Search Results (248)

The Passifloraceae family is one of the most representative in tropical America, with food, pharmaceutical, and ornamental importance. This study evaluated seed morphometry and germination of eight accessions of four Passiflora edible species, P. edulis; P. ligularis; P. quadrangularis; and P. tripartita var. mollissima, by studying accessions conserved several years in the gene bank (−15 °C) and recently collected accessions. Four experimental phases were carried out as follows: (1) morphometric characterization of seeds with qualitative and quantitative variables; (2) evaluation of germination under two thermal regimes (20 °C/30 °C and 25 °C); (3) application of six pre-germination treatments to overcome dormancy; and (4) tetrazolium tests. In phase 1, P. quadrangularis stood out for its unique morphological characteristics according to multivariate analysis. In phase 2, the alternating thermal regime (20 °C/30 °C) promoted the highest germination. In phase 3, the germination response was specific to each species: mechanical scarification in P. edulis (85.7%), KNO₃ (0.5%) in P. ligularis (35.7%), control in P. quadrangularis (71.1%), and gibberellic acid (GA₃ 400 ppm) in P. tripartita (71.4%). The tetrazolium phase 4 identified the viability status of the seeds. It is concluded that the differences in morphometry and germination reflect the intrinsic characteristics of each species, highlighting the importance of specific protocols for their germination. This study provides tools to optimize the conservation and regeneration of Passiflora spp. germplasm under ex situ conditions, as a genetic base to be utilized in the future. Full article

Phase molybdenum disulfide (1T-MoS₂) holds significant promise as an anode material for sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) due to its metallic conductivity and expanded interlayer distance. However, the practical application of 1T-MoS₂ is hindered by its inherent thermodynamic metastability, which poses substantial challenges for the synthesis of high-purity, long-term stable 1T phase MoS₂. Herein, a synergetic ethanol molecule intercalation and electron injection engineering is adopted to induce the formation and stabilization of 1T-MoS₂ (E-1T MoS₂). The obtained E-1T MoS₂ consists of regularly arranged sphere-like ultrasmall few-layered 1T-MoS₂ nanosheets with expanded interlayer spacing. The high intrinsic conductivity and enlarged interlayer spacing are greatly favorable for rapid Na⁺ or e⁻ transport. The elaborated nanosheets structure can effectively relieve volume variation during Na⁺ intercalating/deintercalating processes, shorten transport path of Na⁺, and enhance diffusion kinetics. Furthermore, a novel sodium reaction mechanism involving the formation of MoS₂ nanoclusters during cycling is revealed to produce the higher surface pseudocapacitive contribution to Na⁺ storage capacity, accelerating Na⁺ reaction kinetics, as confirmed by the kinetics analysis and ex-situ structural characterizations. Consequently, the E-1T MoS₂ electrode exhibits an excellent sodium storage performance. This work provides an important reference for synthesis and reaction mechanism analysis of metastable metal sulfides for advanced SIBs. Full article

Calocybe gambosa (Fr.) Donk is an edible mushroom, highly appreciated especially in Italy. It forms fairy rings (FRs) characterized by a zone of dead vegetation corresponding to the underground-extending mycelial front, followed by a “greener belt” where vegetation is thriving. To better understand this particular phenomenon, the effect of C. gambosa mycelium on plants were studied both in situ, across different zones of FRs (external area—EX, fungal front—FF, greener belt—GB, internal area—IN) of three fairy rings, and ex situ on Poa trivialis L. Plant community analysis revealed significant changes in plant species composition across the zones, characterized by a decline in diversity and a vegetation shift, from dicotyledons to monocotyledons, progressing from the EX toward the IN, where vegetation gradually begins to reestablish its original composition. Molecular and morphological analyses showed the endophytic colonization of C. gambosa mycelium within the herbaceous plants growing at the FF. Ex situ studies indicated pathogenic behavior of C. gambosa. After root colonization, it caused growth reduction in P. trivialis plants (79% reduction in root length, 76% reduction in leaf length), leaf yellowing, decreased photosynthetic pigments, and root necrosis. The cellulase (endo-1,4-β-glucanase), xylanase, polygalacturonase, and polymethylgalacturonase enzymatic activities of C. gambosa support its pathogenic effects. Conversely, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) produced by C. gambosa mycelium stimulated shoot development in P. trivialis (17% increase in shoot length), which accounts for the formation of the flourishing vegetation zone behind the FF. In contrast, soluble substances produced by C. gambosa mycelium did not affect the growth of P. trivialis. Our results suggest that C. gambosa plays a dual ecological role in regulating plant community dynamics within FRs: it acts as a pathogen by colonizing herbaceous plant roots and, at the same time, promotes vegetation growth through VOC production. Full article

