Search Results (3,219)

Q-type C2H2 zinc finger protein (ZFP) transcription factors, a plant-specific subfamily of C2H2 ZFP, have been implicated in regulating abiotic stress responses, growth, and developmental processes in plants. Rapeseed (Brassica napus L.) is a crucial oil crop widely used for the production of high-quality vegetable oil, animal feed, and biodiesel. Compared with studies on Q-type C2H2-ZFP genes in other plant species, systematic research has not been performed in B. napus. In this study, a comprehensive genome-wide analysis of Q-type C2H2-ZFPs in B. napus was conducted. A total of 216 Q-type C2H2-ZFP genes were identified, exhibiting extensive and uneven distribution across the 19 chromosomes. Phylogenetic analysis, based on homologs from Arabidopsis, classified these genes into eight distinct subfamilies, with each containing one to three conserved “QALGGH” motifs. Each subfamily exhibited similar motif compositions and gene structures. Evolutionary studies revealed that segmental duplication events played a crucial role in the expansion of the BnaQ-type C2H2-ZFP gene family. Expression pattern analysis in different tissues and under abiotic stress identified BnaA03g09250D, BnaC09g35160D, BnaC03g11570D, and BnaA10g25850D as candidate genes involved in the response to freezing stress. Overexpression of BnaC09g35160D provided preliminary evidence that it enhances freezing tolerance in plants. This comprehensive study of Q-type C2H2-ZFPs in B. napus will enhance our understanding of the BnaQ-type C2H2-ZFP gene family and provide valuable insights for further functional investigations of BnaC09g35160D. Full article

The present study is aimed at investigating the effects of grazing on the meat quality of Tibetan sheep, as well as the associated molecular mechanisms. A total of ten Tibetan sheep were utilized and equally allocated into two groups: grazing and pen-feeding. To assess the intramuscular fat (IMF) content, Soxhlet extraction was performed on the biceps femoris muscle. Additionally, transcriptome sequencing was carried out to evaluate the expression profiles of RNAs, facilitating the construction of a ceRNA regulatory network. The results demonstrated that the IMF content in the grazing group was significantly higher compared to the pen-feeding group, implying that grazing might foster the formation of Type I muscle fibers, thereby enhancing meat quality. Moreover, the expression levels of circRNAs, such as novel_circ_001331, novel_circ_012918, novel_circ_029843, and novel_circ_059962, were markedly up-regulated in the grazing group. These circRNAs may alleviate the inhibitory effects on genes like COL8A1, MYLK3, and NOX4 by interacting with miR-381-y, miR-7144-x, miR-16-z, miR-8159-x, novel-m0040-3p, novel-m0092-5p, and oar-miR-329a-3p. These circRNAs and miRNAs are predominantly involved in the MAPK, Wnt, and VEGF signaling pathways and could be implicated in biological processes such as muscle fiber type switching and energy metabolism. This research offers valuable insights for improving the meat quality of Tibetan sheep and provides a foundation for exploring the role of circRNA and miRNA in the regulation of meat quality under grazing conditions. Full article

The flexible DC transmission project of renewable energy has become an inevitable development trend for large-scale renewable energy grid connection. A two-terminal weak feed (TTWF) AC system is often composed of 100% power electronic equipment. The traditional fault control strategy adopted after a fault in the converter at both terminals of the line limits the fault current and controls the phase, resulting in a decrease in the time-domain distance protection performance. This paper first analyzes the adaptability challenges of time-domain distance protection in TTWF. Based on detailed fault characteristic studies, two improvement approaches are proposed: (1) accounting for phase control effects by equivalently modeling the fault impedance as a series combination of fault resistance and inductance; and (2) incorporating distributed capacitance effects through fault differential equation derivation based on π-type line equivalent models. A novel time-domain distance protection method is subsequently developed, comprehensively considering control strategy impacts and distributed capacitive currents. Simulation tests verify that the proposed method maintains reliable operation under severe conditions, including 300 Ω fault resistance and 30 dB white noise interference, demonstrating significantly improved resistance to fault impedance and noise compared to conventional solutions. Full article

