Browse Articles

In-silico characterization and expression study of eIF genes associated with abiotic stresses in potato (Solanum tuberosum L.)

Genome wide identification and characterization of EPFL genes and its potential association with male sterility in Brassica rapa

Theoretical and experimental study on traveling wave propagation characteristics of artificial basilar membrane

Impact of cryopreservation on DNA damage in Acer platanoides L. seeds evaluated by the comet assay

Abstract Plant cells can suffer significant damage during cryopreservation, primarily due to extensive ice punctures and oxidative stress from reactive oxygen species (ROS). The extent of damage is closely linked to the moisture content (MC) of seeds, a crucial factor influencing their viability after cryostorage. However, there is limited information on the direct effects of MC in cryostored seeds on their overall (epi)genetic integrity. Maintaining genome integrity is essential for plant growth and ensures reliable transmission of genetic information. To investigate seed responses to genotoxic stress from desiccation and cryostorage, specific DNA damage, including DNA strand breaks, alkali-labile sites, and 8-oxo-7,8-dihydroguanine (8-oxoG), was measured, along with changes in epigenetic marks 5hmC (5-hydroxymethylcytosine) and 5mC (5-methylcytosine). This is the first study to demonstrate fine DNA strand breaks in orthodox seeds of Acer platanoides L. at varying MC immediately after cryostorage. Notably, 8-oxoG was detected for the first time in plant samples after cryostorage, and it was negatively correlated with seed viability, whereas the epigenetic marks showed a positive correlation. These findings indicate that cryostorage at non-optimal MC levels is genotoxic for seeds. Furthermore, the study demonstrated that the comet assay is a valuable technique for monitoring global DNA integrity in cryopreserved plant material.

Study on the battery thermal management system for cylindrical lithium-ion battery with nano-doped phase change material and liquid cooling

Abstract The rapid rise in global warming pushes the automobile industry towards adopting Electric vehicles globally. The battery is considered a core element of electric cars and must operate in extreme conditions. Therefore, a suitable heat recovery system must be implemented to make the battery reach its higher performance. This work explores and tests a hybrid-based Battery Thermal Management System under various operating conditions. To enhance the property of paraffin (Phase Change Material) in the passive method, Al2O3 nanoparticles have been added with paraffin in three different ratios of 5%, 10%, and 15%. In the case of the active method, the water is circulated in a counterflow direction through the copper coil. A detailed experimental investigation was carried out at free convection, pure paraffin, PCM with Al2O3 (5%, 10%, and 15%), and hybrid (both active and passive). Each investigation was carried out under different C rates (0.5 C, 1 C, 2 C, 3 C). The result shows that under natural convection for a 3 C discharge rate, the temperature rises to 51.16 °C, and it is reduced to 40.81 °C for hybrid conditions. Finally, after incorporating the hybrid-based thermal management system, a temperature reduction of around 10.35 °C is observed when compared with natural convection conditions. A detailed computational study was also carried out to validate the experimental results. The maximum temperature of 47 °C is obtained for a pure PCM battery module at a 3 C discharge rate, and it is well matched with experimental results.

Design of a compact multistubs resonator based dual-band flexible wearable antenna with low SAR for sub-6 GHz ISM applications

Fouling release coatings reduce colonisation of coral seeding devices

Abstract The increasing frequency and severity of coral bleaching underscores the need for effective coral reef restoration programs. These initiatives include deploying coral fragments or early recruits (spat), with large-scale coral seeding success dependent on improving coral survival by minimizing competition from algae and benthic invertebrates. This study presents a proof-of-concept field experiment assessing the effectiveness of two commercial non-biocidal fouling release coatings (FRCs) and an FRC wax coating in reducing fouling on coral seeding devices. Ceramic devices treated with FRCs were deployed with Acropora millepora microfragments and monitored over 46 weeks. Coated devices experienced significantly less fouling than uncoated controls, particularly during the critical early months when coral spat are most vulnerable. The best performing coating maintained over 10 times more clear surface area than uncoated devices, providing sustained protection without affecting coral survival. Corals also successfully overgrow the coatings by trial’s end. These findings suggest that FRCs could protect smaller coral spat from overgrowth, reducing early mortality until they reach a size escape threshold. Such coatings also hold promise for large-scale restoration projects, coral nurseries, and aquaculture. Future research should evaluate their efficacy across diverse habitats, particularly areas with high macroalgal cover, to optimize their application in restoration strategies. 

