Search Results (31,719)

Accessibility is a key dimension for sustainable transport network management and planning. However, conventional location-based accessibility measures typically rely on average travel times as the sole temporal metric, neglecting detailed travel time distributions. Consequently, these methods yield identical accessibility values for study zones with the same mean travel time but different travel time variations. To overcome this limitation, we developed a novel approach that explicitly integrates the probability density distributions of travel times, modelling the impact of travel time variability on accessibility. We applied the proposed method using GPS data collected from taxis in Harbin, China, and compared its outcomes with those from existing potential accessibility calculations. Across all 103 study zones in Harbin, the existing method underestimated the accessibility by 6–28%, with an average underestimation of 17% when benchmarked against the new method. These inaccuracies also impaired the identification of urban areas with the lowest accessibility levels, leading to the misclassification of 20% of problematic zones. The findings highlight the limitations of existing methods, which produce biassed accessibility estimations and misleading results. In contrast, the proposed travel time variability-integrated accessibility measure demonstrates greater sensitivity to actual traffic conditions, providing a more accurate and objective assessment of network performance. Full article

Congenital eye malformations like microphthalmia–anophthalmia–coloboma (MAC), anterior segment dysgenesis (ASD), primary congenital glaucoma (PCG) and congenital cataracts (CC) are significant causes of childhood visual impairment. Phenotypic heterogeneity often complicates diagnosis. The goal of this study was to optimize the diagnostic strategy for next-generation sequencing (NGS)-based procedures, thereby aiming to identify genetic causes of congenital eye malformations. Forty patients with congenital eye malformations were included. A primary diagnostic testing (PD) of a limited number of genes was followed by multigene panel (MGP) testing, including 186 eye-related genes, and exome sequencing. Causative variants were identified in 17 patients (43%) and clinically relevant variants of uncertain significance (VUS) in 6 patients (15%). PD had a diagnostic yield (DY) of 15%, MGP of 29% and exome sequencing of 4%, leading to a cumulative DY of 43%. Diagnostic rates were highest in CC (75%), bilateral cases (46%), complex ocular phenotypes (78%), patients with extraocular manifestations (55%) and positive family history (70%). Rare and possible new genotype–phenotype correlations and candidate genes (FAT1, POGZ) could be identified. In total, eight (likely) pathogenic variants in six genes (CYP1B1, ADAMTS18, MAB21L2, NHS, MFRP, CRYBB1) were not yet reported. A stepwise genetic testing approach starting with a broad multigene panel followed by exome sequencing provides higher diagnostic yield than limited phenotype-specific testing. Comprehensive genetic diagnosis is essential for prognosis, treatment and genetic counseling, underscoring the need for routine genetic testing and interdisciplinary collaboration in managing congenital eye malformations. Full article

The Lower Rio Grande Valley (LRGV) of Texas is a biodiversity hotspot due to its high alpha, beta, and gamma diversity and high regional endemism, which are at high risk of degradation. The region has lost 95% of its native thornforest habitat primarily due to agricultural and urban expansion. This study aims to evaluate the current vegetative structure and composition of restored thornforest sites located in the LRGV to identify restoration methods and site characteristics that affect forest restoration outcomes. Twelve restored thornforest sites were selected for this study that varied in time since restoration, patch size, degree of isolation, and method of restoration. Canopy, understory, and ground layer vegetation were evaluated at six survey points per restored site (n = 72), and 17 environmental variables were incorporated into univariate and multivariate analyses to identify factors influencing restored plant communities. Actively restored sites showed higher overall richness, abundance, and diversity than passively restored sites. More isolated patches had higher overall richness, abundance, and diversity, and longer times since restoration began increased richness and diversity. Higher abundances of Urochloa maxima, an invasive grass, altered community composition and reduced diversity in each forest layer and overall and reduced richness in the canopy and ground layers. Important considerations for thornforest restoration in the LRGV should include invasive grass prevalence; proximity to riparian and seasonal wetland habitats; landscape factors that influence water availability; and patch geography, including shape, size, and proximity to other forest patches. Full article

