Search Results (11,463)

Prostate cancer (PC) is one of the most commonly diagnosed tumours among men. Second-generation androgen receptor axis-targeted (ARAT) agents, namely abiraterone acetate (AbA) and enzalutamide (ENZ), are currently used in the management of metastatic castration-resistant PC (mCRPC). However, the treatment is challenging due to the lack of prognostic biomarkers. Meanwhile, single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) have emerged as potential prognostic indicators of mCRPC. Thus, this study evaluated the impact of relevant SNPs on the treatment outcomes of 123 mCRPC patients enrolled in a hospital-based cohort study. The CYP17A1 rs2486758 C allele was associated with a 50% reduction in the risk of developing castration resistance (hazard ratio (HR) = 0.55; p = 0.003). Among patients without metastasis at tumour diagnosis and under AbA, a marginal association between YBX1 rs10493112 and progression-free survival was detected (log-rank test, p = 0.056). In the same subgroup, significant associations of HSD3B1 rs1047303 (CC/CA vs. AA; HR = 3.41; p = 0.025), YBX1 rs12030724 (AT vs. AA; HR = 3.54; p = 0.039) and YBX1 rs10493112 (log-rank test, p = 0.041; CC vs. AA/AC; HR = 3.22; p = 0.053) with overall survival were also observed, which were confirmed by multivariate Cox analyses. Although validation with larger cohorts is required, these findings suggest that SNPs could enhance the prognosis assessment of mCRPC patients, leading to a more personalised treatment. Full article

As the object of investigation in the present study, reactive distillation based on the transesterification of isopropyl acetate (IPAc) and 2,2,3,3,4,4,4-heptafluorobutanol (HFBol) under acidic conditions is addressed. This process aims to obtain 2,2,3,3,4,4,4-heptafluorobutyl acetate (HFBAc), which is used in the production of non-aqueous electrolytes, ethyllithium sulphate, charge retention medium, ultraviolet light-absorbing oligomers, etc. Through a combination of NMR spectroscopy and GC-MS, it was determined that during the process, the following were primarily formed in the system: target HFBAc and the by-product, isopropanol. The following side-products were identified: di-isopropyl ether, acetic acid, water, and 2,2,3,3,4,4,4-heptafluorobutyl isopropyl ether (HFB-IPEth). No bis(1H,1H-heptafluorobutyl) ether or acetic anhydride were identified in the system. For HFBol, HFBAc and HFB-IPEth the ¹H, ¹⁹F and ¹³C{¹⁹F}), ¹⁹F-¹⁹F COSY NMR, and mass spectra were reported in this study. Full article

Pear black spot, caused by A. gaisen during fruit growth, is a disease that significantly reduces pear yield. Biological control using antagonistic microorganisms is regarded as a viable alternative to chemical agents. The discovery of TRM76147, a novel species of Streptomyces isolated from the Taklamakan Desert, has demonstrated promising potential in addressing this issue. This study was conducted to determine the potential of crude extract of Streptomyces sp. nov., strain TRM76147, for control of A. gaisen. TRM76147 is closely related to Streptomyces griseoviridis NBRC 12874^T, exhibiting an average nucleotide identity (ANI) value of 82.13%. Combined with the polyphasic taxonomic identification, this suggests that TRM76147 is a potentially new species. Through analyses using BigSCAPE and antiSMASH, it was determined that the TRM76147 genome contains 19 gene clusters. The ethyl acetate extract of this strain demonstrates antifungal activity, with the active substance remaining stable at temperatures up to 70 °C, achieving an activity level of 16.23 ± 0.22 mm. Furthermore, the crude extract maintains its antifungal efficacy across a pH range of 2 to 12. Notably, the antifungal diameter was recorded at 16.53 ± 0.12 mm following 80 min of UV irradiation. Under different treatment conditions, TRM76147 fermentation crude extract caused A. gaisen spore crumpling and spore number reduction. In addition, this study also found that the TRM76147 fermentation broth could control the production of pear black spot disease, which initially revealed the inhibition mechanism. The abundant actinomycete resources in this study have good application and development value in the discovery of new species and the study of bioactive substances and biological control. Full article

