Search Results (4,146)

Background: Very preterm infants (VPIs) are born with an undeveloped immune system and are more susceptible to infection. Acquired immune responses must develop in a complex nutritional and metabolic environment as these babies transition from parenteral to enteral nutrition. We explored the feasibility of a multi-omics approach to investigate the changes in metabolic and molecular profiles between day 3 and day 10 of life. Methods: Blood and plasma samples were collected at day 3 and day 10 of life from eight infants born <29 weeks’ gestation and used to perform microarray transcriptomics and ¹H NMR metabolomics. All data were analysed using univariate statistics and mapped to biological pathways and molecular functions using an assortment of databases. Results: We found 1185 genes differentially expressed. The expression patterns found mapped to different immune function, maturation, and development pathways as well as providing mechanistic insights into metabolic changes, notably the downregulation of the metallothionein pathways. We found five metabolites that presented significant differential abundance. These linked to sugar and fat metabolic pathways, known to be altered in the preterm infants. Conclusions: We show that a multi-omics approach is feasible in VPIs and can identify simultaneous changes in the complex metabolic processes and immune adaptation that occur in the first ten days of life. Full article

Background/Objectives: Extreme temperatures linked to climate change threaten child health, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa where malnutrition remains widespread. This study examines how exposure to hot and cold temperature anomalies influences child stunting in Burkina Faso and Kenya and evaluates how household infrastructure and socio-demographic factors interact with climate stressors to shape outcomes. Methods: We combined nationally representative Demographic and Health Surveys (Burkina Faso 2021; Kenya 2022) with daily maximum and minimum temperature data from the Climate Hazards InfraRed Temperature with Stations (CHIRTS). The analytic sample included children aged 24–59 months. Temperature anomalies were calculated as standardized deviations from local historical averages. Multilevel logistic regression models assessed associations between stunting, climate anomalies, and household-level factors, including electricity, water, sanitation, wealth, and rural/urban residence. Results: Heat anomalies were linked to increased stunting risk in Kenya (β = 2.34, p < 0.001), while in Burkina Faso, higher maximum temperatures unexpectedly reduced stunting odds (β = 0.08, p < 0.05). Cold anomalies showed marginal positive associations with stunting in both countries. Infrastructure and socioeconomic factors varied by context: electricity access and urban residence were protective in Burkina Faso, while improved sanitation, household wealth, and child sex differences were significant in Kenya. Conclusions: Climate anomalies and household conditions jointly influence stunting among children aged 24–59 months, with effects varying by country. Cold anomalies were associated with higher odds of stunting in Burkina Faso (BF OR = 2.14) and Kenya (KE OR = 1.20), while heat anomalies reduced stunting in BF (OR = 0.08) but increased it in KE (OR = 2.34). Electricity access was protective in both countries (BF OR = 0.61; KE OR = 0.71), while improved water, sanitation, and wealth were significant only in KE. Older child age consistently reduced stunting risk, and urban residence was protective only in BF. These findings underscore that climate impacts on stunting are context-specific and highlight the need for policies integrating climate adaptation with investments. Full article

Misregulation of C-C chemokine receptor 7 (CCR7) has been linked to multiple autoimmune diseases including systemic lupus erythematosus, multiple sclerosis, and ankylosing spondylitis. As a G-protein-coupled receptor, located on the cell membrane, CCR7 can be targeted by inhibiting one of its two ligands, C-C chemokine ligand 19 (CCL19), to regulate its function. In this study, we examined signaling events downstream of CCL19 binding that provide a mechanism for regulation of the immune response. We used a CCR7 antagonist, CCL19_8-83, in immune studies in vivo, as a platform for a pharmaceutical to define the molecular events that are involved in regulating the humoral adaptive immune response. We found that in the presence of a T-cell-dependent antigen, C57BL/6 mice treated during antigen exposure with CCL19_8-83 generated significantly higher levels of IgG1, the dominant isotype in extracellular bacterial infections that can activate complement, and IgG2c, the dominant isotype during viral and intracellular bacterial infections. Inhibiting ERK5 signaling downstream of CCR7 activation by CCL19, or disruption of CCL19 expression in CCL19^−/− mice, also resulted in higher levels of IgG1 when compared to control mice. Differences in levels of IL-4 or other cytokines or lymphocyte types between wild-type and ERK5-deficient T cells did not account for antibody levels. Since pertussis-toxin-induced inhibition of lymphocyte chemotaxis is linked to elevated levels of IgG, we examined the effect of ERK5 on chemotaxis to CCR7 ligand CCL19. We found that disruption of ERK5 in T cells, or global disruption of CCL19 or CCR7, inhibited chemotaxis of T cells to CCL19, a mechanism that enhances sensitization during the exposure to an immunogen. Since CCR7 and its ligands have been linked to autoimmunity, these studies may provide insight into mechanisms that can be targeted to control autoimmune responses. Full article

