Mat Treatment Research Articles

Microalgal astaxanthin ameliorates cypermethrin-induced necroptosis and inflammation via targeting mitochondrial Ca2+ homeostasis and the ROS-NF-κB-RIPK3/MLKL axis in carp hepatocytes (Cyprinus carpio)

Cypermethrin is a toxic pesticide that has infiltrated water bodies due to its widespread use. This contamination has led to detrimental effects on the immune organs of aquatic species, including fish. The natural fat-soluble orange-red carotenoid, astaxanthin (MAT), derived from microalgae, possesses anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory properties. To elucidate the mechanism of CY induced damage to carp liver cells and assess the potential protective effects of MAT, we established a carp hepatocyte model exposed to CY and/or MAT. Hepatocytes from carp (Cyprinus carpio) were treated with either 8 μM CY or 60 μM MAT for 24 h. Upon exposure CY, a significant increase in reactive oxygen species (ROS) was observed alongside a diminution in the activities of key antioxidant enzymes, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT), suggesting an impairment of cellular antioxidant capacity. Subsequently, acridine orange/ethidium bromide (AO/EB) staining and flow cytometry analysis revealed that hepatocytes exposed to CY exhibited a higher incidence of necroptosis, associated with an elevated mitochondrial Ca2+ concentration, which contributed to cellular dysfunction. Furthermore, exposure to CY also activated the ROS-NF-κB-RIPK3/MLKL signaling pathway, increasing the levels of necroptosis-related regulatory factors (RIP1, RIP3, and MLKL) in hepatocytes and the expression of inflammatory genes (IL-6, IFN-γ, IL-4, IL-1β, and TNF-α), which led to immune dysfunction in hepatocytes. The immunotoxic effects induced by CY were mitigated by MAT treatment, suggesting its potential in alleviating the aforementioned changes caused by CY. Overall, the data suggested that MAT therapy could enhance hepatocyte defenses against CY-induced necroptosis and inflammatory responses by regulating mitochondrial Ca2+ homeostasis and inhibiting the ROS-NF-κB-RIPK3/MLKL signaling cascade. This study elucidated the potential benefits of employing MAT to protect farmed fish from agrobiological hazards during CY exposure, underscoring the practical applications of MAT in aquaculture.

Matairesinol blunts adverse cardiac remodeling and heart failure induced by pressure overload by regulating Prdx1 and PI3K/AKT/FOXO1 signaling

BackgroundPathological cardiac remodeling is a critical process leading to heart failure, characterized primarily by inflammation and apoptosis. Matairesinol (Mat), a key chemical component of Podocarpus macrophyllus resin, exhibits a wide range of pharmacological activities, including anti-hydatid, antioxidant, antitumor, and anti-inflammatory effects. PurposeThis study aims to investigate whether Matairesinol alleviate cardiac hypertrophy and remodeling caused by pressure overload and to elucidate its mechanism of action. MethodsAn in vitro pressure loading model was established using neonatal rat cardiomyocytes treated with angiotensin Ⅱ, while an in vivo model was created using C57 mice subjected to transverse aortic constriction (TAC). To activate the PI3K/Akt/FoxO1 pathway, Ys-49 was employed. Moreover, small interfering RNA (siRNA) and short hairpin RNA (shRNA) were utilized to silence Prdx1 expression both in vitro and in vivo. Various techniques, including echocardiography, wheat germ agglutinin (WGA) staining, HE staining, PSR staining, and Masson trichrome staining, were used to assess cardiac function, cardiomyocyte cross-sectional area, and fibrosis levels in rats. Apoptosis in myocardial tissue and in vitro was detected by TUNEL assay, while reactive oxygen species (ROS) content in tissues and cells was measured using DHE staining. Furthermore, the affinity of Prdx1 with Mat and PI3K was analyzed using computer-simulated molecular docking. Western blotting and RT-PCR were utilized to evaluate Prdx1 levels and proteins related to apoptosis and oxidative stress, as well as the mRNA levels of cardiac hypertrophy and fibrosis-related indicators. ResultsMat significantly alleviated cardiac hypertrophy and fibrosis induced by TAC, preserved cardiac function, and markedly reduced cardiomyocyte apoptosis and oxidative damage. In vitro, mat attenuated ang Ⅱ - induced hypertrophy of nrvms and activation of neonatal rat fibroblasts. Notably, activation of the PI3K/Akt/FoxO1 pathway and downregulation of Prdx1 expression were observed in TAC mice; however, these effects were reversed by Mat treatment. Furthermore, Prdx1 knockdown activated the PI3K/Akt/FoxO1 pathway, leading to exacerbation of the disease. Molecular docking indicated that Molecular docking indicated that Mat upregulated Prdx1 expression by binding to it, thereby inhibiting the PI3K/Akt/FoxO1 pathway and protecting the heart by restoring Prdx1 expression levels. ConclusionMatairesinol alleviates pressure overload-induced cardiac remodeling both in vivo and in vitro by upregulating Prdx1 expression and inhibiting the PI3K/Akt/FoxO1 pathway. This study highlights the therapeutic potential of Matairesinol in the treatment of cardiac hypertrophy and remodeling, providing a promising avenue for future research and clinical application.

