The efficient hydrogenation of N-heterocycles with H₂ under mild conditions remains a significant challenge. In this work, polyphosphazene (PZs) microspheres, novel organic–inorganic hybrid materials possessing unique –P=N– structural units and a diverse range of side groups, were used to serve as support for the design of a stable and efficient Pd nanocatalyst (Pd/PZs). The PZs microspheres were prepared by self-assembly induced by precipitation polymerization, and Pd nanoparticles were grown and loaded on the support by a chemical reduction process. Several characterization techniques, including XRD, FTIR, SEM, TEM, XPS, BET and TGA, were used to study the structural features of the nanocomposites. The results revealed that Pd nanoparticles were uniformly distributed on the PZs microspheres, with primary sizes ranging from 4 to 9 nm based on the abundance of functional P/N/O groups in PZs. Remarkably high catalytic activity and stability were observed for the hydrogenation of quinoline compounds using the Pd/PZs nanocatalyst under mild conditions. Rates of 98.9% quinoline conversion and 98.5% 1,2,3,4-tetrahydroquinoline selectivity could be achieved at a low H₂ pressure (1.5 bar) and temperature (40 °C). A possible reaction mechanism for quinoline hydrogenation over Pd/PZs was proposed. This work presents an innovative approach utilizing a Pd-based nanocatalyst for highly efficient multifunctional hydrogenation. Full article

The objective was to evaluate the change in color, hardness, and roughness produced by carbamide peroxide (CP) at two different concentrations on two resins. The 16% or 45% CP was applied to 66 resin discs with and without Bis-GMA. The color was measured with a spectrophotometer, and ΔE_ab and ΔE₀₀ were calculated. Microhardness tester and SEM were used. In both composites, the a* and b* coordinates tended to be red and yellow, respectively, and were significant in the Bis-GMA group (p < 0.05). The ΔE_ab and ΔE₀₀ were higher in the composite with Bis-GMA, regardless of the treatment received (p < 0.05). The microhardness was reduced in both composites regardless of the PC concentration compared to the control (p < 0.05). The 45% CP reduced the microhardness in the resin group with Bis-GMA compared to 16% CP (p < 0.001) but was not significant in the resin without Bis-GMA (p = 1). An increase in roughness was directly proportional to the concentration of CP, and it was more notable in the composite without Bis-GMA. The composite with Bis-GMA showed a greater tendency to darken than the one without Bis-GMA. The surface hardness of the composite was reduced in both composites and was not influenced by CP concentration in the composite without Bis-GMA. Bleaching is a common procedure nowadays. It is important to know how CP affects composites to establish a prognosis of the treatments in terms of color change, roughness, and hardness. Full article

Approximately 30% of steroid-resistant nephrotic syndromes are attributed to monogenic disorders that involve 27 genes. Mutations in KANK family members have also been linked to nephrotic syndrome; however, the precise mechanism remains elusive. To investigate this, podocyte-specific Kank1 knockout mice were generated to examine phenotypic changes. In the initial assessment under normal conditions, Kank1 knockout mice showed no significant differences in the urinary albumin-creatinine ratio, blood urea nitrogen, serum creatinine levels, or histological features compared to controls. However, following kidney injury with adriamycin, podocyte-specific Kank1 knockout mice exhibited a significantly higher albumin-creatinine ratio and a significantly greater sclerotic index than control mice. Electron microscopy revealed more extensive foot process effacement in the knockout mice than in control mice. In addition, KANK1-deficient human podocytes showed increased detachment and apoptosis following adriamycin exposure. These findings suggest that KANK1 may play a protective role in mitigating podocyte damage under pathological conditions. Full article

Physical dormancy of seeds is a form of dormancy due to the presence of an impermeable seed coat layer, and it represents a feature for plants to adapt to environmental changes over an extended period of phylogenetic evolution. However, in agricultural practice, physical dormancy is problematic. because it prevents timely and uniform seed germination. Therefore, physical dormancy is an important agronomical trait to target in breeding and domestication, especially for many leguminous crops. Compared to the well-characterized physiological dormancy, research progress on physical dormancy at the molecular level has been limited until recent years, due to the lack of suitable research materials. This review focuses on the structure of seed coat, factors affecting physical dormancy, genes controlling physical dormancy, and plants suitable for studying physical dormancy at the molecular level. Our goal is to provide a plethora of information for further molecular research on physical dormancy. Full article

