Search Results (425)

The effects of trace Ce on the microstructure and texture of non-oriented silicon steel during recrystallization and grain growth were examined using X-ray diffraction and electron backscatter diffraction. Additionally, this study focused on investigating the mechanisms by which trace Ce influences the evolution of the {114} <481> and γ-fiber textures. During the recrystallization process, as the recrystallization fraction of annealed sheets increased, the intensity of α-fiber texture decreased, while the intensities of α*-fiber and γ-fiber textures increased. The {111} <112> grains preferentially nucleated in the deformed γ-grains and their grain-boundary regions and tended to form a colony structure with a large amount of nucleation. In addition, the {100} <012> and {114} <481> grains mainly nucleated near the deformed α-grains, which were evenly distributed but found in relatively small quantities. The hindering effect of trace Ce on dislocation motion in cold-rolled sheets results in a 2–7% lower recrystallization ratio for the annealed sheets, compared to conventional annealed sheets. Trace Ce suppresses the nucleation and growth of γ-grains while creating opportunities for α*-grain nucleation. During grain growth, trace Ce reduces γ-grain-boundary migration rate in annealed sheets, providing growth space for {114} <418> grains. Consequently, the content of the corresponding {114} <481> texture increased by 6.4%, while the γ-fiber texture content decreased by 3.6%. Full article

Selective laser melting (SLM) offers a novel approach for manufacturing intricate structures, broadening the application of titanium alloy parts in the aerospace industry. After the build period, heat treatments of annealing (AT) and hot isostatic pressing (HIP) are often implemented, but a comparison of their mechanical performances based on the specimen orientation is still lacking. In this study, horizontally and vertically built Ti6Al4V SLM specimens that underwent the aforementioned treatments, together with their microstructural and defect characteristics, were, respectively, investigated using metallography and X-ray imaging. The mechanical properties and failure mechanism, via fracture analysis, were obtained. The critical factors influencing the mechanical properties and the correlation of the fatigue lives and failure origins were also estimated. The results demonstrate that the mechanical performances were determined by the α-phase morphology and defects, which included micropores and fewer large lack-of-fusion defects. Following the coarsening of the α phase, the strength decreased while the plasticity remained stable. With the discrepancy in the defect occurrence, anisotropy and scatter of the mechanical performances were introduced, which was significantly alleviated with HIP treatment. The fatigue failure origins were governed by defects and the α colony, which was composed of parallel α phases. Approximately linear relationships correlating fatigue lives with the X-parameter and maximum stress amplitude were, respectively, established in the AT and HIP states. The results provide an understanding of the technological significance of the evaluation of mechanical properties. Full article

This study aimed to evaluate whether probiotic administration could protect against cognitive impairments in a scopolamine-induced cognitive impairment mice model. Male C57BL/6 mice (8 weeks of age) were injected with scopolamine hydrobromide to induce memory impairments. The experimental groups were additionally supplemented with 10⁹ colony-forming units (CFU)/day probiotics containing Lactobacillus helveticus CNU395 or L. paracasei CNU396. Behavioral test results and histopathological evaluations showed that the spatial memory ability and pathological tissue abnormalities of the mice in the CNU395 and CNU396 groups significantly improved compared with those in the disease group. CNU395 and CNU396 mitigated scopolamine-induced neuroinflammation by reducing the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, and TNF-α) and the NLRP3 inflammasome, through the inhibition of MAPK and NF-κB inflammatory pathways. Additionally, the CNU395 and CNU396 groups showed decreased levels of Iba-1 and Bax, alongside increased levels of BDNF and Bcl-2, relative to the disease group. Therefore, CNU395 or CNU396 supplementation might help prevent the onset of cognitive deficits and neuroinflammation. Full article

