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Pradofloxacin is the newest of the veterinary fluoroquinolones to be approved for use in animals—initially companion animals and most recently food animals. It has a broad spectrum of in vitro activity, working actively against Gram-positive/negative, atypical and some anaerobic microorganisms. It simultaneously targets DNA gyrase (topoisomerase type II) and topoisomerase type IV, suggesting a lower propensity to select for antimicrobial resistance. The purpose of this study was to determine the rate and extent of bacterial killing by pradofloxacin against bovine strains of Mannheimia haemolytica and Pasteurella multocida, in comparison with several other agents (ceftiofur, enrofloxacin, florfenicol, marbofloxacin, tildipirosin, tilmicosin and tulathromycin) using four clinically relevant drug concentrations: minimum inhibitory and mutant prevention drug concentration, maximum serum and maximum tissue drug concentrations. At the maximum serum and tissue drug concentrations, pradofloxacin killed 99.99% of M. haemolytica cells following 5 min of drug exposure (versus growth to 76% kill rate for the other agents) and 94.1–98.6% of P. multocida following 60–120 min of drug exposure (versus growth to 98.6% kill rate for the other agents). Statistically significant differences in kill rates were seen between the various drugs tested depending on drug concentration and time of sampling after drug exposure.

Pradofloxacin—a dual-targeting fluoroquinolone—is the most recent approved for use in food animals. Minimum inhibitory and mutant prevention concentration values were determined for pradofloxacin, ceftiofur, enrofloxacin, florfenicol, marbofloxacin, tildipirosin, tilmicosin, and tulathromycin. For M. haemolytica strains, MIC50/90/100 values were ≤0.016/≤0.016/≤0.016 and MPC50/90/100 values were 0.031/0.063/0.063; for P. multocida strains, the MIC50/90/100 values ≤0.016/≤0.016/0.031 and MPC50/90/100 ≤ 0.016/0.031/0.063 for pradofloxacin. The pradofloxacin Cmax/MIC90 and Cmax/MPC90 values for M. haemolytica and P. multocida strains, respectively, were 212.5 and 53.9 and 212.5 and 109.7. Similarly, AUC24/MIC90 and AUC24/MPC90 for M. haemolytica were 825 and 209.5, and for P. multocida, they were 825 and 425.8. Pradofloxacin would exceed the mutant selection window for >12–16 h. Pradofloxacin appears to have a low likelihood for resistance selection against key bovine respiratory disease bacterial pathogens based on low MIC and MPC values.

Research in the field of pharmacology aims to generate new treatments for pathologies. Nowadays, there are an increased number of chronic disorders that severely and durably handicap many patients. Among the most widespread pathologies, obesity, which is often associated with diabetes, is constantly increasing in incidence, and in parallel, neurodegenerative and mood disorders are increasingly affecting many people. For years, these pathologies have been so frequently observed in the population in a concomitant way that they are considered as comorbidities. In fact, common mechanisms are certainly at work in the etiology of these pathologies. The main purpose of this review is to show the value of anticipating the effect of baseline treatment of a condition on its comorbidity in order to obtain concomitant positive actions. One of the implications would be that by understanding and targeting shared molecular mechanisms underlying these conditions, it may be possible to tailor drugs that address both simultaneously. To this end, we firstly remind readers of the close link existing between depression and diabetes and secondly address the potential benefit of the pleiotropic actions of two major active molecules used to treat central and peripheral disorders, first a serotonin reuptake inhibitor (Prozac ®) and then GLP-1R agonists. In the second part, by discussing the therapeutic potential of new experimental antidepressant molecules, we will support the concept that a better understanding of the intracellular signaling pathways targeted by pharmacological agents could lead to future synergistic treatments targeting solely positive effects for comorbidities.

The assessment of the future thermodynamics performance of a retrofitted heat and power production unit is prone to many uncertainties due to the large number of parameters involved in the modeling of all its components. To carry out uncertainty quantification analysis, alternatives to the traditional Monte Carlo method must be used due to the large stochastic dimension of the problem. In this paper, sparse polynomial chaos expansion (SPCE) is applied to the retrofit of a large coal-fired power plant into a biomass-fired combined heat and power unit to quantify the main drivers and the overall uncertainty on the plant’s performance. The thermodynamic model encompasses over 180 components and 1500 parameters. A methodology combining the use of SPCE and expert judgment is proposed to narrow down the sources of uncertainty and deliver reliable probability distributions for the main key performance indicators (KPIs). The impact of the uncertainties on each input parameter vary with the considered KPI and its assessment through the computation of Sobol’ indices. For both coal and biomass operations, the most impactful input parameters are the composition of the fuel and its heating value. The uncertainty on the performance and steam quality parameters is not much affected by the retrofit. Key furnace parameters exhibit a skewed probability distribution with large uncertainties, which is a strong attention point in terms of boiler operation and maintenance.

