Search Results (207)

Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is a primary crop globally. Among the numerous pathogens affecting wheat production, Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici (Pst) is a significant biotic stress agent and poses a major threat to world food security by causing stripe rust or yellow rust disease. Understanding the molecular basis of plant–pathogen interactions is crucial for developing new means of disease management. It is well established that the effector proteins play a pivotal role in pathogenesis. Therefore, studying effector proteins has become an important area of research in plant biology. Our previous work identified differentially expressed candidate secretory effector proteins of stripe rust based on transcriptome sequencing data from susceptible wheat (Avocet S) and resistant wheat (Avocet YR10) infected with Pst. Among the secreted effector proteins, PSTG_14090 contained an ancient double-psi beta-barrel (DPBB) fold, which is conserved in the rare lipoprotein A (RlpA) superfamily. This study investigated the role of PSTG_14090 in plant immune responses, which encodes a protein, here referred to as Pst-DPBB, having 131 amino acids with a predicted signal peptide (SP) of 19 amino acids at the N-terminal end, and the DNA sequence of this effector is highly conserved among different stripe rust races. qRT-PCR analysis indicated that expression levels are upregulated during the early stages of infection. Subcellular localization studies in Nicotiana benthamiana leaves and wheat protoplasts revealed that it is distributed in the cytoplasm, nucleus, and apoplast. We demonstrated that Pst-DPBB negatively regulates the immune response by functioning in various compartments of the plant cells. Based on Co-IP and structural predictions and putative interaction analyses by AlphaFold 3, we propose the probable biological function(s). Pst-DPBB behaves as a papain inhibitor of wheat cysteine protease; Pst-DPBB has high structural homology to kiwellin, which is known to interact with chorismate mutase, suggesting that Pst-DPBB inhibits the native function of the host chorismate mutase involved in salicylic acid synthesis. The DPBB fold is also known to interact with DNA and RNA, which may suggest its possible role in regulating the host gene expression. Full article

Background: The Child Amputee Prosthetics Project—Prosthesis Satisfaction Inventory (CAPP-PSI) is a comprehensive instrument designed to measure satisfaction across functionality, aesthetic, and service domains. This study aimed to translate, culturally adapt, and evaluate the psychometric properties of the CAPP-PSI in an Italian pediatric population. Methods: Following international guidelines, the CAPP-PSI was translated and culturally adapted. Internal consistency was evaluated using Cronbach’s alpha, while test–retest reliability was assessed with intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs). Construct validity was measured by analyzing correlations among subscales. Results: A total of 113 children with congenital or acquired upper limb amputation, accompanied by their parents, were recruited from the Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital in Rome. The Italian CAPP-PSI demonstrated excellent internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.913) and strong test–retest reliability (ICC = 0.966). Subscale correlations showed strong relationships between child and parent satisfaction (r = 0.724, p < 0.01) and parent satisfaction with service (r = 0.612, p < 0.01), while moderate correlations were observed between child satisfaction and service (r = 0.434, p < 0.01). Conclusions: The Italian version of the CAPP-PSI is a reliable and valid tool for assessing prosthetic satisfaction in pediatric populations. It provides valuable insights for clinicians and researchers, supporting patient-centered care and targeted improvements in prosthetic design and services. Future studies should explore longitudinal outcomes and the role of psychosocial factors in prosthetic acceptance. Full article

This work investigates the changes in the optical response of photonic crystals based on porous silicon (PSi) as a function of temperature. Using the transfer matrix method in combination with thermo-optical properties, we numerically calculate the optical response of two types of photonic crystals: Distributed Bragg Reflectors (DBRs) and Fabry–Perot microcavities (FPMs). The results reveal that the photonic bandgap shifts with increasing temperature and pressure, with the defect mode in the microcavity notably shifting to longer wavelengths as the temperature rises. Additionally, we explore the transformation of PSi into porous quartz (PQz) via thermal oxidation, which preserves the porosity and multilayer structure, while altering the chemical composition. This results in geometrically identical photonic systems with distinct chemical properties, offering enhanced stability. Our simulations show that PSi structures exhibit a redshift in the photonic bandgap due to thermal expansion, while PQz structures remain optically stable even at elevated temperatures. This work highlights the potential of PQz as a robust material for high-temperature photonic applications, with tunable optical properties and stable performance under extreme conditions. The findings emphasize the feasibility of using porous-silicon-based photonic crystals for advanced optical devices in harsh environments. Full article

