Endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) play a critical role in cardiovascular regeneration. Enhancement of their native properties would be highly beneficial to ensuring the proper functioning of the cardiovascular system. As androgens have a positive effect on the cardiovascular system, we hypothesized that dihydrotestosterone (DHT) could also influence EPC-mediated repair processes. To evaluate this hypothesis, we investigated the effects of DHT on cultured human EPCs’ proliferation, viability, morphology, migration, angiogenesis, gene and protein expression, and ability to integrate into cardiac tissue. The results showed that DHT at different concentrations had no cytotoxic effect on EPCs, significantly enhanced the cell proliferation and viability and induces fast, androgen-receptor-dependent formation of capillary-like structures. DHT treatment of EPCs regulated gene expression of androgen receptors and the genes and proteins involved in cell migration and angiogenesis. Importantly, DHT stimulation promoted EPC migration and the cells’ ability to adhere and integrate into murine cardiac slices, suggesting it has a role in promoting tissue regeneration. Mass spectrometry analysis further highlighted the impact of DHT on EPCs’ functioning. In conclusion, DHT increases the proliferation, migration, and androgen-receptor-dependent angiogenesis of EPCs; enhances the cells’ secretion of key factors involved in angiogenesis; and significantly potentiates cellular integration into heart tissue. The data offer support for potential therapeutic applications of DHT in cardiovascular regeneration and repair processes. Full article

The existing in vitro toxicological models lack translational potential, which makes difficult the application of gathered information to clinical usage. To tackle this issue, we built a model with four different types of primary liver cells: hepatic sinusoidal endothelial cells, hepatic stellate cells, Kupffer cells and hepatocytes. We cultured them in different combinations of composition and volumes of cell medium, hepatocyte proportions of total cells and additions of extracellular matrixes. We added rifampicin (RIF), ibuprofen (IBU) and 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) to this model and observed the microanatomy and physiology changes for a week with preclinical and clinical instruments. Among the different model configurations, we selected the feature combination of the in vitro model that had similar biomarker values to those measured in clinical diagnostics. When we exposed the selected model configuration to RIF, IBU and 5-FU, we observed similar glucose, triglyceride and albumin dynamics as in vivo (from clinical data). Therefore, we have built an in vitro liver model that resembles the liver microenvironment, and we have analysed it with clinical instrumentation to facilitate data translation. Furthermore, during these observations, we found that Kupffer and LSEC cells are suitable candidates for the search for clinical diagnostic markers of liver function. Full article

Background: Fatty acids are essential for human health. Currently, there is a search for alternative sources of fatty acids that could supplement such sources as staple crops or fishes. Turions of aquatic plants accumulate a variety of substances such as starch, free sugars, amino acids, reserve proteins and lipids. Our aim is to see if turions can be a valuable source of fatty acids. Methods: Overwintering shoots and turions of aquatic carnivorous plants were collected. The plant material was extracted with hexane. The oils were analyzed using a gas chromatograph with mass spectrometer. Results: The dominant compound in all samples was linolenic acid. The oil content was different in turions and shoots. The oil content of the shoots was higher than that of the turions, but the proportion of fatty acids in the oils from the shoots was low in contrast to the oils from the turions. The turions of Utricularia species were shown to be composed of about 50% fatty acids. Conclusions: The turions of Utricularia species can be used to obtain oil with unsaturated fatty acids. In addition, the high fatty acid content of turions may explain their ability to survive at low temperatures. Full article

