Morphological Structure Research Articles

A comprehensive analysis of morphological and biochemical parameters of <i>Medicago sativa</i> during biotic stress

Background: Parasitism is an abiotic stress that significantly threatens plant growth and severely impacts crop productivity. Plants have developed complicated regulatory mechanisms to cope with stressful conditions, undergoing morphological and biochemical changes. Objective: The article presents the first comprehensive analysis of the Medicago sativa response to the penetration of flowering parasites Orobanche lutea and Cuscuta alba. The outcome of this study aim to enhance crop quality comprehend their bioactive properties and pinpoint optimal strategies for their utilization in preventing and treating human and animal health issues. Methods: Medicago sativa, Orobanche lutea and Cuscuta alba were collected in the Ararat province, located in southeastern Armenia. The plants’ morphological structures and leaf parameters were observed. The prooxidant activity was determined by the potentiometric method. The content of total phenols, flavonoids and catechins were determined by a spectrophotometric method. Pigments were separated and identified using thin layer chromatography and a spectrophotometric method. Results: The in-situ observations of M. sativa plant and ex-situ measurements of its leaves infected by O. lutea and C. alba reveal a significant negative impact on both the reproductive success and the vegetative aspects. Infected plants exhibited minimal inflorescence development, also, substantial reductions in leaf dimensions were observed. The analysis of prooxidant activity revealed that M. sativa exhibits inherent prooxidant properties, which are amplified in the presence of parasites. The influence of dodder on prooxidant activity is much more significant (14-38%) than that of broomrape (8-42%). The percentage changes in total phenolic content were more pronounced in the presence of C. alba, but flavonoid decline was more pronounced in the presence of O. lutea, suggesting a differential impact of the two parasites. Although catechin content was not affected, photosynthetic pigments of the host plant were significantly (28-57%) reduced by the parasites. Conclusion: Findings indicate a clear morphological alteration induced by parasitic infestation. The parasites, particularly O. lutea can cause temporal isolation and allochronic speciation in M. sativa populations. Biochemical analysis highlighted a complex interplay between the host and the parasite. The biochemical impact of the parasite is reflected on the host’s primary and secondary metabolism. The observed morphological and biochemical changes highlight the need for further research to explore potential mitigation strategies, selective herbicide development, and biocontrol measures against parasitic plant infestations in agricultural ecosystems. Keywords: alfalfa; Orobanche lutea; Cuscuta alba; parasites plants; morphophysiological observations; bioactivity.

Effects of maximum thickness position on hydrodynamic performance for fish-like swimmers.

When designing the internals of robotic fish, variations in the internal arrangements of power and control systems cause differences in external morphological structures, particularly the positions of maximum thickness. These differences considerably affect swimming performance. This study examines the impact of the topological structure of self-propelled fish-like swimmers on hydrodynamic performance using fluid-structure interaction techniques. Fish-like swimmers with maximum thickness closest to the head exhibit optimal swimming performance, characterized by modest energy consumption for fast-response acceleration during the starting phase and higher swimming velocity for high-speed travel during steady swimming. As the maximum thickness moves toward the middle, acceleration performance significantly weakens and swimming speed decreases, although maximum energy consumption is relatively reduced. This study will provide a notable reference for the morphological design of underwater robotic fish.

Computer-aided diagnosis for China-Japan Friendship Hospital classification of necrotic femurs using statistical shape and appearance model based on CT scans.

The purpose of this study is to quantify the three-dimensional (3D) structural morphology, bone mineral density (BMD) distribution, and mechanical properties of different China-Japan Friendship Hospital (CJFH) classification types and assist clinicians in classifying necrotic femurs accurately. In this study, 41 cases were classified as types L2 and L3 based on CT images. Then, 3D Statistical Shape and Appearance Models (SSM and SAM) were established, and 80 principal component (PC) modes were extracted from the SSM and SAM as the candidate features. The bone strength of each case was also calculated as the candidate feature using finite element analysis (FEA). Support vector machine (SVM) and Extreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost) were used to establish 10 machine learning models. Feature selection methods were used to screen the candidate features. The performance of each model was evaluated based on sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, and the area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. This resulted in a SVM model for CJFH classification with the performance: accuracy of 87.5%, sensitivity of 85.0%, specificity of 76.0%, and AUC of 94.2%. This study provided effective machine learning models for assisting in diagnosing CJFH types, increasing the objectivity of the diagnosis. They may have great potential for application in clinical assessments of CJFH classification.