In the development of geothermal resources in hot dry rocks, deep underground rock masses are typically subjected to real-time high-temperature environments. High temperatures alter the physical and mechanical properties of the rocks, directly affecting the safe and efficient utilization of hot dry rock resources. Therefore, a grain-based model (GBM) of particle flow code (PFC) was constructed based on uniaxial compression tests, and the model was verified according to macroscopic mechanical parameters and damage modes, in order to carry out the simulation study of the uniaxial compression of granite and explore the meso-failure mechanism of granite under real-time high temperature. The relationships between stress–strain curves and crack derivation, the evolution of microcracks, and the characteristics of acoustic emission activity and energy changes at different temperatures were investigated in conjunction with the results of laboratory tests. The results show that crack development, acoustic emission activity, and energy evolution during uniaxial compression include four main stages: initial compression, elasticity, plastic strengthening, and post-peak damage. The failure of granite is primarily controlled by mica and feldspar. During loading, intergranular tensile cracks first emerge within the granite, followed by intragranular tensile cracks, with shear cracks appearing last. As the temperature increases, the total number of microcracks continuously rises, the frequency of acoustic emission events increases, and both dissipated energy and boundary energy gradually decrease, showing an upward trend in the energy dissipation ratio, indicating an increase in thermal damage due to high temperatures. At 400 °C, the rate of microcrack formation increases significantly, with intergranular and intragranular cracks starting to coalesce into macroscopic cracks that extend outward. In the post-peak stage, the phenomenon of multiple peaks in acoustic emission events begins to appear. At 600 °C, the rate of microcrack formation reaches its maximum, with cracks extending throughout the sample to form a network of fractures, resulting in the granite exhibiting ductile failure characteristics. Full article

Efficiently managing multiple process parameters is critical for achieving optimal performance in additive manufacturing. This study investigates the relationship between eight key parameters in fused deposition modeling (FDM) and their impact on responses like average surface roughness (Ra), tensile strength (TS), and flexural strength (FS) of carbon fiber-reinforced polyamide 12 (PA 12-CF) material. The study integrates response surface methodology (RSM), grey relational analysis (GRA), and grey wolf optimization (GWO) to achieve this goal. A total of 51 experiments were planned using a definitive screening design (DSD) based on response RSM. The printing process parameters, including layer thickness, infill density, and build orientation, significantly affect Ra, TS, and FS. GRA combines responses into a single measure, grey relational grade (GRG), and a regression model is developed. GWO is then employed to optimize GRG across parameters. Comparison with GRA-optimized parameters demonstrates GWO’s ability to discover refined solutions, reducing average surface roughness to 4.63 μm and increasing tensile strength and flexural strength to 88.5 MPa and 103.12 MPa, respectively. Practical implications highlight the significance of GWO in industrial settings, where optimized parameters lead to reduced costs and improved product quality. This integrated approach offers a systematic methodology for optimizing FDM processes, ensuring robustness and efficiency in additive manufacturing applications. Full article

Social innovation has been associated with contributing to ‘valuable’ rural development; however, usually, the impact of social innovation has been identified in the aftermath of its development or implementation. This might be too narrow an approach, as an ongoing social innovation process in itself may already lead to effects that contribute to regional and social changes in a local community and beyond. This paper argues that collaborative valuation processes are embedded in social innovation processes, generating effects that contribute to rural development. Focusing on a case study that exemplifies social innovation processes in agriculture and food production carried out by a rural collaborative community in southern Italy, we demonstrate how three valuation phases, such as contestations and negotiations of norms, symbolic capital accumulation and recognition of actions, as well as re-definitions of values, impact community development through joint sense-making, empowerment and societal change. Our empirical results suggest the close intertwining of both social innovation and valuation processes. The empirical results demonstrate how collective valuation processes have micro-effects on the agro-economic system, on local socio-cultural processes, and on place-making activities. Methodologically, this paper builds on ethnographic methods, including participatory observations, semi-structured interviews, oral histories, and socio-spatial analysis investigating moments of valuation embedded in daily collaborative practices. Full article

