Morphological Aspects Research Articles

In Vitro and Ex Vivo Evaluation of Novel Methacrylated Chitosan-PNIPAAm-Hyaluronic Acid Hydrogels Loaded with Progesterone for Applications in Vaginal Delivery.

Miscarriage is defined as the loss of a pregnancy before 24 weeks and administration of progesterone in pregnancy has considerably decreased the risk of premature birth. Progesterone (PGT) starting from the luteal phase stabilizes pregnancy, promotes differentiation of the endometrium, and facilitates the implantation of the embryo. Within the present study, novel hybrid hydrogels based on chitosan methacrylate (CHT), hyaluronic acid (HA), and poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAAm) for vaginal delivery of progesterone were evaluated. The hydrogels were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) for structural identity assessment and evaluation of their morphological aspects. The ability to swell, the release capacity, enzymatic degradation, cytotoxicity, and mucoadhesion were also reported. The characterized hydrogels demonstrated mucoadhesive properties in contact with the vaginal tissue of swine and bovine origin as substrates, and biodegradability and controlled release in a simulated vaginal environment. Cytocompatibility tests confirmed the ability of the hydrogels and progesterone to support cell viability and growth. The results showed pH-dependent behavior, controlled drug release, good cytocompatibility, and mucoadhesive properties. The hydrogels with higher chitosan amounts demonstrated better bioadhesive properties. This study provides insights into the potential of these hydrogels for the controlled vaginal delivery of progesterone, with promising therapeutic effects and no cytotoxicity observed. The experimental results indicated that a composition with a moderate content of PNIPAAm was suitable for the controlled delivery of progesterone.

Insights into response of seagrass (Zostera marina) to sulfide exposure at morphological, physiochemical and molecular levels in context of coastal eutrophication and warming.

Sulfide in sediment porewaters, is toxic to rooted macrophytes in both marine and freshwater environments. Current research on sulfide stress in seagrasses primarily focuses on morphological and physiological aspects, with little known about the molecular response and resistance mechanisms. This study first investigated the damage caused by sulfide to eelgrass (Zostera marina L.) using transcriptomic, metabolomic, and other physiological and biochemical indicators and explored the potential resistance of eelgrass at molecular level through laboratory simulated and in-situ sulfide stress experiments. Comprehensive results showed that sulfide stress severely inhibited the growth, photosynthesis, and antioxidant enzyme activities of eelgrass. Importantly, transcriptome analysis revealed significant activation of pathways related to carbohydrate and sulfur metabolism. This activation served a dual purpose: providing an energy source for eelgrass stress response and achieving detoxification through accelerated sulfur metabolism-a potential resistance mechanism. The toxicity of sulfide increased with rising temperature as evidenced by a decrease in EC50. Results from recovery experiments indicated that when Fv/Fm reduced to about 0 under sulfide stress, the growth and photosynthesis of eelgrass recovered to normal level after timely removal of sulfide. However, prolonged exposure to sulfide resulted in failure to recover, leading ultimately to plant death. This study not only enhances our understanding of the molecular-level impacts of sulfide on seagrasses but also provides guidance for the management and ecological restoration of seagrass meadows under sulfide stress.

An interesting phase transition in polyamide 6/nitrile rubber blend induced by temperature and pressure and its effect on tribological performance

AbstractThe preparation of high‐performance rubber‐plastic blending elastomers has always been a research hotspot in the field of petroleum equipment. The two‐phase separation structure of the blend determines the macroscopic properties of the materials. It is of great significance to deeply explore the influence of processing technology on the two‐phase separation structure. In this paper, polyamide 6 (PA6)/nitrile rubber blends were prepared via the melt–compounding method. To meet the requirements of oil production and oil transport equipment, we investigated systematically the mechanical properties of the specimens exposed to different environments. The oil resistance and high‐temperature resistance of the blends were enhanced considerably with the addition of PA6. The temperature and pressure fields induced a novel transition from particle into fibrous phase based on Ostwald's ripening. However, this brand new transformation showed no benefits to the improvement of the frictional performance. Meanwhile, the relationship between aggregate structure and mechanical performance was demonstrated from the aspects of crystallization behavior and phase morphology.

Wnt5a Promotes Axon Elongation in Coordination with the Wnt-Planar Cell Polarity Pathway.

