Effect of mammalian gelatin types on the preparation and properties of fish oil-loaded genipin-crosslinked gelatin-alginate powders.

Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) occupies a strategic place in Ivorian agriculture, contributing both to food security and to the incomes of rural populations. Despite national production exceeding six million tons per year, farmers' yields remain low due to empirical farming practices and a poor match between varieties, soil types, and tillage methods. This study, conducted in the Taabo region (a forest-savanna transition zone in south-central Côte d'Ivoire), aimed to evaluate the combined effect of soil type, tillage method, and variety on cassava productivity. The experiment, conducted using a randomized complete block design, crossed three factors: soil type (clay or sand), tillage method (ridging or leveling), and variety (Bocou 1 or Yacé), for a total of 24 plots. The results show that clay soils and ridge cultivation significantly improve plant growth and tuber yield. The Bocou 1 variety proved to be the most productive (bocou 1 = 42,07 t/ha and Yacé = 31,63 t/ha), while the IAC variety showed greater vegetative growth but lower yield. The combination of ridging, sandy soil, and the Bocou 1 variety is therefore the most effective combination for the agroecological conditions in Taabo. These results offer prospects for the development of sustainable technical itineraries adapted to cassava production in Côte d'Ivoire.

Deoxyglycosides represent an important class of bioactive molecules with broad medicinal significance. In this study, 1,3-annulated-2-deoxyglycosides were synthesized from glycals via a Lewis acid-mediated domino sequence. Unlike the classical Ferrier glycosylation, this work highlights the role of glycals in annulation reactions. Protected glycals such as acetylated d-galactal, d-arabinal, and l-fucal underwent highly regioselective glycosylation with external nucleophiles, affording 1,3-annulated-2-deoxyglycosides as the sole products. In contrast, glycals such as d-glucal, l-rhamnal, and d-xylal either failed to deliver the desired products under the same conditions or furnished them in lower yields. The substrate scope for 1,3-annulated-2-deoxyglycosides includes diverse protected glycals and acceptors, including 1-naphthols, 2-naphthols, phenols, and thionaphthalenes. Mechanistic investigations, supported by DFT calculations, revealed that the ortho positions of aromatic phenols preferentially attack the thermodynamically favorable C-3 position of the oxocarbenium ion rather than the anomeric center. These computational insights align with experimental observations, as a key reaction intermediate was isolated and characterized.

Waterlogging significantly affects the growth, yield, and quality of onion due to its shallow root system. Eight onion genotypes—four tolerant (Accession 1666, Bhima Dark Red (BDR) Selection, Accession 1630, W-355) and four sensitive (Bhima Super, Bhima Shubra, Bhima Red, Bhima Raj)—identified in a previous pot experiment were evaluated under field conditions for growth, physiological and biochemical traits, and bulb yield to validate their performance. The field experiment followed a split-plot design with three replications, with waterlogging treatments as main plots and eight onion genotypes as subplots, on clay loam soils. Accession 1666 exhibited minimal growth reduction, while BDR Selection showed moderate declines of 17.1%, 10.6%, and 11.7% in plant height, leaf number, and total leaf area, respectively, compared with control plots. Both tolerant genotypes maintained higher membrane stability index (MSI), relative water content (RWC), antioxidant enzyme activities (catalase, guaiacol peroxidase, and ascorbate peroxidase), and concentrations of pyruvic acid, and chlorophyll under stress. Accession 1666 and BDR Selection exhibited reductions in bulb yield of 29.7% and 28.8%, respectively, compared with the respective controls. Conversely, sensitive genotypes experienced greater declines in MSI, RWC, and biochemical traits, with total bulb yield reductions ranging from 46.2% (Bhima Raj) to 53.3% (Bhima Shubra). Field performance revealed that Accession 1630 and W-355, previously classified as tolerant, showed higher mortality and lower yields than Accession 1666 and BDR Selection. The findings confirmed that Accession 1666 and BDR Selection exhibit waterlogging tolerance, making them well suited for cultivation during the monsoon season. Furthermore, adopting raised bed and furrow planting methods can enhance the drainage of excess water, thereby contributing to increased onion yield.Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1038/s41598-025-18262-w.

