Search Results (190)

Background and Aims: Primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) is a chronic autoimmune liver disease frequently associated with fatigue and mild cognitive impairment. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) plays key roles in neuroplasticity, immune regulation, and metabolism. This study aimed to evaluate plasma BDNF levels in early-stage PBC and examine their clinical and biochemical associations. Methods: In this observational study, plasma BDNF, IL-6, and IL-18 concentrations were measured by ELISA in 45 patients with early-stage PBC and 31 age- and sex-matched healthy controls (mean age 60.5 years; 96% women). All participants underwent liver elastography using point shear wave elastography (ElastPQ), Doppler ultrasound, laboratory testing, and assessment of cognitive function (PHES) and fatigue severity (MFIS). Non-invasive fibrosis scores (APRI, FIB-4) were calculated. Results: Median plasma BDNF concentrations were significantly higher in PBC patients than in controls [median: 21.04 ng/mL (IQR: 10.68–38.07) vs. 5.80 ng/mL (IQR: 4.58–7.54); p < 0.0001]. In PBC patients, higher BDNF levels correlated inversely with liver stiffness measured by ElastPQ (R = −0.39, p = 0.0258), spleen dimensions, splenic vein flow volume (R = −0.49, p = 0.0018), suggesting an association with milder liver fibrosis and early hemodynamic alterations. A trend toward association between BDNF and IL-6 levels was observed in multivariate analysis. No significant associations were found between BDNF concentrations and markers of hepatocellular injury, cognitive performance, or fatigue severity. Conclusions: Plasma BDNF concentrations are elevated in early-stage PBC and inversely correlate with liver fibrosis severity. No significant associations were found with hepatocellular injury, cognitive function, or fatigue. These findings suggest that BDNF may play a protective role against hepatic fibrogenesis, or alternatively, that BDNF concentrations may decline with advancing liver disease. Further studies are needed to clarify its significance in PBC. Full article

This study evaluated the effect of various adhesive systems, particularly silane application, on the repair bond strength of a nanofill resin composite and associated stress distribution using finite element analysis (FEA). A total of 105 composite specimens (4 × 6 mm) were aged by thermal cycling (10,000 cycles), roughened, etched with phosphoric acid, and assigned to seven groups (n = 15): G1. control—no adhesive; G2. Single Bond Universal Adhesive; G3. composite primer; G4. PQ1; G5. Silane + PQ1; G6. Clearfil Universal Bond; G7. All-Bond Universal. Shear bond strength was measured using a universal testing machine (1 mm/min), and failure modes were microscopically classified. FEA was conducted under static and fatigue conditions using 3D models built in Fusion-360. Mechanical properties were obtained from technical data and the literature. A 300 N load was applied and contact detection (0.05 mm) and constraint zones were defined. Statistical analysis was performed using one-way ANOVA and Tukey’s HSD (p = 0.05). Pearson’s correlation was used to assess the relationship between bond strength and von Mises stress. The highest bond strength was found in G2 (21.54 MPa) while G1 showed the lowest (8.86 MPa). Silane-treated groups exhibited favorable stress distribution and a strong correlation between experimental and simulated outcomes. Silane applications significantly enhance composite repair performance. Full article

