Search Results (168)

Astaxanthin plays a vital role in pigmentation, immune function, reproduction, and antioxidation in aquatic species. To clarify the molecular mechanism of astaxanthin utilization in Exopalaemon carinicauda (E. carinicauda), we conducted a comparative transcriptome analysis on the intestine, hepatopancreas, and muscle of E. carinicauda, fed with an astaxanthin diet and a normal diet. A total of 144 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified in three tissues between the two groups. Genes related to absorption and transport, such as LDLR and the vitellogenin receptor, were upregulated in the intestine after astaxanthin supplementation, while the ileal sodium/bile acid cotransporter-like gene was downregulated. In the hepatopancreas, genes involved in lipid storage and degradation were significantly altered at the transcriptional level, including Kruppel 1-like, ACSBG2, δ(7)-sterol 5(6)-desaturase-like, and PNLIPRP2. In the muscle, the expression of the FABP gene was significantly upregulated, while several actin and troponin genes were significantly downregulated. Furthermore, GSEA analysis on the transcriptomes of three tissues revealed that astaxanthin supplementation influenced the expression of genes related to antioxidation and growth, indicating that astaxanthin may have a positive impact on the growth, development, and resistance of organisms. The data from this research provide valuable insights into elucidating the molecular mechanisms underlying astaxanthin absorption and metabolism and also offer guidance for the application of astaxanthin in the aquaculture of economically important crustaceans. Full article

Surface electromyography (sEMG) is a critical tool for quantifying muscle activity and inferring biomechanical function, enabling the detection of neuromuscular deficits through the analysis of electrical potential propagation. However, the inherent variability in sEMG signal amplitude, influenced by factors such as electrode placement, equipment characteristics, and individual physiology, necessitates robust normalization techniques for accurate comparative analysis. This study investigates the reliability and effectiveness of several normalization methods in the context of bicep and tricep muscle activation during dynamic and isometric exercises: maximum voluntary contraction (MVC), submaximal voluntary contraction (SMVC), remote voluntary contraction (RVC), mean, and peak normalization. We conducted a comprehensive experimental protocol involving healthy volunteers, capturing sEMG signals during controlled bicep curls, tricep extensions, and isometric contractions. The efficacy of each normalization method was evaluated based on its ability to minimize inter-subject variability and enhance signal consistency. Specifically, while SMVC, MVC, and RVC methods exhibited generally superior performance in normalizing bicep and tricep signals, the optimal method varied depending on the task and muscle, providing consistent and reliable data for biomechanical analysis. These results underscore the importance of selecting appropriate normalization techniques to improve the accuracy of sEMG-based assessments in clinical and sports biomechanics, contributing to the development of more effective rehabilitation protocols and performance enhancement strategies. Full article

Electrothermal anti-/de-icing systems are widely used in aircraft, and the structures of these systems generally consist of multiple layers laminated together. In service, laminated structures are prone to structural deformation and delamination, which can significantly affect heat conduction. Therefore, it is essential to study the temperature field of these electrically heated anti-icing structures during operation and analyse the impact of delamination damage on the temperature distribution. In this thesis, a dynamic multiphysical field study of an electric heating anti-icing structure is conducted using a thermal expansion layer-by-layer/3D solid element method. By studying the electric heating process of composite plates experiencing pre-positioned delamination, the thermal expansion layer-by-layer/3D solid element method considers the thermal convection boundary conditions as well as a constant heat source. In addition, to considering the influences of the geometric shape and delamination damage, we apply the thermal expansion layer-by-layer/3D solid element method to the electric heating anti-icing process of aerofoil structures using a coordinate transformation matrix. The calculations show that when delamination damage is located above the heating layer, the maximum temperature of the structure reaches 450 °C at 50 s, which severely affects the normal functioning of the structure. Additionally, the surface temperature of the anti-icing system decreases to the ambient temperature at the delamination. In contrast, delamination damage located below the heating layer has a minimal effect on the surface temperature distribution. Moreover, the damage caused by multiple types of damage is greater than that caused by a single type of damage. Full article

