Search Results (586)

Background/Objectives: Schizophrenia (SZ) is a complex psychiatric disorder with increasing evidence pointing to an autoimmune component, including the presence of antiphospholipid antibodies (aPLs). This study aims to assess the prevalence of anticardiolipin (aCL) and anti-beta-2 glycoprotein I (aβ2GPI) antibodies, particularly the IgG, IgA, and IgM isotypes, in drug-free SZ patients compared to healthy controls, and explore their possible involvement in the disease’s pathophysiology. Methods: Eighty SZ patients meeting DSM-IV criteria were recruited, along with 80 matched healthy controls. Serum samples were analyzed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) to quantify IgG, IgA, and IgM isotypes of aCL and aβ2GPI. Results: SZ patients exhibited significantly higher levels of aCL-IgM and aCL-IgA (p < 0.05), as well as elevated aβ2GPI-IgA (22.5%, p < 0.001), compared to controls. No significant differences were observed in the aCL-IgG isotype. Interestingly, 72% of aPL-positive SZ patients were positive for aβ2GPI-IgA, with some also co-expressing multiple isotypes, suggesting a potential link between SZ and antiphospholipid syndrome (APS). Conclusions: This study is the first to report a high prevalence of aCL-IgA and aβ2GPI-IgA in SZ patients, highlighting a possible autoimmune involvement in the disease. The presence of multiple aPL isotypes, particularly IgA, suggests a need for further investigation into their role in SZ pathogenesis and their potential association with APS. Full article

Aim: Accurately identifying primary lesions in oral medicine, particularly elementary white lesions, is a significant challenge, especially for trainee dentists. This study aimed to develop and evaluate a deep learning (DL) model for the detection and classification of elementary white mucosal lesions (EWMLs) using clinical images. Materials and Methods: A dataset was created by collecting photographs of various oral lesions, including oral leukoplakia, OLP plaque-like and reticular forms, OLL, oral candidiasis, and hyperkeratotic lesions from the Unit of Oral Medicine. The SentiSight.AI (Neurotechnology Co.^®, Vilnius, Lithuania) AI platform was used for image labeling and model training. The dataset comprised 221 photos, divided into training (n = 179) and validation (n = 42) sets. Results: The model achieved an overall precision of 77.2%, sensitivity of 76.0%, F1 score of 74.4%, and mAP of 82.3%. Specific classes, such as condyloma and papilloma, demonstrated high performance, while others like leucoplakia showed room for improvement. Conclusions: The DL model showed promising results in detecting and classifying EWMLs, with significant potential for educational tools and clinical applications. Expanding the dataset and incorporating diverse image sources are essential for improving model accuracy and generalizability. Full article

Background: SARS-CoV-2 enters cells primarily by binding to the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor, thereby blocking its physiological functions, affecting the apelinergic system, and inhibiting the cleavage of its peptides. The appropriate concentration of peptides in the apelinergic system influences the maintenance of homeostasis and protects against cardiovascular diseases. In our research, we determined the level of selected parameters of the apelinergic system—apelin (AP), elabela (ELA), and the apelin receptor (APJ)—in repeat blood donors. Methods: We analyzed 120 serum samples obtained from 30 repeat donors (study group) within four time periods after a SARS-CoV-2 infection: <60 days, 61–90 days, 91–120 days, and >120 days. We compared the results from the study groups with those of the control group, which consisted of 30 serum samples collected from donors donating blood in the years 2018–2019. Results: We observed that the AP, ELA, and APJ concentrations in the control group are higher than in any period in the study group. In the study group, the concentrations of AP and ELA increased in subsequent study periods. AP and ELA concentrations were lower shortly after SARS-CoV-2 transfection and then slowly increased in subsequent periods. APJ concentrations, on the other hand, were lowest at 61–90 days after the infection, but the decrease, relative to their level in healthy subjects, was significant in every period studied. Conclusions: The results suggest that infection with SARS-CoV-2 causes changes in the parameters of the apelinergic system, both after a short period of time has passed since the onset of the SARS-CoV-2 infection, and even up to 4 months after the infection. Full article