Coal-derived hard carbon (HC) is a promising anode material for sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) owing to its low cost, abundant reserves, and high carbon yield but its practical application is hindered by the excessive formation of graphite-like microcrystals during pyrolysis, which results in poor sodium storage performance. Here, we propose a catalytic copyrolysis strategy to tailor the carbon microstructure at the molecular level. During copyrolysis, biomass-derived radicals interact with coal molecules, significantly reducing the apparent activation energy of coal pyrolysis. This catalytic effect promotes the cleavage of large aromatic ring structures in coal, decreases steric hindrance to cross-linking, and exposes more reactive sites, thereby facilitating cross-linking reactions, while gaseous byproducts further disrupt the ordered stacking of carbon layers. These cooperative effects promote the formation of disordered microcrystalline domains with enlarged interlayer spacing and abundant closed pores, thereby accelerating Na+ transport. The optimized HC (HC-37) achieves a high reversible capacity of 317 mAh g-1, an initial Coulombic efficiency of 88%, excellent rate performance, and nearly 100% capacity retention after 1500 cycles at 1 A g-1, outperforming conventional coal-derived HCs. This catalyzed pyrolysis strategy offers a facile and scalable route for tailoring coal-based carbon anodes in high-performance SIBs.

The challenges associated with achieving a clear diagnosis in patients with a suspected bleeding disorder are evident in those who end up categorized as bleeding disorder of unknown cause (BDUC), which can contribute to uncertainty in management and suboptimal care. BDUC is a diagnosis of exclusion, with nondiagnostic first-line hemostatic laboratory testing not meeting the criteria of an inherited mild bleeding disorder, despite the patient having a positive bleeding phenotype and/or positive family history. An abnormal bleeding phenotype, an important diagnostic criterion for BDUC, should be assessed through the use of standardized bleeding assessment tools, allowing for the quantification of bleeding symptoms as well as through clinical gestalt and judgment. The first-line laboratory workup must include a minimum set of hemostasis assays with normal results, including complete blood count, prothrombin time, activated partial thromboplastin time, thrombin time, fibrinogen, von Willebrand disease testing, factor VIII, platelet aggregation testing, and, if available, platelet-dense granule assessment. Following normal results of initial laboratory testing, specialized tests may be ordered based on examination in addition to the patient's clinical history, including measurement of individual clotting factor assays to identify other rare bleeding causes, and in rarer cases, additional platelet assays and fibrinolysis assays may be performed. Genetic testing involving targeted genomic sequencing of known genes associated with bleeding and platelet dysfunction is not currently part of the standard line of care, primarily due to the cost and low diagnostic yield.

This analysis assessed the partial net returns of a triazole, at-plant fungicide (i.e., Xyway LFR@FMC) including no fungicide (control) and 1.11 L ha-1 rate under three water scenarios in west Tennessee. In 2022, all water regimes and fungicide treatments had positive average partial net returns compared to rainfed (RF) with no fungicide treatment. However, in 2023 due to beneficial rainfall and low disease pressure during the growing season, low yield differences between treatments resulted in negative partial net returns for all treatments compared to RF with no fungicide treatment. The annualized capital recovery cost of the irrigation equipment was one of the reasons for the negative partial net returns across treatments and particularly water regimes for 2023. An additional factor that influenced the partial net returns analysis was the decline in corn prices between the 2022/23 and the 2023/24 marketing year. Although the Xyway LFR@FMC fungicide application can be profitable for corn production, different environmental factors will determine yield and net return differences each year. Clearly, the investment in irrigation systems has a multiyear return on investment and the application of fungicide is completed before weather and disease pressure is known. As such, long-term weather variability will play an important role in the net returns of Xyway LFR@FMC fungicide application.