Cyanobacterial cytochrome c6 (Cyt c6) is crucial for electron transfer between the cytochrome b6f complex and photosystem I (PSI), playing a key role in photosynthesis and enhancing adaptation to extreme environments. This study investigates the high-resolution crystal structures of Cyt c6 from Synechococcus elongatus PCC 7942 and Synechocystis PCC 6803, focusing on its dimerization mechanisms and functional implications for photosynthesis. Cyt c6 was expressed in Escherichia coli using a dual-plasmid co-expression system and characterized in both oxidized and reduced states. X-ray crystallography revealed three distinct crystal forms, with asymmetric units containing 2, 4, or 12 molecules, all of which consist of repeating dimeric structures. Structural comparisons across species indicated that dimerization predominantly occurs through hydrophobic interactions within a conserved motif around the heme crevice, despite notable variations in dimer positioning. We propose that the dimerization of Cyt c6 enhances structural stability, optimizes electron transfer kinetics, and protects the protein from oxidative damage. Furthermore, we used AlphaFold3 to predict the structure of the PSI-Cyt c6 complex, revealing specific interactions that may facilitate efficient electron transfer. These findings provide new insights into the functional role of Cyt c6 dimerization and its contribution to improving cyanobacterial photosynthetic electron transport. Full article

1-Methyl cyclopropene (1-MCP) is known as an ethylene antagonist, yet its mechanisms in regulating photosynthetic electron transport and energy dissipation in chrysanthemum under heat stress are not well understood. Here, the chlorophyll a fluorescence and modulated 820 nm reflection transients were analyzed in heat-tolerant and heat-sensitive chrysanthemum plants. This study demonstrates that 1-MCP pre-treatment helps maintain the net photosynthetic rate (P_n) and the reaction center activity of photosystems I and II (PSI and PSII) during heat stress. Specifically, 1-MCP treatment significantly increases the fraction of active oxygen-evolving complex (OEC) centers and reduces relative variable fluorescence intensity at the J step (V_J) as well as the efficiency of electron transfer at the PSI acceptor side (δ_Ro). These effects mitigate damage to the photosynthetic electron transport chain. Additionally, 1-MCP-treated plants exhibit decreased quantum yield of energy dissipation (φ_Do) and reduced energy flux per reaction center (DI_o/RC). Overall, 1-MCP enhances light utilization efficiency and excitation energy dissipation in the PSII antennae, alleviating heat stress-induced damage to PSI and PSII structures and functions. This study not only advances our understanding of 1-MCP’s regulatory role in photosynthetic processes under heat stress but also provides a basis for using exogenous substances to improve chrysanthemum heat resistance. Full article

Background/Objectives: Patient-specific instrumentation (PSI) in total knee arthroplasty (TKA) uses preoperative three-dimensional imaging to create cutting blocks tailored to patient anatomy. However, there is debate regarding the additional benefits of PSI in terms of improved alignment or functional outcomes compared to using conventional instruments. Although PSI design has undergone continuous development, the improvements have not been incorporated. Therefore, the aim of this study was to compare the surgical time and radiological outcomes between advanced-design PSI and conventional instruments. Methods: We conducted a retrospective review of 328 patients who underwent primary TKAs using PSI for osteoarthritis and compared them with 328 matched patients who underwent TKA performed with conventional instruments during the same period (March 2023 to August 2024). We compared the surgical time and component alignment between the advanced-design PSI group and the conventional instrument group. Results: The average surgical time was significantly shorter in the advanced-design PSI group (47.6 ± 12.4 min) compared to the conventional instrument group (59.2 ± 14.2 min, p < 0.05). The advanced PSI design group had a significantly lower occurrence of outliers in hip–knee–ankle alignment (7%) compared to the conventional instrument group (36.3%). This trend was also observed in femoral coronal alignment, tibial coronal alignment, and femoral sagittal alignment. Conclusions: The use of advanced-design PSI demonstrated significantly reduced surgical time and improved alignment compared to conventional instruments. This highlights that proper design is a key factor for PSI to achieve superior biomechanical effects. Our study shows that advanced-design PSI technology has the potential to replace conventional instruments in TKA, though further research is required to determine its clinical outcomes and economic benefits. Full article

