Morphological Analysis Research Articles

Identification of Indigenous Bacterial Strains from Thai Agricultural Fields for Potential Bioremediation of Carbofuran

This study explored the bioremediation potential of indigenous soil bacteria for carbofuran-contaminated agricultural areas. Twenty soil samples from regions with a history of pesticide use in Pathum Thani and Nakhon Pathom provinces, Thailand, were collected. Five bacterial strains capable of degrading carbofuran were isolated and subjected to cell morphology and biochemical analyses. Phylogenetic analysis of the 16S rRNA gene sequences identified these strains as related to Pseudomonas and Stenotrophomonas species. High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) analysis confirmed the complete degradation of carbofuran within 3 days, reducing its concentration from 0.05 mg/mL to below detectable limits. These bacteria could use carbofuran as their sole carbon source, demonstrating their potential for bioremediation of contaminated soils. Given their resilience and ability to thrive in natural environmental conditions, these indigenous strains are well-suited for in-situ degradation of pollutants. The findings indicate that these isolated soil bacteria present a promising method for reducing the environmental risks associated with carbofuran contamination.

Outburst flood events since the last glacial maximum in the Hutiao Gorge of Jinsha River: Geomorphological evidence from eddy gravel bars

Breaching of natural dams in the Hutiao Gorge of the Jinsha River across the Yulong-Haba Mountains is one of the major geomorphological events in the largest river of Asia. Catastrophic flood events have an important influence on the geomorphological evolution of the First Bend of the Yangtze River since the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM). However, detailed geomorphological evidence, ages, and depositional phases of outburst flooding remain unclear. In this paper, large-scale gravel bars overlying the river terraces and dammed lakes are analyzed within the Daju Basin. The macroscopic geomorphological characteristics of megaflood landforms with large thickness and uniform gravel bars are similar to those of Missoula and Altai megafloods. Morphological analysis shows that eddy gravel bars (EGBs) with rhythmic structure are characterized by a dome-shaped protrusion in the cross section and a gravel mound in the longitudinal section. Each bar with oblique, parallel and massive bedding was analyzed from the horizontal and vertical directions. Three dome-shaped bars clearly show at least three palaeoflood phases. Quartz grain surface macrotextures are mainly V-shaped pits and conchoidal fractures, which exhibits a high-energy environment during the flood. The stratigraphic sequence model of EGBs is dominated by coarse sand and fine gravel rhythmic bedding in high-energy eddy environments and suspended sand deposits in low-energy backwater environments. Such phenomenon reveals megaflood fluctuates, which is also confirmed by geochemical difference. The episode of natural dam break floods triggered by tectonic activity and glacier fluctuation was dated to 20–17 ka during the LGM. Sedimentary pattern of EGBs offers fresh insights into understanding the megaflood geomorphological characteristics of the upper Yangtze River and better identification similar high-energy palaeoflood landforms in the southeast Tibetan Plateau.

Application of Metal Oxides Nanoparticles to Enhance Ultraviolet Light Resistance of Polyvinyl Chloride Films

Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) films were chemically modified by including organic groups, amino group of ethylenediamine (en), and furtherly treated with aromatic aldehyde. The modification process included synthesizing the films by casting utilizing tetrahydrofuran (THF) as the solvent. The films were enriched with five metal oxide nanoparticles (NPs), specifically: TiO2, Co2O3, Cr2O3, NiO and CuO, in order to enhance their resistance to photodegradation. The films were subjected to UV light. The resulting damage was assessed both analytically and morphologically. The methods used for examination of the chemical structure comprised FT-IR, 1H-NMR, and 13C-NMR spectroscopies. SEM and AFM were utilized to test the morphology of polymeric films. The efficiency of the modified PVC films to resist UV light was assessed by measuring the roughness factor (Rq) of the irradiated PVC films. The incorporation of NPs into the modified PVC resulted in films with high resistance to UV light, as confirmed by FT-IR spectroscopy and weight loss measurement. The film made from modified PVC/Schiff base CuO NPs showed superior resistance to photo-degradation, as evidenced by the findings obtained from FT-IR spectra, surface morphological analysis, and weight loss.