Background/Objectives: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic, systemic, and progressive autoimmune–inflammatory disease primarily affecting small joints. Inonotus obliquus polysaccharide (IOP) is the main component of the parasitic fungus obliquus, which has anti-tumor, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant effects. However, whether IOP has a therapeutic effect on RA is still unclear. Thus, this study aimed to reveal the effect of IOP on MH7A cells and collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) rats and to investigate the molecular mechanism of IOP in RA. Methods: In this study, network pharmacology was used to identify the key signaling pathways in IOP treatment of RA. The effect of IOP was verified in rats with CIA. We performed CCK-8, EdU, colony formation assay, cell apoptosis, cell migration and invasion, Western blot analysis, and immunofluorescence to elucidate the effect of IOP on the proliferation, apoptosis, migration and invasion of MH7A cells and revealed its modulation of the NF-κB and NLRP3 inflammasome signaling pathways. Results: IOP treatment of CIA rats significantly alleviated joint swelling, synovial tissue proliferation and erosion, and reduced the expression of inflammatory factors TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β and IL-18. In vitro, IOP significantly inhibited the proliferation, migration, and invasion abilities of TNF-α-stimulated MH7A cells and promoted their apoptosis. Mechanistically, IOP inhibited the NF-κB and NLRP3 inflammasome activation. Conclusions: This study revealed that IOP exerts anti-RA effects by downregulating the NF-κB and NLRP3 inflammasome signaling pathways, promoting cell apoptosis, and inhibiting the expression of inflammatory cytokines, representing a promising therapeutic option for RA. Full article

Tuberculosis (TB) is a major global health threat, with the current Bacillus Calmette–Guérin (BCG) vaccine having limited efficacy against adult pulmonary disease. Trained immunity (TI) is a form of innate immune memory that enhances antimicrobial defense. It is characterized by the epigenetic and metabolic reprogramming of innate immune cells and holds promise as a promising approach to prevent TB. In this study, we investigated the capacity of heparin-binding hemagglutinin (HBHA), a methylated antigen of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, to induce TI in murine RAW264.7 macrophages, human-derived THP-1 macrophages, and human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (hPBMCs). HBHA-trained macrophages exhibited the enhanced expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α) following secondary lipopolysaccharide stimulation. The epigenetic profiling indicated elevated levels of H3K4me1 and H3K4me3 histone marks at cytokine gene loci. Further, metabolic analysis revealed heightened lactate production and the increased expression of glycolytic enzymes. Functionally, HBHA-trained macrophages exhibited improved control of intracellular mycobacteria, as evidenced by a significant reduction in colony-forming units following BCG infection. These findings elucidate that HBHA induces a functional TI phenotype via coordinated epigenetic and metabolic changes, and suggest HBHA may serve as a valuable tool for studying TI and its relevance to host defense against mycobacterial infections, pending further in vivo and clinical validation. Full article

Aerococcus urinaeequi is an opportunistic pathogen that has been isolated from humans, pigs, and chickens, but with no reports in geese until now. This research aimed to isolate and identify A. urinaeequi from four geese, and establish a specific PCR detection method for A. urinaeequi. Strain E1 was identified as A. urnaeequi through a combination of Gram staining (Gram-positive coccus), colony morphology (α-hemolysis), and whole genome sequencing analysis. Comparative genomics was used to analyze the genome sequences of five reference strains of A. urinaeequi to screen for a species-specific genomic region (401 bp). Based on this region, specific primers were designed to establish the PCR detection method for A. urnaeequi, and the specificity and sensitivity of this assay were tested. The results showed that the target sequence was specifically amplified only for the genome of A. urinaeequi, and that the minimum nucleic acid detection concentration was 7.08 × 10⁻³ ng/μL. The mouse infection model indicated that the target fragment could be amplified from the tissue samples of dead mice in the challenge groups, verifying the applicability of PCR for clinical sample detection. Specific sequences of A. urinaeequi were detected in the lungs of three pigs using the PCR method, confirmed to be consistent through whole genome sequencing, and previously identified as A. urinaeequi or A. viridans by 16S rRNA sequencing. For the detection of fecal samples from geese, canines, and felines using the PCR method, the highest positive rate was 36.9% (31/84) of geese, followed by 21.7% (20/90) of felines, and finally 6.9% (16/230) of canines. A strain of A. urinaeequi was isolated and identified in geese for the first time, and a species-specific PCR detection method for A. urinaeequi was established with high specificity and sensitivity, which could well distinguish the bacterial species A. urinaeequi from its phylogenetically related species, A. viridans. Full article

Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) is a major global health threat, exacerbated by the emergence of antibiotic-resistant strains. This study investigated fluoroquinolone resistance protein A (MfpA), which enhances mycobacterial survival by targeting host mitochondria and regulating apoptosis. Wild-type (WT) and knockout (KO) Mycobacterium bovis Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) strains, a common model for Mtb, were utilized to examine host cell responses. Compared to WT strains, KO strains showed reduced colony-forming units (CFUs), elevated TNF-α and IL-6 levels, and increased apoptosis. MfpA was found to localize to mitochondria, increasing ROS production and disrupting mitochondrial membrane potential. Transcriptomic analysis revealed that MfpA modulated the NF-κB signaling pathway, regulating the expression of gadd45β. These results suggest that MfpA drives both antibiotic resistance and virulence by suppressing apoptosis via the mitochondrial and NF-κB pathways, promoting mycobacterial persistence. Studies using BCG provide valuable insight into Mtb’s survival mechanisms, highlighting MfpA’s dual role in resistance and pathogenesis. Full article

Absidia is the most species-rich genus within the family Cunninghamellaceae, with its members commonly isolated from diverse substrates, particularly rhizosphere soil. In this study, four novel Absidia species, A. irregularis sp. nov., A. multiformis sp. nov., A. ovoidospora sp. nov., and A. verticilliformis sp. nov., were discovered from soil samples collected in southern and southwestern China, using integrated morphological and molecular analyses. Phylogenetic analyses based on concatenated ITS, SSU, LSU, Act, and TEF1α sequence data reconstructed trees that strongly supported the monophyly of each of these four new taxa. Key diagnostic features include A. irregularis (closely related to A. oblongispora) exhibiting irregular colony morphology, A. multiformis (sister to A. heterospora) demonstrating polymorphic sporangiospores, A. ovoidospora (forming a clade with A. panacisoli and A. abundans) producing distinctive ovoid sporangiospores, and A. verticilliformis (next to A. edaphica) displaying verticillately branched sporangiophores. Each novel species is formally described with comprehensive documentation, including morphological descriptions, illustrations, Fungal Names registration identifiers, designated type specimens, etymological explanations, maximum growth temperatures, and taxonomic comparisons. This work constitutes the sixth instalment in a series investigating early-diverging fungal diversity in China aiming to enhance our understanding of the diversity of fungi in tropical and subtropical ecosystems in Asia. In this paper, the known species of Absidia are expanded to 71. Full article

The fungal genus Cunninghamella, ubiquitously distributed as saprotrophic organisms with occasional endophytic and phytopathogenic manifestations, holds significant biomedical and biochemical importance. During systematic investigations of fungal biodiversity in China, seven novel taxa (C. amphispora sp. nov., C. cinerea sp. nov., C. flava sp. nov., C. hainanensis sp. nov., C. rhizoidea sp. nov., C. simplex sp. nov., and C. yunnanensis sp. nov.) were delineated through integrated taxonomic approaches incorporating morphological characterization, multilocus phylogenetic analyses (ITS-LSU-TEF1α), and physiological assessments. Phylogenetic reconstructions positioned these novel species within a well-supported clade along with C. bainieri and C. verticillata. New species and their diagnostic features are C. amphispora, exhibiting dimorphic sporangiola production; C. cinerea, distinguished by gray pigmentation in the colony; C. flava, characterized by a yellow colony; C. hainanensis and C. yunnanensis, bearing eponymous designations reflecting their geographic origins; and C. simplex, displaying simplified sporangiophore branching. Comprehensive taxonomic descriptions accompanied by photomicrographic illustrations are provided herein. This study constitutes the seventh installment in an ongoing series elucidating early-diverging fungal diversity in China, expanding the global Cunninghamella taxonomic inventory to 63 species and advancing our understanding of mucoralean phylogeny. Full article

