%; p < 0.001). In-hospital mortality rose stepwise with higher SUM_BBIS (mean 1.95 in non-survivors vs. 0.93 in survivors; p < 0.001). Conclusions: The four predefined NCCT signs, particularly BHS, identify ICH patients at increased risk of HE and in-hospital death. A simple, purely imaging-based composite (SUM_BBIS) captures cumulative radiological complexity and stratifies risk in a stepwise manner. Systematic evaluation of these markers may enhance early triage and inform timely therapeutic decisions, especially in emergency and resource-limited settings. Full article

Marking techniques are employed to guarantee the identification and traceability of biomedical materials. This study investigated the impact of laser and mechanical marking processes on the tribological performance of ISO 5832-1 austenitic stainless steel (SS), specifically examining corrosion resistance, the coefficient of friction, and wear volume in ball-cratering wear tests. The laser marking was performed using a nanosecond Q-switched Nd:YAG laser. Cytotoxicity tests assessed the biocompatibility of the biomaterial. Non-marked surfaces were also evaluated for comparison. A phosphate-buffered saline solution (PBS) served as both the lubricant and corrosion medium. The surface finishing was analyzed using optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy coupled with a field-emission gun (SEM-FEG), combined with an energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometer. The oxide film was examined through X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Wear tests lasted 10 min, with PBS drops applied every 10 s at 75 rpm; solid balls of AISI 316L stainless steel (SS) and polypropylene (PP), each 1 inch in diameter, were used as counter-bodies. Corrosion resistance was assessed using electrochemical methods. Results showed variations in roughness and microstructure due to laser marking. The tribological behaviour was influenced by the type of marking process, and the wear amount depended on the normal force and ball nature. None of the samples was considered cytotoxic, although laser-marked surfaces exhibited the lowest cellular viability among the tested surfaces and the lowest corrosion resistance. Full article

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a clinically significant pathogen with high antibiotic resistance, necessitating rapid and reliable diagnostic methods. In this study, we developed a whole-cell aptamer selection method for P. aeruginosa using an Eppendorf-tube-based SELEX system, where bacterial cells were directly incubated with an ssDNA library. This configuration enhanced the recovery of bound aptamers and overcame the cell quantity limitations often encountered in microtiter-plate-based SELEX. After 10 selection rounds, six aptamer candidates were obtained and evaluated for affinity. Molecular docking analysis revealed that aptamer T1 possessed the highest target selectivity. To demonstrate diagnostic applicability, aptamer T1 was integrated into a hybrid lateral flow immunoassay (LFIA), replacing the conventional detection antibody. In this format, the AuNP–aptamer complex bound to the target bacteria and was captured by a specific antibody immobilized on the test line. The LFIA achieved a visual detection limit of 2.34 × 10² CFU/mL within 15 min, showing high specificity and suitability for point-of-care applications. This study presents the first demonstration of an aptamer–antibody hybrid LFIA for bacterial detection and highlights the potential of aptamers as low-cost, rapidly synthesized recognition elements adaptable for the detection of other infectious agents. Full article

Heterobasidion root rot fungi represent a major threat to conifer forest stands, and virocontrol (biocontrol) has been proposed as an alternative strategy of disease management in recent years. Here, we investigated the occurrence of RNA viruses and viroid-like genomes in Heterobasidion annosum sensu lato in near-natural forests of Bosnia and Herzegovina (Dinaric Alps), a region previously unexplored in this regard. Seventeen H. annosum s.l. isolates were screened for virus presence by RNA Sequencing and bioinformatic analyses. In total, 32 distinct mycoviruses were discovered in the datasets, 26 of which were previously unknown. The detected viruses represent two dsRNA (Partitiviridae and Curvulaviridae), six linear ssRNA (Mitoviridae, Narnaviridae, Botourmiaviridae, Virgaviridae, Benyviridae, and Deltaflexiviridae) and three circular ssRNA (Dumbiviridae, Quambiviridae, and Trimbiviridae) virus families. In addition to the known circular ambiviruses with their hammerhead (HHRz) and hairpin (HPRz) ribozymes, two other smaller non-coding circular RNAs of ca. 910 bp each were identified encoding HHRz and deltavirus (DVRz) ribozymes in both polarities of their genomes. This study documents the first report of a putative viroid-like RNA agent in Heterobasidion, along with beny-like and deltaflexivirus-like viruses in Heterobasidion abietinum, and expands the known virosphere of Heterobasidion species in Southeastern European forests. Full article