In this study, Gd₂O₃ and Yb₂O₃ co-doped YSZ (GYYSZ) ceramic coatings were prepared via atmospheric plasma spraying (APS). The GYYSZ ceramic coatings were subjected to heat treatment at different temperatures for 5 h to analyze their high-temperature phase stability and sintering resistance. The thermophysical properties of GYYSZ, YSZ, and composite coatings were compared. Three types of thermal barrier coatings (TBCs) were designed: GYYSZ (TBC-1), YSZ/GYYSZ (TBC-2), and YSZ/Composite/GYYSZ (TBC-3). The failure mechanisms of these three TBCs were investigated. The results indicate that both the powder and the sprayed GYYSZ primarily maintain a homogeneous cubic phase c-ZrO₂, remaining stable at 1500 °C after annealing. The sintering and densification of the coatings are influenced by the annealing temperature; higher temperatures lead to faster sintering rates. At 1500 °C, the grain size and porosity of GYYSZ are 4.66 μm and 9.9%, respectively. At 1000 °C, the thermal conductivity of GYYSZ is 1.35 W·m⁻¹ K⁻¹, which is 44% lower than that of YSZ. The thermal conductivity of the composite material remains between 1.79 W·m⁻¹ K⁻¹ and 1.99 W·m⁻¹ K⁻¹ from room temperature to 1000 °C, positioned between GYYSZ and YSZ. In the TBC thermal shock water quenching experiment, TBC-3 demonstrated an exceptionally long thermal shock lifetime of 246.3 cycles, which is 5.8 times that of TBC-1 and 1.8 times that of TBC-2. The gradient coating structure effectively reduces the thermal mismatch stress between layers, while the dense surface microcracks provide a certain toughening effect. Failure analysis of the TBC reveals that TBC-3 exhibits a mixed failure mode characterized by both spallation and localized peeling. The ultimate failure was attributed to the propagation of transverse cracks during the final stage of water quenching, which led to the eventual spallation of the ceramic blocks. Full article

Homology to E6-AP Carboxy Terminus (HECT) E3 ubiquitin ligases play pivotal roles in plant growth, development, and responses to abiotic stresses. However, the function of HECT genes in Phyllostachys edulis (P. edulis) remains largely uninvestigated. In this study, a comprehensive genome-wide analysis of the HECT E3 ubiquitin ligases gene family in P. edulis was conducted, aiming to elucidate its evolutionary relationships and gene expansion. Analysis of gene structure, conserved motifs and domains, and synteny genome regions were performed. Furthermore, cis-elements in HECT gene promoters that respond to plant hormones and environmental stresses were identified and corroborated by expression data from diverse abiotic stress conditions and hormone treatments. Based on the co-expression network of PeHECTs under cold and dehydration stresses, PeHECT1 was identified as a key candidate gene associated with abiotic stress tolerance. Overexpression of PeHECT1 in tobacco leaves significantly upregulated genes related to reactive oxygen species (ROS) detoxification and polyamine biosynthesis. Yeast one-hybrid (Y1H), electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA), and dual-luciferase (dual-LUC) assays suggested that the transcription factor ETHYLENE RESPONSE FACTOR 3 (PeERF3) bound to the dehydration-responsive element (DRE) of the promoter of PeHECT1 and activated its transcription activity. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that PeHECT1 in P. edulis exhibited a close association with the diploid herbaceous bamboo Olyra latifolia, followed by the divergence of rice and bamboo. In summary, this study enhances our comprehensive understanding of the HECT E3 ubiquitin ligases gene family in P. edulis and highlights the potential role of PeHECT1 in plant abiotic stress response. Full article

Babesia microti is a protozoan that infects red blood cells, causing hemolytic anemia and flu-like symptoms in humans. Understanding co-infections is crucial for the better diagnosis, treatment, and management of tick-borne diseases. This study examined the prevalence of Babesia microti co-infection with other prevalent tick-borne pathogens in Pennsylvania. The dataset acquired from the Dr. Jane Huffman Wildlife Genetics Institute included passive surveillance data from Ixodes spp. from 2021 to 2023. Submitted ticks were screened for tick-borne pathogens using species-specific TaqMan qPCR. Of the 793 B. microti-positive ticks pulled for analysis, 65.0% were co-infected with other pathogens (n = 516). Notably, 60.9% of the B. microti-positive ticks were co-infected with Borrelia burgdorferi, 10.2% with Anaplasma phagocytophilum Ap-ha, and 7.5% carried a triple co-infection with B. burgdorferi and A. phagocytophilum Ap-ha. The rates of B. microti infection and its co-infections are on the rise, with patterns observed in Pennsylvania and other regions of the USA. While other studies have collected both nymphal and adult ticks to screen for co-infections in Pennsylvania, our study stood out as a unique contribution to the field by focusing exclusively on B. microti-positive ticks. The continued monitoring of tick-borne co-infections is vital to prevent misdiagnosis and ensure effective treatment regimens. Full article

