Maturation Period Research Articles

Short-term high-temperature pretreated compost increases its application value by altering key bacteria phenotypes

Short-term high-temperature pretreatment can effectively shorten the maturity period of organic waste composting and improve the fertilizer efficiency and humification degree of products. To investigate the effect and mechanism of the end products on the saline–alkali soil improvement and plant growth, the short-term high-temperature pretreatment composting (SHC) and traditional composting (STC) were separately blended with saline–alkali soil in a ratio of 0–40 % to establish a soil–fertilizer blended matrix for cultivating Lolium perenne L. The pot experiments combined with principal component analysis showed Lolium perenne L. planted in 20 % SHC-blended saline–alkali soil had the best growth effect, and its biomass, chlorophyll content, and plant height were 109–113 % higher than STC. The soil physicochemical property analysis showed that SHC and STC increased the soil nutrient content, humification degree, and enzyme activity at any blending ratio. The microbial analysis showed that 20 % SHC in the saline–alkali soil stimulated the growth of functional microorganisms and the addition of SHC promoted the sulfur cycle, nitrogen fixation, and carbon metabolism in the soil–plant system. The correlation analysis showed that pH; nutrient contents; and urease, catalase, sucrase, and phosphatase activities in the saline–alkali soil were significantly correlated with plant growth indexes (p < 0.05). Georgenia and norank_f__Fodinicurvataceae had a stronger correlation with four types of enzyme activities (p < 0.01). SHC improved the saline–alkali soil and promoted plant growth by adjusting soil pH, increasing soil nutrients, and influencing soil enzyme activity and dominant flora. This study provides a theoretical basis for applying SHC products in soil improvement.

Reproductive biology of 58 fish species around La Réunion Island (Western Indian Ocean): first sexual maturity and spawning period

Reproductive biology of 58 fish species around La Réunion Island (Western Indian Ocean): first sexual maturity and spawning period

The effect of overweight and obesity on the severity of manifestations of chronic nonbacterial prostatitis with an inflammatory component

BACKGROUND: Chronic prostatitis is one of the most common urological diseases of young and middle-aged men. The variety of pathogenetic mechanisms and clinical manifestations, the tendency to recurrence necessitates the search for new methods of examination and monitoring of this disease. AIM: To identify the characteristics of the clinical manifestations of chronic non-bacterial prostatitis with an inflammatory component in men of the first period of adulthood, depending on the body mass index. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A comprehensive urological examination was carried out on 150 men with CNVC in the first period of adulthood, aged 22 to 35 years. All patients were assessed for hormonal status, as well as anthropometric parameters. RESULTS: Men with normal body mass index had milder clinical symptoms of prostatitis compared with overweight and obese patients. The results of laboratory studies demonstrated a more pronounced inflammatory process and dysfunction of the prostate in patients with a higher body mass index. Analysis of hormonal status revealed high levels of total and free testosterone and low levels of estradiol in men with normal body mass index. The content of sex hormone-binding globulin was significantly lower in obese patients. Overweight and obese men also had larger prostate volume according to TRUS. CONCLUSIONS: More severe manifestations of prostatitis are associated with an increase in body mass index.

The Combination of High-Light Efficiency Pruning and Mulching Improves Fruit Quality and Uneven Maturation at Harvest in Camellia oleifera

Camellia oleifera Abel is rich in oil, which is beneficial to human health. Seasonal drought and uneven canopy microclimate distributions result in low yields and picking efficiencies. To reveal the features of fruit development in the canopy and evaluate the impact of pruning on the canopy microclimate and fruit parameters, a field experiment was carried out in Zhuzhou, Hunan. The C. oleifera tree canopy was divided into four positions: inside the upper canopy (UI); inside the lower canopy (LI); outside the upper canopy (UO); and outside the lower canopy (LO). A combination of high-light efficiency tree pruning and mulching with camellia shells and weedproof film (CPM) was tested and compared with mulching (M). Compared with temperature and humidity, canopy light intensity is a key climate factor that affects the development of Camellia oleifera fruits. CPM improved the canopy light distribution and increased the light intensity inside the canopy of C. oleifera. There was no significant difference in the fruit cracking rate among the four canopy positions in the CPM treatment, which indicated that the fruit maturation period tended to be consistent across the canopy positions. Treatment with CPM resulted in 24.14% and 4.11% greater yield and oil content ratios, respectively, than the treatment with M. The fresh weight of the fruits from LO was the lowest, and the fatty acid accumulation was the lowest due to the poor light availability. CMP increased fruit quality, particularly in LI, which was 41.92%, 36.36%, 13.21%, and 12.79% greater in terms of fresh weight, yield, fresh seed rate, and oil content, respectively, than M. Unfortunately, there was no discernible difference in fatty acid components between CPM and M. Our research suggested that pruning combined with the mulching of organic material is an effective way to alleviate seasonal drought and uneven fruit maturation in C. oleifera trees, further increasing yield and fruit quality.