The development of biocompatible hydrogels for 3D bioprinting is essential for creating functional tissue models and advancing preclinical drug testing. This study investigates the formulation, printability, mechanical properties, and biocompatibility of a novel Alg-Gel hydrogel blend (alginate and gelatin) for use in extrusion-based 3D bioprinting. A range of hydrogel compositions were evaluated for their rheological behavior, including shear-thinning properties, storage modulus, and compressive modulus, which are crucial for maintaining structural integrity during printing and supporting cell viability. The printability assessment of the 7% alginate–8% gelatin hydrogel demonstrated that the 27T tapered needle achieved the highest normalized Printability Index (POI_normalized = 1), offering the narrowest strand width (0.56 ± 0.02 mm) and the highest printing accuracy (97.2%) at the lowest printing pressure (30 psi). In contrast, the 30R needle, with the smallest inner diameter (0.152 mm) and highest printing pressure (80 psi), resulted in the widest strand width (0.70 ± 0.01 mm) and the lowest accuracy (88.8%), resulting in a POI_normalized of 0.274. The 30T and 27R needles demonstrated moderate performance, with POI_normalized values of 0.758 and 0.558, respectively. The optimized 7% alginate and 8% gelatin blend demonstrated favorable printability, mechanical strength, and cell compatibility with MDA-MB-213 breast cancer cells, exhibiting high cell proliferation rates and minimal cytotoxicity over a 2-week culture period. This formulation offers a balanced approach, providing sufficient viscosity for precision printing while minimizing shear stress to preserve cell health. This work lays the groundwork for future advancements in bioprinted cancer models, contributing to the development of more effective tools for drug screening and personalized medicine. Full article

Background: Femoral neck fractures are rare but serious injuries in children and adolescents, often resulting from high-energy trauma and prone to complications like avascular necrosis (AVN) and nonunion. Even rarer is the development of slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE) following femoral neck fracture, which presents unique diagnostic and treatment challenges. SCFE can destabilize the femoral head, with severe cases requiring complex surgical interventions. Case presentation: This report details a case of a 15-year-old male with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) who developed severe SCFE one month after treatment for a Delbet type III femoral neck fracture. The condition was managed with an Imhäuser intertrochanteric osteotomy (ITO), in situ fixation (ISF), and osteochondroplasty (OChP), supported by virtual surgical planning (VSP) and 3D-printed patient-specific instruments (PSIs) for precise correction and fixation. Discussion: The surgery was completed without complications. Six months after the operation, the patient exhibited a pain-free, mobile hip with radiographic evidence of fracture healing and no signs of AVN. Functional outcomes were favorable despite rehabilitation challenges due to ASD. Conclusions: The Imhäuser ITO, combined with ISF and OChP, effectively addressed severe SCFE after femoral neck fracture, minimizing AVN risk. VSP and PSIs enhanced surgical accuracy and efficiency, demonstrating their value in treating rare and complex pediatric orthopedic conditions. Full article

Roads are essential for economic development, facilitating the circulation of services and resources. This research seeks to provide local governments with a comprehensive framework to enhance road maintenance, focusing on the surface and functional evaluation of pavements. It compares the conventional methods International Roughness Index (IRI) and the Pavement Condition Index (PCI) with novel methodologies that employ smart technologies. The efficiency of such technologies in the maintenance of local roads in Peru is analyzed, taking as a case study a 2 km section of the AR-780 highway in the city of Arequipa. The International Roughness Index (IRI) obtained through the Merlin Roughness Meter and the Roadroid application were compared, finding a minimum variation of 4.0% in the left lane and 8.7% in the right lane. Roadroid turned out to be 60 times faster than the conventional method, with a cost difference of 220.11 soles/km (USD $57.92/km). Both methods classified the Present Serviceability Index (PSI) as good, validating the accuracy of Roadroid. In addition, the Pavement Condition Index (PCI) was evaluated with conventional methods and a DJI Mavic 2 Pro drone, finding a variation of 6.9%. The cost difference between the methodologies was 1047.73 soles/km (USD $275.72/km), and the use of the drone proved to be 10 times faster than visual inspection. This study contributes to closing the knowledge gap regarding the use of smart technologies for better pavement management on local roads, so the actors in charge of such infrastructure make decisions based on science, contributing to the well-being of the population. Full article