Glycosylation is among the most common post-translational modifications of proteins. There is a great synthetic and practical difficulty in the assembly and deprotection of glycopeptides. State-of-the-art methods for glycopeptide synthesis are wasteful of glycosylated amino acids, are slow, and suffer from low yields. These shortcomings hamper accessibility to multiply glycosylated peptides. We report the accelerated, high-shear stirring-assisted synthesis of multiply O-glycosylated peptides. The equimolar assembly was streamlined with deacetylation to provide multiglycosylated peptides at high purity. Cadherin-derived multiglycosylated peptides synthesized in large quantities provided selective Listeria monocytogenes electrochemical biosensing.

Chemical recycling technologies are gaining attention, yet their environmental benefits remain debated due to high energy demand, low yields, and limited data quality. This study conducts a comparative life cycle assessment of a 130 kg/h pyrolysis plant converting post-industrial packaging waste into high-value chemicals. Its environmental performance is benchmarked against waste incineration and virgin chemical production. The chemical recycling process emits 1.4 kgCO2-eq/kg feedstock, 50 % lower than for incineration. Considering product substitutions, emissions of the recycling process are reduced up to ‑0.9 kgCO2-eq. Compared to virgin production, the chemical recycling process provides a suitable alternative, generating up to 40 % less CO2 emissions. It also results in lower impacts on acidification and fossil fuel depletion, although freshwater and marine eutrophication are higher than those of fossil-based production. The results show high dependency on data and methodological assumptions that can reduce the emissions by up to 64 % but can increase them by 114 %.

ABSTRACT This paper is based on a qualitative case study of an initiative by the state of Himachal Pradesh in North India to transition all its farmers to natural farming, an agroecological approach. The paper explores the importance of traditional seeds in the context of a transition to natural farming where cash crops and hybrid seeds had been previously promoted. The study was conducted in thirty-five villages across five districts in Himachal Pradesh. Farmers were interviewed to explore the transition processes and assess their experiences of how traditional seeds and hybrid seeds respond to natural farming practices. The research indicates that many farmers view hybrid seeds as lacking climate resilience, necessitating the use of agrochemicals, and being culturally and practically unsuitable. Employing natural farming practices with hybrid crops resulted in increased workloads and lower yields in cereals. Additionally, the research explores how state mechanisms facilitated access to traditional seeds and identifies areas that require further effort to revitalize farmer seed systems. We argue that supporting traditional seed systems is a key enabling factor for agroecology: it is crucial to maintaining food security, improving health and nutrition, and building resilience to climate change.

Papermaking sludge, rich in intrinsic resource value, is effectively barred from direct deployment in environmental remediation, agriculture, or energy generation by its pronounced contaminant burden. Pyrolytic conversion into high-value paper sludge biochar, such as papermaking sludge biochar (PSBC) provides a green, efficient portal for closing its resource loop. In this study, papermaking sludge was converted into a series of paper sludge biochars (PSBCs) via oxygen-limited pyrolysis at 500–900 °C. The porous architecture, surface physicochemical properties, and crystalline structure of the biochars were comprehensively characterized, and their performance for aqueous tetracycline (TC) removal was systematically quantified. Pyrolysis at 900 °C afforded PSBC 900 with the lowest yield (36.05%) yet the highest Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) surface area (79.53 m2/g), an extensively developed mesopore network, and the greatest degree of graphitization. Across an initial tetracycline (TC) concentration window of 20–160 mg/L, PSBC 900 delivered an equilibrium capacity (qe) of 72.22 mg/g, outperforming PSBC 700 and PSBC 500 by factors of 1.3 and 1.8, respectively. Optimal uptake was achieved at a dosage of 1.0 g/L, pH 7, and 120 min contact time. Among the background cations examined, Mg2+ exerted a pronounced inhibitory effect, whereas Na+, K+, and Ca2+ exerted negligible interference. The adsorption process was accurately described by the pseudo-second-order kinetic model and the Langmuir isotherm (R2 > 0.999), yielding a theoretical maximum capacity (qm) of 76.39 mg/g for PSBC 900 at 313 K. Thermodynamic parameters (∆Gθ < 0, ∆Hθ > 0, ∆Sθ > 0) confirm a spontaneous, endothermic, and entropy-driven process. After five consecutive adsorption–desorption cycles, PSBC 900 retained >64.68% of its original efficiency, demonstrating excellent regenerability. Paper sludge biochar enables a “waste-to-treat-waste” strategy for the efficient abatement of tetracycline, offering an economically viable and high-performance technology that advances the remediation of tetracycline-laden wastewaters.