ANATOMICAL VARIABILITY OF THE SEGMENTS OF THE INFERIOR ALVEOLAR NERVE IN THE PEOPLE OF SECOND PERIOD OF MATURE AND OLDER AGE

To avoid complications of bicortical implantation, great importance is attached to the study of individual morphological features of the mandible and its structures, in particular, the anatomical variability of the inferior alveolar nerve (IAN) and mandibular canal. The purpose of the study was to fi nd out the peculiarities of the structure, topography and individual anatomical variability of the IAN in persons of the second period of maturity and older age. Cone-beam computer tomography of 54 people of both sexes aged 45-65 years with three- dimensional reconstruction, morphometry and statistical analysis was studied. On the basis of our own research on the topographical and anatomical features of the IAN and its syntopy with the mandible, in particular, with the mandibular canal, we propose to distinguish 4 of its divisions: extra- canal – from the place of formation to the entrance to the mandibular canal; intracanal – from the mandibular foramen to the mental foramen; mental – after exiting the mandibular canal; incisive – after the departure of the mental branch. The topographical and anatomical features and anatomical variability of the IAN were studied. In people of the second period of mature and elderly age, anatomical variability of the macroscopic structure and topography of the IAN was established, which manifested itself in high (4.0-11.0 mm) and low (22.0-33.0 mm) levels, relative to the foramen ovale its beginning and form (one or two trunks) of departure from the mandibular nerve. The largest number of nerve connections with other branches of the mandibular nerve is formed by the extracanal section of the IAN: with the auriculo-t emporal nerve (29 cases – 53.7 %), with the lingual nerve (5 cases – 9.26 %), with the nerve of the medial pterygoid muscle (3 observations – 5.56 %) and with the nerve of the lateral pterygoid muscle (2 specimens – 3.7 %). A diff erent level of departure of the nerve to mylohyoid from the extracanal section of the IAN was established: high (5.0-7.0 mm) and low (27.0-31.0 mm). Anatomical variability of the intracanal part of the IAN was manifested by structural variants: a single trunk (43 cases, 79.6 %), rarely – two trunks (11 observations, 20.4 %) and very rarely – the lower dental plexus (6 specimens, 11,11 %). The proximity of the roots of the 7th and 8th teeth to the IAN can be the cause of severe pain in the pathology of these teeth and cause nerve damage during their removal. Nerve connections occur between the right and left incisive nerves, the knowledge of which is an important practical value for performing anesthesia of the front row of teeth. The number of branches to the teeth, interalveolar septa and gingiva from the IAN signifi cantly decreases with age and with a violation of the integrity of the dentition.

Moving bed biofilm reactor for Pimelodus maculatus reared in RAS: Start-up maturation, bioreactor microbiome and nitrogen removal

Moving bed biofilm reactors (MBBR) are equipment used to remove organic compounds and are frequently tested for aquaculture operations aimed at treating and reusing water. However, a limitation of MBBR is the long maturation period necessary for nitrification to occur efficiently. We evaluated biofilm maturation in MBBR with biomass adhered to support material using enriched medium-NH4Cl and a treatment without enrichment. Two independent recirculating aquaculture systems were established based on a freshwater fish farm that produced a daily total ammonia nitrogen concentration of 1.0 ​mg/L. Each treatment was composed of a reservoir and two experimental bioreactors that received support materials for the colonization of the adhered biomass. The results indicated that the enriched bioreactors performed slower, taking 29 days to reach maturity, while the control treatment matured at 27 days. The species Candidatus Nitrospira defluvii, responsible for acting in the nitrification process became more abundant in the control treatment where it represented 23% of the biofilm composition, while the enriched treatment presented only 3%. The results suggest that the nitrification process in the control treatment performed better than in the enriched bioreactors. However, the use of synthetic media such as NH4Cl and sodium acetate as sources of C:N associated with the Pimelodus maculatus effluent during the start-up process had an important benefit to the maturation time of both bioreactors.

