Plants are constantly exposed to a variety of different environmental stresses, including drought, salinity, and elevated temperatures. These stress cues are assumed to aggravate in the future driven by the global climate change scenario which we are currently experiencing. These stressors have largely detrimental effects on plant growth and development and, therefore, put global food security in jeopardy. For this reason, it is necessary to expand our understanding of the underlying mechanisms by which plants respond to abiotic stresses. Especially boosting our insight into the ways by which plants balance their growth and their defense programs appears to be of paramount importance, as this may lead to novel perspectives that can pave the way to increase agricultural productivity in a sustainable manner. In this review, our aim was to present a detailed overview of different factettes of the crosstalk between the antagonistic plant hormones abscisic acid (ABA) and auxin, two phytohormones that are the main drivers of plant stress responses, on the one hand, and plant growth, on the other.

Today's major challenge for smart Microgrids is to ensure the security of communications in a large number of changing data sets that are vulnerable to attacks by denial of services in constant evolution. The Internet Protocol Traceback defines a set of methods that help identify the source of an attack with minimal requirements for memory and processing. However, the concept of Traceback is not yet being used in smart Microgrids. As a result, the main challenge of this article is to incorporate a new Traceback approach into the cybernetic system of a smart mesh Microgrid, which can be tested using a network simulator (NS-3) based on delay, debit, and packet loss rate parameters. In fact, the simulation results show the efficacy of this approach compared to others existing in the literature. Furthermore, using the proposed Traceback technique and the mesh nodes, we were able to create a smart meshed Microgrid. Moreover, using the Traceback approach given for merging Intel Galileo Gen.1 nodes with the Compex WLE200NX.11a/b/g/n to establish a secure test bench, which is deployed as a prototype at the Sfax Digital Research Center in Tunisia, we were able to create an intelligent Microgrid. In fact, by identifying all attack vectors and revealing their origins, we could boost the efficiency of our operation by 100%.

Background: Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) are increasingly reported to improve chronic neuroinflammatory diseases in peripheral and central nervous systems. Specifically, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) protects nerve cells from noxious stimuli in vitro and in vivo. Recent reports link PUFA supplementation to improving painful diabetic neuropathy (pDN) symptoms. However, the molecular mechanism behind omega-3 PUFAs ameliorating pDN symptoms is lacking. Therefore, we sought to determine the distinct cellular pathways that omega-3 PUFAs dietary supplementation promotes in reducing painful neuropathy in type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2) patients. Methods: Forty volunteers diagnosed with type 2 diabetes were enrolled in the "En Balance-PLUS" diabetes education study. The volunteers participated in weekly lifestyle/nutrition education and daily supplementation with 1,000 mg DHA and 200 mg eicosapentaenoic acid. The Short-Form McGill Pain Questionnaire validated clinical determination of baseline and post-intervention pain complaints. Laboratory and untargeted metabolomics analyses were conducted using blood plasma collected at baseline and after three months of participation in the dietary regimen. The metabolomics data was analyzed using random forest, hierarchical cluster, ingenuity pathway analysis, and metabolic pathway mapping. Results: We found that metabolites involved in oxidative stress and glutathione production shifted significantly to a more anti-inflammatory state post supplementation. Example of these metabolites include cystathionine (+90%), S-methylmethionine (+9%), glycine cysteine-glutathione disulfide (+157%) cysteinylglycine (+19%), glutamate (-11%), glycine (+11%) and arginine (+13.4%). In addition, the levels of phospholipids associated with improved membrane fluidity such as linoleoyl-docosahexaenoyl-glycerol (18:2/22:6) (+253 %) were significantly increased. Ingenuity pathway analysis suggested several key bio functions associated with omega-3 PUFA supplementation such as formation of reactive oxygen species (p = 4.38 × 10-4, z-score = -1.96), peroxidation of lipids (p = 2.24 × 10-5, z-score = -1.944), Ca2+ transport (p = 1.55 × 10-4, z-score = -1.969), excitation of neurons (p = 1.07 ×10-4, z-score = -1.091), and concentration of glutathione (p = 3.06 × 10-4, z-score = 1.974). Conclusion: The reduction of pro-inflammatory and oxidative stress pathways following omega-3 PUFAS supplementation is consistent with using omega-3 PUFAs as a complementary dietary strategy as part of the overall treatment of painful diabetic neuropathy.

With the introduction of HTTP/3, whose transport is no longer the traditional TCP protocol but the novel QUIC protocol, research for solutions to the unfairness of Adaptive Streaming over HTTP (HAS) has become more challenging. That is, because of different transport layers, the HTTP/3 may not be available for some networks and the clients have to use HTTP/2 for their HAS applications instead. Therefore, the scenario that HAS over HTTP/3 (HAS/3) compete against HTTP/2 (HAS/2) must be considered seriously. However, there have been a shortage of investigations on the performance and the origin of the unfairness in such a cross-protocol scenario in order to produce proper solutions. Therefore, this paper provides a performance evaluation and root-cause analysis of the cross-protocol unfairness between HAS/3 and HAS/2. It is concluded that, due to differences in the congestion control mechanisms of QUIC and TCP, HAS/3 clients obtain larger congestion windows, thus requesting higher video bitrates than HAS/2. As the problem lies in the transport layer, existing client-side ABR-based solutions for the unfairness from the application layer may perform suboptimally for the cross-protocol case.

Adrenergic receptor β3 (ADRβ3) is a member of the rhodopsin-like G protein-coupled receptor family. The binding of the ligand to ADRβ3 activates adenylate cyclase and increases cAMP in the cells. ADRβ3 is highly expressed in white and brown adipocytes and controls key regulatory pathways of lipid metabolism. Trp64Arg (W64R) polymorphism in the ADRβ3 has been associated with the early development of type 2 diabetes mellitus, lower resting metabolic rate, abdominal obesity, and insulin resistance. It is unclear how the substitution of W64R affects the functioning of ADRβ3. This study was initiated to functionally characterize this obesity-linked variant of ADRβ3. We evaluated in detail the expression, subcellular distribution, and post-activation behavior of the WT and W64R ADRβ3 using a single cell quantitative fluorescence microscopy. When expressed in HEK 293 cells, ADRβ3 shows a typical distribution displayed by other GPCRs with a predominant localization at the cell surface. Unlike Adrenergic receptor β2 (ADRβ2), agonist induced desensitization of ADRβ3 does not involve loss of cell surface expression. WT and W64R variant of ADRβ3 displayed comparable biochemical properties and there was no significant impact of the substitution of Tryptophan with Arginine on the expression, cellular distribution, signaling, and post-activation behavior of ADRβ3. The obesity-linked W64R variant of ADRβ3 is indistinguishable from the WT ADRβ3 in terms of expression, cellular distribution, signaling, and post-activation behavior.

GPR4, a member of proton activated GPCRs group. Previously we have reported that GPR4 is constitutively active at physiological pH and knockout of GPR4 has shown to protect dopaminergic neuronal cells from caspase-dependent mitochondrial apoptotic cell death. In this study we have investigated the role of GPR4 in 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1, 2, 3, 6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) treated mice model of Parkinson’s disease. Subchronic administration of MPTP in mice produces oxidative stress induced apoptotic cell death of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNpc) and motor deficits. Treatment with NE52-QQ57, a selective antagonist of GPR4 reduced dopaminergic neuronal loss MPTP-intoxicated C57BL6/J mice and improved motor deficit and memory impairment. Co-treatment with NE52-QQ57 significantly decreases the protein level of proapoptotic marker (Bax), and increases the antiapoptotic marker (Bcl-2) in the SNpc and striatum tissue collected from the brain of MPTP inflicted mice. Further, MPTP induced activation of caspase 3 and cleavage of poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) was significantly decreased in the SNpc and striatum tissue of NE52-QQ57 cotreated mice. Further mice receiving both MPTP and NE52-QQ57 mice showed significantly higher TH positive cells in the SNpc and striatum than MPTP treated mice alone. Moreover, NE52-QQ57 cotreatment improved the motor activity in the rotarod test and pole test and also improved spatial memory in Y maze test. Our findings suggest GPR4 as a potential therapeutic target for PD whereas the activation GPR4 is involved in the caspase mediated apoptotic cell death in SNpc and striatum of MPTP-intoxicated mice.

Toward the standardization of O. biennis sprout extract (OBS-E), we aimed to obtain indicator compounds, using a validated method. HPLC-UVD allowed simultaneous quantification of indicator compounds quercetin 3-glucuronide and ellagic acid. The method was validated in terms of specificity, linearity, precision, accuracy, and limit of detection/limit of quantification (LOD/LOQ). High specificity and linearity was demonstrated, with correlation coefficients of 1.0000 for quercetin 3-glucuronide and 0.9998 for ellagic acid. The LOD/LOQ values were 0.486/1.472 μg/mL for quercetin 3-glucuronide and 1.003/3.039 μg/mL for ellagic acid. Intra-day and inter-day variability tests produced relative standard deviation for each compound of <2%, a generally accepted precision criterion. High recovery rate were also obtained, indicating accuracy validation. The OBS-E prepared using various concentrations of ethanol were then analyzed. The 50% ethanol extract had highest content of quercetin 3-glucuronide, whereas the 70% ethanol extract possessed the lowest. However, the ellagic acid content was highest in the 70% ethanol extract and lowest in the 90% ethanol extract. Thus, quercetin 3-glucuronide and ellagic acid can be used industrially as indicator compounds for O. biennis sprout products, and our validated method can be used to establish indicator compounds for other natural products.

We present a cost- and time-efficient method for the controlled preparation of single phase La(IO3)3 nanoparticles via a simple soft-chemical route which takes a matter of hours, thereby providing an alternative to the common hydrothermal method which takes days. Nanoparticles of pure α-La(IO3)3 and pure δ-La(IO3)3 were synthesised via the new method depending on the source of iodate ions, thereby demonstrating the versatility of the synthesis route. The crystal structure, nanoparticle size-dispersal and chemical composition were characterised via angle- and energy-dispersive powder X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy.

It was thought until the 1990s that the eukaryotic translation machinery was unable to translate a circular RNA. However internal ribosome entry sites (IRESs) and m⁶A-induced ribosome engagement sites (MIRESs) were discovered, promoting 5’end-independent translation initiation. Today a new family of so-called “non-coding” circular RNAs (circRNAs) has emerged, revealing the pivotal role of 5’end-independent translation. CircRNAs have a strong impact on translational control via their sponge function, and form a new mRNA family as they are translated into proteins with pathophysiological roles. While there is no more doubt about translation of covalently closed circRNA, the linearity of canonical mRNA is only theoretical: it has been shown for more than thirty years that polysomes exhibit a circular form and mRNA functional circularization has been demonstrated in the 1990s by the interaction of initiation factor eIF4G with poly(A) binding protein. More recently, additional mechanisms of 3’-5’ interaction have been reported, including m⁶A modification. Functional circularization enhances translation via ribosome recycling and acceleration of the translation initiation rate. This update of covalently and non-covalently circular mRNA translation landscape shows that RNA circular shape might be the rule for translation with an important impact on disease development and biotechnological applications.

Fish oil rich in docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), vitamin D₃ and natural astaxanthin sustainably extracted from anchovy fillet leftovers using biobased limonene only, can be conveniently stabilized by adsorption on periodic mesoporous silicas. The simplicity of the process, the high load of entrapped fish oil, and the biocompatible nature of silica support numerous forthcoming applications of this new class of “Omeg@Silica” materials.

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) released by different cell types play significant role in many physiological and pathophysiological processes. In physiological conditions red blood cells (RBCs) derived EVs compose 4 - 8% of all circulating EVs, and oxidative stress (OS) as a consequence of different pathophysiological conditions significantly increases the amount of circulated RBC-derived EVs, however the mechanisms of EV formation are not fully defined yet. To analyze OS-induced EV formation and RBCs transformations we used flow cytometry to evaluate cell esterase activity, caspase-3 activity, and band 3 clustering. Band 3 clustering was additionally analyzed by confocal microscopy. Two original laser diffraction-based approaches were used for analysis of cell deformability and band 3 activity. Hemoglobin species were characterized spectrophotometrically. We showed that cell viability in tert-butyl hydroperoxide-induced OS directly correlated with oxidant concentration to cell count ratio, RBCs-derived EVs contained hemoglobin oxidized to hemichrome (HbChr). OS induced caspase-3 activation and band 3 clustering in cells and EVs. Importantly, we showed that OS-induced EV formation is independent from calcium. Presented data indicated that during OS RBCs eliminate HbChr by vesiculation, in order to sacrifice the cell itself thereby prolonging lifespan and delaying the untimely clearance of in all other respects healthy RBCs.

Background: Although a cholesterol-lowering diet and the addition of plant sterols and stanols are suggested for the lipid management of children and adults with familial hypercholesterolemia, there is limited evidence evaluating such interventions in this population. Objectives: To investigate the impact of cholesterol-lowering diet and other dietary interventions on the incidence or mortality of cardiovascular disease and lipid profile of patients with familial hypercholesterolemia. Search methods: Relevant trials were identified by searching US National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health Metabolism Trials Register and clinicaltrials.gov.gr using the following terms: diet, dietary, plant sterols, stanols, omega-3 fatty acids, fiber and familial hypercholesterolemia. Selection criteria: Randomized controlled trials evaluating the effect of cholesterol-lowering diet or other dietary interventions in children and adults with familial hypercholesterolemia were included. Data collection and analysis: Two authors independently assessed the trial eligibility and bias risk and one extracted the data, with independent verification of data extraction by a colleague. Results: A total of 17 trials were finally included, with a total of 376 participants across 8 comparison groups. The included trials had either a low or unclear bias risk for most of the parameters used for risk assessment. Cardiovascular incidence or mortality were not evaluated in any of the included trials. Among the planned comparisons regarding patients’ lipidemic profile, a significant difference was noticed for the following comparisons and outcomes: omega-3 fatty acids reduced triglycerides (mean difference [MD]: -0.27 mmol/L, 95% confidence interval [CI]: -0.47 to -0.07, p<0.01) when compared with placebo. A non-significant trend towards a reduction in subjects’ total cholesterol (MD: -0.34, 95% CI: -0.68 to 0, mmol/L, p=0.05) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (MD: -0.31, 95% CI: -0.61 to 0, mmol/L, p=0.05) was noticed. In comparison with cholesterol-lowering diet, the additional consumption of plant stanols decreased total cholesterol (MD: -0.62 mmol/l, 95% CI: -1.13 to -0.11, p=0.02) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (MD: -0.58 mmol/l, 95% CI: -1.08 to -0.09, p=0.02). The same was by plant sterols (MD: -0.46 mmol/l, 95% CI: -0.76 to -0.17, p<0.01 for cholesterol, and MD: -0.45 mmol/l, 95% CI: -0.74 to -0.16, p<0.01 for low-density lipoprotein cholesterol). No heterogeneity was noticed among the studies included in these analyses. Conclusions: Available trials confirm that the addition of plant sterols or stanols has a cholesterol-lowering effect on such individuals. On the other hand, supplementation with omega-3 fatty acids effectively reduces triglycerides and might have a role in lowering the cholesterol of patients with familial hypercholesterolemia. Additional studies are needed to investigate the effectiveness of a cholesterol-lowering diet or the addition of soya protein and dietary fibers to a cholesterol-lowering diet in familial hypercholesterolemia.