This study investigated the impact of Rheum palmatum root (RP) for reducing methane and its impact on rumen fermentation and blood metabolites in cattle. Rumen fluid was collected from three cannulated steers (736 ± 15 kg) and mixed with buffer (1:3 ratio) for the in vitro trial. Treatments were divided into control and RP supplement groups (1%, 3%, and 5% of substrates), with each sample incubated at 39 °C for 24 and 48 hours. Methane was measured after incubation, showing a dose-dependent linear decrease after 48 hours. Quadratic changes were observed in total volatile fatty acids, acetate, and butyrate. Additionally, in vitro dry matter digestibility decreased linearly with RP inclusion. In vivo trials involved four Korean steers in a 2 × 2 crossover design over 3 weeks, with treatments including a control group and a group with 3% RP addition. Dry matter intake (DMI) tended to decrease in the RP group compared to the control. Methane emissions (g/kg DMI) were not affected by RP addition. Blood metabolites indicated higher lipase concentrations in the RP group. In conclusion, RP reduced methane production in the in vitro trial but had no effect in the in vivo trial, likely due to adaptation of ruminal bacteria to RP. Full article

The production of municipal solid waste incineration fly ash (MSWI-FA) and municipal sludge (MS) has been increasing annually, raising concerns about proper disposal. In this study, a thermal treatment method with attributes of energy efficiency and complete detoxification was applied to synergistically convert MSWI-FA and MS into precursors for the synthesis of high-strength alkali-activated materials (AAMs). The impact of mass ratios of MSWI-FA and MS on the mineralogy, microstructure, and reactivity of obtained precursors were investigated. The mechanism of alkali activation was deeply studied by characterizing the evolution of reaction products. The strength development of synthesized AAMs was characterized in a one-year time scale, as well as the environmental compatibility. The results revealed that strength, with values ranging from 12.8–33.0 MPa at 3 d, 29.5–44.1 MPa at 28 d and 39.3–54.8 MPa at 365 d. Furthermore, after one year of curing, the release of Ni, Cr, Cu, Pb, Zn, Mn, and Ba from synthesized AAMs into both deionized water and acetic acid were far below the regulatory limits in China. All these contribute to promoting the safe disposal and effective valorization of MSWI-FA and MS. Full article

A novel high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method with 4-N,N-dimethylaminobenzaldehyde as an internal standard was developed for the determination of Camphor with the main goal of facilitating the analysis of different cosmetic and pharmaceutical products that contain Camphor in analytical laboratories. The method can be applied to cosmetic and pharmaceutical samples such as gels, ointments, and creams containing Camphor. Chromatographic separation was carried out on the Symmetry^® C18, 5 μm column (Waters), 250 × 4.6 equipped with guard column E, InertSustain C18, 5 µm, while using the flow of 1.4 mL/min, with a column temperature of 25 °C. The mobile phase consisted of 600 mL of acetonitrile, 400 mL of purified water, and 6 mL of glacial acetic acid. The method was evaluated in accordance with ICH Q2 (R2) guidelines for validation parameters: selectivity, linearity (range 0.10–3.00 mg/mL), the limit of detection (LOD = 0.028 mg/mL), the limit of quantification (LOQ = 0.085 mg/mL), accuracy (confidence intervals < 0.05%), repeatability (peak area ratio = 0.39–1.97), and intermediate precision (peak area ratio = 0.40–1.98). The method is applicable for detecting and quantifying Camphor in a variety of cosmetic and pharmaceutical products from different parts of the world, thus covering the concentrations required by different law legislations. Full article

‘Binzi’ (BZ) (Malus domestica subsp. chinensis var. binzi Li Y.N.) and ‘Xiangguo’ (XG) (Malus domestica subsp. chinensis var. xiangguo Li Y.N.) are the ancient cultivars in China. The BZ fruits have a low-fragrant flavor on harvest day but a high-fragrant flavor after storage at room temperature, while the XG fruits have a stronger flavor when mature. ‘Starking’ (SK) and ‘Golden Delicious’ (GD) fruits have a rich flavor and are recognized by all countries in the world. However, information on the differences between ancient Chinese cultivars and Western apple cultivars in aroma compounds remains unknown. The apple fruits were collected for continuous two years. Aroma compounds in the skin and pulp of the fruits were detected at room temperature (20 ± 1 °C) during storage. The dynamics of VOCs in BZ and SK fruits were more similarly reflected in esters, while those of XG and GD fruits were reflected in aldehydes and alcohols. Ethyl 2-methylbutyrate, with an extremely low odor threshold, was the main source of typical apple flavor in SK, BZ, and XG fruits, while hexyl acetate was the source of the banana flavor in GD fruits. 6-methyl-5-hepten-2-one and β-damascenone were the important ketones produced in the later stage of storage, derived from the carotenoid metabolism pathway and providing a citrus and rose flavor to the four apple cultivars. SK had the highest number of characteristic aroma components, which were mainly derived from the amino acid metabolism pathway, providing fruits with a sweet and fruity flavor. Although the characteristic aroma components of GD were derived from the fatty acid metabolic pathway, the number of volatile esters was lower. Ethyl butyrate, derived from the saturated fatty acid metabolism, had the highest content in BZ, providing a pineapple flavor; the flavor of XG was mainly derived from ethyl 2-methylbutyrate, 6-methyl-5-hepten-2-one, and β-damascenone. Therefore, we suggest BZ and XG apples as the aroma-breeding material with which to enrich new cultivars’ aroma components, derived from the fatty acid metabolism and carotenoid metabolism pathways, respectively. Full article

