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The development of a biodegradable vascular scaffold (BVS) for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) still requires some improvement. Among them, re-endothelialization and anti-inflammation are clinically important to restore vascular function. In this study, we proposed a coating system to deliver hydrophilic bioactive agents to BVS using nanoemulsion and drop-casting methods. The poly(L-lactide) (PLLA) scaffold containing magnesium hydroxide (MH) was coated on the surface with bioactive molecules such as polydeoxyribonucleotide (PDRN), L-arginine (Arg, R), and mesenchymal stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs). PDRN upregulates the expression of VEGF as one of the A2A receptor agonists; and Arg, synthesized into nitric oxide by intracellular eNOS, induces endothelialization. In particular, EVs, which are composed of a lipid bilayer and transfer bioactive materials such as protein and nucleic acid, regulate homeostasis in blood vessels. Such a bioactive agent coating system and its PLLA composite suggest a new platform for the treatment of cardiovascular dysfunction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Despite the widespread use of the unilateral striatal 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) lesion model in mice in recent years, the stability of behavioral deficits in the 6-OHDA striatal mouse model over time is not yet clear, raising concerns about using this model to evaluate a compound's long-term therapeutic effects. Materials and methods: In the current study, mice were tested at regular intervals in the cylinder test and gait analysis beginning 3 days after 6-OHDA injection of 4 and 8 mg and lasting until 56 days post-lesion. Apomorphineinduced rotational test and rotarod test were also performed on Day 23 and 43 post-lesion, respectively. Immunohistochemistry for dopaminergic neurons stained by tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) was also performed. Results: Our results showed that both the 4 and 8 mg 6-OHDA lesion groups exhibited forelimb use asymmetry with a preference for the ipsilateral (injection) side on Day 3 and until Day 21 post-lesion, but did not show forelimb asymmetry on Day 28 to 56 post-lesion. The 8 mg 6-OHDA lesion group still exhibited forelimb asymmetry on Day 28 and 42 post-lesion, but not on Day 56. The gait analysis showed that the contralateral front and hind step cycles increased from Day 3 to 42 post-lesion and recovered on Day 56 post-lesion. In addition, our results displayed a dose-dependent reduction in THC cells and THC fibers, as well as dose-dependent apomorphine-induced rotations. In the rotarod test, the 8 mg 6-OHDA lesion group, but not the 4 mg group, decreased the latency to fall on the rotarod on Day 43 post-lesion. Conclusion: In summary, unilateral striatal 6-OHDA injections of 4 and 8 mg induced spontaneous motor impairment in mice, which partially recovered starting on Day 28 post-lesion. Forced motor deficits were observed in the 8 g 6-OHDA lesion group, which remained stable on Day 43 postlesion. In addition, the rotarod test and apomorphine-induced rotational test can distinguish between lesions of different extents and are useful tools for the assessment of functional recovery in studies screening novel potential therapies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Measurements targeting mesoscale and smaller-scale processes in the ice-covered part of the Arctic Ocean are sparse in all seasons. As a result, there are significant knowledge gaps with respect to these processes, particularly related to the role of eddies and fronts in the coupled ocean–atmosphere–sea ice system. Here we present a unique observational dataset of upper ocean temperature and salinity collected by a set of buoys installed on ice floes as part of the Multidisciplinary drifting Observatory for the Study of Arctic Climate (MOSAiC) Distributed Network. The multi-sensor systems, each equipped with five temperature and salinity recorders on a 100 m long inductive modem tether, drifted together with the main MOSAiC ice camp through the Arctic Transpolar Drift between October 2019 and August 2020. They transmitted hydrographic in situ data via the iridium satellite network at 10 min intervals. While three buoys failed early due to ice dynamics, five of them recorded data continuously for 10 months. A total of four units were successfully recovered in early August 2020, additionally yielding internally stored instrument data at 2 min intervals. The raw data were merged, processed, quality controlled, and validated using independent measurements also obtained during MOSAiC. Compilations of the raw and processed datasets are publicly available at 10.1594/PANGAEA.937271 and 10.1594/PANGAEA.940320 , respectively. As an important part of the MOSAiC physical oceanography program, this unique dataset has many synergies with the manifold co-located observational datasets and is expected to yield significant insights into ocean processes and to contribute to the validation of high-resolution numerical simulations. While this dataset has the potential to contribute to submesoscale process studies, this paper mainly highlights selected preliminary findings on mesoscale processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection is chronic and etiologically linked to gastric cancer (GC) derived from gastric epithelium. The potential mechanism is complex, covering chronic inflammation, epithelial senescence, NF-κB activation, the cytotoxin-associated gene A protein translocation, and related abnormal signaling pathways. In clinical practice, the test-and-treat strategy, endoscopy-based strategy, and (family-based) screen-and-treat strategy are recommended to detect H. pylori and prevent GC. It has been demonstrated that the decreasing annual incidence of GC is largely attributable to the management of H. pylori. This study reviews the current clinical practice of H. pylori on the detection and eradication, alternative treatment strategies, and related problems and advances, and hopes to contribute to the better clinical management of H. pylori. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Liposarcomas (LPS) are malignancies arising from adipose tissue. Based on the histological appearance, five subtypes are distinguished: well-differentiated LPS, dedifferentiated LPS (DDLPS), myxoid LPS (MLPS), pleomorphic LPS, and myxoid pleomorphic LPS. Immune cells can infiltrate the tumor microenvironment (TME) of LPS and can either promote an efficient antitumor immune response or mediate immunosuppression paving the way for immune evasion of the tumor. The LPS subtypes display different TME characteristics and vary in regard to immune cell infiltration, ranging from the generally lowly infiltrated MLPS to the highly infiltrated DDLPS where immunological determinants predict response to novel antibody-based immunotherapy. Thus, immune cells in the TME can significantly affect response to therapy, disease progression, and patient survival. This review aims to decipher the immune contexture of LPS as well as its clinical association and highlights differences between the LPS subtypes that may have implications for the design of novel treatment strategies. Liposarcomas (LPS) are the most frequent malignancies in the soft tissue sarcoma family and consist of five distinctive histological subtypes, termed well-differentiated LPS, dedifferentiated LPS (DDLPS), myxoid LPS (MLPS), pleomorphic LPS, and myxoid pleomorphic LPS. They display variations in genetic alterations, clinical behavior, and prognostic course. While accumulating evidence implicates a crucial role of the tumor immune contexture in shaping the response to anticancer treatments, the immunological landscape of LPS is highly variable across different subtypes. Thus, DDLPS is characterized by a higher abundance of infiltrating T cells, yet the opposite was reported for MLPS. Interestingly, a recent study indicated that the frequency of pre-existing T cells in soft tissue sarcomas has a predictive value for immune checkpoint inhibitor (CPI) therapy. Additionally, B cells and tertiary lymphoid structures were identified as potential biomarkers for the clinical outcome of LPS patients and response to CPI therapy. Furthermore, it was demonstrated that macrophages, predominantly of M2 polarization, are frequently associated with poor prognosis. An improved understanding of the complex LPS immune contexture enables the design and refinement of novel immunotherapeutic approaches. Here, we summarize recent studies focusing on the clinicopathological, genetic, and immunological determinants of LPS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As changes to Earth's polar climate accelerate, the need for robust, long–term sea ice thickness observation datasets for monitoring those changes and for verification of global climate models is clear. By linking an algorithm for retrieving snow–ice interface temperature from passive microwave satellite data to a thermodynamic sea ice energy balance relation known as Stefan's law, we have developed a retrieval method for estimating thermodynamic sea ice thickness growth from space: Stefan's Law Integrated Conducted Energy (SLICE). With an initial condition at the beginning of the sea ice growth season, the method can model basin-wide absolute sea ice thickness by combining the one-dimensional SLICE retrieval with an ice motion dataset. The advantages of the SLICE retrieval method include daily basin-wide coverage, lack of atmospheric reanalysis product input requirement, and a potential for use beginning in 1987. Validation of the retrieval against measurements from 10 ice mass balance buoys shows a mean correlation of 0.89 and a mean bias of 0.06 m over the course of an entire sea ice growth season. Despite its simplifications and assumptions relative to models like the Pan-Arctic Ice–Ocean Modeling and Assimilation System (PIOMAS), basin-wide SLICE performs nearly as well as PIOMAS when compared against CryoSat-2 and Operation IceBridge using a linear correlation between collocated points. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study analyzed the influence of some bioactive substances on vegetative propagation based on stem cuttings of Crassula ovata (Miller) Druce (jade tree). Stem cuttings were taken from the source plants for vegetation propagation. The cuttings were 5 cm long, 0.6 cm in diameter and had two pairs of leaves, with a high degree of uniformity. Three biostimulant products were used, Raiza, Rhyzo and Sangral, along with a control variant (Ct). A peat substrate, Klasmann TS3, was used for rooting. The cuttings treated with the biostimulating products and those from the control variant were placed on the rooting substrate on June 16, 2022. The number of roots (RN) and the length of roots (RL) were evaluated at three times during the study period; June 30 (t1), July 7 (t2) and July 14 (t3). The variation of RN and RL in relation to time (days) during the study period was described by polynomial equations of the 2nd degree, under statistical safety conditions (p<0.01). According to PCA, PC1 explained 60.665% of variance, and PC2 explained 26.216% of variance. Associated with the Sangral product were RN-t2 and RN-t3 parameters, and associated with the Raiza and Rhyzo products were RN-t1 parameters and especially root length, RL-t1, RL-t2 and RL-t3. Under the aspect of the increase in the formation of the number of roots, based on the recorded values, it was found that the Sangral product generated a stronger rooting (RN-t2-I = 4.92; RN-t3-I = 3.25), and with regard to the length of the roots (RL), the Rhyzo product generated the largest increases (RL-t2-I = 1.03 cm, respectively RN-t3-I = 1.49 cm). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chemotherapy is a common therapy to treat patients with breast cancer but also leads to skeletal muscle deconditioning. Skeletal muscle deconditioning is multifactorial and intermuscular adipose tissue (IMAT) accumulation is closely linked to muscle dysfunction. To date, there is no clinical study available investigating IMAT development through a longitudinal protocol and the underlying mechanisms remain unknown. Our study was dedicated to investigating IMAT content in patients with early breast cancer who were treated with chemotherapy and exploring the subsequent cellular mechanisms involved in its development. We included 13 women undergoing chemotherapy. Muscle biopsies and ultrasonography assessment were performed before and after chemotherapy completion. Histological and Western blotting analyses were conducted. We found a substantial increase in protein levels of three mature adipocyte markers (perilipin, þ901%; adiponectin, þ135%; FABP4, +321%; P < 0.05). These results were supported by an increase in oil red O-positive staining (+358%; P < 0.05). A substantial increase in PDGFRa protein levels was observed (+476%; P < 0.05) highlighting an increase in fibro-adipogenic progenitors (FAPs) content. The cross-sectional area of the vastus lateralis muscle fibers substantially decreased (-21%; P < 0.01), and muscle architecture was altered, as shown by a decrease in fascicle length (-15%; P < 0.05) and a decreasing trend in muscle thickness (-8%; P = 0.08). We demonstrated both IMAT development and muscle atrophy in patients with breast cancer who were treated with chemotherapy. FAPs, critical stem cells inducing both IMAT development and skeletal muscle atrophy, also increased, suggesting that FAPs likely play a critical role in the skeletal muscle deconditioning observed in patients with breast cancer who were treated with chemotherapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Physical fitness is an important part of overall health. High-intensity interval training (HIIT) is a popular form of exercise that has been repeatedly proven as a functional way of developing cardiorespiratory fitness. Air bike is a widespread cardio machine suitable for HIIT. The aim of this research was to verify the effect of HIIT using air bike on the development of selected physical fitness parameters and compare it to moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT). Twenty active young adults (age 22.1±2.5) were the subject of the research in the research. The participants underwent a complex strength and endurance test, a spiroergometric examination, and a body composition analysis. The experimental group (EG) did HIIT twice a week with work intervals (15-45 seconds), while the control group did MICT in a comparable time period. The results have shown significant improvement in back squat (8.25%), pulling strength (7.07%), aerobic endurance (18.74%), and VO2peak (10.62%). Comparison of the groups has shown a significant difference in bench press (ES=1.01), back squat (ES=0.68), anaerobic endurance (ES=0.97), aerobic endurance (ES=1.456), and VO2peak (ES=0.92). According to the results, we can conclude that HIIT using air bike is an effective way of developing multiple aspects of physical fitness and is thus suitable for training programs that aim to develop health and sports performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Slope gradient affects the development of vegetation. Because vegetation serves as food and shelter for wildlife, information about the effect of slope gradient on vegetation is important for managing wildlife and their habitats. We examined the effects of slope gradient on small rodent populations and their microhabitat conditions from May to November 2015 in a tree-thinned Japanese larch (Larix kaempferi) plantation in South Korea. Study animals were captured using Sherman live traps. We surveyed slope gradient and microhabitat conditions at multiple trapping points. We focused on two rodent species for statistical analysis, the striped field mouse (Apodemus agrarius) and the Korean field mouse (A. peninsulae). A. agrarius preferred microhabitat with dense ground vegetation, whereas A. peninsulae preferred understory vegetation. Ground vegetation was reduced as slope gradient increased, but understory vegetation was not affected by slope gradient. The results highlight that the A. agrarius population was influenced indirectly by the negative effect of slope gradient on ground vegetation because ground vegetation serves as food and shelter for A. agrarius. Thus, slope gradient had a negative effect on A. agrarius, but not on A. peninsulae. This study suggests that habitat management, especially in treethinned habitats where ground vegetation develops explosively, should be accomplished by considering slope gradient for both creating suitable microhabitats for small rodents and encouraging biodiversity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi (SBG) is a traditional Chinese medicine widely used to treat disorders such as hypertension, dysentery and hemorrhaging. Here, we aimed to assess the pharmacological effects of SBG on skin aging and to investigate the underlying mechanisms. Mice with skin aging were established by treatment with D-galactose and ultraviolet-B. SBG (topical application) showed a protective effect on skin aging in mice, as evidenced by less formation of skin wrinkles, higher levels of SOD (superoxide dismutase) and HYP (hydroxyproline) as well as a lower level of MDA (malondialdehyde). In the meantime, skin MMP-1 and p53 expression were lower, epidermis was thinner and collagen amount was higher in SBG-treated mice. Anti-skin aging effects of SBG were also confirmed in NIH3T3 and HaCaT cells, as well as in mouse primary dermal fibroblasts and human primary epidermal keratinocytes. Furthermore, we found that loss of Rev-erbα (a known repressor of Bmal1) up-regulated skin BMAL1 (a clock component and a known anti-aging factor) and ameliorated skin aging in mice. Moreover, SBG dose-dependently increased the expression of BMAL1 in the skin of aged mice and in senescent NIT3H3 cells. In addition, based on a combination of Gal4 chimeric, luciferase reporter and expression assays, SBG was identified as an antagonist of REV-ERBα and thus an inducer of BMAL1 expression. In conclusion, SBG antagonizes REV-ERBα to up-regulate BMAL1 and to protect against skin aging in mice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The reliable and accurate detection of bridges