Virion morphology and on-virus spike protein structures of diverse SARS-CoV-2 variants.

The evolution of SARS-CoV-2 variants with increased fitness has been accompanied by structural changes in the spike (S) proteins, which are the major target for the adaptive immune response. Single-particle cryo-EM analysis of soluble S protein from SARS-CoV-2 variants has revealed this structural adaptation at high resolution. The analysis of S trimers in situ on intact virions has the potential to provide more functionally relevant insights into S structure and virion morphology. Here, we characterized B.1, Alpha, Beta, Gamma, Delta, Kappa, and Mu variants by cryo-electron microscopy and tomography, assessing S cleavage, virion morphology, S incorporation, "in-situ" high-resolution S structures, and the range of S conformational states. We found no evidence for adaptive changes in virion morphology, but describe multiple different positions in the S protein where amino acid changes alter local protein structure. Taken together, our data are consistent with a model where amino acid changes at multiple positions from the top to the base of the spike cause structural changes that can modulate the conformational dynamics of the S protein.

Extent and patterns of morphological and molecular genetic diversity and population structure of Nigerian Taro cultivars.

Genetic diversity is crucial for conservation efforts as well as breeding programs targeted at the development of improved varieties. Taro, a climate-resilient crop, plays a vital role in the nutritional and economic livelihoods of many households in Nigeria, but its yield is very low due to inadequate genetic improvement efforts. A diversity assessment of Nigerian taro is therefore required to create a premise for its improvement in yield, quality and disease tolerance. In this study, the genetic diversity and population structure of 490 taro cultivars comprising two main gene pools: Dasheen (215) and Eddoe (275), collected from farmers and marketers across seven states in Nigeria was assessed using 3047 Diversity Array Technology single nucleotide polymorphism (DArT-SNP) markers. A subset of 114 taro cultivars, comprising 30 Dasheens and 84 Eddoes were further phenotyped using 24 agro-morphological descriptors. Both phenotypic and molecular characterization revealed higher genetic diversity among the Eddoes than Dasheens. Estimates of gene flow (Nm = 0.353) revealed intermixing of cultivars among the States of collection, with the highest gene flow occurring between cultivars from Anambra and Ondo states and the lowest between Anambra and Kwara states. Population structure and Ward's minimum variance hierarchical cluster based on DArT-SNPs identified four groups, one comprising Dasheen and three comprising Eddoe cultivars. Hierarchical clustering based on phenotypic traits delineated three clusters. Variation between gene pools (49%) was higher than within gene pools (32%). Variation among States of collection was high (41%), while variation among individuals within gene pools (18%) and States of collection (19%) was relatively low. Correlation between phenotypic and genotypic diversity assessments was low (r = 0.01), indicating that both approaches were necessary for assessing genetic diversity in taro. However, genotypic assessment provided better information about genetic diversity of the taro cultivars. This is the first study that represented germplasm collection across the major taro growing regions of Nigeria. The findings from this study based on agro-morphological characterization and DArT-SNP genotyping are critical for genetic characterization, conservation and breeding of taro in Nigeria, mainly initiating hybridization between the two genepools after careful assessment of ploidy levels of the accessions collected in this study. This will facilitate in developing improved taro varieties with desirable traits, such as higher yield, better disease resistance, and improved nutritional quality.

The effect of single walled carbon nanotubes on conductivity and thermal properties of glass fiber reinforced composites

