Round Shape Research Articles

A novel 3D high resolution imaging method using correlative X-Ray and electron microscopy to study Nd:YAG laser induced defects in intraocular lenses.

Cataract extraction is the most frequently performed ophthalmological procedure worldwide. Posterior capsule opacification (PCO) remains the most common consequence after cataract surgery and can lead to deterioration of the visual performance with cloudy, blurred vision and halo, glare effects. Nd:YAG laser capsulotomy is the gold standard treatment and a very effective, safe and fast procedure in removing the cloudy posterior capsule. Damaging the intraocular lens during the treatment may occur due to wrong focus of the laser beam. These YAG-pits may lead to a permanent impairment of the visual quality. In an experimental study, we intentionally induced YAG pits in hydrophilic and hydrophobic acrylic intraocular lenses (IOLs) using a photodisruption laser with 2.6mJ. This experimental study established a novel 3D imaging method using correlative X-Ray and scanning electron microscopy to characterize these damages. By integrating the information obtained from both X-ray microscopy and SEM, a comprehensive picture of the materials structure and performance could be established. It could be revealed that although the exact same energies were used to all samples, the observed defects in the tested lenses showed severe differences in shape and depth. While YAG pits in hydrophilic samples range from 100 to 180 µm depth with a round shape tip, very sharp tipped defects up to 250 µm in depth were found in hydrophobic samples. In all samples, particles/fragments of the IOL material were found on the surface that were blasted out as a result of the laser shelling. Defects in hydrophilic and hydrophobic acrylic materials differ. Material particles can detach from the IOL and were found on the surface of the samples. The results of the laboratory study illustrate the importance of a precise and careful approach to Nd:YAG capsulotomy in order to avoid permanent damage to the IOL. The use of an appropriate contact glass and posterior offset setting to increase safety should be carried out routinely.

Evaluation of the radial endosonographic image of peripheral lung lesions for choosing the bronchobiopsies in the differential diagnosis of tuberculosis, mycobacteriosis and malignancy

Objective. To evaluate endosonographic images (EGI) for different peripheral lung lesions (PPLs) genesis, to identify patterns of malignancy in the differential diagnosis of tuberculosis (TB), mycobacteriosis (NTM), malignancy neoplasm, to compare the main combinations of variants of the echo characteristics of lung lesions visualized during rEBUS navigation with the data of a comprehensive microbiological, cytological and morphological studies. Methods. A cohort retrospective study included 145 patients (81 women (mean age 44.94±0.24 years) and 64 men (mean age 47.91±0.24)), with newly diagnosed PPLs and with negative sputum TB tests, who underwent diagnostic navigational bronchoscopy (rEBUS) and surgical diagnostics, and EGI of PPLs was visualized with rEBUS. Depending on the final verification, were endosonographic images divided into 2 groups: the Neo group (n=63), whose biopsy (during bronchoscopic or surgical diagnosis) verified the malignancy PPls, and the TB+NTM group (n=82) – infectious PPLs caused by mycobacterial infection (73 cases – pulmonary TB, 9 cases – mycobacteriosis). Results. It was established that differences were statistically significant in shape, contour/border, and the presence of inclusions (linear arcs, zones of hypo-anechogenesis) between the comparison groups. If there are echoic features of malignancy PPLs on EGI with rEBUS (irregular shape (found in 60,3%), lobulated shape (in 17,4%), visualized but blurred contour (in 57.2%), fuzzy/poorly visualized contour (in 25.4%), heteroechoic structure, with “linear arcs” (49.2%) with an air bronchogram (in 36,5%)), tissue bronchobiopsy (brush and TBBL) are priority for cytological and histological examination. If there are echoic features of delimited infectious inflammation on EGI of PPLs in rEBUS (round or oval shape (found in 34.1% of cases), definite, closed contour (in 78.0%), homoechoic structure (29,3%), heteroechoic structure with zones of hypo-anechoicity (in 32.9%) with an air bronchogram (in 23.2%)), bronchobiopsy is a priority, allowing to cover the largest area of the lungs (BAL) for microbiological examination (microscopy, PCR-RT, culture) in combination with tissue biopsy (cytological examination). A classification has been created that includes 3 types of EGI to determine rational approaches to bronchobiopsy for the purpose of differential diagnosis of TB, mycobacteriosis and neoplasia. Conclusions. The use of EGI of PPLs assessment during bronchoscopy with rEBUS navigation determines rational approaches to the complex of navigational bronchobiopsies in the differential diagnosis of TB, mycobacteriosis and malignant processes.

