Presence Of Potential Research Articles

Unveiling Cellular Diversity in the Buffalo Corneal Stroma: Insights into Telocytes and Keratocytes Using Light Microscope, Transmission Electron Microscope, and Immunofluorescence Analysis.

Telocytes and keratocytes are important cells that maintain the structure and function of the cornea. The buffalo cornea, known for its resilience in harsh conditions, has not been extensively studied regarding the presence and role of telocytes and keratocytes. We used light microscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and immunofluorescence assays with platelet-derived growth factor receptor alpha (PDGFRα), CD34, and Vimentin markers to investigate their expression and localization in the cornea. TEM analysis confirmed the presence of spindle-shaped keratocytes with intercellular connections, while telocytes exhibited small spindle-shaped bodies with long, thin branches connecting to corneal keratocytes. Immunofluorescence findings showed that CD34 was more abundant near the endothelium, Vimentin was prominently expressed near the epithelium, and PDGFRα was uniformly distributed throughout the corneal stroma. Co-expression of CD34 and Vimentin, PDGFRα and Vimentin, as well as CD34 and PDGFRα, was observed in keratocytes and telocytes within the stroma, indicating the potential presence of mesenchymal cells. These results suggest the involvement of telocytes and keratocytes in corneal wound healing, transparency maintenance, and homeostasis. The co-expression of these markers highlights the critical role of telocytes and keratocytes in regulating corneal physiological functions, further enhancing our understanding of corneal biology in the buffalo model.

Evidence of residual micellar structures in a lipid nanocapsule dispersion. A multi-technique approach

Nanoemulsions are metastable emulsions in the nanometric range which can be obtained using low-energy processes. A decade ago, it was demonstrated that a non-negligible amount of residual surfactant micelles may coexist with the oil nanodroplets in a model oil/surfactant system. Those micelles were called “wasted” micelles as they did not participate in the formation of the nanodroplets. Little attention has been focused on the potential presence or effect of such secondary structures in nanoemulsions used as drug delivery systems. Here, we present an extensive characterization of lipid nanocapsules, a nanoemulsion obtained from a medium-chain triglyceride mixed with a pegylated surfactant by a process comprising a temperature-dependent phase inversion followed by a cold-water quench. Lipid nanocapsules demonstrate a very good shelf stability. First, for clarity and academic purposes, we briefly present the pros and the cons of the various diffusion-based characterization techniques used i.e., multi-angle and single-angle dynamic light scattering, nanoparticle tracking analysis, fluorescence recovery after photobleaching, and diffusometry nuclear magnetic resonance. Then, combining all these techniques, we show that up to 40 wt% of the surfactant is not involved in the lipid nanocapsule construction but forms residual micellar structures. Those micelles also contain a small quantity of medium-chain triglyceride (2 wt% of the initial amount) and encapsulate around 40 wt% of a fluorescent dye originally dispersed in the oily phase.

The effect of probiotic strains on the proteolytic activity and peptide profiles of lupin oat-based yoghurt

Plant-based yoghurt is on the rise, addressing both sustainability and innovation in food production. The macro-molecular changes driven by bacterial strains during fermentation of plant-based yoghurt leading to diverse nutritional functionality, however, is overlooked. Here, the lupin-oat milk yoghurt was developed using three distinctive commercial starter cultures composed of Lactobacillus delbrueckii sub bulgaricus, Streptococcus thermophilus and Lactobacillus rhamnosus for yoghurt 1 (Y1), Lactobacillus delbrueckii sub bulgaricus, Streptococcus thermophilus and Lactobacillus paracasei for yoghurt 2 (Y2), Lactobacillus plantarum and Bifidobacterium sps for yoghurt 3 (Y3). The post-acidification, proteolytic activity, amino acid composition, cell viability, peptide profile and angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitory activity were investigated during seven days of refrigeration at 4 °C. Gel electrophoresis and size exclusion chromatography (SEC) of yoghurts, showed substantial degradation of proteins into low molecular weight protein fractions (45, 55 and 75 kDa) which are complemented by an increase in small polypeptides with a molecular weight of <20 kDa. The bacteria did not fully utilize the released peptides, leading to significant accumulations in the medium. This observation indicates the potential presence of bioactive compounds with beneficial effects. The SEC peak fraction containing a smaller peptide size ranging from 0.059 to 0.87 kDa showed better ACE inhibitory activity. A comprehensive analysis of peptide profiling of the yoghurts was done using Nano UPLC-MS/MS which showed co-cultures promoted the formation of peptides. After undergoing bacterial fermentation, the number and types of peptides followed the Y3>Y1>Y2 sequence. This study emphasizes the potential of lupin-oat yoghurts peptides as a functional component.

