Search Results (7,886)

Objectives: To investigate the association between the hole border morphology and choroidal structure in idiopathic macular hole (IMH) patients and its impact on visual outcomes. Methods: A retrospective case–control study of 34 IMH eyes and 34 control eyes was conducted. Spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) was used to categorize the patients into groups with smooth or bumpy hole borders. Based on this classification, a further evaluation was conducted of MH morphology and choroidal structure, both before a vitrectomy and at 1 and 2 months post-surgery. The choriocapillaris, Sattler’s layer, and Haller’s layer were the divisions of each choroidal vascular layer. Then, binarization techniques were employed to calculate the choroidal area (CA), luminal area (LA), stromal area (SA), and central choroidal thickness (CCT). The L/C ratio was established as the ratio of LA to CA. Results: In the patients with IMH, the choroidal structure was associated with the morphology of the hole border. In particular, the eyes with bumpy hole borders were significantly correlated with reduced choroidal thickness and total choroidal area, as well as a reduced L/C ratio in the choriocapillaris. After surgery, visual acuity improved in both groups, but the patients with smooth hole borders achieved earlier and higher levels of visual recovery. The multivariate analysis suggested that a bumpy hole border and the basal hole diameter were independent predictors of postoperative choriocapillaris recovery. Conclusions: Bumpy idiopathic macular hole borders are associated with impaired choroidal vasculatures, particularly in the choriocapillaris, which may be a contributing factor to delayed visual acuity recovery post-surgery. Full article

Genes involved in disease resistance are crucial for plant immune systems, yet their transcriptional regulatory mechanisms remain poorly understood. SRC4, a key member of the soybean mosaic virus resistance cluster (SRC), encodes a Ca²⁺-binding EF-hand domain and possesses antiviral activity, but its expression regulation is unclear. Here, we systematically analyzed 4085 soybean (Glycine max) transcriptome datasets and conducted SMV inoculation experiments to characterize SRC4 expression patterns. Cis-acting element analysis identified 12 regulatory elements in the SRC4 promoter, including salicylic acid (SA)-responsive elements. Furthermore, a Pro_SRC4::GUS reporter vector was constructed and functional analysis was performed in tobacco (Nicotiana benthamiana) and transgenic Arabidopsis thaliana. SRC4 exhibited significantly higher basal expression than typical resistance genes (R genes) and was induced by SMV infection, SA treatment, and Ca²⁺ supplementation, with peak expression at 2–5 h post-treatment (hpi). In transgenic tobacco overexpressing NahG, neither SMV nor Ca²⁺ could induce Pro_SRC4::GUS expression, demonstrating that SRC4 transcriptional regulation is mediated through SA signaling pathways. SRC4 showed predominant expression in roots and leaves and responded to temperature stress. Transgenic plants overexpressing SRC4 exhibited enhanced tolerance to both 12 °C and 37 °C temperature stress. This study elucidates the molecular mechanisms underlying SRC4 transcriptional regulation through Ca²⁺ and SA signaling pathways, revealing its dual role in both biotic and abiotic stress responses, especially in temperature stress. Full article

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide, with limited therapeutic options and frequent resistance to treatment. The integrator complex subunit 6 (INTS6), a regulator of RNA polymerase II transcription, has emerged as a potential tumor suppressor that modulates Wnt/β-catenin signaling and epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT). This study aimed to clarify the role of INTS6 in EMT regulation in HCC and to explore the therapeutic potential of small activating RNA (saRNA)-mediated INTS6 induction. The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) dataset was analyzed to assess the clinical relevance of INTS6 in HCC. Functional studies were conducted using a hepatoma cell line to determine the effects of INTS6 modulation on tumor behavior. Data analysis demonstrated that low INTS6 expression was associated with shorter disease-free survival and poorer prognosis in patients receiving conservative treatment. Experimental suppression of INTS6 increased mesenchymal marker expression, whereas saRNA-mediated induction suppressed these markers. Restoring INTS6 expression reduced cell migration, invasion, and proliferation through G1 cell-cycle arrest and enhanced sensitivity to sorafenib. These findings identify INTS6 as a promising therapeutic target in HCC. saRNA-mediated induction of INTS6 may provide a novel strategy, alone or in combination therapy, to overcome drug resistance and improve clinical outcomes. Full article

