Objectives: The impact of the tourniquet on cardiac efficiency remains unknown. This study aimed to assess the impact of the tourniquet on cardiac cycle efficiency (CCE) and to interpret how general anesthesia (GA) or combined spinal epidural anesthesia (CSEA) affects this during surgery using cardiac energy parameters. Methods: This prospective observational study included 43 patients undergoing elective unilateral total knee arthroplasty (TKA) with a tourniquet divided into GA (n = 22) and CSEA (n = 21) groups. Cardiac energy parameters were measured before anesthesia (T1), pre-tourniquet inflation (T2), during inflation (T3–T8), and post-deflation (T9). The estimated power of the study was 0.99 based on the differences and standard deviations in CCE at T2–T3 for all patients (effect size: 0.88, alpha error: 0.05). Results: CCE decreased significantly more at T3 in the GA group than in the CSEA group, whereas dP/dt_max and Ea increased more (p < 0.05, p < 0.001, and p < 0.01, respectively). At T9, CCE increased significantly in the GA group, whereas dP/dt_max and Ea decreased (p < 0.05, p < 0.001, and p < 0.001, respectively). Conclusions: The tourniquet reduces cardiac efficiency through compensatory responses, and CSEA may mitigate this effect. Full article

Spray-drying and freeze-drying are indispensable techniques for microencapsulating biologically active compounds, crucial for enhancing their bioavailability and stability while protecting them from environmental degradation. This study evaluates the effectiveness of these methods in encapsulating Citrus x paradisi L. (grapefruit) peel extract, focusing on sustainable recovery from waste peels. Key objectives included identifying optimal wall materials and assessing each encapsulation technique’s impact on microencapsulation. The investigation highlighted that the choice of wall material composition significantly affects the microencapsulation’s efficiency and morphological characteristics. A wall material mixture of 17 g maltodextrin, 0.5 g carboxymethylcellulose, and 2.5 g β-cyclodextrin was optimal for spray drying. This combination resulted in a sample with a wettability time of 1170 (s), a high encapsulation efficiency of 91.41%, a solubility of 60.21%, and a low moisture content of 5.1 ± 0.255%. These properties indicate that spray-drying, particularly with this specific wall material composition, offers a durable structure and can be conducive to prolonged release. Conversely, varying the precise compositions used in the freeze-drying process yielded different results: quick wettability at 132.6 (s), a solubility profile of 61.58%, a moisture content of 5.07%, and a high encapsulation efficiency of 78.38%. The use of the lyophilization technique with this latter wall material formula resulted in a more porous structure, which may facilitate a more immediate release of encapsulated compounds and lower encapsulation efficiency. Full article

Statocyst anatomy and fine morphology in Norwegian lobster (Nephrops norvegicus) are studied for the first time using scanning and transmission electron microscopy. N. norvegicus exhibits sensory setae projecting from the statocyst inner cavity floor into a mass of sand granules (statoconia) embedded in a gelatinous substance. The setae are distributed in four areas: a curved field made up of an inner single row and an outer double row that run on a circle around the medial and lateral rim of the central depression, a small setal field in the posterior part, a large setal field, opposite to the small field, and a short row, running internally and lying parallel to the inner single row, next to the small setal field. A study of the fine morphology of the statocyst sensory setae shows that the structure of the setae in the different areas is similar, with a bulb (the proximal portion of the sensillum), a setal shaft, a tooth (the smooth portion of the bulb), a fulcrum (a transverse fold), and filamentous hairs. The hair cells are firmly implanted within the cuticular layer. Although the type of innervation of the statocyst was not determined in the present study, the close taxonomic position of the lobster to that of the crayfish and crab would suggest that the setae in N. norvegicus are pure mechanoreceptors rather than sensory cells. Full article