The lactation curve expresses the pattern of milk production throughout the lactation period. Such a curve provides insights to assist in designing proper management strategies. Culling dairy cows directly influences the farm economy and animal welfare. The lactation curve components (LCC) of culled Holstein cows, compared with those of retained cows, have not been studied. This study aims to investigate the LCC in culled Holstein cows compared with those retained unculled in the same herd. This research included 27,297 complete lactation records for Holstein cows described as retained or culled for low milk yield, reproductive disorders, udder problems, metabolic disorders, locomotive problems, endemic diseases, respiratory diseases and unknown reasons. The incomplete gamma function was fitted to estimate LCC, as represented by initial milk yield (IMY), the rate of milk increase to peak, the rate of milk decline after peak, peak yield (PY), time to reach peak and persistency. The general linear model was applied to analyse the effects of stayability class (retained/culled) on LCC. Cows culled for reproductive disorders showed no significant differences in LCC compared to retained cows, but they spent more days in milk (54.9weeks) than retained cows (48.9weeks). Except for those with reproductive disorders, all culled cows exhibited shorter lactation lengths, higher rates of milk decline after peak, shorter times to attain PY and lower persistence than retained cows. In addition, cows culled for metabolic disorders exhibited higher initial milk (35kg) and peak milk yields (44.2kg) than the retained cows and those culled for other reasons. In conclusion, by linking culling causes to milk production trends, this research equips farmers to identify risks earlier, such as tracking milk decline onset and adapting management to retain healthier, high-value cows longer. This strategy could reduce costs, enhance milk output and improve herd welfare on dairy farms.

Osteomyelitis, a severe bone infection, poses significant challenges due to antibiotic resistance and limited efficacy of conventional treatments, which often rely on non-degradable carriers with burst antibiotic release. Biodegradable scaffolds with intrinsic antimicrobial functionality offer a promising alternative combining structural support, sustained therapy, and bone tissue regeneration. In this study, novel hydrophobic derivatives of the antibiotic ciprofloxacin-allylciprofloxacin (Cpf-Allyl) and vinylbenzylciprofloxacin (Cpf-VBC) - were synthesized and evaluated as photoinitiators for one- and two-photon polymerization (1PP and 2PP) of star-shaped polylactide (SS-PLA) to obtain scaffolds designed for bone regeneration. Both derivatives retained antimicrobial activity comparable to unmodified ciprofloxacin against key pathogens, including S. aureus and E. coli. Cpf-VBC demonstrated favorable photophysical properties for 2PP: 40% higher absorbance at 263 nm and lower fluorescence quantum yield (8% vs. 10% for Cpf-Allyl), approaching the efficiency of the commercial photoinitiator Bis-b. All photosensitive resins achieved high degrees of conversion (DC ≥ 60%) for the 1PP-method. In contrast, Cpf-VBC-based 2PP scaffolds showed a significantly lower DC (29 ± 4%) compared to both Cpf-Allyl-based and Bis-b-based scaffolds (∼58%). However, the use of Cpf-VBC resulted in increased surface hydrophilicity of the scaffolds, as evidenced by lower water contact angles (62 ± 2°) and a higher polar component of surface energy. All fabricated scaffolds promoted the proliferation of mesenchymal stromal cells and their efficient osteogenic differentiation supported by scaffold mineralization. The scaffolds exhibited topographical and mechanical properties suitable for bone tissue engineering, with a Young's modulus (262-377 MPa) in the range of human cancellous bone.

