Morphological Integrity Research Articles

Empowering Maguindanaon Identity: Phonological Adaptation of Arabic Loanwords as a Pathway to Linguistic Preservation and Sustainable Development (SDG 4 & SDG 11)

Objectives: This study explores the phonological adaptation of Arabic loanwords in Maguindanaon, aiming to deepen understanding of the language's sound system and its linguistic preservation. Theoretical Framework: Drawing on the Optimality Theory (OT) framework, which emphasizes the interaction between markedness and faithfulness constraints, the research examines how Arabic phonemes are integrated and modified in the Maguindanaon phonology. Method: A qualitative methodology was employed, involving the participation of twelve native speakers who provided a corpus of 250 Arabic loanwords for analysis. Results and Discussions: The findings reveal that phonological adaptation prioritizes unmarked forms over faithfulness to Arabic originals, resulting in significant segmental shifts and morphological integration. These changes include affixation, inflectional adaptations, and semantic shifts such as broadening and extension, reflecting the cultural integration of Arabic influences. Research Implications: The study contributes to phonological theory by demonstrating how Maguindanaon achieves linguistic coherence through selective adaptations, aligning borrowed words with native patterns. Originality/Value: The research offers practical insights for language preservation, highlighting the role of phonological adaptation in maintaining linguistic identity. Moreover, the findings address sustainable development goals (SDG 4 – Quality Education and SDG 11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities) by fostering cultural literacy and promoting the sustainable use of linguistic heritage.

Optimization of chitosan-gelatin-based 3D-printed scaffolds for tissue engineering and drug delivery applications

The combination of biocompatible materials and advanced three-dimensional (3D) additive manufacturing technologies holds great potential in the development of finely tuned complex scaffolds with reproducible macro- and micro-structural characteristics for biomedical applications, such as tissue engineering and drug delivery. In this study, biocompatible printable inks based on chitosan, collagen and gelatin were developed and 3D-printed with a pneumatic-based extrusion printer. The printability of various chitosan–gelatin (CS-Gel) hydrogel inks was assessed by evaluating the quality of the printed constructs. The inks required an extrusion pressure of 150 ± 40 MPa with G22 and G25 nozzles for optimal printing. Inks with low chitosan concentrations (<4% w/v) exhibited poor printability, while inks with 4 % w/v chitosan and 1 % w/v gelatin (CG) demonstrated satisfactory extrusion and printing quality. The addition of collagen (0.1 % w/v) to the optimized ink (CGC) did not compromise printability. Post-printing stabilization using KOH produced self-supporting scaffolds with consistent morphological integrity, while weaker bases like NaOH/EtOH and ammonia vapors resulted in lower pore sizes and reduced structural stability. Water evaporation studies showed that neutralized samples had slower evaporation rates due to the strong intermolecular interactions formed during the neutralization process, contributing to a stable crosslinked network. FTIR spectra confirmed the formation of polyelectrolyte complexes in the CS-Gel and CS-Gel-Collagen blends, further enhancing structural stability. Swelling tests indicated that neutralized constructs maintained stability in different pH environments, with KOH-treated samples exhibiting the lowest swelling ratios and the highest structural stability. After optimizing the ink composition, 10 wt% Levofloxacin was loaded in the constructs as a model antibiotic and it’s in vitro release rate was quantified. Drug loading was approximately 4 % for both ink compositions GC and CGC. CG Levo released over 80 % of levofloxacin within the first hour, reaching full release in 24 h, indicating inadequate control, while CGK Levo exhibited slower initial release (55 % in 15 min) followed by stabilized release after 4 h, likely due to controlled diffusion from expanded constructs. These findings demonstrate that the developed hydrogel inks and optimized printing parameters can produce scaffolds suitable for tissue engineering applications. Finally, the cell compatibility of the 3D-printed constructs was confirmed with MTT assay on fibroblasts and the antimicrobial activity of the drug-loaded constructs was tested against E. coli and S. aureus, showing an increase of the bacteria free zone from 8 ± 0.4 mm of the control against E. coli up to 16.4 ± 0.37 mm in the presence of the KOH-treated CG Levo printed construct.