A study on the vertebral column of the dice snake Natrix tessellata (Serpentes, Natricidae) from Denizli (western Anatolia, Turkey).

The vertebral anatomy of snakes has attracted the attention of researchers for decades and numerous studies have been made for extinct and extant species. The present study investigated the morphological variations in vertebral structure among different vertebral regions in the dice snake Natrix tessellata, and provides a detailed anatomical and microstructural description of the vertebral column. Vertebrae were analyzed and compared using x-ray imaging, scanning electron microscopy, micro-computed tomography, and histological techniques. The vertebral column of N. tessellata is divided into three regions: precloacal, cloacal, and caudal. Unlike in many other tetrapods and snakes, the atlas of N. tessellata does not form a complete ring. It has a flat and roughly trilobate shape with a prominent middle lobe. The axis has two hypapophyses. The anterior precloacal region of the vertebral column has longer and more paddle-shaped hypapophyses, distinguishing it from the posterior and mid-trunk vertebrae. The anterior cloacal vertebrae have a short hypapophysis rather than a hemal keel, and the lymphapophysis extends outward, curving slightly. The cotyle and condyle of the caudal vertebrae exhibited a closer resemblance to a rounded shape, while the pleurapophysis extended ventrolaterally and curved ventrally near its distal end. Paired hemapophyses were present at the posterior-most point of the centrum instead of a hypapophysis. In light of previous fossil findings, our anatomical comparison of the vertebral and transverse processes indicates that the extant Natrix has a more flexible and less rigid spine than its ancestors. Overall, the vertebral differences among snake anatomical regions or taxa are a testament to the remarkable diversity and adaptability of these fascinating reptiles.

Investigating the Relevance of Cyclic Adenosine Monophosphate Response Element-Binding Protein to the Wound Healing Process: An In Vivo Study Using Photobiomodulation Treatment.

Monitoring inflammatory cytokines is crucial for assessing healing process and photobiomodulation (PBM) enhances wound healing. Meanwhile, cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB) is a regulator of cellular metabolism and proliferation. This study explored potential links between inflammatory cytokines and the activity of CREB in PBM-treated wounds. A total of 48 seven-week-old male SD rats were divided into four groups (wound location, skin or oral; treatment method, natural healing or PBM treatment). Wounds with a 6 mm diameter round shape were treated five times with an 808 nm laser every other day (total 60 J). The wound area was measured with a caliper and calculated using the elliptical formula. Histological analysis assessed the epidermal regeneration and collagen expression of skin and oral tissue with H&E and Masson's trichrome staining. Pro-inflammatory (TNF-α) and anti-inflammatory (TGF-β) cytokines were quantified by RT-PCR. The ratio of phosphorylated CREB (p-CREB) to unphosphorylated CREB was identified through Western blot. PBM treatment significantly reduced the size of the wounds on day 3 and day 7, particularly in the skin wound group (p < 0.05 on day 3, p < 0.001 on day 7). The density of collagen expression was significantly higher in the PBM treatment group (in skin wound, p < 0.05 on day 3, p < 0.001 on day 7, and p < 0.05 on day 14; in oral wound, p < 0.01 on day 7). The TGF-β/TNF-α ratio and the p-CREB/CREB ratio showed a parallel trend during wound healing. Our findings suggested that the CREB has potential as a meaningful marker to track the wound healing process.

