Resonance-Assisted Self-Doping in Robust Open-Shell Ladder-Type Oligoaniline Analogues.

A novel resonance-assisted self-doping mechanism has been demonstrated in ladder-type oligoaniline-derived organic conductors. The new class of compounds has a unique structure incorporating acidic phenolic hydroxyl groups into the ladder-type cyclohexadiene-1,4-diimine core, enabling efficient proton transfer and self-doping without the need for external dopants. Mechanistic studies and computational studies confirm the open-shell, zwitterionic nature of the self-doped state and the significant role played by the dielectric environment. This new self-doping mechanism allows for higher stability and durability in the material's electronic performance. The self-doped form retains durability under harsh conditions and maintains its properties over extended periods of time.

Knowledge and Practice toward DEXA Scan among Women in Jazan City, Saudi Arabia.

Background: Osteoporosis, characterized by reduced bone mass and increased fracture risk, presents a significant public health challenge. Dual-energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DEXA) scans offer a reliable means of assessing bone mineral density (BMD) and detecting osteoporosis. The aim of this study is to assess awareness, attitude, and practice of women in the Jazan region toward DEXA scan. Methods: Data were collected through a self-administered online questionnaire. Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS version 29.0. The total knowledge scores of participants were calculated to assess potential associations with sociodemographic data. A p-value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Among 400 women, 230 (57.5%) had low knowledge scores primarily due to poor knowledge of the DEXA scan procedure. Merely 39 women had undergone a DEXA scan mainly due to medical prescription (n = 22, 56.4%). Total knowledge scores were significantly higher among women with high monthly incomes (p = 0.019) and those working in medical-related jobs (p = 0.017). Conclusions: This study underscores the need for targeted interventions to improve awareness of DEXA scans among women in Jazan City. Additionally, the findings suggest that socioeconomic factors may influence awareness levels, emphasizing the importance of tailored educational strategies to reach diverse demographics.

Anti-selective Cyclopropanation of Nonconjugated Alkenes with Diverse Pronucleophiles via Directed Nucleopalladation.

A facile approach to obtaining densely functionalized cyclopropanes is described. The reaction proceeds under mild conditions via the directed nucleopalladation of nonconjugated alkenes with readily available pronucleophiles and gives excellent yields and good anti-selectivity using I2 and TBHP as oxidants. Pronucleophiles bearing a diverse collection of electron-withdrawing groups, including -CN, -CO2R, -COR, -SO2Ph, -CONHR, and -NO2, are well tolerated. Internal alkenes, which are generally challenging substrates in other cyclopropanation methods, provide excellent yields and good diastereoselectivity in this methodology, allowing for controlled access to cyclopropanes substituted at all three C atoms. DFT calculations and mechanistic experiments reveal that the major mechanistic pathway involves the initial α-iodination of the nucleophile, followed by anti-carbopalladation and intramolecular C(sp3)-I oxidative addition. Strain-release-promoted C(sp3)-C(sp3) reductive elimination then furnishes the cyclopropanated product.

Awareness of Post-COVID-19 Syndrome Among the General Population of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Background Post-COVID-19 syndrome (PC19S) is an emerging pathological entity characterized by the development or persistence of a spectrum of symptoms and signs 12 weeks after the original disease. Most COVID-19 patients show a variety of persistent symptoms after recovery that impact their quality of life and professional performance. The prevalence of PC19S is found to be high among many populations hence, the need for knowledge and understanding of its risk factors, symptoms, and the awareness of the population about them to improve the provided health and medical care. Aim This study aims to assess the level of awareness of post-COVID-19 syndrome among the general population of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). Most studies have focused on hospitalized patients and those with severe disease, but PC19S can exist in other categories of COVID-19 patients; hence, the need for total population coverage. Methodology A cross-sectional study was conducted during the period between June 2023 and August 2023 using a structured self-administered online questionnaire. The online questionnaire in addition to the demographic characteristics consists of two main parts, one is about the awareness of the Saudi population of symptoms of PC19S and the other is about awareness of its risk factors. Results The majority of the participants (1558; 72.4%) showed low awareness of PC19S symptoms while only about one quarter (595; 27.6%) showed satisfactory awareness. Also, the awareness of the participants toward risk factors was low, as 1738 (80.7%) of them showed low awareness. We categorized the results into three levels of awareness to simplify and facilitate interpretation. The findings showed that 1380 individuals (64.09%) had low awareness of PC19S, 536 individuals (24.89%) had moderate awareness, and only 237 individuals (11%) had high awareness. The study reported that the highest awareness toward symptoms was of smell disturbances (1206; 56.0%) and the least was of hair loss (506; 23.5%) while among the risk factors, the highest was found toward old age 1326 (61.6%) and the female sex was the lowest 194 (9.0%). Conclusion The study revealed that the majority of the participants demonstrated low awareness of symptoms and risk factors, which needs a continuous effort to raise the population's awareness of this health-threatening condition.

