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Adolescents’ psychological well-being results from the interaction between individual traits, such as optimism and perfectionism, and contextual factors. According to the Self-Determination Theory (SDT), the living environment can promote well-being by fulfilling basic psychological needs. Perceived parental support or control may influence the satisfaction of these needs and the development of dispositional traits, with significant consequences on well-being. This study, conducted on a sample of Italian adolescents (N = 500, M_age = 18; SD = 0.7), aimed to explore the mediating role of dispositional optimism and both adaptive and maladaptive perfectionism in the relationship between perceived parental support and control and adolescents’ well-being. Structural Equation Model (SEM) results showed that optimism mediated the relationship between paternal support and well-being (β = 0.029, p = 0.05), while adaptive perfectionism mediated the effects of both maternal and paternal support on well-being (β = 0.062, p < 0.001; β = 0.038, p = 0.001). In contrast, maternal control had an indirect negative impact on well-being through dispositional optimism and maladaptive perfectionism (β = −0.045, p = 0.012; β = −0.040, p = 0.009), whereas paternal control was not significant. These findings underscore the importance of supportive parenting in promoting adolescent psychological well-being and the risks associated with excessive control. Full article

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16 pages, 1462 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Transcriptomic Profile Underlying Somatic Monoallelic BRCA1 Inactivation: A Biomarker for Breast Cancer Prognosis

by Elza Kuznecova, Miki Nakazawa-Miklasevica, Nora Krike, Mihails Satcs, Elina Sivina, Arvids Irmejs, Peteris Loza, Janis Gardovskis, Edvins Miklasevics and Zanda Daneberga

Diagnostics 2025, 15(16), 2037; https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics15162037 (registering DOI) - 14 Aug 2025

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Most of the research on the role of the BRCA1 gene in breast cancer is focused on monoallelic germline alterations and loss of heterozygosity in tumors. The aim of this study was to identify the characteristic transcriptomic pattern of monoallelic somatic BRCA1 inactivation and estimate its correlation with event-free breast cancer survival. Materials and Methods: We conducted global transcriptome sequencing of breast cancer tissue samples to identify differentially expressed genes and signaling pathways associated with monoallelic somatic BRCA1 inactivation. The study group involved 36 patient samples categorized based on BRCA1 inactivation status. Subsequently, the differential gene expression and Kaplan-Meier analyses in the groups with and without monoallelic somatic BRCA1 inactivation were performed. Results: Kaplan-Meier analysis showed a tendency for longer event-free survival in patients with monoallelic somatic BRCA1 inactivation, suggesting somatic BRCA1 inactivation to be a favorable prognostic. Differential gene expression analysis followed by the STRING tool enrichment analysis showed significant enrichment of proteins in the extracellular region and extracellular space. Conclusions: In this study, we identified transcriptomic profiles of differentially expressed genes TPSD1, FABP4, CARTPT, and MMP9 as indicative of homologous recombination-impaired tumors with a tendency for better therapy results. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomarker-Guided Advances in Diagnostic Medicine)

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12 pages, 1722 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Evaluation of Internal and Marginal Shrinkage Stress in Adhesive Class III Cavities Restored with Different Resin Composite Combinations—A 3D-FEA Study

by Elisa Donaria Aboucauch Grassi, Guilherme Schmitt de Andrade, Ana Beatriz Gomes de Carvalho, Roberta Gasparro, Mauro Mariniello, Angelo Aliberti, Pietro Ausiello and Alexandre Luiz Souto Borges

Dent. J. 2025, 13(8), 367; https://doi.org/10.3390/dj13080367 (registering DOI) - 14 Aug 2025

