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Late-stage changes in the composition of cell walls of maize plants expressing an apoplast targeted, senescence enhanced fungal ferulic acid esterase, and the subsequent effects on tissue saccharification
Using maize plants expressing an apoplast targeted Aspergillus niger ferulic acid esterase (FAEA), with FAEA driven by a Lolium multiflorum senescence enhanced promoter (LmSee1), we extended measurements of FAEA activity to late-stage senescing plants and measured the stability of FAEA activity following stover storage. The impact of FAEA expression on cell wall hydroxycinnamic acid levels and arabinoxylan (AX) cross-links, and on the levels of cell wall sugars, acetyl bromide lignin and sugar release following saccharification by a cocktail of cellulases and xylanases, was assessed during plant development to full leaf senescence. These were determined in both individual internodes and in combined leaves and combined internodes of FAEA expressing and control partner plants. FAEA expression was found to increase with plant growth up to the reproductive stage (R) of development in both stems and leaves but decreased as the leaves entered full senescence at R+ (18–20 d after R) stage. Moreover, FAEA activity was shown to be relatively stable over a six-month period following stover storage at 4°C. This FAEA expression resulted in significantly reduced levels of cell wall ferulates and diferulates in internodes. The internodes of late stage and senescing FAEA-expressing plants exhibited significantly improved saccharification with a cocktail of cellulase and xylanase enzymes at both the R and R+ stages of development.
Comparative analysis of Q-learning, SARSA, and deep Q-network for microgrid energy management
Lessons learned from cross-sectoral collaboration to protect migrant farmworkers during COVID-19 in Spain
In Spain, the agricultural sector relies heavily on migrant workers, especially during seasonal seasons. However, these workers face significant challenges related to precarious working conditions and structural vulnerability, which have become more acute since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. This descriptive qualitative study was based on 87 personal interviews with health and social professionals from sectors such as NGOs, social services, trade unions, local institutions, and health services to promote compliance with these measures in four Spanish regions. It explored the difficulties faced by migrant agricultural workers in complying with prevention measures during the COVID-19 pandemic, the measures taken by organizations and public institutions and the health consequences of the pandemic on this group. After a reflexive thematic analysis, the results show how to mitigate the pandemic’s impact, both local authorities and NGOs implemented extraordinary measures to care for migrant farm workers. Responses to the pandemic included temporary housing, mass testing, and stricter labor regulations. Working conditions, constant mobility, precarious housing, and language barriers contributed to the difficulty of implementing preventive measures. Covid-19 intensified inequalities and highlighted the lack of preparedness of institutions to deal with this group. The conclusions suggest that intercultural competence in health professional training and the creation of inclusive approaches to health and social care are critical to addressing health disparities and ensuring the well-being of all migrant farm workers, regardless of their migration status or mobility.
Characterization and metabolomic profiling of endophytic bacteria isolated from Moringa oleifera and Piper betel leaves
Oncologists’ views on ototoxicity monitoring in head and neck cancer patients: A South Indian qualitative study
Aim The perspectives and practices of healthcare professionals regarding ototoxicity in individuals with head and neck cancers are important for the implementation of ototoxicity monitoring. The current study aims to explore the oncologist’s awareness and perspectives of ototoxicity and ototoxicity monitoring for individuals with head and neck cancer in a South-Indian district, using qualitative semi-structured interviews. Method The COnsolidated criteria for REporting Qualitative research (COREQ) Checklist was used to guide the method of the current qualitative study. A conceptual framework was developed for the formulation of the interview guides. Three medical oncologists and six radiation oncologists from cancer care centres participated in the study. The interviews were audio recorded and transcribed verbatim. Thematic analysis was carried out using a hybrid inductive-deductive approach to present the findings under the respective overarching themes. Results All oncologists are aware of the ototoxic effects caused by radiation therapy and chemoradiotherapy. It was consistently reported that the severity of the hearing loss was not substantial enough to warrant significant concern. Ototoxicity is not emphasized during the counseling process. All participants reported having awareness and knowledge of ototoxicity monitoring programs and understood their importance. However, none of them reported the implementation of an ototoxicity monitoring program in their facility. Discussion It is imperative to enhance the knowledge and understanding of the ototoxic nature of cancer treatment modalities among oncologists. It is crucial to raise awareness regarding the significance of ototoxicity monitoring programs among all physicians involved in the treatment of patients with cancer for maximum impact. The barriers to implementing ototoxicity monitoring programs in high- and low-income countries are similar. The models implemented in high-income countries can be adapted for use in low-middle income countries with suitable restructuring. Conclusion The current study provides valuable insights into the status of ototoxicity monitoring in the South-Indian context. The findings align with the key components of the health belief model, including perceived susceptibility, perceived barriers, and cues to action. Involving oncologists in the planning phase of the ototoxicity monitoring programs can help tailor future research questions and solutions to improve quality of life, foster collaboration among healthcare professionals, and produce actionable outcomes that may influence policy on ototoxicity monitoring.