Introduction: The ongoing process of global warming, driven by the escalating concentration of greenhouse gases generated by human activities, especially in urban areas, significantly impacts public health. Local authorities play an important role in health promotion and disease prevention, and some aim to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions. There is a consistent action underway to reach this goal, hence the need for mapping and implementing effective strategies and regulations. Materials and Methods: This study includes the analysis of policy guidelines adopted by the city of Bologna, consulted in March and April 2024. Bologna is one of the 100 cities committed to achieving climate neutrality by 2030, 20 years ahead of the EU target. To identify the strategies adopted to mitigate climate change, the following methodology was used: (i) the systematic mapping of sources and spatial planning documents; (ii) the extrapolation of goals, measures, and target indicators; and (iii) the development of an overall matrix. Results: The main findings of the study and their connection to public health pertain to the identification of key macro-areas contributing to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, while reducing the impact of climate change on health: (1) built environment and renewable energy sources, (2) transport and mobility, (3) energy, (4) green areas and land use, and (5) citizen support. Within these five macro-areas, 14 goals have been identified, to which a total of 36 measures correspond, and, finally, a target indicator is determined, mainly with respect to the reduction of tons of CO₂ equivalent per year. Conclusions: In order to protect public health, it is evident that buildings and urban activities should not produce carbon emissions throughout their lifecycle. This paper presents a method to evaluate municipal policies regarding dual-impact solutions that address both environmental protection through sustainability strategies and public health, in compliance with the Health in All Policies (HiAP) approach. Full article

A well-developed rhizospheric system is crucial for maize to adapt to environmental stresses, thereby enhancing yield and quality. However, nitrogen (N) stress significantly impedes rhizospheric development and growth in maize. The genetic responses of maize’s rhizosphere to N stress under monocropping systems with exogenous inorganic N fertilization and intercropping systems reliant on biological N fixation are not well understood, especially regarding common and specific response genes. Therefore, through transcriptomic analysis, this study systematically investigated the gene expression and molecular responses of maize’s rhizosphere under two N supply regimes to N stress. The results showed that N stress generated 196 common and 3350 specific differentially expressed genes across the two systems, with the intercropping system exhibiting a stronger specific response. KEGG analysis revealed that the common genes, though few, are involved in key pathways essential for crop growth. Maize monocropping specific differentially expressed genes (MM) were enriched in pathways related to membrane lipids, cell wall formation, and intracellular signaling, while maize/alfalfa intercropping specific differentially expressed genes (MA) were linked to stress resistance through the glutathione metabolic pathway. WGCNA analysis identified five co-expression modules (CM). MA significantly increased the transcription factor families and structural domains directly targeting rhizospheric growth and development genes, including AP2, GRAS, Cys2His2 Zinc Finger, and LBD in CM blue. Conversely, MM significantly increased the transcription factor families and NAC structural domain targeting the promoters of N transporter protein genes in CM pink. This study emphasizes the importance of both common and specific genes in maintaining maize growth under suboptimal N supply in monocropping and intercropping systems. Full article

In this study, a set of spiro[5,8-methanoquinazoline-2,3′-indoline]-2′,4-dione derivatives 3a–p were synthesized starting from unsubstituted and N-methyl-substituted diendo- and diexo-2-aminonorbornene carboxamides, as well as various substituted isatins. The typical method involves a condensation reaction of alicyclic aminocarboxamide and isatin in the presence of a catalyst, using a solvent and an acceptable temperature. We developed a cost-effective and ecologically benign high-speed ball milling (HSBM), microwave irradiation (MW), and continuous flow (CF) technique to synthesize spiroquinazolinone molecule 3a. The structures of the synthesized compounds 3a–p were determined using 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopies. Furthermore, docking studies and absorption, distribution, metabolism, and toxicity (ADMET) predictions were used in this work. In agreement with the corresponding features found in the case of both the SARS-CoV-2 main protease (RCSB Protein Data Bank: 6LU7) and human mast cell tryptase (RCSB Protein Data Bank: 2ZA5) based on the estimated total energy and binding affinity, H bonds, and hydrophobicity in silico, compound 3d among our 3a–g, 3i–k, and 3m derivatives was found to be our top-rated compound. Full article