Recycled rubber wastes-based polymer composites with flame retardancy and electrical conductivity: Rational design, modeling and optimization

Polymer recycling techniques experience a maturity period of design and application. Rubbers comprise a high proportion of polymer wastes, highly flammable and impossible to re-melt. Polymer composites based on ground tire rubber (GTR) and ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA) containing carbon black (CB) (1–50 phr), with variable EVA/GTR weight composition (10/90, 25/75, 50/50, 75/25 and 90/10), and processing temperature (Low: 100 °C and High: 200 °C) were designed applying Design of Experiments (DOE) approach of Optimal Design. The properties and performance features were experimentally evaluated. The tensile strength (TS) and elongation at break (EB) were optimized using Desirability Function (DF) approach. A wide fluidity window (Labeled POOR, GOOD, and EXCELLENT) and mechanical properties were observed. Overall, higher values of EB were assigned to samples processed at 200 °C. Cubic regression modeling and DF optimization of TS and EB indicated unlikely that one expect a TS ≥ 3 MPa, while EB values more than 500% were likely regardless of CB content for EVA-rich composites. The electrical properties of CB/EVA/GTR samples were examined by impedance spectroscopy technique. An interesting relationship was observed between the DC conductivity and the EVA/GTR ratio and processing temperature. GTR-rich samples showed much higher conductivity than EVA-dominated samples, attributed to the presence of CB in the rubber waste, which, together with the added CB, was able to create conduction paths for the transported electrons. Higher processing temperature of 200 °C improved dispersion of the added CB, i.e. a more even distribution of the conductive phase in the matrix. The uniform and evenly dispersed domains of particles were detected by SEM images for highly CB loaded composites. Surprisingly, 50/50 EVA/GTR composites were resilient against flame, while thermally stable ones in TGA measurements were highly CB loaded ones.

Financial ratios, credit risk and business strategy: Application to the PDO Parma ham sector in single production and non-single production firms

Food geographical indications (GIs) protected by the European Union collective protection mark (CPM) have been the subject of a growing interest. Several research has analyzed the economic, social and environmental role of CPM, which require Production Specifications (PS), imposing constraints to food production, with side effects on performance and corporate strategy.The research has the aim to analyze, through financial ratios (FRs), the performance of firms in the PDO Parma ham (PrH_PDO) sector; PrH_PDO is the third geographical indication (GI) in Italy among those protected by CPM of the European Union (PDO, PGI, TSG). The research considers, for firms associated with the PrH_PDO Consortium, a series of 10-year annual report, 739 observations, divided into two groups, first of 103 of 11 firms that sell only PrH_PDO and second of 636 of 78 firms that sell not only PrH_PDO. This categorization allows us to highlight and compare the effects of adopting PS in terms of FRs, credit scoring and firms’ strategy.Research highlights that PrH_PDO_Only firms perform slightly better, with less variable results. Research shows that the PS of Prosciutto di Parma PDO, determines reduction in turnover (T) and a longer duration of the INV_DAYS and, consequently, of the conversion cycle (CCC_DAYS). Research highlights that PrH_PDO_Only firms have a strategy based on higher margins (ROS) which compensates low T; research highlights that credit risk (EM-Score) is higher for PrH_PDO_Only firms.The research can be replicated in other GI sectors, where there are few studies that have compared firms that produce only GIs and firms that produce not only GIs. The research can be useful to operators in the sector, to financial intermediaries and to policy makers. Lines of applied action may include development of financial instruments to assist maturation period and establishment to assess creditworthiness, tailored to PrH_PDO firms’ characteristics.

