Search Results (1,825)

This study evaluated the effects of low-dose recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 (rhBMP-2) coating in combination with vacuum plasma treatment on titanium implants, aiming to enhance osseointegration and bone regeneration while minimizing the adverse effects associated with high-dose rhBMP-2. In vitro analyses demonstrated that plasma treatment increased surface energy, promoting cell adhesion and proliferation. Additionally, it facilitated sustained rhBMP-2 release by enhancing protein binding to the implant surface. In vivo experiments using the four-beagle mandibular defect model were conducted with the following four groups: un-treated implants, rhBMP-2–coated implants, plasma-treated implants, and implants treated with both rhBMP-2 and plasma. Micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) and medical CT analyses revealed a significantly greater volume of newly formed bone in the combined treatment group (p < 0.05). Histological evaluation further confirmed superior outcomes in the combined group, showing significantly higher bone-to-implant contact (BIC), new bone area (NBA), and inter-thread bone density (ITBD) compared to the other groups (p < 0.05). These findings indicate that vacuum plasma treatment enhances the biological efficacy of low-dose rhBMP-2, representing a promising strategy to improve implant integration in compromised conditions. Further studies are warranted to determine the optimal clinical dosage. Full article

This study was developed to identify the optimal (most cost-effective) strategies to reduce sediment and phosphorus loadings in the Upper Soldier Creek, Kansas, USA, watershed using the Watershed Management Optimization Support Tool (WMOST) suite of programs. Under average precipitation, loading targets for upland total phosphorus (TP) could be met with use of grassed swales for treating urban area runoff and of contouring for agricultural runoff. For a wet year, the same target could be met, but with use of a sand filter with underdrain for the urban runoff. Both annual and daily TP loading targets from Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDLs) were exceeded in simulations of best management practice (BMP) solutions for 14 alternative future climate scenarios. We expanded the set of BMPs to include stream bank stabilization (physical plus riparian restoration) and two-stage channel designs, but upland loading targets could not be met for either TP or total suspended solids (TSS) under any precipitation conditions. An optimization scenario that simulated the routing of flows in excess of those treated by the upland BMPs to an off-channel treatment wetland allowed TMDLs to be met for an average precipitation year. WMOST can optimize cost-effectiveness of BMPs across multiple scales and climate scenarios. Full article

Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) is a key protein family member that includes activins, inhibins, and bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs). It is essential in numerous biological processes, such as chemotaxis, apoptosis, differentiation, growth, and cell migration. TGF-β receptors initiate signaling through two primary pathways: the canonical pathway involving Smad proteins and non-canonical pathways that utilize alternative signaling mechanisms. When TGF-β signaling is disrupted, it has been shown to contribute to the development of various diseases, including cancer. Initially, TGF-β effectively inhibits the cell cycle and promotes apoptosis. However, its role can transition to facilitating tumor growth and metastasis as the disease progresses. Moreover, TGF-β drives cancer progression through epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT), modulation of factor expression, and evasion of immune responses. This complexity establishes the need for further research, particularly into pharmacological agents targeting TGF-β, which are emerging as promising therapeutic options. Current clinical and preclinical studies are making significant strides toward mitigating the adverse effects of TGF-β. This underscores the critical importance of understanding its underlying mechanisms to enhance treatment effectiveness and improve survival rates for cancer patients. Full article