Abstract This paper reports on a comprehensive study of the effect of single-walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT) on the alternating current (AC) conductivity, thermal and morphological properties of the unsaturated polyester based glass fiber reinforced polymer composite (GFRPC). AC conductivity measurements were carried out using the impedance spectrum and thermal measurements were carried out using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) at a temperature range of 24-900 °C and heating rates of 20 °C/min. Impedance results showed that the conductivity behavior in the nanotube-loaded composite laminate obeys a Jonscher-type mechanism. At low frequencies, the conductivity value remains almost constant for the doped material and takes the value of 10-5 S/cm. It is observed that the AC conductivity starts to increase after the critical frequency value of approximately 103 Hz and increases up to 10-2 S/cm due to hopping and tunneling mechanisms caused by space charge polarization accumulated in the local regions at high frequencies. The pure material with an insulating nature also exhibited a typical insulating behavior. Thermal testing showed that nanotube reinforcement increases thermal conductivity in three different directions. DSC thermocurves analysis also revealed that the addition of carbon nanotubes increased the glass transition temperature of the material from 180°C to 190°C. The scaling and fractal analysis methods were also applied to obtain hetero morphological structure of materials. The fractal analysis results indicated that carbon nanotube doping to the standard sample increases the coating rates, scalability and heterogeneity of the solid phase surface of the sample. The coating rates of composite surfaces were calculated as 45% and 36%, respectively. Morphology analysis revealed that the probability of finding surface particles for the nanotube-doped sample decreased compared to the undoped sample, but the fractal dimension value increased. While this value was 1.83 in the pure sample, it increased to 1.92 in the nanotube material.

Thermal and Luminescent Properties of Multi-Ligand Complexes of Europium(III) with Pyrazine-2-carboxylic Acid

Eu(III) compounds with pyrazine-2-carboxylic acid and nitrogen- and phosphorus-containing neutral ligands were synthesized. Using the methods of chemical elemental and thermal analysis and IR spectroscopy, the composition of the complexes and the method of coordination of carboxylate ions were established. The most thermally stable compounds have been identified. The luminescent characteristics of complex compounds have been studied. It was found that the maximum luminescence intensity is characteristic of europium(III) pyrazinate with triphenylphosphine oxide. The morphological structure and dispersion of the complexes were determined.

Scanning electron microscopy, morphometric and energy dispersive X-Ray analysis of cephalothoracic structures exploring defensive and sensory features in kuruma shrimp (Marsupenaeus japonicus Spence Bate, 1888).

Kuruma shrimp (Marsupenaeus japonicus) is a commercially important crustacean and a valuable global food source. This study employed scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to explore the morphology and morphometric features of the Marsupenaeus japonicus cephalothoracic structures, including antennules, antennas, scaphocerite, rostrums, and eye stalks. The primary focus was on understanding the role of each part, especially through the examination of setae, which are crucial for chemoreception and defense. Additionally, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) analysis was utilized to identify the elemental composition of these structures. The samples from the heads of fifteen Marsupenaeus japonicus were studied by gross morphology and morphometry, SEM, and EDX analysis. This study is the first to integrate both SEM and EDX techniques for a detailed analysis of these cephalothoracic structures, offering an innovative approach to understanding both morphological and elemental characteristics. Marsupenaeus japonicus exhibited two antennules and two antennae. The antenna featured four basal segments: basicerite, ischiocerite, merocerite, and carpocerite, each with distinctive articulations and setae distribution. The antennule, with three segments covered by plumose setae, displayed curved cone-shaped flagellae. The scaphocerite, resembling a paddle, showcased plumose setae, while the rostrum exhibited dorsal and ventral spines, lateral grooves, and unique setal arrangements. Setal measurements across structures revealed diverse lengths and widths, indicating functional specialization. The compound eyes were connected to an optic stalk adorned with plumose setae. EDX analysis revealed higher percentages of calcium and phosphorus in the spear-like structures of the scaphocerite, rostrum, and antenna, respectively. This investigation provides a thorough examination of the intricate morphological features of the cephalothoracic region of Marsupenaeus japonicus, shedding light on its sensory and defensive capabilities. The novel application of both SEM and EDX not only deepens our insights into these structures but also lays the groundwork for future studies using this dual approach to explore crustacean morphology, with potential advantages for sustainable aquaculture and the conservation of marine ecosystems.

