Abstract IE(%) of CORP (with AN of 7.8 and 3.5., and modified with Zn powder, MGr or MCNT) used as coatings against CS atmospheric corrosion has been investigated. The studies were carried out by gravimetry and PSP methods. CORP composition was: phosphatides, hydrated oil and SF. IE(%) effect of CO coatings with the investigated compositions on CS corrosion kinetic parameters was estimated in a 0.5 M NaCl solution. Zn powder (50 wt.%) addition to CORP increased their IE(%) up to 80-86%. In this case, the coatings IE(%), at an anodic E of -0.2 V, reached 93-99%. The addition of MGr or MCNT to CORP modified by Zn powder had mostly a negative effect on IE(%).

ABSTRACT Finger citron (Citrus medica L. var. sarcodactylis (Hoola van Nooten) Swingle; Rutaceae: Citrus) is an important plant for both medicine and food. Due to the lack of suitability analysis, many problems have arisen in its planting. According to the daily observation data, Kriging interpolation was selected to spatialize precipitation and temperature data. MaxEnt and ArcGIS were applied to simulate the suitable areas of finger citron in China from the perspectives of bioclimate, soil, topographic factors and human activities in 2050s and 2090s. Results showed that temperature annual range (Bio7), annual precipitation (Bio12), human footprint (Hf), elevation (El) and precipitation seasonality (Bio15) were identified as the dominant environmental variables related to the distribution of finger citron. Spatiotemporal distribution of annual precipitation (Bio12) showed that in the future, the precipitation in South China tends to decrease first (2050s) and then increase (2090s). The spatio-temporal analysis of temperature annual range (Bio7) showed that the 20-30 ℃ region was relatively stable in the Sichuan Basin and the middle and lower reaches of the Pearl River Basin. Under the future climate change scenarios, the total suitable area showed a significant increase trend in 2090s, and the change of most, moderately and poorly suitable habitats showed no obvious law. Under SSP1-2.6, SSP2-4.5 and SSP5-8.5 scenarios, the centroid of the most suitable habitat of finger citron would move to the northwest, southeast and southwest respectively. Our results can effectively carry out to promote the recovery of its population.

ABSTRACT Filter mud is an industrial waste produced by sugar crops during the sugar production process, which contains N, P, K, organic matter, and a variety of trace elements required for plant growth. Therefore, a soil cultivation experiment was devised to verify the effects of applying diverse proportions of filter mud on the growth and physiological variations of sugar beet (Beta vulgaris L. subsp. vulgaris) seedlings. For this study, sugar mill filter mud equivalent to 1%, 3%, 5%, 7%, 9%, 11%, and 13% of the dry weight of neutral black soil was used. Sugar beet seeds were planted in soil with filter mud and their growth, nutrient, and physiological indexes are measured after they grew into sugar beet seedlings. After the application of filter mud, the growth status of sugar beet seedlings increased significantly compared to the non-application of filter mud. Soil application of filter mud increases the content of inorganic N, available P, available K, and organic matter in the soil. And the most pronounced growth of sugar beet seedlings was achieved at 7% of the applied filter mud. In addition, the content of chlorophyll, transpiration rate, net photosynthetic rate, stomatal conductance, and phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase activity all increased significantly. As a result, it was determined that filter mud from sugar beet waste was an effective soil improver material, a certain percentage of filter mud can promote the growth of sugar beet seedlings. This has important implications for the improvement of sugar beet yields and the recycling of agricultural wastes.

