Search Results (101)

LiDAR-based Simultaneous Localization and Mapping (SLAM) plays a key role in enabling inspection robots to achieve autonomous navigation. However, at installation construction sites of large-scale public buildings, existing methods often suffer from point-cloud drift, large z-axis errors, and inefficient loop closure detection, limiting their robustness and adaptability in complex environments. To address these issues, this paper proposes an improved algorithm, LeGO-LOAM-LPB (Large-scale Public Building), built upon the LeGO-LOAM framework. The method enhances feature quality through point-cloud preprocessing, stabilizes z-axis pose estimation by introducing ground-residual constraints, improves matching efficiency with an incremental k-d tree, and strengthens map consistency via a two-layer loop closure detection mechanism. Experiments conducted on a self-developed inspection robot platform in both simulated and real construction sites of large-scale public buildings demonstrate that LeGO-LOAM-LPB significantly improves positioning accuracy, reducing the root mean square error by 41.55% compared with the original algorithm. The results indicate that the proposed method offers a more precise and robust SLAM solution for safety inspection robots in construction environments and shows strong potential for engineering applications. Full article

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the pathological aggregation of α-synuclein (α-syn), the loss of dopaminergic neurons, and the appearance of both motor and non-motor symptoms. Emerging evidence suggests a bidirectional influence of the microbiota–gut–brain axis in PD pathogenesis, where gut dysbiosis contributes to increased intestinal barrier permeability, immune activation, chronic inflammation, oxidative stress, α-syn misfolding, and neurotransmitter imbalance. These findings are increasing interest in probiotics as microbiota-targeted interventions that restore intestinal and systemic homeostasis. Lactiplantibacillus plantarum, a probiotic species with remarkable environmental adaptability and genomic plasticity, has emerged as a promising candidate for PD management. Preclinical studies demonstrate that specific Lpb. plantarum strains, such as PS128 or CCFM405, can beneficially modulate gut microbial communities, reinforce barrier integrity, regulate bile acid metabolism, attenuate neuroinflammatory responses, and improve motor deficits in PD-like mice. In addition, Lpb. plantarum DP189 or SG5 interventions can significantly reduce α-syn aggregation in the brain via suppression of oxidative stress, modulation of neuroinflammatory responses, and activation of neurotrophic factors. Recent evidence even suggests that Lpb. plantarum-derived extracellular vesicles may possess anti-PD activity by influencing host gene expression, neuronal function, and immune modulation. Although robust clinical data are still limited, preliminary clinical trials indicate that supplementation with PS128 or certain Lpb. plantarum-contained consortiums can alleviate constipation, improve gastrointestinal function, reduce systemic inflammation, and even ameliorate motor symptoms when used alongside standard dopaminergic therapies. In this review, we provide an integrated overview of preclinical, clinical, and mechanistic insights, and evaluate the translational potential of Lpb. plantarum as a safe and diet-based strategy to target the microbiota-gut–brain axis in PD. Full article

Sugarcane vinasse, a byproduct of ethanol production, presents environmental challenges due to its high organic content and occasional contamination with antibiotics, such as monensin. This study successfully evaluated thermophilic two-phase anaerobic digestion for simultaneous monensin degradation and biogas production. The system, consisting of an acidogenic anaerobic structured-bed bioreactor (ASTBR) operating at with a hydraulic retention time (HRT) of 7.5 h followed by a methanogenic reactor at HRT = 24 h, with two options of the methanogenic phase, an upflow anaerobic sludge blanket (UASB), and an ASTBR, operated continuously for 254 days with incremental monensin concentrations (0–2000 ng·mL⁻¹). The acidogenic reactor consistently removed over 70% of monensin across all phases, demonstrating its effectiveness as a pretreatment step. At realistic residual concentrations (20–100 ng·mL⁻¹), monensin not only failed to inhibit biogas production but enhanced methane yield by up to 100% through selective pressure on the microbial community. This study demonstrated that anaerobic digestion can effectively degrade monensin while increasing the value of vinasse, providing a scalable solution for mitigating antibiotic contamination and enhancing bioenergy recovery in the sugarcane–ethanol industry. Full article

