Search Results (552)

Development of biodegradable polymer composites provides a sustainable alternative to conventional plastics. This study systematically investigates the effect of Eucomis autumnalis (EA) cellulose on the morphological, structural, and thermal behavior of polybutylene succinate (PBS) and polycaprolactone (PCL) blends. EA cellulose was extracted via delignification and hemicellulose removal, yielding 38% cellulose from the leaf biomass. A series of PBS/PCL/EA cellulose composites were prepared using a solution-casting method. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) confirmed retention of characteristic functional groups, with spectra dominated by PCL features, indicating the absence of new chemical bond formation between EA cellulose and the polymer matrix. X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD) revealed that EA cellulose acted as a nucleating agent, enhancing the crystallinity, especially in PCL, while slightly affecting PBS crystallization. A scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis demonstrated preferential localization of EA cellulose within the PBS phase, contributing to improved phase dispersion and interfacial interaction at the morphological level. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) showed enhanced crystallization behavior of PCL at higher EA cellulose loading (5 wt.%), with minimal influence on PBS thermal transitions. A thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) indicated that the thermal stability depends on the polymer composition and cellulose content, with higher PCL fractions contributing to an improved stability. This study provides insight into the structure–property relationships governing PBS/PCL/EA cellulose systems and highlights the potential of EA cellulose as a bio-based additive for tailoring morphological and thermal characteristics of biodegradable polymer blends. A mechanical performance evaluation is recommended for future studies to correlate structural modifications with macroscopic properties. Full article

The topic of improving the strength and performance properties of secondary polyamide materials as part of their functional modification is a very relevant area of expanding the possibilities of secondary use of plastic waste. The article aims to conduct a systematic study of the combined modification of polyamide waste agglomerate by six different types of carbon materials to improve their technological and strength properties. PA6 waste agglomerate from polyamide clothing items, tights, socks, and various carbon materials were studied: masterbatch for polyamides MW-PA CB10, brown coal humic substances, coke residue from pyrolysis, a mixture of plastic waste, and finely dispersed coal enrichment waste. A sustainable polymer composite based on a modified agglomerate of PA6 waste was obtained by extruding pre-prepared raw materials in a single-screw extruder. The structural and morphological analysis of the studied carbon materials showed that, within the framework of the combined modification of polyamide-6 waste agglomerate, they should perform different functions related to their distinct morphology and chemical composition. Thus, humic substances can act as functional modifiers and compatibilizers due to their nanodispersity and a wide range of active chemical groups. In contrast, coke residue from pyrolysis and coal enrichment waste will act as a functional filler to improve the complex strength properties of sustainable polymer composites. As part of a study on the effect of modifying polyamide-6 waste agglomerate by carbon materials on its complex technological characteristics, it was demonstrated that humic substances enhance sustainable polymer composite’s technological properties by increasing the melting temperature and melt flow index while reducing density. The increase in the functional effect of humic substances is due to the growth of a wide range of active chemical groups (hydroxyl, carboxyl, peptide). During the initial oxidation of brown coal, the coke residue from pyrolysis and coal enrichment waste served as a filler, increasing the sustainable polymer composite’s density and melt flow index. As part of the study of the effect of modification by carbon materials on the complex strength characteristics of polyamide-6 waste agglomerate, it was shown that all carbon materials studied, except for coke residue, improve the strength characteristics of polyamide-6 waste agglomerate. The optimal content of different types of humic substances is 0.5% wt., while the sustainable polymer composite’s impact strength and breaking stress during bending increase with the increase in the functionalization of humic substances during the oxidation of brown coal. It has been shown that the combination of small amounts of oxidized humic substances at the level of 0.5% by weight, as a functional additive with a masterbatch MW-PACB10 in an amount of 2–3.5%wt., provides materials with increased impact strength from 23 to ~48 kJ/m² and bending fracture stress from 115 to ~135 MPa, which allows returning secondary PA6 waste to the “traditional areas of primary PA6” in the manufacture of general technical parts and products. Full article