Inflammatory skin diseases highlight inflammation as a central driver of skin pathologies, involving a multiplicity of mediators and cell types, including immune and non-immune cells. Adenosine, a ubiquitous endogenous immune modulator, generated from adenosine triphosphate (ATP), acts via four G protein-coupled receptors (A₁, A_2A, A_2B, and A₃). Given the widespread expression of those receptors and their regulatory effects on multiple immune signaling pathways, targeting adenosine receptors emerges as a compelling strategy for anti-inflammatory intervention. Animal models of psoriasis, contact hypersensitivity (CHS), and other dermatitis have elucidated the involvement of adenosine receptors in the pathogenesis of these conditions. Targeting adenosine receptors is effective in attenuating inflammation and remodeling the epidermal structure, potentially showing synergistic effects with fewer adverse effects when combined with conventional therapies. What is noteworthy are the promising outcomes observed with A_2A agonists in animal models and ongoing clinical trials investigating A₃ agonists, underscoring a potential therapeutic approach for the management of inflammatory skin disorders. Full article

Mucosal immunity may contribute to clearing SARS-CoV-2 infection prior to systemic infection, thereby allowing hosts to remain seronegative. We describe the meaningful detection of SARS-CoV-2-specific nasal mucosal antibodies in a group of exposed-household individuals that evaded systemic infection. Between June 2020 and February 2023, nasopharyngeal swab (NPS) and acute and convalescent blood were collected from individuals exposed to a SARS-CoV-2-confirmed household member. Nasal secretory IgA (SIgA) antibodies targeting the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein were measured using a modified ELISA. Of the 36 exposed individuals without SARS-CoV-2 detected by the RT-PCR of NPS specimens and seronegative for SARS-CoV-2-specific IgG at enrollment and convalescence, 13 (36.1%) had positive SARS-CoV-2-specific SIgA levels detected in the nasal mucosa at enrollment. These individuals had significantly higher nasal SIgA (median 0.52 AU/mL) compared with never-exposed, never-infected controls (0.001 AU/mL) and infected-family participants (0.0002 AU/mL) during the acute visit, respectively (both p < 0.001). The nasal SARS-CoV-2-specific SIgA decreased rapidly over two weeks in the exposed seronegative individuals compared to a rise in SIgA in infected-family members. The nasal SARS-CoV-2-specific SIgA may have a protective role in preventing systemic infection. Full article

The aim of this research is to investigate the quality of different triticale cultivars (Ingen 35, Ingen 33, Ingen 93, Ingen 54, Ingen 40, Fanica and Costel) cultivated in the Republic of Moldova from the point of view of the flour, dough, and bread quality characteristics. This research may be of great importance for producers and consumers due to the high production capacity, wide adaptability, economic significance in human foods and nutritional value of triticale cultivars. The triticale flours were analyzed for moisture, ash, protein, wet gluten, fat, carbohydrates, acidity and color parameters (L*, a* and b* values). According to the chemical values, the triticale flours were suitable for breadmaking. The moisture content was less than 14% for all triticale varieties, indicating a long shelf life during its storage and the lowest protein content of 13.1%. The mixing, pasting and fermentation characteristics of triticale dough were analyzed using Mixolab, falling number, dynamic rheometer, alveograph and rheofermentometer devices. All triticale flours presented high levels of α-amylase, with falling number values being less than 70 s. The bread quality characteristics analyzed were the loaf volume, porosity, acidity, and sensory characteristics, and the textural parameters examined were the hardness, gumminess, chewiness, cohesiveness, and resilience. Our data showed large differences in breadmaking quality parameters. However, according to the sensory data, all the bread samples except those obtained from the Costel variety were of a very good quality, being within a total sensory range of 25.26–29.85 points. According to the relationships between flour, dough and bread characteristics obtained through principal component analysis, it may be concluded that the triticale varieties Costel, Ingen 33, Ingen 93 and Fanica, and Ingen 35 were more closely associated with each other. Significant differences were found between the triticale variety samples Ingen 40, Fanica, and Ingen 35 and between Ingen 54, Ingen 33, Costel, and Ingen 93. Full article