From Germination to Stagnation: Sodium Diacetate's Impact on Clostridium perfringens Spores

ABSTRACTSodium diacetate is recognized for its high efficiency as a preservative, demonstrating strong antibacterial properties that help extend the shelf life of food products. However, it is still unclear how it influences spores. This research investigated the influence of sodium diacetate on the germination and outgrowth stage in the revival process of Clostridium perfringens (C. perfringens) spores. The germination and outgrowth rate of spores after sodium diacetate treatment were measured. The changes of spore inner membrane were monitored by laser confocal microscope, electron scanning microscope and macromolecular leakage. The interaction between sodium diacetate and DNA was investigated by EB fluorescence probe, and the finding was verified by the outgrowth of spores in ham sausage. An investigation into the effects of sodium diacetate treatment on the biological activity, inner membrane permeability, morphology, and DNA integrity of spores devoid of both the coat and cortex revealed that sodium diacetate significantly hindered the transition of germinated spores into vegetative cells. In the presence of sodium diacetate, C. perfringens spores underwent germination, characterized by the hydrolysis of the spore cortex and the disassembly of the spore coat. As the spores advanced into the outgrowth phase, sodium diacetate penetrated their structure, causing damage to the inner membrane and compromising DNA integrity. Moreover, sodium diacetate was demonstrated to effectively inhibit spore outgrowth in ham sausage. This study provided theoretical guidance and references for the application of sodium diacetate in food to control the germination and outgrowth of spore‐forming bacteria.

The relative effects of climatic drivers and phenotypic integration on phenotypic plasticity of a globally invasive plant.

Understanding the constraints of phenotypic plasticity can provide insights into the factors that limit or influence the capacity of an organism to respond to changing environments. However, the relative effects of external and internal factors on phenotypic plasticity remain largely unexplored. Phenotypic integration, the pattern of correlations among traits, is recognized as an important internal constraint to plasticity. Phenotypic plasticity is critical in facilitating the acclimation of invasive species to the diverse environments within their introduced ranges. Consequently, these species serve as ideal models for investigating phenotypic plasticity and its underlying determinants. Here, we collected seeds of a global salt marsh invader Spartina alterniflora from seven invasive populations covering the entire latitudinal range in China. These populations were cultivated in two common gardens located at the southern and northern range margins, respectively. We quantified plasticity and variation therein for plant height, shoot density, first flowering day and inflorescence biomass (on a per capita basis). These traits have direct or indirect effects on invasiveness. We examined the relationships between traits plasticity with climatic conditions at site of origin (external factor) and phenotypic integration (internal factor). We found that plasticity differed according to the trait being measured, and was higher for a trait affecting fitness. Phenotypic variance increased with latitude and temperature at the site of origin was the primary factor affecting phenotypic variation. These results indicated that external abiotic factors directly affected the selection on phenotypic plasticity of S. alterniflora. Our study provides a unique viewpoint on assessing the importance of identifying influential factors and mechanisms underlying phenotypic plasticity. Understanding these factors and mechanisms is a critical indicator for invasive and other cosmopolitan species' responses, establishment, persistence, and distribution under climate change.

Phenotypic Differentiation of Streptococcus thermophilus and Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus Isolates Found in Yogurt Starter Cultures

The mutualistic relationship between Streptococcus thermophilus (S. thermophilus) and L. delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus (L. bulgaricus) is responsible for milk coagulation, gel formation, and the flavour of yogurt. Under set-style yogurt processing conditions, the performance of a mixed culture composed of these species depends on key technological parameters such as the capacity for acidification and proteolytic activity. This study aimed to determine the extent of phenotypic diversity by comparing the key traits of acidification and proteolytic activity among isolates found in yogurt starter cultures. Seventy-two isolates from three industrial starter cultures were ranked by either their fast or slow acidification activity (time to reach pH 4.6, 16 h), proteolytic activity, cell envelope proteinase (CEP) activity, redox potential and titratable acidity. The integration of multiple phenotype measures by hierarchical clustering and non-metric dimensional scaling (NMDS) clustered groups of isolates by multifactor similarity. A significant difference (p-value &lt; 0.05) was observed between the clusters regarding redox potential and the proteolytic activity of both S. thermophilus and L. bulgaricus. The integration of multiple phenotypes points to the diversification that may have occurred over repeated culturing of yogurt starter bacteria. The phenotypic diversity may explain the divergence in starter performance and be used to refine the formulation of new starter cultures. Future work will investigate the correlation between the activity of specific enzymes based on the phenotype to explain the separation between the fast and slow acidification of isolates.

Impact of the gut microbiota-Th17 cell axis on inflammatory depression.