This study investigates the feasibility of a simple electrochemical detection of Prostate Cancer Antigen 3 (PCA3) fragments extracted from patients’ urine, using a thiolated single-strand DNA probe immobilized on a gold surface without using a redox probe. To enhance the PCA3 recognition process, we conducted a comparative analysis of the hybridization location using two thiolated DNA probes: Probe 1 targets the first 40 bases, while Probe 2 targets the fragment from bases 47 to 86. Hybridization with PCA3 followed, using square wave voltammetry. The limit of detection of the designed genosenors were of the order of (2.2 ng/mL), and (1.6 ng/mL) for Probes 1 and 2, respectively, and the subsequent sensitivities were of the order of (0.09 ± 0.01) µA⁻¹ · µg⁻¹ · mL and (0.10 ± 0.01) µA⁻¹ · µg⁻¹ · mL. Specificity tests were then conducted with the sensor functionalized with Probe 2, as it presents better analytical performances. The electrochemical results indicate that the designed sensor can clearly discriminate a complementary target from a non-complementary one. A further modeling of the calibration curves with the Power Law/Hill model indicates that the dissociation constant increases by one order of magnitude, confirming the ability of the designed sensor to perfectly discriminate complementary targets from non-complementary ones. Full article

Previous studies have indicated a potential role of diet in the pathogenesis of renal cell carcinoma (RCC). Recently, circular bovine meat and milk factor (BMMF) DNAs have been identified in peritumoral tissues of human colon and breast cancers. Here, we investigated the prevalence of the DNA of these novel human pathogenic infectious agents in RCC and adjacent peritumoral renal tissues. DNA was extracted from formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded (FFPE) RCC and peritumoral kidney tissues, including a test (n = 11) and a validation (n = 152) collection. BMMF1 and BMMF2 consensus primers were designed to screen for the presence of BMMF1- and BMMF2-like DNA. In addition, BMMF-specific PCR was performed on selected cases to test for the presence of additional regions of BMMF1 and BMMF2 genomes. A reference collection of hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs; n = 60) and adjacent peritumoral liver tissues (n = 50) was also included. Our results demonstrated that BMMF1 and BMMF2 DNAs are frequently found in human RCC tissues and are particularly more prevalent in peritumoral kidney tissues. Of note, BMMF1 and BMMF2 genotype heterogeneity was higher in peritumoral kidney tissues compared to RCC tissues. This is the first study to directly test human FFPE tissues for BMMF1- and BMMF2-like DNA using consensus PCR and demonstrate BMMF DNA in neoplastic and peritumoral kidney tissues. The findings are in line with the recently proposed indirect etiopathogenetic role of BMMFs in, e.g., colorectal carcinogenesis. Follow-up studies are needed to explore the potential role of BMMFs in the etiopathogenesis of RCC. Full article

The meat industry uses phosphates to improve the water-holding capacity (WHC) of meat products, although excess phosphates can be harmful to human health. In this sense, protein hydrolysates offer an alternative with scientific evidence of improved WHCs. Salmon frames, a byproduct rich in protein, must be processed for recovery. Enzymatic technology allows these proteins to be extracted from muscle, and the sequential batch strategy significantly increases protein nitrogen extraction. This study focused on evaluating the WHC of protein hydrolysates from salmon frames obtained through double- and triple-sequential batches compared to conventional hydrolysis. Hydrolysis was carried out for 3 h at 55 °C with 13 mAU of subtilisin per gram of salmon frames. The WHC of each hydrolysate was measured as the cooking loss using concentrations that varied from 0 to 5% (w/w) in the meat matrix. Compared with those obtained through conventional hydrolysis, the hydrolysates obtained through the strategy of double- and triple-sequence batches demonstrated a 55% and 51% reduction in cooking loss, respectively, when they were applied from 1% by weight in the meat matrix. It is essential to highlight that all hydrolysates had a significantly lower cooking loss (p ≤ 0.05) than that of the positive control (sodium tripolyphosphate [STPP]) at its maximum allowable limit when applied at a concentration of 5% in the meat matrix. These results suggest that the sequential batch strategy represents a promising alternative for further improving the WHC of hydrolysates compared to conventional hydrolysis. It may serve as a viable substitute for polyphosphates. Full article