CsPbBr3-based photoanode prepared by single-step Chemical vapor deposition of tunable thickness perovskite films

Cesium Lead Bromide (CsPbBr3) perovskite films have gained significant attention in photoelectrochemistry due to their promising properties. However, their widespread application necessitates scalable processing methods to produce high-quality films. Current techniques often involve post-synthesis steps to achieve desirable crystalline films or surface coverage for optimal performance. This research performed a single-step Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD) approach to grow high-quality CsPbBr3 films. This methodology offers precise control over film thickness and grain orientation, crucial for optimizing photoelectrochemical response. The procedure simplifies fabrication by bypassing annealing or toxic solvent excess and growing films directly from CsPbBr3 crystals. Film thickness was controlled by adjusting growth time and precursor mass parameters to examine the photoelectrochemical performance across thicknesses ranging from 0.6 µm to 2.5 µm. Optimal results were achieved with dense, compact films 1.5 µm thick, which exhibited oriented grains along the (121) plane. Optical, structural, and morphological analyses confirmed a predominantly pure orthorhombic phase, although slight impurities were noted in thinner films. The 1.5 µm films showed a four-hour stable photocurrent of 6.2 mA/cm2 at 1.23 V versus reversible hydrogen electrode (RHE) under simulated solar conditions, underscoring their potential in advancing perovskite-based electrodes for efficient photoelectrochemical solar fuel generation.

Pollen atlas and morphological analysis of the selected types from southeastern Tibet, China

The accuracy of fossil pollen identification is crucial for understanding past plant diversity, vegetation landscape and associated climate change, while dispersed/fossil pollen assignments heavily rely on how robust modern pollen reference is. There is high species richness in southeastern Tibet, China, however, pollen morphological studies in this area are still poorly documented. Here, we present pollen atlas of 57 species (40 genera, 22 families) collected from the Ranwu Lake Basin. Pollen grains were imaged with light microscope (LM, 100X oil-immersion objective lens) and scanning electron microscope (SEM). All pollen types are ordered and presented according to different aperture types and sculpture patterns, facilitating comparison with fossil pollen. Moreover, we selected some representative species mainly based on potential palaeoecological importance, including Sibiraea (Rosaceae), Koenigia cathayana (Polygonaceae), Stellera chamaejasme (Thymelaeaceae), Hordeum vulgare subsp. vulgare and Poa annua (Poaceae), to discuss their pollen identification characteristics for the first time and assess potential applications in Quaternary palaeoecological interpretation. This study enriches modern pollen atlas for Quaternary pollen analysis in the study area and the adjacent regions. Our results provide robust modern reference in pollen-based reconstruction of vegetation history, palaeoclimate and palaeoenvironment, and tracing pollen signal of local human activities as well.

Intelligent locust bean gum-k-carrageenan nanofibrous mats with Rosa canina petal anthocyanins and chitosan nanoparticles: Preparation, characterization, and application for monitoring of beef meat freshness

The objectives of the present experiment were to add Rosa canina petal extract (RCE, 3.5%) and chitosan nanoparticles (CNP, 1.5%) into the locust bean gum-kappa-carrageenan (LBG-KC) nanofiber mats and to examine their utilization for the freshness tracking of beef meat during the 6-day storage period. The surface morphology analysis of nanofibers using the scanning electron microscope showed that all developed nanofibers were cylindrical, uniformly disordered network structures with smooth surfaces. The tensile strength, elongation at break, water vapor permeability, water solubility, and moisture content of RCE/CNP-loaded nanofiber mats were recorded to be 10.00-31.77 MPa, 16.55%-22.98%, 5.04-9.18 × 10‾5 g mm/m2 h Pa, 3.80%-10.08%, and 2.10%-4.89%, respectively. The LBG-KC + RCE 3.5% and LBG-KC + RCE 3.5% + CNP 1.5% nanofibers were red, dark blue, green, and brown at pH values 1-6, 7-8, 9, and 10-12, respectively. After 4 days of beef meat storage at refrigerated conditions, the total viable count, pH, and total volatile basic nitrogen were 7.24 log CFU/g, 7.11, and 28.89 mg N/100 g, respectively. Moreover, on the 0th day, the pH-sensitive indicators presented a white color and after 4 days of meat storage, the indicator color changed to dark blue, which could indicate beef meat spoilage.