Synthesis and characterization of cellulose Grewia optiva yarn and woven mat using an alkali solution

PurposeThe production of commodities from renewable organic material has gained enormous interest due to the rising public understanding of conscious development. Natural fibers are accessible in environment, and their parameters depend on their physical traits and chemically engineered makeup. Grewia optiva (GO) comes under the category of bast fibers, also known as Bhimal. This study aims to realize the consequences of alkali treatment on the characterization of natural fibers, their developed yarn and then the woven mat.Design/methodology/approachRaw fiber was treated with 20% alkali solution. After treatment, it was evaluated for changes in the general laboratory system. This treatment is known as mercerization, through which the parameters of cellulose fibers can be enhanced. After this process, the content of cellulose increases due to the removal of the hydroxyl group. The removal of microfibrils, hemicellulose and the introduction of hydrogen bonds increase the interactive capacity of fiber. The job was divided into different sections, including acquiring fiber, developing yarn and creating a mat.FindingsThe quality of the surface of the fiber was enhanced after the treatment. Its diameter was reduced to 54.72 microns. In the developed woven mat, it was densified using water treatment and attained grams per square meter (GSM) of 389.7.Originality/valueThe usage of mercerization softens the fiber to twist into yarn, which is finally woven into a mat. Treatment of fabric or mat makes it denser to impart better strength. A woven mat of natural fibers provides maximum strength to the composites.

Recyclable Rubber Flooring in Farrowing Crates and Its Influence on the Development and Welfare of Piglets in the Maternity Phase

To boost productivity in pig production, it is essential to improve the litter size per sow. However, achieving this goal requires reducing newborn mortality rates and increasing their weight gain. In this regard, prioritizing animal welfare and adopting practices that promote sustainability in the activity is crucial. The study aimed to evaluate the sustainable flooring coverage of farrowing crates, considering piglet adaptation, thermal comfort, animal development, and increased productivity. Three types of flooring treatments were defined: T1—wood shavings; T2—solid rubber mat; T3—perforated rubber mat, for 12 litters (±50 animals/treatment). Behavior, physiology, piglet production indices, and facility microclimate were assessed. The facility’s microclimate indicated the possibility of cold stress. There was a greater preference for the mat treatments among the animals, as they remained on them for longer periods and showed increased activity in the farrowing crates. The presence of mats resulted in lower mortality due to crushing, positively contributing to production. These findings suggest the potential of using recyclable rubber mats in pig production and encourage the exploration of new designs and installation locations.

On-demand chlorine dioxide solution enhances odontoblast differentiation through desulfation of cell surface heparan sulfate proteoglycan and subsequent activation of canonical Wnt signaling.

