Search Results (9,673)

We previously described the circadian variation and bilateral distribution of pyroglutamate aminopeptidase I (pGluPI) activity levels in photoneuroendocrine locations of adult male rats during a standard 12:12 h light–dark cycle. However, the correlational analysis between such locations has not yet been studied. This may provide new data about the unilateral and bilateral functional interaction between photoneuroendocrine locations under light and dark conditions. We analyzed the correlations between locations of a photoneuroendocrine circuit consisting of retina, anterior hypothalamus, superior cervical ganglion, and pineal gland, as well as other related photoneuroendocrine locations: posterior hypothalamus, anterior pituitary, posterior pituitary, occipital cortex, and serum. In particular, we analyzed the correlations between the left retina or the right retina versus the rest of the locations, as well as the correlations between the left and right sides of paired structures at the different time points selected from 12 h light and 12 h dark periods. Also, the profiles of correlational results were compared with the corresponding mean levels. The results demonstrate the complexity of asymmetrical brain behavior. The correlation profile did not always parallel the profile observed with the mean activity values. The diurnal behavior of correlations with the left or right retina differed from one location to another. Likewise, the diurnal variation of correlations between the left and right sides of the paired structures differed between them. Particularly, while most correlations between the left versus right sides of paired structures showed positive values, that of the posterior hypothalamus showed a negative value at 13 h of light period. In addition, except the posterior hypothalamus, most paired locations only correlated significantly with right retina at 07 h of the light period. The results demonstrate the dynamic complexity of brain asymmetry, which represents a challenge for understanding its functional meaning. Full article

The effects of integrated nutrient-management (INM) practices on soil quality are essential for sustaining agro-ecosystem productivity. The soil quality index (SQI) serves as a tool to assess the physical, chemical, and biological potential of soils as influenced by various edaphic and agronomic practices. A multiyear (2018–2021) field experiment was performed at the University Organic Research Farm, Narendrapur, West Bengal, India, to investigate the influence of integrated and sole applications of different conventional fertilizers, organic (e.g., vermicompost), and natural farming inputs (e.g., Dhrava Jeevamrit and Ghana Jeevamrit) on SQIs and crop productivity of rice–mustard–green gram-based cropping systems. A total of 12 parameters were selected for the assessment of SQI, amongst which only four, namely pH, organic carbon %, total actinomycetes, and bulk density, were retained for the minimum data set based on principal component analysis (PCA). In this study, the maximum SQI value (0.901) of the experimental soil was recorded in the INM practice of 25% organic and 25% inorganic nutrient inputs, and the rest with natural farming inputs, which augments the SQI by 24% compared to the 100% inorganic nutrient treatment. Amongst the different soil parameters, the highest contribution was from the pH (35.18%), followed by organic carbon % (26.77%), total actinomycetes (10.95%), and bulk density (6.98%). The yields in different cropping systems varied year-wise across treatments. Notably, the highest yield in rainy rice was estimated in the 100% organic treatment, followed by INM practices in the subsequent years, and finally, the combination of organic and natural inputs in the final year. In the case of mustard, the combination of organic and natural inputs resulted in the highest productivity in the initial and last years of study, while the 100% organic treatment resulted in higher productivity in subsequent years. Green gram showed a dynamic shift in yield between the 100% organic and integrated treatments over the years. Further, a strong correlation was also established between the soil physico-chemical parameters and the SQI. Overall, this study concludes that the natural and organic input-based INM practice enhances the soil quality and crop productivity of the rice–mustard–green gram cropping system under the coastal saline zone. Full article

In recent years, the “3-30-300” concept by Professor Cecil Konijnendijk has been gaining popularity, outlining what makes a city “green” and what we should strive for. This concept suggests that from every apartment, at least three trees should be visible, 30% of the city’s surface should be covered with greenery, and the nearest park or forest should be no more than 300 m away. However, the lack of detailed guidelines makes the implementation of this concept a significant challenge. The goal of the research presented here was to adapt this concept for Warsaw (Poland) and assess whether it can be considered a green city. We defined parameters such as the maximum distance for visible trees as 20 m and determined what counts toward the 30% green areas. The results showed that 57.82% of apartments in Warsaw have a view of at least three trees, while only 5.44% do not meet this criterion, and the rest meet it only partially. Parks and forests cover 19.95% of the city, while all green areas combined cover 42.01%. Additionally, 45% of buildings are located within 300 m of a park or forest. Ultimately, full compliance with the “3-30-300” concept applies to 22.19% of buildings, while only 12.66% meet the criteria when considering only parks and forests. This indicates that, while Warsaw is relatively green, not all of its areas fulfill these criteria. Full article