plays an important role in imaging-driven transportation surveillance. It is capable of timely providing the traffic information, leading to safer and more convenient transportation. However, the visual quality of observed images is often inevitably reduced owing to the adverse weather conditions, e.g., haze and low lightness. It is still difficult to adopt the existing powerful deep learning methods to reliably and accurately detect the bridges under different imaging conditions. To achieve satisfactory bridge detection results, we first propose to exploit the data augmentation strategy and physical imaging method to generate the natural-looking experimental dataset, which contains latent high-quality images and their hazy and low-light versions. We then investigate how to further promote the deep learning-based bridge detection methods through the manually generated dataset. It is obvious that the generalization abilities of these deep neural networks are significantly improved using this data augmentation strategy. In this work, we constructed an original dataset consisting of 3500 images of size 900×600, collected under normal imaging condition. Extensive detection experiments will be performed based on the augmented dataset. Experimental results have demonstrated that our automatic bridge detection framework could generate more reliable and accurate results compared with existing detection methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A database of 479 glass formulations used to immobilize radioactive wastes for facilities in a safe and resilient infrastructure was analyzed, searching for underlying statistical patterns and associated glass performance features. The analyzed data cover many oxides, including SiO2, B2O3, Na2O, Fe2O3, and some fluorides. Borosilicates were the most common glasses (60.1%), while silicates were only 11.9%. In addition to these two families, five radioactive waste vitrification matrices were identified: Boroaluminosilicates, iron phosphates, aluminosilicates, sodium iron phosphates, and boroaluminates, totaling seven glass families. Almost all compositions (97.7%) contained sodium oxide, followed by silica (91.4%), iron (82.7%), boron (73.7%), phosphorus (54.9%), and cesium oxides (26.1%). Multivariate exploratory methods were applied to analyze and classify glass compositions using hierarchical and non-hierarchical (K-means) clusters and principal component analysis. Four main clusters were observed, the largest comprising 417 formulations containing mainly silicates, borosilicates, aluminosilicates, and boroaluminosilicates; two principal components, representing 73.75% of all compositions, emerge from these four clusters derived from a covariance analysis. The principal components and four clusters may be associated with the following glass features in terms of glass compositions: liquidus temperature, glass transition temperature, density, resistivity, microhardness, and viscosity. Some general underlying properties emerged from our classification and are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article analyzes and suggests the tuning and design improvement in the excitation system for the 1400 MW Tehri–Koteshwar hydropower plant (HPP) to mitigate the severe issues of active power oscillations leading to tripping of generating units. The static excitation system model ST5B, power system stabilizer model PSS3B, and over excitation limiter (OEL) are designed for each synchronous machine in the power plant. The coordination of ST5B, PSS3B, and OEL during critical transient operating conditions is analyzed. The proper coordination of these components of excitation system provides better transient and voltage stability. A new thermal-based OEL and modified power system stabilizer (PSS) designs are implemented to enhance the system's voltage and transient stability. The advantage of improved transient response by using different transient gain reduction (TGR) blocks formed by the lead-lag filter in ST5B during normal and limiting excitation operating conditions is presented. The ST5B and PSS3B dynamic analysis and tuning are performed using bode frequency response in offline mode. The robustness of the modified excitation system and limiters together with the added advantage of different TGR blocks in ST5B are verified using real-time digital simulator. A PSS-improved design and thermal-based OEL implemented for this HPP offer better transient and voltage stability as compared to the existing excitation system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Indonesian local ducks are commonly raised for egg production purposes. However, the performances of these ducks are still variable and must be improved. This study investigated the effects of turmeric, curcuma, and probiotic supplementations on the egg production and quality of Indonesian local ducks, emphasizing the eggs' fatty acid profile. Two hundred female local ducks aged 16 weeks were randomly allotted to four dietary treatments with five replicates of 10 birds. The ducks were fed a corn and rice bran-based diet containing different supplements, i.e., a diet without supplementation as the control diet, a diet supplemented with turmeric at the level of 4%, a diet supplemented with curcuma at the level of 4%, and a diet supplemented with starbio probiotics at the level of 2%. The measured data were analyzed using analysis of variance using the 13 Systat program and continued with Duncan's Multiple Range Test. Turmeric supplementation increased egg production compared with the control, and the duck fed probiotics consumed more feed than the control. Curcuma supplementation generated the lowest feed consumption, egg production, and physical egg quality than the other treatments (p<0.05). The probiotics supplementation enhanced the blood high-density lipoprotein concentration (p<0.05). Turmeric, curcuma, and probiotics supplementations generate variable responses in egg production and egg quality, including the fatty acid profile in the eggs. Turmeric and probiotics supplementations positively impact egg production, egg quality, or unsaturated fatty acid profile in the egg. However, curcuma supplementation decreased egg production and egg quality of local ducks. Furthermore, the fatty acid profile was not influenced by these supplements. It is concluded that supplementation of turmeric at the level of 4% and probiotics at the level of 2% in the diet can increase egg production and egg quality of local duck. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The purpose of this study is to establish and evaluate an early biomarker prediction model of massive cerebral infarction caused by anterior circulation occlusion. Methods: One hundred thirty-four patients with acute cerebral infarction from January 2018 to October 2020 were selected to establish the development cohort for the internal test of the nomogram. Ninety-one patients with acute cerebral infarction hospitalized in our hospital from December 2020 to December 2021 were constituted the validation cohort for the external validation. All patients underwent baseline computed tomography (CT) scans within 12 h of onset and early imaging signs (hyperdense middle cerebral artery sign, obscuration of the lentiform nucleus, insular ribbon sign) of acute cerebral infarction were identified on CT by two neurologists. Based on follow-up CT images, patients were then divided into a massive cerebral infarction group and a non-massive cerebral infarction group. The nomogram model was constructed based on logistic regression analysis with R language. The nomogram was subsequently validated in an independent external validation cohort. Accuracy and discrimination of the prediction model were evaluated by a calibration chart, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, and decision curve. Results: The indicators, including insular ribbon sign, reperfusion therapy, National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NHISS) score, previous cerebral infarction, and atrial fibrillation, were entered into the prediction model through binary logistic regression analysis. The predictionmodel showed good predictive ability. The area under the ROC curve of the prediction model was 0.848. The specificity, sensitivity, and Youden index were 0.864, 0.733, and 0.597, respectively. This nomogram to the validation cohort also showed good discrimination (AUC = 0.940, 95% CI 0.894-0.985) and calibration. Conclusion: Demonstrating favorable predictive efficacy and reproducibility, this study successfully established a prediction model of CT imaging signs and clinical data as early biomarkers of massive cerebral infarction caused by anterior circulation occlusion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cryptorchidism, a condition in which testes fail to descend from the abdomen into the scrotum, is a risk factor for infertility and germ cell cancer. Normally, tight junctions between adjacent Sertoli cells in the testes form a blood–testes barrier that regulates spermatogenesis; however, the effect of cryptorchidism on tight junctions is not well-understood. We established a model of heat-induced testicular damage