This paper examines how shifts in sustainable capital markets influence societal well-being through the lens of a “Jazz Economy”, highlighting improvisation and adaptability in financial systems while grounding the analysis in empirical modelling. A panel of EUROSTAT indicators for 27 EU member states (2019–2022) was analyzed, including green bond issuance, market capitalization, environmental taxation, social spending, life expectancy, and subjective life satisfaction. Hierarchical clustering grouped these indicators into coherent patterns of “financial swings”, which were then linked to a composite quality-of-life index through an Adaptive Neuro-Fuzzy Inference System (ANFIS), with results benchmarked against linear regression and random forests. The inclusion of time lags between fiscal, financial, and social indicators strengthens the causal interpretation of the results, moving beyond simple correlations. Findings show that higher public environmental protection spending combined with a strong net international investment position consistently predicts greater life satisfaction, whereas income and longevity alone do not guarantee improvements in subjective well-being, reflecting nonlinear interactions among fiscal, financial, and social variables. Robustness checks, including the exclusion of pandemic years, confirm the stability of outcomes. The study concludes that cohesive fiscal–financial strategies, integrating environmental policy and macro-financial resilience, are essential for enhancing quality of life and that sustainable finance can deliver tangible social benefits beyond metaphorical framing. Full article

Forest fires significantly impact the global climate through carbon emissions, yet the multi-scale coupling mechanisms among meteorological factors, fire behavior, and emissions remain uncertain. Focusing on tropical Asia, this study integrated satellite-based fire behavior products, meteorological datasets, and emission factors, and employed machine learning together with structural equation modeling (SEM) to explore the mediating role of fire behavior in the meteorological regulation of carbon emissions. The results revealed significant differences among vegetation types in both carbon emission intensity and sensitivity to meteorological drivers. For example, average gas emissions (GEs) and particle emissions (PEs) in mixed forests (MF, 323.68 g/m²/year for GE and 0.73 g/m²/year for PE) were approximately 172% and 151% higher, respectively, than those in evergreen broadleaf forests (EBF, 118.92 g/m²/year for GE and 0.29 g/m²/year for PE), which exhibited the lowest emission intensity. Mixed forests and deciduous broadleaf forests exhibited stronger meteorological regulation effects, whereas evergreen broadleaf forests were comparatively stable. Temperature and vapor pressure deficit emerged as the core drivers of fire behavior and carbon emissions, exerting indirect control through fire behavior. Overall, the findings highlight fire behavior as a critical link between meteorological conditions and carbon emissions, with ecosystem-specific differences determining the responsiveness of carbon emissions to meteorological drivers. These insights provide theoretical support for improving the accuracy of wildfire emission simulations in climate models and for developing vegetation-specific fire management and climate adaptation strategies. Full article

This study presents detailed microstructural observations of the mouthparts and sensory organs of adult cicadomorphan species, obtained using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Despite microstructural variation, the overall morphology of the mouthparts, comprising a three-segmented labium and a bundle of interlocking stylets (maxillae and mandibles), is highly conserved across species, supporting its evolutionary significance in sap feeding from floem, xylem, or epidermis cells. Variations in the number and shape of mandibular stylet barbs likely reflect adaptations to different host plant tissues. The presence of an identical dual interlocking system between the maxillary stylets, which is found consistently across taxa, enhances functional stability during feeding and indicates a conserved mechanism among cicadomorphans. The species studied exhibit two distinct types of salivary canal closure: hooked and T-shaped. The latter potentially represents a state linked to specialised feeding strategies, such as sap xylem feeding. On the labial tip, there are different shapes of the anterior sensory fields. This area hosts a complex array of sensilla of different numbers, including gustatory (sensilla peg, PS1 and PS2, basiconica, BS3, double basiconica, DB), olfactory (finger–like, FLS) and thermo-hygroreceptive (sensillum dome-shaped, DS, and coeloconicum, CS) types, which facilitate host detection and feeding site selection. In the posterior sensory field, sensilla contact-chemosensory (sensilla basiconica, BS1 and BS2, and sensillum trichoideum, TS) are present. Mechanosensilla chaetica (CH1–CH3) are widely distributed on the last labial segment and may contribute to labium positioning. These findings emphasise the presence of both conserved and specialised morphological traits reflecting evolutionary and ecological diversification within Cicadomorpha. Full article