Background: Flowers are important plant organs, and their development is correlated with yield in woody fruit trees. For Pyrus pyrifolia cultivar ‘Sucui 1’, the research on how DNA methylation accurately regulates the expression of TFs and affects the specific regulatory mechanism of flower bud wizening will help reduce wizened buds. Methods: Here, the DNA methylomes and transcriptomes of two types of flower buds from the Pyrus pyrifolia cultivar ‘Sucui 1’ were compared. Results: 320 differentially expressed transcription factors (TFs), in 43 families, were obtained from the wizened bud transcriptome versus the normal bud transcriptome. Most were members of the AP2/ERF, bHLH, C2H2, CO-like, MADS, MYB, and WRKY families, which are involved in flower development. As a whole, the methylation level of TFs in the ‘Sucui 1’ genome increased once flower bud wizening occurred. A cytosine methylation analysis revealed that the methylation levels of the same gene regions in TFs from two kinds of buds were similar. However, differentially methylated regions were found in gene promoter sequences. The combined whole-genome bisulfite sequencing and RNA-Seq analyses revealed 162 TF genes (including 164 differentially methylated regions) with both differential expression and methylation differences between the two flower bud types. Among them, 126 were classified as ^mCHH-type methylation genes. Furthermore, the transcriptional down regulation of PpbHLH40, PpERF4, PpERF061, PpLHW, PpMADS6, PpZF-HD11, and PpZFP90 was accompanied by increased DNA methylation. However, PpbHLH130, PpERF011, and PpMYB308 displayed the opposite trend. The expression changes for these TFs were negatively correlated with their methylation states. Conclusions: Overall, our results offer initial experimental evidence of a correlation between DNA methylation and TF transcription in P. pyrifolia in response to bud wizening. This enriched our understanding of epigenetic modulations in woody trees during flower development. Full article

Accurate estimation of gross primary production (GPP) of paddy rice fields is essential for understanding cropland carbon cycles, yet remains challenging due to spatial heterogeneity. In this study, we integrated high-resolution unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) imagery into a leaf biochemical properties-based model for improving GPP estimation. The key parameter, maximum carboxylation rate at the top of the canopy ($V_{cmax,0}^{25}$), was quantified using various spatial information representation methods, including mean (μ_ref) and standard deviation (σ_ref) of reflectance, gray-level co-occurrence matrix (GLCM)-based features, local binary pattern histogram (LBPH), and convolutional neural networks (CNNs). Our models were evaluated using a two-year eddy covariance (EC) system and UAV measurements. The result shows that incorporating spatial information can vastly improve the accuracy of $V_{cmax,0}^{25}$ and GPP estimation. CNN methods achieved the best $V_{cmax,0}^{25}$ estimation, with an R of 0.94, an RMSE of 19.44 μmol m⁻² s⁻¹, and an MdAPE of 11%, and further produced highly accurate GPP estimates, with an R of 0.92, an RMSE of 6.5 μmol m⁻² s⁻¹, and an MdAPE of 23%. The μ_ref-GLCM texture features and μ_ref-LBPH joint-driven models also gave promising results. However, σ_ref contributed less to $V_{cmax,0}^{25}$ estimation. The Shapley value analysis revealed that the contribution of input features varied considerably across different models. The CNN model focused on nir and red-edge bands and paid much attention to the subregion with high spatial heterogeneity. The μ_ref-LBPH joint-driven model mainly prioritized reflectance information. The μ_ref-GLCM-based features joint-driven model emphasized the role of GLCM texture indices. As the first study to leverage the spatial information from high-resolution UAV imagery for GPP estimation, our work underscores the critical role of spatial information and provides new insight into monitoring the carbon cycle. Full article

Acute pancreatitis (AP) is a common and potentially lethal disease. Over the last 10 years, AP has become one of the most important healthcare problems. On a global scale, the incidence has increased by 63% over the last 20 years. AP is usually caused by gallstones and excessive alcohol consumption and genetic factors play an important role in the development of inflammation. Recent studies involving the CPA1 mutations are ambiguous and dependent on the population studied. In this study, the variability of the CPA1 gene in patients with AP was analyzed. Genetic material was isolated from the blood of 301 patients with AP and 184 healthy individuals. Identification of the variants in exons 5, 6, 8, and 9 with introns was performed using molecular biology methods. Mutations were identified by comparison to the reference sequence (NM_001868.4). Statistical analysis included the identification of mutations correlating with the risk of AP, the etiology of inflammation, and family history. Several novel mutations in the CPA1 gene have been identified, along with a high degree of variability within the coding region of the carboxypeptidase gene. A correlation between mutations CPA1:c.1072 + 84del; c.987 + 57G>A and increased risk of developing AP was found. Two protective mutations, CPA1:c.625A>T, c.1072 + 94del, were identified. The CPA1 gene is characterized by high sequence variability and regions in which mutations lead to an increased risk of developing AP. Single or co-occurring mutations of the CPA1 gene can significantly affect the risk of developing AP. Full article

