Search Results (1,076)

We present the results of a detailed spectroscopic analysis of the double-lined spectroscopic binary system $\alpha$ Equulei. High-resolution spectra obtained with the SOPHIE spectrograph at various orbital phases were used to disentangle the composite spectra into individual components using the spectral line deconvolution (SLD) iterative technique. The atmospheric parameters of each component were refined with the SME (spectroscopy made easy) package and further validated by following methods: SED (spectral energy distribution), the independence of the abundance of individual Fe i–ii lines on the reduced equivalent width and ionisation potential, and fitting with the hydrogen line profiles. Our accurate abundance analysis uses a hybrid technique for spectrum synthesis. This is based on classical model atmospheres that are calculated under the assumption of local thermodynamic equilibrium (LTE), together with non-LTE (NLTE) line formation. This is used for 15 out of the 25 species from C to Nd that were investigated. The primary giant component (G7-type) exhibits a typical abundance pattern for normal stars, with elements from He to Fe matching solar values and neutron-capture elements showing overabundances up to 0.5 dex. In contrast, the secondary dwarf component displays characteristics of an early stage Am star. The observed abundance differences imply distinct diffusion processes in their atmospheres. Our results support the scenario in which chemical peculiarities in Am stars develop during the main sequence and may decrease as the stars evolve toward the subgiant branch. Full article

The incidence and mortality of colorectal cancer (CRC) have increased globally. Several therapeutic approaches have been suggested to address this health issue, in addition to classical methods. Propranolol (PRO) is a beta-blocker that was repurposed to treat infantile hemangiomas, and its anti-tumor activity has been reported. This study aimed to investigate the effects of PRO in a panel of CRC cell lines and its potential impact when combined with chemotherapy. The effects of PRO on cell cytotoxicity, cell morphology, colony formation, cell death induction, cell cycle, mitochondrial and intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), and migration were measured in all cells. CompuSyn software was utilized to assess the possible synergistic or additive interaction in the combined treatment. The results showed that PRO suppressed cell proliferation, altered cell morphology, inhibited colony formation, induced apoptosis, altered cell cycle and ROS generation, and inhibited the migration of treated cells in a cell-type-specific, time-dependent, and dose-dependent manner compared with the control. HT-29 was the most sensitive cell line to PRO in terms of cytotoxicity, apoptosis, cell cycle arrest, and ROS generation, while SW-480 was the most sensitive in terms of migration inhibition. Moreover, the PRO and capecitabine combination exhibited a synergistic effect and induced mitochondrial apoptosis in metastatic CRC cells. The data suggest that PRO could be a promising adjuvant therapy for primary and advanced CRC. This study identified variations between CRC cell lines in response to PRO, which may be related to their genetic and epigenetic differences. In addition, the findings highlight the potential of combination strategies to improve therapeutic outcomes in metastatic CRC. Full article

Almond decline and dieback have become significant challenges in newly established orchards, with symptoms including internal necrosis, canker, and external gummosis. This work aims to explore the potential fungal and bacterial causative agents through metabarcoding and traditional culture plate isolation across six almond cultivars. Our results emphasize the multifactorial nature of almond decline and dieback, with possible co-infections by opportunistic fungi and bacteria playing a central role. Classical isolation identified 47 fungal species or genera, including Diaporthe amygdali, Diplodia corticola, Phytophthora sp., and several Fusarium species. Almond metabarcoding revealed a more diverse microbial community, highlighting the prevalence of soilborne pathogens such as Neocosmospora rubicola, Dactylonectria estremocensis, and Plectosphaerella niemeijerarum. Soil metabarcoding suggested that these pathogens likely originate from nursery substrates or soils shared with other crops, such as olives and vineyards, that serve as a source of inoculum. ‘Soleta’ generally presented lower richness when compared to the other tested cultivars, suggesting a higher degree of biotic stress and decreased plant resilience. This study highlights the value of integrating NGS approaches to comprehensively study complex diseases and the need for further research on pathogen interactions and cultivar susceptibility for the future development of new sustainable, targeted management strategies in almond orchards. Full article

Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is an inflammatory pulmonary condition that remains at alarming rates of fatality, with neutrophils playing a vital role in its pathogenesis. Beyond their classical antimicrobial functions, neutrophils contribute to pulmonary injury via the release of reactive oxygen species, proteolytic enzymes, and neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs). To identify targets for treatment, it was found that epigenetic mechanisms, including histone modifications, hypomethylation, hypermethylation, and non-coding RNAs, regulate neutrophil phenotypic plasticity, survival, and inflammatory potential. It has been identified that neutrophils in ARDS patients exhibit abnormal methylation patterns and are associated with altered gene expression and prolonged neutrophil activation, thereby contributing to sustained inflammation. Histone citrullination, particularly via PAD4, facilitates NETosis, while histone acetylation status modulates chromatin accessibility and inflammatory gene expression. MicroRNAs have also been shown to regulate neutrophil activity, with miR-223 and miR-146a potentially being biomarkers and therapeutic targets. Neutrophil heterogeneity, as evidenced by distinct subsets such as low-density neutrophils (LDNs), varies across ARDS etiologies, including COVID-19. Single-cell RNA sequencing analyses, including the use of trajectory analysis, have revealed transcriptionally distinct neutrophil clusters with differential activation states. These studies support the use of epigenetic inhibitors, including PAD4, HDAC, and DNMT modulators, in therapeutic intervention. While the field has been enlightened with new findings, challenges in translational application remain an issue due to species differences, lack of stratification tools, and heterogeneity in ARDS presentation. This review describes how targeting neutrophil epigenetic regulators could help regulate hyperinflammation, making epigenetic modulation a promising area for precision therapeutics in ARDS. Full article

Three-finger toxins (3FTxs) are the largest group of nonenzymatic toxins found in snake venoms. Among them, neurotoxins that target nicotinic acetylcholine receptors are the most well-studied ligands. In addition to the classical neurotoxins, several other new classes have been characterized for their structure, receptor subtype, and species selectivity. Here, we systematically analyzed over 700 amino acid sequences of three-finger neurotoxins that interact with nicotinic acetylcholine receptors. Based on the amino acid residue substitutions in the functional sites and structural features of various classes of neurotoxins, we have classified them into over 150 distinct subgroups. Currently, only a small number of typical examples representing these subgroups have been studied for their structure, function, and subtype selectivity. The functional site residues responsible for their interaction with specific receptor subtypes of several toxins are yet to be identified. The molecular details of each subgroup representative toxin with its target receptor will contribute towards the understanding of subtype- and/or interface-selectivity. Thus, this review will provide new impetus in the toxin research and pave the way for the design of potent, selective ligands for nicotinic acetylcholine receptors. Full article

The fungal kingdom, with an estimated five million species, has undergone extensive diversification over the past billion years and now occupies a wide array of ecological niches from terrestrial to aquatic ecosystems. To thrive in such diverse environments, fungi must exhibit finely tuned physiological and morphological responses orchestrated by conserved molecular pathways. Increasing evidence suggests that aquaporins (AQPs) play a key role in mediating these adaptive responses, particularly under varying abiotic and biotic stress conditions. However, despite notable advances in recent decades, the precise functional roles of AQPs within the fungal kingdom remains largely unresolved in the field of cell biology. AQPs are transmembrane proteins belonging to the major intrinsic proteins (MIPs) superfamily, which is characterized by remarkable sequence and structural diversity. Beyond their established function in facilitating water transport, MIPs mediated the bidirectional diffusion of a range of small inorganic and organic solutes, ions, and gases across cellular membranes. In fungi, MIPs are classified into three main subfamilies: orthodox (i.e., classical) AQPs, aquaglyceroporins (AQGP), and X-intrinsic proteins (XIPs). This review provides a concise summary of the fundamental structural and functional characteristics of fungal aquaporins, including their structure, classification, and known physiological roles. While the majority of the current literature has focused on the aquaporin and aquaglyceroporin subfamilies, this review also aims to offer a comprehensive and original overview of the relatively understudied X-intrinsic protein subfamily, highlighting its potential implication in fungal biology. Full article

