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Fibrosis is a major medical challenge, as it leads to irreversible tissue remodeling and organ dysfunction. Its progression contributes significantly to morbidity and mortality worldwide, with limited therapeutic options available. Extensive research on the molecular mechanisms of fibrosis has revealed numerous factors and signaling pathways involved. However, the interactions between these pathways remain unclear. A comprehensive understanding of the entire signaling network that drives fibrosis is still missing. The TGF-β and Notch signaling pathways play a key role in fibrogenesis, and this review focuses on their functional interplay and molecular mechanisms. Studies have shown synergy between TGF-β and Notch cascades in fibrosis, but antagonistic interactions can also occur, especially in cardiac fibrosis. The molecular mechanisms of these interactions vary depending on the cell context. Understanding these complex and context-dependent interactions is crucial for developing effective strategies for treating fibrosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The cancer invasion of the large intestine, a destructive process that begins within the mucous membrane, causes cancer cells to gradually erode specific layers of the intestinal wall. The normal tissues of the intestine are progressively replaced by a tumour mass, leading to the impairment of the large intestine's proper morphology and function. At the ultrastructural level, the disintegration of the extracellular matrix (ECM) by cancer cells triggers the activation of inflammatory cells (macrophages) and connective tissue cells (myofibroblasts) in this area. This accumulation and the functional interactions between these cells form the tumour microenvironment (TM). The constant modulation of cancer cells and cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) creates a specific milieu akin to non-healing wounds, which induces colon cancer cell proliferation and promotes their survival. This review focuses on the processes occurring at the "front of cancer invasion", with a particular focus on the role of the desmoplastic reaction in neoplasm development. It then correlates the findings from the microscopic observation of the cancer's ultrastructure with the potential of modern radiological imaging, such as computer tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), which visualizes the tumour, its boundaries, and the tissue reactions in the large intestine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To investigate the influence of the chord length and frequency of an oscillating hydrofoil device on the discharge characteristics of floating particulate matter, in this study, we take raceway aquaculture as an example and systematically compare and analyze the flow field characteristics of the hydrofoil device with different chord lengths and frequencies, as well as the sewage discharge performance of the raceway based on Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD). The results indicate that in the particulate matter discharge process of raceway aquaculture, when the chord length and motion frequency of the hydrofoil device are 0.1 W (W is the width of the raceway) and 1.0 Hz, respectively, the anti-Karman vortex streets produced by the hydrofoil device are less affected by the wall, the flow field is the most uniform, the particulate matter discharge performance is the best, and the final floating particulate matter discharge rate reaches up to 99.09%. Adjusting the chord length of the hydrofoil can effectively ameliorate flow field reflux issues, enhancing the uniformity and flow performance of the flow field. When the chord length is 0.1 W, the uniformity of the flow field is optimal. When the chord length is 0.2 W, the flow performance of the flow field is superior. Increasing the frequency enhances the flow performance of the flow field, with an average increase of 0.1 Hz in motion frequency leading to a 19.42% improvement in the average velocity at the outlet. Based on this, we recommend the use of a hydrofoil device with a chord length of 0.1 W and a motion frequency of 1.0 Hz in the raceway aquaculture system to achieve optimal particulate matter discharge performance, providing a theoretical basis and practical guidance for using hydrofoil devices to improve the efficiency of floating particulate matter treatment in raceway aquaculture environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Low-temperature (LT) is one of the major abiotic stresses that restrict the growth and development of maize seedlings. Brassinolides (BRs) have been shown to enhance LT tolerance in several plant species; the physiological and molecular mechanisms by which BRs enhance maize tolerance are still unclear. Here, we characterized changes in the physiology and transcriptome of N192 and Ji853 seedlings at the three-leaf stage with or without 2 μM 2,4-epibrassinolide (EBR) application at 25 and 15 °C environments via high-performance liquid chromatography and RNA-Sequencing. Physiological analyses revealed that EBR increased the antioxidant enzyme activities, enhanced the cell membrane stability, decreased the malondialdehyde formation, and inhibited the reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation in maize seedlings under 15 °C stress; meanwhile, EBR also maintained hormone balance by increasing indole-3-acetic acid and gibberellin 3 contents and decreasing the abscisic acid level under stress. Transcriptome analysis revealed 332 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) enriched in ROS homeostasis, plant hormone signal transduction, and the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) cascade. These DEGs exhibited synergistic and antagonistic interactions, forming a complex LT tolerance network in maize. Additionally, weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) revealed that 109 hub genes involved in LT stress regulation pathways were discovered from the four modules with the highest correlation with target traits. In conclusion, our findings provide new insights into the molecular mechanisms of exogenous BRs in enhancing LT tolerance of maize at the seedling stage, thus opening up possibilities for a breeding program of maize tolerance to LT stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Relatively few studies have been conducted on the seismic performance of recycled aggregate concrete (RAC) shear walls with concealed bracing. To promote the development of high-performance green building structures and the application of RAC in structural components, the seismic performance of RAC shear walls under different influencing factors was tested, and low-cycle reversed loading tests were performed on ten RAC shear walls with different shear-to-span ratios. The test parameters included the recycled coarse aggregate (RCA) replacement ratio, the recycled fine aggregate (RFA) replacement ratio, the axial compression ratio, the shear span ratio and whether to set up the concealed bracing. The influence of the above variables on the seismic performance was then assessed. The results revealed that the bearing capacity, ductility, stiffness and energy dissipation capacity of the RAC shear walls decreased in line with an increase in the replacement ratio of the RFA. However, the bearing capacity, energy consumption and stiffness of the RAC shear walls decreased within 10% and the ductility decreased within 15%. The RAC shear walls were able to meet the seismic requirements of the building structure after reasonable design and use. As the axial compression ratio increased, the bearing capacity of the RAC shear walls improved, but their elastic–plastic deformation capacity was reduced. Setting the concealed bracing significantly improved the seismic performance of the RAC shear walls, such that they achieved a seismic performance close to that of the natural aggregate concrete (NAC) shear wall. After setting up the concealed bracing, the load carrying capacity of the RAC shear walls increased by up to 15%, the ductility increased by up to 20% and the energy consumption capacity increased by up to 50%. A mechanical calculation model of the RAC shear wall was then established by considering the effect of recycled aggregate, the calculated results of which were a good match with the test results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Steel fiber-reinforced geopolymer concrete (SFRGPC) is an inorganic cementitious material with environmentally friendly features. As compared to conventional concrete, SFRGPC has greater strength and durability, but it is brittle, making it similar to ordinary concrete. To date, the triaxial mechanical properties that regulate SFRGPC's structural performance at serviceable and ultimate-limit conditions remain poorly understood. In this study, we conducted experimental and theoretical analyses of these properties. Conventional triaxial testing is used to investigate the effects of varying steel fiber contents and ratio of length to diameter under different confinement pressures on SFRGPC's mechanical properties. The failure mode, maximal strength, stress–strain curve, maximum strain, and compressive toughness were analyzed and discussed. Under uniaxial compression, the failure mode of the SFRGPC specimens was a longitudinal split failure. The brittleness of the SFRGPC can be eliminated, and its resistance to breaking can be greatly improved by increasing the volume of steel fibers and the confining pressure in the mixture. The steel fiber content and ratio