Background/Objectives: Blast-induced hearing loss (BIHL) is a major concern, particularly for military personnel, and is linked to impaired auditory neuron survival and synaptic plasticity. This study investigates the potential of the TrkB agonist 7,8-dihydroxyflavone (7,8-DHF) to reduce the severity of BIHL and promote recovery in a mouse model. Methods: Eight-week-old male C57BL/6J mice were used. A custom-built, compressed air-driven system utilizing a modified paintball apparatus was employed to deliver controlled unilateral double blasts (~22 psi exposure pressure) to the left ear. The blasts were administered 30 min apart. Immediately following the second blast, mice received either 7,8-DHF (10 mg/kg) or vehicle (10% DMSO) via intraperitoneal injection. Auditory brainstem responses (ABRs) were measured in both ears at baseline (pre-blast) and at several post-exposure time points. Results: The consecutive blast exposure induced a significant elevation in ABR thresholds, indicative of hearing loss, in both the ipsilateral (exposed) and contralateral (unexposed) ears of vehicle-treated mice. Notably, mice treated with 7,8-DHF demonstrated a marked improvement in hearing recovery compared to the vehicle group. Significant reductions in ABR thresholds were observed in the ipsilateral ear at 4 weeks post-blast (p < 0.0001) and in the contralateral ear as early as 1-week post-blast (p = 0.0236). However, the recovery was partial, with ABR thresholds plateauing after 4 weeks. Conclusions: A controlled blast model demonstrates that systemic administration of the TrkB agonist 7,8-DHF exerts a protective effect, partially restoring auditory function after blast injury. This supports the therapeutic potential of targeting the BDNF-TrkB signaling pathway for managing BIHL. Full article

Locus coeruleus (LC) noradrenergic neurons project their axons to the cerebellar cortex and modulate cerebellar circuit function via distinct adrenergic receptor (AR) subtypes. The present study investigated the mechanism by which optogenetic activation of LC noradrenergic neurons modulates facial stimulation-evoked long-term synaptic plasticity at cerebellar mossy fiber-granule cell (MF-GrC) synapses in urethane-anesthetized DBH-Cre mice. Blockade of GABA_A receptors, 20 Hz facial stimulation induced MF-GrC long-term potentiation (LTP) in the control group, and this LTP was impaired by optogenetic activation of LC noradrenergic neurons via α2-ARs. Meanwhile, facial stimulation induced LTP of glutamate sensor fluorescence in the granular layer, which was abolished by chemogenetic activation of LC noradrenergic neurons. Following NMDA receptor blockade, optogenetic activation of LC noradrenergic neurons triggered facial stimulation-induced MF-GrC long-term depression (LTD) via α2A-ARs. Optogenetically activated LC noradrenergic neuron-induced MF-GrC LTD was abolished by protein kinase A (PKA) inhibition but not by protein kinase C inhibition. Immunofluorescence results revealed abundant α2A-AR expression in the granular layer, with particularly high levels in glomeruli, and no colocalization with the glutamate sensor. These results indicate that optogenetic activation of LC noradrenergic neurons impairs facial stimulation-induced MF-GrC LTP by triggering presynaptic LTD via the α2A-AR/PKA signaling cascade. Full article