Previous work has shown that mouse models fed a non-obesogenic high-fat diet have preserved cardiac function and no obesity-associated comorbidities such as diabetes. However, they do suffer increased cardiac vulnerability to ischemic reperfusion (I/R) injury, which has been attributed to changes in Ca²⁺ handling, oxidative stress, and mitochondrial transition pore activity. However, there have been no studies investigating the involvement of metabolites. Wild-type mice were fed either a control or a non-obesogenic high-fat diet for ~26 weeks. Key cardiac metabolites were extracted from freshly excised hearts and from hearts exposed to 30 min global ischemia followed by 45 min reperfusion. The extracted metabolites were measured using commercially available kits and HPLC. Hemodynamic cardiac function was monitored in Langendorff perfused hearts. Levels of energy-rich phosphates and related metabolites were similar for both hearts fed a control or a high-fat diet. However, the high-fat diet decreased cardiac glycogen and increased cardiac lactate, hypoxanthine, alanine, and taurine levels. Langendorff perfused hearts from the high-fat diet group suffered more ischemic stress during ischemia, as shown by the significantly shorter time needed for onset and for reaching maximal ischemic (rigor) contracture. Following I/R, there was a significant decrease in myocardial adenine nucleotides and a significant increase in the levels of alanine and purines for both groups. Most of the principal amino acids tended to fall during I/R. Hearts from mice fed a high-fat diet showed more changes during I/R in markers of energetics (phosphorylation potential and energy charge), metabolic stress (lactate), and osmotic stress (taurine). This study suggests that cardiac metabolic changes due to high-fat diet feeding, independent of obesity-related comorbidities, are responsible for the marked metabolic changes and the increased vulnerability to I/R. Full article

Objective: Insulin resistance (IR) is a complex and multifactorial disorder that contributes to type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play important roles in diverse developmental and disease processes. However, the molecular mechanisms of IR are unclear. This paper aims to explore the role of miRNA in regulating IR and to elucidate the mechanisms responsible for these effects. Methods: IR models were created by feeding a high-fat diet (HFD) to mice or stimulating 3T3-L1 cells with palmitate. Twelve weeks of HFD trigger weight gain, leading to lipid accumulation and insulin resistance in mice. The expression profiles of miRNAs in adipose tissues (AT) from the HFD-induced mouse models were analyzed. The relationship between miR-221-3p and SOCS1 was determined using dual luciferase reporter gene assays. Metabolic alterations in AT were investigated by real-time PCR and Western blot. Results: miR-221-3p was significantly increased in AT. HFD-induced disturbances in glucose homeostasis were aggravated by miR-221-3p upregulation. The inhibition of miR-221-3p promoted insulin sensitivity including reduced lipid accumulation and the disruption of glucose metabolism. Of note, the 3′-UTR of SOCS1 was found to be a direct target of miR-221-3p. The SOCS1 inhibitor attenuated miR-221-3p-induced increases in IRS-1 phosphorylation, AKT phosphorylation, and GLUT4. miR-221-3p was considered to be involved in the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway, thus leading to increased insulin sensitivity and decreased IR in HFD-fed mice and 3T3-L1 adipocytes. Conclusions: The miR-221-3p/SOCS1 axis in AT plays a pivotal role in the regulation of glucose metabolism, providing a novel target for treating IR and diabetes. Full article

Tomicus pilifer is a major pest that threatens Pinus koraiensis forests in the northeast region of China. In this study, we employed scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to observe the sensilla on the antennae, mouthparts, and legs of both male and female T. pilifer adults, analyzing the differences in sensillum types, external morphology, and quantities between sexes. The results revealed six types of sensilla on the antennae of both males and females, including sensilla trichoidea, sensilla zigzag, sensilla coeloconica, sensilla chaetica, Böhm bristles, and sensilla basiconica. Among these, sensilla basiconica was the most abundant, with four subtypes identified, and sensilla basiconica III was observed only on the male antennae, indicating sexual dimorphism in sensillum types. The mouthparts exhibited the greatest diversity in sensilla, with seven types identified: sensilla basiconica, sensilla twig basiconica, sensilla coeloconica, sensilla trichoidea, sensilla chaetica, sensilla zigzag, and sensilla digitiformia. Of these, sensilla basiconica and sensilla twig basiconica, responsible for olfactory or gustatory functions, were concentrated at the distal ends of the maxillary palps and labial palps. On the legs, sensilla trichoidea, sensilla zigzag, and sensilla chaetica were distributed on all segments. The findings of this study provide a scientific basis for further research into the olfactory and feeding behaviors, as well as electrophysiological studies, of T. pilifer. Full article