Dendrimers are potent nanocarriers in drug delivery systems because their structure can be precisely controlled. We previously reported that polyamidoamine (PAMAM) dendrimers that were modified with 1,2-cyclohexanedicarboxylic acid (CHex) and phenylalanine (Phe), PAMAM-CHex-Phe, exhibited an effective association with various immune cells, including T-cells. In this study, we synthesized various carboxy-terminal Phe-modified dendrimers with different linkers using phthalic acid and linear dicarboxylic acids to determine the association of these dendrimers with Jurkat cells, a T-cell model. PAMAM-n-hexyl-Phe demonstrated the highest association with Jurkat T-cells. In addition, dendri-graft polylysine (DGL) with CHex and Phe, DGL-CHex-Phe, was synthesized, and its association with Jurkat cells was investigated. The association of DGL-CHex-Phe with T-cells was higher than that of PAMAM-CHex-Phe. However, it was insoluble in water and thus it is unsuitable as a drug carrier. Model drugs, such as protoporphyrin IX and paclitaxel, were loaded onto these dendrimers, and the most model drug molecules could be loaded into PAMAM-CHex-Phe. PTX-loaded PAMAM-CHex-Phe exhibited cytotoxicity against Jurkat cells at a similar level to free PTX. These results suggest that PAMAM-CHex-Phe exhibited both efficient T-cell association and drug loading properties. Full article

Plants serve as reservoirs of bioactive compounds endowed by nature, rendering them promising subjects for investigating chemical diversity. Despite their potential, much remains untapped, whether in standardized extracts or isolated pure compounds. This unexplored terrain has paved the way for significant discoveries in pharmaceuticals. Notably, research has delved into the medicinal properties of Mallotus philippensis, a prominent plant in South Asia. Employing meticulous extraction techniques such as maceration, the fruit of this plant underwent initial antimicrobial screening, revealing encouraging results. Subsequent fractionation of the plant’s extracts via liquid–liquid extractions, utilizing dichloromethane and absolute ethanol, facilitated further analysis. Evaluating these fractions for antibacterial activity demonstrated efficacy against various pathogenic microorganisms, particularly Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli, notably by the ethanolic and dichloromethane extracts. Furthermore, a comprehensive phytochemical analysis unveiled the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, glycosides, phenols, and tannins. An assessment of the extracts’ antioxidant potential via the 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging assay showcased significant activity, with a radical scavenging rate of 97%. This underscores the significance of utilizing fruit remnants, which are often rich in valuable chemical constituents yet commonly discarded, thereby adding value to both the species and the environment. Further investigation focused on the composition of Mallotus philippensis fruit, encompassing volatile and non-volatile metabolites through HPLC-MS analysis. Additionally, this study introduced the application of ionic liquid-loaded polysulfone microcapsules to enrich target constituents from crude extracts. An exploration of the key separation conditions, results, and recycling performance of these microcapsules provided insights for future research endeavors. Overall, this comprehensive study of Mallotus philippensis fruit extracts establishes a foundation for the ongoing exploration and development of this medicinal plant. Full article

This paper seeks to elucidate the interrelationship between global meat consumption and deforestation in the Amazon region. To this end, empirical research is conducted to investigate land use changes in Rondônia and the expansion of pasture areas and beef production. Brazil is one of the largest beef producers in the world, with products destined for local and global markets. Based on bibliographical research, the paper analyzes maps of land use change between 1985 and 2021, using Landsat satellite imagery and the MapBiomas methodology for Landsat mosaic and classification. The research shows that beef from Rondônia is primarily purchased and consumed in Brazil, but it is also bought and sold on the international market. Landsat imagery analysis shows the predominance of forest conversion to pasture in Rondônia. The results show that deforestation in the Amazon is directly linked to the growth of cattle ranching. Land use change from native forest to pasture for beef cattle production is a reality in the Brazilian Amazon, especially in Rondônia. It suggests the urgent need for more conscious consumption and production practices as well as ethical and sustainable eating habits. Full article