Long-term soil fertility is governed by the metabolic plasticity of microbial communities, particularly during the decomposition of crop residues. This study investigated the straw-associated functional microbial profile associated with straw decomposition under the influence of 62 years of continuous management with mineral fertilization and liming. Using the Biolog EcoPlateTM approach combined with a modified litter-bag protocol, we assessed shifts in metabolic activity patterns of functional guilds and groups. PERMANOVA results revealed that the interaction between liming and fertilization (p < 0.05) was the primary driver of divergence in functional communities, rather than the individual effect of factors. Long-term treatments induced a significant reconfiguration of the functional niche, shifting from the native, generalist microbiome to specialized communities in treated variants, with carbohydrate (CH) guilds as dominant and indicators of community performance. Moderate levels of liming (L1) stimulated metabolic activity and maintained higher functional diversity across amino acid (AA) and polymers (Px) guilds. Intensive liming (L2), in contrast, restricted the activity of most microbial functional groups and favored amine (AM) and carboxylic acid (CX) guilds. Shifts from a generalist microbiome in native soil to specialized communities in treated soils show the capacity of microorganisms to adapt efficiently under agronomic management. Full article

Glutamate metabotropic receptors (mGluRs) and their molecular partners at the postsynaptic density (PSD) represent a highly dynamic molecular hub that integrates multiple neurotransmitter signals and regulates synaptic plasticity and metaplasticity, which are putatively involved in the pathophysiology of psychiatric illnesses, including schizophrenia. Group I mGluRs (mGluR1 and mGluR5) interact with PSD adaptor and scaffolding proteins, such as Homer, Shank, Norbin, and PICK1, as well as intracellular downstream effectors, creating a molecular network that resembles a Lego-like structure, where modular protein interactions fine-tune glutamatergic transmission. Evidence from preclinical research indicates that dysregulation of mGluR expression and function, along with disrupted PSD protein expression, may contribute to the pathophysiology of schizophrenia by altering glutamatergic neurotransmission and synaptic stability. Antipsychotic mechanisms of action may involve, at least in part, the modulation of mGluR activity mediated through PSD proteins. Notably, novel agents that enhance spinogenesis by acting at the level of PSD proteins, such as SPG302, may open promising avenues for therapeutics aimed at restoring synaptic integrity. While Group I mGluRs dominate postsynaptic regulation, Group II (mGluR2/3) and III (mGluR4/6/7/8) receptors -primarily presynaptic- inhibit neurotransmitter release and plasticity, offering complementary therapeutic avenues. Emerging strategies, such as allosteric modulators of mGluRs, aim to rebalance synaptic signaling in treatment-resistant schizophrenia. This review synthesizes how PSD proteins and mGluRs interact in schizophrenia, exploring their potential as druggable targets for novel therapies. Full article

Biodegradable active packaging that incorporates food-grade additives offers a promising solution for extending shelf life and minimizing food waste. This study investigates the development of functional packaging films for cheese applications by blending thermoplastic starch (TPS) and poly (butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT) in a 60/40 (w/w) ratio with various concentrations of sodium lactate (SL; 1–7% w/w) using blown-film extrusion. Spectroscopic analyses, including ¹H NMR and FTIR, confirmed the presence of hydrogen-bonding and ionic interactions between the hydroxyl (–OH) groups of thermoplastic starch (TPS) and the carboxylate (–COO⁻) groups of sodium lactate, which enhanced interfacial compatibility and produced smoother, more compact film morphologies. SL acted as a multifunctional plasticizer and compatibilizer, improving film flexibility while slightly reducing tensile strength. Notably, SL incorporation increased water vapor permeability and surface wettability but significantly decreased oxygen permeability to below 1 cc·mm/m²·day·atm. At moderate concentrations (≥ 3% w/w), SL also exhibited antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus. When applied to cheese packaging, SL-modified films effectively maintained color stability for up to 9 days under refrigerated storage. Notably, cheeses packaged with films containing 3–7% (w/w) SL exhibited significantly lower hardness values than the control on day 3, indicating improved moisture retention and texture preservation, although these differences were no longer significant by day 9. These findings demonstrate that sodium lactate can simultaneously enhance interfacial miscibility, oxygen barrier performance, and antimicrobial functionality in sustainable, biodegradable active packaging systems. Full article