Auscultation of heart sounds is an important veterinary skill requiring an understanding of anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology and pattern recognition. This cross-sectional study was developed to evaluate a targeted, audio-visual training resource for veterinary students to improve their understanding and auscultation of common heart conditions in horses. Fourth- and fifth-year 2021 and 2022 Bachelor of Veterinary Science students at the University of Queensland (UQ) were provided the learning resource and surveyed via online pre- and post-intervention surveys. Results were quantitatively analyzed using descriptive statistics and Mann–Whitney U tests. Open-ended survey questions were qualitatively analyzed by thematic analysis and Leximancer™ Version 4 program software analysis. Over the two-year period, 231 fourth-year and 222 fifth-year veterinary students had access to the resource; 89 completed the pre-intervention survey and 57 completed the post-intervention survey. Quantitative results showed the resource helped students prepare for practicals and their perception of competency and confidence when auscultating equine cardiac sounds improved (p < 0.05). Compared to fifth-year students, fourth-year students felt less competent at identifying murmurs and arrythmias prior to accessing the learning resource (p < 0.05). Fourth-year and fifth-year students’ familiarity with detection of murmurs improved after completing the learning resource (p < 0.001). Qualitative analysis demonstrated a limited number of opportunities to practice equine cardiac auscultation throughout the veterinary degree, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, and that integrated audio-visual resources are an effective means of teaching auscultation. Full article

A multimodal detection system with complementary capabilities for efficient detection was developed for impurity detection. The system consisted of a visible light camera, a multispectral camera, image correction and registration algorithms. It can obtain spectral features and color features at the same time and has higher spatial resolution than a single spectral camera. This system was applied to detect impurities in Pu’er tea to verify its high efficiency. The spectral and color features of each pixel in the images of Pu’er tea were obtained by this system and used for pixel classification. The experimental results showed that the accuracy of a support vector machine (SVM) model based on combined features was 93%, which was 7% higher than that based on spectral features only. By applying a median filtering algorithm and a contour detection algorithm to the label matrix extracted from pixel-classified images, except hair, eight impurities were detected successfully. Moreover, taking advantage of the high resolution of a visible light camera, small impurities could be clearly imaged. By comparing the segmented color image with the pixel-classified image, small impurities such as hair could be detected successfully. Finally, it was proved that the system could obtain multiple images to allow a more detailed and comprehensive understanding of the detected items and had an excellent ability to detect small impurities. Full article

Stenotrophomonas maltophilia, a non-fermentative, ubiquitous, gram-negative aerobic bacterium, is associated with high mortality rates, particularly in immunocompromised or debilitated patients. The prevalence rate of ICU-acquired pneumonia episodes caused by this microorganism has been found to be 2%. S. maltophilia has been identified as one of the top 10 microorganisms responsible for such infections in EU/EEA countries. This study describes an outbreak of S. maltophilia in an intensive care unit of a hospital in northern Italy. This includes an epidemiological investigation of the cases, the environmental microbiological controls carried out, a comparison of the strains by multilocus sequence typing (MLST), and the measures taken to prevent and control the outbreak. Among the seven clinical isolates of S. maltophilia analyzed herein, six demonstrated susceptibilities to trimethoprim–sulfamethoxazole. Conversely, one isolate of S. maltophilia exhibited resistance to first-line antibiotics. ST was found to be identical for six patients (ST 4), as well as in the environmental feedback on the trolley of ^{Box 2}. The analysis of the temporal and spatial progression of the outbreak has suggested that the transmission of S. maltophilia may have occurred through cross-transmission during care practices. Full article

The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of weight ratio, the shape of the precursor particles, and the application of a phosphate-monomer-containing primer on the mechanical properties of polymer infiltrated ceramic networks (PICNs) using zinc oxide. Two different types of zinc oxide particles were used as precursors to produce zinc oxide networks by sintering, each with two different densities resulting in two different weight ratios of the PICNs. For each of these different networks, two subgroups were built: one involving the application of a phosphate-monomer-containing primer prior to the infiltration of Bis-GMA/TEGDMA and one without. Elastic modulus and flexural strength were determined by using the three-point bending test. Vertical substance loss determined by the chewing simulation was evaluated with a laser scanning microscope. There was a statistically significant influence of the type of precursor particles on the flexural strength and in some cases on the elastic modulus. The application of a primer lead to a significant increase in the flexural strength and in most cases also in the elastic modulus. A higher weight ratio of zinc oxide led to a significantly higher elastic modulus. Few statistically significant differences were found for the vertical substance loss. By varying the shape of the particles and the weight fraction of zinc oxide, the mechanical properties of the investigated PICN can be controlled. The use of a phosphate-monomer-containing primer strengthens the bond between the infiltrated polymer and the zinc oxide, thus increasing the strength of the composite. Full article