Characterization of Bacterial Population Associated with Deterioration of Stored Kinnow Fruits (Citrus nobilis x Citrus deliciosa)

Fresh and spoiled Kinnow fruits were collected from local market in Kharar, Punjab, India to isolate and identify the microbial factors that causes deterioration of stored Kinnow (Citrus reticulata), as well as to study the impact of temperature to fruits at different storage conditions. Several microorganisms, including bacteria and fungus, may thrive in ideal condition present within the fruits. Using the pour plate method, the infected portion of the fruit was utilised to isolate the bacteria by serial dilution. Healthy colonies were selected and sub-cultured. Two types of bacteria have been isolated. Following morphological analysis and biochemical characterization, Staphylococcus spp. and Escherichia coli were determined to be the responsible organism.

Pemanfaatan Limbah Karbon-Aktif Melalui Reaktivitasi Termal Sebagai Adsorben Ion Kadmiun pada Lindi TPA

The leachate produced at the Kawatuna landfill, managed without proper waste treatment systems, has been found to contain heavy metals like cadmium (Cd), which contaminate groundwater and pose significant health risks. This study investigates the reduction of Cd ions in leachate through adsorption using activated carbon (AC) waste. The AC waste was reactivated via thermal methods, including phosphoric acid immersion, heating, and washing. Morphological analysis was conducted using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and adsorption efficacy was evaluated with atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS). The findings indicate that AC waste with a pore diameter of 2.95 µm can be effectively reused as an adsorbent through thermal reactivation. Specifically, AC treated with H3PO4 immersion and heating exhibited a pore diameter of 3.24 µm, while heating and washing resulted in a pore diameter of 2.29 µm. The Cd concentration in leachate treated with AC immersed in H3PO4 followed by heating showed a modest reduction, whereas the heating and washing treatment led to a significant decrease in Cd levels, achieving an adsorption capacity of 3.92 mg/L within 50 min. This method presents a viable alternative for managing landfill leachate at the Kawatuna site.

Terbium- and samarium-doped Li2ZrO3 perovskite materials as efficient and stable electrocatalysts for alkaline hydrogen evolution reactions.

The preparation of highly active, rare earth, non-platinum-based catalysts for hydrogen evolution reactions (HER) in alkaline solutions would be useful in realizing green hydrogen production technology. Perovskite oxides are generally regarded as low-active HER catalysts, owing to their unsuitable hydrogen adsorption and water dissociation. In this article, we report on the synthesis of Li2ZrO3 perovskites substituted with samarium and terbium cations at A-sites for the HER. LSmZrO3 (LSmZO) and LTbZrO3 (LTbZO) perovskite oxides are more affordable materials, starting materials in abundance, environmentally friendly due to reduced usage of precious metal and moreover have potential for several sustainable synthesis methods compared to commercial Pt/C. The surface and elemental composition of the prepared materials have been confirmed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The morphology and composition analyses of the LSmZO and LTbZO catalysts showed spherical and regular particles, respectively. The electrochemical measurements were used to study the catalytic performance of the prepared catalyst for hydrogen evolution reactions in an alkaline solution. LTbZO generated 2.52mmol/g/h hydrogen, whereas LSmZO produced 3.34mmol/g/h hydrogen using chronoamperometry. This was supported by the fact that the HER electrocatalysts exhibited a Tafel slope of less than 120mV/dec in a 1.0M alkaline solution. A current density of 10mA/cm2 is achieved at a potential of less than 505mV. The hydrogen production rate of LTbZO was only 58.55%, whereas LSmZO had a higher Faradaic efficiency of 97.65%. The EIS results demonstrated that HER was highly beneficial to both electrocatalysts due to the relatively small charge transfer resistance and higher capacitance values.