The development of ferrite‐based lightweight steels containing a large fraction of coarse δ ‐ferrite has been constrained by their inherently low yield strength and rolling‐induced cracking associated with κ ‐carbides. In this study, an optimized two‐step rolling process consisting of warm rolling followed by light cold rolling, combined with short‐term low‐temperature tempering, is designed for low‐Mn (<3 wt%) ferrite‐based lightweight steel. This approach successfully achieves an excellent property combination, with a yield strength of ≈1.2 GPa and an elongation of 22.8%. Specifically, the optimized warm rolling process suppresses κ ‐carbide formation, thereby eliminating rolling cracks. Subsequent cold rolling introduced a high dislocation density, strong heterodeformation‐induced (HDI) stress, and refined martensite/austenite grains, all of which contributed to the rapid increase in yield strength. After tempering, partial martensite twinning occurred, HDI stress is further enhanced, and strain aging associated with solute atoms and lattice defects is activated. These synergistic effects result in superior matching of yield strength and ductility. The simplicity of this processing route, combined with the excellent mechanical performance, highlights the broad application potential of ferrite‐based lightweight steels.

Enhanced caproic acid production through electro-fermentation: A novel approach for resource utilization of lignocellulosic waste.

This study evaluates an understudied perspective: the experiences of prospective parents who decline prenatal genome sequencing (pGS) for continuing pregnancies with fetal structural anomalies. We recruited a total cohort of 300 parents of 150 pregnancies who declined pGS, including 33 individuals who underwent an invasive procedure. These parents were invited to participate in a semi-structured interview between 1 and 15months post-partum. We used Thematic Analysis to code and analyze interviews. We interviewed 22 parents of 16 pregnancies. Reasons for declining testing included risks of invasive procedures (n=19, 86%), lack of prenatally actionable findings (n=17, 77%), unclear benefits of testing (n=9, 41%), satisfaction with previous testing (n=11, 50%), expected low diagnostic yield (n=13, 59%), emotional and information overload (n=11, 50%), intolerance of uncertainty (n=13, 59%), and privacy concerns (n=5, 23%). Most individuals indicated that, if available, they would elect non-invasive prenatal sequencing. Overall, participants were satisfied with their choice to decline pGS and had no regrets postnatally. The reasons individuals declined pGS included medical and emotional risks of testing and an understanding of potential results and their utility. To address these concerns, pretest genetic counseling should include the probability of diagnostic results, impact of prenatal/perinatal management, consideration of uncertain results, privacy concerns, and benefits and limitations of postnatal testing. Non-invasive prenatal sequencing, currently under investigation in research settings, may be an alternative future option, but will not address all concerns. Given that our cohort was small and homogenous, lacked cost burden, excluded terminated pregnancies, and included no postnatal genetic diagnoses, further research is needed to confirm that these findings are generalizable.

ABSTRACT Limestone mining is a major contributor to cement production in South India's Ariyalur region. However, its impact on regional hydrogeological systems, particularly, the Kallar River and adjacent groundwater reserves, requires further investigation. This study employs an integrated approach combining groundwater table elevation data, hydrodynamics, hydrogeochemical analysis, and geospatial systems to evaluate the effects of mining activities. The Kallar River's flow direction is found to be opposite to the dip of the limestone beds. The presence of marl (CaCO 3 + clay) occasionally induces seepages and slope failures in the mines, though not at a significant rate. The shows a semiconfined to confined aquifer system with limestone formations of low permeability and limited water yield. The groundwater samples (May 2024, 33 samples) assessed for water quality showed pH is within the limits and a significant proportion of samples exceeded permissible limits for TDS (27.27%), Na + (39.39%), K + (18.18%), Ca 2+ (3.03%), Mg 2+ (6.06%), HCO 3 − (12.12%), Cl − (15.15%), SO 4 2− (12.12%), and NO 3 − (24.24%). Hydrogeochemical analysis using Piper and Gibbs plots indicates a dominance of Ca–Mg–Cl–SO 4 type water, governed by rock–water interactions and anthropogenic influences. The Nitrate Pollution Index and classified 49% of samples as Clean, and WAWQI classified over 52% of samples as safe for human consumption. Overall, minimal environmental deterioration was noted, with limited hydrological connectivity between the Kallar River and adjacent mine sites. The study recommends ecological restoration measures and the construction of protective embankments to ensure the sustainability of groundwater resources over a longer period in this sensitive limestone terrain.