Electrospun ultrathin fibers based on binary compositions of polylactide (PLA) and poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) with the various content from the polymer ratio from 0/100 to 100/0 have been explored. Combining thermal (DSC) and spectropy (ESR) techniques, the effect of biopolymer content on the characteristics of the crystal structure of PLA and PCL and the rotative diffusion of the stable TEMPO radical in the intercrystallite areas of PLA/PCL compositions was shown. It was revealed that after PLA and PCL blending, significant changes in the degree of crystallinity of PLA, PCL segment mobility, sorption of the Tempo probe, as well as its activation energy of rotation in the intercrystalline areas of PLA/PCL fibers, were evaluated. The characteristic region of biopolymers’ composition from 50/50 to 30/70% PLA/PCL blend ratio was found, where the inversion transition of PLA from dispersive medium to dispersive phase where an inversion transition is assumed when the continuous medium of the PLA transforms into a discrete phase. The performed studies made it possible, firstly, to carry out a detailed study of the effect of the system component ratio on the structural and dynamic characteristics of the PLA/PCL film material at the molecular level. Full article

The human gut microbiota creates a complex microbial ecosystem, characterized by its high population density, wide diversity, and complex interactions. Any imbalance of the intestinal microbiome, whether qualitative or quantitative, may have serious consequences for human health, including small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO). SIBO is defined as an increase in the number of bacteria (10³–10⁵ CFU/mL), an alteration in the bacterial composition, or both in the small intestine. The PubMed, Science Direct, Web of Science, EMBASE, and Medline databases were searched for studies on SIBO and related diseases. These diseases were divided into 12 groups: (1) gastrointestinal disorders; (2) autoimmune disease; (3) cardiovascular system disease; (4) metabolic disease; (5) endocrine disorders; (6) nephrological disorders; (7) dermatological diseases; (8) neurological diseases (9); developmental disorders; (10) mental disorders; (11) genetic diseases; and (12) gastrointestinal cancer. The purpose of this comprehensive review is to present the current state of knowledge on the relationships between SIBO and these 12 disease groups, taking into account risk factors and the causal context. This review fills the evidence gap on SIBO and presents a biological–medical approach to the problem, clearly showing the groups and diseases having a proven relationship with SIBO, as well as indicating groups within which research should continue to be expanded. Full article

Canine melanoma is a malignant and aggressive neoplasm showing clinical, histological, and molecular features similar to the human counterpart. In human medicine, epidermal growth factor receptors (EGFRs) have already been suggested as prognostic markers and potential therapeutic targets in cutaneous melanoma. The aim of this study was to evaluate the expression of HER-2 and HER-3 in canine melanomas by immunohistochemistry and correlate their expression to the clinicopathological parameters of the examined tumors. Thirty-seven canine melanoma samples were recruited. Data regarding signalment and clinical parameters were also collected. The population was composed of 18 cutaneous, 16 oral/mucosal, and three digital/foot pad melanomas. Histopathological investigations were carried out to analyze histological type, ulceration, and mitotic count. On each sample, immunohistochemistry was performed using an anti-Melan-A or anti-Melanoma antigen, i.e., anti-HER-2 and anti-HER-3 antibodies. HER-2 and HER-3 positivity were classified using already established scoring criteria and a statistical analysis was carried out. The results highlighted that HER-2 expression was observed in 48.6% of the samples and HER-3 expression in 18.9%. The highest HER 2 score (3+) was recorded in 16.2% of the samples, while the coexpression of the two receptors was detected in 13.5% of the samples. A statistically significant association (p < 0.05) was observed between the expression of HER-2 and HER-3 and the presence of ulceration in oromucosal tumors. This work confirms the expression of HER-2 and HER-3 in canine melanomas and suggests a putative association with negative prognostic parameters. Further studies are necessary to strengthen these data by increasing the samples size and combining pathological examinations with molecular biology in the investigation of EGFR family receptors. Full article

