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Nanocellulose is considered a promising and sustainable biomaterial, with excellent properties of biorenewability with improved mechanical properties. As a unique natural biopolymer, it has been applied to many different industries, where efficient and environmentally friendly productions are in demand. For the first time, ferns from the class Polypodiopsida were used for the isolation of cellulose fibers, which was performed using a chemo-mechanical method. As chemical treatment plays a crucial role in the isolation of nanocellulose, it affects the efficiency of the extraction process, as well as the properties of the resulting nanocellulose. Therefore, mechanical fibrillation was performed via grinding, while the chemical process consisted of three different treatments: alkali treatment, bleaching, and acid hydrolysis. In three different experiments, each treatment was separately prolonged to investigate the differing properties of isolated nanocellulose. Structural analysis and morphological analysis were investigated by SEM, EDS, FT-IR, and DLS. The thermal stability of cellulose fibers was investigated by TGA/DSC. The morphology of obtained nanocellulose was confirmed via SEM analysis for all samples, with particles ranging from 20 nm up to 600 nm, while the most consistent sizes were observed for NC3, ranging from 20 to 60 nm. FT-IR spectra showed prominent absorption peaks corresponding to cellulose, as well as the absence of absorption peaks, corresponding to lignin and hemicellulose. The EDS confirmed the elemental purity of nanocellulose, while TGA/DSC indicated higher thermal stability of nanocellulose, compared to untreated fern, which started to degrade earlier than nanocellulose. Such characteristics with unique properties make nanocellulose a versatile biomaterial for the industrial production of cellulosic materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The orange-spotted grouper (Epinephelus coioides) is an important mariculture fish in China. However, in recent years, with the rapid development of aquaculture activities, outbreaks of viral diseases have affected the grouper aquaculture industry, causing severe economic losses. In the present study, we isolated and identified a virus from diseased, orange-spotted groupers from an aquaculture farm in Hainan Province, China. The isolated virus was identified as orange-spotted grouper iridovirus, hence named the orange-spotted grouper iridovirus Hainan strain (OSGIV-HN-2018-001). OSGIV-HN-2018-001 induces a cytopathic effect after the infection of mandarin fish (Siniperca chuatsi) brain clonal passage (SBC) cells. In addition, the cytoplasm of the OSGIV-HN-2018-001-infected SBC cells was found to contain a large number of hexagonal virus particles with a diameter of approximately 134 nm. Using the Illumina NovaSeq system, we assembled the sequence data and annotated the complete genome of OSGIV-HN-2018-001 (GenBank accession number: PP974677), which consisted of 110,699 bp and contained 122 open reading frames (ORFs). Phylogenetic tree analysis showed that OSGIV-HN-2018-001 was most closely related to ISKNV-ASB-23. The cumulative mortality rate of groupers infected with OSGIV-HN-2018-001 reached 100% on day 8. The spleens were enlarged and blackened after the dissection of the dying groupers. These results contribute to the understanding of the molecular regulatory mechanism of the iridovirus infection and provide a basis for iridovirus prevention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Islet transplantation represents a promising therapeutic approach for diabetes management, yet the isolation and evaluation of pancreatic islets remain challenging. This study focuses on the isolation of islets from rabbit pancreases, followed by a comprehensive assessment of their viability and functionality. We developed a novel method for isolating islet cells from the pancreas of adult rabbits. We successfully isolated viable islets, which were subsequently evaluated through a combination of viability assays, an insulin enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy (FLIM). The viability assays indicated a high percentage of intact islets post-isolation, while the insulin ELISA demonstrated robust insulin secretion in response to glucose stimulation. FLIM provided insights into the metabolic state of the islets, revealing distinct fluorescence lifetime signatures correlating with functional viability. Our findings underscore the potential of rabbit islets as a model for studying islet biology and diabetes therapy, highlighting the efficacy of combining traditional assays with advanced imaging techniques for comprehensive functional assessments. This research contributes to the optimization of islet isolation protocols and enhances our understanding of islet functional activity dynamics in preclinical settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bioactive flavonoid epicatechin has been reported in the peel of litchi fruit but isolated from its hydroalcoholic extracts. This study isolated epicatechin with cellular glucose uptake modulatory and ROS production inhibitory properties from the ethyl acetate (EtOAc) extract using a bioassay-guided approach. The fruit peel was defatted with hexane and sequentially extracted using dichloromethane (DCM), EtOAc, methanol (MeOH) and water. In vitro phytochemical models, namely antioxidant (Fe3+ reducing, radical scavenging and anti-linoleic acid peroxidative) and glycaemic control (α-glucosidase and α-amylase inhibitory and glucose uptake modulatory), were employed for the bioassay-guided isolation, while the isolated compound was characterised using NMR and mass spectrometry and assessed for dose-dependent inhibition of α-glucosidase and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced cellular ROS production, as well as modulation of cellular glucose uptake. Relative to the other extracts, the EtOAc extract had appreciable phenol and flavonoid contents, which perhaps influenced its potent anti-lipid peroxidative (65.0%) and α-glucosidase inhibitory (52.4%) effects. The α-glucosidase inhibitory potency of the fractions (1–8) from the EtOAc extracts correlated with their flavonoid contents, with fraction 5 outperforming other fractions. The fraction comprised a pool of fractions obtained from the DCM:MeOH:water (7:3:0.281 v/v/v) solvent system. LC-MS revealed the predominant presence of epicatechin in fraction 5, which was later isolated from one of the sub-fractions (sub-fraction 4) of fraction 5. This sub-fraction had stronger anti-lipid peroxidative (65.5%), α-glucosidase inhibitory (65.8%) and glucose uptake modulatory (38.2%) effects than the other sub-fractions from fraction 5, which could have been influenced by the isolated epicatechin. Moreover, the isolated epicatechin inhibited α-glucosidase (IC50 = 35.3 µM), modulated cellular glucose uptake (EC50 = 78.5 µM) and inhibited LPS-induced ROS production in RAW 264.7 macrophages in a dose-dependent fashion [IC50 = 18.9 µM; statistically comparable (p > 0.05) to ascorbic acid, IC50 = 9.57 µM]. Epicatechin from litchi peel EtOAc extract could potentiate glucose uptake modulatory, α-glucosidase inhibitory and ROS suppressive capacities, which could be influential in the use of litchi fruit peel for managing diabetes and associated oxidative damage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Modern wireless communication systems have undergone a radical change with the introduction of multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) antennas, which provide increased channel capacity, fast data rates, and secure connections. To achieve real-time requirements, such antenna technology needs to have good gains, wider bandwidths, satisfactory radiation characteristics, and high isolation. This article presents an eight-element CPW-fed antenna for the 5G mid-band. The proposed antenna consists of eight symmetrical, modified circular monopole antennas with a connected CPW-fed ground plane that offers 24 dB isolation over the operating range. The antenna is further investigated in terms of the scattering parameters, and radiation characteristics under both the x and y-axis bending scenarios. The antenna holds a volume of 83 × 129 × 0.1 mm3 and covers a measured impedance bandwidth of 4.5–5.5 GHz (20%) with an average gain of 4 dBi throughout the operating band. MIMO diversity performance of the antenna is performed, and the antenna exhibits good performance suitable for MIMO applications. Furthermore, the channel capacity (CC) is estimated, and the antenna gives a value of 41.8–42.6 bps/Hz within the operating bandwidth, which is very close to an ideal 8 × 8 MIMO system. The antenna shows an excellent match between the simulated and measured findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