The establishment of neuronal polarity, involving axon specification and outgrowth, is critical to achieve the proper morphology of neurons, which is important for neuronal connectivity and cognitive functions. Extracellular factors, such as Wnts, modulate diverse aspects of neuronal morphology. In particular, non-canonical Wnt5a exhibits differential effects on neurite outgrowth depending upon the context. Thus, the role of Wnt5a in axon outgrowth and neuronal polarization is not completely understood. In this study, we demonstrate that Wnt5a, but not Wnt3a, promotes axon outgrowth in dissociated mouse embryonic cortical neurons and does so in coordination with the core PCP components, Prickle and Vangl. Unexpectedly, exogenous Wnt5a-induced axon outgrowth was dependent on endogenous, neuronal Wnts, as the chemical inhibition of Porcupine using the IWP2- and siRNA-mediated knockdown of either Porcupine or Wntless inhibited Wnt5a-induced elongation. Importantly, delayed treatment with IWP2 did not block Wnt5a-induced elongation, suggesting that endogenous Wnts and Wnt5a act during specific timeframes of neuronal polarization. Wnt5a in fibroblast-conditioned media can associate with small extracellular vesicles (sEVs), and we also show that these Wnt5a-containing sEVs are primarily responsible for inducing axon elongation.

The genus Acerocephala and observations of the life history of Acerocephala hanuuanamu sp. nov. (Hymenoptera, Cerocephalidae) and its bark beetle host on the island of O‘ahu, Hawai‘i

The behavior of Acerocephala hanuuanamusp. nov. found parasitizing Cryphalus brasiliensis under the surface of wood in Ficus microcarpa trees on the island of O‘ahu in Hawai‘i is deduced from observations in naturally occuring branches, and from direct observation using specially designed “phloem sandwich” observation chambers which consist of tree bark peeled through the phloem layer from freshly cut branches and sandwiched between a sheet of aluminum and a sheet of plexiglass. Cryphalus brasiliensis beetles, found living in large numbers in the phloem tissues in F. microcarpa trees, were collected and placed into these chambers. They tunneled into the wood and reproduced, producing an active colony of all life stages. Acerocephala hanuuanamu wasps were then placed into the system and their behavior observed. Typical behavior, aspects of which were recorded in video and still images, was as follows. A female A. hanuuanamu enters the tunnels of the bark beetles. She digs through the debris in the tunnels in a search for larvae and pupae. Cryphalus brasiliensis prepupae construct a hard pupal chamber around themselves before they pupate, and upon encountering a larva in the tunnels or the exterior of a pupal chamber with a pupa inside, she adeptly turns around in the tunnel to sting it, either inserting her ovipositor directly into the larva or by laboriously pushing it through the hard shell of the pupal chamber. When finished stinging, she withdraws her ovipositor slowly and carefully, often extracting tissue from the beetle immature as a sheath around her ovipositor. This structure remains projecting from the larva or pupa, and then the wasp turns around and host feeds through this structure, in the case of a pupa at a substantial distance through the wall of the pupal chamber. Oviposition occurs on larval stages and pupal stages. The egg hatches and the larva develops as an ectoparasitoid on the beetle. When finished feeding, it detaches and pupates in the tunnel. Mating behavior is also described. In addition to C. brasiliensis in F. microcarpa, A. hanuuanamu was also observed attacking Cryphalus mangiferae in mango (Mangifera indica) branches. Acerocephala ihulenasp. nov. was also found on O‘ahu parasitizing Eidophelus pacificus in hau (Hibiscus tiliaceus) branches, and is described. The genus Acerocephala is revised given the perspective resulting from these two new species and aspects of functional morphology observed in the behavioral studies, Acerocephala indicacomb. nov. is transferred to the genus, and a key to the genus is provided.

Effects of different admixtures on the working performance and mechanical properties of phosphogypsum slag-based composite cementitious materials

Phosphogypsum slag-based composite cementitious materials were prepared by using phosphogypsum and slag powder as the main raw materials, adding quicklime, lithium slag, steel slag and other admixtures, and adding NaOH, NaHCO3 and triethanolamine (TEA). The effects of different admixtures on the fluidity, setting time and compressive strength of the composite cementitious materials were studied. Finally, XRD, MIP, TG-DTG, and SEM microscopic tests were used to analyze the reasons for the performance changes caused by the admixture from the aspects of phase composition, pore distribution, and hydration product morphology. The results show that the addition of NaOH, NaHCO3 and TEA reduces the fluidity and strength of the material and improves the setting time. The paste with 1 % NaOH and 0.03 % TEA can balance the working performance and mechanical properties.

