The role of metabolic traits in ischemic stroke (IS) has been explored through observational studies and a few Mendelian randomization (MR) studies employing limited methods in European populations. This study aimed to investigate the causal effects of metabolic traits on IS in both East Asian and European populations utilizing multiple MR methods based on genetic insights. Two-sample and multivariable MR were performed, and MR estimates were calculated as inverse-variance weighted (IVW), weighted median, and penalized weighted median. Pleiotropy was assessed by MR–Egger and Mendelian randomization pleiotropy residual sum and outlier tests. Systolic blood pressure (SBP) was associated with an increased risk of IS by IVW in both European (OR_IVW: 1.032, 95% CI: 1.026–1.038, p < 0.001) and Japanese populations (OR_IVW: 1.870, 95% CI: 1.122–3.116, p = 0.016), which was further confirmed by other methods. Unlike the European population, the evidence for the association of diastolic blood pressure (DBP) with IS in the Japanese population was not stable. No evidence supported an association between the other traits and IS (all Ps > 0.05) in both races. A positive association was found between SBP and IS in two races, while the results of DBP were only robust in Europeans. Full article

Artificial intelligence (AI) has been recently introduced into clinical dentistry, and it has assisted professionals in analyzing medical data with unprecedented speed and an accuracy level comparable to humans. With the help of AI, meaningful information can be extracted from dental databases, especially dental radiographs, to devise machine learning (a subset of AI) models. This study focuses on models that can diagnose and assist with clinical conditions such as oral cancers, early childhood caries, deciduous teeth numbering, periodontal bone loss, cysts, peri-implantitis, osteoporosis, locating minor apical foramen, orthodontic landmark identification, temporomandibular joint disorders, and more. The aim of the authors was to outline by means of a review the state-of-the-art applications of AI technologies in several dental subfields and to discuss the efficacy of machine learning algorithms, especially convolutional neural networks (CNNs), among different types of patients, such as pediatric cases, that were neglected by previous reviews. They performed an electronic search in PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus, and Medline to locate relevant articles. They concluded that even though clinicians encounter challenges in implementing AI technologies, such as data management, limited processing capabilities, and biased outcomes, they have observed positive results, such as decreased diagnosis costs and time, as well as early cancer detection. Thus, further research and development should be considered to address the existing complications. Full article

A novel high depth-to-width ratio of 15:1 narrow-gap gas metal arc welding technique was developed for the welding of S500Q steel in a horizontal butt joint. The bead arrangement of the I groove was optimized to produce a high-quality connection with the upper sidewall of the joint. The microstructure and mechanical properties were observed and evaluated by optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, tensile testing, and micro-hardness and impact toughness testing at 1/5, 2/5, 3/5, and 4/5 thickness of the joint. The 3/5 T position exhibited the highest strength, which was attributed to the presence of finer carbide precipitates. The highest micro-hardness appeared at 4/5 T. The highest impact toughness appeared at 3/5 T. The formation of coarse granular bainite was the major reason for the decrease in impact toughness in other regions. A microscopic fracture at 1/5 T and 3/5 T was further analyzed. It was observed that the width of the fibrous zone at 3/5 T was significantly larger than that at 1/5 T. The radial zones at 1/5 T were observed to exhibit cleavage, with secondary cracks on the fracture surface. Full article

Survivin was initially identified as a member of the inhibitor apoptosis (IAP) protein family and has been shown to play a critical role in the regulation of apoptosis. More recent studies showed that survivin is a component of the chromosome passenger complex and acts as an essential mediator of mitotic progression. Other potential functions of survivin, such as mitochondrial function and autophagy, have also been proposed. Survivin has emerged as an attractive target for cancer therapy because its overexpression has been found in most human cancers and is frequently associated with chemotherapy resistance, recurrence, and poor survival rates in cancer patients. In this review, we discuss our current understanding of how survivin mediates various aspects of malignant transformation and drug resistance, as well as the efforts that have been made to develop therapeutics targeting survivin for the treatment of cancer. Full article