Abstract Background The distinct arterial and venous cell fates are dictated by a combination of various genetic factors which form diverse types of blood vessels such as arteries, veins, and capillaries. We report here that YULINK protein is involved in vasculogenesis, especially venous formation. Methods In this manuscript, we employed gene knockdown, yeast two-hybrid, FLIM-FRET, immunoprecipitation, and various imaging technologies to investigate the role of YULINK gene in zebrafish and human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Results Knockdown of YULINK during the arterial-venous developmental stage of zebrafish embryos led to the defective venous formation and abnormal vascular plexus formation. Knockdown of YULINK in HUVECs impaired their ability to undergo cell migration and differentiation into a capillary-like tube formation. In addition, the phosphorylated EPHB4 was decreased in YULINK knockdown HUVECs. Yeast two-hybrid, FLIM-FRET, immunoprecipitation, as well as imaging technologies showed that YULINK colocalized with endosome related proteins (EPS15, RAB33B or TICAM2) and markers (Clathrin and RHOB). VEGF-induced VEGFR2 internalization was also compromised in YULINK knockdown HUVECs, demonstrating to the involvement of YULINK. Conclusion This study suggests that YULINK regulates vasculogenesis, possibly through endocytosis in zebrafish and HUVECs. Key points Knockdown of YULINK with morpholino in embryos of double transgenic zebrafish exhibited abnormal venous formation. Tube formation and phosphorylated EPHB4 were decreased in YULINK knockdown HUVECs. FLIM-FRET, immunoprecipitation, as well as other imaging technologies showed that YULINK colocalized with endosome related proteins (EPS15, RAB33B and TICAM2) and endosome markers (Clathrin and RHOB). Knockdown of YULINK decreased the internalization of VEGF and VEGFR2 in HUVECs.

ABSTRACT Introduction: Lower body perfusion (LBP) is a technique used to provide blood perfusion to distal organs and spinal cord during circulatory arrest. However, the effect of LBP on the prognosis of aortic arch surgery, especially on postoperative renal function, remains unclear. Methods: A total of 304 patients with acute type A aortic dissection who underwent total aortic arch replacement combined with frozen elephant trunk implantation between May 2016 and December 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. The patients were divided into LBP group (group L, n=85) and non-LBP group (group NL, n=219). Routine lower body circulatory arrest was applied during operation in group NL, and antegrade LBP combined was applied during operation in group L. Perioperative data were recorded. Propensity score matching was used for statistical analysis. Results: After propensity score matching, 85 pairs of patients were successfully matched. Two groups significantly differed in circulatory arrest time (six minutes vs. 30 minutes, P=0.000), cross-clamping time (101 minutes vs. 92 minutes, P=0.010), minimum nasopharyngeal temperature (29.4ºC vs. 27.2ºC, P=0.000), and highest lactate value during cardiopulmonary bypass (2.3 μmol/L vs. 4.1 μmol/L, P=0.000). Considering the postoperative indicators, the drainage volume (450 mL vs. 775 mL, P=0.000) and the incidence of level I acute kidney injury (23.5% vs. 32%, P=0.046) in group L was lower than those in group NL. Conclusion: LBP resulted as a safe and feasible approach in aortic arch surgery, as it could significantly shorten the circulatory arrest time, which might reduce the incidence of postoperative level I acute kidney injury.

Abstract Lactobacillus brevis is the major spoiler in beer, affecting product quality and causing economic losses in breweries. Although several genes involved in beer-spoilage have been identified, there are still unresolved questions about which genes that are associated with growth in beer and the potential roles of these genes. In this study, 21 Lactobacillus brevis strains were tested for beer spoilage potential; three beer-tolerant and three beer-sensitive strains were selected for comparative genomic analysis. One of the tolerant strains was exposed to growth conditions containing novobiocin that favor loss of plasmids, and subsequently became more sensitive to beer as determined by growth experiments. The genetic difference between the wildtype and the sensitive mutant confirmed that the previously identified beer (hop)-tolerance genes horA and hitA, which are usually localized on plasmids, play important roles in beer spoilage. Interestingly, horA and hitA were present in another sensitive strain whereas these genes were absent in another tolerant strain. This indicates that a beer-spoilage phenotype cannot be easily identified from the presence of a few reported beer-spoilage genes. The potential roles of additional genes involved in beer tolerance were discussed, including a ClpX protease and a manganese transporter different from hitA.