RACHNA CANOLA (RBN-13016): A HIGH-YIELDING RAPESEED CULTIVAR ENRICHED WITH OMEGA-3 AND OMEGA-9 FATTY ACIDS

Rapeseed oil is the prime source of two essential fatty acids, Omega-3 (alpha-linolenic acid), and Omega-6 (linoleic acid). Oleic acid is a mono-unsaturated omega-9 fatty acid that is also available in rapeseed oil in good ratio. To improve quality of edible oil and seed yield in rapeseed, comprehensive research was conducted at Oilseeds Research Institute Faisalabad (Pakistan) to evolve rapeseed cultivars requiring qualitative and quantitative characteristics with broader adaptability. The pedigree method of selection was used after hybridization (Legend x RBN-03052) during 2006-07, and homozygous progenies of 6016-B from F6 were bulked during 2012-13 for seed yield evaluation in different agroclimatic regions. Its performance was evaluated in the station and sixteen outstation seed yield trials from 2014 to 2020. Additive main effect and multiplication interaction analysis (AMMI) was performed to investigate the performance of promising line RBN-13016 along with checking Super Canola and both parents RBN-03052 (female parent) and Legend-1 (male parent) at sixteen ecological environments of Pakistan. Additive main effect and multiplication interaction analysis was done to estimate the responses of genotype, environment, and genotype x environment interactions based on seed yield. It has proved its worth in seed yield trials, and its performance was significantly better than the check variety and its parents. Rachna Canola (RBN-13016) was specifically bred for high Omega-3 (alpha-linolenic acid) and Omega-9 (Oleic acid), which were found to be significantly higher than the check variety as well as its parents. Other quantitative traits included medium maturing period, bold seed, long silique, lodging tolerance, Alternaria blight resistance, white rust resistance, high seed yield potential, good oil protein content, and broader adaptability. Based on high seed yield, high Omega-3 (9.14%) and Omega-9 (72.17%), the Punjab Seed Council (Pakistan) approved RBN-13016 as the variety “Rachna Canola” for general cultivation. Due to versatility in characteristics, this rapeseed cultivar can be effectively grown in different regions and countries with the same prevailing climatic conditions as in Pakistan.

Abstract 2920: In vitro assays for investigating the effects of cancer therapeutics on bone

Abstract Bone microenvironment is an important factor in regulating bone metastasis. When cancer cells home to bone they secrete factors that stimulate osteoclast activity leading to increased bone resorption. Stimulatory factors released from the resorbed bone matrix in turn promote proliferation of cancer cells and this process, referred as the vicious cycle, often leads to osteolytic lesions in bone when osteoclastic bone resorption exceeds osteoblastic bone formation. The vicious cycle observed in osteolytic disease occurs also in osteoblastic metastases, and in addition cancer cells produce osteoblast-stimulating factors. Cancers with bone metastases often include both osteolytic and osteoblastic lesions. Our aim was to establish in vitro cell culture models to study the effects of cancer therapeutics on osteoblast and osteoclast differentiation and activity. In the osteoclast differentiation assay, human osteoclast precursor cells (Lonza) were cultured on bovine bone slices for 7 days. Denosumab was added in the cultures at day 0, and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase isoform 5b (TRACP 5b) activity was measured from the culture medium collected at day 7. Osteoclast activity was studied by allowing osteoclasts resorb bone after 7 days’ maturation period for additional 3 days in the presence of odanacatib. The amount of C-terminal cross-linked telopeptides of type I collagen (CTX-I) was measured in the culture medium collected at day 10 to quantitate osteoclast activity. Denosumab and odanacatib showed strong concentration dependent inhibition of osteoclast differentiation and activity, respectively. A mouse osteoblast progenitor cell line KS483 (Pharmatest Services) was used to study differentiation and activity of osteoblasts with test compounds bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP-2) and estradiol (E2). In the osteoblast differentiation assay, the activity of cellular alkaline phosphatase (ALP), a marker of osteoblast differentiation, was measured at day 8. In the osteoblast activity assay, the cells were cultured for 13 days. N-terminal propeptide of type I procollagen (PINP) secreted into the culture medium was determined at day 11 to indicate the effects on organic bone formation and calcium deposition was determined at the end of the study as a marker of inorganic bone formation. BMP-2 and E2 stimulated osteoblast differentiation and activity indicated by the increase in ALP activity, PINP and calcium levels. We conclude that these culture systems can be used for studying the effects of cancer therapeutics and identifying new potential compounds affecting the disease process of bone metastases with different mechanisms of action. Citation Format: Jenni H. Mäki-Jouppila, Mervi Ristola, Jukka Rissanen, Katja Fagerlund. In vitro assays for investigating the effects of cancer therapeutics on bone [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2024; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2024 Apr 5-10; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(6_Suppl):Abstract nr 2920.