Depression is a serious cognitive disorder that results in significant and pervasive deficits in social behavior. These deficits can be traced back to the intricate interplay between social, psychological, and biological factors. Inflammatory depression, a treatment-resistant or non-responsive subtype of depression, may be related to the interaction between the gut microbiota and interleukin-17-producing CD4+ T cells (Th17 cells). The heterogeneity, plasticity, and effector role of Th17 cells in depression may be influenced by microbiota factors. Commensals-elicited homeostatic Th17 cells preserve the morphological and functional integrity of the intestinal barrier. In addition to pathogen-elicited inflammatory Th17 cells, commensal-elicited homeostatic Th17 cells can become conditionally pathogenic and contribute to the development of inflammatory depression. This review delves into the possible involvement of Th17 cells in inflammatory depression and examines the interplay between gut microbiota and either homeostatic or inflammatory Th17 cells.

Microfluidic in compared with Zeta potential, MACS and swim up methods, resulted in improved chromatin integrity and high quality sperms.

Sperm parameters and DNA integrity are crucial factors in ART outcomes. This study compared four sperm preparation methods (microfluidics, MACS, zeta potential, and swim-Up) for sorting spermatozoa with normal parameters and chromatin integrity. This study evaluated semen samples from 25 couples with male factor infertility. The semen samples were divided into four portions: one prepared by MACS, one by zeta potential, the other by microfluidics, and the last by swim-up. After preparation, sperm viability, motility, and morphology were assessed based on the WHO guidelines. DNA intergrity was assessed by SDF assay, and the CMA3 staining test was used to evaluate sperm chromatin packaging. Compared to other preparation techniques, microfluidic preparation significantly improved sperm parameters, including motility, viability, morphology, and DNA integrity as well as chromatin packaging (p-value <0.05). The results also demonstrated that sperm motility, viability, and sperm DNA integrity as well as chromatin packaging, were not significantly different after preparation with MACS and Zeta potential methods. However, the MACS and Zeta methods produced improved sperm parameters and better DNA integrity than the swim-up method. Our results indicate that microfluidics can improve sperm quality compared to other methods of sperm preparation. When the microfluidic chip is not available, considering the similar results of sperm preparation by MACS and Zeta potential methods, it is preferred to use the Zeta method for the ART cycle due to its simplicity and cost-effectiveness.

Functional differences between herbs and woody species in a semiarid Mediterranean plant community: A whole‐plant perspective on growth, nutrient‐use and size

Abstract Despite decades of research, a comprehensive understanding of trait coordination at the whole‐plant level remains elusive. Furthermore, while the link between above‐ground growth rates and leaf traits related to nutrient use is well established, much less is known about the below‐ground compartment. Herbs and woody species exhibit distinct above‐ground growth and nutrient‐use strategies, but whether these differences extend to root traits below‐ground remains unclear. We carried out a common garden experiment with 23 perennials (7 herbs and 16 woody species) coexisting in a Mediterranean shrubland and measured 17 above‐ground and below‐ground traits related to growth, nutrient use and size. We analysed the links between growth rate and nutrient use focusing especially on roots and considering potential differences between herbs and woody species. We also combined plant size data from experimental juveniles and field‐sampled adults to determine the effects of life stage on whole‐plant phenotypic integration. We found a significant relationship between growth rates (both above‐ground and below‐ground) and root nutrient‐use strategies. Root diameter was negatively associated to growth rate only in herbs. Specific root area and root tissue density were positively and negatively correlated with growth rate, respectively, in both herbs and woody species. Moreover, we found significant differences in roots traits between herbs and woody species. Plant growth rate and root nutrient‐use strategies were both positively associated to plant size (height and above‐ground diameter) in juveniles, while a negative relationship was observed in adults. Our work provides insights on the links between whole‐plant growth rate and nutrient‐use strategies in species from a dry Mediterranan shrubland. Specifically, we show that whole‐plant growth rate is strongly associated to root traits, with more acquisitive root nutrient‐use strategies related to faster growth rates, which in turn translated to greater plant size in juveniles but smaller in adults. Our results also highlight root functional differences and contrasting patterns of whole‐plant phenotypic integration between herbs and woody species, offering deeper insights into species coexistence in species‐rich dry Mediterranean environments. Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.