The yak is a unique species of livestock found in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau and its surrounding areas. Due to factors such as late sexual maturity and a low rate of estrus, its reproductive efficiency is relatively low. The process of estrus synchronization in yaks plays a crucial role in enhancing their reproductive success and ensuring the continuation of their species. In order to clarify the characteristics of the serum metabolites of yak estrus synchronization, the yaks with inactive ovaries were compared with the estrus synchronization yaks. In this study, yaks were divided into the inactive ovaries group (IO), gonarelin-induced yak estrus group (GnRH), and chloprostenol sodium-induced yak estrus group (PGF). After the completion of the estrus synchronization treatment, blood samples were collected from the jugular veins of the non-estrus yaks in the control group and the yaks with obvious estrus characteristics in the GnRH and PGF groups. Metabolites were detected by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry, and differential metabolites were screened by multivariate statistical analysis. The results showed that a total of 70 significant differential metabolites were screened and identified in the GnRH vs. IO group, and 77 significant differential metabolites were screened and identified in the PGF vs. IO group. Compared with non-estrus yaks, 36 common significant differential metabolites were screened out after the induction of yak estrus by gonarelin (GnRH) and cloprostenol sodium (PGF), which were significantly enriched in signaling pathways such as the beta oxidation of very long chain fatty acids, bile acid biosynthesis, oxidation of branched chain fatty acids, steroidogenesis, steroid biosynthesis, and arginine and proline metabolism. This study analyzed the effects of gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) and prostaglandin F (PGF) on the reproductive performance of yaks treated with estrus synchronization, which provides a theoretical basis for the optimization and application of yak estrus synchronization technology and promotes the healthy development of the yak industry. Full article

This study focuses on developing an experimental setup to investigate the Selective Melt Dispersion (SMD), a Directed Energy Deposition (DED) process. SMD as a means of in-process joining (IPJ) aims to integrate components and assemblies during additive manufacturing, combining the advantages of various processes for eco-friendly and economical resource utilization. The research initially analyzed DED systems and defined requirements for subsystems and the overall system. Critical subsystems, including the energy source, material feed, and others, were sequentially developed, and a proof of concept involved building 20 stacked welded tracks, validated through micrograph analysis. The study concludes by evaluating and discussing the fulfillment of the defined requirements. The system comprises a centrally arranged vibration-assisted powder feed; a laterally arranged laser incidence at a 45° angle; a kinematic structure where all axes are arranged on the workpiece, so the powder supply does not require movement; and a shield gas supply. Full article

Although titanium dioxide (TiO₂) has a wide range of potential applications, the photocatalytic performance of TiO₂ is limited by both its limited photoresponse range and fast recombination of the photogenerated charge carriers. In this work, the preparation of nitrogen (N)-doped TiO₂ accompanied by the introduction of oxygen vacancy (Vo) has been achieved via a facile annealing treatment with urea as the N source. During the annealing treatment, the presence of urea not only realizes the N-doping of TiO₂ but also creates Vo in N-doped TiO₂ (N-TiO₂), which is also suitable for commercial TiO₂ (P25). Unexpectedly, the annealing treatment-induced decrease in the specific surface area of N-TiO₂ is inhibited by the N-doping and, thus, more active sites are maintained. Therefore, both the N-doping and formation of Vo as well as the increased active sites contribute to the excellent photocatalytic performance of N-TiO₂ under visible light irradiation. Our work offers a facile strategy for the preparation of N-TiO₂ with Vo via the annealing treatment with urea. Full article

In this study, a semi-static water exposure method was employed to investigate the early developmental and neurotoxic effects of four benzothiazole substances (BTHs), namely benzothiazole (BTH), 2-mercaptobenzothiazole (MBT), 2-hydroxybenzothiazole (BTON), and 2-aminobenzothiazole (2-ABTH), on zebrafish at an equimolar concentration of 10 μM. The findings revealed that all four BTHs exerted certain impacts on early development in zebrafish. MBT stimulated spontaneous movement in juvenile zebrafish, whereas BTON inhibited such movements. Moreover, all four BTHs hindered the hatching process of zebrafish larvae, with MBT exhibiting the strongest inhibition at 24 h post-fertilization (hpf). Notably, MBT acted as a melanin inhibitor by suppressing melanin production in juvenile zebrafish eyes and weakening phototaxis. Additionally, both BTH and BTON exhibited significantly lower speeds than the control group and other test groups under conditions without bright field stimulation; however, their speeds increased to average levels after percussion stimulation, indicating no significant alteration in motor ability among experimental zebrafish groups. Short-term exposure to these four types of BTHs induced oxidative damage in zebrafish larvae; specifically, BTH-, MBT-, and BTON-exposed groups displayed abnormal expression patterns of genes related to oxidative damage. Exposure to both BTH and MBT led to reduced fluorescence intensity in transgenic zebrafish labeled with central nervous system markers, suggesting inhibition of central nervous system development. Furthermore, real-time quantitative PCR results demonstrated abnormal gene expression associated with neural development. However, no significant changes were observed in 2-ABTH gene expression at this concentration. Overall findings indicate that short-term exposure to BTHs stimulates neurodevelopmental gene expression accompanied by oxidative damage. Full article