Penicillium expansum is an acidogenic fungal species that belongs to the phylum Ascomycota. During the infection and colonization of host fruits, P. expansum can efficiently express glucose oxidase (GOX) and oxidize β-D-glucose to generate gluconic acid (GLA). In this study, the bioinformatics analysis method was employed to predict and analyze the function of the GOX protein. In addition, a comprehensive assessment was conducted on the P. expansum GOX coding gene GOX2, and the expression response rules of GOX2 under different external stress environments were explored. The results show that GOX is an unstable hydrophilic protein. It is either an integrated membrane protein (such as a receptor or channel) that is directly anchored to the membrane through a transmembrane structure or a non-classical secreted protein that is secreted extracellularly. RNA-seq data analysis shows that the GOX2 gene is regulated by multiple environmental factors, including pH, temperature, carbon base, and chemical fungicides. The expression level of GOX2 reaches its maximum value under alkaline conditions (pH 8–10) and at approximately 10 °C. Using starch as the carbon source and adding sodium propionate or potassium sorbate has the effect of inhibiting the expression of the GOX2 gene. The analysis of the function of the GOX protein and the characteristics of the GOX2 gene in P. expansum provides new insights into the glucose oxidase-encoding gene GOX2. The research results provide significant value for the subsequent development of new disease resistance strategies by targeting the GOX2 gene and reducing post-harvest disease losses in fruits. Full article

This paper presents the current state of knowledge on the Romanian Dendrocoelidae as part of the European/Palearctic Dendrocoelidae, emphasizing the contributions of the Romanian zoologists Radu Codreanu and Doina Balcesco. The main objective of this work was to identify the knowledge gaps for future alignment with current standards. This article presents the species inventory and a short historical overview of the classical phylogenetic system and discusses some morphological characters used in the systematics of the group. This study also analyzes the arguments (and hypotheses) put forward by Codreanu, Balcesco, and other authors regarding the phylogenetic value of various factors, including (a) the position of the oviducts between the male atrium and the bursal canal (typical for Paradendrocoelum); (b) the eyes and the penial flagellum in relation to the palaeogeographical context governed by the Quaternary Glaciation; and (c) the point of view of Codreanu and Balcesco on the origin and composition of the actual Romanian Dendrocoelidae fauna. The major key finding is that the Dendrocoelidae species in Romania should be reinvestigated in an integrative way, and specific research needs and future directions are suggested. Full article

Due to the potential role of Auchenorrhyncha in the transmission of the bacterium Xylella fastidiosa in a wide variety of cultivations, during recent years in Europe, many studies have focused on species composition, abundance and seasonal appearance of Auchenorrhyncha. However, females and nymphs are difficult to identify, as species-level identification relies primarily on male genitalia morphology. Sampling was conducted over four years in olive fields in Lesvos Island, in the Northeast Aegean, Greece, using sweep nets and Malaise traps. Both adults and nymphs were collected, with males identified to species level, while females and nymphs were separated on different morphotypes. Representatives from each morphotype and identified adults were sequenced using the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI) gene. Using a classical morphological approach, 58 species were identified to species level, and using DNA barcoding, nymph morphotypes and females were successfully identified within the families Cicadellidae, Aphrophoridae, Delphacidae and Issidae. A phylogenetic tree was generated, clustering nymphs together with the corresponding adults. Our results demonstrate the utility of combining morphological and molecular methods for accurate species identification and highlight the importance of enriching online databases with additional species records. Full article