Research on introductory psychology textbooks used in higher education abounds around the world. Although most studies focus on textbooks designed for students majoring in psychology, this paper looks into textbooks used for a compulsory undergraduate course on mental health and well-being in mainland China. Like in many other countries, Chinese students face mental and well-being issues and this course aims to support all undergraduate students in dealing with their own psychology rather than specialising in the subject. Based on an in-depth discourse analysis of two widely used textbooks published in Chinese for this course, the authors examine how the textbooks construct the university experiences of Chinese students. At the same time, the paper also delves into the ways different kinds of Chinese students are portrayed and the types of changes that they are said to experience at university. The foci of invisibility and selectivity from the field of textbook analysis help highlight generalising, stereotyping, and recourse to biases in the textbooks. Recommendations as to how such textbooks could be used to boost university students’ mental health and well-being, while taking into account their diversity, are proposed at the end of the paper. Full article

DNA knots are deleterious for living cells if not removed. Several theoretical and simulation approaches address the question of how topoisomerases select the intermolecular passages that preferentially lead to unknotting rather than to the knotting of randomly fluctuating DNA molecules, but the formation of knots in vivo remains poorly understood. DNA knots form in vivo in non-replicating and replicating molecules, and supercoiling as well as intertwining are thought to play a crucial role in both the formation and resolution of DNA knots by topoisomerase IV. To confirm this idea, we used two-dimensional agarose gel electrophoresis run with different concentrations of chloroquine to demonstrate that non-replicating pBR322 plasmids grown in a topoisomerase I-defective E. coli strain (RS2λ) were more negatively supercoiled than in a wild-type strain (W3110) and, concurrently, showed significantly fewer knots. In this way, using wild-type and E. coli mutant strains, we confirmed that one of the biological functions of DNA supercoiling is to reduce the formation of DNA knots. Full article

A ganglion cyst is a benign mass consisting of high-viscosity mucinous fluid. It can originate from the sheath of a tendon, peripheral nerve, or joint capsule. Compressive neuropathy caused by a ganglion cyst is rarely reported, with the majority of documented cases involving peroneal nerve palsy. To date, cases demonstrating both peroneal and tibial nerve palsies resulting from a ganglion cyst forming on a branch of the sciatic nerve have not been reported. In this paper, we present the case of a 74-year-old man visiting an outpatient clinic complaining of left-sided foot drop and sensory loss in the lower extremity, a lack of strength in his left leg, and a decrease in sensation in the leg for the past month without any history of trauma. Ankle dorsiflexion and great toe extension strength on the left side were Grade I. Ankle plantar flexion and great toe flexion were Grade II. We suspected peroneal and tibial nerve palsy and performed a screening ultrasound, which is inexpensive and rapid. In the operative field, several cysts were discovered, originating at the site where the sciatic nerve splits into peroneal and tibial nerves. After successful surgical decompression and a series of rehabilitation procedures, the patient’s neurological symptoms improved. There was no recurrence. Full article

Leaf photosynthesis largely determines the daughter corm yields in vegetative growth for saffron (Crocus sativus L.). Most of the previous researches focus on the spectral response in various species, but research on saffron leaves at different leaf ages is lacking. In this study, the action spectrum based on photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD) and irradiance were distinguished and interpreted. The optical properties and photosynthetic performances of leaves were, respectively, investigated at two leaf ages, dependent on customized narrow-band LED spotlights from 380 nm to 780 nm with an interval of 20 nm and a band width of 10 nm. The younger leaves were characterized by higher reflectance and transmittance values at 500−600 nm, resulting in lower absorptance compared to the older leaves. The spectral response curves including the action spectrum and quantum yield for younger leaves were higher than the older, but their relative curves displayed coincidence. The spectral response curves exhibited two peaks at 440 and 640 nm, but no obvious troughs between 500 and 600 nm were observed. Nevertheless, the photosynthetic energy efficiencies of spotlights demonstrated very low values in the green/yellow region. Accordingly, more attention should be paid to green and yellow LED lighting during the vegetative stage for saffron, as well as improving their manufacturing technology. Full article