Background: Candida albicans adhesion to denture base materials is a primary contributor to denture stomatitis. To address this issue, numerous studies have explored the incorporation of various additives into denture base resins to enhance their antifungal properties. Titanium tetrafluoride (TiF₄) is an inorganic fluoride compound that has proven antimicrobial properties but has not yet been tested with denture materials. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of TiF₄ addition into different denture base materials on antifungal activity, surface roughness, hardness, and color properties. Methodology: A total of 200 disc-shaped specimens were prepared—100 heat-polymerized acrylic resins and 100 3D-printed NextDent resins. Four different concentrations of TiF₄ were incorporated: 1 wt%, 2 wt%, 3 wt%, and 4 wt% for both resins, while one group of each resin remained unmodified as a control. All specimens were subjected to thermal cycling for 5000 cycles, and four tests were conducted: Candida albicans adherence, surface roughness, hardness, and color change. A scanning electron microscope (SEM) was used to prove Candida albicans colonies’ adhesion on the specimens’ surfaces, and Fourier-transformed infrared (FTIR) analysis was performed to show the presence of TiF₄ in the resin material; data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA followed by a post hoc test (α = 0.05). Results: TiF₄ significantly reduced the Candida albicans adhesion to heat-polymerized specimens (p < 0.001). Compared to the control group, the incorporation of TiF₄ resulted in a substantial reduction in C. albicans colony counts, with reductions of approximately 97.6% in 1HP, 97.2% in 2HP, 97.4% in 3HP, and complete inhibition (100%) in 4HP. However, there was no significant difference between the 3D-printed ones (p = 0.913). Surface roughness, hardness, and color change of heat-polymerized groups were not significantly affected by TiF₄ (p > 0.05) except the color of the group treated with 4% (p < 0.05). For the 3D-printed groups, no significant differences were detected between the groups regarding candida count, hardness was significantly increased at 2% TiF₄ compared to the control (p = 0.002), and roughness was least with 4% TiF₄, while the color varied significantly between the groups (p < 0.001). Conclusions: TiF₄ addition decreased Candida albicans adhesion to heat-polymerized denture base materials but showed no antifungal effect on the 3D-printed resin. While roughness remained low in 3D-printed groups at higher concentrations. Hardness was not significantly altered in the heat-polymerized resin, whereas it increased significantly in the modified 3D-printed resin. Color stability was compromised at higher TiF₄ concentrations, particularly in the 3D-printed groups. The type of denture base material and TiF₄ concentration both influenced antifungal activity and denture surface properties. Full article

This study proposes an enhanced Sugeno–Takagi interval type-2 fuzzy logic system (SIT2FLS) to find the best values for two important parameters in Bee Colony Optimization (BCO). The aim of this study was to develop a stable controller for a mobile robot utilizing BCO in the fuzzy controller and to determine the best membership functions (MFs) in a type-1 fuzzy logic system (T1FLS) for control. Another objective was to use an SIT2FLS to find the best $\alpha$ and $\beta$ parameters for BCO to enhance the robot trajectory, which was evaluated through an analysis of the mean squared errors. Three types of perturbations were analyzed and simulated. The performance of the SIT2FLS-FBCO was evaluated and compared to that of the T1FLS-FBCO. In addition, a comparative study was performed to demonstrate that the improved BCO works well when there are disturbances affecting the controller. Finally, it was compared with the Mamdani approach, and an FBCO with an interval type-3 FLS was also developed. Full article

Pyrethroids are chemical insecticides used on a large scale in agriculture, horticulture, and forest protection. In order to reduce their use in IPM, alternative methods of controlling insect pests are introduced, such as the use of biopesticides based on entomopathogenic fungi (EPF). Species of the Beauveria genus are characterized by a very broad spectrum of action, which is why they are often used to produce preparations based on EPF. The aim of the study was to determine the effect of different doses of tested pyrethroids on the colony growth and metabolic activity of EPF from the Beauveria genus. In vitro, the effect of three pyrethroids (deltamethrin, λ-cyhalothrin, and α-cypermethrin) added to SDA medium at a dose 10 times lower than the recommended field dose (A), the recommended field dose (B), and 10 times higher than the recommended field dose (C) on colony growth and metabolic activity of B. bassiana and B. brongniartii was tested. The research carried out showed that pyrethroid insecticides used in the experiment showed various toxic effects towards the tested EPF of the genus Beauveria. The studies conducted showed that on the 20th day of the observation, λ-cyhalothrin used in the recommended field dose limited the growth of B. bassiana to the least extent in relation to the other tested pyrethroids. However, with respect to the fungus B. brongniartii, no toxic effect of this pyrethroid was found. Based on the results obtained, it was found that λ-cyhalothrin used in the recommended field dose and 10 times lower than recommended significantly increased the metabolic activity of B. bassiana. In relation to the B. brongniartii strain, detlamethrin used in each of the tested concentrations significantly affected its viability. Full article