Heparan sulfate proteoglycans (HSPGs) surround the surface of odontoblasts, and their modification affects their affinity for Wnt ligands. This study proposes applying Matching Transformation System® (MA-T), a novel chlorinated oxidant, to enhance dentinogenesis. MA-T treatment in odontoblasts decreased sulfation of HSPG and upregulated the expression of dentin sialophosphoprotein (Dspp) and Dentin Matrix Protein 1 (Dmp1) via activation of canonical Wnt signaling in vitro. Ex vivo application of MA-T also enhanced dentin matrix formation in developing tooth explants. Reanalysis of a public single-cell RNA-seq dataset revealed significant Wnt activity in the odontoblast population, with enrichment for Wnt10a and Wnt6. Silencing assays showed that Wnt10a and Wnt6 were redundant in inducing Dspp and Dmp1 mRNA expression. These Wnt ligands' expression was upregulated by MA-T treatment, and TCF/LEF binding sites are present in their promoters. Furthermore, the Wnt inhibitors Notum and Dkk1 were enriched in odontoblasts, and their expression was also upregulated by MA-T treatment, together suggesting autonomous maintenance of Wnt signaling in odontoblasts. This study provides evidence that MA-T activates dentinogenesis by modifying HSPG and through subsequent activation of Wnt signaling.

Peach (Prunus persica L. Batsch) perfection: Boosting yields with mulching

The present study aimed to investigate the effects of various mulching strategies on the growth and yield of peach crops, as well as on soil hydrothermal regimes, weed infestation, and microbial properties. A field experiment was conducted, implementing various organic residue mulches including locally available grass and pine needle mulch, as well as inorganic mulches such as black and transparent mulch, control treatment comprising blanket recommendation. Results indicated that plots with black polythene mulch showed the highest fruit productivity, fruit yield, fruit length and diameter. Furthermore, black mulch and mulch mat treatments demonstrated complete weed control efficiency. Weed species Anagalis arvensis showed the highest maximum frequency, density, relative frequency, and relative density, while Biden pilosa had the highest abundance and relative abundance. The study also found that the impact of grass and pine mulch was of interest, as it helped regulate soil hydrothermal regimes and significantly enhanced total viable count, microbial activity, and microbial biomass carbon. In conclusion, these findings emphasize the potential of mulching techniques to improve peach crop yield and soil health.

Nanofiber mats containing lavender oil and methyl jasmonate as an innovative treatment to extend vase life in cut rose flowers

The study was carried out to assess the effects of nanofiber mats containing lavender oil (LO, 1.0%, 5.0%, and 10%) and methyl jasmonate (MeJA, 1.0%, 5.0%, and 10%) treatments on the microbial growth and vase life of the cut rose (Rosa hybrida 'Rhodos'). Distilled water was determined as the control treatment. In total, 18 treatments were used for the experiment. Our findings showed that nanofiber mat treatments have a significant effect on vase life and microbial growth. Roses treated with SPM10 [polycaprolactone (PCL)+ %10 MeJA+ 50 mg L−1 silver nanoparticle (SNP)] (13.0 d), PM10 (PCL+%10 MeJA) (10.7 d), and S50 (PCL+50 mg L−1 SNP) (10.3 d) had the longest vase life. On the contrary, roses treated with M250 (250 mg L−1 MeJA) had the shortest vase life (4.3 d). Also, it was observed that the vase life of roses in the SPM10 treatment was longer than that of the PM5 (PCL+%5.0 MeJA) (6.5 d) and M50 (50 mg L−1 MeJA) (7.5 d) treatments. In lavender-based mats, SPL1 (PCL+%1.0 LO+50 mg L−1 SNP) and SPL5 (PCL+%5.0 LO+50 mg L−1 SNP) treatments showed slower release than other treatments. About 90% of the nanofiber mats containing lavender oil and methyl jasmonate were released by d 5. PCL and PL5 (PCL+%5.0 LO) treatments reduced the growth of Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus relative to other treatments. Whereas the highest E. coli growth was observed in SPM10, and the highest S. aureus growth was observed in PM5 and lavender oil treatments. As a result, this study revealed that nanofiber mats can be used as a new postharvest technology to prolong the vase life of cut roses and delay microbial growth.