Trichilia emetica and T. dregeana butter oils are gaining recognition in the cosmeceutical industry, yet comparative data on their yields and bioactive composition remain scarce. This study assessed oil yields, fatty acid profiles, and tocol compositions of kernel and aril oils extracted by screw press from seeds collected in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. T. emetica produced smaller but more numerous seeds (603 per 200 g) than T. dregeana (159). Kernel oil yields were slightly higher in T. emetica (52.86%) than in T. dregeana (50.81%), while aril oils averaged 48.61% and 45.22%, respectively. Kernel oils of both species showed strong oxidative stability, with low peroxide and anisidine values and lower free fatty acid content compared to aril oils. T. emetica kernel oil was dominated by saturated fatty acids (SFAs), particularly palmitic acid (51.8%), and contained high γ-tocopherol (202 mg/kg), supporting applications in soaps, bio-lubricants, and industrial formulations. In contrast, T. dregeana kernel oil was richer in oleic acid (47.6%) and α-tocotrienol, favouring nutraceutical and cosmetic uses. Aril oils were dominated by linoleic acid (24–25%), with T. dregeana aril oil distinguished by elevated α-tocopherol (91.8 mg/kg) and a more diverse tocotrienol profile, making it suitable for antioxidant-rich cosmetics and dietary products. The dual-oil system offers complementary value: kernel oils provide structural stability for industrial applications, while aril oils supply bioactive-rich lipids for health and cosmetic formulations. Seed cakes present additional potential as biofertilizers or feedstock. This study provides the first comparative analysis of kernel and aril oils from T. emetica and T. dregeana, revealing interspecific differences in yield, fatty acid composition, and tocol profiles, and linking these to ecological adaptation and differentiated industrial potential. Full article

Bone immunity represents a dynamic interface where skeletal homeostasis intersects with systemic immune regulation. We synthesize emerging paradigms by contrasting two functionally distinct microenvironments: the marrow cavity, a hematopoietic and immune cell reservoir, and cancellous bone, a metabolically active hub orchestrating osteoimmune interactions. The marrow cavity not only generates innate and adaptive immune cells but also preserves long-term immune memory through stromal-derived chemokines and survival factors, while cancellous bone regulates bone remodeling via macrophage-osteoclast crosstalk and cytokine gradients. Breakthroughs in lymphatic vasculature identification challenge traditional views, revealing cortical and lymphatic networks in cancellous bone that mediate immune surveillance and pathological processes such as cancer metastasis. Central to bone immunity is the neuro–immune–endocrine axis, where sympathetic and parasympathetic signaling bidirectionally modulate osteoclastogenesis and macrophage polarization. Gut microbiota-derived metabolites, including short-chain fatty acids and polyamines, reshape bone immunity through epigenetic and receptor-mediated pathways, bridging systemic metabolism with local immune responses. In disease contexts, dysregulated immune dynamics drive osteoporosis via RANKL/IL-17 hyperactivity and promote leukemic evasion through microenvironmental immunosuppression. We further propose the “brain–gut–bone axis” as a systemic regulatory framework, wherein vagus nerve-mediated gut signaling enhances osteogenic pathways, while leptin and adipokine circuits link marrow adiposity to inflammatory bone loss. These insights redefine bone as a multidimensional immunometabolic organ, integrating neural, endocrine, and microbial inputs to maintain homeostasis. By elucidating the mechanisms of immune-driven bone pathologies, this work highlights therapeutic opportunities through biomaterial-mediated immunomodulation and microbiota-targeted interventions, paving the way for next-generation treatments in osteoimmune disorders. Full article