of length to diameter have obvious influence on the compressive strength of SFRGPC. As the steel fiber content increased, the compressive strength increased by 1.15–1.44 times; as the ratio of length to diameter increased, the compressive strength increased by 1.21–1.70 times. The increase in confining pressure can improve the compressive strength of concrete. With the increase in confining pressure, the increase trend of compressive strength becomes smooth. The confining pressure, steel fiber content, and steel fiber length have substantial influences on the compressive toughness index η c 3 . Under increasing confining pressure, η c 3 increases linearly; however, after confining pressure is higher than 5 MPa, η c 3 tends toward a steady state when the confining pressure increases. Using numerical simulation, we also investigated the size effect of SFRGPC under triaxial load. The concrete cylinder's strength does not significantly decrease as its size increases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aging and age-related diseases are serious public health issues that are receiving growing attention from researchers. Lutein has a critical function in the prevention and management of these issues. Possible mechanisms mainly include suppressing inflammation and oxidative stress, regulating cell activity, and modulating the levels of toxic substances. In this narrative review paper, we sum up the most current developments in the study of the effects of lutein on aging and five age-related diseases (age-related macular degeneration, cataracts, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and osteoporosis), and fundamental mechanisms are reviewed. The bioavailability of lutein and the strategies to improve its bioavailability are discussed. This piece of work can bring a clearer comprehension of the protective effects of lutein against aging and age-related diseases and can be also helpful for developing lutein as functional food and dietary supplements for these age-related diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Stroke is one of the most significant causes of death and long-term disability globally. Overproduction of reactive oxygen species by NADPH oxidase (NOX) plays an important role in exacerbating oxidative stress and causing neuronal damage after a stroke. There is growing evidence that NOX inhibition prevents ischemic injury and that the role of NOX in brain damage or recovery depends on specific post-stroke phases. In addition to studies on post-stroke neuroprotection by NOX inhibition, recent reports have also demonstrated the role of NOX in stroke recovery, a critical process for brain adaptation and functional reorganization after a stroke. Therefore, in this review, we investigated the role of NOX in stroke recovery with the aim of integrating preclinical findings into potential therapeutic strategies to improve stroke recovery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Headache and visceral pain are common clinical painful conditions, which often co-exist in the same patients. Numbers relative to their co-occurrence suggest possible common pathophysiological mechanisms. The aim of the present narrative review is to describe the most frequent headache and visceral pain associations and to discuss the possible underlying mechanisms of the associations and their diagnostic and therapeutic implications based on the most recent evidence from the international literature. The conditions addressed are as follows: visceral pain from the cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, and urogenital areas and primary headache conditions such as migraine and tension-type headache. The most frequent comorbidities involve the following: cardiac ischemic pain and migraine (possible shared mechanism of endothelial dysfunction, oxidative stress, and genetic and hormonal factors), functional gastrointestinal disorders, particularly IBS and both migraine and tension-type headache, primary or secondary dysmenorrhea and migraine, and painful bladder syndrome and headache (possible shared mechanisms of peripheral and central sensitization processes). The data also show that the various visceral pain–headache associations are characterized by more than a simple sum of symptoms from each condition but often involve complex interactions with the frequent enhancement of symptoms from both, which is crucial for diagnostic and treatment purposes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite the popularity of electronic cigarettes (e-cigs) among adolescent never-smokers and adult smokers seeking a less pernicious substitute for tobacco cigarettes, the long-term health impact of vaping is largely unknown. Like cigarette smoke, e-cig vapor contains harmful and potentially harmful compounds, although in fewer numbers and at substantially lower concentrations. Many of the same constituents of e-cig vapor and cigarette smoke induce epigenetic changes that can lead to the dysregulation of disease-related genes. MicroRNAs (MiRNAs) are key regulators of gene expression in health and disease states. Extensive research has shown that miRNAs play a prominent role in the regulation of genes involved in the pathogenesis of smoking-related diseases. However, the use of miRNAs for investigating the disease-causing potential of vaping has not been fully explored. This review article provides an overview of e-cigs as a highly consequential electronic nicotine delivery system, describes trends in e-cig use among adolescents and adults, and discusses the ongoing debate on the public health impact of vaping. Highlighting the significance of miRNAs in cell biology and disease, it summarizes the published and ongoing research on miRNAs in relation to gene regulation and disease pathogenesis in e-cig users and in vitro experimental settings. It identifies gaps in knowledge and priorities for future research while underscoring the need for empirical evidence that can inform the regulation of tobacco products to protect youth and promote public health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Pancreatic cancer is one of the most lethal forms of malignancies; therefore, new treatment strategies are required to increase the patients' survival. It has been established that different cell types that surround pancreatic cancer cells, thus forming the tumor microenvironment, are responsible for tumorigenicity and inefficacy of treatments, including immunotherapy. In the present review, we aim to summarize current knowledge regarding the molecular mechanisms underpinning the interaction of cancer cells with cells of their microenvironment and discuss associated strategies to improve treatment results. Pancreatic cancer demonstrates an ever-increasing incidence over the last years and represents one of the top causes of cancer-associated mortality. Cells of the tumor microenvironment (TME) interact with cancer cells in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) tumors to preserve cancer cells' metabolism, inhibit drug delivery, enhance immune suppression mechanisms and finally develop resistance to chemotherapy and immunotherapy. New strategies target TME genetic alterations and specific pathways in cell populations of the TME. Complex molecular interactions develop between PDAC cells and TME cell populations including cancer-associated fibroblasts, myeloid-derived suppressor cells, pancreatic stellate cells, tumor-associated macrophages, tumor-associated neutrophils, and regulatory T cells. In the present review, we aim to fully explore the molecular landscape of the pancreatic cancer TME cell populations and discuss current TME targeting strategies to provide thoughts for further research and preclinical testing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Late spring coldness (LSC) is the main limiting factor threatening wheat yield and quality stability. Optimal nutrient management is beneficial in mitigating the harms of LSC by improving wheat root physiology. This study proposed a nutrient management strategy that postponed the application of phosphorus (P) and potassium (K), effectively strengthening wheat's defense against LSC. This experiment used the winter cultivar "Yannong19" (YN 19) as plant material for two consecutive years (2021–2022 and 2022–2023). Two fertilizer treatments were used: traditional P and K fertilizers application (R1: base fertilizer: jointing fertilizer = 10:0) and postponed P and K fertilizers application (R2: base fertilizer: jointing fertilizer = 5:5); wheat plants at the anther connective formation stage shifted to temperature-controlled phytotrons for normal (T0, 11 °C/4 h) and low temperatures (T1, 4 °C/4 h; T2, −4 °C/4 h) as treatments of LSC. The results showed that under low temperature (LT) treatment, compared with R1, the R2 treatment increased the concentrations of osmotic adjustment substances (soluble sugars and soluble protein contents by 6.2–8.7% and 3.0–8.9%), enhanced activities of antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase, peroxidase and catalase activities by 2.2–9.1%, 6.2–9.7% and 4.2–8.4%), balanced the hormone concentrations (increased IAA and GA3 contents by 2.8–17.5% and 10.4–14.1% and decreased ABA contents by 7.2–14.3%), and reduced the toxicity (malondialdehyde, hydrogen peroxide content and O2·− production rate by 5.7–12.4%, 17.7–22.8% and 19.1–19.1%) of the cellular membranes. Furthermore, the wheat root physiology in R2 significantly improved as the root surface area and dry weight increased by 5.0–6.6% and 4.7–6.6%, and P and K accumulation increased