Abstract

Objectives: To study the effects of internal and marginal polymerization shrinkage stress and distribution in different resin composite class III dental restorations in relation to the restorative technique using numerical finite element analysis (FEA). Methods: A 3D model of a human hemi-maxilla with a sound maxillary central incisor were created. Four class III distal cavities were shaped and differently restored. Four groups of resin composite combinations were analyzed: group C (three increments of conventional composite); group B (two increments of bulk-fill composite); group FC (flowable base + three increments of conventional composite); and group FB (flowable bulk-fill base + two increments of conventional composite). The resulting four models were exported to FEA software for static structural analysis. Polymerization shrinkage was simulated using thermal analogy, and stress distribution was analyzed using the Maximum Principal Stress criterion at the marginal and internal cavity interfaces. Results: Group FC showed the highest stress at the level in the proximal region (9.05 MPa), while group FB showed the lowest (4.48 MPa). FB also exhibited the highest internal dentin stress, indicating potential risks for long-term bond degradation. In the cavo-surface incisal angle, the average peak stress across all groups was 3.76 MPa. At the cervical cavo-surface angle, stress values were 3.3 MPa (C), ~3.36 MPa (B), 3.41 MPa (FC), and 3.27 MPa (FB). Conclusions: Restorative technique did not significantly influence marginal stress distribution in class III composite restorations. However, the bevel area at the cervical margin showed the highest concentration of shrinkage stress. Full article

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16 pages, 13697 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Trajectory Tracking Closed-Loop Cooperative Control of Manipulator Neural Network and Terminal Sliding Model

by Deqing Liu, Zhonggang Xiong, Zhong Liu, Mengyi Li, Shunjie Zhou, Jiabao Li, Xintao Liu and Xingyu Zhou

Symmetry 2025, 17(8), 1319; https://doi.org/10.3390/sym17081319 (registering DOI) - 14 Aug 2025

Abstract

To address the issue of low trajectory tracking accuracy in six-degree-of-freedom robotic arms, this study proposes a trajectory tracking control strategy that integrates a Radial Basis Function Neural Network (RBFNN) with non-singular fast terminal sliding mode (NFTSM) control. (1) The Lagrangian method is utilized to develop the dynamic model of the robotic arm. At the same time, a non-singular fast terminal sliding surface is designed to accelerate trajectory convergence and resolve the singularity problem commonly associated with traditional sliding mode control by integrating nonlinear and fast terminal terms. (2) The RBF neural network is employed to globally approximate and compensate for uncertainties in the model and variations in the parameters of the robotic arm. (3) To confirm the overall stability of the control system with the proposed NFTSM control strategy, the Lyapunov stability theory is applied to formulate a Lyapunov function. (4) The six-degree-of-freedom robotic manipulator is simulated in the MATLAB/Simulink environment to assess the effectiveness of the proposed control method. In addition, experimental validation is carried out on a real robotic manipulator to verify the effectiveness of the proposed method. The simulation and experimental results show that, compared with NFTSM and RBFNN-SMC, the proposed control strategy significantly enhances the trajectory tracking accuracy of the six-degree-of-freedom robotic manipulator, thereby offering an effective and practical solution for its trajectory tracking control. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Computer)

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13 pages, 4949 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Preparation and Characterization of MnFe₂O₄/Fe Soft Magnetic Composites by Surface Oxidation

by Shigeng Li, Rutie Liu and Xiang Xiong

Metals 2025, 15(8), 903; https://doi.org/10.3390/met15080903 (registering DOI) - 14 Aug 2025

Abstract

MnFe₂O₄/Fe soft magnetic composites (SMCs) were designed by the surface oxidation method, and the MnFe₂O₄ layer was utilized as the insulation coating. The microstructure of SMCs and the chemical composition of the insulation layer were observed using scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive spectroscopy. The surface phase composition of SMCs was characterized using X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectrometry, and Raman spectroscopy. The effect of annealing temperature on the insulation layer was investigated, and its relationship with the magnetic properties of the MnFe₂O₄/Fe SMCs was explored. The best overall performances were obtained at 50 mT and 100 kHz with saturation magnetization M_s = 205 emu/g, amplitude permeability μ_a = 100, and a core loss of 234.9 W/kg. Therefore, this work can provide a method to develop a novel insulating coating to reduce core loss, which is of great significance to the investigation of other Fe-based soft magnetic composites for applications in high-frequency magnetic fields. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Metallic Nanostructured Materials and Thin Films)