True morels (Morchella spp.) are highly valuable and medicinal mushrooms. Saprophytic morels have been cultivated, especially in China and some Western countries, over the last few decades. Türkiye has a rich potential in terms of wild morel diversity, with nearly 40 Morchella species in its genetic pool, though only 22 of these have been identified molecularly. It has high economic value worldwide, and Türkiye exports morels worth approximately 2 million $ annually. There is also significant interest in morel mushroom cultivation in Türkiye. In this study, 40 Morchella strains were collected and isolated from different regions of Türkiye and analyzed based on the Internal Transcribed Spacer (ITS) of the nuclear ribosomal DNA (rDNA) region. A phylogenetic dendrogram was drawn. The isolates of M. importuna, M. exima, M. exuberans, M. dunali, M. tridentina, M. crassipes, and M. esculenta were identified based on the ITS rDNA region. However, the identification of isolates 849-Kg027 and 966-Kg142 could not be determined clearly, and the isolates of M. vulgarius and M. spongiola were not distinct based on the ITS analysis. The macro-morphological features of the mycelia were investigated. Mycelia colors ranged from off-white to pale gray in the juvenile stage, orange to pale brown during early pigmentation, and pale brown to dark brown in the senescence stage. M. crassipes, M. exuberans, and 966-Kg142 formed lighter-colored mycelia, whereas M. dunali and M. vulgarius exhibited the darkest mycelial pigments. Sclerotia formation was compact, pale yellow to yellow, and abundant. In conclusion, molecular identification of Turkish morel cultures was performed, and cultural characteristics along with morphological differences were examined. The cultures have been deposited for further study in the Mushroom Gene Bank at the Atatürk Central Horticultural Research Institute. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper introduces a novel technology for the monolithic integration of GaN-based vertical and lateral devices. This approach is groundbreaking as it facilitates the drive of high-power GaN vertical switching devices through lateral GaN HEMTs with minimal losses and enhanced stability. A significant challenge in this technology is ensuring electrical isolation between the two types of devices. We propose a new isolation method designed to prevent any degradation of the lateral transistor's performance. Specifically, high voltage applied to the drain of the vertical GaN power FinFET can adversely affect the lateral GaN HEMT's performance, leading to a shift in the threshold voltage and potentially compromising device stability and driver performance. To address this issue, we introduce a highly doped n+ GaN layer positioned between the epitaxial layers of the two devices. This approach is validated using the TCAD-Sentaurus simulator, demonstrating that the n+ GaN layer effectively blocks the vertical electric field and prevents any depletion or enhancement of the 2D electron gas (2DEG) in the lateral GaN HEMT. To our knowledge, this represents the first publication of such an innovative isolation strategy between vertical and lateral GaN devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Isolation of new plant-derived lactic acid bacteria (LAB) is highly prioritized in developing novel starter cultures for plant-based fermentation. This study explores the diversity of LAB in Danish flowers and their potential use for plant-based food fermentation. A total of 46 flower samples under 34 genera were collected for LAB isolation. By introducing an enrichment step, a total of 61 LAB strains were isolated and identified using MALDI-TOF and 16S rRNA sequencing. These strains represent 24 species across 9 genera, predominantly Leuconostoc mesenteroides, Fructobacillus fructosus, Apilactobacillus ozensis, and Apilactobacillus kunkeei. Phenotypic screening for exo-cellular polysaccharide production revealed that 40 strains exhibited sliminess or ropiness on sucrose-containing agar plates. HPLC analysis confirmed that all isolates produced exo-cellular polysaccharides containing glucose, fructose, or galactose as sugar monomers. Therefore, the strains were glucan, fructan, and galactan producers. The suitability of these strains for plant-based fermentation was characterized by using almond, oat, and soy milk. The results showed successful acidification in all three types of plant-based matrices but only observed texture development in soy by Leuconostoc, Weissella, Lactococcus, Apilactobacillus, and Fructobacillus. The findings highlight the potential of flower-derived LAB strains for texture development in soy-based dairy alternatives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, C22:6n-3) is an omega-3 fatty acid with beneficial effects for human health. In view of its increasing demand, DHA traditionally produced by marine fisheries will be insufficient, and an alternative sustainable source is urgently required. Here, we report the isolation and characterization of four novel microalgae strains, PLU-A, B, C and D, with a high DHA content of up to 45% from decayed mangrove samples collected from a coastal area in Singapore. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that these isolates were clustered with Schizochytrium sp. TK6 (OK244290.1) and were identified as Schizochytrium sp. strains. A medium optimization with Schizochytrium sp. PLU-D found a glucose-to-yeast extract ratio of 4:1 to be optimal for high biomass and lipid accumulation of up to 70% in shake flasks. In fed-batch fermentation scale-up with the Schizochytrium sp. PLU-D strain, this translates to 175 g/L dry biomass, 94 g/L lipid and 36.2 g/L DHA. Accordingly, the DHA titer obtained is superior to most of the scale-up production reported thus far, while the DHA content is comparable to two other commercially available DHA algae oils. These results suggest that Schizochytrium sp. PLU-D has high potential to be applied for the sustainable production of DHA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The improper treatment of crop straw not only leads to resource wastage but also adversely impacts the ecological environment. However, the application of microorganisms can accelerate the decomposition of crop straw and improve its utilization. In this study, cellulose-degrading microbial strains were isolated from naturally decayed corn straw and screened using Congo red staining, along with assessing variations in carboxymethyl cellulase (CMCase) activity, filter paper enzyme (FPase) activity and β-glucosidase (β-Gase) activity, as well as the degradation rate. The eight strains, namely Neurospora intermedia isolate 29 (A1), Streptomyces isolate FFJC33 (A2), Gibberella moniliformis isolate FKCB-009 (A3), Fusarium fujikuroi isolate EFS3(2) (A4), Fusarium Fujikuroi isolate FZ04 (A5), Lysine bacillus macroides strain LNHL43 (B1), Bacillus subtilis strain MPF30 (B2) and Paenibacilli lautus strain ALEB-P1 (C), were identified and selected for microbial strain consortium design based on their high activities of CMCase, FPase and β-Gase. The fungi, bacteria and actinomycete strains were combined without antagonistic effects on corn straw decomposition. The results showed the A2B2 combination had a significantly higher FPase at 55.44 U/mL and β-Gase at 25.73 U/mL than the other two strain combinations (p < 0.05). Additionally, the degradation rate of this combination was 40.33%, which was considerably higher than that of the other strains/consortia. The strain combination A4B2C also had superior enzyme activity, including CMCase with a value of 35.03 U/mL, FPase with a value of 63.59 U/mL and β-Gase with a value of 26.15 U/mL, which were significantly different to those of the other three strain combinations (p < 0.05). Furthermore, seven single microbial strains with high cellulase activities were selected to construct various microbial consortiums for in situ composting in order to evaluate their potential. Taken as a whole, the results of composting, including temperature, moisture content, pH, E4/E6 value and seed germination index, indicated that the microbial strain consortium consisting of Neurospora intermediate isolate 29, Fusarium fujikuroi isolate EFS3(2), Fusarium fujikuroi isolate FZ04, Lysinibacillus macrolides, Lysinibacillus sphaericus, Bacillus subtilis and Paenibacillus lautus was advantageous for corn straw decomposition and yielded high-quality compost. The screened flora was able to effectively degrade corn straw. This study provides a novel solution for the construction of a microbial consortium for the composting of corn straw. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There has been substantial research on the factors that structure reef fish assemblages, but this has mostly focused on nearshore or continental reefs. This study examines patterns of abundance and species composition for two iconic groups of coral reef fishes, angelfishes (family Pomacanthidae) and butterflyfishes (family Chaetodontidae) at two isolated, oceanic reefs in the Indian Ocean: Christmas Island and the Cocos (Keeling) Islands. Six explanatory variables were investigated to determine whether large-scale physical factors are more important than fine-scale biotic factors in structuring reef fish communities on oceanic islands. For angelfishes, depth was the factor that most explained patterns in abundance (explaining 46.5% of the variation), species richness (44.8%) and composition (15.3%), with both abundance and species richness being greater at 20 m than at 5 m. Differences in species composition were greater between depths than between islands. For butterflyfishes, variation in abundance and species richness was best explained by the difference in aspect or exposure among sites, though abundance and composition also differed significantly between Christmas Island and the Cocos (Keeling) Islands. Large-scale variation in the structure of these reef fish assemblages could not be explained based on differences in habitat diversity, or coral and algal cover. This study indicates that large-scale physical factors (island location, exposure, depth) are more important than fine-scale biotic factors in structuring reef fish assemblages on oceanic islands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The growing production and use of plastics significantly contribute to microplastics (MPs) contamination in the environment. Humans are exposed to MPs primarily through the gastrointestinal route, as these particles are present in beverages and food, e.g., sugar. Effective isolation and identification of MPs from food is essential for their elimination. This study aimed to evaluate factors influencing the isolation of MPs from sucrose solutions to determine optimal conditions for the process. Polyethylene particles were used to test separation methods involving chemical digestion with acids and filtration through membrane filters made of nylon, mixed cellulose ester, and cellulose acetate with pore sizes of 0.8 and 10 µm. The effects of temperature and acid type and its concentration on plastic particles were examined using scanning electron microscopy and µ-Raman spectroscopy. The results indicate that increased temperature reduces solution viscosity and sucrose adherence to MPs' particles, while higher acid concentrations accelerate sucrose hydrolysis. The optimal conditions for MPs' isolation were found to be 5% HCl at 70 °C for 5 min, followed by filtration using an efficient membrane system. These conditions ensure a high recovery and fast filtration without altering MPs' surface properties, providing a reliable basis for further analysis of MPs in food. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Japan has numerous vineyards with distinct geographical and climatic conditions. To the best of our knowledge, there is no comprehensive analysis of the diversity of yeasts associated with wine grapes from Japan. This study aimed to determine yeast diversity in wine grapes from four wine-producing regions in Japan and to evaluate the physicochemical characteristics of wines produced with indigenous Saccharomyces cerevisiae strains isolated from two regions. A total of 2648 strains were isolated from nine wine grape samples. MALDI-TOF MS and 26S rDNA sequence analyses revealed that the strains belonged to 21 non-Saccharomyces yeasts and 1 Saccharomyces yeast (S. cerevisiae). Non-Saccharomyces yeasts were found in high quantities and were highly distributed among the wine grape samples. Differences in the distribution of the identified yeast species were noted among the different wine grape varieties and regions. Indigenous S. cerevisiae strains of different genotypes from different regions exhibit distinct physiological traits. Our findings are expected to enhance our understanding of the local yeasts associated with Japanese vineyards and contribute to obtaining cultures that can provide region-specific organoleptic characteristics to local wines produced in Japan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Escherichia coli O157:H7 is a recognized food-borne pathogen causing severe food poisoning at low doses. Bacteriophages (phages) are FDA-approved for use in food and are suggested as natural preservatives against specific pathogens. A novel phage must be identified and studied to develop a new natural preservative or antimicrobial agent against E. coli O157:H7. The phage SPEC13 displayed broad host range and was classified within the Ackermannviridae family based on its observed characteristics by a TEM and genome analysis. In 10 min, this phage achieves a remarkable 93% adsorption rate with the host. Its latency period then lasts about 20 min, after which it bursts, releasing an average of 139 ± 3 PFU/cell. It exhibited robustness within a pH range of 4 to 12, indicating resilience under diverse environmental circumstances. Furthermore, SPEC13 demonstrated stability at an ambient temperature up to 60 °C. A whole genome and phylogenetics analysis revealed that SPEC13 is a novel identified phage, lacking a lysogenic life cycle, antibiotic resistance genes, or genes associated with virulence, thereby presenting a promising biological agent for therapeutic application. Animal studies showed that SPEC13 effectively controlled the growth of harmful bacteria, resulting in a significant improvement in colon health, marked by reduced swelling (edema) and tissue damage (mucosal injury). The introduction of SPEC13 resulted in a substantial decrease in quantities of E. coli O157:H7, reducing the bacterial load to approximately 5 log CFU/g of feces. In conclusion, SPEC13 emerges as a promising inclusion in the array of phage therapy, offering a targeted and efficient approach for addressing bacterial infections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study conducted in Morocco focused on addressing the challenges posed by canine parvovirus (CPV-2) through comprehensive research, vaccine development, and efficacy assessment. Through real-time PCR screening and genotyping, CPV-2 variants were identified circulating in the region. An inactivated vaccine, derived from a CPV-2 strain isolated from a symptomatic dog, was produced and evaluated for safety and efficacy. The vaccine, from the strain named "CaPV M/3-2022", demonstrated safety in vaccinated puppies, with no adverse reactions observed during the trial period. Efficacy trials showed that vaccinated puppies remained healthy and exhibited lower viral excretion post-challenge compared to unvaccinated controls. These results indicate that the vaccine effectively protects against illness related to CPV-2 and reduces viral shedding. The study provides valuable insights into CPV-2 epidemiology in Morocco, offers a promising vaccine solution, and underscores the importance of vaccination in controlling CPV-2 outbreaks and protecting canine health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The human organism is affected by multiple stressors every single day, especially during extremely demanding activities. It needs a method to regulate itself better. One of the stressors that is affecting humans is social isolation. The state of prolonged isolation happens during space missions. In this study, 40 analog astronauts attended a two-week-long mission. The experimental group had EEG neurofeedback training intervention performed on a daily basis, while the control group remained isolated without neurofeedback. The results let us take this non-invasive intervention under consideration, while debating the methods to lower the physiological stress reaction in humans that are exposed to extremely hard circumstances. Although not statistically significant, the trends observed give us direction towards other research to confirm EEG neurofeedback as a method to lower cell stress response levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spilanthol is a major N-alkylamide constituent of Acmella oleracea (L.) R.K. Jansen with diverse pharmacological properties. We recently showed the applicability of NADES (natural deep eutectic solvents) for the green extraction of spilanthol. However, the purification of targets from NADES poses a challenging step due to their non-volatility. A simple green method to retrieve spilanthol with minimal instrumental effort was devised, fractioning NADES (choline chloride/methylurea, choline chloride/1,2-propanediol, choline chloride/citric acid) and dry ethanolic extracts by SPE on C18 material, eluting merely with ethanolic solutions. The relative distribution of spilanthol and organic adulteration in SPE fractions were detected by HPLC-DAD, followed by scale-up, quantification and purity determination in an NMR-based approach. Isocratic elution with 52% ethanol (v/v) proved suitable in all experiments. The three purest 10 mL fractions combined yielded 12.21 mg spilanthol at 71.65% purity from NADES extract ChCl/P (choline chloride/1,2-propanediol, molar ratio 1:2, +20% m/m water). Ethanolic extract samples showed purities ranging from 77.27 to 80.27% in combined raw fractions. For all samples, purity increased by removing non-soluble substances from organic solutions. Pooled NADES extract fractions showed 89.71% in final samples, ethanolic extracts 87.25 to 91.93%. The highest purities of individual fractions per extract were 89.23 to 94.15%. This cheap and simple purification process is promising to acquire spilanthol for research purposes or as a sample preparation step before HPLC on a semi-preparative to preparative scale, as the substance is highly priced and scarcely available on the market. Organic solvents can be reused, and preliminary scale-up possibilities are shown. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Self-driving vehicles have attracted significant attention in the automotive industry that is heavily investing to reach the level of reliability needed from these safety critical systems. Security of in-vehicle communications is mandatory to achieve this goal. Most of the existing research to detect anomalies for in-vehicle communication does not take into account the low processing power of the in-vehicle Network and ECUs (Electronic Control Units). Also, these approaches do not consider system level isolation challenges such as side-channel vulnerabilities, that may arise due to adoption of new technologies in the automotive domain. This paper introduces and discusses the design of a framework to detect anomalies in in-vehicle communications, including side channel attacks. The proposed framework supports real time monitoring of data exchanges among the components of in-vehicle communication network and ensures the isolation of the components in in-vehicle network by deploying them in Trusted Execution Environments (TEEs). The framework is designed based on the AUTOSAR open standard for automotive software architecture and framework. The paper also discusses the implementation and evaluation of the proposed framework. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microplastic pollution poses an increasing environmental and human health risk and additional techniques are needed to facilitate nondestructive, quantitative particle recovery and analysis. Using a mini-extruder filtration (MEF) device, the efficiency of pristine particle capture from solution and digested biological tissue (blood clots) was assessed. Polystyrene particles in both the submicron (100, 300, and 500 nm) and micron range (2, 5, 7, and 10 µm) with aminated, carboxylated, or unmodified surface modifications were explored. The MEF-isolated-particle recovery was analyzed pre- and postseparation isolation and quantified via a Nanosight LM10 particle tracking system (submicron particles) or hemacytometer (micron particles). Particles' surface chemistry and concentration did not impact recovery compared to unfiltered samples with smaller particle sizes reducing recovery efficiency. Micron particle size recovery averaged 86.8 ± 4.3% across all surface chemistries at the same concentration; however, submicron particle recoveries varied by size and charge with 500 nm exhibiting recoveries of 80.6 ± 16.6%, 300 nm 73.0 ± 10.4%, and 100 nm particles 17.0 ± 10.3%. The mini-extruder device, used as a filtration recovery system, efficiently captures 10 to 0.5 µm particles from environmental and tissue samples making it an effective and low-cost platform facilitating the nondestructive capture of diverse microplastics for subsequent analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