Scab Resistance in some Apples Genotypes from the UASVM Collection Cluj-Napoca

Apple is one of the most consumed fruits in the world and as well one of the most important crops in temperate areas. Apple scab, caused by Venturia inaequalis is damaging diseases that affects apple species and causes up to 70% yield losses depending of cultivar’s resistance. In order to control this disease, costly chemical pesticides are necessary, which increase the pollution of environment by their toxicity. This study is focused on checking the behaviour of certain apple varieties from the pomological collection at UASVM Cluj-Napoca against apple scab infection. Nine apple cultivars ('Fuji Kiku', 'Red Cap', 'Lena', 'Katja', 'Gala Mitchgla', 'Fiesta', 'Yellow', 'Pinova' and 'Reinette du Canada'), were analysed in terms of behaviour to scab attack on leaves and fruits. Visual observations were completed by molecular analyses for the potential presence of the Vf gene in some cases. Combining results from visual observation and molecular assays, the 'Lena' and 'Pinova' cultivars were noted as resistant to scab in our field trial conditions. This indicates a good opportunity to bring them into apple breeding programs for resistance to apple scab.

Modulation instability in a microresonator with graphene saturable absorber, frequency selective feedback and external potential

Modulation Instability is studied in the presence of an external periodic potential in microresonator comprising of a vertical cavity surface emitting laser with saturable absorber and frequency selective feedback. The role of intensity of input field, pump parameter, diffraction coefficient and saturable absorption on the modulation instability has been investigated. Thus, Modulation instability can be tuned by varying the system parameters. This aspect would be beneficial for the purpose of encryption. It is also observed that modulation instability is not explicitly dependent on externally applied potential whereas the effect of potential is shown implicitly by using numerical analysis. The presence of an external potential give the operating range of resonance frequency of the optical cavity instead of one value at the same system parameters. This operating range of resonance frequency is spatially dependent and varies with the system parameters.

Exploring the effect of surfactants on the interactions of manganese dioxide nanoparticles with biomolecules

Interactions of manganese dioxide nanoparticles (MnO2 NPs) with vital biomolecules namely deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and serum albumin (BSA) have been studied in association with different surfactants by using fluorescence (steady state, synchronous and 3D), UV-visible, resonance light scattering (RLS), dynamic light scattering (DLS), and sodium dodecyl sulphate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE). The esterase activity of serum albumin was tested in associations with MnO2 NPs and surfactants. The antioxidant potential of prepared NPs was also evaluated (DPPH method). Gel electrophoresis was carried out to analyze the effect of MnO2 NPs and surfactants on DNA. Presence of CTAB, Tween 20, DTAB and Tween 80 enhanced nanoparticle-protein binding. Tween 20 based nanoparticle systems showed long-term stability and biocompatibility. The quenching of BSA fluorescence emission in presence of MnO2 NPs alone and along with Tween 20 revealed stronger association of nanoparticles with proteins. Enhancement in the esterase activity (BSA) was observed in the presence of Tween 20. Furthermore, radical scavenging activity showed highest antioxidant potential in presence of Tween 20. The enthalpy and entropy assessment for protein-NPs association showed the predominance of Vander Waals interactions and hydrogen bonding. The synchronous fluorescence analysis highlighted the involvement of tryptophan (Trp) in the MnO2 NPs-protein interactions. The study evaluates the influence of surfactant on the associations of MnO2 NPs with the essential biomolecules. The findings can be crucially utilized in designing biocompatible MnO2 formulations for long term applications. Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma

Zombie papers, the Data Deluge column

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to discuss how retracted scientific papers become zombie papers and why they are problematic and to encourage librarians to become active in addressing these problems.Design/methodology/approachThis paper explains what zombie papers are, how they are created and the potential impact they can have on the body of scientific literature. It explains how and why they are different than other common types of misleading scientific publications. It also explores recent developments such as the growth of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies and changes to organizations that make data about paper retractions available.FindingsWhile journal retractions are as old as scientific publishing itself, the seriousness of retractions persisting and being used in the body of scientific literature has recently been recognized as a serious concern. The rise of new AI technologies such as ChatGPT has made the presence of zombie papers in the data used to train large language models (LLMs) extremely concerning.Originality/valueWhile librarians are well-aware of journal retractions and most include information about them in their information literacy training, concerns around zombie papers and their potential presence in the data used to train LLMs will likely be a new consideration for most.

Abstract 18098: Prolonged Filtered QRS Duration on Signal Averaged Electrocardiogram is Associated With Structural Remodeling in Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy

Background: Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is characterized by myocyte hypertrophy, electrical remodeling and fibrosis that lead to inhomogeneous ventricular depolarization and arrhythmias. Signal averaged ECG (SAECG) is useful for non-invasive risk stratification in ischemic cardiomyopathy. However, the association between SAECG and structural remodeling in HCM has not been investigated. Methods: We retrospectively studied 594 HCM patients from the Johns Hopkins HCM Registry, who underwent echocardiography and cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging within 12 months of SAECG or 12-lead ECG. Seventy-three patients underwent SAECG and were divided into 2 groups (Normal-SAECG, Abnormal-SAECG) based on filtered QRS duration and/or presence of late potentials . Results: Abnormal SAECG was seen in 50% of HCM patients (37/73). Of the 37 HCM patients with abnormal SAECG, 29 patients only had prolonged filtered QRS duration ( fQRS&gt; 114ms ), and 8 patients had prolonged fQRS duration as well as late potentials ( LAS40 &gt;38ms; RMS40 &lt;20μV). Mean fQRS and LAS40 were significantly higher in the Abnormal-SAECG group ( fQRS : 125.7 vs 107msec, p&lt;0.0001; LAS40 : 31.2 vs 22.9msec; p=0.002; RMS40 : 40 vs 54μV; p=0.07). HCM patients with abnormal SAECG also had 1) larger left atrial size (p=0.03), lower global LV peak systolic strain (p=0.04), systolic strain rate (p=0.008), early diastolic strain rate (p=0.01) by ECHO; 2) greater LV mass index (p=0.004) 3) Higher prevalence and amount of late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) reflecting LV-scar (p=0.045 and 0.01) by CMR; 4) higher prevalence of repolarization abnormalities on 12-lead ECG (p=0.02). Adverse outcomes (sustained-VT/VF, heart failure, death) were similar in the 2 groups. Filtered QRS duration (SAECG) was positively correlated with LV mass index (r=0.43, p=0.0002), QRS duration on 12-lead ECG (r=0.67, p=0.000), and negatively correlated with global LV early diastolic strain rate (r= -0.34, p=0.009) in our HCM cohort. Conclusion: In HCM, prolonged filtered QRS on SAECG reflects a greater degree of structural remodeling characterized by more LV hypertrophy, larger LA size, worse cardiac mechanics, and higher prevalence and amount of fibrosis.

Resistance and Virulence Surveillance in Escherichia coli Isolated from Commercial Meat Samples: A One Health Approach.

