Search Results (57,126)

The Mycoplasmataceae are a family of bacteria that typically cause respiratory, arthritic, and genitourinary disease in humans. Mycoplasma spp. of animal origin are also the causative agents of porcine wheezing disease, chronic respiratory disease and arthritis in chickens and other conditions. These diseases have a significant impact on public health and the economic development of livestock breeding. Clinical prevention and treatment of mycoplasma infections is primarily dependent on the use of antibiotics. However, inappropriate and excessive use of antimicrobials has enabled resistance development that has become a significant clinical concern. Mycoplasma are also robust biofilm producers, and this process is a major factor for the persistence of these infections, especially in conjunction with common antibiotic resistance mechanisms, including target gene mutations and the action of efflux pumps. A mycoplasma biofilm refers to a structured and stable microbial community formed by Mycoplasma spp. adhering to biological or non-biological surfaces under suitable conditions and secreting extracellular polymers (EPS) such as polysaccharides. This process allows the microorganisms to adapt to their surrounding environment and survive during the growth process. These biofilms render bacteria more resistant to antimicrobials than planktonic bacteria, resulting in biofilm-associated infections that are more challenging to eradicate and more likely to recur. The current study reviews progress from the fields of biofilm formation, structure and identification, correlations between biofilms and drug resistance and virulence as well as methods of biofilm prevention and control. Our aim was to provide a reference basis for the subsequent in-depth understanding of the research of mycoplasma biofilms. Full article

In this study, GH19 chitinase (Chi) gene family was systematically identified and characterized using genomic assemblies from four cotton species: Gossypium barbadense, G. hirsutum, G. arboreum, and G. raimondii. A suite of analyses was performed, including genome-wide gene identification, physicochemical property characterization of the encoded proteins, subcellular localization prediction, phylogenetic reconstruction, chromosomal mapping, promoter cis-element analysis, and comprehensive expression profiling using transcriptomic data and qRT-PCR (including tissue-specific expression, hormone treatments, and Fusarium oxysporum infection assays). A total of 107 GH19 genes were identified across the four species (35 in G. barbadense, 37 in G. hirsutum, 19 in G. arboreum, and 16 in G. raimondii). The molecular weights of GH19 proteins ranged from 9.9 to 97.3 kDa, and they were predominantly predicted to localize to the extracellular space. Phylogenetic analysis revealed three well-conserved clades within this family. In tetraploid cotton, GH19 genes were unevenly distributed across 12 chromosomes, often clustering in certain regions, whereas in diploid species, they were confined to five chromosomes. Promoter analysis indicated that GH19 gene promoters contain numerous stress- and hormone-responsive motifs, including those for abscisic acid (ABA), ethylene (ET), and gibberellin (GA), as well as abundant light-responsive elements. The expression patterns of GH19 genes were largely tissue-specific; for instance, GbChi23 was predominantly expressed in the calyx, whereas GbChi19/21/22 were primarily expressed in the roots and stems. Overall, this study provides the first comprehensive genomic and functional characterization of the GH19 family in G. barbadense, laying a foundation for understanding its role in disease resistance mechanisms and aiding in the identification of candidate genes to enhance plant defense against biotic stress. Full article

Background: Super morbid obesity (SMO), defined as a body mass index (BMI) ≥ 50 kg/m², represents a distinct and increasingly prevalent subgroup of patients undergoing bariatric surgery. Compared to individuals with lower BMI, patients with BMI ≥ 50 kg/m² often exhibit unique clinical, psychological, and social characteristics that may influence treatment outcomes. Objective: This study aimed to compare demographic, metabolic, and psychiatric profiles of patients with BMI ≥ 50 kg/m² and non-super morbid obesity (NSMO; BMI < 50 kg/m²) who were evaluated prior to bariatric surgery. Methods: A total of 319 patients were recruited between December 2022 and December 2023 at a bariatric center in Gdansk, Poland. All participants underwent a comprehensive preoperative assessment, including laboratory testing, psychometric screening (BDI, PHQ-9), and psychiatric interviews. Patients were stratified into class IV obesity and NSMO groups for comparative analysis. Results: Patients with BMI ≥ 50 kg/m² were significantly older and more likely to report a history of lifelong obesity, family history of obesity, and childhood trauma. They had higher rates of obesity-related health problems such as hypertension, obstructive sleep apnea, and chronic venous insufficiency, as well as worse liver function and lipid profiles. Although the overall psychiatric burden was high in both groups, patients with BMI ≥ 50 kg/m² reported fewer prior diagnoses of depression and eating disorders, despite similar scores on screening tools. Conclusions: Patients with BMI ≥ 50 kg/m² represent a clinically distinct population with elevated metabolic risk, complex psychosocial backgrounds, and possibly underrecognized psychiatric burden. These findings underscore the need for multidisciplinary preoperative assessment and individualized treatment strategies in this group of patients. Full article