Microstructural evolution, crystallographic texture, grain morphology, and mechanical integrity of wire arc additively manufactured Inconel 625 alloy

The material in wire arc additive manufacturing (WAAM) undergoes complex material flow and multiple thermal heating and cooling cycles, forming highly heterogeneous microstructures in terms of size, crystallographic orientations, and mechanical properties. The inhomogeneity also depends on the dislocation density and phases, which are influenced by the thermal history of the process. In this study, the Cold Metal Transfer (CMT) process was used to deposit a 60-layer build of Inconel 625 alloy. Detailed variations in the microstructural size, orientations, and phases along the building direction were studied using optical microscopy, electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Microstructural observations reveal dendrites, equiaxed crystals, cellular, and columnar structures with primary and secondary dendrites. Dynamic recrystallization (DRX) followed by abnormal grain growth was found in the build. The average grain size varies with deposited height, with a grain size of around 13 ± 1 μm near the substrate, 45 ± 1 μm in the middle region, and 18 ± 1 μm at the top. The top region exhibited a strong intensity of recrystallized Cube, Cube-ND, and Cube-RD textures, with weaker intensities of copper and brass textures. The middle and bottom regions show strong intensities of Goss, copper, F, S, and E textures, respectively. The highest dislocation density of 5.122 × 10−4 nm−2 was found in the top region, while the lowest (4.14 × 10−4 nm−2) was observed in the bottom region. The ultimate tensile strength of the build ranged from 603 ± 05 MPa to 699 ± 10 MPa, while the yield strength varied from 313 ± 07 MPa to 365 ± 08 MPa along different orientations. Vickers hardness results showed a slight variation, from 240 ± 5 to 260 ± 2 HV, from bottom to the top of the deposited build. The findings from this study provide valuable insights into the microstructural evolution mechanism and mechanical behavior of WAAM-fabricated Inconel 625, which can guide other researchers in optimizing process parameters, enhancing material properties, and understanding the effects of thermal history on additive manufacturing of high-performance alloys.

Honeycomb‐Structured IrOx Foam Platelets as the Building Block of Anode Catalyst Layer in PEM Water Electrolyzer

AbstractAchieving robust long‐term durability with high catalytic activity at low iridium loading remains one of great challenges for proton exchange membrane water electrolyzer (PEMWE). Herein, we report the low‐temperature synthesis of iridium oxide foam platelets comprising edge‐sharing IrO6 octahedral honeycomb framework, and demonstrate the structural advantages of this material for multilevel tuning of anodic catalyst layer across atomic‐to‐microscopic scales for PEMWE. The integration of IrO6 octahedral honeycomb framework, foam‐like texture and platelet morphology into a single material system assures the generation and exposure of highly active and stable iridium catalytic sites for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER), while facilitating the reduction of both mass transport loss and electronic resistance of catalyst layer. As a proof of concept, the membrane electrode assembly in single‐cell PEMWE based on honeycomb‐structured IrOx foam platelets, with a low iridium loading (~0.3 mgIr/cm2), is demonstrated to exhibit high catalytic activity at ampere‐level current densities and to remain stable for more than 2000 hours.

Honeycomb-Structured IrOx Foam Platelets as the Building Block of Anode Catalyst Layer in PEM Water Electrolyzer.

Achieving robust long-term durability with high catalytic activity at low iridium loading remains one of great challenges for proton exchange membrane water electrolyzer (PEMWE). Herein, we report the low-temperature synthesis of iridium oxide foam platelets comprising edge-sharing IrO6 octahedral honeycomb framework, and demonstrate the structural advantages of this material for multilevel tuning of anodic catalyst layer across atomic-to-microscopic scales for PEMWE. The integration of IrO6 octahedral honeycomb framework, foam-like texture and platelet morphology into a single material system assures the generation and exposure of highly active and stable iridium catalytic sites for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER), while facilitating the reduction of both mass transport loss and electronic resistance of catalyst layer. As a proof of concept, the membrane electrode assembly in single-cell PEMWE based on honeycomb-structured IrOx foam platelets, with a low iridium loading (~0.3 mgIr/cm2), is demonstrated to exhibit high catalytic activity at ampere-level current densities and to remain stable for more than 2000 hours.