Aftermath of Ag embedding on structural, optical, and supercapacitor electrode attributes of USP-grown CuO thin films

Here, ultrasonic spray pyrolysis method (USP) was utilized to produce pure and silver doped copper oxide nanostructures on glass substrates. Thereafter, several characterization techniques were conducted on the grown samples to delve into their morphological, structural, electrochemical, and optical aspects. The mentioned analyses were carried out by performing x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, scanning electron microscope, X-ray diffraction, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, galvostatic charge-discharge, cyclic voltammetry, and UV–visible spectroscopy measurements. Thus, the impact of silver impurity doping on the relevant aspects of host material were recorded as well as the features of unspoiled copper oxide films. Accordingly, the samples, as indicated by X-ray diffraction results, possessed (002) preferential plane orientation of copper oxide material along with the crystallite sizes ranging from 52.52 nm to 75.02 nm due to the imperfections caused by the silver doping. The scanning electron microscope images exhibited that the silver doping did not form significant modifications in the host material morphology where nanowire-like structures observed. The presence of the suggested materials in the films was verified by the x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Also, the UV–visible spectroscopy measurements detected that optical absorbance edge and bandgap energy values red shifted as a result of the impurity doping. The electrochemical supercapacitors performances of the silver doped copper oxide nanostructured thin films were inspected by using the GCD, EIS, and CV. The silver doped copper oxide films demonstrated a specific capacitance value of 66 F/g at a current density of 1 A/g in 1 M KOH electrolyte. From Nyquist plot, Rs, Rcor, Rpo, Ccor and Cc were obtained as 2.327 × 103 Ω.cm2, 43.63 × 103 Ω.cm2, 4.580 × 103 Ω.cm2, 111.5 × 10-6 S*s^a. cm-2 and 101.1 × 10-6 S*s^a. cm-2, respectively. The results indicated that the electrochemically synthesized the silver doped copper oxide electrodes can be obtained and developed as an alternative electrode material for supercapacitors (SCs).

Unprecedented electrochemical activity of GdCoO3-gC3N4 nanocomposite for bifunctional oxygen and hydrogen evolution reaction

Development of highly competent and stable electrocatalysts for electrochemical water splitting to attain oxygen evolution reaction (OER) and hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) is highly desired. Here in present work, gadolinium cobalt oxide (GdCoO3), graphitized carbon nitride (gC3N4), and their composite is fabricated via hydrothermal method, and then used as electrocatalysts for OER and HER. The prepared electrocatalysts underwent rigorous characterization using X-ray diffraction (XRD) to unravel their structural composition. To further unravel their morphological and textural aspects, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) techniques were employed. Intriguingly, the synergy of nanoparticles GdCoO3 anchored onto thin nanosheets of gC3N4 exhibited a remarkable surge in OER and HER activities in a 1.0 M KOH electrolyte solution. The composite material showed a remarkable reduction in onset potential of 0.95 V vs Ag/AgCl for OER. On the other hand, impressively it shows the low overpotentials of 210 mV at 10 mA cm−2 with a tafel slope of 44 mV dec−1. Notably, for HER the nanocomposite requires an onset potential of 0.01 V vs Ag/AgCl and 230 mV overpotential to achieve a current density of 10 mA cm−2. The enhanced results are due to that the GdCoO3 nanoparticles integrated onto the nanosheets of gC3N4 shows high surface area and synergistic effect exhibited, which displayed good stability, and are useful for commercial applications. Thus, the exceptional OER performance of the composite combined with its good electrochemical properties, positions it as a viable option for large-scale and sustainable water splitting technologies.