This study investigated the effects of low-dose 1cp-LSD, a prodrug of LSD, on canine anxiety, while exploring the influence of owner psychopathology on treatment outcomes. Seven dogs exhibiting anxiety-related behaviors were recruited and received 2.5, 5, or 10 µg of 1cp-LSD orally every three days for 30 days. One additional dog, which did not meet clinical criteria for anxiety but whose owner perceived it as anxious, received a placebo (saccharin) as an observational case. Anxiety levels were assessed using validated scales at baseline, post-treatment, and one month after treatment cessation. Owners’ neuroticism and psychopathological dimensions were evaluated using the IPIP and SA-45 scales. Linear regression analyses examined associations between anxiety reduction, administered dose, and owner psychological traits. A significant reduction in separation anxiety scores was observed post-treatment (mean: 11.3 ± 3.0, p = 0.023). Higher 1cp-LSD doses correlated with greater anxiety reduction (B = −1.15, 95% CI = [−2.29, −0.003], p = 0.050). Additionally, higher owner psychoticism scores were associated with smaller improvements in canine anxiety (p = 0.035). Anxiety levels remained low one month after treatment, with significant associations between canine anxiety and the owners’ hostility, interpersonal sensitivity, and paranoid ideation. These findings support the potential role of low-dose serotonergic psychedelics in managing canine anxiety and suggest an association between caregiver psychological traits and treatment outcomes. The sustained reduction in anxiety behaviors also suggests a meaningful and lasting improvement in animal welfare. However, significant results should be interpreted cautiously due to the small sample size. Further blinded, controlled studies are needed to validate these preliminary observations and assess broader applications in veterinary behavioral medicine. Full article

Contextual features play a critical role in geospatial object detection by characterizing the surrounding environment of objects. In existing deep learning-based studies of 3D point cloud classification and segmentation, these features have been represented through geometric descriptors, semantic context (i.e., modeled by an attention-based mechanism), global-level context (i.e., through global aggregation), and textural representation (e.g., RGB, intensity, and other attributes). Even though contextual features have been widely explored, spatial contextual features that explicitly capture spatial autocorrelation and neighborhood dependency have received limited attention in object detection tasks. This gap is particularly relevant in the context of GeoAI, which calls for mutual benefits between artificial intelligence and geographic information science. To bridge this gap, this study presents a spatial autocorrelation encoder, namely SA-Encoder, designed to inform 3D geospatial object detection by capturing spatial autocorrelation representation as types of spatial contextual features. The study investigated the effectiveness of such spatial contextual features by estimating the performance of a model trained on them alone. The results suggested that the derived spatial autocorrelation information can help adequately identify some large objects in an urban-rural scene, such as buildings, terrain, and large trees. We further investigated how the spatial autocorrelation encoder can inform model performance in a geospatial object detection task. The results demonstrated significant improvements in detection accuracy across varied urban and rural environments when we compared the results to models without considering spatial autocorrelation as an ablation experiment. Moreover, the approach also outperformed the models trained by explicitly feeding traditional spatial autocorrelation measures (i.e., Matheron’s semivariance). This study showcases the advantage of the adaptiveness of the neural network-based encoder in deriving a spatial autocorrelation representation. This advancement bridges the gap between theoretical geospatial concepts and practical AI applications. Consequently, this study demonstrates the potential of integrating geographic theories with deep learning technologies to address challenges in 3D object detection, paving the way for further innovations in this field. Full article