The best-characterized functional motifs of the potyviral Helper-Component protease (HC-Pro) responding for aphid transmission, RNA silencing suppression, movement, symptom development, and replication are gathered in this review. The potential cellular protein targets of plant virus proteases remain largely unknown despite their multifunctionality. The HC-Pro catalytic domain, as a cysteine protease, autoproteolytically cleaves the potyviral polyproteins in the sequence motif YXVG/G and is not expected to act on host targets; however, 146 plant proteins in the Viridiplantae clade containing this motif were searched in the UniProtKB database and are discussed. On the other hand, more than 20 interactions within the entire HC-Pro structure are known. Most of these interactions with host targets (such as the 20S proteasome, methyltransferase, transcription factor eIF4E, and microtubule-associated protein HIP2) modulate the cellular environments for the benefit of virus accumulation or contribute to symptom severity (interactions with MinD, Rubisco, ferredoxin) or participate in the suppression of RNA silencing (host protein VARICOSE, calmodulin-like protein). On the contrary, the interaction of HC-Pro with triacylglycerol lipase, calreticulin, and violaxanthin deepoxidase seems to be beneficial for the host plant. The strength of these interactions between HC-Pro and the corresponding host protein vary with the plant species. Therefore, these interactions may explain the species-specific sensitivity to potyviruses. Full article

This study describes a novel species of Diploderma (Squamata, Agamidae) from the lower valley of the Dadu River of the Sichuan Province of Western China based on its distinct morphological features and molecular evidence. D. daduense sp. nov. can be distinguished from its congeners by its tympanum concealed; head mainly green-yellow, supplemented by black; skin folds under the nuchal and dorsal crest obviously present in adult males only, its vertebral crest discontinuous between nuchal and dorsal sections with a distinct gap; transverse gular fold present but not obvious in some individuals; gular spot absent in both sexes; dorsolateral stripes green-yellow anteriorly, cyan in the center and blurry off-white posteriorly in adult males, the upper edge of dorsolateral stripes strongly jagged in adult males; no radial stripes around the eyes; inner-lip coloration smoky-white, and the coloration of the tongue and oral cavity as a light-flesh color in life; bright green-yellow transverse stripes on dorsal body in males; black patches are evenly distributed along the vertebral line between the dorsolateral stripes from the neck to the base of the tail in males; beech-brown or gray-brown line along the vertebral line with heart-shaped or diamond-shaped black patches on the dorsal body in females; and supratemporals fewer than four on at least one side. The phylogenetic tree based on mitochondrial ND2 sequences indicates that D. daduense sp. nov. forms an independent clade with strong support 1/100 in ML bootstrap/Bayesian posterior probability and is the sister group to D. splendidum. At the inter-species level, the p-distance is at least 6.95%, further confirming that an independent species had been identified. Our work raises the number of species within the genus Diploderma to 47. Full article

Biometric fingerprint identification hinges on the reliability of its sensors; however, calibrating and standardizing these sensors poses significant challenges, particularly in regards to repeatability and data diversity. To tackle these issues, we propose methodologies for fabricating synthetic 3D fingerprint targets, or phantoms, that closely emulate real human fingerprints. These phantoms enable the precise evaluation and validation of fingerprint sensors under controlled and repeatable conditions. Our research employs laser engraving, 3D printing, and CNC machining techniques, utilizing different materials. We assess the phantoms’ fidelity to synthetic fingerprint patterns, intra-class variability, and interoperability across different manufacturing methods. The findings demonstrate that a combination of laser engraving or CNC machining with silicone casting produces finger-like phantoms with high accuracy and consistency for rolled fingerprint recordings. For slap recordings, direct laser engraving of flat silicone targets excels, and in the contactless fingerprint sensor setting, 3D printing and silicone filling provide the most favorable attributes. Our work enables a comprehensive, method-independent comparison of various fabrication methodologies, offering a unique perspective on the strengths and weaknesses of each approach. This facilitates a broader understanding of fingerprint recognition system validation and performance assessment. Full article