Dual Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) inverters are essential in residential and small commercial solar power systems, optimizing power extraction from two independent solar panel arrays to enhance efficiency and energy harvesting. On the other hand, the Three-Level T-Type Voltage Source Inverter (3L T-Type VSI) is known for its reduced switching losses, improved harmonic distortion, and reduced part count in comparison to other three-level topologies. In this paper, a novel architecture is proposed to integrate the dual MPPT structure directly to each DC-side split capacitor of the 3L T-Type VSI, taking advantage of the intrinsic characteristics of the inverter’s topology. Further performance enhancement is achieved by integrating a classical MPPT strategy to the control framework to make it feasible for a real-case grid integration. The combination of these methods ensures faster and stable tracking under dynamic irradiance conditions. Considering that strategies dedicated to balancing the DC-link capacitor’s voltage slightly affect the AC-side current waveform, an enhanced sliding mode control (SMC) strategy tailored for dual MPPT and 3L T-Type VSI is deployed, combining the simplicity of conventional PI controllers used in the independent MPPT-based DC-DC converters with the superior robustness and dynamic performance of SMC. Real-time results obtained using the OPAL-RT Hardware-in-the-Loop platform validated the performance of the proposed control strategy under realistic test scenarios. The current THD was maintained below 4.8% even under highly distorted grid conditions, and the controller achieved a steady state within approximately 15 ms following perturbations in the DC-link voltage, sudden irradiance variations, and voltage sags and swells. Additionally, the power factor remained unitary, enhancing power transfer from the renewable source to the grid. The proposed system was able to achieve efficient power extraction while maintaining high power quality (PQ) standards for the output, positioning it as a practical and flexible solution for advanced solar PV systems. Full article

Background/Objectives: Colistin is a last-resort treatment for Pseudomonas aeruginosa multidrug-resistant infections, but resistance to it is emerging. While colistin resistance in P. aeruginosa is typically associated with chromosomal mutations inducing lipopolysaccharide (LPS) aminoarabinosylation, other mutations unrelated to LPS modifications have been proposed to influence the extent of colistin resistance. Here, we examined whether the genetic background and culture conditions affect the evolution of high-level colistin resistance in this bacterium. Methods: We performed in vitro evolution experiments in the presence or absence of increasing colistin concentrations with two phylogenetically distant reference strains in a standard laboratory medium and in two media mimicking P. aeruginosa growth during lung or systemic infections. Resistance-associated mutations were identified by comparative genomics, and the role of selected mutated genes was validated by allele replacement, deletion, or conditional mutagenesis. Results: Most colistin-resistant mutants carried mutations in genes belonging to four functional groups: two-component systems controlling LPS aminoarabinosylation (PmrAB, PhoPQ), LPS biosynthesis, the production of the polyamine norspermidine, and fatty acid metabolism. No mutation was exclusively and invariably associated with a specific strain or medium. We demonstrated that norspermidine is detrimental to the acquisition of colistin resistance upon PmrAB activation and that impaired fatty acid biosynthesis can promote colistin resistance, even if it increases susceptibility to other antibiotics. Conclusions: The evolution of colistin resistance in P. aeruginosa appeared to be only marginally affected by the genetic background and culture conditions. Notably, mutations in fatty acid biosynthetic genes represent a newly identified genetic determinant of P. aeruginosa colistin resistance, warranting further investigation in clinical isolates. Full article

The Arabian leopard (Panthera pardus nimr), a critically endangered subspecies endemic to the Arabian Peninsula, faces severe threats from habitat loss, prey depletion, and inbreeding, with fewer than 200 individuals remaining. Genomic resources for this subspecies have been scarce, limiting insights into its evolutionary history and conservation needs. Here, we present the first complete mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) sequence of P. pardus nimr, derived from a wild-born male sampled at the Oman Wildlife Breeding Centre in 2023. Using PacBio HiFi sequencing, we assembled a 16,781 bp mitogenome (GenBank: PQ283265) comprising 13 protein-coding genes, 22 tRNA genes, two rRNA genes, and a control region, with a GC content of 40.94%. Phylogenetic analysis, incorporating 17 Panthera mtDNA sequences, positions P. pardus nimr closest to African leopard populations from South Africa (Panthera pardus), while distinguishing it from Asian subspecies (P. pardus japonensis and P. pardus orientalis). This mitogenome reveals conserved vertebrate mitochondrial structure and provides a critical tool for studying Panthera genus evolution. Moreover, it enhances conservation genetics efforts for P. pardus nimr by enabling population structure analysis and informing breeding strategies to strengthen its survival. Full article