Background: Dengue and chikungunya are endemic in West Africa, posing significant public health issues. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of differential and systematic diagnosis of dengue and chikungunya on patient management and on antibiotic use in Burkina Faso and Ivory Coast. Methods: A multicenter prospective cohort study was conducted in both countries involving patients with suspected dengue and/or chikungunya viremia. VIDAS^® diagnostic tests (bioMérieux SA, Marcy-l’Étoile, France) were provided to the intervention sites, while the control sites initially followed standard of care before testing at the end of the study. The primary outcome was defined as antibiotic prescription or non-initiation/discontinuation, and the secondary endpoints included hospital resource use, patient satisfaction, and health-related quality of life (HRQoL), analyzed through Chi-square and logistic regression using SAS software v9.4. Results: Out of 775 enrolled patients, 767 had corresponding VIDAS^® Dengue and VIDAS^® Chikungunya results, with 570 having recorded antibiotic therapy (initiated, non-initiated or discontinued). Both Burkina Faso and Ivory Coast observed an increase in antibiotic discontinuation (or non-initiation) rates at the intervention sites compared to control sites: increased from 60% to 78% in Burkina Faso and from 36% to 83% in Ivory Coast. Hospitalization rates within seven days following inclusion were also lower in intervention sites than in the control sites: Burkina Faso 41% as compared with 97% and Ivory Coast 24% as compared with 98%. Patient-reported antibiotic use within seven days post-inclusion was also significantly lower in intervention sites. Conclusions: The results showed a reduction in potential antibiotic overuse and hospital admissions (i.e., hospitalization rates within seven days) in both the Burkina Faso and Ivory Coast interventions sites. These findings emphasize the importance of enhanced diagnostic strategies for the improvement of patient outcomes and the fight against antibiotic resistance. This study also highlights the need for implementing systematic and differential diagnosis of dengue and chikungunya in West Africa where febrile infections are endemic. Further studies are warranted to explore the economic benefits of these diagnostic strategies. Full article

Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) vaccines have re-emerged as a versatile and scalable platform by advances in synthetic biology and delivery systems, positioning them as powerful tools in the post-mRNA vaccine era. Historically considered less potent than viral or mRNA-based platforms, recent breakthroughs have dramatically improved their immunogenicity, safety, and precision. These innovations include synthetic gene circuits, self-amplifying DNA (saDNA), and DNA-encoded monoclonal antibodies (DMAbs), which enable programmable expression and robust immune activation. Clinically, DNA vaccines are expanding into diverse applications, from infectious disease prevention to therapeutic cancer immunotherapy and treatment of immune-mediated conditions. Compared to mRNA vaccines, DNA vaccines offer compelling advantages in terms of thermal stability, ease of manufacturing, and long-term storage. Furthermore, novel adjuvants, electroporation methods, and formulation strategies such as lyophilization and encapsulation continue to broaden their clinical potential. This review explores the full scope of DNA vaccine technology and its engineering foundations, emerging disease applications, and interdisciplinary innovations, while evaluating its comparative performance and future role in global vaccine strategy. With an emphasis on both mechanistic insights and translational feasibility, we propose a roadmap to integrate DNA vaccines into the next generation of precision immunotherapy. Full article

