Cu-based ternary oxides with delafossite structure have received considerable attention in recent years for their versatility in a wide range of applications, among which is the possibility to use them in heterostructure solar cells as hole transport layers, due to their promising behavior as p-type conducting oxides. Ab initio calculations have been performed with density functional theory to investigate the role of the trivalent metal within the CuMO₂ structure and the dependence of structural and electronic properties with the species (M = Al, Ga, In, Fe, Cr, Co, Sc, Y) occupying the site of the metal. Generalized Gradient Approximation also including a Hubbard term and nonlocal Heyd–Scuseria–Enzerhof screened hybrid functional schemes were tested and their results were compared. Excellent agreement with experimental lattice parameters and measured gaps have been found. The use of hybrid functionals in HSE approximation considerably improves the bandgaps when compared with the experimental results but takes considerable time to converge, hence the need to explore less demanding methodologies. Trends in the geometry as well as in the electronic properties are discussed, and the effect of mixing different metals (CuM_xN_1−xO₂, M, N being the aforementioned elements) in the geometry and electronic properties of these delafossite materials is investigated. Due to the high cost of HSE calculations, especially when supercells are needed to model several x concentrations, statistical models and techniques based on machine learning have also been explored to predict HSE bandgap values from GGA and structural information. Full article

This paper considers a resource allocation problem involving servers and mobile users (MUs) operating in a serverless edge computing (SEC)-enabled Internet of Things (IoT) network. Each MU has a fixed budget, and each server is powered by the grid and has energy harvesting (EH) capability. Our objective is to maximize the revenue of the operator that operates the said servers and the number of resources purchased by the MUs. We propose a Stackelberg game approach, where servers and MUs act as leaders and followers, respectively. We prove the existence of a Stackelberg game equilibrium and develop an iterative algorithm to determine the final game equilibrium price. Simulation results show that the proposed scheme is efficient in terms of the SEC’s profit and MU’s demand. Moreover, both MUs and SECs gain benefits from renewable energy. Full article

We established a protocol for the traditional Korean medicine examination (KME) and methodically gathered data following this protocol. Potential indicators for KME were extracted through a literature review; the first KME protocol was developed based on three rounds of expert opinions. The first KME protocol’s feasibility was confirmed, and data were collected over four years from traditional Korean medicine (KM) hospitals, focusing on healthy adults, using the final KME protocol. A literature review identified 175 potential core indicators, condensed into 73 indicators after three rounds of expert consultation. The first KME protocol, which was categorized under questionnaires and medical examinations, was developed after the third round of expert opinions. A pilot study using the first KME protocol was conducted to ensure its validity, leading to modifications resulting in the development of the final KME protocol. Over four years, data were collected from six KM hospitals, focusing on healthy adults; we obtained a dataset comprising 11,036 healthy adults. This is the first protocol incorporating core indicators of KME in a quantitative form and systematically collecting data. Our protocol holds potential merit in evaluating predisposition to diseases or predicting diseases. Full article

Vitis vinifera L. subsp. sylvestris (sylvestris) is the only native wild grapevine in Eurasia (Europe and western Asia) and is the existing ancestor of the grapevine varieties (for wine and table grape production) belonging to the subsp. sativa. In Slovenia, the prevailing opinion has been that there are no Slovenian sylvestris habitats. This study describes sylvestris in Slovenia for the first time and aims to present an overview of the locations of the wild grapevine in the country. In this project, a sample set of 89 accessions were examined using 24 SSR and 2 SSR markers plus APT3 markers to determine flower sex. The accessions were found in forests on the left bank of the Sava River in Slovenia, on the border between alluvial soils and limestone and dolomite soils, five different sites, some of which are described for the first time. The proportion of female to male accessions differed between sites. At two sites, female plants dominated; at others, the ratio was balanced. The plants’ genetic diversity and structure were compared with autochthonous and unique varieties of subsp. sativa from old vineyards in Slovenia and with rootstocks escaped from nature from abandoned vineyards. Sylvestris was clearly distinguishable from vinifera and the rootstocks. Based on genetic analyses, it was confirmed that Slovenian sylvestris is closest to the Balkan and German sylvestris groups. Meanwhile, a safety duplication of the wild grapevine accessions has been established at the University Centre of Viticulture and Enology Meranovo, Faculty of Agriculture and Life Sciences at the University of Maribor. Full article