Fetal organs and organoids are important tools for studying organ development. Recently, porcine organs have garnered attention as potential organs for xenotransplantation because of their high degree of similarity to human organs. However, to meet the prompt demand for porcine fetal organs by patients and researchers, effective methods for producing, retrieving, and cryopreserving pig fetuses are indispensable. Therefore, in this study, to collect fetuses for kidney extraction, we employed cesarean sections to preserve the survival and fertility of the mother pig and a method for storing fetal kidneys by long-term cryopreservation. Subsequently, we evaluated the utility of these two methods. We confirmed that the kidneys of pig fetuses retrieved by cesarean section that were cryopreserved for an extended period could resume renal growth when grafted into mice and were capable of forming renal organoids. These results demonstrate the usefulness of long-term cryopreserved fetal pig organs and strongly suggest the effectiveness of our comprehensive system of pig fetus retrieval and fetal organ preservation, thereby highlighting its potential as an accelerator of xenotransplantation research and clinical innovation. Full article

Unhealthy lifestyles among adolescents are reaching alarming levels and have become a major public health problem. This study aimed to assess the relationship between sleep time, physical activity (PA) time, screen time (ST), and nutritional literacy (NL). Methods: This cross-sectional online study involving adolescents aged 10–18 years was conducted in September 2020 in 239 schools in Chongqing, China. NL was measured using the “Nutrition Literacy Scale for middle school students in Chongqing (CM-NLS)”. According to the recommended by the Chinese dietary guidelines (2022), we divided the sleep time of junior high school students into <9 h and ≥9 h, high school students into <8 h and ≥8 h, divided the workdays into weekend PA time < 1 h and ≥1 h, and divided the workdays into weekend ST < 2 h and ≥2 h. The multinomial logistic regression model was used to examine the association. Results: A total of 18,660 adolescents (50.2% males) were included. The proportion of participants that were junior high school students and attended boarding schools was 57.2% and 65.3%, respectively. Compared with senior high school students, junior high school students had a higher level of NL. Whether on workdays or weekends, participants with sleep time ≥ 8/9 h, PA time ≥ 1 h, and ST < 2 h per day had higher levels of NL. On weekdays, participants who met the sleep time ≥ 8 h/9 h (OR = 1.48, 95% CI: 1.36, 1.62) and PA time ≥ 1 h (OR = 1.69, 95% CI: 1.59, 1.81) had higher reporting of NL levels. Conclusions: Sleep time, PA time, and ST were positively correlated with NL among adolescents, especially junior high school students. Full article

The intensity of the odor in food-grade paraffin waxes is a pivotal quality characteristic, with odor panel ratings currently serving as the primary criterion for its assessment. This study presents an innovative method for assessing odor intensity in food-grade paraffin waxes, employing headspace gas chromatography with mass spectrometry (HS/GC-MS) and integrating total ion spectra with advanced machine learning (ML) algorithms for enhanced detection and quantification. Optimization was conducted using Box–Behnken design and response surface methodology, ensuring precision with coefficients of variance below 9%. Analytical techniques, including hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) and principal component analysis (PCA), efficiently categorized samples by odor intensity. The Gaussian support vector machine (SVM), random forest, partial least squares regression, and support vector regression (SVR) algorithms were evaluated for their efficacy in odor grade classification and quantification. Gaussian SVM emerged as superior in classification tasks, achieving 100% accuracy, while Gaussian SVR excelled in quantifying odor levels, with a coefficient of determination (R²) of 0.9667 and a root mean square error (RMSE) of 6.789. This approach offers a fast, reliable, robust, objective, and reproducible alternative to the current ASTM sensory panel assessments, leveraging the analytical capabilities of HS-GC/MS and the predictive power of ML for quality control in the petrochemical sector’s food-grade paraffin waxes. Full article

