Search Results (55)

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a highly prevalent psychiatric illness for which rapid-acting antidepressants such as ketamine provide only transient benefit. Because κ-opioid receptor (KOR) signaling contributes to stress-related dysphoria and impaired neuroplasticity, we examined whether KOR antagonism could prolong ketamine’s antidepressant-like effects in a mouse model of adolescent chronic unpredictable stress (CUS). Male C57BL/6J mice (n = 10 per group for behavioral analyses) were exposed to CUS during adolescence and developed persistent depression-like behavior in adulthood. Mice with depressive-like behavior received a single injection of ketamine, the selective KOR antagonist norbinaltorphimine (nBNI), or their combination. Behavioral testing showed that all treatments reduced immobility in the tail suspension test (TST) 24 h post-administration; however, only the combined ketamine/nBNI treatment maintained antidepressant-like effects one week post-treatment. Molecular analyses (n = 4–8 per group) were conducted at this single time point, one week post-treatment, to characterize region-specific signaling states in the prefrontal cortex, hippocampus, and striatum, focusing on ERK, AKT, JNK, mTOR, and BDNF pathways. These molecular findings represent correlates of sustained behavioral effects rather than evidence of causal mechanisms. Together, the data indicate that concurrent KOR antagonism is associated with prolonged antidepressant response to ketamine in stress-exposed male mice and with distinct region-dependent signaling profiles at one week post-treatment. Further studies are needed to establish mechanistic causality and confirm the possible applicability of these findings. Full article

Background/Objectives: The present study investigated the local analgesic effect of a novel synthetic cyclohexanone derivative, 2,6-bis-4-(hydroxyl-3-methoxybenzilidine)-cyclohexanone, or BHMC, in a mouse model of peripheral nociception. Methods: Local administration of BHMC (0.5–60 µg/paw) intra-plantarly in the hindpaws of mice exhibited significant inhibition in carrageenan-induced paw hyperalgesia. Intra-plantar pretreatment of naloxone (non-selective opioid receptor blocker), D-Phe-Cys-Tyr-D-Trp-Orn-Thr-Pen-ThrNH2 (CTOP, selective µ-opioid receptor blocker), and nor-binaltorphimine (nor-BNI, selective κ-opioid receptor blocker), but not naltrindole hydrochloride (selective δ-opioid receptor blocker), reversed the anti-nociceptive effect of BHMC. The peripheral analgesic effect of BHMC was also reversed by intra-plantar pretreatment of methylene blue (soluble guanosyl cyclase blocker), but not N^G-nitro-L-arginine (L-NAME, nitric oxide synthase blocker). Involvement of the potassium channel in the local analgesic effect of BHMC was shown through the reversed analgesic effect by intra-plantar pretreatment of glibenclamide (ATP-sensitive potassium channel blocker), but not by charybdotoxin (large-conductance calcium-sensitive potassium channel blocker), apamin (small-conductance calcium-sensitive potassium ion channel blocker), or tetraethylammonium (voltage-sensitive potassium channel blocker). Results: Taken together, the present study demonstrated that the local administration of BHMC attenuated nociception, with possible mechanisms that may involve the desensitization of inflammatory mediators’ receptors, opioid receptor activation, and nitric oxide-independent cyclic guanosine monophosphate activation of ATP-sensitive potassium ion channel opening. Conclusions: The current findings may further support the exploration of BHMC as a new therapeutic agent for pain and inflammation, for the betterment of human health. Full article

The dissimilar joining of solid-solution-strengthened superalloys and precipitation-strengthened superalloys enables complementary performance synergy, holding significant application potential in the aerospace industry. This study investigated the transient liquid phase bonding of Hastelloy X and IN738 using a BNi-2 interlayer, focusing on the effects of bonding temperature and time on interfacial microstructure evolution and mechanical properties. The results demonstrated that achieving complete isothermal solidification is paramount for joint properties, a process governed by the synergistic control of bonding temperature and time. At lower temperatures (e.g., 1050 °C), the joint centerline contained an athermal solidification zone (ASZ) rich in hard and brittle Cr-rich (∼15.9 GPa) and Ni-rich borides, which served as the failure initiation site. As the ASZ was progressively eliminated with increasing temperature, a fully isothermal solidified zone (ISZ, ∼52 μm wide) consisting of γ-Ni formed at 1100 °C. Concurrently, Cr-Mo borides (∼9.8 GPa) precipitated within the diffusion-affected zone (DAZ) on the Hastelloy X side, becoming the new potential sites for crack initiation. Prolonging the holding time at 1100 °C not only ensured complete isothermal solidification but also promoted Mo diffusion, which improved the plasticity of the Cr-Mo borides and their interfacial bonding with the γ-Ni matrix (∼5.9 GPa). This synergistic optimization resulted in a significant increase in joint shear strength, achieving a maximum value of 587 MPa under the optimal condition of 1100 °C/40 min. Full article