Vaccinium corymbosum L. ‘Biloxi’ is a cultivated blueberry variety valued for its rich content of phenolic compounds, which contribute to its strong antioxidant activity and recognized health benefits. There is little information on the effects of GA₃ and BA on blueberry, especially when used in combination. This study aimed to evaluate whether GA₃ and BA alter the yield and quality of V. corymbosum ‘Biloxi’ fruits. The experiment included 12 treatments consisting of GA₃ (25, 50 and 100 mg L⁻¹) and BA concentrations (50 and 100 mg L⁻¹) alone and combined and a control. The following parameters were analyzed: yield (g) and number of fruits per plant, mass, diameter, pH, soluble solids (SS), titratable acidity (TA), soluble sugars, total phenols, flavonoids, anthocyanins and antioxidant activity. The results indicate that foliar GA₃ and BA application improved the antioxidant capacity and biochemical composition of fruits, without negatively affecting production traits such as yield, fruit size or maturation period. The increases in antioxidant activity, phenol metabolites (total phenols, anthocyanins and flavonoids), soluble sugars, SS and SS/TA ratio were higher with the combination of GA₃ and BA at 100 mg L⁻¹. These results suggest that the combination of GA₃ and BA is a promising approach to sustainably improve fruit quality in commercial blueberry cultivation, providing both economic and nutritional benefits. Full article

In the Japanese Multi-Centered Environmental Toxicant Study (JMETS) conducted in five areas across Japan, we demonstrated that bone mineral density (BMD) in female farmers without renal tubular dysfunction was not adversely affected by exposure to low to moderate levels of cadmium (Cd). We then expanded JMETS to the most Cd-polluted area in northern Japan, Akita prefecture, with area A as the control and areas B and C as Cd-polluted areas (Cd exposure levels: B < C), which also covered more female farmers with a wider age range (20–82 years) and Cd exposure sufficient to induce renal tubular dysfunction. We selected 1267 eligible subjects in the three areas and classified them by age and menstrual status. The distribution of blood and urinary Cd levels over the areas was A < B < C (blood Cd: 2.10, 3.78, and 3.39 µg/L, and urinary Cd: 3.02, 4.29, and 6.15 µg/g cr., respectively; p < 0.05), with the steepest age-dependent increase in area C, particularly in older postmenopausal subjects with a urinary Cd level around the threshold for renal tubular dysfunction. Urinary α1-microglobulin (α1MG) and ß2-microglobulin (ß2MG) levels in the three areas also showed age-dependent increases, with higher levels being observed in areas B and C than in area A. Furthermore, ß2MG levels in older postmenopausal subjects were significantly higher in area C than in area A (273 and 157 μg/g cr., respectively, p < 0.05). Age-dependent decreases in BMD were noted in all areas, with rapid reductions from peri- to postmenopausal subjects; however, marked differences in each age class were not observed among the three areas. In multiple regression models of BMD in all subjects using age, body weight, grip, urinary creatinine, urinary α1MG or ß2MG, and blood or urinary Cd as independent variables, urinary α1MG and ß2MG levels correlated with BMD, whereas blood and urinary Cd levels did not. Moreover, age and body weight correlated more strongly with BMD than blood and urinary Cd levels. Therefore, Cd, not only at a low level but also at a level that was sufficient to deteriorate renal tubular function, did not affect bones. These results provide further support for Cd exposure itself not directly affecting bones. Full article