In vitro and In silico investigation deciphering novel antifungal activity of endophyte Bacillus velezensis CBMB205 against Fusarium oxysporum
Exploring chilling stress and recovery dynamics in C4 perennial grass of Miscanthus sinensis
The increasing cultivation of perennial C4 grass known as Miscanthus spp. for biomass production holds promise as a sustainable source of renewable energy. Unlike the sterile triploid hybrid of M. × giganteus, which cannot reproduce through seeds, M. sinensis possesses attributes that could potentially address these limitations by effectively establishing itself through seed propagation. This study aimed to investigate how 18 genotypes of M. sinensis respond to chilling stress and subsequent recovery. Various traits were measured, including growth and biomass yield, the rate of leaf elongation, and a variety of chlorophyll fluorescence parameters, as well as chlorophyll content estimated using the SPAD method. Principal Component Analysis revealed unique genotype responses to chilling stress, with distinct clusters emerging during the recovery phase. Strong, positive correlations were identified between biomass content and yield-related traits, particularly leaf length. Leaf growth analysis delineated two subsets of genotypes: those maintaining growth and those exhibiting significant reductions under chilling conditions. The Comprehensive Total Chill Stress Response Index (SRI) pinpointed highly tolerant genotypes such as Ms16, Ms14, and Ms9, while Ms12 showed relatively lower tolerance.
SVM directed machine learning classifier for human action recognition network
Trophic ecology in an anchialine cave: A stable isotope study
The analysis of carbon and nitrogen stable isotopes (δ13C and δ15N) has been widely used in ecology since it allows to identify the circulation of energy in a trophic network. The anchialine ecosystem is one of the less explored aquatic ecosystems in the world and stable isotope analysis represents a useful tool to identify the routes through which energy flows and to define the trophic niches of species. Sampling and data recording was conducted in one anchialine cave, Cenote Vaca Ha, near the town of Tulum, Quintana Roo, Mexico, where seven stygobitic species endemic to the anchialine caves of the Yucatan Peninsula, plus sediment, water and vegetation samples were analyzed to determine what the main nutrient sources are. We compared our results with two previous studies, one conducted in the same cave and another one from a cave in the same area, both based on the same seven species which are widely distributed in the area. Our study revealed: a) that despite a certain amount of variation in the δ13C and δ15N values of the species through time, both seasonally and interannually, the anchialine isotopic niche is much conserved; b) through contribution models we propose what are the most probable food sources for the studied species and the results confirm previous trophic classifications; and c) that the shrimp Typhlatya pearsei presents very negative δ13C values, suggesting their consumption of bacterial sources consistent with a chemosynthetic origin of organic matter. The implications of the new findings show a very stable ecosystem with the shrimp Typhlatya pearsei, as the key species to link chemosynthetic microbial production of organic matter to the anchialine trophic web.