Structural Properties of Cs<sup>1+</sup> Doped H<sub>3</sub>PMo<sub>12</sub>O<sub>40</sub> Nanocrystalline Polyoxometalate Thin Films

The microwave assisted chemical bath deposition (MA-CBD) technique were used to deposite nanocrystalline thin films of polyoxometalates like phosphomolybdic acid (PMA) (H3PMo12O40) and Cesium (Cs+) doped phosphomolybdic acid (Cs-PMA) (Cs3-PMo12O40). Thermo gravimetric and Differential thermal analysis (TGDTA), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDAX), X-ray diffractometry (XRD) and Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) tools are used for the thermal, structural, morphological and compositional analysis of microwave treated H3PMo12O40 and Cs3- PMo12O40 thin films. The completion of decomposition process at 600 oC of Cs3-PMo12O40 compound is confirmed from TGDTA analysis. The polycrystalline spinel cubic crystal structure of H3PMo12O40 and Cs3-PMo12O40 thin films were confirmed from X-ray diffractometer. The crystallite size of H3PMo12O40 and Cs3-PMo12O40 compound found to be in the range of 50 - 53 nm. The formation of H3PMo12O40 and Cs3-PMo12O40 materials were confirmed from the presence of main four absorption peaks observed in the range from 800 cm-1 to 1100 cm-1. The SEM microphotographs analysis identify the microwave assisted H3PMo12O40 and Cs3-PMo12O40 films have spherical shaped porous nanocrystalline morphology. The grain size of H3PMo12O40 and Cs3-PMo12O40 synthesized material found to be in the range of 10 - 12 A˚ The stoichiometric preparation of H3PMo12O40 and Cs3-PMo12O40 thin films with presence of P, Mo, O and Cs peaks of metal ions is observed from EDAX spectra.

Assessing biological invasion predatory impacts through interaction strengths and morphological trophic profiling

AbstractBiological invasions are a major stressor on ecosystems worldwide, but tools to predict their predatory impact remain limited. Here, we quantified invader impacts using two complementary approaches: functional responses (to reveal per capita and multiple predator interaction strengths) and ecomorphology (to reveal trophic profiles and competitive overlap). We compared Mozambique tilapia Oreochromis mossambicus, a native southern African cichlid, and a near-trophically analogous invasive congener, the Nile tilapia Oreochromis niloticus. Both Nile tilapia and Mozambique tilapia exhibited a potentially prey population destabilizing Type II functional response. In both single and multiple predator pairings, invasive Nile tilapia had significantly greater prey consumption rates than native Mozambique tilapia, and thereby a greater predatory impact than its native congeneric. Attack rates were greater for Nile tilapia than Mozambique tilapia, with both species showing more similar handling times and maximum feeding rates. No evidence for multiple predator effects was detected within or between these species, and therefore impacts of both species increased additively in the presence of conspecific or heterospecific competitors. Morphological trait analyses found general differences between these two species, with the invasive Nile tilapia having distinctively larger lower jaw closing force, gill resistance and gill raker length, which facilitated greater feeding capacities over the native species. Trophic profiles predicted using morphological trait differences showed high dietary overlap and served as evidence for potential exploitative competition between the two species. These results reveal superior interaction strengths and ecomorphological trait profiles of an invasive over native species which could influence impact and native species replacement dynamics. Novel applications of functional response and ecomorphology provide complementary insights into predatory and competitive impacts from invasive species, aiding impact prediction across environmental contexts.

