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Self-consolidating concrete (SCC) is designed to fll any type of formwork and spread into place by its own weight in the absence of mechanical vibration. Due to the high flowability of SCC, it is more susceptible to suffer stability problems compared to conventional vibrated concrete. Dynamic segregation refers to segregation in concrete while being cast into a formwork or due to an impact or drop. In this paper, the main purpose is to understand how rheology governs dynamic segregation of SCC, explaining the effect of different mixture design parameters, by using the tilting box (T-box). Changes in admixture contents, paste volume, aggregate distribution, water-cementitious materials ratio (w/cm), and the width of the T-box have been investigated. The results show that dynamic segregation of SCC is dependent on the paste volume, the grain size distribution, fly ash content, and the width of the formwork, in addition to the rheological properties of the concrete. Keywords: dynamic segregation; mixture design; rheology; self-consolidating concrete; workability.

Breast cancer is the most common type of malignant tumor among women and their second leading cause of cancer-related deaths.The most common method for screening and diagnosis is mammography.Nonetheless,two main problems have been identified.First,the dose of radiation received during the test prevents the method from the use on women who are 〈 40 years old.Second,there can be mammogram failure owing to the lack of tumor contrast with the fibrous tissue.Therefore,there is a need for screening methods that will help to identify high-risk cases.We developed a biological marker test that can help to identify them.Increased levels of sialic acid （SA） in saliva are known to correlated with breast cancer.In this study,we evaluated the feasibility of Raman spectroscopy as a method for quantification of SA in saliva,using citrate-reduced silver nanoparticles （cit-Ag-NPs） as a surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy （SERS） substrate.Quantification of SA was accomplished by measuring its intensity in saliva and comparing it with a calibration curve of SA standards.The mean SA concentration in saliva was found to be significantly higher among 100 breast cancer patients （18.3 ＆#177; 9.4 mg＆#183;dL-1;mean ＆#177; SD） than among 106 healthy controls （3.5 ＆#177; 1.0 mg＆#183;dL-1）.The SERS test showed sensitivity of 94% and specificity 98% for detection of patients with breast cancer,assuming that SA concentration 〉 7 mg＆#183;dL-1 is a cutoff for positive test results.Our findings prove the usefulness of this SERS technique as a simple,convenient,and highly sensitive method of quantitative analysis of SA in saliva.The simplicity of this nanotechnological test may help to substantially reduce the mortality among patients with breast cancer by providing women with a simple,noninvasive screening test that can be applied regardless of age or density of breast tissue.

Main conclusionSA and H2O2, in single and mixed elicitation stimulate specialized metabolism and activate oxidative stress in C. tenuiflora plants.Single elicitation with salicylic acid (SA at 75 µM) and, hydrogen peroxide (at 150 µM), and mixed elicitation (75 µM SA + 150 µM H2O2) were evaluated on specialized metabolism in Castilleja tenuiflora Benth. plants. Total phenolic content (TPC), phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL) activity, antioxidant enzymes and specialized metabolite profiles, as well as the expression levels of eight genes involved in phenolic (Cte-TyrDC, Cte-GOT2, Cte-ADD, Cte-AO3, Cte-PAL1, Cte-CHS1) and terpene pathways (Cte-DXS1 and Cte-G10H) and their correlation with major metabolite (verbascoside and aucubin) concentrations were investigated. TPC content (three-fold) and PAL activity (11.5-fold) increased with mixed elicitation, as well as catalase and peroxidase activity (11.3-fold and 10.8-fold, respectively), compared to single elicitation. Phenylethanoid accumulation was greatest under mixed elicitation, followed by SA and H2O2. Lignan accumulation was differential, depending on the plant part and the elicitor. Flavonoids only appeared after mixed elicitation. The high concentration of verbascoside under mixed elicitation was related to a high gene expression. Single elicitation induced iridoid accumulation in specific parts (H2O2 in aerial parts and SA in roots), whereas under mixed elicitation, it accumulated in both parts. A high concentration of aucubin in the aerial part was related to a high expression level of genes of the terpene pathway Cte-DXS1 and Cte-G10H, and in the root with Cte-G10H, while Cte-DXS1 was downregulated in this tissue in all treatments. Mixed elicitation with SA and H2O2 represents an interesting tool to increase the production of specialized metabolites in plants.

