Search Results (45,290)

Carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (CR-Kp) is eroding therapeutic options for urinary tract infections. We isolated a multidrug-resistant strain from the urine of a chronically bacteriuric patient and confirmed its identity by Vitek-2 and MALDI-TOF MS. Initial disk-diffusion profiling against 48 antibiotics revealed susceptibility to only 5 agents. One month later, repeat testing showed that tetracycline alone remained active, highlighting the strain’s rapidly evolving resistome. Given the scarcity of drug options, we performed an “aromatogram” with seven pure essential oils, propolis, and two commercial phytotherapeutic blends. Biomicin Forte^® produced a 30 mm bactericidal halo, while thyme, tea tree, laurel, and palmarosa oils yielded clear inhibition zones of 11–22 mm. These in vitro data demonstrate that carefully selected plant-derived products can target CR-Kp where conventional antibiotics fail. Integrating aromatogram results into One Health’s stewardship plans may therefore help preserve last-line antibiotics and provide adjunctive options for persistent urinary infections. Full article

This study aimed to investigate the effects of mental fatigue on physical and cognitive performance (lower-limb power, isometric and handgrip strength, and psychomotor vigilance). Twenty-two physically active young adults (12 males, 10 females; M_age = 20.82 ± 1.47) were randomly assigned to either a Mental Fatigue (MF) or Control group (CON). The MF group showed a statistically significant (p = 0.019) reduction in non-dominant handgrip strength, declining by approximately 2.3 kg (about 5%), while no such change was observed in the CON group or in dominant handgrip strength across groups. Reaction time (RT) was significantly impaired following the mental fatigue protocol: RT increased by 117.82 ms, representing an approximate 46% longer response time in the MF group (p < 0.001), whereas the CON group showed a smaller, non-significant increase of 32.82 ms (~12% longer). No significant differences were found in squat jump performance, indicating that lower-limb explosive power may be less affected by acute mental fatigue. These findings demonstrate that mental fatigue selectively impairs fine motor strength and cognitive processing speed, particularly reaction time, while gross motor power remains resilient. Understanding these effects is critical for optimizing performance in contexts requiring fine motor control and sustained attention under cognitive load. Full article

The increasing demand for rapid, sensitive, and eco-friendly methods for the detection of trace heavy metals in environmental samples, attributed to their serious threats to health and the environment, has spurred considerable interest in the development of sustainable sensor materials. Toxic metal ions, namely, lead (Pb²⁺), cadmium (Cd²⁺), mercury (Hg²⁺), arsenic (As³⁺), and chromium, are potential hazards due to their non-biodegradable nature with high toxicity, even at trace levels. Acute health complications, including neurological, renal, and developmental disorders, arise upon exposure to such metal ions. To monitor and mitigate these toxic exposures, sensitive detection techniques are essential. Pre-existing conventional detection methods, such as atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS) and inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), involve expensive instrumentation, skilled operators, and complex sample preparation. Electrochemical sensing, which is simple, portable, and eco-friendly, is foreseen as a potential alternative to the above conventional methods. Carbon-based nanomaterials play a crucial role in electrochemical sensors due to their high conductivity, stability, and the presence of surface functional groups. Biochar (BC), a carbon-rich product, has emerged as a promising electrode material for electrochemical sensing due to its high surface area, sustainability, tunable porosity, surface rich in functional groups, eco-friendliness, and negligible environmental footprint. Nevertheless, broad-spectrum studies on the use of biochar in electrochemical sensors remain narrow. This review focuses on the recent advancements in the development of biochar-based electrochemical sensors for the detection of toxic heavy metals such as Pb²⁺, Cd²⁺, and Hg²⁺ and the simultaneous detection of multiple ions, with special emphasis on BC synthesis routes, surface modification methodologies, electrode fabrication techniques, and electroanalytical performance. Finally, current challenges and future perspectives for integrating BC into next-generation sensor platforms are outlined. Full article