We previously reported that corneal fibroblasts within 3D fibrin matrices secrete, bind, and organize fibronectin into tracks that facilitate cell spreading and migration. Other cells use these fibronectin tracks as conduits, which leads to the development of an interconnected cell/fibronectin network. In this study, we investigate how cell induced reorganization of fibrin correlates with fibronectin track formation in response to two growth factors present during wound healing: PDGF BB, which stimulates cell spreading and migration; and TGFβ1, which stimulates cellular contraction and myofibroblast transformation. Both PDGF BB and TGF stimulated global fibrin matrix contraction (P < 0.005), however cell and matrix patterning were different. We found that during PDGF BB induced cell spreading, fibronectin was organized simultaneously with the generation of tractional forces at the leading edge of pseudopodia. Over time this led to the formation of an interconnected network consisting of cells, fibronectin and compacted fibrin tracks. Following culture in TGFβ1, cells were less motile, produced significant local fibrin reorganization, and formed fewer cellular connections as compared to PDGF BB (P < 0.005). Although bands of compacted fibrin tracks developed in between neighboring cells, fibronectin labeling was not generally present along these tracks, and the correlation between fibrin and fibronectin labeling was significantly less than that observed in PDGF BB (P < 0.001). Taken together, our results show that cell-induced ECM reorganization can occur independently from fibronectin patterning. Nonetheless, both events seem to be coordinated, as corneal fibroblasts in PDGF BB secrete and organize fibronectin as they preferentially spread along compacted fibrin tracks between cells, producing an interconnected network in which cells, fibronectin and compacted fibrin tracks are highly correlated. This mechanism of patterning could contribute to the formation of organized cellular networks that have been observed following corneal injury and refractive surgery.

Galectin-3 is considered a cancer biomarker and bioindicator of fibrosis and cardiac remodeling, and, therefore, it is desirable to develop convenient methods for its detection. Herein, an approach based on the development of multivalent electrochemical probes with high galectin-3 sensing abilities is reported. The probes consist of multivalent presentations of lactose–ferrocene conjugates scaffolded on poly(amido amine) (PAMAM) dendrimers and gold nanoparticles. Such multivalent lactose–ferrocene conjugates are synthesized by coupling of azidomethylferrocene-lactose building blocks on alkyne-functionalized PAMAM, for the case of the glycodendrimers, and to disulfide‐functionalized linkers that are then used for the surface modification of citrate-stabilized gold nanoparticles. The binding and sensing abilities towards galectin 3 of both ferrocene-containing lactose dendrimers and gold nanoparticles have been evaluated by means of isothermal titration calorimetry, UV-vis spectroscopy, and differential pulse voltammetry. The highest sensitivity by electrochemical methods to galectin-3 was shown by lactosylferrocenylated gold nanoparticles, which are able to detect the lectin in nanomolar concentrations.

Gold clusters protected by 3-MBA ligands (MBA = mercaptobenzoic acid, -SPhCO2H) have attracted recent interest for their unusual structures and advantageous ligand-exchange and bioconjugation properties. Azubel et al. first determined the core structure of an Au68-complex, which was estimated to have 32 ligands (3-MBA groups). To explain the exceptional structure-composition and reaction properties of this complex, and its larger homologs, Tero et al. proposed a “dynamic stabilization” via carboxyl O-H--Au interactions. Herein, we report the first results of an integrated LC/MS analysis of unfractionated samples of gold / 3-MBA clusters, spanning the narrow size range 13.4 to 18.1 kDa. Using high-throughput procedures adapted from bio-macromolecule analyses, we show that integrated capillary HPLC-ESI-MS, based upon aqueous-methanol mobile phases and ion-pairing reverse-phase chromatography, can separate several major components from the nanoclusters mixture that may be difficult to resolve by standard native gel electrophoresis due to their similar size and charge. For each component, one obtains a well-resolved mass spectrum, nearly free of adducts or signs of fragmentation. A consistent set of molecular mass determinations is calculated from detected charge-states tunable from 3- (or lower), to 2+ (or higher). One thus arrives at a series of new compositions (n, p) specific to the Au/3-MBA system. The smallest major component is assigned to the previously unknown (48, 26); the largest one is evidently (67, 30), vs. the anticipated (68, 32). Various explanations for this discrepancy are considered. A prospective is given for the several members of this novel series, along with a summary of the advantages and present limitations of the micro-scale integrated LC/MS approach to characterize such metallic-core macro-molecules, and their derivatives.

Based on a modified dice-and-fill technique, a PIN-PMN-PT single crystal 1-3 composite with the kerf of 12 μm and pitch of 50 μm was prepared. The as-made piezoelectric composite material behaved with high piezoelectric constant (d33 = 1500 pC/N), high electromechanical coefficient (kt = 0.81), and low acoustic impedance (16.2 Mrayls). Using lithography and flexible circuit method, a 48-element phased array was successfully fabricated from such a piezoelectric composite. The array element was measured to have a central frequency of 20 MHz and a fractional bandwidth of approximately 77% at −6 dB. Of particular significance was that this PIN-PMN-PT single crystal 1-3 composite-based phased array exhibits a superior insertion loss compared with PMN-PT single crystal and PZT-5H-based 20 MHz phased arrays. The focusing and steering capabilities of the obtained phased array were demonstrated theoretically and experimentally. These promising results indicate that the PIN-PMN-PT single crystal 1-3 composite-based high frequency phased array is a good candidate for ultrasound imaging applications.

In this present study, 3-pentadecyl-phenol was selected as a modifier to prepare a foamable phenolic resin with excellent performance, which was successfully prepared by in-situ modification. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and nuclear magnetic resonance (¹H NMR, ¹³C-NMR) were used to test and characterize the molecular structure of the modified resin. The results showed that 3-pentadecyl-phenol successfully modified the molecular structure of phenolic resin with a reduction in resin gel time. The effect of changing the added amount of 3-pentadecyl-phenol on the mechanical properties, microstructure and flame retardancy of the modified foam was investigated. The results showed that when the amount of added 3-pentadecyl-phenol was 15% of the total amount of phenol, this resulted in the best toughness of the modified foam, which could be increased to 300% compared to the bending deflection of the unmodified phenolic foam. The cell structure showed that the modified phenolic foam formed a more regular and dense network structure and the closed cell ratio was high. Furthermore, the compressive strength, bending strength, and limited oxygen index were improved, while the water absorption rate was lowered. However, the foam density could be kept below 40 mg/cm³, which does not affect the load.

Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) is the main etiological bacteria present in the oral cavity that leads to dental caries. All of the S. mutans in the oral cavity form biofilms that adheres to the surfaces of teeth. Dental caries are infections facilitated by the development of biofilm. An esterified derivative of epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), epigallocatechin-3-gallate-sterate (EGCG-S) was used in this study to assess its ability to inhibit the growth and biofilm formation of S. mutans. The effect of EGCG-S on bacterial growth was evaluated with colony forming units (CFU) and log reduction; biofilm formation was qualitatively determined by Congo red assay, and quantitatively determined by crystal violet assay, fluorescence-based LIVE/DEAD assays to study the cell viability, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to evaluate the morphological changes. The results indicated that EGCG-S was able to completely inhibit growth and biofilm formation at concentrations of 250 µg/ml. Its effectiveness was also compared with a commonly prescribed mouthwash in the United States, chlorhexidine gluconate. EGCG-S was shown to be equally effective in reducing S. mutans growth as chlorhexidine gluconate. In conclusion, EGCG-S is potentially a natural anticariogenic agent by reducing bacterial presence in the oral cavity.

Hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) treatment has been proven to attenuate neuroinflammation in rats. This study aimed to determine the potential mechanism underlying the anti-inflammatory effects of HBO treatment on burn-induced neuroinflammation in rats. Thirty-six adult male Sprague–Dawley (SD) rats were randomly assigned to the following six groups (n = 6 per group): (1) sham burn with sham HBO treatment, (2) sham burn with HBO treatment, (3) burn with 1-week sham HBO treatment, (4) burn with 2-week sham HBO treatment, (5) burn with 1-week HBO treatment, and (6) burn with 2-week HBO treatment. SD rats that received third-degree burn injury were used as a full-thickness burn injury model. Subsequently, we analyzed the expression of proteins involved in the galectin-3 (Gal-3)-dependent Toll-like receptor-4 (TLR-4) pathway through enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), immunohistochemistry (IHC) analysis, and Western blotting, and a behavior test was also conducted. The behavior test revealed that HBO treatment significantly suppressed mechanical hypersensitivity in the burn with HBO treatment group compared with the burn with sham HBO treatment group (p < 0.05). ELISA results showed that tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin 1 beta (IL-1β) levels in the dorsal horn of the spinal cord and the skin were significantly decreased in the burn with HBO treatment group compared with the burn with sham HBO treatment group (p < 0.05). Western blotting results demonstrated that HBO treatment significantly reduced the expression of Gal-3 and TLR-4 in the dorsal horn of the spinal cord in the burn with HBO treatment group compared with the burn with sham HBO treatment group (p < 0.05). IHC analysis results showed that the expression of Gal-3, TLR-4, CD68, and CD45 in the dorsal horn of the spinal cord was significantly lower in the burn with HBO treatment group than in the burn with sham HBO treatment group (p < 0.05), and the expression of CD68 and macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) in the right hind paw skin was significantly lower. The expression of vimentin and fibroblast growth factor (FGF) in the right hind paw skin was significantly higher after HBO treatment (p < 0.05). This study proved that early HBO treatment relieves neuropathic pain, inhibits the Gal-3-dependent TLR-4 pathway, and suppresses microglia/macrophage activation in a rat model.

Delivering nucleic acid therapeutics across cell membranes is a significant challenge. Cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs) containing arginine (R), tryptophan (W), and histidine (H) show promise for siRNA delivery. To improve siRNA delivery and silencing a model STAT3 gene, we hypothesized that oleyl acylation to CPPs, specifically (WRH)n, would enhance STAT3 silencing efficiency in breast and ovarian cancer cells. Using Fmoc/tBu solid-phase peptide chemistry, we synthesized, purified, and characterized the oleyl-conjugated (WRH)n (n = 1-4) peptides. The peptide:siRNA complexes were non-cytotoxic at N/P 40 (~20 μM) against MDA-MB-231, MCF-7, SK-OV-3, and HEK-293 cells after 72 h incubation. All peptide:siRNA complexes showed serum stability at N/P ≥40. The synthesized conjugates, with a diameter of &lt;100 nm, formed nano complexes with siRNA and exhibited stable range of zeta potential values (13-18 mV at N/P 40). Confocal microscopy and flow cytometry analysis provided qualitative and quantitative evidence of successful cellular internalization of siRNA. Peptides oleyl-(WRH)3 and oleyl-(WRH)4 showed ~60% and ~75% cellular uptake of siRNA, respectively, in both MDA-MB-231 and SK-OV-3 cells. Western blot analysis of oleyl-(WRH)4 demonstrated effective silencing of the STAT-3 gene, with ~75% silencing in MDA-MB-231 cells and ~45% in SK-OV-3 cells.

Looking for effective synthetic methods for 1H-pyrazolo[3,4-b]quinolines preparation, we came across a procedure where in a three component reaction catalyzed by L-proline, 4-aryl-4,9-dihydro-1H-pyrazolo[3,4-b]quinolines are formed. These compounds can be easily oxidized to a fully aromatic system, which gave hope for a synthetic method that could replace e.g. Friedländer condensation, often used for this purpose, although severely limited by the availability of suitable substrates. However, after careful repetition of the procedures described in the publication, it turned out that the compounds described therein do not form at all. The actual compounds turned out to be 4,4-(phenylmethylene)-bis-(3-methyl-1-phenylpyrazol-5-oles). 4-Aryl-4,9-dihydro-1H-pyrazolo[3,4-b]quinolines were prepared by another method and used as standards to compare the products formed in the original procedure.

Thermal sterilization is generally avoided for 3-D printed components because of the relatively low deformation temperatures for common thermoplastics used for material extrusion-based additive manufacturing. 3-D printing materials required for high-temperature heat sterilizable components for COVID-19 and other applications demands 3-D printers with heated beds, hot ends that can reach higher temperatures than polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) hot ends and heated chambers to avoid part warping and delamination. There are several high temperature printers on the market, but their high costs make them inaccessible for full home-based distributed manufacturing required during pandemic lockdowns. To allow for all these requirements to be met for under $1,000, the Cerberus – an open source three-headed self-replicating rapid prototyper (RepRap) was designed and tested with the following capabilities: i) 200^oC-capable heated bed, ii) 500^oC-capabel hot end, iii) isolated heated chamber with 1kW space heater core and iv) mains voltage chamber and bed heating for rapid start. The Cereberus successfully prints polyetherketoneketone (PEKK) and polyetherimide (PEI, ULTEM) with tensile strengths of 77.5 and 80.5 MPa, respectively. As a case study, open source face masks were 3-D printed in PEKK and shown not to warp upon widely home-accessible oven-based sterilization.