Low-density polyethylene (LDPE) has been widely used in various applications due to its flexibility, lightness, and low production cost. However, its massive use in disposable products has raised environmental concerns, prompting the search for more sustainable alternatives. This study aims to investigate the mechanical properties achievable in a composite material utilizing low-density polyethylene (LDPE), potato starch (PS), and cellulose microfibrils (MFCA) at loadings of 0.05%, 0.15%, and 0.30%. Initially, the cellulose acetate microfibrils (MFCA) were produced via an electrospinning process. Subsequently, a dispersive mixture of the aforementioned materials was created through the extrusion and pelletizing process to form pellets. These pellets were then molded by injection molding to produce test specimens in accordance with ASTM D 638, the standard for tensile strength testing. The evaluation of the properties was conducted through mechanical tensile tests (ASTM D638), hardness tests (ASTM D 2240), melt flow index (ASTM D1238), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). This study determined the influence of cellulose acetate microfibril loadings below 0.3% as reinforcement within a thermoplastic LDPE matrix. It was demonstrated that these microfibrils, due to their length-to-diameter ratio, contribute to an enhancement in the mechanical properties. Full article

The Jerez (Sherry) vinegars, including Vinagre de Jerez, Reserva, and Gran Reserva, are crafted from Sherry wines and are protected under the Denomination of Origin in Spain. The aim of this study was to (i) characterize the physicochemical properties and composition; (ii) investigate the impact of the aging process on color properties, phenolics, volatile compounds, and sensorial profiles; and (iii) find a marker for tracing the authenticity of non-aged (Apto) and aged Jerez vinegars. The phenolic components were identified through LC-MS/MS, whereas the volatile compounds were examined using the GC-MS/MS technique. As the aging progressed, a decrease was observed in the levels of flavonol and phenolic acids, with anthocyanin components being undetectable in non-aged and aged samples. In the Gran Reserva variety, 2-methylbutyl acetate, acetic acid, and ethanol emerged as the predominant volatile substances. The presence of oaklactone and ethyl butanoate components served as marker substances to authenticate the Gran Reserva. Additionally, alterations in color properties were noted, marked by a decrease in yellow content and an increase in the red component depending on aging. Furthermore, novel sensory descriptors, such as vanilla, clove, woody, and nutty notes, and winy character emerged in the samples with prolonged aging. Full article

To investigate the effect of 5-aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA) on in vitro rumen gas production, fermentation characteristics, and bacterial community profiles, five levels of 5-ALA (0, 100, 500, 1000, and 5000 mg/kg DM) were supplemented into a total mixed ration (concentrate/forage = 40:60) as substrate in an in vitro experiment. Results showed that as the supplementation level of 5-ALA increased, asymptotic gas production (b) decreased linearly and quadratically (p < 0.01) while the dry matter degradation rate increased quadratically (p < 0.01). Meanwhile, the propionate concentration of 72 h incubation fluid increased linearly (p = 0.03) and pH value increased linearly and quadratically (p < 0.01), while the concentrations of butyrate, isobutyrate, valerate, isovalerate, and NH₃-N and the ratio of acetate/propionate (A/P) decreased linearly and quadratically (p < 0.05). There was no significant difference in any alpha diversity indices of bacterial communities among the various 5-ALA levels (p < 0.05). PCoA and PERMANOVA analysis revealed that the bacterial profiles showed a statistical difference between the treatment 5-ALA at 1000 mg/kg DM and the other levels except for 5000 mg/kg DM (p < 0.05). Taxonomic classification revealed a total of 18 and 173 bacterial taxa at the phylum and genus level with relative abundances higher than 0.01% in at least half of the samples, respectively. LEfse analysis revealed that 19 bacterial taxa were affected by 5-ALA levels. Correlation analysis showed that Actinobacteriota was positively correlated with the gas production parameter b, the ratio of A/P, and the concentration of butyrate, isovalerate, and NH₃-N (p < 0.05) and negatively correlated with pH (p < 0.05). WPS-2 exhibited a negative correlation with the gas production parameter b, the ratio of A/P, and the concentration of butyrate, valerate, isobutyrate, isovalerate, and NH₃-N (p < 0.05), along with a weaker positive correlation with pH (p = 0.04). The Bacteroidales BS11 gut group was negatively correlated with the concentration of propionate but positively correlated with gas production parameter b and the concentration of butyrate and NH₃-N (p < 0.05). The Lachnospiraceae NK3A20 group was found to have a positive correlation with gas production parameter b, the ratio of A/P, and the concentration of butyrate, isobutyrate, isovalerate, valerate, total VFA, and NH₃-N (p < 0.05), but a highly negative correlation with pH (p < 0.01). Differential metabolic pathways analysis suggested that metabolic pathways related to crude protein utilization, such as L-glutamate degradation VIII (to propanoate), L-tryptophan degradation IX, and urea cycle, increased with 5-ALA levels. In summary, including 5-ALA in the diet might improve energy and protein utilization by reducing the abundance of Actinobacteriota, the Bacteroidales BS11 gut group, the Lachnospiraceae NK3A20 group, and certain pathogenic bacteria and increasing the abundance of WPS-2. Full article