Improving the efficiency of photocatalysts for hydrogen production while minimizing the amount of noble metals used is a pressing issue in modern green energy. This study examines the effect of ultra-small Pt additives on increasing the efficiency of the CuO_x-dark TiO₂ photocatalyst used in the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). Initially, Pt was photoreduced from the hydroxonitrate complex (Me₄N)₂[Pt₂(OH)₂(NO₃)₈] onto the surface of nanodispersed CuO_x powder obtained by pulsed laser ablation. Then, the obtained Pt-CuO_x particles were dispersed on the surface of highly defective dark TiO₂, so that the mass content of Pt in the samples varied in the range from 1.25 × 10⁻⁵ to 10⁻⁴. The prepared samples were examined using HRTEM, XRD, XPS, and UV-Vis DRS methods. It has been established that in the Pt-CuO_x particles, platinum is mainly present in the form of single atoms (SAs), both as Pt²⁺ (predominantly) and Pt⁴⁺ species, which should facilitate electron transfer and contribute to the manifestation of the strong metal–support interaction (SMSI) effect between SA Ptⁿ⁺ and CuO_x. In turn, in the Pt-CuO_x-dark TiO₂ samples, surface defects (O_v) and surface OH groups on dark TiO₂ particles act as “anchors”, promoting the spontaneous dispersion of CuO_x in the form of sub-nanometer clusters with the reduction of Cu²⁺ to Cu¹⁺ when localized near such O_v defects. During photocatalytic HER in aqueous glycerol solutions, irradiation was found to initiate a large number of catalytically active Pt⁰-CuO_x-O_v-dark TiO₂ centers, where the SMSI effect causes electron transfer from titania to SA Pt, thus promoting better separation of photogenerated charges. As a result, ultra-small additives of Pt led to up to a 1.34-fold increase in the amount of released hydrogen, while the maximum apparent quantum yield (AQY) reached 65%. Full article

This paper presents a detailed analysis of the thermal and flammability properties of polylactide- (PLA) and poly(ethylene terephthalate)- (PET) based polymer blends with biofillers, such as calcium lignosulfonate (CLS), lignosulfonamide (SA) and lignosulfonate modified with tannic acid (BMT) and gallic acid (BMG). Calorimetric studies revealed the presence of two glass transitions, one cold crystallization temperature, and two melting points, confirming the partial immiscibility of the PLA and PET phases. The additives had different effects on the temperatures and ranges of phase transformations—BMT restricted PLA chain mobility, while CLS acted as a nucleating agent that promoted crystallization. Thermogravimetric analyses (TGA) analyses showed that the additives significantly affected the thermal stability under oxidizing conditions, some (e.g., BMG) lowered the onset degradation temperature, while the others (BMT, SA) increased the residual char content. The additives also altered combustion behavior; particularly BMG that most effectively reduced flammability, promoted char formation, and extended combustion time. CLS reduced PET flammability more effectively than PLA, especially at higher PET content (e.g., 65% reduction in PET for 2:1/CLS). SA inhibited only PLA combustion, with strong effects at higher PLA content (up to 76% reduction for 2:1/SA). BMT mainly reduced PET flammability (48% reduction in 1:1/BMT), while BMG inhibited PET more strongly at lower PET content (76% reduction for 2:1/BMG). The effect of each additive also depended on the PLA:PET ratio in the blend. FTIR analysis of the char residues revealed functional groups associated with decomposition products of carboxylic acids and aromatic esters. Ultimately, only blends containing BMT and BMG met the requirements for flammability class FV-1, while SA met FV-2 classification. BMG was the most effective additive, offering enhanced thermal stability, ignition delay, and durable char formation, making it a promising bio- based flame retardant for sustainable polyester materials. Full article

In this study the influence of the geological formation environment on the physicochemical properties of two natural sepiolites, as collected, was investigated. The samples analyzed were a lacustrine-derived sample from Tolsa, Spain (ST), and a hydrothermal-derived sample from La Adela, Argentine (SA). Comprehensive characterization was carried out using chemical analysis (XRF), X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and evaluations of hydrophobicity/hydrophilicity behavior. The results indicate that the ST sample exhibits a higher SiO₂/MgO ratio and contains amorphous silica impurities, while the SA sample shows a composition more closely aligned with the theoretical stoichiometry of sepiolite. Furthermore, the SA sample demonstrates greater crystallinity compared to the ST sample. Morphological analysis revealed that ST consists of compact, aggregated fibrous structures, while SA is composed of disaggregated, needle-like fibers with high aspect ratios and nanometric diameters. Both samples display predominantly hydrophilic behavior; however, only the SA sample exhibits suspended particles at the interface, suggesting a slightly higher hydrophobic character than ST sample. These findings highlight the significant impact of the geological formation environment on the structural and surface characteristics of sepiolite, which, in turn, influence its performance in applications involving dispersion, adsorption, and interfacial interactions. Full article