FAM46C is a well-established tumour suppressor with a role that is not completely defined or universally accepted. Although FAM46C expression is down-modulated in several tumours, significant mutations in the FAM46C gene are only found in multiple myeloma (MM). Consequently, its tumour suppressor activity has primarily been studied in the MM context. However, emerging evidence suggests that FAM46C is involved also in other cancer types, namely colorectal, prostate and gastric cancer and squamous cell and hepatocellular carcinoma, where FAM46C expression was found to be significantly reduced in tumoural versus non-tumoural tissues and where FAM46C was shown to possess anti-proliferative properties. Accordingly, FAM46C was recently proposed to function as a pan-cancer prognostic marker, bringing FAM46C under the spotlight and attracting growing interest from the scientific community in the pathways modulated by FAM46C and in its mechanistic activity. Here, we will provide the first comprehensive review regarding FAM46C by covering (1) the intracellular pathways regulated by FAM46C, namely the MAPK/ERK, PI3K/AKT, β-catenin and TGF-β/SMAD pathways; (2) the models regarding its mode of action, specifically the poly(A) polymerase, intracellular trafficking modulator and inhibitor of centriole duplication models, focusing on connections and interdependencies; (3) the regulation of FAM46C expression in different environments by interferons, IL-4, TLR engagement or transcriptional modulators; and, lastly, (4) how FAM46C expression levels associate with increased/decreased tumour cell sensitivity to anticancer agents, such as bortezomib, dexamethasone, lenalidomide, pomalidomide, doxorubicin, melphalan, SK1-I, docetaxel and norcantharidin. Full article

While FXR has shown promise in regulating bile acid synthesis and maintaining glucose and lipid homeostasis, undesired side effects have been observed in clinical trials. To address this issue, the development of intestinally restricted FXR modulators has gained attention as a new avenue for drug design with the potential for safer systematic effects. Our review examines all currently known intestinally restricted FXR ligands and provides insights into the steps taken to enhance intestinal selectivity. Full article

Neuroblastoma (NB) is the most commonly diagnosed extracranial solid tumor in children, accounting for 15% of all childhood cancer deaths. Although the 5-year survival rate of patients with a high-risk disease has increased in recent decades, NB remains a challenge in pediatric oncology, and the identification of novel potential therapeutic targets and agents is an urgent clinical need. The RNA-binding protein LIN28B has been identified as an oncogene in NB and is associated with a poor prognosis. Given that LIN28B acts by negatively regulating the biogenesis of the tumor suppressor let-7 miRNAs, we reasoned that selective interference with the LIN28B/let-7 miRNA interaction would increase let-7 miRNA levels, ultimately leading to reduced NB aggressiveness. Here, we selected (−)-epigallocatechin 3-gallate (EGCG) out of 4959 molecules screened as the molecule with the best inhibitory activity on LIN28B/let-7 miRNA interaction and showed that treatment with PLC/PLGA-PEG nanoparticles containing EGCG (EGCG-NPs) led to an increase in mature let-7 miRNAs and a consequent inhibition of NB cell growth. In addition, EGCG-NP pretreatment reduced the tumorigenic potential of NB cells in vivo. These experiments suggest that the LIN28B/let-7 miRNA axis is a good therapeutic target in NB and that EGCG, which can interfere with this interaction, deserves further preclinical evaluation. Full article

The orphan nuclear receptor ERRα is the most extensively researched member of the estrogen-related receptor family and holds a pivotal role in various functions associated with energy metabolism, especially in tissues characterized by high energy requirements, such as the heart, skeletal muscle, adipose tissue, kidney, and brain. Abscisic acid (ABA), traditionally acknowledged as a plant stress hormone, is detected and actively functions in organisms beyond the land plant kingdom, encompassing cyanobacteria, fungi, algae, protozoan parasites, lower Metazoa, and mammals. Its ancient, cross-kingdom role enables ABA and its signaling pathway to regulate cell responses to environmental stimuli in various organisms, such as marine sponges, higher plants, and humans. Recent advancements in understanding the physiological function of ABA and its mammalian receptors in governing energy metabolism and mitochondrial function in myocytes, adipocytes, and neuronal cells suggest potential therapeutic applications for ABA in pre-diabetes, diabetes, and cardio-/neuroprotection. The ABA/LANCL1-2 hormone/receptor system emerges as a novel regulator of ERRα expression levels and transcriptional activity, mediated through the AMPK/SIRT1/PGC-1α axis. There exists a reciprocal feed-forward transcriptional relationship between the LANCL proteins and transcriptional coactivators ERRα/PGC-1α, which may be leveraged using natural or synthetic LANCL agonists to enhance mitochondrial function across various clinical contexts. Full article