Efficient energy use is crucial for achieving carbon neutrality and reduction. As part of these efforts, research is being carried out to apply a phase change material (PCM) to a concrete structure together with an aggregate. In this study, an energy consumption simulation was performed using data from concrete mock-up structures. To perform the simulation, the threshold investigation was performed through the Bayesian approach. Furthermore, the spiking part of the spiking neural network was modularized and integrated into a recurrent neural network (RNN) to find accurate energy consumption. From the training-test results of the trained neural network, it was possible to predict data with an R² value of 0.95 or higher through data prediction with high accuracy for the RNN. In addition, the spiked parts were obtained; it was found that PCM-containing concrete could consume 32% less energy than normal concrete. This result suggests that the use of PCM can be a key to reducing the energy consumption of concrete structures. Furthermore, the approach of this study is considered to be easily applicable in energy-related institutions and the like for predicting energy consumption during the summer. Full article

Electrochemical (EC) detection is a powerful tool supporting simple, low-cost, and rapid analysis. Although screen printing is commonly used to mass fabricate disposable EC chips, its mask is relatively expensive. In this research, we demonstrated a method for fabricating three-electrode EC chips using 3D printing of relatively high-viscosity paste. The electrodes consisted of two layers, with carbon paste printed over silver/silver chloride paste, and the printed EC chips were baked at 70${}^{\circ }$C for 1 h. Engineering challenges such as bulging of the tubing, clogging of the nozzle, dripping, and local accumulation of paste were solved by material selection for the tube and nozzle, and process optimization in 3D printing. The EC chips demonstrated good reversibility in redox reactions through cyclic voltammetry tests, and reliably detected heavy metal ions Pb(II) and Cd(II) in solutions using differential pulse anodic stripping voltammetry measurements. The results indicate that by optimizing the 3D printing of paste, EC chips can be obtained by maskless and flexible 3D printing techniques in lieu of screen printing. Full article

This paper conducts an in-depth study on the self-similar transformation, Darboux transformation, and the excitation and propagation characteristics of high-order bright–dark rogue wave solutions in the (2+1)-dimensional variable-coefficient Zakharov equation. The Zakharov equation is instrumental for studying complex nonlinear interactions in these areas, with specific implications for energy transfer processes in plasma and nonlinear wave propagation systems. By analyzing bright–dark rogue wave solutions—phenomena that are critical in understanding high-energy events in optical and fluid environments—this research elucidates the intricate dynamics of energy concentration and dissipation. Using the self-similar transformation method, we map the (2+1)-dimensional equation to a more tractable (1+1)-dimensional nonlinear Schrödinger equation form. Through the Lax pair and Darboux transformation, we successfully construct high-order solutions that reveal how variable coefficients influence rogue wave features, such as shape, amplitude, and dynamics. Numerical simulations demonstrate the evolution of these rogue waves, offering novel perspectives for predicting and mitigating extreme wave events in engineering applications.This paper crucially advances the practical understanding and manipulation of nonlinear wave phenomena in variable environments, providing significant insights for applications in optical fibers, atmospheric physics, and marine engineering. Full article