The purpose of this study was to establish the association between total and segmental body composition (BC) variables and anaerobic performance and to create optimal models that best predict such performance in CrossFit® (CF) athletes. Fifty athletes, 25 males and 25 females (age: 33.26 ± 6.81 years; body mass: 72.57 ± 12.17 kg; height: 169.55 ± 8.71 cm; BMI: 25.06 ± 2.31 kg·m−2) were recruited to participate and underwent BC analysis using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) and an all-out laboratory test on a cycle ergometer (Wingate) to determine their anaerobic performance. The results show a significant correlation between BC values and performance, ranging from moderate (r = -0.34, p = 0.015) to near-perfect (r = 0.96, p &lt; 0.01). Furthermore, the created performance prediction models exhibited predictive capacities ranging from 19% (p = 0.017) to 93% (p &lt; 0.001). All prediction models were created using total or segmental lean mass variables, excluding others. BC and performance variables found significant differences between males and females. The findings demonstrate that BC variables are crucial indicators of anaerobic performance in CF athletes. Professionals responsible for athlete performance should use this information to monitor athletes and design training programs.

One of the most used techniques for reducing drag on blunt bodies when they move at speeds above the speed of sound are spikes. An important number of numerical works based on CFD have highlighted the fluid dynamics behind its use, as well as its advantages. However, most of docu-mentation focuses mainly on modified spike physical properties, while keeping constant supersonic or hypersonic flow conditions. In this sense, it is necessary to resort to current numerical techniques as machine learning, which can be obtain the most appropriate technical solution in compared to the costly iterative simulations that can delay the rapid development and testing of new aerody-namic configurations. This investigation postulates a specific hypothesis: that the K-Nearest Neighbours algorithm, renowned for its simplicity and effectiveness in classification problems, can be extrapolated as a robust tool for predicting drag reduction on spike blunt bodies. A wide range of Mach number and aspect ratios between blunt body diameter, spike length, and spike diameter are used for the algorithm dataset. The algorithm presents good predictions of the coefficient with errors of less than 5% percent, applying a multivariable regression method. Even, in the vicinity of the hypersonic speed zone, with a minimum of 3 neighbour nodes. The above validates the flexibility of the method and shows a new area of opportunity for the calculation of aerodynamic properties in a body moving near or above the speed of sound.

Instagram has grown in popularity among youth and is currently the second-favorite social network in the world. One of the social media that is widely used nowadays is Instagram. According to Enterprise (2012:02), Instagram is a community shared among one member with other members from all over the world. This study examines the impact of Instagram on the physical and mental well-being of Indian youth. With the rapid proliferation of social media platforms in India, Instagram has emerged as a prominent influence on the lives and perceptions of young individuals.Through a systematic synthesis of existing literature, this review paper critically evaluates the effects of Instagram use on various dimensions of youth well-being, considering both the opportunities and challenges posed by this popular social media platform. The review explores the nuanced relationship between Instagram and youth health outcomes. Specifically, it examines the influence of Instagram on body image perceptions, self-esteem, social comparison, and mental health. The review considers the cultural context and nuances that shape the impact of Instagram within the Indian socio-cultural landscape.

Bigeye grunt Brachydeuterus auritus is an important economic species in the waters off Sierra Leone in West Africa, with great ecological value. Based on the survey data of bottom trawl nets from 6 voyages from 2019 to 2021, the body weight-length relationship (WLR), as well as their relative fatness, were studied in depth using the method of body length and its corresponding mean body weight. This study fitted the WLR of bigeye grunt by gender, calculated its fullness, and analyzed the influence of environmental factors. The results showed that month and gender had a significant impact on body length and weight distribution (P&lt;0.01). There was a highly significant negative correlation (P&lt;0.01) between the condition factor (a) and the allometric factor (b) in the WLR, and salinity significantly affects b (P&lt;0.05). The (lga)/b ratio was less affected by environmental factors which may be related to the body size and density of the fish. The difference in b between male and female populations was extremely significant (P&lt;0.01). The relative fatness had significant seasonal variation characteristics, with highly significant effects of sex and body length (P&lt;0.01). With increasing body length, the relative fatness showed two types of changes, continuously increasing and first increasing then decreasing, with salinity and b significantly affecting the type of change (P&lt;0.05) and depth having a highly significant effect (P&lt;0.01). The bigeye grunt off the coast Sierra Leone exhibited significant seasonal growth characteristics, with significant differences in growth characteristics between male and female individuals. This study suggested that salinity may be the main factor affecting its growth and development. In addition, this study hypothesised that the peak breeding season may occur during the dry season, beginning in December and ending before April of the following year. The study provides updated and more comprehensive insights into the biology and ecology of the bigeye grunt offshore Sierra Leone, West Africa, which can provide scientific basis for its resource assessment, development and utilization, and resource management.

Introduction: Chronic wounds caused by diabetes or lower-extremity artery disease are intractable because the wound healing mechanism is no longer effective due to the poor environment of the wound bed. Biosheet obtained using in-body tissue architecture (iBTA) is a collagen-based membranous tissue that is created within the body and autologously contains various growth factors and somatic stem cells including pluripotent stem cells. When applied to a wound, granulation formation can be promoted and even epithelialization may be achieved. Hearin, we report our clinical treatment experience with seven cases of intractable diabetic foot ulcers. Cases: From 46- to 93-year-old 7 patients had large foot ulcers including heel area, which was failed to heal with standard wound treatment. Methods: Two or four Biosheet-forming molds were implanted subcutaneously in the chest or abdomen, and after 3 to 6 weeks, the molds were removed. Biosheets that formed inside the mold were obtained and applied directly to the wound surface. Results: In all cases, there were no problems with the mold embedding and removal procedures, and Biosheets were formed without any infection or inflammation during the implantation period. The Biosheets were simply applied to the wounds, and in all cases, they adhered within one week, did not fall of, and became integrated with the wound surface Complete wound closure was achieved within 8 weeks in two cases and within 5 months in two cases. One patient was lost due to infective endocarditis from septic colitis. One case required lower leg amputation due to the wound recurrence, and one case achieved wound reduction and wound healing in approximately 9 months. Conclusion: Biotube obtained via iBTA promoted wound healing and were extremely useful for intractable diabetic foot ulcers involving heel area.

This study employs Principal Component Analysis to examine cranial measurements obtained from both extant and fossil specimens spanning 38 species and comprising over 300 individuals within the subfamily Cervinae. Our findings elucidate craniometric distinctions among cervids characterized by varying body sizes and certain evolutionary adaptations. While our results generally corroborate previous assertions regarding the limited craniometric variability among plesiometacarpal deer, they also unveil specific cranial adaptations within certain genera and species. The Principal Component Analysis of craniometric data revealed that giant and large-sized deer display significantly broader ecomorphological diversity in cranial shape compared to small-sized deer. Secondly, small-sized deer exhibit greater uniformity in their cranial shape, appearing densely clustered on the factorial map. Thus, we conclude that body size imposes ecological constraints, limiting the available niches due to eco-physiological factors. The study demonstrates that endemic insular deer do not evolve consistent craniometric features attributable to insular isolation, while the cranial proportions of medium-to-small sized deer delineate a ubiquitous morphological archetype characteristic of numerous cervid taxa spanning diverse phylogenetic lineages and sharing comparable body sizes. This group of "Dama-like" deer, characterized by similar body size, metabolic rates, ecological needs, and cranial morphometry, is referred to here as the fundamental eco-physiological type, typical of warm regions within the Palearctic and Oriental biogeographic realms..

Excessive body fat is a major contributor to obesity, which is related to high blood, total cholesterol and triglycerides. Lemons (Citrus limon) are renowned for their antioxidant and lipid-lowering properties. First, Sugar-free fermentation demonstrated better results lower sugar content and was identified as the preferred fermentation method. Next, the effect of two doses of sugar-free fermented lemon peel juice (SF-FLPJ) on obesity was investigated. Sprague Dawley (male rats) were randomly divided into 4 groups and fed a standard feed or high-fat diet (HFD) to induce fatness for eight weeks. The two groups of rats fed an HFD were administered SF-FLPJ at 0.45 or 0.9 g/kg body weight daily for eight weeks. The obese rats administered 0.9 g/kg (body weight/day) of SF-FLPJ exhibited significant reductions in body fat mass and percentage; they also had lower blood cholesterol and triglyceride levels than the other groups. Additionally, the rats displayed diminished liver fat accumulation. The results suggest that SF-FLPJ can be a supplement in managing body fat, contributing positively to addressing obesity within the context of health management, and reduce obesity-associated issues.

(1) Background: This text emphasizes concerns regarding the safety of Spanish police officers at-tributed to inadequate training, employing biomechanics for the analysis and mitigation of risks during Use of Force training. The elevated global prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders under-scores the imperative for effective occupational health measures. The study concentrates on evalu-ating injury risks in novice police officers during Use of Force training. (2) Research method: The movements of police officers were captured using a Rokoko Smartsuit Pro equipped with 19 sen-sors. The Biomechanics of Bodies software processed the data, providing REBA and Marras risk scores. Statistical tests were conducted, and Operational Tactical Procedures (OTP) were inte-grated into police training. A diverse group of officers participated, categorized by training level and equipped with the Rokoko Smartsuit. (3) Results: The study evaluates police force training us-ing REBA and Marras methods. REBA scores indicate a moderate to high injury risk, suggesting effective technique design. ANOVA reveals no significant differences between training levels. Marras analysis, characterized by non-normal distribution, unveils varied risk perceptions among groups via the Kruskal-Wallis test. (4) Conclusions: The analysis of both the REBA and Marras methods implies the effectiveness of the OTP technique in reducing injury risks across dif-ferent training levels. The ANOVA test indicates no significant differences in REBA Maximum Scores between the groups. However, the Kruskal-Wallis test for Marras Probability of high-risk values suggests distinctions in medians between training levels. The combined analysis visually illustrates variations in membership regions between expert, intermediate, and novice groups.

Background & aims: Malnutrition in lung transplant (LT) candidates increases postoperative morbidity and mortality. Early diagnosis of malnutrition could attenuate adverse prognostic factors. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of nutritional risk and malnutrition using GLIM criteria in LT candidates and clinically characterize those with malnutrition. Methods: A prospective longitudinal study was conducted from 2000 to 2020 of LT candidates who underwent complete nutritional assessment (nutritional screening, anthropometry, bioelectrical impedance, blood laboratory tests and malnutrition diagnosis using GLIM criteria). Results: Obstructive diseases (45.6%), interstitial diseases (36.6%) and cystic fibrosis/non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis (15.4%) were the main conditions assessed for LT. Of the 1060 candidates evaluated, 10.6% were underweight according to BMI, 29% were at risk of malnutrition and 47% were diagnosed with malnutrition using GLIM criteria. Reduced muscle mass was the most frequent GLIM phenotypic criterion. Malnutrition was more prevalent in patients with cystic fibrosis/non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis (84.5%), obstructive (45.4%) and interstitial (31.3%) diseases. GLIM criteria detected some degree of malnutrition in all diseases requiring LT and identified patients with higher CRP levels and worse respiratory function, anthropometric measurements and visceral protein and lipid profiles. Conclusions: LT candidates present a high prevalence of malnutrition using the GLIM algorithm. GLIM criteria detected malnutrition in all diseases requiring LT and defined patients with worse clinical-analytical profiles.

Fiber-based flexible sensors have promising applications potential in human motion and healthcare monitoring, owing to their merits of lightweight, flexibility, and easy processing. Now, high-performance elastic fiber-based strain sensors with high sensitivity, large working range and excellent durability are in great demand. Herein, we have easily and quickly prepared a highly-sensitive, durable fiber-based strain sensor by dip-coating of highly-stretchable polyurethane (PU) elastic fiber in MXene/ waterborne polyurethane (WPU) dispersion solution. Benefiting from the electrostatic repulsion force between the negatively charged WPU and MXene sheets in the mixed solution, very homogeneous and stable MXene/WPU dispersion was successfully obtained and the interconnected conducting networks were correspondingly formed in coated MXene/WPU shell layer, which makes as-prepared strain sensor exhibit a gauge factor of over 960, a large sensing range of over 90% and detection limit as low as 0.5% strain. As elastic fiber and mixed solution have the same polymer constitute, tight bonding of MXene/WPU conductive composite on PU fibers was achieved, enabling the as-prepared strain sensor endure over 2500 stretching-releasing cycles and thus show good durability. Full-scale human motion detection was also performed by the strain sensor, and a body posture monitoring, analysis, and correction prototype system was developed via embedding the fiber-based strain sensors into sweater, strongly indicating the great application prospect in exercise, sports and healthcare.

Fat has a high energy density and excessive fatness has been recognized as a problem for egg production and the welfare of chickens. The identification of a genetic polymorphism controlling fat deposition would be helpful to select against excessive fatness in the laying hen. This study aimed to estimate genomic heritability and identify the genetic architecture of abdominal fat deposition in a population of chickens from a Dongxiang blue-shelled local breed crossbred with the White Leghorn. A genome-wide association study wase conducted on abdominal fat percentage, egg production and body weights using a sample of 1534 hens genotyped with a 600K Chicken Genotyping Array. The analysis yielded a heritability estimate of 0.19 ± 0.04 for abdominal fat percentage, 0.56 ± 0.04 for body weight at 72 weeks, 0.11 ± 0.03 for egg production and 0.24 ± 0.04 for body weight gain. The genetic correlation of abdominal fat percentage with egg production between 60 and 72 weeks of age was 0.35 ± 0.18. This implies a potential trade-off between these two traits related to allocation of resource. Strong positive genetic correlations were found between fat deposition and weight traits. A promising locus close to COL12A1 on chromosome 3, associated with abdominal fat percent, was found in the present study. The other region located around HTR2A on chromosome 1, where allele substitution was predicted to be associated with body weight gain, accounted for 2.9% of phenotypic variance. Another region located on chromosome 1, but close to SOX5, was associated with egg production. These results may be used to influence the balanced genetic selection for laying hens.

Background: Post-Covid condition can reduce activity and quality of life, resulting in a significant socioeconomic and health burden. Understanding its impact on patients' health is important for the development of personalized rehabilitation interventions. An independent association between obesity and post-covid condition was found because of complications and comorbidities. Methods: Sixteen patients with obesity and post-COVID symptoms (i.e., dyspnea, pain, poor sleep quality, muscle fatigue) admitted to the Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Piancavallo (VB), Italy, were recruited for a four-week rehabilitation program including conventional exercise therapy, nutritional intervention, psychological support and whole-body cryostimulation (WBC). Results: All participants attended all sessions of the program. Anthropometric data showed statistically significant changes in weight, waist circumference and body mass index. Biochemical analyses showed significant reductions in lipid and inflammatory profiles. There was a significant improvement in physical performance, reduction in pain and improvement in psychological well-being. Conclusion: A multidisciplinary rehabilitation protocol including WBC designed for patients with obesity and post-covid condition is safe and feasible. The overall improvements demonstrate that multidisciplinary rehabilitation was effective on post COVID patients and suggest that the use of WBC is safe and could play a role as a booster in rehabilitation programs.