TDs appear more often in patients with higher TB grades in stage III CRC. A higher TB grade and a growing number of TDs were statistically significantly associated with shorter overall survival. These results could give additional emphasis to the importance of TB as an adverse prognostic factor since a strong relationship with TDs has been demonstrated. Full article

Introduction: Although gifted children can express high cognitive skills, they can also show socioemotional difficulties. Drawing from Olson’s circumplex model, the present paper assessed the role of family functioning in internalizing and externalizing problems in gifted children. Materials and Methods: 362 mothers and their 362 gifted children were included. The unbalanced subscales of the FACES IV—disengagement, enmeshment, rigidity, and chaos—and the CBCL were administered to mothers. The children completed the WISC-IV. Results: The model predicting internalizing problems was significant and explained 5.6% of the variance. Only rigidity had an independent and positive effect on internalizing problems in gifted children over and above sociodemographic variables and QI, whereas disengagement, enmeshment, and chaos were not associated with internalizing problems. The model predicting externalizing problems was significant and explained 10% of the variance. Again, rigidity was the only variable that had an independent and positive effect on externalizing problems in gifted children over and above sociodemographic variables and QI, whereas disengagement, enmeshment, and chaos were not associated with externalizing problems in this population. Discussion: Rigid families with a low ability to change in conditions that require readjustment appear to increase the risk of both internalizing and externalizing problems in gifted children. Although further studies are needed to support these preliminary findings, parental support interventions aimed at increasing flexibility appear to be useful. Full article

This narrative review comprehensively examines the impact of oxidative stress on military personnel, highlighting the crucial role of physical exercise and tailored diets, particularly the ketogenic diet, in minimizing this stress. Through a meticulous analysis of the recent literature, the study emphasizes how regular physical exercise not only enhances cardiovascular, cognitive, and musculoskeletal health but is also essential in neutralizing the effects of oxidative stress, thereby improving endurance and performance during long-term missions. Furthermore, the implementation of the ketogenic diet provides an efficient and consistent energy source through ketone bodies, tailored to the specific energy requirements of military activities, and significantly contributes to the reduction in reactive oxygen species production, thus protecting against cellular deterioration under extreme stress. The study also underlines the importance of integrating advanced technologies, such as wearable devices and smart sensors that allow for the precise and real-time monitoring of oxidative stress and physiological responses, thus facilitating the customization of training and nutritional regimes. Observations from this review emphasize significant variability among individuals in responses to oxidative stress, highlighting the need for a personalized approach in formulating intervention strategies. It is crucial to develop and implement well-monitored, personalized supplementation protocols to ensure that each member of the military personnel receives a regimen tailored to their specific needs, thereby maximizing the effectiveness of measures to combat oxidative stress. This analysis makes a valuable contribution to the specialized literature, proposing a detailed framework for addressing oxidative stress in the armed forces and opening new directions for future research with the aim of optimizing clinical practices and improving the health and performance of military personnel under stress and specific challenges of the military field. Full article

Bitter rot of apple is an economically important worldwide disease caused by different Colletotrichum species, depending on many factors such as climate, geography, other hosts, and crop management practices. Culture, morphology, and single-locus sequencing-based methods for identifying the Colletotrichum species are severely limited in effectiveness, while the multilocus sequence typing methods available for delineating species are costly, time-intensive, and require high expertise. We developed species-specific hydrolysis probe real-time PCR assays for the following nine Colletotrichum species causing bitter rot in the Mid-Atlantic U.S.A.: C. fructicola, C. chrysophilum, C. noveboracense, C. gloeosporioides s.s., C. henanense, C. siamense and C. theobromicola from the C. gloeosporioides species complex, and C. fioriniae and C. nymphaeae from the C. acutatum species complex. After searching 14 gene regions, we designed primers and probes in 5 of them for the nine target species. Four primer–probe set pairs were able to be duplexed. Sensitivity tests showed as little as 0.5 pg DNA were detectable. These real-time PCR assays will provide rapid and reliable identification of these key Colletotrichum species and will be critically important for studies aiming to elucidate their biology, epidemiology, and management on apples as the number one produced and consumed tree fruit in the U.S.A. Full article