Background/Objectives: The global dissemination of tet(X) variants critically threatens tigecycline efficacy as a last-resort antibiotic. The aim of this study was to characterize a tet(X6)-carrying integrative and conjugative element (ICE) in a multidrug-resistant Chryseobacterium lecithinasegens strain, SHZ29, isolated from Shanghai, China. Methods: Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) were determined by broth microdilution for SHZ29. Whole genomic sequencing and bioinformatic analysis were performed to depict the structure of the novel tet(X6)-carrying ICE. Inverse PCR and conjugation experiments were conducted to investigate the transfer ability of the ICE. Results: We depicted a novel tet(X6)-carrying ICE, named ICECleSHZ29, which is 74,906 bp in size and inserted into the 3′ end of tRNA-Met-CAT gene of the C. lecithinasegens strain SHZ29, with 17 bp direct repeats (5′-tcccgtcttcgctacaa-3′). This ICE possesses a 38 kb conserved backbone and four variable regions (VR1-4), with VR3 aggregating multiple resistance genes, including tet(X6), tet(X2), erm(F), ere(D), floR, catB, sul2, ant(6)-I and bla_OXA-1327. NCBI database searching identified 13 additional ICEs sharing a similar backbone to ICECleSHZ29. These ICECleSHZ29-like ICEs could be classified into two types based on their distinct insertion sites: Type I, inserted at the tRNA-Met-CAT gene; and Type II, inserted at the tRNA-Glu-TTC gene. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that differences in integrases may result in differences in the insertion site among these ICEs. A circular intermediate form of ICECleSHZ29 was detected by inverse PCR. However, the conjugation experiments using Escherichia coli EC600 as recipients failed. Conclusions: To our knowledge, this study provides the first report of tet(X6) in C. lecithinasegens and characterizes its carrier, a novel ICE: ICECleSHZ29. Full article

Climate change research is increasingly important in regions vulnerable to extreme hydrometeorological events like droughts, which pose significant socio-economic and environmental challenges. This study examines future variability of meteorological drought in northernmost South America using the Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI) and precipitation projections from CMIP6 models. We first evaluated model performance by comparing historical simulations with observational data from the Climate Hazards Group InfraRed Precipitation with Station dataset for 1981–2014. Among the models, CNRM-CM6-1-HR was selected for its superior accuracy, demonstrated by the lowest errors and highest correlation with observed data—specifically, a correlation coefficient of 0.60, a normalized root mean square error of 1.08, and a mean absolute error of 61.37 mm/month. Under SSP1-2.6 and SSP5-8.5 scenarios, projections show decreased rainfall during the wet months in the western Perijá mountains, with reductions of 3% to 26% between 2025 and 2100. Conversely, the Sierra Nevada of Santa Marta is expected to see increases of up to 33% under SSP1-2.6. During dry months, northern Colombia and Venezuela—particularly coastal lowlands—are projected to experience rainfall decreases of 10% to 17% under SSP1-2.6 and 13% to 20% under SSP5-8.5. These areas are likely to face severe drought conditions in the mid and late 21st century. These findings are essential for guiding water resource management, enabling adaptive strategies, and informing policies to mitigate drought impacts in the region. Full article

Quantum information quantities, such as mutual information and entropies, are essential for characterizing quantum systems and protocols in quantum information science. In this contribution, we identify types of information measures based on generalized divergences and prove their invariance under local isometric or unitary transformations. Leveraging the reversal channel for local isometries together with the data-processing inequality, we establish invariance for information quantities used in both asymptotic and one-shot regimes without relying on the specific functional form of the underlying divergence. These invariances can be applied to improve the computation of such information quantities or optimize protocols and their output states, whose performance is determined by some invariant measure. Our results improve the capability to characterize and compute many operationally relevant information measures with application across the field of quantum information processing. Full article

This study investigates the air filtration capabilities of fibrous membranes fabricated via electrospinning, with a focus on optimizing processing parameters. Specifically, Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV), a well-characterized biodegradable polyester, was electrospun to produce membranes exhibiting precisely controlled surface microstructures. The optimal fiber morphology was attained under conditions of a 20 kV applied electric field, a solution flow rate of 0.5 mL·h⁻¹, a polymer concentration of 13 wt.%, and a needle inner diameter of 0.21 mm. The microstructural features of the electrospun PHBV membranes were characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Complementary analysis via ¹³C nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy confirmed that the membranes comprised pure 3-hydroxyvalerate (3HV) copolymerized with 3-hydroxybutyrate (3HB) terminal units, with 3HV mole fractions ranging from 17% to 50%. The incorporation of different molar percentages of 3HV in PHBV membrane significantly enhances its durability, as evidenced by Ball Burst Strength (BBS) measurements, with an elongation at burst that is 65–86% greater than that of ASTM F2100 level 3 mask. The nanofibrous membranes exhibited a controlled pore size distribution, indicating their potential suitability for air filtration applications. Particle filtration efficiency (PFE) assessments under standard atmospheric pressure conditions showed that the optimized electrospun PHBV membranes achieved filtration efficiencies exceeding 98%. Additionally, the influence of 3HV content on biodegradation behavior was evaluated through soil burial tests conducted over 90 days. Results indicated that membranes with lower 3HV content (17 mol.%) experienced the greatest weight loss, suggesting accelerated degradation in natural soil environments. Full article

To elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying salt tolerance in rice (Oryza sativa L.), this study investigated differential transcriptional responses during the tillering stage. Salt-tolerant (N14) and salt-sensitive (N6) varieties were subjected to 0.3% and 0.6% NaCl treatments for 72 h, and their transcriptomes were analyzed via RNA-Seq. The results revealed distinct response strategies: 372 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified in N14 and 393 in N6, with only 17 genes responding similarly. Gene Ontology (GO) analysis showed the tolerant N14 activated protein phosphorylation and lipid transport, primarily in the membrane and extracellular regions (e.g., ATP binding), whereas the sensitive N6 activated photosynthesis and protein folding, localized to chloroplasts and peroxisomes. KEGG analysis highlighted the activation of “Plant-pathogen interaction” in N14 versus “Metabolic pathways” in N6. Differential transcription factor activation was also observed, with N14 mobilizing 52 TFs (mainly WRKY and MYB) and N6 mobilizing 36 TFs (mainly MYB and b-ZIP). This study demonstrates that N14 and N6 utilize significantly different molecular pathways to cope with salinity, providing a crucial theoretical foundation for identifying novel salt tolerance genes and developing molecular breeding strategies. Full article

Cadherin 17 (CDH17) is a cell adhesion glycoprotein essential for epithelial integrity. It is frequently overexpressed in various cancers, where it is associated with aggressive behaviour. While evidence indicates that CDH17 functions as an upstream regulator of Wnt/β-catenin signalling, findings are inconsistent across tumour types, limiting the assessment of CDH17 as a biomarker or therapeutic target for Wnt pathway in cancer. In this study, we systematically review and meta-analyse the relationship between CDH17 and Wnt/β-catenin signalling in human cancers and evaluate whether CDH17 modulation affects tumour behaviour through Wnt-related mechanisms. Our search of Medline, Web of Science and Scopus identified five studies examining CDH17 expression in the Wnt/β-catenin pathway in vitro and in vivo. All five studies identified CDH17 as a key driver of canonical Wnt signalling, directly influencing cancer progression in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), gastric cancer (GC), and colorectal cancer (CRC). Meta-analysis (MA) showed that CDH17 inhibition consistently reduced Wnt/β-catenin downstream T-cell factor/lymphoid enhancer-binding factor (TCF/LEF) transcriptional activity (MD = −1.32, 95% CI: −1.64 to −0.99, p < 0.00001). Narrative synthesis found that CDH17 suppression decreased total and nuclear β-catenin, phosphorylated glycogen synthase kinase-3 beta (GSK-3β), and cyclin D1 while increasing tumour suppressors, retinoblastoma (Rb) and p53/p21. These changes were associated with reduced proliferation, colony formation, migration, invasion and cell cycle arrest. In vivo, CDH17 suppression resulted in 80–95% tumour growth suppression (Mean Difference (MD) = −96.67, 95% CI: [−144.35, −48.98], p < 0.0001), with immunohistochemistry confirming cytoplasmic β-catenin sequestration and lower cyclin D1 levels. Collectively, these findings show CDH17 as a critical upstream effector sustaining Wnt/β-catenin signalling, cancer progression, tumour proliferation, stem cell properties, and metastasis, and support CDH17 inhibition as a promising therapeutic target across multiple cancer types. Full article

Objectives: To assess the incidence rate of anterior acute uveitis (AAU) in patients with longstanding axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA); to evaluate demographic and clinical characteristics associated with AAU development; and to determine the influence of AAU on bDMARD initiation and retention in this population. Methods: This two-timepoint cohort study analysed data from patients enrolled in the Spanish SpA registry REGISPONSER (2004–2007), who were re-evaluated 17 years later in the REGISPON-3 follow-up study (2021–2023). Information on the date of first AAU episode and bDMARD initiation was collected. Kaplan–Meier and Cox proportional hazards models were used to assess AAU incidence, predictors, and its association with time to bDMARD initiation and treatment retention. Results: A total of 299 patients with longstanding axSpA were included, of whom 33.4% experienced at least one episode of AAU, corresponding to an incidence rate of 1.15 per 100 person-years. The cumulative probability of a first episode of AAU increased with disease duration. The relative risk for developing a second episode after the first, compared to the overall risk of any episode in the total population, was 1.85 (95% CI: 1.34–2.57). In multivariable cox analysis, female sex and baseline enthesitis were independently associated with a higher risk of AAU. AAU did not significantly affect the likelihood of subsequent bDMARD initiation, with similar cumulative treatment probabilities in patients with and without AAU. Among treated patients, adalimumab was more frequently prescribed in those with a history of AAU. bDMARD retention rates at two and five years were comparable regardless of AAU status, suggesting that AAU was not associated with long-term treatment persistence. Conclusions: In patients with longstanding axSpA, the incidence of AAU increased steadily over time. However, the presence of AAU did not significantly influence bDMARD initiation or long-term retention in routine clinical practice. Full article

