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The interactive role of odor associations in friendship preferences
Nematicidal and antifeedant activity of ethyl acetate extracts from culture filtrates of Arabidopsis thaliana fungal endophytes
Abstract Endophytic fungi produce a diverse range of bioactive secondary metabolites with potential applications in biopesticide development. This study investigates the nematicidal and antifeedant properties of ethyl acetate extracts from endophytic fungi isolated from wild Arabidopsis thaliana populations in Spain. The extracts were tested against the plant-parasitic nematode Meloidogyne javanica , and two common insect pests, Myzus persicae and Spodoptera littoralis . Nine of the 13 extracts demonstrated significant nematicidal and/or antifeedant activity, indicating their potential as biopesticides. The active extracts were derived from six genera: Alternaria (3 isolates), Dydimella (1), Dothiora (1), Pleiochaeta (1), Penicillium (1), and Fusarium (2). Five extracts exhibited nematicidal activity above 90%, with three reducing the total number of M. javanica second-stage juveniles hatched from egg masses by 22–37%. Four extracts showed strong settling inhibition (> 70%) against M. persicae , and three exhibited feeding inhibition against S. littoralis . Chemical analysis by GC-MS and LC-MS revealed a wide array of unique secondary metabolites in the active extracts, reflecting substantial chemical diversity, regardless of the fungal origin. This study highlights the potential of fungal endophytes from A. thaliana as sources of novel biopesticides, paving the way for future research focused on harnessing these fungi for biopesticide development.
Unveiling the dual impacts of the aesthetic deficiency of foods on consumers’ purchase intentions
Phytoliths of bamboo affect the feeding pattern of Giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca)
Multidimensional analysis of anxiety symptoms in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
Abstract To explore the potential classes of anxiety symptoms in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and analyze their distinct characteristics. Convenience sampling was used to select 211 cases of COPD from 12 hospitals in Hebei Province. The following scales were used: General Information Questionnaire, Anxiety Inventory for Respiratory Disease (AIR), BODE index, Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), and SF-36 Quality of Life scale. Latent profile analysis (LPA) was conducted on the anxiety symptoms of the survey subjects, and univariate analysis and ordinal logistic regression were used to analyze the risk factors of different profiles. Anxiety symptoms among COPD patients were classified into three types: low-risk anxiety type (57.8%), moderate anxiety-fear type (23.2%), and high anxiety-fear type (19.0%). Ordered multinomial logistic regression analysis revealed that the duration of disease, BODE index, MoCA scores, and SF-36 scores were identified as independent risk factors for the potential classes of anxiety symptoms in COPD patients (p < 0.05). There is heterogeneity in anxiety symptoms among COPD patients. Medical staff can provide targeted interventions based on the characteristics and risk factors of different populations to alleviate anxiety symptoms.
Orthogonally polarized dual-wavelength operation at 898 and 904 nm with tunable power ratio in Nd:SA/Nd:LMA crystals
Improved quadratic interpolation optimizer for stochastic short-term hydrothermal scheduling with integration of solar PV and wind power
A deflectable video camera system for laparoscopic surgery based on shape memory alloy actuators
Abstract Laparoscopic instruments are usually not deflectable and therefore have significant usability limitations in minimally invasive surgery. Flexible-tip devices have been introduced, but they are still controlled by manual Bowden cables or conventional motors and are heavy and expensive. An interesting alternative are shape memory alloy (SMA) actuators, because they are lightweight, cost-efficient and offer the potential for a universal actuator platform for laparoscopic and other endoscopic instruments. This paper presents a laparoscopic video camera with electronic deflection control via thumb joystick. Its actuator unit consists of four SMA wires, whose special tensioning mechanism ensures both optimal preload and length compensation. The camera is tiltable in two degrees of freedom, enabled by a laser-cut Nitinol joint. Based on three assembled units and an automated measurement system, the functionality of the camera system was characterised. Deflection angles of more than 178° per degree of freedom were achieved. At operating frequencies of up to 0.5 Hz, the units showed suitable deflection behaviour. Each remained operational for more than 1200 actuation cycles or 4.4 h of continuous operation. Furthermore, the influence of continuous temperature stimulation on characteristic device parameters was investigated. This work contributes to demonstrating the feasibility of SMA actuators for the electrical control of flexible-tip laparoscopic instruments. Temperature control in particular is a challenge for future work.