Background: Increasing evidence suggests the beneficial effects of probiotics in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), but little is known about how they can impact the gut microbiota. Our objective was to evaluate the effects of a multistrain probiotic on IBS symptoms, gut permeability and gut microbiota in patients with diarrhoea-predominant IBS (IBS-D). Methods: Adults with IBS-D were enrolled in an open-label trial to receive a multistrain probiotic for 4 weeks. Abdominal pain, stool frequency, quality of life, gut permeability, and the luminal and adherent microbiota from colonic biopsies were evaluated before and after supplementation. Results: Probiotics significantly improved symptoms and quality of life, despite having no impact on permeability in the global population. In the population stratified by the response, the diarrhoea responders displayed reduced colonic permeability after supplementation. The luminal and adherent microbiota were specifically altered depending on the patients’ clinical responses regarding pain and diarrhoea. Interestingly, we identified a microbial signature in IBS-D patients that could predict a response or lack of response to supplementation. Conclusions: The multistrain probiotic improved the symptoms of IBS-D patients and induced distinct effects on the gut microbiota according to the patient’s clinical response and initial microbiota composition. Our study further supports the need to develop individualised probiotic-based approaches regarding IBS.

Macrolide antimicrobial agents have been in clinical use for more than 60 years in both human and veterinary medicine. The discovery of the non-antimicrobial properties of macrolides and the effect of immunomodulation of the inflammatory response has benefited patients with chronic airway diseases and impacted morbidity and mortality. This review examines the evidence of antimicrobial and non-antimicrobial properties of macrolides in human and veterinary medicine with a focus toward veterinary macrolides but including important and relevant evidence from the human literature. The complete story for these complex and important molecules is continuing to be written.

In this paper, we present how complementary characterization techniques, such as electrical measurements with a vector network analyzer (VNA), optical measurements with a laser Doppler vibrometer (LDV), and numerical simulations with the finite element method, coupled with spectral domain analysis (FEMSDA), allow us to independently access different properties of a SAW device and fully characterize its operation using the coupling-of-modes theory (COM). A set of chemical SAW sensors coated with parylene C layers of different thicknesses (1, 1.5, and 2 µm) and an uncoated sensor were used as test samples. The sensors represent dual-channel electroacoustic delay lines operating in the vicinity of 77 MHz. The IDTs consist of split aluminum electrodes deposited on a AT-cut quartz substrate. The thickness-dependent influence of the parylene C layer was observed on the operating frequency (SAW velocity), static capacitance, attenuation, crosstalk, and reflection coefficient. COM parameters were reported for the four cases considered; measured and simulated data show good agreement. The presented approach is suitable for the design, characterization, and validation of polymer film-coated SAW sensors.

European sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) are a major aquaculture species that live in habitats with fluctuating salinities that are sometimes higher than in seawater (SW). Atlantic and West-Mediterranean genetic lineages were compared regarding intestinal neuropeptide receptor expression in SW (36%) and following a two-week transfer to hypersalinity (HW, 55%). Phylogenetic analysis revealed seven neuropeptide receptors belonging to the arginine vasotocine (AVTR) family and two isotocin receptors (ITR). Among AVTR paralogs, the highest mRNA levels were recorded for v1a2, with a two- to fourfold upregulation in the European sea bass intestinal sections after transfer of fish to HW. Principal component analysis in posterior intestines showed that v1a2 expression grouped together with the expression and activity of main ion transporters and channels involved in solute-coupled water uptake, indicating a possible role of this receptor in triggering water absorption. v1a1 expression, however, was decreased or did not change after transfer to hypersaline water. Among ITR paralogs, itr1 was the most expressed paralog in the intestine and opposite expression patterns were observed following salinity transfer, comparing intestinal sections. Overall, different expression profiles were observed between genetic lineages for several analyzed genes which could contribute to different osmotic stress-related responses in D. labrax lineages.

Distinct absorption peaks, with maxima at around 328 nm and a shoulder at 360 nm, were observed in the UV region of the absorption spectra for both the particulate and dissolved fractions of water samples collected in Keppel Bay (NE Australia) during the presence of sporadic Trichodesmium colonies. The largest absorption coefficients for these peaks were observed in samples collected in the near-surface waters (top 2–3 cm). Values approximately 3.5–6 times greater for aCDOM(328) and 13–36 times greater for ap(328) were observed in the near-surface samples compared to those collected from the top 20 cm of the water column at the same sites. Similar UV-absorption peaks observed in other studies have been attributed to the presence of mycosporine-like amino acids (MAAs). Increased UV absorption can affect both the magnitude of the absorption coefficients in the blue end of the visible region and the spectral slope of the exponential model commonly used to describe the CDOM absorption coefficient. This, in turn, can significantly affect the accuracy of satellite retrieved estimates of ocean colour products related to CDOM and particulate absorption coefficients. In tropical waters where Trichodesmium blooms are prevalent, regional ocean colour algorithms need to be developed using in situ bio-optical measurements from both the UV and visible regions of the spectra.