The prefabricated reinforced concrete columns–steel girder (RCS) hybrid frame structure using column–column connections is a kind of green and environmentally friendly building structure; its seismic performance is investigated. The seismic susceptibility and key influencing factors are systematically evaluated through the establishment of an analytical model and incremental dynamic analysis (IDA) method. A typical three-span, six-story prefabricated RCS hybrid frame structure is designed and numerically modeled with good agreement with the test data. Sa(T1,5%) and PGA double ground motion intensity parameters are selected for IDA analysis. A comparison between the quantile curve method and the conditional logarithmic standard deviation method reveals that using Sa(T1, 5%) as the intensity measure (IM) provides greater reliability for analyzing the vulnerability of the prefabricated RCS hybrid frame structure. The seismic probability demand model of the structure is fitted with Sa(T1,5%) as a parameter and the seismic fragility curves of the structure are plotted; this shows that the slope of the seismic fragility curves becomes smaller after the structure enters the elastic–plastic state, and exhibits good seismic performance. By studying the effects of concrete strength, longitudinal reinforcement strength, and the axial compression ratio on the seismic fragility, it can be seen that with the increase in concrete strength and longitudinal reinforcement strength, and the decrease in axial compression ratio, the overall ductility of the structure increases, the resistance to lateral deformation of the RCS hybrid frame structure is enhanced, and the seismic performance of the prefabricated structure is improved. Full article

This study examines the high-temperature tribological behavior of WE54 Mg alloy under various conditions: as-cast, solution-treated (T4), age-hardened (T6), and secondary aged (S.A). Wear tests were performed using a pin-on-disc setup, applying a normal load of 10 N, with a sliding velocity of 1 m/s, a sliding distance of 1000 m, and temperatures from 25 °C to 150 °C. Responses such as the coefficient of friction and volumetric wear rate were recorded. The results indicate that heat treatment significantly influences the wear behavior of the WE54 alloy. The lowest volumetric wear rate (8.16 ± 1.47 mm³) and wear coefficient (0.112 ± 0.02) occurred in the as-cast sample at 100 °C, while the highest volumetric wear rate (14.68 ± 1.59 mm³) and wear coefficient (0.171 ± 0.02) were found in the S.A. sample at 150 °C. Surface characterization of worn samples was conducted using field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The wear mechanisms identified include abrasive wear, oxidative wear, and delamination across all conditions, regardless of temperature. The elevated volumetric wear rate at 150 °C, irrespective of the sample condition, is attributed to oxidation and thermal softening of the material. Full article

This study aims to address the poor extensibility, brittleness, and limited hydration stability of pure sodium alginate (SA) hydrogels, which hinder their use in flexible, skin-adherent applications such as facial masks, by developing bio-based composites incorporating five representative functional additives: xanthan gum, guar gum, hydroxyethyl cellulose (HEC), poly(ethylene glycol)-240/hexamethylene diisocyanate copolymer bis-decyl tetradeceth-20 ether (GT-700), and Laponite^® XLG. Composite hydrogels were prepared by blending 1.5 wt% SA with 0.3 wt% of each additive in aqueous humectant solution, followed by ionic crosslinking using 3% (w/w) CaCl₂ solution. Physicochemical characterization included rotational viscometry, uniaxial tensile testing, ATR-FTIR spectroscopy, swelling ratio analysis, and pH measurement. Among them, the SA/XLG composite exhibited the most favorable performance, showing the highest viscosity, shear-thickening behavior, and markedly enhanced extensibility with an elongation at break of 14.8% (compared to 2.5% for neat SA). It also demonstrated a mean swelling ratio of 0.24 g/g and complete dissolution in water within one year. ATR-FTIR confirmed distinct non-covalent interactions between SA and XLG without covalent modification. The hydrogel also demonstrated excellent conformability to complex 3D surfaces, consistent hydration retention under centrifugal stress (+23.6% mass gain), and complete biodegradability in aqueous environments. Although its moderately alkaline pH (8.96) may require buffering for dermatological compatibility, its mechanical resilience and environmental responsiveness support its application as a sustainable, single-use skin-contact material. Notably, the SA/XLG composite hydrogel demonstrated compatibility with personalized fabrication strategies integrating 3D scanning and additive manufacturing, wherein facial topography is digitized and transformed into anatomically matched molds—highlighting its potential for customized cosmetic and biomedical applications. Full article