Features of Increasing the Wear Resistance of 90CrSi Tool Steel Surface under Various Electrophysical Parameters of Plasma Electrolytic Treatment

The paper investigates the feasibility of plasma electrolytic treatment (PET) of 90CrSi tool steel to enhance hardness and wear resistance. The influence of electrophysical parameters of PET (polarity of the active electrode, chemical-thermal treatment, and polishing modes) on the composition, structure, morphology, and tribological properties of the surface was studied. Tribological tests were carried out under dry friction conditions according to the shaft-bushing scheme with fixation of the friction coefficient and temperature in the friction contact zone, measurements of surface microgeometry parameters, morphological analysis of friction tracks, and weight wear. The formation of a surface hardened to 1110–1120 HV due to the formation of quenched martensite is shown. Features of nitrogen diffusion during anodic PET and cathodic PET were revealed, and diffusion coefficients were calculated. The wear resistance of the surface of 90CrSi steel increased by 5–9 times after anodic PET followed by polishing, by 16 times after cathodic PET, and up to 32 times after subsequent polishing. It is shown that in all cases, the violation of frictional bonds occurs through the plastic displacement of the material, and the wear mechanism is fatigue wear during dry friction and plastic contact.

Biomechanical and morphological determinants of maximal jumping performance in callitrichine monkeys.

Jumping is a crucial behavior in fitness-critical activities including locomotion, resource acquisition, courtship displays, and predator avoidance. In primates, paleontological evidence suggests selection for enhanced jumping ability during their early evolution. However, our interpretation of the fossil record remains limited, as no studies have explicitly linked levels of jumping performance with interspecific skeletal variation. We used force platform analyses to generate biomechanical data on maximal jumping performance in three genera of callitrichine monkeys falling along a continuum of jumping propensity: Callimico (relatively high propensity jumper), Saguinus (intermediate jumping propensity), and Callithrix (relatively low propensity jumper). Individuals performed vertical jumps to perches of increasing height within a custom-built tower. We coupled performance data with high-resolution μCT data quantifying bony features thought to reflect jumping ability. Levels of maximal performance between species - e.g., maximal takeoff velocity of the center of mass (CoM) - parallel established gradients of jumping propensity. Both biomechanical analysis of jumping performance determinants (e.g., CoM displacement, maximal force production, peak mechanical power during push-off) and multivariate analyses of bony hindlimb morphology highlight different mechanical strategies among taxa. For instance, Callimico, which has relatively long hindlimbs, followed a strategy of fully extending of the limbs to maximize CoM displacement - rather than force production - during push-off. In contrast, relatively shorter-limbed Callithrix depended mostly on relatively high push-off forces. Overall, these results suggest that leaping performance is at least partially associated with correlated anatomical and behavioral adaptations, suggesting the possibility of better inferring performance from the fossil record.

Risk-factor analysis of the proximal tibia morphology for secondary ipsilateral injury after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: A retrospective cross-sectional study.

Many studies have reported the risk factors associated with primary anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury. However, few studies have focused on the bony morphology of secondary ipsilateral injury after ACL reconstruction. This study aimed to investigate the morphological risk factors of the proximal tibia contributing to secondary ipsilateral injury after ACL reconstruction. Twenty patients who were selected from secondary ipsilateral injury after ACL reconstruction between January 2015 and May 2020 were included in the secondary injury group. They were matched in a 1:2 ratio to the control group, which underwent primary ACL reconstruction during the same period and did not experience reinjury at the minimum 2-year follow-up, based on age, gender, and body mass index. All parameters, including medial tibial posterior slope, lateral tibial posterior slope (LTPS), medial tibial plateau depth, and lateral tibial plateau height, were recorded by using magnetic resonance imaging. Binary logistic regression analysis and receiver operator characteristic curves were conducted to explore the risk factors for reinjury and determine the cutoff value for the significant parameter. The LTPS was significantly larger in the secondary injury group than in the control group (9.6 ± 1.5° to 7.0 ± 1.4°, P < .001), and there was no significant difference in the medial tibial posterior slope, medial tibial posterior slope, and lateral tibial plateau height between the 2 groups (P > .05). The LTPS was found to be an independent risk factor for secondary ipsilateral injury after ACL reconstruction (odds ratio = 3.220, 95% confidence interval = 1.904-5.446, P < .001). The cutoff value of the LTPS was 8.8°, with a sensitivity of 91.7% and a specificity of 81.2%. The LTPS could be a unique predictor of secondary ipsilateral injury after ACL reconstruction. Orthopedists should implement effective measurements during primary reconstruction when the LTPS is >8.8°.