Growth patterns of caudal fin rays are informed by both external signals from the regenerating organ and remembered identity autonomous to the local tissue

Regenerating tissues must remember or interpret their spatial position, using this information to restore original size and patterning. The external skeleton of the zebrafish caudal fin is composed of 18 rays; after any portion of the fin is amputated, position-dependent regenerative growth restores each ray to its original length. We tested for transcriptional differences during regeneration of proximal versus distal tissues and identified 489 genes that differed in proximodistal expression. Thyroid hormone directs multiple aspects of ray patterning along the proximodistal axis, and we identified 364 transcripts showing a proximodistal expression pattern that was dependent on thyroid hormone context. To test what aspects of ray positional identity are directed by extrinsic environental cues versus remembered identity autonomous to the tissue, we transplanted distal portions of rays to proximal environments and evaluated regeneration within the new location. Native regenerating proximal tissue showed robust expression of scpp7, a transcript with thyroid-regulated proximal enrichment; in contrast, regenerating rays originating from transplanted distal tissue showed reduced (distal-like) expression during outgrowth. These distal-to-proximal transplants regenerated far beyond the length of the graft itself, indicating that cues from the proximal environment promoted additional growth. Nonetheless, these transplants initiated regeneration at a much slower rate compared to controls, suggesting memory of distal identity was retained by the transplanted tissue. This early growth retardation caused rays that originated from transplants to grow noticeably shorter than neighboring native rays. While several aspects of fin ray morphology (bifurcation, segment length) were found to be determined by the environment, we found that both regeneration speed and ray length are remembered autonomously by tissues, and that persist through multiple rounds of amputation and regeneration.

Transitional phenomena in the adverbialization of nouns

An important part of the system of Russian adverbs constitutes adverbs motivated by non-prepositional and prepositional case forms of nouns, which can be divided into three types regarding the planes of expression and content. The first type includes adverbs motivated by non-prepositionalforms of nouns, e. g., весной. The second type comprises adverbs motivated by prepositional case forms of nouns, such as наверху. The third type is adverbs formed from combinations of different case forms of the same noun, such as изо дня в день. All these types have a stepwise character in the process of adverbalization. The study shows that adverbialization of nouns is closely related to lexicalization, but the degree and ways of lexicalisation for noun word forms are different. The transitivity scale clearly represents the process of separation from the noun and approaching the adverbalization. In addition, in the process of lexicalisation, there is also a process of grammaticalization, which is reflected in morphological, semantic, and syntactic aspects.

A diagnostic dilemma: distinguishing a sulfasalazine induced DRESS hypersensitivity syndrome from a CD30 + lymphoma in a young patient

Drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS) is a severe hypersensitivity reaction characterized by cutaneous rash, lymphadenopathy, fever, eosinophilia, leukocytosis, and life-threatening organ dysfunctions. We describe the case of a 26 year old patient admitted to the Emergency Department for DRESS syndrome after sulfasalazine treatment for rheumatoid arthritis in the right knee. Whole body computer tomography showed multiple neck, chest, and abdominal lymphadenopathy with splenomegaly, massive ascites and severe hepatic cytolysis. Serology results for Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV), influenza, measles, rubella, hepatitis A and B were negative. The histologic analysis of skin, lymph node and bone marrow biopsies could not indicate a classical Hodgkin’s Disease or iatrogenic immunodeficiency/EBV-associated lymphoproliferative disorder (LPD), Hodgkin type. The relatively small caliber of the CD30 + immunoreactive blastoid cells in the lymph nodes suggested reactive immunoblasts rather than Hodgkin cells. The morphologic aspects of the lymph node biopsies with predominance of T-cells were compatible with the diagnosis of a sulfasalazine-induced DRESS syndrome as the patient had a high RegiSCAR score for DRESS. [DRESS Syndrome Foundation: Diagnosis and Treatment. (2023)] The patient’s complex clinical course, marked by two hospital admissions, highlights the challenges in diagnosing and managing DRESS. This case underscores the need for individualized care, close patient monitoring, and further research to better understand DRESS’s underlying mechanisms and optimal therapeutic strategies.

Escherichia coli Inoculation Decreases the Photosynthetic Performance on Tomato Plants: Clarifying the Impact of Human Commensal Bacteria on Transient Plant Hosts