Marine sponges of the genus Spongia have proven to be unabated sources of novel secondary metabolites with remarkable scaffold diversities and significant bioactivities. The discovery of chemical substances from Spongia sponges has continued to increase over the last few years. The current work provides an up-to-date literature survey and comprehensive insight into the reported metabolites from the members of the genus Spongia, as well as their structural features, biological activities, and structure–activity relationships when available. In this review, 222 metabolites are discussed based on published data from the period from mid-2015 to the beginning of 2024. The compounds are categorized into sesquiterpenes, diterpenes, sesterterpenes, meroterpenes, linear furanoterpenes, steroids, alkaloids, and other miscellaneous substances. The biological effects of these chemical compositions on a vast array of pharmacological assays including cytotoxic, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, neuroprotective, protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B)-inhibitory, and phytoregulating activities are also presented. Full article

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the number one cause of mortality among non-communicable diseases worldwide. Expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) is a widely used material for making artificial vascular grafts to treat CVDs; however, its application in small-diameter vascular grafts is limited by the issues of thrombosis formation and intimal hyperplasia. This paper presents a novel approach that integrates a hydrogel layer on the lumen of ePTFE vascular grafts through mechanical interlocking to efficiently facilitate endothelialization and alleviate thrombosis and restenosis problems. This study investigated how various gel synthesis variables, including N,N’-Methylenebisacrylamide (MBAA), sodium alginate, and calcium sulfate (CaSO₄), influence the mechanical and rheological properties of P(AAm-co-NaAMPS)-alginate-xanthan hydrogels intended for vascular graft applications. The findings obtained can provide valuable guidance for crafting hydrogels suitable for artificial vascular graft fabrication. The increased sodium alginate content leads to increased equilibrium swelling ratios, greater viscosity in hydrogel precursor solutions, and reduced transparency. Adding more CaSO₄ decreases the swelling ratio of a hydrogel system, which offsets the increased swelling ratio caused by alginate. Increased MBAA in the hydrogel system enhances both the shear modulus and Young’s modulus while reducing the transparency of the hydrogel system and the pore size of freeze-dried samples. Overall, Hydrogel (6A12M) with 2.58 mg/mL CaSO₄ was the optimal candidate for ePTFE–hydrogel vascular graft applications due to its smallest pore size, highest shear storage modulus and Young’s modulus, smallest swelling ratio, and a desirable precursor solution viscosity that facilitates fabrication. Full article

The search for new plant growth regulators is a cornerstone of agricultural research; however, laboratory studies rarely go on to be evaluated in the field. This is because greater production is required, as well as longer studies. Particularly, brassinosteroids present these difficulties, and although they have been evaluated in crops with good results, their high production cost gives rise to the search for new alternatives. 22-Oxocholestanes such as SPGP4, previously used in silico and in vitro studies, have shown great potential, so their evaluation in crops grown from native seeds from the study region becomes of interest. Based on these data, SPGP4 was evaluated under crop conditions in three agricultural plots located on the Isthmus of Tehuantepec region, Oaxaca, México. The seeds were treated with a 0.5 mg/L aqueous solution of the 22-Oxocholestane compound SPGP4 by imbibition one night before sown. Later, 45 days after sowing, a solution of 0.5 mg/L at a rate of 200 L per hectare was applied. At the production level, the bean harvest showed an increase in the range of 21.0–38.1%, and the corn harvest increased between 22 and 32%. In addition, the latter also demonstrated an increase in biomass production, given the increase in diameter and height observed in the corn plant. This indicates that SPGP4 functions as a regulator of plant growth at the crop level to increase both seed and biomass production. Full article