First Report of Curvularia trifolii Causing Leaf Spot on Zanthoxylum bungeanum in China.

Chinese prickly ash (Zanthoxylum bungeanum Maxim.), which is a Rutaceae plant as shrubs or small trees and indigenous to China, is widely grown in this country for its flavor, as well as its high economic and ecological value. So far, in China, the cultivated area and yield of Chinese prickly ash rank first in the world. In June 2023, a leaf spot disease with approximately 30% incidence was observed on Z. bungeanum in Zhenfeng County (25°44'21.38″ N, 105°56'47.15″ E, 1,083 m), Guizhou Province, China. Foliar symptoms appeared as irregularly shaped lesions, yellowish-brown with dark brown margins surrounded by yellow halos, which enlarged, resulting in the lesions dropping from the leaves and leaving holes. To isolate and identify the pathogen, symptomatic leaves were taken and cut into 5 mm × 5 mm pieces, surface sterilized with 2% NaClO for 3 min, 75% ethanol for 30 s, rinsed three times with sterile water, and incubated on PDA at 28°C. Ten isolates with identical morphology were obtained. After one week of incubation at 28℃, the colonies on PDA were brown, reverse dark brown, fluffy, reaching 7.0-7.5 cm in diameter. Conidia were straight or slightly curved, narrowly ellipsoidal or fusiform, 1-3 but mostly 3 septate, light or dark brown, with the middle cells usually darker than the terminal cells, smooth, 20.5-31.0 × 9.0-19.0 μm (x̄ = 26.0 × 14.0 μm, n = 30). The morphological features matched the description of Curvularia trifolii (Kauffman) Boedijn (Ellis 1971; Falloon 1976). Additionally, the internal transcribed spacer (ITS), large subunit (LSU) and glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (gapdh) genes were amplified by PCR with primers ITS5/ITS4 (White et al. 1990), LROR/LR5 (Vilgalys & Hester 1990) and GPD1/GPD2 (Berbee et al. 1999), and the ITS, LSU and gapdh sequences of the isolate GUCC 23-321 (PP837870, PP837881, PP855474) were deposited in GenBank. The BLAST showed 98.5% (ITS, HG779023, 598/709 bp), 99.87% (LSU, HG779077, 779/858 bp), and 97.79% (gapdh, HG779124, 543/498 bp) identities with C. trifolii (CBS 173.55). Furthermore, the phylogenetic tree of ML analysis based on the combined sequence data of ITS, LSU and gapdh revealed that GUCC 23-321 clustered with C. trifolii. Both morphology and phylogenetic analyses supported the identification of GUCC 23-321 as C. trifolii. Pathogenicity tests were carried out twice according to Koch's postulates. Five healthy 2-year-old Chinese prickly ash plants were sprayed with a conidial suspension (1 × 106 conidia/mL) of the isolate GUCC 23-321, while the controls (five other plants) were sprayed with sterile water. All plants were maintained in a greenhouse at 28°C, 80% relative humidity. After 8 days, the inoculated plants developed leaf spots similar to those showed in the field, but control plants were asymptomatic. Re-isolation of pathogenic fungi from the leaf lesions of the inoculated plants and according to molecular analysis and morphology, the fungi were identified as C. trifolii, fulfilling Koch's postulates. C. trifolii is a common fungal phytopathogen that has been reported to infect a variety of plants and cause leaf spot disease, such as Trifolium alexandrinum (Khadka 2016) and Nicotiana tabacum (Chen et al. 2017). This is the first worldwide report of C. trifolii causing Z. bungeanum leaf spot. The report will be beneficial for accurately diagnosing this disease, and proposing specific control measures.

