Browse Articles

Bamboo-inspired ultra-strong nanofiber-reinforced composite hydrogels

Transcranial Doppler sonography follow-up study in mild vascular cognitive impairment

Background To date, few data to transcranial Doppler sonography (TCD) are available in patients with mild vascular cognitive impairment (VCI) at risk for vascular or mixed dementia. In a previous study in patients with mild VCI and cerebral small vessels disease, a hemodynamic pattern of cerebral hypoperfusion and enhanced vascular resistance were observed; however, longitudinal data are currently lacking. Here, we perform a clinical, psychopathological, and neurosonological follow-up of patients with VCI in order to monitor any progression and to identify TCD measures to detect it. Methods From the original cohort of 161 patients, 127 with VCI (mean age 73.6 ± 7.1; 67 males) were re-evaluated after 5.0 ± 1.8 years. Namely, the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), the 17-items Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS), and the Stroop Color-Word Interference Test (StroopT) were administered to screen for global cognitive status, to quantify depressive symptoms, and to explore executive functions, respectively. Mean blood flow velocity (MBFV), peak systolic blood flow velocity (PSV), end-diastolic blood flow velocity (EDV), pulsatility index (PI), and resistivity index (RI) were recorded from the middle cerebral artery, bilaterally. Results At follow up, patients exhibited a significant worsening of both MoCA (21.7 ± 2.1 vs. 20.7 ± 2.0) and StroopT scores (57.4 ± 19.4 vs. 59.7 ± 18.6), whereas HDRS showed an improvement, although the mean raw score remained above the cut-off value for depression (10.3 ± 6.6 vs. 9.8 ± 6.3). MBFV, PSV, and EDV showed a significant increase in PSV and PI and a reduction in EDV. When focused to younger patients (<65 years), we confirmed the significant worsening of both MoCA and StroopT but not HDRS, as well as the significant changes in PI and RI. Finally, considering the differences (D) between baseline and follow-up, the following significant correlations emerged, although with a small-to-medium effect size for all of them: positive correlation between MBFV-D and MoCA-D and between RI-D and STROOP-D, and a negative significant correlation between RI-D and MoCA-D. Conclusions Notwithstanding some limitations, such as the lack of a control group and neuroimaging data at follow-up, TCD may contribute to the early detection, monitoring, and management of VCI patients at risk for dementia. Together with compatible clinical and cognitive features, the exploration of early TCD markers that possibly indicate a higher risk of progression might represent an intriguing research direction and a significant clinical perspective.

Attention-based interactive multi-level feature fusion for named entity recognition

A scalable solar-driven photocatalytic system for separated H2 and O2 production from water

Clustering analysis of Yue opera character tone trends based on quantum particle swarm optimization for fuzzy C-means

This study develops an innovative method for analyzing and clustering tonal trends in Chinese Yue Opera to identify different vocal styles accurately. Linear interpolation is applied to process the time series data of vocal melodies, addressing inconsistent feature dimensions. The second-order difference method extracts tonal trend features. We introduce a fuzzy C-means clustering method enhanced by quantum particle swarm optimization (QPSO) to manage data uncertainties, improving classification accuracy and convergence speed. Additionally, we employ a cross-correlation function to eliminate uncertainties from tonal transition redundancies. We designed a detection algorithm using trend data to validate our clustering method, thereby enhancing the accuracy of the analysis of tonal ranges and potential models. This method detects whether Yue Opera adheres to traditional rhythmic norms and models the regularity of musical tones and vocal patterns. Simulation results reveal that our approach achieves a 91.4% accuracy in classifying vocal styles, surpassing traditional methods and demonstrating its potential for identifying various styles. This research offers technical support for Yue Opera music education and interdisciplinary research. The findings enhance the quality of artistic creation and performance in Yue Opera, ensuring its preservation and development.

The role of ultrasound combined with water bath in the establishment of animal models of rat urethral stricture

Network structure influences the strength of learned neural representations

Development of a multi-epitope chimeric vaccine in silico against Babesia bovis, Theileria annulata, and Anaplasma marginale using computational biology tools and reverse vaccinology approach