Full-Scale Pore and Microfracture Characterization of Deep Coal Reservoirs: A Case Study of the Benxi Formation Coal in the Daning–Jixian Block, China

The pore-fracture structure of deep coal reservoirs is highly important for evaluating, exploring, and developing coalbed methane (CBM) resources. This study considers three coal samples from the DJ57 well in the Benxi Formation in the Daning–Jixian block on the eastern margin of the Ordos Basin as the research object. Based on the coal quality parameters of the coal samples, field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), gas adsorption experiments, high-pressure mercury intrusion porosimetry (MIP), and microcomputed tomography (micro-CT) scanning were used to quantitatively characterize the nanoscale pores and microscale fractures in deep coal reservoirs and to evaluate the pore-fracture structure at different scales. The results reveal that the pore types in the Benxi Formation coal samples are diverse and include mainly organic matter (OM) pores, inorganic pores (intraparticle and interparticle pores), and microfractures. The organic pores are diverse in shape and mainly exhibit round, oval, and wedge shapes, while the microfractures exhibit slender stripes or serrated curves. The multiscale quantitative characterization of deep coal reservoir pores and fractures is based on a variety of pore characterization methods, and the pore and fracture volume distributions are mainly U-shaped, revealing the coexistence of micropores and microfractures. The volumes of micropores (0.3–2 nm), mesopores (2–50 nm), macropores (50 nm to 10 μm), and microfractures (&gt;10 μm) account for 78.00%, 6.78%, 2.08%, and 13.14%, respectively, of the total pore volume (PV). Based on a full-scale pore-fracture splicing calculation, the total permeability of the Benxi Formation coal samples ranges from 5.77 to 28.22 mD. The observation results indicate that the microfractures are connected to each other, forming a network structure with strong connectivity. The microfractures are mainly associated with pore diameters&gt;100 μm, accounting for approximately 95% of the total permeability. Moreover, micropores in deep coal reservoirs provide a large space for CBM adsorption, and microfractures enhance the seepage capacity of CBM.

Paleodepositional environments, lithostratigraphic bounding surfaces and basin-fill model of Mundeck Formation in Yabassi, NE Douala sub-basin

Lithofacies, sedimentologic and x-ray analytical techniques were employed to reconstitute paleodepositional environments, bounding surfaces and basin-fill model of Mundeck Formation during Lower Cretaceous in Yabassi, NE Douala sub-basin. The basin-fill comprises fissile gravel, sand and mud (GSF) facies from which eighteen sub-facies were identified and grouped under five facies associations (FA1-FA5). These correspond to alluvial settings (FA1), braided channels (FA2), cross-bedded tidal channels (FA3), ephemeral fluvio-lacustrine lake with short-lived marine incursion (FA4), fluvial channels with deeply incised erosional surfaces (FA5). Four hierarchical lithostratigraphic bed bounding surfaces were defined; incipient or intraformational hardgrounds, erosional surfaces abutted by ripped-up mud clasts, an obvious transgressive surface marked by the occurrence of ammonitic in lamellibranch and gastropod-rich silty-mudstones and shales. Humid and warm climates during Lower Cretaceous could be inferred from secondary mineral suites: clays (kaolinite, chlorite, illite and smectite); oxides (hematite and hydralsite); and oxy-hydroxides (goethite). Hematite-rich incipient hardgrounds surfaces depict warm and dry climates, while paleosols suggest channel abandonment, subaerial exposure and pedogenetic processes. Sediment transport regimes have evolved from low velocity cohesive flow regime in braided channels and overbank to high velocity and cohesion-less flow regime in multi-storey cross-bedded sand bars. Granulometric results reveal angular to sub-rounded, coarse-grained to gravelly clast sizes with unimodal, bimodal- and trimodal distributions, whereby all analyzed samples are positively skewed towards fine-grained sands. Morphoscopic analysis reveals 65–90% of very angular to angular and shinning quartz (VAAS), compared to 10–35% sub-angular and sub-rounded (SASR) and 0% rounded (R) shapes which indicate short transport distance from source areas. Sorting index (So) and deviation quartile (dQ) values of analyzed sands vary from 1.52 to 2.89, and 0.38–0.88 respectively and are indicative of moderate to very poor sorting.