Harnessing the therapeutic potential of bone marrow-derived stem cells for sciatic nerve regeneration in diabetic neuropathy

Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) is a common complication of diabetes that affects the angiogenesis and myelination of peripheral nerves. In this study, we investigated the potential of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) transplantation to improve DPN by enhancing angiogenesis and remyelination in the sciatic nerve of streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic female rats. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the therapeutic potential of mesenchymal stem cells as a possiblity for clinical intervention to alleviate the symptoms of diabetic peripheral neuropathy. We examined whether transplanted mesenchymal stem cells can produce new and restored angiogenesis, as well as promoting myelination. Overall, our findings suggest that MSCs transplantation has neuroprotective effects. This is particularly the case for Schwann cells. Transplantation may stimulate angiogenesis as well as remyelination of the sciatic nerve in experimentally-induced diabetic peripheral neuropathy. Behavioral assays, histological analysis, and molecular techniques were used to assess the effects of MSCs transplantation. Our results demonstrate that in diabetic rats signs of neuropathy were reversed following a single administration of bone marrow-derived MSCs. Morphological and morphometric analysis of the sciatic nerve revealed that diabetic rats displayed structural alterations that were attenuated with MSCs transplantation.Immunostaining analysis showed increased expression of S100 and VEGF in the sciatic nerve following MSCs transplantation. Western blotting analysis also revealed elevated levels of VEGF and CD31 in rats treated with MSCs compared to diabetic rats.

Evaluation of Rheological and Microstructural Behavior of Modified Asphalt Binder with Chitosan Derived from Shrimp Shell Powder

Chitosan derived from shrimp shells (SSPCH) was used for the first time as a biological biopolymer to modify the properties of bitumen across high, medium, and low-temperature ranges. Therefore, physical tests (penetration, softening point, and ductility) and rheological tests (RV, DSR, MSCR, LAS, and BBR) were conducted along with morphological and microstructural analyses, on modified bitumen with 2%, 4%, 6%, and 8% SSPCH. Chemical analysis revealed that bitumen and SSPCH interacted physically during the mixing process, while no chemical reaction was observed. Moreover, the thermal sensitivity of the modified bitumen was enhanced by decreasing the penetration degree and increasing the softening point. SSPCH improved the properties of modified bitumen as a result of its porous structure and asphaltene absorption, as well as its structural similarity to bitumen and ability to absorb the light components of bitumen with its heavy components. Increasing the SSPCH dose in bitumen improves its resistance to deformation and recoverability by increasing the viscous phase and decreasing the elastic phase, resulting in increased stiffness. The findings also revealed that the addition of 6% SSPCH yielded the best performance against rutting failures. Generally, SSPCH incorporation significantly improved bitumen performance in different temperature ranges. By adding 8% SSPCH, the highest resistance to rutting occurred. However, the phase separation between SSPCH and bitumen exceeded the suitable range. Hence, 6% SSPCH is useful in the bitumen mixture for areas at high temperature. Also, to prevent fatigue and cracking damage, it is recommended to limit the dose of SSPCH to 4-6%.

Mechanism study of Dual-Emission ratiometric fluorescent pH-Sensitive carbon quantum dots and its application on mornitoring enzymatic catalysis