Direct-to-consumer DNA testing: the perspectives and experiences of donor conceived young adults in the UK

What meanings do donor conceived young adults give to direct-to-consumer DNA testing, and how does direct-to-consumer DNA testing relate to their lived experiences? Thirty-three young adults participated in in-depth interviews in November 2020 and September 2021 as part of a study of donor conceived people in the UK that focuses on the period of young adulthood. All participants were aged between 18 and 31 years, had been conceived by sperm donation at a time of legal donor anonymity, and were mainly resident in the UK. Interviews were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. Nineteen participants (58%) had used at least one direct-to-consumer DNA test, and 14 (46%) had not. Three participants (9%) had learned about their donor conception inadvertently through a direct-to-consumer DNA test. Twelve participants (36%) had matched with their donor, someone conceived using the same donor, or both. Four related themes that capture participants' perspectives and experiences of direct-to-consumer DNA testing were identified: ruptures, disclosures, webs and temporalities. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first study to evidence both active interest and disinterest in direct-to-consumer DNA testing among individuals who are donor conceived. The meanings ascribed to, and uses of, direct-to-consumer DNA testing vary significantly among donor conceived young adults. Findings relating to the relationship between 'informal' and 'formal' information systems, and the absence of guidance and support for those using direct-to-consumer DNA tests, should be considered carefully by practitioners, regulatory bodies and policymakers going forward.

Microbial mechanisms involved in negative effects of amoxicillin and copper on humification during composting of dairy cattle manure

Livestock manure often contains various pollutants. The aim of this study was to investigate how adding amoxicillin (AMX), Cu, and both AMX and Cu (ACu) affected humification during composting and the microbial mechanisms involved. The cellulose degradation rates were 16.96%, 10.86%, and 9.01% lower, the humic acid contents were 18.71%, 12.89%, and 16.78% lower, and the humification degrees were 24.72%, 24.16%, and 15.73% lower for the AMX, Cu, and ACu treatments, respectively, than the control. Adding AMX and Cu separately or together inhibited humic acid formation and decreased the degree of humification, but the degree of humification was decreased less by ACu than by AMX or Cu separately. The ACu treatment decreased the number of core bacteria involved in humic acid formation and decreased carbohydrate and amino acid metabolism during the maturing period, and thereby delayed humic acid formation and humification. The results support composting manure containing AMX and Cu.

Microfiltration of milk fat globules for particle size affects key sensory parameters of Cheddar cheese

AbstractDescriptive sensory analysis discriminated between the appearance, aroma, flavor, taste and texture of Cheddar cheese samples prepared from milk varying in fat globule size; small milk fat globule milk (SMM, d4,3 = 2.76 ± 0.07 μm), large milk fat globule milk (LMM, d4,3 = 5.07 ± 0.06 μm) and Control (d4,3 = 3.91 ± 0.09 μm), over a six‐month maturation period. Significant differences were measured between SMM, LMM and the Control as each cheese matured, where SMM was the most different across all parameters examined. SMM was lowest in color intensity (34.6 &lt; 38.8–47.0), firmness (29.4 &lt; 36.1–47.7), and fracturability (24.5 &lt; 28.8–30.7), and highest in cohesiveness (57.0 &gt; 39.8–45.8), adhesiveness (52.9 &gt; 39.0–45.4), and smoothness (50.4 &gt; 37.9–44.0). Moreover, SMM was more intense than the Control in cultured odor (34.9 &gt; 29.6–30.6) and flavor (45.5 &gt; 34.9–36.2), rancid (23.3 &gt; 16.0–18.6) and metallic (17.7 &gt; 14.3) flavor, salty taste (45.7 &gt; 40.3–40.5) and aftertaste (38.5 &gt; 34.9–35.8), sour (36.3 &gt; 28.9) and umami taste (19.6 &gt; 16.4); attributes that align with the degree of maturation. LMM showed similar differences to the Control, but was firmer (36.1 &gt; 29.4), less cohesive (45.8 &lt; 57.0), adhesive (45.4 &lt; 52.9) and smooth (44.0 &lt; 50.4) and had a less intense cultured odor (31.5 &lt; 34.9) than SMM. An increase in salty taste was associated with a decrease in cheese firmness (−0.91, p &lt; 0.0001). These results could provide process‐driven solutions that allow the dairy industry to decrease maturation time or create differentiated cheese products to meet specific consumer tastes or function.