Addressing the technical demands for the rapid, precise detection of earthquake-triggered landslides in loess tablelands, this study proposes and validates an innovative methodology integrating enhanced deep learning architectures with large-tile processing strategies, featuring two core advances: (1) a critical enhancement of YOLOv8’s shallow layers via a higher-resolution P2 detection head to boost small-target capture capabilities, and (2) the development of a large-tile segmentation–tile mosaicking workflow to overcome the technical bottlenecks in large-scale high-resolution image processing, ensuring both timeliness and accuracy in loess landslide detection. This study utilized 20 km² of high-precision UAV imagery acquired after the 2023 Gansu Jishishan Ms 6.2 earthquake as foundational data, applying our methodology to achieve the rapid detection and precise segmentation of landslides in the study area. Validation was conducted through a comparative analysis of high-accuracy 3D models and field investigations. (1) The model achieved simultaneous convergence of all four loss functions within a 500-epoch progressive training strategy, with mAP50(M) = 0.747 and mAP50-95(M) = 0.46, thus validating the superior detection and segmentation capabilities for the Jishishan earthquake-triggered loess landslides. (2) The enhanced algorithm detected 417 landslides with 94.1% recognition accuracy. Landslide areas ranged from 7 × 10⁻⁴ km² to 0.217 km² (aggregate area: 1.3 km²), indicating small-scale landslide dominance. (3) Morphological characterization and the spatial distribution analysis revealed near-vertical scarps, diverse morphological configurations, and high spatial density clustering in loess tableland landslides. Full article

The impact of seasonality on the aroma quality of tea has been documented in various tea types, but not specifically in oolong tea. This study is the first to explore the complex relationships between seasonality, volatile compounds, and aroma quality in oolong tea. Using Headspace Solid-Phase Microextraction Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry (HS-SPME-GC-MS)-based untargeted metabolomics, we analyzed 266 samples of Tieguanyin oolong tea. The data identified linalool, linalool oxides (trans-linalool oxide (furanoid) and trans-linalool oxide (pyranoid)), and their metabolites (diendiol I; hotrienol) as key seasonal discriminants. Four out of the top ten key differential compounds for distinguishing aroma scores were metabolites from fatty acid degradation, namely trans-3-hexenyl butyrate, trans-2-hexenyl hexanoate, hexyl hexanoate, and hexyl 2-methyl butyrate. Approximately one-fifth of the seasonal discriminant volatile compounds were significant in influencing aroma quality. Overall, the impact of seasonality on the aroma quality of finished Tieguanyin oolong tea is marginal. These findings enhance our understanding of the interplay between seasonal variations, volatile composition, and aroma quality in oolong tea. Full article

The Varnous Mt. area in the northern Pelagonian Nappe is characterized by the intrusion of an Early Permian pluton, with its tectonic setting and igneous petrology well constrained in earlier studies. The metamorphic basement rocks warrant further detailed investigation due to their complex history. These rocks are polymetamorphosed, preserving a sequence of overprinting metamorphic and deformational events. The metapelitic rocks have undergone an initial, pre-Carboniferous regional metamorphism of unknown grade before or during Hercynian Orogeny, followed by a thermal metamorphic event associated with the intrusion of the Varnous pluton at 297 Ma. The assemblage attributed to this event is And + Crd + Bt + Ms (west), while the first assemblage identified at the eastern part is Sil + Bt + Gt. Additionally, three regional tectonometamorphic events occurred during the Alpine Orogeny. For the Alpine events, the assemblages are as follows: first, the development of St + Gt + Chl + Kfs + Pl + Qtz at 150–130 Ma; second, retrograde metamorphism of these assemblages with Cld + Gt + Ser + Mrg + Chl ± Sil (Fi) at 110–90 Ma; and finally, mylonitization of all previous assemblages at 90–70 Ma with simultaneous annealing and formation of Cld + Chl + Ms. Full article