PM742 (1), a new chemical entity, has been isolated from the sponge Discodermia du Bocage collected in the Pacific Ocean. This compound showed strong in vitro cytotoxicity against several human tumor cell lines as well as a tubulin depolymerization mechanism of action, which led us to conduct an extensive Structure-Activity-Relationship study through the synthesis of different analogs. As a result, a derivatively named PM534 (2) is currently in its first human Phase I clinical trial. Herein, we present a comprehensive review of the isolation, structural elucidation, and antitumor activities of the parent compound PM742. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The volume of difficult-to-process keratin waste is increasing as a result of rising global meat production. If not properly managed, this waste can contribute to environmental pollution and pose a threat to human and animal welfare. An interesting and more sustainable alternative is therefore the bioconversion of keratin using microorganisms and their enzymes. This work aimed to isolate bacteria from soil samples and zoonotic keratins and to evaluate their enzymatic capacity to degrade α- and β-keratin wastes. A total of 113 bacterial strains were isolated from environmental samples and subjected to taxonomic identification using the MALDI-TOF MS technique and to a two-step screening for proteolytic and keratinolytic activity. The ability to degrade a β-rich keratin substrate was observed in almost all of the strains isolated from soil and horsehairs. In contrast, when an α-rich keratin substrate was used, the highest levels of hydrolysis were observed only for Ker39, Ker66, Ker85, Ker100, and Ker101. Strains with the highest biodegradation potential were identified using molecular biology methods. Phylogenetic analysis of 16S rDNA gene sequences allowed the assignment of selected keratinolytic microorganisms to the genera Exiguobacterium, Priestia, Curtobacterium, Stenotrophomonas, Bacillus, Kocuria, or Pseudomonas. The results of this study are a promising precursor for the development of new, more sustainable methods of managing keratin waste to produce high-value hydrolysates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This systematic review offers a comprehensive analysis of plant-derived extracellular vesicles (PDEVs) as emerging drug delivery systems, focusing on original research articles published between 2016 and 2024 that exclusively examine the use of PDEVs for drug delivery. After a rigorous search across multiple databases, 20 relevant studies out of 805 initial results were selected for analysis. This review systematically summarizes the critical data on PDEV components, isolation methods, and drug-loading techniques. It highlights the potential of PDEVs to significantly enhance drug safety and efficacy, reduce dosage and toxicity, and align drug development with sustainable and environmentally friendly biotechnological processes. This review also emphasizes the advantages of PDEVs over mammalian-derived vesicles, such as cost-effectiveness, higher yield, and reduced immunogenicity. Additionally, it explores the synergistic potential between encapsulated drugs and bioactive compounds naturally present in PDEVs. This study acknowledges the challenges in standardizing isolation and formulation methods for clinical use. Overall, this review provides valuable insights into the current state and future directions of PDEV-based drug delivery systems, highlighting their promising role in advancing pharmaceutical research and development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The ongoing research of extracellular vehicles (EVs including exosomes, ectosomes, and apoptotic bodies) is gaining momentum to understand these vesicles' biology and clinical applications in cancer disease. The current limitations of using standard tumor biomarkers warrant the development of novel and reliable biomarkers to meet clinical needs. Exosomes are used as tumor biomarkers, for targeted therapy, for vaccine development, and as a vehicle for drug delivery. Here, we summarized the current approaches for different methods of EV isolation and EV cargo compositions, such as nucleic acids, proteins, and lipids. The unique cargo composition of exosomes makes it a potential candidate for liquid biopsies in the diagnosis and prognosis of cancer patients. Furthermore, the review highlights the use of machine learning algorithms to analyze complex EV datasets and create more robust models for biomarker discovery. Early cancer detection and accurate monitoring are crucial to ensure increased patient survival. Recent research has focused on developing non-invasive biomarkers to diagnose cancer early and monitor disease progression at low cost and risk. Extracellular vesicles (EVs), nanosized particles secreted into extracellular spaces by most cell types, are gaining immense popularity as novel biomarker candidates for liquid cancer biopsy, as they can transport bioactive cargo to distant sites and facilitate intercellular communications. A literature search was conducted to discuss the current approaches for EV isolation and the advances in using EV-associated proteins, miRNA, mRNA, DNA, and lipids as liquid biopsies. We discussed the advantages and challenges of using these vesicles in clinical applications. Moreover, recent advancements in machine learning as a novel tool for tumor marker discovery are also highlighted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Seismic isolation technology plays a crucial role in enhancing earthquake resistance and mitigating disasters for building structures. In this study, the ETABS analysis software V21.0.1 is utilized to establish a numerical model of a six-story steel reinforced concrete frame structure. Both the time-history analysis method and response spectrum method are employed to calculate the seismic response of the model under earthquake actions. The placement of an isolation layer on the foundation and from the first to fifth floor is considered, with separate calculations conducted for each scenario. Subsequently, a comprehensive comparison and analysis of the dynamic response characteristics among different design schemes are performed. The results demonstrate that the most favorable isolation effect is achieved when the isolation layer is implemented on the foundation or first floor. Compared to non-isolated structures, the natural period of the structure can be extended by 2.2 times and 2 times under the base isolation and first-floor top isolation schemes, respectively. The damping coefficients can reach 0.35 and 0.36, respectively, while the inter-story drift angles can be reduced by 66% and 67%, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

(1) Background: In this study, bioactive compounds (phenolics and betalains) extracted from beetroot were stabilized by encapsulation with maltodextrin and soy protein by the freeze drying method. Stability of bioactive compounds and bioactivities in a beetroot extract and encapsulates during 60 days of storage at 4 °C (without light) and at 25 °C (with and without light) were investigated. (2) Methods: Contents of bioactive compounds and bioactivity (antioxidant activity by DPPH, RP, and ABTS tests; anti-inflammatory and antihyperglycemic activity) were determined. Improvement in stability of bioactives' content and bioactivity of prepared encapsulates in relation to the extract was observed after storage at room temperature under light conditions. (3) Results: Encapsulation with maltodextrin showed improvement in stability of all studied bioactive parameters, while an encapsulate with soy protein improved stability of bioactives and antioxidant activity compared to the extract. The encapsulated beetroot extract represents a promising food additive for functional foods due to their content of bioactive compounds and consequent bioactivities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper introduces a broadband triple-pole triple-throw (3P3T) RF MEMS switch with a frequency range from DC to 380 GHz. The switch achieves precise signal control and efficient modulation through its six-port design. It achieves an insertion loss of −0.66 dB across its frequency range, with isolation and return loss metrics of −32 dB and −15 dB, respectively. With its low actuation voltage of 6.8 V and rapid response time of 2.28 μs, the switch exemplifies power-efficient and prompt switching performance. The compact design is ideal for integration into space-conscious systems. This switch is pivotal for 6G research and has potential applications in satellite communications, military radar systems, and next-generation radio applications that require multi-antenna access. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In our continuing search for biologically active new chemical entities from marine organisms, we have isolated a new cyclic depsipeptide, PM170453 (1), from a cyanobacterium of the genus Lyngbya sp., collected in the Indo-Pacific Ocean. Structure elucidation of the isolated compound was determined by spectroscopic methods including MS, 1H, 13C and 2D-NMR. To solve the supply problem for 1 and progress pharmaceutical development, the total synthesis of 1 that involves a total of 20 chemical steps in a convergent process was carried out. Its in vitro cytotoxic activity against four human tumor cell lines, as well as the inhibition of the interaction between the programmed cell death protein 1 PD-1 and its ligand PD-L1 were also evaluated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, ultrafiltration fractions (<3 k Da, LMH; >3 k Da, HMH) and solid-phase extraction fractions (hydrophilic hydrolysate, HIH; hydrophobic hydrolysate, HOH) from trypsin hydrolysate purified from croceine croaker (Pseudosciaena crocea) isolate were obtained to investigate the cryoprotective effects of the different fractions, achieved by means of maceration of turbot fish meat after three freeze-thaw cycles. Alterations in the texture, color, moisture loss, myofibrillar protein oxidation stability and conformation, and microstructure of the fish were analyzed after freezing and thawing. The results demonstrate that HIH maximized the retention of fish texture, reduced moisture loss, minimized the oxidation and aggregation of myofibrillar proteins, and stabilized the secondary and tertiary structures of myofibrillar proteins compared to the control group. In conclusion, the HIH component in the trypsin hydrolysates of croceine croaker significantly contributes to minimizing freeze damage in fish meat and acts as an anti-freezing agent with high industrial application potential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article develops a multi-perspective view on motivations and methods for tobamovirus purification through the ages and presents a novel, efficient, easy-to-use approach that can be well-adapted to different species of native and functionalized virions. We survey the various driving forces prompting researchers to enrich tobamoviruses, from the search for the causative agents of mosaic diseases in plants to their increasing recognition as versatile nanocarriers in biomedical and engineering applications. The best practices and rarely applied options for the serial processing steps required for successful isolation of tobamoviruses are then reviewed. Adaptations for distinct particle species, pitfalls, and 'forgotten' or underrepresented technologies are considered as well. The article is topped off with our own development of a method for virion preparation, rooted in historical protocols. It combines selective re-solubilization of polyethylene glycol (PEG) virion raw precipitates with density step gradient centrifugation in biocompatible iodixanol formulations, yielding ready-to-use particle suspensions. This newly established protocol and some considerations for perhaps worthwhile further developments could serve as putative stepping stones towards preparation procedures appropriate for routine practical uses of these multivalent soft-matter nanorods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

El Hierro is the smallest and westernmost island of the Canary Islands, whose population derives from an admixture of different ancestral components and that has been subjected to genetic isolation. We established the "El Hierro Genome Study" to characterize the health status and the genetic composition of ~10% of the current population of the island, accounting for a total of 1054 participants. Detailed demographic and clinical data and a blood sample for DNA extraction were obtained from each participant. Genomic genotyping was performed with the Global Screening Array (Illumina). The genetic composition of El Hierro was analyzed in a subset of 416 unrelated individuals by characterizing the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) and Y-chromosome haplogroups and performing principal component analyses (PCAs). In order to explore signatures of isolation, runs of homozygosity (ROHs) were also estimated. Among the participants, high blood pressure, hypercholesterolemia, and diabetes were the most prevalent conditions. The most common mtDNA haplogroups observed were of North African indigenous origin, while the Y-chromosome ones were mainly European. The PCA showed that the El Hierro population clusters near 1000 Genomes' European population but with a shift toward African populations. Moreover, the ROH analysis revealed some individuals with an important portion of their genomes with ROHs exceeding 400 Mb. Overall, these results confirmed that the "El Hierro Genome" cohort offers an opportunity to study the genetic basis of several diseases in an unexplored isolated population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ichthyotoxic red tide is a problem that the world is facing and needs to solve. The use of antialgal compounds from marine macroalgae to suppress ichthyotoxic red tide is considered a promising biological control method. Antialgal substances were screened and isolated from Bangia fusco-purpurea, Gelidium amansii, Gloiopeltis furcate, Hizikia fusifarme, Laminaria japonica, Palmaria palmata, and Sargassum sp. to obtain new materials for the development of algaecides against ichthyotoxic red tide microalgae using bioactivity-guided isolation methods. The fractions of seven macroalgae exhibited selective inhibitory activities against Amphidinium carterae and Karenia mikimotoi, of which the ethyl acetate fractions had the strongest and broadest antialgal activities for the two tested red tide microalgae. Their inhibitory effects on A. carterae and K. mikimotoi were even stronger than that of potassium dichromate, such as ethyl acetate fractions of B. purpurea, H. fusifarme, and Sargassum sp. Thin-layer chromatography and ultraviolet spectroscopy were further carried out to screen the ethyl acetate fraction of Sargassum sp. Finally, a new glycolipid derivative, 2-O-eicosanoyl-3-O-(6-amino-6-deoxy)-β-D-glucopyranosyl-glycerol, was isolated and identified from Sargassum sp., and it was isolated for the first time from marine macroalgae. The significant antialgal effects of 2-O-eicosanoyl-3-O-(6-amino-6-deoxy)-β-D-glucopyranosyl-glycerol on A. carterae and K. mikimotoi were determined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Numerous challenges remain within conventional cell-based therapy despite the growing trend of stem cells used to treat various life-debilitating diseases. These limitations include batch-to-batch heterogeneity, induced alloreactivity, cell survival and integration, poor scalability, and high cost of treatment, thus hindering successful translation from lab to bedside. However, recent pioneering technology has enabled the isolation and enrichment of small extracellular vesicles (EVs), canonically known as exosomes. EVs are described as a membrane-enclosed cargo of functional biomolecules not limited to lipids, nucleic acid, and proteins. Interestingly, studies have correlated the biological role of MSC-EVs to the paracrine activity of MSCs. This key evidence has led to rigorous studies on MSC-EVs as an acellular alternative. Using EVs as a therapy was proposed as a model leading to improvements through increased safety; enhanced bioavailability due to size and permeability; reduced heterogeneity by selective and quantifiable properties; and prolonged shelf-life via long-term freezing or lyophilization. Yet, the identity and potency of EVs are still relatively unknown due to various methods of preparation and to qualify the final product. This is reflected by the absence of regulatory strategies overseeing manufacturing, quality control, clinical implementation, and product registration. In this review, the authors review the various production processes and the proteomic profile of MSC-EVs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Viscum continuum E. Mey. Ex Sprague (Mistletoe) is a semi-parasitic plant that grows on the branches of other trees with reported numerous biological activities. This study was aimed at isolating a compound/s that will be used as a standard reference for quality control of South African-based commercialized mistletoe products and to further perform antioxidant and antimicrobial tests on the isolated compound. A dried sample of mistletoe was ground and extracted successively with hexane, dichloromethane (DCM), acetone and methanol using a serial exhaustive cold maceration procedure. The compound was isolated using column chromatography, and its chemical structure was elucidated using two-dimensional nuclear magnetic resonance (2D NMR) and ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS). The antioxidant activity of the compound was determined using DPPH, hydrogen radical scavenging activity and reducing power assays, whereas antimicrobial activity was assessed using the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) method. Subjection of the DCM extract to column chromatography resulted in the isolation of a compound elucidated as olean-12-en-28-butanol-1-one, 3-hydroxy-4,4,10, 14, 20-pentamethyl (D4). Both the DPPH, H2O2 radical scavenging activity and reducing power assays revealed a significant antioxidant potential of compound D4 with an IC50 of 0.701 mg/mL, lower than that of gallic acid (0.793 mg/mL) for the H2O2 radical scavenging assay. The results also indicated good antibacterial activity of D4 with an IC50 of 0.25 mg/mL, compared to ciprofloxacin with an IC50 of 0.0039 mg/mL, against two Gram-negative (Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli) and three Gram-positive (Streptococcus pyogenes, Bacillus cereus and Staphylococcus aureus) bacteria. This study is the first to report on the isolation of the olean-12-en-28-butanol derivative from mistletoe of the South African ecotype. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Brevibacillus sp. JNUCC 41, characterized as a plant-growth-promoting rhizobacterium (PGPR), actively participates in lipid metabolism and biocontrol based on gene analysis. This study aimed to investigate the crucial secondary metabolites in biological metabolism; fermentation, extraction, and isolation were performed, revealing that methyl indole-3-acetate showed the best hyaluronidase (HAase) inhibitory activity (IC50: 343.9 μM). Molecular docking results further revealed that the compound forms hydrogen bonds with the residues Tyr-75 and Tyr-247 of HAase (binding energy: −6.4 kcal/mol). Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations demonstrated that the compound predominantly binds to HAase via hydrogen bonding (MM-PBSA binding energy: −24.9 kcal/mol) and exhibits good stability. The residues Tyr-247 and Tyr-202, pivotal for binding in docking, were also confirmed via MD simulations. This study suggests that methyl indole-3-acetate holds potential applications in anti-inflammatory and anti-aging treatments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Enzyme-production microorganisms typically occupy a dominant position in composting, where cellulolytic microorganisms actively engage in the breakdown of lignocellulose. Exploring strains with high yields of cellulose-degrading enzymes holds substantial significance for the industrial production of related enzymes and the advancement of clean bioenergy. This study was inclined to screen cellulolytic bacteria, conduct genome analysis, mine cellulase-related genes, and optimize cellulase production. The potential carboxymethylcellulose-hydrolyzing bacterial strain Z2.6 was isolated from the maturation phase of pig manure-based compost with algae residuals as the feedstock and identified as Bacillus velezensis. In the draft genome of strain Z2.6, 31 related cellulolytic genes were annotated by the CAZy database, and further validation by cloning documented the existence of an endo-1,4-β-D-glucanase (EC 3.2.1.4) belonging to the GH5 family and a β-glucosidase (EC 3.2.1.21) belonging to the GH1 family, which are predominant types of cellulases. Through the exploration of ten factors in fermentation medium with Plackett–Burman and Box–Behnken design methodologies, maximum cellulase activity was predicted to reach 2.98 U/mL theoretically. The optimal conditions achieving this response were determined as 1.09% CMC-Na, 2.30% salinity, and 1.23% tryptone. Validation under these specified conditions yielded a cellulose activity of 3.02 U/mL, demonstrating a 3.43-fold degree of optimization. In conclusion, this comprehensive study underscored the significant capabilities of strain Z2.6 in lignocellulolytic saccharification and its potentialities for future in-depth exploration in biomass conversion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Environmental pollution caused by petroleum-derived plastics continues to increase annually. Consequently, current research is interested in the search for eco-friendly bacterial polymers. The importance of Bacillus bacteria as producers of polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) has been recognized because of their physiological and genetic qualities. In this study, twenty strains of Bacillus genus PHA producers were isolated. Production was initially evaluated qualitatively to screen the strains, and subsequently, the strain B12 or Bacillus sp. 12GS, with the highest production, was selected through liquid fermentation. Biochemical and molecular identification revealed it as a novel isolate of Bacillus cereus. Production optimization was carried out using the Taguchi methodology, determining the optimal parameters as 30 °C, pH 8, 150 rpm, and 4% inoculum, resulting in 87% and 1.91 g/L of polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB). Kinetic studies demonstrated a higher production within 48 h. The produced biopolymer was analyzed using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), confirming the production of short-chain-length (scl) polyhydroxyalkanoate, named PHB, and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analysis revealed thermal properties, making it a promising material for various applications. The novel B. cereus isolate exhibited a high %PHB, emphasizing the importance of bioprospecting, study, and characterization for strains with biotechnological potential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Morganella morganii (M. morganii) is a Gram-negative rod-shaped bacterium capable of infecting various animals including humans, pigs (Sus), European medical leeches (Hirudo medicinalis), bullfrogs (Rana catebeiana), south China tigers (Panthera tigris Amoyensis), guinea pigs (Cavia porcellus), and rabbits (Leporidae) and is responsible for causing diseases such as cellulitis, abscesses, sepsis, diarrhea, and bacteremia. Rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta) are indispensable experimental animals in biomedical research. Infection with M. morganii leads to severe clinical abnormalities that can potentially interfere with experimental outcomes. We successfully isolated and identified M. morganii from the uterine secretions of rhesus monkey in China. Furthermore, we determined its phylogenetic relationship and conducted drug sensitivity tests. A bacterium was isolated and identified from the secretion of a rhesus monkey with endometritis. The morphological results showed that the strain exhibited round, convex, gray-white colonies with smooth surfaces and diameters ranging from 1 to 2 mm when cultured on Columbia blood agar at 37 °C for 24 h; on salmonella–shigella agar (S.S.) at 37 °C for 24 h, the colonies appeared round, flat, and translucent. Gram staining showed negative results with blunt ends and non-spore-forming characteristics. Molecular biology results showed that the 16S rRNA sequence of the strain revealed over 96.9% similarity with published sequences of M. morganii from different sources in the NCBI GenBank database. Morphological and molecular biology analysis confirmed that the strain (RM2023) isolated from cervical secretions of rhesus monkey was M. morganii. Drug sensitivity testing demonstrated that the isolated strain (RM2023) was sensitive to ceftriaxone, amikacin, gentamicin, cefazolin, cefuroxime, ceftazidime, levofloxacin, cotrimoxazole, norfloxacin, and tetracycline; moderately sensitive to ampicillin; and resistant to penicillin, vancomycin, ciprofloxacin, and clindamycin. The research findings provide valuable insights for disease prevention in rhesus monkeys and contribute to molecular epidemiological studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The presented review is focused on a brief overview of the scientific works on the use of sheep wool outside the textile industry that were published in recent years. The focus of the information is the on construction industry, which is a significant consumer of heat- and sound-insulating materials. With its properties, sheep wool can compete very well with insulators made from non-renewable resources. Other building elements can also be combined with wool, as long as they are used in appropriate conditions. Due to its chemical and physical structure, wool is extremely suitable for the adsorption removal of pollutants from the living and working environment, in native or modified form. Wool can also be used in recycling processes. However, each application must be preceded by an investigation of the optimal conditions of the given process, which offers researchers inspiration and interesting topics for research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Mediterranean Sea stands out as a hotspot of biodiversity, whose fungal composition remains underexplored. Marine sediments represent the most diverse substrate; however, the challenge of recovering fungi in culture hinders the precise identification of this diversity. Concentration techniques like skimmed milk flocculation (SMF) could represent a suitable solution. Here, we compare the effectiveness in recovering filamentous ascomycetes of direct plating and SMF in combination with three culture media and two incubation temperatures, and we describe the fungal diversity detected in marine sediments. Sediments were collected at different depths on two beaches (Miracle and Arrabassada) on the Spanish western Mediterranean coast between 2021 and 2022. We recovered 362 strains, and after a morphological selection, 188 were identified primarily with the LSU and ITS barcodes, representing 54 genera and 94 species. Aspergillus, Penicillium, and Scedosporium were the most common genera, with different percentages of abundance between both beaches. Arrabassada Beach was more heterogeneous, with 42 genera representing 60 species (Miracle Beach, 28 genera and 54 species). Although most species were recovered with direct plating (70 species), 20 species were exclusively obtained using SMF as a sample pre-treatment, improving our ability to detect fungi in culture. In addition, we propose three new species in the genera Exophiala, Nigrocephalum, and Queenslandipenidiella, and a fourth representing the novel genus Schizochlamydosporiella. We concluded that SMF is a useful technique that, in combination with direct plating, including different culture media and incubation temperatures, improves the chance of recovering marine fungal communities in culture-dependent studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The red palm weevil, Rhynchophorus