ABSTRACT Introduction: Lower body perfusion (LBP) is a technique used to provide blood perfusion to distal organs and spinal cord during circulatory arrest. However, the effect of LBP on the prognosis of aortic arch surgery, especially on postoperative renal function, remains unclear. Methods: A total of 304 patients with acute type A aortic dissection who underwent total aortic arch replacement combined with frozen elephant trunk implantation between May 2016 and December 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. The patients were divided into LBP group (group L, n=85) and non-LBP group (group NL, n=219). Routine lower body circulatory arrest was applied during operation in group NL, and antegrade LBP combined was applied during operation in group L. Perioperative data were recorded. Propensity score matching was used for statistical analysis. Results: After propensity score matching, 85 pairs of patients were successfully matched. Two groups significantly differed in circulatory arrest time (six minutes vs. 30 minutes, P=0.000), cross-clamping time (101 minutes vs. 92 minutes, P=0.010), minimum nasopharyngeal temperature (29.4ºC vs. 27.2ºC, P=0.000), and highest lactate value during cardiopulmonary bypass (2.3 μmol/L vs. 4.1 μmol/L, P=0.000). Considering the postoperative indicators, the drainage volume (450 mL vs. 775 mL, P=0.000) and the incidence of level I acute kidney injury (23.5% vs. 32%, P=0.046) in group L was lower than those in group NL. Conclusion: LBP resulted as a safe and feasible approach in aortic arch surgery, as it could significantly shorten the circulatory arrest time, which might reduce the incidence of postoperative level I acute kidney injury.

Abstract Background: Pinus (Coniferophyta) and Laccaria (Basidiomycota) establish ectomycorrhizal symbioses in natural forests. However, their detailed morphoanatomical and phylogenetic characterization have received little attention. Accurate identification of native host symbionts is of paramount relevance to the production of mycorrhized seedlings for successful reforestation programs. Questions/Objective: We aimed to determine if L. squarrosa is able to establish ectomycorrhizal symbiosis with gymnosperms, thereby widening its host range and highlighting its relevance as a potential inoculant for pine seedlings. Currently, L. squarrosa is only known from its type collection associated with the angiosperm Fagus grandifolia var. mexicana. Studied species: The fungus L. squarrosa and Pinus pseudostrobus, a tree endemic to Mexico. Study site and dates: A Pinus-Quercus forest in Piedra Canteada, Nanacamilpa, Tlaxcala; 2018-2020. Methods: L. squarrosa basidiomata were identified and ectomycorrhizal roots were collected and morphoanatomically characterized. For molecular identification, DNA was extracted, PCR was performed targeting the nuclear ribosomal internal transcribed spacer region (nucrDNA ITS) for the mycobiont identification and the chloroplastic single-locus trnL region for the phytobiont. Results: In the phylogenetic analyses, our sequences from basidiomata and ectomycorrhizae clustered together with L. squarrosa with high values of supporting identity. Meanwhile, P. pseudostrobus was molecularly identified as the phytobiont. Conclusions: This is one of the few worldwide characterizations of Laccaria ectomycorrhiza under field conditions and contributes to the understanding of the ecology, distribution, and economic relevance of the symbiotic association. Our data suggest that L. squarrosa has potential for use as a native inoculant for P. pseudostrobus tree production.