Exopolysaccharides (EPSs) produced by lactic acid bacteria (LAB) have received special attention as valuable products due to their potential applications as techno-functional and bioactive ingredients in foods. EPS production and consumption are an age-old practice in humans, as evidenced by fermented foods. Over the last two decades, extensive research has examined, analyzed, and reported a wide variety of EPSs from several LAB strains, as well as their techno-functional properties in foods. Also, research efforts focused on EPS characterization and yield production have been carried out. In food applications, EPS quantification and characterization in situ (direct fermentation) took place in various matrices (dairy, bread, plant-based fermented, and meat products). EPS direct application (ex situ) has been less investigated despite its better structural–functional control and use in non-fermented foods. Fewer EPS investigations have been conducted related to health benefits in humans and their mechanisms of action. The composition and functionality of EPSs vary depending on the LAB strain and food matrix used to produce them; thus, various challenges should be addressed before industrial applications are performed. This review aims to compile and summarize the recent findings on EPSs produced by LAB, highlighting their yield, culture production, techno-functional role in foods, food applications, and health benefits in clinical trials. It examines their dual applications, whether as purified functional ingredients (ex situ) or as fermentation products (in situ), and critically assesses both technological and bioactive implications. Also, it explores production challenges, regulatory considerations, and future perspectives for sustainable and tailored applications of EPSs in food innovation. Full article

Aluminum nitride (AlN), a III-V wide-bandgap semiconductor, has attracted significant attention for high-temperature and high-power applications. However, achieving p-type doping in AlN remains challenging. In this study, p-type AlN thin films were fabricated via magnetron sputtering using Mg-Al alloy targets with varying Mg concentrations (0.01 at.%, 0.02 at.%, and 0.5 at.%), followed by ex situ high-temperature annealing to facilitate Mg diffusion and electrical activation. The structural, morphological, and electrical properties of the films were systematically characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), white light interferometry (WLI), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and Hall effect measurements. The results demonstrate that at a Mg doping concentration of 0.02 at.%, the films exhibit optimal crystallinity, uniform Mg distribution, and a favorable balance between carrier concentration and mobility, resulting in effective p-type conductivity. Increasing Mg doping leads to higher surface roughness and the formation of columnar and conical grain structures. While high Mg doping (0.5 at.%) significantly increases carrier concentration and decreases resistivity, it also reduces mobility due to enhanced impurity and carrier–carrier scattering, negatively impacting hole transport. XPS and EDS analyses confirm Mg incorporation and the formation of Mg-N and Al-Mg bonds. Overall, this study indicates that controlled Mg doping combined with high-temperature annealing can achieve p-type AlN films to a certain extent, though mobility and carrier activation remain limited, providing guidance for the development of high-performance AlN-based bipolar devices. Full article