Yield Components and Nutritional Analysis of Eggplant (Solanum melongena L.) Under Varying Rates of Vermicast Fertilizer

This study was conducted in a farmer’s field at Balantay, Dimasalang, Masbate, Philippines, to evaluate the performance of different eggplant varieties with different levels of vermicast fertilizers. The different varieties were arranged in the plot while the levels of vermicast applied were set in the sub-plot using a two-factorial design in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD). Growth parameters such as the number of days to flowering and plant height at maturity were evaluated. The fruit yield and other parameters like yield per treatment in kgs, number of marketable fruits, number of non-marketable fruits, yield per hectare basis, and the chemical analysis of the nutritional value of eggplant fruits were also gathered. Based on the result of the study, growth parameters, and yield performance, particularly on the number of days to flowering, plant height in cm at maturity period, yield per treatment in kilograms, number of marketable fruits, number of non-marketable fruits, and yield in tons were significantly affected by the varying levels of vermicast application. However, a non-significant result was observed between different varieties of eggplant. For nutritional analysis, it was found that the application of higher rates of vermicast (10 tons/ha) resulted in a higher calcium, magnesium, and sodium content. In light of these findings, applying vermicast at 10 tons/ha as a substitute for synthetic fertilizer in eggplant production is recommended for a higher fruit yield and better farm profit.

Effects of Different Mixture Ratios of Common Vetch and Triticale on Forage Yield and Silage Quality

In order to obtain high amounts and quality forage in legume grain mixtures, the mixture ratios must be adjusted well. Since grains are tillered due to their physiology, their ratios in roughage are different from the mixing ratios in planting. This is a factor that increases roughage yield and reduces crude protein rate and yield. In addition, in cases where grains are insufficient in terms of minerals in animal nutrition and are planted in mixtures with legumes, the rapid development and high yield effects of grains should be combined with the balanced nutrition potential of legumes in order to obtain better quality feed. In this study, 100% Vetch, 100% Triticale, 75% Vetch + 25% Triticale, 50% Vetch + 50% Triticale, 25% Vetch + 75% Triticale were planted in Sakarya conditions and the effect of the mixture ratios on grass yield was revealed. Additionally, silage was made from the mixtures obtained and the effect of the applied mixture ratios on silage quality was determined. Field trials of the research were carried out in the trial areas of Sakarya University of Applied Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture. In the experiment, plant height, green and dry forage yield observations were taken. At the end of the maturation period, silage was made in 2 kilogram containers from each parcel as a silage quality criterion; silage dry matter ratio, silage pH, crude protein ratio, ADF and NDF observations were taken. By calculating the physical and sensory analyzes and flieg point used to determine silage quality, the silages obtained from the mixtures were defined in detail by chemical, physical and sensory analyzes and the flieg point. In the study, the highest green forage yield, hay yield, crude protein, ADF, NDF ratio and flieg point were obtained from 100% Vetch, 100% Triticale, 100% Vetch, 100% Triticale, 100% Triticale and 50% Vetch+50% Triticale mixtures, respectively.