In this study, we develop bio-epoxy composites incorporating bio-oils obtained from the pyrolysis of almond and walnut shells at 400 °C and 600 °C, with the aim of evaluating their potential as renewable precursors for epoxy resin modification. The influence of pyrolysis temperature on bio-oil yield and chemical composition is examined to identify phenolic-rich fractions relevant to epoxy curing. Bio-oil production increased with temperature, reaching 40.46% for walnut shells and 36.84% for almond shells at 600 °C. Chemical analysis revealed that aromatic compounds, particularly phenolics, were the major constituents associated with epoxy curing reactivity. For walnut hulls, the total aromatic fraction increased from 30.4% at 400 °C to 35.2% at 600 °C, while almond hulls showed an increase from 23.8% to 26.1% over the same temperature range. Incorporation of bio-oil into the epoxy matrix promoted three-dimensional network formation through reactions between epoxy groups and the functional moieties present in the bio-oil, resulting in a higher cross-linking degree, Young’s modulus, and tensile strength. However, compared to neat epoxy, the bio-oil-modified systems exhibited reduced storage modulus (E′) and glass transition temperature (Tg), attributed to the plasticizing effect of lighter oxygenated species. Overall, although bio-oil incorporation decreases Tg and cross-linking degree, it still provides a viable pathway toward partially bio-based epoxy resins with enhanced stiffness and competitive mechanical performance. Full article

Phthalates are a class of compounds commonly used as plasticizers in various industrial and consumer products. In line with the increasing environmental and biological exposure concerns regarding these compounds, this study investigated the dose-dependent effects of diethyl phthalate (DEP) on the liver in a subacute rat model. Diethyl phthalate (DEP) was given orally by gavage to female Wistar albino rats at doses of 100, 300, and 600 mg/kg body weight per day for 21 days in order to assess liver tissue and associated function test levels. Liver function was evaluated by analyzing serum biochemical data. Liver tissues were evaluated using histopathological staining (H&E and Masson’s trichrome staining), immunohistochemical analysis of IL-1β and TGF-β, tissue ELISA for IL-6 and TNF-α, and comet assay to determine DNA damage. DEP exposure was found to cause significant, dose-dependent histopathological changes in liver tissue, including hepatocyte necrosis, cytoplasmic vacuolization, sinusoidal dilation, and vascular congestion. AST levels were significantly increased compared to the control group, while no significant changes were observed in other serum biochemical parameters. Compared to the control group, the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6 and TNF-α), IL-1β, and TGF-β was found to be elevated in the DEP-treated groups, and their levels increased with increasing exposure dose. DEP exposure also caused significant DNA damage in liver tissue. These findings indicate that despite an increase in AST levels observed in subacute DEP exposure, there were limited changes in serum biochemical parameters; serum liver enzymes alone may not fully reflect the extent of hepatic damage, and DEP can cause significant inflammatory, histopathological, and genotoxic effects in liver tissue. Full article

The rapid accumulation of plastic waste and the depletion of fossil resources have intensified global efforts to develop biodegradable polymeric materials derived from renewable feedstocks. In this context, starch-based films have emerged as one of the most promising alternatives to conventional petroleum-based plastics, owing to their wide availability, low cost, biodegradability, and ability to form continuous films using simple and scalable processing techniques. Starch is a naturally occurring polysaccharide composed primarily of amylose and amylopectin, whose molecular structure is rich in hydroxyl (–OH) groups. These functional groups promote extensive intermolecular hydrogen bonding, enabling starch gelatinization and film formation in aqueous systems. However, the same hydroxyl-rich structure confers a pronounced hydrophilic character, resulting in high moisture sensitivity, poor water vapor barrier properties, and limited dimensional stability under humid. Consequently, improving the hydrophobicity of starch-based films remains one of the most critical challenges for their practical application in food packaging. This review aims to summarize and critically discuss the main strategies reported for improving the hydrophobicity of starch-based films. The review focuses on composition and processing approaches, including (i) chemical modification of starch, (ii) incorporation of hydrophobic additives, (iii) reinforcement with natural fibers and nanocellulosic materials, (iv) polymer blending and multilayer/gradient architectures, and (v) processing strategies, including film homogenization, shear treatment and aging conditions. Emphasis is placed on the mechanisms governing hydrophobicity enhancement, comparative performance indicators, and current limitations. Full article