Ice detection poses significant challenges in sectors such as renewable energy and aviation due to its adverse effects on aircraft performance and wind energy production. Ice buildup alters the surface characteristics of aircraft wings or wind turbine blades, inducing airflow separation and diminishing the aerodynamic properties of these structures. While various approaches have been proposed to address icing effects, including chemical solutions, pneumatic systems, and heating systems, these solutions are often costly and limited in scope. To enhance the cost-effectiveness of ice protection systems, reliable information about current icing conditions, particularly in the early stages, is crucial. Ultrasonic guided waves offer a promising solution for ice detection, enabling integration into critical structures and providing coverage over larger areas. However, existing techniques primarily focus on detecting thick ice layers, leaving a gap in early-stage detection. This paper proposes an approach based on high-order symmetric modes to detect thin ice formation with thicknesses up to a few hundred microns. The method involves measuring the group velocity of the S₁ mode at different temperatures and correlating velocity changes with ice layer formation. Experimental verification of the proposed approach was conducted using a novel group velocity dispersion curve reconstruction method, allowing for the tracking of propagating modes in the structure. Copper samples without and with special superhydrophobic multiscale coatings designed to prevent ice formation were employed for the experiments. The results demonstrated successful detection of ice formation and enabled differentiation between the coated and uncoated cases. Therefore, the proposed approach can be effectively used for early-stage monitoring of ice growth and evaluating the performance of anti-icing coatings, offering promising advancements in ice detection and prevention for critical applications. Full article

Insects play an essential role as pollinators of wild flowers and crops. At the same time, pollinators in agricultural environments are commonly exposed to pesticides, compromising their survival and the provision of pollination services. Although pollinators include a wide range of species from several insect orders, information on pesticide sensitivity is mostly restricted to bees. In addition, the disparity of methodological procedures used for different insect groups hinders the comparison of toxicity data between bees and other pollinators. Dipterans are a highly diverse insect order that includes some important pollinators. Therefore, in this study, we assessed the sensitivity of two hoverflies (Sphaerophoria rueppellii, Eristalinus aeneus) and one tachinid fly (Exorista larvarum) to a neonicotinoid insecticide (Confidor^®, imidacloprid) following a comparative approach. We adapted the standardized methodology of acute contact exposure in honey bees to build dose–response curves and calculate median lethal doses (LD₅₀) for the three species. The methodology consisted in applying 1 µL of the test solution on the thorax of each insect. Sphaerophoria rueppelli was the most sensitive species (LD₅₀ = 10.23 ng/insect), and E. aeneus (LD₅₀ = 18,176 ng/insect) the least. We then compared our results with those available in the literature for other pollinator species using species sensitivity distribution (SSD). Based on the SSD curve, the 95th percentile of pollinator species would be protected by a safety factor of 100 times the Apis mellifera endpoint. Overall, dipterans were less sensitive to imidacloprid than most bee species. As opposed to most bee species, oviposition and fecundity of many dipteran species can be reliably assessed in the laboratory. We measured the number of eggs laid following exposure to different insecticide doses and assessed the potential trade-off between oviposition and survival through the sublethal sensitivity index (SSI). Exposure to imidacloprid had a significant effect on fecundity, and SSI values indicated that oviposition is a sensitive endpoint for the three dipteran species tested. Future studies should integrate this information related to population dynamics in simulation models for environmental risk assessment. Full article

This study examines key considerations for the decolonisation of climate change and environmental education (CCEE) in Africa. It draws on epistemic inclusivity to systematically assess journal articles that drew on primary studies and were published between 2015 and 2022. The findings of the review show that there is a persisting epistemic exclusion and alienation of Indigenous and local knowledge (ILK) in CCEE, which contributes to affecting the quality of what is learned in educational centres across Africa. The ILK alienation and disconnection of learning from learners’ lived experiences render it difficult for them to connect subjects and issues they learn to their daily experiences in sociocultural environments. Decolonisation efforts must address exclusion and alienation and promote inclusion and epistemic agency. This paper captures various strategies to achieve these in Africa and highlights existential challenges and opportunities. In these regards, it contends that multidimensional approaches to decolonisation are required to promote Africa-relevant climate change and environment education. This includes the interrogation of existing theories and evidence that underpins subsisting practices, as well as seeking ways to mitigate evidence of the impact of the ongoing epistemic exclusion in different locations and contexts. It also requires policymakers and education managers to commit to developing epistemically inclusive education policies, curricula, and learning frameworks. Full article