by 7.4–11.3% and 12.2–15.4% compared to R1, respectively. Overall, the postponed application of P and K fertilizers enhanced the physiological function of the root system, maintained root morphology, and promoted the accumulation of wheat nutrients under the stress of LSC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Germination is an effective measure to regulate the accumulation of secondary metabolites in plants. In this study, we optimized the germination conditions of finger millet by response surface methodology. Meanwhile, physiological characteristics and gene expression were measured to investigate the mechanism of flavonoid accumulation in finger millet at the germination stage. The results showed that when germination time was 5.7 d, germination temperature was 31.2 °C, and light duration was 17.5 h, the flavonoid content of millet sprouts was the highest (7.0 μg/sprout). The activities and relative gene expression of key enzymes for flavonoid synthesis (phenylalanine ammonia-lyase, 4-coumarate-coenzyme a ligase, and cinnamate 4-hydroxylase) were significantly higher in finger millet sprouts germinated at 3 and 5 d compared with that in ungerminated seeds (p < 0.05). In addition, germination enhanced the activities of four antioxidant enzymes (catalase, peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, and ascorbate peroxidase) and up-regulated the gene expression of PAL and APX. Germination increased malondialdehyde content in sprouts, which resulted in cell damage. Subsequently, the antioxidant capacity of the sprouts was enhanced through the activation of antioxidant enzymes and the up-regulation of their gene expression, as well as the synthesis of active substances, including flavonoids, total phenolics, and anthocyanins. This process served to alleviate germination-induced cellular injury. These findings provide a research basis for the regulation of finger millet germination and the enhancement of its nutritional and functional properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD) is a group of pathologies that affect the cerebral blood vessels. CSVD accounts for 25% of strokes and contributes to 45% of dementia. However, the pathogenesis of CSVD remains unclear, involving a variety of complex mechanisms. CSVD may result from dysfunction in the glymphatic system (GS). The GS contains aquaporin-4 (AQP-4), which is in the perivascular space, at the endfeet of the astrocyte. The GS contributes to the removal of waste products from the central nervous system, occupying perivascular spaces and regulating the exchange and movement of cerebrospinal fluid and interstitial fluid. The GS involves astrocytes and aquaporin channels, which are components of the blood–brain barrier, and problems with them may constitute the pathogenesis of CSVD. Vascular risk factors, including diabetes, dilate the perivascular space, disrupting the glymphatic system and the active regulation of AQP-4. CSVD exacerbation due to disorders of the GS is associated with multiple vasculopathies. Dysfunction of the glymphatic system and AQP-4 interferes with the functioning of the blood–brain barrier, which exacerbates CSVD. In a long-term follow-up of CSVD patients with microbleeds, lacunar infarcts, and white matter hyperintensity, several vascular risk factors, including hypertension, increased the risk of ischemic stroke. Dysfunction of the GS may be the cause of CSVD; however, the underlying treatment needs to be studied further. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mustard is an important cash crop of the genus Brassica in the family Cruciferae. Low temperature is an important environmental factor limiting the growth of mustard. In this study, 65 leafy mustard cultivars were used as experimental materials, 25 °C was set as the control temperature, and 5 °C was set as chilling stress temperature to investigated the physiological response of chlorophyll (Chl) content, soluble sugar (SS) content, proline (Pro) content, antioxidant enzyme activity, malondialdehyde (MDA) content, and chlorophyll fluorescence to chilling injury. The chilling tolerance coefficients of each individual index were measured and correlation analysis, principal component analysis (PCA), the membership function method, and cluster analysis were applied to evaluate chilling tolerance. In a comprehensive analysis, the most chilling-tolerant cultivar was SJTKJ, the least chilling-tolerant cultivar was DX. Stepwise regression was used to establish a mathematical model for evaluating the chilling tolerance of mustard, and four chilling tolerance identification indices, including Fv/Fm, ΦPSII, POD activity, and Rfd were screened. This study provides a reference for the evaluation of the chilling tolerance of mustard and the breeding of new chilling-tolerant cultivars. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Atrial fibrillation (AF) represents the most common sustained arrhythmia necessitating dual focus: acute complication management and sustained longitudinal oversight to modulate disease progression and ensure comprehensive patient care over time. AF is a multifaceted disorder; due to such a great number of potential exacerbating conditions, a multidisciplinary team (MDT) should manage AF patients by cooperating with a cardiologist. Effective management of AF patients necessitates the implementation of a well-coordinated and tailored care pathway aimed at delivering optimized treatment through collaboration among various healthcare professionals. Management of AF should be carefully evaluated and mutually agreed upon in consultation with healthcare providers. It is crucial to recognize that treatment may evolve due to the emergence of new risk factors, symptoms, disease progression, and advancements in treatment modalities. In the context of multidisciplinary AF teams, a coordinated approach involves assembling a diverse team tailored to meet individual patients' unique needs based on local services' availability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Global warming and environmental pollution from greenhouse gas emissions are hitting an all-time high consistently year after year. In 2022, energy-related emissions accounted for 87% of the overall global emissions. The fossil fuel-based conventional power systems also need timely upgrades to improve their cycle efficiency and reduce their impact on the environment. Supercritical CO2 systems and cycles are gaining attention because of their higher efficiencies and their compatibility with varied energy sources. The present work is a detailed overview of the recent developments in supercritical CO2-based power generation technologies. The supercritical CO2-based Brayton and Rankine power cycles and their improvisations in industrial applications are also discussed in detail. The advances in heat exchanger technology for supercritical CO2 systems are another focus of the study. The energy, exergy, and economical (3E) analysis is carried out on various supercritical CO2 power cycles reported in the literature and the data are concisely and intuitively presented. The review concludes by listing the identified directions for future technology development and areas of immediate research interest. A roadmap is proposed for easing the commercialization of supercritical CO2 technologies to immediately address the growing challenges and concerns arising from energy-related emissions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soluble sugars, including glucose, fructose and sucrose, are the most important determinants that affect the flavor and quality of red pitaya (Hylocereus polyrhizus) fruit. Vacuolar invertase (VIN), which catalyzes sucrose hydrolysis into glucose and fructose, is a key type of enzyme responsible for soluble sugar metabolism in plant growth and development. Herein, we conducted genome-wide identification, gene expression analysis, subcellular localization and an enzymatic properties assay for the VIN-encoding genes from red pitaya. During red pitaya fruit development towards ripening, the enzymatic activities of VIN showed an up-regulated trend towards ripening. In total, four isoforms (HpVIN1–4) of the VIN-encoding gene were identified from the pitaya genome. Sequence alignment results revealed that the HpVIN1, HpVIN3 and HpVIN4 proteins contained essential motifs for targeting the vacuole and conserved motifs or residues responsible for sucrose binding and hydrolysis. Gene expression pattern analyses revealed that the level of HpVIN4 was obviously increasing during fruit development and acted as the most abundant VIN isoform towards ripening. Subcellular localization detection via transient expression in Arabidopsis thaliana mesophyll protoplasts revealed that the HpVIN4 protein was localized in the vacuole. Growth complementation tests of heterologous expression in the invertase-deficient baker's yeast strain suggested that the HpVIN4 protein had a sucrose hydrolysis activity and could restore the yeast growth in vivo. The identification of enzymatic properties in vitro demonstrated that the HpVIN4 protein could degrade sucrose into glucose and fructose with an optimum pH of 4.0. Specifically, the HpVIN4 protein had an estimated Km value of 5.15 ± 1.03 mmol·L−1 for sucrose hydrolysis. Ultimately, this study provides a comprehensive understanding of the potential roles of VINs during fruit development and towards ripening and provides functional gene resources for regulating soluble sugar accumulation in red pitaya fruit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electronic cigarette (e-cig) use, otherwise known as "vaping", is widespread among adolescent never-smokers and adult smokers seeking a less-harmful alternative to combustible tobacco products. To date, however, the long-term health consequences of vaping are largely unknown. Many toxicants and carcinogens present in e-cig vapor and tobacco smoke exert their biological effects through epigenetic changes that can cause dysregulation of disease-related genes. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have emerged as prime regulators of gene expression in health and disease states. A large body of research has shown that lncRNAs regulate genes involved in the pathogenesis of smoking-associated diseases; however, the utility of lncRNAs for assessing the disease-causing potential of vaping remains to be fully determined. A limited but growing number of studies has shown that lncRNAs mediate dysregulation of disease-related genes in cells and tissues of vapers as well as cells treated in vitro with e-cig aerosol extract. This review article provides an overview of the evolution of e-cig technology, trends in use, and controversies on the safety, efficacy, and health risks or potential benefits of vaping relative to smoking. While highlighting the importance of lncRNAs in cell biology and disease, it summarizes the current and ongoing research on the modulatory effects of lncRNAs on gene regulation and disease pathogenesis in e-cig users and in vitro experimental settings. The gaps in knowledge are identified, priorities for future research are highlighted, and the importance of empirical data for tobacco products regulation and public health is underscored. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chronic pain is a prevalent condition with a multifaceted pathogenesis, where epigenetic modifications, particularly DNA methylation, might play an important role. This review delves into the intricate mechanisms by which DNA methylation and demethylation regulate genes associated with nociception and pain perception in nociceptive pathways. We explore the dynamic nature of these epigenetic processes, mediated by DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs) and ten-eleven translocation (TET) enzymes, which modulate the expression of pro- and anti-nociceptive genes. Aberrant DNA methylation profiles have been observed in patients with various chronic pain syndromes, correlating with hypersensitivity to painful stimuli, neuronal hyperexcitability, and inflammatory responses. Genome-wide analyses shed light on differentially methylated regions and genes that could serve as potential biomarkers for chronic pain in the epigenetic landscape. The transition from acute to chronic pain is marked by rapid DNA methylation reprogramming, suggesting its potential role in pain chronicity. This review highlights the importance of understanding the temporal dynamics of DNA methylation during this transition to develop targeted therapeutic interventions. Reversing pathological DNA methylation patterns through epigenetic therapies emerges as a promising strategy for pain management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spinal cord injury (SCI) often leads to neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction, causing dysuria and affecting patients' well-being. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of a urethral sphincter botulinum toxin A (BoNT-A) injection in patients with SCI and dysuria. This was a retrospective study including 118 patients with SCI who underwent a urethral BoNT-A injection following a standardized protocol for refractory voiding dysfunction. The protocol involved injecting BoNT-A into the urethral sphincter under cystoscopic guidance. Patient demographics, bladder condition parameters, and treatment outcomes were analyzed. Logistic regression and receiver operating characteristic curve analyses were performed to identify predictors of treatment success. Of the 118 patients, 71 (60.1%) showed satisfactory treatment outcomes after the injection. Post-injection status, bladder management, and injection frequency varied significantly among patients with satisfactory and unsatisfactory treatment outcomes. Age, bladder compliance, intravesical pressure, and bladder contractility were indicators of satisfactory outcomes. The first sensation of bladder filling of ≤263 mL, intravesical pressure of ≤28, and bladder contractility index of ≥14 were highly correlated with satisfactory outcomes. A urethral sphincter BoNT-A injection shows promise in managing dysuria in patients with SCI. Understanding bladder condition parameters and patient demographics helps optimize patient selection for this intervention. Further studies are needed to validate these findings and refine treatment protocols. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the detection process of the internal defects of large oil-immersed transformers, due to the huge size of large transformers and metal-enclosed structures, the positional localization of miniature inspection robots inside the transformer faces great difficulties. To address this problem, this paper proposes a three-dimensional positional localization method based on adaptive denoising and the SCOT weighting function with the addition of the exponent β (SCOT-β) generalized cross-correlation for L-type ultrasonic arrays of transformer internal inspection robots. Aiming at the strong noise interference in the field, the original signal is decomposed by an improved Empirical Mode Decomposition (EMD) method, and the optimal center frequency and bandwidth of each mode are adaptively searched. By extracting the modes in the frequency band of the positional localization signal, suppressing the modes in the noise frequency band, and reconstructing the Intrinsic Mode Function (IMF) of the independently selected superior modal components, a signal with a high signal-to-noise ratio is obtained. In addition, for the traditional mutual correlation algorithm with a large delay estimation error at a low signal-to-noise ratio, this paper adopts an improved generalized joint weighting function, SCOT-β, which improves the anti-jamming ability of the generalized mutual correlation method at a low signal-to-noise ratio by adding an exponential function to the denominator term of the SCOT weighting function's generalized cross-correlation. Finally, the accurate positional localization of the transformer internal inspection robot is realized based on the quadratic L-array and search-based maximum likelihood estimation method. Simulation and experimental results show the following: the improved EMD denoising method better improves the signal-to-noise ratio of the positional localization signal with a lower distortion rate; in the transformer test tank, which is 120 cm in length, 100 cm in width, and 100 cm in height, based on the positional localization method in this paper, the average relative positional localization error of the transformer internal inspection robot in three-dimensional space is 2.27%, and the maximum positional localization error is less than 2 cm, which meets the requirements of engineering positional localization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This review delves into the advantages of exosomes as novel antioxidants in animal nutrition and their potential for regulating oxidative stress. Although traditional nutritional approaches promote oxidative stress defense systems in mammalian animals, several issues remain to be solved, such as low bioavailability, targeted tissue efficiency, and high-dose by-effect. As an important candidate offering regulation opportunities concerned with cellular communication, disease prevention, and physiology regulation in multiple biological systems, the potential of exosomes in mediating redox status in biological systems has not been well described. A previously reported relationship between redox system regulation and circulating exosomes suggested exosomes as a fundamental candidate for both a regulator and biomarker for a redox system. Herein, we review the effects of oxidative stress on exosomes in animals and the potential application of exosomes as antioxidants in animal nutrition. Then, we highlight the advantages of exosomes as redox regulators due to their higher bioavailability and physiological heterogeneity-targeted properties, providing a theoretical foundation and feed industry application. Therefore, exosomes have shown great potential as novel antioxidants in the field of animal nutrition. They can overcome the limitations of traditional antioxidants in terms of dosage and side effects, which will provide unprecedented opportunities in nutritional management and disease prevention, and may become a major breakthrough in the field of animal nutrition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work proposes a methodology for noise removal, separation, and classification of partial discharges in electrical system assets. Partial discharge analysis is an essential method for fault detection and evaluation of the operational conditions of high-voltage equipment. However, it faces several limitations in field measurements due to interference from radio signals, television transmissions, WiFi, corona signals, and multiple sources of partial discharges. To address these challenges, we propose the development of a clustering model to identify partial discharge sources and a classification model to identify the types of discharges. New features extracted from pulses are introduced to model the clustering and classification of discharge