in dogs using surgical cryptorchidism. We sequenced RNA to investigate whether certain transcripts are expressed at higher rates in heat-damaged versus normally descended testes. Claudins, cell adhesion molecules, were relatively highly expressed in cryptorchid testes: claudins 2, 3, 5, 11, and 18 were significantly increased in cryptorchid testes and reduced by orchiopexy. SOX9-positive Sertoli cells were present in the seminiferous tubules in both cryptorchid and control testes. Using real-time PCR and Western blot analysis to compare Sertoli cells cultured at 34 °C and 37 °C, we found that Sertoli cell claudins 2, 3, 5, 11, and 18 were significantly increased at 37 °C; however, accumulation was higher in the G0/G1 phase in Sertoli cells cultured at 34 °C. These results indicate that testicular hyperthermia caused by cryptorchidism affects claudin expression, regulated germ cell death, and the proliferation of Sertoli cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is frequently seen in elderly patients. The aim of our retrospective study was to evaluate the impact of age on postoperative short-term and long-term outcomes in patients undergoing curative pancreatic resection for PDAC. Our data confirm that pancreatic resections can be performed with equal short-term outcomes even in older age. However, patient age significantly influenced the overall and disease-free survival of patients with PDAC undergoing primary resection in curative intent. Therefore, the choice of the optimal therapy concept for each patient should be individualized taking into account the patient's age. (1) Purpose: to evaluate the impact of age on postoperative short-term and long-term outcomes in patients undergoing curative pancreatic resection for PDAC. (2) Methods: This retrospective single-center study comprised 213 patients who had undergone primary resection of PDAC from January 2000 to December 2018 at the University Hospital of Erlangen, Germany. Patients were stratified according the age into two groups: younger (≤70 years) and older (>70 years) patients. Postoperative outcome and long-term survival were compared between the groups. (3) Results: There were no significant differences regarding inhospital morbidity (58% vs. 67%, p = 0.255) or inhospital mortality (2% vs. 7%, p = 0.073) between the two groups. The median overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) were significantly shorter in elderly patients (OS: 29.2 vs. 17.1 months, p < 0.001, respectively; DFS: 14.9 vs. 10.4 months, p = 0.034). Multivariate analysis revealed that age was a significant independent prognostic predictor for OS and DFS (HR 2.23, 95% CI 1.58–3.15; p < 0.001 for OS and HR 1.62, 95% CI 1.17–2.24; p = 0.004 for DFS). (4) Conclusion: patient age significantly influenced overall and disease-free survival in patients with PDAC undergoing primary resection in curative intent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper proposes a high-efficiency and dimmable current sink topology along with a design methodology for low node processes. The design methodology is demonstrated using a boost-based WLED driver application. In this work, the focus is on current regulation rather than voltage regulation. Therefore, the proposed topology exploits a smaller and faster NMOS pass device, replacing the conventional PMOS-based LDO arrangement. An amplifier-boosted pass-transistor current sink topology combined with a 5-bit programmable degenerated source resistor is being utilized for high-efficiency and brightness control. The realized WLED driver validates the proposed topology and the design methodology utilizing 40 nm CMOS TSMC technology. The design takes advantage of the programmability of the resistor to enhance the system's power efficiency. This programmable resistor enables dimmability via current segmentation with a 1 mA step for a total of 25 mA. For a 500 mV voltage ripple at the DC-DC converter output driving 6 WLEDs with a 3.2 V forward voltage drop each, a worst-case current ripple of 200 µA and simulated efficiency of 97.6% is achieved for optimum pass-transistor size. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study used a novel 3D analysis to longitudinally evaluate orthodontic tooth movement (OTM) and bone morphometry. Twelve-week-old male Wistar rats were subjected to OTM by applying a constant orthodontic force (OF) of 25cN between one of the upper first molars and a mini-screw. In vivo micro-CTs were taken before and after 10, 17, 24 and 31 days of force application, and superimposed by a novel and rigid voxel-based registration method. Then the tooth and alveolar bone segment at different time points became comparable in the same coordinate system, which facilitated the analysis of their dynamic changes in 3D. By comparison between time points and between OF and no OF sides, this study showed that the OTM rate was not constant through time, but conformed to a 'V' shape changing pattern. Besides, OF induced displacement of both loaded and unloaded teeth, and the latter mirrored the former in a delayed manner. In addition, bone morphometric changes synchronized with OTM rate changes, implying that a higher OTM rate was concomitant with more alveolar bone loss. The pressure and tension areas might not be in two opposite sides, but actually adjacent and connected. These findings might provide instructive evidence for both clinical, translational and basic research in orthodontics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Significant progress has been made in the development of countermeasures to attenuate the negative consequences of prolonged exposure to microgravity on astronauts’ bodies. Deconditioning of several organ systems during flight includes losses to cardiorespiratory fitness, muscle mass, bone density and strength. Similar deconditioning also occurs during prolonged bedrest; any protracted time immobile or inactive, especially for unwell older adults (e.g., confined to hospital beds), can lead to similar detrimental health consequences. Due to limitations in physiological research in space, the six-degree head-down tilt bedrest protocol was developed as ground-based analogue to spaceflight. A variety of exercise countermeasures have been tested as interventions to limit detrimental changes and physiological deconditioning of the musculoskeletal and cardiovascular systems. The Canadian Institutes of Health Research and the Canadian Space Agency recently provided funding for research focused on Understanding the Health Impact of Inactivity to study the efficacy of exercise countermeasures in a 14-day randomized clinical trial of six-degree head-down tilt bedrest study in older adults aged 55–65 years old (BROA). Here we will describe the development of a multi-modality countermeasure protocol for the BROA campaign that includes upper- and lower-body resistance exercise and head-down tilt cycle ergometry (high-intensity interval and continuous aerobic exercise training). We provide reasoning for the choice of these modalities following review of the latest available information on exercise as a countermeasure for inactivity and spaceflight-related deconditioning. In summary, this paper sets out to review up-to-date exercise countermeasure research from spaceflight and head-down bedrest studies, whilst providing support for the proposed research countermeasure protocols developed for the bedrest study in older adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents the results of research on a new method of restoration by means of electrospark alloying (ESA) of X10CrNiTi18-10 steel details, which operates under radiation conditions. The method can be used to repair machine details of nuclear power plants. The technology includes coating the worn surface of the detail with an ESA electrode, which is made of steel X10CrNiTi18-10 or nickel, which does not contain special additives of cobalt and other elements that form long-lived isotopes in the active working environment. ESA is carried out in two stages. Before the first stage, a layer of graphite electrode coating is applied to the worn steel surface by the ESA method--a tool with a discharge energy Wp = 0.02 J and a productivity 0.3 sm²/min. At ESA by the electrode tool from steel X10CrNiTi18-10 the first and second stages are car- ried out, accordingly at Wp = 0.20 J with productivity 1.6 sm²/min; and Wp = 0.55 J with a productivity 2.5 sm²/min. As a result, the coating thickness is ΔH = 0.19 mm, the continuity is S = 100% and the roughness is Rz = 57 µm. During ESA the first and second stages are carried out by nickel electrode tool respectively at Wp = 0.55 J with a capacity 2.5 sm²/min and Wp = 0.90 J with a capacity 3.4 sm²/min. As a result, ΔH = 0.20 mm, S = 100 % and Rz = 38 µm. The increase in discharge energy in ESA is accompanied by a decrease in yield strength and tensile strength and an increase in the relative elongation and relative narrowing of the sample. During the ESA of the sample with Wp = 0.90 J, compared with the undoped sample, the yield strength and tensile strength decrease with alloying by steel X10CrNiTi18-10, respectively, to 11.7% and 8.3%, and the relative elongation