Increasing the share of Renewable energy sources in District Heating (DH) systems is of great importance to mitigate their CO2 emissions. The combined integration of Solar Thermal Collectors (STC) and Thermal Energy Storage (TES) into existing Combined Heat and Power (CHP) systems can be a very cost-effective way to do so. This paper aims at finding the optimal design of STC and TES systems integrated in existing CHP’s considering two distinct objectives: economic profitability and environmental impact. To do so, we developed a three-stage framework based on Pareto-optimal solutions generated by multi-objective optimization, a Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS)-entropy method to select the optimal solution, followed by the definition of final Operation strategy. We proposed relevant improvement of the state-of-the-art models used in similar analysis. We also applied the proposed methodology to the case of a representative, 12 MWth CHP plant. Our results show that, while the addition of TES or STC alone results in limited performances and/or higher costs, both the cost and the CO2 emissions can be reduced by integrating the optimal combination of STC and TES. For the selected, optimal solution, carbon emissions are reduced by 10%, while the Annual Total Cost (ATC) is reduced by 3%. It also improves the operational flexibility and the efficiency by peak load shaving, load valley filling and thus by decreasing the peak load boiler operation. Compared to the addition of STC alone, the use of TES results in an increased efficiency, from 88% to 92%. The optimal share of STC is then increased from 7% to 10%.

Urinary tract infections are common in dogs, necessitating antimicrobial therapy. We determined the speed and extent of in vitro killing of canine urinary tract infection pathogens by five antimicrobial agents (ampicillin, cephalexin, marbofloxacin, pradofloxacin, and trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole) following the first 3 h of drug exposure. Minimum inhibitory and mutant prevention drug concentrations were determined for each strain. In vitro killing was determined by exposing bacteria to clinically relevant drug concentrations and recording the log10 reduction and percent kill in viable cells at timed intervals. Marbofloxacin and pradofloxacin killed more bacterial cells, and faster than other agents, depending on the time of sampling and drug concentration. Significant differences were seen between drugs for killing Escherichia coli, Proteus mirabilis, Enterococcus faecalis, and Staphylococcus pseudintermedius strains. At the maximum urine drug concentrations, significantly more E. coli cells were killed by marbofloxacin than by ampicillin (p < 0.0001), cephalexin (p < 0.0001), and TMP/SMX (p < 0.0001) and by pradofloxacin than by cephalexin (p < 0.0001) and TMP/SMX (p < 0.0001), following 5 min of drug exposure. Rapid killing of bacteria should inform thinking on drug selection for short course therapy for uncomplicated UTIs, without compromising patient care, and is consistent with appropriate antimicrobial use and stewardship principles.

The green synthesis of nanoparticles has emerged as a simple, safe, sustainable, reliable and eco-friendly protocol. Among different types of NPs, green-synthesized zinc oxide NPs (ZnONPs) show various promising biological uses due to their interesting magnetic, electrical, optical and chemical characteristics. Keeping in view the dependence of the therapeutic efficacy of NPs on their physico-chemical characteristics, the green synthesis of ZnONPs using Casuarina equisetifolia leaf extract under UV-A and UV-C light was carried out in this study. UV-irradiation helped to control the size and morphology of ZnONPs by exciting the electrons in the photoactive compounds of plant extracts to enhance the bio-reduction of ZnO into ZnONPs. C. equisetifolia leaf extract was found enriched with phenolic (2.47 ± 0.12 mg GAE/g DW) and flavonoid content (0.88 ± 0.28 mg QE/g DW) contributing to its 74.33% free-radical scavenging activity. FTIR spectra showed the involvement of polyphenols in the bio-reduction, stabilization and capping of ZnONPs. Moreover, SEM-EDX and XRD analyses showed great potential of UV-C light in yielding smaller (34–39 nm) oval-shaped ZnONPs, whereas UV-A irradiation resulted in the formation of fairly spherical 67–71 nm ZnONPs and control ZnONPs were of mixed shape and even larger size (84–89 nm). Green-synthesized ZnONPs, notably CE-UV-C-ZnONPs, showed promising anti-bacterial activities against Bacillus subtilis, Pseudomonas fluorescens and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Moreover, ZnONPs also enhanced ROS production which led to a significant loss of mitochondrial membrane potential and activated caspase-3 gene expression and caspase-3/7 activity in human hepatocellular carcinoma (HepG2) cells. CE-UV-C-ZnONP treatment reduced HepG2 cell viability to as low as 36.97% owing to their unique shape and smaller size. Lastly, ZnONPs were found to be highly biocompatible towards brine shrimp and human red blood cells suggesting their bio-safe nature. This research study sheds light on the plausible role of UV radiation in the green synthesis of ZnONPs with reasonable control over their size and morphology, thus improving their biological efficacy.