Unveiling ochratoxin A and ochratoxigenic fungi in Brazilian artisanal Cheeses: Insights from production to consumption

Ochratoxin A (OTA) is a toxin produced by several Aspergillus species, mainly those belonging to section Circumdati and section Nigri. The presence of OTA in cheese has been reported recently in cave cheese in Italy. As artisanal cheese production in Brazil has increased, the aim of this study was to investigate the presence of ochratoxin A and related fungi in artisanal cheese consumed in Brazil.A total of 130 samples of artisanal cheeses with natural moldy rind at different periods of maturation were collected. Of this total, 79 samples were collected from 6 producers from Canastra region in the state of Minas Gerais, since this is the largest artisanal cheese producer region; 13 samples from one producer in the Amparo region in the state of São Paulo and 36 samples from markets located in these 2 states. Aspergillus section Circumdati occurred in samples of three producers and some samples from the markets. A. section Circumdati colony counts varied from 102 to 106 CFU/g. Molecular analysis revealed Aspergillus westerdijkiae (67 %) as the most frequent species, followed by Aspergillus ostianus (22 %), and Aspergillus steynii (11 %). All of these isolates of A. section Circumdati were able to produce OTA in Yeast Extract Sucrose Agar (YESA) at 25 °C/7 days. OTA was found in 22 % of the artisanal cheese samples, ranging from 1.0 to above 1000 µg/kg, but only five samples had OTA higher than 1000 µg/kg. These findings emphasize the significance of ongoing monitoring and quality control in the artisanal cheese production process to minimize potential health risks linked to OTA contamination.

Burial and thermal history modeling of basins in convergent oblique-slip mobile zones: A case study of the Ardmore Basin, southern Oklahoma

The burial and thermal history of sedimentary basins within oblique-slip mobile zones are unique and multifaceted, with irregular periods of subsidence that are closely related to compressional and shear stress. Modern basin modeling techniques can constrain the timing of tectonic events and thermal history as well as determine rates and magnitudes of basin subsidence, which in turn, helps guide exploration for hydrocarbons. The work presented here is the first modern basin modeling effort in the Ardmore Basin in southern Oklahoma. The study uses 12 one-dimensional burial history models to evaluate the thermal maturity of the Late Devonian (Famennian)–Early Mississippian (Tournaisian) Woodford Shale and the Early–Late Mississippian (Tournaisian–Serpukhovian) Caney Shale hydrocarbon source rocks. All models display a similar tectonic evolution with subsidence during and following Cambrian Iapetan rifting, tectonic stability during a Silurian–Late Mississippian passive margin phase, Pennsylvanian synorogenic subsidence, Permian post-orogenic subsidence, Late Permian–Early Cretaceous regional uplift and unroofing, and Early Cretaceous–Paleogene subsidence of the Gulf of Mexico Basin. Episodic Pennsylvanian subsidence appears to have been synchronous with sequential uplift of the Wichita Uplift and the Arbuckle Uplift in response to major left-lateral transpression. Rapid and high magnitude Late Mississippian–Permian subsidence (>250 m/m.y.; 820 ft/m.y. in basin synclines) suggests the Ardmore Basin functioned episodically as an elevator basin, which is typical of sedimentary basins in oblique-slip mobile zones. The Devonian–Mississippian shale section has a broad range of thermal maturity (vitrinite reflectance, 0.40–2.00% Ro), which is strongly dependent on structural position. Isoreflectance lines are subhorizontal and cross-cut structure, indicating post-kinematic thermal maturation in which strata are thermally immature in uplifts and thermally overmature in the deepest synclines. The post-kinematic pattern is a product of a rapid, early phase of synkinematic thermal maturation that has been obscured by a prolonged period of post-kinematic thermal maturation. Variations in basal heat flow, structural history, and general variability of hydrocarbon source rock organic composition, particularly at low thermal maturity levels, have resulted in a modest degree of scatter in the vitrinite reflectance-depth data.

Sustainable Innovation in the Biopharmaceutical Industry: An Analysis of the Impact of Policy Configuration