and relative narrowing increases, respectively, to 15% and 14.7%. During the ESA by nickel yield strength and tensile strength decreases to 13.3% and 8.6%, respectively, and the relative elongation and relative narrowing increase to 14.7% and 16.7%, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was conducted to investigate the relationships between patch size and habitat variables in the context of small rodent populations in the urban woods of the Daejeon metropolitan area in South Korea. The forested patches included in this study ranged from 2.1 to 1934.1 ha in size. Six species of small rodents were captured during this study. The number of small rodent species and the total number of captured individuals were correlated with patch size. We focused on the patch size and preferred habitat variables of two dominant small rodents, Apodemus agrarius and A. peninsulae, and found that the numbers of captured individuals of both species were highly related to the patch size. We determined that understory coverage and the volume of coarse woody debris were the habitat variables associated with the A. agrarius population, while the corresponding variables associated with A. peninsulae population were suboverstory coverage, understory coverage, and the volume of coarse woody debris as preferred habitat variables. We found that patch size and habitat variables had major direct effects on small rodent populations. Investigations of biodiversity in urban areas are necessary and should be considered in urban planning for the conservation of biodiversity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to investigate factors affecting total, true protein and lactoferrin (Lf) concentrations in human milk (HM) and to evaluate the changes in protein concentrations over the course of lactation (first to sixth month postpartum). HM samples were collected from exclusively breastfeeding mothers during six time periods (1-6 months postpartum); 198 breast milk samples were collected in total. The concentrations of total and true protein in HM were determined using the MIRIS human milk analyzer (HMA). The assessment of HM protein content was also performed in skim HM samples and quantified by bicinchoninic methods with the Bicinchoninic Acid Protein Assay Kit. In turn, Lf content in skim HM samples was determined by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in accordance with a slightly modified procedure. In the first month of lactation total protein concentration was negatively correlated with maternal pre-pregnancy BMI (r = - 0.397; p = 0.022), whereas in the third month postpartum, positive correlation with maternal age was found (r = 0.399; p = 0.021). Considering Lf concentration, in the first month of lactation, it was positively correlated with baby's birth weight (r = 0.514; p = 0.002). In the next months (from second to sixth) no relationships between Lf concentration and maternal and infants' factors were observed. The concentration of protein and Lf in HM changes dynamically throughout lactation. Maternal and infant characteristics may impact the HM protein and Lf content, especially in the first month postpartum., (© 2023. The Author(s).)

Background. Hypertension is an important risk factor of cardiovascular (CV) disease. An early diagnosis of target organ damage could prevent major CV events. Electrocardiography (ECG) is a valuable clinical technique, with wide availability and high specificity, used in evaluation of hypertensive patients. However, the use of ECG as a predictor tool is controversial given its low sensitivity. This study aims to characterise ECG features in a hypertensive population and identify ECG abnormalities that could predict CV events. Methods. We studied 175 hypertensive patients without previous CV events during a follow-up mean of 4.0 ± 2.20 years. ECGs and pulse wave velocity were performed in all patients. Clinical characteristics and ECG abnormalities were evaluated and compared between the patients as they presented CV events. Results. Considering the 175 patients (53.14% male), the median age was 62 years. Median systolic blood pressure was 140 mmHg and diastolic blood pressure was 78 mmHg. Median PWV was 9.8 m/s. Of the patients, 39.4% were diabetic, 78.3% had hyperlipidaemia, and 16.0% had smoking habits. ECG identified left ventricular (LV) hypertrophy in 29.71% of the patients, and a LV strain pattern was present in 9.7% of the patients. Twenty-nine patients (16.57%) had a CV event. Comparative analyses showed statistical significance for the presence of a LV strain pattern in patients with CV events (p = 0.01). Univariate and multivariate analysis confirmed that a LV strain pattern was an independent predictor of CV event (HR 2.66, 95% IC 1.01–7.00). In the survival analysis, the Kaplan–Meier curve showed a worse prognosis for CV events in patients with a LV strain pattern (p = 0.014). Conclusion. ECG is a useful daily method to identify end-organ damage in hypertensive patients. In our study, we also observed that it may be a valuable tool for the prediction of CV events. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent decades, photoluminescence (PL) material with excellent optical properties has been a hot topic. Graphene oxide (GO) is an excellent candidate for PL material because of its unique optical properties, compared to pure graphene. The existence of an internal band gap in GO can enrich its optical properties significantly. Therefore, GO has been widely applied in many fields such as material science, biomedicine, anti-counterfeiting, and so on. Over the past decade, GO and quantum dots (GOQDs) have attracted the attention of many researchers as luminescence materials, but their luminescence mechanism is still ambiguous, although some theoretical results have been achieved. In addition, GO and GOQDs have fluorescence quenching properties, which can be used in medical imaging and biosensors. In this review, we outline the recent work on the photoluminescence phenomena and quenching process of GO and GOQDs. First, the PL mechanisms of GO are discussed in depth. Second, the fluorescence quenching mechanism and regulation of GO are introduced. Following that, the applications of PL and fluorescence quenching of GO–including biomedicine, electronic devices, material imaging–are addressed. Finally, future development of PL and fluorescence quenching of GO is proposed, and the challenges exploring the optical properties of GO are summarized. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Skillful sea ice drift forecasts are crucial for scientific mission planning and marine safety. Wind is the dominant driver of ice motion variability, but more slowly varying components of the climate system, in particular ice thickness and ocean currents, bear the potential to render ice drift more predictable than the wind. In this study, we provide the first assessment of Arctic sea ice drift predictability in four coupled general circulation models (GCMs), using a suite of "perfect-model" ensemble simulations. We find the position vector from Lagrangian trajectories of virtual buoys to remain predictable for at least a 90 (45) d lead time for initializations in January (July), reaching about 80 % of the position uncertainty of a climatological reference forecast. In contrast, the uncertainty in Eulerian drift vector predictions reaches the level of the climatological uncertainty within 4 weeks. Spatial patterns of uncertainty, varying with season and across models, develop in all investigated GCMs. For two models providing near-surface wind data (AWI-CM1 and HadGEM1.2), we find spatial patterns and large fractions of the variance to be explained by wind vector uncertainty. The latter implies that sea ice drift is only marginally more predictable than wind. Nevertheless, particularly one of the four models (GFDL-CM3) shows a significant correlation of up to -0.85 between initial ice thickness and target position uncertainty in large parts of the Arctic. Our results provide a first assessment of the inherent predictability of ice motion in coupled climate models; they can be used to put current real-world forecast skill into perspective and highlight the model diversity of sea ice drift predictability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Owing to their low minimal environmental risk and other ethical considerations, plant-derived sterilants are used to control rodent populations. However, the effects of plant-derived sterilants are not immediate, and their efficacy on rodent control is controversial, which negatively affects sterilant research and application. Here, a meta-analysis of the available literature was conducted to evaluate the effects of two plant-derived sterilants, triptolide and curcumol, on rodent populations. Using a random-effects and a fixed-effects model, we calculated the weighted mean difference (WMD) and relative risk (RR) and their corresponding 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs). After the application of plant-derived sterilants, the rodent population density tended to decrease. Three outcome-related measures in rodents, i.e., capture rate (RR = 0.31, 95% CI [0.20, 