ferrugineus, is a major problem for palm plantations worldwide. While chemical pesticides are known to be effective, their environmental impact and insecticide resistance pose serious concerns. Biological control approaches, such as employing entomopathogenic nematodes, can mitigate these challenges by focusing on pests while avoiding harm to the environment or non-target organisms. Our findings show that indigenous and commercial EPNs have the ability to manage red palm weevils. As a result, alternate methods, such as the use of entomopathogenic nematodes, are critical for the sustainable control of red palm weevils. The red palm weevil (RPW) is a significant threat to date palms. Conventional pest control has been ineffective. This study aims to evaluate entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) indigenous to Saudi Arabia and commercial against RPW. We used 33 soil samples collected from four areas of Saudi Arabia. The indigenous EPNs were isolated and cultured using an insect baiting method to obtain infective juveniles. Pathogenicity bioassays were conducted against different stages of RPW, including eggs, larvae, and adults. The bioassay was performed using all the isolates at 1 × 106 IJ/mL. Distilled water was used as a control. The results revealed that only 9.09% of soil samples contained positive EPNs. Through DNA sequencing analysis, the positive samples were identified as indigenous isolates belonging to Heterorhabditis indica and Steinernema carpocapsae EPN species. In pathogenicity tests, 90% mortality of RPW eggs was observed after five days. Similar mortality trends were seen in RPW larvae and adults, with 90% mortality recorded after ten days for all the EPN treatments. Mortality increased with the duration of post-EPN inoculation exposure. The 1 × 106 IJ/mL concentrations of EPN effectively killed various stages of RPW in the laboratory. More research is needed to test EPNs against RPW in the field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explores the relationship between religiosity, spirituality, and loneliness in the United States, using the 2018 General Social Survey to assess their interactions against a backdrop of declining traditional religious affiliation and a rise in "spiritual but not religious" identification. It examines religion and spirituality's capacity to counteract loneliness, a condition with significant health implications. The analysis uncovers complex relationships between aspects of religious life and loneliness, showing no mitigating role of spirituality when controlling for other factors, with complex and varied negative relationships of religious service attendance and self-rate religiosity to different aspects of loneliness. Yet, any potentially protective effect of religion varies, with minority religious groups reporting feelings of increased loneliness. These findings underscore religion and spirituality's nuanced roles in emotional well-being, indicating that their benefits (or not) against loneliness are complex, varied, and depend on the aspect of religion or loneliness observed, along with non-religious factors. The paper contributes to the literature on societal loneliness, changing religious and spiritual engagements, and highlighting the need for a comprehensive approach to explore the role of religion and spirituality in understanding loneliness specifically, and personal and social well-being more generally. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The tunnel boring method (TBM) is a widely used and effective tunneling technology in various rock mass quality circumstances. A "faulted rock mass" can range from a highly fractured rock mass to a sheared weak rock mass, making the ground conditions challenging for tunneling, especially for TBMs. "Faulted rock" significantly affects hard rock TBMs, primarily due to the TBM's high geological risk and poor flexibility. TBMs require careful planning and preparation, starting with preliminary assessments. This study investigates the impact of establishing an isolation material between a circular tunnel and the adjacent faulting rock on seismic response. The two parts of the parametric analysis for the isolation material utilized in the model look at how changes in the mechanical characteristics of the material, such as the shear modulus of the rock and the fault, affect the stresses created in the tunnel. The second section examines how changes in the isolation width concerning the fault width affect the stresses and displacements produced in the tunnel. Additionally, the effectiveness of isolating the tunnel during sudden changes in the characteristics of the rock was investigated under seismic loading perpendicular to the tunnel and parallel to the tunnel. The finite element approach was utilized to model the TBM tunnel and the neighboring rock with a fault or sudden change in the rock using Midas/GTS-NX, simulating the interactions between the rock and the tunnel. Time-history analysis using the El Centro earthquake was conducted to calculate the stresses in the tunnels during seismic events. Peak ground accelerations between 0.10 g and 0.30 g were utilized for excitation. A time step of 0.02 s and a length of 10 s for the seismic event were used in the analysis, with traditional grout pea gravel vs. the isolation layer. Comparisons were made between the absolute stresses (the greatest possible values) in the normal tunnel section (Sxx) and those induced in the tunnel with traditional grout and with isolation. Furthermore, the study of vertical displacement was taken into consideration. The seismic isolation method is highly effective in improving the seismic safety of bored tunnels. The results show that the significant values of the ratio between the shear modulus of isolation and the surrounding soil should be between 0.2% and 0.4%. Where parts of the tunnel run through a fault, the effective length of isolation should be between one and two times the fault width. The dynamic behavior of the tunnel with isolation is better than that with traditional grout. Generally, when isolation is used for any length, it reduces the stresses at the area of sudden change. Consequently, engineering assessments from both structural and geotechnical engineering viewpoints are now required for these unique constructions. An underground structure's safety should be evaluated by the designer to ensure that it can sustain various applied loads, taking into account seismic loads in addition to construction and permanent static loads. Tunnels may be especially vulnerable in areas where the composition of the soil or rock varies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A cross-sectional study was conducted to assess the prevalence, molecular detection, and antimicrobial resistance of Salmonella isolates within 162 poultry farms in selected urban and peri-urban areas of central Ethiopia. A total of 1515 samples, including cloacal swabs (n = 763), fresh fecal droppings (n = 188), litter (n = 188), feed (n = 188), and water (n = 188), were bacteriologically tested. The molecular detection of some culture-positive isolates was performed via polymerase chain reaction (PCR) by targeting spy and sdfl genes for Salmonella Typhimurium and Salmonella Enteritidis, respectively. Risk factors for the occurrence of the bacterial isolates were assessed. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing of PCR-confirmed Salmonella isolates was conducted using 12 antibiotics. In this study, it was observed that 50.6% of the farms were positive for Salmonella. The overall sample-level prevalence of Salmonella was 14.4%. Among the analyzed risk factors, the type of production, breed, and sample type demonstrated a statistically significant association (p < 0.05) with the bacteriological prevalence of Salmonella. The PCR test disclosed that 45.5% (15/33) and 23.3% (10/43) of the isolates were positive for genes of Salmonella Typhimurium and Salmonella Enteritidis, respectively. The antimicrobial susceptibility test disclosed multi-drug resistance to ten of the tested antibiotics that belong to different classes. Substantial isolation of Salmonella Typhimurium and Salmonella Enteritidis in poultry and on poultry farms, along with the existence of multi-drug resistant isolates, poses an alarming risk of zoonotic and food safety issues. Hence, routine flock testing, farm surveillance, biosecurity intervention, stringent antimicrobial use regulations, and policy support for the sector are highly needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, discovering new drug candidates has become a top priority in research. Natural products have proven to be a promising source for such discoveries as many researchers have successfully isolated bioactive compounds with various activities that show potential as drug candidates. Among these compounds, phenolic compounds have been frequently isolated due to their many biological activities, including their role as antioxidants, making them candidates for treating diseases related to oxidative stress. The isolation method is essential, and researchers have sought to find effective procedures that maximize the purity and yield of bioactive compounds. This review aims to provide information on the isolation or separation methods for phenolic compounds with antioxidant activities using column chromatography, medium-pressure liquid chromatography, high-performance liquid chromatography, counter-current chromatography, hydrophilic interaction chromatography, supercritical fluid chromatography, molecularly imprinted technologies, and high-performance thin layer chromatography. For isolation or purification, the molecularly imprinted technologies represent a more accessible and more efficient procedure because they can