Search Results (10,648)

Gravity waves (GWs) are an important dynamic process in the planetary atmosphere. They are typically excited by convection, topography, or other sources from the lower atmosphere and propagate upwards. The GWs have a significant effect on the global atmospheric circulation on Mars. However, the lack of high-resolution data from previous observations has resulted in an insufficient understanding of GWs in the Martian atmosphere, particularly in terms of its global distribution and long-term evolution characteristics at different altitudes. Based on multiple years of Mars Climate Sounder (MCS) limb observations on board the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter (MRO), we conducted a detailed study of the global distribution, seasonal and interannual variations in Martian atmospheric GWs with vertical wavelengths ranging from 9 to 15 km at three different altitude ranges, i.e., the low-altitude range of 200–20 Pa (Lp, ~10–30 km), the mid-altitude range of 20–2 Pa (Mp, ~30–50 km), and the high-altitude range of 2–0.2 Pa (Hp, ~50–70 km). The results indicate complex regional and north–south differences, as well as night–day variations, in the spatial distribution of GWs. Particularly, a three-wave structure of the GW activity is observed over mountainous regions in the mid-to-low latitudes of the Northern Hemisphere. The peak longitude range of this structure closely matches the mountainous terrain. In addition, our results reveal the presence of bands of GW aggregations in the mid- to-high latitudes of the Northern Hemisphere in the Mp and Hp layers, which may be caused by the instability of the polar jet. There are also obvious seasonal and interannual variations in GW activities, which are related to topography, polar jets, and large dust storms. The interannual variations in GWs imply that, in addition to the well-known large seasonal dust storms, complex interannual variations in atmospheric activity over the polar jets and in the complex topography at mid-to-low latitudes on Mars may also exist, which deserve further studies in the future. Full article

This study evaluates the chemical profile and antifungal efficacy of essential oils from Piper glabratum, Piper friedrichsthalii, and Piper cumanense against the cocoa pathogens Moniliophthora roreri and Phytophthora palmivora. Microwave-assisted hydrodistillation followed by GC-MS analysis identified 80 constituents, predominantly monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes, which exhibited significant mycelial inhibition comparable to commercial fungicides. Beyond basic characterization, a comprehensive chemoinformatic analysis was conducted to elucidate the molecular mechanisms driving this bioactivity. The computed physicochemical landscape reveals a dominant lipophilic profile (average LogP 3.4) and low polarity (TPSA 11.5 Ų), characteristics essential for effective fungal membrane penetration. Structural mining identified conserved benzene and cyclohexene scaffolds alongside specific 1,3-benzodioxole moieties, while Maximum Common Substructure (MCS) analysis uncovered high similarity clusters among phenylpropanoids and sesquiterpenes. These findings suggest a synergistic mode of action where conserved structural backbones and interchangeable diastereomers facilitate membrane destabilization and ion leakage. Consequently, the integrative chemoinformatic profiling elucidates the molecular basis of this efficacy, positioning these Piper essential oils not merely as empirical alternatives, but as sources of rationally defined synergistic scaffolds for next-generation sustainable fungicides. Full article

Mothers face high depression risks during pregnancy, and untreated depression can harm both mother and baby. Vortioxetine is a novel antidepressant with a multimodal mechanism, unlike traditional ones. However, little is known about its safety and effectiveness in pregnancy due to limited preclinical and clinical data. This study investigated how maternal vortioxetine exposure during pregnancy affects DNA methylation in the brain tissue of mother and offspring rats. It also explored putative structural interactions of vortioxetine through molecular docking with key epigenetic enzymes to provide a hypothesis-generating context. Fifty female Sprague-Dawley rats were screened using a repeated forced-swim paradigm to characterize a passive stress-coping phenotype. They were then mated and randomly assigned to five groups (n = 10 each): vortioxetine at 0.5, 1.0, 2.0 mg/kg/day orally, saline control, and escitalopram (2.6 mg/kg/day orally) as a comparison. Treatments were given throughout pregnancy. On the day of cesarean section (G20), brain tissue was collected from both the mother and fetus. Global 5-mC levels were measured with ELISA (three replicates). The binding affinities and interaction motifs of vortioxetine and escitalopram with TET2, DNMT3A, and DNMT3B were analyzed via molecular docking. Global 5-mC levels in brain tissue did not differ between groups. However, a significant decrease in overall methylation was observed in offspring given the highest dose of vortioxetine (2.0 mg/kg/day). Docking analyses revealed that vortioxetine and escitalopram could bind strongly to TET2 and DNMT3A/3B; the observed reduction in global 5-mC was compatible with the hypothesis of altered de novo methylation pathways. The results show a specific dose threshold for the fetus. Low to moderate maternal exposures were not associated with detectable differences in global 5-mC under the current assay conditions, whereas high exposure was associated with hypomethylation in offspring. These findings underscore the importance of careful dose selection and mechanism validation for vortioxetine. Full article

Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapy has demonstrated clinical success in hematologic malignancies but has limited efficacy in solid tumors due to tumor microenvironment (TME) barriers that impede CAR T cell recognition, infiltration, and sustained function. Traditional 2D assays inadequately recapitulate these constraints, necessitating improved in vitro models. This study validated a 3D tumor spheroid platform using an agarose microwell system to generate uniform B7-H3-positive spheroids from multiple solid tumor cell lines, enabling the evaluation of CAR T cell activity. TME-relevant immune modulation under 3D conditions was analyzed by flow cytometry for B7-H3, MHC I/II, and antigen processing machinery (APM), followed by co-culture with B7-H3 CAR T cells to assess cytotoxicity, spheroid integrity, tumor viability, and CAR T cell activation, exhaustion, and cytokine production. Two human cancer-cell-line-derived spheroids, DU 145 (prostate cancer) and SUM159 (breast cancer), retained B7-H3 expression, while MC38 (mouse colon cancer)-derived spheroids served as a B7-H3 negative control. Under 3D culture conditions, DU 145 and SUM159 spheroids acquire TME-like immune evasion characteristics and specifically downregulated MHC-I and APM (TAP1, TAP2, LMP7) with concurrent upregulation of MHC-II and calreticulin. Co-culture showed effective spheroid infiltration, cytotoxicity, and structural disruption, with infiltrating CAR T cells displaying higher CD4⁺ fraction, activation, exhaustion, effector/terminal differentiation, and IFN-γ/TNF-α production. This 3D platform recapitulates critical TME constraints and provides a cost-effective, feasible preclinical tool to assess CAR T therapies beyond conventional 2D assays. Full article

Background: Aging is a complex process that involves various biological, psychological and social changes. Moreover, older people (≥65 years) are more susceptible to lower self-efficacy and social support, as well as deteriorating mental health. As the global population ages, there is a growing demand for evidence-based interventions tailored to address specific mental health problems, enhance social support and improve overall well-being. The aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of a seven-week mindfulness-based community intervention on mental health, self-efficacy and social support in older people. Methods: This quasi-experimental nonrandomized study included 257 participants who were divided into an intervention group and a comparison group that did not participate in the seven-week mindfulness-based community intervention and was not part of a waiting list. Assessments were conducted before the intervention began and 6 months after its completion. Results: The results revealed a significant reduction in depression in the intervention group (p < 0.001). Furthermore, the intervention led to a significant improvement in general self-efficacy, chronic disease self-management self-efficacy, physical activity and nutritional self-efficacy compared with the comparison group. Perceived social support increased within the intervention group; however, covariate adjusted between-group effects for social support were not statistically significant. Conclusions: Overall, the mindfulness-based community intervention was associated with improvements in current depressive symptoms and multiple self-efficacy domains at 6-month follow-up in older people in a community setting. Effects on perceived social support were less robust, and no statistically significant between-group differences were observed after adjustment for baseline covariates. The results of the present study show that this program leads to immediate health benefits in terms of mental health and self-efficacy in older people while contributing to the development of effective strategies for chronic disease self-management. Full article