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25 pages, 10624 KiB

Open AccessReview

Advances in Synthesis and Applications of Bismuth Vanadate-Based Structures

by Dragana Marinković, Giancarlo C. Righini and Maurizio Ferrari

Inorganics 2025, 13(8), 268; https://doi.org/10.3390/inorganics13080268 (registering DOI) - 14 Aug 2025

Abstract

In recent years, researchers have made great efforts to develop effective semiconductor photocatalysts to harness the visible spectrum of sunlight in photocatalytic applications. Bismuth vanadate, BiVO₄, has emerged as one of the most promising candidates for photocatalytic applications among the few non-titania-based visible-light-driven semiconductor photocatalysts. BiVO₄-based structures are intensively studied due to their exceptional ionic conductivity, photocatalytic behavior under ultra-violet and visible light, dielectric properties, ferroelastic and paraelastic phase transitions, and strong pigmentation. BiVO₄ occurs in nature in three crystalline structures: orthorhombic pucherite, tetragonal dreyerite (tz), and monoclinic clinobisvanite (ms). All three crystal structures of BiVO₄ are n-type semiconductors with corresponding energy gap values of 2.34, 2.40, and 2.90 eV, respectively. Different methods of synthesis have been reported for the preparation of BiVO₄ structures of varying morphologies and sizes. The morphology of BiVO₄ is strongly influenced by the preparation method and reaction parameters. A comprehensive systematic study of developments, preparation methods, structure, properties, and advances in different applications over the past decades in research on BiVO₄-based structures will be described. Finally, the current challenges and future outlook of BiVO₄-based structures will be highlighted, in the hope of contributing to guidelines for future applications. Full article

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24 pages, 1083 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Machine Learning-Based Surrogate Ensemble for Frame Displacement Prediction Using Jackknife Averaging

by Zhihao Zhao, Jinjin Wang and Na Wu

Buildings 2025, 15(16), 2872; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings15162872 (registering DOI) - 14 Aug 2025

Abstract

High-fidelity finite element analysis (FEA) plays a key role in structural engineering by enabling accurate simulation of displacement, stress, and internal forces under static loads. However, its high computational cost limits applicability in real-time control, iterative design, and large-scale uncertainty quantification. Surrogate modeling provides a computationally efficient alternative by learning input–output mappings from precomputed simulations. Yet, the performance of individual surrogates is often sensitive to data distribution and model assumptions. To enhance both accuracy and robustness, we propose a model averaging framework based on Jackknife Model Averaging (JMA) that integrates six surrogate models: polynomial response surfaces (PRSs), support vector regression (SVR), radial basis function (RBF) interpolation, eXtreme Gradient Boosting (XGB), Light Gradient Boosting Machine (LGBM), and Random Forest (RF). Three ensembles are formed: JMA1 (classical models), JMA2 (tree-based models), and JMA3 (all models). JMA assigns optimal convex weights using cross-validated out-of-fold errors without a meta-learner. We evaluate the framework on the Static Analysis Dataset with over 300,000 FEA simulations. Results show that JMA consistently outperforms individual models in root mean squared error, mean absolute error, and the coefficient of determination, while also producing tighter, better-calibrated conformal prediction intervals. These findings support JMA as an effective tool for surrogate-based structural analysis. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Emerging Trends in Machine Learning for Structural Engineering: Innovations and Applications)