Spinal dysraphism describes a spectrum of congenital anomalies pertaining to the spine and spinal cord. Ultrasound is the preferred imaging modality for diagnosing dysraphism in low-risk neonates due to its cost-effectiveness and availability. Recent research demonstrates a low incidence of dysraphism in infants with an isolated sacral dimple and associated cutaneous stigmata (e.g., hairy tuft, haemangioma). We sought to determine the number of neonates referred for investigation of a simple sacral dimple, and the proportion found to have dysraphism. A retrospective analysis of the radiology information system was performed in a quaternary Australian children's hospital. Children undergoing spinal ultrasound from January 2016 to November 2024 were included. Patients over 90 days of age, and with indications other than simple sacral dimple were excluded. There were 448 spinal ultrasound examinations reviewed; of these, 195 (43.5%) were for a simple sacral dimple. Mean age at scan was 33 days (range 2-90 days, sd = 24 days), 88 (45.1%) were female. Only two (1.0%) were diagnosed with dysraphism; both were found to have tethered cords. Both patients were subsequently diagnosed with concomitant anomalies (cardiac, and a Dandy Walker Malformation). Our findings support literature suggesting ultrasound screening for neonates with a simple sacral dimple has a very low diagnostic yield.

Cyclopentadiene is an important intermediate that is widely used in the production of useful chemicals, high-density aviation fuels and polymers. Conventional technologies for the production of cyclopentadiene from fossil energies suffer from low yield and selectivity. Therefore, the selective production of cyclopentadiene from renewable biomass is highly expected. In this work, a series of metal phosphates were found to be effective solid acid catalysts for the selective synthesis of cyclopentadiene from the dehydration of 1,3-cyclopentanediol, a platform compound that can be obtained from the aqueous phase rearrangement of furfuryl alcohol followed by hydrogenation. Among the investigated catalysts, lanthanum phosphate (LaP) exhibited the best performance. Over it, 100% 1,3-cyclopentanediol conversion and higher than 90% carbon yield of cyclopentadiene were achieved at 473 K under atmospheric pressure. Based on the results of characterization, the excellent performance of LaP catalyst can be rationalized by its higher amount of acid sites and average pore size.

The study conducted during rabi (Jan–May, 2024) at Instructional farm, OUAT, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India to investigate the effect of nano Diammonium Phospahe (DAP) on growth, yield and quality of groundnut (Arachis hypogaea) in an acid Inceptisols. The experiment was laid out with 11 treatments combination in randomised block design with three replications. Treatments T10 (T4 + ST with Nano DAP at 10 ml L-1 of water and FS with Nano DAP at 2.5 ml L-1 of water at 35 DAS and 50 DAS) resulted in higher pod yields followed by T7 (T4 + ST with Nano DAP at 7.5 ml L -1 Water +Twice FS with Nano DAP at 2.5 ml L -1 of water at 35 DAS and 50 DAS) which was the yield obtained with 100% of STD for N and P as soil application. Whereas the lowest yield was obtained in T11(absolute control). The findings revealed that the highest benefit-to-cost (B:C) ratio of 2.19 was associated with treatment T10 (T4 +ST with Nano DAP at 10 ml L-1 of water and FS with Nano DAP at 2.5 ml L-1 of water at 35 DAS and 50 DAS) followed by T7 (2.17) [T4+ST with Nano DAP at7.5 ml L -1 Water+Twice FS with Nano DAP at 2.5 ml L-1 of water at 35 DAS and 50 DAS] with reduced application of STD of conventional fertilizers at 50% along with foliar application of nano DAP found economically more sustainable. The results regarding the effect of nano DAP on post-harvest soil showed no significant changes in any of the soil parameters.