Extracellular vesicles selective capture by peptide-functionalized hollow fiber membranes

Recently, membrane devices and processes have been applied for the separation and concentration of subcellular components such as extracellular vesicles (EVs), which play a diagnostic and therapeutic role in many pathological conditions. However, the separation and isolation of specific EV populations from other components found in biological fluids is still challenging. Here, we developed a peptide-functionalized hollow fiber (HF) membrane module to achieve the separation and enrichment of highly pure EVs derived from the culture media of human cardiac progenitor cells. The strategy is based on the functionalization of PSf HF membrane module with BPt, a peptide sequence able to bind nanovesicles characterized by highly curved membranes. HF membranes were modified by a nanometric coating with a copoly azide polymer to limit non-specific interactions and to enable the conjugation with peptide ligand by click chemistry reaction. The BPt-functionalized module was integrated into a TFF process to facilitate the design, rationalization, and optimization of EV isolation. This integration combined size-based transport of species with specific membrane sensing ligands. The TFF integrated BPt-functionalized membrane module demonstrated the ability to selectively capture EVs with diameter < 200 nm into the lumen of fibers while effectively removing contaminants such as albumin. The captured and released EVs contain the common markers including CD63, CD81, CD9 and syntenin-1. Moreover, they maintained a round shape morphology and structural integrity highlighting that this approach enables EVs concentration and purification with low shear stress. Additionally, it achieved the removal of contaminants such as albumin with high reliability and reproducibility, reaching a removal of 93%.

Enhancement of Astaxanthin Bioaccessibility by Encapsulation in Liposomes: An In Vitro Study.

Astaxanthin was encapsulated in liposomes by a thin layer dispersion and ultrasound method using soybean phospholipid. The digestion properties of liposomes for encapsulating astaxanthin were investigated in light of particle size, size distribution, zeta potential, and microstructure during in vitro digestion as a function of time. These results exhibited that the average particle size increased gradually with liposomal vesicles retained round shapes and a fairly uniform distribution after passage through the simulated gastric fluid digestion. The result revealed that astaxanthin-loaded liposomes were stable in low pH conditions. It was also found that the mixed micelles formed in a simulated intestinal fluid. The zeta potential of astaxanthin-loaded liposomes had a decrease in negativity after digestion. In comparison with free astaxanthin, there was an appreciable increase in the bioaccessibility of astaxanthin after encapsulation in liposomes. This enhancement can be attributed to more soluble astaxanthin in the mixed micelles for astaxanthin-loaded liposomes. It indicated that the barrier of the liposomal bilayer could inhibit astaxanthin fading and leaking after encapsulation in liposomes. These results provide useful information for designing more stable delivery systems in the gastrointestinal tract and improving the bioaccessibility of lipophilic nutraceuticals.

BASEBALL TEAM CORPORATE IDENTITY DESIGN: ARTISTIC AND TRADITIONAL CULTURE ASPECTS

The purpose of the article is to analyze the design of baseball team logos and create an original baseball club logo based on the identified trends. The analysis of the logos of baseball teams in the United States, China and Ukraine showed that the logos mainly depict elements related to baseball; elements of national cultural heritage; the name or monogram of the team. At the same time, the logos of baseball teams in the United States and China have pronounced features of shape, icon and color scheme. Baseball team logos in the USA often use a round shape. Blue and red are popular colors. The logos of Chinese baseball clubs mainly have a combined structure of the emblem, which accommodates the mascot of the club (zoomorphic or anthropomorphic), a baseball tool and the name of the club. The logo colors of Chinese baseball teams are black, white and warm colors: red, orange and yellow. Blue is also used. Based on the results of the analysis, elements of the corporate identity of a baseball club were developed: logo, branded colors, branded font. The main components of the corporate identity project are sports equipment, printing and souvenir products.