Background: This retrospective study evaluated the association between the number of intra-articular ozone injection sessions and clinical outcomes in patients with hip osteoarthritis (OA). Methods: Data from 54 patients (65 hips) with Tönnis grade 1–2 hip OA treated at a tertiary algology clinic between 2022 and 2024 were analyzed. Patients were categorized into three groups based on the number of ozone sessions received (1, 2, or 3). Pain and functional status were assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis (WOMAC) index at baseline and at 4, 12, and 24 weeks post-procedure.Results: All groups demonstrated significant improvements in VAS and WOMAC scores compared to baseline (p < 0.001). Although the three-session group showed more pronounced numerical improvements in both early and late follow-ups, intergroup differences did not consistently reach statistical significance across all time points.Conclusions: Intra-articular ozone application is associated with favorable clinical trends in pain reduction and functional recovery. Our findings suggest that a three-session regimen may provide more pronounced clinical improvement compared to fewer sessions. These findings warrant validation through rigorous, randomized controlled trials. Full article

Apple breeding programs focus on enhancing yield, quality, and disease resistance, with a strong emphasis on evaluating phenological traits like flowering time and pomological traits such as fruit size and flavour, which are crucial for commercial success and consumer preference. Twenty-four families were obtained by crossing six apple varieties selected as pollen receptors and four apple genotypes resistant to scab selected as pollen donors. Data related to bud burst date, flowering date, harvest date, lengths of the periods between bud burst and flowering and from flowering to harvest (developmental period), fruit equatorial and polar diameter, fruit polar/diameter ratio, soluble solid content (SSC) and flesh firmness were analysed as a genetic partial diallel design. The study’s ANOVA on 24 fruit families across two years revealed significant genotype–environment interactions affecting flowering date, harvest date, and developmental periods, with some variables like fruit weight and soluble solids showing consistent variation. During each year, temperature influenced phenological phases, with earlier budbreak and flowering in warmer, less variable conditions in 2019. Analysis of genetic effects indicated high heritability for phenological traits and moderate heritability for fruit morphology and quality, with parental genetic contributions varying over years. Principal component and Procrustes analyses identified key variable groupings and parent profiles, highlighting genotypes such as ‘Granny Smith’, ‘McIntosh’, and ‘HM100’ with consistent additive effects, and certain families with notable heterotic performance. Overall, genetic and environmental interactions significantly shape phenological and fruit quality traits, guiding breeding strategies. Full article

Sugarcane diseases cause estimated global annual losses of over $5 billion. While deep learning shows promise for disease detection, current approaches lack transparency and confidence estimates, limiting their adoption by agricultural stakeholders. We developed an uncertainty-aware detection system integrating Monte Carlo (MC) dropout with MobileNetV3, trained on 2521 images across five categories: Healthy, Mosaic, Red Rot, Rust, and Yellow. The proposed framework achieved 97.23% accuracy with a lightweight architecture comprising 5.4 M parameters. It enabled a 2.3 s inference while generating well-calibrated uncertainty estimates that were 4.0 times higher for misclassifications. High-confidence predictions (>70%) achieved 98.2% accuracy. Gradient-weighted Class Activation Mapping provided interpretable disease localization, and the system was deployed on Hugging Face Spaces for global accessibility. The model demonstrated high recall for the Healthy and Red Rot classes. The model achieved comparatively higher recall for the Healthy and Red Rot classes. The inclusion of uncertainty quantification provides additional information that may support more informed decision-making in precision agriculture applications involving farmers and agronomists. Full article

Background: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is influenced by behavioral and genetic factors, yet evidence on eating behavior patterns and related genetic polymorphisms in Central Asian populations remains limited. Aim: The aim of this study was to assess eating behaviors among adults with and without MetS and evaluate their associations with clinical indicators and ADIPOQ rs266729 and MC4R rs17782313 variants. Methods: A cross-sectional study of 200 adults (115 non-MetS, 85 MetS) was conducted using Dutch Eating Behavior Questionnaire (DEBQ), standardized clinical measurements, and PCR-RFLP genotyping. Results: Participants with MetS were older than non-MetS adults (52 vs. 47 years; p = 0.004) and had substantially higher systolic blood pressure (126 vs. 114 mmHg; p < 0.001), diastolic blood pressure (83 vs. 74 mmHg; p < 0.001), and BMI (32.2 vs. 25.9 kg/m²; p < 0.001). Waist circumference, hip circumference, triglycerides, total cholesterol, and LDL were also significantly higher, while HDL was lower (1.13 ± 0.40 vs. 1.58 ± 1.50 mmol/L; p = 0.008). DEBQ restrained, emotional, and external eating scores showed no differences between groups (all p > 0.05). Eating behavior distribution was similar (p = 0.291). ADIPOQ genotypes (CC/CG/GG) did not differ by MetS status (p = 0.227), nor did MC4R variants (p = 0.679). Among MetS participants, clinical indicators did not vary across eating behavior categories, and no associations were observed between eating behavior and either polymorphism. Conclusions: Despite clear clinical and metabolic differences between MetS and non-MetS groups, neither eating behavior patterns nor ADIPOQ and MC4R variants were associated with metabolic measures among MetS group. Full article