FACTORS INFLUENCING POLYDRUG USE AMONG METHADONE-ASSISTED THERAPY PATIENTS IN SELECTED CLINICS IN NAIROBI, KENYA

Polydrug use is caused by multiple factors within the polydrug users’ ecological system resulting in polydrug dependency, a complex behavioural disease with chronic features. This paper, guided by the social learning theory, seeks to examine some of the causal factors that lead patients undergoing therapy in Methadone assisted Therapy [MAT] clinics in Nairobi County to polydrug use. The study uses a mixed methods approach utilizing both quantitative and qualitative data collection methods in a quasi-experiment. The experiment entailed pre and post-strategy for the experimental group at site A and the control group at site B, where both groups underwent baseline and end-line assessment for MAT treatment. The study population consisted of 2121 patients drawing a sample size of 120 respondents through random sampling. The end-line assessment was done using the same tools after three months during follow-up. Data analysis was done descriptively and by inferential statistics to correlate the various factors. The findings are presented in tables and indicate that biological factors, history of polydrug use within MAT patients’ families, spiritual and existential factors, and MAT patients’ missing Methadone dosage were statistically significant to polydrug use.

PSXII-15 Impacts of Forage Maturity and Apple Cider Vinegar Supplementation on Fermentation Parameters Using Ruminal Batch Culture

Abstract Grassfed dairy production systems often rely on alternative diet supplements such as apple cider vinegar (ACV) to improve productivity. The objectives of this study were to 1) compare rumen fermentative patterns resulting from diets consisting of forages harvested at mature and vegetative stages, and 2) evaluate the effects of ACV supplementation on fermentation metrics of vegetative forage mixtures using ruminal batch culture, performed as two different experiments. In each experiment, treatments were arranged as a randomized design with three periods per experiment. In experiment 1, 15 mL tubes were supplemented with 1.0 g DM of either vegetative 50% red clover + 50% orchardgrass (VEG) or mature 50% red clover + 50% orchardgrass (MAT). Tubes were inoculated with a 3:1 buffer: rumen fluid mixture (12 mL) and incubated at 39ºC under anerobic conditions for 48 h. In experiment 2, tubes received either 1.0 g DM VEG substrate only or 1.0 g DM VEG substrate + 0.125 mL ACV. Samples were collected at 0, 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 12, 18, 24, and 48 h, pooled, and analyzed for carbohydrates (WSC), pH, in vitro DM disappearance (IVDMD), methane (CH4), and ammonia N (NH3-N). Data were analyzed using PROC GLIMMIX of SAS at P ≤ 0.05. The VEG treatment produced more CH4 than the MAT treatment (4.98 mg/ dL v. 2.87 mg/ dL; P < 0.0001); however, CH4 from the VEG treatment was not affected by ACV. Tubes receiving VEG had greater WSC (2.39 mg/mL v. 1.56 mg/mL; P ≤ 0.05), IVDMD (81.7% v. 77.3%; P ≤ 0.05), and mean pH compared with those receiving MAT. Tubes receiving MAT had greater concentrations of NH3-N (P < 0.01) compared with tubes receiving VEG. Fermentation metrics of VEG tubes were not affected by ACV; however, considerations need to be made for forage maturity.

Matrine alleviates spatial learning and memory impairment in diabetic mice by inhibiting endoplasmic reticulum stress and through modulation of PK2/PKRs pathway