Phytoremediation efficiency of poplar hybrid varieties with diverse genetic backgrounds in soil contaminated by multiple toxic metals (Cd, Hg, Pb, and As).

Fifteen poplar varieties were used in a field trial to investigate the phytoremediation efficiency, stress resistance, and wood property of poplar hybrid varieties with diverse genetic backgrounds under the composite pollution of heavy metals. The coefficient of variation and clone repeatability for growth traits and Cd concentration were large. The Cd accumulation of poplar varieties 107 and QHQ reached 1.9 and 1.7 mg, respectively, followed by QHB, Ti, 69, and Pa, in which Cd accumulation reached 1.3 mg. Most of the intra-specific hybrid varieties (69, QH1, SL4, T3, and ZL46) had low Cd concentrations and small biomass, resulting in weak Cd accumulation and low phytoremediation efficiency for Cd-polluted soil. By contrast, the inter-sectional and inter-specific hybrid varieties exhibited better growth performance and accumulated higher concentrations of heavy metals than the intra-specific hybrids. The bioconcentration factor and translocation factor of Hg, As, and Pb were less than 1, indicating that poplars have low phytoremediation efficiency for these heavy metals. The hybrids between section Aigeiros and Tacamahaca (QHQ and QHB) and the inter-specific hybrid 107 within section Aigeiros were more resistant to composite heavy metal stress than the other poplar varieties were partially because of their high levels of free proline that exceeded 93 µg·g-1 FW. According to the correlation analysis of the concentrations of the different heavy metals, the poplar roots absorbed different heavy metals in a cooperative manner, indicating that elite poplar varieties with superior capacity for accumulating diverse heavy metals can be bred feasibly. Compared with the intra-specific hybrid varieties, the inter-sectional (QHQ and QHB) and inter-specific (107) hybrid varieties had higher pollution remediation efficiency, larger biomass, higher cellulose content, and lower lignin content, which is beneficial for pulpwood. Therefore, breeding and extending inter-sectional (QHQ and QHB) and inter-specific hybrid varieties can improve the phytoremediation of composite pollution.

The impact of imposter syndrome on self-esteem and intention to quit among respiratory therapy (RT) students in Saudi Arabia.

Introduction: Imposter syndrome is common among health disciplinary students, leading to serious consequences. However, the impact of imposter syndrome on self-esteem and quitting intention among respiratory therapy students has not been well researched. Objective: To report on the prevalence of imposter syndrome and assess its impacts on self-esteem and quitting intention among respiratory therapy students in Saudi Arabia. Methods: A nonprobability cross-sectional questionnaire using the Clance Impostor Phenomenon Scale and the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale was self-administered and distributed among respiratory therapy students between October 2022 and April 2023. Data analysis was performed using Descriptive and inferential statistics. Results: Of the 1500 respiratory therapy students invited to participate in the study, 901 surveys were completed; and thus, included in the final analysis. Of whom, 92% were presented with imposter syndrome: 44% with moderate, 35% with frequent, and 13% with intense feelings. In addition, 60% of respiratory therapy students and interns experienced low self-esteem, while only 0.5% indicated high self-esteem. More than 50% of the study participants thought about quitting the respiratory therapy program, and 30% have been diagnosed with psychological disorders. Furthermore, there was a significant association between imposter syndrome and low self-esteem, p < 0.001. Factors associated with imposter syndrome and low self-esteem were family income (<0.005) and parents' education (<0.005), quitting intention (<0.005), and having been diagnosed with psychological disorders (<0.005). Genders, academic levels, and grade point average were not associated with either imposter syndrome or self-esteem (>0.005). Conclusion: Imposter syndrome and low self-esteem are prevalent among respiratory therapy students, both of which are associated with considering leaving the respiratory therapy program. Effective interventions should be implemented to ameliorate the symptoms imposter syndrome and low self-esteem; thus, improving the academic experience of respiratory therapy students.