0.47]), pregnancy rate (RR = 0.49, 95% CI [0.40, 0.61]), and sperm survival rate (WMD = −17.53, 95% CI [−28.96, −6.06]), significantly decreased, as shown by a significant reduction of ovarian, uterine, and testicular organ coefficients. However, the number of effective rodent holes did not change significantly after the interventions, indicating that the studied sterilants did not directly eradicate the rodent populations. This study provides a theoretical basis for elucidating the inhibitory mechanisms of plant-derived sterilants on rodent populations and for the rational use of these sterilants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of milk on physicochemical and functional properties of kencur jelly drink has been investigated. The results of the analysis showed a decrease in water, ash, total sugar, phenol and flavonoid content, antioxidant activity, and syneresis in the kencur-milk jelly drinks. However, the addition of milk was detected to increase protein, fat, pH, and antibacterial activity against Salmonella typhimurium and Escherichia coli bacteria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The adipose tissue, regardless of its role in generating and storing energy, acts as a key player as an endocrine tissue, producing a wide scale of cytokines/hormones called adipokines. Adipokines such as leptin, resistin, visfatin and osteopontin own pro-inflammatory effects on the cardiovascular system in some cases. In contrast, some adipokines have cardioprotective and anti-inflammatory impacts including adiponectin, omentin, and apelin. One of the key adipokines is adiponectin, the abundant peptide regulating hormone that is released mainly by adipocytes and cardiomyocytes as well as by endothelial and skeletal cells. It acts through two main receptors: AdipoR1 and AdipoR2, forming the "Adiponectin system" which effectively exerts its cellular mechanisms and responses in target cells. It regulates various metabolic processes, while adiponectin is the adipocyte hormone known for its cardioprotective impact in clinical and experimental research. It is also a well-effector metabolic adipokine, since weight loss or diet restriction show a link with rises in adiponectin concentrations, which is accompanied with increasing insulin sensitivity, glucose, and lipids-regulation via adiponectin's antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-fibrotic actions. The high adiponectin level made it an attractive player in developing therapeutical treatments for metabolic syndromes and cardiovascular disease. The elevated plasma levels of adiponectin are mostly attributed to its benefits on cardio-metabolism. In some cases, adiponectin has been paradoxically accompanied with elevated risk of cardiovascular disease, so higher adiponectin concentration is a marker of poor prediction. Thus, the adiponectin system is attractive to researchers as a biomarker of heart disease advancement and a predictor of prognosis during the term of some cardiovascular diseases and its mechanical functions in Hypertension and diabetic patients. This review highlights the physiological roles of adiponectin as an anti-inflammatory and cardioprotective hormone as well as how it plays as a biomarker and potential therapeutic tool in the cardiovascular system in adult, children, and adolescents. The adiponectin system may be seen as a rescue hormone aiding in remodeling of the cardiovascular system on both cellular and molecular levels. The paradox role of adiponectin relevant to cardiovascular mortality should be taken into consideration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fe-Mn-Al-C steel, which is a potential lightweight material for automobiles, has a variety of microstructures and good mechanical properties. The effect of κ carbides on the mechanical properties and strain hardening rate of Fe-27Mn-10Al-1C (wt.%) low density steel was studied by short-time heat treatment to control the precipitation behavior of κ carbides. Quenched specimens have an excellent combination of strength and plasticity and continuous high strain hardening rate, which is due to the uniform distribution of κ carbides with an average size of 1.6 nm in an austenite matrix. The fracture mode of the sample changed from ductile fracture to cleavage fracture, which was because the aging treatment promoted the precipitation of B2 phases and κ carbides at grain boundaries. The size and volume fraction of nanoscale κ carbides in austenite grains increase with the increase of aging temperature, and the yield strength increases but the density of slip bands decreases, resulting in the gradual decrease of strain hardening rate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a major public health concern, affecting approximately 10% of the population worldwide. CKD of glomerular or tubular origin leads to the activation of stress mechanisms, including the renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system and mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) activation. Over the last two decades, blockade of the MR has arisen as a potential therapeutic approach against various forms of kidney disease. In this review, we summarize the experimental studies that have shown a protective effect of MR antagonists (MRAs) in nondiabetic and diabetic CKD animal models. Moreover, we review the main clinical trials that have shown the clinical application of MRAs to reduce albuminuria and, importantly, to slow CKD progression. Recent evidence from the FIDELIO trial showed that the MRA finerenone can reduce hard kidney outcomes when added to the standard of care in CKD associated with type 2 diabetes. Finally, we discuss the effects of MRAs relative to those of SGLT2 inhibitors, as well as the potential benefit of combination therapy to maximize organ protection. LINKED ARTICLES: This article is part of a themed issue on Emerging Fields for Therapeutic Targeting of the Aldosterone‐Mineralocorticoid Receptor Signaling Pathway. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v179.13/issuetoc [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

HDMX and its homologue HDM2 are two essential proteins for the cell; after genotoxic stress, both are phosphorylated near to their RING domain, specifically at serine 403 and 395, respectively. Once phosphorylated, both can bind the p53 mRNA and enhance its translation; however, both recognize p53 protein and provoke its degradation under normal conditions. HDM2 has been well-recognized as an E3 ubiquitin ligase, whereas it has been reported that even with the high similarity between the RING domains of the two homologs, HDMX does not have the E3 ligase activity. Despite this, HDMX is needed for the proper p53 poly-ubiquitination. Phosphorylation at serine 395 changes the conformation of HDM2, helping to explain the switch in its activity, but no information on HDMX has been published. Here, we study the conformation of HDMX and its phospho-mimetic mutant S403D, investigate its E3 ligase activity and dissect its binding with p53. We show that phospho-mutation does not change the conformation of the protein, but HDMX is indeed an E3 ubiquitin ligase in vitro; however, in vivo, no activity was found. We speculated that HDMX is regulated by induced fit, being able to switch activity accordingly to the specific partner as p53 protein, p53 mRNA or HDM2. Our results aim to contribute to the elucidation of the contribution of the HDMX to p53 regulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thin films of Al2O3 are deposited using in situ ultraviolet (UV) light enhanced atomic layer deposition (ALD) with trimethylaluminum and H2O and compared to those deposited using traditional thermal ALD at low temperatures of 45 and 80 °C. Coexposing the UV light with the H2O pulse enhanced the growth-per-cycle and refractive index. Metal/insulator/metal devices using the in situ UV enhanced Al2O3 films demonstrated a reduction in leakage current at ±1 MV/cm by nearly an order of magnitude at a deposition temperature of 45 °C as compared to standard thermal ALD films as well as thermal ALD films that received a postdeposition (in vacuo) UV exposure. In addition, capacitance–voltage behavior of UV enhanced Al2O3 showed a dramatic reduction in capacitance–voltage hysteresis. Taken together, these electrical results suggest that in situ UV enhanced ALD of Al2O3 results in a reduced density of electrically active defects that likely arise from incorporated H and potentially other organic impurities left by incomplete surface reactions. This proof-of-concept approach could enable low temperature fabrication of metal/insulator/metal and other devices in temperature-sensitive applications such as flexible electronics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a non-wide-sense stationary uncorrelated scattering (non-WSSUS) vehicular channel emulator based on software-defined radios (SDR). The proposed channel emulator can be used for testing new radio communication systems, and it is able to introduce wideband channel distortions over passband signals. Likewise, an affordable and accurate SDR-based channel emulator implementation is reached, as can be seen