Infections often occur in complex niches consisting of multiple bacteria. Despite the increasing awareness, there is a fundamental gap in understanding which interactions govern microbial community composition. Pseudomonas aeruginosa is frequently isolated from monomicrobial and polymicrobial human infections. This pathogen forms polymicrobial infections with other ESKAPEE pathogens and defies eradication by conventional therapies. By analyzing the competition within co-cultures of P. aeruginosa and representative secondary pathogens that commonly co-infect patients, we demonstrate the antagonism of P. aeruginosa against other ESKAPEE pathogens and the contribution of this pathogen’s multiple quorum-sensing (QS) systems in these interactions. QS is a highly conserved bacterial cell-to-cell communication mechanism that coordinates collective gene expressions at the population level, and it is also involved in P. aeruginosa virulence. Using a collection of P. aeruginosa QS mutants of the three major systems, LasR/LasI, MvfR/PqsABCDE, and RhlR/RhlI, and mutants of several QS-regulated functions, we reveal that MvfR and, to a lesser extent, LasR and RhlR, control competition between P. aeruginosa and other microbes, possibly through their positive impact on pyoverdine, pyochelin, and phenazine genes. We show that MvfR inhibition alters competitive interspecies interactions and preserves the coexistence of P. aeruginosa with the ESKAPEE pathogens tested while disarming the pathogens’ ability to form biofilm and adhere to lung epithelial cells. Our results highlight the role of MvfR inhibition in modulating microbial competitive interactions across multiple species, while simultaneously attenuating virulence traits. These findings reveal the complexity and importance of QS in interspecies interactions and underscore the impact of the anti-virulence approach in microbial ecology and its importance for treating polymicrobial infections. Full article

To systematically address the intricate multiple criteria decision-making (MCDM) challenges to practical situations where uncertain and hesitant information plays a critical role in guiding optimal choices. In this article, we introduce the concept of $\mathfrak{m}$-polar Q-hesitant fuzzy ($\mathcal{MPQHF}$) $\mathfrak{B}\mathrm{C}\mathbb{K}/\mathfrak{B}\mathrm{C}\mathbb{I}$ algebras, combining $\mathfrak{m}$-PFS theory with Q-hesitant fuzzy set theory in the framework of $\mathfrak{B}\mathrm{C}\mathbb{K}$/$\mathfrak{B}\mathrm{C}\mathbb{I}$ algebras. This innovative approach enhances the attitudes of uncertainty, vagueness, and hesitance of data in decision-making processes. We investigate the features and actions of this proposed hybrid approach to fuzzy sets and hesitant fuzzy sets, focusing on $\mathcal{MPQHF}$ subalgebras, and explore the characteristics of several kinds of ideals under $\mathfrak{B}\mathrm{C}\mathbb{K}$/$\mathfrak{B}\mathrm{C}\mathbb{I}$ algebras. It also showed that it can better represent complex levels of uncertainty than regular sets. The proposed method’s theoretical framework offers a better way to show uncertain data in areas like engineering, computer science, and computational mathematics. By linking theoretical advancements of $\mathcal{MPQHF}$ sets with practical applications, we highlight the benefits and challenges of this approach. Demonstrating the practical uses of the $\mathcal{MPQHF}$ sets aims to encourage broader adoption. Symmetry plays a vital role in algebraic structure and is used in various fields like decision-making, encryption, pattern recognition problems, and automata theory. Furthermore, this work enhances the understanding of algebraic structures and offers a robust tool for career exploration and development through improved decision-making methodologies. Full article