Background/Objectives: Galectin-3 (Gal-3), encoded by LGALS3, is a β-galactoside-binding lectin involved in diverse tumor-associated processes, including immune modulation, cell cycle regulation, and stress adaptation. Despite its known roles in cancer biology, the full extent of its molecular functions and prognostic relevance across tumor types remains incompletely understood. This study aimed to systematically investigate the transcriptomic impact of LGALS3 deletion and assess its clinical significance in cancer. Methods: We analyzed CRISPR-Cas9 knockout transcriptomic data from the SigCom LINCS database to characterize the consensus gene signature associated with LGALS3 loss using functional enrichment analyses. Pan-cancer survival analyses were conducted using TIMER2.0. Differential Gal-3 protein levels in ductal adenocarcinoma and normal pancreatic tissues were evaluated using the Human Protein Atlas. Finally, functional analyses were performed in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Results: LGALS3 deletion across multiple cancer cell lines led to transcriptomic changes involving mitotic progression, stress responses, and axonal guidance pathways. High LGALS3 expression was significantly associated with worse overall survival in lower-grade glioma, PDAC, uveal melanoma, and kidney renal papillary cell carcinoma. LGALS3 knockout in YAPC cells recapitulated the pan-cancer findings, linking LGALS3 to cell morphogenesis and proliferation. Conclusions: These findings identify Galectin-3 as a key regulator of oncogenic programs and a potential prognostic biomarker in PDAC and other malignancies, with implications for therapeutic targeting. Full article

Wheeled mobile robots (WMRs) are being increasingly integrated into various sectors such as logistics and transportation. However, their accurate trajectory tracking remains a challenge. To address this control issue, this study proposes a trajectory correction technique for a wheeled mobile robot (WMR). This proposal uses a functional-link neural network (FLNN) that adjusts the trajectory error with the aim of minimizing it. This error is propagated backward by adjusting the different parameters of the controller. The controller was designed using a combination of linearization feedback, sliding mode control, and FLNN, where the latter provides adaptability to the controller. Using the Lyapunov stability theory, the stability of the proposal was demonstrated. Experiments and simulation analyses were also carried out to demonstrate the practical feasibility of the proposal. Full article

Urban climate readiness requires multi-dimensional implementation strategies that operate effectively across both spatial scales and time horizons. This article introduces a multi-scale, phased model designed to support integrated climate action by distinguishing between metropolitan and building levels and addressing three core domains: physical resilience, decarbonization, and social/community engagement. The framework conceptualizes metropolitan and building scales as analytically distinct but operationally linked, allowing strategies to reflect the different systems, stakeholders, and capacities at each level. It also outlines a three-phase progression—Initial (assessment and goal setting), Readiness (planning and implementation), and Steady-State (monitoring and iterative adjustment)—to support staged, adaptive deployment. Each phase includes sample metrics and SMART goals that can be tailored to local context and tracked over time. By integrating theoretical insights with practical implementation tools, the framework offers a flexible yet rigorous approach for advancing urban sustainability. It emphasizes the importance of aligning technical interventions with institutional capacity and community participation to enhance effectiveness and equity. This model contributes to both planning theory and applied sustainability efforts by providing a structured pathway for cities to enhance climate readiness across systems and scales. Full article

Dioscorea polystachya (Chinese yam) is a crop valued for both medicinal and edible purposes, and exhibits rich genetic diversity. However, research into its germplasm resources remains understudied, and molecular breeding efforts lag behind. To bridge this gap, this study employed an integrated approach, combining the analysis of 23 phenotypic traits (17 qualitative and 6 quantitative) with genotyping using 19 polymorphic SSR markers. This combined strategy was applied to 53 accessions collected across 16 Chinese provinces to assess genetic diversity, population structure, and marker–trait associations. Phenotypic analysis revealed high diversity, with the Shannon diversity index (I) ranging from 0.09 to 1.15 for qualitative traits and from 1.45 to 1.79 for quantitative traits. Tuber traits exhibited the highest variability (with a CV up to 71.45%), indicating significant potential for yield improvement. Principal component analysis distilled phenotypic variation into eight principal components (accounting for 73.13% of the cumulative variance), and elite germplasm (e.g., DP24, DP52) was selected for breeding based on this analysis. Stepwise regression prioritized eight core evaluation traits (e.g., flowering rate, tuber length). SSR markers amplified 80 alleles (mean 4.211/locus), showing moderate genetic diversity (He = 0.529, PIC = 0.585). Population structure analysis divided accessions into two subpopulations, correlated with geographic origins: Group 1 (northern/southwestern China) and Group 2 (central/eastern China), reflecting adaptation to local climates and human selection. Association analysis identified 10 SSR loci significantly linked (p < 0.01) to key traits, including YM07_2 (flowering, R² = 13.94%), YM37_2 (leaf margin color, R² = 19.03%), and YM19_3 (leaf width, R² = 19.34%). This study establishes a comprehensive genetic framework for Chinese yam, offering molecular tools for marker-assisted breeding and strategies to conserve high-diversity germplasm, thereby enhancing the utilization of this orphan crop. Full article