Experimental and theoretical investigation of cyclohexanone derivative (CHD) as a corrosion inhibitor for mild steel in 1 M HCl
Digital inclusive finance, rural revitalization and rural consumption
With the rapid development of technology and the evolution of the global financial system, digital inclusive finance has become a new way to promote rural revitalization and rural residents’ consumption with the power of financial technology. This study explores the relationship between digitally inclusive finance, rural revitalization, and rural residents’ consumption. Based on the panel data of 30 provinces and cities in China from 2011 to 2021, this study empirically examines the impact of digitally inclusive finance on rural residents’ consumption and the mediating and threshold effects of rural revitalization. The results reveal that digitally inclusive finance is conducive to the enhancement of rural residents’ consumption, and rural revitalization acts as a mediator. Meanwhile, there is a nonlinear positive correlation between the impact of digitally inclusive finance and rural revitalization on rural residents’ consumption, in which there is a double-threshold effect of digitally inclusive finance and rural revitalization in the lagged period. Based on the above findings, we believe that while promoting digitally inclusive finance, it is important to promote rural revitalization strategy in a timely manner, improve rural infrastructure, and continuously stimulate the impact of digitally inclusive finance on rural residents’ consumption.
Investigating the link between a layer thickness and surface relief depth in an azo poly(ether imide)
Antiviral activity of an ACE2-Fc fusion protein against SARS-CoV-2 and its variants
SARS-CoV-2 has continued spreading around the world in recent years since the initial outbreak in 2019, frequently developing into new variants with greater human infectious capacity. SARS-CoV-2 and its mutants use the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) as a cellular entry receptor, which has triggered several therapeutic strategies against COVID-19 relying on the use of ACE2 recombinant proteins as decoy receptors. In this work, we propose an ACE2 silent Fc fusion protein (ACE2-hFcLALA) as a candidate therapy against COVID-19. This fusion protein was able to block the binding of SARS-CoV-2 RBD to ACE2 receptor as measured by ELISA and flow cytometry inhibition assays. Moreover, we used classical neutralization assays and a progeny neutralization assay to show that the ACE2-hFcLALA fusion protein is capable of neutralizing the authentic virus. Additionally, we found that this fusion protein was more effective in preventing in vitro infection with different variants of interest (alpha, beta, delta, and omicron) compared to the D614G strain. Our results suggest the potential of this molecule to be used in both therapeutic and preventive settings against current and emerging mutants that use ACE2 as a gateway to human cells.
A comprehensive review of multi-level inverters, modulation, and control for grid-interfaced solar PV systems
Impact of offensive-reward rules on young basketball players’ performance during small-sided games
This study aimed to investigate the impact of different offensive-reward-related rules on the physical performance, perceived exertion and enjoyment of young basketball players during small-sided games (SSG). Eighteen youth male players (age: 13.3±0.9y; height: 167.0±13.1cm; weight: 50.6±11.5kg; years of practice: 3.1±1.2y) participated in three distinct 3x3 SSG (14x15m pitch) experimental conditions: i) 3x3NORMAL, regular 3x3 game; ii) 3x3POINT-POSS, where the team in possession was rewarded a new ball possession after scoring; iii) 3x3PASSES, where the score was determined by the number of passes made before converting a basket. Players’ performance was measured using global positioning systems, rating of perceived exertion and the Physical Activity Enjoyment Scale. Players covered more distance for total (p< .001), low (p< .01) and moderate-speed distance (p< .05), and presented a higher game pace (p< .001) during the 3x3POINT-POSS than in the other conditions. A higher number of accelerations (1–1.99 m·s-2, p < .01) and decelerations (>2 m·s-2, p < .01) were also reported in the 3x3POINT-POSS. Despite the higher external load in the 3x3POINT-POSS, players reported higher perceived exertion during the 3x3PASSES (small to moderate effects). In addition, players reported the 3x3POINT-POSS as being more enjoyfull than the 3x3NORMAL. In conclusion, coaches may consider incorporating the 3x3POINT-POSS to enhance players’ external load while simultaneously increasing enjoyment and decreasing perceived exertion. Conversely, the 3x3PASSES condition may be useful for promoting adaptive behaviors under a higher perception of effort. Thus, coaches should carefully choose the type of rewards when designing training tasks for youth basketball players.