The three rickettsial parasites- Babesia bovis, Theileria annulata and Anaplasma Marginale are responsible for causing Babesiosis, Theileriosis and Anaplasmosis among cattle. These diseases exist due to spreading of infected ticks. A large number of cattle were found to suffer from mixed infections caused by the three parasites at the same time. Due to these reasons cattle have been devoid of milk production with reduced meat availability. Hence, it is a matter of urgency for the immunity of cattle to exhibit resilience against all three rickettsial parasites. It could be possible if trials are carried out after producing a subunit chimeric vaccine against the rickettsial protozoan parasites and introducing it into the bloodstream of the cattle species. In this paper, we have used the process of reverse vaccinology to conduct a study in which we have developed a multi-epitope subunit chimeric vaccine against three protozoan parasites. We constructed three chimeric vaccine sequences from which only one chimeric vaccine construct was found to be an effective and efficient vaccine which is stable with high solubility and negative allergenicity. Following that, we performed molecular docking of the refined chimeric vaccine construct with Rp-105 and TLR-9. It was observed that the chimeric vaccines interacted with the receptors with high binding energy. Immune simulation was also performed to determine the potentiality of the chimeric vaccine for eliciting an immune response. The best-designed chimeric vaccine construct was then reverse transcribed and adapted for the host E. coli K12 strain which was later inserted into the pET28a (+) vector for the cloning and expression of the vaccine. The study could be a good initiative for the development of an effective chimeric vaccine against bovine parasites.

Acoustic emission characteristics and damage constitutive model of fractured sandstone under uniaxial compression

Branched endosomal disruptor (BEND) lipids mediate delivery of mRNA and CRISPR-Cas9 ribonucleoprotein complex for hepatic gene editing and T cell engineering

Sulfur dioxide exposure of mice induces peribronchiolar fibrosis—A defining feature of deployment-related constrictive bronchiolitis

Deployment-related constrictive bronchiolitis (DRCB) has emerged as a health concern in military personnel returning from Southwest Asia. Exposure to smoke from a fire at the Al-Mishraq sulfur enrichment facility and/or burn pits was reported by a subset of Veterans diagnosed with this disorder. DRCB is characterized by thickening and fibrosis of small airways (SA) in the lung, but whether these are related to toxin inhalation remains uncertain. The aim of this study was to determine whether sulfur dioxide (SO2) exposure can induce histopathological features of DRCB. C57BL/6J mice were exposed to 50 ± 5 ppm SO2 for one hour/day for five consecutive days. Lungs from exposed and unexposed mice were evaluated on day 5, 10, and 20. Lung sections were stained using hematoxylin and eosin, Masson’s trichrome, picrosirius red (PSR), and immunofluorescence for club cell secretory protein, acetylated-α-tubulin, and Ki67. Small airway wall thickness was determined by morphometric analysis and collagen content was quantified by measuring PSR fluorescence intensity. CurveAlign and CT-FIRE were used to enumerate collagen fibers and assess fibers’ width and length, respectively. Leukocyte subpopulations were quantified by flow cytometry analysis. This protocol of SO2 exposure of mice: 1) Triggered club cell proliferation and differentiation; 2) Increased SA wall thickness by inducing subepithelial collagen deposition; and 3) Increased width, length, and number, but not density, of collagen fibers within the wall of SA. 4) Induced no peribronchiolar inflammation or respiratory bronchiolitis. Collectively, these findings implicate club cell proliferation and differentiation in the profibrotic response to SO2 and identify this SO2 exposure as a potentially effective though imperfect model for studying SA fibrosis in DRCB.

Multi-assay assessment of cytotoxicity reveals multiple mechanisms of action in 3D microtissues

Lysosomes finely control macrophage inflammatory function via regulating the release of lysosomal Fe2+ through TRPML1 channel

Physical measures of physical functioning as prognostic factors in predicting outcomes for neck and thoracic pain: Protocol for a systematic review

Background Spinal pain is prevalent and burdensome worldwide. A large proportion of patients with neck and thoracic pain experience chronic symptoms, which can significantly impact their physical functioning. Therefore, it is important to understand factors predicting outcome to inform effective examination and treatment. Knowledge of physical measures of physical functioning as prognostic factors can enhance patient-centered care and aid decision-making. The evidence regarding physical outcome measures as prognostic factors for neck and thoracic pain is unclear. The objective of this study is to summarize the evidence for physical outcome measures of physical functioning as prognostic factors in predicting outcomes in people with neck and thoracic pain. Methods and analysis This systematic review follows Cochrane guidelines and aligns with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Protocols (PRISMA-P). Included studies will be prospective longitudinal cohort studies in which physical measures of physical functioning are explored as prognostic factors for adults with neck and thoracic pain. A comprehensive search will be performed in key databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, Scopus, and Web of Science) and the grey literature, with hand searches of key journals, and the reference lists of included studies. Two reviewers will independently perform study selection, data extraction, risk of bias assessment (QUIPS, Quality in Prognostic Studies tool), and quality assessment (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation). Implications This systematic review will identify physical measures of physical functioning prognostic factors for neck and thoracic pain populations. Findings will inform researchers about gaps in existing evidence, and clinicians about factors to aid their clinical decisions and to enhance the overall quality of care for individuals with neck and thoracic pain.

