Search Results (126)

Ulmus glabra Huds. is a mesophilic, montane broadleaf tree with high ecological value, commonly found in temperate riparian and floodplain forests across Türkiye. Its populations in Türkiye have declined due to anthropogenic disturbances and climatic pressures that cause habitat fragmentation and threaten the species’ long-term survival. In this research, we used Maximum Entropy (MaxEnt) to build species distribution models (SDMs) and applied the Restoration Planner (RP) tool to identify and prioritize critical restoration sites under both current and projected climate scenarios (SSP245, SSP370, SSP585). The SDMs highlighted areas of high suitability, primarily along the Black Sea coast. Future projections show that habitat fragmentation and shifts in suitable areas are expected to worsen. To systematically compare restoration options across different future scenarios, we derived and applied four spatial network status indicators using the RP tool. Specifically, we calculated Restoration Pixels (REST_PIX), Average Distance of Restoration Pixels from the Network (AVDIST_RP), Change in Equivalent Connected Area (ΔECA), and Restoration Efficiency (EFFIC) using the RP tool. For the 1 <-> 2 restoration pathways, the highest efficiency (EFFIC = 38.17) was recorded under present climate conditions. However, the largest improvement in connectivity (ΔECA = 60,775.62) was found in the 4 <-> 5 pathway under the SSP585 scenario, though this required substantial restoration effort (REST_PIX = 385). Temporal analysis noted that the restoration action will have most effectiveness between 2040 and 2080, while between 2081 and 2100, increased habitat fragmentation can severely undermine ecological connectivity. The result indicates that incorporation of habitat suitability modeling into restoration planning can help to design cost-effective restoration actions for degraded land. Moreover, the approach used herein provides a reproducible framework for the enhancement of species sustainability and habitat connectivity under varying climate conditions. Full article

Head-up displays (HUDs) can effectively enhance driving safety by projecting information—such as speed and maps—onto the windshield, thereby reducing blind spots caused by drivers looking down. As drivers need to observe road conditions within a wider horizontal viewing field, and considering that the observed angle in a vertical direction is relatively small, it becomes reasonable for an HUD to present a larger horizontal viewing angle than vertical viewing angle. This paper proposes a method to independently regulate the horizontal and vertical viewing angles. The original microstructure morphology is modeled as an ellipsoid, and the curvatures of the ellipsoid’s major and minor axes are calculated according to the required viewing angles. The simulation results show that the horizontal viewing angle corresponding to 85% of the maximum luminance increases from 2° without the film to 20° with the film, while the vertical viewing angle increases from 2° to 8°. The optical film with the designed microstructures is prepared and measured. The practical measurement results indicate that the tested horizontal and vertical viewing angles exhibit significant differentiation. At 85% of the maximum luminance, the horizontal viewing angle increases from 2° without the film to 23° with the film, while the vertical viewing angle increases from 2° to 10°. These results meet the requirements for independently regulating horizontal and vertical viewing angles and widening the horizontal viewing angle. Full article

Background: Alcohol use disorder in the context of heroin addiction presents a significant challenge for clinicians, particularly in selecting the most appropriate pharmacological treatment. Methods: The present study aimed to retrospectively evaluate the efficacy of a six-month methadone maintenance (MM)/sodium oxybate (SMO) combination treatment in reducing ethanol intake among chronic alcohol-dependent patients with heroin use disorder (HUD). Specifically, we compared outcomes between those who continued SMO treatment after alcohol detoxification (MM/SMO-Maintained) and those who discontinued it (MM/SMO-Detoxified). Data were recruited using the ‘Pisa Addiction Database’ through a retrospective, naturalistic, cross-sectional comparative design involving a single patient assessment. Results: Our results indicate that treatment retention was higher in the MM/SMO-Maintained group. Conversely, discontinuing SMO treatment after alcohol detoxification was associated with a higher likelihood of dropout. At the endpoint, the MM/SMO-Maintained group showed significant improvement and was considered less severely ill. Conclusions: Long-term SMO treatment has proven to be well tolerated and effective in preventing relapse in individuals with both alcohol and HUD undergoing agonist opioid treatment. SMO may be considered the closest pharmacological option to substitution therapy for alcohol use disorder, and ongoing agonist opioid treatment should not preclude its co-administration. Full article