Phytoconstituents of Citrus limon (Lemon) as Potential Inhibitors Against Multi Targets of SARS-CoV-2 by Use of Molecular Modelling and In†Vitro Determination Approaches.

In the present work, phytoconstituents from Citrus limon are computationally tested against SARS-CoV-2 target protein such as Mpro - (5R82.pdb), Spike - (6YZ5.pdb) &RdRp - (7BTF.pdb) for COVID-19. Docking was done by glide model, QikProp was performed by in silico ADMET screening & Prime MM-GB/SA modules were used to define binding energy. When compared with approved COVID-19 drugs such as Remdesivir, Ritonavir, Lopinavir, and Hydroxychloroquine, plant-based constituents such as Quercetin, Rutoside, Naringin, Eriocitrin, and Hesperidin. bind with significant G-scores to the active SARS-CoV-2 place. The constituents Rutoside and Eriocitrin were studied in each MD simulation in 100 ns against 3 proteins 5R82.pdb, 6YZ5.pdb and 7BTF.pdb.We performed an assay with significant natural compounds from contacts and in silico results (Rutin, Eriocitrin, Naringin, Hesperidin) using 3CL protease assay kit (B.11529 Omicron variant). This kit contained 3CL inhibitor GC376 as Control. The IC50 value of the test compound was found to be Rutin -17.50 µM, Eriocitrin-37.91 µM, Naringin-39.58 µM, Hesperidine-140.20 µM, the standard inhibitory concentration of GC376 was 38.64 µM. The phytoconstituents showed important interactions with SARS-CoV-2 targets, and potential modifications could be beneficial for future development.

Characterization of a thermostable protease from Bacillus subtilis BSP strain.

This study used conservative one variable-at-a-time study and statistical surface response methods to increase the yields of an extracellular thermostable protease secreted by a newly identified thermophilic Bacillus subtilis BSP strain. Using conventional optimization techniques, physical parameters in submerged fermentation were adjusted at the shake flask level to reach 184 U/mL. These physicochemical parameters were further optimized by statistical surface response methodology using Box Behnken design, and the protease yield increased to 295 U/mL. The protease was purified and characterized biochemically. Both Ca2+ and Fe2+ increased the activity of the 36 kDa protease enzyme. Based on its strong inhibition by ethylenediaminetetracetate (EDTA), the enzyme was confirmed to be a metalloprotease. The protease was also resistant to various organic solvents (benzene, ethanol, methanol), surfactants (Triton X-100), sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), Tween 20, Tween-80 and oxidants hydrogen per oxide (H2O2). Characteristics, such as tolerance to high SDS and H2O2 concentrations, indicate that this protease has potential applications in the pharmaceutical and detergent industries.

Patient preferences for teleradiology services and remote image interpretation: An empirical study.