Background: Glycogen storage diseases (GSDs), known as glycogenoses, belong to inborn metabolic defects in the glycogen metabolism pathway. Several types of GSDs are distinguished, including Ia, Ib, III, VI, and IX. GSDs manifest as excessive glycogen deposition in the liver and muscles, resulting in the dysfunction of these organs. Therefore, the treatment of choice is multitherapy that, due to dietary restrictions, may lead to nutritional deficiencies and organ complications. This study aims to assess anthropometric, body composition, skeletal status, results of selected laboratory tests, dietary, lifestyle and physical capacity analyses in patients with glycogenoses and compare the results between GSD I and GSD III-VI-IX groups. Results: The results indicate that GSD patients were overweight or obese (44% of patients had BMI +1SD or +2SD) with high percentage of fat tissue (50% of patients had above 30% of body fat) and inadequate bone mineralisation (total body less head: median z-score -0.9, L2-L4 segment: median z-score -1.65). GSD I patients had the highest risk of developing obesity (67% of them had above 30% of body fat) and osteoporosis (total body less head: median z-score -1.0, L2-L4 segment: median -1.7). Conclusions: Special attention should be paid to appropriate diet and supplementation in patients with glycogenoses.

Background: The oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) assessment evaluated the impact of individual’s oral health on the patient's physical and psychosocial status. We evaluated the association between subjective OHRQoL, measured with the Oral Health Impact Profile-14 (OHIP-14) questionnaire, and unfavorable body mass index (BMI) (i.e., too high or too low) in a large population-based study on older adults from Southern Italy. Moreover, we assessed which of the seven OHIP-14 domains was most strongly associated with an unfavorable BMI. Methods: We used data on a subpopulation of the Salus in Apulia Study, including 216 older adults. BMI &lt;18.4 kg/m2 and &gt;30 kg/m2 were classified as unfavorable, values between 18.5 and 30 kg/m2 were classified as ideal. Results: Higher OHIP-14 total score increased the risk to have an unfavorable BMI [odds ratio (OR):1.08, 95% confidence interval (CI):1.01-1.15]. In the model adjusted for age, sex, education, hypertension, carbohydrate consumption, and alcohol consumption, this finding was confirmed with higher OHIP-14 total score increasing the risk to have an unfavorable BMI (OR:1.10, 95% CI:1.01-1.22), and higher age linked to a decreased risk to have an unfavorable BMI (OR:0.89, 95% CI:0.82-0.97). In a random forest regression model, the most important predictive domains/sub-scales of OHIP-14 in mean decrease Gini for unfavorable BMI were, in order of decreasing importance, physical pain, functional limitation, psychological discomfort, physical disability, social disability, psychological disability, and handicap. Conclusions: In older age, negative OHRQoL, particularly linked to the physical pain domain, increased the risk of underweight or overweight and obesity.

The aim of the study was to identify the existence of positive relationships between certain psychomotor behaviors, which we consider specific to swimming, and learning the execution technique of some styles (front crawl and backstroke). The study was carried out during 10 months, including 76 children (40 boys and 36 girls) aged between 6-9 years who practice recreational swimming in a Romanian city. Several tests were used: Tapping test for manual dexterity and laterality, the Goudenough test for body schema, the Flamingo test for static balance, the horizontal buoyancy test for body balance on the water. Results indicated better ratings on all psychomotor behaviors analyzed by gender (in favor of girls compared to boys), except for laterality. The levels of all analyzed psychomotor behaviors are directly proportional to the age of the subjects. Also, moderate positive correlations of manual dexterity (rs = 0.63 in front crawl; rs = 0.57 in backstroke) and strong correlations were identified for body scheme, laterality, static balance and buoyancy, coordination with the learning of the two styles of swimming (r or rs between 0.77 and 0.85). In conclusion, psychomotor behaviors can be predictors for learning swimming styles.

In response to long-lasting high levels of Metallic Trace Elements (MTEs) in urban soils, we expect soil invertebrates inhabiting urban environments to have evolved detection and avoidance and/or tolerance mechanisms to MTE pollution. In this study, I used artificial soils with concentrations of lead, zinc, copper, chromium and nickel that reflect pollution levels in soils of Parisian parks. Using choice experiments, I compared habitat preference (i.e. the occurrence of individuals in the polluted vs. unpolluted soil) and health status (i.e. body mass maintenance, mobility, mortality) between three species of endogeic earthworms – Apporectodea caliginosa, Apporectodea icterica and Allolobophora chlorotica – originating either from urban or rural grasslands. This study highlights a clear avoidance of MTE polluted soils in all three species, as well as MTE-induced health impairments, especially in A. chlorotica. Interestingly, earthworm response to MTE exposure only slightly differed between earthworms from urban and rural origin, suggesting the absence of widespread acclimatization or adaptation mechanisms to MTE pollution in cities. As a consequence, MTE pollution is expected to significantly shape earthworm spatial distribution in both urban and rural environments and, as a consequence, affect ecosystem functioning.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the intensity of the annual sexual behavior (SB) of Boer bucks under tropical conditions in southern Mexico. For one year, 16 extensively grazing males were evaluated for SB individually with estrogenized goats. From the beginning of the experiment and every 30 days, body weight (BW), body condition (BC), testicular circumference (TC), odor intensity (OI) and SB (nudging, ano-genital sniffing, flehmen, mounting attempts, mounts with intromission, and self-urination) were recorded. The bucks showed a more intense SB during the months of November to May than during the months of June to October (p < 0.05). Greater frequency was found for nudging, ano-genital sniffing, mounting attempts, and self-urination in the months of November to May (p < 0.001). BW was lower during the months of January to August than in the months of September to December (p < 0.05). On the other hand, TC increased from October to December (p < 0.05). Similarly, the OI in males varied over time (time effect; p < 0.001). In fact, an increased odor was found from October to December. The conclusions were that breed male goats from the tropics of Guerrero have a more intense SB during the months of November to May, which corresponds to the time of the year when forage availability is the greatest.

The heat release response of the flame to acoustic excitation is a critical factor for understanding combustion instability. In the present work, the nonlinear heat release response of a methane-air non-premixed flame to the low frequency acoustic excitations is experimentally investigated. The flame describing function (FDF) was measured based on the overall CH* chemiluminescence intensity and the velocity fluctuations obtained by two-microphone method. The CH* chemiluminescence images and the schlieren images were analyzed to reveal the mechanism of nonlinear response. The excitation frequency ranges from 10Hz to 120Hz. The forced relative velocity fluctuation amplitude ranges from 0.10 to 0.50. The corresponding flame Strouhal number (Stf) ranges from 0.43 to 4.67. The study has shown that the flame length responds more sensitively to changes in excitation amplitude when subjected to relatively high frequency excitations. The normalized flame length (Lf/D) decreases from 3.79 to 2.37 with the increase of excitation amplitude at excitation frequency of 100Hz. The number of oscillation zones along the flame increases with increasing excitation frequency, which is consistent with the increase of the Stf. The low-pass filtering characteristic of FDF is caused by the dispersion of multiple oscillation zones, as well as the cancellation effect of the adjacent oscillation zones under relatively high frequency excitation. The cancellation effect of the positive and negative oscillation zones with various Stf is main mechanism for the local gain peak and valley. When two adjacent oscillation regions have approximate amplitudes, the overall phase-lag becomes more sensitive to changes in excitation frequency and amplitude. This sensitivity leads to nonlinear anomalous changes in the phase-lag near the frequency corresponding to the gain valley. The calculated disturbance convection time is consistent with the measured time delay in the short flame scenario. Future research is necessary to establish whether the observed agreement occurs due to the oscillation zone consistently occurring proximate to the flame's center of mass, coupled with a precise determination of the average convective velocity.

Motor impairments are among the most relevant, evident, and disabling symptoms of Parkinson’s disease that adversely affect quality of life, resulting in limited autonomy, independence, and safety. Recent studies have demonstrated the benefits of physiotherapy and rehabilitation programs specifically targeted to the needs of Parkinsonian patients in supporting drug treatments and improving motor control and coordination. However, due to the expected increase of patients in the coming years, traditional rehabilitation pathways in healthcare facilities could become unsustainable. Consequently, new strategies are needed, in which technologies play a key role in enabling more frequent, comprehensive, and out-of-hospital follow-up. The paper proposes a vision-based solution using the new Azure Kinect DK sensor to implement an integrated approach for remote assessment, monitoring, and rehabilitation of Parkinsonian patients, exploiting non-invasive 3D tracking of body movements to objectively and automatically characterize both standard evaluative motor tasks and virtual exergames. Preliminary results show the system’s ability to quantify specific features of motor performance, easily monitor changes and disease progression over time, and the possibility of using exergames to support motor condition assessment and training. The main innovation relies precisely on the integration of evaluative and rehabilitative aspects, which could be used as a closed loop to design new protocols for remote management of patients tailored to their actual conditions.

Regular physical activity is a very important factor in the healthy development of an individual and an essential part of a healthy lifestyle. However, today's population still suffers from insufficient amount of exercise caused mainly by technical progress and often inappropriate conditions for practicing sports. In relation to this, we are grappling with a steady increase in obesity. During the COVID-19 pandemic, conditions for regular physical activity became even more unfavourable, with the declaration of a state of emergency and anti-pandemic measures leading to the closure of sports grounds and sporting competitions. In our research survey, we attempted to determine whether there would be changes in physical activity and BMI before and after the situation caused by the COVID-19 disease in upper primary school pupils in the Czech Republic. Using a questionnaire survey of a sample of children (n =1456), we found that already before the pandemic, 69% of the observed sample had not met the recommended amount of physical activity and only 67% of the sample was of normal weight. After the end of the anti-pandemic measures, the observed values deteriorated even more. There was a significant decrease in children with normal weight (by 7.5%) and an increase in children with Class 1 obesity. At the same time, we saw a significant decrease in children doing sports.

Disease-related data and information collected by physicians, patients, and researchers seem insignificant at first glance. Still, the same unorganized data contain valuable information that is often hidden. The task of data mining techniques is to extract patterns to classify the data accurately. One of the various Data mining and its methods have been used often to diagnose various diseases. In this study, a machine learning (ML) technique based on distributed computing in the Apache Spark computing space is used to diagnose diabetics or hidden pattern of the illness to detect the disease using a large dataset in real-time. Implementation results of three ML techniques of Decision Tree (DT) technique or Random Forest (RF) or Support Vector Machine (SVM) in the Apache Spark computing environment using the Scala programming language and WEKA show that RF is more efficient and faster to diagnose diabetes in big data.

One of the major challenges in the post-genomic era is elucidating the genetic basis of human diseases. In recent years, studies have shown that polygenic risk scores (PRS), based on aggregated information from millions of variants across the human genome, can estimate individual risk for common diseases. In practice, the current medical practice still predominantly relies on physiological and clinical indicators to assess personal disease risk. For example, caregivers mark individuals with high body mass index (BMI) as having an increased risk to develop type 2 diabetes (T2D). An important question is whether combining PRS with clinical metrics can increase the power of disease prediction in particular from early life. In this work we examined this question, focusing on T2D. We show that an integrated approach combining adult BMI and PRS achieves considerably better prediction than each of the measures on unrelated Caucasians in the UK Biobank (UKB, n=290,584). Likewise, integrating PRS with self-reports on birth weight (n=172,239) and comparative body size at age ten (n=287,203) also substantially enhance prediction as compared to each of its components. While the integration of PRS with BMI achieved better results as compared to the other measurements, the latter are early-life measurements that can be integrated already at childhood, to allow preemptive intervention for those at high risk to develop T2D. Our integrated approach can be easily generalized to other diseases, with the relevant early-life measurements.

The rearing temperature of the immature stages can have a significant impact on the life-history traits and the ability of adult mosquitoes to transmit diseases. This review assessed published evidence of the effects of temperature on the immature stages, life-history traits, insecticide susceptibility, and expression of enzymes in the adult Anopheles mosquito. Original articles published through 31 March 2021 were systematically retrieved from Scopus, Google Scholar, Science Direct, PubMed, ProQuest and Web of Science databases. After applying eligibility criteria, 29 studies were included. The review revealed that immature stages of Anopheles arabiensis were more tolerant (in terms of survival) to a higher temperature than An. funestus and An. quadriannulatus. Higher temperatures resulted in smaller larval size and decreased hatching and pupation time. The development rate and survival of Anopheles stephensi were significantly reduced at a higher temperature than a lower temperature. Increasing temperatures decreased the longevity, body size, length of the gonotrophic cycle and fecundity of Anopheles mosquitoes. Anopheles mosquitoes exposed at 18° or 30 °C had a higher risk of dying compared to those exposed at 25 °C. Increasing temperature also significantly increased NOS expression and decreased insecticide toxicity. Both extreme low and high temperatures affect Anopheles mosquito development and survival. Climate change could have diverse effects on Anopheles mosquitoes. There seems to be inconclusive evidence of the effects of temperature on the development and survival of Anopheles species, and more studies are needed to clarify this relationship.

Overweight and obesity adversely affect health-related quality of life (HRQOL) through day-to-day impairments of both mental and physical functioning. It is assumed that polyphenols within the Mediterranean diet may contribute to improve HRQOL. This investigation aimed at studying the effects of a polyphenol-rich ingredient on HRQOL in overweight and obese but otherwise healthy individuals. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study including 72 volunteers was conducted. Subjects were randomly assigned to receive for a 16-week period either 900 mg/day of the supplement or a placebo. Dietary recommendations were individually determined, and intakes were recorded; daily physical mobility was monitored. Improvement of HRQOL was set as the primary outcome and assessed at baseline and at the end of the investigation, using the Short-Form 36 (SF-36) Health survey. Body composition was analyzed using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Physical activity level was calculated using International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). After 16 weeks, despite there was no adherence to the Mediterranean Diet Serving Score (MDSS), supplemented individuals experienced significant HRQOL improvement (+5.3%; P=0.001), including enhanced perceived physical (+11.2%; P=0.002) and mental health (+4.1%; P=0.021) components; bodily pain, vitality, and general health, being the greatest contributors. Besides, body fat mass significantly decreased (-1.2 kg; P=0.033), mainly within trunk area (-1.0 kg; P=0.002). Engagement in physical activity significantly increased (+1308 Met-min/week; P=0.050). Hence, chronic supplementation with a nutritional diversity and dose of a Mediterranean diet-inspired polyphenol-rich ingredient resulted in a significant amelioration in both perceived physical and mental health, concomitant with the improvement of body composition, in healthy subjects with excessive adiposity.