Objectives: to evaluate the feasibility and utility of intraoperative optical coherence tomography (iOCT) utilizing an immersive augmented reality surgical headset (Beyeonics iOCT, Beyeonics Vision Ltd., Haifa, Israel) digital visualization platform with swept-source integrated OCT in ophthalmic surgery. Methods: As part of the Institutional Review Board-approved prospective DISCOVER study, the Beyeonics iOCT was utilized in multiple ophthalmic surgical procedures to evaluate the feasibility and utility of iOCT with this platform. The Beyeonics iOCT is a three-dimensional surgical visualization system that utilizes a swept-source integrated OCT within the digital microscope system. Surgeon feedback on system performance and integration into the surgical workflow was gathered via a prespecified survey. Results: Thirteen eyes of thirteen patients were included in this study. The surgical procedures consisted of four cataract surgeries, two lamellar corneal transplants, one pterygium removal, and six vitreoretinal surgeries. Surgeons were able to successfully view and review the iOCT images within the surgical Head-Mounted Display, eliminating the need for an external display. Utility feedback from surgeons included iOCT assisting with confirming wound architecture, corneal graft orientation, and retinal structure. All surgeries were completed without reverting to a conventional microscope, and no intraoperative adverse events occurred. Conclusions: The new visualization platform with integrated swept-source iOCT demonstrated feasibility and potential utility in multiple ophthalmic surgical platforms. Additional research related to outcomes, ergonomics, and enhanced software analysis is needed in the future. Full article

Alicyclobacillus acidoterrestris, an acidothermophilic bacterium, is one of the main contaminants in the fruit industry due to its high tolerance to environmental stress and ability to form biofilms. As conventional methods of biofilm elimination may be ineffective, there is a need for safe and sustainable methods for A. acidoterrestris management. The objective of the study was to evaluate the antibiofilm activity of commercial essential oils derived from clove (Syzygium aromaticum (L.) Merr. & Perry), cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum Blume), and peppermint (Mentha piperita (L.) Huds.) against A. acidoterrestris. The effect of the essential oils on the mature biofilms of fifteen environmental A. acidoterrestris isolates subjected to variable pH values (3.0, 4.0, and 5.5), temperatures (25, 37, and 44 °C), and essential oil concentrations (0.5 MIC, MIC, and 2 MIC compared to planktonic cells) was studied. The essential oils showed significant antibiofilm activity against A. acidoterrestris isolates, with the efficiency of biofilm eradication depending on the strain and environmental parameters such as acidity, culture temperature, type, and concentration of essential oil. The greatest antibiofilm potential was observed for clove essential oil regardless of oil concentrations and environmental conditions. Cinnamon oil exhibited lower activity against the tested A. acidoterrestris strains. Peppermint essential oil showed the weakest antibiofilm ability and did not completely eradicate any strain biofilm of the tested strains. Clove and cinnamon essential oils have the potential to be effective alternatives to synthetic disinfectants directed against A. acidoterrestris grown in the form of biofilms. Full article

Enhanced Vision System (EVS) offers a display advantage that conventional devices lack, enabling interface information to be overlaid on real-world imagery. However, information overload, especially in complex environments, can reduce the recognizability of important information and impair decision-making. This study investigates a dual color-coding strategy to optimize the recognizability of Primary Information (PI) and Secondary Information (SI) in Head-Up Display–Enhanced Vision System (HUD-EVS) against complex backgrounds. The results show that adjusting the hue, saturation, and lightness of SI affects the recognizability of both PI and SI. Specifically, certain saturation (20% or 80%) and lightness (60%) combinations should be avoided to ensure PI prominence and maintain sufficient recognizability for SI. These findings provide insights for designing color-coding strategies for EVS, enhancing the recognizability of information on mobile devices. Full article

Tau protein plays a pivotal role in maintaining neuronal structure and function through its regulation of microtubule stability and neuronal polarity. Encoded by the MAPT gene, Tau exists in multiple isoforms due to alternative mRNA splicing, with differential expression in the central and peripheral nervous systems. In healthy neurons, tau mRNA is selectively localized and translated in axons, a process tightly regulated by untranslated regions (UTRs) and RNA-binding proteins such as HuD and FMRP. Pathologically, Tau undergoes hyperphosphorylation, misfolding, and aggregation, which contribute to neurodegeneration in a range of disorders collectively known as tauopathies. Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most prevalent tauopathy, where abnormal Tau accumulation in the temporal and frontal lobes correlates with cognitive decline and behavioral symptoms. Other tauopathies, including Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP), Corticobasal Degeneration (CBD), Frontotemporal Dementia with Parkinsonism (FTDP-17), and Pick’s disease, are distinguished by the predominance of specific Tau isoforms (3R or 4R), cellular distribution, and affected brain regions. Notably, astroglial tauopathies highlight the pathological role of Tau accumulation in glial cells, expanding the understanding of neurodegeneration beyond neurons. Despite advances in imaging biomarkers (e.g., Tau-PET) and molecular diagnostics, effective disease-modifying therapies for tauopathies remain elusive. Ongoing research targets Tau through immunotherapies, splicing modulators, kinase inhibitors, and antisense oligonucleotides, aiming to mitigate Tau pathology and its deleterious effects. Understanding the multifaceted roles of Tau in neuronal and glial contexts is critical for developing future therapeutic strategies against tauopathies. Full article