Background/Objectives: This study aims to investigate the association of movement behaviors with irisin, sclerostin, and bone turnover markers in young pediatric cancer survivors. Methods: A total of 116 young pediatric cancer survivors (12.1 ± 3.3 years; 42% female) were recruited. Time spent in movement behaviors over at least seven consecutive 24 h periods was measured by accelerometers (wGT3x-BT accelerometer, ActiGraph). Blood samples were collected at rest and serum was analyzed for irisin, sclerostin, cross-linked telopeptide of type I collagen (CTX), procollagen type I amino-terminal propeptide (P1NP), total osteocalcin (OC), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), 25-hydroxyvitamin D, parathyroid hormone (PTH), calcium, phosphorous, and magnesium. Results: Irisin and sclerostin were not significantly correlated with bone turnover markers. Sedentary time was negatively correlated with the P1NP (r = −0.411, p = 0.027) and total OC (r = −0.479, p = 0.015) Z-scores, whereas moderate-to-vigorous physical activity was positively correlated with the P1NP (r = 0.418, p = 0.024) and total OC (r = 0.478, p = 0.016) Z-scores. Moreover, total physical activity was positively correlated with the total OC Z-score (r = 0.448, p = 0.025). Finally, the uncoupling index [CTX/P1NP] was positively correlated with sedentary time (r = 0.424, p = 0.012) and negatively correlated with light physical activity (r = −0.352, 0.041). Conclusions: Reducing sedentary time and increasing physical activity may favor bone formation over resorption in young pediatric cancer survivors. Full article

Pancreatic adenocarcinoma is one of the most aggressive types of cancer. Among different mechanisms generally believed to be important for the development of cancer, aberrant regulation of the p53 protein is a well-known and common feature for many cancer entities. Our work aims to analyze the impact of p53 deregulation and proteins encoded by p53 target genes on the survival of patients suffering from pancreatic adenocarcinoma. We, therefore, focused on the analysis of the selected collective for the TP53 mutation status, the p53 protein level, their correlation, and possible impacts on the prognosis/survival. We compared and analyzed a set of 123 patients. We have extracted information regarding the TP53 mutation status, p53 protein levels, the level of proteins encoded by prominent p53 target genes, and information on the overall survival. Survival analyses were displayed by Kaplan–Meier plots, using the log-rank test, in order to check for statistical significance. Protein levels were compared using the Mann–Whitney Test. We did not find any statistically significant correlation between the TP53 mutation status and the survival of the patients. Moreover, we have not found any significant correlation between the protein amount of prominent p53 target genes and the patients’ survival. However, we see a significant correlation between the p53 protein level in cancer samples and the overall survival of pancreatic adenocarcinoma patients: patients having tumors with a p53 protein level within the upper quartile of all measured cases show a significantly reduced survival compared to the rest of the patients. Thus, in pancreatic adenocarcinoma, the p53 protein level is a relevant marker for prognosis, and cancers having a high p53 protein amount show a shortened patients’ survival. In contrast, for this cancer entity, the TP53 mutation status or the protein amount of prominent p53 target genes on their own seems not to have a significant impact on survival. Full article

Background: Proanthocyanidins (PACs) from black soybean seed coat have antioxidant and anti-tumorigenic properties. We investigated the anti-tumor properties and mechanisms of action of PACs on colorectal cancer (CRC). Methods: We fed the APC^min/+ mice, which are highly susceptible to spontaneous intestinal adenoma formation, diets supplemented with or without PACs for 7 weeks and assessed adverse effects, the number and size of intestinal polyps, and the expression of pro- and anti-proliferative proteins in the intestine. The mouse gut microbiome composition was analyzed, and the concentrations of gut short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) were quantified. We also compared CRC incidence in Tamba in Japan, where black soybean is consumed frequently, with that in the rest of Japan. Results: The number and size of intestinal polyps notably decreased in the PAC-fed mice. Compared with control mice, the PAC-fed mice showed lower expression of proliferation markers proliferating cell nuclear antigen and β catenin and a higher expression of the anti-inflammatory protein oligomeric mucus gel-forming. PAC supplementation increased the prevalence and concentrations of beneficial gut microbes and SCFAs, respectively. Conclusions: Diet supplemented with black soybean-derived PACs could prevent CRC development in mice through gut microbiome remodeling. Regions consuming black soybeans have low CRC incidence. Notably, the incidence of CRC, breast cancer, and liver cancer was significantly lower in Tamba than in the rest of Hyogo Prefecture or Japan. Future studies should delineate the mechanisms underlying the CRC-protective effects of PACs. Nevertheless, our results demonstrate the potential of including PACs in dietary recommendations for cancer prevention. Full article