STUDY PURPOSE: This study aims to examine patient preferences for teleradiology services and remote image interpretation. In this context, this study aims to address the following research questions: (i) How do patients perceive teleradiology services, focusing specifically on comfort, quality of care and satisfaction, communication and information, and accessibility and ease of use; (ii) How do patient demographics (age, gender, urban vs. rural residence) influence the perceptions on teleradiology services? METHODS: A cross-sectional survey design is adopted in this study. The survey comprises five sections targeting demographic information, comfort, and preferences regarding remote image interpretation, perceived quality of care and satisfaction, communication and information clarity, and accessibility and technology aspects using five-point Likert scale ratings. A total of 406 patients (209 males and 197 females; 170 urban residents; 174 semi-urban residents, and 62 rural residents) using teleradiology services participated in the study. RESULTS: Participants reported high satisfaction with remote image interpretation (3.78 ± 1.19), quality of care (3.31 ± 1.19), understanding (3.84 ± 1.43), and user-friendliness (3.67 ± 1.29). Key issues were technical problems (3.81 ± 1.35), feedback difficulties (3.19 ± 1.58), privacy concerns (2.43 ± 1.46), and low awareness (2.37 ± 1.12). Urban participants scored significantly better in comfort, preferences, and communication than those from semi-urban and rural areas. CONCLUSION: Teleradiology design and implementation should be optimized to align with patient preferences and enhance overall satisfaction.

Natural dyes developed by microbial-nanosilver to produce antimicrobial and anticancer textiles.

Developing special textiles (for patients in hospitals for example) properties, special antimicrobial and anticancer, was the main objective of the current work. The developed textiles were produced after dyeing by the novel formula of natural (non-environmental toxic) pigments (melanin amended by microbial-AgNPs). Streptomyces torulosus isolate OSh10 with accession number KX753680.1 was selected as a superior producer for brown natural pigment. By optimization processes, some different pigment colors were observed after growing the tested strain on the 3 media. Dextrose and malt extract enhanced the bacteria to produce a reddish-black color. However, glycerol as the main carbon source and NaNO3 and asparagine as a nitrogen source were noted as the best for the production of brown pigment. In another case, starch as a polysaccharide was the best carbon for the production of deep green pigment. Peptone and NaNO3 are the best nitrogen sources for the production of deep green pigment. Microbial-AgNPs were produced by Fusarium oxysporum with a size of 7-21 nm, and the shape was spherical. These nanoparticles were used to produce pigments-nanocomposite to improve their promising properties. The antimicrobial of nanoparticles and textiles dyeing by nanocomposites was recorded against multidrug-resistant pathogens. The new nanocomposite improved pigments' dyeing action and textile properties. The produced textiles had anticancer activity against skin cancer cells with non-cytotoxicity detectable action against normal skin cells. The obtained results indicate to application of these textiles in hospital patients' clothes.

Effect of dietary Arthrospira platensis phycocyanin on broiler chicken growth performance, physiological status, fatty and amino acid profiles.

Background and Aim: Natural antioxidants are crucial for preserving and enhancing the health, survival, reproduction, and reproductive function of poultry. Phycocyanin (PC) is a natural blue food colorant with various health benefits. The aim of this study was to extract Arthrospira platensis phycocyanin (ApPC) from A. platensis using simple and economical methods and investigate the impact of phytocyanin supplementation on the performance and fatty and amino acid profiles of broiler chicks. Materials and Methods: PC was extracted from A. platensis by freezing and thawing, and optimization conditions such as pH and temperature were applied during storage periods. A total of 270 1-week-old Ross breed broiler chicks were randomly assigned to the following three treatment groups: basal diet supplemented with 0 mg of PC/kg diet (control), basal diet supplemented with 1 g PC/kg diet (T1), and basal diet supplemented with 2 g PC/kg (T2). In a completely randomized design, three cage replicates (30 birds each) were assigned to each of the three groups. The dietary effects of ApPC on growth performance (body weight gain [BWG], body weight [BW], feed intake, feed conversion ratio, serum constituents, and antioxidant indices) in broiler chickens, free amino acids, and fatty acids in muscles were evaluated. Results: Total BWG and BW increased without a significant effect on the total feed consumption. Serum levels of total proteins and albumin increased with increasing ApPC supplementation. In addition, globulin levels significantly increased. There was a significant decrease in serum total cholesterol levels among the treatments. The activity of antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione, and total antioxidant capacity) is significantly increased. In contrast, an increase in ApPC caused a significant decrease in malondialdehyde. The content and quantity of fatty acids and amino acids in the meat of broiler chicks supplemented with PC varies. Conclusion: The addition of PC to broiler chicken diets enhances antioxidant activities, BW, BWG, and meets quality requirements.