Preparation and performance study of heparinized multi‐walled carbon nanotube/cellulose acetate hemodialysis membrane

AbstractCurrently, the incidence of kidney failure is increasing worldwide. Hemodialysis is the main method for the treatment of kidney diseases, and the continuous development of new hemodialysis membranes is the key to improve the treatment effect and the quality of life of patients. In this study, heparinized multi‐walled carbon nanotube/cellulose acetate (Hep/MWCNTs@CA) membranes were prepared by non‐solvent induced phase separation (NIPS). The morphology and pore structure of Hep/MWCNTs@CA membranes were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The elongation at break and tensile strength of the membranes were characterized by a mechanical property universal tester. The results showed that mechanical properties of 0.1 wt% MWCNTs enhanced the membrane is best. The water contact angle test confirmed that MWCNTs can improve the membrane hydrophilicity, and combined with the adsorption test results for proteins, it was found that the hydrophilicity can reduce the adsorption of proteins to the composite membrane and improve the blood compatibility of the material. The dialysis performance of urea and lysozyme was tested by a self‐made simulated hemodialysis device, and the clearance rates of urea and lysozyme were 84% and 47.2%, respectively, which showed that the interfacial gap between MWCNTs and CA matrix can make the composite membrane retain a high retention rate of macromolecular proteins (92.3%) and further improved the clearance rate of small and medium molecular toxins. In addition, the good blood compatibility and biocompatible properties of the materials were confirmed by hemolysis, recalcification and cytotoxicity tests on Hep/MWCNTs@CA membranes. In conclusion, the prepared Hep/MWCNTs@CA holds great potential for application in the field of hemodialysis.

Macrozoobenthos of Communities of Higher Aquatic Vegetation

The article presents the results of a comprehensive study of two components of the aquatic biocenosis: its floristic component and benthos in the shallow waters of the Gorky reservoir within the water area of the Yaroslavsky nature reserve. The composition and structure of plant communities at the boundary of the macrophyte belt was assessed, followed by the identification of dominant associations. In parallel, the taxonomic composition and quantitative characteristics of macrozoobenthos were assessed in the main plant biotopes. Plant communities in the water area are represented by two ecological groups: helophytes and hydrophytes. Macrophytes occupy up to 25% of the water area of the shallow area of the studied water body. Most of the plant communities are concentrated in the northern and northeastern parts of the reserve. 11 species of macrophytes belonging to 10 genera and 9 families were noted. In macrophyte communities, 8 typical associations were identified, where benthos sampling was carried out. In the benthos of typical macrophyte associations, 35 lower definable taxa (LTOs) were identified, of which 17 LUTs are chironomid larvae. In the biotope, 11 HOTs were found out of vegetation. The highest species richness of benthic invertebrates was noted in the communities of Butomus umbellatus L. (1753) and Sparganium erectum L. The benthos of plant communities in August 2021 can be characterized as chironomid-oligochaete, while chironomids dominated in the open littoral. Mollusks played a significant role in the formation of benthos in plant communities. The maximum quantitative indicators of benthic invertebrates in general and the abundance of chironomids of the river. Glyptotendipes in particular have been noted in the community of the burr Sparganium erectum. This is probably due to the morphological structure of this plant and the specifics of the formation of the community by this species. The benthos of plant communities was dominated by phytodetritophages–filterers and phytodetritophages–filterers + gatherers, while in the open littoral, phytodetritophages–filterers prevailed. In all studied biotopes, there were no detritophages–gatherers. In general, according to the abundance of macrozoobenthos, the areas of plant communities can be classified as high-nutrient and very high-nutrient.

The Role of Interfacial Effects in the Impedance of Nanostructured Solid Polymer Electrolytes

The role of interfacial effects on an ion-conducting poly(styrene-b-ethylene oxide) (PS-b-PEO or SEO) diblock copolymer doped with lithium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl) imide (LiTFSI) was investigated by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). Coating the surface of commonly used stainless steel electrodes with a specific random copolymer brush increases the measured ionic conductivity by more than an order of magnitude compared to the uncoated electrodes. The increase in ionic conductivity is related to the interfacial structure of the block copolymer domain morphology on the electrode surface. We show that the impedance associated with the electrode–electrolyte interface can be detected using nonmetallic electrodes, allowing us to distinguish the ionic conductivity behaviors of the bulk electrolyte and the interfacial layers for both as-prepared and annealed samples.

