Search Results (8,073)

The comparison of some changes occurring in the physical properties of poly(butylene succinate) (PBS) due to its modification with Laponite (LAP) was the objective of this study. The PBS composites, containing from 1 to 7 wt% LAP, were prepared by co-rotating twin screw extrusion. The geometrical surface structure of the samples’ fractures and the LAP content in the individual composites were examined. In addition, changes in the mechanical and thermal properties, melt flow rate and moisture sorption of the composites were studied. It was found that LAP increases the elastic modulus of PBS and also decreases its impact strength and, in particular, its strain. The strength of PBS changes to a lesser extent with an increase in the LAP content, i.e., it slightly decreases in tensile tests or slightly increases in bending tests. LAP also lowers the flow rate of PBS and significantly increases moisture sorption. Moreover, the composites produced were characterized by a uniform distribution of the dispersed phase in the polymer matrix and an acceptable adhesion at the interface between the two components. Full article

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) present a significant health challenge for women globally, particularly due to high recurrence rates. This randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled study conducted at AIIMS Bhubaneswar, India, evaluated the effectiveness of a multi-strain lactobacilli probiotic formulation as an adjunct to standard antibiotic therapy in preventing recurrent UTIs. Fifty-one adult women (18–50 years) with recurrent UTIs received either the probiotic or a placebo for 24 weeks. The primary outcome was UTI recurrence, while secondary outcomes included the number of UTI episodes and changes in urinary nerve growth factor (NGF) and serum macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF) levels. The results showed a significant reduction in UTI recurrence in the probiotic group, with 75% remaining recurrence-free, compared to 33% in the placebo group (p = 0.007). The relative risk for recurrence absence was 2.67 (95% CI: 1.19–5.99). Although the mean number of UTI episodes decreased in the probiotic group, the difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.379). The urinary NGF and serum M-CSF levels significantly decreased from baseline in both groups, but there were no significant differences between them. This study suggests probiotics may be a valuable adjunct therapy for preventing recurrent UTIs. Full article

Self-paced exercise protocols have gained attention for their potential to optimize performance and manage fatigue by allowing individuals to regulate their efforts based on perceived exertion. This pilot study aimed to investigate the neural and physiological responses during a self-paced V̇O₂max (SPV) and incremental exercise tests (IET). Six trained male cyclists (mean age 39.2 ± 13.3 years; V̇O₂max 54.3 ± 8.2 mL·kg⁻¹·min⁻¹) performed both tests while recording their brain activity using electroencephalography (EEG). The IET protocol involved increasing the power every 3 min relative to body weight, while the SPV allowed participants to self-regulate the intensity using ratings of perceived exertion (RPE). Gas exchange, EEG, heart rate (HR), stroke volume (SV), and power output were continuously monitored. Statistical analyses included a two-way repeated measures ANOVA and Wilcoxon signed-rank tests to assess differences in alpha and beta power spectral densities (PSDs) and the EEG/V̇O₂ ratio. Our results showed that during the SPV test, the beta PSD initially increased but stabilized at around 80% of the test duration, suggesting effective management of effort without further neural strain. In contrast, the IET showed a continuous increase in beta activity, indicating greater neural demand and potentially leading to an earlier onset of fatigue. Additionally, participants maintained similar cardiorespiratory parameters (V̇O₂, HR, SV, respiratory frequency, etc.) across both protocols, reinforcing the reliability of the RPE scale in guiding exercise intensity. These findings suggest that SPV better optimizes neural efficiency and delays fatigue compared to fixed protocols and that individuals can accurately control exercise intensity based on perceived exertion. Despite the small sample size, the results provide valuable insights into the potential benefits of self-paced exercise for improving adherence to exercise programs and optimizing performance across different populations. Full article

Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is a complex psychiatric disorder characterized by an unstable sense of self and identity, emotional dysregulation, impulsivity, and disturbed interpersonal relationships. This narrative review examines the interplay between dysregulation of the autonomic nervous system, metabolic changes, and cardiovascular risk in BPD. Altered heart rate variability (HRV), reflecting the dysregulation of the autonomic nervous system, is associated with some BPD core symptoms, such as emotional instability and impulsivity. Dysregulation of the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis, often stemming from early trauma, contributes to chronic inflammation and elevated allostatic load, which further increases cardiovascular risk. Metabolic dysfunctions in BPD, such as elevated body mass index (BMI), high blood pressure, and inflammatory markers like C-reactive protein (CRP), exacerbate these risks. Speckle-tracking echocardiography, particularly global longitudinal strain (GLS) and biomarkers such as homocysteine and epicardial fat, could be considered early predictors of cardiovascular events in individuals with BPD. Chronic stress, inflammation, and maladaptive stress responses further heighten cardiovascular vulnerability, potentially accelerating biological aging and cognitive decline. A literature search covering the period from 2014 to 2024 on PubMed identified 189 studies on this topic, of which 37 articles were deemed eligible for this review. These included cross-sectional, longitudinal, case–control, randomised controlled trials (RCTs) , reviews, and meta-analysis designs, with sample sizes ranging from 14 to 5969 participants. The main limitations were that only one database was searched, the time of publications was limited, non-English manuscripts were excluded, and the quality of each paper was not commented on. This narrative review aims to provide an overview of recent evidence obtained on this topic, pointing out a direction for future research. Full article