Methane (CH₄) is the second largest greenhouse gas (GHG) after carbon dioxide (CO₂), and ruminant production is an important source of CH₄ emissions. Among the six types of livestock animal species that produce GHGs, cattle (including beef cattle and dairy cows) are responsible for 62% of livestock-produced GHGs. Compared to beef cattle, continuous lactation in dairy cows requires sustained energy intake to drive rumen fermentation and CH₄ production, making it a key mitigation target for balancing dairy production and environmental sustainability. Determining how to safely and efficiently reduce CH₄ emissions from dairy cows is essential to promote the sustainable development of animal husbandry and environmental friendliness and plays an important role in improving feed conversion, reducing environmental pollution, and improving the performance of dairy cows. Combined with the factors influencing CH₄ emissions from dairy cows and previous research reports, this paper reviews the research progress on reducing the enteric CH₄ emissions (EMEs) of dairy cows from the perspectives of the CH₄ generation mechanism and emission reduction strategies, and it summarizes various measures for CH₄ emission reduction in dairy cows, mainly including accelerating genetic breeding, improving diet composition, optimizing feeding management, and improving fecal treatment. Future research should focus on optimizing the combination of strategies, explore more innovative methods, reduce EME without affecting the growth performance of dairy cows and milk safety, and scientifically and effectively promote the sustainable development of animal husbandry. Full article

Accurate and non-destructive assessment of fruit firmness is critical for evaluating quality and ripeness, particularly in postharvest handling and supply chain management. This study presents the development of an image-based vibration analysis system for evaluating the firmness of kiwifruit using computer vision and machine learning. In the proposed setup, 120 kiwifruits were subjected to controlled excitation in the frequency range of 200–300 Hz using a vibration motor. A digital camera captured surface displacement over time (for 20 s), enabling the extraction of key dynamic features, namely, the damping coefficient (damping is a measure of a material’s ability to dissipate energy) and natural frequency (the first peak in the frequency spectrum), through image processing techniques. Results showed that firmer fruits exhibited higher natural frequencies and lower damping, while softer, more ripened fruits showed the opposite trend. These vibration-based features were then used as inputs to a feed-forward backpropagation neural network to predict fruit firmness. The neural network consisted of an input layer with two neurons (damping coefficient and natural frequency), a hidden layer with ten neurons, and an output layer representing firmness. The model demonstrated strong predictive performance, with a correlation coefficient (R²) of 0.9951 and a root mean square error (RMSE) of 0.0185, confirming its high accuracy. This study confirms the feasibility of using vibration-induced image data combined with machine learning for non-destructive firmness evaluation. The proposed method provides a reliable and efficient alternative to traditional firmness testing techniques and offers potential for real-time implementation in automated grading and quality control systems for kiwi and other fruit types. Full article

Feed is an important source of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) in animals and products, posing significant potential risks to human health and the environment. Ensiling may present a feasible method for reducing ARGs in animal feed. This study involved the addition of four types of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) inoculants, Lactiplantibacillus plantarum (LP), Pediococcus acidilactici (P), Enterococcus faecium (E), and Ligilactobacillus salivarius (LS), to whole-crop corn silage to investigate changes in ARGs, mobile genetic elements (MGEs), and their transmission risks during ensiling. The results indicated that the addition of LAB significantly reduced the ammonia nitrogen content and pH value of whole-crop corn silage, inhibited the growth of harmful microorganisms, and increased the lactic acid content (p < 0.05). The improvement effect was particularly pronounced in the P treatment group. Natural fermentation plays a significant role in reducing ARG abundance, and the addition of different types of lactic acid bacteria helps reduce the abundance of both ARGs and MGEs. Specifically, the LS treatment group exhibited a significant decrease in MGE abundance, potentially reducing the horizontal transmission risk of ARGs. Furthermore, variations in ARG abundance within different LAB strains were detected, showing a consistent trend with that in silage. ARGs and MGEs were correlated with the fermentation parameters and microbial communities (p < 0.05). This suggests that adding LAB with low levels of ARGs to silage can effectively reduce ARG contamination. Bacterial community structure, MGEs, and fermentation quality may act as driving forces for the transfer and dissemination of ARGs in the silage ecosystem. Full article