This study examines Chinese hotel employees’ understanding of customer relationship management (CRM) practices, with a focus on loyalty programme behaviour (LPB). Specifically, it investigates how three factors—loyalty programme (LP) awareness, LP knowledge, and LP concerns—shape employees’ intentions to implement loyalty programme practices (LPP) in the hospitality industry. A quantitative research design was adopted to test the proposed hypotheses. Data was collected through a self-administered survey of 893 Chinese hotel employees. To evaluate the proposed hypotheses, path analysis was performed using SPSS Statistics 24 and Mplus 7.4. The findings reveal that LP awareness and LP knowledge are both positively associated with employees’ intentions to implement loyalty programme practices, whereas LP concerns showed no significant effect. Moreover, employees’ intentions were positively linked to loyalty programme behaviour and served as a mediator between awareness, knowledge, and behavioural outcomes. Theoretical insights and practical applications are also addressed. Full article

Background/Objectives: Pancreatic cancer (PC) is a diagnosis with a poor prognosis which can be associated with significant distress and may hinder a patient’s ability to understand treatment details. Educating patients based on their learning preferences (LPs) and emotions may allow for personalized, enhanced care. Methods: This prospective project enrolled patients with non-metastatic PC. Phase 1 utilized the Learning Preference Barometer (LPB) and Emotional Journey Barometer (EJB), which are digital instruments co-designed by CANCER101 (C101) and the Health Collaboratory, to assess patient LPs and emotional states. Phase 2 provided information prescriptions aligned with LPs through C101’s Prescription to Learn^® (P2L) platform. Collected data included demographics, treatment, LPs (auditory, kinesthetic, linguistic, visual), patient engagement with P2L, and patient emotional states with qualitative verbal validation. Descriptive variables were used to report outcomes. Results: Primary LPs in the 47 participating patients were as follows: linguistic 45%, visual 34%, auditory 11%, and kinesthetic 9%, with secondary preferences in the majority (53%). Those patients (66%) who accessed P2L had linguistic and visual preferences; the majority accessed 1- 2 resources out of the 25 provided. Resources accessed aligned to 88% of patient LPs. The majority of patients (60%) initiated treatment prior to initial EJB, and 40% were treatment naive. Common baseline emotions were optimistic (47% vs. 36%, respectively), satisfied (11% vs. 25%), acceptance (11% vs. 11%), and overwhelmed (5% vs. 11%). Conclusions: Assessing LPs and emotional state allows for personalized patient education and clinical encounters for PC patients. Future work includes examining the effects of personalized approaches on patient satisfaction, decision-making, health outcomes, and the overall patient–clinician relationship. Full article

Background/Objectives: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) encompasses several neurodevelopmental disorders, whose onset is correlated to genetic and environmental factors. Although the etiopathogenesis is not entirely clear, the involvement of inflammatory processes, the endocannabinoid system, and alterations in the permeability and composition of the intestinal microbiota are known to occur. Methods: This review systematically explores the literature available to date on the most widely used murine models for the study of ASD, the main biomarkers investigated for the diagnosis of ASD, and the therapeutic potential of probiotics, with a particular focus on the use of strains of Lactiplantibacillus (Lpb.) plantarum in in vivo models and clinical trials for ASD. Results: Several studies have demonstrated that targeting multifactorial biomarkers in animal models and patients contributes to a more comprehensive understanding of the complex mechanisms underlying ASD. Moreover, accumulating evidence supports the beneficial effect of probiotics, including Lpb. plantarum, as a promising alternative therapeutic strategy, capable of modulating gut–brain axis communication. Conclusions: Probiotic supplementation, particularly with selected Lpb. plantarum strains, is emerging as a potential complementary approach for ameliorating ASD-related gastrointestinal and behavioral symptoms. However, further large-scale clinical studies are essential to validate their efficacy and determine optimal treatment protocols and dietary strategies. Full article