Nuts are nutrient-dense foods recognized for their complex chemical composition and associated health benefits. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the botanical classification, morphology, production, and consumption patterns of key nut species, including walnuts, almonds, pistachios, pecans, peanuts, cashews, bitter kola, and kola nuts. It emphasizes the fatty acid profiles, noting that palmitic acid (C16:0) is the predominant saturated fatty acid, while oleic acid (C18:1) and linoleic acid (C18:2) are the most abundant monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids, respectively. The review also details various analytical techniques employed for extracting and characterizing bioactive compounds, which are crucial for assessing nut quality and health benefits. Methods such as Soxhlet extraction, solid-phase microextraction (SPME), supercritical fluid extraction (SFE), gas chromatography (GC-FID and GC-MS), and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) are highlighted. Furthermore, it discusses scientific evidence linking nut consumption to antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, improved cardiovascular health, and a reduced risk of type 2 diabetes, establishing nuts as important components in a healthy diet. This review underscores the role of nuts as functional foods and calls for standardized methodologies in future lipidomic and volatilomic studies. Full article

To prevent marine biofouling in seawater lift pumps, electrolyzed seawater containing Cu²⁺ needs to be injected into the pumps. This study employs Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) to simulate the variation in Cu²⁺ injection concentration required to achieve a Cu²⁺ concentration of 3 ppb within a 10 cm range around the pump under different operating conditions, including the installation of baffles and varying seawater flow rates. The simulation results demonstrate that CFD can accurately predict the distribution of Cu2+ concentration in electrolyzed seawater, with the distribution significantly influenced by seawater flow direction, necessitating reference to upstream data. When the lift pumps are idle, the required Cu²⁺ injection concentration increases with rising seawater flow rates, reaching 41.9 μg/L at the maximum flow rate of 1.9 m/s. During alternating pump operation, the required Cu²⁺ injection concentration also increases with the flow rate, significantly affected by the pump’s operational position: lower concentrations are required when the upstream pump is active compared to the downstream pump. Additionally, installing baffles around the pumps effectively mitigates the impact of seawater flow on Cu²⁺ distribution, significantly reducing the required injection concentration. This study provides theoretical and data-driven insights for optimising marine biofouling prevention in seawater lift pumps. Full article

This study investigates the bond behavior of fabric-reinforced cementitious matrix (FRCM) composites with three common masonry substrates—solid clay bricks (SBs), perforated bricks (PBs), and concrete hollow blocks (HBs)—using knitted polyester grille (KPG) fabric. Through uniaxial tensile tests of the KPG fabric and FRCM system, along with single-lap and double-lap shear tests, the interfacial debonding modes, load-slip responses, and composite utilization ratio were evaluated. Key findings reveal that (i) SB and HB substrates predominantly exhibited fabric slippage (FS) or matrix–fabric (MF) debonding, while PB substrates consistently failed at the matrix–substrate (MS) interface, due to their smooth surface texture. (ii) Prism specimens with mortar joints showed enhanced interfacial friction, leading to higher load fluctuations compared to brick units. PB substrates demonstrated the lowest peak stress (69.64–74.33 MPa), while SB and HB achieved comparable peak stresses (133.91–155.95 MPa). (iii) The FRCM system only achieved a utilization rate of 12–30% in fabric and reinforcement systems. The debonding failure at the matrix–substrate interface is one of the reasons that cannot be ignored, and exploring methods to improve the bonding performance between the matrix–substrate interface is the next research direction. HB bricks have excellent bonding properties, and it is recommended to prioritize their use in retrofit applications, followed by SB bricks. These findings provide insights into optimizing the application of FRCM reinforcement systems in masonry structures. Full article