The identification of forage species with Biological Nitrification Inhibition (BNI) capacity is a promising strategy to inhibit soil nitrification and reduce nitrogen (N) losses. This study evaluated the BNI capacity of five Urochloa genotypes (Camello, Cayman, Marandú, Mulato II, Talismán) and their impact on biomass yield and nitrogen uptake (NU). The BNI capacity, biomass yield, N content, and NU of five Urochloa genotypes were compared. Significant differences in BNI capacity were observed between genotypes (p < 0.009). Cayman and Marandú presented the highest BNI values (87.41 and 87.21%, respectively), higher than those of Mulato II, Talismán and Camello (78.20, 81.77 and 82.63%, respectively). Regarding biomass yield, Cayman and Marandú stood out with 3093.5 and 2911.7 kg DM ha⁻¹, respectively. Talismán and Camello showed higher N concentrations in the biomass (1.64 and 1.63%). In terms of NU, Cayman recorded the highest efficiency (47.32 kg N ha⁻¹), surpassing Marandú, Camello, Talisman and Mulato II (42.83, 42.77, 41.53 and 37.23 kg N ha⁻¹, respectively; p < 0.0001). BNI capacity influences biomass yield and nitrogen uptake. The Cayman genotype is positioned as a promising forage alternative for the development of more efficient and sustainable livestock systems by promoting more efficient N use. Full article

This study systematically investigates the influence of laser power (1000 W, 1400 W, 1800 W) on the microstructure and properties of Ni25 alloy coatings prepared by laser cladding to optimize process parameters for enhanced comprehensive performance. Through the analysis of multi-dimensional characterization, it is found that the laser power significantly changes the thermal cycle, thus determining the evolution of microstructure. At 1000 W, a fine dendritic structure with dispersed hard phases (BNi₃, BFe₃Ni₃, CrB₂, Cr₇C₃) yielded the highest hardness (442.52 HV) but poor wear (volume loss: 0.3346 mm³) and corrosion resistance (Icorr: 2.75 × 10⁻⁴ A·cm⁻²) due to microstructural inhomogeneity. The 1400 W coating, featuring a uniform γ-Ni dendrite/eutectic network and increased B solid solubility, achieved an optimal balance with the lowest wear rate (0.0685 mm³), superior corrosion resistance (Icorr: 2.34 × 10⁻⁵; A·cm⁻²), and a stable friction coefficient (0.816), despite lower hardness (342.00 HV). At 1800 W, grain coarseness and Cr₇C₃ decomposition led to blocky hard phases, recovering hardness (415.36 HV) and reducing the friction coefficient (0.757), but resulting in intermediate wear and corrosion resistance. This study demonstrates that the uniformity and continuity of the microstructure are the key determinants governing the comprehensive service properties of the laser cladding layer, with their importance outweighing a single hardness index. 1400 W is identified as the optimal laser power, providing critical insights for fabricating high-performance Ni25 coatings in demanding service environments. Full article

The ease of internet access allows people to utilize investment products anywhere and anytime. Stocks are one such investment product, allowing individuals to own a portion of a company. One of the factors influencing stock price fluctuations is technical analysis, which relies on previous stock price data. The Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) algorithm has the advantage of storing data or information over the long term by using gates within LSTM, including the forget gate, input gate, and output gate. Three datasets of stock prices from state-owned enterprise banks, namely Bank BRI, Bank BNI, and Bank Mandiri, were used, totaling 4479 rows of data across the three banks. From these datasets, the optimal values for the LSTM algorithm were obtained, with Mean Absolute Percentage Error (MAPE) values ranging from 0.01 to 0.025 and R² values ranging from 0.8 to 0.96. Full article