Seeds of Cucurbitaceae crops represent a promising yet underexplored source of bioactive compounds with potential applications beyond nutrition, particularly in the cosmetics industry. This review examines the seeds of Citrullus lanatus (watermelon), Cucumis melo (melon), and Cucurbita pepo (pumpkin), focusing on their biochemical composition and evaluating their functional value in natural cosmetic development. Although these fruits are widely consumed, industrial processing generates substantial seed by-products that are often discarded. These seeds are rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids, proteins, carbohydrates, and phytochemicals, positioning them as sustainable raw materials for value-added applications. The incorporation of seed-derived extracts into cosmetic formulations offers multiple skin and hair benefits, including antioxidant activity, hydration, and support in managing conditions such as hyperpigmentation, acne, and psoriasis. They also contribute to hair care by improving oil balance, reducing frizz, and enhancing strand nourishment. However, challenges such as environmental instability and low dermal permeability of seed oils have prompted interest in nanoencapsulation technologies to improve delivery, stability, and efficacy. This review summarizes current scientific findings and highlights the potential of Cucurbitaceae seeds as innovative and sustainable ingredients for cosmetic and personal care applications. Full article

This research contributes to advance the sustainable production of biofuels and provides insights into the energy and exergy assessment of bio-oil, which is essential for developing environmentally friendly energy production solutions. Energy and exergy analyses were performed to evaluate the pyrolysis of beech wood biomass at 500 °C in an Auger reactor. To improve the quality of the obtained bio-oil, its catalytic deoxygenation was performed within an in-line fluidized catalytic bed reactor using a catalyst based on HZSM5 zeolite modified with 5 wt.% Iron (5%FeHZSM-5). A thermodynamic analysis of the catalytic and non-catalytic pyrolysis system was carried out, as well as a comparative study of the calculation methods for the energy and exergy evaluation for bio-oil. The required heat for pyrolysis was found to be 1.2 MJ/kg_biomass in the case of non-catalytic treatment and 3.46 MJ/kg_biomass in the presence of the zeolite-based catalyst. The exergy efficiency in the Auger reactor was 90.3%. Using the catalytic system coupled to the Auger reactor, this efficiency increased to 91.6%, leading to less energy degradation. Calculating the total energy and total exergy of the bio-oil using two different methods showed a difference of 6%. In the first method, only the energy contributions of the model compounds, corresponding to the major compounds of each chemical family of bio-oil, were considered. In contrast, in the second method, all molecules identified in the bio-oil were considered for the calculation. The second method proved to be more suitable for thermodynamic analysis. The novelties of this work concern the thermodynamic analysis of a coupled system of an Auger biomass pyrolysis reactor and a fluidized bed catalytic deoxygenation reactor on the one hand, and the use of all the molecules identified in the oily phase for the evaluation of energy and exergy on the other hand. Full article

This study investigated the psychological factors related to the enjoyment of playing musical instruments among Chinese adults. Additionally, it verified a model that can predict enjoyment using psychological variables, demographic profiles, and variables related to music to provide useful information and knowledge for further studies and interventions. The participants were 416 male and female Chinese adults aged 20–68 years. Predictive models were examined using stepwise regression and decision-tree analyses. The results revealed that extraversion, conscientiousness, agreeableness, and hardiness were positively correlated with the enjoyment of playing musical instruments, whereas the behavioral activation system (BAS) and behavioral inhibition system (BIS) showed negative correlations. Stepwise regression analysis revealed that fun-seeking accounted for the greatest variance in enjoyment in playing musical instruments. Fun-seeking, agreeableness, openness, self-directedness, and conscientiousness accounted for approximately 27.2% of the variance in enjoyment in playing musical instruments among Chinese adults. The decision-tree model included enjoyment of music class in childhood, self-directedness, age, experience playing musical instruments, experience growing up in a family that enjoys music, extraversion, and agreeableness. These findings suggest that psychological variables such as fun-seeking and agreeableness may play a more important role in Chinese adults’ enjoyment of playing musical instruments. Full article