Hydrogen sulfide is present in active or extinct volcanic areas (mofettas). The habitable premises in these areas are affected by the presence of hydrogen sulfide, which, even in low concentrations, gives off a bad to unbearable smell. If the living spaces considered are closed enclosures, then a system can be designed to reduce the concentration of hydrogen sulfide. This paper presents a membrane-based way to reduce the hydrogen sulfide concentration to acceptable limits using a cellulosic derivative–propylene hollow fiber-based composite membrane module. The cellulosic derivatives considered were: carboxymethyl–cellulose (NaCMC), P1; cellulose acetate (CA), P2; methyl 2–hydroxyethyl–cellulose (MHEC), P3; and hydroxyethyl–cellulose (HEC), P4. In the permeation module, hydrogen sulfide is captured with a solution of cadmium that forms cadmium sulfide, usable as a luminescent substance. The composite membranes were characterized by SEM, EDAX, FTIR, FTIR 2D maps, thermal analysis (TG and DSC), and from the perspective of hydrogen sulfide air removal performance. To determine the process performances, the variables were as follows: the nature of the cellulosic derivative–polypropylene hollow fiber composite membrane, the concentration of hydrogen sulfide in the polluted air, the flow rate of polluted air, and the pH of the cadmium nitrate solution. The pertraction efficiency was highest for the sodium carboxymethyl–cellulose (NaCMC)–polypropylene hollow fiber membrane, with a hydrogen sulfide concentration in the polluted air of 20 ppm, a polluted air flow rate (Q_H2S) of 50 L/min, and a pH of 2 and 4. The hydrogen sulfide flux rates, for membrane P1, fall between 0.25 × 10⁻⁷ mol·m²·s⁻¹ for the values of Q_H2S = 150 L/min, C_H2S = 20 ppm, and pH = 2 and 0.67 × 10⁻⁷ mol·m⁻²·s⁻¹ for the values of Q_H2S = 50 L/min, C_H2S = 60 ppm, and pH = 2. The paper proposes a simple air purification system containing hydrogen sulfide, using a module with composite cellulosic derivative–polypropylene hollow fiber membranes. Full article

Photodetectors and gas sensors are vital in modern technology, spanning from environmental monitoring to biomedical diagnostics. This paper explores the UV detection and gas sensing properties of a zinc oxide (ZnO) nanorod array (ZNA) grown on silver nanowire mesh (AgNM) using a hydrothermal method. We examined the impact of different zinc acetate precursor concentrations on their properties. Results show the AgNM forms a network with high transparency (79%) and low sheet resistance (7.23 Ω/□). A sol–gel ZnO thin film was coated on this mesh, providing a seed layer with a hexagonal wurtzite structure. Increasing the precursor concentration alters the diameter, length, and area density of ZNAs, affecting their performance. The ZNA-AgNM-based photodetector shows enhanced dark current and photocurrent with increasing precursor concentration, achieving a maximum photoresponsivity of 114 A/W at 374 nm and a detectivity of 6.37 × 10¹⁴ Jones at 0.05 M zinc acetate. For gas sensing, the resistance of ZNA-AgNM-based sensors decreases with temperature, with the best hydrogen response (2.71) at 300 °C and 0.04 M precursor concentration. These findings highlight the potential of ZNA-AgNM for high-performance UV photodetectors and hydrogen gas sensors, offering an alternative way for the development of future sensing devices with enhanced performance and functionality. Full article