Backgrounds/Objectives: Despite the increasing importance of the condition of post-stroke cognitive impairment (PSCI), the current therapy efficacy is limited. Since oxidative stress and inflammation are targeted in anti-stroke therapy, we aimed to assess the protective effect against PSI of an orodispersible film loaded with silkworm pupae hydrolysate and a combined extract of holy basil and ginger (JP1), which show antioxidant, and anti-inflammation effects. Methods: Male Wistar rats (200–250 g) were administered JP1 at doses of 1, 10, and 100 mg/kg BW 45 min before a 6 h immobilization stress exposure for 14 days. Then, the right middle cerebral artery was permanently occluded (MCAO) and JP1 was continually administered for 21 days after MCAO. Spatial and non-spatial memory and the possible underlying mechanisms were also explored. Results: JP1 improved oxidative stress, inflammation, apoptosis, Erk signaling pathway, cholinergic function, and the growth of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium spp. in feces. These results suggest that JP1 improves PSCI, possibly involving the above mechanisms. Furthermore, serum corticosterone also decreased. Conclusions: Our results suggest that JP1 is a potential candidate for combating PSCI following exposure to stroke plus stress. However, a clear understanding of the precise active ingredient and the detailed mechanisms require further investigation. Full article

Plant aspartic proteinases (APs) from Cynara cardunculus feature unique plant-specific insert (PSI) domains, which serve as essential vacuolar sorting determinants, mediating the transport of proteins to the vacuole. Although their role in vacuolar trafficking is well established, the exact molecular mechanisms that regulate PSI interactions and functions remain largely unknown. This study explores the ability of PSI A and PSI B to form homo- and heterodimers using a combination of pull-down assays, the mating-based split-ubiquitin system (mbSUS), and FRET-FLIM analyses. Pull-down assays provided preliminary evidence of potential PSI homo- and heterodimer formation. This was conclusively validated by the more robust in vivo mbSUS and FRET-FLIM assays, which clearly demonstrated the formation of both homo- and heterodimers between PSI A and PSI B within cellular environments. These findings suggest that PSI dimerization is related to their broader functional role, particularly in protein trafficking. Results open new avenues for future research to explore the full extent of PSI dimerization and its implications in plant cellular processes. Full article

Understanding photosynthetic mechanisms in different plant species is crucial for advancing agricultural productivity and ecological restoration. This study presents a detailed physiological and ultrastructural comparison of photosynthetic mechanisms between Hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis L.) and Pelargonium (Pelargonium zonale (L.) L’Hér. Ex Aiton) plants. The data collection encompassed daily photosynthetic profiles, responses to light and CO₂, leaf optical properties, fluorescence data (OJIP transients), biochemical analyses, and anatomical observations. The findings reveal distinct morphological, optical, and biochemical adaptations between the two species. These adaptations were associated with differences in photochemical (A_MAX, E, C_i, iWUE, and α) and carboxylative parameters (VC_MAX, ΓCO₂, g_s, g_m, Cc, and AJ_MAX), along with variations in fluorescence and concentrations of chlorophylls and carotenoids. Such factors modulate the efficiency of photosynthesis. Energy dissipation mechanisms, including thermal and fluorescence pathways (ΦPSII, ETR, NPQ), and JIP test-derived metrics highlighted differences in electron transport, particularly between PSII and PSI. At the ultrastructural level, Hibiscus exhibited optimised cellular and chloroplast architecture, characterised by increased chloroplast density and robust grana structures. In contrast, Pelargonium displayed suboptimal photosynthetic parameters, possibly due to reduced thylakoid counts and a higher proportion of mitochondria. In conclusion, while Hibiscus appears primed for efficient photosynthesis and energy storage, Pelargonium may prioritise alternative cellular functions, engaging in a metabolic trade-off. Full article

Salt stress could be a significant factor limiting the growth and development of vegetables. In this study, Fulvic Acid (FA) (0.05%, 0.1%, 0.15%, 0.2%, and 0.25%) was applied under nitrate stress (150 mM), with normal Hoagland nutrient solution as a control to investigate the influence of foliar spray FA on spinach growth, photosynthesis, and oxidative stress under nitrate stress. The results showed that nitrate stress significantly inhibited spinach growth, while ROS (reactive oxygen species) accumulation caused photosystem damage, which reduced photosynthetic capacity. Different concentrations of FA alleviated the damage caused by nitrate stress in spinach to varying degrees in a concentration-dependent manner. The F3 treatment (0.15% FA + 150 mM NO₃⁻) exhibited the most significant mitigating effect. FA application promoted the accumulation of biomass in spinach under nitrate stress and increased chlorophyll content, the net photosynthetic rate, the maximum photochemical quantum yield of PSII (Photosystem II) (Fv/Fm), the quantum efficiency of PSII photochemistry [Y(II)], the electron transport rate, and the overall functional activity index of the electron transport chain between the PSII and PSI systems (PItotal); moreover, FA decreased PSII excitation pressure (1 − qP), quantum yields of regulated energy dissipation of PSII [Y(NPQ)], and the relative variable initial slope of fluorescence. FA application increased superoxide dismutase, peroxidase, and catalase activities and decreased malondialdehyde, H₂O₂, and O₂⁻ levels in spinach under nitrate stress. FA can enhance plant resistance to nitrate by accelerating the utilization of light energy in spinach to mitigate excess light energy and ROS-induced photosystem damage and increase photosynthetic efficiency. Full article