This study aimed to analyze how active versus passive rest periods after a warm-up influence performance in psychomotor vigilance tasks (PVT). Twenty amateur karate athletes participated in a randomized cross-over study consisting of two sessions with either a 20 min active rest involving kata techniques or passive rest. PVT was administered before and after these conditions to assess the changes in reaction time. The results revealed that the active rest condition significantly improved reaction times compared to both the passive rest condition (F(1,31) = 5.34, p = 0.03, η² partial = 0.14) and control condition (F(1,31) = 5.49, p = 0.02, η²partial = 0.15). No significant time-on-task effects were observed, F(4,120) = 2.31, p = 0.06, and there were no significant interactions between effort condition and time-on-task, F(4,120) = 1.89, p = 0.11). Participating in an active rest period post-warm-up improves cognitive performance in karate athletes, as evidenced by quicker reaction times in the PVT. This finding supports the use of active rest strategies (involving kata techniques) to maintain and improve cognitive readiness in young karate athletes. Full article

This study proposes a sustainable ecotourism framework for the development of semi-mountain and mountain regions of Paiko in Greece, focusing on the strategic design and ranking of trail paths using the multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) VIKOR method. Aiming to balance environmental conservation with economic benefits, we designed 19 trails paths and allocated signage for resting and recreation facilities. The trail paths were assessed based on criteria such as length, difficulty, scenic appeal, and accessibility. This approach identified key trails that combine scenic beauty with infrastructure suitable for a broad range of visitors, thereby enhancing sustainable tourism appeal. Stakeholder engagement was integral to shaping the trail network, ensuring that the selected paths reflect local values and priorities. This study highlights how the VIKOR method can optimize resource allocation by ranking trails according to their environmental and visitor-centered attributes, supporting regional economic growth through ecotourism. This framework offers a replicable model for other mountainous regions seeking to harness ecotourism’s potential while preserving natural ecosystems. The findings demonstrate the capacity of well-planned trail networks to attract nature-based tourism, stimulate local economies, and respond to the rising post-pandemic interest in outdoor recreation, while promoting long-term conservation efforts. This approach offers a replicable model for the sustainable development of mountainous and semi-mountainous areas in Greece and beyond. Full article

Seismic risk expresses the expected degree of damage and loss following a catastrophic event. An efficient tool for assessing the seismic risk of embankments is fragility curves. This research investigates the influence of embankment’s geometry, the depth of rupture occurrence, and the underlying sandy soil’s conditions on the embankment’s fragility. To achieve this, the response of three highway embankments resting on sandy soil was examined through quasi-static parametric numerical analyses. For the establishment of fragility curves, a cumulative lognormal probability distribution function was used. The maximum vertical displacement of the embankments’ external surface and the fault displacement were considered as the damage indicator and the intensity measure, respectively. Damage levels were categorized into three qualitative thresholds: minor, moderate, and extensive. All fragility curves were generated for normal and reverse faults, as well as the combination of those fault types (dip-slip fault). Finally, the proposed curves were verified via their comparison with those provided by HAZUS. It was concluded that embankment geometry and depth of fault rupture appearance do not significantly affect fragility, as exceedance probabilities show minimal differences (<4%). However, an embankment founded on dense sandy soil reveals slightly higher fragility compared to the one founded on loose sand. Differences regarding the probability of exceedance of a certain damage level are restricted by a maximum of 7%. Full article