The Mediterranean fig (Ficus carica L.) is a dioecious fruit tree of high nutritional and economic value in the Mediterranean basin. In northern Morocco, phenological desynchronization between male and female fig trees limits pollination and production. This study aimed to characterize the phenological stages of indigenous fig and caprifig varieties using the BBCH scale and to evaluate the predictive capacity of artificial neural networks (ANNs). This study was conducted in the Bni Ahmed region over two consecutive years (2021 and 2022) at two sites. At each site, a total of 80 female fig trees were selected. Caprifig trees were selected in accordance with their availability (37 trees/site 1; 24 trees/site 2). Local meteorological data were incorporated into the analysis to evaluate the influence of climatic conditions on phenological stages. Our results revealed significant effects of temperature, humidity, and rainfall on phenological dynamics, along with a clear inter-varietal variability and pronounced desynchronization between male and female fig trees. Early-ripening caprifig varieties showed limited pollination efficiency, whereas late-ripening varieties were better synchronized with the longer receptivity period of female fig trees. Importantly, the ANN model demonstrated exceptional predictive performance (R² up to 0.985, RMSE < 1 day), serving as a robust and practical tool for forecasting key phenological stages and minimizing potential yield losses. These findings demonstrate the value of combining phenological monitoring with AI-based modeling to improve adaptive management of fig orchards under Mediterranean climate change. This is the first study in Morocco to implement such an integrated approach to fig and caprifig trees. Full article

The soil nitrification rate is significantly affected by plant species, and it is also modulated by different nitrogen levels in the soil. There are a wide range of plant species with the capacity to produce biological nitrification inhibitors (hereafter referred to as BNI species). The preliminary results of this study report the influence of three different plant species on the nitrification rates under soil supply with three (0 mM, 3.5 mM, and 7.0 mM) nitrogen levels. The aim was to evaluate the potential of hemp, ryegrass, and sorghum in mitigating nitrification, in order to define a sustainable strategy for improving the nitrogen use efficiency by crops and to limit the nitrogen loss from agroecosystems. Leaf gas exchange measurements were also carried out in this study. Photosynthesis was only affected by nitrogen supply in hemp, resulting in a reduction in CO₂ assimilation at nitrogen doses higher than the plant’s requirements. Ryegrass devotes more reductive power towards leaf nitrogen assimilation than sorghum and hemp do. The greatest variation in nitrification rate in response to N was observed in soil cultivated with hemp (which also showed the highest potential nitrification rate), followed by sorghum and ryegrass. We speculate that this occurred because the greater seed sowing density for ryegrass ensured a greater quantity in the soil of molecules acting on nitrification compared to sorghum and hemp, with these latter being sown at lower densities. Our results suggest that sorghum and ryegrass might directly affect nitrification by BNI molecules, whereas hemp might indirectly mitigate nitrification through the nitrogen uptake. However, further research is needed to evaluate the effects exerted by the studied plant species on nitrification rates. Full article

Nitrogen (N) cycling in agroecosystems is a complex process regulated by both biological and agronomic factors, with ammonia-oxidizing archaea (AOA) and bacteria (AOB) playing pivotal roles in nitrification. Despite extensive fertilizer applications to achieve maximum crop yields, nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) remains less than ideal, with substantial losses contributing to environmental degradation. This review synthesizes current knowledge on plant-mediated and fertilization-induced shifts in ammonia-oxidizer communities and their implications on nitrogen cycling. We highlight the differential ecological niches of AOA and AOB, emphasizing their responses to plant community composition, root exudates, and allelopathic compounds. Fertilization regimes of inorganic nitrogen inputs and biological nitrification inhibition (BNI) are examined in the context of microbial adaptation and ammonia tolerance. Our review highlights the need for integrated nitrogen management strategies comprising optimized fertilization timing, nitrification inhibitors, and plant–microbe interactions in order to optimize NUE and mitigate nitrogen losses. Future research directions must involve applications of metagenomic and isotopic tracing techniques to unravel the mechanistic AOA and AOB pathways that are involved in regulating these dynamics. An improved understanding of these microbial interactions will inform the creation of more sustainable agricultural systems that aim to optimize nitrogen retention and reduce environmental footprint. Full article