Considering the damage caused by conventional fracturing fluid in low-permeability reservoirs, a novel fracturing fluid (FNG) combining hydroxypropyl guar (HPG) and functionally modified nano-silica (FMNS) was prepared. The properties of heat/shear resistance, rheological property, proppant transportation, and formation damage were evaluated with systematic experiments. The results showed that the viscosities of FNG before and after the heat/resistance were 1323 mPa·s and 463 mPa·s, respectively, while that of conventional HPG gel was 350 mPa·s. FNG is a pseudoplastic strong gel with a yield stress of 12.9 Pa, a flow behavior index of 0.54, an elastic modulus of 16.2 Pa, and a viscous modulus of 6.2 Pa. As the proportions of proppant mass in further sections transported with FNG were higher than those transported with HPG gel, FNG could transport the proppant better than HPG gel at high temperatures. Because of the amphiphilic characteristics of FMNS, the surface/interface properties were improved by the FNG filtrate, resulting in a lower oil permeability loss rate of 10 percentage points in the matrix than with the filtrated HPG gel. Due to the considerable residual gel in broken HPG gel, the retained conductivity damaged with broken FNG was 9.5 percentage points higher than that damaged with broken HPG gel. FNG shows good potential for reducing formation damage during fracturing in low-permeability reservoirs in China. Full article

This paper demonstrates that ash composites, comprising fly ash and polyurethane, can be used to develop value-added products that exhibit an effective decrease in the leaching of coal ash inorganics to less than one-third of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)’s maximum contaminant level (MCL) when soaked in a water circulation system for 14 months. Furthermore, the composite blocks remain safe even with ruptured surfaces. The concept of encapsulating fly ash within ash composites by using a polar polymer to bind the fine inorganic particles, mimicking how nature does it in the original unburned coal, ensures the safety of the composite. The ash composites can be formulated to have designed mechanical, fire, and electrical properties by controlling the formulation and the density. The properties of typical density composites were produced, measured, and compared with commercial materials. This paper also demonstrates that ash composite technology can be extended to coal ash stored in ponds. Finally, a typical electric utility box cover was designed, fabricated, and test validated. The box cover has less than one-half the weight of the original box cover for the same design limits. Finally, the benefits of this ash-composite technology for product manufacturers, society, and ash producers are summarized. Full article

Salt stress severely reduces photosynthetic efficiency, resulting in adverse effects on crop growth and yield production. Two key thylakoid membrane lipid components, monogalactosyldiacylglycerol (MGDG) and digalactosyldiacylglycerol (DGDG), were perturbed under salt stress. MGDG synthase 1 (MGD1) is one of the key enzymes for the synthesis of these galactolipids. To investigate the function of OsMGD1 in response to salt stress, the OsMGD1 overexpression (OE) and RNA interference (Ri) rice lines, and a wild type (WT), were used. Compared with WT, the OE lines showed higher chlorophyll content and biomass under salt stress. Besides this, the OE plants showed improved photosynthetic performance, including light absorption, energy transfer, and carbon fixation. Notably, the net photosynthetic rate and effective quantum yield of photosystem II in the OE lines increased by 27.5% and 25.8%, respectively, compared to the WT. Further analysis showed that the overexpression of OsMGD1 alleviated the negative effects of salt stress on photosynthetic membranes and oxidative defense by adjusting membrane lipid composition and fatty acid levels. In summary, OsMGD1-mediated membrane lipid remodeling enhanced salt tolerance in rice by maintaining membrane stability and optimizing photosynthetic efficiency. Full article

Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) techniques have revolutionized veterinary medicine for cats and dogs, offering insights across various domains. In veterinary parasitology, NGS enables comprehensive profiling of parasite populations, aiding in understanding transmission dynamics and drug resistance mechanisms. In infectious diseases, NGS facilitates rapid pathogen identification, characterization of virulence factors, and tracking of outbreaks. Moreover, NGS sheds light on metabolic processes by elucidating gene expression patterns and metabolic pathways, essential for diagnosing metabolic disorders and designing tailored treatments. In autoimmune diseases, NGS helps identify genetic predispositions and molecular mechanisms underlying immune dysregulation. Veterinary oncology benefits from NGS through personalized tumor profiling, mutation analysis, and identification of therapeutic targets, fostering precision medicine approaches. Additionally, NGS plays a pivotal role in veterinary genetics, unraveling the genetic basis of inherited diseases and facilitating breeding programs for healthier animals. Physiological investigations leverage NGS to explore complex biological systems, unraveling gene–environment interactions and molecular pathways governing health and disease. Application of NGS in treatment planning enhances precision and efficacy by enabling personalized therapeutic strategies tailored to individual animals and their diseases, ultimately advancing veterinary care for companion animals. Full article