Resumen Antecedentes: Las especies de Pinus (Coniferophyta) y Laccaria (Basidiomycota) establecen simbiosis ectomicorrízicas en bosques naturales. Sin embargo, su caracterización detallada morfológica y molecular ha recibido poca atención, a pesar de que la identificación precisa de fitobiontes nativos es fundamental para la producción exitosa de plantas micorrizadas con fines de reforestación. Preguntas/Objetivos: Conocer si Laccaria squarrosa establece ectomicorrizas con gimnospermas, ampliando su rango de hospederos y relevancia como inoculante ectomicorrízico potencial para la producción de plántulas de pino. Hasta ahora L. squarrosa solo se conocía de su colección tipo asociada con Fagus grandifolia var. mexicana. Especies estudiadas: L. squarrosa y Pinus pseudostrobus, árbol endémico de México. Sitio y años de estudio: Bosque de Pinus-Quercus, Piedra-Canteada, Tlaxcala; 2018-2020. Métodos: Se identificaron basidiomas de L. squarrosa y se recolectaron y caracterizaron morfoanatómicamente raíces ectomicorrizadas. Para la identificación molecular, se extrajo ADN, se realizaron PCR de la región espaciadora transcrita interna del ADN ribosomal (nuc-rDNA ITS) para la identificación del micobionte y de la región cloroplástica trnL para el fitobionte. Resultados: En los análisis filogenéticos, las secuencias de basidiomas y ectomicorrizas se agruparon junto con L. squarrosa con altos valores de similitud. Mientras tanto, P. pseudostrobus se identificó molecularmente como el fitobionte. Conclusiones: Esta es una de las pocas caracterizaciones mundiales de ectomicorrizas de Laccaria en campo; y se contribuye a la comprensión de la ecología y distribución de esta asociación simbiótica económicamente relevante. Se demuestra que L. squarrosa podría usarse potencialmente como inoculante nativo para la producción de árboles de P. pseudostrobus.

Abstract Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) can produce extracellular polysaccharides that can be used as thickeners, emulsifiers, and gels in foods. The immobilization technology can effectively simplify and improve the separation and regeneration of extracellular polysaccharides. In this study, six strains of LAB, including the extracellular polysaccharide-producing strain Lactobacillus plantarum, were screened. The different immobilized carriers of sodium alginate, agar, gelatin-glutaraldehyde, and carrageenan were assessed for fermentation by these six LAB. Different diameters of beads were selected, and the optimum culture temperature, carrier concentration, and inoculum volume were evaluated. The results showed that the agar-embedding method was the best immobilization method and the optimum process conditions were as follows: 3% inoculum of L. plantarum, 30 g/L of agar as immobilization carrier with a particle diameter of 1 cm, and fermentation at 37 °C for 24 h. Through orthogonal experiments, the maximum exopolysaccharide (EPS) yield obtained was 1489.9 mg/L.

ABSTRACT Purpose: To investigate the effects of Periplaneta americana L. on ulcerative colitis (UC) induced by a combination of chronic stress (CS) and 2,4,6-trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid enema (TNBS) in rats. Methods: The experiment UC model with CS was established in rats by a combination of chronic restraint stress, excess failure, improper, and TNBS. The body weight, disease activity index (DAI), colonic mucosal injury index (CMDI), histopathological score (HS) and pro-inflammatory mediators were measured. The content of corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) in hypothalamus or adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and corticosteroids (CORT) in plasma were evaluated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The proportion of T lymphocyte subsets was detected by flow cytometry, and gut microbiota was detected by 16S rDNA amplicon sequencing. Results: Weight loss, DAI, CMDI, HS and proinflammatory mediators were reversed in rats by P. americana L. treatment after UC with CS. Increased epidermal growth factor (EGF) was observed in P. americana L. groups. In addition, P. americana L. could reduce the content of CRH and ACTH and regulate the ratio of CD3+, CD3+CD8+ and CD3+CD4+CD25+/CD4+ in spleen. Comparably, P. americana L. changes composition of gut microbiota. Conclusions: The ethanol extract of Periplaneta Americana L. improves UC induced by a combination of CS and TNBS in rats.