Particulate matter (PM), mainly PM_0.5, represents a significant concern for human health, particularly relating to lung homeostasis, and more research is required to ascertain its tissue tropism and the molecular pathways involved. In this study, we first focus on classical in vitro toxicological endpoints (cytotoxicity and cell growth) in human bronchial and alveolar epithelial cell lines mimicking the two pulmonary target tissues. Air samples were collected in five Italian cities (Brescia, Lecce, Perugia, Pisa, Turin) during winter and spring. To better decipher the PM_0.5 effects on pulmonary cells, a further winter sampling was performed in Brescia, and studies were extended to assess tumour promotion, oxidative stress, and the activity of Matrix metalloproteases (MMP). The results confirmed that the effect of air pollution is linked to the seasons (winter is usually more cytotoxic than spring) and is correlated with the peculiar characteristics of the cities studied (meteoclimatic conditions, economic/anthropogenic activities). Alveolar cells were often less sensitive than bronchial cells. All PM samples from Brescia inhibited intercellular communication mediated by gap junctions (GJIC), increased the total content in glutathione, and decreased the reduced form of glutathione, whereas the Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) content was almost constant. Long-term treatments at higher doses of PM decreased MMP2 and MMP9 activity. Taken together, the results confirmed that PM is cytotoxic and can potentially act as tumour promoters, but the mechanisms involved in oxidative stress and lung homeostasis are dose- and time-dependent and quite complex. Full article

Beans (Phaseolus vulgaris and P. lunatus) are the major hosts of bean golden mosaic begomovirus (BGMV). Robust taxonomic criteria were established for Begomovirus species demarcation. However, DNA–A identities among BGMV isolates display a continuous variation (89–100%), which conflicts with the current concept of a single viral species. The diversity of 146 Brazilian isolates designated in the GenBank as BGMV was assessed by comparing their complete DNA–A sequences. The isolates were clustered into four groups, being discriminated mainly by their original Fabaceae hosts. Additional Sequence Demarcation Tool analyses indicated that BGMV-related viruses comprise two clear-cut groups: isolates reported infecting mainly P. vulgaris (identities of 96–97% to the reference NC_004042 isolate) and a group associated with P. lunatus (identities of 89–91%). Moreover, we recognized a distinct set of genomic features in the iterons and Rep-associated protein motifs across these two diversity groups. The host prevalence and genomic differences suggest that most P. lunatus isolates are currently misclassified as BGMV strains, being more likely samples of a closely related (but distinct) Begomovirus species. Hence, the implications of this BGMV diversity should be taken into consideration by classical and biotech breeding programs aiming for large-spectrum viral resistance in Phaseolus species. Full article

Ticks are arthropods responsible for transmitting microorganisms important to wild, domestic, and human animals. In ecosystems where they are distributed, interactions between hosts are a constant risk. This study analyzed voluntary case reports of tick infestations in humans and tick collections from wild and domestic animals in six different locations in the flooded savanna region of the Colombian Orinoquia. Classical and molecular taxonomy were used to identify tick species. Individuals infested with ticks were monitored for clinical manifestations related to tick bites. A total of 22 ticks were found infesting five men and one woman, aged between 9 and 60 years. Both classical and molecular taxonomy confirmed that 100% of the ticks infesting humans and animals were Amblyomma mixtum. Two of the six individuals reported primary and secondary skin reactions during and after the tick bite, including mild-to-severe inflammatory reactions, pruritus, and erythematous papules that persisted up to 72 h. This study provides, for the first time, compiled information on clinical skin manifestations caused by A. mixtum in humans in the flooded savanna region and in Colombia as a whole. These findings serve as a theoretical basis for developing surveillance programs targeting infestations caused by this arthropod. Full article