Medicinal plant species are crucial biological resources, and yet their conservation in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia remains insufficiently studied. This study conducts a comprehensive gap analysis of 74 priority medicinal plant species in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to assess their spatial distribution, identify conservation gaps and propose strategic recommendations. Occurrence records were collected from field surveys and global biodiversity databases, followed by ecogeographical land characterization and conservation gap analyses using the CAPFITOGEN3 tools. The results reveal significant disparities in in situ and ex situ conservation efforts, with two biodiversity hotspots, Asir and Jazan, containing the highest species diversity. While 66 species occur within protected areas, seven species are currently only recorded outside protected areas, indicating opportunities for expanding conservation efforts. Complementarity analysis identified 13 optimal protected areas for priority medicinal plants’ conservation, alongside 20 potential sites outside protected areas that could serve as other effective area-based conservation measures. Ex situ conservation remains critically limited for many species, with only 10 represented in genebanks and all accessions currently stored internationally, although some medicinal plant species may have broader global distributions. To bring about improved outcomes of conservation, the expansion of in situ conservation coverage, integration of other effective area-based conservation measures, strengthening of national genebanks and leverage of biotechnology and geospatial tools is recommended by this study. The findings of this study can be used to develop a more systematic and sustainable approach to the conservation of medicinal plants in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Full article

The endangered Bengal slow loris (Nycticebus bengalensis) relies heavily on captive/rescue populations for conservation. This study investigated the critical link between Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) class II DRB1 exon 2 (DRB1e2) genetic variation and gut microbiota in 46 captive individuals, aiming to improve ex situ management. Using standardized conditions across three enclosure types, we characterized DRB1e2 polymorphism via targeted sequencing and analyzed fecal microbiota using 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing. Results demonstrated that high DRB1e2 polymorphism significantly reduced microbial community evenness. Specific genotypes showed distinct microbial associations: G9 strongly correlated with beneficial short-chain fatty acid producers like Fructobacillus, and G2 positively correlated with Bifidobacterium spp., while G2, G3, and G4 correlated negatively with Buchnera (a nutrient-provisioning symbiont). Genotypes and polymorphism collectively explained 9.77% of microbiota variation, exceeding the weaker (5.15%), though significant, influence of enclosure type on β-diversity. These findings reveal that host DRB1e2 variation is a primary driver shaping gut microbiota structure and taxon abundance in captive slow lorises, providing evidence for MHC-mediated host–microbe co-adaptation. This offers a genetically informed framework for optimizing conservation strategies, such as tailoring diets or probiotics to specific genotypes, to enhance gut health and population viability. Full article

Ex situ conservation is a vital strategy of preserving plant species at risk, offering practical methods to obtain information regarding species-specific germination characteristics. Campanula pangea, a local endemic species of NE Greece, has been previously classified as vulnerable, partly due to the lack of knowledge about its biology. This study focused on the germination behaviour of C. pangea stored seeds by assessing their germination success under the effects of incubation temperature and gibberellic acid (GA₃). To contextualize the experimental conditions, a bioclimatic profile of the species was developed using open-access temperature and precipitation data that characterize its natural habitat. The results showed that the optimal germination temperature range for C. pangea is 15–20 °C. Pre-treatment of seeds with GA₃ solution (1000 mg L⁻¹) widened the germination range of the seeds only at the low temperature of 10 °C. The experimentation results showed that the seeds of C. pangea exhibit dormancy. These findings contribute to the development of a species-specific germination protocol for ex situ propagation and conservation, enhance understanding of the species’ germination requirements, and thus support future conservation efforts and assessments of extinction risk, or other ornamental applications and/or targeted medicinal research. Full article

Sugary phloem exudates are produced by many plant species and play key roles in carbon storage, defense, and ecological interactions. Among eucalypts, one such exudate, manna, is an important carbohydrate source for birds, mammals, and insects. Despite its ecological relevance, little is known about the composition and intra-specific variability of manna. Here, we investigated patterns of manna production in Eucalyptus viminalis, a widespread foundation tree species in southeastern Australia. We developed a repeatable ex situ method to extract and analyze manna, allowing us to characterize its sugar composition and examine variation within and between trees. Across years, manna contained six sugars, with sucrose and raffinose dominant. We found substantial variation in both the quality (sucrose/raffinose ratio) and quantity (mg) of manna produced. Both declined with increasing tree size (DBH), while quality increased with branch circumference. Seasonal and annual variation in manna was also evident, with quality increasing under drier conditions (positive correlation with aridity). Our findings demonstrate substantial intra-specific variation in phloem exudates (manna), shaped by temporal and tree-level factors. These patterns offer a foundation for future research into the ecological and physiological drivers of exudate variation and resource availability in foundation species like E. viminalis. Full article

The solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) on the anode of lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) has been studied thoroughly due to its crucial importance to the battery’s long-term performance. At the same time, most studies of the SEI apply ex situ characterization methods, which may introduce artifacts or misinterpretations as they do not investigate the SEI in its unaltered state immersed in liquid battery electrolyte. Thus, in this work, we focus on using the non-destructive combination of electrochemical quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation monitoring (EQCM-D) and impedance spectroscopy (EIS) in the same electrochemical cell. EQCM-D can not only probe the solidified products of the SEI but also allows for the monitoring of viscoelastic layers and viscosity changes of the electrolyte at the interphase during the SEI formation. EIS complements those results by providing electrochemical properties of the formed interphase. Our results highlight substantial differences in the physical and electrochemical properties between the SEI formed on copper and on amorphous carbon and show how formation parameters and the additive vinylene carbonate (VC) influence their growth. The EQCM-D results show consistently that much thicker SEIs are formed on carbon substrates in comparison to copper substrates. Full article

Superparamagnetic magnetite nanoparticles (Fe₃O₄) have garnered considerable interest due to their unique magnetic properties and potential for integration into multifunctional biomaterials. In particular, their incorporation into bacterial cellulose (BC) matrices offers a promising route for developing sustainable and high-performance magnetic composites. Numerous studies have explored BC-magnetite systems; however, innovations combining ex situ coprecipitation synthesis within BC matrices, tailored reagent molar ratios, stirring protocols, and purification processes remain limited. This study aimed to optimize the ex situ coprecipitation method for synthesizing superparamagnetic magnetite nanoparticles embedded in BC membranes, focusing on enhancing particle stability and crystallinity. BC membranes containing varying concentrations of magnetite (40%, 50%, 60%, and 70%) were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and vibrating sample magnetometry (VSM). The resulting magnetic BC membranes demonstrated homogenous dispersion of nanoparticles, improved crystallite size (6.96 nm), and enhanced magnetic saturation (Ms) (50.4 emu/g), compared to previously reported methods. The adoption and synergistic optimization of synthesis parameters—unique to this study—conferred greater control over the physicochemical and magnetic properties of the composites. These findings position the optimized BC-magnetite nanocomposites as highly promising candidates for advanced applications, including electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding, electronic devices, gas sensors, MRI contrast agents, and targeted drug delivery systems. Full article

Layered transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) have gained considerable attention as promising cathodes for aqueous zinc-ion batteries (AZIBs) because of their tunable interlayer architecture and rich active sites for Zn²⁺ storage. However, unmodified TMDs face significant challenges, including limited redox activity, sluggish kinetics, and insufficient structural stability during cycling. These limitations are primarily attributed to their narrow interlayer spacing, strong electrostatic interactions, the large ionic hydration radius, and their high binding energy of Zn²⁺ ions. To address these restrictions, an in situ organic polyaniline (PANI) intercalation strategy is proposed to construct molybdenum disulfide (MoS₂)-based cathodes with extended layer spacing, thereby improving the zinc storage capabilities. The intercalation of PANI effectively enhances interplanar spacing of MoS₂ from 0.63 nm to 0.98 nm, significantly facilitating rapid Zn²⁺ diffusion. Additionally, the π-conjugated electron structure introduced by PANI effectively shields the electrostatic interaction between Zn²⁺ ions and the MoS₂ host, thereby promoting Zn²⁺ diffusion kinetics. Furthermore, PANI also serves as a structural stabilizer, maintaining the integrity of the MoS₂ layers during Zn-ion insertion/extraction processes. Furthermore, the conductive conjugated PANI boosts the ionic and electronic conductivity of the electrodes. As expected, the PANI–MoS₂ electrodes exhibit exceptional electrochemical performance, delivering a high specific capacity of 150.1 mA h g⁻¹ at 0.1 A g⁻¹ and retaining 113.3 mA h g⁻¹ at 1 A g⁻¹, with high capacity retention of 81.2% after 500 cycles. Ex situ characterization techniques confirm the efficient and reversible intercalation/deintercalation of Zn²⁺ ions within the PANI–MoS₂ layers. This work supplies a rational interlayer engineering strategy to optimize the electrochemical performance of MoS₂-based electrodes. By addressing the structural and kinetic limitations of TMDs, this approach offers new insights into the development of high-performance AZIBs for energy storage applications. Full article