Assessment of drinking water quality using Water Quality Index and synthetic pollution index in urban areas of mega city Lahore: a GIS-based approach.

The aim of the present study was to assess the drinking water quality in the selected urban areas of Lahore and to comprehend the public health status by addressing the basic drinking water quality parameters. Total 50 tap water samples were collected from groundwater in the two selected areas of district Lahore i.e., Gulshan-e-Ravi (site 1) and Samanabad (site 2). Water samples were analyzed in the laboratory to elucidate physico-chemical parameters including pH, turbidity, temperature, total dissolved solids (TDS), electrical conductivity (EC), dissolved oxygen (DO), total hardness, magnesium hardness, and calcium hardness. These physico-chemical parameters were used to examine the Water Quality Index (WQI) and Synthetic Pollution Index (SPI) in order to characterize the water quality. Results of th selected physico-chemical parameters were compared with World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines to determine the quality of drinking water. A GIS-based approach was used for mapping water quality, WQI, and SPI. Results of the present study revealed that the average value of temperature, pH, and DO of both study sites were within the WHO guidelines of 23.5 °C, 7.7, and 6.9 mg/L, respectively. The TDS level of site 1 was 192.56 mg/L (within WHO guidelines) and whereas, in site 2 it was found 612.84 mg/L (higher than WHO guidelines), respectively. Calcium hardness of site 1 and site 2 was observed within the range from 25.04 to 65.732 mg/L but, magnesium hardness values were higher than WHO guidelines. The major reason for poor water quality is old, worn-out water supply pipelines and improper waste disposal in the selected areas. The average WQI was found as 59.66 for site 1 and 77.30 for site 2. Results showed that the quality of the water was classified as "poor" for site 1 and "very poor " for site 2. There is a need to address the problem of poor water quality and also raise the public awareness about the quality of drinking water and its associated health impacts.

Use of High-Flow Nasal Cannulas in Saudi's Neonatal Level III Intensive Care Units: A Nationwide Questionnaire Study.

Objective. To describe heated humidified high-flow nasal cannulas (HHHFNC) utilization in level III neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) in Saudi Arabia. Methods. A prospective cross-sectional study using an electronic web-based questionnaire. The survey targeted level III NICUs hospitals using HHHFNCs, covering HHHFNC availability, protocols, patient characteristics, and indications. It also collected opinions on the benefits of HHHFNCs compared to nasal continuous positive airway pressure (nCPAP). Results. Out of 47 government-level III neonatal intensive care units, 35 (74%) responded to the survey. Among the included units, 46% had guidelines for HHHFNC use. Additionally, 51% reported using HHHFNC in infants of all gestational ages. The primary indication for HHHFNC use was weaning off nCPAP (34%), with 60% of the respondents noting its advantages for kangaroo care and breastfeeding. Conclusion. HHHFNC are increasingly prevalent in NICUs in Saudi Arabia. However, there remain no clear policies or guidelines regarding their use in preterm infants.

Sporadic subependymal giant cell astrocytoma with somatic TSC2 mutation: A case report.

Subependymal giant cell astrocytoma (SEGA) is a rare circumscribed astrocytic glioma that occurs in approximately 25% of all tuberous sclerosis (TSC) cases. Herein, we discuss an atypical presentation of SEGA, including the genetic alterations, impact on clinical presentation, and the determinants of each medical and surgical treatment option. A 14-year-old girl presented with intermittent headache and a right intraventricular mass originating near the foramen of Monro. The tumor's proximity to critical structures necessitated maximum safe resection, which improved her symptoms. Histological findings indicated SEGA, and genetic sequencing revealed a TSC2 mutation. However, complete clinical and radiological evaluations failed to reveal TSC. Two months later, a new subependymal nodule was incidentally found. She had a recurrent left occipital horn lesion and diffuse smooth leptomeningeal enhancement with no spine drop metastases. She was administered everolimus as the tumor was considered unresectable. Subsequent imaging revealed a reduction in both residual and new lesions.