Clinical and epidemiological studies indicate that diabetic cognitive impairment often occurs in diabetes mellitus patients. Matrine (Mat), an active component of Sophora flavescens Ait root extracts, has widely pharmacological activities including anti-tumor, anti-diabetes, cardioprotective and neuroprotective effects. The present study was designed to elucidate the possibly neuroprotective effects of Mat against diabetic spatial learning and memory impairment caused by high-fat diet and streptozotocin injection in mice. The results showed that Mat treatment significantly ameliorated fasting blood glucose level, impaired glucose tolerance, and lipid metabolism disorder in diabetic mice. In addition, diabetic mice exhibited spatial learning and memory impairment in the Morris water maze test, which could be attenuated by Mat treatment. Moreover, administration of Mat remarkably alleviated histological damage in diabetic hippocampus. Also, further investigations showed that Mat treatment abated endoplasmic reticulum stress induced hippocampal ultra-structure injury as evidenced by increasing the numbers of rough endoplasmic reticulum and mitochondria, as well as down-regulating endoplasmic reticulum stress related protein levels (GRP78, CHOP, ATF6 and Caspase-12). Furthermore, administration of Mat enhanced hippocampal protein expressions of PK2, PKR1 and PKR2, which decreased significantly in diabetic mice. Collectively, these findings suggested that Mat could ameliorate diabetes-induced spatial learning and memory impairment, possibly by alleviating ER stress, and partly through modulation of PK2/PKRs pathway.

Broiler Chicken Behavior and Activity Are Affected by Novel Flooring Treatments.

Simple SummaryBroiler chickens should be able to express highly motivated behaviors, such as foraging and dustbathing. Health status and housing conditions impact the expression of these behaviors. This study compared the impact of novel flooring treatments on broiler chicken behavioral repertoire. We found that broilers’ behavior was impacted by novel flooring treatments at 5 and 6 weeks of age. Differences were found in prevalences of drinking, foraging, preening, locomoting, and in generally being active. Generally, broilers with access to clean friable litter spent more time drinking, foraging, locomoting, preening and being active compared to when housed with a partially slatted floor and/or a disinfectant mat. Thus, access to clean, regularly replaced litter is beneficial for broiler chicken welfare, especially for their ability to perform normal behaviors.The objective was to determine broiler chicken behavioral differences in response to novel flooring treatments. Broilers (n = 182) were housed in 14 pens (a random subset from a larger-scale study including 42 pens), with 13 birds/pen. One of seven flooring treatments were randomly allocated to 14 pens (2 pens per treatment). The flooring treatments (provided from day 1 {1} or day 29 {29}) included regularly replaced shavings (POS), a mat with 1% povidone-iodine solution (MAT), and the iodine mat placed on a partially slatted floor (SLAT). In addition, a negative control treatment was included with birds kept on used litter from day 1 (NEG). Behavior was recorded in weeks 1, 2, 5, and 6. In week 5, treatments affected the behavioral repertoire (p ≤ 0.035). Birds in POS-1 showed more locomoting, preening and activity overall compared to MAT and/or SLAT treatments. Birds in POS-29 showed more drinking, foraging, preening and overall activity than birds in MAT and/or SLAT treatments. In week 6, birds in the POS-1 treatment spent more time foraging compared to birds in all MAT and SLAT treatments (p ≤ 0.030). In addition, birds in the POS-1 treatment spent more time preening than birds in the MAT-1 treatment (p = 0.046). Our results indicate that access to partially slatted flooring and/or disinfectant mats does not benefit broiler chicken welfare in terms of their ability to express highly motivated behaviors. Access to clean, regularly replaced litter is beneficial for broiler chicken welfare in terms of their ability to express their normal behavioral repertoire.

The effects of different types of bedding on the performance, skeletal and behavioral characteristics, hygienic and immunity conditions of suckling Holstein calves

To investigate the effects of bedding types on the performance, skeletal and behavioral characteristics, health and immunity conditions of suckling Holstein calves, an experiment was conducted in a completely randomized design using 80 Holstein calves. The calves were distributed over 5 treatments and 4 replicates (each replicate included 2 male and 2 female calves). The 5 experimental treatments werechaff, straw, bagasse, sand, or mat. The results showed that the highest feed intake was related to the sand and chaff beddings and the highest weight gain (P<0.05) was found for the chaff, straw and sandbeddings . Withers height was highest and lowest for straw and mat treatments, respectively (P<0.05). The longest standing and resting times in calf behavior (P<0.05) were found for the sand and straw treatments, respectively. In cleanness, nose, eye, and joint scorings, the highest amount of con-tamination was related (P<0.05) to the mat and sand treatments . For immunity parameters, bagasse treatment showed the highest level of eosinophils (P<0.05) compared to the other treatments. Accord-ing to the results, it can be concluded that the straw bedding has better characteristics for growth, be-havior, and health of calves compared to the other beddings.