Escherichia coli is a key indicator of food hygiene, and its monitoring in meat samples points to the potential presence of antimicrobial-resistant strains capable of causing infections in humans, encompassing resistance profiles categorized as serious threats by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), such as Extended-Spectrum Beta-Lactamase (ESBL)-a problem with consequences for animal, human, and environmental health. The objective of the present work was to isolate and characterize ESBL-producing E. coli strains from poultry, pork, and beef meat samples, with a characterization of their virulence and antimicrobial resistance profiles. A total of 450 meat samples (150 chicken, 150 beef, and 150 pork) were obtained from supermarkets and subsequently cultured in medium supplemented with cefotaxime. The isolated colonies were characterized biochemically, followed by antibiogram testing using the disk diffusion technique. Further classification involved biofilm formation and the presence of antimicrobial resistance genes (blaCTX-M, AmpC-type, mcr-1, and fosA3), and virulence genes (eaeA, st, bfpA, lt, stx1, stx2, aggR, iss, ompT, hlyF, iutA, iroN, fyuA, cvaC, and hylA). Statistical analysis was performed via the likelihood-ratio test. In total, 168 strains were obtained, with 73% originating from chicken, 22% from pork, and 17% from beef samples. Notably, strains exhibited greater resistance to tetracycline (51%), ciprofloxacin (46%), and fosfomycin (38%), apart from β-lactams. The detection of antimicrobial resistance in food-isolated strains is noteworthy, underscoring the significance of antimicrobial resistance as a global concern. More than 90% of the strains were biofilm producers, and strains carrying many ExPEC genes were more likely to be biofilm formers (OR 2.42), which increases the problem since the microorganisms have a greater chance of environment persistence and genetic exchange. Regarding molecular characterization, bovine samples showed a higher prevalence of blaCTX-M-1 (OR 6.52), while chicken strains were more likely to carry the fosA3 gene (OR 2.43, CI 1.17-5.05) and presented between 6 to 8 ExPEC genes (OR 2.5, CI 1.33-5.01) compared to other meat samples. Concerning diarrheagenic E. coli genes, two strains harbored eae. It is important to highlight these strains, as they exhibited both biofilm-forming capacities and multidrug resistance (MDR), potentially enabling colonization in diverse environments and causing infections. In conclusion, this study underscores the presence of β-lactamase-producing E. coli strains, mainly in poultry samples, compared to beef and pork samples. Furthermore, all meat sample strains exhibited many virulence-associated extraintestinal genes, with some strains harboring diarrheagenic E. coli (DEC) genes.

Phase 1/2 Study of Donor-Derived Anti-CD33 Chimeric Antigen Receptor Expressing T Cells (VCAR33) in Patients with Relapsed or Refractory Acute Myeloid Leukemia after Allogeneic Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation

Background and Significance: Although allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (alloHCT) is a potentially curative therapy for patients with high-risk acute myeloid leukemia (AML), relapse occurs in 30% to 40% of alloHCT recipients and is associated with a 2-year post-relapse survival rate of less than 20%. Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells targeting tumor-associated antigens have demonstrated efficacy in relapsed/refractory (R/R) acute lymphoblastic leukemia and other hematologic malignancies, but there is limited clinical experience with CAR T cell therapies for AML. Current challenges for autologous AML CAR T cell therapy include the inability to harvest adequate numbers of functional, undifferentiated T cells as CAR T cell starting material. In addition, the potential presence of AML blasts in an autologous cell collection can interfere with T cell proliferation and function during the manufacturing process. To circumvent these impediments in patients with R/R AML after alloHCT, VCAR33 represents a CD33-directed CAR T cell product generated from lymphocytes from each patient's prior allogeneic stem cell donor. CAR T cell manufacture from HLA-matched donors will likely not only eliminate delays and failures in production due to lymphopenia but also improve T cell function by using healthy starting material. CD33 is a preferential target for AML CAR T cell therapy as it is expressed on the majority (&amp;gt;80%) of AML blasts and because prior clinical experience with gemtuzumab ozogamicin (GO; tradename: Mylotarg TM) has demonstrated the safety and efficacy of targeting CD33. Study Design and Methods: Study NCTxxxxxxxx* is a multi-center phase 1/2 study evaluating the safety and preliminary efficacy of VCAR33, donor-derived allogeneic CAR T cells targeting CD33 (Figure 1). The CAR construct used for the manufacture of VCAR33 contains a lintuzumab-derived binding domain and a CD28 co-stimulatory domain. Key inclusion criteria include adult patients with relapsed or measurable residual disease positive (MRD+) AML after undergoing alloHCT with an 8/8 HLA-matched related or unrelated donor. Patients who have undergone alloHCT with trem-cel, a CD33-deleted allogeneic stem cell product intended to facilitate the post-HCT treatment with CD33-directed therapies by reducing on-target off-tumor hematotoxicity, may also participate. Patients will be assigned to one of two study arms based on their AML disease burden: Arm A for morphologic disease with ≥ 5% blasts in the bone marrow, or Arm B for MRD+ defined as &amp;lt; 5% blasts in the bone marrow with ≥ 0.1% CD33+ leukemia cells by flow cytometry. The patient's prior stem cell donor undergoes apheresis for collection of mononuclear cells, which are used as starting material for VCAR33 manufacturing. Patients will receive lymphodepletion on days -5 to -2 with fludarabine (total 120 mg/m 2) and cyclophosphamide (total 1000 mg/m 2) followed by infusion of VCAR33 on Day 0. Each study arm will enroll and escalate independently according to a standard 3+3 trial design, starting at 1 x 10 6 CAR T cells/kg for Dose Level 1. The dose limiting toxicity monitoring period is 28 days, at which time patients will undergo evaluation of disease response. Secondary endpoints include incidence of cytokine release syndrome, graft-vs-host disease, and clinical response. Exploratory endpoints aim to correlate VCAR33 properties with clinical response by characterizing T cell phenotypes within the VCAR33 product and by examining VCAR33 expansion and persistence after infusion. Follow up on trial will continue for up to 2 years after infusion followed by long term monitoring for up to 15 years. Patients may undergo second alloHCT for consolidation of remission or for rescue of prolonged cytopenia due to on-target off-tumor effects of VCAR33. *NCT number pending. Clinical trial information submitted to CT.gov on July 19, 2023.

Intraspecific variation of morphological traits backed up with molecular evidence votes for re-appraisal of hitherto distinguished Balaustium species—a case study of Balaustium murorum (Acariformes: Parasitengona, Erythraeidae)

Molecular examination of representatives of Balaustium from several populations in SW Poland, performed using the sequence data from the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I, confirmed their common specific affiliation and identity with Balaustium murorum. The potential presence of distinct species in the studied material, preliminarily inferred from the discovery of clusters as a result of Principal Component Analysis exploring the metric data sets, was rejected due to the finding of only one haplotype, at intra- and inter-population sampling. An insight into meristic traits in larvae, focused on chaetotaxy of legs, revealed wider variation than hitherto recognized for the species. The variation was higher in laboratory-reared larvae compared to field-collected ones. The overall deviations from the mean character values at intra- and interpopulation levels, higher than hitherto observed for the species, vote for the reappraisal of the criteria adopted for discrimination of members of Balaustium with the application of an integrative approach.

51 Optimizing the Mapping out of Neurocognitive Functioning in Glioblastomas in the Era of Intraoperative Mapping in Surgical Resection