Background/Objectives: Stroke survivors with dysphagia are usually fed with different feeding routes ranging from oral to percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG). However, the impact of the feeding route on the gastric myoelectric activity (GMA) is little-studied. This work examined the effect of feeding route on GMA changes in stroke survivors with dysphagia. Methods: This study included 50 patients (20% women) who were divided into three groups based on their feeding route: an oral group (n = 20), a nasogastric group (NGT) (n = 20), and a PEG group (n = 10). For all participants, a nutritional assessment was conducted, and the GMA was measured using a transcutaneous multichannel electrogastrogram (EGG) with a water load satiety test before and after water loading. The EGG-related parameters used in the analysis included the average power distribution by frequency region and the average dominant frequency (ADF). Results: The study sample experienced ischemic stroke (66%) or hemorrhagic stroke (34%). At the baseline phase, the PEG group exhibited significantly longer periods of normogastria compared to the NGT and oral groups. Moreover, protein intake was significantly higher in the PEG tube feeding group compared to the other groups. Based on the type of stroke, the ischemic stroke group showed significantly higher tachygastria periods during postprandial EGG recording (p = 0.022). The energy and protein consumptions were significantly higher in the hemorrhagic stroke group (p = 0.001, p = 0.028, respectively). Conclusions: The GMA pattern is distinctive for the type of stroke. The PEG feeding route showed more periods with normogastria and the best protein intake. Full article

Chronic pancreatitis (CP) precipitates complex malnutrition through synergistic mechanisms: exocrine pancreatic insufficiency–driven maldigestion, duodenal or pancreatobiliary strictures limiting nutrient flow, cholestasis impairing micelle formation, alcohol-related anorexia, pain-induced hypophagia, proteolytic catabolism from type 3c diabetes, and a chronic inflammatory milieu that accelerates sarcopenia and bone demineralisation. Consequent calorie–protein depletion, micronutrient and fat-soluble vitamin deficits, and metabolic derangements markedly amplify morbidity. Pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy (PERT) with targeted micronutrient repletion is foundational; high-protein regimens co-administered with PERT curb muscle loss, and medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) can augment caloric delivery by bypassing lipase dependence, although their benefit over personalised dietetic counselling is marginal. Optimal dietary fat thresholds and timing of escalation from oral to enteral or parenteral feeding remain unresolved. Comprehensive care also demands alcohol abstinence, effective analgesia and stringent glycaemic control. Serial monitoring—biochemical indices, densitometry, dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry and imaging-based body-composition metrics—permits early detection of high-risk patients and precision tailoring of interventions. Intensified multidisciplinary programmes already improve prognostic endpoints and are unveiling biomarkers of nutritional resilience. A structured, evidence-based strategy integrating PERT, macronutrient engineering, micronutrient repletion and metabolic surveillance is essential to mitigate nutrition-related morbidity, enhance long-term outcomes and optimise quality of life in CP. Full article

Recently, the popularity of large language models (LLMs) used as artificial intelligence tools supporting humans has been growing. LLMs are applied in many fields, including increasingly for various sustainability-related issues. One of the most popular tools of this type is ChatGPT, which, after being supplied with appropriate knowledge, can act as a domain expert, including in the area of sustainable transport. The article uses this functionality of ChatGPT, feeding it with knowledge about electric vehicles (EVs) available on the Polish market. The aim of the research was to develop a solution based on an LLM, which will act as an advisor when buying an EV. After appropriate modelling of knowledge and feeding it into ChatGPT, an expert system was obtained, which, based on the defined needs of the user, recommends the most suitable EV for them. When answering the system’s questions, the user provides only a description of the decision-making situation at the LLM input (e.g., the locations to which they are travelling, information on the number of family members, etc.). In turn, the appropriately fine-tuned ChatGPT provides a recommendation of vehicles that meet the user’s defined needs. This is a very user-friendly solution because it does not require the user to precisely define the vehicle evaluation criteria or a set of alternatives. This approach also does not require the user to have detailed domain knowledge. Full article