Municipal wastewater with a low carbon-to-nitrogen (C/N) ratio presents challenges for conventional nitrogen removal processes, often requiring costly external carbon sources. This study investigated the enhancement of nitrogen removal in a simultaneous nitrification and denitrification (SND) system by incorporating heterotrophic nitrification and aerobic denitrification (HN-AD) bacterial agents (Klebsiella variicola L3, Acinetobacter beijerinckii W4, and Acinetobacter sp. Z1) with modified basalt fiber carriers. Three reactors were compared: mixed HN-AD strains (M), mixed strains with activated sludge (A+M), and activated sludge alone (A). Results demonstrated that the A+M reactor achieved superior performance, with median removal efficiencies of 82.2% for NH₄⁺-N, 52.9% for total nitrogen (TN), and 51.6% for COD, outperforming the M reactor (75.2%, 43.6%, and 51.6%) and the A reactor (63.2%, 29.3%, and 44.8%). The A+M reactor also exhibited a 40% reduction in COD consumption per unit TN removed (2.55 ± 1.75) compared to the control reactor A (4.25 ± 3.99). Microbial analysis revealed Acinetobacter sp. Z1 (6.1%) and K. variicola L3 (1.1%) as dominant species, with the A+M reactor showing higher microbial diversity (56.4% Proteobacteria, 10.2% Bacteroidota) and biological viability (VSS/SS ratio of 0.70 ± 0.01). Extracellular polymeric substance (EPS) content in A+M reached 242.26 ± 15.52 mg/g-VSS, with a protein-to-polysaccharide ratio of 2.77 ± 0.00, indicating robust biofilm activity. These findings highlight the potential of HN-AD bacterial agents to enhance nitrogen removal in low C/N wastewater treatment, offering a cost-effective and sustainable alternative to traditional methods by reducing reliance on external carbon sources and improving system efficiency. Full article

This study evaluates the structural properties and adsorption capacities of four bio-based adsorbents, sawdust (SD), straw (ST), chicken feathers (CFs), and shrimp shells (SSs), for chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal from olive mill wastewater (OMW). Response Surface Methodology (RSM) with a Box–Behnken Design (BBD) was applied to optimize the operational parameters, resulting in maximum COD uptake capacities of 450 mg/g (SD), 575 mg/g (ST), 700 mg/g (CFs), and 750 mg/g (SSs). Among these materials, SSs exhibited the highest COD removal efficiency of 85% under optimal conditions (pH 8, 20 g/L, 30 °C, 5 h, 111 rpm). A mixture design approach was then used to explore the synergistic effects of combining lignocellulosic (SD and ST), chitin-based (SSs), and keratin-based (CFs) adsorbents. The optimized blend (SD 10%, ST 28.9%, SS 38.3%, and CF 22.6%) achieved a COD removal efficiency of 82%, demonstrating the advantage of using mixed biopolymer systems over individual adsorbents. Adsorption mechanisms were investigated through isotherm models (Langmuir, Freundlich, Temkin, and Redlich–Peterson) and kinetic models (pseudo-first-order, pseudo-second-order, Elovich, and intraparticle diffusion). Lignocellulosic adsorbents predominantly followed physisorption mechanisms, while chitin- and keratin-rich materials exhibited a combination of physisorption and chemisorption. Thermodynamic analysis confirmed the spontaneous nature of the adsorption process, with SSs showing the most favorable Gibbs free energy (ΔG = −21.29 kJ/mol). A proposed mechanism for the adsorption of organic compounds onto the bio-adsorbents involves hydrogen bonding, electrostatic interactions, π–π interactions, n–π stacking interactions, hydrophobic interactions, and van der Waals forces. These findings highlight the potential of biopolymer-based adsorbents and their optimized combinations as cost-effective and sustainable solutions for OMW treatment. Full article