This paper aims at assessing the impact of retrofitting an existing, 730 MWe, coal-fired power plant into a biomass-fired combined heat and power (CHP) plant on its energetic and exergetic performances. A comprehensive thermodynamic model of the power plant was developed and validated against field data, resulting in less than 1% deviation between the model and the measurements for the main process parameters. The validated model was then used to predict the behaviour of the biomass CHP after retrofitting. The modelled CHP unit is coupled to a steam-explosion biomass upgrading plant, a biorefinery process, and a high-temperature heat network. 13 scenarios were studied. At constant boiler load, delivering heat to the considered heat clients can increase the total energy efficiency of the plant from 44% (electricity only) to 64%, while the total exergy efficiency decreases from 39% to 35%. A total energy efficiency of 67% could be reached by lowering the network temperature from 120∘C to 70∘C. Identifying the needed heat clients could, however, represent a limiting factor to reach such high efficiencies. For a constant power demand, increasing the boiler load from 80 to 100% in order to provide additional heat makes the total energy efficiency increase from 43% to 55%, while the total exergy efficiency decreases from 39% to 36%.

A nano-revolution based on the green synthesis of nanomaterials could affect all areas of human life, and nanotechnology represents a propitious platform for various biomedical applications. During the synthesis of nanoparticles, various factors can control their physiognomies and clinical activities. Light is one of the major physical factors that can play an important role in tuning/refining the properties of nanoparticles. In this study, biocompatible monometallic (AgNPs and ZnONPs) and bimetallic Ag–ZnONPs (0.1/0.1 and 0.1/0.5) were synthesized under UV-C light irradiation from the leaf extract of Morus macroura, which possesses enriched TPC (4.238 ± 0.26 mg GAE/g DW) and TFC (1.073 ± 0.18 mg QE/g DW), as well as strong FRSA (82.39%). These green synthesized NPs were evaluated for their anti-diabetic, anti-glycation, and biocompatibility activities. Furthermore, their anti-cancerous activity against HepG2 cell lines was assessed in terms of cell viability, production of reactive oxygen/nitrogen species, mitochondrial membrane potential, and apoptotic caspase-3/7 expression and activity. Synthesized NPs were characterized by techniques including ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy, SEM, EDX, FTIR, and XRD. UV-C mediated monometallic and bimetallic NPs showed well-defined characteristic shapes with a more disperse particle distribution, definite crystalline structures, and reduced sizes as compared to their respective controls. In the case of clinical activities, the highest anti-diabetic activity (67.77 ± 3.29% against α-amylase and 35.83 ± 2.40% against α-glucosidase) and anti-glycation activity (37.68 ± 3.34% against pentosidine-like AGEs and 67.87 ± 2.99% against vesperlysine-like AGEs) was shown by UV-C mediated AgNPs. The highest biocompatibility (IC50 = 14.23 ± 1.68 µg/mL against brine shrimp and 2.48 ± 0.32% hemolysis of human red blood cells) was shown by UV-C mediated ZnONPs. In the case of anti-cancerous activities, the lowest viability (23.45 ± 1.40%) with enhanced ROS/NOS production led to a significant disruption of mitochondrial membrane potential and greater caspase-3/7 gene expression and activity by UV-C mediated bimetallic Ag–ZnONPs (0.1/0.5). The present work highlights the positive effects of UV-C light on physico-chemical physiognomies as well as the clinical activities of NPs.

Achieving the full potential of magnesium-ion batteries (MIBs) is still a challenge due to the lack of adequate electrodes or electrolytes. Grignard-based electrolytes show excellent Mg plating/stripping, but their incompatibility with oxide cathodes restricts their use. Conventional electrolytes like bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide ((Mg(TFSI)2) solutions are incompatible with Mg metal, which hinders their application in high-energy Mg batteries. In this regard, alloys can be game changers. The insertion/extraction of Mg2+ in alloys is possible in conventional electrolytes, suggesting the absence of a passivation layer or the formation of a conductive surface layer. Yet, the role and influence of this layer on the alloys performance have been studied only scarcely. To evaluate the reactivity of alloys, we studied InSb as a model material. Ex situ X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy were used to investigate the surface behavior of InSb in both Grignard and conventional Mg(TFSI)2/DME electrolytes. For the Grignard electrolyte, we discovered an intrinsic instability of both solvent and salt against InSb. XPS showed the formation of a thick surface layer consisting of hydrocarbon species and degradation products from the solvent (THF) and salt (C2H5MgCl−(C2H5)2AlCl). On the contrary, this study highlighted the stability of InSb in Mg(TFSI)2 electrolyte.