when it is compared with state-of-the-art channel emulator implementations whose architectures are expensive and do not implement local non-stationary channel models. Current proposals implement non-stationary models by concatenating local stationary processes. The performance of the channel emulator is verified via channel impulse response comparisons and via bit error rate computation when the channel emulator is used for testing vehicular communication systems. Emulation results show that the proposed channel emulator can reproduce non-WSSUS channel propagation environments with exactness, enabling it to be used for testing future vehicular communication systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a severe neurodegenerative disease with ill-defined pathogenesis, calling for urgent developments of new therapeutic regimens. Herein, we applied PandaOmics, an AI-driven target discovery platform, to analyze the expression profiles of central nervous system (CNS) samples (237 cases; 91 controls) from public datasets, and direct iPSC-derived motor neurons (diMNs) (135 cases; 31 controls) from Answer ALS. Seventeen high-confidence and eleven novel therapeutic targets were identified and will be released onto ALS.AI (http://als.ai/). Among the proposed targets screened in the c9ALS Drosophila model, we verified 8 unreported genes (KCNB2 , KCNS3 , ADRA2B , NR3C1 , P2RY14 , PPP3CB , PTPRC , and RARA) whose suppression strongly rescues eye neurodegeneration. Dysregulated pathways identified from CNS and diMN data characterize different stages of disease development. Altogether, our study provides new insights into ALS pathophysiology and demonstrates how AI speeds up the target discovery process, and opens up new opportunities for therapeutic interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Salt cress (Eutrema salsugineum), an Arabidopsis -related halophyte, can naturally adapt to various harsh climates and soil conditions; thus, it is considered a desirable model plant for deciphering mechanisms of salt and other abiotic stresses. Accumulating evidence has revealed that compared with Arabidopsis , salt cress possesses stomata that close more tightly and more succulent leaves during extreme salt stress, a noticeably higher level of proline, inositols, sugars, and organic acids, as well as stress-associated transcripts in unstressed plants, and they are induced rapidly under stress. In this review, we systematically summarize the research on the morphology, physiology, genome, gene expression and regulation, and protein and metabolite profile of salt cress under salt stress. We emphasize the latest advances in research on the genome adaptive evolution encountering saline environments, and epigenetic regulation, and discuss the mechanisms underlying salt tolerance in salt cress. Finally, we discuss the existing questions and opportunities for future research in halophytic Eutrema. Together, the review fosters a better understanding of the mechanism of plant salt tolerance and provides a reference for the research and utilization of Eutrema as a model extremophile in the future. Furthermore, the prospects for salt cress applied to explore the mechanism of salt tolerance provide a theoretical basis to develop new strategies for agricultural biotechnology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study examined the activity and function of the pig OCT4 enhancer in the porcine early embryonic development stage and porcine authentic embryonic stem cells. OCT4 is known as a pluripotent regulator, and its upstream regulatory region-based dual-fluorescence protein reporter system controlled by distal and proximal enhancers is broadly used in studies examining the states and mechanism of pluripotency. We analyzed how this reporter system functions during early embryo development and in stem cells using a previously established porcine-specific reporter system. We demonstrated that the porcine OCT4 distal enhancer and proximal enhancer were activated with different expression patterns simultaneously as the expression of pluripotent marker genes changed during the development of in vitro pathenotes and the establishment of porcine embryonic stem cells (ESCs). This work demonstrates the applicability of the porcine OCT4 upstream region-derived dual-fluorescence reporter system, which may be applied to investigations of species-specific pluripotency in porcine-origin cells. These reporter systems may be useful tools for studies of porcine-specific pluripotency, early embryo development, and embryonic stem cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cucurbitacins are extremely bitter compounds mainly present in Cucurbitaceae, where Luffa belongs. However, there is no comprehensive analysis of cucurbitacin biosynthesis in Luffa fruit. Therefore, this study analyzed bitter (WM709) and non-bitter (S1174) genotypes of Luffa to reveal the underlying mechanism of cucurbitacin biosynthesis by integrating metabolome and transcriptome analyses. A total of 422 metabolites were detected, including vitamins, essential amino acids, antioxidants, and antitumor substances. Of these, 131 metabolites showed significant differences between bitter (WM709) and non-bitter (S1174) Luffa fruits. The levels of isocucurbitacin B, cucurbitacin D, 23,24-dihydro cucurbitacin E, cucurbitacin F were significantly higher in bitter than in non-bitter Luffa. Transcriptome analysis showed that Bi , cytochromes P450s (CYP450s), and acyltransferase (ACT) of the cucurbitacin biosynthesis pathway, were significantly up-regulated. Moreover, drought stress and abscisic acid (ABA) activated genes of the cucurbitacin biosynthesis pathway. Furthermore, dual-luciferase reporter and yeast one-hybrid assays demonstrated that ABA-response element binding factor 1 (AREB1) binds to the Bi promoter to activate Bi expression. Comparative analysis of the Luffa and cucumber genomes showed that Bi , CYP450s, and ACT are located in the conserved syntenic loci, and formed a cucurbitacin biosynthesis cluster. This study provides important insights into major genes and metabolites of the cucurbitacin biosynthetic pathway, deepening the understanding of regulatory mechanisms of cucurbitacin biosynthesis in Luffa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Novel materials with neutron shielding property were fabricated by incorporating boron compounds into high-density polyethylene (HDPE)/Ethylene propylene diene monomer rubber (EPDM) blends. A detailed investigation on the morphological, thermal, mechanical, and neutron attenuation properties of suitable proportion of HDPE/EPDM blend with boric acid (BA), boron carbide (BC), and nano boron carbide (NBC) were performed. Morphology of the 20 wt% of EPDM shows better distribution in HDPE matrix. BA filler is localised in the HDPE phase, while NBC shows uniform distribution in HDPE/EPDM blend compared to its micro counterpart. There is a reduction in the tensile strength and modulus with the incorporation of EPDM in HDPE, whereas the ductility of HDPE is enhanced. A significant increase in the tensile toughness of the HDPE/EPDM blend with lower tensile strength and modulus is observed for BA, and BC filled composites. Moreover, HDPE/EPDM composites with NBC show only a marginal increase in the tensile toughness, tensile strength, and modulus. Comparison of the Young's modulus of the HDPE/EPDM blends with theoretical models indicates trends similar to the Coran model. The BA and BC filled composites follow the lower bound series model, whereas NBC composites show behaviour similar to the Halpin Tsai model. Total thermal neutron macroscopic cross-section (0.025 MeV energy neutrons) of 10 cm-1 and mean free path of 0.1 cm was obtained for 20 wt% NBC HDPE/EPDM composites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While not designed with communication applications in mind, power lines have been attractive targets for providing ancillary communication services for decades. Unfortunately, loads and switchgear can easily interfere with reliable communication in both direct and subtle ways. Power line communication (PLC) is therefore often relegated to non-critical control tasks like home lighting or appliance control, where communication difficulties or failure simply result in a walk to the light switch. For control applications that require low data rates, unexploited opportunities exist for increasing the reliability of PLC within governing regulatory rules. Reliable, low-bandwidth PLC facilitates new, inexpensive opportunities for demand-side management of the loads in a building or facility. This paper presents approaches for tailoring PLC for reliable low-bandwidth communication, and presents experimental demonstrations in a 24-floor high-rise building with challenging channel conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper introduces a fault location algorithm, which is appropriate for unbalanced power distribution systems with distributed generation of any type (i.e., synchronous machines and inverter-based units). The proposed algorithm is based on three-phase circuit analysis and utilizes unsynchronized voltage and current measurements taken