Background: Spontaneous intracranial hypotension (SIH) is a rare and frequently misdiagnosed disorder characterized by a low volume of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) caused by the leakage of CSF through the spinal dural membrane. Patients with Marfan Syndrome (MS) and other connective tissue disorders are at an increased risk for dural ectasia, which may predispose them to spontaneous CSF leaks due to the structural weakness of their dural membranes. The management of SIH in MS patients is debated. Conservative measures, an epidural blood patch (EBP), and surgical treatments are the options generally provided. Methods: Herein, we report on the case of a 52-year-old female affected by MS, genetically confirmed, with a two-month history of sudden-onset, “thunderclap” headache, worsened in an upright position and horizontal diplopia. A Computed Tomography (CT) scan of the brain showed a bilateral chronic subdural hematoma, slit ventricles, and a caudal descent of the brainstem without overt tonsillar herniation. The Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scan of the whole spine revealed dural ectasia in the lumbosacral area and presacral perineural cyst without extradural CSF collection. The case was successfully managed with bed rest and high-dose corticosteroid therapy. Then, we discuss the pertinent literature, consisting of 25 papers dealing with the treatment of SIH in patients affected by MS. Results: The literature review yielded 25 papers dealing with SIH management in patients with MS, including 28 patients overall; 21 patients underwent EBP, of whom 7 patients had multiple procedures. Overall, in 23 cases (82%), the symptoms improved. In three cases, the patients were managed conservatively with bed rest. In three of these cases, there was an improvement. In one case, the surgical fenestration of two lumbar intradural spinal meningeal cysts was performed and the patient improved after the procedure. Our patient underwent 15 days of steroid therapy (dexamethasone iv 12 mg/day for 7 days, then reduced to 4 mg/day) and intravenous hydration (Ringer lactate 1500 mL/day). In ten days, the symptoms disappeared. At the 6-month follow-up, the patient was in good clinical condition, and a CT scan showed an almost complete regression of the bilateral subdural hematoma. Conclusions: The management of SIH in MS patients is still challenging. Patients with connective tissue disorders such as MS are at an increased risk for SIH. Few studies have assessed the management of these patients and different strategies. Our case and the available literature provide further data for this type of case. Full article

A newly discovered deposit on the bed of the Steinhatchee River produced a moderately diverse assemblage of 15 vertebrate taxa herein designated the Steinhatchee River 2A (STR 2A) local fauna. Mammalian taxa isotopically shown from other sites to be either grazers or grazing-dominated mixed-feeders numerically dominate the fauna, especially a species of Equus. About 75% of the 552 identifiable fossils from STR 2A, representing a minimum of nine individuals, are referred to the informally named Equus (Equus) sp. A. The site produced the first known examples of associated upper and lower cheekteeth and lower incisors for this species, and also one of just two records outside of central and southern peninsular Florida. Like most Pleistocene sites in Florida, xenarthrans are diverse, with two cingulates, Dasypus and Holmesina, and two pilosans, Paramylodon and Megalonyx. An astragalus and several metatarsals of Holmesina are within the size range of H. septentrionalis, but also have some characteristics found in the older species H. floridanus. These finds corroborate that an evolutionary transition between these two species occurred in Florida during the Irvingtonian. The age of STR 2A is most likely middle Irvingtonian, ca. 0.5–0.7 Ma, an interval poorly known in Florida and the rest of the southeastern USA. Full article

Postsurgical infections are an important cause of implant failure, and biomaterials such as Chitosan can be used as an antimicrobial coating to address this important problem. Characterization of silver distribution was performed by several methods, including Electron scanning microscopy (SEM), Inductively coupled plasma (ICP), and Infrared spectrometry (IR). Antimicrobial activity was tested against Candida albicans ATCC 10231, Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 29213, Escherichia coli ATCC 25922, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa BAA-1744 ATCC 109246. The inhibition assays showed that Chitosan films inhibited 68% of C. albicans growth and 23.5% of E. coli growth; the rest of the microorganisms did not have any statistically relevant inhibition. E. coli, P. aeruginosa, and C. albicans were completely inhibited in films with 0.25 mg/mL of AgNO₃ and inhibited 82.5% of S. aureus. The mechanism of integration and release of silver in the films was analyzed by the Density Functional Theory (DFT), considering this analysis of geometry optimization as well as infrared spectroscopy. DFT analysis showed that AgNO₃ is not trapped by covalence in chitosan, being a more stable system when it is closer to an OH group. Chitosan films functionalized with antimicrobial compounds are a promising antimicrobial coating for use in biomaterials to prevent postsurgical complications. Full article