Nephrotic syndrome is the most common clinical presentation of glomerular disease in elderly patients, and renal biopsy is an important diagnostic resource. The aim of this study was to describe nephrotic syndrome among elderly patients in Brazil, focusing on tubulointerstitial and vascular involvement. This was a retrospective study of patients over 65 years of age with nephrotic syndrome who underwent renal biopsy between January 2012 and December 2019. Of the 123 renal biopsies that occurred during the study period, 44 (35.8%) were performed for the investigation of nephrotic syndrome. Among those 44 cases, the main etiologies were membranous nephropathy in 13 cases (29.5%), amyloidosis in ten (22.7%), non-collapsing focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) in four (9.1%), and collapsing FSGS in four (9.1%). Patients with minimal change disease (MCD) had the lowest degree of interstitial fibrosis compared with the other glomerulopathies, and histological signs of acute tubular necrosis (ATN) were less common among those with amyloidosis than among those with membranous nephropathy, FSGS, or MCD (P=0.0077). Of the patients with ATN, the frequency of acute kidney injury (AKI) was highest in those with MCD (P<0.001). All patients had some degree of vascular involvement, regardless of the type of glomerulopathy. In conclusion, the second most common cause of nephrotic syndrome in this population was amyloidosis, and acute interstitial tubule involvement was more marked in MCD. Vascular involvement is something that cannot be dissociated from the age of the patient and is not only due to the underlying glomerulopathy.

Abstract Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), a widespread mycotoxin found in food, poses a significant threat to the food industry and production. The primary target of AFB1 is the liver. Probiotic-mediated antitoxicity has been proposed to overcome aflatoxin toxicity. In the present study, to investigate the protective effects and molecular mechanisms of Lactobacillus plantarum SCS2 (L. plantarum SCS2) against HepG2 cells oxidative stress induced by AFB1. HepG2 cells were cultured and treated with different concentrations of AFB1 (0-10 μmol/L) to induce oxidative stress and L. plantarum SCS2 (total protein, 0.4 mg/mL) was pretreated HepG2 for 2 h and then supplemented with AFB1 (10 μmol/L) for 22 h to observe cellular oxidative stress. The cytotoxicity, reactive oxygen species, malondialdehyde, activities and mRNA expressions of antioxidant enzymes and activation of the Nrf2 signaling pathway were measured. The results showed that AFB1 exposure caused oxidative stress in HepG2. Supplementation of L. plantarum SCS2 prevented AFB1-induced HepG2 cells activity decreased and activated antioxidant enzymes activity by inhibiting Nrf2 over expression. The results of in vitro experiments revealed that L. plantarum SCS2 evidently protected against AFB1-induced oxidative stress.

ABSTRACT Cabbage is one of the most popular vegetables that is rich in sugars contributing to flavor and consumer acceptance; however, little information is available on the effect of genotypes and growing conditions on sugar accumulation. We assessed the seasonal variation in agronomic characteristics and free sugar content in cabbage (Brassica oleracea L. var. capitata L.) grown under open field conditions. Seventy-five cabbage genotypes were grown in the spring and autumn 2019, and their morphological characteristics and sugar concentrations were evaluated. Six cabbage types produced predominantly round-shaped heads (64 genotypes). Bright green and green were the dominant colors depending on the outer and inner leaves of the cabbage head. The most variable quantitative trait was head weight in both spring (36.9%) and autumn (49.2%). Glucose was the predominant sugar in most genotypes in both seasons. Mean glucose content in spring and autumn was 209.3 and 214.9 mg g-1 with 14.8% and 14.6% variation, respectively. Most genotypes produced higher fructose concentrations in fall than in spring. Sucrose levels showed the highest variation in both spring (36.0%) and autumn (60.5%), followed by fructose and glucose levels. Most agronomic parameters exhibited nonsignificant or negative correlations with sugar content, except the correlation of head height and width with glucose content. Fructose and glucose were positively correlated with total sugar content, while there was nonsignificant correlation with sucrose. Genotypes 160330 and 183701 produced comparably high and stable total sugar content in both seasons and can therefore be used as commercial breeding materials. We revealed a significant effect of genotype and season on cabbage agronomic characteristics and sugar content.