AbstarctObjective:Glioblastomas, Grade 4 astrocytomas, comprise about 60% of all astrocytomas and have a median survival rate between 14 and 16 months. The extent of resection impacts the prognosis, with an eloquent balance of preserving the patient's functional status. As preoperative imaging and intraoperative techniques improve to maximize safe operative resection, thorough neuropsychological evaluation can aid in assessing cognitive decline and quality of life pre- and post-treatment. In light of the tumors' progressive nature and potential presence in precarious brain locations, it is imperative that the functional burden of the various presentations of glioblastomas be understood. Given the limited data on cognitive presentations of glioblastomas, we present a case study describing a neuropsychological and neuroradiologic profile of a Grade 4 astrocytoma in a patient with a left temporal glioblastoma.Participants and Methods:The patient signed consent for clinical evaluation and research. At the time of evaluation, he was 68 years old with a master's degree and was working at multiple start-up companies. He began noticing subtle cognitive functioning changes approximately two months prior with difficulty understanding information. His challenges progressed to difficulty composing emails, word-finding issues, and some slurring and mispronunciations. He was diagnosed with a brain tumor after an emergency MRI was performed. He participated in a neuropsychological evaluation just prior to surgery. The evaluation included a battery of neuropsychological tests examining attention, processing speed, executive functioning, learning and memory, language functioning, visuospatial functioning, motor functioning, and mood.Results:The imaging results revealed a non-enhancing intra-axial mass in the left superior temporal lobe with surrounding edema. Also noted were rare scattered nonspecific T2 hyperintensities. The scores showed variable motor functioning and deficits within attention for complex information, executive functioning abilities (i.e., motor planning and sequencing, phonemic fluency), language functioning, visuospatial functioning, and learning and memory of information relative to his premorbid level of functioning, indicating total brain involvement consistent with imaging findings of edema.Conclusions:Taken together, the results of the evaluation and imaging were suggestive of a level of cognitive decline that is more than expected with normal aging. Moreover, there was a lack of evidence representative of a lateralized profile. Notably, the evaluation was conducted before resection surgery, and therefore, the patient continued to experience significant brain edema due to the tumor. Although medication may have contributed to dysfunction, particularly with motor and cognitive slowing, it is not likely that it explained his presentation entirely. As such, the evaluation results were suggestive of neurocognitive dysfunction, which was partially attributable to the tumor and edema displacing neuronal tissue. Given the potential for improvement following tumor resection and secondary decline resulting from recurrence or treatment, it is crucial to have a baseline and the ability to map out higher order functioning, including frontal and temporal lobe functioning. Ultimately, as the field continues to look toward long-term survival for patients with currently lethal brain tumors, the goal is to achieve maximum resection with minimal neurocognitive loss.

Propagation of solitons in inhomogeneous birefringent nonlinear dispersive media

We study the existence and wave-speed management of nonlinear localized waves in an inhomogeneous birefringent nonlinear dispersive medium in the presence of external potential. The coupled nonlinear Schrödinger equation with varying coefficients which can be applied to model the interaction among the modes in nonlinear optics and in Bose–Einstein condensation is considered. By means of a complex transformation, we derive new types of periodic nonlinear waves for the present coupled system which are expressed in terms of Jacobi elliptic functions. Novel soliton pulse solutions including bright-dipole and bright–dark solutions are identified in the long-wave limit of these periodic solutions. As an application of these soliton pulses, we discuss their wave-speed management for the different choices of dispersion parameter. The results show that the varied dispersion parameter can be used to control effectively the wave speed of propagating localized waves.

Local Smoothing Estimates for Schrödinger Equations on Hyperbolic Space

We establish global-in-time frequency localized local smoothing estimates for Schrödinger equations on hyperbolic space H d \mathbb {H}^d , d ≥ 2 d \geq 2 . In the presence of symmetric first and zeroth order potentials, which are possibly time-dependent, possibly large, and have sufficiently fast polynomial decay, these estimates are proved up to a localized lower order error. Then in the time-independent case, we show that a spectral condition (namely, absence of threshold resonances) implies the full local smoothing estimates (without any error), after projecting to the continuous spectrum. In the process, as a means to localize in frequency, we develop a general Littlewood–Paley machinery on H d \mathbb {H}^d based on the heat flow. Our results and techniques are motivated by applications to the problem of stability of solitary waves to nonlinear Schrödinger-type equations on H d \mathbb {H}^{d} . Specifically, some of the estimates established in this paper play a crucial role in the authors’ proof of the nonlinear asymptotic stability of harmonic maps under the Schrödinger maps evolution on the hyperbolic plane; see Lawrie, Lührmann, Oh, and Shahshahani, 2023. As a testament of the robustness of approach, which is based on the positive commutator method and a heat flow based Littlewood-Paley theory, we also show that the main results are stable under small time-dependent perturbations, including polynomially decaying second order ones, and small lower order nonsymmetric perturbations.