Evaluation of Health Literacy and Therapy Adherence Levels in the Mealhada Municipality Population

Abstract Introduction In order to ensure self-care, the individual must be able to decide, for example, on the lifestyle to adopt. These capacities and the capacities to take their share of responsibility in public health issues are called health literacy. In the same way, your attitude towards the treatments imposed on you is also crucial to the successful treatment and / or prevention of pathologies. In this case we talk about adherence to therapy. Objectives To clarify the concepts Health Literacy and Therapy Adherence and identify measurement measures of each concept. In addition to measuring these variables, the study also aimed at investigating the existence of a relationship between health literacy levels and levels of adherence to therapy. Methodology Through the application of a measurement tool, consisting of three validated instruments, in a pharmacy in the municipality of Mealhada, to 377 individuals residing there. To evaluate the levels of Health Literacy, two tests were applied: HLS-EU-PT (European Health Literacy Survey Questionnaire - Portugal) and METER (Medical Term Recognition Test). The first, quite comprehensive and previously applied at European level, of self-perception, and the second more objective. The third measurement instrument used was the MAT (Treatment Adherence Measure) to assess adherence to therapy. Results 59.2% of individuals from Mealhada County have a problematic or inadequate index of health literacy. Compliance rates correspond to 67.9%. In the sample studied, as regards non-adherents, it is the individuals with limited literacy that present the highest non-adherence rate (HLS-EU-PT 71.1%; METER 61.2%). In each of the three domains assessed by the HLS-EU-PT, in the individuals with adequate levels of literacy, the percentage of adherents is always higher than non-adherents. Conclusion There is a correlation between health literacy levels and adherence levels. Low levels of health literacy had a negative impact on treatment adherence.

Innovative cooling strategies: Dairy cow responses and water and energy use

Producers in the western United States commonly use spray water at the feed bunk and fans in the lying area to mitigate heat stress in dairy cows. Often, spray water cycles on and off with fans turning on when a preset air temperature is reached. Although this method can be effective, innovative strategies are needed to reduce water and energy use. We evaluated the effectiveness and resource efficiency of 4 cooling treatments on behavioral and physiological responses in dairy cows housed in a freestall barn: (1) conductive cooling in which mats with recirculating evaporatively cooled water were buried under sand bedding (Mat; activated at 18.9°C); (2) targeted convective cooling in which evaporatively cooled air was directed toward the cows through fabric ducts with nozzles at both the feed bunk and lying areas (Targeted Air; activated at 22°C); (3) evaporative cooling, with spray water in the feed area and fan over the freestalls (Baseline; activated at 22°C); and (4) evaporative cooling with half the amount of spray water used in the Baseline and the fan moved to the feed bunk (Optimized Baseline; activated at 22°C). In a crossover design, 8 groups of cows (4/group) producing an average (± standard deviation) of 37.5 ± 4.5 kg/d of milk were tested for 3 d per treatment. For ethical reasons, beginning at 30°C, the Mat treatment was supplemented with Baseline cooling and the Targeted Air treatment had spray water at the Optimized Baseline rate. We recorded body temperature, posture, and location within the pen every 3 min for 24 h/d, and respiration rates every 30 min daily from 1000 to 1900 h. Daily air temperature averaged (±SD) 26.3 ± 7.1°C during 24 h and 33.3 ± 4°C from 1000 to 1900 h. We used pairwise comparisons of each treatment to Baseline to evaluate response variables. Milk production did not differ across treatments, nor did time spent lying (51 ± 2%/d on average). Respiration rates did not differ across treatments overall (61 ± 3 breaths/min), but on an hourly basis, cows in the Mat treatment had a significantly higher rate than those in Baseline, at h 10 and 11 (70 vs. 58-59 breaths/min). Body temperature averaged 38.7 ± 0.05°C across treatments and was 0.2 to 0.3°C higher in the Mat treatment than in Baseline at h 10, 11, 20, 21, and 22. These results collectively indicate that the Mat treatment did not effectively reduce indicators of heat load compared with Baseline. In contrast, Targeted Air and Optimized Baseline were both effective but differed in aspects of efficiency. Targeted Air used the least amount of water but the most energy of all options tested. In conclusion, more efficient heat abatement options were identified, particularly an Optimized Baseline strategy, which cut water use in half, required the same amount of energy as the Baseline, and maintained similar physiological and behavioral responses in cows.