Background: The aim of this work was to induce the formation of antibiotic-tolerant and/or persister cells in vivo using antibiotic therapy on Galleria mellonella larvae infected with P. aeruginosa, isolate these surviving cells, and characterise their phenotype and genotype. Methods: Infected larvae were treated with effective doses of either ceftazidime or meropenem. Despite this, surviving P. aeruginosa colonies were isolated from living larvae, and antibiotic killing, fitness, virulence, antibiotic resistance and the whole genome sequence of a selection of these isolates were compared with their original parent strains. Results: The surviving isolates had an increased minimum duration to kill 99% of the population (MDK₉₉) upon exposure to ceftazidime or meropenem and decreased growth rates in culture, but they showed no change to the MIC or virulence—consistent with an antibiotic-tolerant phenotype. Long-read genome sequencing of selected isolates revealed only one single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) within bkdB, encoding the lipoamide acyltransferase component of the branched-chain α-keto acid dehydrogenase, present in two independent isolates. However, time-kill assays with ceftazidime of bkdB knockout strains showed no significant change in the MDK₉₉. Concomitant with the antibiotic-tolerant phenotype, many of the isolates also had a reduced rate of killing when exposed to heat stress. Conclusions: P. aeruginosa cells that survived antibiotic therapy in vivo were found to be antibiotic-tolerant and thermotolerant but not antibiotic-resistant and had reduced growth rates under optimal conditions but unchanged virulence. In the absence of a convincing genetic explanation, the co-induction of enhanced thermotolerance with antibiotic tolerance indicated that both are conferred by a heritable phenotypic mechanism. Full article

The carnivorous plant Sarracenia purpurea has been traditionally used in various ethnobotanical applications, including treatments for type 2 diabetes and tuberculosis-like symptoms. This study investigates the cytotoxic effects of S. purpurea root extract (Sp-R) on human non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cell lines, including H1975, H838, and A549, focusing on its impact on cell survival, apoptosis, proliferation, and migration. Additionally, its ability to inhibit the single-stranded DNA-binding activity of human RPA32 (huRPA32), a key protein in DNA replication, was evaluated. Extracts from different plant parts (leaf, stem, and root) were prepared using various solvents (water, methanol, ethanol, and acetone) and screened for apoptosis-inducing potential using the chromatin condensation assay. Among these, the acetone-extracted root fraction (Sp-R-A) exhibited the most potent pro-apoptotic effects. The MTT assay demonstrated a dose-dependent cytotoxic effect on NSCLC cells, with IC₅₀ values of 33.74 μg/mL for H1975, 60.79 μg/mL for H838, and 66.52 μg/mL for A549. Migration and clonogenic assays further revealed that Sp-R-A significantly inhibited cancer cell migration and colony formation in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, Sp-R-A enhanced apoptosis when combined with the EGFR inhibitor afatinib, suggesting a potential synergistic effect. The electrophoretic mobility shift assay confirmed that Sp-R-A significantly inhibited the DNA-binding activity of huRPA32, with an IC₅₀ of 13.6 μg/mL. AlphaFold structural prediction and molecular docking studies indicated that major bioactive compounds in S. purpurea, including α-amyrin, ursolic acid, and betulinaldehyde, strongly interact with the DNA-binding domain of huRPA32, potentially contributing to its inhibitory effect. Overall, these findings suggest that huRPA32 is a potential molecular target of Sp-R-A and the anticancer potential of S. purpurea root extract against NSCLC is highlighted, supporting further investigation into its therapeutic applications. Full article

Macrotermes barneyi is a typical fungus-growing termite that forms both monogynous (single queen) and polygynous (multiple queen) colonies in nature. This species influences the local soil fertility in part by redistributing nutrients across the landscape in its habitats. However, how the colony structure of M. barneyi affects nutrient cycling and microbial communities within the nest is not well understood. In this study, we compared the physicochemical properties and microbial communities across nest parts between monogynous and polygynous colonies of M. barneyi. Our results showed that the fungus garden is the most nutrient-rich part of the nest, with higher soil moisture, organic matter, ammonium nitrogen, nitrate nitrogen, available sulfur, available potassium, available silicon, and available boron than other nest parts. Notably, the fungus garden in monogynous colonies had higher nitrate nitrogen, available sulfur, and available silicon than those in the polygynous colonies. The microbial α-diversity in the fungus garden was lower than that in other parts of the nest. β-diversity analysis revealed a clear separation of microbial communities between monogynous and polygynous colonies across nest parts. Furthermore, the relative abundance of functional genes associated with “cell cycle control, cell division, and chromosome partitioning” was higher in the fungus garden of polygynous colonies compared to monogynous colonies. Our results suggest that the fungus garden plays a crucial role in maintaining colony stability in M. barneyi colonies. The rapid depletion of nutrients in the fungus garden to sustain the larger population in polygynous colonies likely influences microbial community dynamics and nutrient cycling. Full article