Studies were initiated to find new effective fungicides to use under field conditions to discover novel approaches for optimizing disease management in sugar beet crops. Cercospora leaf spot (CLS), a prevalent foliar disease in sugar beet crops worldwide, is caused by the fungal pathogen Cercospora beticola Sacc. This disease has become the most prevalent pathogen in sugar beet crops across nearly all European growing regions, including Hungary. The epidemic spread of this disease can cause up to 50% yield loss. The use of fungicides has been a cornerstone in managing CLS of sugar beet due to the limited efficacy of non-chemical alternatives. However, the emergence of fungicide-resistant strains of Cercospora beticola Sacc. in recent decades has compromised the effectiveness of certain fungicides, particularly those belonging to the QoI (FRAC Group 11) and DMI (FRAC Group 3) classes. Hungary is among the many countries where resistance to these fungicides has developed due to their frequent application. Picolinamides represent a novel class of fungal respiration inhibitors targeting Complex III within the Quinoine-Inside Inhibitor (QiI) group. Two innovative fungicides from this class, fenpicoxamid and florylpicoxamid (both classified under FRAC Group 21), were evaluated for their efficacy in managing CLS of sugar beet in Hungary during the 2020 and 2021 growing seasons. Both fungicides were applied as formulated products at various application rates and demonstrated superior efficacy in controlling CLS compared to untreated control plots and the reference fungicides difenoconazole and epoxiconazole. The results consistently demonstrated that all tested application rates of fenpicoxamid and florylpicoxamid effectively controlled CLS in sugar beet, exhibiting a clear dose–response relationship. Disease severity, as measured by the area under the disease progress curve (AUDPC), was significantly correlated with yield reduction but showed no significant association with root sugar content. Moreover, data from both study years indicated that picolinamide fungicides applied at a rate of 75 g ai/ha significantly outperformed difenoconazole (100 g ai/ha) in controlling the CLS of sugar beet. Additionally, higher application rates of picolinamides at 100–150 g ai/ha outperformed epoxiconazole at 125 g ai/ha in disease suppression. Fenpicoxamid is currently registered for use in cereals within Europe, and outside of Europe in Banana against Black Sigatoka (eff. Mycosphaerella fijiensis). Florylpicoxamid, while not yet registered in Europe, is undergoing approval processes in various countries worldwide for a range of crops and is continually being evaluated for potential market introduction. Additional details regarding the efficacy of florylpicoxamid against CLS in sugar beet were presented at ‘The 10th International Conference on Agricultural and Biological Sciences (ABS 2024, Győr-Hungary)’ in 2024. Full article