This study aimed to quantify the absolute and relative data across a typical microcycle (MC) in female professional soccer players utilizing a match day minus (MD-) approach. Ten players (24.7 ± 2.6 years) from an elite female Portuguese team participated in this case study. Data was analyzed in absolute or relativized values (per minute) and included the following metrics: duration, total distance, high-speed running distance (HSR, >15 km/h), number of accelerations (ACC, >1–2 m.s⁻² [ACC1]; >2–3 m.s⁻² [ACC2]; >3–4 m.s⁻² [ACC3]; >4 m.s⁻² [ACC4]) and decelerations (DEC, <1–2 m.s⁻² [DEC1]; <2–3 m.s⁻² [DEC2]; <3–4 m.s⁻² [DEC3]; <4 m.s⁻² [DEC4]). Total distance showed a significant difference between MD-4 and MD-2 (p = 0.047, moderate effect), which presented the lowest value of all MC days, while MD presented the highest value of HSR compared to all training days (p < 0.001, large to very large effect) for both absolute and relativized data. Relative data showed higher values for MD-5 with significant differences during MD-2 for ACC1, ACC2, DEC1, and DEC2 (p < 0.01, large to very large effect), while absolute data showed higher values during MD-4 for ACC2, DEC1, and DEC2 (p < 0.01, large to very large effect). Absolute ACC3 was higher during MD-3, denoting significant differences from MD-2 (p = 0.002, large effect). This study highlighted that it is possible to train, in specific sessions, with identical loading patterns of match play, specifically for ACC and DEC metrics. However, HSR distance was found to be higher during MD, while training values were significantly lower. Full article

Background: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) affects over 400 million people worldwide. Ireland reports the highest COPD-related mortality and hospitalizations in Europe. Dysphagia impacts approximately 50% of people with COPD (PwCOPD) and contributes to COPD exacerbations, hospitalizations, and mortality. Expiratory Muscle Strength Training (EMST) improves respiration and swallowing for PwCOPD; however, little is known about its clinical use by Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs). Methods: A cross-sectional online survey, developed in accordance with CHERRIES and CROSS guidelines, aimed to explore SLPs awareness, assessment approaches, treatment protocols, training, and confidence in EMST delivery. It was distributed to SLPs working with adults with dysphagia in Ireland. Purposive and snowball sampling were used, with a target sample size of n = 258. Results: The response rate was 36%% (n = 92). Awareness of EMST was high (99%, n = 91). 53% (n = 49) reported using EMST. Among EMST users, 20% employed objective assessments of maximal expiratory pressure (MEP), while most calibrated devices to 75% of MEP and followed the “rule of fives” treatment protocol. 29% had formal training in EMST. SLPs with ≤10 years’ clinical experience and those working in acute hospitals used EMST most often. Confidence was influenced by training, experience, access to specialized respiratory equipment, and interdisciplinary team members. Conclusions: SLPs EMST awareness is high, but implementation practices remains variable, with low uptake of formal training and limited use of objective MEP assessment. Findings highlight the need for structured training and population-specific protocols to support consistent and confident EMST delivery for PwCOPD. Full article

Ten new species of Lonchaeidae in the genera Lonchaea Fallen and Silba Macquart are described, nine from the Australasia–Oceania realm—Papua New Guinea (7 species), Solomon Islands (1 species), and Sulawesi (1 species)—and one from Sumatra in the Indo-Malayan realm. The new species are Lonchaea bacchusi sp. nov., Lonchaea herzogi sp. nov., Lonchaea morobe sp. nov., Lonchaea spenceri sp. nov., Lonchaea sulawesi sp. nov., Silba guineai sp. nov., Silba honiara sp. nov., Silba ismayi sp. nov., Silba kokoda sp. nov., and Silba papua sp. nov. The male genitalia are illustrated, and the diagnostic features that distinguish these species are presented. The male genitalia of Lonchaea uniseta Malloch, 1930, from Samoa are described and illustrated for the first time, and the male genitalia of two species from Micronesia, Lonchaea belua McAlpine, 1964, and Lonchaea sabroski McAlpine, 1964, are illustrated for the first time. A checklist of the Lonchaeidae of Papua New Guinea is provided. Full article