The stability of resistance to fenpropathrin was assessed using five populations of Diaphorina citri with varying initial resistances ranging from fully susceptible (SS) to fully resistant (RR). Furthermore, we quantified the relative expression of voltage-gated sodium channel (VGSC) genes in crosses of field-selected and laboratory-susceptible D. citri lines after eight months without insecticide selection. We found that resistance to fenpropathrin remained elevated up to eight months after exposure to fenpropathrin. A real-time quantitative PCR analysis using the susceptible baseline population revealed that levels of VGSC gene expression were significantly higher in the RS75 cross and the RR100 fully resistant line eight months after their last fenpropathrin exposure. Our results suggest that while fenpropathrin resistance is likely unstable under field conditions when interbreeding with susceptible individuals is possible, resistance can remain stable for at least 8 months if those populations are isolated. Further, insecticide rotation and the maintenance of susceptible reservoirs of individuals should mitigate fenpropathrin resistance in D. citri over time. The development of a VGSC gene biomarker may be a useful tool for monitoring pyrethroid resistance in D. citri going forward. Full article

In this study, a modern principal component analysis (PCA) of the chemical properties of lunar soils was conducted. American and Soviet results acquired during the Apollo and Luna missions, respectively, were analyzed and compared. The chemical composition of the lunar soil was the focus of our analysis, the main aim of which was to assess any possible differences between the results provided by the missions in question. The results were visualized in two- and three-dimensional spaces. The use of PCA virtual variables enabled the chemical composition of the lunar soil to be fully visualized—something impossible to achieve using traditional techniques—and key similarities and differences among the properties of the lunar soil samples were determined. The sources of any differences were then conceptualized. The work reported in this paper offers new directions for future studies, especially research into the design of new lunar soil simulants for lunar construction and civil engineering programs. Full article

The hepatitis D virus (HDV) is a compact, enveloped, circular RNA virus that relies on hepatitis B virus (HBV) envelope proteins to initiate a primary infection in hepatocytes, assemble, and secrete new virions. Globally, HDV infection affects an estimated 12 million to 72 million people, carrying a significantly elevated risk of developing cirrhosis, liver failure, and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) compared to an HBV mono-infection. Furthermore, HDV-associated HCC often manifests at a younger age and exhibits more aggressive characteristics. The intricate mechanisms driving the synergistic carcinogenicity of the HDV and HBV are not fully elucidated but are believed to involve chronic inflammation, immune dysregulation, and the direct oncogenic effects of the HDV. Indeed, recent data highlight that the molecular profile of HCC associated with HDV is unique and distinct from that of HBV-induced HCC. However, the question of whether the HDV is an oncogenic virus remains unanswered. In this review, we comprehensively examined several crucial aspects of the HDV, encompassing its epidemiology, molecular biology, immunology, and the associated risks of liver disease progression and HCC development. Full article

Researchers often report higher metabolic syndrome (MetS) pr\4;evalence among cancer survivors than among non-cancer individuals. This study aims to explore the impact of cancer presence, activity type, and dietary lifestyle on MetS in males over 40 years of age. Participants (n = 9846; 618 cancer survivors, 9228 non-cancer) were selected by extracting data from a Korean government database spanning the years 2016 to 2021. Physical activity patterns, dietary habits, and MetS factors were measured, and a multiple logistic regression analysis was statistically processed for an odds ratio (OR). MetS was present in 32.8% of cancer survivors and 28.6% of non-cancer individuals. Gastric cancer survivors exhibited a 16% lower OR for MetS versus non-cancer participants. The ORs were higher by 1.60-, 1.45-, and 1.26-fold for colorectal, urinary, and other cancers, respectively. Cancer survivors with high calorie, carbohydrate, and fat intakes exhibited ORs of 2.01 (95% CI 1.28−4.04), 2.33 (95% CI 1.28−4.54), and 1.39 (95% CI 1.05−2.37) compared to the recommended level. The high fiber-intake group reduced the MetS OR by 20%. In conclusion, The MetS prevalence was higher in survivors with colorectal cancer, urinary cancer, and other cancers, while it was lower in patients with gastric cancer. Survivors with low rates of eating three meals a day, high skipping breakfast, increased eating-out rate, and no nutritional learning opportunity displayed higher MetS prevalence. Additionally, cancer survivors who had more strength and leisure activities had a lower OR of MetS. Full article