A comparative transcriptomic analysis was conducted for the nitrogen-efficient (BNI-Munal) and derivative parent Munal wheat genotypes to unravel the gene expression patterns across four nitrogen levels (0%, 50%, 75%, and 100%). Analyzing the genes of BNI-enabled wheat helps us understand how they are expressed differently, which heavily influences BNI activity. Grain yield and 1000-grain weight were higher in BNI Munal than in Munal. All the other traits were similar in performance. Varying nitrogen dosages led to significant differences in gene expression patterns between the two genotypes. Genes related to binding and catalytic activity were prevalent among molecular functions, while genes corresponding to cellular anatomical entities dominated the cellular component category. Differential expression was observed in 371 genes at 0%N, 261 genes at 50%N, 303 genes at 75%N, and 736 genes at 100%N. Five unigenes (three upregulated and two downregulated) were consistently expressed across all nitrogen levels. Further analysis of upregulated unigenes identified links to the NrpA gene (involved in nitrogen regulation), tetratricopeptide repeat-containing protein (PPR), and cytokinin dehydrogenase 2. Analysis of downregulated genes pointed to associations with the Triticum aestivum 3BS-specific BAC library, which encodes the NPF (Nitrate and Peptide Transporter Family) and the TaVRN gene family (closely related to the TaNUE1 gene). The five unigenes and one unigene highlighted in the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathways were validated in Munal and BNI Munal. The results obtained will enhance our understanding about gene expression patterns across different nitrogen levels in BNI wheat and help us breed wheat varieties with the BNI trait for improved NUE. Full article

Plant invasions play a significant role in global environmental change. Traditionally, it was believed that invasive plants absorb and utilize nitrogen (N) more efficiently than native plants by adjusting their preferred N forms in accordance with the dominant N forms present in the soil. More recently, invasive plants are now understood to optimize their N acquisition by directly mediating soil N transformations. This review highlights how exotic species optimize their nitrogen acquisition by influencing soil nitrogen dynamics based on their preferred nitrogen forms, and the various mechanisms, including biological nitrification inhibitor (BNI) release, pH alterations, and changes in nutrient stoichiometry (carbon to nitrogen ratio), that regulate the soil nitrogen dynamics of exotic plants. Generally, invasive plants accelerate soil gross nitrogen transformations to maintain a high supply of NH₄⁺ and NO₃⁻ in nitrogen-rich ecosystems irrespective of their preference. However, they tend to minimize nitrogen losses to enhance nitrogen availability in nitrogen-poor ecosystems, where, in such situations, plants with different nitrogen preferences usually affect different nitrogen transformation processes. Therefore, a comprehensive understanding requires more situ data on the interactions between invasive plant species’ preferential N form uptake and the characteristics of soil N transformations. Understanding the combination of these processes is essential to elucidate how exotic plants optimize nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) and minimize nitrogen losses through denitrification, leaching, or runoff, which are considered critical for the success of invasive plant species. This review also highlights some of the most recent discoveries in the responses of invasive plants to the different forms and amounts of N and how plants affect soil N transformations to optimize their N acquisition, emphasizing the significance of how plant–soil interactions potentially influence soil N dynamics. Full article

Background/Objectives: Approximately one in five individuals will experience major depressive disorder (MDD), and 30% exhibit resistance to standard antidepressant treatments, resulting in a diagnosis of treatment-resistant depression (TRD). Historically, opium was used effectively to treat depression; however, when other medications were introduced, its use was discontinued due to addiction and other hazards. Recently, kappa opioid receptor (KOR) antagonism has been proposed as a potential mechanism for treating TRD. The main research question is whether commonly used psychotropic medications possess KOR antagonist properties and whether this characteristic could contribute to their efficacy in TRD. Methods: We investigated the antinociceptive effects of many psychotropic medications and their interactions with the opioid system. Mice were tested with a hotplate or tail-flick after being injected with different doses of these agents. Results: The antidepressants mianserin and mirtazapine (separately) induced dose-dependent antinociception, each yielding a biphasic dose–response curve. Similarly, the antidepressant venlafaxine produced a potent effect and reboxetine produced a weak effect. The antipsychotics risperidone and amisulpride exhibited a dose-dependent antinociceptive effect. The sedative–hypnotic zolpidem induced a weak bi-phasic dose-dependent antinociceptive effect. All seven psychotropic medications elicited antinociception, which was reversed by the non-selective opiate antagonist naloxone and, separately, by the kappa-selective antagonist Nor-BNI. Conclusions: Clinical studies are mandatory to establish the potential efficacy of augmentation of the treatment with antidepressants with these drugs in persons with treatment-resistant depression and the optimal dosage of medications prescribed. We suggest a possible beneficial effect of antidepressants with kappa antagonistic properties. Full article