As the world embarks on a global mission to tackle climate change, reducing carbon represents a key challenge given the escalating global warming. The U.K. is among many other nations that are determined to decarbonise all sectors and strive to achieve a net zero carbon target by 2050. While much attention has been paid to improving performance and reducing carbon emissions in electrical machines, the current research landscape focuses mainly on the thermal and electromagnetic facets. Surprisingly, carbon emissions from the production stage, especially those related to raw material consumption, remain a largely unexplored area. This paper wishes to shed light on a neglected dimension by providing a comprehensive review of carbon emissions in the manufacture of electrical machines, thus contributing significantly to the wider discourse on carbon emission reduction by comparing the carbon emission values associated with various materials commonly used for the main components of these machines. A further case study is included to assess and explore the impact of material alterations on a synchronous machine, from a carbon emission perspective. A reliable material guide will provide engineers at the design stage with the critical insight needed to make informed material selection decisions, highlighting the critical role of carbon emission values beyond conventional thermal and electromagnetic considerations, achieving sustainable and environmentally conscious electrical machine design. Full article

Monthly climatology data for salinity fronts in the South Atlantic have been created from satellite SMOS sea surface salinity (SSS) measurements taken from 2011–2019, processed at the Barcelona Expert Center of Remote Sensing (BEC), and provided as high-resolution (1/20°) daily SSS data. The SSS fronts have been identified with narrow zones of enhanced horizontal gradient magnitude (GM) of SSS, computed using the Belkin–O’Reilly algorithm (BOA). The SSS gradient fields generated by the BOA have been log-transformed to facilitate feature recognition. The log-transformation of SSS gradients markedly improved the visual contrast of gradient maps, which in turn allowed new features to be revealed and previously known features to be documented with a monthly temporal resolution and a mesoscale (~100 km) spatial resolution. Monthly climatologies were generated and analyzed for large-scale open-ocean SSS fronts and for low-salinity regions maintained by the Rio de la Plata discharge, Magellan Strait outflow, Congo River discharge, and Benguela Upwelling. A 2000 km-long triangular area between Africa and Brazil was found to be filled with regular quasi-meridional mesoscale striations that form a giant ripple field with a 100 km wave length. South of the Tropical Front, within the subtropical high-salinity pool, a trans-ocean quasi-zonal narrow linear belt of meridional SSS maximum (Smax) was documented. The meridional Smax belt shifts north–south seasonally while retaining its well-defined linear morphology, which is suggestive of a yet unidentified mechanism that maintains this feature. The Subtropical Frontal Zone (STFZ) consists of two tenuously connected fronts, western and eastern. The Brazil Current Front (BCF) extends SE between 40 and 45°S to join the subantarctic front (SAF). The STFZ trends NW–SE across the South Atlantic, seemingly merging with the SAF/BCF south of Africa to form a single front between 40 and 45°S. In the SW Atlantic, the Rio de la Plata plume migrates seasonally, expanding northward in winter (June–July) from 39°S into the South Brazilian Bight, up to Cabo Frio (23°S) and beyond. The inner Plata front moves in and out seasonally. Farther south, the Magellan Strait outflow expands northward in winter (June–July) from 53°S up to 39–40°S to nearly join the Plata outflow. In the SE Atlantic, the Congo River plume spreads radially from the river mouth, with the spreading direction varying seasonally. The plume is often bordered from the south by a quasi-zonal front along 6°S. The diluted Congo River water spreads southward seasonally down to the Angola–Benguela Front at 16°S. The Benguela Upwelling is delineated by a meridional front, which extends north alongshore up to 20°S, where the low-salinity Benguela Upwelling water forms a salinity front, which is separate from the thermal Angola–Benguela Front at 16°S. The high-salinity tropical water (“Angola water”) forms a wedge between the low-salinity waters of the Congo River outflow and Benguela Upwelling. This high-salinity wedge is bordered by salinity fronts that migrate north–south seasonally. Full article