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21 pages, 691 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The High Prevalence of Oncogenic HPV Genotypes Targeted by the Nonavalent HPV Vaccine in HIV-Infected Women Urgently Reinforces the Need for Prophylactic Vaccination in Key Female Populations Living in Gabon

by Marcelle Mboumba-Mboumba, Augustin Mouinga-Ondeme, Pamela Moussavou-Boundzanga, Jeordy Dimitri Engone-Ondo, Roseanne Mounanga Mourimarodi, Abdoulaye Diane, Christ Ognari Ayoumi, Laurent Bélec, Ralph-Sydney Mboumba Bouassa and Ivan Mfouo-Tynga

Diseases 2025, 13(8), 260; https://doi.org/10.3390/diseases13080260 (registering DOI) - 14 Aug 2025

Abstract

Background/Objectives. Women living with human immunodeficiency virus (WLWH) have a six-fold higher risk of developing cervical cancer associated with high-risk human Papillomavirus (HR-HPV) than HIV-negative women. We herein assessed HR-HPV genotype distribution and plasma levels of the cancer antigen 125 (CA-125) in WLWH in a rural town in Gabon, in Central Africa. Methods. Adult WLWH attending the local HIV outpatient center were prospectively enrolled and underwent cervical visual inspection and cervicovaginal and blood sampling. HIV RNA load and CA-125 levels were measured from plasma using the Cepheid^® Xpert^® HIV-1 Viral Load kit and BioMérieux VIDAS^® CA-125 II assay, respectively. HPV detection and genotyping were performed via a nested polymerase chain reaction (MY09/11 and GP5+/6+), followed by sequencing. Results. Fifty-eight WLWH (median age: 52 years) were enrolled. Median CD4 count was 547 cells/µL (IQR: 412.5–737.5) and HIV RNA load 4.88 Log₁₀ copies/mL (IQR: 3.79–5.49). HPV prevalence was 68.96%, with HR-HPV detected in 41.37% of women. Among HR-HPV-positive samples, 87.5% (21/24) were genotypes targeted by the Gardasil vaccine, while 12.5% (3/24) were non-vaccine types. Predominant HR-HPV types included HPV-16 (13.8%), HPV-33 (10.34%), HPV-35 (5.17%), HPV-31, and HPV-58 (3.45%). Most participants had normal cervical cytology (62.07%), and a minority (14.29%) had elevated CA-125 levels, with no correlation to cytological abnormalities. Conclusions. In the hinterland of Gabon, WLWH are facing an unsuspected yet substantial burden of cervical HR-HPV infection and a neglected risk for cervical cancer. Strengthening cervical cancer prevention through targeted HPV vaccination, sexual education, and accessible screening strategies will help in mitigating associated risk. Full article

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16 pages, 1215 KiB

Open AccessReview

Understanding Chemotherapy-Induced Thrombocytopenia: Implications for Gastrointestinal Cancer Treatment

by Supriya Peshin, Adit Dharia, Ehab Takrori, Jasmeet Kaur, Kannan Thanikachalam and Renuka Iyer

Curr. Oncol. 2025, 32(8), 455; https://doi.org/10.3390/curroncol32080455 (registering DOI) - 14 Aug 2025