The rabies virus (RABV) phosphoprotein (P protein) has multiple functions, including acting as the essential non-catalytic cofactor of the viral polymerase (L protein) for genome replication and transcription; the principal viral antagonist of the interferon (IFN)-mediated innate immune response; and the chaperone for the viral nucleoprotein (N protein). Although P protein is known to undergo phosphorylation by cellular kinases, the location and functions of the phosphorylation sites remains poorly defined. Here, we report the identification by mass-spectrometry (MS) of residues of P protein that are modified by phosphorylation in mammalian cells, including several novel sites. Analysis of P protein with phospho-mimetic and phospho-inhibitory mutations of three novel residues/clusters that were commonly identified by MS (Ser48, Ser183/187, Ser217/219/220) indicate that phosphorylation at each of these sites does not have a major influence on nuclear trafficking or antagonistic functions toward IFN signalling pathways. However, phosphorylation of Ser48 in the N-terminus of P protein impaired function in transcription/replication and in the formation of replication structures that contain complexes of P and N proteins, suggestive of altered interactions of these proteins. The crystal structure of P protein containing the S48E phospho-mimetic mutation indicates that Ser48 phosphorylation facilitates the binding of residues 41–52 of P protein into the RNA-binding groove of non-RNA-bound N protein (N⁰), primarily through the formation of a salt bridge with Arg434 of N protein. These data indicate that Ser48 modification regulates the cycling of P-N⁰ chaperone complexes that deliver N protein to RNA to enable transcription/replication, such that enhanced interaction due to S48E phospho-mimetic mutation reduces N protein delivery to the RNA, inhibiting subsequent transcription/replication processes. These data are, to our knowledge, the first to implicate phosphorylation of RABV P protein in conserved replication functions of the P gene. Full article

Background: Previous research has demonstrated that 20 kHz probe or 37 kHz bath sonication of poloxamers comprising polypropylene glycol (PPG) and polyethylene glycol (PEG) blocks can generate degradation byproducts that are toxic to mammalian cells and organisms. Herein, an investigation of a PEGylated phospholipid micelle was undertaken to identify low-molecular-weight sonolytic degradation byproducts that could be cytotoxic. The concern here lies with the fact that sonication is a frequently employed step in drug delivery manufacturing processes, during which PEGylated phospholipids can be subjected to shear forces and other extreme oxidative and thermal conditions. Methods: Control and 20 kHz-sonicated micelles of DSPE-mPEG2000 were analyzed using dynamic light scattering (DLS) and zeta potential analyses to study colloidal properties, matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization–time of flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectroscopy (MS) and proton nuclear magnetic resonance (¹H-NMR) spectroscopy to study the structural integrity of DSPE-mPEG2000, and ¹H-NMR spectroscopy and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with ultraviolet (UV) detection to quantitate the formation of low-molecular-weight degradation byproducts. Results: MALDI-TOF-MS analyses of 20 kHz-sonicated DSPE-mPEG2000 revealed the loss of ethylene glycol moieties in accordance with depolymerization of the PEG chain; ¹H-NMR spectroscopy showed the presence of formate, a known oxidative/thermal degradation product of PEG; and HPLC-UV showed that the generation of formate was dependent on 20 kHz probe sonication time between 5 and 60 min. Conclusions: It was found that 20 kHz sonication can degrade the PEG chain of DSPE-mPEG2000, altering the micelle’s PEG corona and generating formate, a known ocular toxicant. Full article

The prevention of biofilm formation and algal biodeterioration on building materials, particularly on cultural heritage sites, is a growing concern. Due to regulatory restrictions on conventional algicidal biocides in Europe, natural alternatives such as essential oils are gaining interest for their potential use in heritage conservation. This study evaluates the anti-algal activity of Salvia officinalis and Equisetum arvense (essential oils, hydrolates, and extracts) against a mixed culture of five green algae species (Bracteacoccus minor, Stichococcus bacillaris, Klebsormidium nitens, Chloroidium saccharophilum, and Diplosphaera chodatii). The plant materials were processed using hydrodistillation and solvent extraction, followed by chemical characterization through gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Biological efficacy was assessed by measuring algal growth inhibition, changes in biomass colour, chlorophyll a concentration, and fluorescence. S. officinalis yielded higher extract quantities (extraction yield: 23%) than E. arvense and contained bioactive compounds such as thujone, camphor, and cineole, which correlated with its strong anti-algal effects. The essential oil of S. officinalis demonstrated the highest efficacy, significantly inhibiting biofilm formation (zones of inhibition: 15–94 mm) and photosynthetic activity at 0.5% concentration (reduction in chlorophyll a concentration 90–100%), without causing visible discolouration of treated surfaces (∆E < 2). These findings highlight the potential of S. officinalis essential oil as a natural, effective, and material-safe algicidal biocide for the sustainable protection of cultural heritage sites. Full article