Biochar application is a well-recognized strategy to enhance agricultural soil fertility, but its structural heterogeneity leads to inconsistent outcomes in soil improvement, particularly in water and nutrient transport dynamics. In order to ensure the beneficial effects of biochar-amended agricultural soils in terms of water retention and fertilizer fixation, in this paper, we aim to elucidate the effect of the structural heterogeneity of biochar on the hydraulic properties and nutrient transport of agricultural soils. This study compares biochars at millimeter (BMP), micrometer (BUP), and nanometer (BNP) scales using CT scanning, and investigates the effects of different application rates (0.0–2.0%) on soil’s hydraulic properties and nutrient transport using soil column experiments and CDE analyses. The results show that biochar generally decreased soil saturated hydraulic conductivity (SSHC), except for the application of 2.0% BMP, which increased it. Biochar enhanced soil saturated water content (SSWC) and water holding capacity (WHC), with the 2.0% BMP treatment achieving the highest values (SSHC: 49.34 cm/d; SSWC: 0.40 g/g; WHC: 0.25 g/g). BUPs and BNPs inhibited water infiltration due to pore-blocking, while 2.0% BMP promoted infiltration. Convective dispersion equation analysis (CDE) indicated that BUPs and BNPs reduced water and nutrient transport, with 2.0% BMP showing optimal performance. Statistical analyses revealed that biochar’s structural heterogeneity significantly affected soil water repellency, its hydraulic properties, and solute transport (p < 0.05). Smaller particles enhanced water retention and nutrient fixation, while larger particles improved WHC at appropriate rates. These findings provide valuable insights for optimizing biochar application to improve soil functions and support sustainable agriculture. Full article

Appendage autotomy frequently occurs during the cultivation of Exopalaemon carinicauda, which severely impacts its survival and economic benefits. To investigate the molecular mechanism underlying appendage regeneration in E. carinicauda, this study presents a comparative transcriptome analysis on samples from different stages of appendage regeneration in individuals of the same family of E. carinicauda. A total of 6460 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified between the samples collected at 0 h post-autotomy (D0) and those collected at 18 h post-autotomy (D18h). Additionally, 7740 DEGs were identified between D0 and 14 d post-autotomy (D14d), with 3382 DEGs identified between D18h and D14d. Among them, differentially expressed genes such as EcR, RXR, BMP1, and Smad4 are related to muscle growth or molting and may be involved in the regeneration process. qRT-PCR results revealed that EcBMPR2 was expressed at relatively high levels in the gonad and ventral nerve cord tissues and that the highest level of expression was detected in the regenerative basal tissue at 24 h post-autotomy. In situ hybridization results indicated strong signals of this gene in the cells at the wound site at 72 h post-autotomy. Following knockdown of EcBMPR2, the expression levels of both EcBMPR1B and EcSmad1 were significantly downregulated, and long-term interference with the EcBMPR2 gene resulted in a significantly slower appendage regeneration process compared to the control group. When the downstream transcription factor EcSmad1 was knocked down, the two receptor genes EcBMPR2 and EcBMPR1B were downregulated, whereas EcBMP7 was upregulated. After inhibiting the BMP signaling pathway, the degree of cell aggregation at the autotomy site in the experimental group was significantly lower than that in the control group, the wound healing rate was delayed, and the blastema regeneration time was prolonged from 5 d to 7 d. Collectively, these results indicate that the BMP signaling pathway plays a critical role in the early stages of appendage regeneration in E. carinicauda. This study provides important theoretical insights for understanding limb regeneration in crustaceans. Full article

Bone tissue is one of the most remarkable examples of biological plasticity within the human body, with a high regenerative capacity and adaptation following traumatic injuries. This process is conducted through a series of complex and interlinked molecular mechanisms, which will be summarized in this study. The temporal progression of bone healing follows relatively predictable phases, characterized by variation in the concentration and/or activity of biomolecules such as BMP, VEGF, MMPs. The molecular understanding of bone plasticity and regeneration has potentially significant implications in forensic sciences. They were not extensively studied and implemented in practical, forensic environments, mainly due to their high costs and limited availability. However, they have potential uses in areas, such as the interpretation of skeletal trauma, the estimation of the post-traumatic intervals, the postmortem interval, or the differentiation between ante-, peri-, and postmortem injuries to the bone. Full article

Osteolforte, a compound with potential bone-regenerative properties, was investigated for its effects on human bone marrow stromal cells (hBMSCs). This study aimed to evaluate its impact on cell viability, osteogenic differentiation, and both gene and protein expression using a combination of assays, including CCK-8, Alizarin Red S staining, Quantitative Real-Time PCR (qRT-PCR), and Western blot analysis. The results demonstrated that Osteolforte significantly enhanced osteogenic differentiation in hBMSCs. Alizarin Red S staining revealed increased mineralization, indicating elevated calcium deposition. Gene expression analysis showed an upregulation of key osteogenic markers, including runt-related transcription factor-2 (RUNX-2), collagen type I (COL-1), and bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2), supporting the role of Osteolforte in promoting osteoblastic activity. In particular, the elevated expression of RUNX-2—a master transcription factor in osteoblast differentiation along with COL-1, a major bone matrix component, and BMP-2, a key bone morphogenetic protein—highlights the compound’s osteogenic potential. In conclusion, Osteolforte enhances early-stage osteogenesis and mineralization in hBMSCs and represents a promising candidate for bone regeneration. Full article