In warm climates with high levels of solar irradiation, solar shading plays a determinant role on buildings’ envelope performance, both during summer and winter conditions. In this research, an evaluation of the solar shading effect on sunny façades through IR thermography non-destructive testing was performed. Sunny and shaded areas revealed temperature differences of 7.4 °C in summer conditions and up to 1.2 °C in wintertime. Moreover, solar shading was shown to be beneficial not only for decreasing surface temperature in summertime but also for reducing convective air flow in wintertime. In addition, it was found that the prevalence of dense shadows, especially with non-reflective materials in louvres, is favorable. External Thermal Insulation Constructive Systems (ETICS) must be shadowed and the use of clear colors is recommended to reinforce homogeneity in the surface in wintertime and reduce solar absorptance in summertime. Under steady-state calculations, thermal losses can be reduced up to 30% at night in wintertime and up to 50–60% at daytime in summertime because of the shadowing. However, another important finding lied in the confirmation of the performance gap that arises between using air temperature, sol-air temperature and the actual surface temperature data, in such a way that the two former implied high levels of inaccuracy and overestimated the performance of the buildings compared to the actual behavior. Some of the main conclusions can be extrapolated to other circumstances. Full article

Prior to the recent implementation of the Mpp51Aa2 pesticidal protein (ThryvOn), transgenic cotton cultivars have historically offered no control of the cotton fleahopper (Pseudatomocelis seriatus (Reuter)). To evaluate the feeding behavior of cotton fleahoppers on ThryvOn cotton, electropenetrography (EPG) using a Giga-8 DC instrument was used to monitor the probing activity of fourth- and fifth-instar cotton fleahopper nymphs on both ThryvOn and non-ThryvOn cotton squares. Nymphs were individually placed on an excised cotton square for 8 h of EPG recording, after which resulting waveforms were classified as non-probing, cell rupturing, or ingestion. Although there were significantly more cell rupturing events per insect on ThryvOn (mean ± SEM, 14.8 ± 1.7) than on non-ThryvOn squares (mean ± SEM, 10.3 ± 1.6), there was no difference attributable to ThryvOn in the average number of ingestion events per insect. However, the average duration of ingestion events was significantly shorter on squares with ThryvOn (mean ± SEM, 509 ± 148 s) than on squares without (mean ± SEM, 914 ± 135 s). This suggests that cotton fleahoppers continued to probe despite their inability to sustain ingestion. These results provide conclusive evidence that the Mpp51Aa2 pesticidal protein affects the feeding behavior of cotton fleahopper nymphs. Full article

As the global population ages, nurses with a positive attitude toward caring for older adults is crucial. However, studies indicate that nursing students often exhibit negative attitudes toward older adults. This study aimed to determine if a three-phased educational intervention significantly improved nursing students’ attitudes toward older adults. A pre/post-test study design was used to measure the change in nursing students’ attitudes toward older adults, as measured by the UCLA Geriatrics Attitudes Survey, after participating in an Artificial Intelligence in Education learning event (n = 151). Results indicate that post-intervention scores (M = 35.07, SD = 5.34) increased from pre-intervention scores (M = 34.50, SD = 4.86). This difference was statistically significant at the 0.10 significance level (t = 1.88, p = 0.06). Incorporating artificial intelligence technology in a learning event is an effective educational strategy due to its convenience, repetition, and measurable learning outcomes. Improved attitudes toward older adults are foundational for delivering competent care to a rapidly growing aging population. This study was prospectively registered with the university’s Institutional Review Board (IRB) on 30 July 2021 with the registration number IRB-FY22-3. Full article

Despite elevated low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels, some older subjects with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HeFH) do not develop atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ACVD) during their lifetime. The factors related to this resilient state have not been fully established. The aim of this study was to evaluate differential characteristics between older HeFH subjects with and without ACVD and factors associated with the presence of ACVD. Subjects were part of the Spanish Atherosclerosis Society Dyslipidemia Registry, and those ≥ 70 years old and with HeFH were included. Baseline characteristics of these subjects with and without ACVD were compared. A multivariate analysis was performed to assess factors associated with the presence of ACVD. A total of 2148 subjects with HeFH were included. Resilient subjects were mostly female, younger and presented fewer comorbidities with respect to the ACVD group. Subjects without ACVD had higher baseline high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol (55.8 ± 17.1 vs. 47.9 ± 15.4 mg/dL; p < 0.001) and lower lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] (53.4 ± 67.9 vs. 66.6 ± 85.6 mg/dL; p < 0.001) levels with respect to those in the ACVD group. Lp(a) and the presence of ≥3 risk factors were associated with the presence of ACVD. Full article