Family self-care emphasizes a family’s role in health promotion and protection, reflecting society’s views on health, illness, and human relationships. In families with children with an intellectual disability, where the child may lack self-care abilities, family self-care becomes crucial, highlighting that self-care needs exceed individual capacity and require family cooperation. Background/Objectives: This pilot study aims to explore the factors influencing family self-care and define attributes of its cognitive, psychosocial, physical, and behavioral domains in families with children with intellectual disabilities. Methods: A descriptive and correlational study with forty-four families was conducted. Exploratory analysis and linear regression analysis were estimated through the assumptions of the Gauss–Markov theorem (specifically homoscedasticity, normality, and model specification adequacy). Multicollinearity was also evaluated. Results: The significant family conditioning factors identified were family income, education level, degree of physical and functional dependence of the child, family household size, and social support. Socioeconomic, demographic, and health-related factors shaped self-care experiences. Conclusions: Family empowerment and the impact of disability are key elements in enabling self-care. Families reporting a greater impact of their child’s condition tended to feel less empowered, directly affecting their ability to perform daily self-care activities. The evidence suggests a pattern in which self-care activities might be reactive rather than proactive and focused on managing immediate challenges rather than long-term well-being. These insights can guide healthcare professionals, especially family nurses, toward a holistic, family-centered approach to supporting families with children with intellectual disabilities. Full article

The hybrid laser inertial navigation system (INS) is increasingly vital for high precision under high-dynamic, long-duration conditions, especially in complex aircraft environments. Key components like the base, platform, and inner/outer frames significantly impact system accuracy and stability through thseir static and dynamic characteristics. This study focuses on minimizing deviations in the INS body coordinate system caused by elastic deformation under high overload by developing a mechanical simulation model of a rotational modulation structure and a structural model of the outer frame assembly. A reliability analysis model is established, considering both functional and structural strength failures. To address uncertainties from manufacturing, technical conditions, material selection, and assembly errors, a global sensitivity analysis based on Bayesian inference evaluates parameter contributions to functional failure probability, using a sample size of N1 = 5 × 10⁵. Additionally, uncertainty analysis via Sobol sequence sampling (N2 = 10,000) examines the impact of mean design parameter variations on failure probability for ZL107 and SiCp/Al aluminum matrix composite frames. Experimental verification concludes the study. The results indicate that the SiCp/Al composite material demonstrates superior mechanical performance compared to traditional materials such as the ZL107 aluminum alloy. The uncertainties in the inner frame thickness, inner frame material strength, and outer frame thickness have the most significant impact on the probability of functional failure in the hybrid INS, with sensitivity indices of ${\delta }_6^{P\left\{F\right\}}$ = 0.01657, ${\delta }_2^{P\left\{F\right\}}$ = 0.00873, and ${\delta }_4^{P\left\{F\right\}}$ = 0.00818, respectively. The mechanical properties of the outer frame structure made from SiCp/Al are significantly enhanced, with failure probabilities across three failure modes markedly lower than those of the ZL107 frame, indicating high reliability. In an impact test conducted on the product, the laser gyroscope worked normally, the hybrid laser system function was normal, and the platform angular velocity change corresponding to each impact direction was less than 12 ″/s. The maximum angle change of the inner and outer frames was 0.107°, indicating that the system structure can withstand large overloads and multiple levels of mechanical environments and has good environmental adaptability and reliability. This analytical approach provides a valuable method for reliability evaluation and design of new hybrid INS structures. More importantly, it provides insights into the influence of design parameter uncertainties on navigation accuracy, offering critical support for the advancement of inertial technology. Full article