The Respiratory Chain of Bacteria is a Target of the Disinfectant MA-T

The importance of preventing infectious disease for public health continues to increase, and effective disinfectants are needed to inactive pathogenic microorganisms. Chlorine dioxide (ClO2) is known as one of the most efficient disinfectants. We studied the inhibitory effect of a novel disinfectant, MA-T, for three species of bacteria (Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans). We found that NADH:O2 oxidoreductase activity (NADH oxidase activity) was markedly decreased in all three species, corresponding to the decrease in colony-forming units following treatment with MA-T. In E. coli, NADH:ubiquinone-1(Q1) oxidoreductase (NADH-Q1 dehydrogenase; NDH) activity was decreased following MA-T exposure, indicating that both the NDH-1 and NDH-2 enzymes were targets of this disinfectant. The activity of ubiquinol-1 (Q1H2): O2 oxidoreductase (Q1H2 oxidase) also was decreased, indicating that cytochromes bo3 and bd were damaged by MA-T. In S. aureus, NADH-ferricyanide dehydrogenase activity and Q1H2 oxidase activity were strongly decreased, suggesting that NDH-2, cytochrome bd, and cytochrome aa3 were targets of MA-T in this species. In A. actinomycetemcomitans, only Q1H2 oxidase activity was decreased, indicating that in this species, only cytochrome bd was impaired by MA-T treatment. NADH oxidase activity in membrane vesicles prepared from untreated E. coli was not markedly affected by treatment with MA-T, suggesting that MA-T may attack components of the respiratory chain only in live bacteria (i.e., those possessing a membrane potential), because the membrane vesicles cannot produce the membrane potential.

Mulch Effects on Three Highbush Blueberry Cultivars Grown in Container

Weed problems were reported in almost all production areas, and management of competing unwanted vegetation has long been an issue for commercial growers all around the world. A field trial was set up in 2016 in Bologa, Cluj county, Romania, in order to examine the influence that different mulches have on weed control, crop growth, yield and soil properties. Weed management is critical for successful production of blueberries. The use of herbicides is becoming increasingly limited, the cost and availability of manual labor are prohibitive factors. There was little research comparing different production strategies in container grown blueberries. The main objective was finding a cost effective weed suppression method that increases yield, promotes vegetative growth and fruit quality. Organic matter (OM) was 6% higher in pine bark treatment compared with weed mat, the pH was not influenced in a significant way by any of the treatments. The number of shoots was higher in pine bark treatment, 1.67 on average, compared to weed mat treatment where the number of shoots was 1.45 this might lead to an increase of production in the following years for pine bark.

Electrospinning of Fish Gelatin Solution Containing Citric Acid: An Environmentally Friendly Approach to Prepare Crosslinked Gelatin Fibers.

The majority of the crosslinking approaches employed to confer water resistance properties to electrospun gelatin mats are based on the use of potential cytotoxic agents, turning out to be not suitable for biomedical applications. Environmentally friendly chemical strategies based on the use of non-toxic agents are, therefore, strongly demanded. In the present work, the possibility to produce crosslinked electrospun fish gelatin mats by electrospinning an aqueous solution, containing citric acid as a crosslinking agent, is reported. The effect of pH on solution rheological properties, as well as on the electrospun mat morphology, chemistry, and crosslinking degree, is assessed. The increase of solution pH from 1.8 to 3.7 allows for obtaining fibers that maintain the fibrous morphology also in the mat. Subsequent thermal treatment of the electrospun mat (80 °C for 30 min) turns out to increase the crosslinking degree and morphological stability of the mat.