The blood–brain barrier is composed of both a physical barrier and an enzymatic barrier. Tight junction (TJ) proteins expressed between endothelial cells of brain capillaries provide the physical barrier to paracellular movement of ions and molecules to the brain, while luminal-facing efflux transporters enzymatically restrict the entry of blood-borne molecules from entering the brain. The expression and activity of ATP Binding Cassette transporters or “ABC” transporters in endothelial cells of the BBB and in human tumor cells are dynamically regulated by numerous signaling pathways. P-glycoprotein (P-gp), (ABCB1), is arguably the most studied transporter of the BBB, and in human cell lines. P-glycoprotein transport activity is rapidly inhibited by signaling pathways that call for the rapid production of nitric oxide (NO) from the inducible nitric oxide synthase enzyme, iNOS. This study investigated how nano-molar levels of the selective chemotherapeutic erastin affect the activity or expression of P-glycoprotein transporter in brain capillaries and in human tumor cell lines. We chose erastin because it signals to iNOS for NO production at low concentrations. Furthermore, erastin inhibits the cellular uptake of cystine through the X_C⁻ cystine/glutamate antiporter. Since previous reports indicate that NO production from iNOS can rapidly inhibit P-gp activity in tumor cells, we wondered if induction of iNOS by erastin could also rapidly reduce P-glycoprotein transport activity in brain endothelial cells and in human tumor cell lines. We show here that low concentrations of erastin (1 nM) can induce iNOS, inhibit the activity of P-glycoprotein, and reduce the intracellular uptake of cystine via the Xc- cystine/glutamate antiporter. Consistent with reduced P-glycoprotein activity in rat brain capillary endothelial cells, we show that human tumor cell lines exposed to erastin become more sensitive to cytotoxic substrates of P-glycoprotein. Full article

This paper proposes a reactive shield structure to reduce the leakage magnetic field of a wireless power transfer (WPT) system with a dipole coil structure. The reactive shield resonates at a frequency lower than that of the WPT system and operates in an inductive region where the reactance is positive. Therefore, the magnetic field generated by the shield coil is 180° different in phase from that generated by the transmitting coil, resulting in an effective reduction in the leakage magnetic field. The methodology for designing the reactive shield for the dipole coil structure is mathematically analyzed, and the current and magnetic field phases are compared. Its effectiveness has been validated through simulations and experiments. Specifically, the proposed method is validated through a 50 W class WPT experiment, which showed that the proposed shielding structure achieves efficiency reductions ranging from 0.3% to 1.5% and has a leakage magnetic field reduction effect of up to 67% compared to the comparison groups. Full article

As the most consumed tea in the world, all kinds of black tea are developed from Wuyi black tea. In this study, quality components, regulatory gene expression, and key enzyme activity during the processing were analyzed to illustrate the taste formation of WBT. Withering mainly affected the content of amino acids, while catechins and tea pigments were most influenced by rolling and the pre-metaphase of fermentation. Notably, regulatory gene expression was significantly down-regulated after withering except for polyphenoloxidase1, polyphenoloxidase2, leucoanthocyanidin dioxygenase, chalcone isomerase, and flavonoid 3′, 5′-hydroxylase. Co-expression of flavonoid pathway genes confirmed similar expression patterns of these genes in the same metabolic pathway. Interestingly, rolling and fermentation anaphase had a great effect on polyphenol oxidase, and fermentation pre-metaphase had the greatest effect on cellulase. Since gene regulation mainly occurs before picking, the influence of chemical reaction was greater during processing. It was speculated that polyphenol oxidase and cellulase, which promoted the transformation of quality components, were the key factors in the quality formation of WBT. The above results provide theoretical basis for the processing of WBT and the reference for producing high-quality black tea. Full article

