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Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) impair growth and development. While EDCs can occur naturally in aquatic ecosystems, they are continuously introduced through anthropogenic activities such as industrial effluents, pharmaceutical production, wastewater, and mining. To elucidate the chronic toxicological effects of endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) on aquatic organisms, we collected experimental data from a standardized chronic exposure test using Daphnia magna (D. magna), individuals of which were exposed to a potential EDC, trinitrotoluene (TNT). The chronic toxicity effects of this compound were explored through differential gene expression, gene ontology, network construction, and putative adverse outcome pathway (AOP) proposition. Our findings suggest that TNT has detrimental effects on the upstream signaling of Tcf/Lef, potentially adversely impacting oocyte maturation and early development. This study employs diverse bioinformatics approaches to elucidate the gene-level toxicological effects of chronic TNT exposure on aquatic ecosystems. The results provide valuable insights into the molecular mechanisms of the adverse impacts of TNT through network construction and putative AOP proposition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study systematically analyzed the effect of design conditions on filling behavior and product characteristics when forming thin plates of magnesium alloy (AZ91D) of 0.5 mm or less using the die casting method. As a research method, a casting analysis simulation program was used to predict filling and solidification behavior under various process conditions. The molten metal injection temperature (610~670 °C), mold temperature (160~220 °C), and cooling water temperature (10~55 °C) were selected as key variables, and an analysis was performed for a total of five conditions. A simulation was conducted to analyze the charging speed distribution, location of oxides and bubbles, and solidification pattern. As a result of the study, the flow of molten metal in the low and high-speed sections of the plunger, uniformity of product thickness, and supply conditions of the molten metal were confirmed to be major factors. It is important to manage the molten metal injection temperature at an appropriate level to minimize product defects. Based on these conditions, a prototype was manufactured, the microstructure was observed, and a fine and uniform grain structure was observed in most areas. In mechanical property evaluation, superior physical properties were secured compared to existing bulk materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Early detection of kidney diseases in dogs is crucial. While many studies focus on urine biomarkers, this study explored the potential of plasma biomarkers. We investigated plasma neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (pNGAL) and plasma kidney injury molecule-1 (pKIM-1) in small-breed dogs for detecting chronic kidney disease (CKD). Our findings suggest that pNGAL and pKIM-1 can identify CKD stages and risk groups effectively. These biomarkers showed better diagnostic accuracy than traditional indicators like serum creatinine. Therefore, pNGAL and pKIM-1 could be valuable tools for early CKD detection in veterinary practice. Multiple diagnostic modalities are urgently needed to identify early-stage kidney diseases. Various molecules have been investigated; however, most studies have focused on identifying specific biomarkers in urine. Considering that assessing the symmetrical dimethylarginine (SDMA) plasma concentration is more suitable as an early diagnostic test for chronic kidney disease (CKD) in routine veterinary practice, we aimed to investigate the clinical usefulness of plasma neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (pNGAL) and plasma kidney injury molecule-1 (pKIM-1) concentrations for CKD detection in small-breed dogs. Through a retrospective analysis, we found that numerous clinicopathological data showed a log-normal distribution, even when they satisfied normality tests. Moreover, the log-transformed pNGAL and pKIM-1 concentrations successfully identified CKD International Renal Interest Society (IRIS) stages 1–4 and the risk group with underlying CKD risk factors. Correlation analysis and group comparison of other factors confirmed the possibility of using these two biomarkers for detecting the CKD risk group and IRIS stage 1. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis revealed that the diagnostic accuracy for discriminating the risk group was superior in the order of pKIM-1, pNGAL, SDMA, and serum creatinine levels. In conclusion, these results suggest that pKIM-1 and pNGAL are possible early or quantifiable markers of insignificant CKD or can be at least used as an adjunct with traditional indicators. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, using Illumina sequencing, we sequenced first the complete mitochondrial genome (mitogenome) of two deep-sea eels, Histiobranchus bathybius and Simenchelys parasitica, collected from the East Mariana Basin in the Western Pacific Ocean. The complete length of the H. bathybius and S. parasitica mitogenomes were 16,696 and 16,687 bp, respectively, each containing 37 genes (13 protein-coding genes, 22 tRNA genes, and 2 ribosomal RNA genes). To enhance the accuracy of the identification of H. bathybius and S. parasitica, we performed a phylogenetic analysis of multiple deep-sea eels based on the mitochondrial DNA gene (cytochrome c oxidase subunit I [COI]) using the maximum likelihood method. Our phylogenetic tree analysis confirmed that the specimens collected in this study are congeneric species of H. bathybius and S. parasitica reported in previous studies. Based on these results, we report the first complete mitogenomes of H. bathybius and S. parasitica and a new record for the two species in the East Mariana Basin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Faced with substantial climatic problems, industrial parks are crucial to attaining sustainable development objectives and China's carbon emission pledges. This study develops an output-oriented undesirable output Super-SBM model under non-incremental settings to evaluate the carbon emission efficiency of 169 national high-tech zones from 2008 to 2021. It utilizes the Dagum Gini coefficient and kernel density estimation approaches to analyze spatial variances and dynamic changes, as well as geographic detectors to assess the variables influencing the spatial development of carbon emission efficiency. This study uncovers a spatial distribution pattern of carbon emission efficiency within the eastern region of the national high-tech zone that is much superior to that in the western region. This tendency is mostly driven by inter-regional disparities. Carbon emission efficiency differences between various high-tech zones are progressively widening, displaying left-tail and polarization phenomena. Economic development gaps emerge as the main intrinsic factor contributing to spatial variations in carbon emission efficiency, with their interaction with land resource utilization being a key driving force. External factors, particularly differences in government interventions, dominate the spatiotemporal evolution of carbon emission efficiency, and their combined effect increases the evolution's explanatory power. These research findings offer a solid foundation for crafting region-specific carbon reduction policies in national high-tech zones and provide valuable insights for enhancing carbon emission efficiency in a coordinated manner. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a study on the double-loop controller design technique for a single-phase power factor correction (PFC) three-level (TL) boost converter. Designing a double-loop controller using conventional methods is challenging due to the 120 Hz voltage ripple in the output voltage. This study proposes new double-loop control design methods using a band-stop filter and MATLAB SISOTOOL, detailed in a step-by-step sequence. A band-stop filter with a 120 Hz stop band is applied to the double-loop controller design. Modeling based on the state-space equation, applicable to the full duty range, is constructed to obtain the transfer function. The double-loop controller structure is then designed, and optimal gains that satisfy the design requirements are obtained through automatic tuning using the MATLAB SISOTOOL library. The simulation results demonstrate the performance of the proposed method, which is further verified by experimental results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rotational alignment of the femoral component in total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is considered an important factor, but it is still difficult to assess intraoperatively. This study was conducted to identify anatomical parameters for femoral rotational alignment. A total of 204 patients who underwent primary TKA between 2015 and 2019 were enrolled. The femoral lateral (FLAP) and femoral medial anteroposterior (FMAP) lengths were measured as the widest lengths in the anteroposterior (AP) axis after distal femoral resection. The difference between FLAP and FMAP was defined as dFAP. The concordance correlation coefficient (CCC) was assessed for agreement between the cTEA-PCA and the value of femoral rotation using the linear regression analysis equation. HKA, FLAP, FMAP, and dFAP were significantly associated with femoral rotational alignment. The prediction equation combining the novel intraoperative anatomical references showed improved association with rotational alignment. If dFAP was 6.0 mm, the femoral rotation angle was calculated as 4.9° using this univariate regression equation. The CCC was 0.483, indicating moderate agreement. The dFAP showed an association with distal femoral rotational alignment. A 6 mm dFAP could be a reference for around 5° of femoral rotation. The equation developed in this study may be a reliable tool for intraoperative distal femoral rotational alignment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) has significantly impacted the global pork industry for over three decades. Its high mutation rates and frequent recombination greatly intensifies its epidemic and threat. To explore the fidelity characterization of Chinese highly pathogenic PRRSV JXwn06 and the NADC30-like strain CHsx1401, self-recombination and mutation in PAMs, MARC-145 cells, and pigs were assessed. In vitro, CHsx1401 displayed a higher frequency of recombination junctions and a greater diversity of junction types than JXwn06. In vivo, CHsx1401 exhibited fewer junction types yet maintained a higher junction frequency. Notably, JXwn06 showed more accumulation of mutations. To pinpoint the genomic regions influencing their fidelity, chimeric viruses were constructed, with the exchanged nsp9-10 regions between JXwn06 and CHsx1401. The SJn9n10 strain, which incorporates JXwn06's nsp9-10 into the CHsx1401 genome, demonstrated reduced sensitivity to nucleotide analogs compared to CHsx1401. Conversely, compared with JXwn06, the JSn9n10 strain showed increased sensitivity to these inhibitors. The swapped nsp9-10 also influences the junction frequency and accumulated mutations as their donor strains. The results indicate a propensity for different types of genetic variations between these two strains and further highlight the nsp9-10 region as a critical determinant of their fidelity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carotenoids, which are inherent pigments occurring in plants and microorganisms, manifest a diverse array of vivid hues. Owing to their multifarious health advantages, carotenoids have engendered substantial interest among scholars and consumers alike. Presently, carotenoids are extensively employed in the realms of food, nutrition and health commodities, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics, rendering them an indispensable constituent of our quotidian existence. Therefore, the objective of this review is to present a succinct and methodical examination of the sources, constituents, and factors influencing formation of carotenoids. Particular attention will be given to encapsulation strategies that maintain intrinsic characteristics, as the growing desire for carotenoids is propelled by individuals' escalating standards of living. Moreover, the applications of natural carotenoids in multiple fields, including pharmaceutical, food and feed, as well as cosmetics, are discussed in detail. Finally, this article explores the main challenges hindering the future advancement of carotenoids, aiming at facilitating their effective integration into the circular economy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The phenomenon of hydrogen embrittlement (HE) in metals and alloys, which determines the performance of components in hydrogen environments, has recently been drawing considerable attention. This study explores the interplay between strain rates and solute hydrogen in inducing HE of Ti6Al4V alloy. For the hydrogen-charged sample, as the strain rate was decreased from 10−2/s to 10−5/s, the ductility decreased significantly, but the HE effect on mechanical strength was negligible. The low strain rate (LSR) conditions facilitated the development of high-angle grain boundaries, providing more pathways for hydrogen diffusion and accumulation. The presence of solute hydrogen intensified the formation of nano/micro-voids and intergranular cracking tendencies, with micro-crack occurrences observed exclusively in the LSR conditions. These factors expanded the brittle hydrogen-damaged region more deeply into the interior of the lattice. This, in turn, accelerated both crack initiation and intergranular crack propagation, finally resulting in a considerable HE effect and a reduction in ductility at the LSR. The current study underscores the influence of strain rate on HE, enhancing the predictability of longevity and improving the reliability of components operating in hydrogen-rich environments under various loading conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disease (NMOSD) is a rare autoimmune disorder of the central nervous system characterized by optic neuritis, myelitis, or brain lesions. Its symptoms overlap with those of multiple sclerosis (MS), making a diagnosis of NMOSD challenging. Here, we report a rare case of NMOSD-induced complete spinal cord injury following COVID-19 vaccination. A 52-year-old female patient developed NMOSD-induced complete spinal cord injury after receiving their third dose of the Pfizer–BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine (BNT162b2). Despite the initial diagnosis of complete spinal cord injury, the patient underwent intensive treatment, including rituximab therapy and rehabilitation. As a result, she made a full recovery and transitioned from the ASIA Impairment Scale(AIS)-A to AIS-E. The remarkable neurological recovery from complete spinal cord injury to functional independence highlights the efficacy of a comprehensive treatment approach. In addition, this case emphasizes the need to recognize NMOSD as a potential adverse outcome of COVID-19 vaccination and emphasizes the importance of early diagnosis, timely intervention, and thorough rehabilitation for optimizing patient results. Further case reports and studies are needed to investigate the association between COVID-19 vaccination and the occurrence of NMOSD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Omicron EG.5 lineage of SARS-CoV-2 is currently on a trajectory to become the dominant strain. This phase 2 study aims to evaluate the immunogenicity of SCTV01E-2, a tetravalent protein vaccine, with a specific emphasis on its immunogenicity against Omicron EG.5, comparing it with its progenitor vaccine, SCTV01E (NCT05933512). As of 12 September 2023, 429 participants aged ≥18 years were randomized into the groups SCTV01E (N = 215) and SCTV01E-2 (N = 214). Both vaccines showed increases in neutralizing antibody (nAb) against Omicron EG.5, with a 5.7-fold increase and a 9.0-fold increase in the SCTV01E and SCTV01E-2 groups 14 days post-vaccination, respectively. The predetermined statistical endpoints were achieved, showing that the geometric mean titer (GMT) of nAb and the seroresponse rate (SRR) against Omicron EG.5 were significantly higher in the SCTV01E-2 group than in the SCTV01E group. Additionally, SCTV01E and SCTV01E-2 induced a 5.5-fold and a 5.9-fold increase in nAb against XBB.1, respectively. Reactogenicity was generally mild and transient. No vaccine-related serious adverse events (SAEs), adverse events of special interest (AESIs), or deaths were reported. In summary, SCTV01E-2 elicited robust neutralizing responses against Omicron EG.5 and XBB.1 without raising safety concerns, highlighting its potential as a versatile COVID-19 vaccine against SARS-CoV-2 variants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the pristine MgO, MgO/CNT and Ni-MgO/CNT nanocomposites were processed using the impregnation and chemical vapor deposition methods and analyzed for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) using the electrochemical water splitting process. Furthermore, the effect of nickel on the deposited carbon was systematically elaborated in this study. The highly conductive carbon nanotubes (CNTs) deposited on the metal surface of the Ni-MgO nanocomposite heterostructure provides a robust stability and superior electrocatalytic activity. The optimized Ni-MgO/CNT nanocomposite exhibited hierarchical, helical-shaped carbon