Objectives: The main aim of this study was to investigate the hypothesis that men with high body appreciation and healthy (normal) weight would have significantly lower levels of muscle dysmorphia and the non-adaptive (negative) multiple dimensions of body attitudes, as well as higher levels of the selected pro-health and adaptive exercise motives, than those men with low body appreciation and excess body weight. Methods: A total of 374 Polish men (M_age = 28.96 ± 8.52) completed the following questionnaires: (a) the Body Appreciation Scale-2, (b) the Muscle Dysmorphic Disorder Inventory, (c) the Male Body Attitude Scale, and (d) the Exercise Motivations Inventory-2. Results: By analyzing the most important findings, it was discovered, as hypothesized, that significant differences (in terms of most of the assessed scale/subscales) were found between men who had high body appreciation and healthy weight (Cluster 4), and men with low body appreciation and excess body weight (Cluster 3). Cluster 4 (vs. Cluster 3) was characterized as follows: (a) considering muscle dysmorphia, these participants had lower levels in terms of the total score and subscale of appearance intolerance; (b) they had fewer non-adaptive (negative) body attitudes, with lower total scores and lower scores on two subscales (body fat and height); (c) for the selected pro-health and adaptive exercise motives, Cluster 4 had higher levels on all subscales. Conclusions: Our results show that holding views in line with positive body image is also beneficial for the functioning of adult men. However, further research needs to be conducted in this area to determine whether the content in the interventions and prevention activities for both sexes should be the same and what factors should be taken into account in order to influence excessive fixation on a muscularity. Full article

Deep neural networks have been widely applied for gas concentration estimation in low-cost gas sensor arrays; however, their dependency on sample distribution remains a significant challenge. Current research indicates that deep learning models are susceptible to sample imbalance, where their predictive accuracy is strongly influenced by the number of available samples. In sensor arrays used for monitoring indoor and outdoor harmful gas emissions, most response values remain within a normal range, while only a limited number exhibit high response values. Addressing this imbalance typically requires assigning weights to different classes or pruning datasets; however, the cross-sensitivity of sensors and the limited availability of datasets complicate this approach. In this study, we investigated the impact of sample imbalance on model performance and proposed a simulated sensor generative adversarial network (SSGAN) to generate synthetic sensor response values alongside their corresponding gas concentrations. A multiple-sensor generator was designed to produce sensor array response values paired with gas concentrations, while discriminators ensured that generated samples closely resembled real instances without being identical. Furthermore, a customized generative loss function was developed to optimize the training of the SSGAN. To validate our approach, experiments were conducted on the UCI Machine Air Quality dataset using a traditional convolutional neural network (CNN), a backpropagation neural network (BPNN), and a custom-designed attention block. The results demonstrated that SSGAN effectively reduced the average absolute error of the three target models by 4.45%, 12.06%, and 3.08%, respectively. Full article

Objective: This in vitro study aimed to investigate the impact of folic acid on DNA methylation and gene expression in adipocytes from subcutaneous adipose tissue of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), with a focus on the influence of obesity on these epigenetic changes. Methods: Tissue biopsies were collected from patients with normal weight (NW) and obesity (OBS). Adipocytes were isolated via enzymatic digestion and density separation. Each group was divided into control (standard medium) and folic acid treatment (2 mg/24 h for 48 h) conditions. After treatment, DNA methylation levels were analyzed using the Infinium Methylation EPIC v2.0 Kit, and gene expression analyses were performed by RT-qPCR. A pathway enrichment analysis was conducted using the KEGG database for functional insight. Results: Folic acid induced differential methylation at 755 CpG sites in NW adipocytes, which were associated with immune regulation, including MAPK signaling. Also, OBS adipocytes showed methylation changes at 92 CpG sites, affecting pathways related to metabolic regulation, such as cAMP signaling. LEP gene expression was upregulated (5.2-fold) in OBS adipocytes, while CREM2 expression was increased (2.8-fold) in NW adipocytes after treatment. These gene expression differences underscore weight-dependent responses to folic acid, with LEP upregulation in OBS cells suggesting links to metabolic dysregulation and CREM2 upregulation in NW cells potentially contributing to immune modulation. Conclusions: Folic acid treatment exerts distinct epigenetic and gene expression effects in adipocytes of SLE patients, modulated by obesity status. This weight-dependent response, marked by changes in pathways relevant to immune and metabolic function, highlights the need for further investigation into how nutrient-based interventions might support SLE management. From a clinical perspective, this study underscores the potential of targeted nutrient-based interventions to address immunometabolic dysfunctions in SLE patients. Further research could explore folic acid supplementation as a complementary approach to personalized treatment strategies, particularly for patients with obesity. Full article