The commensal/pathogenic Escherichia coli affects humans and animals, being present in diverse environmental niches, possibly surviving due to its adaptation to transient plant hosts like crops, increasing the risk of foodborne diseases. E. coli interaction with the plant host remains unknown, particularly the impacts on photosynthesis. We hypothesize that E. coli influences the tomato transient host’s photosynthetic capacity. To validate this hypothesis, we exposed 57-day-old tomato plants (Solanum lycopersicum) to different inoculation conditions, namely, non-inoculated plants (negative control, C−); plants directly injected with E. coli SL6.1 (107 CFU/mL) (positive control, C+); plants irrigated one time with E. coli SL6.1 (107 CFU/mL); and plants chronically irrigated with E. coli SL6.1 (104 CFU/mL). No significant changes were observed in chlorophyll fluorescence, pigments’ contents, morphological aspects, and fruiting in all conditions. However, irrigated plants (chronically and one-time contaminated) had decreased stomatal conductance (gs, 31.07 and 34.42 mol m−2 s−1, respectively, vs. 53.43 and 48.08 mol m−2 s−1 in C− and C+, respectively), transpiration rate (E, 0.32 and 0.35 mol m−2 s−1 in chronically and one-time contaminated conditions vs. 0.57 and 0.48 mol m−2 s−1 in C− and C+, respectively), and a trend of increased intrinsic carboxylation (Ci, 384 and 361 ppm in chronically and one-time irrigated plants vs. 321 and 313 ppm in C− and C+, respectively). The one-time inoculated plants presented more severe effects than the remaining conditions, with lower net photosynthetic rate (PN, 0.93 vs. 3.94–5.96 μmol (CO2) m−2 s−1 in the other conditions), intrinsic water use efficiency (iWUE, 33.1 vs. 74.51–184.40 μmol (CO2)/ mmol (H2O) in the chronically irrigated and the control plants), and intrinsic carboxylation efficiency (iCE, 0.003 vs. 0.012–0.022 μmol (CO2)/ppm in the remaining conditions). Our data support that some observed effects are similar to those associated with phytopathogenic bacteria. Lastly, we propose that the decrease in some parameters of gas exchange requires direct contact with the leaf/stomata, and is mainly observed for high concentrations of E. coli.

Clinical and morphological analysis of splenic neoplasms

The relevance of this study arises from the pressing need for a deeper investigation into the morphological aspects of identifying focal and localised lesions in the spleen. The spleen performs several vital functions, including immune, haematological, storage, metabolic, haemostatic, hormonal, and antiblastic roles, among others. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the clinical characteristics of splenic tumour lesions and their structural changes, as well as to identify the macroscopic appearance of the organ post-splenectomy. In diagnosing splenic diseases, a key instrumental method was employed – ultrasound examination with Doppler imaging – which enabled comprehensive investigation, analysis, and characterisation of parenchymal pathologies. Animals underwent clinical examinations during routine health checks or upon presentation of symptoms. When a splenic neoplasm was detected, surgical treatment was carried out, specifically through an open laparotomy and splenectomy. The surgery was performed under combined general anaesthesia (using both non-inhalational and inhalational anaesthetics). The intraoperatively collected material from the affected organ was subjected to histological examination. It was found that the pathomorphosis of splenic lesions varies, and the author's pathological and histological studies highlight the key morphological characteristics of the neoplasms. Accordingly, any splenic neoplasm can pose a life-threatening condition for several reasons: organ rupture and haemorrhage, organ torsion, and malignancy, among others. The findings are crucial for verifying splenic pathology, enabling the establishment of a definitive clinical diagnosis, facilitating treatment of the animal, and extending its lifespan. The practical significance of the results lies in identifying the need for comprehensive clinical and morphological investigations in diagnosing splenic diseases, as well as examining histological preparations for cellular and tissue changes. In veterinary medicine, the method of surgical treatment for splenic lesions in animals may be a subject of debate. In contrast, in human medicine, established protocols exist for performing organ-destructive operations such as splenectomy (by open or laparoscopic approach), organ-preserving procedures like splenic resection or splenectomy with autotransplantation of splenic tissue into the greater omentum (by open or laparoscopic approach), and percutaneous punctures for splenic cysts

Ecogeographical Characterization of Passiflora cincinnata Mast. and Passiflora setacea DC. Native to the Central-Southern Mesoregion of Bahia