Optical Properties and Antimicrobial Activity of Si/PVP Hybrid Material Combined with Antibiotics

Silica–poly (vinylpyrrolidone) hybrid material was prepared using the sol–gel method. Tetramethyl ortosilane (TMOS) was used as a silica precursor. XRD analysis established that the as-prepared material is amorphous. The morphological structure of the final product was determined by the incorporated PVP. The UV–Vis analysis showed that the obtained hybrid exhibited absorption in the ultraviolet range. The antimicrobial activity of the SiO2/15PVP hybrid material was tested on Staphylococcus epidermidis ATCC 14990, Salmonella typhimurium ATCC BAA-2162, Candida albicans, and Saccharomyces cerevisiae in combination with the following antibiotics: Vancomycin for Gram-positive bacteria, Ciprofloxacin for Gram-negative bacteria, and Nystatin for yeast. The results confirmed a concentration-dependent synergistic effect of the antibiotic in combination with the TM15/PVP hybrid particles, especially at their highest concentration of 100 mg/mL on Gram-positive bacteria and for the Gram-negative Salmonella. On Candida albicans ATCC 18804 and Saccharomyces cerevisiae CCY 21-6-3, the effect was synergistic again, and a fungicidal effect was observed at 6.25 and 1.50 mg/mL for the antibiotic concentration and concentrations of hybrid material at 100 mg/mL. The toxicity on Daphnia magna was also tested. The registered prooxidant activity of SiO2/15PVP shows possible applications at very low concentrations. The obtained results demonstrate the possibility of clinical implementations of the newly synthesized hybrid material.

TMOD-06. ESTABLISHMENT OF PITUITARY NEUROENDOCRINE TUMOR (PITNET) ORGANOID MODELS

Abstract Pituitary neuroendocrine tumors (PitNETs) are tumors that originate from the anterior pituitary gland. While they are mostly benign, they can cause various clinical symptoms due to hormonal secretion abnormalities. PitNET can be broadly categorized into three lineages, each of which has its differentiation controlled by specific transcription factors. Treatment options for PitNET include surgical resection and pharmacotherapy, but available drugs are limited, and their efficacy markers remain unclear. To develop novel drugs for PitNET and identify their efficacy markers, it is necessary to develop new research models. In recent years, organoid models have garnered attention as novel research models for various cancer types. In this study, we established novel organoid models derived from PitNET patients and analyzed their histological and endocrinological characteristics. Surgical specimens from 4 cases of somatotroph adenoma, 1 case of double adenoma, 1 case of gonadotroph adenoma, and 1 case of corticotroph adenoma were minced in dissection medium and embedded in Matrigel basement membrane matrix respectively. The organoids were cultured under 5% CO2 at 37°C using media supplemented with various growth factors. After 28 days of culture, formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded sections were prepared to examine histological homology with patient tumors. Hematoxylin and eosin staining results showed that all organoids maintained cell morphology and tissue structure similar to the original tumors. Immunohistochemical staining for markers specific to each PitNET revealed similar staining patterns between the organoids and the original tumors. Furthermore, analysis of hormone levels in the culture medium showed that hormone production capabilities, such as growth hormone and follicle stimulating hormone, were maintained even after long-term culture. In this study, we successfully established PitNET organoid models that retain histological and endocrinological characteristics. These models are expected to serve as useful research tools for elucidating the molecular mechanisms of PitNET and developing novel therapies targeting critical molecular abnormalities.

Thermoelectric power generator module using n-type Sb₂S₃ and p-type Bi₂Te₃-coated cotton fabric for wearable device applications

