Search Results (410)

Laminosioptes cysticola (Vizioli, 1870), a tissue-dwelling mite responsible for nodular acariasis in birds, was identified from two hens reared in a rural backyard flock in Umbria, Italy. Adult mites were found in the subcutaneous tissue and on the serosal surface of various internal organs. Larval and first- and second-stage nymphal forms were observed beneath the skin and near the trachea and esophageal serosa. By comparing the existing literature with that reported in the present study, we propose a hypothetical reconstruction of the parasite’s life cycle. It is postulated that the entry of L. cysticola occurs through the cervical skin, where adults mate and larviparous females give birth to larvae. These larvae migrate into the loose connective tissues surrounding the trachea and esophagus, where they develop into nymphs. The immature forms then progress along the esophagus and trachea to reach the thoracic and abdominal cavities, colonizing the serosal surfaces of visceral organs. It remains unclear whether, or how, the mites return to the subcutaneous tissues to complete their maturation. Senescent specimens degenerate within the subcutis, where they are encased by a granulomatous inflammatory reaction that leads to the formation of characteristic calcified nodules. Full article

Objectives: This study aimed to endoscopically assess nasal patency in terms of adenoid obstruction and its mucous coverage, as well as nasal obstruction caused by the inferior nasal turbinate in children with vocal fold nodules. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted involving 54 children admitted to an ENT clinic due to hoarseness caused by vocal fold nodules from 2022 to 2024. The study analyzed medical history, the results of performed flexible nasofiberoscopy and tympanometry. Results: Children with vocal fold nodules snored and slept with open mouths less frequently than the control group of other patients admitted to the ENT outpatient clinic without voice disorders (p = 0.003 and 0.004, respectively). Pathological mucous coverage of the adenoid was observed more often (p = 0.02). The mean adenoid size in the A/C ratio was 52.1% compared to 63.4% in the control group (p = 0.01). Conclusions: Children with vocal fold nodules typically have smaller adenoids, fewer incidents of snoring and open-mouth breathing, but more frequent pathological nasal mucus. It was not possible to prove that the incorrect breathing path through the mouth, causing reduced humidity of the inhaled air, affects the formation of vocal fold nodules. Full article

Cereal/legume intercropping enhances legume nodulation and improves nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) in cereal crops. This facilitation of symbiotic nitrogen fixation (SNF) in intercropped legumes involves a complex eco-physiological mechanism driven by multiple factors. Among them, interspecific root interactions (IRIs) are a key factor influencing SNF in intercropped legumes. Currently, it remains unclear whether and how IRIs modulate SNF to affect NUE and yield formation in legume species. In this study, maize/pea intercropping with different types of root separation [no barrier (NB) and plastic barrier (PB)] and pea monocropping (IP) were simulated in a nitrogen (N)-free nutrient matrix in pots, and the SNF, N metabolism, and N partitioning were investigated. We demonstrated that IRIs optimize SNF performance. N assimilation is positively regulated following increases in enzyme activity and gene expression in intercropped roots and nodules. Furthermore, IRIs facilitate amino acid (AA) export from nodules to roots and shoots, which is followed by an increase in AA levels in leaves (source) and leaf exudates (sink). Overall, intensive SNF drives N metabolism and alters source-to-sink N partitioning, thereby increasing NUE (by 23%) and yield (by 15%) in intercropped pea. This study reveals the positive roles of IRIs to the NUE and yield and provides useful reference material for increasing N contents derived from SNF to maximize NUE and crop yields in intercropped legumes. Full article