nanotubes adorned on the surface of the Ni-MgO flakes, forming a hybrid metal–carbon network structure. The catalytic HER was carried out in a 1M alkaline KOH electrolyte, and the optimized Ni-MgO/CNT nanocomposite achieved a low (117 mV) overpotential value (ɳ) at 10 mA cm−2 and needed a low (116 mV/dec) Tafel value, denotes the Volmer–Heyrovsky pathway. Also, the high electrochemical active surface area (ECSA) value of the Ni-MgO/CNT nanocomposite attained 515 cm2, which is favorable for the generation of abundant electroactive species, and the prepared electrocatalyst durability was also performed using a chronoamperometry test for the prolonged duration of 20 h at 10 mA cm−2 and exhibited good stability, with a 72% retention. Hence, the obtained results demonstrate that the optimized Ni-MgO/CNT nanocomposite is a highly active and cost-effective electrocatalyst for hydrogen energy production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study proposes a method for designing redundant topologies in time-sensitive networking to transmit scheduled traffic (ST) while considering fault tolerance. In general, redundant topologies enhance network fault tolerance and are used in safety-critical applications that demand high reliability. These applications place a premium on real-time network performance, necessitating the consideration of the quality of service for time-critical traffic during the redundant topology design process. The primary objective of this study is to optimize the flowspan, which pertained to the scheduling performance of the no-wait packet scheduling problem during the redundant topology design phase. Specifically, we introduced a methodology for designing topologies tailored to transmit ST using the IEEE802.1CB mechanism. Comparisons with existing topology design approaches revealed the ability of the proposed method to enhance network fault tolerance and yield a topology that reduced flowspan of ST, thereby freeing up bandwidth for time-critical traffic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The 2023 International African Swine Fever Workshop (IASFW) took place in Beijing, China, on 18–20 September 2023. It was jointly organized by the U.S.-China Center for Animal Health (USCCAH) at Kansas State University (KSU) and the Chinese Veterinary Drug Association (CVDA) and sponsored by the United States Department of Agriculture Foreign Agricultural Service (USDA-FAS), Harbin Veterinary Research Institute, and Zoetis Inc. The objective of this workshop was to provide a platform for ASF researchers around the world to unite and share their knowledge and expertise on ASF control and prevention. A total of 24 outstanding ASF research scientists and experts from 10 countries attended this meeting. The workshop included presentations on current ASF research, opportunities for scientific collaboration, and discussions of lessons and experiences learned from China/Asia, Africa, and Europe. This article summarizes the meeting highlights and presents some critical issues that need to be addressed for ASF control and prevention in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Paxlovid®, a co-packaged medication comprised of separate tablets containing two active ingredients, nirmatrelvir (NRV) and ritonavir (RTV), exhibits good effectiveness against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). However, the size of the NRV/RTV tablets makes them difficult for some patients to swallow, especially the elderly and those with dysphagia. Therefore, an oral liquid formulation that can overcome this shortcoming and improve patient compliance is required. In this study, we developed a liquid formulation containing NRV and RTV by adopting strategies that used co-solvents and surfactants to enhance the solubility and inhibit possible recrystallization. The in vitro release results showed that NRV and RTV could be maintained at high concentrations in solution for a certain period in the investigated media. In vivo studies in rats showed that the oral bioavailability of NRV/RTV solution was significantly enhanced. Compared to Paxlovid® tablets, the AUC(0–t) of NRV and RTV increased by 6.1 and 3.8 times, respectively, while the Cmax increased by 5.5 times for both. Furthermore, the promoting effect of the absorption of RTV on the bioavailability of NRV was confirmed. Experiments with a beagle showed a similar trend. Stability studies were also conducted at 4 °C, 25 °C, and 40 °C for 90 days, indicating that the oral liquid formulation was physically and chemically stable. This study can be used as a valuable resource for developing and applying oral liquid NRV/RTV formulations in a clinical context. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: There is lack of intraoperative consensus on the distal femur anterior resected surface shape that allows reliable rotational alignment assessment during total knee arthroplasty (TKA). We aimed to evaluate the ratio and prevalence of anterior femoral resection surface intraoperatively. Materials and Methods: The study included 234 osteoarthritis patients with varus knees and not valgus knees or deformities. After conventional medial parapatellar approach, measured resection technique based on the mechanical axis of the femur and preoperative TEA-PCA angle on CT with anterior reference was used among all the patients. The anteroposterior (AP) lengths after distal femoral resection were measured as the femoral lateral AP (FLAP) and femoral medial AP (FMAP) lengths. Based on the medial (MD) and lateral condyle (LD) vertical distance ratios of the femur anterior resected surface, the groups were classified into "boot sign", "grand-piano", and "butterfly sign" groups. For comparison of the mean values, the data were assessed for normality with the Shapiro–Wilk test. One-way ANOVA with post hoc analysis using Tukey's honestly significant difference (HSD) test was used to compare the mean values among the groups. The correlations between the MD/LD and variables were analyzed using the Pearson correlation coefficient. Linear regression analyses were used to find the associated factors to the anterior femoral resection surface shape. Results: Mean intraoperative femoral rotation and distal femoral cutting angles were 4.9° ± 1.2 and valgus 5.0° ± 0.7, respectively. Mean FLAP was 52.9 ± 4.2 mm. Mean MD/LD (0.61 ± 0.13) was lower than that of typical "grand-piano sign". The morphological shape incidence of the "boot sign" was 62.4%. In the "boot sign" group, the FLAP was found to be smaller than that in the other groups (52.4 ± 4.2 vs. 53.7 ± 4.2 vs. 54.9 ± 2.7; p = 0.02), while the intraoperative femoral rotation angle was found to be larger than in the other groups (5.0 ± 1.2 vs. 4.6 ± 1.1 vs. 4.7 ± 1.2; p = 0.039). The MD/LD-associated factors were FLAP, intraoperative femoral rotation, and distal femoral cutting angles (R2 = 0.268). Conclusion: The femur anterior resection surface shape in TKA was found in the "boot sign" rather than the "grand-piano sign" in Korean ethnics owing to an asymmetric morphology of femoral condyles. Ethnic differences, including distal femoral morphology, should be considered for assessment of the femoral rotation angle using the femur anterior resection surface shape. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Design for remanufacturing (DfRem) is to consider the remanufacturability of the product at the design stage, which can improve the remanufacturability of the product. Moreover, the DfRem solution has a significant impact on the carbon emissions of manufacturing processes. Unreasonable design solutions can significantly increase carbon emissions from manufacturing processes. However, there is no direct link between DfRem solutions and remanufacturability as well as manufacturing carbon emissions, which makes it difficult to quickly generate a rational DfRem solution that can enhance product remanufacturability and reduce carbon emissions simultaneously. To this end, this paper proposes an intelligent design method for remanufacturing that considers remanufacturability and manufacturing carbon emissions. First, an intelligent DfRem framework is constructed, which includes information acquisition, virtual model construction of the DfRem solution, and multi-objective optimization of the design solution. Then, the design matrix and sensitivity analysis are used to construct the mapping models between remanufacturability, carbon emissions, and DfRem parameters. Meanwhile, a multi-objective optimization model of DfRem with remanufacturability requirements and carbon emissions as design objectives is constructed, and an adaptive teaching and learning optimization algorithm is applied to solve the optimization model to obtain a DfRem solution that satisfies the objective information. Finally, the feasibility of the method is verified by DfRem of the injection mold as an example. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The most common neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs), such as Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Parkinson's disease (PD), are the seventh leading cause of mortality and morbidity in developed countries. Clinical observations of NDD patients are characterized by a progressive loss of neurons in the brain along with memory decline. The common pathological hallmarks of NDDs include oxidative stress, the dysregulation of calcium, protein aggregation, a defective protein clearance system, mitochondrial dysfunction, neuroinflammation, neuronal apoptosis, and damage to cholinergic neurons. Therefore, managing this pathology requires screening drugs with different pathological targets, and suitable drugs for slowing the progression or prevention of NDDs remain to be discovered. Among the pharmacological strategies used to manage NDDs, natural drugs represent a promising therapeutic strategy. This review discusses the neuroprotective potential of seaweed and its bioactive compounds, and safety issues, which may provide several beneficial insights that warrant further investigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ISO 23150 standard defines the logical interface between sensors and fusion units. To apply this standard to actual vehicles, software is required to convert sensor data into ISO 23150-compliant sensor data. In this study, we developed sensor data processing software to provide ISO 23150-compliant sensor data to autonomous vehicle software. The main contributions of this study are as follows: First, the safety of the software is considered, and its structure and error detection method are designed to minimize the impact of errors. Second, the software structure is in accordance with the ISO 23150 standard, and a framework structure is designed with convenience in mind. Third, we considered its compatibility with adaptive AUTOSAR by designing a data delivery service using SOME/IP communication. We evaluated the security and data delivery delay of the software on a controller used in an actual vehicle and noted high security and real-time performance. The evaluation results demonstrated the feasibility of this method for real-world vehicles. Our study can serve as a basis for advancing autonomous driving technology in the context of ensuring software safety. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: An outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease from a pig population vaccinated with a mismatched strain raises a question about how effective a mismatched foot and mouth vaccine could be against the transmission of another strain of the virus. Simulation models using daily clinical case data from the farm indicated that, although the vaccine reduced viral shedding, it failed to prevent the development of clinical signs. With caveats, this study suggests that using unmatched vaccines could alter the disease dynamics of another strain and, in turn, may confound the outbreak in a vaccinated population. It is, therefore, important to test for antigenic matching between circulating strains and the vaccine pool. In December 2014, a novel foot and mouth disease (FMD) virus was introduced to a pig farm in South Korea, despite the animals being vaccinated. A marginal antigenic matching between the novel and vaccine strains potentially led to the infection of the vaccinated animals. To understand the impact of using an FMD vaccine on the transmission dynamics of an unmatched field strain, simulation models were employed using daily reported data on clinical cases from the farm. The results of this study indicated that immunisation with the FMD vaccine reduced the shedding of the novel FMD virus in pigs. However, there was no evidence to suggest that the immunisation had a significant effect in reducing the development of clinical signs. These findings highlight that the use of an unmatched FMD vaccine can confound the outbreak by altering the disease dynamics of the novel virus. Based on this study, we emphasise the importance of continuous testing to ensure antigenic matching between the circulating strains and the vaccine pool. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Owing to the constant wind generated by the vast ocean, energy production from offshore wind farms (OWFs) plays an important role in the expansion of renewable energy. However, areas close to large wind farms are often left unutilized, and aquaculture farmers find it difficult to efficiently utilize these unoccupied spaces due to limited information showing the feasibility of utilization of OWFs as potential scallop culture sites. To analyze whether the two scallop species Zhikong scallop (Chlamys farreri) and bay scallop (Argopecten irradians) can be grown at OWFs of Gochang and Buan, Jeollabuk-do, Republic of Korea, the growth characteristics of the two scallop species were analyzed and compared with those grown at the Tongyeong Megacosm Test Station. The results clearly showed that the growth of scallops at the OWF was significantly lower with respect to the shell lengths, height, width, and weight, compared to those grown at the megacosm station. However, scallops grown at the OWF still showed consistent growth in parallel with those grown at the megacosm test station. Yet, there was a species-specific mortality rate between the two sites. In addition, our results suggest that temperature may be a key determinant of the growth of C. farreri and A. irradians. Overall, this study contributes to establishing a foundation for the stable and continuous farming of marine bivalves (e.g., clams, oysters, mussels, and scallops) in OWF areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study used the finite element method(FEM) to investigate how pressure on the lumbar spine changes during dynamic movements in different postures: standing, erect sitting on a chair, slumped sitting on a chair, and sitting on the floor. Three load modes (flexion, lateral bending, and axial rotation) were applied to the FEM, simulating movements of the lumbar spine. Results showed no significant difference in pressure distribution on the annulus fiber and nucleus pulposus, representing intradiscal pressure, as well as on the cortical bone during movements between standing and erect sitting postures. However, both slumped sitting on a chair and sitting on the floor postures significantly increased pressure on the nucleus pulposus, annulus fibrosus, and cortical bone in all three movements when compared to standing or erect sitting on a chair. Notably, sitting on the floor resulted in even higher pressure on the nucleus pulposus and annulus fibers compared to slumped sitting on a chair. The decreased lumbar lordosis while sitting on the floor led to the highest increase in pressure on the annulus fiber and nucleus pulposus in the lumbar spine. In conclusion, maintaining an erect sitting position with increased lumbar lordosis during seated activities can effectively reduce intradiscal pressure and cortical bone stress associated with degenerative disc diseases and spinal deformities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Hwangdo tidal flat is an intertidal landform located in Cheonsu Bay, Taean-gun, Chungcheongnam-do, on the west coast of Korea. The topographical characteristics of the semi-enclosed bay on the eastern side of the study area include waterways, sandbars, small islands, and tidal flats. In this study, data were acquired from tide gauges installed on the Hwangdo Bridge, and the height of the ellipsoid was measured using a real-time kinematics global positioning system (RTK-GPS). Digital elevation model (DEM) using Matrice 300 drone data were also acquired after processing. The geochemical sediment characteristics in the study area were analyzed, together with tidal-flat exposure-time characteristics based on environmental factors. Sediment data (n = 107) collected from October 25 to 28, 2022 (Korean local time) were used to classify sediment particles according to Folk and Ward (1957). Sedimentary facies ranged from coarse sand (sand:mud ratio = 9:1) to sandy silt (sZ) followed by muddy sand (mS) and slightly gravelly sandy mud ((g)sM). Total organic carbon (TOC) in the surface sediments was also characterized based on a particle-size analysis. The mean change in tidal height measured at Hwangdo Bridge during the sampling period was ~7.53 m (minimum: −3.86 m, maximum: +3.67 m). Based on the Boryeong's sea level measurement tide data in 2022, the tidal area in the drone images ranged from 6.362 m2 (0.006 km2) at DEM +4.0 to 4,841,078 m2 (4.841 km2) at DEM −4.0 m, indicating an increase in the tidal-flat area according to the tidal level of up to ~800-fold. The daily average exposure time was 9.0 h (minimum: 1.5 h, maximum: 17.9 h). Based on the results of multivariate analysis using exposure times and a geochemical dataset, four groups were identified: upper, middle, and lower intertidal zones and regions with a relatively high organic-matter concentration. A determination of the main characteristics of the Hwangdo tidal flat according to their spatial distribution showed that, among various environmental factors, changes in the sand or clay sediment composition were determined by community factors. The results of this study demonstrate the four statistically processed groups of marine environmental characteristics in the Hwangdo tidal flats. Changes in sedimentary patterns, rather than in the exposure time, accounted for the differences in the sediment compositions of the upper, middle, and lower stations, a response that is expected to continue. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many solutions for imaging through a scattering medium are sensitive to noise, which can lead to degradation or even to a failure of the image quality. This is especially the case in practical application scenarios, which are always filled with changing ambient light interference; as such, the traditional methods are difficult to practically apply. Therefore, in this paper, a spatial-frequency dual-domain learning neural network is designed for reconstructing the target of a speckle pattern under different intensities of ambient light interference. The network is mainly based on two modules. One module is designed from two perspectives, frequency domain denoising and the spatial-frequency spectrum of the speckle pattern. Another module is a dual-feature fusion attention module, which is used to improve the accuracy of the network. The experimental results demonstrate that the network is capable of reconstructing complex targets with high quality under varying intensities of interfering light. Furthermore, it is not constrained by the optical memory effect, exhibiting remarkable robustness and generalizability. The research based on this paper provides a feasible path for the practical application of scattering imaging methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Epilepsy is a chronic neurological disorder that is more prevalent in children, and recurrent unprovoked seizures can lead to cognitive impairment. Numerous studies have reported the benefits of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) on neurodevelopment and cognitive ability, while comparatively less attention has been given to eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). Additionally, little is known about the effects and mechanisms of DHA and EPA in relation to seizure-induced cognitive impairment in the young rodent model. Current research indicates that ferroptosis is involved in epilepsy and cognitive deficiency in children. Further investigation is warranted to determine whether EPA or DHA can mitigate seizure-induced cognitive deficits by inhibiting ferroptosis. Therefore, this study was conducted to compare the effects of DHA and EPA on seizure-induced cognitive deficiency and reveal the underlying mechanisms focused on ferroptosis in a pentylenetetrazol (PTZ)-kindling young mice model. Mice were fed a diet containing DHA-enriched ethyl esters or EPA-enriched ethyl esters for 21 days at the age of 3 weeks and treated with PTZ (35 mg/kg, i.p.) every other day 10 times. The findings indicated that both EPA and DHA exhibited ameliorative effects on seizure-induced cognitive impairment, with EPA demonstrating a superior efficacy. Further mechanism study revealed that supplementation of DHA and EPA significantly increased cerebral DHA and EPA levels, balanced neurotransmitters, and inhibited ferroptosis by modulating iron homeostasis and reducing lipid peroxide accumulation in the hippocampus through activating the Nrf2/Sirt3 signal pathway. Notably, EPA exhibited better an advantage in ameliorating iron dyshomeostasis compared to DHA, owing to its stronger upregulation of Sirt3. These results indicate that DHA and EPA can efficaciously alleviate seizure-induced cognitive deficiency by inhibiting ferroptosis in PTZ-kindled young mice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Featured Application: This work can be mainly applied in the optical element surface quality evaluation field. Nanoscale defects on the surface of ultra-precision optical elements seriously affect the beam quality in optical systems. In response to the challenge of detecting nanoscale defects on optical component surfaces, we propose a method for the detection and classification of various types of defects on optical component surfaces via reflection Mueller matrix spectroscopy (RMMS). Firstly, an electromagnetic scattering theoretical model for various types of defects on the surface of optical elements and the incident and scattered fields were established by combining the bidirectional reflection distribution function (BRDF) and the Rayleigh–Rice vector scattering theory. Then, the optimal conditions for RMMS measurements were determined by numerically simulating the BRDF. On this basis, the surface roughness and pockmarks of the optical test plate were simulated and analyzed via RMMS, and the results were verified experimentally; then, dirty particles and pockmarks above the surface of the optical element and subsurface bubble defects (SSBD) were simulated and analyzed via RMMS. The results showed that some elements of the Mueller matrix could significantly distinguish defects on the surface of the optical element with dimensions smaller than the visible wavelength, and the dimensions of various types of defects of the element could be inverted using the values of the Mueller matrix elements. This method provides a theoretical basis and reference for the detection and classification of various types of defects in precision optical components. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Statins have been widely advocated for use in COVID-19 based on large favorable observational associations buttressed by theoretical expected benefits. However, past favorable associations of statins to pre-COVID-19 infection outcomes (also buttressed by theoretical benefits) were unsupported in meta-analysis of RCTs, RR = 1.00. Initial RCTs in COVID-19 appear to follow this trajectory. Healthy-user/tolerator effects and indication bias may explain these disparities. Moreover, cholesterol drops in proportion to infection severity, so less severely affected individuals may be selected for statin use, contributing to apparent favorable statin associations to outcomes. Cholesterol transports fat-soluble antioxidants and immune-protective vitamins. Statins impair mitochondrial function in those most reliant on coenzyme Q10 (a mevalonate pathway product also transported on cholesterol)—i.e., those with existing mitochondrial compromise, whom data suggest bear increased risks from both COVID-19 and from statins. Thus, statin risks of adverse outcomes are amplified in those patients at risk of poor COVID-19 outcomes—i.e., those in whom adjunctive statin therapy may most likely be given. High reported rates of rhabdomyolysis in hospitalized COVID-19 patients underscore the notion that statin-related risks as well as benefits must be considered. Advocacy for statins in COVID-19 should be suspended pending clear evidence of RCT benefits, with careful attention to risk modifiers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Zou and co-workers [[2]] investigated the demulsification behaviors of HYW (Hong Yi Wu line) heavy oil emulsion in Xinjiang Oilfield (Karamay, China), which could not be demulsified even at 90 °C with 260 mg/L demulsifier concentration due to its high viscosity (up to 120,000 mPa-s at 40 °C). Keywords: solid waste; wastewater; pollution; recovery; harmless treatment; waste gases EN solid waste wastewater pollution recovery harmless treatment waste gases 2128 5 08/03/23 20230701 NES 230701 Industrial transformation has brought about huge changes to the human society in many different aspects. Removal and Recovery of Industrial Waste Gases During industrial production, not only were wastewater and solids, but some waste gases were also generated, including organic waste gases (i.e., VOCs) and inorganic waste gases (i.e., H SB 2 sb S, SO SB 2 sb , NH SB 3 sb , NO SB x sb , CO SB 2 sb , etc.). In the petroleum industry, the breaking of heavy oil emulsions is considered to be among the challenges during oil exploitation due to the high content of asphaltenes in heavy oil emulsions, as well as their high densities and viscosities. [Extracted from the article]