Enhanced sperm isolation via bulk acoustic waves for high-throughput motility screening

The increasing infertility rate has become a worrying global challenge in recent years. According to the report of the World Health Organization, the male factor is responsible for over half of infertility cases, which includes the lack of desirable characteristics in sperm motility, morphology, and DNA integrity. In recent years, it has been shown that clinical methods including density gradient centrifugation cause damage to sperm DNA and besides being invasive, they are costly and time-consuming. In contrast, microfluidics has been used as a promising and non-invasive approach to manipulate biological cells. Here, by using the microvortices created by the oscillation of the bubbles caused by the bulk acoustic waves, we were able to trap sperms with less motility. In contrast, the highly motile sperms overcame the force of the microvortices and were guided to the outlet pool by following the channel boundaries. As a result, over 50% and 44% improvement in sperm progressive motility and viability, respectively, as well as 40% improvement in DNA integrity, were observed in the analysis of sperms retrieved from the output pool. In addition to being fast and non-invasive, the proposed device benefits from an easy method for sperms retrieval and does not require any preprocessing of the raw sperm sample.

Investigating Electrodeposition of Platinum Nanoparticles on Stainless-Steel Mesh Electrodes for Hydrogen Evolution Reaction

Abstract Hydrogen production through electrochemical water splitting is a promising approach for sustainable energy generation, yet developing efficient and durable electrocatalysts remains a critical challenge. This study successfully developed a highly active platinum nanoparticles-decorated stainless-steel mesh (Pt/SSM) electrocatalyst for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) using electrodeposition. The Pt nanoparticles exhibited a unique micro-leaf structure on the SSM surface. The Pt/SSM electrocatalyst demonstrated superior HER performance compared to bare SSM, with a remarkably low overpotential of 121 mV and a Tafel slope of 40 mV/dec in 0.5 M H2SO4. This performance was superior to their activity in 0.5 M KOH, attributed to the higher proton concentration, favorable Volmer kinetics, and improved catalyst-electrolyte interactions in the acidic medium. The electrodeposited Pt/SSM electrocatalyst also exhibited more stable HER performance in acidic electrolytes compared to alkaline ones, likely due to the preservation of its morphological integrity in acidic conditions. Overall, this work successfully developed a highly active and durable Pt/SSM electrocatalyst for practical hydrogen production, with the acidic medium providing optimal performance.

Transitions Into Freezing Environments Linked With Shifts in Phylogenetic Integration Between Vitaceae Leaf Traits.

Understanding how the intrinsic ability of populations and species to meet shifting selective demands shapes evolutionary patterns over both short and long timescales is a major question in biology. One major axis of evolutionary flexibility can be measured by phenotypic integration and modularity. The strength, scale, and structure of integration may constrain or catalyze evolution in the face of new selective pressures. We analyze a dataset of seven leaf measurements across Vitaceae to examine how correlations in trait divergence are linked to transitions between freezing and nonfreezing habitats. We assess this by applying a custom algorithm to compare the timing of habitat shifts to changes in the structure of evolutionary trait correlation at discrete points along a phylogeny. We also explore these patterns in relation to lineage diversification rates to understand how and whether patterns in the evolvability of complex multivariate phenotypes are linked to higher-level macroevolutionary dynamics. We found that shifts in the structure, but not the overall strength, of phylogenetic integration of leaves precipitate colonization of freezing climates. Lineages that underwent associated shifts in leaf trait integration and subsequent movement into freezing habitats also displayed lower turnover and higher net diversification, suggesting a link among shifting vectors of selection, internal constraint, and lineage persistence in the face of changing environments.

Cu Based Dilute Alloys for Tuning the C2+ Selectivity of Electrochemical CO2 Reduction.

Electrochemical CO2 reduction is a promising technology for replacing fossil fuel feedstocks in the chemical industry but further improvements in catalyst selectivity need to be made. So far, only copper-based catalysts have shown efficient conversion of CO2 into the desired multi-carbon (C2+) products. This work explores Cu-based dilute alloys to systematically tune the energy landscape of CO2 electrolysis toward C2+ products. Selection of the dilute alloy components is guided by grand canonical density functional theory simulations using the calculated binding energies of the reaction intermediates CO*, CHO*, and OCCO* dimer as descriptors for the selectivity toward C2+ products. A physical vapor deposition catalyst testing platform is employed to isolate the effect of alloy composition on the C2+/C1 product branching ratio without interference from catalyst morphology or catalyst integration. Six dilute alloy catalysts are prepared and tested with respect to their C2+/C1 product ratio using different electrolyzer environments including selected tests in a 100-cm2 electrolyzer. Consistent with theory, CuAl, CuB, CuGa and especially CuSc show increased selectivity toward C2+ products by making CO dimerization energetically more favorable on the dominant Cu facets, demonstrating the power of using the dilute alloy approach to tune the selectivity of CO2 electrolysis.