Symbiotic interactions between legumes and a group of soil bacteria, known as rhizobia, lead to the formation of a specialized organs called root nodules. Inside them, atmospheric nitrogen (N₂) is fixed by bacteria and reduced to forms available to plants, catalyzed by the nitrogenase enzyme complex. The development of a symbiotic relationship between legumes and nodule bacteria is a multi-stage, precisely regulated process, characterized by a high specificity of partner selection. Nodulation involves the enhanced expression of certain plant genes, referred to as early- and late-nodulin genes. Many nodulin genes encode hydroxyproline-rich glycoproteins (HRGPs) and proline-rich proteins (PRPs) which are involved in various processes, including infection thread formation, cell signaling, and defense responses, thereby affecting nodule formation and function. Cyclophilins (CyPs) belong to a family of proteins with peptidyl-prolyl cis–trans isomerase activity. Proteins with cyclophilin domain can be found in the cytoplasm, endoplasmic reticulum, nucleus, chloroplast, and mitochondrion. They are involved in various processes, such as protein folding, cellular signaling, mRNA maturation, and response to biotic and abiotic stress. In this review, we aim to summarize the molecular processes involved in the development of symbiosis and highlight the potential role of cyclophilins (peptidyl-prolyl cis-trans isomerases) in this process. Full article

In recent years, one of the most important issues in public health is the rapid growth of antibiotic resistance among pathogens. Multidrug-resistant (MDR) strains (mainly Enterobacteriaceae and non-fermenting bacilli) cause severe infections, against which commonly used pharmaceuticals are ineffective. Therefore, there is an urgent need for new treatment options and drugs with innovative mechanisms of action. Natural compounds, especially alkaloids, are showing promising potential in this area. This review focuses on the ability of the isoquinoline alkaloid berberine (BRB) to overcome various resistance mechanisms against conventional antimicrobial agents. BRB has demonstrated significant activity in inhibiting efflux pumps of the RND (Resistance-Nodulation-Cell Division) family, such as MexAB-OprM (P. aeruginosa) and AdeABC (A. baumannii). Moreover, BRB was able to decrease quorum sensing activity in both Gram-positive and Gram-negative pathogens, resulting in reduced biofilm formation and lower bacterial virulence. Additionally, BRB has been identified as a potential inhibitor of FtsZ, a key protein responsible for bacterial cell division. Particularly noteworthy, though requiring further investigation, are reports suggesting that BRB might inhibit β-lactamase enzymes, including NDM, AmpC, and ESβL types. The pleiotropic antibacterial actions of BRB, distinct from the mechanisms of traditional antibiotics, offer hope for breaking bacterial resistance. However, more extensive studies, especially in vivo, are necessary to fully evaluate the clinical potential of BRB and determine its practical applicability in combating antibiotic-resistant infections. Full article

Background: The dentin–pulp complex plays a vital role in tooth health. Dentin forms the main body the tooth and continues to form throughout life to maintain homeostasis and provide protection against deleterious external stimuli. However, the detailed mechanism of dentin formation remains poorly understood, and there is a need for new regenerative therapies. This study therefore investigated whether primary dental pulp cells from mice could be used to establish a new culture system. Methods: Mouse mandibles were divided along the ramus to extract dental pulp tissue containing cervical loops. The extracted tissue was cultured in an incubator to promote cell out-growth and increase the number of cells available for experimentation. Results: Cultured cells formed mineralized nodules, confirmed by Alizarin red S staining. The expression levels of dentin sialo protein, bone gamma-carboxyglutamate protein, and type I collagen mRNAs in cultured dental pulp cells on day 15 were lower than those in intact mouse dental pulp tissue, and the expression of all mRNAs was confirmed through electrophoresis. Conclusions: This study established a primary culture system using dental pulp tissue extracted from mouse mandibular incisors. The results demonstrated that dental pulp cells can differentiate into odontoblast-like cells and form dentin-like mineralized nodules, thereby offering a useful system for studying dentin formation and odontoblast differentiation. Full article