Mycoplasma bovis (M. bovis) is capable of causing pneumonia, arthritis, mastitis, and various other ailments in cattle of all age groups, posing a significant threat to the healthy progression of the worldwide cattle industry. The invasion of non-phagocytic host cells serves as a pivotal mechanism enabling M. bovis to evade the immune system and penetrate mucosal barriers, thereby promoting its spread. To investigate the differences in M. bovis invasion into four types of non-phagocytic cells (Madin–Darby bovine kidney (MDBK) cells, embryonic bovine lung (EBL) cells, bovine embryo tracheal (EBTr) cells and bovine turbinate (BT) cells) and further elucidate its invasion mechanism, this study first optimized the experimental methods for M. bovis invasion into cells. Utilizing laser scanning confocal microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and high-content live-cell imaging systems, the invasion process of M. bovis into four types of non-phagocytic cells was observed. The invasion rates of three different strains of M. bovis (PG45, 07801, 08M) were quantified through the plate counting method. In order to clarify the specific pathway of M. bovis invasion into cells, chlorpromazine (CPZ), amiloride (AMI), and methyl-β-cyclodextrin (M-β-CD) were used to inhibit CLR-mediated clathrin-dependent endocytosis (CDE) pathway, macropinocytosis, and lipid raft pathway, respectively. Subsequently, the invasion rates of PG45 into these four types of cells were measured. Using siRNA technology, the expression of clathrin (CLR) in EBL cells was knocked down to further verify the role of CLR in the invasion process of M. bovis. The results showed that the optimal conditions for M. bovis to invade non-phagocytic cells were a multiplicity of infection (MOI) of 1000 and an optimal invasion time of 4 h. All three strains of M. bovis have the ability to invade the four types of non-phagocytic cells, yet their invasion abilities vary significantly. Observations from transmission electron microscopy further confirmed that at 120 min post-infection, PG45 had successfully invaded EBL cells and was present within endocytic vesicles. It is noteworthy that almost all PG45 successfully escaped from the endocytic vesicles after 240 min of infection had passed. Through chemical inhibition experiments and CLR protein knockdown experiments, it was found that when the CDE and lipid raft pathways were blocked or CLR protein expression was reduced, the invasion rates of PG45, 07801, and 08M in MDBK, EBL, EBTr, and BT cells were significantly decreased (p < 0.05). The above results indicate that M. bovis can invade all types of non-phagocytic cells through endocytic pathways involving CDE (clathrin-dependent endocytosis) or lipid raft-mediated endocytosis, and possesses the ability to escape from phagosomes. Full article

Ti matrix composites (TMCs) are promising structural materials that meet the increasing demands for light weight the automobile and aircraft industries. However, the room temperature brittleness in the traditionally homogeneous reinforcement distribution of TMCs limits their application in high-strain-rate impact environments. In the present study, novel bilayer TMCs with hierarchical microstructures were designed by the laminated combination of graphene nanoplatelet (GNPs) reinforced TC4 (Ti-6Al-4V) composites (GNPs/TC4) and a monolithic TC4. Meanwhile, the configuration of the microstructure, impact performance V₅₀, and deformation modes of the bilayered TC4-(GNPs/TC4) plate was investigated. The plates were fabricated via field-assisted sintering technology (FAST). It turned out that the TC4-(GNPs/TC4) plate with a 7.5 mm thickness against a 7.62 mm projectile exhibited greater impact performance (V₅₀~825 m/s) compared to the TC4 and GNPs/TC4 single-layer plates. The plate failure modes were dependent on the microstructure while the failure behaviors seemed to be influenced by the hierarchical configuration. This work provided a new strategy for utilizing TMCs in the field of high-strain-rate impact environments. Full article

Wild animals are recognized as significant reservoirs for various zoonotic pathogens, including antibiotic-resistant bacteria. This study aimed to investigate the presence of Staphylococcus spp. strains in fallow deer (Dama dama) inhabiting a natural preserve in Central Italy and to examine the phenotypic and genotypic antimicrobial resistance and the presence of some virulence genes among the isolates. During July and December 2022, nasal swabs were collected from 175 fallow deer, which were then analyzed through bacteriological cultures. In total, 176 Staphylococcus spp. strains were isolated and subsequently identified using MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry. S. aureus was the most abundant species with 66 (37.5%) strains, followed by S. hyicus, 34 (19.31%) strains, S. sciuri, 32 (18.18%) strains, S. chromogenes, 27 (15.34%) strains, S. xylosus, 11 (6.25%) strains, S. warneri, 5 (2.84%) strains, and S. devriesei, 1 (0.56%) strain. Antimicrobial susceptibility was assessed for each isolate via the agar disk diffusion method, testing a panel of 13 molecules belonging to 9 antimicrobial classes. The highest resistance rates were detected for penicillin (29.55%), rifampicin (22.73%), and amikacin (20.45%). Notably, intermediate susceptibility was observed for erythromycin (61.93%), enrofloxacin (28.41%), and ceftiofur (21.02%). Conversely, the strains exhibited particularly high susceptibility to amoxicillin/clavulanic acid (99.43%), cefoxitin (97.73%), and vancomycin (96.02%). Based on the results, 32 (18.18%) isolates were classified as multidrug-resistant (MDR). Two strains of S. chromogenes and one strain of S. xylosus, both resistant to penicillin, tested positive for the blaZ gene. No methicillin-resistant strains were found, and none of the isolates harbored genes associated with enterotoxin and toxic shock syndrome toxin production. This study highlights the potential role of wildlife, particularly fallow deer, as reservoirs of antibiotic-resistant Staphylococcus spp. strains. Such findings underscore the importance of monitoring wildlife for antimicrobial resistance, which could have implications for public health and veterinary medicine. Full article