The genus Sida includes about 200 species worldwide. Its history in folk medicine is extensive, as it has been used to treat various conditions such as inflammation, pain, and nervousness. Pharmacologically, preclinical studies have attributed antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and sedative properties to Sida, related to the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, and coumarins. A relevant point of this review is that, despite the number of Sida species, only 17 of them have pharmacological reports, emphasizing their great potential, such as S. rhombifolia, which requires further research to conduct clinical trials, since only S. cordifolia has undergone clinical trials with arthritis patients. The objective of this review was to conduct a literature search across different databases, to update the available information on the ethnomedical use, phytochemistry, and pharmacological potential of 17 Sida species. The information compiled in this review aims to highlight the therapeutic importance of Sida species, whether they have been researched or not. This genus is a promising field for scientific advances in chemistry and pharmacology. It also has the potential to create appropriate conditions for obtaining plant material in a systematic and sustainable manner, to prevent overexploitation and encourage clinical studies leading to pharmaceutical formulations for therapy. Full article

Objectives: SailGP is an international professional mixed-sex sailing competition, which uses F50 foiling catamarans capable of reaching speeds up to ~100 km/h. This seminal study assesses injuries and illnesses observed by male and female sailors during trainings and competitions in SailGP’s third season. This study aims to assess injury and illness incidence, comparing results with other professional sailing events and high-performance sports. In addition, injury and illness risk factors (sex and position) will be explored with the goal to reduce morbidity for future seasons. Materials and Methods: This retrospective cohort design analysed medical records of male and female sailors during SailGP’s third season (April 2022 to May 2023). Risk factors assessed included sailor sex, sailor position (helm, strategist, grinder, flight controller and wing trimmer), sailing venue, wind speed and mechanism of injury/nature of illness. International Olympic Committee reporting guidelines on injuries and illnesses were followed, including the STROBE-SIIS checklist. Confidence intervals were set at 95%, statistical tests were two-sided and p-values < 0.05 were considered statistically significant. Results: A total of 40 on-water injuries were reported in 32 athletes. Injury incidence was greater during competitions than trainings, with strategists and then grinders being the most frequently injured positions. Competition injury incidence was 32.6 per 1000 h and 6.42 injuries per 365 days. Training injury incidence was 2.62 injuries per 1000 h and 3.82 injuries per 365 days. Knee, ankle, hand and head injuries were most prevalent, with three concussions observed during trainings and competitions (two female and one male). Direct impacts and falls during manoeuvres caused most injuries. Overall injury incidence (IRR = 2.69 [95% CI 1.41–5.16]), risk of training injuries (RR = 3.75 [95% CI 1.59–8.83], p = 0.001), risk of competition injuries (RR = 1.79 [95% CI 0.65–4.90], p = 0.25) and overall concussion risk (RR = 10.04 [95% CI 0.91–110.46], p = 0.02) were greater in females. Ten sailors accounted for 17 illnesses. Females had a 3.33 increase in training and competition illnesses (IRR = 3.33 [95% CI 0.94–11.81]). Conclusions: Competition injury incidence was higher than previous reported sailing studies. Knee injuries were most prevalent and direct impacts caused most injuries. Female sailors reported a higher injury and illness incidence. These results may guide injury prevention efforts and the development of an IOC-equivalent consensus statement. Future studies should examine time loss. Full article