Background: Besifloxacin ophthalmic suspension 0.6% (w/v%) contains benzalkonium chloride (BAK) as a preservative. We evaluated the in vitro time-kill activity of besifloxacin, alone and in combination with BAK, against common bacteria implicated in ophthalmic infections. Methods: The activity of besifloxacin (100 µg/mL), BAK (10, 15, 20, and 100 µg/mL), and combinations of besifloxacin and BAK were evaluated against isolates of Staphylococcus epidermidis (n = 4), Staphylococcus aureus (n = 3), Haemophilus influenzae (n = 2), and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (n = 2) in time-kill experiments of 180 min duration. With the exception of one S. aureus isolate, all of the staphylococcal isolates were methicillin- and/or ciprofloxacin-resistant; one P. aeruginosa isolate was ciprofloxacin-resistant. The reductions in the viable colony counts (log10 CFU/mL) were plotted against time, and the differences among the time–kill curves were evaluated using an analysis of variance. Areas-under-the-killing-curve (AUKCs) were also computed. Results: Besifloxacin alone demonstrated ≥3-log killing of P. aeruginosa (H. influenzae (S. aureus. BAK alone demonstrated concentration-dependent killing of S. epidermidis, S. aureus and H. influenzae, and at 100 µg/mL produced ≥3-log kills in P. aeruginosa and a variable impact on S. aureus. The greatest reductions in AUKC were observed among H. influenzae (8-fold) and S. epidermidis (≥5-fold). Similar results were found when the isolates were evaluated individually by their resistance phenotype. Conclusions: In addition to confirming the activity of 100 µg/mL BAK as a preservative in the bottle, these data suggest that BAK may help besifloxacin to achieve faster time-kills on-eye in the immediate timeframe post-instillation before extensive dilution against bacterial species implicated in ophthalmic infections, including drug-resistant S. epidermidis. Greater killing activity may help prevent resistance development and/or help treat resistant organisms.

A novel paper-based potentiometric platform for the simple and fast monitoring of water hardness is presented. First, potentiometric ion-selective electrodes for calcium and magnesium printed on a paper substrate were built and optimized. These sensors, which display near-Nernstian sensitivity, were used for the determination of the concentration of these cations and the calculation of the water hardness. Second, the incorporation of a solid-state reference electrode allowed building an integrated paper-based potentiometric cell for the determination of the hardness of artificial and real samples (mineral waters). The validation of the results shows good ability to predict hardness in the conventional scale. Truly decentralized measurements were demonstrated by integration of a miniaturized instrument and dedicated software in a portable device. The measurements were able to be performed in just under two minutes, including a two-point calibration. Since the method is simple to use and cost-effective, it can be implemented in domestic and industrial settings.

Glucocorticoids (GCs) are steroids secreted by the adrenal cortex under the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis control, one of the major neuro-endocrine systems of the organism. These hormones are involved in tissue repair, immune stability, and metabolic processes, such as the regulation of carbohydrate, lipid, and protein metabolism. Globally, GCs are presented as ‘flight and fight’ hormones and, in that purpose, they are catabolic hormones required to mobilize storage to provide energy for the organism. If acute GC secretion allows fast metabolic adaptations to respond to danger, stress, or metabolic imbalance, long-term GC exposure arising from treatment or Cushing’s syndrome, progressively leads to insulin resistance and, in fine, cardiometabolic disorders. In this review, we briefly summarize the pharmacological actions of GC and metabolic dysregulations observed in patients exposed to an excess of GCs. Next, we describe in detail the molecular mechanisms underlying GC-induced insulin resistance in adipose tissue, liver, muscle, and to a lesser extent in gut, bone, and brain, mainly identified by numerous studies performed in animal models. Finally, we present the paradoxical effects of GCs on beta cell mass and insulin secretion by the pancreas with a specific focus on the direct and indirect (through insulin-sensitive organs) effects of GCs. Overall, a better knowledge of the specific action of GCs on several organs and their molecular targets may help foster the understanding of GCs’ side effects and design new drugs that possess therapeutic benefits without metabolic adverse effects.