Histone deacetylases regulate organ-specific growth in a horned beetle

BackgroundNutrient availability is among the most widespread means by which environmental variability affects developmental outcomes. Because almost all cells within an individual organism share the same genome, structure-specific growth responses must result from changes in gene regulation. Earlier work suggested that histone deacetylases (HDACs) may serve as epigenetic regulators linking nutritional conditions to trait-specific development. Here we expand on this work by assessing the function of diverse HDACs in the structure-specific growth of both sex-shared and sex-specific traits including evolutionarily novel structures in the horned dung beetle Onthophagus taurus.ResultsWe identified five HDAC members whose downregulation yielded highly variable mortality depending on which HDAC member was targeted. We then show that HDAC1, 3, and 4 operate in both a gene- and trait-specific manner in the regulation of nutrition-responsiveness of appendage size and shape. Specifically, HDAC 1, 3, or 4 knockdown diminished wing size similarly while leg development was differentially affected by RNAi targeting HDAC3 and HDAC4. In addition, depletion of HDAC3 transcript resulted in a more rounded shape of genitalia at the pupal stage and decreased the length of adult aedeagus across all body sizes. Most importantly, we find that HDAC3 and HDAC4 pattern the morphology and regulate the scaling of evolutionarily novel head and thoracic horns as a function of nutritional variation.ConclusionCollectively, our results suggest that both functional overlap and division of labor among HDAC members contribute to morphological diversification of both conventional and recently evolved appendages. More generally, our work raises the possibility that HDAC-mediated scaling relationships and their evolution may underpin morphological diversification within and across insect species broadly.

The Features of Dawanese Traditional House as a Cultural Identity Marker of Dawanese People in Timor Island Indonesia

This study explores features of Dawanese traditional house as a cultural identity marker of Dawanese people in terms of its forms, functions, and meanings in view of semiotics, a branch of science which is concerned with the study of signs. The study is descriptive. The procedures of research were field research and the library research. The data were analyzed by using inductive method as the analysis was started from the data to the local-ideograhic theory providing a written description regarding the features of Dawanese traditional house as a cultural identity marker of Dawanese people. The results of study show the traditional house of Dawanese people known as ume kubhu has unique and specific features in terms of its forms, functions, and meanings. The umme kbubu is designed in the form of a round shape without window, the roof is shaped like a hairstyle that is rounded and tapered at the top, and the door is short of about one meter in height so that adults entering the house must bow. The umme kbubu serves as a place for performing such activities as sleeping, gathering with their family, cooking, weaving, storing foodstuffs, receiving guests, and carrying out various rituals. Along with its practical and symbolic functions, the ume kbubu serves social, enonomic, historical, and religious meanings. The ume kbubu designates the ways Dawanese people view and make sense of the world as it is not simply defined as a house that anchors them to a place, divides them into visible groups, and expresses their continuity of relationships over generations but also as a cultural identity marker for them as a house based-community.

Low mutation rate of spontaneous mutants enables detection of causative genes by comparing whole genome sequences.

In the early 1900s, mutation breeding to select varieties with desirable traits using spontaneous mutation was actively conducted around the world, including Japan. In rice, the number of fixed mutations per generation was estimated to be 1.38-2.25. Although this low mutation rate was a major problem for breeding in those days, in the modern era with the development of next-generation sequencing (NGS) technology, it was conversely considered to be an advantage for efficient gene identification. In this paper, we proposed an in silico approach using NGS to compare the whole genome sequence of a spontaneous mutant with that of a closely related strain with a nearly identical genome, to find polymorphisms that differ between them, and to identify the causal gene by predicting the functional variation of the gene caused by the polymorphism. Using this approach, we found four causal genes for the dwarf mutation, the round shape grain mutation and the awnless mutation. Three of these genes were the same as those previously reported, but one was a novel gene involved in awn formation. The novel gene was isolated from Bozu-Aikoku, a mutant of Aikoku with the awnless trait, in which nine polymorphisms were predicted to alter gene function by their whole-genome comparison. Based on the information on gene function and tissue-specific expression patterns of these candidate genes, Os03g0115700/LOC_Os03g02460, annotated as a short-chain dehydrogenase/reductase SDR family protein, is most likely to be involved in the awnless mutation. Indeed, complementation tests by transformation showed that it is involved in awn formation. Thus, this method is an effective way to accelerate genome breeding of various crop species by enabling the identification of useful genes that can be used for crop breeding with minimal effort for NGS analysis.

Inflammatory-Targeted Lipid Carrier as a New Nanomaterial to Formulate an Inhaled Drug Delivery System.