Background/Objectives: P-glycoprotein (P-gp), an ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporter, plays a key role in multidrug resistance by actively exporting chemotherapeutic agents and xenobiotics from cells. Overexpression of P-gp significantly reduces intracellular drug accumulation and compromises treatment efficacy. Despite extensive research, clinically approved P-gp inhibitors remain elusive due to toxicity, poor specificity, and limited efficacy. This study investigates DMH1, a selective type I BMP receptor inhibitor, as a novel P-gp inhibitor. Methods: DMH1 cytotoxicity was assessed in P-gp-overexpressing (PC3-TxR, K562/Dox) and P-gp-deficient (PC3) cell lines using MTT assays. P-gp inhibition was evaluated using calcein AM retention and daunorubicin (DNR) accumulation assays. Kinetic analysis determined DMH1’s effect on P-gp-mediated transport (Vmax and Km). ATPase activity assays were performed to assess DMH1’s impact on ATP hydrolysis. Preliminary molecular docking (CB-Dock2) was used to predict DMH1’s binding site on the human P-gp structure (PDB ID: 6QEX). Results: DMH1 showed no cytotoxicity in P-gp-overexpressing or deficient cells. It significantly enhanced intracellular accumulation of Calcein AM and DNR, indicating effective inhibition of P-gp function. Kinetic data revealed that DMH1 reduced Vmax without affecting Km, consistent with noncompetitive, allosteric inhibition. DMH1 also inhibited ATPase activity in a dose-dependent manner. Docking analysis suggested DMH1 may bind to an allosteric site in the transmembrane domain, potentially stabilizing the inward-facing conformation. Conclusions: DMH1 is a promising noncompetitive, allosteric P-gp inhibitor that enhances intracellular drug retention without cytotoxicity, supporting its potential as a lead compound to overcome multidrug resistance and improve chemotherapeutic efficacy. Full article

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is broadly defined as a mean pulmonary arterial pressure (mPAP) exceeding 20 mm Hg at rest. Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a specific subset of PH characterized by a normal pulmonary arterial wedge pressure (PAWP), combined with elevated mPAP and increased pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR), without other causes of pre-capillary hypertension such as lung diseases or chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension. The majority of PAH cases are idiopathic; other common etiologies include connective tissue disease-associated PAH, congenital heart disease, and portopulmonary hypertension. To a lesser extent, genetic and familial forms of PAH can also occur. The pathophysiology of PAH involves the following four primary pathways: nitric oxide, endothelin-1, prostacyclin, and activin/bone morphogenetic protein (BMP). Dysregulation of these pathways leads to a progressive vasculopathy marked by vasoconstriction, vascular proliferation, elevated right heart afterload, and ultimately right-sided heart failure. Diagnosing PAH is challenging and often occurs at advanced stages. The gold standard for diagnosis remains invasive right heart catheterization. Along with invasive hemodynamic measurements, several noninvasive imaging modalities such as echocardiography and ventilation-perfusion scanning are key adjunct techniques. Also, recent advancements in cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) have opened a new era for PAH management. Additionally, CMR and echocardiography not only enable diagnosis but also aid in evaluating disease severity and monitoring treatment responses. Current PAH treatments focus on targeting molecular pathways, reducing inflammation, and inhibiting right-sided heart failure. Integrating imaging with basic science techniques is crucial for enhanced patient diagnosis, and precision medicine is emerging as a key strategy in PAH management. Additionally, the incorporation of artificial intelligence into both molecular and imaging approaches holds significant potential. There is a growing need to integrate new imaging modalities with high resolution and reduced radiation exposure into clinical practice. In this review, we discuss the molecular pathways involved in PAH, the imaging modalities utilized for diagnosis and monitoring, and current targeted therapies. Advances in molecular understanding and imaging technologies, coupled with precision medicine, could hold promise in improving patient outcomes and revolutionizing the management of PAH patients. Full article