sources. The methodology is tested in the laboratory with controlled partial discharge sources, and field tests are conducted in substations to assess its practical applicability. The results of laboratory tests achieved an accuracy of 85% in classifying discharge sources. Field tests were performed in a substation of the Eletrobras group, allowing the identification of at least three potentially defective current transformers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Prostate cancer (PCa) is a multifactorial disease influenced by genetic, environmental, and immunological factors. Genetic polymorphisms in the interleukin-10 (IL-10) gene have been implicated in PCa susceptibility, development, and progression. This study aims to assess the contributions of three IL-10 promoter single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), A-1082G (rs1800896), T-819C (rs3021097), and A-592C (rs1800872), to the risk of PCa in Taiwan. The three IL-10 genotypes were determined using PCR-RFLP methodology and were evaluated for their contributions to PCa risk among 218 PCa patients and 436 non-PCa controls. None of the three IL-10 SNPs were significantly associated with the risks of PCa (p all > 0.05) in the overall analyses. However, the GG at rs1800896 combined with smoking behavior was found to significantly increase the risk of PCa by 3.90-fold (95% confidence interval [95% CI] = 1.28–11.89, p = 0.0231). In addition, the rs1800896 AG and GGs were found to be correlated with the late stages of PCa (odds ratio [OR] = 1.90 and 6.42, 95% CI = 1.05–3.45 and 2.30–17.89, p = 0.0452 and 0.0003, respectively). The IL-10 promoter SNP, A-1082G (rs1800896), might be a risk factor for PCa development among smokers and those at late stages of the disease. These findings should be validated in larger and more diverse populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The muscarinic acetylcholine receptor M3 (M3-mAChR) is involved in various physiological and pathological processes. Owing to specific cardioprotective effects, M3-mAChR is an ideal diagnostic and therapeutic biomarker for cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). Growing evidence has linked M3-mAChR to the development of multiple CVDs, in which it plays a role in cardiac protection such as anti-arrhythmia, anti-hypertrophy, and anti-fibrosis. This review summarizes M3-mAChR's expression patterns, functions, and underlying mechanisms of action in CVDs, especially in ischemia/reperfusion injury, cardiac hypertrophy, and heart failure, opening up a new research direction for the treatment of CVDs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As an advanced energy storage technology, the compressed CO2 energy storage system (CCES) has been widely studied for its advantages of high efficiency and low investment cost. However, the current literature has been mainly focused on the TC-CCES and SC-CCES, which operate in high-pressure conditions, increasing investment costs and bringing operation risks. Meanwhile, some studies based on the phase-change CO2 energy storage system also have had the disadvantages of low efficiency and the extra necessity of heat or cooling sources. To overcome the above problems, this paper proposes an innovative compressed CO2 phase-change energy storage system. During the energy charge process, molten salt and water are used to store heat with a smaller temperature difference in heat exchangers, and high-pressure CO2 is reserved in liquid form. During the energy discharge process, throttle expansion is applied to realize the evaporation at room temperature, and CO2 absorbs the reserved heat to improve the power capacity in the turbine and the system energy storage efficiency. The thermodynamic and exergoeconomic studies are performed firstly by using MATLAB. Then, the parametric study based on energy storage efficiency, system unit product cost, and exergy destruction is analyzed. The results show that energy storage efficiency can be improved by lifting liquid CO2 pressure as well as compressor and turbine isentropic efficiencies, and CO2 evaporation pressure has the optimal pressure point. The system unit product cost can be reduced by decreasing liquid CO2 pressure and compressor isentropic efficiency, while CO2 evaporation pressure and turbine isentropic efficiency both have optimal points. Finally, the optimization of two performances is performed by NSGA-II, and they can reach 75.30% and 41.17 $/GJ, respectively. Moreover, the optimal energy storage efficiency is obviously higher than that of other energy storage technologies, indicating the great advantage of the proposed system. This study provides an innovative research method for a new type of large-scale energy storage system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the environment of oil and gas wells, the shielding effect of metal casing increases the difficulty of applying wireless electromagnetic wave transmission technology in such wells. This paper constructs a theoretical model of downhole electromagnetic helical loop transmission based on the finite element method. The magnetic loop is equated with the helical loop antenna in the model. By means of simulation calculations, this study deeply investigates the impact of various factors, such as working frequency within the cased well, drilling fluid resistivity, formation resistivity, drill string dimensions, and electrical conductivity, on the attenuation pattern of the helical loop antenna. The results show that low-frequency signals experience relatively less attenuation underground, while high-frequency signals demonstrate better transmission effects over shorter distances. Moreover, drilling fluids with low resistivity are more suitable for short-distance transmission, whereas high resistivity can effectively reduce signal attenuation and improve transmission distance. The variation in formation resistivity has a relatively small impact on signal transmission and can be considered negligible. In terms of drill string characteristics, as the electrical conductivity of the drill collars increases, signal attenuation gradually decreases, and the amplitude of the received signal is enhanced. With the inner and outer diameters of the drill collars remaining the same, a finer inner diameter of the casing aids electromagnetic wave short-distance transmission, whereas a thicker casing can reduce electromagnetic wave attenuation. Theoretical and practical results are in good agreement through field trial comparative analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Partial discharge (PD) is one of the major causes of insulation accidents in oil-immersed transformers, generating a large number of signals that represent the health status of the transformer. In particular, acoustic signals can be detected by sensors to locate the source of the partial discharge. However, the array, type, and quantity of sensors play a crucial role in the research on the localization of partial discharge sources within transformers. Hence, this paper proposes a novel sensor array for the specific localization of PD sources using COMSOL Multiphysics software 6.1 to establish a three-dimensional model of the oil-immersed transformer and the different defect types of two-dimensional models. "Electric-force-acoustic" multiphysics field simulations were conducted to model ultrasonic signals of different types of PD by setting up detection points to collect acoustic signals at different types and temperatures instead of physical sensors. Subsequently, simulated waveforms and acoustic spatial distribution maps were acquired in the software. These simulation results were then combined with the time difference of arrival (TDOA) algorithm to solve a system of equations, ultimately yielding the position of the discharge source. Calculated positions were compared with the actual positions using an error iterative algorithm method, with an average spatial error about 1.3 cm, which falls within an acceptable range for fault diagnosis in transformers, validating the accuracy of the proposed method. Therefore, the presented sensor array and computational localization method offer a reliable theoretical basis for fault diagnosis techniques in transformers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Jasminum sambac is an excellent ornamental species that is renowned worldwide for its pure white flowers and strong fragrance. However, its intolerance to low temperatures limits its cultivation range. Methyl jasmonate (MeJA), an essential plant growth regulator, plays a significant role in assisting plants to resist various stresses. Hence, this study was carried out to decipher the capabilities of diverse concentrations of MeJA in helping J. sambac to resist cold stress by measuring different physiological indexes. A normal temperature (15 °C/10 °C) and low temperature (7 °C/2 °C) were applied to J. sambac seedlings, and a one-way analysis of variance followed by a Duncan's multiple range test was adopted to compare the differences between the indicators under 5 μmol·L−1, 10 μmol·L−1 and 20 μmol·L−1 of MeJA treatments. The results showed that cold stress significantly decreased the contents of soluble sugar and soluble protein, while the application of MeJA at 10 μmol·L−1 and 20 μmol·L−1 resulted in a partial recovery. In addition, cold stress dramatically hindered the accumulation of total chlorophyll in leaves. Exogenous MeJA elevated the total chlorophyll content during the whole sampling period. The hydrogen peroxide and malondialdehyde levels generally increased in response