Background: Adiposity rebound (AR) refers to the second rise of the BMI curve that usually occurs physiologically between 5 and 7 years of age. AR timing has a great impact on children´s health, being the early adiposity rebound (EAR) associated with the development of metabolic disease later in life. Aim: We aimed to investigate the prevalence of EAR in a cohort of preterm newborns. Secondary outcomes evaluated if some determinants such as (1) gender (male/female), (2) type of delivery (caesarean/vaginal), (3) birth weight (SGA/NGA/LGA), (4) type of feeding (5) duration of breastfeeding, (6) timing of introduction of solid food, (7) parental education and (8) parental pre-pregnancy BMI can influence EAR in this cohort. Tertiary aim was to evaluate the prevalence of obesity or overweight at 7 years of age in children according to early versus timely AR. Methods: This is a perspective, population-based longitudinal study, where infants born preterm were evaluated at birth and at 1, 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, 24 months and 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 years of gestational-corrected age. Weight and height data were analyzed, and BMI was calculated. AR was assessed in the growth trajectory in a body mass index (BMI) plot. Results: Of the 250 preterm newborns included, 100 completed the 7 years follow-up and entered in the final analysis. The prevalence of EAR in our cohort of preterm newborns was 54%. EAR was associated with being LGA at birth. No other factors were associated to EAR. Early adiposity rebounders have a significant higher BMI at 7 years compared to children with timely AR (17.2 ±2.7 vs 15.6 ± 2.05, p=0.021). No significant differences were found in the prevalence of obesity or overweight at 7 years of age in children with early or timely AR (29% vs 14% p=0.202). Conclusions: Clinical management of preterm infants should focus on reducing excess weight gain to prevent long-term metabolic risk. Others neonatal factors are not associated to an higher risk of EAR.

How does the human neurophysiological system self-organize to achieve optimal phase relationships among joints and limbs, such as in the composite rhythms of butterfly and front crawl swimming, drumming, or dancing? We conducted a systematic review of literature relating to CNS control of phase among joint/limbs in continuous rhythmic activities. SCOPUS and Web of Science were searched using keywords ‘Phase AND Rhythm AND Coordination’. This yielded 998 matches from which 23 papers were extracted for inclusion based on screening criteria. The empirical evidence arising from in-vivo, fictive, in-vitro, and modelling of neural control in humans, other species, and robots indicates that the control of movement is facilitated and simplified by innervating muscle synergies by way of spinal central pattern generators (CPGs). These typically behave like oscillators enabling stable repetition across cycles of movements. This approach provides a foundation to guide the design of empirical research in human swimming and other limb independent activities. For example, future research could be conducted to explore whether the two-layer CPG model proposed by Saltiel et al [1] to explain locomotion in cats might also explain the complex relationships among the cyclical motions in human swimming.

Failure of various weight-loss programs and long-term maintenance of favorable body composition in all kinds of people is high, since the majority go back to old dietary patterns. Many studies have documented the efficacy of a plant-based diet (PBD) for body mass management, but there are opinions that maintaining a PBD is difficult. We aimed to evaluate the long-term success of a whole-food plant-based (WFPB) lifestyle program. We investigated the differences in the obesity indices and lifestyle of 151 adults (39.6 ± SD 12.5 years), who were on our program for short (0.5–<2 years), medium (2–<5 years), or long term (5–10 years). Body-composition changes were favourable for all three groups, both genders and all participants. There were no differences in relative body-composition changes (BMI, body fat percentage and muscle mass index (MMI)) between the three groups. All participants improved their BMI (baseline mean pre-obesity BMI range (kg/m²): 26.4 ± 5.6 to normal 23.9 ± 3.8, p < 0.001), decreased body mass (–7.1 ± 8.3 kg, p < 0.001) and body fat percentage (–6.4 ± 5.6 % points, p < 0.001). Those with the highest BMI at baseline lost the most of: a) BMI units, b) total body mass and c) body fat (a) (kg/m²) (–5.6 ± SD 2.9, –2.4 ± 1.8 and –0.9 ± 1.5), b) (kg) (–16.1 ± SD 8.8, –7.1 ± 5.4 and –2.5 ± 4.5) and c) (% points) (–9.5 ± SD 5.7, –6.6 ± 4.6 and –4.7 ± 5.3) for participants who had baseline BMI in obese, overweight and normal range, respectively; p_{baseline vs. current} < 0.001 for all). 85.6% (101 out of 118) of parents of underage children (< 18 years), introduced WFPB lifestyle to their children. WFPB lifestyle program provides long-term lifestyle changes for reversal of obesity and is effective transferred to the next generation.

Proper bipolar spindle assembly underlies accurate chromosome segregation. A cohort of microtubule-associated proteins orchestrates spindle microtubule formation in a spatiotemporally coordinated manner. Among them, the conserved XMAP215/TOG family of microtubule polymerase plays a central role in spindle assembly. In fission yeast, two XMAP215/TOG members, Alp14 and Dis1, share essential roles in cell viability; however how these two proteins functionally collaborate remains undetermined. Here we show the functional interplay and specification of Alp14 and Dis1. Creation of new mutant alleles of alp14, which display temperature sensitivity in the absence of Dis1, enabled us to conduct detailed analyses of a double mutant. We have found that simultaneous inactivation of Alp14 and Dis1 results in early mitotic arrest with very short, fragile spindles. Intriguingly, these cells often undergo spindle collapse, leading to a lethal “cut” phenotype. By implementing an artificial targetting system, we have shown that Alp14 and Dis1 are not functionally exchangeable and as such are not merely redundant paralogues. Intriguingly, while Alp14 promotes microtubule nucleation, Dis1 does not. Our results uncover that the intrinsic specification, not the spatial regulation, between Alp14 and Dis1 underlies the collaborative actions of these two XMAP215/TOG members in mitotic progression, spindle integrity and genome stability.

Background and Objectives: Acculturation is associated with excessive weight gain among immigrants to the U.S. Whether dietary factors mediate this association is unclear. This study aimed to examine whether overall diet quality or specific component(s) of diet quality mediate the association between acculturation and Body Mass Index (BMI) among Mexican American (MA) men and women. Material and Methods: This is a secondary data analysis using dietary intake data from 24-hour dietary recalls, measured height and weight, and self-reported acculturation from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) cycles 1999-2000 to 2011-2012. A total of 6848 MA adults (≥20 yrs) with reliable dietary recall status and body measures were included in the study. Path analyses was performed in Mplus with complex survey design effects adjusted. Results: HEI components of whole grains and sodium were found to play meditating roles in the acculturation-BMI association, and their effects on BMI were opposing [indirect effect were -0.01 (SE 0.00) and 0.02 (0.01), respectively]. In gender-specific analysis, sodium [0.01 (0.00)] was a significant mediator only in MA men; whereas, whole grains [-0.01 (0.00)] was a significant mediator only in MA women. Conclusions: HEI components of whole grains and sodium appeared to be significant dietary mediators in the acculturation-BMI association. Understanding the variations of dietary components and their relationship with acculturation as well as BMI is useful for developing dietary interventions and obesity reduction.

There are no studies that quantitatively compare life histories among scorpion species. Statistical procedures applied to 94 scorpion species indicate that those with larger bodies do not necessarily have larger litters or longer life cycles, opposite to some theoretical predictions.

: Background: Overweight and obesity are major risk factors for many chronic diseases, and weight-loss interventions often include systematic exercising and nutritional supplements. The purpose of this study was to determine the independent/synergistic effects of Spirulina maxima supplementation (6-week, 4.5 g/day) and a systematic physical exercise program (6 weeks/ 2 times) on body composition and cardiorespiratory fitness of overweight and obese subjects. Methods: 27 overweight and 25 obese sedentary male subjects were assigned to four interventions through a randomized double-blind, crossover controlled trial: Physical exercise program with (SE) or without (Ex) Spirulina maxima or no-exercise program with (Sm) and without (C) Spirulina maxima. Body composition and cardiorespiratory fitness parameters were taken during a maximal intensity test. Results: As compared to C group, SE, Sm and Ex groups reduced (p < 0.05) their body fat percentage while improving their maximal oxygen uptake (VO₂max; r = −0.40), being obese subjects more benefited. Weight loss, time to reach fatigue and onset of blood lactate accumulation were improved in both Spirulina maxima supplemented groups, regardless the subjects’ body composition. Conclusions: Spirulina maxima supplementation synergistically improves the effects of systematic exercise in body composition and cardiorespiratory fitness parameters in overweight but mostly in obese adults.

We review a theory that predicts the onset of thermalization in a quantum mechanical coupled non-linear oscillator system, which models the vibrational degrees of freedom of a molecule. A system of N non-linear oscillators perturbed by cubic anharmonic interactions exhibits a many-body localization (MBL) transition in the vibrational state space (VSS) of the molecule. This transition can occur at rather high energy in a sizable molecule because the density of states coupled by cubic anharmonic terms scales as ~ N3, in marked contrast to the total density of states, which scales as exp(aN), where a is a constant. The emergence of a MBL transition in the VSS is seen by analysis of a random matrix ensemble that captures the locality of coupling in the VSS, referred to as local random matrix theory (LRMT). Upon introducing higher order anharmonicity, the location of the MBL transition of even a sizable molecule, such as an organic molecule with tens of atoms, still lies at an energy that may exceed the energy to surmount a barrier to reaction, such as a barrier to conformational change. Illustrative calculations are provided, and some recent work on the influence of thermalization on thermal conduction in molecular junctions is also discussed.

Obesity is associated with chronic low-grade inflammation. Polyunsaturated fatty ac-ids such as omega-3 (n-3), are essential in the pro-resolution of inflammation. An 8-week double-blind randomized clinical trial was conducted with a n-6:n-3, 5:1 ratio, along with daily 1.8 g of n-3 supplementation vs. placebo. A total of 40 subjects were included, 21 in omega 3 group and 19 in placebo group. The n-3 supplementation had a superior effect compared to placebo increasing levels of Resolvin D1 [129.3 (-90.1 - 193.5) vs. -16.8 (-237.8 - 92.5) pg/mL, p=0.041], IL-10 [1.4 (-0.7 - 4.6) vs. -2.0 (-5 - 0.05) pg/mL, p=0.001], and decreasing IL-6 [-0.67 (2.72 - -0.59) vs. 0.03 (-0.59 - 1.84) pg/mL p=0.015], and MCP-1 [-29.6 (-94.9 - 5.50) vs. 18.3 (-97.3 - 66.35) pg/mL, p=0.040]. In con-clusion, n-3 supplementation promoted resolution of inflammation by increasing sys-temic levels of Resolvin D1, IL-10, and decreasing IL-6 and MCP-1.

This paper, from the perspective of Mode 3 of knowledge production, takes the important carrier of knowledge, scientific research papers, as the research object. The mainstream databases (SCIE and SSCI) are chosen as the data sources. Firstly, bibliometric methods are applied to analyze the cooperation status among the main bodies of paper production, including authors and their affiliated institutions, countries, and disciplines; secondly, the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) is used to construct a comprehensive evaluation model for the state of research cooperation in carbon neutrality. Based on the evaluation model, the cooperation characteristics of different disciplinary fields and the relationship between paper cooperation status and high-impact research papers are comparatively analyzed. At the same time, an analysis is conducted on the support from the government, the sponsorship from enterprises, and the participation of the public in the process of paper production. Finally, some suggestions are put forward on how to build an innovative ecosystem for carbon neutrality research from the perspective of Mode 3 of knowledge production.

International law faces numerous challenges in the 21st century, ranging from the traditional issues of sovereignty to emerging threats like cyber warfare and climate change. This article explores the evolving landscape of international law, discussing both the challenges it faces and the prospects for its future. By examining the role of international organizations, the impact of technological advancements, and the growing influence of non-state actors, this article provides a comprehensive overview of the current state of international law and offers insights into how it can adapt to meet the demands of an increasingly interconnected world.

Businesses now formally enter the phase of "think power differentiation and gap" in response to the new economic climate. While AI, big data, empowerment via the internet, and other aspects of the digital economy help to improve technical capabilities and save operating costs, they also push businesses to innovate their strategies at a faster rate. Enterprises are strategically choosing to de-enterprise, moving from focusing on a single business functioning benefit to building an ecosystem of platform services that will give them a competitive edge. Additionally, the organization's structure is evolving continually from a vertical model to a curved working style, in order to achieve this, businesses must recognize the importance of data analysis in day-to-day management and operations, encourage the development of an organizational atmosphere that is driven by data, fully utilize digital technology, modularize areas or production links that perform related tasks, and encourage the reform of organizational structures. By streamlining the output of the product or service to the external community while also enhancing the company's financial performance model, switching from process-to result-oriented evaluation, and putting in place a customized authority and accountability framework. Replace outcome-focused evaluation with process-focused evaluation, and create a customized incentive scheme that balances power, accountability, and rewards.

Abstract: Effectiveness of a Single Fixed Dose 3 mg Rasburicase for Prevention and Management of Hyperuricemia of Tumor Lysis Syndrome in adult Cancer Patients Background: Tumor lysis syndrome (TLS) is a potentially life-threatening complication associated with certain types of cancer. Rasburicase is an essential medicine required to prevent and treat the hyperuricemia associated with TLS. Due to a shortage of rasburicase during the COVID-19 pandemic, a fixed dose strategy of 3 mg rasburicase had been used in many adult cancer patients in our center. Objective: The objective of this study was to assess the effectiveness of a 3 mg fixed dose of rasburicase in preventing and managing hyperuricemia associated with TLS in adult cancer patients. Methods: We conducted a retrospective, observational cohort study between March 2020 and November 2022. The study included adult patients who received a fixed dose of 3 mg rasburicase. The primary outcome measure was the reduction in serum UA levels of

Mechanical ventilation (MV), used in patients with acute lung injury (ALI), induces diaphragmatic myofiber atrophy and contractile inactivity, termed ventilator-induced diaphragm dysfunction. Phosphoinositide 3-kinase- (PI3K-) is crucial in modulating fibrogenesis during the reparative phase of ALI; however, the mechanisms regulating the interactions among MV, myofiber fibrosis, and PI3K- remain unclear. We hypothesized MV with or without bleomycin treatment would increase diaphragm muscle fibrosis through the PI3K- pathway. Five days after receiving a single bolus of 0.075 units bleomycin intratracheally, C57BL/6 mice were exposed to 6 or 10 mL/kg MV for 8 h after receiving 5 mg/kg of AS605240 intraperitoneally. In wild-type mice, bleomycin exposure followed by MV 10 mL/kg prompted significant increases in disruptions of diaphragmatic myofibrillar organization, transforming growth factor-1, oxidative loads, Masson’s trichrome staining, extracellular collagen levels, positive staining of -smooth muscle actin, PI3K- expression, and myonuclear apoptosis (P &lt; 0.05). Decreased diaphragm contractility and peroxisome proliferator activated receptor- coactivator-1 levels were also observed (P &lt; 0.05). MV-augmented bleomycin-induced diaphragm fibrosis and myonuclear apoptosis were attenuated in PI3K-γ-deficient mice and through AS605240-induced inhibition of PI3K- activity (P &lt; 0.05). MV-augmented diaphragm fibrosis after bleomycin-induced ALI is partially mediated through PI3K-γ. Therapy targeting PI3K-γ may ameliorate MV-associated diaphragm fibrosis.

Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) type 3 (LPA3) receptor mutants were generated in which the sites detected phosphorylated were substituted by non-phosphorylatable amino acids. Substitutions were made in the intracellular loop 3 (IL3 mutant), the carboxyl terminus (Ctail), and both domains (IL3/Ctail). The wild-type (WT) receptor and the mutants were expressed in T-REx HEK293 cells, and the consequences of the substitutions were analyzed employing different functional parameters. Agonist- and LPA-mediated receptor phosphorylation was diminished in the IL3 and Ctail mutants and essentially abolished in the IL3/Ctail mutant, indicating that the main sites were substituted and distributed in both domains. The WT and mutant receptors increased intracellular calcium and ERK 1/2 phosphorylation in response to LPA and PMA. An increase in baseline ERK phosphorylation was detected in the IL3/Ctail mutant. LPA and PMA-induced receptor interaction with β-arrestin 2 and LPA3 internalization were severely diminished in the mutants. Mutant-expressing cells also exhibit increased baseline proliferation and response to different stimuli, which were inhibited by the antagonist Ki16425, suggesting a role of LPA receptors in this process. Migration in response to different attractants was markedly increased in the Ctail mutant, which the Ki16425 antagonist also attenuated.

Abstract: Cervical cancer, which is the fourth most common malignancy and the fourth greatest cause of cancer-related deaths in women globally, continues to be a serious issue for global health. Despite advancements in treatment techniques, particularly the implementation of concomitant chemoradiation therapy, predicting the prognosis of locally advanced cervical cancer, especially for stage III, remains challenging. In recent years, neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) has gained interest as a viable treatment strategy. The objective of this review paper is to scrutinize the clinical data and outcomes associated with NACT in the management of stage 3 cervical cancer. Electronic databases were used to perform a comprehensive literature search, and research up to 2023 were included. The findings suggest that NACT followed by irradiation may have advantages such as lowering tumor size, pelvic architectural distortion, and subclinical distant metastases, therefore enhancing radiation delivery. However, several studies have produced conflicting findings, raising questions regarding toxicity and finding no appreciable survival benefit over radiation alone. NACT followed by radical surgery has demonstrated more promising outcomes compared to surgery alone in terms of increasing rates of overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS). Additionally, NACT has been associated with decreased tumor growth, parametrial infiltration, nodal, metastases, and vascular space invasion. These findings suggest adjuvant radiation treatment. Although the overall survival rate has been markedly increased by concomitant chemoradiation treatment, metastatic disease continues to be a major factor in the death rate from cervical cancer. Therefore, improving outcomes in locally advanced cervical cancer requires investigating novel systemic treatments, such as NACT. The study also emphasizes how crucial it is to research factors like cisplatin dose-intensity and cycle lengths in order to maximize NACT's efficacy. To prevent the need for subsequent treatments and cumulative toxicity, more study should concentrate on patient selection for NACT followed by surgery.

A new approach is presented for dynamic modeling of chemical and isotopic evolution of C1-3 during the hydrocarbon generation process. Based on systematic data obtained from published papers for pyrolysis of various hydrocarbon sources(type I kerogen/source rock, type II kerogen/source rock, type III kerogen/source rock, crude oil, asphalt, etc), the empirical evolution framework of chemical and isotopic composition of C1-3 during the hydrocarbon generation process was built. Although the empirical framework was built only by fitting large amount of pyrolysis data, the chemical and isotopic composition of C1-3 derived from the pyrolysis experiments all follow the evolution laws, convincing us that it is applicable to the thermal evolution process of various hydrocarbon sources. Based on the simplified formula of the isotopic composition of mixed natural gas at different maturities (δ13Cmixed) δ13Cmixed=(X〖*n〗_iA 〖*δ〗^13 C_iA+Y〖*n〗_iB 〖*δ〗^13 C_iB)/(X〖*n〗_iA+Y〖*n〗_iB ), it can be derived that the cumulative isotopic composition of alkane generated in certain maturity interval can be expressed by the integral of the product of instantaneous isotopic composition and instantaneous yield at certain maturity point, and then divided by the cumulative yield of alkane generated in corresponding maturity interval. Thus, the cumulative isotopic composition(A(X)), cumulative yield(B(X)), instantaneous isotope(C(X)),and instantaneous yield(D(x)) in the dynamic model comply with the following formula during the maturity interval of (X0-X) A(X)=(∫_(X_0)^X▒〖C(X)*D(X)dx〗)/(B(X)), where A(X) and B(X) can be obtained by fitting of pyrolysis data, and D(x) can also be obtained from the derivation of B(X). The dynamic model was applied on the pyrolysis data of Pingliang Shale to illustrate the quantitative evolution of cumulative yield ,instantaneous yield, cumulative isotope and instantaneous isotope of C1-3 with increasing maturity.The dynamic model can quantify the yield of methane, ethane and propane as well as δ13C1, δ13C2 and δ13C3 respectively during the hydrocarbon generation process, which is of great significance to evaluate the natural gas resources of hydrocarbon source rock with different maturity and to identify the origin and evolutionary process of hydrocarbons by chemical and isotopic data. Moreover, this model provides an approach to study the dynamic evolution of isotope series of C1-3 (including reversed isotopic series), which is hopeful to reveal the mechanism responsible for isotopic reversal when combined with post-generation studies.

Introduction. This retrospective study aimed to compare the risk factors for vascular calcification (VC) between pre-hemodialysis (HD) and prevalent HD adult patients while investigating associations with calcification biomarkers. Methods. Baseline data from 30 pre-HD and 85 HD patients were analyzed, including iPTH, vitamin D, FGF23, fetuinA, sclerostin, and VC scores (Adragao method). Multivariable linear regression identified VC predictors. Results: The prevalence of VC was similar in both groups, but HD patients had more pronounced VC scores ≥6. Pre-HD patients were older, with higher prevalence of Balkan endemic nephropathy, hypertension, and less frequent use of calcium phosphate binders. Both groups exhibited similar patterns of hyperphosphatemia, low vitamin D, and iPTH levels. In HD group normal phosphate was significantly common in patients with VC, whereas hyperphosphatemia was significantly common in patients without VC. Fetuin-A levels were higher in pre-HD patients, while FGF23 was elevated in HD patients. In pre-HD patients, male gender was associated with reduced VC risk, while in HD patients, malignancies and serum phosphate levels were negative VC predictors. Conclusion: Effective monitoring and tailored treatment of VC in CKD are still focused on phosphate regulation. Besides, mineral disturbances, hormones and biomarkers regulation, and patient-specific variables need to be considered.

In the context of evaluating physical function in individuals with stroke, the 3-meter backward walk test (3MBWT) emerges as a potential tool of interest. The purpose of this study was to assess the test-retest reliability and construct validity of the 3MBWT and its correlation with falling incidents. Conducted in a neurological rehabilitation center, 35 ambulatory individuals with stroke were enrolled within a month post-stroke onset. These participants, with a Functional Ambulation Category score of ≥4, underwent the 3MBWT, Functional Gait Assessment (FGA), 10-Meter Walk Test (10MWT), and 6-Minute Walk Test (6MWT) three times by different physiotherapists. Results indicated the 3MBWT displayed high reliability (r=0.97-0.98) and showed significant construct validity with other established walking tests like the 6MWT (r=-0.78) and 10MWT (r=0.71), with a moderate correlation to the FGA (r=-0.54). No marked differences in test outcomes were observed between participants based on their fall history. Conclusively, the 3MBWT proves to be highly reliable and validates well with existing walking function assessments for stroke patients, suggesting its potential as a time-efficient alternative.

Breast cancer (BCa) is the most frequently diagnosed malignant tumor in women and is also one of the leading causes of cancer-related death. Most breast tumors are hormone-dependent and estrogen signaling plays a critical role in promoting the survival and malignant behaviors of these cells. Estrogen signaling involves ligand-activated cytoplasmic estrogen receptors that translocate to the nucleus with various co-regulators such as steroid receptor co-activator (SRC) family members, and bind to the promoters of target genes and regulate their expression. SRC-3 is a member of this family that interacts with, and enhances the transcriptional activity of the ligand activated estrogen receptor. Although SRC-3 has important roles in normal homeostasis and developmental processes, it has been shown to be amplified and overexpressed in breast cancer and to promote malignancy. The malignancy-promoting potential of SRC-3 is diverse and involves both promoting malignant behavior of tumor cells and creating a tumor microenvironment that has an immunosuppressive phenotype. SRC-3 also inhibits the recruitment of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes with effector function and promotes stemness. Furthermore, SRC-3 is also involved in the development of resistance to hormone therapy and immunotherapy during breast cancer treatment. The versatility of SRC-3 in promoting breast cancer malignancy in this way makes it a good target, and methodical targeting of SRC-3 probably will be important for the success of breast cancer treatment.

Powdery mildew disease, caused by Sphaerotheca fusca, is a major disease affecting cucumbers cultivated in greenhouses. This study was conducted to find defense genes induced by DL-3-amino-butyric acid (BABA) and powdery mildew in cucumber. The 2000 and 5000 mg/L BABA treated cucumber exhibited disease severity of 25% and 5%, respectively, whereas the water treated cucumber leaves were severely infected, with a disease severity of 90%. BABA did not effect spore germination of the powdery mildew pathogen,. showing BABA is not antifungal agent against the pathogen. In quantitative real-time PCR analysis, BABA treated cucumber upregulated transcriptional level of the defense genes CsPAL, CsPR3,CsPR1, CsLOX1, CsLOX23, Cs LecRK6.1, CsWRKY20, and Cupi4 in cucumber to maximum levels at 48 h, whereas CsLecRK6.1 reached maximum expression after 24 h and futher salicylic acid (SA) levels were significantly increased in BABA-treated cucumber plants. In addition, the infected cucumber with powdery mildew enhanced the expression levels from1.6 to 47.3 fold of the defense genes PAL, PR3, PR1, Lox1, Lox 23, LecRK6.1, WRKY20, and Cupi4 compared to heathy cucumber. The results suggests the BABA induced defense response is associated with SA signal pathway-dependent systemic acquired resistance (SAR) in cucumber, which is involved in plant resistance mechanisms.

In urban Vehicular Ad Hoc Network (VANET) environments, buildings play a crucial role as they can act as obstacles that attenuate the transmission signal between vehicles. Quantifying the impact of buildings on the transmission quality is essential, especially in critical scenarios involving emergency vehicles, where reliable communication is of utmost importance. In this research, we propose a supervised learning approach based on artificial neural networks (ANNs) to develop a predictive model capable of estimating the level of signal degradation, represented by the bit error rate (BER), based on the obstacles perceived by moving emergency vehicles. By establishing a relationship between the level of signal degradation and the encountered obstacles, our proposed mechanism enables efficient routing decisions to be made prior to the transmission process. Consequently, data packets are routed through paths that exhibit the lowest BER. To gather the necessary training data, we employed SUMO and NS-3 simulations. The simulation results demonstrate that our developed model successfully learns and accurately estimates the BER for new data instances. Overall, our research contributes to enhancing the performance and reliability of communication in urban VANET environments, especially in critical scenarios involving emergency vehicles, by leveraging supervised learning and artificial neural networks to predict signal degradation levels and optimize routing decisions accordingly.

Indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) is a key vegetative hormone that plays crucial roles in plant growth and development. In this study, the effect of the exogenous application of IAA as a biostimulant in the cultivation of onions (Allium cepa) was investigated. Different IAA concentrations were evaluated to determine their effects on onion growth and chemical parameters. Various physical and chemical parameters such as total fresh weight, plant height, chlorophyll content, nitrates, total phenols, and antioxidant capacity (DPPH) were analyzed. The results revealed that exogenous application of IAA had a significant impact on onion growth and quality. Specifically, it was found that certain concentrations of IAA fostered a greater fresh weight of the bulb, an increase in the levels of phenolic compounds and a greater DPPH. However, the onion response to IAA was dependent on the concentration. In conclusion, the present study provides evidence that the exogenous application of IAA as a biostimulant can improve onion growth and quality. These results are relevant for the development of sustainable agricultural practices and could be oriented towards crop improvement.

The altimeter-derived ocean currents have been sparsely evaluated against in situ measurements in the Arctic, particularly for extended time periods. This study uses the extensive mooring array situated in the Fram Strait, representing one of the longest ocean current records, to investigate the relationship between in situ and satellite-derived currents in the region. The primary objective of this research is to analyze the vertical structure of the West Spitsbergen Current (WSC), its spatio-temporal coherence, and its association with surface geostrophic currents during the period of 1997-2012. To assess the vertical structure of the WSC, we utilized the Empirical Orthogonal Functions (EOF) and cross-correlation analysis between neighboring moorings. Remarkably, both velocity components exhibited robust vertical coherence, particularly within the waters of the North Atlantic Inflow, at depths exceeding 800 m. These findings underscore the potential for surface measurements to effectively complement data gaps and facilitate the reconstruction of deeper currents with a monthly temporal resolution. Notably, the surface measurements explain approximately 67% of the variance in the top 800 m of the water column.This comprehensive investigation advances our understanding of the West Spitsbergen Current and its vertical characteristics in the Arctic. Moreover, our findings highlight the valuable synergy between in situ and satellite-derived data, providing critical insights for future ocean current studies in this ecologically sensitive region.