Candida albicans is an opportunistic pathogen that causes mucosal gastrointestinal (GI) candidiasis tightly associated with gut inflammatory status. The emergence of drug resistance, the side effects of currently available antifungals and the high frequency of recurrent candidiasis indicate that new and improved therapeutics are needed. Probiotics have been suggested as a useful alternative for the management of candidiasis. We demonstrated that oral administration of Lactobacillus gasseri LA806 alone or combined with Lactobacillus helveticus LA401 in Candida albicans-infected mice decrease the Candida colonization of the oesophageal and GI tract, highlighting a protective role for these strains in C. albicans colonization. Interestingly, the probiotic combination significantly modulates the composition of gut microbiota towards a protective profile and consequently dampens inflammatory and oxidative status in the colon. Moreover, we showed that L. helveticus LA401 and/or L. gasseri LA806 orient macrophages towards a fungicidal phenotype characterized by a C-type lectin receptors signature composed of Dectin-1 and Mannose receptor. Our findings suggest that the use of the LA401 and LA806 combination might be a promising strategy to manage GI candidiasis and the inflammation it causes by inducing the intrinsic antifungal activities of macrophages. Thus, the probiotic combination is a good candidate for managing GI candidiasis by inducing fungicidal functions in macrophages while preserving the GI integrity by modulating the microbiota and inflammation.

“Bau Luang” or Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn. is an aquatic medicinal herb that has been used as a component of traditional medicines, medicinal products, and herbal tea for good health, particularly in Asia. The stamen of N. nucifera is an important part of this medicinal plant that is used in the form of dried and/or powdered stamens for herbal tea as well as the main ingredient of some traditional remedies. However, there is another aquatic herb called “Bau Sai” or Nymphaea lotus L. that is distributed in similar locations. Living plants of these two aquatic species may be classified according to their morphology, but the dried and powdered stamens of these two medicinal species are difficult to distinguish. The major reason of adulteration is the higher price of Bau Luang stamen. As a result, various methods of authentication, such as pollen micromorphology evaluation using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis, bioinformatics analysis of two nuclear and plastic DNA markers, phytochemical stamen profiling, and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) analysis of stamen plant material authentication from Bau Luang and Bau Sai, have been used in this present research in order to avoid some adulteration and/or misuse between the dried stamens of Bau Luang and Bau Sai. These results showed that the micro-morphology of pollen (size of pollen grain, number of apertures, and surface ornamentation) from the SEM analysis, some phytochemical compounds and the FTIR sporopollenin-to-protein ratio signal analysis are potential tools for authentication and identification of these two medicinal plants from their dried-stamen materials. This model of investigation may also be used to distinguish dried plant material from other problematic plant groups.

Linum usitatissimum biosynthesizes lignans and neolignans that are diet and medicinally valuable metabolites. In recent years, zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) have emerged as potential elicitors for the enhanced biosynthesis of commercial secondary metabolites. Herein, we investigated the influence of biogenic ZnONPs on both seedlings and stem-derived callus of L. usitatissimum. Seedlings of L. usitatissimum grown on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with ZnONPs (1–1000 mg/L) presented the highest antioxidant activity, total phenolic content, total flavonoid content, peroxidase and superoxide dismutase activities at 500 mg/L, while the maximum plantlet length was achieved with 10 mg/L. Likewise, the high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis revealed the enhanced production of secoisolariciresinol diglucoside, lariciresinol diglucoside, dehydrodiconiferyl alcohol glucoside and guaiacylglycerol-β-coniferyl alcohol ether glucoside in the plantlets grown on the 500 mg/L ZnONPs. On the other hand, the stem explants were cultured on MS media comprising 1-naphthaleneacetic acid (1 mg/L) and ZnONPs (1–50 mg/L). The highest antioxidant and other activities with an enhanced rooting effect were noted in 25 mg/L ZnONP-treated callus. Similarly, the maximum metabolites were also accumulated in 25 mg/L ZnONP-treated callus. In both systems, the dose-dependent production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) was recorded, resulting in oxidative damage with a more pronounced toxic effect on in vitro cultures. Altogether, the results from this study constitute a first comprehensive view of the impact of ZnONPs on the oxidative stress and antioxidant responses in seedlings vs. in vitro cultures.