Flower closure is a widespread yet understudied trait that may serve multiple functions in the success of plant reproduction. In this study, we investigated the role of flower closure in protecting pollen from rain-induced loss in lesser celandine (Ficaria verna Huds., 1762), an early-flowering species vulnerable to spring rains. Through simulated and natural rain experiments, we found that the flowers that were prevented from closing retained significantly fewer pollen grains compared to the control flowers. This demonstrates that flower closure effectively protects pollen from rain-induced flushing, thus enhancing reproductive success. Furthermore, flowers that were prevented from closing had fewer viable pollen grains than control flowers. We propose that the evolution of petal movement in F. verna was primarily driven by pressures favoring petal movement that protected pollen, with secondary contributions from herbivore avoidance. Flowers are unable to discriminate between low luminosity caused by cloudy weather and night, thus responding to both. Future studies should explore the relative importance of primary and secondary evolutionary drivers of flower closure across species, particularly in early-flowering plants facing complex environmental challenges. Full article

This study investigates the impact of extreme weather conditions (specifically heavy rain and fog) on drivers’ situational awareness by analyzing variations in illumination levels. The primary objective is to identify optimal color wavelengths for low-light environments, thereby providing a theoretical foundation for the design of augmented reality head-up display in adverse weather conditions. A within-subjects experimental design was employed with 26 participants in a simulated driving environment. Participants were exposed to different illumination levels and AR-HUD colors. Eye-tracking metrics, including fixation duration, visit duration, and fixation count, were recorded alongside situational awareness ratings to assess cognitive load and information processing efficiency. The results revealed that the yellow AR-HUD significantly enhanced situational awareness and reduced cognitive load in foggy conditions. While subjective assessments indicated no substantial effect of lighting conditions, objective measurements demonstrated the superior effectiveness of the yellow AR-HUD under foggy weather. These findings suggest that yellow AR-HUD navigation icons are more suitable for extreme weather environments, offering potential improvements in driving performance and overall road safety. Full article

Background: This study explores wound healing and the antimicrobial potential of a natural formulation containing a polysaccharide extract from Cerioporus squamosus, hyaluronic acid, and dexpanthenol. Methods: Wound healing effects were assessed using HaCaT keratinocytes, while antimicrobial activity was evaluated against human skin pathogens using a microdilution assay. In vitro cytotoxicity tests ensured formulation safety, whereas in vivo wound healing was further investigated using an animal model. Gene expression analysis was performed to assess the molecular mechanisms involved. Results: The unique glucan composition of C. squamosus (15.38% α-glucans and 7.91% β-glucans) deviated from typical mushroom polysaccharide profiles, warranting further exploration of its bioactivity. In vitro mushroom polysaccharides promoted 25.35% wound closure after 24 hours, while the three-component formulation achieved 35.81% closure. Antibacterial activity showed a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 0.44–1.75 mg/mL and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBCs) of 0.88–3.50 mg/mL, while antifungal activity ranged from 0.22 to 0.44 mg/mL (MICs) and 0.44 to 0.88 mg/mL (minimum fungicidal concentration—MFC). In vivo data showed that 60% of treated wounds fully closed by day 11, despite no statistically significant difference from the control. However, gene expression analysis highlighted VEGF and collagen upregulation, indicating an enhancement of wound healing on a molecular level. Conclusions: The novel three-component formulation demonstrated consistent wound healing and antimicrobial properties, supporting its potential as a safe and effective treatment for chronic and acute wounds. Full article

Many important ecological processes play out over large geographic ranges, and accurate large-scale monitoring of populations is a requirement for their effective management. Of particular interest are agricultural weeds, which cause widespread economic and ecological damage. However, the scale of weed population data collection is limited by an inevitable trade-off between quantity and quality. Remote sensing offers a promising route to the large-scale collection of population state data. However, a key challenge is to collect high enough resolution data and account for between-site variability in environmental (i.e., radiometric) conditions that may make prediction of population states in new data challenging. Here, we use a multi-site hyperspectral image dataset in conjunction with ensemble learning techniques in an attempt to predict densities of an arable weed (Alopecurus myosuroides, Huds) across an agricultural landscape. We demonstrate reasonable predictive performance (using the geometric mean score-GMS) when classifiers are used to predict new data from the same site (GMS = 0.74-low density, GMS = 0.74-medium density, GMS = 0.7-High density). However, even using flexible ensemble techniques to account for variability in spectral data, we show that out-of-field predictive performance is poor (GMS = 0.06-low density, GMS = 0.13-medium density, GMS = 0.08-High density). This study highlights the difficulties in identifying weeds in situ, even using high quality image data from remote sensing. Full article