Invasive Phytophthora species are increasingly impacting UK landscapes. Most recently, cryptic outbreaks of P. pluvialis Reeser, Sutton & E. Hansen have occurred on western hemlock and Douglas fir at several forest sites across Britain. To better understand the ubiquity and life cycle of this pathogen in British forests and the assemblages of co-inhabiting Phytophthora species, metabarcoding and baiting methodologies were applied to soil, stream water, and rainwater samples collected over a full calendar year from seventeen sites across Britain. Thirty-five Phytophthora species were detected across all sites, substrates, and detection methods, with most detections occurring in stream water by metabarcoding. The three most frequently detected species were (1) P. pluvialis, (2) P. gonapodyides H.E. Petersen & Buisman and (3) P. ramorum Werres, De Cock & Man in ‘t’ veld. Other species detected included the regulated pathogens P. austrocedri Greslen & Hansen, P. kernoviae Brasier, Beales & S.A. Kirk and P. lateralis Tucker & Milbraith, as well as P. ornamentata Scanu, Linald & T. Jung, a new species record for the UK. Phytophthora pluvialis was most frequently detected in March, with rainfall trap metabarcoding data suggesting that aerial dissemination occurs predominantly in late winter/early spring. Consistent detections of P. pluvialis in soil by metabarcoding indicate the potential for soilborne transfer of this pathogen by animal or human vectors, including equipment or machinery in forest operations. The study’s findings are discussed in relation to understanding how P. pluvialis spreads and the approaches needed to address key knowledge gaps in relation to inoculum sources. The results provide a baseline for Phytophthora diversity in British commercial forests, facilitating a greater understanding of typical and unusual trends in species assemblages. This study also consolidates the value of metabarcoding as an effective surveillance tool for Phytophthora in commercial forests. Full article

Introduction: Maxillary setback in orthognathic surgery has been extensively discussed regarding its effects on bone healing and facial soft tissue profile; however, its impact on upper airway volume remains unclear. Objective: We evaluate the influence of maxillary setback combined with counterclockwise (CCW) rotation of the occlusal plane on upper airway dimensions. Methods: A retrospective observational case series was conducted with eight patients diagnosed with Class II malocclusion who underwent orthognathic surgery involving maxillary setback and CCW mandibular rotation. All procedures were performed by the same surgeon. Preoperative (T1) and 6-month postoperative (T2) facial CT scans were analyzed using Dolphin Imaging software11.7 to measure airway volume (VOL), surface area (SA), and linear distances D1, D2 and D3. Statistical analysis was performed using the Wilcoxon test with a 5% significance level. Results: Significant skeletal changes were observed, including 10.2 mm of mandibular advancement, 5.2 mm of hyoid advancement, and 4.1° of CCW rotation. Although increases in airway volume and surface area were noted, they did not reach statistical significance (p = 0.327 and p = 0.050, respectively), but suggesting a favorable trend toward airway adaptation. Conclusions: Maxillary setback combined with CCW rotation appears to safely correct Class II skeletal deformities without compromising upper airway space. These preliminary findings highlight the technique’s potential for both functional and aesthetic outcomes, warranting further long-term studies. Full article