Background/Objectives: Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is the most common oral cancer, progressing from hyperplasia to dysplasia, carcinoma in situ (CIS), and finally invasive squamous cell carcinoma (ISCC). Developing an animal model that mimics both early and advanced OSCC stages has been challenging. The 4-Nitroquinoline 1-oxide (4NQO) model is considered one of the most suitable, as it represents all stages of OSCC. Nevertheless, thoroughly understanding the properties of the 4NQO model is essential for preclinical testing of novel therapeutics. Methods: We aimed to characterize the 4NQO rat model using two application methods—drinking water and topical application—over eight months. Monthly sacrifices allowed histopathological analysis and ex vivo magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to track tumor progression. Results: CIS was observed at three months in the drinking water group, evolving into ISCC by six months, while topical application induced CIS at eight months without ISCC formation. The tongue was divided into three regions and histological properties, lesion size, and invasion depth were analyzed. In the drinking water group, particularly in the body of the tongue, we saw earlier CIS development, larger lesions, and deeper invasion. Additionally, assessment of proliferative properties showed an increased cell division in dysplastic lesions that reduced upon invasion. MRI was able to show macroscopic tumoral lesions, in concordance with histology. Conclusions: Overall, the drinking water method closely mimics human OSCC, validating the 4NQO model for translational OSCC research. Full article

Dikili Tash is a Neolithic settlement that lies next to the ruins of the ancient city of Philippi on the north-eastern part of Greece. A recent archaeological excavation has unearthed charred grapevine pips and pressings together with two-handed clay cups, jugs, and jars that date to 4300 BC. The majority of the pips were found to be Vitis vinifera ssp. sylvestris. Natural populations of this species have been localized in the valley surrounding Dikili Tash and also on Mt Pangaion and Mt Lekani, which flank the valley. Fifty-one samples from these modern populations have been analyzed using microsatellites on twenty microsatellite loci, and a dendrogram has been constructed showing the genetic closeness of the samples analyzed. Cuttings from all the vines analyzed are currently rooted and grown in the Hellenic Agricultural Organization—DIMITRA (ELGO-DIMITRA) greenhouse facilities in Lykovryssi (Athens) with the aim to, eventually, be transplanted in the grapevine, thus establishing the first V. sylvestris ex situ conservation site in Greece. Full article

Renewable energy-driven water electrolysis is widely regarded as a pivotal approach for achieving carbon-free hydrogen production. The development of highly efficient electrocatalysts is crucial to advancing the efficiency and scalability of electrolytic water splitting. Recent advancements in characterization techniques have revealed that catalysts often undergo surface reconstruction during the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER), leading to the formation of real active species. Understanding the surface reconstruction process through advanced characterization methods is essential for the rational design of high-performance catalysts. However, the surface reconstruction of catalysts is a highly complex phenomenon, and conventional ex situ characterization techniques often fall short of capturing the dynamic evolution of the catalyst surface. Consequently, in situ characterization methods have emerged as indispensable tools for elucidating the surface reconstruction process. This paper provides a detailed review of the process of surface reconstruction, the reasons behind it, and the in situ characterization methods, and finally discusses the challenges faced by the characterization methods for the reconstruction of water electrolysis catalysts in future development. Full article