Passiflora cincinnata and Passiflora setacea are two native species from the northeastern semiarid region, with wide distribution in the central-southern mesoregion of the Bahia state. These species are recognized for the production of bioflavonoids. However, although they have economic relevance, little is known about ecogeographic, morphological and ecophysiological aspects. Therefore, the goal was to characterize the physiochemical and granulometric attributes of the soil as well as the edaphoclimatic conditions in 12 locations of naturally occurring Passiflora cincinnata and Passiflora setacea in the central-southern mesoregion of Bahia. The results showed environments belonging to the ecotones of the Cerrado, Caatinga and Mata Atlântica biomes. In these phytophysiognomies, the soils varied between cambisol, oxisol and planosol and presented a sandy texture and acidic pH. They also have varied ecogeographic characteristics with altitudes between 481 and 929 meters, precipitation between 478 and 1.644 millimeters and average temperature ranging between 15 and 31 degrees. Sites with average temperatures of up to 28 degrees, altitude between 670 and 860 meters, pH between 4.3 and 5.11, base saturation smaller than 50 and H+Al between 2-5 favor both species. Temperatures up to 31 degrees, pH between 5 and 6, base saturation bigger than 50 and H+Al smaller equal 1.5 favor P. cincinnata. Environments with temperatures of up to 27 degrees, altitudes above 900 meters, average pH of 4.5, average base saturation of 30 and average H+Al of 3, favors P. setacea. Keywords: environmental adaptation; ecogeography; genetic resources; wild passion fruit; sleep passion fruit.

MORPHOLOGICAL AND PHENOLOGICAL CHARACTERIZATION OF SUNFLOWER SEEDS

In recent years, the sunflower crop has stood out worldwide as the fifth oilseed in raw material production, so it is necessary to know more about this crop. This review aims to describe the importance of sunflower cultivation, its morphological and phenological aspects, seed quality, treatment and sowing. This study took place in 2023. In this review, different works were used as a basis to develop this review, since sunflower cultivation has great importance in the commercial scenario, mainly in the production of vegetable oils and other sunflower-based by-products, but the Information is still scarce about the culture and the demand for production is high among producers in different states and municipalities, which is why it was necessary to look for information that would help resolve some doubts and bring more information about this beautiful crop that is the sunflower, through this review.

Cationic lipid-coated bPEI/pDNA complexes: Correlation between physicochemical and morphological properties

Cationic lipid–polymer hybrid nanoparticles (cLPHNPs) complexed with nucleic acids, also named lipopolyplexes, have been developed as an alternative to nonviral vectors. These core/shell structures have been introduced to mitigate the limitations of cationic liposomes and biodegradable polymeric nanoparticles (NPs). The colloidal study of hybrid structures opens interesting perspectives for developing novel carriers for drug and gene delivery applications. Morphology aspects (size, lamellarity, and nucleic acid localization) and physicochemical properties of nonviral vectors influence gene delivery. Unraveling the structure of lipopolyplexes can enable their rational design toward enhanced gene delivery. Herein, we investigated the cationic LPHNPs loading plasmid DNA (pDNA) structure using dynamic light scattering, cryo-TEM, and pDNA accessibility assay. This study used pDNA as a genetic cargo for association with a cationic polymer, branched polyethylenimine (bPEI). It was found that the morphology of cationic LPHNP structures is influenced mainly by the formation process. Cationic LPHNPs formulated with EPC, DOPE, and cationic lipid DOTAP showed various degrees of multilamellarity depending on the production method. The addition of lipid dispersion to bPEI-pDNA anionic polyplex induced multilamellarity, while the preformed cationic liposome induced core/shell-like structures. Also, cLPHNPs showed better mechanical stability than polyplexes in a centrifugal vacuum concentrator (CVC) process. The physicochemical properties of cLPHNPs, formed in the presence of CL, were kept constant without significant changes. We believe these obtained colloidal data may be used to investigate hybrid-gene nanocarriers and their production process.

Nanostructural characterization of surfaces and interfaces of Portland cement mortars using atomic force microscopy

The characterization of Portland cement mortars is very important in the study of the interfaces and surfaces that make up the system mortar/ceramic block. In this sense, scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive (X-ray) spectrometer are important tools in investigating the morphology and chemical aspects. However, more detailed topographic information can be necessary in the characterization process. In this work, the aim was to characterize topographically surfaces and interfaces of mortars applied onto ceramic blocks. This has been accomplished by using the atomic force microscope (AFM) – MFP-3D-SA Asylum Research. To date, the results obtained from this research show that the characterization of cementitious materials with the help of AFM has an important contribution in the investigation and differentiation of hydrated calcium silicates (CSH), calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)2, ettringite and calcium carbonate by providing morphological and microtopographical data, which are extremely important and reliable for the understanding of cementitious materials.