There is a pressing need for efficacious therapies in the field of respiratory diseases and infections. Lipid nanocarriers, administered through aerosols, represent a promising tool for maximizing therapeutic concentration in targeted cells and minimizing systemic exposure. However, this approach requires the application of efficient and safe nanomaterials. Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA), an endocannabinoid-like endogenous lipid, plays a crucial role in providing protective mechanisms during inflammation, making it an interesting material for preparing inhalable lipid nanoparticles (LNPs). This report aims to preliminarily explore the in vitro behavior of LNPs prepared with PEA (PEA-LNPs), a new inhalable inflammatory-targeted nanoparticulate drug carrier. PEA-LNPs exhibited a size of about 250 nm, a rounded shape, and an marked improvement in PEA solubility in comparison to naked PEA, indicative of easily disassembled nanoparticles. A twin glass impinger instrument was used to screen the aerosol performance of PEA-LNP powders, obtained via freeze-drying in the presence of two quantities of mannose as a cryoprotectant. Results indicated that a higher amount of mannose improved the emitted dose (ED), and in particular, the fine particle fraction (FPF). A cytotoxicity assay was performed and indicated that PEA-LNPs are not toxic towards the MH-S alveolar macrophage cell line up to concentrations of 0.64 mg/mL, and using coumarin-6 labelled particles, a rapid internalization into the macrophage was confirmed. This study demonstrates that PEA could represent a suitable material for preparing inhalable lipid nanocarrier-based dry powders, which signify a promising tool for the transport of drugs employed to treat respiratory diseases and infections.

Language-Specific Sound-Shape Matching at 12-Months of Age

ABSTRACT By 12 months of age, infants exhibit behavioral sensitivity to sound symbolism (e.g. sound-shape correspondences) when they hear universally sound symbolic pseudowords (e.g. “bouba,” “kiki”). Here, we investigated whether infant’s sensitivity to sound-shape correspondences is affected when they hear language-specific sound symbolic words. Using the spontaneous preference-looking paradigm, we tested 12-month-old monolingual Spanish (n = 13) and Basque (n = 16) infants matching Spanish-like pseudowords (i.e. “bubano,” “raceto”) with rounded and spiky shapes. These pseudowords were created by Spanish-Basque bilingual adults, who then rated pseudowords as more Spanish or Basque-like, and more rounded or spikey-like. Infants were presented with eight congruent (e.g. “bubano” presented with a rounded shape) and incongruent (e.g. “bubano” presented with a spiky shape) trials. Both Spanish and Basque-learning infants displayed similar increased sensitivity to incongruent than to congruent trials. We found weak evidence that language background modulates sound-shape correspondence. These results suggest that at 12 months of age, specific language experience (e.g. Spanish vs. Basque) most likely does not alter sound-shape bias when hearing Spanish-like sound combinations. This study was the first to utilize language-specific instead of language nonspecific stimuli. Nonetheless, similar to previous investigations, the sound-shape bias effect was exhibited at 12 months of age in both language groups.

Fabrication of magnesium-doped biphasic calcium phosphate granules with sea urchin spine-derived porous structure

In bone regeneration, synthetic materials are required to replace autogenous bone grafts. The shape, composition, surface, and porous structure of the material are key factors in bone formation and material resorption. In this study, we describe the fabrication of Mg-doped biphasic calcium phosphate (Mg-BCP) granules comprising hydroxyapatite (HAp) and beta-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP) by exploiting the structural and chemical characteristics of sea urchin spines. The Mg-BCP granules were cylinders with a 1.2–1.8 mm diameter and height of 1.4–1.7 mm. The β-TCP/HAp ratio and Mg content in the Mg-BCP granules were controlled within the ranges of 0.36–0.45 and 2.40–6.21 mol%, respectively. Controlling the β-TCP/HAp ratio and Mg content may contribute to controlling the material resorption rate and promoting osteogenesis and angiogenesis. The Mg-BCP granules maintained the structural characteristics of the sea urchin spines. The granules comprised radial wedges termed septa, and a meshwork termed stereom. The interseptal gaps, or micropores, decreased from the granular exterior (24–29 μm) to the interior (14–28 μm). The septa in the outermost layer provide concavities on the sides of the cylindrical granules. The stereom meshworks in the core and outer layers involved micropores in the ranges of 3–15 and 3–10 μm, respectively. These multiscale pores and surface undulations may improve cell penetration and attachment, bodily fluid permeability, and protein adsorption. The compressive strengths of the Mg-BCP granules were in the range of 45.2–46.1 MPa, which are useful as bone grafts. Due to their rounded shapes, the Mg-BCP granules filled a mold more densely than the clinically used and irregularly shaped granules. These findings demonstrated that Mg-BCP granules are promising materials for bone regeneration.