Biological aging is normally associated with greater physiological changes which predispose individuals to adverse outcomes. In this way, the evaluation of vulnerability biomarkers and their relationships with other health biomarkers could contribute to the promotion of interventions and the improvement of older adults’ quality of life. Thereby, this study aimed to compare vulnerability biomarkers (Growth Differentiation Factor 15 (GDF-15), General Functional Fitness Index (GFFI), and frailty phenotype) and their influence on health markers (blood biochemistry, body composition, and hemodynamic variables) in middle-aged and older female adults. Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted with community-dwelling females aged 54–84 with at least 6 months of experience with physical training. The participants were categorized based on functional fitness, frailty phenotype, and GDF-15 quartiles. The General Functional Fitness Index (GFFI) was assessed using the AAHPERD test battery, while frailty phenotype was determined using Fried’s criteria. GDF-15 levels were measured through ELISA. Results: A higher training status (TS) showed better functional fitness and favorable biochemical profiles, including lower total cholesterol (p = 0.006, η²p = 0.253), LDL cholesterol (p = 0.001, η²p = 0.346), triglycerides (p = 0.048, η²p = 0.195), and systolic blood pressure (p = 0.001, η²p = 0.333). Individuals classified as robust (non-frail) had better physical performance and lower total cholesterol (p = 0.002, η²p = 0.306) and LDL cholesterol (p = 0.014, η²p = 0.216) compared to those classified as frail and pre-frail. The GDF-15 quartile did not present differences in health markers between groups. Conclusions: These findings suggest that GFFI may be considered a health biomarker for middle-aged and female older adults while highlighting the need for further research on the role of biomarkers of vulnerability and healthy aging. Full article

Soil salinity is among the crucial factors influencing agricultural productivity of crops, including oat. The respiratory metabolic pathways are of great significance for plants to adapt to salt stress, but current research is limited and there are few reports on salt-tolerant crops such as oat, which is necessary to conduct in-depth research. In this study, we conducted a pot experiment to determine the effects of salt stress on oat root growth and respiratory metabolism. Three salt stress levels—control (CK), moderate, and severe—were applied to compare the salt tolerance of the salt-tolerant cultivar Bai2 and the salt-sensitive cultivar Bai5. We selected oat roots at the seedling stage as the research focus and analyzed fresh root samples using an Oxytherm liquid-phase oxygen electrode, a digital scanner, and proteomics. The results showed that with an increased concentration of salt stress, the dry and fresh weight, root–shoot ratio, total root length, root surface area, root volume, and average diameter of the two oat cultivars showed a decreasing trend. Compared with CK, the total root respiration rate of Bai2 under moderate and severe stress decreased by 15.6% and 28%, respectively, and that of Bai5 decreased by 70.4% and 79.0%, respectively. After quantitative analysis of 18 oat root samples from the 2 cultivars using the label-free method, 7174 differential proteins were identified and 63 differential proteins were obtained, which involved 7 functional categories. In total, 111 differential proteins were specifically expressed in the root of the salt-tolerant cultivar Bai2, involving 12 functional categories. Through interaction network analysis, the proteins differentially expressed between the salt treatment and CK groups of the salt-tolerant cultivar Bai2 were analyzed. In total, five types of differentially expressed proteins interacting with each other were detected; these mainly involved antioxidant enzymes, pyruvate metabolism, glycolysis, tricarboxylic acid cycle, and energy metabolism pathways. Salt stress promoted the respiration rate of oat root glycolysis. The respiration rate of the tricarboxylic acid pathway decreased with increased salt stress concentration, while the respiration rate of the pentose phosphate pathway increased. Compared with CK, following moderate and severe salt stress treatment, alcohol dehydrogenase activity in Bai2 increased by 384% and 145%, respectively, while that of Bai5 increased by 434% and 157%, respectively. At increased salt stress concentrations, Bai2 mainly used pyruvate–ethanol fermentation for anaerobic respiration, while Bai5 mainly used pyruvate–lactic acid fermentation for anaerobic respiration. This significant discovery revealed for the first time from the perspective of respiratory metabolism that different salt-tolerant oat cultivars adapt to salt stress in different ways to maintain normal growth and development. The experimental results provide new insights into plant adaptation to salt stress from the perspective of respiratory metabolism. Full article