The occurrence of gypsum in clastic rocks of continental saline lake basins reflects complex depositional and diagenetic processes. However, its genesis remains relatively understudied. Based on core descriptions and thin-section analyses, this study investigates the occurrence types and genetic mechanisms of gypsum in the Bottom Sandstone Member of the northern Tabei Uplift. Five types of gypsum occurrences are identified: layered gypsum, gypsum clasts, spotted gypsum, gypsum nodules, and a mixed deposition of clastic rocks and gypsum. The mixed deposition of clastic rocks and gypsum includes gypsiferous mudstone, muddy gypsum, gypsiferous mudstone containing muddy clasts, and sandy gypsum. Layered gypsum, spotted gypsum, gypsiferous mudstone, and muddy gypsum mainly result from in situ chemical precipitation during periods of high evaporation and reduced runoff. In contrast, gypsum clasts, gypsiferous mudstone containing muddy clasts, and sandy gypsum reflect processes of transportation and reworking induced by flood events. Seasonal variations in hydrodynamic conditions play a critical role in the formation and distribution of gypsum. During dry periods, surface runoff weakens or ceases, and the salinity of lake water or pore water in clastic deposits increases due to intense evaporation, promoting gypsum precipitation. During flood periods, increased runoff can erode previously formed gypsum, which is subsequently transported and deposited as gypsum clasts. The morphology of gypsum varies with its transport distance. These findings enhance our understanding of clastic–evaporite mixed systems in arid continental lacustrine settings and provide insights into sedimentary processes influenced by seasonal climatic fluctuations. Full article

Soybeans have been cultivated in Poland for more than 140 years. However, Poland’s cold and water-deficient climatic conditions hinder soybean cultivation. Although the availability of suitable soybean varieties in Poland contributes to meeting the demand for soybean production, it is important to identify rhizobial inoculants in Polish soils suitable for soybean cultivation. In this study, we cultivated soybean varieties (Abelina, Merlin, and Sultana) grown in soils taken from four regions in Poland and isolated 330 strains from soybean root nodules. 16S rRNA gene sequencing identified 49 strains of highly stress-tolerant nodule-associated bacteria, including Bradyrhizobium, Rhizobium, Ensifer, Tardiphaga, and Ralstonia spp. Several isolates exhibited positive effects on soybean growth under cold and water-deficient conditions. In particular, the isolate Bradyrhizobium japonicum PSN49, which is phylogenetically similar to B. japonicum USDA 123, increased plant biomass and nodule formation in the soybean cultivar Abelina under abiotic stress conditions due to its high nitrogen-fixing activity. Whole-genome comparisons between PSN49 and other Bradyrhizobium strains revealed that trehalose biosynthesis genes and cold shock proteins contributed to cold stress tolerance. These findings and the strains identified in this study will enhance soybean production and deepen the understanding of the soybean–rhizobium relationship in Poland. Full article