Mechanisms driving different QPD cells response signals revealed by a single cell irradiated with a laser
Relationship between oxidative balance indicators and Chronic Kidney Disease
Introduction Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is a growing global health issue, affecting approximately 9.1% of the world’s population. Oxidative stress is believed to play a key role in CKD development, with indicators such as the Oxidative Balance Score (OBS), Pro-Oxidant-Antioxidant Balance (PAB), and Total Antioxidant Capacity (TAC) being of particular interest. However, their association with CKD remains unclear. Methods This study conducted a cross-sectional analysis using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2009–2018. A total of 18,951 participants were included after applying specific inclusion criteria. Logistic regression models and restricted cubic spline regression were employed to examine the associations between these oxidative balance indicators and CKD. Subgroup and interaction analyses were also conducted for further data analyses. Finally, ROC curve analysis was used to assess the predictive performance of these indicators for CKD risk. Results After adjusting for various confounding factors, higher levels of OBS and PAB were significantly associated with a reduced risk of CKD (OR = 0.97, 95% CI: 0.96–0.99, P < 0.001; OR = 0.94, 95% CI: 0.92–0.97, P < 0.001, respectively). The ORs for the highest quartiles of OBS and PAB were 0.60 (95% CI: 0.49–0.75, P < 0.001) and 0.77 (95% CI: 0.63–0.94, P = 0.013), respectively. In contrast, TAC showed no significant association with CKD. ROC curve analysis further indicated that OBS had a superior predictive ability for CKD risk (AUC = 0.579) compared to PAB (AUC = 0.519) and TAC (AUC = 0.492). Conclusion The study suggests that oxidative balance indicators, particularly OBS and PAB, are inversely associated with CKD risk, while TAC showed no significant link. OBS demonstrated the strongest predictive ability among the indicators. These findings highlight the potential role of oxidative balance in CKD prevention. Further research is needed to confirm these associations in diverse populations and to explore the underlying mechanisms.
A randomized cohort study on the use of 3D printed models to enhance surgical training in suturing techniques
Demographic, social and health system factors associated with maternal mortality in Pakistan: A nested case-control study
Background Pakistan has experienced a significant reduction in maternal mortality with a decline of 33 percent between 2006 and 2019. However, the country still grapples with a high number (186 per 100,000 live births) of maternal deaths each year. This study aims to identify socio-demographic and health system related factors associated with maternal mortality. Methods Using the nested case-control design, we conducted an in-depth analysis of Pakistan Maternal Mortality Survey (PMMS) 2019. We identified 147 maternal deaths occurring within three years prior to the PMMS 2019 as “cases” and 724 women who gave birth and were alive during the same period as “controls”. Socio-demographic characteristics of cases and controls were compared, and multivariate regression was employed to investigate the predictors of maternal mortality in Pakistan. Results Cases and controls were similar on access to antenatal care (ANC) and ANC provider but differed on age, education, number of pregnancies, type of delivery, tetanus toxoid vaccination during last pregnancy, and contraceptive usage. A higher proportion of cases had deliveries by skilled birth attendants (83% compared to 63% among controls) while home deliveries were more common among controls (32% compared to 25% among cases). Odds of maternal death were lowest among women aged 20–29 years (odds ratio–OR: 0.5; 95% CI 0.23–1.07) and those with secondary or higher education (OR: 0.35; 95% CI 0.17–0.74). Surprisingly, deliveries attended by skilled birth attendants were associated with higher odds of maternal death (OR: 4.07; 95% CI 2.19–7.57) compared to those who were not. Conclusion This study identifies secondary or higher maternal education, having had tetanus injection during the last pregnancy, ever-used contraception or being in the age group of 20–29 years were factors associated with lower risk of maternal mortality. Conversely, skilled birth attendance increases the risk of maternal death in Pakistan. Further investigation is needed into the determinants of high maternal mortality.