Study on the estradiol degradation gene expression and resistance mechanism of Rhodococcus R-001 under low-temperature stress

Estradiol (E2), an endocrine disruptor, acts by mimicking or interfering with the normal physiological functions of natural hormones within organisms, leading to issues such as endocrine system disruption. Notably, seasonal fluctuations in environmental temperature may influence the degradation speed of estradiol (E2) in the natural environment , intensifying its potential health and ecological risks. Therefore, this study aims to explore how bacteria can degrade E2 under low-temperature conditions, unveiling their resistance mechanisms, with the goal of developing new strategies to mitigate the threat of E2 to health and ecological safety. In this paper, we found that Rhodococcus equi DSSKP-R-001 (R-001) can efficiently degrade E2 at 30°C and 10°C. Six genes in R-001 were shown to be involved in E2 degradation by heterologous expression at 30°C. Among them, 17β-HSD, KstD2, and KstD3, were also involved in E2 degradation at 10°C; KstD was not previously known to degrade E2. RNA-seq was used to characterize differentially expressed genes (DEGs) to explore the stress response of R-001 to low-temperature environments to elucidate the strain’s adaptation mechanism. At the low temperature, R-001 cells changed from a round spherical shape to a long rod or irregular shape with elevated unsaturated fatty acids and were consistent with the corresponding genetic changes. Many differentially expressed genes linked to the cold stress response were observed. R-001 was found to upregulate genes encoding cold shock proteins, fatty acid metabolism proteins, the ABC transport system, DNA damage repair, energy metabolism and transcriptional regulators. In this study, we demonstrated six E2 degradation genes in R-001 and found for the first time that E2 degradation genes have different expression characteristics at 30°C and 10°C. Linking R-001 to cold acclimation provides new insights and a mechanistic basis for the simultaneous degradation of E2 under cold stress in Rhodococcus adaptation.

Clean dyeing of cotton fabrics by cross-linking reactive dyes with fiber macromolecular chains

Increasing dye utilization, shortening the process and reducing the discharge of colored wastewater are the keys to clean dyeing and finishing of fabrics. In this study, we report a clean dyeing process. The process improved the dye utilization and achieved wrinkle-finishing and dyeing in the same bath by enhancing cross-linking of dyes with fiber macromolecular chains. It was observed by SEM that the cross-section of the dyed fibers showed round or oval shape, and the mid-cavities were reduced or even disappeared. The swelling rate of the fibers and cellulase degradation experiments showed that the dyes formed stable cross-linking structures with the macromolecular chains. Furthermore, differences in the structure of reactive dyes affected the optimal reaction conditions between the dyes and the fibers. Compared to conventional processes, the K/S, color fixation rate, and wrinkle recovery angle of dyed fabrics with different dyes were significantly improved. This illustrated the superiority of this process and the applicability of different structural dyes. Compared to traditional processes, the process saved 29.6 % of dyes and 16.7 % of alkalis. Importantly, the process could save 200 % of water, 9.5 KW·h of energy consumption and 61.6 m3 of saturated steam. Ultimately, this process could save 7.22 $ of the cost of dyeing 1 kg of fabric. The concentration of dyes in the dyeing wastewater was significantly reduced. In summary, the clean process has good economic and environmental benefits.