Acute human alpha-herpesvirus 1 (HSV-1) infection culminates in a latent infection of neurons in trigeminal ganglia (TG) and the central nervous system. Following infection of mucosal epithelial cells, certain neurons survive infection and life-long latency is established. Periodically, stressful stimuli trigger reactivation from latency, which result in virus shedding, transmission to other people, and, occasionally, recurrent disease. The glucocorticoid receptor (GR) and Krüppel-like factor 15 (KLF15) comprise a feed-forward transcriptional loop that cooperatively transactivate key HSV-1 promoters that drive expression of infected cell protein 0 (ICP0), ICP4, and ICP27. Silencing KLF15 significantly reduces HSV-1 replication in cultured mouse neuroblastoma cells. Consequently, we hypothesized that KLF15 mediates certain aspects of reactivation from latency. To test this hypothesis, we compared HSV-1 replication in KLF15^−/− mice versus wild-type (wt) parental C57BL/6 mice. Virus shedding during acute infection was reduced in KLF15^−/− mice. Male KLF15^−/− mice shed higher titers of virus during late stages of reactivation from latency compared to KLF15^−/− females and wt mice regardless of sex. At 15 d after explant-induced reactivation, virus shedding was higher in male KLF15^−/− mice relative to wt mice and female KLF15^−/− mice. These studies confirm KLF15 expression enhances viral replication during acute infection and reactivation from latency. Full article

The presence of a minimum quantity lubrication (MQL) under the conditions of a burnishing process can contribute to an improvement in the process performance by reducing the heights of the resulting surface asperities, by decreasing the temperature values, and by diminishing the size of the burnishing force components. On the other hand, there are situations in which it is possible to increase the service life of the parts made of EN AW-2007 aluminum alloy by applying a burnishing process. To verify how the results of applying a burnishing process applied to cylindrical specimens in the aluminum alloy when using and not using a minimum quantity lubrication, an experimental research based on a planned variation between certain limits of the values of the peripheral speed and the feed rate has been conceived and materialized. The experimental results were processed mathematically. It has been found that by using the minimum quantity of mineral oil type Valona MS7023 HC, it was possible to reduce the value of the Sa roughness parameter by up to 18%, a decrease in temperature by about 20 °C, and the size of the burnishing force by up to 45%. Full article

The main aim of this study deals with the potential evaluation of a fluidized bed membrane reactor (FBMR) for hydrogen production as a clean fuel carrier via methanol steam reforming reaction, comparing its performance with other reactors including packed bed membrane reactors (PBMR), fluidized bed reactors (FBR), and packed bed reactors (PBR). For this purpose, a two-dimensional, axisymmetric numerical model was developed using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) to simulate the reactor performances. Model accuracy was validated by comparing the simulation results for PBMR and PB with experimental data, showing an accurate agreement within them. The model was then employed to examine the effects of key operating parameters, including reaction temperature, pressure, steam-to-methanol molar ratio, and gas volumetric space velocity, on reactor performance in terms of methanol conversion, hydrogen yield, hydrogen recovery, and selectivity. At 573 K, 1 bar, a feed molar ratio of 3/1, and a space velocity of 9000 h⁻¹, the PBMR reached the best results in terms of methanol conversion, hydrogen yield, hydrogen recovery, and hydrogen selectivity, such as 67.6%, 69.5%, 14.9%, and 97.1%, respectively. On the other hand, the FBMR demonstrated superior performance with respect to the latter reaching a methanol conversion of 98.3%, hydrogen yield of 95.8%, hydrogen recovery of 74.5%, and hydrogen selectivity of 97.4%. These findings indicate that the FBMR offers significantly better performance than the other reactor types studied in this work, making it a highly efficient method for hydrogen production through methanol steam reforming, and a promising pathway for clean energy generation. Full article