Abstract

Chemotherapy-induced thrombocytopenia (CIT) is a common yet underrecognized complication of systemic chemotherapy, particularly in gastrointestinal (GI) cancers. Despite progress in targeted and immune-based therapies, platinum-based and fluoropyrimidine regimens, especially oxaliplatin-containing protocols, remain standard in GI cancer treatment and are linked to high rates of CIT. This complication often leads to treatment delays, dose reductions, and elevated bleeding risk. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the pathophysiology, clinical implications, and management strategies of CIT in GI malignancies. CIT arises from several mechanisms: direct cytotoxicity to megakaryocyte progenitors, disruption of the marrow microenvironment, thrombopoietin dysregulation, and immune-mediated platelet destruction. Platinum agents, antimetabolites, and immune checkpoint inhibitors can contribute to these effects. Oxaliplatin-induced CIT may occur acutely via immune mechanisms or chronically through marrow suppression. CIT affects 20–25% of solid tumor patients, with highest rates in those receiving gemcitabine (64%), carboplatin (58%), and oxaliplatin (50%). Within GI cancer regimens, FOLFOXIRI and S-1 plus oxaliplatin show higher CIT incidence compared to FOLFIRI and CAPIRI. Thrombocytopenia is graded by severity, from mild (Grade 1–2) to severe (Grade 3–4), and often necessitates treatment adjustments, transfusions, or supportive therapies. Current strategies include chemotherapy dose modification, platelet transfusion, and thrombopoietin receptor agonists (TPO-RAs) like romiplostim and eltrombopag. While platelet transfusions help in acute settings, TPO-RAs may preserve dose intensity and reduce bleeding. Emerging agents targeting megakaryopoiesis and marrow protection offer promising avenues for long-term management. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovative Therapeutic Strategies, Biomarkers, and Molecular Pathways in Gastrointestinal and Hepatobiliary Cancers)

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Graphical abstract

21 pages, 2821 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Cr, Mo, and W Contents on the Semiconductive Properties of Passive Film of Ferritic Stainless Steels

by Seung-Heon Choi, Young-Ran Yoo, Young-Cheon Kim and Young-Sik Kim

Crystals 2025, 15(8), 723; https://doi.org/10.3390/cryst15080723 (registering DOI) - 14 Aug 2025

Abstract

This study investigated the influence of Cr, Mo, and W alloying elements incorporated into ferritic stainless steel on the characteristics of passive films formed under acidic chloride conditions. Electrochemical assessments demonstrated that increasing the amounts of Cr, Mo, and W reduces passive current density and enhances polarization resistance. Through XPS analysis, it was determined that the passive film exhibits a double-layer structure, consisting of an inner layer rich in metal oxides and an outer layer containing metal oxy-anions. Mott–Schottky analysis indicated the presence of both p-type and n-type semiconducting properties. To clarify the effect of these alloying elements on the passive films at the surface of stainless steel, this work introduces a new parameter termed the “Bipolar Index,” defined as |p-type slope| + |n-type slope|. With higher Cr, Mo, and W contents, the bipolar index increases, reflecting modifications in the semiconductive behavior. Consequently, the point defect concentration within the passive film decreases, causing a reduction in passive current density and a rise in polarization resistance. Full article

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16 pages, 4236 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Toxic Effects of Tetramethyl Bisphenol A on Embryonic–Larval Development of Zebrafish (Danio rerio)

by Ermei Yin, Manwen Zeng, Haipeng Yan, Jiahao Gao, Zuchun Chen, Ning Zhang, Yusong Guo, Zhongduo Wang and Zhongdian Dong

Fishes 2025, 10(8), 407; https://doi.org/10.3390/fishes10080407 (registering DOI) - 14 Aug 2025

Abstract

Tetramethyl bisphenol A (TMBPA), a novel alternative to Bisphenol A, is widely used as an industrial flame retardant and a raw material for tetramethyl polycarbonate plastics. With the increasing use of TMBPA, its aquatic ecological risks remain unclear. Therefore, this study investigated the developmental toxicity of TMBPA using zebrafish (Danio rerio) as a model, exposing embryos to 0.5, 5, 50, and 200 μg/L TMBPA for 120 h. The results showed that treatment with 5, 50, and 200 μg/L TMBPA decreased the hatching rate of zebrafish embryos at 48 h post-fertilization (hpf), while no significant difference was observed at 72 hpf. Meanwhile, TMBPA exposure at all concentrations showed no significant effect on the survival rate. Furthermore, a high concentration of TMBPA (200 μg/L) significantly reduced the total length and suppressed swimming ability in zebrafish larvae. In addition, gene expression analysis revealed impacts on antioxidant system (cat, gpx, mn-sod, keap1, ucp2, nrf2), hypothalamic–pituitary–thyroid (HPT) axis (ttr, ugt1ab, trβ), cardiac developmental (tbx2b, myl7, bmp4, notch1b, amhc), and the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis (pomca and nr3c1). The results indicated that TMBPA exposure adversely disrupted embryo hatching and larval development of zebrafish, accompanied by altering the expression of functional genes in larvae. These results provide further evidence for the potential environmental hazard posed by TMBPA. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Environment and Climate Change)