This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of poly(DL-lactide-co-glycolide)-block-poly(ethylene glycol)-block-poly(DL-lactide-co-glycolide) triblock copolymers (PLGA-PEG-PLGA) as a drug carrier in the treatment of psoriasis. Nanoparticles containing cyclosporin A (CsA) were prepared, and their cytotoxicity and skin irritation properties were investigated. These results revealed that the nanoparticles themselves had no obvious cytotoxicity or skin irritation effects. Furthermore, it was shown that loading CsA into nanoparticles promoted its cellular uptake. The therapeutic effect of CsA-loaded PLGA-PEG-PLGA nanoparticles on psoriasis was evaluated using a mouse model of psoriasis induced by imiquimod. In psoriatic skin, we confirmed that nanoparticles penetrate deep into the skin. Furthermore, it was suggested that by using PLGA-PEG-PLGA, drug carriers could reach the dermal layer, which is the target site for psoriasis treatment. The observation of skin sections after the treatment experiment showed that excessively proliferated keratinocytes were restored to an almost normal state by using PLGA-PEG-PLGA nanoparticles as drug carriers. Additionally, the quantitative measurement results for cytokines revealed that the levels of TNF-α, IL-17A, and IL-22 were significantly decreased compared with those of the group to which CsA suspended in a 20% ethanol solution was administered. These results indicate that PLGA-PEG-PLGA nanoparticles are promising drug carriers for the transdermal administration of CsA. Full article

This study determined whether the isomeric or isoenergetic/isoproteic substitution of corn in the diet of Jersey heifers in the rearing phase with cracker residue would impair growth and health, as well as reducing production costs. Fourteen Jersey females in the growth phase were used, separated into two treatments with seven animals in each lot in collective pens. The experiment used 7-month-old animals (169.8 ± 2.89 kg) and lasted for four months. In Experiment I, the animals were divided into two groups: treatment, with the partial replacement of 40% corn with cracker residue, and control, in which the animals consumed the same diet with 100% corn (isometric diet kg for kg). In Experiment II, the animals with a body weight of 200.2 ± 3.85 kg were divided into two groups: Treatment, replacing 100% of the corn with cracker residue, and control, in which the animals consumed an isoprotein and isoenergetic diet but with 100% of the corn in the formulation. The diet consisted of concentrate, Tifton 85 hay, and corn silage, supplied twice a day individually, with animals contained in their feeders by kennels. There was water ad libitum in the bay. Biweekly weighing and monthly blood analysis were performed, totaling four collections per part for hematologic evaluation, carbohydrate, lipid, and protein metabolism variables. At the end of each experiment, ruminal fluid was collected to measure the volatile fatty acid profile, and feces were collected to determine the apparent digestibility coefficient (ADC). Experiments I and II showed no effect of treatment on body weight, weight gain, average daily weight gain, feed intake, and feed efficiency. There was no effect of treatment on leukocyte, erythrocyte, lymphocyte, neutrophil, monocyte, and eosinophil counts, hematocrit, and hemoglobin concentration (p > 0.05). Experiment I showed a difference between groups for the variables albumin, globulin, total proteins, cholesterol, glucose, and urea, which did not happen in Experiment II. In both experiments, a higher ADC of nutrients was found in the treatment group which had cracker residue (p > 0.05). The concentration of volatile fatty acids in Experiment I was higher in the control group, unlike in Experiment II, where the highest concentration was in the treatment group (p > 0.05). Because experiment I had an isometric substitution, the diets had different bromatological composition, which is the probable cause of the difference between groups; this did not happen in experiment II, in which the diets consumed by the animals was isoproteic and isoenergetic. Based on these data we conclude that the substitution of cracker residue in an isomeric or isoenergetic/isoproteic form does not negatively affect weight gain and animal health, as well as reduces the cost of the concentrate, consequently reducing the cost of production of these animals. Full article

An optimal daily scheme is presented to coordinate a large population of heterogeneous battery electric vehicles when charging in daytime work solar-powered parking lots and discharging into homes during evening peak-demand hours. First, we develop a grid-to-vehicle strategy to share the solar energy available in a parking lot between vehicles where the statistics of their arrival states of charge are dictated by an aggregator. Then, we develop a vehicle-to-grid strategy so that vehicle owners with a satisfactory level of energy in their batteries could help to decongest the grid when they return by providing backup power to their homes at an aggregate level per vehicle based on a duration proposed by an aggregator. Both strategies, with concepts from Mean Field Games, would be implemented to reduce the standard deviation in the states of charge of batteries at the end of charging/discharging vehicles while maintaining some fairness and decentralization criteria. Realistic numerical results, based on deterministic data while considering the physical constraints of vehicle batteries, show, first, in the case of charging in a parking lot, a strong to slight decrease in the standard deviation in the states of charge at the end, respectively, for the sunniest day, an average day, and the cloudiest day; then, in the case of discharging into the grid, over three days, we observe at the end the same strong decrease in the standard deviation in the states of charge. Full article