A link between telomere shortening and oxidative stress was found in aging people and patients with cancer or inflammatory diseases. Extracts of Astragalus spp. are known to stimulate telomerase activity, thereby compensating telomere shortening. We characterized a multi-component hydroethanolic root extract (HRE) of Astragalus mongholicus Bunge and assessed its effects on telomeres compared to those of danazol. Astragalosides I to IV, flavonoids, amino acids and sugars were detected in the HRE. Samples of peripheral blood lymphocytes with short telomeres from 18 healthy donors (mean age 63.5 years; range 32−86 years) were exposed to a single dose of 1 µg/mL HRE or danazol for three days. Telomere length and telomerase expression were then measured. Significant elongation of telomeres associated to a less toxicity was observed in lymphocytes from 13/18 donors following HRE treatment (0.54 kb (0.15−2.06 kb)) and in those from 9/18 donors after danazol treatment (0.95 kb (0.06−2.06 kb)). The rate of cells with short telomeres (

The spatial and temporal variability of phytoplankton blooms was investigated in two tropical coastal regions of northern Australia using the MEdium Resolution Imaging Spectrometer (MERIS) full mission (2002–2012) reduced resolution dataset. Satellite-derived proxies for phytoplankton (Chlorophyll-a (Chl), Fluorescence Line Height (FLH), Maximum Chlorophyll Index (MCI)) and suspended sediment (Total Suspended Matter (TSM)) were jointly analyzed for two clusters of the Great Barrier Reef Wet tropics (GBRW; 15°–19.5°S; Queensland) and the Van Diemen Gulf (VDG; 9°–13°S; Northern Territory). The analysis of time-series and Hovmöller diagrams of the four MERIS products provided a unique perspective on the processes linking phytoplankton blooms and river runoff, or resuspension, across spatio-temporal scales. Both regions are characterized by a complex oceanography and seasonal inflows of sediment, freshwater and nutrients during the tropical wet season months (November to April). The GBRW is characterized by a great variability in water clarity (Secchi depth 0–25 m). A long history of agricultural land use has led to a large increase in the seasonal discharge of sediments and nutrients, triggering seasonal phytoplankton blooms (>0.4 mg∙m−3) between January and April. In contrast, the VDG is a poorly flushed, turbid (Secchi depth 1.0 mg∙m−3) than in the GBRW, occurring up to twice a year between January and April. Over the 10-year MERIS mission, a weak decline in Chl and TSM was observed for the VDG (Sen slope: −2.85%/decade, τ = −0.32 and −3.57%/decade, τ = −0.24; p 0.05), while no significant trend in those two satellite products was observed in the GBRW. Cyanobacteria surface algal blooms occur in both regions between August and October. The MCI and FLH products were found to adequately complement Chl, while TSM provided relevant insight for the assessment of sediment resuspension and river runoff.

Despite their obvious benefit in terms of energy efficiency and their potential benefit on pollutant emissions, Flue Gas Condensers (FGCs) are still not widely spread in biomass combustion plants. Although their costs have significantly decreased during the last decade, the economic viability of FGC retrofits is not straightforward and their return on investments is mainly dependent on the temperature of the available heat sink and the moisture content of the fuel. Based on a new techno-economic model of a FGC validated with recent industrial data, this paper presents a methodology to assess the economic viability of an FGC retrofitting in a medium-scale biomass combustion plant. The proposed methodology is applied to the case of a typical District Heating plant for which real data was collected. For the first time, the usual assumptions of constant process data generally used are challenged by considering the variability of the return temperature and heat demand over the year. Furthermore, a new concept of optimal configurations in terms of energy savings is introduced in this paper and compared to a strictly economic optimum. The economic feasibility is mainly evaluated by means of the Net Present Value (NPV), Discounted Payback Period (DPP), and the Modified Internal Rate of Return (MIRR). As expected, results show that the higher the humidity level and the lower the return temperature, the higher the economic profitability of a project. The NPV is, however, increased when considering variable inputs: Even with an average return temperature of 60 °C, a mixed operation of the FGC as a condenser and an economizer along the year is predicted, which results in an increased profitability assessment. Considering a constant return temperature over the year can lead to a 20% underestimation of the project NPV. An alternative averaging method is proposed, where two distinct temperature zones are considered: above and below the flue gas dew point. The discrepancy with a detailed temperature variation is reduced to a few percents. Our results also show that increasing the FGC surface beyond the highest NPV can lead to substantial energy savings at a reasonable cost, up to a certain level. The energetic optimum we defined can lead to an increase in energy savings by 17% for the same relative decrease of the NPV.

The continual emergence of pathogen resistance is a recurring challenge and pushes for the development of antimicrobial compounds. Here, we investigated compounds from quaking aspen trees (Populus tremuloides) as potential antimicrobial agents. Several extractions using different solvents were realized, and corresponding antimicrobial activity was tested against eight microorganisms. Results revealed that polar extraction solvents including water, ethanol and methanol gave the best extraction yields (>15.07%). Minimal inhibition concentration (MIC) and minimal bactericidal/fungicidal concentration (MBC/MFC) demonstrated that water extracts had the best antimicrobial activity by a weak to moderate inhibition of growth of all eight tested microorganisms in addition to having a bactericidal effect on three of them. The quaking aspen methanol extract also displayed antimicrobial activity but to a lower level than the water extract. Ultra-performance liquid chromatography quadrupole time-of flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-QTOF-MS) analysis led to the identification of 92 compounds, mainly polyphenols in both extracts, with 22 molecules previously known for their antimicrobial properties. According to the relative abundance, 4-hydroxybenzaldehyde (5.44% in methanol extract) and kaempferol (5.03% in water extract) were the most abundant antimicrobial compounds. Among antimicrobial molecules identified, nine were from the flavonoid family. The results of our study demonstrate the interest of using quaking aspen as source of antimicrobial compounds.