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20 pages, 820 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Does Local Government Debt Reduce Urban Economic Inequality? Evidence from Chinese Cities

by Hongsheng Lin and Yingjia Hu

Sustainability 2025, 17(16), 7340; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17167340 (registering DOI) - 14 Aug 2025

Abstract

As China pursues sustainable development goals, the rapid accumulation of local government debt raises questions about its impact on economic inequality. Inequality represents a key dimension of sustainability and a core challenge for developing economies. Our paper examines how city-level local government debt influences economic inequality in China. Using a dataset of 1680 city-year observations from 2015 to 2020, we analyze the relationship between local government debt ratios and the Gini coefficient derived from nighttime light intensity data. Our results show that as local government debt rises, urban economic inequality falls. Further mechanism analysis suggests that debt-financed investment reduces inequality through the development of infrastructure, industrial parks and logistics facilities. Our findings contribute to the literature on local government debt, economic inequality, and the political economy of local government behavior in China. Our results suggest that debt-financed investments may serve as a tool for fostering more equitable and sustainable development. Full article

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28 pages, 8838 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Study of the Effectiveness of Skin Restoration Using a Biopolymer Hydrogel Scaffold with Encapsulated Mesenchymal Stem Cells

by Marfa N. Egorikhina, Lidia B. Timofeeva, Yulia P. Rubtsova, Ekaterina A. Farafontova, Dariya D. Linkova, Irina N. Charykova, Maksim G. Ryabkov, Anna A. Ezhevskaya, Ekaterina A. Levicheva and Diana Ya. Aleynik

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(16), 7840; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26167840 (registering DOI) - 14 Aug 2025

Abstract

Improving the restoration of skin defects of various etiologies continues to be an important medical challenge globally. This primarily applies to the treatment of chronic wounds and major burns, which create particularly complex and socially significant problems for surgery. In recent decades the progress in these fields has largely been associated with techniques for regenerative medicine, specifically, techniques based on the use of tissue-engineered constructs. Before their use in clinical practice, all such newly developed constructs require preclinical studies to confirm their safety and effectiveness in animal models. This paper presents the results of preclinical studies of the effectiveness of restoration of full-layer degloving wounds in pigs using grafts of either an original biopolymer hydrogel scaffold or a skin equivalent based on it, but seeded with autologous skin cells (ASCs). It is demonstrated that the scaffold itself integrates into the wound bed tissues, facilitating cell recruitment and the accumulation and early maturation of granulation tissue. Then, at later stages of regeneration, the scaffold accelerates the maturation of connective tissue and promotes the formation of tissues similar to those of healthy skin in terms of thickness and structure. Owing to the ASCs present in it, the skin equivalent demonstrates greater effectiveness than the scaffold alone, in particular, due to overall faster remodeling of the graft connective tissue. Therefore, the scaffold we have developed and the skin equivalent based on it have much potential as products for the repair of skin wounds. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Rational Design and Application of Functional Hydrogels)

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19 pages, 11123 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Establishment and Characterization of Behavioral Changes in the Nuclear Localization Human α-Synuclein Transgenic Mice

by Ziou Wang, Mengchen Wei, Shengtao Fan, Zheli Li, Weihu Long, Haiting Wu, Yiwei Zhang and Zhangqiong Huang

Diseases 2025, 13(8), 261; https://doi.org/10.3390/diseases13080261 (registering DOI) - 14 Aug 2025