Advancing molecular modeling and reverse vaccinology in broad-spectrum yellow fever virus vaccine development.

Yellow fever outbreaks are prevalent, particularly in endemic regions. Given the lack of an established treatment for this disease, significant attention has been directed toward managing this arbovirus. In response, we developed a multiepitope vaccine designed to elicit an immune response, utilizing advanced immunoinformatic and molecular modeling techniques. To achieve this, we predicted B- and T-cell epitopes using the sequences from all structural (E, prM, and C) and nonstructural proteins of 196 YFV strains. Through comprehensive analysis, we identified 10 cytotoxic T-lymphocyte (CTL) and 5T-helper (Th) epitopes that exhibited overlap with B-lymphocyte epitopes. These epitopes were further evaluated for their affinity to a wide range of human leukocyte antigen system alleles and were rigorously tested for antigenicity, immunogenicity, allergenicity, toxicity, and conservation. These epitopes were linked to an adjuvant ( ß -defensin) and to each other using ligands, resulting in a vaccine sequence with appropriate physicochemical properties. The 3D structure of this sequence was created, improved, and quality checked; then it was anchored to the Toll-like receptor. Molecular Dynamics and Quantum Mechanics/Molecular Mechanics simulations were employed to enhance the accuracy of docking calculations, with the QM portion of the simulations carried out utilizing the density functional theory formalism. Moreover, the inoculation model was able to provide an optimal codon sequence that was inserted into the pET-28a( +) vector for in silico cloning and could even stimulate highly relevant humoral and cellular immunological responses. Overall, these results suggest that the designed multi-epitope vaccine can serve as prophylaxis against the yellow fever virus.

Multinodular goiter with a retropharyngeal extension: A report of two cases and literature review.

Multinodular goiter (MNG) is a chronic benign nodular enlargement of the thyroid gland. It presents as an anterior painless neck mass, potentially progressing to exert pressure on the trachea and esophagus and giving rise to compressive symptoms. MNG is a common thyroid gland disorder; however, retropharyngeal goiter is considered rare with few reported cases. We report the cases of two patients who presented to our institution with MNG with retropharyngeal extension: a 62-year-old female patient who presented with a progressive anterior neck mass with dilated neck veins; and a 49-year-old male who presented with a painless anterior neck mass. Both patients successfully underwent total thyroidectomy with an uneventful postoperative recovery. The clinical presentation of MNG with retropharyngeal extension varies with patients; hence, a high index of suspicion is of the utmost significance. While the retropharyngeal extension does not cause compressive symptoms, it should raise the suspicion of a large retrosternal component.

The effect of cumulative night shift duties on insomnia, fatigue, and mental health in intensive care unit.

Background: Night shift duties are crucial in the ICU to ensure care continuity, where critically ill patients require round-the-clock care. However, cumulative night shift duties may disturb circadian rhythm, insomnia, fatigue, and depression, and require further elucidation. Objectives: This study aims to examine the negative consequences of various night shift patterns on insomnia, fatigue, and mental health of ICU Workers. Methods: A cross-sectional study examined how cumulative night shift duty affects insomnia, fatigue, and mental health in critical care providers (CCPs). Results: A total of 1006 participants completed this study between June 2022 and March 2023, including 54.5 % males. About 35 % were between 20 and 30 years of age, and Respiratory Therapists accounted for approximately 46.5 % of the entire sample. Most of our respondents (476; 47 %) reported working night shifts, with a monthly range of 8-15 nights. The prevalence rates for moderate to severe clinical insomnia, fatigue, and moderate to severe depression were 42 %, 48 %, and 32 %, respectively. CCPs working 8-15 nights had a 2-fold risk of clinical insomnia than those working fewer than eight nights with (AOR) and 95 % (CI) of 2.12 and 1.41-3.20, while those working ≥16 nights per month had a greater incidence of clinical insomnia compared to those working <8 nights per month, AOR (CI): 3.09 (1.90-5.03). Only those working ≥16-night shifts per month had a substantially higher fatigue risk compared to those working < 8-night shifts per month, with an AOR (CI) of 1.92 (1.19-3.08). Working 8-15-night shifts per month increases depression risks by 34 % compared to the <8-night shifts group, AOR (CI): 1.34 (0.87-2.08). Those working ≥16-night shifts per month showed a higher depression risk than those working <8-night shifts, AOR (CI): 2.53 (1.53-4.19). Conclusion: A cumulative night shift above eight nights per month is linked with an increased risk of insomnia, fatigue, and depression. The risk of these conditions was significantly directly proportional to the number of night shifts performed per month.