Cosmic acceleration and turns in the Swampland

We argue that field trajectories, which lead to cosmic acceleration and feature rapid turns near the boundary of the moduli space, are in the Swampland. We obtain this result by assuming the validity of the Swampland Distance Conjecture (SDC) in the presence of a positive scalar potential and by focusing on hyperbolic spaces, as prototype geometries of infinite distance limits of Calabi-Yau compactifications. We find that, in a quasi-de Sitter space with Hubble rate H and acceleration parameter ϵ, the turning rate Ω is upper bounded such as Ω/H < 𝒪(√(ϵ)). Therefore, field trajectories consistent with the SDC can only have a negligible deviation from geodesics. This has direct implications for the realization and consistency of multi-field scenarios in string theory. Moreover, it implies a tension between asymptotic accelerating expansion, consistent with observations, and the de Sitter conjecture.

A Direct Analysis of β-N-methylamino-l-alanine Enantiomers and Isomers and Its Application to Cyanobacteria and Marine Mollusks.

Of the wide variety of toxic compounds produced by cyanobacteria, the neurotoxic amino acid β-N-methylamino-l-alanine (BMAA) has attracted attention as a result of its association with chronic human neurodegenerative diseases such as ALS and Alzheimer's. Consequently, specific detection methods are required to assess the presence of BMAA and its isomers in environmental and clinical materials, including cyanobacteria and mollusks. Although the separation of isomers such as β-amino-N-methylalanine (BAMA), N-(2-aminoethyl)glycine (AEG) and 2,4-diaminobutyric acid (DAB) from BMAA has been demonstrated during routine analysis, a further compounding factor is the potential presence of enantiomers for some of these isomers. Current analytical methods for BMAA mostly do not discriminate between enantiomers, and the chiral configuration of BMAA in cyanobacteria is still largely unexplored. To understand the potential for the occurrence of D-BMAA in cyanobacteria, a chiral UPLC-MS/MS method was developed to separate BMAA enantiomers and isomers and to determine the enantiomeric configuration of endogenous free BMAA in a marine Lyngbya mat and two mussel reference materials. After extraction, purification and derivatization with N-(4-nitrophenoxycarbonyl)-l-phenylalanine 2-methoxyethyl ester ((S)-NIFE), both L- and D-BMAA were identified as free amino acids in cyanobacterial materials, whereas only L-BMAA was identified in mussel tissues. The finding of D-BMAA in biological environmental materials raises questions concerning the source and role of BMAA enantiomers in neurological disease.

Thermal, morphology and bacterial analysis of pH-responsive sodium carboxyl methylcellulose/ fumaric acid/ acrylamide nanocomposite hydrogels: Synthesis and characterization

In this present investigation, sodium carboxymethyl cellulose grafted with Fumaric acid/Acrylamide (CMC/FA/AAm=CFA) hydrogel and their silver nanocomposite hydrogels (CFA-Ag x, x = 5, 10 and 20) were developed by simple, cost effective and ecofriendly greener method. Mint leaf extract was used as an efficient natural reducing agent due to presence of active and antioxidant potential of polyphenol and flavonoid components. Swelling equilibrium of CFA hydrogel showed Seq% 3000 both in pH medium and distilled water. CFA (90:10) hydrogel has been produced greater than Seq% 6000. The synthesized CFA (90:10)-Ag-5, CFA (90:10)-Ag-10 and CFA (90:10)-Ag-20 nanocomposite hydrogels have been observed lower Seq% 2000–3000 than the CFA hydrogel. The homogeneous distribution of AgNPs throughout the CFA hydrogel and nanocomposites has been explored by SEM analysis. The interaction of network heteroatoms with AgNPs has been strongly revealed by the FTIR spectra and XRD analysis. The thermal stability of CFA (90:10)-Ag-5, 10, and 20 nanocomposite hydrogels have showed greater stability than CFA hydrogel which is confirmed by TGA/DSC thermogram analysis. The TEM analysis was used to explore a uniform distribution of spherical AgNPs (10 nm–50 nm) embedded on the CFA composite hydrogel. The CFA (90:10)-Ag-20 nanocomposite hydrogel has showed good antibacterial activity beside E. coli (Gram positive) and S. aureus (Gram negative) pathogens. Based on the antibacterial activity and swelling properties of CFA-Ag nanocomposite hydrogels have the ability to accelerate the antibacterial activity and are potential candidates for medical and environmental applications.