Antimony trisulfide (Sb₂S₃), a binary metal chalcogenide, exhibits significant promise for energy conversion applications due to its tunable bandgap and exceptional stability under exposure to moisture and air, making it a strong candidate for thermoelectric applications. In this study, Sb₂S₃ was synthesized via co-precipitation method and subsequently coated onto cotton fabric using a formulated ink. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analyses confirmed its orthorhombic crystalline structure and nanorod-like morphology. Sb₂S₃ was found to possess an indirect bandgap of 1.70 eV in its amorphous phase and 1.52 eV in its crystalline phase. Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy revealed characteristic peaks at 447 cm⁻1 and 568 cm⁻1, corresponding to the symmetric stretching vibrations of Sb-O and Sb-S bonds, respectively. Current-voltage (I-V) measurements indicated near-ohmic behavior with an electrical conductivity of 2 × 10⁻⁵ S/cm, while Hall effect measurements confirmed its n-type semiconducting nature. The thermoelectric evaluation of Sb₂S₃-coated cotton fabrics demonstrated n-type behavior, with the Seebeck coefficient increasing with temperature, reaching −185 μV/K at 293 K with a notable power factor of 6.845 × 10−4 nW/cmK2. The material also exhibited low thermal conductivity (0.077 W/mK) and an effusivity of 223.95 Ws1/2/m2K. For the first time, a thermoelectric device was successfully fabricated by combining Sb₂S₃ as the n-type material with Bi₂Te₃ as the p-type material. This device, integrated into a wearable hand band, demonstrated an output voltage of 4.7 mV under a temperature difference of approximately 4 °C, highlighting its significant potential for low-power applications in wearable technology. The successful integration of these materials into a flexible substrate underscores their viability in next-generation thermoelectric energy harvesting devices.

Exogenous Nucleotides Mitigate Cardiac Aging in SAMP8 Mice by Modulating Energy Metabolism Through AMPK Pathway

Background: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the predominant cause of mortality, with aging being a significant risk factor. Nucleotides (NTs), essential for numerous biological functions, are particularly vital under conditions like aging, starvation, and nutrient deficiency. Although the antiaging benefits of exogenous NTs have been recognized in various systems, their cardiac-specific effects are not well understood. This study, therefore, investigated the impact of exogenous NTs on cardiac aging and delved into the potential mechanisms. Methods: Senescence-accelerated mouse prone-8 (SAMP8) mice were utilized, randomly assigned to one of three groups: a control group (Control), a low-dose NTs group (NTs_L), and a high-dose NTs group (NTs_H). Meanwhile, senescence-accelerated mouse resistant 1 (SAMR1) mice were set up as the SAMR1 group. Following a 9-month intervention, cardiac tissues were subjected to analysis. Results: The results showed that NTs improved the morphological structure of the cardiac tissue, enhanced the antioxidant capacity, and mitigated inflammation. Metabolomics analysis revealed that the high-dose NT intervention improved cardiac tissue energy metabolism, potentially through activating the AMPK pathway, enhanced mitochondrial biogenesis, and increased TFAM protein expression. Conclusions: Together, these results indicate that exogenous NTs exert beneficial effects on the cardiac tissues of SAMP8 mice, potentially mitigating the cardiac aging process.

North Polar Spur: Gaseous plume(s) from star-forming regions ~3-5 kpc from the Galactic Center?

We argue that the North Polar Spur (NPS) and many less prominent structures are formed by gaseous metal-rich plumes associated with star-forming regions (SFRs). The SFRs located at the tangent to the 3-5 kpc rings might be particularly relevant to the NPS. A multi-temperature mixture of gaseous components and cosmic rays rises above the Galactic disk under the action of their initial momentum and buoyancy. Eventually, the plume velocity becomes equal to that of the ambient gas, which rotates with different angular speeds than the stars in the disk. As a result, the plumes acquire characteristic bent shapes. An ad hoc model of plumes' trajectories shows an interesting resemblance to the morphology of structures seen in the radio continuum and X-rays.

Chance vs. Chants

This study was designed to determine if there is a difference between English Language Learner (ELL) production of /s/ in words such as prince and prints, as it appeared that ELLs were pronouncing “prince” for the former, but “print” for the latter. Study subjects completed a dictation task using a paragraph with many words ending in /s/. The results were that final /s/ in words such as prince was produced in 94.1% of the required contexts, while /s/ in words like prints was produced in 64.9% of the required contexts. The structural difference between pairs such as prince and prints is that prince has no internal morphological structure, while prints consists of print + s. The different production rates for final /s/ suggest that ELLs are processing the words differently, and are apparently unconsciously aware of the morphological difference between pairs such prince and prints. Contrary to expectations, this morphological awareness leads to incorrect responses. The discussion shows that issues such as salience, sonority, and L1 transfer cannot account for the data obtained in the study. In the paper suggestions are presented for raising morphological awareness to a more conscious level, thereby potentially aiding acquisition.