Background: Primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) is a chronic autoimmune liver disease characterized by bile duct destruction, cholestasis, and fibrosis. Acylcarnitines are esters of carnitine responsible for the transport of long-chain fatty acids into mitochondria for β-oxidation, playing a crucial role in energy metabolism and lipid homeostasis. This study aimed to assess acylcarnitine and free fatty acid (FFA) profiles in PBC patients and their associations with fibrosis severity and inflammation. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 46 PBC patients and 32 healthy controls. Acylcarnitines and FFAs were quantified using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) and enzymatic assays, respectively. Liver stiffness was measured by point shear wave elastography (ElastPQ), and fibrosis was assessed using APRI and FIB-4 scores. Inflammatory markers (IL-6, IL-1β) were also analyzed. Results: PBC patients had significantly higher levels of C18:1-acylcarnitine (median: 165.1 ng/mL) compared with the controls (152.4 ng/mL, p = 0.0036). Similarly, the FFA levels were markedly elevated in the PBC patients (median: 0.46 mM/L) compared with the controls (0.26 mM/L, p < 0.0001). Patients with higher liver stiffness (ElastPQ > 5.56 kPa) had significantly elevated C18:1-acylcarnitine (p = 0.0008) and FFA levels (p = 0.00098). Additionally, FFAs were significantly increased in patients with higher APRI and FIB-4 scores and were associated with elevated inflammatory markers (IL-6, IL-1β) and liver injury markers. Multivariate regression analysis confirmed C18:1-acylcarnitine (OR = 1.031, 95% CI: 1.007–1.057, p = 0.013) and FFAs (OR = 2.25 per 0.1 mM/L increase, 95% CI: 1.20–4.22, p = 0.012) as independent predictors of fibrosis severity in PBC. Conclusions: C18:1-acylcarnitine and FFAs are significantly elevated in PBC and are strongly associated with fibrosis severity and inflammation. These findings suggest a link between lipid metabolism disturbances and PBC. Both metabolites may potentially serve as non-invasive biomarkers of fibrosis progression in PBC, warranting further investigation. Full article

The development of smart grids has led to an increased focus by transmission and distribution network operators on the Optimal Power Flow (OPF) problem. The solutions identified for an OPF problem are vital to ensure the real-time optimal control and operation of electric networks and can help enhance their efficiency. In this context, this paper proposed an original solution to the OPF problem, represented by optimal voltage control in electric networks integrating wind farms. Based on a fuzzy inference system (FIS) built in the Fuzzy Logic Designer of the Matlab environment, where the fuzzification process was improved through fuzzy K-means clustering, two approaches were developed, representing novel tools for OPF analysis. The decision-maker can use these two approaches only successively. The FIS-based first approach considers the load requested at the PQ-type buses and the powers injected by the wind farms as the fuzzy input variables. Based on the fuzzy inference rules, the FIS determines the suitable tap positions for power transformers to minimise active power losses. The second approach (I-FIS), representing an improved variant of FIS, calculates the steady-state regime to determine power losses based on the suitable tap positions for power transformers, as determined with FIS. A real 10-bus network integrating two wind farms was used to test the two proposed approaches, considering comprehensive characteristic three-day tests to thoroughly highlight the performance under different injection active power profiles of the wind farms. The results obtained were compared with those of the best methods in constrained nonlinear mathematical programming used in OPF analysis, specifically sequential quadratic programming (SQP). The errors calculated throughout the analysis interval between the SQP-based approach, considered as the reference, and the FIS and I-FIS-based approaches were 5.72% and 2.41% for the first day, 1.07% and 1.19% for the second day, and 1.61% and 1.33% for the third day. The impact of the OPF, assessed by calculating the efficiency of the electric network, revealed average percentage errors between 0.04% and 0.06% for the FIS-based approach and 0.01% for the I-FIS-based approach. Full article

With the widespread integration of renewable energy into distribution networks, energy storage systems are playing an increasingly critical role in maintaining grid stability and sustainability. Hydrogen, as a key zero-carbon energy carrier, offers unique advantages in the transition to low-carbon energy systems. To facilitate the coordination between hydrogen and renewables, this paper proposes a flexible on-grid and off-grid control method for an electric–hydrogen hybrid AC-DC microgrid which integrates photovoltaic panels, battery energy storage, electrolysers, a hydrogen storage tank, and fuel cells. The flexible control method proposed here employs a hierarchical structure. The upper level adopts a power management strategy (PMS) that allocates power to each component based on the states of energy storage. The lower level utilises the master–slave control where master and slave converters are regulated by virtual synchronous generator (VSG) and active and reactive power (PQ) control, respectively. In addition, a pre-synchronisation control strategy which does not rely on traditional phase-locked loops is introduced to enable a smooth transition from the off-grid to on-grid mode. The electric–hydrogen microgrid along with the proposed control method is modelled and tested under various operating modes and scenarios. The simulation results demonstrate that the proposed control method achieves an effective power dispatch within microgrid and maintains microgrid stability in on- and off-grid modes as well as in the transition between the two modes. Full article