DIFFERENT METHODS OF FABRICATING CONDUCTIVE NANOFIBERS

Conductive nanofibers can be produced by
 different methods. In this study, four different methods to fabricate
 conductive nanofibers were explained and supported with experimental results. Nanofibers
 were made conductive by fabricating nanofibers from intrinsically conductive
 polymers (polyaniline/polyethylene oxide nanofiber production), coating the
 non-conductive nanofiber mat with a conductive material (copper electroplating
 of polyacrylonitrile nanofibers), adding a conducting material (carbon black
 nanoparticles, silver nanoparticles, ionic liquid) into the spinning solution, and
 heat treatment of the nanofiber mat (carbon and ITO nanofiber production). The
 surface and the electrical properties of the nanofibers were investigated. The
 advantages and disadvantages of the methods were discussed in detail. The
 results showed that conductive nanofibers can be successfully produced with
 different electrical conductivities depending on the method and the material. 

Significant Stretchability Enhancement of a Crack-Based Strain Sensor Combined with High Sensitivity and Superior Durability for Motion Monitoring.

Flexible strain sensors have attracted tremendous interest due to their potential application as intelligent wearable sensing devices. Among them, crack-based flexible strain sensors have been studied extensively owing to their ultrahigh sensitivity. Nevertheless, the detection range of a crack-based sensor is quite narrow, limiting its application. In this work, a stretchable strain sensor based on a designed crack structure was fabricated by spray-coating carbon nanotube (CNT) ink onto an electrospun thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) fibrous mat and prestretching treatment to overcome the trade-off relationship. Our sensor exhibited combined features of high sensitivity in a greatly widened workable sensing range [a gauge factor of 428.5 within 100% strain, 9268.8 for a strain of 100-220%, and larger than 83982.8 for a strain of 220-300%], a fast response time (about 70 ms), superior durability (>10 000 stretching-releasing cycles), and excellent response toward bending. The microstructural evolution of CNT branches extending from two edges of the cracks and the excellent stretchability of TPU fibrous mats are mainly related to the remarkable sensing properties. Our sensor is then assembled to detect various human motions and physical vibrational signals, demonstrating its potential applications in intelligent devices, electronic skins, and wearable healthcare monitors.

The Living Dock: A Study of Benthic Recruitment to Oyster Substrates Affixed to a Dock in the Indian River Lagoon

AbstractBenthic filter feeding organisms have the potential to improve local water quality by filtering microalgae and particulate matter out of the water column. A pilot project was conducted to test the concept of creating a Living Dock by growing these filter feeders at a dock in the Indian River Lagoon. Two different methods (mats and bags) were tested for their ability to recruit benthic organisms, as well as the efficacy of these methods for use as a long-term citizen science project. Eighteen oyster mats were wrapped around dock pilings, and 18 oyster bags were suspended between pilings of the same dock. After 1 year of immersion, healthy populations of barnacles, sponges, algae, bryozoans, mussels, and tunicates were found growing on both the bags and the mats. During that same time period, live oysters were also found growing on both mats and bags, with a maximum of 73 live oysters in one bag. Although the total percent cover of organisms settling on the shells did not differ between the mats or the bags, there was significantly greater organismal diversity in the bag treatment compared to the mat treatment. Bags were a more effective recruiter of benthic organisms, but longevity was an issue, with bags becoming heavily fouled and often breaking loose from the dock over time. It was noted that the mats with the higher shell densities saw greater recruitment and had greater diversity. Although the bags proved to be a better alternative than mats for the recruitment and growth of benthic organisms, they are not sustainable for use as a citizen science project. Future efforts should consider constructing mats with high-density shell counts, as the mats have more durability and are better suited for citizen scientists.