Background: Pediatric pain significantly affects children’s lives, leading to school absenteeism, impaired social interactions, and psychological distress. The perception of sensory signals as pain is influenced by the brain’s noradrenergic system, and recent evidence suggests that chronic pain may impact cognitive functioning and emotional regulation. Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is associated with alterations in the dopaminergic/noradrenergic systems, which could affect pain perception. Pain-associated conditions and frequent analgesic use in childhood may be linked to ADHD development and could serve as early indicators, yet data on this potential association remain limited. Study Aim: This population-based case-control study in Israel aimed to assess the prevalence of pain-related diagnoses prior to ADHD diagnosis in children aged 5 to 18. The study included children registered with Leumit Health Services (LHS) between 1 January 2006, and 30 June 2021. Children diagnosed with ADHD were compared to matched controls, selected based on age, gender, socioeconomic status, and other sociodemographic factors, who were never diagnosed with ADHD during the study period. Results: Children with ADHD (N = 18,756) and controls (N = 37,512) were precisely matched for sociodemographic characteristics. Individuals with ADHD exhibited significantly higher frequencies of diverse pain conditions, including those associated with illness [headache, earaches, and throat pain (odds ratios [OR] = 1.156 [95%CI 1.085, 1.232], 1.295 [95%CI 1.217, 1.377], and 1.080 [95%CI 1.019, 1.145], respectively; p < 0.01)] and injury [sprains and strains (OR = 1.233 [95% CI 1.104,1.376)]. Analgesics were more frequently purchased by individuals with ADHD, particularly paracetamol (OR = 1.194 [95%CI 1.152, 1.237], p < 0.001) and ibuprofen (OR = 1.366 [95%CI 1.318, 1.416], p = 0.001). Conclusions: This study highlights a potential connection between ADHD and pediatric pain. The elevated rates of pain diagnoses and analgesic usage among children with ADHD underscore the need for further research. Full article

Unlike most animals, some fungi, including baker’s yeast, inherit mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) from both parents. When haploid yeast cells fuse, they form a heteroplasmic zygote, whose offspring retain one or the other variant of mtDNA. Meanwhile, some mutant mtDNA (rho⁻), with large deletions in the nucleotide sequence, can displace wild-type (rho⁺) mtDNA. Consequently, offspring of zygotes with such rho⁻ mtDNA predominantly carry the mutant variant. This phenomenon is called suppressivity. In this study, we investigated how the suppressivity of rho⁻ mtDNA depends on the mitochondrial and nuclear genomes of the rho⁺ strain during crossing. Comparing two diverged laboratory strains, SK1 and W303, we measured suppressivity in crosses with four rho⁻ strains. One rho⁻ strain showed significantly higher suppressivity when crossed with SK1 than with W303. We then created cytoplasmic hybrids by swapping mtDNAs between these strains. Surprisingly, we found that the mtDNA of the rho⁺ strain, rather than its nuclear DNA, determines high suppressivity in crosses of SK1 rho⁺ with the rho⁻ strain. Additionally, mtDNA replacement reduced respiration rate and growth rate on non-fermentable substrates while increasing the likelihood of functional mtDNA loss. Our data demonstrate that a mutant mtDNA variant’s ability to displace another mitochondrial DNA variant in a heteroplasmic cell depends more on mtDNA sequences than on the biochemical and structural context created by the nuclear genome background. Full article

The choice of constitutive model significantly affects the accuracy of concrete perforation simulation. This study analyzes four concrete constitutive models, HJC, RHT, KCC, and TCK, focusing on their strength models, damage evolution, and strain rate effects. Combining the damage pattern and erosion cracks, the effectiveness of the four constitutive models in simulating the penetration of reinforced concrete targets is evaluated using LS-DYNA 11.0. The results indicate that the RHT and TCK models accurately depict the concrete damage and failure modes under the same test conditions. In contrast, the KCC and HJC models demonstrate superior capability in predicting the residual velocity of the projectile. Additionally, this study highlights the significant impact of the erosion parameters on the simulation results. This study offers a valuable reference for the application and parameter set of constitutive models in simulating concrete target perforation. Full article