Non-native fish invasions are important drivers of freshwater biodiversity and ecosystem function loss. In this study, we compared the trophic niches of four non-native (Rhinogobius giurinus, Hemiculter leucisculus, Hypomesus nipponensis, and Tachysurus fulvidraco) and one native fish species (Carassius auratus) from April 2022 to December 2023 in Erhai Lake, a typical plateau lake on the Yunnan–Guizhou Plateau, China. We analyzed δ¹³C and δ¹⁵N from 766 fish samples and calculated 103 SEA_b values across species, seasons, and lake regions. Stable isotope analyses revealed pronounced trophic niche differentiation between non-native and native fishes. Non-native species exhibited wider niche width (4.81 ± 0.48), lower overlap (24.43 ± 1.57), and higher within-group dispersion (2.69 ± 0.07), indicating greater trophic plasticity. In contrast, native fishes showed narrower niches (2.72 ± 0.32), higher overlap (37.32 ± 4.21), and lower plasticity (1.68 ± 0.08). Moreover, non-native and native fishes adopted contrasting trophic strategies: individual fitness increased with niche expansion in non-native fishes, whereas it declined in native fishes. Multiple linear analyses further indicated significant competitive effects of non-native fishes on native species’ niches, suggesting that niche expansion in native fishes represents a passive response to intensified competition rather than an adaptive strategy. Overall, the high trophic plasticity of non-native fishes and their asymmetric effects on native species imply a high risk of food web reorganization in Erhai Lake. These results provide guidance for the sustainable management of Erhai Lake, balancing invasive species control with native fish conservation. Our results underscored the importance of incorporating trophic interactions into invasion management and native fish conservation. Full article

Fibromyalgia is a complex chronic disorder involving persistent widespread pain accompanied by functional limitations, cognitive impairments, and alterations in neural processing. Previous research indicates that exercise-based interventions can play a key role in alleviating symptom burden and enhancing physical performance; however, there is limited evidence regarding their impact on neurophysiological mechanisms. Creative dance, in combination with strength training, may stimulate both motor and cognitive systems, promoting brain plasticity and functional improvements. This study will analyze the effects of a six-week strength and creative dance program on physical fitness under single- and dual-task conditions in women with fibromyalgia and will explore the associated changes in brain electrical activity and autonomic modulation. Methods: This randomized controlled trial will be divided into an exercise group (n = 22) and a control group (n = 22). The 6-week supervised intervention consists of two 60-min sessions per week, combining strength exercises and creative dance. Primary outcomes include physical fitness tests (strength, mobility, balance, and agility gait test in single-task and dual-task), fibromyalgia symptoms, and quality of life. Secondary outcomes include changes in electroencephalography, heart rate variability, physical activity level, and fear of falling. Statistical analyses will compare within- and between-group differences using non-parametric tests and effect sizes. It is hypothesized that the intervention will improve physical fitness and dual-task performance, alongside increases in brain activity power. This study may provide insights into the neurophysiological mechanisms underlying the benefits of exercise benefits in fibromyalgia. Full article

Inverse pole figure mapping is a common orientation visualization method used in electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) software to display crystal orientations. Although this technique has been routinely used in commercial EBSD software, the coloring algorithm employed to map the orientation and construct the color key (standard stereographic triangle) has not been reported in the literature. This paper presents a simple algorithm to color the standard stereographic triangles of the 11 Laue groups by mapping the Maxwell color triangle to the curved standard stereographic triangles using nonlinear shape functions commonly employed in finite element methods. Detailed procedures are given to illustrate how the mapping is performed and how it is used to construct inverse pole figure maps from Euler angles. Color coding of the seven different standard stereographic triangles is demonstrated using a computer program written in C++. It is shown that the simple color-coding algorithm presented in this paper can be conveniently utilized to display orientation data in inverse pole figure maps, which is a critical part of designing customized EBSD software. It also provides a method to adjust the color center within the curved triangles to more uniformly distribute the color, which is not available in commercial EBSD software. The algorithm can also be used to design orientation representation software for other applications, e.g., crystal plasticity simulations, where representation of orientation data is also a routine task. Full article