Thermal study of Fe3O4/blood and CoFe2O4/blood magneto nanofluids study over an exponential surface inspired by convective heating and radiations

Parametric optimization of the slot waveguide characteristics using a machine-learning approach

Vulture dominance in a scavenger assemblage in the Neotropical dry forest

Influence of lifestyle risk factors and genetic predisposition on metabolic syndrome risk in Korean adults

Predicting soil compaction parameters in expansive soils using advanced machine learning models: a comparative study

Investigating the effects of plasma-activated water on E. coli with the novel application of single-cell impedance flow cytometry

Advancing the pathway to allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation through a physician–nurse coordinator system in patients with acute leukemia

In vitro evaluation of critical ultrafiltration fluxes and transmembrane pressure in a high flux dialyzer

Abstract In patients treated with haemodiafiltration, high convection volumes are considered beneficial. However it leads to pressure instability and membrane fouling. We aimed to identify critical ultrafiltration fluxes based on different approaches including the maximal global ultrafiltration coefficient ( G K D−UF  max), and to test the influence of ultrafiltration on system stability and membrane fouling. Experiments of cross-flow filtration of a protein-containing fluid (cow milk) were performed. The ultrafiltration rate (Q UF ) was sequentially modified using a peristaltic pump and transmembrane pressure (TMP) was recorded. G K D−UF and TMP stability over time were assessed. Q UF critical values were estimated from the G K D−UF , critical flux, irreversible fouling and sustainable flux approaches. Membrane fouling was observed by microscopy. Proteins from the feed, ultrafiltrate and retained on membrane were assessed by protein assays and SDS-PAGE. The G K D−UF  max approach identified Q UF critical values close to the irreversible fouling and sustainable flux. When Q UF exceeded critical values, major increase in TMP over time was observed and more clogged dialyzer fibres were detected. Utilizing Q UF below the G K D−UF max critical value lead to stable TMP over time and fewer clogged fibres therefore G K D−UF  max is helpful to identify the critical ultrafiltration rate and can be used to optimize ultrafiltration flow that prevent membrane fouling.

The role of sodium pyruvate in mitigating the cytotoxic effects of vanadium on CHO-K1 cells

Abstract Vanadium is a hazardous, pro-oxidant element that contributes to environmental pollution and has been reported as a risk factor for human health through occupational or environmental exposure. Pyruvate, on the other hand, is a natural alpha-keto acid with exceptional antioxidant and cytoprotective properties. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the mitigating effect of exogenous pyruvate against vanadium-induced toxicity in cultured Chinese hamster ovary (CHO)-K1 cells. To this end, CHO-K1 cells were exposed to 100 μM vanadyl sulfate (VOSO4) for 24 h in the presence of 4.5 and 8 mM sodium pyruvate. Cell proliferation and morphological changes, cellular ATP levels, antioxidant stress (GSH) levels and apoptosis markers (caspase 3, 9, annexin V binding) were assessed to investigate the effect of sodium pyruvate on VOSO4-induced damage in CHO-K1 cells. The results showed that VOSO4 induced morphological changes, inhibited cell proliferation, decreased cellular ATP and reduced glutathione levels. Co-treatment of VOSO4-intoxicated CHO-K1 cells with sodium pyruvate significantly reduced these cytotoxic effects. Analysis of apoptosis and necrosis showed that VOSO4 slightly induced apoptosis and necrosis, and exogenous pyruvate inhibited the cytotoxicity of the tested vanadium dose in CHO-K1 cells, mainly by reducing the necrosis effect. The cytoprotective effect of exogenous pyruvate was also confirmed in normal mouse fibroblast (NIH/3T3) cells demonstrating that the protective properties of pyruvate are not cell specific.

Enhanced RF analog linearity in metal gate modulated heterojunction based uniform TFET for label-free detection of dengue NS1 protein

Abstract This work presents a comprehensive investigation of symmetric (HJ-DD-UTFET) and asymmetric Source Drain Heterojunction Dual Dielectric Uniform Tunnel Field-Effect Transistors (A-SD-HJ-DD-UTFET) to achieve enhanced analog/RF, and linearity performance. The A-SD-HJ-DD-UTFET showcases an extremely low OFF current level of 8.124 × 10–17 A/μm which surpasses the symmetric HJ-DD-UTFET by 5,470 times and presents a high ON–OFF ratio of 2.83 × 1012 representing a 6,261 times improvement. This enhanced performance occurs because of structural asymmetry which makes it suitable for high-end RF and biosensing purposes while reaching a peak transconductance of 536 µS. For dengue NS1 protein detection (κ = 78.7), the TCAD-driven model of the proposed A-SD-HJ-DD-UTFET biosensor delivers a distinctive label-free detection method, achieving a peak transconductance (gm) of 577 µS, cut-off frequency (fT) of 193 GHz, Gain-Bandwidth Product (GBP) of 201 GHz, Transconductance Generation factor (TGF) of 155 V-1, and gain transconductance frequency product (GTFP) of 25.9 THz. These correspond to improvements of 51.4%, 13.5%, 26.4%, 96.4%, and 45.5%, respectively, over SARS-CoV spike protein detection (κ = 2). The A-SD-HJ-DD-UTFET biosensor also exhibits superior linearity performance during dengue NS1 protein detection through its desirable intercept points, minimal intermodulation distortion, and a well-maintained 1 dB compression point, affirming its potential as a high-speed, label-free RF biosensor for infectious disease Point of Care Testing (POCT) diagnostics.