In support of a broad concept of Paepalanthus (Eriocaulaceae)

AbstractWe here evaluate the conflicting recent splitter and lumper strategies concerning the generic classification system of the Eriocaulaceae, and whether Paepalanthus s.str. and its proposed segregate genera are morphologically recognizable. To this end, we examine evidence from inflorescence branching patterns, seed coat, and phylogeny in detail, and contrast circumscriptions of genera with the available data. We also indicate possible consequences of the proposed system for herbarium curators, keepers and users of large databases, and generalist users of identification keys. We argue that the morphological circumscriptions of Paepalanthus s.str. and of most of the other 11 segregate genera lack coherence. The majority of characters used as potential synapomorphies or in diagnoses are not sufficient to support the genera because they conflict with or do not represent the morphology of all the included species. The information regarding inflorescence branching patterns and seed coat are interpreted ambiguously or represent preliminary results, and some characters are known for only a limited number of species. Inflorescences are difficult to interpret in herbarium specimens, and the seed coat mostly requires SEM analysis for proper visualization, thus hindering identification. On the other hand, Paepalanthus s.l. can be identified by a combination of floral characters, as can the remaining genera of the family. We therefore endorse the recognition of Paepalanthus s.l. as a single, nomenclaturally stable, and monophyletic entity. This is the best‐fitting solution to reflect both evolutionary and morphological aspects of this recently diversified lineage. Finally, we provide a new identification key for the 7 genera of the Eriocaulaceae, characterizing Paepalanthus s.l. by floral characters that can be observed in any flowering specimen.

Genomic regions underlying variation in wattles, horns, and supernumerary teats phenotypes in Egyptian goats

Goats play a crucial role in providing humans with various types of valuable products including milk and meat. The underlying genetic mechanisms of important morphological aspects remain largely unknown in goats, highlighting the need for further investigation. A genome-wide association analysis (GWAS) was conducted for three morphological phenotypes in Egyptian goats. All animals were genotyped using the Illumina 65 K SNP BeadChips. Results of GWAS for wattles identified two significant ( P ≤ 1.4 × 10–6, false discovery rate (FDR) ≤ 0.05) single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) on chromosome 10 within a region (72–74 Mb) containing FMN1 and GREM1 genes that are important for limb development and growth. For horns, three significant SNPs were identified on chromosome 1 (119–131 Mb) harbouring candidate genes for embryonic development and tissue differentiation, such as CEP70, DZIP1L, CLDN18, SOX14, and SLC35G2. For supernumerary teats, four significant SNPs located on chromosomes 25 (8.7 Mb), 9 (47.8 Mb), 17 (45.1 Mb), and 28 (6.7 Mb) were identified, harbouring candidate genes involved in morphogenesis and reproductive traits such as EMP2, MDN1, PCDH10, and GHITM. This study identified novel candidate genes alongside previously reported ones in other goat breeds, suggesting their potential as candidate genes for the studied traits in Egyptian goats.

Integrative proteome and metabolome unveil the central role of IAA alteration in axillary bud development following topping in tobacco

Axillary bud is an important aspect of plant morphology, contributing to the final tobacco yield. However, the mechanisms of axillary bud development in tobacco remain largely unknown. To investigate this aspect of tobacco biology, the metabolome and proteome of the axillary buds before and after topping were compared. A total of 569 metabolites were differentially abundant before and 1, 3, and 5 days after topping. KEGG analyses further revealed that the axillary bud was characterized by a striking enrichment of metabolites involved in flavonoid metabolism, suggesting a strong flavonoid biosynthesis activity in the tobacco axillary bud after topping. Additionally, 9035 differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) were identified before and 1, 3, and 5 days after topping. Subsequent GO and KEGG analyses revealed that the DEPs in the axillary bud were enriched in oxidative stress, hormone signal transduction, MAPK signaling pathway, and starch and sucrose metabolism. The integrated proteome and metabolome analysis revealed that the indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) alteration in buds control dormancy release and sustained growth of axillary bud by regulating proteins involved in carbohydrate metabolism, amino acid metabolism, and lipid metabolism. Notably, the proteins related to reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging and flavonoid biosynthesis were strongly negatively correlated with IAA content. These findings shed light on a critical role of IAA alteration in regulating axillary bud outgrowth, and implied a potential crosstalk among IAA alteration, ROS homeostasis, and flavonoid biosynthesis in tobacco axillary bud under topping stress, which could improve our understanding of the IAA alteration in axillary bud as an important regulator of axillary bud development.