Effective dipole model for electrostatic interactions between polarizable spherical particles in particle scale simulations

Broad substrate scope C-C oxidation in cyclodipeptides catalysed by a flavin-dependent filament

Abstract Cyclic dipeptides are produced by organisms across all domains of life, with many exhibiting anticancer and antimicrobial properties. Oxidations are often key to their biological activities, particularly C-C bond oxidation catalysed by tailoring enzymes including cyclodipeptide oxidases. These flavin-dependent enzymes are underexplored due to their intricate three-dimensional arrangement involving multiple copies of two distinct small subunits, and mechanistic details underlying substrate selection and catalysis are lacking. Here, we determined the structure and mechanism of the cyclodipeptide oxidase from the halophile Nocardiopsis dassonvillei (NdasCDO), a component of the biosynthetic pathway for nocazine natural products. We demonstrated that NdasCDO forms filaments in solution, with a covalently bound flavin mononucleotide (FMN) cofactor at the interface between three distinct subunits. The enzyme exhibits promiscuity, processing various cyclic dipeptides as substrates in a distributive manner. The reaction is optimal at high pH and involves the formation of a radical intermediate. Pre-steady-state kinetics, a significant solvent kinetic isotope effect, and the absence of viscosity effects suggested that a step linked to FMN regeneration controlled the reaction rate. Our work elucidates the complex mechanistic and structural characteristics of this dehydrogenation reaction, positioning NdasCDO as a promising biocatalyst and expanding the FMN-dependent oxidase family to include enzyme filaments.

Effect of bar jump height on kinetics and kinematics of take-off in agility dogs

Sport-related injuries have been reported to occur in around one-third of agility dogs. Higher bar height in competitions has been shown to increase odds of an injury. This study evaluated the effect of bar height on the kinetics and kinematics at take-off to a bar jump. Forces from fore- and hindlimb pairs were measured with force plates. A three-dimensional motion capture system was used to measure sagittal joint kinematics of the shoulder, elbow, carpus, hip, stifle, and tarsal joints, as well as limb coordination, trunk horizontal velocity, take-off distance, and take-off angle. Data were collected for 17 Border Collies at three different bar heights: 80%, 100%, and 120% of wither height. A linear mixed model was used for statistical analysis. At higher bar height, decelerative impulses were greater and accelerative impulses decreased along with greater vertical impulses from forelimb and hindlimb pairs (p<0.001). Post-hoc analyses revealed differences between all three bar heights (p<0.01), except for forelimb decelerative impulse, which did not differ between 80% and 100% heights. Sagittal range of motion was greater, through increased peak flexion or extension, at 120% bar height than at lower bar heights (p<0.05) in almost all measured limb joints. The only exceptions were leading forelimb shoulder and elbow joints and leading hindlimb hip joint. With increasing bar height, the horizontal velocity of trunk decreased (p<0.001), and take-off angle became steeper (p<0.001), with all bar heights differing from each other (p<0.01). Temporal synchronicity between trailing and leading limbs increased and craniocaudal distance decreased in forelimbs (p<0.05) and hindlimbs (p<0.01) as bar height increased. Increased vertical and decelerative impulses, as well as the greater peak flexion and extension angles of joints, may indicate greater load on the tissues at higher bar heights, which could explain the increased odds of injury at higher bar heights in agility dogs.

Proliferative and viability effects of two cyanophages on freshwater bloom-forming species Microcystis aeruginosa and Raphidiopsis raciborskii vary between strains

Artificial cells with all-aqueous droplet-in-droplet structures for spatially separated transcription and translation

Can strengthening digital infrastructure enhance productivity in the cultural industry? evidence from Tibet

This study, grounded in the Total Factor Productivity (TFP) theoretical framework, examines the impact of digital infrastructure on the productivity of Tibet’s cultural industry from 2011 to 2021. It aims to uncover how the innovative allocation of production factors can enhance new-quality productivity. The core aspect of new-quality productivity is the improvement of TFP, with digital infrastructure promoting the cultural industry’s development by optimizing industrial agglomeration, improving logistics efficiency, and reducing the urban-rural consumption gap. The findings suggest that while digital infrastructure leads to geographic dispersion of the industry—challenging traditional industrial agglomeration theory—it significantly enhances the efficiency of the cultural industry within Tibet’s unique socio-economic context. Moreover, despite the region’s geographical constraints on logistics efficiency, digital platforms effectively reduce the urban-rural consumption gap, improving market access and the quality of cultural services in remote areas. Additionally, digital infrastructure helps bridge the digital divide between urban and rural areas, further fostering balanced regional consumption and digital inclusion. From a Total Factor Productivity perspective, this study reveals key pathways to improving new-quality productivity, offering both theoretical foundations for policymakers and practical guidance for the development of cultural industries in similarly structured regions.