Background/Objectives: Female sexual dysfunction (FSD) involves persistent issues with desire, arousal, orgasm, or pain during intercourse. The Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), a validated 19-item questionnaire, is widely used to assess FSD. Childbirth, particularly vaginal delivery with perineal trauma, can increase FSD risk, with 41–83% of women affected at six months postpartum. However, early postpartum FSD remains underexplored. This study examines FSD risk factors in first-time mothers delivering vaginally, using longitudinal FSFI assessments before and after the delivery. Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted involving 80 primiparous women who delivered vaginally. The FSFI questionnaire was provided before childbirth and three months postpartum. We compared the group of women who developed early FSD after delivery (N = 45) with those with a normal FSFI score (>26.6). Results: Three months after vaginal delivery, participants exhibited a significant decrease in overall FSFI scores (−9.61 [95%CI: −11.6; −7.6]; p = 0.008). A total of 45 patients (56.2%) developed early FSD. Marital status emerged as a significant factor, with marriage acting as a protective factor (OR 0.27 [95%CI 0.05–1.24]; p = 0.044). Clitoral and periclitoral tears were associated with a higher risk of FSD than high-degree perineal lacerations (OR 3.02 [95%CI 1.56–6.24]; p = 0.021). Conclusions: At three months post vaginal delivery, primiparous women face a relevant risk of developing transient sexual dysfunction. Marital status and type of perineal tears are identified as key factors influencing postpartum sexual function. Further research is warranted to explore these factors comprehensively and provide timely clinical and psychological support to couples navigating the challenges of early family life. Full article

This study presents a mathematical model of a three-dimensional thermoelastic half-space with variable thermal conductivity under the definition of fractional order heat conduction based on the Moor–Gibson–Thompson theorem. The non-dimensional governing equations using Laplace and double Fourier transform methods have been applied to a three-dimensional thermoelastic, isotropic, and homogeneous half-space exposed to a rectangular thermal loading pulse with a traction-free surface. The double Fourier transforms and Laplace transform inversions have been computed numerically. The numerical distributions of temperature increment, invariant stress, and invariant strain have been shown and analysed. The fractional order parameter and the variability of thermal conductivity significantly influence all examined functions and the behaviours of the thermomechanical waves. Classifying thermal conductivity as weak, normal, and strong is crucial and closely corresponds to the actual behaviour of the thermal conductivity of thermoelastic materials. Full article