to low temperatures, and they caused adverse effects on J. sambac, whereas this was effectively alleviated through the application of MeJA. MeJA was also able to improve the resistance of J. sambac by boosting the activity of antioxidant enzymes to remove the excess of reactive oxygen species. In conclusion, we highlighted that exogenous MeJA could attenuate the negative consequences of cold stress for J. sambac, and 10 μmol·L−1 of MeJA treatment could be a feasible strategy for enhancing the resistance of J. sambac to low temperatures and promoting its growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Granule size distribution of wheat starch is an important characteristic that could affect the functionality of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) products. Lodging is a major limiting factor for wheat production. Few studies have been conducted to clarify how lodging influences the granule size distribution and viscosity parameters of starch in wheat grains. Two growing seasons, two high-yield winter wheat cultivars, and five artificial lodging treatments were imposed. The results indicated that lodging significantly reduced the content of starch and increased that of protein. Additionally, lodging caused a marked drop in both starch and protein yields. The relative loss of grain yield, starch yield, harvest index, and protein yield all differed remarkably among lodging treatments with a ranking of L2 > L1 > L4 > L3. Lodging also led to a reduction in the proportion (both by volume and by surface area) of B-type granules and a corresponding increase in that of A-type granules, and the more serious the lodging degree, the greater effect on the changes in these proportions. The smaller starch granules predominated in number, even though their collective contribution to the overall volume is was relatively minor. Meanwhile, it was found that the peak viscosity, hold viscosity, final viscosity, breakdown viscosity, and rebound value of wheat starch were significantly decreased by lodging. Correlation analysis showed that the peak and final viscosities were negatively correlated with volume percentages of A-type starch granules, but were positively correlated with B-type granules. This indicates that B-type granules have higher peak and final viscosities compared with A-type granules in wheat kernels. Lodging can reduce the proportion of B-type starch granules, and thus reduce the peak and the final viscosity in wheat grain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the context of the increasingly serious issues of resource waste, soil degradation, and environmental pollution caused by excessive nitrogen fertilizer application worldwide, this study conducted a two-year field experiment in Qinghai Province to explore suitable nitrogen fertilizer management strategies for the region. Ten fertilization levels were set, incorporating varying ratios of conventional nitrogen fertilizer and organic fertilizer, as well as the proportion of base fertilizer and topdressing. The focus was on monitoring the forage yield, quality, and related physiological indicators of oats during the flowering and milk stages. The use of correlation analysis and the multi-criteria decision-making model TOPSIS was applied for comprehensive data evaluation to determine the optimal fertilization strategy. After systematic data collection and analysis, the results showed that when 75% conventional nitrogen fertilizer was combined with 4500 kg·hm−2 of organic fertilizer (F4), the oat yield during the milking stage reached its peak at 14,722.48 kg·hm−2. Additionally, the yield effect was optimal (13,677.34 kg·hm−2) when using 30% base fertilizer and 70% jointing fertilizer (D2). Regarding nutritional quality, the fertilization strategy combining 75% conventional nitrogen fertilizer with 4500 kg·hm−2 of organic fertilizer, along with 30% base fertilizer and 70% jointing fertilizer (F4D2), significantly reduced the content of acid detergent fiber (ADF), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), and coarse fiber (CF) in oats, while increasing the content of EE (crude fat) and CP (crude protein). This significantly improved the nutritional value of oats. Correlation analysis further revealed the positive effect of fertilization amount and fertilization period on oat yield, as well as a negative correlation with fiber content. Finally, through comprehensive evaluation using the multi-criteria decision-making model TOPSIS, we verified the superiority of the fertilization strategy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Women with type 2 diabetes (T2D) have a higher risk of being diagnosed with breast cancer and have worse survival than non-diabetic women if they do develop breast cancer. However, more research is needed to elucidate the biological underpinnings of these relationships. Here, we found that forkhead box A1 (FOXA1), a forkhead family transcription factor, and metformin (1,1-dimethylbiguanide hydrochloride), a medication used to treat T2D, may impact hormone-receptor-positive (HR+) breast cancer (BC) tumor cell growth and metastasis. Indeed, fourteen diabetes-associated genes are highly expressed in only three HR+ breast cancer cell lines but not the other subtypes utilizing a 53,805 gene database obtained from NCBI GEO. Among the diabetes-related genes, FOXA1, MTA3, PAK4, FGFR3, and KIF22 were highly expressed in HR+ breast cancer from 4032 breast cancer patient tissue samples using the Breast Cancer Gene Expression Omnibus. Notably, elevated FOXA1 expression correlated with poorer overall survival in patients with estrogen-receptor-positive/progesterone-receptor-positive (ER+/PR+) breast cancer. Furthermore, experiments demonstrated that loss of the FOXA1 gene inhibited tumor proliferation and invasion in vitro using MCF-7 and T47D HR+ breast cancer cell lines. Metformin, an anti-diabetic medication, significantly suppressed tumor cell growth in MCF-7 cells. Additionally, either metformin treatment or FOXA1 gene deletion enhanced tamoxifen-induced tumor growth inhibition in HR+ breast cancer cell lines within an ex vivo three-dimensional (3D) organoid model. Therefore, the diabetes-related medicine metformin and FOXA1 gene inhibition might be a new treatment for patients with HR+ breast cancer when combined with tamoxifen, an endocrine therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Non-albicans Candida (NAC) species are increasingly recognized as significant contributors to candidemia infections; however, relatively less is known about the immune responses induced by these species. In this study, we compared the cytokine production ability of human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) upon stimulation with different Candida species (Candida spp.). We measured secreted cytokines using ELISA and checked the functional profiles of T-cell responses using multicolor flow cytometry. Although there was a differential expression of cytokines against Candida spp., significant difference were observed in the levels of IFN-γ, TNF-α, IL-10, IL-12p40, and IL-23 (p < 0.05) between Candida spp. A significant difference was observed between C. albicans and C. glabrata (p = 0.026) in the levels of TNF-α. C. glabrata showed significant differences compared to C. albicans, C. parapsilosis, and C. krusei in the levels of IL-10 (p values of 0.02, 0.04, and 0.01, respectively). Despite the percentages of CD4+ and CD8+ expressing Th1, Th2, and Th17 cytokines being higher in stimulated PBMCs, none of the Candida spp. showed significant differences. The levels of secreted IL-17A and IL-23 were consistently lower in Candida spp. regardless of the stimulus used. Here, we showed the differential regulation of Th1, Th2, and Th17 during Candida spp. stimulation of the immune system ex vivo. Additionally, our findings suggest that C. albicans elicits an IFN-γ response, whereas C. glabrata promotes IL-10 cellular responses, but this warrants additional studies to conclude this association. This investigation holds the potential to advance our comprehension of the distinct immune responses induced by Candida spp., with probable implications in designing antifungal immunotherapeutics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The epidermal cells of insects are polarized epithelial cells that play a pivotal role in the insect's molting process. Sinuous, a pivotal structural protein involved in the formation of septate junctions among epithelial cells, is essential for its physiological function. In this study, to determine whether sinuous participates in the regulation of insect molting, we identified the sinuous gene, Lmsinu, in Locusta migratoria, which encodes a protein belonging to the claudin family and shares 62.6% identity with Drosophila's sinuous protein. Lmsinu is expressed in multiple tissues, and its expression level in the integument significantly increases prior to molting. Knockdown of Lmsinu in L. migratoria results in larval mortality during molting. Furthermore, hematoxylin and eosin and chitin staining demonstrate that the downregulation of Lmsinu led to a prolonged degradation process of the old cuticle during the molting process. Electron microscopy analysis further revealed that knockdown of Lmsinu disrupts the formation of septate junctions among epidermal cells, which are a monolayer of polarized epithelial cells, which may hinder the functionality of epidermal cells during the process of molting. In summary, these findings suggest that Lmsinu plays a role in nymph molting by regulating the formation of septate junctions among epidermal cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diabetes is a widespread chronic disease that occurs mainly in the elderly population. Due to the difference in pathophysiology between elderly and young patients, the current clinical practice to treat elderly patients with anti-diabetes medications still faces some challenges and dilemmas, such as the urgent need for early diagnosis and prevention, and an imbalance between restricted dietary intake and the risk of undernutrition. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) offers various treatment regimens that are actively utilized in the field of diabetes management. Through multiple targets and multiple pathways, TCM formulas, medicinal herbs, and active natural products enhance the efficacy of diabetes prevention and diabetes control measures, simplify complex medication management, and improve common symptoms and common diabetic complications in elderly people. Historically, natural products have played a key role in material composition analysis of TCM and mechanism interpretation to enable drug discovery. However, there have been few conclusions on this topic. This review summarizes the development of TCM for the prevention and management of diabetes in elderly people, existing evidence-based clinical practices, and prospects for future development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A class of semi-linear elliptic equations with the critical Hardy–Sobolev exponent has been considered. This model is widely used in hydrodynamics and glaciology, gas combustion in thermodynamics, quantum field theory, and statistical mechanics, as well as in gravity balance problems in galaxies. The P S c sequence of energy functional was investigated, and then the mountain pass lemma was used to prove the existence of at least one nontrivial solution. Also a multiplicity result was obtained. Some known results were generalized. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With diminishing natural aggregate resources and increasing environmental protection efforts, the use of recycled fine aggregate is a more sustainable approach, although challenges persist in achieving comparable mechanical properties. Exploration into the incorporation of steel fibers with recycled aggregate has led to the development of steel-fiber-reinforced recycled aggregate concrete. This study investigates the shrinkage performance and compressive constitutive relationship of steel fiber recycled concrete with different steel fibers and recycled aggregate dosages. Initially, based on different replacement rates of recycled coarse aggregate and different volume contents of steel fiber, experimental results demonstrate that as the replacement rate of recycled coarse aggregate increases, shrinkage also increases, while the addition of steel fiber can mitigate this effect. An empirical shrinkage model for steel fiber recycled concrete under natural curing conditions is also proposed. Subsequently, based on the uniaxial compression test, findings indicate that with an increasing replacement rate of recycled fine aggregate, the peak stress and elastic modulus of concrete decrease, accompanied by an increase in peak strain, and the addition of steel fiber limits concrete crack development and enhances its brittleness while the peak stress and strain of recycled fine aggregate concrete are enhanced. However, the steel fiber volume percentage has a negligible effect on the elastic modulus. A constitutive relationship for concrete considering the effects of recycled fine aggregate and steel fiber is also proposed. This finding provides foundational support for the influence patterns of steel fiber dosage and recycled aggregate ratio on the mechanical properties of steel fiber recycled concrete. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a novel fuzzy-augmented model reference adaptive voltage regulation strategy for the DC–DC buck converters to enhance their resilience against random input variations and load-step transients. The ubiquitous proportional-integral-derivative (PID) controller is employed as the baseline scheme, whose gains are tuned offline via a pre-calibrated linear-quadratic optimization scheme. However, owing to the inefficacy of the fixed-gain PID controller against parametric disturbances, it is retrofitted with a model reference adaptive controller that uses Lyapunov gain adaptation law for the online modification of PID gains. The adaptive controller is also augmented with an auxiliary fuzzy self-regulation system that acts as a superior regulator to dynamically update the adaptation rates of the Lyapunov gain adaptation law as a nonlinear function of the system's classical error and its normalized acceleration. The proposed fuzzy system utilizes the knowledge of the system's relative rate to execute better self-regulation of the adaptation rates, which in turn, flexibly steers the adaptability and response speed of the controller as the error conditions change. The propositions above are validated by performing tailored hardware experiments on a low-power DC–DC buck converter prototype. The experimental results validate the improved reference tracking and disturbance rejection ability of the proposed control law compared to the fixed PID controller. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The changes in biomass (including yield), copper (Cu) concentration, and the accumulation of wheat (Triticum aestivum. L) in response to soil Cu pollution under nighttime warming had still not been explored. Hence, this study was carried out, and these variations were analyzed from a physiological perspective. Pot trials were performed at two levels of ambient temperatures (no-warming (NT) and average nighttime warming of 0.28 °C (WT)) and two levels of soil Cu concentrations (control check without Cu application (CK) and 100 mg/kg Cu application (Cu)). Soil was collected from the carbonate cinnamon soil region of central China. The warming effects of the passive nighttime warming system were prominent, and the average increment was 0.28 °C. Antioxidant enzyme activities were promoted by warming (p < 0.05) and Cu. The highest yield was achieved in NT-Cu, mainly attributed to relatively strong root activity and photosynthesis caused by supplemental Cu, but the Cu concentration in its grains was close to the threshold (10 mg/kg) for Cu concentration in foodstuff and could present a potential food safety risk. Though nighttime warming did not increase the total biomass and yield of wheat, it decreased the Cu accumulation of wheat grown in Cu-contaminated soil, especially in grains. Moreover, WT-CK and WT-Cu increased the Cu concentration in the roots and glumes and reduced the Cu concentration in grains by 13.09% and 55.84%, respectively, probably because of a lower transpiration rate. Among them, the Cu concentration of grains in WT-Cu was the lowest and significantly lower than other applications. Our findings reveal that nighttime warming has the potential to reduce the Cu risk of grains in wheat grown in the Cu-contaminated carbonate cinnamon soil region of central China and could then provide a theoretical reference for risk assessment of food quality for wheat subjected to dual stress from nighttime warming and Cu pollution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ridge–furrow with plastic film mulching (RF) system has been widely adopted in rain-fed crop planting due to its potential to enhance crop yield and water use efficiency. However, the impact of the RF system on maize lodging resistance, particularly when nitrogen fertilizer is applied, remains uncertain. Therefore, a two-year field experiment was carried out with two planting systems (FP: flat planting and RF) and two nitrogen application rates (N180: 180 kg·N ha−1 and N300: 300 kg·N ha−1) to assess the risk of lodging in maize. The results showed that compared to FP, RF resulted in a significant increase of 78.7% in lodging rate. In addition, the lodging rate increased by 22.6% with increasing nitrogen fertilizer application. The lignin content increased by 43.4%, while the stalk bending strength rose by 42.5%, under RF compared to the FP system. These improvements in the mechanical properties of maize stalks contributed to the improved lodging resistance index of RF, which was found to be approximately 21.3% higher than that of FP. In addition, high nitrogen application rates increased the risk of lodging for different planting patterns over two years. In conclusion, fertilization of spring maize with 300 kg·N ha−1 under the RF system led to higher yields but increased lodging rates. The risk of lodging should be considered when planting maize under the RF system. The results of this study can provide scientific basis and technical support for the optimization of rain-fed maize cultivation measures in the Loess Plateau. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sucrose phosphate synthase (SPS) is an important link in the process of sugar metabolism. In addition, it is also involved in abiotic stresses in plants. In order to study the SPS gene family and its role in abiotic stress, we identified the MdSPS gene family members by bioinformatics methods such as correlation analysis, the HMM method, and the Clustering method, and analyzed the transient expression of MdSPS genes by quantitative real-time fluorescence analysis (qRT-PCR). The MdSPS gene family consists of a total of 19 members divided into three subfamilies distributed on 14 chromosomes in apples. The MdSPS gene family has 12 collinearity gene pairs, indicating significant duplication. Most members of this family contain a large number of plant hormone response elements, light-inducible elements, and abiotic stress response elements 2kb upstream of the promoter. Codon bias analysis shows that there are 28 high-frequency codons and no codons with strong preference in this family. Gene chip results showed that only MdSPS2, MdSPS3, MdSPS11, and MdSPS17 were up-regulated in roots, and they were all members of subfamily C. The qRT-PCR analysis showed that all members of this family responded significantly to drought stress, salt stress, and low temperature stress. Interestingly, the relative expression of MdSPS12 was significantly down-regulated under salt stress and low temperature stress. In addition, the expression of MdSPS3, MdSPS8, MdSPS11, and MdSPS17 was more than 20 fold higher than that of the control under drought stress, salt stress, and low temperature stress. These four genes could be candidates for molecular breeding in the MdSPS family. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Lung squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC) is refractory to various therapies for non-small cell cancer. The expression and significance of B7-H3 in the tumor microenvironment (TME) and its relationship with other immune checkpoint molecules have not yet been investigated. We used high-throughput quantitative multiplex immunohistochemistry to examine B7-H3 expression in the TME. We investigated the relationship between B7-H3 expression and prognosis as well as changes in the TME with B7-H3 expression. The correlation between B7-H3 and programmed cell death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression in single cells was also examined. A quantitative analysis of protein expression in macrophages and cancer cells revealed that PD-L1-positive cells expressed higher levels of B7-H3 than that of PD-L1-negative cells. Our findings demonstrate a correlation between B7-H3 and PD-L1 expression in the same cells, indicating that therapies targeting B7-H3 could provide additional efficacy in patients refractory to PD-L1-targeting therapies. Lung squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC) is refractory to various therapies for non-small cell cancer; therefore, new therapeutic approaches are required to improve the prognosis of LSCC. Although immunotherapies targeting B7 family molecules were explored as treatments for several cancer types, the expression and significance of B7-H3 in the tumor microenvironment (TME) and its relationship with other immune checkpoint molecules have not yet been investigated in detail. We used high-throughput quantitative multiplex immunohistochemistry to examine B7-H3 expression in the TME. We investigated the relationship between B7-H3 expression and prognosis as well as changes in the TME with B7-H3 expression using 110 surgically resected pathological specimens retrospectively. We examined the correlation between B7-H3 and programmed cell death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression in single cells. High B7-H3 expression in tumor cells was associated with a better prognosis and a significant increase in the number of CD163+PD-L1+ macrophages. Quantitative analysis revealed that there is a positive correlation between B7-H3 and PD-L1 expression in tumor and stromal cells, as well as in intratumoral tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes and tumor-associated macrophages in the same cells. CD68+, CD163+, and CK+ cells with PD-L1+ phenotypes had higher B7-H3 expression compared to PD-L1− cells. Our findings demonstrate a correlation between B7-H3 and PD-L1 expression in the same cells, indicating that therapies targeting B7-H3 could provide additional efficacy in patients refractory to PD-L1-targeting therapies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The collateral system is a compensatory mechanism activated in the acute phase of an ischemic stroke. It increases brain perfusion to the hypoperfused area. Arteries of the Willis' circle supply antegrade blood flow, while pial (leptomeningeal) arteries direct blood via retrograde flow. The aim of our retrospective study was to investigate the relationship between both collateral systems, computed tomography perfusion (CTP) values, and functional outcomes in acute stroke patients. Overall, 158 patients with anterior circulation stroke who underwent mechanical thrombectomy were included in the study. We analyzed the presence of communicating arteries and leptomeningeal arteries on computed tomography angiography. Patients were divided into three groups according to their collateral status. The main outcomes were the rate of functional independence 3 months after stroke (modified Rankin scale score, mRS) and mortality rate. Our study suggests that the collateral status, as indicated by the three groups (unfavorable, intermediate, and favorable), is linked to CT perfusion parameters, potential recuperation ratio, and stroke outcomes. Patients with favorable collateral status exhibited smaller core infarct and penumbra volumes, higher mismatch ratios, better potential for recuperation, and improved functional outcomes compared to patients with unfavorable or intermediate collateral status. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conventional water and nitrogen (N) management practice in north China, comprising flood irrigation and N fertilizer broadcast (FB), limits sustainable wheat production. Drip fertigation (DF) has been widely adopted in wheat production in recent years and has effectively improved yields. However, the responses of the yield and quality to the N topdressing rate (NTR) under DF are still unclear. This study determined the responses of the wheat yield and quality to NTR under DF, as well as assessing whether DF could synergistically increase the yield and quality. A field experiment was conducted in north China for two seasons (2021–2023) using a split-plot design with three replicates. The main plot used the management practice (FB and DF) and the sub-plot had N treatment (no N applied, and NTRs of 0, 40, 80, 120, and 160 kg ha−1 with 150 kg N ha−1 as basal fertilizer, denoted as N0, T0, T40, T80, T120, and T160, respectively). Our results showed that high and saturated wheat yields (12.08 and 11.46 t ha−1) were obtained under DF at T80, and the highest yields were produced at T160 (11.71 and 11.30 t ha−1) under FB. Compared with FB, the greatest yield increase of 10.4–12.6% was achieved at T80 under DF. A higher spike number due to the increased effective stem percentage and a greater grain weight because of enhanced post-anthesis biomass production (BPpost) explained the improved yield under DF. The enhanced post-anthesis radiation use efficiency (RUE) led to the greater BPpost under DF. The enhanced specific leaf N, antioxidant capacity, and stomatal conductance under DF explained the higher light-saturated photosynthesis rate of flag leaves, which partly led to the increased post-anthesis RUE. NTR higher than 80 kg ha−1 did not enhance the yield, but it significantly improved the gliadin and glutelin contents, thereby leading to a higher total protein content, better gluten characteristics, and superior processing quality. Therefore, drip fertigation is a practical strategy for increasing both yield and quality with reduced water input and appropriate N input in irrigated winter wheat in north China. Applying 80 kg ha−1 of NTR under drip irrigation produces a high yield, but further gain in grain quality needs a higher NTR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Asexual development is the main propagation and transmission mode of Beauveria bassiana and the basis of its pathogenicity. The regulation mechanism of conidiation and the key gene resources for utilization are key links to improving the conidia yield and quality of Beauveria bassiana. Their clarification may promote the industrialization of fungal pesticides. Here, we compared the regulation of morphology, resistance to external stress, virulence, and nutrient utilization capacity between the upstream developmental regulatory gene fluG and the key genes brlA, abaA, and wetA in the central growth and development pathway. The results showed that the ΔbrlA and ΔabaA mutants completely lost the capacity to conidiate and that the ΔwetA mutant had seriously reduced conidiation capacity. Although the deletion of fluG did not reduce the conidiation ability as much as deletions of brlA, abaA, and wetA, it significantly reduced the fungal response to external stress, virulence, and nutrient utilization, while the deletion of the three other genes had little effect. Via transcriptome analysis and screening the yeast nuclear system library, we found that the differentially expressed genes in the ΔfluG mutants were concentrated in the signaling pathways of ABC transporters, propionate metabolism, tryptophan metabolism, DNA replication, mismatch repair, and fatty acid metabolism. FluG directly acted on 40 proteins that were involved in various signaling pathways such as metabolism, oxidative stress, and cell homeostasis. The analysis indicated that the regulatory function of fluG was mainly involved in DNA replication, cell homeostasis, fungal growth and metabolism, and the response to external stress. Our results revealed the biological function of fluG in asexual development and the responses to several environmental stresses as well as its influence on the asexual development regulatory network in B. bassiana. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]