Feline infectious peritonitis virus (FIPV) remains as one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in young cats from shelters and catteries worldwide. Since little is known about the molecular characteristics of currently circulating FIPV strains in Long Island, New York, samples from two shelter cats submitted to the Pathology Diagnostic Services of the Long Island University College of Veterinary Medicine, with gross and microscopic lesions consistent with those of FIP were processed for virus isolation, molecular characterization and full-length genome decoding. The younger shelter cat, a 1-year-old male (A15) was found dead without previous signs of illness. Postmortem examination revealed gross and microscopic lesions characterized by vasculitis, necrosis, hemorrhage, and pyogranulomatous inflammation confined to the colon and associated lymph nodes. The second cat, a 7-year-old spayed female (A37) had an identical clinical history and similar but widespread lesions, including fibrinous peritoneal effusion, cecal, colonic, renal, and hepatic involvement. The gross and microscopic diagnosis of FIP in these cats was confirmed by immunohistochemistry (IHC) demonstration of feline coronavirus antigen using mouse anti-FIPV3-70 monoclonal antibody. Virus isolation from saved frozen kidney and colon tissue was performed through several subsequent blind passages in MDCK and Vero cell lines. Confirmation of the FIPV isolation was done through qRT-PCR, IFA, western blot using N protein antibodies, and NGS of the full-length genome sequencing. The full-length genome sequences of the virus isolate from the two cats were decoded using next-generation sequencing (NGS) and deposited in the GenBank as accession numbers PQ192636 and PQ202302. The genome size of these isolates was (29355 and 29321) nucleotides (nt) in length, respectively. While their genome organization was consistent with other FIPV genomes as follows (5’UTR-ORF1ab-S-3abc-M-E-7b-3’UTR-3’), marked differential mutations were observed in the ORF1a/b, S, 3Abc, and 7b protein genes of the two FIPV isolates. One notable deletion of 34 nucleotides was observed in the 7b genes of one of these isolates but was absent in the other. We confirmed the potential recombination events during the evolution of those two FIPV field isolates with the potential parent virus as FECoV-US isolated in 1970 and the potential minor parent as the Canine coronavirus. Our results provide a comprehensive molecular analysis of two novel FIPV isolates causing fatal disease in shelter cats from Long Island. Diagnostic surveillance with molecular characterization and sequencing analysis of circulating FIPV strains within animal shelters may help early detect unique emerging clinical and pathological manifestations of the disease and develop more targeted prophylactic and therapeutic approaches to control it. Full article

Amazonian fruit residues like piquia shells are often discarded despite their antioxidant potential for sustainable cosmetic use. This study evaluated the photostability, phototoxicity, and photoprotection of hydroalcoholic piquia shell extract (PqSE) combined with UV filters in solutions and cosmetic formulations. PqSE formulations were photostable, even stabilizing photounstable UV filters. Phototoxicity tests (OECD TG 432) showed no phototoxic potential (MPE < 0.15) and reduction in the phototoxic potential of UV filters, while ocular irritation potential via HET-CAM assay indicated no irritant effects. The extract combined with UV filters enhanced protection against UVA-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, achieving 60.9% effectiveness, outperforming commercial photostabilizers. Against UVB radiation, it showed cellular viability above 80%, comparable to benzophenone-3. PqSE formulations exhibited a radical protection factor (RPF) nine times higher than controls and reduced radical production by 64% after visible/near-infrared (VIS/NIR) irradiation on porcine skin, compared to 38% for controls. Confocal Raman microspectroscopy showed penetration depths below 12 µm for all time points. This study highlights the potential of reusing fruit residues like PqSE as sustainable, effective ingredients in sunscreen formulations, offering enhanced photoprotection and reduced environmental waste. Full article