Prevalence of skin and subcutaneous neoplasm in bovines at various districts of Chhattisgarh, India

The present study was undertaken to evaluate the prevalence of skin and subcutaneous tumours in bovines. Thirty cases of skin and subcutaneous tumours were studied and examined at the time of presentation and their age, sex, breed, species, clinical observation for the body condition, location, colour of tumour mass, consistency, weight, shape, peduncultion, presence of bleeding were recorded. Most of the animals were middle aged, ranging from 4 to 8 years. Breed wise prevalence was more in crossbred cattle than other breeds. Sex wise higher incidence in male than females. The eye, neck, and limb region (13.34%) were most common tumours. The red and black colour of masses accounted for 10 (33.33%) and weight ranges from 80 to 120 gms affected with skin and subcutaneous tumours were twelve (40%) whereas bleeding and infection found in eleven (36.66%) and eight (26.66%) respectively. On clinical examination, animals with healthy condition (73.34%), tumours with non-pedunculated (broad based) (73.34%). The hard consistency (46.66%) cases along with round shape of tumour mass were found in thirteen (43.34%) cases which contributed maximum number of skin and subcutaneous tumours.

Влияние геотермальной воды в составе твердых сред культивирования на морфологические свойства дрожжей рода Saccharomyces

The influence of geothermal waters located on the territory of the city of Makhachkala (Republic of Dagestan), in the composition of solid cultivation media, on the cultural and morphological features of genus Saccharomyces yeast was studied. Changes in cell properties and the formation of specific parameters of giant yeast colonies S. cerevisiae Y-503, S. cerevisiae DAW-3a, S. oviformis M-12x have been established. For YPD and PD media, as a result of a series of experiments, optimal options were selected containing geothermal and distilled water in a ratio of 1:1 (well No. 36) and 2:1 (well No. 26). It was shown that the YPD medium was optimal for yeast growth, while in the population of the tetraploid Y-503 strain, the average cell size was slightly larger than cell strain M-12x and significantly exceeded the DAW-3a values. Installed that the use of diluted water from well No. 36 in the cultivation medium is most effective and leads to accelerated growth of yeast colonies. In the variant geothermal / distilled water, this indicator exceeded the control by 1.3 (Y-503, M-12x) times; in the variant with geothermal water without dilution - by 1.6 (Y-503) and 1.4 (M-12x) times. The cells of the S. cerevisiae Y-503 strain, regardless of the medium used, are characterized by the presence of various forms, including elongated ones; DAW-3a - exceptionally rounded; S. oviformis M-12x - rounded and oval shapes. A comparative analysis of the parameters of the colonies showed that all variants are characterized by a rounded shape, a radially striated surface; flat, with a convex center profile; light beige color and pasty, spreadable texture. As a result of our research, a modified nutrient medium PD has been developed - an agar for growing yeast, containing geothermal water from well No. 36 of the Makhachkala field as an additional source of mineral and organic compounds. The proposed composition of the medium is of interest for its further use in microbiological studies.

Isolation and Characterization of Lactic Acid Bacteria From Sago Wastewater As Antibacterial

Background: Foodborne diseases are infections of the gastrointestinal tract caused by food containing microbiological agents and usually, these infections affect groups of individuals who have low immune systems. Lactic acid bacteria (LAB)are bacillus-shaped Gram-positive bacteria that work by inhibiting pathogenic bacteria that cause foodborne diseases. Maluku is a region in Indonesia rich in sago production.  Sago ihur (Metroxylon sylvestre) and tuni (Metroxylon rumphii) are types of sago commonly found in Maluku. Sago is rich in carbohydrates and therefore has the opportunity to produce LAB. This study aimed to isolate and characterize LAB from sago wastewater was a laboratory experimental research with descriptive method using primary data. Methods: Bacterial isolation was carried out using a selective media. Characterization carried out by macroscopicly characterization by observing shape, margin, elevation, pigmentation, appearance, optical properties, and texture. Microscopic characterization was performed using Gram and spore staining. Results: The results of this study showed that five bacterial isolates (I1, I2, T3, T4, and I5) were successfully isolated in a round shape, flat edges, yellowish white color (not pigmented), shiny appearance, and mucoid texture, but isolate T3 showed a raised elevation and translucent to light (transparent), while for other isolates it was convex and translucent, and non-spore forming gram positive. Conclusion: Antibacterial tests against S. aureus and E. coli showed no inhibition zones. LAB isolates from sago wastewater showed no significant antibacterial effect