This study explores the use of chlorography as a natural photographic developing technique that utilizes the decomposition of chlorophyll and other plant pigments through the action of sunlight. The developed images corresponded to previous research on changes in the iconography of the indigenous Salasaka people. In this context, this experimental project on natural photography is oriented toward the conservation of the ancestral knowledge of this community and the understanding of the native flora of Ecuador. We investigated the application of the contact image transfer technique with positive transparencies on leaves and flowers of 30 different species that grow in the Ecuadorian highlands, including leaves of vascular plants, as well as rose petals. The results showed that the clarity and contrast of chlorography depended on the plant species and exposure time. It was observed that fruit-bearing species produced more visible images than the leaves of other plants and rose petals, with species from the Passifloraceae family proving particularly effective. We interpreted these findings within the framework of plant photophysical mechanisms, proposing an inverse relationship between development efficiency and species’ non-photochemical quenching (NPQ) capacity. Furthermore, we interpreted the findings in relation to the photobleaching of pigments and compared chlorography with other natural photographic processes such as anthotypes. Key factors influencing the process were identified, such as the type of leaf, the intensity and duration of light, and the hydration of the plant material. It is concluded that chlorography is a viable, non-toxic, and environmentally friendly photographic alternative with potential applications in art, education, and research, although it presents challenges in terms of image permanence and reproducibility. Full article

Background: Cerebral palsy (CP) is a lifelong neurodevelopmental disorder characterised by motor impairment and commonly associated with comorbidities such as cognitive, communicative, and behavioural difficulties. While the physical and functional aspects of CP have been extensively studied, the mental health needs of this population remain largely underexplored, particularly concerning suicidal ideation and self-injurious behaviours. The purpose of this review is to synthesise the existing literature on suicidality in individuals with CP, explore theoretical and clinical risk factors, and identify key gaps in the current evidence base. Methods: A narrative literature review was conducted focusing on studies addressing suicidal ideation, self-harm, or related psychiatric outcomes in individuals with CP. Additional literature on risks and protective factors was included to support theoretical inferences and clinical interpretations. Results: Only a limited number of studies addressed suicidality directly in CP populations. However, several reports document elevated rates of depression, anxiety, and emotional distress, particularly among adults and individuals with higher levels of functioning. Communication barriers, chronic pain, social exclusion, and lack of accessible mental health services emerged as critical risk factors. Protective elements included strong family support, inclusive environments, and access to augmentative communication. Conclusions: Suicidality in individuals with CP is a neglected yet potentially serious concern. Evidence suggests underdiagnosis due to factors such as communication barriers and diagnostic overshadowing. Future research should prioritise disability-informed methodologies and validated tools for suicidal ideation, while clinicians should incorporate routine, adapted mental health screening in CP care to ensure early detection and person-centred management. Full article

Background: China is confronted with the dual challenges of deeply interwoven population aging and the digitalization process. The digital integration and mental health issues of the elderly group are becoming increasingly prominent. Objectives: The present study aimed to analyze the pathways through which individual, family, and social factors influence Internet use in the elderly through a multi-level analysis framework, to examine the association between Internet use and mental health with a view to providing empirical evidence for digital technology-based mental health intervention programs for the elderly, and to promote the scientific practice of the goal of healthy aging. Methods: Based on the data of the 2021 China General Social Survey (CGSS) and provincial Internet development indicators, a mixed cross-sectional dataset was constructed. Logistic hierarchical regression and OLS regression methods were adopted to systematically investigate the multi-level factors associated with Internet use among the elderly group and its association with mental health. Results: The results indicate that individual resources (younger age, higher education level, and good health status) and family technical support (family members’ Internet access) are strongly associated with Internet usage among the elderly, while regional Internet penetration rate appears to operate indirectly through micro-mechanisms. Analysis of the association with mental health showed that Internet use was related to a lower score of depressive tendency (p < 0.05), and this association remained robust after controlling for variables at the individual, family, and social levels. Conclusions: The research results provide empirical evidence for the health promotion policies for the elderly, advocating the construction of a collaborative intervention framework of “individual ability improvement–intergenerational family support–social adaptation for the elderly” to bridge the digital divide and promote the digital integration of the elderly population in China. Full article