Zoharite (IMA 2017-049), (Ba,K)₆ (Fe,Cu,Ni)₂₅S₂₇, and gmalimite (IMA 2019-007), ideally K₆□Fe²⁺₂₄S₂₇, are two new sulfides of the djerfisherite group. They were discovered in an unusual gehlenite–wollastonite paralava with pyrrhotite nodules located in the Hatrurim pyrometamorphic complex, Negev Desert, Israel. Zoharite and gmalimite build grained aggregates confined to the peripheric parts of pyrrhotite nodules, where they associate with pentlandite, chalcopyrite, chalcocite, digenite, covellite, millerite, heazlewoodite, pyrite and rudashevskyite. The occurrence and associated minerals indicate that zoharite and gmalimite were formed at temperatures below 800 °C, when sulfides formed on external zones of the nodules have been reacting with residual silicate melt (paralava) locally enriched in Ba and K. Macroscopically, both minerals are bronze in color and have a dark-gray streak and metallic luster. They are brittle and have a conchoidal fracture. In reflected light, both minerals are optically isotropic and exhibit gray color with an olive tinge. The reflectance values for zoharite and gmalimite, respectively, at the standard COM wavelengths are: 22.2% and 21.5% at 470 nm, 25.1% and 24.6% at 546 nm, 26.3% and 25.9% at 589 nm, as well as 27.7% and 26.3% at 650 nm. The average hardness for zoharite and for gmalimite is approximately 3.5 of the Mohs hardness. Both minerals are isostructural with owensite, (Ba,Pb)₆(Cu,Fe,Ni)₂₅S₂₇. They crystallize in cubic space group Pm$\overline{3}$m with the unit-cell parameters a = 10.3137(1) Å for zoharite and a = 10.3486(1) Å for gmalimite. The calculated densities are 4.49 g·cm⁻³ for the zoharite and 3.79 g·cm⁻³ for the gmalimite. The primary structural units of these minerals are M₈S₁₄ clusters, composed of MS₄ tetrahedra surrounding a central MS₆ octahedron. The M site is occupied by transition metals such as Fe, Cu, and Ni. These clusters are further connected via the edges of the MS₄ tetrahedra, forming a close-packed cubic framework. The channels within this framework are filled by anion-centered polyhedra: SBa₉ in zoharite and SK₉ in gmalimite, respectively. In the M₈S₁₄ clusters, the M atoms are positioned so closely that their d orbitals can overlap, allowing the formation of metal–metal bonds. As a result, the transition metals in these clusters often adopt electron configurations that reflect additional electron density from their local bonding environment, similar to what is observed in pentlandite. Due to the presence of shared electrons in these metal–metal bonds, assigning fixed oxidation states—such as Fe²⁺/Fe³⁺ or Cu⁺/Cu²⁺—becomes challenging. Moreover, modeling the distribution of mixed-valence cations (Fe²⁺/³⁺, Cu⁺/²⁺, and Ni²⁺) across the two distinct M sites—one located in the MS₆ octahedron and the other in the MS₄ tetrahedra—often results in ambiguous outcomes. Consequently, it is difficult to define an idealized end-member formula for these minerals. Full article

Peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) is one of the most important oilseeds crops worldwide. Through symbiosis with the bacterium Bradyrhizobium sp., peanuts can assimilate atmospheric nitrogen, reducing the need for chemical fertilizers. However, this nitrogen fixation process is highly sensitive to environmental factors that can inhibit the early stages of symbiotic interaction. In this study, we propose the encapsulation of Bradyrhizobium sp. SEMIA6144 and the flavonoid naringin (Nar) in alginate beads to improve flavonoid stability and promote nodulation kinetics in peanuts. Three types of beads were synthesized: A (control, SEMIA6144 only); B (SEMIA6144 induced with 10 µM Nar); and C (SEMIA6144 co-entrapped with 1 mM Nar). Although Nar increased cell mortality (2-fold compared to control) and reduced metabolic activity—particularly at 1 mM—cells in beads B and C responded by altering their membrane fatty acid profile (30% and 55.5% of 18:1, respectively) leading to a reduction in saturated fatty acids (5.8% and 13.1% for 16:0 and 18:0 in B; 11.8% and 21.2% in C). Bacterial release kinetics followed a primarily Fickian diffusion model, with minor matrix–bacteria interactions in Nar-treated beads. Notably, bacterial release in peanut root exudates was 6%, 10%, and 11% higher for beads A, B, and C, respectively, compared to release in physiological solutions. Nar-beads enhanced the formation of curved root hairs, promoted bacterial colonization in root hair zones, and stimulated the appearance of rosette-like structures associated with nodule initiation. In conclusion, encapsulating Bradyrhizobium sp. SEMIA6144 with Nar in beads represents a promising strategy to improve symbiotic nitrogen fixation in peanuts. Full article