To achieve sustainable development, it is necessary to consider the business model adjustment of the industry in advance, from the development stage to the mature stage. In China, strategic emerging industries are industries that achieve technological breakthroughs, but such industries often have the characteristics of high investment, high technology, high risk, high returns, and long research and development times. This type of industry relies heavily on national resource support from the exploration period to the development period, but its high-profit characteristics also attract policy bias from the governments of other countries internationally. Therefore, understanding the resource requirements of such industries in different periods in advance will help the government to adjust resource allocation and strategic layout through policy means. This will facilitate the smooth transition of the entire industry from the development period to the mature period, and achieve its overall sustainable development. To assist the government in achieving reasonable predictions for policy adjustments, this study focuses on the biopharmaceutical industry, which is one of the representatives of the strategic emerging industries in China’s Yangtze River Delta. Considering that policies are not used in a single manner, and that the observation period needs to span the development and platform periods of the industry, the traditional Qualitative Comparative Analysis method (QCA) does not consider the analysis of data from multiple periods. Therefore, this study innovatively uses the Multi-Time Qualitative Comparative Analysis method (mtQCA), adding the dimension of time change and exploring the policy configuration logic behind the differences in local industrial innovation performance. Extracting general rules from specific policy configuration patterns is meaningful for a better analysis and resolution of complex, dynamic management issues, which will promote the sustainable development of strategic emerging industries.

Journey and Experience of an Editor

I had been a member of the editorial board of the Journal of Saidu Medical College (JSMC) for the last 7 to 8 years. Looking back through this period, i grade it a pleasant experience. When I joined the team of JSMC, the journal was passing through its childhood to adulthood period. The hard work of registering it with Provincial Information Department and having the International Standard Serial Number (ISSN) number, already done as well as provisional recognition with Pakistan Medical &amp; Dental Council (PMDC) was also accomplished. Yet a lot was still ahead and required as is usual with the scientific journals. I would like to appreciate the hard work of the pioneers and the struggle and commitment of the present team members, whose commitment has nurtured this young sibling to a fruitful tree. This journal is now indexed and registered with different national agencies like, Higher Education Commission, Pakistan category 'Y', College of Physician &amp; Surgeon of Pakistan, Pakistan Scientific &amp; Technological Information Centre, PakMediNet.com, and also has gained recognition at international level like; Member of Crossref to assign Digital Object Identifier (DOI) to each article, Following Creative Commons license for international acceptability, giving internationally recognized reviewer credits via Reviewer Credits.com, member of Eastern Mediterranean Association of Medical Editors (EMAME) and Index Medicus Eastern Mediterranean Region (IMEMR).

Paracoccidioides spp.: the structural characterization of extracellular matrix, expression of glucan synthesis and associated genes and adhesins during biofilm formation.

The genus Paracoccidioides includes Paracoccidioides lutzii and the Paracoccidioides brasiliensis complex, which comprises four phylogenetic species. A key feature distinguishing planktonic growth from biofilm is the presence of a 3D extracellular matrix (ECM). Therefore, in this study, we analyzed biofilm formation in different species of Paracoccidioides yeast phase, characterized the structural elements of the matrix of P. brasiliensis (Pb18), P. lutzii (Pl01 and 8334) and P. restrepiensis (339 and 192) and evaluated the expression of glucan genes, according to the stage of biofilm evolution for P. brasiliensis. The strains were cultivated in planktonic and biofilm form for 24-144 h. The fungi biomass and metabolic activity were determined by crystal violet and tetrazolium salt reduction (XTT) tests and colony-forming unit (CFU) by plating. The biofilm structure was designed using scanning electron microscopy and confocal laser scanning microscopy techniques. The extracellular matrix of P. brasiliensis and P. lutzii biofilms was extracted by sonication, and polysaccharides, proteins, and extracellular DNA (eDNA) were quantified. The RNA was extracted with the Trizol® reagent and quantified; then, the cDNA was synthesized to analyze the enolase expression, 14-3-3, FKS1, AGS1, GEL3, and KRE6 genes by real-time PCR. All strains of Paracoccidioides studied form a biofilm with more significant metabolic activity and biomass values in 144 h. The extracellular matrix of P. brasiliensis and P. lutzii had a higher content of polysaccharides in their composition, followed by proteins and eDNA in smaller quantities. The P. brasiliensis biofilm kinetics of formation showed greater expression of genes related to glucan's synthesis and its delivery to the external environment in addition adhesins during the biofilm's adhesion, initiation, and maturation. The GEL3 and enolase genes increased in expression within 24 h and during the biofilm maturation period, there was an increase in 14-3-3, AGS1, and FKS1. Furthermore, at 144 h, there was a decrease in KRE6 expression and an increase in GEL3. This study highlights the potential for biofilm formation for three species of Paracoccidioides and the main components of the extracellular matrix that can contribute to a better understanding of biofilm organization.