Chimonanthus praecox, a traditional ornamental plant in China, is admired for its ability to bloom during the cold winter season and is recognized as an outstanding woody cut flower. MADS-box genes encode transcription factors essential for plant growth and development, with key functions in regulating flowering time and the formation of floral organs. In this study, 74 MADS-box genes (CpMADS1–CpMADS74) were identified and mapped across 11 chromosomes, with chromosome 1 harboring the highest number (13 genes) and chromosome 3 the fewest (3 genes). Physicochemical property analysis revealed that all CpMADS proteins are hydrophilic and predominantly nuclear-localized. Phylogenetic analysis classified these genes into Type I and Type II subfamilies, highlighting a clear divergence in domain structure. Eighty simple sequence repeat (SSR) loci were detected, with dinucleotide repeats being the most abundant, and the majority located in Type II MADS genes. From 23 C. praecox samples, 10 polymorphic SSR markers were successfully developed and PCR-validated, enabling a cluster analysis that grouped these cultivars into three distinct clusters. This study offers significant insights into the regulation of flowering, floral organ development, genetic linkage map construction, and the application of marker-assisted selection in C. praecox. Full article

Variants in COL4A3 and COL4A4 cause autosomal dominant and recessive Alport syndrome, yet data on their distribution and clinical expression in different populations remain limited. This study investigated genotype–phenotype correlations and the distribution of COL4A3/COL4A4 variants in a Lithuanian Alport syndrome cohort. A total of 221 individuals from Lithuania were analyzed for COL4A3 and COL4A4 variants using either next-generation sequencing or Sanger sequencing in order to assess variant distribution and associated clinical features. Only individuals with pathogenic, likely pathogenic, or uncertain significance variants were included. Fifty-two individuals (38 index cases) with pathogenic, likely pathogenic, or variants of uncertain significance were identified, as follows: forty-eight were heterozygous, four had autosomal recessive, and four had digenic Alport syndrome. COL4A3 variants were found in 9.5% (21/221) and COL4A4 in 17.6% (39/221). Among the 28 identified variants, 18 were novel. Glycine substitutions (n = 8) were the most frequent and associated with worse kidney outcomes and increased hearing abnormalities. Hematuria was diagnosed significantly earlier than proteinuria (p = 0.05). Most individuals with autosomal dominant Alport syndrome had normal kidney function (eGFR > 90 mL/min/1.73 m²), while those with autosomal recessive Alport syndrome had more severe disease. Kidney failure occurred in 2/4 (50%) autosomal recessive Alport syndrome and 2/48 (4%) autosomal dominant Alport syndrome cases. A significant inverse correlation was found between eGFR and age in proteinuric individuals (r = –0.737; p = 0.013). This study expands knowledge of Alport syndrome in the Lithuanian population and contributes novel variant data to the global Alport syndrome genetic database. Full article