Terraced historical landscapes have multiple functions in mountain land, limiting erosion, enabling agricultural production and constituting cultural heritage. Currently, they are largely abandoned in Mediterranean regions and facing the ongoing impacts of climate change. Our aim is to reconstruct the evolution of land use on the terraces in order to test the hypothesis of the resilience of these landscapes and their age in recent history (17th–21st century). To achieve this, we used various current and archive spatial datasets and GIS knowledge to detect and map terraces and the changes in land use. We tested this hypothesis in a territory impacted by a recent extreme event, facing the challenge of its reconstruction. Our main outcome showed that the optimal use of the terraces corresponded to the demographic optimum of the mid-19th century, and they were gradually abandoned after the Second World War, with significant differences between Mediterranean and mountain lands. Despite this evolution, the terraces persisted and withstood an extreme event, validating our resilience hypothesis and opening avenues for the revitalization of this territory based on this heritage. These findings are drawing perspectives for the future of terraced landscapes in Mediterranean mountains in the context of climate change. Full article

Background and Objectives: The hormonal state of hypoestrogenism is associated with the accumulation of white adipose tissue, which can induce an increase in pro-inflammatory markers, leading to progressive health complications. Melatonin can act on adipose tissue mass, promoting its reduction and influencing inflammation, reducing IL-6 and releasing IL-10, pro- and anti-inflammatory markers, respectively. However, the role of melatonin regarding such parameters under the context of hypoestrogenism remains unknown. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of 12 weeks of hypoestrogenism and melatonin on white adipose tissue mass and circulating levels of IL-6, IL-10, TGF-β-1, and leukotriene C4 (LTC4). Materials and Methods: The animals (Wistar rats with sixteen weeks of age at the beginning of the experiment) under hypoestrogenism were submitted to the surgical technique of bilateral ovariectomy. The animals received melatonin (10 mg·kg⁻¹) or vehicles by orogastric gavage every day for 12 weeks and administration occurred systematically 1 h after the beginning of the dark period. White adipose tissue (perigonadal, peritoneal, and subcutaneous) was collected for mass recording, while blood was collected for the serum determination of IL-6, IL-10, TGF-β-1, and LTC4. Results: Hypoestrogenism increased the perigonadal and subcutaneous mass and IL-6 levels. Melatonin kept hypoestrogenic animals in physiological conditions similar to the control group and increased thymus tissue mass. Conclusions: Hypoestrogenism appears to have a negative impact on white adipose tissue mass and IL-6 and although melatonin commonly exerts a significant effect in preventing these changes, this study did not have a sufficiently negative impact caused by hypoestrogenism for melatonin to promote certain benefits. Full article

Knowledge of tree biomass allocation is fundamental for estimating forest acclimation and carbon stock for global changes in the future. Optimal partitioning theory (OPT) and allometric partitioning theory (APT) are two major patterns of biomass allocation, and occurrences have been tested on taxonomical, ontogenetic, geographic and environmental scales, showing conflicting results and unclear ecophysiological mechanisms. Here, we examine the biomass allocation patterns of two young poplar (Populus) clones varying greatly in drought resistance under different soil water and nitrogen availabilities and the major physiological processes involved in biomass partitioning. We found that Biyu, a drought-sensitive hybrid poplar clone, had significant relations among biomass of leaf, stem and root, showing allometric partitioning. Xiaoye, a drought-tolerant poplar clone native to semi-arid areas, on the contrary, showed tightly regulated biomass allocation following optimal partitioning theory. Biyu had higher nitrate reductase activity in the fine roots, while Xiaoye had higher nitrate reductase activity in the leaves. Biochemical analyses and measurements of fluorescence and gas exchange showed that Xiaoye maintained more stable chloroplast membranes and photosystem electron flow, showing higher water use efficiency and a higher resistance to drought. A nitrogen addition could improve leaf photosynthesis and growth both in Biyu and Xiaoye seedlings under drought conditions. We concluded that the two poplar clones showed different biomass allocation patterns and suggest that the site of nitrate assimilation may play a role in biomass partitioning under varying water and nitrogen availabilities. Full article

Artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) plays a crucial role in global gold production. However, the adoption of poor mining practices or the use of mercury (Hg) in gold recovery processes has generated serious environmental contamination events. The focus of this study is assessing the concentration of Hg in surface waters within the coastal region of Ecuador. The results are used to conduct a human health risk assessment applying deterministic and probabilistic methods, specifically targeting groups vulnerable to exposure in affected mining environments. Between April and June 2022, 54 water samples were collected from rivers and streams adjacent to mining areas to determine Hg levels. In the health risk assessment, exposure routes through water ingestion and dermal contact were considered for both adults and children, following the model structures outlined by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The results indicate elevated Hg concentrations in two of the five provinces studied, El Oro and Esmeraldas, where at least 88% and 75% of the samples, respectively, exceeded the maximum permissible limit (MPL) set by Ecuadorian regulations for the preservation of aquatic life. Furthermore, in El Oro province, 28% of the samples exceeded the MPL established for drinking water quality. The high concentrations of Hg could be related to illegal mining activity that uses Hg for gold recovery. Regarding the human health risk assessment, risk values above the safe exposure limit were estimated. Children were identified as the most vulnerable receptor. Therefore, there is an urgent need to establish effective regulations that guarantee the protection of river users in potentially contaminated areas. Finally, it is important to continue investigating the contamination caused by human practices in the coastal region. Full article

Background: A diet high in purines can impair the function of the gut microbiota and disrupt purine metabolism, which is closely associated with the onset of hyperuricemia. Dietary regulation and intestinal health maintenance are key approaches for controlling uric acid (UA) levels. Investigating the impacts of fermented foods offers potential dietary interventions for managing hyperuricemia. Methods: In this study, we isolated a strain with potent UA-degrading capabilities from “Jiangshui”, a fermented food product from Gansu, China. We performed strain identification and assessed its probiotic potential. Hyperuricemic quails, induced by a high-purine diet, were used to assess the UA degradation capability of strain JS-3 by measuring UA levels in serum and feces. Additionally, the UA degradation pathways were elucidated through analyses of the gut microbiome and fecal metabolomics. Results: JS-3, identified as Lacticaseibacillus paracasei, was capable of eliminating 16.11% of uric acid (UA) within 72 h, rapidly proliferating and producing acid within 12 h, and surviving in the gastrointestinal tract. Using hyperuricemic quail models, we assessed JS-3’s UA degradation capacity. Two weeks after the administration of JS-3 (2 × 10⁸ cfu/d per quail), serum uric acid (SUA) levels significantly decreased to normal levels, and renal damage in quails was markedly improved. Concurrently, feces from the JS-3 group demonstrated a significant degradation of UA, achieving up to 49% within 24 h. 16S rRNA sequencing revealed JS-3’s role in gut microbiota restoration by augmenting the probiotic community (Bifidobacterium, Bacteroides unclassified_f-Lachnospiraceae, and norank_fynorank_o-Clostridia_UCG-014) and diminishing the pathogenic bacteria (Macrococus and Lactococcus). Corresponding with the rise in short-chain fatty acid (SCFA)-producing bacteria, JS-3 significantly increased SCFA levels (p < 0.05, 0.01). Additionally, JS-3 ameliorated metabolic disturbances in hyperuricemic quails, influencing 26 abnormal metabolites predominantly linked to purine, tryptophan, and bile acid metabolism, thereby enhancing UA degradation and renal protection. Conclusions: For the first time, we isolated and identified an active probiotic strain, JS-3, from the “Jiangshui” in Gansu, used for the treatment of hyperuricemia. It modulates host–microbiome interactions, impacts the metabolome, enhances intestinal UA degradation, reduces levels of SUA and fecal UA, alleviates renal damage, and effectively treats hyperuricemia without causing gastrointestinal damage. In summary, JS-3 can serve as a probiotic with potential therapeutic value for the treatment of hyperuricemia. Full article