Disclosing the potential of Cupressus leylandii A.B. Jacks & Dallim, Eucalyptus globulus Labill., Aloysia citrodora Paláu, and Melissa officinalis L. hydrosols as eco-friendly antimicrobial agents

Antimicrobial resistance is a major global health concern, threatening the effective prevention and treatment of infections caused by microorganisms. These factors boosted the study of safe and green alternatives, with hydrosols, the by-products of essential oils extraction, emerging as promising natural antimicrobial agents. In this context, four hydrosols obtained from Cupressus leylandii A.B. Jacks & Dallim, Eucalyptus globulus Labill., Aloysia citrodora Paláu and Melissa officinalis L. were studied. Their chemical composition comprises neral, geranial, 1,8-cineole, terpinen- 4-ol, and oplopanonyl acetate, compounds with recognised antimicrobial activity. Concerning antimicrobial activity, significant differences were found using different hydrosol concentrations (10–20% v/v) in comparison to a control (without hydrosol), showing the potential of the tested hydrosols to inhibit the microbial growth of Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Candida albicans. A. citrodora hydrosol was the most effective one, inhibiting 90% of E. coli growth and 80% of C. albicans growth, for both hydrosol concentrations (p < 0.0001). With hydrosol concentration increase, it was possible to observe an improved antimicrobial activity with significant reductions (p < 0.0001). The findings of this work indicate the viability of reusing and valuing the hydrosols, encouraging the development of green applications for different fields (e.g., food, agriculture, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics).Financial support through national funds FCT/MCTES (PIDDAC) to LSRE-LCM (UIDB/50020/2020 and UIDP/00690/2020), ALiCE (LA/P/0045/2020), CIMO (UIDB/00690/2020 and UIDP/00690/2020), and SusTEC (LA/P/0007/2021). FCT for the SFRH/BD/148124/2019 Heloísa Helena Scorsato de Almeida research grant. Pedro Crugeira thanks OleaChain (NORTE-06-3559-FSE14 000188) for his research contract. GreenHealth project (Norte-01-0145-FEDER-000042).info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Comparison of two computational methods for solvent screening in countercurrent and centrifugal partition chromatography

Countercurrent and centrifugal partition chromatography are techniques applied in the separation and isolation of compounds from natural extracts. One of the key design parameters of these processes is the selection of the biphasic solvent system that provides for the adequate partitioning of the solutes. To address this challenging task, the fully predictive Conductor-like Screening Model for Real Solvents (COSMO-RS) and the semi-predictive Non-Random Two-Liquid Segment Activity Coefficient (NRTL-SAC) model were applied to estimate the partition coefficients ( K ) of four model phenolic compounds (vanillin, ferulic acid, ( S )-hesperetin and quercetin) in different solvent systems. Complementing the experimental data collected in the literature, partition coefficients of each solute in binary, or quaternary, solvent sys- tems were measured at 298.2 K. Higher deviations from the experimental data were obtained using the predictive COSMO-RS model, with an average RMSD (root-mean-square deviation) in log( K ) of 1.17 of all four solutes (61 data points), providing a satisfactory quantitative description only for the systems containing vanillin (RSMD = 0.57). For the NRTL-SAC model, the molecular parameters of the solutes were initially calculated by correlating a set of K and solubility ( x , in mole fraction) data (16 partition coefficients and 44 solubility data points), for which average RMSD values of 0.07 and 0.41 were obtained in log( K ) and log( x ) , respectively. The predictions of the remaining log( K ) data (45 partition coefficients) resulted in an average RMSD of 0.43, suggesting that the NRTL-SAC model was a more reliable quantitative solvent screening tool. Depending on the amount of available solubility and partition data, both models can be valuable alternatives in the preliminary stages of solvent screening destined to select the optimal mobile and stationary phases for a given separation.This work was developed within the scope of the project All- Nat - POCI-01–0145-FEDER-030463 (PTDC/EQU-EPQ/30463/2017), funded by FEDER funds through COMPETE2020 –Prog. Operacional Competitividade e Internacionalização (POCI), and by national funds through the Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT/MCTES). Support was also provided by CIMO-Mountain Research Center, UIDB/00690/2020 and CICECO-Aveiro Institute of Materials, UIDB/50011/2020 & UIDP/50011/2020, both financed by national funds through FCT/MCTES. S. M. Vilas-Boas thanks FCT and the European Social Fund (ESF) for his Ph.D. grant (SFRH/BD/138149/2018). I. W. Cordova and H. Almeida also thank project AllNat - POCI-01–0145-FEDER-030463 for their contracts.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

TeV-scale seesaw from a multi-Higgs model

We suggest new simple model of generating tiny neutrino masses through a TeV-scale seesaw mechanism without requiring tiny Yukawa couplings. This model is a simple extension of the standard model by introducing extra one Higgs singlet, and one Higgs doublet with a tiny vacuum expectation value. Experimental constraints, electroweak precision data and no large flavor changing neutral currents, are satisfied since the extra doublet only has a Yukawa interaction with lepton doublets and right-handed neutrinos, and their masses are heavy of order a TeV-scale. Since active light neutrinos are Majorana particles, this model predicts a neutrinoless double beta decay.Comment: 21 pages, 8 figure