Assessment of restricted, repetitive behaviors (RRB) in autism evaluations often assumes that these behaviors negatively impact the individual. Qualitative studies of first-person accounts indicate the negative impact of the stigma associated with RRBs but also provide insights into the positive aspects. The current study explores how framing response options as negative (i.e., level of problem associated with occurrence) or positive (i.e., level of benefit associated with occurrence) affects RRB self-reports in autistic adults. Sixty-six autistic adults aged 18–59 filled out the Repetitive Behavior Scale-Revised (RBS-R) and a modified RBS-R+, assessing problems and benefits of reported behaviors, respectively. There was a moderate to strong correlation between the forms, each assessing problems and benefits in terms of the number of behaviors endorsed (r = 0.746) and the levels of benefits and problems (r = 0.637). Autistic adults reported a higher number of RRBs in the form that assessed problems, but the number of behaviors was comparable between the forms when counting in the response option of the occurrence of behavior without having a benefit. Despite some variability in the level of problems and the benefits across the subdomains of RRB, autistic adults largely rated comparable levels of associated benefits and problems, highlighting the complexity of RRBs as having both positive and negative impacts. Future screening and diagnostic tools for adults should aim to assess both positive and negative aspects of autistic features to afford a more nuanced understanding of individual experiences while still yielding diagnostically relevant information. Qualitative studies are needed to better understand the complex experiences associated with these behaviors; however, it may be important to ensure that options for endorsement of behaviors without a specific benefit are also needed to ensure some behaviors (e.g., self-injurious behaviors) are not missed. Full article

Cryogenic cooling has gathered significant attention in the manufacturing industry. There are inherent difficulties in machining materials that are difficult to machine because of high levels of hardness, abrasiveness, and heat conductivity. Increased tool wear, diminished surface finish, and reduced machining efficiency are the results of these problems, and traditional cooling solutions are insufficient to resolve them. The application of cryogenic cooling involves the use of extremely low temperatures, typically achieved by employing liquid nitrogen or other cryogenic fluids. This study reviews the current state of cryogenic cooling technology and its use in machining difficult-to-machine materials. In addition, this review encompasses a thorough examination of cryogenic cooling techniques, including their principles, mechanisms, and effects on machining performance. The recent literature was used to discuss difficult-to-machine materials and their machining properties. The role of cryogenic cooling in machining difficult materials was then discussed. Finally, the latest technologies and methods involved in cryogenic cooling condition were discussed in detail. The outcome demonstrated that the exploration of cryogenic cooling methods has gained prominence in the manufacturing industry due to their potential to address challenges associated with the machining of exotic alloys. Full article

Organic montmorillonite (OMMT) was prepared from Na-montmorillonite (MMT) by Hexadecylamine (HDA) modification. The composite material has good smoothness, acidity, and salt resistance. OMMT was characterized using small-angle X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and a video optical contact angle measuring instrument. The results showed that the layer spacing was enlarged from 1.44 nm to 2.87 nm after the modification, and the hydrophobicity performance was greatly improved. The organic modification of MMT was successful. The surface morphology, roughness, and anticorrosion properties of the organic montmorillonite/epoxy (OMMT/EP) composite coating were investigated and compared with those of the epoxy (EP) coating. The OMMT/EP composite coating had a flatter surface than the EP coating. The roughness was reduced from 65.5 nm to 10.3 nm. The electrochemical impedance spectroscopy showed that the composite coating’s thickness positively affected its anticorrosion performance, the corrosion current density (I_corr) decreased with the increase in thickness, and its maximum impedance was much larger than that of EP coating. The protection efficiency of the OMMT/EP composite coating was 77.90%, which is a significant improvement over the EP’s 31.27%. In addition, the corrosion resistance of the composite coating gradually decreased with increasing immersion time, but the change was insignificant. Full article