Cu-Co-containing cellulose-based carbon composite materials (Cu-Co/Cel) were formed by a matrix isolation method. Using X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), infrared-Fourier spectroscopy (IR-Fourier spectroscopy), and non-isothermal research methods, the physicochemical properties of the composites were established. The catalysts are nanosized particles distributed in a carbon matrix, containing fragments of a system of conjugated bonds (C=C-C=C) of various lengths. Cu-Co/Cel catalysts are active in the synthesis of alcohols from CO and H2, demonstrating high CO conversion (68%) and specific activity (17 mol CO gMe-1 s-1). Differences in the mechanism of alcohol formation from CO and H2 on cellulose-based composites and an oxide support (comparison catalyst) were shown by analyzing the distribution of synthesis products.

RESUMO A cetose pode trazer sérios prejuízos ao desempenho da vaca. Este estudo detectou alterações nos parâmetros metabólicos do sangue pré-parto para prever a cetose pós-parto que ocorre em vacas leiteiras. O escore de condição corporal (ECC) foi avaliado antes e após o parto. Foram coletadas amostras de sangue de 63 vacas entre 10 dias antes e 10 dias após o parto para medir os parâmetros metabólicos, incluindo ácido β-hidroxibutírico (BHBA), ácido graxo não esterificado (NEFA), glicose (GLU), bilirrubina total (TBIL), bilirrubina direta (DBIL), bilirrubina indireta (IBIL), proteína total (TP), albumina (ALB), globulina (GLO), alanina aminotransferase (ALT) e aspartato aminotransferase (AST). Houve uma incidência de cetose subclínica pós-parto de 42,25%. Em comparação com o pré-parto, o plasma, os níveis de BHBA, AST e NEFA aumentaram significativamente no pós-parto, e AST no pré-parto (R = 0,57) e NEFA (R = 0,45) mostraram uma correlação significativa positiva com cetose pós-parto. O nível plasmático de GLU diminuiu significativamente no pós-parto e foi negativamente correlacionado com a cetose de forma significativa (R = -0,21). A análise da curva característica de operação do receptor revelou BSC pré-parto <2,88 e AST plasmático pré-parto> 68,0 U / L, GLU <3,97mmol / L, NEFA> 0,27mmol / L e BHBA> 0,43mmol / L, indicando um alto risco de cetose subclínica pós-parto. Esses níveis podem ser usados como indicadores de risco para prever a ocorrência de cetose subclínica em vacas no pós-parto.

ABSTRACT Ketosis can seriously impair cow performance. This study detected changes in prepartum blood metabolic parameters for predicting postpartum ketosis occurrence in dairy cows. Body condition score (BCS) was assessed before and after delivery. Blood samples of 63 cows were collected from 10 days before calving to 10 days after calving to measure metabolic parameters including β-hydroxybutyric acid (BHBA), non-esterified fatty acid (NEFA), glucose (GLU), total bilirubin (TBIL), direct bilirubin (DBIL), indirect bilirubin (IBIL), total protein (TP), albumin (ALB), globulin (GLO), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and aspartate aminotransferase (AST). There was a postpartum subclinical ketosis incidence of 42.25%. Compared with prepartum, plasma, levels of BHBA, AST, and NEFA significantly increased postpartum, and prepartum AST (R=0.57) and NEFA (R=0.45) showed a significant positive correlation with ketosis postpartum. Plasma GLU level significantly decreased postpartum and was significantly negatively correlated with ketosis (R=-0.21). Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis revealed prepartum BSC < 2.88, and prepartum plasma AST > 68.0 U/L, GLU < 3.97mmol/L, NEFA > 0.27mmol/L, and BHBA > 0.43mmol/L, indicating a high risk of subclinical ketosis postpartum. These levels can be used as risk indicators to predict the occurrence of subclinical ketosis in postpartum cows.