Seed imbibition is a very important process in plant biology by which, thanks to a simple water income, a dry seed may turn into a developing organism. In natural conditions, this process occurs in the soil, e.g., with difficult access for a direct observation. Monitoring the seed imbibition with non-invasive imaging techniques is therefore an important and possibly challenging task if one tries to perform it in natural conditions. In this report, we describe a set of four different imaging techniques that enable to addressing this task either in 3D or in 2D. For each technique, the following items are proposed. A detailed experimental protocol is provided to acquire images of the imbibition process. With the illustration of real data, the significance of the physical quantities measured in terms of their relation to the income of water in the seed is presented. Complete image analysis pipelines are then proposed to extract dynamic information on the imbibition process from such monitoring experiments. A final discussion compares the advantages and current limitations of each technique in addition to elements concerning the associated throughput and cost. These are criteria especially relevant in the field of plant phenotyping where large populations of plants are imaged to produce quantitatively significative traits after image processing.

Some of the recent social and technological trends, such as telemedicine, point of care and chemical sensing networks, are creating a growing demand for systems that can generate chemical information everywhere, in real time. [...]

Mass-sensitive electro-acoustic devices such as surface acoustic wave (SAW)micro-balances, capable to operate with aqueous media are particularly favorable for thedevelopment of biosensors. Their dimensions and physical properties offer a large potentialin biological fluid investigations, especially for measuring physical phenomenon (massdeposition, adsorption, pressure...). In this work, we propose a specific gratingconfiguration to lower the influence of viscosity of fluids which reduces the signal dynamicsof the surface wave transducers. A dedicated liquid cell also has been developed to isolatethe electro-active part of the device. The fabrication of the cell is achieved using theSU-8TMphoto-resist, allowing for manufacturing thick structures preventing any contact between thetested liquids and the transducers. Furthermore, the sensing area has been optimized tooptimize the sensor gravimetric sensitivity. The operation of the sensor is illustrated bydetecting bovine serum albumin (BSA) adsorption in the sensing area.

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In this work, the authors show the capabilities of Surface Acoustic Wave (SAW) devices coupled with various absorbents to probe the properties of gas sensitive materials for the manufacturing of hazardous gas sensors. The great capabilities of cobalt corroles for the trapping of carbon monoxide (CO) were exploited to produce selective sensors. These corroles were deposited on SAW delay lines surfaces and then exposed to carbon monoxide (CO) in standard conditions. Concentrations of a few hundreds of ppb were measured emphasizing the interest of such sensors for the detection of CO. Another type of sensitive layers exhibiting specific porosity adapted to the trapping of formaldehyde (CH2O) were deposited on similar delay lines. A detection threshold of 140 ppb was shown. These encouraging results pave the way for the development of a functionalized SAW sensors network for multi-gas detection in indoor air.

The recent discovery of intracellular carbonatogenesis in several cyanobacteria species has challenged the traditional view that this process was extracellular and not controlled. However, a detailed analysis of the size distribution, chemical composition and 3-D-arrangement of carbonates in these cyanobacteria is lacking. Here, we characterized these features in Candidatus Gloeomargarita lithophora C7 and Candidatus Synechococcus calcipolaris G9 by conventional transmission electron microscopy, tomography, ultramicrotomy, and scanning transmission X-ray microscopy (STXM). Both Ca. G. lithophora C7 and Ca. S. calcipolaris G9 formed numerous polyphosphate granules adjacent or engulfing Ca-carbonate inclusions when grown in phosphate-rich solutions. Ca-carbonates were scattered within Ca. G. lithophora C7 cells under these conditions, but sometimes arranged in one or several chains. In contrast, Ca-carbonates formed at cell septa in Ca. S. calcipolaris G9 and were segregated equally between daughter cells after cell division, arranging as distorted disks at cell poles. The size distribution of carbonates evolved from a positively to a negatively skewed distribution as particles grew. Conventional ultramicrotomy did not preserve Ca-carbonates explaining partly why intracellular calcification has been overlooked in the past. All these new observations allow discussing with unprecedented insight some nucleation and growth processes occurring in intracellularly calcifying cyanobacteria with a particular emphasis on the possible involvement of intracellular compartments and cytoskeleton.