Species and phylogenetic diversity play vital roles in sustaining the structure, function, and resilience of plant communities, particularly in tropical rainforests. However, the mechanisms according to which environmental filtering and competitive exclusion influence diversity across forest layers remain insufficiently understood. In this study, we investigated the species and phylogenetic diversity patterns in two representative tropical rainforest sites—Bawangling and Jianfengling—within Hainan Tropical Rainforest National Park, China, focusing on communities associated with the endangered species Hopea hainanensis. We employed a one-way ANOVA and Pearson’s correlation analyses to examine the distribution characteristics and interrelationships among diversity indices and used Mantel tests to assess the correlations with environmental variables. Our results revealed that the plant community in Jianfengling exhibited a significantly higher species richness at the family, genus, and species levels (a total of 288 plant species have been recorded, belonging to 82 families and 183 genera) compared to that in Bawangling (a total of 212 plant species, belonging to 75 families and 162 genera). H. hainanensis held the highest importance value in the middle tree layer across both sites (IV(BWL) = 12.44; IV(JFL) = 5.73), while dominant species varied notably among other forest layers, indicating strong habitat specificity. Diversity indices, including the Simpson index, the Shannon–Wiener index, and Pielou’s evenness, were significantly higher in the large shrub layer of Jianfengling, whereas Bawangling showed a relatively higher Shannon–Wiener index in the middle shrub layer. Phylogenetic diversity (PD) and the phylogenetic structure indices (NRI and NTI) displayed distinct vertical stratification patterns between sites. Furthermore, the PD in Bawangling’s large shrub layer was positively correlated with total phosphorus in the soil, while community evenness was influenced by soil organic carbon and total nitrogen. In Jianfengling, species richness was significantly associated with soil bulk density, altitude, and pH. These findings enhance our understanding of the ecological and evolutionary processes shaping biodiversity in tropical rainforests and highlight the importance of incorporating both species and phylogenetic metrics into the conservation strategies for endangered species such as Hopea hainanensis. Full article

Fruit flies that belong to the genus Zeugodacus (Diptera: Tephritidae) pose significant threats as invasive pests of agricultural crops in Asia and sub-Saharan Africa. The intensification of transboundary trade in fresh horticultural produce has increased the risk of introducing invasive species such as fruit flies, more so through the inadvertent transport of their immature developmental stages. Such immature stages of fruit flies belonging to the Tephritidae family are frequently intercepted at the international borders worldwide and are unable to be identified to the species level using morphological characteristics. Molecular identification using mitochondrial Cytochrome Oxidase I (COI) gene has proven to be quite useful, as they are not constrained by developmental stages, sex, or colour morphs of the pest species in question. Also, real-time PCR-based species-specific assays offer quicker turnaround time since they do not require any post-PCR procedures. This study evaluated the utility of a real-time PCR assay based on the COI gene region to identify Zeugodacus cucurbitae from other Tephritid species. The developed real-time PCR assay provides a swift and precise way of discriminating between these highly invasive pest species during an interception event for rapid decision making. High specificity, having no cross-reactions with closely related Tephritids, and sensitivity of the developed assay will be extremely useful in discriminating Z. cucurbitae from other closely related fruit fly species. Z. cucurbitae-specific real-time PCR developed in this study is appropriate for organizations that carry out routine diagnostics to facilitate fresh produce imports and exports. Our assay is fully optimized for rapid deployment at international borders, offering reliable detection of the target species regardless of developmental stage, sex, or geographic origins. Full article

This systematic review aims to provide a comprehensive and up-to-date overview of the most effective identification protocols used to detect giftedness in primary school students, intended to be used by teachers, parents, and diagnostic professionals. This review, registered in PROSPERO (CRD420251064093), analyzed studies published between 2019 and 2024 in the PsycINFO, Web of Science, and Scopus databases. It included articles published in English or Spanish and focused on multidisciplinary fields. A total of 17 studies were selected and evaluated for quality using the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale. The findings highlight the effectiveness of using multiple tools in the identification process, grouped into teacher nominations, family nominations, and tools for diagnostic professionals. This multidimensional approach helps reduce false negatives and supports the identification of underrepresented and twice-exceptional students. In conclusion, the identification of giftedness should be grounded in methods that prioritize general cognitive abilities over IQ scores and academic achievements. Full article

Fibrillins (FBNs) are indispensable for plant growth and development, orchestrating multiple physiological processes. However, the precise functional role of FBNs in cotton fiber development remains uncharacterized. This study reports a genome-wide characterization of the FBN gene family in cotton. A total of 28 GhFBN genes were identified in upland cotton, with systematic analyses of their phylogenetic relationships, protein motifs, gene structures, and hormone-responsive cis-regulatory elements. Expression profiling of GhFBN1A during fiber development revealed stage-specific activity across the developmental continuum. Transcriptomic analyses following hormone treatments demonstrated upregulation of GhFBN family members, implicating their involvement in hormone-mediated regulatory networks governing fiber cell development. Collectively, this work presents a detailed molecular characterization of cotton GhFBNs and establishes a theoretical foundation for exploring their potential applications in cotton breeding programs aimed at improving fiber quality. Full article