Fermented plant-based beverages represent promising functional foods due to their content of bioactive compounds (polyphenols, prebiotics) and viable probiotic microorganisms. Sprouted buckwheat is a rich source of bioactives and nutrients, which makes it a promising ingredient for the development of synbiotic formulations. This study aimed to optimize the fermentation process of a plant-based beverage composed of germinated buckwheat, honey, inulin, and Lactiplantibacillus plantarum (Lpb. plantarum), using Box–Behnken experimental design (BBD) and Response Surface Methodology (RSM) tools. The influence of three independent variables (inulin, honey, and inoculum concentration) was evaluated on five key response variables: total polyphenol content, flavonoid content, antioxidant activity (RSA%), pH, and starter culture viability. The optimal formulation—comprising 3% inulin, 10% honey, and 6.97 mg/100 mL inoculum—demonstrated functional stability over 21 days of refrigerated storage (4 °C), maintaining high levels of antioxidants and probiotic viability in the fermented beverage. Kinetic analysis of the fermentation process confirmed the intense metabolic activity of Lpb. plantarum, as evidenced by a decrease in pH, active consumption of reducing sugars, and organic acids accumulation. Full article

This study aimed to explore the genetic and functional diversity of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum (Lpb. plantarum) strains from wild fermented foods to identify traits that are useful for food innovation. The growing demand for clean-label, plant-based, and functionally enriched fermented foods exposes the limitations of current industrial fermentation practices, which rely on standardized lactic acid bacteria (LAB) strains with limited metabolic plasticity. This constraint hinders the development of new food formulations and the replacement of conventional additives. To address this gap, 343 LAB strains were analyzed, including 69 Lpb plantarum strains, isolated from five minimally processed, spontaneously fermented matrices: fermented millet, kombucha, and sourdough (plant-based), wild fermented mountain milk, and natural whey starter (animal-based). Whole-genome sequencing was performed to assess phylogenetic relationships and to annotate genes encoding carbohydrate-active enzymes (CAZymes) and antimicrobial compounds. The results revealed a marked strain-level diversity. Glycoside hydrolase (GH) families GH13 and GH1 were widely distributed, while GH25 and GH32 showed variable presence across clusters. Strains grouped into clusters enriched with plant-based isolates exhibited distinct CAZyme profiles adapted to complex carbohydrates. Clusters with animal-based strains exhibited a broader gene repertoire related to bacteriocin biosynthesis. These findings highlight the untapped potential of wild fermented food environments as reservoirs of Lpb. plantarum with unique genomic traits. Harnessing this diversity can expand the functional capabilities of starter cultures, promoting more sustainable, adaptive, and innovative fermentation systems. This study underscores the strategic value of underexploited microbial niches in meeting the evolving demands of modern food production. Full article

Amaryllidaceae alkaloids from the Amaryllidoideae subfamily exhibit broad pharmacological activities, including neuroprotection and anticancer effects. Galanthamine is a key compound for Alzheimer’s therapy. The Hippeastrum genus, particularly in Bolivia, offers significant potential for novel drug discovery, emphasising the need for conservation and further phytochemical research. Twenty-seven samples from Bolivian Hippeastrum species were investigated in terms of their alkaloid profile and anticholinesterase activity. The phytochemical analysis of Bolivian Hippeastrum species via GC-MS identified 48 Amaryllidaceae alkaloids, displaying diverse structural groups with potential pharmacological significance. Lycorine- and Homolycorine-type alkaloids were predominant, particularly in H. chionedyanthum and H. haywardii, with high concentrations of lycorine, a promising anticancer compound. The species H. evansiarum and H. mollevillquense contained notable quantities of Galanthamine type alkaloids, relevant for Alzheimer’s treatment. This study also highlights variability in acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase inhibitory activities, with H. lara-ricoi and H. haywardii demonstrating strong inhibition. These findings suggest that Hippeastrum species are a valuable source of bioactive compounds, warranting further research into their therapeutic applications. Full article