Background: This retrospective study aimed to analyze the frequency and extent of apical root resorptions (EARR) during orthodontic treatment in the upper and lower incisors, as well as lower molars, using orthopantomograms (OPG). Potential influencing factors such as age, gender, root shape, type of orthodontic appliance, and treatment duration were examined as well. Methods: A total of 57 patients who completed their treatment at the orthodontic department of the Goethe University of Frankfurt between 2011 and 2018 were included in the study. These patients had a combined total of 570 teeth, which were divided into two groups. Group 1 consisted of 20 patients (average age at T0: 10.1 ± 1.2 years old) received a one-phase fixed orthodontic treatment using passive self-ligating Damon bracket system (average duration of 2.1 years ± 6 months), while group 2 consisted of 37 patients (average age at T0: 12.4 ± 2.8 years old) underwent a two-phase therapy, which involved a phase-one functional therapy (average duration of 1.7 years ± 6 months) prior to the phase-two fixed orthodontic treatment with the Damon system (average duration of 1.5 ± 4 months) with a total treatment time of 3.2 years ± 7 months. To determine the extent of post-treatment root resorption of the upper and lower incisors, as well as the first lower molars, crown–root ratio was calculated for each tooth using the pre- and post-treatment OPGs. Additionally, each tooth was assigned a degree of resorption according to the Levander and Malmgren classification. The inter-group comparisons were conducted using the Wilcoxon Mann–Whitney U test. Spearman’s correlation analysis was used to assess the relationship between age, treatment duration, and EARR. The association between gender, root morphology, and EARR was evaluated using the Wilcoxon Mann–Whitney U test. For nominally scaled variables, the Chi-square test was used. The statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Results: No statistically significant differences were seen between groups 1 and 2 regarding the degree of root resorption (p = 0.89). The study found that the average root resorption for all examined teeth was −5.14%, indicating a slight reduction in the length of the tooth roots after orthodontic treatment. However, no significant differences were observed concerning gender, age, type of orthodontic appliance or treatment duration. Comparisons between upper and lower jaws also did not yield statistically significant differences. The majority of teeth in the study exhibited a normal root shape. The short root length and a pipette formed roots were significantly associated with a higher risk of root resorption (p = 0.001). Conclusions: The study’s findings suggest that the two-phase orthodontic treatment does not increase the risk of EARR compared to one-phase therapy significantly. Some degree of root resorption occurred as a result of orthodontic treatment in both groups. Notably, abnormal root forms were identified as influential factors that could help predict the likelihood of root resorption following orthodontic treatment. Full article

Elevators are essential for accessibility and play a key role in a building’s functionality. Normally mass-produced and purchased from catalogs, elevators require thoughtful integration into architectural design to meet ergonomic, aesthetic, and safety standards. Proper design ensures accessibility, comfort, and efficiency for all users. Internal elements, such as the control panel, influence the user experience within the cabin and should be designed for ease of use, particularly for individuals with disabilities. Two experiments were conducted in a static elevator cabin, installed at the University of Bologna to evaluate user interaction. The first experiment assessed user preferences for different control panel layouts, while the second experiment tested emergency procedures, comparing the standard long-press with a double-press method. Both procedures were also tested with participants with hearing impairments to explore accessibility perceptions among disabled users. An urgent need for an alternative emergency procedure, including a double press to initiate the call and a video–textual device for visual–written communication, was identified to ensure both comfort and safety in elevator use. Full article

Apyrases (APYs) directly regulate intra- and extra-cellular ATP homeostasis and play a key role in the process of plants adapting to various stresses. In this study, we identified and characterized soybean APY (GmAPY) family members at the genomic level. The results identified a total of 18 APYRASE homologous genes with conserved ACR domains. We conducted a bioinformatics analysis of GmAPYs, including sequence alignment, phylogenetic relationships, and conserved motifs. According to the phylogenetic and structural characteristics, GmAPYs in soybeans are mainly divided into three groups. The characteristics of these GmAPYs were systematically evaluated, including their collinearity, gene structure, protein motifs, cis-regulatory elements, tissue expression patterns, and responses to aluminum stress. A preliminary analysis of the function of GmAPY1-4 was also conducted. The results showed that GmAPY1-4 was localized in the nucleus, presenting relatively high levels in roots and root nodules and demonstrating high sensitivity and positive responses under aluminum stress circumstances. Further functional characterization revealed that the overexpression of GmAPY1-4 in hairy roots not only induced root growth under normal growth conditions but also significantly prevented root growth inhibition under aluminum stress conditions and contributed to maintaining a relatively higher fresh root weight. By contrast, RNAi interference with the expression of GmAPY1-4 in hairy roots inhibited root growth under both normal and aluminum stress conditions, but it exerted no significant influence on the dry or fresh root weight. To sum up, these findings support the significant functional role of GmAPY1-4 in root growth and the aluminum stress response. These findings not only enhance our comprehension of the aluminum stress response mechanism by identifying and characterizing the APY gene family in the soybean genome but also provide a potential candidate gene for improving aluminum tolerance in soybeans in the future. Full article