Multi-port soft open points (SOPs) are effective devices for alleviating issues such as voltage violation and transformer overloading in distribution networks caused by the high penetration of distributed energy resources. This paper proposes a coordinated voltage and power control method for flexible distribution networks based on a linear quadratic regulator (LQR). First, the principle of coordinated voltage and power control is analyzed based on SOPs’ control strategies and a linear power flow model. Then, a discrete-time state-space model is constructed for flexible distribution networks with multi-port SOPs, using the voltage magnitude deviations at the AC side of all PQ-controlled voltage source converters (VSCs) and the loading rate deviations of the transformers corresponding to all PQ-controlled VSCs as state variables. An LQR-based optimal control model is then established, aiming to simultaneously minimize deviations of voltage magnitudes and transformer loading rates from their reference values, which correspond to the V_dc-controlled VSC. The optimal state feedback law is obtained by solving the discrete-time algebraic Riccati equation. The proposed method has been evaluated on two typical flexible distribution networks, and the simulation results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed control method in improving voltage profiles and alleviating transformer overloading conditions using local measurements and very limited communication. In specific situations, the imbalance of voltages and transformer loading rates among the interconnected feeders can be reduced by 40%. Full article

Background: The emergence and prevalence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria (ARBs) have become a serious global threat, as the morbidity and mortality associated with ARB infections are continuously rising. The activation of quorum sensing (QS) genes can promote biofilm formation, which contributes to the acquisition of drug resistance and increases virulence. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop new antimicrobial agents to control ARB and prevent further development. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are naturally occurring defense molecules in organisms known to suppress pathogens through a broad range of antimicrobial mechanisms. Methods: In this study, we utilized a previously developed deep-learning model to identify AMP candidates from the venom gland transcriptome of the spider Pardosa astrigera, followed by experimental validation. Results: PA-Win2 was among the top-scoring predicted peptides and was selected based on physiochemical features. Subsequent experimental validation demonstrated that PA-Win2 inhibits the growth of Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and multidrug-resistant P. aeruginosa (MRPA) strain CCARM 2095. The peptide exhibited strong bactericidal activity against P. aeruginosa, and MRPA CCARM 2095 through the depolarization of bacterial cytoplasmic membranes and alteration of gene expression associated with bacterial survival. In addition, PA-Win2 effectively inhibited biofilm formation and degraded pre-formed biofilms of P. aeruginosa. The gene expression study showed that the peptide treatment led to the downregulation of QS genes in the Las, Pqs, and Rhl systems. Conclusions: These findings suggest PA-Win2 as a promising drug candidate against ARB and demonstrate the potential of in silico methods in discovering functional peptides from biological data. Full article

To facilitate seamless transitions between grid-connected and islanded modes in PV–storage–charging integration, an energy storage system converter is designated as the subject of investigation, and its operational principles are examined. Feed-forward decoupling, double closed-loop, constant-power (PQ), constant-voltage–constant-frequency (V/F), and constant-voltage charge and discharge control strategies are developed. The PQ and V/F control framework of the energy storage battery comprises an enhanced common current inner loop and a switching voltage outer loop. The current reference value output by the voltage outer loop and the voltage signal output by the current inner loop are compensated. The transient impact is reduced, and the smooth switching of the microgrid from the grid-connected mode to the island mode is realized, which significantly improves the power quality and ensures the uninterrupted charging of electric vehicles and the stable operation of the key load of the system. By constructing a simulation model of the photovoltaic energy storage microgrid on the MATLAB/Simulink platform, the practicability of the control strategy proposed in this paper is verified. Full article