Mutations in the Neuroligin-3 (Nlgn3) gene are implicated in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and gastrointestinal (GI) dysfunction but cellular Nlgn3 expression in the enteric nervous system remains to be characterised. We combined RNAScope in situ hybridization for Nlgn3 mRNA and immunofluorescence for cholinergic and VIP-expressing submucosal neurons, nitrergic and calretinin-containing myenteric neurons and glial cells. We measured Nlgn3 mRNA neuronal and glial expression via quantitative 3-dimensional image analysis. To validate dual RNAScope/immunofluorescence data, we interrogated available single cell RNA sequencing (scRNASeq) data to assess for Nlgn3, Nlgn1, Nlgn2 and their binding partners, Nrxn1-3, MGDA1 and MGDA2, in enteric neural subsets. Most submucosal and myenteric neurons expressed Nlgn3 mRNA. In contrast to other Nlgns and binding partners, Nlgn3 was strongly expressed in enteric glia, suggesting a role for Neuroligin-3 in mediating enteric neuron-glia interactions. The autism-associated R451C mutation reduces Nlgn3 mRNA expression in cholinergic but not VIPergic submucosal neurons. In the myenteric plexus, Nlgn3 mRNA levels are reduced in calretinin and NOS labelled neurons and S100ß labelled glia. We provide a comprehensive cellular profile for neuroligin-3 expression in ileal neuronal subpopulations of mice expressing the R451C autism-associated mutation in Nlgn3, which may contribute to the understanding of the pathophysiology of GI dysfunction in ASD.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is actually considered a public health priority according to the increasing number of patients affected by this condition: this casuistry is not only related to specific glomerular, tubular or autoimmune diseases or a consequence of acute kidney injury (AKI) episodes leading to organ failure, but it is tied to the progression of life expectancy and the impact of comorbidities such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes and cancer. CKD and its comorbidities promote low grade inflammatory status with an impact on patients’ clinical conditions, reducing their possibility for kidney transplantation or graft survival and their survival when receiving renal replacement therapies such as hemodialysis (HD) or peritoneal dialysis (PD). CKD is often referred to as an ageing accelerator: innate immune system dysregulation, in the uraemic proinflammatory milieu, is involved in this accelerated senescence phenomena and pentraxins, particularly Pentraxin-3 (PTX-3), are of particular interest in the development of kidney disease. A complete understanding of the mechanism of CKD progression, innate immune system involvement and a proper definition of PTX-3 role in kidney disease, could redefine the approach for diagnosis and a more centered patients’ management to slow down CKD progression over time and reduce its clinical and social impact.

Porcine parvovirus (PPV) 1 is a major causative pathogen of reproductive failure, and porcine circovirus (PCV) 2 is an etiological pathogen causing PCV-associated and PCV diseases worldwide. PPV2–6 and PCV3 were recently identified as newly emerging viruses with unknown pathogeneses. However, little is known of PPV1–6 and PCV3 effects or their co-infections with PCV2. In this study, we examined 926 samples (272 aborted pig fetuses and 654 pig lung tissues) from domestic pig farms for the presence of PPV1–6 or PCV3 and for PCV2 co-infection with these seven viruses. The prevalence of PPV and PCV was significantly greater in lung tissue samples than aborted pig fetus samples. PPV3–6 were detected for the first time in Korean domestic pigs. Co-infection rates with PCV2 and other viruses were significantly higher in abattoir samples than that in aborted pig fetus samples. Concurrent infections are more common than single infection in pig population and nu-merous infectious pathogens such as PPV and PCV2 can impact the respiratory diseases. Fur-thermore, Korean PPV1 strain (PPV1-82) was identical to the virulent PPV-27a strain in this respect. Our results describe, for the first time the prevalence of PPV1–6 and PCV3 infections and their co-infection rates with PCV2 in Korean domestic pigs.

Crataegus Oxyacantha is used in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases. In related to your biosafety, only in vitro and in vivo genotoxicity of the fruit and the leaf is described, however, the teratogenic potential is unknown. The aim this study was evaluating the transplacental genotoxicity effect of aqueous and hydroalcoholic extract of leaves C. oxyacantha in a rat model and the quantification of malondialdehyde (MDA) in liver. Three different doses of the aqueous and hydroalcoholic extracts of the C. oxyacantha leaf were administered orally (500, 1000 and 2000 mg/kg) to Wistar rats during 5 days through the pregnancy term (16-21 days), sampling in rats were every 24 h during the last 6 days of gestation and only one sample was taken in neonates at birth. A sample of the mother's and neonate's liver was taken for the determination of MDA. The results show that, at the hepatic level, the evaluated doses of extracts C. oxyacantha in pregnant rats and their pups did not show cytotoxicity. However, the aqueous and hydroalcoholic extract generated cytotoxic and genotoxic damage in the short term. On the other hand, only the aqueous extract showed a teratogenic effect. Based on these results, the aqueous and hydroalcoholic extracts of the C. oxyacantha leaf should not be administered during pregnancy.

In spite of its incidence on pistachio trees, the chemical ecology of Labidostomis lusitanica (Germar) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) has been neglected so far. In this work we provide the first evidence of a biologically active male-specific compound that may be promoting field aggregation. Headspace collections by solid-phase microextraction from feral males and females reported the presence of 2-isobutyl-3-methoxypyrazine exclusively on males. Electroantennographic recordings revealed that males and females responded in a dose-dependent manner to increasing stimuli of 2-isobutyl-3-methoxypyrazine, with females overall displaying a higher response than males. In dual-choice tests, both males and females showed a significant preference for the compound in comparison to a pure air stimulus. In the light of these results, the possible role of 2-isobutyl-3-methoxypyrazine as an aggregation cue in L. lusitanica is discussed.

G‐quadruplexes (G4) are structures formed at the ends of the telomere, these are rich in guanines and were stabilized by molecules that bind to specific sites. TMPyP4 and Thymoquinone (TQ) are small molecules that bind to the G4, they have drawn attention because of their role as telomerase inhibitors. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of telomerase inhibitors on cellular proliferation, senescence, and death. Two cell lines LC‐HK2 (NSCLC) and RPE‐1 were treated with TMPyP4 (5μM) and TQ (10μM). Both inhibitors were effective in decreasing telomerase activity. TMPyP4 increased the percentage of cells with membrane damage associated with cell death and decreased the frequency of cells in the S‐phase. TMPyP4 changed the cell adhesion ability and modified the pattern of focal adhesion. TQ acted in a dose‐dependent manner, increasing the frequency of senescent cells, and inducing cell cycle arrest in the G1. In conclusion, the effects of both drugs on LC-HK2 and RPE-1 cell lines were different although both are telomerase inhibitors, because TMPyP4 decreased proteins of cell adhesion and TQ induces a decrease in cell viability.

Numerous proteomic and transcriptomic studies have been carried out to better understand the current multi-variant SARS-CoV-2 virus mechanisms of action and effects. However, they are mostly centered on mRNAs and proteins. The effect of the virus on human post-transcriptional regulatory agents such as microRNAs (miRNAs) involved in the regulation of 60% of human gene activity remains poorly explored. Similar to what we have previously done with other viruses such as Ebola and HIV, in this study we investigated the miRNA profile of lung epithelial cells following infection with SARS-CoV-2. At the 24 and 72 hours post-infection, SARS-CoV-2 did not drastically alter the miRNome. About 90% of the miRNAs remained non-differentially expressed. The results revealed that miR-1246, miR-1290 and miR-4728-5p were the most upregulated over time. miR-196b-5p and miR-196a-5p were the most downregulated at 24 h while at 72 h, miR-3924, miR-30e-5p and miR-145-3p showed the highest level of downregulation. In the top significantly enriched KEGG pathways of genes targeted by differentially expressed miRNAs we found, among others, MAPK, RAS, P13K-Akt and renin secretion signaling pathways. By RT-qPCR, we also showed that SARS-CoV-2 may regulate several predicted host mRNA targets involved in the entry of the virus into host cells (ACE2, TMPRSS2, ADAM17 and FURIN), in renin–angiotensin system (RAS) (Renin, Angiotensinogen, ACE), innate immune response (IL-6, IFN1β, CXCL10, SOCS4) and fundamental cellular processes (AKT, NOTCH, WNT). Finally, we demonstrated by dual luciferase assay a direct interaction between miR-1246 and ACE-2 mRNA. This study highlights the modulatory role of miRNAs in the pathogenesis of SARS-CoV-2.

The KRAS mutant population has been undruggable for 40 years. G12C inhibitors and immunotherapy are the beginning of success. It is necessary to summarize the successful experience of the existing treatment model and explore the direction of the next treatment. In this review, we discuss the latest developments in targeted therapy and immunotherapy for KRAS-mutation NSCLC, aiming to provide direction or enlightenment for future treatment strategies.

Carthamin potassium salt isolated from Carthamus tinctorius L. was purified by an improved traditional Japanese method, without using column chromatography. The 1H and 13C nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) signals of the pure product were fully assigned using one- and two-dimensional NMR spectroscopy, while the high purity of the potassium salt and deprotonation at the 3’ position of carthamin were confirmed by atomic adsorption spectroscopy and nano-electrospray ionization mass spectrometry.

Bone marrow derived adult human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) possess therapeutic qualities that enable them to enhance wound repair. However, the mechanisms by which this occurs remains poorly understood. Basic mechanisms may include the directed migration of delivered cells to target sites and/or the production and release of soluble factors that act at a distance. Allogeneic and even xenogeneic cells may effectively participate in wound repair. Labeled hMSCs were delivered to full-thickness skin wounds that were created in immunologically competent mice. The delivery occurred on day 3 post-wounding using two different carriers; one which released cells and one which retained cells. The fates of the delivered cells were tracked for up to 25 days. During this period, released cells migrated as a tight cohort deep into the wound to reach the subdermal vascular plexus. Simultaneously, enhanced formation of granulation tissue was evident. This migration of hMSCs was not essential in that enhanced granulation tissue formation and wound contraction occurred when cells were retained in the carrier matrix. This provided further evidence for the release of therapeutic factors by hMSCs to sites of injury.

The theories of quantum mechanics and relativity dramatically altered our understanding of the universe ushering in the era of modern physics. Quantum theory deals with objects probabilistically at small scales, whereas relativity deals classically with motion in space and time. We show here that the mathematical structures of quantum theory and of relativity follow together from pure thought, defined and uniquely constrained by the same elementary ``combining and sequencing'' symmetries that underlie standard arithmetic and probability. The key is uncertainty, which inevitably accompanies observation of quantity and imposes the use of pairs of numbers. The symmetries then lead directly to the use of complex \sqrt{-1} arithmetic, the standard calculus of quantum mechanics, and the Lorentz transformations of relativistic spacetime. One dimension of time and three dimensions of space are thus derived as the profound and inevitable framework of physics.

Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is a form of brain dysfunction that is specifically caused by liver insufficiency and/or portal-systemic shunt. The exact nature of HE is debated, so that conflicting uses of the term HE may cause inconsistencies in its detection and, in turn, issues with its management. This review highlights the meaning of the term HE on the basis of both its historical origins and current consensus. It also provides criteria for the diagnosis of the condition, on the basis of its phenotypes and the risk factors for its occurrence. The procedure for differential diagnosis from other conditions which result in similar phenotypes is considered, together with precipitants and confounders. Finally, the current multidimensional approach for the correct clinical recording of HE episodes is discussed.

The main goal of our work is the revealing of problematic issues related to estimates of the absorption coefficient of colored organic matter in the northern seas from data of the Ocean and Land Color Instrument (OLCI) on the Sentinel-3 satellites. In particular, a comparison of the OLCI standard error estimates ADG443_NN_err., relating to the measurement and retrieval of the geophysical products, with the uncertainties in the real situation of the northern seas, where the natural conditions are extremely unfavorable (first of all, frequent cloudiness, low Sun heights). We conducted a comprehensive multi-sensor study of the uncertainties using various approaches, first at all, directly comparing the data from satellite (OLCI Sentinel-3 and four other ocean color sensors) and field measurements in five sea expeditions 2016-2019, by using the different processing algorithms. Our analysis has shown that the real uncertainties of the final product are significantly higher than the calculated errors of the ADG443_NN_err., which is 100% and ~10%. The main reason for that is the unsatisfactory atmospheric correction. We present the results of the analysis of the different effecting factors (satellite sensors, processing algorithms, use of the other parameters), and formulate the tasks of future work.

Cerebral blood flow (CBF) decreases across the lifespan, and chronic conditions such as dementia and stroke accelerate this decline. Impaired CBF results in reduced delivery of oxygen and nutrients, which can damage the brain over time. Thus, there is a need to identify lifestyle interventions including diet and exercise to maintain CBF with aging and in the presence of chronic disease. In the present study, we used transcranial Doppler ultrasound to record middle cerebral artery velocity (MCAv), a surrogate measure of CBF, during moderate-intensity exercise in sedentary, cognitively-normal older adults (N = 90). A multiple linear regression model (F(4, 85) = 3.21, p = 0.02) showed self-reported omega-3 supplement use significantly moderated the association between age and mean exercising MCAv in these individuals (p = 0.01). Older age was associated with lower exercising MCAv in the group not taking omega-3 supplements, while exercising MCAv showed no decline with increasing age in the group who reported omega-3 supplement use. These findings suggest omega-3 supplementation may have an important role in the preservation of CBF with aging.

Detailed kinetics for a 3-wavelength photopolymerization confinement (PC) system is presented for both numerical solutions and analytic formulas. The dynamic profiles are simulated for oxygen, free radical, and conversion for various situations of: blue-light only, 2-light (red and UV), and 3-light (red, blue, UV). An effective PC requires two conditions: (i) a strong N-inhibition for uncured regime with a low conversion (triggered by the UV-light); and (ii) a weak S-inhibition (oxygen-induced) for high conversion under the blue-light or blue and red-light initiation. Good PC candidates are governed by collective factors of: (i) the double ratio of light-intensity and initiator-concentration, (ii) monomers rate-constant; and (iii) effective absorption constants at specific wavelength and initiators. A new reverse feature for the role of N-inhibition on the blue-conversion is found. Higher oxygen concentration leads to a lower conversion, which could be enhanced by reducing the S-inhibition via a red or blue-light pre-irradiation, having a pre-irradiation time TP=200 s for red-light only, and reduced to 150 s, when both red and blue-light. System under UV-only leads a conversion lower than that of blue-only. However, conversion could be improved by the dual-light (blue and UV), and further enhanced by the pre-irradiation of red-light. The two competing factors, N-inhibition and S-inhibition, could be independently and selectively tailored to achieve: (a) high conversion of blue-light (without UV-light), enhanced by red-light pre-irradiation for minimal S-inhibition; and (b) efficient PC initiated by UV-light produced N-inhibition for reduced confinement thickness and for high print speed.

Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) is the most abundant polyphenol in green tea. In this study, the effects of dietary EGCG on oxidative stress and the metabolism and toxicity of acetaminophen in liver were investigated. Rats were fed the diets with (0.54 %) or without EGCG supplementation for four weeks and were then intraperitoneally injected with acetaminophen (1g/kg). Results showed EGCG lowered hepatic oxidative stress and cytochrome P450 (CYP) 1A2, 2E1, and 3A, and UDP-glucurosyltransferase activities prior to acetaminophen injection. After acetaminophen challenge, the elevations in plasma alanine aminotransferase activity and histological changes in liver were ameliorated by EGCG treatment. EGCG reduced acetaminophen-induced apoptosis by increasing the Bax/Bcl2 ratio in liver. EGCG mildly increased autophagy by increasing the LC3B II/I ratio. Lower hepatic acetaminophen-glutathione and acetaminophen-protein adducts contents were observed after EGCG treatment. EGCG increased glutathione peroxidase and NAD(P)H quinone 1 oxidoreductase activities and reduced organic anion-transporting polypeptides 1a1 expression in liver after acetaminophen treatment. Our results indicate that EGCG may lower oxidative stress and reduce the metabolism and toxicity of acetaminophen. The reductions in CYP-mediated acetaminophen bioactivation and uptake transporter, as well as enhanced antioxidant enzyme activity, may limit the accumulation of toxic products in liver and thus lower hepatotoxicity

A nutritional approach could be a promising strategy to prevent or slow the progression of neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease, since there is no effective therapy for these diseases so far. The beneficial effects of omega-3 fatty acids are now well established by a plethora of studies through their involvement in multiple biochemical functions, including synthesis of antinflammatory mediators, cell membrane fluidity, intracellular signalling and gene expression. This systematic review will consider epidemiological studies and clinical trials that assessed the impact of supplementation or dietary intake of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids on neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases. Indeed, treatment with omega-3 fatty acids, being safe and well tolerated, represent a valuable and biologically plausible tool in the management of neurodegenerative diseases in their early stages.

Genetic activation of the class I PI3K pathway is very common in cancer. This mostly results from oncogenic mutations in PIK3CA, the gene encoding the ubiquitously expressed PI3Kα catalytic subunit, or from inactivation of the PTEN tumour suppressor, a lipid phosphatase which opposes class I PI3K signalling. The clinical impact of PI3K inhibitors in solid tumours, aimed at dampening cancer-cell-intrinsic PI3K activity, has thus far been limited. Challenges include poor drug tolerance, incomplete pathway inhibition and pre-existing or inhibitor-induced resistance. The principle of pharmacologically targeting cancer-cell-intrinsic PI3K activity also assumes that all cancer-promoting effects of PI3K activation are reversible, which might not be the case. Emerging evidence suggests that genetic PI3K pathway activation can induce and/or allow cells to tolerate chromosomal instability, which – even if occurring in a low fraction of the cell population – might help to facilitate and/or drive tumour evolution. While it is clear that such genomic events cannot be reverted pharmacologically, a role for PI3K in the regulation of chromosomal instability could be exploited by using PI3K pathway inhibitors to prevent those genomic events from happening and/or reduce the pace at which they are occurring, thereby dampening cancer development or progression. Such an impact might be most effective in tumours with clonal PI3K activation and achievable at lower drug doses than the maximum-tolerated doses of PI3K inhibitors currently used in the clinic.

Environmental isolates, genetically manipulated organisms, plants, animals and their products and economical methods are being expertly explored to biosynthesize poly-3-hydroxybutyrate plastics of comparable properties to petroplastics. This study assessed a hypothesized feasibility of utilizing a proliferative pleustophytic greenery, water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes (Mart.) Solms-Laubach) in Lake Victoria, Uganda as a potential carbon source for poly-3-hydroxybutyrate biosynthesis. The poly-3-hydroxybutyrate biosynthesizing bacteria (Bacillus megaterium) was isolated from municipal sewage sludge and harnessed for batch fermentation of acid-catalysed water hyacinth biomass. Poly-3-hydroxybutyrate formed in the cytoplasm of the bacterial cells was extracted by chloroform extraction method, and thereof confirmed and quantified by UV spectroscopy. Batch fermentation was carried out in 100ml of the culture media in a 250ml fermenter for different times (48, 96, 144 and 192 hours) to determine the best incubation time for maximum yield. An all-out net yield of 61.3% was realized after 96 hours of fermentation. Utilization of this ecological plague for poly-3-hydroxybutyrate biosynthesis is a promising strategy for regulating the weed population along the length of Nile River and the Victorian basin.

The co-circulation of duck hepatitis A virus subtypes 1 (DHAV-1) and 3 (DHAV-3) in ducklings has resulted in significant economic losses. Because ducklings infected with DHAV-1 or DHAV-3 show similar clinical signs and gross lesions, it is important to discriminate these subtypes as early as possible for better clinical management. On the basis of multiple alignments of the 5′-noncoding region sequences of strains DHAV-1 and DHAV-3, universal and type-specific primers were designed and synthesized. Using the primers in a one-tube reverse transcription-PCR (RT-PCR) assay, reference strains of DHAV-1 and DHAV-3 (isolated over a span of 60 years and covering many different countries) were successfully amplified, indicating that the primer sequences were completely conserved. The amplicon sequences results and the sizes of amplicons from reference DHAV-1 and DHAV-3 isolates correlated completely with their genotypes. Moreover, with this one-tube RT-PCR system, the amplicon sizes of liver samples of reference DHAV-1- or DHAV-3-infected birds matched perfectly with their respective genotypes, as determined by virus isolation and neutralization tests. No other RNA viruses of duck origin were detected with the synthesized primers. The sensitivity of viral RNA detection was 10 pg. With this system, 20% genotype 1, 45% genotype 3, and 9% co-infection of the two genotypes were detected in 55 clinical samples. This novel approach could be used for the rapid genotyping DHAV-1 and/or DHAV-3 infection in routine clinical surveillance or epidemiologic screening.

A series of penta-1,4-dien-3-one containing a H-phosphonate scaffold were designed and synthesized. The structures of all title compounds were determined by 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR, 31P-NMR, and HRMS. Bioassay results showed that several of the title compounds exhibited remarkable antibacterial and antiviral activities. Among these, compounds 3c and 3o exhibited substantial antibacterial activities against Xanthomonas oryzae pv. Oryzae (Xoo) and Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. citri (Xac). In addition, compounds 3c, 3f, and 3r showed remarkable curative activities against tobacco mosaic virus (TMV), with 50% effective concentration (EC50) values of 290.0, 234.0, and 373.6 μg/mL, respectively. These were superior to that of ningnanmycin (386.2 μg/mL). Compound 3r exhibited comparative protective activity against TMV, with an EC50 value of 291.1 μg/mL, which was better than that of ningnanmycin (297.1 μg/mL). Notably, the solubility of all title compounds improved relative to the lead compound curcumin. These results suggest that penta-1,4-dien-3-one containing a H-phosphonate scaffold may be considered as an activator for antibacterial and antiviral agents.

Caspase-3, onto which there is a convergence of the intrinsic and extrinsic apoptotic pathways, is the main executioner of apoptosis. We here review the current literature on the intervention of the protease in the execution of naturally occurring neuronal death (NOND) during cerebellar development. We will consider data on the most common altricial species (rat, mouse and rabbit), as well as humans. Among the different types of neurons and glia in cerebellum, there is ample evidence for an intervention of caspase-3 in the regulation of NOND of the post-mitotic cerebellar granule cells (CGCs) and Purkinje neurons as a consequence of failure to establish proper synaptic contacts with target (secondary cell death). It seems possible that also the GABAergic interneurons undergo a similar type of secondary cell death, but the intervention of caspase-3 in this case still remains to be clarified in full. Remarkably, CGCs also undergo primary cell death at the precursor/pre-migratory stage of differentiation, in this case without the intervention of caspase-3. Glial cells as well undergo a process of regulated cell death, but it seems possible that expression of caspase-3, at least in the Bergmann glia, is related to differentiation rather than death.

The peripheral lymphatic system plays a crucial role in the recovery mechanisms after many pathological changes, such as infection, trauma, vascular, or metabolic diseases. The lymphatic clearance of different tissues from waste products, viruses, bacteria and toxic proteins significantly contributes to the correspondent recovery processes. However, understanding of the meningeal lymphatics functions is a challenging problem. The exploration of mechanisms of lymphatic communication with brain fluids as well as the role of the lymphatic system in the brain drainage, clearance and recovery are still in its infancy. Here we review novel concepts on the anatomy and physiology of the lymphatics in the brain, which warrant a substantial revision of our knowledge about the role of lymphatics in the rehabilitation of the brain functions after neural pathologies. We discuss a new vision on how to recruit the meningeal lymphatics by the opening of blood-brain barrier as a trigger mechanism of activation of the meningeal lymphatic drainage. This leads to innovative strategies in neurorehabilitation therapy.

Ziyuan-3 (ZY-3) satellite is the first civilian stereo mapping satellite in China and was designed to achieve the 1: 50000 scale mapping for land and ocean. Rigorous sensor model (RSM) is required to build the relationship between the three-dimensional (3D) object space and two-dimensional (2D) image space of ZY-3 satellite imagery. However, each satellite sensor has its own imaging system with different physical sensor models, which increase the difficulty of geometric integration of multi-source images with different sensor models. Therefore, it is critical to generate generic model， especially rational polynomial coefficients (RPCs) of optical imagery. Recently, relatively a few researches have been conducted on RPCs generation to ZY-3 satellite. This paper proposes an approach to evaluate the performance of RPCs generation from RSM of ZY-3 imagery. Three scenarios experiments with different terrain features (such as ocean, city and grassland) are designed and conducted to comprehensively evaluate the replacement accuracies of this approach and analyze the RPCs fitting error. All the experimental results demonstrate that the proposed method achieved the encouraging accuracy of better than 1.946E-04 pixel in both x-axis direction and y-axis direction, and it indicates that the RPCs is suitable for ZY-3 imagery and can be used as a replacement for the RSM of ZY-3 imagery.

The paper presents an innovative hexapod walking robot built with 3-UPU parallel mechanism. In the robot, the parallel mechanism is used as both an actuator to generate walking and also a connecting body to connect two groups of three legs, thus enables the robot to walk with simple gait by very few motors. In the paper, the forward and inverse kinematics solutions are obtained. The workspace of the parallel mechanism is analyzed using limit boundary search method. The walking stability of the robot is analyzed, which yields the robot’s maximum step length. The gait planning of the hexapod walking robot is studied for walking on both flat and uneven terrains. The new robot, combining the advantages of parallel robot and walking robot, has a large carrying capacity, strong passing ability, flexible turning ability, and simple gait control for its deployment for uneven terrain.

An efficient, eco-compatible and very cheap method for the construction of triazoles via eliminative azide–olefin cycloaddition (EAOC) reaction has been developed by a catalytic system IL/FeCl3, offering an highly regioselective approach to structurally diverse 1,5-disubstituted 1,2,3-triazoles in up to 95% yield. This strategy features the reuse of catalytic system through simple operations. Mechanistic studies indicated that an asynchronous concerted dipolar cycloaddition-elimination process might be involved.

Corona loss generated from conductors is one of the important design factors on ac transmission lines. Based on helical charge simulation method, the 3-D corona loss calculation model considering the conductors’ outer strands in the corona cage is established. With regard to 2-D corona-loss calculation method, the calculation model proposed in this paper can take the electric field strength’s nonuniformity along the axial direction of stranded conductor into consideration, furthermore, it can also calculate the corona loss when the conductor has sag. The calculation results of the LGJ-300/40 and LGJ-400/35 in the small corona cage well coincide with the measurement results, which indicates that the corona-loss calculation model is appropriate. In addition, the corona loss of the bundle conductors 4 × LGJ720 with sag in UHV corona cage is also analyzed.

Aiming at the damage detection and continuous monitoring of high efficiency composite structure, the method of carbon nano sensor embeded in the 3-D braided composite material specimen was put forward and the method of damage location for 3-D braided composite material was described. In this paper, the mechanical and electrical characteristics of carbon nano-fiber were analyzed. Considering the massive data of the health monitoring of composite processing, to ensure that the system has good real-time performance, quaternary matrix Singular Value Decomposition algorithm is proposed to simplify data and improve the efficiency of the algorithm. The existence of injury is determined and the damage location is calculated by comparing with key features of healthy specimen. Experimental results prove the method is feasible and effective.

Distribution systems can form islands when faults occur. Each island represents a subsection with variable boundaries subject to the location of a fault(s) in the system. A subsection with variable boundaries is referred to as island in this paper. For operation in autonomous mode, it is imperative to detect the island configurations and stabilize these subsections. This paper presents a novel scheme for the detection of islanding boundaries and stabilizing the system during autonomous operation. In the first stage, a boundary detection method is proposed to detect the configuration of the island. In the second stage a dynamic voltage sensitivity factor (DVSF) is proposed to assess the dynamic performance of the system. In the third stage, a wide area load shedding program is adopted based on DVSF to shed the load in weak busbars and stabilize the system. The proposed scheme is validated and tested on a generic 18-bus system using a combination of EMTDC/PSCAD and MATLAB softwares.

We investigate entropy generation in unsteady three-dimensional axisymmetric MHD nanofluid flow over a non-linearly stretching sheet. The flow is subject to thermal radiation and a chemical reaction. The conservation equations were solved using the spectral quasi-linearization method. The novelty of the work is in the study of entropy generation in three-dimensional axisymmetric MHD nanofluid and the choice of the spectral quasilinearization method as the solution method. The effects of Brownian motion and thermophoresis are also taken into account when the nanofluid particle volume fraction on the boundary in passively controlled. The results show that as the Hartman number increases, both the Nusselt number and the Sherwood number decrease whereas the skin friction increases. It is further shown that an increase in the thermal radiation parameter corresponds to a decrease in the Nusselt number. Moreover, entropy generation increases with the physical parameters.