Rapid climate change has exacerbated global ecosystem degradation, leading to habitat fragmentation and landscape connectivity loss. Constructing ecological networks (EN) with resilient conduction functions and conservation priorities is crucial for maintaining regional ecological security and promoting sustainable development. However, the spatiotemporal modeling and dynamic resilience assessment of EN under the combined impacts of future climate and land use/land cover (LULC) changes remain underexplored. This study focuses on the Central Yunnan Urban Agglomeration (CYUA), China, and integrates landscape ecology with complex network theory to develop a dynamic resilience assessment framework that incorporates multi-scenario LULC projections, multi-temporal EN construction, and node-link disturbance simulations. Under the Shared Socioeconomic Pathways and Representative Concentration Pathways (SSP-RCP) scenarios, we quantified spatiotemporal variations in EN resilience and identified resilience-based conservation priority areas. The results show that: (1) Future EN patterns exhibit a westward clustering trend, with expanding habitat areas and enhanced connectivity. (2) From 2000 to 2040, EN resilience remains generally stable, but diverges significantly across scenarios—showing steady increases under SSP1-2.6 and SSP5-8.5, while slightly declining under SSP2-4.5. (3) Approximately 20% of nodes and 40% of links are identified as critical components for maintaining structural-functional resilience, and are projected to form conservation priority patterns characterized by larger habitat areas and more compact connectivity under future scenarios. The multi-scenario analysis provides differentiated strategies for EN planning and ecological conservation. This framework offers adaptive and resilient solutions for regional ecosystem management under climate change. Full article

Food waste (FW) presents a critical issue, representing an environmental liability and a largely untapped resource. Its heterogeneity and low valorization rate among main-stream alternative treatments challenge its integration into economically and environmentally sustainable bioprocesses. We explore biorefineries as a solution that can address the complexity of urban food waste through biological strategies capable of converting food waste into valuable products. Exploring the current landscape of FW biorefineries, this study focused on the interplay between feedstock heterogeneity, pretreatment strategies, microbial dynamics, and integration potential. We propose a framework distinguishing between robust fermentations that can use minimally treated FW and tailored fermentations, which require refined media pretreatment and/or supplementation to yield higher-value compounds. Drawing on recent techno-economic and life cycle assessments, this article evaluates process viability and environmental impacts across multiple scales, reinforcing the need for robust analysis to support decision-making. Real-world initiatives and policy frameworks are analyzed to contextualize technological advances within regulatory and infrastructural realities. By linking practical constraints to biochemical and operational strategies, this work outlines how food waste biorefineries can contribute meaningfully to circular economy goals. Instead of treating FW as an intractable problem, it is seen as a versatile feedstock that demands integration, investment, and adaptive process design. Full article

Introduction/Background: Maternal depression is a significant risk factor for infant emotion regulation (ER), often linked to detrimental mother–infant interactions. Individual effects of maternal depression and maternal sensitivity are known, but their combined influence on infant ER across different emotional contexts remains underexplored. This study investigates concurrent relations among maternal depression, maternal sensitivity, and infant ER in low- and high-arousal contexts in a matched sample of primarily White educated mothers. Methods: We examined 5-month-old infants of clinically depressed and nondepressed mothers. Maternal sensitivity was coded from home observations; infant ER behaviors (e.g., gaze aversion, object-attend, self-soothing) were assessed through observation during modified Still-Face Paradigm (SFP) and fear-eliciting tasks. Results: Clinically depressed mothers exhibited lower maternal sensitivity than nondepressed mothers. Infants of depressed mothers used adaptive ER strategies less—specifically, lower monitoring and gaze aversion in the SFP, and lower gaze aversion and object-attend in the Fear task. Maternal sensitivity moderated the association between maternal depression and infant gaze aversion during the SFP and both gaze avert and object-attend during the Fear task. There was a context-specific regulatory difference for self-soothing; only infants of depressed mothers used self-soothing significantly more during the high-arousal Fear task. Conclusions: These findings underscore the interplay between maternal clinical depression and sensitivity in affecting infant ER. Maternal sensitivity acts as a crucial buffer against the adverse effects of maternal depression on infant ER. The results also indicate that infant emotion regulation varies in different contexts of low and high arousal. Interventions that target maternal sensitivity could significantly improve emotion regulation in infants of depressed mothers. Full article