Solar Intranetwork Magnetic Elements: bipolar flux appearance

The current study aims to quantify characteristic features of bipolar flux appearance of solar intranetwork (IN) magnetic elements. To attack such a problem, we use the Narrow-band Filter Imager (NFI) magnetograms from the Solar Optical Telescope (SOT) on board \emph{Hinode}; these data are from quiet and an enhanced network areas. Cluster emergence of mixed polarities and IN ephemeral regions (ERs) are the most conspicuous forms of bipolar flux appearance within the network. Each of the clusters is characterized by a few well-developed ERs that are partially or fully co-aligned in magnetic axis orientation. On average, the sampled IN ERs have total maximum unsigned flux of several 10^{17} Mx, separation of 3-4 arcsec, and a lifetime of 10-15 minutes. The smallest IN ERs have a maximum unsigned flux of several 10^{16} Mx, separations less than 1 arcsec, and lifetimes as short as 5 minutes. Most IN ERs exhibit a rotation of their magnetic axis of more than 10 degrees during flux emergence. Peculiar flux appearance, e.g., bipole shrinkage followed by growth or the reverse, is not unusual. A few examples show repeated shrinkage-growth or growth-shrinkage, like magnetic floats in the dynamic photosphere. The observed bipolar behavior seems to carry rich information on magneto-convection in the sub-photospheric layer.Comment: 26 pages, 14 figure

Efficiency of light-emitting diode and halogen units in reducing residual monomers

In this in-vitro study, we aimed to compare the residual monomers in composites beneath brackets bonded to enamel, using a light-emitting diode (LED) or a halogen unit, and to compare the residual monomers in the central to the peripheral areas of the composite

Biosynthesis of antioxidant xanthan gum by Xanthomonas campestris using substrates added with moist olive pomace

Moist olive pomace (MOP) is a high moisture content by-product of the olive oil industry. Managing this recalcitrant residue (transport, storage, and drying) is a priority demanding investment in finding alternative valorisation routes. In this context, the biosynthesis of xanthan gum (XG) incorporating MOP in the substrate (0.0 %, 5.0 %, 10.0 %, 15.0 %, 20.0 %, 25.0 %, 30.0 % and 50.0 %) to induce bacterial stress was attempted. XG biosynthesis yield was quantified, and the product was characterised by structural analysis (FTIR), thermal behaviour (TG), rheology and antioxidant capacity. Relative to the control (sample with no added MOP), a significant increase in XG biosynthesis was found for concentrations up to 30.0 % MOP. In particular, for XG produced with 15 % MOP, a 50.91 % (p < 0.0001) increase was achieved, together with 395.78 % for viscosity. In general, XG produced with MOP presence showed antioxidant activity, a value-added property, especially for applications in the food, pharmaceutical and cosmetic areas. The results indicated that the stress imposed by the MOP induced a microbial response leading to XG production increase, structural and viscosity modifications, and antioxidant properties incorporation. Overall, this work points out a new MOP application contributing to the sustainability of the olive oil productive chain from a biobased circular economy perspective.The authors are grateful to the Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT, Portugal) for financial support through national funds FCT/MCTES (PIDDAC) to CIMO (UIDB/00690/2020 and UIDP/00690/2020), and SusTEC (LA/P/0007/2021). Project OleaChain “Skills for sustainability and innovation in the value chain of traditional olive groves in the Northern Inland of Portugal” (NORTE-06-3559-FSE-000188) for P.J.L. Crugeira and A.I.G. Rodrigues contracts. FCT for the PhD research grant of H.H.S. Almeida (SFRH/BD/148124/2019). National funding by FCT, P.I., through the institutional scientific employment program contract of A. Santamaria-Echart.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Three-Dimensional Regional Displacements After Mandibular Advancement Surgery: One Year of Follow-Up

To evaluate the association of 3-dimensional changes in the position of the condyles, rami, and chin at splint removal and 1 year after mandibular advancement surgery

The southern photometric local universe survey (S-PLUS): Improved SEDs, morphologies, and redshifts with 12 optical filters