Epigenetics involves heritable changes in gene expression—such as DNA methylation (5-methylcytosine; 5mC), histone modifications, and regulation by non-coding RNAs at the mRNA translation level—without altering the underlying DNA sequence. As targeting these mechanisms enables intervention at the root cause of disease rather than the symptoms alone, epigenetics has become a rapidly advancing field in pharmaceutical sciences. Various epigenetic modulators, including histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors, histone acetyltransferase (HAT) inhibitors, DNA methyltransferase (DNMT) inhibitors, and microRNAs (miRNAs), have been developed, and some have already been approved for cancer therapy. However, these agents often face significant challenges such as poor membrane permeability, enzymatic instability, and suboptimal biodistribution. Incorporating functionalized accessory units—serving as vectors (e.g., transporter recognition units, cell-penetrating peptides, tumor-homing peptides, monoclonal antibodies) or as carriers (e.g., monoclonal antibodies, nanoparticles)—into epigenetic modulators may help overcome these delivery barriers. In this narrative review, I discuss the potential and advantages of effective non-invasive delivery of epigenetic drugs using such functionalized accessory unit conjugates. Full article

Background and Objectives: Asymmetries in body composition and movement patterns are common in professional basketball due to the sport’s repetitive and unilateral demands. While both structural and functional asymmetries have been independently studied, little is known about their interaction under real training conditions. The aim of this study was to compare structural asymmetries, obtained from bioelectrical impedance analysis, with functional asymmetries, measured through inertial devices in professional basketball players. Methods: Twenty-five male professional basketball players from two Spanish teams were monitored over a two-month period. Structural asymmetries were assessed via the TANITA MC-780MA multi-frequency analyzer, while functional asymmetries were quantified using WIMU Pro™ inertial units during 43 training sessions. Descriptive, correlational, and cluster analyses were performed, followed by linear mixed-effects models adjusted for individual random effects, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05. Results: Descriptive results revealed low overall fat mass and no relevant group-level asymmetries in muscle mass or functional variables, although fat mass asymmetry showed greater variability across players. Correlation analyses indicated weak and non-significant relationships between structural and functional asymmetries. Cluster analysis grouped muscle mass and functional asymmetries together, while fat mass asymmetry formed a distinct cluster. Linear mixed-effects models confirmed significant differences for muscle mass asymmetry and demonstrated high inter-individual variability. Conclusions: Structural and functional asymmetries behave independently, with muscle mass asymmetry showing greater variability and functional relevance. These findings highlight the need for individualized monitoring approaches integrating morphological and functional assessments to optimize performance and reduce injury risk in elite basketball players. Full article

The accurate simulation of sub-GeV particle detectors is essential for interpreting experimental data and optimizing detector design. This work identifies and addresses several critical aspects in modeling such detectors, taking as a case study the High-Energy Particle Detector (HEPD-02), a space-borne instrument developed within the CSES-02 mission to measure electrons in the ∼3–100 MeV range, protons and light nuclei in the ∼30–200 MeV/n. The HEPD-02 instrument consists of a silicon tracker, plastic and LYSO scintillator calorimeters, and anticoincidence systems, making it a representative example of a complex low-energy particle detector operating in Low Earth Orbit. Key challenges arise from replicating intricate detector geometries derived from CAD models, selecting appropriate hadronic physics lists for low-energy interactions, and accurately describing the detector response—particularly quenching effects in scintillators and digitization in solid-state tracking planes. Particular attention is given to three critical aspects: the precise CAD-level geometry implementation, the impact of hadronic physics models on the detector response, and the parameterization of scintillation quenching. In this study, we present original solutions to these challenges and provide data–MC comparisons using data from HEPD-02 beam tests. Full article