Exposure to High Concentrations of Tetrabromobisphenol A Slows the Process of Tissue Regeneration and Induces an Imbalance of Metabolic Homeostasis in the Regenerated Intestines of Apostichopus japonicus

Background: Tissue regenerative capacity following evisceration, potentially influenced by environmental contaminants and intestinal microflora, is essential for the financial success of Apostichopus japonicus farming. However, the morphological structure, gut microbiome composition, and genes expression pattern of the regenerated gut after exposure to high levels of TBBPA remain poorly unclear. Methods: In this research, the effect of TBBPA exposure on tissue regeneration in A. japonicus was investigated through a comprehensive multi-omics approach. Results: Our results showed that the integrity, the intestinal wall thickness, and the villi length of the regenerated intestines in A. japonicus decreased after treatment with high levels of TBBPA. The findings from PCoA and NMDS analyses revealed that the microbial community composition was significantly altered following exposure to high concentrations of TBBPA in the regenerated intestines of A. japonicus. The KEGG pathway enrichment analysis indicated that the DEGs (differentially expressed genes) were predominantly enriched on metabolism and immunity-related signaling pathways after exposure to high levels of TBBPA. These included pathways involved in the PPAR signaling pathway, ECM receptor interaction, glycerolipid metabolism, and fatty acid degradation. Interestingly, the results have demonstrated that there are 77 transcript factors that were significantly different after exposure to TBBPA. Conclusions: These results suggested that high levels of exposure to TBBPA induces an imbalance of the metabolic homeostasis by regulating the expression levels of transcription factors in the regenerated intestines of A. japonicus.

Nanoscale Identification of Local Strain Effect on TMD Catalysis.

Strain engineering plays a crucial role in activating the basal plane of the TMD catalysts. However, experimental evidence linking strain strength to activity and distinguishing effects of compressive and tensile strain remains elusive due to the absence of high-resolution in situ correlation techniques. Here, we utilize nanobubble imaging by on-chip total-internal reflection microscopy to visualize active sites on the basal plane of strained MoS2 during hydrogen evolution reaction and atomic force microscopy to correlatively capture the nanoscale morphology and strain maps. By integrating the activity, morphology, and strain maps into comprehensive statistical analyses, we elucidate the strain effect on local activity at both multiprotrusion and (sub)single-protrusion levels. Our findings demonstrate that strain effectively activates sulfur vacancies on the basal plane, with tensile strain significantly enhancing local activity compared to compressive strain. Furthermore, we observe a time-dependent propagation of activity from high-activity to low-activity regions within single protrusions. This work clarifies the interplay between structural morphology and catalytic activity and provides new guidelines for the rational design of optimal TMD catalysts.

Microscopic analysis of Valeriana stolonifera and Valeriana collina leaves

Plants of the Valeriana species are distributed in various parts of the world, especially in Europe and Asia. A high content of polyphenolic compounds, including flavonoids and hydroxycinnamic acids with expressed biological activity, was previously identified within the herb of the studied Valeriana species. Morphological and anatomical data can be used in phylogenetics of species and genera to find out diagnostic and age-related characteristics of plants. This led us to microscopic studies of aerial organs of the above-mentioned Valeriana species. The aim of the work is to conduct a comparative study of the diagnostic features within the morphological and anatomical structure of Valeriana stolonifera and Valeriana collina leaves. Materials and methods. Both raw and dried plant material of V. stolonifera and V. collina was used for microscopic studies. Temporary micropreparations were made using generally accepted methods. The anatomical features of the raw material were examined using Carl ZEISS “AxioStar Plus” and “Primo Star”. Results. The study identified key morphological and anatomical features of the species, which should be considered for the identification and standardization of promising medicinal plant materials and within the development of methods of analytical and regulatory documentation. Conclusions. The key microscopic differences in the leaves of the studied species lie in the structure of the adaxial and abaxial surfaces of the leaf blade. The upper epidermis consists of large elongate cells with wavy walls. The cells of the lower epidermis are smaller and have more sinuous walls compared to the upper epidermis cells. The degree of wall sinuosity varies between species – V. collina is characterized by more sinuous cells in both the upper and lower epidermis compared to V. stolonifera. The absence of stomata on the upper epidermis is a common feature for both species.