This review aims to evaluate the efficacy of any vitamin administration(s) in preventing and managing COVID-19 and/or long-COVID. Databases were searched up to May 2023 to identify randomized clinical trials comparing data on the effects of vitamin supplementation(s) versus placebo or standard of care on the two conditions of interest. Inverse-variance random-effects meta-analyses were conducted to estimate pooled risk ratios (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for all-cause mortality between supplemented and non-supplemented individuals. Overall, 37 articles were included: two regarded COVID-19 and long-COVID prevention and 35 records the COVID-19 management. The effects of vitamin D in preventing COVID-19 and long-COVID were contrasting. Similarly, no conclusion could be drawn on the efficacy of multivitamins, vitamin A, and vitamin B in COVID-19 management. A few positive findings were reported in some vitamin C trials but results were inconsistent in most outcomes, excluding all-cause mortality (RR = 0.84; 95% CI: 0.72–0.97). Vitamin D results were mixed in most aspects, including mortality, in which benefits were observed in regular administrations only (RR = 0.67; 95% CI: 0.49–0.91). Despite some benefits, results were mostly contradictory. Variety in recruitment and treatment protocols might explain this heterogeneity. Better-designed studies are needed to clarify these vitamins’ potential effects against SARS-CoV-2. Full article

Long-term spaceflight is known to induce disruptions in circadian rhythms, which are driven by a central pacemaker located in the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) of the hypothalamus, but the underlying molecular mechanisms remain unclear. Here, we developed a rat model that simulated microgravity and isolation environments through tail suspension and isolation (TSI). We found that the TSI environment imposed circadian disruptions to the core body temperature, heart rate, and locomotor-activity rhythms of rats, especially in the amplitude of these rhythms. In TSI model rats’ SCNs, the core circadian gene NR1D1 showed higher protein but not mRNA levels along with decreased BMAL1 levels, which indicated that NR1D1 could be regulated through post-translational regulation. The autophagosome marker LC3 could directly bind to NR1D1 via the LC3-interacting region (LIR) motifs and induce the degradation of NR1D1 in a mitophagy-dependent manner. Defects in mitophagy led to the reversal of NR1D1 degradation, thereby suppressing the expression of BMAL1. Mitophagy deficiency and subsequent mitochondrial dysfunction were observed in the SCN of TSI models. Urolithin A (UA), a mitophagy activator, demonstrated an ability to enhance the amplitude of core body temperature, heart rate, and locomotor-activity rhythms by prompting mitophagy induction to degrade NR1D1. Cumulatively, our results demonstrate that mitophagy exerts circadian control by regulating NR1D1 degradation, revealing mitophagy as a potential target for long-term spaceflight as well as diseases with SCN circadian disruption. Full article

The human jaw is a complex biomechanical system involving different anatomical components and an articulated muscular system devoted to its dynamical activation. The numerous actions exerted by the mandible, such as talking, eating or chewing, make its biomechanical comprehension absolutely indispensable. To date, even if research on this topic has achieved interesting outcomes using in vitro testing, thanks to the development of new apparatus and methods capable of performing more and more realistic experiments, theoretical modeling is still worthy of investigation. In light of this, nowadays, the Finite Element Method (FEM) approach constitutes certainly the most common tool adopted to investigate particular issues concerning stress–strain characterization of the human jaw. In addition, kinematics analyses, both direct and inverse, are also diffuse and reported in the literature. This manuscript aimed to propose a critical review of the most recurrent biomechanical models of the human mandible to give readers a comprehensive overview on the topic. In light of this, the numerical approaches, providing interesting outcomes, such as muscular activation profiles, condylar forces and stress–strain fields for the human oral cavity, are mainly differentiated between according to the joint degrees of freedom, the analytical descriptions of the muscular forces, the boundary conditions imposed, the kind of task and mandible anatomical structure modeling. Full article