The Southern Photometric Local Universe Survey (S-PLUS) is imaging ~9300 deg2 of the celestial sphere in 12 optical bands using a dedicated 0.8mrobotic telescope, the T80-South, at the Cerro Tololo Inter-american Observatory, Chile. The telescope is equipped with a 9.2k × 9.2k e2v detector with 10 μm pixels, resulting in a field of view of 2 deg2 with a plate scale of 0.55 arcsec pixel-1. The survey consists of four main subfields, which include two non-contiguous fields at high Galactic latitudes (|b| > 30° , 8000 deg2) and two areas of the Galactic Disc and Bulge (for an additional 1300 deg2). S-PLUS uses the Javalambre 12-band magnitude system, which includes the 5 ugriz broad-band filters and 7 narrow-band filters centred on prominent stellar spectral features: the Balmer jump/[OII], Ca H + K, Hd, G band, Mg b triplet, Hα, and the Ca triplet. S-PLUS delivers accurate photometric redshifts (δz/(1 + z) = 0.02 or better) for galaxies with r < 19.7 AB mag and z < 0.4, thus producing a 3D map of the local Universe over a volume of more than 1 (Gpc/h)3. The final S-PLUS catalogue will also enable the study of star formation and stellar populations in and around the Milky Way and nearby galaxies, as well as searches for quasars, variable sources, and low-metallicity stars. In this paper we introduce the main characteristics of the survey, illustrated with science verification data highlighting the unique capabilities of S-PLUS. We also present the first public data release of ~336 deg2 of the Stripe 82 area, in 12 bands, to a limiting magnitude of r = 21, available at datalab.noao.edu/splus.Fil: De Oliveira, C. Mendes. Universidade do Sao Paulo. Instituto de Astronomia, Geofísica e Ciências Atmosféricas; BrasilFil: Ribeiro, T.. Universidade Federal de Sergipe; Brasil. National Optical Astronomy Observatory; Estados UnidosFil: Schoenell, W.. Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul; BrasilFil: Kanaan, A.. Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina; BrasilFil: Overzier, R.A.. Universidade do Sao Paulo. Instituto de Astronomia, Geofísica e Ciências Atmosféricas; Brasil. Ministério da Ciência, Tecnologia, Inovação e Comunicações. Observatório Nacional; BrasilFil: Molino, A.. Universidade do Sao Paulo. Instituto de Astronomia, Geofísica e Ciências Atmosféricas; BrasilFil: Sampedro, L.. Universidade do Sao Paulo. Instituto de Astronomia, Geofísica e Ciências Atmosféricas; BrasilFil: Coelho, P.. Universidade do Sao Paulo. Instituto de Astronomia, Geofísica e Ciências Atmosféricas; BrasilFil: Barbosa, C.E.. Universidade do Sao Paulo. Instituto de Astronomia, Geofísica e Ciências Atmosféricas; BrasilFil: Cortesi, A.. Universidade do Sao Paulo. Instituto de Astronomia, Geofísica e Ciências Atmosféricas; BrasilFil: Costa Duarte, M.V.. Universidade do Sao Paulo. Instituto de Astronomia, Geofísica e Ciências Atmosféricas; BrasilFil: Herpich, F.R.. Universidade do Sao Paulo. Instituto de Astronomia, Geofísica e Ciências Atmosféricas; Brasil. Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina; BrasilFil: Hernandez Jimenez, J.A.. Universidade do Sao Paulo. Instituto de Astronomia, Geofísica e Ciências Atmosféricas; BrasilFil: Placco, V.M.. University of Notre Dame; Estados Unidos. JINA Center for the Evolution of the Elements ; Estados UnidosFil: Xavier, H.S.. Universidade do Sao Paulo. Instituto de Astronomia, Geofísica e Ciências Atmosféricas; BrasilFil: Abramo, L.R.. Universidade do Sao Paulo. Instituto de Astronomia, Geofísica e Ciências Atmosféricas; BrasilFil: Saito, R.K.. Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina; BrasilFil: Chies Santos, A.L.. Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul; BrasilFil: Ederoclite, A.. Universidade do Sao Paulo. Instituto de Astronomia, Geofísica e Ciências Atmosféricas; Brasil. Centro de Estudios de Física del Cosmo de Aragon; EspañaFil: De Oliveira, R. Lopes. Universidade Federal de Sergipe; Brasil. Ministério da Ciência, Tecnologia, Inovação e Comunicações. Observatório Nacional; Brasil. University of Maryland; Estados UnidosFil: Goncalves, D.R.. Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro; BrasilFil: Akras, S.. Ministério da Ciência, Tecnologia, Inovação e Comunicações. Observatório Nacional; Brasil. Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro; BrasilFil: Almeida, L.A.. Universidade do Sao Paulo. Instituto de Astronomia, Geofísica e Ciências Atmosféricas; Brasil. Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte; BrasilFil: Almeida Fernandes, F.. Universidade do Sao Paulo. Instituto de Astronomia, Geofísica e Ciências Atmosféricas; Brasil. Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro; BrasilFil: Beers, T.C.. University of Notre Dame; Estados Unidos. JINA Center for the Evolution of the Elements ; Estados UnidosFil: Bonatto, C.. Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul; BrasilFil: Bonoli, S.. Centro de Estudios de Física del Cosmo de Aragon; EspañaFil: Cypriano, E.S.. Universidade do Sao Paulo. Instituto de Astronomia, Geofísica e Ciências Atmosféricas; BrasilFil: Vinicius Lima, E.. Universidade do Sao Paulo. Instituto de Astronomia, Geofísica e Ciências Atmosféricas; BrasilFil: Smith Castelli, Analia Viviana. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - La Plata. Instituto de Astrofísica La Plata. Universidad Nacional de La Plata. Facultad de Ciencias Astronómicas y Geofísicas. Instituto de Astrofísica La Plata; Argentin