In this study, a split Hopkinson pressure bar (SHPB) test system with real-time temperature control was developed, and dynamic tests on limestone taken from deep coal mines within real-time temperatures of 25 to 800 °C were carried out. Additionally, the scanning electron microscope (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and energy dispersion spectrum (EDS) tests were conducted to analyze the fracture mechanism of limestone at real-time temperatures. The results reveal that the dynamic compressive strength of limestone linearly declines with increasing temperatures; due to not being affected by thermal shock damage, its strength degradation is not significant after cooling to room temperature, whereas the dynamic elastic modulus exhibits a negative exponential nonlinear decrease with the increase in temperatures. The average strain rate has a positive correlation with the dynamic compressive strength of limestone, while the dynamic elastic modulus exhibits variations in accordance with the Boltzmann function and its relationship with the strain rate. The combined influence of strain rate and temperature on the dynamic compressive strength of limestone can be accurately described by a binary quadratic function. The mechanism of real-time action on limestone can be divided into three stages: when the temperature is between 25 and 200 °C, crystal micro-expansion leads to the densification of micropores, which leads to the increase in limestone strength. When the temperature is between 200 °C and 600 °C, the formation of microcracks induced by thermal stress and intergranular expansion results in a reduction in limestone strength. When the temperature is between 600 and 800 °C, in addition to the continued expansion of the intergranular resulting in the increase in the number of micro-cracks, the decomposition of dolomite at high temperatures leads to chemical deterioration and further reduction in the strength of limestone. Full article

Substantial agricultural waste, including winter jujube residues, pits, and sawdust, is generated during the planting and processing of winter jujubes. To recycle these wastes, they were used to cultivate Stropharia rugosoannulata. The nutrient composition, mineral elements, 179 pesticide residues, and heavy metals in the wastes and S. rugosoannulata were tested. Cultivating the liquid spawn of S. rugosoannulata with 40 g/L winter jujube residue as a substitute for glucose significantly increased the mycelial pellets’ biomass by 136%, resulting in more uniform pellets. Secondary strains of S. rugosoannulata were cultured using winter jujube pits, showing no significant difference in mycelial growth rate and vigor compared to the control (CK) across additive levels of 10–30%. The fruit bodies of S. rugosoannulata cultivated with winter jujube sawdust exhibited no detectable pesticide residues and a lower heavy metal content than the allowable limits, with a protein content of 36.7 g/100 g. Additionally, the mineral element potassium surpassed sodium by over 200 times, rendering it a potassium-rich, low-sodium food source. Utilizing winter jujube wastes for S. rugosoannulata cultivation effectively repurposed these wastes through sustainable recycling. This approach not only reduces cultivation costs but also yields safe and nutritious edible fungal products. Full article

Monitoring the training load during training is important for quantifying the demand on psychological and physiological responses. This procedure is achieved through subjective and objective methods applied to the control of the level of training, to the attainment of conditioning and performance goals, and to the prevention of injuries. Training load refers to either external load, such as the variables of speed, distance, accelerations, and decelerations, or internal load, which is related to the psychological and physiological responses during an exercise session or training period (e.g., rating of perceived exertion—RPE; and heart rate—HR). To measure external load, traditional methods include pedometers, accelerometers, global positioning systems, and volume load. For internal load, methods include RPE, training monotony, strain, and impulse, HR, hormonal and biochemical markers, and training diaries and questionnaires. The current review reinforces the assumption that the methods should be combined to improve confidence with the information, mainly when assessing internal load stress during training. Moreover, training load provides an objective assessment of performance levels and involvement in different training phases, thus providing relevant information to analyse strategies for the effectiveness of conditioning progress, performance enhancement, and injury prevention. Full article

Due to its ability to achieve geometric complexity at high resolution and low length scales, additive manufacturing (AM) has increasingly been used for fabricating cellular structures (e.g., foams and lattices) for a variety of applications. Specifically, elastomeric cellular structures offer tunability of compliance as well as energy absorption and dissipation characteristics. However, there are limited data available on compression properties for printed elastomeric cellular structures of different designs and testing parameters. In this work, the authors evaluate how unit cell topology, part size, the rate of compression, and aging affect the compressive response of polyurethane-based simple cubic, body-centered, and gyroid structures formed by vat photopolymerization AM. Finite element simulations incorporating hyperelastic and viscoelastic models were used to describe the data, and the simulated results compared well with the experimental data. Of the designs tested, only the parts with the body-centered unit cell exhibited differences in stress–strain responses at different part sizes. Of the compression rates tested, the highest displacement rate (1000 mm/min) often caused stiffer compressive behavior, indicating deviation from the quasi-static assumption and approaching the intermediate rate response. The cellular structures did not change in compression properties across five weeks of aging time, which is desirable for cushioning applications. This work advances knowledge on the structure–property relationships of printed elastomeric cellular materials, which will enable more predictable compressive properties that can be traced to specific unit cell designs. Full article