In endothelial cells, miR-148a-3p is involved in several pathological pathways, including chronic inflammatory conditions. However, the molecular mechanism of miR-148a-3p in endothelial inflammatory states is, to date, not fully elucidated. To this end, we investigated the involvement of miR-148a-3p in mitochondrial dysfunction and cell death pathways in human aortic endothelial cells (teloHAECs) treated with interleukin-6 (IL-6), a major driver of vascular dysfunction. The results showed that during IL6-activated inflammatory pathways, including increased protein levels of sirtuin 7 (SIRT7) (p < 0.01), mitochondrial stress (p < 0.001), and apoptosis (p < 0.01), a decreased expression of miR-148a-3p was observed (p < 0.01). The employment of a miR-148a mimic counteracted the IL-6-induced cytokine release (p < 0.01) and apoptotic cell death (p < 0.01), and ameliorated mitochondria redox homeostasis and respiration (p < 0.01). The targeted relationship between miR-148a-3p and SIRT7 was predicted by a bioinformatics database analysis and validated via the dual-luciferase reporter assay. Mechanistically, miR-148a-3p targets the 3′ untranslated regions of SIRT7 mRNA, downregulating its expression (p < 0.01). Herein, these in vitro results support the role of the miR-148a-3p/SIRT7 axis in counteracting mitochondrial damage and apoptosis during endothelial inflammation, unveiling a novel target for future strategies to prevent endothelial dysfunction. Full article

Ilex × attenuata ‘Sunny Foster’ represents a yellow leaf mutant originating from I. × attenuata ‘Foster#2’, a popular ornamental woody cultivar. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying this leaf color mutation remain unclear. Using a comprehensive approach encompassing cytological, physiological, and transcriptomic methodologies, notable distinctions were discerned between the mutant specimen and its wild type. The mutant phenotype displayed aberrant chloroplast morphology, diminished chlorophyll content, heightened carotenoid/chlorophyll ratios, and a decelerated rate of plant development. Transcriptome analysis identified differentially expressed genes (DEGs) related to chlorophyll metabolism, carotenoid biosynthesis and photosynthesis. The up-regulation of CHLD and CHLI subunits leads to decreased magnesium chelatase activity, while the up-regulation of COX10 increases heme biosynthesis—both impair chlorophyll synthesis. Conversely, the down-regulation of HEMD hindered chlorophyll synthesis, and the up-regulation of SGR enhanced chlorophyll degradation, resulting in reduced chlorophyll content. Additionally, genes linked to carotenoid biosynthesis, flavonoid metabolism, and photosynthesis were significantly down-regulated. We also identified 311 putative differentially expressed transcription factors, including bHLHs and GLKs. These findings shed light on the molecular mechanisms underlying leaf color mutation in I. × attenuata ‘Sunny Foster’ and provide a substantial gene reservoir for enhancing leaf color through breeding techniques. Full article

Background and Objectives: The safe zone in total hip replacement was introduced many years ago. Its aim was to provide guidelines for orthopedic surgeons in order to avoid complications such as instability. With the growing interest in spinopelvic alignment, some new insights suggest that the safe zone is an obsolete concept. This study aims to show that, even outside the safe zone, the effect of total hip replacement can be satisfactory. This could be used as preliminary study for an analysis of a larger group. Materials and Methods: Fifty-nine consecutive patients with end-stage osteoarthritis treated by total hip replacement were enrolled into the study and divided into two groups: inside the safe zone and outside the safe zone. A physical examination during postoperative visits was performed; the range of movement was measured using a goniometer; and the HHS and VAS were taken to measure functional outcomes and pain, respectively. An analysis of the radiological outcomes was performed. Results: There was no significant difference in regard to changes in total offset, pain, HHS and other complications. There were no signs of instability among patients during the follow-up. Conclusions: The results of this study show that the “safe zone” is a more complicated term that was previously thought. A proper soft tissue balance and spinopelvic alignment could be factors that change the “safe zone” for each patient and make it more individual. Full article