The existence of propane (C₃H₈) in a CO₂-oil mixture has great potential for increasing CO₂ solubility and decreasing minimum miscibility pressure (MMP). In this study, the enhanced solubility, reduced viscosity, and lowered MMP of CO₂-saturated crude oil in the presence of various amounts of C₃H₈ have been systematically examined at the reservoir conditions. Experimentally, a piston-equipped pressure/volume/temperature (PVT) cell is first validated by accurately reproducing the bubble-point pressures of the pure component of C₃H₈ at temperatures of 30, 40, and 50 °C with both continuous and stepwise depressurization methods. The validated cell is well utilized to measure the saturation pressures of the CO₂-C₃H₈-oil systems by identifying the turning point on a P-V diagram at a given temperature. Accordingly, the gas solubilities of a CO₂, C₃H₈, and CO₂-C₃H₈ mixture in crude oil at pressures up to 1600 psi and a temperature range of 25–50 °C are measured. In addition, the viscosity of gas-saturated crude oil in a single liquid phase is measured using an in-line viscometer, where the pressure is maintained to be higher than its saturation pressure. Theoretically, a modified Peng–Robinson equation of state (PR EOS) is utilized as the primary thermodynamic model in this work. The crude oil is characterized as both a single and multiple pseudo-component(s). An exponential distribution function, together with a logarithm-type lumping method, is applied to characterize the crude oil. Two linear binary interaction parameters (BIP) correlations have been developed for CO₂-oil binaries and C₃H₈-oil binaries to accurately reproduce the measured saturation pressures. Moreover, the MMPs of the CO₂-oil mixture in the presence and absence of C₃H₈ have been determined with the assistance of the tie-line method. It has been found that the developed mathematical model can accurately calculate the saturation pressures of C₃H₈ and/or CO₂-oil systems with an absolute average relative deviation (AARD) of 2.39% for 12 feed experiments. Compared to CO₂, it is demonstrated that C₃H₈ is more soluble in the crude oil at the given pressure and temperature. The viscosity of gas-saturated crude oil can decrease from 9.50 cP to 1.89 cP and the averaged MMP from 1490 psi to 1160 psi at 50 °C with the addition of an average 16.02 mol% C₃H₈ in the CO₂-oil mixture. Full article

Gravel packing in deep-water horizontal wells is an effective and practical sand control method, which is a key technical method to ensure efficient exploitation of deep-water oil and gas. To ensure the successful implementation of gravel packing in deep water horizontal wells, it is crucial to carry out effective optimization design of packing parameters. This paper proposes a novel optimization design approach for gravel packing in deep-water horizontal wells. In the proposed approach, an optimization model is proposed for gravel packing in deep-water horizontal wells, in which the gravel packing length is regarded as the objective function. Then, an improved artificial electric field algorithm (IAEFA) is introduced for optimizing the key gravel packing parameters so as to determine the maximum gravel packing length. For a specific case study, we conducted optimization calculations for gravel packing in a deep-water horizontal well. Results of the case study demonstrate that the optimization design approach based on the IAEFA algorithm can effectively address the parameter optimization problem of deep-water horizontal well gravel packing. For the target well of the case study, the maximum packing length obtained by the IAEFA algorithm could reach 1000.22 m, and the corresponding 3 sets of optimal packing parameters were also obtained. In the scenario of optimal packing parameters, the total time of gravel packing in target well is 566.6 min, and the total amount of sand consumption is 54,050.94 lbs. The bottom hole pressure during the injection stage remains stable with about 9780 psi, then slowly rises from 9788 psi to 9837 psi in the α-wave packing stage, and rapidly increases from 9837 psi to 9986 psi in the β-wave packing stage. The proposed approach provides an efficient and practical optimization tool for the optimal design of gravel packing in deep water horizontal wells. Full article