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) developed the concept of Water Quality Volume (WQv) as a Best Management Practice (BMP) to treat the first 25.4 mm of rainfall in urban areas, aiming to capture approximately 90% of annual runoff. However, applying this urban-based standard—designed for areas with over 50% imperviousness—to rural regions with higher infiltration and pervious surfaces may result in overestimated facility capacities. In Korea, a uniform WQv criterion of 5 mm is applied nationwide, regardless of land use or hydrological conditions. This study examines the suitability of this 5 mm standard in rural catchments using the Hydrological Simulation Program–Fortran (HSPF). Eight sub-watersheds in the target area were simulated under varying cumulative runoff depths (1–10 mm) to assess pollutant loads and runoff characteristics. First-flush effects were most evident below 5 mm, with variation depending on land cover. Nature-based treatment systems for constructed wetlands were modeled for each sub-watershed, and their effectiveness was evaluated using Flow Duration Curves (FDCs) and Load Duration Curves (LDCs). The findings suggest that the uniform 5 mm WQv criterion may result in overdesign in rural watersheds and highlight the need for region-specific standards that consider local land-use and hydrological variability. Full article

The assessment of bone mineral density (BMD) is essential for osteoporosis diagnosis. Dual-energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DXA) is the current gold standard, but it has limitations in evaluating trabecular bone and is susceptible to different artifacts. In this study we evaluate whether Dual-Energy Computed Tomography (DECT) can be defined as an alternative method for the assessment of BMD in a sample of postmenopausal patients undergoing oncological follow-up. In this study a retrospective analysis was conducted on 41 patients who had both DECT and DXA within six months. BMD values were extracted from DECT using five different base material pairs (BMPs) and compared with DXA measurements at the femoral neck. The calcium–fat pairing showed the strongest correlation with DXA-derived BMD (Spearman’s ρ = 0.797) and excellent reproducibility (ICC = 0.983). There was a strong and significant association between the DXA results and the various BPM measurements. These findings support the possibility of DECT in the precise and opportunistic evaluation of BMD changes when employing particular BMPs. This study showed how this technique can be a useful and effective substitute for conventional DXA, particularly when patients are in oncological follow-up using DECT, minimizing additional radiation exposure. Full article

The transforming growth factor beta (TGF-$\mathsf{\beta }$) gene family is widely distributed across the animal kingdom, playing a crucial role in various cellular processes and maintaining overall health and homeostasis. The present study identified 34 TGF-$\mathsf{\beta }$ family genes based on the genome sequence in Tupaia belangeri, which were classified into the TGF-$\mathsf{\beta }$, bone morphogenetic protein (BMP), growth differentiation factor (GDF), glial cell-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF), and Activin/Inhibin subfamilies. A phylogenetic analysis revealed the evolutionary relationships among members of the TGF-$\mathsf{\beta }$ family in T. belangeri and their homologous genes in Homo sapiens, Mus musculus, and Pan troglodytes, indicating a high degree of conservation throughout evolution. A chromosomal distribution and collinearity analysis demonstrated the localization of these genes within the genome of T. belangeri and their collinearity with genes from other species. A gene structure and motif analysis further illustrated the conservation and diversity among TGF-$\mathsf{\beta }$ family members. A protein interaction network analysis highlighted the central roles of TGFB1, TGFB3, BMP7, and BMP2 in signal transduction. A functional enrichment analysis underscored the significance of the TGF-$\mathsf{\beta }$ signaling pathway in the biological processes of T. belangeri, particularly in cell proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis. We assessed the impact of cold acclimation treatment on the expression of TGF-$\mathsf{\beta }$ family proteins in the adipose tissue (white adipose tissue [WAT] and brown adipose tissue [BAT]) of T. belangeri using ELISA technology, finding that protein expression levels in the experimental group were significantly higher than those of in the control group. These results suggested that cold acclimation may enhance the adaptability of T. belangeri to cold environments by modulating the expression of TGF-$\mathsf{\beta }$ family genes. This study offers new insights into the role of the TGF-$\mathsf{\beta }$ family in the cold acclimation adaptation of T. belangeri, providing a scientific foundation for future genetic improvements and strategies for cold acclimation. Full article