Adaptative Variation in a Neotropical Dung Beetle: Females and Gamma Males Present Tunneler Morphology, While Beta and Alpha Males Present Wing Morphology for Velocity.

In evolutionary terms, plastic traits can covary, providing adaptive value by compensating for certain characteristic costs or enhancing fitness. This combination of traits is expected in species with significant intrapopulation ecological variation, like insects. In the Phanaeini tribe, males and females have distinct nesting behaviors, and the alpha, beta, and gamma morphotypes of trimorphic males display different reproductive strategies. Although phenotypic integration of wings and protibiae associated with horn size occurs in dung beetles, this study focuses on the morphological and functional variation of these and other structures due to behavioral differences and reproductive strategies between sexes and male morphotypes. We used a geometric and functional morphometric approach to investigate the variation in plasticity of structures (clypeus, protibia, elytra, and membranous wing), their integration with horn size in males, and flight biomechanics in the trimorphic dung beetle Oxysternon palemo (Scarabaeinae: Phanaeini). Comparing different sexes and morphotypes, we tested for significant differences associated with various reproductive and behavioral strategies. Adaptive morphological differences were found in all structures in at least three of the four groups (females and alpha, beta, and gamma males), along with clear sexual dimorphism in the protibia. In alpha males, fossorial structures enhance resource partitioning and confrontations, whereas in females and gamma males, these structures optimize digging and tunnel mobility. We also found integration between the size of pronotal horns and clypeus shape, and between head horn size and wing shape. The variation in elytra morphology, covariation between membranous wings and horns, and flight biomechanics results suggests different reproductive investment and foraging strategies among groups. Alpha and beta males invest in intense flights and rapid resource colonization, whereas gamma males exhibit slower, low-energy flights with greater reproductive investment. We discuss how trade-offs between dispersal and reproduction in polyphenic insects shape adaptive variation through plasticity in dung beetle morphotypes.

Enhanced biopolymer composites through micro-integrated lignin and anhydride modified nonwoven bast fiber

The growing need for sustainable materials in various industries has driven research towards eco-friendly biopolymer composites. In this study, lignin microfillers were integrated into PHBV/modified bast fiber matrices, offering a promising solution for sustainable material innovation with improved performance and functionality. Nonwoven bast fiber mats were initially treated with propionic, succinic, and maleic anhydrides, evaluated through weight gain analysis, chemical characterization, thermal stability, and wettability assessments. These modified bast fibers were then reinforced with poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV) biopolymer at 30 % loading using specialized molding techniques. The resulting biocomposites were subjected to comprehensive characterization, including moisture related properties, mechanical strength, thermal behavior, and fracturographical properties. In a final stage, lignin microparticles (LMPs) as biofillers were integrated at 1 %, 3 %, 5 %, and 7 % concentrations to enhance biocomposite properties. Experimental findings highlighted succinylated bast fibers as offering the greatest improvements in mechanical strength, thermal stability, and morphological integrity among the modified fibers. At an optimal 5 % lignin microfiller content, the biocomposites exhibited superior wettability and improved stiffness. However, excessive lignin loading led to particle agglomeration, diminishing overall performance. Fracturographical analysis provided insights into the fracture behavior of the biocomposites, highlighting the cohesive and interfacial characteristics of the materials under stress conditions. This research highlights the efficacy of sequential modification strategies in developing high-performance sustainable materials tailored for diverse industrial applications.

Targeted isolation of extracellular vesicles from cell culture supernatant using immuno-affinity chromatography