In the forthcoming years, it is expected that there will be a notable increase in the market penetration of electrically powered trucks with the objective of reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the transport sector. It is therefore essential to implement a comprehensive public charging infrastructure along highways in the medium term, enabling vehicles to be charged overnight or during driving breaks, particularly in the context of long-distance transportation. This paper presents a simulation model that supports the planning and technical design of truck charging parks at German highway rest areas. It also presents a transferable mobility model for the volume of trucks and the parking times of long-distance trucks at rest areas. Subsequently, a simulation is offered for the purpose of designing the charging infrastructure and analysing peak loads in the local energy system. The potential of the models is demonstrated using various charging infrastructure scenarios for an exemplary reference site. Subsequently, the extent to which the charging infrastructure requirements and the service quality at the location depend on external conditions is explained. In addition, the influence of the range of offers and the business models on the efficiency of infrastructure use is established. Based on the findings, general recommendations for the design of truck charging parks at rest areas are then given and discussed. Full article

The origins of multiple sclerosis (MS) have been a subject intriguing researchers and scholars for generations. The multifactorial etiological nature of the disease continues to be studied as a complex combination of genetic aspects and environmental or external risk elements contributing to the development of the disease. Descriptions of symptoms or clinical disorders suggestive of MS affecting historical figures or prominent individuals (i.e., Lidwina of Schiedam, Heinrich Heine, Augustus d’Este) did not provide clues on the origin of the disease, except for the observation that all these early possible cases were white European individuals. MS was initially framed as a neurological entity and named in the 19th century by the historical participation of the French masters Cruveilhier, Vulpian, and Charcot, among others, but the question of how the disease originated was not addressed until Charles Poser raised his conjecture on the origins of MS in two historical essays (1994 and 1995), raising the question if the Viking voyages and invasions from the 8th to the 11th century carried the Scandinavian MS genetic risk factor to Europe and the rest of the known world at that time. Poser did not have the benefit of access to ancient molecular DNA data and based his theoretical postulation on interesting historical and archeological observations. A series of studies and opinions published in 2024, utilizing sophisticated genetic analyses and genome identification, archeological DNA analysis, and other advanced techniques and biological computation, distinctly demonstrate the installation of HLA-DRB1*15:01 (class II allele) in Europe (with a higher prevalence in Scandinavia) following the massive Yamnaya pastoralists migration from the Pontic Steppe in Eurasia to western Europe (~5000 to 2500 BCE). The data suggest HLA-DRB1*15:01, the strongest genetic association with MS, underwent an evolutive switch (“thrifty drift”) from immune protector against novel zoonotic diseases appearing among the early pastoralists of the Yamnaya civilization to an autoimmune deleterious reactor to molecular mimicry and self-antigens, enabled by lifestyle changes and reduction of pastoralism once communities settled in Europe after the migration from the Pontic Steppe. This writer offers a new perspective on the origins of MS through a phase 1, the ancient east to west migration in the late Bronze Age, consolidating the HLA-DRB1*15:01 haplotype in Europe, and phase 2, the additional dissemination of the genetic MS risk through the Viking invasions, reinforcing inheritability by enabling a homozygous dominant inheritance. Full article

This study investigated the psycho-physiological impact of a black belt examination. Older brown-belt judoka (Tori, F = 2, M = 4; age = 75.6 ± 4.5 yrs) and their 2nd–5th Dan black-belt coaches (Uke; M = 6; age = 36.5 ± 10.8 yr) were evaluated during a simulated and official examination and a resting day. Participants’ trait anxiety (STAI-Y2) was recorded prior to the study. State anxiety (STAI-Y1), ratings of perceived exertion (RPE), enjoyment (ENJ), and fear of falling (FoF) were collected 15 min before and after the experimental conditions. Saliva samplings at awakening (T0), PRE (T1), and POST (T2) exercise and during the recovery (15 min-T3, 30 min-T4, 60 min-T5) were collected for cortisol (sC), testosterone (sT), and alpha-amylase (sAA). Participants showed normal age-reference population trait anxiety. A difference (p ≤ 0.05) for role emerged for ENJ and sT only. For STAI-Y1, higher PRE values with respect to POST ones emerged (p = 0.005), and the highest values (p = 0.007) for PRE of the examination were with respect to the simulation. For sAA, differences for sampling were found in the examination conditions only, with peak values at T2 (370.3 ± 78.6 U/mL, p = 0.001). For sC, a significant peak value (0.51 ± 0.09 μg/dL, p = 0.012) emerged at T2 in the examination condition. With respect to Tori, Uke showed higher mean sT values in all conditions (p ≤ 0.05) and the highest T2 during examination (712.5 ± 57.2 pg/mL). Findings suggest the relevance of monitoring psycho-physiological stress-related responses in judo for optimizing both coaching effectiveness and sport performance, especially in older judo practitioners. Full article