Background: Aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) carries significant mortality and disability rates, with rebleeding posing a grave risk, particularly in anterior communicating artery (AcoA) aneurysms. This retrospective study aims to analyze preoperative and intraoperative variables of patients with ruptured AcoA aneurysms, evaluating the association of these variables with patient outcomes using machine learning techniques, proposing a prognostic score. Materials and Methods: A retrospective study was conducted on 50 patients who underwent microsurgical clipping for a ruptured AcoA aneurysm at San Giovanni Bosco Hospital, Turin, Italy. The clinical and aneurysmal data—including clinical evaluations, risk factors, aneurysmal characteristics, and intra- and postoperative details—were examined. The study population was analyzed using machine learning techniques such as the MRMR algorithm for feature selection, and the LASSO method was employed to construct linear predictive models based on these features. Results: The study cohort had a mean age of 54 years, with 26 female and 24 male patients. Temporary clipping of main vessels was performed in 96% of procedures, with a mean duration of 3.74 min. Postoperatively, the mean Intensive Care Unit (ICU) stay was 7.28 days, with 14% mortality at 30 days and 4% within the first week. At the six-month follow-up, 63% of discharged patients had a Glasgow outcome scale (GOS) of 5, with radiological confirmation of complete aneurysm exclusion in 98% of cases. Machine learning techniques identified the significant predictors of patient outcomes, with LASSO algorithms generating linear models to predict the GOS at discharge and at 6 months follow-up. Conclusions: Preoperative factors like the BNI score, Vasograde, and preoperative cerebral edema demonstrate significant correlations with patient outcomes post-clipping. Notably, intraoperative bleeding and extended temporary clipping durations (over 3 min) emerge as pivotal intraoperative considerations. Moreover, the AcoA prognostic score shows promise in predicting patient outcomes, discharge plans, and ICU duration. Full article

Certain plant species have developed the ability to express biological nitrification inhibition (BNI), suppressing the activity of nitrifying microbes and thereby reducing the conversion of ammonium to nitrate. This study assessed the BNI capacity and the rhizosphere ammonia-oxidizing microbiome of two grass species: the endemic Australian Barley Mitchell grass (Astrebla pectinata) and the introduced koronivia grass (Urochloa humidicola), using soils from both agricultural land and native vegetation. In agricultural soil, koronivia grass exhibited significantly higher BNI capacity compared with Barley Mitchell grass. However, in native soil, this trend was reversed, with Barley Mitchell grass demonstrating a significantly greater BNI capacity than koronivia grass (52% vs. 38%). Koronivia grass significantly altered the composition of the ammonia-oxidizing bacteria community in its rhizosphere, leading to a decrease in the Shannon index and bacteria number. Conversely, Barley Mitchell grass reduced the Shannon index (1.2 vs. 1.7) and population size (3.28 × 10⁷ vs. 7.43 × 10⁷ gene copy number g⁻¹ dry soil) of the ammonia-oxidizing archaea community in its rhizosphere to a greater extent. These findings suggest that Australian Barley Mitchell grass may have evolved mechanisms to suppress soil archaeal nitrifiers, thereby enhancing its BNI capacity and adapting to Australia’s nutrient-poor soils. Full article

To establish and implement effective policies for controlling fine particle matters (PM_2.5), which is associated with high-risk diseases, continuous research on identifying PM_2.5 sources was conducted. This study utilized the positive matrix factorization (PMF) receptor model to estimate the sources and characteristics of PM_2.5 between Baengnyeong Island (BNI) and the Seoul Metropolitan Area (SMA). We conducted PMF modeling and backward trajectory analysis using the data on PM_2.5 and its components collected from 2020 to 2021 at the Air quality Research Centers (ARC). The PMF modeling identified nine pollution sources in both BNI and the SMA, including secondary sulfate, secondary nitrate, vehicles, biomass burning, dust, industry, sea salt particles, coal combustion, and oil combustion. Secondary particulate matter, vehicles, and biomass burning were found to be major contributors to PM_2.5 concentrations in both regions. A backward trajectory analysis indicated that air masses, passing through BNI to the SMA, showed higher concentrations and contributions of ammonium nitrate, vehicles, and biomass burning in the SMA site compared to BNI site. These findings suggest that controlling nitrogen oxides (NOx) and ammonia emissions in the SMA, as well as monitoring the intermediate products that form aerosols, such as HNO₃, are needed. Full article