Localization of epidermal growth factor receptor-mutations using PNA:DNA probes in clinical specimens from patients with non-small cell lung cancer
In vitro fermentation characteristics, microbial changes and gas production of microencapsulated phytonutrient pellets at varying dietary crude protein levels
In situ strength assessment of rapid set concrete in real time using resonant peak parameters of embedded PZT transducers
New insights into improving acidic aluminum fuel cell for powering electrical vehicles
Abstract This study-involved novelty of high power new aluminum (Al) fuel cell in 0.1 M HCl (less corrosive and strong conductive electrolyte instead of the aggressive alkali). The performance of aluminum (Al) anode enhanced by using antimony sulphate Sb2(SO4)3 salt effective poison (in acidic solution) the parasitic hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). Antimony ad-atom specifically adsorbed at cathodic sites of Al surface and stopped HER via retardation of recombination of step of Hads, consequently the formation of molecular hydrogen and its release from aluminum surface. The production of sustainable electricity from AFC and maximum power density achieved by Sb adsorption and using the low cost prepared porous air cathode (sulphur-Fe2O3-doped NiO nanocomposie). Corrosion control of Al and using NiO air cathode improved cell discharge capacity. The best cell parameters obtained at 1 × 10− 5M Sb2(SO4)3 were (cell potential 2.4 V, current density 20.4 Am− 2 and electrical power 30.30 kwhkg− 1.
The inflammation burden index can predict the cardiac injury following antitumour therapy in lung cancer patients with diabetes
Plasma biomarkers in patients with familial cavernous malformation and their first-degree relatives: a cross-sectional study
Effects of pain management on work ability in aging workers with chronic musculoskeletal pain: a cross-sectional study
Association between root canals and gingival sulci microbiota in secondary and persistent endodontic infections
Long-term evaluation of complications after osteosynthesis of the jaws in patients with head and neck trauma: an analysis from a German highest level trauma center 2007–2023
Abstract We present an analysis of 388 patients with major complications of a total of 13,392 hospitalized patients after osteosynthesis from our Maxillofacial Trauma Registry, which has 13,392 patients from 2007 to 2023. This retrospective study aimed to provide a detailed overview of all moderate to severe complications in head and neck injuries after surgery. The AO system and the modified Clavien–Dindo classification serve as the basis for our clinical procedure (flow chart presented). The statistical analysis included descriptive methods and χ2-test. In seventeen years, the complication rate was 2.9% (Clavien–Dindo class II–V). More males were involved than females (3.04:1). The most complications were found in the mandibular angle, paramedian mandible, mandibular body, and lower condylar neck areas, as well as in frontal bone, zygomatic bone, and LeFort I fractures. Adequate treatment procedures allow a low complication rate. However, areas like the mandibular angle, paramedian mandible, lower condylar neck, Le Fort I fractures, or zygomatic bone fractures remain areas with higher risk of problems, which requires further research on necessary surgical methods.
Stakeholder acceptance of a robot-assisted social training scenario for autistic children compared to a tablet-computer-based approach
Abstract Recent studies indicate the potential benefits of robot-assisted therapy (RAT) for children on the autism spectrum (AS), yet acceptance among stakeholders remains unclear due to methodological shortcomings in existing research. This study evaluates stakeholders’ acceptance of a RAT-scenario designed to train emotion recognition and regulation in AS children using Softbank Robotics Pepper, a humanoid robot with an integrated tablet screen, compared to a tablet-based therapy (TBT) control. An online survey of 123 stakeholders (caregivers, professionals, and autistic adults) assessed RAT and TBT using global acceptance, intention to use, and acceptance-related factors (ALMERE model), alongside stakeholders’ concerns. While a larger proportion of stakeholders (58%) showed high global acceptance of RAT, stakeholders preferred TBT across measures and groups (p < .001, Wilk’s Λ = 0.595), potentially due to its established familiarity and easier usability. The intention to use RAT was predicted by perceived usefulness, and, to a smaller extent, perceived ease of use, and affinity for technology, independent of stakeholder group. Concerns mainly addressed the expected effort to implement RAT in therapeutic services. Overall, the results highlight stakeholder acceptance and underscore the need to enhance RAT’s perceived usefulness and ease of implementation, suggesting a user-centered design approach for future deployments.