Non-point source (NPS) pollution continues to pose threats to ecosystems and NPS pollution control represents a significant global challenge. This study presents a bibliometric analysis of 1328 studies on the assessment of NPS pollution control, collected from the Web of Science (WOS) Core Collection database for the period between January 1993 and April 2025. The analysis encompassed multiple dimensions, including annual publication volume, most prolific authors and journals, top funding organizations, and keyword co-occurrence. Results reveal a consistently accelerating publication trend, with China and the United States emerging as the most prominent contributors. The findings highlight a distinct evolution in research focus—from early efforts centered on pollutant source tracing and model-based simulations of best management practices (BMPs), such as SWAT and AnnAGNPS, to more holistic, multidimensional assessments that integrate economic, environmental, ecological, and social dimensions to support multi-objective optimization. Future directions are expected to emphasize non-structural measures and promote the development of globally standardized evaluation frameworks for NPS control strategies, thereby enhancing cross-regional comparability and aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs). Full article

Accurate assessment of above-ground biomass (AGB) is essential for optimizing crop growth and enhancing agricultural efficiency. However, predicting above-ground biomass (AGB) presents significant challenges. Traditional point cloud networks often struggle with processing crop structures and data characteristics, hindering their ability to predict biomass accurately. To address these limitations, we propose a point-supervised contrastive deep regression method (PSCDR) and a novel network, BMP_Net (BioMixerPoint_Net). The PSCDR method leverages the benefits of deep contrastive regression while accounting for the modal differences between point cloud and 2D image data. By incorporating Chamfer distance to measure point cloud similarity, it improves the model’s adaptability to point cloud features. Experimental results on the SGCBP public dataset show that PSCDR significantly reduces prediction errors compared to seven other point cloud models. Furthermore, the BMP_Net network, which integrates the novel PFMixer module and a point cloud downsampling module, effectively captures the relationship between point cloud structure, density, and biomass. The model achieved test results with RMSE, MAE, and MAPE values of 75.92, 63.19, and 0.115, respectively, outperforming PointMixer by 37.94, 30.07, and 0.079. This method provides an efficient biomass monitoring tool for precision agriculture. Full article

The reconstruction of a severely resorbed alveolar bone is a significant challenge in dental implantology and maxillofacial surgery. Traditional bone grafting materials, including autogenous, allogeneic, xenogeneic, and alloplastic materials, have limitations such as donor site morbidity, limited availability, and prolonged maturation periods. To address these challenges, recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 (rhBMP-2) has emerged as a potent osteoinductive factor that facilitates bone regeneration without the need for additional donor site surgery. This study introduces a box technique which combines rhBMP-2 (CowellBMP^®, Cowellmedi, Busan, Republic of Korea) with a 3D-preformed titanium mesh (3D-PFTM), utilizing a mixture of allografts and xenografts for horizontal and vertical alveolar ridge augmentation. The technique leverages the structural stability provided by the OssBuilder^® (Osstem, Seoul, Republic of Korea), a preformed titanium mesh, that allows for simultaneous implant placement and vertical ridge augmentation. This technique not only reduces the treatment time compared to traditional methods but also minimizes post-operative discomfort by eliminating the need for autogenous bone harvesting. Clinical outcomes from this technique demonstrate successful bone regeneration within a shorter period than previously reported techniques, with excellent bone quality and implant stability being observed just four months after vertical augmentation. In conclusion, the so called BOXAM (BMP-2, Oss-builder, Xenograft, Allograft, Maintenance) technique presents a promising therapeutic strategy for alveolar bone reconstruction, particularly in cases of severe bone resorption. Further studies are needed to evaluate the long-term outcomes and potential limitations of this approach, especially in scenarios where the inferior alveolar nerve proximity poses challenges for fixture placement. Full article