Carbon dots (CQD) have received significant attention as a novel ratiometric fluorescent pH nanoprobe, owing to their favorable optical properties and excellent biocompatibility. Despite their appealing features, the precise mechanism behind the pH-sensitive photoluminescence of CQDs remains to be fully understood. This study endeavors to unravel the mechanism underlying the pH-responsive ratiometric fluorescence in dual-emission CQDs, synthesized through a one-step hydrothermal method using o-phenylenediamine and oxalic acid as precursors. The resultant CQDs exhibit inherent dual-emission at wavelengths of 383 nm and 566 nm, with the ratiometric fluorescence response tailored by the ratio of precursors, providing a robust tool for pH sensing across a range of 2 to 6. Detailed characterizations, including chemical, morphological, and optical analyses, alongside theoretical insights from time-dependent density functional theory (TD-DFT), elucidate the mechanism underlying the pH-dependent luminescence, attributed to the electron cloud transmission between amide and adjacent carboxyl groups on the CQD surface. The superior performance of these CQDs in real-time pH monitoring is demonstrated through their application in glucose oxidase-catalyzed reactions, showcasing their potential as efficient, reliable nanoprobes for biomedical research and diagnostic applications.

Designing A Visible Light Driven TiO2-Based Photocatalyst by Doping and Co-Doping with Niobium (Nb) and Boron (B)

Water pollution has emerged as a significant worldwide issue, with organic pollutants being a key contributor. Titanium dioxide (TiO2) has demonstrated promising photocatalytic performance in removing organic pollutants under ultraviolet (UV) irradiation. However, the wide band gap (3.2 eV) of TiO2 results in low absorption capacity of visible light, hindering its overall efficiency in degrading organic pollutants. To address the limitation, this research aimed to synthesize visible light-driven TiO2 photocatalyst with different polymorphs (anatase and rutile) and investigate the effect of various doping combination (Nb, B and Nb,B) and concentrations (0.25, 0.50, 0.75 and 1.00 mol%) on the photodegradation efficiency towards methylene blue (MB) dye solution. Anatase phase was obtained when TiO2-based nanopowders were calcined at 400 °C, while the rutile phase was formed at 900 °C based on XRD analyses. Additionally, the morphology analyses revealed that the particle size of anatase is much smaller than that of rutile. The presence of dopants further reduced the particle size of both anatase and rutile phases. Based on UV-Vis absorbance spectra analyses, the anatase Nb,B-TiO2 with 0.50 mol% of dopant concentration exhibited the best photocatalytic performance towards MB. Moreover, the anatse phase of 0.50 mol% Nb,B-TiO2 showed the narrowest band gap of 2.74 eV compared to the TiO2 (3.4 eV), representing a reduction of 19.41 %, according to UV-Vis analyses. These outcomes suggest the potential application of anatase phase of 0.50 mol% Nb,B-TiO2 in treating organic pollutants in wastewater under visible light conditions in future. Copyright © 2024 by Authors, Published by BCREC Publishing Group. This is an open access article under the CC BY-SA License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0).

Normal sperm quality despite partial deletion of sY84 in the AZFa region: A case report.

The complete absence of the azoospermia factor A (AZFa) region typically results in nonobstructive azoospermia. Partial deletions of the AZFa region are particularly noteworthy due to the limited and enigmatic reports of partial deletions in the AZFa region. Here, we present a rare case report of partial deletion of sY84 in the AZFa region but exhibiting normal sperm quality. The aim of this case report is to gain a deeper insight into the impact of AZFa region deletion on male fertility and to guide future clinical decisions and treatment strategies. A 25-year-old man presented to the hospital with his 25-year-old wife due to recurrent spontaneous abortions. Routine semen analysis, sperm morphology analysis, acrosomal enzyme analysis, sperm DNA fragmentation indexed, and peripheral blood karyotype analysis revealed no abnormalities. Y chromosome microdeletion was detected by real-time fluorescence polymerase chain reaction, which showed that sY84 could not be amplified and sY86 was amplified nonspecifically. The man was diagnosed with partial deletions in the AZFa region. The wife underwent in vitro fertilization treatment for tubal infertility and recurrent spontaneous abortions. The couple successfully delivered a healthy daughter weighing 2.7 kg at 39 weeks of gestation, following 2 assisted reproductive pregnancies. Our findings contribute to expanding our knowledge of the AZFa region. A sY84 deficiency in the AZFa region may not lead to spermatogenesis failure and may potentially be one of the factors causing recurrent miscarriages, which needs to be confirmed by further data.