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) have emerged as promising therapeutics with broad clinical applications as diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic drug delivery systems. Yet, these biopharmaceuticals pose a challenge in terms of manufacturing due to their complexity and heterogeneity. Despite advancements in the field, current purification technologies lack scalability and/or selectivity. Affinity chromatography (AC) − coupling unmatched specificity and scalability − could be used to simplify purification processing and generate clinical-grade EVs with higher titers and purity.In the present work, we report the implementation of an immuno-AC resin to capture and purify EVs directly from clarified cellular feedstocks. Firstly, to guide and support marker selection, vesicle phenotype characterization was conducted using single particle interferometric reflectance image sensing (SP-IRIS) coupled with immunofluorescence. CD81 was the marker which shown to be more present and more likely to have the other markers (CD63 and CD9). Thus, anti-CD81 VHH ligand was generated and evaluated towards recombinant CD81 protein and CD81 bearing EV particles using surface plasmon resonance (SPR). Different chromatographic studies with Anti-CD81 ligand immobilized onto agarose beads resin were conducted to optimize the process parameters (residence time, dynamic binding capacity and impurity clearance). At residence time of 2 min, on average 40 % of pure triple tetraspanin-positive EV fraction was recovered. The enrichment in EV particles herein obtained, based on scale-up calculations, it would be possible to produce 1 × 1013 EVs from a 1L cell culture, while meeting impurity requirements in a single-step purification process (impurity removal over 2 log reduction value). A single-step purification process is possible, enabling the successful isolation of homogeneous EVs population, counting with a final HCP titer of 60 ng/mL and 9 ng/mL of dsDNA impurities. EV’s morphological integrity and internalization ability were also demonstrated, showcasing elution’s efficiency under mild conditions.Overall, this work contributes to the development of a novel, highly specific, AC technology using a camelid-derived affinity ligand which, bridging the scalability requirements demanded of large-scale production, could potentiate the advent of EV-based therapies.

Formal and Composition Stability of Ekaterinburg Historical Center

Preserving the city structural elements of architectural and urban planning culture, is currently the most important task. It is necessary to achieve a sustainable development, preserve historical heritage and cultivate a careful attitude towards the culture of the Russian Federation. It is important to take into account the morphological integrity of the historically developed urban environment, which is considered through the prism of formal compositional stability. The article presents the analysis of the architectural and urban development to identify the most stable structural elements of Yekaterinburg. Systematic and historical approaches are the methodology of the study, which allows to consistently analyze the extensive material using urban planning and retrospective analysis.The article proposes periodic formation and development of the structural elements of the historical center from the beginning of the city formation to the present, including six periods: pre-reform, post-reform, pre-war period, war and post-war period, developed socialism and perestroika, postSoviet period. Structural elements of the historical center are reconstructed, reflecting the evolution of the formal and composition aspect of the city in each period of its historical development. Lost and most stable structural elements of the city are identified and can be protected as heritage.

Spraying KH2PO4 Alleviates the Damage of Spring Low-Temperature Stress by Improving the Physiological Characteristics of Wheat Flag Leaves.

The low-temperature stress (LTS) in spring results in tremendous yield loss in wheat production, and the application of potassium dihydrogen phosphate (KH2PO4) can alleviate stress-induced damage. However, the underlying effect of spraying KH2PO4 on the physiological characteristics of wheat flag leaves under spring LTS remains unclear. In this study, we investigated the effect of spraying KH2PO4 on flag leaf physiological traits and yield under spring LTS, including treatments at 15 °C and spraying H2O (CK), treatment at -4 °C and spraying H2O (LT1), and treatment at -4 °C and spraying KH2PO4 (LT2). The results showed that spraying KH2PO4 significantly increased the activities of the superoxide dismutase (SOD), the peroxidase (POD), and the catalase (CAT), and reduced malondialdehyde (MDA) content in the flag leaves. Compared to LT1, the SOD, POD, and CAT activities in the flag leaves of the Yangnong19 (YN19) and Xinmai26 (XM26) via LT2 increased by 5.5%, 10.9%, and 3.9%, and 5.4%, 9.2%, and 4.4%, respectively, and the MDA content of the YN19 and XM26 decreased by 10.5% and 9.1%, respectively, at 0-12 d after low temperature treatment (DALTT). Spraying KH2PO4 appreciably alleviated damage to the leaf cell morphology and tissue integrity, and increased the accumulation of proline and soluble protein, the chlorophyll content, and the activities of Ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase and phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase. The net photosynthetic rate in the flag leaves of the YN19 and XM26 via LT2 increased by 37.9% and 35.9%, respectively, at 0-12 DALTT, compared to LT1. Moreover, spraying KH2PO4 reduced the yield loss rate of the YN19 and XM26 by 13.06% and 16.72%, respectively. The present study demonstrates that spraying KH2PO4 can enhance wheat resistance to spring LTS and maintain the photosynthetic capacity of flag leaves, alleviating the negative effects of LTS on grain yield.