This study determined the global genetic diversity and transmission dynamics of enterovirus B83 (EV-B83) and proposed future disease surveillance directions. Blood samples were collected from a patient with viral myocarditis, and viral isolation was performed. The complete genome sequence of the viral isolate was obtained using Sanger sequencing. A dataset of 15 sequences (from three continents) that had sufficient time signals for Bayesian phylogenetic analysis was set up, and the genetic diversity and transmission dynamics of global EV-B83 were analyzed using bioinformatics methods, including evolutionary dynamics, recombination event analysis, and phylogeographic analysis. Here, we report the complete genome sequence of an EV-B83 strain (S17/YN/CHN/2004) isolated from a patient with acute viral myocarditis in Yunnan Province, China. All 15 EV-B83 strains clustered together in a phylogenetic tree, confirming the classification of these isolates as a single EV type, and the predicted time for the most recent common ancestor appeared in 1998. Recombinant signals were detected in the 5'-untranslated region and 2A–3D coding regions of the S17 genome. The phylogeographic analysis revealed multiple intercontinental transmission routes of EV-B83. This study indicates that EV-B83 is globally distributed. Our findings add to the publicly available EV-B83 genomic sequence data and deepen our understanding of EV-B83 epidemiology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This case series presents two cases of acute acalculous cholecystitis (AAC)—a rare condition—in young women with central nervous system (CNS) lesions. Both patients had significant neurologic deficits and no well-known risk factors or presence of comorbidities (such as diabetes or a history of cardiovascular or cerebrovascular disease). Early diagnosis is important in cases of AAC owing to its high mortality rate; however, due to neurological deficits in our cases, accurate medical and physical examinations were limited, thereby leading to a delay in the diagnosis. The first case was of a 33-year-old woman with multiple fractures and hypovolemic shock due to a traumatic accident; she was diagnosed with hypoxic brain injury. The second case was of a 32-year-old woman with bipolar disorder and early-onset cerebellar ataxia who developed symptoms of impaired cognition and psychosis; she was later diagnosed with autoimmune encephalopathy. In the first case, the duration between symptom onset and diagnosis was 1 day, but in the second case, it was 4 days from diagnosis based on the occurrence of high fever. We emphasize that if a young woman presents with high fever, the possibility of AAC should be considered, particularly if a CNS lesion is present because it may pose difficulty in the evaluation of typical symptoms of AAC. Careful attention is thus required in such cases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Viral myocarditis (VMC) is a common disease characterized by cardiac inflammation. AC-73, an inhibitor of CD147, disrupts the dimerization of CD147, which participates in the regulation of inflammation. To explore whether AC-73 could alleviate cardiac inflammation induced by CVB3, mice were injected intraperitoneally with AC-73 on the fourth day post-infection (dpi) and sacrificed on the seventh dpi. Pathological changes in the myocardium, T cell activation or differentiation, and expression of cytokines were analyzed using H&E staining, flow cytometry, fluorescence staining and multiplex immunoassay. The results showed that AC-73 alleviated cardiac pathological injury and downregulated the percentage of CD45+CD3+ T cells in the CVB3-infected mice. The administration of AC-73 reduced the percentage of activated CD4+ and CD8+ T cells (CD69+ and/or CD38+) in the spleen, while the percentage of CD4+ T cell subsets in the spleen was not changed in the CVB3-infected mice. In addition, the infiltration of activated T cells (CD69+) and macrophages (F4/80+) in the myocardium also decreased after the AC-73 treatment. The results also showed that AC-73 inhibited the release of many cytokines and chemokines in the plasma of the CVB3-infected mice. In conclusion, AC-73 mitigated CVB3-induced myocarditis by inhibiting the activation of T cells and the recruitment of immune cells to the heart. Thus, CD147 may be a therapeutic target for virus-induced cardiac inflammation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we document the first recorded range extension of the genus Synaphobranchus from the East Mariana Basin in the Western Pacific Ocean. We sequenced the complete mitochondrial (mt) genome of two deep-sea eels (Synaphobranchus brevidorsalis and S. affinis) collected in the East Mariana Basin in the Western Pacific Ocean. The complete mt genomes of S. brevidorsalis and S. affinis were 16,686 bp and 16,677 bp in length, respectively, and consisted of 13 protein-coding genes, 22 tRNA genes, and two rRNA genes. Molecular phylogenetic analysis of the two deep-sea eel species was performed, based on the mt cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) gene using the maximum likelihood method. The molecular phylogenetic tree demonstrated that S. brevidorsalis and S. affinis were congeneric species of S. brevidorsalis and S. affinis reported in previous studies with bootstrap values of 100% and 100%, respectively. This is the first report on the complete mt genomes of S. brevidorsalis and S. affinis collected in the East Mariana Basin in the Western Pacific Ocean. Overall, our study highlights the potential of molecular approaches in identifying species diversity and distribution in the Western Pacific Ocean. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The longwall mining method with gob-side entry retaining via roof cutting is a new underground coal mining method which has the characteristics of a high resource recovery ratio and environmental friendliness. Due to the complexity of this method, the research method of case-based dynamic on-site monitoring, analysis, adjustment, and optimization is usually adopted. Based on a roadway retaining via roof cutting project, in addition to the traditional indirect monitoring method of hydraulic support pressure, this study innovatively establishes a direct monitoring method for roof caving by monitoring the gangue pressure in the goaf, which provides data for the roof cutting effect and offers a new method for studying the overlying strata movement. In the project, a comprehensive monitoring and analysis system was established, including gangue pressure, cable bolt stress, bracket pressure, roadway deformation, and roof separation, which was used to dynamically analyze the effect of roof cutting and optimize the support design. The results show that the pressure of the hydraulic support close to the roof cutting is low, indicating that roof cutting is favorable in the roadway retaining mining method. The roadway deformation in the advanced abutment pressure area of the working face is small. The mining-induced stress caused by the collapse and compaction of the overlying strata in the goaf is the dominant factor affecting the effect of roadway retaining, especially in the 50–100 m range behind the working face, where the dynamic load causes high bearing capacity of the support elements, large roadway convergence, and roof separation. Temporary support and supplementary reinforcement should be added when necessary. The monitoring system presented in this study is highly comprehensive, simple, reliable, and low in cost, providing a reference for roof cutting roadway retaining projects and roof caving-related studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The degree of the over-consolidation ratio (OCR) of silty clay affects the soil's mechanical properties and in situ test results. The present study utilized numerical analysis to investigate the behavior of cone penetration and pore pressure dissipation in typical silty clay soils, while also taking into account the impact of the over-consolidation ratio (OCR). Effective stress finite-element analyses, which accounted for considerable deformation, were carried out at various OCRs. The model assumed the soil as a homogeneous material obeying the modified Cam Clay (MCC) model. The significant advance of this work is the evaluation of the effect of OCR on penetration resistance and pore pressure test data and the calculation formula of OCR and ch in typical silty clay. An inversion method based on the results of piezocone penetration tests was proposed in terms of strength and the over-consolidation ratio of the silty clay, which is of great importance for the inversion of soil parameters in the Yellow River Delta region. This paper presents a consolidation coefficient inversion method of typical normally and over-consolidated silty clays and corrected the disadvantage that traditional conversion methods could not take OCR effects into account. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two algorithms have been extensively studied for motor control: Field Oriented Control (FOC) and Direct Torque Control (DTC). Both control algorithms use a Voltage Source Inverter (VSI) to drive a Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor (PMSM). To prevent short-arm short-circuit accidents when driving PMSM using VSI, a dead time is used to turn off the TOP and BOTTOM switches of each arm at the same time. However, this dead-time technique causes an unexpected pole voltage to be applied to the PMSM on the VSI output voltage, causing distortion and resulting in control nonlinearity. The disturbance voltage that causes nonlinearity is difficult to measure directly with the sensor. Therefore, this paper analyzes the nonlinearity of the controller due to the distorted voltage caused by the dead time during PMSM operation using the DTC algorithm and predicts the distorted output voltage using the extended Kalman Filter (EKF) to improve control stability. As a result, The algorithm proposed in this paper has verified the improvement of torque ripple and stator flux ripple through experiments and simulations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the epidemic of risk factors such as unhealthy lifestyle, obesity and mental stress, the prevalence of hypertension continues to rise across the world. Although standardized treatment protocols simplify the selection of antihypertensive drugs and ensure therapeutic efficacy, the pathophysiological state of some patients remains, which may also lead to the development of other cardiovascular diseases. Thus, there is an urgent need to consider the pathogenesis and selection of antihypertensive drug for different type of hypertensive patients in the era of precision medicine. We proposed the REASOH classification, based on the etiology of hypertension, including renin-dependent hypertension, elderly-arteriosclerosis-based hypertension, sympathetic-active hypertension, secondary hypertension, salt-sensitive hypertension and hyperhomocysteinemia hypertension. The aim of this paper is to propose a hypothesis and provide a brief reference for the personalized treatment of hypertensive patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) is the most common cyanotic congenital heart disease in newborns. ISL1 is a master transcription factor in second heart field development, whereas the roles of ISL1 gene promoter variants in TOF patients have not been genetically investigated. Total DNA extraction from 601 human subjects, including 308 TOF patients and 293 healthy controls, and Sanger sequencing were performed. Four variants (including one novel heterozygous variant) within the ISL1 gene promoter were only found in TOF patients. Functional analysis of DNA sequence variants was performed by using the dual-luciferase reporter assay and demonstrated that three of the four variants significantly decreased the transcriptional activity of ISL1 gene promoter in HL-1 cells (p < 0.05). Further, the online JASPAR database and electrophoretic mobility shift assay showed that the three variants affected the binding of transcription factors and altered ISL1 expression levels. In conclusion, the current study for the first time demonstrated that the variants identified from the ISL1 gene promoter region are likely involved in the development of TOF by affecting the transcriptional activity and altering the ISL1 expression level. Therefore, these findings may provide new insights into the molecular etiology and potential therapeutic strategy of TOF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The cardio-renal syndrome (CRS) type 2 is defined as a progressive loss of renal function following a primary insult to the myocardium that may be either acute or chronic but is accompanied by a decline in myocardial pump performance. The treatment of patients with CRS is difficult, and the disease often progresses to end-stage renal disease that is refractory to conventional therapy. While a good deal of information is known concerning renal injury in the CRS, less is understood about how reflex control of renal sympathetic nerve activity affects this syndrome. In this review, we provide insight into the role of the renal nerves, both from the afferent or sensory side and from the efferent side, in mediating renal dysfunction in CRS. We discuss how interventions such as renal denervation and abrogation of systemic reflexes may be used to alleviate renal dysfunction in the setting of chronic heart failure. We specifically focus on a novel cardiac sensory reflex that is sensitized in heart failure and activates the sympathetic nervous system, especially outflow to the kidney. This so-called Cardiac Sympathetic Afferent Reflex (CSAR) can be ablated using the potent neurotoxin resinferitoxin due to the high expression of Transient Receptor Potential Vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) receptors. Following ablation of the CSAR, several markers of renal dysfunction are reversed in the post-myocardial infarction heart failure state. This review puts forth the novel idea of neuromodulation at the cardiac level in the treatment of CRS Type 2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A ternary amorphous solid dispersion (ASD) system consisting of drug/polymer/surfactant is receiving increased attention to improve the oral bioavailability of poorly water-soluble drugs. The effect of polymers has been extensively studied, while the impact of surfactants has not yet to be studied to the same extent. Challenging questions to be answered are whether the surfactants should be added with the drug or separately and the resulting differences between the two operating processes. By adjusting the liquid feeding zone for Span 20 in the hot-melt twin screw extruder equipment, we investigated the effect of Span 20 on the properties of the polyvinylpyrrolidone/vinyl acetate (PVPVA)-based ASD formulations of ritonavir. We found that with the delayed feeding positions of Span 20 in the twin screw extruder, the ability of the ternary ASDs to maintain the supersaturation of the milled extrudates was observed to be significantly enhanced. Furthermore, adding surfactant after a thorough mixing of polymer and drug could decrease the molecular mobility of ternary ASD formulations. In addition, the effects of Span 20 on the complex viscosity and structure of PVPVA were also investigated. The delayed addition of Span 20 could improve the complex viscosity of PVPVA, thus leading to the drug precipitation inhibition. In conclusion, the delayed addition of Span 20 in the twin screw extruder and prolonging the mixing time of the drug and polymer may be critical to the maintenance of supersaturation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives: Although the effects of cartilage repair in patients who are undergoing high tibial osteotomy (HTO) remains controversial, cartilage repair may be required for the full-thickness cartilage defect because of a concern of lower clinical outcome. The purpose of this study was to investigate clinical outcome and cartilage repair following implantation of allogeneic umbilical cord-blood-derived MSCs (UCB-MSCs)–hyaluronate composite in patients who received HTO for medial knee osteoarthritis (OA) with full-thickness cartilage defect. Materials and Methods: Inclusion criteria were patients with a medial knee OA, a full-thickness cartilage defect (International Cartilage Repair Society (ICRS) grade IV) ≥  3 cm2 of the medial femoral condyle, and a varus deformity  ≥  5°. The full-thickness cartilage defect was treated with implantation of an allogeneic UCB-MSCs–hyaluronate composite following medial open-wedge HTO. Visual analogue scale for pain and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) score were assessed at each follow-up. Cartilage repair was assessed by the ICRS cartilage repair assessment system at second-look arthroscopy when the plate was removed. Results: Twelve patients (mean age 56.1 years; mean defect size: 4.5 cm2) were included, and 10 patients underwent second-look arthroscopy during plate removal after a minimum of 1 year after the HTO. At the final follow-up of mean 2.9 years (range; 1–6 years), all clinical outcomes had improved. At second-look arthroscopy, repaired tissue was observed in all cases. One case (10%) showed grade I, seven (70%) cases showed grade II, and two (20%) cases showed grade III according to ICRS cartilage repair assessment system, which meant that 80% showed an overall repair assessment of "normal" or "nearly normal". Conclusion: Allogeneic UCB-MSCs-HA composite implantation combined with HTO resulted in favorable clinical outcome and cartilage repair in all cases. These findings suggest that UCB-MSCs-HA composite implantation combined with HTO would be a good