Heavy metal pollution reduces the community of soil microorganisms, including fungi from the genus Trichoderma , which are plant growth promotors and biological control agents. Because of potential effects on crop productivity, the toxic effects of heavy metals (HMs) in Trichoderma are of interest. However, there have been few studies on the biochemical and molecular response to oxidation caused by exposure to copper (Cu), chromium (Cr), and lead (Pb) and whether this antioxidant response is species-specific. In this study, we compared the tolerance of Trichoderma asperellum and Trichoderma longibrachiatum to Cu, Pb, and Cr and evaluated the expression of genes related to the antioxidant response, including glutathione peroxidase ( GPX ), catalase ( CAT ), and cysteine synthase ( CYS ) as well as the activity of peroxidase and catalase. The isolates of Trichoderma were selected because we previously reported them as promotors of plant growth and agents of biological control. Our results revealed that, with exposure to the three HMs, the Trichoderma cultures formed aggregates and the culture color changed according to the metal and the Trichoderma species. The tolerance index (TI) indicated that the two Trichoderma species were tolerant of HMs (Cu > Cr > Pb). However, the TI and conidia production revealed that T. longibrachiatum was more tolerant of HMs than T. asperellum . The three HMs caused oxidative damage in both Trichoderma species, but the enzyme activity and gene expression were differentially regulated based on exposure time (72 and 144 h) to the HMs and Trichoderma species. The main changes occurred in T. asperellum ; the maximum expression of the GPX gene occurred at 144 h in response to all three HMs, whereas the CAT gene was upregulated at 72 h in response to Cu but downregulated at 144 h in response to all three HMs. The CYS gene was upregulated in response to the three metals. The peroxidase activity increased with all three HMs, but the catalase activity increased with Cu and Pb at 72 h and decreased at 144 h with Pb and Cr. In T. longibrachiatum , the GPX gene was upregulated with all three HMs at 72 h, the CAT gene was upregulated only with Pb at 72 h and was downregulated at 144 h with HMs. Cr and Cu upregulated CYS gene expression, but expression did not change with Pb. The peroxidase activity increased with Cu at 144 h and with Cr at 72 h, whereas Pb decreased the enzyme activity. In contrast, catalase activity increased with the three metals at 144 h. In conclusion, T. longibrachiatum was more tolerant of Cu, Cr, and Pb than was T. asperellum , but exposure to all three HMs caused oxidative damage to both Trichoderma species. Peroxidases and catalases were activated, and the expression of the genes GPX and CYS was upregulated, whereas the CAT gene was downregulated. These findings indicate that the antioxidant response to HMs was genetically modulated in each Trichoderma species.

is a plant known for its traditional medicinal uses, particularly in treating inflammation and oxidative stress. Recent studies have explored its potential in neuroprotection, especially in the context of cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury, a condition where blood supply returns to the brain after a period of ischemia, leading to oxidative stress and inflammation. This damage is a major contributor to neuronal death and neurodegenerative diseases. A BCCAO/reperfusion model was induced, followed by treatment with extract. Various molecular biology methods were employed, including Western blot analysis, gene expression assessment via RT-qPCR, and the measurement of oxidative stress mediators. In the BCCAO/reperfusion model, the compounds in the dichloromethane extract work by targeting various signaling pathways. They prevent the activation of iNOS and nNOS, reducing harmful reactive oxygen and nitrogen species, and boosting antioxidant enzymes like catalase and superoxide dismutase. This lowers oxidative stress and decreases the expression of proteins and genes linked to cell death, such as Bax, Bcl-2, and caspase-3. The extract also blocks the TLR4 receptor, preventing NF-κB from triggering inflammation. Additionally, it reduces the activation of microglia and astrocytes, as shown by lower levels of glial activation genes like GFAP and AiF1. The dichloromethane extract of demonstrated significant neuroprotective effects in the BCCAO/reperfusion model by modulating multiple signaling pathways. It effectively reduced oxidative stress, inhibited inflammation, and attenuated apoptosis, primarily through the downregulation of key proteins and genes associated with these processes. These findings suggest that the extract holds therapeutic potential for mitigating ischemia/reperfusion-induced neuronal damage.

Background: Oenothera rosea L’Her Ex. Aiton, presenting antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities, is traditionally used to treat bruises and headaches and as a healing agent. This study aimed to investigate whether its organic fraction (EAOr) has neuroprotective properties against neuroinflammation in the context of ischemia/reperfusion. Methods: The chemical composition of EAOr was determined using HPLC techniques, and its neuroprotective activities were evaluated in a common carotid-artery ligation model for the induction of ischemia/reperfusion (I/R). The animals were supplemented with EAOR for 15 days. On the last day, the animals were rested for one hour, following which the common carotid-artery ligation procedure was performed to induce I/R. The neurological deficit was evaluated at 24 h after I/R using Bederson’s scale, and the relative expression of inflammatory genes and structure of hippocampal neurons were analyzed at 48 h. Results: The chemical analysis revealed five major compounds in EAOr: gallic acid, rutin, ellagic acid, and glucoside and rhamnoside quercetin. EAOr prevented neurological deficit 24 h after I/R; led to the early activation of the AIF and GFAP genes; reduced Nfkb1, IL-1beta, Il-6 and Casp3 gene expression; and protected hippocampal neurons. Conclusions: Our findings demonstrate that EAOr contains polyphenol-type compounds, which could exert a therapeutic effect through the inhibition of neuroinflammation and neuronal death genes, thus maintaining hippocampal neurons.