Rhododendron, a globally popular ornamental flower, is nevertheless limited in our understanding of the mechanisms underlying its fragrance formation. Notably, terpenoids are the most prevalent volatile metabolite produced by plants. In this study, gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS), liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC–MS) and transcriptomics sequencing were conducted to analyze the synthesis mechanisms of terpenoid fragrance compounds of petals in fragrant R. fortunei Lindl. (YJ) and non-fragrant R. “Nova Zembla” (NW). The results identified that (-)-myrtenol, linalool, pinene, myrtenyl acetate, and terpineol were key floral aroma substances in YJ. Furthermore, an analysis of KEGG enrichment and differentially expressed genes (DEGs) revealed that the bud and decay stages exhibited the highest number of enriched DEGs among different aroma types, indicating these as critical stages for the synthesis of terpenoid floral compounds. In this study, a structural gene, denoted as RfFDPS, was identified as a negative regulatory gene for monoterpene accumulation and a positive regulatory gene for sesquiterpene accumulation in YJ. Utilizing subcellular localization technology, we determined that RfFDPS proteins are located in the cytoplasm. A functional analysis through transient expression and gene silencing of RfFDPS demonstrated its ability to regulate the accumulation of monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes. The overexpression of RfFDPS led to an increase in the expression of structural genes related to terpenoid synthesis, resulting in a decrease in monoterpenes and an increase in sesquiterpenes. Conversely, gene silencing had the opposite effect. In conclusion, RfFDPS plays a pivotal role in the synthesis and release of terpenoid volatile compounds in YJ petals, laying a solid theoretical foundation for the cultivation and enhancement of aromatic R. species. Full article

With the increase in population, it is increasingly necessary to produce food more efficiently. This has expanded the market for additives, which are products that directly (nutritional effect) or indirectly (effect on animal health) favor productivity. Guanidinoacetic acid (GAA) is a natural precursor of creatine. It acts as an energy reserve in skeletal muscle. In addition to being a compound with more significant bioavailability, it is more thermally stable and less expensive than creatine. Therefore, this study aimed to determine whether adding GAA to the cattle diet would alter the meat’s composition and fatty acid profile. We used 24 Holstein cattle males (409 ± 5.6 kg), approximately 15 months old, and separated them into four homogeneous groups, one being the control group and three groups with various dosages of GAA in the diets (3.3; 6.6, and 9.9 g/animal/day), for an experimental period of 60 days. Blood, rumen fluid, and animal weighing were performed at three points (days 1, 30, and 60), and daily feed consumption was measured. Steers fed with GAA (9.9 g/d) showed a 16.9% increase in average daily gain (ADG) compared to the control group. These same animals (T-9.9 group) fed with GAA showed a 20% increase in fed efficiency compared to the control group. Lower leukocyte, lymphocyte, and granulocyte counts and lower cholesterol levels were observed in animals that consumed 6.6 g and 9.9 g/d GAA compared to the control group. Animals from the T-6.6 and T-9.9 groups showed 30% and 27.6% reduced bacterial activity in the rumen compared to the control group, respectively. Steers from the T-6.6 and T-9.9 groups fed with GAA showed a 20% and 37% increase in short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) compared to the control group, respectively. A higher concentration of acetic, propionic, and butyric acids in the ruminal fluid of cattle T-9.9 group was observed at day 60. The two highest doses of GAA showed lower fat levels in the meat, just as the cattle that received 9.9 g/d showed higher levels of total polyunsaturated fatty acids. Complementary data results draw attention to the dose of 9.9 g/d GAA in cattle diets, as anti-inflammatory action can be seen and combined with a higher concentration of SCFAs, consequently increases weight gain. We concluded that consuming this GAA increases the concentration of some unsaturated fatty acids (omegas) in the meat, which adds quality to the product for the consumer. Full article

In this research, we developed a novel slow-release biofertilizer by utilizing an environmentally friendly method to synthesize ZnO-NPs using sodium hydroxide, zinc acetate salt, and Lepidium sativum seed extract. The commercial fertilizer urea 46% was encapsulated in the nano-ZnO/alginate beads. The structural and morphological characteristics of the nanocomposites were confirmed using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy, which confirmed the successful creation of nanocomposite alginate beads. The results indicated that the ZnO/alginate/urea beads exhibited a steady and continuous release of urea for up to one hour and extended nutrient availability over time. This research demonstrates the potential of ZnO-NP/alginate composites as a promising platform for developing slow-release biofertilizers, combining the beneficial properties of ZnO nanoparticles with the controlled-release capabilities of alginate matrices. This research highlights the potential of ZnO-NP/alginate composites as a sustainable and efficient solution for agricultural applications, providing a controlled release of nutrients that could minimize their environmental impact and enhance crop productivity. Full article