Searching for new and efficient transfer hydrogenation catalysts, a series of new organometallic ruthenium(II)-arene complexes of the formulae [Ru(η⁶-p-cymene)(L)Cl][PF₆] (1–8) and [Ru(η⁶-p-cymene)(L)Cl][Ru(η⁶-p-cymene)Cl₃] (9–11) were synthesized and fully characterized. These were prepared from the reaction of pyridine–quinoline and biquinoline-based ligands (L) with [Ru(η⁶-p-cymene)(μ-Cl)Cl]₂, in 1:2 and 1:1, metal (M) to ligand (L) molar ratios. Characterization includes a combination of spectroscopic methods (FT-IR, UV-Vis, multi nuclear NMR), elemental analysis and single-crystal X-ray crystallography. The pyridine–quinoline organic entities encountered, were prepared in high yield either via the thermal decarboxylation of the carboxylic acid congeners, namely 2,2′-pyridyl-quinoline-4-carboxylic acid (pqca), 8-methyl-2,2′-pyridyl-quinoline-4-carboxylic acid (8-Mepqca), 6′-methyl-2,2′-pyridyl-quinoline-4-carboxylic acid (6′-Mepqca) and 8,6′-dimethyl-2,2′-pyridyl-quinoline-4-carboxylic acid (8,6′-Me₂pqca), affording the desired ligands pq, 8-Mepq, 6′-Mepq and 8,6′-Me₂pq, or by the classical Friedländer condensation, to yield 4,6′-dimethyl-2,2′-pyridyl-quinoline (4,6′-Me₂pq) and 4-methyl-2,2′-pyridyl-quinoline (4-Mepq), respectively. The solid-state structures of complexes 1–4, 6, 8 and 9 were determined showing a distorted octahedral coordination geometry. The unit cell of 3 contains two independent molecules (Ru-3), (Ru′-3) in a 1:1 ratio, due to a slight rotation of the arene ring. All complexes catalyze the transfer hydrogenation of acetophenone, using 2-propanol as a hydrogen donor in the presence of KOiPr. Among them, complexes 1 and 5 bearing methyl groups at the 8 and 4 position of the quinoline moiety, convert acetophenone to 1-phenylethanol quantitatively, within approximately 10 min with final TOFs of 1600 h⁻¹. The catalytic performance of complexes 1–11, towards the transfer hydrogenation of p-substituted acetophenone derivatives and benzophenone, ranges from moderate to excellent. An inner-sphere mechanism has been suggested based on the detection of ruthenium(II) hydride species. Full article

In the case of forest inventory, heterogeneous areas are particularly challenging due to variability in vegetation structure. This is especially true in Galicia (northwest Spain), where land is highly fragmented, complicating the planning and management of single-species plantations such as Pinus radiata. This study proposes a cost-effective strategy using open-access tools and data to characterize and estimate wood volume in these plantations. Two stratification approaches—classical and cluster-based—were compared to a modeling method based on Principal Component Analysis (PCA). Data came from open-access national LiDAR point clouds, acquired using manned aerial vehicles under the Spanish National Aerial Orthophoto Plan (PNOA). Moreover, two volume estimation methods were applied: one from the Xunta de Galicia (XdG) and another from Spain’s central administration (4IFN). A Generalized Linear Model (GLM) was also fitted using PCA-derived variables with logarithmic transformation. The results show that although overall volume estimates are similar across methods, cluster-based stratification yielded significantly lower absolute errors per hectare (XdG: 28.04 m³/ha vs. 44.07 m³/ha; 4IFN: 25.64 m³/ha vs. 38.22 m³/ha), improving accuracy by 7% over classical stratification. Moreover, it does not require precise field parcel locations, unlike PCA modeling. Both official volume estimation methods tended to overestimate stock by about 10% compared to PCA. These results confirm that clustering offers a practical, low-cost alternative that improves estimation accuracy by up to 18 m³/ha in fragmented forest landscapes. Full article

Introducing and compacting lignocellulosic biomass in aluminum structures, though recommendable in terms of higher sustainability, the potential use of agro-waste and significant weight reduction, still represents a challenge. This is due to the variability of biomass performance and to its limited compatibility with the metal. Another question may concern possible moisture penetration in the structure, which may reduce environmental resistance and result in local degradation, such as wear or even corrosion. Despite these limitations, this hybridization enjoys increasing success. Two forms are possibly available for this: introduction into metal matrix composites (MMCs), normally in the form of char from biomass combustion, or laminate reinforcement as the core for fiber metal laminates (FMLs). These two cases are treated alongside each other in this review, first because they may represent two combined options for recycling the same biomass into high-profile structures, aimed primarily at the aerospace industry. Moreover, as discussed above, the effect on the aluminum alloy can be compared and the forces to which they are subjected might be of a similar type, most particularly in terms of their hardness and impact. Both cases considered, MMCs and FMLs involved over time many lignocellulosic residues, starting from the most classical bast species, i.e., flax, hemp, sisal, kenaf, etc., and extending also to less diffuse ones, especially in view of the introduction of biomass as secondary, or residual, raw materials. Full article