therapeutic option for patients with knee OA and full-thickness cartilage defects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The changes in the gel and rheological properties and water-holding capacity of PSE meat myofibrillar proteins with different amounts of sodium bicarbonate (SC, 0–0.6/100 g) were studied. Compared to the PSE meat myofibrillar proteins with 0/100 g SC, the texture properties and cooking yield significantly increased (p < 0.05) with increasing SC; meanwhile, adding SC caused the gel color to darken. All samples had similar curves with three phases, and the storage modulus (G') values significantly increased with the increasing SC. The thermal stability of the PSE meat myofibrillar proteins was enhanced, and the G' value at 80 °C increased with the increasing SC. Because water was bound more tightly to the protein matrix, the initial relaxation times of T21 and T22 shortened, the peak ratio of P21 significantly increased (p < 0.05), and the P22 significantly decreased (p < 0.05), which implied that the mobility of the water was reduced. Overall, SC could improve the thermal stability of the PSE meat myofibrillar proteins and increase the water-holding capacity and textural properties of the cooked PSE meat myofibrillar protein gels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Benthic habitat zonation is described from in situ observations and seabed photographs taken from the coastal area of Weno Island, Chuuk, Micronesia. Habitat groups, types, and boundaries are defined by visible substratum characteristics (i.e., in situ and by digital imaging of photo-quadrats along transect lines), and by cluster and ordination analyses using relative coverage percentage of identified classification categories. The statistical similarity between habitat groups is determined by Analysis of similarity (ANOSIM). Benthic habitat groups with significant influence on the determination of habitat type are isolated by the similarity percentage (SIMPER) test. In addition to the standard practices of using transect lines and collecting data in accordance with the already well-implemented and thoroughly-tested benthic habitat classification scheme for tropical reef monitoring, we applied simple statistics that enable comparative data interpretation. Our simple, repeatable methods provide a framework for benthic habitat-related monitoring research that allows the comparison of results across regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two deep-sea eels collected from the East Mariana Basin in the western Pacific Ocean are described in this study. Based on their morphological features, two eel specimens were assumed to belong to the Gray cutthroat eel family, Synaphobranchidae. Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) genes have been widely used as genetic markers to identify fish species. To accurately identify the species of the two eel specimens, we sequenced the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) and 16S ribosomal RNA (16S rRNA) genes from the two eel specimens. The sequences from the specimens were 100% identical. The molecular phylogenetic tree confirmed that the two eel specimens were closely related to Synaphobranchus affinis with a bootstrap value of 100%. This is the first study to report new records of S. affinis from the East Mariana Basin in the western Pacific Ocean. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The hydrogels based on natural polysaccharide offers high hydrophilicity and excellent biocompatibility while exhibiting soft physical properties related to texture and tissues, making them ideal candidates for food and biomedical applications. Herein, a new gel system composed of pectin and salecan (PS) was designed and prepared, and its structural and functional characteristics were further explored by scanning electron microscopy and rheological testing. Data fitting based on Herschel–Bulkley (HB) and Power-Law models enable in-depth comparisons and elucidations of the PS gels' flow behavior. The cyclic strain time scanning test gave an interesting maximum strain recovery rate of about 70%; meanwhile, the creep data reported an adjustable creep compliance of 0.0146 to 0.1802. The comprehensive analysis of the structure and rheological exploration of the novel pectin-salecan hydrogels demonstrated their potential advantages over pectin and broader applicability in different food or biomedical fields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To study the effects of an ultrasound (0, 30, and 60 min) and sodium bicarbonate (0% and 0.2%) combination on the reduced-salt pork myofibrillar protein, the changes in pH, turbidity, aggregation, and conformation were investigated. After the ultrasound-assisted sodium bicarbonate treatment, the pH increased by 0.80 units, the absolute value of Zeta potential, hydrophobic force, and active sulfhydryl group significantly increased (p < 0.05), and the turbidity and particle size significantly decreased (p < 0.05). Meanwhile, the fluorescence intensity decreased from 894 to 623, and the fluorescence peak showed a significant redshift, which indicated that the ultrasound-assisted sodium bicarbonate treatment exposed the non-polarity of the microenvironment in which the fluorescence emission group was located, leading to the microenvironment and protein structure of myofibrillar tryptophan being changed. Overall, an ultrasound-assisted sodium bicarbonate treatment could significantly improve pork myofibrillar protein solubility and change the protein structure under a reduced-salt environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cancer immunotherapy has shown impressive anti-tumor activity in patients with advanced and early-stage malignant tumors, thus improving long-term survival. However, current cancer immunotherapy is limited by barriers such as low tumor specificity, poor response rate, and systemic toxicities, which result in the development of primary, adaptive, or acquired resistance. Immunotherapy resistance has complex mechanisms that depend on the interaction between tumor cells and the tumor microenvironment (TME). Therefore, targeting TME has recently received attention as a feasibility strategy for re-sensitizing resistant neoplastic niches to existing cancer immunotherapy. With the development of nanotechnology, nanoplatforms possess outstanding features, including high loading capacity, tunable porosity, and specific targeting to the desired locus. Therefore, nanoplatforms can significantly improve the effectiveness of immunotherapy while reducing its toxic and side effects on non-target cells that receive intense attention in cancer immunotherapy. This review explores the mechanisms of tumor microenvironment reprogramming in immunotherapy resistance, including TAMs, CAFs, vasculature, and hypoxia. We also examined whether the application of nano-drugs combined with current regimens is improving immunotherapy clinical outcomes in solid tumors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we investigated the reproductive pattern of the commercially and ecologically important species, Ostrea denelamellosa, to inform stock management strategies in South Korea. Prior to the reproduction experiment, the complete mitochondrial (mt) genome of the flat oyster, Ostrea denselamellosa, was analyzed using next-generation sequencing technology. Then, to determine the reproductive pattern of Ostrea denselamellosa, we investigated monthly changes in the gametogenesis, reproductive cycle, and sex ratio from January to October 2021 in females. The total length of the mt genome sequence of O. denselamellosa was 16,225 bp and contained 37 genes (13 protein-coding genes, 22 tRNA genes, and 2 rRNA genes). Molecular phylogenetic comparison with 20 known species of Pteriomorphia showed that O. denselamellosa belongs to the family Ostreidae. In addition, O. denselamellosa clustered together with the O. denselamellosa Chinese strain, with a bootstrap value of 100%. Histological analysis indicated a discrepancy in gamete development of O. denselamellosa with synchronous maturation of oocytes and asynchronous development of spermatozoa in gonads. The spawning activity occurred between May and September with a temperature range gap of 6.5 °C. The spawning activity occurred from May when the temperature reached 16.7 °C until September when the temperature dropped below 23.2 °C. Furthermore, sex ratio bias was observed. This is the first study to report the complete mt genome sequence and examine the reproductive pattern in native O. denselamellosa in South Korea. Overall, these findings will help enhance the knowledge for the management and sustainable fishery of endangered oyster species including O. denselamellosa in the South Sea of Korea. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]