Currently, intelligent robotics is supplanting traditional industrial applications. It extends to business, service and care industries, and other fields. Stable robot grasping is a necessary prerequisite for all kinds of complex application scenarios. Herein, we propose a method for preparing an elastic porous material with adjustable conductivity, hardness, and elastic modulus. Based on this, we design a soft robot tactile fingertip that is gentle, highly sensitive, and has an adjustable range. It has excellent sensitivity (~1.089 kpa⁻¹), fast response time (~35 ms), and measures minimum pressures up to 0.02 N and stability over 500 cycles. The baseline capacitance of a sensor of the same size can be increased by a factor of 5–6, and graphene adheres better to polyurethane sponge and has good shock absorption. In addition, we demonstrated the application of the tactile fingertip to a two-finger manipulator to achieve stable grasping. In this paper, we demonstrate the great potential of the soft robot tactile finger in the field of adaptive grasping for intelligent robots. Full article

The greatest source of failure in portfolio analytics is not individual models that perform poorly, but rather an inability to integrate models quantitatively across management functions. The separable components of age–period–cohort models provide a framework for integrated credit risk modeling across an organization. Using a panel data structure, credit risk scores can be integrated with an APC framework using either logistic regression or machine learning. Such APC scores for default, payoff, and other key rates fit naturally into forward-looking cash flow estimates. Given an economic scenario, every applicant at the time of origination can be assigned profit and profit volatility estimates so that underwriting can truly be account-level. This process optimizes the most fallible part of underwriting, which is setting cutoff scores and assigning loan pricing and terms. This article provides a summary of applications of APC models across portfolio management roles, with a description of how to create the models to be directly integrated. As a consequence, cash flow calculations are available for each account, and cutoff scores can be set directly from portfolio financial targets. Full article

Due to climate change and exacerbated population growth, the search for new sustainable strategies that allow for greater food productivity and that provide greater nutritional quality has become imperative. One strategy for addressing this problem is the combined use of fertilization with a reduced dose of nitrogen and biostimulants. Celery processing produces a large amount of waste with its concomitant pollution. Therefore, it is necessary to address the valorization of its byproducts. Our results revealed reductions in the biomass, Na, P, Mn, B, sugars, and proteins in the byproducts and increased lipid peroxidation, Fe (all celery parts), and K (byproducts) when the N supplied was reduced. Plants inoculated with Azotobacter salinestris obtained a greater biomass, a higher accumulation of K (byproducts), a build-up of sugars and proteins, reduced concentrations of P, Cu, Mn, B, Fe (petioles), and Zn (byproducts), and reduced lipid peroxidation. The application of Se at 8 μM reinforced the beneficial effect obtained after inoculation with Azotobacter salinestris. In accordance with our results, edible celery parts are recommended as an essential ingredient in the daily diet. Furthermore, the valorization of celery byproducts with health-promoting purposes should be considered. Full article

Background: The effectiveness of applying a fall-risk assessment to prevent falls in residents of long-term care facilities has not been investigated. Methods: This prospective study enrolled elderly residents in a long-term care facility in Taiwan. Caregivers were provided with a health-status assessment and fall-risk data to enhance their fall-prevention practices. A multivariate analysis was performed to identify the factors associated with falls. Results: A total of 123 subjects, including 68 and 55 for general and nursing-care models, respectively, were assessed. Their health status and risk of falls were provided to the care units to enhance their fall-prevention practices. Subjects in the nursing-care model had more dementia and more prescribed medications, worse physiologic conditions, and higher fall risk. Of them, 28 (23%) had subsequent falls. A univariate analysis showed that those with and without falls were similar in demographic characteristics, prescribed medications, physiologic function, and fall risk. There was a tendency for more falls in the nursing-care model residents (accounting for 61% of those who fell; p = 0.053). A regression analysis showed that gender (beta = 1.359; 95% confidence interval = 0.345–2.374; p = 0.010) and NPI score (beta = 0.101; 95% CI = 0.001–0.200; p = 0.047) were associated with the risk of falls. Conclusion: Residents at the long-term care facility had a significant risk of falls despite knowledge of their fall risk and the implementation of preventive measures. In this context of being aware of the risk, gender, and psychiatric symptoms were significantly associated with falls. Caregivers at long-term care facilities should implement further measures to prevent falls based on behavioral and psychological symptoms. Full article