As the global traffic environment becomes increasingly complex, driving safety issues have become more prominent, making manual-response driving warning systems (DWSs) essential. Augmented reality head-up display (AR-HUD) technology can project information directly, enhancing driver attention; however, improper design may increase cognitive load and affect safety. Thus, the design of AR-HUD driving warning interfaces must focus on improving attention and reducing cognitive load. Currently, systematic research on AR-HUD DWS interfaces is relatively scarce. This paper proposes an ecological interface cognitive balance design strategy for AR-HUD DWS based on cognitive load theory and environmental interface design theory. The research includes developing design models, an integrative framework, and experimental validation suitable for warning scenarios. Research results indicate that the proposed design effectively reduces cognitive load and significantly decreases driver response and comprehension times, outperforming existing interfaces. This design strategy and framework possess promotional value, providing theoretical references and methodological guidance for AR-HUD warning interface research. Full article

Overactivation of the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE)/angiotensin II type 1 receptor (AT1R) pathway leads to vasoconstriction and elevated blood pressure. Persicaria minor (Huds.) Opiz is an herbal plant known for its antioxidant, anti-hyperlipidemic, and anti-atherosclerotic properties, with bioactive compounds that exhibit antihypertensive effects. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the antihypertensive effects of the standardized aqueous extract of P. minor leaf (AEPM) through the ACE/AT1R pathway in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) induced with phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA). HUVECs were stimulated with PMA to induce ACE, with or without AEPM or captopril treatment, for 24 h. Subsequently, ACE mRNA expression, ACE protein levels, ACE activity, angiotensin II levels, and AT1R expression were measured. The results demonstrated that AEPM treatment significantly reduced ACE mRNA expression, ACE protein levels, ACE activity, angiotensin II levels, and AT1R expression in PMA-induced HUVECs. The modulatory effects of AEPM on the ACE/AT1R pathway were comparable to those of captopril. Ex vivo experiments further confirmed that AEPM reduced the contraction responses of rat aortic rings to PMA. In conclusion, P. minor effectively inhibits the ACE/AT1R pathway in PMA-induced HUVECs, suggesting its potential as a natural antihypertensive agent. Full article

Spinal cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks can be caused by tears in the dura and are challenging to treat. Traditional methods of treating spinal CSF leakage include nonsurgical management, epidural blood patches (EBP), and direct surgical repair. Minimally invasive surgery (MIS) is rapidly progressing within neurosurgery due to its advantages for patient safety and comfort. Existing MIS techniques to spine surgery utilize a rigid endoscope, which has limitations when reaching smaller areas requiring greater degrees of visualization. The simultaneous use of a flexible endoscope and wearable heads-up display (wHUD) improves access and visualization in these small areas while allowing the surgeon to maintain optimal ergonomics. In this article, we review minimally invasive approaches to spine surgery and the management of spinal CSF leaks. We also demonstrate a novel minimally invasive technique utilizing flexible endoscopy and a wHUD to treat a case of recurrent CSF leak. We describe the successful utilization of this technology and provide the groundwork for future practitioners to incorporate this approach into their practice. Full article

Understanding how climate change influences the geographical distribution of species within an ecological niche is essential for predicting habitat shifts and informing conservation efforts. This study evaluates the impact of climate change on habitat suitability and ecological connectivity of wych elm (Ulmus glabra Huds.) in Türkiye. The study explores the future distribution of U. glabra and how its connectivity is affected by habitat fragmentation arising from changing climatic conditions. Contextually, this paper aims to achieve two primary objectives: estimating the potential geographical ranges of U. glabra under different climate scenarios and assessing alterations in ecological connections between current and future habitats. The maximum entropy (MaxEnt) model was used along with Morphological Spatial Pattern Analysis (MSPA), and the Probability of Connectivity (PC) index was applied to show possible transformations in distribution patterns of U. glabra over time. The findings suggest that there will be a reduction in the suitability of locations for the species. Moreover, it is expected that under future climate scenarios, ecological connectivity will decline, especially from 2061 to 2100 in the SSP585 scenario. Notably, significant alterations are anticipated during the latter half of the twenty-first century, mainly outside the coastal areas of the Black Sea, where extensive regions would become unsuitable. Additionally, the species is projected to shift its range, decreasing its presence in inland regions while expanding along the coasts. The results show the vulnerability of this species against climate change, thereby demanding adaptive conservation measures to preserve it within the forest ecosystems of Türkiye. Full article