be applied directly to the extract to reduce the complicated isolation process. However, it still requires further development and refinement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, the number of conscious consumers who care about accessing safe food has increased, and this has brought about an increased interest in pickle products that do not contain preservatives and are obtained by natural fermentation. With the negative effects of food additives on health coming to the forefront, the search for new and natural methodologies in pickle production processes has begun. For this purpose, lactic acid bacteria (LAB), which is the most common bacteria in pickle fermentation and a normal microbiota member of fresh peppers, is used for natural fermentation studies in pickle production. In this context, this study aimed to sample Üçburun pepper (Capsicum annuum var. annuum L., "Golden Greek") for LAB isolation and to compare two different pickle production techniques within the scope of industrial processing. Accordingly, sampling was performed from two different sampling points for LAB isolation. The phenotypic and biochemical characteristics of the obtained isolates were determined. Kit-based identification of 10 isolates that were determined to exhibit different profiles was carried out using the API 50CH kit. To obtain additive-free pickled peppers on an industrial scale, two different pickle production processes (fermentation and acidification methods) were applied. According to the analysis results and the differences in the production stages of stock pickles, it has been seen that the pickles obtained by the acidification method are more suitable for pickle industry production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to explore the extraction and activity of macroalge glycolipids, six macroalgae (Bangia fusco-purpurea, Gelidium amansii, Gloiopeltis furcata, Gracilariopsis lemaneiformis, Gracilaria sp. and Pyropia yezoensis) glycolipids were extracted with five different solvents firstly. Considering the yield and glycolipids concentration of extracts, Bangia fusco-purpurea, Gracilaria sp. and Pyropia yezoensis were selected from six species of marine macroalgae as the raw materials for the extraction of glycolipids. The effects of the volume score of methanol, solid–liquid ratio, extraction temperature, extraction time and ultrasonic power on the yield and glycolipids concentration of extracts of the above three macroalgae were analyzed through a series of single-factor experiments. By analyzing the antioxidant activity in vitro, moisture absorption and moisturizing activity, the extraction process of Bangia fusco-purpurea glycolipids was further optimized by response surface method to obtain suitable conditions for glycolipid extraction (solid-liquid ratio of 1:27 g/mL, extraction temperature of 48 °C, extraction time of 98 min and ultrasonic power of 450 W). Bangia fusco-purpurea extracts exhibited a certain scavenging effect on DPPH free radicals, as well as good moisture-absorption and moisture retaining activities. Two glycolipids were isolated from Bangia fusco-purpurea by liquid–liquid extraction, silica gel column chromatography and thin-layer chromatography, and they showed good scavenging activities against DPPH free radicals and total antioxidant capacity. Their scavenging activities against DPPH free radicals were about 60% at 1600 µg/mL, and total antioxidant capacity was better than that of Trolox. Among them, the moisturizing activity of a glycolipid was close to that of sorbierite and sodium alginate. These two glycolipids exhibited big application potential as food humectants and antioxidants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cannabis sativa is one of the oldest plants utilized by humans for both economic and medical purposes. Although the use of cannabis started millennia ago in the Eastern hemisphere, its use has moved and flourished in the Western nations in more recent centuries. C. sativa is the source of psychoactive cannabinoids that are consumed as recreational drugs worldwide. The C21 aromatic hydrocarbons are restricted in their natural occurrence to cannabis (with a few exceptions). Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC) is the main psychoactive component in cannabis, with many pharmacological effects and various approved medical applications. However, a wide range of side effects are associated with the use of Δ9-THC, limiting its medical use. In 1966, another psychoactive cannabinoid, Delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ8-THC) was isolated from marijuana grown in Maryland but in very low yield. Δ8-THC is gaining increased popularity due to its better stability and easier synthetic manufacturing procedures compared to Δ9-THC. The passing of the U.S. Farm Bill in 2018 led to an increase in the sale of Δ8-THC in the United States. The marketed products contain Δ8-THC from synthetic sources. In this review, methods of extraction, purification, and structure elucidation of Δ8-THC will be presented. The issue of whether Δ8-THC is a natural compound or an artifact will be discussed, and the different strategies for its chemical synthesis will be presented. Δ8-THC of synthetic origin is expected to contain some impurities due to residual amounts of starting materials and reagents, as well as side products of the reactions. The various methods of analysis and detection of impurities present in the marketed products will be discussed. The pharmacological effects of Δ8-THC, including its interaction with CB1 and CB2 cannabinoid receptors in comparison with Δ9-THC, will be reviewed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A method was developed for the isolation of geranyl acetate from the crude essential oil (EO) of Melaleuca armillaris (Sol. ex Gaertn.) Sm. leaves, and the purity of the isolated compound was analyzed by GC/MS spectral and NMR analysis and was found to have high purity (98.9%). In addition, the EO isolated presented 0.907 g/cm3, 1.474 and [ α ] D 20 = − 17.6 of density, refraction index and optical rotation, respectively. The chemical composition of the EO obtained for steam distillation from M. armillaris was analyzed by gas chromatographic and spectroscopic techniques (GC/MS and GC/FID). Thirty-eight compounds were identified, representing 99.92% of the total EO analyzed on a DB-5 ms (5% phenylmethylpolysiloxane) capillary column. This analysis showed that the EO consisted mainly of oxygenated monoterpenes (77.01%), followed by monoterpene hydrocarbons (21.31%) and sesquiterpene hydrocarbons (1.31%). Furthermore, the essential oil of M. armillaris was rich in 1,8-cineol (67 ± 2%), followed by limonene (10 ± 1%), α-Terpineol (9 ± 1%) and α-Pinene (5 ± 1%). Finally, the results suggest that the geranyl acetate isolated with high purity from crude essential oil is recommended to be explored as a component in medicinal or industrial use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Independent learning is frequently identified as instrumental to student success within higher education. Although there is a significant body of literature demonstrating the importance of independent learning for retention and progression, to date, the relationship between independent learning and student wellbeing within higher education has been under-explored. This article addresses the gap in the literature by interrogating this relationship, with a particular emphasis on the barriers and enablers to independent learning and the implications for the wellbeing of university students as part of a whole university approach. Drawing on data from a large national student survey and nine focus groups with university staff conducted during the formulation of the University Mental Health Charter, the findings demonstrate important intersectionalities between independent learning and student wellbeing. In particular, they highlight that facilitating independent learning has the potential to allow students to flourish in higher education but only when factors relating to accessibility, inclusivity, expectations, and goals are explicitly addressed. Going forward, it is imperative that these links are more widely acknowledged and addressed within higher education research, policy, and practice to ensure that students are supported to develop as learners during both their transition into university and their journey through and beyond their studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A potential strain, Paenibacillus sp. JNUCC32, was isolated and subjected to whole-genome sequencing. Genome functional annotation revealed its active metabolic capabilities. This study aimed to investigate the pivotal secondary metabolites in the biological system. Fermentation and extraction were performed, resulting in the isolation of seven known compounds: tryptophol (1), 3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)propionic acid (2), ferulic acid (3), maculosin (4), brevianamide F (5), indole-3-acetic acid (6), and butyric acid (7). Tryptophol exhibited favorable pharmacokinetic properties and demonstrated certain tyrosinase inhibitory activity (IC50 = 999 μM). For further analysis of its inhibition mechanism through molecular docking and molecular dynamics (MD) simulation, tryptophol formed three hydrogen bonds and a pro-Michaelis complex with tyrosinase (binding energy = −5.3 kcal/mol). The MD simulation indicated favorable stability for the tryptophol–mushroom tyrosinase complex, primarily governed by hydrogen bond interactions. The crucial residues VAL-283 and HIS-263 in the docking were also validated. This study suggests tryptophol as a potential candidate for antibrowning agents and dermatological research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]