INTRODUCTION We assessed pseudo‐continuous arterial spin labeling (pCASL) sensitivity to detect changes in cerebral blood flow (CBF) in adults with Down syndrome (DS) along the Alzheimer's disease (AD) continuum and explored the similarity with sporadic AD (sAD) hypoperfusion profile. METHODS Fifty‐one euploid cognitively unimpaired individuals, 54 adults with DS (34.54% symptomatic for AD), and 25 sAD patients underwent 3T magnetic resonance imaging. pCASL images were preprocessed using ASLprep. Analyses explored, globally and regionally, the effects of demographic variables, clinical stages, and AD biomarkers. RESULTS Age and sex differently impacted CBF in euploids versus the DS population. Asymptomatic DS showed temporo‐parietal hypoperfusion, extending into frontal areas in symptomatic cases. This pattern closely resembled sAD's pattern and correlated with AD biomarkers. DISCUSSION Adults with DS present CBF changes before symptom onset, primarily affecting posterior regions as in sAD. pCASL is a sensitive imaging modality that captures early AD‐related functional abnormalities in DS. Highlights Perfusion is negatively affected by age and correlates with Alzheimer's disease (AD) biomarkers in Down syndrome (DS). Hypoperfusion in DS was observed even before the onset of the AD clinical symptoms. The pattern of hypoperfusion in the DS population resembles the one observed in the sporadic AD population.

Ustilago maydis is a dimorphic fungus that has emerged as a model organism for the study of fungal phytopathogenicity and RNA biology. In a previous study, we isolated the U . maydis UmRrm75 gene. The deletion of the UmRrm75 gene affected morphogenesis and pathogenicity. UmRrm75 gene encodes a protein containing three RNA recognition motifs. Here we determined that UmRrm75 has chaperone activity in Escherichia coli using the transcription anti-termination assay. Subsequently, we analyzed the growth of Δ UmRrm75 mutants at 15 °C and 37 °C, observing that mutant strains had reduced growth in comparison to parental strains. UmRrm75 gene expression was induced under these non-optimal temperatures. Δ UmRrm75 mutant colonies displayed a dark-brown color at 28 °C, which was confirmed to be melanin based on spectroscopic analysis and spectrometric data. Furthermore, Δ UmRrm75 mutant strains showed the presence of peroxisomes, and increased H 2 O 2 levels, even at 28 °C. The Δ UmRrm75 mutant strains displayed a higher expression of redox-sensor UmYap1 gene and increased catalase activity than the parental strains. Our data show that deletion of the UmRrm75 gene results in higher levels of H 2 O 2 , increased melanin content, and abiotic stress sensitivity.

The mite is considered to be an emerging pest of various crops in tropical countries. It is one of the most detrimental pests in the papaya orchards of some regions of México. The current field control of spp. involves the extensive use of chemicals that have some degree of toxicity to humans or the environment and may cause selective resistance. The use of biological alternatives such as parasitoids and mite predators have limited effectiveness. In order to find effective but non-toxic alternatives for mite pest management, bio-products that are able to be mass produced and applied to large production areas have been sought, including the entomopathogen fungi. and s.l. are the fungi most extensively used for the biological control of insect pests. Although they do not cause natural epizootic diseases in mites, there are reports that show that they infect , and should be evaluated for use in the biological control of papaya's mite pests. A colony was established and the susceptibility of adult females to 30 entomopathogenic fungi strains was evaluated under laboratory conditions with an mass screening bioassay. Ten strains of sensu lato (s.l.), eleven of , nine of sp. and one of var. were tested. The infectivity of adult females was evaluated calculating the percentage of mortality. To calculate the LC and LT of the most virulent strains, a bioassay was performed using serial concentrations (1×10 -1×10 conidia/mL) for each strain. Strains showing ability to infect eggs laid were evaluated with a novel egg-infectivity bioassay. The internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region of the more lethal strains were sequenced. and were found in orchards of (Maradol variety and Tainung hybrid) in Campeche, México. All tested strains of s.l. and were infectious to the adult female of at a concentration of 1×10 conidia/mL. Six strains of (Ma002, Ma003, Ma004, Ma005, Ma014 and Ma034) caused 100% mortality, and one of (Bb016) caused 95% mortality. The most virulent was Ma034, with an LC of 1.73×10 conidia/mL followed by Ma005 and Ma003. Ma005 and Ma034 were the fastest strains to reach LT achieving this in less than 3.7 days. Additionally, Ma034 and Ma014 strains were infectious to more than 70% of the eggs. and are present in the papaya orchards of Campeche, México. The high susceptibility of adult females and eggs toward several s.l. or strains suggests that these fungi are a viable alternative to control this emergent pest. The most virulent strain, Ma034, was also infective to eggs, and is the most promising to be tested in the field.