(1) Background: This study aimed to detect whether alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) supplementation could reduce lead (Pb)-induced testicular toxicity in roosters. (2) Methods: A total of 48 roosters, aged 20 weeks, were selected and randomly allocated to six treatment groups: basic diet (CON); CON + 150 mg/kg (CH₃OO)₂Pb (LPB); CON + 300 mg/kg (CH₃OO)₂Pb (HPB); CON + 300 mg/kg ALA (ALA); LPB + 300 mg/kg ALA (ALP); and HPB + 300 mg/kg ALA (AHP). (3) Results: The testicular Pb content was obviously higher in the LPB and HPB groups than in the CON group, while ALA supplementation reduced the testicular Pb content (p < 0.05). Roosters showed a significant increase in serum testosterone, sperm viability, sperm concentration, and testicular score in the AHP group compared with the HPB group. Pb exposure caused a remarkable increase in sperm abnormality and testicular malondialdehyde level, which were down-regulated by ALA supplementation (p < 0.05). RNA sequencing identified 227 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between the HPB and CON groups and 220 DEGs between the HPB and AHP groups. (4) Conclusions: ALA supplementation mitigated Pb-induced testicular damage, suggesting its potential as a therapeutic agent for Pb toxicity in birds and potentially other species. Full article

In the present study, Lactiplantibacillus plantarum G8, exhibiting higher antifungal activity, and G12, displaying weaker antifungal activity, were isolated from naturally fermented wheat sourdough. Their impacts on bread quality and shelf life were subsequently investigated. The results demonstrated that both strains exhibited robust growth in rye bran sourdough. Compared to the blank control rye bran–wheat flour dough (RB dough), sourdough incorporation enhanced percentages of β-sheet and α-helix secondary structures, facilitating the formation of a more ordered gluten network structure. This contributed to reduced bread baking loss and decreased bread hardness, gumminess, and chewiness, with Lpb. plantarum G8 exhibiting the most pronounced effects. Notably, G8 bread displayed superior antifungal efficacy, extending shelf life by 8 d (mold appearance at room temperature: 12 d for G8 vs. 4 d for RB). Furthermore, G8 bread exhibited significantly increased diversity and content of volatile compounds, and received higher preference scores from the sensory panel. This study further advances the development of mold-resistant bakery products. Full article

Argentina ranks worldwide among the top ten wine producers, known for its diverse terroirs and Malbec as its emblematic varietal. Typically, the winemaking process involves alcoholic fermentation, led by yeasts, and malolactic fermentation (MLF), primarily driven by lactic acid bacteria (LAB). Oenococcus oeni and Lactiplantibacillus plantarum are recognised as the best-adapted LAB species for this process. Our previous research focused on a winery located in the southwest of Buenos Aires Province, a scarcely studied re-emerging region of Argentina, which showed a low relative abundance of LAB and incomplete MLF in various vintages. The current study involved the isolation, identification, typing, and use of native strains from the above-mentioned region to formulate a malolactic fermentation starter (MLFS) and to evaluate the strains’ malolactic performance at pilot-scale, implantation capacity and impact on wine aromatic profiles using HS-SPME-GC-FID/MS. Two selected autochthonous strains (Lpb. plantarum UNQLp1001 and a O. oeni UNQOe1101) from the re-emerging region successfully implanted in Malbec wine, achieving faster and more efficient MLF compared to spontaneous MLF. Moreover, the MLFS seems to have influenced the aromatic profile, reducing relative concentrations of alcohols, contributing to the decrease in the bitter and herbaceous notes, and increasing some esters (ethyl acetate, 2-phenethyl acetate, ethyl octanoate), that could enhance floral and fruity, notes. Expanding the availability of candidate strains to formulate native MLFS is a crucial technological tool for the wine industry. Thus, we propose the use of Lpb. plantarum UNQLp1001 and O. oeni UNQOe1101 as potential MLFS in Malbec wines from somewhat similar wine-producing regions. Additionally, the local winery can access a cost-effective MLFS with native LAB strains, enabling a more controlled MLF that preserves regional typicity. Moreover, these strains could enable technology transfer, potentially becoming the first malolactic starters in the region. Full article