Tumor cavitation is distinguished by the emergence of central necrosis and cavity formation within the tumor mass, which indicates a notable outcome of anti-angiogenic therapies. This case describes a 52-year-old Chinese female with advanced EGFR-mutated lung adenocarcinoma (Exon 19 deletion), which was metastatic to bilateral lungs, brain, and right adrenal gland, who exhibited a radiographic response to combination therapy with the third-generation EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) aumolertinib and the anti-angiogenic agent anlotinib. The patient achieved near-complete cavitation of almost all bilateral lung nodules, manifesting as distinctive “bullet hole” lesions on the chest CT. Despite this initial response, disease progression occurred two months later with new liver metastases, culminating in the patient’s death. This case underscores the potential efficacy of EGFR TKIs and anti-angiogenic agents in inducing unique tumor microenvironment modifications, while highlighting the transient nature of such responses and the critical need to address resistance mechanisms. Tumor cavitation may serve as a radiographic marker of anti-angiogenic activity but does not preclude metastatic spread, necessitating vigilant monitoring even in the setting of favorable imaging changes. Full article

Background and Objectives: Demineralized bone matrix (DBM) is a widely used bone graft substitute due to its osteoconductive and osteoinductive properties. However, its efficacy varies due to differences in donor, processing, and storage conditions. Synthetic alternatives, such as iFactor^®, combine non-organic bone mineral and a small peptide (P-15) to enhance the cellular attachment and osteogenesis. To compare the osteogenic potential and bone matrix maturity of iFactor^® and a commercial DBM scaffold through calcium nodule formation and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis. Materials and Methods: Human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) were cultured and exposed to iFactor^® or DBM in paracrine culture conditions for 21 days. Calcium nodule formation was assessed using alizarin red staining and quantified spectrophotometrically. The FTIR analysis of hMSCs exposed to the scaffolds for three months evaluated the biomolecular composition and bone matrix maturity. Results: Calcium nodules formed in both groups but in smaller quantities than in the positive control (p < 0.05). The biomolecular components of the DBM were similar to healthy bone (p > 0.05) than those of the iFactor^® group (p < 0.005). A different rate of bone regeneration was observed through the formation of a greater number of calcium nodule aggregates identified in the extracellular matrix of mesenchymal stem cell cultures exposed to iFactor^® compared to those cultures enriched with DBM. Conclusions: Both experimental matrices demonstrated similar osteogenic potential at the 3-month follow-up. Although DBM has a closer biomolecular composition and carbonate substitution compared to healthy bone, iFactor^® showed faster matrix maturity expressed through the formation of a greater number of calcium nodule aggregates and higher hMSCs proliferation. Full article

The root conformation of soybean is critical to achieve physiological activities such as nodulation and nitrogen fixation; however, the molecular determinants behind genotypic differences in its early development remain poorly described. In this study, we compared the characteristics of the soybean varieties HN75 and HN76 and examined developmental disparities in their root architectural characteristics and the transcriptomic profiles of radicles between them. The plant height and 100-grain weight of HN75, which had a longer growth cycle of 170 days, were slightly higher than those of HN76, which had a shorter growth cycle of 120 days. However, the numbers of pods and grains per plant were slightly lower. In terms of quality traits, HN75 had a higher oil content (23.40% versus 21.50%), whereas HN76 had a higher protein content (41.39% versus 35.71%). HN75 exhibited markedly superior root elongation (13.27 cm versus 10.15 cm), enhanced lateral root proliferation, and significantly greater nodule formation (19.53 versus 8.60 nodules per plant) relative to HN76 at 30 days post-germination, notwithstanding comparable nodule biomass. Chronobiological analysis (0–96 h post-germination) identified a pivotal developmental window of 48–72 h post-germination. Transcriptomic profiling of radicle tissues revealed 4792 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in HN75 compared to 896 in HN76 during this critical interval, indicating substantially heightened transcriptional activity in HN75. Functional annotation enrichment demonstrated that HN75 DEGs were significantly enriched in phytohormone signalling cascades and isoprenoid biosynthetic pathways, whereas HN76 DEGs were predominantly associated with protein processing within the endoplasmic reticulum. We screened for eight genes (Glyma 10G071400, Glyma 13G057500, Glyma 08G016900, Glyma 09G028000, Glyma 18G265800, Glyma 03G032800, Glyma 02G064100, and Glyma 01G238600) that may play a role in the critical period of radicle development by performing network analyses and verified their dramatic changes in expression during this period by qRT-PCR. These results elucidate varietal-specific physiological and molecular mechanisms governing early radicle development in soybeans. These findings unravel mechanisms governing leguminous radicle development while establishing molecular blueprints for engineering cultivation protocols that would enhance soybean sustainability in edaphically constrained environments. Full article