Thermodynamics of a transient phantom scenario

This work is devoted to the thermodynamics description of a phantom scenario proposed previously by the authors. The presence of negative chemical potential is unavoidable if we allege for a well defined thermodynamics framework since the cosmological model passages from phantom stage at present time to a future de Sitter evolution. As noted earlier in other works, we find that the negativity of the chemical potential is necessary to save phantom dark energy from thermodynamics inconsistencies.

Enhancing Ecological Efficiency in Biological Wastewater Treatment: A Case Study on Quality Control Information System

This study aimed to improve the control system of the biological stage of wastewater treatment using the quality control information system to support the concept of environmental efficiency management. In this case, the object of the study was the treatment facilities of Sumy city (Ukraine). For automatic control of wastewater quality, pH, oxidation reduction potential (ORP), electrical conductivity, and temperature indicators were taken, as well as hydrobiological analysis of activated sludge and mathematical modelling. The pH of wastewater at the input system has systematically unacceptable values (above 8.5 were recorded). Unacceptable concentrations of sulphur-containing toxicants arrive at the entrance of treatment facilities (0.22–1.3 mg/L). The response of activated sludge biocenosis to increasing concentrations of hydrogen sulphide in wastewater was analysed. Furthermore, a mathematical model of monoculture population growth, with two factors that affect population growth (nutrient concentration and monoculture production concentration), was implemented for the initial assessment of possible negative effects on wastewater treatment. The differential equation of the population dynamics of the i-th species of microorganisms in activated sludge was described. The applied system of automated monitoring of wastewater parameters with expert assessment of activated sludge and a unified mathematical model of approaches allows for a complex system of decision-making support to be realised. However, this requires the construction of mathematical models that would take into account the cause–effect relations that operate under conditions of incomplete technological information and the potential presence of emergencies due to natural disasters and military activities.

Evaluation of Broad Bean (Vicia faba L) Genotypes for Genetic Variability, Heritability and Genetic Advance

The study investigated the phenotypic and genotypic coefficient of variation (PCV and GCV) and heritability estimates for various agronomic and nutritional traits in Broad bean (Vicia faba). The analysis aimed to identify traits with optimum variability and heritability, as well as to explore the potential presence of additive genetic variance in specific characteristics.The 18 genotypes were grown in randomized block design with the 3 replication during Rabi season in the year 2021-22 at the Research Farm- 1, Department of Horticulture, Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University, Vidya-Vihar, Raebareli Road, Lucknow-226025 (U.P.). The results showed that umber of seed per plant, number of pod per plant and seed yield per plant exhibited high estimates of both PCV and GCV, indicating the presence of adequate variability for these particular characters within the population. Additionally, the heritability for the characters of 100 seed yield, number of seed per plant, titratable acidity (g/l), total soluble solids (TSS) and genetic advance for the number of seed per plant, number of pod per plant, seed yield per plant, 100 seed weight were found to be significant indicating that these characters were predominantly governed by additive gene action. The findings of this study hold significant implications for future breeding programs and genetic improvement strategies. The high heritability and genetic advance for the above-mentioned characters suggest that these characteristics can be effectively manipulated through selective breeding to develop improved and high-yielding plant varieties.