Rising global temperatures lead to a continuous increase in the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, such as droughts and floods, posing serious threats to terrestrial homeotherms. However, adaptive changes in respiratory metabolism and molecular mechanisms in lung tissues of small mammals under extreme water shortage conditions remain unclear. This study hypothesized that small desert mammals can adapt to extreme water shortage environments by regulating the plasticity of lung tissue gene expression and respiratory metabolism. Using 29 wild-caught Siberian jerboas (Orientallactaga sibirica) as subjects, we implemented a 12-day complete water deprivation protocol to simulate extreme aridity. Body weight, food intake, and daily energy expenditure (DEE) were monitored throughout the experiment. Whole-transcriptome sequencing of lung tissues was performed to profile mRNA, circRNA, and miRNA expression, with competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network analysis to explore molecular mechanisms underlying lung adaptation to water deprivation. Over the 12-day water deprivation (WS) period, Orientallactaga sibirica (O. sibirica) exhibited a 30.3% reduction in body mass and a 68.1% decrease in food intake relative to the baseline level. DEE during the peak activity period at the end of the experiment was 12.6% lower in the WS group compared to the control group. In lung tissue, structural integrity-related genes (Mybl2, Ccnb1) were downregulated. A key finding was that circ_0015576 exhibits a significant positive correlation with the potassium channel gene Kcnk15 and a robust negative correlation with miR-503-5p—suggesting that circ_0015576 functions as a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) to sequester miR-503-5p and thereby derepress Kcnk15 expression. Core regulatory genes (ApoA4, Dusp15 etc.) were also coordinately downregulated. Collectively, these results indicate that O. sibirica reduces overall energy expenditure, which may be associated with lung gene expression plasticity, such as those related with lung cell proliferation, pulmonary function, and gas exchange efficiency. This metabolic downregulation facilitates energy conservation under severe water scarcity. Full article

Background/Objectives: Serratia liquefaciens is a bacterium commonly found in the rhizosphere and may possess PGPR capabilities. The present study aimed to elucidate the genomic, phylogenomic, and metabolic characteristics of S. liquefaciens strain UNJFSC002 to determine whether it is an effective PGPR. Methods: The genome of strain UNJFSC002 was obtained from NCBI and annotated using Prokka. Functional genome prediction, phylogenetic reconstruction, and comparative genomics were performed using bioinformatics tools. A GEM model was reconstructed to simulate metabolic fluxes associated with nitrogen fixation, phosphate solubilization, and phytohormone biosynthesis. Computational phenotyping and in silico functional validation were also performed. Results: The draft genome (5.19 Mb, GC 55.33%) contained 4792 protein-coding genes, 4 rRNAs, and 81 tRNAs, with 100% completeness. ANI and core genome phylogeny confirmed its taxonomic position within S. liquefaciens, with an identity higher than 98.8%. Pangenome analysis of 25 Serratia genomes revealed an open and highly dynamic pangenome (30,515 orthologous groups), indicating extensive genetic plasticity. Functional annotation identified key genes associated with nitrogen and phosphate acquisition, as well as the biosynthesis of IAA and GABA, findings that were supported by GEM simulations, reinforcing its potential as a biofertilizer. Conclusions: The genomic approach confirmed that strain UNJFSC002 harbors multiple active genes and metabolic pathways associated with plant growth promotion and environmental resilience. Full article