Exploring ascomycete diversity in Yunnan II: Introducing three novel species in the suborder Massarineae (Dothideomycetes, Pleosporales) from fern and grasses.

This article presents the results of an ongoing inventory of Ascomycota in Yunnan, China, carried out as part of the research project series "Exploring ascomycete diversity in Yunnan". From over 100 samples collected from diverse host substrates, microfungi have been isolated, identified and are currently being documented. The primary objective of this research is to promote the discovery of novel taxa and explore the ascomycete diversity in the region, utilising a morphology-phylogeny approach. This article represents the second series of species descriptions for the project and introduces three undocumented species found in the families Bambusicolaceae, Dictyosporiaceae and Periconiaceae, belonging to the suborder Massarineae (Pleosporales, Dothideomycetes). These novel taxa exhibit typical morphological characteristics of Bambusicola, Periconia and Trichobotrys, leading to their designation as Bambusicolahongheensis, Periconiakunmingensis and Trichobotryssinensis. Comprehensive multigene phylogenetic analyses were conducted to validate the novelty of these species. The results revealed well-defined clades that are clearly distinct from other related species, providing robust support for their placement within their respective families. Notably, this study unveils the phylogenetic affinity of Trichobotrys within Dictyosporiaceae for the first time. Additionally, the synanamorphism for the genus Trichobotrys is also reported for the first time. Detailed descriptions, illustrations and updated phylogenies of the novel species are provided, and thus presenting a valuable resource for researchers and mycologists interested in the diversity of ascomycetes in Yunnan. By enhancing our understanding of the Ascomycota diversity in this region, this research contributes to the broader field of fungal taxonomy and their phylogenetic understanding.

Utilization of microalgae for agricultural runoff remediation and sustainable biofuel production through an integrated biorefinery approach.

Generally wastewater such agricultural runoff is considered a nuisance; however, it could be harnessed as a potential source of nutrients like nitrates and phosphates in integrated biorefinery context. In the current study, microalgae Chlorella sp. S5 was used for bioremediation of agricultural runoff and the leftover algal biomass was used as a potential source for production of biofuels in an integrated biorefinery context. The microalgae Chlorella sp. S5 was cultivated on Blue Green (BG 11) medium and a comprehensive optimization of different parameters including phosphates, nitrates, and pH was carried out to acquire maximum algal biomass enriched with high lipids content. Dry biomass was quantified using the solvent extraction technique, while the identification of nitrates and phosphates in agricultural runoff was carried out using commercial kits. The algal extracted lipids (oils) were employed in enzymatic trans-esterification for biodiesel production using whole-cell biomass of Bacillus subtilis Q4 MZ841642. The resultant fatty acid methyl esters (FAMEs) were analyzed using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Subsequently, both the intact algal biomass and its lipid-depleted algal biomass were used for biogas production within a batch anaerobic digestion setup. Interestingly, Chlorella sp. S5 demonstrated a substantial reduction of 95% in nitrate and 91% in phosphate from agricultural runoff. The biodiesel derived from algal biomass exhibited a noteworthy total FAME content of 98.2%, meeting the quality standards set by American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) and European union (EU) standards. Furthermore, the biomethane yields obtained from whole biomass and lipid-depleted biomass were 330.34 NmL/g VSadded and 364.34 NmL/g VSadded, respectively. In conclusion, the findings underscore the potent utility of Chlorella sp. S5 as a multi-faceted resource, proficiently employed in a sequential cascade for treating agricultural runoff, producing biodiesel, and generating biogas within the integrated biorefinery concept.