Effect of vacancies on blue-colored calcium phosphate scaffolds derived from Nile tilapia bone powder

A systematic review and meta analysis of open label placebo effects in chronic musculoskeletal pain

Abstract Placebo effects have been linked to a range of clinical symptoms. Traditionally, it was believed that deception was necessary for placebos to work. However, emerging research shows that openly administered placebos can benefit patients with various medical conditions. This study aimed to analyze the effects of Open-Label Placebo (OLP) on physical function and pain in individuals with chronic musculoskeletal pain. We conducted, in August 2024, a systematic literature search in PubMed, Web of Science, PsycINFO, and EMBASE for RCTs comparing OLP with any other intervention or no treatment. The level of evidence was assessed with GRADE. The effects on physical function tests were analyzed descriptively, while patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) on physical functioning and pain were synthesized using random-effects meta-analyses. Study quality was assessed using the revised Cochrane risk of bias tool, RoB2. From 1775 articles, seven RCTs with a total of 703 participants were included—five on back pain and two on knee pain. All seven studies had a high risk of bias for PROMs due to awareness of the intervention. Among the four studies that reported objective outcomes, two had a low risk of bias and two had some concerns. All studies included a follow-up between 3 and 12 weeks, except for one study that had a 3-year follow-up. With moderate evidence, we found that OLP as a stand-alone or add-on treatment had no effect on physical function tests, but concerning PROMs, there was low evidence for very small to moderate effects on self-reported physical function (SMD = 0.40, 95% CI 0.19–0.60) and small to moderate effects on pain intensity (SMD = 0.46, 95% CI 0.28–0.63) compared to treatment as usual or no treatment. These results suggest that OLP may enhance PROMs in chronic musculoskeletal pain patients, but one should keep in mind that the clinical value of OLP is not yet established. This study received no specific funding. Registered in PROSPERO: CRD42023487578.

Field evaluation of entomopathogenic fungi and Usher plant Calotropis procera extract for controlling aphids and whiteflies on pepper

Abstract Both plant extracts and entomopathogenic fungi play a crucial role in sustainable agriculture as environmentally friendly alternatives to synthetic pesticides. The study aimed to use Calotropis procera extract (PE), and the commercial entomopathogenic fungi; Beauveria bassiana (Bb) and Metarhizium anisopliae (Ma) individually and each one with PE against both aphid and whitefly on pepper plants in two locations. Phenols and flavonoids in leaves of C. procera were detected by HPLC analysis and indicated that there are 14 compounds and some of them are showing insecticide effects. This extract showed LC50 and LC90 on Myzus persicae as 292.24 and 709.7 µg/mL, respectively. Field experiments showed that reduction rates for aphids were increased with significant differences among the treatments in the location-1 to be 100% (PE + Bb), 97.47% (PE + Ma) and 95.53% (pesticide), 87.83% (Bb), and 81.29% (PE) followed by lower rate of 75.98% (Ma). These reduction rates in the location (2) were 96.1% (PE + Bb), and 93.4% (pesticide). Meanwhile, the reduction rate of PE + Ma (86.4%) was significantly lower than that of PE + Bb and pesticide but higher than that of PE (78.23%). Similar trend was recorded) for whitefly in both locations where it was 96% for PE + Bb and pesticide followed by Bb, PE and PE + Ma (86–88%) while the lower rate was 77.48% (Ma). Meanwhile, the reduction rates in the location-2 reached 100% for PE + Bb, PE + Ma and pesticide with significant differences for Bb (96.11%) followed by the lower two treatments (PE = 87.98% and Ma = 89.76%) without a significant difference between both of them. It could be concluded that the using of the commercial EPF especially B. bassiana with C. procera leaf extract achieved the higher reduction rates of aphids and whiteflies than that of using of each one individually. Accordingly, they could be used together in integrated pest management of piercing sucking insect pests due to there are synergistic effects and compatibilities between both of them. Moreover, other isolates of EPFs should be tested with this plant extract to ensure from the compatibility between them due to some EPFs isolates are not compatible with some plant extracts.