Hemp seed flour (Cannabis sativa) is a non-traditional matrix alternative to wheat for baked goods production. The aim of this study was to investigate the microbiota of two liquid sourdoughs (SLs) based on hemp or a wheat–hemp mixture, before and after spontaneous or piloted fermentation (Lactiplantibacillus plantarum ITM21B or Weissella cibaria C43-11 used as starters). Culture-dependent and -independent (high-throughput sequencing of bacterial phylogenetic V3-V4 regions of the 16S rRNA gene) methods, were used to evaluate the microbial community. The effect of fermentation on the content of bioactive molecules (polyphenols, organic acids, proteins, and amino acids) was also investigated. Results indicated that the microbial community of all SLs was mainly (99.7 ÷ 100%) composed of Firmicutes and Proteobacteria, and the latter was the unique phylum before fermentation in formulations produced exclusively with hemp flour. Two PCoA plots (Test adonis with pseudo-F ratio, p > 0.05) showed no significance difference between the microbial communities of the formulations. However, the relative abundance variation at the family level in the wheat–hemp-based mixture SLs showed a significant enrichment of the Lactobacillaceae family (Kruskal–Wallis test, p = 0.04). Moreover, results confirmed hemp seed flour as a suitable fermentation substrate to obtain microbial consortia allowing for an increase in organic acids, especially lactic acid (9.12 ± 1.22 and 7.45 ± 0.75 mmol/kg with Lpb. plantarum and W. cibaria, respectively), in both piloted fermentations, and in polyphenols by 21% and amino acids by 158% in SL fermented by the C43-11 strain. Full article

The use of polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) can help diminish fossil chemical dependency because it can partially replace petrochemical plastics due to its biodegradability and similar mechanical properties. However, its production costs are high compared with fossil-based plastics. Alternative carbon sources can be used in the fermentation media because they are renewable and low-cost. Vegetable oils are especially attractive due to their high carbon content, contributing to high production rates per gram of substrate. This work aimed to produce PHB from Cupriavidus necator LPB1421 using either corn or soybean oil as the sole carbon source. Urea was the best nitrogen source, enabling a DCW production of 4.35 g/L (corn oil) and 10.4 g/L (soybean oil). After media optimization, the DCW of corn oil reached 22.13 g/L, with 57.46% PHB accumulation (12.71 g PHB/L), whereas soybean oil led to a DCW of 19.83 g/L, with 54.91% PHB accumulation (10.89 g PHB/L). This media composition was employed in a kinetics assay, revealing similar fermentation parameters among both oils and a yield of 0.2118 g PHB/g for corn oil and 0.1815 g PHB/g for soybean oil. These results open the possibility of integrating PHB production with biofuel manufacturing in a bioethanol/biodiesel biorefinery concept. Full article

Using the framework of an investigation of the stimuli-responsive behavior of peptide assembly on a solid surface, this study on the behavior of a chemisorbed peptide on a gold surface was performed. The studied peptide is a dimeric form of the antimicrobial peptide Trichogin GAIV, which was also modified by substituting the glycine with lysine residues, while the N-terminus octanoyl group was replaced by a lipoic one that was able to bind to the gold surface. In this way, a chemically linked peptide assembly that is pH-responsive was obtained because of the protonation/deprotonation of the sidechains of the Lys residues. Information about the effect of protonation/deprotonation equilibria switching the pH from acid (pH = 3) to basic (pH = 11) conditions was obtained macroscopically by performing Quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation monitoring (QCM-D), Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR), Nanoplasmonic Sensing (NPS), and FTIR techniques. Using molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, it is possible to explain, at the molecular level, our main experimental results: (1) pH changes induce a squeezing behavior in the system, consisting in thickness and mass variations in the peptide layer, which are mainly due to the pH-driven hydrophilic/hydrophobic character of the lysine residues, and (2) the observed hysteresis is due to small conformational rearrangements from helix to beta sheets occurring mainly on the first half of the peptide, closer to the surface, while the second half remains almost unaffected. The latter result, together with the evidence that the layer thickness is not simply double the assembly of the monomeric analog, indicates that the dimeric peptide does not behave as a double monomer, but assumes very peculiar features. Full article