Cloud computing has recently gained widespread attention owing to its use in applications involving the Internet of Things (IoT). However, the transmission of massive volumes of data to a cloud server often results in overhead. Fog computing has emerged as a viable solution to address this issue. This study implements an Artificial Intelligence of Things (AIoT) system based on fog computing on a smart farm. Three experiments are conducted to evaluate the performance of the AIoT system. First, network traffic volumes between systems employing and not employing fog computing are compared. Second, the performance of the communication protocols—hypertext transport protocol (HTTP), message queuing telemetry transport protocol (MQTT), and constrained application protocol (CoAP)—commonly used in IoT applications is assessed. Finally, a convolutional neural network-based algorithm is introduced to determine the maturity level of coffee tree images. Experimental data are collected over ten days from a coffee tree farm in the Republic of Korea. Notably, the fog computing system demonstrates a 26% reduction in the cumulative data volume compared with a non-fog system. MQTT exhibits stable results in terms of the data volume and loss rate. Additionally, the maturity level determination algorithm performed on coffee fruits provides reliable results. Full article

Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) is an ancient fruit crop that has been cultivated worldwide and is known for its attractive appearance and functional metabolites. Fruit color is an important index of fruit quality, but the color formation pattern in the peel of evergreen pomegranate and the relevant molecular mechanism is still unknown. In this study, the contents of pigments including anthocyanins, carotenoids, and chlorophyll in the peel of ‘Danruo No. 1’ pomegranate fruit during three developmental stages were measured, and RNA-seq was conducted to screen key genes regulating fruit color formation. The results show that pomegranate fruit turned from green to red during development, with a dramatic increase in a* value, indicating redness and anthocyanins concentration, and a decrease of chlorophyll content. Moreover, carotenoids exhibited a decrease–increase accumulation pattern. Through RNA-seq, totals of 30, 18, and 17 structural genes related to anthocyanin biosynthesis, carotenoid biosynthesis and chlorophyll metabolism were identified from differentially expressed genes (DEGs), respectively. Transcription factors (TFs) such as MYB, bHLH, WRKY and AP2/ERF were identified as key candidates regulating pigment metabolism by K-means analysis and weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA). The results provide an insight into the theory of peel color formation in evergreen pomegranate fruit. Full article

Background: Sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam.) is widely cultivated as an important food crop. However, the molecular regulatory mechanisms affecting root tuber development are not well understood. Methods: The aim of this study was to systematically reveal the regulatory network of sweet potato root enlargement through transcriptomic and metabolomic analysis in different early stages of sweet potato root development, combined with phenotypic and anatomical observations. Results: Using RNA-seq, we found that the differential genes of the S1 vs. S2, S3 vs. S4, and S4 vs. S5 comparison groups were enriched in the phenylpropane biosynthesis pathway during five developmental stages and identified 67 differentially expressed transcription factors, including AP2, NAC, bHLH, MYB, and C2H2 families. Based on the metabolome, K-means cluster analysis showed that lipids, organic acids, organic oxides, and other substances accumulated differentially in different growth stages. Transcriptome, metabolome, and prophetypic data indicate that the S3-S4 stage is the key stage of root development of sweet potato. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) showed that transcriptome differential genes were mainly enriched in fructose and mannose metabolism, pentose phosphate, selenium compound metabolism, glycolysis/gluconogenesis, carbon metabolism, and other pathways. The metabolites of different metabolites are mainly concentrated in amino sugar and nucleotide sugar metabolism, flavonoid biosynthesis, alkaloid biosynthesis, pantothenic acid, and coenzyme A biosynthesis. Based on WGCNA analysis of gene-metabolite correlation, 44 differential genes and 31 differential metabolites with high correlation were identified. Conclusions: This study revealed key gene and metabolite changes in early development of sweet potato root tuber and pointed out potential regulatory networks, providing new insights into sweet potato root tuber development and valuable reference for future genetic improvement. Full article