Abstract

Objectives: This study aimed to establish a transgenic mouse model expressing nucleus-localized human α-synuclein (α-syn) to investigate its impact on the central nervous system and behavior and the underlying mechanisms involved. Methods: A nuclear localization sequence (NLS) was added to the end of the human SNCA (hSNCA) gene. Subsequently, an empty vector and a mammalian lentiviral vector of the hSNCA-NLS were constructed. Transgenic mice were generated via microinjection, with genotyping and protein expression confirmed by PCR and western blotting. Only male mice were used in subsequent behavioral and molecular experiments. Immunofluorescence identified the colocalization of human α-syn with the cell nucleus in mouse brain tissues. Behavioral changes in transgenic mice were assessed using open field, rotarod, and O-maze tests. qPCR and Western blotting detected expression levels of genes and proteins related to inflammation, endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS), and apoptosis. Bulk RNA sequencing was used to screen for differentially expressed genes and signaling pathways. Results: We successfully constructed a transgenic mouse model expressing human α-syn. Human α-syn was widely expressed in the heart, liver, spleen, kidneys, and brain of the mice, with distinct nuclear localization observed. Behavioral assessments demonstrated that, by 2 months of age, the mice exhibited motor dysfunction alongside astrocyte proliferation and neuroinflammation. At 6 months, the elevated expression of ERS-related genes (ATF6, PERK, and IRE1) and activation of the PERK-Beclin1-LC3II pathway indicated progressive ERS. By 9 months, apoptotic events had occurred, accompanied by significant anxiety-like behaviors. Bulk RNA sequencing further identified key differentially expressed genes, including IL-1α, TNF, PERK, BECLIN, GABA, IL-6α, P53, LC3II, NOS, and SPAG, suggesting their involvement in the observed pathological and behavioral phenotypes. Conclusions: The nuclear localization human α-syn transgenic mice were successfully established. These findings demonstrate that nucleus-localized α-syn induces early motor deficits, which are likely mediated by neuroinflammation, whereas later anxiety-like behaviors may result from ERS-induced apoptosis. This model provides a valuable tool for elucidating the role of nuclear α-syn in Parkinson’s disease and supports further mechanistic and therapeutic research. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Research Progress in Neurodegenerative Diseases)

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14 pages, 19171 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Cardboard Box Ventilation Hole Size During Forced-Air Precooling on Postharvest Quality and Physiological Properties in Cut Roses

by Ruifeng Gu, Jie Bai, Jiawei Sun, Lei Li, Xuan Wang, Huijun Yan, Hao Zhang, Wensheng Wang, Junping Gao and Xiaoming Sun

Horticulturae 2025, 11(8), 959; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae11080959 (registering DOI) - 14 Aug 2025

Abstract

Forced-air cooling (FAC) is a method for rapidly reducing the temperature of horticultural products. However, its effects on the physiological properties and quality of cut flowers remain elusively unclear. This study investigated the impact of FAC with different vent hole diameters (4, 8, and 12 cm) on multiple metabolic pathways and the quality of cut rose flowers. Compared with controls with a conventional slow cooling method, FAC using 8 cm vent holes (FAC8) prolonged the vase life of cut roses by 3 days and reduced Botrytis cinerea incidence by 60%. The data revealed that FAC8 suppressed excessive transpiration in the late vase stages while it enhanced water uptake throughout the vase period. Additionally, FAC8 reduced the respiratory rate in cut roses, decreasing cumulative respiration by 15% versus controls. When detached leaves from cut roses were subjected to water loss treatment, FAC8 induced tighter stomatal closure, resulting in a 33% smaller stomatal aperture than that of controls after 2 h. Correlation analysis of measured indices demonstrated that FAC significantly contributed to the improvement of postharvest quality (p < 0.05) via the regulation of physiological properties. In conclusion, FAC enhances the postharvest quality of cut roses by maintaining stomatal regulatory ability. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Pre/Post-harvest Treatments to Improve Quality and Longevity of Cut Flowers)

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