Animal-based measures, such as detecting inflammation in areas like the tail, ears, teats, coronary band, heels and claws (Swine Inflammation and Necrosis Syndrome, SINS), are used to monitor animal health and welfare. When parameters deviate from the established range, these measures enable prompt action to adjust husbandry practices, feeding regimens and management strategies. In addition to environmental factors, genetics have been shown to play a key role in inflammation and necrosis processes, and selection can reduce the severity of the disease. This study examined whether different breeds of AI boar exhibit different signs of SINS and how these signs are associated with SINS in their offspring when they are suckling piglets and weaners. Initially, 286 AI boars of 7 breeds from a German artificial insemination center were evaluated for SINS. The following parameters were assessed: tail base, tail tip, ears, skin, scrotum, coronary bands, heels and claws. Subsequently, 23 Pietrain and Duroc boars were used in combination with a Topigs DL sow line. The progeny of the AI boars was evaluated as suckling and weaned piglets, with the assessment framework encompassing SINS traits. The results revealed significant differences between the breeds and lines, as well as a strong correlation between the SINS phenotypes of the AI boars and the SINS scores of their offspring. The offspring of the 25% most extreme boars exhibited a 17% variation in SINS scores. This association was particularly evident when comparing the boars’ tail base. However, the development of the boars’ heels and claws was found to be significantly influenced by mechanical environmental factors and not associated with the piglets’ scores. These findings imply that heritable, endogenous processes, as proposed for SINS, also visibly impact the phenotype of the AI boar. This study’s fundamental premise suggests that pre-selecting AI boars could mitigate the occurrence of SINS and enhance piglet health and welfare. Full article

The widespread use of neonicotinoid insecticides has led to increasing resistance in non-target organisms, including the egg parasitoid Trichogramma dendrolimi, a crucial biological control agent. Film-residue bioassays on 17 geographic strains revealed striking inter-strain variability in susceptibility to imidacloprid, with mortality at a discriminating dose of 0.1 mg/L ranging from 25.7% to 87%. The most tolerant (FS) and least tolerant (HA) strains were subsequently selected for evaluation of biological parameters and comparative transcriptomics. Tolerant strains (FS) showed adaptive trade-offs: extended longevity (5.47 ± 0.57 d) and emergence (93.6 ± 1.9%), but reduced fecundity (54.6 ± 4.9 eggs) compared to HA. Transcriptome analysis revealed 2115 differentially expressed genes, with GO enrichment highlighting metabolic and detoxification pathways. KEGG analysis the most enriched pathways were “Protein digestion and absorption” and “Neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction”. RT-qPCR confirmed overexpression of CYP4C1, CYP6K1, and GstS1 in FS, indicating their potential roles in metabolic resistance if present. This study presents preliminary evidence of potential fitness trade-offs and molecular mechanisms that could underly imidacloprid resistance in T. dendrolimi, which may lead to important insights for resistance monitoring and more sustainable integrated pest management strategies. Full article

Background and Objectives: Horse riding simulators (HRS) provide rhythmic, repetitive, and multidirectional movements analogous to horseback riding, which may facilitate postural control, balance, and functional abilities in children with cerebral palsy (CP). This study aimed to investigate the effects of the HRS application on the muscle tone of the lower extremity, gross motor function, trunk postural control, balance, gait functions, and functional independence in children with CP. Materials and Methods: A quasi-experimental study included 30 children with cerebral palsy (17 hemiparetic, 13 diparetic; mean age, 9.3 ± 3.2 years). All participants received Neurodevelopmental Therapy (NDT) for eight weeks, followed by eight weeks of HRS plus NDT, in a sequential design. Outcomes included the Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS), Myoton^®PRO, Gross Motor Function Measures (GMFM)-88, Pedalo^® Sensamove Balance Test (Pedalo^® SBT), Pediatric Balance Scale (PBS), Trunk Impairment Scale (TIS), gait analysis parameters, and Functional Independence Measure (WeeFIM). Assessments were made at baseline, the 8th, and the 16th week. Results: At week 16, after incorporating HRS, all MAS parameters demonstrated greater improvements compared to those achieved during the first eight weeks of NDT alone (ES: 0.728–0.931, p < 0.05). Myoton^®PRO measurements showed a significant reduction in gastrocnemius stiffness (ES = 0.672, p < 0.05) in hemiparetic children and decreases in hip adductor (ES: 0.649, p < 0.05) and gastrocnemius-soleus (ES: 0.766–0.865, p < 0.05) stiffness from week 8 to 16 in diparetic children following HRS intervention. Total scores on the GMFM-88, WeeFIM, TIS, and PBS improved significantly, with large effect sizes observed both from baseline to week 16 and from week 8 to 16 (ES: 0.771–0.886, p < 0.05). Additionally, Pedalo^® SBT scores increased following HRS intervention from baseline to week 16 (ES = 0.599–0.602, p < 0.05). Conclusions: HRS integrated with conventional NDT may improve muscle tone, motor function, balance, gait, and functional independence in children with cerebral palsy, representing a valuable adjunct to standard rehabilitation. These findings provide the first evidence that simulator-assisted interventions may benefit daily activities in children with cerebral palsy. Full article