from the connection points of the sources. The source impedances are not required to be included in the bus impedance matrix formulation. The algorithm accurately estimates the fault position, the fault resistance and the synchronization angles. Moreover, the algorithm can successfully identify the most possible fault location candidate among multiple choices. Extensive simulation studies demonstrate a very good performance of the proposed fault location algorithm for any fault type under various parameters that may influence its accuracy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This systematic review addresses the central research question, "what is known from the published, peer-reviewed literature about the impact of diabetes on the risk of bacterial urinary tract infections (UTI)?" We examine the results from laboratory studies where researchers have successfully adapted mouse models of diabetes to study the pathophysiology of ascending UTI. These studies have identified molecular and cellular effectors shaping immune defenses against infection of the diabetic urinary tract. In addition, we present evidence from clinical studies that in addition to diabetes, female gender, increased age, and diabetes-associated hyperglycemia, glycosuria, and immune impairment are important risk factors which further increase the risk of UTI in diabetic individuals. Clinical studies also show that the uropathogenic genera causing UTI are largely similar between diabetic and nondiabetic individuals, although diabetes significantly increases risk of UTI by drug-resistant uropathogenic bacteria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

(1) Background: Dyes play an important role in food, medicine, textile, and other industries, which make human life more colorful. With the increasing demand for food safety, the development of natural dyes becomes more and more attractive. (2) Methods: The literature was searched using the electronic databases PubMed, Web of Science, and SciFinder and this scoping review was carried out following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA). (3) Results: 248 articles were included in this review. This review summarizes the research progress on natural dyes in the last ten years. According to structural features, natural dyes mainly include carotenoids, polyphenols, porphyrins, and alkaloids, and some of the newest dyes are summarized. Some pharmacological activities of carotenoids, anthocyanin, curcumin, and betalains in the last 10 years are summarized, and the biological effects of dyes regarding illumination conditions. The disadvantages of natural dyes, including sources, cost, stability, and poor bioavailability, limit their application. Here, some feasible strategies (potential resources, biotechnology, new extraction and separation strategies, strategies for improving stability) are described, which will contribute to the development and utilization of natural dyes. (4) Conclusion: Natural dyes show health benefits and potential in food additives. However, it is necessary for natural dyes to pass toxicity tests and quality tests and receive many regulatory approvals before their final entry into the market as food colorants or as drugs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose. To evaluate the correlation of optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) and spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) with visual field for global and sector-based indices among glaucoma and glaucoma-suspected eyes. Patients and Methods. This is a retrospective study, and in total, 48 glaucoma eyes and 31 glaucoma suspect eyes were included. The correlation between visual field parameters and radial peripapillary capillary (RPC) vessel density via OCTA was compared to the correlation with retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness via SD-OCT. The RPC vessel density and RNFL thickness were divided into eight sectors, which included the temporal upper, temporal lower, superotemporal, inferotemporal, superonasal, inferonasal, nasal upper, and nasal lower sectors. Pearson correlations with 95% confidence intervals were calculated with resampling, and correlations were compared with a Fisher Z transformation. Results. Both RPC vessel density (R = 0.63, 95% CI [0.24, 0.86]) and RNFL thickness (R = 0.49, 95% CI [0.23, 0.69]) were correlated with the mean deviation when comparing global indices of glaucoma patients. In glaucoma suspects, the correlations between the mean deviation and RPC vessel density (R = 0.21, 95% CI [−0.05, 0.49]) and RNFL thickness (R = 0.01, 95% CI [−0.35, 0.39]) were not significant. Glaucoma eyes had the highest correlation between the mean sensitivity and RPC vessel density and RNFL thickness for the superotemporal, superonasal, temporal upper, and inferotemporal sectors. Conclusion. Across a diverse population and heterogeneous glaucoma types, RPC vessel density measurements correlate with global and sector-wise visual field indices similar to RNFL thickness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The equilibrium size of a nation state is, in part, the result of a trade-off between the gains from scale economies in the provision of public services and the costs of applying uniform policy to heterogeneous cultural, institutional and geographical fundamentals. Changes in such fundamentals can thus place pressure on states to reform over time. We consider this dynamic state formation process in the context of Scotland within the United Kingdom. First, we review the recent research in economic history on the persistence and evolution of such fundamentals. Second, we consider the history of Scotland both before and after the 1707 Act of Union in the light of that broader economic history literature. We conclude with some implications of fundamental persistence for current debates on the place of Scotland within the United Kingdom. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The female inflorescence of hops is traditionally used in the brewing industry to impart bitterness, aroma, flavour and longer shelf life to beer, where the bittering acids are the main compounds that enhance the quality of the beer. In recent years, a wide variety of bioactive compounds have been reported to be present in female flowers. Due to the growing consumer interests in natural ingredients, a great deal of research has been carried out in the last few years to find new sources of functional biomolecules. This paper reviews the recent applications of hops in the food, pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries and provides an overview of the bioactive potential of hops. In addition, the analytical techniques of hops compound are reviewed. The biological activities of hops compound such as antibacterial, antifungal, cardioprotective, antioxidant, anti‐inflammatory and anticancer are reviewed and the recent effects of hop bittering derivatives on beer‐related microbial activity are also presented. It is thus clear that hops have a high potential as bioactive components for use as preservatives in fresh foods to extend shelf life and as cosmetic formulations for skin care products as well as nutraceutical and health implications. The female inflorescence of hops is recognised in the brewing industry as a bittering agent and is traditionally used in the brewing industry to impart bitterness, aroma, flavour and longer shelf life to beer, where the bittering acid is the main compound that en‐hances the quality of the beer. The biological activities of hops extracts such as antibacterial, antifungal, cardioprotective, antioxidant, anti‐inflammatory and anticancer are reviewed and the recent effects of hops and their derivatives on beer‐related microbial activity are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The oral cavity harbors approximately 1,000 microbial species, and both pathogenic and commensal strains are involved in the development of carcinogenesis by stimulating chronic inflammation, affecting cell proliferation, and inhibiting cell apoptosis. Moreover, some substances produced by oral bacteria can also act in a carcinogenic manner. The link between oral microbiota and chronic inflammation as well as cell proliferation has been well established. Recently, increasing evidence has indicated the association of the oral microbiota with cell migration, which is crucial in regulating devastating diseases such as cancer. For instance, increased cell migration induced the spread of highly malignant cancer cells. Due to advanced technologies, the mechanistic understanding of cell migration in carcinogenesis and cancer metastasis is undergoing rapid progress. Thus, this review addressed the complexities of cell migration in carcinogenesis and cancer metastasis. We also integrate recent findings on the molecular mechanisms by which the oral microbiota regulates cell migration, with emphasis on the effect of the oral microbiota on adhesion, polarization, and guidance. Finally, we also highlight critical techniques, such as intravital microscopy and superresolution microscopy, for studies in this field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]