Microbe–microbe interactions have been explored at the molecular level to a lesser degree than plant–pathogen interactions, primarily due to the economic impact of crop losses caused by pathogenic microorganisms. Effector proteins are well known for their role in disease development in many plant–pathogen pleinteractions, but there is increasing evidence showing their involvement in other types of interaction, including microbe–microbe interactions. Through the use of LC-MS/MS sequencing, effector candidates were identified in the in vitro interaction between a banana pathogen, Pseudocercospora fijiensis and a biological control agent, Trichoderma harzianum. The diverse interaction secretome revealed various glycoside hydrolase families, proteases and oxidoreductases. T. harzianum secreted more proteins in the microbial interaction compared to P. fijiensis, but its presence induced the secretion of more P. fijiensis proteins that were exclusive to the interaction secretome. The interaction secretome, containing 256 proteins, was screened for effector candidates using the algorithms EffHunter and WideEffHunter. Candidates with common fungal effector motifs and domains such as LysM, Cerato-platanin, NPP1 and CFEM, among others, were identified. Homologs of true effectors and virulence factors were found in the interaction secretome of T. harzianum and P. fijiensis. Further characterization revealed a potential novel effector of T. harzianum. Full article

Strawberries are highly perishable fruits prone to postharvest losses due to defects, diseases, and uneven ripening. This study proposes a deep learning-based approach for automated quality assessment using the YOLOv8n object detection model. A custom dataset of 5663 annotated strawberry images was compiled, covering eight quality categories, including anthracnose, gray mold, powdery mildew, uneven ripening, and physical defects. Data augmentation techniques, such as rotation and Gaussian blur, were applied to enhance model generalization and robustness. The model was trained over 100 and 200 epochs, and its performance was evaluated using standard metrics: Precision, Recall, and mean Average Precision (mAP). The 200-epoch model achieved the best results, with a mAP50 of 0.79 and an inference time of 1 ms per image, demonstrating suitability for real-time applications. Classes with distinct visual features, such as anthracnose and gray mold, were accurately classified. In contrast, visually similar categories, such as ‘Good Quality’ and ‘Unripe’ strawberries, presented classification challenges. Full article

Plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPRs) are well known for their capacity to enhance the growth and survival of in vitro-grown plants. However, their effect on Nardostachys jatamansi (D. Don) DC., a critically endangered medicinal plant in the Indian Himalayan Region, is still unknown. In this study, a simple, reproducible protocol for in vitro propagation of N. jatamansi was established using shoot tip explants, cultured on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with different plant growth regulators, including N6-benzylaminopurine, thidiazuron (TDZ), and naphthalene acetic acid (NAA). MS media supplemented with 2.0 μM TDZ and 0.5 µM NAA created a significant shoot induction with an average of 6.2 shoots per explant. These aseptically excised individual shoots produced roots on MS medium supplemented with Indole Butyric Acid or NAA within 14 days of the transfer. The PGPR, viz., Bacillus subtilis and Pseudomonas corrugata, inoculation resulted in improved growth, higher chlorophyll content, and survival of in vitro-rooted plants (94.6%) after transfer to the soil. Moreover, the PGPRs depicted a two-fold higher total phenolics (45.87 mg GAE/g DW) in plants. These results clearly demonstrate the beneficial effects of P. corrugata and B. subtilis on the growth, survival, and phytochemical content of N. jatamansi. Full article