Background/Objectives: Periodontitis and diabetes mellitus share a well-established bidirectional relationship, where hyperglycemia exacerbates periodontal inflammation, and periodontal disease further impairs glycemic control. Within the diabetic periodontal microenvironment, an imbalance between pro-inflammatory (M1) and anti-inflammatory (M2) macrophages promotes chronic inflammation, oxidative stress, delayed healing, and alveolar bone resorption. Resveratrol (RSV), a polyphenol with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and pro-osteogenic properties, holds potential to restore macrophage balance. However, its clinical application is limited by poor bioavailability and instability. This study aimed to develop and evaluate a novel RSV delivery system to overcome these limitations and promote periodontal tissue regeneration under diabetic conditions. Methods: A drug delivery system comprising RSV-loaded solid lipid nanoparticles embedded within a cross-linked hyaluronic acid hydrogel (RSV@CLgel) was formulated. The system was tested under hyperglycemic and inflammatory conditions for its effects on macrophage polarization, cytokine expression, oxidative stress, mitochondrial function, and osteoblast differentiation. Results: RSV@CLgel effectively suppressed pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6) while upregulating anti-inflammatory markers (IL-10, TGF-β). It significantly reduced oxidative stress by decreasing ROS and lipid peroxidation levels and improved mitochondrial function and antioxidant enzyme activity. Furthermore, RSV@CLgel enhanced osteoblast differentiation, as evidenced by increased ALP activity, calcium nodule formation, and upregulation of osteogenic genes (COL-I, RUNX2, OCN, OPN). It also inhibited RANKL-induced osteoclastogenesis, contributing to alveolar bone preservation. Conclusions: The RSV@CLgel delivery system presents a promising multifunctional strategy for the management of diabetic periodontitis. By modulating immune responses, reducing oxidative stress, and promoting periodontal tissue regeneration, RSV@CLgel addresses key pathological aspects of diabetes-associated periodontal disease. Full article

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a chronic lung disease characterized by the fibrotic thickening of the alveolar walls, resulting in compromised gas exchange, restricted ventilation, and respiratory failure. It has been indicated that elastase inhibitors reduced the severity of IPF by neutralizing excessive elastase levels in the lungs. ShSPI is an elastase inhibitor derived from centipede toxin. The present study evaluates the therapeutic effects of ShSPI in a bleomycin-induced idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis model. According to the results, ShSPI markedly reduced the weight loss, showing the improvement of health status in bleomycin-induced mice. Its robust antifibrotic effects were evidenced by the mitigation of alveolar structural damage, reduction in inflammatory cell infiltration, inhibition of collagen deposition, and suppression of fibrotic nodule formation. ShSPI effectively attenuated inflammatory responses by downregulating pro-inflammatory factors (IL-6, IL-1β, and MCP-1) and upregulating the anti-inflammatory factor interleukin-10 (IL-10). After delivered via inhalation, ShSPI exhibited favorable pharmacokinetic properties. It could be detected at 8 h at doses of 1 mg/kg and achieved maximum plasma concentrations (Cmax) of 188.00 ± 64.40 ng/mL in vivo. At high doses (160 mg/kg), ShSPI maintained a strong safety profile, with no detectable toxicity observed. This feature shows the therapeutic potential of ShSPI in the treatment of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and provides valuable evidence for its development as a novel peptide-based therapy. Full article